BOCK SEEKING A THIRD TERM AS CLERK SEE STORY, PAGE 3
RPB APPROVES WAREHOUSE ORDINANCE SEE STORY, PAGE 4
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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
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INSIDE Wellington Council Sends Manure Rules Back To Committee
Volume 33, Number 27 July 6 - July 12, 2012
GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
The Wellington Village Council decided last week to get additional input from the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee regarding changes to how local farms manage horse manure and other livestock waste. Page 3
RPB Zoners Reserve Right To OK Signs For National Companies
The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission last week recommended denial of a request to grant village staff authority to approve signage for national logos. Page 7
Royal Palm Beach and Wellington held Fourth of July celebrations on Wednesday, offering residents a full day of activities. In RPB, the day included fishing and golf tournaments, kayak races, a kids funzone, rides, games and fireworks at Lakeside Challenger Park. Wellington’s celebration at Village Park featured games, inflatables, face painting and live music, before concluding with a fireworks display. (Above) Marc, Dylan and Kelly Negri at Wellington’s celebration. (Left) Andrea Wethern and Paula Beauchesne in RPB.
Shoppers Find Deals At The Fairgrounds’ Summer Garage Sale
The Summer Garage Sale was held Saturday, June 30 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Vendors sold a variety of unique items, from antiques and collectibles to everyday household items. Page 13
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Wellington Council Could Reconsider PBIEC Master Plan By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council will determine this month whether to revisit changes to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center property approved last October by the former council. Current council members will hold a special public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17 at the Wellington Municipal Complex to determine whether there was any misrepresentation during last year’s discussion of a master plan amendment for the Country Place PUD, of which the show grounds is a part. But the owners of the show grounds have branded the hearing a “witch hunt” that could hamper economic growth. The controversial amendment, approved last October, made several changes to the site, including the realignment of Equestrian Club Drive, the platting of Gene Mische Way and providing additional access points for Grand Prix Farms South, Gene Mische Way and from the planned Lake Worth Road extension through Peacock Pond. “The master plan needed to be amended because it still showed Equestrian Club Drive aligned as it was before,” Director of Growth Management Bob Basehart told
the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “And Gene Mische Way was physically there, but it was not on the master plan.” A second item — a compatibility determination approved along with the master plan amendment — enabled the property to host the shows on a permanent basis, rather than by annual permit, Basehart said. The measure classified the site as a “commercial equestrian arena.” Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis said that concern over the approvals stemmed from a 2001 resolution suspending development on the site, leading some council members to question whether the changes should have been approved at all. Though he was not on the council last October, Margolis said that there is a concern over whether the suspension was revoked automatically when a new master plan was approved. “It depends on whom you talk to,” he explained. “Some believe that the suspension had to be revoked before [the council] could vote on a master plan. Staff’s position was that it was revoked by approving the master plan.” The hearing, referred to as a “5.1.15 hearing” after the provision in the code that permits it, will See HEARING, page 18
RPB ROTARY GALA
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN AND JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Summer Art Programs Available At Zolet Arts Academy In Wellington
Zolet Arts Academy held one of its summer art programs for kids June 18-22. Another session is scheduled for Aug. 6-17. The program provides professional individualized instruction in a variety of media. Page 14
OPINION Take Care To Protect Your Pets From The Danger Of Hot Cars
We’ve all seen it at some time or another, and it’s always heartbreaking — a pet left inside its owner’s hot vehicle. While it’s wrong to do any time of the year, now is the most dangerous time, when South Florida temperatures are at their highest. It shouldn’t even be a possibility, no matter for how long. So if you really love your pet, you will treat it like the living being that it is — not like a bag of groceries. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 14 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS ......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................ 15 PEOPLE ........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 BUSINESS .................... 25 - 27 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 29 SCHOOLS SHOWCASE ... 30 - 31 SPORTS ........................ 35 - 37 CALENDAR ...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
RPB Unveils 2012-13 Budget By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council took its first look at a 201213 budget Thursday that would hold the tax rate unchanged at 1.92 mills while improving services for residents. At a tax rate of 1.92 mills, the owner of a home assessed at $150,000 after exemptions would pay $288 in village property taxes next year. The total budget, released this week, will drop from $43.3 million to $32.3 million, due primarily to the $13 million Commons Park project that will be finished this
year. Other major factors influencing the bottom line include a $2 million increase in impact fees and the addition of $665,000 from the newly created stormwater utility fund intended primarily for canal maintenance assessed to residential and commercial property owners. Although another reduction in Royal Palm Beach’s total assessed property value is anticipated, it could be the smallest decrease since the recession began, Village Manager Ray Liggins wrote in his budget message. The current year’s gross taxable value for the village has fallen from $1.842 bil-
lion to $1.815 billion, which is a reduction of only 1.4 percent, or about $27 million. “It would appear the negative slide of the revenue stream could be over and revenues may actually increase in future years,” Liggins wrote, noting that most other major income, such as state and tax-related revenues, are expected to have minimal increases. Building-related revenues are also expected to increase, which Liggins related to an increase in non-residential construction. While the number of development applications has decreased See BUDGET, page 18
Lox Council OKs $150,000 For Water Control District By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council last week approved paying $150,000 to the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District to help finance road maintenance so the district can avoid an assessment increase this year. Councilman Jim Rockett dissented in the 3-1 vote June 26. Town Manager Mark Kutney said the request from the district was discussed at the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee meeting May 18. The town, which receives state gas tax revenue, has been granting the district between $130,000 and $150,000 annually to help pay for various road projects, including maintenance of non-district roads.
“The district has been consistent in terms of asking for $150,000,” Kutney said. “However, we’re still in the process of debating and discussing [the amount] as we go forward.” Budget timelines put the council under time constraints for a decision. “There will be several meetings in July and August on the budget, and they may have to call for a second meeting. We’re going to have input from the attorneys and... talk about it a little more,” Kutney said, adding that there has been discussion of having the district doing edging and grading along town roads. The Intergovernmental Coordination Committee has two representatives each from the town and
the district. This includes the district administrator and the town manager, along with a district supervisor and a town council member serving in a three-month rotation. Rockett, whose first committee meeting was the one on May 18, said he opposed continued subsidies to the district without closer scrutiny. “I don’t want to be in a situation where we’re always here for them to count on us,” he said. Rockett said they also talked about the possibility of the town agreeing in writing with the district to increase maintenance of non-district roads that are the town’s responsibility, and that LGWCD Administrator Clete SauSee LOX COUNCIL, page 18
The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its annual installation dinner Frida y, June 29 at the MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club. Scott Armand was installed as the new club president, and awards were presented to outstanding Rotarians. Shown here are Joan Scherer and Michael Fehribach with Rotarian of the Year Selena Smith (center). MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Property Crime Down, Crashes Up In Wellington By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Property crime in Wellington is down, but vehicle collisions continue to be a problem, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 Capt. Jay Hart told the Wellington Village Council at its meeting Tuesday, June 26. In his report, Hart said that between October 2011 and March 2012, deputies had accomplished several goals, including monitoring juveniles on probation in Wellington, preventing property crime and keeping public spaces safe.
But extra traffic on the roads during the first half of the year led to an increase in accidents, he said. “Our goal is to reach a crash rate of 2.2 crashes or less per 100 village residents,” Hart explained, noting that currently the rate is 2.5. Hart noted that last year, there was a similar spike during the first half of the fiscal year. “If you look at last year’s numbers at this time, we were also at 2.5,” he said. “We ended the year at 2.2. During January, February and March, we probably bring an See CRIME, page 4
Boca Businessman Challenges County Appraiser Nikolits By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Longtime Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits is up for re-election this year, facing a challenge from Boca Raton businessman Robert Weinroth. The Property Appraiser’s Office assesses property values, using state law and complex codes to place a value on each property, which then determines a property owner’s property taxes owed to the government. With Palm Springs resident Charles Stahman also on the ballot, the nonpartisan race for the four-year term will be held during the Aug. 14 primary election. If one candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, he will win the
election outright. If no candidate passes that threshold, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November election. Nikolits said that voters should recognize his experience and dedication to the position when making their choice next month. “I’m finishing my 20th year here,” he said. “But I’ve worked in this office for almost 33 years now. I understand what it takes to do this job.” Nikolits, 62, was first elected to the office in 1992. A former realestate appraiser, he spent almost 20 years in the tax-assessment field prior to his election, including 12 years working for the Property Appraiser’s Office. “This has been a perfect fit for me,” he said.
“It allows me to use the skills I have developed and serve the public.” Prior to his election, Nikolits also served on the Riviera Beach City Council for eight years. Nikolits is a Certified Florida Appraiser and is past president of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers. He is a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers. Nikolits said that his top accomplishment in office has been being consistent and fair in his appraisals. “I have produced a fair and equitable tax roll for the last 20 years,” he said. “I have a team of highly qualified appraisers, and we have worked hard to do that.” He said that if he is re-elected, See APPRAISER, page 18
Incumbent Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits (left) and challenger Robert Weinroth (right).
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NEWS
Bock Puts Focus On Experience In Bid For Third Term As Clerk By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock is finishing up her second term in office but has worked for the clerk’s office since 1998. In her bid for a third term, Bock is being challenged by foreclosure activist Lisa Epstein. The election will take place Tuesday, Aug. 14 in an open primary election. Both Bock and Epstein are Democrats, and since no one else filed to run, the winner of the primary will claim a four-year term running the county’s court system, public records and financial oversight office. Bock, who has a master’s degree in business administration and a law degree, ran several businesses until she took a job as deputy clerk under then-Palm Beach County Clerk Dorothy Wilken. She joined as chief deputy for court services and was promoted to chief deputy clerk in 2003. She kept that post until she was sworn into her elected position. “It’s hard to believe that I’m in my 14th year,” Bock told the TownCrier this week. “I was the first person hired to run the court system who was an attorney, and I
told [Wilken] I would work for her only a couple of years… It ended up that I just really enjoy government. I enjoy the complexities of it.” Bock was Wilken’s choice as successor in 2004. She won re-election handily in 2008. Bock started her career as a schoolteacher before earning her MBA and starting a business career. At age 29, she attended law school and then practiced law for 11 years. Along the way, she also secured her securities license. “All of those disciplines really aligned for the job I have right now, because, obviously as clerk of the circuit court, my main customers are the judges and the lawyers, so, having a legal background really allows me to fully understand their problems,” she said. Her background as a real-estate lawyer for 11 years gives her insight to the land records as the official registrar. “I not only understand the land records, but I have a deep background in that area and can do my own abstracts and title searches,” she said. Her background also comes in handy managing the county checkbook, she said. “While we’re
not using that money, it’s being invested for the taxpayers,” Bock said. Bock added that her business background gives her the administrative and managerial skills to run the 750-person office, and the complexities of the job leave little room for a learning curve. Bock explained that she feels fortunate to have worked under Wilken before she was elected. “There is no on-the-job training,” she said. “You need a tutor for a job like this.” Bock has been criticized for withholding payments from municipalities to the Office of the Inspector General until a lawsuit leveled by 14 municipalities is resolved, but she regards that as fulfilling a responsibility of her office to make no unlawful payment. Unlike the state and federal governments, the Palm Beach County Commission holds both executive and legislative power, she said. “That means they have not only the ability to tax and set the millage rate, but then to set the budget,” Bock said. In order to control spending, state statutes give the clerk’s office control over money flowing
through the county. “One hundred percent of it comes through my office,” she said. “If I ever expend funds that should not be expended, I am personally liable.” Whenever she approves a payment, Bock said she has to ask whether the money is in the budget and the payment serves a public purpose and is lawful. “I stop unlawful payments every single day,” she said. “In this case, what happens in the [Office of the Inspector General] case of the municipalities is that the minute the municipalities alleged that the funds that they had paid were illgotten, or were unlawful, that then set me up to withhold the money. That money is still there. We’re holding it in escrow.” Unless the two parties in the lawsuit settle, one party will win, she said, explaining that if the municipalities were to prevail, that would mean that her office had made unlawful payment if it releases the contested money, Bock said. Nevertheless, Bock said that she tried to get around the issue. She said she asked the municipalities if they would not hold her responsible for the payments. “Not
one municipality was willing to indemnify me,” Bock said, adding that county officials also refused to indemnify her and guarantee they would pay back the money if the cities won. “So I could not release the public’s money.” Bock said she faces other challenges in the form of the state cutting her budget by 25 percent over the past three years, which has resulted in her having to trim her staff, including the recent closing of the mid-county branch in Royal Palm Beach. “It is outrageous, and we saw about 1,000 people a month out there in mid-county,” she said. “That means about 1,000 people will have to drive into either Belle Glade or here to make the payment.” She said it is especially frustrating because her budget of about $29 million annually, which includes the cost of running five courthouses, is only a small percentage of what the 15th Judicial Circuit takes in. “Every time you come in you’re paying a user fee,” Bock said. “The clerk’s office in Palm Beach County, which is the 15th Judicial Circuit, sends up to Tallahassee about $250 million a
Sharon Bock year, and when it gets up there, they throw it in a pot, and our county becomes a donor county.” As a result of the most recent cuts, amounting to a further 7 percent, Bock said she had to freeze 15 positions. Monday marked the shortening of operational hours for the offices still open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “I can’t even tell you the lines that formed because people didn’t know that we weren’t open, although we highly publicized it,” she said. Recently divorced, Bock, 59, lives in Palm Beach Shores.
Wellington Council Sends New Manure Rules Back To Committee By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council decided last week to get more input from the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee regarding changes to how local farms manage horse manure and other livestock waste. The changes were meant to help Wellington meet federal Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards by strengthening the village’s existing Best Management Practices (BMPs) ordinance. But equestrians voiced concerns that the changes were too restrictive. The changes would govern how farm owners manage manure, require watertight storage areas, prohibit spreading untreated manure and tighten requirements for waste haulers as well as disposal sites. At the June 26 meeting, Equestrian Master Plan Project Director Mike O’Dell explained that waste would need to be stored 50 feet from stormwater retention areas and 100 feet from public bodies of
water to prevent problems with the drainage system. “This has a provision for the growth management director to be able to cite those facilities that are recommended for relocation,” he said. “We can work with those applicants to meet our stormwater and water quality standards.” Vice Mayor Howard Coates said he was concerned about the setbacks, as several property owners told him they would have to move their existing facilities to comply. “They would have to move them, even if they covered them up as the ordinance requires,” he said. “So that raises an issue for me. If a property [owner] covers their manure storage facility, that alone is not going to be sufficient if we say they also have to be 100 feet away from any body of water.” But Village Manager Paul Schofield said that existing, legally permitted facilities could be grandfathered in. “Anything that exists today
that is legally permitted and is less than that setback, will not have to move until such time that they would have to reconstruct it,” he said. “We’re not telling people they have to go and move them.” Schofield noted that some subdivisions have lots so small they cannot meet the requirements. “Nobody will have to move a properly permitted manure bin,” he said. “The point is to work within the constraints of our water quality standards.” O’Dell also pointed out that setbacks already were in place for bins along the roads. “So this would affect those homes along our canal system,” he said. Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she thought the distance was too large, but O’Dell noted that 100 feet is standard throughout the industry. “Every bit of water comes into our canal system and our ponds,” O’Dell explained. “When you forget to cover [a manure bin] and we’ve had 12 inches of rain… the water will end up in our system.”
New changes would also require livestock waste to be composted before it is spread. “That provision has existed in the past,” O’Dell said. “But we never actually said what the process was, so now we have outlined it.” Another provision would require waste haulers to identify where the manure is coming from as well as the facility it’s taken to. “It will be an approved disposal site, and we’re looking for those logs to be provided to us on a quarterly basis,” O’Dell said. Additionally, the disposal sites will have to be pre-approved and compliant with environmental standards, he added. During public comment, several residents, including prominent equestrians, spoke against the measure. Equestrian Cynthia Gardner noted that the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee was created in 2000 with the purpose of drafting rules for manure. She chaired the committee at the time. “Wellington was under threat of
a fine because of Everglades pollution,” she recalled. “Staff wrote a resolution that was so restrictive and so unenforceable that we wouldn’t have had a horse here today had it been passed.” Gardner noted that the rules were drafted at that time by gathering members of the equestrian community, golf course owners, fertilizer manufacturers, sod farmers and more. “We wrote an ordinance that the South Florida Water Management District has used in every other agency they have in the state,” she said. “And a lot of this water-quality maintenance that was passed in 2011 is taken from our ordinance.” Gardner called the new ordinance “burdensome” and said that the equestrian community was unaware of the ramifications of the new rules. “The plan is impractical,” she said. “To have manure haulers get quarterly reports, do ticketing and have all kinds of documentation on what they’ve done will add huge costs.”
Michael Whitlow, vice chair of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee, said that although the committee had recommended approval of the ordinance, it hadn’t been fully explained. “I think it was done very rapidly, and we didn’t have time to discuss this,” Whitlow said. He requested that the item be sent back to the committee for discussion. “That way we have an opportunity to fully discuss the ordinance and come up with information for the council,” Whitlow said. “I think by sending it back to the committee, we will be able to generate more support from the equestrian community. I believe that the equestrian community wants to be part of the solution, not the problem.” Mayor Bob Margolis said that he would like to have a workshop with members of the committee to discuss the issues. Council members voted unanimously to table the item and send it back to the committee for discussion.
Page 4 July 6 - July 12, 2012
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OUR OPINION
Take Care To Protect Your Pets From The Danger Of Hot Cars We’ve all seen it at some time or another, and it’s always heartbreaking — a pet left inside its owner’s hot vehicle. While it’s wrong to do any time of the year, now is the most dangerous time, when South Florida temperatures are at their highest. It shouldn’t even be a possibility, no matter for how long.You wouldn’t leave a small child in a hot car, and you shouldn’t leave a pet either. If you really love your pet, you will treat it like the living being that it is — not like a bag of groceries. South Florida is pretty much the worst place for pet owners to do this. Don’t be tempted to downplay or underestimate how hot it is. Though the official temperature at the time may be in the 80s, it’s important to also consider the heat index, which combines air temperature and relative humidity. And even then, that only tells how hot it is outside the vehicle. Inside is a completely different reality — and one that’s much, much hotter. It heats up far more quickly than you might imagine. There’s no telling how long you’ll be in the store. It’s easy to lose track of time: You can get stuck in line behind someone with a pile of coupons, run into someone you know who strikes up a conversation, or you can get a phone call, which is always a good way to get distracted. The best solution, of course, is to leave your pet at home before going out to run errands. It may be fun to have your little buddy by your side, but if it means having your pet endure
life-threatening conditions, it’s just not worth it. For cases in which traveling with your pet is unavoidable, such as a trip to the veterinarian, try to make it a single-destination trip. If you do plan to make another stop, try limiting it to businesses with a drive-up window. If you’re taking a pet on a family vacation, be sure to plan pet accommodations in advance. For those who witness a pet left inside a hot car, there are a few ways you can deal with the situation. If it’s clear which store the pet owner entered, alert the store manager and try to find the person. If the animal’s situation doesn’t look especially dire, you can leave a flier on the vehicle informing the owner that what they did was wrong, and that it did not go unnoticed. You can make your own fliers or find readymade ones online at web sites such as www.mydogiscool.com, which offers plenty of resources for helping spread the word about the issue. But in cases where it looks like time is of the essence, it’s best to contact Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control or even local law enforcement. If the pet owner’s negligence is that severe, it should be treated as a crime. Whichever way you choose to intervene, your actions could mean the difference between that animal living and dying. Anyone who would leave an animal in a hot car in the Florida summer heat doesn’t deserve to be a pet owner.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter Full Of Misinformation I am writing this short note in response to the letter by Daniel Fioramonti in last week’s issue (“Beware Planned Parenthood”). I have no connection to Planned Parenthood but felt that I had to respond. I will let someone from that organization respond to all the factual errors in Mr. Fioramonti’s note. I just wish to say that while I understand and defend everybody’s right to free speech, his letter was so full of misinformation, untruths and lies that it was not even worth publishing. Was it an attempt on the part of the Town-Crier to stir up some heated debate? Mr. Fioramonti’s views are so far from reality and facts that it is ludicrous. That some people believe as he does is very scary. That some people express these views is even scarier. Mr. Fioramonti would do well to heed this quote from Plato: “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something”; or this one by Abraham Lincoln (also at-
tributed to Mark Twain as well): “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” Mr. Fioramonti would be well advised to do more research into Planned Parenthood and the facts before putting his unfounded views into print. Andrew L. Rosen Wellington
Avoid The Use Of Reclaimed Water Editor’s note: The following letter was addressed to Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Administrator Clete Saunier. A copy was forwarded to the TownCrier for publication. Dear Mr. Saunier: For the second time, I have read of suggestions offered by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District to use “reclaimed water” in its canals. Surely you realize that reclaimed water is treated sewage, and even while “treated” it is unsafe for human consumption and a hazard for surface and ground waters! Residents of Abacoa in Jupiter currently utilize reclaimed water for
purposes of lawn watering. While Abacoa residents are on municipal water for drinking water purposes, no resident in Abacoa can plant a vegetable garden in their yard because of the use of reclaimed water and the hazards its presents. Suggesting that utilizing reclaimed water is a viable option for canals is a terrible idea, and most especially for residents of the Town of Loxahatchee Groves who rely upon individual potable wells for their drinking water supply. There is further a risk of ground water contamination beyond the boundaries of the Town of Loxahatchee Groves and into my own community. I believe most any well-educated hydrologic engineer familiar with issues of water quality, whether surface or ground, would likely agree that the decision to utilize reclaimed water even for lawn watering, golf course watering or any other such use, will ultimately result in polluting the surficial aquifer, and its current use is a terrible idea! Water is connected to water is connected to water... Please put aside any future thoughts of utilizing reclaimed
water within the boundaries of Loxahatchee Groves! Patricia Curry The Acreage
Access To Healthcare Is A Human Right The right wing loves the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” ideology. They rail about the “nanny state” and condemn the poor for accepting food stamps, the government for issuing assistance, and anything else they can condemn the government, the poor and the working class for. I look at the Tea Party crowd, and I don’t see people who look like billionaires; they look like people who are foolish enough to do the bidding for giant corporations and billionaires and at their own expense. I see people who are either on Medicare, Medicaid or are freeloading healthcare off the rest of us. When these characters complain about losing their liberty and freedom, what they’re really grumbling about is losing the right to stick us with their uninsured/unpaid medical bills. These people
are freeloaders, and I’m thrilled Obamacare will encourage them to pay their own way. (It will not force them as there is no penalty for not paying the “tax.”) Finally, my country has joined
the rest of the civilized world in recognizing that access to healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege for the wealthy. Nancy Tanner Wellington
For The Record In last week’s story “Wellington Hires Lawyer to Review Equestrian Village,” the property that Councilwoman Anne Gerwig referenced was mistakenly labeled Equestrian Village. Councilwoman Gerwig was referencing a hearing on the Country Place PUD. While the Equestrian Village property is one of many items the attorney will be looking at, he will primarily be reviewing approvals given last year to the Country Place PUD, including the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. There is a story on the cover of this week’s paper that clarifies the issue and offers updated information. The Town-Crier regrets any confusion this might have caused.
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NEWS
Royal Palm Beach Approves Warehouse Ordinance For Aldi Project By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council gave final approval last week to an ordinance allowing the creation of a warehouse larger than 400,000 square feet. The approval at the council’s June 28 meeting clears the way for the Aldi grocery chain’s planned regional distribution center in the village. Aldi, a German-based discount retailer, announced plans in December to construct a distribution center in Royal Palm Beach to serve about 70 planned stores in South Florida. The center will be located on a 70-acre site off State Road 7, adjacent to the Regal Cinemas property and Royal Palm Beach High School. Discussion was limited at last week’s meeting, but Planning &
Crime
Accidents At Mall An Issue
continued from page 1 extra 30,000 people into the village.” Though the influx of people is good for the local economy, Hart noted that it increases the chance of accidents. “When people leave for the season, the crash rate goes down,” he said. One area of concern is the Mall at Wellington Green. Hart said that more than 25 percent of Wellington traffic crashes occur in the vicinity of the mall, noting that there have been 68 crashes there so far. However, those do not tend to be serious crashes resulting in major injuries. “The majority of these crashes are backing accidents,” Hart said. “They’re not head-on collisions.” Hart said he’d like to work with Wellington to create a public service announcement. “We want something that will help people,
Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien gave an extended presentation at the council’s June 7 meeting. O’Brien said the ordinance provides a special exception to allow warehouse and storage buildings larger than 400,000 square feet. “The village code currently does not properly regulate facilities of this nature,” O’Brien said, explaining that it will be defined as an industrial establishment where goods are received and stored for redistribution to other destinations at remote locations. The approval also allows the facility to include office space to provide logistical support for local as well as regional operations of the business. “Portions of the building will be allowed to exceed the height restriction of 32 feet for the zoning district, as long as there is an additional setback of 5 feet for every
portion that exceeds the allowable height, with a maximum building height of 45 feet,” O’Brien said. The code will also require that material or equipment stored onsite be located within an enclosed building. Trailers will be allowed within designated areas when used in conjunction with operation of the facility, and those areas, including the areas for loading and unloading, must be screened from public areas. At no time would inoperable trailers, such as those with no registration or flat tires, be allowed to be stored on the site, O’Brien said. The ordinance allows for flexibility in existing architectural requirements for exterior building materials, roof treatments, detail features, project standards and building design where those parts of the building are not part of the streetscape and do not detract
from the character of the community, O’Brien said. The architecture must incorporate colors and materials generally used throughout the village, and the plans must receive approval by the council. The parking requirements will be one space per 300 square feet of office space, which is in accordance with the village’s current code for commercial space. “We will be requiring one space for 20,000 square feet of warehouse storage area,” O’Brien said. “That sounds like a lot, but when you consider a facility of this size, of this magnitude, I looked at some other facilities around the state and [inquired about] any parking problems at these sites, and this is the parking ratio that I came up with.” The ordinance allows flexibility in the architectural design, so that
the rear building design does not have to be consistent with the front of the building, although the design must receive council approval. Village Attorney Brad Biggs said that the village’s “big-box” ordinance requires the back to resemble the front because they are typically located in areas where the back is visible. “In this instance, you’re probably not going to be seeing it from all sides, and that’s why the back does not have to appear as beautiful as the front,” Biggs said. Where chain-link fencing is used, it must be vinyl coated and have a maximum height of 6 feet when not located adjacent to the right-of-way. Light fixtures are allowed to exceed the village’s 30foot height limit, and be up to 40 feet in height in truck yard and loading areas. The lights must be
shielded from adjacent properties. The ordinance also provides exemptions to landscaping requirements for parking and buffers due to the large size of the building and the lot. Included is an exemption to village code that requires loading areas to be screened by an 8-foot wall. “This requirement is more for your retail buildings,” O’Brien said. “When you have a facility this size, you will have maybe 50 or 60 [trucks], and an 8-foot wall just doesn’t work in this case when you have other screening requirements.” Biggs said the revised guidelines are not only for a large building, but also for a very large lot in an area with limited public access, located more than 1,000 feet from a roadway. “There is some leeway given to this type of building,” he said.
so that when they get into parking lots, they remember to slow down and pay attention,” he said. Vice Mayor Howard Coates pointed out that it seemed as though there had been more vehicle deaths recently. “That’s certainly my perception reading the news reports,” he said. Hart agreed. “There has definitely been an increase here in Wellington,” he said. “This year we’ve had some tragic accidents.” Coates asked whether there were any patterns or recurring themes in the crashes. Hart said that there hadn’t been final reports issued on any of the cases but noted that speed and careless driving are factors. Texting and driving is another huge, growing concern, he noted. “We can’t write someone a ticket for [texting],” Hart said. “It’s a huge problem. It seems like every third car has someone texting in it. We can’t stop that. Until the state does something about driving and texting, we can’t do anything.” In general, Hart said that deputies are conducting fewer stops and not writing as many tickets
because more residents are in compliance. “We have had the entire motor unit from the sheriff’s office come out here on patrol and do productive speed monitoring,” he said. “At the end of the day, they say that there’s nothing out here. They walk away with very few tickets. We’re not saying that everyone is in compliance, but because most of our deputies have radars, they are on top of it. They are writing people tickets every day.” Hart said that deputies issued 2,873 tickets in the first half of the year, which is down from years past. “With these economic times, we don’t feel right writing $600 tickets to get our point across,” he said. “But if we have to, we will do that.” Hart said that deputies had been successful in curbing juvenile arrests with the PBSO’s Juvenile Arrest Monitoring program. “We want to make sure that juveniles on probation in Wellington comply with the conditions of probation,” he said. Juveniles on probation must attend school, obey a curfew, obey
their parents and remain drug-free. Hart noted that there were 20 juvenile arrests for violation of probation. “If your curfew is at 6 p.m. and [a deputy] comes knocking on your door at 6:15 and you’re not home, then he’s coming back with a warrant and he’s going to take you to jail,” Hart said. “We did that 20 times with 20 different individuals. As a result of that, we had a decline in juvenile arrests of 14 percent.” Although not all juvenile crime could be attributed to those 20 juveniles, having a presence in the community has helped. “As long as we maintain our presence and keep knocking on their doors, they’re going to know we are there,” Hart said. “The goal is that they finish this program successfully so they can become productive citizens. If they don’t, we are there to pick them up.” Deputies have also been successful in curbing property crime, Hart said. “Our goal is to have less than 1,000 property crimes for the year,” he said. “After six months we’re at
404. So we’re on track to reach our goal.” Hart noted that deputies have made 33 burglary arrests and eight vandalism arrests. Also, vehicle burglaries are down by 24 percent compared with the average rate. Hart said that his office looked at the averages for vehicle burglaries in the first half of the year during the past five years, and determined that Wellington remains far below average. There was also a 13 percent decline in vandalism, and overall property crime is 17 percent below average. “We feel like we’re making some headway,” he said. “We have a heavy presence on the streets at night.” Another goal that Hart mentioned was public preservation. “It’s basically reducing criminal mischief, burglary or trespassing within Wellington’s parks,” he said. “We all know Wellington has absolutely beautiful parks. You spend a lot of money to maintain those parks, so we’ve taken the challenge to make sure those parks stay beautiful.” He noted that deputies had
done an average of 444 checks per month at local parks. In that time, they have made nine trespassing arrests and had 12 burglary and five vandalism cases. “You can see that we are in there frequently,” he said. “Because of our presence, we have made a huge impact.” District 8 also began doing criminal saturation patrols in an effort to curb crime and educate the public, Hart said. “We’ve done three criminal saturation patrols, where we put 25 deputies on the street at a given time on top of the 10 already patrolling,” he explained. Hart said that during that time, deputies gave out a number of tickets but also a number of warnings. “We do want to educate the public,” he said. Hart said that deputies would continue to work on reducing property crimes and robberies as well as boosting traffic safety. “We had a spike in robberies,” he said. “There have been a few arrests, but there is no trend as far as a certain area. It’s sporadic, and we haven’t seen a pattern at this point.”
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July 6 - July 12, 2012 Page 5
NEWS
FABULOUS FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS IN ROYAL PALM AND WELLINGTON Royal Palm Beach and Wellington held their respective Fourth of July celebrations on Wednesday, offering residents a full day of activities. In Royal Palm Beach, the day included fishing and golf tournaments; the Mayor’s Cup Kayak Race; a kids funzone; music by A2Z, On Target and DJ Tony the Tiger; rides and games; and the Zambelli Fireworks International show at Lakeside Challenger Park. Wellington’s celebration at Village Park featured games, inflatables, face painting and live music, before concluding with a 9 p.m. Zambelli fireworks display. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN & JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Dennis Franqui and granddaughter Nia enjoy kayaking in Royal Palm Beach.
Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig with Lifechurch.tv volunteer Michele Capobianco.
Danna, Kinsey, Maggie, Scott and Alisa Johnson enjoy Wellington’s celebration.
Ethan and Tekoa Barnes play ball in Wellington.
Florence, Anguli and Valmik Bahadursingh enjoy live music at Wellington’s Fourth of July celebration.
Buckley Griffis of Rhythm Weavers, joined by Emily and Anthony Morales, holds a community drum circle in RPB.
Terry Harms, A.J. Palermo and DJ Tony Armour in Royal Palm Beach.
Jack Reynolds (seated) with Christina and Nicco Tolucci, Kim Reynolds and Amanda Tolucci show their spirit in RPB.
Trista Stingo with Paradise and Brandy Johansen at the RPB event.
Page 6 July 6 - July 12, 2012
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CRIME NEWS
Gold Tooth Stolen From Vehicle In Royal Palm Beach By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JUNE 28 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in Counterpoint Estates last Thursday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said that on Thursday, June 21, he left his vehicle parked in front of his sister ’s house, leaving a gold tooth valued at $550 in the vehicle. When he returned the following day, he discovered that the tooth had been stolen. According to the report, the vehicle was unlocked at the time, and there was no sign of forced entry. According to the report, deputies discovered the tooth at a local pawnshop and were able to identify the person who pawned it. The tooth was returned, but no arrests had been made at the time of the report. JUNE 29 — A resident of Cambridge Lane called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left for work at approximately 7:45 a.m. When she returned at approximately 4:30 p.m., she noticed that her front door was slightly ajar. According to the report, the victim entered her home to discover that someone had used a blunt object to force open the rear door of the home, causing damage to the lock and surrounding frame. The house had been ransacked, and the perpetrator(s) had removed several pieces of jewelry valued at approximately $1,000. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JUNE 30 — A resident of 62nd Court North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday afternoon to report a suspicious incident. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in his home at approximately 1 p.m. when he heard someone yelling his name outside. The victim said he believed it to be a former friend with whom he had some issues, so he locked himself inside his bedroom. According to the report, the victim said he heard banging on the door and the garage area before it stopped. According to the report, the victim discovered that the window screen near his front door had been ripped and that someone had stolen a red BMX Power Line bicycle valued at approximately $85. The victim said he did not have any information on his former friend’s whereabouts and did not see him do the damage or steal the bike. There was no further information at the time of the report. JUNE 30 — A juvenile was arrested last Saturday on charges of shoplifting and drug possession following an incident at the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, the juvenile was stopped after it was discovered she stole a Bob Marley rubber bracelet from Spencer’s. The item was valued at $6.99. According to the report, a search revealed that the juvenile was also in possession of 1 gram of marijuana. She was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. JUNE 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Publix supermarket on Southern Blvd. last Saturday regarding a theft.
According to a PBSO report, an employee of the store was informed that several brass knobs had been stolen from the fire hydrants outside the store. The employee said four knobs had been stolen from three hydrants located on various sides of the property. The stolen items were valued at approximately $300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. JUNE 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a movie theater on State Road 7 last Saturday night regarding a case of battery. According to a PBSO report, a female juvenile was accosted by an unknown male for texting during a movie. According to the report, the victim was in the theater at approximately 10 p.m. The victim said that during the previews she was texting on her phone. At that time, an adult male from the row behind her told her to shut her phone off. The victim said that she and her friends moved several rows down, and she continued to text. According to the report, the victim said that the same adult male approached her, grabbed her by her arm and yelled at her to shut her phone off. The victim then contacted deputies, but the suspect had left the theater before he could be identified. There was no further information available at the time of the report. JULY 1 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Goodwill store on Belvedere Road early last Sunday morning regarding an act of vandalism. According to the report, sometime between 12:05 and 12:25 a.m., someone severely damaged the northwest gate. A check of the building revealed that it was secure. According to the deputy, it appeared that someone had accessed the parking lot by ramming the gate, and that the perpetrator(s) may have taken donated items. JULY 1 — A resident of The Acreage contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Sunday evening to report a possible theft. According to the report, the victim and her family were on the dock at Peanut Island when someone removed her bag with her cell phone. The victim’s mapping program was able to track her phone to a home on 67th Street North. According to the PBSO report, the deputy made contact with the resident of the home, who said he and his family had also been at Peanut Island and was in possession of the victim’s bag but not her phone. The residents searched for the phone but could not find it. The deputy said it was unknown if the phone fell out of the bag or if someone took it. The phone was valued at approximately $400. There was no further information available at the time of the report. JULY 2 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday afternoon to a construction site on State Road 7 regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 a.m. last Saturday and 3 p.m. Monday, someone entered the construction site and removed about 250 screw jacks from a container behind the building. The stolen items were valued at approximately $4,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Fabian Fuentes, a.k.a. Orlando Fuentes, is a white male, 5’9” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 07/10/84. Fuentes is wanted for burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was The 12th Fairway in Wellington. Fuentes is wanted as of 07/05/12. • Rene Ramos, a.k.a. “Junior” and “Rambo,” is a black male, 6’2” tall and weighing 220 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of bir th is 07/02/85. Ramos is wanted for failure to appear/supervised own recognizance on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, and possession and production of drug paraphernalia (felony), and failure to appear on a charge of possession of marijuana (misdemeanor). His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Glades Drive in Pahokee and Goldenrod Road in Wellington. Ramos is wanted as of 07/05/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stopper s at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.
Fabian Fuentes
Rene Ramos
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.
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July 6 - July 12, 2012 Page 7
NEWS
RPB Zoners Reserve Right To OK Signs For National Companies By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission last week recommended denial of a request to grant village staff authority to approve signage for national logos. The request came as part of a June 26 discussion regarding signage for a Pet Supermarket store in the Village Royale Shopping Center at the northwest corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards. The applicant wanted the right to use its national colors of red and yellow in its signage. “We do have some history here that some centers have had the ability to put their national logo on either the monument sign or the wall sign, and in some instances, they have been able to get them on both,” Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said. Erwin pointed out that Village Royale’s current color criteria is red, but Wells Fargo got its company colors on the monument sign
with some compromise on the wall colors. He added that Bud’s Chicken and Burger King got their colors in the center’s signage as well. Robert Eisen of Government Process Services, representing Pet Supermarket and the shopping center’s owners, said the village’s code requires that national trademarks be given strong consideration. Eisen noted that Pet Supermarket has 133 stores across the nation. Furthermore, Eisen said the center is also requesting that future sign approvals only require staff’s OK. Commissioner Jackie Larson said the zoning panel has strived for consistency in the past, but that there has been some confusion over a nationally registered trademark and a national company. Her goal is to make sure that such approvals do not get out of hand. “We’re not trying to be like some municipalities where if you don’t know where something is, you can’t find it, signs or not,” Larson
said. “But we don’t want to reach the point where some things are so glaringly unattractive.” Other than that, Larson said she would have no problem with allowing staff to approve and make the applicant’s job easier. Commissioner Michael Newkirk, coming from a business standpoint, said branding is everything. “I want to take a holistic look at this, but businesses spend billions of dollars researching and knowing what they’ve got to have, from branding, to signage, to trademark,” he said. Newkirk said he would rather err in favor of the business than require that a business have an allred sign that might be detrimental to its success. “What looks worse to me is a business whose sign has been ripped down and a door that’s closed,” Newkirk said. “I really think it’s time to look beyond consistency just for consistency’s sake.” Commissioner Richard Becher said village ordinances currently
grant the commission authority to review changes, and the ordinance would have to be rewritten in order to turn that responsibility over to staff. Erwin said staff level review only would be to affirm that they are a national company. “You’re not abdicating your authority,” Erwin said. “You’re just saying that the criteria for the center are red signs for local tenants, but for national tenants, if they can show that they have whatever number they need to make them national… it would be up to staff to determine whether or not they meet that threshold.” Erwin also pointed out that national tenants tend to occupy more space and serve as an anchor tenant, and that regulations for the size of the signs would still apply. Commissioner Darrell Lange said he had a problem with blanket approval of a master site plan, and that he agreed with Newkirk’s point that regional businesses such as Publix have high local rec-
ognition, although he has seen Publix signs in teal and pink. “The idea is to have that consistency, and to allow the commission to make those concessions,” Lange said. “The idea is to allow more people to have that input, especially when you have ordinary citizens up here volunteering to make those suggestions.” Lange added that some national companies such as Wells Fargo, that were adamant about their national logo, were ultimately persuaded to tone down some of their colors. “You want something that’s pleasing and you want something that’s successful for the business,” Lange said. Commission Chair Barbara Powell said she agreed that the commission’s input is important. Lange made a motion to recommend denial of the application for blanket approvals, which carried 5-0. Lange also made a motion to approve Pet Supermarket’s request to allow the national colors of red letters on a yellow back-
ground for the wall sign, but require that the monument sign have consistent colors of red letters on a white background and allow the national trademark font, which carried 5-0. The commission also recommended denial of an application by Inland Western Royal Palm Beach Commons located on State Road 7 south of Southern Blvd. to modify its previously approved master sign plan to allow for national brand logos, letters and colors of signage. Lange made the motion, and it carried unanimously. In other business: • The commission recommended approval for a storefront church in the Royal Plaza shopping center. The Potter’s House, a congregation of about 60, previously has been meeting in various locations. Erwin said the church will be in the northwestern building of the plaza, located at Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards. The Potter’s House Executive See RPB ZONING, page 18
Loxahatchee Groves History On Display At LGLA ‘Show And Tell’ By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association hosted a “Show and Tell” program Thursday, June 28 featuring snippets of life in the rural community. LGLA President Marge Herzog started it off, displaying models of a railroad that had been planned for Loxahatchee Groves. The models were constructed by longtime resident Ed Wallschlag. “Ed Wallschlag had a very keen interest in model railroading, and I asked him, ‘Why do you have model railroads, and why is it called ‘Loxahatchee East and West?’” Herzog recalled. “Well, years ago there was a railroad right-of-way going through Loxahatchee.” The right-of-way started at what would be Folsom Road a half-mile north of Okeechobee Blvd. and ran straight west all the way across Loxahatchee Groves. If it had come to be, it would have been a spur to haul produce to the main railroad lines, Herzog said. The rights-of-way were bought over time by property owners whose land adjoined it. “Wouldn’t it be nice if the town could buy them back and turn them into an east/west trail?” Herzog said. “It went right across the whole town.” Wallschlag was trying to figure out what to name his model railroad and decided on “Loxahatchee East and West.” “There’s a hidden story behind that,” Herzog said. “If you just take the ‘LEW,’ it stands for Lois and Ed Wallschlag. He has given these four to us and asked us to keep them until such time as the town develops a museum.” There are 10 more cars and an engine to the set, she said, explain-
(Above) Ken Johnson with the folding handsaw he keeps in his emergency kit. (Left) Roy Parks explains his blacksmith tongs. (Right) Marge Herzog talks about the “Loxahatchee East and West Railroad.” PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
ing that Lois sets them up every Christmas. Wallschlag also constructed a model of Loxahatchee Groves. “This is Folsom Road and F Road, and the black is Okeechobee,” she said. “The buildings are the Red Barn and churches, and over there is the Portuguese Center. He had a whole bunch of sections like this that he created, and he had sections for the whole town that he gave away to various people, but he always wanted to make sure Loxahatchee Groves has a section.” Lois Wallschlag now lives in Baywinds. “She said that if anyone has any carambola, she would love them to give her a call,” Her-
zog said. “She said she comes out sometimes to visit because she does miss Loxahatchee Groves.” Ken Johnson shared a folding handsaw that he got two for $5 at Lowe’s about 10 years ago that he keeps in his Community Emergency Response Team emergency kit. “This is something that I would recommend for anybody who is a member of CERT,” Johnson said. “If you keep it in the package, you can throw it in your backpack so it will be handy if you ever need it. Just take it out of the case, and this is a saw for cutting rope, limbs, hose, wood. It’s collapsible and has a lock on it. You can use it in times of disaster out here. We’re
there to serve and help people, and this can help us do our job.” Bill Parker announced the birth of two calves, one a bull and the other of undetermined gender. “The mother wouldn’t let me close enough to check it out,” he said, noting that the births bring his herd to six. “They were born just a couple of days ago.” Linda Heeraman said the 6,000 slash pine seedlings she and her husband, Sundar, bought about four years ago and planted on their 20 acres on B Road are about headhigh now. She said they had committed to having another property with pine trees after the pines on their 37-acre property on Southern Blvd. became infested with
beetles and had to be cut down. They subsequently sold the property and bought the B Road property. “We planted the whole area with these trees, and we also gave some to the community to be able to give to other people to plant,” Heeraman said. “They keep us very busy trying to keep them clean from the weeds, because the weeds seem to grow faster than the trees.” Pat Johnson said that her husband, Ken, who had complications after brain surgery, was her showand-tell. After a month in intensive care in Pennsylvania and two months in a rehabilitation center and a month of rehab at home, he
was able to drive to the meeting that evening. “A lot of support came from this room,” Ken Johnson said. “I appreciate that, and my wife does, too.” Roy Parks, an amateur blacksmith, brought a pair of blacksmith’s tongs to show. “They really are legitimate blacksmith-made tongs,” Parks said. “They’re not from a factory. They really made their tools to be used.” He said the jaws are flat but also have grooves to hold round or square material better. Parks is a member of Community of Hope Church, where, at Christmastime, they re-create Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth, and he portrays a blacksmith.
Gas Leak Causes Several Wellington Marketplace Businesses To Evacuate JULY 1 — Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue personnel responded to the Wellington Marketplace last Sunday morning regarding a gas leak. According to a PBCFR report, someone called to report a gas leak from the rear of a commercial structure located at the intersection of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. at 10:40 a.m. The first arriving units discovered four 200-pound propane
tanks behind the building, and it was quickly determined that one of the tanks had developed a leak at its base. According to the report, the area was isolated, and Special Operations set up a specialized kit to assist with removal. The gas company that owned the tank was contacted to remove the tank. The event caused several local businesses to be evacuated.
Fire-rescue personnel work to remove the faulty propane tank.
A PBCFR Special Operations truck at the Wellington Marketplace.
Page 8 July 6 - July 12, 2012
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NEWS BRIEFS Girls Night Out Benefit July 12 At Players Club Girls Night Out will be held Thursday, July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Players Club in Wellington, and the Kids Cancer Foundation has been selected as this month’s charity beneficiary. Girls Night Out, held on a monthly basis, is designed to be a night of “girl chat,” fabulous drink and food specials, music by DJ GFY and lots of shopping. More than 25 vendors are expected to be on hand on the upper level of the Players Club, displaying a wide variety of quality, juried merchandise to tempt the women, as they enjoy time with friends, a glass of wine and some delicious food. “We held our first Girls Night Out in June, and the response from the community has been amazing,” said Dolores Schlick, director of catering at the Players Club. “The crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves, eating, drinking, shopping and winning raffle prizes. This month, we expect even more of the same.” While this event is designed to
provide a social night of fun with friends, there is a benefit to the community, too. As part of the event, each vendor is asked to donate something from their merchandise to be used as a raffle prize, and the money raised from the sale of raffle tickets will be donated to a local charity. The Kids Cancer Foundation has been chosen as the charity to benefit from the raffle proceeds in July. The Kids Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide hope and support to local children and their families battling cancer and/ or blood disorders. “We are pleased to offer support to the Kids Cancer Foundation, as part of our Girls Night Out event in July,” explained Maureen Gross, director of development and community outreach for Phelps Media Group International. “They offer a bright spot to kids and their families who are battling cancer right here in our own community.” There will be a wide variety of vendors on hand to display their tempting merchandise, ranging from jewelry, purses, spa treatments, makeup consultations, fashionable clothing, spray-tan specialists, homemade sweet
treats, wine koozies and even a bicycle for you to try your skills doing a spin class. The Girls Night Out monthly event series is sponsored by the Players Club and Phelps Media Group. For information about attending, contact Schlick at pcrcatering@aol.com or (561) 7950080. For vendor information, contact Gross at mbg@phelpsmedia group.com or (561) 753-3389.
St. Michael Church To Hold VBS July 9-13 Area children from age 3 to those having completed grade six are invited to participate in Vacation Bible School at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington, set to take place Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. The theme is “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God.” Through interactive lessons that are easy for kids to apply to their lives today, they will “go deep” into God’s Word, exploring Bible stories of people who revealed deep faith by knowing how to “depend on God, dare to care,
claim Jesus, choose to follow and change the world.” “Each evening, kids will sing catchy songs, play teamworkbuilding games and be immersed in the imaginative environment of the ocean,” Pastor Marjorie Weiss said. The cost is $10 per student. There will also be an offering received each night that will be used to for the Oasis Compassion Agency food pantry in Greenacres. St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive, at the corner of Birkdale Drive and Forest Hill Blvd. To register, call (561) 793-4999 or e-mail pastor weiss@bellsouth.net.
Harmony In The Streets Returns July 16-20 The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is providing a free weeklong day camp that allows children to participate in various outdoor activities and develop positive esteem. “Harmony in the Streets” is a community program for boys and girls that emphasizes respect for others and promotes healthy rela-
tionships with local law enforcement officers. The Harmony in the Streets day camp will be held July 16-20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lake Worth Village and Palm Beach Colony. A maximum number of 60 children can participate in the program. Funding for this local program is provided by dedicated individuals, community-based groups and a strong commitment from Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. The mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to prevent juvenile delinquency and develop lawful, productive citizens through a broad range of family-centered services. For more information, visit www.youthranches.org.
Agri-Marketing Meeting July 11 In Palm Beach The Florida Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) will hold its next chapter meeting Wednesday, July 11 at the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach. It will feature a presentation by Dr. Tracy Irani of the UF/IFAS Public Issues Education (PIE) Center.
Lyn Cacella, marketing manager for Farm Credit of Florida, is the Florida chapter president and national membership committee vice chair. The Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association, Southeast Agnet Radio and Farm Credit of Florida will be sponsoring the lunch-and-learn event. Dr. Tracy Irani, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Education & Communication at the University of Florida and development director of the PIE Center, will present cutting-edge research intended to help agribusiness marketing professionals successfully communicate with consumers of ag-based products. Words and phrases like “farmer,” “food safety” and “best management practices” are all terms commonly used to describe Florida’s agriculture industry, but how are these terms understood by members of the general public? For more information about membership in the Florida NAMA Chapter or for participation/sponsorship of the upcoming UF/IFAS PIE luncheon meeting, contact Lyn Cacella at (800) 432-4156 or lcacella@farmcredit fl.com.
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NEWS
ROYAL PALM ROTARY CLUB INSTALLS ITS NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2012-13 The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its annual installation dinner Friday, June 29 at the MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and dinner as Scott Armand was installed as the new club president and yearly awards were presented to outstanding Rotarians. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
District Governor Terri Wescott swears in Scott Armand as president while wife Mair Armand looks on proudly.
Outgoing President Michael Fehribach (back) thanks the 2011-12 board of directors.
Joan Scherer presents Distinguished Service Citation pins to Lynn Balch and Tony Armour.
Michael Fehribach presents the President’s Citation and Above & Beyond pin to Eric Gordon.
Michael Fehribach presents Claudette Williams with the Rookie of the Year award.
Past presidents of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club.
Joan Scherer presents Dr. Garry Millien and Dr. Jean Monice the Peace & Understanding award.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Gauger and his wife Phyllis with Charlie Borg.
Rev. Mike Rose, Marcia Berwick and Ron Tomchin received Four-Way Test awards.
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Page 12 July 6 - July 12, 2012
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NEWS
BREAKERS WEST HOSTS SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR’S SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC The 32nd annual South Florida Fair Scholar ship Golf Classic was held Saturday, June 30 at the Breakers West Country Club. The event included continental breakfast, an awards luncheon and raffles. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Lorie Stinson, Vicki Chouris, Rita Demier and Bettye Thompson.
Diego Velazquez, Ernie Dean, Rob Holden and Corey Green.
Breakers West Director of Golf Danny St. Louis with first-place golf winners John Wash, Ray Mooney and Vern Thornton. Not pictured: Justin Thompson.
South Florida Fair COO Vicki Chouris tees off.
Lorie Stinson has a laugh before taking a swing.
Ladies Longest Drive winner Rita Demier with Director of Golf Danny St. Louis.
BURGER LOVERS COMPETE IN BURGER BATTLE AT SMOKEY BONES IN WELLINGTON Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill held a “Burger Battle” burger-eating contest on Wednesday, June 27 at its Wellington location. The Burger Battle is a national event taking place in all 67 locations in which the top national winner receives $2,500. Brandon Engroba was the local winner. He received a $200 gift card t o Smokey Bones. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
First-place winner Brandon Engroba with manager Mike Vitolo.
Second-place winner Matthew Waddel.
Third-place winner Steven Goldstein chows down.
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NEWS
SHOPPERS FIND GREAT DEALS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS’ SUMMER GARAGE SALE The Summer Garage Sale was held Saturday, June 30 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Vendors sold a variety of unique items, from antiques and collectibles to everyday household items. For more info., visit www.southfloridafair.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Seth Rosenzweig shows Julia and Luna Damonte how to use a panpipe.
Rick Bowman looks at a book on the history of Florida.
Tammy Kocher looks at a Palm Beach buoy.
Miss Florida Sunshine Nicole Eppenbaugh enjoys the garage sale.
The Cafarelli family shops at the garage sale.
Denise and Tim Simmons buy mix-and-match household products.
Alyssa Le looks at 50-cent purses.
WOLVERINES SKILLS BASKETBALL CAMP RETURNS TO THE WHS GYM JULY 9-12 The Wolverines Skills Basketball Camp completed the last day of its first session Thursday, June 28 in the Wellington High School gym. Girls and boys ages 6 to 14 learned basketball skills and drills while playing games and taking part in competitions. The Wellington High School boys basketball team members teach and host the camp. The next session will take place July 9-12. For more info., call Coach PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER Matt Colin at (803) 439-5348.
Camp counselor Stephon Jordan teaches Turner Lacey, Payne McEntee and John Schlechter.
Camp counselor Brianna Sabbat (back right) with her group members.
Coach Randy Nichols with WHS head basketball coach Matt Colin.
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NEWS
The Town-Crier
SUMMER ART PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT ZOLET ARTS ACADEMY IN WELLINGTON Zolet Arts Academy held one of its summer art programs for kids June 18-22. Another session is scheduled for Aug. 6-17. The program provides professional individualized instruction in a variety of media and subjects, including drawing, painting, crafts and sculpture. Zolet is located in the Suite 4 in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 793-6489. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Art teacher Linda Zolet encourages her students to create a street scene out of wood.
Mara Hubelbank, Jessica Pass and Alexa Pamatat sign the graffiti wall.
Art students hold their papier-mâché animals.
Aarthi Allady, Isabella Soto, Natalie Rodriguez, Logan Castellanos, Zoe Leitner, teen helper Cristina Rodriguez and Rashell Parciale.
Linda Zolet demonstrates with popular comic characters.
Bella Barios, Adarsh Nambiar, Julian Soto, teen helper Liam Fineman, Isabella Soto, Jessica Soto and Victoria Acevedo work on their wood projects.
Cultural Council Hosts Artists Reception For The Exhibit ‘PBC:ART’ The Palm Beach County Cultural Council hosted a reception recently to recognize original works by 22 Palm Beach County artists who demonstrate a mastery of their medium. The exhibition, “PBC:ART,” is scheduled to run through Aug. 4. It is the first juried exhibition to take place in the council’s expansive 2,500-square-foot exhibition space at its new home at 601 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. The member-only event was attended by 150-plus guests who viewed challenging and engaging works by 22 Palm Beach County artists, chosen to exhibit in “PBC:ART.” A juried panel of art industry experts chose the 26 works from
among over 400 different art objects submitted by over 150 Palm Beach County artists. Rena Blades, president and CEO of the Cultural Council, kicked off the festivities by addressing the artists, jurors and guests. “Welcome artists and friends,” she said. “This is all here for you.” Exhibiting artists in the collection include: Carolyn Barth, Anthony Burks Sr., Katie Deits, Jose Delbo, Bea Doone-Merena, Judy Flescher, Richard J. Frank, TD Gillispie, Maria Hayden, Steve Horan, Claudia Jane Klein, Malcolm Mackenzie, Monica McGivern, Clarence “Skip” Measelle, Hanne Niederhausen, Scherer & Ouporov, Barry Seidman, Rita Sha-
piro, Vicki Siegel, Karla Walter, David Willison and Jo Anna Zelano. Members of the “PBC:ART” jury panel include: Rolando Barrerro of ActivistArtistA Gallery Studio in Boynton Beach, Jamnea Finlayson of JF Gallery & Framing in West Palm Beach and Ken Plasket of Kenneth Plasket Gallery in West Palm Beach. “This juried competition was a wonderful way to seek out and find more artists in Palm Beach County,” Blades said. “We plan to offer many more ‘call to artists’ opportunities like this as a way to introduce ourselves to new artists and as a vehicle to invite members of the artist community who already know us to
continue to enjoy the benefits of the council’s support of them as professionals.” The Cultural Council is Palm Beach County’s official arts agency and serves nonprofit cultural organizations and professional artists throughout the county. Its responsibilities include marketing the county’s cultural experiences to visitors and residents, administering grants to organizations and artists, expanding arts and cultural education opportunities, advocating for funding and arts-friendly policies, and serving cultural organizations and artists through capacity building training and exposure to funders and audiences. For more information, visit www.palmbeachculture.com.
Bert Korman, Rena Blades and Michael Bracci.
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SCHOOL NEWS
The King’s Academy Graduates 121 Seniors In The Class Of 2012 When you ask any faculty or staff member at the King’s Academy about the Class of 2012, they all say the same thing: “They are a special class!” On June 1, the King’s Academy held commencement exercises for 121 graduating seniors who excelled during their high school careers. They successfully met and exceeded the King’s Academy’s rigorous academic curriculum, in-
cluding Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment courses and honors courses, while contributing nearly 40,000 total hours of community service time. They have been recognized nationally for academic achievement, led TKA’s championship athletic teams to the state finals, commanded the stage in numerous award-winning musicals, plays and productions, and excelled in choral and band competitions.
Salutatorian Ryan Larson and Valedictorian Maddie Collins.
TKA High School Principal Sonya Jones was impressed by the seniors’ efforts. “This is a class of outstanding leaders and it is gratifying to see their hard work pay off,” she said. “One of the things that we stress at King’s is producing Christian leaders who will go out and change their world. I’m sure that this class has both the knowledge and the opportunities in higher education to do just that.” As a result of their efforts, the King’sAcademy’s 2012 graduates boast an impressive list of college acceptances from highly selective colleges and universities including: Auburn University, Baylor University, Boston College, Dartmouth College, Emory University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, New York University, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Syracuse University, Tulane University, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University and many others. The King’s Academy’s 2012 senior class has received more than $7.6 million in scholarships to date, approximately $81,000 per student. Director of College Counseling Heather Najmabadi and her staff meet with each high school student and their families to assist with their college searches includ-
The King’s Academy’s Class of 2012. ing the scholarship application process. “Our primary goal is to assist and guide our students and their families through the myriad of information and decisions concerning their college search,” she said. “We are always looking to provide students with the best possible support. They are indeed a class to be remembered for their academic achievements, their service,
PBSC To Launch Addiction Studies Programs More than 22 million people in the U.S. are in need of substance abuse treatment, causing a shortage of trained addiction professionals. Palm Beach State College is answering this need by offering an 18-month college credit certificate program and a two-year associate’s degree in addiction studies, both starting this fall term. Classes begin Aug. 23. Information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 and Monday, Aug. 13 in Room CE119 in the Continuing Education Building on the Lake Worth campus at 4200 Congress Ave. The addiction studies programs are designed to prepare students for employment as clinical specialists, social/human services practitioners, chemical dependency practitioners, addic-
tion specialists and substance abuse counselors. “I receive phone calls almost every day from prospective students looking for an accredited addiction studies program that will allow them to learn the necessary skills in order to become substance abuse professionals,” said Lois Pasapane, department chair and professor of psychology and human services. The 39-credit college credit certificate is the technical core of the 73-credit associate’s degree, and both meet the coursework requirement for the Florida state addiction professional certification. Pasapane stresses that a wide range of individuals at different points in their careers can take advantage of these programs, from high school graduates to those who already have degrees but want specialized
education in this field. The college credit certificate credits transfer fully into the associate’s degree, and associate’s degree credits transfer into Palm Beach State College’s bachelor’s degree in supervision and management. Transfer agreements with other state colleges and universities also are in the works. Both programs are eligible for financial aid. “We have been contacted by several external groups and rehabilitation facilities expressing interest in Palm Beach State offering these programs,” said Susan Caldwell, associate dean of social science. Indeed, Florida is at the top of the list for number of rehabilitation facilities. With a large number of local treatment centers and new ones under construction, the college will be positioned to
respond to the growing need for qualified addiction professionals. The unfortunate statistics tell the story. As estimated by the Department of Children & Families Substance Abuse Program Office, based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2009-10 there were 413,793 adults in Florida who sought substance abuse treatment/services if services were available (out of 1,253,917 who actually needed these services). “It’s very gratifying to be a part of these important new programs,” Pasapane said. “I look forward to helping our students learn to make a difference in so many people’s lives.” For more information, visit w w w. p a l m b e a c h s t a t e . e d u / humanservices.xml or call (561) 868-3326.
their leadership, and their spiritual impact.” The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and
Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.tka.net.
Berean Students Enjoy End Of The Year Bash On the last day of school, the kindergarten through sixth-grade students at Berean Christian School end the year in style with their End-of-the-Year Bash — a celebration of the school year and a look toward summer fun ahead. The celebration is a tradition at the school and brings together students, parents and teachers in a fun, water-themed festival. This year the bash featured waterslides, face painting, sand art and a dunk tank, as well as
popcorn, hot dogs and snow cones available to refresh students. The event is run by the school organization PAWS (Parents Always Willing to Serve). As PAWS coordinator Shelby Colman put it, the event “provides the family environment that brings a lot of people to Berean. The kids love it; they just have a blast.” For more information on Berean Christian School activities, or to enroll for next year, visit www.bereanwpb.org.
Send school 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.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Jayla Bostic Chosen Herman Castro Wins Stonegate Scholarship For Delta Epsilon Iota UF Chapter The Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society has selected Jayla Bostic for membership into its local chapter at the University of Florida. Delta Epsilon Iota was established in order to recognize and encourage academic excellence in all fields of study. The organization rewards outstanding students through financial scholarships, provides leadership opportunities to its members, and promotes the principles of dedication, enthusiasm and initiative among students participating in higher education throughout the United States. Students qualify based on academic achievement. Prospective members must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours at an accredited college or university, while maintaining a 3.30 cumulative grade point average or a scholastic ranking within the top 15 percent of their class. Delta Epsilon Iota’s membership is composed of outstanding scholars attending many of the finest educational institutions in the country. Organizational vision and cutting-edge resources have made the society one of the leading ac-
Jayla Bostic ademic development organizations, synonymous with leadership and excellence in academic life. The daughter of Drs. Jonathan and Jacqueline Bostic, Jayla Bostic is a graduate of Palm Beach Central High School. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science, specializing in preprofessional, and is slated to graduate in June 2015. Afterward, she plans to pursue a medical degree.
Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
Erin D. Knight, chair of the Stonegate Bank Charitable Foundation and the bank’s Miami market president, has announced that Herman Castro of Seminole Ridge High School was one of five Palm Beach County high school seniors awarded the inaugural Stonegate Charitable Foundation Community Service Award & Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarships, to be used toward the students’ college education, were awarded at a private luncheon held Tuesday, June 19. The other winners are Gabrielle Alexandre of Palm Beach Lakes High School, Samantha PurcellMusgrave of Jupiter High School, Tamara Nicolas of Glades Central High School and Henry Chateauvert of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Additionally, the award and scholarships were awarded to five students each in Broward, Collier,
Hillsborough, Lee and MiamiDade counties. “The young men and women who comprise this year’s scholarship class are not only role models in their academics, but also in their communities,” said Kris Barnhart, Stonegate Bank North Palm Beach County market president. “We are honored to support them and wish them continued success in their collegiate endeavors.” The Community Service Award & Scholarship was instituted to support the volunteer and leadership potential of Florida’s youth. The high school seniors were selected based on their superior community service involvement, while maintaining high academic achievement during their secondary school careers. Winners were chosen by a committee comprised of the Stonegate Charitable Foundation Board of Directors and from
within the school districts Stonegate Bank serves: Broward, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. “Stonegate Bank is proud to support students who are passionate about making a difference and dedicating their time and talent to helping others,” Knight said. “We are passionate about recognizing the young leaders of tomorrow who endeavor to make lasting and powerful impressions on the communities we serve.” The Stonegate Charitable Foundation was created by Stonegate Bank in October 2007 for the support and benefit of charitable and educational purposes within the bank’s market area. The foundation’s mission is to reinforce, encourage and support the bank’s ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of the communities it serves. The foundation allocates its re-
Two Named To Dean’s List At Virginia Tech
eral Arts and Human Sciences. Swisher is a senior majoring in history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. Founded in 1872, Virginia Tech attracts students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The university’s eight colleges achieve quality, innovation, and results through teaching, research and outreach in Blacksburg and at other campus centers in northern Virginia, southwest Virginia, Richmond, southern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Roanoke. For additional information, visit www.vt.edu.
Bland Completes Navy Basic Training
Virginia Tech has announced that Joshua Anderson of Royal Palm Beach and Sarah Swisher of Wellington were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2012 semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must attempt at least 12 credit hours graded on the A-F option and earn a 3.4 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) during the semester. Anderson is a senior majoring in history in the College of Lib-
Navy Seaman Apprentice Stephen Bland, son of Linda Bradford of West Palm Beach and Randall Bland of Trenton, Fla., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Bland completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and
Herman Castro sources specifically for the advantage of the community at large, including educational, social and human services. For more information about Stonegate Bank, visit www.stone gatebank.com. shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Wellington Garden Club Receives Award Of Excellence From FFGC At the 2012 Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) annual convention, the Wellington Garden Club received the Award of Excellence for a Club. The club was recognized for promoting federation aims and objectives, including service to the community, public planting, litter control programs, educational projects including conservation and horticulture, organization of
FFGC District X Director Barbara Hadsell.
youth units, involvement in federation projects, participation in state flower shows, Arbor Day celebrations, FFGC Deep South, and national awards, contributions to FFGC Headquarters and Endowment, FFGC Wekiva Youth Camp, and the federation’s SEEK (Saving the Earth’s Environment through Knowledge) program for high school students, as well as scholarship assistance to Palm Beach State College horticultural and environmental sciences students. “We are always learning and searching for new ways to make a difference in our communities and share both what we know, as well as what we grow,” said Wellington Garden Club member and Awards Chair Cass Stryker, who was instrumental in compiling the award submission material. “Our members are delighted to learn that their efforts have been recognized by FFGC.” Wellington Garden Club President Susan Hillson agreed. “Receiving this award is so exciting, and it confirms that we must be doing something right,” she said. The club garnered several other awards at the state convention,
Wellington Garden Club First Vice President Twig Morris, Awards Chair Cass Stryker and President Susan Hillson. including the Public Program Award for its Gardening Makes a World of Difference Day, held at the Wellington Amphitheater in February 2011; the Mentoring Award received by past club president and current District Director Barbara Hadsell, for providing leadership, inspiration, guidance and encouragement to members of the club; the Photographic Slide
Award to member Martie Spaier for her digital photographs of birds in a natural setting by a non-professional photographer; the FFGC TriCouncilAward for the National Garden Club President’s Projects (Plantings for Public and Special Places) “Gardening with Edibles”; and the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl poster contest, in which club member Fauzia Begum’s son, Amir,
Wellington Garden Club member Fauzia Begum (right) with her son, Amir, and Smokey Bear. won the contest among secondgraders. Celebrating 30 years as a nonprofit federated club, the Wellington Garden Club is a group of gardening enthusiasts who share a love of plants, an interest in horticulture, nature and beautiful gardens. Members have all levels of gardening and floral design experience, from novice to master gar-
dener, from floral design student to master flower show judge. Over the past several years, the club has grown from fewer than 90 members to more than 140 members today. Information on membership, monthly meetings and other club activities may be found at the Wellington Garden Club’s web site at www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
Wellington Couple Publishes A Book On Creating Family Traditions Wellington residents Kimberly Joy and Thomas Ward have announced the release of their newly published book Creating Holiday Magic and Family Traditions: Creative and Unique Ideas to Make Unforgettable Family Memories on Any Budget. “In good times and bad, family traditions celebrate togetherness and give our children a sense of excitement and anticipation,” Kimberly Joy said. “They instill a
sense of stability and predictability in such an unpredictable and unstable world. Traditions are an important part of the glue that holds the family unit together.” “Family values and a sense of tradition have really deteriorated over the years,” Thomas said. “We diminish the wonder and awe of our children when we simply hand them a gift or celebrate a holiday in the most basic way possible. If you invest a little bit of time and a little bit of ingenuity when planning something special for one or more of your loved ones, the payoff is absolutely priceless! And you don’t have to spend a lot to make the magic happen. This book shows you just how to do that.” The Wards are hoping that readers will make time to start developing some family traditions of their own. The book outlines fun, exciting, distinctive things that can be done to make every celebration and holiday unforgettable. The authors are confident that readers will find that creating magic and making others feel special will be
personally rewarding as well. Some of the ideas take a bit of planning, but the ideas are completely laid out with examples and don’t require much effort or money at all. Best of all, family traditions are all about having fun. Creating Holiday Magic and Family Traditions is a handbook that outlines creative and fun ways to make every holiday and occasion not only special, but completely tailor-made to please every member of the family. Anyone can sign a card, wrap a gift, and cut a birthday cake for their loved one. This book tosses out convention and shows you how to easily create unique experiences and traditions for your family. Details of out-of-the-box ideas to host celebrations that both adults and children will enjoy and talk about for years to come are tucked away inside this one-of-akind book. Each page features simple, unique, imaginative and budget-conscious activities to do for each occasion. The pages also detail variations of the ideas, so you can custom-
ize them to suit your own, unique family. Also included are ways to bring more enjoyment to your family’s everyday lives and activities to promote healthy family bonding. Want to make your Santa wish list fly to the North Pole right before your children’s eyes, or produce a VIP concert event for mom on Mother ’s Day? Maybe the Easter Bunny will mastermind a spectacular egg and basket hunt adventure this year for your kids. Kimberly Joy graduated Adelphi University in New York with a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing. She spent the early part of her career in the music business and in radio broadcasting. Kimberly Joy has served actively in her church and coached youth cheerleading. Tom is a Navy veteran, youth baseball coach, a balloon artist and magician. In 1999, Kimberly Joy and Tom started careers as residential real estate brokers and have built a top-producing real estate sales team in South Florida. They have
Thomas and Kimberly Joy Ward with their sons Anthony and Austin. been married for 12 years and enjoy spending quality family time with their two boys, Anthony and Austin. To place orders for Creating Holiday Magic and Family Tra-
ditions, visit www.holidaymagic book.com. The title is available at Amazon.com, and the authors have announced the release of the Kindle version of the book, also available now at Amazon.com.
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NEWS
Wellington Chamber To Host Candidates For Sheriff On July 18 The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a “meet the candidates” luncheon Wednesday, July 18 at the Wanderers Club. This luncheon will offer chamber members and guests the opportunity to meet the candidates running for Palm Beach County Sheriff: incumbent Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and challengers Joe Talley and Cleamond Lee Walker. Bradshaw is a career law en-
forcement professional responsible for leading the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County. He has been in law enforcement for more than 40 years. Bradshaw rose through the ranks of the West Palm Beach Police Department and in 1996 was appointed chief of police. On Jan. 4, 2005, Bradshaw was sworn in as sheriff. Talley has been involved in law enforcement and criminal justice
for many years and sees a tremendous need for reform and change in the county. He wants to be certain that the people working for the PBSO can focus and direct their full attention to the safety of county residents and wants to ensure there is fairness and integrity within the leadership of the agency. Talley wants to focus on the following areas of concern: promotions, assignments, trans-
fers, internal issues and fiscal matters. As sheriff, Talley said he will invite oversight by the Palm Beach County Commission and by the Office of the Inspector General. Walker is on his fourth run for sheriff. A Riviera Beach resident, he is a truck driver for Waste Management. A fourth candidate, Kevin Patrick Coleman, did not respond
to the chamber’s requests to attend. The event will sell out, so the chamber recommends getting your reservation in early. There will be no walk-ins allowed at this event. The cost to attend the luncheon is $20 for chamber members with an RSVP and $30 for nonmembers and the general public. Registration will be held at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at
noon. Sponsorship tables and sponsor opportunities are still available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the chamber or by visiting its web site at www. wellingtonchamber.com. For further information on attending this or any future Wellington Chamber of Commerce event, or for general information about the chamber, call (561) 7926525.
Pastor’s Masters Golf Tourney To Benefit Royal Palm Covenant Golf teams from churches throughout Palm Beach County will compete in the inaugural Pastor’s Masters Golf Tournament to benefit Royal Palm Covenant Church on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The scramble format event will tee off at 1 p.m., followed by an awards dinner, auction and raffle. “The recent news that the church is in such financial straits that it might close its doors was so disturbing that we pulled together our staff and met with Pastor Michael Rose offering a way to help,” said Bob Still, marketing
Budget
Tax Rate Unchanged
continued from page 1 from recent years, Royal Palm Beach received a number of residential and commercial development applications. During the past six years, the village annexed about 320 acres of vacant land that will be the focus of new development. Non-residential development is continuing to occur along Okeechobee and Southern boulevards
Hearing
Set For July 17
continued from page 1 be held to decide whether there was misrepresentation on the application to the village, Basehart said. “The provision says that if there is evidence that there may have been fraud or deceit, or information purposefully left out of an application, the council can revisit that application,” he said. “They can choose to reapprove it, approve it with modifications or revoke the original approval.” In the case of the master plan amendment for the Country Place PUD, Margolis said information about the 2001 suspension of development had been left out of the application. “Whether that was a misrepresentation on the applicant’s part,
Appraiser
Election Aug. 14
continued from page 1 he would continue to try to educate the public about his office and what its role is. “I want to continue to provide the people of Palm Beach County with the best information I can as to how and why I do my job,” he said. “I want them to understand that this office is not responsible for taxes. Its responsibility is solely for the property valuation.” With the county’s unique makeup, this can often be a challenge, he said. Nikolits noted that although property values affect how much a person pays in property taxes, his office doesn’t set the tax rate or housing prices. “Setting values of properties does have an impact on taxes,” he said. “I can’t set the market. I just interpret it.” Nikolits noted that the office flies relatively under the radar most of the time, except when people get their annual property assessment notices.
Lox Council
Money For LGWCD
continued from page 1 nier had been working on that agreement. “That in itself will [increase] income for the water control district, which would be folded into how they would approach their resources,” Rockett said, adding that he wanted to assess “the real need.” LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan, the district’s liaison, said people involved were working to arrange special meetings to meet budget deadlines, and that approval of the $150,000 was important so the district could avoid an assessment increase. “I think it is difficult for everyone to schedule this time of year,” Ryan said. “We’ll work with the town on rescheduling.”
and membership director of Binks Forest Golf Club. After meeting with Rose and discussing several fundraising options, the Pastor’s Masters Golf Tournament emerged. The tournament allows teams of four players to compete in a friendly competition and much more. “While this event is not restricted to churches, the idea that if each church in the community were to send a team, we’d have a glorious success,” Rose said. Realizing that the golf tournament alone cannot totally meet the financial crisis, Binks has added a
$1 million hole-in-one competition to the event. Two golfers will be selected for a chance to make a 165-yard hole-in-one at the conclusion of the tournament. If the player makes the shot, he or she will receive $500,000 and the church will get $500,000. This would pay off the church’s debt entirely. “Crazier things have happened,” Binks Forest General Manager Greg Schroeder said. “I hope the positive vibes are there and someone gets that hole in one. Can you just imagine?” The thought of any relief to the mounting debt brings a smile to
Rose’s face and those congregation members who are volunteering their time to seek business sponsors. “Our church is small, but we do many big things with God’s guidance,” said Rose, who has served as a non-salaried pastor for eight years. “We don’t have many golfers in our congregation, but a tournament like this is a blessing because of what it can do, not just for our church but for the entire community.” Player entry fees cost $75. Nongolfers may attend the dinner and auction for a $50 donation. Pro-
ceeds will benefit Royal Palm Covenant Church, located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. If you would like to help or need additional information, contact the
office at Royal Palm Covenant Church at (561) 294-9258 or visit the golf shop at Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Dr., Wellington) for an entry form.
and State Road 7, but not at the rapid pace experienced in the boom years of the last decade. Much of the immediate and shortterm development will occur within vacant properties that have received site plan approval and properties whose site plans have already been partially developed. Residential development is limited and occurring as infill within previously established subdivisions, Liggins noted. In addition, the council in April approved an ordinance that authorized the creation of a stormwater
utility fund that will absorb about $665,000 of public works costs currently paid out of the general fund. Also, each year during the budget process, village staff projects its total revenues and expenditures to estimate how much money will remain to carry forward. That amount is then compared to the reserve requirements, and any excess is used to finance both operating expenses and capital projects for the coming year. Due to a recent change in governmental funding requirements, Royal
Palm Beach was able to release about $5 million of previously held reserves and include them in the tentative five-year plan, which was presented to the council in May. Village staff proposes to finance recurring annual capital projects for the 2012-13 fiscal year and defer non-recurring projects to the 2013-14 year. Operating expenses would increase from about $18.8 million to $19.8 million. Village council expenses would decrease from $220,714 to $203,578; village manager expenses would increase from
$1,109,871 to $1,200,987; finance would increase from $1,193,787 to $1,263,410; legal would increase from $318,379 to $321,875; police would decrease from $7,027,818 to $7,020,018; community development would increase from $1,090,345 to $1,115,961; engineering would increase from $527,509 to $558,850; public works would be reduced from $2,498,370 to $1,974,658, due largely to the absorption by the new $665,000 stormwater utility fund; parks and recreation would increase from $3,042,635 to $3,516,067; and non-
departmental operating expenses would increase from $1,734,026 to $1,909,495. The overall goals for the 201213 budget are to keep the ad valorem tax rate unchanged while increasing the level of service to residents with the addition of Commons Park, to complete the construction of the park, and to pursue development of available commercial property through work with the Business Development Board and direct contact with each property owner, Liggins noted.
or on staff’s part, that’s what the hearing is about,” he said. Wellington Equestrian Partners Managing Partner Mark Bellissimo told the Town-Crier that he was disappointed in the council’s decision to pursue the matter. “It is extremely disappointing that the newly elected members of the village council continue to take actions that will hamper the economic growth and the future of Wellington,” he said. “In my opinion, instead of focusing on the numerous great opportunities for all of Wellington, they have chosen an ominous path of pursuing a witch hunt based on unfounded allegations of an improper permitting process, which will cost the village millions of dollars of unnecessary legal fees and consumption of thousands of hours of valuable village staff time.” Basehart said this type of hearing could be brought about by staff or by council members. In this
case, he said, council members were concerned that information had been omitted, adding that the council can call a hearing to investigate, but this time asked a consultant to examine the files and produce a report. Wellington hired Russell Scott, a planner who once lived in the village but now works in Orlando, to review the facts. Margolis said he wanted an independent viewpoint. “Staff is very close to this and will likely be called as witnesses,” he said. “I wanted an independent set of eyes guiding us through this process.” In his review, released this month, Scott looked at the history of the PUD, including the suspension of development and subsequent master plan amendment approvals. He noted that the 2001 resolution suspending development states that the suspension would
be lifted if and when the council approved a new master plan. Scott also pointed out, however, that although several master plan amendments have been approved since then, the council never took action to officially revoke or address the suspension. Master plan amendments listed in the review include a 2008 amendment to plat Southfields Phase II, located on the northeast corner of South Shore Blvd. and Lake Worth Road, as well as two other properties since 2008. In the conclusion of his findings, Scott notes that other master plan amendments received approval without noting the 2001 suspension of the development order. “It is clear,” he wrote, “that with the exception of [one application], no application submitted to the village for consideration of a master plan amendment for the Wellington Country Place PUD has completely and accurately docu-
mented the full history of county commission or village council actions. This includes applications to approve or modify the master plan, development order amendments or granting or denying extensions.” But Scott still recommended that the village conduct the hearing “to determine whether there is evidence that the application [in question] contains misrepresentation, fraud, deceit or a deliberate error of omission.” Basehart said that council members could review the evidence presented to them and decide whether to revisit the application. If they decide to revisit and revoke the application, Basehart said it could affect the road realignment and compatibility determination. “The realignment could possibly be revoked, and the road would have to be put back as it was,” he said. The commercial arena designa-
tion could also be modified. “It can’t exist as it is approved without the master plan amendment, but it could still survive with modifications,” Basehart said. “It would have to be revisited.” Margolis said that no matter the results, he hopes everyone will approach the hearing with an open mind. “This has never been done before,” he said. “It’s going to be a learning experience for everyone concerned. I’m hoping it will be an open-minded, independent process on all sides.” But Bellissimo is worried that it could lead down a road that would be disastrous for Wellington’s economy. “The end result will be a loss of job opportunities, a reduction in tax revenue and lost income for local businesses,” he said. “It must be left to one’s imagination as to why [council members] would conduct themselves this way.”
“We don’t generate a lot of publicity,” he said. “People often forget about us until they open up their assessments.” Unlike some other elected offices, Nikolits said that the property appraiser is not a clerical or ministerial position. “It’s important that whoever the property appraiser is understands that this is not just a job where you can come in and post the numbers,” he said. “We have to generate and interpret the numbers.” Nikolits said what sets him apart from his opponent is his experience and professional qualifications. “To have been in this position and witnessed the [housing market] excel and then to see it collapse over six years, and to still be able to produce a fair and equitable tax roll is impressive,” he said. Weinroth, 60, said that residents should choose him as a fiscally responsible candidate who will be an informative spokesman for the office. Originally from Boston, Weinroth earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Northeastern
University. He then went on to get his law degree from the New England School of Law. He moved to Florida 20 years ago and, in 1999, opened a medical supply company with his wife, Pamela. He also spent several years as a small business consultant. Weinroth has a long list of civic involvement but said he is particularly proud of his work with the Guardian Ad Litem organization, which represents children in cases of divorce, custody and other issues. “The parents have their counsel, but we’re the ones who stand up and say what is best for the kids,” Weinroth explained. He said that he decided to run for the office because he didn’t feel as though home values were lining up with perceived value. “The time for me to get involved was just as good as any, if not better,” he said. “It’s a very important office. It affects us all.” Weinroth said he feels that Nikolits’ office is spending too much money compared with other counties of similar size. “I feel like there’s been excess money spent, comparatively
speaking with counties like Broward and Brevard,” he said. “The average salary is way higher, by almost $15,000 to $20,000.” Weinroth said that if elected, he would do more outreach. “[Nikolits] has not been out there as much as I would be,” Weinroth said. “He is the spokesman for the department. Look at people like [Tax Collector] Anne Gannon, who are constantly out there beating the drum for their area, explaining the issues. You have to make sure people understand what goes into the dynamics of this office and what the numbers mean. My feeling is that the incumbent missed the opportunity to be out there and carry his message to the stakeholders.” Weinroth also said he believes that the office should be more transparent. “I have been to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office,” he said. “Things there are handled efficiently and transparently. People feel like they’re being treated properly.” Weinroth said he would bring that same customer service experience to Palm Beach County. “I feel like when you come in
for a service, you should leave understanding everything about your property valuation,” he said. “If ultimately you want to take it to the Value Adjustment Board, staff should work with you. It’s not their job to protect every bit of value. It’s for them to set it fairly and equitably.” Weinroth would also tackle homestead exemption fraud, something he said costs taxpayers money. “I’ve talked with the [Palm Beach County] Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “If I am honored to be the next constitutional officer, the sheriff’s office will investigate for us the fraud and identify parcels that should not be exempt. Then we can go back and recoup the taxes owed. We will go after everyone who should have been paying their taxes. You and I shouldn’t have more of a burden because people are taking exemptions when they shouldn’t be.”
Weinroth said that his business experience would help him do the job. “Running a business requires customer service skills,” he said. “My customers walk away if I don’t treat them fairly. I will work effectively to save taxpayers money, reduce fraud and provide customer service.” He noted that in addition to his business and legal experience, he has taken International Association of Assessing Officers courses in appraisal skills and how to set value. “I’m ready to dig in and take on this challenge,” he said. “I think I can do a credible job and save the taxpayers money, bring back additional tax dollars and take some pressure off the county government.” Stahman, who does not appear to be running an active campaign for the post, did not return calls for comment this week.
Ryan said the town has been sitting on a detailed spreadsheet of scheduled maintenance by the district, asking officials to “complete their review in the next day or two and go ahead and pay that so that we know what our cash balance is going into the discussion.” Kutney said the town’s financial staff is reviewing the request. “That was dumped on us, and our financial staff has been reviewing it,” he said. “It’s not like we’re holding it and sitting around.” Mayor Dave Browning said the gas tax is based primarily on the number of miles of roads in a municipality. “I don’t understand why there would be any question why we would hold up funds for the district,” he said. Kutney said the money was being held up because inappropriate information had been submitted.
Rockett stressed that he was not trying to avoid paying the district. “It’s a matter of having sufficient documentation to support the payment,” he said. “It’s our perspective, and staff’s perspective, that they have enough support that they can sustain an audit without a problem.” He added that both entities have until Sept. 30, the end of the current fiscal year, to make things right. “I would think that we’re well ahead of that pace if we get done in July,” Rockett said. Councilman Ron Jarriel said it didn’t matter to him where the money comes from, but that the town is collecting gas tax revenue based on district-maintained road mileage in the town. “If my management team tells me that legally it needs to come out of contingency, and we have more than we need right now, then I say do what you’ve got to do,”
he said. “We know that the district has to let the people know. They can’t wait until September when it comes to the budget. At their next meeting they will have to come up with a recommended increase.” Jarriel said he doesn’t want residents to be told that there might be an assessment increase if there is no reason for such a notice to go out. “We’ve got a town now, we’ve got the funds,” he said. “It’s not going to break us when we give $150,000 to the water control district. The purpose is to keep the district from raising assessments. We’re not throwing money to the wind; we’re throwing it back to the taxpayers.” Jarriel made a motion to approve the $150,000 payment, which carried 3-1 with Rockett opposed and Councilman Tom Goltzené absent.
Tack Swap July 15 In The Acreage The Acreage Horseman’sAssociation will hold a Swap ’n’ Shop Tack Swap on Sunday, July 15 at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park (14780 Hamlin Blvd.) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Guests can sell or trade new and used tack or purchase items. A 12x12 booth costs $20, and a consignment table will be available for those unable to attend. There will also be a donation table set up, and proceeds will go to the AHA to help the nonprofit club better serve the local horse community. For more information, call Amy Woodruff at (910) 220-7843 or e-mail AHAinformation @gmail.com.
RPB Zoning
Church Approval
continued from page 7 Pastor Leslie Colon said the church has been in the area since 1999. “We have been a mobile church, so we have been located in the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center and also in Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School,” Colon said. “We have an opportunity to go into a permanent facility where we can, we believe, better serve the community by being permanent.” The church will be holding services on Sunday at 10 a.m. and on Wednesday at 7 p.m. “We are excited about the opportunity,” Colon said. Lange said it was nice to see activity returning to the shopping center. “That is the fourth or fifth in the last few months,” he said. “It was getting empty. Now it’s getting full real quick.” Newkirk made a motion to approve the application, which carried 4-0 with Larson absent. • The commission also recommended architectural approval for
Primary & Urgent Care Center at 11476 Okeechobee Blvd. to replace wall and monument signs. Erwin said the center is in the neighborhood commercial zoning district composed of numerous small businesses each with small individual monument signs. “They are all back from the road quite a distance,” he said. The application asked to essentially reverse the colors from maroon letters on a white background to white letters on a more reddish burgundy background, moving the phone number from the bottom of the sign to the top. Lange asked about the phone number being moved up, which had been a subject of discussion in an earlier application. Erwin said he reviewed the application with the village attorney, who said the commission’s responsibilities do not include sign content, but size of the sign itself. Commissioners also asked that landscaping be restored around the bottom of the sign. Lange made a motion to recommend approval with the condition that landscaping be restored, which carried 4-0.
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First Caloosa Extreme Trail Challenge A Great Success Held over the June 8-10 weekend at the Caloosa Equestrian Park, the Caloosa Extreme Trail Challenge offered riders and their horses an opportunity to learn about handling themselves in dangerous situations. There was an open practice, clinic and a competition. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23
July 6 - July 12, 2012 Page 21
Major League Lacrosse Event At FAU A Success
Florida Atlantic University’s new stadium hosted its first professional sporting event Saturday, June 30. The Major League Lacrosse All-Star game chose South Florida as the venue for this year’s contest. The game featured the Old School squad against the Young Guns, with Old School winning 18-17. Page 35
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business Luv My Puppies Store In Wellington Sells Healthy Dogs To Loving Families
Putting animals first, Luv My Puppies — formerly Palm Beach Puppies — is under new ownership. Joan and Ron Slack bought the Wellington pet boutique in April and have transformed the shop.The store also offers pet supplies, from clothing to organic food from Eukanuba. The shop also provides its clients with examined and vaccinated puppies, and works with a local veterinarian Dr. Ira Grossman of Palms West Veterinary Hospital to provide healthcare. Page 25
Sports Wellington Wolves Free Basketball Clinics In August
This summer, Wellington children interested in basketball will have an opportunity to learn from the best as the Wellington Wolves Travel Basketball Association will offer free clinics starting in August. The clinics provide an opportunity for kids who enjoy the game to learn better skills. Page 35
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................23-25 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 25-27 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 29 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................42-46
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Palm Beach Riding Academy Come join us and discover the world of equestrian sports this summer! We are very fortunate to be located at one of the world's best horse show facilities and have our own covered arena (a bonus during the hot summer months). Our programs are tailored to meet ALL LEVELS of riding experience; whether you are an avid rider, or have no prior experience, we can guarantee that you will learn new things! SUMMER CAMPS AND LESSONS AVAILABLE Our summer camps run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM (with extended hours available), from June 11 through August 17, 2012. Our lesson program can be tailored to fit your schedule.
We look forward to meeting you! For more information, please contact Anne-Caroline at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com
WWW.PBRIDINGACADEMY.COM
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FEATURES
First Caloosa Extreme Trail Challenge A Great Success While domesticated, horses still retain one bit of the wild in them: their flight reaction to run in fear from something they perceive as potentially dangerous or lethal. That’s what makes some horses spooky or causes them to shy at dodgy piles of debris or sinister horseeating garbage cans lurking along the roadways. There are different ways of teaching horses to ignore spooky stuff. One interesting and fun such event was held over the June 8-10 weekend at the Caloosa Equestrian Park by the Caloosa Equestrian Committee. The Caloosa Extreme Trail Challenge offered an open practice on Friday, a clinic on Saturday and then the competition itself on Sunday. “This is the first time we’ve tried offering something like this,” said Susan Bonanno, a member of the committee and one of the main organizers. “We had a lot of interest, a lot of calls. People came from as far away as Miami and Okeechobee.” This Extreme Trail Challenge was different in a couple of ways from the usual events. Typically, they’re held along a 3-mile track, with the obstacles spaced out along the way, some natural and some manmade. This event was held in two paddocks at the park, so spectators and competitors could easily watch each rider navigate through the 12 obstacles. Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”
Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg “This makes it a great training exercise,” Bonanno explained. “Everyone can watch and see how it’s done. Trainers can watch their students. And the other big difference is the payback. We offered 30 percent of the entry fees to first place, 20 percent to second and 10 percent to third. The entry fees were quite nominal: $20 for the clinic and $20 for the event. We limited entries to no more than 35 riders in each, and you could do one or both.” Bonanno explained that the main goal of the event was to help riders and horses build a mutual trust. In the clinic, riders first led their horses through each obstacle on foot, then tried them again mounted. The obstacles were: mounting from the off-side; placing paper in a mailbox and raising the flag; jumping a small cross rail; taking a raincoat from a pole, putting it on, walking to another pole, removing the raincoat, and hanging it on that pole; walking into a square formed by poles on the ground, turning in both directions, then backing out; pushing a barrel 3 feet; taking a small flag from a bucket and placing it in a different bucket; pole bending around five poles; mov-
Susan Bonanno with the dummy used in the Caloosa Extreme Trail Challenge. ing a pole across the tops of top barrels in a pinwheel; walking across a tarp laid on the ground; and the two more interesting events: the car wash and the dummy. The car wash (or horse wash, as some called it) consisted of a tarp hanging down
between two poles. The lower part had been cut into long streamers. The horse had to walk through them. The stuffed dummy hung from a hook on a tree. Riders had to take it down, drag it from the attached rope, then turn their See ROSENBERG, page 24
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FEATURES
In My Opinion, We Humans Are Living Our Lives In Reverse It has occurred to me that we humans are living our lives in reverse. I don’t know if those in the animal kingdom are as screwed up, but, thanks to our superior intelligence, we seem to be doing everything backward. We are born full of curiosity, so we are immediately strapped down — into car seats, baby carriers, high chairs, strollers — whatever it is, no one wants us getting away. Our curiosity is limited to the brightly colored objects that have been strung across our field of vision — until we learn to crawl. Crawling is fun, but it’s not as much fun as walking. Walking is cool, but we prefer running. By the time we’re 4 or 5, our curiosity has been rekindled and we’re so full of energy we can barely contain ourselves. Bam! This is where things get twisted. SudGet your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER denly, we are sent to school, where we are required to sit at a diminutive desk for up to six hours a day, even though we have no real “work.” Desktop “work” is invented for us, but nature knows our real work lies outside, where there are trees, creeks and fields to explore. Even in a concrete jungle, a 5-year-old wants to know what’s in the cracks. But we get through it. Then, in our teen years, hormones start raging. An alarmed society tells us it’s best if we have nothing to do with sex. Hormones are responsible for populating the entire Earth, and this is the thanks they get. Did society’s
leaders forget where they came from? Still, the average teen survives. In our late teens and early 20s, we have the option to leave school, but for many of us, the desk is all we know. We innocently opt to put in more time behind a desk at college. When all is said and done, we’ve gained four more years of knowledge but lost four more years of experience. The 30s are a little better. Not everyone chooses a desk job, and thanks to them, we have bridges, buildings and trash pickup. Occasionally, someone will know how to fix a car or set a broken bone. The desk people may have planned it, but the doers did it. Magical! People who have reached their 40s are usually responsible for a kid or two, so they keep their noses to the grindstone. If one of them breaks free and decides to buy a surfboard, we call that a “midlife crisis.” In your 40s, anything fun is labeled a “crisis.” Sports car? Crisis. Harley? Crisis. Trophy wife? Crisis. I don’t see how waking up one day and realizing your
life is half over is so wrong. “Midlife reality check,” maybe that’s what we should call it. By the time people are in their 50s, they are already looking forward to retirement. They are dreaming of doing everything they didn’t have time to do before. But, like I said, we’re living in reverse. At 50, the body is starting to rebel. People are getting aches and pains that make them think twice about climbing Mount Everest. By age 60, falling off a motorcycle could cause some lasting damage. And hardly anyone over 70 goes bungee-jumping. Safety harnesses and straps seem like a good idea, even around the house. This is where today’s economy is a boon to mankind. Previously, young people couldn’t do the fun stuff because they were busy going to college or earning a living. Now, their lives are their own! The cost of college has kept many from behind desks, as have cutbacks at the office. It’s a fabulous opportunity to run or jump or simply explore that crack in the sidewalk. If you’re lucky, you might find a penny.
A Tale Of Two Comedies, Both On The Theme Of ‘Maturity’ We saw two new comedies recently thanks to the fun rainstorms everywhere. Both focused on a problem now endemic in America: adult males refusing to grow up and become men. I cannot report that either is a really good movie, but both were funny, which goes a long way these days. Ted is by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, whose tale of a teddy bear come to life is funniest when the bear is misbehaving. And Ted just about always misbehaves. That’s My Boy is from Adam Sandler, whose brand of comedy revolves heavily around bodily functions and inappropriate behavior. In both movies, the laughs are loudest when the comedy is grossest. And both are unapologetically gross; deviancy, often of the most disgusting kind, always wins. Neither film apologizes for that, so be careful about bringing the kids. They’ll probably enjoy the films more than you, and then you’ll just be horrified at what they liked. In Ted, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) has a best friend, a teddy bear that has somehow come alive. At age 35, John hangs out with his furry buddy most of the day, both of them smoking pot and drinking beer, while John
Rosenberg
Caloosa Challenge
continued from page 23 horses and drag the dummy while the horse faced it, walking backward, then re-hang it in the tree. The riders dodged rain on and off Friday and Saturday, but Sunday was sunny and perfect. Both the clinic and the competition were well-attended, with 29 and 25 entries, respectively. During the clinic, riders could take their time working through the more problematic obstacles. Sunday’s competition was a timed event. Riders had a minute to complete 10 obstacles, and 90 seconds each for the dummy and car wash. Before it started,
goes to work sporadically at a car rental agency. This drives John’s girlfriend Lori (Mila Kunis) nuts. They’ve been dating four years; she adores John but understands that as long as he enjoys the slacker lifestyle, he’s rather useless. The rest of the storyline is filled with clichés, deliberately so, as John winds up forced to choose between adulthood with Lori or hanging with his buddy. This allows MacFarlane, doing Ted’s voice, to inject some very funny commentary on a wide variety of topics. Yes, we have all seen this movie before, but it never has been this funny. The cast is uniformly good. Wahlberg is at his best when playing the straight man, particularly to the booze-guzzling, drug-consum-
ing Ted. Kunis, as usual, is wonderful as well as gorgeous as his long-suffering girlfriend. Giovanni Ribisi and Joel McHale are great in smaller parts as very different villains. That’s My Boy focuses on teen hero Donny Berger, who becomes a hero to his junior high school classmates and a national sensation by having public sex with the best-looking teacher at his school, who has his child. A quarter-century later, Donny (Sandler) is a boozed-up has-been facing prison for nonpayment of taxes. He finds out his son (Andy Samberg) has changed his name and is now an ultra-respectable hedge fund manager about to get married, although careful not to reveal all his personal secrets, the most important of which are his parents. Donny invades the wedding party, manages to offend everyone, and leads his son and the rest of the wedding party in a mishmash of just about every possible indiscretion, including drunkenness, strip clubs, public urination, fistfights with priests, sex with a really geriatric lady, incest and probably a few others that all seemed to blend together. Sandler, as is his norm, always chooses the grossest route. The film would have been better had the script
been tighter, but there were a real lot of laughs in it. Sandler played Sandler, and Samberg essentially was the straight man. Leighton Meester was good as the seemingly uptight upper middle-class fiancée whose personal secret was far kinkier than all of Samberg’s. Wellington’s own Vanilla Ice played himself and was hilarious. Both films were funny. Ted, with a tighter script, is a better film. Sandler’s films unfortunately are repetitious. Essentially, he sets up one strange situation after another, always looking for the cheap laugh. And he gets them, a lot of them. I am not a huge fan, but I generally laugh a lot and then feel some guilt later. MacFarlane’s astringent point of view ties Ted together. Yes, we have all seen the magical companion to the overgrown boy scenario before (frankly, I like the film Harvey, in which we never see the white rabbit, better) but the combination of watching an anatomically incorrect Teddy bear misbehaving while also providing a withering commentary works and does it well. It is the best comedy I’ve seen in a long while. Sorry, Adam.
Bonanno met with the four judges. Each paddock had two judges and two time-keepers, each pair refereeing three obstacles. “Only two riders at a time in each paddock,” she reminded them. “If someone’s having problems with anything, give them some extra time and space. A perfect score is 10 points, failure to complete something is zero, and you can figure out any scores in between. Just be consistent and fair. Safety comes first.” This was Michele Gurrera’s second time judging this type of event. “I’ve ridden and competed in trail classes a very long time,” she said. “Events like this are a great way to help horses work through scary situations. Time is an added pressure, but I’ll reward kinder riders over pushy riders who just want to win.” The first contestant was Jennifer Dachton,
who’d traveled up from Broward County with Nirvana, a rescued off-the-track Thoroughbred. “I love helping rescue horses,” she said. “Nirvana was a typical crazy Thoroughbred whom people had deemed unsafe to ride. Now, he competes in trail classes.” Somewhat amazingly, Dachton rode her gelding successfully through all the obstacles without a bit or bridle, but in a halter with two lead ropes attached. The gray didn’t bat an eye at anything. Linda, of Lake Park, rode Smarty, her Appaloosa gelding. “The event’s lovely; very organized,” she said. “Great obstacles. I’m hoping for first place.” Kristi and her friend Ellen drove up from Davie. They participated in the clinic, then Kristi camped out overnight with the two horses, Cody and the Town Buzz, while Ellen re-
turned home to sleep in her air-conditioned house. “It’s a lot of fun,” Kristi said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever done something like this.” “We’re glad they offered something like this locally,” Ellen said. “I hope they do it again.” Some horses went through like they’d done it all their lives; some balked at the car wash or became frightened by the dummy. The nice thing was the way everyone remained calm and helpful, judges offering to help and reassure the horses. “It was awesome, extremely successful,” Bonanno said. “First place got $144, second got $72 and third got $24. The Caloosa Equestrian Committee made $560, which is fantastic. But best of all, a lot of people and horses had a lot of fun. We’re planning the next one for Sept. 15.” For more information on upcoming events, call Susan Bonanno at (561) 644-2055.
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler
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Luv My Puppies owners Ron and Joan Slack with a long-haired Chihuahua. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Luv My Puppies Store In Wellington Sells Healthy Dogs To Loving Families By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Putting animals first, Luv My Puppies — formerly Palm Beach Puppies — is under new ownership. Joan and Ron Slack bought the Wellington pet boutique in April and have transformed the shop. “We want to be the place where people want to go for good, healthy puppies,” Joan said. The boutique has been in the community for seven years and has sold many puppies to owners throughout Palm Beach County. The store also offers pet supplies, from clothing to organic food from Eukanuba. The Slacks have lived in the Wellington neighborhood of Buena Vida for 10 years. The puppy store, located at 10240 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 120, in the Pointe at Wellington Green, is conveniently located close to their home. The Slacks decided to take over the pet boutique as a new business venture. Since they have four dogs of their own, and a deep love for animals, they figured a pet shop would be an ideal business for them. “We have been in other businesses, and Ron was a trader in the Philadelphia and New York stock markets, and took companies public,” Joan said. The Slacks want to provide people and families with happy and healthy puppies that are a great fit for their home. “We want to have the kind of puppy store that everyone wants to buy their puppies from,” Joan said. “Someplace people feel comfortable to choose a pet for their family.” The shop also provides its clients with examined and vaccinated puppies, and works with a local veterinarian Dr. Ira Grossman of
Palms West Veterinary Hospital to provide healthcare. “He has been my vet forever,” Joan said. “He is a good vet, and that’s what we want — to be associated with good people.” The Slacks are hoping that people visit the pet boutique and experience Luv My Puppies. “We want them to also recommend us to other people as being the puppy store that everyone wants to go to,” Joan said. Luv My Puppies keeps a close watch over its breeders and makes sure not to associate with so-called “puppy mills.” “We don’t want to have any association with that,” Joan said. “We are totally against such practices.” The Slacks visit all of their breeders to ensure that they are up to par with their standards. “If they are raising one set of puppies and they are well taken care of, then that’s fine,” Joan said. “But if they have a whole bunch of puppies, don’t have enough help, and they are a puppy mill, we are not going to buy from them.” Throughout this process, the Slacks have been learning who the right people are. “We are learning very quickly who we will be dealing with,” Ron said. Luv My Puppies specializes in toy breeds like poodles and Chihuahuas. Clients can view the variety of puppies from their beds or sit in Puppy Park, a private room for playing with dogs. The Slacks will also be looking out for the best interest of the puppies they sell. “I will try to match puppies to the families because it’s a lifetime choice,” Joan said. For more information about Luv My Puppies, call (561) 422-2220.
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Attorney Francisco Gonzalez Honored By Central Chamber Attorney Francisco J. Gonzalez of the Wellington law firm Gonzalez & Shenkman, P.L., was honored as the winner of the prestigious Chairman’s Choice Award of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce for 2012. Gonzalez was selected in recognition of his outstanding and exceptional service as a member of the chamber’s board of directors. Gonzalez concentrates his practice in real estate and business transactions. Gonzalez received his bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Florida and his juris doctor degree from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington. He was formerly with Steel Hector & Davis, LLP, and also served as inhouse counsel to a billion-dollar corporation. In addition to assisting clients with real estate and business transactions, Gonzalez & Shenkman, P.L. provides estate planning and probate administration services. The Wellington law firm Gonzalez
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County OFMB Wins Budget Award
The Palm Beach County Office of Financial Management and Budget (OFMB) has once again received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This marks the 26th consecutive year OFMB has been recognized by the Chicago-based nonprofit professional organization. OFMB Di-
rector Liz Bloeser accepted the Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation on behalf of her staff. The award reflects a commitment to meet the highest principles of government budgeting. In order to receive it, OFMB must satisfy a stringent set of nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to show how well the
Palm Beach County budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. The GFOA serves approximately 17,000 government finance professionals throughout North America. The organization’s Distinguished Budget PresentationAward program is the only national awards program for governmental budgeting.
Business Tax Receipt Season Begins
Francisco Gonzalez & Shenkman, P.L. is committed to providing quality legal representation in the areas of real estate, business transactional and estate planning law. It combines large-firm experience and expertise with smallfirm responsiveness and accessibility. The office is located at 12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 107, Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-1575 or visit www.gslaw firm.com.
Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon has announced that local business tax receipt (BTR) season began July 1 and continues through Sept. 30. Gannon’s office mailed 107,407 BTR notices on Friday, June 29. The number represents an increase over the 2011 (105,057) and 2010 (104,000) BTR notices. “The number of new businesses and renewals continues to increase each year,” Gannon said. “We hope this indicates a strengthening economic recovery.” Additional BTR information is as follows: • New business owners are required to come to an office with a completed application and appropriate documents including a copy of
fictitious name registration, zoning approval, and state or county certifications/licenses. • A change in business location or ownership requires a new application. • Renewals can be paid online at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, at an office or by mail. • Credit cards, e-checks and bank online bill pay are accepted for web site transactions only. BTR fees are based on the type of business. The most common fee is $33 charged to businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The fees increase in steps in direct proportion to the number of employees to a maximum of $236.25 for 51 or more employees. Contractors and restau-
rants have different guidelines for BTR fees. “Compliance with BTR rules simply mean a business is following the law,” Gannon said. “Consumers should not conclude that the BTR is an indication of merchandise or service quality.” Florida Law, Chapter 205 and Palm Beach County Ordinance, Chapter 17.17 require every business selling merchandise or services, including one-person and home-based companies, obtain a BTR from the Office of the Tax Collector. The BTR requirement is in addition to any other business licenses required by Florida law or local ordinances. BTRs must be displayed in public view.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Palms West Hospital Recognizes National Time Out Day Physicians and operating room staff at Palms West Hospital recognized National Time Out Day on Thursday, June 13. National Time Out Day is a powerful tool that supports surgical nurses’ ability to speak up for safe practices in the operating room. “All of our physicians and staff take their role in patient safety very seriously,” Chief Nursing Officer Silvia Stradi said, “not only in our sur-
gical areas, but in all of our procedural areas as well. We are pleased to celebrate National Time Out Day, reinforcing the importance of taking the time to verify the right patient and the right procedure at the right time.” Initiated as an annual awareness campaign by the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) in 2004, it has been consistently supported by the Joint Com-
Chief Nurse Anesthetist Dennis Stevens.
Anesthesiologist Dr. Dan Rogers.
mission, the World Health Organization, and the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety (CSPS) for its ability to increase awareness of safe practices that lead to optimal outcomes for patients undergoing surgery and other invasive procedures. This year, AORN urges members to evaluate how their time out fits into broader efforts to provide highquality care to every patient, every time. A poorly executed time out or lack of team communication may indicate areas for improvement within a safety culture. Palms West Hospital’s focus on safety and quality was recently reinforced when the hospital received an “A” rating as their Hospital Safety Score, the first ever national letter grade system ranking medical facilities on their ability to avoid infections, medication mix-ups and other preventable mishaps. The Hospital Safety Score, designed to arm patients with an objective tool to assess performance, was developed by a panel of experts from Harvard and Johns Hopkins universities and the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit hospital safety advocacy organization. For a full list of South Florida Hospital Safety Scores, visit www. hospitalsafetyscore.org.
Melinda Jay and Dr. James Goad.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Local Art Groups Featured In Lighthouse ArtCenter Exhibit Artists from five local art associations are featured at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum in the exhibit “The Art of Association: Art Associations Hang Together.” Open through July 26, the exhibition features recent works, including paintings, prints, photographs, glass art, fabric art, woodturning, mixed media and sculpture, from Art Associates of Martin County, the Artists Association of Jupiter, the Lighthouse ArtCenter Artists’ Guild, the North County Art Association and the Wellington Art Society. “The exhibition is a showcase of five talented groups of artists,” Lighthouse ArtCenter Executive Director Katie Deits said. “It also is an
introduction of the organizations that facilitate them to gather in support of the arts, each other and the community at large.” With recent declines in public funding for the arts, art associations aim to bridge the gap by creating new ways for artists to show their work and promote themselves. Some also garner support for other causes, including environmental awareness, breast cancer research, animal rescue and community mentalhealth programming. “We don’t create art within a vacuum,” said Gerri Aurre, president of the North County Art Association. “Many of our efforts are very interrelated.”
Lindy May of the Wellington Art Society received honorable mention for her ceramic and wire wall sculpture Spring Explosion.
The mission of the North County Art Association (NCAA) is to assist northern Palm Beach County with knowledge of and training for artistic activities and endeavors. Included in this mission is the broader goal of environmental awareness of land and sea locations, and actively promoting the care of such areas, which are part of the artistic landscape. Susan Lorenti founded the Artists Association of Jupiter in 2010 with similar goals in mind, to promote art and art education in the community and surrounding counties. “Each of our art associations shares similar goals on a broad scale with the Lighthouse ArtCenter and with each other, and the show itself should be an interesting and cohesive collection of artwork,” Lorenti said. The Lighthouse ArtCenter Artists’ Guild is a designed for professional artists, offering juried opportunity to display in the Artists’ Guild Gallery in the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum and at Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery at Midtown in Palm Beach Gardens. There is also professional development, including ongoing education in marketing, public relations and business practices to help artists achieve their highest potential. For more than 30 years, Art Associates of Martin County has enabled residents to enrich their lives in art education, art appreciation and art as a part of living. At the Wellington Art Society, members are passionate about the creative process and appreciate the results of persistent artistry and craftsmanship. Its members learn, share and give back to other artists
Wellington Art Society member Kathryn Morlock was awarded third place for her watercolor titled Rainforest. and the community at large. Three professional artists and art faculty members judged the exhibition: Norma Conway (painting instructor), Judy Flescher (collage instructor) and Ted Matz (drawing and painting instructor). At the awards ceremony on June 21, the following prizes were awarded: Best of Show, Ann Lawtey for By the Shore; first place, Barbara Bailey, for Cantilever; second place, Roy Stevens for Two Women; third place, Kathryn Morlock for Rainforest ; and fourth place, Barbara Carswell for Iris. Honorable mentions were presented to Sharon Ferina, Full Nest; Bill Jones, Red Malee Burl Dish; Lindy May, Spring Explosion! ; Manon Sander, SPF 55; and Suzanne Todd, Joy of the Tropics. At July’s Third Thursday event,
the winning artists will speak about their work, along with representative from the five art associations. The event on July 19 takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is free to Lighthouse ArtCenter members and $5 for nonmembers, and also features hors d’oeuvres. The Lighthouse ArtCenter is located in Gallery Square North at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission costs $5 Monday through Friday and is free on Saturday. The museum is closed Sunday. For more information about the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum, School of Art, exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.lighthouse arts.org or call (561) 746-3101.
‘Fantasticks’ To Open July 13 At Palm Beach Dramaworks Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, will present The Fantasticks as its summer offering. The show will open Friday, July 13 at 8 p.m. for a strictly limited engagement at new Don & Ann Brown Theatre (201 Clematis Street). Specially priced preview performances are slated for July 11-12, with regularly scheduled curtain times through Aug. 5. Known around the globe as the world’s longest-running musical, The Fantasticks, by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, tells the story of two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love under the believed pretense that children cannot fall in love unless that love is forbidden. The fathers construct a wall between their houses as well as a fabricated family feud; they hire a troupe of actors to stage a fake kidnapping of daughter, Luisa, so Matt can come to her rescue and in turn settle the family dispute. Of course, all things do not go according to plan. Dramaworks Resident Director J. Barry
Lewis will direct and Craig Ames will serve as musical director. Theater-goers may remember Lewis and Ames from their earlier collaboration on Dramaworks’ acclaimed and award-wining production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Jones and Schmidt first met at the University of Texas in 1950. Jones was a drama student majoring in play production, and Schmidt was studying art in the hopes of becoming a commercial artist. However, their first collaboration, a musical revue titled Hipsy-Boo! was such a success that they continued with their musical theatre partnership, which eventually brought the two to New York and nine years after their first successful musical, The Fantasticks was created and performed as a one-act at Barnard College. In 1960, The Fantasticks opened at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, where it played for 42 years. In 2002, The Fantasticks closed and in 2006 reopened at the newly constructed Snapple Theatre in Times Square, where it continues to run.
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Individual tickets cost $55 for all performances. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Dramaworks’ new Don & Ann Brown Theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. For additional information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www. palmbeachdramaworks.org.
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• ACADEMY FOR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 798-3458. • LA PETITE ACADEMY — At La Petite Academy in Royal Palm Beach is passionate about providing children with the tools they need to be successful in all aspects of their lives. La Petite offers a range of educational and care programs for infants to school-age children who come to the academy before and after school. Through its Whole Child Education approach, La Petite promotes children’s critical-thinking skills and natural curiosity to actively learn at their own pace. The school is now offering a newly remodeled environment, flexible hours, Smar tBoard computer technology, free VPK and nutritious federal food program meals. Call (561) 790-2949 to schedule a tour. • NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free VPK, low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more information. • OXBRIDGE ACADEMY —Located on a beautiful, 40-acre campus in West Palm Beach, Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school that opened September 2011. Teachers use advanced technologies and a projectbased curriculum to engage students in rigorous academic programs, meaningful student research, collaboration, creativity and life-changing service learning. Generous need-based financial aid is available to ensure an exceptional and diverse student body. Visit www.oapb.org to learn more. • SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth is now accepting applications for 2012-13 pre-k through eighth grade. State scholarships, VPK, McKay, Step Up for Students
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Enroll Now and Get Free Registration!* Learning is everywhere. Especially here.
accepted. The Cathleen McFarlane Ross Learning Lab, which teaches the Morning Star Program, opened in the fall of 2011 allowing children with learning differences to receive a quality Catholic education. These children may have ADHD or an autism spectrum disorder, to name a few. Sacred Heart believes that all of God’s children have a right to a Catholic education. The positive is accentuated to help the students recognize their potential. Building self-esteem and self-confidence is integrated into the curriculum of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, computer, librar y, ar t and music. Sacred Heart of fers a technology-based curriculum. The Learning Lab has all new t echnology, and there is also updated technology throughout the school. There are Promethean boards in all classrooms and 25 iPads. All the desktop computers, laptops and iPads are loaded with the Rosetta Stone program, and the students have access to learn 30 different foreign languages. For more information, call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollak eworth.com. • TEMPLE BETH TORAH LEONIE ARGUETTY PRESCHOOL — Temple Beth Torah Preschool has been in Wellington for over 20 years with a strong reputation for high quality early childhood education. They are the only area preschool with NAEYC accreditation, assuring parents that the program meets high national standards for quality and professionalism. The preschool offers a variety of learning experiences that prepare your child for private and public elementary schools. Then there are also the intangibles: the caring teachers, the warmth and sense of community that permeates the halls. Come see what makes this school so special. Temple Beth Torah Preschool is located 900 Big Blue Trace in Wellington. Call (561) 793.2649 or email psdirector@templebethtorah.net for more information. • TINY TIKES ACADEMY — Tiny Tikes is new to the western communities but not new to the childcare community. With three locations, Tiny Tikes have been serving the families of Palm Beach County for more than 20 years. Their newest center is located at 16245 Ok eechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee featuring a great staff that shares a commitment to excellence. They have maintained the top VPK scores in the county for over 5 years. With the recent addition of the child care food program, which provides nutritious meals and snacks to children at no extra cost, Tiny Tikes offers parents and children a great program at an affordable cost. To learn more, call (561) 790-1780.
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153 Sparrow Dr, Royal Palm Beach 561-790-2949 License #50BID1824036
www.lapetite.com
*Programs and hours of operation may vary by school. Offer is for free registration for new enrollees only. Offer is valid on a space-available basis for all age groups; no cash value. Offer available only to those accounts when full tuition is paid in advance; must be paid by check or ACH payment. Limit one coupon per child. One time use. Family must enroll for a minimum of three half-days per week and must not have been previously enrolled at a Learning Care Group school. Learning Care Group is not responsible for and cannot replace or redeem lost, stolen, destroyed or expired coupons. Offer not valid for Learning Care Group associates or their immediate families. Offer valid at participating locations only and subject to availability. Offer does not guarantee enrollment. La Petite AcademyÂŽ is an equal opportunity provider. Offer expires November 16, 2012. Coupon code FE13 Free Reg.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Wellington Wolves Free Basketball Clinics Set For August By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report This summer, Wellington children interested in basketball will have an opportunity to learn from the best as the Wellington Wolves Travel Basketball Association will offer free clinics starting in August. “We take a month off and host
Ivenor Rosier grabs a rebound. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
these fundamental clinics,” Wellington Wolves President Chris Fratalia said. “Anyone can come, but ideally it’s for children interested in playing travel basketball. They’re free, but it’s limited to maybe 15 or 20 kids.” The free clinics are funded by Wellington and provide an opportunity for kids who enjoy the game to learn better skills. Fratalia said that those interested can find out more information by visiting the association’s web site at www.wellingtonwolves.com. The organization will end a banner season this summer, with several Wolves teams making waves in the Amateur Athletic Union national championship tournament. “Our sixth- and seventh-grade teams are at nationals right now,” Fratalia said. “Then our eighth, ninth and 11th teams will be going next week.” The organization will hold its tryouts for third- through eighth-grade students in November, with competition to begin in January. In February, the teams will hold tryouts for ninth- through 11th-grade teams, and the popular March Madness tournament kicks off the season with a bang. “We completely sold out this
year,” Fratalia said. “This is our fifth year selling out our tournament. Really, the whole travel basketball season kicks off at our tournament. We use gyms all across the western communities, and we get more than a hundred teams from all over the state to come play.” Currently, the Wolves are looking for businesses to sponsor needy children who want to play travel ball but can’t afford it. “We gave out 11 scholarships to financially challenged families for the first time this year,” Fratalia said. “We paid for them, through the organization, to be a part of it. They had to fill out an application and show financial need. We wanted to give kids who normally wouldn’t be able to play a chance.” And not only do the players benefit from the game of basketball, but they also have opportunities to be recruited for college, he noted. “We already have colleges that have approached some of our players,” Fratalia said. “We have relationships with high school coaches. The coaches at Wellington and Palm Beach Central high schools are on our board. It benefits them because when these kids come to school, the coaches know they have a good foundation.”
Coaches Carlos Pino (left) and Ronald J. Jacques (right) with members of the 11th-grade team.
Coach James Ward (right) with members of the 10th-grade team.
Local Fans Make Major League Lacrosse Event A Success By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report Florida Atlantic University’s new stadium hosted its first professional sporting event Saturday, June 30. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) All-Star game chose South Florida as the venue for this year’s contest. The game featured the Old School squad against the Young Guns and provided everything the fans could desire and more. The game boasted nearly 5,000 in attendance. Old
School edged the Young Guns 1817. The event served as a test for the possibility of creating an MLL expansion team. Officials believe that South Florida has the potential to support a team in the league, projecting the area into the professional lacrosse spotlight. Lacrosse has gained popularity in the region, with travel teams forming throughout the state. Local professional player and Old School all-
Midfielder Owen Thompson of Wellington leaps up to take a shot on goal for Florida Elite. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
star player Casey Powell formed Team 22 two years ago, basing the team in Boca Raton. Powell also coordinated and hosted an MLL jamboree-style tournament the weekend of the all-start game to prove that lacrosse is thriving in the region. Teams came from Orlando to Miami to compete in a three-game round-robin, and attend the all-star game Saturday night. Local fans echoed Powell’s name throughout the game. The western communities are no stranger to the game. Many local lacrosse competitors attended to show their support for the game. Another Old School all-star, South Floridian Chazz Woodson, participated in the contest, accounting for back-to-back goals. Woodson coaches high school lacrosse in the Miami area, and plays for the MLL’s Ohio Machine. Woodson just grinned, when asked if South Florida should get the green light for an expansion team. The western communities are sure to be a contributing factor in the success of South Florida lacrosse. Wellington recently hosted the Palm Beach Blast Lacrosse Tournament and will play host to the inaugural Wellington Lacrosse Classic Dec. 1 and 2 at Village Park.
(Above) Logan Masta of Florida Elite U-19 makes a save against the Jokers from Orlando. (Below) Old School’s Casey Powell.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Wellington’s Caroline Roffman Wins National Championship It was a weekend of fireworks for Wellington-based dressage rider Caroline Roffman and her horse Pie, as the duo dominated the Intermediaire I Division at the 2012 Festival of Champions in Gladstone, N.J., to ride away with the national championship. While fireworks on a nearby golf course had Pie a little unsettled one night during the competition, Roffman and Pie set off their own fireworks in the ring to win the championship with a 74.535 percent total for their three classes. Early in the week, Roffman took a commanding lead in the Intermediaire I division, winning both the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I classes. Dancing their freestyle to a combination of music from Britney Spears and Katy Perry, Roffman and Pie, on the heels of the fireworks experience, came in third — but their strong lead still helped them take home the victory over David Blake, in second, and Heather Mason in third. “I bought Pie as a 4-year-old, (Left) Caroline Roffman and Pie have been named the 2012 United States Intermediaire I National Champions. PHOTO COURTESY SUSANJSTICKLE.COM
and he was challenging,” Roffman said. “Some didn’t think he’d ever settle down enough to be a successful dressage horse, but I’m so pleased with his progress this year.” The freestyle was only Pie’s second, and although Roffman said she was the one lacking during the test, the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding kept his cool to show that he could win a national title. “My working student, Amy Schierbeek, did the music for our freestyle,” Roffman said. “I wasn’t at my best, but thank goodness Pie pulled it together.” Roffman is no stranger to being in the winner’s circle at Gladstone. During 2011, she won the Young Adult Brentina Cup Championship aboard Beemer. “It was wonderful to return to Gladstone and win again,” she said. “I really love Pie, and we have a great bond. He has been with me for many years and continues to develop and succeed. Last year he also won a reserve championship at the USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships. And now to win the national championship is almost beyond words.” Roffman has been on the fast track to dressage success for many
years. Two years ago she was named the FEI Rising Star by the International Equestrian Federation — a title she has lived up to in the highly competitive dressage field. Roffman has partnered with fellow dressage rider Endel Ots to open Lionshare Dressage in Wellington, where they are quickly building a reputable training and sales farm. “I am certainly in my element whether competing, riding or training,” Roffman said. “I am thrilled that Pie is the 2012 US I-1 champion. From the first second I saw him, I was in love, and he has been my best friend for years, and I am so proud he could show off how special he is. I am so thankful to everyone who helped me throughout the weekend at Gladstone. It was a great weekend!” Pie’s success at Gladstone came on the heels of a great winter circuit. At the Global Dressage Festival Nations Cup, Roffman and Pie helped Team USA clinch the gold, and Pie and Roffman also swept the Prix St. Georges classes at the Nations Cup. For additional information on Caroline Roffman and Lionshare Dressage, visit www.lionshare dressage.com.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Hospice Foundation’s Horizons Fishing Tourney July 21 When the largest kingfish, dolphin and wahoo (KDW) tip the scales, triumphant contestants will share cash and prizes totaling more than $25,000 at the 13th annual Horizons Fishing Tournament at Riviera Beach Marina on Saturday, July 21. A grand prize of $5,000 in cash will be awarded for the heaviest KDW landed by any angler. Additional cash prizes will be awarded in the Ladies and Junior divisions. Proceeds of the tournament benefit the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. The weekend of festivities begins at the Captain’s Meeting on Thursday, July 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Riviera Beach Marina where fishing enthusiasts, captains and crew can enjoy dinner provided by Park Avenue BBQ Grill, entertainment, drinks, raffle prizes and a silent auction. The competition begins Saturday, July 21. Lines go in the water at 6:30 a.m. Anglers can cast off from any inlet and weigh in between 1 and 4 p.m. at one of the Wells Fargo weighin stations: Riviera Beach Marina or the Square Grouper in Jupiter. Spectators at the Riviera Beach Marina can watch the action at the scales and enjoy food, beverages and music from the 98.7 FM the Gater’s remote truck. The awards ceremony
dinner follows with dinner sponsored by Asset Specialists, entertainment, drinks, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Successful bidders can win a three-night stay at the Sunrise Resort & Marina in the Bahamas, a one-night stay and golf foursome PGA National Resort & Spa, two tickets (and parking passes) for the 2013 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, a 2013 SunFest package and a Van Dell dive watch. “A great weekend of family fun, the Horizons Fishing Tournament funds children’s grief support services of Hospice of Palm Beach County,” said Greg Leach, president of Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. “Throughout our community, bereavement counselors help children and teens who have lost loved ones. Perhaps the most heart-tugging program offered is Camp SeaStar, a three-day camp where school-aged children can experience adventure counseling with those who can understand them like no one else — peers who have also experienced a loss.” Register by Wednesday, July 18 for a discounted price of $250 per boat, which includes up to six anglers, one short-sleeved T-shirt and two tickets to the awards ceremony. Registration at the captain’s meet-
Robert Spano, Taylor Folsom, Matt Shinedling, Mike F olsom and Ocean Folsom. ing costs $300. This year, you can purchase an official Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation burgee — a way to fish in honor of your loved one, whose name will be displayed at the event. To register for the tournament, call the Hospice of Palm Beach County
Foundation at (561) 494-6884 or visit www.hpbcf.org. To become an event sponsor, e-mail Lauryn Barry at lbarry@hpbcf.org. Hospice of Palm Beach County is the leading provider of hospice care in the community. Since 1978, its expert staff has cared for nearly 70,000
patients nearing end of life. When a cure is no longer an option, Hospice of Palm Beach County puts the needs of patients and families first — committed to doing whatever it takes to provide compassionate care and ensure the highest possible quality of life.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, July 7 • The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 7-8 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Early buyers’ admission starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday before the regular show opening time of 10 a.m. Daily admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors, with a $1 discount coupon for adult admission available at www. wpbaf.com. • The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, WPB) will host an Orchid Care 101 Workshop on Saturday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring an orchid (up to 6 inches) to be repotted or mounted. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will hold a Staff-Guided Tour of the Library on Saturday, July 7; Thursday, July 12; Wednesday, July 18; and Tuesday, July 24 at 10:15 a.m. emphasizing LEED-certified qualifications. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host a class on tropical bamboos Saturday, July 7 at 2 p.m. This free class will show which bamboos would give your garden a stunning tropical statement. Call (561) 434-5777 or e-mail info@thenatures center.com to register. The classes are free to the public, and walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.thenaturescenter.com for more info. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free Blues Brothers Soul Band Tribute Concert on Saturday, July 7 at 8 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for info. Monday, July 9 • Wellington will host a Summer Basketball Academy the week of Monday, July 9 through 13 for age 11 and older. Participants will learn the fundamentals of basketball through daily drills, and then got a chance to show off their new skills during team play. For more info., or to sign up, visit www. wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 791-4005. • The Society of the Four Arts (2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach) will host Summer of the Sitcom, television comedy writing and acting with Lois Cahall, a four-week course beginning July 9. The cost is $250 per person. Call (561) 659-8513 or e-mail campus@ fourarts.org to RSVP. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Live Action Video Games” for ages
8 to 12 on Monday, July 9 at 4 p.m. Launch pompom birds at invading pompom pigs in a real-life version of the popular game. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Simple Seasonal Origami for age 8 and up Monday, July 9 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at paper- folding fun. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Beginning July 9, Community of Hope Church (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will offer a free 13-week DivorceCare series Mondays at 7 p.m. For more information, call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com. • The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7930884 for more info. Tuesday, July 10 • The Rev. John Lilek, a transfiguration medium, teacher and healer, will present a series of events at the United Metaphysical Church of the Palm Beaches (528 S. Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach) Tuesday through Sunday, July 10-15. For more info., visit www. universalinstituteofadvancedmediumship.org or contact Cass Stryker at cass@united metaphysical.org or (621) 629-2665. • The Wellington Chamber Small Business Roundtable will focus on planning, market research and traditional marketing methods Tuesday, July 10 at 8 a.m. at Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington). RSVP to (561) 792-6525. • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, July 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a Crochet Club meeting for adults Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 5 p.m. Learn introductory stitches or bring current projects and socialize. Yarn will be available for new participants. Children age 9 and up are also invited. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “When Harry Met Katniss: Fan Fiction & Fandoms” for age 10 and up Tuesday, July 10 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Safety for Yourself & Family” See CALENDAR, page 39
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 for adults Tuesday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies will discuss ways to keep your identify safe from theft and offer personal tips about gun safety. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Art Smarts: Puppet Making” for ages 6 to 8 on Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. Learn how to make a simple puppet and put on an improvised puppet show. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach Community Band Summer Concert Series will begin Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. For more info., call (561) 790-5149. • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. Wednesday, July 11 • The Palm Beach County Sports Commission will host the Kids Fitness Festival Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 and 12 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Elementary- and middle school children have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in more than 40 different sport clinics. For more info., visit www.palmbeachsports.com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) host “Story Art” for ages 5 to 8 on Wednesdays, July 11 and 25 at 2 p.m. Listen to a story and make a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Herb Gardening for Muggles” for adults Wednesday, July 11 at 2 p.m. The Harry Potter books featured the magical power of herbs. Learn to plan your own herb garden for wellness. Call (561) 790- 6070 to pre-register. • Perfect Smile Dentistry (12300 South Shore Blvd., Suite 208, Wellington) will celebrate its 10-year anniversary Wednesday, July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eight free veneers will be given away, along with other great raffle prizes. For more info., call (561) 204-4494 or visit www.perfectsmile dentistry.com. • The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, July 11 at 6 p.m. at the PGA Doubletree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. RSVP to Dottie Smith at (772) 3412823 or Sharon Maupin at (561) 329-4485.
For more info., visit www.abwanpbflorida.org. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) host “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesdays, July 11 and 25 at 6:30 p.m. Have a fun family story time in English and Spanish. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) host “Summer Book Discussion: The Help” for adults Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. Staff will lead a lively and informal discussion of the book by Kathryn Stockett. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Pajama Story Time” on Wednesday, July 11 for ages 2 to 5 and July 18 and 25 for ages 3 to 5 at 7 p.m. Wear your PJs and bring your favorite teddy to listen to stories, dance and rock your way to sleep. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. Thursday, July 12 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) host “Book Cart Alien” for ages 6 to 9 on Thursday, July 12 at 2 p.m. Use craft materials and recyclables to temporarily transform a book cart into an alien. Bring your camera and pose with the otherworldly visitor. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Nail Transfiguration: Snape’s Secret Recipe” on Thursday, July 12 at 2 p.m. for ages 8 to 12, and at 5 p.m. for ages 12 to 18. Transfigure your nails into different designs. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “OWCA Secret Agent Training” for ages 7 to 11 on Thursday, July 12 at 3 p.m. If you want to help Agent P, join in for an intensive training session at OWCA’s secret headquarters. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister. Friday, July 13 • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie The Three Stooges on Friday, July 13 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. 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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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINAT OR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHATCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 HELP WANTED DRIVERS — Dedicated account! Top Pay, benefit s, miles weekly hometime and more. W erner Enterprises. 1-888-567-4854 DRIVERS WANTED — Full-time, Part-time, Day & Night Shifts. Retirees welcome. Clean drivers license required. W ellington Towncar/Cab 561-333-0181. GENERAL MAINTENANCE PERSON NEEDED — for Residential, Community Association FT/Part Time, 24 hours per week,Mon-WedFri, 7:30am - 4:30pm. $10.00 per hour. Background Check & Drug Test Required. Fax resume to 561967-7675 or call 561-967-3337 for an appointment-or email resume to tkiser@capitalrealtyadvisors.com
ROOM FOR RENT OR HOUSE TO SHARE — with a professional. Wellington Lakes in Wellington. No pets. No Smoking. 561-236-9702
FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms. Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double attached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-7606
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your ap artment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
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THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor d r y w a l l , k i t c h e n s / c a b i n e ts / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459
ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
FREELANCE GRAND PRIX SHOW JUMPING RIDER/ TRAINER — available for lessons, clinics, training, and horse sales. Will even come to you. Qualified students for Equestrian finals. (917) 912-4709 www.eng-land-farm.com
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh
STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING — Promote healing & hair growth.StampoutITCHAMCALLITS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK Itch No More. Apply Skin Balm add Tonekote to diet. Goldcoast Feed 793-4607 visit our website www.kennelvax.com
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258
TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 V isit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com
STEAMPRO TILE & CARPET CLEANING — Residential & Commericial. 561-818-8635 (office) 561-255-9098 (cell) Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Inst allation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263
\ TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-6016458
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior p ainting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com CARD/PSYCHIC READINGS — p ast, present, future. Advice, love, marriage, business, help with all problems. By appointment only. Call 561-293-0405 or 561-683-5164
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in rep airs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
CALL 793-7606 TODAY
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