Town-Crier Newspaper November 11, 2011

RPB CHURCH CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY SEE STORY, PAGE 7

WELLINGTON RUN/WALK A BIG SUCCESS SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 11

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TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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INSIDE Horse Industry Focus Of P.W. Chamber Lunch

Volume 32, Number 45 November 11 - November 17, 2011

HERO/SHERO AWARDS BANQUET

Leaders in the equestrian community were the featured speakers at a Palms W est Chamber of Commerce luncheon Monday at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. Page 3

Legislators Agree To Introduce LGWCD Bill

The Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation accepted a local bill Tuesday from the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District that will lead to the popular-vote election of one of its five supervisors. Page 7

Fun & Intrigue At Wellington’s ‘Murder Mystery Dinner Theater’

Wellington hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Village Park gym on Pierson Road. The event included dinner catered

by Buca di Beppo, liv e music and entertainment by They Improv. Page 13

WHS Baseball Standout Looking Forward To College Ball In Miami

From when he was barely out of diapers, Peter Joshua Rivera has grown up on baseball. Now 17, Rivera has become one of the top high school players.

Committed to playing college ball at the University of Miami, he currently plays third base for the Wellington High School Wolverines and the Palm Beach County Police Athletic League (PAL). Page 20

OPINION Support Your Local Food Drives For Thanksgiving

This time of year, many people are wondering if they’ll be able to afford a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Wellington and Royal Palm Beach both are running food drives in November.

We strongly encourage donating to any one of them. There is a lot more to give, and a lot of people who would be thankful for your doing so. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 13 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 27 BUSINESS ...................29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................32 SPORTS .......................37 - 39 CALENDAR...................40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ...............42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) hosted the inaugural Hero/Shero Awards Banquet to benefit the Vivian A. Ferrin Scholarship Fund on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the original Wellington Mall. Essay winners were present ed their awards. Shown here are essay winners with their family and friends. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 2 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Council Incentives Aid In Distribution Center Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed last week to move forward with talks to encourage an international supermarket chain to build its regional distribution center on State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd.

On Thursday, Nov. 3, Village Manager Ray Liggins updated the council on discussions with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County about the possibility of an Aldi distribution center locating in Royal Palm Beach.

The Palm Beach County Commission recently agreed to offer Aldi a property tax exemption of $1.7 million over seven years to locate its distribution center and regional headquarters behind the Regal Cinema on the west side of State Road 7.

German-owned Aldi operates more than 1,000 stores in 31 states, with nearly 95 percent of the company’s premium products sold under its own private label at prices 40 percent below traditional grocery retailers.

The company operates eight stores in South Florida, with more planned. The only Aldi store currently open in Palm Beach County is in Delray Beach. The company plans to build a 500,000square-foot building that will be expandable to 800,000 square feet.

The regional headquarters will provide all management for the South Florida region for both distribution and retail stores, including human resources, purchasing, logistics and general management.

Liggins said village staff had narrowed discussion items down

to two, which involve landscaping variances and enlarging a water main, which amount to less than $200,000 total.

“The project at the current moment has not yet decided to be in Palm Beach County,” Liggins said. “We obviously think they are going to be here. Everything has led to that final decision, and this is a multi, multimillion-dollar job.

It’s $53 million between the real estate and the construction.”

Liggins said the project will create many jobs. “Over a six-year period, we’re looking at over 500 jobs with a significant impact of $48 million,” he said.

Recurring revenue to the village as property tax, utility tax and franchise fees would be more than $200,000, and impact fees both to Palm Beach County and Royal See ALDI, page 20

Meeting Analyzes Senior Housing Proposal At RPB Commons Park

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report About 75 Royal Palm Beach residents joined village staff and officials at a workshop session Wednesday evening at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center to collect input on whether there is a need or desire for some sort of senior housing facility on property at the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park.

Wednesday’s workshop followed a sparsely attended similar workshop held last month.

Facilitator Philip Gonot of PMG Associates of Deerfield Beach stressed that there would be no decision that evening or any time soon, saying that the goal was just to take information for analysis, which would be presented to the council, where there would be more public input before a decision is made.

“If something comes up you feel is important, go ahead and ask for clarification as we go along,” Gonot said. “Go ahead and interrupt because we want to make sure that you fully understand.”

Gonot said the purpose of the study is to consider the idea of putting a senior housing project at the entrance to the park along Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

One resident asked Gonot why his firm had been chosen to develop the property, and Gonot stressed that he is not a developer, only the consultant hired to make a recommendation on senior housing. “I believe the expression is, we have no dog in this fight,” Gonot said.

While some did not feel that senior housing was appropriate at the park and that traffic would be a problem, Iris Levin, a retired nurse, pointed out that Royal Palm Beach has no assisted-living facility.

“We do not have anything in Royal Palm Beach that meets the needs of our community,” Levin said. “If it’s a senior citizens community, you’re not going to have that much traffic.”

Levin said people who can no longer live independently in their current home must move outside of Royal Palm Beach for assisted

living. “The sad thing is they feel their lifeline has been cut,” she said.

Drawing from workshop input last month, Gonot said what is being considered is 120 to 180 units of senior housing on about 10 acres. The types of facilities to be considered are independent or assisted living and skilled care at either the market rate or a subsidized rate.

Gonot said independent living is the least preferred because those types of facilities are available almost anywhere, including several in Royal Palm Beach. The preference is for assisted living with subsidies available or skilled care with subsidies available, he said.

Another consideration with subsidized housing, he said, is that the facility would have to be open to non-residents. However, Gonot noted that a feasibility study had shown that a facility would have to draw from outside a 10-mile radius anyway in order to be viable.

Gonot said height was also disSee HOUSING, page 20

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Hmara, Matula Eye RPB Election Bids

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The 2012 election season in Royal Palm Beach opened in earnest this week as two new candidates stepped forward to participate in an election that will see two council seats and the mayor’s seat up for grabs.

Madison Green community activist Jeff Hmara declared his candidacy for Seat 1 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. That is the seat vacated in August by longtime Councilman David Swift. The seat has been left vacant pending the outcome of the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, Felicia Matula filed to run against incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli, who has also filed a statement of candidacy.

Councilman Richard Valuntas, the Seat 3 incumbent, has also filed a statement of candidacy. He has not yet drawn opposition.

Actual qualifying for the March 13 election begins at noon Jan. 31 and ends at noon on Feb. 14.

SEAT 1 — Hmara, a nine-year Royal Palm Beach resident, is currently president of the Madison Green Master Homeowners’ Association. He became involved with village government as a member of the Wastewater Treat-

ment Plant Task Force that made a recommendation earlier this year on the future of the 150-acre defunct wastewater treatment plant at the village’s north end.

“That began as a result of getting involved at the grassroots level with neighbors, trying to make it clear to the council that there was concern for what felt like a lack of involvement in a timely fashion,” Hmara said. “I think we were able to make a difference there and get at least a fair hearing through the task force. That was an interesting experience, so I want to continue on… After 41 years of public service, I now have time to actually do things other than career-oriented stuff.”

Hmara, 67, is a retired U.S. Army colonel, having served from 1966 to 1992. He served in Germany and Korea and saw combat in Vietnam. After his retirement from the Army, Hmara continued his public service by working as an executive with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. He is an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he teaches organizational leaderSee ELECTION, page 20

PBCHS HOMECOMING

Palm Beach Central High School celebrated homecoming last week. On Friday, Nov. 4, during a home football game against Boca Raton High School, Aldo Araujo and Paola Rodriguez were crowned homecoming king and queen. Shown above are Araujo and Rodriguez with Principal Butch Mondy.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO B Y LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Thanksgiving Food Drives Help Needy

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Residents looking to be charitable this Thanksgiving season can help those less fortunate by donating to local food drives in the western communities.

Wellington is hosting its annual Hometown Holiday Food Drive through Nov. 17, the Royal Palm Beach Unified Local Food Drive is accepting donations through Nov. 19, and Royal Palm Covenant Church is accepting monetary donations for its food pantry and Thanksgiving baskets.

This year, Wellington’s Hometown Holiday Food Drive is partnering with the local Interfaith Organization and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Walgreens, to provide 150 needy families with a Thanksgiving meal.

“The Interfaith Organization has been a big part in helping us to organize the food drive this year,” volunteer coordinator Kim Henghold said. “We’re also partnering with Walgreens, which is donating food to us as well.”

Henghold said that Wellington is collecting traditional Thanksgiving foods, such as instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas or sweet potatoes), packaged stuffing, gravy and cornbread mix.

“The items can be dropped off at almost any village office,” she said.

Items can be dropped off at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), VilSee FOOD DRIVE, page 7

Chamber’s Latin-Themed SalsaFest Returns Nov. 19-20

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Latinthemed SalsaFest will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20 at Greenacres Community Park.

Featured acts include international recording artists Jerry Rivera and Frankie Negron, and South Florida favorite Lefty Perez. A complete entertainment list can be found at www.salsafest. net.

“We also have many local bands, which should make the event lots of fun,” Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda

said. “And if you have a Chihuahua, please make sure you enter it in the Chihuahua races. We need Chihuahuas!”

Miranda said event organizers are also trying to break a world record for the largest number of couples dancing salsa. “If you can move your hips just slightly, you could come out and join us Sunday at 4 p.m. and be part of that,” she said. “Your name will go down in history.”

Volunteers are still being sought to help out at the event. Those interested in volunteering should visit www.salsafest.net and register.

“We are very pleased about our

return to the City of Greenacres,” Miranda said. “We are just as excited to announce that Dr. Harvey Montijo, a noted orthopedic surgeon with the Center for Bone & Joint Surgery and founder of Optimal Wellness & Longevity Institute, is back to lead our SalsaFest Committee as honorary chairman.”

Montijo joins the South Florida Ford Dealers, Independent Imaging and South Florida Radiation Oncology to present the top Hispanic event in Palm Beach County.

SalsaFest Committee co-chairs Martha Reyes and Rafael Perez of Havana Restaurant and Carlos

Garcia of Rumbass and Tabu also give credit for the great musical lineup to the sponsors, who have made a commitment to bringing this cultural experience to South Florida. “It’s great to have our presenting sponsors recommit to our event again this year,” Reyes said.

Garcia agreed. “It is a vote of confidence when your sponsors return without hesitation,” he said.

“We had a wonderful showing last year, with more than 20,000 in attendance, and expect the same, if not better, this year.”

Montijo expects new records to be set at the 2011 event. “With the generous support of our title sponsor — the South Florida Ford

Dealers — we are able to bring in an entertainment lineup that is the best to date, including the legendary Jerry Rivera,” he said.

The attraction of SalsaFest is far See SALSAFEST, page 20

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November 11 - November 17, 2011

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NEWS

‘HERO/SHERO’ AWARDS BANQUET BENEFITS VIVIAN FERRIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) hosted the inaugural Hero/Shero Awards Banquet to benefit the Vivian A. Ferrin Scholarship Fund on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the original Wellington Mall. Essay winners were presented their awards after the banquet. Several area restaurants and stores donated food and dessert, and a silent auction was held to benefit the scholarship fund.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Inez Millenger, essay winner Temyra Stewart, Dr. Winston Davis and Karean Dwyer.

Essay winner Frances Pinckney with her mother Natasha Garbey and Dr. Martiza Samuel.

Rev. Mike Rose, Joey Johnson and Newley Wilson.

Essay winner Markayla and Tanya Sallette, Thalia White and Brenda Duncan.

Jordan Davis, Adrienne Ferrin, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis and her husband Dr. Winston Davis.

Essay winner Brandon Boyd, Royal Palm Beach Councilman Fred Pinto and Genieve White.

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November 11 - November 17, 2011

Page 3

NEWS

Horse Industry Economics The Focus Of P.W. Chamber Luncheon

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Leaders in the equestrian community were the featured speakers at a Palms West Chamber of Commerce luncheon Monday at the Wanderers Club in Wellington.

George Linley, executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, kicked off the discussion by noting the extensive impact of the local equestrian industry.

Linley said the sports commission recently conducted an economic study of the equestrian sports industry in partnership with the Village of Wellington. It considered all aspects of the industry, including show jumping at the Winter Equestrian Festival, the winter polo season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach and shows that take place at the county-run Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

The report found that total expenditures, both human- and horse-related, attributed to the 2011 equestrian season, were estimated at about $185 million, with about $121 million attributable to the Winter Equestrian Festival, about $21 million to polo and about $44 million to dressage.

Although the economic impact of the Winter Equestrian Festival had been recognized in an earlier study conducted in 2005, Linley said the goal was to measure the industry’s combined impact.

“What has taken place at the International Polo Club, and dressage at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, has been incredible, and

the growth has been incredible, so we wanted to include that in this study,” Linley said.

“What we have here in the western communities is very special,” he continued. “It’s unique, and very few destinations have the presence of equestrian sports.”

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center features more than 150 acres of showground space and is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, one of the top equestrian events in the world, he said. “You have more than 3,000 horses that come in and riders from 30 different countries, past and present Olympians,” he said.

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center features 110 acres, which includes a 40,000-square-foot covered arena and some of the most competitive dressage in the world, Linley said.

“The International Polo Club is a world-class polo facility and has all the amenities you can imagine, and it’s over 200 acres, consisting of eight polo fields,” Linley said, pointing out that the large polo fields can be manipulated to host a variety of other sporting events such as soccer, field hockey and lacrosse. “You can lay out between four and six multipurpose sports fields, rugby, lacrosse, field hockey, on one polo field. That offers a venue that has 30-plus fields in one location. That’s a competitive advantage for us. Very few destinations can offer that type of venue.”

Linley added that in November 2012 and 2013, Palm Beach County will host the world’s larg-

est field hockey tournament, with about 4,000 athletes and 8,000 total visitors, at IPC. At the most recent tournament in Phoenix, spending topped $9 million — “and that’s coming to Palm Beach County because of the International Polo Club,” he said.

Linley invited people to download the full equestrian economic impact report at www.palmbeach sports.com.

Noreen O’Sullivan, manager of Wellington Classic Dressage, said 85 percent of the dressage target market is women and that 65 percent have a college education.

Their average income is over $185,000 per year. “Many of us own more than one horse,” O’Sullivan said. “The average is actually about four horses, so obviously, we are addicted to the sport.”

Dressage has had a presence in Palm Beach County for more than 35 years, she said. “We offer 23 weeks of dressage competitions and events year-round, and our high-season shows attract competitors and visitors from the United States and abroad, which makes Florida and Palm Beach County a destination and winter vacation land,” O’Sullivan said.

Wellington Classic Dressage is one of the richest dressage series in North America, she added. It gave out more than a quarter-million dollars in prizes and cash over the past year, she said.

Last winter, Wellington Classic Dressage, in collaboration with the International Polo Club, hosted the World Dressage Masters,

which O’Sullivan said was quite successful. They will present the event again Jan. 26-29, and more than 100,000 Euros will be given out in prizes.

John Wash, president of operations at both IPC and the Wanderers Club, said he is working to make polo more mainstream for residents of Wellington and the Palm Beaches.

“Last year, we played about 260 games of polo on our fields,” he said. “The only day we charge for polo is the Sunday 3 o’clock game,” Wash said. “It’s $15 to come in. The rest of the time, just come on out and enjoy. It’s open to everybody for some of the best high-goal polo you’ll see anywhere in the country.”

Wash reiterated Linley’s commentary that IPC works with other producers to bring other sports to the county. “We look forward to partnering with each and everybody here for the upcoming field hockey tournament,” he said.

2011 was a record-breaking year for the International Polo Club Palm Beach, with more than 100,000 guests attending during the four-month season. The 2012 season opens Jan. 8. More information is available at www. internationalpoloclub.com.

Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners and Equestrian Sport Productions, which owns and manages the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, noted that the economic growth that has occurred at his facility over the past five years has taken place during

Program sponsor Marcus Nisbett of Ncognito Fitness, Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda, International Polo Club Palm Beach President of Club Operations John Wash, Wellington Classic Dressage Manager Noreen O’Sullivan, Wellington Equestrian Partners Managing Partner Mark Bellissimo, Palm Beach County Sports Commission Executive Director George Linley and Palms West Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III. PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

challenging economic times. “I think in many ways, we are just scraping the surface of the opportunity here,” Bellissimo said.

Including the other equestrian interests, he said that Wellington and the surrounding area offers a truly unique environment.

“Part of what we did as a partnership when we came here was not to view this as just a horse show,” Bellissimo said. “What we really need to do is make a transition from a horse show or dressage show into an industry, and I think that’s very hard and it comes with a lot of challenges along the way.”

One of those is getting more of the community to appreciate what

is being done in the horse industry.

“There are the equestrians and the non-equestrians,” Bellissimo said. “There is a group of us that is really committed to changing the dynamics of that, because I think in the end, to truly make this industry relevant and accessible and affordable to this community, in many ways we really have not accomplished anything. We have accomplished something from an economic and commercial perspective, but part of this is reaching out and trying to find ways of making it more compelling.”

For more information about Equestrian Sport Productions, visit www.equestriansport.com.

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OUR OPINION

Support One Of The Many Local Food Drives This Thanksgiving As the days count down to Thanksgiving, and families begin making plans for that favorite annual feast, there are many others whose plans start and end with wondering whether they can afford a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

A year ago, we lamented the plight of those who have suffered the effects of a sluggish economy, hoping that things might start to pick up. Unfortunately, things have not improved nearly enough, and the future is uncertain. The only thing that remains clear is that now is the time for helping those less fortunate.

The holiday season should be a time for celebrating with family and feeling good about life, especially for children, who will have vivid memories of these days that last a lifetime. However, the images of the perfect Thanksgiving that we see in movies and on television can lead to a real letdown when the reality isn’t even close. For people who have fallen on hard times, as well as those who have always struggled to make ends meet, the holidays can be a depressing time. That is why, each year, various agencies and organizations make it their mission to reach out and help those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Wellington and Royal Palm Beach both are taking part in food drives this month. Welling-

ton’s annual Hometown Holiday Food Drive began earlier this month and will continue through Thursday, Nov. 17 as part of a partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Walgreens and local faith-based organizations. Food items can include instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, packaged stuffing, gravy, and cornbread and muffin mix. Donations can be dropped off at the Wellington Municipal Complex, the Wellington Community Center, Village Park or the Safe Neighborhoods Office during business hours.

Those who are in need can register at any village office. (See the story on page 1 for details.)

Royal Palm Beach is also partnering with the PBSO for the 2011 Unified Local Food Drive, which also includes eight local schools, as well as Royal Palm Covenant Church. Now through Nov. 19, residents can drop off items at the PBSO’s District 9 substation, the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center and Village Hall.

You can also find food drives organized by a number of religious organizations and other community groups. We strongly encourage donating to any one of these food drives. Thanksgiving can be more than just giving thanks. There is a lot more to give, and a lot of people who would be thankful for your doing so.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Fransetta: Vets Deserve Better Treatment As a 17-year-old, I made the decision to serve our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. I traveled halfway around the world and saw action.

Like today’s young veterans, I hoped to have a future when I came home.

In those days, American corporations operated manufacturing plants here at home, and heads of companies were compensated at a fair rate for their expertise. I came home from the war and was able to land a job with the Ford Motor Company in Cleveland, Ohio. I stayed with Ford for 34 years, earning a middle-income salary and a pension for the years of hard work.

I was able to live what I consider to be the American dream — serving my country, coming home to my loved ones, landing a good career, and then getting married and raising a family.

Over the years, some things have changed. Members of our armed forces still take an oath to defend our constitution and freedom. Our youth, our children, the kids we watched grow up, enlist in our armed services, swear their allegiance and proudly serve our country. But while our children go off to the unknown horrors of war in lands far beyond our borders, private contractors and corporations profit more and more from their sacrifices.

Our returning veterans come home and join ranks with the newly recognized “99 percent.” Many of them are jobless. Part of the reason is that American manufacturers no longer produce goods in our country, instead most go the corporate greed route — investing in other countries for cheap labor. This continuously increases the corporate bottom line, and it depletes our own nation’s health and prosperity. In 2010, the average CEO earned a total compensation package of $11.4 million.

Read that number again! CEOs in this country, including those whose companies have received bailouts and laid off thousands of people year after year, are earning record amounts in salaries, benefits and bonuses. The balance has become so skewed that the many of us are left to wonder: Just what kind of country we are fighting for?

Right now, 20 percent of veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 are unemployed, compared with 9 percent of non-veterans in the same age group (not to mention homelessness). Our veterans deserve better! As a country, we have failed our veterans and our young

people. Corporations and the top 1 percent seem to be the only ones profiting from the wars that we the 99 percent are sent to fight and from the wealth that 99 percent of us help to create.

How is it that Washington politicians can allow corporations to have such huge tax shelters when they outsource our livelihood?

How is it that most Washington politicians consider cuts to programs like Social Security and Medicare before seriously considering asking Wall Street to pay its fair share? Incidentally, 9.4 million veterans receive Social Security, and most of them also receive Medicare. These programs are lifelines not just for our veterans, but for much of our nation.

Veterans Day 2011 will mark a day of remembrance for all who served. While I realize that not everyone can serve for private reasons, it would be fitting if we could all honor a veteran. Above all, show your honor and appreciation for our veterans by preserving the basic programs that ensure all Americans a decent quality of life.

It’s what they fought for and continue to fight for.

Tony Fransetta Wellington Editor’s note: Tony Fransetta is the president of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans.

Where Is Government Oversight?

Editor ’s note: The following letter was sent to state and federal officials, and forwarded to the Town-Crier for publication.

State Farm, an insurer in Florida of homeowners and auto insurance, has in all sense of the word abandoned their current and future customers by dramatically raising their homeowners’ rates.

I have been a State Farm customer for 60 years, entrusting them with my auto and homeowners’ insurance in Chicago and Florida for the last 12 years. In 2010, my homeowners premium was $3,726.

State Farm’s quote for 2011 was $9,986. This unconscionable quote includes reductions in my coverage.

Obviously, I contacted other homeowners’ insurance companies, and received similar coverage from United Property Insurance Company, for $3,452. I received similar quotes from other insurance companies. Neighbors of mine have had comparable experiences.

Where is our insurance commissioner on this issue? How can the commissioner, or any of Florida’s representatives let State Farm get

away with this? In the past, when State Farm went “rogue,” they were threatened with not letting them sell auto insurance in Florida if they did not offer homeowners’ insurance. Their current policy basically abandons the homeowners.

As guardians of the people of Florida, I beseech you to not allow State Farm to do any business in Florida!

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Stop Fighting The Inspector General’s Office Over the past year and a half, opposition to the establishment of an effective inspector general has taken many forms. Once the Board of County Commissioners voted to follow the recommendation of the state grand jury investigating corruption and other wrongdoing in Palm Beach County, a series of barriers to effective implementation have been put on the path toward establishing the Office of the Inspector General. It is difficult to know exactly what the motives are of those constructing these barriers, but it is likely that some are motivated by their discomfort with vigorous oversight.

I have had considerable personal experience with inspectors general of many different kinds. Before coming to Palm Beach County, I was a project manager for the federal government, specifically the Department of Defense and later the Federal Aviation Administration. My first-hand experience with inspectors general and the Government Accountability Office was not something I sought. However, my experience led me to believe that while inspector general activities were often distracting, if you did your job with diligence and honesty, it was not something to be terribly concerned about. In fact, I believe this kind of oversight is important in many ways, not the least of which is as a deterrent, helping to keep honest people honest.

The history of the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General (OIG), to date, is one marked by a large variety of creative, fear-generating, but invalid arguments opposing its effective implementation. Just as the Palm Beach County history of corruption in government earned it the title “Corruption County,” we are living through another piece of history. One that we should insist plays out to do the right thing, protecting the county’s and municipalities’ taxpayers from waste, fraud and inefficiency. If we are

silent, we will see a great opportunity to ensure honesty and transparency in local governmental business and activities lost to this relentless opposition.

Even though Palm Beach County commissioners have approved and will soon fully implement the OIG approach, modeled successfully by Miami-Dade (as recommended by the grand jury), we must still overcome a number of significant but unfounded challenges to that successful OIG plan. One of the critical features of the Miami-Dade OIG structure is that it is funded by the contractors who do business with the county, not by the taxpayers.

In Miami-Dade, the OIG is funded totally by the contractors who benefit from doing business with the local governments. The OIG fee is 0.25 percent of the contract price and is paid for by the contractor who is awarded the contract. This is a drop in the bucket of most government contracts and most likely will be covered by contractors’ bids rounded-up, as they normally do. For a $1 million contract, this amounts to $2,500 going to fund the OIG — not the level of dollar impact that would reasonably warrant the kind of opposition being generated.

Believe it or not, taxpayer money is about to be spent by Delray Beach to sue Palm Beach County on this point, claiming that the county’s OIG funding approach is unconstitutional and that the taxpayers should pay. That leaves the taxpayers to pay for the OIG. I want to encourage our governmental leaders not to allow any backsliding on this important initiative, even if implementing it appears to be more costly or more complex than originally thought.

In fact, for contractors who operate in the “light of day,” this 0.25 percent could be considered a small additional cost of doing business with the county/municipal governments. As I understand it, Miami-Dade has had a successful OIG for about 13 years, funded by fees collected from winning contractors. I don’t understand why Palm Beach County can’t do the same thing.

Finally, I believe that a well-implemented OIG will have a positive impact on public trust in this very important area of local governmental operations — an area that is ripe for corruption.

Trusting our government is not our natural inclination these days, and for good reason. So, I believe that we taxpayers should demand that both the county and municipal governments fully implement the OIG model as implemented by Miami-Dade, including an adequately funded budget that is paid

for by those who profit from doing business with our local governmental agencies, not the taxpayers.

Jeff Hmara Royal Palm Beach

Clean Up The Corruption!

The silent majority is awake and angry! Why is there not a full disclosure as to just who are these people who are fighting the will of the people of Palm Beach County, who by a huge majority voted to activate an independent inspector general? They say an independent inspector general is too expensive; that is a good reason… would you like to know the real reason, folks?

One of Wall Street’s more famous, greatest thieves, in my opinion, was J.P. Morgan, who had a great saying, that “a person has two reasons for everything they do: they have a good reason, and they have the real reason.” When we listen to the message that all of the waste in all of the corrupt dealings going on in Palm Beach County can be cleaned up better from the inside as opposed to an independent inspector general from the outside, it leaves me rolling on the floor laughing. That’s me and the people of the county and all who call Palm Beach County the most corrupt county in Florida. Think of the school board conducting its own internal investigation. That’s like the wolf guarding the sheep.

You know, I was born at night, but it wasn’t last night. Using their own in-house people would yield as many corrupt bad guys as a cat wearing gloves (they catch no mice).

We have finally had enough.

The people have spoken. The people have voted. The inspector general is here, and we have a very good person in Cheryl Steckler.

Several mayors, upon learning of her arrival, resigned, and there’s more to come — not only mayors, but there are lots of people who are trying to destroy the will of the

voters who by an overwhelming majority voted for an independent inspector general as opposed to political hacks. Remember the great attorney Robert Montgomery when he brought out the level of academic performance of students at all levels, and remember the report he came up with that showed that (at that time) there were 19,000 people in the Palm Beach County School District; of that number only 9,000 were students! Oh boy; it really hit the fan back then, and now we have the inspector general to, in my opinion, “close the deal.” Do not let the tail wag the dog around here anymore. This inspector general is off to a great start but is already feeling the push-back from a small, well-funded group, well organized and in the shadows, and from those shadows completely ignore the will of the majority of the people (that’s you and me) and impose their will on the majority. I am not going to let this happen to the citizens of Wellington.

The inspector general is here because we want and need an outside inspector general with a rather large mop, and folks, we got us one! It is now time for them to pay the piper. They bought the ticket, now they can enjoy the ride. We need to follow the measures taken by the town of Belle, Calif., and get a top-to-bottom forensic study of expenses, purchases, salaries and an oversight committee composed of citizens put in place by the citizens, and I would ask that County Commissioner Jess Santamaria chair that committee.

Thomas Goff Wellington

Capitalism Requires Regulations Free market has come to mean that based on “opportunity,” American businesses can enjoy the rapture that comes with corporate welfare at the expense of the AmerSee LETTERS, page 20

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NEWS

Wellington Council Extends Deadline On SR 7’s Lanier Property

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to approve a development order amendment to grant four more years for the development of the parcel of land on the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way. The decision extended the build-out date from Dec. 31, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2016, for the 132-acre Castellina/Lanier property, and changed some roadway improvement requirements for the project.

Still under construction, the property has been approved for

264 residential units, Director of Growth Management Bob Basehart said.

“This would make some relatively minor modifications to the traffic conditions,” Basehart said.

Modifications include extending the length of the northbound turn lane at SR 7 and Stribling Way by 445 feet and the southbound left turn lane by 665 feet.

“It would also include their recognizing a higher proportionate share cost in road improvements,” Basehart said, “and an updated traffic count requirement for pos-

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sible future expansion of the eastbound turn lane.”

The project has received county approval that it can meet concurrency requirements through 2016, Basehart added.

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite made a motion to approve the item, which passed unanimously.

In other business, Wellington will be joining several municipalities in litigation over the requirement that municipalities pay for a portion of the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General.

“I reported to the West Palm Beach city attorney’s office that

we would be joining the litigation concerning the funding source for the inspector general’s office,” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said.

Councilman Howard Coates noted that Wellington’s participation in the lawsuit was not a sign that the council does not support the mission of the inspector general.

“The consensus of this council was to join in this lawsuit seeking declaration as to the method of payment in respect to the funding of the [inspector general],” he said.

“I wanted to make it clear that there’s not any consensus on

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council that we don’t support the office or what its purposes are.”

Coates said that he did not vote in favor of the measure at a meeting last month because he didn’t want the community to think that he or the council oppose the mission of the inspector general.

“I didn’t want there to be any misconstruing that somehow being a participant in this lawsuit is being against ethical practices, ethical government or having an inspector general that can occasionally get into the mix and supervise what’s going on,” he said.

“We support ethics in government

and will continue to do so.”

Coates, an attorney, noted that the lawsuit is not about the office’s mission but instead who finances the office.

“It’s about who pays for it, and hopefully to avoid what would be a double payment by Wellington residents,” Coates explained.

“This lawsuit is ultimately seeking to have the office funded by the county at large, rather than funded as it currently is by the county and the municipalities. That results in our residents having to pay twice, and that’s what we’re seeking to avoid.”

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Page 5

NEWS

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT HOSTS ANNUAL ACREAGE FALL PARADE The Indian Trail Improvement District presented the Acreage Fall Parade on Saturday, Nov. 5 beginning at Acreage Community Park.

Themed “Welcome to the Jungle,” the parade followed a 1.9-mile route, and floats were judge based on “Most Original,” “Most Comical,” “Most Festive,” “Most Creative” and “Most Cutest Country Critter.”

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Charlotte, Spencer and Scott Jones with the ITID “Welcome to the Jungle” Float.

The All Star Kids cat-themed float won “Most Original.”

“Most Cutest Countr y Critter” winners the Ms. Palm Beach Rodeo Queen float.

Girl Scouts troops 849 and 415.

Michele Valero, Kelsey Strickland and Morgan Lauer at the USA Girls Flag football float.

Alyssa Arias, Sarah Anderson, Devon Firestone and Claisyn Crampton with the Ms. Palm Beach County Rodeo Queen float.

PALM BEACH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS HOMECOMING WEEK ACTIVITIES Palm Beach Central High School celebrated homecoming last week. On Frida y, Nov. 4, during a home football game against Boca Raton High School, Aldo Araujo and Paola Rodriguez were crowned homecoming king and queen. The Broncos attended a homePHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER coming dance the following evening.

Senior Homecoming Court members Nina Laureano and Scott Jacobs.

Freshman Homecoming Court members Jordan Farve and Christian Correa.

Senior Homecoming Court members Nicole Granitto and E.J. Sardinha.

Sophomore Homecoming Court members Gabby Adesso and Eric Roginski.

Seniors Jessica Rizzo and Matt Passagiatta.

Seniors Vanessa Hotchkiss and Daniel Brown.

Page 6

November 11 - November 17, 2011

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CRIME NEWS

Home Burglaries In RPB And Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report NOV. 2 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home on Gardenia Drive last Wednesday afternoon in response to a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the complainant arrived at the home and noticed the back screen door was ajar and that the rear sliding glass door of the home was open. The complainant walked through the home and observed that the air handler was missing from the laundry room, and that the compressor was missing from outside the home. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,400. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 2 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to Veterans Park last Wednesday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 12:40 and 1:15 p.m., someone slipped the lock on the driver’s-side door of the victim’s car and forced open the door. The perpetrator(s) stole an LG car charger, approximately 48 CDs and $216 cash. The stolen items were valued at approximately $736. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 3 — A resident of the Willows II neighborhood called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday evening to report a residential burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home and stole several items of jewelry along with prescription pills and $75 cash. The stolen items were valued at approximately $3,575. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 7 — A resident of Greenview Shores called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 9:45 a.m., someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole an iPod Nano, $50 cash and a pack of cigarettes. The stolen items were valued at approximately $175. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 7 — A Lake Worth man was arrested Monday on charges

of drunken driving following a traffic stop on Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was on patrol at approximately 4:30 a.m. when he observed a dark green Jeep Cherokee turn onto Crestwood Blvd. from Southern Blvd.

The deputy observed the vehicle wander across the lanes and hit the curb. According to the report, the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver continued on for about a mile before turning onto Sparrow Drive and coming to a stop. The deputy made contact with the driver, 32-year-old Mateo Francisco, who had a Guatemalan identification card. According to the report, the deputy observed two open bottles of beer in the center console and a bag containing more empty and full bottles of beer. The deputy asked Francisco to step out of the vehicle and perform roadside sobriety tasks, but he was unable to complete them. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where breath tests revealed he had a .204 blood-alcohol level.

Francisco was charged with driving under the influence.

NOV. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Hidden Pines community Tuesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:40 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home through a rear sliding door and stole a laptop computer, an iPhone and several pieces of jewelry. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 8 — A resident of the Polo Lakes community called the PBSO substation in Wellington Tuesday afternoon to report a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., someone pried open the front door of the home with a screwdriver. Once inside, the perpetrator(s) entered the bedrooms and removed a PlayStation 3 and an Xbox 360, as well as an unknown amount of cash hidden in a shoebox in the closet. According to the report, a neighbor observed a black male about 17 years old and 6-feet tall, wearing blue jeans and a green flannel shirt in the area around 10 a.m. to noon.

The PBSO is seeking information regarding the identity of the suspects shown above.

Suspects Sought For Purse Theft In RPB NOV. 2 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying two suspects wanted for stealing a purse last Wednesday in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, the victim was attending a special ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. The victim walked up to the

altar to accept communion, and when she returned to her seat she discovered that her purse was gone. The victim’s credit cards were used at local stores shortly after her purse was stolen. Anyone who can identify the suspects shown above is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458TIPS.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Christopher Mills is a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 200 lbs., with a bald head and blue eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 01/16/ 84. Mills is wanted for dealing in stolen property and false verification of o wnership. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. Mills is wanted as of 11/10/11.

• Marquitta “Kita” Wilcher is a black female, 5’6” tall and weighing 175 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of roses on her chest. Her date of birth is 03/19/83. Wilcher is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of grand theft of a motor vehicle. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Oliver Lane in Royal Palm Beach. Wilcher is wanted as of 11/10/11.

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

Christopher Mills

Marquitta Wilcher

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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November 11 - November 17, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

Legislative Delegation Agrees To Introduce LGWCD’s Local Bill

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation accepted a local bill Tuesday from the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District that will lead to the popular-vote election of one of its five supervisors, rather than the historic one-acre, one-vote method.

Attorney David Ramba, representing the district, spoke to the delegation, which met at the Mae Volen Senior Center in Boca Raton.

Ramba said the bill was the result of a petition drive by a group of citizens and subsequent referendum that started the conversion process, which will culminate in qualified electors, who are both property owners and residents, choosing one supervisor in the next election.

Ramba said there are several conflicting laws in Chapter 298 on water control districts and Chapter 189 on general districts in the Florida Statutes. “This district is a 298 district,” Ramba said, explaining that the local bill asks for an exception to allow for the popularly elected member to serve a three-year term in accordance with Chapter 298, rather than the fouryear term called for in Chapter 189.

If approved, this would allow the other four members to be elected in rotation, two the next year and two the year thereafter, to have the elections by the one-acre, onevote rule not happening in the same year as the elections by the popular electorate.

“You don’t want the landowner coming in and having to vote

one ballot one way and another ballot another way,” Ramba said, explaining that the conversion had been approved by a vote of 154 to 85 in a referendum conducted earlier this year by the LGWCD. Marge Herzog, representing the Friends of Loxahatchee Groves, was one of the residents who initiated the change through a petition drive. Although she supports the local bill, Herzog said she would prefer that the county supervisor of elections conduct the elections, rather than the district’s auditor, who conducted the referendum. Herzog pointed out several flaws in the referendum, including a lack of absentee ballots.

Herzog, who is also president of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association, furnished a packet of letters from Loxahatchee Groves residents describing what had happened to them during the referendum.

“I am pleased that we are going to have the one-person, one-vote,” she said. “The only thing I’m asking for is that since the supervisor of elections knows how to run the elections, and the water control district is great at doing canals and roads, why don’t we let the people who are the experts do the job that they are trained to do?”

Herzog referred to the residents’ letters, including one from a woman who is handicapped, which makes it hard for her to get in and out of her car to get to the election center. “There were no absentee ballots available,” Herzog said, which she said kept the woman from participating.

Herzog also referred to a man who was out of town on personal

LGWCD Supervisor Frank Schiola, Super visor John Ryan, Administrator Clete Saunier and attorney David Ramba.

Marge Herzog (left) and Don Williams (right) address members of the delegation.

PHOTOS BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

business the day of the referendum and was not able to vote.

Herzog said one resident thought the ballots were not secret because they were numbered.

“There was tracking done by the auditing firm, and she was afraid there would be intimidation later on based on the way she voted,” Herzog said.

She added that there were no sample ballots. “People showed up at the election center and they were handed the ballot with the wording on it and asked to vote at that time,” Herzog said. “They didn’t have any time to prepare ahead of time.”

Herzog said she felt the issues would be resolved if the supervisor of elections handled it.

Loxahatchee Groves resident Don Williams agreed that the supervisor of elections should handle it. “The supervisor of elections maintains the list of registered voters,” Williams said. “A major

problem with qualified elector elections is determining who is qualified to vote.”

Williams also pointed out that the bill changes the qualifying period for the one-person, onevote candidates to 30 days, where the one-acre, one-vote qualifying is 90 days.

Resident Ken Johnson said at least one resident was denied qualified elector status because her property was in trust, which he said constituted taxation without representation since she had paid taxes on the property since 1989.

Johnson also pointed out what he felt was a disparity in the process, since the district did not allow absentee ballots, although it allows proxy ballots during oneacre, one-vote elections.

LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan said that state statutes recognize that public bodies such as the water control district are fully empowered to supervise elections

and qualify voters. Ryan added that the statutes also prevent owners of properties that are in trust, corporation names or partnerships from being qualified electors.

“Under the statute, property held that way [does] not entitle the owners and beneficiaries of those forms of organizations to vote,” Ryan said. “We didn’t feel that it was our job to contradict statute.

We think that is the role of the legislature and something you may want to revisit.”

Ryan added that the board felt that physical presence was necessary during the referendum in order to certify voters as qualified electors due to the intricacies in coordinating the list of registered voters with certified landowners.

“We feel that the best position to economically address the statutory requirements was that a physical presence is a factor of significance in carrying out the details of the statute,” Ryan said.

State Rep. Mark Pafford (DDistrict 88) said he thought Herzog had made valid points regarding the process and suggested that they seriously consider using the supervisor of elections.

“I think we’re caught in a bind here,” Pafford said. “Generally speaking, your local governments don’t like mandates. I think if this body decided we were going to push them for certain in the direction of the supervisor of elections, I’m sure there will be costs and we will be bopped in the head for pushing another mandate. Hopefully, the local folks will determine for themselves that they need to move toward a system that’s going to alleviate a lot of concerns.”

State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (DDistrict 85) made a motion to accept the bill, and it was accepted with minimal opposition. The acceptance means that it will be brought up for consideration during the 2012 legislative session.

Royal Palm Beach’s Oldest Church Celebrates 49th Anniversary

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Covenant Church is celebrating 49 years of serving the western communities this week, culminating with a special service on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Originally Evangelical Covenant Church, the young congregation found its home in 1962 on a one-acre plot located at the southern end of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., where it has remained ever since.

“It’s the oldest church in Royal Palm Beach,” Pastor Mike Rose said.

Rose is the church’s fourth pastor and has been there for eight

Food Drive

Ways To Give

continued from page 1 lage Park (11700 Pierson Road) or the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace) during business hours.

The items will be collected and sorted into meals and then distributed to families in need.

Wellington is still accepting registration from anyone who may be in need of a meal during the holiday, Henghold said. Anyone in need, or wishing to sign up someone in need, can go to any Wellington office or visit www . wellingtonfl.gov and fill out a registration form. Those without transportation or a computer can call Henghold to register at (561) 791-4137.

Henghold asked, however, that anyone wishing to sign up a family in need alert the family that they are being registered first. “We just want them to be aware that they have been signed up,” she said, “so that when we call them, they aren’t surprised.”

Once registered, those residents

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years with his wife and co-pastor, Carolyn.

The church’s first full-time pastor, Rev. Eugene Lundberg, was pastor for 25 years — from 1964 to 1989, when he retired. In 1976, the church expanded and added a Sunday school and classrooms, as well as a fellowship hall to accommodate the growing community.

Royal Palm Covenant Church has grown significantly since its founding. It is now a multicultural congregation and holds two Sunday services, one in Creole and one in English. Rose described the church as a close congregation that is committed to helping the community. Since

Rose took over as pastor, he and his wife have implemented many programs to help the community.

One such program is the Youth Xplosion, which invites youth in the community to the church to help guide them to be better citizens. The annual event brings youth together to showcase their talents as well as participate in workshops and seminars. “We partner with other ministries to get them informed and to show off their talents,” Rose explained. “It’s a great community event.”

The church also tries to engage younger members of the community by offering opportunities for community service, Rose said.

Last year, the church hosted a special program aimed at residents facing foreclosure.

“We wanted to help those people who might face the loss of their home and bring awareness of how they could get help,” Rose said.

Other programs include helping the homeless, be it for work or housing, for which church members try to help residents find what they need. “We work with them and try to turn them in the right direction,” Rose said.

Royal Palm Covenant Church is perhaps best known for its food pantry, which helps those in need get a good meal once a week.

“Our food pantry feeds about

200 people a week,” Rose said.

To celebrate 49 years of serving the community, Royal Palm Covenant held celebratory services Wednesday and Thursday, and will have another on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Then, on Sunday, the church will be joined by other local congregations for a special service at 4 p.m., bringing the local religious community together.

“We welcome everyone from the community to come and join us,” Rose said.

The church is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more information, or to make a donation, call (561) 793-1077.

Rev. Michael Rose

will be contacted by a Wellington staff member to arrange for them to get the meal. “If you sign up and you’re in need of a meal, you’ll get one,” Henghold said.

Meanwhile, Royal Palm Beach is partnering with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for the Royal Palm Beach Unified Local Food Drive through Nov. 19.

Residents can donate items such as stuffing, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed potatoes, soups and frozen turkeys to those in need.

Items can be brought to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation (11498 Okeechobee Blvd.), the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) or Royal Palm Beach Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).

Local schools are also getting involved with a friendly competition that pits eight schools against each other to try to collect the most food items. The winning school will get a “turkey trophy” to display.

One lucky student and teacher will get to enjoy the “Sheriff for a Day” program, a day full of fun that includes a helicopter ride, a boat ride and a visit to all of the

PBSO’s specialty sites and units.

For more information about the Royal Palm Beach food drive, call Diane Smith at (561) 904-8241.

Another staple in the Royal Palm Beach community, Royal Palm Covenant Church, will be opening its doors to those in need again this year.

Partnering with My Brother’s/ Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust, the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club and the PBSO, along with JJ Produce and Dr. Dana Richard’s office, the church hopes to feed 800 needy people this holiday.

“Many people in the commu-

nity around us aren’t financially stable,” Pastor Mike Rose told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “We want to make sure they have everything they need to celebrate Thanksgiving. Even though the church is facing difficult economic times, we endeavor to do this to help those in need.”

Rose said that the church is asking for monetary donations to help put together Thanksgiving baskets, as well as for the food pantry, which helps people in need year-round.

Donations to the Unified Local Food Drive will also help the

church fill the Thanksgiving baskets. “All gifts are tax-deductible,” Rose noted.

To make a donation, call Rose at (561) 793-1077 or (561) 2949258.

Those in need of a Thanksgiv-

ing basket may register at Royal Palm Covenant Church (660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.) on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and Thursday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s first come, first served,” Rose said.

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Wellington Dog Park Closed Nov. 14-18 Wellington Dog Park, a free, fenced-in facility for four-legged friends, will be closed Monday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 18 for routine annual pest control and maintenance.

Wellington staff appreciates the public’s patience as they work to maintain the facility.

The Wellington Dog Park is lo-

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$20

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Massage

With coupon. Limit one per patient. tc Expires 1/17/12

With coupon. Limit one per patient. tc Expires 1/17/12

10233 Okeechobee Boulevard Suite B6

Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (located next to Super Target) The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed forpayment for any service, examination, or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the ad for free service, examination or treatment.

cated at 2795 Greenbriar Blvd. and is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. The park is closed until 3 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month for regular maintenance.

For more information, call Parks & Recreation Director Bruce DeLaney at (561) 7914729.

OBITUARY

Loxahatchee’s Steven Hamilton Dies At Age 51 Steven Francis Hamilton of Loxahatchee passed away Saturday, Nov. 5. He was 51.

Hamilton is survived by his wife Laura Bailey Hamilton, son Steven (and his wife Carrie), daughter Danielle and son Shawn.

Hamilton is the son of Elaine Hamilton and brother of Dennis and Doug Hamilton. He was the owner of Hamilton Grading Equestrian Construction.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). A home reception will take place immediately following the service.

Steven Hamilton

Page 8

November 11 - November 17, 2011

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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington Chamber Horse Season Kickoff

Attendees enjoy the first Delray Beach Bus Loop in September.

Delray Beach Bus Loop On Dec. 16 To Benefit Several Local Charities The second Delray Beach Bus Loop is set for Friday, Dec. 16.

The first Bus Loop on Sept. 23 was a tremendous success, attended by 780 people and raising $9,500 for five local nonprofit charities.

The Bus Loop will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach library (100 West Atlantic Ave.). Upon registering, each attendee will receive a card and wristband providing access to trolleys at no charge, and one complimentary drink and occasional appetizers at participating locations.

Bus Loop cards will be honored until 11 p.m., and the trolleys operate until midnight.

Attendees ride the trolleys to nine top restaurants and bars throughout downtown Delray Beach. The route takes attendees along Atlantic Avenue and nearby side streets and stops at each participating venue.

The Delray Beach Bus Loop proceeds benefit the Caridad Center, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the Delray Beach Public Library, the Spirit of Giving and the Palm Beach County Gator Club Scholarship Fund.

Admission is a $25 donation at the door or $20 if prepaid online at www.busloop.org. For more information, call (954) 574-6000.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth annual “Kickoff to the Equestrian and Polo Season” luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Wanderers Club.

Speaking on their respective venues and events will be John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, and Mark Bellissimo and Michael Stone from Equestrian Sport Productions. In addition, Mike O’Dell, project director of Wellington’s equestrian master plan, will be sharing the newest data on the equestrian community in Wellington.

Sponsoring the event is Mason Phelps of Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com. As a rider, trainer, event manager, governance leader and charity organizer, Phelps has spent four decades helping to shape the equestrian industry.

With the founding of Phelps Media Group in 2004, Phelps carved a niche into the world of public relations — equestrian promotions by people who understand the sport, the industry and the lifestyle.

As founder of Phelps Media Group International, Phelps has been innovative in promoting not only his clients but also the equestrian sport industry in general.

PMG represents clients, including horse shows, farms and athletes throughout the country, and keeps a presence nationwide.

Also sponsoring is Connor Financial Group, an independent firm with advisors concentrating in investment management, retirement planning, income management and trust management. Victor Connor is chairman of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Equestrian Committee and the vice president on the chamber’s board of directors.

This will be an interactive, fun and educational event discussing the upcoming equestrian and polo seasons, as well as new and exciting events, and new information provided by Wellington. It is an event not to miss if you live, work and play in Wellington. There will be fantastic giveaways courtesy of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The luncheon begins at noon.

The cost is $20 for chamber members with an RSVP, $25 for members with no RSVP and $30 for nonmembers. VIP tables start at $250. Call (561) 792-6525 for reservations.

Next LGLA Meeting Set For Nov. 17 The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association (LGLA) will meet Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves).

The guest speakers will be talking about pill mills/illegal drugs and what is being done to control the situation. Dave Aronberg, a former state senator and new spe-

cial prosecutor for prescription drug trafficking, will talk about how Florida became the pill mill capital of the nation and what the state is finally doing about it. He will show some interesting slides and an undercover video from a pill mill that he said will shock those in attendance.

Loxahatchee Groves Town Manager Mark Kutney will discuss what ordinances and regulations the town has put in place to try to head off pill mills and other businesses that would have a negative affect on the residents. A county representative will discuss what the county has done to head off issues.

The LGLA hopes community members will be able to attend this meeting and find out more about what is being done to help protect the citizens from these illegal operations.

The public is welcome to attend this meeting and learn more about the services available to help deal with various situations.

For more information, call Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114.

American Legion Post 390 To Meet On Nov. 17 American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington).

All eligible veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more info., e-mail wellington

legion390@gmail.com or call (561) 301-2961.

November Is Adopt A Senior Pet Month November is National Adopt-aSenior-Pet Month and Animal Care & Control has an abundance of senior pets looking for loving homes.

To help celebrate, the shelter will be offering $5 adoptions on all pets age 5 years and older. In addition, all senior pets adopted from the shelter will receive a voucher for a free rabies shot and county license tag for next year.

Giving a second chance to an older pet can be equally, if not more, rewarding than raising a young puppy or kitten. Older pets are usually calmer, quieter and require less exercise than their younger counterparts. They are past the stages of chewing shoes, scratching furniture and having accidents in the house.

When you adopt a senior pet, what you see is what you get.

You will already be aware of their behavior, size and energy needs.

The shelter is located at 7100 Belvedere Road, just west of Florida’s Turnpike. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday.

For more information, call (561) 233-1272 during business hours or visit www.pbcgov.com/ animal.

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NEWS

WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES PRESENT ‘BRUNCH & BROWSE’ EVENT Women of the Western Communities held “Brunch & Browse” on Sunday, No v. 6 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. Vendors were on hand selling jewelry, accessories, purses, kitchen spices and gifts. It was a chance to get a jump on holiday shopping.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Hope Barron gets a sam ple from Caroline Addicott while Vonnie Roberts looks on.

Pat Morris shows Debbie Plaxen some herbs and spices.

Kimberly Sutton buys a hat from Lisa Lampka of Re-Chic Inc.

Elaine Oksner of Accessories Unlimited helps Sondra Stateman with a scarf.

Scentsy consultant Ashleigh Caswell.

Women of the Western Communities board members Selena Smith, Allison Samilijan, Stacy Kaufman, Mair Armand, Susan D’Andrea, Faye Ford and Maureen Gross.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS NETWORKING MIXER AT FRANCO ITALIAN BISTRO The Wellington Chamber of Commer ce held a networking mixer and ribbon-cutting Thursday, Nov. 3 at the new Franco Italian Bistro in the Pointe at Wellington Green. Chamber members enjoyed an evening of networking at the restaurant, which celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

General Manager Christian Wiebel, owner Vitt orio Divivo and head chef Matteo Vicinanza.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Bob Salerno, Bob Wolff, Bill Tavernise, Melody and Alec Domb.

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NEWS

P.W. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HOSTS FITNESS RUN/WALK TO BENEFIT HOSPICE The 14th annual Wellington Community 5K Fitness Run/Walk to benefit the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation was held Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Community members and avid runners alike had the opportunity to get fit while supporting a great cause. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

First-place finisher Charles Bentson with Brian Perez and Ramiro Melendez.

Wellington High School cross-country team members Molly Triggs and Caitlin McNally.

Overall female third-, second- and first-place winners Emma Cavendish, Laurel Brennan and April Hernandez.

Visions Salon coordinator Sherri Giles offers runners hair-care information.

Team Medical Center of the Palm Beaches with the trophy for largest non-school team.

WPTV’s Roxanne Stein, Lauryn Barry of Hospice of Palm Beach County, event co-chair Terri Priore and Palms West Community Foundation Director of Development Maureen Gross.

WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB LUNCHEON FEATURES PRESENTATION ON BEES The Wellington Garden Club held its monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 7 at the Wellington Community Center. Members enjoyed lunch and listened to guest speaker Al Salopek of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. Salopek, a longtime Wellington resident, made a presentation on bees. For more information, visit www.wellingtongar denclub.org. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Guest speaker Al Salopek with Wellington Garden Club President Susan Hillson.

Teresa Cummings, Denise Friedlander, Twig Morris, Ann Cavaleri and Kay Brown.

New members Eileen Friedman, Cassandra Klatzco, Judy Evans, Michele Weiss and Barbara May.

The Salvation Army 40th Annual Christmas Ball

Saturday, December 3, 2011 The Beach Club ² Palm Beach As The Salvation Army embarks upon its 40th Anniversary, we Remember and Honor those whom have given tirelessly to The Salvation Army; embodying its mission and leadership to serve others in times of personal disaster. The Salvation Army will also welcome a proven leader, to whom America and much of world turns to in a time of crisis and change.

Rudy Giuliani will inspire us as he shares the critical skills and principles of leadership.

For more information contact 561-686-3530

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FUN & INTRIGUE AT WELLINGTON’S FIRST ‘MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER’ Wellington hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Village Park gym on Pierson Road. The event included dinner catered by Buca di Beppo, live music and entertainment by They Improv. For information about upcoming Wellington events, visit www .wellingtonfl.gov. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Barbara Philippi, Julie Strow, Jenett e Garcia and Mandy Burkart.

Claire Fairclough, Jordan and Maria Goodstein, and Mike Fairclough.

Joseph Cassiere and John Colca.

Kathy DeLaney, Julie Yost, Donna Gulbransen, and Joanne and Kurt Kapsos.

Eric Juck ett and Michelle Garvey.

Buca di Beppo Sales Manager Alane Riccardi with Bruce DeLaney.

Andrea Morgan and Rob Schwartz.

They Improv actors Rita Ritvin, Todd Rice, Phillip Giannikas and Tamara Jones.

Sally Schwartz with Harrie t and Loretta Katz.

Joe and Debbie Piconcelli.

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SCHOOL NEWS

SRHS To Host Annual Academy Open House/Business Bash Nov. 17 Seminole Ridge High School will host its annual academy open house and business bash Thursday, Nov. 17 in the gymnasium, auditorium and academy classrooms.

The evening will begin in the gym with an open session featuring displays and presenters from SRHS clubs, sports teams, groups, organizations and academies. The event will move to the auditorium at 7 p.m. for an overview presentation, followed by a tour of the academy classrooms at 7:30 p.m.

All parents, students and community members are welcome to attend.

• Blood Drive Sets New Records — The Oct. 30 blood drive, sponsored by the SRHS

National Honor Society, set new school records, registering 243 donors and collecting 191 units of blood. NHS thanks SECME students for launching bottle rockets in donors’ names to match the drive’s theme, “Give Blood: It’s Not Rocket Science.”

• Red Ribbons at the Ridge — Red Ribbon Week, held at the end of October, is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the United States, with an estimated 80 million people participating each year. By wearing the ribbon, students pledge to live a drug-free life. SRHS celebrated the event by having students, faculty and staff wear red ribbons made by driver education classes under the direction of Ken Klammer.

• Debaters Score Big at Blue Key — The Seminole Ridge debate team scored big recently at the University of Florida’s annual Blue Key National Invitational Tournament.

Matthew Oates and Dominic Anaya won first place in duo extemporaneous speaking; Wayne Selogy reached the semifinals in student congress; Anaya and Devon Redmond reached the quarterfinals of duo interpretation; and Robert Botkin and Oates had a winning 4-2 record.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they put into competing,” debate coach Mierka Drucker said.

• Drama Students to Perform for Kids — The SRHS drama pro-

gram will present Kid Power: Operation Lunch Line to local elementary schools the morning of Nov. 17. The students’ mission: help a child feel great.

Using spectacular visual effects in 3-D, the entire audience miniaturizes, joining Kid Power on an amazing journey inside the body of Max, who feels lousy because he doesn’t eat or exercise properly. Operation Lunch Line monitors Max’s inactive behaviors and poor food choices. SRHS drama students will educate and motivate Max to show their audience that all students are filled with “kid power” — the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to make health-enhancing choices and feel great.

Hawks Matthew Oates and Dominic Anaya won first place in duo extemporaneous speaking.

RPBHS Debate Team Scores High At Tournament On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcat speech and debate team competed at the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League Tournament at Lake Worth High School.

Royal Palm Beach is once again one of the top-placing schools in Palm Beach County. The following students received awards: Anthony Nadeau, first place in oral interpretation; Delisa Stephenson, first place in dramatic performance; Alicia and Theresa Morales, first place in novice duo interpretation; Gabriella Garza and Nikita Grant, second place in novice duo interpretation; Mon-

ica Reguero and Demond Tyndal, third place in novice duo interpretation; Elisa Fontenla and Katelynn Cespedes, third place in duo interpretation; Hannah Locop, third place in original oratory; and Andrea Aguirre, fifth place in original oratory.

In addition, RPBHS has been recognized for its fourth consecutive year by the National Forensic League as a member of the prestigious 100 club. This distinction signifies that the Royal Palm Beach High School team has placed in the top 10 percent of speech and debate teams nationwide.

The Wildcat speech and debate team.

PANTHER RUN HOSTS BOO BINGO FAMILY FUN EVENT

Students, teachers and Panther Run Elementary School families joined in the fourth annual Boo Bingo Family Fun event. As always, a fun time was had by all at the PTA-sponsored fundraiser. Students had fun playing bingo and winning great prizes, and there were some great costumes this year.

Third-graders Matthew Cummings, Jake Roberts, Jesse Grillo and Paul Rooney.

First-grade teacher Sherr y Miller, “Recycle Roy,” Principal Pamela Strachan and kindergarten teacher Lisa Kenny.

The Polo Park band entertained the crowd under the direction of Band Director Kevin Graham.

Polo Park Hosts Annual Book Fair At Barnes & Noble Polo Park Middle School held its annual Book Fair on Thursday, Nov. 27 at Barnes & Noble in Wellington.

Because it was the Thursday before Halloween, some students and faculty members dressed up for the book fair.

Library media specialist Nora Bernstein worked hard, along with volunteers, to pull the night together. Proceeds from the fundraising event will go to the media

center at Polo Park Middle School.

The event was held to raise money to purchase Nooks for the library media center.

The evening was a successful literary event that celebrated books and showcased Polo Park student talent. The school band was a perfect example of that talent. It was Bernstein’s first literary event, and there was a great turnout.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Wellington High School Debaters Receive $1,455 In Donations The hard work of the Wellington High School debate and forensic team and their families, along with generous donations from several local businesses, helped the team host the first debate of the season and raise money to support the program.

Support from the community included donations from Strathmore Bagels, Sally Sherman Salads and Romeo’s Pizza.

On Sept. 17, Wellington hosted more than 450 high school debaters from Palm Beach and Martin counties. This year’s sea-

son includes 22 tournaments in Palm Beach County, throughout South Florida and at East Coast universities including the University of Florida, George Mason University and Emory University.

The WHS debate team participates in three debate leagues — two national leagues and one state league.

The two 2011-12 national championship tournaments will take place in Baltimore and Indianapolis. Wellington consistently sends students to compete

at these championship events.

It costs $1,200 to $5,000 for the team to attend tournaments outside Palm Beach County.

The WHS debate team started preparing for the September event last spring and is looking forward to hosting another debate in January 2012. An element of hosting a debate is providing breakfast and lunch to up to 600 debaters and 200 judges or coaches.

“Debate helps with self-confidence,” WHS debate coach Paul Gaba said. “It helps with re-

search, speaking and writing skills. The students have to formulate an argument and defend it. They have to know both sides of an argument. It’s not about what they personally believe in, it’s about what they can convince the judges.”

For more information on the Wellington High School debate and forensic team, visit www. wellingtondebate.com.

(Right) The Wellington High School debate and forensic team.

Trunk-Or-Treat At Ideal And Dream School A new Halloween tradition was started this year at the Ideal Elementary and Dream Middle Schools in Royal Palm Beach as parents decorated their cars for the inaugural Trunk-or-Treat celebration.

More than two dozen cars ranging from creepy to semi-spooky lined the school parking lot. Students from each grade oohed and ahhed as they trunk-or-treated from car to car.

“We’ve never done this before,” founder and Principal Wendy Soderman said. “I’m amazed and delighted at how much effort the parents put into decorating their cars for this event.”

(Left) Parent Deinse DeLisser hands out trunk or treat goodies to Ideal School secondgrade students.

Displays included a Disney theme, lots of ghosts and ghouls, and even a poison apple café.

After trick-or-treating from car to car, students and teachers voted on their favorite Halloween theme.

Susan Hughes, parent of kindergartner Adeline Hughes and first-grader Allie Hughes, won the first-place prize of four tickets to Lion Country Safari for turning her trunk into a mini haunted house.

Second prize went to Mary Kay and Howard Wilson for their ghoulish trunk of skeletons, coffin and spider webs.

“I’m not sure who had more fun, the parents or the children,” Soderman said. “The parents are already talking about what they can do to make their cars look even better next year.”

BOWEN READS TO NEW HORIZONS STUDENTS

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen read to kindergarten classes at New Horizons Elementary School on Oct. 31. The school had Literature Day, and the kindergarten students dressed up as coconut trees from the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Bowen read to six kindergarten classes including Fah Lee Davidson’s (above).

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Heart Walk Of The Palm Beaches Raises Money, Builds Awareness

Heart Walk Chair Dorothy Bradshaw and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Matthew Chait, Jill Chait and son Ryan Chait.

Margie Walsh, Dr. James Morris and Melissa Durbin.

Nancy Perez, Laurie Leon, Melissa Durbin, Cinde Logan and Allison Trowbridge.

Participants in the annual Heart Walk and 5K Run of the Palm Beaches, an event to benefit the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, united on Saturday, Oct. 1 to create hope, inspire change and celebrate success.

Held at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach, the 5K (3.1-mile) walk drew together an estimated 15,000 supporters from leading corporate sponsors and company walk teams to survivors of heart disease and stroke as well as lifestyle change heroes who have made significant changes in their daily routine to become more hearthealthy. The event was presented nationally by Subway and locally

by Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

In addition to serving as the presenting sponsor, Boca Raton Regional Hospital also had the largest fundraising team on site, with 698 registered walkers. Representing the hospital were CEO Jerry Fedele; Dr. James Morris, medical director of the Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute; Melissa Durbin, executive director of Cardiovascular Services, Critical Care Services and Emergency Services; and Tom Chakurda, vice president of marketing.

Walkers raised critical funds for heart and stroke research, education and community programs while simultaneously increasing community awareness about the devastating diseases and provoking a call to action through walk-

ing. Dorothy Bradshaw, deputy director of procurement at the South Florida Water Management District, was the 2011 Heart Walk chair, and NBC Today Show anchor Natalie Morales served as grand marshal.

The 5K certified run, held prior to the walk and chaired by Al LaSorte and Matt Chait of Shutts & Bowen LLP, was presented by Lawyers Have Heart and draws together hundreds from the legal community and other supporters each year.

Events included children’s activities, Zumba, heart-healthy refreshments, a stage presentation emceed by Rick Shockley of Sunny 104.3 FM and a survivor ceremony.

Each year, 1.2 million Americans will suffer a coronary attack and 700,000 will have a stroke. By adopting a lifestyle of physical activity, individuals can reduce their healthcare costs, increase their productivity and improve their overall quality of life and longevity.

Media sponsors of the Heart Walk included WPTV NewsChannel 5, The Palm Beach Post, CBS Outdoor, Salud al Dia and radio stations Sunny 104.3 FM, 103.1 FM the Buzz, the New X 102.3 FM, 107.9 FM WIRK and B 106.3 FM. The AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. For more info., visit www.heart.org or call the local office at (561) 697-6600.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

U.S. Army All-American Marching Band Selects Wellington’s Shawn Kelly Shawn Kelly of Wellington High School has been selected to be a member of the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Kelly will join an elite group of musicians who will perform during halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“The U.S. Army has a distinguished musical history with numerous bands and musical acts still performing around the world today,” said John Myers, director of strategic communications, marketing and outreach for U.S. Army

Accessions Command. “The skills and strengths necessary to be a successful band member are mirrored in Army Strong Soldiers.

Only the strongest wear the Army colors, which is why we are proud to honor all of our 2012 U.S. Army All-American Band members and congratulate each of them on their selection.”

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country, showcasing their talents during the largest celebration of high school

football in America, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, televised live on NBC on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m.

For more than 11 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Lattimore and Andrew Luck all made their national debuts as U.S. Army AllAmericans. The 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd

of nearly 38,000 to the Alamodome, and was the most-watched sporting event on television over the weekend, excluding the NFL playoffs.

The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers and enlisted soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,391 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future soldiers and leaders for their initial mili-

tary training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky. U.S. Army All-American Bowl is owned and produced by All American Games, a New Jerseybased sport marketing and event management company. The U.S. Army is the title sponsor of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and American Family Insurance is the lead national sponsor and will be the presenting sponsor of the telecast on NBC. For more info., visit www.us armyallamericanbowl.com and www.goarmy.com/events/aab.

Shawn Kelly

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY Austin Titus Recognized For Leadership By PBSO Austin Titus, a senior at the how small, is alHELD AT ST. MICHAEL King’s Academy, was recently ways remembered,” recognized for his leadership by Smith said, which is the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s why she came to LUTHERAN CHURCH Office during a special chapel pre- school to recognize

Leah Michelle Heysler, Jonathan Wallace Haines and Coral Taylor Recchio aff irmed their baptism through confirmation on Sunday, Oct. 30 at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington. For more information about the church, call Pastor Marjorie Weiss at (561) 793-4999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com. Shown above are Heysler, Haines, Recchio and Weiss.

Hanif Williams Completes U.S. Air Force Basic Training Air Force Airman Hanif J. Williams recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Williams 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 an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Williams is the son of Carlene Williams of West Palm Beach and cousin of Sheridan Ming of Royal Palm Beach.

Williams is a 2009 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

sentation.

Diane Smith, PBSO section manager for community outreach for the District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach, awarded Titus a certificate of recognition for his demonstrated leadership abilities.

Smith recalled an evening last year when Austin was volunteering for TKA’s toy drive during the Christmas holiday and found that there were extra donated gifts with no recipients. He decided to take the gifts to the PBSO to inquire if they might know of families who were in need and could benefit from them.

Smith accepted the gifts and was able to bless two entire families with the surplus from the TKA toy drive. “Any gift, no matter

Titus.

The leadership Titus demonstrated by going the extra mile to deliver gifts to those in need, thinking of others and taking steps to ensure others were cared for show his caring heart. TKA believes that Titus is a great example of a young man of character with a heart for Austin Titus (second from right) and his family members service that the with Diane Smith of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. school strives to develop in its students. through 12th grade and is accred- ciation of Christian Colleges and The King’s Academy is a na- ited by the Southern Association Schools. tionally recognized private Chris- of Colleges and Schools, the AsMore information about the tian school serving approximate- sociation of Christian Schools In- King’s Academy is available only 1,200 students from preschool ternational and the Florida Asso- line at www.tka.net.

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT P.W. VETERINARY HOSPITAL Palms West Veterinary Hospital held a Halloween party on Sunday, Oct. 30. The par ty was attended by approximately 100 people, as well as 50 dogs and cats. Dr. Ira Grossman was the host of the party and operated the dunk tank. Scores of people lined up to get a sho t at dunking the doctor. Barbecue, cott on candy and treats where enjoyed by all. Prizes where awarded for dog and owner look-alikes, best small dog, best large dog and best kids costumes.

Attendees enjoy the event.

Dr. Ira Grossman in the dunk tank.

Pet owners weren’t the only ones dressed for Halloween.

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NEWS

A GOOD TIME FOR YOUNG AND OLD AT ST. MICHAEL CHURCH FAMILY FUN DAY

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington hosted a Family Fun Day on Saturday, No v. 5. There were old car s and a fire truck on display, and plenty of activities including a silent auction, face painting, hair braiding, raffle baskets, used books and CDs for sale, a bake sale, bounce houses and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Lee Spinosi, Meelane Mark, Allison Kiss and Bonnie Choman sell goodies.

Diane Conant and Shirley Ligas at the handmade table.

Patty Klammer helps Yvonne Bembenek sell her Believe line of jewelry.

Tanner and Dylan Tosto.

Anthony Hallak, Janet Hallak and Haley Gozar enjoy sand art.

Taylor Fox, Dylan Fox, Ashton Warner and Tim Warner at the woodcraft table.

SAMPLING EVENT PART OF ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted a free sampling event Saturday, Nov. 5 as part of its third anniversar y celebration. Guests were treated to samples of great local and national products. For more info., call (561) 904-4000.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Jennifer Paz, Luna Aladin and Bryan Ott serve up fresh seafood to customers.

Susan Colameco of Welshire Farms offers chicken sausage samples.

Sunita Parke of Two Moms in the Raw.

Richard Rivero and Cristina Makowsky of Nature’s Healthy Gourmet offer hummus samples.

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NEWS

WHS Baseball Standout Looks Forward To College Ball In Miami

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report From when he was barely out of diapers, Peter Joshua Rivera has grown up on baseball. Rivera’s parents would take him out to the park across the street from their old New York City apartment building to play ball.

“I would have a little whiffle bat, and they would have little whiffle balls, and they would throw them at me,” Rivera said.

“It just kind of started from there, and it just kind of grew on me.”

Now 17, Rivera has become one of the top high school players. Committed to playing college ball at the University of Miami, he currently plays third base for the Wellington High School Wolverines and the Palm Beach County Police Athletic League (PAL).

Jim Morris, baseball coach at the University of Miami, scouted Rivera this year at one of the PAL tournaments where Rivera hit his sixth home run in seven games.

“For the entire summer, I was playing on the PAL team,” Rivera said. “I really wasn’t having a great summer, and it was average for me.”

Compared with his previous summer on the PAL team, he was not doing enough to get noticed by a college scout. Rivera realized he had to do something amazing to be picked up by a scout. It was at a tournament in Fort Myers

SalsaFest

Nov. 19-20

continued from page 1 more than the main stage, with carnival rides, Chihuahua races, costumed characters, dance and domino competitions, salsa cookoffs, bounce houses, a business expo, arts and crafts, and many other activities for family and friends.

“We invite all local area businesses and nonprofit organizations to be a part of the event through sponsorship or by purchasing an exhibitor’s booth,” said Marc Schlags, director of special events for the chamber. “SalsaFest will provide your company with an opportunity to increase sales by showcasing your offerings to our local ethnic market, which now represents 30 percent of our population. Participation in the event

where Rivera’s luck changed.

“On the first day, the game got rained out, so that night I got on my knees and asked God for help,” Rivera recalled. “On the next day, I got to play.”

He was up to bat with a count of no balls and two strikes when he hit his first home run of the game, which was an eye-opener for the scouts. “The guy threw me a curve ball right down the plate, and I parked it in left field into the trees over the fence,” Rivera said.

“The next time I went up, I saw scouts lined up all over the place, including the Miami scout.”

Rivera hit another homer in that at-bat, which got him noticed — all the scouts wanted to know who he was.

By the end of the tournament, Rivera’s average was up over .600. “I was on top of average for everybody on our team and second in home runs,” he said.

Rivera remains motivated on and off the field; he spends up to 15 hours each week in practice and training while maintaining a 3.2 grade point average at WHS. “Grades are a big part of everything,” he said. “The first thing a baseball scout asks you about are your grades. He does not ask how good you are on the field.”

Baseball has always been Rivera’s passion, but he never knew he could take it to college until he heard some motivational words

from his middle school baseball coach, Lou Mascia.

“He had a heart-to-heart conversation with me and talked about thinking about going to college for baseball,” Rivera recalled. “That’s what kind of made me realize that I was good enough to go out and be able to play college baseball.”

For this year’s season in the PAL, Rivera received honorable mention for MVP due to his .500 batting average.

Rivera attributes his success in baseball to hard work and dedication. “I have always worked hard and had to prove myself in the classroom and on the field,” he said. “And I have always had great coaches.”

But Rivera’s biggest motivation has been his little brother, James Ryan Rivera, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a fast-spreading muscular degeneration disease.

“He always kind of gave me that extra push,” Rivera said, “because I would look at him, and he was down and he could not do the things that I could do. That would make me go out and try my hardest because he would try his hardest at everything.”

Rivera’s brother gave him the ambition to try out for the highly competitive PAL program. Rivera was one of 18 chosen out of more than 90 boys to participate in the 2011 season. “The best of the best

provides you the venue to distribute your products and materials through grassroots marketing.”

While the event is geared to promote local businesses, it also has a charitable component. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the City of Greenacres Department of Leisure Services to expand its award-winning youth programs to underprivileged children in the community.

Advance tickets to SalsaFest are available at www.salsafest.net for $8, which is a savings of $2 off the gate admission of $10. Family four-packs are available for $30.

Children 7 and younger will be admitted free. Tickets can also be purchased at TD Bank branches and El Bodegon supermarkets.

Anyone interested in being part of the event should call Schlags at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marc@ palmswest.com.

International recording artist Jerry Rivera will headline SalsaFest.

placed by a fear that this time around, early voting may mean more seniors who are reacting to threats from conservatives seeking changes in Social Security and Medicare, and college students reacting to a perception that Pell grants may be a thing of the past if Republicans have their way. The “House of Reprehensibles” has been vigorously engaged “to assure the protection of the wealthy” from taxes, which has become all too obvious giving them credit for inciting “class warfare.”

Groups appear to be forming all over the country fueled by the perception that the income gap between rich and poor is unfair and growing. Actions by the authorities must be measured by public reaction. The Oakland experience has increased public awareness of the role of the police and public officials who bear primary responsibility for outcome and the temptation in becoming too repressive.

The case of the Marine veteran from two tours in Iraq who was injured by a police canister used in an effort to break up further demonstrations will no doubt increase the presence of even more military veterans, all of which was avoidable during what was report-

ed by wire services as “peaceful demonstrations.”

If capitalism is to survive, realization has to set in that the present “ceiling” on the upward mobility and expansion of small businesses must be removed, for they are the real job creators. Infrastructure in our great nation must be addressed, and we must reduce and regulate by law large financial influences in our Congress and return a more representative government. The “super committee” has all but given up any notion of the wealthy paying their fair share, and instead appears to be in favor of placing so-called “entitlements” like Social Security and Medicare back on the table. The Democratic Party, a.k.a. “the quiet Americans,” have relinquished their position as guardians of the poor and the middle class, and are content in the role of “lesser of two evils.”

Never before in our history has there been such gridlock in Congress, and it appears solely because its members are more concerned with PAC money to get reelected than moving this great nation in the direction of recovery.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

Jeff Hmara Hmara said through meetings with village staff members and the council, he and other Madison Green residents were able to resolve their issues.

“All of that is an educational process,” he said. “Whether the outcome is what we want it to be or something different, the fact of the matter is communication takes place, and it’s really important for the village staff, council members and residents present to hear each other. I can tell you honestly that’s one of the reasons I’m encouraged that by getting on the council, I can make a difference.”

Hmara feels he would bring a

lot of career experience and insight as a manager to the council.

“My experience with the community is growing as a function of having spent five-plus years on homeowners’ association boards,” he said.

Hmara and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 42 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

MAYOR’S SEAT — Matula, director of finance for a hotel management company, has lived in the village for 11 years. A resident of Hawthorn, she is married with three children.

“I think we need a change of leadership on the council,” Matula said. “I think it’s important that we have people running against all seats, as opposed to having incumbents up there with no opposition, and I want to be more involved with the process.”

Matula has appointed infant swimming instructor Sharon Powers, who was recently the focus of a hearing about her conducting lessons in her home pool, as her campaign treasurer.

Matula said the council seems to be divided on many issues.

“I’ve been to a couple of meetings now where they are splitting their vote,” she said. “I really think we need to continue to be family-fo-

Election

New RPB Candidates

continued from page 1 ship, management and economics.

Hmara holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Citadel; a master’s degree in acquisitions and contracts management from the Florida Institute of Technology; and studied at the Army’s War College, Command and General Staff College and the Defense Systems Management College.

Before his task force stint, Hmara was involved in more low-key activities with the village, trying to get things done for Madison Green that he felt were not being addressed.

“We really felt we weren’t getting what appeared to me to be a fair opportunity to find out what was going on, simply because we hadn’t engaged, and that’s one of my basic questions to people when they’re complaining, ‘Have you stepped up and asked? Have you explained your position?

Have you told anybody who’s in a decision-making position what your concerns are?’ Usually the answer, if they’re honest, is no,” he said.

try out for PAL,” he said. “They play the best competition and are noticed by scouts throughout the country.”

His brother James was also the motivation for Rivera to choose to go to the University of Miami, which is James’ favorite team. “He always told us, I was going to be a Hurricane,” Rivera said. “So when I got scouted by Miami, he was more excited than I was.”

However, it has not always been that easy for Rivera. He was uncertain of his abilities for many years. With help from his PAL coaches, Craig Gero and Chad

Peter Rivera (right) with his brother James and mother Milagros at their Wellington home.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Upson, he received that extra push and confidence he needed to become a better player. “Upson really pushed me hard,” Rivera said.

Gero, who was the 16-and-under coach, really believed in Rivera’s ability to become the best player on the team.

“He came over to me one day, and he told me, ‘A lot of people don’t think you can be that guy, but I think you can be that guy.

You just have to believe that you can be that guy,’” Rivera recalled.

“He just told me, just like that, and it kind of clicked, and from then on he worked with me and con-

stantly tried to make me a better player.”

Those were some of the moments that got Rivera on the track to success. He’s been heading toward a future of great promise and looks forward to playing for the University of Miami next year.

“I love the game. I’ve always had a passion for baseball, and I want to keep playing and maybe get paid for it, which would be my dream,” Rivera said. “But it does not always work out like that, so I want to go to college and get a degree and hopefully do something I love.”

er to construct and maintain the facility based on the village’s guidelines. Royal Palm Beach would not be involved in operations, but would retain oversight to ensure compliance with village guidelines. He added that the intent of the village is to have no financial responsibility for the facility or its operation.

Within a 10-mile market radius, Gonot said that there are 1,238 assisted-living beds and 1,579 nursing-home beds. The occupancy is 95.5 percent for assisted living and 84.4 percent for nursing homes. He said those statistics tell him the demand is not there now but probably will be in the next five years. “If a decision is made to build, it will take several years to complete,” he said. “We determined that it cannot be restricted to village residents because of lack of demand.”

As for competition, he said there are 26 senior housing facilities within a 10-mile radius of

Royal Palm Beach, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing homes. “A few of them are close to here, but there are not that many,” Gonot said.

Pricing for those facilities ranges from $2,600 to $3,500 per month for assisted living, $2,100 to $4,250 per month for independent living and $224.50 to $364 per day for nursing homes.

As for future competition, Gonot said several facilities are in the planning stages, adding approximately 135 more senior housing units.

In summary, Gonot said there is currently not a demand for senior housing but there will be, explaining that population growth for those 65 and over will increase dramatically over the next five to 10 years. He added that Royal Palm Beach residents alone will not provide sufficient demand for the facility and that there is a strong demand for subsidies for the units.

continued from page 1 Palm Beach would be close to $500,000.

“There is a lot at stake with this company putting its stakes here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County,” Liggins said. “The difference we’re at is the amount of landscaping that would be required as it relates to our code, and one upsizing of a water line from eight to 12 inches. I would like to move forward with this particular project and assist in that if this council sees fit.”

Liggins asked for a consensus of the council to let him contin-

ue discussions and said he’d be back with a more specific report later.

Mayor Matty Mattioli said more than 100 construction jobs would be created immediately, with several hundred additional jobs coming online later. He hoped the village’s offer for landscape exceptions and enlarging the water main would seal the deal.

Councilman Fred Pinto pointed out that when the question was discussed at the county commission meeting, several commissioners had asked what the village was offering, and the village was not at a point where it could say specifically.

“Now, I’m glad we had this conversation in an open forum, and we are responding to the county’s question: ‘Yes, we are

putting some skinny in to make this a reality to our village and for the county as well,’” Pinto said.

Councilwoman Martha Webster said she had looked at offers other cities had made to entice businesses to put facilities there and that it was not unusual for them to offer incentives.

“It is not abnormal or atypical,” Webster said. “This is the way that we need to do business and find good opportunities such as this, and we are very fortunate in this instance that it is such a good fit.

We can make it fit by incentivizing it, and I think it’s prudent and wise to do so.”

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas also agreed, and the council gave Liggins its consensus for him to continue with discussions.

cused and continue to move forward with the kids and make sure they have resources they need to become upstanding adults and citizens.”

She gave the village poor marks for communication with residents.

“The issue that I would say stands out is a lack of communication,” Matula said. “And part of it is lack of involvement on the citizens’ part.”

Matula said it is sad that the village has more than 30,000 residents and 20,000 registered voters, and that few if any people attend the council meetings.

She said she started coming to council meetings in May 2010 when the discussion of the wastewater treatment plant site came up.

“I was glad the council decided to put it on the back burner, but I was generally disappointed with the process,” Matula said, pointing out that when the question of the access point to La Mancha from the State Road 7 extension arose, electronic billboards were posted in La Mancha to make residents aware that a meeting was coming up, but during the waste treatment site discussion, the electronic billboards were absent. “It was so disappointing that people didn’t know what was going on.

They hired the consulting firm to come out and they did this proposal, and we had tons of residents who signed petitions that said they didn’t want what they were proposing, and it just sort of kept going to the next stage.”

Matula said she would like to get on the ballot via the petition process, instead of asking citizens for donations. She said she needs 250 registered voters to sign the petition. To contact her, e-mail her at voteforfeliciamatula@gmail. com. She also encouraged people to visit “Felicia for Mayor” on Facebook and click “like.”

Mattioli said he does not know Matula personally, but has seen her at a council meeting. An RPB councilman since 1994, he was elected mayor two years ago.

Mattioli said it will become clear when qualifying opens Jan. 31 “who’s serious about it and who’s going to stay.”

In the meantime, Mattioli said he is getting his team ready for a campaign, noting that after 18 years on the council, he has the experience the village needs.

“I saw things go from tough times to good times, and I think the town developed for the best,” Mattioli said. “Of course, in the economic downturn we’re in now, we still managed to get through

Felicia Matula this year without raising taxes.

We’re building the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park for about $21 million without taxpayers’ dollars.”

Mattioli also pointed out that except for the past year, when the tax rate remained the same, it was lowered for the previous 16 consecutive years due to good fiscal management and a good management team.

“Why change that now?” he asked. “I just want to see that continue until we get through these economic hard times. You get new people, you don’t know where you’re going to wind up.”

Housing

75 People Attend Workshop

Letters continued from page 4 ican taxpayer. While most conservatives decry social welfare, they see nothing wrong with the rest of society, less advantaged, paying into corporate welfare, which incidentally, is running three and a half times social welfare.

There is nothing wrong with capitalism, but it requires regulations to “encourage” those in power and advantaged to follow the rules. What has become more prevalent is the “rigging” of our democracy, where 1 percent controls more wealth than 50 percent of the population. A reality is setting in, that with wealth comes power — political power. The suggestion that because “corporations don’t pass legislation, politicians do” denies that corporations use their wealth to influence and corrupt the political process and ignores the fact that re-election funds come from corporations, and to a large part disenfranchise the American voter from any claim on representative government.

Republicans were supporters of early voting and courted those voters vulnerable to a largely Republican agenda. The possibility that this presumption has been re-

WHS baseball star Peter Rivera has signed with the University of Miami.

continued from page 1 cussed and explained that village code limits height to 32 feet, which is typically no more than three stories. “The consensus was to limit it to two stories with heavy landscaping,” he said. “Our major point was to have a positive, not a negative, interaction with the neighborhood.”

Other concerns brought up included traffic, although he said senior housing is one of the least traffic-intensive uses there is; lighting, so that it does not shine in neighbors’ yards; and incorporation of heavy landscaping with walls to be used for separation from neighbors.

Gonot said the village would make land available to a develop-

Aldi

RPB Offers Incentives

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Bulls Broncs Barrels Nov. 11-12 At Brandon Center

The P alm Beach County Mounted Posse is hosting a mini-rodeo called Bulls Broncs Barrels on Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Like the name suggests, it will f eature bull riding, bronc busting and barrel racing.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

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Win Over Boca Puts Broncos In Football Playoffs

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team advanced to compete in the state playoffs after defeating Boca Raton 28-21 on Friday, Nov. 4. The Broncos dominated the first half of the game, scoring twice in two quarters while blocking several attem pts by the Bobcats to score. Page 37

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Your Computer Guy Hires ‘Computer Girl’ And Now Offers Help In Spanish

Your Computer Guy is an information technology company that provides businesses with all aspects of IT consulting and repair, from network management services to computer and product consulting.

Recently, Your Computer Guy owner Dave O’Keefe expanded to include “computer girl” Jessica Delgado. A Puer to Rico native, Delgado helps with clients, especially when a language barrier ge ts in the way of explaining technical information. Page 29

Sports WHS Girls Volleyball Team District Champs, Advance In Post Season

The top-seeded Wellington High School girls varsity volleyball team won the District 9-8A championship with a sweep over Jupiter High School on Oct. 27.

The Lady Wolverines won 25-16, 26-24, 25-23. They followed it up with a big win in a regional quar ter final match against Spanish River. Page 37

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

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FEATURES

Posse’s Bulls Broncs Barrels Nov. 11-12 At Brandon Center The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse is hosting a mini-rodeo called Bulls Broncs Barrels on Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

“It should be a lot of fun,” Barrel Show Director Renee Kitching said. “What we did was choose the three most exciting events — bull riding, bronc busting and barrel racing.”

Last spring, the posse held its first Ranch Rodeo, which included more events.

“The Ranch Rodeo went very well,” Kitching said. “A lot of people had a lot of fun.

This is the next step, sort of a trial balloon, and we think it will be equally successful.

Next spring, we’re hoping to offer a real, professional rodeo.”

Although the events are open to anyone, any age and riding experience, there are limited opportunities in two events. They’re only accepting ten entries in the bull riding and five entries in the bronc busting. They’re taking 60 riders in barrel racing, and a slack class, with everyone else, will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The event is approved by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and the Professional Barrel Racers Association (PBRA).

“You don’t have to be a posse member to ride,” Kitching said. “We hope a lot of local riders, both kids and adults, show up and supGet 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 port us. We’ve installed permanent enclosures and bull pens at the back of the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. We’re hoping to make rodeos a regular part of our show schedule. It’s great family fun.”

For both the bull riding and bronc busting, buckles will be awarded; the payout is 70/30 and extra money will be added to each jackpot. The barrel racing is a 4D format, with $500 added to the pot, and a buckle given to each division winner. “Riders in the slack class are still eligible to win money and buckles,” Kitching said. “They just won’t be riding physically in the performance that evening.

A lot of people are going to win money.”

The call-in entries were held Nov. 1-3. The event starts Friday at 7 p.m., and the gate opens at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the slack class starts at 1 p.m., with the evening classes at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free. During the intermission, there’ll be mutton bustin’ and a calf scramble. “Mutton bustin’ is open to any kid who weighs 50 pounds or less,” Kitching explained. “It’s a timed event. Whoever rides

Courtney Kitching participates in barrel riding. their sheep the longest wins. The calf scram- the calf, and whoever grabs the ribbon wins ble is a lot of fun. Any kid in the audience is the prize.”

People will be traveling from all over Florwelcome to participate. They release a calf See ROSENBERG, page 27 with a ribbon tied to its tail. The kids chase

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FEATURES

I’m Not Superstitious... I Just Don’t Want To Tempt Fate Depending on when you’re reading this, Friday is/was 11/11/11. Sounds like a good day to buy a lottery ticket, but I’m “on the wagon” after last week’s resounding defeats in which not only did I not win the $265 million Powerball jackpot that I’d been counting on, but my numbers didn’t even come up for the regular Florida lottery. My plan for building a high-security village populated solely by monkeys goes up in smoke — again.

That’s OK. I’m not really into numerology or astrology anyway. I’m not even superstitious — unless, of course, there’s a ladder in my way. I mean, it’s ridiculous to tempt fate by walking under a ladder that probably has a bucket of paint on top. Not walking under a ladder is simply plain common sense.

And I do turn back if it looks like a black cat 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 might cross my path. That’s not superstition, either, just erring on the side of caution, you know. Why tempt fate?

I have mixed feelings about the fact that many buildings don’t have a 13th floor. Of course they do; it’s just that the 14th floor is misnumbered. But with so many people living in fear of the number 13, does it make good economic sense to build a floor full of offices that no one will rent?

Even 13th Street is ignored by lots of city planners. It screws up my (already impaired) internal GPS system to be driving toward 12th Street and suddenly find myself on 14th, but

who wants to go to the trouble of building houses no one will buy? Better to skip that street altogether. So OK, no 13s unless absolutely necessary. And, while we’re on the subject, may I request not being assigned Room 13 if I ever go to the hospital? Like I said, I’m not superstitious, but I may need every advantage.

That’s why I carry a lucky rabbit’s foot. Of course, I don’t take it out when anyone from PETA is around. That would be bad luck for sure.

Speaking of bad luck, I broke a mirror one time. That’s supposed to bring seven years’ bad luck, but I made up for it by tossing some salt over my left shoulder. Crisis averted! No, really. It just seems so unfair. Housewives, construction workers, hairstylists, furniture movers and antiques dealers have a far greater opportunity to break mirrors than, say, a guy working on Wall Street. What, we’re supposed to have all the bad luck? So the salt thing works well for me.

As a backup, I have a little patch of clover

in my garden, and I can go out there any time I want and look for one with four leaves. Not that I believe any of that stuff, but better safe than sorry.

I have a horseshoe hanging over my door and have arranged the entire house according to feng shui principles. I don’t want something like a misplaced chair to block good fortune from coming my way, just as I don’t want my horseshoe facing downward and letting all my luck run out. These things are little precautions, nothing more.

And on Thanksgiving, my husband and I will play that little game where we each make a wish and yank on the wishbone and whoever gets the larger piece will have their wish come true. And if I inch my thumb up to the top of the bone to get better leverage, well, so be it.

That’s just a little game we play. I think everyone does that. Don’t they?

So you can see where I’m not superstitious at all. I don’t believe any of that rot. It’s folderol. It’s ridiculous. It’s pure nonsense.

Knock on wood.

New Movie ‘Tower Heist’ Is A Fun Movie, But Not Excellent The new film Tower Heist is a fun picture. It is not and will never be considered a great film, a cult film, or anything except a rather different look at “caper films,” but it provides a fun couple of hours sitting in the theater.

Imagine Oceans 11 run by neurotics. In the most recent version of that film, the cool guys, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, ran robberies incredibly planned out to the tiniest detail. There wasn’t much character play in the film — a minute or two dedicated to the stars and even less to the lesser players. In Tower Heist, there is a lot of character development, and it takes no time at all to realize they might be the worst possible group to carry off a major heist.

Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is a nerdy specialist at sucking up to the rich people who inhabit “The Tower,” the fanciest dwelling in Manhattan. The actual Trump Tower was used for the outside shots. He manages the place down to the slightest detail. The owner of the penthouse, Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), is arrested for stealing $2 billion in the Madoff manner, and Kovacs and the staff discover that their pension money has been invested and lost by Shaw. Kovacs goes off on Shaw’s

Rosenberg

Bulls Broncs Barrels Show

continued from page 25 ida to attend. Chris Caldwell is coming from Clewiston.

“I was the stock contractor at the spring Ranch Rodeo,” Caldwell said. “Everyone really enjoyed it.

This time I’m just bringing the sheep for the mutton bustin’. I’ll also be announcing and competing. We’re going to see some of the top Florida-bred bulls and bull riders. A lot of local contenders are planning to attend. There’s going to be fast horses and exciting buck-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler super-cool Ferrari and gets fired.

Once it becomes clear that Shaw really is not the down-to-earth billionaire he pretends to be, Kovacs recruits several of the workers, including concierge Charlie Gibbs (Casey Affleck), who is his brother-in-law; a lock-picking housekeeper (Gabourey Sidibe); and an elevator operator (Michael Peña) who he believes, based on a phony résumé, is actually a trained electrical engineer. He also recruits a timid former resident fallen on hard times, Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), as well as a neighborhood petty thief, Slide (Eddie Murphy), who he assumes will be the technical expert.

In a normal caper movie, almost everything works out. Of course, a few complications have

ing stock. Should be a good crowd and a whole lot of fun for everyone.”

“I’m really excited,” 15-year-old Channing Wiita of Palm Beach Gardens said. “I’m bringing Fli, my Quarter Horse. We just got back from competing at the NBHA World Championship in Perry, Georgia. We did pretty good — I made it back to the finals. I’m really looking forward to this event. I like rodeos better than shows, because there’s a big crowd, and they cheer a lot. I’d really like it if we had more rodeos in the area.

That would be awesome.”

Krissy Sorrentino from Fellsmere has entered her two Quarter Horses in the barrel racing.

to arise to provide some dramatic moments, but in the end, we know that the good guys will win. In this movie, almost nothing seems to go right. Gibbs is offered Kovacs’ old job and threatens the group if they come near the building. Slide betrays them, trying to get all the money himself. And everything falls apart during the actual caper: this is a caper done by comic losers. But it creates some good laughs.

The cast members are all very good. Murphy, in the flashiest role, is better than he has been in years. He manages to walk a fine line between comedy and menace throughout. If he’s smart, he’ll return to his roots, when in movies like Beverly Hills Cop he was actually interesting, tough and offbeat. Watching him play off a predatory Sidibe in one scene where she comes on very strong while demonstrating her lock-picking skills was fabulous. But all of the characters were better defined than is the norm in pictures like this. Even Téa Leoni as a lonely FBI agent managed to really humanize the part. Other kudos should go to small part players such as Stephen Henderson, playing the friendly doorman, and Nina Arianda as Miss Iovenko, the bookkeeper

“My 18-year-old gelding, Tic Toc Cody, is a very consistent horse,” she said. “He usually gets me in the 2D or 3D, if I ride him right. Lindy Makes Her Move, my mare, is 11 years old. She’s a ‘been there, done that’ kind of horse. I hope to do really well on her. The whole event is gonna be so much fun. It’s exciting to be a part of it.”

For more information, call Renee Kitching at (561) 436-2909 or Chris Caldwell at (863) 228-0750.

(Right) Chris Caldwell takes part in bull riding, one of the activities during this weekend’s Bulls Broncs Barrels show.

who, three days after passing the bar exam, takes on the FBI with one of the best lines in the movie. When the head of the FBI, the always excellent Zeljko Ivanek, growls at her, “You just passed the bar exam. You think you can take on the FBI?” she replies, “Sharks are born swimming.”

Even better, there are a few twists and turns, and the happy ending is not quite as happy as it might be, but a lot more realistic. With a Madoff-type villain, it manages to be up to date as it has fun with an old style of adventure film.

This is a fun movie, and it provided a better time for me than I had originally expected.

There were a lot of laughs, and some really good performances by an ensemble cast. Even some characters who had only a couple of lines were different and interesting. It looks like the writers of the film (Ted Griffin and Jeff Nathanson) actually spent time developing characters, and that made all the difference.

The movie was enjoyable, and by the time the caper actually was pulled off, I actually worried about the characters and was rooting for their success. This is a good movie, and an enjoyable one, but not a great one.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Jessica Delgado and owner Dave O’Keefe of Your Computer Guy. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Your Computer Guy Hires ‘Computer Girl’ And Now Offers Help In Spanish

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Your Computer Guy is a computer information technology company that provides businesses with all aspects of IT consulting and repair, from network management services to computer and product consulting. Recently, Your Computer Guy has expanded to include “your computer girl” Jessica Delgado, whom owner Dave O’Keefe hired this past summer.

“We were looking to expand a little bit, and I mentioned it to her, and next thing you know it took off,” O’Keefe said, noting that he has known Delgado for several years.

O’Keefe wanted to bring a woman on board who would make it easier for a wider range of clientele to understand technological problems. According to O’Keefe, Delgado’s personality was a major factor in his hiring Delgado to work at Your Computer Guy. “I knew her when she was working with another company, and all I heard was good stuff from the owner about her,” O’Keefe said.

“And she owned her own company, which is kind of a hard thing to do.”

Having Delgado as part of Your Computer Guy gives O’Keefe more time to focus on other aspects of the business. “By having her come in, she is responding well to clients and she is around my skill set,” O’Keefe said. “It’s a really nice trade-off.”

Delgado looks forward to working at Your Computer Guy for many years, and bringing her experience and expertise to the business.

“It’s exciting not only to be working with somebody with the same kind of mindset or ideas for the company,” she said, “but it’s good to have a partner who can move the company along and hopefully grow even further.”

Delgado previously owned her own company, J & J Consulting. However, after years of running her own business, she decided it was too much work.

“I figured it would be easier working for

someone else than owning my own business,” she said.

Originally from Michigan, Delgado received a bachelor ’s degree in network engineering from Davenport University in Michigan. She worked as a help desk person for a couple of years at several major corporations and small businesses.

Some of her notable positions include working at PGA of America and Palm Beach Atlantic University. At PGA of America, Delgado was a help desk administrator/technician for the headquarters and the sections across the country. At Palm Beach Atlantic, Delgado was a help desk administer and PC technician supervisor.

Delgado will be the first female computer technician at Your Computer Guy, and she is in charge of the marketing side of the company. “She is Hispanic and speaks native Spanish, so we can now go to that population,” O’Keefe said.

Delgado was born in Puerto Rico, and this has helped with some of Your Computer Guy’s existing clients, when the language barrier gets in the way of explaining technical information. “Clients are more easy going when I talk to them in Spanish,” Delgado said. “They feel like I can explain things to them better.”

With Delgado at Your Computer Guy, O’Keefe has begun to witness a change in some of his clients feeling toward IT technicians.

“The feedback I have gotten back on it has actually been great,” O’Keefe said.

“Sometimes I can get frustrated because I can’t actually understand what they are trying to say, and now I don’t have to worry about it.”

Your Computer Guy is located in the Lake Wellington Professional Centre at 12230 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 100. For more information, call (561) 337-6972 or visit www. ycginc.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Palm Beach State’s Wendy Link Named Trustee Of The Year Wendy Sartory Link, a Palm Beach State College trustee since 2007, has been named Trustee of the Year by the Association of Florida Colleges Trustees Commission.

Link was presented the award during the AFC’s state conference in Naples Oct. 26-28. Since her appointment to the board by former Gov. Charlie Crist, Link has served as vice chair in 2008-09 and chair in 2009-10. She also has served on numerous college committees, including the Budget Facilities/Audit Committee, Consultant’s Profes-

sional Services Competitive Selection Committee and the Strategic Planning Team.

Link also served as the board’s legislative liaison and represented the Palm Beach State College trustees at various Association of Community Colleges Trustees conferences, including the annual Leadership Congress, Leadership Academy and National Legislative Summit.

In 2010, Link served as a member of ACCT’s Southern Regional Nominating Committee. Most no-

tably, Link has been lauded for her ongoing efforts to secure funds for a fifth Palm Beach State College campus.

Link, managing partner and a founder of the Ackerman, Link & Sartory law firm in West Palm Beach, is a 1998 graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County and has been involved in numerous other community activities and boards.

Serving more than 51,000 students annually, Palm Beach State College is the largest institution of

higher education in Palm Beach County, providing bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning.

Established in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, it offers more than 100 programs of study at campuses in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade.

For more information about Palm Beach State College, including information on programs and courses, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu.

Wendy Link

Dr. Carmen Marrero Joins Medical Center Of The Palm Beaches

Dr. Carmen M. Marrer o

The Medical Center of the Palm Beaches has announced that Dr. Carmen M. Marrero has joined its staff.

Marrero will provide care at the medical center’s Okeechobee Blvd. location.

Marrero is a board-certified family physician with a special interest in women’s health. She completed her bachelor ’s degree in biology at the University of Miami and received her medical training from the

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was named Resident of the Year in 2008.

Marrero completed her family medicine residency training locally at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Marrero is affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the American College of Family Physicians.

With locations at 4623 Forest Hill Blvd. and 8200 Okeechobee Blvd., both in West Palm Beach, the Medical Center of the Palm Beaches is open seven days each week and accepts most major insurance plans.

Dr. Russ Seger developed the medical center to provide patients immediate access to a variety of medical care services, including urgent care, family, orthopedic and chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, pain management, labora-

tory testing, women’s health, nutrition and high-field MRI imaging, all under one roof.

The medical center also houses an on-site pharmacy for its patients’ convenience.

For additional information about the Medical Center of the Palm Beaches, visit its web site at www. medicalcenterofthepalmbeaches. com, or call the center at (561) 9678888 or Gregory DuBose at (561) 746-6077.

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

EWPB Awards $20,000 Kwasman Grant To Families First Executive Women of the Palm Beaches awarded a $20,000 grant to Families First of Palm Beach County at an awards luncheon held at Café Boulud in the Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach.

The grant, known as the Lois Kwasman Program for Community Impact, was created by Executive Women Outreach, the charitable arm of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches.

The $20,000 grant, payable over two years, was established to provide funding to nonprofit organizations that assist girls and young women, ages 11 to 21, in Palm Beach County. The program is named in memory of Lois Kwasman, who was an EWPB board member and community leader.

Julie Swindler, CEO of Families First of Palm Beach County, accepted the first $10,000 check on behalf of the organization. The grant will be funding the Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women Act (TOPWA) program that serves young women, ages 13 to 19, who may be pregnant and/or at risk for HIV and substance abuse. The goals are to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to newborns, lower the risk of substance exposure, and reduce endangerment to newborns.

Leslie Adams, Pam Payne, Harreen Bertisch, Sandra Close Turnquest, Lisa Bondurant, Julie Swindler, Virginia Spencer and Toby Chabon Berger during the check presentation.

“We want these young women to stay healthy, stay in school, have healthy babies, learn how to be a good parent and continue to further their own goals and to sustain themselves,” Swindler said. “This grant will enable us to continue our work and help close the gap in our funding. It is an answer to our prayers.”

At the awards luncheon, EWPB also introduced the recipients of college scholarships, which are awarded annually to outstanding

women pursuing their advanced education.

Five recipients were present and recognized: Natalie Diaz, Szilvi Gagyi, Kari Lambrechts and Christina Zarrilli, all attending Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Elaine Myrick-Bey of Palm Beach State College. Myrick-Bey, the mother of a college student, gave a heartwarming speech about her life and what the scholarship meant to her.

Scholarship recipients Szilvi Gagyi, Kari Lambrechts, Natalie Diaz and Christina Zarrilli. Not pictured: Elaine Myrick-Bey. Last year’s Kwasman recipient, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, received their second $10,000 check for their Keyboards for Kids girls program. Accepting the check was Club Director Carl Boldin.

Monica Monolas is president of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches; Deborah Jaffe chairs Executive Women Outreach.

Committee co-chairs for the Lois Kwasman Program for Communi-

ty Impact are Harreen Bertisch and Virginia Spencer. The luncheon was sponsored by Palm Beach Atlantic University.

EWPB’s mission is the professional and personal advancement of women through networking, sharing resources and encouraging leadership.

For more information about Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, call (561) 684-9117 or visit www.ewpb.org.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

CGMS Gallery Presents ‘Under The Harvest Moon’ Nov. 18 Woodchips will fly as Lake Worth artists bring their lathes into the Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery on Friday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. for the exhibit “Under the Harvest Moon.” The gallery is located at 605 Lake Ave. in downtown Lake Worth.

The gallery will be filled with

A piece made by wood-turner Mark Banfield.

sounds, tastes and smells of the harvest season as visitors are invited to sample hot cider, apple delicacies and pumpkin treats. Artists will be hard at work demonstrating their skills in wood, fiber, reeds, seed pods and grasses.

Most natural materials are part of the harvest season each fall. From these materials, artists create sculpture, baskets, bowls, jewelry, mirrors and tables. Homes can be decorated, bodies adorned and life enhanced with beauty that touches the soul.

Teri Salomni and Mark Banfield are wood-turners of great skill.

Salomni creates works that are intertwined with her reed weavings and creations. Banfield pieces, turns and inlays wood in exotic and unique creations. Both are technically adept with works that are elegantly sexy, intricately decorative or handsomely functional. Salomni and Banfield will be demonstrating their skills on the lathe this evening and may create a commissioned work of art on the spot for you.

Mary Catello weaves magic with her reeds, fibers, wires and grasses. Her undulating sculptural forms, earthy colors and intricate patterns are unique and highly collectable. Catello had developed a line of jewelry made from

A basket made

by Teri Salomoni. curled, folded and woven paper that is haut couture, light as a feather and rapidly becoming the most sought-after fashion statement of the season.

Sticks and Stones, creators of 3D paintings, mirrors, furniture and a huge collection of unusual, “how did they do that” sculptures, is the brother-sister team of Rick Cohen and Kathleen Kirschner. Drawing their inspiration from their walks

A teapot created by Mary Catello. through the woods and on the beach, they use their combined artistic talents to see what others do not see and craft what others would never think of. Cohen and Kirschner have a diverse and prolific display of work in the gallery.

Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative 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 Avenue in downtown Lake Worth. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Gallery openings take place the first and third Fridays of each month. For additional information, call (561) 588-8344 or visit www. clayglassmetalstone.com.

Caribbean-Themed Exhibit On Display At PBSC’s Dario Gallery The Caribbean brings to mind a montage of sights, sounds and scents of a tropical paradise. Miamibased artist Elizabeth Erazo Baez captures the essence of the tropics in her exhibition “The Caribbean Experience,” which is on display now through Nov. 17 at the Jan and Gary Dario Gallery on the Palm Beach State College Lake Worth campus.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Puerto Rican parents, Baez moved to her (Left) Mangos From My Garden

by Elizabeth Erazo Baez.

parents’ country as a young girl. Her art reflects the Puerto Rican culture; her acrylic-on-canvas paintings are a series of colorful landscapes, seascapes, portraits and still-lifes of tropical fruits and plants. She said the inspiration for her work comes from growing up in Puerto Rico.

“I am inspired by love of family life, America, Latin culture, pride of the Puerto Rican culture — being boricua, the light of our spirit,” Baez said. “In my art, I try to use the typical brilliant and rich colors that I remember seeing in La Isla del Encanto. Color speaks to us every-

where, and to truly see it, I believe you have to feel it.”

The exhibition is sponsored by the ASPIRA student club on the Lake Worth campus. There will be approximately 20 pieces on display and all work is available for sale.

“I once read that every culture is defined by its artists; with her art, Elizabeth Baez, defines the colorful Caribbean culture,” ASPIRA club president Aida Rodriguez said.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday. For more information, call Jessica Amaral at (561) 868-3270.

Multicultural Film Festival Nov. 16-18 At Palm Beach State Palm Beach State College will host its annual Multicultural Film Festival Nov. 16-18 as part of its efforts to promote diversity.

Organized by the PBSC District Diversity Committee, the event includes five films and documentaries covering such issues as accommodations for those with disabilities, the Holocaust, the nation’s educational system and immigration.

Films will be shown on different days and times at each campus in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade.

The film festival is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, firstserved basis. The college began holding the film festival in 2009 as an extension of its ongoing diversity initiatives. The schedule is as follows: • Wednesday, Nov. 16 — Waiting for Superman (directed by Davis Guggenheim, 2010) will be shown at 11 a.m. at the Boca Raton campus humanities and technology building (Room 103). Paper Clips (directed by Elliot Berlin and Joe Fab, 2004) will be shown at 12:30

p.m. at the Belle Glade campus technical education center (Room TEC 127/128).

• Thursday, Nov. 17 — Nora’s Will (directed by Marianna Chenillo, 2008) will be shown at 2 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens campus BB building (Meldon Lecture Hall).

Music Within (directed by Steven Sawalich, 2007) will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Lake Worth campus Duncan Theatre (Stage West).

• Friday, Nov. 18 — Voices From Mariel will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Lake Worth campus Duncan Theatre (Stage West). Im-

mediately following the film, there will be a film discussion and question-and-answer period with Dr. Jose Garcia, the film’s story creator and the professor of Latin American studies at Florida

Southern College in Lakeland.

Details on the films and a flier are available at www.palmbeachstate. edu/diversity.xml. For more information about the festival, call (561) 868-3111.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Win Over Boca Puts P.B. Central In Football Playoffs

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report For the first time in school history, the Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team advanced to compete in the state playoffs after it defeated Boca Raton High School 28-21 on Friday, Nov. 4.

The Broncos (6-3) dominated the first half of the game, scoring twice in two quarters while blocking several attempts by the Bobcats to score. Palm Beach Central scored early in the first quarter and fought to keep the score 7-0 going into the

second quarter. It was then that Ray Wilson carried the ball about 50 yards for a touchdown. An extrapoint kick by Cameron Golob made the score 14-0.

Though the two teams continued to fight, the Bobcats managed to score late in the second quarter. The extra-point kick was unsuccessful, and the score was 146 at halftime.

About halfway through the third quarter, Wilson ran seven yards to score another touchdown, extending the Broncos’ lead to 21-6. But the Bobcats fought back, scoring

another touchdown and a two-point conversion to cut the lead 21-14.

A third touchdown and extrapoint kick by Boca Raton tied the game at 21 going into the final quarter.

Wilson broke the tie early in the fourth quarter with a 37-yard touchdown. Golob’s extra-point kick made the score 28-21 to finish the game.

Palm Beach Central advances to the regional quarterfinals and will travel to Seminole Ridge High School on Friday, Nov. 18 for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Ray Wilson narrowly avoids a Boca Raton tackle.

Bronco quarterback Brock Buckowski avoids a Bobcat defender.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Ray Wilson outruns a Boca Raton player for a touchdown.

Jhavon Williams guards a Bobcat running back.

WHS Girls Volleyball District Champs, Advance In Post Season

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The top-seeded Wellington High School girls varsity volleyball team won the District 9-8A championship with a sweep over Jupiter High School on Thursday, Oct. 27. The Lady Wolverines won 25-16, 26-24, 25-23 in the district title contest.

The victory propelled them into

a regional quarterfinal match against Spanish River. On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Wellington hosted the Sharks and orchestrated their second post season sweep 25-21, 25-23, 25-20. The Wolverines 22-1 wasted no time in the first game and took an early lead over Spanish River.

Dual 5-point service points from junior outside hitter Abbie Jo

Gabriella Sehres goes up for a kill.

Libero Abby Jo Winsor slides into a dig to keep the ball alive.

Schlechter and defensive specialist Chiara Mazzola, a junior exchange student from Italy, helped Wellington maintain the lead throughout the first game.

Spanish River presented more of a threat in the second game as they tied early at 4. Mazzola came through with three consecutive aces to break the tie, and senior outside hitter Katelyn Rawls made an impact with her performance. The Sharks were unable to take a lead any time in the second game, but did manage to cut Wellington’s lead on several occasions.

In the third game, Rawls continued to turn it up with a 4-point service rally, giving Wellington a 5point early lead.

But the Sharks would not go quietly into the night as they managed to close the gap within 2 points several times throughout, including a late rally. Rawls completed the Wolverine mission with a kill to end the match. She had nine kills and 13 digs, and senior middle hitter Kelly Sullivan had 10 kills to lead the Wolverines. Seniors Abby Jo Winsor and Gabriella Sehres also provided solid play.

On Tuesday, Wellington swept visiting Boca Raton 25-23, 31-29, 25-18 and will now advance to the regional finals.

Senior outside hitter Katelyn Rawls executes one of nine kills against Spanish River.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

POP WARNER’S 2011 ACREAGE STEELERS ALLAMERICAN SCHOLARS

Pop Warner’s spor t programs not only promote high-performance athletics, but they even place an emphasis on education and community service. To qualify, the players must have a GPA of a 95.5 percent. The athlete with the most community service in or outside of school, wins some funding for college. The following football players on the Acreage Steelers team qualified in the academic All-American Scholarship this year: (front row, L-R) Raf ael Hernandez, Josh Rice, Connor Bradford, Patrick Gadzinski, Marcus Pierre, Brennon Rosner and Jason Asuncion; (back row) Patrick Goolsby, Cole Scruggs, Hunter Kaufman, Michael Page, Lane Scruggs, Brady Pennypacker, Thomas Goolsby and Chandler Johnson. This is the second year of qualifying for Patrick and Thomas Goolsby, Cole and Lane Scruggs, Page, P ennypacker and Gadzinski.

WHS Girls Golf Finishes In The Top 10

The Wellington High School Lady Wolverines golf team recently capped an undefeated regular season (9-0) with a trip to the Florida High School Athletic Association Finals, where they finished in the top 10.

It was only the third time in school history that the team had earned a trip to the state championship tournament, and the first time in 10 years.

The Lady Wolverines took first place in the District 19 Championship Oct. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club, advancing to the Region 7 qualifier Oct. 24 at the Ironhorse Country Club, where they finished second to earn a trip to the Mission Inn Resort in Howie-in-the-Hills, near Ocala, and a chance to compete for the state title.

“The girls played hard all year, and they deserved this honor,” head coach Laurie Bawinkle said. “And to finish in the top 10 made it that much more special.”

The three-day event included a practice round last Monday, which was washed out by heavy rains (the team instead held a strategy session while walking the course), followed by 18-hole matches last Tuesday and Wednesday.

The sprawling Las Colinas course

Bridget Green, Janelle Johnson, Mar y Dixon, head coach Laurie Ba winkle, assistant coach Janet Lisle, Kaci Bennett and Allison Parssi. at the Mission Inn Resort played at had finished in the top ten. nearly 6,000 yards, by far the longWith two graduating seniors, the est track the girls had played all year. team will hope to add another promMonday’s torrential rains were fol- ising young gun to its arsenal. As it lowed Tuesday by high winds, mak- stands now, next year’s team will ing conditions tough for everyone. consist of a sophomore, a junior and Finally, on Wednesday, the winds a senior. With the right addition to subsided, the rain stayed away, and the team, a return trip to the state the team enjoyed a beautiful day championship is not out of the quesmade better when they learned they tion.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Improved Footing For Horse Shows As the show season winds down across the northern parts of the U.S., Wellington Classic Dressage (WCD), Gold Coast Dressage (GCDA) and International Horse Sport Palm Beach (IHSPB) are gearing up for the Florida winter season. Six international CDIs are on the show schedule, including the prestigious World Dressage Masters CDI5* Jan. 26-28 and the Palm Beach Dressage Derby March 1-4.

This winter’s season is set to be one of the best.

Making this year’s Florida season particularly exciting will be the race to the 2012 London Olympics.

Many of North America’s best horses and riders will be using this year’s season to prepare for an Olympic team bid. Joining the large contingent of U.S. and Canadian riders who will head south for the winter season will be a number of Europe’s top horse and rider pairs.

International Horse Sport Palm Beach is proud to welcome this prestigious crowd of competitors with a gift most important to horses and riders — new footing in the CDI show rings. WCD and IHSPB have made wise use of the Florida off season by doing upgrades at both show facilities — the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and the Horse Park at

Equestrian Estates, home to the prestigious Palm Beach Dressage Derby.

Competitors this year will be riding on GGT Footing’s popular polyester fiber mixture that, when blended with sand, has proven to resist packing, provide optimal drainage, last longer and — most importantly — GGT Footing has been shown to minimize joint and tendon stress on horses. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center received a custom blend footing from GGT Footing in time for the 2011 World Dressage Masters. The same blend will be in the competition arena at the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates in time for this year ’s winter circuit.

“Our footing is used in arenas that host many prestigious events around the world,” Cynthia Brewster Keating of GGT Footing said.

This list of events includes the Asian Games in Qatar, the German Classics in Hannover and the International Dressage Championships Heroldsberg in Nuernberg, Germany. In addition, many top international riders, including Ulla Salzgeber, use GGT Footing in their private rings. The footing is even in the private stable of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. “We are, of course,

thrilled to be involved with such a fine organization and group of people as Wellington Classic Dressage and International Horse Sport Palm Beach,” Brewster Keating said.

“GGT Footing knows that the staff at both venues have worked tirelessly over the years to provide the dressage community with well-run horse shows. The improvements being made to the footing just further shows the commitment that management has to providing a topnotch venue to those who participate and support the sport.”

GGT Footing, already widely used in Europe, is gaining in popularity in the U.S. as well. It is now the footing of choice for many prestigious events.

“We at GGT Footing are appreciative of the support that the United States equestrian community has shown us,” Brewster Keating said.

“In return, we continue to give back to facilities and show managers so that a large group of riders can enjoy the wonderful aspects of our footing. We are especially proud that we are now part of the prestigious Palm Beach Dressage Derby.”

For additional information on upcoming shows, call (561) 227-1570 or visit www.wellingtonclassic dressage.com or www.ihspb.com.

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RPB DANCERS AT WELLNESS FAIR

The Royal Palm Beach Dancers were the solo performer s at the Safety and Wellness Fair held Saturday, Nov. 5 at Forest Hill High School. They performed two separate shows. The dancers, along with RPBHS Dance Director Michele Blecher, felt that it was a special honor to perform at the Safety and Wellness Fair for Palm Beach County’s parents and children to help promote children living safe and healthy. The dancers per formed three dance routines out of their repertory of 23 dance routines. The dancers were looking forward to honoring American veterans and those currently serving American military forces at the next dance performance on Wednesday, Nov. 9 in Wellington. Shown here is Jazzy Flores (center) with Tatyana Blackmon, Summer Rosencrantz, Kim Benvante, Bri Gribble, Loren Esbanez, Samira Amviro, Andres Cazares, Bryce Blecher, Paulena Wermuth (co-captain), Allison Hair, Char y Baez (captain), Lorida Jimenez and Zenia Fermin.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Nov. 12 • Wellington will host a Green Market & Songwriters Showcase on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• St. Rita Catholic Church (13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington) will host a Gigantic Garage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the parish center. Toys, baby items, small appliances, collectibles, books and magazines, clothing, electronics, furniture, home furnishings, jewelry, sporting goods, tools and seasonal decorations will be for sale. For more info., email Rita Bryant at jwb1943@aol.com.

• American Youth Soccer Organization, Region 1521, will hold Spring Soccer Registration for boys and girls ages 4 to 18 on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Samuel Friedland Park (18500 Hamlin Blvd., The Acreage). Pre-register online at www.eayso.org. For more info., call (561) 798-5467 or visit www.ayso1521.net.

• The Wellington Art Society will host its Fall Fling Art Festival Nov. 12-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For info., visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

• A Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wellington Marketplace (corner of Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace). For more info., visit www.thewellingtonmarketplace.com.

• The Hanley Center (5200 East Ave., WPB) will host a 25th anniversary Family Festival on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP to (561) 841-1212 or visit www.hanleycenter.org/reunion.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “It’s a Puzzle” for ages 2 to 5 on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10:15 a.m. Lift the book flaps to find the answers. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse’s “Bulls/Broncs/Barrels” performance continues Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center (7500 Forest Hill Blvd.) with barrel performances at 1 p.m. and the main events at 6 p.m. The event is approved by the World Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Bull Riders Association. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for children 12 and under. For more info., call Renee Kitching at (561) 4362909 or Chris Caldwell at (863) 228-0750.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host of meeting of its Chess Club for age 8 and up Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Monday, Nov. 14 • Na’Amat USA, Sharon Chapter, in Royal Palm Beach will host a gala card party and luncheon Monday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Village Golf Club (122 Country Club Drive, Royal Palm Beach). The community is invited to play bridge, canasta, mah jongg, scrabble, poker and other table games. A luncheon at $16 per person is available. Proceeds will purchase equipment for preschool children at centers sponsored by Na’Amat in Israel. RSVP to Joan Berkowitz at (561) 790-1443.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Handprint Turkeys” for ages 4 to 7 on Monday, Nov. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Celebrate Thanksgiving with this traditional craft and a few games. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Community of Hope Church (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee) is offering a free seminar titled “Surviving the Holidays” Monday, Nov. 14 and Thursday, Nov. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to help people facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. Call (561) 753-8883 or visit info@ gocoh.com to register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Super visors will meet Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7930884 for more info.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Nov. 15 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) will feature “Families Reading Together: Sound Off With Animals!” for ages 2 to 6 on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. Hear Deborah Bruss’ Book! Book!

Book! as well as other noisy animal stories.

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

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). For more info., visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org or call (561) 793-2418.

See CALENDAR, page 41

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 Wednesday, Nov. 16 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button?” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11:15 a.m. The storybook characters have lost their buttons.

Can they find them? Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Na’amat USA, Sharon Chapter, in Royal Palm Beach, invites members and guests to attend an open program meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The program will showcase a pre-holiday jewelry show by Premier Designs and Sandra Smale. Lunch will be served.

RSVP to Marce Inbger at (561) 0404 or Judy Levinson at (561) 793-6798. Prospective members are invited to join by contacting Gloria Terminello at (561) 798-2882.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host an Equestrian Season Preview Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at noon at the Wanderers Club. RSVP to (561) 7926525.

• Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will kick off its Cultural Series on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. The speaker will be Dr. Luis Fleischman, executive director at the Jewish Community Relations Council. The topic will be “Current Status of Events in the Middle East.” There is no charge. Call (561) 967-3600 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Simple Seasonal Origami” for age 8 and up on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will host a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Visit www. safety councilpbc.org or call (561) 8458233 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Advisory Group meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and 30 at 6:30 p.m. This is a fun family stor y time in English and Spanish, to read, sing and create a craft. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• Shulamit Hadassah of the Western

Communities, along with the chefs of NuVista Living, are cooking up an evening of good nutrition, food and fun Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at NuVista Living at Wellington Green (10330 Devonshire Blvd.). The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. RSVP to Donna at (561) 7959677.

Thursday, Nov. 17 • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will host a Motorcycle Course on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17, 19 and 20 at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). This is a combined classroom and road course now required for a motorcycle endorsement. Visit www.safety councilpbc.org or call (561) 845-8233 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Introduction to Irish Dancing” for adults on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:45 p.m. Marie Marzi with the Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance teaches beginner steps based on traditional dance forms.

Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.

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

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 R oyal Palm Beach Blvd.).

For more info., call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

• The Center for Brain Training in Royal Palm Beach (1019 N. State Road 7) will host a free educational lecture to explore a scientifically proven, drug-free method of treating the symptoms of autism, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression and insomnia. The lecture will take place Thursday, Nov. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. RSVP to (561) 744-7616 or visit www.centerforbrain.com for more info.

Friday, Nov. 18 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will hold a Go Club meeting for ages 8 to17 on Friday, Nov. 18 at 4:30 p.m. A member of the local American Go Foundation will teach how to play this ancient Asian strategy game. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will offer a free screening of the movie Glee: The Concert Movie on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

November 11 - November 17, 2011

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HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be subdivided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover’s Dream. Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Original Price $1,494,000. Just reduced to $599,000. 3/2 Home.

10.5 plus acres also approved to be sub-divided into 4 p arcels.

Horse Lover ’s Dream. 12033 Acme Road, Wellington, Little Ranches

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT — Efficiency, fully furnished, full kitchen & bath,TV, cable, Washer/Dryer, all utilities included. One person, No P e ts, No Smokers. Short Term Lease $800 Per Month. 1st & Security call 561-790-0857 or 561-6320484

HUGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 12TH, 7 A.M. — Great variety of items! 141 Martin Circle.

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating 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

ADULT SITTING — Experience with the elderly. Available by the day or the week. Will drive to appointments and run errands. Call 561261-0552

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

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.

STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING Promote healing & hair growth.

Stamp out ITCHAMCALLITTS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK itch.

No More apply Skin balm add Tonekote to diet. Goldcoast Feed 793-4607 www.kennelvax.com

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays.

Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail resume to:marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 CHRISTY’S BAKERY NEEDS — Counter help. Experienced only.

2 shifts 5:30am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Drop off resume.

The Pointe@Wellington Green.

10160 Forest Hilll Blvd.

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER FULL TIME HOURLY Receive, verify, and unload orderbalance register, make deposits.

Key holder open and close store.

High School diploma required.

Strong computer experience Prefer e-mail resume to: 0769MGR@FHEG.FOLLETT.COM or apply at PalmBeach State College Bookstore-Belle Glade Campus REGISTERED NURSE — ired of night s and weekends? Busy medical practice is looking for a Registered Nurse for our Wellington Office. Works one on one with a Physician in the office Setting. Mon-Fri. MUST be bilingual (S panish/English),have a good attitude and be a team player.

Job offers good pay and great benefits, apply by sending resumes to sdavis01@bgclinic.com

WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — part-time dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career.

Some days - mostly nights & weekends. 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561333-2680

WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only.

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

HOME INSPECTOR 1099 Contractors needed 40-100 daily output in PBC www.techbuffinspections.com Requirements: Car,GPS, Laptop,camera, strong computer skills. 561-299-1505.

Please send in four pictures of a house/condo. Showing each side of the building, and a meter shot. To techbuffhr@gmail.com

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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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing.

State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, 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

WORKING WRITER WILL HELP YOU POLISH YOUR MANUSCRIPT — Fiction-Non-FictionMemoir-Children-Adult $4 Per Page 793-8075

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 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 visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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 rep air, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

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

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

PALM BEACH PET SERVICES LLC. — Pet sitting, dog walking, cageless boarding. and more. www.PalmBeachServices.com 1-800-866-648-1150 Lic. Bonded, Insured

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & p ainting 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.

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 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE! 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 rep airs & 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 & p atio 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

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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