Town-Crier Newspaper January 29, 2010

CYPRESS TRAILS MARKS 20 YEARS

RPB Council OKs P.W. Chamber’s Plans For March Art & Music Fest

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved a special permit last week allowing the Palms West Chamber of Commerce to produce a music festival in the village this spring. The Royal Palm Art & Music Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21 at Lakeside Challenger Park, Royal Plaza and the Royal Inn. The event will be free. Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien told the council at its Jan. 21 meeting that Royal Palm Beach Blvd. between Southern Blvd. and Seminole Palms Drive will be closed for street painting, vendor exhibits and two entertainment stages. The chalks used for the “painting” are identical to those used at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, are not permanent and will not damage the drainage system, O’Brien said.

One large stage will feature area bands and entertainers. The chamber also is working with broadcasting companies to bring in larger acts, Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said. A smaller stage will feature community groups such as dance academies and cheerleaders.

O’Brien said canoe and kayak races and a light show will be held on Lake Challenger. Mechanical rides will be set up on the vacant lot at the northwest quadrant of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Southern Blvd. A kids zone and bounce houses will be offered at the Riverside Bank site. A wings cookoff and beer garden will be set up in the Royal Plaza. Beer

consumption will be limited to the beer garden, he said. A 15-foot pathway on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. will be cordoned off to allow access by emergency vehicles.

Parking will be at various sites, including the Royal Inn, Royal Plaza, the northwest quadrant of the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza, and underneath the power lines, where a shuttle service will be available to and from the festival.

The eastbound left-turn and westbound right-turn lanes from Southern Blvd. will be closed onto Royal Palm Beach Blvd., and through traffic will be rerouted onto Lamstein Lane to Seminole Palms Drive to Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Southbound traffic on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. will be funneled to the left-turn lane to Seminole Palms Drive, east to Lamstein Lane and south to Southern Blvd. The chamber will pay sheriff’s deputies to be available for traffic control as needed. Public information signs providing information about lane closures will be placed two weeks before the event.

The permit granted the chamber a waiver of the special event fee of $150, use of Lakeside Challenger Park, use of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., use of the power line property, use of up to six of the PBSO variable message boards and use of PBSO staff as necessary with the chamber paying the deputies. Further, village staff will assist with electrical needs and trash collection during the event.

Village Manager David Farber

said that he hopes the village’s permanent electric announcement boards will be installed, eliminating the need for the PBSO message boards. “This was an idea of great breadth,” Farber said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the hard work the chamber staff put into this. They had a turnaround time of relatively short order given the long list of things that we requested.”

Mayor David Lodwick said he was glad to see that beer sales would be on private property in the Royal Plaza and not on public land. “I know that doesn’t bother some people, but that’s a big deal to me. I don’t know if it is to other towns, but it is to me, as we have always believed in family events like we have held at Veterans Park, so I appreciate your understanding of that in working within those rules.”

O’Brien said a deputy will be stationed at the entrance to the beer garden.

Councilman David Swift commented on the unpredictability of these types of events, recounting that many years ago he put on a Halloween haunted house in his garage in cooperation with the Jaycees and 700 people showed up. “People are looking for these types of events, so I think it will be successful,” Swift said. Miranda said 70 booths are scheduled to be set up. “We sent out a preliminary mailing just to see what the response was,” Miranda said. “We’re just starting to get some calls. Our goal between regular booths and sponsors is to have 70 out there. There may

See FESTIVAL, page 18

Wellington To Build ‘Patriot Memorial’

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council granted approval Tuesday, Jan. 26 for a “patriot memorial” that will honor the victims of 9/11 and serve as the entry focal point to the new municipal center on Forest Hill Blvd.

“Not only will this memorialize 9/11, but what this project will really do is spotlight the patriots of our country,” said Councilman Matt Willhite, who led the drive for the project. “Our lives all changed on Sept. 11, 2001. Not only was our country attacked, it was attacked on our soil.”

The village has been authorized by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive an artifact from the World Trade Center, which will be included in the monument.

“That is not done with the light stroke of the pen,” Willhite said. “This is a very diligent process, with many of the families involved. There is a lot of dignity that goes along with receiving this piece and putting it in place.”

Palm Beach Gardens is the only other community in the area that has received approval for an artifact, Willhite noted.

The memorial is expected to cost the village between $70,000 and $80,000 and will be dedicated on the 10-year anniversary of the attacks, Capital Improvements Director Rick Greene said. Local business Source One Distributors has pledged $10,000 to kick-start the development and was honored for its donation at the meeting.

The council hopes to authorize the Wellington Community Foundation to establish a capital projects fund for the memorial, which it expects to be funded largely through private donations.

The council also approved an “eternal flame” that will sit in the center of a fountain. The memorial will fly the American flag and include a contemplation area that features a grassy space with benches.

“This is a great idea for Wellington, and is something that will

See

RPB, County Pact Would Give Football League A Home

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach’s youth football program might find a 12-year home at the county’s Seminole Palms Park under an agreement recommended for approval Monday by the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Board.

The agreement, if approved by the Royal Palm Beach Village Council and the Palm Beach County Commission, would allow the Palms West Athletic Association, which runs the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats football and cheerleading program, to use two fields at Seminole Palms Park for 12 years at a total cost of $300,000, Recreation Director Lou Recchio said. Recchio said discussions with the county began in August after Royal Palm Beach High School advised the league that it could no longer use its football field, which was costing the league $10,000 to $12,000 per season to use.

The league had been looking at Lindsay Ewing Park on the south side of the municipal campus to convert to a football field. It was on the village’s capital improvements list for $320,000, with an

application in for a $200,000 Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant.

“The funds were there to start the process, but the group was in need of a facility immediately,” Recchio said.

The village contacted Palm Beach County about using one of the fields at Seminole Palms Park, but there were two fields there, with a canal that separates Seminole Palms Park from the village’s Camellia Park. “It was ideal because it was almost contiguous with our facility,” Recchio said. League enrollment has doubled to 440, so the group needs another field, Recchio said.

“The issue was going to be the lights, because the football season is in the fall and into the early winter, so having lights in the evening so they can have their practices was almost a necessity,” Recchio said.

An agreement was reached for the group to use the two adjacent fields, Recchio said, of which one had lights, bleachers, press box, goal posts and scoreboard.

“The cooperation we got from

See FOOTBALL, page 20

Foundation In Memory Of Olivia Armand Will Honor Nurses

She was renowned for her big smiles and fierce hugs. Now, with the help of her parents Michael and Trish Armand, her legacy will continue to bring joy to others.

The Olivia Grace Armand Foundation will offer scholarships from “the Cookie jar” to nursing students or nurses who want to further their education in pediatrics.

Children with I-Cell have a life expectancy of 10 years.

There are only 16 known cases in the United States, Trish Armand said, adding that five children died from the disease last year. Olivia was the fourth.

“It’s so rare that most people have never heard of it,” she said. “We want to promote awareness with the foundation in hopes maybe one day there will be a cure.”

The foundation’s main focus is providing monetary scholarships to nurses with financial need and the drive to work with sick children.

Nurses have been prevalent in the Armands’ lives. During repeated hospital visits, the Armands saw how the nurses’ dedication affected the lives of children and families living with disease.

“Several kids died while we were there. I don’t know how they do it,” she said of the nurses. “They see these children over and over for years and years, and then they pass away. They have to pick up and start all over again.”

The nurses became like family to the Armands.

“The time we spent in the hospital was made bearable only by the nurses,” Michael Armand said. “Nurses are a godsend.”

Olivia was born with mucolipidosis II or “I-Cell,” in which children are born without lysosomal enzymes and can’t break down complex carbohydrates — an essential life process. The disorder is caused by a rare recessive gene.

“It takes a special breed of person to work on that floor,” Trish Armand said, recalling the 63 days spent on the oncology floor at Miami Children’s Hospital while Olivia underwent a bone marrow transplant.

While in and out of the hospital with Olivia, Trish Armand knew that if she ever had the means, she wanted to give something back to them. “I always said that if I won the lottery, I wanted a scholarship in her name for these nurses,” she said. “I just want to pay it forward. These nurses did so much for our family.” In fact, it was Debbie Nuessly, a nurse practitioner at Palm Beach Pediatrics, who suggested the couple get genetic testing after Olivia was born.

“I was pregnant with Mikey at Olivia Armand died Dec. 11, 2009, just shy of her fifth birthday.

MORE PHOTOS PAGE 2

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

An artist’s rendering of the planned “patriot memorial.”

Students carry flags representing the

Past and present teachers and staff gather in the courtyard.

RPB Mayor David Lodwick, School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond and West Area Superintendent Dr. Janis Andrews.

PBSO bagpiper Jon Deipert performs for the school.

Teachers remove items from the time capsule.

Students with the flags during the beginning of the ceremony.

Horrific Triple Murder Shocks Wellington

By Lauren Miró and Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

A Wellington man charged with murdering his wife and two sons is under suicide watch in the Palm Beach County Jail without bail while police and family struggle to make sense of the horrific crime.

Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49-year-old Neal Jacobson on Saturday, Jan. 23 on the charge of first degree murder with a firearm after he allegedly killed his wife and two sons at the family home on South Sea Court in the Isles at Wellington community.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Krista Marx ordered Jacobson to remain in the county jail without bond. Although his motive still remains a mystery, sources close to the couple suggest that they were struggling to keep afloat financially after Neal Jacobson invested in some risky businesses. The PBSO issued a probable cause affidavit Saturday evening charging Jacobson in the shooting deaths of his wife Franki, 53, and seven-year-old twin sons Eric and Joshua.

According to the affidavit, the PBSO was contacted shortly after 7 a.m. last Saturday by a passerby who advised that a disabled vehicle was located on the east side of State Road 7 north of Atlantic Avenue in unincorporated Delray Beach. The caller noted that a man was inside the vehicle, slumped over the steering wheel. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue responded to the scene to find Neal Jacobson unresponsive with a silver .38-caliber revolver next to him. PBCFR personnel secured the revolver, which appeared to have blood on it. While the defendant was being treated, he spontaneously stated, “I just killed my family,” according to a PBSO deputy at the scene. It was a comment that was corroborated by two deputies along with several PBCFR personnel.

Jacobson was transported to Delray Community Hospital via ambulance and repeated his confession en route, adding that he “went off the deep end.”

A computer check of Jacobson’s vehicle led the PBSO to the

registered home address at 11580 South Sea Court. Deputies from the Wellington substation entered the property and discovered the bodies of Franki, Joshua and Eric Jacobson dead from apparent gunshot wounds. According to the PBSO report, Neal Jacobson’s hands, clothing and shoes appeared to be contaminated with blood. Two revolver speed loaders, along with loose .38-caliber ammunition, were found inside the pocket of his shorts.

Upon arrival at the hospital, it was determined that Jacobson had Xanax in his system. When asked by a nurse about it, he stated that he took approximately ten pills in an attempt to kill himself. Based on the evidence, Neal Jacobson was arrested and charged with three counts of felony first-degree murder with a firearm.

Jacobson is a former mortgage broker from New Jersey who moved to Wellington to care for his dying father Harold, who passed away in 2007. He and his family were active members of the local Jewish community and were associated with Temple B’nai Jacob and the Wellington Jewish Center. Jacobson also served as an officer of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches, and was interviewed about the closing of the JCC’s Wellington branch by the Town-Crier last June.

Franki Jacobson was an aspiring children’s writer who published her first book last month. Eric and Joshua attended Binks Forest Elementary School, where they were in the first grade.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto was acquainted with the family and noted that they had touched many lives in Wellington.

“The thread that runs through our community is so strong that the effect of this kind of tragedy is far-reaching,” Benacquisto said, adding that she encourages anyone in need — financially or otherwise — to seek help before resorting to drastic measures. “People can help. If you know someone who needs help, or you need help yourself, ask. Don’t shoulder that kind of burden.”

Franki Jacobson’s family has requested a small, private funeral.

County’s Industry Base Is Changing

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A business transition is underway in Palm Beach County to information technology, from its old base of tourism, real estate and agriculture — that was the message of Palm Beach County Business Development Board President & CEO Kelly Smallridge at a meeting in Wellington last week.

Smallridge was a featured speaker at the monthly community forum on Wednesday, Jan. 20 hosted by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria at the original Wellington Mall.

“Having been born and raised here, I remember the days when even until recently this economy was built on tourism, real estate, agriculture and construction,” Smallridge said. “What we’re seeing is that the county is transforming to one that is more knowledge based, more information and technology based.”

Smallridge has led the BDB for five years and has worked with the

Kelly Smallridge

agency for more than 21 years, coming directly from the University of Florida. “I was born and raised not far from where we are right now,” she said. “My children used to go to

See BDB, page 20

Qualifying Begins For March Election Cycle

By Lauren Miró and Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Candidate qualifying began

Tuesday for the March municipal elections in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves.

In Wellington, two council seats and the mayor’s post are up for election. As of Wednesday, Jan. 27, Seat 2 contenders Anne Gerwig and Ernie Zimmerman had qualified for the ballot. Wismick St. Jean has announced his intention to run, but had not qualified by press time. Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilman Howard Coates have both qualified for the ballot and remain unopposed as of press time. In Royal Palm Beach, Tinu Peña and Richard Valuntas have made the ballot in the race for Seat 3, which is being vacated by Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli, who is running for mayor.

Mattioli is the only candidate to have qualified for the ballot in the

mayor’s race by press time. Former Royal Palm Beach employee Steve Petrone has opened a campaign account for the mayor’s seat and pulled an election packet, but had not qualified for the ballot by Wednesday. Incumbent David Swift has qualified for Seat 3 and remains unopposed. In Loxahatchee Groves, Jim Rockett has qualified for the ballot in the race for Seat 2, which is being vacated by Dr. Bill Louda. Former Councilwoman Marge Herzog, who announced that she intends to run for Seat 2, had not filed as of Wednesday. Also up for re-election is Mayor David Browning, who occupies Seat 4. He has announced his intention to seek re-election and has picked up an election packet, but had not qualified as of Wednesday. Qualifying ends at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 2 for Loxahatchee Groves and at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9 for Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. The election will be held Tuesday, March 9.

It may be a little while before Wellington’s planned town center is complete, but two of its main elements recently gained momentum. In addition to the “community build” that took place Jan. 16-17 to help with the construction of Scott’s Place, the Wellington Village Council on Jan. 26 approved plans for a 9/11 “patriot memorial” to be located at the entrance of the town center, which will also include an amphitheater and the long-awaited village hall. Altogether, the town center’s features will easily attract a healthy throng of residents and visitors alike. But they are only part of the larger vision Wellington officials have to bring the village to the next level.

As Wellington moves further and further away from its old status as a “bedroom” community, the village and its residents have proven that while the term bedroom no longer fits, Wellington’s community element is flourishing like never before. While the community build was a good example of this, it’s only one of several efforts the village has made in reaching out to its residents.

Ernie Will Be Missed

I was sad to read that Ernie Zimmerman will no longer write his column for the Town-Crier. We, the Markey family, wish him the best of luck in his Wellington Village Council race.

I always enjoyed Ernie’s musings, from the 1980s when they contained mostly New York tidbits mixed with witty, gritty opinion. The “Around New York” column came about in part because the many New Yorkers and Northeast transplants to the Palms West communities could not easily follow the happenings back “home.” The Internet was a thought in the back of some Defense Department techie’s mind back then.

Thanks to Ernie, as well as Town-Crier founder and then publisher Bob Markey Sr. (who penned the very popular “Stray Thoughts” column) and their readers, the Town-Crier once drew more than 1,000 people to a “New York” party at the Wellington Mall. It was a great evening.

I, however, never enjoyed editing Ernie’s copy, which used to be written in pencil on lined yellow legal pad paper! Jean Firpo and the other beloved typesetters at the Town-Crier (in the days when most newspaper copy was written on a typewriter and then re-typed into a special computer/photographic printer for layout) knew my “pain.” Ernie still probably does not use a PC! Just kidding, Ernie!

Bob Markey II Royal Palm Beach Editor’s note: Mr. Markey is the former editor and publisher of the Town-Crier. For the record, about three years ago, Ernie Zimmerman finally began typing and emailing in his column, rather than writing it out by hand.

Former ITID

Employee:

Firing Unfair

My name is Suzan Douglas, and I am a former employee of the Indian Trail Improvement District.

Last October, I suffered a major heart attack with complications. In October, when the initial heart attack occurred, I did not have any health insurance as I had started my employment July 20, and was not eligible for insurance coverage until Nov 1. I have amassed a bill of $170,000 that is not and will not be covered by insurance. Indian Trail was extremely compassionate and understanding to both my family and I. The HR director, board of supervisors and employees all rallied around my family and I. The district employees joined together and donated their unused sick time to me. I remember being in the ICU and seeing the face of District Finance Officer Jim Shallman as he entered my room to bring me my insurance enrollment packet. I was most appreciative and impressed that my employer would do such a wonderful thing. When I returned to work in mid November,

I was informed by the district that they would work with me through my recovery, which would include doctors’ visits. They emphasized that I was to focus on making a full and healthy recovery. Then the unthinkable happened.

Tanya Quickel, the new district administrator was hired and started her official position on December 14, 2009. It was publicized in the Town-Crier that she was going to make $149,000 — $40,000 more than her predecessor, Chris King. ITID President Michelle Damone was excited because Ms. Quickel was going to clean up the district. On Jan. 7, Quickel and HR Director Loren Slaydon informed me that they were eliminating my position to make the district more efficient. I was 11 days away from my six-month review, which would have ended my six-month probationary period. I did not have any warnings, reviews, evaluations or blemishes on my record. In fact, I had received a commendation from a district resident whereby both he and his daughter came to the office while I was at lunch. They had stopped by to give me a beautiful bouquet of flowers as thank-you for my going above and beyond to help them resolve their ongoing maintenance issues with the district. Chris King, former district administrator, Allison Faye, former assistant to the district administrator, and Loren Slaydon were present to accept the flowers on my behalf while I was at lunch.

Ms. Quickel claims that my elimination had nothing to do with my job performance or my health. She stated that she is restructuring and reorganizing the district offices due to fiscal irresponsibility and to make the district more efficient. I do not understand how a customer service representative position added to the fiscal inefficiencies within the district. Ms. Quickel demoted employees from positions that were concerned with the financial operations of the district. She did not offer me the same common courtesy she offered those employees. She said she was eliminating the customer service representative position to create efficiency at the district level. However, should you call the district offices today, you will find that a wonderful person who is a temp, not a district employee, is currently filling the role I had in the position that Ms. Quickel eliminated.

I am making this issue public because Indian Trail operates as an office of the government, funded by public dollars, taxes collected from residents of the district. As a governmental agency, I believe it to be inconsiderate and discriminatory that Ms. Quickel could so quickly fire someone who has had no blemish on her work records, a person who has health conditions for which she needs to have medical insurance and will need continued medical care. In this current economic environment, unemployment is extremely high, and there are many millions of Americans who are uninsured because of discrimina-

tory practices of health insurance companies and employers. I now have “pre-existing conditions” to fight against — diabetes and cardiac issues — thanks to the insensitivity and inconsideration of Ms. Quickel. She was kind enough to tell me I am eligible for COBRA and to wish me success with my future endeavors. I wonder how she and her family would feel if they were in my position, knowing the ultimate outcome could be very deadly because of the unthinkable actions of an individual. President Obama, the Congress and Senate are currently pushing for affordable healthcare and reforms of the healthcare system. I have written to President Obama, President Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Alcee Hastings, Gov. Charlie Christ, Sen. John Kerry and other senators who I believe need all the support they can get from the public to push the healthcare reform initiatives through. I know that these discriminatory practices have existed within corporate America; I cannot believe that an office funded by American tax dollars could implement these same practices. I thank God I did not die when I had the heart attack, but now I fear I may because I don’t have health insurance and a job and can’t follow up with the prescribed treatments for a healthy recovery. I know this is my story, but it could be yours unless you stand up for changes in the healthcare system.

Suzan Douglas Royal Palm Beach

Don’t Change Lion Country Safari And ‘Help’ Is Not Needed

The headline “County Change Would Keep Lion Country Safari A Conforming Use” (Jan. 15) implies that Lion Country Safari as it exists today is not a conforming land-use, and therefore, is in need of county commissioners’ intervention on behalf of their preservation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rest assured that even with its 1999 approval to build a 147-room hotel, Lion Country Safari today, with its Commercial Recreation designation, conforms to all of Palm Beach County’s land use and zoning regulations.

Rather, Lion Country Safari has submitted an application to increase its density four-fold from one unit per 10 acres to one unit per 2.5 acres on its 637 acres! The glitch for Lion Country Safari is that they currently reside in the Rural Tier, which designates their existing land-use of one unit per 10 acres, and the Rural Tier does not permit densities like what Lion Country wants, one unit per 2.5 acres. Not letting some silly county policy get in its way, Lion Country Safari decided to do an endrun around their dilemma, needing a little help along the way. In

Last year saw Wellington take huge steps in community improvement projects, most notably the Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which has given hope to neighborhoods troubled by crime and neglect, and the “Foreclosure 911” symposiums, which helped homeowners facing foreclosure meet with experts on the issue and learn how to deal with it. Although Wellington still has another year of tight budgets to look forward to in 2010, that doesn’t mean the level of service will suffer. Just as village officials looked to other means for saving money last year — such as the four-day work week — they’ve employed the same outside-the-box thinking for the 9/11 memorial. If all goes as planned, it will be paid for through a capital project fund set up by the Wellington Community Foundation and funded in large part by private donations.

It’s only appropriate that all these new features are built on the grounds of the community center. Again, community is the key word, and Wellington continues to prove that it’s not the homes and cars that make a village, but the people who live there.

addition to their application to increase their density four-fold, Lion Country Safari also submitted an application to change from the Rural Tier to the Exurban Tier.

While the Exurban Tier permits Lion Country Safari’s coveted density (one unit per 2.5 acres), it does not permit the Commercial Recreation land use designation.

This brings us to Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s request. Under board comments at the Jan. 7 zoning meeting, Commissioner Santamaria directed county staff to draft an amendment that would allow the Commercial Recreation land-use in the Exurban Tier.

Without this request, Lion Country Safari would have hit a deadend. No tier change, no increased density. No Commercial Recreation designation in the Exurban Tier, no increased density. In Palm Beach County, the tail still wags the dog. Under the guise of “improvements to the park” and suggestions of “adding other recreational uses,” Planning Director Barbara Alterman’s statements are at best disingenuous, and an affront to the consequences should these two land-use changes be approved. While increasing Lion Country Safari’s density four-fold may increase the value of their property on paper, allowing such densities at this site goes against all Growth Management Tier System policies, guidelines and common sense. Not to mention the site where Lion Country Safari plans to build their 254 dwelling units was identified in the taxpayer approved 1999 Land Acquisition for Conservation Purposes bond referendum as a site worthy of consideration for conservation.

In a county drowning in a pool of foreclosures and a commission promising to raise the bar on favors to land owners and lobbyists, Palm Beach County residents sorely need to hear the powers that be finally utter the word no. After all, what is it about a lion park preserve with more than 900 animals, hand-fed giraffes and a boat ride on the Safari Queen that is not rural?

Nancy Gribble Loxahatchee

Proud To Visit Haiti On Cruise Ship

I just returned from Haiti on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Navigator of the Seas. I must tell you that I am proud of RCCL for deciding to go to Haiti after the tragic earthquake. The people who we spoke with there were excited to still see us, thinking everyone would choose to stay away. I normally don’t buy things on the ports of call, but this time I spent a good bit of money.

People seem to forget that even though there are dead and injured in Port-au-Prince, there is still nationwide poverty. It would seem to me that since their capital city is in ruins, that the rest of the island is in even more need than before. And while there is hope-

fully much help and support going to the capital city, it made me feel good to be helping out the other people who are in need, and that they too do not feel forgotten. I don’t know about other passengers (most gave monetary donations on the ship also), but my travel mate and I over-packed our suitcases with clothing that we don’t need anymore so we could donate them on the island.

Royal Caribbean has a vested interest in helping this island. Virtually all the people who work at the resort (which is little more than a beach and market area for locals) are Haitians. All of the passengers who we spoke with were of the same opinion as I — proud to be going there to help the hurting economy.

Mike Saucier Wellington

Help Haiti, But Don’t Stop Living Your Life

Regarding the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines story that they were continuing to provide their luxury cruises to the western side of Haiti, and upsetting people who think it is wrong, I had a “kneejerk” reaction to the whole situation when I first read it. However, like anything else, reflection and meditation tempers the situation. After 9/11, did we stop everything of normalcy and just concentrate on the disaster? Did we stop commerce from continuing out of “respect” for those who were injured or killed in this crisis? As I recall, the president asked us to continue on with our lives, and not let “terrorism” get the better part of our lives. Before any of you jump on me, I totally understand that this is not terrorism, and is a much larger loss of life than 9/11. But as a Christian, loss of life is loss of life, no matter how it happens, and I can only hope that those who died were saved in Christ.

Conversely, the world cannot stop, especially in this situation, because there is so much to do. The cruise line has an obligation to its shareholders, employees, suppliers and passengers to continue as usual. If they had pulled into Port-au-Prince, and started complaining about the lack of food, water and hotel rooms, then that would be an abomination. However, they are providing transportation and delivery of supplies that they picked up in Puerto Rico, and are also do-

nating a large sum of money from the normal profits of these cruises.

Did we stop our lives when San Francisco had that traumatic earthquake in 1989, or when Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead in 1992, or Frances, Jeanne, Katrina and Wilma teamed up to strike South Florida in 2004 and 2005? Unfortunately, no, and it shouldn’t. The tsunamis that struck the Samoan Islands in 2009 killed 189 people, and the Solomon Island tsunami killed 52 people. We all stopped and did what we could to help, but we didn’t stop life.

I know that my “loss of life” comparisons are heavily outnumbered by the Haiti earthquake, but, does the scope or scale change the impact? I feel totally helpless in this, and other than praying, there is nothing I can do to help. But stopping my lifestyle is not going to help or hinder the situation. It’s like the parents who tell their kids to finish their dinner, because there are starving kids in China. Nice sentiment, but totally without merit. Do I turn off my heat or A/C to help the Haitian victims? How about if I sleep outside? Will that make them feel better, or make me feel better? If I don’t eat or drink, I guess that will heal a helpless child from this tragedy.

God has given us the opportunity to help in any way we can, and help we will do — whether it be through monetary, medical, food, water, clothing, shelter or prayer. But trying to be totally empathetic with the suffering and pain that is going on is as ridiculous as cleaning our plate to make a starving child in China feel better.

Gary Alvord Royal Palm Beach

For The Record

In last week’s editorial “Our Democracy Needs Contested Elections,” it was stated that Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli is the only candidate to have “filed paperwork” to run for Royal Palm Beach mayor. It should have said that Mattioli is the only candidate actively campaigning for mayor. Former RPB employee Steve Petrone has opened a campaign account for a mayoral run, but as of Wednesday, Jan. 27, he has not yet formally declared himself a candidate. The Town-Crier regrets whatever 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

you can until you stop.

Does your car actually have a working ABS system? If yes, when you turn on the ignition, the ABS indicator should light up. Make sure at every car inspection the ABS gets checked

as well. After all is said and done, hard-braking situations don’t always involve the ABS. But because there is more than one type of ABS (four-wheel systems and rear-wheel-only systems, for example), make sure you read, or reread, your owner’s manual for the lowdown on the car you are driving.

Crestwood Celebrates Winning First District Soccer Championship

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Crestwood Middle School’s boys soccer team won its first district championship in the school’s history with a 1-0 victory Monday, Jan. 25 over Eagles Landing Middle School.

“It feels special to be the first team to make it this far,” said cocaptain Damian Lopez, an eighthgrader. This also marked the boys team’s first appearance in the district championship game.

“The past three years, we’ve been division champs, but haven’t won in the playoffs,” coach Andrew Ruddick explained. “This year we just scored goals at the right time and defended well. The boys managed to perform in big games.”

Good timing and great defense were keys to this victory. For almost 40 minutes, the teams fought to score on each other, with several attempts on each side stopped by the goalkeepers.

But 10 minutes into the second half, a cross kick in the corner from David Teitel turned into an opportunity to win. The goalie fumbled the ball and eighth-grader Kyle Edmonds was there to kick the ball into the net.

“I saw the goalie fumble the ball, and I just stuck my foot out,” Edmonds said. “It went in, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my god, we’re going to win this now. I just scored the winning goal.’”

Edmonds led the team with 16 goals this season. “He was in the right place at the right time,” Ruddick said. “He’s been scoring goals the whole season; that’s why he’s our leading scorer.”

The goalkeeper for Eagles Landing had made several saves on straight-shot attempts before Edmonds’ game-winner.

“I knew we probably wouldn’t be able to score from a straight shot,” Ruddick said. “We just knew that we had to keep going and keep playing football and not taking ridiculous shots. We knew that if we kept playing the right way, it would eventually come.”

The win was a team effort, according to co-captains and brothers Damian and Julian Lopez.

“We played as a team,” Damian Lopez said. “There are no superstars. We play with heart, and we knew we were going to take it all the way.”

“We watch each other’s backs,” Julian Lopez added. “We’ve been practicing our crossing, too.”

Edmonds also noted the team’s chemistry.

“These guys are great,” he said. “This is our win.”

The team’s depth was instrumental in winning the championships, Ruddick said.

“That’s the fantastic thing about this; we’re not just one or two players,” he said. “We’re 11 strong players, plus players on the bench

The players and coaches with their championship trophy.

as well. I think that’s why we’ve come as far as we have. It’s not just one or two superstars. If you stop one of them, you have to deal with someone else.”

Another team leader has been Ojay Nichols, an eighth-grader and the third co-captain for the team. “I didn’t want to leave without the county championship,” he said. “I just get this reaction in the game that pushes me to play a little better.”

The team lost only one game all season and allowed only five goals, two of which were let in by a junior goalie. Keeper Damian Lopez allowed only three goals all

season, assistant coach Eric Moore said.

Even without the championship title, the season was by far the school’s most successful.

“They have a great team spirit,” Ruddick said. “Win or lose, it has been a successful season. At the end of the day, we get to walk off the field with our heads high, proud of what we’ve done.”

But still, it’s nice to take home the title, he said.

“I think we deserved it,” he said. “Through all the play, we actually deserved to win the game. We were the better team, and it’s a great feeling.”

RESIDENTS OF RPB’S ROYAL MANOR ENJOY A DAY OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Ron Leone sings for the Royal Manor residents.

Visitor Stephanie Bollinger dances with one of the kids.

Children watch the performance.

Michael Jachim kicks to teammates waiting near the goal.

Goalie Damian Lopez dives for the ball, which is saved with a kick by Devon Moore.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Children from the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sang to residents at the Royal Manor nursing home in Royal Palm Beach on Saturday, Jan. 23 as part of its “One-Minute Talent Show & Singing Extravaganza.” Some of the children’s talents included piano, poetry recitation, dancing, twirling, jump roping and cartwheels. The featured entertainer was Ron Leone, who has performed at the weddings of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Geraldo Rivera, and other events.

Burglars Strike Cars Parked At Wellington Community Center

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

JAN. 18 — Multiple vehicles parked in the parking lot of the Wellington Community Center on Forest Hill Blvd. were burglarized last Monday morning while their owners played tennis. According to separate Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, the victims called the PBSO substation in Wellington after returning from playing tennis to find that their vehicles had been broken into. According to one report, sometime between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., someone smashed out the truck’s rear driver’s-side window and removed the victim’s purse and cell phone from the back rear seat. The stolen items were valued at approximately $290. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In another report, the victim parked her BMW in the parking lot at approximately 8:30 a.m. and returned at 11:45 a.m. to find the driver’s-side window had been broken. Unknown suspects removed a red leather case containing makeup valued at approximately $160. A third vehicle was reported broken into at the same location and time, but no additional report had been filed at press time.

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motorcycle down nearby Peel Court on Thursday morning. The motorcycle was returned to the owner, and the Volkswagen was found on the corner of Horseshoe Trace and Stirrup Lane engulfed in flames. The cell phones were recovered on Rye Road, along with two motorcycles that had been stolen during another burglary. The vehicles, cells phones and home were processed for fingerprints, but there were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

JAN. 21 — A Wellington man was arrested on drug charges last Thursday evening following a traffic stop for an expired tag at the intersection of Wellington Trace and St. David’s Way. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 7:45 p.m., a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington pulled over a white van for having an expired tag that was not registered to the vehicle. The passenger of the vehicle, 29-year-old Gary Zipfel Jr., was found in possession of 2.3 grams of marijuana and two pipes with marijuana residue in them. Zipfel was arrested and given a notice to appear in court, while the driver of the van received two traffic citations. Both were released at the scene.

• JAN. 21 — Several vehicles were stolen from a home on Hollyhock Road early last Thursday morning. According to a PBSO report, deputies from the PBSO substation in Wellington were dispatched to the home after someone entered the victim’s truck and used their garage door opener to gain access to the home sometime between 9:30 p.m. last Wednesday night and 5:15 a.m. the following morning. Unknown suspects stole a Yamaha motorcycle, cell phones and a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. A resident of the neighborhood observed an unknown black male pushing the

JAN. 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Kmart store on Southern Blvd. last Friday in reference to a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer observed 32-year-old Jose Vazquez of West Palm Beach steal eight Nintendo video games, valued at approximately $121.92, from the store. The loss prevention officer stopped him and recovered the merchandise. Vazquez was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with retail theft.

JAN. 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm

Brass Quintet Concert At Seminole Ridge Will Be A Family Affair

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A performance by the St. Louis Brass Quintet at the Seminole Ridge High School auditorium on Monday, Feb. 8 also will be a family reunion. Mel Jernigan is a trombonist

and a founding member of the quintet. His grandson, Zachary Brown, plays trumpet with the high school band and will perform in a selection with the group. It will mark their first performance together. Brown, 17, also aspires to be a

professional musician, said his mother Karen Takacs, who helped arrange for the quintet to appear at the school.

Jernigan, 71, was principal bass trombonist with the St. Louis Symphony in 1964 when several members formed the St. Louis

Brass Quintet to play children’s concerts around the St. Louis area, according to the quintet’s web site at www.hornplanet.com.

The quintet soon was performing full-length concerts financed by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Missouri Arts Council and the Mid-America Arts Alliance. It is one of America’s longest-standing brass quintets.

Jernigan is the group’s only original member and the only one who lives in St. Louis. Other quintet members are music professors or members of orchestras across the United States. The quintet is known to add humor and comedy to its concerts, which range from the works of today’s composers to Baroque and Renaissance music transcribed for modern instruments.

“I told my dad that he really needs to play at his school sometime before Zach graduated in May,” Takacs told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. Brown received a Pathfinder

Haitian Political Group Hosts First Meeting

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The devastating earthquake that hit Haiti two weeks ago will require the United States to play a major role in rebuilding the poverty-stricken nation, the leader of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party said last week.

Mark Alan Siegel, chairman of the county Democrats, spoke at the first meeting of the Democratic Haitian-American Caucus of Florida on Thursday, Jan. 21 at the West Boynton Recreation Center.

“It’s an opportunity for people who have the vision and commit-

ment to follow through,” said Siegel, who added that the plan must include forgiving the debt to rebuild and to send as much manpower and resources to Haiti as needed. “Because of our hearts, we are committed to that vision. We will do everything we can to try to turn this unimaginable tragedy into an opportunity.”

Joseph Bernadel, the founder and chief operating officer of Toussaint L’Overture High School for the Arts and Social Justice in Boynton Beach, said the Haitian community in South Florida and the United States had been moved

by the support of President Barack Obama and the nation.

“We seek to hold the Democratic Party accountable,” said Bernadel, a native of Haiti and a retired U.S. Army major. “President Clinton is the leader in this, and with him on board, we know this will have a good chance to happen.”

Caucus President Evelyn Garcia focused on the need to move many Haitian residents left homeless or injured by the earthquake.

“While we are debating what to do in Haiti,” Garcia said, “we must realize that the elderly, young peo-

ple and the severely wounded cannot stay in Haiti. They must go somewhere. If they don’t, the result will be more victims.” Getting Haiti back on its feet will be a long-term effort, Garcia said.

“A lot of people are helping us,” she said. “I think we all realize that this was an unprecedented disaster. There is real hope. The Obama administration came out right up front. There are also three presidents helping in the effort. A lot of Haiti’s debt should be forgiven, and when the reconstruction

See HAITI, page 19

nomination as an instrumentalist at SRHS in December. He plans to major in music when he goes to college, hopefully the University of Central Florida, Takacs said. “All his music auditions are coming up in the next few weeks,” she said. “He’s really passionate about his playing.” Brown has received several superiors at district and state competitions in solo and ensemble categories, she said. He also participated in the 2009 Festival of Winds Opus 35 Music Festival at the University of South Florida.

Jernigan told Takacs about a year ago that the quintet was planning a tour in Florida, and she was able to get SRHS Band Director Tim Skinner to coordinate a performance.

“My dad found this piece that was awesome for a few of the kids to perform, and he wants to get Zach and him on the same stage together,” Takacs said. “This will be the first time that they have done that.”

Takacs said Brown’s biggest influence to become a music major has been his grandfather.

“My dad talks to him all the time about how to be a better musician and how to get over nervousness at his auditions,” she said. “They can communicate on a level that none of the rest of us can. I think my dad is really proud of Zach and really happy that he is fulfilling this dream.”

The quintet will play from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 8. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students with ID.

Laurie Cohen Eyes County Judge Seat

Former Wellington Councilwoman Laurie Cohen has filed her intent to run for Palm Beach County Court Judge, Group 7. The seat is being vacated by Judge Paul Moyle. The election will be held Aug. 24. Cohen is a 19-year resident of Palm Beach County. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Cohen is an attorney with Rutherford Mulhall, P.A. and has been in practice in Palm Beach County for 13 years. Cohen is a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and a member (emeritus) of American Inns of Court. Cohen served as a Wellington

councilwoman from 2003-08. In that capacity, she was a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee. Cohen also served as a director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Prior to attending law school, she was in management in the automotive finance industry. Cohen and her husband Irwin have two children, Stuart and Eric.

“I have more than 15 years of experience practicing law as well as nearly 10 years of experience in the business world,” Cohen said. “I want to bring that breadth of experience to the Group 7 seat.”

Domino’s Pizza Gets Royal Palm Zoning Approval For Wall Sign

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 26 recommended approval of a request by Domino’s Pizza to allow for a wall sign with the national chain’s logo. Domino’s recently moved to the property at 10200 Fox Trail Road at the southwest corner of Okee-

Blvd. and State Road 7 from its location at 11150 Okeechobee Blvd.

Agent Robert Hilterbrick of Bach Sign Group Inc. said the wall sign does not adhere to the approved sign criteria for the Fox Property parcel where Domino’s is a tenant. He noted that Fox Trail

South runs parallel to Okeechobee Blvd. about 350 feet away from it, and the Domino’s store is difficult to see. There is a Dunkin’ Donuts in front of Domino’s, and a Sonny’s Bar-B-Q to the front and right of it.

“The wall sign requested is a variance from the approved sign program that was originally designated for this small shopping plaza,” Hilterbrick said. “Domino’s being a national chain has very strict requirements in their franchise agreements regarding representation of their trademark logos.”

The main sign for the self-storage building where Domino’s is located is blue and orange. The Domino’s trademark sign is red,

white, blue and yellow, according to the staff report.

Hilterbrick said that when the landscaping on the property matures, the visibility will be less than it is now. “It is a very limited visibility site,” he said. “Within a three-block radius, you will see numerous representations of trademark logos. Domino’s Pizza did not create this problem as far as visibility.”

Hilterbrick noted that 36 percent of Domino’s sales are from walk-in business.

“Visibility of the national trademark is very important,” he said, pointing out that the sign meets the requirements for square footage, and the only variance is for color.

Domino’s is currently operating

with a temporary banner, he said. Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said Domino’s is asking for a deviation from the sign program approved for the center in July 2008.

Commissioner Richard Durr said the village has allowed national chain logos on other buildings, including the Dunkin’ Donuts and Sonny’s Bar-B-Q in front of Domino’s.

Commissioner Darrell Lange asked why the sign for this store is different than other Domino’s locations. Hilterbrick said Domino’s has more than 35 registered trademarks. “This is their latest representation and what they are requesting of new franchises or any re-imaging of an existing

store,” Hilterbrick said. Lange said he was surprised that nothing was in the staff package about the new logo, and Hilterbrick said he would supply it. Lange said that he would require that as a condition of approval.

Commissioner Genevieve Lambiase said she agreed with Lange and asked how long the new logo had been in existence. Hilterbrick said it had gone into effect in the past six months. Lambiase said she did not understand why Domino’s would move into an area if it knew that there was going to be a problem with visibility. Hilterbrick said the company did not know at the time the lease was signed that there would be potential blockage.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson said she felt the commission has been generous in granting national logos, considering that other municipalities will not grant a logo no matter who they are. “We’re rather affable in that,” she said.

Larson added that she agreed with Lambiase’s comment that they should have known the nature of the location when they leased it. Lange made a motion to recommend approval of the variance with the condition that the applicant provide the planning department with information about Domino’s new trademark. Durr seconded the motion, which carried 5-0.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MURAL PROJECT RAISES MONEY FOR HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

Family Concert — (Above left) The St. Louis Brass Quintet with trombonist Mel Jernigan (right).

(Above right) Jernigan’s grandson Zachary Brown, a student at Seminole Ridge High School.

FIT STUDIO RAISES MONEY FOR HAITI

On the morning of Jan. 23, FIT Studio in Wellington held a special “SuperFIT” class to raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti. The “Get FIT for Haiti” fundraiser raised more than $1,250, and all proceeds went to the American Red Cross. FIT Studio clients came out in full force for the one-and-a-half-hour workout. There were three outdoor stations with agility drills, core strength, cardio and TRX suspension training. Special musical guest Palm Beach’s DJ German Garcia mixed live music to keep the clients pumped throughout the workout. Westside Bagels Too of Wellington provided breakfast following the fundraiser. FIT Studio is a private fitness and Pilates studio. For more info., visit www.fitstudio1.com. (Above) Trainers from FIT Studio. (Below) Clients work out at one of the outdoor stations.

NEWS BRIEFS

Olivia NewtonJohn At Race For The Cure Jan. 30

Singer, actress and philanthropist Olivia Newton-John will participate in the 19th Annual Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure on Saturday, Jan. 30 in downtown West Palm Beach.

A breast cancer survivor, Newton-John will be honored during the survivor celebration and will address race participants, distribute samples of her Liv Aid breast self-examination kit, and walk in the 5k race to raise money for breast cancer research.

Newton-John successfully overcame her own battle with breast cancer in the 1990s. She used her experience to gain greater self-awareness and become a positive inspiration to millions of people battling cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, Newton-John has become increasingly well known and respected for talking openly about her battle and for promoting public awareness of the importance of early detection. In addition, construction has recently begun on the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia. The center will deliver a comprehensive range of cancer services, all under one roof. It will include facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and deliver international research programs of all types of cancers. A dedicated wellness center will provide complimentary therapies that will work alongside the latest medical treatment to help heal the

whole person — body, mind and spirit.

Race activities will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the survivor celebration taking place at 10 a.m. at the Meyer Amphitheatre (104 Datura Street). For more information, call (561) 514-3020 or visit www.komensouthflorida.org.

Wellington

Women’s Club

To Meet Feb. 4

The Wellington Women’s Club invites the public to attend its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). In addition to a buffet dinner, members and guests will enjoy a presentation by Paulette Bragel, manager of Hoffman’s Chocolates in the Shoppes at Wellington Green. She may be bringing samples. Plan to bring a friend or two for what will be a fun and tasty evening. Guests are welcome for a fee of $30. For reservations, or more information, call Allyson at (561) 798-6741.

Half-year club memberships are available beginning in February at a cost of $130 and include dinner at the remaining four meetings of the year and a discount to the May fundraising event.

In other news, the Wellington Women’s Club has announced that applications are now available for the 2010 College Scholarship Program for area high school seniors. Each year, the club awards four to six college scholarships valued at $500 to $1,500. Appli-

cants must live in the western communities and must be graduating high school in June 2010. Along with transcripts and community service hours, an essay must be submitted titled “What My Education Means to Me, and How I Will Use It to Benefit Society.”

Applications are available at high school guidance offices. Students may also request applications by writing to the Wellington Women’s Club Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 823, Loxahatchee, FL 33470. For more information, call Scholarship Chair Debbie Hession at (561) 798-3900.

The Wellington Women’s Club is celebrating 32 years in Wellington. The charitable organization meets on the first Thursday of each month for dinner and presentations by a guest speaker. Also during the month, members enjoy many activities for fun and entertainment. Guests can attend meetings for a fee of $30. RSPV to Mary Armand at (561) 635-0011 or mair@armandpest.com.

Celebrity Bartending Challenge

A celebrity bartending challenge to benefit the YMCA of the Palm Beaches will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the White Horse Tavern in Wellington.

Polo players Nacho Figueras, Marc Ganzi, Kris Kampsen and Nicolas Roldan will compete against women equestrians Marley Goodman, Maralyn Little,

Maria Rivas, Maria Schaub and Sandy Van Dyke to see who can raise the most money for the YMCA. All tips and 50 percent of the evening’s proceeds will go directly to the YMCA’s Polo with Pedro Brunch. This challenge is to raise awareness for the sixth annual Polo with Pedro Brunch on Feb. 28.

“At the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, we see the need in our community growing every day,” said Russell Martin, CEO and president of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. Polo with Pedro has become an annual fundraiser at the International Polo Club Palm Beach where friends old and new gather to support the YMCA. Polo with Pedro is in its sixth year celebrating the life of Pedro Morrison and his commitment to the mission of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. Approximately 400 guests from Palm Beach to Wellington are expected to attend by honoring Pedro’s memory during the finals of the CV Whitney Cup. The event brings together the area’s finest philanthropists and sports enthusiasts for a cause that is truly deserving: building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

In addition to the celebrity bartending event on Feb. 11, there will also be a pre-event on Feb. 18 with cocktails and dinner at Café Sapori from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting Polo with Pedro.

To purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorships, visit www. polowithpedro.org or e-mail info @polowithpedro.org.

A car show fundraiser organized by the Wellington Rotary Club was held on Saturday, Jan. 23 in Wellington’s Aero Club community Antiques, hot rods, custom and classic cars were on display, and plaques were given out to winning cars and other vehicles. There was also a bounce house for the kids, hot dogs and hamburgers for purchase, and a brisk business in Girl Scout cookie sales.

food tables.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS BUCHER VISITS WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS

Members of Wellington High School’s Young Democrat and Young Republican clubs met on Monday, Jan. 25 in the school’s debate room. The special guest was Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, who stressed the importance of registering to vote and contacting elected officials, and explained how to apply to work as a poll worker.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Mark Morgenbesser leans out the car door of his 1981 checker cab.

Gus Ranno with his 1968 Camaro.

Girl Scouts Gina Abascal, Shelley Kaleita and Julianne Schiliro.

Randy and Leslie Pfeiffer, and Wes Boughner with the Best in Show trophy.

The Ferrin family stands by one of the cars.

Bob Rebennack and Doug Alexander at one of the

WHS Young Democrat Victoria Davy introduces Susan Bucher.

WHS Young Democrat member Sharonda Hagan presents Bucher with a certificate thanking her for her visit. Members

with Bucher for a photo.

Zacara Claims Joe Barry Memorial Cup Title At International Polo

Toto Collardin scored five goals, including two in the final chukker, and Zacara rallied to defeat the Hawks 13-11 to win the 20-goal Joe Barry Memorial Cup title Sunday, Jan. 24 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

Zacara scored the final four goals of the game. Zacara’s Jeff Hall led all scorers with seven goals.

Ten-goal player Mariano Aguerre led the Hawks with five goals, and Fred Mannix Jr. added four.

Collardin was named the game’s MVP, and Hall’s 10-yearold thoroughbred mare Sparkles was selected as the best playing pony.

The 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup is now underway at the International Polo Club and continues

through Sunday, Feb. 14. Featured polo matches are held every Sunday through April. Tickets for the Nespresso Grande Pavilion range from $40 for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to $85 for field-side seats. Sunday brunch service begins at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $15, lawn seating for $25 and box seats for $100. Admission to the Wellington Zone is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Parking is $5. Sunday’s featured match begins at 3 p.m. at Piaget Field. IPC is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more information, call the box office at (561) 282-5334 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com. For team information and field assignments, call the polo hot line at (561) 282-5290.

Week 2 Wrap-Up: Mario Deslaurier Wins Grand Prix Prize At WEF

Mario Deslaurier rode Urico to first place in the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, CSI 2* on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

The competition was the featured event of the second week of the festival.

Deslaurier and Urico, a 9-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Jane Clark, finished in 40.34 seconds in the jump-off course.

Nick Skelton of Great Britain, riding Carlo 273, finished second. Yann Candele of Canada on Pitareusa was third.

“I set the pace,” Deslaurier said. “My

horse is very, very quick. I was a little slow to the far oxer, but other than that, I was pretty much on track. My horse has a big step and is extremely quick in the air. If I can keep it pretty steady and smooth, people have to run. I was lucky that no one beat me. Yann beat me, but he had one (fence) down.”

Deslaurier, a native Canadian, became a U.S. citizen in September. He rode for the U.S. team at the Nations Cup in November in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and this was his first grand prix win as an American.

Margie Engle of Wellington returned to the winner’s circle with Tosca 290, owned by Hidden Creek Farm, in the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round Two last Thursday. Engle and Tosca 290 finished in 41.62 seconds. Leslie Howard, aboard Lennox Lewis 2, finished second.

In the opening jumper class on Wednesday, Jan. 20, Pablo Barrios of Venezuela won the $8,000 Sentient Jet 1.45m Time First Round. There were 17 clear rounds, including Barrios on G&C Sinatra, who crossed the timers in 55.151 seconds. G&C Sinatra is owned by G&C Farm in Wellington.

McLain Ward on Miss

Liberty 7 finished second in a time of 56.285 seconds. Earlier in the day, Barrios won the $8,000 Sentient Jet 1.45m Time First Jump-off. Barrios and G&C Blanchee were the fastest double clear in 36.130 seconds. Angela Covert-Lawrence of Canada and Utan also were double clear for second place in 38.088 seconds.

In the Spy Coast 1.40m Speed Challenge last Friday, Marie Hecart of France, on Ryan Star du Rezidal, beat Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Palouchin de Ligny by four-tenths of a second. Hecart rides for Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze of Canada and Ashland Stables.

Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Kilkenny Randall Z beat a field of 12 in the jump-off to win last Sunday’s $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Classic. Eliza Shuford on Little John was second.

Shahinian-Simpson and Kilkenny Randall Z, a 16-year-old BWP gelding, had a double clear result and finished in 48.868 seconds.

In a hunter class race, Shane Sweetnam and Take Note won the championship in last Thursday’s Western Hay and Suncoast Shavings Second Year Green Working Hunters. Take Note received a second place, third and seventh over fences and won the under saddle to clinch the championship. The reserve champion award went to Louise Serio and Kid Rock, owned by Paige Cole.

Sweetnam is originally from Ireland, but now is based in Wellington and Lexington, KY, where he rides for Spy Coast Farm and Sweet Oak Farm.

Mimi Tashjian and Capital Blue finished first last Friday in section A of the

Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over division. Tashjian and Capital Blue received scores of 85 in both rounds over fences. They won both over fences classes, as well as a second place over fences on Thursday, to claim the championship. The reserve champion was awarded to Glen Senk and Winter’s Tale, owned by Fashion Farm. Junior hunters were showcased last Saturday. Chase Boggio and Norgan Inc.’s Rockford picked up the tricolor in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division. Boggio and Rockford won the handy hunter class, and they placed first and second over fences for a total of 26 points to claim the championship. The reserve champion ribbon went to Kelsey Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm’s Gianni. Meredith Darst won the Gotham North Small Pony Hunters on Hillcrest’s Blue Gem Stone. Darst and Hillcrest’s Blue Gem Stone, who is owned by Lochmoor Stables, won the first class over fences last Saturday and claimed the first and second places over fences Sunday to secure the championship.

Other winners in the Small Pony Hunters included Star Command, ridden by Alden Price and owned by Christa Carson, and Ballou, who was ridden by Daisy Farish and owned by Victoria Colvin. Ballou and Farish also were awarded the reserve championship in the Small Pony Hunter division.

Winter Equestrian Festival events run Wednesday through Sunday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 7935867 or visit www.equestriansport.com.

(Above) Zacara’s Toto Collardin, Jeff Hall, Mariano Gracida and Gonzalo del Tour claim the Joe Barry Memorial Cup trophy. (Left) Gonzalo del Tour in action.

PHOTOS COURTESY ALEX PACHECO

Seminole Ridge FACE Club Hosts Party For Craniofacial Families

Seminole Ridge High School’s FACE club hosted a holiday party for local craniofacial families Dec. 11. FACE adopted two families this year, and 10 craniofacial children and their families attended. Club members worked hard all semester long to make sure the holiday year would be a memorable one for their guests. The party offered a warm, welcoming environment with food, music provided by a volunteer DJ and gifts for all of the kids.

“The look on each child’s face when he opened his gift was priceless,” said FACE sponsor and speech pathologist Mrs. Peggy Larson said.

The theme was “pot luck,” though pizza, wings and gifts were donations from FACE students themselves and from club fundraisers. The school would like to thank P. Haley, a longtime FACE supporter who donated gifts for the party.

Hawks to Host Brass Quintet

— The Seminole Ridge band will host the world-renowned St. Louis Brass Quintet in a concert Mon-

day evening, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students with school ID. The quintet gives the audience a great show, and band members will play a piece with them. Music lovers, be sure to mark your calendars for an evening of musical fun.

• World Languages Honor Societies Induct — The SRHS Spanish Honor Society held an induction ceremony on Jan. 21 to welcome new members for 2010. The school would like to congratulate the following students: Marlee Arnold, Kevin Babb, Erick Balasa, Victor Beguiristain, Mark Blanar, Michael Canlas, Herman Castro, Christina Dearth, Berlyn Duclair, Leah Egezeino, Brittany Godfrey, Taylor Godfrey, Lauren Hart, Cassandra Hirtreiter, Victoria Ho, Jessica Jackson, Rebecca Lane, Taylor Martin, Natalie Martinez, Duncan Miller, Joseph Pavicic, Adrienne Pearson, Katelyn Ramos, Ana Resendiz, Austin Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, Luke Spratt, Miranda Stackhouse, Kevin Valencia, Julian Valiente

FACE club members with their holiday guests and friends.

and Julian Yepes. During a ceremony on Jan. 26, the SRHS French Honor Society inducted the following new members: Kelsey Angles, Arnold Banner, Farah Barstrom, Jenna Herman, Taylor Jones, Kelly Le, Dallas Leland, David Lopez, Laurenis Lopez, Kristin Medvetz,

Danielle Miller, Aryele Nicoleau, Alexandre Rochelin, Erica Roskovich, Chelsea Seeley and Janette Valencia.

SECME Mentors Pierce Panthers — Seminole Ridge SECME students mentored their Panther protégés from Pierce Hammock Elementary School on Wednes-

TKA Students ‘Move It’ With Radio Disney Crew

King’s Academy students in the second through fourth grades recently “moved it” to the tunes of Disney’s famous animated film Madagascar Radio Disney’s Road Crew came to the King’s Academy to teach the students that “moving it” can be fun! As soon as the students entered the gym, they started moving to the music. After their heart rates were up, the students took part in class competitions. They ran in place (seeing who could put the most numbers on their pedometer), jumped rope and hulahooped.

The hula-hoop competition kept

going and going… and going. The Road Crew finally had the students in the hula-hoop contest play Simon Says at the same time they were hula hoping. The students were challenged to kneel, to put their hands up, to stomp one foot, and to hop. After all the excitement and valiant effort, one student finally became the “last man standing.” The event was primarily geared toward helping children learn the importance of getting up, moving around and staying healthy. Students were given goody bags and activity sheets to track their recreational activity for two weeks.

Riverside Bank Offering College Scholarships

Riverside National Bank is now accepting applications to win $1,000 for college. The program, started seven years ago by Riverside Bank, is designed to grant funds to assist individuals living in the hometowns the bank serves. This year’s program will offer 18 scholarships worth a total of $18,000 throughout the 10 Florida counties in Riverside’s service area.

To obtain an application and official rules, visit www.riverside nb.com or any Riverside Bank location. Applications must be submitted on or before midnight on March 15.

“We are very proud of this program,” Riverside Bank President and CEO John Williams said. “We feel there is nothing more important than helping the citizens of the hometowns we serve. One way we

can lend a hand is by providing financial assistance to students who are willing to work hard and give back to their community.”

The student must be a high school senior or undergraduate college student currently attending a school in the U.S. and accepted to an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. for the 2010-11 academic year. In addition, the student

must be a legal resident of one of the 10 counties Riverside serves, which includes Palm Beach County. Recipients are selected based on academic goals and community service. Chances of receiving a scholarship depends upon the number of eligible entries received. Winners do not need to be Riverside Bank customers, and no purchase or loan is required.

day, Jan. 20. Benson Narcisse and Ryan Hamilton worked with the boys blue team, and Nicole Howell and Shelby Weininger worked with the girls gold team, helping with their mousetrap vehicles (MTVs), which are powered solely by the energy release of a mousetrap spring.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, SECME students compete in the district’s annual engineering Olympiad to see whose MTV travels the furthest distance. The winners will be invited to race at the national competition this June at Clemson University in South Carolina.

LGES PARENTS ATTEND SCHOOL’S FCAT NIGHT

On Thursday, Jan. 14, Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School held FCAT Night for parents. During the event, the teachers shared with parents what their children can expect to see on the test and the ways in which they can help the students at home. Shown above, parents listen to a presentation on the FCAT test.

SECME’s Shelby Weininger assists a young student with her MTV.

TKA students compete in a pedometer race.

RPBHS Speech And Debate Team Makes History

The Royal Palm Beach High School speech and debate team made school history at the 32nd Annual Crestian National Invitational, placing first in Duo Interpretation of Literature.

The highly competitive threeday national competition was held Jan. 15-17 at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, with more than 1,200 competitors from more than a dozen states. The RPBHS duo team of Bryan Piveretto and Jordan Roe reached far beyond their experience level and came up with the first first-place award in duo that the RPBHS speech and debate team has ever earned.

The road to victory was not an easy one. It took six strong preliminary rounds to break into quarterfinals, then three strong scores for semifinals and three more for finals. The students competed in

Pierce Hammock Seeks Auction Items For Fair

Pierce Hammock Elementary School will be sponsoring its fourth annual Western Community Fair March 5-7. The school is asking for tax-deductible donations for the silent auction. Money raised from the event will go toward school improvements and classroom supplies. Sponsor names will be advertised to the fullest during the event and in Pierce Hammock’s monthly newsletter.

an intensive 10-round tournament over a grueling period of three days.

Duo Interpretation of Literature is a competition during which a team of two students acts out a scene from a literary work using inventive and ingenious methods to make the scene come alive in a convincing fashion. It is one of the most competitive aspects of the speech and debate competitions.

“I couldn’t be prouder of team,” Speech and Debate Director Dario Camara said. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for us and the school.”

The results of the final rounds are as follows: Bryan Piverotto and Jordan Roe, first-place tournament champions in Duo Interpretation of Literature; Keion Jones and Marco Lopez, semifinalists in Duo Interpretation of

Organizers anticipate 1,200 to 1,500 people will attend the event. For more information, call the main office at (561) 633-4500.

SRHS Number One In ACA Certification

Seminole Ridge High School’s Digital Arts Program is number one in the world for certifying students in the new Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam. SRHS has certified more than 220 students — 60 percent more than any other school. The Digital Arts pro-

Literature; and Yvonne Goode, semifinalist, Oral Interpretation of Prose/Poetry.

During a regional competition held on Saturday, Jan. 23 in Well-

grams at SRHS consist of communications technology, digital design and digital photography. The ACA is the new exam recognized by the industry and was designed by Adobe and Certiport. This certification is a credential that validates entry-level skills needed to plan, design, build and maintain effective communications by using different forms of digital media. The high school has focused on Photoshop this year, but also certifies in Dreamweaver and Flash. Due to the kind of license that the school holds, students are allowed to take the examination

when they are ready. Rob Schwartz, Manuel Moya and Nancy Mavrookas teach the program and oversee the examination process. Schwartz designed a video curriculum to train the students to take the examination, but most importantly to prepare them for the current demanding workforce.

“The certified students have met the standards not designed by educators or individual teachers, but industry professionals who work with the software daily,” Schartz said. For more information, call Schwartz at (561) 889-9542 or visit www.brainbuffet.com.

Western Pines Honors Students Of The Month

Western Pines Middle School Principal Robert Hatcher is once again proud to present the Students of the Month for January. These students have been chosen by their social studies teachers for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

Joshua Billane is a sixth grader who exemplifies all of the characteristics of a model student. In addition to being diligent and respectful, he is well liked and always helpful. Josh enjoys soccer and is able to balance his academic priorities with his sports interests.

Seventh grader Gianna Schutzer is an honor roll student. She has played on the girls softball team and is currently on the volleyball team. Gianna is a wellrounded student and athlete, and is well liked by her teachers and peers. Finally, from the eighth grade is Audrey Forbes. Like Gianna, Audrey is also a popular young lady. She is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand in the classroom. Audrey is an honor roll student and athlete, participating in softball, volleyball and track.

ington, the RPBHS speech and debate team qualified a recordbreaking 13 students to compete in the state tournament set for March 5-6.

Students Of The Month — (L-R) Josh Billane, Gianna Schutzer and Audrey Forbes with Principal Robert Hatcher.

Speech And Debate Winners — (L-R) Yvonne Goode, Marco Lopez, Jordan Roe, Bryan Piverotto and Keion Jones.

Sean Michael McGee Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Sean Michael McGee, a Boy Scout in Troop 125 and a member of Venturing Crew 2125, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Monday, Dec. 28, having completed all of the requirements.

Only two percent of all of the young men who join the Boy Scouts of America attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout. To qualify for this award, a scout must have completed at least 21 merit badges and organized and led a service project that benefits his church, school or community.

McGee organized and led two crews of volunteers in planting more than 1,200 grasses and flowering plants at Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Environ-

mental Education Center on Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

McGee joined Cub Scout Pack 125 as a Tiger Cub at age seven and later earned the highest award, the Arrow of Light. As a member of Troop 125, he started earning merit badges and attending the week-long summer camps in the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia.

At 14, McGee completed a 50plus-mile, 12-day backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. Two years later, as a member of the coed, high-adventure Venturing Crew 2125, he returned to Philmont as a seasoned backpacker and successfully completed one of

Philmont’s super-strenuous treks of 85-plus miles in 12 days. He is preparing himself to return to Philmont for a third trek this summer.

McGee, a senior at Wellington High School, will be graduating in May and plans on attending Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville to earn an associate’s degree. After that, he will transfer to the University of Florida to pursue a degree in forestry management. McGee is an active member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church’s youth group, and recently accompanied the youth group on a mission.

Pack 125, Troop 125 and Venturing Crew 2125 are all chartered by St. Peter’s.

WGC Members Help With Community Garden

In early September, the local Elks Lodge #1352 decided to apply for a $500 community involvement grant. The Wellington Garden Club agreed to provide expertise and support via its master gardeners and newly formed Wellington High School Junior Garden Club.

Members of the Junior Garden Club, a parent, a Wellington Garden Club master gardener and a volunteer vegetable garden expert/member of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church attended a community vegetable garden all-day seminar on Sept. 19 at the Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. The seminar featured experts

chosen by the local extension service. One of the speakers knowledgeable on organic gardening agreed to give the garden club his advice as needed. Upon learning that the request for funding had been granted, a 30-foot-by-40-foot raised bed vegetable garden was installed by the Elks members on their property. Families living in the Westgate Village Habitat for Humanity complex were asked to participate, as well as a family from Holy Spirit.

Several businesses contributed to the garden, and Elks Lodge members donated various herbs for harvesting by the families and the cooks at the Elks Lodge.

Community Garden — Wellington Garden Club president and master gardener Barbara Hadsell picks green beans with the Stone family from the Westgate Habitat for Humanity Village.

Paola Lluberas-PalaciosJustin Wray

Lluberas-Palacios And Wray Graduate Air Force Training

Air Force airmen Justin Wray and Paola Lluberas-Palacios have graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Wray and Lluberas-Palacios completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic

training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wray is the son of Leon and Elida Wray of The Acreage and a 2009 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Lluberas-Palacios is the daughter of Juan Carlos Lluberas of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, and Maria Sabers of The Acreage. She is a 2009 graduate of Wellington High School.

Sean Michael McGee

Lord’s Place Annual SleepOut Feb. 5 In WPB

The Lord’s Place will host its third annual SleepOut from 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach.

Registration will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., accompanied by a live musical performance by In the Walk. This will be followed by an inspirational program of song, personal testimonies and presentations by clients and community leaders, and viewing of a major motion picture about homelessness from 9 to 11 p.m.

Those who can stay are invited to sleep out under the stars to experience for one night what it is like to be homeless. Small, unstaked tents are allowed. The closing program will take place at 7 a.m.; coffee and donuts will be provided. Sponsors include Comcast

Spotlight; Republic Services of Palm Beach; Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart and Shipley, Attorneys at Law; West Palm 100; Michaels Arts & Crafts; Braman Motorcars; Wells Fargo; Pamela and Brian McIver; In the Walk; Liiv.com; and the Downtown Development Authority. The Lord’s Place is a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate and effective services for men, women and children in the community.

Registration fees are $40 per person, $80 per family, $20 per person for groups of eight or more, $150 per patron and $1,000 per benefactor.

To register, or for more information, visit the Lord’s Place web site at www.thelordsplace.org or call (561) 494-0125, ext. 1130.

SleepOut Committee — Members of the Lord’s Place SleepOut

2010 Committee: (L-R) co-chair Pamela McIver, Executive Director Diana Stanley, Sarah McKenzie, Kimberly Denney, Dale Klco and Jennifer Hellman of Comcast Spotlight. Not pictured: co-chair Liz Brown, Blair Griffin, Diane Buhler, Donna Weinburger, Joanne Stanley, Leesa Gordon, Nancy Crew, Casey Bryant, Gibbie Nauman and Tim Harris.

RPBHS Students Seeking Donations For Haiti

Last fall, Royal Palm Beach High School ESOL students established the Helping Hands Club,

McGillicuddy Performs For Palm Beach Chamber

Palm Beach County Cultural Council President and CEO Rena Blades didn’t have to look far on Jan. 21 for an example to illustrate her views about the arts. What are those views? Blades firmly believes the arts have a special power to resonate with those who experience them.

“It’s the way we felt when we heard Kelley sing this morning,” Blades said, referring to 17-yearold Kelley McGillicuddy, the King’s Academy senior student who delivered a stirring rendition

of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” at the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast.

Blades and three speakers from the cultural arts community discussed the impact of what they called the “cultural industry” on local, state and national economies. With her performance, McGillicuddy reinforced the cultureand-business theme of the breakfast. Last year, the business-oriented Junior Achievement organization’s Watch a Rising Star pro-

gram awarded McGillicuddy a $4,000 college scholarship to help pay for her continuing musical education.

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 686-4244 or visit the school’s web site at www.tka.net.

RPB CUB SCOUT PACK 120 HOLDS ANNUAL PINEWOOD DERBY

Steady morning rainfall and brisk winds on Sunday, Jan. 17 did not prevent Royal Palm Beach Cub Scouts Pack 120 from holding their annual Pinewood Derby at H.L. Johnson Elementary School. More than 50 scouts and siblings designed, built and painted their five-ounce wooden cars throughout the afternoon, then raced them down a 25-foot aluminum track toward the checkered flag. Those who placed first, second and third in each grade level advanced to the district-wide Pinewood Derby held last weekend at the South Florida Fair following the scout parade. (Above) Trophy winners proudly display their cars and awards. (Below) Bryan Minear prepares to race two derby cars as the crowd watches.

Perez Wins Essay Contest

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School

William Perez is the first-place winner of the Martin Luther King Cultural Center Foundation essay contest for fourth and fifth graders.

The topic of the essay was to

discuss the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Perez attended the annual MLKCC Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 18 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where he received a trophy.

student

Kelley McGillicuddy

(L-R) Lunedy Augustin, Club President Darline Aristhene, Rebecca Galette, Genny St. Juste, Sandra Innocent and Julie Marcelus.

Rare

Genetic Disorder

continued from page 1

the time,” Trish Armand recalled. “Because of her, Olivia was diagnosed early, and we knew what to expect with Mikey.”

The early diagnosis gave Olivia a chance at life that she might not have had otherwise. In 2006, Olivia and her brother Mikey, now

age three and living with I-Cell, underwent bone marrow transplants to replenish their bodies with cells that had the enzymes they lacked. The transplants helped slow the progression of the disease and gave them both a better quality of life. “My daughter could ride a bike, she could talk, she could even feed herself,” Trish Armand said. “The bone marrow transplant gave her the quality of life that most kids with I-Cell don’t ever have.”

In the month since Olivia’s death, the Armands have received a tremendous amount of support from not only their friends and family, but also people they had never met.

“People who don’t know her, who have never even met her, feel her presence,” Trish Armand said. “My daughter had a zest for life.”

Through a web site (www.olivia gracearmandfoundation.com) and the foundation’s Facebook group, the Armands have met people who have been affected by I-Cell or by Olivia’s story. “In less than a month, we had over 1,400 members on Facebook,” Michael Armand said. “It’s really important to us that we can reach out to other people through Olivia this way.”

And through the foundation, Olivia will continue to reach out to others for years to come. Currently, the foundation is undergoing nonprofit certification, but Trish Armand said she hopes to give out scholarships as early as August.

“Mikey’s transplant birthday is in August,” she said. “I’d like to give out some cookies as a gift from Olivia to him.”

The foundation’s board, made up of the Armands, Olivia’s grandparents, friends and medical professionals, are still determining the criteria on which to award the scholarships, but in the meantime, they are organizing events to raise money and awareness.

Once it’s fully established, the scholarships will be given out each Dec. 21 — Olivia’s birthday — along with other special times throughout the year.

“There’s a void that’s never going to be filled,” Trish Armand said. “But I want to keep Olivia’s memory alive and inspire people with how brave she was — she was such a trooper.”

And despite all the hardship, the couple knows life would not have been the same without it.

“Trish and I have been through the ringer,” Michael Armand said. “We were newlyweds who got pregnant and got thrown into this. We lived in chaos for four years, and it ripped everything in our lives apart. But I wouldn’t change a thing with Mikey or Olivia.”

For more about the foundation, or to donate, visit www.olivia gracearmandfoundation.com.

Festival Planned For March 20-21

continued from page 1 be more, and we’ll squeeze them in, but they won’t extend beyond the area that has been denoted.” Lodwick asked if work at nearby Camellia Park would be finished by then, and Village Engineer Ray Liggins said any area not suitable for access would be cordoned off, although it is scheduled for substantial completion by the end of March.

Lodwick said the biggest gam-

ble with a street art event is the weather. “I’ve been at the Lake Worth (festival) when it just started clouding up and there was a collective gasp,” Lodwick said. “Chalk doesn’t hold up well in the rain, does it?”

Miranda said the artists would be provided plastic covers in the case of rain, but there was little they could do in the event of heavy storms. Lodwick thanked the chamber and village staff for their work “We’re happy to be partners,” Lodwick said. “Hopefully it will be a great event for our residents and all the western communities

and help promote local business, which is a very good thing.” Miranda said the chamber is seeking people to participate in all the events, including sidewalk art, local bands, contestants for the wings cookoff, boat races and numerous other events, as well as street performers such as jugglers and mimes.

“We’re going to try to keep a lot of things going on,” Miranda said. “It should be a lot of fun.”

The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event, call the chamber at (561) 790-6200.

Members of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce gather with Royal Palm Beach Village Council members to celebrate the upcoming Royal Palm Art & Music Festival slated for March.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Olivia Armand, shown here, had a rare genetic disorder known as I-Cell.

ONLY ONE MORE WEEKEND OF FUN LEFT AT THE 2010 SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR

Rabbi Feldman: Israel Is Far From An Apartheid State

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

A prominent local Jewish leader spoke out last week against claims that Israel is an apartheid state.

Rabbi Leonid Feldman, spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach, made his remarks on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at a screening of the documentary The Case for Israel: Democracy’s Outpost on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the temple. Feldman, a noted lecturer on Rabbi Leonid Feldman

Haiti New Political Group

continued from page 7 comes, we will have a new awakening out of the sorrow, pain and sacrifice. It won’t be for naught. It’s going to be a long-term commitment.”

Palm Beach County School Board candidate Marsha Andrews, a Wellington resident who recently retired after 35 years as a teacher and administrator, discussed the needs of students living in Palm Beach County in the wake of a controversial academic plan that recently led to a shakeup at the Palm Beach County School District.

“I do believe I am an expert in the curriculum,” said Andrews, who now volunteers at Toussaint L’Overture High School. “We’ve had a major, major disaster this year with the Palm Beach County School District… We need to start anew. We have to work for the people and with the students. We know there is an achievement gap for our children of color, and for those who are of lower socioeconomic status. The gap is wide. The graduation rate for the kids I have been talking about is deplorable. It has been that way for the past 10 years. We have failed to put those programs in place. We need to do something about it.”

Bernadel noted the differences between Haitian and AfricanAmerican students. African-

Judaism and the first Soviet dissident to become a rabbi in the United States, said Arabs and other minorities are well represented in Israel, including an Arab who sits on the Israeli Supreme Court. Feldman said he was saddened at the charges of apartheid leveled at the state by former President Jimmy Carter and other powerful people, although he noted that Carter had recently apologized for his charges.

“In Israel, you see black people who have all the rights,” Feldman

Americans did not have to usually concern themselves with English as a second language or with immigration status like Haitians do.

“The issues that impact the students of Haitian ancestry are not similar to the issues that impact African-Americans,” Bernadel said. “My question to you is would you support the Haitian community in its request to receive a report from the school district on how specifically that community is faring?”

Bernadel also said too many students are failing and ending up in the criminal justice system rather than being in school.

“None of the political parties until now have picked up the plight of the Haitian community when it comes to education,” Bernadel said. “In Florida, we have

said. “Can you imagine in Saudi Arabia to have a Jew sitting in their Supreme Court? We have a consulate general in Houston, Texas who is an Arab, and he’s a consulate general who represents the State of Israel.”

In many ways, Arabs in Israel are far freer than in Arab lands, he noted.

“Muslims have more rights in our state than they do in other Muslim places,” he said. “There is not another country where they are allowed to drive, where they

are allowed to be by themselves. It’s hard to understand when someone says apartheid and says it about the State of Israel.”

Feldman also criticized the United Nations, which he said drafted too many anti-Israel resolutions in recent years. The United States opposed those resolutions, but other countries were in favor.

“Today Israel is the Jew among nations,” Feldman said. “You cannot overemphasize the obsession. I don’t know if there is a solution,

but this is something every Jew should know. The world must understand that it always begins with the Jews, and it never stops with the Jews.

“We are like the canary in the coal mine. They let it fly into the mine, and if the canary comes out OK, the situation is OK. If the canary dies, there are fumes there that are very dangerous,” Feldman said. “The Jews for thousands of years have been the canaries of humanity. You want to test a counSee ISRAEL, page 20

Caucus of Florida, call Garcia at (561) 966-7307 or e-mail her at evietgarcia@yahoo.com.

SRHS students Cierra Allen, Crystal Corona and Alixandra Garic with their scholarship awards.

Wellington Landings Middle School cheerleaders march in a parade on Jan. 24.Mutton Bustin’ winner Cheyenne Augsburger of Loxahatchee.

Democratic Haitian-American Caucus — (Left) School Board candidate Marsha Andrews speaks. (Right) Caucus President Evelyn Garcia speaks while caucus members look on.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER more opportunities, and we have a good group of people who are educated, but a great majority of people don’t participate… We

need to pick up education as a point to lobby the Haitian community.” For

Democratic Haitian-American

‘Fiesta Under The Stars’ Raises $237,000 For JustWorld International

Big money was raised in support of JustWorld International at its annual fundraising gala held Friday, Jan. 22 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping children from impoverished communities.

With 575 people in attendance, the gala raised double the amount brought in last year. This year’s sold-out fundraiser featured a Latin Fiesta theme, complemented by a Mariachi band and professional tango and salsa dancers. Latin-inspired cuisine was prepared by Chef Chris Paul from Wild Orchids Café, using ingredients donated by Whole Foods Wellington. Delray Wine Cellars provided the beverages, including the signature drink of mojitos. Additional event sponsors included Chez Gourmet, Sportfot Photography and Dazzle Creative Event Producers, who brought the Latin theme to life with a colorful design palette and signature touches ranging from piñatas to sombreros. JustWorld rider ambassadors and volunteers spent countless hours making 250 intricate paper flowers that adorned the tables as centerpieces.

“This year’s fundraiser, which

Council

Rental Fee Dropped

continued from page 1 benefit the community for years to come,” Councilman Howard Coates said.

Fundraising for the project will begin next month, with construction to begin in February 2011.

In other business:

• The council unanimously rejected an ordinance that would have required owners of singlefamily rental properties to be licensed by the village and to pay a licensing fee. Currently the licenses only apply to multi-family units. Although village staff recommended approval of the ordinance, the council refused with-

Football Two Fields At County Park

continued from page 1 Palm Beach County was phenomenal, Recchio said. “They got right on it and gave us approval; let us make whatever changes we had to make to the field. The village brought its own portable bleachers over, and we were up and running in time for the season. It was really a pleasure to work with their staff.”

Recchio said the league needed a long-term agreement, and the county was looking for a longterm commitment for the fields.

The 12-year agreement averages $25,000 a year, but the payments would be made the first five years of the agreement at a rate of $60,000 a year. The payments would come out of the capital funds designated for Ewing Park. “We are not spending any more money than we would have spent if we did it ourselves at our own facility,” Recchio said. “The nice thing about it is we don’t maintain it. We don’t have to make sure staff is over there with supplies, or worry about resodding. The agreement is pretty much carte blanche.”

As part of the agreement, the contract is with the village rather than the football league, so the

BDB Bringing In More Jobs

continued from page 3 school here. Not only do I have a great passion for marketing in Palm Beach County, but my heart and my home is right here in the western communities.”

The board, a 26-year-old public/private partnership, has a budget of about $2 million with a 14member staff. Through the support of the Palm Beach County Commission, the BDB performs economic development duties through an annual contract, but 60 percent of its money comes from private businesses that pay a membership fee.

About 10 years ago, the BDB hired a consultant to identify industries that were right for Palm Beach County, based on the workforce, education and overall economic environment, Smallridge said. The consultant identified aviation and aerospace, business and financial services, communications, information technology, life sciences, alternative energy and green technology as ideal industries to recruit.

In the past three years, the county has seen tremendous growth in

truly exceeded all our expectations, was a direct result of the commitment and dedication of all of our rider ambassadors, staff and volunteers,” said Jessica Newman, executive director of JustWorld International. “Our success is a reflection of the heart and soul put into the event by all involved, and it truly was the embodiment of everything that JustWorld stands for. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who went above and beyond to ensure that the evening was nothing short of amazing.” A who’s who of the Wellington social scene gathered together for the cause, with Olympic champion Eric Lamaze offering to play a game of golf with the winning bidder in the live auction. Skip Eaman placed the winning bid of $7,000 to play 18 holes with the Canadian gold medallist, who is also a longtime JustWorld rider ambassador. American gold medallist Will Simpson offered an auction item so popular it was sold twice; Leslie Howard, herself an Olympic gold medallist in 1984, paid $5,700 to have Simpson cook his famous barbeque ribs for her and 20 of her closest friends, as did Julia Harrison Lee.

“The ribs are tasty and have been a hit west of the Mississippi, so it is great that they have taken off in the east as well,” said Simp-

out discussion, to the joy of residents in opposition who filled the audience. Residents were given a chance to speak on the matter, but declined after they heard the council planned to reject it.

• The council dropped a nearly $795,000 code enforcement case against resident Cynthia Gardner, whose property on The 12th Fairway was cited for two separate code enforcement violations in August and October 2005, and accrued fines for more than 1,600 days.

Although the violations were minor — fascia, fence repair, landscaping maintenance and visible trashcans — Gardner failed to clean up the property, according to the village. She also failed to pay the initial $236 in fines issued by the village, and began accumulating penalties that resulted in

village will still have use of the fields if the football program changes or disbands. “You never know what’s going to happen five or 10 years down the road,” Recchio said.

As part of the agreement, the village would still have use of the fields for the remainder of the 12 years if the football program changes. “If the numbers decrease, and maybe they don’t need two football fields, maybe we’ll start up a lacrosse program,” Recchio said. The most expensive aspect could be a concession/storage facility, he said. Other expenses could include adding a scoreboard, bleachers and sound system on the field that does not have them.

If the recommendation receives approval by the village council on Feb. 4, it will go before the county commission on Feb. 23. Recchio has discussed the proposal with the Palms West Athletic Association, which accepted it, Recchio said.

Recreation Board Member Joe Zexter said it is a good deal. “We know this is what we need, and it relieves the village of costs that could be very changeable,” Zexter said. “I think it’s a tremendous advantage in relieving the village of a constant contingency. I think we would be very foolish not to take advantage of it.”

aviation and aerospace. “We have seen five to six projects a year grow in aviation/aerospace, and that’s the kind of information and projects that we’re cultivating in this county, very focused on highquality, high-value-added jobs for this area,” Smallridge said. BDB staff members meet with CEOs in many different areas outside the state, she said. “We do not market Palm Beach County to companies within the State of Florida,” she noted. The board also works to keep companies here. “No longer can we assume that just because a company is based here in Palm Beach County that they’re going to stay here,” Smallridge said. “While you see us all over the globe trying to bring companies in, the vast majority of our work is done here in Palm Beach County making sure the companies that we have here stay and grow here. It’s no good to bring one in the front door and lose one out the back door at the same time, so we have teams here and teams overseas.”

Smallridge said bringing a new business to any part of the county benefits the county as a whole. “It doesn’t matter to us whether they go to Boca, Wellington or Jupiter,” she said. “We all benefit as a coun-

son, who cooks the ribs with help from his son Ty. “I am impressed with the work that Jessica has done, and with the organization. My daughter is involved with the ambassadorship program, and I think it builds a strong sense of community.”

Other live auction items included a one-week stay at the Land family’s beachfront house in Costa Rica, won by Joan and Ernie Kalman, and a three-week RV Sales of Broward rental bought by Guido Klatte. Ashley Yanke was the winning bidder on a one-week stay at the Dello Joio family’s house in the Florida Keys, while Karen Sparks and Patty Overland successfully bid on a VIP table at the 2010 Hampton Classic Horse Show. Bidding in the live auction was especially fierce this year thanks to the unique style of funloving master of ceremonies Allan Donnan.

Among the special guests were JustWorld ambassadors and horse show managers who had held events to support JustWorld and who traveled great distances to be in attendance. JustWorld technical official ambassador Phil Rozon, who hosted a JustWorld benefit golf tournament, flew in from Bromont, Canada, while Jane and Stephanie Tidball, organizers of JustWorld’s partner show at Thun-

$794,137 owed to the village as of Jan. 13.

During the four years, Gardner faced health and financial issues that kept her from bringing the property up to code and paying the penalties, village officials said.

“While the underlying violations went on for a long time and they did impact the neighborhood aesthetically, they were relatively minor things,” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said. “Unfortunately, because of Mrs. Gardner’s health issues and the financial situation she found herself in over the last couple of years, she didn’t find the wherewithal to deal with the situation.”

A default judgment was issued against Gardner late last year, meaning that Wellington could foreclose on the property, valued at approximately $200,000. How-

Mayor David Lodwick, the council liaison to the board, said the agreement would benefit the village and the county.

“We have committed the $300,000 that gives the county money to do it,” Lodwick said, adding that he would not want to spend an estimated $200,000 for a concession/storage building on someone else’s property and suggested looking into a transportable concrete building that could be moved when the contract expires.

Lodwick said the agreement would give recreation staff time to evaluate what to do at Ewing Park that will fit in with renovations being done on the nearby municipal campus.

“Perhaps we can find some new uses for that and come back with a new capital project,” Lodwick said.

League representative Billy McCullough said that the main issue would be to get a concession/ storeroom, explaining that the league lost about $14,000 in concessions last year because they had to outsource. He said they also need security lights on the unlighted field because kids who are not actively engaged in a game sometimes engage in horseplay on the unlighted field.

Recreation Board Member

Tony Smith made a motion to approve the agreement, which passed 4-0.

ty. CEOs do not see geographic boundaries. When we go from Wellington to Royal Palm and into Belle Glade, they really don’t know where the city boundaries begin and end. They’re asking us questions that have to do with the county and the region.”

CEOs ask about the county’s public and private schools, the average cost of a home, incentives and taxes for their companies, and the types of corporations it can set up here. One CEO asked how the children of his largely Hispanic staff would fare in the transition to Palm Beach County schools. Others ask about the political structure and compare doing business in areas such as Wellington to Kentucky.

“We have to turn this information out and do our dog-and-pony show on a regular basis,” Smallridge said. “You would not believe what we see on a regular basis, everywhere from a very small mom and pop all the way to a company that we interviewed last week that has $360 million in annual sales and 2,500 employees in 50 offices.”

The BDB filters through some pretty wild ideas. One man wanted the board to persuade the county commission to give him the Mecca Farms site so he could

derbird Show Park outside Vancouver, also traveled to Wellington specifically for the event. JustWorld rider ambassador Juan Andres Rodriguez and JustWorld technical official ambassador Rodolfo Godoy Beltranena came all the way from Guatemala, where they host events at the El Cortijo horse shows to raise funds for Los Patojos, the local JustWorld project that acts as a community center for more than 250 children. Gold Medal sponsors included Cloud Hill Farm, Belle Herbe Farm, and Bonnie and Natalie Johnson. Silver and Bronze Medal sponsors included Joan and Ernie Kalman, Michael Stone, Spy Coast Farms, Bur Oak LLC/Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Rockafellow family/Sea-Aire.

“The event was absolutely spectacular. It was so much fun, and it was great to see the amount of people who came out to support JustWorld and all that they do,” said Lauren Belinsky, marketing and community relations director for Whole Foods Wellington.

“When I met Jessica last year and worked with her and learned more about the charity, I wanted to do all we could to help her meet her goals. We are really proud to be involved with such an amazing charity that connects two worlds, the equestrian community with the

ever, last year Gardner offered a settlement of $15,000 to cover the village’s legal expenses and brought the property up to code as of Jan. 21. The council accepted the offer with its approval of the consent agenda at the meeting. “When you look at it as a codeenforcement issue, Wellington’s goal has always been enforcement and not punishment,” Kurtz said. “She just recently brought the property into compliance, and she was in a position where had the village not given her this relief, she could have lost not only that property, but also several other properties. It could have been financial ruin for her.” This decision will not set precedence for other cases, Kurtz said. “The unique thing about this situation is that someone had let the violations go on for that length of time,” he said. “It was a matter that could have been resolved initially for a couple of thousand dollars at the time, but unfortunately, given her circumstances, she wasn’t able to do that.”

Classes At Community Of Hope Church

Community of Hope Church is offering free classes and support groups that focus on divorce recovery, grief and personal fitness. Starting Feb. 1, the church will offer a 13-week DivorceCare series on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church office (14101 Okeechobee Blvd). The course will provide support for people who are separated or divorced. To help those who have lost a loved one, the church will offer a grief support group on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at a location in Madison Green. The support group will offer a faith-based seminar for anyone grieving the loss of someone close to them.

The church will hold a fitness class Wednesdays from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. in the Royal Palm Beach Elementary School cafeteria (11911 Okeechobee Blvd.). The classes are open to men and women, and are designed to increase balance, strength and flexibility. To register, call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com

manufacture rockets for space tourism and launch them from there. “We get those bizarre deals, and we have to entertain all of those prospects, because you never know which of those is going to come to fruition,” Smallridge said. One of the projects the BDB is currently looking into is an aerospace firm interested in building a 47,000-square-foot facility in the Pahokee area. The BDB is also working with the headquarters of a healthcare company that would create 50 jobs in a 30,000-squarefoot facility. Other prospects include a firm that would create 25 jobs in the North County area and a robotics company that would create 14 new high-salary jobs in the south end of the county. Call centers, which were once big in the area and had moved overseas, are starting to come back to the county, while a company that provides the coating on eyeglasses and a large financial services firm also have shown interest in moving to the county. “These are the biggest top-10 deals Smallridge said. “We also have about 60 in the pipeline.”

Despite the weak economy, the growth prospects for the county are stronger now than they were three years ago, she said, credit-

impoverished communities around the world.”

Special thanks to Maria Newman of Belle Herbe Farm for hosting the annual JustWorld fundraiser for the seventh year. Including this year’s fundraising event, JustWorld International has raised a total of more than $3 million to provide basic needs for desperately poor children at project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal.

JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information, visit www.justworldinternational.org.

LOCAL ROTARIANS DONATE MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO HAITI

Midwinter Festival At Sunsport Gardens

People from throughout North America will gather at Sunsport Gardens in Loxahatchee Groves Feb. 11-16 for six days of fun, growth and community at the annual Midwinter Naturist Festival. This year’s festival will feature workshops on health, personal growth, bodywork, ecology, relationships, the arts and naturists’ rights. There will also be sports, drum circles, musical performanc-

Israel Movie

Screening

continued from page 19 try or an organization, you see how they treat its Jews.”

Feldman also said he was worried about the situation in Iran, and was fearful that terrible weapons could fall into the hands of terrorist agencies such as Hezbollah or Hamas. “Hillary Clinton was there,” he said, “and although the

ing much of that with programs the BDB has built that make the county attractive to businesses. They include a business retention program to bring in the resources that businesses need in order to remain robust.

The BDB is also locating all the sites in the county that they can say are “shovel ready,” Smallridge said, with commercial zoning where they can begin construction within 12 months.

The BDB also does extensive international outreach through its partner, the state agency Enterprise Florida. “We are the state’s official part-

Blotter continued from page 6 Beach responded to a home in La Mancha last Friday morning regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 and 11 a.m. someone entered the home on Ponce de Leon Street and stole a PlayStation 3, a microphone and cable, and jewelry. The suspects may have entered through the unlocked front door. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JAN. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee

es, dances, a labyrinth and activities for children.

Sunsport Gardens, South Florida’s premier family naturist resort, offers a heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, tennis, volleyball, petanque, nature trail, children’s playground, full-service restaurant and camping.

For more information, call (561) 793-0423 or visit www.sun sportgardens.com.

deadline was Dec. 31, she said the door was still open for engagement. What engagement? What are we talking about? There is nothing to talk about. They are begging America to stand up.”

The documentary features Harvard law professor and author Alan Dershowitz as one of the main commentators. For more information about the documentary, visit www.thecaseforisrael. com. For more information about Temple Beth El, call Rabbi Feldman at (561) 833-0339.

ner in Palm Beach County,” Smallridge said. “They are able to represent us in many international countries.”

The BDB has also persuaded 13 of the county’s 38 municipalities, including Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, to approve expedited permitting ordinances. “If a project is within a certain industry cluster and is creating jobs and is bringing good money to this county, then why can’t the cities expedite their permitting?” she asked. “This is helping cut regulatory barriers.” For more information about the BDB, visit www.bdb.org.

substation responded to a home in Loxahatchee Groves last Saturday evening in reference to a delayed shooting. According to a PBSO report, a resident of C Road called in at approximately 6:30 p.m. after he heard three loud pops that sounded like gun shots. Shortly afterward, the victim noticed that two of the lights along his driveway were not working. The victim observed both lights had been damaged and reviewed his surveillance video, which showed someone in a white shirt walk up to the edge of the driveway at approximately 6:34 p.m., moments before both lights went out.

Olympic champion and JustWorld rider ambassador Eric Lamaze with JustWorld Executive Director Jessica Newman. PHOTO COURTESY SPORTFOT.COM

The Wellington and Royal Palm Beach Rotary clubs teamed together to prepare a palette of medical supplies bound for victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Shown above, Past District Gov. Larry Abadie and Peter Loped, a representative of donor Prescriptions Plus, load cartons for the next-day Rotary relief flight to Haiti.

The Magic Hands Of Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt

After a stressful day, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a massage. This is as true for horses as it is for humans. Happily, someone is available who can help both. Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt is a licensed massage therapist working on people and animals, including horses. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

Wellington Chamber Begins 2010 Strong

It is the beginning of a new year, and the programs planned by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will focus on a host of exclusive networking and marketing opportunities geared toward increasing exposure of Wellington’s local business.

New Monthly Wellington Chamber Column, Page 36

Shopping Spree Shopping Spree

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

BUSINESS

South Florida Equine Quarantine: Convenient Location Run By Experts

Each year, many of the world’s top riders arrive in Wellington to compete. Their horses are meticulously cared for and in top physical condition, like any competitive athlete. South Florida Equine Quarantine, the oldest and most established equine quarantine business in the area, knows just what the trainers, riders, horses and owners need to have the competitive edge. Page 33

Spor ts

RPB Basketball Boys Top Seminole Ridge

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team defeated visiting Seminole Ridge High School 70-49 in a conference and district game on Tuesday, Jan. 19 to win the conference title. In other basketball news, the Seminole Ridge girls basketball team stomped Glades Day School 59-24 on Monday, Jan. 25.

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THIS WEEK’S INDEX

COLUMNS & FEATURES......................25-26

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT...............28-32

BUSINESS NEWS.................................33-37

SPORTS & RECREATION.....................39-42

COMMUNITY CALENDAR....................44-46

CLASSIFIEDS........................................47-53

Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt Specializes In Equine Massage

After a long, stressful day, there’s nothing quite as relaxing and rejuvenating as a massage. This is as true for horses as it is for humans.

Happily, someone is available who can help both. Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, 52, is a licensed massage therapist who works on people and animals, including dogs, and specializes in show horses. His clients include Olympians, figure skaters, cyclists and, of course, elite riders and their mounts.

Hourdebaigt is a pioneer in this field. He began 25 years ago and has since published a dozen books on the subject. One of them, Equine Massage: a Practical Guide, has been a steady seller in seven languages and is often used as a textbook. Originally from the south of France, he has lived in Wellington for the past 10 years.

Hourdebaigt didn’t start out as a horse lover. His older brother was an ambitious show jumper in France, so young Jean-Pierre tagged along to the barn. He ended up enjoying trail riding, nothing professional, and eventually owned two horses. After he was married and his wife became pregnant, they sold the horses.

“I see so many horses every day, I have no urge to own my own anymore,” he said. “Besides, I have no time to ride. During the season, December through April, I work 40 to 60 hours a week, 10 to 12 horses a day, six days a week.”

The bulk of his clients are top dressage riders. Hourdebaigt said these people have invested a lot of time and money in their hors-

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

es, and they know that regular massages are a great way to treat or prevent injuries. Veterinary research has shown that deep-tissue massage, proper stretching and work on trigger points benefit any athlete.

A light relaxation massage takes about 45 minutes. Hourdebaigt works on three zones, one at a time: the hind quarters to the hip, the shoulders to the withers and the upper neck to the poll (top of the head between the ears.) He says this helps readjust the whole horse and gives it stability. He may also add stretching exercises and hot or cold therapy, as needed.

“After a massage, especially with a horse who’s really hurting, they feel so much better. You can just see how happy they are,” Hourdebaigt said. “Horses are very special, very sensitive, both physically and emotionally. The first time I work on a horse, he may not trust me, especially to touch a spot that hurts. You have to be able to know how to read a horse’s body language. You can easily get kicked if you’re not paying attention.”

Horse people know how to communicate with horses without words, Hourdebaigt not-

ed. “It’s body language, placement, quiet tone of voice and slow movement,” he said. “You have to almost behave like another horse to gain trust. I use a gentle approach. I let a horse sniff my hands. I start slowly with light stretching, just showing them what to do and how to do it. I wait for the horse to invite me into his space. Once I’ve established a good first relationship, each subsequent visit is much easier.”

Then Hourdebaigt often puts other massage methods to work. “Once a horse trusts me, I can move on to a Swedish massage, where I access deeper muscles and can help alleviate whole-body tension,” he said. “A third massage allows me even deeper, once the horse really knows and trusts me, and I can bring about total relaxation and fix problems. Once the horses know me, they watch for me, heads

See EQUINE MASSAGE, page 26

Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt massages a horse’s shoulders.

Dogs Vs. Cats: It’s An Argument With No Clear Winner!

A recent study claimed to have ascertained, once and for all, whether people preferred cats or dogs as pets. Dogs came out on top, but I think researchers learned an even more important truth: choosing one pet over another causes people to hate your research organization.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered. There were solid gold cats placed in mummies’ tombs, and the Sphinx is one giant “Ode to Cat.” Any community with a wharf needs cats to keep the rat population down, and, if you don’t want to be walked twice a day, a selfsufficient cat is your answer.

On the other hand, cats prove to be just a wee bit too self-sufficient for some people. These people want to be jumped upon and licked and barked at when they get home. They want to feel the love.

You’re not getting that from a cat. Upon

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

seeing you enter the home, a cat is more likely to raise one eyebrow as if to say, “You home already? Well, thanks for interrupting my nap,” then go back to ignoring you. Cat owners know they’re only here on earth to serve the needs of their cat, but they don’t mind. They admire the independence and assertiveness of their pet. (“So you’re just going to sit there and eat a tuna sandwich in front of me? I think not.” Swipe.)

Dogs, on the other hand, are genuinely glad to see you. It’s as if they’ve done nothing since you left but stare at the back of the door — and some of them have. Others have amused themselves by rooting through the garbage, slobbering around in the toilet or tearing down the drapes to get at a fly. By 5 p.m., they’re bored. They need you. (“Walk me... walk me... walk me! Now, let’s run! Now, let’s chase a squirrel! Now, let’s tangle ourselves around this stop sign!”) Dogs are the exclamation point of pets.

By 7 p.m., dogs have settled down a little bit. Now they’re sitting at your feet, staring at the back of your newspaper until you pick up their single psychic transmission, which is, “Pet me!”

Cats have a different method. Once you have the good sense to sit down and form a lap, they’re in it. After all, what else is a lap

for? They will sniff with impatience while you open your newspaper, but then you’d better pet them or they’ll turn on the engine (“Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.”)

It’s hard to say which animal is more curious. I think dogs try to be interested in what their owners are interested in (they’re such people-pleasers), but cats have their own agenda. My friend Kate’s cat watched as Kate spent an inordinate amount of time with her hands in a bowl, and he was peeved about it. After all, if the hands are doing anything, it should be petting the cat, right? So he jumped into the bowl.

Unfortunately, Kate had been soaking her hands in a pleasant wax bath. It took her weeks to pick all the wax out of that cat’s fur.

Which brings the research group to its next dogs vs. cats poll: Which pet is smarter?

Late Night Wars Have Produced Only Losers, No Winners

Act Two, or is it Act Three, of the late-night television follies seems to be about over. Conan O’Brien is out, and Jay Leno is back in, or at least back where NBC bosses say he belongs... and there are red faces everywhere

I don’t mind hearing how stupid the big bosses are; after all, they’ve basically destroyed any pretense of good programming on the network in the past few years, but I hate the way the comics go after each other. Once they made funny comments about each other; now they simply get nasty. And there are no innocents in the bunch.

There was even a movie years ago about how Leno was selected by previous powers that be over David Letterman. It clearly demonstrated what all of us who watch TV regularly know: The bosses are morons. Classless ones.

Having made what was evidently the right call back in the early 1990s, since Leno basically dominated the ratings over the years, the bosses made the decision in 2004 to replace him with O’Brien. After all, just because a man rules late night for a dozen years, why should you expect him to continue that way?

And O’Brien was building a nice base with

Equine Massage Rosenberg

Column

continued from page 25 out over the stall doors. And when they see me, you can see the excitement in them. ‘Here he comes!’ They love it and really look forward to it. Once they know the routine, they’ll even show me which spots hurt.”

Hourdebaigt points out that many show horses aren’t allowed to wander around in a herd. They typically spend 18 hours a day in a stall, and then may be turned out in a pasture alone for an hour or two, and ridden for an hour or two. Too much standing around can cause boredom. The pent-up energy can be explosive when they’re finally al-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

his 12:35 a.m. show, even though it was far smaller than Leno’s audience.

And while the Conan supporters snipe at Leno for accepting a move back to his old time, we should recall that it was O’Brien who told the bosses back in 2003 that he would leave if he didn’t get the 11:35 p.m. slot. For those people who look on O’Brien as the innocent kid being rolled by the nasty old guy, we must note that O’Brien pushed out Leno years ago.

So Leno knew way back when that he would be out, but continued to soldier on. Suddenly last year, someone at NBC was revived from a coma and realized that Leno was still on top, still beating Letterman. If the bosses let him go, he might do something horrif-

lowed out, and injuries can occur quickly. Working too hard or on bad footing, either too hard or too deep, also can result in problems. Even a poorly fitted saddle can have disastrous consequences. Hourdebaigt said he checks for four things that indicate a problem: texture (as in puffiness), tension, tenderness and a change in temperature, either warmer or cooler, which indicates a circulatory problem. Ideally, both sides of the horse should be about the same.

Hourdebaigt is really excited about a new business he is starting. Animal Awareness will provide subscribers with four things. First is a free library of articles detailing massage and related topics, both equine and canine. Second is a library of mini-videos, which demonstrate how to help a specific animal ail-

ic, like work for a competing network (probably Fox) and take his audience with him.

That led to the disastrous experiment they tried this past year. Anyone with any brains knew it would be a disaster. Even someone down here in the western communities (me) knew it would fail. I wrote a column about it last year, pointing out that it looked like NBC was essentially giving up. Without the Law & Order franchise, there would be almost no scripted programs in prime time.

Leno turned out to be a disaster at 10 p.m. He got a very good audience — one that would wow everyone for 11:35, but not nearly good enough for 10. He generally ran a distant third among the major networks, and was occasionally even topped by the local news shows on Fox. Some popular cable shows had larger audiences.

Just as bad, NBC lost its ratings dominance in late night. O’Brien was a flop, getting half the viewers that Leno had. With a weak Leno hurting all of the NBC affiliates’ 11 p.m. news shows, and a weak late-night lineup meaning that people were not tuned to NBC for the morning shows, the move this past fall was in the tradition of the NBC officials, who

ment, such as a sore back, through stretching and massage. These can be downloaded for $5.99 each.

Third is a diagnosis by Hourdebaigt on a specific complaint. The horse owner fills out a detailed questionnaire about the horse’s history and injury, and sends a short video showing the animal’s gaits. Hourdebaigt offers two types of consultations: $25 via e-mail, or $50 for a half-hour phone conversation.

The fourth component is a product review of which items work better than others in specific instances. These include treadmills, magnetic blankets, saddle pads, bits, boots, wraps and a plethora of training devices. There are a lot of claims out there, but which ones are worth the cost? “This program will benefit people, their horses and their dogs,” Hourdebaigt said. “It will

probably awarded themselves large bonuses for their work.

And when Leno returns after the Winter Olympics (and am I the only person who finds everything except figure skating pretty boring?), he and Letterman will now get really nasty toward each other. Wow! Big deal. They have disliked each other for almost 20 years.

And the NBC bosses, the charmers who regularly present us with footage of the truly obese and generally untalented, will be looking for new ways to persuade us to turn to their channel. Most of us have no idea of what’s on the network because we almost never turn to it. Well, maybe in the fall, because they still have not wrecked Sunday Night Football.

O’Brien possibly said it best when he discussed his options. “Leave television altogether, and work in a classier business with better people, like hard-core porn.” Wish I could be as concise.

But with severance pay in excess of $30 million, do not weep too long for Conan. And, who knows, maybe Leno will get his mojo back. And I get to go to sleep earlier than I used to.

make a lot of helpful information available as needed. There’s general information as well as the availability of a personal consult for a specific problem. And again, it’s all

about keeping animals happy and healthy and feeling good.”

For more information, call (561) 537-0366 or visit www.massage awareness.com.

Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt at work on a horse’s hoof.

Armory Features Retrospective Exhibit By Muriel Kaplan

“Faces of Humanity” is a review of a lifetime’s passion for sculpting and drawing by Muriel Kaplan. More than 70 pieces of work will be on display at the Armory Art Center covering 68 years of devotion to clay, bronze, resin, polyester and charcoal to create the portraits of those known through a common history and lesser-known faces that convey a variety of human qualities that all can appreciate. The exhibition runs from Feb. 12 to March 6.

Among the portraits are past presidents and political leaders Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Robert Kennedy and Israel’s former prime minister Ytzhak Rabin. Other luminaries include those from the academic and legal professions and leading philanthropists. Portraits of mythical characters with a thought-provoking, modern-day slant are also part of the show. Kaplan is drawn to the faces of the powerful to demonstrate how the techniques of her art can con-

vey their unique qualities. “Character interests me most,” she said. “I see the rhythm of the ripples of the muscles, the planes of the forehead and the cheeks, and I wish to accentuate them so others can see and feel them too.”

Kaplan brings a timeless quality to her work, taking inspiration from the classical period in art while using her chosen material in a bold modern expressionist form, giving the medium its own voice.

“I believe that sculptures done originally in clay should retain some of the qualities of clay, just as those done in wood should make one aware of the material,” Kaplan said. “A portrait sculpture is a three-way affair. The sitter, the artist and the material must all come to terms with each other if the sculpture is to be a work of art.”

Kaplan studied art at Cornell University and other U.S. institutions, and attended university art courses in England and Italy. Her work has been exhibited in U.S.

museums and art institutions. Kaplan is a longtime resident of Palm Beach and is herself an ardent collector of art.

Armory Art Center CEO Sandra Barghini summed up Kaplan’s 20year association with the institution. “We are proud to present the work of one of the Amory’s founders and longtime supporter, who over the years has served as teacher, board member, patron and true friend,” she said.

“Faces of Humanity” is curated by Richard Frank, retired curator at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Many of Kaplan’s works at the show will be for sale. An opening reception is planned for Friday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Admission to the opening reception is free for Armory members and $5 for non-members. Armory gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (561) 8321776 or visit www.armoryart.org for more information.

JCC’s Annual Book Festival Stops In Wellington On Feb. 25

The best-selling author of a dozen novels and a popular standup comedian will be on hand for the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches’ annual book festival, now underway at different venues in Palm Beach County.

“Laugh Out Loud! An Evening with Comedienne Carol Leifer” will be held on Monday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Ouzo Blue in PGA Commons (5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). The award-winning writer, producer and comic will discuss her new book, When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win (subtitled Reflections on Looking in the Mirror). Admission is $12 and $10 for “Friends of the J” members.

For more information, call Lisa Blumberg at (561) 689-7700.

Feb. 25 will be “An Evening with Chris Bohjalian,” author of Skeletons at the Feast. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Players Club restaurant (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington). Skeletons, Bohjalian’s 12th novel, revolves around three characters fleeing the advance of the Russian Army during the waning months of World War II: Anna, a young woman from a well-to-do Prussian family; Callum, a Scottish POW; and Uri, a Jew passing himself off as a German soldier. These are, in Bohjalian’s words, “ordinary people coping with trials they had never before

imagined; young people coming of age in moments of seemingly unbearable stress; and, I hope, the sorts of moral ambiguity that give us all pause and force us to examine our values.” The author will discuss his work. Admission is $36 and includes wine, cheese and dessert. For more information, contact Sharon Lowenstein at (561) 676-4104 or sharonl@jcconline.com

The mission of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is to create a strong Jewish community by providing high quality programs close to where people live that connect people to Jewish life. For more information, visit www.jcconline.com.

Kravis Center Presents The Musical ‘A Chorus Line’ Feb. 2-7

The new production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line comes to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach for a limited engagement Feb. 2-7.

The national tour cast currently features Alissa Alter (Lois), Kevin Curtis (Butch), Jonathan Day (Tom), Heather Duckworth (Judy), Paige Faure (Vicki), Derek Hanson (Zach), Tim Hausmann (Frank), Andrew Hodge (Greg), Bryan Langlitz (Don), Nathan Lucrezio (Al), Stephanie Martignetti (Maggie), Kristen Martin (Val), Andy Mills (Mike), Kristen Paulicelli (Tricia), Catherine Ricafort (Connie), Rebecca Riker (Cassie), Andrew Roubal (Mark), Michael Scirrotto (Larry),

Donald C. Shorter Jr. (Richie), Hilary Thompson (Kristine), Kit Treece (Bobby), Kirstin Tucker (Bebe), Aaron Umsted (Frank), Nicky Venditti (Paul), Selina Verastigui (Diana), Ashley Yeater (Sheila) and swing performers Venny Carranza, Lauryn Ciardullo, Emilee Dupré and Shane Rhoades.

A Chorus Line reclaimed its place in the heart of Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre where it opened to rave reviews on Oct. 5, 2006. Elysa Gardner of USA Today called it, “exhilarating and endearing, it still has a freshness and fervency too seldom seen in contemporary musicals,” while the New York Daily News exclaimed, “There’s nothing better! The show

thrills from the opening number to the glittering finale.” A Chorus Line is directed by its original Tony Award-winning co-choreographer Bob Avian and is produced by John F. Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions.

A Chorus Line recouped its entire $8 million investment after only 157 performances (19 weeks) on Broadway. It broke the theatre’s box office record seven times in its first five months. A Chorus Line ended its Broadway run on Aug. 17, 2008 after 18 preview and 759 regular performances.

Conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line features a book by James Kirkwood and

Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. For this new production, Baayork Lee re-stages the original choreography.

The new production features scenery by Robin Wagner, costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge, lighting by Tharon Musser adapted by Natasha Katz and sound by Acme Sound Partners. Musical supervision is by Patrick Vaccariello with musical direction by John C. O’Neill, orchestrations are by Jonathan Tunick, Billy Byers and Hershy Kay, and vocal arrangements are by Don Pippin. The new 2006 Broadway cast recording of A Chorus Line was released by Masterworks Broadway and is available nationwide.

The original production of A Chorus Line opened at the Newman Theatre on May 21, 1975 and soon transferred to Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. It won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, nine Tony Awards (including best musical, score and book) and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It ran for nearly 15 years, closing on April 28, 1990 after 6,137 performances. A Chorus Line remains the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

Tickets start at $25. For tickets and information, call the box office at (561) 832-7469, visit www. kravis.org/chorusline or stop by the box office at the Kravis Center (701 Okeechobee Blvd.).

Artist Muriel Kaplan with the bust of former R&S Strauss chairman Donald S. Schlenger.

Carol LeiferChris Bohjalian

South Florida Equine Quarantine: Convenient Location Run By Experts

The Winter Equestrian Festival has begun, and various support businesses thrive upon its arrival. Each year, many of the world’s top riders arrive in Wellington to compete and prepare for international events. Their horses are meticulously cared for and in top physical condition, like any competitive athlete. At the international level, these horses have passports and have traveled more than most humans.

South Florida Equine Quarantine, the oldest and most established equine CEM quarantine business in South Florida, knows just what the trainers, riders, horses and owners need to have the competitive edge. Certain horses arriving here from Europe for a permanent residence are required to be tested for diseases not found in the United States.

“We’ve worked with every member of the Olympic team,” South Florida Equine Quarantine co-owner Rich Faver said. “Because of our time in the business, we know what is important to meet the needs of top equine athletes and their riders. We have a system in place that works great, and the horses are given premium care during their stay. The unique benefit now is our new facility and its proximity to the show grounds. For the riders, their days are long, and their riding schedules are full. We are located almost next to the show grounds, and it’s just a five-minute golf-cart ride to get here.”

People often wonder what exactly quarantine involves.

“When most people hear the word quarantine, they associate it with an acquired disease or illness,” said Adrienne Rowles, Faver’s business partner. “At our facility, we quar-

antine the imported stallions and mares to determine if they are infected with a specific venereal disease called CEM (contagious equine metritis) according to USDA procedures and policy. This disease is prevalent in the western countries of Europe and is not present in the U.S. It’s our job to keep it that way. The process lasts approximately five weeks for stallions and two weeks for mares. The horses can stay fit and be trained here while in quarantine, and march right into the show ring upon release.”

Rowles noted that handling stallions is an essential part of the job. “The stallions are required to ‘live’ breed to two domestic mares who are subsequently tested to see if the stallion carries the disease we are attempting to keep out of the country,” she said. “This is a potentially dangerous situation, and only the best stallion handlers should be involved. We are fortunate to have Rich as an owner and managing the stallions. He is recognized in the horse world for his expertise in handling stallions and is considered the best handler in the local area.”

South Florida Equine Quarantine is located in Wellington. Riders and trainers can make use of the European free-jumping pen, a brand-new large sand riding arena, and a bridle path encircling a private lake for a relaxing trail ride. Surrounded by canals on three sides, the stable is a natural quarantine facility, according to USDA standards. Owners/ trainers are ensured a safe and secure refuge for their horses with the natural water barrier and the 24-hour gated entrance.

For more information about South Florida Equine Quarantine, visit www.southflorida equine.com or call Faver at (561) 644-2711.

South Florida Equine Quarantine co-owners Adrienne Rowles and Rich Faver.

Pinch Sitters Referral Service Now Serving The Palm Beaches

Pinch Sitters & Services began 20-plus years ago in New Jersey as a referral service providing help in finding the best referrals for childcare, household help and personal assistance.

Now, with the efforts of Erica Phillips and Ali Solimine, Pinch Sitters comes to Palm Beach County to continue its mission to support residents by making their busy lives a bit easier.

The Wellington-based company

is owned and operated by Solimine and Phillips.

“We both understand how difficult it is to find reliable and trustworthy people to help you with the things that you just don’t have the time to do yourself, and that’s why we are taking it upon ourselves to do the legwork for you in finding those people to fill your needs,” Solimine said.

With that in mind, Pinch Sitters & Services of Palm Beach Coun-

ty aims to become the perfect solution for those who do not have the time to find quality care on their own.

Childcare, household help and personal assistance are the mainstays of Solimine’s and Phillips’ services, but nothing is beyond their scope of expertise. They are committed to eliminating the guesswork by conducting background checks as well as extensive interviews and reference checks. Customers can be

PBAU Names Simpson Trustee Chair

Robert Simpson

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Board of Trustees has selected Robert W. Simpson as its new chairman effective Jan. 1.

Simpson, owner and president of Palm Beach Motor Cars, was first appointed to the board in 1998. He has served on the executive, planning, property and grounds, academic programs and building committees.

A Wellington resident, Simpson is a member of the Corporate Partners Executive Committee at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. He is a graduate of University of Texas at El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engi-

neering. Simpson and his wife Denice are active at Christ Fellowship’s Royal Palm Beach campus, where Robert serves as a Life Group leader and usher captain. They are parents to three children: Bobby, Sarah and Kaila.

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

sure they are referred to only the best person for the job.

The lively duo runs the business with a network of reliable, friendly and energetic providers in the area who help them live up to the company’s motto that the rewards of a satisfied customer are priceless.

Pinch Sitters has an extensive catalog that includes but is not limited to the placement of the following: full- and part-time babysitters

and nannies, people to help run errands, housekeepers, people to wrap gifts or people to simply help finish that never-ending punch list. All this is done with the hopes of making the customer’s life a little easier.

Pinch Sitters & Services of Palm Beach County is your connection to the best referrals in town.

For more information, e-mail Solimine and Phillips at ali-erica@ pinchsitters.com, or visit their web site at www.pinchsitters.com/pbc.

Next Western Executives Meeting Feb. 3 In RPB

Western Executives will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Royal Palm Beach. This social mixer is open to all business owners and/or executives. Admission is $10 and includes free appetizers, specially priced drinks,

raffle prizes, networking and a business-card exchange.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is located at 11141 Southern Blvd. For more information, call Troy or Ingrid Webster at (561) 793-5509 or visit the organization’s web site at www.westernexecutives.net.

Census Bureau Now Hiring

The United States Census Bureau is currently hiring for the 2010 Census. These temporary, part-time jobs offer good pay, flexible evening and

weekend hours, and the chance to work near home.

For more information about Census work, call (866) 861-2010 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Wellington Chamber Begins 2010 Strong; Many Events Planned

By Diana Tashman Special to the Town-Crier

It is the beginning of a new year, and the calendar of programs planned by the Wellington Chamber will focus on a host of exclusive networking and marketing opportunities geared toward increasing exposure of Wellington’s “local” business. It is the Wellington Chamber’s shared goal to promote a healthy business climate while preserving Wellington’s treasured equestrian/polo assets. We recognize our unique, world-renowned polo and equestrian facilities, unrivaled in Florida, and some say the entire United States, which gives Wellington its well-deserved, world-class notoriety.

We started the year off with a speed networking cocktail reception that was held at the Binks Forest Golf Club on Jan. 21. Our members and local businesses were able to take advantage of one of the best marketing tools available. Bank United also offered the Wellington Chamber members a free small business lending seminar and round table discussion to get them up-to-date on their lending capabilities. That event was held Jan. 29 at our offices in the Lake Wellington Professional Centre.

The equestrian season has officially begun in Wellington. Last year, our November 2009 kickoff to the equestrian season luncheon brought in record-breaking crowds. To better promote our Wellington equestrian venues, and give our members better exposure to the benefit our seasonal residents provide, the Wellington Chamber is planning to host various events at our world-class facilities. Stay

tuned as information about these and other upcoming events becomes available. Check out the Wellington Chamber’s new web site (www.wellingtonchamber.com) for information about the chamber, our members and our upcoming events!

Make 2010 better than the last. Come participate in these exciting events your chamber is planning for you. Let’s work together to help you grow your business and our community!

Diana Tashman is president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the chamber, call (561) 7926525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Diana Tashman

County To Hold ‘Moneywise’ Expo Feb. 20 In West Palm

As families across Palm Beach County are struggling to cope with rising unemployment, tighter credit and strained budgets, financial security is more important than ever. This is a critical time to take financial action through saving, debt reduction and wealth building.

In recognition of America/

Palm Beach County Saves Week, Feb. 21-28, the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service and its community partners are hosting a free “Moneywise Expo” on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to offer help with saving money on a tight budget. The event will be held at the Clayton Hutcheson Agri-

cultural Services Center (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach).

Participants will learn how to painlessly cut spending, reduce debt and take advantage of employer retirement savings contributions. Presentation topics include: “Credit Management: Why Am I a 678?”; “Money Smarts for

Baby Boomers”; “How to Save”; “Foreclosure Prevention: How Do I Save My House?”; “Raising MoneySmart Kids”; “Stretching the Family Dollar” and “Identity Theft and Fraud.”

Participants will be able to shred personal documents onsite, complete an unclaimed money search, and

get free credit reports and nostrings-attached consultations with certified financial planner professionals. There will also be free tax preparation for the first ten people who register for this service. In the afternoon, the winners of the Piggy Bank Beauty Pageant will be announced. The contest is open to chil-

dren 12 years old and under.

For more event details, to register for free tax preparation and/or a financial planning session, or to receive a Piggy Bank Beauty Pageant entry form, call the Cooperative Extension at (561) 233-1742 or visit www.pbcgov.com/coopext/ facs.

Leadership Palm Beach County Excellence Award Dinner April 21

Continuing a tradition that has recognized the contributions of esteemed community leaders, Leadership Palm Beach County will host its sixth annual Leadership Excellence Awards on Wednesday, April 21 at the Marriott West Palm Beach.

Rhonda Clinton and Bill Perry will serve as honorary co-chairs for the event.

Clinton, a graduate of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 1999, is a community and child advocate with a 22-year career in the not-for-profit arena as an executive director and fundraiser.

Perry is a shareholder and serves as chairman and managing partner of Gunster Attorneys at Law. He is a 1996 graduate of Leadership Palm County.

“Leadership Palm Beach County has a long history of training our business leaders to also become civic leaders, and then inspiring them to work together to make our county even a better place to live,” Perry said.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 2. Nominees must be graduates of Leadership Palm Beach County and should exemplify the qualities of leadership: integrity, compassion, credi-

bility, passion, risk-taking, fairness, empowerment and humility. The event will highlight the accomplishments of the award recipient and all nominees.

Planning Committee chairs are Bob Bertisch and Terry Gearing. The committee includes Regina Bedoya, Mike Butler, Bob Bytnar, Sandra Chamblee, Don Chester, Sally Chester, Linda Culbertson, Laura Cunningham, Gregory Demetriades, Barbara Fretwell, Silvia Garcia, Cheryl Godbout, Kenyetta Haywood, Laureen Hunter, Tom Jensen, Gayle Pallesen, Upendo Shabazz-Phillips, Jim Sugarman and Verna Swaby.

The Palm Beach Post is once again presenting sponsor. Gunster Attorneys at Law will be the reception sponsor with platinum sponsor Dignity Memorial Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Providers of Palm Beach County. Silver sponsors are: Community Partnership Group, Florida Atlantic University, Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Gordon & Doner, the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Rose & Jim Sherman and Jim Sugarman. Sponsorship packages are available at www.leadership pbc.org. Sponsorship information is available by calling (561) 833-4321.

Honorary co-chairs Rhonda Clinton and Bill Perry.

RPB Basketball Boys Top Seminole Ridge In Conference Game

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team defeated visiting Seminole Ridge High School 70-49 in a conference and district game on Tuesday, Jan. 19 to win the conference championship.

Although the Hawks have a losing record, the game marked the return of top players Woodley Cadet and Jeacky Charles, who have missed most of the season with injuries.

“This is only the second game we’ve played together all season,” Seminole Ridge coach Jason Pitman said. “Today is the first time Woodley has played in three weeks, and he’s really important to what we do. Tonight he played with a broken bone in his wrist. And it’s Jeacky’s first game back, and only his third game all season. He was out with an ankle sprain.”

The Hawks took a 6-2 lead a minute into the game on three-pointers by Joe DeCamillo and Jarrod Kuse, but the Wildcats responded with six points from Troy Stafford for an 8-6 lead.

Cadet then scored five points to help the Hawks to an 11-8 lead. They led 13-10 after the first quarter.

Both teams were scoreless the first three minutes of the second quarter, but a basket by Devonte Birdsong got the Wildcats (14-3) going. Will Eure and Jon Octeus hit back-to-back three-point baskets to give Royal Palm Beach an 18-13 lead with five minutes left in the half.

After Zachary Whitehead cut the margin to two points for Seminole Ridge, Birdsong made a three-point basket and two points from Octeus gave Royal Palm Beach a 23-16 lead. The Wildcats led 29-23 at halftime. “We decided to play hard,” Royal Palm Beach coach Drew Quinn said. “That makes a big difference. We have an exciting team when we do that.”

Spurred on by Justin Estima and Birdsong, Royal Palm Beach stretched its lead to 52-35 after three quarters.

The Hawks fought to catch up in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats matched them basket for basket, keeping a nearly 20-point lead.

Octeus, Estima and Birdsong made baskets for the Wildcats, and DeCamillo, Kuse, Cadet and Charles scored for the Hawks, making the score 70-49 at the buzzer.

The Hawks’ high scorers were Cadet with 10 points, and Kuse and DeCamillo each with eight points.

For the Wildcats, Octeus had 24 points and Birdsong had 16.

Despite the loss, Pitman is opti-

mistic approaching the district playoffs. “I think that with those guys coming back it helps us,” he said. “We haven’t practiced all together, and that will help us.”

Quinn knows his team can’t rest on its laurels.

“It’s a good start for the season, but we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “We have to start playing hard like tonight all the time.

They finally decided to go hard, and when they do, good things happen.”

The Hawks hosted Atlantic High School at home on Tuesday, Jan. 26, coming away with a 62-29 loss. The team is back in action hosting Pahokee at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29. The Wildcats traveled to Boca Raton on Tuesday, Jan. 26, losing a close game 47-43. They host Jupiter at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Lady Hawks Basketball Team Dominates Glades Day 59-24

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls basketball team stomped Glades Day School 59-24 on Monday, Jan. 25 at home.

The game marked a bittersweet night for the Lady Hawks (4-18), who honored their senior starters Amanda Eden, Shannon Greeley and Miriam Burow.

“Tonight was all about our three seniors,” coach Scott O’Hara said. “Everybody hustled and worked hard so we could pay tribute to them tonight and let them play like they should. They’ve been playing for four years and deserved to go out in style.”

And they went out in style with a huge victory over the Lady Gators. The Lady Hawks started slowly, but a rebound basket by Leah Egezeino gave them a 7-5 lead and ignited a quarter-ending, 13-0 run that made it 18-5.

The spurt was sparked by two free throws and a basket by Rebecca Lane, a basket and a three-pointer by Sasha Mayne, and another basket by Egezeino.

In the second quarter, the Lady Gators struggled to hold on to the ball and play offensively, all while trying to keep the Lady Hawks from running.

Less than 30 seconds into the quarter, Seminole Ridge scored two

more points and regained possession of the ball after the Lady Gators lost control and threw it out of bounds.

On Glades Day’s next possession, Julia Bunting picked off a pass and drove in for a basket, making the score 22-5 with seven minutes left in the half. The Lady Gators picked up most of their points on foul shots, and were able to make only two baskets the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile, the Lady Hawks built their lead to 31-14 at the half.

The third quarter opened with a basket by Lane and followed with back-to-back baskets by the Lady Gators, making the score 33-18.

But Bunting responded with back-to-back baskets and two foul shots for a 39-18 lead. From there, the Lady Hawks took off, scoring the final 15 points of the quarter for a 54-18 lead.

But in the fourth quarter, the Lady Gators stepped up their defense and held Seminole Ridge to five points, but Glades Day managed only six points in the period.

Leading scorer for the Lady Gators was Sydney Owens with 16 points. Rebecca Lane led the Lady Hawks with 19 points.

“Everybody played well,” O’Hara said. “We don’t have one or two superstars; we’re a team. Everybody works hard to do what they can to push us ahead.”

The Lady Hawks hosted Glades Central on Thursday, Jan. 28, but the score was not available at press time. They are back in action against Cardinal Newman on Friday, Jan. 29 and travel to Park Vista on Monday, Feb. 1 for the first round of the district playoffs.

Amanda Eden dribbles the ball around Chelsie Underwood.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Miriam Burow is guarded by Taylor Henderson as she runs up court.

Julia Bunting lines up for a foul shot.

Shane O’Hara runs around Wildcat Jon Octeus.

Devonte Birdsong chases the ball.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Ninth Annual Challenge Of The Americas Set For March 13

The Challenge of the Americas organizers have announced that the ninth annual international equestrian extravaganza will be held on Saturday, March 13. The challenge, which will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, will be immediately followed by the Challenge Gala. Both events will be held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

This under-the-lights, oneof-a-kind musical dressage and jumping performance showcases international riders and world-class horses from the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Europe. All performances will be executed at the level of the grand prix, the highest echelon of the sport. Following the performance, the festivities will continue at the Challenge Gala with dinner, dancing and the awards presentation.

“The past nine years have been an incredible journey,” co-chair and founder Mary Ross said. “My mother, who died of breast cancer, was my inspiration for this event. I

wanted to do something extraordinary in her memory. I am so thankful to each person who has helped transform the challenge from a luncheon performance with three horses into the international exhibition it is today.”

The dressage dances are choreographed by industry professionals and accompanied by music ranging from spirited rock ‘n‘ roll to the elegance of the classics. The performances include Pas de Deux (two horse and rider pairs), the Quadrille (six horse and rider pairs), and show jumping. Committee organizers expect several thousand people to attend this year’s dressage performance. They anticipate the gala will once again sell out well in advance.

The Challenge of the Americas committee includes Kim Chisholm, Emily Dufort, John Flanagan, Vickie Fontaine, Diane and Ralph Hodges, Elizabeth Iorio, Eileen Johnston, Barbara Marks, Andrea Nason, Noreen O’Sullivan, Allyn Schiavone, Maryann Shingler,

Chris and Janet Spire, Larry and Vonnie Steinbaum, Erin Swaney, Scott and Amy Swerdlin, Ann Tillman, Susan Wellner, Barbara Wolff, Bob and Sherri Wolff, and Lily Zilo.

This year’s sponsors include Back on Tack, Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock Insurance, the International Polo Club, Matchnride.com, Merrill Lynch, Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Purina Mills, Red Barn Feed & Tack, SSG Gloves, the United States Dressage Federation, ViaGen and Wellington Classic Dressage.

General admission (to watch the Challenge of the Americas from the field) is $20 at the gate and $15 in advance from the Palms West and Wellington chambers of commerce. Gala VIP tickets cost $250 and allow viewers to watch the challenge from the stadium while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; VIP tickets also include the gala with dinner and dancing at the International Polo Club Grand Marquee. For reserva-

tions, call Ross at (561) 8522591.

The Challenge of the Americas, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its ninth consecutive year to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser of musical freestyles, team quadrilles and jumping is a one-of-a-kind team challenge that highlights the Olympic sports of Grand Prix dressage and show jumping.

For more info., visit www. challengeoftheamericas. com.

Justin Hicks Wins MLGT Event In

Justin Hicks took advantage of some home cooking to score his 22nd career Minor League Golf Tour title

Tuesday, Jan. 19 with a five under par 67 at the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach.

Hicks, who lives on the 17th hole, made five birdies in a bogey-free round, at

numbers 8, 12 14, 15 and 18. He leaves later this week to rejoin the nationwide tour. He earned $950 from the $6,016 purse.

Results for other local players include: Marc Mazza, Palm Beach Gardens, $412.50, 35-34; Michael Brice, Palm Beach Gardens, $270, 33-37; Jim Karr, Jupi-

RPB

ter, $270, 38-32; Steve LeBrun, West Palm Beach, $171.88, 36-35; and Matt LeConche, Wellington, $171.88, 36-35.

The MLGT’s fifth tournament of the year drew 51 players.

For additional information about the tour, visit www. minorleaguegolf.com.

Challenge Committee — (L-R) Carol Lavell, Linda Zang, chair Tamara Gerber, Karin Reid Offield, Steffen Peters, Anne Gribbons and founder/event chair Mary Ross.

Lady Wolverines Basketball Team Tops Seminole Ridge 63-34

Senior Night was more of a Team Night for the Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team on Friday, Jan. 22.

A team of only eight, the roster features five seniors. Katey Applegate and Stephanie Weiss, both two-year co-captains, were honored in a pre-game ceremony, along with fellow seniors Samantha Margiotta, Sarah Knoess and Maxine Dubois. Each senior was presented a collage of her respective high school career from Coach Vic Navarro.

“[Coach] Navarro is a great coach, and he dedicates so much time for us,” said Applegate, who is the only player to ever make the varsity as a freshmen and the only player to start every game in her high school career. “He makes our Senior Night unlike any I’ve ever seen, and I really appreciate everything he’s done for me for the last four years.”

Knoess’ brilliant performance from the free-throw line and Applegate’s scoring were the key for the Wolverines, as they eased to a 63-34 victory over Seminole Ridge High School. Dubois had her best game of the year as well.

On the court, Navarro adjusted the team’s starting lineup so each senior started. The veterans of the team put on a show for the home crowd early on, as they opened on a 13-2 run. By the end of the first quarter, the Wolverines had a staggering 15-5 lead. Margiotta, who hit a jump shot, a three-pointer and a lay-up, led the Wolverines with seven

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

points in the frame. Knoess was 4-4 from the free-throw line in the quarter.

“I was just thinking I have to make these because it would be really embarrassing to go to the line that many times and miss all the shots,” said Knoess, who made seven trips to the line on the night.

Applegate complimented Knoess’ freethrow abilities. “She’s an amazing free-throw shooter and shoots high percentages in practice,” Applegate said. “But she doesn’t always get the opportunity… It was great to see that she did it on Senior Night.”

The second quarter was surprisingly even, as the Wolverines added 12 points and the Hawks added eight before halftime. Knoess stayed hot from the free-throw line and even hit a three in the quarter.

Applegate hit a jump shot to begin the second half. The Hawks bounced back, scoring four unanswered points. Junior point guard Mercedes Queen got in on the scoring to bring the Wolverines’ lead to 31-17. Maxine Dubois followed Queen’s points with a three-point

play. Applegate then hit one of her two threepointers, pulling the Wolverines in front 4019. By the fourth quarter, Wellington had a 44-25 advantage.

Junior forward Debra Gerrits cracked the 50-point mark for the Wolverines early in the final quarter with a free throw. With 3:38 remaining and the score 55-28, Navarro substituted seniors Margiotta and Weiss into the game for Queen and sophomore Theresa Raniere.

With 2:20 remaining, Margiotta hit a three. Applegate hit a three of her own to pull the score to 59-33. Knoess scored on a back door cut play that the Wolverines had worked to perfection all night. As each senior scored her respective last basket,

Stephanie Weiss drove down the court on a fast break, looking for her final shot. As she attempted to hoist a three-pointer, she was blocked from behind.

The game ended in a “5-4-3-2-1” chant from the crowd and a 29-point margin of victory for the Wolverines. Applegate led the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Knoess with 14 points (9-13 from the free-throw line) and seven rebounds, and Dubois with eight points and eight rebounds.

The Lady Wolverines lost to Lake Worth High School 39-38 at an away game on Monday, Jan. 25. WHS played against John I. Leonard on Thursday, Jan. 28, but the score was not available by press time.

Conference Win For WHS Wrestling

The Wellington High School wrestling team captured its first conference title since 2002 on Saturday, Jan. 23 at Palm Beach Central High School.

The Wolverines defeated Royal Palm Beach (71-9), Glades Central (82-0) and Seminole Ridge (57-12) on their way to the championship match against Palm Beach Central.

Wellington jumped out to a 12-6 lead after a pin at 103 pounds by freshman Cody Walker over Khoa Tran in the first period. The Wolverines held on to a slight lead for the remainder of the match until senior Jay Pais-

ley clinched the match at 160 pounds by defeating Jimmy Workman by pin. The final score of the match was 39-30, and the Wolverines stopped Palm Beach Central’s threeyear run as conference champions.

Undefeated wrestlers for the Wolverines were Walker (103 pounds), Jake Ferrara (140), Paisley (160), Korey Maguire (189) and Brandon Lustgarten (215).

Wellington ended the regular season with a 16-4 record and will compete at the district tournament on Feb. 6 at Seminole Ridge High School.

Send sports news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Jan. 30

• The 2010 Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 in downtown West Palm Beach. Visit www.komensouthflorida.org for info.

• Octavia Gardens (315 Las Palmas St., Royal Palm Beach) will host an open house from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. Call Monica Barnes at (561) 305-3229 or e-mail octaviagarden @aol.com for more info.

• Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue (19181 Capet Creek Court, Loxahatchee) will hold a Tack and Yard Sale and Adoption Day on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the horse rescue program. Many horses will be available for adoption. Hot dogs and soda, antique books, saddles and other items will be for sale. For more info., call (561) 753-6555.

• Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County will hold a Poker Run on Saturday, Jan. 30 beginning at noon at the Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach. For $30 per rider, participants will get one hand of poker and food at the completion of the ride at Rooney’s All-In in West Palm Beach. For info., visit www.pbcprojectlifesaver.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Presidents and Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking: Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson” for adults on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m. featuring William and Sue Wills. Pre-register in person for free tickets. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will offer a class on the essentials of living a maximized life on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. Dr. Matthew Symons and dietician/nutritionist Tracy Mastandrea will lead participants in a mini “health makeover.” Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Sunday, Jan. 31

• Temple Beth Torah’s youth group will hold a Walkathon on Sunday, Jan. 31 to benefit Camp Jenny, a four-day camp for underprivileged children in Atlanta. Registration will start at 7:45 a.m. and the walk will begin at 8 a.m. at Temple Beth Torah (900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington). For more info., contact Jessica Starkschall at youth director@templebethtorah.net or Eliza Schlein at elstkd1993@bellsouth.net.

• The Kickoff for the 2010 Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society will be held on Sunday,

Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. at Red Barn Feed & Supply (12948 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). Captains will be presented their tshirts upon completing their paid registration. RSVP to kelsey.wright@cancer.org.

Monday, Feb. 1

• American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 will meet on Monday, Feb. 1. at 11 a.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

• The Wellington Garden Club will host a luncheon and business meeting on Monday, Feb. 1 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the program starting at 1 p.m. Florida butterfly expert Alana Edwards will introduce attendees to the magical world of butterflies. The public is invited, but seating is limited. RSVP to (561) 793-6013 or (561) 798-9217.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Hula in the Coola Day” for ages 12 through 17 on Monday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Come dressed in your tackiest Hawaiian tourist outfits and try your skills against the Guinness record-holders for hula hoop and limbo contests. Hawaiian delicacies will be provided. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• Community of Hope Church will offer a free 13-week DivorceCare Series at 7 p.m. on Mondays beginning Feb. 1 at the church office (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). To register, call (561) 7538883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com.

• The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will perform “I’ve Got a Little Twist” on Monday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Palm Beach Community College Eissey Campus Theatre (11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens). Call (561) 207-5900 for more info.

• The Fourth Annual Palm Beach Atlantic International Piano Festival will be held Monday through Saturday, Feb. 1-6 at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach. Call (561) 803-2400 or visit www. pba.edu/pianofestival for more info.

Tuesday, Feb. 2

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Come Out, Groundhog!” for ages five and up on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. Will the groundhog see his shadow? Make your predictions and make a craft inspired by the holiday. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

See CALENDAR, page 46

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host “Animals and Habitats in Peril” on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). Doors will open at 7 p.m. Call (561) 742-7791 or visit www.auduboneverglades.org for more info.

• The Florida Atlantic University John D. MacArthur Campus Lifelong Learning Society (5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter) will sponsor “A Heartfelt and Humorous Look at Life’s Transitions” on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. Call (561) 799-8667 or visit www. llsjupiter.com for more info.

Wednesday, Feb. 3

• The American International Fine Art Fair will be held Feb. 3-8 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The fair is fully vetted by a team of museum curators and experts, featuring prominent dealers from around the world. Call (239) 949-5411 or visit www.aifaf.com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Baby Story Time” on Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. for babies under 18 months. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Loggerhead Marinelife Center at Loggerhead Oceanfront Park (14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach) will feature “Hatchling Tales” on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 10 and 10:30 a.m. Bring your “hatchlings” for sea animal-inspired stores, puppets and music. Call (561) 627-8280 or visit www.marinelife.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will offer “Stitches, Stories & Scrapbooking” on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. for ages nine to 12. Bring your own craft project or use the library’s supplies while sampling the beginning of an audio book. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Young Friends of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County will preview the design and décor on display at the 2010 Red Cross Designers’ Show House on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at CityPlace South Tower (560 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Call (561) 832-4164, ext. 306 or visit www.historicalsocietypbc.org for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature the Magic Tree House Adventures Series for ages six and up on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Read Jack’s and Annie’s exciting stories as they travel through history. Sessions will focus on a

different book each week. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Express Yourself: Book Discussion Series” for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 4

• The West Palm Beach main library will sponsor “Super Clematis by Night” on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Square by the fountain. This will be the largest free football celebration event in South Florida and includes two stages of entertainment featuring Starship with Mickey Thomas. Meet and greet pro football players. Call (561) 822-1515 or visit www. clematisbynight.net for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at village hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info.

• Palm Beach Atlantic University will host the International Piano Festival Concert with the Palm Beach Symphony on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the DeSantis Family Chapel (300 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). For info., call (561) 6026720 or visit www.pba.edu/performances.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “The Peggy Lee Songbook” Feb. 4-6 in the Rinker Playhouse. Call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org for info. Friday, Feb. 5

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will celebrate Black History Month with an adult program on Friday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Author Barbara Mauzy will bring dolls, kitchenware, books and product packages based on preconceived ideas and prejudices. The book African-Americana will be on sale, and $5 from each purchase will be donated to the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Science Club: If You Build It, They Will Come” for ages eight and up on Fridays, Feb. 5 and 19 at 3 p.m. Let your imagination overflow as you build things with Legos. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

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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BUSINESS FOR SALE — Wellington Landmark Rare Opportunity. High volume Deli & Catering $350,000. 561-655-3375

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SATURDAY, JAN 30TH — 137 Coco Plum Lane In Saddlebrook (off Crestwood) 718-0536 Wall unit, TV 14x6 Trailer. Lots of Stuff.

SAT. FEB. 6TH 9 A.M. -1P.M. VETERANS PARK

COME TO THE THIRD ANNUAL KIDS GARAGE SALE

Come Clean out your child’s room or get bargains. For more information, Call RPB Cultural Center at 790-4159

WELLINGTON'S EDGE

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY, FEB. 6TH 8 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Something for Everyone! Across from the Mall at Wellington Green.

ETHAN ALLEN FURNITURE — Sofa, Loveseat, Overstuffed chair, 2 end tables, ivory with fruitwood trim, good condition. White horseshoe bookshelf. Best offer. Call 790-3442

MISC. FOR SALE — Get DishFREE installation - $19.99/mo. HBO & showtime FREE-over 50 HD channels FREE Lowest Pirces - No Equipment to Buy! Call Now for full Details 1-866-202-3933.

THINK THRIFT ESTATESALE

SUNDAY 11-5

2122 N. Military Trail 682-9774

Mattress Clearance Center.

All Sorts of Furniture

1995 TOYOTA COROLLA DX92K, cold A/C, power windows, power door locks, great on gas, cruise, $2,500 OBO. 201-8805

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3,300 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE -3 bedroom, 2 baths, single wide 3 car parking. $8,500 OBO. (561) 2018805

J.C. TEETS & CO. — Get your general ledger ready for tax season today! Professional. affordable fullservice bookkeeping. Quickbooks Expert. Call 561-632-0635

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

HOUSECLEANING - Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 years experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

HOUSECLEANING - 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

20 YEARS IN THE CLEANING BUSINESS — in Western Communities and surrounding areas. Great references. Call for free estimates.Brenda 561-460-8380

COMPUTER REPAIR — We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/ Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-7135276

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

D.J. COMPUTER - Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach

ADDITIONS, ROOFING, PATIOS & REMODELING - Cell 561-202-7036 561-798-6448 Licensed & Insured. CBC 1250306 CCC1326386

DADS DOORS & WINDOWS, INC.

IMPACT WINDOWS & HURRICANE SHUTTERS — Sliding Glass Doors, Mirrors & Shower Doors. 561-355-8331 U 19958 U20177

CASTLE ROCK, A DRYWALL CO. — “BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE” Framing /Hanging /Finishing Popcorn and Wallpaper Removal Drywall Repairs & Remodels Custom Built-Ins “TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR GREAT PRICES”Licensed & Insured Lic. #SCC131150623 Eric Rouleau 561-307-5202

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For more info. Call 1-888333-9903

GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO — For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, Leather repairs, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — no job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 years of satisfied customers Tom (954) 4443178

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

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

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

LIFE AGENTS

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GET REAL AUTO INSURANCE — that comes with a Real Agent. Farm Bureau Insurance. Auto • Home • Life, Mark Piven, Agent 561-792-1991 Wellington.

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

RJA PAINTING AND DECORATING, INC. - Interior , Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial. License #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561-793-5455 561-662-7102

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING

INC. - Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964. Lic. #U18473

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

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

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

ELITE POOL SERVICE — “You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

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ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOF-

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

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