WELINGTON CHAMBER INSTALLS BOARD SEE STORY, PAGE 3
CORNELIA GUEST AT WOMEN IN BIZ EVENT SEE STORY, PAGE 20
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Volume 33, Number 13 March 30 - April 5, 2012
CASPEREY STABLES CAMP OPEN HOUSE
Small Plane Crashes In The Aero Club
A small plane crashed last Friday afternoon in Wellington’s Aero Club neighborhood. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office officials say the plane crashed into the pool of a home on Britten Lane. Page 3
Nina Mangiola Starts Project For Teens Looking To Volunteer
A Suncoast High School sophomore, Nina Mangiola has a passion for giving back that has prompted her to begin the Volunteen Project, a volunteer club for teenagers in the western communities. The club aims to assist students looking for a place to donate their time while fostering social engagement. Page 5
Nelson Bailey Shares His Unique Take On History
Reminiscing on Florida frontier days is Nelson Bailey’s passion. Bailey, a native Floridian, was the guest speaker at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting March 22. Page 7
OPINION It’s The Season Of Redemption & Renewal
We are arriving at the season of redemption and renewal. Not only are the religious holidays of Easter and Passover observed over the next two weeks, but people from all walks of life will soon be coming together to celebrate Earth Day and its related activities. It’s in the Easter and Passover spirit of redemption and renewal that people should also honor Earth Day. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 11 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 POLO/EQUESTRIAN ............ 13 SCHOOLS ............................ 15 PEOPLE ........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 26 BUSINESS .................... 27 - 29 CAMPS .........................30 - 33 SPORTS ........................ 39 - 42 CALENDAR ...................44 - 45 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 46 - 50 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
Casperey Stables in Loxahatchee Groves held an open house for its Leg Up Horse Camp on Sunday, March 25. Potential campers were given the opportunity to tour the facility, ride the horses, meet the instructors and get a glimpse into what they would be doing at the camp. Shown here is Hannah Alker with Willis. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 11 PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington Board Orders Hand Recount Of Ballots By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Results of the disputed Wellington municipal elections might come down to a manual recount after the Wellington Canvassing Board voted Tuesday evening to certify the March 19 recount results subject to a hand recount. In the wake of the decision, several lawsuits were filed Wednesday by candidates and Wellington voters asking for a court order to speed up the recount process. When the Town-Crier went to press, the issue was expected to be heard in court Thursday morning. Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz told the canvassing board Tuesday that he and Ken Spillias, attorney for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, agreed that the canvassing board is the certifying body for the election results, not Bucher. Spillias said that the original results released after the March 13 election were “certified” to be true by Bucher, but not officially certified to end the election process. “The Supervisor of Elections delivers the results to the canvassing board,” Spillias said. “It’s
Taxing District Could Be Set Up To Fund The Inspector General By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Municipal and county officials might ask voters to approve a special taxing district to finance the Office of Inspector General, in lieu of a 0.25 percent charge on vendor contracts that has been challenged in court by 15 municipalities. Attorney Glen Torcivia made the proposal toward the end of a meeting Monday, which drew applause from several people in a nearly full room at West Palm Beach City Hall. Participants in the Monday meeting also agreed to pursue mediation, rather than the lawsuit, which county attorneys estimated could last two years or longer, and work toward a temporary funding agreement in the meantime. Last week, county commissioners rejected a settlement agreement proposed by the municipalities, which included exemptions for numerous contractors and a different financing mechanism than the statewide LOGER (local government electronic reporting)
system now in use by the inspector general’s office. West Palm Beach City Attorney Claudia McKenna said MiamiDade County has identified problems with collecting 0.25 percent on some contracts. “There are contracts where there is either a legal or pragmatic operational barrier to collecting the 0.25 percent,” McKenna said. “For example, we all receive federal funding for various federal programs. There are provisions in the code of federal regulations that would prohibit us from adding or deducting the 0.25 percent. That was something that Miami-Dade identified early on and listed in its exceptions.” McKenna said the proposed exemptions were county-recognized legal and pragmatic issues. She added that the settlement agreement attempted to minimize the amount that would come out of the county’s general fund and assure that none comes out of the municipalities’ general funds, explaining that it is illegal for one governmental body to subsidize another.
County Commissioner Jess Santamaria asked David Baker of the Palm Beach County Ethics Initiative about exemptions, and Baker recommended exempting as few contractors as possible, but agreed that there are contractors that neither the county nor municipalities could collect the fee from. There are also exceptions where the money to collect the fee would exceed the fee itself, he said. “The vast majority of contracts should be subject to the fee,” Baker said. McKenna said the LOGER system is not designed to be a feecollecting system. “The net effect of that is all of the cities lose control over their budgets,” she said. “There is no way for them to manage their own budget… You can’t just send a bill and folks not be able to plan for it.” McKenna said that a legal framework must be found to fund the system without creating continual budgetary problems. “What we are looking for was a way that the county could manage its budget, the cities could See OIG FUNDING, page 18
Tami Donnally Eyes Challenge To Pafford In Newly Drawn District By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report After nearly unseating an incumbent Democrat in 2010, Republican Tami Donnally told the Town-Crier this week that she is planning another run for the Florida House of Representatives, this time challenging State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88). “I’m sending the papers to Tallahassee, and they should be there by the end of the week,” Donnally said Tuesday. Pafford’s District 88 has been redrawn and renumbered. Now known as District 86, it includes
nearly all of the western communities, including Wellington, which Pafford has not represented previously. Donnally ran in 2010 against State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85), taking 47.5 percent of the vote. “It was a little more than 4 points in the end that I lost by,” she said. Both districts lean Democratic, with the new District 86 somewhat more Democratic than the old District 85. Donnally said Pafford’s new district leans Democratic by about 14 percent, whereas the old Dis-
Serving Palms West Since 1980
trict 85 leaned Democratic by about 10 percent. “For me, it’s going to be a tougher race,” she said. Pafford’s current District 88 is among the most Democratic in the state, and he has never faced a Republican challenger in the general election. Aside from their obvious political disagreements, Donnally said she has nothing personally against Pafford, who will be seeking his third term in office. “I’ve met him; he’s a very nice man, but he’s up for election, and See DONNALLY, page 18
the canvassing board who certifies the outcome of the election.” On Monday, March 19, a postelection audit discovered that the results of the vote were incorrectly tallied due to a computer error, prompting the canvassing board to request a machine recount. New counts show that Matt Willhite was re-elected to Seat 4 and candidate John Greene was elected to Seat 1, not Al Paglia to
Seat 4 and Shauna Hostetler to Seat 1 as previously announced. Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Bob Margolis still defeated incumbent Darell Bowen, but by a razorthin margin. Recounted results show that Margolis took 2,947 votes (50.6 percent) to Bowen’s 2,877 votes (49.4 percent). In the Seat 1 race, Greene came out ahead of Hostetler. Greene See HAND COUNT, page 18
Bob Margolis gathers with suppor ters after Tuesday’s meeting. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
LUNCH AT THE HORSE SHOW
Wellington Seniors Club member s gathered Friday, March 23 for lunch at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Shown above are (seated) Linda Ritatranzone, Pat Sallustio and Ann Pietromonaco; (standing) Lucillie Puglisi, Anna and Frank DePasquale, and Rosaria Tumminaro. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Sluggett Could Get A ‘Big Box’ Store By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a 4-2 decision Wednesday, the Palm Beach County Commission decided to initiate the process to determine the feasibility of placing a “big-box” store on the Sluggett property at the intersection of Southern Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The decision was preceded by a staff presentation on the various tiers in the county, including the agricultural/exurban tier where the Sluggett property is located. Senior Planner Lisa Amara said the central-western communities are the largest area of the agricultural/exurban tier and represent a unique agricultural lifestyle in the county. The area currently has 41,000
residents and is destined to grow to more than 60,000 by 2030. It is home to the largest tracts in the county that are still unbuilt. Amara said the area lacks a plan and needs one, pointing out that the ill-fated Sector Plan approved by the commission in 2007 was ultimately scrapped due to objections from different parties that could not be resolved. “The issues the central-western communities face [are] significant on a countywide level,” Amara said. “It needs to be addressed on a comprehensive and cumulative basis.” She said the Indian Trail Improvement District had supplied a resolution supporting the Acreage Landowners’ Association’s intenSee SLUGGETT, page 7
Long-Awaited Library Opens March 31 In The Acreage By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The long-planned Acreage branch of the Palm Beach County Library System will open to the public this weekend. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. The library is at 15801 Orange Blvd., behind the Publix shopping center. The 30,000-square-foot library is an environmentally friendly building, Branch Manager Aurora Arthay told county commissioners during their recent tour of facilities in The Acreage. “We have water efficiency features, including water-efficient landscaping,” she noted.
Library Director John Callahan said he is glad to see the Acreage facility opening after prolonged land-swap negotiations with the Indian Trail Improvement District. “This project has been in planning for a number of years,” Callahan told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “I think the people of The Acreage are going to be very pleased with the result. I think the inside is very impressive.” Callahan noted that the building has been honored with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. He extolled the amenities installed as part of the LEED process. “It really gives the library a distinctive feel as you come inside,” he said. “It’s a very comfortable
space. Of course, it’s going to have lots of material available for the public.” Callahan also noted that it will be much more convenient for Acreage/Loxahatchee library users who previously had to travel to Royal Palm Beach or even Palm Beach Gardens. “Being located adjacent to the commercial center of The Acreage is certainly a big plus,” he said. “We will offer the full range of programs that we offer at other libraries.” Arthay said the new facility has solar-powered chandeliers depicting oranges in the entranceway, as well as other Art in Public Places features, and more than 100,000 See LIBRARY, page 18
Library Opening — Acreage Branch Manager Aurora Arthay gives County Commissioner Jess Santamaria a tour of the new building. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
Page 2 March 30 - April 5, 2012
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NEWS
Wellington Chamber Installs Board, Presents Business Awards By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Chamber of Commerce installed a new president, inducted its new board of directors and awarded its 2012 Business Excellence and Emerging Business awards at a luncheon Wednesday. Meeting at the Wanderers Club, members gave a standing ovation bidding farewell to outgoing Pres-
ident Michael Stone and welcoming incoming President Alec Domb. “I can’t tell you all how honored I am to be the new president of this chamber,” Domb said. “I take the obligation very seriously, and I look forward to having a great year in which we will continue the great work that we have already done.” Domb acknowledged the work
New chamber President Alec Domb addresses members. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
that Stone has done, noting that he hopes to continue it with the help of the membership. “Michael is going to be a tough act to follow. He’s done a lot of great things,” Domb said. “I’m not going to make a great speech about what I plan to do because this is your chamber of commerce. So I’m going to open it up this year to ask all of you what you think it is we ought to be doing for all of us who live here, work here and play here.” Domb recalled how he came to be so involved in the chamber. “I went to events,” he said. “I joined committees. That’s how it works. That’s how you network. That’s how you meet people. That’s how you grow your business. That’s what I hope you will do in the upcoming year as we bring our community back together.” Stone said he was proud of all the accomplishments the chamber has made over the past year. “We had a very successful year,” he said. “Our member reten-
Michael Stone gives the Business Excellence Award to Maggie and Chris Zeller of IberiaBank. tion is at 85 percent. We are up 35 percent on new membership. We are growing all the time.” The success has been evident by the turnout at the chamber’s headlining events. “Flavors was huge last year,” he said. “WinterFest, as those of you who were there dancing to Vanilla
Lake Wellington Professional Centre’s Diane Brockway presents the Emerging Business Award to Dave O’Keefe of Your Computer Guy.
Ice know, was a great night.” The chamber has also made strides in helping its membership and fostering local businesses. “We implemented the small business roundtable series, which has really taken off,” Stone said. “We reestablished the technology committee, and we’re working
very hard to bring all the new social media to the chamber and to the members to enhance your businesses.” This also involves creating a YouTube channel and working with W4CY Entertainment, he said. Additionally, the chamber has See CHAMBER, page 18
Several Park Improvements On The Drawing Board In RPB By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio reported on planned recreational capital improvements at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Board meeting Monday. He listed the 3-acre Lindsay Ewing Park on Linnet Lane as one of the larger improvements. The $200,000 project is scheduled for next year. “We’re looking at the perimeter, replacing the fencing and putting in a walkway so folks can walk, and it’ll tie in with the rest of village hall,” he said, noting that the project also puts in a new playscape. Two other playscapes are also budgeted, at a cost of $200,000. “I’m going to recommend a change here,” Recchio said. “We’ve been on a replacement schedule where we replace our playscapes as needed. We just did Willows Park. We are getting ready to do Todd Robiner Park, and after that, I think the rest of our playscapes are in pretty good shape.”
In 2013, Recchio said that he would like to add a playscape at Crestwood Park on Pinewood Blvd. “Right now it’s comprised of a dog park, two 32-foot picnic pavilions, two basketball courts, it has a paved walking/jogging trail and it’s like an open field, so if you want to go out and throw a Frisbee, kick a ball around, you can do it with no issues,” he said. “But there’s nothing there for the kids. I think [a playscape] would serve that part of the community well.” There are also plans to replace the kitchen equipment and bathrooms at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center at a cost of $150,000. “Between the Cultural Center and the Recreation Center, these buildings are quite old,” Recchio said. “We’re looking at upward of 20 years now, and the kitchen has never been renovated or worked on. The bathrooms really need to be retiled and given a good facelift.” The building is used not only for a rental facility at night, but as a senior center during the day. “There is a lot going on inside the kitchen, and there’s a lot more traf-
fic in there than we’ve had before,” he said. “It really needs it. It’s starting to show its age.” Also on the plan are improvements to Field 5 at Willows Park at a cost of $350,000. “We’ve applied for a $200,000 grant,” Recchio said. “We should hear a yea or nay on that sometime in July… We should be able to start that just in time for our new budget year.” There are also plans to buy two trucks for $60,000 and two mowers at a cost of $16,000. “We visit that every year, and if the trucks seem to be fine, that will not take place this year. Same thing with the mowers, but the mowers are run so much every year that replacing two mowers a year is pretty much the norm,” he said. “They literally get worn out.” Recchio stressed that because an item is on the capital projects list at a certain time doesn’t always mean it’s going to happen then. “Funding always changes,” he said. The board also welcomed Councilman Fred Pinto as its new liaison, and Felicia Matula was elected the board’s chair.
Officials investigate the scene of the small plane crash last Friday in the Aero Club. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Small Plane Crashes In The Aero Club By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A small plane crashed last Friday afternoon in Wellington’s Aero Club neighborhood. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office officials say the plane crashed into the pool of a home
on Britten Lane. The PBSO had part of Greenbriar Blvd. blockaded after the crash. The pilot of the plane was airlifted by Trauma Hawk after a delay in removing him from the plane. Because jet fuel spilled into the pool, the pilot could not be re-
moved until the threat of fire was eliminated. However, the pilot was not submerged. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Capt. Don Delucia said the pilot’s injuries were not life threatening. Two people in the home at the time of the crash were not injured.
Page 4 March 30 - April 5, 2012
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OUR OPINION
April Holidays: Join In The Spirit Of Redemption And Renewal We are arriving at the season of redemption and renewal. Not only are the religious holidays of Easter and Passover observed over the next two weeks, but people from all walks of life will soon be coming together to celebrate Earth Day and its related activities. This year, Passover begins at sunset Friday, April 6, while Easter falls on Sunday, April 8. Earth Day is observed Sunday, April 22. It’s in the Easter and Passover spirit of redemption and renewal that people should also honor Earth Day. As governments and businesses continue to increase their green initiatives — kudos to Wellington for its recent “green government” designation by the Florida Green Building Coalition — individuals would do well to follow their lead. Thanks to the growing popularity of mainstream environmentalism, being eco-conscious is now considered the norm. Hybrid cars aren’t considered as “elitist” as they once were, and it’s possible to say things are green without using quotation marks. And with gas prices on the rise, there’s extra motive to cut back on unnecessary driving trips and start thinking about more earth-friendly alternatives to oil. However, there is still much progress to be made in changing old attitudes and bad habits. No one is expected to radically change their lifestyle overnight. Instead, there are small changes that can be made in everyday situations. For instance, if you buy bottled water, consider purchasing it in larger containers to cut back on the number of bottles you’ll go
through — ditto for soft drinks and other beverages that come in different size containers. Another simple change you can make as a consumer is to reuse shopping bags, and if you’re purchasing only one item, tell the cashier you don’t need a bag at all. These little things may not seem like much when looking at the bigger picture, and it’s easy to be cynical and say, “Well, what can one person do anyway?” But that’s just how people convince themselves it’s OK to carry on their wasteful ways. These things add up over time, and if more people made a conscious effort to be less wasteful, the results could be significant. Little things do matter. To celebrate Earth Day, this year’s GreatAmerican Cleanup will take place Saturday, April 21. Local cleanups will be held in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage. In Wellington, call Community Programs Manager Kim Henghold at (561) 791-4137 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov and go to the Events section to download a volunteer application form. In Royal Palm Beach, call Michael Cheatham at (561) 790-5199. In The Acreage, call Autumn Oliveras at the Indian Trail Improvement District office at (561) 793-0874. And in Loxahatchee Groves, call Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association President Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114. To learn more about Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR League Of Cities Not Part Of IG Lawsuit With over 23 years of public service and involvement with the Palm Beach County League of Cities, I have been quoted in hundreds of articles. For the first time, I find myself respectfully requesting a retraction due to the misstatements in Ron Bukley’s article published March 23. In the article “Commissioners Reject Inspector General Lawsuit Settlement Offer,” Mr. Bukley wrote, “Several speakers asked commissioners to reject the settlement agreement, and only one person, Richard Radcliffe, executive director of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, which is leading the lawsuit, spoke in favor.” Nothing could be further from the truth. I did speak at the meeting but did not take a position. The league’s board of directors has taken no position. Only 15 cities are involved in the lawsuit and settlement agreement, while 23 cities have paid their share of the IG budgetary costs and have no involvement. The Palm Beach County League of Cities is not involved in the lawsuit in any way. I was directed to monitor the case but have been denied access to the settlement agreements since the League of Cities is in no way connected to the suit. I was compelled to speak since most of the speakers incorrectly stated the league’s connection to the suit. All the other quotations in the article were correct. The League of Cities has a great working relationship with the Commission on Ethics, its director Alan Johnson, and Inspector General Sheryl Steckler and her office. This system is in its infancy, and there will be growing pains, but we all expect this to be a model for the nation. The League of Cities has a history of working on tough issues in our county. The league was an integral participant in the contentious issue of school concurrency. The result was the model for the entire State of Florida. Richard Radcliffe, Executive Director Palm Beach County League of Cities
Communities Need Unity Regarding the recently held local elections, first, I would like to congratulate the Town-Crier on
your complete, comprehensive coverage. Whilst I disagreed with two of your endorsements (Darell Bowen and Shauna Hostetler), your footnote read, “Whether or not you agree with our suggestions, be sure to go to the polls on Tuesday, March 13 to make your voice count.” That to me is typical of your unique journalistic style. To the winners, I say well done; I congratulate you all. And to the losers, my commiserations. There is a very important lesson to be learned from this election. All six winners all support the Office of the Inspector General, and all were endorsed by our indefatigable County Commissioner Jess Santamaria... For the good of our western communities, I urge all Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee residents, please accept the fact that the voters have spoken and give your full support to all the elected officials. Let’s all unite. Wellington, stand by for some Margolis magic. Royal Palm Mayor Matty Mattioli has a phenomenal record of keeping property taxes low. Kudos to him, Vice Mayor Fred Pinto, the village manager and others. Once again, for the good of our community, let’s stay together. Unity is strength, and we are all in this together. Karl Witter The Acreage
Many Benefits To ‘Obamacare’ Republicans call “Obamacare’s” individual mandate an assault on freedom, but you already make mandatory payments for police and fire protection. Obamacare’s cost is for another protection — against health problems. Republicans warn that the plan inserts bureaucrats between you and your doctor. But there are already insurance company bureaucrats seeking to deny coverage. That’s how they profit. But as those on Medicare know, the goal of government-run programs is to treat you, not desert you. Obamacare already keeps college students on their parents’ plans, insures children with preexisting conditions, shrinks the Medicare donut hole for seniors and bans lifetime treatment caps. And the best provisions are yet to come. Don’t let the GOP return you to the mercy of private insurers. Decades from now, you’ll be just as thankful for Obamacare as for Social Security and Medicare. Sup-
port Obamacare — and tell your friends you do. Jay Schleifer Wellington
Support Plan To Reduce Oil Consumption The Union of Concerned Scientists has developed a plan to cut America’s projected oil consumption in half by 2030 by boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles, producing clean biofuels, expanding public transportation options, and investing in the next generation of advanced vehicles that no longer rely exclusively on oil. The Obama administration has taken action to cut U.S. oil use by moving forward with strong new fuel efficiency and global warming emissions standards. These standards can save consumers thousands of dollars while cutting America’s oil dependence by 3.5 million barrels per day in 2030, which is more oil than we currently import from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This is an important first step, but we can and must do more. The Union of Concerned Scientists Oil Savings plan includes a suite of solutions to save consumers billions at the gas pump; provide for a safer, more diverse American energy future; and put the United States squarely in the driver’s seat as a leader in addressing global climate change. The United States cannot drill its way to energy independence when we consume over 20 percent of the world’s petroleum, yet hold about 2 percent of the proven oil reserves. Elsy Shallman The Acreage
Wellfield Pollution Is A Major Problem West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio is now taking her personal fight against the extension of State Road 7 (thwarting the wishes of the majority of residents that would benefit) to Washington, D.C. She argues that the SR 7 extension will pollute the Grassy Waters Preserve, the water supply for the City of West Palm Beach. Mayor Muoio needs to direct her concerns about West Palm Beach’s water supply right here at home in Palm Beach County. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, surface
water can become polluted by hazardous materials that dissolve or mix into the water. There are a variety of sources that can contribute to the contamination of water sources. There are two forms of water pollutants. One is point source and the other is nonpoint source. A point source pollutant can be a substance that flows directly into surface water. An example of this would be the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. A nonpoint source occurs when a pollutant is introduced via an indirect environmental change. This can include fertilizer contaminating a stream as a result of being carried out by the rain. Industrial pollution of water also is a concern — and not just for the city of West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County’s drinking water supply faces increased pollution risks due to budget cuts that leave fewer people guarding against potential contamination. Since the 1980s, the county’s voter-approved wellfield protection program provided a defense against gas stations, oil change shops, dry cleaners and industrial development polluting the wells that provide 80 percent of the local drinking water. But the Palm Beach County Commission this year cut funding for the program and already is scaling back inspections of potential polluters. Surface water can also be contaminated by mercury from the cement plants as well as coal and gas power plants in Palm Beach County. Mercury is not the only toxin coming out of the stack of a cement plant. They also emit things like ammonia, benzene, certain glycol ethers, chromium, diethanolamine, dioxin and dioxinlike compounds, ethylene glycol, lead, manganese, sulfuric acid and zinc compound. These find their way into surface water. Note: The current Republicandominated Florida Legislature and governor are responsible for making a deal with the EPA, delaying federal pollution rules. Gov. Scott recently signed HB 7051, which waives legislative ratification for proposed state rules to replace the federal numeric nutrient criteria. As for the city of West Palm Beach, according to a 2011 Emergency Order from the South Florida Water Management District, that addressed last year’s water shortage for the city, the City of West Palm Beach primarily receives its drinking water from eight surface water pumps at two locations on Clear Lake. Clear Lake receives discharges from Lake
Mangonia and the M-Canal. The M-Canal is supplied by rainfall/ runoff collected in the city’s water catchment area, flows from the city’s wellfield, and two 65,000gallon-per-minute pumps at the L8 Tieback Canal. Interestingly, there is no mention of Grassy Waters in this report. During last year’s water shortage, West Palm Beach was forced to purchase water from Palm Beach County. So will West Palm Beach continue its dependence on its current water resources, with Palm Beach County as a backup, or make alternative plans for the future? The latter would seem more prudent. Yes, Mayor Muoio, you have more to be concerned about than the extension of SR 7. PatriciaAbbott Royal Palm Beach
Mecca Proposal And Wind Farm Are Bad Ideas Last week the Palm Beach County Commission decided to grow and burn sugarcane on the old Mecca Farms property, and this week the county commission approved 12,900 acres of wind turbines that will ultimately employ 15 to 20 skilled workers in the Glades, where more than 4,000 residents are looking for jobs. Unemployment rates in November were 44.9 percent in South Bay and 30.4 percent in Pahokee. Environmental groups are concerned about the negative environmental impact of over 100, 30story-high fans. Besides, there are less expensive and more efficient ways to conserve energy like the renewable, geothermal, self-sufficient Free Enterprise Agency plan that I proposed three years ago for the Glades. If the county had employed that plan, there would now be 2,000 permanent light manufacturing jobs in the Glades. Burning sugarcane off the Mecca Farms property is a really bad
idea. In the Glades, burning is a long-standing practice, and anyone who moves under the rain of ash cannot complain. But residents who are already situated next to the old Mecca Farms debacle are entitled to continue to enjoy clean air. I believe the commissioners are about to buy more lawsuits. Why close sugar production in the Glades, take away their jobs, only to create a nuisance and jobs in Palm Beach Gardens? Not only will environmentalists sue to prevent the Mecca Farms sugarcane burning, but nearby residents will have a cause of action sounding in nuisance. Commissioner Jess Santamaria is a voice of reason and has consistently maintained that the county should unburden itself by selling the Mecca Farms property. Santamaria was not present when the commissioners voted to burn sugarcane. I have discussed job creation alternatives in the Glades with Commissioner Santamaria and I am convinced that he is sincerely interested in creating jobs in the Glades. I proposed the creation of a county association to be formed to construct and operate a jobtraining and production facility for 2,000 workers. Then Florida Sen. President Jeff Atwater favored the plan. I drafted legislation and offered it to State Sen. Larcenia Bullard, who proposed a modified plan for Miami-Dade. Commissioner Burt Aaronson, usually a cautious member of the commission, favors the wind turbines and wants to proceed without hearing from environmental groups. I think that is a mistake. Environmental groups are poised to stop 114 whirling fans that will only employ 10 to 15 workers, and the fast moving blades will kill 40 times that many birds each year. Burning and turbines are two really bad ideas for the economy and the environment. Frank Morelli Wellington
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OPINION
Sheriff’s Office Personnel Stay Grounded With Help From Chaplains Police work is stressful and dangerous. The hours are long and grueling, and there’s often very little time for officers to reflect and process what they endure on the streets. That’s why the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has a team of chaplains in place. These ordained members of the clergy assist my deputies and commanders in staying grounded to their moral principles and to their duties in serving the community. They provide comfort, support and spiritual guidance to overcome the challenges of working in law enforcement. We often forget that deputies are human beings, too. Even the best officers aren’t fully immune from the stresses and pains of investigating gruesome crimes
POINT OF VIEW By PBC Sheriff Ric Bradshaw that are so common in our society today. Our 27 volunteer chaplains often work alongside deputies on the scene of shootings, domestic violence attacks, fatal car crashes and other serious incidents. They are there to help deputies confidentially deal with the grief and trauma of doing
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their jobs. They make sure deputies don’t have to suffer alone. For many deputies, our chaplains are part of the family. They marry and bury our deputies. They baptize their children and attend their family functions. They deliver last rites. Our chaplains also work closely with families of deputies, as well as crime victims and occasionally the families of the accused or convicted offenders. Traditionally, chaplains were ministers such as priests, pastors, rabbis or imams attached to hospitals, prisons, military units, police and fire departments, universities, and private chapels. Though originally the word “chaplain” referred to representatives of the Christian faith, it is now
applied to men and women of other religions or philosophical traditions. At the sheriff’s office, our chaplains represent the Abrahamic religions and reflect the religious, ethnic and gender diversity of the community we service. They speak English, Spanish, French and Creole. They include a clinical psychologist and a professional with a Ph.D. Each chaplain is assigned to a different region within the sheriff’s office jurisdiction so that he or she can personally get to know deputies and other staff members. On any given day, chaplains ride along with deputies and attend training meetings. This helps build relationships with staff and enables chaplains to better understand the neighborhoods we patrol in.
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher
JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor
JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher
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RON BUKLEY Managing Editor
EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró
My agency has had chaplains in place for decades. But the current chaplains program is unique for its depth and professionalism. Our program offers internships for students at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary near Boynton Beach. It’s also a model for other law enforcement agencies. We’ve talked to several departments who are interested in incorporating elements of our program. Our chaplains are a vital part of the sheriff’s office. They are included in most of what we do as an agency. They truly are a part of the family. To learn more about the PBSO chaplains unit, contact Unit Manager Bill Gralnick at gralnickw@pbso.org or (561) 681-4523.
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March 30 - April 5, 2012 Page 5
NEWS
Nina Mangiola Launches Project For Teens Looking To Volunteer By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Serving the public has become 15-year-old Nina Mangiola’s passion. The socially conscious Wellington teenager believes in giving back to the community and has volunteered her time with various organizations, including thinkPINKkids and Habitat for Humanity. A Suncoast High School sophomore, Mangiola has a passion for giving back that has prompted her to begin the Volunteen Project, a volunteer club for teenagers in the western communities. The club aims to assist students looking for a place to donate their time while fostering social engagement and making volunteering fun. Originally, Mangiola wanted to start the club at her school, but she decided she wanted to make it accessible to all students in the community. “I realized that my school had so many clubs that had a similar idea,” she said, “and I couldn’t really localize it if I did it through my school.” Last summer, Mangiola began by creating a book with a list of places where students could volunteer. “I got a book and dividers and looked up places to volunteer, like animal shelters,” she said. “I
printed out the web home pages, and highlighted the numbers and contact information.” The book was just the beginning, but it helped Mangiola get the club noticed. With assistance from some of her friends, neighbors and classmates, she officially formed the Volunteen Project. She started a Tumblr page where students stay connected with posts on new volunteer opportunities and club events. “Soon, I will be getting on Facebook and Twitter where others can add people on,” Mangiola said. “And it’s an easier way to contact and keep people informed.” The Volunteen Project is more than just a place to access volunteer opportunities in the community; it’s about meeting like-minded people who enjoy volunteering and forming friendships. “It’s more like a social club where we can all get together and volunteer together,” she said. “I think it would be more fun if we did it that way.” Mangiola believes that by volunteering as a group, it would be easier for people who think volunteering is boring. Students are able to share their experiences with others through her project, and Mangiola hopes that it will broaden the base of youth volunteers.
Through the Volunteen Project, students are able to volunteer with an organization or business that they can enjoy, or which fits what they like doing or want to learn more about. “I’ve realized that many teenagers don’t like volunteering because they don’t like some of the places they have to volunteer with,” Mangiola said. “So I’m able to find out what they really like doing and match it to a place that needs those skills, and it makes everyone happier.” Whether the student likes working with animals or in an office, the Volunteen Project will find out what each student likes best. Mangiola is looking to work with local schools and organizations, to be a point of reference for volunteer opportunities. “Many of these organizations require a lot of volunteer hours, and I want them to know about what I do so that they can get their students to join,” she said. Mangiola hopes that the club will expand, even after she goes off to college. “I want to leave the club to a person who I see is really involved and attends all the meetings,” she said. “Hopefully, it will continue to grow and encourage other kids to give back to the community.”
Mangiola encourages her peers to try to volunteer their time. “Most teenagers say they don’t have the time,” she said. “But the feeling of self-satisfaction after you volunteer is great, and I think everybody should do it more.” As volunteers, students can learn a lot about life, Mangiola said. “It’s definitely a learning experience,” she said. “An example is if you volunteer at a soup kitchen, you really get to know about homeless people a little bit more, and you actually get a personal one-on-one experience, and realize that, ‘Wow! Anyone can be homeless.’” These are some of the experiences that students can learn from for the rest of their lives. “It teaches you about the world,” Mangiola said. “And you’re more conscious about what is really going on in the world around you, and it’s good to go outside your comfort zone.” For more information, e-mail Nina Mangiola at thevolunteen project@aol.com. (Above right) Nina Mangiola with Dr. Marisol Lopez-Belio. (Below right) Mangiola does clerical work at Lopez-Belio’s office. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
SEE A VIDEO ON NINA MANGIOLA’S VOLUNTEEN PROJECT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
GRANDMA’S PLACE HOSTS LUNCHEON AT ITS FACILITY IN ROYAL PALM BEACH
Grandma’s Place in Royal Palm Beach welcomed guests to its children’s safe house Friday, March 23 for a “friend-raiser” luncheon. Grandma’s Place is a safe haven for children from birth to 12 years who are taken out of a difficult situation or home by the Department of Children & Families. The home can hold up to 14 children, who stay an average of 90 days. Grandma’s Place welcomes any type of donations from laundry detergent to diapers. It is located at 184 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 7532226. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Grandma’s Place board members Bettina Fiessinger, Mary Liguori, Valerie Seifert, Karen Vaughan and Michele Poole with junior board member Michael Evrard.
Kay Stone with Grandma’s Place President Bettina Fiessinger.
Grandma’s Place “Grandma” Bessy Gordon and Olevene Bennett.
Page 6 March 30 - April 5, 2012
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CRIME NEWS
Vandals Strike Storefronts At Wellington Green By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report MARCH 16 — Two employees of restaurants near the Mall at Wellington Green called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington on Friday, March 16 to report acts of vandalism. According to separate PBSO reports, employees arrived at the restaurants early to discover that someone had caused damage to glass doors on the building. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 11 p.m. Thursday, March 15 and 4:30 a.m. the following morning, someone used a blunt object to smash a glass door at Jason’s Deli, causing approximately $1,000 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. According to a second PBSO report, at approximately 12:35 a.m., an unknown white male suspect used an unknown object to break a hurricane-glass door at Jamba Juice. According to the report, the incident was caught by surveillance video footage. The suspect caused approximately $1,000 in damage. There was no further information available at the time of the report. MARCH 22 — Two residents of La Mancha called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm beach last Thursday morning to report burglaries. According to separate PBSO reports, the victims came home to discover that someone had broken into their homes and stolen several items of jewelry. According to one PBSO report, the victim left his home on Ponce De Leon Street at approximately 9 a.m. and returned around 11:30 a.m. to discover that his front window was smashed in. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) stole several pieces of jewelry valued at approximately $1,500. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. According to a second PBSO report, sometime between 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., someone attempted to enter the victim’s house on Santiago Street through the front window but was unable to. The perpetrator(s) then went to the rear of the home, slashed the patio screen and smashed the victim’s sliding glass door to gain entry to the home. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) searched through the house and removed an unknown amount of cash, a men’s gold diamond ring as well as a men’s gold watch. The stolen items were valued at approximately $6,200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in the Willows II neighborhood last Thursday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 1:30 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home and removed a safe containing approximately $10,000 in jewelry and two guns, as well as a bicycle from the victim’s home. According to the report, a neighbor reported seeing the victim’s daughter remove the items and place them in a green SUV. There was no further information available at the time of the report. MARCH 22 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home
on Hamlin Blvd. last Thursday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Wednesday and 2 p.m. the following afternoon, someone entered the victim’s carport and stole two bicycles. One is described as a silver men’s 26inch mountain bike with blue writing. The other is a bright green Next Chaos boys bike. The stolen items were valued at approximately $230. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to Olympia Park last Friday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 7:30 p.m., someone broke open the driver’s-side window and removed the victim’s wallet containing his bank cards, driver’s license and approximately $100 cash from the vehicle. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 23 — An employee of Carrabba’s Italian Grill on Southern Blvd. was arrested last Friday on charges of theft. According to a PBSO report, 30-year-old Shaun McShane of Lake Worth removed five transactions totaling $289.45 from the computer system last Monday and pocketed the money. According to the report, last Tuesday McShane deleted another transaction for $90.74 and kept the money. The restaurant owner noticed the money missing and called the PBSO. McShane was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with grand theft. MARCH 24 — A resident of 71st Lane North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday afternoon to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim stored two firearms in his attic. At approximately 12:45 p.m. last Saturday, a cable service technician accessed the attic to run cable. According to the report, when the victim went into the attic about 2 hours later, he discovered the firearms missing. The stolen firearms included an Astra .357 pistol and a Taurus .38 pistol, and were valued at $335. MARCH 26 — An employee of Costco called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday evening to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., someone removed the store’s fire department inlet connection stand pipe. The pipe is used to help pump more water in event of an emergency. According to the report, the pipe was located at the northwest side of the building and is made of brass. The stolen item was valued at approximately $1,175. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. MARCH 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Monday to the AT&T store on State Road 7 regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 8:30 p.m., two unknown black males entered the store separately. The suspects proceeded to the iPhone and Samsung cell phone display where they removed two iPhone 4s and two Samsung Galaxy phones. The suspects then fled the store. The stolen phones were valued at $2,569. There was no further information available at the time of the report.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Kristel Alben, a.k.a. Kristel Tasane, is a white female, 6’0” tall and weighing 180 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 03/23/79. Alben is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of neglect of a child, and failure to appear on charges of DUI causing injury, not having a valid driver’s license and leaving the scene of a crash. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Pine Circle in Greenacres. Alben is wanted as of 03/ 29/12. • Marvin Quintero is a white male, 5’6” tall and weighing 185 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his back. His date of birth is 11/11/55. Quintero is wanted for failure to appear on charges of sexual activity with a child and soliciting sexual activity with a child. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 14th Street in West Palm Beach. Quintero is wanted as of 03/29/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.
Kristel Alben
Marvin Quintero
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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March 30 - April 5, 2012 Page 7
NEWS
Judge Nelson Bailey Shares His Unique Take On Florida History By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Reminiscing on Florida frontier days is Nelson Bailey’s passion. As a judge in Palm Beach County, he has seen his fair share of Florida stories, but prefers the ones about a time that once was. Bailey, a native Floridian, was the guest speaker at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting Thursday, March 22 at Palms West Presbyterian Church. “We own horses out here, and we just love horses,” Bailey said. “Our oldest horse is 29 years old, and we got him when he was 3.” Bailey is a 1969 graduate of Florida State University College of Law. He was appointed as county court judge in 1995. “My courthouse is in Belle Glade, and I’m the only judge out there, which is the real western half of the county,” he said. Bailey kept the crowd mesmerized, not only with his interesting cattle rancher appearance and long beard grayed with knowledge, but also with his unforgettable tales of Florida history. He began with the story of his first ride on what is now called the Florida Cracker Trail, which he took back in 1989. “A group of about 100 folks were getting together with their horses, three or four mules and two or
three wagons, and were going to ride clear across the State of Florida from coast to coast,” Bailey said. “They were going to follow an old cattle trail route and ride for six days starting in Bradenton to the other side of the state in Fort Pierce.” Bailey signed up for the lifechanging ride, which ended up giving him a new perspective on Florida history. “On the second day of riding, I was riding next to a man who I thought, at 72 years old, was old at the time,” he joked. “And now I’m about to be 70.” That gentleman told him the history of the Florida cattle rancher. “He was a fourth-generation cattle rancher, and his family had been in the cattle ranching industry since 1822 in Florida,” Bailey recalled. “He told me the story of his father, grandfather and the cattle business in Florida, and how they experienced Florida.” Those experiences and stories, learned on his first ride across the state, sparked an interest in him that has manifested into one of his greatest passions. “Those stories sent a chill up my spine where the scalp is attached, and gave me a physical sensation I could actually feel right down to my bones,” Bailey said. “I felt like I was riding my horse back into history.” Bailey became interested in everything pertaining to the history
of the Florida cattle rancher. He joined many organizations, such as the Florida Cracker Cattle Association and the Florida Cracker Trail Association, which gave him further insight into the history of Florida cattle ranching. “I got a new perspective on the history of the State of Florida,” Bailey said. “The story of the horsemen and cattlemen in Florida is the story of Florida itself for the past 500 years.” Bailey clarified the history of the term “Cracker,” as defined in Florida, and how it is not thought of here as a derogatory term used to describe whites. “In the Cracker tradition in Florida, especially with the old Cracker families, they take great pride in the term ‘Cracker,’” he said. The history of the Florida Cracker is extensive, from when Juan Ponce De Leon brought the first cattle and horses to the state, providing cattle to Cuba during Spanish colonialism. That definition is unlike the one in the black community, according to Bailey, particularly in northern Florida, where the term has a decidedly negative connotation. “After the Civil War, the oral tradition of the term ‘Cracker’ meant someone who cracked the whip over the slaves, which is not accurate history, but it is oral tradition, and believed to be true,” Bailey said.
Nelson Bailey discusses Florida history with LGLA members. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
He closed out his speech by emphasizing a major concern he has, which is education. Bailey believes that youth should be educated accurately about the history of this country and the state they live in.
“Don’t cheat children out of that beautiful multicolored quilt of history that is Florida,” he said, “out of that thing that is so important to you and always will be until the day you die — that sense of place that is home. And just remember
that their home is Florida.” From the history of the various Native American tribes to AfricanAmerican history in the state, everything is important and should be told to future generations in a fair and balanced way, Bailey said.
Royal Palm Zoning Board OKs Roof Change At County’s Facility By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Tuesday for a county application to change the barrel tile for the planned Northern Region Operations Center at 40th Street North to a metal roof. Wendy Tuma of Kilday Urban Design Studios said it is part of a countywide change from barrel tile roofs to a forest green, standing seam metal roof, similar to the roof at Royal Palm Beach Village Hall. “The reason for the request is that Palm Beach County Water Utilities has found that the barrel tile roofs are more susceptible to leakage problems due to improper installation, and they’ve been proven to be a problem in tropical storms when sometimes the tiles break loose and become projectiles,” Tuma said, explaining that the buildings must operate during hurricanes. The architectural and site plan changes for the operations center, approved last month, and the existing pumping facility will go before the Royal Palm Beach Village Council next month. Tuma said the forest green will match the trim of the buildings. Commission Alternate Richard Becher said he liked the metal roof and the color, and Commissioner
Jackie Larson said the metal roofs are definitely better than barrel tile when installed properly. Commissioner Darrell Lange made a motion to approve the application with the condition that the brackets match the color of the roof. That motion carried 4-0. The commission also recommended approval of a design application by Applebee’s on the northeast corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. in front of Christ Fellowship Church. Applebee’s is asking to change the design of its apple logos and replace the wall signs and monument signs. The chain proposes to add a parapet on the northwest corner of the building, where a new, all-white sign with a red and green apple logo would be attached, according to Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin. Applebee’s is also replacing the striped metal awnings with burgundy metal awnings. Erwin pointed out that there is a large oak tree in front of the parapet that will limit visibility, but that the village does not allow businesses to cut trees to make signs more visible. He added that the sign on SR 7 will have a downward angle and would require a variance. Christina Dion, representing Applebee’s, said the remodeling
reflects a nationwide change to the restaurants. “This is not a single remodel that this particular store is doing,” Dion said. “All of Applebee’s is doing the same remodel program, so their marketing would like to keep the colors and design all the same as they move forward with their branding.” Dion said the remodeling to a solid burgundy reflects a change to a more family-oriented look, as opposed to the stripes, which was geared to more of a bar and grill look. Larson asked about phone numbers on the pickup signs for the drive-up, which the commission had asked to be removed in previous sign applications. Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said that the applicant had taken the opinion to legal counsel, which had determined that the village could not regulate content. “It is more font and color that you would be reviewing,” O’Brien said. Becher said he liked the new logo. “I really like the apples with the green,” he said. “I don’t know why you don’t use the same apple, but I think it really looks nice.” Lange asked about setbacks and why they were not in the commission packet, and Erwin said village
Council Changes Sign Rules For Mall At Wellington Green By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The old Wellington Village Council held what will likely be its last meeting Tuesday, after the inauguration of new council members was delayed due to the votecounting debacle (see story, page 1). At the brief meeting, council members approved a zoning text amendment that will make it easier for changing signs at the Mall at Wellington Green. Mayor Darell Bowen did not attend the meeting, so Vice Mayor Matt Willhite held the gavel.
The ordinance, which passed 40, would allow the mall to adhere to its master sign plan rather than seek approval for changes. “This is essentially an ordinance that will allow signs within the Mall at Wellington Green to be governed by their master sign plan, without the necessity of going to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “It principally allows signs within the Mall at Wellington Green and really nowhere else to be governed by the master sign plan.” The plan was approved by the
council in 2008, Planning & Zoning Director David Flinchum said. “[The master sign plan] covers all of the signs in the mall,” he said. “You approved it in 2008 and you’ve seen it since then.” Flinchum said that under the plan, any changes to signs would be subject to a staff decision or go before the Architectural Review Board. “The mall is built,” he said. “It mostly has to do with replacing existing signs.” Council members approved the measure without discussion. It will return for a final vote in May.
staff had checked them and found them to be compliant. Commission Chair Barbara Powell asked whether some of the erosion problems around the monument signs had been addressed, and Erwin said they had not, but that the commission could request additional landscaping as it had in the past.
Sluggett
‘Big Box’ Request
continued from page 1 tion to update its Acreage Neighborhood Plan. “In addition to updating their neighborhood plan for themselves, they are interested in expanding out to other areas and bringing other communities in,” Amara said. Tom Pelham, former secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, was there representing property owner Richard Sluggett. Pelham said he has been following issues relating to The Acreage for more than 20 years. “I first became aware of this area in general and The Acreage specifically in 1989 when Palm Beach County became one of the first counties in the state to submit its first comprehensive plan to the Department of Community Affairs for review,” he said. He said The Acreage became a huge issue in the approval process. “I can remember the department literally being bombarded with postcards, letters, communications of various kinds from people who had an interest in The Acreage,” he said. “The department had a problem dealing with The Acreage because it represented to us a severe problem of urban sprawl, a huge expanse, 50,000 acres previously platted in various ways for residential development with virtually no supporting uses.” The department would have rejected that portion of the county’s comp plan, but officials recognized that the residents had vested rights there that could not be wiped out by the adoption of the comp plan. “Nevertheless, we be-
Lange made a motion to approve the application with the condition that landscaping be applied around both monument signs, which carried 4-0. The commission also approved an application by Christ Fellowship Church asking to add a logo to its signs. Erwin said the church wants to use the existing three
monument signs, incorporating the logo and rearranging the same verbiage. Becher made a motion to approve the application as written, which carried 4-0. Finally, the commission also unanimously approved an application by Lantern Walk to redo the landscaping at its entranceway.
came aware of the area and the problems presented by it,” Pelham said. Pelham said that after he left the DCA in 1991 and returned to private practice, one of his jobs included helping prepare the discarded Sector Plan, which had included the Sluggett property as a commercial center. “When I returned to the Department of Community Affairs in 2007, I again had direct involvement with comprehensive plan and land use issues arising out of Palm Beach County, including matters that relate to the area that we’re talking about today,” Pelham said. “Based upon that extensive knowledge, I can say with great confidence that this area, The Acreage and some of the other areas around it, present a very serious planning problem. It was a problem in 1989. It’s an even greater problem now.” Because the area is underserved commercially, people are forced to get in their vehicles and drive long distances to get to basic services, he said, putting more traffic on the road. Pelham said he thought what Sluggett was requesting was relevant to the problems that exist there. “It’s a reasonable request and good planning,” he said. “The county itself has recognized that this parcel of property is an appropriate location for substantial commercial development to the tune of 281,000 square feet of nonresidential space. All that Mr. Sluggett is requesting is that a condition be removed that restricts any one use on this property to a maximum of 65,000 square feet.” He stressed that it is not an increase in footage, only a reconfiguration of the 281,000 square feet to accommodate a sizable anchor
tenant such as a Home Depot. Four residents — Alex Larson, Patricia Curry, Nancy Gribble and Rosa Durando — spoke against the request. During commission discussion on whether to initiate the Sluggett request, Commissioner Karen Marcus asked county staff what they would be likely to recommend, and Planning Director Lorenzo Aghemo said he would probably recommend that they keep the current approval for a neighborhoodserving anchor store. “You don’t think it’s a perfect spot for a big box?” Marcus asked. “You think it’s more suited for the type of commercial that’s allowed, a Publix or something like that?” “Yes, a neighborhood-serving entity,” Deputy County Administrator Verdenia Baker replied. Commissioner Steven Abrams asked what the procedure was, and Aghemo explained that if approved, it would become part of 2012’s second round of comp plan amendments, which now go to the Department of Economic Opportunity, which has absorbed the functions of the DCA. “Today you’re not approving anything,” Aghemo said, explaining that staff would proceed with an analysis and review and bring it back to the commission at the next transmittal hearing in July or August. “Then it will go to the state and come back for adoption,” he said. Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, who had requested the agricultural/ exurban tier workshop, made a motion to initiate the Sluggett property change, which was seconded by Abrams. The motion carried 4-2, with Marcus and Commissioner Paulette Burdick opposed, and Commissioner Jess Santamaria absent.
Page 8 March 30 - April 5, 2012
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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington Egg Hunt April 7 At Village Park Get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt, which will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 7 at the softball fields at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The egg hunt will be divided into four age groups: age 2 and under, ages 3 to 4, ages 5 to 7, and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will have a pink bunny ticket inside, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early as traffic congestion may occur. This event is made possible by event sponsor the Goddard School, located at 2665 State Road 7 in Wellington. For more information, contact Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082.
‘Messiah In The Passover’ At R.P. Covenant Church “Messiah in the Passover,” a vivid and exciting demonstration
showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, will be held Wednesday, April 4 at Royal Palm Covenant Church (660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). The demonstration will be conducted by Rabbi Ben Alpert. It will begin with the traditional Passover Seder table, complete with all the articles of this important Jewish celebration. Alpert will explain the symbolic meanings of the various items of the Passover feast and highlight their relationship to the Last Supper that Jesus celebrated with the disciples, giving special emphasis on the redemptive significance of the crucifixion. “Messiah in the Passover” gives the Christian community insight into Jewish traditions so that the Jewish roots of Christianity can be better understood. The program also helps the Jewish and Christian communities understand their common heritage. The event is open to the public, and Royal Palm Covenant Church would like to invite Christians as well as the Jewish community to attend. A love offering will be received. For more information, call (561) 793-1077.
Wellington Offers Lifeguard Certification Learn the skills you need to score an amazing summer job or begin a fun and exciting career path by signing up for the American Red Cross lifeguarding certification class at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. This training provides entry-level participants the expertise needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care until EMS personnel take over. Wellington’s lifeguard certification class takes place on the following dates and times: Friday, March 30 from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Monday, April 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. Participants must be able to attend all four class dates to complete the certification. To register, participants must be at least 15 years old, must be able to swim 300 yards continuously and must be able to pick up a brick from a water depth of 10 feet. The registration fee is $235 and includes the lifeguarding course, certification
as well as the new American Red Cross course materials. To pre-register, visit the Wellington Aquatics Complex at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, contact Aquatics Supervisor Eric Juckett at (561) 7532497. Space is limited, so register today.
Murder Mystery Theater Returns To Wellington Murder mystery dinner theater is back by popular demand in Wellington, and this time, you’re cordially invited to a wedding reception with a fatal twist. This “deadly” adult dinner show will be held Saturday, May 19 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite wedding attire — good, bad, ugly and beautiful. The evening begins with a social hour followed by dinner and an interactive live theater performance in which actors will portray an “until death do us part” scenario. Audience members will be asked to solve the crime and uncover the killer at the end.
Because this is an adult-themed event, Wellington will provide free childcare on site for children ages 5 to 12 only, including pizza and plenty of fun activities. The childcare room will be separate from the event. Wellington’s last murder mystery dinner theater event was sold out, so reserve your seats early. Tickets cost $40 per person and are on sale now through May 12 at Village Park and the Wellington Community Center. A table of eight can also be reserved for a discounted price of $280. The ticket price includes dinner, wine and childcare for children ages 5 to 12. For further information, contact Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082.
Junior League Scholarship Available The Junior League of the Palm Beaches will offer a $2,000 scholarship to a young woman who will be graduating high school this year and will be attending college in the fall. To be eligible, applicants should
be currently volunteering outside the school and be someone who has devoted a considerable amount of time to the needs of the community. Each high school may submit no more than one candidate. Applicants will be evaluated based on accomplishments and achievements in the volunteer and community sector. To apply for the 2012 Junior League Scholarship, visit www.jlpb.org and download the 2012 scholarship application under the “About Us” section. The deadline to apply is April 9.
Property Tax Deadline Looms The 2011 property tax season is coming to an end. Anyone mailing a payment must have a postmark of Saturday, March 31 or earlier. Because the statuary deadline falls on a weekend (March 31), service centers will be open until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 2 to accept payment in person. All unpaid property taxes are considered delinquent as of April 3. For more information, visit www. taxcollectorpbc.com.
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NEWS
WELLINGTON SENIORS ENJOY AFTERNOON AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL Wellington Senior s Club members gathered Friday, March 23 for lunch at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Though the planned jumping event didn’t take place, seniors were able to watch the $500 Bainbridge Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
(Above and below) Riders compete in the hunter competition. Anne McGinness, Pat Rohtla and Jean Occhiogrosso.
Frank and Jean Sanson with Melissa and Bob Satterlee.
Loretta Lipositz, Alyce Glennon and Marie Therkelsen.
Jennifer Cooper, Cecil and Claudette Wray and Barbara Martinez.
BREAKERS WEST HOSTS PLAY FOR P.I.N.K. BREAST CANCER RESEARCH BENEFIT The Breakers West Women’s Golf Association sponsored Play for P.I.N.K. to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation on Thursday, March 22 at Breakers West. There was a sit-down lunch as well as a live auction and raffles. For more info., visit www.bcrfcure.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Low gross score winners Diane Armet, Roberta Glassman, Connie Wehle and Kathy Combs.
Thomas Flannery, M.D.
Apurv Varia, M.D.
WELLINGTON 10111 Forst Hill Blvd., Suite 255
561.245.4550 561.422.3700 OTHER LOCATIONS: Atlantis - 5053 South Congress Ave., Ste 202 Delray Beach - 4675 Linton Blvd., Ste 203 Boynton Beach - 10301 Hagen Ranch Rd., Ste B 550
Stephen Miller, M.D.
Play for P.I.N.K. committee members.
Augusto LopezTorres, M.D.
Sherry Ellis, M.D.
Cancer survivors receive a rose and a standing ovation.
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NEWS
CASPEREY STABLES IN LOXAHATCHEE GROVES HOSTS HORSE CAMP OPEN HOUSE
Casperey Stables in Loxahatchee Groves held an open house for its Leg Up Horse Camp on Sunday, March 25. Potential campers were given the oppor tunity to tour the facility, ride the horses, meet the instructors and get a glimpse int o what they would be doing at the camp. For more info., visit www.caspereystables.com or call (561) 792-4990. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Sara Hardin brushes Willis. Nadia Hill receives riding assistance from instructor Ashley Perry.
Amiayla Solis learns how to ride a horse.
Shamar Solis gets ready to go on a riding tour.
Sun Hee puts on her daughter Karle Metzger’s helmet for riding.
Francesca Moore looks at a pony in its stall.
SOUTH FLORIDA PET EXPO RETURNS TO EXPO CENTER AT THE FAIRGROUNDS The South Florida Pet Expo was held Saturday, March 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event was open to pets and featured an array of vendors, dog agility contest, pet adoptions, and the latest products and services available for all types of pets. For more info., PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER visit www.southfloridapetexpo.com.
A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue volunteers Amany Atalla, Michael Seelin and Toni DiGiacomo with rescue dogs waiting to be adopted.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue volunteers Beatrice Gruman and Amanda Boan with President Lauree Simmons.
Jennifer Santos, Monica and Bruna Silva, and Frank Klutcharch of the Country Inn Pet Rescue & Animal Hospital.
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3667 120th Avenue South | Wellington, Florida 33414
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POLO & EQUESTRIAN
Valiente II Bests Valiente I To Claim The USPA Piaget Gold Cup Title It was a beautiful day for the 2012 USPA Piaget Gold Cup Finals on Sunday, March 25 at International Polo Club Palm Beach as Valiente II defeated Valiente I 11-9 for the championship. Tailgaters and spectators packed Piaget Field as Mario Lopez, the host of Extra and America’s Best Dance Crew, dazzled the crowd as host of the day’s match. A good sport, the actor even rode a polo pony, posing for photographs. Fan favorite Lou Galterio
Aldolfo Cambioso greets fans.
kicked off things with an amazing rendition of the national anthem, while Lopez did the honors of flipping the coin. The father-son matchup of Bob Jornayvaz of Valiente I and Robert Jornayvaz of Valiente II was reminiscent of the C.V. Whitney Cup finals from earlier this season, but this time Valiente II prevailed. Adolfo Cambiaso kicked off the first chukker scoring four goals as Valiente I scored only two, one from Polito Pieres and another from Miguel Astrada. Valiente II continued to dominate coming into the third chukker, when a Valiente I foul sent Cambiaso to the penalty line, where he converted a 60-yard penalty shot for a goal, making the score 6-4. Both teams led hard defensive strategies, especially in the fifth chukker, but it was Cambiaso who was struck in the mallet hand with a ball and was taken out of the match. With a replacement for Cambiaso in the final chukker, Valiente I tried to take advantage of
Actor Mario Lopez enjoys hosting the day’s match. Valiente II’s new lineup but failed as Valiente II clung to victory with an 11-9 win. Cambiaso led all scoring with six goals and his teammate, Pelon Stirling, was named MVP. This week marks the start of the Nespresso 108th U.S. Open Polo
Championship and Hall of Fame Subsidiary play from March 29 through April 22. With seven state-of-the-art polo fields, a stunning pavilion and a variety of entertainment, the International Polo Club Palm Beach is the place to see and be seen every
Both teams led hard defensive strategies throughout the match. IMAGES COURTESY LILA PHOTO
Sunday. Whether it’s enjoying a glass of champagne, the spectacular field-side brunch, or partaking in reserved lawn seating, Wellington Kids Zone or general admission seating, IPC has something to offer every level of spectator.
For season information and tickets, visit www.international poloclub.com. Find IPC on Facebook, follow IPC on Twitter at @SundayPolo or visit www. ipcscoreboard.com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and all other polo info.
Engle, Kessler Share Win In USEF National Show Jumping Championship The 2012 USEF National Show Jumping Championships and Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games concluded last Saturday evening with an exciting fourth and final round under the lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. It was a full house of more than 7,000 spectators as veteran competitor Margie Engle and young rider Reed Kessler tied for the championship title and shared the victory gallop.
Reed Kessler and Cylana.
The competition last week was held as both the national championship and the selection trials for this summer’s Olympic Games concurrently. For the national championship, riders scores carried over through each of the four rounds of competition and $200,000 was awarded to the top 12 competitors overall. Those standings will also help to determine the long list for the riders that will compete in the Olympic Games in London this summer. Alan Wade of Ireland set the courses for all four rounds of competition held throughout the week and finished out with another great course last Saturday night. Twenty competitors returned for the final round, and just three were able to clear the course without fault. The final two horse-and-rider combinations on course last Saturday night were Engle and Indigo and Kessler and Cylana. Each came into the last round carrying cumulative scores of eight from the previous three rounds. Both pairs then had a score of four over last Saturday night’s course to finish with 12 fault totals. The riders agreed to jump their horses no further in a jump-off and share the championship honors.
In addition to her ride aboard Cylana, Kessler was the first rider to clear the course without fault with her horse Mika. Kessler and Mika carried 13 faults into the final round and kept their final score at just that. The pair finished in a three-way tie for third place overall with Mario Deslauriers and Jane F. Clark’s Urico, and Rich Fellers and Harry and Mollie Chapman’s Flexible. Kent Farrington and RCG Farm’s Uceko also jumped a clear round over last Saturday night’s course and finished on an 18 fault total to earn the fourth-place prize overall. Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ were the only other pair to clear the course. Madden and Cortes ‘C’ carried 20 faults into last Saturday night’s round and remained at that score for the overall standings. She ended up tied for the fifth-place prize with Laura Kraut and Stars and Stripes’ Teirra. Engle’s mount Indigo is a 12year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek and Gladewinds. Kessler’s mount Cylana is a 10year-old Belgian Warmblood mare. The pair has been together just five months. Prior to the trial, a full schedule
of jumper competition was held throughout the day in the International Arena. Kelsey Thatcher started out the day with a win in the Surpass Medium Amateur Owner Jumpers aboard Pony Lane Farm’s Klotaire Du Moulin. Kira Kerkorian earned a victory in the Griffis Group High Junior Jumpers riding Lisa Kerkorian’s Malcolm. Randy Levesque and his own Lyla won a class in the Masters Jumpers. Meagan Nusz then jumped to a win in the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic with Amalaya Investments’ Vesuvius. Tracy Scheriff-Muser of Wellington rode to the top of last week’s Bainbridge Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division atop her mount, Absolut. The pair scored two firsts, a second and a third over fences and finished second under saddle to capture the championship tricolor with 36 points. Reserve honors were awarded to Moshi, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood ridden by Stephanie Riggio. Riggio and her mount finished second, second, third and fourth over fences and third under saddle, earning 22 points for reserve. The winning mount, Absolut, is a 10-year-old KWPN. The dark
Margie Engle aboard Indigo. PHOTOS COURTESY SPORTFOT
grey gelding was imported by Morgan Thomas as a 5-year-old and purchased by Scheriff-Muser within a week of his arrival. Additional hunter champions last week include Right In Time, who won the 2’6” Low Hunter division, and South Hill, who topped last week’s Pre-Green 3-and-4Year-Old division. Right In Time is a 6-year-old bay Warmblood owned and shown by Elizabeth Ott, while South Hill is a 4-yearold bay Warmblood owned by
Stephen Dixon and shown by Wayne McLellen. The Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1. More than $6 million in prize money will be awarded through the circuit. For full results, visit www. showgroundslive.com. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road, Wellington. For more information, visit www.equestrian sport.com or call (561) 793-5867.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Sports Author Mike Lupica Visits Polo Park There was excitement buzzing around Polo Park Middle School earlier this month. Spring break was just around the corner, but that was not the cause of the excitement. Students and teachers got quite a surprise when they heard that middle school author and ESPN pundit Mike Lupica was visiting Polo Park to talk to students. One of Polo Park’s language arts teachers, Jennifer Sittig, discovered that one of her students knew the Lupica family; the rest is history. Language arts teachers were asked by librarian Nora Bernstein to select three students from each class to come to the media center to hear Lupica speak. Lupica told the group of excited students that he was going to talk about three things: books, sports and reading. Lupica said that back when he was a student in middle school, there was no ESPN, no Google and most tragically, there were no video games. “You might think, ‘Who wants to live in a world like that?’” Lupica said. “I’m here to tell you that there is still no technology that can
be as exciting as page 1, chapter 1, in a book. A book is a gateway to another world.” Lupica said the books he writes are not about vampires but about real boys and girls who are trying to do something great in sports. Lupica shared with the students that he gets all of his material and inspiration from his four children. One of his most popular books, Travel Team, was written after one of his sons didn’t make the basketball team because he was too short. Lupica said that his son was crushed, and as a father he knew that he had to do something about the situation. Lupica gathered together a group of other kids who didn’t quite make the cut and, “Three days later, I was faced with sheer parental insanity and a rogue seventh-grade travel team.” Lupica hired a coach, bought uniforms and got sponsors. “I wanted to give them a season,” he said passionately, still moved by the memory. Lupica said his rogue team was worse than the Bad News Bears. But the team finally started to come together. He told the play-
Berean seniors help with construction projects in Costa Rica.
Participants in New Horizons’ community assembly.
New Horizons Students Celebrate Citizenship Mike Lupica signs books for students in the media center. ers that they were playing for every boy and girl who isn’t good enough, and thankfully the team won their last game, he said. Lupica said the message he wants to send to teenagers through his books is that when you don’t make the team for one
reason or another, get back up, again and again, until you succeed. Lupica smiled at the middle schoolers and gave his best piece of advice: “The real talent is that when you get knocked down, you always get back up.” — Deborah Stern
Freshmen serve at the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles.
Berean Students Serve Here And Abroad Each year in March, the students of Berean Christian High School take a week to give back. This time of service — known to the students as “Mini-Mester” — is an event they prepare for throughout the year that allows them opportunities to learn and serve both locally and abroad as they are able. This year, a group of ninth grade students went to California where they worked in volunteer areas with
the Los Angeles ARC, nursing homes and several rescue missions for the homeless. Meanwhile, a group of juniors visited Washington, D.C., to learn about the nation’s capital and history. They met with Congressman Tom Rooney (R-District 16) and observed the U.S. House of Representative in action. Seniors at the school traveled internationally in two groups, one to Costa Rica and, for the
first time this year, the other to Africa. At these locations they were able to help build homes, learn about the region’s needs and help at various local charities. The largest group by far, however, was the one composed of the sophomores and students who elected to stay and serve locally for their week of service. These students chose to give back to their own community at
over 10 different locations, ranging from Locks of Love to Kingdom Kids Pahokee Ministries. The week of service at Berean helps students fulfill the community service requirements for graduation but is seen as a vital part of the school’s culture and curriculum as well. For more pictures and information about how the students gave back this year, visit Berean’s web site at www.bereanwpb.org.
At New Horizons Elementary School, students learn that citizenship means “working together to make our community better.” Students, staff, family and members of the community gathered for a school-wide assembly to celebrate all they do to make New Horizons and Wellington superior places in which to live, work, play and learn. Cub Scout Troop 118 presented the flag, leading students in the pledge. The New Horizons Glee Club, under the direction of music teacher Veronica Dillingham, led students in singing the national anthem. Students sang “Let’s Save the Earth,” focusing on the importance of saving resources by recycling at school and at home. Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen read a proclamation recognizing all the Village of Wellington does to make a superb community. Debbie Evans of the Wellington Tree
Board spoke about the importance of planting the trees students will receive from the village on Arbor Day. Guidance counselor Lynne Bray encouraged students to beautify the campus by picking up trash. Principal Betsy Cardozo and Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel presented certificates of thanks to Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Brett Raslowitz of ESI Footing and Graffito Restaurant for their contributions to the Great Charity Challenge benefiting the Wellington PTA/PTO. Bray honored this year’s Character Counts recipients, fifth-graders Robert Reyers, Bridget Kozlowski, Amber Letherbarrow, Alexandra Torregrosa, Roselyn Louis, Santiago Vilgre-La Madrid, Christopher Conlin, Sophia Mecca, Lucie Valdov, Alison MacCloud and Katie Tolman with special plaques.
TKA To Present ‘Les Miserables’ April 12-21 The King’s Academy Theatre Company will present a 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical Les Misérables April 12-21, with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Show times are 7 p.m. April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, and 1 p.m. April 14 and 21. This soaring musical score will come to life on a majestic set installed on the King’s stage straight from New York’s Broadway production. The TKA production of Les
Misérables will feature senior Cameron Sharrock, a winner in Junior Achievement’s Watch a Rising Star, as Jean Valjean, as well as an outstanding supporting cast all slated to compete in New York City later this year on the stage of the New Amsterdam Theatre. The King’s Academy is located at 8401 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. Tickets cost $25 for VIP orchestra seating, $20 for center seating and $15 for reserved seating. Reserved tickets can be ordered online at www.tkafinearts.net or by calling (888) 718-4253.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
P.B. Dramaworks Hosts ‘Hot Night In Havana’ Anniversary Celebration Even the traffic slowed down on busy Okeechobee Blvd., when more than 200 guests were spotted “conga-lining” up the red carpet at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion on Saturday, March 17. Dubbed “A Hot Night in Havana at the Tropicana,” it was an evening of dining and dazzling dancing in celebration and support of West Palm Beach’s only professional theater company, Palm Beach Dramaworks. Co-chaired by Jan Willinger and Don and Linda Silpe, the evening’s Latin tone was set from the start
when cocktails were served in an amazing garden setting recreating the famous Cuban outdoor nightclub. Planned by noted designer Peter Rogers, gasps were heard as the tropically clad guests moved into the grand ballroom, which was transformed into the legendary nightclub complete with countless ceiling-high royal palms and exotic flowers — even native birds. The evening continued with Producing Artistic Director William Hayes inviting Palm Beach Dramaworks Board Chair Mark Perlberg to the stage, and both
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY TOURS WPB
honored longtime supporter Ed Ricci with the fifth annual Shelly Award, an award dedicated to an individual who made an extraordinary commitment to developing and supporting the theater community in South Florida. Live music by the Grammy Award winner “Tomasito” Cruz and his critically acclaimed Salsa/Tropical Rhythms Orchestra and Stage Show had guests toe-tapping and shaking maracas while being enthralled by the breathtaking nightclub setting, glowing in shades of tropical gold and green light, with tables topped with prize-winning sky-high birds of paradise. Sponsors were graciously acknowledged by Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl. The Silpes and Jan Willinger also welcomed the guests and thanked their Gala Committee, including Calla and Ralph Guild, Roy Bartolomei and Peter Wronsky, Penny and Mitchell Beers, Susan Bloom, Ann and Don Brown, Peter Cromarty, Esther and Sidney Dinerstein, Hermine Drezner and Jan Winkler, PNC Bank, Daphne and Robert Fessler, Mimi and Alec
Flamm, Beth and Mark Goldberg, Kelly and Michael Gottlieb, Roe Green, Lois and Allan Hutensky, the Northern Trust Company, Dorothy Lappin, Sidney Lesowitz and Peter Rogers, Mary Lupo and Ed Ricci, Zelda and Allen Mason, Pamela and Brian McIver, Marilyn Meyerhoff, Diane and Mark Perlberg, Stephanie and John Pew, Marsha and Stephen Rabb, Ann Marie and Peter Rezzonico, Linda and Jay Rosenkranz, Shari Santell, Marlene and Martin Silver, Selma and Joseph Sitrick, David Veselsky and Kenneth Elias, and Shelia and Larry Wilensky. Then the music and dancing really started under the incredible eye of the endearingly loved and celebrated “Tomasito” Cruz. Cited as one of the top percussionists in the world, he is a noted singer/songwriter and presented a unique show, full of Cuban flavor and Latin jazz fusion. A sumptuous dinner followed, catered by Special Impressions, featuring a Cuban-inspired menu. For more information about Palm Beach Dramaworks, visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.
Event co-chairs Jan Willinger and Don and Linda Silpe.
Honorary chairs Ralph and Calla Guild.
Ann and Don Brown. PHOTOS BY ALICIA DONELAN
Dillon Smith Graduates From Navy Basic Training Members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 went on a fascinating historic trolley tour of downtown West Palm Beach on St. Patrick’s Day. They later met with other members for the traditional corned beef and cabbage meal in Royal Palm Beach. Shown above are Unit 367 members on the trolley.
Navy Seaman Dillon Smith, son of Shari Reid of Carrollton, Ga., and Michael Smith of Wellington, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Smith completed a variety of train-
ing, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and 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 practi-
cal 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. Smith is a 2010 graduate of Central High School in Carrollton, Ga.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Swindler, Whelihan Nominated For EWPB Women In Leadership Awards Wellington physician Maureen Whelihan and Royal Palm Beach resident Julie Swindler, CEO of Families First of Palm Beach County, have been nominated for the 2012 Women in Leadership Awards presented by Executive Women of the Palm Beaches (EWPB). Twenty-six women from all walks of life, professions and avocations have been nominated for the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches 2012 Women in Leadership Awards. Recipients in each of three community sectors — volunteer, public and private — will be announced May 3 at EWPB’s Women in Leadership Awards Luncheon at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The keynote speaker will be announced in April. Nominated in the private sector, Whelihan, a gynecologist, is only the fourth woman to serve as president of the Palm Beach Coun-
ty Medical Society. She was a cofounder of the society’s Services Project Access, which coordinates voluntary physician and hospital care, diagnostic services and medication assistance for low-income residents. Since 2005, Project Access has donated more than $8 million in care to help more than 5,500 residents. Since 1992 Swindler, a nominee in the public sector, has been CEO for Families First of Palm Beach County. She has served on the board of the Glades Initiative since 2002, and is an executive committee and founding member of the nonprofit chamber of commerce. She sits on the board of the United Way of Palm Beach County and most recently developed a partnership with Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches to bring a permanent supportive housing project to the Glades.
Other nominees include: • Volunteer Sector — Yvonne S. Boice, Boca Raton; Dorothy Bradshaw, West Palm Beach; Linda Coffin, Hypoluxo; Barbara Golden, Palm Beach Gardens; Laura Kerr, Jupiter; Karen G. List, West Palm Beach; Jean Deyermond Meisenzahl, West Palm Beach; Anka Palitz, Palm Beach; and Lois Pope, Delray Beach. • Private Sector — Charlotte Danciu, Delray Beach; Kelley Dunn, West Palm Beach; Lynda J. Harris, West Palm Beach; Liz Quirantes, Jupiter; Linda Spielmann, Boca Raton; Jill Weiss, Palm Beach Gardens; and Adrianne Weissman, Jupiter. • Public Sector — Claudia Barto, West Palm Beach; Rena Blades, North Palm Beach; Janice Cover, Lake Worth; Sharyn Hancock, Lake Worth; Roberta Jurney, Palm Beach Gardens; Terry Lee Kaly,
Palm Beach Gardens; Kimberly McCarten, Palm Beach Gardens; and Suzanne Turner, West Palm Beach. Executive Women’s mission is to promote the professional and personal advancement of women through networking and resource sharing, and by helping them develop and realize their potential as leaders. The awards have been presented annually since 1984 to honor women whose talents and qualities have an impact in their business and charitable activities. They may be unsung heroes who give extraordinary effort to worthy causes, entrepreneurs who translate their enthusiasm and concepts into successful businesses, or public servants who understand the meaning of service and deliver it with pride and excellence.
Maureen Whelihan
Julie Swindler
Proceeds from the luncheon benefit EWPB’s scholarship and grant programs that are administered through its charitable foundation, Executive Women Outreach.
For information regarding sponsorship opportunities to support those programs or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, call (561) 6849117, e-mail info@ewpb.org or visit www.ewpb.org.
P.W. Presbyterian Church Welcomes New Pastor
Tom Dinges and Joseph Diasio display the cobia.
RPB’s Joseph Diasio Catches ‘The Big One’ Royal Palm Beach resident Tom Dinges took his neighbors’ son, Joseph Diasio, fishing to the Juno Pier on Monday, March 19. It was the first day of Diasio’s spring break from Royal Palm Beach Elementary School, where he currently attends the fifth grade and is 11 years old. When they got to the pier, they were fishing for less than two min-
utes when Diasio hooked into a 45 lb., 4-foot-long cobia. He was using a live shrimp on a 2 oz. egg sinker with a 3/0 circle hook. (Most cobias caught off the pier are usually visually spotted, which may take hours, and large lures are cast in front of them.) With help from Dinges and a few other pier participants, Diasio was able to claim “the one that did not get away.”
The Rev. William Ruffin Stepp has joined Palms West Presbyterian Church as its new permanent pastor. Stepp was born into the household of a devout Presbyterian family in Alabama in the early 1970s. After a couple of spirit-inspired moves, Stepp spent his formative years attending Memorial Presbyterian Church in West Palm Beach, where his father Bill was the pastor. Stepp earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and minor in business administration from the University of Central Florida, and his master’s of divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Stepp’s leadership skills were
honed in the United States Marine Corps as a non-commissioned officer earning the coveted title of Aviation Ordnance Marine of the Year in 1993. He served families of faith in Pennsylvania, California and Florida as director of youth ministries, and minister of word and sacrament. Stepp is a sought-after teacher known for interpreting scriptures and issues in humorous ways everyone can grasp. While overseeing Ministry to Families with Children at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice, Fla., the ministry grew from five individual children to serving 200-plus. Stepp initiated dynamic partnerships with local, domestic and international Christian missions. His passion
and training lie in identifying, equipping and empowering church leadership for sustainable, vibrant and growing future ministry. Stepp is married to his wife Melanie, and they have three children: Kathryn, 9; William, 6; and James, 3. Stepp’s hobbies include spending time with his family, studying, fishing and intercessory prayer for the Miami Dolphins. Stepp will be preaching his first of numerous sermons at Palms West Presbyterian Church at all three services on Easter Sunday. The church is located at 13689 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For additional information, call (561) 7956292.
Rev. William Ruffin Stepp
Darren Clarke Finishes Air Force Basic Training
an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force. Clarke is the son of Errol Clarke of Wellington.
During basic military training, Wakeel received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons qualification, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army doctrine, history, principles and traditions. During AIT, Wakeel completed the military police specialist course to acquire skills to provide combat area support, conduct battlefield circulation control, area security, prisoner-ofwar operations, civilian internee operations and law-and-order operations. Wakeel performed as a team
member in support of battlefield operations, installation law and order operations, and security of Army resources and installations. Additional training included providing peacetime support to the military community through security of resources, crime-prevention programs, and preservation of law and order. Wakeel is the son of Imad Wakeel Sr. of Decatur, Ga., and Rasheedah Guyden of Wellington. He is a 2011 graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur.
Air Force Reserve Airman Darren Clarke has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Clarke completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward
Ibrahim Wakeel Graduates Army OSUT Training Army National Guard Pvt. Ibrahim Wakeel has graduated from One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Mo., which included basic military training and advanced individual training (AIT).
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NEWS
Lake Worth Reggae Fest This Weekend Lake Worth’s 14th annual Reggae Fest is back. The event, which closes down Bryant Park, is scheduled for Saturday, March 31 from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, April 1 from noon to 7 p.m. The festival features two days of the best reggae music in South Florida, with performances by recording artists Maxi Priest and Inner Circle, plus many other band members of the Reggae Wave Project, including the Resolvers, Roots Shakedown, Fourth Dimension and Jahfe. “This event is truly a collaboration of many individuals,” said Jaene Miranda, CEO of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber. “It is only with the support of the City of Lake Worth, our board of directors and staff, along with a very dedicated group of committee members and area sponsors that we were able to make it all come together.” Bryant Park is located on the corner of Lake Avenue and Golfview Road (on the Intracoastal) in the City of Lake Worth. The Bryant Park boat ramp will be closed during the festival. Admission on Saturday costs $10 until 6 p.m. and increases to $15 after 6 p.m. On Sunday, the cost is $10 all day. For more information on Reggae Fest, visit www.lwreggaefest. com.
Donnally
Pafford Challenge
continued from page 1 people must have a choice,” Donnally said. Donnally is business administrator at EBC Ministries in Greenacres, where her husband is minister and president. They have a 29year-old daughter. Donnally holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in religious education from Evangelical Bible College & Seminary. Donnally is a Republican committeewoman and president of the Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County. In her previous campaign, she focused on economic issues, but also espoused conservative positions on a number of social issues, such as abortion and immigration. A resident of Winston Trails, Donnally said she currently lives outside District 86, but “by a stone’s throw.” She plans to move. “We haven’t started looking yet, but we understand that we have to move; that’s the reality when you win that seat,” she said. “You have to live in the district, so we’re moving. We’re going to look
Library
Grand Opening
continued from page 1 materials for checkout or reference. “We have 74 word processing and Internet computers that will be available to the public,” she said. Fifty-four will be in the adult area, eight in the teen area and 12 in youth services. “We have a designated teen area and a children’s youth services area. We have several meeting spaces,” she said. The meeting rooms will be available for use by public and nonprofit groups. “We will have four checkout machines that the public can use, and we have a horse walking trail right in front of the building with two hitching posts,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the horses.” Arthay said the grand opening will include a day of music, magicians and refreshments. “I invite you all to attend and help us celebrate,” she said. Speakers will include Callahan, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone and Library Advisory Board Chairman Bill Rautenberg. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Boy Scout Troop 105. After the ceremony, there will be a full day of activities for the entire family. Photos will be taken with library mascot Dewey the Owl; bluegrass band Untold Riches performs at 11 a.m.; Karl Koppertop’s Balloon Fun takes place at 2 p.m.; and Karl Koppertop’s Magic Show is at 3 p.m. Children’s craft making and video games for teens will be avail-
Chamber
Installation Luncheon
continued from page 3 worked closely with Wellington staff to help bring business to the area as well as support existing businesses, Stone said. “We’ve had a great collaboration,” he said, “especially with the medical arts district.” Stone urged chamber members to stick together to promote business in Wellington.
Inner Circle is one of several acts performing at Reggae Fest.
912 Group Anniversary South Florida 912 will celebrate its third anniversary Saturday, March 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at McKenna’s Place (5283 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres). Dennis Lipp will be master of ceremonies. CongressmanAllen West (R-District 22), ACORN whistleblower Anita MonCrief and other public figures will be attending. Entertainment will be provided by Ivory Jim and Loreen, and the Patriotic Singers. McKenna’s full menu will be available for purchase, and it will
be first-come, first-served. The event will also be a fundraiser for upcoming 2012 election education events, so a $5 donation is suggested. Those who donate will get a raffle ticket to enter a drawing for a “patriot pack.” Tshirts will be on sale. The charity of the month will be New Beginnings Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to bring dry goods and get an extra raffle ticket for free. For more information, visit www.southflorida912.org or email info@southflorida912.org.
around and see what’s available.” Although she lost to Abruzzo in 2010, she said she feels she gained recognition from that race. “I do think I’ll have better name recognition because of the good race that we ran last time,” she said. “I did spend a lot of time in Wellington. Once again, Wellington is a major part of the district. It does go into Royal Palm Beach this time, and a lot of developments along Okeechobee Blvd., but a big chunk of it is Wellington.” Donnally stressed that she plans to run a clean campaign focused on the issues. “I would love to have another good race, and like I said, it’s what our country’s about, so people can choose,” she said. “If you have just one person, it’s not much of a race. Because I do believe in running a clean race, I hope that after the election in November, Mark Pafford and I will part friends, just as Joe Abruzzo and I parted friends at the conclusion of the 2010 race.” Pafford said that he is aware that Donnally will be running and looks forward to the campaign. “I met her a couple of times,” Pafford said. “She’s a nice person. She’s got her views on things, and obviously she wouldn’t be run-
ning against me if our views were the same. I think it will be a good opportunity for me to talk about the last four years and what I’ve done.” Pafford noted that he has never had to run in a general election but was challenged by Wellington businessman Ron Miranda in a 2010 Democratic primary. “She’s in it, so we’ll have a race,” Pafford said. “Like I said, she’s a very nice person, and I’m sure it’ll be a good race.”
able throughout the day. The new library provides residents with access to books, information and computers, as well as entertaining and educational programs. The 100,000 items available to check out will be in a variety of formats, including books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and e-books. Free wireless access will be available throughout the building. The large meeting room accommodates 165 people. A small conference room accommodates eight people, and there is a separate room for children’s programs. The branch also has four quiet study rooms and a larger group study room. There are two areas designed for children and young adults with computers and materials selected especially for them. Study carrels and comfortable seating areas are located throughout the branch. The Acreage library is the first LEED-certified county building. Some of the features that qualified
the branch for this designation are parking spaces for alternative-energy vehicles; hitching posts and bicycle spaces; water-efficient landscaping; plumbing systems that use less water; reduced construction waste; use of recycled materials in the construction; and use of low-emitting paint, carpeting, adhesives and composite wood. The branch also features Art in Public Places, titled “Productive Light,” which incorporates “green” education and design elements. A suspended orange tree light sculpture, designed by Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan, utilizes solar power and includes an interactive panel, orange bar code windows and an educational booklet. The art pays homage to the historic orange groves of The Acreage. The architect was Slattery & Associates, construction by Catalfumo Construction Inc. and design by inDesign Inc.
Tami Donnally
Computer kiosks in the main area of the library. “I think the chamber has to stick together to represent the businesses and make things happen,” he said. “I know the new board will work very hard to make sure your voices are heard and to represent you.” The chamber also awarded its 2012 Business Excellence Award to IberiaBank, and its Emerging Business Award to Your Computer Guy. Next up, the chamber will host Flavors of Wellington on Friday, April 13. For more information, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
Hand Count
Several File Court Cases
continued from page 1 took 2,956 votes (51.85 percent) to Hostetler’s 2,745 votes (48.15 percent). And for Seat 4, incumbent Willhite had the highest winning margin of any race — 3,341 votes (58.07 percent) to Paglia’s 2,412 votes (41.93 percent). Kurtz said the canvassing board could certify the March 19 recount results or ask for a manual recount. “I believe if this board wanted to order a recount [you] could,” he said. “There has been considerable public comment to have a hand recount of the ballots to confirm the results.” Spillias told the board that he would suggest Bucher seek action for declaratory relief from the court to be sure she is within legal bounds. “I would advise her to file, so a judge could rule whether she could do so,” Spilias said. Councilman Howard Coates, a member of the canvassing board, asked whether the voting software had been corrected between the time the audit discovered there was a problem with the initial tallies and the machine recount ordered last Monday. Bucher said it had been. Coates further asked whether the supervisor thought the results of a hand recount would differ from the machine recount. “No,” she said. “The audit came back 100 percent. The audit is hand-counted.” But Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, one of the canvassing board members who discovered the initial error, pointed out that the same race and precinct were audited twice. Bucher said it was a random occurrence. “We have stacks of ballot cards from every precinct and every race,” she said. “It happens your councilwoman chose Precinct 6138 on Monday. We put all the cards back in the box, and it happens that we chose the same precinct. However, the counting team in the morning and in the evening was completely different.” Several members of the canvassing board were concerned with the software that caused the error, but Coates said that was not the board’s problem. “What we have to ask is, ‘Have
OIG Funding
Taxing District?
continued from page 1 manage their budgets and everyone would agree that it’s legal,” she said. Assistant County Attorney Leonard Berger said the charter amendment asked the voters whether the inspector general’s office would be financed by all the government entities involved. “Being funded is something different from having a contract fee that is purely a county contract fee that the cities only collect on our behalf, leaving the rest of operations of the office for the county alone to fund,” Berger said. “I think that’s the difference, and I’m not sure if there is a way to get around that difference here. We will not be able to say how much the county is going to be able to look for every year to meet that budget.” McKenna agreed. “There is no ability for the municipality to come to you and say, ‘The budget’s too high this year; we can’t pay that, we have other challenges going on,’” she said. “If you try and create a model where the municipalities have no say in what their budget is going to look like, that’s a serious legal problem.” County Commission Chair Shelley Vana said that the county must not have control over the inspector general. “It was written every which way but loose to say the county commission will in no way, including budget-wise, control,” she said. “[The voters] said that an independent inspector general will be funded by all these folks, including everyone at this table.” West Palm Beach Commissioner Keith James asked whether there is a finite number so the entities would be in a better position to manage their budgets that would not be subject to arbitrary changes, and whether they would
Former County Commissioner Ken Adams swears in the new board.
the results presented to us by the Supervisor of Election been corrected?’” he said. “Everything I’m hearing tonight says that they have.” Coates initially motioned to certify the most recent results and seat Margolis, Greene and Willhite for Tuesday’s council meeting. But no other members of the board seconded the motion, eliciting jeers from the audience. Coates amended his motion to certify the March 19 results subject to a hand recount. After some confusion, he clarified that once the recount was completed, an automatic certification would occur, negating the need for another meeting. But Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore was concerned. “If we certify it automatically and there is a change,” he asked, “what can of worms are we opening?” Kurtz explained that only if the hand recount shows that Margolis, Greene and Willhite were the winners would the automatic certification be triggered. “The certification only becomes effective if the recount confirms [last] Monday’s tally,” he said. The motion passed 4-0 despite protests from the crowd, which called for the new board members to be seated immediately. Paglia said he thought the decision was fair, but he was unsure whether the board has the authority to order a hand recount. “I don’t know if they have the legal ability to order a hand count,” he said. “The contract the village has with [Bucher] says that she has the ability to certify elections.” Hostetler said she supported the board’s decision. “I think the voters deserve confirmation that who is seated are the winners,” she said, “so as a village we can move forward.” On Wednesday, several Wellington residents filed a lawsuit asking for a court order to speed up the recount. Margolis and Greene, along with seven Wellington voters who supported Greene, Willhite and Margolis, filed lawsuits asking the court for an immediate order to hold a manual recount. Margolis said he understood the board’s decision but wanted to see the votes recounted soon so Wellington can move on. “I’m disappointed in the outcome, but I understand,” he said. “If that’s what the canvassing
Protestors gathered outside the municipal complex. board wants, that’s OK. Let’s get it over with as soon as possible.” Greene agreed. “I’m fine with [the recount],” he said. “I think it will bring closure to it.” He added, however, that he doesn’t want to see the process dragged out. “If the canvassing board wants a hand recount,” Greene said, “we’re not just going to sit on our hands and wait.” The election debacle has been to court once already this week. On Monday, March 26, Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Robin Rosenberg denied a request for an injunction to prevent the canvassing board from certifying the March 19 results. The motion for injunction was requested by voters Gaye Scarpara and Kathy Foster to prevent the board from certifying anything but the originally announced results of the March 13 election. Foster served as Wellington’s first mayor. Kurtz told Rosenberg that he felt the injunction was preemptive, as the election results had not been certified yet. “The canvassing board is charged with certifying the election results,” he said. “I think that we should allow the administrative board to make their decision before we begin the process.” Kurtz said Monday that he was unable to speculate what the outcome of the Tuesday meeting would be, noting that they may choose to go to the court for advice. “They should be allowed to do what they are tasked with,” Kurtz said. But attorney Glen Burhans, representing Scarpa and Foster, said that the canvassing board’s certifying of the election would be considered an illegal act. “The results have already been certified,” he said. “If anything, we should maintain the status quo. There is a process, and we are already in it.” Rosenberg ultimately decided to let the canvassing board meet and make its decision.
be willing to fund above 0.25 percent. Santamaria said that the grand jury report stated that the 0.25 percent was to come from vendors’ contracts, not from the taxpayers. “That’s what the taxpayers expect,” he said. “The one-fourth of a percent is minuscule.” McKenna told Santamaria that all the municipalities represented agree with him. “We are absolutely open to charging 0.25 percent to our contractors,” she said. “That’s exactly what our proposal says.” Berger said the county has followed the Miami-Dade model of collecting 0.25 percent, noting that it did not defray all of the cost. “There would be a gap here that we would have to pay out of our general fund, and that is where our concern is,” he said. County Commissioner Burt Aaronson said the county has no more control over the inspector general’s budget than the municipalities do. “The voters by 72 percent said all of you stay the hell out of it and let the inspector general run the show,” he said. “I’m willing to go with what the voters want… Each municipality may want to do it their own way, but at the end of the day, whatever the shortfall is, it should be done on a per capita basis with the county and the cities.” Torcivia said he had been listening to the comments and felt the only solution was to get the county and the municipalities out of the equation. “Has anybody thought of just simply going back to the voters and saying, ‘If the inspector general is to be truly independent, let them get their own funding source, one-tenth of one mil, or whatever the number needs to be for their budget, and let them levy their own tax,’” Torcivia said. “There’s no confusion with the county or with the cities. If the people want to be taxed by the inspector general, let them be taxed. If they don’t, then
they won’t, and there won’t be an inspector general’s office.” Jupiter Mayor Karen Golonka favored the idea. “I like that suggestion very much,” she said. “I’d definitely support that.” Golonka also suggested that for the short term, the municipalities come up with whatever is necessary to finance the office. “Without a separate funding source, it’s going to be a couple of years before we know where it’s going, and it will have to be a vehicle that is amenable to how we cover that,” she said. County Attorney Denise Nieman said that in her mind, a special taxing district had always been the ultimate solution. “The big ‘tax’ word is what scares people from it, and I understand that, but it depends on how the legislation would be drafted, and that would have to come from Tallahassee creating a special act,” she said. Jupiter Councilman Todd Wodraska, whose company manages special taxing districts, said there might be a way of creating such a district through the county, rather than through the state. “There’s a lot of options to be able to do this,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to go to Tallahassee. It doesn’t necessarily have to go to referendum.” Torcivia pointed out that the purpose of the meeting was mediation to try to settle the lawsuit. “Lawsuits are only good for lawyers,” he said. “My suggestion is that the cities might be a little more amenable to a voluntary contribution if there is going to be a consensus that jointly, all 38 cities and the county commission will [get] behind this concept of a special district and work together, and only one year of having to share this pain.” By consensus, the participants agreed to continue mediation to work toward a special taxing district and work out a short-term solution to finance the Office of Inspector General.
The 2012-13 Wellington Chamber Board of Directors.
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NEWS
SPRING GARAGE SALE RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS EXPO CENTER The Spring Garage Sale & Flea Market was held Saturday, March 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. More than 100 vendor s were on hand, selling old and new items. For more information about events at the expo center, visit www.southfloridafair.com. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Het and Amunra Heru of Cultural Kreationz sell imported and handmade items from exotic locations.
Sally Edwards and Kamir and Ayla Jones sell cookies for Girl Scout Troop 20702.
Stacey Chandler, Carole Grace and Barbara Smolkovic of Chic Boutique.
Dave Kingsley sells an array of crystal, glass and old china.
Barbara Meyers shows some toys to Pam, Taylor and Dalton Abbott.
Geri Oborne and Chloe and Donna Schwartz with Princess browse the booths.
Annual Audit Looks Good For Indian Trail Improvement District The Indian Trail Improvement District has announced its financial audit results for the Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011 fiscal year. Rampell & Rampell conducted the annual audit of ITID’s financial statements. The report expressed an unqualified opinion, which indicates that the financial statements prepared by district management fairly presented the financial position of ITID for the year. Additionally, the audit firm had no management letter comments or recommendations for improvement. This is the first year that ITID received a report with no management letter comments. The auditors worked with ITID’s
Finance Department staff: Finance Director Emily Poundstone, Assistant Finance Director Donald Rinzel and Procurement Director Gustof James Shallman. Poundstone prepared ITID’s financial statements as part of the audit process. “We’re very pleased to report that we have successfully completed the audit of ITID’s Fiscal Year 2010-11 financial statements,” Rampell & Rampell Principal Deborah Diaz said. “There have been significant improvements in the financial management processes of the district, as well as enhanced compliance with policies and procedures.”
ITID President Michelle Damone said the audit report is a good sign for the district. “A positive financial review indicates that we are going in the right direction and serving our constituents in a fiscally responsible and ethical manner, especially in these economic times,” Damone said. The Indian Trail Improvement District is an independent special district created by the Florida Legislature in 1957 that provides drainage, roads and parks to residents in The Acreage. Rampell & Rampell is one of Palm Beach County’s oldest and most respected accounting firms.
For 52 years, Rampell & Rampell has been offering traditional audit and tax services and a wide range of specialized business advisory services to the public and private sectors, including publicly traded companies, closely held businesses, famous artists, governmental entities, local municipalities and not-for-profit organizations. The audit is available on ITID’s web site at www.indiantrail.com. (Right) Director of Procurement Gustof James Shallman, Assistant Finance Director Donald Rinzel, District Administrator Tanya Quickel and Finance Director Emily Poundstone.
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NEWS
Cornelia Guest Addresses PWCF Women In Business Luncheon The Palms West Community Foundation welcomed fashion icon Cornelia Guest as speaker at its Women in Business luncheon Thursday, March 15 at the Players Club in Wellington. Guest imparted how she turned her passion for animals and her vegan lifestyle into a profitable business. Guest produces vegan chocolate chip cookies and has launched a new line of must-have cruelty-free handbags. Guest is the author of the upcoming book, Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures: Healthy Seasonal Cooking and Easy Entertaining. Guest
shared anecdotes and stories with the crowd of 100 lunch-goers. “I am lucky that I have found my passion because if I didn’t love it, then I could not live and breathe it every day,” Guest said. “When starting a business, you need to know that you are going to work so hard, because all you can do is put effort into everything. I used to work every day and every weekend, but I soon realized that I couldn’t do that anymore. Now, by 7:30 every night my gadgets are turned off so that I can rest my brain and step away.” Daughter of American fashion
icon C.Z. Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Guest was named by Donna Karan as one of the “Women Who Inspire.” She also serves on the mayoral-appointed Grow NYC Board. Guest is an advocate for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and hosted their New York flagship event with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Guest has focused her notoriety, media attention and professional contacts to support a cause near and dear to her heart, the Humane Society of New York. Her company makes delicious, vegan cook-
ies, and a new line of beautiful, soft faux leather, “cruelty-free” bags. Staying true to her core beliefs has been the differentiator for her success. Guest offered some words of advice. “Find your passion and stick with it,” she said. “This is what gets me out of bed in the morning, and when you have something that motivates you so strongly. To me women are ageless, and when you have confidence and elegance, it keeps you going. Unfortunately, our insecurities are ageless, too, so the more confidence
you have, the more enjoyable your life is going to be.” A prize drawing included treatments at Sanda Gané European Day Spa in Wellington, botox treatments from Dr. Itzhak Nir and four complimentary brunch tickets for Sunday polo at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The Palms West Chamber Foundation Women in Business Luncheon was sponsored by Phelps Media Group and the Players Club. The luncheon series is sponsored by Iberia Bank. For more about Cornelia Guest, visit www.corneliaguest.com.
Cornelia Guest addresses the luncheon audience.
Julie Pickens and Pamela Allardice.
Visse Wedell and Kim Jacobs.
Julie Tannehill, Mason Phelps, Maggie Zeller and Maureen Gross.
PWCF Stiletto Awards April 12
MORALES FAMILY WELCOMES BABY
RPB VILLAGE COUNCIL HONORS JOANN ROWE
The Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activities Club held a surprise party for Facility Supervisor Carlos Morales and his wife Yvette on Thursday, March 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center to welcome their daughter Marlena, who was born Feb. 10. The seniors presented the couple with cards and gifts, as well as an ice cream cake. Shown above are Cultural Center staff members with the Morales family. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
During a Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting Thursday, March 15, retiring Recreation Program Director JoAnn Rowe was honored for her many years of work with the village. Shown above, Mayor Matty Mattioli presents Rowe with a certificate of appreciaPHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER tion.
The Palms West Community Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2012 Women of the Year Stiletto Awards. These awards are given to three outstanding leaders in the business community, who either live and/or work in central Palm Beach County. “We are looking for women who have become a leader in the business community and, in the process, have helped to strengthen and enrich the quality of life in central Palm Beach County by helping to advance the educational, cultural and economic interests of the community,” said Maureen Gross, Palms West Community Foundation director of development. The Stiletto Awards will be given to one woman from each of the following segments of the business community: entrepreneur,
corporate and nonprofit/education, at the annual Stiletto Awards Luncheon held Thursday, April 12 at Breakers West Country Club. If you know of someone who fits this description, help by nominating them for the 2012 Stiletto Award and recognizing them for all that they do for the community. Information about the Stiletto Awards can be found by visiting the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce web site at www.cpbchamber.com and clicking on the red stiletto logo on the right-hand side. Tickets are available for purchase online and cost $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Nomination forms and sponsorship opportunities are also available online. Contact Gross at maureen@ palmswest.com or (561) 790-6200 for nomination or sponsorship information.
PHOTOS BY CARRIE WIRTH
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Come celebrate the last
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS event of the season during the
$500,000
All photos © ManciniPhotos
FTI CONSULTING FINALE GRAND PRIX
Saturday, March 31,2012 at 6:00PM
Enjoy street performers, kids carnival, and multiple dining options while watching Grand Prix and Olympic horses and riders compete for their share of the
$500,000 IN PRIZE MONEY Free general admission. $20 Parking. VIP and box seating available. For tickets, information, and a complete schedule:
WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM
561.793.5867 annette@equestriansport.com
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • 3400 Equestrian Club Road • Wellington, Florida
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Emily Abbate Hosting Western Dressage Clinic April 7
Emily Abbate will be offering a western dressage clinic at her Loxahatchee Groves farm Saturday, April 7, from 9 until whenever. Halfhour private sessions cost $50, there’ll be a mock show at the end of the day, and auditors are free. Learn more about this unique discipline. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25
March 30 - April 5, 2012 Page 23
WHS, PBCHS Compete In Lacrosse Tournament
The Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse teams participated in the Spring Break Classic on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at Boca Raton High School. The Wolverines lost to Boca Raton but defeated Palm Beach Gardens. The Broncos lost to Gardens and Boca. Page 39
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business Realtor Steve Bate Has An Extensive Background And Good Connections
Rock and Roll Real Estate is a new company with experienced agents. Owned by business savvy real estate expert Steve Bate, who has been in the Florida real estate industry for 10 years, the firm’s goal is to transform the local real estate industry. One of his many claims to fame is that Bate is a friend and neighbor of Rob Van Winkle, better known as rapper/musician Vanilla Ice. This led Bate to take part in the DIY Network Show The Vanilla Ice Project. Page 27
Sports PBC Mounted Posse Hosts A Benefit Barrel Show At Brandon Center
The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held its March Madness Benefit & Fundraiser 5D Barrel Show Sunday, March 25 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The show was a benefit for Kim Kinsey, who was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It offered Open and Youth Barrels as well as a Futurity class. Page 39
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................25-26 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 34 SPORTS & RECREATION........................39-42 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................44-45 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................46-50
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FEATURES
Emily Abbate To Offer Western Dressage Clinic April 7 Emily Abbate will be offering a western dressage clinic at her Loxahatchee Groves farm Saturday, April 7, from 9 until whenever. Her farm is on the north side of Collecting Canal Road, the second house west of F Road. Halfhour private sessions cost $50, there’ll be a mock show at the end of the day, and auditors are free. Abbate has been riding and training for more than 20 years. She saddle-broke her first pony when she was 8 and has been riding ever since. For more than 10 years, she worked with George Williams and Conrad Schumacher, competing in many international dressage shows. Abbate’s strong suit and passion goes beyond merely showing. She loves developing horses in a variety of disciplines, including reining, pleasure and, of course, dressage. Recently, she’s become interested in a relatively new hybrid: western dressage. “I was attending the World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park,” she recalled. “They presented a western dressage demonstration. It looked really neat. I contacted the Western Dressage Association and became a registered clinician, which allows me to work closely with the association to help educate and broaden people’s knowledge about western dressage. They help me spread 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 the word that dressage benefits all horses and riders, and I send them new members.” Abbate likes many things about this unique discipline. “It makes dressage a lot more accessible to a wider group of riders,” she said. “It’s a somewhat untraditional route to a very traditional and classical form of horsemanship. It’s also a lot easier on people’s pocketbooks. When you think of dressage, you think of something kind of expensive and high-end: pricey imported horses, fancy tack, special clothes. With western dressage, you ride whatever horse you’ve got using whatever tack you own. That’s a lot more practical and doable for many horse owners.” This will be the first in a series of clinics that Abbate plans to hold on the first full weekend of each month, the weekends after the Posse shows. She’ll also be conducting a clinic at the Acreage Horseman’s show at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park in May or June. This will be a free clinic for any of the show participants. “Riders can bring any sort of horse at all to the clinics, riding with their normal tack,” Ab-
bate said. “They should wear a neat turnout, and helmets are required. I want to stress that everyone’s welcome, regardless of their riding experience or their horse’s training level. If you’re a rank beginner, if your horse is green as grass, if you’re someone who just rides pleasure or trails and want to explore something new, this is a great place to start. You must be able to walk and trot safely on your own, and there’s no age limit — kids and adults are all welcome to participate.” Abbate will work on a specific problem you may be experiencing with your horse, or just general training. “I specialize in helping young or troubled horses,” she said. “I can aid with spooky young horses or bored older ones, help with transitions, or give you ideas to make your horse more confident and supple. You can also ride a test and prepare for a western dressage class.” Dressage can help any horse and any rider get better, no matter what discipline you ride, Abbate said. “This clinic is a great place to learn more about it in a very low-stress atmosphere,” she said. “It will be educational and fun. The goal of western dressage is to give riders the ability to make their backyard horses as good as they can be.” Pat Sanet has been riding with Emily for more than two years. “I’m learning western dressage with K.C., my 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare,” Sanet said. “I did some barrel racing, but now I ride pleasure. Western dressage is all about the
basics, which you use no matter what kind of riding you do: getting your horse to move off your legs and seat, collection, forward movement. It brings you closer to your horse and makes your hands lighter. You also get a pretty good workout. It’s actually a lot of fun, relaxing and enjoyable.” Sanet is enjoying her work with Abbate. “It’s kinda hard to explain. You have to watch it to get into it. I’ve been around a lot of different trainers, and Emily’s special. She’s good with people and horses, very knowledgeable and kind, and she has a lot of patience,” Sanet said. “I’m definitely going to the clinic, and I think it would be a great opportunity for a lot of other riders.” Lisa Perrotta is also planning to attend. She rescues horses and currently has nine. She’s bringing Champ, a 6-year-old Percheron-Thoroughbred cross. “I’m looking forward to it,” Perrotta said. “It’ll be my first western dressage clinic. I ride English, mostly jumpers. I’ve been friends with Emily for three years. She’s helped me out tremendously with some of my rescues.” The idea of western dressage fascinates her. “I like the idea of putting two very different disciplines together, western and dressage,” Perrotta said. “Especially with a rescue, I think the more a horse can do, especially if he’s happy with his job, the easier it’ll be to find him a good home. I love finding out what works for each horse. I think this clinic will See ROSENBERG, page 26
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After My Trip, I Was Shocked To See The State Of My Store Because I’d been out of state for several weeks, I spent the weekend in North Florida at my antiques store. I had some new merchandise to bring in — gathered during my travels — plus, I wanted to get the sales floor back in order. A customer who picks up an item in a store where every single thing is different sometimes returns it, and has no idea where he found it if he changes his mind. So I knew the place would be a wreck. I had warned my clerks that this was the longest I’d ever had to ignore my shop but told ’em that I had confidence in their abilities. Then, chewing my lip, I’d gotten on the plane. We all talk about setting high goals for our workers in the hope they’ll achieve bigger and better things. We all talk about how wonderful it is when they rise to meet the challenge. We all talk about setting high standards and being good role models and mentoring others who are just starting out. Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when I entered my store: It was perfect! The lights were on. The music was playing. The floor was swept. As if that wasn’t enough, the window glass was clean, the bathrooms had fresh toilet paper and all the merchandise was displayed properly — not one empty pedestal! I thought I’d at least have to put away the St. Paddy’s Day stuff and lecture them about the importance of keeping current, but the green stuff was gone and, in its place, spring was in bloom. A tear formed at the corner of my eye. Thomas rushed over. “Oh, no! Oh, no! You’re crying! What’s wrong?!” “Nothing.” (snurf)
“Nothing? Then why are you crying?” “Because nothing is wrong, not one thing,” I sniffled. “Even Saint Patrick is packed safely away in his box, wrapped in tissue and clearly labeled.” Thomas hesitated. “Isn’t that what you wanted?” “Of course it’s what I wanted!” I cried, blowing my nose loudly. “But I forgot to tell you! I was on the plane before I realized it, and by the time I could use my cellphone again, the shop was closed! It … was … March 18th!” Thomas looked perplexed. I took him by the shoulders and shook him. “Don’t you see, man? Don’t you see?” My husband, Mark, came up behind me and quietly pried my fingers, one by one, from my poor clerk’s sweater. “She thinks you don’t need her,” Mark said plainly to Tom. “Oh, Debbie,” Thomas said. “We’ll always need you. For instance, I needed you last week — big time.” “Oh, yeah?” I sniffled again, brightening. “When?” “Um, Saturday.” “Really? For what?”
Thomas exchanged quick glances with Mark. They both looked nervous. “Um... bebecause… I had... a question,” Thomas stuttered. “A question? That’s good!” I practically yelled. “I can answer your question! What is it?” “I, uh... wanted to know, um, if…” Thomas saw Mark’s eyes get big so he spoke faster: “I wanted to know if I should call people and remind them to pick up their… uh, layaways.” “The answer is, ‘Yes!’” I surely beamed. “Oh, good, because I…” Thomas saw Mark almost imperceptibly shake his head. “I… want to get right on that. I think I’ll do it now!” He ran to the counter, grabbed the phone and started punching in numbers. “Wow,” I breathed. “I can’t believe he knows the numbers of our layaway customers by heart.” “He is amazing,” Mark said, steering me out of the store and quickly adding: “And so are you. I don’t know anyone as talented as you are at hiring the right people. And then you train them so well. Gosh, I’m impressed.” We were home before I knew it.
Blockbuster ‘Hunger Games’ Film Lives Up To All The Hype You would probably have to be comatose to have missed all the hoopla over the latest teenage movie sensation, The Hunger Games. For a change, the movie lives up to most, if not absolutely all, of the hype. It is a tough movie about a horrible future time when reality television has combined with political oppression. The heroine, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), is a 16-year-old in District 12 of a future nation called Panem, which has replaced the United States. District 12 essentially is Appalachia. The capital city, which put down a revolt nearly three quarters of a century earlier, keeps districts in line by a “reaping,” where each of the 12 districts provides a “tribute” of a boy and girl each year. They will be transported to the capital to fight to the death for the amusement of people there. Everyone in the country is forced to watch as a reminder that they should never again revolt.
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler Katniss volunteers to go when her 12-yearold sister is chosen. Since 23 of the 24 tributes must die, she feels that she would have a far better chance of survival, since Katniss is a skilled hunter. She is joined by Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) the son of the local baker, whom she knows has been punished at times for providing her with some bread when she and her family were starving. The contrast between the poor kids and the insanely wealthy capital folk, represented by Effie Trin-
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Western Dressage Clinic
continued from page 25 open new avenues. I hope to get a lot out of it.” Participants should come with an open mind, she said. “Emily is definitely someone you can learn from. She has a heart for the horses. I’d strongly encourage anyone to come out and give it a try, or at least watch and learn,” Perrotta said. “Have an open mind. I think combining two different riding styles like this is really cool.” For more information, call Emily Abbate at (561) 632-5291. You can learn more about western dressage by visiting the Western Dressage Association web site at www.western dressageassociation.org.
ket (Elizabeth Banks) is a powerful one. Eventually, the 24 tributes wind up in a reality television show in a fight to the death. There are sponsors galore and a whole group of TV hosts and fight experts. Stanley Tucci is way over the top in a blue wig, outdoing any reality show host you’ve ever seen. Katniss and the others battle each other; the scenes of killing are violent but brief. Katniss creates an alliance with the youngest of the tributes Rue (Amandla Stenberg) and finally Peeta. Rules are changed, the tributes are manipulated, all to the cheers of the crowd. In the end… well, if you haven’t read the book, you’ll need to see the movie, although I will let you know that there will be sequels. The acting is very good. Somehow, without the inner narration that is featured in the book, Lawrence manages to bring the intensity and inner wholeness of Katniss to life. The other performers are also uniformly good, even in the small roles. The fascinating thing about the film is that, as with most projects for young people, there is a moral. While we adults work on the basis of an essentially amoral world, our youngsters like the idea of good defeating evil. Katniss is a very good person. She volunteers in place of her sister, knowing that she is likely to die. And she stands up for what is right, even though she is forced to kill in her own de-
fense, and grows stronger. The contrast between her and the people of the capital is very stark and deliberate. I have already read at least three different critiques of the film that stress the political nature more of the writer than the film itself. Libertarians claim it, as do people who love Occupy Wall Street as they see their own messages within. Others say it is a biblical parable, still others a call for female empowerment. By simply showing the story rather than telling a lot of background, the film works for everyone. This film is raking in huge amounts of money and deservedly so. We saw the movie early on Friday, and the theater was packed even though it had 28 different shows that day. Part of the reason is the hype, but a lot of it comes from the fact that Suzanne Collins wrote an exceptional trilogy of books that speaks to many young people. And, happily, there are no vampires and werewolves, just decent kids trying to survive horrific conditions imposed by those in power. Children younger than 12 or 13 should probably not see the movie; the violence is stark, and several characters with whom they might identify get killed. But it is a worthwhile movie, possibly the best one aimed for the teen age group this year. And it is strong enough that adults can and will enjoy it as well.
Next Garden Club Meeting April 2
Emily Abbate performing a high-level dressage movement, the Piaffe.
The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, April 2 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) with a business meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m. presented by Boots Bush. Bush is an experienced design teacher. She will demonstrate how to create beautiful and inexpensive arrangements by using easy and simple design techniques in her program,
“Fun-damental Flower Arranging.” She is a master flower show judge and has been for 28 years. Bush has been a member of the West Palm Beach Garden Club since 1968 and is a past president of the club as well as a past president of Azalea Circle. Guests are welcome, and there is no admission fee, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat for the meeting, RSVP to Jayne at (561) 791-0273.
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BUSINESS NEWS
Rock and Roll Real Estate owner Steve Bate in front of the Versailles home used in the DIY Network show The Vanilla Ice Project . PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Realtor Steve Bate: Extensive Background And Good Connections By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Rock and Roll Real Estate is a new company with experienced agents. Owned by business savvy real estate expert Steve Bate, who has been in the Florida real estate industry for 10 years, the firm’s goal is to transform the local real estate industry. Bate has a 25-year background in the information technology industry, where he worked as an executive for various companies. He was also the managing director of Compuware. Bate was given the opportunity to move to Florida and start the first Internet-based real estate company called Newhomes.com. “We were also the first buyers agency, so we only worked for the benefit of the buyer,” he said. Through Newhomes.com, Bate built connections with many of Florida’s developers and builders. “I got to build a relationship with Jorge Perez CEO of the Related Group, which is the leading developer of luxury condos in Florida, and I got to know Donald Trump,” he said. “Through these relationships, I got to know the principals of their companies.” Bate’s relationship with Trump provided him the opportunity to be the director of sales of the Trump Tower in Palm Beach. That opportunity triggered Bate to start his own real estate brokerage company, Steve Bate Real Estate in 2005. A seven-year resident of Wellington’s Versailles neighborhood, Bate became the top real estate broker in his community, where three out of five closings were his. As the market changed due to the real estate bubble burst, Bate noticed the major impact it was having on the industry. He decided that in order to survive and thrive in the new real estate market, he had to be innovative to get things moving. To stay ahead in real estate, Bate realized it’s about pushing the envelope. He decided
to change the name of his former real estate brokerage company, Steve Bate Real Estate, to Rock and Roll Real Estate to reflect his new approach to real estate. “It’s about rocking the banks to make things happen,” he said. “And that is why we are Rock and Roll Real Estate. We have to rock the real estate industry to get things moving now.” Bate, along with his good friend and neighbor Rob Van Winkle — better known as rapper/musician and DIY Network star Vanilla Ice — decided it was time to push the envelope together. One day Van Winkle told Bate about a new and exciting opportunity. “We were sitting in my garage at the time, and he told me about the idea for a TV show, where people would follow a celebrity who was flipping mansions that have been torn up,” Bate said. Van Winkle asked Bate to find him a mansion that was in need of great repair. “I found a house in Versailles that had been worth well over a million dollars,” Bate said. “It had been stripped to the bone.” It took Bate some hard work and persistence with the banks, but he eventually purchased the property for $419,000. The property became a hit for the first season of Van Winkle’s DIY Network Show The Vanilla Ice Project. “It took a lot of time, pushing and calling the bankers several times a day,” he said. “We went under the covers and identified some real problems and road blocks in getting it sold.” The show changed both of their lives, and Bate soon became internationally known because of the it. “I was actually in Europe in November, and some people in London recognized me as the broker from The Vanilla Ice Project,” Bate said. For more information, visit www.rock androllrealestatefl.com or call (561) 254-7905.
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BUSINESS NEWS
WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS
Glasses At A Discount — Located at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 10A, in Wellington, Glasses at a Discount offers a great selection of styles and strengths and low prices. Owned and operated by Jeannie and Eric Heyman, this unique store offers high-quality UV protection sunglasses for men, women and children as well as readers. Glasses at a Discount also provides a case for each reader bought in the store. They also sell accessories like cases, neck strings and visor clips for the car. Glasses at a Discount is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call (561) 204-2762 for more info. Pictured above are Glasses at a Discount staff members and Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors outside the storefront.
Palm Beach Electronics — Palm Beach Electronics takes a completely different approach to system design and product selection, which is paramount to how the components are installed and function. Vince Satmary and Zak Deily have combined experience of over 30 years in the custom electronics industry. Their goal is to standardize their product and installation offerings to provide a more consistent level of product quality, functionality and service at a better value. Palm Beach Electronics is located at 11576 Pierson Road, Suite K-9, in Wellington. For more info., visit www.palmbeachelectronics.com or call (561) 902-1648. Shown above are Palm Beach Electronics staff and family members with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
The Law Offices Of Sarah Shullman — The Law Offices of Sarah Shullman P.A. is a boutique litigation firm representing individuals and businesses at all stages of litigation, trial, mediation and appeal. The firm provides representation in the areas of civil, business/commercial and real estate litigation, along with consumer law and consumer financial services litigation. Founder Sarah Shullman practiced for several years with a global law firm in West Palm Beach after graduating magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. She opened the Law Offices of Sarah Shullman in Wellington to provide her clients with global, cutting-edge legal services with a more local and value-added focus. Shullman recently was selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2011. For more info., visit www.shullman law.com, e-mail info@shullmanla w.com or call (561) 2271545. Shown above is Shullman with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
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BUSINESS NEWS
TWO CENTRAL CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS
All Ages Family Medical Center — Dr. Karla Noel and her staff, along with Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and guests, joined together for an open house and ribbon cutting recently. The practice is located at 6427 Lake Worth Road in Greenacres. All Ages Family Medical Center has a same-day appointment policy and takes care of children, adolescents and adults. Noel is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians. She believes that taking care of the whole family dynamic promotes the health and happiness of everyone. Call (561) 433-1033 for more info. Send business news 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.
Heitman Law Firm Ribbon Cutting — “Your bridge between construction and the law,” Heitman Law Firm’s principal, Gilmer Heitman, is a board-certified construction attorney and Florida-licensed professional engineer. Heitman speaks the language of the jobsite, the boardroom and the courtroom. The firm follows the same rules handling your case that you use on the jobsite to build your projects. They evaluate each case and tell clients where they stand legally, allowing them to make sound business decisions. The firm doesn’t cut corners in protecting clients’ legal rights, whether in drafting contracts or handling construction disputes. The firm provides all of its clients with the same high-quality legal representation, regardless of their size. Heitman Law Firm is located at 12765 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 1 315, in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 249-2879 or visit www.palm beachconstructionlaw.org. Shown above are firm members with Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
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Daher Named To Top 100 Advisers Planadviser magazine recently announced that Howard H. Daher, principal of Daher Capital Group in Palm Beach County, is one of Planadviser’s Top 100 Advisers. This year’s Top 100 comprises 40 advisers and 60 adviser teams for the 2012 Plansponsor Adviser and Adviser Team of the Year award. The Top 100 recognition highlights the quantitative standouts of candidates, in terms of assets under advisement, number of plans under management, as well as a demonstrable presence in certain retirement plan categories. “I am passionate about the services I provide,” Daher said. “This recognition validates my passion and inspires me to continue supporting the needs of my retirement plan clients as a plan fiduciary and educate their employees about their retirement goals. The financial services industry is evolving, and I’ve tailored my service model to meet the changing
Howard Daher needs of my clients and their employees. However, some things will not change for me — my sole focus on the retirement plan industry and my objective, transparent and conflict-free approach to the recommendations I give.” Daher Capital Group provides retirement consulting and fiduciary services to employers in southeast Florida. For more info., call (561) 4220160 or e-mail howard@ dahercapitalgroup.com.
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Academy for Child Enrichment — Summer Camp Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera sur veillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted for Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Visit the Academy for Child Enrichment at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 798-3458 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com. Armory Art Center Summer Art Camp — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of themebased sessions to elementary school through high school aged children for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on a child’s artistic and creative development. Students age 4.5 to 7 years old will rotate among several studio areas daily in ceramic sculpture, drawing, painting and other creative mediums. Teen wor kshops include wheel throwing, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media, fashion illustration, printmaking, papermaking, glass fusing, collage and more! All art materials are included in the cost of tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.armoryar t.org or call (561) 832-1776. Breakers West Summer Camp — Calling all campers for a summer of fun! Children ages 5 to 14 are invited to Breakers West for Summer Camp 2012. Enjoy wildlife demonstrations, science experiments, magic shows, arts & crafts, cooking classes, golf, tennis, basketball, daily swimming instruction and so much more! Camp runs June 11 thr ough Aug .17 (excluding July 2-6), Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sessions are $300 per camper, per week , plus a one-time registration fee of $50, which includes a camp essentials bag. Discounts are offered to families registering multiple children or for multiple sessions. Af ter-care is available. To register for Breaker s West Summer Camp, call (561) 653-6330. Camp Cambridge — Camp Cambridge, serving age two through second grade, combines academic excellence, summertime fun and a safe environment to create an unforgettable summer experience. Theme-based curriculum and in-house field trips complement the concepts explored by all. Year-round, experienced staff continues to nurture. There are nine w eeks of camp offered at Cambridge Schools, located at 1920 Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. Activities include: swimming, art, math, computers, sports, science and cooking. A certified swim instructor provides instruction to children ages 3 and up, Mommy & Me classes, private/group lessons and team swim programs. Bilingual classes, kindergarten readiness and enrichment classes available as well. For more info., visit www.cambridgepreschools.com. Camp Gan Israel Day Camp — Camp Gan Israel has a program geared for your child! Understanding that all kids are unique and are drawn toward different activities, Camp Gan Israel offers something for everyone. There are professional sports instructors, baking experts, dance instruction, jewelry making, karate instruction, trips to exciting local venues, swimming, boating, scrapbooking, edible art and so much more. Camp Gan Israel runs from June 18 through July 20, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will take place at Palm Beach Central High School and accepts children from 3 to 13 year s. For more information, or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcent er.org or call (561) 333-4663. Camp Giddy-Up — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 22 years. Licensed and insured, with all safety equipment provided, they are located on a beautiful, safe and clean farm with plenty of shade. Ravenwood is now accepting 12 students per session, ages 6-14. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers learn safety, horse care and grooming, with riding lessons daily, as well as scheduled visits with a blacksmith, horse vet and equine dentist. Sibling discounts or multi-session discounts are available. Camp Giddy-Up has a full staff and a hands-on director. Register today by calling (561) 793-4109 or visit www.ravenwoodriding academy.com. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly! Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each twoweek session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon: this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com. Dream Believer Stables Horse Camp — Dream Believer is devoted to education of horsemanship, encouraging a healthy relationship between horse and rider, t o develop confidence whether you are a competitive rider or just wanting to enjoy the pleasure aspect of riding. The family atmosphere encourages strengthening knowledge through hands-on horse care. Learn every aspect of horse care from riding to bathing. At Dream Belie ver, your child will feel as if they have their own horse. The program accepts beginning level through advanced riders in the riding academy. Let them know what your goals are, and they will help you achieve them. The program is located at 16600 Hollow Tree Dr., W ellington. For more info., call (561) 289-8515 or visit www.dreambelieverstables.com. Foxtail Farm — Foxtail Farm has been doing business for approximately 25 years in Palm Beach County. Disciplines are in huntseat equitation. Camps focus on horse health, barn care, safety, and also correct seat and balance. Ages are from 5 to 14 years old. Lessons are taught every day at camp, as well as all year long. Horse showing is available as students advance. There is also a focus on training students to become trainers in the future themselves. It is a breakthrough into the world of horses for pleasure, pet or showing, if desired. Foxtail Farm is licensed and insured. For more information, call Patti Morin (561) 255-4037 or visit www.foxtailfarmstables.com. Golden Grove Gator Camp — Gator Camp is back and ready for fun! Gator Camp will run for eight one-week sessions June 11 through Aug. 3 for campers aged 5 and up. Campers do not have to be enrolled at Golden Grove to attend. This year, Golden Grove is offering two special-interest camps. Drama camp runs June 1 8-29 and Music camp (voice/keyboard) runs July 23-27. Campers receive
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4 hours of instruction each day. Campers enjoy field trips, on-campus programming, group activities, cooking and arts & craf ts. Contact Ms. Pat Packar d at (561) 904-9730 for more information. High Touch High Tech/The Lab — The Lab is happy to announce that it is expanding into a larger facility conveniently located off State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Science is presented by High Touch High Tech, the leader in hands-on science education f or the last 17 years. Each day will be a new adventure from interacting with “lab critters” to launching rockets and panning for gems. The program offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, art, physical activities and more. The Lab taps into children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities that help them learn about the world around them. Expect awesome fun as kids make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, tie dye t-shirts and more! The registration fee is waived if you sign up by April 1. Call (561) 792-3785 today. Home Away From Home Summer Camp — If your kids want a great summer camp experience, come to any of Home Away From Home’s four Palm Beach locations now enrolling summer camp programs for children ages 4-10 (limited space is available). The program offers daily indoor and outdoor field trips. Free meals and webcam services are included. It has been rated the “Best Summer Camp Ever!” For more information, visit www.homeawayfromhomechildcare. com or call Wellington at (561) 791-8558, Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 627-6170, Jupiter at (561) 747-6916 or West Palm Beach at (561) 802-9090. The Learning Foundation of Florida’s Academic Summer Camp — TLFF’s elementary, middle and high school summer academic school/camp program has several different service options available to assist the diverse needs of students. TLFF’s K-8th grade summer program focuses on individualized academic remediation. TLFF uses weekly themes, a variety of teaching strategies, including a multi-sensory/hands-on approach and creative lessons. TLFF’s high school summer program focuses on grade forgiveness and/or acceleration. Students who have received D or F grades in classes may redo them for a higher grade. Students can also accelerate and take classes to get ahead. Both programs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning June 18 and running through Aug. 3. For more information, call TLFF at (561) 795-6886. Noah’s Ark — Summer Camp. Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, mo vies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted for both Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 753-6624 or visit www.small worldpbc.com. Royal Palm Covenant Tutoring Summer Camp 2012 — Children ages 5 to 14 will enjoy field trips t o Lion Country Safari, museums, parks, bowling, movies, the zoo and activities such as sports, arts & crafts, cooking and more fun. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open enrollment for the camp is going on now. A one-time registration fee of $25 per child includes a T-Shirt. The camp is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 793-1077 t o register. Spotlight of Wellington — Truly enhance your child’s performing arts level with Spotlight of Wellington’s summer intensive workshops. Spotlight welcomes students currently studying the performing arts and those with an undeveloped drive and passion. Sessions are offered according to level and age. Programs stimulate students through challenging, yet fun, experiences in a warm, positive environment. Students train in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, theatre, vocal and hip hop in an intimate and exclusive environment. Student performance levels greatly increase through Spotlight’s intensive experience. Several students have promoted to area schools of the arts. Call (561) 790-7758 today for proper placement, or visit www.spotlightofwellington.com. Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool — If your child is between 2 and 6 year s old, “Summer of Fun” Enrichment Camp at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is the place to be! Your child will enjoy a varie ty of fun activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include: arts & crafts, gymnastics, computers, sports, nature, cooking, water play and a state-of-the-art playground. They’re sure to love the weekly enter tainment, including High Touch High Tech, storyt ellers and animal shows. All of this in a loving and nurturing environment. The program is full time or part time for eight weeks. Free summer VPK is available for those entering kindergarten who have not yet used their v oucher. Now enrolling for preschool 2012-13. Call Sandy at (561) 793-2649 for more information, or e-mail psdirector@ templebethtorah.net. Tiny Tikes — Tiny Tikes camp is geared toward the elementary-age camper. Daily activities are sure to keep the campers happy, busy and engaged. Trips include bowling, sk ating and movies weekly, as well as special trips including the zoo, science museum and much more! They have three conveniently located centers which open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Activities occur throughout the day, both at the center and out on the bus. Meals are included. Call (561) 790-1780 now to reserve your space or visit Tiny Tikes at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Villari’s of Wellington — Villari’s is pleased to invite your child to summer camp this year. Due to the rising demand for summer camps in the western communities, book your spot early. Villari’s is offering four-week sessions of self-defense camp this y ear. Call (561) 792-1100 for more information and to reserve your space, or visit www.villarisofwellington.com. Zolet Arts Academy — Zolet is in its 23rd year offering professional fine arts classes in the original Wellington Mall, Suite 4. The summer camp program runs Monday through Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting June 11 for ages 6-8 and 9-14 featuring drawing, painting, scultpure and crafts. No two days are alike. Rotating subjects and media include: acrylics, watercolors, tempera, fingerpaints, chalk & oil pastels, charcoal, pen & inks, block & mono printing, 3D collage, wood, clay, tile, papier mache, textiles and observational drawing/shading for audition prep. Individualized instruction for all skill levels. Take home com pleted wor k daily. Total cost includes all free supplies: $190 per week. Call (561) 793-6489 for more information.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
SunFest Announces Headliners For May 2-6 WPB Festival SunFest, Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival, has announced the national acts scheduled to headline at the 30th annual event being held May 2-6 along scenic Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National acts scheduled to perform include the Counting Crows, Creed, Pitbull, the Fray, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Passion Pit, Paul Rodgers, Third Eye Blind, Girl Talk, Foreigner, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Herbie Hancock, Matisayhu, Coheed and Cambria, All-American Rejects, SOJA, the Marshall Tucker Band, the Outlaws, Fab Four and more. “We’ve had an exciting year planning the 30th celebration of SunFest,” said Paul Jamieson, executive director of SunFest. “We have pulled together a lineup that includes today’s current stars and up and comers, to some of the most loved music of the past 30 years. SunFest 2012 is relevant to those who enjoyed the first festival and those who were not even born then. And as always, SunFest is a music experi-
Snoop Dogg will perform Thursday evening, May 3 on the Bank of America Stage.
ence of value, diversity, location and quality like no other available in the country.” On Wednesday, May 2, the Counting Crows will perform on the Bank of America Stage, and Coheed and Cambria will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage. Snoop Dogg will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Thursday evening, May 3. In 1993, Snoop’s first album, Doggystyle, featuring hit singles “What’s My Name” and “Gin and Juice,” made its way to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s hip-hop and top 200 charts. He was the first artist to release a ringtone rap, “It’s the D.O.G” in 2007. Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa will perform on the Bank of America Stage Thursday, May 3. Chicago native Herbie Hancock will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Thursday, May 3. The rock band Creed will perform Friday evening, May 4 on the Bank of America Stage. Platinum-selling singer, songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumental artist Paul Rodgers will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Friday evening, May 4. Boston-based group Passion Pit will perform on the FPL Stage, Friday evening May 4. On Saturday, May 5, Jamaican reggae artist SOJA will perform on the Bank of America Stage. Michael Franti and Spearhead will also perform on the Bank of America stage that afternoon. Southern rock band the Marshall Tucker Band will perform Saturday, May 5 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. Tampa natives the Outlaws will take the Tire Kingdom Stage on Saturday, May 5. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will perform their mix of ska and punk
on the FPL Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. Their most recent album, The Magic of Youth, was released in 2011 with their newest hit “Like a Shot Gun.” San Francisco’s Third Eye Blind will perform Saturday, May 5 on the Bank of America Stage. Pop/punk rock band the All-American Rejects will perform on the Bank of America Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. Joan Jett and the Black Hearts will perform Saturday evening, May 5 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. Founder of the all-girl rock group the Runways, Jett split and created her own label and smash hit “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” which claimed the No. 28 song of all time on the Top 10 charts and was No. 1 on the Billboard charts for two consecutive months. Girl Talk will perform on the FPL Stage on Saturday evening, May 5. Miami native Pitbull will perform Sunday, May 6 on the Bank of America Stage. Pitbull released his debut album, M.I.A.M.I., on TVT Records in 2004. Fab Four, a well-known Beatles tribute band, will perform Sunday afternoon, May 6 on the Tire Kingdom Stage. NeedToBreathe will perform Sunday afternoon, May 6 on the FPL Stage. The Fray will perform Sunday, May 6 in the evening on the Bank of America Stage. Foreigner will perform on the Tire Kingdom stage Sunday evening, May 6. Also on Sunday, May 6, Matisyahu will perform on the FPL Stage. At 14, Matisyahu learned to play the bongos in the lunchroom and to beat-box in the classroom. The festival has booked a collection of nationally recognized upand-comers to the festival. They in-
Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds is one of the featured national up-and-comers to perform. clude Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Wednesday, May 2; Mean Creek, Wednesday, May 2; Deep Dark Woods, Thursday, May 3; LP, Friday, May 4; Eve to Adam, Friday, May 4; Hard Rock Calling, Friday, May 4; Cris Cab, Saturday, May 5; Jessie Baylin, Sunday, May 6; Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, Sunday, May 6; and Simplified, Sunday, May 6. Regional and local bands include ABrilliant Lie, Cielo, ARocket to the Moon, Common Ground, Cypress, DVNO, Odyssey Road, Oval Red, Qwote, Ratham Stone, Remove Before Flight, Sound Express, Stop the Presses, Taylor Road, Urban Gypsy, We Are One and Young Man Pit. Savings include the Barge Card Bonus, which offers one-day admission and a $25 Barge Card for $44 — that’s $16 worth of drinks for free. Only are 500 available.
You can also save $10 on Thursday tickets courtesy of the Palm Beach County Health Department. Get in cheaper Thursday night when you buy in advance and use the code. The deal ends Thursday, May 3 at 5 p.m. For adults, a one-day pass costs $30 (early bird) to $35 (regular), a two-day pass costs $46 to $52, and a five-day pass costs $61 to $67. For ages 6-12, the cost is $8 to $10 for one day, $15 to $17 for two days, and $20 to $22 for five days. Admission is free for children 5 and younger. For seniors 65 and older, one-day festival tickets cost $20, available only at the gate. Tickets for SunFest 2012 can be purchased online at www.sunfest. com, the SunFest store located at 525 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach or by calling (800) SUNFEST.
CGMS Gallery To Host Its Annual ‘Peeps Show’ April 20 The Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery in downtown Lake Worth once again will be covered in sticky, marshmallow Peeps for its second annual “Peeps Show” on Friday, April 20. Once thought to be a kitschy, marshmallow candy seen only in Easter baskets, Peeps are now a staple in the art world. Peeps shows, featuring 3-D art and dioramas created using multi-colored Peeps candy, are held annually throughout the country. The gallery will be flooded with Peeps of all kinds, shapes and colors. Artists from inside and outside the gallery will be constructing dioramas and tableaus using Peeps as their core element. This year there are rumors of “Peeps couture” and much more. Last year’s inaugural show was a “sweet” success, with hundreds of folks flocking to the gallery to view the gooey art installation. CGMS invites people of all ages to take part
in the show and sample a Peep or two while they visit. The Peeps Show will be a 3-D art display featuring works created with marshmallow Peeps. The idea was originally presented by the Washington Post several years ago. Each year the Post holds a Peeps art contest, inviting folks to submit their Peeps creations to be judged, with winners receiving different prizes. “Our show is just for the fun of it — or should I say, ‘peep’ of it,” said Karen McGovern, the inspiration behind many of the innovative themes the gallery has used in past exhibits. “It involves local artists as well as CGMS Gallery artists. We have new artists in the gallery, and we can’t wait to see what inspiration the Peeps will give them.” Each diorama will be no smaller than a shoebox, and only as large as can be carried by one person. The works will be displayed in the front window of the gallery beginning at
6 p.m. and will remain on display for the following week, or until the ants arrive. The public is invited to come take a “peep” and to wear their favorite Peeps-inspired creations. Last year, guests arrived in Peeps-decorated hats. The gallery encourages all to join the fun and wear their Peeps proudly. CGMS Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 605 Lake Ave. in downtown Lake Worth. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Gallery openings take place from 6 to 10 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month. For more information, call Karen McGovern at (561) 596-6196 or visit www.clayglassmetalstone.com.
Creations such as “Peeps sushi” will be on display April 20 at Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery.
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Summer OF fun
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Breakers West 2012 Summer Camp Calling all campers for a summer of a lifetime. Sports-minded, adventure-seeking, nature-loving kids, ages 5 – 14, will find something for everyone at Breakers West, where there is fun for all.
Daily Golf, Tennis, Basketball & Swimming Instruction Arts & Crafts | Magic Shows Cooking Classes | Wildlife Demonstrations Science Projects Friday’s Famous Family Cookout & Much More... After Care Available WEEKLY SESSIONS: June 11 – August 17, 2012 {Excl. July 2 – 6} Monday – Friday | 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For more information or to register, please call 561-653-6330. Weekly sessions are Monday – Friday. No camp July 2 – 6, 2012. Discounts will be offered to families registering multiple children or for multiple sessions. Additional fees apply for After Care. Restrictions apply.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
WHS, PBCHS Compete In Spring Break Lacrosse Tourney By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse teams participated in the Spring Break Classic on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at Boca Raton High School.
The Wolverines were shut out by host Boca Raton 16-0 last Friday, but bounced back with a victory over Palm Beach Gardens 10-4 the following day. Palm Beach Central fell short in both matches, losing to Palm Beach Gardens 17-4 and to Boca Raton 19-5.
Wellington’s Tyler Kuhlman tries to defend Boca’s Sean Rudtiz in their game last Friday. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
During their game against the Boca Raton Bobcats (8-1), Wellington (5-4) could not seem to find their groove. Several of their shots within the crease sailed wide or were saved by the Boca goalkeeper. The Bobcats dominated most of the match, shutting out the Wolverines 16-0. Palm Beach Central (4-5) faced Palm Beach Gardens (3-8) in their first game, and the Gators jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the end of the first period. The Broncos finally settled into an offensive attack when team captain Brandon Cabrerra and Nick Griffin each scored to cut the Gator lead. Palm Beach Gardens would score three more before the half taking a 9-2 halftime advantage. Palm Beach Central’s Sammy Peede would score two goals in the second half as the Broncos fought back, but Palm Beach Gardens would counter and score quickly, putting up eight more goals, eventually winning the match 17-4. Palm Beach Central faced tough Boca Raton in their second game, falling 19-5. Again, the Broncos clawed back but could not stop the Bobcat attack. Wellington went up against Palm Beach Gardens in their second match-up. The Wolverines rebounded and finished with a 10-4 victory over the Gators. Wellington’s goalkeeper Logan Masta made 10 saves, Patrick Oporto scored four goals, and Thomas Oporto had a hat-trick. Tyler Kuhlman had one goal and three assists in the win.
Wellington’s Mat Goldman tries to win the face off against Boca Raton last Friday.
Palm Beach Central team captain A.J. Blouin faces off against a Palm Beach Gardens player last Friday.
PBC MOUNTED POSSE HOSTS BENEFIT BARREL SHOW AT BRANDON The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held its March Madness Benefit & Fundraiser 5D Barrel Show Sunday, March 25 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The show was a benefit for local resident Kim Kinsey, who was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The show offered Open and Youth Barrels as well as a Futurity class. For more info., contact Renee Kitching at (561) 436-2909 or rakitching@aol.com. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Erin Lindstrom turns the barrel.
Trish Dubard heads for the second barrel.
Carson Pickards heads for the last barrel.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Students Receive New Ranks At Genbu-Kai Karate Studio Genbu-Kai Karate in Wellington recently tested and promoted some of its junior and adult students in karate and kobudo (Okinawan weapons). Students tested for their first rank, up through fourth kyu level, which is one level below the advanced ranks.
Genbu-Kai Karate teaches traditional shito-ryu karate, and not only emphasizes self defense, but also incorporates methods in preventing bullying either at school or other social encounters. Most importantly, GenbuKai Karate teaches valuable
life skills which students learn to incorporate in their school, family and social lives respectfully. Conveniently located next to Reel World Cinema 8 in Wellington, Genbu-Kai Karate offers the finest in traditional Japanese martial arts in Palm Beach County. Programs in-
clude Japanese karate, Okinawan weapons, aikido, judo and jiu-jitsu. All ages are welcome to come and try two complimentary weeks. For more information, call (561) 804-1002 or visit the studio’s web site at www.floridagenbukai. com.
(Front, L-R) Joshua Cammarata, Nicholas Wolslager, Amanda Vicente, Frankie Morris and Brian Lee; (middle) Michael Dela Cruz, Michael Pitts, Meloide Morris, Kota Ramsey, Taylor Cetlinski, Eden Martin and Peter Steyn; (back) Ron Martin, Sensei Keith Moore and Brent Bedwell.
(Front, L-R) Arie Morals, McKenna Epstein, Collin Carreiro and Neil Jeedigunta; (back) Sensei Keith Moore.
(Front row, L-R) Nicholas Wolslager, Amanda Vicente, Ryan Nunes, Mathew Calise, William Province and Darien Pasztas; (back row) Ron Martin, Sensei Keith Moore and Brent Bedwell.
(Front row, L-R) Ryan Nunes, Meloide Morris, Frankie Morris, Peter Steyn, Michael Dela Cruz and Darien Pasztas; (back) Sensei Keith Moore.
This Week at The Four Arts Exhibit Extended! Now On Display Through Sunday, April 29 Recapturing the Real West:The Collections of William I. Koch $5 • (561) 655-7226 On Display All Season Florida’s Wetlands • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Ongoing Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. Campus on the Lake Class:Yogalates with Rassika Sabine Bourgi $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Sunday, April 1 at 2:30 p.m. Western Film Festival: Cowboys and Outlaws:The Real Billy the Kid (Not rated) and Cowboys and Outlaws: Frontier Hitman (Not rated) No charge • (561) 655-7226 Monday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. only Preschool Story Time: Garden Day with the Garden Club of Palm Beach in the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden No charge • (561) 655-2776 Tuesday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m. Lecture and Book Signing: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Carnegie Hall by Juliette de Marcellus No charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562
Wednesday, April 4 at 2:30 p.m. Lecture and Book Signing:Your Loving Son, Philip: Letters from an American Soldier in WWII with Helene Herzig No charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Thursday, April 5 at 9 a.m. Preschool Story Time: Peter Cottontail Day in the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Gardens at 10:30 a.m. following Breakfast with the Bunny in the Children’s Library at 9 a.m. Breakfast is free for children, $10 adults/$5 SquareCard holders Registration is required for breakfast at www.squarespot.com/event Thursday, April 5 at 2:30 p.m. Lecture and Book Signing:The 1917 and 1918 Diaries of Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna: A Day-by-Day Intimate Look into the Last Two Years of the Lives of the Imperial Couple by Stephen R. de Angelis • $20 • (561) 805-8562 Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. Campus on the Go:Wildlife Odysseys: Sunset/Moonrise Cruise with Claudine Laabs $65 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Friday, April 6 Western Film Festival: A Man Called Horse (R) at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and Jeremiah Johnson (PG) at 5:15 p.m. • $5 • (561) 655-7226 Sunday, April 8 Easter: Offices, Library, Gallery and Gardens Closed
FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.
2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Area Runners Compete In Disney Half Marathon LLS Benefit On Feb. 26, dressed in tiaras and tutus, 52 “princesses” and two “princes” participated in Disney’s Princess Half Marathon in Orlando to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The Palm Beach participants, part of LLS’s Team in Training (TNT) program, were the largest of all the TNT groups present and raised 20 percent of the charitable funds for this race, totaling over $127,000. Out of 181 TNT participants, Palm Beach had 54 runners, all who crossed the finish line. In total for this event, Team in Training nationwide raised $530,000 to cure blood cancers. One participant alone raised $17,666 in support of her sister currently battling a blood cancer. When asked what was the most memorable part of the race, first-time runner and TNT participant Sharon Felder, 23 of West Palm Beach, said, “From beginning to end the experience was beyond amazing. My favorite part of the race was the immense support from the TNT coach-
es and fans yelling ‘go team,’ throughout the course, encouraging you and reminding you of the cause you are running for. My grandfather, who is a survivor of nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, was so proud and honored for the effort; it just made the whole experience come full circle. I plan to be a TNTer for life.” Beth Hawkins, a 39-yearold TNT alum from Wellington and mentor for the Princess team, explained why she chooses TNT. “After joining TNT, I realized my motivation for continuing from one season to the next was simple, I was improving the lives of others,” she said. “It was no longer about me or what I could do in an endurance event, it was the opportunity to change and heal a life. The funds donated by countless others helps with treatments, patient counseling and most importantly, research for a CURE. Well, that and seeing each other bright and early each Saturday morning, bleary-eyed, hammering out 3 to 10 miles, coming back covered in sweat, laughing
together, bonds you in ways that are unimaginable.” Participants are part of a national team called Team in Training, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature national fundraising program. Funds raised through TNT are used to finance lifesaving blood cancer research and provide financial assistance and programs for local patients. All TNT participants receive expert coaching, training schedules, group training sessions and socials, race entry, singlet and hotel accommodations for the event weekend. Each member of the team also trains and fundraises in honor of a “honored hero” who has experienced the diagnosis of a blood cancer. Since its inception in 1988, more than 420,000 participants have raised more than $1 billion to help fund blood cancer research and provide services and support to patients and their families. Registration is taking place across Palm Beach County for TNT Lite (the TGI5K at Sun-
Palm Beach Princess team members on the morning of the race. fest) and the fall season including: the Nations Triathlon in Washington, D.C.; the Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in San Francisco, where handsome firefighters in tuxedos present you with Tiffany necklaces at the finish line; and the Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo Century Ride. If you would like more information about the program and how you can be a part of
a team saving lives one mile at a time, call the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at (561) 775-9954 or toll free (888) 4788550. You can also email nicole.switzer@lls.org or check out the Palm Beach Area Chapter’s Team in Training web site at www.teamin training.org/pb. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. Its
mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in New York, LLS has chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit www.lls.org.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Saturday, March 31 • The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will host Reggae Fest 2012 at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1. Tickets will cost $10 until 6 p.m. on Saturday and $15 after 6 p.m., and $10 all day Sunday. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.lwreggaefest.com. • Rooms for a Prince and Princess children’s furniture, clothing and toy store (5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton) will hold its grand opening weekend on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1. Highlights feature a performance by the Boca Youth Academy of Music, a children’s fashion show, basketball and precision contests for all generations, seminars by professionals highlighting what to expect from bellies to babies, home and vehicle safety tips and SOS Children’s Village. For more info., call (561) 206-6173. • Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, March 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • S.D. Spady School (901 NW Third St., Delray Beach) will host All People’s Day Diversity Festival on Saturday, March 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performances of dance, music, social theater and poetry spanning the globe will be presented in 15-minute intervals starting at 11 a.m. More than 40 interactive, merchandise and food booths will offer a diverse mix for the whole family. Call (561) 495-9818 to sign up for a free kids craft workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. • The grand opening of the new Acreage Branch Library (15801 Orange Blvd.) is planned for Saturday, March 31, beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Call (561) 233-2600 or visit www .pbc library.org for more info. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a free “Health Starts Here” tour and demonstration Saturday, March 31 at noon to 1:30 p.m. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Garden Club will meet Saturday, March 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. Participants will meet at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.) and carpool to Excalibur Fruit Trees for a guided tour of the facility. Call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875 for more info. • Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host “Palms, Palms, Everywhere” on Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m.
Learn about the different palm species found in the region. The class is free to the public and walk-ins are welcome. Call (561) 4345777 to register. Visit www.thenatures center.com for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Teen Advisory Posse” on Saturday, March 31 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Find out what’s coming and share ideas for future teen programs. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host an Anime Club meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, March 31 at 3 p.m. Watch anime, eat Pocky and check out the newest manga titles. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host “A Touch of Broadway: A Musical Preview” Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature students from the King’s Academy performing scenes from Les Misérables, Wellington High School performing scenes from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Wellington Christian School performing the Brothers Grimm version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For more info., call (561) 753-2484 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov. Sunday, April 1 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will host the Nespresso USPA 108th U.S. Open Polo Championship from Sunday, April 1 through Sunday, April 22. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub. com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will take applications from Harry Potter fans ages 14 to 18 on Sunday, April 1 at 10 a.m. to help in a July exhibit from the National Library of Medicine. You must have read the books and/or seen the movies. There will be a mandatory orientation in June. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Kids Cancer Foundation will hold a grand-opening celebration Sunday, April 1 from noon to 3 p.m. for the Kids Cancer Center (12989 Southern Blvd., Suite 201) on the Palms West Hospital campus. RSVP to Sandy at (561) 801-3420. • A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue will host a “Dog Adoption and Wag Weeunion” on Sunday, April 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Iron Lion Fitness Studio (10660 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 160, Wellington). For more info., contact Lisa Beadle at (561) 703-1802. See CALENDAR, page 45
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 44 • A “Bikes, Bands and BBQ” benefit will be held Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m. at the Cruzan Amphitheatre to help Keith Gorski, a West Palm Beach police officer who was struck by a vehicle while on motorcycle patrol. For more info., call Mark C. Bohne at (561) 747-6653. Monday, April 2 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Introduction to Irish Dancing on Monday, April 2 at 6 p.m. for ages 7 to 12, followed by an Irish dance performance and lesson for adults at 6:30 p.m. led by Marie Marzi of the Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet Monday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info. Tuesday, April 3 • Lisa Liebman of Just Bounce will host Kangoo Jumps Classes beginning Tuesday, April 3 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. in eightweek sessions. For more information, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or call Julie Strow at (561) 753-5262. • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, April 3 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 Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) hosts Crochet Club meetings Tuesdays at 5 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work on projects. Space is limited. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info. Thursday, April 5 • Barrett-Jackson will hold its Palm Beach Classic Car Auction from Thursday through Saturday, April 5-7 at the South Florida Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). Auto enthusiasts are invited to check out all the highly coveted horsepower. For more info., visit www.barrett-jackson.com. • The Palm Beach County Convention Cen-
ter will feature Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales Thursday through Sunday, April 5-8. The all-new stage show features the awe-inspiring stories of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. For more info., visit www. disneylive.com. • The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion project Thursday, April 5 at 10 a.m. Entertainment, refreshments, interactive science experiments and more will highlight the free celebration. RSVP to Kristina Holt at (561) 370-7740 or kholt@sfsm.org. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Introduction to Knitting on Thursdays, April 5 and 19 at 2 p.m. for adults of all skill levels. Get a list of materials to bring when you preregister. Call (561) 790-6030 for additional information. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info. Friday, April 6 • Chabad of Royal Palm Beach (11440 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 103) will host Passover seders on Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7. Call (561) 795-1534 to RSVP. • Palms West Alliance Church (16401 Southern Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will hold a Good Friday service Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Easter services on Sunday, April 8 will take place at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. A free pancake breakfast will be offered at 9:30 a.m. For more info., call (561) 791-0524. Saturday, April 7 • Wellington’s Annual Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 7 beginning at 10 a.m. on the sof tball fields at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The egg hunt will be divided into four age groups: age 2 and under, 3-4, 57 and 8-10. Families are encouraged to arrive early. For more info., visit www. wellingtonfl.gov. 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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3 FAMILY YARD SALE — THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 31. 1 DAY ONLY! 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. NO EARLY BIRDS. 117 Sandpiper Avenue Off, Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Between Southern and Okeechobee Blvds. Lazy boy recliner, furniture, lamps, art, household items, golf clubs, computers, purses T.V. BricBrac, walker, small appliances and miscellaneous items.
Available for immediate occupancy. Three-bedroom, two-bath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community. Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Twocar garage. Move-in ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities. Cable TV, lawn maintenance and 24-hour security included. Available for rent, $1,550/month. Call Josh at (561) 315-6727 for more info.
GOLDEN LAKES VILLAGE — 55 and over 1 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath, unfurnished upper apartment, walk-in closets, waterview, clean and bright, near clubhouse, with all amenities. Annual lease includes water and cable $600 monthly. Principles only 561-478-7115
HOUSE FOR RENT IN WELLINGTON PLACE — Mediterranean Style, quiet & pretty, Steps away from community pool. No Pets, or Smokers. 1, 2 bedroom/2.5 bath. Call 954-232-9353
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 mor details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065
HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover’s Dream. Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly LOVELY 2/2 CONDO — with terrace view of new dressage club in gated Palm Beach Polo Country Club. Storage rooms, garage parking, pool, pet friendly. Updated, spacious and possible to buy furnished. Washer/Dryer/Storage Room. Close to showgrounds. $200,000 203-820-5923
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation 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 DRIVERS! DRIVERS! DRIVERS! Drivers wanted for Wellington Cab. Retirees welcome. Cleaning Driving Record. Call 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 FRONT DESK — 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 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN L O X A H AT C H E E / B O Y N T O N BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 FEMALE STUDENT AU/PAIR — wanted in Argentina to teach English to three children. Air Fare paid. Live in six-months. Duties Monday to Friday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and one day at weekends to help with sports activities etc. Drivers License a plus. Details and terms to be discussed. Please call 561-792-4828. COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS CAMP COUNSELORS — needed for Summer Horse Camp. Must have experience with Horses, and be over the age of 13. 561-793-4109 FRONT DESK CLERK — for operating the front desk of hotel, good verbal and written communication skills, spontaneous desire to assist others and provide excellent customer service, flexible schedule needed, mainly night shift, weekends and holidays. Experience preferred. Please send resume via e-mail or fax. info@royalinnhotel.com Fax 561-795-1502 HELP WANTED HYGENIST— parttime for Dentist in Royal Palm Beach. Team player, 2 years experience. Fax resume 561-798-7889 SEAMSTRESS WANTED — Minimum 4 years experience. Use of Industrial Machine. Call 561-301-5338
MAKE $100 - $300 PER DAY— Daily pay! START FREE! For info call Richard at 1-800-729-9268
2001 20ft PROLINE WALK AROUND — 150XL Mercury saltwater series outboard, Depth/fish finder, vhf, stereo/cd/ipod player. Bimini top, fish rigged, porta poddy, cover. Boat in great shape. 2008 continental trailer. $14,500 561-7627000
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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
AVAILABLE LICENSED CHRISTIAN CAREGIVER — with speciality in Dementia and Alzheimer’s clients will provide quality and compassionate care for your loved ones, in Wellington and surrounding Western Communities. Clean Background check, CPR FL Licensed, experienced and trustworthy. 561-602-4833 COMPANION/ASSISTANT FOR ELDERLY — Experienced in all Area’s. Top references. I speak English only. Call 561-632-0464 or 561-790-0857
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troublewww.mobiletec.net. shooting 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
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 drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ 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
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782 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, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh
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 \ 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 painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.
TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258
STEAMPRO TILE & CARPET CLEANING — Residential & Commericial. 561-818-8635 (office) 561-255-9098 (cell) Licensed, Bonded and Insured.
TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com
PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263
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Come celebrate the last
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS event of the season during the
$500,000
Saturday, March 31,2012 at 6:00PM
FTI CONSULTING FINALE GRAND PRIX
Enjoy street performers, kids carnival, and multiple dining options while watching Grand Prix and Olympic horses and riders compete for their share of the
Free general admission. $20 Parking. VIP and box seating available. For tickets, information, and a complete schedule:
WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM
561.793.5867 annette@equestriansport.com
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • 3400 Equestrian Club Road • Wellington, Florida
All photos © ManciniPhotos
$500,000 IN PRIZE MONEY
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