Town-Crier Newspaper February 19, 2016

ELECTION 2016: WELLINGTON SEAT 1 CANDIDATES JOHN GREENE AND MIKE DRAHOS SEE ELECTION PROFILES, PAGE 7 THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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Volume 37, Number 8 February 19 - February 25, 2016

Serving Palms West Since 1980

CATTLE BARON’S BALL AT POLO CLUB

Lion Country Safari Animals Celebrate Valentine’s Birthdays

Keepers at Lion Country Safari kept with the Valentine’s Day spirit Friday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 14 in celebrating the birthdays of two well-known animals, chimpanzee Little Mama and Cupid the giraffe. Page 3

EAF To Host Advance Screening Of ‘Harry & Snowman’ Feb. 21

The Equestrian Aid Foundation will host an outdoor film screening under the stars on Sunday, Feb. 21 starting at 6 p.m. at the Global Dressage facility. Settle in Sunday night with a blanket or chair on the lawn for an advance outdoor screening of Harry & Snowman, a true story about one man and his remarkable connection to a horse he rescued. Page 20

Danny & Ron’s Lip Sync Show Features Special Guest Gloria Gaynor

Danny & Ron’s Rescue held its eighth annual Lip Sync Show on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center featuring a special appearance by famed singer Gloria Gaynor.

Equestrian kids came dressed in elaborate costumes to impress judges with their lip sync skills. Page 24

OPINION Trimming The School District’s Bureaucracy Is Long Overdue

For years, critics of the School District of Palm Beach County have complained loudly and openly about the bloated workforce at its Forest Hill Blvd. headquarters and the vast amount of redundancy and waste that permeated from within the so-called “Taj Mahal,” radiating out into regional offices. At long last, someone is cutting through the layers of fat. Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa unveiled a new strategic plan this week that includes a major downsizing of the district’s regional offices. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 11 OPINION.................................. 4 NEWS BRIEFS....................... 10 PEOPLE................................. 15 SCHOOLS.......................16 - 17 COLUMNS...................... 18, 29 BUSINESS......................30 - 31 SPORTS..........................35 - 37 CALENDAR............................ 38 CLASSIFIEDS................ 39 - 42 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The American Cancer Society hosted its Cattle Baron’s Ball on Friday, Feb. 12 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. A delicious buffet was followed by guest speaker Lauren Martin, who spoke about her journey surviving cancer. There were silent and live auctions, as well as fundraising games. Shown here are Cynthia and Keith Jackson, Shelly Albright, Larry and Linda Smith, and Beth Crews. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 11 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Lox Contractor Restores Some Roads, But More Work Needed

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Brian Thomason with Bergeron Land Development gave the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council a report Tuesday on initial improvements that his firm has made on town roads over the past two weeks.

Thomason said that the roads were in generally bad condition, and a lot of time was spent hauling in fill to raise the grade in order to reduce flooding. The town recently took over maintenance responsibility from the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

“What we wanted to do tonight

was give a brief overview of what we’ve encountered since we’ve been on the ground and since we were activated on our contract back on Feb. 4,” he said.

Showing videos of some of the roads they rebuilt, he said that a 0.12-mile stretch of San Diego Drive was one of the first roads they undertook because they received a lot of comments about its condition.

“We video-documented every single road in the town before we did any work, so if there were complaints or issues, we could go back and review the videos and address those,” he said. “You can see the

disrepair that San Diego was in.”

Thomason said eight dump truck loads of fill were used on the 0.12-mile stretch due to the state of disrepair.

“This road also is a dead-end road,” he said, explaining that they had to start at the end of the road and work their way back out toward B Road. “We could not just go in with loads of fill and dump that fill immediately and spread it without blocking access to the road in case an ambulance or fire truck needed to get in there, so it was somewhat time-consuming.”

Thomason noted that working See ROADS, page 6

Wellington Council Approves Access Points To Fields At Grand Champions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council approved a master plan amendment for part of the Wellington Country Place planned unit development last week to add two access points along the north side of Lake Worth Road east of South Shore Blvd., adding easier accessibility to five polo fields there.

At the Feb. 9 meeting, Planning & Zoning Director Bob Basehart said that the request is for the Grand Champions Polo Club property, which has been used for polo events and is designated in the PUD master plan as commercial recreation property.

“It has been used as a competitive equestrian facility, predominately polo, for a number of years,” Basehart said.

The two driveways, one on the east end and the other on the west end on the south side of the property, have been there and used intermittently with special approvals and special-use permits granted by the village to allow cross access, but their general use has been prevented up until now.

“This request is to make those access points permanent,” Basehart said, adding that staff had

recommended approval with eight conditions, including a 25-foot buffer along the north side of Lake Worth Road, a 20-foot buffer along the east side next to a canal and a 5-foot compatibility buffer along the north and west sides to separate the facility from residential properties.

However, village staff had since reconsidered the buffer along Lake Worth Road and the canal.

“The purpose of the buffer is to screen view of the property from the general public and also to protect the uses of the property from adjacent land-use activities, but when you really look at it, it makes little sense to us to require a vegetation buffer to screen the view from Lake Worth Road of a polo field, or frankly any other open space such as a golf course,” Basehart said. “The benefit of a view of open space is superior to what a planted buffer would be, so we believe that the polo fields in this case should be able to serve as the buffer for those two property lines.”

Some property owners in the area have expressed concern about the use of the gates on a daily basis.

“People are afraid that they’ll be See FIELD ACCESS, page 6

SPECIAL OLYMPICS EQUESTRIAN GAMES

ELECTION 2016: ROYAL PALM BEACH MAYOR

After 13 Years On The Council, Fred Pinto Seeks A Promotion

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report After serving on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council for 13 years, Fred Pinto is seeking a promotion to mayor. However, in order to win the post, he will have to defeat former Councilwoman Martha Webster in the Tuesday, March 15 election.

Pinto sat down recently with the Town-Crier to explain why he should replace retiring Mayor Matty Mattioli.

Born and raised in Harlem, N.Y., Pinto graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, as well as the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He is a retired lieutenant colonel.

Before moving to Royal Palm Beach 17 years ago, Pinto spent two decades working on Wall Street, where he helped big investment firms move into modern

technology. He was elected to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in 2003.

Pinto believes that his business background has provided him insight that helps manage the village’s business strategies.

“I looked at the village and observed some things that I thought would be down the path that decisions would have to be made for the village to continue to grow and be prosperous,” he said.

He was a key player in the decision to sell the village’s water utility to Palm Beach County, as well as the decision to merge Royal Palm Beach’s small police department with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Pinto cites the decision to get out of the water business among his top accomplishments on the council. That move, he noted, has since netted the village more than $103 million, providing a cushion that protected Royal Palm Beach

The Special Olympics Palm Beach County Equestrian Games, hosted by the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, took place at the Van Kampen Arena at the Global Dressage Festival grounds Saturday, Feb. 13. Forty riders gathered to compete in equitation and trail riding. Shown here are Glory Hoffman and Sarah Menor with horse Tommy. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Fred Pinto during tough economic times. He is also proud of creating Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on the site of a defunct golf course.

For years before the economic downturn, Royal Palm Beach lowered its tax rate every year.

In recent years, it has been held unchanged, but Pinto believes it See PINTO, page 9

Martha Webster Sees Need For Different Leadership In RPB

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Former Councilwoman Martha Webster is seeking a return to elected office in Royal Palm Beach in her current run for mayor. She faces Councilman Fred Pinto in her bid to take over the gavel from retiring Mayor Matty Mattioli. The election will take place Tuesday, March 15.

Webster recently sat down with the Town-Crier to explain why voters should choose her to be Royal Palm Beach’s next mayor.

Webster is no stranger to Royal Palm Beach politics. She served on the council from 2008 to 2013, including a stint as vice mayor in 2010.

In 2013, she lost her seat to Councilman David Swift. In 2014, she ran for mayor, coming in third in a four-way race. In 2015, she ran unsuccessfully against Swift to get her old seat back. This time,

Swift is supporting her in the race against Pinto.

“I’ve lived here in the village for 20 years, and I’ve lived in the county for 50 years. I’ve been retired from the University of Florida since 2011. I worked for them for 11 years,” Webster said.

“I did the 4-H youth program and a nutrition program. I was director of those programs. I wrote grants and trained people.”

For two years, Webster worked for the United Way as the director of community initiatives for Palm Beach County, and for four years worked as director of housing for Consumer Credit Counseling over a three-county area, where she did home buyer education to prepare people for homeownership.

“I was a stay-at-home mom before that,” she said, ranking being a wife and a mother as her top accomplishments. “I have quite a few accomplishments as a vol-

Martha Webster unteer and as an elected official.”

Webster is particularly proud of the work she did representing Royal Palm Beach regionally.

“When I was on the council here, I jumped out to learn as much as I could, joined the League of Cities and was elected by them to the See WEBSTER, page 23

Town-Crier To Host RPB Candidates Forum On Feb. 22

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Town-Crier newspaper will host a televised Royal Palm Beach candidates forum Monday, Feb. 22 in the Village Meeting Hall council chambers. The forum will begin at 7 p.m., lasting approximately two hours and will be moderated by retired WPTV news anchor Jim Sackett.

All interested residents are invited to attend. Those who cannot attend can view the forum on the village’s Channel 18, or stream it live from the village’s web site.

The 2016 election will take place Tuesday, March 15. Six candidates are vying for three seats.

All have been invited to participate in the candidates forum.

Councilman Fred Pinto and former Councilwoman Martha Webster are both seeking the mayoral post, which is open due to the retirement of Mayor Matty Mattioli next month. Councilman Jeff Hmara is running for re-election against challenger Lenore White for the Group 1 seat, while Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas is running for re-election against Selena Smith for the Group 3 seat.

Sackett has moderated several Royal Palm Beach candidate forums before and is looking forward to next Monday’s big event.

“The voters of Royal Palm Beach tend to be very interested

in these elections,” he said. “Every time I’ve done it, it has been almost standing room only. The voters of Royal Palm Beach want to know what is going on in their village, and they do turn out to be informed voters, which as a moderator, is very pleasing to me.”

The forum will be broken up into two 50-minute sessions with a 10-minute break in between. Each candidate will provide an opening statement before being asked a series of questions by Town-Crier staff members.

During the first half of the forum, the Town-Crier will solicit audience questions, which will then be reviewed by the moderator.

Chosen questions will be asked during the second half of the forum. At the end of the forum, each candidate will be given time to make a closing statement.

“We’re proud to be able to stage this event for the Royal Palm Beach community and look forward to a lively and informative candidates forum,” Town-Crier Executive Editor Joshua Manning said. “Our mission at the TownCrier is to keep residents informed on important local issues, and crucial to that is helping to keep voters informed on election issues.”

The Village Meeting Hall is located at the southeast corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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The Town-Crier

CONTINUING BROWARDIZATION OF PALM BEACH COUNTY Re-Print From Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition February 13, 2016

New housing plan gets initial approval Community would include commercial and office space

By Skyler Swisher Staff writer

A development that would add nearly 4,000 new homes to rural Palm Beach County cleared its first hurdle Friday.

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission endorsed Indian Trails Grove, which would be on nearly 4,900 acres about 20 miles west of Riviera Beach near the JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area.

It would include a mixture of low, medium and high density housing, along with 350,000 square feet in commercial and office space.

Developer GL Homes promised to build walking and horse trails, create a trolley service for residents and set aside civic sites for schools and a fire station.

The community would be built on farmland next to the old citrus groves that Minto West already plans to turn into 4,500 homes. Another nearby development, Avenir, approved by Palm Beach Gardens, would add 3,250 homes.

About two-thirds of Indian Trails Grove would remain open space, including about 1,000 acres that would be left as farmland, said Ken Tuma, managing principal of Urban Design Kilday Studios, speaking on behalf of GL Homes.

About 640 acres would be offered for a reservoir that would

help prevent flooding in the Acreage, said Larry Portnoy, a vice president for GL Homes.

Alan Ballweg, a resident of the nearby Acreage community, said the new development would change his neighborhood from a quiet residential area into a “congested, noisy and dangerous traffic disaster.”

Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara presented a resolution opposing the project because it would add traffic to already congested thoroughfares. About $5 million will be provided for road projects in addition to the costsharing developers must provide to help the county widen roads affected by new development, Portnoy said.

Developers promised to make 10 percent of homes reduced-price workforce housing.

If given final approval, GL Homes’ new community would be a continuation of the suburban-style development proposed on farmland in an area where most other homes are built on at least 1.25 acres or more.

In Loxahatchee and the Acreage, unpaved roads, backyard farms and pastures are still the norm.

The Palm Beach County Commission will consider in coming months whether to give final approval to the project.

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Page 3

NEWS

Lion Country Safari Animals Celebrate Valentine’s Birthdays

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Keepers at Lion Country Safari kept with the Valentine’s Day spirit Friday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 14 in celebrating the birthdays of two well-known animals, chimpanzee Little Mama and Cupid the giraffe.

Keepers Jordan Harris and Becca Hull take care of the three chimp families living at Lion Country

Safari. Little Mama, who came to the park when it first opened in 1967, is known as the oldest living chimp in captivity.

“The story that is most likely accepted is that she was in the Russian Ice Capades, and that’s maybe where she got a lot of her human imprinting,” Harris explained. “I feel like she really is more of a human than she is a chimp, sometimes.”

Little Mama the chimpanzee opens one of her birthday gifts.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Jane Goodall, the famous British anthropologist and primatologist, still comes to see the chimps, including Little Mama, who she estimates to be approximately 78 years old.

“It’s rather remarkable. Most captive chimpanzees will live to 50, maybe 60 years, and chimpanzees in the wild maybe about 40,” Hull said. “Little Mama is a sweetheart, which is why we celebrate her birthday on Valentine’s Day. She’s like the grandmother of her group. You’ll often see her playing with Olive, our youngest chimp at 10 years old.”

When it is colder out, Hull said, Little Mama, who weighs somewhere between 80 and 90 pounds, will huddle up with a burlap blanket.

For Valentine’s Day, many of the enrichments given to the chimps came from ChimpanZoo, a research, education and enrichment program at the Jane Goodall Institute. They included bread, popcorn, confetti, hay, flour, nuts, and all sorts of treats, clothing and other special items for the chimps.

Meanwhile, Cupid the giraffe

celebrated his 11th birthday, which really is on Feb. 14. He is the breeder bull giraffe at Lion Country Safari, but that isn’t why he was given such a romantic name.

Multiple heart-shaped spots can be found on his body, most notably one on the right side of his neck.

Clive Pinnock was at the Giraffe Feeding Exhibit on Valentine’s Day, teaching visitors about Cupid, his children and the other giraffes at Lion Country Safari. “He’s such a wonderful animal,” Pinnock said. “He was hand-raised, so he’s a little bit more playful.”

The giraffes that come up to the feeding exhibit are all male, and all come to the feeding station voluntarily. If there is a day when they don’t feel like it, they are allowed to stay with the rest of the giraffes. There are always at least a few giraffes at the feeding station, and they’ve had as many as 10 on occasion.

“The lettuce that people are feeding them here actually makes up less than 1 percent of what they eat each day. They generally eat between 80 and 100 pounds of food a day. The bulk of that

Cupid the giraffe looks for a snack.

The giraffes do know their food is made up of grain, hay and names, Pinnock said, and Cupid browse,” Pinnock said.

Cupid is a different subspecies will often respond when called.

Lion Country Safari has just unfrom the rest of the giraffes at Lion Country Safari, which helps der 20 giraffes at present, including strengthen the gene pool and a few babies that are 2 years old makes him easier to spot — his or younger.

For more information about coloring is quite a bit darker and he has other distinguishing char- Lion Country Safari, visit www. lioncountrysafari.com. acteristics.

ITID Attorney Explains History Of Easements In The Acreage

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Indian Trail Improvement District attorney Frank Palin gave a presentation to the ITID Board of Supervisors on Wednesday regarding easements in The Acreage.

There has been a longstanding controversy over rights of property owners versus easement rights in the community.

Palin stressed that his presentation was from the district’s perspective and that residents would be likely to offer their points of view from a different perspective.

“Some of the questions will be answered; other questions will be raised,” he said.

Palin explained that an easement is owned by the property owner, but the holder of an easement has certain rights depending on the agreement. He said that the easements in The Acreage go back to original deeds written by Royal Palm Beach Colony, the initial development company.

“The issue of easements in the district is very fact-based,” he said.

“There are a lot of documents that are public record.”

However, property rights are a complicated matter. “If you own property, you have a whole series of rights,” Palin said. “The key thing with easements is you’re looking at use and enjoyment of those rights. The rights of the easement holder basically trump the rights of the underlying landowner.”

He said the textbook definition of an easement holder is a person or entity with the right to use someone else’s land without interference by the owner.

“The owner has the right to fully enjoy the easement,” Palin said. “If a holder has the right to go onto your property, the owner cannot use trespass to keep that person or entity off your property. The holder’s rights are superior to the owner’s rights.”

In The Acreage, ITID is the easement holder on roads, canals and various utilities, he said.

In the modern world, easements are created with the platting process. “But when The Acreage was created, there was no subdivision or platting in Palm Beach County,” Palin said.

The original landowners in the 1950s purchased about 55,000 acres including The Acreage, which was originally called Indian Trail Ranch.

“They created a drainage district,” Palin said. “They went to the state legislature and they got Indian Trail created in 1957. They bought the land earlier than that.”

A few years later, some of the same people who were involved in Indian Trail Ranch spun off and brought in different investors and created another corporation called Royal Palm Beach Colony, which became the first development company for the Village of Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage, Palin said.

Other parts of the original land now include the GL Homes property, which is still part of ITID and has offered to become an activated unit as the property is developed.

The portion that became The Acreage was created with sequential units of development primarily between 1965 and 1970, long before any individuals had actually bought land, Palin said, explaining

that Royal Palm Beach Colony was not in the business of developing land, but rather subdividing lots and marketing them.

They had their engineers draw up lots, which were indicated by numbers, had roads and canals indicated on them, and eventually they were submitted to the county, which tried to improve the descriptions with its own maps.

“Palm Beach County was not ahead of its time in platting,” Palin said. “Palm Beach County did not have a platting ordinance until 1973. All this happened before Palm Beach County woke up to what was going on.”

Royal Palm Beach Colony, however, created written declarations of easements as each unit was developed, he said, explaining that it needed to be able to show potential buyers that they had access to their property, as well as to utilities, such as electricity and telephone services.

The declarations state the scope and purpose of the easements, including rights of way, canals, drainage and public utilities in favor of the general public, although

the scope of public utilities is not defined.

“Historically, those public utilities are electric, telephone, gas, water and sewer,” he said. “Over the years, with technology changing, there have been other types of utilities that can use those rights of way.”

The reason that Acreage landowners are subject to Royal Palm Beach Colony’s grants of easements is because they were all matters of record at the time the landowners purchased their property, he said.

“Every sequential purchaser thereafter is going to have this language,” Palin said.

The question of easement rights came to a head between 1995 and 2008 when Indian Trail actually began developing a water utility, and other entities — the Village of Royal Palm Beach, the City of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County and the Seminole Improvement District — courted ITID in hopes of becoming its provider, whereupon the so-called “water wars” erupted. They resulted in the county ultimately gaining

utility rights in The Acreage. That came out of the failed development of the Mecca Farms property for the future Scripps site, because the state required it to have utilities.

“It was controversial, and I’m sure many of you may have been involved in that controversy,” Palin said. “These were battles over jurisdictions, not necessarily if they had utility rights.”

He said the county purchased property in order to reach the Mecca Farms land, but Scripps ended up developing at Abacoa in Jupiter instead.

“Questions arise over why certain people were paid by the county for easement rights,” he said. “If you read the original easements from Royal Palm Beach Colony, it refers to utilities for public purpose. There was nothing preventing the property owner from selling that easement to Palm Beach County, and they did.”

ITID sued the county, and in 2008 reached a settlement and eventually an interlocal agreement under which ITID signed over its water utility to the county, and the See EASEMENTS, page 23

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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OUR OPINION

Trimming The School District’s Bureaucracy Is Long Overdue For years, critics of the School District of Palm Beach County — which includes parents, politicians and teachers employed by the district — have complained loudly and openly about the bloated workforce at its Forest Hill Blvd. headquarters and the vast amount of redundancy and waste that permeated from within the so-called “Taj Mahal,” radiating out into regional offices.

At long last, someone is cutting through the layers of fat. In a Wednesday announcement, Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa unveiled a new strategic plan, pulling a move out of the “downsize government” playbook and showing that maybe a bureaucratic administrator can take a mandate from the masses and make it work.

In his announcement, Avossa — who took over as superintendent last year — presented an overview of the district’s proposed 2016-2021 Strategic Plan that he will be presenting to the Palm Beach County School Board. The most unexpected part of the plan was a call for elimination of 58 positions in the district’s regional offices, reducing staffs by more than half and eliminating what he has called “redundancy built into the system.”

His proposal is the first of what is expected to be multiple refinements to the district operations and would take effect in July. More than 100 district employees currently stationed in those offices will need to reapply for new positions. While Avossa said many will be rehired into the 43 jobs that will remain, more than half will have to find positions as school administrators or teachers within the school system, or possibly leave the school district.

Not Happy With Town Roads

Regarding the condition of 160th Avenue North in Loxahatchee Groves, I have called the town and spoke to the secretary for more than four weeks asking for our road to be repaired. They came by and graded it three weeks ago, but did not repair. I would love to know how much gas tax money they receive to maintain and repair roads. I know I can order road stabilizer for around $200 — I just did my own driveway. So there is no excuse. The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District actually did a much better job without gas tax revenue money in keeping up on this road.

I’m one very angry resident. Oh, and I asked for a return call more than a week ago with no response.

Jodi Jansen Loxahatchee Groves

Louda Supports Dave Browning

This coming election, Loxahatchee Groves voters will have the honor of keeping Dave Browning on our Town Council. I have known Dave for a quarter of a century in various capacities. I was his vice president when he was the president of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association. I served with him on the Loxahatchee Groves Neighborhood Plan. I served with him on our town’s inaugural council.

I worked with him and Bill Day when the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District held its a-day-a-year volunteer program.

During those years, Dave was an LGWCD supervisor.

I have grown to know Dave as an extremely honest and forthright person who works for our community with unswerving energy.

Recent nonsensical bickering on the present council has made some question Dave’s ability to “control” the council. No one could without draconian dictatorial authority backed by armed guards.

Dave appointed me as his designee to the Roadways, Equestrian Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee. Perhaps his decision was helped by the fact that Dave influenced me to take on the mantle of chairman of the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area Loxahatchee Groves advisory committee to Palm Beach County, and during my tenure there, we were able to get the equestrian access and bridge at North and F roads.

Presently, we can now begin to work on trails as the LGWCD and the town have finished the surveys.

Additionally, he encouraged and helped me on when I collected signatures from more than 85 percent of the landowners along E Road on a petition to the Board of County Commissioners to have E Road removed from the Thoroughfare Identification Map, as it was being planned as a 5-lane highway from Northlake Blvd. to State Road 80.

That effort was successful.

Dave Browning’s opponent this election suggests that the town get fire hydrants. As cute as that is, the cost is prohibitive. (I looked into this a few years ago for reclaimed water.) Also, if done with city water, guess what? You and I would be forced to hook up. Sewer lines would follow. As we all own large properties, we all should have water retention ponds — I do. Not only is this a supply of water for fire pumper trucks, it helps with

According to Avossa’s plan, approximately $4.5 million will be saved and channeled into the poorest schools within Palm Beach County, meaning that the reduction in systematic redundancy will be translated into financial assistance to the students and employees in most dire need of aid.

This is both a financial and marketing coup for Avossa, who is still in his honeymoon period with the district. In one fell swoop, he has managed to (a) rid the administration of some of its fat, (b) find a way to keep most of those impacted employed with the district if they so choose, and (c) funnel much-needed financial aid to the schools most at risk. And the public relations kudos he has already received from many within the county through this measure has already helped turn a negative view of the district into a positive.

Some are calling the announcement “surprising,” but given Avossa’s history, perhaps it shouldn’t be so unexpected. In 2012, when he was superintendent of the Fulton County schools in Georgia, he streamlined that district’s central office. That restructuring impacted approximately 60 positions, out of a workforce of 14,000, and included the reassignment of employees from the central office to regional offices, where they would work on instructional and curriculum programs to assist or coach teachers on specific needs.

As Avossa said during his introductory tour around the county last year, there is much to be proud of in the School District of Palm Beach Country, but also much to improve — and eliminating some of the bureaucratic layers is a great place to start.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR insurance. If a landowner doesn’t want a pond, then build a cistern or a swimming pool or both. Her suggestions for drainage improvements are well noted, but should go to the LGWCD. All of the other suggestions (road improvements, Okeechobee Blvd. review of the ULDC and grants), our current mayor, Dave Browning, has been on board with and working toward for years.

So, on Tuesday, March 15, go to the polls and vote in person. It’s your right, it’s your privilege and it’s your duty! Let’s keep history, dedication and straight thought where it belongs — return Dave Browning to Seat 4.

Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Support For Hmara, Pinto And Valuntas

On March 15, the residents of Royal Palm Beach will be asked to vote for village council representatives and a new mayor. In doing so, please look at their past record serving this community.

Jeff Hmara has been a councilman since 2012. His accomplishments include balancing the village budget without raising taxes, correcting the FEMA flood maps and reducing the cost of flood insurance for village residents, and bringing the Aldi regional headquarters to the village, creating many needed jobs. He also worked with residents to address their requests for a scaled-back, more compatible RaceTrac gas station, which brings cheaper gas to the people of Royal Palm Beach.

In addition to serving our country in Vietnam, he is a U.S. Army retired colonel, which demonstrates his leadership qualifications, a Palm Beach Atlantic University professor, an FAA senior executive and program manager, and Transportation Security Administration officer. Jeff Hmara has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life here in our village, and I strongly support his reelection to the council.

Richard Valuntas has been your councilman for the last six years. He has worked tirelessly to represent the interests of the residents of our village. His accomplishments include saving village residents $50,000 per year by stopping the improper assessments by the Indian Trail Improvement District, leading the fight to stop the implementation of the red light camera ordinance, opening Commons Park, fighting to keep the State Road 7 extension in the Florida Department of Transportation 2017 budget and creating the stormwater utility to equitably fund the maintenance of the village’s drainage system.

Valuntas’ professional experience includes serving as assistant attorney general for the Florida Attorney General’s Office and a litigation attorney for a law firm.

His impressive higher education degrees give him the knowledge required to continue representing the residents of Royal Palm Beach.

I strongly support his reelection to the council.

Fred Pinto has been a councilman since 2003 and is now running for mayor to replace Mayor Matty Mattioli, who will be retiring. He has been endorsed by Mayor Mattioli and our firefighters. His many accomplishments as councilman include holding

the line on taxes, leadership in establishing long-term financial stability for the village, keeping the former wastewater treatment plant site residential and supporting extending SR 7 to Northlake Blvd. to further alleviate traffic in the village, and working on bringing a senior housing facility to the village. His qualifications include work with the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, and he served our country in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel, which demonstrates his strong ethics and dedication to his cause. I strongly support Fred Pinto to be elected the next mayor of Royal Palm Beach. I believe that his experience as a councilman since 2003 qualifies him for the job. I strongly support him.

I ask for your vote also for these three candidates.

Philip Steinberg Royal Palm Beach

prehensive plans for recreation in the state. This mandates what facilities should be built according to the numbers of residents. Lastly, we do not need to start over on K-Park. Village staff conducted five outstanding workshops all over the community, and gathered tons of data on what the residents want, and it was very conclusive.

I know the Wellington Chamber of Commerce was not happy with the results (they wanted intense development), but I hope our council and Mayor Margolis listen to the residents on this matter.

Everybody please get out and vote, and I urge all to look at Mayor Margolis’ long record of commitment and leadership to the Village of Wellington.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Margolis Is The Right Choice

I am writing to tell your readers why Martha Webster is the right mayor for Royal Palm Beach. One who has shouted at her and disrespected her in public meetings has suggested that she is a loser; when down she gets up to fight again.

That is someone with convictions and a determination to do the right thing against all odds. She comes to the citizens with dedicated experience. I would say she is the most qualified when you see what she has accomplished just as a public servant for the village. Then there is all she does in the community.

She recognizes where there is a need and steps up to be a part of the team to make a real difference.

She is the one who shoulders the hard work that gets the deed done.

If ever there was a time for leadership in Royal Palm Beach that is able to stand up to the big developers, now is that time.

Martha Webster has shown her persistence and fortitude by standing for the citizens. To those very few who continue to write false statements against her, I will remind you of the words of Winston Churchill, who said that, “If you have no enemies, then you have never taken a stand for someone or something.” I urge all the voters of Royal Palm Beach to make the right decision for the future of our neighborhoods. Vote for Martha Webster for mayor.

Gen Weiler Royal Palm Beach

Wellington has been very blessed to have had some outstanding mayors during its short life — Kathy Foster, Tom Wenham, Carmine Priore, all who had a vision and did the right thing in guiding the village to its place as an outstanding community to live in. The upcoming mayoral election also has two talented individuals who I firmly believe want to continue to make Wellington a great place to live and work. But there can only be one selection, and the mayor of Wellington for the next four years should be Bob Margolis.

Yes, Anne Gerwig has been a committed and energetic councilwoman for the last six years, and has been passionate about many issues. But Mayor Margolis has been an engaged community activist for more than 25 years in many roles and positions. He was involved in coaching our kids for many years in the Wellington Recreation programs and board member in travel sports. He also spent many hours supporting our local high school football team as a volunteer. Mayor Margolis was an instrumental member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, helping create a department considered one of the best in the state. He was the leading advocate for the purchase of K-Park, development of the Wellington Dog Park, and pushed hard for building phase three and four of Village Park.

As a two-term councilman, Margolis was a leading voice on the council for fiscal prudence, tough comprehensive guidelines, neighborhood parks, keeping levels of service standards high and keeping the village from becoming a congested mess with all the pressure from developers.

During the last few years, when Mayor Margolis and Councilwoman Gerwig were on the council together, it was very contentious, heated and bitter at times, with votes being 3-2 on many issues.

In most all cases, Mayor Margolis was the swing vote. Sometimes he sided with Gerwig, sometimes with the other side, but always with what he thought was best for the village. Two of the issues which I saw brought up by Gerwig on a recent election flier trouble me, as it indicates a lack of knowledge and raises questions. Her position on recreation seems to not understand that the village has one of the most progressive com-

Support For Martha Webster

Response To Frank Lopez

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Smith Deserves Apology From Santamaria,” by Frank Lopez, published Feb. 5.

In Mr. Lopez’s desires to demean Mr. Jess Santamaria, who is not running for public office, he appears to be envious of the success attributed to Mr. Santamaria, who has done more for the entire western communities, not only the Village of Royal Palm Beach. Your efforts to pull this election into the quagmire of pessimism is obvious.

Mr. Lopez needs to be educated on the history of Royal Palm Beach.

The average resident does just as much as your neighbor, Ms. Selena Smith. If anyone needs retracting and apologizing, it is you, Mr. Lopez.

Before we vote on March 15, I urge my fellow citizens to check the records of the following three candidates: elect Fred Pinto for

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mayor, and re-elect Jeff Hmara and Richard Valuntas to their seats.

Look at their track record, they have successfully participated in managing and maintaining the village; they work together as a team. For example, no tax increase for the past 15 years, supporting the extension of State Road 7 and building Commons Park. They have done an excellent job for the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

Please give these candidates your vote for the continued success of the Village of Royal Palm Beach. We all know the saying, “if it is not broken, don’t fix it.”

Vinnie Perrin Royal Palm Beach

Support Pinto Over Webster

In response to David Swift’s Jan. 29 letter to the Town-Crier, “Swift Endorses Martha Webster For RPB Mayor,” Mr. Swift’s letter was more of an attack on Jess Santamaria and Fred Pinto rather than an endorsement.

It is quite obvious that the advertisement placed in the Town-Crier

by Mr. Santamaria has struck a raw nerve on Mr. Swift. Is he aware just how ridiculous his statements are? On the one hand he is saying that the U.S. Constitution protects free speech, but on the other hand, objects strongly to Jess Santamaria’s statements in the press and at council meetings. Mr. Swift is angry, disappointed, bitter and frustrated to say the very least, and if I was Jess, I would dignify all of Swift’s ridiculous remarks with a robust response. Jess plays by the rules and will not lay down and play dead. RaceTrac’s 4-1 vote is just one of many events upsetting Mr. Swift.

RaceTrac was approved despite the lies and deceptions by Mr. Swift, Ms. Webster and company.

Stop being such sore losers. The council has spoken. Attacks on Jess Santamaria and Fred Pinto will not win you votes. It would, however, show to the residents of Royal Palm Beach that you and Martha Webster are not fit to hold elected office.

It wasn’t very long ago that Mr. Swift and Ms. Webster were involved in dirty politics against each other. Ms. Webster wasn’t good enough to defeat Mr. Swift.

The weakest member of the council now thinks she is good enough to be mayor? Running against Fred Pinto? Give me a break. Donald Duck or Bernie Madoff would stand a better chance against her.

Voters are not as stupid as Mr. Swift and Ms. Webster think they are. They voted for the lesser of two evils when they voted for Swift over Webster.

The voters have a clear choice between malicious Martha, a has been, and the rising star of Royal Palm Beach, Councilman Fred Pinto. I strongly encourage the voters of Royal Palm Beach to support Fred Pinto whatever way they can, and most important of all, show up at the polls in record numbers.

There is no doubt in my mind

whatsoever that Fred Pinto will make a great mayor and continue to provide the type of leadership that Mayor Matty Mattioli provided for many years.

The Village of Royal Palm has a good thing going. It is the envy of most municipalities. Why would you want to change? To fix something that is not broke?

Alma Sato Wellington

White: RPB Is At A Crossroads

Royal Palm Beach is at a crossroads, and like many other residents, I was complacent too long, assuming it would improve through intelligent and astute decisions by the council.

If we want a sustainable community that attracts young people, blue-collar and white-collar workers, and families who are interested in a healthy environment for their children, then we are going in the wrong direction. If we want a community that offers services for the elderly, or for those with physical impairments, then we are going in the wrong direction. If we want a community with open spaces, and without a radical increase in traffic, then we are going in the wrong direction.

If these are your concerns, then you should be aware that the council is on a rampage by lowering requirements for living space, parking, road traffic and a host of other issues that will affect our daily lives.

My opponent, Jeff Hmara, touts experience; however, one should not confuse experience with longevity. He has been around for a long time. And I ask, “What experience?” It did not include any village advisory boards or community work prior to his becoming an elected official. If Jeff Hmara’s background was so extensive, why did Royal Palm Beach deem it crucial to send him to school at the cost of $1,800-plus of taxpayers’ expense to learn about being an elected official?

Fresh energy with a different perspective is required. Why are we drowning in overdevelopment and high impact changes to our village that are radically changing what brought us here? We were once honored as one of the best 10 towns in America for families — now we are going in the opposite direction. It is criminal to continue down the same path.

Instead of just being just a critic, I decided to become an active contributor and solve the concerns that are now challenging our village.

I bring financial experience as CEO and CFO of my own successful company. I bring governing experience serving my community. I am ready to serve on day one without any course in government, and I will make decisions with your help that keep our family neighborhoods.

Lenore White Royal Palm Beach Editor’s note: Ms. White is a candidate for Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 5

NEWS

VINCEREMOS HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS PBC GAMES AT DRESSAGE GROUNDS The Special Olympics Palm Beach County Equestrian Games, hosted by the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, took place at the Van Kampen Arena at the Global Dressage Festival grounds Saturday, Feb. 13. Forty riders gathered to compete in equitation and trail riding. The next Special Olympics event, the area games, takes place March 26 and will include 80 riders from Martin and Broward counties, along with Vinceremos riders. For more information, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.org.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Rider Reed Gutner and Desi with Vinceremos staff and volunteers Marie Geary, Leigha Schilling, Michelle Norman, Addi Howery, barn manager Michelle Bohi and Lauren Bordeaux.

Trail judges Barbara Richardson and Katherine Newman with runner Rebecca LaPage.

Rider Jake Altieri with family members Shawn, Ella, Kimberly and Brendan.

Ruth Menor of Vinceremos with Olympian Robert Dover.

Rider Brenton Hallenbeck with family members Mary Hallenbeck, Jimmy Griffin, Kelly A. Hallenbeck and Eileen Griffin.

Kathy LaPage helps Dazzle and Heather Pampena get ready for their turn.

Rider Christopher Pouloute (center) joins rider Connor Pulver with family members Eliot Eisen, Jonathan Pulver, Esther Pulver and Bianca Pulver.

New PBSO K-9 Dog Leo Arrives At The Wellington Substation

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington substation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has a new member, and he looks great in a uniform. His name is Leo, and he’s 18 months old.

Leo is a four-legged German shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, and he has been paired with Deputy Scott Bates as a handler.

Bates has been a full-time PBSO deputy since 2007, and was a reserve deputy prior to that.

A request was put in last year for a K-9 dog, explained Sgt. Roy DeMarco, who has previously worked with K-9 units. In October, Bates, who is on DeMarco’s team, was paired with Leo. Leo truly is the K-9’s name

— it does not stand for “law enforcement officer.” According to DeMarco, it is considered bad luck to rename a dog, and that’s the name he came with.

Capt. Jay Hart and Lt. Eli Shaivitz of Wellington worked with Village Manager Paul Schofield to bring a canine team to the area. “Traditionally, the introduction of a police canine into a community will help to reduce crime and criminal activity within that community,” Bates said.

Bates believes that the new PBSO dog will help the agency provide effective and efficient law enforcement in Wellington.

Leo, like all K-9 unit dogs, is working on his training and certification as a patrol dog and a

narcotics detection dog. Each dog is trained as a patrol dog, and then trained additionally as either as a narcotics or explosives dog.

“This will include searching for criminals, searching for missing children and people, as well as conducting narcotics-related searches,” Bates said.

Bates and Leo are working on a 400-hour patrol academy to prepare them for situations they might encounter on the street, as well as a 320-hour narcotics detection academy. Leo is working hard to become an effective tool for the PBSO in searching for illegal narcotics.

For example, Bates said, a canine, or, in this case, Leo, would be sent instead of deputies to search a

building that has been burglarized.

“This creates a safer environment,” he said, “and promotes a safer environment for all law enforcement personnel assigned to Wellington.”

Bates and Leo will be seen out and about in Wellington, where Leo will help search for criminals, missing people and for illegal narcotics.

Having a K-9 unit is an advantage to Wellington, Bates said, noting that some of the benefits of utilizing a canine include an instant response for a canine search team regarding the search for criminals, crimes in progress, to search for missing people and for drug searches.

“The Village of Wellington is a

very safe community, which is a direct result of the public officials in Wellington taking a proactive approach to reducing crime,” Bates said.

Bates credited the leaders of the substation for getting the K-9 unit up and running.

“The Wellington public officials, as well as Capt. Hart and Lt. Shaivitz, recognize how valuable police canine teams are, and they worked in partnership to facilitate this new canine team to work exclusively in Wellington,” he said.

“The long-term goal is for the canine team to be a deterrent to criminals, and hopefully criminals will avoid the Village of Wellington and conduct their illegal business elsewhere.”

K-9 dog Leo with PBSO Deputy Scott Bates.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Page 6

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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Roads

NEWS

More Work Needed

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continued from page 1 through the road issues will take time.

“The demographics of the town somewhat prohibit us from moving as fast as we would like to,” he said. “However, we are moving in a fashion that is professional and getting the roads back to what we feel is a manageable state.”

After the fill was brought in, San Diego Drive was graded and brought to a crown and rolled, Thomason said.

Los Angeles Drive to the south of San Diego, by contrast, only had to be graded and rolled to bring it to a manageable condition, he said.

Casey Road was another street that needed a lot of fill to bring it up to grade, and needed special fill to soak up water that had accumulated on the road, he said.

“It was a very narrow road, and when we first got on Casey Road, it was very wet,” Thomason said.

“There were some depressions there that were holding water.”

He said that the types of materials afforded under the current contract were not sufficient and asked to be allowed to use more expensive shell rock to combat the water pooling. Thomason called Town Manager Bill Underwood at 6 a.m. one morning to ask permission to use shell rock rather than limestone, because the limestone was turning to mud when it interacted with the water.

“That’s one of the reasons it took so much fill, and it was still wet, and even though we put the shell rock in, and we were able to grade it to a manageable state, there was still a little bit of an issue with the water pumping through because of the material that we’re dealing with,” Thomason said.

He added that the situation on Casey Road was aggravated by an area where land was clear-cut recently.

“That area is holding a tremendous amount of water, and it’s spilling back onto Casey Road, so it’s going to eat at the work that we’ve done,” Thomason said.

He said that the situation has also been heightened by the recent rains that have raised the water table.

“The fill material that’s being

Field Access

Change To Master Plan

continued from page 1 used for general access to get into the Southfields area, and people prefer that except during event times, those gates be closed,” Basehart said.

He pointed out that the application states that the gates will be closed except during events and would not be used to access other areas of the PUD. The gates will remain closed when the polo fields are not in use. “We think that should satisfy the issue,” Basehart said. “We feel that binds the applicant to that requirement.”

He added that the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and Equestrian Preserve Committee both recommended approval.

Councilman Matt Willhite noted that the western entrance has been in use for many years.

“Whether it has been approved or not, it has been used as an access point to that property,” Willhite said. “To some extent, I think it’s a much better plan than what’s currently being used, let alone, I never agreed with anybody accessing that property using our canal banks or village-owned park properties, so I appreciate the owners coming forward trying to make this parcel right and trying to make the correct application.”

As long as the use remains polo fields, he had no objection to eliminating the buffers, but if it should be changed, there should be a provision that the buffers be required.

Basehart said it is understood that the buffer would be required by the code if the land use were to change.

Village Manager Paul Schofield suggested leaving the buffer requirement in place but not requiring planting unless the land use changes.

afforded to us is in a manner to make a first pass through the town to get them into what we feel is a manageable and cost-effective condition,” Thomason said. “Until we can get them up so they can be graded and can be properly drained, we’ll continue to have roads that are in disrepair. These are conditions that we are trying to correct as we face them.”

Casey Road, which is about three-quarters of a mile long, took 10 loads of fill in a combination of limestone and shell rock, he said.

“Luckily, on Casey Road, we were able to do it a little quicker because we could get more traffic in,” he said, adding that it is still holding some water on the edges due to the land clearing that took place, but that the water is draining from the crown.

Timberlane Place, a 0.119-mile stretch, took two loads of material due to the state of disrepair and large depressions, he said.

Thomason emphasized that the current road project is a first pass to get the roads usable, and that more improvement will be necessary to keep them in good shape.

“Honestly, with the material that we’re utilizing, and with the one pass that we’re going through now, if maintenance is not continued in a proper manner, we’re putting a Band-Aid on it because it will not be to the state that we need to be in to continue a proper maintenance program,” he said.

Thomason said he has consulted with other engineers regarding the proper mix of fill, including millings to create a better surface that requires less maintenance.

“This is our status report to the citizens and to the council of what we found and what’s going on out there in the real world,” Thomason said. “When we do our job, we do it properly and correctly, and we’re here to serve under the contractual obligation that we have.”

During public comment earlier in the meeting, several residents spoke about problems with deteriorated roads, and Town Manager Bill Underwood said regardless of the road conditions, drainage seems to be the underlying problem.

“The citizens and the council are going to have to address that issue, and that’s the one thing I’ve heard from everyone speaking tonight, is that the roads don’t drain,” Underwood said. “That is a problem.”

Vice Mayor John Greene said he agreed with not requiring the plantings. “Traveling along Lake Worth Road, I think the polo fields are what the people would like to see in Wellington,” he said.

Greene said his bigger concern is allowing as much space as possible for riders to play safely.

“I’m OK with the recommendations that you made,” he said.

“If creating a buffer creates a potential hazard for riders, I won’t support it.”

Mayor Bob Margolis said he would like the conditions for the gates’ opening to be more specific, pointing out that the western entrance will be near homes.

“When you say polo activity, I would like to be more comfortable with the definition of polo activity,” Margolis said. “I don’t want trailers if they’re not playing events or practicing. There could be other events going on with trucks going up and back seven days a week. I want to be confident that the gates will only be open for competition or practice.”

Basehart reiterated that the application stated that the gates would be open only if there is a competition or practice at the property.

Jon Schmidt, agent for the applicant, said that his clients were OK with any of the scenarios mentioned.

“Our goal is to get the access points, number one, and to clean up some of the events that were going on,” he said. “We would rather postpone any buffer requirements along Lake Worth Road and within the property to a time when the property became more intense.”

Willhite made a motion to approve the application with the buffer on all sides, but not requiring planting unless there is a land use change, and that the gates be kept closed and secured when not used for polo. The motion carried 4-0 with Councilwoman Anne Gerwig recusing herself.

PBSO Chief Deputy Michael Gauger To Present Realtor Safety Seminar Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger will present a seminar on Realtor safety Friday, Feb. 26, starting at 10 a.m. at the Keller Williams office in Wellington.

“Real estate agents make a living by working with complete strangers — often in empty homes,” explained Nancy Jennings, broker at Keller Williams Realty Wellington. “It is important that we provide our agents with expert knowledge and a smart approach to safety.”

Gauger, with more than 39 years of experience in law enforcement, is a leader at the PBSO and is always willing to share his knowledge with the community. This important Realtor safety seminar will cover three main cornerstones: knowledge, awareness and empowerment.

The seminar is open to all real estate agents, whether they are with Keller Williams or not. For reservations, contact Maureen Gross at maureengrossrealtor@ gmail.com or call (561) 714-0887.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 7

ELECTION 2016: WELLINGTON VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 1

Drahos Would Bring A Unique Perspective To Wellington Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Attorney Michael Drahos is challenging Wellington Vice Mayor John Greene for his council seat in the Tuesday, March 15 election.

Drahos, who serves as vice chair of village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, recently sat down with the Town-Crier to discuss his goals and qualifications.

Drahos moved to Wellington in 1986 as a child. He attended Wellington Elementary School, Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington High School.

“Wellington was a much different town than it is today,” he said. “That was really the only school in town. We were growing so fast they couldn’t build the schools fast enough.”

Drahos earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University. He lives in the Isles of Wellington with wife Nathalie, and daughters Julia, 8, and Sophia, 6. As an attorney with Fowler White Burnett PA, Drahos manages civil litigation cases.

He previously spent two years on Wellington’s Education Committee, and has served on the PZA board for the past six years.

“Needless to say, I’ve seen a lot of these issues firsthand,” Drahos said. “I’ve been in the trenches for most of them, and that’s really why I decided to take the next step and run for council. I think I really have a good background for this now.”

Other civic involvement includes founding the Young Professionals of Wellington in 2013.

“That has really been my pet project for the last three years,” Drahos said. “We put on a lot of events that have really been apolitical. The group has been apolitical from the beginning. Even though I’m their founder, and I’m now running for office, they remain apolitical and they’ve not been involved in my election whatsoever. They’ve built up a lot of goodwill in

Wellington and done a lot of good things for charities and businesses that needed exposure.”

Drahos believes that he is the best person to serve because he brings a unique point of view that has never before been represented on the council.

“I am a product of this school system here in Wellington,” he said. “I grew up in Wellington, and now I’m raising my kids here… I obviously have a lot invested in this village.”

His top goal is to return civility to the council.

“I was there at village hall when this council basically declared themselves broken and had to hire an expert to come in and spend tens of thousands of dollars to teach them how to get along,” Drahos said.

“That does not inspire confidence from the public’s viewpoint. For me, I think coming in and just being a level-headed guy who can get along with people and make decisions that are best for Wellington is exactly what we need right now.”

He also wants to bring balance to the council.

“I think that this council has focused way too much on, or tipped the scales more toward, equestrian [constituents] and have neglected other areas of Wellington.

They don’t spend nearly enough time talking issues in Eastwood as they do on Pierson Road. I want to level the playing field and really bring a voice for all of Wellington.”

Drahos also wants to make decisions based on fairness, rather than affiliation with certain groups.

“I think this council has been compromised in a sense, and I want to be able to come in and convince the public that the decisions that I make are... because, in my heart, I believe them to be best for Wellington, not because someone is telling me to do it,” he said.

He points to the amount of money spent in the last election as his belief that the council is compromised.

“I think that changed the dynamics of

Wellington forever,” Drahos said. “When you have that level of spending from one or two interested parties, I think it creates the perception that those people are now pulling the strings.”

Drahos said that the top issues in the campaign include the candidates’ approach to the equestrian industry. “I think I bring a different viewpoint than my opponent,” he said. “There are policy decisions this council has made that I differ with.”

Drahos said that too much money has been spent on litigation that centered on council infighting. “I think there are decisions that could have been made that could have avoided some of Wellington being dragged into this,” he said.

He also does not believe that council members should be micromanaging staff to the level that this council has. “These are professionals, and they should be left to use their judgment,” Drahos said.

He believes Village Manager Paul Schofield has been under extreme pressure over the past four years because he has had to run the village with the mind-set of his job being on the line.

“I’m glad to see that he has a contract with some job security so that he can do his job without worrying about the consequences of a day-to-day decision that he has made,” Drahos said. “I think Paul Schofield is an excellent village manager. He has my full support. Here in Wellington, when we had the economic downturn, I think he was an integral part of shepherding us through difficult times.

From a resident’s standpoint, I didn’t see much change in my lifestyle, so I credit him for that.”

Regarding the K-Park property on State Road 7, Drahos agreed with the council decision last year not to sell it, but disagrees with how it got there.

“Wellington was not informed at all as to what K-Park was or what it could have been, and it took a lot of ground-level, grassroots type marketing from one of the applicants to really get the word out and educate the public,” he said. “I think they

put the cart before the horse, and did not do their due diligence in terms of exactly what the residents wanted on it.”

Drahos said that he is personally looking for a destination-type atmosphere where he can take his family on a Saturday night. “A lot of people default to a CityPlace,” he said. “I think we can be much more imaginative than that.”

While the village’s financial director has warned that it will be difficult to balance the books in the future without tax or assessment increases, Drahos said that he is not in favor of raising taxes.

“I would do whatever I could in my power to prevent having to raise taxes,” he said. “But we have shown in the past under difficult economic circumstances to have been able to avoid raising taxes, yet still maintain the quality of life.”

Regarding future development planned to the north and west of the village, Drahos noted that those decisions are largely in Palm Beach County’s hands, but if he had been sitting on the council, he would have supported a resolution to the county to reduce the intensity of development.

The resolution was rejected by the council in a 3-2 vote.

Drahos said he fully supports what he considers Wellington’s good relationship with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “That is one of the key components to living in Wellington,” he said. “People want to be safe when they’re here. I will always be an advocate for the PBSO.” Asked whether Wellington should have its own equestrian venue, Drahos said that the equestrian industry is privately financed and provides a lot of benefit to the community.

“At this point, I’m not sure I see the merit in us taking on an expense in doing something that right now is being privately funded and offered to the community,” he said.

Asked to rate the village’s current relationship with equestrian show promoter Mark Bellissimo and Wellington Equestrian Partners, Drahos said that for the past

Michael Drahos four years, the council has looked more at how to control the equestrian industry than what it can do to promote it.

“That is one of the things I want to change about how this council works with the equestrian industry,” he said. “I think from a public confidence point of view, people need to be reassured that the leadership in this town sees social and economic benefits to the equestrian industry, and starts working with them rather than against them.”

While some have seen him as a Bellissimo supporter, Drahos said he regards himself as more balanced and fair than friendly.

“I’m not a rubber stamp for anybody, and I’m going to vote for what is in the best interest for Wellington, no matter what,” he said. “I have voted for and against Mark Bellissimo and Equestrian Sport Productions on various issues that have come before the PZA board. There’s no reason I’m going to change now that I’m going to be on the council.”

Regarding filling the council seat that will be left vacant by Councilwoman Anne See DRAHOS, page 9

John Greene Puts Focus On Experience In Seeking Second Term

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Vice Mayor John Greene stresses his experience as he seeks a second four-year term on the Wellington Village Council.

Greene faces attorney Michael Drahos in the race for Seat 1 on the council. The election will take place Tuesday, March 15.

Greene recently sat down with the Town-Crier to discuss his first term and his plans for the next four years.

“Really, until you’re in this seat, in office, you really can’t prepare for it,” Greene said. “You go in there with a mindset of what you think the job is going to require, and what you want to bring to the position, but once you get in there, it’s completely different.”

However, he first got involved to protect Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Area, and Greene feels that he has kept that promise.

“I’ve always felt that our equestrian preserve is the asset that we have here in the village. You look at other municipalities, and I’ll use Palm Beach as an example, well, they have the Atlantic Ocean, and the property values in Palm Beach are obviously significant. I think the same thing holds true in Wellington,” Greene said.

“We have a significant, tremendous group of wealthy residents, whether they’re full-time or seasonal, but I think what has attracted them to Wellington is the fact that we have this equestrian preserve… It is important that we protect that.”

Greene was born in New York to an Irish-Italian family with a strong work and education ethic. The family moved to St. Louis, where Greene was raised with his five brothers. He moved to Wellington in 2001.

“I coached all of my kids in sports. That was the big attraction of Wellington to us.

We knew there were great schools here, great programs here, in terms of parks and recreation,” he said. “My wife stayed home, I worked, and we raised three kids here in Wellington. We have a very strong attachment to this community, in making sure that what was afforded to us in terms

of a quality of life and raising kids would continue for generations to come.”

While Greene and his wife are now divorced, they both still live in Wellington and maintain a good relationship as they continue to raise their children here.

Before he was elected, Greene worked at a large private security firm. He stepped away from that job to focus on politics, he said. His family has a background in real estate, and that’s where he ended up when looking for a new career.

“As I became more involved with the politics, all of the things that we dealt with in terms of land use and zoning, there was a strong connection between what I did on a daily basis, and what I always wanted to do, which is real estate,” said Greene, who acquired his real estate license and now works with Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

He is proud of his council accomplishments in a number of areas. For example, public education in reinstating the village’s school grant program and helping make it so that every school in Wellington is A-rated, he said. “We consistently get recognized for our schools in Wellington,” Greene said.

He feels that the current council has done a good job managing development and protecting against overdevelopment, balanced between the needs of the community and the charm of Wellington.

“We have a lower millage rate today than when I came in,” he said. “We’ve got higher property values. I went from a $72 million budget when I came into office to an $83 million budget today.

We’ve cut costs by doing that, as well.

We have fewer senior managers — we’ve probably shaved $1 million in salary and benefits just at a high level without really missing a beat in terms of what we’re able to provide in terms of service.”

He is also proud of his work with the Boys & Girls Club and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “Because of places like the Boys & Girls Club, and all the programs we’ve put into place, we’re giving these kids a chance. It has made

a difference, and we see a difference,” Greene said.

He noted that the current council has also worked to help Wellington’s senior community. “I think we’re responding very well to the needs of the senior community,” Greene said, noting that local seniors want to age in place. “There are strong programs in place with our lunches and our transportation program that still give them a strong quality of life and allow them to remain in their homes.”

Greene feels that what the council has accomplished over the last four years makes for a strong record as he seeks a second term.

“I think my votes represent a really strong result in this community,” he said.

“Wellington is a better place today than it was four years ago. I’m grateful for the people who had the vision to do what they did prior to me coming into office, and I hope that the people who serve after me, four years from now, that they’ll recognize what has made Wellington a special place, and that they’ll continue to carry that on.”

The issues Wellington faces today, Greene said, are different than the ones that were challenging when he came into office, emphasizing the need for experience and knowledge. “I don’t think we can afford to take a chance,” he said.

Over the next four years, Greene wants to continue to manage the fiscal responsibility of keeping taxes low, maintaining a proactive level of infrastructure work and managing debt. “We have about $400 million in assets and $7 million in debt,” he said. “We’ve got to continue what we’re doing and make sure that the quality of life remains the same, the values continue to increase and that we protect the preserve.”

Development is the top issue in the campaign, Greene said.

“I don’t know what the issues are coming from those who are campaigning,” he said. “I know what is important to the residents of Wellington. Those are the folks I spend time with; those are the folks I talk to. To them, it is maintaining that quality of life.”

Regarding village operations, Greene thinks the processes have been improved, including exiting the lawsuit over the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General.

“I think Paul [Schofield] is doing a much better job today than he was when I first came into office. I’m happy with his performance,” Greene said, giving Schofield kudos for keeping the village operating during difficult economic times.

Schofield and Greene have had a rocky relationship in the past, but he downplayed that as an issue.

“As much as people try to divide this council, and try to divide staff from the council and the fighting and the bickering, it really doesn’t exist. That noise and that rhetoric is coming from a very small group of people who have big mouths,” Greene said. “The truth doesn’t support the message that’s coming out from that group. I think that Paul understands that there is no political agenda. I’m not here fighting for any one family or one organization. That’s my record, and the position that I’ve taken. This ‘gang of three’ of John [Greene], Bob [Margolis] and Matt [Willhite] doesn’t exist.”

Greene favored buying the Wanderers Club executive golf course, and regrets that Wellington did not purchase the land when it had the chance. However, he is against the potential acquisition of the Binks Forest Golf Club at the current price of $3.6 million. At $2 million, he said, it would be something to look at and possibly a smart buy.

He is happy that development of the K-Park property on State Road 7 is now on hold, favoring a large portion being maintained as green space.

“As we look at what’s happening around Palm Beach County, it is going to have an impact on the village, so we need to be careful about what goes on that site,” Greene said.

Greene rated Wellington’s relationship with the PBSO as strong, essentially a hometown police department. “It’s a great relationship, and I think it’s a tremendous

John Greene value for the resources that we have available,” he said.

Regarding the village’s often rocky relationship with horse show promoter Mark Bellissimo and Wellington Equestrian Partners, Greene said that he has focused on what is best for the village and for the industry, not just one group.

Greene said that he disagrees with the intensity that Bellissimo and his partners are striving for, and wants things done in a more transparent way that follows the standards applicable to everyone.

“I appreciate the investment that he has made into this village,” Greene said. “But the standards apply to everybody, and I think we have to treat everybody fairly.”

Though there has been some speculation about Wellington having its own equestrian venue, Greene said that the village should continue to work on its relationships with the private equestrian industry, working to protect it. A municipal riding area, however, would be nice to have, he said.

For anyone suggesting that Greene and Mayor Bob Margolis are running together on a slate in this election, he suggests See GREENE, page 23

Page 8

February 19 - February 25, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL AND REFERENDUM ELECTION CALLED BY WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL TO BE HELD MARCH 15, 2016 The Village of Wellington’s Council will hold a Municipal and Referendum Election on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. The purpose of the Municipal Election is to fill the offices of Mayor and Village Council Seat 1 which are four-year terms. The Referendum Election is to consider the adoption of the proposed Charter revisions set forth in Ordinances #: 2015-16; 2015-17; and 2015-18 all of which, if adopted, will revise the Village Charter.

The Municipal and Referendum Election will be held March 15, 2016. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Your polling location is listed on your Voter ID Card.

You must notify the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office if you move from the address listed on your Voter ID Card. If you are unsure of the polling location for your precinct, contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (561) 656-6200.

The ordinances pertaining to the proposed Charter revisions are published below in their entirety.

Rachel R. Callovi , Acting Village Clerk Dated: February 10, 2016 PUBLISH: The Town-Crier February 19, 2016, February 26, 2016, March 4, 2016, March 11, 2016 VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 1

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 2

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 3

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 9

NEWS

New Owners, More Services At Tipsy Salonbar In Wellington

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Change is in the air at Tipsy Salonbar in Wellington. Recently, Tipsy Wellington changed hands and is now owned by Dr. Boa T. Doan and her husband, Bac Hai Nguyen.

They want the location to be a gathering place for the community where clients can come in and enjoy themselves while getting pampered. “The whole area is booming, and we’re in a great location,” Dr. Boa said.

They have added a new med spa part to Tipsy Wellington, which is special to Dr. Boa, a medical doctor who is a specialist in interventional radiology. “I’ve been practicing for 12 years,” she said.

She has a clinic and works in the hospital, in addition to working on varicose veins and other types of cosmetic surgery, including Botox and chemical peels.

They have also added someone else new to the team. Celebrity hairstylist and master hair designer Jorge Antonio Briceno, formerly of Eclipse Salon, has joined Tipsy Wellington.

Being able to add Briceno’s innovative techniques and experience to Tipsy Wellington, Dr. Boa said, is an exciting development.

“He’s fabulous. He’s going to add a lot to our salon,” she said, explaining that her specialty is in medicine and his is in hair. “I always believe that to be a good team, everyone has to have their own forte.”

Dr. Boa is utilizing her business and medical knowledge to run Tip-

Pinto

Running For Mayor Of RPB

continued from page 1 is time to begin lowering it once more. “I believe we’re the second-lowest millage rate in all the county’s 38 municipalities,” he noted.

Becoming a part of the PBSO was an emotional change for the village, although it turned out to be very beneficial, he said. “Once again, from a business standpoint, my argument was, ‘How can you argue with these numbers?’” he said.

At the time, the village’s police force was hiring and training bright young people who were leaving and joining the PBSO. “Quite frankly, if I was one of these people, I would do the exact same thing,” he said. “Where is my career opportunity in a Mayberry police force as opposed to no ceiling with the PBSO?” He also pointed out that it was increasing the safety for residents by using the PBSO’s greater resources.

“That resonated with members on our council who were really all over the place on this thing emotionally,” Pinto said. “That decision made us all look like geniuses. We’re not geniuses; we just made a tough decision at the right time.”

His goals over the next two years include getting back to reducing the millage rate. “We’re going to be making decisions in the next several months that will put us on the path to doing that,” he said.

Part of that was the recent decision to pay off the Commons Park bonds with revenue gained from selling the old wastewater treatment plant site. “To me, the decision is not difficult. Why? Because interest rates are so low,”

sy Wellington with her husband, allowing Briceno to work his expertise. “Jorge is very passionate about the hair,” she said. “People relate to him. Even having him here, it’s great.”

The location is perfect for Briceno, who enjoys the layout, design and attitude at Tipsy Wellington, where customers can enjoy a cocktail or drink while having a manicure, get their hair cut and styled, cosmetic procedures, massages and more.

“The energy at the salon is really high,” he said. “Dr. Boa and Hai are fantastic to work for.”

The ambiance, he said, is unique to the area.

“I see myself growing up in here. I see myself dealing with different products,” he said. “They were able to bring Rene Furterer, the line that I work with.”

Briceno, Tipsy Wellington’s new artistic director, is looking to bring another line to the salon, offering more specialty products to his clientele.

With more than 24 years in the fashion industry — he started at age 17 in Lima, Peru — Briceno has worked on models for fashion designers Louise Goldin, Reem Acra, Zang Toi, David Tlale, Luli Fama, Libby DeSantis of Indah and Band of Outsiders. He has trained with celebrity hairstylists and top designers such as Ted Gibson from What Not To Wear, Jason Backe, Didier Malige, Eiji Yamane, Ronnie Stam and Anthony Turner, and has worked with companies such as Bumble & Bumble, Oribe, Wella, Kerastase and L’Oreal.

In July and September, Briceno will be working at Fashion Week, using his skills to transform models for the runway, the same skills that are now available for Tipsy Wellington clients.

As he gets ready for the beautiful blur of Fashion Week, he is working on his role as artistic director, training new hires and existing hairdressers at the salon.

“It’s part of the whole thing, trying to share what I know, and what I learn, with other hairdressers who are new or need some education,” Briceno said. “We all need education. In this business, if you think you are already done with it, you’re wrong.”

Trending styles are always changing. “You really need to educate yourself,” he said. “Everything in the industry changes all of the time.”

There are new looks, colors and collections every season, he said, which makes learning never-ending.

“I am looking forward to sharing what I know with the hairdressers here and hiring good talent around Wellington to make this place the place to go for hair and everything else,” Briceno said. “Dr. Boa is actually a doctor who does fillers, Botox, Juvederm and more. She’s fantastic and has a magical touch.”

Special features such as Dr. Boa’s cosmetic procedures, along with the experience Briceno brings, make Wellington Tipsy a great place to relax, get your hair and nails done, and receive spa services such as massages, facials and more.

Right now is equestrian season, where riders are in town and glamorous balls and galas are taking place weekly. Riders regularly transform from barn attire to black tie.

“We’re having fun with them already and looking forward to having a successful season with

them,” Briceno said. “We have a full set of makeup artists, hair dressers, nail techs — you name it, to make you glam. Just walk in and we’ll take care of that.”

Some of the many services available include nails, hair, face/ skin, massage, waxing, threading/ sugaring, eyelash extensions and

permanent makeup.

Tipsy Wellington is located at 10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 100, in the Pointe at Wellington Green. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call (561) 791-5603.

Pinto said. “We’re paying more out in terms of the rate of interest than we’re getting in the rate of return.”

The result will be that the council can reduce the tax rate by not having to pay about $1.8 million in interest annually, he said.

Other goals include attracting an assisted-living facility to a site set aside near Commons Park. “That’s not going to happen overnight,” he said. “You cannot predict variables that will happen in the marketplace.”

Not only does Pinto want to understand the market and where it will be in the future in regard to a senior living facility, he also wants to assure that it will specifically benefit village residents.

“How do we do that? There are laws around those issues,” he said.

“We still have to figure that out, but I am more comfortable about dealing with it now than I was two or three years ago.”

Pinto believes that he is the best person to serve as mayor because he has the hands-on experience.

“One of my approaches that has always been successful is to separate politics from governance,” he said. “I find that a lot of people in elected office don’t really know what the role of government is.

They go off track and get involved in things that are beyond the scope of government.”

Pinto stressed that he understands the background of the village and its vision for the future.

“I have a good handle on the pulse of this village,” he said, explaining that he often has to coax people to tell him how they feel about the village.

“I will say to them, ‘You heard we were boring, right?’ and they would say, ‘Yeah, you guys are boring,’ and I say to them, ‘I [think] that’s a badge of honor; I want us to be boring.’ We’re not here to… get our name in the paper.”

Pinto said that when property values were going down and the council , along with Village Man-

ager Ray Liggins, was challenged to keep the government afloat, he came up with the $5 million rate stabilization fund taken out of the $70 million from the utility sale to help them through.

“That gave Ray the buffer to continue to operate without us going [into debt],” he said.

Regarding the current campaign, Pinto feels that the top issues have been motivated by politics, rather than problems with the way the village is being run.

“We have had an extraordinary track record in this village of good governance, sound governance, responsiveness to the needs of the citizens in this village, and I applaud my fellow council members who are also up for re-election,” Pinto said. “I would love to see them continue in that role as we move forward with the village.”

He bristles at suggestions that Royal Palm Beach is being improperly run.

“This village is financially sound,” Pinto stressed. “We’re one of the most financially sound municipalities in all of Palm Beach County. That didn’t happen by chance.”

He credits Liggins for doing an excellent job as village manager.

“As any of us should be, he’s growing and he’s continuing to grow… but he’s on top of the things he needs to be on top of,” Pinto said. “He handles working with all the different personalities on the council in a very professional way.”

Pinto feels that council meetings provide ample opportunity for public input. As mayor, he hopes to make sure meetings keep a positive tone.

“I think we really work at that to make sure that we engage the public,” he said. “If you’ve got something that you want to say, please come up and say it. I think what we want to do going forward is that we create an environment of friendliness, collegiateness, that we don’t want to have people

feel that there is a negative tone in the air.”

If elected, he plans to meet with the manager, clerk and other staff to see if there is a way to make the meeting process better.

To ease traffic problems, Pinto said that the council needs to take a hard look at traffic impacts.

“Traffic has been a problem since before I was here,” he said.

“Every project that we do, we have to look hard at what the impact on traffic is.”

He said that there are practical solutions to traffic issues, such as an idea he had about a deceleration lane going west on Southern Blvd. at Lamstein Lane that finally came to pass.

To reduce traffic issues at major events at Commons Park, he said they had talked about charging to park there, but the idea did not go over well.

“The whole point of Commons Park and the events we have there, is it’s free,” he said. “What we’re saying to the citizens is this is a service that we’re providing you for the taxes you pay.”

Some events attract as many as 24,000 people.

“It’s a nice problem to have, and we have to continue looking at this as we move forward,” Pinto said, adding that the village has taken steps to improve traffic there since its first major event, such as having traffic going in one direction after the event, and having a shuttle service to and from the park.

The village has more park space per capita than any other municipality in the county. Asked whether maintenance costs will become a problem, he said they will not because the village is taking steps to manage costs, such as outsourcing maintenance. He added that the manager is looking at sponsorships for events to further reduce costs.

Regarding future development to the west, Pinto said that the village has been working closely with Palm Beach County to minimize their local impact on the village,

which has been complicated by new state rules limiting the amount of money that developers must pay. “The question becomes, ‘Where is the rest of the money going to come from?’” he said.

He added that he would like to see traffic from new developments routed north rather than through Royal Palm Beach. “I do not want to see Okeechobee Blvd. widened,” he said.

Asked whether the correct decision was made by the council in approving a RaceTrac gas station at Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards, Pinto said that the contention over it was politically motivated, noting that the applicant went through the approval process without variance requests, and met all the criteria.

“There was a back-and-forth process that took about a year,” he said. “They finally came up with a plan that we felt was appropriate and would add to, not take away from, the village.”

Pinto’s vision for the village’s future is to continue on the same path it has in the past.

“I want to see us stay on the right course,” he said. “We’ve had extraordinary progress for our citizens. I want to stay on that path and be the top place for people to come and raise their families.”

Pinto feels that village residents should vote for him because he has earned their confidence.

“Every year, I have to earn their trust, and I have demonstrated that their trust is well placed,” Pinto said.

Co-owner Dr. Boa T. Doan, artistic director Jorge Antonio Briceno and co-owner Bac Hai Nguyen.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Drahos

A Different Perspective

continued from page 7 Gerwig’s resignation to run for mayor, Drahos said he recently went through the process when a vacant seat was filled and thinks he has a good perspective on how it should be done. “The most qualified person should get the appointment,” he said. “We shouldn’t look to politics.”

Asked about the perception that he is aligned with Gerwig, Drahos said that she is his friend and he respects her, but they have differing points of view on some issues.

He said that it bothers him when people want to align him with certain factions. “I have been working hard to convince people that I’m independent and open-minded,” he said.

He was somewhat critical of some of the projects supported by the current council. For example, the recently completed Wellington Tennis Center has received criticism from tennis players for not

having certain amenities, he said, which raises the concern that they were not provided ample opportunity for input.

He is also concerned that the new Wellington Community Center is $500,000 over budget, although he believes the soon-toopen facility is badly needed. “I’m just not sure that we got enough input from the public on these projects,” Drahos said.

Drahos said his top strength is having grown up in the village.

“I’m a different candidate than people have seen,” he said. “I went to school here and went to the local church. That sets me apart from my opponent.”

He said Greene’s strength is his ability to work a room. “He can be charming when he wants to be, and so I am not underestimating him,” Drahos said.

He said people should vote for him because he is a home-grown candidate.

“Having grown up here and competed on the ball fields, I have a unique perspective,” Drahos said. “Having a family here, I want to see Wellington continue to prosper.”

Page 10

February 19 - February 25, 2016

The Town-Crier

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NEWS BRIEFS SRHS Chorus Fundraiser At Butterfields

The Seminole Ridge High School chorus will hold a fundraiser Monday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Butterfields Southern Café (1145 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). A silent auction will be held featuring many items, along with a 50/50 drawing.

The public is invited to come out and support the local high school choral program. For more info., call Darlene Snowball at (561) 312-4117.

Wellington Will Celebrate 20 Years March 19

Join the Village of Wellington as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of incorporation. On Saturday, March 19, Wellington will host a day of free celebratory activities, beginning with free pool admission along with games and giveaways at the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12072 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Later in the day, residents are invited to a 20th anniversary celebration at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) from 5 to 10 p.m.

The event will feature live music

by Journey tribute band Odyssey Road, performances by Wellington Idol winners, bounce houses, face painting, jugglers, fire breathers, costumed characters, bingo, games and more.

Aerial Trapeze artists will be on site performing a live show and providing free opportunities to participate. Food trucks will be in attendance with food and beverages available for purchase.

The event will conclude with a Zambelli fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating.

Wellington will provide a free shuttle service to Village Park from 4:30 to 10 p.m. with pickup at the Palm Tran bus stop area at the Mall at Wellington Green.

The event is sponsored in part

by Waste Management and Suri West. For information on sponsorship opportunities, call (561) 791-4082. For more information on the events and activities, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/20th.

White White West Returns On March 4

The fifth annual White White West party, an evening of dancing, food, drinks, silent auction and live entertainment will be held Friday, March 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach to benefit Horses Healing Hearts, a charity that uses horses to help children of alcoholics and addicts. Tickets are $125 until Feb. 25 and are $150 at the door. For more information, call (561) 5706133, e-mail sponsor@hhhusa.org or visit www.hhhannualbenefit. com.

Mounts Benefit Feb. 21 At Ultima

Late Wellington High School coach Matt Mounts worked out frequently at Utima Fitness & Wellness. In his memory, Ultima will host a “One Last Workout” special event Sunday, Feb. 21 at the club to raise donations for the Matthew S. Mounts Scholarship.

The club will be offering two one-hour circuit-style sessions

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led by former athletes, coaches and friends who knew Mounts’ workouts.

The sessions will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to noon. The suggested donation is $10, and checks can be made out to the Matthew S. Mounts Scholarship.

Ultima Fitness & Wellness Wellington is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 795-2823.

LGLA To Host Candidates’ Forum Feb. 25

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association (LGLA) will meet on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Palms West Presbyterian Church at 13689 Okeechobee Blvd.

The evening will feature a Loxahatchee Groves Candidates’ Forum. The candidates registered to run are Jim Rockett and Todd McLendon for Seat 2, and Dave Browning and Thais Hagen Gonzalez for Seat 4.

The evening will allow town

residents a chance to hear the candidates answer questions that have been sent in to the moderator.

If you have a question you want asked, e-mail it to marge@herzog. ms before Feb. 22.

The meeting is open to the public, but only LGLA members with 2016 paid dues can make motions and/or vote. For more information, contact Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114 or marge@herzog.ms.

FLARA To Host Wellington Election Forum

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will host a Wellington candidates forum on Monday, Feb. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The event is being offered as a public service and is free to attend.

It will be an opportunity to meet, hear and discuss issues of importance to Wellington residents before the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, March 15.

Candidates include Bob Margolis and Anne Gerwig running for mayor, and John Greene and

Michael Drahos vying for Seat 1.

For more info., call Nancy Tanner at (561) 793-9677.

Saturday Night Fever At Dolly Hand Feb. 23

The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center will present Saturday Night Fever on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are still available.

Also featured that evening will be the paintings of Okeechobee artist Kathie Papasso.

Was Saturday Night Fever one of your favorite movies of the 1970s? Then you’ll be happy to know that the iconic story of Tony, the kid from Brooklyn who wants to dance his way to a better life, is back on stage. This all-new production is fueled by vintage Bee Gee hits like “Stayin’ Alive, “Night Fever,” “More Than a Woman” and more. It is a contemporary retelling of the classic story.

The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located on the Belle Glade campus of Palm Beach State College. To purchase tickets, call the box office at (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org.

The Town-Crier

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 11

NEWS

Wellington Chamber To Host Inaugural ColorFest 5K Feb. 28

By Jason Stromberg Town-Crier Staff Writer The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 20 years serving the community in style during the inaugural ColorFest 5K, set for Sunday, Feb. 28 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington).

The event, which is co-sponsored by the Village of Wellington, is about promoting health, wellness and camaraderie in the community.

“We’re teaming up with the village to make the inaugural event a success,” Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Green said. “It’s not

super competitive. It’s all about having fun.”

That’s why presenting sponsor Premier Family Health & Wellness, owned by Dr. Mariaclara Bago and Dr. Vincent Apicella, climbed aboard. Having a good time for a good cause fit with their goals for the Wellington community. The two had even considered starting their own 5K event.

When asked to support the chamber’s ColorFest 5K, Bago said she and Apieclla were excited to help out.

“When we were presented with the sponsorship opportunity, we felt this would be a great opportunity for us to contribute to the

community that we have served for 12 years,” Bago said. “We, as a medical practice, are passionate about health and wellness, so we felt that this event was a perfect fit for us.”

Green, who has spent the past 12 years as the Wellington Chamber’s executive director, said that the goal of the event is to give the local community a chance to understand what it means to be physically and emotionally fit.

“We want to bring awareness to the community that there are health and wellness activities around, so that they can enjoy themselves in the Village of Wellington,” Green said. “The mes-

sage that we are trying to send here is that we want to promote health and wellness related activities in the Village of Wellington.”

The owners of Premier Family Health & Wellness feel the same way, and hope to help get the greater Wellington community in shape.

“To promote families exercising together and spreading our enthusiasm for fitness is what we’re trying to accomplish,” Bago said. “We hope to inspire others to take ownership of their health and enjoy racing as much as our family does.”

The ColorFest 5K makes staying in shape that much more fun.

It will feature “color throws” through the race — a concept that has been gaining in popularity across the nation.

However, Green stressed that there is nothing to be worried about when it comes to having the color tossed at you during the event. It’s done in a fun and polite way.

“It’s non-toxic cornstarch powder,” Green said of the color.

“We have a change of clothes for you and a cleanup station to get changed in. There’s nothing to be afraid of. We are also providing sunglasses to the first 300 runners who sign up.”

Bago can’t wait for the Color-

Fest 5K to get started. “We expect that the ColorFest 5K will be lots of fun and provide great memories for your family,” she said.

The race will begin promptly at 7 a.m., and activities will continue until 11 a.m. There will be pre-race warm-ups, music by Talk4Media.com, exhibitors, food vendors and healthy snacks.

On hand will be A&E Network’s Fit to Fat to Fit reality show stars, who are promoting their new docuseries. The program airs at 10 p.m. Tuesdays on A&E. Visit www.wellingtonchamber. com/events/wellington-colorfest-5k to register, or call (561) 792-6525 for more information.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS ANNUAL CATTLE BARON’S BALL AT IPC

The American Cancer Society hosted its Cattle Baron’s Ball on Friday, Feb. 12 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

A delicious buffet was followed by guest speaker Lauren Martin, who spoke about her journey surviving cancer. There were silent and live auctions, as well as fundraising games. Guests danced to country music provided by Tom Sartori and the One More Whiskey Band.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Cattle Baron’s Ball co-chairs Shelly Albright and Beth Crews.

Beth Stibal, Chris and Danielle Snyder, Maverick Veitch, Fred Burton and Hallie Pasternack.

Bobbi and Dr. Ronnie Ackerman.

Ashley and Joe Maguire.

Mark and Pam Windfeldt with Wellington Councilwoman Anne and Alan Gerwig.

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American Cancer Society Distinguished Events Manager Alicia De Luca, WIRK radio’s Tim “Tiny” Burger and cancer survivor Lauren Martin.

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Rodeo package winners Mei Mei Newsome and Maverick Veitch with Kenneth and Cynthia Kimbrell, owners of Double K Rodeo Productions.

Lila Blitman and Victoria Mericle.

Murray Wilson and Jacques Hovius.

Page 12

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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Page 13

What has Dave Swift said about Martha Webster?

(1) During the February 17, 2015 Town-Crier Candidate Forum, Dave Swift stated “Martha Webster actually voted to allow commercial development on the Water Treatment Plant property. Now she supports a plan that would threaten the $35 Million deal with Lennar Homes”.

(2) “Martha Webster attempted to weaken the Office of Inspector General making it harder for the Inspector General to investigate local government”.

(Sun Sentinel, February 24, 2011)

(3) “Martha Webster has failed to bring people together to solve problems and has repeatedly filed unnecessary ethics charges against her fellow Council (Palm Beach Post, January 18, 2011) persons”.

(4) “Martha Webster is divisive and difficult to work with.

Sometimes I think she wants to be the center of controversy, and I don’t know why.”

(Palm Beach Post, December 12, 2012)

Note: Items (1), (2) and (3) were in Dave Swift’s campaign material during the March 2015 Royal Palm Beach Elections.

Paid Electioneering Communication Paid For By South Pacific Enterprises Limited Partnership 675 Royal Palm Beach Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411

Page 14

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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Page 15

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Young Professionals Of Wellington Help Fradkin Wins State Fund Music Room At Boys & Girls Club Oration Competition

The Young Professionals of Wellington (YPOW), a nonprofit organization geared toward engaging the community and providing awareness within their age demographic, recently donated $5,000 to the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington. The donation will help to support the club’s new music program.

“Our members recently toured the Boys & Girls Club and were able to see first-hand the plans for the new music program,” said Gabie Ervesun, 2016 YPOW president. “The club has a working recipe to connect with our youth that we found truly inspiring. Many of our members are parents, so the passion of the nonprofit’s board and staff hits close to home for our group. This is an organization we

feel our demographic (age 25-45) cares about, and we strive to best represent them.”

The funds were raised through YPOW’s annual Wicked Costume & Casino event held in the fall.

“YPOW members work tirelessly throughout the year to find new and creative ways of generating awareness in Wellington,” Ervesun said. “We recognize our peers lead hectic lives, so we try to engage them by balancing our mission of preserving Wellington’s status as a premier community, with fun. Wicked was no exception this year, thanks to our executive board and members.”

The new music program is set to begin in spring of 2016 and will begin with a choral group for children ages 10 and up.

Young Professionals of Wellington members present a check to the Boys & Girls Club.

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys For additional information, contact & Girls Club is located at 1080 Kenda Peterson at kpeterson@ Wellington Trace in Wellington. bgcpbc.org or (561) 790-0343.

Kathi Kretzer-Sayler To Receive Outstanding Civic Leader Award

The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation has announced that the nonprofit organization’s founder Kathi Kretzer-Sayler has been

named this year’s recipient of the Muse Award for an Outstanding Civic Leader.

Given out by the Cultural Coun-

Muse Award winner Kathi Kretzer-Sayler.

cil of Palm Beach County, the biannual honor will be presented at a special awards program and show at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts on Thursday, March 31.

“The Muse Awards is an enjoyable evening and a wonderful way to recognize the dedicated artists, arts leaders and volunteers in our community,” said Rena Blades, the Cultural Council’s president & chief executive officer. “The theme of the 2016 Muse Awards is ‘Everything Old is New Again.’

The evening will celebrate the transition of our arts and cultural heritage in Palm Beach County from the 1900s to the present.”

In her Muse Award nomination, Kretzer-Sayler, who started Kretzer Piano in 1985, was cited as “a true partner” with the local cultural community, including Palm

Beach Dramaworks, the Kravis Center, the Maltz Jupiter Theater, the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, the Lynn Conservatory of Music, CityPlace and more.

In 2013, she formed the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports music education in the schools and community.

“We give children the opportunity to gain experience by providing hundreds of performance opportunities for young musicians every year,” Kretzer-Sayler said.

“We are passionate about music being a part of every child’s life and are dedicated to bringing the gift of music to children and seniors.”

Tickets to the upcoming Muse Awards are now on sale at www. palmbeachculture.com/muse.

Wellington resident Talia Fradkin represented the Palm Beach chapter and won first place at the state level in the Sons of the American Revolution oration contest.

Fradkin represented the State of Florida at the national oration competition last year. A senior at Palm Beach Virtual School, Fradkin is active in her school, serving as president of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society as well as co-chair of the School Advisory Council.

Additionally, Fradkin has accumulated many hours volunteering in her community through tutoring and graphic design and has been recognized through the President’s Volunteer Service Award and President George H. Bush’s Daily Points of Light

Talia Fradkin Award. This is the second time that Fradkin has won first place in the state competition.

Omar Morgan New Design Engineer At Erdman Anthony

Omar Morgan has been hired as a design engineer in the civil engineering core business in the West Palm Beach office of Erdman Anthony.

Morgan, a resident of Lake Worth, holds a degree in civil engineering from Central Connecticut State University and joins the firm’s growing infrastructure design team providing water, sewer, paving and drainage design services to public and private clients in South Florida.

Erdman Anthony provides infrastructure engineering and support services to private industry and government clients. It employs more than 250 people, including 70 professional engineers and licensed land surveyors,

Omar Morgan throughout its offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Maine and Florida.

For more information, visit www. erdmananthony.com.

Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood In Wellington Donates To Local Charities

The Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood announced that it has selected Hospice of Palm Beach County, Jewish Adoption & Family Care Options (JAFCO) and Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County for its annual charitable donations. The money was primarily raised from the brotherhood’s golf benefit held April 26, 2015.

For more than a decade, the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood has consistently supported local charitable and governmental agencies, including funding scholarship and educational programs at Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah through its fundraising endeavors.

“A primary tenet of Judaism is — and always will be — tikkun

olam, repairing the world. Our brotherhood understands how much the impact of performing the mitzvah of giving back impacts the world around us,” said Rabbi Andrew L. Rosenkranz of Temple Beth Torah.

On Sunday, April 17, the Brotherhood will hold its 13th annual golf benefit at the Rees Jones

Course at Breakers West. Each year, the golf event attracts more than 120 golfers and corporate sponsors.

“Our annual golf benefit is one of the premier golf events in South Florida. By selecting pristine private golf venues such the Rees Jones Course at Breakers West, we attract avid golfers and major

corporate sponsors year after year,” said Gregg Lowenstein, past president of the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood.

If you would like to make a donation to the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood or participate in the annual golf benefit, call Lowenstein at (561) 307-4243.

Temple Beth Torah is a Reform

synagogue whose members reside throughout Wellington and beyond. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, Temple Beth Torah was founded in 1978 and serves more than 375 member families. It hosts a vibrant and inclusive religious school and one of the county’s most respected early learning centers.

Page 16

February 19 - February 25, 2016

VALENTINE’S DANCE AT NEW HORIZONS

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SCHOOL NEWS

(Above) The seventh and eighth grade Academic Games team from Wellington Landings. (Left) The sixth grade team.

Landings Social Studies Academic Games Teams Excel In Competition The PTA at New Horizons Elementary School recently hosted its first-ever Valentine’s Dance. Students were invited to attend the elaborately decorated gala with an adult they love. The turnout was phenomenal. Students and parents dressed in their party outfits and had fun dancing, eating pizza and taking pictures in the photo booth. Shown above (left) are brothers Broderick and Gavin Galloway with their mother and grandmother, and (right) third-grade students Diana Perdomo, Valeria Rios Ramirez, Victoria Suarez-Villasmil and Paola Velasquez Vasquez.

RPBHS CHOIR RECEIVES SUPERIOR RATINGS

The Social Studies Academic Games teams at Wellington Landings Middle School completed their final competitions recently.

After a four-week competition, the elementary team finished in third place. Team members were sixth graders Asher Smith, Gavin Grave de Peralta, Noah Norwitch, Holden Kapsos, Lance Nelson, Al-

Wellington Elementary School will host a Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, Feb. 22 through Monday, Feb. 29 from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Funds raised will help purchase books for the school. Families, faculty and the community are invited to attend this fun reading event that helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. A variety of books

will be available for readers.

The fair will feature a special Family Night at the Book Fair with food, special activities, pictures stations and a guessing jar on Monday, Feb. 29 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Wellington Elementary School is located at 13000 Paddock Drive.

For more info., contact Cathy West at cathy.west@palmbeachschools. org.

Ken Delisi and Matthew McGann, and eighth graders Eli Villafane, Alexander Ruehrmund, Tanner Hammerling, Cole Ellis, Maddie Nahom, Nick Kapsos, Blake Willson, Connor Farrell and Tristan Funicelli.

Nick Kapsos (13th place), Connor Farrell (12th place), Alexander Ruehrmund (ninth place), Tanner

Hammerling (eighth place) and Eli Villafane (seventh place) all qualified for the Florida state tournament at Palm Springs Middle School on March 5. Tristan Funicelli finished in fourth place to also qualify for the national tournament.

Sponsors are Christopher Cartagena and Margie Walsh.

Dr. Melissa Garcia Named Counselor Of The Year

Royal Palm Beach High School’s Advanced Women’s Choir recently received Superior ratings at the Florida Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Assessment. The young women are performing college-level jazz literature to rave reviews. Their performance qualified them to compete at the state level.

WES To Host Book Fair

exander Bartley, Harrison Winton and Tagin Krauel.

Gavin Grave de Peralta finished in fifth place and qualified for the Academic Games National Tournament in Atlanta from April 22-25.

The middle school team finished in second place. The team was comprised of seventh graders

Dr. Melissa Garcia

Seminole Ridge High School counselor Dr. Melissa Garcia has been honored as the School District of Palm Beach County’s 2016 High School Counselor of the Year.

The award recognizes a school counselor whose leadership, advocacy, collaboration and support has led to the development and implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs, and to the advancement of the profession. “I accepted the High School Counselor of the Year Award with great pride,” Garcia said. “I feel that it’s by far the biggest and best recognition I could ever receive working as a school counselor. I’m blessed and fortunate to work with an amazing team.”

The Palm Beach School Counselor Association is committed to recognizing the outstanding

work done by school counselors and administrators for the school counseling profession. Each February, during National School Counseling Week, the district’s school counselors are invited to a celebratory breakfast, and awards are given to counselors and administrators from the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Dancers Earn High Ratings at State — Students in the dance program represented Seminole Ridge at the Florida Dance Performance Assessments on Feb. 6 in St. Petersburg, receiving an overall rating of Excellent and a rating of Superior on their performance as an ensemble. Congratulations to Breanna Brooks, Annalise Calvert, Brianna Domaceti, Kimberly Hoff and Jessica Rigg.

Musicians Honored with Superiors — Nineteen SRHS band

members received honors at John I. Leonard High School Feb. 5-6 from judges of the Florida Bandmasters’ Association. Assessed as Superior in their individual performances were: Madison Jatzlau, Macy Radziul and Bryce Sabinson (alto saxophone); Jacob Krapes (bass clarinet); William Habegger and Kelsey Morrison (B-flat clarinet); Matthew McGeeney (euphonium); Sean Wilkerson (percussion); Diana Fuentes, Alicia Garofalo and Malik Mariot-Roque (trombone); and Alec Moorefield (trumpet).

Assessed as Superior in duet or quintet were: Kaylee Fagan and Hannah Persson (B-flat clarinet); and Fernando Frank (trumpet), Clyde Goodall (French horn), Thomas Leon (trombone), Kiana Leone (trumpet) and Jason Sanchez (tuba).

District Planning March 18 Observance Of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day

The School District of Palm Beach County will observe Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Friday, March 18. The district encourages businesses and organizations throughout Palm Beach County to show students

how their classroom lessons apply in the workplace.

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade can participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Because March 18 is a teacher work day, students will not

need to provide a note to school for an excused absence.

The district is unable to participate in the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in April, as that date conflicts with the state-mandated Florida

Standards Assessment. Schools are not able to have visitors on campus or have large numbers of students out of school during those state-required tests.

For more information, call (561) 357-1114.

14569 Southern Blvd. • Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 561-793-1370 • www.arthurmurrayre.com 10 ACRES LAND — beautiful high and dry, cleared 4/2.5, Loxahatchee Groves $699,000 CBS, fenced.

10 ACRES PRE-CONSTRUCTION — 16 stall barn paved road, loxahatchee Groves, fenced, water electric.

Loxahatchee Groves 2.5 ACRES LAND — Owner financing, South of Okeechobee, paved road, paddocks, fenced and cross fenced, full irrigation and lighting.

Loxahatchee Groves $285,000

10 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee, fenced, cleared, electric, water subdivided into two 5 acre lots. $739,000 2.5 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee 1/8th of a mile $175,000

from pavement

20 ACRES LAND — Okeechobee Rd. frontage Great Commercial potential, cleared, fenced, water, electric. $2,200,000 5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $324,999 OKEECHOBEE RD. FRONTAGE — Commercial potential, electrical, high and dry, fenced.

Loxahatchee Groves $995,000 5 ACRES LAND — House pad, well, electric, high and dry, fenced, 900 feet from pavement.

Loxahatchee Groves $299,000 5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $259,000 5 ACRES LAND — water, electric, septic, high and dry, paved road. $529,900

1.25 ACRES — hi, dry, close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $68,000 1/2 ACRE 3-2 — fantastic location 200 Ft. From Southern Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves. $225,000 2.5 ACRES — two lots from pavement, cleared, high dry $159,000 1 ACRE 3-2 HOUSE — W/1-1 guest house, four stall barn, fenced, 200 feet from Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee Groves. $345,000 1.15 ACRES —3-2 w/garage Close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $224,900 1.25 ACRES 5-3 CBS HOME — plus 1000 Sq.Ft. Guesthouse, 25X40 detached garage.

The Acreage $282,900 5 ACRES — Close to pavement,cleared, high dry already $299,000 subdivided in two 2.5 acre parcels.

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Page 17

SCHOOL NEWS

FDOE Stops By Western Academy In RPB WELLINGTON EL MARKS Currently ranked in the top 20 percent of all schools in Florida, Western Academy Charter School in Royal Palm Beach has once again proven that its teaching methods are exceptional. The Florida Department of Education recently visited the school to film primary and secondary math classes. These videos will be used as training tools for teachers throughout Florida to share best practices in instruction.

The Florida Department of Education was thrilled when they looked at Western Academy state test scores, so a representative from Tallahassee went to the school to find out exactly what teachers are doing to inspire kids to learn and earn the school an A rating.

“After the FSA scores were released, one of the things that we noticed in Palm Beach County was that Western Academy stood out as being one of the top performing schools as far as mastery of standards in math,” said Shelly Miedona, with the Florida Department of Education.

School scores beat the district

and state at every grade level for every content area.

Third-grade teacher Patricia Hunsecker explained why she thinks the school’s interactive methods are working. “It’s having kids learn in small groups. In our elementary learning model, we have three teachers who are with their students for three years, and the students rotate to different stations to do work including technology, paper pencil and hands-on activities. It is an active learning environment,” she said.

Additionally, instead of having a teacher teach the elementary students several subjects, each teacher at Western Academy focuses on one: math, reading or writing. They become a specialist in that subject area and can easily differentiate instruction based on a student’s needs.

“When I was a traditional teacher, I was trying to teach all subjects by myself, to the level of mastery.

It’s absolutely impossible,” Hunsecker said. “I am doing it here in math because I specialize and have 90 minutes I can do it in.”

Principal Linda Terranova ex-

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

Western Academy students learning in science class. plained that a different program teachers understand the standards, is working for middle school but it’s the way the teachers are students. “It is problem-based presenting the standards. It’s hands and project-based learning, and on, it’s conversation,” Miedona high-level content,” she said. “It said. is a very rigorous learning enThe school currently serves 460 vironment where students work students in kindergarten through together to solve problems. We eighth grade. It is located at 650 teach them how to think when they Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite are learning.”

300. For more information, call State officials have been im- (561) 792-4123 or visit www. pressed. “It’s not just because the westernacademycharter.com.

Dreyfoos Students Work To Eliminate Cheating

In an effort to change the status quo, officers of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts chapter of the National Honor Society are attempting to leverage support for a movement called Project Integrity.

“We hope to change integrity from something that students see as unimportant and burdensome into something that students see as relevant and worthwhile,” NHS

President Ethan Weatherdon said.

“Cheating has become an epidemic on campuses across throughout the country, and change isn’t going to come easily. Students must be the ones to begin the dialogue about academic integrity now.”

The officers began the promotion of integrity by visiting freshmen classes to discuss the importance of integrity in their

high school years. During the week of Feb. 15, the honor society planned several days of activities for the student body. Students were encouraged to sign a huge integrity banner, a PSA for integrity was played on the school’s morning announcements, bracelets and stickers advertising the project were handed out and props advertising integrity were available

for students interested in taking photos. Friday’s plans include a school wide white-out, free food and lunch with a DJ. “I would like to see this project expand to other schools around Palm Beach County and maybe even Florida,” Weatherdon said. “I can’t wait to see how much we’re able to accomplish this year and beyond.”

On Monday, Feb. 1, Wellington Elementary School celebrated the 100th Day of School with all kinds of creative activities. Many classes participated in the celebration and made crowns, counted 100 treats, played games counting 100 coins, jumped 100 times, read 100 day stories and more. Some students received awards that they earned by being able to count to 100. The 100th day of school was an educational and fun day. Shown above are students celebrating the 100th Day of School.

WES PARTICIPATES IN HEART ASSOCIATION’S WEAR RED DAY EVENT

PBSO Officers Visit Panther Run Elementary Panther Run Elementary School held its annual Transportation Day on Feb. 4. Kindergarten and fifth-grade students were visited by representatives of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, including the Mounted Unit, who explained their jobs and answered questions about their service to the community.

Being an equestrian community, the Wellington students enjoyed interacting with the Mounted Unit horses. Laura Jacobs was in charge of organizing the event, with the help of her PBSO contacts Deputy Donald Jacobs and Deputy Scott Poritz.

(Above) Students, teachers and PBSO representatives.

(Right) The Students visit with the Mounted Unit horses.

The Wellington Elementary School campus was very bright on Friday, Feb. 5. The school participated in the American Heart Association’s campaign National Wear Red Day. For more than 10 years, the American Heart Association has sponsored National Wear Red Day. Wellington Elementary is proud to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease. Shown above are fourth graders wearing red to support the campaign.

Page 18

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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FEATURES

My Little Grandson Skippy Takes A Lickin’ But Keeps On Tickin’ We warned him, but he didn’t believe us. Because my grandson Skippy, age 3, would really rather climb up the slope of the slide than the steps. It’s easy... it’s fast... and you have the fun of challenging the child trying to slide down.

That’s why Skippy now has a black eye and a footprint on his face. Little Johnny accepted his challenge.

Playground politics is interesting — a lot less posturing, a lot quicker results. And long-lasting results. Fourteen years from now, when Skippy and Johnny are both after the same girl, Skippy will probably back off. (“Oh. You’re asking Ashley to prom? Well, I’m thinking of asking… um, Stephanie. Yeah. Stephanie.”)

But back to the playground. Skippy was hurt, but he also knew that he was in the

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER wrong. So he did what any macho 3-yearold would do and sauntered casually past the teachers until one looked down (way down, since these kids are pretty short) and noticed him. “Oh my gosh, Skippy!

What happened?”

“I fine.”

“Did you fall? Run into a tree? Trip over a dump truck? What?”

“I fine.” Meanwhile, his face was starting to swell.

“You can tell me, Skippy. You’re not going to get in trouble.”

So, with the promise of immunity, the ugly truth came out, and Skippy was rushed to the school nurse for an ice pack and to have his vision tested.

Once it was ascertained that the little guy didn’t need an ambulance, a call went out to my daughter, asking if she wanted to come pick him up.

“Is he crying?”

“No, he claims to be fine.”

“I’ll be there in an hour then,” Jen said. She had already planned to get to the school early because it was the class Valentine’s Day party and parents were invited. Skippy’s dad also attended,

oblivious to the scene that would greet him. Actually, it made quite a picture — construction paper hearts everywhere... happy kids dressed in pink and red... proud parents lined up behind them... and one little guy up front sporting a black eye and a heel mark.

I’m sorry to say that the black eye only got more prominent as the days wore on. Over the weekend, it really started to bloom. Jen is hoping it will fade dramatically this week, since her best friend is getting married on Saturday and the whole family has been invited. The wedding is in Wisconsin, so they’re stopping to see Skippy’s great-grandparents on the way.

I take this as proof that children are ultimately out to get us.

They know when something important

is coming up, and they want to make us look bad. My own kids would get their worst injuries the day before their annual check-up. I’m sure the pediatrician thought I was a horrible parent! And when the kids started to talk, I only looked more guilty.

“What do you do for fun?” the sweet old doctor would ask Jenny.

“Climb trees,” she’d answer.

“Well, don’t fall out and break your arm,” he’d chuckle.

“I won’t. There’s a pond underneath.”

What kind of parent lets a kid climb a tree over water? A neglectful one! But the happiest days of her life were spent in that tree — just as the happiest days of Skippy’s life are spent on the playground.

Eventually you just have to shrug and admit that life is full of risks.

‘Deadpool’ Is Clearly Not Your Run-Of-The-Mill Superhero Movie

Deadpool is an X-Men movie with a difference. As the lead character says, “I may be super, but I’m no hero.” That basically sums it up, and also helps define one of the problems with most superhero films: the good guys are always so super-clean and the villains are so evil that it does get a bit boring. The villains are going to destroy a city or a world or the universe if not stopped. This film does it differently.

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a mercenary who spends most of his time warning off stalkers of young women and generally hanging out at Sister Margaret’s Home for Wayward Girls, a dive run by his friend Weasel (T.J. Miller). While there, he meets gorgeous Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), who is just about as nuts as he is. They define love as having the edges of their craziness matching. Then he finds out that he is in the final stages of cancer.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler He is recruited by a mysterious organization that claims it can cure him, but the leading specialist Ajax, whose real name is Francis (Ed Skrein) not only cures him but a) brings out superpowers including really fast healing, and b) scars his face horribly.

Wilson, giving up on his girlfriend because of his looks, spends the rest of the movie chasing the bad guy who has told him he could fix the scarring. Of course, the villain goes after the girlfriend, forcing them

together for the expected big battle scene.

Wilson, who chooses his new name from the dead pool, a betting system on life expectancy among his friends, is not your typical hero. He is foul-mouthed.

His lines sound like they were written by a group of eighth-grade boys. This is definitely not a movie for kids. Besides the cursing, there are body parts flying around and lots of blood, although the violence is definitely of the comic-book variety.

A couple of X-Men do appear: Colossus (a CGI metal man looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger with a Russian accent, voiced by Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand).

Deadpool in a voiceover mocks the fact that the producers were unwilling to pay for more of them.

This demonstrates another difference between this film and the regular X-Men

franchise. Deadpool breaks the “fourth wall,” the line between audience and actors, by regularly commenting to the audience, usually complaints about not only the action, but the whole production.

At one point, he puts some chewing gum on the camera lens. Much of it is filthy, but also funny. When Colossus starts dragging him to meet Professor Xavier, Deadpool asks, “McEvoy or Stewart?” — referring to the two different actors who have played that role. It should be annoying, but it is also funny.

Having an antihero does provide an interesting counterpoint. Deadpool has always been the outsider in this particular universe. He does not spend time rescuing babies or saving folks. His aims, particularly for the story in this film, are very simple. He is much more like the rest of us than the typical superhero. There is a

charming scene where after a major battle he is sitting on top of the villain who he has been fighting with a gun to the man’s head while Colossus talks about the honor of heroes; how it is vital to not only be strong but to show mercy. Deadpool nods in agreement and then does the smart thing.

I enjoyed the movie far more than I expected. Reynolds, who is not the most reliable performer, really got under Deadpool’s skin. He does snark very well, and the character is filled with that. Baccarin is so strong as a character that you want to see her do even more. She is able to play the comedy well but also handle the action scenes. T.J. Wilson is very funny as the sidekick.

Is it worth seeing? Yes. It manages to be both funny and entertaining while remaining in the genre. While it will never be considered a great film, it is a lot of fun.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 19

NEWS

MARDI PAWS IN THE PARK A FUN TIME FOR PUPS AT WELLINGTON DOG PARK

The “Mardi Paws in the Park Dog Festival” was held Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Wellington Dog Park. There were games for dogs, a dog costume contest, a bounce house for kids and more. Proceeds went to SHARE, the Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

First place costume contest winners Nevaeh, Gabriella, Katie and Arianna Fidel with R.J.; second place winner Dr. Meredith Snader with Benny; and third place winner Jan Levy with Ukie.

Richard Magniccari with 9-week-old Diesel.

Sherri Ganz with Billy, who gets a kiss from Dennis Aran.

Jackie Milbrad with Lulu Padovano.

D.J. found the treat hidden

by Brandon Teipelke.

Jesse and Josie Eller kiss Blanco held by Sherri Garz.

Ethel Pinkwasser and Nicole Thomas at the check-in desk.

John Arcese with Mariah, Bill Grieve with Zeus, Barry Batchelor with Michael and Mike Custer with Billy.

All are dogs up for adoption through SHARE.

ROYAL PALM SENIORS ENJOY VALENTINE’S PARTY AT THE CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activities Group held a Valentine’s Day Party on Friday, Feb. 12 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center with a light buffet lunch. For more information about the Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activities Group, call (561) 790-5149.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(Front row) Elisa Diamente, Dottie Santo and Emma Kaldschmidt; and (back row) Marta Lopez with John and Mary Trimble.

George and Joan Canova.

Nancy Pennell, Gretchen Lugo, Evelyn Conklin, Dora Maniscalco and Caroline Tallbert.

Claire Freed and Hank Morris.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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NEWS

EAF To Host Advance Film Screening Of ‘Harry & Snowman’ Feb. 21 The Equestrian Aid Foundation will host an outdoor film screening under the stars on Sunday, Feb. 21 starting at 6 p.m. at the Global Dressage facility (13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington).

Settle in this Sunday night with a blanket or chair on the lawn for an advance outdoor screening of Harry & Snowman, a true story about one man and his remarkable connection to a horse he rescued off a truck bound for the glue factory.

This screening is a unique opportunity to watch the film prior to its forthcoming release. VIP tickets and tables are also available, and those guests will enjoy a deluxe buffet dinner catered by the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s White Horse Fashion Cuisine. General admission ticket holders will watch the film under the stars. Children under seven will be admitted free, and the foundation is offering discounted rates to local 4-H groups, pony clubs and other organizations.

Harry & Snowman, an award-winning G-rated feature

length documentary, centers on the equestrian career of Harry deLeyer, a Dutchman who immigrated to the United States after World War II, and his famous horse, Snowman.

Unlike the finely bred Thoroughbreds that populated the show ring in those days, Snowman was an old Amish plow horse who was discarded at a Pennsylvania auction. Less than two years after Harry rescued Snowman for a mere $80, they rose to national prominence, winning Grand Prix classes and national championships against the very horses and riders who once looked down their noses at them.

The true heart of the film is not just the Cinderella story, but the lasting friendship that develops between Harry, Snowman and the entire de Leyer family. The film features interviews with Harry, his family and notable horsemen of the day. It is anchored by present-day footage of Harry, now 86, still living and working on the show jumping circuit, as well as footage of him from the 1970s

from a previously unreleased documentary.

Harry narrates his love story with Snowman, through the use of extensive archival footage and more than 1,200 never before seen photos, including lost Life Magazine photo shoots. Snowman appeared on the most popular game show of the 1960s, To Tell the Truth, and on The Tonight Show, where Johnny Carson used a ladder to climb onto his back.

He had his own fan club, he was profiled twice in Life Magazine, and has been the subject of three bestselling books, including the 2011 New York Times bestseller, The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts.

Categorized as “docutainment,” a combination of documentary and entertainment, the film was produced and directed by West Palm Beach resident Ron Davis.

The film has played at 18 festivals across the U.S. and won 10 audience awards. “This film was produced to capture the human spirit of friendship, family and competition,” said Davis, owner of

The film Harry & Snowman features vintage photography and archival footage of rider Harry deLeyer and his horse.

PHOTO BY BILL RAY

Docutainment Films. “I love making films about inspiring true stories that take the audience on a full emotional journey, as they watched average people live through extraordinary circumstances.”

The evening will benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation, a local nonprofit supporting horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from illness

or catastrophic injury. Touched by deLeyer’s positive efforts to enhance and enlighten the equestrian community, the EAF will be honoring him with this year’s Luminary Award.

“We are proud to present a true love story between horse and man.

Thanks to director Ron Davis, we are able to share this unique evening with you all,” EAF President

Stephanie Riggio Bulger said.

“Mr. deLeyer has been an inspiration since I was a young rider on Long Island. It is my honor to present him with the Luminary Award and thank him for all he has done for our sport.”

To purchase tickets to the advance film screening of Harry & Snowman, visit www.harryandsnowman.eventbrite.com.

Pony Derby Classic & Gala March 11 To Help Give A Buck For Special Equestrians Young equestrians and their parents from across the country are champing at the bit for the second annual Pony Derby Classic, a day-long competition followed by an exclusive gala benefiting Give a Buck for Special Equestrians, a Wellington-based nonprofit enabling children and veterans with special needs to experience “horsepower” that heals.

The competitive horse show

kicks off Friday, March 11 at 8 a.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium (13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington) with riders vying for $5,000 in prizes for the small, medium and large divisions. The festivities will culminate that evening in the Pony Derby Classic Gala, with this year’s theme “An Enchanted Evening in Neverland.”

Held in the gallery above the main

ring, guests will enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, live entertainment and the chance to bid on an assortment of silent and live auction items.

“I am so grateful to our title sponsor, Baxter Hill; Connecticut-based Back Country Farm as the small pony division sponsor; Connecticut-based Peacock Ridge as the medium pony division sponsor; Ponies & Palms Show

Stable as the large pony division sponsor; as well as Georgia-based Collecting Gaits Farm, our lunch sponsor,” said Sissy DeMaria, the founder of Give a Buck and event co-chair. “Thanks to their generosity, we are able to further our mission of providing much-needed financial assistance to our partner programs so they can continue making a profound impact on the lives of thousands of children

and our veterans who are most in need of this life-changing equine therapy.”

Give a Buck for Special Equestrians, an all-volunteer organization, is a nonprofit founded in 2013. Give a Buck raises funds by asking horse owners to give “as little as a buck or as much as they can” with each month’s board payment. Give a Buck also raises money through merchandise sales

at area tack stores and at horse shows.

All proceeds will benefit Give a Buck for Special Equestrians’ mission to provide its partner therapeutic riding programs in Florida and North Carolina, which includes the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.

For tickets and more information, call Tara Bieling at (239) 200-2230.

PHELPS AND NEAL HOST BENEFIT FOR MARGOLIS RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Supporters of Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis gathered at the home of Mason Phelps and Ron Neal inside Palm Beach Polo & Country Club to benefit Margolis’ re-election campaign Monday, Feb. 15. Margolis addressed the crowd regarding his goals and opinion on PHOTOS BY TAYLOR RENNER/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP key issues as he seeks a second term as the mayor of Wellington.

Arle and Ken Adams with Mayor Bob Margolis.

Claudio Riedi, John McGovern, Houston Meigs and Tracy Aubren.

Mason Phelps and Beth Rawlins with Linda and Bob Margolis.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 21

it Matters.

VOTE

YES On

quEST iOnS 1&3

Wellington is America’s top equestrian destination and the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World. Wellington is also recognized by Money Magazine as one of America’s best communities in which to live, work, play and raise a family. And it matters that we have the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area to help us keep it that way.

It matters to the residents of Wellington because the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area enhances our home values, preserves our environment and enriches our quality of life.

It matters to the economy of Wellington because the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area sustains such a vibrant mix of commerce in a uniquely beautiful setting.

It matters to our equestrians who live and visit here because the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area offers world-class spaces to show and beautiful places to ride while also providing a rural equestrian lifestyle that makes our village so unique.

It matters that Wellington is not like many of the crowded, overdeveloped cookiecutter South Florida communities. Our residents and visitors alike take great pride in places like our Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area.

The Equestrian Preserve makes us different, helps sustain our economy and protects our village from the kind of overdevelopment that is destroying so many of our neighboring communities.

It’s part of who we are. And that matters.

On March 15, Vote to SAVE THE EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE Vote YES on Charter Questions 1 & 3

Pd. pol. adv. paid for by Preserve and Protect Wellington, Inc., 11924 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 10A-335, Wellington, FL 33414

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 23

NEWS

Tony Danza Wows Spectators On Valentine’s Day Sunday At IPC

Sunday polo celebrated the holiday of love on Valentine’s Day, with signs of cupid’s handiwork dazzling the sellout crowd.

Veuve Clicquot kept the pink champagne flowing, while actor Tony Danza conducted the coin toss and posed for photos, along with Sister Hazel lead singer Jett Beres. Enjoying a spectacular, mild winter day, the passion for fashion was sizzling with stylish ensembles in every shade of pink and red.

More than 650 guests enjoyed the chic Lilly Pulitzer Patio, the trendy Veuve Clicquot Airstream Lounge and the exclusive Coco Polo Lounge. The Funky Buddha Beer Garden provided samples of the new Polo Blonde ale, while tailgaters lined up to fill growlers with the popular craft beer.

St. Valentine would have been proud to see a smitten gent on bended knee, propose to his sweetheart while surrounded by friends dressed in heart-patterned blazers.

She said yes! The day ended with a high-energy after-party at the Pavilion, with celebrity DJ Adam Lipson and long-stemmed red roses for guests.

On the field, the featured 20goal match was won decisively by Coco-Cola, led by patron Gillian Johnston, taking out White Birch with a 12-8 victory. Jupiter Medical Center President & CEO John Couris presented the Coco-Cola team with their awards immediately following the match. Steve Krueger, a standout player from Texas, was named MVP for his efforts. Johnston’s Beckon was named Best Playing Pony.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating.

Tickets start at $30. For ticketing and sponsorship information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

On the field, Coca-Cola defeated White Birch 12-8.

Webster

Change In Leadership

continued from page 1 second vice chair, and the first vice chair. I headed a number of committees,” she said.

Webster held positions with the Palm Beach County League of Cities, and served on committees at the state level. At the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, she was elected to the executive board as the secretary/treasurer and then vice chair.

“I would say that I get in, I work with the group, understand what their objectives are, and they see I have leadership skills,” she said.

Those skills, her knowledge of the county and village, and her belief that Royal Palm Beach needs to get closer to the residents are the reasons why Webster believes that she is the best person to serve as mayor of Royal Palm Beach.

Her top goal to achieve over the next two years is reaching out and involving more residents in the decision-making process, Webster said.

“Besides just involving them, I have been spending a lot of time with residents and speaking with them, and I know that there are some specific concerns within the communities,” she said. “I’d like to really get down to the table and see if we can help resolve some of these.”

For example, there are issues with speeding on Sandpiper Avenue, noise from Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, and people wanting to see more policing within the communities.

“I’d like to bring civility and order back to the dais. I think that, again, it has not been very receptive to the residents,” Webster said.

“I’d like that dais to be friendly so that when people come, and they address it, they feel like they’re being listened to.”

Webster, who worked with

Village Manager Ray Liggins for five years, is looking forward to working with him again as mayor.

“He, too, could reach out more to the residents, and I think the residents have said themselves, that they didn’t feel he was too open to when they called or spoke with him, but I think that’s something we all work together at,” she said.

“He’s working with a mayor and council, currently, where that’s not their focus, and they don’t encourage him to do that.”

Webster believes that council meetings are not currently being handled well.

“There isn’t enough input. It’s not that they don’t allow residents to come and speak, it’s that they don’t respond to their speaking,” she said. “They look at you like a blank wall and go on to the next one. It’s not just listening.”

For example, with the recent decision to allow a RaceTrac gas station at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards, Webster said that the response she heard from those in the community was that they did not know about it. Agendas for council meetings go on the web site the Friday prior to a Thursday meeting, which Webster said is not enough time.

“We have a working-class, busy group of people, and unless they’re clued into something, they’re not looking for it; they’re not checking the agendas,” she said, criticizing the law stipulating that only people within 300 feet of a project need to be notified in writing. “I believe it is your responsibility to pick up a phone and call them, or to say to Mr. Liggins, ‘You know, I think that people need to know about this issue. Let’s send out some letters farther than 300 feet.’ I think that’s taking the initiative and involving them.”

Picking the right projects for the right places, she said, is how the village can help to ease traffic problems.

In addition to RaceTrac, she mentioned Lennar’s project to build 385 single-family homes

Tony Danza, John Wash and Mykal Morrison.

John Couris presents awards to the winning team, Coca-Cola. on the village’s old wastewater treatment plant site. She predicted future traffic problems because the connection is on a two-lane road.

“One of the ways that we can do something about the roads is to look at the projects we’re approving and see where they’re approving them and not go back a year later and say, ‘Oops,’” she said.

She was also critical of the planned Acme Ranches project along the south side of Southern Blvd. just west of SR 7. The project, Webster said, was given too many variances and is too intense.

Webster wants the council to look at the big picture when considering projects. For example, additional traffic lights and possibly street widening are things that should have been discussed regarding RaceTrac, she asserted.

“All we got out of RaceTrac was for them to tear down trees and put another lane in,” she said.

“That was the answer, but nothing was ever discussed north of the roundabout, so I don’t think they’ve done their due diligence on making the right decisions on the roadways.”

Webster added that the RaceTrac decision was the trigger that got her to enter the mayoral race.

“The reason I’m running for mayor is because of the intensity of the project,” she said.

At the very least, the project should have been smaller, Webster said. The council, she said, did not listen to the people about keeping the project in scale at 12 pumps, rather than 16 pumps.

“The 12 pumps meant it would fit on the lot appropriately,” she said. “I think it was the wrong project in the wrong place.”

If the project was approved at 12 pumps, Webster said she wouldn’t have liked it, but probably would not have run for mayor. “It would not have impacted the community in the way that this one will,” she said.

The closed connection of Madrid Street to the State Road 7

extension needs to be reexamined, Webster said. “I will reexamine that because we have to get traffic out,” she said.

Exiting Commons Park after major events has been a problem.

Webster suggests looking at aerial views for possible exits and entrances.

“Right now, we have one entranceway onto Royal Palm Beach Blvd. out of Commons Park.

I might suggest a second entranceway out, coming from the other side of, let’s say, the Harvin Center. I might suggest that if you have two entrances, you have the northern exit as a north-turn only,” she said.

The many parks in Royal Palm Beach, Webster said, are some of the village’s greatest assets. To help keep expenses in check, she would talk to consultants who deal directly with parks.

“It might be worthwhile to get a consultant to look at all of our parks and to examine the usages and costs and what we do, and from a more professional point of view, give us an idea and a long-range plan of how we can use the parks more effectively,” Webster said.

The village has commercial areas that aren’t being maximized, she said, and the village needs to look at marketing those lots to revitalize them.

Easements

An ITID History Lesson

continued from page 3 county compensated the district for disruption of roadways, and acknowledged that the county would have to obtain permits from the district.

That was a significant victory, Palin noted. “Up to that point the county had said, ‘We can just ignore Indian Trail,’” he said.

Matt Zevacek, Steve Livshin, Ryan Cordero and Matthew Huerlander.

Ben Lee proposes to his sweetheart, Elena Pita.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

Regarding the planned State Road 7 extension to Northlake Blvd., Webster wants the village to stand strong and make sure it gets done.

“It’s all legal now. We fought the good fight when it was getting people out. We really succeeded in that. Now, it is in the courts,” she said.

Webster believes that there is a larger responsibility as a mayor to run meetings and be an ambassador for the village. “It’s much more than being a council person,” she said. “I think a lot of Royal Palm Beach, and I definitely see it as the ‘just right’ village.”

While she has run several times before, Webster dismissed the idea that she is a perennial candidate.

“This race is different because I’m running for the right reasons.

I’m very passionate about it,” she said. “Last year, I just ran to run. I feel like this is my time.”

Webster said that her strengths

Greene

Focus On Experience

continued from page 7 looking at voting records, where they may be on the same page on some key issues, but not on everything.

Greene characterizes experience as his biggest strength, with his weakness being that he could always do better.

“I’ve done this job,” he said. “I know what’s required. I know how to get things done. I know how to navigate a very difficult climate, whether you’re dealing with the private sector or you’re dealing internally with staff. There is a steep, steep learning curve. I’m very fortunate to have gotten through that, and I hope that the voters recognize that I’ve done a really good job, I think, in representing the best interests for the Village of Wellington.”

Greene stressed that he is run-

are leadership and the ability to reach out to the community and work with people. Being able to recognize what people need and fulfilling their needs, she said, are assets that a mayor must have.

“I’m just very fond of the people that I meet and I talk to,” she said.

“I think I’ve got this covered. I think I’ll be very good at it.”

She was critical of her opponent, Pinto. “He’s sat there for 12 years and he has not been engaged,” Webster said. “The way that he sits on the council, he doesn’t seem to have a whole lot of interest in people, either.”

She urged Royal Palm Beach voters to choose her as their next mayor.

“I’m going to represent them, and I’m going to give them back the community that they came here for, invested here for, and that they want,” Webster said. “They can look to their future and know that that’s what they’re going to have.” ning on his own record and not against his opponent, Drahos.

“I am running for four more years to do what I think I’ve done very well,” Greene said. “He’s going to have to speak about why he should have this opportunity.”

Greene suggests voters look at the candidates and the process, and at whether candidates can separate the friendships and the politics from the position and issues within the community.

“You don’t do this because you have friends who want things,” Greene said. “You do this because you care about this community.”

Voters should vote for him, Greene said, because of his experience.

“I’ve done the job,” he said.

“I’ll continue to do the job, and I’ll continue to do what’s right. I care about this community. I’ve raised my kids in this community. I want Wellington to be the same type of village, with the same values, the same quality of life, for generations to come.”

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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NEWS

DANNY & RON’S LIP SYNC SHOW FEATURES SPECIAL GUEST GLORIA GAYNOR

Danny & Ron’s Rescue held its eighth annual Lip Sync Show on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center featuring a special appearance by famed singer Gloria Gaynor. Equestrian kids came dressed in elaborate costumes to impress judges with their lip sync skills. There were 12 acts: 6 in the Battle of the Barns and 6 for the Red Carpet. The Red Carpet winners were the Sweet Bar group for its performance of “All the Single Ladies.” The Battle of the Barns top prize went to the Marigot Bay kids, who did a Jackson Five medley. The Marigot Bay kids won for raising the most money for Danny & Ron’s Rescue. To learn more about the animal rescue nonprofit, visit www.dannyandronsrescue.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Kim Koloff, Danny Robertshaw, Gloria Gaynor and Ronnie Danta.

Michael Bombar, Caroline Moran and John Sampson with Jaime and Paul Culbert.

The Peacock Ridge and Forget Me Not Farms kids sang “Popular” from the show Wicked.

Red Carpet first place winners the Sweet Bar group sang “All the Single Ladies.”

Sophie Walker award winner Taylor Crawley with Walker’s mother, Susan Gordon.

Zola Thompson, Lowe Thompson, Lily Sloan and Ruby Sloan of Finally Farm sang “Downtown.”

Gloria Gaynor sings her signature song “I Will Survive” with help from the guests.

The Battle of the Barns first place winners Marigot Bay performed a Jackson Five medley.

Gloria Gaynor cuddles Tequita.

“I’m Going to Miss Her,” sung by Cole Lookabill with rescue dog Lily.

Danny & Ron’s Rescue caregiver Suzanne Learned with Lorenzo, volunteer Heidi Earle with Bentley, Executive Director Kim Tudor, volunteer MaryBeth Stark with Sparky and Michael Schofield with Tequita.

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EST. 2003

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 25

Western Academy Charter School

“A” Rated, High Performing Charter School

K-5th GRADE PROGRAM

•National Demonstration Site School for Project CHILD Model of Instruction •Hands-on Multi-sensory approach to learning •Digital literacy and technology integrated throughout all classes •Enrichment programs including Art, Music, PE, and Computer Technology

Kindergarten Roundup Saturday, March 5, 2016

Informational Session at 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

2 MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Traditional 6-8th grade program ACADEMY Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

• Advanced level content courses • Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry 1 honors Offered for High School credit • Digital literacy and technology integrated throughout all classes • Enrichment classes include; Computer Animation, Computer Coding, Robotics, Engineering, 2D/3D Design, Gaming Mechanics, Botany • Seven Clubs, Intra-mural Sports, Chorus, National Junior Honor Society

OPEN HOUSE 2016/2017 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Saturday, March 5, 2016 Informational Session at 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Ranked TOP 20% of all schools in the State of Florida based on State Test Scores

TOP 7% in Math • TOP 13% in Science • TOP 14% in Reading

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Before Care and After Care Programs

Test Scores Exceed District & State

100% Highly Qualified Teachers

FLORIDA 5 STAR SCHOOL

WESTERN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL 650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD. SUITE 400 ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411

APPLY DIRECTLY ONLINE: WWW.WESTERNACADEMYCHARTER.COM (561)792-4123 • Fax (561)422-0674 Western Academy does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, national origin or disability.

Page 26

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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THE SPORT OF Palm Beach

See and be seen at the world-class International Polo Club every Sunday for high-goal polo. Polo ponies, fierce competitors, enthusiastic crowds. Game on!

For ticket options or brunch reservations, please visit:

InternationalPoloClub.com

Every Sunday – January 3-April 24, 2016 Brunch at 2 p.m. at The Pavilion Polo Match at 3 p.m.

3667 120th Avenue South | Wellington, Florida 33414 Photo by LILA PHOTO

58840_IPC_TownCrier_FP_AD.indd 1

11/10/15 1:32 PM

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Dressage 4 Kids Hosts Winter Intensive

The chance of a lifetime. That’s what 16 talented young riders are experiencing. They were chosen from among hundreds of applicants and invited to spend this winter in Wellington for an intensive training program with Dressage 4 Kids. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 29

Business

Scripps Florida Teams Up With University To Create Equine Therapeutics Center

In an effort to hasten the development of a new generation of treatments for a range of equine diseases and disorders that could also have the potential to be applied to human patients, the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute and the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University plan to establish the Center for Novel Equine Therapeutics. Page 30

Sports

Wellington Claims Semifinals Berth With Win Over Boca

The Wellington High School boys basketball team hosted Boca Raton High School in a Class 8A regional quarterfinal match-up Feb. 11 and orchestrated a second-half rally to defeat the Bobcats 47-45. That put the defending Class 8A state champions one step closer to another title.

Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 29 BUSINESS NEWS....................................30-31 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 38 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 39-42

Page 27

Wolverines Defeat Hawks In Softball Home Opener

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Wellington High School softball team hosted Seminole Ridge High School in its season home opener, and handily defeated the Hawks 10-2. The chill in the air did not deter the Lady Wolverines from jumping out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Page 35

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

February 19 - February 25, 2016

Shopping Spree

Page 28

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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WELCOME TO THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

held at the Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

JANUARY 13 - APRIL 3, 2016 Join Us Every Wednesday through Sunday to Experience Equestrian Sport at Its Best!

Watch The Equestrian Action Visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday, take in the exciting scene of several thousand horses and riders competing in 12 arenas.

Stroll the grounds at your leisure, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at our unique boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, high-end fashion and so much more.

Grab a Bite to Eat A variety of Food Vendors are located throughout the property, including: •

Coliano’s Pizza

•

Tito’s Tacos: Margaritas, Tacos, Burritos, Chips, Salsa

•

Tiki Hut: Grilled Chicken, Variety Burgers, Grilled Fish, Salads

•

Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: in the Vendor Village

Take a Lunch & Tour See the world-renowned equestrian competition, vendors, stables and various venues that Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group.Your tour will allow you to explore twelve of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Village.The tour will be both exciting and informative, and there is a good chance you will see some Olympic riders gearing up for competition! Equestrian Lunch & Tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season.

Shopping Around the Show Grounds You are invited to shop in a variety of locations throughout the PBIEC, including the Vendor Village, Hunter Hill, and The Bridge Deck, the outdoor courtyard oasis filled with exquisite shops and boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more.Visit a new Vendor area each week!

Children’s Activities Entertainers, live band, balloon artists, face painters, bounce houses... and more!

The Suites If you want to watch the Winter Equestrian Festival in style, host a corporate event, or entertain friends and family, reserve your Suite today! With upscale decor and dining, these ringside seats for up to 22 people are available and offer a full buffet and premium bar options. Reserve a whole suite, a table, or individual seats.

Contact 561.784.1110 for more information or to make reservations. Reference Palms West This Week to receive a discount!

VENDOR VILLAGE

Vendor Village Alessandro Albanese Ann Hubbards Tack Shop Anne Gittins Photography Antarès Sellier France Beval Saddlery Bomber Bits Carson & Co Cavalleria Toscana Charles Ancona NY CM Hadfields Saddlery Inc. CWD Custom Saddles Der Dau Custom Boots Equiline Equestrian Fashion Equine and Country Equine Tack & Nutritionals Equis LLC French Corner, Inc. Horseware Ireland Equestrian Hot to Trot Boutique Ill.Fabbri Riding Boots James Leslie Parker Photography Jods Equestrian Apparel JOTT Kocher Tack Shop La Mundial Custom Boots Le Fash ME.N.U. OnTyte Stirrups & Footwear Personalised Products Running Fox Equestrian Sharon Lynn Campbell Sofie Belgium Boutique Styleliner Tack ’N’ Rider Tato’s Turner & Co Voltaire Design Fine Saddlery WEF Official Boutique BARNS 3 & 4 Dandy Products Farmvet Inc. RC Saddle & Tack Repair

Barn 5 Woody’s Shoe Repair Josey’s Laundry Service

Pinnell Custom Leather Inc. Jods Equestrian Apparel Sarm Hippique & Pariani BRIDGE DECKS BIBA of NY Boutique Kingsland Equestrian Romitelli Shoes & Boots WEF Official Boutique

RING 6 Amberway Equine Solutions Horse Gym USA® RINGS 9 & 10 Barn Savers Butet Saumur Saddles Devoucoux Custom Saddles & Tack GPA Helmets McGuinn Farms Inc.Tack Trunks and Stable Equipment SportFot USA Inc.

International Shoppes Douglas Elliman Real Estate Equiline Equestrian Fashion Hunt LTD Karina Brez Jewelry Keyes Art Consulting Lugano Diamonds Maybach Icons of Luxury Michelle Farmer

INTERNATIONAL ARENA WARM UP Animo USA Bruno Delgrange Custom Saddles Equisafe LLC

TIKI HUT TERRACE Ariat® BJ’s Hunt Room Copious Row Luxury Gifts Elizabeth Locke Jewels Inc. Eyes of Wellington Hermès Michel McNabb Jewlery Skiffingtons Boutique Swatches and Rags Fine Menswear Tucci by Newstar Zadeh – Men’s Jewelry

HUNTER HILL Advantage Biosciences C Jones Silver Housewares Danny & Ron’s Dog Rescue Fab Finds by Sarah Illustrated Properties Realtor Just FUR Fun – Goodies for Dogs Olive and Bette’s

PLACES TO EAT INTERNATIONAL ARENA Tito’s Tacos Tiki Hut VENDOR ROW Harry’s Lemonade Loopy’s Crepe Café Coliano’s Pizza Oasis Café RINGS 9 & 10 Professional Concessions Magadelena’s Mexican Food Muddy Paw Coffee Nathalie’s Café BARN 4 Burgess and Clark Coffee

Present this coupon to receive

$10.00 OFF at the WEF Boutique $10.00 VALUE. MINIMUM PURCHASE OF $50.00. VALID FOR ONE PERSON. FOR USE FEBRUARY 19-21, FEB 24-25, 2016

CORPORATE | MEETINGS | CHARITY | LUNCHEON | PRIVATE CELEBRATIONS | PARTIES | FOOD VENDORS | SHOPPING

MAIN GROUNDS AT PBIEC | 3400 EQUESTRIAN CLUB DRIVE, WELLINGTON, FL 33414 | 561.793.JUMP (5867) | WWW.PBIEC.COM

EquestrianSportProd_PWTW2_19_16.indd 1

2/17/16 4:57 PM

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FEATURES

February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 29

Dressage 4 Kids Hosts Winter Intensive Training Program The chance of a lifetime. That’s what 16 talented and very lucky young riders are experiencing this year. They were chosen from among hundreds of applicants and invited to spend January through March in Wellington for the winter intensive training program with Dressage 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides educational and competitive opportunities to youth dressage riders.

These youngsters, all 21 or younger, who aspire to make showing or some aspect of the horse industry a major part of their lives, experience a full schedule of learning each day, including fitness, theory, riding lessons, field trips and lectures on related subjects.

This year’s participants are Allysia Bryant, Emma Cerint, Katja Creswick, Abby Davis, Sarah de Grasse, Hannah Irons, Kayla Kadlubek, Jae Mackie, Caroline McConnell, Alexa Perkins, Elsie Reford, Sarah Roda, Allison Shields, Emily Smith, Emma Smith and Katherine Esterline. They come from all over the United States and Canada.

A normal day starts at 6:30 a.m. with basic barn chores. Days may include private lessons, semi-private ones or group lessons with Lendon Gray or prominent guest instructors.

While lessons are going on, riders are encouraged to watch and ask questions. Afternoons often include lectures from top experts in such areas as nutrition, sports psychology, learning

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg skills, fitness and shoeing. There are field trips to audit clinics, tours of world-class facilities and experiences in everything Wellington has to offer, including showing opportunities.

A two-time Olympian and USDF Hall of Fame member, Gray is the driving force behind the program and the main instructor.

“Dressage 4 Kids began in 1998,” she said.

“This is the fourth year we’ve offered the winter intensive training program. It’s strongly geared to give kids of all levels a widely diverse educational opportunity to really explore all aspects of riding, showing and the horse industry. We choose youngsters with intense determination and desire.”

The goal is to increase their skills and introduce them to every aspect of the equestrian world.

“We hope to encourage and give them a roadway to their future success, whatever that may be — whether as a professional rider, amateur competitor or something else in the field,” Gray said. “This is a broadening experience, geared toward helping them eventually start their own business or find work in the

Lendon Gray with some of this year’s Dressage 4 Kids participants. industry. Wellington is definitely the place to do this.”

Emily Smith, 19, is a college student from Bellmont, Mass. This is her first time in the program. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be exposed to so many different experiences,” she said. “It’s like a very condensed educational course. I’m thrilled with the variety of things we’re exposed to, all the wonderful people. I’d like to see how far I can go in the sport. My horse Dublin, a 9-year-old

Hanoverian, and I are both young and still learning. I’ve only had him a year. We work on developing our partnership with every lesson and lecture.”

At 15, Hannah Irons is one of the youngest participants. She is from Queenstown, Md., and this is her second year attending. “Last year was life-changing,” she said. “I learned more than I could ever dream and formed lifelong friendships. Meeting other young See ROSENBERG, page 37

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

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BUSINESS NEWS

Scripps Florida Creates Equine Therapeutics Center In an effort to hasten the development of a new generation of treatments for a range of equine diseases and disorders that could also have the potential to be applied to human patients, the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute and the Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University plan to establish the Center for Novel Equine Therapeutics.

Plans for the new venture were formally announced at a seminar and reception on Feb. 16 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, with the honorary chairs being respected horse owners and philanthropists John and Leslie Malone.

Heading up the new equine center will be Paul Robbins, a Scripps professor, and Wayne McIlwraith, a University Distinguished Professor and Barbara Cox Anthony University Chair in Orthopaedics at CSU. “This is an opportunity not only to join two great scientific institutions, but to accelerate the translational possibilities that will benefit both horses and people,” Robbins said.

“The strengths of the exceptional basic and applied research at CSU, plus our unique ability to identify potential therapeutic compounds, makes this new venture something

that can really make a difference.”

The new combined venture will help advance research efforts, McIlwraith said.

“We’ve gone through quite a transformation in recent years, with new insights into human medicine from equine studies,” he said. “At Colorado State, we’ve done pioneering work in gene therapy and new biologic therapies in the horse, particularly stem cell therapies for equine musculoskeletal disease.”

The merging of equine and human research has its origins in a disease that was defined in 1938. Equine osteoarthritis, a disease that affects a significant percent of the horse population, young as well as old, is so similar to what happens in humans that it is considered a model for studying the disease.

Some studies have estimated that as much as 60 percent of lameness in horses is due to osteoarthritis, a condition that, like its human equivalent, remains poorly defined.

Robbins and Chris Evans of the Mayo Clinic, both of whom were at the University of Pittsburgh at the time, assisted Dave Frisbie and McIlwraith at CSU in the first ventures into treating osteoarthritis in the horse with a gene therapy. Robbins and Evans provided the vector

for the study at CSU, which used an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

“This was the first study to show clinical improvement in the diseases as a result of gene therapy,” Robbins said.

Three years after that, the group collaborated again in a second study at CSU, in which adding a growth factor using the same gene therapy vector enhanced articular cartilage repair.

This is the kind of work that is

envisaged at the new center.

“The key to the new center is that, along with basic research on both animals and humans, we anticipate moving the most promising compounds to the market as quickly as possible,” Robbins said. “The Scripps Research Institute and the CSU Orthopaedic Research Center are entrepreneurial institutions, and we want to build on that foundation.”

A recent gift of $42.5 million

from John and Leslie Malone, with subsequent additional matching dollars from another donor, is enabling the building of the Institute of Biological Translational Therapies at CSU, which is a further evolution of the Orthopaedic Research Center.

The institute will work to develop animal treatments believed to have crossover potential for helping human patients.

For more info., visit www.scripps. edu/florida.

JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM RETURNS

Starting Tuesday, March 8, and Thursday, March 10, the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy will again be conducting its Junior After-School Spring Golf Program at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. The Junior After-School Program is open to boys and girls ages 7-17 and will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Binks Forest Golf Club is located off Southern Blvd. on Binks Forest Drive in Wellington.

For more information about this program, and others provided by the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy, visit www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783.

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS

Page 31

February Finds Diamante Farms Making Big Strides

Good works and great horsemanship are keeping Diamante Farms of Wellington busy this month. As the Adequan Global Dressage Festival’s CDI5* week, sponsored by Diamante Farms, is in full swing, owners Terri and Devon Kane still find time to make contributions to the dressage community and local charities.

Diamante Farms hosted the USEF Dressage Outreach “Strategic Test Riding” Clinic earlier this month, led by the USEF Dressage Assistant Youth Coach and FEI Dressage 4* Judge Charlotte Bredahl-Baker.

“I really enjoyed working with this very talented group of riders.

Diamante Farms is an amazing place, and I really appreciated Terri and Devon Kane’s hospitality,” Bredahl-Baker said after a successful clinic.

Terri Kane said that her family is glad to help. “It’s very important to us to show our support for the upand-coming in our sport,” she said.

Hannah Niebielski, USEF director of dressage and national programs such as the Strategic Test Riding Clinic at Diamante Farms, which targeted pony, junior and young riders, thanked the Kanes.

“We were very grateful to Diamante Farms for hosting a wonderful event,” she said.

The Kanes and Diamante Farms were also corporate sponsors of the seventh annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The show jumping team relay race, complete with elaborate costumes in the theme of fairy tales for horses and riders, awarded more than $1.65 million in 2016 to dozens of local charities.

Friends of Foster Children’s young beneficiaries were teamed with Diamante Farms and “Team Aladdin” riders Andre Mershad, Andy Kocher and Sheer Levitan during this year’s competition.

While serving as title sponsors of the CDI5* at Wellington’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the Kanes and Diamante Farms are simultaneously preparing for another event near and dear to their hearts — the upcoming Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center auction and dinner.

Anyone spending time in the Global Pavilion at the dressage festival could stop by the educational display Diamante Farms set up to promote the benefits of therapeutic riding and hippotherapy.

The CDI5* week also featured the second annual Salute to the Olympians, a tribute to dressage’s past international Olympians pre-

sented by Diamante Farms on Feb. 12.

Also during the dressage festival, Diamante Farms is the title sponsor of the under-25 division throughout the 12-week show series. Devon Kane will also be competing in the prestigious show rings with the promising horses she has coming up the ranks, including Sir Galanto, a Hanoverian stallion, and Winchester, an Oldenburg gelding.

Diamante Farms offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding and sales in dressage. The lush estate offers more than 20 courtyard-style stalls, grass paddocks, and large covered and outdoor arenas with world-class footing.

Learn more about Diamante Farms at www.diamantefarms.com or call (561) 307-2831.

The USEF Dressage Outreach ‘Strategic Test Riding’ clinician was USEF Dressage Assistant Youth Coach and FEI Dressage 4* Judge Charlotte Bredahl-Baker.

County Extension Service Receives Grant

The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service Division of Family & Consumer Sciences has received a grant for $82,000, renewable every year for five years, to be used for the Strengthening Marriages and Relationships Training (SMART) Florida Project.

The SMART Florida project will be implemented in Santa Rosa,

Duval, Manatee, Citrus and Palm Beach counties. A broad array of SMART and community partner programs, services and resources will be provided in different locations of Palm Beach County. The programs address social, emotional and economic stability needs and the well-being of low-income individuals, couples and at-risk youth.

For the duration of the grant, Cooperative Extension agents and community partners will provide education to strengthen marriages, relationships and families among residents across ethnicities and income levels in the county. For more information about the SMART project, contact Maisie Ross, mross@ pbcgov.org or (561) 233-1744.

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Page 32

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 33

Page 34

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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SPORTS & RECREATION

February 19 - February 25, 2015

Page 35

Wellington Claims Semifinals Berth With Win Over Boca

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School boys basketball team hosted Boca Raton High School in a Class 8A regional quarterfinal match-up Thursday, Feb. 11 and orchestrated a second-half rally to defeat the Bobcats 47-45. That put the defending Class 8A state champions one step

closer to another state tournament appearance.

The Wolverines and the Bobcats met on the court twice before, with Wellington winning both of those contests. Boca’s Bobcats knew they had to start strong from the initial whistle, and they did. At the end of the first period of play, the Wolverines found themselves down 17-13.

The Wolverines woke from their slumber and managed to tie the game at 19, then briefly took a 2119 lead with under four minutes to play in the first half. Turnovers were costly, but they helped a stingy Boca squad, which played quickly and aggressively enough to lock in on a 26-22 halftime lead.

Wellington zeroed in on its rally in

Alex Dieudonne plows through the Boca defense for the Wolverines.

Wellington’s Sage Chen-Young goes for the layup against the Bobcats.

Wellington’s Trent Frazier keeps his balance to move the ball through the Boca defense.

the second half, but often fell victim to the feisty Bobcat defense. The Wolverines soon found themselves down by 10 points, 32-22, with 3:57 left in the third period. “I told our guys at halftime that we have to get to the rim more and attack,” Wellington coach Matt Colin said.

Wellington needed a spark, and the go-to catalyst for igniting Wellington rallies all season has been junior Trent Frazier.

“Trent just took off with the ball,” Colin said.

With less than two minutes in the

third period, Frazier ran the court, with the help of Sage Chen-Young and Lester Gates, on a 14-point run that brought the squad within one point of the Bobcat lead, 35-34.

A momentum change was in the works. Frazier and Alex Dieudonne continued the Wolverines’ charge into their first lead of the second half, 37-35. Both teams, aware of the consequence, continued to clash like warriors on a battlefield. Time management and patience were the key.

The score was locked at 44 with See BASKETBALL, page 37

Wellington’s Ethan Bureau starts the play and moves the ball up the court.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Wolverines Defeat Hawks In Softball Home Opener

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Wellington High School softball team hosted Seminole Ridge High School in its season home opener, and handily defeated the Hawks 10-2.

The chill in the air did not deter

the Lady Wolverines from jumping out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Genevieve Mangini struck a single, then stole second base to kick-start the Wolverine attack. Sarah Longley launched a double, batting in two runs.

In the top of the second inning,

Wellington pitcher Brennan Cain throws from the mound.

the Hawks swung back. Catcher Cammie Hamilton earned a double with her deep ball down center field.

Kayla Wright sent in Hamilton off a single to cut the Wellington lead to 2-1.

Wellington (3-0) shifted gears on offense and drove in two more

Wellington’s Taylor Koos is chased down by Seminole Ridge catcher Cammie Hamilton on the third-base line.

runs to take a 4-1 lead in the third inning. The Wolverines gained back their composure defensively, holding the Hawks scoreless until the last inning. Wellington rolled in the bottom of the fourth inning, adding four more runs, two arising from Seminole Ridge errors.

The Wolverines’ sixth run came

from an Avery Binnix bunt that was way over-thrown to first, enabling her to race to the plate for the score.

Longley struck again with a triple that sent in two runs to take the Wolverines’ lead to 8-1.

The fifth inning was quiet for both teams. The Hawks (1-2) struggled to See SOFTBALL, page 37

Avery Binnix bunts the ball for the Wolverines.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 36

February 19 - February 25, 2016

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SPORTS & RECREATION

WHS Wrestlers Win PBC Hall Of Fame Tourney

The Wellington High School wrestling team won the Palm Beach County Hall of Fame Championship tournament this month for the second time in three years. The Wolverines were led by six individual champions: Don-

ovan Ortiz (106 lbs.), Jared Abramson (113 lbs.), Colton Macfarlane (126 lbs.), Tyler Difiore (132 lbs.), Eric Reid (138 lbs.) and Eric Saber.

Also placing for the Wolverines were second place finishers Jacob Treanor (145 lbs.)

and Isaac Adonis (195 lbs.), third place finisher Cameryn Townsend (120 lbs.), fourth place finisher Alec Trias (152 lbs.), and sixth place finishers Roland Kupoluyi (160 lbs.), Pharaoh Charles (170 lbs.) and Ian Posada (220 lbs.).

RPB WRESTLER PLACES STRONG Wellington Wrestlers — (Front row) Cameryn Townsend, Tyler Difiore, Jared Abramson, Colton Macfarlane, Eric Reid, Donovan Ortiz and coach Chris Forte; and (back row) coach Adam Ferrara, Roland Kupoluyi, Eric Saber, Alec Trias, Jacob Treanor, Ian Posada, Camron Allen, Isaac Adonis, Pharaoh Charles and coach Travis Gray.

Royal Palm Beach High School’s Taylor Sharrard (second from the left) recently placed fifth at the Florida Girls Wrestling State Championships in Orlando. Her coach, Dan Moody, noted that she narrowly lost her semifinal match-up in triple overtime to the eventual champion. Sharrard, a sophomore, has been selected to be captain by her teammates. Her record this season was 5-12 including victories over three different boys. Sharrard is in the RPBHS medical academy and has a 3.9 GPA, and an HPA of 4.7.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 37

Basketball

Softball

continued from page 35 1:33 on the game clock. Wellington managed to take the lead again 4744, with eight seconds remaining.

Boca managed only one point and time ran out as Wellington locked down its 47-45 victory in the regional quarterfinals.

“We were very fortunate to beat a very good Boca team tonight,” Colin said. “We have a lot of respect for them.”

Wellington hosted Santaluces High School in the regional semifinals Tuesday night, but results were not available by press time.

continued from page 35 find the lift they needed at the plate to go toe-to-toe with the Wolverines.

Wellington added two more runs to extend its lead to 10-1. The Hawks battled back in the last inning and needed a big showing at the plate but could carve out only one more run to reduce the margin to 102. Wellington’s defensive play was too much for the Hawks to manage on the night, and the Wolverines held on for the win.

Seminole Ridge hosted Forest

Hill High School while Wellington traveled to Royal Palm Beach High

School on Tuesday night, but results were not available by press time.

here. My goal is to win the Pony Championships next year.”

Alyssa Bryant, 20, from Livermore Falls, Maine, was thrilled to be in Wellington. Even though some of our weather was cold by South Florida standards, she laughed.

“It’s 3 below at home this morning. We have a lot of schooling shows in Maine, but nothing like this,” Bryant said. “This my third year attending, each time with a different horse. My first year I was at a lower level, and it was eye-opening.

My second year I had more knowledge and rode at a higher level. I felt

as if I got more out of it. This year I have a less-educated horse, so I’m taking it as a great training opportunity. What I like best are all the learning possibilities and watching the top professionals ride.”

Bryant has been riding dressage for about 8 years.

“I used to do gymkhanas, but then switched to dressage when I was 12. I like the challenge of training.

There’s always something you can work on and improve,” she said.

“Attending the winter intensive training program is hard financially.

I had a lot of help from some gen-

erous sponsors, and I’m extremely grateful. I’d advise anyone who’s serious about dressage to take a chance and apply. I never thought I’d make it, and here I am.”

It’s too late for this year, but if this sounds like something you’d be interested in trying, visit the Dressage 4 Kids web site. Any rider under 22 can apply. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, what level you’re riding, or the horse you have. Your dedication, passion and discipline are what must shine on your application. To learn more, visit www.dressage4kids.org.

WHS Victory

Rosenberg

Dressage 4 Kids

continued from page 29 riders my age who are just as passionate about horses and riding is very cool.”

The program is truly a whirlwind experience.

“It’s difficult to absorb everything. We attend lectures on so many different topics, watch the best of the best ride and compete and visit so many terrific farms and facilities,”

WHS Win Over SRHS

Wellington’s Lester Gates finds a seam in the Boca Raton defense.

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Irons explained. “It’s very inspirational, very motivating. I want to remember everything, take it all home and try it myself. Someday I hope to be a professional trainer and also represent the U.S. in some international competitions.”

Irons arrived with Bo-Bo, a Dutch sport pony that she is leasing.

“Ponies are awesome,” she said.

“They teach you so much. They’re a lot of fun in a small package.

They’re smart, tight and compact.

They force you to ride well and plan ahead. I love showing in the FEI pony classes. I hope to show down

Seminole Ridge’s Jordan Frank slides in safe at third base.

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 38

February 19 - February 25, 2016

Saturday, Feb. 20 • The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge will host Songs of the Everglades: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty, the 17th annual Everglades Day, on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info., call (561) 732-3684 or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/arm.

• The Green Market at Wellington will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Visit www.greenmarketatwellington.com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Orisirisi African Folklore’s Moonlight Stories for all ages on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Orisirisi shares the beauty of African life and culture through storytelling.

Moonlight Stories will appeal to the child’s heart in everyone. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Deer & Raptor Walk for all ages on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Go on a “behind the scenes” tour of the deer and raptor compounds, see the animals up close, and learn about these unique critters. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register.

• The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will hold its 11th annual Science of Chocolate event on Saturday, Feb 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests will experience instant chemistry with a variety of interactive chocolate experiments. Call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter. org for more info.

• Foster children in Palm Beach County are invited to a tennis clinic/play day at the Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Road, Wellington) on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. Racquets, balls and snacks will be provided. Contact Cathleen Iho at (561) 329-8057 or tennisciho@att.net to RSVP. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host an Acoustic Java Jam for adults on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring acoustic instruments and jam out. Coffee will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Orisirisi African Folklore’s Moonlight Stories for all ages Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Orisirisi shares the beauty of African life and culture through storytelling, spinning yarns that none will soon forget. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center will feature the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular on Saturday, Feb. 20 starting at 5 p.m.

For more info., visit www.pbiec.com or call (561) 793-JUMP. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks with a Journey tribute on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Sunday, Feb. 21 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a bird walk at Winding Waters Park (6161 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach) on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 8 a.m. Visit www.auduboneverglades. org for more info.

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will hold its Green Market & Bazaar on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park (1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Visit www.rpbgreenmarket. com for more info.

• The American Cancer Society’s third annual Palm Beach County Bark for Life event is set for Sunday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Agriplex. Money raised will support the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. For more info., contact Bill Lerner at (561) 596-0926 or blcs2000@gmail.com.

• Forever Greyhounds will hold its third annual fundraiser, Out of the Ordinary into the Extraordinary, on Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Palm Beach Improv (550 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 250, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.forevergreyhounds.org, e-mail kerry@ forevergreyhounds.com or call (561) 574-7756.

• Learn how having a doula on your birthing team can reduce stress in a class taught by Angela Marzi, certified by the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery, on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at Keystone Chiropractic (420 S. State Road 7, Suite 170, Royal Palm Beach). Call (561) 331-3162 for more info.

• The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue the 2016 polo season on Sunday, Feb. 21 with the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup Final. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.

• Women of the Western Communities will host its second annual Sunday Funday At Polo on Sunday, Feb. 21 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington) to benefit the YWCA Harmony House and the WWC Scholarship Fund. The doors open at 2 p.m. E-mail mair.armand1@gmail.com or call (561) 635-0011 for more info.

• The Equestrian Aid Foundation will offer an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary Harry & Snowman on Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Global Dressage Stadium (13500 South Shore Blvd.). The money raised will go to support EAF’s mission to help equestrians in their time of need. For more info., contact Janise Gray at onthebit.janisegray@verizon.net or call (800) 792-6068.

Monday, Feb. 22 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Estate Planning on Monday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Learn about basic estate planning, from wills and trusts, to powers of attorney and more. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Chess Club for ages 6 and up Monday, Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m. It is an all-level chess club

for adults, teens and children. Call (561) 6814100 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Lego Bricks for ages 6 and up Monday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Create vehicles or buildings out of Lego bricks. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Michael Feinstein and the Kravis Center Pops Orchestra in “Sinatra’s 100th Celebration” on Monday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis. org for more info.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Story Time for ages 2 to 5 on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. Introduce little ones to nature through stories. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Neil Berg’s 107 Years of Broadway on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at part of the Adults at Leisure Series. Visit www.kravis. org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Natural Medicine: Finding Trusted Resources on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. Learn how to assess health claims and become an educated consumer by learning to ask the right questions. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Early Release Tween Crafternoon for ages 9 to 17 on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

Work on your creative side with a fun session featuring rubber band creations, paper bead necklaces and Zentangle. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Art Society will host an artist reception Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the second floor art gallery at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Artists selected to participate in the gallery exhibit will be recognized at the reception.

Visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Eating Disorders & Substance Use on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness will offer an in-depth discussion of eating disorders and the co-occurrence of substance use. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Pajamarama Story Time: Tales from the Land of Africa for ages 3 to 6 on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Take an imaginary trip to Africa and listen to tales of animal tricksters and troublemakers. Then make an African-inspired craft to bring home. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Zumba Gold: Black History Edition on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Join the fun in this special edition Zumba Gold and sweat it out to African-American music. Don’t forget your towel and water. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Anime Otaku Club for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Hang out, watch anime and eat snacks while you talk with friends and fans about cool stuff from Japan. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

• The Dolly Cultural Arts Center (1977 College Drive, Belle Glade) will present “Saturday Night Fever” on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org for more info.

• The Palm Beach Dramaworks Theatre Guild will present A Musical Soiree with Pianist Evans Haile, an evening of music, stories and humor, on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre (201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach). For more info., call (561) 514-4042, ext.

2, or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present the Philadelphia Orchestra with conductor Stéphane Denève and violinist James

The Town-Crier Ehnes on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Visit www. kravis.org for more info.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 • The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will hold a Luncheon & Card/Game Party on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. Call (561) 967-3600 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Natural Medicine: Finding Trusted Resources on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Learn how to assess health claims and become an educated consumer. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Eating Disorders & Substance Use on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. featuring Sharon Glynn from the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Teen Takeover for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. Enjoy Wii games, board games and more. Snacks will be provided.

Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Village of Wellington will hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting for Channing Villas on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a Canoe Fly-In at Sunset on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.). Visit www. auduboneverglades.org for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Card Gamers Club for all ages Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. If you like collectible card games, this is the place to be. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present comedians Robert Klein and Rita Rudner on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 25 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Black History Month Book Discussion for adults on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. featuring Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host its Under Construction Lego Crew for ages 7 to 12 on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Use Lego bricks to make fantastic creations. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks and a free concert by Cecilia Lauren and the Ocoee River Band on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host America’s Music: The Blues for adults on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. View the award-winning documentary America’s Blues and enjoy a live instrumental performance by Joe Crisco and Michael Polulack. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an Artist Trading Card Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Under the tutelage of artist India Dausch, attendees will create artist trading cards (ATCs) using a collage medium inspired by the art of African-American artist and award-winning children’s book illustrator Ashley Bryan. Supplies will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will host a forum for candidates running for town council seats on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). Call Marge Herzog (561) 818-9114 for more info.

Friday, Feb. 26 • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free screening of Minions on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

EMPLOYMENT PART-TIME ACCOUNTANT ASSISTANT — Part time, flexible, assistant to accountant.

Must be organized self-starter, computer literate (Excel, MS Word), to answer phones, do filing, do scheduling. Must be willing to learn new tasks. Royal Palm Beach.REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED.Respond to arnoldsachs1@att.net No phone calls.

TEACHER WANTED — 2 year old teacher Fulltime, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Fri. call (561) 793-5860 PART TIME, FLEXIBLE LEGAL SECRETARY/ASSISTANT. — Computer Literate (WordPerfect). Answer phones, schedule hearings, filing, assist with document preparation, etc. ONLY APPLICANTS WITH SOME EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED. REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED. Respond to j.a.abrams@att.net No phone calls.

HELP WANTED FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT IN LOXAHATCHEE — Looking for experienced Cook/Chef. Please call 214-263-0272 to set up appointment.

Drivers: New Pay! $3,500 Sign-On Bonus!

Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

CWP & GOV

Salesperson Come work for the BEST! #1 JD Dealership needs a salesperson to sell new and used CWP agricultural and turf equipment to new and existing customers.

Base Plus Salary. Excellent Benefits, matching 401K. email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com

AG Equipment Salesperson Come work for the BEST! #1 JD Dealership needs a salesperson to sell new and used agricultural and turf equipment to new and existing customers.

Base plus commission. Excellent benefits, matching 401K. email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Call 793-7606 To place your ad here!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNIT Y DISSATISFIED with M.L.M.? — Are you currently frustrated or Dissatisfied with the MLM company you’re involved with now, or have you been frustrated with your experiences with direct selling and/ or MLM opportunities in the past? I’m looking for ‘1’ Leader to Develop Locally...

Call me NOW... Bill Childers 561-290-3260.

www.gotowncrier.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

PAINTING

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating 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

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./Ext. Residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-578-2873. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE

PAINTING BY JESSE INC. — Specializing in residential, re-painting, interior, exterior. Since 1992. www.paintingbyjesse.com 561-723-3100 (Lic. #U16849)

PET DOCTOR - MOBILE/HOME CARE

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

TIRED OF HOLDING YOUR CAT IN THE WAITING ROOM? — Call Critter Home Care and Stay Home Dr. Don Denoff. 561-517-8705

SUNSHINE STATE CLEANING — Residential, Commercial & Construction Cleaning Specialists. Licensed & Insured. $40 Flat Fee For a Basic Cleaning For Home or Office. Call Kristina 561-201-7123

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

CNA - HOME HEALTH AIDE CLEAR ENGLISH SPEAKER — Local CNA, clean level 2 background check and a clean driving record, I do not smoke and I do not drink,a.h.a. CPR certified, legal US status, bilingual. EXPERIENCE WITH LIVE-IN POSITIONS WITH EXCELLENT REFERENCES PLEASE CALL 561-502-9776. please leave message if I am away from my phone.

CONSTRUCTION GOT WOOD? — Rotten wood specialist, Docks-New or replacement, fencing, equestrian friendly - we do barns. Wood General Contracting. 561-805-0278. Licensed & Insured.

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s 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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — Serving Loxahatchee, Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves ONLY High quality, affordable yard maintenance. NO CONTRACTS! Locally owned and operated. 561-320-1118

LOCKSMITH C.K.s L O C K & S E C U R I T Y 561-7329418 Full Service Security Since 1960 — Service and installation of locks, safes, camera’s alarms, monitoring, duplication of keys, car remotes and so much more.

MOVING SERVICES ICON MOVING SERVICES — Provides full service moving, packing & storage. Rated “A” plus by BBB. Lic. & Ins. FREE ESTIMATES. Call 561-338-3157.

PAINTING 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

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Call 793-7606

PLUMBING

Town-Crier Classifieds 793-7606 PRESSURE CLEANING 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 & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

February 19 - February 25, 2016 Page 39

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

GARAGE SALES

WALLPAPERING

WELLINGTON

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,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

WELL WATER AND CITY WATER — Supply, Service and water treatment. 561-7845210. Loxahatchee Irrigation Supply Inc.

HIDDEN CREEK ANNUAL GARAGE SALE 15750 BENT CREEK DR. (BINKS FOREST) WELLINGTON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 8 A.M. - 11 A.M.

WELLINGTON FILM FESTIVAL

REAL ESTATE

SHORT FILMS WANTED

DAYTONA BEACH PROPERTY

WELLINGTON FILM FESTIVAL — Invites You To Submit Your Short Film FREE for February 25th, 26th and 27th screening at Wellington Venues, Reserve For FREE Ticket. Wellingtonfilmfestival.com 561-255-7625

DREAMING ABOUT LIVING AT THE BEACH? — It is more affordable than you think. 1st Florida Realty can help. Sign up for FREE property alerts at: www.CarolBigelow.com

\

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT

FOR SALE BY OWNER WELLINGTON SUGAR POND MANOR 4/2/2 MOVE-IN CONDITION!

ROOFING ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING 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 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated.

Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

SECURITY SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years.

Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 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

TRAIL RIDES TRAIL RIDES AT THE GOOD EARTH FARM — You get a 20 min. lesson on what to do before you go on your trek in the woods, then you go with your experienced trail boss. We can serve up to 3 people. Kids have to be at least 10 years old. Everyone has to wear some kind of boot that covers the ankle and has a heel. We have the helmets. Cost is 75$ each for a 1.5 hour experience and a personalized trail ride, walking (trotting in the ring only) at the end you wash your horse. 561-792-2666

TREE SERVICE 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

4/2/2, Sugar Pond Manor, 2,248 lvg sq ft, split floor plan, pool, tile/laminate floors, roman tub in MBR, walk-in closet with organizers in MBR, crown molding in all bed and bathrooms, french doors to 4th bedroom, newer roof, replaced front and garage doors to Miami-Dade code, generator 5000 watt, transparent hurricane shutters, alarm system, hard-wired smoke detectors, move-in condition, close to schools, NO HOA $379,000. Call 561-578-2871 for appointment.

Page 40 February 19 - February 25, 2016

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

The Town-Crier

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February 19 - February 25, 2016 Page 41

HERE’S MY CARD

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

Page 42 February 19 - February 25, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

HERE’S MY CARD

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

A D V E R T I S E Y O U R B U S I N E S S C A R D F O R A S L O W A S $2 1 A W E E K

The Town-Crier

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 43

February 19 - February 25, 2016

The Town-Crier

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GREATNESS

HERE

STARTS

Page 44

CSUSA’S

NET PROFICIENCY GROWTH IN READING, MATH, WRITING AND SCIENCE IS ALMOST

X 10

ENROLLMENT SESSIONS Now Available for the 2016-2017 school year SERVING SIX GREAT SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

HIGHER

than the state of FLORIDA.

Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

TUITION FREE!

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Learn more at www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

The Town-Crier

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February 19 - February 25, 2016

Page 45

Page 46

February 19 - February 25, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Floor Specialists, an Abbey Design Center, offers much more than the big box stores. Our highly trained team gives personal attention to each client to help create the living space they desire. Floor Specialists has the largest selection of hardwood �loors as well as the �inest �loor covering products in the area. From the most sought after to the most unique, Floor Specialists has it all…and for every budget.

You can read reviews, see �inished projects, read about what is trending in �looring and schedule a no obligation pre-measure and consultation at www.�loorspecialists.biz

Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate Tile • Stone • Luxury Vinyl

561-514-1912 11453 Southern Blvd.

Royal Palm Beach www.FloorSpecialists.Biz Monday - Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-4