SR 7 EXTENSION GETS KEY APPROVAL SEE STORY, PAGE 3
WRMC TOPS OFF NEW HOSPITAL BUILDING SEE STORY, PAGE 5
THE
TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE Volume 33, Number 5 February 3 - February 9, 2012
Your Community Newspaper
INSIDE
RPB RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF
Volunteer Leader Seeks Survivors To Join Acreage Relay For Life
Celebrating life one step at a time, two-time cancer survivor Diane O’Connor is looking for others to join her in a survivors’ lap at the Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life on Friday, March 30 at Acreage Community Park. Page 3
The 2012 Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life hosted a movie-themed team party Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Madison Green Golf Club’s MarBar Grille. The event was an opportunity to bring together the current teams and add some new teams to the roster. The 2012 Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life will be held Friday and Saturday, April 14-15 at Royal Palm Beach High School. Shown above are the relay committee members. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
MarBar Debuts Giant ‘Loxahatchee Burger’
The MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach has added a new item to its menu with local color and flavor — the Loxahatchee Burger. And the restaurant, which is open to the public, challenges anyone to eat just one in order to have his or her name added to the MarBar Hall of Fame. Page 7
‘Jump For The Vote’
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County hosted “Jump for the Vote” on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Skydive Palm Beach in Wellington. League members jumped from an airplane in order to spread the word about voting. Page 20
OPINION Be Part Of Wellington’s Equestrian Lifestyle
The equestrian season is now in full swing. This year’s Winter Equestrian Festival is the biggest ever, and the high-goal polo season at the International Polo Club is bringing in the crowds. If you’re not a regular, be sure to stop by and learn about all this crucial industry does for Wellington, both equestrians and nonequestrians. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS ......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 POLO/EQUESTRIAN ............ 15 SCHOOLS ............................ 16 PEOPLE ................................ 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 27 BUSINESS .................... 29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 32 SPORTS ........................ 37 - 39 CALENDAR ................... 40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
Charter School Seeks RPB OK To Open At Old Albertsons Site By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Charter Schools USA has applied for approval to locate a school in the shuttered Albertsons grocery store building at the intersection of Southern and Crestwood boulevards in Royal Palm Beach. The application, for Renaissance Charter School, is on the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 7. Charter Schools USA is an education management organization with 31 campuses in three states, with more planned. Many of the schools carry the Renaissance name. The organization is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, according to Vice President of Operations Richard Page. “Most of our schools are in Florida, throughout the state, although we have not operated in Palm Beach County until this year,” he said. “Our corporate board decided that the time is right to operate in Palm Beach, so we submitted applications this past August to open a school this coming fall.”
The charter will serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Page said. “We have a network of very high-performing, quality schools throughout Florida, Georgia and Louisiana,” he said. “It’s a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that provides a high-quality choice to parents in communities where we operate charter schools. It’s still a public school of choice, and our curriculum is standardsbased, but focused on college preparatory and individualized learning.” Class sizes vary depending on the subject matter, but fall within state guidelines, he said. “We focus on individualized education, so we put kids in smaller groupings depending on where they are and based on where our evaluation is showing how they are performing against the standards,” Page explained. “It’s not uncommon to have kids in smaller groupings in some courses, and some courses they are all together. It varies throughout the day.” The old grocery store, which has been closed for nearly two years, is a base that Renaissance
will build from to design a complete school, Page said, noting that they opened a school in Coral Springs last year in a former Target store. “It’s really great to see what we did there,” he said. “It won’t be dissimilar to what we’re planning on at the Albertsons, but we will create a whole recreational area off to the side on the site plan.” The size of the parcel will allow for easy drop-off and pick-up of students. “We will bring in traffic stacking so there will be three lanes of paving that goes all the way around so that when cars come in, they can circulate across the site and then drop off as well as pick up,” Page said. The interior will be modified to accommodate 1,145 students at full enrollment, he noted. Page explained that no tuition is charged at charter schools. “There are over 500 charter schools in Florida already,” he said. “Charter schools are public schools. There is no tuition, there’s no stipend; it’s just like a public school. The parent can just See CHARTER, page 18
Jazz Festival At Polo Club In Wellington Feb. 10-11 By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Saddle Up for Jazzfest Wellington will ride into the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11. The event will feature some of the smoothest, coolest jazz to hit South Florida. Show organizer Jeff Wolfe said that Saddle Up for Jazzfest Wellington is built on the success of a similar festival he worked with in Panama City Beach for 12 years, and about 10 years in Destin prior to that. About 30 artists came to those shows every year. “I handled the sponsors and media and logistics for the show,” Wolfe said. Friday night will feature leading women in jazz, including Cindy Bradley, Nicole Henry and Mindi Abair. Saturday will include Richard Elliot, Nick Colionne, Sammy Figueroa, Jeff Golub, David Pack, Robert Harris, Urban Gypsy and Mindi & Friends. There will also be arts and crafts, gourmet food and a free morning show featuring the Palm Beach Central High School jazz band. Maureen Gross, director of development for the Palms West Community Foundation, is working with Wolfe on vendor booths and ticket sales. “There’s going to be food vendors and business
vendors and artists on the sides of the polo field, the people will be in the middle, and jazz will be up on the stage,” Gross said. “It should be a really fun event.” A portion of the proceeds will go to the foundation, she said. The chamber will also run the refreshment booth, which will serve beer and wine in addition to non-alcoholic drinks. The Saddle Up for Jazzfest Wellington acts are in coordination with the Smooth Jazz Cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. “It enabled a higher caliber of performers than if it was just a first-year event,” Gross explained. “The jazz cruise has been established for years.” Dr. Michael Fagien, owner of Jazziz magazine based in Boca Raton, is another integral supporter of the festival, Wolfe said. On Friday starting at 5 p.m., saxophonist Mindy See JAZZFEST, page 18
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Equestrian Village Clears First Hurdle By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report After two days of debate and deliberation, the Wellington Village Council approved the first of several measures Wednesday that will set the stage for the proposed Equestrian Village project on the site of the old Palm Beach Polo stadium. The council voted 4-1, with Vice Mayor Matt Willhite dissenting, to approve a master plan amendment that would make official two existing access points connecting the 96-acre property to Pierson Road, as well as conditionally approve a third point of access to the site, while also designating it a commercial equestrian site. Currently, the only approved access to the entire site comes from the main entryway on South Shore Blvd., noted Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum. However, several other access points exist and have long been used. As the Town-Crier went to press, council members were slated to return Thursday morning to deliberate two more measures, including a compatible use determination that would allow for a commercial equestrian arena. Most controversial is the third item, a comprehensive plan change that would allow a five-story hotel on the property. Though
that item was to be discussed this week, it will have to come back before the council for a second reading later this year, followed by a zoning change. Equestrian Village is the current name given to the property on the northeast corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road. Many consider the site the gateway to Wellington’s equestrian community. The property is owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners and will be the sister site to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. It is slated to house a covered arena and world-class equestrian venue that will host high-level dressage competition. Accompanying plans to build a hotel and commercial retail space on part of the site have drawn opposition. People on both sides of the issue packed the Wellington municipal complex Tuesday night, waiting to weigh in as lawyers, consultants and experts testified in support of and against the project. Shortly after 11 p.m., the council adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. It wasn’t until 11 a.m. when council members cast their votes on the first of the three related items. They spent the rest of the day discussing the compatible use See MASTER PLAN, page 18
WCS HOMECOMING
Wellington Christian School kicked off its homecoming celebration Thursday, Jan. 26 with a parade and performance. Students spent months creating floats with a board game theme to showcase to the judges and school. Shown above are ninth-graders with their Monopoly float, which won Most Artistic. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Reps. Rooney, West Eye Different Seats By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Faced with new district boundary lines making their way through the legislature in Tallahassee, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-District 16) and U.S. Rep. Allen West (R-District 22) announced this week that they will be seeking reelection this year in different districts. The announcements came only days after the House Redistricting Committee approved several redistricting maps that will likely dramatically shift the area’s congressional boundary lines. Rooney announced Tuesday that if proposed districts remain unchanged, he will run for a seat in the proposed District 17, covering parts of central and western Florida.
“Barring significant changes by the courts through legal challenges, I will run for re-election in the new Congressional District 17,” he said. As proposed, District 17 will stretch from Okeechobee County to Charlotte County, essentially the western half of Rooney’s current constituency. Rooney’s current district includes the western rural areas, as well as large swaths of the Treasure Coast and portions of northern Palm Beach County, reaching down as far south as Wellington. On the heels of Rooney’s announcement, West announced that he would seek election to the seat originally expected to be Rooney’s new seat, in the proposed District 18, which covers all of See DISTRICTS, page 18
Bland Eng Leaves P.W. Hospital For Job In Brandon By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palms West Hospital said goodbye to CEO Bland Eng last week. After four years at the helm, Eng has been transferred to Brandon Regional Hospital near Tampa. A going-away party was held Thursday, Jan. 26 at Palms West Hospital. “I have very mixed emotions as I leave my many friends and reminisce about the success at Palms West Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West over the past four and a half years,” Eng told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “The patients in the Palms West area are very fortunate to have a hospital with such dedicated em-
ployees and a high-quality medical staff.” Eng began his new job this week, succeeding Mike Fencel as CEO of the 349-bed Brandon facility. “I’m looking forward to the challenges at Brandon Regional Hospital, but Palms West Hospital and my many friends will always continue to have a special place in my heart,” he said. Eng is credited with expanding and growing Palms West Hospital for the past five years. Both hospitals are part of Hospital Corporation of America. Based in Nashville, Tenn., HCA owns and operates about 164 hospitals and about 106 freestanding
surgery centers in 20 states and in London. Fencel left his job in December, taking a position with Health Management Associates, as CEO of its North Florida Division, which includes 11 affiliated hospitals in North Florida. Eng has been with HCA in Florida for 17 years. Prior to Palms West Hospital, he held positions as chief executive officer of Lake City Medical Center and chief operating officer of Central Florida Regional Hospital and Putnam Community Hospital. Eng holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and English from the University of Maryland, and See ENG, page 7
Farewell To Eng — Palms West Hospital Board Member Dr. Carmine Priore, with departing CEO Bland Eng and Chief Nursing Officer Silvia Stradi during a farewell party for Eng. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
Page 2 February 3 - February 9, 2012
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NEWS
Federal Highway Administration Approves SR 7 Extension Route By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Federal Highway Administration signed the environmental assessment for the State Road 7 extension to connect the road from 60th Street North to Northlake Blvd. on Jan. 25, which advocates say should make the road plan unstoppable. The next step is to set a public hearing date, which is expected to be in mid-March, according to Florida Department of Transportation Project Manager Beatriz Caicedo-Maddison. The signing followed the delivery of 2,466 postcards to Gov. Rick Scott and the FHA on Jan. 11 from Indian Trail Improvement District residents supporting the extension of SR 7.
The project would extend the existing road from the county’s alignment under construction from Persimmon Blvd. to 60th Street, turn east along the M Canal, and then turn north along the east side of the Ibis Golf & Country Club to Northlake Blvd. The project has been opposed by some Ibis residents, including West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, who raised environmental objections on grounds that it runs alongside the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area, although the route east of Ibis is part of the original SR 7 right-of-way. Part of the road already exists. Opponents alleged that the route would threaten wildlife and pose contamination risks for the water catchment area.
ITID President Michelle Damone said the environmental approval will allow the project to go to the next step. “The City of West Palm Beach’s strategy was to take us beyond the PD&E study and take us to an environmental impact study,” said Damone, who was with three other ITID supervisors who delivered the petition to Tallahassee on Jan. 11. “Having the highway administration sign off on the PD&E study is a victory because it assures Palm Beach County and the western communities and the state that this property is environmentally compatible for this road, to be routed around the water catchment area,” she said. “That victory allows us to move to the next
phase, which is the final public hearing, and according to the FDOT, that will be scheduled in March.” Damone said that based on the support of residents from the western communities and other areas, as well as the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, she anticipates a good show of support at the hearing. Construction on the project is planned for 2015. Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said she is glad to see the project finally becoming a reality after years of delay. The completion of SR 7 has been a primary initiative of the chamber, which has conducted several public forums about the plan. “It’s a long time coming, and we are extremely excited to see this
project moving on,” Miranda said. “I’m glad for the support of the local municipalities and everything they have done to support the chamber and its initiatives. I truly appreciate the way that we all came together. I think it’s a credit to the project itself. It’s a much-needed roadway for all of our communities.” Miranda said the extension will improve both economic development and safety for residents of the western communities. “This roadway will connect us to the north and, likewise, the north will be connected to us, so the potential for increased economic development for the area is there,” she said. “From the standpoint of safety,” Miranda continued, “if you
think about the number of roadways we have to exit out of in the event of a natural disaster, we’re trapped. There’s the turnpike, or we have to go all the way to I-95. SR 7 will give us access to Northlake, which gives us immediate access to the Beeline Highway.” For residents of The Acreage itself, the opportunity for evacuation will increase dramatically, she said, pointing out that it is not connected well to the traffic grid. “Having that State Road 7 extension out to Northlake will make it not as much of an island and improve commuter time, and improve the opportunity to exit quickly should we have a need for that,” Miranda said. For more about the project, visit www.sr7extension.com.
Volunteer Leader Seeks Survivors To Join Acreage Relay For Life By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Celebrating life one step at a time, two-time cancer survivor Diane O’Connor is looking for others to join her in a survivors’ lap at the Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life on Friday, March 30 at Acreage Community Park. O’Connor is hoping to get as many cancer survivors as possible who want to celebrate along with their families during this year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life. “I have a team already, but I need survivors who want to walk in this year’s relay,” O’Connor said. “I would prefer those from our community, but I’m open to anyone who is a cancer survivor.” Although O’Connor is persistent in her efforts to recruit survivors, it has been a challenge. “I never realized how hard it is to get survivors to come out and relay,” she said. “It doesn’t cost them anything; if anything, it benefits the survivor because they get to meet other survivors.” O’Connor said that the time commitment is easy for survivors. “This is an 18-hour relay, but we don’t expect survivors to stay the whole time,” she said. “We just want them to do the one-eighth of a mile lap once, and then they can go home.” The survivors’ lap is one of the many special recognitions given to cancer survivors during the overnight relay. Survivors also get to participate in a free dinner and
receive a free “Celebrate Life” shirt. The survivors’ lap and relay are close to O’Connor’s heart, since she’s a survivor herself. “It’s about celebrating life and celebrating our survival,” she said. “It’s kind of a solidarity, where we can all stand together and be proud.” O’Connor wants survivors to walk the lap along with their family members and remember the struggles they endured while celebrating their accomplishments. On that day, O’Connor will also be remembering her battles with cancer. Her first began when she was 23 and was diagnosed with cervical cancer. “I was pregnant at the time with my son, and there wasn’t a whole lot they could do for me,” O’Connor recalled. “Thankfully, after I had my son, they did the surgery, and everything was fine.” Seventeen years later, in 1999, O’Connor received another shocking revelation. “I was diagnosed with colon cancer, which was a lot harder to get rid of than cervical cancer,” she said. “I fought a hard battle for well over two years, and I had quite a bit of surgeries and was in and out of the hospital, but I made it through.” Having gone through two cancer battles, O’Connor feels blessed to be alive and focuses on celebrating life to the fullest. “I just keep hoping that my cancer does not come back,” she said. “I had it once, fine, and had it twice, OK; now I’m getting scared. The
third time around, I don’t know if I’m going to be as lucky. But I’m going to celebrate now as much as I can.” O’Connor was drawn to the relay because of how significantly cancer has affected her life. “I’ve lost so many people in my life to cancer since I’ve been diagnosed, and I’m still here,” she said. “There has to be a reason that I’m still here, and I believe this is it.” Last year, O’Connor’s relay team was called “Rockin’ the Boat,” in remembrance of her brother and a friend who both died of cancer. This year, O’Connor chose the name “Alive ’N’ Kickin’.” “I wanted to celebrate me this year, and anybody who knows me knows I’m a little bit of a spitfire, so I believe it fits me,” she said. The American Cancer Society provides many services for cancer patients, from research to personal support. By being a part of the relay, O’Connor is able to give back to her community by aiding cancer patients. “We are not only raising money for cancer research,” O’Connor said. “The American Cancer Society has so many services that are available to people.” Some of its services include Camp Rock, for children suffering with cancer; a 24-hour hope line for people having a difficult time emotionally; and Look Good Feel Better, a program in which volunteers go into hospitals and give cancer patients a makeover. The relay will truly be a celebra-
PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life Committee Member Diane O’Connor. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
tion, with music, food and entertainment, O’Connor said. “When we are out there, we are having a hell of a good time,” she said. The survivors’ lap will begin after local performer Emily Brooke
sings the national anthem. “She is such a little angel, and she is doing this just for me,” O’Connor said. “She will also be singing a song that she wrote during the survivors’ lap.”
To get involved as a survivor, e-mail O’Connor at dslyder522@ aol.com or call (305) 972-0930. For more about the Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life, visit www. relayforlife.org/acreagefl.
Page 4 February 3 - February 9, 2012
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OUR OPINION
This Season, Become Part Of Wellington’s Equestrian Lifestyle As the Town-Crier went to press, the Wellington Village Council was entering day three of a never-ending meeting, discussing three items related to the controversial Equestrian Village project at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Parts of the project, such as the proposed high-level dressage facility, have widespread support. Some parts of the project have been more polarizing, such as plans for a hotel, restaurants and boutique shopping. As we have said before, this is a project we largely support. While compromise might be necessary regarding the size and scope of the commercial aspects of this project, Wellington has long needed an equestrian focal point in order to compete with other world-class equestrian centers around the world. The focus of further approvals should be on the mitigation necessary to safeguard neighbors and lessen traffic impacts, not on eliminating the long absent missing link. However, our focus this week is not the Equestrian Village project itself, but the equestrian season now in full swing. Despite a challenging economy, Wellington’s equestrian industry has remained strong, buffering the community from what might have been a much more difficult time. This year’s Winter Equestrian Festival is the biggest ever. The 2012 festival features more of everything — horses, sponsors and competition for more prize money.
Hopefully, this translates to more spectators as show promoter Mark Bellissimo continues his mission to bridge the gap between the equestrian and non-equestrian communities. The high-goal polo season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach is also well underway, with opening rounds of the Ylvisaker Cup Tournament starting this Sunday. The tournament is named in honor of the late Bill Ylvisaker, a visionary who is largely responsible for Wellington’s status as an equestrian destination. As the man behind the development of Palm Beach Polo, Ylvisaker’s vision ensured that horse sport would always be at the heart of the community. In addition to bringing the greatest stars of the sport from across the globe, Wellington’s polo season attracts the celebrities as well — ever since England’s Prince Charles made his first appearance. We urge everyone to take part in the equestrian season this year. If you’re not a regular, be sure to stop by and learn about all this crucial industry does for Wellington. The 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continues throughApril 1 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington). For tickets, visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867. For more information about upcoming Sunday polo matches at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub. com.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Chamber Support For Equestrian Village Project The Wellington Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed Equestrian Village for the reasons outlined below. First, we believe the proposed Equestrian Village has the potential to significantly benefit all of Wellington and the western communities. It continues to raise the prestige of Wellington, resulting in increased property values. We believe it will benefit the entire western communities economy and business community. On measured bed nights alone, the equestrian industry created more Palm Beach County “bed nights” than any other industry. Yet we are giving up over 80 percent of the economic impact as visitors stayed in hotels outside of Wellington and of the western communities. That money was being spent outside of the western communities. People came here because of the equestrian industry, yet spent their money outside Wellington. With bed nights go food, shopping, entertainment and other dollars. We believe the Equestrian Village can capture a substantial amount of that money. Money that creates jobs, supports businesses and benefits all of the western communities. The Wellington Equestrian Partners have over the last five years put considerable effort and money into improving their existing show facilities. They created jobs. They raised millions for local charities. They reached out to schools to provide programs to create jobs and careers. They have reached out to all our residents. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and the International Polo Club (IPC) have clearly demonstrated the economic impact the equestrian industry has in the western communities. Both have demonstrated strong community support. They have done more to develop the economic well-being of Wellington than any other organizations. Now we are adding the Equestrian Village and dressage complex. In the same way that PBIEC and IPC reached out and benefited all of Wellington, we believe this new complex will do the same. The location is at the site of the original Palm Beach Polo stadium, the original birthplace of the equestrian industry in Wellington. Palm Beach Polo brought worldwide press to Wellington when Prince Charles came to play on the
exact location we’re discussing. Palm Beach Polo created Wellington’s original equestrian identity. Its success was Wellington’s success. The equestrian element evolved into the leading economic engine of Wellington, the western communities, and Palm Beach County. Partly by circumstances and partly by design, the equestrian industry became more and more important. It became the iconic symbol of Wellington. The equestrian element made us different. The industry went through difficult times and even faced extinction. As Palm Beach Polo faded out, the International Polo Club was created. IPC played a major role in keeping the equestrian industry alive. IPC has been a boon to Wellington and has kept high goal polo here. There were questions as to the future of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the largest and longest-running equestrian event in the world. There was serious discussion about moving the WEF out of Wellington entirely. Numerous groups were quickly organized to keep WEF at its present site. They knew if WEF left, it would hurt property values and we would lose a substantial amount of economic activity. There was a long and protracted legal battle over the Winter Equestrian Festival. Had that battle been lost, the Winter Equestrian Festival could have moved away. Ultimately it stayed, and today the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is one of the top equestrian sports complexes in the world. As Wimbledon is to tennis and Pebble Beach is to golf, Wellington is to the equestrian industry. None of that was accomplished without considerable controversy, effort, money and risk. We were at a crossroads then, and we kept the equestrian industry on course, in Wellington. Today we are at another crossroads. The proposed site is the gateway to the equestrian preserve. That site, the original Palm Beach Polo stadium and field one, the original birthplace of the equestrian industry, is the perfect location. The polo stadium became an icon in Wellington. That stadium is gone. The activities that went with the stadium are gone as well. Today, the proposed Equestrian Village is specifically designed to enhance and promote the equestrian industry. From the dust of the old polo stadium, the new Equestrian Village will rise, destined to become the architectural icon for the equestrian community. There could not be a more fit-
ting place. The equestrian industry was born at that site, and now a new architectural icon, the Equestrian Village, will be reborn at that same site. To remain thriving and to prosper, one must grow, evolve and improve. Stagnation kills water and business. We believe the proposed Equestrian Village will enhance, promote and improve the western communities, and the equestrian industry. VictorT. Connor Wellington Editor’s note: Mr. Connor is vice president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and chair of the chamber’s Equestrian Committee.
Kudos To Wellington’s Bruce Gordon Wellington employee Bruce Gordon is an amazing force of energy. You’ve seen him on the road, and likely, he’s already touched your life in some helpful, unexpected way. On any given morning you will see him touring around the village in his golf cart, taking care of community business, always ensuring that Wellington remains the beautiful place that we all love to live. We elementary school moms see Bruce bright and early each morning at the bus stop. Without fail, and with a tremendous smile he beams, “Good morning ladies! How is everything? Anything I can do for you today?” How nice to be asked! In this day and age when most people are too busy, it’s really refreshing to feel like someone really cares. And he’s not all talk! Bruce is there every day to make sure the children are safe and comfortable. I’ll never forget the time we expressed concern about the red anthills on the sidewalk where the children wait for the bus. Without missing a beat, the very next day, Bruce was there with his industrial-strength spray, treating the entire area to make it safe for the kids! And we have never had a problem since. He really takes care of us. Anywhere you see him throughout the village, he is hard at work. You can’t miss him … He’s the man with the very distinguished balding head, looking very much like Capt. Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek! And he takes his job just as seriously, keeping our roads clear of debris, our grounds clean, our school crossing guards happy and heading up countless other projects that keep our community running smoothly. Someone doesn’t show up for
work at the village one morning? No problem! Bruce doubles his work for the day with a wink and a smile, and says he’s grateful for the chance to make Wellington as beautiful as it can be. Bruce is one of a kind. When they made him, they simply broke the mold. But wait, it gets better! What does Bruce do when he’s not gallivanting diligently around the village treating everyone with kindness and working harder than anyone I’ve ever known? He is at Wellington Elementary School volunteering at the popcorn machine, making sure that his son and all of the other young students get to enjoy their freshly popped healthful snack. This is pure parental inspiration. A dedicated husband, brilliant father, school volunteer and so much more … Bruce is a very authentic and humble person, doing his utmost to make the world the best it can be for each life he touches. With a heart of gold and a work ethic of steel, he is a village employee that we can all take the time to celebrate. He is a man who goes the extra mile. Dorie Duvall Wellington
Keep ‘Special Interests’ Out Of Preserve As a resident of Wellington, I am in favor of developing equestrian activities in the equestrian preserve area. I believe, however, that allowing for-profit commercial development in an area legally set aside as an equestrian preserve is wrong and not in the best interests of Wellington since it opens the door for further commercial invasion into this area. Over the past five years, I have sadly witnessed elected and appointed officials exhibit a culture of favoring special interests rather than the interests of the residents of the community. These unethical and political improprieties must stop. Allowing their commercial motivated “friends” or cohorts to pursue demolitions and construction without proper permits or notification to affected neighbors is morally and perhaps legally wrong. Too many residents have been financially hurt, inconvenienced and traumatized by these actions. We expect, and now demand, that our officials do what is right and not expedient on behalf of their commercial friends. The commercial aspect of what is proposed for the corner of Pierson and South Shore can be adequately built on
property now owned by these developers on the other side of South Shore Blvd. This new choice of venue should satisfy both the commercial developers and those opposed to the invasion of the equestrian preserve area. Hopefully, our officials will now do what is ethically and morally right. Carmen Paterniti Wellington
Time To ‘Fire’ Those Who Wasted Money Wellington citizens need to seriously consider using Donald Trump’s famous line, “you’re fired,” when considering not reelecting some of our current council members. At issue should be a knowledgeable scrutiny of those seeking re-election who supported the wasteful and needless expenditure to build the 9/11 memorial and were involved with the mismanagement of that project. While council members all subscribe to the concepts of being fiscally responsible and careful stewards of our tax dollar, even the Palm Beach Post in its Jan. 29 editorial labeled the village council as being “fiscally irresponsible.” The 9/11 memorial was intended to be privately financed, with the village kicking in only a small a part of total cost. Apparently, the private sector wasn’t really interested in building this memorial and has contributed only a reported $138,000 toward the total cost of over $500,000. Guess who got stuck with the rest of the bill? Was there any reason the project could not have been delayed until all the funds were indeed raised privately? At best, the council’s oversight and project management was atrocious, and they also need to be held accountable for that of lack proper oversight. [Vice Mayor] Matt Willhite, as a tribute to his fellow firefighter friends and associates, lobbied hard to divert unspent but allocated capital funds from a project that had been “completed” to support this wasteful and unnecessary building project. Think for a moment of what those funds could have meant to financing part of a new senior center, or to maintain
foreclosed properties, or even for building a reserve fund for future emergency needs, had these funds been more appropriately returned to the general fund. We don’t need members on the council who are driven to see their names on village dedication plaques and who carelessly spend your and my tax dollars. Before going to the polls, ask your favorite candidate, “And how did you vote on spending all this money on the 9/11 memorial?” Your answer will define who is really fiscally responsibility or fiscally irresponsible. Joseph Manning Wellington
Thank You, Michael McAuliffe I, like many other Palm Beach County residents, was stunned by [State Attorney] Michael McAuliffe’s recent announcement that he would not be seeking re-election and that he would be leaving office early to take a job in the private sector with energy company Oxbow Carbon. Many are quick to criticize his decision, but only Mike McAuliffe knows what’s best for Mike McAuliffe. Let us not lose sight of the fact that he did a terrific job bringing down so many corrupt politicians and many others with the help of the Inspector General’s Office and also the outstanding work of Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his team. Kudos to them all! In the days and weeks to come, many will put their name forward for the job, but I suspect that most will be throwing their hats in the ring just for the publicity. I share the sentiments of County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, who recently thanked the state attorney for his great work and hoped that his successor would do a similarly good job. Thank you very much, Mr. McAuliffe. Your efforts were truly appreciated. Good luck. We, the people, now look to the Town-Crier for its fair and unbiased reporting on this and many other issues that affect us all. We are all in this together. Karl Witter The Acreage
The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. F orest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail them to letters@goTownCrier.com.
OPINION
Despite Fiscal Challenges, Public Safety Remains PBSO’s Top Priority As we enter 2012 in Palm Beach County, I want to wish everyone good health, happiness and prosperity. At the sheriff’s office, we will continue meeting the public safety requirements for our large and complex county. Despite the tough economic conditions, rest assured that we are addressing new and ongoing law enforcement and corrections issues with innovative and successful approaches. With hundreds of associated county deaths in recent years from drug overdoses, eliminating the prescription drug black market has remained a top priority. My investigators, along with our partners, have shut down many illegal “pill mills,” and we are going to make sure the rogue doctors and pharmacists are punished. We
POINT OF VIEW By PBC Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will also be working with groups like the NOPE Task Force to educate youth and their parents about the dangers of abusing drugs. Other priorities for 2012 will focus on our continued effort to dismantle gangs and return many neighborhoods back to
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their residents. We have taken down six of the top 10 most ruthless gangs in the county in the past four years, resulting in a 25 percent drop in violent crime and a 50 percent reduction in gang-related homicides. But the economy being the way it is, our resources have been stretched in handling white-collar crime, homelessness and abandoned-home issues. Still, we’ve been able to keep our law enforcement and corrections staffing intact to tackle these challenges. That’s partially the result of our hardworking civilian volunteers who log more than 350,000 hours every year. They enable my deputies to concentrate on being in communities, investigating crime and working on solutions
to keep our streets safer. This year, I am also going to keep advancing our local homeland security initiatives, including the state-of-the-art epicenter to oversee any security and emergency operations. As chairman of a domestic and homeland security task force for the entire region from Martin to Monroe counties, I am in a position to gain new equipment and staffing in combating the threat of terrorism and handling major emergencies in our area, including Palm Beach County. Taking on all these important initiatives and responsibilities takes resources, of course. So yet another goal of mine is to better educate the community on what we do at the sheriff’s office and why our ser-
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EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró
vices cannot be subjectively reduced, such as closing a recreational facility or reducing library hours. Local taxpayers need to understand that the economic downturn has put additional conditions on law enforcement. Demand for public safety services, for instance, has gone up because of population growth in Palm Beach County over the past decade. No matter what, our mission in 2012, just like in past years, is to safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve, to reduce crime and to enhance public safety while working with our diverse populations to improve their quality of life. We’re looking forward to a great year at the sheriff’s office. I wish the same to all of you.
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February 3 - February 9, 2012 Page 5
NEWS
LOCAL PERFORMERS COMPETE IN FIRST ROUND OF WELLINGTON IDOL AUDITIONS Wellington Idol auditions were held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Contestants sang their hearts out in front of a live audience and three judges for a chance to participat e in the semifinals on Friday, Feb. 10 and the finale show on Saturday, Feb. 11. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 791-4756. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Marcedes Mathis captivates the audience with Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me.”
Chantè Burrows performs for a spot in the finals.
Michael Languasco sings Hot Chelle Rae’s “Tonight Tonight.”
Yvette Baque wows judges with her rendition of Etta James’ “At Last.”
Wellington Councilman Howard Coates with Wellington Programs and Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli.
Lindsay Livingston gets ready to perform her song.
Host Kyle Compton introduces performers.
Wellington Idol judges Rocky Duvall, Lee Marlow and John Stevens.
Wellington Regional Medical Center Celebrates Topping Out Milestone Wellington Regional Medical Center celebrated a milestone Thursday, Jan. 26 with the hoisting of a steel beam, painted white and decorated with colorful autographs of employees and physicians, atop the hospital’s new addition, signifying that the highest point of the structure has been achieved. The 103,000-square-foot expansion will consist of a three-story building providing 80 private patient rooms, which will allow the much-needed space to develop and expand services such as neurosurgery, cardiology and orthopedics with a vision of developing a medical oncology unit in the future. Each floor will offer an eightbed ICU step-down unit providing support for existing medical-
surgical and ICU services. The topping out celebration recognizes the workers and design team behind the construction of the new addition to the medical center. The celebration comes only four and a half months after the groundbreaking event held Sept. 14. WRMC CEO Jerel Humphrey acknowledged his employees as key to the hospital’s success. “This will be a beautiful, stateof-the-art building, but it is the skill of our medical professionals and their commitment to our patients that will make it great,” he said. A barbecue lunch, raffle prizes and gifts were part of the festivities of the afternoon. For more information about WRMC, visit www.wellington regional.com.
Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Jerel Humphrey signs the beam held by Jack Slone.
Wellington Regional CEO Jerel Humphrey, Universal Health Services CEO Alan Miller, Dr. Richard Hays and Dr. David Soria. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Page 6 February 3 - February 9, 2012
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CRIME NEWS
Goat Stolen From Home In Fox Trail By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JAN. 28 — A resident of the Fox Trail community called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Friday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone removed the victim’s goat from his property on Clydesdale Drive. The victim said he saw the goat the previous evening, and it was inside a 5foot-tall fence with all gates secured. According to the report, the goat is a brown-and-white female and weighs approximately 5 pounds. The stolen goat was valued at approximately $75, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. ••• JAN. 25 — An employee of a child-care facility on Camellia Drive contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11:40 a.m. last Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone broke into a school transportation vehicle that was parked on the property overnight. The perpetrator(s) smashed out the front passenger window, opened the glove compartment and the center console and went through the documents inside. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) exited through the rear door. The estimated damage was valued at approximately $300. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on San Diego Drive last Thursday evening regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., someone shattered the victim’s bedroom window. However, the interior of the home was not disturbed. According to the report, the deputy believes that the perpetrator(s) did not enter the home. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 27 — A Loxahatchee Groves man was arrested late last Friday night on charges of drunken driving following a traffic accident near the intersection of State Road 7 and Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol when he was called to the scene of a crash on SR 7. The deputy observed a truck that appeared to have been in a collision in the northern turn lane westbound on SR 7. According to the report, the deputy made contact with the driver, 56-year-old Danny Hill, who emitted a strong smell of alcohol. According to the report, the deputy observed that Hill was slow and slurred his speech, and fumbled with paperwork. After completing roadside tasks, Hill was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where breath tests revealed he had a .145 blood-alcohol level. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and property damage. JAN. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a residence in the Shoma Homes community last Sunday afternoon regarding a burglary. According to
a PBSO report, at approximately 12:15 p.m. last Saturday, the victim’s son took the family’s dogs for a walk, leaving the front door to the home unlocked. When the victim’s son returned home, he discovered that his Xbox game system and games were missing. According to the report, the son said he did not see anyone in the area at the time. The stolen items were valued at $425. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 30 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested Monday on drug charges following an incident in the Victoria Grove community. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol in the community when he observed a gold Chrysler Concord parked in a secluded area of the clubhouse parking lot. According to the report, the clubhouse has several “no trespassing” signs in the parking lot. The deputy observed the driver of the vehicle, Avita Persaud, going through her purse. The deputy made contact with Persaud and her passenger, Brian Thomas, who were considered to be trespassing on the property. A search of the vehicle found .8 grams of marijuana and two pills of carisprodol, a prescription muscle relaxer. Persaud was arrested and taken to the county jail, where she was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, possession of a controlled substance without prescription and trespassing. Meanwhile, Thomas was arrested and charged with trespassing. JAN. 30 —A resident of Polo Lake Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday morning to report a case of criminal mischief. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:30 and 8 a.m., someone shot a firearm five times into the victim’s 2005 Nissan Sentra while it was parked in the community parking lot. The deputy observed the damage, noting that the first round struck the rear trunk lid, the second round struck the passenger-side roof, the third struck the rear window, the rear brake light and traveled through the car to strike the windshield, the fourth round struck the rear window and traveled through to the windshield, and the fifth struck the rear window and roof column. According to the report, the estimated damage was approximately $2,000. The deputy discovered three .22 caliber casings at the rear of the vehicle. There was no further information at the time of the report. JAN. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched Monday morning to a home on 67th Court North regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Sunday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s property and siphoned approximately $70 of unleaded gas from a vehicle parked on her driveway. According to the report, the victim said she filled her tank last Saturday, and it had not been driven since that time. When her husband took her daughter to the bus stop Monday morning, he noticed that there were six miles remaining until the tank would be empty. According to the report, a second vehicle on the property did not appear to be tampered with. The See BLOTTER, page 18
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Gerard Garza is a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 03/02/89. Garza is wanted for battery on a medical care provider. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were 71st Place North in The Acreage and Jackson Avenue in Greenacres. Garza is wanted as of 02/ 02/12. • David Pate, a.k.a. David Stalka, is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 12/26/73. Pate is wanted for obtaining property in return for a worthless check, draft or debit card. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Polo Garden Place in Wellington and Florida Street in West Palm Beach. Pate is wanted as of 02/ 02/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.
Gerard Garza
David Pate
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.
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February 3 - February 9, 2012 Page 7
NEWS
Can You Finish? MarBar Grille Debuts Giant ‘Loxahatchee Burger’ By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach has added a new item to its menu with local color and flavor — the Loxahatchee Burger. And the restaurant, which is open to the public, challenges anyone to eat just one in order to have his or her name added to the MarBar Hall of Fame. The Loxahatchee Burger is packed with a 16-ounce ground sirloin patty with all the usual accoutrements, including a thick slab of onion. “The owner wanted to have a hamburger that appealed to the characteristics of the community, and he named it the Loxahatchee Burger,” explained marketing director Michelle Damone. “It is absolutely delicious. The presentation
is phenomenal. It’s huge, piled up high. We’ve already had a couple of big guys come in to the restaurant and attempt to eat the entire plate. Some have failed, some have prevailed, but it’s definitely something unique that appeals to the western communities.” The Loxahatchee Burger is chargrilled and served with lettuce, tomato, pink onion, cheese, bacon, pickle, fresh coleslaw and French fries. “If anyone finishes the plate, we’re going to put them on the Hall of Fame plaque,” Damone said. “It’s honestly a delicious burger.” Owner Todd Schoenwetter said he wanted a burger that appealed to requests of area residents. “The Loxahatchee Burger is the largest, biggest hamburger, I believe honestly, in all of Palm Beach County,” Schoenwetter said. “It’s
really there for somebody who wants a giant, amazing, delicious hamburger with all the fixings.” The restaurant also has burger night on Wednesdays, featuring a 10-ounce patty with your choice of toppings and sides. Regularly $8.95, it’s $5 on Wednesday nights. “It’s still huge,” Damone said. Schoenwetter said he has met many people in the area who love hamburgers, and they wanted something a little different. “Many people love our regular burger, which is 10 ounces, and I’ve gotten requests from people who said they wanted a larger burger, so we put one together. At $12.95, it may be one of the most inexpensive giant burgers.” Can’t finish every morsel? There are some caveats. Customers don’t have to eat all the onion to get on the Hall of Fame plaque,
Schoenwetter said. Eating the pickle is up to the discretion of the manager on duty. “Of course, we also have a great regular menu,” Schoenwetter said. “Our executive chef is formerly from Abe & Louie’s in Boca Raton.” The restaurant features a 12ounce prime rib night on Fridays for $18.95. Meals on the regular menu begin at $7.95. Two-for-one happy hour is from 4 to 8 p.m. On Thursdays, ladies drink for free. Dress is casual. MarBar, located at 2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m., and brunch Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu can be found at www. madisongreengolf.com. For more information, call (561) 784-5225.
If you can finish the MarBar Grille’s new Loxahatchee Burger, your name will go on a Hall of Fame plaque.
LGLA Learns Driver’s License Tips & More From Tax Collector’s Rep
Maxine Sonnenschein of the Tax Collector’s Of fice talks with LGLA members at last Thursday’s meeting. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
Eng
CEO Leaves Hospital
continued from page 1 master’s degrees in business administration and healthcare sciences from the University of Florida. Eng’s wife and two children plan
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At the Thursday, Jan. 26 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association, Maxine Sonnenschein of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office explained some of the adjustments the office has made since taking on driver’s license registration. Sonnenschein also discussed the changes made to driver’s license renewal requirements due to the federal “Real ID” regulations. When the office first took over driver’s licenses from the Department of Motor Vehicles, residents were not able to make reservations, which resulted in long lines of angry people, but that has been largely resolved, Sonnenschein said. “You can either make an appointment to get a driver’s license or go online to make an appointment,” Sonnenschein said. “It’s very fast.” Appointments can be scheduled at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Sonnenschein also explained the identification requirements now needed to renew driver’s licenses. Either a passport or birth certificate is now required, as well as a Social Security card. “If you have a passport, you’re good,” she said. The federal Real ID Act of 2005 set new standards to issue driver’s licenses and identification cards, she said. Real ID was es-
tablished in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation that the nation improve its system for issuing identification documents. After 2014, federal agencies will no longer accept a driver’s license unless it is Real ID compliant, which means that in order to board commercial flights or enter federal buildings, people must have a Real ID-issued driver’s license. Compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. “If you don’t ever travel or don’t have to enter federal buildings, you might not need it,” she said, “but we think that everyone has to do it.” Sonnenschein said she anticipates that banks and other private firms are going to require Real ID licenses for identification purposes as well. She emphasized that to get the gold star, applicants must register in person and cannot do it online. People have to get the Real ID license only once in their life, she said. “Once you have the gold star, you’re good to go,” she said. “You never have to do it again.” People can renew their driver’s license up to 18 months in advance, she said. Appointments can be made up to three months in advance. Veterans can also get a blue “V” on their license instead of having to carry their discharge papers, she said. “Why would you want one? Well, it’s a pocket ID card, and a
lot of businesses provide discounts for veterans,” Sonnenschein said. “You can pull out your license and it will have a blue ‘V’ in the corner of your license, proving you’re a veteran.” She noted that the state legislature decided to charge a dollar to get the blue “V,” which has led to many upset veterans. “Veterans come into the office and they don’t know about that, and they’re getting upset,” Sonnenschein said. “So to make a long story short, if you are a veteran, there is a dollar charge. We send that money back to Tallahassee. We keep none of that money here.” Sonnenschein added that it is not legal to have more than one official state identification. “People used to be able to have a Florida license and a New York license, and apparently it was very common,” she said. “When people come down for the season, we get bombarded with this. That’s not legal anymore. You can only have one.” Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 15 Commander Lt. David Combs, who was attending the meeting, said the change was made because people were using two IDs fraudulently. “Some people came down and became involved in traffic accidents, and we didn’t know what door to knock on,” Combs said. For property owners, Sonnenschein said the Tax Collector’s
Office offers an installment tax payment plan. “Instead of having to come up with one lump sum every year, you can pay in four quarterly installments,” she said. “All you have to do is complete the application online or in the offices and return it to us by April 30, and you are automatically enrolled.” Sonnenschein said she has been heavily involved in investigating fraudulent car titles. “We are now outsourcing car titles, and I know we have a lot of fraud when it comes to car titles,” she said. “We’ve been working with law enforcement. There have been 21 arrests for fraud going on, so we’re real involved in that end of it.” Sonnenschein said people buying cars need to be careful because some sellers might change the vehicle identification numbers and use other means to sell stolen or damaged cars. “We went through training to identify stolen cars,” she said. Another scam is people selling phony insurance. “Don’t buy your insurance on the street,” she said. “If someone approaches you and says, ‘I have a great insurance deal for you,’ it’s probably not that good.” Combs also recommended against buying cars on the Internet. “You should buy your automobile from a licensed automobile dealer and your insurance from a licensed insurance agent,” he said.
to relocate to Brandon at the end of the school year. Palms West Hospital has begun the interview process to replace Eng. In the interim, a management team led by the chief operating officer, chief financial officer and chief nursing officer will be in charge, according to hospital officials.
Barbara Johnson, Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng and Dr. Wes Boughner.
Kristina Rizk, Dr. Pamela Love, Kevin Marinus, Dino Gavazza and Nancy Rabin.
Sandy LaFoy, Janice Calcia and Mark Schnelle.
Latrice Henderson, Mary Henderson, Duana Stabile and Emily Congdon with departing CEO Bland Eng (center).
Dr. Rajen Naidoo, Dr. Bradley Feuer and Joanne Guccio. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
Page 8 February 3 - February 9, 2012
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NEWS BRIEFS ‘Wild Things’ Returns Feb. 5-7 In Lox Groves The “Wild Things” art show and sale will celebrate its sixth year supporting the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation (RSCF) on Sunday, Feb. 5. Held at Pferdekamper Studio in Loxahatchee Groves, “Wild Things” brings together awardwinning artists from around the country creating and showing art in all media inspired by wildlife and nature. Original paintings, photography, sculpture, fine jewelry and more will be available for sale, with 25 percent of all sale proceeds benefiting RSCF. This year, honorary event chair and New York Times best-selling author Tami Hoag will serve as mistress of ceremonies, and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary will also join in with furry and feathered friends to mingle with guests. The opening reception on Feb. 5 is invitation only, from 5 to 10 p.m., and features music, refreshments, live art demonstrations, special guests, speakers, presentations and more. The show is open to the public
Monday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 7 by appointment. Each year, the show evolves and becomes more interactive. Live art demonstrations by Jackie Harris (raku kiln firing) and Georgette Pressler of Devious Body Art (body painting) create an intense, exciting atmosphere. This year, Pressler will team with ceramics artist Maria Hayden, transforming a sculpture to life while you watch. Current event sponsors include Gisela Pferdekamper (www.artby gisela.com), Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club (www.beef wellingtonsteakhouse.com), Beadkeepers Art and Jewelry Design (www.beadkeepers.com) and Devious Body Art (www.devious bodyart.com). The Rare Species Conservatory Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and wild places. Its 40-acre home base is located in Loxahatchee. For more information about RSCF, visit www.rarespecies.org. For more information about the show, contact Karen McGovern at karenmcgovern@rarespecies.org or (561) 596-6196.
Green Market Chocolate Festival Feb. 18 Saturday, Feb. 18 will be an overflowing day for chocolate lovers and hospice supporters alike at the Wellington Green Market’s first Chocolate Festival. This year’s festival is sponsored by Cool Roses and will benefit the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. Chocoholics will swoon over the decadent selection of chocolate-dipping confections, skewered and then ready to be covered in chocolate. Wellington Green Market vendors are donating meltin-your-mouth brownies, chocolate crisps, cinnamon and chocolate bread pudding, Plant City strawberries, cider donuts and much more — all for a donation. Representatives from the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation will be on hand showcasing their compassionate service. “Currently, Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation has touched vendors and patrons at the market with their compassionate caring, and we are thrilled to support the mission and show our
love from the farmers market to the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation,” Wellington Green Market Executive Director Peter Robinson said. Festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., culminating with a raffle drawing of fabulous goodies including orchids for your home and fortuniana grafted roses for your garden called Barbara Louise, a yellow beauty. The Wellington Green Market is located at the Wellington Amphitheater and operates every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 28. For further information, contact Robinson at (561) 2835856 or wellingtongreenmarket@ gmail.com, or visit www.wellington greenmarket.com.
Laura Ling To Speak At Women In Power Lunch PNC Bank has announced the second in a series of three “Women in Power” Luncheons to benefit the YWCA of Palm Beach County. Headlining the luncheon to be held Feb. 8 will be award-winning journalist Laura Ling. Ling is the host and reporter for
E! Investigates, a documentary series on the E! Network that explores topics such as teen suicide and the challenges faced by military spouses. She worked as a correspondent reporting from various countries on issues including slave labor in the Amazon, the drug war in Mexico, Internet censorship in China and women’s rights in Turkey. Ling and her colleague Euna Lee were imprisoned in North Korea for 140 days in 2009 before being granted a special pardon and returning to the United States. “We are so pleased to have such a prominent journalist for the ‘Women in Power’ series,” said Craig Grant, regional president of PNC Bank. “Ms. Ling’s topic, ‘Journey of Hope,’ will no doubt be a fascinating look at her experiences throughout the world.” The luncheon will be held at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre, located at 415 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon commences at noon. The cost to attend the luncheon is $50, and reservations can be made by calling the YWCA of Palm Beach County at (561) 640-0050, ext. 134.
Junior League’s Worth Tasting Set For Feb. 25 The Junior League of the Palm Beaches has announced that its annual Worth Tasting on Worth Avenue will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 in Gucci Courtyard (256 Worth Ave., Palm Beach). The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. Worth Tasting chairs Laura Wissa and Emily Gehring and honorary chair Betsy Matthews invite their guests to tempt their palate with a selection of wine, cocktails and by-the-bite tasting served by the best restaurants from around the Palm Beaches including Bice, Blue Martini, Café Joshua, Cake Kingdom, ChaCha’s, Chuck Burger Joint, Christina’s Catering, Grease Burger Bar, Havana, the Kitchen Strand, Leila Restaurant, Ovations Catering, Park Avenue BBQ, Shipyard Ale, Someone’s in the Kitchen, Sinless Cocktails, Sprinkles Ice Cream, the Sugar Monkey, Sushi Jo, Top of the Point and World of Beer. Tickets are available for $50 per person or $90 per couple and can be purchased at www.jlpb.org or by calling (561) 689-7590.
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February 3 - February 9, 2012 Page 9
NEWS
BOARD GAMES THE THEME AT WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL HOMECOMING Wellington Christian School kicked off its homecoming celebration Thursday, Jan. 26 with a board game–themed parade and performance. Ninth- to 12th-grade students spent months creating floats to showcase to the judges and school. The senior class won Best Overall Float with a Clue-themed creation. For more info., visit www.wellingtonchristian.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Best Overall Float, the seniors’ Clue float.
Most Enthusiastic, the 11th grade’s Candyland float.
Most Unique, the 10th grade’s Life float.
Ray and Amanda Vazquez with Anthony Hansen.
Judges Michelle Strassel, Judy Wagner and Mary Brewer.
Stephanie Wilson, Carla and Christine Marklin, and Kira Krieger.
ROYAL PALM BEACH RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF PARTY HELD AT MADISON GREEN The 2012 Royal Palm Beach R elay for Life hosted a movie-themed team par ty Thursda y, Jan. 26 at MarBar at Madison Green. The event was an opportunity to bring together the current teams and add some new teams to the roster. The 2012 Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life will be held Frida y and Saturday, April 14-15 at Royal Palm Beach High School. For more info., call Marketing Chair Krista McNevin at (561) 436-7498. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Marketing Chair Krista McNevin and Event Chair Robert Hill pose with Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley impersonators.
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“The Big Lebowski” team members.
Team “27 Dresses” has raised the most mone y so far.
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NEWS
Polo With Pedro Fundraising Events Benefit YMCA Of Palm Beaches An equestrian celebrity bartending challenge to benefit the YMCA of the Palm Beaches took place Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Gallery Lounge at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. Celebrity equestrians worked behind the bar to raise tips for the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. These philanthropic riders were polo players Kris Kampsen (6-goal rated), Nic Roldan (7-goal rated and voted one of Vanity Fair’s “Hottest Horsemen”), Chris Nevins (Canadian 5-goal rated) and Pelon Escapite (6-goal rated). Show jumpers included Georgina Bloomberg (top Grand Prix rider), Paige Johnson (best-ranked U.S. Grand
Prix rider and voted Top 10 Best Palm Beachers by Palm Beach Illustrated), Whitney Weeks (Best Young Amateur Show Jumper) and new this year, dressage rider Devon Kane (dressage gold medallist and founding sponsor of the Global Dressage Festival). This fun event took place in the International Arena’s Gallery Lounge, a South Beach–style VIP nightspot with a panoramic view of the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, part of the popular Winter Equestrian Festival’s “Saturday Night Lights” Grand Prix series. Also participating in this fun event was the jewelry company Alex and Ani. This is the second year the Worth Ave-
nue jewelry store has participated in the Polo with Pedro fundraisers. Also participating was the new Boca Raton boutique Indi-Chic. More than $3,000 was raised. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to building a much-needed new child-care facility at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches campus. There will also be another popular annual pre-event prior to the main polo brunch: the Polo with Pedro Fashion Cocktail Party. This will take place Thursday, Feb. 16 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Cafe Sapori in West Palm Beach. This is truly going to be an outstanding night, with equestrians modeling highend fashions that can be won. The Polo with Pedro main fund-
raiser will take place Sunday, March 4 from noon to 5.30 p.m. Located at the Grand Pavilion of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the day consists of an elegant brunch and polo party with VIP viewing of the high-goal CV Whitney Cup Final polo tournament. Polo with Pedro celebrates the late Pedro Morrison — a friend, local Wellington and Palm Beach philanthropist and polo player. Again, all proceeds will benefit building a new child-care building for YMCA of the Palm Beaches. To purchase tickets, or for more information on future events, visit www.polowithpedro.org or call Mary Turnbull at (561) 968-9622.
Whitney Weeks, Paige Johnson, Nic Roldan and Georgina Bloomberg. PHOTO COURTESY THE POLO PAPARAZZI
BEDNER’S FARM FRESH MARKET ON STATE ROAD 7 HOSTS FAMILY DAY EVENT Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market held a family-friendly event Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28 and 29. The event included various local vendors, animals, hay rides, and strawberry and tomato u-pick tours. Bedner’s is located at 12033 State Road 7 west of Boynton Beach. For more info., visit www.bedners.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Jerry and Eileen Pizzino help their granddaughter Allie Pizzino pick strawberries.
Tyler, Austin and Theresa Febles finish picking tomatoes.
Tatiana Celestin picks strawberries out in the field.
Candidate John Greene Hosts A Kickoff Party At The Players Club Wellington Village Council candidate John Greene held a campaign party Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Players Club. On hand to support Greene were former Mayor Tom Wenham and his wife Regis, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, as well as friends and family members. He is also endorsed by the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans Inc. Greene is attempting to replace term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore. Candidate Shauna Hostetler is also seeking the seat. Greene’s campaign kickoff netted several enthusiastic endorsements, and he has now raised
more than $20,000 for his campaign. “Today my family and I still enjoy the unique quality of life that we first found in Wellington when we moved here over 10 years ago,” Greene said. “I am committed to preserving this quality of life for the next generations. I am ready to take my commitment to the next level and serve on the Wellington council, ensuring that Wellington remains one of the best and safest municipalities in Palm Beach County.” For more information about Greene’s campaign, visit www. johngreenecampaign.com.
Former state senator and state attorney candidate Dave Aronberg with John Greene.
Regis and former Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham.
John Greene talks to family members at the campaign party.
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POLO & EQUESTRIAN
Coca-Cola Defeats Lucchese 11-10 To Capture The Joe Barry Cup The grandstands at Piaget Field at International Polo Club Palm Beach were packed Sunday, Jan. 29 as Coca-Cola defeated Lucchese 11-10 to win the 2012 Joe Barry Memorial Cup.
Margaret Luce enjoys the polo match.
The crowd geared up for an exciting afternoon, with the official coin toss hosted by Chris Dias, 2012 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure vice chair and chair of Susan G. Komen’s Men in Pink. The 3 p.m. Joe Barry Memorial Cup Final featured powerhouses Coca-Cola and Lucchese in a nailbiting match. Taking the lead in the first chukker, Coca-Cola scored two goals and kept the momentum going. It wasn’t until the fourth chukker that Lucchese rallied back to tie it up, 8-8. Lucchese’s Pelon Stirling scored six goals, but it was Coca-Cola’s Sugar Erskine’s seven goals that helped lead his team to an 11-10 victory. This is CocaCola’s second consecutive tournament win of the season. This past week marked the start of the hunt for the 2012 Ylvisaker Cup, leading into next Sunday’s featured matches at noon and 3 p.m. With the stunning new pavilion, three state-of-the-art playing
Sharon Barry (center) with Coca-Cola players Julio Arellano, Mason Wroe, Gillian Johnston and Sugar Erskine. fields and a variety of entertainment, the International Polo Club is the place to see and be seen every Sunday. Guests can enjoy champagne brunch and watch the
match field-side, or partake in reserved lawn seating, Wellington Kids Zone or general admission seating. Various ticket levels range from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
Coca-Cola’s Julio Arellano on the field. PHOTOS COURTESY LILA PHOTO
to a spectacular Veuve Clicquot brunch. For season information and tickets, visit www.internationalpolo club.com. Find IPC on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/ipcpb, and visit the new www.ipcscoreboard. com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and all other polo information.
Women Continue Their Reign In $55,000 Nespresso Battle Of The Sexes It was a packed house at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, Jan. 28 as the women earned their fourth consecutive victory in the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The ladies swept the threephase competition with 29 points over the men’s score of 17 to win. Reed Kessler of Armonk, N.Y., was the only clear round to win the $25,000 Suncast Championship Jumper Classic with Pacha de Nantuel. In the hunter ring, Heather Hooker took the championship in the Bainbridge Amateur-Owner
18-35 Hunter with Castlekeep. Week 3 of the festival was sponsored by Horseware Ireland. The women’s team was captained by Katie Prudent, and included riders Tatiana Dzavik, Margie Engle, Brianne Goutal, Maggie Jayne, Kessler, Candice King, Laura Kraut, Marilyn Little Meredith, Catherine Pasmore and Jessica Springsteen. Henri Prudent led the men’s team, which included riders Daniel Bluman, Steven Bluman, Charlie Jayne, Ben Meredith, Todd Minikus, Richie Moloney, Michael Murphy, Andres Rodriguez, Nick Skelton and Shane Sweetnam.
Michael Murphy aboard Ultrafox.
The first round of competition in last Saturday’s Nespresso Battle of the Sexes was the speed round, with a six to four win for the ladies. Pasmore and Pacific Beach H.C. had the fastest round for the women (59.010 seconds) and Murphy and Ultrafox were the fastest of all the rounds for the men (58.424 seconds). The match races followed, with the men and women competing side by side over identical courses. The women dominated, winning 7-3 and bringing the total points to 13 over 7. Although Pasmore did not do the six-bar despite winning the round last year, she was happy to help the team with her speed rounds. The six-bar competition completed the evening with four men and four women returning, each earning 2 points per clear round. The six-bar went just two rounds before only two men remained and the women were deemed the winners, scoring 16 points to the men’s 10. The final tally for all three rounds was 29-17 — a clear victory for the women. Another young rider who excelled in last Saturday’s class was Kessler, who showed her horse Flight in the speed rounds and Ligist in the six-bar. Kessler also did last year’s class and admitted that it was a team effort.
Laura Kraut was a veteran competitor on the team, having shown all four years. Kraut noted that it is great to have a team of young, talented riders to compete with. “I remember when I was the younger rider on certain teams, and I think it is important to feel the support of those that are older,” she said. “I enjoy it, and plus we have some great young riders. Catherine Pasmore, Reed Kessler, Jessie Springsteen, the list goes on. You would be happy to ride with them anywhere.” Kessler, 17, was the only rider to master last Saturday’s Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic course. She and Pacha de Nantuel, a 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding, were the sole clear round in a class of 30 entries. They posted a time of 75.609 seconds. Second place went to Yann Candele on Ariana, owned by Susan Grange, who finished with one time fault in 78.427 seconds. Karen Cudmore and Blair Cudmore’s Shea were the fastest four faulters in 70.530 seconds for third place. By being the only clear round, Kessler avoided a jump-off with many of the top riders in the world competing in the class. Hooker and her mount Castlekeep out-performed stiff competition in this week’s Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 di-
Margie Engle rides Hidden Creek’s Pamina L. PHOTOS BY SPORTFOT
vision. The pair scored two seconds and two thirds over fences and finished up first in the under saddle to bring home the championship tricolor with a total of 30 points. A close reserve championship went to Alex Paradysz and Late Entry who scored a first, second and third over fences and a third in the hack for a total of 24 points. After two days of showing over fences, Hooker and Paradyysz were tied with 20 points each going into the under saddle. Castlekeep’s blue-ribbon victory in the hack was the deciding factor that carried the pair to the top.
For Hooker, the rest of the 2012 show season appears promising. With two championship coolers already under her belt, she will continue to show Castlekeep in the Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter division and begin competing with her mount Perle in the SSG Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper division and the Surpass High Amateur-Owner Jumper division in the coming weeks. The Winter Equestrian Festival concludes April 1. For full results, visit www.showgroundslive.com. For more information on the festival, visit www.equestriansport. com or call (561) 793-5867.
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SCHOOL NEWS
‘Responsibility Pep Rally’ At New Horizons New Horizons Elementary School celebrated responsibility at a school-wide pep rally. Students were encouraged to show responsibility in a variety of ways by fellow students, staff and special guests who demonstrate the character trait. New Horizons Cub Scout Troop 118 presented the flag. The Wellington High School pep band, under the direction of student directors Matt Tenore, Audrey Bridges and Jesse Fallen, performed many rousing selections. The New Horizons drum line and glee club, under the direction of music teacher Veronica Dilling-
ham, performed numbers that demonstrated practice and hard work. Wellington High School drum major Audrey Bridges, special guest Miss Junior Florida Ashley Louis and guidance counselor Lynne Bray each admonished students to show responsibility by making good choices, knowing what’s expected and doing it, always doing their best at all they set out to do, and never giving up. Principal Betsy Cardozo reminded students that everyone makes mistakes, and that responsibility involves admitting to and learning from mistakes.
New Horizons students and faculty members at the pep rally.
Royal Palm Students Excel In Latin And Art Lisa Parks of Wells Fargo presents Binks Forest Principal Michella Levy with a $5,000 check to the school.
Binks Forest Receives $5,000 From Wells Fargo At the Binks Forest Elementary School PTA general assembly meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 25, the school was awarded $5,000 for winning the Wells Fargo matching funds contest through the Adopt-A-Classroom program. Also at the meeting, Ident-AKid Services of America program director Barbara Sandler spoke on the importance of child safety. A Huffy bike was donated to the
school through the program, and Danil Anzalone was the lucky winner of the drawing. The Ident-AKid program was implemented at Binks on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Later on in the evening, Binks Forest held its annual Family Science Night. This year ’s topic was “How to Make Water Evaporate More Quickly.” Students participated in a variety of experiments and everyone had fun.
BINKS FOREST HONORS SPELLING BEE WINNERS
Binks Forest Elementary School held a school-wide spelling bee Friday, Jan. 20. The winners are as follows: first place, Lexi Dubocq; second place, Hunter Simon; and third place, Praveen Abu. Shown above are Simon, Dubocq and Abu with their awards.
Five Latin II students from Royal Palm Beach High School participated in the Regional Latin Forum held Jan. 21-22 at J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs. Approximately 200 students competed, and the Wildcats brought home 11 medals and five ribbons. The Wildcats’ results are as follows: Latin Derivatives – Hannah Kirey (third place); Latin Vocabulary – Stacey Broder (eighth place) and Hannah Kirey (seventh place); Roman Customs – Chris Micciche (third place); Latin Mottoes, Abbreviations and Quotations – Austin Hodges (fifth place), Stacey Broder (third place) and Candace Tavares (second place); History of the Roman Empire – Chris Micciche (seventh place) and Candace Tavares (first place); Mythology – Austin Hodges (first place); Dramatic Interpre-
tation (Recitation of Latin Prose) – Candace Tavares (fourth place) and Stacey Broder (third place); and in Certamen (similar to Jeopardy!), the RPBHS team of Tavares, Kirey, Hodges and Micciche took second place. In other RPBHS news, Wildcat artists received 20 gold and silver keys this year. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners, including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates. The awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. There were more than 2,500 entries from middle and high school students in Palm Beach and Martin counties. Panels of local arts
and art education professionals selected more than 500 students to receive gold and silver keys. The gold key winners’ work will travel to New York to compete with the work of other gold key winners from throughout the country. The winners of that com-
petition have the opportunity to go receive their awards at Carnegie Hall. The opening reception will take place Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Eg2 Gallery in CityPlace. The exhibition will be up throughout the month.
Hawks Certify In CPR The Seminole Ridge High School Battalion JROTC cadets recently participated in the American Heart Association’s CPR certification, provided by Critical Medical Education and Training. The JROTC received information on CPR and reviewed its procedures thoroughly: when to start CPR, when to give breaths, when to check for pulse, and how to properly give compressions with adequate depth and rate.
Hawk cadets also learned to describe the signs and symptoms for severe airway obstructions, reviewed the most common life-threatening emergencies in adults, and familiarized themselves with the location of campus AEDs (automated external defibrillators). At the end of the training, cadets took the AHA’s CPR examination and earned their certification, with 207 cadets certified.
Homecoming Week At Berean Christian Friday, Jan. 13, was homecoming in “Dawgsville,” and Berean Christian School students finished the week strong with a Bulldog sweep, winning all three of their home basketball games for the evening. The girls basketball team defeated the Knights of Highlands Christian by 8 points, while both the boys junior varsity and varsity basketball teams took sizeable leads and secured victory as well. The school prepared during
Spirit Week with skits, costumes and competitions. Ultimately the juniors were victorious, emerging as the Spirit Week winners, but all enjoyed the week as they celebrated the theme “Everyday Bulldogs.” The highlight of the night was the crowning of homecoming king and queen, Nick Immesberger and Emily May. For additional information, including the upcoming open house hours, visit Berean’s web site at www.bereanwpb.org.
Berean students show their school spirit.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Wellington Sisters’ Bikes For Kidz Charity Gets Pepsi Refresh Grant Anyone who by circumstance ran into energetic twin 17-year-old sisters Laura and Megan Kohner last month likely went out of their way for charity. No, the Wellington girls weren’t asking for cash or sponsorships — just a few clicks of a mouse. The Kohners, juniors at Suncoast High School, convinced enough people to go online and vote for their Bike for Kidz charity to win a $5,000 grant from Pepsi, as part of its Refresh Project. “We registered for the December Pepsi Refresh grant not knowing if our little organization had a chance,” Laura said, “but we were determined to give it our best shot.” The rules were simple: The approved charities that received the most votes on the Pepsi Refresh web site would receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Participants could vote once per day via the Internet, or even by telephone text message. The Kohners — who started Bikes for Kidz with their older
brother Andrew to buy and deliver new bicycles and helmets to needy children they mentor — immediately hit social media sites such as Facebook, as well as their friends and family, for support. The December race for clicks was on. “We communicated with all of the present and past mentors and asked them to vote and to try to get additional voters to vote,” Laura said. “Our current mentors had their families and friends voting. Our past mentors are in college, so they, in turn, got their families and college friends and acquaintances to vote. We asked our friends, school and the entire school district to vote. Basically, we asked anyone we knew to vote.” They were creative. During their family’s holiday vacation to Utah, they were in three airports. Sporting a poster for the cause, they made the rounds of the terminals collecting votes from computer users and smart phone operators worldwide. Andrew, now a soph-
FRADKIN EXPLORES GARDENING AT MOUNTS
omore at Rice University in Houston, got his friends and classmates involved. E-mails asking for support were sent far and wide to just about anyone with whom the girls had ever communicated. “Wherever we went in the month of December, whether was school, the mall, a holiday concert, ski shop or restaurants, we showed people a print-out of the Bikes for Kidz Pepsi Refresh page and asked for votes,” Megan said. “We also supported some of the other causes on Pepsi Refresh and, in turn, we received support from other causes that thought we were a worthwhile organization.” Each day, the standings were updated on the Pepsi Refresh site. Some days were nail-biters. “We were very encouraged to find ourselves competitive when the Pepsi Refresh rankings were first published three days after voting began,” Megan said. “During the month we were ranked as high as 10 and as low as 21 [just out of the money, temporarily]. We were thrilled to end up as No. 14,
with a grant of $5,000 to support the kids of Bikes for Kidz.” Pepsi reported making more than 1,000 grants impacting 1.4 million people. Funds will go toward supporting efforts such as animal rescues, school band uniforms and instruments, a railroad museum, and even the construction of a skate park for specialneeds children. Through fundraisers, grants and sponsorships, Bike for Kidz has presented hundreds of bicycles to elementary school children in impoverished areas since 2008, when it was co-founded by Laura, Megan and Andrew Kohner, as well as then-Suncoast classmate Cody Ellsworth. Originally, the charity promoted education and physical fitness by rewarding children’s literacy efforts. The Kohner sisters have expanded its reach to include mentors from several local high schools and multiple programs including Reading Road Racers, Science Super Stars, Buddies & Bikes for Kidz, and their newest pro-
gram, Buddies & Bikes for Kidz Goes Green. The Pepsi grant, expected to arrive in February, will go a long way toward reaching many more children. “We are thankful for all of those who voted for us and grateful to Pepsi for the opportunity to
serve Title I elementary school children in Palm Beach County,” the girls said. For more information about the organization, visit www.bikesfor kidz.org, e-mail Laura and Megan at bikesforkidz@comcast.net or call (561) 758-4939.
Dangerfield Racks Up Awards At Towson U. Towson University’s junior safety, Jordan Dangerfield of the Colonial Athletic Association champion Tiger football team, has been selected as a member of the 63-man College Sports Journal Football Championship Subdivision All-American team. A graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School, Dangerfield played on the Wildcats football team. A first team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, Dangerfield was also named as an All-
ECAC honoree. Despite missing two games with an injury, he led the Tigers with 93 tackles in ten games. Averaging 9.3 tackles per game, Dangerfield ranked seventh in the CAA. He also ranked second among CAA defensive backs with 93 tackles. “It was truly a blessing when I found out I won all these awards,” Dangerfield said. “It’s an honor to be an All-American. It’s every kid’s dream, and I’m living it.” He didn’t let his injury keep him
MATT PHILMUS EARNS S.F. FAIR SCHOLARSHIP Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach held an Arbor Day celebration on Sunday, Jan. 22. Visitors enjoyed live music, information about native plants and conservation, garden tours including family tours, a seedling give away, and a ceremonial tree planting of the native Florida paradise tree. Mounts offers visitors a chance to see a wide variety of exotic and native plants and trees, and a variety of garden types. Shown above, Wellington resident Talia Fradkin, president of the Chief Tiger Tail Society Children of the American Revolution, learns about vegetable gardens.
Megan and Laura Kohner prepare to give bikes to Palm Beach County Title I elementary school students.
Wellington High School senior Matthew Philmus received a $2,000 scholarship from the South Florida Fair. Being in the top 12 percent of his class, with a 3.86 GPA, Philmus will attend the University of North Florida in the fall. While working part-time, he was still able to contribute nearly 200 hours of community service.
down for very long, and cites his family is what keeps him focused. “The biggest influence thus far I would say is keeping my mother happy and knowing she has a smile on her face, along with my dad smiling down on me,” Dangerfield said. “Also, knowing that my dream is getting closer and closer and time is running out really keeps me motivated.” A two-year starter for the Tigers, he had two interceptions, forced a pair of fumbles and tied for the CAA lead with two fumble recoveries. Dangerfield’s mother, Erica, is naturally his biggest fan. “My excitement starts when I leave to attend Jordan’s games; it starts from home,” she said. “The family’s energy is carried with me from Royal Palm Beach all the way to Towson. The support he gets from us, his former Wildcats teammates and friends fuels his desire. When he sees me, my heart is so elated that he is doing what he loves, playing football and ‘achieving what he believes.’” As a co-captain, Dangerfield was one of the leaders of the Tigers’ turnaround in 2011. He led the Tigers in tackles for the second straight year. In 2010, he made
Jordan Dangerfield 96 tackles in 11 games. “There are not enough words to express how proud I am of Jordan both on and off the field,” his mother said. “He has excelled in his classes, which spilled onto the field. His focus, his desire and his leadership shows each game.” Recruited out of Royal Palm Beach by Hofstra University, Dangerfield transferred to Towson after his freshman season when Hofstra discontinued its football program.
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NEWS
USET’s ‘English Country Evening’ Benefit Raises Over $1 Million On Friday, Jan. 27, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation hosted a benefit event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. With over 500 guests in attendance, “An English Country Evening” featured honorary chairs NBC Today Show host Matt Lauer and his wife, Annette, an avid equestrian. The celebratory evening included award presentations, an elegant dinner and a lively auction, which helped raise over $1 million for the USET Foundation. “An English Country Evening” was held in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, which was transformed into a beautiful English country garden by designer Reed McIlvaine (Renny and Reed), and included an exquisite dinner by Ken Rose catering. USET Foundation President Jane Forbes Clark, trustees Robin Parsky and Bruce Duchossois, and Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins all helped organize the very successful event. Clark kicked off the festivities by honoring the owners and riders that participated in the 2011 Pan American Games, sweeping the medals for the United States. She then welcomed the Lauers, who recognized the guests for their dedication to the sport and the Olympic movement, as the USET Foundation prepares for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Following the opening remarks, the awards ceremony began by
Districts
Rooney, West Shift Seats
continued from page 1 Martin and St. Lucie counties, as well as large portions of northern Palm Beach County. “After much prayer, reflection and discussion with my close friends and family, I am announcing today my decision to seek reelection in Florida’s proposed 18th Congressional District,” West said in a statement. “I have always believed the State of Florida would be best served by having both Congressman Tom Rooney and myself in the House of Representatives working to solve our nation’s most pressing problems.” Meanwhile, there has been speculation that former State Rep. Adam Hasner will run for what is
Master Plan
Marathon Meeting
continued from page 1 determination, adjourning shortly after 6 p.m., set to return at 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning to continue. During discussion on the first item, Flinchum told council members that the addition of two access points between the site and Pierson Road was a corrective action, as they had been there for many years. “We’re just updating the master plan to reflect what already exists,” he said. The master plan change would also allow the property to be divided into three separate tracts and developed separately, Flinchum said. Of the 96 acres, 59 would make up the commercial equestrian arena, while the remaining easternmost parcel, which is owned by a separate party, would remain a polo field. Village Engineer Bill Riebe said it wasn’t clear why the two roads had not been added to the master plan, but he suggested that the property, which sat vacant for many years, might not have come for review. “I don’t know if it was a drafting error when the original master plan was done,” he said. “Typically when the parcels come in … you update the master plan accordingly.” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that Pierson Road was not developed when the master plan for the parcel was created, which was in the early 1970s. “When the Jacobs family purchased the property to the east,” he said, “that was when the road
Charter
School Seeks RPB Approval
continued from page 1 choose to send their kid there. The school is completely funded with public dollars.” The school receives an allocation from the state based on student enrollment, and the same financing that would go to the Palm Beach County School District essentially goes to the
recognizing Gold Medal Club members who have supported the USET Foundation for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Clark then went on to recognize 19-year-old Lucy Davis of Los Angeles, Calif., the recipient of this year’s Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy, which is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2011, Davis set the west on fire, winning four Grand Prix events in a row at HITS Thermal aboard her brilliant mount Nemo 119, and represented the United States at the CSIO Falsterbo as a member of the Nations Cup Squad. The final award was presented to Christine McCrea of East Windsor, Conn., the recipient of the Whitney Stone Cup. The award is presented annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport. McCrea represented the United States on numerous occasions in 2011 with her talented mount, Romantovich Take One, and earned show jumping’s individual gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games with five clear rounds, and contributing to the team gold. After dinner, United States Equestrian Federation President David O’Connor, as well as Clark, took to the microphone to assist Field Ladd, the auctioneer from
Cross Gate Gallery in Lexington, Ky. They began the live auction with a custom oil portrait, donated by Sharon Lynn Campbell, which eventually sold for $22,000. The London Olympics eventing package, donated by JetSet Sports/ CoSport, also brought in $22,000, and a generous bidder claimed the show jumping and dressage package for $155,000. The opportunity to be a character in New York Times best-selling author Tami Hoag’s next novel was also up for grabs, and was sold for $13,000. R. Bruce Duchossois donated a once-in-alifetime trip for two to the Kentucky Derby, which was claimed for $67,500. During the live auction, guests also had the opportunity to bid on an absolutely amazing trip for four to the Cat Cay Island in the Bahamas on a privately owned 80-foot yacht, donated by David Topping, which sold for $55,000. The benefit really started to rock when Bruce Springsteen surprised the guests with a late addition to the live auction. The icon himself initially offered four VIP tickets to any concert in the United States. As bidding continued to rise on this big-ticket item, Springsteen increased the number of passes to eight, 10 and finally 20, and included signed Fender guitars and a personal backstage tour. Two bidders, Hunter Harrison and Tom Tisbo, were hotly contesting the item, and in the end each offered to donate $275,000 to “the team”
for the opportunity to see Springsteen live in concert with their friends and family. “An English Country Evening” proved to be wildly successful for the USET Foundation, thanks to the generosity of the guests and auction donors, and their goal to help fund the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare and compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is the nonprofit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. For more information on the USET Foundation, call (908) 2341251 or visit www.uset.org.
USEF President David O’Connor and USET Foundation President Jane Forbes Clark at the podium.
left of West’s current seat as a Republican. Several Democrats, including former West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, also plan to seek that seat. Rooney said that he would continue to work in the interest of his constituents, many of whom will likely be drawn into the new District 17. “Over the last four years, I have had the honor of representing a large portion of the population of the newly drawn 17th District,” Rooney said in a statement released this week. “The people of this district have always been good to me, and I look forward to representing this region for another two years. I will continue to make sure their calls for a smaller and more responsible government, a strong national defense, a prosperous economy and much-needed private-sector jobs are heard in Washington.” Rooney, who sits on the House
Agriculture Committee and is chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry, said he will continue to be a strong voice for a district that is largely agricultural. “Congressional District 17 will be the largest agricultural district in Florida and one of the largest in the country,” he said, “and the farmers here are among the nation’s leaders in beef and dairy production. A vibrant agricultural industry is not only the backbone of this district, but a key driver of both our state and national economies.” Rooney noted that the decision to run in a new district was not an easy one. “With my current district, Florida’s 16th, essentially cut in half during the redistricting process, I had a difficult decision to make,” he said. “From the bottom of our hearts, Tara and I thank the people of Martin, St. Lucie and Palm
Beach counties for your support and kindness over the last four years. Representing you has truly been an honor and a privilege.” Meanwhile, the new boundaries for West’s current district, as proposed, would move it south and take in much of western Broward County, a change that experts believe could make it a Democraticleaning seat. District 18, however, is expected to trend Republican, though less so than before. West said he hopes to continue the success Rooney had in the district. “Congressman Rooney is a statesman and has been an honorable public servant to the constituents of Florida’s 16th Congressional District,” he said. “It is my goal to continue the success Congressman Rooney has had in Florida’s 16th Congressional District in the newly proposed 18th District.” West, a Tea Party favorite with a national reputation, said he
Rep. Tom Rooney
Rep. Allen West
would continue to work toward his vision, while cutting spending and creating jobs. “I have never wavered from my vision,” he said, “to work to create jobs, restrain federal govern-
ment spending, reduce America’s ever-increasing national debt, and provide for a strong national defense to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.”
was developed to give them access to their property.” The Jacobs family has been a vocal opponent of the project, worried about its impact on their nearby property. Attorney John Shubin, representing the family, told council members that there was not enough information about the project to make an informed decision. “You do not have enough information, enough data and analysis in order for you to adequately make this extremely important decision,” he said. “No matter how you feel about this issue, it’s critical to the future of Wellington.” Shubin asked for a motion to continue the issue to a future meeting, but the council was unanimously against it. Charles Siemon, a planner with Siemon & Larsen in Boca Raton, said he analyzed the proposal and concluded that it would be a detriment to the Wellington Equestrian Preserve. “The access on Pierson [Road] will significantly impact the equestrian preserve area that you all designated by allowing traffic from a major commercial recreation facility to directly access Pierson Road,” he said. A fourth point of access was proposed on South Shore Blvd. However, it would require a secondary driveway at the adjacent Players Club site to be closed before the additional access would be granted, Flinchum said. Opponents noted, however, that the owners of that property had not yet agreed to close their driveway. But Kurtz said that the driveway might not be properly permitted. “There’s the possibility that the village may take steps to close that driveway,” he said, “though
we don’t know if they will come to an agreement. An agreement is always better, but I don’t want to give the impression that the property owner has veto power.” But Councilman Howard Coates pointed out that the two access points on Pierson Road for which approval was being sought had not been properly permitted, either. “We’re being asked to take into account two access points that are clearly not part of the master plan,” he said, “and we’re saying that’s a reason to approve them. Yet, by the same token, you’re saying that the property owner can have forced on him the closing of a drive that also exists. It’s not part of some master plan, but it exists.” Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that the driveway is not necessarily illegal or unpermitted, but may have been permitted by the county before the property was divided up and sold off. “Most likely there is a Palm Beach County driveway permit,” he said. Coates wondered what would occur if the driveway was not closed. Engineer Michael Sexton, representing the applicant Wellington Equestrian Partners, said that there were several options, including connecting internal roads to the existing driveway. “If neither of those became probable,” he said, “we would then reevaluate some of the internal circulation.” But Coates still worried that Wellington might be imposing something on a property that was not involved. He said that if the property owner did not comply, he wanted to see an acceptable traffic flow pattern presented to staff. Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she didn’t feel like anything
was being required of the Players Club property owners. “We’re not forcing anything on [them],” she said. “We are expecting the petitioner to deal with that situation.” During public comment, residents were almost equally divided on the issue. Many said they supported the equestrian elements of the project but were concerned about traffic. Greg Cafaro, the Isles at Wellington HOA president, said that most of the people in his community supported the idea but had concerns about traffic. “I think traffic is tremendously being overlooked here,” he said. Resident Tammie Oatney, who lives in nearby Greenview Cove, said that she was neither for nor against the project but simply concerned about traffic. “Coming out of Greenview Cove, turning left is extremely difficult,” she said. “Even if there’s
not an event going on, there are going to be more seasonal equestrian people coming in. My concern is that no one follows traffic rules. There is going to be an accident. Mark my words.” Willhite said he was also concerned about the added traffic. Wellington traffic consultant Andrea Troutman said that traffic levels meet Wellington’s standards. But Alan Tinter, a traffic engineer with IBI Group, said that the traffic study shows trips were counted only during peak weekday hours, not taking into account special events. “You can’t determine levels of service until you know how much traffic is being generated,” he said. “I believe that the traffic study is fatally flawed and doesn’t give you adequate information. The study you have only looked at about one-third of the traffic that might be generated by this kind of development.”
Conditions on the approval of the measure would require that no events begin or end during peak traffic hours during the week, Troutman said. Site owners would also be required to hire Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies to help direct event traffic. Mayor Darell Bowen said he was in favor of the measure. “I don’t see any reason not to grant access, especially for those that are already there,” he said. Coates made a motion to approve the resolution with the condition that if the Players Club does not agree to close the driveway, a traffic flow pattern be presented to staff. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore seconded the motion, which passed 4-1 with Willhite opposed. Editor’s note: Visit the TownCrier’s web site at www.gotown crier.com for updates to this story after Thursday’s council deliberations.
continued from page 1 Abair, trumpeter Cindy Bradley and vocalist Nicole Henry will perform. “For Friday, I have one backup band, which is going to be playing with a lot of the artists,” Wolfe said. “I have several bands that are coming in with their own equipment. Saturday is the big night.” Saturday will feature conguero/ percussionist Sammy Figueroa with his group, Latin Jazz Explosion. Also, David Pack, former lead singer of the band Ambrosia, will perform, as well as jazz-blues guitarists Jeff Golub and Nick Colionne. Also performing will be bluegrass jazz band Urban Gypsy
of St. Petersburg. More about the show lineup can be found at www.wellingtonjazz.com. Wolfe said he is happy to be hosting the Palm Beach Central bands on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. “I have 125 kids who are also doing a fundraiser,” he said. “We are very, very community-oriented. We love to give back to the community.” Also featured at the event will be artist Kathy Sullivan, who is doing the official artwork for the festival. “She is phenomenal,” Wolfe said. Sullivan’s art, much of which is equestrian-oriented, hangs at many horse tracks and arenas. General admission seating is $40 for Friday night and $60 for Saturday, or both nights for $80. VIP
packages are $100 for Friday and $125 on Saturday; $199 for both days. Next-to-stage tables for 10 with VIP packages including many amenities are available for $2,000. Tickets can be purchased through the Palms West Community Foundation at www.palmswest.com or by calling Gross at (561) 790-6200. Gross is also selling sponsorships and vendor booths. Ticket packages can also be purchased at www.wellingtonjazz. com. The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington.
school to pay for education. Page said his company feels the time is right for a Renaissance school in the area. “There aren’t a lot of these school choice options in the area right now, which is why we have identified it [for a school]. People in the community asked us,” Page said. Page added that he looks forward to getting a favorable zoning commission recommendation, followed by Royal Palm Beach Village Council approval. That will allow construction to begin in March and open in the fall.
“We have everything lined up,” he said. “We’ve done this many times before, so we’re very comfortable that we can start on March 1 and be done in time to move in on the first of August.” The justification statement submitted to the village explains that the Palm Beach County School Board, which determines the need for schools in the county, issued a charter for Renaissance Charter School in October 2011. It will be open to all students who are residents of Palm Beach County. When there are more applicants than openings, enrollment will be
determined by lottery. The impact statement asserts that because the school creates significantly less traffic, usage and public services than a grocery store, it will not create a public hazard, exacerbate any existing public facility capacity or increase public facility demand. Royal Palm Beach Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said village staff is in the process of completing a report on the proposal, but anticipated it would go to the zoning board with a recommendation of approval with several conditions. The application
asks for a special exception to change the zoning from general commercial to public and private academic institution. Meanwhile, the company has already planned meetings to introduce “Renaissance Charter School at Palms West” to the community. According to its web site, information sessions are planned for the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Feb. 8 and Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. For more information about Charter Schools USA, visit www. charterschoolsusa.com or call (866) KIDS-USA.
Jazzfest
Feb. 10-11
Honorary Chairs Matt and Annette Lauer.
Tom Tisbo, Jeannie Tisbo, Bruce Springsteen, Hunter Julo, Hunter Harrison, Kaitlin Creel, Keith Creel and Ginger Creel. PHOTOS COURTESY PHELPS MEDIA GROUP
Blotter continued from page 6 victim said her husband heard the neighbors’ dogs barking at approximately 4 a.m. but did not investigate the cause. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JAN. 31 — A resident of the Gables community called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a large bag of tools. The victim said he found the van door ajar in the morning. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
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NEWS
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS ‘JUMP FOR THE VOTE’ EVENT IN WELLINGTON The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County hosted “Jump for the Vote” Saturday, Jan. 28 at Skydive Palm Beach on Flying Cow Ranch Road in Wellington. League members, along with Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock, jumped from an airplane in order to spread the word about voting. A non-partisan group, the league is encouraging all residents to vote in the crucial elections coming up this year. For more info., visit www.lwvpbc.org. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock and Patty O’Connor of the League of Women Voters get ready to take off.
Debbie Cohn gives a peace sign from the sky.
Patty O’Connor comes in for a landing.
Former League of Women Voters president Kathe Thompson and Debbie Cohn prepare to suit up.
Judith Selzer, vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood of Palm Beach, with Barbara Eriv.
Kathe Thompson waves goodbye.
WYCLIFFE’S PLAY FOR P.I.N.K. FUNDRAISER RAISES BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Wycliffe Country Club hosted its annual Play for P.I.N.K fundraiser Tuesday, Jan. 24. Participants enjoyed a day of golf followed by a luncheon and silent auction, all meant to give back and highlight breast cancer awareness. For more info., visit www.playforpink.org. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Event Chair Judy Fish, co-chair Linda Davis, co-chair Alaine Gorfinkle, keynote speaker Leslie Friedland and Play for P.I.N.K national board member Roberta Server.
Roberta Server, Rheba Golub, Geri Lambert and Leslie Friedland.
The team of Noreen Sperling, Muriel Holland, Wendie Berenson and Roni Sushko took first place.
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©Anne Gittins
Page 22 February 3 - February 9, 2012
the Gallery (a south beach themed pavilion), the Tiki Hut (polynesian beach bar), Tito's Taco's (Mexican food/margaritas).
Many public hospitality pavilions,
Free General Admission. Parking $20 per carload. For reserved or premiere seating, fine dining options, or group sales (10-500 people), call or text Annette Goyette at 561.779.1660 or email annette@equestriansport.com WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM
561.793.5867
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • Wellington, Florida
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Rider Heather Bender Offers Training And Clinics
If you’re looking for a trainer, it’s hard to imagine finding someone better than Heather Bender. She has been riding and training for more than 40 years. At 20, she competed in her first Grand Prix on her own horse — one she’d broken and trained herself. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25
February 3 - February 9, 2012 Page 23
Bronco Basketball Snags 37-36 Win Over WHS
In a close rematch, the Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity basketball t eam edged out a narrow 37-36 win over Wellington High School during a home game Friday, Jan. 27. The Broncos jumped out to an early lead, but by halftime the Wolverines were hot on their tail, matching them basket for basket. Page 37
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business Any Type Of Frame Is Available At Frames America In Kobosko’s Crossing
Specializing in custom framing, Frames America in Wellington can frame just about anything. Owner Michael Gordon has been in business for 19 years and framing is his specialty. Located in Kobosko’s Crossing, Frames America does all types of framing, from artwork to memorabilia. In addition, Frames America provides personalized service to clients by spending time with them, from the design to the final product. Page 29
Sports SRHS Girls Basketball Squad Takes Down Olympic Heights 47-17
Thur sday, Jan. 26 was Senior Night for the Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team. The Hawks hosted Olympic Heights and routed the Lady Lions by a score of 47-17. The Hawk squad paid homage to their five seniors with a big victory before the home crowd. Page 37
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 25-27 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 29-31 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 32 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 37-39 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................42-46
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©Randi Muster
©ManciniPhotos
©Sportfot
©Sportfot
Page 24 February 3 - February 9, 2012
the Gallery (a south beach themed spectator pavilion), the Tiki Hut (polynesian beach bar), Tito'sTaco's (Mexican food/margaritas),
Many public hospitality pavilions,
Free General Admission. Parking $20 per carload. For reserved or premiere seating, fine dining options, or group sales (10-500 people), call or text Annette Goyette at 561.779.1660 or email annette@equestriansport.com WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM
561.793.5867
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • Wellington, Florida
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FEATURES
Top Rider Heather Bender Offers Training And Clinics If you’re looking for a trainer, it’s hard to imagine finding someone better than Heather Bender. She has been riding and training for more than 40 years. At 20, she competed in her first Grand Prix on her own horse — one she’d broken and trained herself. Among other honors, she’s a recipient of the United States Dressage Federation bronze, silver and gold medals, has been a member of several U.S. Equestrian Federation and U.S. Equestrian Teams and was selected to represent the U.S. on Winwood in the 2000 Young Horse World Championships at Arnhem in the Netherlands. Want more? She’s a certified USDF instructor, with more than 20 years of USEF judging, director of American training for the Interagro Lusitano International Collection, and has written or contributed more than 35 dressage articles on training in equestrian publications. How about a recommendation from Olympic rider Carol Lavell? “I’ve known Heather long enough to forget how many years we’ve known each other,” Lavell said. “She’s a really good teacher, well-informed. She has attended many international forums and learned from many different teachers and horses. She can help in so many ways — she’s not stuck in just one rigid system. She knows how to use the right tool at the right time.” Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”
Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg Lavell also likes that Bender tells it like it is. “She’s honest, and will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear,” Lavell said. “She’s kind, creative, knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor — all the things you want in a trainer. She can look at a horse and know what’s needed to ride it better. She understands them right away. If I had a problem horse, I’d bring it to Heather. She does a very good job.” And with all of this, one of her passions is training horses and riders. “I’ve rode all my life,” Bender said. “I grew up riding with my father, Jud Bender, on a ranch in California. I did everything. We followed the rodeo circuit and did trick acts. I stood up on the backs of galloping horses! I’ve done some of everything, and I think this vast background of working with so many different kinds of horses helps me connect better with a wide variety of riders and horses.” There are many different ways to train horses, she explained. “My specialty is training riders and horses who don’t fit the usual mold, the horses who
Rider and trainer Heather Bender in action. are just a bit odd or different and haven’t necessarily read the book,” Bender said. “I can use all my tools and experiences to help get them on the right track. My goal always is to
develop riders into horsemen, not just people who can ride a horse around an arena.” Crucial to that is understanding the horse. See ROSENBERG, page 27
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FEATURES
My Travels Brought Me Face To Face With A Real ‘Hoarder’ Last week, I encountered a hoarder firsthand. I’d seen the TV show Hoarders, where experts come into a person’s home and try to persuade them to clean things up. I recognize that it’s a mental problem, usually initiated by the loss of someone near and dear to them. These people are just trying to hang on to something, to gain some control over their lives. But somewhere along the way, it gets out of hand. Pretty soon, they can’t throw out anything, not even the hair that has accumulated in the bathtub drain. It’s sad. Worse, the next thing that usually happens is that people quit coming to visit them and family members move out. The hoarder is still loved, but there is literally nowhere for anyone to sit and nowhere to make a sandwich. So the loss comes full circle. Instead of losing one person, they are now losing many. But Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER they have to hang onto the stuff. They just have to. The hoarder I met owns a music/antiques shop, and, if you’ve been there once, you’ll never forget it. There are guitars hanging from the ceiling, collectibles stacked 10 feet high and cabinets forming narrow paths everywhere. As a natural-born burrower, I liked it. I’m always hoping to come across some hidden treasure wherever I go. I’m sure the unusual décor is part of this shop’s allure. But I also hope his “no smoking” policy is strictly enforced. I couldn’t find my way out of that maze in full daylight. How the fire department would
save anyone trapped in there is beyond me, especially if the building was filled with smoke. Maybe they’ve given him an ultimatum because he did have a guy in there trying to clean up. These sympathetic cleaner-uppers are the real heroes, even if the hoarder doesn’t think so. Anyway, this poor cleaning guy came over to the owner while we were speaking. “Can I throw this out, boss?” the man asked carefully. He was holding one of those orange insulated coolers that workmen fill with drinking water and tie to the backs of their trucks. “It’s cracked.” He held it up so his boss could examine it, and the cooler was indeed cracked from top to bottom. For any one of us, the answer would have been an immediate “Yes.” But no. “It’s still good!” the owner protested. “There’s no crack inside, is there? The liner is perfect!” Except for the fact that the crucial insulating shield had that large crack, I guess he had a point.
“There’s no lid,” continued the unfortunate worker. I looked again. Yes, flies could get into the water. “So there’s no lid. So what?” the owner demanded. “The spigot is missing,” he continued. It was. And it was filthy. I wouldn’t drink from that thing if my life depended on it. But the owner stood chewing his lip for a full minute, trying to make a decision. Suddenly, perhaps because I was standing there with an incredulous look on my face, he agreed to let it go. “Fine! Throw it out!” “Thank you,” offered his beleaguered helper. But he hadn’t gotten it more than 20 feet down the narrow, cramped, dangerous aisle before the owner shouted out: “Wait! We can store wrenches in it!” This is the personification of the word “hoarder.” And as for his cleanup crewman? That poor guy’s sigh could be heard throughout the store. My heart goes out to them both.
New ‘Alcatraz’ Is A Police Procedural With Tinges Of ‘Lost’ I eagerly awaited the first episode of the new series Alcatraz (Mondays on Fox) simply because it’s from J.J. Abrams, who brought us Lost. The good news is that despite some science fiction elements, it is not as complex as the earlier series — but on the other hand, that is also the bad news. The show is mostly a police procedural with a few science fiction elements that, while interesting, do not yet seem to have a real point. According to the story line, about 50 years ago, roughly 250 of the most dangerous criminals housed at the island prison disappeared along with their guards, and now, one by one, they’re coming back. All of them so far have returned immediately to do their dastardly deeds (which so far seem to include killing people in remarkably different ways) instead of showing any remorse or desire for change. And none so far has seemed to have any problem at all dealing with a very changed world. Earnest young (and attractive) detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones) leads a small group of police charged with bringing the criminals in. She winds up getting involved when her partner dies while chasing one of the new escapees, who turns out to be her grandfather. Why has Rebecca’s grandfather re-
Rosenberg
Heather Bender
continued from page 25 “An all-around horseman should be concerned with the horse’s happiness and understand all aspects of horse care, from basic vet care to proper trailer loading,” Bender said. “And he should be sensitive to the horse’s needs and wants, willing to gallop around now and then, go out on trails. It’s all about making the journey happier, safer and more successful. My clients love their horses and understand that it’s more important to under-
turned, and why has she been told all her life that he was a guard, instead of the truth that he was a prisoner? Even more to the point, why wouldn’t a detective have checked into the whole thing before? Armed with a great hairdo and a willingness to make some arrests, however, she is off and at the old criminals. There are appropriate mysteries: Why did the criminals and guards vanish? Why are they coming back? Why haven’t they aged? Why has mysterious doctor Lucy Banerjee (the wonderful Parminder Nagra from Bend It Like Beckham) who assists the police not aged at all while the man in charge, former police officer and FBI man Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill), has? Why is Sam Neill constantly filmed from
the same angle, slightly bent over with his eyes gleaming as if he were the source of all knowledge? He clearly knows more than anyone else, and he is unwilling to pass along the secrets. Even more to the point, while most of the time he seems to be one of the good guys, there are other times when he seems just about as hard-core nasty as the criminals Madsen captures. He returns them to a modern, hightech version of Alcatraz and demonstrates a strong sadistic streak, similar to that shown in flashbacks of the old warden and his guards. Also, why does it matter that the old warden and guards were nasty people? The brutality shown by Warden Edwin James (Jonny Coyne) and particularly Deputy Warden E.B. Tiller (Jason Butler Harner) is shocking and as nasty as that of the prisoners. Presumably, they’re all dead, although one or more of those characters could possibly return. Once the science fiction elements are ignored, the show becomes a basic procedural and a reasonably good one. Jones is properly determined as the lead investigator, but it is Dr. Diego Soto (Jorge Garcia) who steals the show. He is an expert on Alcatraz for some reason and on a variety of other things,
many of which seem to be completely unrelated to what they’re actually doing (comic books, the Civil War, etc.), but he is an interesting character, one who carries a lot of the plot. Essentially, he’s the Everyman, the guy all the others explain things to so that we understand where they’re going. For a change, a police procedural has a character who hates doing all the nasty things required. So far, the show has worked pretty well. That may be because of the good cast, or it might be that those secrets will turn out to be really interesting. Of course, the secrets on Lost seemed wonderfully complex at the beginning but after the first season began mostly to be irritating. Unlike Lost, however, this show works on an episodic basis; you can miss a show and not lose track of the story since basically it’s one criminal returned per episode. The show has the feel of a good procedural, the benefit of a truly excellent cast (and I dislike the fact that Nagra’s character has been in a coma for a couple of weeks because I really found her fascinating) and some sharp writing that can veer from the standard fare we often face.
stand how their horses behave and feel than to show off a ribbon that they won last week.” Bender is looking forward to showing at this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival, but she is also available to help anyone, regardless of their level or background. She has started a riding school, Treasure Coast Dressage and Equestrian Arts, located at the Martin Downs Equestrian Center in Palm City. It’s geared toward adults, everyone from rank beginners to experienced riders to amateur adults looking to get back into riding or improve their skills. “It’s sort of like an adult club situation,” she said. “It’s hard to find a barn without a thousand kids running around. I focus on building confidence and the overall enjoyment
of horses. We have a really wide range, from complete beginners through Grand Prix level. You won‘t outgrow this program.” Bender also offers monthly clinics on a variety of subjects, a new topic each month, covering all aspects of basic horse care and horsemanship. As she said, it’s not all about riding. “I’m very blessed to have been helped by so many amazing equestrians who have helped me develop who I am today, and to do what I love — ride and teach,” Bender said. For more information, call Bender at (561) 596-1519 or visit www.treasurecoastdressage. com.
Aside from training and competing, Bender now offers monthly clinics.
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler
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HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT
Exercise Is Easier With A Little Help From Your Friends By Lynette Laufenberg Special to the Town-Crier In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, Ultima Fitness wants to encourage you to “Bring a Buddy” to work out with you this month in honor of Valentine’s Day. The guidelines highlight the importance of social support in exercise — and we do, too! Did you know research shows that social support significantly improves one’s enjoyment of and adherence to an exercise routine? Not only does working out with a friend increase the pleasure and stress relief you experience while exercising, but it also pushes you to work out to your full potential. Additionally, if you enjoy your workout, you are far more likely to stick with it. Good social support is vital for good exercise adherence. You must have the backing of your family and
friends if you are going to remain faithful to your exercise program. Your family must be aware that there may be occasions when you will be home late or up early in order to exercise. Your spouse, in particular, must be understanding and accepting of this. Your friends must also be supportive and should try to avoid scheduling events that may interfere with your exercise time. It is up to you to make sure that your family and friends understand how important your exercise program is to you. That way, you can avoid any potential conflicts or distractions that will affect your exercise adherence. If you vocalize your personal goals by sharing them with others in your inner circle, you are far more likely to succeed. Depending on your personal preference, exercising with others can greatly improve your exercise adherence. This can be either by taking part in group exercise classes or by
having a training partner. A training partner can be a personal trainer, a friend, older child, or someone you just met at the gym who works out around your time and is about the same fitness level as you. Having a regularly scheduled exercise time, at which others are depending on you, is an excellent way of ensuring that you maintain high exercise adherence. If you have arranged to exercise with a personal trainer or training partner, you are more likely to keep that appointment rather than miss it and let someone else down. Having a training partner keeps you honest. Knowing that you will let someone else down, in addition to yourself, by missing a workout session, is very good motivation for high exercise adherence. We are almost always more accountable to somebody else than we are to ourselves. Not feeling so creative? The same is true if you take part in a group
exercise class. Just bring a friend to one of our group workshops or classes. There, the two of you can experience a fun, exciting workout with one of our certified group fitness instructors. Check our web site for the current class schedule at www.ultimafitness.com. If you miss a class, you normally have to explain the reason for your absence to others. The feeling of being held accountable is often enough to maintain high exercise adherence, which is the desired outcome. Exercising with others is something to consider if you feel that you may not adhere to your exercise program if you workout alone. So grab a pal, a relative, a neighbor, your partner, or even a co-worker and come to Ultima Fitness. Bring a buddy to Ultima this month and receive a complimentary one-week pass on us for each of you. Lynette Laufenberg is a certified
Lynette Laufenberg personal trainer at Ultima Fitness/ Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness.com.
Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington
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BUSINESS NEWS
Frames America owner Michael Gordon with sales associate Roberta Stern. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Any Type Of Frame Available At Frames America In Wellington By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Specializing in custom framing, Frames America in Wellington can frame just about anything. Owner Michael Gordon has been in business for 19 years and framing is his specialty. After years selling frames and artwork at flea markets in Delray Beach, Gordon decided it was time to start his own business, and opened up his first location in West Palm Beach. In 2007, Gordon opened his second location in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza in Wellington. He later closed the West Palm Beach location. For Gordon, Kobosko’s Crossing was a better location. “This is much closer to my home, and is in a more affluent area,” he explained. “So we took a shot, and we have been here ever since.” Frames America does all types of framing, from artwork to memorabilia. “We frame everything from grandma’s lace napkins to jerseys — even baby booties,” Gordon said. “So basically, anything that needs to be framed, we do.” There are more than 6,000 samples of frame styles available in the store for viewing. The frames come from suppliers from around the world, from Italy to Brazil. “If you can’t find it here, that means it doesn’t exist,” Gordon said. Frames America provides personalized service to clients by spending time with them, from the design to the final product. Gordon or his sales associate Roberta Stern will assist clients in finding the right frame that will match their decor or style. With so many different styles to choose from, choosing the right frame takes time.
“We have modern styles, traditional, artdeco, and they all come in a bricolage of frame colors and designs,” Gordon said. “There is something to fit everyone’s taste.” Frames America offers many types of custom framing services such as fancy mats, French lines and cutouts. “Everything is done in house by me, and we don’t send anything out,” Gordon said. He spends time with each client to fully understand what they want, and has built longlasting relationships with his clients over the years. “Our clients really appreciate our personal service,” he said. “I could spend three hours with somebody. Whatever it takes to get them what they want.” Some of Gordon’s clients order from as far as New York City because they fully trust his expertise. “They just trust my design, and that is really where our reputation is, on our design,” he said. Frames America typically takes two weeks to get things framed. Gordon works diligently to get the product out to the customer as soon as possible. “We like to tell the clients two weeks, but it could take a little more or a little less depending on what they are getting framed,” he said. According to Gordon, Frames America remains focused on its craft as a framing shop in order to provide the best quality service and product. “We are a frame shop, and this is what we do,” he said. “We are not going to spread ourselves thin by doing all kinds of other things. This is what I know, and this is what I do well.” Frames America is located at 9308 Forest Hill Blvd. in Kobosko’s Crossing. For more information, call (561) 790-1777.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Palms West Chamber, Foundation Partner With Mason Phelps
Mason Phelps
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Palms West Community Foundation checked off an important New Year’s resolution in January. The two organizations have announced a new partnership with the Wellington resident and equestrian, Mason Phelps Jr. “One of our top resolutions for the new year was to grow our equestrian presence and to become a stronger voice
in advocating for the industry that delivers $185 million of economic impact to Palm Beach County,” Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said. “In order to accomplish that goal, we needed a great volunteer leader, and Mason was on top of that list. We are extremely pleased that both he and his organization are on board to help us achieve our goal.” Over the past decade,
Phelps and his public relations firm, Phelps Media Group International, have established a large, equestrianbased network that reaches all over the world. Phelps Media Group is recognized as one of America’s most successful equestrian public relations firms. Phelps has recently become a trustee of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, and he brings with him a vast
WRMC Welcomes Chief Nursing Officer Wellington Regional Medical Center and its parent company, Universal Health Service of King-of-Prussia, Pa., have announced the appointment of Michelle Epps as chief nursing officer. With more than 20 years of combined clinical and administrative experience for both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals, Epps comes to Wellington Regional Medical Center most recently from Rockdale Medical Center in Conyers, Ga., where she served as vice president of
nursing/chief nursing officer. Prior to this appointment, Epps served with Tenet Healthcare of South Florida. In her position with Wellington Regional Medical Center, Epps will provide senior administrative leadership, ensuring that all nursing standards of practice, performance and service levels are consistent with professional and corporate standards. Epps earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in nurs-
ing at the University of Phoenix. She has served as a nursing instructor at the University of Central Florida and as a legal nursing consultant. “I am happy to be part of the Wellington Regional family, where the focus is on a culture of patient safety and ongoing performance improvement,” Epps said. “I enjoy working with our team of dedicated and caring nurses who provide high quality health care in an environment of caring and compassion.”
Michelle Epps Epps and her husband, Norman, reside in the Wellington community.
range of knowledge and talent that will strengthen one of the area’s largest chambers. “We are so pleased to have Mason Phelps join us as a trustee,” Miranda said. “The insight into the equestrian industry that he brings to our organization is invaluable, and we are looking forward to including him in our list of major stakeholders of the organization.” As is his nature, Phelps has jumped on board at the Palms West Chamber with both feet. One of the first projects that Phelps has offered to assist with is helping with the chamber’s equestrian committee. “Over the past few months, we have been forming an equestrian committee to better address the needs of the equestrian industry here in the western communities,” said Maureen Gross, director of development for the Palms West Community Foundation. “Now, with Mason’s knowledge and network, our equestrian committee will blossom and become a viable, strong alliance for the equestrian community.”
Phelps will also help tackle some of the philanthropic projects of the Palms West Community Foundation, the non-profit arm of the chamber. One of these projects will be assisting in the development of an Equestrian Visitors Center, as part of the new Palms West Chamber building located on Southern Blvd. “I am looking forward to helping the Palms West Community Foundation in their efforts and to having the opportunity to help them grow as a philanthropic organization in the western communities,” Phelps said. “Mason Phelps and his public relations firm Phelps Media Group International are such a great addition to our chamber and our foundation,” Gross said. “He brings the talent and expertise that will certainly strengthen both organizations. We are all looking forward to a wonderful partnership.” For more about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, visit www.palmswest.com or call (561) 790-6200.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Diesti’s Beauty Room Open At Eclipse Salon In Wellington The mother-daughter team of Claudia and Monica Diesti are bringing a private salon experience unlike any other to South Florida. Seeing its completion in December, the posh Beauty Room, located inside the Eclipse Salon and Spa in Wellington, comes with all the amenities and leaves nothing to be desired. The room screams fashion from top to bottom with its cherry wood floors, sleek flush-mounted stations, each with 19-inch monitors equipped with DVD and satellite. The Beauty Room is set apart with its own private waiting area, where a dedicated assistant greets clients, preparing them for Claudia while serving beverages, wine and snacks. Beauty Room services are divided between two service groups. The first includes the more commonly requested and affordable services in which the Beauty Room has two clients at any given time. But for certain clients requiring something more exclusive and private, Claudia offers the VIP Experience. The VIP Experience is an a-la-carte concierge, ultra-luxury salon service. Clients who book this service start with the option of being chauffeured to and from their location in a stunning Land Rover with a full digital entertainment system. Once they
Claudia and Monica Diesti. arrive, it only gets better, as they are escorted to the Beauty Room where it’s just them and Claudia. From there, clients enjoy complimentary hand massages and paraffin wax treatments, scented neck warmers and their choice of the latest movies and runway shows. During their stay, clients have the option of the best food Wellington has to offer: vegan
or vegetarian, sushi, crepes, seafood, steaks and more. “I wanted to be able to offer this type of service to the many celebrities and socialites in the Palm Beach County area,” Claudia said. “My concept was, ‘if you want it, you get it!’ I even had the walls sounddampened so that if a client receives a private call, there’s no need to
A view of the Beauty Room inside Eclipse Salon and Spa. leave the chair, as the pocket door can be closed, giving them all the privacy they need, this way the Beauty Room can cater to all, from soccer moms to celebrities.” Throughout the Beauty Room, Claudia pays gentle homage to the designer who influenced her work the most, the late Gianni Versace, with stunning Versace accents and
a dedication plaque in the waiting area. “No matter what service a client is in for, I wanted something clean and classic, this way they know they’re going to enjoy something special,” Claudia said. Eclipse Salon is located at 3975 Isles View Drive in Wellington (off Lake Worth Road). For an appointment, call (561) 632-5425.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show Feb. 17-21 In WPB One of the most anticipated events of the season, the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will make its annual return to the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Presidents Day weekend, Feb. 1721. With the collections of more than 180 international exhibitors to choose from, the 2012 show will boast a stunning selection of art, antiques and jewelry and will draw tens of thousands of private collectors, museum curators, investors and interior designers who are eager to view and purchase some of the most unique and coveted treasures in the world. Items at the show will span every genre, including fine art, antique and estate jewelry, furniture, porcelain, Asian art, American and European silver, glass, textiles, sculpture and more, ranging from the antiquities to the 20th century. Guests will have access to aisle after aisle of extraordinary collections offered by returning exhibitors such as Arader Galleries, Betteridge Jewelers, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Danish Silver, Druck-
er Antiques, Fred Leighton, French Country UK, Gavin Spanierman, Hancocks, Hyland Granby Antiques, Lillian Nassau, M.S. Rau Antiques, Macklowe Gallery, Mark J. West, Michael Pashby Antiques, T.K. Asian Antiquities and Vallejo Gallery. New exhibitors this year include 20th Century Designs, Antedilubian, Cedric Dupont Antiques, Chris Beetles, Edward and Deborah Pollack Fine Art, Essex Global Trading, J.M. Stringer Gallery of Fine Art, Janice Paull, Michael Goedhuis, Nick & Martine Boston Antiques, Saddle River Gallery, Samuel Saidian & Sons, Sylvia Powell Decorative Arts, Tri State Antiques and the Estate Collection. “What makes this year’s Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show so unique is the amount of high-caliber exhibiting dealers and the diversity of the art, antiques and jewelry that they bring,” said Scott Diament, president and CEO of the Palm Beach Show Group. An exclusive opening-night pri-
vate preview evening benefiting the Hope for Depression Research Foundation will kick off the show on Friday, Feb. 17. The Hope for Depression Research Foundation was founded in April 2006 by Audrey Gruss in memory of her mother, Hope, who suffered from clinical depression. A highlight of this year’s show will be the “Hope Designer Showcase,” curated by AD100 interior designer Scott Snyder. The exhibit will feature five room vignettes created by Snyder and other top interior designers, including Geoffrey Bradfield, Jim Aman and John Meeks, Bruce Bierman and Campion Platt. The designers will utilize fine art, furniture and decorative accessories from exhibitors in the show to create beautiful spaces that exemplify how antiques integrate into today’s lifestyles. Further enhancing the show, a daily educational lecture series will feature industry experts offering their extensive knowledge on a variety of captivating topics. Free and
Some of the pieces at the Gallery Peter Hardt booth. open to the public, the lectures will be headlined by industry experts such as Edward Faber of Aaron Faber Gallery New York and John Atzbach of John Atzbach Imperial Russian Antiques & Art. Show hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday,
Feb. 18-20; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Tickets cost $15 daily and $25 for a four-day pass. For more information, visit www.palmbeach show.com or contact Palm Beach Show Group Director of Public Relations Chrissy Lambert at (561) 8225440.
Actor’s Rep To Present ‘Life & Times Of Zora Neale Hurston’ Returning by popular demand to Actor’s Rep after her recent run of Bridge and Tunnel, Karen Stephens will present the one-woman show Loquacious and Bodacious: The Life and Times of Zora Neale Hurston, a play about the author and colorful Florida icon. It will run Feb. 1019 with a preview performance Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. The show was penned by the late Bhetty Waldron (who portrayed Zora for Actor’s Rep in 2002) in co-
creation with actor/director/teacher Bob Carter. It received great reviews in past runs at Zorafest in Fort Pierce and the former Cuillo Center. “I found Loquacious and Bodacious to be the authentic Zora Neale Hurston,” said Robert E. Hemenway, author of Zora Neale Hurston: A Literary Biography. “She comes alive in all her splendor. After seeing this play, you understand completely why this literary genius had the map of Florida on her tongue.”
Hurston (1891-1960) grew up in the all-black township of Eatonville, Fla. Her happy early childhood was shattered when her mother passed away and her father remarried. Following Howard University and a Barnard College graduate degree, Hurston began her writing career. It was the 1920s, and she was among the group of gifted and prolific black artists, musicians and other talent who were part of New York’s Harlem Renaissance at that time. Her
writings show her struggles, how color can liberate and imprison all at once, how genius can or cannot be born, and how womanhood can both adorn and strangle a life. Waldron once said of the play, “You’ll take with you the determination to follow your own dreams. You’ll walk out much taller, because the wind at your back is imbued with the spirit of this unforgettable woman.” Loquacious and Bodacious
opens Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. at the Actors Workshop & Repertory Co. (1009 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach). The remaining performances will play Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a closing performance Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.boxof ficetickets.com, www.actorsrep.org or by calling the box office at (561) 833-7529 one hour before curtain. For more information, contact Bob Carter at (561) 301-2588.
P.B. Dramaworks Presents ‘The Pitmen Painters’ Feb. 17 Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, continues its 12th anniversary season with Lee Hall’s play The Pitmen Painters on Friday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. at the company’s brand-new Don & Ann Brown Theatre at 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Specially priced preview performances are slated for Feb. 15 and 16 with regularly scheduled curtain times through March 11. From the writer of Billy Elliot comes the triumphant true story of a group of British miners who discover a new way to express themselves and unexpectedly become artworld sensations. On a quest for self-improvement, five underground working men enroll in an art appreciation course. Soon they find their talents being recognized by the press and wealthy patrons alike, creating questions of social, economic, political and personal struggles in 1930s England. The Pitmen Painters takes the audience on an unforgettable journey where individual expression flourishes and the collective spirit prevails. The Pitmen Painters debuted in London to sold-out audiences before
transferring to Broadway in 2010. The Pitmen Painters will be directed by Dramaworks’ resident director J. Barry Lewis and will feature Kim Cozort, Dennis Creaghan, Rob Donohoe, Joby Earle, Betsy Graver, Colin McPhillamy, Declan Mooney and John Leonard Thompson. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Erin Amico, lights designed by Ron Burns and sound designed by Matt Corey. Hall is an acclaimed English playwright best known for his screenplay and theatrical adaptation of the Oscar-nominated film and Tony Award–winning musical Billy Elliot. One of his earliest works, Spoonface Steinberg, originally written for BBC radio, won him instant critical praise. Political and social themes are often explored in Hall’s plays, introducing unfamiliar characters to audiences and highlighting the extraordinary of ordinary lives through wit and “razor-sharp humor.” The Dramaworks season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including Master Harold… and the Boys by Athol Fugard
(April 6-29) and Proof by David Auburn (May 25 through June 17). The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Individual tickets cost $55 for all performances. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Dramaworks’ new Don & Ann Brown theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. For additional information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www.palmbeach dramaworks.org.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Seminole Ridge Basketball Girls Best Olympic Heights 47-17 By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report Thursday, Jan. 26 was Senior Night for the Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team. The Hawks hosted Olympic Heights and routed the Lady Lions by a score of 47-17. The Hawk squad paid homage to their five seniors with a big victory before the home crowd. The five seniors were introduced before the start of the game, and walked out with their parents as the crowd listened to their parting words echo across the gymnasium. Honored were seniors Julia Bunting, Katie Macomber, Meredith Burow, Sasha
Mayne and Jen McGrory. The first quarter of the contest was all defense and missed shots. As the period came to a close, the Lions led 3-2. The lead would be brief, as the Lady Hawks rallied and never looked back, taking a 19-8 lead into halftime. The Seminole Ridge defense was relentless in shutting down Olympic Heights to a singledigit score at the halfway point. The Hawks’ defense managed to continue its dominating performance, shutting out the Lions in the third quarter, while the offense orchestrated a convincing 39-8 lead. Seminole Ridge tallied 28 secondhalf points and held Olympic
Heights to just 9 points in the fourth quarter. In the third period, the Seminole Ridge coaching staff played all five of the seniors together to finish out the quarter. Top performers were McGrory with 12 points, 10 rebounds and three steals; Macomber with 6 points and three blocks; Mayne with 7 points and three steals; Kate O’Hara with 11 points and one 3-pointer; and Kelli Lees with 6 points, one 3-pointer and three steals. The Lady Hawks played Park Vista on Thursday, Feb. 2 in the district semifinals, but the score was not available by press time.
Hawk Katie Macomber blocks a shot by Stephanie Balen.
Seminole Ridge’s Meredith Burow leaps to intercept a pass.
Hawks Julia Bunting and Jen McGrory seal off Denisha Huff.
Seminole Ridge’s Sasha Mayne runs the ball around Olympic Heights’ Stephanie Balen. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
Bronco Basketball Team Edges Out Wellington For 37-36 Win By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report In a close rematch, the Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity basketball team walked away victorious after edging out a narrow 3736 win over crosstown rival Wellington High School during a home game Friday, Jan. 27. The Broncos jumped out to an early lead, but by halftime the Wolverines were hot on their tail, matching them basket for basket.
Both teams were evenly matched with neither scoring for several minutes. Palm Beach Central scored first, with about six minutes left in the first quarter. Then Sam Auguste went to the foul line to add another point for the Broncos, making the score 3-0. Auguste followed that up with another 2-point basket and, after a subsequent foul, another point to pull ahead 6-0. Mike Margiotta put in the first basket for the Wolverines with about
Palm Beach Central’s Sam Auguste goes up for a rebound. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
five minutes left in the quarter, and Kemar Downer added another basket to make the score 6-4. The two teams continued to score, finishing the first quarter 12-10. A.J. Lowe kicked off the second quarter for Palm Beach Central with a 2-point basket, and Auguste added the night’s first 3-point basket to extend the Broncos’ lead 17-10. Wellington sent several Palm Beach Central players to the line in the second quarter, giving them free points. Baskets by K.C. McDermott, Auguste and Lowe added to the Broncos’ score. Meanwhile, Stephane Beneche and Max Kassel added points for the Wolverines to finish the half 2522. Both teams came into the second half fired up and determined to score. But each team also fought to hold the other back, resulting in fewer baskets at the end of the game. Though Wellington tried to overtake Palm Beach Central, the Broncos managed to narrowly come out on top, finishing the game 37-36. Wellington hosted Cardinal Newman High School on Thursday, Feb. 2, but results were not available at press time. The Broncos travel to Pahokee High School on Friday, Feb. 3 for a 7:30 p.m. game.
Wellington’s Alex Peavler intercepts a pass.
Bronco Gerald Milligan looks to pass.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
WILDCATS SENDING THREE Good Week For Wellington Wrestlers The Wellington Wrestling team WEIGHTLIFTERS TO STATE captured two medals at the Palm
The Royal Palm Beach High School Lady Wildcats weightlifting team is sending three student athletes to the state competition this year, after qualifying at the district/regional meet held Saturday, Jan. 28 at Wellington High School. Brianne Cook placed second in her division with a combined 235 pounds. Jenna Bellach and Amber Jean Louis each placed third in their respective divisions, with Bellach having a combined 240 pounds, and Jean Louis totaled 205 pounds. The FHSAA Girls Weightlifting Tournament will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Kissimmee Civic Center. Shown above are Bellach, Cook and Jean Louis.
Beach County Wrestling Tournament held over the Jan. 21-22 weekend. Senior Collin Bachi (152 pounds) pinned his way to the finals of his weight class and wrapped up the championship with an 8-1 win in the finals. Senior Juan Ferro (126) placed fourth and finished with a 3-2 record at the tournament. Both Wellington wrestlers are captains of the team and have placed at every tournament so far this season. “These were two great performances by our team captains,” coach Travis Gray said. “Collin Bachi came in as the No. 4 seed in his bracket and really was never challenged in the tournament. Juan Ferro was an unseeded wrestler and is a first-year varsity wrestler. Both wrestlers are really working hard and focused now on their goal of qualifying for the state tournament.” The Wolverine wrestling team fin-
Senior wrestlers Eric Melamed, Chris Burk, Tim Skaryd, Eddie Rivera, Juan Ferro, Collin Bachi and Alec Diaz. ished its dual team portion of the season Wednesday, Jan. 26 with wins by both the junior varsity and varsity teams over Sebastian River High School. The junior varsity improved to 54 this season with a 36-12 win and
the varsity improved to 19-9 with a 44-27 victory. It was also senior night, so the seven senior wrestlers and their parents were recognized for their years of hard work and dedication to the sport.
Wycliffe Stickball League Ceremony Feb. 7 The Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball League will host its 10th annual Hot Dog, Egg Cream and Hall of Fame induction ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Wellington Village Park, as well
as games for week 11. Hot dogs and egg creams will be served from noon to 2 p.m., with the induction ceremony from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Wellington Village Park is located at 11700 Pierson Road. RSVP to Marty Ross at wycliffestiffs@ aol.com or Harry Klaff at hsktax@ aol.com.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Royal Palm Bassmasters Hold Tourney On Lake Okeechobee Royal Palm Bassmasters held its monthly fishing tournament Sunday, Jan. 15 out of Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee. First place was awarded to the team of Dennis Veclotch (boater) with five fish weighing 16 lbs., 9 oz. and partner Jeff Helms (nonboater) with two fish weighing 3 lbs. for a total team weight of 19 lbs., 9 oz. Second place was awarded to the team of Darrell Waite (boater) with three fish weighing 9 lbs., 10 oz. and partner Hoot Decker (coangler) with four fish weighing 5 lbs., 13 oz., for a team weight of 15 lbs., 7 oz. Third place was awarded to the team of Rick Eaton (boater) with five fish weighing 9 lbs., 10 oz., and partner Herman Parker (co-angler) with five fish weighing 5 lbs., 9 oz.,
for a team weight of 15 lbs., 3 oz. The Big Fish winner of the tournament was Punk Duff, with a bass weighing 7 lbs., 13 oz. Royal Palm Bassmasters meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members. Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing. For more information about the Royal Palm Bassmasters, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com or visit www.royalpalmbassmasters.org. Shown here are first-place winner Dennis Veclotch (left), secondplace partner Hoot Decker (center) and Big Fish winner Punk Duff (right).
Sem Ridge Wrestlers Take Bronze In County, Gold At Home The Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team finished third out of 22 schools at the Palm Beach County Championships held Jan. 20-22. Even though only six Hawk wrestlers placed, most of the oth-
ers scored points to contribute to the total team score of 157.5 points. The school would like to congratulate the following wrestlers for their place finishes at the tournament: fourth-place finishers Lo-
gan Broberg, Sam Hargesheimer and Cody Lasagna; second-place finishers Trace Thome and Scott Watson; and Pierce Beaubien, who earned top honors as Palm Beach County champion. The Seminole Ridge team won
its own invitational dual meet Jan. 25, trampling all opponents. The Hawks defeated Clewiston High School 76-6, Glades Central High School 72-12, Lake Worth High School 80-0, Palm Beach Lakes High School 84-0 and Royal Palm
A WITH
&
Beach High School 54-10. Seminole Ridge wrestlers going 5-0 in the tournament were Thome, Beaubien, Logan, Watson, Ryan Artilles, Troy Artilles, Zach Hallmann, Hargesheimer, Nick Keller and Rigo Salguero.
Taste of the Mediterranean
AAA TRAVEL
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
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YOU’RE INVITED
oin AAA Travel at a special wine tasting event and meet Holland America Line representative Barbara Farenwald. Learn all about exclusive AAA Vacations Cruises in the Mediterranean with Holland America Line while tasting some of the fine wines of Europe.
Monday, February 13, 2012 6:30pm Total Wine & More Shoppes at Isla Verde, 960 South SR-7 Village of Wellington, FL 33414
SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND: www.AAA.com/Wellington (click on event date in the “Events” calendar)
AAA Travel Wellington 561-357-3475
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, Feb. 4 • Arenus Green Week will continue Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4 and 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. Arenus, a horse nutrition company, is partnering with Whole Foods Market and others to raise equestrian awareness about being sustainable with people, horses and the earth. Come pick up eco-friendly barn tips, free organic carrots, sample green drinks, and learn about sustainable horse care at the Arenus booth. For more info., visit www.arenus.com. • Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • Royal Palm Beach will host its fifth annual Kids Garage Sale on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park (1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Items include infant goods, clothing, toys and kids athletic gear at great prices. For more info., call (561) 790-4159. • Horizon Pool and Patio (12785-A Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Plaza) will offer Pool School, a free service to the community, on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. The topic will be “Variable Speed Pumps.” Learn how some pool owners have saved enough money to pay for their monthly pool service. RSVP to (561) 790-0665. • Scott’s Place barrier-free playground in Wellington will host Valentine Story Time on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. featuring professional stor yteller Linda Spitzer. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will resume “Saturday Morning Story Time” for age 2 and up on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10:15 a.m. Sing, dance and read with staff members every Saturday morning in February. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Beginning Chess” for age 8 and up and adults on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 2:30 p.m. Be introduced to the pieces and basic moves. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. • Wellington’s annual Father Daughter Dance will take place Saturday, Feb. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road) for dads and daughters ages 5 to 14. The cost is $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional tickets may be purchased for $20 per resident and $25 per non-resident. For more info., call (561) 791-4005. • The Gold Coast Derby Grrls of Fort Lau-
derdale/Miami will compete against the Tucson Roller Derby on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Palm Beach Skate Zone (8125 Lake Worth Road). Tickets can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com. Kids under 12 get in free. For more information, contact Carnivorous Licks at (954) 830-0018 or goldcoastderbygrrls@yahoo.com. Sunday, Feb. 5 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will feature the Ylvisaker Cup Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 5. Visit www.internationalpolo club.com for more info. • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “BBQ, Blues & Brews” on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the garden. The food truck frenzy will return to Mounts Botanical Garden with authentic, innovative, gourmet cuisine. Listen to live blues music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. There is a $5 entrance donation. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org. • The Rare Species Conservatory Foundation’s sixth annual wildlife art show “Wild Things!” will take place Sunday through Tuesday, Feb. 5-7 at Pferdekamper Studio (14281 Collecting Canal Road, Loxahatchee Groves). An opening reception Feb. 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. will feature live art demonstrations, animal interactions, music and food provided by Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club. Award-winning artists from around the country will gather to present original art inspired by nature. Call (561) 7905864 or visit www.rarespecies.org for info. Monday, Feb. 6 • The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Feb. 6 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The business meeting will start at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m. presented by Dr. Joe Schaefer of the University of Florida Extension Service. Guests are welcome and there is no admission fee, but seating is limited. RSVP to Jayne at (561) 791-0273. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Simple Seasonal Origami” for age 8 and up Monday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Writers Live: Tim Dorsey” for adults Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. This best-selling Florida novelist will talk about his new book Pineapple Grenade. A book See CALENDAR, page 41
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 signing will follow. To pre-regist er, visit www.pbclibrary.org/writerslive. • Beginning Monday, Feb. 6, Community of Hope Church will offer a free 13-week DivorceCare Series on Mondays at 7 p.m. For more information, or to register, call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com. Tuesday, Feb. 7 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Book It!” for age 5 and up Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Make a different homemade-style book each Tuesday in February. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature Crochet Club for ages 8 to 12 on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Learn basic skills and socialize. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). For info., call (561) 793-2418 or visit www.loxahatchee groves.org. Wednesday, Feb. 8 • The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel (4431 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens). Networking will be from 6 to 6:30 p.m. followed by the dinner and program. The cost is $30 and guests are welcome. The speaker will be Jacqueline Whitmore of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. To RSVP, call Dottie Smith at (772) 341-2823 or Sharon Maupin at (561) 329-4485. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. This is a fun family story time in English and Spanish. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “All Hands On: Valentine’s Day Crafts” for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 9 at
2 p.m. Make and take woven paper hearts and felt for tune cookies. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. Thursday, Feb. 9 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Mo Willems Storytime” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Celebrate beloved storyteller Mo Willems with stories, songs and a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Jewelry Making Class for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Nor ton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., WPB) will host the DJ German Garcia Band as part of “Art After Dark” on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Advisory Group meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. Friday, Feb. 10 • A Pokeeno Ladies Group meets on the second Friday of each month in Wellington, rotating among the players’ homes. For more info., contact Rober ta at (561) 790-7328 or philmus9@comcast.net. • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Militar y Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Stories in the Garden: Bees” on Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. in the Mounts Pavilion. This free program is targeted for children ages 2 to 5, and includes story time, a garden exploration and crafts. Call (561) 233-1757 to RSVP. For more info., visit www.mounts.org. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Duct Tape Roses” for ages 10 to 15 on Friday, Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Make a rose out of colored duct tape and give it to someone on Valentine’s Day. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington Idol semifinals and finals are set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for info. • Saddle Up for Jazzfest Wellington will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-11 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington) featuring major performers from the world of jazz. For more info., visit www.wellington jazzfest.com. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
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Legal Notice No. 554
WILLIAM J. PENNYPACKER Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 2-3-12
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation T utors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666
STOP SMOKING HYPNOSIS Sherri Austin, Certified Hypnotist 561-247-1116 HypnosisWithSherrie.com
DRIVERS! DRIVERS! DRIVERS! Drivers wanted for Wellington Cab. Retirees welcome. Cleaning Driving Record. Call 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490
Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of: ACREAGE POP WARNER STEELERS
Located at: FOR THE ACREAGE SPORTS ASSOCIATION County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith
WE BUY YOUR OLD & BROKEN GOLD — diamond, & silver jewelry, coins, silverware, flat-ware, etc. Wellington Green Mall. CR Jewelers (outside Aeropost ale) 561-753-1313
PIZZANO’S PIZZA — Looking for mature person for delivery. Please apply in person. Must own vehicle and have auto insurance. 561-7902345 Apply at: 601 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 DYNAMIC EDUCATION BUSINESS Need Part-Time Executive Assist ant in Palms West Area. Must be Quite Computer Literate with Good People Skills. Fax 561-828-8128 or Email: ClubZtutoring@WPB3331980.com
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NAIL TECHS — Experienced clients waiting - full-time & part-time. Apply at Permanent Elegance7070 Seminole Pratt,Loxahatchee 561790-5777 IMMEDIATE OPENING — Busy Wellington CPA office. Need FullTime Administrative Assistant. Light Bookkeeping experience required. Quickbooks experience helpful. Fax Resume & Salary Requirements to 561-790-6830
RENTAL TO SHARE — Traveling adult male willing to share 2/2 apt. 5 minutes to horse and polo grounds. Washer/Dryer and Amenities included $1,200 mo. Nonsmoker please. 808-489-3989 ROOM FOR RENT ACREAGE — $500 per month. Private Room & Bath in 3 bedroom Home. Kitchen & Laundry facilities. 2 acre yard. 561-352-1213
HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream. Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly
WELLINGTON’S EDGE HUGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, February 11th 8 a.m. - Noon 10851 W. Forest HIll Blvd. Across from Buca di Beppo Something for Everyone!
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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
I AM A PROFESSIONAL CNA — FL License w/ ‘level 2’ security; hosp i tal & private experience. Wellington Resident 561-531-4179
CALL THE TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS TODAY AT 561-793-7606 MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782
THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh
TNT LAWN CARE — Hedges & yard clean-up, Quality & Dependable Service. 561-644-8683
ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811. State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796
HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing. State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
Februar y 3 - February 9, 2012 Page 43
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 CALL THE TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS T ODAY AT 561-793-7606 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
NATIVE SPEAKER — Affordable. Translations and tutoring. Lessons tailored to your level (beginner to advanced) Lilly H. 561-248-1786
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
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
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
PLACE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AD HERE! CALL THE TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS TODAY AT 561-793-7606
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This Week at The Four Arts On Display Through Sunday, April 15 Recapturing the Real West:The Collections of William I. Koch • $5 • (561) 655-7226 On Display All Season Florida’s Wetlands • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Ongoing Campus on the Lake Class Yogalates with Rassika Sabine Bourgi • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Sunday, February 5 at 2:30 p.m. Western Film Festival: Cowboys and Outlaws:The Real Lonesome Dove Cowboys and Outlaws:The Real McCoy • Not rated • No charge • (561) 655-7226 Monday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Children’s Library Story Time: Western Day • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Tuesday, February 7 at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, February 8 at 11 a.m. Book Discussion:The Clockwork Universe: Isaac Newton, the Royal Society, and the Birth of the Modern World by Edward Dolnick • No charge • (561) 655-2766 Tuesday, February 7 at 6 p.m. Workshop: Living with Flowers with John Klingel AAF, AIFD, PFCI Wine and Roses at The Four Arts – A Special Evening Event of Bubbly and Blossoms $60 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Wednesday, February 8 at 2:30 p.m. Garden Club Speaker:The Development of Patterns, An Illustrated Lecture by Elise du Pont No charge • Open to the public • No reservations necessary Wednesday, February 8 at 8 p.m. Live Performance: Aquila Theatre,The Importance of Being Earnest $40/$45 • (561) 655-7226
Thursday, February 9 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Children’s Library Story Time: Cowboy and Cowgirl Day • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Thursday, February 9 at 2:30 p.m. Lecture:The Magic of the Medici with Countessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti Part of the Splendors of Italy series • $20 • (561) 805-8562 Friday, February 10 Western Film Festival:True Grit (PG-13) at 2:30 and 8 p.m. The Searchers (Not rated) at 5:15 p.m. • $5 • (561) 655-7226 Friday, February 10 at 6 p.m. Lecture: Bonjour Happiness! Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre by Jamie Cat Callan No charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. Children’s Library Special Event: Kids Day with Alex Beard No charge • Reservations required • (561) 655-2776 Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. Workshop: Everybody’s an Expert with Jamie Cat Callan $65 • Reservations required • (561) 655-7226 Saturday, February 11 at 11 a.m. Lecture:The Hats Women Wear… Love, Hate, Rivalry and Reconciliation with Susan Shapiro Barash No charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Saturday, February 11 at 12 p.m. Met Opera, Live in HD: Götterdämmerung by Richard Wagner $25; $15 students with valid I.D. • (561) 655-7226 Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m. Concert: Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel, The Romantic Music of Franz Liszt: From Heart to Art • $15 • (561) 655-7226
FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.
2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg
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