Town-Crier Newspaper June 12, 2026

VAUGHAN RETIRES

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH

ROYAL PALM BEACH ROTARY GALA

Baxter Opts Out Of County Race With Eye On U.S. House

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Honors New Graduates At Ceremony

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29 at the Wellington Community Center. The event celebrated the achievements of a new class of graduating students in nursing and diagnostic medical sonography. Page 15

Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter announced this week that she is entering a crowded field seeking the U.S. House seat for the newly carved District 22. In doing so, Baxter, a Republican, dropped her bid to retain the District 6 seat on the Palm Beach County Commission.

Unless someone new files before the Friday, June 12 deadline, that leaves only Indian Trail Improvement District President Elizabeth Accomando seeking the Republican nomination in District 6. Accomando would then go directly to the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Democrats Mario Guzman and Rudolph Tinker had already qualified for the race as of Wednesday evening, and candidates Moham-

mad Junaid Akther and Katherine Waldron have put in filing paperwork.

Asked this week about Baxter’s decision, Accomando said, “It’s not important who’s on the ballot. I’m not running for a ballot. I’m running for the people of District 6.” As recently as two weeks ago, Baxter told the Town-Crier that she was committed to the county race.

“I didn’t lie,” she said Tuesday. “But I took some time to think about it and make up my mind… I think I’m the best candidate for the job.”

Baxter is not alone in her decision to seek the House District 22 seat. As of Wednesday evening, fellow Republicans David Burck, Michael Carbonara, Terri Hasdorff, Belinda Keiser and Michael Thompson had qualified for the

ballot, as had Democrats Pia Dandiya and Kaysia Earley. Baxter and Republican Richard Evans had filed but not yet qualified. Other names have also been mentioned.

The new U.S. House districts came into being on May 4 when Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed a bill creating several districts more favorable to GOP candidates.

House District 22 includes most of the western communities here in Palm Beach County, which is Baxter’s district, and stretches across the Glades to the west coast and down to Marco Island in Collier County. It also dips into northwestern and central Broward County — enough so that the area will have a major influence on the outcome of the race.

“The creation of the new con-

Community Mourns Wellington Civic Leader Dr. Carmine Priore

By Deborah Welky

Town-Crier Staff Report

On Monday, June 15, a Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life will be held to honor former Wellington Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, who died Tuesday, May 26 at the age of 86.

the community, soon got him elected to local office, first on the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors, and then on the inaugural Wellington Village Council after incorporation.

Commissioners Agree To Send Bonds For Parks, Libraries To Voters

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

and make botanical garden improvements. A proposed list itemizes approximately 50 projects included in the $280 million. Among the items, Okeeheelee Park may see up to $24.8 million in upgrades, while Loxahatchee Groves Park could receive $750,000

Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Director Jennifer Cirillo said. “Many of them will help us be more efficient; many of those projects will also be potentially See BONDS, page 12

RALLY FOR A CAUSE

Page 17

Priore married his high school sweetheart Marie, his wife of 65 years, and served as a captain in the U.S. Army. He then established a large dental practice in Miami before moving to Wellington in 1985. He established a dental practice in this area and, nearly immediately, became involved in community affairs.

Priore was part of the many good works of the Wellington Rotary Club, served on the board of Palms West Hospital, and helped build both of Wellington’s Catholic churches, St. Rita and St. Therese De Lisieux. His willingness to serve, together with his “father figure” popularity within

In 1998, he became Wellington’s second mayor, serving until 2000. Except for one year off the dais, he served continuously on the council from 1996 until his retirement in 2012. Priore was also influential in both the Palm Beach County League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities, where he served as president in 2008. In 2010, the league declared Priore the State of Florida’s “Municipal Leader of the Year,” citing his “leadership, tireless dedication and hard work” as having “improved the lives of people, providing the very best to the citizens of Florida.”

Kathy Foster, Wellington’s first mayor, served alongside Priore for years.

“Carmine loved Wellington, and

after we were able to get seats on the Acme Improvement District board in the early 1990s, he was 100 percent all-in for the incorporation of Wellington and the development of our community,” Foster recalled. “He was a kind and generous man who would help

New Meditation Group Meets Tuesdays At South University

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report

The reverberating hum of a crystal harp danced through the air on Tuesday, June 2, as Yani Daes, founder and CEO of Soham Yoga in Royal Palm Beach, walked among a group of 25 people meditating at the South University Learning Commons. Daes led the group through a guided meditation before the silent meditation took place.

“What is important about meditation is where you give your attention,” she said. “What are you giving your attention to?”

Daes explained that when you’re working on something you enjoy, time passes quickly and seems to disappear because you’re

present in the moment. She asked participants to concentrate on their breathing, to be fully involved in what they were doing, and to only think about their breath.

The week of June 2 was the third week for the new Royal Palm Beach Mindful Meditation Club, and its first meeting while partnered with South University in Royal Palm Beach.

“Meditation groups are important because they create a sense of connection and belonging,” said Nickeshia Bullock, South University’s campus director and dean of academic affairs and operations. “They provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can step away from the demands of daily life, focus

on their well-being, and build meaningful relationships with others who are seeking balance and personal growth.”

Hosting the meditation club at the school was the perfect fit.

“In today’s world, opportunities to slow down, reflect and connect with one another are more valuable than ever. That is one of the reasons I wanted to open our campus space to the meditation group,” Bullock said. “South University is more than a place of learning, it is a part of the community. I believe our campus should serve as a resource where people can come together, learn, grow and support one another. By opening our doors to this group, we are creating opportunities for wellness, connec-

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Many Indian Trail Improvement District residents could see a noticeable decline in their fiscal year 2027 assessments if the proposed budget is adopted, staff members told the ITID Board of Supervisors at a Tuesday, June 2 budget workshop. For instance, Units

“We hope to find even more savings by August,” ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said, looking ahead to the planned final budget vote on Aug. 19. Only six of the district’s 21 taxing units would see increases

and

WES Principal Vaughan Retires, Leaving Behind Lasting Legacy

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Dr. Maria Vaughan, the retiring principal at Wellington Elementary School, is leaving behind a legacy in which every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Throughout her 12-year tenure as principal, she made it her mission to create a school environment where educators connect with students so they can accomplish their dreams.

Before becoming principal at Wellington Elementary in 2014, she was a middle school teacher for 20 years. This eventually led her to be promoted to assistant principal at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach, and then as instructional support team leader for the South Area and West Area offices.

When she arrived, Vaughan was already familiar with the staff and students at Wellington Elementary. She had the chance to work there for three months when former Principal Dr. Eugina Smith Feaman was on maternity leave. Feaman is now the principal at Emerald Cove Middle School.

“I fell in love with Wellington Elementary School and the community when I covered the school

while the principal was on leave a few years earlier, and I knew at that time I wanted to be a part of this special place,” Vaughan said.

One of her greatest accomplishments was helping lead the charge for opening Wellington Elementary’s Fine Arts Academy. The choice program allows students to develop and showcase their creative performance skills. Students can take classes in a variety of subjects, including music, television production, visual arts and theater. Since opening nearly a decade ago, the program has helped attract and retain local students to the public school.

“The Fine Arts Academy, which I launched in 2016, is certainly one of the crown jewels of my tenure,” Vaughan said. “It has provided students with opportunities to discover their voices, pursue their passions, and experience success through creative expression and the arts.”

Wellington Elementary School was the first public school serving the fledgling community when it opened its doors in 1981. While Vaughan was principal, the school maintained its A-rated status and continued to build a heavily connected community.

In May, the school honored Vaughan with a retirement parade. Students and teachers held signs wishing her good luck as she rode along the school’s sidewalks in a golf cart for one of the last times.

Vaughan will be moving to Texas during her retirement. She said that working at Wellington Elementary has been one of the best highlights of her more than 30-year-long career in education.

“Serving as principal of Wellington Elementary has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Vaughan said. “Every day brought opportunities to work alongside dedicated educators, supportive families and an incredible community, but the very best part of the job was always spending time with our students.”

Palm Beach County School District officials selected Dr. Shannon Makowski as Wellington Elementary’s new principal. Makowski most recently spent five years as assistant principal at Lake Worth Middle School. Her father was a major with the Palm Beach County School Police. She is committed to leading with her heart and continuing the great work that the school is known for.

“I am most looking forward to

Before the academic year

becoming part of the Wellington Elementary School community and building strong relationships with students, staff and families,” Makowski said. “I am excited to learn from the community, celebrate what already makes Wellington Elementary School special, and work together to create meaningful experiences to make

all Wildcats feel safe, supported and successful.”

As Vaughan embarks on the next chapter of her life, she said it was a privilege to watch generations of students learn and grow. She emphasized that she could not have left behind such an accomplished legacy without the contributions of the faculty, staff and students. “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the principal of Wellington Elementary School,” Vaughan said. “Each day is different, bringing its own rewards and challenges. I have been blessed to build a great team of educators who share the same passion and commitment to learning.”

Westlake Council Hopes HAPPY Changes Will Open More Doors

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The Westlake City Council on

Tuesday, June 2 approved revisions to the city’s housing assistance program that they hope will make more people happy.

Pulling from a $4.6 million non-taxpayer-supported trust fund, HAPPY — Housing Assistance Purchase Program Yearly — has broadened its criteria to make it easier for applicants to receive up to $65,000 in assistance, depending on household income and other factors.

The HAPPY assistance comes in the form of a zero percent interest, forgivable loan that can be used for a down payment, closing costs or buying down the interest rate on a new construction home costing up to $679,324.

Meanwhile, as an adjunct to HAPPY, the city is introducing its Community Retention Consideration program to provide an opportunity for qualifying longterm Westlake residents to gain

similar assistance while upsizing or downsizing their homes within the community.

“People’s circumstances change,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said Tuesday. “A spouse may pass away or there’s a divorce or the family grows… [and] they can use a leg up getting into a new place… The goal is to keep Westlakers in Westlake.”

Councilman Gary Werner said he’s definitely supportive of the revisions to the fund, which has been a calling card of the young municipality for years. In fact, he said he’d like to see it expanded to include resale of existing homes. He said doing so would benefit residents of the 55-and-over Cresswind neighborhood.

“The original program did not need to say, ‘new construction,’” Werner said.

The cost of adding resale to the mix, he said, could be covered by a $1,500 fee to the seller that would go into HAPPY or a separate fund set up for the purpose. That is how

the existing HAPPY program is funded, with the builder paying the fee.

O’Connor said he does not want to see HAPPY or a similar program focused on resale while new housing inventory is available.

Westlake, which was incorporated in 2016, has been the fastest-growing community in Palm Beach County and one of the fastest growing in Florida for years. It is still only about 58 percent built out, O’Connor noted.

“It’s important to grow the city, to add rooftops, not simply turnover houses,” he said. “We want more people moving here, buying new homes, walking in our streets, shopping in our stores.”

The revisions “build upon the success of the HAPPY program, which was recently recognized with the Housing Impact Award by the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County for its efforts to expand homeownership opportunities and strengthen the local housing market,” Housing

Assistance Program Manager

Taylor Garcia wrote in an e-mail.

“We believe these enhancements represent an innovative approach to workforce and attainable housing, balancing affordability, community investment and long-term resident retention.”

And Garcia should know. The 2020 Florida Atlantic University graduate, wife and mother, got an assist from HAPPY to buy a home in Westlake. She took over as program manager in February and already this year, HAPPY has assisted 38 applicants.

“Who better than someone who has been helped by program, right?” O’Connor said. “We’re very pleased with her.”

O’Connor said there continues to be a “synchronicity” between the city’s buyer-assistance program and those of its primary developer and the state.

Minto Communities USA, which created the 6.5-square-mile community out of an orange grove, has a Welcome Heroes program

offering 3 percent off the base purchase price or closing costs of a new Minto home in Westlake, potentially saving thousands of dollars for first-responders, healthcare and government workers, teachers and active-duty military members. Florida’s state-funded Hometown Heroes program serves the same basic demographic, offering eligible borrowers a 30-year fixedrate first mortgage at a competitive rate, among other benefits.

In other business:

• The council held the first reading of an ordinance to allow multifamily developments to be served under commercial-style solid waste collection with valet or centralized container service rather than individual curbside carts.

• The council agreed to hold their first fiscal year 2027 budget workshop on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at the Lodge at Westlake Adventure Park (5490 Kingfisher Blvd.). The council’s next regular meeting will be held Thursday, July 16 at 6 p.m.

• The council approved a proclamation recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Westlake and affirming its historical significance and celebration of African American freedom and achievement.

• During public comments, the council was pressed to strongly oppose construction of the proposed AI hyperscale data center known as Project Tango off Southern Blvd. near 20-Mile Bend.

O’Conner said the city’s attorney is working on an ordinance related to such centers and Westlake, but beyond that, there is little that Westlake can do except express opposition to the Palm Beach County Commission.

The city has transmitted a resolution to the commission opposing a hyperscale data center within five miles of schools or residences, O’Connor noted, and urged concerned citizens to speak out at the July 15 commission meeting, when the issue is expected to come up.

Property Values Stay Strong, But Tax Reform A Concern For PBC

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County continues to see property value growth, but proposed tax reforms being pushed by state lawmakers are worrying local leaders.

Palm Beach County Property

Appraiser Dorothy Jacks presented the Palm Beach County Commission with data on 2026 property values at a meeting Tuesday, June 2. According to Jacks’ presentation, the county saw a $20 billion increase in market value, bringing the total to more than $548 billion. Since 2018, property values have substantially increased in the county. In total taxable value, the county will see more than $365 billion in 2026, up 6.87 percent from last

year. That includes 2,800 new residential units added to this year’s tax roll, with 40 percent of the new construction in the county occurring in unincorporated areas. The western communities have similarly seen a rise in property values over the last year. According to preliminary figures, Wellington has seen an increase of $80 million in net new value for a total of $13.87 billion in taxable value, which is an increase of 4.88 percent.

Royal Palm Beach, meanwhile, has seen an increase of $158 million in net new value for a total of $5.33 billion in taxable value, which is an increase of 8.04 percent.

In Loxahatchee Groves, there has been a net new value increase of $12 million for a total of $730

million in taxable value, which is up 11.20 percent. In fast-growing Westlake, there has been a net new value increase of $263 million, for a total taxable value of $1.96 billion — an increase of 22.19 percent over last year.

Property taxes make up a large portion of the annual budget for the county and its municipalities. However, state lawmakers have sent property tax reforms to state voters in November that could substantially reduce tax revenue across Florida.

“This has an impact not on the property appraisers, as much as on you, the counties and the cities of this great state,” Jacks said. “This is all about the taxes that are collected will be lower.”

Florida voters will decide

whether to approve the “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” amendment. The amendment would increase the state’s homestead exemption amount to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and adjust the value based on inflation in 2029. It would also restrict local governments from using property taxes to fund public services outside of core services. School taxes are not included in the extra exemption.

If approved, the change would result in millions of dollars being cut from local government budgets in Florida. Palm Beach County alone could see a $239 million decrease in revenue next year and a $395 million reduction in 2028.

“If you’re out there listening about why this is not a good idea…

please understand that the impact of this means that services to you at home will decrease if we get rid of property taxes,” Commissioner Maria Marino said.

Despite the county having a nearly $10 billion budget in 2026, commissioners said the majority of it goes toward law enforcement and fire-rescue, with a fraction being used for other public services. Funds for infrastructure improvements, parks and recreation, and environmental services could see cuts. For municipalities that heavily rely on property tax revenue to fund their local governments, some on the board feared that it would cause smaller communities to dissolve. The question of how this will impact the county is still up in the air.

“The thing that is probably the most disturbing to me about this concept is that the government that people like the most is their local government,” Jacks said. “It’s a shame that government is the government being targeted.”

For the amendment to be approved, 60 percent of voters will need to vote in favor of the proposal in November. While commissioners cannot directly advocate against the amendment, they emphasized to residents how it would significantly impact the public services the county provides.

“Numbers speak loudly,” Commissioner Maria Sachs said. “We need to educate our constituents as to the immediate repercussions that are going to happen to the people here in Palm Beach County.”

Lox Committee Finds Challenges In Reviewing PBSO Contract

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Loxahatchee Groves’ Finance Advisory & Audit Committee (FAAC) believes that the town will still have law enforcement protection even without a contract with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). The FAAC reviewed the town’s contract with the county agency at its meeting on Monday, June 6, to advise the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council on how to move forward with its ongoing contract dispute.

At the start of the meeting, the committee swore in three new members: Lisa Murray, Samuel Harrity and Jennifer Stephens. After being sworn in, committee members went on to appoint Tracy Raflowitz as chair and Stephens as vice chair.

The council asked the FAAC

to assess the contract’s cost-effectiveness. At one of the council’s previous meetings, they agreed to send a notice of termination of its law enforcement contract for the upcoming fiscal year. “There are no ongoing negotiations with respect to the resumption of the contract for this fiscal year or next fiscal year,” Town Attorney Jeff Kurtz said. In December 2025, the council voted to stop paying its $680,000-a-year contract with the PBSO. The council believed that the county agency was charging the town too much money for enhanced law enforcement services.

Deputies responded by withdrawing some law enforcement services from the town, reverting it to only receiving services similar to those in unincorporated Palm Beach County, during the ongoing negotiation impasse. So far, local

leaders have saved $56,668.92 each month since the start of the dispute, but it is unclear if the PBSO might file a lawsuit on the matter.

Committee members compared the town’s contract with the county agency with others it has with different municipalities, including Palm Beach Shores, South Palm Beach and Lake Park. While Loxahatchee Groves’ contract cost is on the lower end of many municipalities, the reasons why PBSO officials charge a specific amount is unclear.

“[The PBSO] do not approach the contracts with the municipalities with a formulaic approach,” Kurtz said.

This made it difficult for the committee to determine if the town was being overcharged. However, the county agency did provide documentation of average response

times and crime rates since deputies withdrew certain services from the area. Committee members said those numbers changed very little from last year, and they still will be paying for law enforcement through county taxes.

“We’re not paying on the contract. We still get our emergencies taken care of, we still have crimes-in-progress, major accident [responses] and county law enforcement responsibilities,” Raflowitz said. “They are going to still come for all of that, so why are we actually paying twice?”

Murray pointed out that residents will still get essential law enforcement services even without the contract.

“[Residents] still will have safety; they still will have law enforcement,” Murray said. “I think that’s so important for us to convey to our residents because there was

a scare for some of our residents, and I want our townspeople to feel safe.”

Former Councilman Todd McLendon, who was one of the biggest supporters of ending the PBSO contract while on the dais, said the last few months prove that the town can manage without it.

He believes there is no requirement for municipalities to have dedicated law enforcement similar to what they had with the PBSO.

“We’ve had six months now to see what it is going to be like,” McLendon said. “Right now, we’re probably $400,000 ahead in our wallets.”

PBSO officials have allegedly sent letters to state government offices about the situation. According to Kurtz, they claim that the town is violating its charter by not having dedicated law enforcement services. However, as of right now, the only way the town could lose its charter is through a special act by the state legislature, or a referendum voted by residents. Kurtz warned that, even though that possibility is unlikely, the town may face other consequences.

“It has always been a concern of mine and a concern of the council when it comes to seeking funding for grants, whatever, we might be asking Tallahassee for,” Kurtz said. “The [PBSO], if they decide to oppose us on that, are not without friends up there.” The council will consider the committee’s review and analysis for future actions amid the ongoing dispute with the PBSO. No agenda has been released specifically noting when the matter may be discussed again.

County Commissioners Eye Fixes To The Palm Tran Bus System

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County commissioners say they need to fix how the county’s public transit system works. Palm Tran’s multi-million-dollar budget is facing scrutiny as local leaders consider how to reduce costs and improve the current service model.

At a workshop on Thursday, May 28, the Palm Beach County Commission directed agency officials to collect ridership data and find ways to optimize service while being more cost-effective. At the workshop, county staff and agency representatives presented a proposed budget that would include service reductions and job cuts.

Officials project that Palm Tran

will have a budget of more than $322 million in fiscal year 2027, with $72.6 million of ad valorem property tax revenue tentatively going toward the county agency. But several commissioners are growing frustrated with the unsustainable service model that they believe is costing too much money. “I would like to see Palm Tran burned to the ground,” Commissioner Maria Marino said. “However, the caveat to that is, I would like to see it rise like a phoenix with a model that works. We are in this position because our model doesn’t work.”

Officials are proposing a $4.5 million reduction in operating expenses, decreasing the system’s span of service to save $1.7 million, reducing frequency on certain

routes to save $7.1 million and eliminating holiday service for a $1.2 million decrease in costs. The $14.5 million in cost reductions would impact 77 jobs and multiple routes, including routes 40, 43, 46 and 62, which serve parts of Wellington.

More than 21,000 residents regularly use the county’s transit system. If these budget changes were implemented, thousands of riders could see their travel times potentially increased by one or two hours.

However, agency representatives stressed that despite some of the issues, compared to other public transit systems in the state, Palm Beach County’s system has solid ridership relative to operating investment.

Incumbents Farrell, Johnson Face Challengers In Bid To Defend Indian Trail Seats

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Over the past week, several candidates have come forward to run for seats on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, setting up contested elections for all three available positions. More candidates may still come forward before the qualifying deadline on Friday, June 12. Incumbent Supervisor Patricia Farrell filed Tuesday, June 9 to defend Seat 3, which she has held since her election in 2022. Also seeking Seat 3 are former ITID Supervisor Carol Jacobs and Acreage resident Jack Lloyd Bell. Farrell said Wednesday that there was no strategy in waiting until the final week — just the busyness of life. “I knew I was running,” she said. “I made the decision within the last year.” Farrell, who is the board’s vice president, said she feels good about what the current five-member board has accomplished.

“I think we’ve come together as a board,” she said. “I think we’ve all — well, almost all — have worked together.” With three candidates now in the race, that sets up an Aug. 18 primary election for Seat 3. If no candidate gets more than 50

percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 3 ballot.

As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday only two candidates were in the hunt for each of the remaining two seats.

Two-term incumbent Supervisor Michael Johnson is being challenged by another former ITID supervisor, Christopher Karch, for Seat 5. In the race for Seat 1, Acreage residents Kirk Ljongquist and Jay Sweet have both qualified for the ballot. Seat 1 is being vacated by ITID President Elizabeth Accomando, who is instead running for the District 6 seat on the Palm Beach County Commission.

Ljongquist, who owns a construction business, ran in a crowded six-way race for Seat 2 in 2024 but did not make it past the primary election.

“I didn’t really want to run,” Ljongquist said, “but I didn’t want to be the one just sitting there and doing nothing.”

Sweet, a licensed land surveyor and certified urban planner, has been an Acreage resident since 1983. He told the Town-Crier previously that he also has concerns about budgeting and expenditures.

Ljongquist, a frequent speaker during the board’s public comment

time, has expressed frustration with the amount of tax dollars spent, especially related to road construction and culverts.

More broadly, Ljongquist said the district is losing sight of its rural/agricultural roots and sense of connection. “There’s no sense of community anymore,” he said.

Farrell said she wants to revive that sense of community as well by supporting events that “build morale and make this a truly great place to live.”

Part of that will be leaning into the district’s equestrian ethos with improvements to Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park and Hamlin House. She said she’d also like to see more and better use of the diamonds at Acreage Community Park North for baseball and softball.

Farrell said among the biggest challenges in the coming four years will be managing growth and development pressure in and around the district. “I understand that growth is here,” she said. “We have to manage it in a way that best suits the needs of our residents.”

Unless additional candidates file by the deadline, voters will not weigh in on the Seat 1 and Seat 5 races until November. All three seats are for four-year terms.

“Palm Tran performs exceedingly well in comparison to other transit systems,” Palm Tran Executive Director Ivan Maldonado said.

According to Palm Tran’s presentation, they estimate that the county’s $312.69 million investment in public transportation generates $1.25 billion in economic returns. Despite this value, commissioners believe that there is a need for significant changes to reduce costs and attract more riders.

Palm Tran currently uses a coverage model, which focuses on providing transportation options throughout the county, instead of investing in large-density, high-performing routes. Due to this, some routes with lower ridership have longer wait times.

Commissioners were interested in changing to a frequency-based model, or perhaps changing some of the transit pricing to fix some of the issues.

“I want the biggest bang for our buck,” Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Marci Woodward said. “If we’re going to spend this type of

Baxter House District 22

continued from page 1 gressional district blesses me with the opportunity to work with President Trump to stop illegal migrant crime, protect our elections, cut taxes, slash red tape and bloated bureaucracy, protect hardworking farmers, our food supply chain, support our great military and veterans, and defend Second Amendment rights,” Baxter wrote in a prepared statement. “As county mayor, I learned to break gridlock, shake up bureaucracy and deliver real results for the people. Washington needs more fighters who are focused on delivering for their district.”

In January, Trump endorsed Baxter for the county commission seat, but she said Tuesday that she has not asked for the president’s endorsement in House District 22, nor has he offered it — yet.

“Any Republican candidate would be happy to have President Trump’s endorsement,” she said. “But I have to work to earn it.”

Baxter lives in The Acreage with her husband Brian and their

money, it needs to be really picking up people.”

Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter believes that they need to find a way to bring spending on the county’s public transit under control because the current state of the system is not working for anyone.

“There are so many more quality-of-life improvements and cost savings that we can give back to our residents and not have the overhead that we currently have,” she said.

Looming questions on how property tax reform at the state level will impact the county’s budget are also raising concerns.

State lawmakers have approved a ballot amendment that could significantly reduce property tax revenue going to many local governments. If voters approve these changes, funding for Palm Tran could be in jeopardy.

Other commissioners pointed out how many residents, including those with disabilities, rely on Palm Tran for transportation. Proposed changes that reduce access would significantly impact

three sons, ages 7, 10 and 16.

Baxter noted that her husband “has taken up a lot of slack” during her time on the county commission. “He supports my decision. He loves what I’m doing… [that] I’m giving back to the community,” she said. “I believe I’ve done a lot for the residents of my district.” Together, the Baxters own Foreign Auto Specialists, an auto repair business they founded in 2011. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Palm Beach State College.

Baxter’s three-and-half years on the county commission has not been without controversy. Those controversies include an attempt to create a motorsports park off Southern Blvd., support of a land swap for GL Homes involving the county’s Agricultural Reserve, request for a personal security detail and most recently a muddled early response to Project Tango — a planned AI hyperscale data center just west of the Arden community.

Baxter later clarified her position on the data center — officially known as the Central Park Commerce Center — saying she would be a “no” vote on expansion of the project originally approved in 2016; and today, all seven county

those individuals, which needs to be considered.

“We have to figure out a way to make transit work here… Our community needs it,” Commissioner Gregg Weiss said. “There’s a myriad of reasons why people can’t drive a car.” Yet, Marino reiterated that if any of the property tax changes go into effect, multiple county services will have to be reduced, including public transit. “We have to be responsible with all of our taxpayer dollars — not just for some people, but for all of the people,” Marino said. “We are faced right now with an issue where we have to figure out how we can do a better job balancing the dollars that are going to come to us in the future because they’re not going to be as many as they were in the past.” Over the next several months, officials from Palm Tran will be collecting ridership metrics and exploring other service options. County leaders will be able to use this data as they continue to look into ways to revise the public transit system’s budget and service model.

commissioners have security teams. Recently, Baxter expressed confidence that she could win her re-election bid in District 6. She said Tuesday she’s aware a crossstate congressional race is a much bigger gamble, but the opportunities to shape policy to benefit a broad swath of southern Florida and the nation also are much larger. “I believe that if God wants me in that position, he’ll help me get there,” she said.

ROYAL PALM BEACH ROTARY HOSTS ANNUAL GALA AT THE CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its annual gala with the theme “Honoring the Past to Prepare for the Future” on Saturday, June 6 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. At the event, longtime Rotarian Joan Scherer was honored for her service. The program featured a keynote address from artist, composer and producer Chris Redding, as well as music by Ross Mazer on the saxophone. Learn more about the club at www.rpbrotary.org.

DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY

South Florida’s Largest Indoor Garage Sale Returns To Fairgrounds

The 35th annual Gigantic Garage Sale will return to the South Florida Fairgrounds Shiner Law Group Expo Center on Saturday, July 11 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Who doesn’t love a bargain? Come out and shop in air-conditioned comfort for some great deals. The event will feature more than 49,000 square feet of bargains and more than 200 vendor spaces selling everything from clothing, toys, furniture, household goods, knickknacks and décor, books, jewelry, collectibles, tools, vintage treasures, one-of-a-kind finds and more. So, grab your family and friends and come out for a fun day of shopping and browsing. There will be food and drink available for purchase onsite.

Do you have items that you want to sell? Clean out your closets, garage or shed and make some additional money. Vendor space is currently available but is expected to sell out fast. Visit www.giganticgaragesale. com to learn more. General admission is $10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early bird admission starts at 7 a.m. for $15 but is limited to the first 1,000 tickets sold. The 2026 Gigantic Garage Sale is hosted by POTTC Events and sponsored in part by Sunny

July 11

107.9 FM and PCI/Professional Concessions Inc.

The South Florida Fairgrounds Shiner Law Group Expo Center is located at 9067 Southern Blvd. For more information, visit www. giganticgaragesale.com.

The Gigantic Garage Sale will feature 200 vendor spaces selling an array of items.

We offer coverage for: Homes, Condos, Auto, Umbrella, Flood, Business

We have access to more carriers than any other insurance agency in Wellington. More Realtors and mortgage lenders call us for our speed and proficiency. Quality of service of matters. Contact me to insure your peace of mind.

Bill Thomas Agency Owner, Wellington Resident 561-614-1122 BrightwayBillThomas.com

Rotary is looking to add a few good spokes to our Rotary Wheel.

Join us at one of our

Wellington Rotary Meets Thursdays - 12:15 p.m.

The Wanderer’s Club For additional information call Chris Warren, 561-350-7247

Royal Palm Beach Rotary Meets Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m.

Hilary’s For additional information call Andre Blackwood 772-631-1716

Make lasting friendships. Enjoy good fellowship.

A Night For Conservation Gala Brings Wildlife Champions Together July 24

The Frank Verney Foundation for Wildlife, Conservation and Education invites the community to attend its inaugural fundraising gala, A Night for Conservation, on Friday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way).

This inspiring evening will unite wildlife advocates, conservationists, educators and community leaders for a celebration of conservation and a shared commitment to protecting wildlife and natural ecosystems. The event marks the official launch of the foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing conservation initiatives, environmental education and community outreach programs that foster environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring dinner, drinks, dessert, dancing, raffles, a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing and presentations from leading conservation organizations making a global impact. Featured conservation partners include the Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation, Save Giraffes Now, the Reef Institute and Bat Conservation International.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about efforts to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems.

“This event represents the realization of a lifelong dream,” founder Frank Verney said. “A Night for Conservation is more than a gala, it’s a call to action. Together, we can be the voice for

wildlife, inspire future generations and create meaningful change for conservation around the world.” Proceeds will directly support the foundation’s conservation and educational programming, including wildlife education initiatives, community outreach efforts, youth engagement programs and partnerships with conservation organizations. The foundation will also present its inaugural Conservation Impact Award to recognize outstanding leadership and dedication to wildlife conservation. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite for $80 per person, and sponsorship opportunities remain available. To learn more, contact Verney at fvfoundationforwce@ gmail.com.

LANDOWNER’S AND REGULAR SUPERVISORS MEETING

Monday, June 22, 2026 • 6:00 pm

Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall 155 F Road, Loxahatchee, Fl 33470

Attendance also available Via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81090031072?pwd=VV2m7NH6YN2xff4wx2WoLtPuRTSkUK.1

Meeting ID: 810 9003 1072

Passcode: 220030

Landowner’s Meeting to include: Upcoming election of expiring term of Supervisor: Kerry Hitt

Supervisors Meeting to include:

1. Regular Business

2. Election of Officers

Per Section 298.11 Florida Statute, voting by proxy is permitted. Please visit website at www.ptwcd.org to obtain a copy of the proxy form and instructions.

Templebnaijacob@gmail.com

ITID RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF CORBETT AREA LEVEE

On Monday, June 1, officials from the Indian Trail Improvement District and the South Florida Water Management District cut the ribbon on the reconstructed J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area levee. The levee borders the south side of the Corbett area, just north of 94th Street North in The Acreage. Nearly 14 years after the berm failed during Tropical Storm Isaac, the levee has been reconstructed before the 2026 hurricane season to offer better flooding protection for residents of The Acreage. The restoration process came from the combined efforts of ITID and SFWMD, along with support from Palm Beach County, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the State of Florida.

BY

Westlake’s

FourthFest Celebration

To Be Held At New Location This Year

Westlake’s signature FourthFest celebration will take place at a new location, marking a major milestone for one of the community’s most anticipated annual traditions.

The City of Westlake will host FourthFest 2026 on Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., at its new location, the future Seminole Improvement District park south of Seminole Ridge High School. The move reflects the continued growth of the community and offers improved accessibility, easier traffic flow and expanded parking for attendees.

“FourthFest continues to be one of our community’s most anticipated traditions,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said. “As we celebrate 10 years of Westlake and our nation’s 250th birthday, we’re

excited to introduce a new location that allows this event to grow and welcome even more families for a safe, festive and memorable evening.”

The new site provides convenient access and ample parking, making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to enjoy the festivities. This year’s celebration is especially significant, as Westlake commemorates its 10th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday. FourthFest 2026 will feature an expanded lineup of entertainment and family-friendly experiences, culminating in a traditional fireworks display to close out the evening. Guests can expect a dynamic mix of attractions designed for all ages, including live music perfor-

mances, a wide selection of food trucks and a vibrant vendor marketplace. This year also introduces the Food Village — a new addition featuring local vendors serving up specialty foods and treats in a relaxed, open-air setting. Among the featured attractions will be face painting; a 30-foot rock-climbing wall; toddler-friendly play areas and themed inflatables; and carnival-style games and hands-on activities.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities. Admission and parking are free. For safety reasons, coolers, barbecue grills, personal fireworks and cooking appliances are not permitted. Learn more at www.westlakegov. com.

South Florida Fair’s 2027 Theme Will Bring A Mythical Twist To Fairgrounds

Dragons, mermaids and other legendary creatures will take center stage at the South Florida Fair in 2027 under the newly an-

nounced theme, “It’s a Mythical South Florida Fair.”

The theme will bring fantasy-inspired settings to the fairgrounds, from underwater realms and candlelit ruins to ancient forest groves.

Guests will meet familiar figures, such as dragons and mermaids, along with lesser-known creatures, including the Qílín of China and Kinnaras of India. Alongside the theme, fairgoers can expect the South Florida Fair’s traditional attractions, including rides, fried foods, daily parades, agricultural exhibits and live entertainment.

To build anticipation ahead of the fair, organizers are partnering with three local businesses to offer themed items from June 13-19. Each purchase will include a fairthemed sticker sheet.

Participating businesses include Art of Boba in West Palm Beach, offering a Dragon Fruit Slush; Anna Bakes in Wellington, offering a Birthday Batter Unicorn Cupcake; and Dope Vegan in West Palm Beach, offering Cherubim Fire Fries.

“This promotion gives people a fun way to connect with the 2027 theme before the fair opens, while also shining a light on local businesses,” said Matt Wallsmith, president and CEO of the South Florida Fair. The 2027 South Florida Fair will kick off with its Ride-A-Thon at 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, and the full fair will be held Jan. 15-31. For more information, call (561) 7930333 or visit www.southfloridafair. com.

ST. DAVID’S CONTINUES 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT ANNUAL GALA

On Saturday, June 6, St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church continued its 50th anniversary celebration at the church’s annual fundraising gala held at the Wellington Community Center ballroom. St. David’s was established in 1976, and the gala recognized its five decades of service to the community. Speaking at the gala was the church’s new rector, Rev. Dr. Matt Tees, who joined St David’s at the beginning of this year. The fundraiser included a raffle with a multitude of prizes. Music was performed by DJ Mansta with the Spirit & Soul Band.

PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Tragedy Spurs Wellington Family To Create Traffic Safety Nonprofit

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

The father of a Wellington man killed in a tractor-trailer accident is keeping the name of his son alive by advocating for better trucking safety standards.

Christopher “Mason” Powell lost his life in May 2025 at age 23 in a steer-tire blowout crash on Interstate 75 in Georgia when he was driving home to Wellington. Three people, including Mason, were killed as a result of the crash when the driver lost control of the truck and came across the median.

The tragedy inspired his father, Chris Powell, to create the nonprofit Unit 555 to advance transportation safety reform and support grassroots efforts for families impacted by serious traffic accidents.

“When a tragedy happens, change is made after it,” Chris said. “His accident was an avoidable accident… We’re wanting to effect change and save lives. That’s the bottom line.”

Part of Unit 555’s mission is to promote better training for commercial truck drivers when responding to situations like steertire blowouts. Hundreds of people are killed and injured from these types of blowouts on commercial trucks.

Chris, a truck driver himself, said that many drivers are not trained for these emergencies. His organization helped create a step-by-step safety protocol for steer-tire blowouts, and he hopes it will be taught in trucking schools and companies. “There’s really not any defined training for steer-tire blowouts,” Chris said. “When I went to truck driving school, I heard nothing about it.”

The name Unit 555 comes from the significance of the number five in the Powell family. He and his two sons were born on the fifth day of different months, and both sons wore the number 55 playing football.

Wellington High School graduate Mason Powell passed away in May 2025 due to a tragic highway accident.

When Mason attended Wellington High School, he completed the four-year Fire Science Academy program at the school and aspired to become a firefighter. He spent three years on the varsity football team and four years on the varsity wrestling team.

While on the wrestling team, Mason became district champion and was the first heavyweight in school history to place at the state level.

Because of the important role that the wrestling team had on Mason’s life, his father is also helping support the high school sports program. Recently, Unit 555 donated $2,000 to the team in honor of Mason. “I want to make sure there is something to give back to the program that did so much for Mason and keep his name alive,” Chris said.

In May, Unit 555 partnered with the Truck Safety Coalition to host the Spring Into Safety event in West Palm Beach. The road safety and advocacy conference brought together families and transportation advocacy groups to honor lives lost in traffic accidents and

the

Through

encourage continued efforts to prevent similar tragedies.

As part of its work, Unit 555 is advocating for legislation to improve road safety. In particular, the organization has been lobbying the federal government for the passage of House Resolution 758, which would require the U.S. Postal Service to collect, track and report information on crashes involving vehicles that carry mail.

Chris said that he believes his son would be proud of the work

he is doing. He encourages people to be engaged with their elected officials to show support for legislation that can help make life safer for all.

“I think [Mason] would be pleased that we formed something that’s giving him a chance to fight back, make positive change and help other people,” he said.

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement in Florida Inc. (CAFCI) will hold its 33rd annual Student Assistance Fund Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m. at the Portuguese American Club in Loxahatchee Groves.

The organization will recognize and award 18 outstanding graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, community involvement, leadership potential and a commitment to higher education.

The highlight of this year’s event will be an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Elvis Epps, a retired and highly celebrated high school principal, John C. Maxwell certified coach, global thought leader, and author of the books New Principal, No Problem and Purposeful Living. During his presentation, Epps will challenge graduates and attendees alike to dig deeper in discovering their true purpose, dream bigger and provide practical strategies for turning those dreams into reality.

The ceremony will also feature congratulatory remarks from distinguished community leaders and a special performance by accomplished singer Samara Lewis.

The award recipients, selected from a large pool of highly qualified applicants, will receive financial assistance to support their transition to colleges and universities of their choice as they pursue their educational goals and career aspirations. The recipients are Frahima Adrien, Spence Ahyee, Carlie Antoine, Aniya Barrett,

For the past 33 years, CAFCI has provided educational assistance to deserving graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into colleges and universities. Applicants are evaluated through a rigorous selection process that includes meeting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, submitting an official transcript, providing a college acceptance letter, demonstrating school and community involvement, securing letters of recommendation from educators and counselors, writing an essay reflecting knowledge of Caribbean culture and affairs, and financial need. Qualified applicants are then invited to participate in interviews before award selections are made. The funds are made possible through the generous support of the organization’s members, local businesses, community partners, stakeholders and proceeds from the annual Friendship Ball. Founded 37 years ago by individuals representing various Caribbean islands, CAFCI was established to promote volunteerism, celebrate Caribbean heritage, cultural diversity and strengthen community engagement. For additional information about the student assistance awards program or CAFCI, call (561) 7904002 or visit www.cafcipbc.org.

Loxahatchee Groves Council Still Working Out Issues With New Town RV Ordinance

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council is moving forward with an ordinance to overhaul its existing recreational vehicle (RV) program on residential properties, but the council still wants some changes before it goes into effect.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance on Tuesday, June 2. It is meant to scale back and simplify the town’s

current RV registration program rather than expand it. Mainly, the ordinance requires RVs to be on a property with a primary residence, limits occupancy to six months, reduces the number of RVs per acre, requires RVs to be well-maintained and only one permit is needed, which will cost no more than $50. “The idea is not to amend the existing [ordinance], but basically to wipe it out and to start over,”

Community Standards Director Caryn Gardner-Young said. “It’s just easier to make it as a brandnew one than amending it.”

Council members workshopped the ordinance before their meeting with the main goal of simplifying the process and improving enforcement against illegal usage of RVs.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) will continue building a stronger, smarter and more storm-resilient electric grid in Wellington in 2026, advancing its ongoing commitment to reduce outages and restore power faster following major storms.

after a major storm event.

• 166 miles of power lines will undergo tree and vegetation trimming, addressing one of the leading causes of power outages.

This year, FPL plans to complete the following local infrastructure improvements in Wellington:

• One intelligent device will be installed on main, neighborhood and underground power lines. These automated smart switches help identify outages and reroute power to prevent more widespread interruptions.

While no electric system can be made completely resistant to the impacts of hurricanes and other extreme weather events, across Florida, FPL continuously pioneers new technology and enhances the energy grid to reduce outage times and improve overall reliability for customers during both good weather and bad.

Despite the changes, some on the council were still not satisfied with the ordinance and wanted more revisions.

Councilwoman Anita Kane was concerned about how many people engage with the program and

Previous iterations of the revised program categorized RVs as either unoccupied or occupied and included a sticker system to designate them. Those ideas were scrapped in favor of more straightforward rules that could be easier to implement.

To donate, or to learn more about how Unit 555 is turning tragedy into positive change, visit www.unit555.org. See LOX RV RULES, page 12

Wellington Board Approves Changes For Town Square Outparcel Building

• One main power line will be strengthened, including those serving critical facilities such as hospitals, 911 call centers, police and fire stations, water treatment facilities and emergency operation centers. Stronger poles are less likely to fail in severe weather, which can help crews restore power more quickly

“Our employees work every day in Wellington to provide safe, reliable electric service while keeping customer bills as low as possible,” said Ilan Kaufer, local external affairs manager for FPL.

“By continuing to invest in our electric grid, we are strengthening resilience year-round and helping our communities recover faster when severe weather impacts our area.”

‘RALLY FOR A CAUSE’ TENNIS TOURNEY SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY CARES

Twenty-four teams of doubles served up an exciting evening at the second annual Rally for a Cause Tennis Tournament to benefit Our Community Cares on Friday, June 5 at the Wellington Tennis Center. Teams of friends and family members stepped onto the courts to serve, swing and volley during the friendly matches. The event raised crucial funds to support Our Community Cares, an organization committed to assisting senior citizens in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. To learn more about Our Community Cares, visit www.ourcommunitycaresfl.org. PHOTOS BY MEREDITH BUROW/TOWN-CRIER

Lox Council Seeks Investigation After Offer Doesn’t Settle Dispute

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

A split Loxahatchee Groves Town Council agreed to launch an investigation into Town Manager Francine Ramaglia after another setback in negotiations for her exit.

Before the council’s special meeting on Monday, June 1, Ramaglia rejected the town’s latest offer to terminate her without cause, which included 10 weeks of severance pay, compensation for accrued paid time off, and forfeiture of any remaining balance in her flexible spending account.

Attorney Johneeka Simpson from the law firm GrayRobinson has been leading exit negotiations with the town manager, who was placed on administrative leave in April. In response to the coun-

Priore Wellington Civic Leader

continued from page 1 anyone get anything they needed, and he was definitely one of the cornerstones that helped develop this community.”

Former Wellington Vice Mayor Mark Miles, who served on the council alongside Priore, remembered him as “a quiet and steady leader with a philanthropic bent and great consistency, who spent as much time working with the people off the dais as on.”

He was a mentor to many, including Anne Gerwig, who served as Wellington’s mayor from 2016 to 2024 and is now a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

“Carmine was a great friend and mentor. His influence on my service cannot be overstated,” Gerwig said. “He would never let me call him anything but Carmine. He wanted me to know that we were equals. That actually elevated me immensely and taught me to serve in his manner. He was a statesman who would never do anything to tarnish the image of our beloved village. A true gentleman who showed it in all that he did. Wellington is stronger because of his determination and service.”

Michael Napoleone, Wellington’s current mayor, also honored Priore for his service.

“Dr. Priore believed in the promise of Wellington and worked tirelessly to help shape the community we know today,” Napole-

Meditation New Group In RPB

continued from page 1 liott’s HOA clubhouse as the location for the first two sessions.

Eirikis, who has always been drawn to meditation, likens group meditation to the difference between bowling alone and bowling in a fun league.

“This is a place for people who want to meditate to come and meditate,” Eirikis said.

The Royal Palm Beach Mindful Meditation Club is free, and everyone is welcome to join. Meetings take place every Tuesday from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. at South University’s University Centre (9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach), with doors closing at 6:30 p.m. All experience levels are welcome. Use the south entrance facing Belvedere.

The South University Learning Commons has plenty of comfortable chairs available, and participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat to sit on.

“Group mindful meditation is powerful medicine,” Eirikis said. “Mindful meditation is a simple, evidence-based practice

cil’s offer, Ramaglia’s legal team requested that the council either accept her retirement and continue paying her through the end of her contract on Sept. 30 or provide 20 weeks of severance in accordance with her employment agreement.

The town has already paid more than $28,000 in administrative leave pay to Ramaglia and has a pending $7,200 legal bill for the negotiations. Council members have held a series of special meetings to discuss how to move forward in the dispute, but continued disagreements between the council majority and Ramaglia’s legal team have kept negotiations deadlocked.

Council members had to decide whether to pay Ramaglia more than $103,000 in salary and

one said. “His dedication to public service, vision for the future and commitment to his neighbors leave a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt for generations.”

Priore’s son, Carmine Priore III, said the family has been thankful for the outpouring of support for his father.

“The reason my dad was so impactful and so many people asked him for advice and encouragement was that he treated people as family,” he said. “It was the way he viewed his service and responsibilities, and it’s what made him very effective connecting with people.”

An executive at NextEra Energy, Carmine Priore III credited his father with much of his own success in life.

“He had a tremendous influence in my life and my success, and in my wife Terri and my involvement in charitable organizations,” he said. “We saw how he was able to help so many and how it made him feel, and how he made others feel through his help and support, as well as his direct support. He told us we needed to give back and pay forward some of the things we’ve been fortunate enough to experience and help others do the same. It meant a lot to him and had an influence on me in how I look at things and how I perceive things. I have been getting a lot of notes from people emphasizing how much he helped and encouraged them, and it doesn’t surprise me at all because I saw a lot of it myself. The same character and ‘family and faith’ culture — all those fundamental beliefs that he had — those comprised his

that helps people develop greater awareness of the present moment. Regular practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and emotional reactivity, while improving focus, resilience and overall well-being. Many people also find that mindfulness helps them cope more effectively with chronic pain, improve sleep, and respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity.”

Many of the attendees on June 2 mentioned stress, pain and community as their reason for attending, including cancer survivor Gretchen Prevatt. It was her second time joining for group meditation.

“I like it,” Prevatt said. “When I’m meditating, I do feel relief, which is great because normally I have pain 24-7, even on pain medicines and nerve medication.”

Also in attendance was Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara.

“The experience was fantastic,” he said, describing it as “amazing, calming and peaceful.”

When Daes asked the group to recall a moment that was peaceful and joyful, a certain memory jumped out for Hmara.

“My wife’s going to love this — our wedding day,” he said. “We got married in Honolulu, and the

benefits through the end of her contract, or more than $86,000 in severance and current accumulated paid time off. One of the few remaining options was to launch an investigation to find evidence to terminate Ramaglia with cause.

Simpson recommended that it would still be in the town’s best financial interest to terminate Ramaglia without cause and pay 20 weeks’ severance. “The town manager’s counsel has stated several times that litigation is certainly underway should she be terminated with cause,” she said.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey proposed a motion to terminate the town manager with cause and presented the council with a memo that listed Ramaglia’s alleged improprieties. “These are not isolated incidents

but represent a pattern of behavior that materially impairs the effective operation of town government and violates the fundamental obligations outlined in both the town manager employment agreement and position description,” said El-Ramey, who clashed repeatedly with Ramaglia before she was put on administrative leave once two newly elected council members were seated in April.

Simpson at previous meetings advised the council that terminating with cause could lead to litigation and could cost upward of $100,000. El-Ramey’s motion failed 3-2 with council members Anita Kane, Joe Stephens and Paul Coleman dissenting.

Vice Mayor Manish Sood subsequently proposed a motion

philosophy. It all tied together.”

Priore is survived by his wife Marie, son Carmine III, daughter Gina, four grandchildren — Nicholas, Marissa, Angela and Eddie — and an extended family, which also grew to include in-laws, neighbors and friends.

“From the moment I became part of the Priore family, I was never a daughter-in-law, I was always a daughter,” Terri Priore recalled. “Carmine’s family was a priority with him. He was there for holidays, vacations, school awards and sporting events, graduations, long-distance phone calls to the grandchildren. He was interested in what the kids were doing in school, college and work. When he asked them a question, he really listened to the answer. He cared. He even sponsored a couple of the

neighborhood kids for their confirmation. He was and will always be remembered as the patriarch of the family, his extended family.”

Events memorializing Dr. Carmine Priore include a visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15, at Palms West Funeral Home (110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach), followed by a funeral mass from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Therese De Lisieux Catholic Church (11800 Lake Worth Road, Wellington).

The day will culminate with a Celebration of Life, also on Monday, June 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). In lieu of flowers, contributions in Priore’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

setting was spectacular. The smell was fragrant. The air was misty.” Each week, volunteers will be

to launch an investigation into Ramaglia. However, others on the council believed that the town should focus on saving money and moving forward. Kane pointed out there have already been multiple complaints made against Ramaglia during her tenure to various oversight bodies, but none resulted in any charges or penalties.

“I just think this is… the continuation of a witch hunt,” Kane said.

“I think it’s grossly irresponsible, and I think that there will most certainly be litigation, and the cost of that will far exceed what we’re talking about here.”

Former Councilman Todd McLendon, who spent his time on the council prioritizing cost-saving, criticized the current council

Bonds

Will Need Voter OK

continued from page 1 revenue-generating through sports tourism as well.”

Randal Baker, board president of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, supported including the referendum on the ballot because parks and recreation might see budget cuts if property tax reforms are approved by voters.

“This is important for our community, especially with all of the activities that are taking place in the state with the ad valorem tax at risk,” he said. “This bond will go to help secure our parks for our communities and our families, and make sure that we have a place where we can enjoy the recreation.”

Upgrades at Morikami are in-

ITID Budget

First Vote

June 18

continued from page 1 meet the Truth In Millage requirement.

Under the TRIM law, notices of proposed taxes must be sent out to property owners by mid-August.

The notices are not tax bills. They represent the maximum possible property taxes and assessment. Special districts, such as ITID, can later reduce the assessment rate but cannot increase it.

The board canceled its July regular meeting and will not meet again until Aug. 19.

“The administration is very seri-

Lox RV Rules

Additional Changes

continued from page 7 redundancy in the legal language.

“This would be approving approximately 1,500 RVs if everyone were to take advantage of this in our town… but this way we would have no control or no knowledge of these 1,500 additional residents in the town,” she said.

Others were concerned about what would be considered an RV, and also adding some additional rules to include permitted septic and electric if a vehicle would be used for a caretaker.

One option the council supported was sending the ordinance to an advisory committee to review.

“I would love for more eyes to be on this,” Councilman Joe Stephens said. “I just think the more comments, the more opinions, the more eyes, the better — just so we can get this as close to right as we possibly can.”

members during public comment.

“This town needs to move on,” he said. “We have so many issues in this town, and we need to divorce and be done with it. You guys want to keep going… and the only people who win are the attorneys.”

The council passed the motion to launch an investigation into Ramaglia 3-2, with Kane and Coleman dissenting. Simpson and her law firm will be handling the investigation. The motion authorized spending up to $12,000 on the matter. Investigators will go through the documents that allegedly support some of the accusations and interview witnesses to determine if any of the claims against the manager would warrant cause.

cluded on the list of park projects. As for the library general obligation bonds, money raised from them would be used to renovate and modernize library branches in the county, construct a new main library, replace older ones, and expand event space and technology labs.

Commissioner Maria Sachs pointed out how the libraries provide children with essential services. “Our Palm Beach County Library System provides food for children during the summer months who are hungry, and they go to a library, and they can get their lunch,” Sachs said. “I think that is a beautiful thing that we do.” The board unanimously approved both items. Local voters will decide whether to approve the referendum during the general election on Nov. 3. County staff will be updating the county’s web site to include lists of projects that the bonds will go toward.

ous and intentional about making sure we’re being fiscally responsible, as we are expected to be,” ITID Public Information Officer Rebecca Stewart said Wednesday. At the ITID board meeting on Wednesday, June 3, the supervisors heard that from an auditing standpoint, the district looks good.

CPA David Caplivski of the Boca Raton firm Grau & Associates presented the district’s annual financial audit. He reported a “clean opinion” — the best available — with the district’s net position increasing approximately $3.2 million and a “healthy” special revenue fund balance. No significant deficiencies or material weaknesses were found in internal controls, Caplivski said.

ensure it can effectively be used for enforcement.

“I want to make sure that this [ordinance] isn’t just going after low-hanging fruit… but where we have the hidden RV parks that are a little more egregious and a little more disruptive to our community,” Jo Siciliano said.

leading the meditations. For more information, e-mail kindfulness@ aol.com.

During public comment, residents agreed that another committee should review the matter to

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance 4-1 with Vice Mayor Manish Sood dissenting. They directed staff to assign the ordinance to the Unified Land Development Code Review Committee to rework the rules before its final reading. It is expected to return for consideration in July. In other business, representatives from the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council presented the council with an update on the Strategic Southern Blvd. Corridor Study. The study will be a series of recommendations on how to design developments along the major roadway. After holding multiple public workshops and opening a survey, the agency is currently working on a draft. Representatives are expected to return to the council with the completed draft on June 16.

The fourth annual Unified Veterans Disc Golf Tournament was held at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Saturday, May 30. Several hundred veterans, their families and supporters turned out for the event. Teams competed in one of the three divisions: Amateur, Intermediate and Pro. The event, organized by Jake Hampu as a benefit for the veteran-serving nonprofit Unified Dream, included music by Spred the Dub, a barbecue, raffles, awards and a flyover by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. PHOTOS BY FRANK

KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

This MonTh’s WellingTon hisTory

Remembering Dr. Carmine Priore (1939-2026)

It is impossible to think about the history of Wellington without thinking about Dr. Carmine Priore. Carmine, as he was known to many, was born on July 11, 1939, and grew up in south Miami-Dade County, having arrived with his family in the 1940s. In those days, the southern suburbs of Miami had a small-town feel and were quite unique. Carmine recalled that, at the time, the train stopped right on Flagler Street in downtown Miami.

In the late 1970s, Carmine and his wife, Marie, came to Wellington to visit Marie’s cousin, who worked for the U.S. Customs Service and had recently relocated to Wellington. There wasn’t much here at the time except for a supermarket, located in Wellington Country Plaza. They were impressed by the young community, which was reminiscent of what they had experienced years earlier in Miami, and they could see the potential for growth.

The Priores decided to relocate to Wellington in the early 1980s, and Carmine opened a dental practice in the area. The Priores initially lived in Pinewood Manor, across the street from Kathy Foster. During those early days in Wellington, when the first neighborhoods were still being built, neighbors easily got to know one another. Carmine and Marie became friendly with many of the early residents, including Kathy Foster, Tom and Regis Wenham, Paul Adams, Father John Mangrum and many others. It was Carmine who first encouraged Kathy Foster to become involved in the Acme Improvement District, which was Wellington’s pre-in-

corporation government, and he later won his own seat on the Acme Board in 1992. Tom Wenham followed shortly thereafter.

Carmine fell in love with public service. He was a board member of First Wellington Inc., which was the pre-incorporation homeowners’ association for Wellington. Following Wellington’s incorporation in 1995, Carmine served on the inaugural Wellington Village Council, first as vice mayor from 1996 to 1998, and then as mayor from 1998 to 2000. Except for a brief period, Carmine served continuously on the council until 2012. He was deeply involved in both the Palm Beach County League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities, serving as president of both organizations. He also served on the board of the Wellington Rotary Club, was a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and also served on key county committees. Through Carmine’s thoughtful oversight, he helped guide Wellington’s growth, shaping it into the community we all enjoy today. Carmine believed that the various councils over the years stayed true to the original vision of Wellington.

Although Carmine passed away on May 26, 2026, his impact on the community will be felt for generations to come.

To learn more about Dr. Carmine Priore and his many contributions to the Village of Wellington, visit the Wellington Historical Society’s web site at www. wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org and view his oral history video.

NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES HONORS NEW GRADUATES AT

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29 at the Wellington Community Center. The event celebrated the achievements of a new class of graduating students in nursing and diagnostic medical sonography. NRI has locations in both Royal Palm Beach and Wellington. Learn more at www.nriinstitute.edu. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Trainer Janine Greco Is The First Responder For WHS Athletes

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

For the last three years, Janine Greco has been working as an athletic trainer for public schools throughout Palm Beach County, and since November of last year, she has been working specifically with varsity athletic teams from Wellington High School.

Greco’s job is to work with Wolverine athletes and their coaches to do whatever she can to help the athletes prevent injuries and do what she can to help them recover as quickly as possible when injuries do take place.

Greco is focused on WHS athletes because of the support for high school athletics by her employer, Baptist Health.

“Baptist Health has contracts with 13 Palm Beach County schools in which they provide an athletic trainer to all of them,” Greco explained. “We work closely with the orthopedic physicians if we need to refer our athletes to them.”

Greco can trace the decision to become a fully certified athletic trainer to her collegiate years — four years of studying and playing rugby at Binghamton University in New York for her undergraduate degree, followed by a stint in East Lansing, Michigan, where she earned her master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in sports medicine at the University of Michigan.

“I love science, sports and helping people,” Greco said. “I took ‘Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries’ my sophomore year in college, and I was so hooked that I started the program the next semester.”

For someone like Greco, the old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is definitely true.

“Throughout the season, I am wrapping ankles with athletic tape, applying ice packs to bruised knees and shoulders, and emphasizing the importance of hydration to athletes,” Greco said. “I also have the athletes do rehabilitation in the athletic training room, as well as on the sidelines. Parent communication is a huge part of the job.”

As the initial medical point of contact for WHS student-athletes, Greco deals with a wide variety of injuries throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons.

“I see sprains and strains, skin diseases, concussions, fractures and dislocated joints,” Greco said.

Most people are unaware that athletic trainers also have a role to play in the area of mental health.

“We refer patients to guidance counselors, and we are mandatory reporters,” Greco explained.

One of the reasons that Greco is such a passionate athletic trainer is because she was an active athlete while growing up outside Buffalo, New York, at Grand Island Senior High School.

“I was a soccer player, but to stay busy, I also did a season of softball, track and bowling,” Greco recalled.

Of all the sports offered at

WHS, football is her most timeconsuming activity.

“Football is the only sport where I will be on the sidelines all the time — for all practices and every game,” Greco said.

Pete Walker, the head football coach at WHS, appreciates Greco’s professionalism and attention to detail.

“She is vital to the team,” Walker said. “She does a great job diagnosing if our players need to be on the field or if they need to be shut down. We’re glad to have her on our team.”

When the students are on their summer break, Greco’s work continues.

“As far as the summer goes, I will still be at Wellington High School for a couple of days a week for injury checks and rehabilitation, and we work some community events through Baptist Health,” Greco added.

She is always happy to share her advice on how to stay healthy and out of harm’s way.

“Listen to your body! If it hurts, do not continue to do the same thing that aggravates it,” Greco said. “Carry a water bottle with you everywhere; there is no ex-

cuse for dehydration. Work hard and follow your coach’s advice on weightlifting and stretching. Static stretching at the end of practice, and active stretching before practices and games are important. Someone will always be better than you, but you can always work harder than them. More is not always better to avoid overuse injuries.”

“Football — both college and NFL — is my favorite sport to watch,” Greco said. “I like doing Peloton Bootcamp workouts at the gym, and I play in a kickball league.”

Justin Sitomer Prepares For The Biggest Comeback Of His Life

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

In sports and in life, your success is not dictated by your setbacks. Instead, your success is judged by your comebacks. Former Wellington Wolves and Berean Christian School basketball player Justin Sitomer has enjoyed his fair share of setbacks and comebacks while playing travel and high school basketball. Now, he’s faced with a comeback in life following a serious setback.

On Christmas Eve 2025, while enjoying his career as a barber at Latch Life Cuts & Styles barber shop in Wellington, the 22-year-

old Sitomer had a stroke and collapsed to the ground. At that moment in time, he was fit, strong and in good physical shape. The medical emergency took everybody by surprise, especially the customers and barbers in the shop. After one of the customers had the wherewithal to grab Sitomer’s cell phone, find a key contact, and make a phone call, Sitomer’s father, John, was there within minutes. In fact, John beat the paramedics to the scene. He picked up his son, put him in his car, and whisked him off to the emergency room at Palms West Hospital.

It was not a good scene. In layman’s terms, Justin had a brain malfunction known as a motor functional neurological disorder (FND). While that is the official diagnosis, doctors and neurologists remain confused as to why a 22-year-old man, who was physically fit and strong, would suffer such a massive stroke without any warning signs.

While Justin has made great strides in his effort to get better, he remains paralyzed from the waist down on his right side. He gets around in a wheelchair. He can move his left leg and has regained control of his right fingers and right arm. His vision is a little blurry out of his right eye. As you would expect, Justin can’t drive a car, but he gets around thanks to family and friends, especially his wife Emily and father John.

“He’s my only child, and I’m dedicated to helping him get his life back,” John said.

For the last five months, Justin has been getting better with rehabilitation. The progress has been steady, yet slow. He goes at least three days a week to a rehab center in Royal Palm Beach.

Despite not being 100 percent, Justin is ready to return to cutting hair at Latch Life. He definitely wants to resume his career as

a barber, and his chair at Latch Life remains open, awaiting his return. Since Justin can’t stand, a robotic, hydraulic chair has been fitted to his barber chair at Latch Life. With this new chair, Justin can spin around and adjust his seat to go higher or lower, giving him 360-degree access to the hair of any client.

He has been there in basketball, and now Justin is focusing on a comeback in his life.

On Tuesday, May 26, Justin made his comeback as a barber at Latch Life, with friends, family members and former Wellington Wolves coaches and teammates there to provide moral support — and get a haircut.

Overall, that day went better than expected for Justin. His first client was a man by the name of Mike Anthony. After that, there were a number of clients who knew Justin well. That list included John Lantz, the former boys varsity basketball coach at Berean, and Ryan Anschuetz, his former youth baseball coach in Wellington.

Justin said day one went as well as he could have expected.

“I just had to get used to my new chair. But I had a good flow of clients. Chris Latch, the owner, along with all the other barbers,

welcomed me back with open arms,” Justin said.

As for the future, John said that he and Justin are looking into the possibility of getting Justin a robotic leg to help with his mobility.

No decisions have been made on that option.

While Justin’s setback on Christmas Eve 2025 was traumatic, his comeback will be bigger, better and greater.

“This comeback means more than just haircuts to Justin and our family,” John Sitomer said. “It’s dedication, passion and never giving up.”

Meanwhile, Justin Sitomer is driven to prove that success in life is all about the comebacks and not the setbacks.

Royal Palm Teen Golfer Giuseppe Puebla Earns U.S. Open Spot

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County will be well represented in the upcoming 126th U.S. Open golf tournament, set for June 18-21 at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. This includes well-known players such as Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Daniel Berger, Gary Woodland and Wellington native Brooks Koepka. In addition to them, one of youngest players in the field of 156 golfers will be a teenager from the western communities — 17-year-old Giuseppe Puebla of Royal Palm Beach. Puebla, a homeschooler, earned his way into the U.S. Open field by being a co-medalist at the 36hole U.S. Open sectional qualifier

held on the East Course at the BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens on Monday, June 8. Puebla recorded scores of 69-68 (137; seven-under-par). He was the co-medalist alongside veteran PGA Tour player Ben Silverman of Canada. The other two golfers who earned spots at the BallenIsles qualifier were amateurs — Ryder Cowan from Edmond, Oklahoma, and Miles Russell from Jacksonville Beach.

The day of the U.S. Open sectional at BallenIsles has been dubbed the “Longest Day in Golf” because there were 10 U.S. Open sectional qualifiers held that day in North America — nine in the U.S. and one in Canada. At the BallenIsles qualifier, Puebla was one of 73 golfers chasing one of

four slots awarded that day.

In the closing holes of his second-round 68 at BallenIsles, he was paying attention to the scoreboard.

“For an event like that, I was checking the scores over the last few holes,” Puebla said.

Puebla earned his way to the sectional qualifier by winning the USGA’s local qualifier at the Moorings at Hawk’s Nest in Vero Beach on May 6. His winning score that day was a six-under-par round of 66.

In addition to qualifying for his first U.S. Open, Puebla is also a first-year member of U.S. National Junior Team, and he’s currently ranked second in the Rolex American Junior Golf Association rankings. He has also committed to

attending the University of Florida and playing for the Gators’ men’s golf team, beginning in the 202728 academic year. Prominent golfers who competed in the BallenIsles qualifier who did not earn a spot in the U.S. Open were nine-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar, three-time European Tour winner Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Korn Ferry Tour professional Ben Taylor, current University of Florida golfer and 2026 SecondTeam All-SEC selection Luke Poulter (son European Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter), and Curtis Thompson (older brother of LPGA Tour superstar Lexi Thompson).

As for his U.S. Open expectations, while Puebla would love to make the cut and be in the hunt for first place on Sunday, June 21, he

has realistic expectations.

“Just making it into the field for the U.S. Open is a great opportunity,” he said. “I want to enjoy the competitive experience and, hopefully, make

In Loving Memory of

Pat

Adamson

April 22, 1947 – May 25, 2026

Patrick Lewis Adamson, 79, of Royal Palm Beach, passed away on May 25, 2026, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Kenosha, WI, he attended Tremper High School (Class of ‘65), the Air Force Academy, and the University of Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Debi. Together, they raised four children and celebrated more than 54 years of marriage.

Witty, creative and endlessly curious, Pat’s children still aren’t sure what he did as a systems analyst at Pratt & Whitney, but we know he did it well. He was passionate about photography, loved tech gadgets, enjoyed sci-fi shows, The Far Side comics and Stephen King novels, and always appreciated a good flashlight.

An incredible father and fixture of youth sports in Royal Palm Beach, he spent countless hours on playing fields as a coach, spectator and referee. Noticing a lack of opportunities for girls to play youth sports, Pat founded the city’s slow-pitch softball league. He coached his kids’ baseball, softball, soccer and basketball teams, and the impact of being “Coach Pat” to hundreds of teammates is a legacy that endures to this day. Known for lighthearted pranks and joyous traditions, Pat transformed the family home’s facade into impressive holiday displays each Halloween and Christmas, and enjoyed bottling his secret recipe for Irish Cream. His love and humor carry on through his wife, Debi, their children, Erin (Tim), Joel (Dorinda), Bree (Brett), and Paul (Jenn), and nine grandchildren, who affectionately call him “PatPat.” He is survived by his brother, Dan Wade, and a wonderful community of neighbors, friends and relatives.

Celebration of Life

Friday, June 26 | 4–6 p.m. Commons Park Banquet Hall

Funeral Mass Saturday, June 27 | 11 a.m. Our Lady Queen of the Apostles

Colorful attire is encouraged, especially green. In lieu of flowers, consider supporting the Parkinson Association or local youth sports.

Your gift provides critical back-to-school necessities for a student in our community.

Sem Ridge Honors State Championship Flag Football Squad

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team held its annual postseason awards banquet recently at the Wellington National Golf Club. During this event, the team was honored for having won its second straight Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A flag football state championship. It was also the seventh flag football state championship title in school history.

In addition to the team being honored as a group, a number of individual awards were also handed out. They included Carrie Didio and Jazlyn Ruiz honored as Captain Award winners; Samantha Musgrave received the Leadership Award; Ava Dowdell won the Defensive MVP; Aubrey Fogel won the Offensive MVP; Avaree Brant was named the Two-Way MVP; Ava Aiken was named the Defensive Player of the Year; and the Ball Hawk/Unsung Hero award winner was Chachi Saunders.

In addition to the attention that the Seminole Ridge High School flag football team generated by winning its second consecutive state title, former All-Pro NFL quarterback Tom Brady was also impressed by the achievement of the school’s flag football program.

“Congratulations to the Hawks. Winning back-to-back state championships is no joke. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment,” said Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback. “You guys, obviously, have a great connection — all you guys.

Not an easy thing to do beating St. Thomas Aquinas, but you guys figured out how to get the job done. The only thing I’ll say is, ‘We got to run it back in 2027.’ Make it a three-peat. I’m cheering for you guys. Let’s go!”

Meanwhile, on Thursday, June 4, the Palm Beach County School Board officially recognized the team and the players from Seminole Ridge for their huge accomplishment.

Seminole Ridge finished the season with a record of 20-2 and a No. 1 national ranking.

Pursuing ‘Old Man Par’ On Courses In The West Of England

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

During the last six days of May, I was on a fact-finding, photo-taking, editorial golf trip in England’s two most southwesterly counties of Devon and Cornwall. While there, I played seven rounds of golf in six days.

Of the seven courses that I played, five were authentic, championship links golf courses where the actual course is the “link” between the nearby Atlantic Ocean and the mainland. Those types of golf courses are used to conduct the (British) Open Golf Championship each July.

Those five links courses were the West course and the East course at the Saunton Golf Club (Braunton, Devon); the Royal North Devon Golf Club (Bideford, Devon); the St. Enodoc Golf Club (Rock, Cornwall); and the Trevose Golf & Country Club (Padstow, Cornwall). The other two courses

were the Carlyon Bay Golf Course (St. Austell, Cornwall) and the Bovey Castle Golf Club (North Bovey, Devon). Each course was its own memory maker.

According to six-time major champion Nick Faldo, if the 36hole Saunton Golf Club was in a more populated part of Great Britain, it would be on the (British) Open Championship roster. Saunton is one of the top golf venues in all of Great Britain. Here, many locals say the West is the best, and the East is the beast. Frankly, both are brilliant, authentic links layouts.

The Royal North Devon is England’s oldest links golf course. In existence since 1864, it is nicknamed “Westward Ho!” and was the home course for fivetime (British) Open winner J.H. Taylor back in the early 1900s. At Royal North Devon, wild horses and sheep graze peacefully in the rough. Every golf lover should

make the trek to Royal North Devon.

There are very few, if any, adjectives that fairly describe the brilliance and beauty of the St. Enodoc Golf Club, which is ranked as the 82nd best golf course in the world, according to Golf Digest. The 18-hole Church Course at St. Enodoc overlooks the Camel Estuary, which feeds into the nearby North Atlantic Ocean. St. Enodoc is the home of the Himalayas bunker, which is the tallest sand bunker in Europe.

Trevose has been described as England’s most laid-back and coolest golf destination. From any part of Trevose, you can always hear the sound of the surf crashing into the rocks along the nearby seashore. Trevose’s green complexes are brilliant.

The Carlyon Bay Golf Course is a coastal golf destination. Perched high above the cliffs that tower over Crinnis Beach and Shorthorn

Beach, this golf course provides an enjoyable golf experience as you look out across the St. Austell Bay.

My final round was on the Bovey Castle Golf Course, which is perched in the middle of Devon’s Dartmoor National Park. This round was a stark contrast from the links golf that I played earlier in the week. Playing golf in the shadows of an English castle was a memorable moment that can’t be replicated back in the U.S.

My accommodations provided lavish and stunning experiences. The Saunton Sands Hotel (Braunton, Devon) is an iconic Art Deco property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a vast, golden sand-filled beach. The Carlyon Bay Hotel (St. Austell, Cornwall) overlooks Cornwall’s south coast, with direct access to St. Austell Bay. The rooms are spacious, the in-house restaurants serve genuine Cornish cuisine, and the service is personal and professional. Bovey

EMERALD COVE BOYS TRACK TEAM

WINS PALM BEACH COUNTY TITLE

a personal best in the

Torano Wins Speed Stakes At Upperville Colt & Horse Show

Polo Park Student Sets All-Time Scoring Record

Polo Park Middle School eighth grader Julianna Nicholson has wrapped up a standout year in athletics, setting a new all-time girls basketball scoring record and earning one of the school’s top honors.

Nicholson scored 198 points in a single basketball season this year, setting the all-time girls record at Polo Park. Over her three years playing basketball as a Stallion, she has become one of the all-time leading scorers in school history, finishing with nearly 350 career points.

“She led the team to its first Western Division title in three years and playoff win,” said Stacy Blackford, athletic director at Polo Park.

Nicholson’s success on the court helped earn her the school’s Female Athlete of the Year award. Her athletic impact was not limited to basketball. Nicholson also made the Polo Park volleyball team three years in a row and started every game this season.

“She helped lead the team to the playoffs and a first-round playoff victory,” Blackford said.

Blackford said Nicholson’s recognition as Female Athlete of the Year reflects not only her athletic

“Julianna exemplified all the qualities we demand of our student athletes and is deserving of this honor,” Blackford said.

Nicholson recently completed her third year playing basketball for the Wellington Wolves and has already begun practicing with the

With record-setting performances, leadership across

Wellington’s Mike Gendler Launches New Nationally Charting Podcast

Wellington resident Mike Gendler, a longtime music producer, talent manager and entertainment entrepreneur, is bringing a spotlight to one of the fastest-growing sectors in live entertainment through his new podcast, Tribute Band Sessions.

The podcast, which debuted recently, quickly charted on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify and is now distributed through the same network that distributes podcasts associated with legendary music brands.

Gendler, who has spent more than 25 years in the entertainment industry, is no stranger to working with major names. His career has included producing and managing entertainment projects connected to organizations such as the NFL and NASCAR, while also collaborating with artists, musicians and personalities across television, live events and the music business.

Gendler remains active in South Florida’s music community and regularly produces recording sessions at Power Station Studios, one of Florida’s premier recording facilities.

“Tribute bands have evolved far beyond what many people imagine,” Gendler said. “These artists are preserving musical legacies, introducing younger audiences to classic catalogs, and filling major theaters, casinos, performing arts centers, cruise ships and iconic venues across the country.”

Co-hosted by acclaimed percussionist Ray Yslas — whose credits

include Chicago, Paul Stanley’s solo band, Christina Aguilera and NBC’s “The Voice” — along with television host, producer and musician Rachel De Barros, the podcast explores the stories behind tribute artists, managers, agents, producers and music-industry veterans helping shape this rapidly growing movement.

The show has already featured an impressive lineup of guests, including St. Paul Peterson of Prince’s band, Simon Napier-Bell (manager of Wham!, Sinéad O’Connor and The Yardbirds), members of Australian Pink Floyd, Get The Led Out and The Docksiders, as well a leading agents, managers, producers and artists helping shape the modern tribute and legacy music scene. The tribute industry itself has

evolved into a worldwide business generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The growing acceptance of tribute artists has even extended to music legends themselves. Earlier this year, Billy Joel made national headlines when he surprised fans by joining a Billy Joel tribute band on stage in Wellington. Country superstar Keith Urban also recently embraced the nostalgia-driven music movement when he joined members of Yacht Rock Revue on stage while promoting his upcoming yacht rock-inspired covers album. Similar moments have occurred with Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and other major artists who have publicly supported performers celebrating their music.

One upcoming episode highlights just how far the movement has evolved. The featured tribute act has come full circle and now serves as the touring backing band for Jon Anderson, the legendary former lead singer of Yes.

For Gendler, the project combines two lifelong passions: music and storytelling.

“Every guest has a unique perspective on performance, fandom, legacy and the changing landscape of live entertainment,” he said.

“We’re documenting an important part of music culture that often gets overlooked.”

New episodes of Tribute Band Sessions are released regularly and are available on all major podcast platforms. Learn more at www. tributebandsessions.com.

Kids Cancer Foundation Receives Admirals Cove Foundation Grant

The Kids Cancer Foundation recently received a grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation to support programs and services for children with cancer and their families throughout South Florida.

The funding will help sustain several key initiatives, including child enrichment programs, educational advocacy services, summer camps, pediatric oncology patient care navigation and mental health counseling services. These programs provide educational resources, emotional support, family-centered activities, and practical assistance to children in treatment, survivors, siblings and parents.

Support from the Admirals Cove Foundation will help the Kids Cancer Foundation continue delivering programs that enhance quality of life, encourage connection and provide critical resources to families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.

For more information about the Kids Cancer Foundation, visit www.kidscancersf.org.

Four Local Girl Scouts Among 2026 Gold Award Recipients

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recently recognized 22 outstanding young women from Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties with the prestigious 2026 Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The annual ceremony was held at the Doubletree by Hilton Deerfield Beach.

Honorees with ties to the western communities included Taylor Browning, Addison White, Isabella Lombardo and Mia Lesko.

During the ceremony, each scout was presented with a Gold Award pin by a special adult who supported her through her project and Girl Scout career. In return, the girl presented this adult with the Companion Gold Award pin.

Awarded to only five percent of eligible Girl Scouts nationwide, the Gold Award recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change in their communities. To earn the award, each must identify a community issue she is passionate about and lead a large-scale service project designed to create lasting impact.

Gold Award projects require advanced communication, leadership and project management skills, often involving collaboration with nonprofits, schools, local governments and community organizations.

“I am impressed by the determination and creativity the Gold Award Class of 2026 demonstrated through their projects. Their community collaborations are remarkable, showing everyone the power of partnerships,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida.

Taylor Browning, a Wellington resident and junior at Wellington High School, completed her project titled “Pediatric Medical Daycare: More Than Just Physical Therapies.” Most people haven’t heard of a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) facility. These are all-day, non-residential, medical daycare centers offering skilled nursing care for children with complex medical conditions. Browning wanted to tell people about these children and work to fill the gaps in their daily lives with recreational activities built to accommodate their conditions and constraints. She partnered with Parents Choice Medical Daycare in Boynton Beach to create a fourmonth series of weekly activities, with developmental benefits to the patients, that did not interfere with medical treatments.

Addison White, a Greenacres resident and senior at Wellington High School, completed her project — “taBOOB” — which addresses lack of awareness about and early detection of breast cancer in youth. She wanted to start more open conversations about overall breast health and educate more young women about creating lifesaving habits to carry into their adult lives. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among female adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years, and it is often more aggressive and difficult to treat than in older women. White’s campaign was delivered through a series of informative interviews and online resources, such as how to perform a self-breast exam, explanations of benign breast conditions and a breast cancer risk calculator. White was surprised during the ceremony with the $1,500 Barbara Ann Turner “Service from the Heart” Scholarship, as well as an hon-

orable mention scholarship from MotivEight in the amount of $500. Isabella Lombardo, a Loxahatchee resident and senior at Park Vista High School, found that endometriosis is a commonly misunderstood disease that is often misdiagnosed. This led her to her project, “Endometriosis Awareness.” Through collaboration with Jupiter Medical Center and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Lombardo created informational posters for her school’s female restrooms and hosted online information sessions to teach girls about the symptoms and long-term effects of endometriosis. Her message was spread to an international audience of girls in Tanzania through a collaboration with Quality Healthcare Solutions and Consulting. Mia Lesko, a Lake Worth resident and senior at Seminole Ridge High School, grew concerned about surprisingly low literacy rates. She addressed that concern with her project “Between the Lines.” Often when students in high school fall behind on these skills, they are embarrassed and do not ask for help. Lesko saw that the importance of a high school student’s literacy proficiency could not be overstated. She started with support from a school administrator to identify students reading below their grade level and recruited a team of 15 students from the English and journalism honor societies at her school. Lesko created a web site, which revealed and discussed literacy challenges and offered information needed to create change and provide assistance, including her group meetings. In addition to straight talk about literacy skills, she added available resources to help students improve privately.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Armory Art Center — Enjoy a summer of creativity at the Armory Art Center, where 2026 Summer Art Camps run from June 1 to Aug. 7, offering young artists the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and traditions through hands-on activities led by teaching artists in state-of-the-art studios. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 have a chance to explore art through playful activities. For children ages 5 to 12, the Cultural Art Camp provides a rich experience, while teens ages 13 to 17 can dive into intensive studio sessions aimed at developing their portfolios across various artistic mediums. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place in West Palm Beach. Visit www.armoryart.org for details.

Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp The Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp is now in its seventh year. The program is designed for both boys and girls who want to learn to row, as well as experienced rowers looking to improve their sculling technique and fitness. Come have fun on the water. The program rows on Lake Wellington, a freshwater, protected, 2,000-meter-long lake. Registration is limited to allow individual, personalized coaching and instruction. The summer program is open to students age 12 and up led by head coach Doug Cody. For 35 years, the Florida Rowing Center has attracted and trained elite-level competitors from North America and Europe. Register and learn more at www.floridarowingcenter.com.

Western Pines Middle School Teacher Steve Gordon Retires

Western Pines Middle School was honored to celebrate the recent retirement of renowned educator Steve Gordon. His journey in Palm Beach County schools began in March 1988 as a substitute teacher at Crestwood Middle School. He later joined the Sixth Grade Center — then Crestwood Two, later Royal Pines — where he taught until the spring of 1997. Gordon then became a founding faculty member at Western Pines in the fall of 1997, remaining a

cornerstone of the school community through the conclusion of this school year.

Throughout his distinguished career, Gordon shared his expertise in science, math, critical thinking and social studies. The profound impact he has made on his students is immeasurable. In celebrating his legacy, a common theme emerged from the outpouring of well wishes: the invaluable life lessons seamlessly woven into his curriculum.

Gordon’s trademark kindness and dedication to learning beyond the classroom through activities like Memorial Day flag placements, veteran honor flights and Holocaust survivor sessions have all left an indelible mark.

While the school community will miss his daily presence in the classroom, they are thrilled that he will continue to support events at Western Pines and congratulate Gordon on an extraordinary career and a job exceptionally well done.

The Cresswind Women’s Club Awards Academic Scholarships

evening

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to

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

that combines nature exploration, gardening, horse care, sustainability and Jewish values in a nurturing outdoor environment. Campers develop confidence, kindness, creativity and practical life skills through engaging activities that encourage learning, teamwork and personal growth. With a screen-free approach and small-group experiences, children build meaningful

El Legado Hispanic Business Awards Celebrate Visionary Leaders

Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores. The awards highlighted outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors. Acosta & Fraga Law received the Impulso Award, recognizing entrepreneurial excellence. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation was honored with the Aplauso Award for community impact, and the Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County was celebrated with the Impacto Award for its ongoing dedication to service. The Legacy Award (El Legado) was presented to Florida Crystals, recognizing the positive impact and generous community support that the Fanjul family and the corporation have provided for decades. Keynote speaker Michael Jarro, vice president of power delivery at Florida Power & Light, shared

a personal retelling of his parents’ perseverance and humble beginnings, as well as his own journey to leadership, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The luncheon was made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Florida Power & Light; Gold Sponsors Baptist Health of South Florida and Wellington Regional Medical Center; Silver Sponsors Discover the Palm Beaches, Florida Public Utilities, Gunster Law, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Beach County School District; and Bronze Sponsor the Professional Firefighters/ Paramedics of Palm Beach County, IAFF Local 2928, as well as table sponsors, chamber’s ambassadors and community partners.

Showgrounds Expand With Launch Of Wellington International South

Wellington International South will feature an array of new and expanded amenities. The inaugural El Legado Hispanic Business Awards luncheon, held May 7 at the West Palm Beach Marriott, was a resounding success. This sold-out event honored the visionaries shaping the future of Palm Beach County. Presented by Florida Power & Light, the event celebrated Hispanic business leaders, small businesses, and organizations whose dedication, professionalism and philanthropy strengthen the community. The luncheon featured Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, as the main emcee, while Wellington Vice Mayor Maria Antuña, chair of the event’s committee, served as the emcee for the awards ceremony. In a heartfelt surprise, Antuña was presented with a special recognition for her leadership and contributions to the Hispanic community, presented by

Set to open for competition this fall, Wellington International South is being thoughtfully designed as a world-class venue for equestrian sport, featuring expansive green space, lush landscaping, ample shade for horses and spectators, and state-of-the-art competition facilities. The new venue will serve as the future home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, while also hosting FEI show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 jumping competitions, and seasonal events.

“This project represents the next chapter for equestrian sports in Wellington,” said Michael Stone, president of Wellington International. “We are building a venue

that prioritizes the experience for horses, riders, owners, grooms and spectators alike while continuing to elevate Wellington International as the premier horse sports destination in the world.” Wellington International South has been master-planned to create an elevated and welcoming environment that blends elite equestrian sport with park-like surroundings.

The new facility will include more than 98 acres featuring stateof-the-art competition facilities and modern VIP hospitality space, expanded golf cart shuttle routes for ease of access to the north and south properties, thousands of parking spaces for cars and golf

carts, ample restroom facilities, permanent covered grandstands with seating for 1,500 spectators, food and retail shopping areas, covered spectator seating at all competition rings, dedicated horse shade structures at each ring and more. Travis Gould and his team at JTWG Inc. are leading the installation of the ebb-and-flow watering systems in the Covered Arena and CDI International Arena, as well as the placement of premium GGT Textile in the competition rings and bridle paths. JTWG is also responsible for

Degree Wellness Set To Open June 20 At Lotis Wellington On SR 7

Degree Wellness, a premier destination for modern wellness, recovery and self-care, is excited to announce the opening of its newest location at the Square at Lotis Wellington on State Road

7. The state-of-the-art wellness studio will officially open its doors to the community on Saturday, June 20.

Prior to opening, Degree Wellness will host a VIP Preview Week from June 13-19, giving founding members exclusive access to experience the studio’s eight core services before the public grand opening. Founding memberships,

which offer significant savings and exclusive benefits, will remain available through June 19.

Degree Wellness is redefining self-care by bringing more than a dozen science-backed wellness and recovery services under one roof. Whether guests are seeking stress relief, better sleep, increased energy, faster recovery, improved athletic performance, reduced pain and inflammation, enhanced mental clarity or healthy aging support, Degree Wellness provides convenient solutions in a luxurious and welcoming environment.

The studio’s signature private

recovery suites feature Infrared Sauna, Cold Plunge, and Contrast Therapy experiences designed to help members unplug, recharge and prioritize their well-being. Guests can enjoy a relaxing solo escape or bring friends and make it social.

Local owners Bill and Lauren Adams are excited to bring Degree Wellness to the Wellington community and share their passion for health, recovery and longevity.

Lauren Adams brings extensive franchise experience as a top-performing franchise owner with

European Wax Center, while radio personality Bill Adams is a familiar name in Palm Beach County through radio broadcasting, including 30-plus years co-hosting morning shows.

“After exploring several opportunities in the wellness industry, we ultimately chose Degree Wellness because of its unique approach to offering multiple science-backed wellness and recovery modalities under one roof,” Bill Adams said. “The concept aligns closely with our personal wellness philosophy and lifestyle, providing a convenient destination

for individuals seeking proactive solutions for stress management, recovery, performance, longevity and overall well-being.”

Signature services include:

Full Body Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna, Cold Plunge, IV Drips & Vitamin Injections, Red Light Therapy, Compression Massage, NAD+ Therapy, Salt Therapy, Contrast Therapy, LED Light Facial and Oxygen Therapy. By combining these therapies in one convenient location, Degree Wellness empowers members to create personalized wellness routines.

“At Degree Wellness, we believe everyone deserves access to effective, restorative self-care — and that starts right here in Wellington,” said Amanda Watts Lightcap, CEO and president of Degree Wellness Franchises. “We’ve partnered with incredible local owners who share our passion for making state-of-the-art technologies accessible in a luxurious, convenient setting.” Degree Wellness Wellington is located at 1383 South State Road 7, Suite 102. Learn more about at www.degreewellness.com/ locations/wellington-fl.

From Change To Credit Cards, Our Modern World Is Out To Get Me

It’s official — nobody can do anything anymore. I can’t find an electrician, plumber or gardener to save my life. The “price” tags at the store no longer feature useless information such as the “price,” and I do not personally own a UPC scanner.

Plus, while we “seniors” grapple with learning every little thing about our phones, just so we’ll be able to call 911 if the need arises, the “juniors” grapple with something as simple counting back our change. I really think pennies are being done away with to make things easier for them. Recently at McDonald’s (yes, I still eat

there!), the teenager at the window threw a handful of change into my palm and asked,

“Is that good enough?” Well, since it was 23 cents over what I was owed, yes, it was “good enough” but, when I tried to return the excess, I was angrily told to “just pull up!” It was my own fault, really. I had the

audacity to use actual cash instead of a fee-charging credit card.

Speaking of credit cards, I recently had it out with them, too. When my card wasn’t accepted, I tried it again elsewhere, then called the number on the back of the card and explained things. The representative told me it was shut down due to “fraudulent activity.” So, I had him go back through my recent charges.

“The last two were refused,” he said.

(Duh. I just told you that.) “And the one before that?” I patiently asked.

“Oh, that went through.”

“So the fraudulent activity?”

(Defensively) “There is no fraudulent activity!”

Summoning my last milligram of patience, I said, “Great. Then please re-activate my card.”

“I will be happy to do that. Just text me a photo of the front and back of your driver’s license and a selfie.”

“No.”

“Beg pardon?”

“No. I have had this card for 50 years. I pay it off every month, and I am not going to do that.”

There was silence, then, “How else may I help you?”

Was I in The Twilight Zone? “You haven’t helped me at all!”

“Right. Just text me a photo of the front and back...”

I hung up. It was the only way out.

The next day, I went directly to my bank — the new one, not Bank of South America — and had the banker process a new credit card for me. It was to arrive in 7 to 10 days, not counting weekends or, heaven help us all, Memorial Day. It arrived

Great Acting, Great Story In New World War II Movie ‘Pressure’

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

The movie Pressure is a pleasant surprise. For people, like me, who love history, it is an ideal movie — one that makes us think and recognize how easy it could be for small things to change history. It takes place over a few days in 1944 as Allied troops gathered in England to begin the invasion of Europe at Normandy. Of course, we know that things worked out. But most people are not aware of how close we came to calling the whole thing off. As a huge army gathered, the Supreme Command spent countless hours creating all sorts of diversions. An amphibious assault, going against an enemy that has been warned, will be devastating and thrown back right on the beach. A rehearsal called Operation Tiger was a disaster, with 700 men dead. And Gen. Dwight Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) had to make the key decision whether to go on June 5, 1944. The key element was the weather. The top British meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) was very concerned about the possibility, the strong possibility, of major storms disrupting the fleet that would be headed across the English Channel. The top American meteorologist Irving Krick (Chris Messina) had made accurate predictions that had carried troops under Eisenhower all through North Africa. He was convinced that, based on previous patterns, there would be no real problem. What made the stakes so high were

the tides. The tides would only allow an invasion on the fifth, or perhaps a day or two before or after. If not, they would have to wait until June 18 and the chances of keeping the location of the invasion secret were dismal. The generals, particularly Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis), were certain they would have no issues. Everything hinged on a correct decision, and the two meteorologists kept arguing while Eisenhower glowered. His assistant Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), worked to attempt a compromise, not helped by Stagg, who was not only being a grump, but also facing pressure because his wife, about to give birth, was in a place being bombed by the Germans, and he had no idea what happened to her.

In the end, of course, a decision was made, and it did work. As someone who is a student of World War II, thanks to a brilliant college professor — thank you, Samuel Eliot Morison! — I can attest to

the accuracy of the historical events and to the fact of the real argument between the men. That is one of the things that makes the film so special. The only real detail wrong was that Stagg’s wife was only about four months pregnant. But the rest, the real grit of the story, is real.

The acting is exceptional. Scott, in a really difficult role, a man torn by emotions who keeps most of his feelings to himself, lets his eyes express his pain and pressure as things seem to turn on his decision. The real Stagg, who spent years working on weather conditions in the arctic, was a prickly soul. Messina is a good foil as the more outgoing Krick, a man who despite past successes seemed to be pushed aside for most of the action. Condon as Kay Summersby was quite good as the meteorological mediator, as well as the person Eisenhower seemed mostly likely to listen to. But the central acting part was Fraser’s.

Eisenhower was the key to the success, and the actor was able to focus on the stress on the man. With victory, he would be a hero the rest of his life. In defeat, he could kill tens of thousands of his own people. His agony and indecision are painful. And Fraser brought it all out. Even knowing what happened, I suffered with him.

A movie like this reminds all of us how difficult so many decisions can be. As we watch the news shows or crunch through the Internet, it seems easy to slough off the difficulties faced by many

and with enormous power. If you

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St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.

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