TOWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER JANUARY 20,2012

PERMIT ISSUE A WELLINGTON CONCERN SEE STORY, PAGE 7

MADDEN AMONG FIRST WEF WINNERS SEE STORY, PAGE 14

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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE Volume 33, Number 3 January 20 - January 26, 2012

Your Community Newspaper

Tiger Shark Cove Park’s Redesign To Be Unveiled

INSIDE

Katherine Bellissimo Addresses Women In Business Luncheon

Guest speaker Katherine Bellissimo kicked off the Palms West Community Foundation’s 2012 Women in Business luncheon series, imparting the wisdom of how she manages to juggle her career and her personal and family life. Page 3

CAFCI And RPB Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach held the 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Monday, Jan. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Page 5

County Agencies Using Social Media

The Palm Beach County Commission heard reports Tuesday about how the Internet and social media such as Twitter and Facebook are transforming how governments operate. Public Affairs Director Lisa De La Rionda explained that social media are being utilized more and more by county agencies in order to provide services more efficiently. Page 7

Gathering Time Concert At Amphitheater Jan. 21

Gathering Time, a New Yorkbased folk rock trio, will perform at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The “Tribute to Folk Music” show is part of Wellington’s current tribute music series.

OPINION Contested Elections Good For Democracy

Filing for municipal elections in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves begins this month. Though several challengers have stepped forward already, several seats held by incumbents remain unopposed.

Ideally, every seat up for election should have competition.

That is how a healthy democracy functions. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 14 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................ 16 PEOPLE ................................ 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 27 BUSINESS .................... 29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 32 SPORTS ........................ 37 - 39 CALENDAR ................... 40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Lifechurch.tv — Pastor Larry Mayer leads a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new 32,500-squarefoot church campus on State Road 7 in Wellington. SEE VIDEO AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Lifechurch.tv Opens Campus On State Road 7 In Wellington

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Celebrating its new home in Wellington, Lifechurch.tv opened its first permanent location in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 12.

For the past several years, Lifechurch.tv has held services at Palm Beach Central High School.

However, this month the church completed its long-planned Wellington campus on the west side of State Road 7, just south of the Mall at Wellington Green.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last Thursday, with preview services on Sunday, Jan. 15. The grand opening is set for Sunday, Jan. 22, with services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

The Wellington location is one of 14 Lifechurch.tv campuses throughout the country.

The church began online, as a place for people to view religious

messages through the Internet.

The first centralized location was in Oklahoma City, which is where live broadcasts are filmed and viewed by all Lifechurch.tv locations.

The 32,500-square-foot Wellington church offers an interactive and engaging atmosphere for members. As soon as members turn their cars into the church parking lot, volunteers greet them and guide them to a parking spot. The church provides volunteers on golf carts to bring people from their cars to the church entrance.

“Our goal is to make people feel welcome as soon as they step on the campus,” Lifechurch.tv Wellington campus pastor Larry Mayer said.

From the moment people enter the Lifechurch, they are made to feel at home. The high-ceiling, large lobby area features comfortable

couches and large television screens. The walls are covered with pictures and words reminding members and visitors of the church’s core values.

“These are all local pictures of local families and scenery,” Mayer said. “This gives people an idea of who we are and what we stand for.”

Guests are offered coffee, tea, water and doughnuts while walking through the lobby before and after the service. “We do this to try to make people feel warm and welcomed here,” Mayer said.

Mayer looks forward to gaining new members from the community. “We have people from all denominations and all walks of life coming here,” he said. “And we hope that more people will come check us out.”

Lifechurch.tv is not like most See LIFECHURCH, page 18

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report After months of brainstorming, design and planning, a new generation of students will unveil finished plans for the playground of their dreams Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. at Tiger Shark Cove Park.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the residents to come and get a first look at the new design,” Community Projects Manager Kim Henghold said. “Many of the design ideas for the new play structures came from local elementary school students.”

As part of a plan to revamp the 11-year-old playground, designer Jane Lewis Holman of Leathers & Associates met with kindergarten through fifth-grade classes at Wellington schools and let them have a say in the design.

The playground at Tiger Shark

Cove Park, located at the corner of Greenview Shores and Greenbriar boulevards, was built in 2000 through a community-led effort.

The project was near and dear to Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, who recalled a community of parents hauling power tools out of their sheds to build the playground.

“It was a wonderful feeling to be a part of that,” she said. “My daughter was on the children’s design committee, and I helped to build it. It was a great experience, and we had the satisfaction of knowing that it was ours.”

Gerwig said that she has not yet seen the new design for the park.

“I didn’t get a sneak preview,” she said, “but I’m sure it’s great.

I’m really happy that Wellington has taken this on as a project. I See TIGER SHARK, page 18

2012 FAIR OPENS

Margolis Challenging Bowen In Wellington’s Mayoral Race

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen has been challenged by former Councilman Bob Margolis in his bid for re-election.

Two council seats and the mayor’s seat are up for grabs in the March 13 election. Candidates have until mid-February to make the ballot.

Seat 1, currently held by termlimited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, has drawn two candidates, John Greene and Shauna Hostetler.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite is running for re-election to Seat 4 and has been challenged by former Councilman Al Paglia.

Bowen was elected to the council in 2008 and re-elected in 2010.

Due to a charter change, this year’s election will be for a fouryear term.

Bowen is a 27-year Wellington resident and owns the promotional products company Creative Marketing Products as well as Bodis Realty Inc. He said he is running again to continue to work toward achieving the goals he set four years ago.

“When I ran the first time,” Bowen said, “my three main goals were fiscal responsibility, longrange planning and fostering better relationships with business partners, staff and government officials.”

During his time in office, Bowen has steered Wellington through several budget shortfalls and helped to craft a vision for Wellington’s future.

“We cut the budget by about

40 percent,” he said. “Despite this, we were able to do a lot of good things.”

Bowen said that he has been a proponent of seeking grants or other money to help finance many of Wellington’s projects. “We’ve reached out to the federal government, the state, the South Florida Water Management District and private entities,” he said. “We’ve tapped into everything we can to help build our infrastructure.”

He noted that Wellington spruced up Forest Hill Blvd. with money from the federal government, built the Wellington Environmental Preserve with money from the SFWMD, used county grants for the Wellington Amphitheater and worked with a private donor to finance Scott’s Place playground.

“We spent very little of our own money on those,” he said. “We were able to do it through partnerships.”

Bowen said that his goal is for Wellington to be a sustainable community, but to do that, the government must help to create jobs, bring in higher education and be responsible and responsive.

“All of those things have to work together,” he said. “We’re well on our way.”

Bowen said that it’s important Wellington have a leader with a strong vision for the future. “You can’t make good decisions if you don’t have a road map for the future,” he said.

Wellington has partnered with Florida Atlantic University to develop its 2060 plan, he said. Part of

that plan includes attracting highlevel jobs and higher education to the area. Bowen noted that Wellington’s new Medical Arts District is already getting the attention of employers and schools alike.

“We’re meeting with the chief people from a medical school,” he said. “We also already have interest from two or three companies looking to bring jobs here.”

Bowen added that Wellington has an offer to sell the K-Park property to become a science and technology park. “We have prospects that want to come in and build right away,” he said. “If we can negotiate a deal, we have one company ready to build.”

Bowen said his greatest accomplishments have been bringing fiscal responsibility to Wellington, developing relationships with other governments as well as the community, and ramping up programming for seniors in Wellington.

“Four years ago, seniors were upset,” he said. “But I think we’ve done a good job helping them with our transportation program and adding more programs.”

Bowen noted that rebuilding the community center would allow for more programs, both for seniors and others.

He added that there are still challenges ahead, which include maintaining a smaller budget, even as the economy picks up, and attracting businesses.

“We’re going to have to learn to live where we’re at now,” he said. “We won’t be going back to a $120 million budget. One chalSee MAYORAL RACE, page 18

The centennial edition of the South Florida Fair opened Friday, Jan. 13. Opening weekend activities included the fair’s opening ceremonies, a centennial lunch, parade and plenty of rides, enter tainment and food. The 17-day spectacular runs Jan. 13-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Shown above are former South Florida Fair President Buck Christian and his wife Christelle, who were honored for their 50th wedding anniversary. SEE STORY, PAGE 7 & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 20 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

As McAuliffe Bows Out, Aronberg Eyes State Attorney Post

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report State Attorney Michael McAuliffe, who led a grand jury investigation that resulted in the establishment of Palm Beach County’s Office of the Inspector General, surprised the county establishment this week by announcing that he will not seek re-election.

He will leave his post after only one term on the job to take a position in the private sector.

On Wednesday, McAuliffe was in Wellington as the guest speaker at County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly public forum meeting.

“Yesterday, as you know, I made an announcement that I would accept a private-sector opportunity and I was not going to stand

for re-election,” McAuliffe told more than 100 people attending the meeting. “I have mixed emotions about that. I love my job. I love my role in this community of serving you. I will tell you that there are certain times when an opportunity presents itself, and for my personal interest and my family’s interest, you have to say yes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime career chance for me to help lead a company and to do good things and be effective in another arena.”

Former State Sen. Dave Aronberg, who was considering a primary challenge to McAuliffe, announced Thursday that he will run for the position.

“My entire family lives in Palm Beach County. I live and work here, See McAULIFFE, page 4

Vinceremos Dedicates Long-Awaited Covered Arena

Lawson Robinson rides in a hippotherapy demonstration at Monday’s dedication ceremony for the new covered arena.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER STAFF REPORT

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report For more than three decades, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center has been providing therapeutic and recreational horseback riding to children and adults with developmental, physical and psychological disabilities.

This week, the close-knit community of riders, instructors and volunteers welcomed a new addition to their Loxahatchee Groves home — a 45,240-square-foot lighted and covered arena that will allow more riders to overcome obstacles thanks to the gentle nature of the horse.

A moment 30 years in the making, the community gathered Monday to celebrate the grand open-

ing of the “Cover Our Kids” arena.

“We have waited for this day for many years,” Executive Director Ruth Menor told the crowd of supporters, riders, family members and friends. “We are grateful to all of you who have been super heroes to us and helped us along the way. I am so proud of this accomplishment and so blessed to have your support to make this milestone possible.”

The $1.5 million structure was built with donations from the community and will enable Vinceremos to keep its programs running rain or shine.

“We’ve had to suffer the elements for so long,” Menor told the Town-Crier after the ceremony.

“It’s so great to have a world-class facility for our riders. They deserve it every bit as much as the equestrians out in Wellington who are competing for the Olympics.”

The lighted arena also means that instruction can go on later in the evenings.

“A lot of parents who work can’t get their kids here after school, but if we open from 7 to 9 p.m. a couple nights a week, we can help them,” Menor said. “The same goes for volunteers. We can now access volunteers who couldn’t make it before.”

The arena is step one in the facility’s renovation. Menor said the next step is to build stalls with a center aisle that will house the proSee VINCEREMOS, page 9

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 3

NEWS

Roads Top Issue At Sparsely Attended Lox Groves Joint Meeting

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council and Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors met jointly Saturday to seek common understanding on issues including road maintenance, road improvements and a possible future merger.

About 20 residents attended the meeting, which was held at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School in anticipation of a larger turnout.

Speaking about road paving, resident Scott Retton said he had moved to Loxahatchee Groves for the rural environment and liked the roads the way they are. “I urge you to keep it as reasonably rural as possible,” he said.

Resident Todd McClinton was concerned about speed bumps going on new paving projects and said the ones on F Road are designed for 20 mph when the speed limit is 35. “Nobody can go 35 mph, and the ones being put in will be the same thing,” he said.

Former Councilman Dr. Bill Louda said public opinion seems to be moving toward paved roads in light of the recently approved paving projects and encouraged the

officials to secure easements on the sides of the roads for safe access by pedestrians.

Resident Ken Johnson said he thought the majority of citizens don’t understand the division of the road system in the community between the town and the district.

“They don’t know who to talk to for each road,” Johnson said.

“They’re confused about the way the system works.”

He urged that residents be given one entity to go to when requesting road work.

Mayor Dave Browning explained that the district roads are the lettered roads, as well as North Road and Collecting Canal Road, and the town roads are all those remaining. He added that when the town incorporated, it took over speed control.

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said that since the town’s new management company took over, he has been working closely with them so road maintenance requests by residents are taken care of with minimal confusion.

Browning said that although the town collects gas tax money, the roads belong to everyone.

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he

would like to get away from the concept of district or town roads.

Supervisor Don Widing agreed that the system should be streamlined. “I agree the people are confused,” Widing said. “This is something we can market and communicate and resolve.”

Supervisor John Ryan said that he thought the town is functioning much better since the challenge to its comprehensive plan

by Callery-Judge Grove was dropped last year. “As a result, the comp plan only went into effect in 2011,” Ryan said. “Issues were not fully dealt with.”

Ryan added that the district qualified for a low-interest loan for financing the paving that’s underway. “Virtually no municipality can get a better financing rate,” he said.

He also noted that F Road has not had any vehicles in the canal since speed bumps were installed.

Comments were also made about the ability of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue equipment to maintain speed on roads with speed bumps, but Widing said it is also difficult to keep fire-rescue vehicles on rutted dirt roads.

Jarriel, who is a retired fire-rescue driver, said the speed bumps

are not really an issue for fire-rescue, pointing out that the primary emergency access road is Okeechobee Blvd. He said he spent his last seven years driving the largest tanker in the county. “With that tanker, I could maintain 25 miles per hour,” he said.

Councilman Jim Rockett said he believed the speed bumps are for safety and was not opposed to them. He also felt that people who want to keep dirt roads should be able to.

Councilman Tom Goltzené said he felt that since the gas tax money is coming to the town, the town should have control over roads.

“The district could be the contractor, but I think we have too many levels of government involved,” he said. “We need to reduce that to make it more simplified.”

Supervisor Frank Schiola said he liked what Louda said about putting in easements, but that the concept would run afoul of property owners who do not want to give up land.

Schiola added that he favored paving because dust on the dirt roads creates vision and safety hazards. He said he favored a town referendum on paving.

Jarriel also favored a traffic sig-

nal to control speeders on Okeechobee Blvd. He said he thought widening Okeechobee would solve traffic problems if the town could control what the road looks like.

However, Goltzené said he felt widening Okeechobee would lead to rampant development. “It will lead to the exact opposite of what we want,” he said.

Schiola said he felt making it four lanes would increase the desire of some property owners to have commercial land use.

Rockett opposed more commercial development on Okeechobee Blvd.

“If you open up development on Okeechobee, you can kiss two lanes goodbye,” he said.

Planning & Zoning Advisory Committee Member Grace Joyce said that if it’s the goal of the town to maintain a two-lane road, now was not the best time to address development.

Ryan said the wording of the comp plan could not expressly prohibit development because it might be illegal, since there are properties on Okeechobee Blvd. that are already commercial.

Regarding a potential merger of the district and the town, resident

Don Williams suggested that a committee be formed to investigate it.

Former Councilman Dennis Lipp said the question of a merger came up during incorporation and that he talked to Wellington officials, whose Acme Improvement District became dependent to the village.

“The Wellington model is the one to follow where Acme became a dependent district,” Lipp said.

He said that under the Wellington model, the district would become dependent, but the assessment structure would remain the same.

He called for a referendum on whether the district should become dependent.

Resident Ann Parker said she supports a dependent district.

“We’re all on the same wavelength,” Parker said. “I think it’s time. A government here and a government there, everyone in the U.S. is fighting for less politics and less government.”

Resident Philomena Liang disagreed with the district becoming dependent.

“I hear a lot of people say, ‘Follow the Wellington model,’” Liang said. “I don’t want to be Wellington in any way, shape or form.”

Katherine Bellissimo Addresses Women In Business Luncheon

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Helping manage the world’s largest horse show while raising a family isn’t easy, but Katherine Bellissimo has done so while still managing to reach out and give back to the community.

Her secret? A good support system and a passion for her career and her community.

Bellissimo kicked off the Palms West Community Foundation’s 2012 Women in Business luncheon series, imparting the wisdom of how she manages to juggle her career and her personal and family life.

“It has been quite a ride, to say the least,” she told the crowd during a luncheon Wednesday in the Wellington Club at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. “It has been a rewarding and challenging experience for me in many ways.”

Nine years ago, Bellissimo and her husband, Mark, along with their four children, were living in

Boston and competing in horse shows here.

“Traveling to these horse shows was not conducive to the family experience,” she said. “So we decided to move to Florida to ride and enjoy the sunshine. Mark was supposed to play golf and relax.

Who knew that we would soon be running the largest horse show in the world?”

Bellissimo, whose background is in government community relations and real-estate development, said that getting back into the business world wasn’t easy.

“I left the business world when we had our four children,” she said. “Reentering the business world came at an opportune time, when the kids were more independent.”

The Bellissimos founded Wellington Equestrian Partners with other like-minded equestrian families and took over management of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

“We transformed it from a seven-week horse show to a 12-week circuit,” she said. “We have 50 fulltime employees, which swells to 350-plus during season.”

Having her husband as her business partner makes things a bit easier, she said.

“We make a very good team,” Bellissimo said. “We complement each other and have a great deal of respect for one another. It certainly adds another interesting aspect to our marriage.”

Olympic show jumper Laura Kraut also shared how she manages to compete all over the world while maintaining a family.

“I’m lucky that my business is also my sport,” she said, “and is something that I love.”

She said that living in Wellington, where she can compete with top riders from all over the world and raise her son in great schools, makes balancing her responsibilities easier.

“I’m fortunate to live in Wellington,” she said. “Anything

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you want is within a 5-mile radius.”

Like Bellissimo, Kraut relies on her family to help both with her business and in raising her family.

“It’s hard to balance all of it,” she said. “But I do everything to the best of my ability. I have a great support staff — my sister is my main assistant — so I can focus on the competition. My mother has helped me raise my son, along with his father.”

Bellissimo said that making family a priority is important, especially with a busy schedule. “We are fortunate to both come from large and loving families,” she said of herself and her husband. “We continue to remain close to our brothers, sisters, in-laws and more than 40 nieces and nephews.”

She noted that she makes sure to set aside time for herself — to exercise and ride.

“Luckily I’m in a very forgiving industry when it comes to fashion,” she said. “I’m generally dressed in some iteration of

Women In Business Luncheon — Maggie Zeller of sponsor Iberia Bank, Maureen Gross, Katherine Bellissimo, Sanda Gané and Pattie Light of Pandora.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER workout and riding attire.” spects and appreciates all you do Bellissimo commended all of the for them.” women before her who balance For more information about the work and family every day. “Know 2012 Women in Business series, that no matter what,” she said, call Maureen Gross at (561) 790“your family is well aware of, re- 6200.

Page 4 January 20 - January 26, 2012

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OUR OPINION

Contested Elections: Good For Community, Good For Democracy Filing for municipal elections in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves is about to start. Qualifying for the Tuesday, March 13 municipal elections begins at noon on Jan. 31 for all three municipalities. For Loxahatchee Groves candidates, qualifying ends at noon Tuesday, Feb. 7. In Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, candidates have until noon Tuesday, Feb. 14. Though several challengers have stepped forward already, three seats held by incumbents are thus far unopposed. Ideally, every seat up for election would have competition. That is how a healthy democracy functions. Unfortunately, that isn’t how local elections often operate.

As of this week, Loxahatchee Groves councilmen Ryan Liang and Ron Jarriel, and Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas currently face no opposition. Seats currently in contention in Wellington are Seat 4, which sees incumbent Vice Mayor Matt Willhite challenged by former Councilman Al Paglia; Seat 1, held by term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, is being sought by Shauna Hostetler and John Greene; and Mayor Darell Bowen is being challenged by former Councilman Bob Margolis. In Royal Palm Beach, Selena Smith, Jeff Hmara and Ken DeLaTorre are seeking the seat recently vacated by Councilman David Swift, while Mayor Matty Mattioli faces a challenge from Felicia Matula.

Right now, each community is facing major issues with repercussions that will affect the lives of residents for many years to come, and contested elections keep those issues at the forefront.

Among the biggest challenge facing local officials is dealing with severely limited budgets. Year after year, it becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain services while holding the line on spending. This is something that directly affects all residents, and among the critical issues that needs discussion.

Do you have the answers? If you’ve ever imagined yourself in elected office, now is the time to act. How else can you trust that the people making these decisions share your perspective?

Do you believe in maintaining a strong level of service and support for community programs, or is that where you’d make your spending cuts?

While voter turnout tends to be low for local elections, hotly contested elections are a way to change this. By having more candidates involved, more residents will take notice and have a reason to hit the polls. Even if a candidate doesn’t win, it’s good experience, a way to get their name out there for the future, and it offers a chance to raise awareness about a particular issue. If you’re looking to affect change in your community, now is the time to get involved.

Democracy will thank you.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get Out The Mop! The County Needs A Cleaning I have the “mop” out just in time for the elections. Again, we need to take a moment to thank God for County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, as he is that person Thomas Jefferson spoke about when he said, “one man with courage .... makes a majority.”

We are still under attack by, in my opinion, from the bad guys who want Palm Beach County to remain as it was, as it is and will be, the most corrupt county in the State of Florida.

Let’s take a brief walk down memory lane to demonstrate the part of my opinion that has to do with the corruption in the past.

Note we could dwell on this for years, but here are a few: When my family arrived here in 1981, I was amazed to learn at how few north-south roads there were (one). The turnpike, as “the missing link of I-95 was under the thumb of certain persons in Martin County were still in the “nogrowth mode... and the odds makers in Reno did not see that as a completion anytime soon.

So South Florida had one completed escape route, the Turnpike, although there was always the ability of using Military Trail, which at that time was always a possibility. That was supposed to help all of us as a third escape route, I-95, the Turnpike and Military Trail (now known as Ryder Cup Blvd.) as the talk of those days was that Military Trail was never

going to make it thru PGA National, which would explain why Ryder Cup Blvd. is still four or five lanes wide, but there is no Military Trail as we were in those days a state of men, and not men of courage.

Fast forward a few years, to the time of a great man named Bob Montgomery, an attorney running for office in Palm Beach County as he was pointing out one of the areas of waste — the school board. All Bob had to do was call out this statistic: the Palm Beach County School District had (as I recall it) about 19,000 members in it and of the 19,000 members, 9,000 were teachers. Then he went into where our schools were ranked in the state, and then where they were ranked in the U.S. and then in the world. That was then.

Get out your mops! Get the inspector general a rat trap!

Thomas Goff Wellington

Fight The Dictatorship Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Bill Nelson represent Florida, so why would both vote yes to the (NDAA) National Defense Authorization Act? This law will allow President Obama and his regime to arrest, detain and jail American citizens (you) inside the country or abroad.

Welcome to the finishing touches of Obama’s dictatorship. This is an incredible violation of the constitution and our rights under it. As citizens, we can stand by and give up our country or fight

this law through legislation. Obviously, the country’s senators and congressmen from any party have not stopped Obama’s regime for the last three years. The time has come for the people to insist enough is enough.

If you think a dictatorship can’t happen in this country, wake up — it is happening now. Be frightened of this situation we now face.

Obama has asked to increase the debt limit another $1.2 trillion, bringing the debt above $16.2 trillion. We will go bankrupt as Europe is now seeing. This is an intentional effort to bankrupt America. When bankruptcy begins, the government will seize farms, water plants and wealth in order to gain control of the people (us). We have two options: allow it to happen or stop it whatever it takes. It’s everyone’s choice.

Ronald Piretti Royal Palm Beach

The People Need The Inspector General I am a resident of Belle Glade located in western Palm Beach County, and though “we” haven’t joined in litigation to sue Palm Beach County over the financing of the Office of the Inspector General, I, as a resident, still felt compelled to share my thoughts regarding the matter. However, I’ve decided to take a more cerebral approach to stating the obvious, so please bear with me. I’ll begin with what I consider a few important definitions.

• United States of America: A federal republic composed of 50 states and the District of Columbia.

• Republic: A constitutional form of government, especially a democratic one.

• Democratic: 1) Of, characterized by, or advocating democracy.

2) Pertaining to, encompassing, or promoting the interests of the people.

• Democracy: Government by the people, exercised directly or through elected representatives.

• Demos: The common people; populace.

• -cracy: Indicates government or rule. Strength; power.

• County: 1) In the United States, an administrative subdivision of a state. 2) The people living in a county.

• Politic: Crafty; unscrupulous; cunning • Politician: One who is interested in personal or partisan gain and other selfish interests.

(All definitions are according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.)

Now, let us approach the aforementioned matter with these definitions in mind. Because of a number of Palm Beach County employees and politicians being found guilty of unscrupulous and criminal activities, the county became known to many as “Corruption County.” This, in part, led to the convening of a grand jury to evaluate the culture of corruption so pervasive in the county and to make recommendations for extirpating that culture. One recommendation was the creation of an Of-

fice of Inspector General to serve as a watchdog agency. Ultimately, the people living in the county expressed, overwhelmingly, their support for the creation of the office as being in their best interests.

They exercised their strength and power via their votes, which is how a constitutional form of government by the people is supposed to work. It became obvious that the people wanted good government that was truly transparent.

However, instead of conducting themselves as public servants elected to represent the will of the people, politicians from 15 cities within the county have decided to operate as a quasi-independent authority by participating in a lawsuit challenging the way in which the inspector general’s office is funded, without the people’s consent. Not only are they insulting the intelligence of the people, many of whom helped vote them into office, but their doing so under the guise of protecting the people’s interests seems to represent the crafty and cunning nature typical of most self-absorbed politicians who probably detest the idea of being called public servants. I say so because evidence has proven that the funding formula slated to be adopted by the

county and all 38 municipalities can and does work without being burdensome on residents.

It appears that the creation and investigative powers of the Office of the Inspector General has proven worrisome to certain self-interested politicians and special-interest groups. Maybe they represent the remnants of those who have profited from the culture of corruption that has persisted in Palm Beach County government for far too long. Surely, they do not represent the people and thus, the people should remember these politicians come election time.

Power and strength to the people!

Jermaine Webb Belle Glade

For The Record In an article that appeared in January’s issue of Forever Young Lifestyle Magazine titled “Franchise Consultant Don Gross Helps Clients Create Their Own Businesses,” the age of Don Gross was incorrectly identified. He is 58. We regret any confusion this might have caused.

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.

OPINION

PBSO Needs The Community’s Help In The Fight Against Terrorism After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, everything changed in the way we protect our country. Federal, state and local governments established homeland security departments to prepare and respond to not only the threat of terrorist attacks, but also other emergencies like natural disasters.

In Palm Beach County, we take any threat against our community very seriously. After all, many of the Sept. 11 hijackers lived, traveled and trained for their mission among us. Also, the nation’s first deadly anthrax attack originated in Boca Raton.

When I was elected sheriff in 2004, I reorganized my agency’s Homeland Security division to tighten control over lo-

POINT OF VIEW

By PBC Sheriff Ric Bradshaw cal security. Our fusion center, a federally funded early-warning operation aimed at gathering, sorting and sharing critical information locally and nationally, was developed. And our involvement increased in important law enforcement collabora-

tions, including the Regional Domestic Security Task Force, Region 7, which I now chair.

These initiatives have brought more resources to Palm Beach County for handling major emergencies. We took these measures because we cannot afford to miss signs of terrorists plotting attacks on our homeland.

A major focus of our security operations is to be better informed on what goes on in our communities. Through the fusion center, we get current data, find patterns of unusual activity, and share information with our many partners. Our radar system tracks activity along our coastal waterways, giving us new sophistication

in locating and capturing drug traffickers and human smugglers.

Yet, for all the advancements made in recent years, we cannot do our job without the public’s help. Law enforcement needs citizen involvement in sharing with us anything unusual. The current “See Something, Say Something” campaign raises public awareness about the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities.

Alert individuals can make a big difference. Remember, for example, when two quick-thinking street vendors in 2010 spotted a smoking SUV parked haphazardly in New York City’s Times Square and reported it to a police offic-

er? The vehicle turned out to be loaded with explosives.

Don’t be afraid to do the same. Here are some things to be on the lookout for: be wary of suspicious behavior; take notice of people in bulky or inappropriate clothing; be alert to unattended packages; and report anyone tampering with surveillance cameras or entering unauthorized areas.

Our Homeland Security division is working to keep Palm Beach County secure. But, again, we need ordinary citizens to join us in the fight against terrorism. Simply remember: If you see something, say something to the authorities.

NEWS McAuliffe

Aronberg Will Run

continued from page 1 and I want to ensure that people of this county live in the safest community possible,” Aronberg told the Town-Crier.

Aronberg believes that he is the best candidate to replace McAuliffe.

“I have dedicated my entire career to public service, and public safety in particular,” he said. “I feel that I can best serve the community as the county’s top prosecutor.”

If elected, Aronberg said he’d focus on economic crimes and consumer fraud. “I have worked on those issues my entire career,” he said. “I will also continue my work shutting down pill mills with a laser-beam focus on protecting

young people from the scourge of drug abuse.”

For the past year, Aronberg has been Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s special counsel fighting illegal pill mills.

“I have a good relationship with the sheriff and the rest of the lawenforcement community,” he said.

“And I look forward to starting this race.”

McAuliffe has reportedly lined up a job with private energy company Oxbow Carbon.

McAuliffe described the new position as a significant career opportunity.

“It’s no statement on what I’m doing,” he said. “I love what we’ve accomplished together. I do commit to still being a part of the community and hope to remain a leading voice for ethics reform and good government. I’m just going to be speaking from a different perspective.”

THE

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McAuliffe was elected state attorney in November 2008. Since taking office, he created one of the nation’s most effective predator enforcement units, which identifies, investigates and prosecutes child sexual predators, including child pornographers. He also created a special victims unit, which prosecutes sex crimes and crimes against children.

In partnership with the grand jury, he developed ethics reforms that were adopted by the county and were subsequently expanded by referendum to cover all municipalities in the county.

McAuliffe also created a public integrity unit and a corruption task force to go after corrupt elected officials and public employees who breach the public’s trust. He also worked with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw to create a gang and gun unit in which prosecutors work with the PBSO to pursue and prosecute

violent gangs in Palm Beach County.

Also in partnership with the sheriff and several police chiefs, McAuliffe developed a task force that combats prescription drug abuse and trafficking. He created an elder abuse unit that protects seniors from scams and frauds, and led a staff of 120 prosecutors and 200 support staff through the worst financial crisis in Florida’s history, while putting more prosecutors in the courtroom.

McAuliffe’s term ends in January 2013. His successor will be chosen during the 2012 general election cycle. If McAuliffe steps down before the end of his term, Gov. Rick Scott will appoint an interim state attorney.

(Right) State Attorney Michael McAuliffe speaks in Wellington on Wednesday evening.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING’S LIVING LEGACY CELEBRATED IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach held the 10th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Monda y, Jan. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event was free and open to the public and included a continental breakfast, live performances from local entertainers, guest speaker Shawn McAllister and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria giving the address on this year’s theme, “Living the Legacy.” SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

CAFCI Cultural Director and event coordinator Elet Cyris welcomes guests.

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria gives the “Living the Legacy” address.

The VSA Spotlighters perform a dance routine.

Guest speaker Shawn McAllister.

The Rev. Dr. Charles L. Scott Sr. gives the invocation.

Jade Master sings the national anthem.

The Delray Community Choir performs.

RPB’S GREENWAY VILLAGE SOUTH HOSTS WINTER FESTIVAL FOR THE COMMUNITY Residents of Greenway Village South enjoyed a winter festival Saturday, Jan. 14 at the community clubhouse. Guests enjoyed a dinner, drinks and dancing in a winter wonderland, hosted by the Greenway Village South Social Club.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Decorating Committee Coordinator Linda Igou, President Roberta Slominsky, Treasurer and Secretary Mary Kaminsky and Vice President Bella Wissing.

Bella Wissing and Peg Vesely.

Russell and Mary Peirce.

Betty and Dan Carver, Gerri and Doug Egerton and Don White.

Page 6 January 20 - January 26, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Armed Robbery Suspect Flees From Royal Palm Store

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JAN. 13 — An employee of Auto Zone on Southern Blvd. called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach late last Friday night to report an armed robbery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10 p.m., an unknown black male wearing a black hooded sweater and bandana over his face entered the store armed with a black semi-automatic pistol. According to the report, the suspect ordered one of the two victims to tie up the other victim with tape and then open the safe. After both victims were tied up, the suspect emptied the safe. According to the report, the suspect was heard ordering another unknown person to take items from the store, but the victims didn’t see the second suspect. According to the report, the suspects then fled the store.

The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5-foot10 with a stocky build. There was no video footage or further information available at the time of the report.

JAN. 4 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested Wednesday, Jan. 4 on charges of vehicle burglary following an incident on Forest Club Drive in Wellington. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the area after 28-year-old Julien Beller was found burglarizing three vehicles parked outside homes on Forest Club Drive. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with unarmed burglary to an unoccupied conveyance.

JAN. 5 — Deputies from the PBSO substation in Wellington were dispatched Thursday, Jan. 5 to two homes on Georgian Court after residents called to report stolen auto parts. According to separate PBSO reports, the residents discovered their vehicles on concrete blocks with their tires and rims missing. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 7 a.m., someone removed the 22-inch aluminum rims and tires from the victim’s 2011 Ford Edge.

The stolen items were valued at approximately $7,700. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. According to a second PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle outside his home at approximately 1 a.m. and when he left home again at 7 a.m., he discovered his 2011 Chevrolet Suburban up on blocks with the tires and 20-inch rims missing. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,800. DNA evidence was taken from the vehicle, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JAN. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home in the Willows II last Wednesday after an electrician doing work at the home encountered a burglar. According to a PBSO report, the electrician was hired to do work in the home and, upon entering the house at approximately 11:39 a.m., discovered an unknown man inside. The electrician said the man was in the bedroom holding two laptop computers and fled the home through the back sliding glass door, running east along the canal. According to the report, the

suspect is a black male in his early 20s, approximately 5-foot-6 with an afro and wearing a blue shirt, jeans and white sneakers. The suspect gained access to the home by breaking a bedroom window. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but the subject was not identified at the time of the report.

JAN. 12 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to an unoccupied house on Apache Blvd. last Thursday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Sunday, Jan. 8 and last Thursday, someone slashed the wiring on the south side of the house and shattered the east side glass door. The complainant also said the garage door had been damaged. The estimated damage was approximately $700. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JAN. 15 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested late last Sunday night on drug charges following a traffic stop on State Road 7 near Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol when he observed a gold Buick LeSabre with an obscured registration tag. According to the report, the deputy could see the vehicle’s occupants, who appeared nervous and kept looking at the patrol car. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 24-year-old Marquis Jones, who was found to have a suspended license. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack containing an identification card belonging to Jones as well as a prescription pill bottle containing a white powdery substance later identified as cocaine.

According to the report, Jones was arrested and placed in the patrol car, where the deputy noticed him moving around suspiciously. According to the report, the deputy discovered another small plastic bag containing cocaine. Jones was taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of cocaine, tampering with evidence, drug equipment possession and driving with a suspended license.

JAN. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched Monday to a home on San Diego Drive regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon last Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday, someone stole the victim’s Toshiba tablet from his friend’s Ford S10 parked outside the home.

The victim said he searched the vehicle, but could not find it. The tablet was valued at approximately $600. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JAN. 16 — An Acreage man was arrested Monday on burglary charges after he was caught trying to break into a home in the Cypress Head community in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 3:25 p.m., the victim was inside her home when she observed 26-yearold Dane Donofrio, wearing a red shirt, plaid overshirt and black pants, knock on her door. The victim said she did not answer the door and observed the man go behind her bushes, retrieve a brick and smash a window on the southwest side of the home. According to the report, Donofrio See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Delroy Chambers is a black male, 5’6” tall and weighing 175 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 06/16/82. Chambers is wanted for grand theft (over $50,000) from a person 65 years of age or older. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were NW Leonardo Circle in Port St. Lucie and Pierside Circle in Wellington.

Chambers is wanted as of 01/19/12.

• Eric Long is a white male, 5’9” tall and weighing 140 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of an eagle on his left shoulder. His date of bir th is 07/01/88. Long is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of possession of oxycodone. His occupation is pool builder. His last known addresses were Bryce Lane in Jupiter and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Long is wanted as of 01/19/12.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

Delroy Chambers

Eric Long

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

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

South Florida Fair Opens Centennial Year

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The South Florida Fair opened Friday, Jan. 13, celebrating its 100th anniversary by granting free admission to several thousand people who attended the opening ceremonies.

Three centenarians received free admission for the duration of the fair, which continues through Jan. 29.

Founded in 1912, the fair has been in its current location since 1957.

South Florida Fair Chairman Bob Broadway said many people are needed to run the fair successfully. “We work closely with our county government and officials throughout the year to make this a wonderful time,” Broadway said.

Congressman Tom Rooney (RDistrict 16), chairman of the House Livestock, Dairy, Poultry & Pork Subcommittee, recalled learning a great deal about agriculture growing up in Palm Beach County and attending the fair.

“I can honestly say the agriculture that we have at the South Florida Fair is the absolute best display of what our community has

to offer, and what they provide children and 4-H through scholarships and money to promote agriculture for the next generation is vitally important. I want to thank the fair, because if we don’t have farmers, we don’t have food.”

South Florida Fair CEO Richard Vymlatil thanked the people who filled the South Florida Expo Center auditorium for attending the opening ceremony.

“This is probably the biggestattended opening ceremony that we’ve had in a number of years,” he said. “We all like to think every year is probably the best fair we’ve ever put together. You all will be the judge, and you all will let us know over the next 17 days.”

Vymlatil pointed out the exhibits set up in the Expo East building recognizing the history of the fair and the history of the Flagler Railroad, which is also marking its 100th anniversary this year.

“We have a wonderful display by the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation on 500 years of cattle ranching in the State of Florida,” he said, adding that a birthday cake for the fair will be lit with candles three times a day for the duration of the

fair. “It is truly spectacular.”

During a luncheon after the opening ceremonies, Vymlatil invited attendees to visit the historical exhibitions.

“This fair has had the benefit of years and years of wonderful leadership,” he said. “That’s part of our tradition at the fair.”

Vymlatil said he was talking to staff and volunteers recently about things that have come and gone during the fair’s century of existence.

“You look around and you see that a lot of those things are not here anymore, but those businesses, agencies and organizations faced the same challenges that this organization did over the last 100 years,” he said. “We’re fortunate enough to say that we’re still here.

We made it through those challenges thanks to the assistance we get from our board, our trustees, our volunteers and many of you out in the community.”

Trustee Annis Manning announced this year ’s inductees to the South Florida Fair Hall of Fame: the original operators of the fair’s midway, Evelyn Deggeller, and her husband, Irvin, now deceased.

Manning said that the Hall of Fame was initiated in 2004 as a means of honoring those who have greatly contributed to the success of the South Florida Fair.

Inductees are recognized in the lobby of the Expo Center, between the east and west wings. “Many former board members, business partners and volunteers are honored there,” Manning said. “Today we honor another longtime business partner, originally operating the carnival midway at the South Florida Fair from 1957 to 1978 and, following that, as a food concessionaire at the fair. This inductee still remains part of our fair.

It is my pleasure to announce that today we are honoring Irvin and Evelyn Deggeller.”

Mrs. Deggeller recalled that in the early 1960s, Irvin contracted Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass to perform at the fair, which was a forerunner to a long line of entertainers who now take part at the fair. “That gave the fair a boost, and it started helping the fair grow, and today it is one of the biggest and best fairs in Florida,” she said.

“Thank you for this honor. Irvin See FAIR, page 18

Fairgoers enter the gates on opening day. The fair offered free admission to people attending the opening ceremony.

Fair administration employees at the opening festivities.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Permit Notification Change Has Wellington Council Concerned

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Village Council were concerned last week that a change to the permit review process could remove residents’ ability to challenge a special-use permit.

A proposed ordinance considered at the Jan. 10 meeting would remove a requirement for providing notice to residents when a special-use permit is issued on an adjacent property.

Wellington now notifies nearby residents when a special-use permit has been issued for a property, giving them the opportunity to raise concerns.

Special-use permits are issued for events of less than two weeks and cannot be issued on the same property more than twice a year.

Seasonal permits may be issued for up to 180 days.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that there is no difference in the

requirements to provide notice to residents, whether the permit issued is a special-use permit or a seasonal permit.

Director of Growth Management Bob Basehart said that Wellington staff had decided to eliminate the notice provision because staff issues special-use permits. “It’s subject to a staff review,” he said.

“It does not involve a public hearing.”

Because of this, notices are often sent out on short notice. “Because of the short time frame,” he said, “we were getting them to neighbors after an event occurred or within a day or two. It seemed unnecessary to have the provision.”

Concerns were raised, however, that removing notice could jeopardize a resident’s ability to challenge a permit.

Attorney Amy Huber, representing Solar Sportsystems Inc., which owns property on Polo Club

Drive, pointed out that in Wellington’s regulations on who can challenge an approval, receiving notice is a requirement.

“If you didn’t get notice, you don’t have standing to bring challenge,” she said. “So effectively, property owners will no longer be receiving notice, but if they do learn about something and want to challenge the permit, the village can say, ‘I’m sorry, you didn’t get notice so you don’t have standing to make a challenge.’”

But Kurtz said that although Wellington has been providing notices, they have no obligation to delay approving the permits.

“Special-use permits are generally temporary,” he said. “It’s your pumpkin patches and your Christmas tree sales. Code simply requires a notice to be sent, but it doesn’t say that an application can’t be granted until people have a chance to respond.”

Kurtz said that village staff con-

sidered changing the code to require a waiting period in which time residents would have the opportunity to challenge the permits, but worried that it would mean last-minute events couldn’t be put on. “They would have to apply for a permit 30 or 45 days in advance,” he said. “It would delay the implementation and possibly eliminate the ability for them to get the permit.”

Resident Al Bennett said that his church often puts on events and that they could be hampered by having to wait for a notice process. “If you put a notice provision on there, you’d [make us have] to request these permits 30 or 60 days ahead and then wait to see if anything comes back against it,” he said.

Kurtz said that Wellington has not generally had challenges to special-use permits.

Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that some of the seasonal

equestrian permits had received challenges in the past.

“There is a separate set of standards that govern equestrian seasonal-use permits,” he noted.

Mayor Darell Bowen said he worried that delaying permit issues could prevent events from being put on in Wellington.

“It’s not a perfect world,” he said. “If a church here wanted to, at the last minute, put on an event, they can’t get it done because they didn’t apply before 60 days.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore said that he felt it would be more frustrating for a resident to get late notice of an event than no notice at all.

Kurtz agreed and said that as it stands, the code is ineffective.

“It’s an ineffective process at this time,” he said. “The notice is wasteful. It doesn’t do anything except create frustration when a person receives notice that an event has already happened.”

However, Councilman Howard Coates did not want to jeopardize a resident’s rights. “It gives residents some indication of what’s going on, and they can see if there is something they want to challenge,” he said. “It sounds like we are taking a right away, and I agree that it could affect standing.”

Kurtz said that the small, community events probably do not require notice, but larger events might. He suggested that staff give the council a list of permits they have been approving before final approval of the ordinance.

Priore made a motion to approve the ordinance with direction that staff clarifies what qualifies as a short-term use and what qualifies as a long-term use.

“The concept is to approve the policy so that we don’t have to approve each use,” he said.

The motion passed unanimously. The ordinance will return for a final reading in February.

County Agencies Expand Communication Through Social Media

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission heard reports Tuesday about how the Internet and social media such as Twitter and Facebook are transforming how governments operate.

Public Affairs Director Lisa De La Rionda explained that social media are being utilized more and more by county agencies in order to provide services more efficiently.

“Social media are an extension of our organization’s communications,” she said. “This appropriate resource has a controlled purpose and provides measurements of its effectiveness.”

Public Affairs Web Design Coordinator Heather Shirm said social media have been transforming the way government functions.

“We know our citizens want transparency,” she said. “They want the information out there, and we’ve been able to do that for them.”

It is also an important tool to engage citizens. “They want to have conversations with us, and social media allow us to do that,” Shirm said.

A Pew Research Center study in 2010 showed that nearly 50 per-

cent of Americans look for government information online and that one-third of that group use social media. While there are hundreds of social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter are the most commonly used.

The county currently has a “fan” page on Facebook where anyone who “likes” the county will receive information posted by the county.

The county also distributes information on the “micro blogging” site Twitter, where posts are limited to 140 characters, and the “video blogging” web site YouTube, where videos are generally less than 10 minutes. “Anyone can view it,” Shirm said.

The county is also using QR codes where people with the proper software can scan a graphic that will route them to a web site. “If you have a smart phone, or any kind of device that can scan the code, it will take you to information about a person or to a web site,” Shirm said.

Paula Girard of Palm Tran’s marketing department said her agency uses a Facebook page to send updates to riders. It can be found at facebook.com/palmtran. “We use the page to inform the public about special events, route de-

tours and changes,” Girard said.

Palm Tran allows two-way communication so people can post questions, which are answered in a timely manner, she added.

Nicole Hughes, community relations manager for the Palm Beach County Library System, said the library was one of the early adapters of social media and has about 1,300 Facebook fans and a Twitter account with more than 2,400 followers. It also has a YouTube channel, uses QR codes and is setting up a Google+ page.

“We use those networks to advertise our programs and services and drive people back to our web site,” Hughes said, explaining that the library’s messages are posted to all the social media. “That allows our patrons to receive the message in whatever format they prefer.”

Using the social media also allows the library to gather demographic information. “The data we gather shows us that the people are receiving our messages and that the time we spend on social media is worthwhile,” Hughes said.

A new application called BookMyne allows library users with the proper phones to access the library wherever they are. “You can

check your account to see what items you have checked out, their due dates and if you have any fines,” Hughes said.

Further, users can scan a barcode on a book at a bookstore with the phone’s camera and see if the county’s library system has it in stock, and if it does, place a hold on it. “The number of holds placed using BookMyne has increased from 51 in July to 1,139 last month,” Hughes said. “BookMyne logins went from 204 to 5,531 in that same time frame.”

Another agency using social media is the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management. Mary Blakeney said her agency started using Twitter in 2011.

“Our Twitter account is set up as a way for Emergency Management to communicate critical preparedness and recovery information to our followers,” she said.

“We currently have 265 followers on Twitter and have since created a Facebook page, which connects to our Twitter account.”

Users do not need to be either Facebook or Twitter followers to receive the information, Blakeney said. During the 2011 hurricane season, when Hurricane Irene was threatening, the Division of Emer-

gency Management Facebook page had new users increase by 56 percent and page views increase 423 percent.

Other county agencies using social media include the Economic Development Office, Palm Beach International Airport, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Zoning and Building and the Tourist Development Council.

In a related presentation, Economic Development Director Sherry Howard reported on the county’s new PBC Interactive web site, which coordinates economic development information that previously had to be accessed separately.

Howard said the Economic Development Office alone is contacted by about 1,500 businesses annually seeking information about the county. “The nature of those requests vary, depending on the needs of the businesses,” Howard said, explaining that businesses need information on individual properties, locations of enterprise zones, municipal and community redevelopment agency jurisdictions, economic development agencies and educational facilities.

“Although this information is available in bits and pieces on various web sites, unless the busi-

ness is familiar with where to obtain the information, by the time they contacted our office, they were extremely frustrated,” Howard said.

Before the new site was developed, the office’s staff would access numerous web sites to gather the information requested, which was inefficient and timeconsuming.

In order to improve the county’s responsiveness to such inquiries, the office developed a comprehensive web site that can be accessed at www.pbcgov.com/ edo that provides a one-stop shop for businesses, economic development agencies and the public.

The web site includes incentives offered for relocation, future and existing land uses, cluster industries and census data. It gleans information from the Economic Development Office, Information Systems Services, Planning, Zoning & Building, and the Property Appraiser’s Office.

“The web sites have been linked together to provide an all-inclusive site for businesses and site-selection consultants,” Howard said.

Through the web site, businesses anywhere can access information about Palm Beach County that See INTERNET, page 18

Page 8 January 20 - January 26, 2012

The Town-Crier

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NEWS BRIEFS Knee Pain Lecture At WRMC Jan. 31 Wellington Regional Medical Center will host a knee pain lecture by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Mikolajczak at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The lecture is titled “A Better Approach to Knee Replacement.”

At this free community lecture, Mikolajczak will discuss the components of his integrated approach to knee replacement, which

makes surgeries easier on patients, with potentially fewer complications. Patients may go home sooner, begin physical therapy sooner and return to daily activities sooner.

Mikolajczak will also display the latest computer navigation system, the Ci System by BrainLAB, the DuPuy Rotating Platform Knee, the implant he uses in his surgeries, and the pain pump used to treat post-operative surgical pain.

A light lunch will be served.

Space is limited. To reserve a place, call (561) 798-9880.

LGLA Meeting Set For Jan. 26

Dr. Michael Mikolajczak

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves).

The speaker for the evening will be Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, who has been asked to explain any changes that have been made to the responsibilities of the tax collector and what is being done to reduce the time spent waiting to be served. She

will specifically address the new veterans ID issued on renewal driver’s licenses for those who qualify. Gannon will also discuss the increased rules and regulations for getting or renewing a license, as well as which documents are acceptable proof of identification and how many are needed.

For more information, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

AARP Driver Safety Class In Wellington Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the distractions we face behind the wheel. Rev up your driving skills at Wellington’s AARP driver safety classes, offered one Thursday per month through May. The course is designed to help seniors update their driving knowledge, learn defensive driving techniques and learn how to operate a vehicle more safely in today’s challenging driving environment. The following Thursday sessions are available at the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 14B): Feb. 16 from 9:30

a.m. to 3 p.m.; March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost to participate is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers, and there are no tests to pass. Florida law requires that auto insurance companies offer seniors a discount upon completion of the course, so consult your agent for details. You might also be eligible to receive a discount on roadside assistance plans.

Participants can pre-register by visiting Village Park on Pierson Road or the Wellington Community Center until it closes for construction. In addition, online registration is available by visiting www. wellingtonfl.gov, clicking the Parks & Recreation icon and selecting “Online Registration” in the left-hand pane. For additional information, contact Senior Services Advocate Howard Trager at (561) 791-4785.

DivorceCare At Community Of Hope Church Beginning Feb. 6, Community of Hope Church is offering a free 13-

week DivorceCare series on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 14101 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves (just west of E Road).

Divorce hurts. DivorceCare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand what you are feeling, while hearing valuable information that will help you move on.

Videos of family counselors together with discussion guided by trained facilitators help participants heal from the hurt of a broken marriage.

Community of Hope worships Sundays at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and likes to offer events, services and ministries like this to the community at no charge. For more information on DivorceCare or to register, call Community of Hope Church at (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com.

Sportsman’s Grand Jamboree Jan. 27 In WPB A benefit for the Gulf Stream Council, Boy Scouts of America, the Sportsman’s Grand Jamboree

draws more than 400 guests each year for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and amusements such as archery, golf and rare firearms. One of the most highly anticipated events of the year for outdoor and shopping aficionados alike will be held Friday, Jan. 27 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Land Rover of Palm Beach (7550 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach).

“Whether you like to hunt for quail or the latest fashion accessories, the Sportsman’s Grand Jamboree has something for everyone,” said Steve Eshelman, development director for the Gulf Stream Council. “Plus, guests have the chance to win amazing prizes, from a brand-new Range Rover Evoque to a collector’s edition DuPont-Kreighoff shotgun.”

The Sportsman’s Grand Jamboree serves as a kickoff for the 14th annual Boy Scouts Sporting Clays Invitational, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at the South Florida Shooting Club in Palm City.

For more information about the third annual Sportsman’s Grand Jamboree or the 14th annual Boy Scouts Sporting Clays Invitational, visit www.boyscoutsporting clays.org or call (561) 694-8585.

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NEWS Vinceremos

Covered Arena

continued from page 1 gram’s horses under the same roof as the arena.

Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning recalled bringing his son, Matthew, to Vinceremos when the program was a small operation on Lake Worth Road.

“We told them that they needed to move to Loxahatchee Groves,” he said. “They found some land, and we all came out and were pulling out holly trees with our trucks. It has come a long way, and I’m glad to see it.”

Vinceremos will hold its 25th

annual benefit auction Friday, Feb. 10 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. For tickets or more information, visit www.vinceremos.com.

Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning shares his memories.

The Vinceremos drill team takes to the new arena.

Micki Kozich, Jesse Coppola, Victor Connor, Tony Coppola, Emily Marschok and Charlotte Smith came out to support Vinceremos.

Members of Hedricks Brothers Construction and engineers Alan Gerwig & Associates.

Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor, Olympian Courtney King-Dye and and Tuny Page.

Olivia Witt and instructor Susan Guinan show off the driving therapy program with a demonstration.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS NETWORKING RECEPTION AT THE 7TH CHUKKER The 7th Chukker at the International Polo Club Palm Beach served as host venue for a Wellington Chamber of Commerce networking reception Wednesday, Jan. 11. Guests enjoyed fabulous food, cocktails and networking. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce thanked IPC President of Club Operations John Wash and Julie Pickens, as well other IPC employees and chamber members for a magnificent evening.

PHOTOS BY MARCELLA MIRANDE-KETCHAM/WILD EYES PHOTOGRAPHY

Mike Sexton and Kevin Wilkinson.

Gil Lavalnet and Scott Shulman.

Bea Bolton, Bill Morosco and Toy Wash.

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PALM BEACH POLO SEASON AT INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB

JANUARY 8TH-APRIL 22ND

Discover Sunday Polo Sunday, January 22nd Joe Barry Memorial Cup • 3:00 Featured Match • Field Side Champagne Brunch • General Admission Seating & Food Trucks in Wellington Zone • Kids Zone • Half Time Divot Stomp • Polo Player Autographs Following Match View Schedule | Purchase Tickets | General Information Internationalpoloclub.com | Box Office: 561.282.5334 Club Line: 561.204.5687

3667 120TH AVENUE SOUTH | WELLINGTON, FLORIDA 33414

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 13

NEWS

NEW MEMBERS JOIN CAFCI BOARD DURING CEREMONY IN ROYAL PALM BEACH Caribbean-Americans for Community In volvement (CAFCI) held its annual installation of officers Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Harvin Cent er in Royal Palm Beach. New and returning board members were sworn in, and outgoing board members received recognition awards for their service. For more info., visit www.cafcipbc.org.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

CAFCI board members are sworn in.

CAFCI President Genieve White with Dennis Wright.

Dr. Cedric Lynch and Newbolt Wilson with Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Wayne Richards.

Nadine White-Boyd gives outgoing president Ernie Garvey an award.

Newbolt Wilson (left) and outgoing board member Kenneth Salmon (right) receive awards for their service.

Youth volunteers Brandon Boyd and Kyle Edmonds.

SHAUNA HOSTETLER HOSTS CAMPAIGN KICKOFF AT BINKS FOREST GOLF CLUB Wellington Village Council candidate Shauna Hostetler held a campaign kickof f party Wednesday, Jan. 4 at the Binks Forest Golf Club.

Hostetler is seeking Seat 1, currently held by term-limited Mayor Pr o Tem Dr. Carmine Priore. John Greene is also seeking the seat.

John Barlett, Ian Barlett and Shauna Hostetler.

Herb Frank and Shauna Hostetler.

Don Smarinsky, Shauna Hostetler and Jan Smarinsky.

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POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Circa Defeats Audi 11-10 In Joe Barry Memorial Cup Competition Polo enthusiasts gathered Sunday, Jan. 15 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach for the second week of the 2012 high-goal polo season, which saw Circa defeat Audi 11-10 in Joe Barry Memorial Cup competition.

The featured 3 p.m. match had polo fans on the edges of their seats with an overtime match pitting Audi against Circa. Nic Roldan led the Audi attack with seven goals, but it was Hilario Ulloa’s fourth goal in sudden-death over-

time that ultimately secured the win for Circa.

Roldan led all scoring with seven goals for Audi, now with a 1-1 record while Guille Aguero led the Circa team, still undefeated with a 2-0 record, with five goals. Ulloa added a total of four goals to the mix, including the winning goal in overtime, and Martin Pepa scored twice.

“This was a dream come true for me,” Pepa said after the game. “I never thought that I would be play-

ing in high-goal polo at the International Polo Club, and now this — it’s unbelievable.”

Action will continue in the Joe Barry Memorial Cup competition Sunday, Jan. 22. Enjoy any of International Polo Club’s entertainment options including reserved lawn seats, Wellington Zone, Kids Zone or general admission seating, or watch the match field-side with a champagne brunch in the pavilion. The stunning new pavilion has become a magnet for

those who are at the center of the polo social season. Come and experience a thrilling polo game, fabulous cuisine, entertainment, fashion and more every Sunday. Various ticket levels range from cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to a full Veuve Cliquot brunch.

For more information, visit www. internationalpoloclub.com. Find IPC on Facebook or visit www.ipc scoreboard.com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and all other polo info.

Audi plays Circa during the featured match Jan. 15.

Pedro Linares, Jay Zeager, Mo Foster, Sally Sevareid, Carmine Gialanella, and Paul and Stacy Mikel.

Kory Burns, Jay and Kelly Cashmere, and IPC President of Club Operations John Wash.

Brian Saipe, Michelle Havich, Scott Moses and Todd Jason Stone.

IMAGES COURTESY LILA PHOTO

Beezie Madden And Simon Win First Saturday Night Lights At WEF The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival hosted its first “Saturday Night Lights” event Saturday, Jan. 14 with the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden and new mount Simon, owned by Abigail Wexner, took home the blue ribbon.

Nick Skelton and Beverley Widdowson’s Unique finished second, while Cian O’Connor rode Blue Loyd, owned by Ashkirk Ltd. and O’Connor, to third place.

In the first round of the Grand Prix, Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward fell with Oh D’ Eole.

Ward was taken out of the ring to an ambulance and transported to Wellington Regional Medical Center, where he was attended by specialists for a fractured kneecap. Oh D’ Eole was examined by veterinarians and is unhurt.

Last Saturday night’s class was sponsored by Surpass, a product of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. Amanda McAvoy Sr., brand

manager of the Equine Division at BIVI, was on hand to present awards for last Saturday night’s class, and spoke on behalf of her company.

“We are ecstatic to be a part of this and feel very fortunate to be able to be the sponsor of the first week of the event,” McAvoy said.

“It is pretty neat to sit here with these riders. We really appreciate the partnership that we have with the FTI WEF and we are very thankful that we are able to be here.”

The course designer in the International Arena was Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Fla. There were 36 entries in the Saturday night class, and seven were clear in the first round. The first to return for the jump-off was O’Connor on Blue Loyd. They set a clear quick round in 42.642 seconds to start the second round.

Their time held up for third place.

Skelton and Unique put down a speedy time next in 40.880 sec-

onds and with no faults, they jumped to the top. They would eventually finish in second place.

Reed Kessler and Ligist were next, and had a rail for four faults in 41.490 seconds. She would finish in sixth place. Charlie Jayne and Uraya, owned by Pony Lane Farm, finished with four faults as well in 41.029 seconds for fourth place.

Andrew Bourns and Gowran Park had eight faults in 42.532 seconds for seventh place.

Madden and Simon were next to contest, and although they do not have fast jump-off experience together, they were able to speed easily around the course and set the winning time at 40.764 seconds.

Margie Engle was the last to go on Ashland Farms’ Lord Spezi.

They were quick in 41.340 seconds, but four faults left them in fifth place.

Madden earned the victory in last Saturday night’s class aboard Simon, a 13-year-old KWPN geld-

ing owned by Abigail Wexner. Simon is a new horse for Madden, previously ridden by Jeroen Dubbeldam, and purchased just over a month ago.

“We just got Simon six or eight weeks ago,” Madden said. “He has been very successful with Jeroen.

He was third in the World Cup Finals last year and he won the CN Grand Prix in Calgary the year before. He has been very good in Nations Cups for the Dutch team, and this is actually the first Grand Prix that I have done with him.”

Earlier in the day, Alexandra Vanderrest piloted Oxsona M to the win in the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High AmateurOwner Jumper Classic. Nathalie Mathers and Windline captured the win in the $1,500 Surpass Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Licapo and Madeline Schaefer won the $1,500 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper class.

The Winter Equestrian Festival continues this week with a full

Beezie Madden aboard Simon during last Saturday night’s event.

PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

schedule of hunter, jumper and equitation competition. For full competition results, visit www. showgroundslive.com.

The Palm Beach International

Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road, Wellington.

For more information on the festival, visit www.equestriansport. com or call (561) 793-5867.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Seminole Ridge High School FACE Club Holds Annual Holiday Bash The Seminole Ridge High School FACE Club held its annual holiday party in early December for families in Palm Beach County whose children have facial differences.

The party was held in the Seminole Ridge cafeteria, which was transformed with holiday decorations donated by FACE Club students, more than 40 of whom planned, staffed, shopped and worked the party. The eight families who attended were treated to a potluck-style meal, gifts, raffle prizes and karaoke.

Club sponsor Peggy Larson thanks the students who participated and worked hard. In addition, she offers a special thankyou to Pascalli’s in Loxahatchee for its donation of food. “This is the second year Pascalli’s has supported our event,” Larson said.

“We’re thrilled to have the community involved.”

Steven Williams, parent of a facially different child, donated his time as party DJ. Larson said she is pleased with the growth of FACE Club this year.

“I have a great bunch of kids who

really seem to care about this population in our community,” she said.

• Hawk Student Wins Big in Design Competition — In the annual cover design contest for the school district’s spring technology conference, a Hawk has once again soared above the rest of Palm Beach County. Infotech academy and digital design student Mitchell Christian will have his design featured on the 2012 Educational Technology Conference program cover, and he will receive a $500 award. In addition, Christian and one of his design teachers each will receive a copy of Adobe’s Creative Suite software, to be presented at the conference’s opening session.

• Debaters Shine in Sunvitational — Hawk debaters began 2012 with the Sunvitational Tournament at Nova Southeastern University Jan. 6-8. Public forum debaters Robert Botkin and Cash Galko advanced to place in the top 16, while student congress member Wayne Selogy, who advanced to tournament finals, is now officially considered to be

NEW HORIZONS HONORS SPELLING BEE WINNERS

New Horizons Elementary School recently held its annual spelling bee, with two students from each fourth- and fifth-grade class competing. First-place winner Nicholas Borges and second-place winner Bridget Kozlowski each received an electronic dictionary and will advance to participation in the district spelling bee. Pictured here are Principal Betsy Cardozo, Borges, Kozlowski and the spelling bee sponsor, fourth-grade teacher Cheryl Lay.

Michlea family members open their presents at the FACE Club craniofacial holiday party. one of the top student legislators in the nation.

• Scholastic to Honor Hawk Artists — In this year’s annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition, two SRHS students are to be honored as regional win-

ners. Patricia Serrano will receive the Silver Key (the second-highest award) for her artwork portfolio, and Jessy Persaud will receive an honorable mention for hers. The Scholastic Corporation will honor Hawk artists Saturday, Feb. 4 at

Patricia Serrano’s Grandparents in Their Home will be on display Feb. 4 at CityPlace’s Eg2 Gallery.

CityPlace’s Eg2 Gallery.

• ASVAB Post-Test Interpretation — ASVAB career assessment interpretation assemblies will be held Thursday, Feb. 2 at 8 and 9:30 a.m. in the Dr. Lynne K. McGee Auditorium. Representatives from

the ASVAB organization will provide students who took the November test with individual score reports and discuss how those reports reflect their interests, skills and abilities as they relate to career choices.

Osceola Creek Scholar-Athletes Of The Month Osceola Creek Middle School has announced the recipients of its Scholar-Athlete Award for December. The award is sponsored by the school police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others. This month’s honorees carry high grade point averages as well as play varsity sports. Both students are eighthgraders.

Girls volleyball honored Madeline Harding, 14. “Not only does Madeline have a 5.0 GPA, but she has been an outstanding athlete for the past three years,” coach Shayne Sanderford said. “Serving as one of the team’s setters, she has helped the team to become one of the best volleyball teams that OCMS has ever had. She was one of the team leaders and helped them to place third in our division this year. I’m am positive that she will continue to play volleyball in high school and be one of the team standouts.”

Harding wants to attend the University of Florida as a marine biology major, as a prelude to a career in the field. She is a mem-

ber of the Osceola Creek Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and the yearbook staff.

In addition to volleyball, Harding is a member of Osceola Creek’s track and girls soccer teams. She is a two-time recipient of the Athlete-of-the Year Award, being honored in both sixth and seventh grades.

Boys soccer honored 14-yearold Matthew Smith. “Matthew Smith is an outstanding student athlete,” coach Tony Bugeja said.

“I was honored to have Matthew on this year’s team. He improved on the soccer field every week and started several games for us in the second half of the season. Matthew will one day be a strong part of our community. He is also an outstanding band student and is a leader on the Osceola Creek advanced band. We will truly miss Matthew here but look forward to his successes in the future.”

Smith has perfect attendance and a 5.00 grade point average. He is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Smith is an avid bowler and also plays soccer with the American Youth Soccer Organization. He has been a saxo-

Principal Dan Frank, Madeline Harding, Matthew Smith and School Police Officer Sandy Molenda. phone player in the Osceola Creek Jazz Project for the past two years.

Smith has not decided on a specific university; however, he does want to major in a science-related field.

Supporting the program are

Subway, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King (located at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.) and Dairy Queen (at Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Villari’s Demonstration Team Sings Christmas Carols At Royal Manor Villari’s Self-Defense of Royal Palm Beach demonstration team the Five Elements — known for its martial arts skill, power and precision — traded in those attributes during the Christmas holidays for the softer and gentler art of singing.

In keeping with the true meaning of Christmas and the holiday season, the demonstration team visited Royal Manor Nursing Home in Royal Palm Beach. Seeking to supplement the teachings of giving back to the community with the actual application of their lessons, demonstration team coaches Katie Bowen and Suzi Scarborough came up with the idea to have the team bring some

Christmas cheer to those that are unable to get out, may not have had anyone visiting them, or may be going through a medical crisis.

The demonstration team was helped by Crystal Vera, a graduate of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, who assisted in getting the teams tones and pitches correct.

Demonstration team members were allowed to go throughout the facility, singing carols such as “Silent Night,” “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” to name a few. One resident was so touched by the visit that she gave team captain Claire Salmon a big hug and kiss, and joined the team singing to the other residents.

The team and their companions interacted with all of the residents, staff and visitors, getting them to join the festivities, and enhancing the holiday mood and elevating the spirit of everyone.

Although the intention was to allow the demonstration team to give back to the community, at the end of the visit, the group from Villari’s all felt they received the biggest blessing that day by giving.

The Villari’s School of Self Defense Royal Palm Beach demonstration team is truly a “special team of role models” who will make a positive contribution to society now and in the future.

In addition to Salmon, team

members are Josh Scarborough, Kirsten Vera, Gia and Danny Giordano, Ryan Irwin, Eda Kutsal and Logan Colman. Coaches are Bowen, Scarborough, Matt Evers and Rom Fredrick. Also at the event were future demonstration team member Gianni Giordano, team parents and Villari’s co-owner Carolyn Penn.

Villari’s Self-Defense of Royal Palm Beach is located at 11328 Okeechobee Blvd. For more information about programs, call (561) 793-4132 or visit www.villaris royalpalm.com.

Crystal Vera (right) leads the Villari’s group in a Christmas carol at Royal Manor.

WESLEY, VIAU PLANNING RECEPTION FOR WELLINGTON’S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Village of Wellington and the Wellington Art Society held a reception Jan. 11 for the artists whose work was chosen for display in the TO WED IN DECEMBER The Art in Public Places Program. Eleven artists and 25 pieces were selected. Pieces included oil paintings, mixed media, acrylic and photographs. The artwork will be displayed in various locations throughout the village.

(Front row, L-R) artists Frank Romano, Mika Berlic, Talia Fradkin and Ann Hoagland; (back row) Thomas Carey and Gail Ingram.

Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and Talia Fradkin with her photo Peaceful Waters.

Breast Friends Team Competes In Komen Football Tourney With much happiness, Tanya and Jack Wesley and Kim and Rene Viau have announced the engagement of their children, Aleisha Leigh Wesley and Christopher Joseph Viau. The couple will wed in December. Wesley is a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and interdisciplinary studies. Viau will graduate in May from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. The couple will begin their graduate school careers in the fall.

The Breast Friends was one of the teams that took part in the Susan G. Komen Flag Football Tournament at Acreage Community Park. Along with the other participating teams, the Breast Friends helped raise more than $20,000. A check was presented to the Susan G. Komen Foundation on Jan. 7.

The Breast Friends team is made up of women from the western communities all playing with the

same goal in mind — raising money for the Komen Foundation to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Coaches Shawn Mears and Brian Houska worked with the ladies all season to prepare for the championships. To everyone’s surprise, the Breast Friends team pulled out a win, advancing them into the championships and then all the way to obtaining a secondplace victory.

Breast Friends — Tara Stegall Homeier, Paulette DeCarlo, Tamara Cook, Jennifer O’Hara, Deirdre Godfrey, Karen Johnson, Lelly Sadhu, Laura Ryan, Tammy Stegall Mears, Maritza Castilla, Karen Mill Keogh and Stephanie Houska.

PHOTO COURTESY STEPHANIE HOUSKA

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NEWS

Martial Arts Seminars At Ultima Fitness Saturday, Feb. 18 promises to be an unforgettable day for area martial artists. Professor George Dillman, 10th-degree black belt in ryukyu kempo tomari-te, will give two seminars (children and adults) at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do in Wellington.

The long-awaited event will be sponsored by Dillman Karate affiliate Tom Floyd, tae kwon do Grandmaster Gus Pope and Ultima Fitness.

Dillman was national karate champion from 1969-1972, and during his nine-year competitive career, he won 327 trophies in fighting, forms, breaking and weapons.

Also a professional boxer for three and a half years, he is the only known person to have trained with both Bruce Lee and Muhammed Ali. Currently, Dillman is the chief instructor for Dillman Karate International, an organization of over 150 schools worldwide, with an

Lifechurch

Church Campus Opens

continued from page 1 traditional churches; its churches are called “campuses” and its services are called “experiences.” Its mission is to make an impact on people’s lives and community by helping them become followers of and believers in Christ.

The church involves and engages the entire family by having different areas for each age group.

Adults are sent to worship in the large auditorium off the lobby. “We could seat about 900 people comfortably in there,” Mayer said.

The auditorium has a large stage, with three large projector screens, two televisions and instruments where the band plays.

enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. He has studied under five 10th-degree black belts from Okinawa.

February’s seminars will cover kata, and the pressure points and grappling techniques (tuite) hidden within the traditional movements of these ancient forms. Kyusho jitsu (pressure points) can enhance every art, close hand combat and tuite (grappling). According to Black Belt magazine, Dillman “has probably done more for the traditional martial arts than any other person alive.”

To register, send your registration fee ($70 for adults, $35 for children) by Feb. 5 to Ultima Fitness, 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414. The children’s seminar will take place from noon to 1 p.m.; the adult seminar is from 2 to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (561) 793-2823 or visit www.ultima fitness.com.

“It’s a fully automated room with all the bells and whistles, with lights and fog,” he said.

Lifechurch also offers Lifekids, which is designed to make it easier for families to attend church while making it a fun and interactive experience for all ages.

“Lifekids takes care of all children, from newborns to fourth-graders,” Mayer said.

Parents or guardians drop their children off by registering them through a computer or with a receptionist in the Lifechurch lobby.

“They are given a pass, one for the parent and one for the child, and in order for someone to pick up the child, they must have a matching pass,” Mayer said. “If the parent or guardian does not have a pass, then they cannot retrieve the child. This is all done for the safety of the child.”

Children are separated by age

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Team Party For RPB Relay Jan. 26 At Madison Green Organizers of the 2012 Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life will host a team party Thursday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MarBar Grille at Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, Royal Palm Beach).

The American Cancer Society invites individuals who want to honor cancer survivors and car-

egivers, or pay tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer.

The 2012 Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life will take place Saturday, April 14 beginning at 3 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach High School For more information, call (800) 227-2345 or visit www.relayforlife. org/royalpalmbeachfl.

Benefit Car Show & Crafts Bazaar Feb. 25 At SRHS

Sensei Tom Floyd and Professor George Dillman will be on hand for the Feb. 5 seminars at Ultima Fitness. groups and sent into different rooms throughout the building, where they are supervised by volunteers. Children ages 6 through fourth grade are sent to Lifekids, fifth- and sixth-graders are sent to The Loop room, and babies to 5year-olds are sent to Life Little Kids.

While the parents and adults are in the auditorium, the children play games and receive guidance from teenagers. “The first half of while they are in there, they play games,” Mayer said. “In the second half, they worship and see messages on a smaller scale of what the adults are listening to.”

The messages are geared toward each age group. “After they listen to the message, they sing and dance, then they break into smaller groups, where they discuss and learn how to apply the message in their daily lives,” Mayer said.

All Lifechurch volunteers are from the church, and background checks are performed.

“The only requirement for Lifekids volunteers is that they serve all year round,” Mayer said.

“We only ask that because we don’t want the child to see a different face all the time. We understand if people have an emergency or need to take a vacation, but for the most part, we want someone who will be committed most of the time for our children.”

Lifechurch also offers a maternity room for nursing mothers, with comfortable couches and a television for them to continue viewing the service.

Aside from services, Lifechurch offers special events and activities throughout the year for youth and adults.

For more information, visit www.lifechuch.tv or call (561) 7936889.

Seminole Ridge High School will hold the seventh annual Hawks Benefit Car Show & Crafts Bazaar on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the school grounds.

This year, more than 300 vehicles are expected, as well as more than 25 arts and crafts vendors.

The annual “must attend” event offers a great field of show cars,

live entertainment, food and beverages, bounce houses and a green market.

Admission is free for attendees, and there is a $20 registration fee for show cars. All proceeds will benefit the SRHS marching band.

For more information, call Bart Savino at (561) 358-6456 or visit www.hawkcarshow.org.

Pastor Larry Mayer welcomes people to the new campus.

David Nevera, Tina Manica, Mary Douglas, and Michelle and Jonathan Cheatham.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Tiger Shark

New Design Unveiling

Connie and Cara Young with Courtney Mayer.

Mayoral Race

Bowen Vs. Margolis

continued from page 1 lenge will be to attract good, sustainable-wage jobs.”

Ultimately, Bowen said he hopes residents will see his record and his vision for Wellington’s future and choose to keep him in office.

“I am committed to Wellington,” he said. “I’m committed to continuing to do everything I can to make it as good a community for my kids and their grandkids to raise a family.”

Margolis was appointed to the council in April 2003 and resigned as part of an unsuccessful bid to become Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections in 2008. He left office in January 2009. He is a retired pharmaceutical representative with Proctor & Gamble and sits on Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

Margolis said that running for mayor has been in the back of his mind since he stepped down from the council. He believes that Wellington needs a change in leadership.

“I’ve seen a lack of transparency,” he said, “and a lack of diplomacy with regard to council meetings and the treatment of village residents.”

Margolis said he has disagreed

Internet

New County Web Site

continued from page 7 might be critical to their decisions on locating here. “Palm Beach County Interactive will allow businesses and site selection consultants in other states to conduct research from wherever they are at their convenience,” Howard said.

Currently, only six of the county’s 38 municipalities are participating, but the Economic Development Office hopes to bring more on board.

Assistant County Administra-

Dane Gerwig and Jake Mayer.

with Bowen many times over Another issue of contenthe past four years, includtion he has is with Wellinging Bowen’s support of givton’s decision to join 15 muing the K-Park property to nicipalities in a lawsuit Palm Beach State College. “I aimed at how the Office of thought it should go to refthe Inspector General is erendum,” he said. funded.

While on the council, “I wish we had [the inMargolis said he was known spector general] when I to read the budget item by was on the council — a veitem. He said he would be a hicle we could go to and ask mayor who values fiscal for help,” he said. “They transparency. claim it’s about the money, Darell Bowen Bob Margolis Margolis pointed to Wellbut she just said that her ington’s contribution of $700,000 Margolis said that though he organization costs residents 87 to the Boys & Girls Club for its understands the need for a tight- cents — the cost of two postage new facility on land owned by er budget, he believes it can be stamps.”

Wellington. done without risking services.

Margolis said he has been told “I don’t believe a municipality And, if elected, Margolis said he that there are several investigashould do that for a private enti- would push for an independent tions going on in Wellington, and ty,” he said. “I believe in public- audit. that as mayor, he would be honest private partnerships, but I don’t “I don’t agree with a top- with residents and ask for updates. believe in spending residents’ heavy senior staff,” he said. “If “If elected,” he said, “I intend money for that type of partner- you take the salaries of the vil- to tell residents what’s been goship.” lage manager, the deputy man- ing on. If I was sitting on council, Margolis said that he believes agers, the assistant manager, it’s I would expect an update on the he will be best suited to keep Well- well over $1 million. If we’re go- investigations.” ington’s budget low without risk- ing to be frugal, it needs to start He said that he hopes residents ing services, noting that he was at the top.” will see his business and leaderpart of the decision-making that Margolis said he would address ship experience as well as his paskept Wellington afloat during the small business needs, helping sion for public service when they economic downturn.

Wellington’s already-hurting busi- go to the polls in March.

“We prepared for these years nesses rather than bringing in new “There’s a strong passion in me when I was on the council,” he said. commercial development. to serve the public,” he said. “I’m “We had a five-year plan, a 10-year “It doesn’t do the hardworking just a citizen who loves Wellingplan and a 20-year plan. This was business men and women who ton and wants to give back to the not a surprise to village staff. They have their restaurants, their gas community. I don’t have an agenknew that with property values stations, their dry cleaners any da. I want to give residents back being reduced, this would hap- good to have these new develop- their village — not a city, but a pen.” ments in Wellington,” he said. village.” tor Shannon LaRocque said the most significant aspect of the web site is that it is real-time information, updated as soon as the respective agencies change their information.

“The databases that other economic development agencies are using require constant update and input,” LaRocque said. “This is real-time information for anyone in the world to take a look at Palm Beach County.”

Nader Salour of Cypress Realty in Jupiter said the web site has been a great tool for his work.

“Identifying properties in the areas that we are interested in, gathering accurate and correct infor-

mation without going to 15 different web sites and meeting with government officials to try and find out some basic information — this site provides us one-stop shopping,” Salour said. “This is heaven for us. It saves an enormous amount of time.”

Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, said he immediately agreed to have his web site connected to the EDO site when Howard contacted him. The information provided is important to both “incubator” start-up companies, as well as more established companies, Duffell said.

Before companies relocate, they

do a lot of research online on their own before contacting anybody in that location, he said. “The more information you can give them in that first look, the better off you’re going to be and the greater the chances of them choosing Palm Beach County are,” Duffell said.

Jim Fleischmann of Land Research Management, a planning and market feasibility firm in West Palm Beach, said he used the site’s research tools recently and found them to be very helpful.

“This is far and away the best data source that I’ve ever worked with,” Fleischmann said. “I’ve found that pretty much everything that I need is available on this site.”

continued from page 1 think it’s a good thing for all of us.”

But learning that the park would be redesigned was bittersweet, Gerwig said.

“My kids were upset when I told them that we were going to redo it,” she said. “But it’s a new generation of kids, and we want a park that meets their needs. It’s also a way to pay it forward for the kids and an opportunity for a new generation of parents to get involved.”

Gerwig noted that families who paid to have their names engraved on pickets at the park could come get them from Wellington.

“Unfortunately, we have to take them down,” she said. “The wood did not hold up, and we wanted to make sure that everyone who paid for them will have the opportunity to get them back.”

Fair

Opening Event

continued from page 7 would be proud of this as much as I am.”

South Florida Fair Chief Operating Officer Vicki Chouris credited numerous staff and volunteers, including the board of directors, for a successful fair.

“Our board members are all volunteers, and the amount of time

Blotter continued from page 6 attempted to climb through the window, and the victim called 911.

The victim yelled and Donofrio ran from the home and tried to exit the neighborhood, where an off-duty deputy saw him. According to the report, the deputy ordered Donofrio to stop, but he continued to run and the deputy lost sight of him. A second deputy responded to the scene and, according to the report, observed Donofrio leave the community and begin walking east on Southern Blvd. According to the report, the deputy stopped Donofrio for questioning, and Donofrio was identified by the off-duty deputy as the man he saw run from the victim’s house.

Donofrio was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was

Wellington will once again rally the community to help during its community construction project March 21-24. Guests at Saturday’s presentation will have the opportunity to volunteer to help build.

“It will take many hands to bring these conceptual designs into reality,” Henghold said. “I hope the event will generate community excitement and interest in signing up to volunteer.”

Gerwig encouraged everyone, including those who helped build the original park, to come back and help install the new design.

“I’d encourage everyone to come out and get involved again,” she said. “It’s exciting when you think about all the people who were involved before and the long-term benefits that our kids have had from it. It’s something we can look at and say, ‘I built that.’”

For more information, or to sign up to help build the playground, contact Henghold at (561) 7914137 or e-mail khenghold@ wellingtonfl.gov. that they dedicate to this organization is absolutely incredible,” she said.

Another addition to the fair this year is a community marching band made up of local volunteers, organized by Board Member Lee Glaze and Seminole Ridge High School Band Director Tim Skinner.

“They’re going to be in each of our parades,” Chouris said.

For more information about the fair, visit www.southfloridafair. com, follow the fair on Facebook or Twitter, or call (561) 793-0333. charged with attempted burglary to an occupied dwelling, criminal mischief and resisting an officer.

JAN. 17 — A resident of Crestwood Circle called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday to report a case of fraud.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 a.m. Monday and 5:30 a.m. the following morning, someone used her bankcard number to make several charges. The perpetrator(s) charged $377.42 at several gas stations and stores in Texas. According to the report, the charges were made with her bankcard, which the victim said she has on her possession. The victim said she didn’t know when or how her account number was compromised. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 19

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NEWS

VISIT THE 100TH SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR THROUGH JAN. 29 AT THE FAIRGROUNDS The centennial edition of the South Florida Fair opened Friday, Jan. 13. Opening weekend activities included the fair’s opening ceremonies, a centennial lunch, parade and plenty of rides, entertainment and food. The 17-day spectacular runs Jan. 13-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. For more info., visit www.southfloridafair.com or call (561) 793-0333.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Volunteers Beth Kaplan and Joe Schelorke hold the banner for the South Florida Fair Marching Band.

Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 20257 from Wellington.

(Seated) Hundred-year-olds Doris Ferraro, Pearl Sutthen and Helena Phillips with (standing) Congressman Tom Rooney and Bob Broadway at the opening ceremonies.

Agriplex Operations Manager Bettye Thompson and Town-Crier columnist Ellen Rosenberg race.

Matthew and Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning enjoy the centennial lunch.

Yesteryear volunteers get ready to march in the parade.

Maya Suchy on Peanut.

Pet costume contest winners: Jackie and Jason Marshall with Duke (third place), Jesse Mann with Smitty (second place) and Nicole Eppenbaugh with Jasper (first place).

Annis Manning and 2012 Hall of Fame inductee Ev elyn Deggeller.

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 21

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2012

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WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

JANUARY 11 - APRIL 1, 2012

Free General Admission and Free Parking For venue information and a complete schedule:

WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 14440 Pierson Road • Wellington, Florida

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PBSO Mounted Unit Offers Extra Eyes And Ears

In 1997, the Palm Beach County Sherif f’s Office established its Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) Mounted Unit. COP members look for anything out of the ordinary. They keep watch and listen, and report any problems to the PBSO. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 23

RPBHS Basketball Squad Tops Summit Christian

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team traveled Thursday, Jan. 12 to Summit Christian, where they upset the top-ranked Fighting Saints 58-56 in overtime. The loss was the first of the season for the Fighting Saints, the defending Class 1A state champions. Page 37

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Expert Service From Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair

Located on Southern Blvd., just east of the South Florida Fairgrounds, Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair provides expert repair for all lawn equipment. Owner and expert mechanic Jerry Gilbert has operated the business since June 1999. He can fix just about any type of lawnmower. Gilbert also fixes generators, chainsaws, pressure washers and brush cutters, and handles all customers on his own, from pickup to delivery of the equipment. Page 29

Sports Wellington Boys Basketball Defeats P.B. Central 58-54

It was a close game Friday, Jan. 13 as the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team defeated crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School 58-54 at home. The Wolverines made a comeback in the third quarter to defeat the Broncos, who had the lead for much of the game. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 25-27 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 29-31 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 32 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 37-39 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................42-46

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DON’T MISS THESE EXCITING EVENTS AT THE 2012 FTI WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL JANUARY 11-APRIL 1 $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix Presented by Spy Coast Farm

$75,000 FEI Nations Cup Presented by G&C Farm

$150,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty

$200,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Presented by The Bainbridge Companies

$500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix $50,000 Awarded in Young Rider Jumper Events

Equestrian Sport Lives Here Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Wellington, Florida WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 25

FEATURES

PBSO Mounted Unit: Extra Eyes And Ears On Horseback Sunday, Dec. 18, was a beautiful day. At 10 that morning, I met up with a friendly and enthusiastic group of riders near the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office stables at the back of Okeeheelee Park. They were members of the COP Mounted Unit. Their leader was Volunteer Maj. Helmut Schmitt.

“The COP Mounted Unit was started back in 1997,” Schmitt explained. “My wife, Maryann, and I are the only current members who belonged back then at the beginning. We currently have about 50 members.”

According to the PBSO, a variety of volunteer programs was established, starting in 1989, to act as “eyes and ears” throughout the county. There are more than 80 Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) units in such different venues as parks patrol, special events, airport unit, rovers, marine unit and the mounted unit.

The mounted unit patrols unincorporated parts of Palm Beach County on horseback.

Each member should be able to commit to a minimum of three hours weekly, attend special events and participate in training sessions.

“Like other COP units, the Mounted Unit helps keep neighborhoods safe,” Schmitt said.

“Someone on a horse doesn’t have to keep to the roads. We ride on trails, along canal banks.

We’re higher up. We can see over fences and into back yards.”

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg They look for anything out of the ordinary.

“We’re looking for things which don’t seem quite right, like an abandoned vehicle, or one parked where it shouldn’t be, anything which seems suspicious,” he said. “We also keep an eye out for animals that aren’t being kept well, like dogs chained up or skinny horses. Then we notify Animal Care & Control.”

Schmitt emphasized that COP members can’t arrest people or interfere with events in any way. They simply keep watch and listen, and report any problems to the PBSO. Some Mounted Unit members also go through extra training to become park-certified, which enables them to patrol in county parks such as Okeeheelee, Jim Brandon and River Bend in Jupiter.

Park-certified horses have to be very quiet around all sorts of potentially scary distractions: people, pets, noisy kids, skaters, skateboarders, strollers, kayaks, canoes and speedboats. It’s up to each horse owner to train his horse and ensure that it’s under control at all times. It’s all spelled out in the manual.

“We have all sorts of riders,” Schmitt said.

PBSO Mounted United members Maryann and Helmut Schmitt on horseback.

“English, western. Just as long as the rider is proficient, the horse safe and the equipment decent — a proper bridle and saddle. When on patrol, riders must also be in uniform — black pants and shoes or boots, riding hel-

met, and an official white shirt. Riders also must carry their own cell phone.”

COP Mounted Unit members must be at least 18 years old and are required to log in a See ROSENBERG, page 27

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 27

FEATURES

Good Times At My ‘Old-Time Country Auction’ Experience I attended an old-time country auction in North Florida last weekend in an effort to restock my store after the holiday shopping frenzy. Here’s what people like about my store: They never know what they’re going to find.

And here’s what I like about North Florida auctions: I never know what I’m going to find.

Here in South Florida, people tend to live in planned units of development — clean, organized communities with good lighting, regular trash pickup and very few wild animals running around.

It’s a safe place to raise children and house old people, but it’s boring. Many transplants who have moved here from colder climes sold off the contents of their attics and basements before they got here, so the weird, quirky stuff Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER is already gone. Even an unapproved shed behind the house is frowned upon. And an alligator in the vicinity of the backyard barbecue means a call to the TV news, not “Dinner’s ready!”

So I head north to shop. If nothing else, it’s a learning experience. But before you rent a U-Haul and head for the hills, let me remind you that learning is not always fun. Remember school? Not always fun.

Take last Saturday. It was an estate auction, which meant it was held at the seller’s home.

To get there, you have to locate the place

(thank you, Google Maps), brave the backwoods roads to get there (a broken axle will definitely slow you down) and make sure you park in a safe place (not every country dog is chained). You have to dress for the weather (it was freezing), keeping in mind that you may be sweltering four hours later (when the oddball stuff comes out).

You need to get there early, bring your own chair or buy one early on. And you’ll want to preview everything so you don’t get stuck with chipped china, cracked pottery and buckets with holes. An auction moves quickly, and besides, the auctioneer cannot be expected to know the infirmities of each piece.

But I’ve got to hand it to these country auctioneers — they can make anything sound good. Saturday’s auctioneer managed to sell two boxes of white plastic house siding (for $20 a box), a set of pole-climber’s spikes (I bought those!) and a table constructed of plywood scraps (he bundled it in with some tools, unlucky winner take all).

He also had to sell the owner’s “sideline business” — an entire shed crammed full of those hideous cypress clocks dipped in polyurethane. Unbelievably, he sold those suckers one at a time for about $10 each, then sold the miscellaneous clock parts for $50, then sold some cypress slabs with clock-sized holes in them for $60. The few remaining contents of this sorry shed brought $250; I don’t know how.

When I got home, I had the climber’s spikes, a Scrabble game that uses numbers instead of letters, a Zenith Cobra phonograph from the 1950s, a hammered aluminum suitcase with brass corners, a 5-foot-tall drill press (for Mark) — and a cold.

I wouldn’t bid higher than $35 for the taxidermied turkey with most of its tail feathers missing, so I lost that one, but, even with the cold, I am one happy camper. Best of all, the auctioneer told me he has another sale coming up in February.

Fingers crossed for another turkey!

Great Performance By Title Character In ‘Dragon Tattoo’ Film I finally caught up with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and, although I liked the film a lot, it has taken me some time to puzzle out why. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, it explores the darker aspects of Swedish life. For those who thought life would be paradise in a country that works as hard as Sweden to promote the idea of cradle-to-grave security and income equality, that control seen in this movie is a nightmare and the equality a myth.

But the movie, like the book, fascinates. It is the story of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig), who is asked to solve a 40-year-old murder mystery with the help of Asperger syndrome-suffering computer genius and general nihilist Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), the girl mentioned in the title.

The Vanger family, one of the really wealthy ones in more or less socialist Sweden (and, as patriarch Henrik Vanger, played by Christopher Plummer, says, filled with murderers, liars and thieves), has been hit by tragedy.

Vanger’s nephew drowned almost 40 years earlier, and a bit later, his favorite great-niece disappeared, but every year on the anniversary of her disappearance, he receives a framed

Rosenberg

Mounted Unit

continued from page 25 minimum of 100 hours each year. When a member starts out on patrol, he calls in to log in his time and area, then calls in to log out when he finishes. Additionally, each member submits a monthly log sheet.

Schmitt said that right now there are six members patrolling in Wellington, two in Jupiter Farms, one in Caloosa, four in Boca Raton, and 40 or so in The Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

All of the members ride their own horses, with one exception: Abbey Rhode patrols in a carriage pulled by her miniature horse, Skie.

“I’ve had Skie for five years,” she said.

“She’s six years old and only 34 inches tall.

pressing of a flower, something she often gave him when she lived on the island.

Suffice it to say that the plotting for what actually happened is riddled with inconsistencies, and in the long run, a lot of things are not at all what they seem. You could drive a fleet of Volvos through some of the holes.

There are incidental examples of violence throughout. The Swedish title of the book was Men Who Hate Women. To make things better, much of it is actually incidental to the main plot. The fact that the character most easily identified with is a multiply pierced, heavily tattooed woman with no social skills at all demonstrates the strange degree of characterization in the film. Craig’s Blomkvist has lost everything by publishing a (true) story backed

by almost no evidence that has led to a libel suit. Vanger is an old man who, somehow, 40 years after things went wrong, decides to go to a writer who has already demonstrated his flaws to get answers. Even the charming members of the family like cousin Martin (Stellen Skarsgård) and cousin Anita (Joely Richardson) have their secrets. And the other family members are worse.

Mara’s Lisbeth, however, is a breakout performance. It is not easy to portray feelings in a person who is essentially unable to deal with other people. But Mara manages to get through. You feel her pain, her loneliness, her emptiness and her gradual escape from that as she gains purpose as well as a tenuous connection and relationship with Craig’s Blomkvist.

You should be warned, however, that there are several scenes that break new ground in raw brutality. In modern Sweden, the state (according to the book and movie) can take over the lives of people who it feels cannot fully take care of themselves. The state has ruled that Lisbeth needs supervision, and when her old supervisor has a stroke, she gets a new guardian who at their first meeting forces her

into oral sex in order to get the money she needs to live and, in their next session, brutally rapes her. That scene is nauseating. On the other hand, she is a technical wizard and has taped the scene. But instead of simply using it to stop her tormenter, she damages him easily as much as he damaged her. The scenes are not for the faint-hearted.

In this film, Sweden has a washed-out, almost lifeless feel. Colors are not vivid, except for Lisbeth. The three stories (the long-ago disappearance, Blomkvist’s quest and Lisbeth’s struggles) occasionally seem to merge, but they pull the film apart and make it far too long, although I must admit to having been held in place for even the more than two-anda-half-hour length of the film.

The film is brutal, and it does have plot holes. On the other hand, it is fascinating to watch the degeneration and horror within a family that author Stieg Larsson uses as symbolic of modern Sweden. The other books in the series continue the indictment of Swedish society, which is shown to be both powerhungry and corrupt. Since we are now in the January movie doldrums, this would be a good time to catch up on a well-made film.

Even though she’s small, she has a huge personality and takes a mini-bite out of crime in Loxahatchee. She’s literally a trailblazer — the first-ever mini member of the COP Mounted Unit.”

Dollie Unger joined with her Paint mare, Tootsie.

“I like keeping the equestrian life alive and relevant,” she said. “When I’m on patrol, I always keep an eye out for the animals, looking to see they’re being kept correctly, and report any loose dogs running around.”

Kathy Lamerson of the Homeland community off State Road 7 rides Kit Kat, her Quarter Horse mare. She has been a COP member for six years. “I like getting out and serving the community,” she said. “I ride along canal banks looking for dumped trash or anything out of the ordinary. One time I found a smol-

dering log and called the fire department.”

Lamerson and Kit Kat were also part of the opening day flag ceremony at this year’s South Florida Fair horse tent.

Alan Weisberg moved to Boynton Beach this past July. “I was a member of my local mounted volunteer unit with the Bergen County (New Jersey) Sheriff’s Department. When Jake, my Quarter Horse, and I moved here, I knew I wanted to keep doing this. I contacted Helmut even before we moved,” he said. “I’m retired now. I rode when I was younger, then there was a gap of about 45 years, and I started riding again about 8 years ago. I like being out in public with a horse. It’s fun for Jake and fun for me. I like making friends and meeting people.”

For more information, call Helmut Schmitt at (561) 358-4159 or visit www.pbso.org.

Abbey Rhode with her mini Skie.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Page 28 January 20 - January 26, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS

Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair owner Jerry Gilber t works on a lawnmower.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Expert Service From Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Located on Southern Blvd., just east of the South Florida Fairgrounds, Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair provides expert repair for all lawn equipment.

Owner and expert mechanic Jerry Gilbert has operated the business since June 1999.

He can fix just about any type of lawnmower.

“It’s a one-man shop,” Gilbert said. “This way I’m able to give personalized attention to my customers.”

The shop was originally located off Cleary Road in West Palm Beach. But after years of living in West Palm Beach, Gilbert and his wife decided to relocate to Okeechobee.

“Originally from a small town in Iowa, she wanted to move back to a small town, so we moved to Okeechobee, which is beautiful,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert lived out in Okeechobee for several years until his wife passed away. “I then decided to move back to a place I was familiar with,” he said. “There was nothing to do out there without her, and I knew that in West Palm Beach, I had friends and more people who knew me.”

Gilbert is now back in Palm Beach County, and has opened up a new location for his longstanding lawnmower repair business. The new shop is at 8115-5 Southern Blvd.

Gilbert has 40 years of experience fixing all types of engines. As a Vietnam veteran, he has worked on large tanks and tractor trailers.

Gilbert began working on lawnmowers after getting a job offer at a department store.

“When I moved to Kentucky as a young man, I found an ad in the paper for someone

who could work on lawnmowers,” he recalled.

“I had never worked on lawnmowers before. I was only used to working on large engines, but those jobs were not common at the time.”

Since then, Gilbert has been perfecting his skills and has become a highly experienced mechanic. “Mechanics learn from experiences, and what separates a good mechanic from a bad one is the experience,” he said. “But at the same time, it does not always matter how long you have been working on machines, because things are always changing, and I love the challenge.”

Gilbert also fixes generators, chainsaws, pressure washers and brush cutters. “I’ll work on anything and any brand,” he said. “That makes me more flexible and keeps me busy.”

Gilbert handles all customers on his own, from pickup to delivery of the equipment.

“Being that this is a one-man shop, I’m the only one who the client is going to see,” he said. “When you take it to another shop, you take it to one person who writes you up, then the mechanic is totally different, and the owner is somebody different. With me, it’s all one person, and my customers appreciate that.”

At Reasonable Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair, Gilbert focuses on checking all parts of the machine, not just the part with the problem.

“I make sure that the machine is working properly as a whole,” Gilbert said. “If the machine needs an oil change as well, then I do that. Whatever needs to be done to that machine to get it working properly, I’m able to do it.”

For more information, call (561) 713-3022 or (561) 236-2425.

January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 29

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HealthSource Royal Palm Beach To Host Blood Bank Drive Royal Palm Beach HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab will host a South Florida blood bank drive Feb. 13 to help replenish dwindling blood supplies.

Volunteer donors are encouraged to stop by the office, located at 125 S. State Road 7, Suite 103, to donate. For those who don’t wish to give blood but would still like to contribute, HealthSource doctors are offering free community service health screenings (a $189 value) for new patients and a free 15-minute massage for existing patients in exchange for a $10 donation to the American Red Cross.

“Giving blood saves lives; it’s as simple as that,” said HealthSource CEO Dr. Chris Tomshack said. “And for those who simply wish to donate $10, we’ll extend a complimentary screening to check their health, whether or not they currently suffer from pain.”

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and hospitals across the country are constantly in need of maintaining a safe and

stable blood supply.

The 19-point community service health screening will help track down even the smallest amounts of pain, including those suffering from a wide range of problems such as low back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder or arm pain, bulging or herniated discs, leg pain, numbness and more. Even X-rays will be included if necessary.

Founded in 2006, HealthSource specializes in providing proven systematized treatment procedures and operating protocols to more than 320 clinics throughout the country.

More than 300,000 patients nationwide have been treated using HealthSource’s unique combination of chiropractic care and progressive rehab, which combines the talents of skilled chiropractors, licensed massage therapists and progressive rehab staff.

For more information on HealthSource, visit www.healthsource chiro.com. For more information, facts or figures about the importance of blood donation, visit www.red cross.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

ABWA Chapter Donates Items To VA Medical Center In West Palm

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association donated holiday gift bags to the West Palm Beach Veteran’s Administration Medical Center for local residents.

Members dedicated their December meeting and program to assemble the bags and create handcrafted holiday cards as their way of recognizing local veterans and saying thank you. Members also assembled lap blankets for use by the hospital at member Nancy Abbott’s interior design company Village Interiors in Tequesta.

Chapter President Kandyce Key expressed her gratitude to members for their generosity and time spent in collecting items. “What started out as a very small project has blossomed into a major event,” she said.

“I know that our care packages will be greatly appreciated by all who receive them.”

Members made 11 fleece-lined blankets, assembled 75 gift bags of personal toiletries, and handcrafted 40 greeting cards and 105 meal tray notes for veterans at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.

“These were wonderful gifts and

Help For Veterans — Mary Phillips of the VA Medical Center (third from left) with ABWA Northern Palm Beach Chapter members Pat Key, Karen Williams and Carol O’Neil. will really benefit the veterans who receive them,” said Mary C. Phillips, chief of voluntary/recreation therapy service at the VA Medical Center.

“Basic things — items that we take for granted such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and socks — are always needed. In addition, the blankets and coverlets

will provide warmth for the veterans in the dialysis and infusion clinic, where it can become extremely cold.”

For more information about the American Business Women’s Association, contact Key at (561) 9084798 or abwa.npbflorida@gmail. com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Opens Location In Wellington Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt recently opened in Wellington at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 50, near the Mall at Wellington Green.

Customers help themselves to a mix of yogurt and toppings at a unique self-serve station, with more than 100 rotating yogurt flavors, from cake batter and pomegranate tart to

chocolate silk and vanilla snow, and more than 70 rotating toppings including fresh fruits, granolas, nuts, an assortment of candies and hot fudges.

Menchie’s uses the highest quality frozen yogurt at all of its locations globally, made exclusively through its own private label. Fur-

Deadline For Homestead Exemption Filing March 1 Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits is reminding new homeowners they might qualify for Florida’s Homestead Exemption property tax saving benefit.

Florida grants qualified residents a standard $25,000 exemption off a property’s assessed value. An additional exemption benefit up to $25,000 from the standard $25,000 may also apply. If you purchased a home in 2011, the filing deadline is Thursday, March 1.

You can apply in person at any of the county’s five service centers in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Royal Palm Beach or Belle Glade. The Midwestern Communities Service Center is located at 200 Civic Center Way.

To apply in person, the deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, March 1. To apply online, the deadline is 11:59 p.m.

March 1.

To qualify, the property must be the owner’s primary residence as of Dec. 31, 2011, and the owner must be a permanent resident of Florida and cannot hold any residencybased benefits in other Florida counties or states.

“To find out more about Florida’s Homestead Exemption and how it can save you money, please call my office at (561) 355-2866,” Nikolits said.

For more information the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, visit its web site at www. pbcgov.com/papa.

ther, Menchie’s frozen yogurt contains live and active cultures and has received the Live and Active Culture seal indicating its endorsement by the National Yogurt Association.

In addition, all of Menchie’s yogurt flavors are certified kosher by the Kosher Supervision of America or the Union of Orthodox Congregations of America as they arrive in their sealed containers.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt’s success comes from helping customers create memories in a family-friendly environment that is both warm and welcoming. Providing an unparalleled guest experience, Menchie’s offers interactive elements such as chalkboards for kids, enjoyable music, arts and crafts, and indoor/outdoor seating areas where friends and family gather. To make the experience a little sweeter, Menchie’s provides free stickers and balloons to children at the store.

Menchie’s hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Menchie’s is currently offering free waffle bowls on Waffle Wednesdays, and other specials are coming soon. For more information, visit www.menchies.com or call (561) 3838282.

(Above) Customers flock to the self-serve station at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. (Below) An outside view of the Wellington location.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Palm Beach Pops & Guests Honor Louis Armstrong Feb. 6-12 Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops celebrate the great Louis Armstrong with Tony Award winner Lillias White and renowned trumpeter and vocalist Longineu Parsons to honor the everlasting legacy of this legendary musician. With a six-night South Florida engagement titled “Wonderful World: A Salute to Louis Armstrong,” the concert will run at various dates from Feb. 6-12 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus and the Eissey Campus Theatre at the Palm Beach State College campus in Palm Beach Gardens.

Fans will swing to the sounds of classic Armstrong standards such as “Hello Dolly,” “Mack the Knife” and “Wonderful World,” among many other favorites.

A Brooklyn, N.Y., native, White made her Broadway debut in Barnum in 1981. White earned a Tony Award for The Life and an additional nomination for Fela! White’s other Broadway credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Cats and Once on This Island. She also received an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Lillian Edwards on Sesame Street. White joined the cast of Love, Loss and

What I Wore on Jan. 4 at off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre and will appear in the show through Jan. 29.

Parsons has been hailed by critics internationally as one of the world’s finest trumpet players. He is also a master of recorders, flute, percussion and singing the blues. Parsons’ music crosses genres and defies classification, blending the styles of jazz, funk, blues, classic, urban and world fusion. His music serves as a metaphor for crossing restrictive boundaries that separate people and confine human potential.

Over his 25-year career, Parsons has performed in some 30 countries and has shared the stage and recording studio with Cab Calloway, Nat Adderley, Cecil Taylor, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Herbie Mann, Frank Foster, Wycliff Gordon and many others.

Recognized as a founding father of jazz, Louis Armstrong made a profound impact on popular culture as one of the first great celebrities of the 20th century. His legacy lives on to this day the world over as many musicians seek to imitate his exciting, innovative style. Armstrong’s easy, unassuming manner, great sense of humor and upbeat outlook endeared him to everyone he encountered. He recorded hit songs

for five decades, performed an average of 300 concerts each year, and appeared in more than 30 films.

Performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will take place Feb. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Performances at the Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton will take place Feb. 8, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. The performance at PBSC’s Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens will take place Feb. 12 at 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $29 to $89. For more information, call (561) 832-7677 or visit www.palmbeachpops.org/ armstrong.

Founded in 1991 by Lappin, music director and conductor, the Palm Beach Pops quickly distinguished itself as a world-class pops orchestra with a debut concert in 1992. In collaboration with the best musicians and guest artists on the international music scene, the Palm Beach Pops performs more than 36 subscription concerts a year in South Florida at the Kravis Center, the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium, the Eissey Campus Theatre, as well as other national venues. The Palm Beach Pops’ comprehensive education and community outreach program has engaged over 85,000 students since its inception in 1998. Its dedi-

Longineu Parsons, Bob Lappin and Lillias White. cation to the preservation of the American Songbook continues to allow the orchestra to garner national and international acclaim as a premier pops orchestra.

Dates, prices, artists and programs are subject to change. The Palm Beach Pops is supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional

grants and concert income.

The Palm Beach Pops is a notfor-profit organization. For information about the Palm Beach Pops InSchool Youth Music Education program, the Tickets for Children & Families program, volunteer opportunities and tax-deductible donations, call (561) 832-POPS or visit www.palmbeachpops.org.

‘Cabaret’ Runs Now Through Jan. 29 At Maltz Jupiter Theatre Come hear the music play at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s riveting musical Cabaret.

Take your seat at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre for Cabaret, the energetic, politically charged, seductive and daring Tony Award–winning production that is ranked among the greatest American musicals.

With performances now through Jan. 29, the show is set amid the decadence of 1929 Weimar Germany’s netherworld and follows the unlikely romance between writer Cliff Bradshaw and performer Sally Bowles.

“For those who think they’ve seen Cabaret before, I encourage you to come see the theater’s production, as we always breathe new life into classic musicals,” artistic director Andrew Kato said. “Our Cabaret is a dramatic, intimate piece, with politically charged love stories that take center stage.”

Based on John Van Druten’s 1951 play I Am a Camera and featuring a memorable Kander and Ebb score, the entire show takes place in a cabaret, setting the scene for a particularly unique aspect of the production: nearly all of the show’s performers sing, dance and play musical instruments.

“The added responsibility of playing instruments forges a unique bond amongst the actors,” said the show’s director, B.T. McNicholl.

“They truly become an orchestra ensemble, as well as an acting ensemble.”

The actors-as-orchestra concept serves as a metaphor for the show’s setting and time — Germany in the Weimar period (1919-1933), when rampant inflation and poverty defined the country as a carefree, anything goes and excessive world that led to Hitler’s rise. The concept also allows the production to be re-imagined to focus more on its love stories and politically fractured heartbreak.

A celebrated Broadway veteran, McNicholl has directed musicals such as Billy Elliot and Spamalot, and wrote and directed the musical The It Girl. He is the director given permission to direct this particular revival of Cabaret — the 1998 Broadway revival, which ran for 2,377 performances. The show went on to become the third longest-running revival in Broadway musical history.

The production features Broadway actress Kate Shindle (Wonder-

land, Legally Blonde, Miss America 1998) as Bowles; popular South Florida actor Bruce Linser (last seen at the theater in Deathtrap and The Full Monty) as Cliff Bradshaw; and revered New York actor Christopher Sloan (All Shook Up, The Producers) as the emcee.

As a special opportunity for the show, the theater is offering a limited number of extra-special VIP seats at cabaret-style tables, including two complimentary beverages per person and cast interaction before and

during the show. VIP tickets are available by phone or at the box office. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 575-2223.

For a behind-the-scenes peek at the theater’s show, visit www. jupitertheatre.org/shows/cabaret.

Unique sites have been created for all of the theater’s season shows.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre also has a sizzling Cabaret After Dark experience. Matinee and evening performances are available, with group discounts for 20 or more. For tickets,

call (561) 575-2223 or visit www. jupitertheatre.org.

Cabaret is sponsored by California Closets and the John McDonald Company. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional not-for-profit regional theater dedicated to the performing arts. Its mission is to entertain, educate and inspire the community. The theater is a member of the League of Resident Theatres and is located east of U.S. 1 at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.

Joe Nasuti, the Phantom, is a featured writer for the Town-Crier, Forever Young and www.yournews.com. Comments & recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 33

This Week at The Four Arts Exhibit on Display All Season: Florida’s Wetlands No charge • (561) 655-2776 Ongoing Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Campus on the Lake Class: Yogalates with Rassika Sabine Bourgi $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Sunday, January 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Film:The Cove, featuring a special guest commentary from environmental activist Richard O’Barry • No charge • (561) 655-7226

Thursday, January 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Lecture and Book Signing:The Gardens of the Vatican by Linda Kooluris Dobbs $20 • (561) 805-8562 • Part of the “Splendors of Italy” Series Thursday, January 26 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Children’s Library Story Time: Snowman Day No charge • (561) 655-2776 Friday, January 27 at 2:30, 5:15 and 8 p.m.

Film: Farewell • $5 • (561) 655-7226

Monday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Children’s Library Story Time: Chinese New Year No charge • (561) 655-2776

Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m.

Lecture: Memory: Human and Animal Research with Dr. David Nash No charge • (561) 805-8562

Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, January 25 at 11 a.m.

Book Discussion: Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling by Ross King No charge • (561) 655-2766

Saturday, January 28 at 12 p.m.

The Met Opera, Live in HD: Siegfried • $25 • (561) 655-7226

Wednesday, January 25 at 8 p.m.

Concert: Salzburg Chamber Soloists with Soprano Karine Polverelli $40/$45 • (561) 655-7226

Sunday, January 29 at 3 p.m.

Concert:Trio Solisti • $15 • (561) 655-7226

FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.

2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg

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January 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Boys Basketball Defeats P.B. Central 58-54

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report It was a close game Friday, Jan. 13 as the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team narrowly defeated crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School 58-54 at home.

The Wolverines, who were trailing at halftime, made a comeback in the third quarter to defeat the Broncos, who held on to the lead for much of the game.

Both teams were equally matched, causing a stalemate early in the first quarter. Both teams traded shots but couldn’t score.

With three minutes left in the quarter, Palm Beach Central was up 2-1, all on foul shots, when Wellington’s

Dondre Duffus put in a layup to take the lead 3-2.

But Palm Beach Central’s Mark Evans responded with back-to-back 3-point baskets to secure an 8-3 Bronco lead with two minutes in the quarter.

At the end of the quarter, both teams seemed to pick up the pace, scoring back-to-back baskets. With about a minute left, the teams were tied at 8 when A.J. Lowe put in a basket to take the lead 10-8 for Palm Beach Central.

The Broncos’ Joshua Alexis then sank a 3-point basket at the buzzer to go into the second quarter with the lead at 13-8. Though the Wolverines fought to catch up, Palm

Beach Central was on fire with 3point baskets from Evans, Alexis and Sam Auguste that helped them take the lead 28-23 by halftime. Baskets from Stephane Beneche, Mikey Margiotta and Kemar Downer added to the Wolverines’ score.

The Wolverines came out of halftime determined to catch up, scoring twice the number of points the Broncos scored in the third quarter.

Ultimately, Wellington able to overtake Palm Beach Central for a narrow win, finishing the game 58-54.

Palm Beach Central travels to Jupiter Friday, Jan. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. game, and the Wolverines are also in action that day, hosting Forest Hill High School at 7:30 p.m.

Sam Auguste guards Dondre Duffus.

Wellington’s Alex Peavler looks to pass.

Bronco Joshua Alexis runs the ball across the court.

Palm Beach Central’s A.J. Lowe tries to grab the ball.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

RPBHS Basketball Squad Tops Summit Christian 58-56

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team traveled Thursday, Jan. 12 to Summit Christian, where they upset the top-ranked Fighting Saints 58-56 in overtime.

The Wildcats trailed most of the contest against the defending Class

Wildcat Christian Cromartie takes the ball up court past Summit’s Josue Levy.

1A state champions but managed to rally late in the fourth quarter to tie just before the final buzzer. The loss was the first of the season for the Fighting Saints.

At one point, the Wildcats trailed by 7 points but were able to pull within 4 just before the end of the first half. At the start of the second half, Royal Palm Beach appeared to play with urgency, keeping within a point or two. The Wildcats clawed back to take a brief lead with 41 seconds left in the third period, and managed a surge to tie the contest at 37 to start the fourth quarter. Royal Palm Beach was not to be denied another chance, consistently reaching within 1 point. The Wildcats, down by 2 with 14.9 seconds on the game clock, fought to get the ball back.

Junior point guard Ivenor Rosier plowed through the center with a lay-up that tied with less than two seconds remaining. The clock would run out as Summit attempted a last effort to get the winning basket.

Royal Palm Beach darted into the lead as the overtime period began.

Solid performances from Joe Joe Williams, Stephon Gordon and C.J. Hammond propelled the Wildcats to a 4-point lead over the Fighting Saints. Summit rallied to come within 2 with 12 seconds remaining but could not break the Wildcat defense.

The court filled with Royal Palm Beach fans running out to embrace their team in the upset victory. The win for Royal Palm Beach puts them at 10-6 on the season.

The Wildcats’ top performer was Joe Joe Williams with 16 points and eight rebounds. C.J. Hammond also had 16 points. Other notable performances for the Wildcats were Rosier, and Christian Cromartie.

Royal Palm Beach lost to host Palm Beach Lakes 67-52 on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Wildcats were back in action, hosting Forest Hill on Tuesday, Jan. 17, coming away with an 80-45 win.

Wildcat Joe Joe Williams beats Summit’s Richard Gaetano for the layup in overtime.

RPB’s Stephon Gordon wins the tip-off at the start of overtime.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Roller Hockey WHS Wrestlers Compete In Port. St. Lucie The Wellington High School var- Kyle Eggnatz from Golf Tournament March 5 sity wrestling team competed at Port Coral Springs by a St. Lucie High School the weekend score of 7-4. Well-

The Wellington Prowlers and Roller Kings roller hockey teams will host their first golf tournament Monday, March 5 at the Binks Forest Golf Club.

Sponsorships range from the main sponsor ($3,000) down to a gift certificate or free product from your company. Hole sponsorships are available for $100. After the golf tournament, there will be a buffet dinner with a silent auction.

Donations will be either given away as a prize or used in the silent auction. Gifts will be recognized in e-mails to the hundreds of families involved in the Wellington Roller Hockey program.

All profits from this event go to the youngsters who play inline hockey on the Wellington Prowlers and the Wellington Roller Kings hockey teams. Both teams represent Wellington in tournaments around the state and the nation.

The teams play at Wellington Village Park, and members range in age from 8 to 16 years old.

If you have a product for the raffle or auction, call Brian Markey at (561) 791-8998 or e-mail brimarkey @comcast.net to arrange the pick-

up of any items for donation. If a credit card donation is easier, supporters can donate via Pay Pal at www.wellingtonrollerhockey.com.

Click on “Registration” and then use the link to sign up for golf or to sign up to be a sponsor.

Donations provide the players with equipment, jerseys and tournament fees to represent Wellington in competitions. Send entry forms and payment payable to Wellington Roller Hockey to 13503 Jonquil Place, Wellington, FL 33414. PayPal payments can be made online at www.wellington rollerhockey.com.

Golfers are invited to join in the fun as well. A foursome costs just $400 and includes a second round of golf at Binks Forest at a future time. There will be contests for the golfers as well as prizes just for playing. This is a best ball scramble golf event, so any level of golfer is invited to join. Single players are invited to join and will be matched up with other players for fun.

For more information, call Tournament Administrator Gari Sanfilippo at (561) 603-1513 or e-mail wellingtonrollerhockey@gmail.com.

of Jan. 7 at a 19-team individual tournament and came home with five place winners.

Leading the way for the Wolverine wrestlers were third-place finishers sophomore Nik Bonadies (120 pounds) and senior Juan Ferro (126 pounds).

Nik Bonadies faced the toughest road when he lost a close decision to the second-ranked wrestler in the state from Lake Highland Prep in the quarterfinals. On his way battling through the consolation rounds, Bonadies defeated an opponent from Port St. Lucie who had defeated Bonadies in overtime earlier in the season.

In his third-place match, Bonadies defeated a returning state qualifier

ington team members were excited to watch Bonadies overcome an early loss and then battle his way through tough competition to get back to third place.

Juan Ferro took a Wellington’s Nik Bonadies similar route to capon the podium (second from right). ture the third-place medal when he lost a close decision pin in the third period, when the in the quarterfinals. Ferro also had score was tied 2-2. to battle back through the consolaAlso placing for Wellington were tion rounds. In his third place match, fourth-place finisher senior Collin he found himself facing the same Bachi (152 pounds), and fifth-place opponent he lost to in the quarterfi- finishers senior Eric Melamed (132 nals. Ferro wrestled a great final pounds) and sophomore Josiah match and finished the match with a Cleghorn (195 pounds).

SRHS Wrestlers Dominate In Boca Raton In mid-December, the Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team traveled to Boca Raton High School to win its third major meet of the season, defeating all eight opponents over two days at the Kuntz Boca Invitational Christmas Tournament.

The results were as follows: Seminole Ridge vs. Boca Raton, 42-33;

Seminole Ridge vs. Deerfield Beach, 64-9; Seminole Ridge vs. Key West, 46-30; Seminole Ridge vs. Port St. Lucie, 54-19; Seminole Ridge vs.

Santaluces, 78-3; Seminole Ridge vs.

Spanish River, 67-12; Seminole Ridge vs. Stoneman Douglas, 63-15; and Seminole Ridge vs. Wellington, 4331.

Seminole Ridge High School wrestlers with the best records at the tournament were Sam Hargesheimer, Evan Kauffmann, Robert LaPeter and Trace Thome (8-0); Scott Watson (7-0); Pierce Beaubien and Zach Hallman (7-1); Logan Broberg and Nick Keller (62).

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SPORTS & RECREATION

New Soccer Team Takes Flight At Ideal School In Royal Palm Beach When physical education coach Max Krieger joined the Ideal School in Royal Palm Beach last year, he had a mission: to create a great physical education program for the students. Part of that mission was to develop an after-school sports program for both the elementary and middle school — no small feat for a small school with only one athletic staff member.

“Over the summer, I spent time putting together a soccer program for first through fifth grade and a basketball program for the middle school students,” Krieger said.

“Thanks to the parents’ involvement and the children’s enthusiastic participation, it has all come together really well.”

The school has two elementary soccer teams in addition to the Dream Middle School’s basketball team. More than 80 children are playing sports between the three teams this year, which is more than half of the school’s student population.

“Recently, our soccer team played against Wellington Christian, and we had a basketball game against them, too,” Krieger said. “The players have really shown a lot of team-

The Ideal Cardinals’ Blakely Willson and J.D. Mason during a recent game. work, and they’re all excited to represent the school. It’s going to be a great season for everyone.”

The Ideal School and Dream Middle School are pioneers in the use of multiple intelligence theory in the classroom. Their expertise in inno-

vative education draws students from preschool through eighth grade throughout Palm Beach County.

To find out more about the school, visit www.dreamideal.com or call (561) 791-2881.

WAVE U-12 BOYS WIN AT SOCCER SHOOT-OUT

The Wellington Wave U-12 boys blue soccer team went 4-0 and won their division at the Wellington Wave Soccer Shoot-Out over the weekend of Jan. 7-8. The boys qualified for the championship game with strong second-half performances to win 9-4 over the Okeeheelee Heat state team, 6-2 over the Okeeheelee Heat Blue and 5-2 over Weston Total 90. The championship game featured a rematch with the Okeeheelee Heat state team in a close and physical game. After trailing 2-1 at the half, the Wave scored twice and held off the Heat to claim a 3-2 victory. Isaias Lobos scored 21 of the team’s goals, while goalie Fernando Vilela allowed only 10 over the weekend. Team members include Alberto Alfaro, Dino Barletta, Michael Baynon, Max Brown, Anthony Jiovenetta, Joe Kohlbeck, Isaias Lobos, Mike Minns, Luis Marull, Jacob Nicholas, Justin Rothberg and Fernando Vilela. The team is coached by Lu Barletta, and assisted by Andy Nikolakopoulos and Fernando Vilela.

Page 40 January 20 - January 26, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Jan. 21 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will stroll Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterwar d. Call Daisy Palmer at (561) 439-5780 for more info.

• Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Positively Africa” for all ages Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. Join Julius and Julia Sanna as they present the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from an African perspective through music and stories. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature a “Whole Body Fair” on Saturday, Jan. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Stop by the Whole Body department for free samples, talk with product spokespeople to learn about products and enter to win prizes (no purchase necessary). There is no charge and no registration is necessary. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Teen Advisory Posse” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Anime Club” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.

Watch anime, eat Pocky and check out the library’s newest manga titles. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host the Acreage Community Park Jam on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 4 t o 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). The free event features musicians, poets, comedians and many other artists of all ages, styles and skill levels. There will also be a car show and 50/50 raffle. For more info., contact Bob Renna at (561) 602-0676 or bobrenna@bellsouth.net or visit www. acreagelandowners.org.

• Gathering Time, a New York-based folk rock trio, returns to the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. with their “Trib-

ute to Folk Music” show. Call (561) 7532484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for info.

Sunday, Jan. 22 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike the Ocean to Lake Trail on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward. Call (561) 586-0486 for more information and where to meet.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a two-mile bird walk Sunday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. at the Wellington Environmental Preserve (3499 Flying Cow Road). Call (561) 742-7791 for more info.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “For the Love of Trees” Sunday, Jan. 22 from noon to 4 p.m. in the garden. Various environmental organizations will be on hand with activities. Call (561) 233-1757 for more info.

Monday, Jan. 23 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Monday, Jan. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Contact Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 7906200 or e-mail marylou@palmswest.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Scent-sational Spa Day” for ages 8 to 12 on Monday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. Create delicious smelling soaps and bath products. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 • Wycliffe Golf & Country Club will host the annual Play for P.I.N.K. Golf Outing & Charity Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 24. For more info., call Play for P.I.N.K. Chair Judy Fish at (561) 641-3635.

• The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Hats off for Hats” for ages 3 to 5 on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 11:15 a.m. Derbies, caps or crowns? Celebrate the accessory that tops them all with stories, games and a craft. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “D is for Dragon” for ages 5 to 8 on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with stories and a song. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

See CALENDAR, page 41

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Duct Tape Animals” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Stun and amaze your friends with cool duct tape creatures to take home absolutely free.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Are Headaches or Migraines Ruining Your Day?” on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Learn the three most common triggers that may lead to headaches and ways to avoid them from Dr. Tim DeCanio at this free presentation. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 • The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group will meet in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Florida Water Management District Headquarters (3301 Gun Club Road). This is the third in a series of public workshops. A detailed agenda and live web cast link will be available at www. sfrestore.org/cepp/cepp.html. For more info., call Mary Plumb at (305) 348-1662.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Food, Glorious Food!”

Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 10:15 a.m. for age 2, 10:45 a.m. for age 3, and 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 and 5. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon will take place Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive). The featured speaker will be Tom Feltenstein, CEO and founder of Power Marketing Academy. Registration will be at 11:30 a.m., with the program starting at noon. To register for the luncheon, call (561) 792-2525 or visit www.wellington chamber.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Royal Palm Readers” for adults Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. featuring a discussion of A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 7906030 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. This is a fun family story time in English and Spanish, where participants read, sing and create a delightful craft.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Thursday, Jan. 26 • Registrations for the 21st annual Susan

G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure will be taken at the Mall at Wellington Green on Thursday, Jan. 26. The race will take place Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.komensouthflorida.org/ 2012rftc to register online or make a donation, or call (888) 470-6374.

• The Palm Beach County Commission will hold a zoning meeting Thursday, Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Go Orange” on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 10:15 a.m. for ages 2 and 3, and 11:15 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. Miss Orange will host story time with songs, dances and stories. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Sea Life Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to stories about sea creatures, sing songs and make a simple craft.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will present “Health Starts Here: Mighty Bowls of Goodness” on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. A Mighty Bowl is simple to create, and the options are endless. Call (561) 904-4000 to preregister.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). Call Marge Herzog at (561) or visit www.loxgroves.com for more info.

Friday, Jan. 27 • Live auditions for Wellington Idol will be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 7532484 for more info.

• Tyrannosaurs, raptors and other exotic creatures will invade the South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) during the exhibit “Dinosaur Attack.” The exhibit will open with “Dino Roar Night” on Friday, Jan. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. and will continue through May 13. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www. sfsm.org.

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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WE BUY YOUR OLD & BROKEN GOLD — diamond, & silver jewelry, coins, silverware, flat-ware, etc. W ellington Green Mall. CR Jewelers (outside Aeropostale) 561-7531313

CNA — Mature,experienced in all area’s. I speak English only. No Live In. Seeks Part-Time/FullTime work. Call 561-632-0464

STOP SMOKING HYPNOSIS Sherri Austin Certified Hypnotist 561-247-1116 HypnosisWithSherrie.com

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation T utors.

Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — parttime dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career. Some days - mostly nights & weekends.

561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only.

Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 Lic. & ins.

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PIZZANO’S PIZZA — Looking for mature person for delivery. Please apply in person. Must own vehicle and have auto insurance. 561-7902345 Apply at: 601 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream.

Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME 4/3/3 — on paved road, 2,502 sq. ft. under air. Fenced & landscaped. Not short sale or foreclosure. Check out postlets.com/repb/6762966.Call 790-5365 or 779-2743 $246K

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Original Price $1,494,000. Just reduced to $650,000. 3/2 Home. 10.5 plus acres also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover’s Dream. 12033 Acme Road, Wellington, Little Ranches

HOUSE FOR RENT IN SUGARPOND — 3 bedroom/2bath, house with heated pool. On Canal, Landscaping & Pool maintenance included. $1,800 per month. First, Last, and security call 305-3234493

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225.

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t.

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates.

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

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THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 PLACE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AD HERE! CALL THE TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS TODAY AT 561-793-7606

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing.

State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

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

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Est ablished 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est.

Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

Januar y 20 - January 26, 2012 Page 43

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS PLACE YOUR AD TODAY CALL 793-3576

NATIVE SPEAKER — Affordable.

Translations and tutoring. Lessons tailored to your level (beginner to advanced) Lilly H. 561-248-1786

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

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal.

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

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