PAFFORD: KEEP INFORMED ABOUT ACTION IN TALLAHASSEE SEE STORY, PAGE 3
COUNTY SELLS WELLINGTON LAND FOR $1.15 MILLION SEE STORY, PAGE 4
THE
TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
Your Community Newspaper
INSIDE
Growing Coyote Problem Has Lox Council Concerned
Volume 36, Number 6 February 6 - February 12, 2015
Serving Palms West Since 1980
FATHER-DAUGHTER SNOW BALL
Loxahatchee Groves has a coyote problem, and the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council discussed ways of reducing it at a meeting Tuesday. Page 3
Old-Timers Enjoy Reunion At Old Lox Groves Schoolhouse
On Monday, Jan. 26, former students of the old Loxahatchee Groves Schoolhouse gathered for a reunion at the schoolhouse, which is now located in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Page 5
Wellington Zoners OK Plan To Drop Adult Daycare Outdoor Space
Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board recommended approval Wednesday of amendments to the village’s land development regulations eliminating a requirement for open-air activity space at adult daycare facilities. Page 7
Car Wash Benefit Supports WLMS Student Ally Rene
The Wellington Landings Middle School Student Government Association hosted a car wash Saturday, Jan. 31 at Park Avenue BBQ & Grille in Wellington. Donations from the car wash will benefit eighth grader Ally Rene in her fight against brain cancer. Page 18
OPINION
Be Sure To Become An Informed Voter This Election Season
It’s election season in Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves, and both communities will see hotly contested races. Both of these elections, set for Tuesday, March 10, will bring clashes of personalities and policy, but determining style from substance is always the challenge. The races are officially on, and it’s important that all residents sit up and take notice of what each candidate has to say in order to become informed voters. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS................................. 3 - 9 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 8 PEOPLE................................. 13 SCHOOLS.......................14 - 15 COLUMNS...................... 16, 25 BUSINESS..................... 26 - 29 SPORTS..........................33 - 37 CALENDAR............................ 38 CLASSIFIEDS................ 39 - 42 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington hosted its Frozen-themed Father-Daughter Snow Ball on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Village Park gym. More than 200 people were on hand to enjoy an evening of dancing, games and an Italian buffet dinner. Shown here, Arelis hugs her father, Alberto Riaboukha. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 20
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Keith Harris, Virginia Standish File To Run In Groves Election
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Two challengers have emerged in the race for the two seats up for grabs on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in the Tuesday, March 10 election. Roadway, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee Chair Keith Harris is challenging Seat 3 incumbent Councilman Ryan Liang, and Finance Advisory & Audit Committee Chair Virginia Standish has filed for Seat 1, held by incumbent Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel. Candidate filing for the March election closed Tuesday. Standish is a Florida native who has lived in Loxahatchee Groves for more than 30 years. In addition to her town finance committee post, she is vice president of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association. “I believe that government entities should always be questioned
and held accountable,” she said at Tuesday’s Loxahatchee Groves Town Council meeting. “It is shocking to me the lack of concern for safety in this community when so many people claim to work and be concerned for so many citizens.” Standish asserted that in the rush to put down open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM) pavement, the town has endangered the lives of pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. “Developers on South B Road are getting away with putting in a low-quality OGEM road instead of a road that would have a longer lifespan,” she said. Standish pointed out that at a joint workshop several years ago, the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and the council agreed to use the OGEM for the roads. “They also agreed that all roads must be OGEMed before they
are turned over to the town,” she said, adding that it was the district’s idea. “Everything was the district’s idea. When I asked why, nobody provided a fact-based, valid answer.” She said that at the last council meeting, during public comments, a family member of a district supervisor incorrectly thanked the town for paving A Road and providing courtesy grading for some roads. “There is no such thing as courtesy grading,” Standish said. “Anytime a road is graded, the town is billed. The town did not pay to have A Road paved. Those landowners are being assessed by the district. The town pays a teeny-tiny portion to the district on an annual basis. Not one of the two district supervisors who sat in the room that night corrected the misinformation that was stated. Not one from the dais corrected See LOX VOTE, page 7
Martha Webster To Challenge David Swift In RPB Election
By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report So far, next month’s Royal Palm Beach municipal election is looking like a repeat of 2013. Former Councilwoman Martha Webster announced plans this week to challenge Seat 2 incumbent Vice Mayor David Swift, seeking a return to the dais in the same seat Swift took from Webster two years ago. In Royal Palm Beach, filing closes at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 10 for the election set for Tuesday, March 10. Aside from Seat 2, Seat 4, currently held by Councilman Fred Pinto, is also up for election. Webster, who served as councilwoman from 2008 to 2013, including a stint as vice mayor in 2010,
wants to see her name returned to the currently all-male council. “I enjoyed working for the village and the residents of Royal Palm Beach,” she told the TownCrier on Wednesday. “I just feel that I’ve got a lot more to give to the village, and it’s time to work to get back on the council. I have many, many years of community and public experience, and I just want to continue to serve.” It will be Webster’s third Royal Palm Beach election in two years. After losing to Swift in 2013, she ran for mayor last year, coming in third in a four-way race won by incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli. Webster, who has lived in Palm Beach County for the past 49 years, and Royal Palm Beach
for the last 19, has worked with a variety of boards, councils, associations and organizations, including the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Health Care District PATCH Board, Habitat for Humanity, the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, Project 425 and the newly formed Western Business Alliance. “I do feel that I have a lot of support within the community, who did like the way that I represented them, and so I’m going to make an effort to come back,” she said. Webster said her decision to return doesn’t stem from a particular issue, but rather from her desire to be involved in the policy-making See WEBSTER, page 19
County OKs Sale Of Chamber Land To Town For $20,000
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a 5-2 vote Tuesday, the Palm Beach County Commission approved selling the 1.43-acre piece of land where the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce building sits to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves for $20,000, as long as it remains in public use. County Administrator Bob Weisman said the land was leased to the chamber many years ago at just $1 per year. “They constructed an office building on it,” Weisman said. “They no longer want to keep that building, and the town has offered to purchase the building from the chamber.” He explained that the town wishes to take possession of the building only if the county sells the land or gives the land to the town. Weisman said the county was asking for $50,000, but the town was offering $20,000 if the land could not be granted to the town. Weisman explained that the land is potentially very valuable for office or commercial use, but county staff did not attempt to value it that way, and came up with a $50,000 price if it remains in civic use, or $20,000 as a park. Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel asked that the commissioners approve the $20,000 price. “I’ve lived in Loxahatchee Groves for 54 years,” Jarriel said. “I think Loxahatchee Groves has made some great improvements in the last few years. We’ve got the state college coming to our town. This chamber building would be a very good benefit and give us recognition.” Jarriel pointed out that the building is in a good location where it will be safe for people to come and do business with the town. “I would like to get it for free as a resident,” he said. “I pay a lot of taxes, but if we have to pay for it, I would appreciate it if we could get it at a reasonable price. This is just another step in putting Loxa-
hatchee Groves on the map, and I think we’re doing an outstanding job for our community, and the residents would appreciate your help in this.” District 6 Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said the sale of the land was one of the first things she has been able to work on for residents in her district. “I think this is great idea for them,” McKinlay said. “Right now, they share their council meeting space with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. It’s cramped quarters, and they can’t really provide adequate space for the public to attend their meetings.” She said that selling the land to the town will protect it for the future. “They are in a growing area of the county,” McKinlay said. “This proposal allows this piece of property to stay for a public purpose instead of someday having it sold off to become private commercial property. It still maintains public access to the park space that the county has behind there.” McKinlay made a motion to approve the sale for $20,000 contingent on the town closing on the purchase of the chamber building, and Vice Mayor Mary Lou Berger seconded the motion. However, Commissioner Hal Valeche opposed selling the property for $20,000. “I am not certain why we are essentially giving away the property that’s got an appraisal of $180,000 on it,” Valeche said. “I tend to support the staff’s recommendation of at least $50,000. I’m not even really very comfortable with that.” Valeche said he thought the chamber did not negotiate a good deal, since any price for the land comes out of proceeds of the building sale. “Although I would like to defer to the district commissioner, I’d still want to go with the staff recommendation of $50,000,” he said. Commissioner Paulette Burdick See LAND, page 4
ART SOCIETY PRESENTS ARTFEST ON THE GREEN
The Wellington Art Society held its ninth annual juried fine art and craft show, ArtFest on the Green, at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1. A total of 51 artists displayed their paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, textiles, photography and more. Shown here is best-in-show winner Lisa Strauss. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9
PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Great Charity Challenge To Give Away $1.5 Million
By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Superheroes have landed in Wellington and will be joining their equine friends as they soar over tall structures, race against time and bring smiles to spectators’ faces. They’ve swooped in with their capes, masks and costumes to compete in this year’s Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this Saturday night, Feb. 7, starting at 6 p.m. Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo, co-founder of the Great Charity Challenge, was excited about the return of the popular pro-am event. “Our theme this year is superheroes, which is directed at the riders who donate their time, equestrian families and businesses who contribute funds, our staff who donate their time
and, most importantly, the executive directors of these charities whose passion and commitment to their causes elevates and enhances the community,” Bellissimo said. The pro-am riding teams are paired up with randomly chosen charities to compete in the relaystyle event that benefits not only the dozens of participating charities, but also all the people helped by those charities, who in turn support the community, explained Anne Caroline Valtin, executive director of the Great Charity Challenge. In the past five years, the Great Charity Challenge has supported more than 100 charities through more than $6.2 million in prize money. This year’s participating charities are Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, Alzheimer’s Community Care, the American Association of Caregiving Youth,
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Blue Sky Foundation, Breaking the Chains, the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, Communities in Schools, the Connor Moran Children’s Cancer Foundation, CROS Ministries, the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Families First of Palm Beach County, Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, the Faulk Center for Counseling/Elizabeth H. Faulk Foundation, First Care Women’s Clinic, Gratitude House, the Helping Hands Assistance Program, Horses Healing Hearts, Jeff Industries, the Kids Cancer Foundation, Leadership Palm Beach County, the National Wheelchair Sports Fund, the Oasis Compassion Agency, Paws 4 Liberty, Propel, Restoration Bridge International, Take Stock in Children, the Arc of the Glades, Urban Youth Impact, Village of Hope, the Wellington
PTO/PTA/PTSA and the Wycliffe Charities Foundation. Two additional wild-card charities will be selected Saturday.
The prize money — and every single participating charity will receive some — varies from the See GCC, page 19
Riders often decorate horses for the Great Charity Challenge in honor of the nonprofit they are riding for. PHOTO BY LEXEY HALL
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
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NEWS
Growing Coyote Problem Has Lox Groves Council Concerned
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Loxahatchee Groves has a coyote problem, and the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council discussed ways of reducing it at a meeting Tuesday. Former Councilman Dr. Bill Louda asked whether council members had sought any advice or help from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission about the growing number of coyotes in the area. “There is a pack on A Road that had gone on to the Rare Species Conservatory grounds the other day,” Louda said. “They didn’t eat anything, but this could be deleterious to a lot of people who are raising chickens, goats, small cattle, whatever.” Louda asked Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 15 Commander Lt. David Combs if it is legal for people to shoot
coyotes invading their property, and Combs said that it is legal in Loxahatchee Groves, but warned that anyone intending to shoot one should be very cautious and anticipate where a missed shot could land. Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel agreed that the situation is getting worse. “We do have professionals who get paid to trap them, but I think the council needs to make contact through the game commission and see if we can do something about it legally and get some help,” Jarriel said. “You are allowed to shoot them. Anytime something is endangering your animals on your property, you can take them out. They are getting to be a problem, and they travel at night. They do not move during the day.” Mayor Dave Browning was in accord on the problem. “I would hate to think that
Loxahatchee Groves would have to go to anybody else to cure that problem,” Browning said. “There’s a little thing that you are allowed to use with coyotes, and it’s called a wounded rabbit recording. If you set yourself up a blind at dusk and start the recording, they come running, and a 12-gauge with number 4 [buckshot] does not bother your neighbors, but it sure will disrupt the coyote’s digestive system.” Councilman Tom Goltzené added that a light can be used to hunt them. In other business: • The council gave final approval to a development moratorium on Okeechobee Blvd. until May 31 to give the town time to develop changes to the comprehensive plan and uniform land development code to reflect lower density on Okeechobee Blvd. than on Southern Blvd.,
which is where the town prefers to have commercial development focused. A motion by Councilman Ryan Liang carried 5-0. • The council also approved the final reading of changes to the ULDC to delete definitions of animals and livestock and exotic species on agricultural land so they do not conflict with state statutes. Councilman Jim Rockett made a motion to approve the ordinance, which carried 5-0. • Town Manager Bill Underwood reported that the Palm Beach County Commission in a 5-2 decision earlier that day had approved the sale of land where the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce building is located to the town for $20,000. Underwood said he would take steps to finalize an agreement with the chamber for the sale of the building to the town for no more than $480,000. The land
sale was part of that agreement. Part of the agreement was that the land remain in public use, he said. Underwood and Town Attorney Michael Cirullo recommended that a survey be done on the land, but Browning and Jarriel objected. “That land has been surveyed so many times,” Browning said. “I would just as soon use their survey. It’s not like we have a neighbor there who is going to say that five or 10 feet is theirs.” Rockett made a motion to approve a survey, which carried 3-2 with Browning and Jarriel opposed. • Underwood said the town had received a proposed interlocal agreement from the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District for the maintenance of town roads and will get it on the council agenda as soon as he has had time to analyze it.
Jarriel pointed out that the LGWCD board will meet Monday and asked whether the accord could be reviewed by then. “I will give it a yeoman’s effort, but don’t shoot me if I don’t get it complete,” Underwood said. “We will make that effort.” “We’re not allowed to shoot you,” Browning said. “We shoot coyotes, but we can’t shoot management.” • Underwood said he has not heard from Minto regarding its paying for a traffic light at Okeechobee Blvd. and D Road required by the county commission as a condition of approval for Minto West, but planned to call their representatives this week to learn the status of the agreement. • Cirullo reported that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s targeted enforcement team recently made its first arrest of an illegal manure hauler.
Rep. Mark Pafford: Keep Informed About Action In Tallahassee
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report State Rep. and House Minority Leader Mark Pafford (D-District 86) conducted a town hall meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29 at the
Wellington Municipal Complex to review the past and upcoming legislative sessions, and inform those attending on how they can become advocates for legislation. Pafford, who will leave office
State Rep. Mark Pafford at last week’s town hall meeting.
next year due to term limits, will return to Tallahassee for the upcoming annual legislative session, which begins March 3. He pointed out that all bills are available for review at www. myfloridahouse.com. “Generally speaking, legislative leaders don’t file bills,” Pafford said. “There’s a point to that. You don’t want to have people come to you and hold a bill hostage and force your hand in deciding where the caucus may want to go. I was actually glad not to file any bills this year. It’s nice to concentrate on the big picture and try to understand a lot about legislation and where the legislature is going to go over the next several months.” He added that he has a newsletter, Pafford Postings, available by calling (561) 682-0156 or by emailing mark.pafford@myflorida house.gov and writing “subscribe” in the subject line. He said that his newsletter, and all newsletters paid for by state funding, receive approval by the other party. Democratic newsletters are approved by the speaker’s office and Republican newsletters are approved by the minority office. “We actually do work along with each other very, very well,” he said. “It’s one of those little secrets, but it’s kind of how we
keep each other in check. We try to seek some level of fairness in everything we do. We’re here to serve our constituents.” Despite partisanship at some levels, he pointed out that he and State Rep. Patrick Rooney (R-District 85) work very well together, especially in the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation on county issues. “Sometimes the partisan politics disappear, and it’s really refreshing to deal with that because it doesn’t happen that often,” Pafford said. He said anyone interested in becoming an advocate should know who their legislators are and what they do, which is also available at www.myfloridahouse.com. Using his own profile as an example, he pointed out that he is CEO of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades and that he has a bachelor’s degree in public administration with a minor in political science from Florida International University. He is married and has two children. He was born in Miami-Dade County and is Jewish. “A lot of people don’t know that with a last name like Pafford,” he said. “You should know a little bit more about the people who represent you. You can connect, and that’s really important on so many of the issues.”
Legislation can be tracked in detail on the web site. Users can sign in and updates for specific legislation will be e-mailed to them. “You can set up an account and it will e-mail you,” Pafford said. “The system is really built to help you understand all the stuff that’s really great or complete nonsense, and we do a lot of both. We do it one thousand eight hundred and something times.” All the bills filed in the upcoming session and past sessions are on the web site, and can be found by the bill number — Senate bills are even-numbered and House bills are odd-numbered — by all or part of the official title, part of the text and sometimes by the bill’s nickname. All the meeting dates and times, amendments, action packets, e-mails and other related information is included, as well as the names of all the subcommittees the bill will go and the names of the members, and the current status of the bill. “You name it, and it’s there,” Pafford said, crediting technology with advancements in availability of information. “You can print this stuff out quite easily.” The web site also has staff analyses that are helpful in understanding what the bill would do. “Generally speaking, they have to be written in a way that every-
body can understand,” he said. “I can tell you after 16 years, I still don’t all the time, which is why we have staff and all of you guys, because a lot of you are experts, and sometimes that can influence this process.” Pafford said the process can be especially frustrating when legislators are trying to advance policy for their constituents. “That’s what the process is all about,” he said, explaining that the presence of advocates can sometimes make a difference. The web site also has a full list of how individual legislators voted after final reading of the bill. “It’s color-coded,” he said. “You can determine on any bill how we voted, whether it be in committee or on the House floor; you can go through that and determine for yourself what your representatives did. At the end of the day, if it’s not the color that you expect, you should never vote for somebody, no matter how nice they are or how they smile or whether they know your name, it’s what counts inside and how they deliver that for you on the House floor.” To be an effective advocate, he said that advocates need to build a coalition, determine exactly what they are asking for, get organized and strategize. Find out See PAFFORD, page 19
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
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OUR OPINION
Be Sure To Become An Informed Voter This Election Season
It’s election season in Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves, and both communities will see hotly contested elections. Filing closed Tuesday, Feb. 3 in Loxahatchee Groves, and two candidates have emerged to challenge two incumbents. Roadway, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee Chair Keith Harris is challenging Seat 3 incumbent Councilman Ryan Liang, while Finance Advisory & Audit Committee Chair Virginia Standish has filed for Seat 1, held by incumbent Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel. Over in Royal Palm Beach, there are a few more days left before filing closes on Tuesday, Feb. 10, but so far, one of two available seats is contested. Former Councilwoman Martha Webster plans to challenge Seat 2 incumbent Vice Mayor David Swift, seeking a return to the dais in the same seat Webster lost to Swift two years ago. Seat 4 incumbent Councilman Fred Pinto is thus far unchallenged. Both of these elections, set for Tuesday, March 10, will bring clashes of personalities and policy, but determining style from substance is always the challenge. The races are officially on, and it’s important that voters sit up and take notice of what each candidate has to say. Despite the traditionally low voter turnout in local elections, the matters debated by local mu-
K-Park Decision Was A Disgrace
The Wellington Village Council’s K-Park action was a disgrace, highlighting the voting members’ incompetence to act, and clearly displayed an arrogant disregard for the residents. Each presentation had a land planner, landscape architect, building architect, marketing staff, audio-video staff and company management. Each presentation easily cost each bidder more than $100,000 to prepare. After three village meetings, last Tuesday’s meeting, and after over 350 residents show up for input, the council then stated that they never really wanted to sell K-Park, so “never mind.” Why put everyone through that process, time, expense and ordeal to ignore the entire issue? Councilman Matt Willhite made it apparent that he had little concern for voter input during his comments. There were so many catcalls from the audience, the mayor had to stop the proceedings a number of times to muzzle the residents. Councilman Willhite said he didn’t want public pressure to influence the bidding process. This man is now running for Florida State House. A politician who clearly considers public pressure a nuisance and something that won’t change his thinking? Clearly he represents his opinion and not the voters. It’s very interesting that without public input, the three
nicipalities tend to affect voters most directly. Leading up to the election, there will be plenty of information about each candidate and their views released in the media, including here on the pages of the Town-Crier. By keeping up on the issues, voters will be able to evaluate who they feel will best represent them as decisions are made to spend tax dollars and make community policy. One of the best ways for voters to evaluate candidates is during the forums that typically occur before the vote. Forums are important opportunities for residents to ask questions and see candidates think on their feet while answering and responding to opponents. Royal Palm Beach residents will have an opportunity to watch village candidates in action on Tuesday, Feb. 17 when the Town-Crier hosts a candidates forum at the Royal Palm Beach Village Meeting Hall beginning at 7 p.m. The forum will be televised on RPB’s Channel 18, but residents are welcome to attend and submit questions for the candidates. In Loxahatchee Groves, the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will host a forum on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church. No matter where you get your election news, make a point to be informed on the candidates and the issues. Then be sure to vote. In local elections, one vote can truly make a difference.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR voting council members ranked the highest density project, with 11 units per acre, adding more than 700 homes onto the real estate inventory just as housing is starting to recover, as their number-one choice, but when the citizen input rejected the council’s selection, the council changed the entire process and slapped everyone in the face with a clear 2-1 “never mind.” Only Councilman John Greene wanted to hear from the public. The mayor clearly stated from the dais that he never wanted to sell K-Park from the beginning and Councilman Willhite clearly stated he didn’t care what the residents wanted. This vote clearly demonstrates just where the council dysfunctional incompetence resides. For the last few years, Wellington’s council has been a disaster. Now you can clearly see whom it comes from. Victor Connor Homeland
To The Groves Grumblers: Vote!
The Feb. 3 Loxahatchee Groves Town Council meeting covered some interesting “goings-on” that bind us in common agricultural lifestyle. There was thrashing of misconstrued words of Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District courtesy grades to A Road, mineral rights and options to contend with abundant coyotes. Attendees applauded our first
town arrest of an unpermitted manure hauler, and we murmured approvingly of the need to address the cancer of seasonal travel trailers and campers, whose occupants abuse our resources, services and their disregard for septic practice. We heard from unseated candidates, Virginia Standish and Keith Harris, who declared their candidacy for Council Seat 1 (Ron Jarriel) and Council Seat 3 (Ryan Liang) respectively, which will be determined at our town’s March 10 election. What better venue to announce your intentions as a public servant to your neighbors, and face-to-face to your opponent? Then came an awkward still, by suggesting an allowance to current councilman to step down from the dais and talk about their incumbency. And that is what got me thinking. Does Loxahatchee Groves have a forum for candidate debate? If “debate” offends your gentile senses, call the event a community political rally to “meet your candidates.” Perhaps an objective media personality could moderate? We need a neutral venue to host a political rally, as we already tickle peril of not mixing “church and state” by voting in a church. Underwood Management could organize the rally, on Saturday, March 7, at the chamber. The rally could start at noon. Groves residents could mingle with candidates. A podium and microphone could be set up under the outdoor
porch. At 2 p.m., each candidate will have 10 minutes to speak and answer audience questions. 60 minutes of life-effecting open forum — sounds good, right? Parking could be in the empty medical plaza, the Farmer’s Daughter swale or in the park to the west. Close “F” Road between Southern and Citrus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and use the street for food and local vendors. We do have other access around that part of town. But the real question lurks: of 3,200 Groves residents, how many care enough to attend? If the usual, “400 voters” show-up, that’s 13 percent, and the remaining 87 percent continue to grumble, but do nothing! To the grumblers I say, make a difference. Exercise your inalienable right — for which thousands have died — and vote on March 10. Laura Danowski Loxahatchee Groves
Support For Liang & Jarriel
As a former member of the Roadway, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee (RETGAC) and owner of three horses myself, Mr. Ryan Liang and Mr. Ron Jarriel are running this year for their respective seats. Ryan, Ron and the town have always been supporters of the horse community. The town asked me
to sit on the board because I have horses. Mrs. Nina Corning was the chair of the committee, and I enjoyed her great effort and focus on this board. This project was complicated because, at the time we had no control over the land we were trying to use, and no funding to implement the trails. She did not run me off the board, as was implied at a recent town meeting. I support both Ryan and Ron for re-election. David Miles Loxahatchee Groves
Webster Supports Inspector General
The Palm Beach County Inspector General’s office protects the citizens of Palm Beach County from corruption in government
while promoting efficiency, effectiveness and integrity. This office and the funding for this office were created by the people of Palm Beach County by a greater than 72 percent of voter approval in 2010. It was again confirmed by a vote of the Palm Beach County Commission and by recommendation of the grand jury, and that is to be financed through a quarter percent fee on vendors doing business with the municipalities and the county. If we are to make a difference in integrity and honest government, all the municipalities must follow the recommendations of the grand jury and the vote of the people. I strongly support the efforts of the inspector general and will continue to fully support the office when elected to serve. Martha Webster Candidate for Royal Palm Beach Village Council, Seat 2
SEND IN YOUR LETTERS
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. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.
NEWS
Palm Beach County Sells 9 Acres In Wellington For $1.15 Million
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission approved the sale of 9.92 acres of vacant land in Wellington’s Medical Arts District to Village Professional Park for $1.15 million on Tuesday. Chip Carlson, representing a property owner adjacent to the parcel, said Village Professional Park had been the highest ranked of three bidders in the sale. Commissioner Steve Abrams
Land
Sold For $20,000
continued from page 3 agreed with Valeche. “I’m torn on this one because I think we did a disservice to the communities out west with regard to the approval and size and scope of Minto [West], but I share similar com-
said he thought the sale was a good deal for the county, since it was higher than the appraised value, and County Administrator Bob Weisman agreed. “We’re getting more than a million dollars for nine acres of property,” Weisman said. “It was competitively bid, and we received multiple competitive bids. This land is in a great general location. This is a great deal for the taxpayer.” The property is located on the
west side of State Road 7, north of the Wellington Regional Medical Center campus. According to the county’s staff report, the property is landlocked with questionable access as a stand-alone parcel. It is also low-lying land and is believed to contain jurisdictional wetlands within a large portion of the property. In 2008, the county issued a request for proposals (RFP) on the land and received bids of
$100,000 and $399,280, which were rejected. In preparation for issuing a new RFP, county staff obtained two recent appraisals of the property that valued the land as a standalone parcel at $375,000 ($37,802 an acre) and $380,000 ($38,306 an acre), but also appraised the market value to the adjoining owner at $925,000 ($93,246 an acre) and $960,000 ($96,774 an acre). A new RFP in December
brought three proposals: Thomas Hughes in the amount of $400,000; James J. Ward III for $1,000,192; and Village Professional Park for $1,150,000. The property is being sold “as is” without contingencies, and closing is to occur within 45 days of commission approval. The county will retain mineral and petroleum rights in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 270.11, but will not retain rights of entry and exploration.
Village Professional Park provided a disclosure identifying Roger Fina as the 100 percent owner of Village Professional Park. Fina is also a principal of the owner of the adjacent property, according to the staff report. Commissioner Paulette Burdick made a motion to approve the sale, which carried unanimously. The motion required a super-majority of five votes for approval.
ments as Commissioner Valeche, that $50,000 staff is recommending, and I value their opinion, but the land is valued at $180,000, so I think we need some kind of compromise.” Commissioner Priscilla Taylor asked Loxahatchee Groves representatives if they were prepared to pay $50,000, and Mayor Dave Browning said they were still negotiating with the chamber.
“Whatever the increase is for us to buy the building, we’ve got a budget number of about $480,000 that we’re willing to pay for the building,” Browning said. “Whatever additional that you want, we’re going to be looking for the chamber to pick that up.” Commissioner Steve Abrams said he favored the motion of $20,000. “To me, this is just a small amount, the difference in
amount between [$20,000 and $50,000] is small to us, but to a not-for-profit organization like the chamber of commerce, it’s a large amount, so I’m not going to quibble over this,” Abrams said. Mayor Shelley Vana said she would favor the motion, pointing out that as a state representative, she sponsored the bill that created the town. “I’d give it to them, so $20,000
I would support,” she said. “We do a lot for a lot of other places, and this will give them the hand up that they need. We can all work together, and I’m sure that if we need to use the building, they’ll let us use it some days.” McKinlay said that she plans to hold a town hall meeting there as soon as they’re up and running. The motion carried 5-2, with Valeche and Burdick dissenting.
In other business, the commissioners approved a resolution objecting to the postponement of the Florida Department of Transportation’s construction funding for State Road 7 from 60th Street North to Northlake Blvd. to fiscal year 2020, requesting that the funding be available after July 1, 2016. Taylor made a motion to approve the resolution, which carried 7-0.
facilities at the Winding Waters Natural Area are now open. The 548-acre natural area, managed by the Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM), is located off Dyer Blvd., west of Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach. Newly installed public-use amenities include: an accessible nature trail, canoe/kayak launch; covered observation platform overlooking a restored wetland; five miles of natural surface hiking trails with shade shelters; three miles of canoe/kayak trail through the created marsh; and educational kiosks. The natural area contains six native Florida ecosystems: mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, prairie hammock, wet prairie, depression marsh and dome swamp. Extensive site restoration activities to remove invasive nonnative vegetation, restore historic sheet flow of water across the site, and
create 136 acres of wetlands have been completed. The lands that make up the site were acquired in 2001. Funding partners include Palm Beach County, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Recreational Trails Program and the United States Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Winding Waters Natural Area is part of the Northeast Everglades Natural Area (NENA), a system of 165,000 acres of conservation lands in northern Palm Beach County and southern Martin County. For more information about the project, and other county natural areas, visit www.pbcgov.org/erm/ natural.
NEWS BRIEFS SRHS Chorus Car Wash Feb. 7
The Seminole Ridge High School Chorus will hold a car wash on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walgreens store, located at the corner of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.
Whole Foods Artist Reception Set For Feb. 20
The Wellington Art Society will hold a reception at Whole Foods Market in Wellington on Friday, Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for well-known local artist Emmanuel Gonzalez. The event is hosted by Whole Foods and there will be live music, delicious appetizers and wine.
Whole Foods has a beautiful gallery, and it will be an exceptional exhibit by this outstanding artist. Gonzalez explores the past and the present through realism and portraiture depicting American icons that are influential, recognizable images. Some are relevant to specific ethnic and social groups, and viewers will experience these images differently, depending on emotional and social perceptions. He works in pencil, pastels, oils, acrylic and watercolor to create movement and energy to bring intimacy to large-scale pieces. Gonzalez has had many solo shows and been in juried shows at Art Basel, the Armory Art Center, the Okeeheelee Nature Center, the Orlando Museum of Art and many others. He has been represented at Voight Galleries International in Palm Beach, OSGS Gallery in Northwood and others. His paintings are in many private
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collections throughout the country. The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their art work in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For more information, visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org.
Acreage Music Fest Returns March 21
Get your green on and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Acreage Community Park Music Fest, featuring local musicians of all styles, on Saturday, March 21 from 2 to 10 p.m. Food trucks will be on site, so bring your appetite. There will also be a beer vendor on site. For classic car lovers, there will be
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher
a Classic Car Cruise-In. All are invited to bring and display classic vehicles or motorcycles. For those of you feeling lucky, there will be a 50/50 raffle and a corn hole tournament. Bring chairs or something to sit on. Glass containers are not allowed. This event is fun for all ages. Acreage Community Park also has a playground adjacent to the jam area. Adult supervision is required for playground use. Acreage Community Park is located at 6701 140th Avenue North. For more info., call the Music Fest line at (561) 203-1012 or visit www.acreagelandowners.com.
New Facilities At Winding Waters Natural Area
Palm Beach County recently announced that new public-use
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NEWS
OLD-TIMERS ENJOY REUNION AT THE LOXAHATCHEE GROVES SCHOOLHOUSE
On Monday, Jan. 26, former students of the old Loxahatchee Groves Schoolhouse gathered for a reunion at the schoolhouse, which is now located in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Once a key focal point of the old Loxahatchee Groves community, the building was once used for meetings and other social purposes. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Former students gather in front of the schoolhouse.
Cliff Burg noted that his father, Roy Burg, built the school in 1935, as volunteer Roxy Coleman looks on.
Gerry Goss (1964-65) and Rick Thompson (1958-65) were in the tiny school’s last graduating class.
Jerry Goss, Cliff Burg and Roxy Coleman reminisce.
Pat Harris, Cliff Burg, Ron Jarriel, Lee Likes and Bob Jarriel look over old photos.
Former students take a seat.
LION COUNTRY SAFARI ANIMALS VISIT RPB’S CYPRESS TRAILS ELEMENTARY
Lion Country Safari representatives and animals came to Cypress Trails Elementary School last week to celebrate Literacy Week. Lion Country Safari Education Coordinator Rhonda Beitmen began the week by reading to the kindergarten classes.
PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Rhonda Beitmen reads to the students.
Rhonda Beitmen with Irwin, a blue-tongue skink.
Jewelia Nelson pets Irwin, a blue-tongue skink.
Lillian Burris’ class with some of the stuffed animals that came to visit.
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CRIME NEWS
Brick Thrown Through Window Of RPB Home
By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report FEB. 1 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home in the Victoria Grove community Sunday evening regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, the victim heard a window breaking and discovered that a concrete brick had been thrown through his dining room window. According to the report, approximately $2,000 in damage was done to the window and window blinds. ••• JAN. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the TJ Maxx store on State Road 7 last Tuesday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:45 a.m., the victim was shopping, dropped merchandise and saw a little girl come by and pick something up. According to the report, the victim believes that her Louis Vuitton wallet, valued at $100 and containing $500 in cash, as well as her bank cards, was in her hand and dropped when she picked up the fallen merchandise. According to the report, an unidentified witness gave the victim a note pointing out that the young child left with two females. JAN. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on 87th Lane North in The Acreage last Tuesday night regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone entered the home through a bedroom window between 6:50 a.m. and 9 p.m. and removed two Bank of America check books, a gold necklace valued at $50 and various medications. Fingerprint evidence was gathered at the scene. JAN. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a business on 105th Avenue North last Wednesday morning regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, when the owner arrived at 8:30 a.m., he noticed that the roof latch was ajar. According to the report, there was approximately
$2,000 worth of Cigarillo Cigar Combos missing. JAN. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Morgate Circle last Wednesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., an unknown black male entered the home by breaking the rear sliding glass door and then removed an Acer and an HP laptop, valued at $1,000 each. The incident was recorded on a security camera. DNA and fingerprint evidence was gathered at the scene. JAN. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Sunflower Street last Wednesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone entered into the victim’s back yard and removed a Makita gas-powered concrete saw, valued at $900. JAN. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to Stein Mart on Southern Blvd. last Wednesday afternoon regarding a delayed theft. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 7:30 p.m. the night before, two women entered the store and removed multiple bottles of perfume, valued at approximately $1,040, before bypassing all points of sale and exiting the store. JAN. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Regal Cinemas on State Road 7 last Thursday evening regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:20 and 10:10 p.m., someone stole the victim’s 2005 Ford F250 from the parking lot. According to the report, the vehicle was left locked, and the truck had not been towed. JAN. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Madison Green neighborhood last Thursday afternoon regarding the delayed report of a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, on Jan. 24, the victim discovered that his 2013 Nissan Murano’s door was See BLOTTER, page 19
The man shown above is wanted in connection with a cell phone theft at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in RPB.
Grandpa Steals A Cell Phone While Babysitting
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is looking for help identifying the suspect shown above, who was involved in a cell phone theft at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Store on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach.
The man appears to be a grandfather babysitting a child. He appears to be white or Hispanic, approximately 5’7” to 5’9”, wearing a multicolored shirt and tan pants. Anyone who can identify this suspect is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Ryan Bassaragh is a black male, 5’8” tall and weighing 240 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on both arms. His date of birth is 03/27/92. Bassaragh is wanted for failure to appear for a jury trial on charges of possession of cannabis and methylone. His last known address was E. Harlena Drive in Loxahatchee. He is wanted as of 01/29/15. • Anthony Morgan, alias Anthony Smith, Edward Lindsey and Miles Morgan, is a black male, 6’3” tall and weighing 240 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 03/31/67. Morgan is wanted on felony charges for grand theft. His last known addresses were Parkway Drive in Royal Palm Beach and Benoist Farms Road in West Palm Beach. He is wanted as of 01/29/15. 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.
Ryan Bassaragh
Anthony Morgan
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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Page 7
NEWS
Wellington Zoners Drop Adult Daycare Outdoor Space Rule
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board recommended approval Wednesday of amendments to the village’s land development regulations eliminating a requirement for open-air activity space at adult daycare facilities. The amendments were precipitated by an application by St. Michael Lutheran Church, located at 1925 Birkdale Drive, to host an Alzheimer’s Community Care program. That program was recommended for approval by the board in January with a requirement for more adult open space than is required by regulatory healthcare agencies. Kelly Fariello with the Planning & Zoning Department said that Wellington’s land development regulations currently require that
Lox Vote
Challengers File To Run
continued from page 1 the misinformation that was stated.” Standish believes that there is an identity crisis in Loxahatchee Groves. “Our community is a unique community and deserves to be cared for and protected,” Standish said. “I intend on retiring in this community and expect decisions to be made that are financially sound and of long-term benefit to our town. Those are the reasons that I have decided to run against
adult daycare centers provide a minimum of 1,500 square feet or 100 square feet per person, whichever is greater, of outdoor activity area. “The Agency for Healthcare Administration, also known as AHCA, which is the licensing agency for adult daycare facilities, as well as the Palm Beach County Health Department, provide standards and requirements for adult daycare centers,” Fariello said. “Currently, there are no outdoor activity area requirements for adult daycare centers set by AHCA or the Palm Beach County Health Department.” She pointed out that the village’s requirement for outdoor activity areas currently provided in the land development regulations is much more restrictive than the licensing agency requires and may add an unnecessary burden
to the owner-operator of this type of service. The outdoor activity area requirement was included in the adoption of the land development regulations in 1999, which was consistent with the county’s unified land development code at the time, she said. “A recent applicant of an adult daycare center made [us] aware that Wellington’s LDRs for adult daycare centers are not consistent with Palm Beach County code, as they recently eliminated the outdoor activity requirement,” Fariello said. Regulations for child daycare centers listed in the same section will not be eliminated, she said, adding that owners of adult daycare centers still have the option of including outdoor activity areas. As discussed at the PZA’s January meeting, if the council
approves the change, the site plan requirement for additional space at St. Michael will no longer be required. She also pointed out that St. Michael previously had plans for two adult outdoor activity areas and is keeping one of them that is contiguous to the church. Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca said she felt it was important that Wellington’s code match Palm Beach County’s, but was concerned that adult daycare facilities provide adequate outdoor space. “That’s my general observation and hope for the facility,” Mariaca said. Fariello said that St. Michael is providing one outdoor space for adults and another for the children’s daycare that already exists, and that only a section across the parking lot from the church had been eliminated. Planning & Zoning Director
David Flinchum said the eliminated parcel will remain grass. “It’s right next to their fellowship hall,” Flinchum said. “To be considered a daycare component for adults or children, it would have to be fenced and landscaped.” The motion carried 4-0. The facility has a proposed schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for up to 45 participants. The program will have a ratio of five participants to one employee. In other business, Board Member George Unger commented that in light of last week’s Wellington Village Council meeting regarding the K-Park parcel, which had residents overflowing to the halls and got unruly despite the presence of several deputies, he would like the option of having deputies at PZA meetings if
similar issues should come before the board. “If anything comes before us like that, and I imagine it might — that parcel — then I would like to have a police officer here and have some kind of understanding that he will enforce kicking people out who are disruptive, because that was embarrassing,” Unger said. “We don’t have a police officer here as standard procedure.” Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said she was sure they could make arrangements to have a deputy if K-Park or a similar issue comes before them. “The direction from the council was to have some public forums, and those will certainly be attended by the PBSO,” Cohen said. “If there’s any particular application that comes through your committee, then we can address it at that time.”
Ron Jarriel for Seat 1.” Harris said he is running to advocate for proper government. “As a town volunteer, I served three years on the Planning & Zoning Board with perfect attendance,” Harris said. “I have been instrumental in government taking action on several issues, including winning rights of the equestrian community by having the [Uniform Land Development Code] revised to have commercial equine operations listed as a permitted use.” As chairman of the RETGAC committee, he said he has seven different initiatives underway, including council consideration of a safety and welfare issue af-
fecting 25 percent of the town’s population with an assessment he has prepared for 25 culvert bridges. “The town does not accept responsibility for them, the water district doesn’t accept responsibility for them, but gas tax revenue is collected for them every year from those very roads,” he said. Harris said he has been advocating for research of OGEM alternatives in search of the best value and best service, which Jarriel said at a recent meeting was worth looking into. He asserted that he has designed and budgeted an improvement project for Loxahatchee Groves Park to create an equestrian facil-
ity that would be in compliance with a resolution passed by the council. “Whether Palm Beach County does the modifications or we somehow take site control, it would be a good venue for this town,” Harris said. Harris said that he has the expertise to do the job. “As a councilman, my 30 years’ experience in developing scopes of work, budgeting, bidding and contracting, executions of plans, inspections and specifications, and bringing multimillion construction projects to a successful conclusion will enable me to problem-solve for the best interests of Groves citizens,” he said. “Everyone should get a fair deal, equal influence in
town policy-making decisions, equal shares of town benefits. I plan to turn the town back into a representative democracy by advocating term limits.” Harris said his first action if elected would be to review all town contracts in order to make recommendations on obtaining the best dollar value. His first leadership action would be to get equestrian trails opened and improved, he said. “I’ve applied for employment,” he said. “I want the job.” LGLA President Marge Herzog announced that her group will host a candidates’ forum on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church.
Keith Harris
CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS TO HOLIDAY PARADE WINNERS, SPONSORS The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce met at the Binks Forest Country Club on Jan. 20 to present awards to recognize winners, sponsors and the parade committee from last PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER December’s Wellington Holiday Parade.
Mary Lou Bedford, Dennis Witkowski and Wayne Burns thank Gladys Ferrer and Tom and Regis Wenham of the Wellington Preservation Coalition.
David and Kimberly Leland with Dennis Witkowski.
Wayne Burns and Mary Lou Bedford thank Tom Hill for his audio/visual work.
Wayne Burns, Mary Lou Bedford and Tom Wenham with Casey Martini from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, which provided food.
Mary Lou Bedford, Wayne Burns, Tom Wenham and Dennis Witkowski with Julie Dimaiwat from Temple Beth Torah, which won second place for best overall decorated vehicle.
The best overall decorated vehicle award went to Waste Management.
The best adult float runner up was the American German Club, represented by Robert Rowe.
The best adult float went to the Knights of Columbus.
The best overall marching group first place went to New Horizons Elementary School, represented by Melinda Winaker.
The best in performing group award went to the Wellington Elementary School Twirlers, represented by Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan.
The best in performing group runner up went to the Wellington Landings Middle School Twirlers, represented by Rita Tolhman.
The best juvenile float went to Eagle Arts Academy, represented by Diane Gartner.
Page 8
February 6 - February 12, 2015
Beach Polo Tourney Benefits Charter School
The third annual Beach Polo Event will bring the excitement of polo to the shores of northern Palm Beach County on Saturday, Feb. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. at Palm Beach Shores Community Beach (90 Edwards Lane, Palm Beach Shores). The tournament will feature Argentine polo legends Alejandro Retamozo and Carlos Gonzalez. All proceeds will go to the Riviera Beach Maritime Academy charter school, teaching children about careers in numerous maritime fields. The event is presented by the Viking Yacht Company, along with Jill Wardle and family, and Singer Island Paws and Paddocks. For info., call (561) 840-1976 or email cquijano@vikingyachts.com.
Wellington Chamber Lunch Set For Feb. 25
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon
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NEWS BRIEFS on Wednesday, Feb. 25 with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. The luncheon will feature guest speaker Wendy Soderman on the topic “‘Embracing Life’ in the Workspace.” To RSVP, visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.
Everglades Day Festival At Refuge Feb. 14
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Loxahatchee Everglades Tours and the Audubon Society of the Everglades will present the 16th annual Everglades Day Festival, rain or shine, on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will focus attention on the importance of America’s Everglades to South Florida’s people, animals and habitats. It also provides education, entertainment and direct experiences. This year’s theme is “Romance of the Everglades,” focusing on the visitor’s fascination with the Everglades and its ecosystem.
This year’s themed T-shirt features an amazing photograph by Claudine Laabs with white egrets actually forming a “heart” with their necks. The shirt is for sale for $13 in the refuge gift shop. Special features this year will include Rey Becerra and his black stallion representing the Seminole Tribe, Ron Magill of Zoo Miami with a program called Alligator Love, python hunter Edward Mercer with live specimens, Roger Hammer, speaking on romantic wildflowers and romance mystery author Petie McCarty. Back by popular demand will be the Palm Beach County Plein Air Painters, who will paint and hold a showing and awards ceremony of works done live then and there. There will also be live music, animal encounters, food trucks and many activities for kids. Except for the food trucks, the day is free, with ample parking and shuttle buses to the refuge. Don’t forget sunscreen, re-fillable water bottles, and walking shoes. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is located at 10216 Lee Road, two miles south of Boynton Beach Blvd. off State Road 7. For more info., call
Susan at (561) 627-7829 or Serena at (561) 735-6029.
Autism Initiative Feb. 7 In Jupiter
The Autism Initiative 2015 is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the FAU Lifelong Learning Center in Jupiter, presented by the Autism Society Palm Beach/Martin County. The mini-conference, in its second year, features numerous topics that approach autism in its many stages of the spectrum with nationally renowned speakers and local experts. The event is free, with a $25 fee for the all-new Autism Impact Awards luncheon at the Abacoa Country Club, just across the street. “The speakers and topics we are presenting at this year’s event really focuses on all aspects and stages of the autism spectrum,” said Terri Neil, Autism Society Palm Beach/Martin County president and parent of an autistic child. “The ‘Bright Not Broken’ keynote is one of the most important sessions parents and educators in the community need to attend, as it screams with statistics and infor-
mation for those who are dually diagnosed. Giftedness and autism is more common than you think, and these kids, which is my child, typically fall through the cracks with limited services available for them.” New this year is the Autism Impact Awards Luncheon. This portion of the day is $25 and includes a three-course luncheon celebrating those in the community who have done an outstanding job advocating for autism. In addition to the luncheon and the keynote address, there will be many other educational sessions. The Autism Initiative begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donuts at the FAU Lifelong Learning Center at FAU’s Jupiter Campus, located at 5353 Parkside Drive. For more information, visit www. autism-societypbm.org or call (561) 389-6671.
Eagle Arts Accepting Applications
The Eagle Arts Academy is now excepting applications for the 2015-16 school year for grades
kindergarten through grade seven. The Eagle Arts Academy is a free charter school with a focus on performing and production arts. Enrollment is also open for the current school year for grades kindergarten through grade six. Tours are held every Wednesday at 4 p.m. For more info., call (561) 412-4087 or visit www.eaglearts academy.com.
Chamber Women To Meet Feb. 12
The Women of the Wellington Chamber will present its February event, hosted by New World Wine at Art Cellar in Wellington, on Thursday, Feb. 12. New World Wine will host a delicious wine-tasting experience while members paint their own personal wine glasses. Admission is $10 and includes a wine glass, wine tasting and lite bites. There will also be a cash bar. The event takes place Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Art Cellar (10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 150). All guests must register by Feb. 10 at www.wellington chamber.com.
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Page 9
NEWS
THE WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY HOSTS ITS ANNUAL ‘ARTFEST ON THE GREEN’
The Wellington Art Society held its ninth annual juried fine art and craft show, ArtFest on the Green, at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1. A total of 51 artists displayed their paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, textiles, photography and more. To learn more about the Wellington Art Society, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.com. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington Art Society members enjoy the festival.
Honorable mention winner Godwin Kou.
Honorable mention winner Caleb Barnaby.
First-place winner Deborah LaFogg Docherty.
Second-place winners Roberta and Arthur Jacobs.
Dawn Levinstein shows Sophia and Liliana Ivanova her jewelry.
Event organizers Adrianne Hetherington, Donna Donelan and Leslie Pfeiffer.
Third-place winner Len Jagoda.
Honorable mention winner Rhett Butler.
WELLINGTON CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS ‘ANNIE JR.’ AT TRINITY WEST
The Wellington Children’s Theatre presented Annie Jr. at Trinity West Church on Jan. 30 and 31. The troupe of local youngsters brought the well-known story to life with great acting and amazing music. To learn more about the Wellington Children’s Theatre, including upcoming auditions and productions, visit www.wellingtonchildrenstheatre.com. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Miss Hannigan (Kailyn Rodman) schemes with Rooster Hannigan (Jarrod Hagan) and Lily St. Regis (Zoe Bliss).
The orphans sing “Hard Knock Life.”
SuperheroeS Wanted
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Annie (Emma Allison) and Sandy (Addison Glamuzina).
Oliver Warbucks (Sydney Jones) tells Annie (Emma Allison) he wants to adopt her.
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“Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyle CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farms Gates Open at 6 pm Free General Admission and Parking
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Realtors Association Installs 2015 Leadership At Wycliffe Ceremony
Each year, the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB) celebrates the New Year with the installation of the incoming leadership team. This year’s installation celebration honored Incoming President Matt Halperin’s second passion through an elegant, golf theme hosted at the beautiful Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. As 300-plus supporters settled in, Past President John Mike took the mic to welcome guests. Next, George Yocum, Halperin’s close friend of 28 years and a Realtor from Berkshire Hathaway in Las Vegas, installed the new president, along with the officers and directors. After being sworn in, Halperin laid out his blueprint for success in 2015. “I want to ask the [board of directors] to keep three things in mind as they address issues that come to the board room,” he said. “If they answer [‘yes’ to] these questions, then I know they’ll make the right decision: Is the issue in the best interest of our members? Is it in the best interest of our association? And, just as important, is it in the best interest
of the communities that we serve each and every day? If we keep these three things in mind, 12 months from today, as we install Judy Ramella, our president-elect, I know that each and every one of our board members will make a positive influence in our members’ lives, in our association and in the communities we work.” While it is clear that the focal point of the installation was to celebrate new leadership, it was also an event that celebrated the history of the industry’s leadership. Thirty-two past presidents from local boards and the Women’s Council of Realtors attended, and there was plenty of wisdom shared and past stories remembered. These groups of leaders, past and present, were invited to each drop a golf ball in a bucket signifying their well-wishes to the new president. Then, RAPB’s Immediate Past President Barb Kozlow took the stage to reflect on her year as president and thank everyone for their support throughout 2014. Kozlow ended the ceremony by passing the gavel to Halperin, signifying the beginning of his presidency.
Past President Barb Kozlow passes the gavel to President Matt Halperin. Congratulations to RAPB’s 2015 Leadership Team: President Matt Halperin, President-Elect Judy Ramella, Southern Vice President Ann DeFries, Northern Vice President Kathy Slusser, Treasurer John Slivon, Past President Barb Kozlow, RCA Representative Carol Bernton, and Directors Martin Cohen, Tylon Fraley, Tim Harris,
John Kern, Jeffrey Levine, Jarrod Lowe, Carlos Melendez, Patty Renna, Ben Schachter and Donn Wonderling. RAPB would also like to thank the event sponsors who made the installation celebration possible: the Keyes Company, All My Sons Moving & Storage and Minuteman Press.
February 6 - February 12, 2015
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WELLINGTON ROTARY’S BURCKLE PLACE DINNER
The Rotary Club of Wellington recently completed a community outreach project with the Lord’s Place. Members of the club had dinner and an evening of camaraderie on Tuesday, Jan. 27 with the women of the Burckle House in Lake Worth, which is a homeless shelter for women who are reaching out for help. For more information about the club, contact Public Relations Director Bob Salerno at (561) 512-8247. Shown here are Wellington Rotarians at the Burckle House.
Talia Fradkin Receives Award At MLK Scholarship Breakfast In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., more than 800 members of the community came together to celebrate his legacy and raise scholarship funds for local students through the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee under the direction of Board President Cinthia Becton and Executive Director Edith C. Bush. The event, now in its 34th year, was held Monday, Jan. 19 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Presiding over the event as the master of ceremonies was State Rep. Bobby Powell Jr. (D-District 88). Local politicians and dignitaries in attendance included West Palm Beach City Commissioner Keith James, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-District 22), Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-District 18), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-District 21), Palm Beach County Mayor Shelley Vana, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Riviera Beach
Mayor Thomas Masters. Brenda Braxton, currently starring in The Wiz at the Maltz Theatre, sang “If You Believe,” followed by featured speaker Elvin J. Dowling. Annie Ruth Harrison-Nelson of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee honored local students and presented awards for poetry, writing, photography, art and oratory. Wellington resident and high school junior Talia Fradkin received an award for first place in the poetry competition. Each student’s entry reflected this year’s theme: “Pursue a positive dream, believe it, achieve it.” “Dr. King’s message is truly timeless and still inspires students today,” Fradkin said. Executive Director Edith C. Bush recognized and thanked members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee for their help throughout the year and in making this event a success.
(L-R) The five finalists for Junior Achievement’s Watch a Rising Star vocal competition: Sydney Carbo, Katie Rodgers, Drew Tanabe, Christina Layton and Virginia Mims.
Jr. Achievement To Honor Foundation
Annie Ruth Harrison-Nelson of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee with Breanna Moore, Inlet Grove High School 12th grader, the honorable mention recipient in the essay category; Everald McFarlane, Inlet Grove High School 11th grader, first-place winner in art; Wellington resident Talia Fradkin, Palm Beach Virtual School 11th grader, first place in poetry; and Ronsah Narcisse, Inlet Grove High School ninth grader, honorable mention in the essay category.
Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast will honor the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation at Junior Achievement’s Watch a Rising Star vocal competition at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation raises awareness of the importance of music as a part of every child’s life and complete education.
The competition will spotlight five musical finalists: Sydney Carbo of Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Christina Layton of the King’s Academy, Katie Rodgers of the Pine School, and Virginia Mims and Drew Tanabe, both from Dreyfoos School of the Arts. For the first time, all five finalists are Junior Achievement alumni. For more information, visit www.juniorchievement.com or call (561) 242-9468.
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SCHOOL NEWS
NEW HORIZONS HOSTS RESPONSIBILITY PEP RALLY
Brandon Aguacil, Ian Mutschler, Maverick Davies and Jude Baxt.
Emerald Cove Students Shine At Science Fair
On Thursday, Jan. 8, the auditorium at Santaluces High School recognized those select students who earned awards at the Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair held in December. Emerald Cove Middle School is proud of the following sev-
enth-grade students who were honored at the ceremony: Maverik Davies, junior division botany, third place; Brandon Alguacil, junior division botany, fourth place; Ian Mutschler, junior division physics, third place; and Jude Baxt, junior division physics, fourth place.
WELLINGTON EL HOSTS LIBRARY LITERACY NIGHT
New Horizons Elementary School recently hosted its annual Responsibility Pep Rally. The Wellington High School Pep Band, under the direction of band teacher Mary Oser and student drum major Trey Fritz, and the New Horizons Music Club, under the direction of Veronica Dillingham, performed numerous selections. NHES 2015 Character Counts winners joined WHS band member Hayleigh Hansen to present an acrostic explaining how to make responsible choices. Fritz, band member Bailey Cunningham, Principal Betsy Cardozo, Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel and Guidance Counselor Lynne Bray motivated students to develop responsibility by knowing what’s expected and just doing it, learning from mistakes, keeping up with all school work, getting involved in activities and pursuing special careers.
Binks Forest Business Partner Palm Beach Skate Zone Grants Third Grader’s Birthday Wish
Loyal Binks Forest Elementary School business partner Palm Beach Skate Zone went all out to help a Binks Forest student have the best birthday ever. Binks Forest third grader Hannah Teebagy wanted to continue her tradition of raising money for charitable causes instead of receiving birthday gifts. After scheduling her ninth birthday party for Jan. 11 at the Palm Beach Skate Zone, the staff there sprang into action. They wanted to make Teebagy’s birthday a huge success and ensure that she was able to raise the most
Wellington Elementary School held its second Literacy Night at the Wellington library on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan, Assistant Principal Kim Harrington and the Reading Committee were there to greet students and their families. There were scavenger hunts throughout the library, opportunities to sign up for a library card, literacy information tables with activities to do at home, art projects on display and goody bags. (Above) Teacher Marty Samulkewitsch, Assistant Principal Kim Harrington and ESE teacher Mari Skelston. (Right) Sisters fifth grader Kristiann Parkes and third grader Rosie Parkes with media specialist Cathy West.
money she could for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a charity established by a young cancer patient who set up a lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer research and awareness. Palm Beach Skate Zone’s Catering Manager Tim Shepley worked around the clock tending to every party detail, and even set up a lemonade stand at the party, the proceeds of which he contributed to Hannah’s fundraising efforts. Inspired by Teebagy’s hope to use her birthday as a way to make a difference in the lives of children
suffering from cancer, Palm Beach Skate Zone established a permanent “Alex’s Lemonade Stand.” From that day forward, half the proceeds from sales of lemonade sold there will go directly to the charity. Palm Beach Skate Zone also extended an invitation for Teebagy to partner with them for all her future birthdays to continue their fundraising efforts for this worthy cause. Teebagy raised $1,500 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Skate Zone sponsors the Binks Forest reading counts program.
Hannah Teebagy
SRHS Kick Out Cancer Tournament Raises Big Bucks In the Seminole Ridge High School “Kick Out Cancer” kickball tournament held Jan. 23, the Hawks raised $416 for the Feb. 20 dance marathon event in support of University of Florida Shands Health. More than 100 students played their hearts out for charity. Hawk Robots Get to Semifinals — The Seminole Ridge SECME’s VEX Robotic team
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competed against 23 other teams from around the state Jan. 24 in the Space Coast VEX Robotics Showdown at Palm Bay High School. It was the team’s first competition, and the students advanced to the semifinal round before being eliminated. Hawk senior Bert Sivongsay served as driver, with other team members Richard Decker, Ian Riibner,
Noah Stephens and Emanuel St. Aubin helping with design, building and programming. The SECME (science, engineering, communication, mathematics and enrichment) club is sponsored by Kay Mathews. Competition Cheerleaders Advance — The SRHS competition cheerleaders took fourth place against 22 teams Jan. 24 in Florida
High School Athletic Association regionals. They also scored 21 points over the minimum, advancing to state competition. “We switched into a harder division this year and are doing great,” cheer coach Tammy Licavoli said. “I’m so very proud of this very novice team — they’re continuing the legacy that the previous year’s team created.”
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SCHOOL NEWS
Crestwood Band Performs At Fairgrounds SPELLING BEE AT BINKS FOREST ELEMENTARY
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the Crestwood Middle School Symphonic Band performed on the Community Stage at the South Florida Fair. The students entertained the crowd with their rendition of “Roar,” “Cups,” “Haunted Clocks” and “Stray Cat Strut.” They had a fun and exciting time enjoying the fair festivities and performing. The students cannot wait until next year when they can participate again, according to band director Amanda Leonard. (Right) The Crestwood Middle School Symphonic Band on the fair’s Community Stage.
Rosarian Academy Places Second In Catholic Athletic League Cheerleading Competition
(Front row) Emma Guerreri, Alana Marchese, Georgia Blumel and Sailor Kate Ashley; (middle row) Elizabeth Guerreri, Olivia Colangelo, Charlotte Breckenridge, Izzy Goldstein, Lolly Colton and Leyla Said; (back row) Kelly Sullivan, Katie Agnew, coach Miranda Comisky, assistant coach Chloe Mikus, assistant coach Jordan Rahm and assistant coach Juliet Mikus.
Rosarian Academy cheerleaders competed on Saturday, Jan. 24 in the Catholic Athletic League Varsity Cheerleading Competition held at Cardinal Newman High School. Out of the seven local Catholic schools participating, Rosarian placed second. First place was awarded to St. Clare. The Rosarian cheerleaders received a trophy, a banner and individual medals. “After a hectic week of replacements and working around injuries, the Rosarian girls pulled it off by placing second,” coach Miranda Comisky said. “I could not be more proud of our girls and all of the hard work and dedication they have put into this season.” Founded in 1925, the Rosarian Academy educates students in early childhood through eighth grade. The coeducational Catholic school is located on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.rosarian.org.
Recently, 28 fourth-grade and fifth-grade students participated in the annual Binks Forest Elementary School spelling bee. The winners were Nicholas Walton in first place, Rohith Karthik in second place and Avantika Naidu in third place. Walton will move on to compete in the Palm Beach County Elimination Bee. Shown above are students Avantika Naidu, Nicholas Walton and Rohigh Karthik.
Spelling Bee Winners At Pierce Hammock Pierce Hammock Elementary School was buzzing with excitement on Friday, Jan. 9 as 30 fourthgrade and fifth-grade students and their families assembled in the cafeteria for the annual spelling bee. The students had been preparing for months, and the competitors were strong spellers. After many rounds, champion
speller Brody Holland, a fifthgrade student, shined through. The first runner up was Bryanna Pavon, a fourth-grade student, and the second runner up was Alexis Deeds, a fifth-grade student. Brody Holland and Bryanna Pavon will represent Pierce Hammock at the local area spelling bee Feb. 24 at the Benjamin School.
TKA Students Fulfilling Mission To Impact Their World Seventh grade students in history class at the King’s Academy are making an impact in their world. They recently worked with Voice of the Martyrs to help bring the gospel to guerrillas in the jungles of Colombia. The students made parachutes that will be used to deliver Christian literature, Bibles and solar-powered radios by a missionary pilot. The students made the parachutes from start to finish, from cutting out the pattern to sewing on the cords. They also
donated money to help offset the cost of fuel and materials. “This project was a great tie-in to our study of Latin America, making it real to the students. We were happy to partner with courageous Christians to bring the message of peace to guerrilla-controlled regions,” teacher Cathe Smythe said. (Right) Cathe Smythe with Abigail Martin, Olivia Smolchek, Benji Huether and Chris Erneston.
(Front row) Brody Holland, Bryanna Pavon and Alexis Deeds; (back row) judge Kathryn Koener, judge June Eassa, spelling bee coordinator Marianne O’Mara, judge Nicole Karazus and Principal Dr. John Carvelli.
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FEATURES
My Pet Peeve: Let Me Explain The Reasons I Hate ‘Spa Music’ It’s time for another one of my famous tirades. But, unlike most of my tirades, this one is not directed at an inanimate object that could care less. This time there’s a human component. I’m talking about spa music. My husband Mark loves it. He plays it in the car, thanks to Sirius bouncing the drivel off a satellite for our “listening pleasure.” When I reach to change the station, he protests with, “It’s relaxing!” I counter with, “Beethoven made better music when he was completely deaf!” And now it’s become a “thing” with me. It makes my skin crawl; I recoil when I hear it; it becomes the subject of humor
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER columns. I actually can no longer go to a spa because the music is so uninspired and boring that I get too irritated to relax. And let me clarify — there is the occasional decent composition. It’s like a breath of fresh air. I hear it and I think,
“Ahhh, someone actually took some time to think about this one.” But most of them cannot even be classified as music. Most of them sound like someone went out into the alley and picked up a discarded 2x4 and thumped it absent-mindedly with a piece of rebar while trying to decide where to go for lunch. Somewhere along the line, this miscreant thought, “Hey! I’ve got rhythm!” and decided this thumping was a song. He should have been turned away at the door of the recording studio, but no. A burnedout music executive thought, “What the heck. I’ll take his recording fee and sell the CD to the spas.”
The stuff with lutes isn’t so bad. Instead of a recording studio, I can at least picture a bunch of natives sitting around in the rainforest having a little jam session in between chewing plants and napping. But, really. Hasn’t music progressed beyond this? Oh, I suppose that’s the point. When enjoying a spa experience, we’re supposed to go back to our roots, a simpler time, when we had so little to worry about. Who needs scales and repeats and fortissimos? Perhaps I’m just jealous. Perhaps the four years I spent in the University of Wisconsin’s Fine Arts Department brought me
to expect more. Maybe I’m just frustrated that I don’t have a single song playing on Sirius even though I’m an accomplished oboe player, yet any boob with a bongo can cash in. Maybe that’s what I’ll do. I’ll take spa music to a whole new level by recording multiple tracks. (Yes! Multiple tracks!) I’ll do one track of 2x4-thumping, then overlay one or two notes on my oboe (you don’t really need more than two for spa music) and then get Mark into the act by having him pluck the lute until he passes out. Then we’ll loop this over and over until it’s a mind-numbing drone, like a cheap See WELKY, page 19
‘Whiplash’ Is Hard To Watch, But It Has Amazing Performances
Some movies come to us with big publicity campaigns, and others sneak in and sometimes are gone before they are appreciated. Whiplash came out in October and was generally ignored until movie people went nuts over how good it is. It was nominated for Best Picture and deserves the nomination. It is tough, it is taut, and you walk out feeling exhilarated. There have been many movies made about talented young people and their relationships with their teachers. But few of us have ever witnessed the extreme tension between a student and a sociopathic teacher that is the center of this picture. Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is a young drummer at the most prestigious music school in New York. Driven by fear of accepting mediocrity as his teacher father (Paul Reiser) has, haunted by the desertion of his mother, he yearns for greatness by constantly practicing, hoping to be noticed by the school’s top
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler jazz teacher. The teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) comes into his practice room, praises him and orders him to the practice room for his band, the top one in the school, at 6 the next morning. Andrew shows up, but no one else does until 9 a.m. Andrew is praised a lot at the start, made part of the “core band,” the regulars. At that point, Fletcher, who has already demonstrated that he can be an uncaring monster, begins a pattern of abuse. He curses, he throws chairs. He micromanages the beat for individual measures. He
brings in other drummers to replace Andrew, forcing him to work until his hands bleed. Watching Andrew push his hand into bowls of ice cubes to stop bleeding and swelling was brutal. Andrew’s budding relationship with Nicole (Melissa Benoit), a student at Fordham University, suffers and he very awkwardly drops her, telling her that any relationship would sour because of his drive to please the teacher. And, aside from her, he has no friends. He does not even get along with most of his own family, all of whom, excepting his father, are high achievers. Eventually, he faces disaster at a major concert when his bus has a flat tire and he winds up in an accident. His life crashes around him. Then, he gets a second chance from the teacher, but it turns out nothing is quite like it seems. As an old teacher, I focused on the major philosophical question posed by
Fletcher: Is it his role to create well-adjusted mediocrities or push beyond endurance to create greatness? Several times there are references to an incident where jazz drummer Jo Jones threw a cymbal at Charlie Parker’s head, almost decapitating him, which led to Parker’s working feverishly for a year and led to his proving himself as a music genius. That is the structural framework in essence for the film. Ironically, the truth is that Jones threw the cymbal at Parker’s feet and the saxophonist was humiliated, not endangered. Also, Jones was upset at Parker’s style of playing, one different from most of the old-time jazz greats, rather than concerned about whether he had talent. And despite the film, it is not just practice that makes a musician great; talent also play a role. But the movie is brilliant. Teller, who is a drummer, is very good both in the musical parts and the acting. But J.K. Skinner steals the movie. He is probably
Please join us for our next social at Oak Bistro and Wine Bar in Royal Palm Beach Thursday, February 19th 5:30 p.m.
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best known for his Farmers Insurance Group commercials rather than his acting in many films and TV shows, but that will change. He has already won a raft of awards for acting and is considered the odds-on favorite for the Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. He deserves it. He is not a stereotype despite almost certainly being a sociopath. He rages, he yells, he cajoles. But he also has streaks of whimsy. He moves the audience along as much as he does the drummer and other musicians. Always dressed in black, very physical, he dominated everything else in the picture. And when he is on screen, you can’t take your eyes off him. He is constantly in close-up; we can see every emotion. It is a superb performance. You may have trouble seeing the movie because its run in theaters was so short. But look around for it on the streaming services or on demand. This is a movie worth seeing; one of the best of the past year.
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Page 17
POLO & EQUESTRIAN
Nic Roldan Leads Audi To Victory In Ylvisaker Cup Action At IPC
By Alex Webbe The International Polo Club presented another full day of high-goal polo competition in the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup with three games on the slate last Sunday. In the featured Ylvisaker Cup match of the day, Audi (Marc Ganzi, Lucas Lalor, Nic Roldan and Fred Mannix) overcame an early 4-1 deficit to record a 12-9 win over a talented CT Energia lineup (Alessandro Bazzoni, Kris Kampsen, Joao Ganon and Nick Manifold). Brazilian 7-goaler Joao Ganon scored the first goal of the game in the first 30 seconds for a 1-0 advantage. Three minutes later, Ganon converted a 30-yard penalty shot for a goal to make it 2-0. Nic Roldan cut into the CT Energia lead with a goal from the field, making it 2-1. Ganon added another penalty goal at the 1:22 mark, followed by a goal from the field from Nick Manifold to end the period with CT Energia on top of a 4-1 lead.
Audi charged back into the game in the second chukker, with Roldan scoring the first two goals and cutting the CT Energia lead to a single goal, 4-3. Audi team captain Marc Ganzi tied the game with his first goal of the match, making it 4-4. Manifold put CT Energia in the lead again with his second goal of the game, making the score 5-4. Fred Mannix scored the final goal of the chukker as the horn sounded. After two periods of play, the score was tied at 5-5. The respective defenses were at their best in the third chukker, and goals were at a premium. Roldan scored the only goal of the chukker with 2:14 on the game clock, giving Audi its first lead of the game, 6-5. Audi had its way with CT Energia in the fourth chukker. Single goals from Ganon and Kampsen first tied, 6-6, and then gave the lead back to CT Energia, 7-6. Roldan and Mannix scored two more goals each as Audi left the
field at the end of the fourth chukker with a 10-7 lead. Roldan added another goal from the field at the 5:04 mark, and Ganzi converted a 30-yard penalty shot, ending the fifth chukker with Audi on top, 12-7. CT Energia tried to stage a late rally and picked up a pair of goals from Manifold in the sixth and final chukker, but at the end of the game, it was Audi driving off with the 12-9 victory. Roldan set the pace for the game, scoring seven times (twice on penalty shots) and picking up MVP honors. Mannix added three goals, and Ganzi scored twice for the win. Ganon and Manifold scored four goals each. Kampsen was credited with two goals, and Manifold’s Kiwi was named Best Playing Pony. Orchard Hill Defeats Enigma, 10-9 — In the day’s opening 10 a.m. match, Orchard Hill (Steve Van Andel, Lucas Criado, Facundo Pieres and Remy Muller),
After trading the lead back and forth, Audi took control of the game in the fourth chukker.
PHOTO BY ALEX PACHECO
the recent winner of the Joe Barry Memorial Cup, needed overtime to defeat a determined Enigma
foursome (Jerome Wirth, Jeff Hall, Matias MacDonough and Carlucho Arellano), 10-9.
Lucchese Tops Villa Del Lago, 16-12 — In what was anticipated See POLO, page 19
Marie Hecart And Myself De Breve Win FEI World Cup Grand Prix
France’s Marie Hecart and Myself de Breve were the winners at last Saturday night’s $372,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W 5*, presented by Fidelity Investments, at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival. Earning her first five-star victory and her first major Saturday night win in Wellington, Hecart topped a roster of major competition, including Olympic gold medalists Ben Maher of Great
Britain and Eric Lamaze of Canada. Maher was second with Diva II, while Lamaze finished third aboard Fine Lady 5. Held under the lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s International Arena, the class featured 45 starters with 10 clear rounds over the course set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. In the jump-off, only two were able to clear the short course without fault.
Marie Hecart and Myself de Breve jump last Saturday night.
PHOTO BY SPORTFOT
Sixth to go in the second round, Hecart and Myself de Breve produced the first double clear in the winning time of 38.61 seconds. Kent Farrington and Amalaya Investments’ Willow immediately followed with a faster time of 36.79 seconds, but had a defeating rail at the last fence to finish fourth. Maher and Tatiana Korsakova’s Diva II came one round later to produce the second clear in a time of 40.55 seconds. Last to go, Lamaze and Artisan Farms LLC’s Fine Lady 5 completed the fastest round of the night in 36.54 seconds, but dropped one rail to finish third. Myself de Breve is a 15-yearold Selle Francais mare. One of the smallest horses in the class at just over 15 hands, what “Myself” (or “Mini Me” in the barn) lacks in height, she makes up for in heart. Hecart has had the mare since she was four years old and has developed a great partnership over the years. “We know each other really, really well and she has been more and more consistent,” Hecart said. “The older she gets, the better she gets, and it is really nice to have her in good shape and competitive.” After many times of being
close, Hecart was thrilled with the big win. “We were always clear and really consistent, but there was always one down in the jump-off or we were not fast enough,” she said. “Today, I don’t know why, but it happened and she was amazing. It is always a really nice atmosphere and a good crowd here on Saturday, so it is always really exciting to ride here.” Hecart was proud of her jumpoff round. “I cannot go over my speed because she can get really excited and have a rail down,” she said. “I wasn’t fast in the beginning, and I just took a chance at the last jump. I wasn’t really that fast, so it was good that Eric had a rail.” With his second-place finish, Maher was happy with a great result aboard his mount Diva II and was pleased to see the mare in good form for the night’s class after a good end to the 2014 season. “She’s fantastic. She has a little bit her own style,” Maher said. “She was great in Olympia in London; she won there. I jumped her last week when she came out of quarantine and she was really fresh and crazy, but tonight she was back to herself.” Maher noted that the first round
was a fairly long course and difficult course. “Some of the horses coming back in the jump-off were not necessarily tired, but they didn’t jump quite as well,” he said. “It was big money, a lot of people making mistakes. I decided to play it a bit safe and take a check home.” Lamaze has been on excellent form with numerous wins in the beginning of the WEF circuit, including wins in all four rounds of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series. The last two wins were back-to-back with Fine Lady 5. “She felt the same,” Lamaze said of Fine Lady’s performance Saturday. “I rode her last Saturday night, and I was pleasantly surprised. She had no reaction and was the same under the lights. With the atmosphere, she jumped an incredible first round. Marie was very fast in the jump-off, so she didn’t leave much on the table, and we had to try. For my horse, going last in the first round and then into the jump-off right away, there wasn’t a lot of recovery time. She barely touched that fence. She’s a great mare and I’m very happy to be riding her in these 1.60m grand prix, because she wasn’t really bought to do this. For
me, it is exciting to have another horse to do it.” With all of his latest wins, Lamaze was not disappointed with a third place finish. “Not when you’re third to Marie and Ben,” he said. “It’s great competition. When you go at this speed, you need a little luck, and that’s the way it goes sometimes. My horse jumped very well, and there is no shame in being third on this circuit.” The Winter Equestrian Festival has some of the toughest competition in the world, with many of the top horses and riders competing. “We used to be in Florida to prepare our horses to go compete in Europe or somewhere else in the U.S., but now with the five-stars and the increase in prize money, it becomes a serious competition. It is a serious circuit,” Lamaze said. “I think a lot of riders are preparing their horses to be here and not train them, but really compete. That is the difference. Florida used to be a training circuit for the rest of the year, but now it is a real competition; a real show with real riders and great horses.” For more information, and a full schedule of events, visit www. equestriansport.com.
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Page 18
February 6 - February 12, 2015
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NEWS
2015 SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR ENDS ITS ACTION-PACKED 17-DAY RUN IN STYLE
The 2015 South Florida Fair ended its annual 17-day run on Sunday, Feb. 1 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, capping an exciting week of activities. Learn more at www.southfloridafair.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
New American citizens take the oath during a USCIS Naturalization ceremony.
WIRK “redneck wedding” winners groom Gary Hall and bride Jonell Di Pasquale with Gator Boys Jimmy Riffle (left) and Scott Cohen (right).
The Wellington High School Blue Diamonds Step Team perform on the Community Stage.
Elvis impersonators perform as a group for the audience as they wait for their scores.
Dean Piper and Michaela Paige with Alvis and Dee Maeyens.
The LED Robots Laser Light Show was very popular.
Elvis impersonator winner Jerome Jackson with Jennifer Taylor and Christine Burtch.
CAR WASH BENEFIT SUPPORTS WELLINGTON LANDINGS STUDENT ALLY RENE
The Wellington Landings Middle School Student Government Association hosted a car wash Saturday, Jan. 31 at Park Avenue BBQ & Grille in Wellington. Donations from the car wash will benefit eighth grader Ally Rene in her fight against brain cancer. To make a PHOTOS BY ANDREA UNGER/TOWN-CRIER donation, call WLMS SGA Advisor Janet Winkelman at (561) 792-8100.
Eighth graders William Shields and Valentino Mignone wash a car.
Sixth graders Ethan Levine and Benjamin Shields, along with eighth graders Merari Celestin and Michael Greco, attract drivers by waving signs on the side of the road.
Many students came out to support Ally Rene.
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
Page 19
NEWS
It’s American Heart Month: How Are You Caring For Yours?
By Lynette Laufenberg Special to the Town-Crier During the month of February, American’s thoughts turn to our hearts. In addition to Valentine’s Day, February is American Heart Month, and it is important that you focus on caring for your heart, both physically and emotionally. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) — including heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure — is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. CVD costs the U.S. more than $300 billion each year, including the cost of healthcare services, medications and lost productivity. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable CVD. Many CVD deaths
could have been prevented through healthier habits, healthier living spaces and better management of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Although some risk factors are out of your control, such as race and gender, you can control a number of risk factors for CVD, including: diet, physical activity, tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. Make a Plan for Prevention — As you begin your journey toward improved wellness, try out these strategies for better heart health: • Work with your healthcare team. Get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. • Monitor your blood pressure. There are often no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.
• Get your cholesterol checked. You should have your cholesterol levels tested at least once every five years. • Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid CVD and its complications. • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for CVD. See one of our certified fitness professionals to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) or Body Composition. • Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It is recommended that adults engage in moderate-intensity activity for at least 150 minutes/week. • Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for
CVD, so quit now! • Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. • Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your healthcare team about treatment options. • Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or another condition, follow the instructions carefully. As you incorporate any of the above healthy habits, eventually you may be able to lower your dosage of medication, or even better, eliminate it. Caring for our Emotional Heart — Along with taking charge of our physical well-being, we must not forget the importance of caring for our emotional self.
Rock Music Coming To Dolly Hand Center On Feb. 19 “Rock Legends: People’s Choice” is part rock concert, part rock tribute, but all rock ’n’ roll. The show will be at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade on Thursday, Feb. 19. Rock Legends combines all of these elements to create a one-ofa-kind show. In this unique rock revue created by audience favorite Billy McGuigan (of “Yesterday & Today: The interactive Beatles Experience” and “Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience”), audiences are given the opportunity to vote, through the power of their (Left) In “Rock Legends: People’s Choice,” audiences are given the opportunity to vote, through the power of their applause, for the songs and music they want to hear.
GCC
$1.5 Million Available
continued from page 1 top prize of $150,000 to the final prize of $15,000. Grants will also be given out randomly to help the superhero charities. All in all, there will be $1.5 million up for grabs. Riders of all levels of prestige compete and give back during the Great Charity Challenge. “It’s a great family-friendly event. The spirit of giving, to be able to see riders that are Olympic-level athletes giving their time back to the community, everybody leaves a winner that night,” Valtin said. “It’s just a great event showcasing the superheroes in our community.” Raising awareness of the charities is a driving force behind the Great Charity Challenge. “The GCC is a unique event that allows us to raise awareness of the diverse charitable organiza-
Pafford
Town Hall Meeting
continued from page 3 who they need to lobby, and find a bill sponsor. They should attend Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation meetings and sign up to be a presenter, and attend committee meetings in Tallahassee, if possible. Pafford said he thinks top issues in the 2015 session will include expanding healthcare in Florida and protecting land and water under Amendment One, which passed on Nov. 4 by a 75 percent margin statewide and dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.
tions throughout the community,” co-founder Paige Bellissimo said. “One hundred percent of the funds are distributed to charities and put to work immediately. The event gives a ‘leg up’ to the many heroes who lead these deserving nonprofits. We are very grateful for our rider teams, sponsors and partners who support the effort.” Bringing the focus to the charities, giving them coverage they might not otherwise have had, is something Valtin is especially thrilled about. “We have an amazing group of charities that were drawn,” she said. “The big advantage of doing a random drawing is we really, truly get to showcase so many different organizations — whether they benefit children, adults or animals — we really get a wide range. We’re really excited.” If past Great Charity Challenges have been any indication, Valtin expects somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 people to come out to see the riders compete for their
Polo
Ylvisaker Cup Action
continued from page 17 to be “the Polito Pieres Show,” his cousin Nico Pieres stole the spotlight from the game’s hottest commodity to score a game-high 10 goals and lead Lucchese (John Muse, Magoo Laprida, Nico Pieres and Geronimo Obregon) to a convincing 16-12 win over Villa Del Lago (Jim Zenni, Agustin Obregon, Polito Pieres and Julian de Lusarreta). The high-goal polo season continues at IPC this weekend with more Ylvisaker Cup action. Learn more at www.international poloclub.com.
charities. “It’s kind of like Disneyland for horses,” Valtin said, describing the night. There will be a carousel, a petting zoo, entertainment and several food options available on site at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Riders, corporate sponsors and team sponsors are paired with each charity, as they vie for the top winnings. The crowds and competitors cheer each other on as they navigate the relay course to victory. Meanwhile, all charities should be marking their calendars for the 2016 Great Charity Challenge. The opportunity to drop a card in the hat takes place from Oct. 1 through Nov. 15. The Great Charity Challenge is a community-wide, family-friendly event featuring free general admission. For more information, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com or www.facebook.com/greatcharitychallenge.
Blotter
continued from page 6 left open overnight, but did not notice any damage. According to the report, the victim believes that someone removed his $250 Onvif security camera system. JAN. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Cypress Trace last Thursday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11:30 p.m. last Wednesday and 7 a.m. last Thursday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked 2007 Ford Ecoline, removed change from the cup holders and removed three DeWalt drills, valued at approximately $800. DNA evidence was gathered from the vehicle.
applause, for the songs and music they want to hear. In this way, Rock Legends takes on the personality and taste of the audience, making each show unique. Rock Legends’ musical choices take audiences on a journey from the 1950s music of Elvis, Buddy and Patsy Cline, to the psychedelic 1960s of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Janis Joplin. They’ll hit the groove of the 1970s with the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and the piano men, Billy and Elton, and even dabble in the music of the 1980s with the likes of Tom Petty, U2 and more. Rock Legends will be presented at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade Campus on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for students, children and PBSC faculty and staff. For more information, call the box office at (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org.
Stress management and behavior modification are two very important elements to living a fulfilled life. It is up to you to take charge of your emotional well-being and learn to be content in the “here and now.” Without managing our stress levels, the physical toll stress will eventually take on our bodies may be irreversible. Why not try some of these ideas to help ease your stress and find contentment in your everyday life? • Positive self-talk. • Do something you love on a daily basis — reading, coffee with a friend, listening to music, taking a walk outside. • Daily relaxation — practice yoga, tai
chi or meditation. • Eliminate the “negotiable” from your to-do list. Most importantly, do not feel overwhelmed. Take baby steps, embrace the changes you are trying hard to implement, and honor your body. Little by little, all of your efforts will start to pay off and you will feel proud to look back and see the progress you have made! Lynette Laufenberg is wellness center director at Ultima Fitness in Wellington. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 7952823 or visit www. ultimafitness.com.
Heart Association Honors Wellington As A Gold Level ‘Fit-Friendly’ Workplace The American Heart Association has recognized the Village of Wellington as a “Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite.” The award honors Wellington’s commitment to providing physical activity and wellness opportunities for its employees. Wellington is among 38 Palm Beach County companies/organizations deemed “Fit-Friendly.” The “Gold Level Fit-Friendly Worksite” recognition singles out employers, such as Wellington, that champion the health of its employees through physical activity support, increasing healthy eating options at work and promoting a wellness culture. Requirements include implementing at least six of the physical activity criteria, two of the nutrition criteria and one of the culture criteria listed in the application form.
continued from page 16 air conditioner, and we’ll sell millions! I feel better. When I’m out of sorts, taking action is the perfect antidote. Come to think about it, that’s probably the very reason I hate the lulling, soothing sounds of the spa. I’d rather light a firecracker.
continued from page 1 and decision-making of the community she loves. While in office, she represented the village on the executive board of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization. “I feel that my presence on those boards and my representation of the village was very important in seeing to it that the village had a voice when decisions that were going to affect the village were made,” Webster said. “I was very
proactive in making sure that Royal Palm Beach had a voice there. That is something that I would like to go back to, and I’d like to see us have again.” A supporter of the Office of the Inspector General and open government, Webster is striving for more transparency in Royal Palm Beach. “A lot of business is done by the consent agenda, and I think that the public needs to hear more of what is going on,” she said. To learn more about Webster and her current campaign, find her on Facebook at “Martha Webster for RPB Council Seat 2.” The Town-Crier will host a televised Royal Palm Beach candidates forum prior to the March 10 election. The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.
Martha Webster
JAN. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on Arbor Crest Way last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Thursday and 1 a.m. last Friday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked 2014 Nissan Frontier and removed the victim’s wallet and used his Bank of America debit card at two gas stations. JAN. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Fontana Lane last Friday morning. According to a PBSO report, someone entered the victim’s unlocked 2010 Ford F150 and removed paperwork and a diamond
cluster ring, valued at $3,000, from a ring box left in the center armrest console. JAN. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Bealls store on Southern Blvd. regarding an incident of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, Amanda Santiago entered the store and concealed several pieces of junior and baby clothing in a diaper bag before exiting without attempting to pay for the clothing, valued at $387.48. Santiago was arrested and charged with retail grand theft. JAN. 31 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the parking lot of the Walmart store on Belvedere
Road last Saturday regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s 2014 Toyota Corolla, valued at $25,000, was removed sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. There were no signs of forced entry. FEB. 1 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the Publix supermarket on Wellington Trace on Sunday morning regarding a shoplifting incident. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 8:45 a.m., someone walked out of the store with four 12-packs of soda and a 24-pack of water without paying. According to the report, when the manager tried to stop the person, he ran and left the merchandise.
Webster
Running Against Swift
Last year, more than 100 Wellington employees participated in wellness programs offered through the “Commit to be Fit” program. For information about Wellington programs, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
Welky
I Hate Spa Music
Page 20
February 6 - February 12, 2015
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NEWS
FUN TIME FOR HUNDREDS AT WELLINGTON’S FATHER-DAUGHTER SNOW BALL
Wellington hosted its Frozen-themed Father-Daughter Snow Ball on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Village Park gym. More than 200 people were on hand to enjoy an evening of dancing, games and an Italian buffet dinner. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Scott Sherry with daughters Jacqueline and Abby.
Elliot and Haydn Bonner with Thaddeus and Leelyn Thompson.
Sponsor Dr. David Simon and daughter Lexi do the macarena.
Cary and Mikayla Lipson get ready for the photo booth.
Emma Prince received flowers from her father, Joseph.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John McCammon with Ariel Jolie.
Ice Princess (Lexi McAin) and Ice Queen (Jessica Pereira) visit with Isabella Bernal.
Brian Zimmerman with Brielle, Eliana and Leora.
Madelyn Horner and Juliana Priddy play in the snow.
Alexus and Taylor Sommer get twirled by dad Joel.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY CROWD ENJOYS AN ACTION-PACKED MATCH AT IPC
The Super Bowl Sunday crowd at the International Polo Club Palm Beach enjoyed an action-packed match, which pitted Audi against CT Energia as part of the Ylvisaker Cup 20-goal tournament. Nic Roldan was in top form racing from one end of Engel & Völkers Field to the other, scoring seven of Audi’s 12 goals. Polo enthusiast Richard Graff won the coveted Veuve Clicquot Fashion on the Field award. Proving that talent runs in the family, Jordan Beres, the 13-year-old daughter of Jett Beres, bass guitarist and singer in the rock band Sister Hazel, sang the national anthem. Get your tickets for Sunday polo at IPC by visiting www.internationalpoloclub.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO
Carol Sollak and Amy Carr of Engel & Völkers, field sponsor for the 2015 polo season.
Jett Beres, Jordan Beres and John Wash with Chukker.
The Audi team of Nic Roldan, Freddie Mannix, Lucas Lalor and Marc Ganzi were victorious on the field.
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Page 21
Emindee Images Photography
Johnathon Connolly Photography
LILA PHOTO
Maria Baiz Photography
The Wanderers Club is the perfect setting for love.
Let us make your wedding unforgettable.
For a private consultation, contact Whitney Buchanan at 561.795.3501 or Whitney@WanderersClubWellington.com. WanderersClubWellington.com
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
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The Perfect Match Polo and Brunch
Experience the energy of world-class polo and brunch at the International Polo Club. Delicious food, champagne, celebrity sightings, music, fashion and, of course, polo. Every Sunday at 3 p.m. through April 19 The Pavilion opens at 2 p.m.
Join us at The Pavilion for the after-party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For ticket options, please visit InternationalPoloClub.com or call 561.204.5687.
3667 120th Avenue South Wellington, Florida 33414
Photography by LILA PHOTO
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A Busy Time At South Florida Fair’s Horse Tent
Spectators applauded and whistled as riders entered to compete over fences as the first-in-a-long-time Hunter/Jumper Show unfolded at the South Florida Fair’s horse tent. “The show’s going pretty well,” announcer Lori Richards said. “It’s small, but a lot of fun.” Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25
February 6 - February 12, 2015
Page 23
Lady Wolverines Win Regional Girls Soccer Title
The Wellington High School girls varsity soccer team hosted Jupiter High School in the Class 5A regional final match Friday, Jan. 30 and bested the Warriors 5-3. The game looked bleak for the Wolverines early in the first half. Jupiter scored quickly in the eighth minute to take a 1-0 lead. Page 33
A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
Shopping Spree
INSIDE
Business
Local Dressage Rider Launches New Concierge Service Business
Dressage rider Randi Phillips is proud to announce her new business, Always At Ur Service, which she describes as the “ultimate personal concierge service.” Now, anyone can call on her communication, customer service, problem-solving and organizational skills to take care of tasks that they don’t want to handle. Her main areas of focus are household management, concierge services and errands. Page 29
Sports RPBHS Basketball Boys Defeat Visiting Glades Central Team
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the No. 8 Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball squad hosted Glades Central High School in a non-district match-up. The Wildcats wasted little time in controlling much of the game. Royal Palm Beach (16-8) went up early, and it was 10-4 midway through the first quarter. Page 33
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FEATURES
February 6 - February 12, 2015
Page 25
Busy Schedule At The South Florida Fair’s Horse Tent
It was Sunday, Jan. 18, opening weekend of the 2015 South Florida Fair. I approached the horse tent with some trepidation, wondering what I’d find. In recent years, there had been times one had to search high and low to find horse events; times you couldn’t even see a live horse. What would this year hold? I was thrilled to find a horse show in progress. An actual show! Spectators applauded and whistled as riders entered to compete over fences as the first-in-a-long-time Hunter/ Jumper Show unfolded. Classes ranged from Lead Line to Long and Short Stirrups (18-inch height), Beginner Hunter (2 feet), Schooling (2-foot-3), Children’s/Adult (2-foot-6), Working (2-foot-9) and a few 2-foot-9 jumper classes. “The show’s going pretty well,” announcer Lori Richards said. “It’s small, but a lot of fun. We’ve had about four riders in each class.” At the in-gate, Meghan Garcia gave her student, Stephanie Twohill, riding Miss Jade, advice. “Keep your leg on her, find your pace, and remember to breathe!” she said. The small arena held a full course of eight jumps, the footing was decent, and few dozen spectators sat on the bleachers. Stephanie completed her rides over the 2-foot-3 Limited Equitation course, earning the division’s Reserve Champion.
Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”
Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg “It’s my first time showing in a tent,” said Stephanie, 13. “And my first time showing at the fair. We were a little nervous at first, but then we relaxed. I’m definitely showing here again during the next two weeks in the Pleasure and Barrel shows.” Alexandra Speaker, 12, and her mom, Heidi, were also showing. They had brought along Secala, their 7-year-old rescue pony. “It’s a great environment for my daughter and her pony,” Heidi said. “Stress-free, very enjoyable, clean and safe.” “The course was short and trappy,” Alexandra added. “We had some issues, a couple of refusals, but then we won on the flat and got our confidence back. Secala’s a really good boy. I love him.” The Speakers trailered in from their Jupiter Farms home each day for their events, which included the Hunter/Jumper, Pleasure, Barrel and 4-H shows, along with the Miss South Florida Fair Equestrian Pageant. Alexandra did on-stage modeling in Western pleasure show clothes, gave a speech and rode English Hunter for talent.
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Stephanie Twohill on Miss Jade at the in-gate with Meghan Garcia standing. “It was a wonderful experience overall,” Heidi said. “Just lots of fun.” Indeed, the horse tent had a full schedule. In addition to the Hunter/Jumper Show, there was the Extreme Trail Challenge competition, Jackpot Barrel shows each Friday night, a Pleasure Show, a Fun Show, One Turn for the Money, a 4-H Show, Draft Horse Pull-
ing, Youth Horse Judging and numerous demonstrations: reining, roping, colt-starting, dressage, mustangs, the Pee-Wee Posse, drill teams, jumping, driving and a Las Vegasthemed costume contest where both horse and rider dressed up. No matter the time or day, anyone visiting the horse tent was bound to See ROSENBERG, page 37
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
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BUSINESS NEWS
IPC Welcomes Wellington Regional As 2015 Sponsor
The International Polo Club Palm Beach is proud to announce Wellington Regional Medical Center as its “Official Hospital” and sponsor for the 2015 high-goal winter polo season. Wellington Regional is a progressive, 233-bed, acute-care facility and medical center that has been serving central Palm Beach County since 1986. It is a thriving community hospital, proud to offer the “high-tech” advantages of a big-city hospital and the personalized care of a hometown provider. As the official hospital of the IPC, Wellington Regional has medical services and an ambulance on-site at every Sunday match.
“We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2015 polo season. As Wellington’s premier hospital and medical center, we share the same values of professionalism and excellence,” said Robbin Lee, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center. As an accredited community hospital, WRMC prides itself on its continued commitment to remain at the forefront of advanced technologies, while offering expanded programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves. “Wellington Regional is an exceptional medical facility known for its compassion, teamwork and patient care. We could not be more pleased than to have them come aboard as a
sponsor, and as our official hospital,” said John Wash, president of the International Polo Club. WRMC is recognized by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Measures in Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care. Services available at the hospital include the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the western communities, da Vinci minimally invasive robotic surgery, emergency services, wound care, orthopedic services and much more. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonregional.com. The 2015 Palm Beach polo season opened Jan. 4 and will conclude on April 19.
Universal Health Services CEO Allan Miller and WRMC CEO Robbin Lee with John Wash and Cristina Fernandez.
Palm Beach Platinum Opens To Train Cheerleaders, Dancers & Gymnasts
Partners Cindy Munoz, Tim Sutton and Gem Santos have teamed up with the nonprofit Palm Beach Bulls Travel Basketball League to open Palm Beach Platinum All Stars & Sideline Cheerleading. Palm Beach Platinum offers competition and sideline cheerleading teams for children, teens and young adults. Tryouts and assessments take place year-round. Visit www.palmbeachplatinumcheer.com for dates and times. A flexible payment plan
that includes everything an athlete will need from bow-to-toe is available. Palm Beach Platinum also offers referral and sibling discounts. Whether you are a returning cheerleader or new to the sport, everyone makes the team at Palm Beach Platinum. Training is offered in the sports of cheerleading, dance and gymnastics, and the partners strive to maintain a stress-free environment with the focus on fun. The coaches seek to see their stu-
dents develop lasting relationships, a strong sense of self-worth and pride in being part of something bigger than themselves, as well as life skills that will assist them in becoming positive and productive adults. The team already has cheerleaders from Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth and Boynton Beach. Currently, practices take place three times a week on Thursdays (All Star & Sideline Cheer, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.); Friday nights
(tumbling and open gym, All Star & Sideline Cheer); and Sundays (All Star & Sideline Cheer clinics and choreography from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.). During the summer, Palm Beach Platinum attends UCA camp in Orlando and attends local competitions to keep athletes on point. The All Star athletes will participate in various clinics to improve choreography and dance for the upcoming competition season. High
school sideline cheerleaders will receive community service hours as they cheer for the Palm Beach Bulls Travel Basketball League. All cheerleaders will also participate in community service efforts. The company is using space at TNT Gymnastics (3120 Fairlane Farms Road, Wellington) while its permanent home is under construction. For more info., visit www. palmbeachplatinumcheer.com or call Munoz at (561) 400-6733.
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
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BUSINESS NEWS
February 6 - February 12, 2015
Page 29
Local Dressage Rider Launches New Concierge Service
Dressage rider Randi Phillips of Wellington is proud to announce her new business, Always At Ur Service, which she describes as the “ultimate personal concierge service.” Now, anyone in Wellington can call on her communication, customer service, problem-solving and organizational skills to take care of tasks that they don’t want to handle. Phillips’ main areas of focus involve household management, concierge services and general errands. Household management tasks include overseeing repairs, household record keeping, waiting for deliveries, pet care services, bill preparation and more. Concierge services include tasks such as making reservations and appointments, making customer service complaint calls, planning and
booking travel arrangements, and booking tickets for concerts, theater performances and sporting events. Always At Ur Service also runs errands such as dry cleaning dropoff and pickup, package shipping, prescription pickup, personal or gift shopping, party planning, airport pickup and dropoff, and making household purchases. Phillips has a team of professionals ready to assist with her clients’ wants and needs. No request is too small, and Phillips welcomes each one. “I am extremely reliable and trustworthy, and I make sure whatever is requested of me gets done in a timely manner,” Phillips said. “I believe I am very good at what I do, and I enjoy what I do.” For 19 years, Phillips gained experience for her concierge business
by owning her own fashion and advertising production company called Randi Phillips Productions, which did location and talent scouting; photo shoot production; and makeup, styling and photographic direction. Most of her time was spent problem-solving while coordinating events and projects. When she isn’t helping others, Phillips loves shopping for vintage items, contemplating new design ideas for her home, dining and dancing with friends and, most importantly, riding her dressage horse. Phillips’ business has already helped several clients in the equine industry. “I’ve used Always At Ur Service for the things I hate to do,” said trainer Bent Jensen of Wellington. “What could be better than subcontracting
Randi Phillips of Always At Ur Service is ready to meet your needs in household management, concierge services and general errands. life’s annoying necessities? They make it easy for me to concentrate on what I do best. I have already contracted with Randi to process
my horse show entries this season.” To learn more about Always At Ur Service, visit www.alwaysatur service.com or call (505) 803-4151.
Wellington’s Green Team Solutions Receives ‘Best Of Houzz’ Award Green Team Solutions of Wellington has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for customer satisfaction by Houzz, an online platform for home remodeling and design. The landscape design, installation and maintenance firm was chosen by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more
than 500,000 active home-building, remodeling and design industry professionals. “At Green Team, we’re dedicated and passionate about landscapes,” owner Luc Limbourg said. The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: design and customer satisfaction. Design award winners’ work was the most popular
among the Houzz users, known as “Houzzers.” Customer satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world learn even more about that business’
popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers. “Houzz provides homeowners with a 360-degree view of home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, empowering them to engage the right people and products for their project,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recog-
nize Green Team Solutions among our ‘Best Of’ professionals as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts.” To follow Green Team Solutions on Houzz, visit www.houzz.com/ pro/limbourg. To learn more about Green Team Solutions, call (561) 337- 0658 or visit www.greenteamllc.com.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
February 6 - February 12, 2015
Page 33
Wellington Wins Regional Soccer Title, 5-3 Over Jupiter
By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School girls varsity soccer team hosted Jupiter High School in the Class 5A regional final match Friday, Jan. 30 and bested the Warriors 5-3. The game looked bleak for the Wolverines early in the first half. Jupiter scored quickly in the eighth minute to take a 1-0 lead. In the 15th minute, Jupiter extended its lead to 2-0, and the Wellington players suddenly found themselves watching their season come to an end. Wellington’s résumé in comebacks expanded after the victory. The Wolverines had to rally from a
one-goal deficit to beat Stoneman Douglas in the regional quarterfinals game to advance. “We have not been in this spot; how are we going to react?” wondered Wellington coach Mike Kozlowski of his team’s early situation, being down two goals. “We knew it was going to take something serious to get out of this hole, and they did the work to do it.” Less than two minutes later, freshman Lauryn Auger closed the gap to 2-1 for the Wolverines when she found the back of the net. Kassidy Hannum earned the equalizer for Wellington from a header off of a corner kick just one minute later to tie the game at 2-2. The teams
Wellington’s Riley Nicholson beats the Jupiter defenders, scoring her second goal of the game.
continued to battle the rest of the half, but it was evident that a wind of change was in the air for the Lady Wolverines. In the second half, the momentum continued to swing Wellington’s way. In the 60th minute, Wellington took its first lead of the game. Sophomore Megan Cebollero took a pass in the center, on a breakaway, and beat the Jupiter goalkeeper for the go-ahead, making the score 3-2. Four minutes later, Jupiter re-
Wolverine freshman Alexandra Rehr tries to settle the ball for a pass.
sponded with a goal to equalize the score at 3-3. It was the last goal the Warriors would find for the evening. The solid Wellington defense proved difficult for Jupiter. Riley Nicholson would find the back of the net twice later in the half to give Wellington a two-goal lead at 5-3. Nicholson’s first was a rocket from 23 yards out into the upper right corner of the net. Her second was a close shot, inside after beating three defenders. Wellington put together several second-half attacks, pressuring Jupiter’s defense, making it difficult for the Warriors to counter. The regional title is Wellington’s
first since winning the state championship in 2008. Kozlowski was the coach during that period. His return to the pitch, along with the chemistry of the team, appears to have brought the passion back to a program that historically has been known for its success. “It’s absolutely awesome; they’ve worked so hard for this. This is not a reflection of the coaches, it’s a reflection of them,” said Kozlowski of the team’s championship victory. Wellington will travel to Melbourne, to the state semifinal round against the defending Class 5A state champions St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday, Feb. 6.
Wellington freshman forward Megan Cebollero breaks away from the Jupiter defender for the goal. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
RPBHS Basketball Boys Handle Glades Central, 63-38
By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Thursday, Jan. 29, the No. 8 Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball squad hosted Glades Central High School in a non-district match-up. The Wildcats wasted little time in
controlling much of the game. Royal Palm Beach (16-8) went up early, and it was 10-4 midway through the first quarter, but the Raiders battled back to close the gap to 15-13 early in the second. At the halfway point in the second quarter, Glades Central found
some momentum to lock up the scoreboard at 17-17. Both teams put together several scoring opportunities, as the first half ended with the Wildcats securing a 30-25 lead. However, Royal Palm Beach unleashed the power in the second half, dominating the Raiders on
Travis Weatherington goes for a layup against the Raiders.
Jules Jasmin leaps up for two points against Glades Central.
Leonard Thorpe gets by the Glades Central defender.
both sides of the ball and capturing an 18-point lead. As the Wildcats pounced into the fourth quarter, they continued to punish the Raider
defense, with a commanding 50-33 lead. Minutes later, Royal Palm Beach See WILDCATS, page 37
Royal Palm Beach’s Jalen Ritchie takes the ball up court. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
SPORTS & RECREATION
Post #390 Baseball Seeks Players
The 2014 Florida State Champion Wellington American Legion Post #390 baseball program is interested in talking to high school or junior varsity players ages 15 to 18 in the western communities with an
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interest in playing baseball for the league’s 17U or 18U teams this summer. Players ages 17 or 18 should call Tony Viscusi at (561) 670-4675. Players ages 15 or 16 should call Drew Garrell at (786) 255-5328.
BIG WINS FOR WHS WRESTLING TEAM
The Wellington High School wrestling team improved to 26-4 and defended its western conference title last week by defeating all four of its opponents. It was the final team dual action of the season for the Wolverines as they move into the individual portion of the season. The Palm Beach County wrestling tournament is up next, which will be held on Feb. 6-7 at Palm Beach Gardens High School. (Front row) Coach Zach Pincus, Quentin McCauley, Eric Reid, Bailey Laster, Colton Macfarlane, Andrew Mitchell and Jared Abramson; (back row) coach Travis Gray, A.J. Lopez, Eric Saber, Michael James, Elroy Taylor, Anthony Pata, Christian Goss, Ian Posada, Josue Arce and coach Chris Forte.
Top Honors For Ballet East Students
Students of Ballet East were honored at the Youth America Grand Prix semifinal competition that took place Jan. 9-11 in Tampa. Among the top finishers were Ballet East students Jules Mabie, who received second place in both classical and contemporary in the junior men’s category, while Carley Anderson and Erica Borden both received third place in the contemporary category in their respective age divisions. In addition, multiple Ballet East students were honored with top 12 and top 24 achievements in both classical and contemporary categories. Students Nicole Alfaro, Carley Anderson, Erica Borden, Paige Lewis and Madison Russo placed among the top 12 in the classical ballet division. Aspen Bohn placed amongst the top 24 in the classical division. In the contemporary division, students Nicole Alfaro, Aspen Bohn, Paige Lewis and Madison Russo all received top 12 rankings. In the ensemble division, Ballet East’s “Falling Gently, Floating Down,” choreographed by Chelsea and Bree Nasby, placed second and was one of the few pieces selected to perform in the Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala. Ballet East students were honored to dance alongside numerous principal dancers from leading companies.
(Front row) Nicole Alfaro; (second row) Reese Rengstl, Erica Borden and Sophia Rose; (third row) Madison Russo, Aspen Bohn, Jules Mabie, Sydney Sheldon and Paige Lewis; (back row) Carley Anderson, Evelyn Borden, Tara Brigham and Daisia Pulz. Not shown: Sophia Balfour. PHOTO BY KRG PHOTOGRAPHY Furthermore, Director Chelsea Nasby was honored with the Outstanding Choreographer award for the many pieces she choreographed for her students. Students Erica Borden and Jules Mabie, and “Falling Gently, Floating Down,” will advance the New York finals held in April. The Youth America Grand Prix, founded in 1999, is the world’s
largest international ballet competition that awards full scholarships and job contracts to dancers from age 9 to 19. Ballet East is now accepting students for its spring season, which will end with the premiere of “The Secret Garden” in June at the Eissey Campus Theatre. For more info., contact Ballet East at (561) 6830096 or balleteastfl@gmail.com.
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Rosenberg
Horses At The Fair
continued from page 25 see horses and their people doing something, which was exactly the point.
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SPORTS & RECREATION “We wanted people to come and see all sorts of things and come back to visit again,” Meghan Garcia said. Along with Brianna Bennett, Meghan was one of this year’s horse tent organizers. “All of this was absolutely worth all the hard work,” Brianna said. “It was a collaborative effort. A
lot of people helped. We wanted everyone to have fun and also show people the educational side of horses,” Meghan said. “One of my goals was to bring back the horse shows. There always used to be shows at the fair. I think people missed that. At the end of the fair, we’re even giving out a high-point saddle with the fair logo on it — a really nice all-purpose western saddle from Corriente Saddlery in Texas.” And there was more than just the shows. “We have a great educational display about horses, feed, different tack, even a cart, and some of the local shows, done by the Palm Beach County Mounted Posse and Andrea Colombino of Dream Believer Stables and Darcy Gordon of Gateway Stables,” Meghan said. “Vicki Moore of the U.S. Trotting Association did the Wall of Breeds. We’re glad people can wander in and learn a lot.” Meghan’s hope is that it might spark someone’s interest in horses. “I wanted to showcase horses’ diversity and have people see all the things we equestrians do with our horses here in South Florida, how much we care about our horses,” (Left) Heidi and Alexandra Speaker with Secala in one of the tents.
February 6 - February 12, 2015
she explained. “So far, we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. People are excited. They ask questions and watch what’s going on.” The Friday Night Buckle Series of Barrel Racing Shows was also popular. “My goal was to have one central main event each day, and
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a few more on the weekends. I’m really happy with how it turned out. Everyone had fun, the riders as well as the spectators. This was a good start,” Meghan said. “I’m hopeful that next year, we’ll do even better, and more people will think about coming back to show at the fair.”
Wildcats
Top Glades Central
continued from page 33 had extended its lead to 20 points with quick counterattacks off rebounds. The Raiders could not go toe-to-toe with the quick Wildcat offense, and also had difficulty cracking the stingy Wildcat defense. Travis Weatherington had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Wildcats. Johnnie Horsford added 12 points and eight assists for Royal Palm Beach. The Wildcats also defeated Santaluces High School on Friday night 60-47 and improved their record to 17-8 on the regular season. Fifth-seeded Royal Palm Beach entered the District 13-7A playoffs Wednesday, traveling to take on fourth-seed Palm Beach Lakes High School, but results were not available at press time.
Mark Dixon goes up for two points for the Wildcats.
PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
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February 6 - February 12, 2015
Saturday, Feb. 7 • The Young Singers Mary Murray Scholarship 5K Walk/Run is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at Okeeheelee Park, with registration starting at 7 a.m. For more info., call (561) 659-2332 or visit www.yspb.org. • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 283-5856 for more info. • The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will present its 10th annual Science of Chocolate event on Saturday, Feb. 7. The day-long event will include history, facts and samples. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www. sfsciencecenter.org. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Bookercise: Move, Dance, Wiggle & Shake for ages 2 to 6 on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy wiggling and shaking to music while using scarves, egg shakers and other instruments, all in the name of reading readiness. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a program on snakes for all ages on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Meet a variety of the nature center’s live snakes. The cost is $3 per person. Call (561) 233-1400 to RSVP. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Acoustic Java Jam for adults Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring your acoustic instruments and jam out. Coffee will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Great Black Authors for ages 6 to 10 on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with a story time followed by a fun craft. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Lego Builders Club for ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Meet fellow builders and work on creative projects. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The annual Firefighter Chili Cook Off to support Hospice of Palm Beach County will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Bryant Park in Lake Worth with uniquely decorated chili booths, interesting vendors, delicious cooking, cold drinks, fabulous bands and prizes for winning chilis. For more info., visit www. pbcfr-retiree.org. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Black History Family Fun on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Come together to play a fun game celebrating the early contributions of African Americans to science and everyday life in America. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, returns to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, Feb. 7. The event will raise at least $1.5 million for nonprofits in Palm Beach County. For more in-
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
formation, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. • Join Fred Astaire Dance Studio for a celebration of dancing through the magic of time travel. “Travel Through Time” will be held at the Wellington High School Theater (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington) on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. To order a ticket, call (561) 478-1400 or visit www.fredastairewpb.com/tickets. • The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches welcomes guest performer and arranger Dr. Bill Prince for “Swing!” featuring big band, jazz and swing music on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. For more info., call (561) 832-3115 or visit www.symphonicband.org. • The second annual Florida Youth Dance Gala will take place Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Duncan Theatre in Lake Worth with more than 50 talented dancers representing 16 different dance academies from around Florida, plus international ballet stars Adiarys Almeida and Randy Herrera. Tickets can be purchased at www.floridayouthdancegala.com. Sunday, Feb. 8 • The Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach) will have an exhibition from the collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody, considered one of the world’s foremost collectors of contemporary art, from Sunday, Feb. 8 through May 3. Call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton. org for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar will take place Sunday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. For more info., visit www.rpbgreenmarket. com or call (561) 792-9260. • The Acreage Green Market will take place Sunday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagegreenmarket.com or call (561) 723-3898. • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue the 2015 polo season on Sunday, Feb. 8 with the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687. • A free introductory clinic aimed to showcase Paralympic Volleyball will be held Sunday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Club Managers Association of America Therapeutic Recreation Complex Gym at 2728 Lake Worth Road. Call Daniella Robbins at (561) 966-7016 for more info. • Royal Palm Beach Commons Park will feature a Concert in the Park on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. with Orange Sunshine, a tribute to 1960s music. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 790-5149 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for more info. Monday, Feb. 9 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Writer’s Therapy for adults Monday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Join in an informal discussion where
participants improve their craft by reading and discussing works in progress. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Xi Xi Tau meets at 2 p.m. the second Monday of every month at a member’s house in the West Palm Beach area. If you are interested in learning more about the chapter, or becoming a member, call (561) 247-7697. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Art Club for ages 6 to 12 on Monday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. Live through art by exploring different mediums. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Chess Club for adults on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Chess fans practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Tuesday, Feb. 10 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “The Music & Magic of Mardi Gras” for all ages Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. The Seminole Ridge Jazz Band will light up the library with swing and style. Between sets, play Fat Tuesday games and receive Mardi Gras masks, beads and chocolate coins. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Sit ’n’ Stitch for ages 9 and up Tuesdays, Feb. 10 and 17 at 5 p.m. Learn crochet fundamentals and socialize. Some materials are provided. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Valentine Altoids Tin Makeover for adults Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Craft an Altoids tin into a sweet valentine. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a Wonders of the Night Sky telescope viewing session Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Experience a telescopic view of the night sky with the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Club Pokémon for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Bring your DS or Pokémon cards to battle, trade and make new friends. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. Wednesday, Feb. 11 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Hooked on Crochet for adults Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Learn beginning techniques or bring current projects to share and work on. Beginners should pick up a materials list. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a “Love Stinks: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party” for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the single life with chocolate, games, fun and friends, minus the relationship drama. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • Look Up, local director George Barnes’ film on climate engineering, will premiere in Florida on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the City Place Muvico Parisian 20 (545 Hibiscus St.,
The Town-Crier West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www. lookupthefilm.com. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Harry Connick Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. Call (561) 832-7469 or visit www. kravis.org for more info. Thursday, Feb. 12 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host I Love a Mystery for ages 8 to 12 on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. Enjoy mystery stories, learn about new authors, share your favorite titles and create a mystery-themed craft. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks and a free concert on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand starting at 5 p.m., and the Jack Flash Band will play at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Won’t You Bookmark My Valentine?” for all ages Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. Give that special someone a hand-crafted Valentine’s gift this year. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Small Claims & Mediation for adults Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to file a claim of $5,000 or less and present it to a judge. Avoid court and lawyer fees by choosing mediation. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The American Ireland Fund’s main fundraising event, the Emerald Isle Dinner Dance, is set for Thursday, Feb. 12 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Breakers Palm Beach. For more info., call (212) 213-1166 or visit www.theirelandfunds.org. Friday, Feb. 13 • The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show runs Friday through Tuesday, Feb. 13-17 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Visit www. palmbeachshow.com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Positively Africa!” for all ages Friday, Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Experience the music and culture of Africa with Julius and Julia Sanna. Children will enjoy playing African instruments and learning simple Swahili songs. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Heart 2 Heart: Valentine’s Day Crafting” for ages 7 to 11 on Friday, Feb. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will present its 28th annual dinner and auction at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.org. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free concert on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with the Doo Wop Mob. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A/C AND REFRIGERATION
PLUMBING JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458
Hotel Front Desk Clerk Job Opening
PRESSURE CLEANING
CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www. jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
Person with good verbal/written communication skills and the motivation to provide good customer service. Flexible schedule needed (mainly night shift, weekends and holidays) Experience preferred, but we will train the right motivated person. Royal Palm/ Wellington/Acreage residents will save on gas and travel time. Send resume via e-mail to info@royalinnhotel.com or fax to 561-795-1502
COMPUTER REPAIR D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-1923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. L i c.& Ins. 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 2 5 61-667-7716
ERRANDS PICKUP GROCERIES HOME AND PET SUPPLIES — Kitchen organizing wait for appointments in your home, etc. References available. 561-707-2834
FLOORING C O M P L E T E F L O O R I N G R E M O VA L ! B E S T R AT E S ! A L L T Y P E S O F FLOORS! — Your local flooring store and more. www.buyithereflooring.com 561-333-2306 buyithere7@gmail.com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS 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 CRC1327426 561-248-8528
LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — High Quality, affordable yard maintenance serving the Loxahatchee area. NO CONTRACTS!. Locally Owned & Operated. 561-320-1118
NEW FLOORING BUY IT HERE FLOORING — Kitchen and Bath. Now available. Complete one stop shopping. Stop on By! Pike Road - Between Southern and Belvedere. West Palm Beach - Open 7 Days!!! 561-333-2300
PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 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
PET SITTING BEST IN THE WEST PET SITTING — your house or mine in 1 1/2 acres. Fenced in yard. Day, Week, Monthly. Former Animal C r u e l t y O ff i c e r. 5 6 1 - 2 1 5 - 4 7 2 4
ROOFING ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207
SECURITY SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS— Located behind Al Packer West off Southern Blvd. Tires for autos, trucks and commercial vehicles. 561-790-7228. 587 105 Ave. N. Unit 28, Royal Palm Beach.
TREE SERVICE TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com
WALLPAPERING 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
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EMPLOYMENT
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
WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779
February 6 - February 12, 2015
BOOKKEEPER NEEDED — part-time, experienced in QuickBooks, flexible hours. Please fax resume to 561-791-0952 HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER IN WELLINGTON — Now hiring certified teachers. $10-$15/hour. Call 561-594-1920 E-mail: Marlene Giraud@hlcwellington.com
DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! — Great pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488 P.T. TEACHING ASSISTANT for Preschool in Wellington — 1:30-6:00 Monday - Friday. F.T. TEACHING ASSISTANT needed 9-5 Monday-Friday Call 561-790-0808 H E L P WA N T E D PA R T- T I M E W I N DOW CLEANER — for 1 and 2 story homes call 561-313-7098.
ENTRY LEVEL SALESPERSON JD Dealership is looking for an intelligent, energetic person to sell agricultural equipment to new and existing customers.
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
Assist the Sales Managers in daily tasks. Excellent Benefits, matching 401K, email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com
C A R E G I V E R / C O M PA N I O N R U N ERRANDS — Shopping, prepare light meals, transportation, responsible and reliable 30 years experience, have references, call Jan 561-855-8893
CWP & CCE
REAL ESTATE
WELLINGTON
FOR RENT - GREENACRES
WELLINGTON’S EDGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 7th 8 a.m. - NOON — 10851 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington. Across from Buca Di Beppo. Something For Everyone!
SALESPERSON Come work for the BEST salesperson to sell new and
ROOMMATE TO SHARE — 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment - Purdy & Jog Road. $550 per month. Looking for under 35 years old. 954-296-3748
used CWP agricultural and turf
TENNESSEE LAND FOR SALE
equipment to new and existing
TENNESSEE LAND — 12 Acres for sale in Equestrian neighborhood with 3 miles of riding trails. Call Dixon Te a m K e l l e r W i l l i a m s 4 2 3 - 8 8 3 - 0 6 5 6
#1 JD Dealership needs a
customers. Excellent benefits, matching 401K, email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com
PETS FOR SALE B A I L E Y, J R T E R R I E R , & K A I L U A RAT TERRIER — are fun loving girls that need a new home. Both dogs are house -trained good with other pets and children. Call Loren at 305-496-0638
OPEN HOUSE
BUENA VISTA FEBRUARY 8 - 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. Lakefront 2 bedroom plus den. 2 Bath professionally landscaped. Peaceful long lake views. Just Listed $399,900. For further info and access to Open House Call Jackie Desantis. 561-436-9844 Hudson Realty of Palm Beach
THE ACREAGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 7th 9 a.m - 1 p.m. Household Items, Furniture, and much more. — 77th Lane, East of Banyan in the Acreage
SHORT FILM FESTIVAL W E L L I N G T O N F I L M F E S T I VA L INVITES YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR SHORT FILM FREE! for February 24th, 25th, and 26th screening at Cinema 8, Wellingtonfilmfestival.com. 561-255-7625
AUTOMOBILES FOR SALE 2000 DODGE RAM DIESEL — extended warranty, 2005 5th wheel, 30ft. Cardinal with 2 slide outs, asking $30,500, for both or best offer call 561-793-5994.
TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-7606
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HERE’S MY CARD
561-308-4774 www.deborahrassocounseling.com
Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688
SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS
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H E R E ’ S M Y CA R D
PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 561-793-7606
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PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S
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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
New Location! New Showroom!
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE!
561-333-2306 TOLL FREE: 855-808-8555
WE DO NOT SELL CHEAP FLOORING CHEAPER
WE SELL THE BEST FOR LESS! 766 Pike Road • West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Between Southern Blvd. & Belvedere)
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welcome to tHe winter equestrian festival held at the Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center January 7 - March 29, 2015 Join Us Every Wednesday through Sunday to Experience Equestrian Sport at Its Best! Shopping Around the Show Grounds
Watch The Equestrian Action Visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday, take in the exciting scene of several thousand horses and riders competing in 12 arenas. Stroll the grounds at your leisure, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at our unique boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, high-end fashion and so much more.
Grab a Bite to Eat A variety of Food Vendors are located throughout the property, including:
You are invited to shop in a variety of locations throughout the PBIEC, including the Vendor Village, Hunter Hill, and The Bridge Deck, the outdoor courtyard oasis filled with exquisite shops and boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more. Visit a new Vendor area each week! HUNTER HILL
Hermès
BJ’s Hunt Room
INTERNaTIoNaL SHoppES
C Jones Silver Housewares
All American Gator – Bags & Shoes
Karina Brez jewelry
Cytowave
Ariat
La Mundial Custom Boots
DP Innova – Fine Columbian Jewelry
Ashfield Collection
Lugano Diamonds
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Michelle Farmer – Resort Wear
Elizabeth Locke Jewels
Nellie George – Children’s Fashion Wares
Coliano’s Pizza
Equisafe Fencing
Tito’s Tacos: Margaritas, Tacos, Burritos, Chips, Salsa
Fabulous Finds
Tiki Hut: Grilled Chicken, Variety Burgers, Grilled Fish, Salads
Just FUR Fun – Goodies for Dogs
Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: in the Vendor Village
Nature’s Well – Skincare
Take a Lunch & Tour
Olive and Bette’s
See the world-renowned equestrian competition, vendors, stables and various venues that Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. Your tour will allow you to explore twelve of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Village. The tour will be both exciting and informative, and there is a good chance you will see some Olympic riders gearing up for competition! Equestrian Lunch & Tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season. Main Grounds at PBIEC 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 561.793.JUMP (5867)
Pinnell Custom Leather Inc. Pony Pals – Toys for Kids
Hunt LTD
Engel & Volkers Realtor Equiline Equestrian Fashion Eva Jewelry Eyes Of Wellington Forré Fine Art Gallery Ghurka Fine Leather Goods
Zadeh Of NY – Men’s Jewelry BRIDGE DECKS B+ B Positive Jewelery BIBA of NY Boutique Kingsland Equestrian
Grenning Art Gallery
WEF Official Boutique
Present this coupon to receive
$5.00 OFF the WEF Boutique $5.00 value. valid FOr One persOn. minimum purchase OF $20.00.
FOr use FeB. 6-8, FeB. 11-12, 2015
WWW.PBIEC.COM EquestrianSportProd_PWTW2_6_15.indd 1
1/29/15 2:49 PM
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