Town-Crier Newspaper January 1, 2010

Temple

2010

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington looks forward to carrying the successes of 2009 into the new year, all while preparing to face a tightened budget and additional foreclosures. This year, the village is well prepared to continue to cut costs and hopes to see the smart decision-making of the council and generosity of residents from last year continue into 2010.

“2009 was an incredible year,” Assistant Village Manager John Bonde said. “Everything changed in a positive way. The council made decisions and residents were able to see their tax dollars at work, and I think that will carry over next year.” The bad news is that the village hasn’t seen the end of its foreclosure issues, Village Manager Paul

Schofield said. “We’ll be seeing the end of option ARMs [adjustable rate mortgages],” he said. “But the bulk of foreclosures next year will be commercial foreclosures.”

Things are a bit brighter for residential foreclosures, which peaked in 2009.

“I think we’ve seen the worst of residential foreclosures,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “November was a banner month for sales. We don’t need many months like that to help the housing economy, so I’m confident the problem will go away in 2010.”

The village will continue to struggle with a smaller budget, Schofield said, adding that his staff expects revenue to be down between six and ten percent.

“Issues with the budget and the economy are always there to deal with,” Bonde added. “It’s some-

thing we all have to deal with, even in the private sector — we just have to live within our means.”

But a smaller budget won’t stop the village from investing in the important things. “We’ll continue to invest in the things that keep us running — roads, drainage, water and sewage,” Schofield said. “Government is a lot like a family; we put money into the necessities. When your family is cutting back, you fix your water pipe, you don’t go and buy a new motorcycle.”

Any additional expenditure would have to be on something that would greatly benefit Wellington, Schofield said. “We look to spend the money we have guided by some principles,” he said. “Any money we spend has to enhance the quality of life for resi-

See

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Getting the Town of Loxahatchee Groves’ comprehensive plan and land use regulations in place are the most important jobs for 2010, said Administrator Frank Spence, who took over the helm of the young town in August.

“Firstly, we have to get the suit settled in order for our comprehensive plan to become active,” Spence told the Town-Crier, referring to the challenge filed by Callery-Judge Grove with the Florida Department of Community Affairs over the town’s comp plan in regard to future traffic patterns on Okeechobee Blvd. A settlement is being negotiated between the town and CalleryJudge, Spence said. “We believe we have a good relationship, but everything takes time,” he said.

Once the challenge is resolved, adoption of land development regulations (LDRs) will be the next step.

“The development of the land use regulations will be extremely important,” Spence said. “I envision the process will take up to three months. I don’t see much activity in the first quarter of the year, but after that, once the comp plan is a valid document and the LDRs are adopted, then slow but sure, the implementation of the various aspects of those two documents are going to be important.”

The LDRs will lead to increased code enforcement, but Spence said that will be incremental as the codes are put in place. “We’ll be addressing one area at a time, either geographic or functionally,” he said, explaining that functional enforcement would mean ad-

dressing specific issues.

By means of example, Spence cited the trucking industry. “Trucking would be scattered throughout,” he said. “Do you have one truck? Do you have three trucks? Do you run a trucking business? Do you do dumping or storage of construction materials? Those would be all over town, and the question would be focusing on that one issue, that one business.”

Geographical enforcement would address all the new codes area to area. “Code enforcement officers would start on A Road and then just go up and down, north and south to determine violations that might exist under the new LDRs,” Spence said. The goal will not be to catch people in code violations, he stressed, but rather to educate the See GROVES, page 18

Serving Palms West Since 1980

2010 PREVIEW: ROYAL PALM BEACH Mayor Bids Farewell As Major Projects Are Taking Shape

“Certainly for the city, a couple of big projects the residents should be happy about will be the bidding out of improvements to the northern part of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. probably by April or May,” Lodwick said. “That will be about a $4.5-million project total, new drainage, new lighting — they’ve already seen the new medians.”

Residents will also see the completion of phase one of Village Commons Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., which consists of infrastructure work on the site of the old Tradition Golf Course, Lodwick said. “Phase two will be bid out at about the same time as the road, in April or May,” Lodwick added. “That will see the actual construction of roads and park space, and see it actually start to take shape over the coming 18 months.”

Lodwick is pleased to be closing out his tenure with these two great projects well underway. “Those are two major capital projects I think the residents will be pleased with,” he said.

Lodwick noted that the March municipal election will be interesting, with the mayor and two council seats coming open. Lodwick has announced he does not intend to run again after 11 years as mayor and 17 years on the council. Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli has announced that he will run for mayor. Two candidates, Richard Valuntas and Tinu Peña, have announced that they will run to replace Mattioli in Seat 3. Councilman David Swift’s seat is also available, but so far, he is unopposed.

“I will get to be an interested bystander for awhile. We’ll see how I take to that role,” Lodwick said.

After 15 years of consecutive tax rate reductions, Lodwick said another reduction in the wake of a prolonged recession might be a challenge, but not necessarily impossible. He attributes the trend of reduced ad valorem rates to good planning in the village.

“You can’t go down forever, but at the same time, I don’t see any major change up or down,” Lodwick said. “It’s a question of how you manage your resources… Through wise budgeting, we are less dependent on ad valorem taxes than most other cities. That’s why we can take the hit better than most. [Property taxes] have become a smaller part of our budget, rather than most cities where it’s a majority of the budget.”

Nevertheless, the current economic downtown might overwhelm even the best-laid plans. The village planned for a rainy day, but not a “rainy decade,” Lodwick quipped.

“Eventually it will catch up,” he said. “We’ve been fine for the past two years where we’ve all been hit a little bit, and I don’t anticipate a problem when it comes to budget time this summer, barring a change in philosophy from a new council.”

When he leaves office, Lodwick said he personally looks forward to fewer meetings at night, getting back in the gym and taking some vacations. “We’re going to find some things we actually want to do, rather than stay on the run. It’ll be different; I’ll adjust.”

Councilwoman Martha Webster looks forward to working on the second phase of Commons Park and the possibility that the village’s former wastewater plant will become a 135-acre employment center.

“We’ve become a member of the Palms West Chamber’s Economic Development Task Force, so hopefully next year we’re going to be looking at some new opportunities for some of the land

TOY DRIVE A SUCCESS

ticularly useful for the future expansion of Acreage Community Park.

In January, ITID will hold visioning sessions on park projects, Damone said. Also in January, the district will hold a workshop to examine a comprehensive paving and uniform traffic-calming plan.

Damone said Quickel, when she was with ITID years ago as finance director, worked on the original plans for the park when the district applied for Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grants.

“She’s part of that historical process,” Damone said. “I know that she’ll be able to find us grants to add to any funding that we bud-

get for the park. In the past, I have always been hopeful. Now I am confident. I am so confident in her that if I had to leave the district tomorrow, I know I would have left the district in a better place than I found it.”

In other goals for 2010, Damone said she will resume the

she said.

built on seven acres east of Publix.

Damone also wants to resolve concern among residents about a possible “cancer cluster” in The Acreage. “I’m looking forward to the health department completing the second phase of that report so that our community can move forward, either because there’s not [a cancer cluster] or move forward because we need to resolve an issue,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to the end result no matter what it is so the community can get past it.”

Damone remains concerned about a federal government plan to implement surface water quali-

ACOUSTIC FOLK DUO AUGUSTINE PERFORMS AT TEMPLE BETH ZION IN RPB

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach hosted a concert featuring the young musical duo Augustine on Sunday, Dec. 27. After playing for about 40 minutes, Augustine members Louis Johnson and Jordan Meredith signed autographs and sold t-shirts and CDs before returning to the stage for another half-hour set. For more info., visit www.myspace.com/augustine-music.

Augustine’s Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson perform.

Esther Moak gets a CD autographed for her granddaughter.

Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson and Temple President Robert Solomon.

Gerry Bordoff and Ruth Baraoidan.Jack Asher, Lee Berk, Abbie Kfir and Elinor Star.Louis Johnson and Esther Moak.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Last-Minute Donations Make Wellington Toy Drive A Huge Success

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Local children in need found a holiday treat at their door on Tuesday, Dec. 22 when the Village of Wellington’s holiday helpers, some dressed in Santa hats, arrived with bags of toys and a holiday turkey.

The toys were collected as part of the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive to benefit less fortunate children in the community. The project was able to help 85 needy families celebrate the holidays this year.

The toy drive partnered the village’s Safe Neighborhoods Office with the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, State Rep. Joe Abruzzo’s office, Palm Beach County FireRescue, the Citizens Volunteer Organization and local businesses.

Although just days before the deadline the village had collected only a quarter of its goal, enough toys poured in at the last minute to make sure that each child received two gifts, CVO President Stacy Somers said.

The village identified 85 families in need this year, and those with children were given age- and gender-appropriate gifts, as well as a board game for the entire family to enjoy, Neighborhood Advocate Meridith Tuckwood said. Seventy-five families, some without children, received a holiday turkey donated by local businesses and organizations.

Two Wellington residents, who chose to remain anonymous, made generous donations to ensure the project’s success, Tuckwood said. The donations helped the village meet its goal with enough left over to help neighboring communities.

“I’ve worked in parks and recreation for 15 years, and I’ve never seen such a successful program,” Community Programs Director Ivy Fivey said. “I think the economy is making people grateful for what they do have and encouraging them to give to those

who don’t have as much. People are seeing that it’s their neighbor, their boss, their co-worker or their friends who are going through tough times. It could be anyone.”

In addition to helping Wellington’s needy children, the village also took two boxes of stuffed animals to children at Hospice of Palm Beach County, since many of them can have only soft items.

Another two boxes of toys were given to Abruzzo’s office to be handed out to children in West Palm Beach, and about 180 toys were sent to Pahokee to be distributed to needy children there.

Even after the toys had been delivered, donations kept rolling in, Tuckwood said. “A lady showed up the next day with a truckload of toys — easily over 700,” she said. “So we delivered them to children at Palms West [Hospital] who wouldn’t be home for the holidays.”

Additional toys came from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, Duffy’s Sports Grill and other locations that had leftover toys from their holiday toy drives, all of which were donated to foster care children in Wellington.

“We helped our own and still ended up with more than we needed,” Tuckwood said. “It’s great to be able to help other communities, but important that we help kids here in Wellington. Some of them would have had nothing this year.”

The toys were wrapped throughout the day on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at the Wellington Community Center with help from Wellington High School and Wellington Landings Middle School students, volunteers from the CVO and several village employees who took time out of their lunch breaks to lend a hand.

The toys were delivered to the families that evening by CVO and junior CVO members, who drove throughout the village to deliver the packages and bring personal holiday wishes to each family.

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The

Jan. 16 and Sunday, Jan.

17 to help build Scott’s Place, the barrier-free playground planned for Wellington’s Town Center.

“This is the first time we have a major facility here in Wellington for special-needs residents,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “We’d like all our residents to take part in building and enjoying the playground once it’s built.”

The playground was paid for through a $250,000 donation from residents Del and Barbara Williamson, who lost their son Scott to cerebral palsy when he

“We

Volunteers Kevin and Karin McLellan and Chris Weigel with their packages to be delivered.

The Mattessich family — Olivia, Amy, Grace, Luke and Ornella — load up their SUV with presents and turkeys to deliver.

Continuing our long-standing tradition, the Town-Crier newspaper kicks off 2010 with a list of New Year’s wishes for community leaders, institutions and other important figures in the area. After a rough 2009 — a trying time for both businesses and local officials — we figure a little humor and self-deprecation is needed to add some levity and keep all those egos in check. We hope you keep that in mind as you read on, and we hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed putting it together…

Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield: An oil strike while building the new village hall.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen: An avatar to handle all those public appearances he loves so much.

Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine

Priore: An idea to circumvent Wellington term limits (again).

Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth

Benacquisto: A spiffy new office in Tallahassee… just don’t forget us little people!

Wellington Councilman Matt Willhite: Council consensus on just one of his ideas.

Wellington Councilman Howard Coates: Actually winning a local election in which more than four people vote!

Wellington Tennis Pro Tommy Cheatham: A step back in time to when nobody knew how his tennis center was run.

Wellington Village Clerk Awilda

Rodriguez: A corner office in the new village hall.

Wellington Staffers: A three-day work week!

Wellington’s Bean Counters: A serious up-tick in the real estate market.

Wellington Homeowners: A year that brings some closure to the foreclosure crisis.

Working Together Is A Must

I wanted to comment on the Town-Crier Staff Opinion article dated Dec. 11, titled “Work Together for a Brighter Economic Future.” It was quite refreshing to read about the forethought for open dialogue on how our communities can be a gateway to providing sources of employment and economic growth for its residents.

Indeed, during the past decade, much progress has been made with the development of infrastructures, which has included the regional mall, our improved hospitals and improvement to the means of ingress/egress to our communities. I definitely agree that now is the time for our community and business leaders to take the bull by the horns and move forward with a plan that is not only sustainable, but organic — organic in that we need to ensure that the plan for economic development and growth is diversified and not focused on one sector versus another. I believe the

Wellington Golf Course Neighbors: Free village earplugs for any sleep-deprived resident who requests them.

Wellington Safe Neighborhoods Office: A year with White Pine out of the headlines.

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council: Meetings held via Twitter.

RPB Mayor David Lodwick: A relaxing time as a private citizen (however long that lasts!) as he rides off into the sunset… with, perhaps, one more trip to Disney World.

RPB Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli: An opposition-free election season.

RPB Councilman David Swift: The ability to design his own magnet school in engineering for his favorite community high school.

RPB Councilwoman Martha Webster: A connection to the State Road 7 extension in La Mancha with a gate allowing only RPB residents to enter or exit.

RPB Councilman Fred Pinto: Another re-election campaign as difficult as his last.

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager David Farber: The money to keep his tax rate streak alive.

Royal Palm Beach Assistant Village Manager Ray Liggins: Plenty of film for his new red-light cameras.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach: Another 50 years as successful as the first 50 years.

Royal Palm Beach: Just one sculpturefree intersection.

Wellington: Just one intersection featuring a sculpture. New Indian Trail Administrator Tanya Quickel: A tenure longer than her predecessors.

Indian Trail President Michelle Damone: Project Lifesaver tracking devices she can install on county commission-

mindset of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force is visionary as we are now moving away from the stereotype associated with being a “bedroom community.”

Even though we do not have the same level of incentives as many big cities, there are means and methods accessible to us that can be used to entice commerce into our communities. The opportunity to have local representatives making non-politically motivated decisions significantly improves chances for success. While these steps are being taken to bring us into the next phase of economic development, it is imperative that this discussion continues for our sustainability and continued growth. Let’s keep the ball rolling and make it a reality.

Tinú Peña Royal Palm Beach

Roberta Hayden Thanks Groves Volunteers

I wish to take this moment in

ers should they get lost trying to find their way to The Acreage. Indian Trail Supervisor Mike Erickson: The ability to personally design the Western Northlake Corridor Master Plan.

Indian Trail Supervisor Carol Jacobs: An apartment downtown so she can more easily attend all those meetings.

Acreage Residents: A definitive answer to the “cancer-cluster” scare… and proof that it’s OK to drink the water.

Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning: A continuation of his uncanny ability to stay above the fray.

Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor

Dennis Lipp: Another reason to drive busloads of people downtown.

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman

Dr. Bill Louda: Plenty of time for the good professor to study the chemical measures of water quality.

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman

Ron Jarriel: A crown for the Groves kingmaker.

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Ryan Liang: Fruit baskets for all voters.

Loxahatchee Groves Town Manager Frank Spence: The ability to accomplish everything his council wants using next to no resources.

Loxahatchee Groves Water Control

District: A year with fewer hog carcasses in canals.

LGWCD Administrator Clete Sau-

nier: Money to pave his parking lot.

The Loxahatchee Groves Post Office: A parking lot that doesn’t flood if it so much as sprinkles.

District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria: Lord’s Place West and corruption reform he can believe in.

Several Other Members of the County Commission: An inspector general who doesn’t decide to examine too far into the past.

Palm Beach County Administrator

time to express my feelings about all the wonderful help that those in my community of Loxahatchee Groves have been offering during the past year. I have been a resident of this community since 1977, and I love it.

Marge Herzog and her family saw that I was in need and offered their much-appreciated help. She also enlisted the help of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association, CERT, the American Legion volunteers, FPL and the Department of Forestry. I’m so very grateful to these people and the kindness they have shown me. I was in despair over my circumstances, and they gave me hope.

Thank you for the wonderful spirit and hope that you have given me!

Roberta Hayden Loxahatchee Groves

Curb Supply To Stop Fireworks

I recently noticed a large sign on D Road and Southern Blvd. proclaiming zero tolerance of fireworks in Loxahatchee Groves. Big deal.

Bob Weisman: Figuring out how to staff the entire county with an army of volunteers.

Palm Beach County Engineer

George Webb: The permits and money he needs to fix the road system in the western communities.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw: That the county figures out a way to solve its money woes before the PBSO budget request goes through.

Palm Beach County Library System: Swift completion of the long-delayed Acreage branch. The Solid Waste Authority: A plant that turns all the county’s trash into power, eliminating the need for a future landfill — and perhaps putting FPL out of business!

Gov. Charlie Crist: A flat tire on the Tea Party Express. Florida Democrats: A Marco Rubio primary victory. Interim U.S. Senator George LeMieux: Doing something that warrants more than footnote status in the history books.

State Sen. David Aronberg: An economic turn-around that makes 2010 more favorable to Democratic candidates as he aims for attorney general.

State Sen. Jeff Atwater: A boring election season as he seeks the state’s most boring job. Also, a state that actually has money that needs a CFO’s oversight. State Rep. Mark Pafford: A state legislature that actually cares about the homeless and the elderly.

State Rep. Joe Abruzzo: Passing the most legislation for a freshman rep? We say beginner’s luck! New challenge: top it in 2010.

Gubernatorial Hopeful Alex Sink: See Dave Aronberg above. Florida Redistricting Reform: A spot on the 2010 ballot.

How can you expect people to obey the law when you can buy all types of fireworks in grocery stores, on street corners and in fireworks shops all over Palm Beach County? You can buy fireworks, but don’t light them off? Yeah, right! Maybe in 2010 we can light a fuse under some really important issues that need to be addressed in Loxahatchee Groves, instead of worrying about the ones that are duds

Edward Betcher Loxahatchee Groves

Sexton Responds

Editor’s note: The following is in response to Richard Nielsen’s letter in last week’s Town-Crier

There is no point in trying to discuss Mr. Nielsen’s latest diatribe. He shows no understanding of what is and what is not in the current legislation regarding federal reform of healthcare. Instead he simply spouts about Bush and Big Auto and (again) the “Party of No” and Sen. Joe Lieberman and the “unregulated, non-competitive

Both Area Hospitals: It’s heart-felt when we say this, but we’re heartily glad that their hearts are in the right place. We ♥ you.

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce: A paid-off building.

Real Estate Agents: A shift back to selling houses as opposed to their current job description of “mortgage counseling.”

The Florida Insurance Industry: A new state to bilk.

The Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach: An effective system of checks and balances… not just checks.

Wellington/Acreage Recreation Leagues: Enough money in the treasury to attract an embezzler.

The Economic Development Task Force: More time implementing their ideas and less time battling with the county. And see PBCC below.

Palm Beach Community College: A free, long-term lease on a non-controversial parcel in the perfect location for a new campus in the western communities.

International Polo Club Owner John Goodman: 30 more years of polo in Wellington.

Wellington Horse Show Promoter Mark Bellissimo: A winter equestrian season that lasts until July.

National Healthcare Reform Effort: A final bill that actually accomplishes all it promises.

UF Football Coach Urban Meyer: The Brett Favre “Retire… Don’t Retire… Retire… Don’t Retire” Award.

FSU Football Coach Bobby Bowden: The Charlie Lynn “Everyone Should Know When To Retire” Award. Tiger Woods: A date with Lorena Bobbitt.

The Late Town-Crier Columnist Don Brown: This one’s for you… betcha didn’t think we could get this done without ya! We miss you... R.I.P.

[insurance or healthcare, it is hard to tell which he means] industry.” The relevance of the first four items to the current Democratic health bills is unclear. And if Mr. Nielsen thinks that either the healthcare or insurance industries are unregulated or non-competitive, then I wonder what the source of his information can be. As to the extremely important proposed new federal regulations on healthcare and health insurance, I again urge everyone to learn as much as they can and contact their congressional representatives to tell them of your opinion. Mine is that the bills do nothing to cut costs. The CBO agrees with that position. The bills also

do not cut the deficit. (See the CBO again.) They do nothing to increase competition among healthcare providers, nor among insurers. They do nothing to curb the abuses of the medical malpractice lawyers. They do not fundamentally change the system with the exception that they provide free and reduced-cost insurance to many people at the expense of increased costs and taxes to many more. And finally, the bills provide for more and more politicization of healthcare decisions, imposing the will of Congress and the administration on the doctor/ patient relationship.

Phil Sexton Wellington

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 them to letters@goTownCrier.com

Try Massage Therapy: It’s For Everyone, Not Just The Well-To-Do OPINION

ITID

Water Will Be An Issue

continued from page 1

ty standards that she said would require expensive treatment of storm water leaving ITID.

“2010 is going to be a full year of discussion on numeric water quality,” Damone said. “It is a roller coaster right now, so it is hard to pinpoint exactly where we are, but anywhere where there’s bodies of water should be paying attention to the reclassification of those bodies of water, because right now they’re considering a drainage ditch to be pure and clean as a flowing stream.”

ITID Vice President Carol Ja-

cobs looks forward to finishing projects in 2010 that have been in the works for many years. Aside from the completion of Acreage Community Park and extension of SR 7 to Northlake, she wants to get sidewalks completed throughout The Acreage and would like to see progress on the long-term goal of getting Seminole Pratt Whitney Road extended to the Beeline Highway. Jacobs also wants progress on resolving traffic problems in The Acreage. “Eventually these foreclosed homes are going to turn around, and I’m hoping that we’re all on track internally so that when all this building starts up again, we don’t get taken over and things get built in the wrong way out here,” Jacobs said.

While family matters have precluded her from attending more meetings outside the district, Jacobs wants to become more active in representing The Acreage, like fellow Supervisor Mike Erickson has been. “I want to attend more of these meetings downtown so they see more Indian Trail people than just Mike, because we all care about it,” she said.

Jacobs believes that Quickel will bring better management to the district. “It all starts at the top, and the main thing is getting Tanya in there now,” she said. “From what I’ve seen so far, I’m very impressed.”

Jacobs said she believes ITID has been overspending in many areas, and Quickel will bring that

wonderful relaxation, too! Recommended by a variety of doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists, new statistics indicate that the use of massage has tripled for Americans 65 and older over the past ten years. Younger folks are climbing aboard the

massage bandwagon, as well as those 55 to 64, which has doubled over the same period. Want an additional reason for the new massage popularity? It is recognized as a treatment for patients with adverse symptoms or side effects of disparate diseases and disorders. It can ben-

under control. “She is going to help us save money in places where we can either spend elsewhere or we can give back to the taxpayers,” Jacobs said.

Quickel envisions her job as helping the supervisors focus on larger projects such as road improvements, park expansion, construction of a community center and the extension of SR 7.

“Those are major issues, all of them,” Quickel said. “The board, officially starting in 2010, is committed to fiscal responsibility and not increasing assessments for residents, but still providing and maintaining a level of service. They are planning a series of workshops in January, February and March.”

The January workshop will fo-

cus on paving and traffic calming. The February workshop will focus on the expansion of Acreage Community Park and construction of a community center. Details of the March workshop are not yet set. “These are board workshops where they can discuss and make plans and give direction,” Quickel said. The January workshop will also focus on improvements to the area around Northlake and Coconut boulevards. A developer wants to build a shopping center at the southwest corner of Northlake and Coconut, Quickel noted. As a related item, she anticipates discussing the expansion of Coconut Park. “That originally was a retention pond that was done very nicely with a walking trail

efit patients with osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, anxiety and even some side effects of cancer such as edema or fluid retention.

I am convinced. I asked my wife Sylvia to book a massage for me as the number-one holiday present. It can’t hurt!

and a fishing pier,” Quickel said. “There’s potential discussion for it to be more user-friendly for residents.” 2010 will be an ITID election year. An August primary will be followed by a November general election in which the seats of supervisors Mike Erickson, Ralph Bair and Carol Jacobs will be up for a vote.

Quickel said she hopes all the incumbents will run again.

“I think they are all three very good board members,” Quickel said. “It’s a challenging time with this economy. I appreciate all three of them, all five board members, for their dedication. I certainly hope these three will recommit to running again and help going forward.”

Heidi

Tire Slashings Strike Wellington Neighborhood

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

DEC. 26 — A string of vehicle tire slashings occurred on Hawthorne Place in Wellington last Saturday night. According to separate Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, deputies from the PBSO substation in Wellington were dispatched to the neighborhood after the tires of 11 vehicles were slashed. According to one PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 9:50 a.m., someone used an unknown cutting tool to slash the tires of the vehicles parked in the victims’ driveways. The unknown suspects caused approximately $1,965 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses mentioned in any of the reports.

• • • DEC. 21 — A charity donation bottle was stolen from a restaurant in Royal Palm Beach last Monday evening. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a restaurant in the Village Royale plaza when employees noticed the donation bottle was missing. Sometime between 6 and 6:30 p.m., someone stole the bottle containing approximately $90 cash. The bottle was found empty in the men’s room. There was no surveillance video in the restaurant, nor were there any witnesses or suspects at the time of the report. DEC. 23 — A Royal Palm Beach man and woman were arrested last Wednesday for grand theft after they were observed shoplifting at the Marshalls department store in Southern Palms Crossing on Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, deputies from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to the store after a loss prevention officer observed 26-year-old Rodshell Bailey and 23-year-old Alexis Prichard shoplifting. According to the report, the officer observed Bailey conceal three purses beneath her clothing and exit the store without paying for the items. Bailey then got into her car and drove to the front of the store. The officer then observed Prichard place 19 children’s shirts into his shopping cart and exit the store without paying before getting into the car with Bailey and leaving. The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately $589.93. The officer reported that Bailey and Prichard were part of a shoplifting ring they had been monitoring. The deputies were able to identify the pair and found them at their home in Royal Palm Beach, where Bailey confessed to stealing the items with Prichard and taking them to an unknown location in Riviera Beach, according to the PBSO report. Prichard was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with grand theft. During Bailey’s arrest, deputies found cocaine and marijuana, and she was charged with grand theft and several drug charges. DEC. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to Village Walk last Sunday morning regarding two vehicle burglaries. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:30 p.m. last Saturday and 6 a.m. the following morning,

someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle parked on Kaliko Lane and stole a GPS with its holder and power cord. The suspects then exited through the side door of the car and fled. The GPS was valued at approximately $300. In a separate report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Saturday and 8:50 a.m. the following morning, someone entered two vehicles parked outside the victim’s home on Eleuthera Lane and stole a Garmin GPS, a guitar with its leather case, a black leather jacket and $2 in coins. The stolen items were valued at approximately $600. There were no suspects or witnesses mentioned in either report.

DEC. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in Sugar Pond Manor on Monday morning regarding a delayed vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:30 p.m. last Sunday and 4:30 a.m. the following morning, someone pried open the driver’s-side door of the victim’s Ford Escort with a coat hanger, causing approximately $300 in damage. Once inside, the suspect stole an apron containing $130 in cash along with a waitress serving book. DNA evidence was taken from the coat hanger, which was left behind, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 28 — A Lake Worth man was arrested for driving under the influence early Monday morning after he was found passed out at a traffic light on Forest Hill Blvd. at State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington found 30-year-old Fernando Dominguez Torres asleep in his vehicle. Torres did not have a driver’s license and was found to have a blood alcohol level of .180. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with driving under the influence and driving without a valid driver’s license.

DEC. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road late Monday night in reference to a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 11:13 p.m., someone stole the victim’s green 1997 Honda Accord from the parking lot. The victim said she had parked it near a tan Honda Accord that had been running with no one in it. Deputies discovered that vehicle had been stolen from Lake Worth. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Tuesday morning to the intersection of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Indian Trail Drive regarding a vandalism complaint. According to a PBSO report, the victim was driving north on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. when the windshield of the car was struck by an unknown object. The deputy reported that the windshield seemed to have been hit by a BB from an airgun, which didn’t break the windshield but dented the glass. The damaged windshield was valued at $300. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

RPB Taco Bell Gets Zoning Approval For More Muted Redesign

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission approved a new design theme last week for the Taco Bell restaurant on Southern Blvd., choosing a more muted theme than the restaurant’s preferred standard, but brighter than the monochromatic theme also offered.

At a meeting Dec. 22, Terril Milsap with ArcVision, Taco Bell’s architectural firm, said the restaurant wants to improve the exterior and upgrade signage at the restaurant. Milsap provided samples of the proposed paint and signage, along with three different color renderings.

The changes include repainting the building, reconstructing the façades and replacing the existing signage and menu boards. The proposed wall sign consists of the words “Taco Bell” in purple chan-

nel letters and a plum, purple and yellow bell logo. The proposed paint colors for the base of the building are all in the pastel brown family with an accent band featuring various bright colors. Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin noted that the restaurant is a separate parcel from the surrounding shopping plaza anchored by a Kmart store and is not subject to the plaza’s color codes. The restaurant is just north of the Southern Blvd. flyover over State Road 7 and is barely visible from the road. It is bound by vacant lots to the east and west, and the shopping center to the north, separated by a six-foot wall, Erwin said. “As the board is probably aware, it has been in its present state for at least a decade,” Erwin said, noting the site was much larger, but lost significant size due

to the widening of Southern Blvd. “It doesn’t necessarily meet all of our codes. Being as it was the result of a [land] taking [for the widening], we have to look at the site the way it is, and it’s grandfathered.”

Erwin said the existing Taco Bell has an orange theme. The existing landscaping at the front of the store will remain. Landscaping at the drive-through will be altered, and the menu board will be modified and relocated northward to include an overhang with a height bar to prevent vehicles over nine feet high from colliding with the roof.

Erwin pointed out that the new menu board does not meet village code, but the applicant has received a variance from the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

“I believe it’s about six or eight inches larger than what the code allows,” Erwin said, adding that

the company has removed a bell from the top of the sign in order to get closer to code. Erwin said his staff had not reviewed plans other than the standard color scheme, but noted that they encourage applicants to bring other color schemes in the event the zoning commission does not approve the requested standard.

‘It gives you an option of not just denying it or approving it, but approving another version,” Erwin said.

Commissioner Leonard Urban said he was bothered by the array of colors on a building of that size.

“It just seems so circusy,” he said. “It’s just a hodgepodge of colors that I don’t think blend well. I assume this is their standard color option, but it certainly isn’t something I think is inviting. I think it’s very tacky, and I would prefer that you limit the number

of colors. I would limit it to five colors, but it looks like you have 10 colors.”

Commissioner Darrell Lange said he felt the colors blend well together, but that the restaurant’s preferred standard might be too much. Lange was more concerned about the supporting structure for the height bar for the overhang, which was three feet wide and about 15 feet tall, covered with illustrations of bells and an orange vertical stripe, which he said amounted to another sign.

“It’s just more signage, really, and that’s huge,” Lange said.

Commission Alternate Tinu Peña agreed that the overall color scheme should be the muted version of the standard preferred by Taco Bell and agreed that the height bar support constituted a sign the way it was shown.

Erwin said if it were done in pastel colors matching the build-

ing, it would not constitute signage, but Milsap said the restaurant could go back to an old design using a column to tone down the height bar support.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson said based on how far away the restaurant is from the center, there is really nothing adjacent to the restaurant to compare it with.

“I don’t recall seeing anything else in that area,” Larson said, agreeing that the proposed support column for the height bar is too much. “I think we’re all in agreement that the actual support post needs to be muted so that it blends.”

Peña made a motion to approve the redesign with the muted color scheme and that the clearance bar support be a column painted the color of the restaurant with a stone façade at the bottom. The motion carried 4-0.

Liang LGLA Presentation Focuses On Family’s Nursery Business

Loxahatchee Groves Town Councilman Ryan Liang at the Dec. 17 Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting.

Weight Control

Program At TBZ

The Trim Weight Control Program, a nutritionally based, nationally recognized weight-loss program, is being made available at Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach. The class, which lasts approximately one hour, will meet every Thursday beginning Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.

The program has received Consumer Guide’s highest rating for safety and effectiveness and has been featured in numerous national media such as Woman’s Day magazine and on NBC’s Today Show. The program involves no menu planning, no calorie counting, no measuring foods, no pills or supplements, no special foods or carb counting. The Trim Weight Control Program, for use by both men and women, is tailored to each individual, and takes into account medical and other special needs.

Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive. For more information on the program, call the

local Trim office at (561) 8429411.

Meeting

On Northlake

Corridor Jan. 12

Planners from Palm Beach County, the cities of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host an informational public meeting regarding the preliminary findings of the latest update to the Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Seminole Ridge High School media center at 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. There will be a brief PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

The land-use study update provides an assessment of the area’s needs for commercial and office uses, according to population and projected growth. For more information, call (561) 233-5312.

By Carol Porter

Town-Crier Staff Report

Councilman Ryan Liang was the featured speaker at the Dec. 17 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association. His talk focused on his family’s nursery and orchard on C Road.

The orchard grows a large number of lychee and longan fruit, which Liang said are both very susceptible to the cold. As such, Palm Beach County is the farthest north they are grown.

It is a fragrant, sweet fruit native to southern China but also found in India, southeast Asia, parts of Africa and Mexico. The tree is a slow-growing evergreen whose optimal height for fruit production is about 15 feet, Liang said, but can grow much taller if not pruned. “They have one in China that is almost 100 feet tall,” Liang said. “It’s three or four hundred years old.”

The major market for lychees and longans is the Asian community. A large bulk of the product is sent by truck to major AsianAmerican population centers, including restaurants and businesses in New York and Chicago. Many buyers provide their own trucks, but due to the rural roads in Loxahatchee Groves, Liang said buyers often meet nursery representatives at a local shopping plaza because they are reluctant to drive over the culverts in the town.

“They can get pretty scared,” Liang said. “They are afraid of

driving so close to the canal. The majority of the time, we have to take them from the farm, meet them and load it from there.”

The Liangs produce their fruit locally but have to compete with imported fruit, which he said undermine local, family-owned nurseries. The imports are not subject to domestic regulations, he said.

“They let in a bunch of imports, and the price dropped by 50 percent,” Liang said. “That’s one thing that hurt us a lot. But many people don’t realize what they do with these fruits. They dye them, and they bleach them. They put in all these chemicals, and there is no regulation. None of the fruits we sell are dyed.”

One way to tell whether the fruit is grown locally is to check for stems on the fruit, he said. “The importers try to save money,” Liang said. “They don’t want to ship the stems. We put the stems in to show they are grown locally. It helps keep the fruit fresh a little longer.”

Asked whether there is government support for these exotic types of fruit, Liang said there is not. Lychees and longans are specialty crops, and the federal government is more inclined to fund staples such as corn, wheat, soy and sugar.

There is a tight window to harvest the plants, Liang said. It’s a two-week period in late summer or early fall, which is very labor

NEWS BRIEFS

Florida Arbor Day Celebration Jan.

15 At Mounts

The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden will host a Florida Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at the garden. Admission is free.

Mounts Botanical Garden celebrates the day of trees and the impact they have in our lives and on our world. First celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 and now honored nationwide, this is the third annual Florida Arbor Day Celebration at Mounts.

The event will include presentations by Dr. Brian Clement, codirector of the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, and Rich Hawkins, head of the Green Team at the Breakers in Palm Beach. The honorary chair for the Florida Arbor Day Celebration is Paul Van der Grift.

The Florida Arbor Day Celebration will also include the reading of a special proclamation by the Palm Beach County

Commission, a tree dedication in the garden and refreshments. The first 200 attendees will receive a free seedling to nurture in their own landscape. Located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, the Mounts Botanical Garden is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The suggested donation for entry to the garden is $5 per person. To RSVP for Florida Arbor Day Celebration, call (561) 233-1757. For more information about Mounts, visit www.mounts.org.

Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden. Mounts displays tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit, herbs, citrus, palms and more. As a component of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service, and through its affiliation with the University of Florida, Mounts is the place to connect with horticulturists, master gardeners and pro-

intensive. “We have to harvest on the whole farm or the crop spoils,” he explained.

Economic conditions have led to changes in the farming practice, sometimes for the better. For example, Liang said they fertilize their trees two to three times a year, which is less than they have in the past since fertilizer costs more than it used to. “We have pulled back a lot,” Liang said, explaining that when they start seeing fruit, they stop fertilizing. “You also don’t water as much. That encourages the fruit to grow.”

Asked how he got into the family business, Liang said that his parents asked him to come on board because his father had retired from his day job, but operating an orchard and nursery had turned into much more than an intended retirement job. After the presentation, LGLA members reported on their recent activities:

• Pat Johnson updated members on the work of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which participated in the recent Marathon of the Palm Beaches. She said it was good practice for CERT members, given that the event might have had emergencies such as a runner having health issues during the race. “We had different duties down there,” she said. “It’s always good to keep our faces in front of the county in case a disaster happens so they will know who we are.”

fessional horticultural advisors. In addition, Mounts offers a variety of horticultural classes and workshops.

Foster’s Grille To Host Benefit Car Show Jan. 15

Foster’s Grille in Royal Palm Beach will host a “Cruzin’ for a Cure” car show on Friday, Jan. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. to benefit the upcoming Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure to be held on Jan. 30 in downtown West Palm Beach. Komen survivors will be in attendance, along with Ford’s signature “Warriors in Pink” car display. Attendees will have the opportunity to register online for the race during the event. The restaurant will donate 15 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure.

Foster’s Grill is located at 11071 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach in Southern Palm Crossing.

• LGLA President Marge Herzog brought up the 2010 Census and the Complete Count Committee to members of the town council who were present. Herzog stressed the importance that the town have an accurate count, because otherwise it could lose out on a large amount of federal and state dollars. “This will be our first complete count,” Herzog said. “This is really critical. I think we are undercounted. There are a lot of people missing.” Councilman Ron Jarriel encouraged everyone in the room who has a bilingual friend to ask them to speak to people in the town who are afraid to be counted. “A lot of us in the room know a Guatemalan or Haitian who is a personal friend,” Jarriel said, noting that the minority communities are the ones most likely to be undercounted.

• LGLA members also heard from resident Jim Rockett, who is planning to run for a seat on the town council. Rockett noted that he has a background in financial planning, which he believes can help the council with its work. His goal on the council would be to encourage the current working relationship between the council and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. “I would echo what I have heard from people I have talked to over the last year,” he said. “I have been really impressed. We have seen a lot of people who say this has been working really well.”

For more information, call (561) 333-6720.

Youth Acting Classes Start In Royal Palm

Youth acting classes for ages eight to 11 will be offered at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. beginning Jan. 13 in two eight-week sessions. The Royal Palm Youth Players Academy will provide classes designed to work on specific acting skills. Level I will work on lines, skits, costume bits, continuing theatre games, vocabulary and projects. A showcase will be performed on the last day of the session.

The fee per eight-week session is $95 for residents and $105 for non-residents. Registration is available through Friday, Jan. 8.

For more information, call Holly Johns at (561) 818-1698 or visit www.actingfun.com.

PBSO DEPUTIES DELIVER CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

On Friday, Dec. 18, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies delivered gifts to the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach. The deputies learned about the center’s Christmas program, which assists families that are unable to afford gifts. (Above) Youth Intervention Officer Tanya Fresneda, Deputy Tammy Fox, Sgt. Terry Maguire, volunteer Seymour Orgel and Capt. Martin Bechtel. (Below) Bechtel with one of the families.

PHOTOS

CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

NEWS BRIEFS

MLK Celebration

Jan. 18 In Royal

Palm Beach

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will present the eighth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way).

Continental breakfast will be served from 9 to 9:45 a.m. with the program to follow. The event will feature local performers and professional artists. Admission is free to the public. For more information, call Elet Cyris at (561) 791-0987 or visit www.cafcipbc. org.

Next Wellington Women’s Club Meeting Jan. 7

The Wellington Women’s Club invites the public to attend its January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington).

In addition to a buffet dinner, the program will include games of bingo for some great prizes, including gift baskets and a gift certificate for a facial from Sanda Gané European Day Spa.

The Wellington Women’s Club is open to all women residing in the western communities and supports two main causes: the YWCA Harmony House, a secure shelter

for abused women and their children, and college scholarships for area high school seniors. Guests are welcome for a fee of $30. For reservations, or more information, call Allyson at (561) 798-6741.

Everglades Coalition Conference

The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation will host the 25th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference Jan. 7-10 at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. The theme for the upcoming conference is “The Changing Face of Everglades Restoration.”

“This will be the first Everglades Coalition Conference in many years to be held in Palm Beach County, and more than two dozen local environmental and cultural organizations, governmental entities and private businesses are working together to make this silver anniversary event truly special,” said Nancy Marshall, president of the non-profit organization that champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem.

Among the expected highlights of the upcoming Everglades Coalition Conference are three events specifically organized by the Marshall Foundation:

• River of Grass Canoe Expedition, Jan. 2-7 — This 78-mile adventure for core paddlers will set off on the morning of Jan. 2 at the point where the Kissimmee River flows into Lake Okeecho-

bee and will culminate at 4 p.m.

on Jan. 7 at the Bingham Nature Pavilion at the Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach). Among the dozen core paddlers expected to make the six-day canoe expedition are team leader Chris Schuld, biologist Allen Trefry, Janice Kerber, South Florida Water Management District Deputy Director of Operations Susan Sylvester and Tomas Boiton. In addition, world-renowned author, nature enthusiast and wildlife photographer Dudley Edmondson will film a documentary of the trek.

“The multi-purpose mission of the River of Grass Canoe Expedition is to draw attention to the invaluable role that the Everglades plays in the ecology of Florida, to emphasize the need to conserve and respect this key resource, and to document the current state of its health and well-being,” said Marshall, who is co-chairing the expedition with Joan Goldberg, Waterfront Project Manager & Cultural Affairs Consultant to the City of West Palm Beach.

• The Everglades: Nature’s Classroom, Jan. 7 — The Marshall Foundation is coordinating a four-hour workshop for educators from grade school through college level at Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Education Center and Pine Jog Elementary School (6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach).

The offsite environmental education plenary program of the Everglades Coalition Conference will include tours of the elemen-

tary school, Florida’s first goldcertified LEEDs school, and the education center’s 135-acre pond/ pine flatwoods “living laboratory,” plus a keynote address by Glenn Thomas, the assistant dean of PK-12 Schools and Educational Programs at Florida Atlantic University, where he is responsible for $23 million annually in grants, state appropriations and donations. Under the direction of Program Moderator Wendy Spielman, the K-12 Science Manager of Curriculum Development and School Improvement for the Palm Beach County School District, the workshop will include several panelists in the areas of science and education. There is no conference fee for educators to participate in this workshop scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 7. To register, or for more information, contact Isabel Botero at boteroic@cdm. com. • Conference Finale, Jan. 10 — Scheduled to last from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, Everglades Coalition Conference participants will enjoy a keynote address by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton, guided tours of the refuge, brunch on the pavilion hosted by Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and the opportunity to try out the recently installed state-of-the-art interactive exhibits at the visitor center. For more information, call (561) 805-8733 or visit www.art marshall.org.

Palms West Presbyterian’s Pastor Gary Cecil Heads To Georgia

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

When 2010 begins, Pastor Gary Cecil of Palms West Presbyterian Church will not be at the helm of the Loxahatchee Groves congregation he has led for the last nineplus years.

Pastor Gary, as he is affectionately known, will be leading a new congregation at Madison Presbyterian Church, a small-town church in Madison, Ga. He is already listed as the pastor on Madison Presbyterian’s web site.

The Presbytery of Tropical Florida will work with Palms West Presbyterian Church to supply pastors until an interim pastor is selected. The interim pastor will be the replacement pastor until a pastoral search committee finds a

long-term replacement pastor. Cecil’s last church service was on Sunday, Dec. 27. But he will be back to perform a wedding in January, at which time the church will host an appreciation luncheon for him. The Town-Crier caught up with Cecil on his last day as he was outside saying farewell to parishioners.

Cecil said he felt a “calling” to move on, and he and his wife Sheila had put his name out there in search of a new church months ago. “At the end of the ninth year is usually the time to ask the question,” he said. “Is this a good time for me to leave now, or should I stay longer? I simply wanted to ask a simple question of the Lord and see what the answer was.”

Surprisingly, Cecil said, he got an answer of “go.”

During that process, Cecil said, Madison Presbyterian Church came along, and something stirred him inside. He and his wife Sheila both agreed it would be the right church for them.

Cecil said it was the same feeling he had when he originally decided to come to Loxahatchee Groves.

Madison is located near a small cultural center, has a youth ministry and strong ties to the community. It is located in a pre-Civil War town with much history. It’s also a perfect place for Cecil and his wife to retire, the pastor said.

Cecil attended King College in Bristol, Tenn., where he was active in the music ministry. He then

graduated from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. That love of music continued with him, often playing at the contemporary services at Palms West Presbyterian and also in community talent shows.

After graduation, Cecil had three different assignments at churches throughout the country before Palms West. His first church was in Pittsburgh, Penn., which was followed by churches in North Dakota and North Carolina. He served the longest here at his church in Florida.

“The thing that really got me going was my music ministry,” Cecil said. “Juanita Meeks, the music director here, has already told me she will miss me. We’ve

See CECIL, page 18

Original Wellington Mall Hosts Holiday Party For The Lord’s Place

Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust, were joined by the Wellington Rotary Club hosting a holiday party for the Lord’s Place clients and staff on Sunday, Dec. 20 at the original Wellington Mall. More than 300 adults and children participated in what is becoming an annual year-end tradition. “It’s a celebration wherein both the givers and the receivers equally appreciate each other’s company and the joyous occa-

sion,” Santamaria said, echoing a feeling expressed by all who attended. The celebration included a traditional Christmas dinner of roast turkey with all the trimmings, singing of holiday songs and a visit from Santa for all of the children, who each received a gift especially selected for them.

Santamaria and his partners hosted the party for the second year as part of their ongoing support of the Lord’s Place and its efforts to end homelessness in

It’s

…

Palm Beach County.

“We’re so grateful to Commissioner Santamaria, My Brother’s/ Sister’s Keeper and the Rotary Club for the enormous care and generosity they expressed through this event,” said Diana Stanley, Lord’s Place executive director. “To see the smile on the face of a child at Christmas whose family has experienced homelessness in the past year lets us know that all of our work is making a difference for the precious families and individuals we serve. It is partners

such as these, through their generous giving of time and treasure, who enable the Lord’s Place to end the cycle of homelessness, one life and one family at a time.”

The Lord’s Place invites everyone to support its work by becoming part of the 2% Solution, enlisting at least two percent of the residents of Palm Beach County to donate monthly to the Lord’s Place to provide the resources needed to end homelessness in our community. For more information, visit www.thelordsplace.org.

You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who cares about your personal goals for your family, your business, your future. Who can give you comfort in making decisions that not only support your

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Pastor Gary Cecil with his wife Sheila.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Daniel Gibson of the Lord’s Place joins the youngsters for a song.

Wellington Rotarians were on hand to volunteer their support.

Youth for Christ members from Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church perform holiday songs.

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria with Lord’s Place Executive Director Diana Stanley.

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TKA Partners With Quantum House BINKS FOREST HOLDS STUDENT TOY DRIVE TO BENEFIT GOVE ELEMENTARY

During this holiday season, many private schools in Palm Beach have gone to great lengths to give back to the community.

The King’s Academy National Junior Honor Society has partnered with Quantum House in a fundraiser. From the end of November and heading into December, the fundraiser raised more than $2,400.

Quantum House is a non-profit organization that provides a “caring place to call home” for families while their children are being treated for serious medical conditions in Palm Beach County. The house is located on the property of St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

“Quarters for Quantum” is a coin drive benefiting Quantum House in which local businesses, organizations and schools participate. The donations allow Quantum House to stock the food pantry for families while their children are hospitalized.

Top participating organizations have the opportunity to appear live on television during the Holiday Hope Drive with WPBF Channel 25. The NJHS officers along with Charlene Urso and a current NJHS member appeared on the news on Wednesday, Dec. 9 during the noon program.

The King’s Academy’s NJHS advisors are Charlene Urso and Valerie Halbert. NJHS officers are: Gwenyth Lowe (president), Michael Habib (vice president), Cathryn Urso (secretary/treasurer)

and Abigail Cornelius (NJHS member).

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Schools.

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach.

For more information, call (561) 686-4244 or visit the school’s web site at www.tka.net.

Students from Binks Forest Elementary School in Wellington conducted a toy drive in mid-December to benefit Gove Elementary School in Belle Glade. In total, Binks Forest students collected more than 500 toys for donation. Pictured above are members of the Binks Forest Student Council and Leo Club visiting Gove.

The Village of Wellington will temporarily close the playground at Tiger Shark Cove Park from Jan. 4-14 for yearly main-

tenance and repairs. The playground will re-open on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. The village apologizes for any

inconvenience during this time. For more information, call Program Manager Bruce Delaney at (561) 791-4005.

Quantum House Donation — (L-R) Michael Habib, Gwenyth Lowe, Cathryn Urso, Abby Cornelius and Charlene Urso with Quantum House representatives.

EQUESTRIAN TRAILS STUDENTS PRESENT ‘THE GINGERBREAD KID CAPER’

Amy Friederich Watt’s second-grade class at Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Wellington recently performed the holiday musical program The Gingerbread Kid Caper for parents, grandparents and friends. The adorable cast dressed in aprons, chef hats and oven mitts sang and swayed their way through selections such as “Gingerbread Rock” and the classic “One Is the Loneliest Number” by Three Dog Night. This culminated Mrs. Watt’s month-long gingerbread unit, which included reading and analyzing the plot structure of 18 different “Gingerbread Man” stories, and each child writing his or her own version of the classic tale. The students then read them aloud as they celebrated all of their hard work with hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies, of course!

Amy Friederich Watt and her class show off the set.The students perform for their family members.The class celebrates a successful program.

Poinciana Day School Students Enjoy Early Christmas Celebration

Students at Poinciana Day School were treated to an early taste of Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 5 with a visit from Santa and a chance to play in five tons of snow.

Parents, teachers and the student council coordinated the event. Santa arrived on a red fire truck and handed out treats to all the children. Other activities included face painting, jewelry making, cookie decorating, shaving cream fun, holiday songs and a Winter White Food Cookoff with treats for all.

While playing in the snow, students competed in a snowmanmaking contest. They worked in groups or individually to build a snowman, complete with a carrot nose and cookie eyes. The win-

ners were kindergartner Aeryn Meyer, second grader Jacob Meyer, third grader Annie Baumgartner and fourth grader Abbey Meyer, all of West Palm Beach.

“At Poinciana Day School, teamwork and cooperation between school and family is a key element that helps make our students successful,” Head of School Anne Simone said. Located at 1340 Kenwood Road in West Palm Beach, Poinciana Day School is a small, independent private school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade where “every student is an honored student.”

For more information, call (561) 655-7323 or visit the school’s web site at www. poincianadayschool.org.

Snowman-making contest winners Jacob Meyer, Annie Baumgartner & Aeryn Meyer.

The Kings Academy Earns $8 Million In Scholarships For Its Graduates

One of the advantages of the King’s Academy is the individual attention that its College Counseling Office provides. Led by Heather Najmabadi, the office offered the following assistance to TKA students and families during the past school year:

• Staff visits to nearly 30 colleges and universities, offering the opportunity to share valuable firsthand experiences with TKA students, as well as the opportunity

to present the King’s Academy as a premier educational institution.

• Hosting more than 80 different colleges on campus, allowing students access to gather information and ask questions directly to college representatives.

• Taking TKA’s juniors on tours of eight different schools.

• More than 3,000 transcripts sent to nearly 200 colleges and universities.

• Student assistance with their

college searches, college applications, essay reviews, resumes, college interviews and scholarship applications.

• A comprehensive student handbook guiding students and parents through the entire college search and application process.

• A college counseling page on www.tka.net providing important information regarding the financial aid process as well as links to other helpful sites.

• Family Connection through Naviance, a comprehensive webbased college counseling service designed to assist students and parents with the exploration of college and career options.

As a result of these efforts, the College Counseling Office’s scholarship results were impressive. TKA’s graduates received total scholarship awards of $8,101,139. Ninety-eight percent of students who applied were

awarded scholarships (94 students applied). Eighty-three students earned Florida Bright Futures awards. “Our primary goal is to assist and guide our students and their families through the information and decisions concerning their college search,” Najmabadi said. “We are always looking to expand the tools we use to help provide students with the best possible support.” On Dec. 14, the King’s Acade-

my College Counseling Office held a College Financial Aid Seminar for current TKA families. The seminar was intended to provide a general overview of the financial aid process, including state and federal programs as well as private and university specific scholarships. Representatives from Palm Beach Atlantic University also presented an overview of the college application and financial aid processes.

Jonah Baumgartner, Kaitlyn Rivers, Juli Cooper and Annie Baumgartner throw snowballs.

Max Leary of Wellington with Jonah Baumgartner, Andrea Rossi and A.J. Leary.

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

RPB ROTARY CLUB HOSTS SPIRITED HOLIDAY PARTY

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club enjoyed its annual holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the residence of Dr. Ronald Peterson. Food, drink and fun flowed into the late-night hours as guests were treated to some live music courtesy of Dr. Peterson’s family and friends. “There’s no better time than the holidays to celebrate fellowship and the successes of this past year,” Rotary President Keith Jordano said.

Rachel Rossin Receives Grant To Help The Needy

After graduating from the King’s Academy in 2005, Rachel Rossin has been working to make changes in the world. The Florida State University senior’s method of choice? Art.

Supported by an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity award from the Office of National Fellows, Rossin traveled during the summer of 2008 to Uganda to launch the Greenhouse Project, the non-profit advocacy organization she created to benefit an orphanage located just outside the country’s capital city.

The Greenhouse Orphanage is home to some 60 children, ages 15 months to 13 years old, whose lives have been ravaged by almost two decades of civil war, the AIDS pandemic and poverty. Rossin’s ultimate goal with the Greenhouse Project is to help the orphanage become self-sustainable. Her work involves teaching art to the children as a means of expression, and their drawings, paintings, videos and photographs are used to raise awareness of their plight and garner donations to support the orphanage.

According to Rossin, this extraordinary humanitarian effort would not have become reality without the grant from FSU. “This award allowed me to pursue my project… and to incorporate photography and the filming of a small documentary in order to serve as a voice for the children that I worked with,” she said. Rossin, a graphic design student

Rachel Rossin with an art history minor, spent her childhood in West Palm Beach, where she graduated from the King’s Academy. Her father earned a law degree from FSU in 1983, and her mother majored in interior design and graduated from the university in 1978. Rossin, who also studied abroad through Florida State’s course offerings in Italy, will complete a bachelor’s degree in May.

After graduation, Rossin said she plans to join AmeriCorps or Teach for America before going on to graduate school to study either art therapy or law. “I plan on continuing my work with the Greenhouse Project and being an advocate for human rights,” Rossin said. “I will always use art and design as a method to further social justice and to provide a better standard of living for individuals.”

Lois Jordano and Tony “the Tiger” Armour.Tony Endler, James Hart and Dr. Ron Peterson.

Carmen Peterson, Ron Peterson and Nancy D’Angelo.

Rotarians enjoy some conversation outside.

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Lizbeth Benacquisto Graduates From Palm Beach Atlantic University

In an age of instant communication, celebrity status seems to be both readily attainable and desirable, but it is rarely enduring, Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater told a class of about 300 graduates and their guests during Palm Beach Atlantic University’s fall commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Instead, the state senator from North Palm Beach encouraged graduates to pursue a life of service.

“The strength of what we create, the legacy we define for ourselves and our families, lies in the service we provide others within our communities,” Atwater said. “From Palm Beach Atlantic’s faith-centered perspective, you have been provided with an especially unique set of tools with which to participate in the development of our community. Given the richness of the curriculum and its various and sundry options for

service, you will touch many, and you will be touched by many more.”

Atwater also challenged each graduate to become “a mentor, a role model who has been shaped by values.”

Among the graduates was Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, who received a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.

The celebratory tone of the event became more subdued with the posthumous presentation of a degree to Sgt. Jeremiah McGraw, a U.S. Marine reservist from Boynton Beach who completed his coursework prior to his death Sept. 10 during a parachuting exercise in Hardee County. His mother Juanita received a standing ovation as she accepted his diploma. McGraw, 22, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management.

McGraw finished basic training in December 2005, attended Marine combat training in January 2006 and received training as a motor transport mechanic in early 2006. He returned home and was assigned to a local Marine Corps reserve unit, the 4th AirNaval Gunfire Liaison Company (4th ANGLICO), based in West Palm Beach. While serving as a reservist, he advanced to the rank of sergeant.

McGraw was due to be commissioned as a second lieutenant, said 4th ANGLICO Inspector-Instructor Lt. Col. Sam Cook, who attended the ceremony with the McGraw family. “He had exactly in his mind what he wanted to do and how to do it,” Cook said.

The Dec. 19 ceremony also was marked by a number of firsts. It was the first commencement led by new University President Lu Hardin. Also, the

first graduates of the master’s degree program in organizational leadership in Orlando received diplomas.

Also receiving recognition was School of Ministry graduate Clayton Taylor, who earned an associate’s degree in urban Christian ministry studies at age 73.

PBAU’s Wellington campus offers a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and master’s degree in organizational leadership.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, with campuses in West Palm Beach, Orlando and Wellington. The university is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for lifelong learning and leadership.

For more information, call (561) 803-2850 or visit the school’s web site at www.pba.edu.

Unico Chapter Gives Gifts To Pediatric Patients

On Monday, Dec. 14, members of the Palm Beach Chapter of the Italian American service organization Unico National brought toys to some of the young patients at Palms West Hospital.

Chapter President Giulio Panzano, along with his colleagues Joanne Mathisen and Maria Castrovilla, joined fellow Unico member Pat Simon in the pediatric wing, where Simon serves as the nurse case manager. The four members were happy to meet the youngsters and their families and the hospital staff who are caring for the children.

“It was a moving experience for all of us,” Mathisen said upon leaving the hospital. “The kids are so brave, and their families, many who have jobs and other children at home to care for, take shifts with other family members and make sure the children are never alone.” Panzano also shared his thoughts about the day and the effect it had on him.

“It was a tremendous pleasure to be able to do something like this in our own community,” he said. “The members are so generous, and when it comes to children, they went beyond their normal generosity. Unico is a service organization first and foremost, and while we love to have our get-togethers and en-

joy our culture in food and the arts, we realize a larger goal, and that is to be a sharing and caring group who can reach out and offer assistance to our friends and neighbors both at home and abroad.”

Simon, who arranged the outreach on behalf of Unico’s Palm Beach chapter, told the rest of the members present that “everyone at the hospital children’s wing were very grateful and happy that Unico offered the gifts to the kids. Unico and Palms West [Hospital] are now partners in caring.”

Castrovilla was busy offering kind words to the kids and their parents, and it was obvious that the good feelings and empathy were greatly appreciated by all. Castrovilla demonstrated a special gift for working with the sick children and their family members, and she managed to get smiles from all.

Mathisen pointed out that with the holiday season around the corner, it was the perfect time to bring some cheer to the young patients.

“I believe that Christmas is a time for hope, and the hope we all have for these youngsters is a chance at a happy and healthy future,” she said. “The people who work at Palms West and Unico

have a new bond of friendship. We hope to be able to answer the call to help with them in meaningful ways in the future, and while we arrived thinking we would be helping the young children by giving them gifts, we left with a pretty big gift for ourselves — the gift of inspiration from the children at Palms West.”

Panzano praised the generosity of the club members.

“We exceeded our goal of a gift each for the kids, and we were able to provide gifts for their brothers and sisters at home, too,” he said.

All in all, it was a wonderful and fulfilling experience for the children, their families and Unico members.

For more information about Unico, visit the organization’s web site at www.unico.org.

WELLINGTON SGT. GIVES PROMOTION IN IRAQ

Wellington resident 1st Sgt. Bobby Parlor recently promoted Spc. Alexander Tilman of Fort Lauderdale, a wheeled vehicle operator, to the rank of Sergeant in a quick ceremony in front of his platoon at the 1218th headquarters building at the Al Asad airbase in Iraq. Parlor is the 1st Sergeant for the 1218th Transportation Co., 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). Pictured above are Parlor and

New Graduate — Palm Beach Atlantic University President Lu Hardin presents Lizbeth Benacquisto with her degree while State Sen. Jeff Atwater looks on.

Tilman.

PHOTO BY SGT. RICHARD DUNGAN

Holiday Visit — Unico members Giulio Panzano, Joanne Mathisen, Maria Castrovilla and Pat Simon deliver a gift to Kyle Pacheco.

Horsemastership Training Session

At PBIEC Jan. 5-9

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has offered the use of its prestigious International Ring for the Fourth George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session slated for Jan. 5-9 in Wellington.

Auditors will have ringside seating for the mounted sessions conducted by George H. Morris, the legendary horseman and chef d’équipe of the Olympic gold medal show-jumping team in 2008 in Hong Kong.

Auditing is free and open to the public. However, a donation to the USET Foundation will be appreciated.

The young riders participating in the session represent the next generation of America’s “horsemasters” for the U.S. Equestrian Team and include Jacqueline Lubrano, Jessica Springsteen, Zazou Hoffman, Christy Distefano, Matthew Metell, Theodore Boris, Jennifer Waxman, Reed Kessler, Chase Boggio and Victoria Birdsall. The mounted sessions will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.

Auditors are also invited to attend the daily educational sessions that will be held in the Blue Rib-

bon Club. On Tuesday at 1 p.m., Olympian Anne Kursinski will present “The Heart of a Champion,” followed at 2 p.m. by a veterinary session featuring Dr. Tim Ober, the USA Equestrian team veterinarian. On Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., Dr. Mary Beth Gordon of Purina Mills will conduct a nutrition session on “Feeding the Athletic Horse: How to Get a Nutritional Advantage.” On Thursday at 1 p.m., Allyn Mann of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals will lecture on “Joint Health and Maintenance.”

The educational sessions will conclude on Friday with the “ASPCA All-Star Equine Anti-Cruelty Summit & Panel Discussion” led by ASPCA President Ed Sayres at 1 p.m. Panelists include Sayres, Dr. Melinda Merck, Dr. Pamela Corey, Joseph Pentangelo, John Madden, Beezie Madden, Anne Kursinski, George Morris, Brianne Goutal, Steve Nislick and Jennifer Swanson.

For additional information on the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, e-mail Connie Sawyer at csawyer4@ twcny.rr.com. Visit www.syracuse invitational.com for a full listing of details.

TBT Monte Carlo Night On Jan. 23

Temple Beth Torah in Wellington will hold its second annual Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Dress will be smart casual. Great food will be served and lots of prizes will be awarded to winners.

Wellington Town Center Will Be Finished

continued from page 1 dents and families here in Wellington.”

Even with less money to go around, the levels of service for residents are expected to remain the same, Bowen said. “We’re budgeting our tax revenue to meet any challenges that come up in 2010 without disrupting services,” he said. “Whatever happens, we’ll meet it head on.”

But even with more foreclosures and smaller revenue on the horizon, village officials still are optimistic for a great year. “It’s really not all doom and gloom,” Schofield said. “We’re seeing what every other community sees, but Wellington has started to come

Groves Road Fixes Will Take Many Years

continued from page 1 population as to what has been adopted and what is legal and what is not. “There will be a time frame for removing any violations that might have been discovered and a lot of courtesy notices,” Spence said. The town will stress compliance rather than punishment for infractions. “That’s where education is going to come in,” he said.

RPB

New Era For

RPB Council

continued from page 1 that we do have,” Webster said. “We have that property and some others around.”

Webster said residential or retail shopping are not the desired uses for the site, located at the north end of the village near The Acreage. Whatever the use, be it biotech or education, it must complement existing uses in the region, she said.

“We want it to be in addition to what we have in our economy, which is mostly retail,” Webster said. “We want it to be something different that will strengthen our economy and provide work. Some of the property is next to residential, so we want to keep harmony with the environment. We don’t have anything for sure, but we’re looking around at everything.”

Webster said 2010 will usher in a new era for the council with a new mayor and at least one new council member.

“I think that the village has a good direction, and we know who we are and what we are about to do,” she said. “But we will have a new mayor and a new council member, so we will be reorganizing and getting to know each oth-

Countdown To Winter Equestrian Festival

Equestrian Sport Productions, owner and manager of the FTI 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival, is busy with the final preparations to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the festival’s Jan. 12 opening day. ESP has spent millions of dollars since the last circuit to ensure that the experience for both customers and horses will be excellent in 2010.

“We are looking forward to a great year in 2010,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo, managing director of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP). “While we have made significant improvements across the facility, we are most proud of the continued investments in ring footing and grooming equipment for our riders and horses. It has been the goal of the WEP partnership to make these the finest shows and the premier facility in the world, and we are well on our way to that goal.”

Highlights for the upcoming festival include:

• Exciting Events — The WEG trials (five classes), a junior/amateur team competition, and a pro/am class have been added to an already exciting lineup, which includes 15 night events such as the FTI $500,000 Grand Prix, the Nations Cup, the World Dressage Masters and the

Guests should be 21 and older. The cost is $50 per person until Jan. 13 and $75 per person at the door. Temple Beth Torah is located at 900 Big Blue Trace. For more information, call Lois at (561) 7932700.

through it, and will continue to do so.” And Wellington has a lot to celebrate next year, with the completion of several projects, including the Town Center expected by December and further success in its Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

“The new amphitheater will be open for the Fourth of July,” Schofield said. “So we expect to hold a concert and fireworks there. Village hall will be open by December. That will be a good holiday present.”

Additionally, next summer will see the completion of the Section 24 impoundment project on Flying Cow Road that will retain and clean storm water, then pump it back into the canals. “It will be good for the environment,” Bonde said. “And it can also serve as an emergency flood attenuation if other areas are full.”

That project will include a tower that residents can climb and

The town has yet to see a draft of the code, which is to be written by the Mellgren Planning Group. Surveys are currently underway, Spence said. Workshops will be held after the company receives the survey results, then a draft code will be written. The council will then have more public workshops before it is adopted as an ordinance.

Other issues for the coming year include resolving maintenance issues of roads that are not under the jurisdiction of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. “From a realistic standpoint, these roads are in the town, and the town is collecting gas tax mon-

er and working together.” Webster said she is pleased that the village renewed its contract with its youth baseball provider, which reorganized after the group’s former president came under investigation for embezzlement. “We’ll be supporting them, but also watching to see how that goes,” she said. The council is also working with the Palm Beach County School District to improve local schools, specifically Royal Palm Beach High School, which came under scrutiny over the past year after it received a D in state evaluations.

“Those schools are very important if we want economic development,” she said. “Businesses look at what we offer in education, and it’s something that we’re going to have to keep working on. We will have to see where that goes, because we’re getting a lot of song and dance right now. We need some results.”

Webster said she feels Royal Palm Beach is on good economic and managerial footing. She credits good planning such as the sale of the water utility to the county to have put the village in a strong economic position. “I’m looking forward to a great new year,” Webster said. “I think it’s going to be good for us, and we’re going to work together for that.”

Battle of the Sexes. There will be close to $6 million in prize money and awards.

• Rings and Footing — The PBIEC trademark pink “Olympic” footing installed by Equestrian Services International is in the final stages of installation in the Rost and Mische rings. Five rings now have this footing. Renovations have also been completed on rings six through eight, as well as the rings on the south grounds.

• Jumps — Frank Rothenberger’s Caro Designs and Olaf Petersen’s design company will be providing new jumps for the jumper rings. Classy Jumps and Littlewood Fences will be providing new jumps for the hunter rings.

• JumboTron — A 22’ x 28’

JumboTron has been erected on the southeast corner of the International Arena. The JumboTron will take on a personality of its own by not only televising the competitions and the WEF sponsors, but also interacting with the spectators through its roving webcam during the big events.

• Spectator Pavilions — The Suncast Pavilion is a new area overlooking both the International Arena and the Mische ring. The Pavilion includes a large 36-foot gazebo which has been installed

on the east side of the International Arena and will feature a bar and food options. Suncast has also installed an additional 20’ x 40’ gazebo overlooking the Rost and Mische rings that will provide another dining option for riders and spectators.

• New Food/Beverage Options

— The “Trough” Sports Bar presented by Pine Hollow will be completed overlooking the Rost Arena that will have casual dining and several wide-screens installed televising various sporting events throughout the day and evening. The Oasis Café, serving Nepresso, will be installed at the east end of the vendor courtyard, which will serve as an Internet café and lounge. A fresh salad restaurant and a new sushi option will round out the new fare. And, of course, the famous Tiki Hut will return with more food and drink options available. A new permanent kitchen will be completed to enhance the quality of the food service in the International Club and across the property.

• New Online Entry — ESP has a new online horse show entry system for the 2010 WEF.

• New Covered Boxes Seating

— Installation of an awning will begin soon that will cover the boxes in front of the International Club. Call Annette Goyette at

(561) 779-1660 if you would like to secure one of a limited number of remaining boxes.

• Paved Access Roads — The perimeter road/golf cart loop around the north grounds has been paved so that, if necessary, both horse and rider ambulances can move safely around the grounds to access each ring. This will also dramatically eliminate dust at the facility.

• Site Drainage — The entire north ground facility has undergone construction of a drainage and sewer system that will ensure that both the rings and public areas are water free even after the heaviest downpours. Thirteen covered horse wash bays have been constructed around the facility that are now connected to the sewer system in order to protect the water quality in the local waterways as well as keeping the areas around the stalls dry.

In addition to the facility improvements, the ESP team has worked hard all year to enhance customer experience. Both the staff and the facility are set to ensure that the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will be the safest, most competitive and enjoyable season to date. For more about the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, visit www.equestriansport.com.

WRMC Now Offering Boot Camp For Dads

Wellington Regional Medical Center has added a new class offering to its prenatal education curriculum — “Boot Camp for New Dads,” a crash course designed to bring strength, practicality and creativity to the new father-to-be.

The class will meet on selected

observe the Everglades, and how Wellington ties in with and preserves the wetlands.

Next year, the village will also continue to develop projects it began in 2009.

“There will be more discussion about K-Park over the next year,” Bonde said. “We’ll break ground on re-designing Forest Hill Blvd., and the medical arts complex will begin to come together. People are already discussing how they can come together to use the land around the hospital and create good jobs.”

One of the greatest successes Wellington saw in 2009 was the outpouring of generosity by residents who extended a hand to those in need — something village officials hope will carry over into the new year.

“That’s what makes Wellington different; people care about each other,” Bowen said. “A lot gets done that doesn’t involve tax mon-

ey for the maintenance of those roads, and we do have to step forward to start taking responsibility for them,” Spence said. “That is a vast project. I see that as a fiveyear project.”

Fixing road problems in Loxahatchee Groves will not happen overnight.

“It’s going to be a large project, but it’s like the old adage, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,’” he said. “We’ll be addressing that once we get our policy in place, working with the district. We’ve had an excellent working relationship with the water control district, and I anticipate continued cooperation with them on road maintenance.”

Spence said covering the major roads with open graded emulsified mix (OGEM) will reduce maintenance costs and allow district equipment to grade additional roads. “That’s why it’s going to be over a long period of time, but it has to be done,” he said. “If we show good faith going forward, I think that will be acceptable to the people.”

Along with road maintenance

Playground Community Build On Jan. 16-17

continued from page 3 use braces or wheelchairs, and includes ramps instead of steps so children can climb to the top, enabling both able-bodied children and those with disabilities to use it. There will be two volunteer shifts each day, one that begins at 7:30 a.m. one that begins at noon. Volunteers will meet at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd). Volunteers can register by going online to www.wellingtonfl.gov or calling (561) 791-4787. Student volunteers will be given jobs, but a parent must accompany anyone under 16.

Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at WRMC. The three-hour workshop is designed to prepare first-time expectant dads on how to care for and enjoy their new baby. Taught by “veteran” dads and their babies, the class will build confidence as it teaches men the

ey because of generous residents. That tells us everything we need to know about our community.”

An example of this is the Safe Neighborhoods initiative that drew residents in the community to help the less fortunate through neighborhood cleanup programs, food and toy drives, youth programs and job placement programs.

“I can’t say enough about how great that program is and is going to be,” Bowen said. “I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next year.”

In 2010, Safe Neighborhoods officials hope to see their work paid forward by residents who have already been helped, in turn helping others in need, Neighborhood Advocate Meridith Tuckwood said.

“Everyone has something to give,” she said. “And we hope that anyone who would like to be a part of it will contact us. Everyone has

will be working with the district to identify canal roads that serve as easements to residences, Spence said. “The town has to address roads like 40th Street North and 23rd Street,” he said. “The people have to have access to their property, and this is where the town has to step in and take responsibility for providing that access.”

The issue will require legal determination whether easements that have been used as roads for many years may continue to be used, even though there may not be legal documents attesting to that, he said. “These problems will all take time to work out,” Spence said. “The town certainly has more power than the district to resolve these because we have the final power of eminent domain.”

Public access is the foundation of property rights, Spence said. “It’s not real simple, and it won’t be done overnight, but as long as we are able to adopt a policy and then a plan of action, we can move forward and start addressing a challenge that has been here long before we incorporated. Now we have to undo some of the prob-

Cecil Pastor Leaves P.W.

Presbyterian

continued from page 9 had a good dynamic interchange of music between working with each other these nine-plus years.”

Music also played a part in Cecil’s arrival in South Florida. When he was at the church in North Carolina, Cecil recalled receiving a number of requests from Palms West Presbyterian. Initially, they were not interested, but the Cecils sent the search committee a video of them singing and saying hello. The committee thought the video was great and asked once again. When the Cecils finally agreed to visit Loxahatchee Groves, they fell in love with the place.

hands-on strategies of holding, comforting, changing, burping, swaddling, bathing and putting their baby to sleep. Men will have the opportunity to express common concerns and will be encouraged to follow their instincts.

“This program is part of the hospital’s commitment to our par-

a niche, something that they can offer to the community.”

The pay-it-forward phenomenon has already begun, said Community Programs Director Ivy Fivey. “We’ve already seen residents who have been helped by Safe Neighborhoods coming back to help others,” she said.

The Safe Neighborhoods office will continue to provide services for residents in need, including youth programs and job placement programs. It will continue to run three-on-three basketball and step dancing for children in transitional neighborhoods, as well as expand to flag football to be held Tuesday nights at Tiger Shark Cove Park.

Additionally, the program will implement tutoring on Monday nights for students who need help and can’t afford private tutors. “Our goal is to make sure all these kids get through school,” Tuckwood said.

lems that were created by a lack of control when it was in the unincorporated part of the county.”

Mayor Dave Browning said he also looks forward to having the comp plan, land use and environmental resource management regulations in place. “In 2010, we will be able to finalize our comp plan,” Browning said. “That’s our number-one issue, to get that finalized. We can also finalize all of our land use and ERM requirements so we will have our codes in place, and we will be able to go through and make sure that whatever was built in Loxahatchee Groves fits in with the character of the community.”

Once the regulations are in place, Browning said he anticipates the current government activity to settle down. “We will just be dealing with changes, but we will have our codes to go by,” Browning said. The town will continue to support the LGWCD in its fight against the numeric water quality standards being enacted by the federal Environmental Protection

“I said to Sheila, we can’t get rid of these people,” Cecil recalled. “Maybe the Lord is talking to us here. That’s exactly what happened. We came down, and we absolutely fell in love with the church... We knew it was right.”

At Palms West for almost a decade, Cecil has seen the children he led through communion grow up and get married. He’s like a second father to them, and he has taken great pleasure in watching them have children of their own, which he has baptized in the Presbyterian faith. “It’s the spirit of joy in seeing these kids grow up,” Cecil said. “These are things that every pastor can appreciate when they stay long enough.”

Along with his music ministry, Cecil is also skilled in the martial arts. He was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored as Kung Fu Master of the Year last year.

ents-to-be, to ready them for their new arrival,” said Barbara NashGlassman, director of the Centre for Family Beginnings at Wellington. The fee for the class is $20. Any expectant dad interested in enrolling in Boot Camp for Dads should call (561) 798-9880.

The Safe Neighborhoods office also hopes to partner with the Wellington Rotary Club and other organizations that offer scholarships to help students find money for college. Additionally, they will ask recent graduates to help coach students in high school about how to get into college.

To help Wellington residents get work, the office will be partnering with the Workforce Alliance to bring a job placement center to the community. It will enable residents to use computers to search for jobs, get help with résumés and have access to typing tests and other tests required for a job.

“Whatever the issues are, our community has come together in a way we never expected,” Schofield said. “Our residents are phenomenal. I look forward to next year because even though we have budget issues and other things to deal with, it’s more than balanced out by our residents.”

Agency. “An issue like that would really cost our community a lot,” Browning said.

The town will also continue to work with LGWCD to implement the OGEM paving plan, he said.

“I’d like to work together with them and see what we can do for the residents of Loxahatchee Groves,” he said. “I would like to get to the point where we need only one meeting a month, and I think we’re getting close to that.”

Browning said he is glad to see the community’s interest in the function of the town’s government.

“I always invite more participation,” Browning said. “If everything’s going well, the residents tend to sit back and watch everybody else do it, so I always invite the interest and participation. I hope we can put together at least one more committee, much like the finance committee, to help with land use. We also have an issue coming up this year with the census. We’ll be working toward that this coming April in getting a complete count so it will benefit our town.”

“Interestingly enough, that reputation went up and preceded me to Madison,” he laughed. “That’s a big honor for me to be a hall of famer in the martial arts world.”

The pastor’s departure also leaves a hole in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Cecil had the honor of being one of the first keynote speakers at the event, speaking about his childhood and the shadow of prejudice in the small Virginia town where he grew up. Cecil believes that Palms West Presbyterian Church will not be without a pastor for long, and the dynamic and growing church will find a new shepherd to continue it forward.

“Sheila and I both felt that there was a conviction that the Lord was saying it’s time to go,” Cecil said. “The Lord also has plans to take care of Palms West Presbyterian.”

Geoff Teall Equitation Clinic Jan. 12 In Wellington

Top trainer Geoff Teall is offering an equitation clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the Palm Beach Riding Academy, located at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Titled “Back to Basics,” it will be limited to ten riders. But an unlimited number of auditors can sit in for free. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Live Arts Florida Presents Donna The Buffalo Jan. 2

Live Arts Florida’s Western Communities Concert Series will return to the Wellington High School performing arts theater on Saturday, Jan. 2 to present its next featured act, the renowned roots music band Donna the Buffalo. DTB has performed its unique brand of uplifting, feel-good music for 21 years. Page 28

Shopping Spree Shopping Spree

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

BUSINESS

Drive-Thru Pool Supply: Convenient, Affordable

Drive-Thru Pool Supply, located in the heart of northern Palm Beach County, has been serving homeowners and pool-care pros for more than 20 years. The combination of drive-through service, discount pricing and daily availability makes DriveThru Pool Supply a very convenient source of swimming pool equipment and supplies. Page 31

Spor ts

WHS Soccer Girls Breeze Past Deerfield

The Wellington High School girls varsity soccer team dominated Deerfield Beach 4-1 in Wellington on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The two teams were competing with hundreds of teams in the 2009 Adidas Palm Beach Classic held Dec. 21-23 at Wellington Village Park. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX

COLUMNS & FEATURES.......................23-24

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT...............26-30

BUSINESS NEWS.................................31-35

SPORTS & RECREATION......................37-40

COMMUNITY CALENDAR....................42-44

CLASSIFIEDS........................................45-51

Geoff Teall To Offer Equitation Clinic Jan. 12 In Wellington

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Geoff Teall has lived in Wellington for the past 12 years. He has been riding, teaching and training horses and riders for much of his life.

Teall is a USEF “R” judge and has judged such prestigious shows as the National Horse Show, the Washington International, the Royal Winter Fair, the Winter Equestrian Festival, the ASPCA Regional Finals and the 2007 Medal Finals.

In 2006, Teall was named The Chronicle of the Horse Hunter Horseman of the Year, as well as U.S. Hunter & Jumper Association Volunteer of the Year. He’s also the author of Developing a Winning Style, a book about hunters, jumpers and equitation.

Last year, Teall offered a clinic here in Wellington that focused on equitation.

“At first, it seemed like it would be a disaster,” Teall recalled. “Many people had signed up, but then we had one of our famous Florida thunderstorms. The sky opened up and it poured and poured. But then, at the last minute, the weather cleared. Only eight riders actually showed up, and we had a nice time working together. It was perfect.”

Emily Rizzo, 16 of Wellington, was one of those riders. She has been riding all of her life and currently competes in the Children’s Hunter and Equitation divisions at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Littlewood shows. She brought Eaydream, her Warmblood mare.

“It was really great,” Rizzo said. “I learned a lot about equitation and how to communicate with my horse. I gained a different perspective, and it definitely helped me in my

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

riding. It made it easier for me to understand how to listen to my horse and how to make her understand what I was asking her to do.”

The good news is that Teall is offering another equitation clinic again this year. It will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 3:45 to 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach Riding Academy, located at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Titled “Back to Basics,” it will be limited to ten riders, junior or adult, capable of jumping a three-foot course. The cost is $100. One of the best parts of the clinic is that an unlimited number of auditors can sit in for free.

“We’re very excited to be offering this clinic,” says Rosemary Bertin, director of the Palm Beach Riding Academy. “Anyone who knows Geoff and has watched him work knows what a wonderful opportunity this is to learn from the best. He can help anyone improve their ability to maneuver a course. He’s quite amazing.”

Bertin plans to offer other clinics throughout the year with other topnotch riders and trainers, such as Louise Serio and Stacia Madden. She also offers lessons and has

show-quality horses for lease.

“I enjoy doing these clinics,” Teall said. “I see it as a way to support the shows at WEF. I think what’s happening is great. I really like the way Mark Bellissimo has included all of Wellington, not just the equestrian community, by offering events like the Palm Beach Steeplechase and the family-friendly events at WEF. We have a lot of valuable resources in this community, and we should make ourselves available, get all the pieces working together.”

This year’s clinic will, as its title suggests, focus on the basics.

“At this year’s clinic, I hope the participants will gain a basic understanding of classical horsemanship, which I define as time-tested basic riding principles, such as correct position, heels down, eyes up, riding straight lines between fences, keeping an even pace, and jumping the middle of the jump,” Teall said. “These are basic rules which apply at any level of riding. The clinic will focus on teaching the rider to be a better rider, and therefore help to teach his horse how to do his job better. The two are intertwined, related 100 percent. You can’t have success if only the horse or rider knows what he’s doing. Riding is never complicated, but it’s never easy.”

Teall said his clinic will focus on simple exercises, no gimmicks or tricky courses. In fact, he may have only two or three jumps.

“It’s about concentrating on what you’re doing and how you’re doing it,” he said. “It’s about understanding — yours and the horse’s.”

And Rizzo plans to attend for the second year. “I want to learn more about perfecting my riding skills and finding easier ways to communicate with my horse,” she said. “I’d highly recommend this clinic to anyone who wants to become a better horseman.”

For more information, call Bertin at (561) 371-9598 or e-mail her at cubbybertin@ comcast.net.

Top trainer Geoff Teal will offer an equitation clinic Jan. 12 in Wellington.

My Admirable And Somewhat-Lofty Goals For The New Year

Ah, New Year’s Day — the first bright new day of a double-digit year. I don’t know about you, but I had trouble the minute I had to start writing ’00 on the date line of my checks. Having spent decades in what I fondly refer to as “the double digit years,” I suffered through ’01, ’02 and right on up to ’09.

Now, as far as I’m concerned, the stars are realigned and everything’s right with the world. In celebration, I have compiled a long list of admirable and somewhat-lofty goals, which I tentatively expect to accomplish by 12/31/10. In case you choose to chart my progress, I will share them with you:

1. Clean the celery bits out of the kitchen drain. (The stuffing is long gone, yet this celery remains — 1/01/10 is a good day to tackle this.)

2. Give the mailman the tip he was sup-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

posed to get last week... 1/02/10 is better than never.

3. Stack the scary shoeboxes, bags and drawers full of tax information on the kitchen counter so I can put every single sales receipt and invoice I touched in 2009 into the proper pile. Total the piles and cart them down to my accountant. (This will take me until 4/ 14/10 at least.)

4. File for the extension on 4/15/10.

5. Take down the Christmas tree by 5/1/10.

6. Get the boxes of ornaments back into the attic sometime before 7/3/10.

7. Take the red, white and blue bunting out of the attic the same day. Hang. (The bunting, not self.)

8. Ignore the bunting through 11/11/10 (Veterans Day), claiming excessive patriotism, if there is such a thing.

9. Replace the bunting with Christmas garland sometime before 12/24/10.

10. Eat, drink, be merry on 12/25/10, then write out another list of admirable and somewhat-lofty goals for 2011.

11. Pat self on head.

So. Eleven goals. That’s quite a list, but I’m going to plunge right in by cleaning out that drain…

I’m back. That didn’t go quite as well as expected. The celery wouldn’t budge, and

I cut my finger poking at it with a steak knife. That made me mad so I pounded on the end of the knife with the heel of my shoe. The heel broke off and joined the celery in the bottom of the sink, where they both then sat, accompanied by the knife. I walked away.

Two minutes later, I wanted a glass of water and turned it on without thinking. Now everything’s swimming. I poured some Drano in there, and it ate away part of the heel of my shoe and is currently attacking the knife. The celery remains, although it has turned white, probably with fright.

I’m going to let them duke it out down there while I sit here on the couch with a bag of cheese puffs and a Coke.

Man, I hope tomorrow’s task isn’t this exhausting. What is it again? Oh, yeah. Walk to the mailbox. Well, I’ll try.

‘Sherlock Holmes’: Not A Bit Like The Original, But A Fun Movie

I was not surprised to hear that Sherlock Holmes was matching the box office take of Avatar. The Holmes film is a fun ride with a trio of popular stars, nicely dumbed down from the Arthur Conan Doyle originals, while movies with tall, blue aliens that seem to run on for hours have, despite incredible visuals, a more limited appeal.

The new Holmes movie, which presents itself as “Sherlock against the forces of supernatural evil,” is a pleasant couple of hours wandering through Victorian England as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Guy Ritchie, Madonna’s ex-husband. In other words, it looks great, uses anachronisms galore and appeals to just about everyone.

Lord Blackwood, found to be using black magic human sacrifice, is caught by Holmes and his sidekick Doctor Watson and hanged. But he returns from the grave to do a bit of killing and attempts a takeover of the British government. As I watched, I recalled that Doyle did like the supernatural in some of his fiction, but Holmes was the embodiment of pure rationality. In the film, Holmes is urged to “widen his view.”

Robert Downey Jr., who plays Holmes, is

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

one of our most gifted actors. His quirkiness works well as he delves into the persona of one of fiction’s quirkiest detectives. His accent is flawless (I recall as well the superb job he did in Chaplin some years ago) and blends so well with the rest of the primarily British cast that there is no distraction. He is able to simply become Holmes, with all the strange elements in the character. Ritchie, one of the least subtle directors working outside of music videos, avoids much of the cerebral calculation, except to show it off once or twice, and focuses instead on more physical and visually obvious action.

Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) is presented as a young, tough former army doctor — something that actually does reflect what

Doyle wrote in his stories. Although often presented as a buffoon in movies, particularly by Nigel Bruce in the old Basil Rathbone series, he is supposed to be vigorous, often the muscle to Holmes’ cerebral actions. In this film, Ritchie attempts to create a relationship similar to that of Butch and Sundance — but does not quite manage to do so. But Law’s performance balances that of Downey. Their battle scenes, where they collaborate to beat on a whole group of bad guys, are both fun and, well, almost realistic. The choice of Law was a good one. While not as strong a performance as Downey’s, he provides a different kind of balance than what has been the Holmes norm, and it works well.

Rachel McAdams is gorgeous as Irene Adler, Holmes’ sometimes nemesis, sometimes (hinted at in the film) lover. In the Doyle stories, she is supposed to be a German sophisticate. In the film, she is American, and skilled with a blade. Again, the physical wins out. And, again, she is gorgeous. But she provides an extra partner, if one not really trusted, for Holmes.

Mark Strong is appropriately evil as Black-

wood, and the entire cast provides the wide spectrum of British types that make their films fun.

This is not a film for Holmes purists. Of course, since earlier films also made a shambles of Doyle’s original stories, it may be difficult to consider how close a filmmaker is to the original. Also, there was no one Holmes overall tale, merely a group of stories, many of them rather short, that created an overall feel. Previous films have shaped our perceptions of the character.

But the current film is a lot of fun. There are few soft spots (the times you wonder whether or not you should make a quick trip to the refreshment counter... and has anyone noticed that the small bag of popcorn now sells for $6?) and the action is excellent. In a December where the traditional “excellent movies” that are destined for awards usually come out, this turned out to be the most enjoyable movie around.

It’s elementary, dear reader. (Holmes, by the way, never actually said, “Elementary, my dear Watson” in the stories... and does not in this film.) Films are to enjoy, and this one fits the bill nicely.

Bring A Big Umbrella The Next Time You Bathe An Elephant!

Last week, an odd invitation came across my desk. The invite was to the South Florida Fairgrounds, where the “The Greatest Show On Earth,” the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, was setting up and getting ready for its holiday run.

The invitation would allow me to watch as the workers set up the fairgrounds to become home to the circus. Now of course, I couldn’t turn down an offer like that. For as long as I can remember, I have been a big circus fan. After all, what kid doesn’t like a circus, especially the best one on planet earth? (Yes, I still consider myself a kid at heart!)

But the invitation included something else that really caught my eye. I was invited to watch the female star attraction named Susie get a bath and a shower. It went on to say that this female was 45 years old and had been a star at the circus for many years.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

Now how can any red-blooded male refuse an invitation like that? So off to the fairgrounds I went. I felt like I was the luckiest guy on Earth to get an invitation to watch a 45-year-old circus star take a shower and a bath. Oh, did I mention that this 45-year-old star was a very large, oversized female… elephant.

As I pulled into the fairgrounds parking lot, I realized other folks were invited to this event.

The next thing that caught my eye were two large, red fire trucks with a full crew. They had their hoses off the truck and connected to a hydrant. At this point, I was starting to put 2 + 2 together. These well-trained smoke eaters were the ones who were going to give one very large elephant a bath. Up until this point, I never realized that elephant washing was one of the subjects taught at the fire academy. But after watching Palm Beach County’s Bravest wash down Susie the elephant, it became very apparent to the naked eye that they were clearly experts in elephant washing!

On this cool morning, the firefighters aimed their hoses at Susie. When the signal was given, Susie decided to lay on the ground and roll over, and let the fire guys sock her body with the hoses. She appeared to love it, as did everyone watching this event.

After about five minutes of rinsing Susie

off, it was now time to apply the soap. This was done with a very large broom. Susie also loved this part of the wash. After rinsing the soap off of Susie, she indicated to the fireman that she needed a drink of water from the hose. The fire guys were very happy to fill up Susie’s mouth and trunk with water. After drinking what appeared to be many gallons of water, Susie had a wet surprise for the fire guys — she started to spray them with the very same water that she was pretending to be drinking. The firemen were shocked, and of course very wet. The folks watching loved this part of the shower. (I don’t think it was planned.)

So if you are ever invited to give an elephant a bath, my advice to you is to bring an umbrella and a bathing suit, because you never know who really will be getting the bath.

Live Arts Florida Presents Donna The Buffalo Jan. 2 At WHS

By Damon Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

Live Arts Florida’s Western Communities Concert Series will return to the Wellington High School performing arts theater on Saturday, Jan. 2 to present its next featured act, the renowned roots music band Donna the Buffalo.

Hailing from Trumansburg, New York, DTB has performed its brand of uplifting, feel-good music for 21 years. The band’s core members are Jeb Puryear, who sings and plays guitar, and Tara Nevins, who plays fiddle, guitar, accordion and scrubboard. Keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Jay Sanders and drummer Vic Stafford complete the ensemble.

For Nevins, there’s a simple reason for the group’s longevity — they enjoy it. Her advice to musicians seeking to become a part of the music scene was simple and true. “Do it because you love it,” Nevins told the Town-Crier from her home in New York.

DTB’s music is an eclectic mix of many genres, from folk-rock to Cajun/zydeco to reggae and country. There are also some elements of dance, inspiring listeners to really feel the sound. As a songwriting

duo, Puryear and Nevins have collaborated to write more than 140 songs under the DTB moniker.

The effect the band’s music has can be clearly seen by its passionate fan base, which calls itself “the Herd,” enthusiastically following the band and supporting it through an online community and at live concerts. The Herd has become an extended member of the band. Many of the fans within the group have become close friends with the band members. The Herd has continually demonstrated dedication to the band and to live roots music.

Nevins said the band has a long history of playing various festivals and concerts throughout Florida. The crowds have always been welcoming — and the sunshine doesn’t hurt, she said.

“We always love going to festivals,” Nevins said. “We would talk about what we did and didn’t like about them. We wanted to create a unique experience.”

Nevins said she and her bandmates are looking forward to playing in Wellington and adding a new venue to their long list of stops.

2010 marks a special anniversary for the band. They will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their

Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival in Trumansburg. The festival originated in nearby Ithaca, New York as a benefit concert for an AIDS support organization. DTB is the host band and is accompanied by a variety of other bands. The crowds have swelled to 15,000-plus people. It has become an event not to be missed in the area.

“The arts as a whole are very important to a community,” Nevins said. “It feeds the person’s whole being and creativity. Art opens up our ears, hearts and eyes to the world around us and gives it color.”

So what’s next for Donna the Buffalo? According to Nevins, there will be much more traveling and shows, as well as collaborations with a variety of bands and solo artists that are as diverse as DTB itself.

Tickets to the Wellington concert cost $20 in advance and $22 at the gate, and $5 off for members and students with ID. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tickets. liveartsfl.org or by calling (888) 841-ARTS from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information about Donna the Buffalo, visit the band’s web site at www.donnathebuffalo.com.

The Phantoms Recommend Happy Hour Specials At CityPlace

Now swinging to a new beat seven nights a week!

Happy Hour at CityPlace is now dancing to a new beat with the opening of B.B. King’s Blues Club in the old Legal Seafood space. This New Orleans-style jazz club/restaurant has an incredible sound of jazz, blues and rock nightly from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. by the B.B. King AllStar Band for your listening and dancing pleasure. B.B. King’s Blues Club will also be featuring a host of headliners throughout the year. This is another welcome addition to CityPlace’s themed restaurants, which started last year when Taverna Opa and Carousel opened.

Owning a restaurant is the number-one entrepreneurial business venture and, unfortunately, the number-one failure in the United States. We would like to congratulate the West Palm Beach restaurant owners for their courage and faith in our community. These visionaries are doing the right thing at the right time, investing in the American Dream… and we can help make it happen by supporting the following establishments during their happy hour or by enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at CityPlace:

• B.B. King’s Blues Club — From 3 to 7 p.m. daily, the club offers 50 percent off beers, wines and

drinks and 50 percent off appetizers in the music room and outside dining areas. For more information, call (561) 420-8600.

• Blue Martini — Happy hour is 4 to 8 p.m. daily and features $4 beers, $5 wines, $5 liquor, $7 special martinis and everything on the menu discounted up to 50 percent. For more information, call (561) 835-8601.

• Brewzzi — From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Brewzzi offers 50 percent off all house drinks, beers and wines. NFL football specials include half-priced appetizers and drink specials. For more information, call (561) 986BREW.

• Carousel Can Can Café — The daily happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m., offering 50 percent off house liquors, beers, wines, appetizers and wood fire pizza. For more information, call (561) 833-6001.

• Cheesecake Factory — The Cheesecake Factory’s happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers 14 “small-plate” favorite items ($3.50 to $5.50), including lettuce wraps, buffalo wings, fried calamari, ahi tempura rolls and salads. For more information, call (561) 802-3838.

• City Cellar — Every day from 4 to 7 p.m., City Cellar offers two-

for-one cocktails and beers, and half-priced appetizers. There is also a late-night happy hour from 10:30 p.m. to midnight with two-for-one cocktails and beers, and $5 pizzas (at the bar only). For more information, call (561) 366-0071.

• Il Bellagio — Drop by from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for half-priced appetizers, $2 off all drinks at the bar and $10 off dinner for two. For more information, call (561) 659-6160.

• Kona Grill — Kona Grill’s happy hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Specially priced drinks and food items starting at $3.25 are available in the bar and lounge areas only. For more information, call (561) 2537900.

• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse — Happy hour lasts all night long Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, offering $3 beers, $6 wines and $7 well drinks, along with nine bistro menu items ranging from $9 to $17 in the lounge. For more information, call (561) 514-3544.

• Taverna Opa — The daily happy hour lasts from 4 to 6 p.m. and offers 50 percent off beers, wines and house liquors, and 50 percent

off appetizers at bars only, but you can dance on the tables! For more information, call (561) 820-0002.

• Wet Willie’s — From 5 to 7 p.m. daily, Wet Willie’s offers two-forone drafts and well drinks, $5 domestic beer pitchers, football food specials, 25-cent wings, $1 burgers and hot dog sliders. There are also food specials from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call (561) 514-4001.

• Wild Ginger Asian Bistro — Wild Ginger offers a variety of nightly specials, including 15 percent off the entire check (Monday), a free glass of wine with your entrée (Tuesday), free egg rolls with the purchase of two entrées (Wednesday) and Senior Night on Thursday, with 50 percent off the second entrée. For more information, call (561) 832-8883.

Located at 700 S. Rosemary Avenue, CityPlace is a great place to visit with more than 100 establishments including the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Muvico Parisian IMAX, the Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre, Harriet Himmel Theater, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble, Roche Bobois furniture, Kreiss Collection, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Nine West, Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic and Gap, plus a host of boutiques and

some of the best restaurants with more coming soon: Todd English’s Figs, McCormick & Schmick’s and Taco Vida.

There is always something happening at CityPlace, even if it is just people-watching or dancing in the plaza. We look forward to seeing you at CityPlace!

For additional information, visit www.cityplace.com.

Donna the Buffalo

PHOTO BY JOHN DARWIN KURC

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Drive-Thru Pool Supply: Daily Availability And Affordable Pricing

Drive-Thru Pool Supply, located in the heart of northern Palm Beach County, has been serving homeowners and pool-care professionals for more than 20 years. The combination of drive-through service, discount pricing and daily availability makes DriveThru Pool Supply a very convenient source of swimming pool equipment and supplies. Coupled with that convenience is an extensive inventory and a friendly, knowledgeable sales staff.

“The sales model is simple: know what the customer needs, give it to them for the lowest possible price, and do it with a smile,” explained Al Snow, the store manager for the past eight years.

With that philosophy in mind, Drive-Thru Pool Supply provides a diverse range of products and services, from chemicals, equipment and accessories to water analysis and in-store equipment repairs done while you wait. The store offers a complete line of brand-name pool-care chemicals; pool equipment such as heaters, water pumps, filters and automatic vacuum cleaners from the industry’s leading manufacturers; high-quality pool care accessories such as poles, brushes and nets; and hard-to-find parts, gaskets and seals. DriveThru Pool Supply has it all!

“When people think ‘pool store,’ they think big yellow jugs of chlorine,” Snow said. “And that is a huge part of our business. Especially with the drive-through. It’s just a lot easier to drive in and let us load you up than it is to lug the jugs all over a shopping center parking lot.”

But the store is so much more than chemicals. “Chlorine is just one facet of proper swimming-pool care. If all you ever do to maintain your car is put gas in the tank, that

car’s not going to last very long,” Snow said. “The same holds true for swimming pools, and that’s what we do here. We help the customers keep their pools running safely and dependably by providing expert advice for precise water chemistry control and equipment maintenance, as well as the right products at the right price to accomplish those ends.”

Asked if he has any advice for pool owners maintaining their own pools, Snow said they should be sure to have the right equipment. “Get yourself a good test kit,” he said. “That’s key to maintaining your pool. Avoid the test strips. They give ambiguous and sometimes inaccurate results. A $20 liquid drop indicator test kit is a necessity for proper pool water management. Test your water at least once a week. And if you’re ever in doubt, bring a water sample into a pool supply store for a professional analysis. Don’t be afraid to ask the analyst questions. A welleducated consumer makes everyone’s job easier.”

But according to Snow, the most important pool-maintenance tip concerns pool cleaning. “The most important advice I can offer: clean your pool at least once a week,” he said. “That means netting out all the floating debris, scooping or vacuuming out anything settled onto the bottom, brushing all the surfaces down, emptying the trap baskets and rinsing the filter.”

You’ll find Snow and the rest of the DriveThru Pool Supply team just south of Northlake Blvd. at 1432 10th Court, between Alternate A1A and the railroad tracks, right behind Pronti’s Italian restaurant and Lake Park Bicycles. Call them at (561) 863-5897 seven days a week with questions.

Drive-Thru Pool Supply Manager Al Snow

Gordon & Doner Collects Donations For Toys For Tots Drive

With charitable donations down 15 to 20 percent in Palm Beach County this year, Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Bechtel of the U.S. Marine Corps was overjoyed by the collection of toys donated by Gordon & Doner attorneys, staff, vendors and clients.

“We are so grateful for your generous donations, especially during these most difficult times,” Sgt. Bechtel said.

Many families have a hard time each year supplying gifts for their children during the holidays. Toys for Tots

aims at relieving this stress for those in need. Through the donations from the community and staff, Gordon & Doner was able to collect more than 10 overflowing boxes of toys for the program this year. “The holiday season is a time for giving. Every child deserves the opportunity to feel the joy of opening a gift during the holidays,” Robert Gordon said. “Our friends of the firm have been so generous; our donation box is overflowing again even after the Marines came to collect last week.”

Local toy drive volunteers have noted this year to be the worst in 15 years. Although donations may be low, the demand for toys is still high. The request for toys has doubled this year from what it has been in the past. With the economy, families who once donated to charitable causes are now turning to these organizations for help.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 by Marine Col. William L. Hendricks through the inspiration of his wife, Diane. Throughout its 62 years, the Toys for Tots campaign has

estimated to have donated more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children and families and has had more than 558 communities involved throughout America’s 50 states.

The law firm of Gordon & Doner has been serving the community for over 16 years.

The firm’s practice areas include personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective products, business litigation and workers’ compensation. For more info., visit www.fortheinjured.com.

Hispanic Chamber Announces Scholarships

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County has the tradition of recognizing the “best and the brightest” within the county’s Hispanic population.

Each year, the Hispanic Chamber recognizes the community’s rising stars in its annual Triunfo scholarship giveaway.

Nominations may be submitted by any resident of

Palm Beach County, regardless of whether or not they are members of the Hispanic Chamber, for graduating high school students in the community. The nominations must be received no later than Jan. 8.

The amount of the scholarships will be determined by the total sponsorships, which will be finalized by the beginning of 2010. Last year, the

Hispanic Chamber selected eight students who received Triunfo scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

The chamber will submit the scholarship directly to the recipient’s school, and they will allocate the funds in the best suitable way.

The winners will be honored at the 13th Annual Triunfo Awards banquet that will be held on Feb. 27 at the

Frenchman’s Reserve Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

To view last year’s winners and event, visit the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.pbh chamber.com.

For more information about the chamber, contact Liz McCall at (561) 8321986 or by e-mail at info@ pbhchamber.com.

Wellington Chamber Luncheon, Speed Networking Event

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club featuring Herve Jaubert, author of Escape from Dubai . RSVP to the chamber at (561) 792-6525. The chamber will feature

Speed Networking on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. RSVP to (561) 792-6525.

For more about the Wellington Chamber, visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.

Robert Gordon and Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Bechtel.

Tax Collector Makes Generous Donation To The Lord’s Place

Employees of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office recently donated hundreds of much-needed items to the homeless clients of the Lord’s Place. Tax Collector Anne Gannon presented the donations to State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), a Lord’s Place employee, at Gannon’s office in downtown West Palm Beach.

“Instead of the typical toy drive, this year we collected everyday necessities such as soaps, towels and diapers,” Gannon said. “This economic climate places immense strain on charities like the Lord’s Place, and in these sit-

uations, everyday necessities that many take for granted can be the best gift of all.”

The Tax Collector’s Office collects property taxes for every local government agency that has the power to levy, serves the county as its agent for the administration of business tax receipts and tourist development taxes, is the state agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Revenue, and is an educational resource.

Elaine Frederickson Joins Medical Center Of The Palm Beaches

The Medical Center of the Palm Beaches recently announced the addition of nurse practitioner Elaine Fredrickson to the medical center staff.

Fredrickson brings more than 18 years of family nurse practitioner experience. She will provide care at the medical center’s

Okeechobee Blvd. location.

Fredrickson received a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in psychology, as well as a master’s degree in nursing, geriatric and family specialty, at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Fredrickson is an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) licensed

to practice in Florida. She also received a family nurse practitioner certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, as well as an advanced trauma life support audit.

With locations at 4623 Forest Hill Blvd. and 8140 Okeechobee Blvd., both in West Palm Beach, the Medical

Center of the Palm Beaches is open seven days each week and accepts most major insurance plans.

Medical Center of the Palm Beaches founding physician Dr. Russ Seger developed the center to provide patients immediate access to a variety of medical care services, including urgent care, family

medicine, physical therapy, laboratory testing, pain management, orthopedic, chiropractic, nutrition and high field MRI imaging, all under one roof. Additionally, the Medical Center of the Palm Beaches has an onsite pharmacy for its patients’ convenience. The Medical Center of the Palm Beaches’ mission

is to provide quality, expedited medical care in one centrally located state-of-the-art facility. Reach the Medical Center of the Palm Beaches at (561) 967-8888.

For more information on the Medical Center of the Palm Beaches, visit www. medicalcenterofthepalm beaches.com.

Tax Collector Anne Gannon with State Rep. Mark Pafford, director of leadership giving at the Lord’s Place.

Dale Harbort, Christine Churey and Ella Gilbert of the Tax Collector’s Office with Denise Scott of the Lord’s Place.

Wolverine Boys Soccer Team Falls To Gulliver Prep 1-0

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

In a narrow defeat that saw both teams struggling to score, the Wellington High School boys varsity soccer team lost to Gulliver Prep 10 during a home game on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The Wolverines gained first possession of the ball and moved it into Raider territory, but were unable to score. Both teams struggled to main-

tain possession of the ball at first, seemingly gridlocked in the middle of the field.

The Raiders broke through the Wolverines’ defense next, taking the ball down to the goal, but didn’t capitalize on their chance to score. Wellington took the ball back and headed down the field where they were met with Gulliver’s defense, which snatched the ball and sent it back down the other way.

The game continued with both teams fighting to maintain control. The Wolverines spent several minutes in Raider territory, but their goal attempts were stopped by the defense. The Raiders made it down the field to attempt a shot at a goal, but an offside penalty stopped them short and gave the ball back to Wellington.

The next scoring attempt was by the Wolverines, who sent the ball over the heads of the Raiders’ defense, but far to the left. The Raiders returned the ball down the field, where they battled against the Wolverines’ defense in an attempt to score.

The first half continued with both teams battling down the field hoping to score, but neither team was able to by the end of the first half.

The second half of the game saw more score attempts on both sides,

as the teams fought to put a goal on the board. Wellington consistently kept the ball near the Raiders’ goal, but continued to step out of bounds before a goal could be made.

The Raiders continued to receive offside penalties, which kept the ball in Wellington’s possession and inhibited their chance to score. One scoring attempt popped over the Wolverines’ defense, but was picked up easily by the goalie, who sent it back into play.

It was nearly 15 minutes before the end of the game when Gulliver’s offense sent a ball flying through the Wolverines’ defense, over the head of the goalie and into the net, putting the Raiders on the scoreboard 1-0.

Wellington responded minutes later when a score attempt flew past the goalie, but a penalty call by the referee reversed the goal and kept the Raiders in the lead, where they would finish the game.

The teams competed with hundreds of teams in the 2009 Adidas Palm Beach Classic, which was held at Village Park from Dec. 21 to Dec. 23. Wellington also fell 3-1 to American Heritage-Delray in the competition’s semifinals.

The boys next travel to Seminole Ridge on Jan. 4 for an 8 p.m. game.

Wellington Soccer Girls Breeze Past Deerfield Beach 4-1

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington High School girls varsity soccer team dominated Deerfield Beach 4-1 in Wellington on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The Lady Wolverines nearly received a bye for the day when the Lady Bucks were nowhere to be seen at the 5 p.m. game time. However, the team pulled up in time to play, and the game was on.

Wellington started the game on defense but quickly turned the game around in their favor. In less than half an hour of playtime, the Lady Wolverines battled through the Lady Bucks’ defense to score the only two goals in the first half, putting them in the lead early on.

The Lady Bucks attempted to penetrate Wellington’s defense but were unsuccessful in the first half. Goalie Sam Bandremer prevented several score attempts, though many attempts veered away from the goal.

For the remainder of the half, the Lady Bucks struggled to keep the Lady Wolverines from scoring again while closing the score gap. Deerfield kept the Wolverines from scoring, but in doing so were unable to penetrate Wellington’s defense and score for themselves.

The second half saw both teams battling up and down the field, fighting for possession of the ball. The Lady Wolverines made several goal attempts, which veered off to the side of the goal. They fought to keep the Lady Bucks in their own territory, and were successful for much of the half.

But in the middle of the second half, Deerfield Beach saw its first goal when the ball flew over Bandremer’s fingertips and into the net. The Lady Wolverines wouldn’t let that happen again for the rest of the game, coming out in full-force defense.

Their amplified defense enabled another goal from junior Chelsea McCaulley, making the score 3-1. The Lady Bucks responded with another series of goal attempts, all of which soared high over the goal.

Late in the game, Wellington scored again and extended their lead 4-1, giving Deerfield little hope of catching them. With only a few minutes left in the game, the Lady Wolverines stormed up the field and put a fifth goal in over the hands of the Lady Bucks goalie, but it was overturned because of an offside penalty.

Wellington and Deerfield Beach

competed with hundreds of teams in the 2009 Adidas Palm Beach Classic held Dec. 21-23 at Wellington Village Park. WHS suffered tournament losses to Park Vista (4-0) and Archbishop McCarthy (2-0).

The Lady Wolverines return to their regular schedule on Jan. 4 when they travel to Seminole Ridge for a 6 p.m. game.

Michael Bauman kicks the ball upfield.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wolverine Mike McMahon battles for control of the ball.

Wolverine Alfonso Macerola controls the ball.

Wellington’s Ana Talbot takes control of the ball.

Chelsea McCaulley races upfield with the ball.

Wellington’s Kaelin Ferreira passes the ball to her teammates.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Brittany Middlebrook struggles past a Deerfield defender.

WCFL All-Stars Win Battle At The Beach PRO BALL COBRAS TOPS AT NATIONS 8 TOURNAMENT

The Western Communities Football League All-Stars defeated Lake Lytal 13-8 to win the 12-13 age group of the Battle at the Beach held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1920 at John I. Leonard High School. Sick and sidelined for much of the game, quarterback A.J. Pasquale came off the bench in the fourth quarter, and on his first pass, hit Cole Smallridge for a 66yard touchdown to rally the team to victory.

A defense that forced four turnovers secured the victory when Shamar Jackson snuffed Lake Lytal’s last two possessions in the waning minutes with an interception and then a strip and recovered fumble with 14.2 seconds to play.

The win by the WCFL avenges a 14-8 loss to Lake Lytal on Nov. 30 in the opening round of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Association Championships. In that defeat, the WCLF All-Stars committed six turnovers but still had a chance to win until Lake Lytal faked a field goal and threw a touchdown pass

in the final two minutes. After that loss, the WCFL team earned three straight victories, including a 20-6 over West Boynton in the opening round of the Battle at the Beach. In that victory, the WCFL got touchdown runs from Jessie Pourch, Cole Smallridge and Christopher Delsoin.

“Our team and our coaching staff did a great job showcasing what the WCFL as a program has to offer,” Head Coach Gus Pasquale said. “This was the best showing for our travel All-Stars in the 16-year history of our league.”

After a scoreless first half Sunday night, the WCFL’s dominating defense set up its offense when Lake Lytal was forced to punt on the half’s opening possession. A high snap forced the punter to keep the ball, and Delsoin (teamhigh seven tackles) smothered him at the Lake Lytal five yard line. Four- and oneyard runs by Matt Sabatino gave the WCFL a 6-0 lead with 4:50 left in the third quarter. Lake Lytal answered

with a 13-play, 67-yard drive. The touchdown and successful point-after kick gave Lake Lytal an 8-6 lead with 7:25 left in the game.

That’s when Pasquale rallied the WCFL. After a twoyard run by Pourch on first down, Pasquale hit Smallridge on a quick pass down the middle, and Smallridge outraced the Lake Lytal secondary to the 66-yard goahead score. On the point after, Pasquale rolled to his right and found an open Delsoin for the 13-8 margin with 6:22 left in the game.

On Lake Lytal’s ensuing possession, the WCFL picked up critical sacks by

Delsoin, Kyle Maschi and Cody Sparling to force a fourth-and-19 situation. That’s when a deep pass down the left sideline was intercepted by a leaping Jackson at the WCFL 29 with 2:56 remaining.

With the WCFL needing to eat up the remaining clock, Pourch, who had dominated on defense with four of his six tackles in the second half, picked up 22 of his team-best 41 yards rushing to help push the clock to 31.3 seconds after a WCFL punt. Two plays later, Jackson stripped the Lake Lytal runner of the ball on the left sideline and held on to it to secure the win.

The WCFL All-Star football team

The Pro Ball Cobras 12-U travel baseball team won the recent Nations Super 8 Tournament in Orlando. The tournament featured the top eight teams in the state, and the Cobras came out on top. The team members are: (front row, L-R) Mathew Careccia, German Torres, Jorge Hernando, Manny Bejerano and Rylan Snow; (middle row) Joey Polak, Jagger McCoy, Bruce Martin, Alejandro Rodriguez, Bryan Hernandez and Dylan Santalo; (back row) coaches Rich Polak, Jorge Hernando and Yosvani Hernandez and manager Oscar Santalo.

The Wellington Wings’ Jake Boddy is followed by a skater from the Stuart Pirates.

Wellington Wings Roller Hockey Team Defeats Stuart 7-2

The Wellington Wings 10U roller hockey team defeated the Stuart Pirates 7-2 on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Wellington Village Park hockey rink.

Wellington won the contest 7-2 with the help of Juancito Salinas-Bentley and

Nicholas Franklin, who each had a hat trick (three goals).

Wellington roller hockey games are held each Saturday at the Village Park hockey rink (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington). The coaches are Jason Hanchuk and Ted Miloch.

Cats Gymnasts Compete In Lake Worth

Cats Gymnastics of Wellington recently competed at the 2009 Gold Coast Rush Invite in Lake Worth.

For the AAU Level 2 team, Carlene Powers dominated the meet by scoring a 9.950 on bars, winning first place and scoring 38.300 all around. On vault, Alexandra Lares scored a 9.7, Kinsey Cribbs scored a 9.5, Angela Lares scored a 9.6, Jianna Dimuro scored a 9.5, Stephanie Katz scored a 9.6, Michela Frozini scored a 9.6 and Alexai Alvereza scored a 9.4. Many of these girls have just started to compete. They really showed their talents.

For the AAU Level 3 team, Ranaya Lindsay scored a 9.55 on bars, and Samantha Baez scored a 9.350 for her bar routine. On vault, Sidney Glaubrecht scored a 9.3, Faith Campagnuola scored a 9.2 and Bianca Sileo scored a 9.6. The Level 3 girls did what they needed to do to bring home a team trophy.

For the USAG Level 4 team, Isabella Padilla scored

an 8.7 for her beam routine. On vault, Sophia Ringvald scored an 8.6, Mia Frozini scored an 8.7 and Alexia Moraes scored an 8.7.

For the USAG Level 5 team, Michela Arbocco scored an 8.8 for her uneven bar routine, Angella Chandler scored an 8.250 for her uneven bar routine and Rayven Glaubrecht scored an 8.650 on the beam.

The girls train hard and appreciate the training of their coaches Margarita Martinez, Felipe Restrepo and Mario Restrepo. The team thanks their coaches, without whose hard work and dedication they could not succeed as they did.

Cats Gymnastics offers a program allowing each child to learn and develop through movement and exploration in a loving atmosphere. The Cats winter session will continue until Jan. 23.

For more information about gymnastics programs, call (561) 795-3393 or visit the Cats Gymnastics web site at www.catsgymnastics. com.

Coaches Mario Restrepo and Margarita Martinez with the young Cats gymnasts.

PHOTO BY BRIAN MARKEY

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Jan. 2

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 a.m. for a one-hour walk, then enjoy a breakfast gathering at a Lake Worth restaurant. Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host a “Get Green Today Expo” on Saturday, Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature ecofriendly and healthy-living-themed games, activities and “green” vendors for eco-conscious children and adults. Call (561) 547WILD or visit www.palmbeachzoo.org for more info.

• The Boca Raton Fine Art Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Royal Palm Plaza at corner of South Federal Highway and South Mizner Blvd. Art demonstrations and great food are part of the ambiance. The show is free. For more info., call (941) 7553088 or visit www.hotworks.org.

• The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum will host the Lighthouse Kids Explorers Club on Saturday, Jan. 2 at noon. This special outdoor eco-history program for ages eight to 12 allows boys and girls to learn about area flora and fauna, history, archeology, ancient tribal life, maritime and pirate life, and marine ecology. Call (561) 7478380, ext. 101 or visit www.jupiterlight house.org for more info.

• The Palm Beach Pops will present “Sinatra Sings Sinatra” featuring Frank Sinatra Jr. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall at the the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). For more info., call (561) 832-7677 or visit www.palmbeachpops.org.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Peter Ligeti’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door: Tribute to Bob Dylan” starring Bob Stillman Saturday through Monday, Jan. 2-4 in the Rinker Playhouse. For more info., call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org.

Sunday, Jan. 3

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at the entrance to Jonathan Dickinson State Park for a four- to five-hour walk through a variety of ecosystems on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. Call Mary at (561) 391-7942 for more info.

• The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-

the-Sea (141 South County Road, Palm Beach) will present its annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. A $15 donation will be accepted at the door. Call (561) 655-4555, ext. 50 for more info.

Monday, Jan. 4

• Session 3 Art Classes begin on Monday, Jan. 4 and run through Feb. 27 at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach). Visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776, ext. 33 for more info.

• American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 will meet on Monday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). For more info., call President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet on Monday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center for an informational presentation on the development of a hiking trail from the Atlantic Ocean at Hobe Sound to the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee at Port Mayaca. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host “Florida’s Fabulous Birds” on Monday, Jan. 4 at the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). The speaker will be Larry Manfredi. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 7427791 or visit www.auduboneverglades.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 5

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. Call (561) 793-2418 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 6

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Express Yourself: Book Discussion Series” for adults on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Sign up and check out a copy of the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present the “Magic Tree House Adventures Series” on Wednesdays, Jan. 6-27 at 6:30 p.m. for ages six and up. Hear each week about Jack and Annie’s exciting adventures as they travel through history in the “Magic Tree House” adventures. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Florida Atlantic University’s MacArthur

See CALENDAR, page 44

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 42 Campus Library (5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter) will present “The Life and Times of Bob Dylan” hosted by Rod MacDonald and Big Brass Bed on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. For more info., call (561) 799-8667 or visit www.llsjupiter.com.

Thursday, Jan. 7

• The Crest Theatre Lecture Series will present Jack Hanna on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. at Old School Square (51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach). Meet “Jungle Jack” in person. For more info., call (561) 243-7922 or visit www.oldschool.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host at meeting of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Anime Grab Bag” on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Want a sneak peek at some of the coolest new anime titles? Pocky will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, Jan. 8

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center (129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will present “Pre-K Rhythm and Rhyme” by the Symphony of the Americas for ages two to five on Friday, Jan. 8 at noon. Master musicians will give their favorite children’s songs a classical twist. Call (561) 742-6780 or visit www.schoolhouse museum.org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Science Club: I Spy” on Fridays, Jan. 8 and 22 at 3 p.m. for ages eight and up. Do you have good observation skills? Let’s see through “I Spy” and other tests. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) will host “Take Home a Nude” on Friday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. This event is one of the Armory’s major fundraisers to benefit the center’s extensive visual art programming. Call (561) 832-1776, ext. 15 or visit www.armoryart.org for info.

• Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach) will host its first Community Shabbat Dinner of the year on Friday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. The dinner costs $15 for adult members, $7.50 for member children seven to 12, $18 for adult non-members, $9 for non-member children seven to 12. The dinner is free for all children under seven. Shabbat services will follow at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 798-8888 to RSVP.

Saturday, Jan. 9

• “Drop-in Story Times” resume at the Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) for ages two and up on Saturdays starting Jan. 9 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will clean up the hiking trails near Indiantown Road and Florida’s Turnpike on Saturday, Jan. 9. Join this group and enjoy a chuck wagon meal following the activity. For more info., call Bea at (561) 968-4864.

• The Early Bird Ford Club, Palm Beach Region, will hold its 10th Annual “Ford & Friends” Meet on Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Holiday Inn on Lake Worth Road near Florida’s Turnpike. All flathead Fords, Lincolns, Mercurys, Model Ts and Model As are welcome. Activities include a flea market, 50/ 50 raffle, food and live entertainment. Call Dan or Stacy at (561) 712-9252 or e-mail horizon5@bellsouth.net for more info.

Sunday, Jan. 10

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host a Digital Garden Photography Class with photojournalist and educator John Lopinot on Sundays, Jan. 10, 17 and 24. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org for info.

Monday, Jan. 11

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a membership breakfast Monday, Jan. 11 at 7:45 a.m. at the Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in the original Wellington Mall. RSVP to Anitra Harmon at (561) 790-6200.

• French Classes for ages eight to 13 will be offered at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) in six-week sessions beginning Monday, Jan. 11. The fee per session is $79 for residents and $99 for non-residents. Registration runs through Friday, Jan. 8. For more info., call Holly Johns at (561) 818-1698.

Wednesday, Jan. 13

• Duffy’s Sports Grill (11935 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) is sponsoring a membership enrollment breakfast for the Wellington cancer research unit of the Papanicolaou Corps for Cancer Research (PAP) on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. Guests are invited to learn about the PAP Corps while supporting its mission. RSVP by Jan. 10 to Anita Rizzo at (561) 795-7929. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

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MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CLEANINGS SPECIALISTS — • Pressure Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Residential Cleaning • Parking Lot Maintenance • Concrete Coatings. Call for Free Evaluation. 561-714-3608

ANMAR CO. —James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-2488528

KGS LLC — Water damaged, drywall, remodels, Kitchens & baths, woodwork, flooring, paint & textures, stucco, windows & doors, all concrete work, design, additions, enclosures,solar installation & sales, excavating and more prompt, honest & reliable. cbc056820

CVC56757

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE - Your local Geico office has been saving people money for over 70 years. Contact (561) 616-5944 for a free rate quote.

Mold & Mildew Inspections — Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

RJA PAINTING AND DECORATING, INC. - Interior , Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial. License #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561-793-5455 561-6627102

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. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. - Insured. 561-3838666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident.

CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

PALM BEACH PET SERVICES

LLC - Pet Sitting, dogwalking, www.PalmbeachServices.com 1866-648-1150 Lic. Bonded, Insured

LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458

POOL PLASTERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-3096975 BD

GRIME STOPPERS - Pressure cleaning, commercial & residential, houses, driveways, patios, screen enclosures, sidewalks. References available.561-779-1081

RESUMÉ’S R US — Resumé writing, cover letters, advice/counseling. Mention this ad for special rates. www.Ineedaresumenow.com 561-228-1378

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.561-842-6120 or 561784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING

ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

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

INSTALLING TILE IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR 25 YEARS — Free estimates, residential/commercial, bathroom remodeling, floors, walls, backsplashes, custom design GOLDEN TILE INSTALLATION 561-662-9258 Lic.&Insured U21006

TREE TRIMMING & REMOVALWE DO IT ALL. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured #200403394 Call Jimmy 329-0213

BIG BLUE TREE FARM, INC. GO GREEN! Growers of Quality Landscape Trees www.BigBlueTree Farm.com. Any Tree up to 12 feet $199 +tax Delivery & InstallationAvailable 561-793-4370 Bus. 561-202-7679 Cell

ClubZ! In-Home Tutoring

ALL SUBJECTS • PRE-K - ADULT STUDY SKILLS • HOMESCHOOL

• LD/ADD • FCAT/SAT/ACT

• AFFORDABLE RATES

333-1980 • CLUBZ.COM America's Largest In-Home Tutoring Company

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal & Repair of Paper clean and 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