Town-Crier Newspaper October 4, 2024

Speed Cameras May Soon Be Coming To Wellington School Zones Wellington could become the first municipality in Palm Beach County to approve automated speed enforcement in school zones if the Wellington Village Council chooses to do so on Tuesday, Oct. 8, a representative for a company providing such equipment said at a meeting last week. Page 3

Wellington Rotary Club Holds Annual World Peace Day Ceremony

The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual World Peace Day ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 22 at Wellington Rotary Peace Park. The ceremony is aimed at promoting multicultural understanding as a means to achieve world peace. Students were recognized for their contributions to promoting world peace through posters, poetry and essays. Page 5

Incumbent Faces Challenge In Race For PBC Elections Chief

As Palm Beach County gears up for the 2024 general election, with a variety of races set to determine key government positions, one of the decisions that voters will make is who should be running the county’s elections office. Page 8 Foundation Donates

$10,000 To Vinceremos

In a collaborative effort to enhance the lives of students with disabilities, the Wellington Community Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. This generous contribution will empower Wellington High School students to participate in the equine-assisted therapy program. Page 13

HAWAIIAN LUAU IN WELLINGTON

Gerwig Challenging Waldron In Race For House District 93

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Among the key races on the general election ballot for Wellington voters will be a sharply contested contest in State House District 93, which features incumbent State Rep. Katherine Waldron, a Democrat, being challenged by former Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig, a Republican. District 93 includes all of Wellington and western portions of Greenacres and Lake Worth.

ANNE GERWIG

Gerwig recently stepped down as Wellington mayor due to term limits and now has her eye on representing residents in Tallahassee.

“I have lived in this area for 55 years, and in Wellington for 34 years,” she said. “My service to the community is unmatched through 14 years in local government, six years as a councilwoman and the past eight years as mayor.

I have also served on numerous local, county and state boards and committees, where I have advocated for many issues, including clean water, transportation, traffic, affordable housing, small busi-

nesses, homelessness and more.”

Gerwig describes herself as “results driven” and wants to focus on quality-of-life issues.

“Our families are struggling with affordability due to the high cost of homeowners’ insurance and the concern about affordable housing in general,” she said.

Wellington Council Learns More About Private School

By Charles Elmore

Town-Crier Staff Report

Executives

from the north,” said Fraser White, cofounder of Education in Motion, the group proposing the school in partnership with Related. “It’s just that for us, if you’re looking at the market demand, it supports what we think is the demand that’s

cent of the proposed student population. White said that is an initial commitment and could expand over time. High school tuition could top $40,000 annually, probably with amounts closer to half that for the See K-PARK, page 14

“We need to make funds available to help our residents harden their homes against future storms,”

“Costs have risen and not stabilized… We want to make sure that our children can afford to live here and that our seniors receive the services they need. Traffic due to the fast-paced growth west of us is not only an inconvenience, but also a safety concern.” Gerwig said she plans to work in Tallahassee to help homeowners protect themselves.

RPB Zoners Support Baptist Health’s ‘Care Center’ On SR 7

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission approved a series of variances, a special exception use, site plan modification and architectural approval on Tuesday, Sept. 24 for Baptist Health’s planned “integrated care center” on State Road 7. The new healthcare facility, which will include both a medical office component and a standalone emergency room, is slated for 450 S. State Road 7, just north of Royal Palm Beach’s border with Wellington, in a 58,341-squarefoot building that once housed a Toys ‘R’ Us store.

Senior Planner Josue Leger made presentations on behalf of the village, while Lentzy JeanLouis of Urban Design Studios represented Baptist Health.

Jean-Louis gave an overview of the entire project before the board went through the five related agenda items.

“What is proposed here is an adaptive reuse of the existing retail building to allow a proposed integrated care center,” he said. “This will satisfy a village need in regard to emergency care and similar services.”

The site has not had a permanent occupant since Toys ‘R’ Us closed in 2018. The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved allowing the concept of an “integrated care center” in March of this year.

“The introduction of this integrated care center allows the option for high-quality medical care, as well as more efficient fire-rescue response,” Jean-Louis explained.

The site is part of a planned commercial development first approved in 2011. This is the largest of several buildings, which also includes adjacent retail and office buildings. The current applications only affect the 4.49-acre southern portion of the overall development.

Access is from SR 7 with crossaccess from commercial developments to the north and south.

The first agenda item was for a planting variance, which is needed since the site borders Wellington on two sides, and much of the perimeter plantings are outside of Royal Palm Beach.

“The aggregate square footage of the perimeter plantings located in both Wellington and Royal Palm Beach exceed the code requirements for plantings,” Leger said,

See CARE CENTER, page 7

ITID Still Wrestling With Concerns Over Halloween On Citrus Grove Blvd.

By Louis Hillary Park

Town-Crier Staff Report

What started off as a neighborhood event for children along Citrus Grove Blvd. has morphed into a Halloween monster, one of the event’s founders told the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, Sept. 18. “It has turned into an absolute nightmare,” Citrus Grove Blvd. resident Mary Ellen Doherty said during the ongoing discussion of how ITID should handle the event that now draws an estimated 3,000 people annually, some from as far away as Broward County. “It’s

backboards, a huge fishing pier, an attractive playground, a picnic pavilion and plenty of wide-open green space. Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski is really pleased with the community’s quick embrace of the park, built along the M-1 Canal, adjacent to the BellaSera neighborhood and across the canal from H.L. Johnson Elementary School.

“The park started drawing users right away,” he said. “Every time I stop by, even before we announced its opening, the facilities are being used. Even when schools were recently closed for Hurricane Helene, the playground was busy with dads playing with their outof-school kids.”

The park sits on 5.8 acres of M-1 Canal waterfront that the developers of BellaSera were required to set aside for a village park open to the public. The $3 million park was funded by the village’s share of local sales surtax money, plus a Land and Recreation Grant the village applied for and won through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The LWCF is a federal competitive program that provides

grants for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation. Pawlowski said that the village requested input from residents before the design was complete. At a public planning meeting in 2020, Madison Green resident JoAnne Diasio came out to ask the village to place an emphasis on developing the waterfront. She got her wish. The park now boasts the village’s largest fishing facility. A spacious boardwalk doubling as a fishing pier runs several hundred feet along the wide canal. Fishing is what recently attracted residents Mary and Kai Abuan to visit Crestwood

“We live in the southern portion

See DISTRICT 93, page 14

Park North.

The Village of Wellington held a festive Hawaiian luau for local seniors on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Wellington Community Center. Many of the attendees got a chance to learn some dance moves from Aloha Islanders Mahina, Rangivaru and Atzi. Shown above are the Aloha Islanders with Kim and Rick Ostroff. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Binks Forest Elementary School PTA presented its seventh annual Party with a Purpose Casino Night & Auction on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The evening had a “Moonlight Masquerade” theme and featured a full casino, silent auction, ticket auction, 50/50 raffle, food, music and dancing. The money raised will be used for educational tools and supplies. Shown above are John Raineri, David Jimenez and Assistant Principal Patrick McNeece. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Anne Gerwig Katherine Waldron

Speed Cameras May Soon Be Coming To Wellington School Zones

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington could become the first municipality in Palm Beach County to approve automated speed enforcement in school zones if the Wellington Village Council chooses to do so on Tuesday, Oct.

8, a representative for a company providing such equipment said at a meeting last week.

“You all might be the first, just based on the calendar, to actually approve it,” said David De La Espriella, vice president of client relations for RedSpeed USA, at a meeting of the Wellington Education Committee on Tuesday, Sept.

24. He added that Loxahatchee Groves and Delray Beach were considering putting it before their councils.

The village would not pay anything for the system but would allow vendor RedSpeed to install

and maintain the automated equipment and generate $100 civil fines for speeding. The fines would arrive in the mail after the system identifies the car owner by license plate.

Violations are issued for speeds more than 10 miles over the posted limit, according to the company. In testing, the company found more than 1,100 violations for speeds at least 11 mph over the limit in one day at Binks Forest Elementary School in Wellington, De La Espriella said. Another school in the village had more than 1,000 in a day.

Part of the proceeds would go to the Palm Beach County School District. Wellington would get $60 per $100 fine, and RedSpeed would receive $21 of that $60 for acting as the village’s contractor, De La Espriella said.

“Deputies can’t be in every school zone at every minute of the

day, but my cameras can,” he said.

In June, De La Espriella retired from the Miami Beach Police Department, where he was assistant chief of operations, but soon agreed to work for the speedcamera firm.

A 2023 state law set down guidelines for how a county or municipality can choose whether to put an automated speed detection system in school zones.

Fines must be for violations in posted speed zones during school hours and extending half an hour before and half an hour after those hours. For the first 30 days after a municipality adopts the system, violators receive only warnings. Officials must also launch an awareness campaign to alert residents about the equipment. If the necessary approvals happen, the warning period could start in Wellington in January, officials said.

“The citation that’s issued, is

that issued by the Village of Wellington?” Committee Member John Webber asked.

“All the branding is Village of Wellington,” De La Espriella said. “There’s nothing we send out to violators that says RedSpeed.”

The civil fines do not cost drivers points on their license or affect insurance, though refusal to pay after an established review process could send a violation to the court system, he said.

The village must provide a magistrate to hear any driver appeals and a law enforcement official to approve each notice of violation identified by the company. RedSpeed handles the rest, he said.

“I think this is amazing for the safety of the students,” Committee Member Melissa Raineri said.

In this instance, the committee was hearing a presentation and not voting on a recommendation to the council.

The concept is not unlike red light cameras, which are automated and produce mailings to drivers. Such systems have seen ups and downs in popularity among various communities over the years, with research indicating they can reduce right-angle crashes but increase rear-end collisions when nervous drivers slam the brakes at a yellow light, for example. Sometimes there has been pushback against “gotcha” government, which also happens to benefit a for-profit vendor, for things like a slow, tap-and-go right on red in light traffic.

In this case, the automated fines are focused exclusively on speed in school zones, though law enforcement can request video footage stored for 45 days if it sheds light on other possible violations.

Supporters say it acts as a “force multiplier” for deputies on traffic work and offers an incentive for

drivers to alter behavior in a way that makes children safer.

For example, a presentation said the fatality rate of someone hit by a car at 20 mph is 10 percent, compared to 40 percent at 40 mph, and 98 percent at 58 mph.

“This project came to us through our Vision Zero initiative, which is all about making our roads safer,” said Nicole Coates, Wellington’s director of emergency management and public safety. The goal of Vision Zero is no traffic deaths or serious injuries within the village by 2030.

“I hope we’ll

RPB Council OKs Variance For Business That Repairs Plane Parts

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council began its Thursday, Sept. 19 meeting with a moment of silence to honor Mayor Fred Pinto, who passed away suddenly five days earlier.

Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara, who ran the meeting, paid tribute to his late colleague, as did the other council members.

The only items on the council’s regular agenda were regarding variance and special exception approvals for a new business located at 100 Aldi Way off State Road 7 near the Aldi regional distribution center.

Novo Aero Services LLC will operate a 24,373-square-foot certified Federal Aviation Administration repair station out of part of the building, explained Mark Smiley of Smiley & Associates Inc., speaking for property owner

Royal Palm Logistics LLC.

At issue was a parking variance to 159 parking spaces, where the village code requires 256 parking spaces, a variance of 97 spaces. The new business also required a special exception use approval to allow for manufacturing, limited processing and assembly at the site.

Planning & Zoning Director

Bradford O’Brien made a presentation on behalf of the village. He

explained that the existing building was approved for warehouse/ office use and requires a parking variance, since industrial uses require more parking than warehouse uses.

“The applicant contends that the tenant’s use is a unique model that meets the intended use of the building,” O’Brien said, noting that Novo Aero focuses on commercial airplane engine parts.

He said that village staff did not support the change, since the circumstances requiring the variance result from the action of the applicant. O’Brien recommended denial, as did the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 27 by a vote of 3-2.

However, O’Brien did note that a similar variance was granted to a bay two doors down from the current site at the same building.

Smiley explained that the deficiency of 97 spaces is not based solely on the change for the current tenant. The current change is only 39 spaces deficient. The rest of the spaces are due to the previously approved variance for another tenant in the building.

“There is no retail component to the business,” he said. “There’s nobody who comes up and gets these parts. These parts are delivered by a truck. They are fixed in-house by a limited number of employees

and then shipped out. Nobody else comes to the site.”

The agreement limits the number of parking spaces that the tenant can use at the site, Smiley added.

The council was inclined to allow the variance.

“The parking places would be completely different if we had consumers coming there and taking things away, as opposed to what we have here,” Councilman Richard Valuntas said.

Councilwoman Selena Samios asked about the maximum number of employees and was told it would be 28 and that everyone at the building will be employees.

O’Brien noted that the use will revert back to the approved warehouse/office use should the current tenant leave, which would make the variance moot.

The variance was then approved unanimously, as was a second vote on the special exception to allow limited industrial use at the site.

Smiley explained that there will be a total of four tenants at the building, with Novo Aero being the second one approved.

In other business:

• The council gave unanimous final approval to the village’s $68.2 million budget for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1. There were no changes to the budget since the first budget hearing held Sept.

12. The budget includes a property tax rate of 1.92 mills, which is unchanged from fiscal year 2024.

• At the end of the meeting, the council spent about a half hour discussing the vacancy created by the sudden passing of the mayor.

Village Attorney Keith Davis explained the different variations possible for either appointing a

new mayor or leaving it vacant until the next municipal election in March 2025. Either way, the mayor’s seat will be on the ballot, along with at least the two council seats that are up. The filing period is in the beginning of November. The council deadlocked 2-2 on whether to appoint a mayor but called a special meeting for Thurs

MAYOR FRED PINTO

Betty Argue Counting On Experience To Carry ITID’s Seat 4

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Indian Trail Improvement District

Supervisor Betty Argue said this week that she is comfortable that the area’s informed voters will choose her during the Nov. 5 general election for Seat 4 on the ITID Board of Supervisors, but angry that parties outside the district are attempting to tip the race to challenger Natalia Milian-Torres.

“I’m feeling fine about [the election],” said Argue, who is seeking her third term. “I believe in the end, people are going to vote for the most experienced person… I’ve been here since 2011, and people know what I have fought for.”

Melian, 27, has never held public office, though she has found notoriety as a leader of the “Save Our Truckers” group that is advocating for big-rigs to be allowed to park at homes in the area’s agricultural-residential neighborhoods. Melian and her husband own a trucking business. Argue has opposed allowing such parking. By winning, Argue said she would be defeating not only a specific challenger, but also outside forces determined to commercialize and industrialize The Acreage, and take over ITID roads for the benefit of developers. Argue cited numerous aggressively

negative mailers, social media ads and a web site funded by outside groups, such as “Building Florida’s Future,” attacking her and Seat 2 incumbent Supervisor Keith Jordano.

Building Florida’s Future is one of many political action committees (PACs) registered to William S. Jones of East Park Avenue in Tallahassee. The Friends of Sara Baxter PAC, also registered in Tallahassee, donated $1,000 to Melian’s campaign. Baxter is a Palm Beach County commissioner who lives in The Acreage.

“ITID roads should not be used to solve county problems. We should not be a doormat,” said Argue, who championed a successful lawsuit to block Minto Communities USA and the Seminole Improvement District, which provides the infrastructure for the City of Westlake, from connecting to ITID roads. Minto and SID are appealing that ruling. Learn more about Argue’s campaign at www.facebook.com/BettyArgueITID. IN HER OWN WORDS

Why are you running for re-election to the ITID board?

I believe the community deserves to be served by someone with no agenda but the love and respect for our community and lifestyles. I am the candidate with the experience, training and historical knowledge

of the district and our community. Now is not the time for learning on the job. I have kept my word to restore the focus of the district on drainage infrastructure and roads, to always fight to preserve and protect the district and to mitigate the impacts of development. [Supervisors] have done this as economically and efficiently as possible. We need consistent leadership. What special qualifications do you have for the office?

I have lived in and been engaged in the community with my husband and three sons since 2011. I was first elected in 2016 and have earned my certified district official and certified district manager certifications through the Florida Association of Special Districts. I have served in many leadership roles on the board of supervisors. I also serve on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Special Districts… [and] I have a background in law and real estate.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing ITID?

The biggest challenge continues to be the surrounding developments and the impact on our infrastructure, as well as improving and maintaining the district infrastructure while keeping costs as low as possible. We must move forward on building the M-1 Basin 640-acre water

storage expansion to improve the drainage in the M-1 Basin. With the influx of new development, how would you protect the residents from significant increases for road maintenance and safety concerns caused by cut-through traffic?

Through implementation of the mobility plan, a focus on specific vulnerable areas, and input from residents in those specific areas, we can limit cut-through traffic on our local streets, as well as create safer mobility throughout our community for vehicles, equestrians, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Do you support building, paving and expanding 60th Street North as a thoroughfare road from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to State Road 7? I do support 60th as it is a county road. However, it should not be built or connected at 140th until State Road 7 is connected to Northlake and [60th is] widened to four lanes. The county should work with ITID on the mobility plan design for 60th, as well as prohibit cut-through traffic off 60th onto ITID local streets.

Do you feel it is important to maintain ITID’s agricultural/residential/equestrian lifestyle? What steps would you take to do so?

Communities like ours are being pushed

and

Melian Believes ITID Seat 4 Needs Her Youth, Fresh Perspective

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Natalia Melian-Torres said that the plight of big-rig truckers, like her husband, got her interested in politics, but she is far from a one-issue candidate.

“The parks are horrible… traffic is unbearable… improvements are needed in drainage… [and] the milled roads in the district are quickly deteriorating,” she said this week, enumerating some of the issues she believes need to be tackled by the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

Melian faces two-term incumbent Betty Argue in the Nov. 5 general election race for Seat 4.

“I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors, and using my contacts base, which is pretty large,” she said. “I’ve been putting up a lot of door-hangers.”

Melian, 27, said she is eager to dispel the notions that she is too new to The Acreage and too young for the job.

“I’ve lived here since 2018, but I’ve had family in the area for 20 years, so I became familiar with The Acreage through visiting them,” she said.

And as far as age and experience are concerned, she said, “I’ve been working since I was 14… [Now] I’m responsible

New Park Crestwood North Park

continued from page 1 of Royal Palm Beach near Costco and heard that this park has good fishing,” said Kai, a digital marketing professional.

He recently spent one pleasant sunset fishing with his wife Mary and their two children, Kaison and Kalia.

“The new park is wonderful,” Mary added. “This is a beautiful outdoors spot, and it’s a great place to bring our kids and maybe instill a love of nature. Plus, after fishing, the kids love to play in the playground.”

La Mancha residents Claudia and Sean Bevans enjoy the park for its pickleball opportunities.

for the entire operation of the trucking business [she owns with her husband] from dispatching to payroll, accounting, permits, insurance, maintenance, breakdowns and repairs, just to name a few.”

Melian’s campaign received a $2,500 contribution from the Republican Party of Palm Beach County and $1,000 from Friends of Sara Baxter, a Tallahassee-based political action committee (PAC).

Baxter is a Palm Beach County commissioner who lives in The Acreage and has been a strong supporter of Melian’s work supporting truckers. Melian was a founder of the area’s “Save Our Truckers” group. Argue has opposed allowing semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles to park at their owner’s homes in The Acreage.

Melian said she was happy to accept the donation from Baxter’s PAC but that it does not make her beholden to the commissioner, a longtime foe of Argue.

“I’m running because the supervisors aren’t listening to the people,” said Melian, “including me.” IN HER OWN WORDS Why are you running for the ITID board?

After attending meetings over the last

few years, I realized I needed to get involved to make a change. The residents need to be heard, and it is the board’s responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the residents and for the needs of the district. Many of the current board members have lost sight of what the community wants and have pushed forward with their own agendas. I’ve also seen lots of opportunities to limit and control [ITID] expenses, which will reduce taxes. Controlling ITID spending will be a priority if I am elected. What special qualifications do you have for the office?

I have been actively involved in the community, attending meetings over the last several years and have supported small businesses in our area. As a small business owner, I am familiar with budgeting and controlling expenses. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing ITID?

There are several challenges at this time, which are all created by the influx of new developments surrounding us and the impact this has on our traffic, roads and drainage. We are also at risk for annexation by the surrounding cities. We need to keep them from encroaching on this area to protect our rural way of life.

With the influx of new development, how would you protect the residents from significant increases for road maintenance and safety concerns caused by cut-through traffic?

Our taxes have already increased more than 60 percent in the last four years without any new benefits. As a board, we need to take time to listen to our residents and research challenges and suggestions that can reduce costs. We need to assess the results and costs of projects, like the road millings, to ensure we are doing what is best for the district and residents.

Do you support building, paving and expanding 60th Street North as a thoroughfare road from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to State Road 7?

I do support expanding, extending and improving 60th Street. This road will be vital in providing traffic relief to Orange Blvd. and our private interior roads. However, I think it is important to ensure that this does not eliminate a problem for one section of the district and create the same problem for another. It is important to work with the county to prioritize which roads are built first.

Do you feel it is important to maintain Indian Trail’s agricultural/residential/equestrian lifestyle? What

Natalia Melian-Torres steps would you take to do so? Absolutely, I strongly believe in the need to maintain our rural lifestyle. That is the reason why most people moved out here. I will make sure that we do not give developers free rein to take our land and destroy our way of life.

BellaSera, including the five acres set aside for the new village park, is the former site of a municipal wastewater plant that the village owned but it became surplus property when Royal Palm Beach sold its water and wastewater utilities to the county. As a condition of plat approval, developer Lennar agreed to dedicate waterfront land for the park.

Crestwood Park North is already attracting visitors from neighboring communities, such as Westlake resident Jessica Leow, who visited the park’s play area on a recent weekday with daughter Grace and son Daniel. “This park is wonderful,” she said. Pawlowski, who took over as

“Pickleball is not only fun as all heck, but it provides a wonderful workout,” said Sean, a Palm Beach County firefighter. His wife agreed. “Pickleball is so popular. Sometimes, like tonight, we have to play on a tennis court,” added Claudia, a teacher at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. As she spoke, pickleball was being played on both tennis courts, as well as on the two smaller pickleball courts.

parks and recreation director last year, is also impressed by the new park, as well as all the other village parks.

“Royal Palm Beach has a robust parks system, and it’s much different from other systems I’ve managed in Illinois,” he said.

When asked about the differences, he added, “It’s the size. Our parks are enormous compared to neighborhood parks up north.”

He pointed to the 164-acre Commons Park, describing it as “probably one of the largest municipal parks in Florida.”

The added size allowed the park planners to incorporate plenty of open green space at Crestwood Park North, where visitors can fly kites, play touch football or just enjoy the great outdoors.

The new park is located at 900 Crestwood Blvd. North. For more information on village parks, visit www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov/ parksrec.

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, in collaboration with the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, will host the annual Farm City Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 11:15 a.m.

The luncheon is presented by Baptist Health South Florida and will take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center West.

The annual Farm City luncheon was created to highlight the important economic contribution of the agricultural industry in Palm Beach County. The attendees of governmental, community and business leaders are given the opportunity to learn more about the agricultural com-

Betty Argue out of Palm Beach County, which saddens me. The majority of the people I have talked to object to the attempt to commercialize and industrialize our community. I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community and help educate the community

the county on the value of our agricultural/equestrian lifestyle.

The busy basketball courts feature glass backboards. PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

Mary and Kai Abuan fishing with Kaison and Kalia.

Claudia and Sean Bevans love a pickleball workout.

WELLINGTON ROTARY CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL WORLD PEACE DAY

The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual World Peace Day ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 22 at Wellington Rotary Peace Park. The ceremony is aimed at promoting multicultural understanding as a means to achieve world peace. The words on the peace poles — “May Peace Prevail on Earth” — was read in eight different languages by local residents. Students were recognized for their contributions to promoting world peace through posters, poetry and essays. Mayor Michael Napoleone read the Peace Declaration and local dignitaries made speeches. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Wes Boughner’s release of peace doves.

BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Dr. Wes Boughner releases the peace doves.

Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Vice Mayor John McGovern, Student Motivational Award for Resolutions Today (SMART) winner Jennifer Han of Palm Beach Central High School and Mayor Michael Napoleone.

Wellington Rotary President Walter Imperatore addresses the gathering.

Mayor Michael Napoleone reads the Peace Declaration.

Randy Pfeiffer presents the Community Peace Award to Diana Stanley, accepted by John Gillmore. George Kinoshita leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Carly Cantor sings the national anthem.

Jay Broder presents the Student Motivational Award for Resolutions Today (SMART) to Palm Beach Central High School student Jennifer Han.

High school essay competition winner Erika Braswell with her teacher Flora Rigolo and Maria Fernanda Cruz.

Elementary school poster competition winner Emily Le with her teacher Dr. Nicole Crane and Caroline Pena.

Maria Fernanda Cruz with middle school poetry contest winner Ethan Oliver.

Middle school poetry contest winner Vanisha Mathurin receives her award.

Elementary school poster competition winner Grace Ehrlich with Caroline Pena.

Elementary school poster competition winner Nathalie Luna-Guitierrez with her teacher Lisa Gifford and Caroline Pena.

Maria Fernanda Cruz with middle school poetry contest winner Sabio Petiote.

Elementary school poster competition winner Fateh Singh with Jennifer Patterson.

Elementary school poster competition winner Sophia White with her teacher Erica Bordonaro and Caroline Pena.

Ted’s opponent is being investigated by the Florida Ethics Commission and other agencies for alleged extortion and retaliation (August 15, 2024 StetNews.org, “You need to support my Campaign,” Port Commissioner Varisa Dass tells tenant)

If elected, Ted will deliver honesty, transparency, increased port security, and election integrity

Ted is thrilled to receive the endorsement of former Florida Congressman & Combat Veteran LTC (Ret) Allen West, Lieutenant General (Ret) Jack Stultz, former Chief, US Army Reserve along with local leaders like Hispanic & Christian Community Leader Lydia Maldonado & Westlake City Council member Gary Werner!

If elected, Ted, who lives near you, will be the only local Port Commissioner representing the Wellington and Acreage areas—all the rest live on the coast an hour’s drive east

If elected, Ted will provide much needed political balance as he would be the only Republican on the Commission, which is monopolized and controlled by Democrats and has been for decades

“I

respectfully ask for your vote and encourage you to vote by mail now”

—Ted

Early voting is October 21st through November 3rd, and Election day is Tuesday, November 5th

Incumbent Jordano Slams PACs, Seeks Neighborhood Support

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

In the race for Indian Trail Improvement District Seat 2, incumbent Supervisor Keith Jordano said this week that he knows he’s fighting an uphill battle against challenger Richard Vassalotti II.

“This situation is akin to David vs. Goliath,” said Jordano, placing himself in the role of David, though he is an incumbent wrapping up his first term on the board.

He cited numerous negative mailers, social media ads and a web site funded by outside groups, such as “Building Florida’s Future,” attacking him and Seat 4 incumbent Supervisor Betty Argue.

Building Florida’s Future is one of many political action committees (PACs) registered to William S. Jones of East Park Avenue in Tallahassee.

“I think developers are trying to buy the election,” Jordano said. “I don’t have a super PAC. I’m funded by neighborhood residents.”

Vassalotti came in first in a six-way primary election in August with 40.03 percent (2,543 votes). Jordano was second with 22.48 percent (1,429 votes), good enough to earn a spot on the Nov. 5 ballot. Jordano said he is “happy and encour-

aged” by voter response because they know, “I’ll do what’s best for the people.”

“I’m not ready to give a concession speech or say I’ve won,” he said. “It’s in God’s hands and those of the voters. I hope they’ll educate themselves and not listen to the super PACs. Money doesn’t always win elections.”

Visit www.keithjordano.com to learn more. IN HIS OWN WORDS

Why are you running for re-election to the ITID board?

This election is pivotal for the future of our community. We are facing significant annexation challenges on all borders, with developers and super PACs attempting to seize control of our board and roads. These outside forces, with the support of my opponent, threaten to undermine our quality of life. We need strong, committed leadership to stand firm in defense of our community.

What special qualifications do you have for the office?

I have a deep connection to our community as a 25-year resident of ITID, actively participating in local initiatives since 1999. My 40 years of experience as a business owner, combined with my service as a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, have provided valuable insights into the

challenges and opportunities our district faces. I’ve played an active role in improving our equestrian park, collaborating with residents and staff to address critical drainage and road concerns, and advocating for the re-opening of the culvert to restore Santa Rosa Groves’ second connection to the district.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing ITID?

It’s the threat of annexation and the resulting traffic congestion from unchecked development. Developers and super PACs are attempting to influence our board of supervisors to push through projects that could compromise the safety, integrity and rural character of our community. Addressing these issues proactively is essential before they escalate further.

How would you protect residents from significant increases for road maintenance and safety concerns caused by cut-through traffic?

Developers must be held accountable for funding infrastructure improvements. I will also push for the creation of alternative traffic patterns to reduce cut-through traffic in our neighborhoods, preserving the rural lifestyle we cherish. Responsible growth is essential, and we must be cautious about overdevelopment that could compromise the character of

our community. While my opponent has only recently begun discussing these issues, I have been working on them for years, advocating for policies that promote balanced growth and fiscal responsibility without placing undue burdens on our residents.

Do you support building, paving and expanding 60th Street North as a thoroughfare road from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to State Road 7? I support the development of 60th Street North as a vital thoroughfare from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to State Road 7, but only under strict conditions. It is essential that this project actively restrict cut-through traffic on smaller neighborhood roads. Key measures should include implementing traffic-calming features, such as 40 MPH speed limits and speed bumps, while preserving our community’s rural character. Although ITID may not control SR 7, it’s crucial that the completion of this roadway aligns with our project to prevent an influx of unmanaged traffic. In contrast, my opponent has shown support for this initiative without the necessary safeguards… [focusing] on short-term gains over our district’s longterm interests.

Do you feel it is important to maintain ITID’s agricultural/residential/eques-

Absolutely… it is vital to preserving our unique identity. Our rural values and equestrian heritage set us apart from other communities, and we must work to protect them from the pressures of overdevelopment.

Vassalotti Aims To Listen To The ‘Heartbeat’ Of The Community

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

After winning 40.03 percent of the vote in the six-way primary for Indian Trail Improvement District Seat 2 in August, candidate Richard Vassalotti II said a lot of hard work and listening to the “heartbeat” of the community paid off for him.

Now he faces incumbent Supervisor Keith Jordano, who finished second in the primary, during the Nov. 5 general election.

This week, Vassalotti, a retired captain with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, said he believes he’s “in a really good place.”

“My message is out there. People trust me, and they should,” he said.

However, at least some are questioning that trustworthiness, pointing to an Oct. 31, 1996, arrest alleging grand theft ($730) and engaging in a scheme to defraud the Village of Wellington related to hours worked as a pool lifeguard.

Vassalotti said this week, “I never conspired to defraud anyone. Nothing could be further from the truth.” He was not suspended by PBCFR, nor did he plead guilty to any charge. However, he did make restitution and entered a pretrial intervention program.

Vassalotti said he did nothing wrong

Care Center

At Old Toys

‘R’ Us Store

continued from page 1 adding that village staff supported the planting variance.

The commissioners approved the first variance unanimously.

Up next was a variance to allow three drive aisles, which should be 25 feet, to be approximately 24 feet.

Leger explained that this was due to construction errors when the

Free Music Show Oct. 17 At Wellington Amphitheater

Come enjoy a free evening of music from the 1950s and 1960s.

“At The Hop” will be held Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) from 6 to 9 p.m. “At The Hop” will be a seven-piece tribute to all the music hits from that era, all live.

Wellington Launches CIP Web Experience

The Village of Wellington recently announced the launch of its new Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Web Experience.

Powered by Esri, this interactive online web application is designed to provide residents with up-todate information about ongoing and upcoming public capital infrastructure projects. This userfriendly web application allows the community to stay informed about project progress and understand how they impact the village’s roads, parks, facilities and more.

The Wellington CIP Web Experience enables residents to easily visualize where and when construction is taking place, learn the scope and purpose of each project, and stay informed. Users can also explore status updates, project timelines and budget allocations — all available at their fingertips.

“The CIP Web Experience is a significant step forward in promoting transparency and communication with our residents,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “It’s an intuitive tool that gives our com-

and that the incident “made me a better person dealing with financial situations. I’m grateful for the lessons learned.”

Since then, he said he has handled finances for his shift at his firehouse and for many fundraisers and there has never been an issue.

In fact, he noted that he has been endorsed by the Police Benevolent Association, the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County, and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Vassalotti also said he is not involved in the aggressively negative fliers, mailers and social media attacks on Jordano and Seat 4 incumbent Supervisor Betty Argue by a Tallahassee-based political action committee.

“I have nothing to do with that,” he said. “I have not slammed people who ran against me. I’ve shook hundreds of hands… and it’s clear the residents want a change.”

Visit www.electrichardvassalotti.com to learn more.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Why are you running for the ITID board?

I love The Acreage and want what’s best for our residents. What initially started my journey to run for this board was the unfortunate and untimely death nine years

initial drive aisles were built. Staff supported the variance, noting that the current drive-aisle width does not meet the code either. The board also approved this variance unanimously. The next request was for a total of 10 sign variances. These included a larger monument sign, additional wayfinding signs, three wall signs instead of one, as well as other additional signs denoting the different parts of the project.

Village staff did not support the sign variances since no special circumstances exist that require

ago of a high school senior who tragically lost her life in a vehicle crash at 120th and Tangerine Blvd. We have a serious traffic problem in The Acreage. I know how to fix these issues, and I’m absolutely determined to do so. However, making our roads safer will require someone who possesses knowledge of the issues at hand and is a strong leader who knows how to work cooperatively with Palm Beach County government.

What special qualifications do you have for the office?

My 29 years living in The Acreage and 15 years as a captain with PBCFR directly serving The Acreage have taught me so much about our community. ITID’s main purpose is to maintain and improve drainage, roads and parks. [In terms of drainage,] when Tropical Storm Isaac dumped 18 inches of rain on our area in 2012, I was on duty almost 120 straight hours cooperatively working with various agencies and our residents in the floodwaters. The lessons I learned during that event would prove invaluable as a board member for ITID if such an event were to occur again. [Safer roads are] my No. 1 priority. Making them safer will be something I will continually strive for. [As for parks,] the continual upkeep of all our parks is of extreme importance to me.

the exceptions to the sign code, and the proposal does not represent the minimum variance necessary for the site, Leger said.

Jean-Louis went one-by-one through the sign requests, explaining that, “this is due to the unique nature of the use.”

The site includes both an emergency room component and a medical office component. The main front façade sign will read “Baptist Health Emergency.”

“People will be arriving at the site in emergency and medical crises, and there is a necessity for

NEWS BRIEFS

munity insight into the projects shaping Wellington’s future.”

Key features include an interactive map to easily visualize all capital projects across the village; project sorting to view projects by status and department; and detailed project information on each included project. The map is updated in real-time as projects progress and schedules change. Stay informed and engaged by visiting www.wellingtonfl.gov/ CIPwebexperience.

Free Public Safety Night

Oct. 4 At Mall

In recognition of National Crime Prevention Month in October, the Village of Wellington invites the community to attend a free Public Safety Night offered in partnership with the Mall at Wellington Green. Come get to know your local first responders while enjoying free fun and activities for the whole family.

The Public Safety Night event will take place on Friday, Oct. 4, in the east parking lot near the food court, from 5 to 8 p.m. Highlights include bounce houses, music, face painting, kids’ activities, touch-a-truck with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue representatives, special character photo opportunities, special performances and vendors. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ publicsafetynight to learn more.

Senior Health Fair Oct. 8

Wellington will host its annual Senior Health Fair, a community event dedicated to promoting

health and wellness among senior citizens, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. All seniors and their families are invited to attend this free event.

The Senior Health Fair will feature a variety of activities and resources designed to empower older adults to take charge of their health. Attendees can look forward to informative workshops covering topics such as breast health and stroke prevention beginning at 9 a.m. Attendees can also meet with healthcare providers and community organizations offering valuable services, and they will have the chance to win healthrelated prizes. For more information about the Senior Health Fair, contact Ian Williams at (561) 868-8624 or iwilliams@wellingtonfl.gov.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Returns Nov. 2

This year’s “Totally Killer ’80s Prom” Murder Mystery Dinner for ages 21 and up will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

The evening begins with a social hour and dinner before things go from totally rad, to totally bad, as a stellar team of actors portray a “murder at a 1980s prom” scenario. Audience members will then be asked to solve the crime and identify the murderer. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 1980s-themed attire (optional) and will have the opportunity to participate in costume contests for prizes.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing ITID?

Defending the borders of The Acreage from potential annexation, widespread development around us, tremendous traffic congestion, and the continual [need to push for] the State Road 7 extension. With the influx of new development, how would you protect the residents from significant increases for road maintenance and safety concerns caused by cut-through traffic?

I will make sure that the county continually provides proper maintenance for the major through roads they own. I will work diligently with all county commissioners and traffic engineers to bring awareness to the dangers of ITID roads, help to make them safer… [which] in turn will help reduce taxes.

Do you support building, paving and expanding 60th Street North as a thoroughfare road from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to State Road 7?

I do support improving 60th… If constructed appropriately, 60th will be vital for traffic relief, the safety of our residents and also help keep traffic off our interior roads.

Do you feel it is important to maintain ITID’s agricultural/residential/eques-

really clear signage,” Jean-Louis said.

He added that the larger monument sign is necessary since the site is significantly recessed from the roadway. Also, the total of the front façade signs together is smaller than would be allowed if there was only one large sign, he noted.

Among the variances were to allow the use of the Baptist Health “pineapple” logo as an architectural embellishment. Commissioner Adam Miller did not think that all the signs were

Tickets cost $60 per person and are on sale now at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) and at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). A table of eight can also be reserved for a discounted price of $420. The ticket price includes appetizers, dinner, beer and wine. Special thanks to wine sponsor Star Liquors. Because this is an adult-themed event, Wellington will provide free on-site child care for children ages 5 to 12 only, including pizza and plenty of fun activities. The child care room will be separate from the event.

This event is expected to sell out, so be sure to reserve seats today. For more info., visit www. wellingtonfl.gov/murdermystery.

WPB Garden Club Opens Season Oct. 15

Wendy Morse, president of Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, will address the West Palm Beach Garden Club meeting Tuesday, Oct. 15. Morse will be the first speaker of the club’s 2024-25 season.

The program will be held at the Mounts Botanical Garden’s Clayton E. Hutcheson Agricultural Service Center building, which is in the back of the garden, in the conference room.

The club gathers at 10 a.m. for complimentary refreshments, and the program begins at 10:30 a.m. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The Hutcheson building is located at 559 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, and directions, call (561) 307-3115.

Richard Vassalotti II trian lifestyle? What steps would you take to do so?

There are signs when driving into our neighborhood that state “Welcome To The Acreage, A Rural Equestrian Community.” I wholeheartedly believe this and will continue to strive for what’s best for our community.

necessary and that some were duplicative. The sign variances passed 4-1 with Miller dissenting. Next up was granting the site a special exception to be operated as a “integrated care center.” The special exception approval, which was supported by village staff, will expire should Baptist Health cease operations at the site.

The special exception, which included noise conditions limiting the use of sirens, passed unanimously,

The final item was the site plan modification and architectural approval to rehabilitate and reuse the existing 58,341-square-foot retail building, with a 390-squarefoot addition. The addition is due to an increase in vestibules. Staff supported the site plan and architectural approval.

The breakdown of the site includes 27,313 square feet for the 18-bed off-campus emergency department and 31,418 square feet of medical office space. The building is 25 feet, 8 inches in height, which is unchanged.

The site will include clinics, ambulatory surgery, outpatient servic-

es, diagnostic imaging, laboratory facilities, physical therapy, and offices for medical practitioners and physicians. At the ER, there will be an on-site physician around the clock, as well as on-site dispensing of prescriptions only for the use of patients while they are there. A one-acre part of the site behind the building is in Wellington, which includes a new sidewalk and trash enclosure. Those elements have already received approval from the Village of Wellington. The transportation standards were approved by Palm Beach County and include a reduction in expected daily trips due to the elimination of the retail use in favor of the health/medical use. The project will require a public art display to be approved in the future.

Board members liked the proposal for an additional emergency room and healthcare services to support the community and approved the site plan and architectural elements unanimously. The project will next head to the council for final approval.

The Wellington Art Society will present an art reception and sale at exhibitions titled “Exuberant” at Wellington Village Hall and “Treasures” at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd., on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Artwork may also be seen currently at the venues daily. Celebrate creativity, meet the artists, take part in the People’s Choice Awards, and enjoy refreshments and door prizes. Enjoy lively conversation with the artists whose work expresses mastery and originality from the whimsical to

the abstract with messages and metaphors of cultural awareness. Featured artists include: Halyna Albanese, Barbara Bailey, Emily Bergstrom, Betty Brodie, Diane Colvard, Judy Darucaud, Gail Erickson, Faye Ford, Cynthia George, Jan Gmitter, Kris Hilles, Diane Hodges, Garrett Jay, Lou Ann LaBohn, Dinah Mirson, Susan Mosely, Charles Moses, Susan Oakes, Jordan Philogene, Marion Roberts, Wilfred Savoie, Vasantha Siva, Raymonde Talleyrand, Elaine Weber and Deb Yager.

Keith Jordano trian lifestyle? What steps would you take to do so?

The front elevation of the Baptist Health project on SR 7.

Incumbent Faces Challenge In Race For PBC Elections Chief

By Christopher Vargas Town-Crier Staff Report

As Palm Beach County gears up for the 2024 general election, with a variety of races set to determine key government positions, one of the decisions that voters will make is who should be running the county’s elections office.

With vote-by-mail ballots already on their way to voters, early voting will take place from Monday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 3 at select locations, ahead of the official Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, when all polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Florida’s voter registration deadline of Monday, Oct. 7 is almost here. To learn more, visit www.votepalmbeach.gov.

All the action makes the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office a busy place — and who should run the office is also on the ballot. Two candidates are contending for this vital role, the incumbent Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Jeff Buongiorno.

The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections oversees the administration of elections in the county and its municipalities, a position of increasing importance in today’s fraught political landscape.

Wendy Sartory Link — Link was initially appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019 to serve as the county elections supervisor. When she was appointed, Link initially indicated that she didn’t plan to seek a full term in the job when it was on the ballot in 2020. However, she ended up filing to run as a Democrat, winning the

primary and was then unopposed in the general election. This all happened during the COVID-19 crisis, when Link introduced a range of safety and security measures to guarantee that the 2020 election was carried out successfully. Since taking office, Link has implemented several reforms aimed at improving the voting process.

“With a commitment to integrity, accountability and service, I have worked to re-instill confidence in the accuracy and efficiency of our elections,” Link said. “In this role, I have prioritized election integrity, the use of new technology, cybersecurity, voter education, accessibility, community partnerships, election worker safety, office efficiency and fiscal responsibility.”

Under her leadership, the county saw expanded access to early voting during the 2020 election cycle, with more polling locations and extended voting hours. Poll workers also received their first wage increase in nearly a decade. Vote-by-mail has become more secure with ballot tracking, and new engagement programs have educated the public about the electoral process, including the nationally recognized “Elections Experience Tour.”

Link serves as president-elect of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections, serves as a member of Urban & Large County Elections Registration Supervisors and is a Florida certified election professional. She’s also a CERA graduate of the National Association of Election Officials Election Center.

When asked about her qual-

ifications, Link highlighted her expertise and thoughts about her opponent, Buongiorno.

“I am the only qualified, experienced and prepared choice for the job,” she said. “My opponent has proposed ideas that are not only illegal under current Florida Statutes and U.S. law, but would disenfranchise voters, risk election counting errors and call into question the integrity and accuracy of our elections. My opponent is an election denier, arguing the 2020 election results were incorrect, is on record wanting to remove the option to vote early or by mail, and wants to have votes/election results counted by hand. He spreads election misinformation and unfounded conspiracy theories, and advocates for policies that the supervisor of elections has no authority to implement.”

To better serve the community, Link had ensured that voting information was made available in Spanish and Haitian Creole. She actively opposed efforts to suppress voter turnout and introduced pre-paid return postage for all vote-by-mail ballots, enhancing voter accessibility and convenience.

Her goals for the future are to protect taxpayer dollars and keep the office operating efficiently and on budget. She also plans to work with other election supervisors on initiatives and legislation to improve voting, election security and voter accessibility. Link said she will also prioritize investing in new technology; collaborate with national, state and local law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to protect voter information and elections; and enhance

voter engagement activities.

A native of Palm Beach County, Link holds degrees from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the Duke University School of Law. She has more than 30 years of legal experience in private practice.

“I have a proven record of leading the Supervisor of Elections Office with integrity, accountability and a commitment to service,” she said. “As supervisor, our office has received dozens of awards recognizing how we conduct elections, our voter outreach programs, and our commitment to integrity and security.”

Learn more about Link at www. wendyforsoe.com.

Jeff Buongiorno — Buongiorno, the Republican candidate, relocated to Florida from New Jersey more than 10 years ago. He is running for supervisor of elections with a campaign centered on restoring public trust in the electoral system and safeguarding civil liberties.

Buongiorno is sharply critical of how Link has run the elections office. Some of his policies prioritize eliminating voter fraud, implementing a zero-based budgeting method of funding and enforcing security measures to prevent undocumented immigrants from registering to vote.

“As an elected official and constable of the county, I would ensure that the citizens of Palm Beach County become confident that their voting rights are not being trampled through loopholes and cybersecurity threats,” Buongiorno said.

He said that his platform will strengthen election integrity and

ensure accountability in the electoral process. “I will institute a zero trust tolerance policy with regard to IT security and legal loopholes, which currently plague the system,” Buongiorno said.

Buongiorno said he is leveraging his law enforcement and business expertise in his bid for office. After his time in law enforcement, Buongiorno founded companies in information technology and manufacturing, gaining valuable experience in leadership, management and technology solutions. He said he owns a technology firm and holds more than 100 IT certifications personally.

When asked about his thoughts on how the office is currently being run, Buongiorno was not impressed.

“The office is overstaffed, and the technology seems to intimidate Wendy Link, and she cannot provide straight answers to a series of questions,” Buongiorno said. “She always defers the question to the state or Tallahassee.”

He asserted that he does not believe that Link’s office properly checks the residency and citizenship of voters as required by Florida law. If he were to be elected, Buongiorno said that he would ensure that the citizens of Palm Beach County become confident that “their voting rights are not being trampled through flaws and cybersecurity threats.” He accused the office of “multiple failures” and “negligence of duty.”

“Election officials should be honest and transparent,” Buongiorno said. “Wendy Link and the canvassing board of the county is not. The new rule they illegally passed allows them to obfuscate reporting details and gives the canvassing board the ability to determine a voter’s intent on a blank ballot. I will protect the voting rights of every legal U.S. citizen; the current administration does not offer such protections.” Learn more about Buongiorno at www.jeffbuongiorno.com.

Groves Council Tussles Over Tax Rate At Final Budget Hearing

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Two weeks after approving a budget keeping its tax rate unchanged, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council debated the merits of dropping the rate at the town’s final budget hearing Wednesday, Sept. 18. Early in the budget cycle, the council set its preliminary property tax rate at 4.00 mills, up from 3.00 mills. The assessment for roads and drainage was set at $250, up from $200, and the annual solid waste assessment was set at $450, up from $400.

In the end, the council cut enough out of the budget across several workshops to leave the property tax rate and the roads and drainage assessment unchanged from 2024, only raising the solid waste assessment $50 to $450. At the first budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the council agreed unanimously to adopt the town’s property tax rate at 3.00 mills, unchanged from the previous year. Due to increasing property values, the rate of 3.00 mills will bring in some additional revenue to the town. It is 10.9 percent above the rolled-back rate of

2.7048 mills, which is the rate that would bring in the same amount of revenue as fiscal year 2024.

During the budget process, both Town Manager Francine Ramaglia and Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz noted that the town is entering a challenging financial period with extra money from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Palm Beach County’s sales surtax both expiring. Those two funding sources have been key drivers of the town’s money for capital improvements in recent years. Meanwhile, inflation, along with a challenging job mar-

ket for keeping employees, has led to an increase in costs.

However, at the final budget hearing, Councilman Robert Shorr and Councilwoman Laura Danowski urged further lowering the tax rate to the rolled-back rate of 2.7048 mills, which would require removing approximately $97,000 in additional spending from the budget.

“We’ve already increased everybody’s garbage fees by 25 percent,” Shorr said. “I think we need to roll it back to 2.7... I think there’s over half a million dollars just thrown into CIP [capital im-

provement plan] stuff.”

“I wouldn’t object to going less than 3.00,” Danowski agreed. “I think there are some places where we can trim just a little more.”

Because it is above the rolledback rate, keeping the tax rate at 3.00 mills would require at least a 4-1 supermajority vote.

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia was not happy with the last-minute suggestion, particularly after the council had just heard several residents beg them for help in fixing worsening drainage issues on their roadways.

“No roads are going to paved

in 2025 and possibly 2026 if you don’t give us the millage to be able to run this town properly,” Maniglia said.

Kurtz noted that lowering the tax rate would not only impact spending in the new fiscal year that began Oct. 1, but likely in the years to come, since raising it even back to 3.00 mills in fiscal year 2026 would likely require a unanimous vote. Ramaglia suggested that instead of lowering the tax rate, the council instead remove $97,000 from the spending plan and put it in a

Wendy Sartory Link Jeff Buongiorno

Welcome to the Proactive Side of Care.

Wellington Community Foundation Donates $10,000

In a collaborative effort to enhance the lives of students with disabilities, the Wellington Community Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. This generous contribution will empower Wellington High School students to participate in the equine-assisted therapy program, equipping them with essential life skills for their educational and personal journeys. The donation was officially presented on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Vinceremos facility, with board members from the Wellington Community Foundation, members of the Wellington Village Council and the Vinceremos team in attendance. The foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors, children and veterans aligns perfectly with

the mission of Vinceremos, which has been serving individuals with disabilities in central Palm Beach County for more than 35 years.

Vinceremos offers a range of therapeutic programs, including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and equine-assisted learning. Accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), these programs provide invaluable benefits, such as improved balance, core strength, motor skills and social interaction, all in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

“By fostering experiences with horses, we are helping students develop skills that will prepare them for real-world challenges and allow them to contribute meaningfully to their community,” said Barry Manning, chair of the Wellington Community Foundation.

SANTA ROSA GROVES RESIDENTS CELEBRATE CULVERT REPLACEMENT

Residents and property owners of the Santa Rosa Groves neighborhood celebrated the expected reopening of the agricultural culvert crossing at Carol Street and 59th Street on Sunday, Sept. 29. The crossing had been in place since 1974 until it was closed earlier this year due to safety concerns. The community is grateful for the generosity of GL Homes, which paid the entire cost of the installation, with the permission of the Indian Trail Improvement District. The vast majority of property owners in the area signed petitions, sent letters and spoke up at Indian Trail meetings in an effort to have the culvert replaced. Residents particularly thanked ITID Supervisor Keith Jordano, who answered their calls and rose to the challenge to support the Santa Rosa Groves community, as well as the nearby communities that were impacted. They also thanked ITID Supervisor Betty Argue, who used her vast experience to navigate past the roadblocks.

“This donation is about more than just funding; it’s about creating opportunities that can profoundly impact these young lives.”

Vinceremos CEO Susan Guinan emphasized the transformative nature of the nonprofit’s programs.

“Learning through interaction with horses reveals potential that may not be visible in traditional classroom settings. Our partnership with Wellington schools continues to flourish as we work together to support our community’s needs,” she said. “This gift will make an incredible difference in the lives of those students who live with unimaginable challenges every day!”

Partnering with the foundation and the village, the riding center continues to grow and looks forward to adding additional students with the launch of a program in

The Wellington Art Society will host Kianga Jinaki as featured artist and speaker at the group’s next meeting, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The evening will also include a meet-and-greet, member spotlight and raffle. Contact presidentofwas@gmail.com to learn more.

Jinaki’s quilts were handpicked by the U.S. State Department to adorn the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Pakistan. They served as an emissary themselves, their stories recounting the American

Wellington’s annual Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Village Park. Extended hours provide families with younger children an opportunity to enjoy plenty of fun and activities earlier in the day, while still getting their little ghouls and goblins home in time for bed. Enter the Haunted Hallways (opening at 5 p.m.), if you dare, or enjoy one of the many spooktacular attractions, including bounce houses, hayrides, laser tag, a petting zoo, a pie-eating contest, trick-or-treating in the vendor area and more. Approximately 20 food trucks will be on-site with sweet and savory food and beverage items for purchase. Attendees can also enjoy live performances on the sound stage,

board members and Wellington officials were on hand for the

presentation. conjunction with Palm Beach Central High School next school year. Learn more about Vinceremos at www.vinceremos.org. For more information about the Wellington Community Foundation, and how to get involved, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

cultural and historical experience. Jinaki’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally since 1991. Most recently, in 2022, Jinaki was one of six recipients of the Artist Innovation Fellowship by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

“Every fabric tells its own story,” Jinaki said about piecing together her quilts and the images of community life and culture that she creates. Once you know the story the fabric tells you, you know how to place it.

Jinaki’s passion for the folk arts is an expression of her strong bond

or participate in costume contests for prizes, with awards in the following age groups: under 3; ages 4 to 6; ages 7 to 10; ages 11 to 14; and 15 and older. Costume contests will be held at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Unlimited all-access bracelets are required for activities. Bracelets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Boulevard) and Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Existing CivicRec account holders can purchase tickets online to reserve their all-access bracelets. Tickets (one ticket for one all-access bracelet) can then be redeemed in advance at the Wellington Community Center or Village Park, or on the day of the event at the “will call” tent. Bracelets purchased by Oct.

with African American heritage and culture.

Join in an hour of journeying with Jinaki into the world of “Speaking with Cloth,” where she invites attendees to participate in the creation of a mini textile portrait. To learn more about Jinaki and her beautiful creations, visit www.kiangaart.com or find her on Instagram and Facebook.

The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization in its 43rd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts. For more information, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

18 are $7 for children and $5 for adults. On the day of the event, bracelets are $10 for children and $5 for adults. Children ages 2 and under are free. Adult bracelets are only needed if the adult will accompany the child on the hayride, play laser tag or go through the haunted hallways. Bracelet purchases are non-refundable.

Free shuttle service, sponsored by the Mall at Wellington Green, will be available from the Palm Tran bus stop located near Macy’s, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Special thanks to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, the featured sponsor, for generous support of the event. Other sponsors include: Elan Polo Gardens (laser tag), Everglades Equipment Group (hay rides), Humana

(Haunted Hallways and trickor-treat candy), JupiterBounce. com (inclusive inflatable), Next LVL Mobile Infusion (costume contests), Premier Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentistry (petting zoo), Seven Axes (axe throwing), Southern Septic (crazy games), Sugar Sugar (face painting), the Mall at Wellington Green (character entertainment and shuttles) and Wellington Regional Medical Center (bounce houses). Some attraction times will vary from the event timeframe. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/fallfestival or call (561) 791-4005 to learn more. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, contact Assistant Community Events Director Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082 or mgarvey@wellingtonfl.gov.

Kianga Jinaki

K-Park Plans For Private School

continued from page 1 very youngest kids, representatives said.

“The calling card that brought my family back, and many of my colleagues here, in large measure is Wellington public schools,” Vice Mayor John McGovern said.

“Tell me how this doesn’t undercut that.”

White responded, “I don’t think there is any undercutting. You’ve got existing people in the Wellington community who are traveling a long way to go to school. So, we’re answering that need.”

Teacher development programs and prospective sharing of arts or sports facilities could enhance the overall educational environment, he argued.

In February, Related, led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, proposed some 500 residential units and 120,000 square feet of retail space along with the then-unidentified school. Before elections brought two new members, the council at the time voted 3-2 to keep talking with Related, as opposed to other development offers. Developers led by the Ward family, who developed the nearby Trader Joe’s plaza, W&W VIII LLC, offered $54 million to buy K-Park last year.

The Related proposal is still in a conceptual stage and not yet a completed application seeking approval. The workshop was designed to air out ideas on what to do with the property that sits southwest of State Road 7 and Stribling Way. It has remained essentially vacant south of the Mall at Wellington Green despite more than a decade’s worth of ideas from botanical gardens to equestrian, housing and commercial projects. Among the updates at the work-

District 93

Gerwig vs. Waldron

continued from page 1 she said. “The insurance situation is multi-faceted, but it comes down to risk. The fraud in the system has been ongoing, and some measures have been taken to address that. More can be done to hold insurance companies to their obligations, and to help consumers understand their coverage.”

Aside from lowering the cost of homeowners’ insurance, Gerwig also wants to work in Tallahassee on increasing teacher pay and direct classroom funding.

“The disconnect between local governance and the legislature is also concerning,” she added. “Not many representatives have come from municipal positions. I have experienced the ill effects of top down, one-size-fits-all policies. I can clearly articulate the effects of these decisions. Group homes, corporate owned short-term rentals, school start times and giving utilities free rein over our rights of way, are a few examples of decisions that have been made without local input. I can share my experience and change the process to provide solutions.”

Several of the issues she plans to focus on have a particular interest for Wellington residents.

“We are excellent stewards of the land through our focus on sustainable practices,” Gerwig said. “I will continue to support the conservation grants that helped to expand the Wellington Environmental Preserve, which actually affects the entire region. These are the issues that are best addressed at the state level. Also, the concern about corporate-owned rentals, particularly the short-term rentals used as party houses. State law has limited our ability to control this issue, and more tools are needed. This is more than an inconvenience, as it compromises public safety and puts our neighborhoods at risk.”

Gerwig believes that voters should choose her due to her focus on public service and deep understanding of the area.

“I have made tough decisions, and they have proven to be good ones over the years,” she said.

“The Keely Spinelli grant is an example that I am most proud of. We worked together with our

Lox Budget

Tussle Over Tax Rate

continued from page 8

special “community relief fund” to help residents fund emergency projects.

“Earlier this evening we heard from people that they would be willing to do a 50-50 [on drainage and road projects],” Ramaglia said. “There’s no room for 50-50s if we drop the millage.” She added that the tax rate was

shop was that all housing in this latest iteration of the project, now with about 550 units mentioned in the meeting, would be rental units, according to Related officials. Many would be townhomes and multi-bedroom units, connected by trails and green spaces to shops and restaurants, with touches not unlike what the company has employed elsewhere. Wellington leaders acknowledged a need for housing for teachers, firefighters, police and others who want to find a place they can afford.

At the same time, “rental doesn’t usually mean long-term residents,” Councilwoman Tanya Siskind said. “I think it makes our residents very nervous to hear it’s all rental.”

The school would go on the western end of the property.

Combining a proposed commercial and residential development with a private school represents a new twist for Related, said Ken Himmel, president and chief executive of Related Urban, a mixed-use development division of the firm.

“Although this is our first journey in developing a school, it’s not our first journey in doing feasibility studies for very big, complex, high-risk projects,” Himmel said. He said Related has relied on extensive research by consultants before advancing this plan.

Karen Yung, co-founder of Education in Motion with British lawyer White, said the pair created their enterprise in 2003 after seeking the best education they could for their own three children, then in Shanghai, China. That led to a school there that drew from elements of a British private school model.

She said the EIM venture has grown to 14 schools globally and is valued at about $1 billion. It educates more than 12,000 students, Yung said.

The pitch now is to invest more than $250 million in the Wellington school site, serving an eventual

local schools to provide funding for services for the lowest-performing students and allowed for innovation in the process. I have raised all three of my children here, built a small business, and faced the same challenges as our residents over the years. I am best equipped to serve this region and willing to do the hands-on work that is required.

Gerwig has been married to her husband Alan for 34 years. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Aside from her 14 years of service on the Wellington Village Council, she served on the board of several local, regional and state organizations, including as past president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities and on the executive board of the Florida League of Cities. Learn more about Gerwig’s campaign at www.annegerwig. com.

KATHERINE WALDRON

After serving for six years on the Port of Palm Beach Commission, Waldron won a crowded primary and then a razor-close election victory to take the District 93 seat in 2022.

“I am the incumbent state representative and am a moderate Democrat who has a history of working across the aisle,” she said. “I understand the legislative process, have a strong business background and a long history of community involvement. I believe as a state representative, my job is to work for my constituents, help represent them in Tallahassee, and work with them on their issues closer to home.”

Waldon added that working across the aisle, she passed the most bills of any freshman Democrat and brought the district millions in appropriations.

“I have never supported focusing on culture wars, which really amounts to government overreach and has only divided our community,” she said. “I also believe politicians should be truthful and campaign on their accomplishments and not try to run a destructive attack campaign. Our residents deserve better.”

Waldron said that she will focus on the issues impacting residents in their day-to-day lives. These include protecting quality of life, dealing with insurance rates and condo fee hikes, and protecting the environment.

advertised at 4.00 mills, much higher than the proposed 3.00 mills, and it did not generate a major outcry from residents. It took several motions for the council to get to a compromise. First, Shorr made a motion to accept the rolled-back rate of 2.7048 mills, which failed 3-2 with only Shorr and Danowski in favor. Vice Mayor Marge Herzog then made a motion to keep the rate unchanged at 3.00 mills. While that same motion passed unanimously on Sept. 3, this time the vote was 3-2, which was not good enough

total capacity of 1,650 students.

Phase I would include 200,000 square feet devoted to 150 students in early childhood education through first grade, and middle and high schools serving 750 students.

Phase II, in subsequent years, would add another 150,000 square feet and additional students to round out a full pre-K through grade 12 offering.

Over the years, schools in the EIM system have arranged for online interactions or in-person visits with cultural entities such as the Royal Shakespeare Company in England, White said. Also, the idea is to have programs whereby students can spend time at affiliated schools in places such as Switzerland or Asia as part of their education.

White referred to the Wellington proposal as a “not-for-profit” school. He said he wants to open it by August 2027 if everything falls into place. Yung would move to Wellington to oversee it, and both would invest their personal funds in the project, he said.

Napoleone said that prior to discussions with another private school and then Education in Motion, “I don’t think anyone really thought about a school being put on the back half of K-Park.”

On the one hand, Wellington is a rare municipality that invests local funds in its 11 public schools and takes pride in them, he noted. On the other hand, people who do want a private-school alternative have to send their kids a long way to other places in the county, he said.

“From my standpoint, it’s an exciting concept and opportunity for us,” he said.

Siskind asked about opportunities to share amenities with others who are not paying customers. Videos and presentations portraying other EIM schools around the globe highlighted attractions such as a high-end performing arts center and athletic facilities.

“To be a heart of the community,

“Homeowners’ insurance is not fixed, and with the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, insurance rates are likely to further increase,” she said. “Despite special sessions held in recent years, to ‘fix’ the issue, the Republicans have chosen these special sessions to diminish homeowners’ recourse and handed insurance companies $3 billion of taxpayer money for their reinsurance. On top of this, our auto insurance is one of the highest in the nation.”

She supports a special session to deal with the huge increases in condo fees being felt by many residents. “In my district, there are areas where residents have gone from paying $200 a month to more than $1,200 a month due to homeowners’ insurance increases, the new regulations around reserve funding and the structural engineering requirements,” Waldron noted.

When it comes to protecting the environment, she pointed to a recent state attempt to develop part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which was stopped due to a public outcry.

“This was a wake-up call for many, showing the potential loopholes and vulnerabilities with an administration wanting to do an end-run around what they know the public does not want and has never asked for,” Waldron said.

“Now the legislature must work, in a bi-partisan manner, to enact rules that will prevent any future attempts to develop our state parks.”

Among her top goals is to continue helping her constituents resolve their issues.

“This has included helping parents get their school voucher payments; working with FPL to replace streetlights that have gone out; helping teachers get their certificates from the Florida Department of Education when unnecessarily delayed; and helping residents wind their way through bureaucracy to start receiving food stamps for their disabled child,” Waldon said.

She believes that many of these issues are of particular interest to Wellington residents. “Protecting our environment, including our state parks from unnecessary development, is extremely important to Wellington residents,” she said.

Waldron also seeks to protect public schools from cuts harming teachers’ ability to properly teach

for passage, since a supermajority was required. A motion by Shorr to set the rate at 2.8587 mills also failed, as did one by Maniglia to keep it 3.00 mills but withhold $100,000 for the relief fund. Danowski then said that she would support leaving the rate at 3.00 mills if $150,000 was cut out of the budget and put in the relief fund. A motion to that effect passed 4-1 with Shorr dissenting. The overall budget, with the discussed revisions, also passed 4-1 with Shorr dissenting.

you have to allow the community in,” White said. “Obviously, we’re going to put the needs of the students first, but as part of that program, we will be inviting in students and teachers from other schools.”

White said he did not anticipate boarding students at this point.

Councilwoman Maria Antuña asked how the school would attract teachers when that has been a problem at times already because of issues like housing affordability.

“If we’re drawing them from the school district, now that becomes a problem for the school district,” she said.

Teachers would be the top priority after attracting students and families, and they could represent a mix of international teachers and local hires, representatives for the school venture said.

As for attracting teachers, Himmel pointed to opportunities to incorporate affordable or workforce housing into this project or others in the area.

But is there really demand for 1,600 or more students at premium prices? Advocates for the plan say research indicates a backlog of about 2,000 people in the region who can’t get into existing private schools because they are full.

Also, they foresee a continued influx of people relocating from places like New York, Boston, Chicago and California, a migration that became pronounced during the pandemic.

Himmel cited the case of financial firm Goldman Sachs, which took office space in West Palm Beach but saw some executives with young families balk because they worried about educational capacity and opportunities. Many of those contemplating a move are used to private schools where they are now and seek that option before deciding on a move with their families.

“The research we’ve had, and supported by Related, is that a lot of families are not moving to

students and ensure that there is the correct amount of infrastructure to alleviate congestion and to keep up with future, already approved developments. She also supports protecting a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions.

Waldron describes herself as a strong legislator who has passed important bills.

“During my term as a representative and more recently while campaigning, I have been able to meet with thousands of constituents one on one,” she said. “This allows me to fully understand the neighborhoods and the different issues our communities are concerned about.”

Waldron added that the district is diverse with different priorities, from Greenacres trying to move away from septic toward sewer,

ITID

Citrus Grove Halloween

continued from page 1 on motorcycles, off-highway vehicles and golf carts mix with little trick-or-treaters and older revelers on foot, he said.

Supervisors and staff members “could be held criminally liable if something went really wrong,” Hanson warned.

“We’re not trying to shut down what the residents are trying to do,” ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said. “What we’re trying to do is to protect the district, all 45,000 residents, the staff and the board.”

In the end, board members voted 4-1 to approve a permit request from the Acreage Landowners’ Association to host an event from 5 to 9 p.m. geared toward young trick-or-treaters in Citrus Grove Park, located at the corner of Citrus Grove and Avocado boulevards.

Accomando cast the lone dissenting vote. “I feel like there’s still way too much liability,” she said.

The park event will include bounce houses, food trucks and four to six Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies to watch over the gathering, ALA President Bob Morgan said this week. The park also contains the only public restrooms in the area.

“The idea is to create a safe space,” ITID Supervisor Betty Argue said. “This gives the younger children and parents a place to go. I believe the ALA and the community can host a safe event.”

Still, the park will be open to anyone with no age restrictions or ID checks, said Morgan — if it happens.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 2, Morgan was trying to find an affordable “sexual predator rider” to add to ALA’s existing event insurance as part of a special requirement of ITID approval. The rider is expected to cost $2,000 to $3,000.

A search by the Town-Crier of the U.S. Department of Justice’s sexual offender web site shows that 24 offenders or predators live

Florida or Palm Beach, because the schools are full or it doesn’t have the quality of schools we’re offering,” White said.

Village Manager Jim Barnes said he heard enough consensus to continue with negotiations on a purchase and sale agreement with Related and its partners. Council members took no vote on that during the workshop, though more than one expressed a desire for a meeting to let members of the public weigh-in on this topic.

“Hopefully, we’ll sit here in five years’ time, and you’ll say, well, we got it right,” White said.

In other business:

• Meeting Thursday, Sept. 19, the council invoked a moment of silence to honor two people who recently died. One was Cynthia Gardner, 71, who died Sept. 16 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. She served on several village boards and was a passionate champion of the equestrian community, Napoleone said. Also recognized was Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto, 73, who died Sept. 14. Napoleone called him a “20-year council member as our neighbor and a tremendous public servant.”

• The council unanimously

to Wellington residents concerned with unchecked development.

“I moved down here more than 20 years ago from the Washington, D.C., area and have lived in other states,” she said. “As a result, I have a broader perspective on the way other state legislatures work, as well as what works and

‘Family

approved a resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, and the occasion arrived with an additional honor that came as a surprise to its recipient. Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter announced a proclamation for Sept. 19, 2024, to be known as Maria Antuña Day, honoring the village’s first Hispanic council member. Baxter highlighted Antuña’s decades of leadership, including service as chief executive officer of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. “It’s a moment I’m not ever going to forget, and I’m going to treasure in my heart forever,” Antuña said.

• By another unanimous vote, the council gave final passage to a $148 million village budget for the new fiscal year starting Oct. 1, $10 million more than the previous year. Rising revenues come primarily from increasing home values subject to property taxes, though the tax rate itself remains unchanged, and increases in village-run utility rates to cover improvements in water and wastewater systems. An interactive map that is planned for the rotator at the top of the village’s web site will provide information on spending for various projects, officials said.

what does not. Legislation that may seem intuitively a home run to fix an issue, may have unintended consequences once implemented… It is important to have as broad a perspective as possible.”

Learn more about Waldron’s campaign at www.votekw.com.

Treasures

Show And Tell’ Set For Oct. 19

The Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County will host a “Family Treasures Show and Tell” on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Main Library at 3650 Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Nothing brings family history more alive than the treasures

within two miles of the park. Still, such an insurance add-on has never been required before for events run by the ALA, Morgan said.

The ALA usually operates under a service provider agreement (SPA) with the district, but not for this event, Hanson said. “They’re doing this as an independent entity. The district has no involvement.”

In fact, the board also voted not to hold the Halloween parade that ITID staff had planned for the weekend of Oct. 26 along Citrus Grove and Hall boulevards, ending in a trunk-or-treat event at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park.

“I hope things go well at the Citrus Grove [Park] event, but it makes me nervous,” Supervisor Patricia Farrell said. “This could fall back on the district.”

Morgan said he reached out to an individual in the Citrus Grove community who was seeking help to stage a more kid-friendly event away from but in conjunction with the raucous street party that has been growing for some 20 years. He added that weeks of ITID board and staff debate about who should do what or nothing related to the Halloween event points to what he sees as deeper problem.

ITID staff is trying to take over all the events, including a Christmas parade that traditionally has been run by the ALA, Morgan said.

“I don’t get it,” he said. “All of a sudden, it has all changed. They want to shoo us out the door.”

Argue, a longtime supporter of the ALA, noted that historically, the organization has run local events and concerts.

“I don’t think the citizens of ITID want the district running events and paying for them with taxpayer dollars,” she said.

Doherty said she wished she could turn back the clock to when the Citrus Grove Halloween party was a neighborhood event that made it easier for children to trick-or-treat in an area with large lots, fences and long driveways. It was a time of hayrides and recipes made and shared with neighbors along the street.

“It was a beautiful thing,” she

received from generations of the past. At the Oct. 19 meeting, members will share their most cherished artifacts with everyone. Come and hear all the intriguing stories! Learn more about the Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County at www.gensocofpbc.org.

said. “It was never intended to be food trucks and all this. We just wanted an old fashioned trickor-treat.”

In other business:

• The supervisors saw a presentation from ITID Engineer Jay Foy regarding drainage issues being created by individuals building homes or adding such things as multi-car garages, large workshops or mother-in-law suites. Such construction can push excess water onto neighboring properties and into swales, streets and canals, especially during heavy rain events, supervisors were told. Argue asked Foy to gather further information and do modeling based on that data.

“We need an idea of where we’re at and what we need,” she said. “What the county is allowing [property owners] to build is way more than what [ITID’s] water control plans were based on… We can’t ignore this. This is a serious problem.”

• The supervisors directed staff to bring to the board’s Wednesday, Oct. 16 meeting a resolution stating that the district will “defend and assert” all of its rights under a May 14 circuit court ruling stating that ITID roads belong to the district and are not “public roads.”

The ruling came in response to a suit by the City of Westlake’s major landowner and developer Minto Communities USA and the Seminole Improvement District, which provides most of Westlake’s infrastructure. Minto and SID had been seeking to connect Westlake’s roads to those owned by ITID at 140th Avenue North near Persimmon Blvd.

“Whatever we do and have been doing is always about the district and the residents of the district and protecting our taxpayers,” Argue said. “This lawsuit in particular was very important… to answer the question about the roads.” Accomando agreed. “It’s important for residents to understand what has been going on, what we’re up against today, and what we’re going to be up against in the future,” she said.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter presents Councilwoman Maria Antuña with the proclamation honoring her, joined by other council members. PHOTO COURTESY COMMISSIONER SARA BAXTER

RE-ELECT

VOTE NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Early Life and Education

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana.

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

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

My Professional Background

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

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

companies in their benefits programs.

Community Involvement

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

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

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

Political Career

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

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

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

Vision for the Future

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

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

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

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

Communication and Unity: I advocate for better communication among residents and promoting unity within the district.

Just a simple fact: I’ll work for you, and have no conflicts of interest. I can’t say that about my opponent!

My Personal Motto: “People above politics”

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Count

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Annual Wellington Dinner Dance To Benefit Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County recently announced the details of its 37th annual Wellington Dinner Dance that will benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington.

This iconic event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The theme will be a “Bridgerton” inspired masquerade ball, and it is the primary fundraising event for the Wellington club. Serving as the chairs for this event will be Jason Kimbrell, the CEO of HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, along with Julie and John Kime.

“This event is one of the highlights of the Wellington social season and boasts one of the most

impressive silent auctions you’ll ever see. The amount of hard work that goes into this event is staggering and couldn’t be done without the sheer dedication of our impressive roster of all-star committee members,” Julie Kime said.

The honorary chairs for the 37th annual Wellington Dinner Dance are Dr. Edward & Maria Becker and Scott & Jenell Harris. The primary sponsors are HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, Julie and John Kime, and Rick Asnani of Cornerstone Solutions. Committee members for the event include April Berube, Dr. Elizabeth Gonzales-Bruno, Jennifer Diogo, Kristi Fioravanti, Shanell Foster, Barbara Gilbert, Heidi Harland, Jenell Harris, Jayne Hernandez, Julie Khanna,

MATTHEW TKACHUK VISITS WELLINGTON GREEN

On Friday, Sept. 20,

and get items signed.

Jason Kimbrell, Julie Kime, Luc Limbourg, Sonali Mendiratta, Jay Mikosch, Marcella Montesinos, Nikhil Ramprasad, Kayla Roderman, Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Nataliya Stepanets, Conchetta Theros, Julie Trieste and Marta Weinstein.

“The reason that this event has been a resounding success for 37 years is because of the incredible support it receives each year from the Wellington community. Spe-

cial thanks go to our chairs, sponsors and committee members who work so tirelessly to make this night so memorable for so many,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. For more information, contact Mary Coleman, director of development with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, at mary.coleman@bgcpbc.org or (561) 683-3287, ext. 1103.

Fright Nights Looks To Terrify Those Willing To Brave The Event

midway will open at 6 p.m., and the haunted houses will open at 7 p.m. Closing time is at 11 p.m. on Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Two scare zones, Seasons Beatings and the Smiths, are being planned, along with four haunts: Autumn of Terror, Nightmare in Yamato, Nuclear Beats and The Ritual. For a full description, visit www.myfrightnights.com/ current-haunts.

Nights will continue to be held on every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October. The

Event tickets cost $45 and include admission and 35 “fright credits.” These credits can be used on haunted houses (10 credits per house) or midway rides (three to

five credits per ride). Additional credits may be purchased on the midway at the following prices: $1 for 1 fright credit; $10 for 10 fright credits; $20 for 25 fright credits; and $40 to 55 fright credits. New this year is the Dead Ringers Club. Event organizers say it’s an experience like no other, designed to plunge members into the depths of fear. This exclusive, elite VIP package grants them admission to all four haunts, entry to the RIP Lounge, and a fast pass to bypass the lines. As a token of their bravery, they’ll receive a swag bag of items. Compli-

mentary parking is included. Each ticket is $150 per person, limited to only 100 souls per night. Additionally, there are several ways to save. A BOGO deal, valid only on Thursdays, will be offered for Oct. 10, 17 and 24. Buy one regular Fright Nights ticket at $45 and get one regular Fright Night ticket free. BOGO tickets must be purchased in advance online. BOGO ticket sales will end each Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. and become available for purchase again on the following Friday. Visit www.myfrightnights. com/frighttickets for details on this and other ticket options.

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(Front row) Jayne Hernandez, Marta Weinstein, Jenell Harris, Shanell Foster, Sonali Mendiratta and Julie Trieste; and (back row) Julie Khanna, Nikhil Ramprasad, Dr. Elizabeth Gonzales-Bruno, Kristi Fioravanti, Conchetta Theros, Nataliya Stepanets, April Berube, Kayla Roderman and Barbara Gilbert. Not pictured: Jennifer Diogo, Heidi Harland, Jason Kimbrell, Julie Kime, Luc Limbourg, Jay Mikosch and Dr. Andrew Shapiro. PHOTO BY TRACEY

PHOTOS BY LUIS AGUIRRE

Matthew Tkachuk signs hockey pucks.

Matthew Tkachuk greets some of his fans.

Village of Wellington held

(Front) Lucy Gardner and Patty McFarland with (back row) Monique Lananna and Margie Cruzado.

Aloha Islanders Mahina, Rangivaru and Atzi onstage.

Atzi with Rick Febles.

Junior Stephens plays the steel pan drums. Kyle Ostroff with Atzi.

Atzi leads the ladies in some dance moves.

Wellington’s Jenifer Brito and Kyle Ostroff with the Aloha Islanders.

Tony Alfalla and Gilberto Franco. Brenda and Glenn Ikalina.

Junior Stephens leads the dancers around the room.

Diane Rice gets a lei from Atzi.

The ladies try out their dance moves.

Ladies gather on stage for a group photo.

Rangivaru with the guys on stage.

Rangivaru shows the guys some dance moves.

BINKS FOREST ELEMENTARY PTA HOLDS ‘MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE’ PARTY

Stefanie and Paul DeGrocco.

Angela and Andre Bustamante of Atomic Electric.

Cletus and Melissa Lawler of Healthy Enhancements.

John Raineri, David Jimenez and Assistant Principal Patrick McNeece. Megan and Danny Myer.

PTA board members gather for a group photo.

Michelle and Benjamin Broome. Lisandra Perez and Kelvin Chang.

John and Melissa Raineri of Raineri Consulting.

Stacie and Scott Poritz.

Flavio and Zarah Barros. Rachel and Ryan Smith.

Blackjack dealer Jeanne with Michelle Smith and Tiffany Mundo.

Daniel and Dara Lustig.

Yeri and Jessica Lavin.

Victoria and Richard Boyle with Martin and Michelle Mikhail.

Andrea and Sergio Mariaca of Mariaca Wealth Management.

Cashiers Andrea Mariaca, Elizabeth Kelley and Amy Dominic.

Palm Beach Central On A Roll, While TKA Remains Undefeated

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The King’s Academy Lions, the Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcats and the Palm Beach Central High School Broncos remain this season’s dominant local football teams. TKA remains undefeated, while Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach Central are both 4-1. Wellington High School is inching its way back to .500, while Seminole Ridge High School and Berean Christian School continue to struggle.

The King’s Academy — After a bye week, TKA was scheduled to play at Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach on Thursday, Sept. 26, but the game was postponed to Monday, Sept. 30 due to Hurricane Helene. In that game, TKA prevailed, 17-0. In their five victories, the TKA defense has produced three shutouts. TKA has yielded an average of 7.2 points a game while scoring an average of 27 points. Head coach Dan Burack was pleased with his squad’s effort against Inlet Grove.

“Our team showed a lot of poise and determination toward winning our first district game,” Burack said. “Not playing for almost 16 days was a tough hurdle to knock some dust off, but the guys picked it up after halftime. Levi Champion had 14 tackles, five of which were tackles for a loss. He’s really a dominant player for our defense.”

The Lions (5-0) will look to continue their winning ways on

Friday, Oct. 4, when they host Joshua Christian Academy from Jacksonville for homecoming.

Royal Palm Beach High School — On Friday, Sept. 20, the Wildcats (4-1) earned their fourth win of the season when they defeated then-undefeated Forest Hill High School, 38-16. The Wildcats, who had a bye week Friday, Sept. 27, will be looking for their fifth win of the season on Friday, Oct. 4, when they play the first of four consecutive road games. On Oct. 4, Royal Palm Beach travels to Boca Raton High School to play the undefeated Bobcats (5-0), and on Thursday, Oct. 10, Royal Palm Beach will play at West Boca Raton High School.

According to head coach Chuck Kenyon, it’s going to take the best effort of the season by his team to defeat Boca Raton. “If we come out as well as we did against Forest Hill, we’ll have a good chance against Boca,” Kenyon said.

Palm Beach Central High School — After a bye week, Palm Beach Central responded with an impressive 26-10 homecoming victory on Friday, Sept. 27 against the then-undefeated Jupiter Warriors (4-1).

That win improved the Broncos’ record to 4-1. It was the thirdstraight victory for the Broncos. In the win, Palm Beach Central quarterback Chance Routson threw three touchdown passes, one each to Kamare Williams, Preston Parker and Nedrick Boldin. Head coach Kevin Thompson is

Berean

proud of the progress and improvement that his team has shown since their 28-7 home loss to West Boca Raton back on Aug. 29.

“Our team’s attitude was wrong, and it was all my fault. We needed to improve team discipline,” Thompson said. “We started everything again from scratch. We took away all varsity privileges from the players and made them earn their spots on the team, their jerseys and access to the locker room. Our team now has a ‘we over me’ attitude.”

Thompson’s new approach is working. In the win against Jupiter, Thompson noted that strong performances were turned in by quarterback Chance Routson, kicker Ethan Dagostino, wide receiver Nedrick Boldin, cornerback Emmanuel Toussaint and cornerback Tiago Mendes.

At halftime of the Jupiter game, Palm Beach Central seniors Sean Lewis and Camila Sarria were crowned as the homecoming king and queen.

On Friday, Oct. 4, Palm Beach Central hosts rival Palm Beach Gardens High School (1-3), and on Thursday, Oct. 10, the Broncos will travel to Palm Beach Lakes High School, which has only won one game.

At the midway point of the season, junior quarterback Chance Routson has completed 75 of 134 passes (56 percent) for 951 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is averaging 155 yards per game. Palm Beach Central’s leading rusher is senior running back Frankie Vomero, who has 59 carries for 448 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging 64 yards per game. Palm Beach Central’s leading receiver is senior wide receiver Preston Parker, who has caught 18 passes for 252 yards and five touchdowns. The leading defender is junior middle linebacker Antoine Sharp, who has 63 tackles, two sacks and is averaging 12.5 tackles per game. Palm Beach Central senior kicker/punter Ethan Dagostino is 3-for-5 in field goal attempts, has converted all 18 point-after-

touchdown (PAT) attempts and he’s averaging 42 yards per punt with a long punt of 59 yards.

Wellington High School — On Friday, Sept. 27, the Wolverines put together a strong, balanced effort to defeat the Palm Beach Lakes Rams, 31-0. That victory improved their record to 2-3.

According to head coach Ross Pryor, the key to the win against the Rams was the stellar play by Wellington’s offensive line. “Our offensive line was dominant and cleared the way,” he said. “Our run game was great.”

On Friday, Oct. 4, the Wolverines will be looking to even their record at 3-3 when they travel to play undefeated Dr. Joaquín García High School (6-0).

In order for Wellington to defeat Garcia, Pryor said his team needs to control the line of scrimmage, establish a superior running game and eliminate careless penalties.

“We are going to need to ‘pound the rock’ and stay poised in the penalty battle,” he said. “On defense, we must stop the run and prevent the pass.”

Seminole Ridge High School — The Hawks (0-6) remain in pursuit of their first victory of the season. Despite going winless, the team remains upbeat and confident that their fortunes will change soon.

“We got hit with a lot of injuries

Christian School Girls Volleyball Having A Great Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The girls varsity volleyball team from Berean Christian School is having one of the best seasons in school history. With a strong 11-4 start to the regular season, the Bulldogs are focused on three objectives — continuing to build a strong Christian connection with one another, winning their first district title in school history and making a deep run in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 1A state playoffs.

Under the direction of head coach Sam Skelton, the team has been doing all the big things and little things this season that volleyball teams must do in order to suc-

ceed on the court. Their attention to detail started over the summer.

“This summer, I gave each member of the team goals to achieve as individuals, which are now helping them as individuals and as volleyball players,” said Skelton, a longtime South Florida high school and collegiate volleyball coach, now in his second year coaching girls volleyball at Berean.

One of the keys to coaching success for Skelton is that he doesn’t focus all his time on building each player’s volleyball skill set.

“Our strength is focusing on building our character,” Skelton explained. “I want to help these young ladies grow as strong women, who will make the right

choices and do the right thing in life. I focus on developing servant leaders who will encourage, promote and support one another on the volleyball court and off the volleyball court.”

The highlight of the season, to date, was when the Bulldogs captured the championship of the Highlands Christian tournament held Sept. 6-7, when they won three games in two days.

The on-the-court leaders for Berean have been the team’s three senior co-captains, Lily Young, Evelyn Vejvoda and Malia Johnson.

Young is very comfortable along the net. She is an accomplished outside hitter and middle blocker. Vejvoda is the team’s

leading outside hitter and rightside hitter, while Johnson is the team’s libero.

Young leads the team in kills, kills per set and hitting percentage. According to Skelton, she is the glue that keeps the team together.

“Lily holds the team together and keeps everybody accountable,” he said. “Lily, who is good enough to play college volleyball, truly plays volleyball for the love of the sport. Her first love is acting. We have a theme night for every home game, and Lily comes up with the various themes for the team.”

Another key player for Berean is sophomore Londyn Clark, who is leading the squad in digs and digs per set. Clark is second in five other statistical categories: kills per set, hitting percentage, serving aces, kills and receptions.

In late September, the Bulldogs had an impressive 10-1 record before they competed in the Palm Beach Classic Volleyball Tournament, held Sept. 27-28 in Palm Beach Gardens. Berean’s opponents were Spanish River, Palm Beach Gardens and a team from Puerto Rico. The Bulldogs were shorthanded, playing without three of their regulars. As a result, Berean lost all three games. That represented a learning experience for Skelton’s squad.

“The biggest thing the girls

learned is about their attitude and approach to the game when there is chaos,” Skelton said.

The team bounced back on Oct. 1 with a three-set sweep (25-11, 25-9, 25-23) of Glades Day School in Belle Glade.

Prior to that road win against Glades Day, Skelton and his players gathered together and agreed to adjust their approach for the rest of the season. “We tried to decide what things we could do or stop doing that weaken us and focus on what we can do to make each

other stronger,” Skelton

Looking forward,

and his

are getting

District 13 end-of-season

up for the FHSAA’s

If Berean wins its district tournament, which will be held Oct. 1418, Skelton’s squad will advance to the FHSAA’s Class 1A state tournament. If Berean stumbles and loses in its district tournament, there’s

(Left) Katelyn Baer attempts a block. (Right) Londyn Clark keeps the ball alive for Berean.

Berean Christian School’s girls volleyball team following their victory in the Highlands Christian Tournament. PHOTOS BY JENNY SCHARTNER

Wellington High School’s Brandon Gomez (left) and Trey Allen (right) during the game against Palm Beach Lakes. PHOTOS BY JACK BARLETT

The Royal Palm Beach High School football team.

Palm Beach Central’s 2024 homecoming queen and king, seniors Camila Sarria and Sean Lewis.

said.

Skelton

team

geared

Class 1A,

tournament.

The Palm Beach Central defense (in black)

RPBHS Junior Varsity Football Team Has New Winning Tradition

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

While the varsity football team at Royal Palm Beach High School is experiencing a resurgence under head football coach Chuck Kenyon, some of the credit for the success of the varsity squad can be attributed to a sound and successful junior varsity football program under the leadership of head coach Brandon Huggins.

Last year’s junior varsity football team at RPBHS had a perfect 5-0 record, and this year’s team is currently 3-0.

“Brandon has done a good job of putting the right kids in the right positions in order to maximize their productivity,” Kenyon said. “Also, the junior varsity squad

uses the same terminology as the varsity squad, so that allows players to make a seamless transition to the varsity.”

All three wins this season have been against rival schools in the western communities. Two victories were against Palm Beach Central High School’s JV squad. The third win was against Wellington High School’s JV unit. Earlier this season, Royal Palm Beach defeated Palm Beach Central in the first game by two points, 8-6, and by four points, 16-12, in the second game. In the first game, Wildcat freshman Alphonzo Carter scored the team’s lone touchdown. In the second game, freshman Jayden Francis scored both touchdowns

for Royal Palm Beach, the first one coming on a game-opening kickoff return.

In the Wellington game, Royal Palm Beach prevailed 24-6. In that game, Francis scored two touchdowns, Carter scored one touchdown and running back Malik Profit scored one touchdown.

With a squad of 25 players, some members of the team are playing both offense and defense. Nearly every player on the squad is a freshman.

“All of our receivers on offense also play as defensive backs and cornerbacks on defense,” added Huggins, who played high school football at WHS from 2001 to 2005.

According to Huggins, three

of the key players on offense for Royal Palm Beach are freshman quarterback Jarius Askins and two of his running backs, Malik Profit and Michal Baker. All three have played pivotal roles for the team this year.

Huggins said his defense plays a 3-3 Stack, which has kept the opposition at bay.

“On defense, we have three defensive linemen and three linebackers,” said Huggins, who doubles as the running backs coach for the varsity football team. “That leaves us five players playing as defensive backs and as a safety.”

The RPBHS JV football team’s next game will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 at home against Palm Beach Gardens High School.

Pair Of TKA Football Teammates Help Lead Lions On Gridiron

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

Two of the team

on and off the football field

for this year’s varsity football team at the King’s Academy are a pair of four-year starters, who are also co-captains of the team. They are senior quarterback Joe Dailey and senior wide receiver/cornerback Javian Jones.

Dan Burack, the head football coach at TKA, has nothing but strong words of praise for both players, who lead by example at all times.

“Joe sees the whole field while in the pocket and can quickly make the correct decision to run or pass. He passes the ball very well and is a strong runner,” Burack said. “Javian has great hands and can run, too. Both players are hard workers.”

According to Burack, both are committed to the current and future success of the TKA football program.

“Just recently, both Joe and Javian were speaking with a group of middle school football players about what it takes to be successful in football here at King’s,” Burack added.

In addition to being four-year varsity starters, both players have strong grade point averages, and both want to play collegiate football, hopefully at the same college. According to Burack, both are on the radar screen for Florida International University. Dailey has received interest from Harvard, while Western Michigan University is looking at Jones. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Dailey and Jones, this year’s TKA team is off to a perfect

5-0 start to the season. The most recent victory was against Inlet Grove High School. The Lions defeated Inlet Grove, 17-0, on Monday, Sept. 30. The Lions will pursue their sixth win of the season on Friday, Oct. 4, when they host Joshua Christian Academy for homecoming.

To date, both Dailey and Jones are having strong statistical seasons. As a quarterback, Dailey is completing 61 percent of his passes. He has thrown nine touchdown passes and is averaging 171 yards passing per game.

Jones is having a great year as a wide receiver. Through the first five games, he is averaging more than 100 yards receiving per game. He has six touchdown receptions. One of his touchdown catches was for 92 yards in the game against Gulliver Prep. As

a defensive back, Jones has three interceptions.

Both players also speak highly of one another.

“Javian has great speed, has a high football IQ, and can get open downfield,” Dailey said.

“Joe reads the field very well, and he often knows who is going to be open by looking at the defense’s formation before the snap,” Jones noted.

Their familiarity with one another extends beyond the football field to the basketball court. Both play on the school’s varsity basketball team.

In football, Dailey is always passing the ball to Jones. In basketball, the opposite is true, since Jones is a point guard, who is often passing the ball to Dailey, a shooting guard.

The two football areas where

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RPBHS JV player Alphonzo Carter in action. PHOTO BY BRANDON HUGGINS

The Wellington Wrestling Club recently traveled

(Left) TKA quarterback Joe Dailey throws the football. (Right) Wide receiver Javian Jones focuses on catching the ball. PHOTOS BY DEREK CHIRCH

CRESSWIND GROUP HOLDS FUNDRAISER FOR THE KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION

The Cresswind Charity Golf Tournament in memory of Eli Paine with proceeds to support the Kids Cancer Foundation was held Monday, Sept. 23 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The event was organized by Jeff and Robin McDonald with residents of the Cresswind neighborhood in Westlake. The event included a raffle and silent auction, along with an adopt-a-bear program for $50 with a child’s photo on it, and the child gets the bear to comfort them. Learn more about the Kids Cancer Foundation at www. kidscancersf.org.

Football Tough Season For Sem

Ridge

continued from page 21 early in the season, which put our defense in a tough spot,” head coach Chad Chieffalo said. “And, despite that, we have been in a position to win every game so far. We are going to prepare like we have every week. Maybe with a little more focus on fundamentals — things like blocking, tackling, block destruction, eliminating penalties and ball security. We have to do better this week with attention to detail if we’re going to see the win column.”

In their two most recent games, Seminole Ridge fell 49-21 to Santaluces High School on Friday, Sept. 20. On Friday, Sept. 27, the Hawks lost 42-33 to Palm Beach Gardens.

The Hawks will be seeking their first win of the season when they visit the Benjamin School (2-3) on Friday, Oct. 4. On Friday, Oct. 11, the Hawks have a bye week. Berean Christian School —

After opening the regular season with three losses, the Bulldogs have split their last four games. The two wins were a 14-7 victory against Central Florida Christian Academy on Friday, Sept. 6 and a 20-8 victory against Marco Island Academy on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The two losses were both against Miami Country Day School, a 41-6 loss on Friday, Sept. 13 and a 44-0 loss on Friday, Sept. 27. The next game for Berean (2-5) will be Thursday, Oct. 10 in

Academy.

Boca Raton against Saint John Paul II

Seminole Ridge’s Sebastian Rincon evades the Palm Beach Gardens defense. PHOTO BY RICHARD AREYZAGA JR.

Robin McDonald with Lucy, June and Rachel Paine with a photo of Eli Paine.

Brandon Sargent with his mystery box.

Jason Heatherly won a basket, shown with Rachel Paine.

First-place winners Tyler Stachkunas, Brandon Sargent, Brian Traino and Brian Eidelbus with Jeff McDonald.

Event volunteers gather for a group photo.

Nicole Roman of Southern & 441 Nissan with event organizer Jeff McDonald.

Closest-to-the-pin winner Jacob Hensler with Jeff McDonald.

Longest drive winner Tyler Stachkunas with Jeff McDonald.

Kids Cancer Foundation Executive

Director Michelle O’Boyle, Wellington

National CEO Doug Marty and KCF Outreach Coordinator Sandy Erb.

Daniel Wynn adopted a bear to support a child.

Rick Meli adopted a bear to support a child.

Alan Staten made his birdie putt with encouragement from Rich Smolen, Sean Lavender and Andrew Strange.

Jessica, Eli, Zoey and Elio Hidalgo with Kids Cancer Foundation Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle.

Tony Castano, Cameron Saienni, Blaize Kachmar and Alex Pantaleo with Action Construction Group.

Dan Comstock, Joe Dymkowski, Kevin Shapiro and Dan Silverstein.

Mike Lester, Jeff McDonald, Kim Hoffer and Ed Stamper.

Wellington Equestrian Turned Boxer Katelyn Hess Wins Masters Boxing Championship Belt

Katelyn Hess is a local equestrian who trains horses in Wellington. But it may surprise you that the show ring isn’t the only ring that she gets in to compete as an athlete. She came back recently from a trip to New Jersey with a new souvenir — a championship boxing belt that she won in the Pat E. Johnson Masters Boxing Tournament held in Atlantic City.

Hess is a registered USA Boxing athlete and has competed at local sanctioned boxing events in Florida. She decided to take it up a notch and compete in a tournament series, so she entered the New Jersey Masters Championships and traveled to Atlantic City in her

Ken’s Krew Helps Those With Autism Enter The Workforce And Succeed

Ken’s Krew, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities find meaningful employment, continues to transform lives through career coaching, job placement and ongoing support. The organization’s mission is to ensure that individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities can enter the workforce, earn a fair wage and maximize their potential.

A remarkable example of Ken’s Krew’s impact is the story of Alejandro Hernandez, a 24-year-old from Westlake. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, Alejandro was non-verbal until the age of 7. This journey has been marked by many challenges, both emotionally and financially, for him and his family. Despite these obstacles, Alejandro has grown into an amazing young man who is nearly independent and currently employed at Home Depot.

“We are incredibly proud of Alejandro and others like him,

The Palm Beach County Library System is proud to announce a month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month that runs through Oct. 15. The library system invites the community to join in honoring the rich history, culture, impact and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in Palm Beach

who show immense strength and perseverance,” said Ilana Solomon, Palm Beach County vocational coordinator at Ken’s Krew. “Our mission is to provide the necessary resources and support to help individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities succeed in their careers and lives.”

Denise Negron and Felix Hernandez, Alejandro’s parents, are spearheading a new fundraising effort to support the expansion of Ken’s Krew. “We are deeply grateful for the support received from Ken’s Krew and Home Depot,” they said. “This is a critical opportunity to provide hope and resources to a community with limited options. By joining forces, we aim to raise the necessary funds to help Ken’s Krew expand its services and reach more individuals in need.”

The fundraising campaign invites community members to join the Florida Team and to contribute to this vital cause by visiting https://givebutter.com/GreatStat-

County and around the world. A variety of engaging activities and events will be offered for all ages. Families can enjoy bilingual story times, arts and crafts workshops inspired by Latin American traditions and interactive cultural demonstrations. Teenagers can participate in book discussions featuring His-

eChallenge/florida-fundraisers/ denisenegronhernandez. Every donation helps Ken’s Krew continue its mission and support individuals like Alejandro in achieving their career goals.

Ken’s Krew was founded in 1997 by a group of parents concerned about the employment challenges their children with neurodevelopmental disabilities would face. Their search for solutions led them to Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, who offered job opportunities at Home Depot in Philadelphia, inspiring the launch of the pilot program, Ken’s Kids, which provided assessment, training and support to ensure job placement success.

With financial backing from Langone and other donors, fulltime vocational coordinators were hired to guide participants through their employment journey. Over the past 26 years, Ken’s Krew has helped more than 900 individuals transition from students to productive employees, supported by

panic and Latino authors, while adults can attend informative lectures on Hispanic history and literature.

The library will also host several award-winning films.

“We are thrilled to offer a diverse range of activities that reflect the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic and Latino cultures,” Palm Beach

first-ever tournament event.

Masters boxing is for amateur boxers who are 35 and older, and is sanctioned by USA Boxing, the governing body for all amateur boxing up to the Olympic level in the United States. This tournament brought in more than 200 athletes from all over the nation, with the oldest athlete being 74. There were even amateur boxers from Canada and Australia registered to compete.

Hess competed in the female 128- to 132-pound weight division and was matched up against an experienced and tough opponent from Philadelphia who had won all of her bouts so far this year. Hess

Alejandro Hernandez is one of the people successfully employed at Home Depot with help from Ken’s Krew. their families, coaches and workplace teams. Today, the program operates in 10 states and more than 186 Home Depot stores, with continued expansion through new employment partners. For more information, visit www.kenskrew. org or call (212) 290-8999.

County Library System Director Douglas Crane said. “This celebration is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.”

Visit www.pbclibrary.org for a listing of Hispanic Heritage Month events and activities.

was able to dig deep and face her biggest challenge yet. She won and came back to Wellington with the championship belt. Hess has utilized boxing training and strength and conditioning at local performance training program Fight Fit Wellington. She started her training in 2017 with coach Patrick Parsons as a way to keep herself in tip-top shape for her equestrian activities. She enjoyed it so much that in 2021, she decided to take her training program and turn it toward competition in boxing, and in 2022, she registered for her first bout as a USA Boxing athlete. Now, just a few short years later,

she has competed five times and is a Masters Boxing champion. She looks forward to continuing her amateur boxing career and hopes to compete in Florida Golden Gloves next year to try and make it to the national championships. Hess has found such a passion for “the sweet science of boxing” that she even became a certified personal trainer and now also helps teach boxing and strength training to beginners at Fight Fit Wellington as one of the performance coaches while she still trains on the competitive boxing team. She proves that age is just a number, it’s never too late to start and that the sky is the limit.

Grandma’s Angels To Host Annual Holiday Luncheon

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, Grandma’s Place will hold its ninth annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at the Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. Joan O’Connell and Toni O’Brien will serve as the co-chairs of the event. Committee members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Ciminella, Amy Considine, Margaret Donnelley, Manda Galin, Hilda Gonzalez, Patti Hadden, Barbara Hollender, Ryan Hollihan, Jourdan Isasi, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Elizabeth Nunez, Brendita Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Michele Roth, Dina Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Holly Tabernilla and Jaime Taylor. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch, there will be a special

speaker and a small live auction while local CBS12

anchor Liz Quirantes once again serves as the celebrity emcee. The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, based in Royal Palm Beach, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes, 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 at $2,250 each. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket or sponsor the event, call Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 376-0488, e-mail roxanne@ grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org.

Katelyn Hess with coach Patrick Parsons.

Co-chairs Toni O’Brien and Joan O’Connell.

Beach Airport Hotel in West Palm Beach.

The Palm Beach Central High School

and debate program’s 36

won for Presiding Officer, Isabella Workman took fourth place in Student Congress, Alexander Jean-Joseph won for Presiding Officer and Izabelle Vilmont took sixth place for Student Congress.

STRONG SHOWING FOR BRONCO BAND

Palm Beach Atlantic Celebrates Record-Breaking Enrollment

For the third consecutive year, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has welcomed its largest incoming class in the institution’s 56-year history. A total of 958 first-year traditional undergraduate students enrolled in PBA this fall, bringing the university’s overall enrollment to 4,147.

This rise in attendees reflects increased interest in PBA’s Christ-centered, whole-person education, at a time when many higher education institutions struggle with significant enrollment plateaus or declines. PBA’s growth also mirrors South Florida’s rapid economic growth in recent years.

“We are extremely grateful for our faculty, staff and supporters, whose commitment to our mission

of equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly, plays a pivotal role in our growing reputation,”

President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn said. “We look forward to seeing how this incoming class transforms into the next generation of servant leaders and world changers.”

This incoming class of traditional undergraduate students grew by 13.5 percent year over year. PBA’s student body now includes international students from more than 80 countries. PBA’s enrollment growth complements its increased application growth. In June, PBA was ranked third in the nation for application growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to

an analysis by Numerade.

“Our team has been dedicated to raising awareness about PBA’s mission, vision and exceptional academic programs both nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Nancy Brainard, executive vice president of enrollment management. “When families discover that there’s a Christian institution of higher learning in such a beautiful and strategically located setting, their interest is sparked. The world-class opportunities available here are truly exciting and life changing.”

To accommodate PBA’s rapid growth, the university launched its God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022. The capital campaign targets four major construction

TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB OF WELLINGTON

www.templebnaijacob.org Templebnaijacob@gmail.com COME CELEBRATE THE 2024 HIGH HOLIDAYS AT TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB

We are a conservative synagogue serving the western communities of Palm Beach County. Our services are traditional, engaging, and inspiring, in a setting where every congregant counts!

Erev Rosh Hashana Wednesday October 2nd @ 7 PM First Day Thursday October 3rd @ 10 AM Second Day Friday October 4th @ 10 AM

YOM KIPPUR

Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur Friday October 11th @ 6:30 PM Morning Service/Yizkor Saturday October 12th @ 10 AM

Mincha & Book of Yonah October 12th @5:30 PM

N’ilah/Closing Service October 12th @ 6:30 PM FASTING ENDS AT approximately 7:30PM

All services are being held at Temple B’nai Jacob of wellington.

A limited number of tickets are available for non-members. Tickets are $150 or 2 tickets for $250.

Please Contact the Temple for information.

projects that will enable PBA to further respond to market changes, expand in-demand programs, build innovative spaces and further its mission.

PBA’s continued enrollment increase and physical expansion also come as the West Palm Beach community continues to experience remarkable growth, garnering attention on a national scale as “Wall Street South.” The Business Development Board reports that approximately 100 corporations have migrated to Palm Beach County since 2019.

PBA offers more than 100 different programs and pathways, complemented by its commitment to research and innovation and specialized credentials, one of which

— the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — places PBA in the top six percent of global business schools.

Top undergraduate programs are nursing, biology, psychology, exercise science, marketing, business administration, management, elementary education, finance, business administration + MBA, pre-law and communication.

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides

Palm Beach Atlantic University has a 19-acre campus in downtown West Palm Beach. facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Learn more at www.pba.edu.

Join the Wellington Historical Society for an evening of relive Wellington’s polo history during this Fall Mixer.

Keynote Speakers George Dupont & Brenda Lynn

The National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame 9011 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33467

5:30- 7:30 PM

$50 Members | $60 Non-Members with support from

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members recently traveled to Suncoast High School to compete against 20 other high school teams. Chase Evans

Palm Beach Central debaters at Suncoast High School.

(L-R) Award winners Chase Evans, Isabella Workman and Alexander Jean-Joseph. Now shown: Izabelle Vilmont.

Palm Beach Central High School’s Bronco Band recently started their competitive season at the Boca Regional. The band took first place in Class 3A and also won the Best in Class Music, Visual Performance, General Effect and Color Guard awards.

Angelica Ramirez with other student award winners.

Angelica Ramirez with Principal Reggie Myers (left) and teacher Adriana Pabon (right).

WEF Boosts Palm Beach County Economy With $403.6 Million Impact

Wellington International recently shared the results of a survey on the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), which generated an impressive $403.6 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County, a 14 percent increase from 2023’s contributions of $351.7 million.

As the world’s largest annual equestrian event, the 13-week festival, held each year from January through March, delivered far-reaching benefits to the local economy, including job creation, increased labor earnings and growth in tourism-related spending.

The report was prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, a private, not-for-profit organization that is contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the area as a sports and sports tourism destination.

The total direct expenditure from WEF participants and spectators amounted to $242.2 million, which translated into a total GDP increase of $403.6 million for Palm Beach County. This figure reflects a multiplier effect of 1.67, indicating the broad ripple effects that the event’s spending has on the broader economy.

Economic impact highlights from WEF 2024 include:

• Job Creation: 3,792 jobs were created across various sectors, including equestrian services, tourism, hospitality and retail.

• Labor Earnings: Total labor earnings reached $117.9 million, with an average salary of $31,079 per job.

• Spectator Insights: Spectators expressed high satisfaction with the event, with nearly 95 percent describing their experience as “very enjoyable” to “enjoyable.” More than 60 percent of nonresident spectators came specifically to attend WEF, further highlighting the event’s status as a premier draw for tourism.

Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, praised the event’s contributions to the local community.

“The Winter Equestrian Festival has once again proven its immense value to Palm Beach County,” he said. “Not only does it attract the world’s best equestrian athletes, but it also supports thousands of jobs and stimulates a wide array of local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to stabling and training services. WEF’s role in boosting the county’s economy is undeniable, and we are proud supporters of Palm Beach County.”

The event’s impact on Palm Beach County’s economy is divided into two primary categories: horse-related expenditures and tourist-related expenditures, with an additional contribution from spectators.

Horse Expenditures: $296.7 million (an 87 percent increase from $158.4 million in 2023).

This category represents 74 percent of the total economic impact, with nonresident participants (riders, owners and trainers) spending an average of $40,599 per horse over the 13-week event. Expenses covered stabling, feed, training, farrier services, local transportation and more.

The direct horse expenditures totaled $180 million and stimulated indirect expenditure in local supply chains, leading to an additional $116.7 million in economic activity. The horse-related spending created 2,813 jobs and generated labor earnings of $86.7 million.

Tourist Expenditures: $98.7 million (an 89 percent increase from $52 million in 2023).

Tourists who came to Palm Beach County to participate in or attend the event spent money on lodging, dining, groceries, entertainment, shopping and local transportation, contributed 25 percent of the total impact.

Direct tourist expenditures amounted to $57.1 million, which led to an additional $41.6 million in indirect spending. Tourist spending supported 933 jobs and generated $29.1 million in labor earnings.

With nearly 7,000 horses from 42 countries and all 50 U.S. states, WEF remains a leading draw for equestrian athletes, trainers and owners, with the 2024 event surpassing expectations. A survey of

The Mall At Wellington Green Appoints Marketing Manager

The Mall at Wellington Green recently announced the addition of Julie Schalm to its leadership team. In her new role, Schalm will serve as marketing manager for the shopping destination. Schalm brings nearly a decade of experience in the marketing industry, as well as a passion for brand growth, to her new role. She has previously served as marketing director at Digital Resource and most recently as director of marketing at AP Restaurant Group, where she successfully managed multiple brands, drove revenue increases and elevated the group’s visibility.

Having grown up in Wellington, Schalm is excited to contribute to her local community and promote one of the landmarks of her child-

hood — the Mall at Wellington Green.

“We are elated to add a talented and experienced marketing professional like Julie to our team,” said Asad Sadiq, general manager at the Mall at Wellington Green. “We are confident her contributions will have a positive impact.”

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2 million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination featuring more than 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Pandora, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass and the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History. For more information, visit www. shopwellingtongreen.com.

nonresident participants revealed the following:

Average Horse Expenditure per Participant: $3,805 per horse per week, totaling $40,599 over the 12-week period.

Tourist Spending: Participant tourists averaged $32,367 per party, contributing significantly to local lodging, dining, and retail sectors.

Average Length of Stay: Nonresident participants stayed for an average of 67 nights, contributing 161,061 paid room nights for the local lodging industry.

With growing participation and record-breaking economic contributions, Wellington International is eager to continue building on the success of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

The 2025 WEF competition season will take place from Jan. 1 through March 30. Efforts are being made to enhance spectator

Signature Foot & Ankle recently announced that Dr. Matthew Greenblatt, a board-qualified foot and ankle surgeon with a specialty in sports medicine, has recently joined the team. Greenblatt is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the practice, making him a valuable addition to the local healthcare community.

Greenblatt understands that foot and ankle issues can disrupt your daily routine and is committed to helping his patients get back on their feet as quickly and safely as possible. As a former collegiate athlete, he knows firsthand the mental and physical challenges that come with being sidelined by an injury. His compassionate approach focuses not only on diagnosing and treating the problem but also on establishing clear communication to ensure a healthy patient-doctor relationship.

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Greenblatt earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Ithaca College, where he excelled as a lacrosse player, serving as the team captain and earning all-conference honors twice. He was also named Ithaca College Sportsman of the Year, demonstrating his ded-

ication both on and off the field.

Following his undergraduate studies, he completed his doctorate of podiatric medicine at the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University, where he was recognized for his academic achievements with the Pi Delta Honor Society and the prestigious Michael Stone Award.

Greenblatt went on to complete his surgical residency training at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus in Virginia, serving as chief resident, and later completed a fellowship at the renowned Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore. There, he honed his skills in minimally invasive surgery techniques for the foot and ankle, as well as trauma, deformity correction and lower extremity reconstruction.

With his comprehensive training, Greenblatt is skilled in a wide range of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive techniques for bunions, hammertoes, and midfoot and hindfoot fusions. He also specializes in ankle ligament reconstruction, total ankle replacement, Charcot reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy and limb salvage. In addition to his extensive medical qualifications, Greenblatt is a member of the Florida Podi-

Julie Schalm

My Granddaughter’s Skating Party Took Me Back To My Youth

My granddaughter’s 10th birthday party was last Saturday, and she chose to have her party at an indoor ice skating rink. My job was to get there early, check us in and cover the tables with festive tablecloths. Then I filled 24 goody bags with candy and toys while her father set up the music and her mother set up the food. We were a welloiled machine, having done this before.

At 1 p.m. on the dot, the guests started arriving — boys in hockey jerseys and girls in stretchy, pastel-colored sweater and slacks sets. They got their skates at the rental area and laced them up as the Zamboni machine made its final pass around the rink, leaving in its wake a glistening white surface just begging to be sliced up. It was at that moment, that I lost my

head. I wanted to go ice skating! First of all, let it be said that women “of a certain age” do not need to be tottering around with blades strapped to their feet. Women of a certain age need to sit proudly and helpfully on the sidelines, smiling demurely at the children and handing out flavored water upon request. Second of all,

a childhood spent on the ice in Wisconsin is no excuse. That was then. This is now.

The Zamboni pulled into its allotted parking space, and the children expectantly began filing out onto the ice. Soon there were shrieks of joy echoing through the building. I wanted to go ice skating!

I began plotting my inclusion. After calculating the time it takes broken bones to heal in the elderly and running through my schedule for the upcoming months in my head, I decided I could risk it. I could afford to be on crutches through Thanksgiving.

So, when no one was looking, I made my way to the rental area and flashed my wristband. They non-judgmentally handed me skates! I felt like I’d robbed a bank. I put them on far, far away from the party

and anyone who’d try to stop me. When the coast was clear, I gripped the side wall and put one foot onto the ice. Wow, I thought, this is really slippery. But I was halfway there. I was going to get away with it! I put the other foot onto the ice and let go of the wall. I took a step, then another, then slid. Sliding was definitely the way to go. In fact, I could almost hear my dad yelling at my five-year-old self, “Don’t walk, slide!”

So I slid. I slid all the way around the rink, passing the smaller skaters and ignoring family members who were gesturing at me wildly from the sidelines, wearing horrified expressions. But I could feel the cool wind in my hair. I could feel my heart pumping healthily. I went a little faster.

I started to weave, gracefully. I successfully swerved around a child who had skidded my way and another who crossed directly in front of me, clomping loudly. I considered flipping around and skating backward as I felt my old confidence coming back. I was ice skating!

Two hours later, our time on the rink was up. The children and I made our way to the tables for cake. My granddaughter rushed over to me and said, “Grandma, you’re a better skater than all of my friends!” Perhaps, but I’m going to quit while I’m ahead. I’m not taking synchronized skate-dancing classes or joining a roller derby league or anything. Because I don’t really want to be on crutches through Thanksgiving. Still, it was a glorious day.

‘Am I Racist’ A Fascinating, Albeit One-Sided, Look At Anti-Racism ‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

I went to the movie Am I Racist expecting a mockumentary. You know, actors pretending to be some wild character in order to make a point. Instead, everyone was real. Names were given to punish the guilty, or reward them, depending on your point of view. It was a fascinating, albeit one-sided, view of the anti-racism movement. It is far more powerful to see people being themselves and revealing their thoughts than to have actors pretend. Racism is very real, and anyone who denies it is a fool. And, yes, quite often the system itself can be very unfair. There have been many groups in this country who have faced discrimination. Much of the discrimination has been racial, but ethnic groups and religious groups have faced nastiness as well. And racism should be fought. The question conservative commentator Matt Walsh raises here, however, is are the people fighting racism dealing with the real world or are they grifters? Walsh generally plays himself through a series of interviews and meetings. Most of the people he interviewed assumed he was one of them and gave straightforward answers. The one exception was a class he enrolled in to learn about “systemic white dominance.” A group of people all paid rather a lot of money to have a black woman tell them they were racist because white people all were racist even when they didn’t know it. And all of the people

there agreed. Particularly Walsh, using the name Stephen, who kept interrupting while giving more support than necessary.

As a teacher, I was forced to go to similar workshops, the difference being that the teachers sent were all tenured and were able to abuse the people giving the lessons. If they made factual errors, they were openly mocked. The pupils here seemed to want, actually need, criticism of things they had no part in. I don’t need to have someone tell me I am rotten for the sins of all. I have a wife and family for that.

Later there is a bookend class that Walsh teaches where he goes through a lot of the same things, ending with his distributing whips for self-flagellation. And some of his students seemed ready to go along with it. We also saw him interview Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, who goes through all the reasons why feeling

you are not racist is proof you are. After Walsh pretends to give his black producer $20 in reparations, she hurries to give $30. After this film came out, she wiped her social media.

There are many other bits. One startling one was Walsh going to a biker bar, festooned with confederate flags, and having people there telling them they didn’t really care about race; they’d drink a beer with anyone. A similar conversation with an elderly black man led to his point that the answer was “love and respect.” The man had more wisdom than some of the people with doctorates.

There was one brief, strange restaging of the Jussie Smollett claimed attack that seemed weird and out of place, but generally the conversations were interesting. What is the point of all of this? Much of it is nonsensical, but it makes its point. The people going to these workshops and

paying out sometimes big bucks are the last people in the world who would be racists. Why would a racist even be interested? Mostly they seem well-intentioned masochists.

Anti-racists spout all sorts of philosophical notions about whites that if whites said it about blacks they would be shunned. And rightly so. Martin Luther King talked about not judging people by the color of their skins but the content of their souls. Many anti-racists do the opposite and go even further. White people, to them, are guilty for every sin, real and imagined, in the history of the country and world.

One critic wrote that half the people watching it will applaud, the others will walk out. Personally, I prefer the way of Dr. King. This is an interesting film. If you are interested in the topic, it is something to see. If not, skip it.

WHITE GLOVES