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INSIDE Nursing School Set To Open This Winter In Royal Palm Beach

Volume 33, Number 50 December 14 - December 20, 2012

CROWDS GREET HOLIDAY PARADE

Daniel Splain of Shaker Health Holdings gave a presentation Monday to the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on his plans to open a nursing school in the village and offer a scholarship annually to a qualifying student from the community. Page 3

Wellington Zoning Board OKs Variances For PBIEC Riding Rings

After more than two hours of discussion, members of Wellington’s Planning Zoning & Adjustment Board approved variances last week for several riding rings at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Page 7

The 29th annual Wellington Holiday Parade took place Sunday, Dec. 9. The afternoon parade featured a variety of floats, marching bands and cars. Shown here is the Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Band, which took first in the marching band category. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 SEE VIDEO AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Jennifer Hager Chosen As New Indian Trail President ‘Change A Life’ Winner Debuts Her New Look

Connie Christman, winner of the “Change a Life” contest sponsored by Visions Salon: The Color Group and Dr. G’s Weight Loss & Wellness of Wellington, debuted her new look Wednesday, Dec. 5. Page 12

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report There’s a new supervisor on the board and new person holding the gavel after Wednesday’s organizational meeting of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors. After a shift on the board’s political balance, Jennifer Hager was unanimously elected ITID president, replacing longtime ITID President Michelle Damone, who re-

mains on the board but without an officer position. Also taking his seat Wednesday was Supervisor Gary Dunkley, who unseated former Supervisor Carlos Enriquez in last month’s election. Both Dunkley and Damone took the oath of office at the start of the meeting. The other officer positions also changed. Supervisor Carol Jacobs was named vice president, Dunkley was chosen as treasurer, ITID

Local Day Spa Helps Out Back To Basics

Sanda Gané European Day Spa presented donations to the local nonprofit Back to Basics on Friday, Dec. 7. Spa staff members gave a percentage of their sales to Back to Basics and also bought toys, sneakers and socks, which the nonprofit gives to children in need during the holiday season. Page 13

OPINION Stop Treating Similar Businesses Unfairly

The tricky topic of regulating business hours came up again last week. After discussing a proposal to remove limits on the hours of operation for businesses within 300 feet of homes, Wellington’s planning board objected to the change. While they brought up good points, we don’t agree that keeping these outdated rules is the best thing for the community. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION ................................. 4 CRIME NEWS ......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS ........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................ 14 PEOPLE ........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 26 BUSINESS .................... 27 - 29 ENTERTAINMENT ................. 31 SPORTS ........................ 37 - 39 CALENDAR ................... 40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 42 - 47 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

New ITID Board — (L-R) Ralph Bair, Jennifer Hager, Carol Jacobs, Michelle Damone and Gary Dunkley. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Attorney Mary Viator was tapped as secretary and Supervisor Ralph Bair was named assistant secretary. All officer appointments carried on unanimous 5-0 votes. Hager said she wanted to initiate some changes immediately, starting with allowing more discussion from the audience. “I know that in the past, the three-minute cutoff has been a big thing for some of you,” she said, addressing the residents in attendance. “If you’re at the end of your three minutes and you think it’s legit that you go over and have an active conversation, that’s fine and great. If it’s packed, and we have a million of these [comment cards] in, we’ll tighten it up a little bit.” In the event of a major issue cropping up — such as last summer’s flood — Hager said she would change the meeting venue rather than have people standing outside. She also wanted to move supervisors’ comments to immediately See ITID, page 7

LGWCD Releases Short List Of New Administrator Candidates By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors approved a short list of five candidates Monday to replace 15-year veteran Clete Saunier, who was dismissed as district administrator last month. Since the board’s last meeting, Saunier had accepted the district’s offer of a separation package worth $80,547.83. Supervisor Don Widing said that he and Supervisor John Ryan had met and narrowed the list of 22 candidates who applied for the position down to five and one alternate. The candidates are engineer Anthony V. LasCasas, Steve A. McKown, engineer Stephen E. Yohe, James Anaston-Karas, and engineer Raul Mercado of Water Resources Management Associates. The alternate is engineer W. Erik Olson. Widing explained that the board

had delegated him and Ryan to narrow the list down in a publicly advertised meeting Friday, Dec. 7. Widing also passed out a list of suggested guidelines to follow in the selection process. The 22 applications amounted to 365 pages that they reviewed, he said. “In all my years of human resources work in hiring and going through human assessment processes personally, I have never experienced the bulk in single resumes ever,” Widing said. “We had submissions from three pages to 35 pages on a single candidate, and we looked at every single piece of paper.” Widing said that neither he nor Ryan had contacted any of the candidates or their references, but they had assembled a set of suggested guidelines for the board to follow in the selection process. “We’re recommending that the board determine a date and a time for an initial candidate interview, and establish an allotted time

frame for each candidate,” Widing said. “The board will review and approve an invitation to participate.” Candidates will be provided a salary range and benefits for the position, and will be given a selfevaluation form for them to fill out and return to the district for distribution to the board to review prior to the interview. Each board member will be given an option to develop a maximum of three questions for the initial candidate interviews based on their own review of the applications and the candidates’ self-evaluations. “That gives the potential for a maximum of 15 questions, which is quite a lot, but we feel that with the diversity on the board and the self-evaluation, if each board member does their work, after 15 questions and the interviews with the candidate’s response, we should get a pretty good initial interpretaSee LGWCD, page 20

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Plan For Meeting On EV Settlement Dies Amid Attorney Switch By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Litigation over the controversial Equestrian Village property will not be settled this year. Instead, Wellington Village Council members asked Tuesday for a private meeting with the village’s interim attorneys to discuss a counteroffer. Discussion on what to do about litigation also led to a request by Vice Mayor Howard Coates that the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General look into communication between some council members on the matter. At Tuesday’s meeting, council members abandoned tentative plans to have a rehearing on the issue in order to have further discussion with attorneys now that they have new representation. “I think a shade session would be appropriate, only because we have new counsel,” Mayor Bob Margolis suggested. “That way, [attorney Claudio Riedi] can understand where this council is coming from, because he hasn’t had an opportunity to sit down and discuss this with us.” Riedi acted as the village’s rep-

resentation in July during discussion of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center master plan, and will be taking over the Equestrian Village litigation while the council discusses its options for hiring a new village attorney. Equestrian Village representatives proposed a settlement in late November, but council members rejected it Tuesday. It would have allowed for existing structures to remain, Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “It would allow the two barns, the covered arena and other existing structures to stay in place and continue to be used,” he said. Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo told council members that the settlement was an attempt to come to an agreement on what is currently built on the property. “We’re willing to accept what has been done,” he said. “There is no more hotel, just the structures already on the site. We will accept that so we can move forward as a community.” But council members said they See EV PROJECT, page 20

WINTER WONDERLAND

Wellington hosted ZMC Entertainment’s Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Wellington Amphitheater. The event featured holiday performances by professional singers and dancers. Guests enjoyed fair rides and midway games, and there were vendors offering food and other items. Shown here, dancers from the Dance Attack Studio gear up for their performance. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 13 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Council To Keep Current Firm During Legal Search By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to continue to work with its current law firm while members decide whether to make the village attorney’s position inhouse. In a 3-2 decision, council members chose to stick with the law firm of Glen J. Torcivia & Associates temporarily until they hire a new attorney on an interim or permanent basis. Councilmen Matt Willhite and John Greene cast the dissenting votes. Last month, the council was split on a decision to end its contract with the law firm, which former Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz worked for. But council members had not selected new representation as of this week.

In the meantime, a consulting firm has been crunching numbers to make a recommendation whether Wellington would save money by moving its attorney in-house rather than having a firm on retainer. “We have asked if they could move up their completion date,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “They said they will try to accelerate the process, but given the approaching holidays, they are not willing to commit and say they can. They will, however, be providing recommendations as they become available rather than waiting until the end.” But because the contract with Torcivia was to end Thursday, Schofield said council members had to choose an interim attorney See NEW LAWYER, page 20

Royal Palm Commons Park Inching Toward Completion By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park is making slow, yet steady progress toward completion. As of Oct. 29, contractor West Construction began paying a $1,000-a-day default fee for the $22 million project, which is estimated to be done sometime next month. The park will bring Royal Palm Beach to 30 acres of recreational space per 1,000 residents — three times the amount required by the village charter. Only 60 acres of the 160-acre park will be finished during the project, with several acres set aside for a future amphitheater, 90 acres for a possible par-3 golf course

and several more acres for development by nonprofits. The park has 3 miles of paved pathways and 20 pavilions, some with docks for access to the park’s numerous lakes, according to Village Manager Ray Liggins. “There are six docks total,” said Liggins as he gave the Town-Crier a tour of the park Monday. All the pavilions and play sets are finished, Liggins said, while the main things remaining to be finished are the sodding and portions of the main clubhouse. The great lawn remained unsodded this week, but the contour of the land reveals a great bowl shape, surrounded by several pavilions where bands could play or exhibitors could set up.

“We have areas where four bands could set up at the same time,” Liggins said. “This is an event park,” he said. “It’s not a ball field, but we could actually do sports events there if we wanted. It’s going to be a sports lawn. We can have unbelievable festivals out here. We could make it a go-to place for a festival.” To the southeast of the threestory main clubhouse is a hexagonal steel structure that will eventually be a canvas-covered pavilion, complete with stage, suitable for a wedding and/or reception. On the opposite side of the clubhouse will be the main courtyard, with an interactive fountain adorned by four statues of FloriSee COMMONS PARK, page 20

The main building at the almost-completed Commons Park. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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NEWS

Nursing School Set To Open This Winter In Royal Palm Beach By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Daniel Splain of Shaker Health Holdings gave a presentation Monday to the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on his plans to open a nursing school in the village and offer a scholarship annually to a qualifying student from the community. The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved Splain’s application in June to establish a nursing school at 500 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the former CVS Pharmacy location in the Royal Plaza shopping center. “We have now gone through all of the regulatory approvals that are required by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Commission for Independent Education here in the State of Florida, and last Friday we received all of our final

approvals,” Splain said. “We are now qualified to operate a practical nursing program here, and we are about to file for an associate’s degree in nursing program and a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing.” The practical nursing program lasts approximately a year, and those who pass the exit examination are eligible to take a licensing test in any state that recognizes the examination, he said. Splain expects to begin offering that program sometime in February. “Now that we’ve got the approval, we are trying to finalize the schedule,” he said. “I’m not an educator. I’m on the administrative side.” Splain said the worst nursing shortage ever experienced in the United States is projected to occur in the next eight years as the

population continues to age, life expectancies continue to increase and more people die of chronic rather than acute illnesses. “We are going to be short approximately 250,000 nurses,” he said, adding that Florida will feel the shortage more than other states because more people retire here. “I would anticipate that Florida would experience the shortage more harshly than other areas. The large snowbird population we get here seasonally are largely older people who make demands on the healthcare system.” Originally from Cleveland, where he and his wife operate a nursing school, Splain said they have purchased a home in Royal Palm Beach, where they plan to retire. “I spent most of my career in nonprofit healthcare,” he said. “I’ve worked for Franciscan nuns, and

their big thing was to give back to the community you are a part of, and that’s something I’ve taken to heart in my lifetime, and it’s something all of us have a responsibility to do.” Along that line of reasoning, they have decided to offer a scholarship to a local student. “We would like to give a scholarship every year to some deserving person in the Royal Palm Beach community who would like to become a licensed practical nurse,” Splain said, adding that a similar scholarship will be added for the associate’s degree in nursing degree when that program comes online. “Higher education of any kind is a fairly expensive proposition these days. We have set this program to be, I believe, the secondlowest-cost program for nursing

in Palm Beach County,” he said, adding that only the state-subsidized Palm Beach State College program is less expensive. Tuition for the program is $15,000 per year, Splain said, pointing out the value of the scholarship being offered. Mayor Matty Mattioli has indicated that he wants to turn the selection process over to the Education Advisory Board. “We are happy to work with you, but we don’t want to be the ones picking out the individual,” Splain said. “We would just like to know it is someone interested in nursing, and hopefully one who would work in this general area to, again, give back to the community that enabled them to get that nursing education.” Splain said he hoped a scholarship recipient could be selected in

time for the first class beginning in February, which will graduate in January 2014. He said the recipient would need only to have a high school or GED diploma and pass the entrance exam. The school will be able to admit 100 day students and another 100 at night ultimately, but Splain said the first class will be only 12 to 15 day students to assure that it is functioning as it should. A second class would begin three months later. The educators all will have at least a bachelor’s of nursing degree and be registered nurses. The three professors on board currently are master’s level nurses or higher, Splain said. Board Chair Lynn Balch said the committee would make every effort to select a qualifying candidate for the school by February.

State Legislators Plan Priorities With Local Municipal Leaders By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Local elected leaders from across Palm Beach County met Wednesday to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming year. The Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation met in a workshop session with representatives from the Palm Beach County League of Cities at the Atlantis Country Club to help draw up the league’s goals for the 2013 legislative session in Tallahassee. Legislators circulated to different tables during the workshop, listening to the concerns of local officials. The delegation’s chairman,

State Rep. Mark Pafford (D- District 86), sat with local officials at one session, which included Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara. Among the items discussed included opposition to legislation that would restrict or prohibit revenues generated under the communications services tax and the local business tax. “There’s a quality of life issue, especially at a local level,” Pafford said. “I don’t know if the legislature understands that local government is where the rubber meets the road. You guys get the calls. It might not be fire-rescue, but the fact that the garbage man dumped the trash and left a mess in the

State Rep. Mark Pafford (right), seated next to Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara, discusses issues coming up in Tallahassee next year. PHO TO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

front yard. That type of thing can be something that comes up, that we’re not allowing these locals to raise money.” Pafford said he did not anticipate legislation eliminating or restricting local business taxes to come up or, if it did, that it would gain traction. If something were to pass, such as a prohibition of the communications tax, which in many cases garners more revenue for local government than property taxes, he said local governments would be forced to recoup the loss by other means. Hmara said that if his village were to lose that source of revenue, Royal Palm Beach would be forced to raise money elsewhere or dramatically cut back on services. “It’s just like your personal budget,” he said. “You have to decide where else can you get that money, or is it not so important that I can give up some of those? That sort of discussion is a hard one to have with the residents.” Pafford said the legislature has cut its budget every year for the past five years, often passing costs on to local government, yet there has been no discussion of alternative revenue sources. Hmara said another consideration is whether the tax discourages the development of local business. “Striking that balance is why you have elected officials who try to figure out the right bal-

ance for the community,” he said. Pafford said that whatever the legislature does, it is always felt at the local level. He pointed to the recent elimination of the Department of Community Affairs, which controlled large-scale development, and its replacement by the Department of Economic Opportunity, leaving local government with the responsibility of controlling development. “At the end of the day, legislators go to Tallahassee and legislate, and you at this table get to talk to people,” Pafford said. As the state grows — and Florida is now home to 19 million people, with more than 7 million in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties — local governments are going to need to talk about population density, Pafford said. “We’re not necessarily on one house per acre anymore,” he said. “We may have to build 10-story, 20-story places in West Palm Beach if we want to preserve land, because people are going to come here, they’re not going to go away, and it’s not going to stop.” The group also discussed the league’s support of legislation to encourage the development and implementation of renewable and alternative energy, and alternative transportation fuel sources. Pafford said that a wind farm recently approved for the Everglades Ag-

ricultural Area is a good example of what he would like to see more of. “The wind farms out west are seen environmentally as the way to go,” Pafford said. The delegation’s vice chairman, State Rep. Pat Rooney (R-District 85), was the next representative to sit at the table, where discussion included homeowners’ insurance. Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan said he sees problems growing with Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort, trying to unload some of its clients to smaller, private insurers. “Citizens is getting downright abusive, almost, in trying to depopulate their number of policies,” Ryan said, explaining that Citizens has tried to get him to go with smaller, under-capitalized insurers, some of which have already failed. “I agree with that,” Rooney said. “This latest plan that they came up with to try to loan money to some of these companies to get them to come in; I think that needs to be vetted in front of the whole legislature. They were trying to do that without really getting our involvement in it.” Ryan asked whether the state had tried attracting some of the more traditional insurers back to Florida, and Rooney said any new ideas are worth considering. “The current system we have is not sustainable, and it’s not economically

viable for any of us to be paying outrageous amounts because the only company that will take us is Citizens,” he said. “The good news, I think, is the governor has heard those complaints, and I think he is trying to figure out ways to bring some of the big boys back in here.” Rooney said he thought the Citizens board needs new leadership. “I think the people who have been running that have not been doing a great job,” he said. Rooney added that one of his priorities as a member of the Rulemaking & Regulation Subcommittee has been to eliminate duplicative regulations that hamper the growth or establishment of new small businesses. “The primary directive we had from the governor was to try to get rid of about 1,100 rules, regulations, permitting things that hamper small businesses,” Rooney said. “When you apply for a business and you get your occupational license and your local permit and your state permit and all that other stuff, it’s time-consuming and costly, and what we’re trying to do is streamline that process.” Right now it can take up to six months to get all the necessary permits to start a business, Rooney said. “If you wanted to start your business now, you’re startSee WORKSHOP, page 20

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OUR OPINION

Simplify The Code: Stop Treating Similar Businesses Unfairly The tricky topic of regulating business hours in Wellington came up again last week. After discussing a proposed change to remove limits on the hours of operation for businesses within 300 feet of homes, Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board objected to the idea. While board members brought up many good points, we don’t agree that keeping these clearly outdated rules is the best thing for local businesses or the community as a whole. Wellington code currently allows businesses within 300 feet of homes to operate only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., which were the same hours under the county’s code before Wellington incorporated. The problem is that when these rules were put in place, the only shopping centers around were the small interior shopping centers, which are surrounded by residential areas. Now there are businesses on the State Road 7 corridor and surrounding the Mall at Wellington Green — far from homes — offering similar services without the same restrictions on hours. This is a competitive disadvantage that harms convenience stores, movie theaters, fitness facilities, breakfast places and any number of businesses for which the 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. limit does not make sense. The matter was addressed two years ago when the new Dunkin’ Donuts on Forest Hill Blvd. asked for extended hours. More recently, the Grille Fashion Cuisine was granted the ability to offer late-night dining and entertainment. Since then, the problem has grown only more complicated as the village has struggled with how to enforce the laws on the books after decades of turning a blind eye. Right now, there’s a moratorium on enforcement. Meanwhile, most of the businesses caught in this web are not causing problems with neighbors.

At last week’s meeting, Wellington staff suggested that other ordinances on the books can handle the problems caused by businesses open at odd hours near residential areas. For example, there are already strict noise regulations, strict rules for when and how to serve alcohol, strict rules regulating musical entertainment, drive-through lanes, disorderly conduct and more. For this reason, village staff recommended dropping the ordinance restricting hours in its entirety. PZA board members disagreed, instead wanting a far more detailed ordinance granting certain classes of businesses the ability to be open outside the specified timeframe, but forbidding others. If Wellington wants to maintain healthy shopping centers in the interior of the community, a new set of bureaucratic rules will not help. Wellington would do best to loosen the regulations so that all businesses are on equal footing. The rules and regulations regarding noise, alcohol and entertainment need to be strictly enforced. However, when it comes to the eatery that wants to serve an early breakfast to people before they go to work, the movie theater that happens to be showing a midnight screening or the fitness club that wants to open early, the way many others do, this is not something Wellington code should shut down in some parts of the village but leave open in other areas. Code enforcement is always a complicated matter, and there’s never a sure way to please everyone. But sometimes simpler is better, at least as a starting point, and the best way forward right now is for Wellington to make its code enforcement less complicated — and more fair.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Space Center Trip Great For Our Students Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the article in last week’s school news section titled “WHS Students Visit Kennedy Space Center.” I worked for the Palm Beach County School District as an educator for 28 years, and the Kennedy Space Center field trip was one of the best experiences the students could encounter. When I saw that the Jacobs family funded the entire VIP Kennedy Space Center trip for advanced high school students, I could not help but smile. The trip is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the participants. Many of my students would never have had the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from professionals in the field. As a math and science teacher working at Wellington Elementary School, I sometimes felt confined by the Sunshine State Standards and the FCAT requirements. Prior to moving to Wellington, I worked as a primary teacher in Illinois for 10 years. As the standardized testing grew more prevalent in the design of my curriculum in Florida, I began to long for the creativity and ingenuity Illinois had offered. It is trips like the one the Jacobs funded that make teaching enjoyable, and it puts the fun back into learning math, science and its relevance in the “real world.” When I accompanied my students on the trip, I was able to watch them gain a greater appreciation of the talent, dedication, hard work and preparation that goes into conducting NASA’s human spaceflight program. Not only were they introduced to an experienced shuttle astronaut, but they also were able to ask questions and get his perspective on space flight, as well as the specific mission that he flew. Occasionally we watch our students sit at their desks and stare vacantly into space. Many times I was questioning whether my time was making a difference in their lives. The VIP Kennedy Space Center trip seemingly opened their eyes. They were full of excitement, dreams and a new sense of creativity. The students were able to take geometry and math to a new level with truss building. It was a fun and creative project, which not only taught teamwork but also applied relevance to what they had learned on paper. They were presented with examples of trusses from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to some used at the International Space Station. They examined the stresses on such structures and the strengths of their designs. Testing was accomplished by adding weight to each truss, and the team whose truss withstood the most was the winner. The students took a guided tour of the Astronaut Hall of Fame Museum, and using the information they had learned in history, applied the different missions such as Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle programs. The interactivity continued with students discovering how shuttles are launched, as well as how humans survive in the vacuum of space. Making a smile stretch across a student’s face is one of the most difficult things for an educator to accomplish, and also one of the

most rewarding feelings I could describe. As students experienced the motion-based simulators such as the Multi-Axis Trainer and the Trajector Chair, it was clear that this experience would be forever engraved in their minds. I would like to thank the Jacobs family with all my heart for providing upper-level classmen with a similar and even more extensive opportunity to what my students had. With the right group of teachers and students, this trip is one for the books! The community should recognize the generosity of this gesture, and understand the joy of applied teaching and learning in a setting such as the Kennedy Space Center. Sue Bierer Wellington

Chesher Disputes Euell’s ‘Facts’ Two years ago, the University of Maryland released a study showing that Fox News watchers were less informed than people who watch no television news at all. A recent study from Fairleigh Dickinson University backs the University of Maryland’s findings. I don’t know if Thomas Euell watches Fox News, but his skewed information seems to indicate that he just might be a Fox fan. I have a few corrections to make to his most recent letter (“Thomas Euell Responds,” Dec. 7). The first misleading statement in his letter is regarding U.S. (federal lands) oil production under the Obama administration, in which he says the administration cut oil production by 50 percent. According to CNN Factcheck, “Oil production on federal and Indian lands from 2009 through 2011 totaled 2.027 million barrels. That’s an average of 675,000 barrels per year during Obama’s term, compared to an average annual production of 609,000 barrels annually during Bush’s last term.” Next, according to Politifact, Romneycare and Obamacare are the “same thing.” Neither one is “universal healthcare.” Private insurance companies still insure their customers and still make large profits, and “Medicaid” is still a safety net program that tax dollars support in Massachusetts and throughout the United States. As for the “Barack Obama: Big Spender” lie, please read the May 24 Forbes report, “Who is the Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It’s Barack Obama?” They even published an easy-to-understand chart, provided by the Congressional Budget Office, proving the point that President Obama is most definitely not the big spender who right-wing talkers claim he is. Addressing the success of the Clinton administration, here are the facts: Clinton taxed the rich and created 23 million jobs and a record surplus. Bush cut taxes on the rich and lost 15 million jobs and created record debt. Surprisingly, liberals agree with Mr. Euell on the issue of “entitlements.” However, it is the right-wingers like Marco Rubio who continue to label Social Security and Medicare as “entitlements.” We call them earned benefits, because we earned (paid into) them. Today, unemployment rates dropped to 7.7 percent and housing starts and values are up. Corporate profits are at an all-time high, according to Business Insid-

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er, CNN and The Economist, so let’s stop with the fear mongering about the economy. America has always been a fairly well-balanced combination of socialism and capitalism. Most liberals use and enjoy capitalism just like conservatives do. A major difference is that liberals aren’t terrified of government, social safety nets or that some scary group of people might take our “stuff” or our freedom or guns away from us. Ironically, the red states are overwhelmingly the welfare queens. The states governed by folks who think government is too big and spending needs to be cut are the states taking more federal money than they pay in federal taxes. “They talk a good game, but stick the blue states with the bill,” according to Business Insider. I’m not sure what the reference to Greece is supposed to mean, but according to Nobel Prize–winning economist Paul Krugman, Greece’s insistence on “austerity” has only compounded its financial crisis. I don’t know if Greece’s prime minister watches Fox News, but it sounds like Greece could use some of President Obama’s economic advice. Gwynne Chesher Wellington

Santamaria Is County’s Voice Of The People Like many in our community, I was outraged when I read about Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s being passed over for the position of vice chair of the Palm Beach County Commission, a position for which he was clearly in line. What kind of conspiracy resulted in this unfair outcome for a selfless individual who cares only for his constituents and, indeed, for all in Palm Beach County? What comes to mind is the impression that some members of the county commission fear his dedication to the truth and to honesty in all matters. Nowhere has that been more clear than in the constant roadblocks that have been created by government against the inspector general, a position recommended by a grand jury and approved by a super-majority of voters in our county. First, it was a computer system that could not accommodate charges to the vendors to pay for the IG. Then it was 14 cities that filed a lawsuit against the IG, a move in direct opposition to what their constituents supported. It doesn’t take rocket science to conclude that someone has something to fear. Those who fancy themselves in charge of the commission likely took the opportunity to connive behind closed doors. They should be ashamed of themselves and aren’t worthy of representing us. Jess is the one who truly represents us, insisting that he is not a politician but a public servant. He understands and supports the idea of a government of the people, for the people and by the people, a concept that some on the commission seem to have forgotten by ignoring the wishes of their constituencies. Jess, we know that you will continue to represent us in a fair and unbiased way, as you have always done, despite the connivers who try to undermine your good work! We are with you. Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach

Groves Council Shoots Itself In The Other Foot The outrage continued at the Dec. 4 Loxahatchee Groves council meeting. The mayor and council members were marginally less aggressive to Ms. Thais Gonzalez and her campaign to get a referendum on the college than they were last meeting, but their horrendous attacks on democracy and freedom of speech continued unabated. Despite the obvious positive effect their heinous personal attacks on Ms. Gonzalez had, instead of trying to find an intelligent way to deal with the current hot topic in a statesmanlike manner, they reloaded and blasted off their other foot. At least Councilman Jim Rockett had the decency not to wear his trademark patriotic shirt whilst doing it. Not the American way to smash the First Amendment, eh Jim? Just the Loxahatchee Groves way. The great news for freedom lovers and the town residents was that there were several new faces at the meeting — many opposed to the college, some only because of the council’s bungling efforts to gag the people, all keen to join Ms. Gonzalez’s committee. If nothing else, Ms. Gonzalez has sharpened the focus on the dubious process by which it was approved in the first place. Sadly, the council, with the shining exception of Councilman Tom Goltzené, despite the clear contrary and growing public opinion in the town, again didn’t take heed of the electorate and continued along the cowardly autocratic path it started out on last meeting. Again, one must wonder why? They went further and “passed a motion” (somehow strangely appropriate terminology) that enabled them to embark on an “anti– Thais Gonzalez and her petition” campaign at the public expense. What a bunch of losers. They even intend to use the town web site to post speculative untruthful propaganda about how it’s going to cost everyone in the town a fortune if the college doesn’t go ahead. The people of this town are not as stupid as you think, gentlemen. They’ll see that for what it is: pathetic scare mongering. If there is any financial penalty for the likely success of Ms. Gonzalez’s actions, it is you, Mr. Mayor, and your council colleagues who must bear full responsibility for placing the town in the position of risk. You rushed it through in the summer months when no one was around. You didn’t make any effort to inform the electorate. You didn’t dot the i’s and cross the t’s. And you didn’t even make sure the deal was watertight. Duh. You really are making a mockery of local government. Even the orchestrated group of “usual suspects” who spoke in favor of the college seemed uncertain this time around. John Ryan’s incoherent reasoning only succeeded in confirming the only motive for “stopping” Ms. Gonzalez was because it would cost the town money! Great politics, Mr. Ryan. Cash before concern. Pennies before principle. He also suggested the college would “put Loxahatchee Groves on the map.” Well, a nuclear holocaust put Hiroshima on the map, John, but it would be difficult to argue it was good for the town.

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah W elky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

Other pro-college speakers confused their ideology, lurching pointlessly from being pro the college and therefore “against” the petition to therefore anti-democracy to maybe wanting a traffic survey? Only Ms. Gonzalez demonstrated true feeling, her passion clear. Her voice wavered, but her principles did not. She won several more supporters, even in a room largely filled with detractors and council orchestrated orators. But (yawn) as I wrote before, I’m personally ambivalent about the college. That’s not what this is about. I know it must be frustrating when that darned democracy thing gets in the way of politicians getting what they want, but this is still America, isn’t it? Once more I say to the mayor and council: dig deep. Be men. Stop sacrificing freedom to funding. Find some statesmanship. Tell yourself the truth; Todd McLendon was absolutely right to remind you, whether you agree with him and Ms. Gonzalez or not, you must defend their rights to speak freely. Anything other is against everything that made the United States great and a brutal betrayal of the young men and women fighting and, as you read this, dying in foreign wars to ensure our freedom of speech. If you cannot find it in yourselves to do that, gentlemen, you cannot consider yourselves fit for government and must resign immediately. And go live in Cuba where your style of governance will be welcomed. I have a feed business in Loxahatchee Groves. Many residents rely on us. Because I have dared speak out for freedom, I have been threatened with code violations by the town. I will, of course, be writing to the Town-Crier as their actions unfold. One hopes the media, the people’s last hope in an oppressive regime, will not shrink from its duty. Tim Hart-Woods Loxahatchee Groves

Thanks To Jacobs Family For School Trip Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the article in last week’s school news section titled “WHS Students Visit Kennedy Space Center.” It was so refreshing to read about the incredible generosity of the Jacobs family of Wellington and East Aurora, N.Y., for providing the Wellington High School students the opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center. In an era of public school budgets being slashed to the bone and field trips being one of its biggest casualties, how nice it is to see a family like the Jacobs giving back to the community by supporting this field trip at no cost to the school or the school district. The

incredible learning opportunity of field trips give students a chance to experience hands-on learning away from the confines of a classroom. As we all look back on our high school experience, without a doubt, it is the field trips that we remember, which, in turn, had some of the greatest impact on who we are today. Furthermore, as a public school teacher, I am keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities the future holds for high school students. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs are key to this generation’s success and the future of our country in the global economy. A field trip to the Kennedy Space Center will have an impact on lives long after this is over. Kudos to the Jacobs family for giving these students this incredible opportunity. May others follow the lead and do the same in their communities in whatever capacity they are able — one school, one student at a time. Margaret Armendariz Aiken, S.C.

Unger: The Election Is Over Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to last week’s letter “Thomas Euell Responds.” In a recent letter, Thomas Euell complains about the usage of the term “capitalism” by previous letter writers, yet he then compounds this alleged ill with his own. You proffer the term “liberal” as if it were something heinous, and paint other writers thusly: “your liberal friends” (used twice), “Obama and his ilk… that is what liberals do,” “you and your cohorts,” and then you complain about the term “Romnesia while you offer up “Obamacare.” I’m not going into what Romney left in Massachusetts, but it certainly was not “a good job in Massachusetts” that you suggest, nor the improvement he credited himself with in education, when indeed Massachusetts led the nation in education prior to Mitt’s moving there. Before you rant on about the term “liberal,” I humbly request that you visit a dictionary and read the definition, and then consider our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and most especially the constitutional amendments, for they are all liberal ideas. Picking just one or two, woman’s suffrage and the 13th Amendment might enlighten you about liberalism. Hint: Richard Nixon wanted a national healthcare system, and Abraham Lincoln was responsible for the 13th Amendment. So we see, even Republicans have moments of enlightenment. Oh, Romney lost. You need to get past that and perhaps together we can work on our nation’s problems, instead of name-calling. George Unger Wellington

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

COMMUNITY OF HOPE CHURCH HOSTS ITS ANNUAL BACK TO BETHLEHEM EVENT Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves held its annual interactive outdoor family event “Back to Bethlehem” Friday through Sunday, Dec. 7-9. The event gives people the opportunity to walk through a replica of the ancient city of Bethlehem and experience how life was like when Jesus was born. Church volunteers played villagers, merchants, Roman guards, the holy family and more. For more info., visit www.gocoh.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Kelly Gregan, Jill West and Harry Bolander as citizens of Bethlehem.

Chloe, Dylan and Kayla Bromhead with Julia Pieris.

James Reeder as a rabbi.

Dianne Patterson sells bread.

Andrew Macintosh and Rober t Greener.

Connie Krajewski crushes spices.

Nicole Carroll looks at villagers by the well.

WELLINGTON BALLET THEATRE PERFORMS ‘NUTCRACKER’ AT THE AMPHITHEATER The Wellington Ballet Theatre presented The Nutcracker on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Dancers from the theater performed scenes from the popular Christmas play to an audience of family members, friends and residents. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Sarah Marsengill plays the Ballerina Doll and Madison Brown plays Clara.

Patrick Cerasuolo as Fritz and Mathew Marsengill as a friend of Fritz.

Shelby Wetter as the Snow Princess.

Jason, Acely, Taije and Kim Tomberg bring flowers to choreographer Melissa Waters.

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CRIME NEWS

Man Arrested Trying To Enter RPB Home By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 9 — A man was arrested early last Sunday morning on battery charges after he attempted to force his way into several homes in Counterpoint Estates and struck one woman. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately midnight, several residents contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach to report a white male going door to door and asking to use the phone. According to the report, the first witness said the man, later identified as 47-year-old Peter Brumer, knocked on her door, and when she refused to let him in, he continued to pound on her front door and refused to leave. A second witness said Brumer knocked on her door four times, and she eventually let him in to use the phone but was afraid to have him inside. According to the report, a third witness said she returned home and observed her rear wooden gate was open and damaged. When she went around back, she observed Brumer on her patio. According to the report, she told him to leave, and he attempted to follow her. The victim said Brumer stepped into her home as she tried to close the door, and Brumer tried to force open the door, striking the victim. According to the report, a family member had to help her force the door closed. As the deputy was taking reports on the incidents, he observed Brumer walking up the street. Brumer was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with battery, burglary to an unoccupied dwelling, disturbing the peace and criminal mischief. ••• DEC. 7 — A Fort Lauderdale man was arrested early last Friday morning on drug charges following a traffic stop near the intersection of State Road 7 and Victoria Grove Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol on SR 7 at approximately 1:35 a.m. when he observed a Nissan Altima varying in speed from 30 to 57 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. The deputy believed the driver might be impaired and initiated a traffic stop near Victoria Grove Blvd. According to the report, the deputy made contact with the driver, 19-year-old Andrew Castillo. According to the report, the deputy could smell the scent of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search revealed marijuana residue and rolling papers on the front seat, as well as three plastic baggies containing less than 20 grams of marijuana, another pack of rolling papers in the center console, a glass jar with marijuana residue in it, a small digital scale and a water bottle with a small marijuana cigarette stored inside. Castillo was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and drug equipment possession. DEC. 7 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was called last Friday morning to a business on Business Parkway regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, some-

time between 4:30 p.m. last Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. last Friday, someone cut the lock on the victim’s utility trailer and stole several tools, rolls of copper pipe and an unknown amount of electric and copper fittings. There was no further information available at the time of the report. DEC. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched last Saturday morning to Wellington Regional Medical Center regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim put his tools near the loading dock of the hospital and left to park his truck. When he returned, he discovered his tools were missing. The missing tools included a saw, hammer drill and impact drill, and were valued at $1,180. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 8 — A resident of Oakmont Estates contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday evening to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., someone pried open the front door of the home and ransacked the master bedroom, stealing several items of jewelry. The deputy said the perpetrator(s) also attempted to pry open the rear door and window. The stolen jewelry was valued at approximately $5,600, and the damage was estimated at $4,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in the Eastwood community last Saturday night regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, the victim was home at approximately 8 p.m. when she heard something strike her glass window and break it. The deputy observed a small hole in the window, approximately a quarter of an inch in size. There were also several more holes in the wall near the window. According to the report, the deputy believed a BB gun caused the damage. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $750 in damage, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 8 — A Hollywood man was arrested last Saturday night on charges of fraud after he used a fraudulent credit card to purchase an iPad from the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was at the store regarding a shoplifting case when an employee got a report that a man was attempting to use a fraudulent credit card. The deputy made contact with the man, 33-year-old Steve Lorthe, who had used the card to purchase an iPad. Lorthe was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with forgery, illegal use of credit cards and grand theft. DEC. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded Tuesday afternoon to a business on Business Parkway regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Friday, Nov. 16 and 1 p.m. last Friday, someone removed two ground copper bars See BLOTTER, page 20

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Kevyn Castillo, a.k.a. Kevyn Anduray-Castillo, is a white male, 5’8” tall and weighing 200 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his neck and scar on his forehead. His date of birth is 07/15/90. Castillo is wanted for violation of probation on charges of burglary and felony battery, and misdemeanor failure to appear on charges of giving a false name to law enforcement and not having a driver’s license. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Gardenia Avenue in Lake Worth and Treasure Lane in Greenacres. Castillo is wanted as of 12/06/12. • Krista Weaver is a white female, 5’7” tall and weighing 130 lbs., with black hair and blue eyes. She has multiple tattoos. Her date of birth is 04/16/84. Weaver is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of burglary. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known addresses were Christopher Circle in Lake Worth and Park Forest Way in Wellington. Weaver is wanted as of 12/06/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8 477) or visit www.crimest opper s pbc.com.

Kevyn Castillo

Krista Weaver

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Zoning Board OKs Variances For PBIEC Riding Rings By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report After more than two hours of discussion, members of Wellington’s Planning Zoning & Adjustment Board approved variances last week for several riding rings at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Board members voted 4-2 on Wednesday, Dec. 5 to approve variances for six rings on the property, a move that Wellington staff said was necessary after the site won approval last year to operate as a commercial equestrian arena. Board members Carol Coleman and Marcia Radosevich cast the two dissenting votes. “Six of the rings do not meet the 100-foot setback requirement for the property,” said Michael Sex-

ton, speaking on behalf of the equestrian center. “The need for this variance only came about because of the commercial equestrian arena designation, which came with new setback requirements. But all the rings were built at the time the designation was approved.” Sexton noted that show managers were not asking for any changes to the property, simply to get a variance for the rings that are already built. But Coleman and Radosevich, both equestrian activists, were concerned about two rings located along Equestrian Club Drive. “My understanding is that area is the subject of litigation with regard to the road,” Radosevich said. “Given that this one part of

the property is the subject of ongoing litigation, does that make it unwise for us to make any approval or disapproval until the litigation is resolved?” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that the board should consider the variance without regard to any litigation. “There is no order from the court saying that the road can’t be used or that any of this is affected on an ongoing basis,” he said. “There is the possibility that the road would have to be relocated. If that were to occur, these [two] rings would be entirely changed. I think we have to deal with the situation at hand.” Radosevich was also concerned about the proximity of the two rings to the road. “I’ve seen po-

nies jump out of rings,” she said. “The public welfare aspect of this concerns me. There’s no regulation about how far they have to be set back from a road.” But Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone said that the rings have a threeboard fence as well as a tall hedge to shield the rings from the road. “Ponies can’t jump out of that ring,” he said. “It has never happened.” Coleman said that she did not feel that the two rings in question met the variance requirements because they could have been built according to the standards. “They have only been there for two years,” she said. “I believe they have become a special privilege.”

Coleman was also concerned that although the variances are for the rings, those two rings in particular are often used for parking. “A significant amount of time those are used for parking,” she said. “Are we granting a variance for riding rings or for parking lots?” But Kurtz said that a parking lot would not require the 100-foot setback. Board Member Paul Adams said he trusted staff’s recommendation and suggested that the board approve the variances. Furthermore, Adams said he didn’t want to get in the middle of litigation on the issue. “I’d rather let the courts work that out,” he said. “The rings will

stay or they will go, because all of the discussion is about those two rings.” Board Member Mike Drahos pointed out that the Equestrian Preserve Committee heard the issue last month and recommended approval 4-1. “Though I appreciate that we have equestrians here on the board, I have always followed the recommendations of the Equestrian Preserve Committee — specifically when it includes the best interests of the equestrian community,” he said. “I have to think that committee considered safety issues.” Drahos made a motion to approve the variance request, which passed 4-2 with Coleman and Radosevich opposed.

Copeland Davis Featured At Jan. 26 Concert At Eissey Theatre By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Versatile, renowned pianist Copeland Davis has lived in numerous places from Las Vegas to Massachusetts, but he plans to remain in Royal Palm Beach, the place he has called home for several years now. “It’s a great community,” Davis told the Town-Crier. “I lived in Broward County for a long time, then we moved away to Las Vegas and came back, and then we moved to Newburyport, Mass.” About 11 years ago, Davis was contacted by the now-defunct Crestwood Performing Arts League to come down and do a few shows in Royal Palm Beach. “I came down a few times, and after being here I kept thinking, ‘Gee, this is the nicest neighborhood. I like it,’” he recalled. He shared his thoughts with his

ITID

Changes At Meetings

continued from page 1 follow the president’s remarks at the beginning of the meetings. “I would like to keep cool up here and have no interruptions,” Hager said. To maintain decorum, she brought four rulers for supervisors to raise if they desired to speak. “I really would like the county commissioner thing,” she said, referring to lights in front of the commission chair that glow when a certain commissioner wants to speak. Jacobs made a motion to redo the entire public address system so people could hear them better. “These [microphones] are not working,” she said. “We’ve had complaint after complaint after complaint. People in the audience

wife, Mary. “It’s very homey. It kind of reminds me of Newburyport, and it kind of reminds me of the quaintness of Lighthouse Point, where we lived before,” Davis said. “Of course, it’s cosmopolitan here, and that’s why we chose to live here.” Davis still travels all over the country performing, but he has a local show coming up. “The Best of Copeland Davis” will feature a collection of popular music including jazz, rock, blues and classical at the Eissey Campus Theatre on Palm Beach State College’s campus in Palm Beach Gardens on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. “These are going to be songs that people are most familiar with,” he said, adding that it will start off with a bit of jazz such as “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Take Five” by the late Dave Brubeck. “Then we move into more popular music like

rock, and I always throw in a piece of classical music somewhere.” One of his favorite rock songs is Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love.” “As far as classical music, I don’t know,” Davis said. “It could be a Beethoven piece, or it might even be Chopin. Generally, I do it as a solo and let the guys leave the stage.” He always includes some blues. One of his favorites is “Rock Me Baby.” “It’s going to be a pretty big group for the type of thing I do,” he said. “This group will be 12 pieces including myself.” The rhythm section will include his original bassist, Beau Bonaparte. “He is a bass player who has worked with me since the 1970s,” Davis said. “I just got reunited with him, so I’m excited about that.”

The horn section will be six pieces, with two trumpets, a trombone and three saxophones. The contractor for that section is Jody Marlow, founder of Brass Evolution, a group that does numerous performances locally. “He lives out here in Wellington,” Davis said. “We’ve done this before with Jody, and he’s just absolutely wonderful to work with.” The rhythm section will be enhanced by Latin percussionist Nelson Colon, who plays congas and all non-pitch percussion. “When we worked with him the last time, we had to put him on his own little platform, he had so much stuff,” Davis said. “The last time we did this, the audience just had a ball. We do a lot of audience participation. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Davis was pianist in residence for the Florida Sunshine Pops be-

can’t hear. This is very important for public record that this works up here.” Jacobs made a motion to get price quotes for a new public address system by the next meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Jacobs also made a motion to allow supervisor remarks at the beginning of the meeting, which also carried unanimously. Jacobs said she’d heard that the district’s horse crossing signs were being redesigned with a horseshoe, without board input, and said she would prefer the standard “Slow Down for Horses.” “It’s like redesigning a stop sign,” she said. “People know when they see a horse sign that it’s a horse area. If we’re going to redesign it, I think it should at least come to the board. If not, we should just go to regulation horse signs.” Jacobs added that she thought

the agenda review, conducted a week before the board meeting, was excellent. “I think we should keep it up and it should be advertised to the public, because when we put things on the agenda, there’s people out there in the public who pay for all of us, and we all live out here and we all pay taxes and everybody out here needs to know what we’re going to be voting on,” she said. Jacobs noted that the board often votes on things that the public is not made aware of. “I want this board to be so transparent that we’re like the airport when we go through the walk-in machines,” she said, adding that she didn’t want anyone saying they can’t get public records or do not know what the board is voting on. Jacobs said she preferred the agenda review as a group as opposed to the district administrator

calling in supervisors individually. She made a motion to have the agendas ready in time for a review meeting at least a week before the regular meeting and to advertise it. The motion carried 4-1 with Bair opposed. He said he disagreed with Jacobs’ implying that information has been withheld from the public. Jacobs also said the flooding after Tropical Storm Isaac should not have been as bad as it was because the board had not done everything it could to get greater discharge, but Bair said the district has been fighting with the South Florida Water Management District for 20 years to get more than a quarter-inch-per-day discharge allotment. “That is a complete mischaracterization, that we have not tried to do anything,” Bair said. “We are still working on this. You can say whatever you want, but it doesn’t make it true.”

fore they disbanded last season but is still doing orchestral performances, including one in January with the Space Coast Pops in Cocoa. “I’ve been working with them for several years,” he said. In February, he will perform with the Indian River Pops, also at the Eissey Campus Theatre. Davis is still composing and arranging, and headed this week to Chicago for a seven-piece performance at the Allerton Hotel on Friday, Dec. 14. The event is a tribute to Jonny Imerman and the Imerman Angels, a cancer-mentoring group. “They pair cancer survivors with people who have the same type of cancer,” Davis explained. “It’s a wonderful organization. That should be a lot of fun.” For more information about Davis, visit www.copelanddavis. com. For tickets to the Jan. 26 con-

Virtuoso Copeland Davis at the piano. cert, call the box office at (561) 2075900 or visit www.palmbeachstate. edu/theatre/eissey-campus-theatre.

Supervisor Gary Dunkley takes the oath of office.

WELLINGTON HOSTS A FAMILY-FUN DAY OF ICE SKATING AT THE AMPHITHEATER Wellington offered an ice skating rink on Saturday, Dec. 8 on the grounds of the Wellington Amphitheater. It was held as par t of the Winter Wonderland event, which featured all-day entertainment for the holidays. Skat e Paradise provided the rink for children to enjoy. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Jhona Navarrete with Maria and Gaby Vivas.

Twins Mia and Marcus Gallardo.

Siblings Kailie and Jonathan Cardenas skate together.

Madeleine, Amber, Nathan and Debbie Buzza, all from Australia, visiting grandfather Bill Thomas (back right).

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NEWS BRIEFS Women Of Note Chorus Moves To PBCHS The Women of Note Chorus, a Palm Beach Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;based a cappella chorus, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in a new rehearsal location. After many years at Boynton Beach High School, the chorus has decided to head west to Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington, where it now rehearses Monday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. The Women of Note Chorus hopes to expand its membership to women in the western communities and to make the rehearsal site more accessible to current members. Chartered in 1997, the Women of Note Chorus is also celebrating its 15th anniversary year and plans to continue the celebration into 2013 with membership promotions and special performances throughout the community. The award-winning Women of Note Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International, a nonprofit music education association for women. Made up of teachers, nurses, lawyers, legal assistants, book-

keepers, artists, business owners and homemakers, among others, the Women of Note Chorus delights audiences with beautiful four-part a cappella harmony, innovative choreography and dazzling costumes. The chorus holds open rehearsals Monday nights at PBCHS and welcomes any woman who loves to sing and who wants to have fun while making new friends. For more information, call (877) WON-SING (877-966-7464), visit www.womenofnote.com or check out its Facebook page.

EAF Fundraiser Feb. 1 At Jim Brandon Center World-class dressage, show jumping, hunter and polo teams will show off their newfound skills in the reining ring at the Equestrian Aid Foundation fundraiser â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who Reins Supreme?â&#x20AC;? Set for Friday, Feb. 1 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, the evening will raise funds for EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from cata-

strophic illnesses and injuries, throughout their time of need. The competition, which will solely focus on reining, will feature two world-class riders from each discipline: dressage, show jumping, hunters and polo. Each will ride a custom-designed reining pattern created by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and Sarah Willeman Richter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been impressed with the enthusiasm of the reining competition at our Sidelines Tetrathlon from previous years,â&#x20AC;? EAF President R. Scot Evans said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For 2013, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Who Reins Supreme?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; will bring the favorites of our events â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Taste of Charity food and drinks, entertaining competition, desirable auctions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll close the evening with live music.â&#x20AC;? This year EAF will be presenting its Luminary Award to R. Bruce Duchossois. The Luminary Award, which recognizes those who play an important role in horse sports and its equestrians, is an annual award started in 2012 with recipient Jane Forbes Clark. Duchossois, who has been an integral part of the equestrian community, grew up riding show hunters and is one of the leading exhibitors in the Adult Amateur

Hunter division. Not only is Duchossois a successful competitor, he sponsors riders and classes in a variety of disciplines, including show hunters and jumpers, eventing and combined driving. In addition to participating in various equine sports, Duchossois invests in the community through his involvement with many organizations and governing bodies that work to improve equestrian sports and the lives of equestrians. He serves on the executive board of the EAF, is a trustee of the USET Foundation and co-chair of the USEFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Owner Taskforce. Duchossois also is an active member of the USHJA, and board member of the Alltech National Horse Show and the Aiken Training Track. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been fortunate enough to spend most of my life around horses, and I am honored to receive the Luminary Award for my work with the Equestrian Aid Foundation,â&#x20AC;? Duchossois said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my pleasure to be able to give back to the industry that has given me so much.â&#x20AC;? Along with the competition and awards presentation, guests will enjoy the signature Taste of Charity featuring Palm Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest

food and drinks, as well as several auctions and donation opportunities to support EAF programs. Sean Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe Events will manage the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production for the third year in a row. Tables, tickets and sponsorships for the evening may be purchased at www.equestrianaid foundation.org or by phone at (800) 792-6068.

Free Bullying Workshops At Genbu-Kai Genbu-Kai Karate School in Wellington is offering free, ongoing community workshops in bullying awareness and prevention. These workshops will be held Saturdays from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. at the karate school and are open to all school-age children (elementary, middle and high school), including their immediate family members. Parents, grandparents, guardians and adult family members are encouraged to participate in these workshops along with the children. These workshops will address how to recognize, and potentially avoid, either verbal and/or physi-

cal bullying; how to deal with these situations, both verbally and physically, as they occur; and what to do after an altercation. There are no obligations or requirements for these workshops, only a willingness to learn and be taught. Genbu-Kai is located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21, in the Wellington Marketplace. For more information on classes, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.florida genbukai.com.

Junior AfterSchool Golf Now Open At Binks The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy is currently conducting its popular junior after-school fall program at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. The junior after-school program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17, and will take place on Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For additional information about the Junior After-School Fall Program and other programs provided by the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy, visit www.kevinperkins golfacademy.com or call (561) 3013783.

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NEWS

Crowds Turn Out For The 29th Annual Holiday Parade In Wellington The 29th annual Wellington Holiday Parade took place Sunday, Dec. 9. The afternoon parade featured a variety of floats, marching bands and cars. After the parade, Winter Wonderland festivities continued at the Wellington Amphitheater. The parade winners are as fol-

lows: Best in Show – Binks Forest Elementary School PTA; Decorated Vehicle – first place, Town of Loxahatchee Groves, and second place, Discovery Key Elementary School cheerleaders; Juvenile Float – first place, Girl Scout Troop 20519, and second place, Cub Scout Pack 125; Performing Group

– first place, Kem Kids, and second place, Wellington Landings Middle School majorettes/dance/ step/cheer; Band – first place, Palm Beach Central High School, and second place, John I. Leonard High School; Adult Float – first place, International Polo Club Palm Beach, and second place, Re/Max

Prestige Realty; Marching Group – first place, Solid Gold Twirlers, and second place, Binks Forest Elementary School cheerleaders. The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce produced the event with sponsors Schumacher Auto and the Wellington Preservation Coalition.

FIND MORE PARADE PHOTOS AND PARADE VIDEO AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Solid Gold Twirlers won the Marching Group category.

Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning on the town’s float, which won Best Decorated Vehicle.

The Binks Forest Elementary School PTA won Best in Show.

International Polo Club Palm Beach took first place in the Adult Float category.

Girl Scout Troop 20519 took first place in the Juvenile Float category.

Kem Kids placed first in the Performing Group category.

Cub Scout Pack 125 placed second in Juvenile Float.

Dina Zajicek (holding Bella) and Gabriel, Logan and Carrington Lloyd watch the floats go by.

Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis and his wife Linda pass out candy. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

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NEWS

WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB ENJOYS HOLIDAY PARTY, INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS The Wellington Senior s Club held its annual holiday party and installation dinner Frida y, Dec. 7 in the main ballroom at the Madison Green Golf Club. The 2013 Wellington Seniors Club Board of Directors was installed, and the Whitestone Band kept seniors singing and PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER dancing to the oldies tunes.

Wellington Seniors Club 2013 board members.

Chuck and Elaine Vaccaro with John Silvestri and Fran Langley.

(Seated) Cecilia and Sal Torrisi, George and Laura DeSimone; (standing) Don and Sylvia Harder.

Raffle winners Elizabeth Graham, Colette Car dinale, Joan Mariutto and Hermoine Palmer.

Darell and Sherry Bowen with Howard Trager and Estelle Rubin.

John and Marilyn Trimble, Dolores Sirucek and Jessie Gehring.

VISIONS SALON HOSTS NEW LOOK ‘DEBUT’ FOR MAKEOVER CONTEST WINNER Connie Christman, winner of the “Change a Life” contest sponsored by Visions Salon: The Color Group and Dr. G’s Weight Loss & Wellness of Wellington, debuted her ne w look Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Visions. She won the contest in September and received free services for hair, weight loss, makeup by LoriAnn Santarpia, dentistry courtesy Perfect Smile Dentistry and new clothes courtesy Back on the Rack. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Perfect Smile Dentistry’s Dr. Rasmi Akel with Connie Christman and Denise Chase.

Connie Christman with Dr. G’s Weight Loss co-owner Vicky Sehres.

Makeup artist LoriAnn Santarpia with Connie Christman.

Connie Christman with the group who helped transf orm her.

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 13

NEWS

WINTER WONDERLAND BRINGS HOLIDAYS TO THE WELLINGTON AMPHITHEATER

Wellington hosted ZMC Entertainment’s Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Wellington Amphitheater. The event featured holiday performances by ZMC Entertainment’s cast of professional singers and dancers. There was an appearance by Alvin and the Chipmunks and a tribute to the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Guests enjoyed fair rides and midway games, and there were vendors offering food and other items. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Zella Lehr and Phil Cristian perform with Santa Claus Mouse.

Singers Zella Lehr and Phil Cristian perform “Feliz Navidad.”

The Kapopoulous family enjoys the show.

The Horowitz family enjoy some snacks while watching the show.

Seth Broderick and Lara and Charly Troche check out the midway games.

Asa and Kai Burke after a trip on the carousel.

SANDA GANÉ DAY SPA STAFFERS DONATE ITEMS AND MONEY TO BACK TO BASICS

Spa owners Sanda Gané and Maxine Turner with Back to Basics founder Beverly Perham (center).

Spa staff present their donations to Back to Basics.

Back to Basics founder Beverly Perham with all the donations.

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NEW HORIZONS HONORS ITS HIGH ACHIEVERS AT BREAKFAST EVENT

Fifty-five high honor roll students at New Horizons Elementary School recently were recognized for their straight-A report cards by attending breakfast with the principal and receiving a gold medal. This inspiring event was sponsored by the New Horizons PTA. Pictured here are honorees with Principal Betsy Cardozo and Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel.

Royal Palm’s H.L. Johnson Aims To Be ‘Green School Of Excellence’ Royal Palm Beach’s H.L. Johnson Elementary School has embraced a new green event called “Green Day.” On the last Thursday of the month, students get to wear green and bring in items for the school to recycle: juice pouches, glue bottles, glue sticks, tape dispensers, crayons, shoes, school uniforms, ink toners, cartridges and cell phones, paper and cardboard. Large collection boxes are located at the front of the school near the car loop. Future Green Day events will take place Dec. 20, Jan. 31, March 28 and May 30. The school earns two cents for each juice pouch, glue bottle, glue stick and tape dispenser through Terracycle. Money is earned by the

ton for paper and paper-related items such as magazines and newspapers through SP Recycling. Ink toners, cartridges and cell phones earn the school money, as well, each having their own worth through Dade Recycling. Students can also bring these items any day of the week, as each classroom has a collection box where a designated “green patrol” will monitor when it’s full and empty them into larger boxes located in the art room and computer lab. Last year, H.L. Johnson won an award for being recognized as a Green School of Quality by the Palm Beach County School District. This year, the school is striving to win the Green School of Excellence. For more information, visit www.ourgreenschools.org.

Send school news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Oce’s ‘Future Authors’ Hold Book Signing Bak Middle School eighth-grade student Michael Wang read from his poem “Tears” at the seventh annual Océ Future Authors Project book signing, held recently at Spanish River Library in Boca Raton. Wang opened the ceremony to unveil the book Pens and Paper: Our Weapons of Mass Construction. The book is a compilation of the works by the more than 40 Palm Beach County middle and high school students who participated in the Océ Future Authors Project, a public-private partnership between Océ, a Canon Group Company and an international leader in digital document management, and the School District of Palm Beach County. In its seventh year, the Océ Fu-

ture Authors Project accepted applications this year from nearly 100 students who wanted to spend part of their summer vacations learning how to become published authors. The program begins with an intense eight-day writing workshop. Students gain insight into the process of writing, editing and digitally publishing books through interactions with Océ executives, published authors and licensed language arts teachers. Writings from each student are then compiled, professionally published and digitally printed in final book form by the Boca Raton-based Océ North America Production Printing Systems division. For more information, visit www. oceusa.com/futureauthors.

(Front row, L-R) Polo Park Middle School seventh-graders Ale xis Pinchuk and Julia Horneck, and Megan Cortes of Don Estridge Middle School; (back row) Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent of Curriculum and Learning Keith Oswald, Gale Butler of AutoNation and Francis McMahon of Production Printing Systems.

SRHS Announces The 2013 Ridge Classic Seminole Ridge High School will hold the 2013 Ridge Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 2 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. In addition to a day of golf, the event will include a delicious lunch buffet, giveaways, silent auction, on-course beverages and more. Registration will start at 11 a.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. The cost is $125 per golfer or $400 per foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Hole sponsorships cost $100, and cart sponsorships cost $50. Proceeds

will benefit all students at Seminole Ridge High School. Madison Green Golf Club is located at 2001 Crestwood Blvd. North. For registration information, call the Seminole Ridge Athletic Department at (561) 422-2611. In other Hawk news, the Seminole Ridge wrestling team traveled to Gateway High School in Kissimmee recently for a weekend invitational tournament. “It was one of the toughest tournaments in the state,” coach Frank Lasagna said. “And we didn’t have too good a day Friday, los-

ing all three matches.” “Currently Brandon [High School] is ranked seventh in the nation,” Lasagna added, “and is the defending 3A state champion 10 years running. But the good part of this match was the experience we got wrestling some of the best kids in the state. We were the only team to score any points on Brandon when Trace Thome defeated his opponent 3-1.” “We came up short in the last Friday dual match, losing to Buchholz High School [from Gainesville].”

But the next day told a different story. “Saturday we came back and were ready to wrestle,” Lasagna said. “Even though we lost the first dual to a tough team, University High School [Orange City], we came back and won the next three duals to finish the weekend 3-4. We beat Liberty High School [Kissimmee] 65-15; Buchholz — the team we lost to on Friday — we beat 48-25, and in the final match of the consolation bracket we beat Astronaut High School [Titusville] 42-36, to finish in fifth place overall for the tournament.”

King’s Academy Cheerleaders ‘Go Pink’ In the middle of football season, a very busy time for a cheerleader, the King’s Academy’s championship cheerleaders showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. TKA cheerleaders were sporting new all-pink uniforms, the traditional color for the cause of breast cancer awareness. The decision to break from wearing TKA’s red and blue for the month of October showed their solidarity to increase awareness of the disease and promote research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The cause was near to many of the girls’ hearts as most have been touched by the disease through family or friends. The King’s Academy is a na-

tionally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available at www.tka.net.

TKA cheerleaders wear their new all-pink uniforms in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 15

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Wellington’s Levine Family Top Fundraisers At CCFA Take Steps Walk It was an afternoon of inspiration, love and hope Saturday, Nov. 10 at the second annual Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s West Palm Beach Take Steps Walk. More than 500 people attended the mile walk around CityPlace to support mission critical services such as support groups and education programs for patients and caregivers, Camp Oasis, CCFA’s weeklong summer camp program for children living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as important research to find a cure. The walk serves as an important component of the efforts CCFA makes to create awareness and raise funds to support the more than 1.4 million (94,000 in Florida) Americans suffering from digestive diseases. “We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of people who support our mission and efforts each day, especially those who take time

out of their weekend to attend our events,” said Amy Gray, executive director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Florida Chapter. “These digestive diseases are becoming more and more prevalent today, especially in children and teens, and it is vital that we do all we can to support research efforts to find a cure. And, we are proud to say that 82 cents of every dollar we raise goes towards our programs, services, and research efforts. Those who support us can rest assured that their money is being put to good use.” The Levine family and Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil, P.A., were the largest fundraisers of the Take Steps Walk raising more than $27,000. The Levine family became involved with CCFA when they learned that their daughter, Rebecca, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Irene and Joel Levine vowed to do everything within their power to find a cure for the

disease their daughter was living with and have kept that vow by supporting CCFA and raising close to $200,000 in the past three years. CCFA has tentatively scheduled the 2013 Take Steps Walk for Nov. 9 in CityPlace. Notable guests in attendance were Joel and Irene Levine, Dave Donten, District 5 West Palm Beach City Commissioner Shanon Materio, Lauren Hills of WPEC Channel 12, and Keli Fulton of WPTV Channel 5. Wendy Greenhut served as chairwoman of the event. Sponsors included Caler, Donten, Levine, Cohen, Porter & Veil P.A., Digestive CARE and Abbot Pharmaceuticals. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn’s disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent

diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35. The CCFA’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The foundation ranks third among leading health nonprofits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 79 cents of every dollar the foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. For more information, contact the foundation at (800) 932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA

The Levine family and team members. on Facebook or follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www. twitter.com/ccfa and www.twitter. com/takesteps.

To learn more about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, call (561) 218-2929 or visit www. ccfa.org/chapters/florida.

Cassadee Pope Performs At Clematis By Night

Talia Fradkin and Gianna Tamucci with their cer tificates of appreciation from the Village of Wellington.

Wellington Recognizes Pair Of Young Artists Two of Wellington’s up-andcoming artists were recognized at the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 3 in the Wellington Municipal Complex. The artists, Talia Fradkin and Gianna Tamucci, will have their artwork displayed through January on the lower level of the Wellington Community Center. Fradkin is a ninth-grader from Palm Beach Virtual School, and Tamucci is a 10thgrader at Palm Beach Central High School. Both Fradkin and Tamucci submitted photographs.

The village is a partner with the Wellington Art Society for the quarterly Student Art program, which puts youth artwork on display at the Wellington Community Center and Village Park gymnasium. The next installation will take place in January for middle school students who live or go to school in Wellington. For more information and entry forms with program dates and guidelines, contact the Village of Wellington at (561) 7914082 or the Wellington Art Society at (561) 795-1691.

The Wellington Preservation Coalition congratulates The Voice’s Cassadee Pope. The Wellington resident returned to West Palm Beach last Thursday for her “Hometown Visit” to perform at the expanded Clematis by Night. The evening paid tribute to numerous holiday festivities, vendors and songs. Although the skies opened for a torrential downpour, the fans did not dwindle as they awaited Pope’s arrival. The singer brought in a crowd in the hundreds, performing The Voice favorites “Torn” and “Over You.” Pope also performed her favorite holiday classic, “Oh Holy Night,” and concluded with the opening track from her solo selftitled EP, “Original Love.” Pope’s entire band was introduced to the crowd, which consisted of her “West Palm homies,” including bandmates from her previous band, Hey Monday. Even though Pope has received an immense amount of publicity and success from The Voice, it was clear as she took the stage that she was still hum(Left) West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio presents Cassadee Pope with a key to the city. PHOTO BY KENDALL BIERER/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

bled by her adoring fans. West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio presented Pope with a key to the city, and the pair stood tall as they watched lights illuminate the 40-ton sand holiday tree standing 35-feet tall. “I moved to L.A. about a year and a half ago to pursue my solo career, but there is nothing like coming home to West Palm Beach,” Pope said. “It will always be home for me.” Pope has been a lifelong resident of Palm Beach County. She attended St. Anne’s School in downtown West Palm Beach for her middle school years, and later attended Wellington High School. Many of her fans at the Clematis by Night show made the trip from Wellington to support their choice for the winner of The Voice. NBC’s The Voice will continue Monday, Dec. 17. The season finale will air Tuesday, Dec. 18, and the winner will be announced. For more information about the Wellington Preservation Coalition, or to get involved, call Tom Wenham or Assistant Director Gladys Ferrer at (561) 3339843, e-mail tom@preserve wellington.org or visit www. preservewellington.org.

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WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

The Wellington Garden Club received a proclamation celebrating the club’s 30-year anniversary from the Wellington Village Council on Nov. 27. Shown above are Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Howard Coates, Margaret Kruger, Mary Anne Greely, Lisa Ferrano, Deb Russell, Suzanne Rares, Mary Drexler, Mayor Bob Margolis, Dianne Patterson, Councilman Matt Willhite and Councilman John Greene. PHOTO BY BOB KRUGER

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Kravis Center Hosts Friends Dessert Reception It may have been the sweetest thank-you that anyone ever received when the Kravis Center of Performing Arts recently hosted its yearly dessert reception in appreciation of its generous Annual Friends members. It was accompanied by a rhythmic soundtrack of drums, blazing brass and marching feet. In addition to enjoying the tasty dessert reception, the Annual Friends members enjoyed a rousing performance of Drumline Live, which featured performers from a variety of award-winning marching bands in an audience-wowing combination of riveting choreography and a soul-infused interpretation of Top 40 hits. The scrumptious appreciation party began in the Gimelstob Ballroom, where Kravis Center CEO Judy Mitchell welcomed Annual Friends members and their guests, who feasted on an amazing array

of delicious desserts from assorted bakery treats to platters of fresh fruit and berries. Mitchell thanked attendees for the invaluable support they have given the Kravis Center ever since opening in 1992. She gave special praise to Life Trustee John H. Howard; Zach Berg, who is cochairing the Young Friends Executive Committee; and to Bank of America, which not only sponsored the dessert reception for the past two years, but also for its two decades of support going all the way back to the Kravis Center’s original building campaign. “Bank of America recognizes that beyond intrinsic beauty, the arts can spur urban renewal, attract new businesses, draw tourism and spark innovation,” said Kelly Sobolewski, the bank’s Palm Beach County market manager. “It’s a powerful industry that promotes self-expression, elevates

Kelly Sobolewski and Judy Mitchell. PHOTO COURTESY CORBY KAYE’S STUDIO PALM BEACH

our cultural experience and generates $166.2 billion a year in the U.S. alone.” Sobolewski said Bank of America is proud to support the Kravis Center. “We are so very fortunate

to have such a premier cultural organization in our back yard,” she said. “The Kravis Center is truly a success story that provides our community with world-class entertainment.”

Navy Lt. Allen Provides Disaster Response Support In N.J. And N.Y. Navy Lt. Christopher Allen, a 2000 graduate of Wellington High School, along with Seabees\lang9 assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, have returned home to Gulfport, Miss., after providing disaster response support in New Jersey and New York. NMCB-11 was ordered to support federal, state and local authorities in disaster recovery operations in the New Jersey and New

York areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. The order came just days after the battalion’sAir Detachment reorganized into its traditional structure of 89 Seabees who are ready on a moment’s notice to respond worldwide to contingency, disaster and humanitarian relief operations. The Air Detachment was able to mount out a total of 90 people, 94 pieces of civil engineering sup-

port equipment including front end loaders, backhoes, pumps, generators and storage containers. Additionally, more than 75 various tool kits and other support equipment were safely loaded for the convoy north. The Seabees’ first mission saw 45 people with heavy equipment support, involved clearing hundreds of tons of debris from Seaside Heights, N.J. In addition to debris, the team removed more

than 80 cars, boats and other large objects that had been swept away and displaced during the storm surge. They also successfully tackled a more than 210,000-gallon dewatering project to aid local authorities in gaining access to water and gas lines for repair, and to reach roadways inaccessible from sinkholes and storm damage. In addition to the efforts in the Seaside Heights area, another de-

tachment worked diligently in the Sea Bright area and also worked feverishly to unearth and completely clean up a local World War II veterans memorial in time for Veterans Day on Staten Island. Elsewhere on New York, a team of 25 Seabees supported cleanup and debris removal operations in and around the Breezy Point area, along with multiple other military and civilian support teams. While the Seabees accom-

plished quite a bit in support of relief efforts, moving them 1,400 miles from their home base in Gulfport was a logistical challenge of its own. NMCB-11 recently returned home to Gulfport, Miss. following a successful eight-month deployment to Afghanistan. The battalion continues training and exercises in preparation for its next deployment less than a year from now.

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NEWS

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB ENJOYS MUSICAL LUNCHEON AT RPB CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club held a luncheon Friday, Dec. 7 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Cypress Trails Elementary School and Crestwood Middle School students sang holiday songs to entertain the group, and Tuxedo Gourmet provided a catered lunch. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Gene Bochenski, Eva Churchill, Lucille Tucker, Roger Wilson, Virginia Caldwell and Nanci Wilson.

Marion Sackstein, Marjorie Zauder, Johanna Petralia and Doreen Godes.

(Seated) Mikki Murphy, Marion Howington, Jackie Anderson and Cynthia Morgan; (standing) Susan Grohmann and Judy Steven.

The Crestwood Middle School treble chorus under the direction of Chorus & Handbells Music Director Veronica Johnson.

The Cypress Trails Elementary School Singing Lions chorus under the direction of music teacher Agnes Austin-Guy er.

Lila Fait, Joy Maale and Anne Marie Matozzo.

WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES DONATE TOYS TO THE HARMONY HOUSE Women of the Western Communities held a meeting Thur sday, Dec. 6 at the W anderers Club in Wellington. Guests brought new toys to be given to the YWCA Harmony House. There was a Chinese auction with proceeds benefiting the Harmony House and the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER scholarship fund.

Women of the Western Communities members with donated toys to be given to Harmony House.

Melody Domb, Kathy Foster, Jo Cudnik, Joan Manning, Allyson Samilijan and Pauline Parloto.

Fred and Marge Specht with Ron and Marianne Davidson.

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NEWS

YOUNG SINGERS OF THE PALM BEACHES PERFORM HOLIDAY CONCERT AT KRAVIS The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches held its annual holiday performance Winter Tapestry on Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Kravis Center for Per forming Arts. More than 300 elementary to high school–age children sang holiday classics to a sold-out audience. The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches is an award-winning children’s choir known for its remarkable level of singing talent. For more info., visit www.yspb.org.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Brian Hanley, conductor Shawn Berry and Jody Young, a Wellington resident whose daughter Cara is a member of the singing group.

Commons Park

Nearing Completion

continued from page 1 da panthers. “Oversized Florida panthers,” Liggins pointed out, “but they are Florida panthers.” The clubhouse, as well as everything else in the park, is completely handicapped-accessible. There is a sub-floor or basement that will be used for bicycle and watercraft storage. The first floor will have a rental

and vendors’ area, as well as a common area with seating and an elevator. All the structural elements are situated to give visitors a feeling of depth. “One of the things we like about the architect we hired is that he’s from Colorado,” Liggins explained. “Unlike most of Florida architects, he does not do things flat. He uses the earth and topography as part of his design, and it’s pretty elaborate; very difficult to make ADAaccessible, but we’ve done it.” Part of the layout around the main courtyard includes two of the

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches Board President Hank Gonzalez and Board Member Brian Hanley of Royal Palm Beach. numerous banyan trees saved from the original Tradition Golf Course, which the village bought to transform into the park. “The trees have been transplanted onto dunes outside the courtyard so that they have a higher elevation than the courtyard itself, offering not only a vista, but dappled shading for the courtyard and fountain,” Liggins said. The top floor will have a patio all the way around an air-conditioned banquet area in the center. “The interesting thing about the

top floor is I have never been up here when there wasn’t a breeze,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s because it’s so open or what have you, but there is always a breeze, even in the middle of July.” Liggins anticipates the builder to reach substantial completion by the middle of January. “It’s going to be so unique,” Liggins said, adding that he felt it would be worth the estimated $750,000 operating cost, although some of that will be recouped through rental fees. “It’s going to be a great facility for the public.”

The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches perform.

Santa To Meet Cancer Patients This Saturday More than 300 local children battling cancer and their families will be treated to a visit from Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The annual event is sponsored by the Kids Cancer Foundation and promises to be a festive and fun event for all thanks to the successful toy and gift card drives organized by many local benefactors. Families will be treated to a breakfast buffet made possible by Once A Month Charities and Starbucks of Wellington. Everyone

will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa, create a special holiday craft sponsored by Home Depot of Royal Palm Beach, decorate gingerbread men, see Santa ride in on the fire truck and best of all enjoy a morning far removed from the doctor’s office and the hospital. In addition, to every child receiving an Aeropostale Bear from Santa, each family will also receive gift cards and a bag filled with age-appropriate toys and games for their children. For more info., visit www.kids cancersf.org or contact Michelle O’Boyle at: (561) 371-1298.

R.P. Mazda Santa Paws

A bridge to one of the pavilions.

One of several play sets.

Royal Palm Mazda will host Santa Paws, a pet-friendly event to raise awareness for the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, Saturday, Dec. 15. The all-day event will feature a variety of fun-filled activities. Royal Palm Mazda asks all attendees to bring a pet-friendly donation to help the local nonprofit. Pets and children can have their photos taken with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Barkley’s Dog Wash will be

on hand. Nutrition World will also be in attendance, providing pet owners samples of doggie vitamins. The ESPN Road Crew will be doing a remote from 10 a.m. to noon. Finally, Royal Palm Mazda will be providing special deals on cars, trucks and SUVs throughout the day. Royal Palm Mazda is located at 9305 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For info., call (877) 419-4725.

Two LGLA Events Planned

The main courtyard, which will be the location of an interactive fountain.

EV Project

No Public Hearing

continued from page 1 thought they could better discuss the issue with a rehearing of the item, which would allow public discussion of specific portions of the settlement agreement, as well as proposals from council members on what they’d like to see. However, Wellington does not have provisions in its code to conduct such a hearing. “We’re told that we can’t respond to this in a meaningful way except through a [rehearing],” Vice Mayor Howard Coates said.

New Lawyer

Torcivia Staying For Now

continued from page 1 or be left without representation. “You can choose to continue with Mr. Torcivia replacing our principal attorney, or if not, several law firms have expressed interest in providing interim services,” he said. Willhite was concerned that Torcivia was not always available for village business. “We were told by Mr. Torcivia that he would take over as lead counsel and he would be our attorney,” he said. “My understanding was he would take over the same shoes as Jeff, but instead we’re getting multiple attorneys.”

LGWCD

Short List Of Candidates

continued from page 1 tion of that person’s capabilities,” Widing said. He also pointed out that interviewing five candidates for typically 45 minutes each would make for a long meeting. “You’re looking at potentially a five-hour process,” he said.

Statues of Florida panthers will be in the main courtyard.

“Maybe one of the failings is that we don’t have an ordinance that specifies how to go about this.” Margolis noted that a closed session would allow council members to discuss their concerns. He also said it would allow for continued talks between Wellington and Equestrian Village representatives. “I think it’s also appropriate for [them] to continue the conversation to see if there can be a meeting of the minds somewhere soon so we can come to a resolution, possibly before Jan. 30,” he said. Equestrian Sport Productions attorney Dan Rosenbaum agreed. “I think that will really help the process,” he said. “What I had suggested was the possibility of a

settlement ordinance because I don’t see where your code has a provision where the council can get together, come up with an offer and present it to us.” But the conversation was derailed when Riedi suggested that Wellington respond to a petition by Equestrian Sport Productions to have the lawsuit reexamined. Previously, Wellington has not mounted a defense to such petitions, even though it is a named party in the lawsuit. “It is important that the court asked Wellington to respond to this,” Riedi said. “I don’t think that it should be taken lightly. I understand that in other cases, the village has not stepped forward…

but I believe the village should put its position in.” Councilman Matt Willhite agreed and made a motion for Wellington to defend the petition. “We think our position is defensible,” he said. “We have a right to defend our position, which represents the village.” Margolis seconded the motion. But Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she believed lawyers from the Shubin & Bass Law Firm, which represents the Jacobs family, were defending the village’s position. “The reason this council decided not to defend the [petitions] that were filed was because both sides seemed to be interested in

Mayor Bob Margolis asked Schofield whether he was comfortable with preparations for the transfer period. Schofield said that all necessary paperwork is being gathered. “The files are being assembled in a way so they can be transferred effectively and efficiently,” he said. “Regardless of the time frame, there is no clean break.” Vice Mayor Howard Coates was concerned that council members would be making a rash decision if they chose another law firm that night. “If waiting on the report causes the council to make an impromptu decision without vetting the legal counsel we will retain, then I have concerns about that,” he said. “I don’t want to be in a position where we make an important decision… when we know all council members have not had an oppor-

tunity to look at these proposals [of interested law firms]. I think it would be a mistake to have any less of a process when it comes to hiring someone so important to this village, be it interim or permanent counsel.” Coates made a motion to continue with Torcivia as interim counsel until the recommendation from the auditing firm is ready. Willhite asked whether the issuance of a recommendation by the firm would automatically end the contract, and Schofield suggested that Coates amend his motion. “You could execute a contract with Torcivia to provide interim counsel until the council selects an interim or permanent attorney,” he said. Coates agreed. “I’d even go one step further and suggest we put out a request for proposals to look

for outside and in-house counsel so we are ready to roll when we get the recommendation,” he said. Schofield said the requests are already being drafted. Margolis asked whether the item to hire new counsel could be put on the Jan. 8 agenda if the recommendation was ready by then. Schofield said it was possible, but suggested that the council not tie a date to Coates’ motion. “I suggest you don’t give it a time frame, but rather end the contract [with Torcivia] when you find a new attorney,” he said. Coates agreed. “I want to make sure the next step is a well-informed decision on our part,” he said. “And having this decided on the basis of something that is handed to us literally on the night of the meeting with very little time to review it is a problem for me.” His new motion passed 3-2.

Ryan suggested that the invitations go out to the candidates the following morning by registered mail to give them the opportunity to think through the self-evaluations and send them back to the legal department by the following Monday, Dec. 17. Ryan said he would hope to conduct the interviews and have background checks done before the regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 14 so the supervisors could make their final decision then,

pointing out that the financial reporting season is coming up and that the audit will be presented in February. The council decided to meet Saturday, Dec. 22 beginning at 9:30 a.m. to pick the top three, or possibly even make the final decision then. In other business, Loxahatchee Groves voters on North B Road rejected a referendum Monday to pave their road. The vote was held during a property owners’ meet-

ing prior to the LGWCD board meeting. In a vote based on acreage, the residents along North B Road rejected open-graded emulsified mix paving by a vote of 425 acres to 259 acres. LGWCD Attorney Mary Viator explained that the district’s accountant had conducted the voting and count, and that any resident of the district or his spouse was eligible to cast votes based on acreage or proxy votes that they brought in.

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association will hold two events in December: a garage sale and a potluck social. The garage sale will take place Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kilgore residence (2310 F Road). Residents can contact Bill Louda at (561) 791-9241 for information about getting a space for selling items they may have. The potluck covered dish social will take place Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church. Each person is

asked to bring a main dish item that will be placed on a common table where food will be shared. The LGLA will provide soft drinks, water, dessert, plates and plastic utensils. This event is open to all who live and work in Loxahatchee Groves and wish to join the residents. The traditional $5 gift exchange will also take place. If you wish to be involved, bring an item to offer in exchange for something. For more information, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114.

defending their opinions,” she said. Riedi said that he thought there were some aspects about the village’s position that could be better explained. Coates said he was concerned that the decision might have been pre-determined. “This is not the first time that an issue has come before this council where I feel like the decision was made before we even had the meeting,” he said. “We had numerous meetings where the issue of responding to the petition was discussed, and the consensus of this council, up until tonight, was that we do not respond.” Coates was also concerned at how Riedi had come to be chosen to represent Wellington in litigation. “Lo and behold, we come to this meeting tonight and without the approval of the council, we hear that we’ve retained Mr. Riedi as an attorney in this matter,” he said. “And then, unsolicited, Mr. Riedi says, ‘By the way, I think you should be responding.’ I don’t know what the perception of the public is, but my perception is that it stinks.”

Coates said he wanted an investigation done on the matter. “I want an investigation into how Mr. Riedi got involved in this, and whether the issue of his retention also revolves around the advice he has rendered to this village,” he said. “What I think needs to be investigated is if there was discussion with Mr. Riedi that involved the council’s position on whether or not to respond, and whether that was conveyed to other council members. This is not the first time that an issue has come before this council where everyone seems to be in lockstep, that a decision has already been made.” Councilman John Greene called the question on the motion, and it failed 3-2, with Coates, Gerwig and Greene opposed. “I think we have discussed this at length… and made the decision that we are not responding to [petitions],” Greene said. “I don’t feel we should change that course.” Instead, Schofield proposed that council members check their schedules in order to arrange a closed session with Riedi.

Workshop

Legislative Priorities

continued from page 3 ing it in the middle of summer, so you’re out of the season,” he said. Last year the committee got through about 270 of the rules and regulations on their hit list, Rooney said. “This year, hopefully, we’ll get through the rest of them,” he said, explaining that most of the

Blotter continued from page 6 from the victim’s building. The victim said the perpetrator(s) cut the metal lock on the main entrance gate. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,500, and the damage was estimated at approximately $2,000. There was no further information available at the time of the report. DEC. 11 — Aresident of the 12th

rules they’re reviewing are obsolete. Hmara asked whether the elimination of any of the rules would push additional responsibility to local government, and Rooney said he did not think so. “I wouldn’t view it as pushing it down to your level,” Rooney said. “We’re trying to take a holistic view, but at the same time, I try to be cognizant of what you’re dealing with at the local level because you’re the ones on the ground.” Fairway contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 and 7:45 p.m. someone forced open the victim’s rear door and stole a box containing miscellaneous photos and coins from the home. The victim said the box contained nothing of value. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 21

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Ride & Relax At Wellington’s Ravenwood Academy

Judie Jenner of Ravenwood Riding Academy shares her little 6-acre slice of heaven with five horses, five ponies and all of her students. She focuses on inexperienced riders, teaching both group and private lessons, flat and basic jumping, nothing over 2’6”. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 23

Wildcat Boys Basketball Squad Falls To Atlantic

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team fell 86-57 to Atlantic High School on Friday, Dec. 7 in Royal Palm Beach. Though Royal Palm Beach kicked up things a notch later in the game, they couldn’t stop the Eagles, who kept a near-consistent 20-point lead most of the game. Page 37

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Lose Holiday Pounds At Evolution Fitness And CrossFit Wellington

With the new year approaching, Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington can help you lose those extra holiday pounds and be as fit as possible by creating a well-balanced fitness routine. Owner Bryan Nichols provides his customers options for their physical fitness routines. Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington are separate fitness centers located at one facility at 11596 Pierson Road in Wellington. Page 27

Sports Lady Broncos Soccer Squad Prevails In 3-0 Win Over Wellington

The Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity soccer team visited Wellington High School on Friday, Dec. 7 to take on their cross-town rivals, besting the Wolverines 3-0. The win for Palm Beach Central gave the Lady Broncos local bragging rights for the second straight season. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................25-26 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 31 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 37-39 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................ 42-47

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December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 25

FEATURES

Ride & Relax At Wellington’s Ravenwood Riding Academy Tucked away behind the shady trees at 13442 Indian Mound Road in Wellington, Judie Jenner shares her little 6-acre slice of heaven with five horses, five ponies and all of her students. She still has trouble believing she ended up with the farm, her perfect property. “I used to come down from Pennsylvania and upstate New York,” Jenner recalled. “I stayed here in Wellington, and showed hunters in Ocala, Tampa and Homestead. After a few years of that, I sold enough horses to buy this property from Carlos Arellano. At first, I rented it, but then it worked out that he didn’t need it, so I sold my house and ended up buying it.” That was 15 years ago, and Jenner gradually did less of the showing and more of the teaching. Now, that’s all she does — and she does it very well. “I like doing basic lessons,” she said. “It’s more fun than going to shows. Years ago I used to take my students to the local little shows. I came from that world. I knew it. I prefer just to teach the basics now. It’s a lot calmer and less stressful for everyone.” Jenner teaches both group and private lessons, flat and basic jumping, nothing over 2’6”. Her typical student loves horses but is not an experienced equestrian. She likes teaching everything about horses, their care as well Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg as the riding, especially how to act around horses and how to read them in order to understand their moods. She teaches everyone, kids and adults, age 3 and up. “I like watching the rider’s satisfaction, seeing the understanding dawn on their faces when they finally get it,” Jenner said. “Some people start out fearful of being up high on a powerful animal and not having perfect control. When they realize they’re going to be OK, their expression and body relaxes, and you see the enjoyment start. I find that thrilling.” During the season, clients do bring in their horses and show at the nearby Winter Equestrian Festival. Other owners board there as well. During the summer, Jenner also Camp Giddy-Up, limited to no more than a dozen campers per week. The thing which sets Ravenwood apart from other barns is its ambience, its calming feel and oneness with nature. People and horses calm down, slow down and relax there. “A lot of times, parents approach me about riding lessons for their children,” Jenner said.

Judie Jenner with Churchill, one of her school horses. “Then, before you know it, they start riding all those annoying daily details. Having the as well. Many times, they rode as kids and right horses also helps. had to give it up because life got in the way. I “A good school horse knows his job and have lessons where moms and kids ride to- enjoys it,” Jenner said. “He wants to keep his gether. That’s special.” rider on his back. He helps the rider stay balRiding is a great stress reliever, she pointed anced, and goes in a regular, cadenced way. out. When you ride, you can let go and forget See ROSENBERG, page 26

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FEATURES

It’s Always Fun Watching Adults Buy Christmas Presents Ah, Christmas — the one time each year when adults can freely roam the toy aisles, looking at and playing with everything, no questions asked. I used to manage a toy store, and it was always great fun around the holidays. Grandmothers would come in carrying letters referencing the desires of far-off grandchildren and matter-of-factly say, “In which aisle would I find a Reebolder 260E with laserfed moonbeams and a shadow sword, not the red sword but the blue sword?” And I would say, “Aisle 4, but we’ve been out of the 260Es with blue swords since Oct. 15. We only have the ones with red swords left.” And then the poor grandmother would start to shake because a determiGet your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER nation had to be made — was the 260E the most important part of the request, or was it the blue sword? No one likes to disappoint, especially a grandma. A phone call would have to be made to the son/daughter to whom little Johnny reported. Oh, bother! Now, a grandfather handles things differently. Upon hearing that there are no more blue sword-carrying 260Es, he will simply say, “Does the more expensive model carry a blue sword?” and I will say, “Well, sir, you can get

the 260F. It’s twice the price, but all the Fs carry blue swords.” “Wrap one up,” he’ll say. Now, on Christmas morning, little Johnny will be in absolute heaven when he unwraps the present from Grandma and Grandpa because instead of the toy he asked for, there will be a huge, insidious version clearly labeled, “Exclusively for ages 16 and up by order of the Surgeon General of the United States of America,” and his parents will cower in fear as he haphazardly swings this thing around the room, ultimately squeezing the trigger and disintegrating the family cat. Then the outraged parents will get on the phone to Grandma and demand, “What were you thinking?!” and she will hand the phone over to Grandpa, who will merely chuckle and say, “He’ll be fine! I always hated that cat anyway.” I myself remember looking forward to toys from peripheral friends and family members

the most. These people no longer had kids of their own at home and were therefore out of sync with age-appropriateness. Perhaps, at the last minute, Mom had invited them to join us for Christmas dinner and they were so grateful to be invited to eat my Mom’s good home cooking that they were trying to show their appreciation by bringing presents for us kiddies. These well-meaning folks had not a clue what to buy and would often just get us things they themselves had once wanted. They’d come over bearing gifts like a 20-pound, threestory gingerbread house (for me) and a BB gun (for my 3-year-old brother). Two minutes after these items were unwrapped, Mom would call everyone to the table. And the moment the door closed behind these guests, she would immediately send us to brush our teeth. Meanwhile, she hid the remains of the BBriddled gingerbread. Good times.

I Like Romantic Comedies, But ‘Playing For Keeps’ Is Bad Putting a good romantic comedy up against the big films that come out at the end of the year, ones like Argo, Lincoln, Les Misérables, etc., probably seemed like a brilliant scheduling idea to the producers of Playing for Keeps. The problem is that it is not good, is barely romantic, and is not particularly funny. In short, it is a stinker! Miss it. The basic plot revolves around George (Gerard Butler), an overage former soccer player who, his career over, decides he wants to reconnect with the ex-wife and son he left behind. Ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel) has decided that a rich man with not much personality who stays at home (James Tupper) is better husband material than a guy who runs around in shorts all over Europe. George decides to bond with son Lewis (Noah Lomax) by coaching his soccer team. As soon as that happens, a whole group of neighborhood women decide he’s just the perfect way to improve their lives, and three of them (Judy Greer, Uma Thurman and Catherine Zeta-Jones) actually chase him down shamelessly. Of course, since this is an American movie, all George wants to do is get back

Rosenberg

Ravenwood Academy

continued from page 25 All of my school horses ride the same way, whether they’re 10 hands or 17 hands tall. They have a quiet, four-beat walk, and all you have to do is say trot. Teaching horses should be somewhat automatic, dependable and above all, safe.” It’s a nice life to be a Ravenwood horse. “If they get ridden three times a week, that’s a lot, but they always do a good job and watch out for their riders,” Jenner said. “They work well either alone or with others, aren’t stubborn, and don’t have a no in them.”

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler together with his ex, which manages to happen in a way that totally goes against almost every bit of reality in the universe. The first major problem of this film is that the plot is ridiculous. Parts of the script seem written mainly to try for a few laughs even if they have nothing at all to do with furthering the story. There is a far-too-long subplot in which Carl (Dennis Quaid), the richest man in town and married to Thurman, tries to bribe George to let his son play goalie. This provides a chance for George to teach his fartoo-young son to drive, using Carl’s Ferrari as the vehicle. I bet every reader can figure out what will happen to the car. And George’s landlord (Glee’s Iqbal Theba) seems to make

They’re all experienced and are infinitely forgiving of the errors common with inexperienced riders. “I especially love good mares. They never want to mess up. They have that caring instinct, which translates to caring for their riders,” Jenner said. “The horses always know better than the riders what they can and can’t do yet and will make a safe choice.” Sonia Buetel of Wellington found Ravenwood a year and a half ago when her daughter, Addison, then 3 years old, wanted to learn to ride. “I went in search of a trainer who was willing to work with young children,” she recalled. “When I asked around, Judie’s name kept coming up, so I visited the farm. I like her very much. She’s quite good with

an appearance so that fun can be made of people with interesting accents. It does not help at all that Butler has the same light and easy flair for comedy that we came to know and love in John Wayne and Charles Bronson. He is big and manly but just does not have the touch. That might not have mattered if he had only been the straight man for the comedy, surrounded by a lot of funny people. But the women were not funny, either. Greer, Thurman and Zeta-Jones came across as more pathetic than anything else. Their characters seemingly exist mostly in a state of boredom. They are soccer moms, but instead of worrying about their kids, they seem interested only in bedding a man who could provide nothing but cheap thrills, while ignoring the damage they might be doing to their families. Biel never has a chance to make sense of her character. Presumably, she finds George so appealing that she is ready to give up on the life she had been making herself for years, and in almost no time at all. Since her fiancé is almost a cardboard cutout of a character, she seems like a woman with extraordinarily low

children. Most important, to me, is she teaches them how to safely be around horses.” Jenner doesn’t just teach her clients to ride, she teaches them all about horses. “Every lesson is different, and Addison is always learning something new,” Buetel said. “Her ponies are the best, just as sweet as can be. I feel very secure having my child there. Judie never leaves her unattended. She stays with the kids every second. I’ve recommended her to a lot of my friends. It’s a nice place where kids can ride, learn and have fun.” Jenner is also a generous donor, always willing to help out local charities. She often donates riding lessons or a week at Camp Giddy-Up. Looking around at her farm — the

standards. Quaid comes across as if he were on drugs for his entire appearance. We have to like the lead characters in romantic comedies. Of course, they have to have flaws. Perfect people are boring. But they have to be lovable. You need people who fall in love with each other’s flaws, and in the movie business, that means you need the flaws to be ones we all can relate to. Unfortunately, neither George nor Stacie has those cute, lovable flaws. He took off on her to play soccer and made enough bad deals that he’s totally broke. She’s willing to essentially get involved with someone wealthy for no apparent reason. The good romantic comedies usually create a more interesting possibility. A woman might fall for someone a bit boring if they were good or if they were getting over a loser. In this film, well, who really cares? And that is the problem. For a romantic comedy to grab us, we want the leads to find each other and overcome the obstacles. In Playing for Keeps, I felt they could keep each other. A good cast was wasted. Miss the film; there are many better ones around this time of year.

shady grass paddocks, the rope hammock, the contented horses — Jenner is content. “I’m grateful to have all of this,” she sighed. “And I love sharing it

with others. That makes it even better.” For more information, visit www. ravenwoodridingacademy.com or call (561) 793-4109.

Ravenwood’s Judie Jenner relaxing in her hammock.

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BUSINESS NEWS

December 14 - December 20, 2012 Page 27

This Holiday: Unbottle Your World Wrap Up A Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station And Get 4 Stainless Cups As A Bonus

From Our Family To Yours Give The Gift Of Great Water Pure and Simple

Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington owner Bryan Nichols. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Lose Holiday Pounds At Evolution Fitness And CrossFit Wellington By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report With the new year approaching, Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington can help you lose those extra holiday pounds and be as fit as possible by creating a well-balanced fitness routine. Providing customers options for their physical fitness routines, Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington are separate fitness centers located at one facility at 11596 Pierson Road in Wellington. Owner Bryan Nichols opened Evolution Fitness 10 years ago to provide two primary options for physical fitness. The first option is either a personal or group training service. “We do one-on-one personal training, and the group personal training is done with random groups of one to four clients per hour,” Nichols said. The other option is access to the studio as a 24-hour gym. “It’s a fingerprint access gym, and it never closes,” Nichols said. Nichols opened CrossFit Wellington four years ago. It’s located next door to Evolution Fitness but offers a totally different approach to fitness. CrossFit Wellington offers a high-intensity workout for groups of up to 25, and clients do the same workout together. The workouts involve a variation of routines, which change on a daily basis. “It’s a combination of Olympic and power lifting, and gymnastics coupled with running, rowing, jumping and other cardiovascular routines,” Nichols said. The workout routine for the day is posted on a board for clients to view as they workout. “They all come in and do the same thing at the same time,” Nichols said. It’s all about keeping up and beating your previous time. “The instructor yells out ‘3-2-1 go,’ and they all will try to accomplish the work that is listed on the whiteboard as soon as possible to potentially yell out ‘time’ so that they can become first,” Nichols said.

Although it’s a highly competitive atmosphere, a CrossFit Wellington’s workout routine is mostly about personal endurance and ability. “You’re competing against yourself,” Nichols said. “So the next time that workout comes out, in the next 30 to 40 days, you beat your own time. That’s why it’s you against you.” Even the competition among the clients is not actually a real competition. “It’s a makebelieve competition,” Nichols said. “It’s friendly competition amongst some clients within the group, just for fun.” CrossFit Wellington also focuses on working on the various components of a person’s fitness, which include nutrition, stamina, balance and flexibility to name a few. “We are trying to make athletes out of people,” Nichols said. “That’s the difference between the people who go to Evolution Fitness and CrossFit Wellington.” Evolution Fitness is for people who want to lose weight but not as quickly. “It’s less intense,” Nichols said. “CrossFit Wellington is not for everybody, and so some of our clients prefer the more low-key approach to working out. That’s why we provide both.” CrossFit clients typically have different goals from the clients at Evolution Fitness. “They don’t just want to lose a couple of pounds; they want to be super fit and in the best shape possible,” Nichols said. “And potentially they could compete in the annual CrossFit games and could be crowned the fittest man or woman in the world, but that’s all up to the client how hard they want to work.” Classes are available in the mornings at 6, 7, 8 and 9 a.m. and in the afternoons at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. “We post all the information about our classes and times on our web site,” Nichols said. For more information, call (561) 204-5033 or visit www.crossfitwellington.com or www. evolutionbody.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

First Watch To Open Holiday Drinking Has Consequences Wellington Restaurant Award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant First Watch has announced plans to open its first restaurant in Wellington in early 2013. The 4,064-square-foot restaurant, located at 2335 S. State Road 7 in the Plaza at Wellington Green, will feature an outdoor patio and hold an end-cap space in the Office Depot–anchored shopping center. The restaurant will employ approximately 25 people. “Wellington is a great, familyfriendly community and one that we think will be a perfect fit for First Watch,” said Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer for First Watch. “Southeast Florida has been a tremendous market for us, and we are confident that our unique breakfast, brunch and lunch concept will be as well-received in Wellington as it has been in Sunrise, Boca Raton, Jupiter and Stuart.” The new restaurant will feature an interior design concept known as “Connect.” It connects traditional First Watch design elements with contemporary executions by maximizing natural light provided during the restaurant’s daytime hours, and incorporating color tones intended

to convey the warm and inviting personality of the First Watch brand. The design also accentuates an open-kitchen concept, which reinforces First Watch’s honest approach to fresh food preparation. First Watch is known for delivering an excellent dining experience and fast, friendly service. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Of” accolades in markets across the country, the restaurant features traditional favorites including pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches, as well as signature specialties. All menu items are freshly prepared to order and the restaurant does not use deep fryers or heat lamps. In addition to serving unique and fresh entrées, First Watch offers its exclusive Sunrise Select premium blend coffee. The special blend is made from slow-roasted, hand-selected, high-grown Panamanian, Colombian and Mexican coffee beans. First Watch serves its entire menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The restaurant also offers guests complimentary newspapers and free Wi-Fi Internet access. For more information, visit www. firstwatch.com.

By Deborah Rasso Special to the Town-Crier December is usually a month to remember, but not if you drink too much. Alcohol use increases dramatically during the holidays. An increase like this can lead to heartache and problems. Parties abound, and it becomes more acceptable to drink. However, most people don’t realize that alcohol and drug use cause a higher rate of casualties during the holidays. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studies have shown that during the holidays, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes. It doesn’t take many drinks to be too many drinks. Most people are not aware of the effect of alcohol on decision-making ability, reaction time and general behavior. Depth perception is greatly affected by alcohol. How many drinks can you have before safely driving? Ideally, none. Alcohol continues to affect the brain and body long after your last drink. In fact, your judgment is impaired for several hours after you put down the last glass. Even the hangover the next day can impair your ability to drive to some degree. If a person must drive after a party, remember that you should have no more than one standard size drink

per hour. This would equal either one 5 oz. glass of wine, one 12 oz. beer or 1.5 oz. of hard liquor (either straight or mixed in a drink). You might try drinking a non-alcoholic beverage in between alcoholic drinks. If you have had more than one standard size drink per hour, don’t get behind the wheel. Your chances of being in an alcohol-related accident increase dramatically with every two drinks you consume. A common misconception is that if you have coffee, you will be able to drive. Not true: Coffee does not lower the blood alcohol level. Coffee does not “sober you up.” Call a taxi, call a friend, or just stay where you are. Better safe than sorry. Drinking and driving carries other costs as well. If you get a DUI arrest, you can lose either your freedom or a great deal of money hiring an attorney. Many have paid well over $10,000 to stay out of jail after a DUI. It is always advised that you have a designated driver. This person should have no alcoholic drinks so they will not put anyone at risk when they transport you home. It is important to have your “wits about you” when driving during the holidays because even if you don’t drink and drive, you don’t know about the

Deborah Rasso car coming from the other direction. Quick reflexes may save your life. If you know someone who drinks and drives frequently, they may need help in finding motivation to stop the abuse of alcohol. You can find support from local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Al-Anon meetings (for the family) or a local therapist specializing in addictions. Deborah Rasso is a certified addiction professional/therapist specializing in substance dependence. She has a private practice in Wellington. She can be reached at (561) 308-4774.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Luv My Puppies Joins Wellington Chamber Of Commerce Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors recently welcomed Luv My Puppies as a new member. Through the front glass window, people strolling by can see baby cribs inside filled with happy little puppies wanting a new home. The business is located at 10240

W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 120, in the Pointe at Wellington Green, and the business is owned and operated by Joan and Ron Slack. The official mascot of the store is 5-month-old Lexi, a party princess poodle. Joan is originally from Baltimore, while Ron is from Philadelphia. Sep-

Oasis Food Pantry Receives Grant Oasis Compassion Agency has announced that it received a $25,000 grant from the Batchelor Foundation to ensure efficient operation of its food pantry. Oasis is very grateful for the impact the Batchelor Foundation has in eradicating hunger and poverty in the local community and for its faithful partnership. The Batchelor Foundation is largely responsible for the food pantry’s ability to distribute more than 10,000 pounds of food each month to families living at or below the federal poverty guideline. More than 12,000 people have been assisted with a “hand up” through the Oasis program since its inception in 2003. Entering its tenth year of opera-

tion in 2013, Oasis helps its Palm Beach County clients stabilize and improve their economic circumstances with a three-pronged approach in which roadblocks to success are identified, a plan is created to overcome those obstacles, and that plan is implemented. Oasis assists its clients with food and clothing while requiring clients to attend mental health counseling, job counseling or classes in personal finance and other life skills. The Oasis Food Pantry is located at 4952 10th. Avenue North, in Greenacres (corner of Haverhill and 10th Avenue). For more information, visit the agency’s web site at www.oasis compassion.org.

arately, they moved to Wellington nine and 11 years ago, respectively; they met and got married three years ago. Having extra time on their hands, the couple decided to research a business to buy and operate. With Ron’s experience working in the stock market and Joan’s general business knowledge, they figured that they could have success running their own business. While researching what was available on the market, Ron happened to come across a puppy store for sale. Because he and Joan are dog lovers, they went ahead with the paperwork and opened their store this past April. The atmosphere of Luv My Puppies is inviting, with puppies everywhere wagging their tails. The reason the dogs are so happy is because of how they are cared for and the cleanliness of the store. Joan said that great importance is placed on the care of each dog. Luv My Puppies only works with certified breeders. Joan said that most of her dogs are AKC-, ACAor hybrid-registered. There are vet techs onsite morning, noon and night, and the store is closely associated with Dr. Ira Grossman of Palms West Veterinary Hospital. Luv My

Luv My Puppies Ribbon Cutting — Evelyn Perez, Mark “Boz” Bozicevic, Ron and Joan Slack, Joanne Dee, Carmine Marino and Bob Salerno. Puppies has received praises from Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control for the good care of its dogs. Luv My Puppies warranties its puppies for a year and will even go the extra mile and pay for the first visit to the vet. At Luv My Puppies, all dogs are micro-chipped, de-wormed, up to date on shots, and USDA- and state-approved.

For more information about Luv My Puppies, call Joan Slack at (561) 422-2220 or (561) 603-9776, e-mail the store at joan@luvmypuppies.com, or visit its web site at www.luvmy puppies.com. Visit the Wellington Chamber web site at www.wellingtonchamber.com for all types of business and community information.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Cultural Council Exhibits Feature Artists Hopkins And Trucks The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County has announced its latest solo exhibitions, a collection of original mixed-media works by Kristin Miller Hopkins and original paintings by Melinda Trucks. The exhibits are open now and run now through Dec. 29 at the Cultural Council’s headquarters (601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth). Thinking deeply into her heritage during her last trimester of pregnancy, Hopkins’ mixed-media collages represent abstract wonderings and wanderings of ideas surrounding family trees and the concept of nature versus nurture. Hopkins pondered on the future of her child, as well as her past generations, and began to construct delicate collages influenced by trees and sea life. She believes nature around us gives us information on our physical world in the same way that our families give us information on our bodily world. “Hopkins’ work is elegant, tactile and delicate, and her personal themes will speak to viewers,” said Rena Blades, president and chief executive officer of the Cultural Council. Hopkins earned a master’s degree from the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, N.Y., and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Florida State University. She is currently an associate professor of art and design at Palm Beach State College. Hopkins has exhibited her installations, artist’s books, photography and mixed media works in various

spaces nationally. Some past exhibitions have been shown at Art Palm Beach in West Palm Beach; “Outside the Box” at Whitespace Collection in West Palm Beach; “6 X 6 Global” at Rochester Contemporary Art Center in Rochester, N.Y.; “Bookmarks Part VI” at the Centre for Fine Print Research in Bristol, England; and “To Have and To Hold: Artist Books You Can Touch” at the Minneapolis Center for the Book in Minneapolis, Minn. More of Hopkins’ work may be seen at www.kristinmillerhopkins. com. Trucks’ inspiration for art began at an early age while immersed in the rich and vibrant landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains. Surrounded by the arts with her grandmother’s weaving and her uncle’s penchant for painting on the back porch, Trucks was encouraged to pursue her artistic passion. Her bodies of work in this exhibition, both women and landscapes, are layered with expression, painted with a controlled gesture that defines her style and illustrates her experience as a painter. The landscapes are often captured in plein air, as her uncle used to paint. Trucks’ recent travels have expanded her interest in women of various cultures throughout the world and are reflected in her recent canvases. “Melinda Trucks’ paintings are expressive, and her images reflect experiences in Palm Beach County as well as her extensive travels and

research,” Blades said. Trucks received classical training in studio art at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., and earned a bachelor’s degree in art education there; she earned a master’s degree in painting at Florida State University’s School of Visual Arts in Tallahassee. Throughout her extensive career, Trucks has exhibited paintings at the Lighthouse Center for the Arts in Tequesta; the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Boca Raton; the Spike Gallery in New York City, N.Y.; the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach; the John McEnroe Gallery in New York City; the Webb School of Knoxville in Tennessee; and the Galleria Vialarga in Florence, Italy. She has held various teaching positions in Tennessee and Florida, including two posts as adjunct professor — at the Tallahassee Community College School of Visual Arts in Tallahassee and at Florida State University’s School of Visual Arts, also in Tallahassee. More of Trucks’ work may be viewed on her web site at www. melindatrucks.com. Artists interested in learning more about the Palm Beach County Cultural Council’s solo exhibitions are asked to contact Nichole M. Hickey, the cultural council’s artists’services coordinator, at (561) 472-3336 or nhickey@palmbeachculture.com. For more information on the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, visit www.palmbeachculture.com.

Family Trees, a mixed-media piece by Kristin Miller Hopkins.

Live Art Show Friday, Dec. 21 At CGMS Gallery In Lake Worth

(Above) Artist Tracy Rosof-Petersen works a potter’s wheel. (Left) Teri Salamoni demonstrates a wood lathe.

“Tune In, Turn On and Spin Out” on Friday, Dec. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. with the artists of the Clay-GlassMetal-Stone Gallery in downtown Lake Worth. The gallery is located at 605 Lake Ave. Local artists are stepping out of the box to turn on attendees, as they tune in and the artists spin out. These artists will amaze with their skill as they entice you into the gallery to buy one-of-a-kind gifts made by the gallery’s 30 cooperating artists. Galleries everywhere may sell museum-quality art, but Lake Worth is where this art is made. Lake Worth artist Tracy RosofPetersen spins clay into a frenzy as the wheel turns faster and faster. Known for her ability to create extreme-sized vessels, Rosof-Petersen can sling mud with the best of them. Teri Salomoni spins straw into gold as her lathe rotates at warp speed. Wood chips fly as Salomoni fashions bowls, tops and ornaments

out of locally found woods. A turn at the lathe is in the offing for the brave soul passing by. The spinning continues with Wayne Smith as he lights his torch and uses the flame to spin glass into threads of animals, sailing ships and turtles. In fact, name the animal and Smith will create it for you on the spot. Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Gallery, a cooperative of 30 local artists, is suggesting you buy your holiday gifts this year from local artists and craftspeople. Lake Worth is the town where artists create museum-quality works that are sold in expensive galleries throughout the region and the country. Shopping Lake Worth for oneof-a-kind gifts at affordable, directfrom-the-artist prices is a great way to satisfy your gift list and boost local economies. Artists will be on hand to wrap your purchases in ways only an artist can. Glass fish, seashell trees, carved birds, woven baskets and

your usual assortment of large mugs, bowls and sculptures of every position, adorn pedestals throughout the gallery. End-of-the-year nogs and bites will warm your cockles and tickle your taste buds. All is in good fun as Lake Worth takes its rightful place as the gathering spot for some of the best art, dance, theater, music and food in the region. A wine tasting, courtesy of artist and wine broker Barbara Eden, takes place at every opening. Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 605 LakeAve. in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. Gallery openings are held the first and third Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. For information, call (561) 588-8344 or visit the gallery’s blog at cgmsgallery.blogspot.com.

Send entertainment news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

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HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

Take Part In Ultima’s ‘The Twelve Days Of Fitness’ Challenge By Lynette Laufenberg Special to the Town-Crier As we enter the month of December, many of us are faced with the fear of gaining weight. Fighting off those holiday pounds is easier than you think! All it takes is a little creativity and direction. And because the traditions of the holidays almost always involve family, what better way to get active than with your entire brood! Focusing on daily activity and eating properly should not be limited to one’s age. In fact, the earlier these concepts are introduced to kids, the better. Getting into exercise can never start early enough. So check out the “Twelve Days of Fitness” for this year, and if you start early enough in the month, you might even get to do it twice! Day 1 — Hold a plank as long as you can. Modify on your knees if you need to. Time it. Record it. Do it again every day the rest of the calendar year. See improvement! Nothing is better than having a strong core to help maintain a healthy back. Day 2 — No calorie-containing beverages. Kids and adults (you’re not off the hook either) tend to drink a lot of their daily calories in the form of sugar. The hit list: soda, fruit juice, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, and even Vita-

min Water (added sugar). (Don’t forget to do your plank.) Day 3 — Take a free BCx Boot Camp class in “the Pit” at Ultima Fitness. We offer 13 classes per week of tire-flipping, rope-slamming, sandbag-throwing and calorie-burning fun! (And I’m almost positive you will do a plank at least once during boot camp today.) Day 4 — De-stress with a mind/ body fitness class today. Ultima offers 11 yoga and Pilates classes each week to help reduce your stress, improve your flexibility, and build a better mind/body connection. Ahh… Day 5 — Use your feet! When you head out today (grocery store, a friend’s house, etc.), walk to your destination (when possible) instead of driving. Or make a point to walk to the park and spend time on the playground with the kids. Almost every neighborhood in the western communities has a local park within walking distance. Yes, parents: you, too, can swing on the monkey bars! Day 6 — Children will follow their parents’ lead. If you’re making a conscious effort to eat more healthfully, the kids will follow. Choose fruit instead of a 100-calorie pack. (Did you remember to practice your plank today? Are you getting better?) Day 7 — Learn a new exercise to-

day. Not only will you challenge your muscles in a new way, but you’ll build brain power, too! Check out what Ultima has to offer in our personal training department! Every new member receives a complimentary personal training session with a certified personal trainer. Day 8 — After a hard day’s work, there is nothing more relaxing than a massage with our licensed massage therapist. Some of the many benefits or therapeutic massage include reduction of muscle spasm, improvement of posture and relief of tension-related headaches. Day 9 — While you are decorating your tree or house today, do 10 bodyweight squats in between every decoration you put up. Your kids and your dog will look at you with curious eyes, and then they will probably try to mimic you. Exercise is always more fun with other people! Day 10 — No skipping breakfast today. Choose something with both protein and carbohydrates, such as a banana with peanut butter, yogurt and granola, cottage cheese and fresh berries, or eggs on whole wheat toast. Numerous studies have shown that those who eat breakfast consistently tend to have a lower BMI (body mass index) compared to those who don’t.

Day 11 — Learn how to do Down Dog properly, a yoga posture that totally rocks. Now that’s one your dog can even do, and probably better than you! In fact, every time you see your dog stretch, you should, too. (Not sure what Down Dog is? Look it up on the Internet and then practice it daily for a fantastic hamstring and calf stretch!) Day 12 — Remember the true spirit of the season, giving unto others. Whether that be giving of your time, of yourself or giving gifts. And what better present to give than the gift of health and fitness? We have gift cards available at the club that can be used toward membership, personal training, specialty programs, massage and more. Or promise someone you love that you will commit to being their workout buddy for the entire month of January. We are always more accountable to someone else than we are to ourselves. Remembering how important our health and wellness is during this holiday season will help put many other things into perspective. Without good health, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, what size TV you have or where your next vacation will take you. Without our health, we will not be able to enjoy any of these things. At Ultima Fitness, we are always happy to help

Lynette Laufenberg meet the needs you may have, whether it is to provide direction in establishing an exercise routine, nutrition guidelines or assist in training for your next competitive event. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you at Ultima in 2013! Lynette Laufenberg, an ACE-certified group fitness instructor and certified personal trainer, is program/fitness director at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness.com.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wildcat Boys Basketball Squad Falls To Atlantic 86-57 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team fell 86-57 to Atlantic High School on Friday, Dec. 7 in Royal Palm Beach. The Wildcats got off to a slow start and were not able to stop Atlantic from dominating.

In the first several minutes of the game, Atlantic shut out Royal Palm Beach, making three 3-point baskets in a row to take an early lead. The Eagles put in 11 points before the Wildcats finally responded with a 2point shot by Buck Levasseur. But it was quickly returned for another Eagle 3-pointer.

RPB’s Jimmitry LeBlanc guards an Atlantic player. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Atlantic had 20 points on the board when the Wildcats scored their next basket, a rebound by Ivenor Rosier off a shot by Jojo Williams to make the score 20-4. Then Travis Weatherington sank a 3-point basket to narrow Atlantic’s lead 20-7 with a minute left in the first period. The Eagles responded with a 2-point basket and a penalty shot to end the period 23-7. Royal Palm Beach had problems hanging on to the ball, giving away more than 20 turnovers, which were turned into points for the Eagles. On the other hand, Atlantic made several penalties that resulted in Wildcat baskets. Though Royal Palm Beach kicked up things a notch later in the game, they couldn’t stop the Eagles, who kept a near-consistent 20-point lead on the Wildcats for most of the game. Atlantic took an even greater lead in the third period, finishing the game nearly 30 points ahead, with the final score 86-57. The Wildcats hosted Wellington High School on Saturday, Dec. 8, coming away with a 67-63 win. They notched a 62-48 victory over Pahokee on Tuesday, Dec. 11. The team will host Olympic Heights High School on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

RPB’s Ivenor Rosier races across the court.

RPB’s Chris Cromartie looks to pass.

Lady Broncos Soccer Prevails In 3-0 Win Over Wellington By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity soccer team visited Wellington High School on Friday, Dec. 7 to take on their crosstown rivals, besting the Wolverines 3-0. The win for the Broncos gave

them local bragging rights for the second straight season. Last year, Palm Beach Central defeated Wellington 4-1 for the first time in the school’s history. The Wolverines were able to play strong defensively, fighting off multiple Bronco attacks, but 18-minutes

Wellington goalkeeper Jessie Hole comes out to make a save from Bronco Amber Agrillos’ shot. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

in, striker Yulie Lopez broke through and struck from 12 yards out, to give the Broncos a 1-0 lead. The Wolverines were unable to capitalize on two opportunities to equalize but defensively held off the Broncos’ constant pressure to close out the half. The Broncos would strike twice more in the second half. The second goal would not come until the 56th minute. Aubrey Megrath launched a rocket from about 22 yards out, sending the ball into the right corner of the net to extend the Palm Beach Central lead 2-0. Wellington fought back but had difficulty maintaining possession beyond midfield to mount any kind of a threat to the Bronco goal. The Wolverines did manage to force Bronco goalkeeper Haley Brunner to make six saves on the night for her fifth shutout. Lopez would send in her second goal of the night in the 76th minute to put the Broncos up 3-0. Wellington goalkeeper Jessie Hole finished the night with 14 saves. The Lady Broncos defeated Atlantic 6-2 on Monday. Wellington’s game against Palm Beach Lakes was canceled. Wellington travels to Dwyer on Friday for a 6 p.m. game. Also Friday, Palm Beach Central travels to Boynton Beach for a 6 p.m. game.

Bronco Yulie Lopez tries to get by WHS defender Diana Manjarres.

Amber Agrillo battles Wolverine Natalie Kelley for the ball.

Bronco Aubrey Megrath gets by Wellington’s Darby Bach.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Michele Blecher (center) with the Wildcat Dancers dance team.

RPB Dancers dance team members.

Wildcat Dancers Perform At Disney

RPBHS Dancers ‘Light Up The Sky’

The Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcat Dancers dance team, under the artistic direction of Dance Director Michele Blecher, performed on the main stage at Disney Downtown Theater on Sunday, Dec. 2. Before the dancers arrived, the audience arena was filled to capacity with a standing-room-only crowd. As the dancers began their show, other Disney visitors scrambled to find the best viewing area to watch their show. The audience cheered at

the gymnastic stunts, professional partner lifts that would rival the American Ballet Theater and the professional dancing they saw during the show. The Wildcat Dancers’ performance was a huge success, not only with Disney visitors but also Disney staff members in charge of entertainment. Dance Team Captain Bryce Blecher was offered a spot to audition to become a Disney dancer.

The RPB Dancers, along with the Wildcat Dancers Dance Team from Royal Palm Beach High School, performed their midterm exam show “RPB: Lights Up the Sky” on Wednesday, Dec. 5. All 18 routines were choreographed by Dance Director Michele Blecher. The show lit up the evening sky with a sold-out audience, highly technical dancers and a purely professional show. Highlights of the show included “Everything You Want,” a contemporary duet between Bianca

Labady and Dance Captain Bryce Blecher, who offered technical dancing, emotional connection and pas de duex lifts. The Period 7 RPB Dancers’ routine “Follow the Leader” had a Latin flair that had the audience members cheering and wanting to get out of their seats to dance. The Period 6 dancers’ routine “What Makes You Beautiful” was a playful contemporary routine. The Period 5 dancers’ routine “Teenage Crime” had a modern style of dance that was flowing and precise. Period 4’s routine

“Goodies” was fun and expressive. The dancers were strong technically with a whimsical flare. A strong highlight of the evening was the musical theater routine “Big, Blond and Beautiful,” performed by the Wildcat Dancers dance team. The dancers donned blond wigs and danced with food platters throughout the entire routine, which included gymnastic stunts. Michele Blecher noted that this routine was highly charged and extremely difficult, but the dance team members never missing a beat.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

US Road Sports’ Palm Beaches Marathon & Runfest A Success It was a successful weekend for US Road Sports & Entertainment Group, the new producers of the Palm Beaches Marathon & Runfest. The group acquired the race in May. The organization, which produces some of the largest road races in South Florida, including the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, sold out its slots for both the full and half marathon before the start at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. Both the men’s winner Joe Kappel and the women’s winner Charisse Winter had never won a marathon. Both Floridians, Kappel, from Palm Beach Gardens, ran his personal best in 2:55:15 and Winter, from Altamonte Springs, in 3:09:19. The half marathon winners were also Florida residents: Evan Dehart, 27, of Jupiter, ran the half in 1:12:59, and Miami’s Alyson Venti, 30, ran it in 1:27:18. US Road Sports, the leading authority in health and fitness event management, owns and operates many world-class destination events across the country that draw thousands of international participants including the ING Miami Marathon, the Publix Escape to Miami

Hikers gather to celebrate their long hike around Lake Okeechobee.

Florida Trail Chapter Hosts The Big ‘O’ Hike Marathon runners hold hands as they approach the finish line. Triathlon and the Chicago Half Marathon. The organization has a strong track record of charitable support and has helped bring more than $86 million in positive impact on busi-

nesses, tourism and community wellness in the South Florida market alone. For more information about the event, visit www.runpalmbeaches. com.

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Approximately 80 people showed up in Pahokee on Nov. 17 to support the Big “O” Hike around Lake Okeechobee, to go on the Wimp Walk, or to do the 12-mile walk on the road to Port Mayaka. Participants came from as far away as Oregon and from all over the state of Florida. At the end of nine days of walking the 110 miles, 26 people were awarded certificates of completion.

The walkers traveled around Lake Okeechobee on the Herbert Hoover Dike, 35 feet above the surrounding countryside. This completes the 21st year for the Big “O” Hike. Though it’s over this year, participants are planning now to do the hike on Nov. 23, 2013. For more information, visit the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association’s Big “O” page at www. lox.floridatrail.org/bigo.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 15 • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Call (561) 283-5856 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will host a Community Yard Sale Saturday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 2310 F Road, north of Okeechobee Blvd. on the east side. Any Loxahatchee Groves resident can have a space for $5. Call Bill Louda at (561) 791-9241 for more info. • The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host Breakfast with Santa and the Animals on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 8:30 a.m. The day will feature a buffet breakfast, private animal encounters, photo opportunities with Santa, children’s crafts, carousel rides and more. For info., visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Writing Series: The Short Story” for adults on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. Beginning and intermediate writers will learn how to craft and polish a short stor y. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Friends of the Library Book Sale for adults Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and pick up books at bargain prices for gifts this holiday season. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • John McCoy Pottery (13746 58th Court North, The Acreage) will host a Pottery Show and Sale on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local potters John McCoy, Nena Escobar, Justin Lambert, Courtney Paige and Brian Kovachik will display stoneware, porcelain and wood-fired pottery. For more info., visit www.johnmccoy pottery.com or call (561) 328-3984. • Current and past Major League Baseball players will gather Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington to tee off at noon in the first-ever Salty Classic 2012 Golf Tournament. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, a former Royal Palm Beach High School star and current catcher for the Boston Red Sox, is hosting the event as a benefit for the Wounded Warriors Project and Athletes Advantage. For more info., call Bob Still at (561) 670-8489 or visit www.salty39.com. • The monthly Acreage Community Park Jam will take place Saturday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagelandowners.org.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Health Starts Here: Mocktails, Not Cocktails” Saturday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Have some fun and feel great while learning all about making non-alcoholic cocktails and figure-friendly treats for the holidays. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info. • St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will present the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. each evening. The choir will be 40 voices strong, accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra. There is no charge. For more info., visit www.stpeters-umc.org. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Neil Diamond Holiday Tribute Concert on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. Sunday, Dec. 16 • The Jingle Bell 5K Run will take place Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 a.m. at Village Park in Wellington. For more on this 5K run and toy drive, visit www.pure-adrenaline-sports.com. Monday, Dec. 17 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “A Safer Once Upon a Time” for ages 4 to 7 on Monday, Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to a safety lesson from classic fairy tales. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. Tuesday, Dec. 18 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Dec. 1 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Sharing & Caring Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Feel the love with stories, music and a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Group Study Hall” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Stop by if you need a place for your group to meet and study for upcoming finals. Food will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host the adult book discussion series “Between the Covers” Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will discuss Dreams of Joy by Lisa See. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. See CALENDAR, page 41

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Club Pokémon for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Bring your DS or Pokémon cards and battle, trade and make friends. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info. Wednesday, Dec. 19 • Jersey Boys will return to the Kravis Center from Dec. 19 through Jan. 1 with 24 show times. The show tells the story of Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers the Four Seasons through music. Visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 8338300 for tickets. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “’Tis the Season Make & Take” for ages 8 to 13 on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Feast of Seven Fishes Cooking Class” on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to make the traditional Italian Feast of Seven Fishes holiday meal. A $5 donation will go to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Call (561) 9044000 for more info. • The Riverwalk Toastmasters Club will present its Holiday Public Speaking Symposium on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Speakers will be James Bussey, Nina Fernandez, Laurie Fondiler, Mark Thompson and Leah Von Leu, all past and current speech champions. Admission is $25. E-mail cindyebeckles@ yahoo.com or call (561)795-6713 for info. Thursday, Dec. 20 • The Palm Beach County Commission and Legislative Delegation will hold a workshop Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. in the Palm Beach County Convention Center boardroom (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Winter Wonderland Story Time” for ages 2 to 4 on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to stories, sing songs and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Knit and Crochet for a Cause” on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Meet fellow yarn lovers and make blankets from the heart.

Simple square patterns will be provided, or bring your own. Some materials will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, Dec. 20 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Between 15 and 20 food trucks will participate in this event every Thur sday. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • “Holiday Stop & Shop” will be held Thursday, Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). There will be many different things to purchase, from house wares to ornaments to homemade jellies and more. It will be a good opportunity to shop for last-minute gifts. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. For more info., call Julie Bryant at (561) 797-1501. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Frosted Notes” for grades 6 to 12 on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Bring the book, graphic novel or manga you’re reading and share it while snacking on ice cream. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Gift-Giving Grab Bag” for ages 10 to 14 on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Create cell phone tags, jewelry and other fun gifts for your family and friends. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will meet Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington). All eligible veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. E-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail. com or call (561) 301-2961 for more info. Friday, Dec. 21 • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Mom’s Morning Escape on Friday, Dec. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. Moms will receive a free coffee or tea, and muffin from the coffee bar. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Go Club meeting for ages 8 to 17 on Friday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 p.m. A member of the American Go Foundation will teach you how to play this ancient Asian strategy game. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister. • The Wellington Amphitheater will present a free screening of the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUT ORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail resume tomarlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-7606 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHATCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 DRIVERS — DEDICATED ACCOUNT! TOP PAY! $2,000 sign on bonus. Benefit s, miles, great hometime and more. 1-888-5674854 Werner Enterprises. DRIVER'S WANTED —Full-Time/ Part-Time Retirees welcome. Night Dispatcher for Wellington Town-Car. Call for details. 561-333-0181 TEACHING ASSISTANT FOR PRESCHOOL — Experienced preferred. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 561-793-5860 TEACHER— 3 Year Old Class. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. CDA Required. 561-790-0808 T OWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULT S CALL 561-793-7606 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE

PART -TIME KENNEL HELP/ GROOMING ASSISTANT— to work Saturday, Sunday and Monday, possibly more. Call 561-7911234 to set up interview

PART-TIME LEARN TO SWIM INSTRUCTOR FOR KIDS: — Year round, indoor heated pool, weekday morning classes, plus room to grow. Must have lifeguard certification, we will train. 561-855-7043

CONTENTS OF THE HOME FOR SALE - THIS WEEKEND DEC. 15th & DEC. 16TH — King Master Bedroom, Full Dining Room, Full Living Room, Designer Pool Table. Selling almost everything. Call 561-790-0947 for info.

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from S pruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms. Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. W eekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your ap artment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012252779

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Sof tware setup, support & troubleshooting w w w . m o b i l e t e c . n e t . 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jef f 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. W e accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Rep airs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood rep air, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561802-8300 or 754-242-3459

ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior p ainting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com T OWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULT S CALL 561-793-7606 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-706

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

HIST ORY/SOCIAL STUDIES TUT OR, — Accredited teacher 4 subject s, available in your home. All subject s come alive, you will not forget when tested! Middle/High School $25/hr. 561-702-0891

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Inst allation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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