SHINE PROGRAM HELPS AREA SENIORS SEE STORY, PAGE 3
PINK PETALS & BOWS PARTY A SUCCESS SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 14
THE
TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
Your Community Newspaper
INSIDE
Volume 32, Number 43 October 28 - November 3, 2011
ROTARY HONORS JIM SACKETT
Lots Of Halloween Fun At Wellington’s Fall Festival The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington hosted the annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Village Park. Activities included haunted hallways, bounce houses, door-to-door trick or treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. Page 2
RPB OKs Toys ‘R’ Us/ Babies ‘R’ Us Project
The Royal Palm Beach Village Council granted several variances last week allowing two parcels of land on State Road 7 to be combined, paving the way for the development of Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores on the site. Page 3
The Wellington Seniors Club Hosts Fall Dinner Dance At Binks Forest
The Wellington Seniors Club held its Fall Dinner Dance on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The band Whitestone played oldies tunes while members danced the night away. Page 5
Fun In The Pumpkin Patch At St. Peter’s
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington held a party in the pumpkin patch Saturday, Oct. 22. Children were dressed up in costumes and got their faces painted, played games and took pictures with the scarecrow. Page 22
OPINION Enjoy Your Halloween, But Be Sure To Be Safe
Though it seems like it has been an ongoing event for the past few weeks, Halloween is this Monday. It’s the one night of the year when no one can look too ridiculous, and children and adults alike revel in the fantasy. But what can be a thrill for eager young trick-ortreaters can be a cause of consternation for parents. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 15 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS ..................... 16 - 17 PEOPLE........................ 18 - 19 COLUMNS .................... 27 - 29 BUSINESS ...................31 - 33 ENTERTAINMENT ................34 SPORTS .......................39 - 41 CALENDAR...................42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS ...............44 - 48 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
The Wellington Rotary Club hosted its fundraising gala “A Night to Remember” on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Breakers West Golf & Country Club, honoring news anchor Jim Sackett. There was a cocktail reception, as well as silent and live auctions. Shown here is Jim Sackett (thir d from the left) with event committee members. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Proposal Would Merge Palms West & Lake Worth Chambers By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce announced plans to merge last week, creating a regional entity that officials from both chambers believe will be more powerful, both politically and for the business community. “Palms West has about 750 members, and Lake Worth has about 450. That’s going to give us a combined chamber strength of about 1,200 members,” said Rick Tourville, chairman of the Lake Worth Chamber. “We will cover everything from the swamp to the ocean in central Palm Beach County.” Tourville said there is strength in numbers and that mergers are the wave of the future. He believes both chambers stand to benefit from this merger. “I would say that more than half of our members don’t actually have a business or live in the actual city limits of Lake Worth,” Tourville said. “We had some
crossover territory, but we were surprised to find out we only had 30 crossover members between the two chambers.” Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said both chamber boards signed an “intent to merge” agreement Oct. 20. “We reached out to the Lake Worth Chamber just to explore the opportunity after we found out that their CEO had resigned,” Miranda said. “We put out the opportunity to them to see if they would be interested in sitting down and chatting about the opportunity. Their response was positive.” Then, Miranda and members of the Palms West Chamber board met with members of the Lake Worth Chamber board to present the idea to them and see if they would want to present it to their full board. “They did,” she said. “They were very positive, and we then each created a transition team, a merger exploratory team.” Each team wrote a white paper presented to their boards, and both agreed to proceed.
“Then we wrote an ‘intent to merge’ agreement that was approved by both boards,” Miranda said, explaining that they would do due diligence until Jan. 12 to evaluate the financial impact and give each chamber a chance to review assets from a branding perspective to decide what the new organization would look like. “The thought is that we would more than likely need to come up with a name for the organization that would be more representative.” The Lake Worth Chamber will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, and Tourville said he would not want to see that history lost in the merger. “It was with great trepidation that we considered giving up that name,” Tourville said. Miranda said she appreciates the history of both chambers, including the 28-year-old Palms West Chamber. “The branding part, needless to say, is something that we both want to tread lightly on because See MERGER, page 20
Fair Has Big Plans For Centennial By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The South Florida Fair is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce got a taste of how the community staple will be celebrating at a luncheon held Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Wanderers Club. Rick Vymlatil, president and CEO of the South Florida Fair, told chamber members that the fair would be doing 100 days of giveaways leading up to the first day of the fair. “You can go on our web site to register,” he said. “Every day between now and the opening day of the fair you’ll get an e-mail with your gift. They all have at least a $5 value.” Giveaways have included items like a $13 car wash for $1, $5 off at a restaurant, a coupon for pizza and more. But to be a part of it, you have to sign up, Vymlatil said.
“You can’t get it unless you opt in,” he said. The fair is also looking for guests to share their happy memories from the fair by visiting its Facebook page and adding pictures of their loved ones visiting the fair in years past. Vymlatil said he hopes to find memories dating back to the fair’s inception. “A lot of us have family members who have lived in the area a long time,” he said. “There have been many happy memories at the fair, and we’re hoping people will send them in.” The photos will then be used in a video that will run before entertainment on the Pepsi stage, he said. For the first time in 100 years, the fair will be forming a South Florida Fair Marching Band to perform in parades during the fair and throughout Palm Beach County. “If you’re a former high school
band member who loved being in marching band, we want you,” Vymlatil said. Tim Skinner, the band director at Seminole Ridge High School, has volunteered to lead the marching band, Vymlatil said. Already, about 30 people have signed up. Once the fair comes around, there will be a birthday celebration during the opening ceremonies, which have been moved inside this year. “We usually have a party on the patio,” Vymlatil said. “But this year we’re bringing it inside the Expo Center. There will be indoor fireworks and a great celebration to kick off the fair.” There will also be a ticketed dinner on the first Saturday of the fair, which will serve as another birthday celebration. Also new this year will be a kids mile run kicking off the first Saturday of the fair, starting at 8:30 See FAIR, page 20
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Wellington Council OKs New Access Points For PBIEC By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A divided Wellington Village Council approved a master plan amendment Wednesday evening designed to allow better access to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. After more than four hours of discussion, council members voted 3-2 to approve the revised master plan with Vice Mayor Matt Willhite and Councilman Howard Coates dissenting. The resolution amends the master plan to allow access to the equestrian center from a realigned Lake Worth Road, extended Southfields Road and Gene Mische Way to the west, all connecting through internal roadways to a re-aligned Equestrian Club Road — the main show grounds entryway. The amendments also allow for development of 479 dwelling units on the property known as Peacock Pond. Mike Sexton of Sexton Engineering explained that the extensions and re-alignments were being done to provide access and stem traffic problems caused by limited access to the show grounds. “This amendment provides needed access connection,” he said. “We’re looking at safety
improvements, better traffic flow, an alternate route for the internal [communities] to get to Pierson [Road] and South Shore [Blvd.], and we’re providing a secondary access for emergency vehicles.” Sexton noted that though the road extensions were near homes, a 100-foot buffer and bridle trail would separate the homes from the road. Supporters and opponents spoke on the plan for more than four hours, with nearby homeowners expressing concerns mainly about increased traffic outside their back doors. Attorney Janna Lhota, representing Victoria McCullough of Mida Farms, was concerned that the re-alignment and extension of Lake Worth Road would attract traffic from vendors, spectators and exhibitors going into the show grounds. “It is a de-facto extension of Lake Worth Road through the heart of the area,” Lhota said. “People will be able to use the road to bypass South Shore Blvd. and access Pierson Road and vice versa. It won’t be a road simply serving a residential community, but rather a new road attaching two major arterials. It will be a bypass that runs through the back yards See PBIEC, page 20
WHS HOMECOMING
Wellington High School celebrated homecoming week Friday, Oct. 21 with its homecoming ceremony at a varsity football game against Jupiter High School. Teddy Thomas and Brittany Middlebrook (above) were crowned homecoming king and queen. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Public Gets Input On School Board Lines By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Using results from the 2010 U.S. Census, new districts are being drawn up for the seven members of the Palm Beach County School Board. Board members studied the new districts last week, noting that they will be more compact than the current districts, and also keep similar communities together. District 6 Board Member Marcia Andrews, who lives in Royal Palm Beach, said the new boundaries were discussed in a workshop session Wednesday, Oct. 19. “Now it’s out for community in-
put,” Andrews said. “There will be some more tweaking.” Andrews said that District 6, as well as all the other districts, has been tightened up. “It’s more city- and community-oriented, so that we can be closer together,” she said, explaining that not only are the central western communities united, but also all the communities around Lake Okeechobee will be part of District 6 as well. “In the proposal, Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee are together, instead of Pahokee being in District 1, as it is now,” AnSee DISTRICTS, page 20
Renovated Kidscape Park Takes Shape In The Acreage
Indian Trail Improvement District Parks Director Tim Wojnar at Kidscape P ark, under renovation. PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
SEE KIDSCAPE PARK VIDEO AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The playground at Kidscape Park in The Acreage is undergoing a $231,000 renovation, adding new playground equipment, upgrading drainage and improving the parking lot. The park is located just north of Orange Blvd. on the east side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The Indian Trail Improvement District spent $213,000 for new playground equipment and $18,000 on drainage improvements and parking, according to ITID Parks Director Tim Wojnar. The design of the new park was put together with input from many residents, including strong involvement from members of the local Moms Club chapter.
“I was introduced to the Moms Club back in 1997 when I first came to work here, and since then they have always been very helpful in providing valuable input to our park system and playgrounds and various activities throughout the district,” Wojnar said. “When we decided to replace the existing playground, we met with Leanne Reid of the Moms Club on several occasions at the district office and selected from various options.” Money was designated for the replacement of playground equipment at Kidscape Park a year ago, and more than 20 design options were reviewed. Those were limited to two design options, which were presented to the ITID board for final approval in July.
The park has two playground areas, one for ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 6 to 12. Some of the work is being done in-house to save money, including the demolition of the old equipment, which saved about $8,000. However, the installation of the equipment itself was done by a contractor. “The playground installation as well as some of the concrete work was done by a contractor,” Wojnar said. “A lot of the work was done in-house for a substantial cost savings, which is good. If we can do it ourselves without interrupting any other maintenance areas, we will do it in-house.” Wojnar said Kidscape is one of the district’s most heavily used See KIDSCAPE, page 20
Page 2
October 28 - No vember 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
NEWS
IT’S A ‘GHOULS’ NIGHT OUT AT WELLINGTON’S FALL FESTIVAL AT VILLAGE PARK The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington hosted the annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Village Park. Activities included haunted hallways, bounce houses, door-to-door trick or treating, a costume contest, hay rides and more. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER
Miss Florida USA 2012 Karina Brez (second from left) with Horses Healing Hear ts volunteers Mark and Claudia P arker and founder Liz Olszewski.
Costume contest winners in the 11-14 age group: Dylan Moore, Krysta Sylvestri and Jasmine Hoffman.
Paige Casey and Reese Van Der Poel in matching costumes.
Starlynn Gilbert paints a pumpkin.
The Palms West Chamber’s Mary Lou Bedford hands out pumpkins to decorate courtesy of the Farmer’s Daughter.
(Front row) Amanda Mayorga and Brionna Longest; (back row) Jay O’Neil and Staci Longest.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 3
NEWS
SR 7 Discussion Highlights Legislative Delegation Meeting In RPB By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone brought the western communities’ support for the State Road 7 extension to a Wednesday meeting of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.
Damone, who also chairs the Western Communities Council, said she represents 173,730 people in the communities of Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and The Acreage. “I’m here simply to remind you about State Road 7 and the priority for it to continue northward and
connect to Northlake Blvd.,” Damone said, explaining that the project development and environmental (PD&E) study is almost completed and will be sent to the Federal Highway Administration soon. Damone noted that the City of West Palm Beach and its Ibis neighborhood continue to oppose
Members of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation at the RPB Cultural Center. PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
the project. “We do have someone opposing it, and they’re going to challenge the PD&E study and try to convince you that there are environmental issues, which there are not,” she said. “This road is built as an environmentally compatible road far more than the existing Northlake Blvd. on the north end of the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area.” Damone said the opponents’ real strategy is to delay the project by challenging the PD&E study for two years, during which time funding legislation would expire. “We are united in the western communities on this issue,” Damone said. “This road was promised in developer agreements when Ibis and other communities were built. We need to stick to those promises.” Other speakers Wednesday included Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, who reviewed the legislative agenda put together by the Supervisor of Elections Legislative Committee. “We have a number of issues. I’m not going to go over each one,
Royal Palm Beach Council Approves Joint Toys ‘R’ Us/Babies ‘R’ Us Project By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council granted several variances last week allowing two parcels of land on State Road 7 to be combined, paving the way for the development of Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores on the site. The two properties, owned by Pebb Enterprises Royal Palm Beach Property LLC, include the 8-acre Royal Office Park and an adjacent, vacant 4-acre property approximately a mile south of Southern Blvd. on the east side of State Road 7. The changes allow the owners to develop a piece of property as one unit, although part of the property is actually in Wellington. At the Oct. 20 meeting, agent Donaldson Hearing of the planning firm Cotleur & Hearing, representing Pebb Enterprises, said the projects are well-planned, despite the number of variances technically needed, and that they would be of the same integrity and
quality as the projects to the north and south. “One of the primary purposes of this project will be an infill site to provide integration between the two uses,” Hearing said. “It will provide the ability for the cars to travel between the sites without having to go out onto State Road 7.” To the north is the existing Royal Office Park and to the south is the Isla Verde Shopping Center in Wellington, also owned by the applicant. “These are key bits of information,” Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said, explaining that the applicant was developing the properties in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach to function as one contiguous unit. The applicant is developing a 58,341-square-foot retail building to contain the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores, as well as a 2,900-square-foot financial institution with a drive-through lane on the Royal Palm Beach portion of the land.
The applications included a variance from the village’s code to allow a reduction in the required number of parking spaces for the proposed planned commercial development, from the required 483 spaces to 375, resulting in a variance for 108 parking spaces, but the applicant has conducted a shared parking study for the combined uses that indicates 391 spaces are sufficient for the proposed development, according to the staff report. “The applicant has provided for an additional 41 spaces outside the village boundary in Wellington, behind the proposed retail building, which cannot be counted toward required parking by village code since they are located outside the village boundaries in the Isla Verde center,” O’Brien explained. The two pieces of property are under common ownership and control, and the developer has provided a perpetual parking and access easement to the off-site park-
ing to ensure that those spaces will be available for the proposed development. The off-site spaces will be available to patrons or employees of the shopping center, and the applicant has agreed to require employees to park in the east lot, behind the shopping center, as a condition for granting the variance. The council also approved the applicant’s request for a zero setback on the rear of the building, as well as several landscaping variances due to the combining of the two sites. Village Attorney Bradford Biggs said the landscaping is there, but it is inside the Wellington boundary. Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas made motions to approve the variances, and they passed 4-0. Councilman Fred Pinto asked about the existing Toys “R” Us store to the north at 501 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach, and Hearing said that store will close when the larger, combined store See PEBB, page 20
but one of the most important things is that we’d like to advertise our legal notices on web sites,” Bucher said. “We’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars advertising elections and the related requirements.” Bucher said there are many special districts in Palm Beach County and the Supervisor of Elections operates their elections on its regular election ballots. “We’d like to have some consideration to vote by mail instead, and this is generally under about 1,000 people, but we have to put it on our ballots right now,” Bucher said. “The printing cost is exorbitant, and it causes additional ballot styles.” Bucher said the committee would like to remove references to absentee voting and simply call it vote by mail. “It’s kind of a confusing situation, and since we have allowed that you can vote absentee ballot for any reason, we would like to remove all of the connotations to absentee ballots and just call it vote by mail,” she said. Bucher also called attention to
repercussions of the voter registration laws that were passed in House Bill 1355 in the last session. “Two days ago, a teacher registered her student government class,” Bucher said, referring to a situation reported recently in New Smyrna Beach. “She actually provided them voter registration forms. She collected them back. She delivered them to her supervisor of elections and was informed she had committed a felony. That’s the law.” State Sen. Joe Negron (R-District 28) asked what felony she had committed. Bucher said that under HB 1355, if someone wants to register voters, the person must become a third-party voter registration organization and that anyone who fails to do so faces a penalty of $5,000 to five years in jail. Bucher said that the teacher had been registering her student government students for years and was unaware that the law had been enacted. “This is a student government See DELEGATION, page 20
SHINE Program To Help Area Seniors By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington seniors can take advantage of a new program that helps them sort through Medicare and other forms of health insurance coverage, starting with a free informational seminar Monday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a program that helps Florida seniors, caregivers and family members navigate the complicated world of federally assisted health insurance to receive the benefits that best meet each individual’s needs. “We brought this program to Wellington because we want to provide our seniors with the best and most accurate information about their healthcare options,” Wellington Senior Advocate Howard Trager told the Town-Crier Tuesday. The program is offered by the U.S. Department of Elder Affairs and is administered by the Area
Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/ Treasure Coast. It utilizes volunteers who go through training to learn the ins and outs of federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, and long-term care and insurance planning. “The volunteer is able to give our seniors unbiased, impartial and confidential information about these programs to help seniors make the right choice regarding healthcare programs,” Trager explained. “The volunteers go through really intense training where they become experts in Medicare, Medicaid and other forms of aid.” Wellington now has a local certified volunteer who will host a Medicare 2012 seminar Monday to give seniors crucial information. “It’s for those who are entering Medicare,” Trager said, “or those who may already be in the program but want to know more See SHINE, page 20
Page 4 October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
OUR OPINION
Enjoy Celebrating Halloween, But Be Sure To Put Safety First Though it seems like it has been an ongoing event for the past few weeks, Halloween is this Monday. It’s the one night of the year when no one can look too ridiculous, and children and adults alike revel in the fantasy. However, what can be a thrill for eager young trick-or-treaters can be a cause of consternation for parents. Between the traffic, stranger danger and health concerns with some of the so-called “treats,” Halloween is always a mixed bag. While there’s no way to eliminate all potential hazards, with the right planning, parents can significantly minimize the risk. Although parents may think of the real-life trick-or-treating horrors existing in strange neighborhoods or dark streets, one of the primary causes of danger occurs before the child even leaves home. We’re talking, of course, about costumes. First and foremost is visibility, both for the child wearing the costume and for people driving at night. If the costume-wearer needs help navigating around, then perhaps modifications should be made to the eye holes. Also, if the costume blends in with the night, reflective tape can be added to help get the attention of motorists. Beyond visibility, the costume’s material should be flame-retardant, especially fullbody costumes that aren’t easily removed. Though young children should be accompanied by an adult, preteens and teens without adult supervision should be encouraged to travel in groups. Fortunately, technology has greatly increased children’s safety in recent years, as their parents are just a phone call away. Not only
that, but any would-be troublemakers might think twice knowing everyone’s phone is a potential camera. Because Halloween falls on a Monday this year, we recommend checking out one or more of the local Halloween-themed events planned for this weekend: • In Wellington, Wellington Presbyterian Church and Wellington High School will hold trunkor-treat events on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. • Acreage families can enjoy a trunk-or-treat along Citrus Grove Blvd. on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at approximately 5 p.m. There’s also a trunk-or-treat event hosted by Grace Fellowship Acreage on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at its pumpkin patch in the parking lot of the Grove Marketplace on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road (formerly Winn-Dixie). • Royal Palm Beach will hold its FallFest on Friday, Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Park. There will also be a “park and hayride” from the cultural center and Village Hall. • In Loxahatchee Groves, Palms West Presbyterian Church will hold a children’s Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 29 featuring games, crafts and treats from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and a trunk-ortreat from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. If you haven’t yet bought or made a costume, be creative but be safe. Halloween is a night when fun and safety must go hand in hand. Despite all the real-life horrors that abound, with the right precautions, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Debates Are Boring With Little Substance All the so-called debates between the contenders for the Republican presidential candidacy are more or less repetitions of the same slogans: Cut taxes and reduce regulations, mixed from time to time with some points dear to social conservatives like prohibition of abortion, etc. The only things new are some attacks on minor issues and minor inconsistencies. In other words, they are becoming extremely boring. I wonder why they have such a strong impact on the polls. Local friends of those candidates in our area who express themselves in the Town-Crier’s letter section, like Frank Morelli and Thomas Euell, follow in their heroes’ footsteps and translate the politicians’ slogans into their own words. Whereas the fight between the prospective candidates can be understood as the desire to get as much support from the different factions inside the Republican base, there is no such need for our letter writers. So, why do they copy uncritically their leaders’ arguments, including their major flaws? In the case of Mr. Morelli, I believe, it is his misunderstanding of the issues. Let me explain: In his response to my previous letter, he wrote that he is not a friend of the Chinese Communist Party but, instead, a proud Reagan conservative. Now, in his latest letter [“Responding To Progressives,” Oct. 14], he refers to the so-called Austrian economics as his guiding school. Well, the Austrian economists are mainly two people: Ludwig von Mises and Friedrich Hayek. In the U.S., the Libertarian thinker Murrey Rothbard popularized their ideas. In short, they claim government should not interfere in business matters — no fed, no taxes, no regulations. Among the Republican contenders there is only one person promoting Austrian economics: Ron Paul. Interestingly, Paul originally supported Ronald Reagan but defected from him because, as I pointed out in my previous letter, in office Reagan increased the national debt and he followed a road that I described as Keynesianism in disguise. With other words, Reagan conservatism and Austrian economics are contradictory policies. It’s beyond me how Mr. Morelli could miss this important difference. Mr. Euell’s positions seem to me extremely dogmatic. In his latest outburst [“We Need A New President,” Oct. 21], he claims Jimmy Carter was the worst president ever and Mr. Obama “may take that title.” Of course, he blames Obama for raising the national debt by trillions. No word, however, of the trillion-dollar bailout initiated by
Republican President George W. Bush. No word either why this bailout became necessary at the end of eight years of Republican rule. President Carter, of course, can be blamed for a lot of things, but he did not engage the nation in an unnecessary war as President Bush did with Iraq, without even winning it in due time. President Obama, at least, managed to pull out of this sad country, finished off Osama bin Laden and other terrorists, and got rid of Gadhafi. Instead of concentrating on one important issue and discussing it in detail, Mr. Euell simply shoots first and doesn’t mind to consider even later. Mr. Euell is right when he says “We need a change.” Yes, we need a change, a change in our debating style. We need to get it out of the present impasse. Less rant, more substance. Guenter Langer Royal Palm Beach
More Resistance To The Inspector General’s Office The attack against the Palm Beach County Inspector General by some officials in our local governments has begun. Will this never end? Will our government officials ever agree with the 72 percent of the voters demand for an end to “Corruption County?” After the grand jury confirmed that Palm Beach County indeed deserved the title “Corruption County,” some officials attempted to say that this was only a “perception,” even after three county commissioners, two West Palm Beach commissioners and three members of the business community pleaded guilty to corruption and had served or were serving jail sentences. Then followed an attempt to have the inspector general be selected by the commissioners, funded by the commissioners and could be terminated by the commissioners. Of course, the residents strongly objected to this absurdity, demanding a 100 percent independent inspector general. After over 72 percent of the voters of the 38 municipalities voted to be included under the umbrella of the inspector general, some vocal members of the cities attempted to slow down and complicate the work of the inspector general by including definitions of “fraud, waste, management efficiency, etc.” This would have required the inspector general to fit the definition before she could start an investigation of wrongdoing. Once again, the residents of Palm Beach County prevailed by voicing their strong objections to any attempts to obstruct the work of the inspector general with unnecessary definitions.
The grand jury recommended that Palm Beach County follow the Miami-Dade method of funding the Office of the Inspector General by building in one-fourth of 1 percent into all contracts with the government. For example, if a vendor/ contractor won a government contract for $1 million for a product or service, the one-fourth of 1 percent, or $2,500, would go to the OIG. The county originally stated that changing their billing system was going to cost $500,000, and therefore decided to use general funds (taxpayers’ money) to fund the OIG. Last month, after persistent objections by the residents/ taxpayers, the county has agreed to follow the Miami-Dade method of charging the one-fourth of 1 percent fee to its vendors/contractors starting next fiscal year. However, some cities are still adamant about paying this one-fourth of 1 percent from their general fund (taxpayers’ money) and then complaining that they cannot afford the cost of funding the OIG. Why don’t they pass the cost to their contractors/vendors? Is this their latest attempt to discredit the inspector general? Is it because they really do not want the inspector general to watch over their shoulder? Do they have anything to hide? Last week, the Delray Beach City Commission voted to file a lawsuit against Palm Beach County contesting the funding of the OIG. This is a continuation of the efforts of certain government officials doing everything they can to avoid or at least make it very difficult for the inspector general to do the necessary investigations. Morley Alperstein Wellington
Kudos For Equestrian Leaders Boca Raton may have Office Depot’s home office, and Jupiter may have Roger Dean Stadium and Scripps, but we have something “world class” that sets us apart. As we begin to head into the fall/winter season, I want all of us to give stock of what we have here in our back yard. Thanks to visionary William Ylvisaker, chair of Gould Corporation, announcing that he was bringing polo to Wellington, he created a niche for us to enjoy. Palm Beach Polo allowed us to see years of wonderful high-goal polo on South Shore Blvd. I was an early volunteer, and trained as a field judge and waved the scoring goal flag while David Andrews made the public address announcements. Since then John Goodman and John Wash brought it to a higher level with the establishment of International Polo on 120th Avenue,
bringing more high-goal exciting polo to our village, which continues today. Simultaneously, another group, led by visionary Mark Bellissimo, continued what Gene Mische started and enhanced it greatly to bring equestrian horsemanship at its finest to Wellington. Any given weekend during the winter season, we can witness the finest riders in the world jumping, displaying their hunters or performing dressage events in a unique family atmosphere. Mr. Bellissimo and his partners such as Roger Smith and Dennis Dammerman have made enormous investments in our community. They have embarked on an $80 million expansion program and announced plans to build a luxury condo/hotel, and provide retail/ commercial space while taking over an empty office park that has been vacant for years. Let’s get our family visitors involved this winter and take them to a polo match and equestrian event. Let’s support these visionaries who provide us with a “lifeline” of economic activity we all benefit from in our village. The Business Development Board projects that our equestrian activity during “season” has a $700 million impact on the entire county. The Business Development board recently awarded Mark Bellissimo their Economic Development Leadership Award. Congratulations, Mark. And thank you to all the polo/equestrian leaders. When I hear of my senior friends say, “I am thinking of moving to The Villages,” I reply, “Have fun up there. Rosemary and I are staying here another 32 years.” Al Paglia Wellington
Who Are The Real Conservatives? Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to Frank Morelli’s letter “Responding To Progressives” published Oct. 14. I find it interesting but rather shocking that there are those who live among us, who still subscribe to the old, tired and overused mantra that “what is good for big business is good for the country.” The mantra fails on so many levels and does not take into account the widespread and manipulative factions driven by greed that have virtually corrupted the democratic process with money and influence. As far as, and I take ridiculous liberty here, of a self-styled “conservative” not being able to get a job in journalism with “most” newspapers ignores the contributions of George Will and David Brooks, and many others too numerous to name. I have about 400 channels on my TV, and it is amazing that there exist only about six
owners who listen to advertisers, who control news content makes any assertion that those entities respond to liberal or progressive positions, and the chance that any “governmental bureaucracy” could exist, exists in the minds of only pseudo-intellectuals and not in the minds of true conservatives. The fact is that almost every ruling by the Supreme Court is evidence of a conservative court, not to mention the “House of Reprehensibles,” who have become nothing more than corporate stooges. Now, let’s mention the comment about the “gas necessary to support plant life” (making a mockery of any progressive’s position). That gas, CO2, has to be in the proper range to do so, and too much of the gas kills that which it had supported. That gas, by the way, is necessary in humans as well and normally controls the rate at which we breathe. Increasing the amount significantly leads to death, but if it does not produce a profit for someone, I can see his point. Let’s look at the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was mentioned, and see how people were living before the TVA; people were using oil lamps, and while I can hear the agony and “injustice” elicited because the Commonwealth & Southern lost out to a federal program that they could have duplicated in the private sector but didn’t, just leaves me tearless. The analogy using a buggy whip company was appropriate because it points out the reluctance and inability of the private sector to change with the times. Large cars may be safer, but in today’s world they waste precious fuel at a time of diminishing resources. Both liberal and conservative presidents tried to use their influence and office to encourage the big three automakers to increase their miles per gallon without any success. It is my opinion that because automakers owned oil stock and big oil companies owned automobile stock, there was no incentive to invest in infrastructure or new, smaller designs that offered more fuel efficiency and just stayed en-
trenched. All this despite the view of many in the industry that significant competition was looming on the horizon from Japan. Since there seems to be an argument that “ancient history” bears no relationship to current problems, let’s take a moment and dispel the ludicrous. The failure of the big three auto makers, while distasteful, is not ancient history, nor is the subprime debacle on Wall Street. While it can be argued that social welfare has grown, it also can be argued that corporate welfare running three and a half times social welfare is also unacceptable but not addressed. The era and public acceptance of the concept of “banks too big to fail,” and allowing big conglomerate banks to put us in a position that if we allow them to fail without a bailout, it may destroy the market and credit of the United States and all due to mismanagement and greed, in an industry that was, for the most part, deregulated to spur growth and a “golden age.” Well, how it turned out, was the golden age as CEOs in failed banks walked away with bonuses and billion-dollar retirement packages called appropriately “golden parachutes.” Of course, there was collateral damage as taxpayers had their tax money used for corporate greed. One last word about corporate taxes: Even if the government waived all corporate taxes, jobs still would not return because while our sons are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan and can’t get a job when they return, big corporations have engaged cheap labor through NAFTA in 39 countries that pay a minimum wage of $2/day, making the possibility of American labor competing a remote one. For those who are true conservatives, I refer you to two outstanding conservatives — Teddy Roosevelt, who knew the value of a national park system, and Ronald Reagan — and see how their views differ from the destructive, revisionist and divisive views of so-called pseudo-conservatives. Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach
SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail letters@goTown Crier.com.
OPINION
Here’s Some Helpful Advice On Properly Stocking Your Freezer Yup, properly stocking your freezer to avoid problems like ice crystals, freezer burn and lessthan-perfect results may not be an art form, but it is rather important. For example, you should not freeze certain items like cooked rice, fried food, mushrooms or whole potatoes. Also, avoid anything with may-
Footloose and... By Jules W. Rabin onnaise, a cream sauce or yogurt. If berries are on your list, puree
THE
TOWN-CRIER Your Community Newspaper
Serving The Palms West Communities For 31 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc.
12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 The Original Wellington Mall
Wellington, Florida 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 • Fax: (561) 793-6090 World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com
whole berries first to prevent mushiness. What can you freeze? Beans, chicken stock, peaches, mashed sweet potatoes and cooked tomato sauce. Also great candidates for the freezer are blueberries, lentil, corn and strong greens such as spinach and kale. Not to forget, use the space
wisely with rectangular, freezersafe plastic containers and always leave a bit of space for food to expand. Soups and other liquidbased foods should be stored flat in freezer bags. And for highest efficiency, keep the freezer at least 75 percent full. If you go to the non-container route, make sure you double-wrap food both with
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher
JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor
JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher
DAWN RIVERA General Manager
JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor
RON BUKLEY Managing Editor
EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró
freezer wrap and heavy-duty foil. Use freezer tape to try and seal the air out; of course, try and squeeze the air out first! When it comes time to thaw, you have three options: in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, in a microwave on the defrost setting, or in cold water, changing the water every 30 min-
utes. It is suggested that the microwave and cold-water options be used only if you plan to cook the food immediately. (Food thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen, although it can lose quality.) And remember, never thaw foods on a countertop, which can easily cause micro-organisms to grow and spread.
POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414-7458. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The TownCrier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 334147458.
CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah W elky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez
Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr.
ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson
Copyright 2011, Newspaper Publishers Inc. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.
STAFF/ Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 5
NEWS
THE WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB HOSTS FALL DINNER DANCE AT BINKS FOREST
The Wellington Senior s Club held its Fall Dinner Dance on Frida y, Oct. 2 1 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The band Whitestone played oldies tunes while members danced the night away. F or more about the club, call Sally Schwartz at (561) 793-8735. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER
Frank and Herta Suess with Mar y and Tony Alfalla. Loretta Katz, Dena Plous, Iris Goldson and Sally Schwartz.
The W ellington Seniors Club Board of Directors.
Wellington Seniors Club past President Howard Trager, current President Tony Alf alla and past President Jerry Springer.
Iris Carrasco, Keith and Linda Waters, and Manny Carrasco.
(Seated) Anna and Joe Moreau; (standing) Sam and Anita Nebb.
WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES ACTIVITY-FILLED HOMECOMING WEEK Wellington High School celebrated homecoming week Friday, Oct. 21 with its homecoming ceremony at a varsity football game against Jupiter High School. Teddy Thomas and Brittany Middlebrook were crowned homecoming king and queen. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRĂ“/T OWN-CRIER
Santiago Burssens, Lisa and Sarah Condon, and Andy de Sousa.
Senior homecoming court member s David Prieto and Alahna Kessler.
Sophomore Rachel Goldenberg and freshman Erica Dallin.
WHS Principal Mario Croce tti with the 2010 and 2011 homecoming queens and kings.
Page 6
October 28 - No vember 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
CRIME NEWS
Online Romance Leads To Grand Theft In Wellington By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report OCT. 21 — A resident of Paddock Park called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington last Friday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim met the suspect on an online matrimony site and began a relationship, which he said was going well. The victim bought her a ticket from Chicago, Ill., to visit from Friday, Oct. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 16. During her visit, the victim bought the suspect approximately $25,000 in jewelry to be used for their wedding. Before returning home, the suspect asked if she could take the jewelry with her to match to a dress for the wedding. According to the report, the victim agreed and the suspect returned home. The victim said the suspect is no longer returning his calls, and that he has not heard from her since she left. According to the report, the victim grew suspicious and checked a small safe that had contained the jewelry, and found all of its contents missing. The deputy was unable to contact the suspect at the time of the report. ••• OCT. 19 — A resident of West Palm Beach called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, someone used the victim’s American Express card to make several fraudulent charges. The victim said she became aware of the problem when she received an e-mail from the American Express fraud department regarding several charges on her account. According to the report, charges for $2,490.98, $713.89 and $617.85 were made last Tuesday between 2:40 and 2:55 p.m. The victim said she last had her card at a restaurant on State Road 7 the previous Monday, but when she looked for her card she discovered that it and her wallet were missing. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Thursday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Monday,
Oct. 10 and last Thursday, someone entered the victim’s property and stole two motors and several pieces of electronic equipment from a boat parked in the victim’s yard. The victim said he was out of town during that time, and neighbors said they did not see anyone on the property. The stolen items were valued at approximately $40,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to an apartment complex on Goldenrod Road last Friday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the complex’s management company removed shutters from the windows on Oct. 11 to prepare for seasonal tenants. Sometime between then and last Friday, someone entered the home and opened all the drawers, threw the belongings onto the floor, removed the couch cushions and rearranged the furniture. The complainant believes that two small televisions might have been stolen. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to the Mall at Wellington Green last Friday afternoon regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon and 1:15 p.m., someone keyed the driver’sside door of the victim’s Nissan 240SX, which was parked outside the mall. The perpetrator caused approximately $300 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 22 — Deputies from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to the Black Diamond community last Saturday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim and a friend hid their bicycles in a bush just inside the guard house gate at approximately 12:30 p.m. When they returned at approximately 3:30 p.m., the bikes were missing. The victim said they often hide the bikes there. The stolen bikes were valued at approximately $450 and are described as a red boys IronSee BLOTTER, page 21
FIRE CAUSES DAMAGE AT RPB RUBY TUESDAY
A f ire broke out Saturday night at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Royal Palm Beach. According t o Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Nigel Baker, there was at least $25,000 worth of damage. He said the fire was electrical and not suspicious. No one was injured. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • David Bordallo is a white male, 5’8” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of bir th is 07/27/75. Bordallo is wanted for violation of probation on charges of possession of cocaine and possession of oxycodone. His occupation is handyman. His last known address was Treasure Lane in Greenacres. Bordallo is wanted as of 10/27/11. • Vincent Seavey is a white male, 6’2” tall and weighing 180 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of bir th is 09/21/79. Seavey is w anted for violation of pr obation on charges of dealing in stolen property, false verification of o wnership (two counts) and possession of cocaine. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Saratoga Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach and NE Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. Seavey is wanted as of 10/27/11. 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.
David Bordallo
Vincent Seavey
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 7
NEWS
PBC Inspector General: New System Is Bringing Needed Reforms By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steckler was the featured speaker at County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly community forum Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the original Wellington Mall. Steckler noted that her office has been meeting resistance from some municipalities that recently came under its jurisdiction, including Delray Beach, whose council recently sued the county over the $39,000 bill it received to pay its share of the inspector general’s office. “We are under attack by the cities these days and some of the county,” she said. “Not everybody really wants us here.” Steckler said it is important for her office to set the foundation so it can withstand any challenge. “We have a lot of standards, a lot
of requirements that tell us how to do things,” she said. “We’ve spent the whole first year making sure our standards are in place.” Steckler said her office will undergo accreditation similar to that for police departments. “We’ll actually be ready after only 15 months of operation to go through our first accreditation,” she said. “We will be reviewed every three years to make sure we are doing things right.” A lot of what the office does is posted on its web site, www. pbcgov.com/oig. “We have web-based systems where we can pretty much run any kind of report, and we keep track of everything that comes into our office and make sure that it is handled in the proper way,” Steckler said. In its first 12 months of operation, the office received 196 written and 26 walk-in complaints and
answered 931 phone calls. Although the office did not begin responding to cities until June 1, 2011, 24 percent of the written complaints concerned cities; 63 percent concerned the county; and 13 percent were about entities that the office does not have jurisdiction over, such as the Palm Beach County School District and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “Already, we’re seeing the cities become more active, with people filing complaints, correspondences and concerns,” Steckler said. “That number has already increased in the last couple of months.” Not all of the inquiries were negative, and Steckler said she anticipated that an initial flurry of complaints would level off in time. “Sometimes we have managers or councilmen who come forward in cities to ask for our help, so it’s
not always just a negative,” she said. Of the 196 written complaints filed, 46 were closed with no action, meaning they were filed for informational purposes but can be pulled back out “if we start to see some patterns.” She said some of the complaints were referred to a manager, who was informed he must respond so her office can give the complainants an answer. Twenty-two of the complaints were management inquiries. “This is the one that some of the cities will start to complain that we’re taking up too much of their time,” Steckler said. “What we’re really doing is kind of testing them because we’re asking them to respond to it, and we’re going to send that response to the person who filed the complaint.” The county has done a good job responding, but if a city does not, it will trigger some kind of review
from her office, she said. One of the big complaints is a lack of response for public records. “For some reason, we have officials in certain municipalities who are not releasing public records,” Steckler said. “In the first year, we had nine of those, and we’re starting to see more of that. That’s going to be a little lesson for the municipalities, because it is against the law not to release records.” The office opened 15 investigations, and eight of those were preliminary to see if a full investigation was warranted. Two were management reviews to investigate whether someone did something wrong, as opposed to a management review to see if there was a process that went wrong. There were 102 complaints regarding employee misconduct. “That, by far, is the majority of the See STECKLER, page 21
PBC Inspector General Sheryl Steckler speaks at last week’s community forum. PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
RPB Zoners Divided Over Sign Plan At Toys ‘R’ Us/Babies ‘R’ Us By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Pebb Enterprises’ application for colorful signs on its new Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store on the east side of State Road 7 south of Southern Blvd. received a neutral recommendation Tuesday from the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission. The commission was divided 22 in its sign approval recommendation to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, with concerns expressed over a total of five colors, with the four in the Toys “R” Us sign and the purple in the Babies “R” Us sign, all on the same building. The planned building is part of an overall proposal to interconnect three separate development sites, all owned by Pebb Enterprises. One is in Wellington, but the parcels are being built as a contigu-
ous unit. Zoning variances for the project were granted by the village council last week (see related story, page 3). The planning firm Cotleur & Hearing, representing Pebb Enterprises, was requesting architectural approval for a planned commercial development in a general commercial zoning district on about 12.65 acres. Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the commissioners approved a site plan and special exception for the development at its last meeting and that the applicant was back for approval of the building colors and materials, landscape plan and signage on the building, as well as a monument sign on State Road 7 that would include the Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us logos. Jared Weiner of Pebb Enterprises said the goal is to tie in archi-
tectural features between the separate projects so they would appear as one unit, which includes stonework, similar colors and other architectural features. “The goal is that Isla Verde, Toys ‘R’ Us and Royal Office Park are all going to be connected through driveways and, in essence, to the public, appear as one big project,” Weiner said. Commissioner Jackie Larson said she did not have a problem with the architectural features, but asked about the signage. She asked why, with four colors on the Toys “R” Us sign, one of those could not be picked up for the Babies “R” Us sign, without adding a fifth color. Weiner said both signs are national trademarks and that the company is combining the two stores. “Due to changes in the econo-
my and trying to economize their business operations, they basically put both companies under one roof,” Weiner said. “They are owned by the same parent company, and that’s what we’re doing here, and that’s why we’re seeing the combined 60,000-square-foot store.” Larson asked staff whether there is a policy on how many colors are put on signs. “I count five bright colors here,” Larson said. Erwin said there is no established policy. Donaldson Hearing of Cotleur & Hearing reiterated that the signs are registered trademarks. “Their market is predominantly children,” Hearing said. “They might not be able to read and understand the words, so it becomes very important to them that children are able to recognize the image.”
He added that the building is set back from State Road 7 by about 400 feet and that the store is trying to compete with added pressure from competition. “Internet and foreign sales make it very difficult these days for your traditional brick-and-mortar business,” Hearing said. “With the economy, I will tell you that being able to have their nationally branded trademark logo really becomes critical to, not just the fact that it’s a sign, but the branding and marketing. That’s what it’s all about. This is a place where you’re going to go for a specific reason or a child might want to go because he sees the sign.” Larson said the commission has been challenged to balance color with consistency since it was given the responsibility of architectural and aesthetic review, and that she thought the existing Toys “R”
Us sign at 501 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach has too many colors. “It’s too many colors, it’s not what we’re after, and to add Babies ‘R’ Us, and yet a fifth color, I think, really stretches the whole thing, and the last time I looked, I don’t believe kids drive themselves to Toys ‘R’ Us.” Commission alternate Janet Ellis suggested that the applicant change the purple Babies “R” Us to the same color blue as in the Toy “R” Us logo. Commission Chair Genevieve Lambiase said she saw both sides of the argument. “It’s a slippery slope,” she said. “I remember as a kid, the Toys ‘R’ Us logo being all different colors. I agree with Commissioner Ellis as far as the blue for the Babies ‘R’ Us would look nice. It’s still your logo, it’s See SIGNS, page 21
Royal Palm Beach To Consider Hiring Foreclosure Registry Vendor By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council directed staff members last week to look into the cost and efficiency of hiring an outside vendor to seek out homes in foreclosure after hearing an update on the status of the village’s program to register distressed properties. At a meeting Thursday, Oct. 20, Community Services Director Rob Hill said that the process is moving along well, but third-party consultant Geoff Sluggett said that staff members were not detecting the number of foreclosures that his firm had found in the village. Hill reported on how the first 60 days went in implementing the council’s new foreclosure registration ordinance. The code enforcement department is checking public records for foreclosures. “It has been a learning process, and as I came before you the first time, I seemed to be faced with a great idea but a kind of daunting task,” Hill said. “Since then, we have made great strides in improving the delivery of our service.” Hill said his department had identified about 325 properties in foreclosure, a list staffers compiled through several years of code enforcement and research. “With those, we sent out the notices, and to date we have registered 170 of those properties,” Hill said. Of the 325 properties, 86 cases were before the Code Enforcement Board, which met on Oct. 26, and Hill said he anticipated
that the compliance rate will increase. Hill said his department spends about an hour a week going through public records and pulls out eight to 10 files on homes that have gone into foreclosure. What has been time-consuming is enforcing property owners who refuse to register. “Regardless of whether it was the village that found these properties or notified the mortgagees, or whether it was a third-party contractor, those who didn’t comply would come right back into our system, and that’s where the lion’s share of the work is,” Hill said. “Handling those cases is still going to be a problem for the magistrate.” Hill said he anticipated that the checking of records would get better as time went on. “We looked at data from Palm Beach County, and we don’t feel like we’re missing any properties,” Hill said. “In the future, we look forward to getting even more streamlined.” Sluggett, however, said his company has counted more than 1,400 Royal Palm Beach properties in the foreclosure process. Councilman Fred Pinto said compliance is meaningless if the village does not have a full registry of distressed properties. He said that a third party could do some of the tracking of banks and mortgage companies holding the titles to the homes. “What happens if you don’t get cooperation from the banks?” Pinto asked. “Does that require additional follow-up time by your
staff? Do you go after them if they don’t respond?” Hill said those cases are brought before the magistrate, but Pinto said he preferred to get recalcitrant title holders in compliance than drag them through the magistrate process. Village Manager Ray Liggins said that having an outside vendor would make little difference in the amount of time spent on code enforcement, and that the third party would be responsible only for sending out the first notice. “If they don’t comply, it goes over to code enforcement regardless of who is doing the identification,” Liggins said. Village Attorney Brad Biggs agreed, saying that his understanding was that if a title holder did not register, it was then up to the village to get the person to do so. If so, Pinto said he could not see hiring a contractor if the village has to do the enforcement. “That’s the black hole I see us falling into,” he said. Liggins said that one outside vendor, Federal Property Registration Corp., told him it has come up with a process to scrub the data received from the Property Appraiser’s Office, and also has relationships with people in the banks. “We are starting relationships with the banks, too,” Liggins said. “Of the 325 cases we are dealing with, Rob has narrowed it down to a handful of banks that we are dealing with.” Councilwoman Martha Webster said she thought the issue would subside with time. “This is
a predicament we are probably going to have for a number of years due to economic circumstances, but not a perpetual task,” she said. “I don’t see that we need to be gearing up on this task when the department has other things to do.” Webster added that it was her understanding that the number of foreclosures in Royal Palm Beach was more than 1,000. Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas asked whether the $200 fee is justified if the village does it inhouse, as opposed to having it done by a third party, and Hill said the intent of the fee had not been to generate revenue. Mayor Matty Mattioli asked Hill whether he thought his staff could handle the task, and Hill said he did. However, Sluggett, representing Federal Property Registration Corp., said that according to his company’s data, the foreclosure problem is getting worse in
the village. He said the number of homes in the foreclosure process pulled that day for the village totaled 1,427. “I know for staff this is very new to them,” Sluggett said. “I think they have done a good job in trying to get this off the ground, but if you look at the number of registrations, 170 out of 1,427, what’s that, 11 or 12 percent? I’d say that’s probably not a good compliance rate, and I think this is one of those situations where you should probably look at having a third party do it.” He said his company is currently doing registrations for Palm Beach County and Boynton Beach. The county, which recently signed a contract with his company, has more than 15,000 foreclosures. Sluggett asserted that his firm’s process is more efficient because of the relationships it has established with the banks, and a subsequent ability to keep some
‘I’d say that’s probably not a good compliance rate,’ Geoff Sluggett said. ‘I think this is one of those situations where you should probably look at having a third party do it.’ of the foreclosures out of the code enforcement process. Pinto said there are different ways to look at data and suggested that they have the village manager and staff meet with Sluggett to discuss it further. “I would like to see a real proposal on what the services would be,” Pinto said. The council gave consensus for Liggins to have further discussions with Sluggett’s firm as an outsider provider for foreclosure information.
Royal Palm Beach Unified Food Drive Will Take Place Nov. 1-19 The Royal Palm Beach 2011 Unified Local Food Drive will take place Nov. 1-19. Food items needed include stuffing, canned vegetables and fruits, boxed potatoes, soups and frozen turkeys. There are three designated drop-off locations: the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation (corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okee-
chobee boulevards), the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) and Royal Palm Beach Village Hall Eight schools in the western communities will be helping the PBSO collect food. The school that collects the most items will get a turkey trophy to have in their lobby for one year, as well as a “Sheriff for a
Day” certificate that allows one student and one teacher to go to the sheriff’s office together for a day of fun, including a helicopter ride, a boat ride, a visit to all specialty sites and units. The top classroom at every participating school will receive an ice cream party. For more information, call Diane Smith at (561) 904-8241.
Page 8
October 28 - No vember 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
NEWS BRIEFS Story Time Returns To Scott’s Place
Volunteers collect tickets at the main gate for ArtiGras during last year’s opening day.
Volunteer Opportunities Available For ArtiGras The 2012 ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, scheduled for Feb. 18-20, is looking for volunteers to help make the 27th edition of the award-winning festival the best one yet. Volunteer applications are being accepted online at www. artigras.org. “Each year, it is the support and efforts of our volunteers that help make ArtiGras a huge success,” said Ed Chase, president and CEO of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, which produces the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival. It takes more than 1,200 volunteers to help produce and organize
ArtiGras. Volunteers can choose one of three shifts per day in the following areas: ArtiKids area and ArtWall, parking/transportation, artist relations, site operations, volunteer committee, youth art competition committee, information booths and merchandising. Volunteers also receive great perks including a free T-shirt, free admission to ArtiGras before or after their shift the day of volunteering, special parking, and free food and beverages in the volunteer area. For more information about volunteering for the 2012 ArtiGras, visit www.artigras.org or call (561) 748-3946.
As the temperatures cool down, Story Time at Scott’s Place in Wellington returns from its summer hiatus. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, children of all ages will be delighted with stories about Thanksgiving. This turkey talk wouldn’t be complete without free snacks and giveaways, provided by Walgreens. Story Time will take place at Scott’s Place barrier-free playground located at 12190 W. Forest Hill Blvd. on the first Saturday of every month through May 2012. Story Time participants are encouraged to enjoy the Scott’s Place playground before and after the event. The park is designed with large play structures and ramps ensuring children and parents of all physical abilities can play together. The following Story Time dates and themes are scheduled: Nov. 5, Thanksgiving; Dec. 3, Holidays Around the World; Jan. 7, New Year’s Day; Feb. 4, Valentine’s Day; March 3, St. Patrick’s Day; April 7, Earth Day; and May 5, Animal Mommies and Babies. For more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Kim Henghold at (561) 791-4137.
Wellington Garden Club To Meet Nov. 7 The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Nov. 7 at the
Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The event will start with a business meeting at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m. presented by Al Salopek, a longtime Wellington resident and a member of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. Salopek has begun an educational campaign called Bee Understanding. His goal is to educate people about the important role the honeybee plays in the cultivation of our food supply. Honeybees, through pollination, are responsible for approximately 30 percent of the food we eat. Come learn about the benefits of backyard beekeeping and the threat to honeybees due to the Colony Collapse Disorder. See an observation hive up close and get a real sense of what a honeycomb looks like and all the activity that goes on inside a hive. Guests are welcome and there is no admission fee, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, RSVP to Jayne at (561) 791-0273.
WWC To Host Brunch & Browse Event Nov. 6 The Women of the Western Communities invites the public to attend its “Brunch and Browse” event Sunday, Nov. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, Royal Palm Beach). Get a head start on your holiday shopping at a wide array of vendors with unique merchandise
including jewelry, handbags, scarves, spa items, silk flowers, accessories, gourmet food, restaurant gift certificates and much more. There will also be a gold dealer who will buy your unwanted gold. Admission is free. Plan to come out and enjoy brunch or lunch at the new MarBar Grille before or after you shop. For more information, contact Mair Armand at mair@wwcfl.com or (561) 635-0011.
Call For Entries For Showcase Of Films Budding filmmakers are now one step closer to having their films seen by top industry professionals and hundreds of fans. The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF), in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, has announced the official call for entries for the 2012 Student Showcase of Films (SSOF). Film students enrolled in Florida high schools and colleges are encouraged to submit their entries online no later than Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. To submit through the online application program, view the awards breakdown and other information, students are encouraged to visit the Student Showcase of Films web site. The awards show to announce the winners will take place at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Celebrating 17 years, the Student Showcase of Films is the largest statewide film competition and awards ceremony for Florida’s student filmmakers. The juried competition recognizes outstanding high school and college students by presenting more than $10,000 in scholarships and awards in six film categories: Feature/Shorts, Documentary, Animation, Commercial/PSA, Music Video and an Audience Award, in addition to screenwriting and poster competitions. Honoring the legacy of Burt Reynolds, the festival also awards an annual scholarship bearing his name, as well as a Sara Fuller Student Scholarship through Film Florida. The submitted films are judged by top industry professionals and competition finalists are honored at a sizzling live awards show for more than 800 attendees from around the state. Past guests have included such notables as Steven Bauer, Amanda Bynes, Vincent Cecere, Clint Howard, Jonathan Krane, Louis Lombardi, Brett Loewenstern, Vincent Pastore, Burt Reynolds, Al Sapienza, Tico Torres and Nick Zano. Winning student films will also be screened in their entirety at the students’ own premiere during the film festival. For more information about the Student Showcase of Films, visit www.pbfilm.com or find the event on Facebook. This program is funded by the PBIFF, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Palm Beach County Economic Development Office and the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 9
NEWS
WELLINGTON ROTARY HONORS JIM SACKETT AT ‘A NIGHT TO REMEMBER’ GALA
The Wellington Rotary Club hosted its fundraising gala “A Night to Remember” on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Breakers West Golf & Country Club, honoring news anchor Jim Sackett. There was a cocktail reception, as well as silent and live auctions that benefited the Rotary Scholarship Fund and annual benevolent giving. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER
Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore presents Jim Sackett the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Bob and Karen Cavanagh with Paula and Jim Sackett.
Regis Wenham, Tim Byrd, Tom Wenham and Paula Sackett.
Don Gross, Debbie Sanacore and Maureen Gross.
Co-chair Susan Giddings, Rotary President Karen Hardin and Event Chair Maggie Zeller.
Dave and Brooke Unversaw, Leslie Pfeiffer, and Carla and Tom Neumann.
YESTERYEAR VILLAGE HOSTS ‘SPOOKYVILLE’ AT SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds is hosting Spookyville for children age 12 and under through Oct. 31. The event was popular on opening weekend, Oct. 20-22. New this year is a spooky house for young kids. There is also trick-or-treating every PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER night, ar ts and crafts, rides and games, and lo ts of spooky fun.
Sasha, Ray and Kayla Simonet have fun with pumpkins.
Sally Galias helps youngsters decorate paper pumpkins.
Tammy Hurst makes brains, worms and other nasty stuff with the kids.
Page 10
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
NEWS
Palm Beach Central Bronco Band Hosts FBA District XIV Event The Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Band once again hosted the annual Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) District XIV all-day event on Saturday, Oct. 22. “This prestigious marching
band music performance assessment event is truly an honor to host,” Bronco Band Director James Yaques said. “Once again this year, it was a huge undertaking for our band, but with the help of dozens of volunteers, including
alumni, parents, grandparents, band and chorus students alongside our incredible booster board, we had one of our most successful events ever.” Area businesses donated everything from tents and tables to food. Whole Foods Market, Centanni’s Italian Restaurant, Christy’s NY Cheesecake bakery, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Edible Arrangements, Milestone Real Estate and C4 Rents were some of the supporting businesses. This year, along with many great concession items, the parents dedicated themselves to baking and donating baked goods that enabled the Bronco Band Boosters to raise over $1,300.
With close to 3,000 in attendance and 20 marching bands from as far away as Key West, there was a great turnout at the event. The purpose was to provide opportunities for students and directors to perform in an environment that provides critical evaluation by noted experts in the field of band performance. The event also served as a fundraiser for both the FBA and the Palm Beach Central Bronco Band program. “We were truly honored that the Florida Bandmasters Association District XIV chose our site to host this event,” Yaques said. “We hope to have another opportunity next year.”
Wellington High School band members.
Palm Beach Central High School band members.
A group from Seminole Ridge High School.
Some of the parent volunteers hard at work.
WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS MIXER AT CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL IN RPB The Wellington Chamber of Commerce held a mixer event Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Royal Palm Beach. Members networked while enjoying food, drinks and raffle prizes. For more info., visit www.w ellingtonchamber.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Cindy Bovay, Alexandra Wasil, Zak Deily, Laura Jaffe and Mari-Ellen Sheldon.
Maggie Zeller, Melody Domb, Brian Jacobsen of Carrabba’s and Marc Nudel.
Dale Grimm, Laura Jaffe, Bob Wolff, and Emily and Jason Tota.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 11
Page 12 October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 13
Page 12 October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 13
Page 14
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
NEWS
BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS HONORED AT OCT. 20 PINK PETALS & BOWS PARTY Plastic Surger y of Palm Beach and the Aesthetics at Spa Zen hosted the “Pink Petals & Bows Party” to celebrate the life of their breast cancer patients on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Wellington of fice. Doctors and spa staff honored patients with a party featuring personal stories about experiences, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes and special gift bags. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Doctors Alan Pillersdorf, Dov Eidelman, Ernesto Hayn and Hatem Abou-Sayed.
Cancer sur vivor Nicole Naum with Dr. Hatem Abou-Sayed.
Cancer survivor Mariel Lemke with Dr. Dov Eidelman.
Ashley Caiazzo, Barbara LaBounty and Panama D’Avila.
Cancer survivor Claresa Dawkins with Dr. Ernesto Hayn.
Cancer survivor Ilana Aronowitz with Dr. Alan Pillersdorf.
Kris Mickett and Dr. Alberto Navarro.
Mariel and Patrick Lemke.
Patty Rodriguez and Janice Alava.
DOG OWNERS AND THEIR FURRY FRIENDS ATTEND HOWL AT THE MOON FESTIVAL
The ninth annual “Howl at the Moon” party was held Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Wellington Dog Park. There were small and large dog Halloween costume contests with prizes, as well as trick-or-treat bags for the dogs, and face painting and games for children. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER
Small dog costume contest winners: third place, Carolyn Potter with Trace; second place, Sandi Hitesman with Snoopy; and first place, Shelley Kaleita with Teddy.
Big dog costume contest winners: first place, Gina P ace with Buddy; second place, Linda Haughn with Charlie and Jake); and third place, Evan and grandma Kim McPherson with Hunter.
Sherry Garz does paw art with Blanco.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 15
NEWS
AREA RUNNERS COMPETE FOR A GOOD CAUSE IN THE HORSE COUNTRY 10-MILER The Wellington Runners Club and the Village of Wellington hosted the seventh annual Horse Country 10-Miler on Sunday, Oct. 23 through Wellington’s equestrian and aeronautical communities. The race included Sebastian’s 5K Run/Walk. The run raised money for the Kids Cancer Foundation and was sponsored by Fit2Run. For more info., visit www.wellingtonrunners.org. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Michelle Howell and Blake Kanarek, the respective 5K run first-place female and male finishers.
Peter Caufield, Natasha Yaremczuk (first-place female in the 10-mile run) and Paula Herron.
Matthew Defiglia, Kids Cancer Foundation board member Tom Leinwol, founder Michelle O’Boyle, board member Sandy Erb and cancer survivor Ainsley Erb.
Gretchen Brennan and 5k second-place female Laurel Brennan.
Stuar t Clarin and Stuart Bacha.
Mindy and Jules Zucker placed first in their age groups in the 5k run.
Wellington Art Society’s Nancy Tilles Featured At Whole Foods Market Whole Foods Market and the Wellington Art Society celebrated the work of Nancy Tilles during an artist reception held Friday, Oct. 21. Tilles was chosen as the featured artist, showcasing her collection of tropical-themed paintings as well as her newest 9-foot by 5-foot triptych, inspired by the water lilies at McKee Gardens in Vero Beach, which was unveiled at the event for the first time. The $5 donation for that evening included a wine-andcheese tasting, silent auction and live music by singer/songwriter Suzanne Cannon. All donations will benefit the Wellington Art Society Scholarship Fund. Tilles’ work will be on display through November. For more info., visit www.nancytilles.com.
Art Society President Suzanne Redmond, Nancy Tilles and Lauren Belinsky of Whole Foods.
Matt DeGennaro and Randy Pfeiffer.
Nancy Tilles, Anita Itzel and Leslie Pfeiffer.
Page 16
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
SCHOOL NEWS
Seminole Ridge JROTC Hawk Teams Take Bronze At Raider Challenge The Seminole Ridge High School JROTC Hawk Battalion Raider team traveled to Atlantic High School on Oct. 15 for the annual districtwide Raider Challenge. Teams fought against the clock to complete a strenuous obstacle course which included building a one-rope bridge, scaling a 10-foot wall and grinding out 500 pushups, 500 sit-ups and 75 pull-ups, followed by a half-mile litter carry with 60 pounds of dead weight and ending with an 800-meter team run. The SRHS Raider team successfully navigated this gauntlet, bringing home a third-place trophy and placing in a regional meet for the first time in school history. The competing varsity Raiders, led by Cadet Capt. Devon Redmond, were Jason Bagnall, David Evens, Joey Evens, Cassidy Jessup, Justin Kaufman, Cody Papula, James Petelle, Gary Poe and Alexandria Thornton. Also on Oct. 15 at Atlantic, five cadets from the SRHS air rifle marksmanship team took part in a biathlon competition against
area schools. Cadet Major Tommy Cox, Cadet Capt. Kimberly Engle, Cadet Cpl. Charlie Green, Cadet Pvt. Donald MacRostie, Cadet Staff Sgt. Joseph Rimi shot from three positions — prone, standing and kneeling — and ran for half a mile between each position. The top Hawk shooters, Rimi and Cox, missed third place by a fraction of a point. • Ridge TV Production Wins — In Florida Scholastic Press Association district competition Oct. 15, the SRHS TV production program competed against students from Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties, taking double golds and silvers. Danny Carrazana, Tynesia Heath, Connor Hunt and Jake Weininger took first place in On-the-Spot Photojournalism; David Freund took first place in News Feature Package; Courtney Byrd took second place for Individual News Anchor; and Travis Berry and Danny Carrazana took second place in News Opening. • Debaters Begin with Wins — In the season’s first countywide debate tournament Oct. 15, the
Hawks earned several wins. Cash Galko placed first in extemporaneous speaking; Wayne Selogy placed first in student Congress; Dalen Brauner placed second in student Congress; and Ashley Wilcox and Jonathan Halem placed second in duo interpretation. • Dual Enrollment Orientation — SRHS students interested in early admission or dual enrollment at Palm Beach State College for the spring 2012 semester should attend the guidance department’s informational orientation session Thursday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. Dual enrollment offers students the opportunity for challenging courses, accelerated education, and savings in time and money. It allows high school seniors to attend PBSC, earning credits toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Dual enrollment students must be in grades 10 through 12, must have earned a 3.0 GPA or HPA, and must have passed either the SAT, ACT or PERT standardized assessments.
Dual enrollment registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 22. Current dual enrollment and early admission students should schedule an appointment starting Nov. 3 with their guidance counselors to obtain spring 2012 enrollment permission and book voucher forms. All dual enrollment students are required to attend one of the PBSC mandatory informational advising sessions. For session details, or for additional information, visit www. palmbeachstate.edu or contact the guidance department via Edline. • SECME Hosts Engineering Speaker — The Seminole Ridge SECME engineering club recently hosted Jim Kunard, a professional civil engineer with 30 years of experience, ranging from power plant structures, high-energy pipe stress analysis, and water management to parks, parking garages, fire-rescue stations and libraries. Kunard is a past president of the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Engineering Society and state chair of the society’s education outreach initiatives. He began his talk to students by relating the
(L-R) Joey Evens, Jason Bagnall, James Petelle, Justin Kaufman, Devon Redmond, Cassidy Jessup, Cody Papula, Alexandria Thornton, Corbett Pervenecki and David Evens. practical applications of science, technology, engineering and math to the world around us. Kunard continued with a hands-on activity, making engineering fun by creating something cool. Students
built sections of a model suspension bridge, then connected their segments to see its full span. Kunard concluded his talk with examples and explanations of technical drawings.
BROWNINGS VISIT LGES RPBHS Teacher Wins Teacher Of The Year Award Darrell Schwartz, the lead tional professional organization achieved As and Bs. For some of might have come as a shock for FOR READING CAMPAIGN teacher for the Global Business dedicated to improving the edu- them, [my class] was their only Schwartz, but it was no surprise
The kindergarten children at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School were in for a special treat when Mayor Dave Browning and his wife Sharyn came to read to them Thursday, Oct. 6 for Jumpstar t’s Read for the Record Campaign. While Sharyn enthusiastically read the story Llama Llama Red Pajama, the mayor acted out the part of Baby Llama. He even wore red pajamas! The children were also very involved and joined the mayor in acting out Baby Llama’s antics. The children and teachers loved the special visitors. A fun time was had by all, and it was also another step toward encouraging the children t o develop a lifelong love of reading. Shown above, Sharyn reads t o the students.
Academy at Royal Palm Beach High School, has been named the Council for Exceptional Children Chapter 200’s 2011 General Education Teacher of the Year. “The award was a total surprise since I am only doing what every teacher would do, which is to help my students to achieve their potential,” Schwartz said. Schwartz was nominated for the award by his peers who work full time with students in the Exceptional Student Education program at RPBHS. His nomination for the award came as a result of how well ESE students have responded to his teaching style and personality in the classroom. “Although he works exceptionally well with all of our Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcats, Mr. Schwartz has demonstrated a unique set of skills as he meets the needs of our most special students,” said Suzanne Pendleton, the ESE teacher and speech pathologist at RPBHS, who formally submitted the nomination for Schwartz to the CEC. The CEC is the largest interna-
cational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. The CEC also annually honors three employees from Palm Beach County: one general educator, one non-instructional professional and one principal. Schwartz was chosen from a field of teachers nominated from schools throughout the county. Nominating Schwartz was an easy decision, especially, as Pendleton noted, in light of the fact that many ESE students rearrange their schedules just to have his class. “Like all my students, I treat them like they where my own children,” Schwartz said. “I show them love and respect and provide them with encouragements. All my ESE students did well [this past year]; they all excelled and
inclusion class.” Inclusion classes are those that bring students in the ESE program into a social classroom setting with students who are not in the ESE program. Schwartz feels that these classes allow him to give students across all learning spectrums the personal attention and instruction they need to be successful. He also feels that settings such as an inclusion class help to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Schwartz also has a unique way of ensuring that his students with varying exceptionalities succeed. “I usually have the students on a computer by my desk so I can keep an eye on them,” he said. “Depending on their abilities, which I access as we start to work on projects, I will tailor the work and materials for them so that they will learn the same skills but at a different pace. I encourage them as they do the work. They usually are very happy when they achieve a project, and they want to do more and continue to excel.” Being honored by the CEC
at all to Principal Jesus Armas. For Schwartz, working with ESE students is an enjoyable and gratifying task, and one that is second nature given the fact that he is the parent of a daughter, and an ESE student, who recently graduated from RPBHS. Helping her deal with difficulties brought on by both bipolar and obsessivecompulsive disorders opened Schwartz’s eyes to the wide range of needs that ESE students have and allowed him to develop the teaching techniques that he regularly uses in the classroom. Schwartz is grateful for the recognition that he has been given by the CEC’s teacher of the year award, and the award is made even more meaningful because it means he is truly making a unique contribution to these students’ lives. “The award makes me excited to know that what I am doing is making a difference in children’s lives and others have also seen it,” he said. “These students they can accomplish whatever they set out to do. I recognize it, and I try to help them see it, too.”
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 17
SCHOOL NEWS
WHS Debate Team Does Well In Competition The Wellington High School speech and debate team had a successful weekend of competition at the Nova Titan Invitational Oct. 21-22. Mike Reynolds placed third in Humorous Interpretation with his performance of Elissa Brent Weissman’s “Nerd Camp.” Public Forum Debaters Sabrina Abesamis and Juliana Diatezua went 5-1 in preliminary rounds and 7-2 overall, falling in semifinals. The PFD teams of Ali Sina Booeshaghi and Stephie Maravankin and Madison Dalton and Alexa Fortuna each went 4-2 in prelims before falling in octofi-
nals. Logan Weber went 4-2 in novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate before falling in octos. Leila Booeshaghi, Yourui Ruan (3-3 in his first-ever LD competition) and Kwadjo Walker earned the National Forensic League Degree of Merit. Abesamis earned her NFL Degree of Honor and varsity debate letter. Wellington’s next speech and debate tournament is Oct. 27-30 at the Florida Blue Key Invitational in Gainesville. (Right) WHS speech and debate team members at the Nova Titan Invitational.
The Equestrian Trails Math Academic Games team.
Crocetti To Chair Project Grad Golf Tournament
Mario Crocetti
The Wellington High School 2012 Project Graduation Planning Committee has announced that WHS Principal Mario Crocetti will serve as honorary chair for its Dec. 4 fundraising golf tournament at the Binks Forest Golf Club. “Mr. Crocetti was at Wellington Landings Middle School, where he previously served as principal, with many of the seniors who will graduate in 2012, and we couldn’t think of a better person for this honor,” tournament cochair Jeannette Parssi said. Crocetti made the move to Wellington High School at the same time many members of the 2012 graduating class made the transi-
tion from middle school to high school. In his capacity as honorary chair, Crocetti will hit the ceremonial first tee shot to kick things off on Dec. 4. Project Graduation is a drugfree and alcohol-free graduation night party that ensures a fun and safe time for all graduating seniors from Wellington High School. The Project Graduation party starts at around 10 p.m. on graduation night, and the fun will continue until almost 5 a.m. “Our graduates will be entertained all night by a DJ, huge inflatable games and rides, a hypnotist, casino games and much, much more,” co-chair Susanne Bennett said.
Food and drinks will be served throughout the night. The Dec. 4 golf tournament is one of many fundraisers planned to help cover the cost. The entry fee is $100 per golfer; however, non-golfers can purchase a “dinner-only” ticket for $25, Bennett noted. This also includes participation in a silent auction. To learn more about Project Graduation, or the golf tournament, visit the group’s Facebook page. To contact the tournament organizers, e-mail wellingtonproject grad@gmail.com or call Jeannette Parssi (561) 635-2037 or Susanne Bennett (561) 670-0840.
Equestrian Trails Team Wins Math Academic Games Students from Equestrian Trails Elementary School won first place in this year’s Palm Beach County Math Academic Games Competition. A 10-member team competed for both a team score as well as individual scores. Students played students from other elementary schools using the game Equations. Creative mathematic strategies were used to create equation goals and then find solutions to that goal while challenging the opponents. Using the six basic mathematical operations (+ - x ÷ ^) and 24-num-
ber and -symbol cubes, students created goals, solutions and challenges, until time was called and points were tallied. In addition to the team’s firstplace award, four members also received individual awards for placing in the top 10. Equestrian Trails team members include: Trent Hannan, Jaiden Patel, Angela Yan, Tony Li, Colby Gullo, Robert Waite, Harry Custer, Alex Shin, Michael Shoichet, Maverick Davies, Kyle Urbina and math coach Michelle Regnerus.
Page 18
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
PALMS WEST PEOPLE
McKinstry Sets Sports ‘General Hospital’ Star Visits Film Students Record At LaGrange LaGrange College junior volleyball player Erin McKinstry of Loxahatchee was named the Great South Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 16. McKinstry set a school record for assists in a match twice, as the Panthers went 2-1 for the week. In a 3-2 win at Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa, Ga., McKinstry broke the old mark of 55 assists in a match set by Kristina Rosenow in 2002 with 56. She topped that mark with 59 in a 3-1 win over Huntingdon. In the three matches, McKinstry had 141 assists, averaging 11.7 per set. For the season, McKinstry has 713 assists. She is averaging 8.49 assists per set. A member of the Great South Athletic Conference, LaGrange College competes in 16 sports in NCAA Division III and fields
Erin McKinstry Georgia’s only Division III football team. Photos and team stats are available at www.lagrange panthers.com.
Students in Aaron Wells’ class “Sixty Second Filmmaking” at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre were treated to a surprise visit by television and film actor Tristan Rogers on Monday, Oct. 17. Writer/producer/director Wells and Rogers have been friends for some time, the result of having worked together on various projects, including the award-winning short Opportunity Knocks (OK). OK is currently screening at the Kalamazoo Horror Film Festival in Kalamazoo, Mich. At Wells’ invitation, Rogers agreed to talk with the class about his experiences as an actor. As an additional surprise, Wells brought along all the elements necessary to shoot a successful television show — a green screen, a teleprompter and trained technician — Patty Serrano, makeup artist Michele Poletti, cameraman Cliff Gordon and scriptwriter
Dana Nickola. Together, these professionals were able to create a realistic representation of life on the set. Students were also given the opportunity for a question-andanswer sessions with Rogers, who graciously and enthusiastically offered both insights and suggestions. One student asked Rogers how he had developed his acting persona. “Find someone whose style you like and copy them,” he replied. “Then put in your own style. This business is learning from someone else. Just don’t let it take you over. Use your own imagination as well.” “Sixty Second Filmmaking” is billed as guerrilla filmmaking meets guerrilla marketing. The class is offered on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre (BRIFT). Anyone interested in
Tristan Rogers (back row, fourth from left) and Aaron Wells (front row, second from left) with students and crew. taking the class is advised to contact briftfinancedirector@com cast.net for registration and cost information. The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre is a nonprofit organization that is committed to
educating and involving the community and artists in all aspects of film, television, theater, live performances, film festivals and exhibitions, as well as preserving Reynolds’ memorabilia and the history of the film industry.
Dadressan Chosen As Delegate For National Baha’i Convention On Oct. 4, the local Baha’i community hosted its annual Unit Convention and elected its delegate for the U.S. Baha’i National Convention in April 2012. Each year in October, Baha’is all across the country elect delegates to represent them at the national convention, where the delegates elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the U.S. The community of approxi-
mately 250 elected Sohail Dadressan of Wellington to represent them next April at the national convention at the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Ill. The Baha’i election process is considered a sacred responsibility and is undertaken without nominations, campaigning or discussion of individual names. Votes are cast anonymously by each adult Baha’i, and the delegate is deter-
mined to be the individual receiving the most votes. The electoral unit for the local Baha’i community includes communities in northern Palm Beach, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. Within this geographic area are six local spiritual assemblies, the local administrative unit for Baha’i communities. In addition to the election of the community’s delegate for the na-
tional convention, the approximately 50 individuals in attendance consulted on matters of relevance to the community. Their thoughts and prayers turned to their fellow believers in Iran whose plight recently has been highlighted by international support from the U.S. Department of State, Amnesty International and Nobel Peace Prize laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and East
Timor President José Ramos-Jorta. The Nobel laureates’ open letter to the international academic community coincided with the release of a documentary (www. educationunderfire.com) that chronicles the systematic denial of education to Baha’is in Iran. The Baha’i faith is the newest of the world’s independent religions and its central message is the
oneness of humanity. Its prophet and founder, Baha’u’llah, brought progressive teachings for all of mankind and individuals of all religious backgrounds. Baha’is work to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world through the guidance of their faith’s teachings. For additional information about the Baha’i faith, visit www. bahai.us.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 19
PALMS WEST PEOPLE
Parent-Child Center Event Celebrates Children Overcoming Challenges The Parent-Child Center recently brought community leaders, professionals, business partners and donors together at “Wine & Words: Conversations Celebrating Children” to hear from children and families receiving support from the center’s programs. The event was held Oct. 4 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Parent-Child Center client honorees shared their experiences to highlight how their lives were changed for the better by the social and emotional support services they received. Touching stories included a family dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of school bullying, and a 19-year-old brain cancer survivor who was given three months to live after his diagnosis at the age of 10. “That due-date expired,” he said goodnaturedly, relating how the ParentChild Center helped him cope
with the rigors of battling childhood cancer. Guests attending included West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, St. Mary’s Medical Center CEO Davide Carbone, and program funders Patty McDonald of Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Julie Healey of Be A Star Foundation. TD Bank sponsored the event. The celebration kicked off Parent-Child Center’s new community awareness and fundraising endeavors, which include an upcoming annual fund appeal and an exclusive holiday event to support the 11 dynamic programs offered through the nonprofit agency. “Now I understand the enormous amount of help Parent-Child Center offers children and families going through their worst nightmares,” one of the guests said after hearing the testimonials of families helped by Parent-Child Center programs.
TD Bank sponsor and Regional Vice President Dan Hires, W est Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Parent-Child Center CEO Patrick McNamara. The Parent-Child Center Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Palm Beach County since 1979. Its mission is to partner with communities to passionate-
ly promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. The agency is the largest provider of hands-on help to the area’s most at-risk babies and
Kylie Webb Named Honored Hero For CCFA Walk Currently there are 1.4 million people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States, and 25-year-old Kylie Webb is one of them. Because of her dedication to finding a cure for what can often become a debilitating disease, Webb has been named this year’s local hero for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Take Steps Walk, set for Nov. 12 in downtown West Palm Beach. Webb was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2008, after finishing her first year at the Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Pharmacy. Though initially able to live a normal life with her condition, Webb recently has faced many new challenges, having been hospitalized numerous times over the past few months, which led to her falling behind in school. Webb recently decided to join forces with Take Steps — the largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases — to help raise money to continue research programs for people who have suffered like her. Thus far, Webb has raised almost $10,000 for the cause. “I am extremely excited,” she said. “When I first got involved in the Take Steps Walks, I never thought that could be me one day.” The West Palm Beach Take
Steps Walk will take place Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheatre. To register for the upcoming walk or for more information, visit www.cctakesteps. org or contact local Walk Manager Jennifer Baker at (561) 2182929 or jbaker@ccfa.org. Take Steps is the largest event dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. At over 100 walk sites across the country, thousands of people gather to fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Together, participants raise money for crucial research and raise awareness regarding these destructive diseases. Over the past three years, the organization has raised over $20 million for research and patient service programs. This year, the CCFA hopes to exceed its past fundraisers. More than 80 cents of every dollar raised through the Take Steps program goes directly toward research and patient programs in individual communities. Not only can people participate directly in the Take Steps walk itself, but people also can fundraise though the CCFA web site and through word of mouth. It’s never too late to get involved; the CCFA web site has a sign-up page available at all times. Join now and take a step toward a future free from Crohn’s
Kylie Webb and her dog Bailee. and colitis. Anyone interested in creating a team for the walk can register online at www.cctake steps.org. After a team is formed, the leader sets goals and begins to raise money. Celebrate the creation of a team on “walk day,” when teams come together and enjoy festivities in honor of their participation. If you’re not looking to form a team, you can walk as an individual by making a donation or volunteering. The CCFA’s mission is to cure these diseases and help improve
the quality the life for children and adults affected by them. The foundation ranks third among leading health nonprofits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure. For more information contact the foundation at (800) 932-2423 or visit www.ccfa. org. Join CCFA on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/support ccfa and follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www.twitter. com/ccfa and www.twitter.com/ takesteps.
Be A Star Foundation President Julie Healey (center right) and guests enjoy the reception. children, including those suffering from trauma, abuse or critical illness. For more information about programs and donor opportuni-
ties, visit www.parent-child center.org, call (561) 841-3500, ext. 1081, or e-mail rlayman@ gocpg.org. Follow Parent-Child Center on Facebook and Twitter.
Bowen To Speak At Binks Forest Luncheon Nov. 8 On Tuesday, Nov. 8, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen will keynote a special luncheon hosted by the Binks Forest Golf Club. The luncheon will begin at noon and is open to all real estate professionals such as brokers, agents, mortgage lenders, title and home insurance agents. “In addition to Mayor Bowen’s remarks on the state of home sales and the growth of Wellington, Binks Forest will make a major announcement impacting all agents in the area, so we look forward to strong attendance,” said Greg Schroeder, the golf club’s general manager. “Having Mayor Bowen as part of this program is especially rewarding because we believe in the strong future of our western community.” Along with the mayor, representatives from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and HandyMan Matters will be present providing door prizes and information. Attendees will have the opportunity to win a new iPad2 from Merrill Lynch, an iPod Nano from HandyMan Matters and a foursome of golf from Binks Forest Golf Club.
Darell Bowen Advance reservations are required. Cost is $20 per person for the hot buffet lunch, dessert, beverages, presentation, door prizes and more. For more information, or to make your reservation, contact Binks Forest Golf Club Catering Director Whitney Buchanan at (561) 578-8206 or wbuchanan @binksforestgc.com.
Page 20
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
NEWS PBIEC
Access Points
continued from page 1 of Mida Farms, Equestrian Club Estates and Mallet Hill.” Instead she suggested using 40th Street, which runs along the south side of the canal, opposite the farms, for access. That idea was also favored by the Equestrian Club Estates community, which is located adjacent to the equestrian center. Attorney Alan Ciklin said his clients would approve an extension of 40th Street, rather than Lake Worth Road. “The extension of 40th Street will resolve almost all of Equestrian Club Estates’ problems,” he said. While some homeowners were concerned about Lake Worth Road changes, others were upset about already-made changes to Equestrian Club Road. Ciklin said that the owners of the equestrian center removed the original road without permits from Wellington or permission from residents. The community has since filed a lawsuit regarding the matter. “They were told that they needed approval from the easement holders,” Ciklin said. “They were
Fair
Celebrating 100 Years
continued from page 1 a.m. “We have a one-mile course laid out inside the fairgrounds, and the kids will break into groups and run one mile,” he said. “It’s going to be very popular. We already have about 1,500 kids signed up.” This year, the fair is getting a mascot, Vymlatil told chamber
told no. Then on a late Sunday night, the developer showed up with a bulldozer and proceeded to destroy the platted road that has provided access to the community for 25 years.” Vice Mayor Matt Willhite asked why the road change hadn’t come before the council with a master plan amendment before it was removed. Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that would have been preferable and could have eliminated some problems. “I think everyone acknowledges that it would have been better if it had [come before the council] first,” he said. Another worry from opposition was that the council could approve the amendment but then not allow additional discussion of the project during a site plan phase. “My understanding is that tonight is the only time you will have to consider what will ultimately go here,” Lhota said. “After tonight, it is up to staff for approval. I believe that you should have an understanding of what will go here and how it will be laid out.” Council members agreed that they would want the site plan to return to them for approval rather than be approved by staff alone. During public comment, both sides had strong support from the
community, and all sides hoped to come to an agreement supported by everyone. Equestrian Preserve Committee Member Michael Whitlow pointed out that the plan was opposed by both his committee and the Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board. “That’s the voice of the people saying, ‘No, we don’t want it this way,” he said. “Not that we don’t want it at all, just that we don’t want it this way.” Whitlow said that everyone’s goal is to preserve the equestrian community and urged council members to listen to the voice of the people, not the developers. “You all work for the people, not a developer,” he said. “We’re happy to work with the developer, but it has to be reasonable. It has to be within the guidelines of preserving and protecting the equestrian preserve.” Resident George Nottingham, who lives in the Southfields community, approved of the plan. He said it would help the community to reach outside of Wellington and enhance the equestrian community. “People go to the horse show to enjoy activities and be a part of something very special,” he said. “It seems what they have created out there has brought along a community spirit and has invited in a
members. It will be a big blue ribbon, and the fair is asking guests to help name it. “You can go on our web site and tell us what you think the mascot should be named,” he said. In its century in Palm Beach County, the fair has changed dramatically from its original inception as the Palm Beach County Fair, Vymlatil said. “We were originally located where Palm Beach State College stands today,” he said. “The coun-
PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER
ty enticed us to move to Southern Blvd. in 1956. We bought the old speedway, and the county gave us the balance of the land.” Vymlatil showed chamber members photos from the past 50 years compared with last year’s fair. He pointed out that it grew from a county fair to a regional fair, which serves the five surrounding counties. “We’re rated one of the top 35 fairs by Venues Today,” he said. “We started with 120 acres, and we managed to purchase more land, so we now have 136 acres.” The South Florida Fair is a nonprofit organization, Vymlatil said, which is governed by a volunteer board. “Whatever profits we can generate go back into the corporation to help it grow,” he said. The fair makes a point to give back to the community, providing money for kids who show their animals at the fair, as well as partnering with schools to donate 10 percent of tickets proceeds purchased by parents back to the schools. “We give away more than $25,000 in educational scholarships,” Vymlatil said. “We also donate money to the high school bands that march in our parade. We donate about $10,000 to $15,000 each year.” What separates the fair from others across the country is its Expo Center, which features differently themed displays each year. “That way, when someone says they don’t go to the fair because it’s the same thing every year, we can say ‘No, it’s not!’” he said. For more about the fair, visit www.southfloridafair.com.
“He always had Pahokee and I didn’t, and he always had all of the Wellington area,” Andrews said. “We had three board members in Wellington.” Andrews said she always wanted her district to look like the county’s District 6. “I thought that made a lot of sense, and so we began to look at that and tweak it,” she said. Community meetings will include one in Pahokee, and some in other areas that the significant changes will affect. “Those are open for people to come and make their comments as to what they like or dislike,” Andrews said. “All of that comes together, and it comes back to the school board, and in the next few weeks or so, we will be voting as a board on the recommendation.” She pointed out that other districts have changed significantly. District 2, which now covers northern Lake Worth and Greenacres and southern West Palm Beach out to State Road 7, has significantly more Hispanics and other minorities than it did previously. “They tweaked it to work bet-
ter for the communities, the schools, the children and the cities in making it compact,” Andrews said, adding that she was pleased that there was little contention from board members about the appearance of the new District 6. She said Board Chairman Dr. Monroe Benaim of District 1 in northern Palm Beach County gave up a lot of his district to Andrews. “We shared a lot together, and he was over in his population, in the numbers of people, so he had to lose Pahokee, and he lost The Acreage and some parts of Loxahatchee,” she said. A series of community input meetings is being held from 6 to 7 p.m. between Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, as follows: • Nov. 1: Pahokee High School Media Center • Nov. 2: Conniston Middle School Media Center • Nov. 3: Park Vista High School Cafeteria • Nov. 8: Palm Beach Lakes High School Media Center For more information, and to see a copy of the proposed district map, visit www.pbcredistricting. info or call (561) 434-8935.
South Florida Fair President and CEO Rick Vymlatil speaks at Wednesday’s Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Districts
Public Input Meetings
continued from page 1 drews said. “As you move east, I have all of Loxahatchee, all of The Acreage, and before part of that belonged to District 1 like Pahokee.” She said District 6 currently has almost all of Royal Palm Beach except for small piece east of State Road 7 that was in District 2, which is now in District 6 as well. Wellington, which is currently divided into three districts, is also placed entirely in District 6 in the new map. “We’re looking to keep communities together,” Andrews said. “I’m pretty pleased, but I’m going to miss my constituents in west Boynton. I worked with them on a lot of issues in the schools, but my district will no longer go that far south.” She said her district now reminds her of County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s District 6, which covers most of the same area as the School Board’s District 6.
Pebb
Project Approved
continued from page 3 opens at the new location. “That’s happening all over the country,” Hearing said. O’Brien said some firms have already inquired about the existing Toys “R” Us building. “They are looking to split it and two new tenants will move in,” O’Brien said. In other business, the council agreed to allocate up to $20,000 to remove coatings or paint from sidewalks in front of nearly 100
residences where homeowners have applied the coatings, then start enforcing an existing ordinance that had not been enforced over the years. Community Development Director Rob Hill said an increasing number of sidewalks are being painted. Although residents feel that it improves the appearance of their homes, it is a detriment to the value of neighbors’ homes and it detracts from the uniform nature that the village would prefer to maintain, Hill said, pointing out that painting sidewalks is a violation of code and it’s expensive to remove. “Liabilities are incurred when
coatings are applied, and there is a mixed look from uniform standards we strive for,” Hill said. Director of Public Works Paul Webster said the cost estimate to clean about 8,200 square feet of sidewalk is $17,000 to $20,000. The council opted to foot the bill and start enforcing the ordinance, as opposed to having individual homeowners clean the sidewalks themselves, which would have cost individual homeowners many times more; plus, uniform results could not be guaranteed. Pinto made a motion to approve the sidewalk cleaning and that the code be strongly enforced thereafter. The motion carried 4-0.
diverse range of population.” The project would also help to create jobs, he noted. Victor Connor, speaking on behalf of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, agreed. “The proposed plan will create jobs, boost the local economy and continue to make the equestrian center into what is now developing into the equestrian center of the world,” he said. Council members were divided on the issue. Willhite asked if the item could be postponed to allow the property owners to come to an agreement. “There seems to be some common ground,” he said. “I don’t know if it took this meeting for them to do it, but it seems like they can start to agree on something. It seems like they could develop a working relationship.” But other council members wanted to see it resolved that night, and no one seconded Will-
hite’s motion to postpone the decision. Coates said he had several issues with the application and also expressed frustration that PBIEC had realigned Equestrian Club Drive without a permit. “I’m very unhappy with the way this road came about,” he said. “It’s a bad way to proceed, and it puts us in an untenable position where we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.” Mayor Darell Bowen said he felt that the plan was good and dispersed traffic throughout the community rather than sending it down one major road. “In my opinion, we need to move ahead with this project,” he said. Councilwoman Anne Gerwig made a motion to approve the master plan amendment, which passed 3-2. In other business, the council approved a resolution to amend
the hours of operation for the equestrian center, allowing restaurants and banquet halls to stay open until 1 a.m. The resolution designated PBIEC as a commercial equestrian arena and set its hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Under the new hours of operation, competition in the arena could continue from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., restaurants and banquet halls could stay open until 1 a.m., outdoor entertainment until 11:30 p.m. and equestrian support services until midnight. Sexton explained that often after an event has ended, equestrians and sponsors remain at the show grounds for awards ceremonies, press conferences, and food and drink. Willhite was concerned about the effect of the change on nearby residents, but ultimately council members approved the changes 41 with Willhite opposed.
Festival Of Chocolate Nov. 19-20 In WPB Attention chocoholics: Anyone who has wanted to be a kid in a chocolate store, you now have your chance, as the Festival of Chocolate rolls in to the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20. The event, which was recently recognized as one of the top 10 chocolate festivals in the country, will feature the area’s best chocolate and confection companies selling tastes and treats of everything chocolate from truffles, cakes and cupcakes to cookies, brownies and ice creams. Award-winning pastry chefs
Kidscape
Under Renovation
continued from page 1 parks. “Numerous birthday parties are held there,” he said. “Saturdays and Sundays stay booked up throughout the year, and it’s a great place for parents to come. The Moms Club meets here. We have various after-school and daycare centers that come here. There are some home-school groups that meet here, as well as
Merger
Regional Chamber
continued from page 1 both organizations have very strong, positive reputations,” Miranda said. “We both have history.” Miranda said she sees a tremendous opportunity for the membership. “If you’re joining an organization for their membership network, you’ve just taken your number up 50 percent,” she said. The merger would also broaden the geographic reach for each member. “You can now reach out
and chocolatiers will host interactive demonstrations, sharing techniques and tricks of the trade. A live chocolate showpiece competition will give breathtaking artistic sculptures a tasty twist. Guests will have their chance to vote on the best chocolate creation and learn some chocolate-ology while taking a one-of-a-kind tour through a unique chocolatethemed museum. Guests can indulge in chocolate and wine tasting, whip up a batch of chocolate lip balm and play a game of Brownie Bingo. For the littlest chocoholics, Kids-4-Chocolate is the perfect
place for kids to create edible masterpieces, play the ChocoMatch Challenge and more. Chocolate University taught by chocolate masters, cookie stacking contests, a chocolate charm bracelet bar and more make the Festival of Chocolate a not-to-bemissed event. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for children. All adult advanced purchases receive two complimentary chocolate chip coins for chocolate purchases and a chance to sit at the chocolate judges’ table. For more information, visit www.festivalofchocolate.com or call (561) 463-2950.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.” REP Services of Lake Mary, Fla., a specialist in playground equipment, did the master plan for the park. The park closed beginning in mid-August, when school started, to begin the renovation. Reid said the new equipment is more desirable than the old equipment because it is customized for age differences and children with disabilities, and is much safer than the old equipment. The original playground at Kidscape Park was installed in February 1998.
A grand opening for the renovated Kidscape Park is planned for Saturday, Dec. 3. “We’re going to have some cookies and punch and face-painting, and we’re going to have some other activities for the kids,” Wojnar said. There are nine parks throughout the district, including 5.25acre Kidscape Park. ITID has about 75 acres in all, including the addition of the south expansion of Acreage Community Park, which is in the planning stage.
to more organizations in other cities and expand your geography where you’re marketing your business,” Miranda said. From the standpoint of representing more governmental entities and having a larger population base, it will have more influence on local, state and national governmental officials on regional policy and how it affects local businesses, she said. From a business perspective, there are many efficiencies to be gained, including a streamlined payroll as the duplication of roles is reduced, such as the need for two CEOs, Miranda said. “You have services expenses
with clerical, accounting and banking that you can streamline,” she said. “You can single-source your communication efforts, your web site, your marketing, your newsletter, your e-mail blasts, letters.” Tourville said that even if the merger is completed, the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce building, at 501 Lake Ave., will remain where it is. “It will always be the Lake Worth welcome center, whatever the name of the chamber,” Tourville said. “The two of us will be bigger and stronger, not only in a political sense, but for our members.”
Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher
ITID President Michelle Damone
Delegation
Bucher Speaks
continued from page 3 teacher, and she had done it in the past,” Bucher said. “If she were charged and it stuck, she could lose her job and she would no longer be a valid voter, so I would hope that someone could take a look at this law.” Bucher said she and her staff go into the high schools to educate students on voter registration, and frequently they do not have the proper identification. “They go home and get it, they bring it back, and traditionally the teacher or the principal used to fill in the information with the student and provide it back to us,” Bucher said. “Unless they’re willing to become a third-party voter registration organization, they are unable to do that.” Bucher said there are not many
SHINE
Helping Seniors
continued from page 3 about their options. Best of all, it’s free.” Trager said it is important for seniors on Medicare or other forms of federal health insurance to pay attention because the opportunity to change programs or benefits ends in December. “Beginning Oct. 15 and ending Dec. 7 is the one period of time in the year that you have the opportunity to change what program you’re in,” he said. “The SHINE volunteer can help you to determine the best program for your needs.” The seminar will tackle topics about Medicare, the prescription drug program and Medigap insurance.
PHOTOS BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
third-party voter registration organizations in Palm Beach County. “I have a staff of 45,” she said. “We are booked morning, noon and night, weekends, every day, because no one else wants to register voters or wants to subject
themselves to the penalty that exists.” She added that with the size of her staff, it would be impossible to register voters in the number of places they are asked to be.
Participants must pre-register before the event, and can do so either at the Wellington Community Center or Village Park, or online at www.wellingtonfl.gov under the “Parks & Recreation” tab. Trager encouraged not only seniors already on Medicare or Medicaid to attend, but also those who may soon join the program. “The program is helpful for those residents who are 63 or 64 and know that they are going to retire soon,” he said. “We all reach a certain age when we have to think about it, and these people will be able to answer all their questions.” But for seniors who need some one-on-one help, Wellington will offer in-house advice from the SHINE advocate on Friday mornings. “We will be using the Safe Neighborhoods office on Friday mornings if a resident needs to
meet with the volunteer directly,” Trager said. “Everyone’s situation is so different, and it’s extremely complicated. Sometimes, people need a little help.” Because the program is administered by the Area Agency on Aging, residents must call 1-800-96ELDER (1-800-963-5337) to make an appointment with a volunteer. After giving necessary information, a volunteer will contact residents directly. “It’s secure, unbiased and confidential,” Trager said. “You contact them with your information, and they will contact you. Wellington is just providing an office for residents to meet with our volunteer and discuss their situation.” More information about the SHINE program is available online at www.floridashine.org. For information about the Medicare 2012 seminar, call Trager at (561) 791-4000.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 21
NEWS
Annual Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk Returns Nov. 5 The Palms West Community Foundation is gearing up for the 14th annual Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Nov. 5 starting and ending at the Wellington Amphitheater. The run/walk has been an annual event since 1997 focused on bringing residents together to promote health and fitness, while supporting a charitable organization. Joanna Boynton and Terri Priore are returning for their third year to chair the event, and will be joined this year by Roxanne Stein from WPTV NewsChannel 5, as the honorary chair. A portion of the net proceeds from the 2011 event will benefit the Hospice of
Palm Beach County Foundation. Hospice of Palm Beach County, founded in 1978 as a not-forprofit organization, has cared for nearly 70,000 patients and their families and averages 1,200 patients daily throughout Palm Beach County. Its care encompasses all socio-economic and demographic groups, and their vision is to create a world where everyone receives great service at the end of life and no one is afraid of dying. The 2011 Wellington Community Fitness Run/Walk is proud to donate to the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, and to support the diverse programs and services that it offers
to patients and families in the community, regardless of their ability to pay. The event will feature a USTAF-certified 5K run and noncompetitive walk — something for race enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels, as well as the entire family. “We have had tremendous support from the business community as far as sponsorship money, which is quite impressive in this economy and indicative of the ‘community’ orientation of the event,” Boynton said. “We have over 20 sponsors that are helping to pay for this event for the community of Wellington.” Some of those businesses are
Holiday Sampling Nov. 4-5 At Fresh Market Wellington The Fresh Market will hold a “Taste of the Holidays” sampling event Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5 at locations across the country, including the Frest Market in Wellington, located at 10640 W. Forest Hill Blvd., near the Mall at Wellington Green. Customers will find themselves surrounded by the familiar aromas of the season as they stroll through sampling stations that will include the Fresh Market’s fully prepared holiday meal offerings such as turkey, ham and a variety of side dishes, as well as standing rib roast, holiday pies and desserts, smoked salmon, cooked shrimp and crab dip, to name just a few of the selections. “Taste of the Holidays” is the perfect time for customers to consider the convenience of allowing the Fresh Market to do their holiday cooking for them, with the choice of two complete holiday meal options or an à la carte menu to combine with their own tradi-
Signs
Council Gets Final Decision
continued from page 7 still your font. It’s still going to be striking. People will see it.” Lambiase added that she liked the architectural design. Hearing said he would suggest the recommendation to change the
tional dishes. During the tasting event, customers can sample the options and place orders for holiday meals, making for a simpler holiday season. Customers can pick up holiday meal order forms at the Fresh Market’s deli or order online at the company’s web site at www. thefreshmarket.com. Holiday meals are now available for order and should be ordered in advance to ensure availability. Founded in 1982, the Fresh
Market is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing highquality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 107 stores in 21 states, with plans for continued expansion throughout the country. The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 4 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5. For more information, call (561) 753-9861 or visit www.thefreshmarket.com.
Trunk Or Treat Sunday At Grace Fellowship Acreage Grace Fellowship Acreage will host a trunk-or-treat event Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at its pumpkin patch located in the parking lot of the Grove Marketplace on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road (formerly WinnDixie).
There will be music, food and a costume contest as well. The event is free and open to the public. The pumpkin patch is open through Oct. 31. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Sims at (561) 333-4222 or jim_sims@gfwpb.org.
color in the Babies “R” Us logo to match the Toys “R” Us sign. Commission Alternate Richard Becher said he had no problem with the signage as presented under the circumstances and that he liked the architectural design. “Personally, I think the colors are nice and warm,” Becher said, referring to the architecture. “The sign, I personally don’t have a problem with. Yes, they are vibrant, more than I would like to
see, but I think they’re appropriate.” Ellis made a motion to accept the signage as presented, contingent with the Babies “R” Us sign being the same color blue as the Toys “R” Us sign. Becher seconded the motion, and the vote was 2-2, with Larson and Lambiase opposed. The final decision will be up to the village council. Becher made a motion to accept the architecture and landscaping plan, which passed 4-0.
Wellington Regional Medical Center, Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do, Boynton Financial, Florida Power & Light, Iberia Bank, NuVista Living at Wellington Green, Frank and Herta Suess of Prescriptions Plus, Wedgworth Farms, the Bainbridge Companies, the Santamaria family, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palms West Hospital, Mind Body Sole, Orange Theory Fitness, Visions Salon, the Village of Wellington, Gold Coast Physical Therapy, MetLife, Raging Rhino Sports Apparel and more. Priore pointed out the enthusiastic involvement of some large teams from area businesses such
Steckler
Inspector General Update
continued from page 7 complaints that we get in the office,” Steckler said. “The second is contract irregularities, the third one is falsification, followed by financial improprieties.” One complaint the office received early concerned the county’s water utilities department, where some employees circumvented procurement rules to award a $91,000 contract to a certain company. “Why would they do it?” she asked. “What would be their motive to falsify invoices and cause this to occur? In fact, when
Blotter continued from page 6 horse 20-inch bike with black handlebars and a lime green Redline 20-inch bike. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Wellington Regional Medical Center pharmacy last Sunday regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 p.m. last Saturday and noon Sunday, someone punched out the lock on the front door causing $200 in damage. No entry was made to the building, and there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on Mandarin Blvd. on Monday
as Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do, along with many area schools. “We are giving out three trophies at the event to the school that has the largest team at the elementary level, middle school level and high school level,” Priore said. “The kids really have a good time out here, and they give a lot of energy to the crowd.” The Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk’s registration area will open at 6 a.m. Ultima Fitness will provide the crowd with a warm-up at 7 a.m., and the race will kick off at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10 for children under 17 and $25 for adults before Saturday; on the day of the race, the cost
is $20 for children under 17 and $30 for adults. Register online at www.communityfitnessrun.com or call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200.
we interviewed them, they said, ‘For the good of the people.’ We thought, ‘That’s kind of odd because you’re going to lose your job for that,’ and they all got summarily prosecuted for it.” Steckler pointed out that contractors keep lists of gifts, so when the office investigated the complaint, they found the people prosecuted were not on the lists, but other employees were. “Don’t think if they take you out to lunch or they buy you a golf game that it’s not being documented somewhere,” she said. “It is, and there are certain things that you should not accept, and there are certain things legally you can’t accept.” One of the best outcomes of that incident was that the director of the department enacted a zero-tolerance gift acceptance policy.
“That’s huge,” Steckler said. “The fact that he was willing to put a zero gift tolerance on the books for his staff in the water utilities area is a huge step forward to clean the process.” Other cases, which are posted on the inspector general’s web site, include some brought by county officials over suspicion that employees were falsifying healthcare documentation and businesses were falsifying contract applications, claiming to be small businesses. Investigations have resulted in three terminations, one resignation, a reinstatement, three arrests and six breaches of policy that resulted in changes of department policy. All results of cases investigated so far can be found at www.pbcgov.com/oig.
morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the home is under construction and has no locks on the doors. The complainant said that the workers finished working on the home’s roof around 1:30 p.m. last Saturday and left several bundles of shingles on the roof. When the workers arrived at 9 a.m. Monday morning, they discovered that 70 bundles of shingles were missing from the roof and about 80 feet of copper installed in the air conditioning system had also been removed. The shingle bundles were valued at about $75 each, while the copper was valued at approximately $200. Tire tracks were found at the back of the property, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 25 — A Palm Beach Gardens man was arrested early Tuesday morning for drunken driving
in the parking lot of Taco Bell in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the restaurant following reports of an impaired driver in the parking lot. According to the report, the deputy arrived and observed a vehicle matching the description in the handicapped parking space near the exit of the drive-through lane. The deputy made contact with the driver, 34-year-old Jonathan Nolli, who was behind the driver’s wheel with the keys in the ignition. According to the report, Nolli had glassy, bloodshot eyes and had a strong smell of alcohol. Nolli was asked to complete a roadside test. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he refused a blood-alcohol test. He was charged with driving under the influence.
Page 22
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
NEWS
The Town-Crier
A FUN TIME IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH AT ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington held a party in the pumpkin patch Saturday, Oct. 22. Children were dressed up in costumes and got their faces painted, played games and took pictures with the scarecrow. The event raised money for youth programs. For more info., visit www.stpeters-umc.org. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Valentia Reyes checks out some of the pumpkins.
Tia, Jada and Kya Jefferson.
Stacey, Mike and Emily Oswald.
Director of Children’s Ministries Shelly Albright and Director of Youth Ministries Christine Oien.
Alexandria Shneider gets her face painted by Jessica Taylor.
Scott Conaway poses for a picture as a pumpkin.
MY WHOLE PET MARKET IN ROYAL PALM BEACH HOSTS ‘BARK FOR A CAUSE’
My Whole Pet Market in Royal Palm Beach celebrated the grand opening of All My Pets Veterinary & Wellness Center with “Bark for a Cause” on Sunday, Oct. 23 in the Village Shoppes parking lot. The event included animal adoptions, music, a petting zoo, face painting and a silent auction raising money for Hugs and Kisses. For more info., visit www.mywholepetmarket.com or call (561) 790-6612. SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Peter Morris of Hugs and Kisses with My Whole Pet Market co-owner Jill Scott and Ruby Morris.
My Whole Pet Market staff members gather in front of the store.
Annie and Kyler Kates with Roger Holden and Henrietta, a giant tortoise.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Breathtaking events are par for the course.
Corporate Events | Holiday Parties | Weddings | Bar & Bat Mitzvahs | Anniversaries | Birthdays For professional and personal gatherings, Breakers West is the premier country club in Palm Beach County to host your next event. In the celebrated tradition of The Breakers Palm Beach, Breakers West seamlessly blends sophistication with a sense of ease, award-winning service with distinctive style, and creative menus with delectable taste. THE HOLIDAYS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER Book your party at Breakers West by November 15, 2011 and SAVE 15% on your event*.
Contact Donna Szczepanski, Director of Catering, at 561-282-3292. 1550 Flagler Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33411 | breakerswestclub.com *Event must take place by January 1, 2012. Not applicable to previously booked events. Minimum food and beverage spend required. Other restrictions may apply.
Page 23
Page 24
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
Seeking A Good Home For One-Eyed Horse Rosa
Rosa was a nice Warmblood mare hunter or dressage prospect with impeccable bloodlines — a daughter of a top stallion. But after losing an eye to fungal keratitis, things haven’t been so easy, and Rosa’s owner, Janine Turner, is looking to find the horse a new home. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 25
Wellington Football Team Falls To Jupiter 30-16
The Wellington High School varsity football team was defeated 30-16 by Jupiter High School during the Wolverines’ homecoming game Friday, Oct. 21. The Warrior s came out strong against the Wolverines (1-6), dominating them throughout the first half in what looked like it could be a shutout match. Page 39
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business Choose From A Variety Of Delivery Methods At Pak Mail In Wellington
Living up to its slogan “we ship anything anywhere,” Pak Mail Wellington sends endless numbers of packages to many parts of the countr y and world. The company provides its customers with con venient, specialty shipping of pack ages to international and national destinations. Customers are able to choose which carrier they want to send their package through. Pak Mail’s Wellington location has been in the community since 1993. Page 31
Sports Royal Palm Beach Football Squad Tops Lake Worth 40-27
The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team faced Lake Worth on Friday, Oct. 21 and defeated the Trojans 40-27. The Wildcats rallied in the fourth quarter after trailing 21-12 at halftime. They put up 28 f ourth-quarter points to earn the come-frombehind victory. Page 39
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................27-29 BUSINESS NEWS .................................31-33 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 34 SPORTS & RECREATION ...................... 39-41 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .................... 42-43 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 44-48
Page 26
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 27
FEATURES
Janine Turner Seeks A Good Home For One-Eyed Horse Rosa Janine Turner has been in the horse business for lo these many years, first in Westchester, N.Y., and for the past 21 years in Fox Trail. Her longtime boyfriend, Mickey, is also part of the equation: He was a trainer at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York for 30 years. Together, they buy, train and sell hunters and ponies. “I love the horses,” Turner said. “I’ve been riding most of my life. I’m lucky that I’m small enough to ride the ponies. I used to show on the circuit, but I don’t show anymore, just train. With horses, it takes years to get good enough to really know what you’re doing. I’ve been lucky. I’ve trained with some top people.” They have done a few rescues as well over the years, but not often. “Mickey’d hear about a racehorse that wasn’t fast enough or had a minor injury, so we’d take it in, rehab and retrain it, and then sell it,” Turner explained. Oddly enough, this time it’s Turner who is looking for an angel to help with one of her horses. It started two years ago, in 2009, when a friend spotted a likely prospect in Georgia. Rosa was a nice Warmblood mare hunter or dressage prospect with impeccable bloodlines — a daughter of the top stallion Hennessey, One-eyed horse Rosa is looking for a good home.
Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”
Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg who’d recently died. His babies did well in dressage, some of them even going on to the Olympics. This mare was only 6 years old, and although small at 15.3 hands, she had an outstanding mind and temperament, and that certain way of going. “She has exceptional movement, very correct,” Turner said. “She’s strong and brave, athletic. Well-balanced. Lots of power, built like a truck.” But… “She’s a chestnut mare,” Turner explained. “In the horse business, a chestnut mare has the reputation of being the worst thing you can have. They’re supposedly temperamental, thin-skinned, mare-ish, over-reactive and difficult to train. People avoid them. They’re hard to sell. People say, ‘I’ll take anything, just not a chestnut mare.’ I never wanted one until I saw Rosa. My friend and I went partners on her.” The people had bought Rosa for their 9year-old, but it was a bad match. Rosa was too green a horse for the child. Turner and See ROSENBERG, page 29
Page 28
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011 Page 29
FEATURES
My Memories From Halloweens Of Yore Fill Me With Joy Halloween! Trick-or-Treat Night! Beggars’ Night Out! Whatever you call it, it’s one fun time. When I was a kid, Halloween wasn’t like it is now. Not realizing they were warping children for life, schools sponsored much of the excitement, with cardboard witches hung on strings from the ceiling and tissue-paper ghosts marauding across the October bulletin board. After school, kids talked about and planned their costumes for weeks in advance, since almost all were homemade. In fact, many a white sheet had to be replaced on Nov. 1, and parents had to watch carefully for the inevitable scenario where little brother is draped in a sheet while big sis feels around for his eyes so she can jab a scissors through. Costume contests, often held at shopping 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 centers, rewarded ingenuity with blue ribbons and became suspect only if it was discovered that a kid’s parents had had a hand in creating the winning costume. Cheating! Then, as now, candy sales were up at the grocery store, and choosing a pumpkin to carve was a really big deal. I think my brother was among the first to realize that misshapen, ugly pumpkins make the scariest jack o’ lanterns. He also pioneered the idea of scraping away just a bit of the surface, leaving a bit of the flesh for light to shine through. Spooky! I don’t remember a single haunted house back then, probably because horror films were not yet big business (although Alfred Hitch-
cock was working on it). The Texas Chainsaw Massacre did not exist, although Ed Gein, the murderer and grave robber who inspired the movie’s creation, certainly did. In fact, he had just recently embarked upon his notorious killing spree. In short, Halloween wasn’t nearly as commercialized as it is now, but I’m not complaining. I wouldn’t put Halloween off-limits to anyone who designs haunted houses or batteryoperated costumes or anything else for the trade. How could you deny anyone the opportunity to interpret the looks of a zombie? Or to put their own spin on The Nightmare Before Christmas? Visual and performance artists have come up with some really cool stuff over the years. And they wouldn’t keep doing it if you and I weren’t eagerly buying it. When it rains, I myself open up a Jack Skellington umbrella. Besides, ask any kid: “Is this holiday too commercial?” and he’ll just blink at you. Whatever Halloween has morphed into, it’s the only Halloween kids know. Quit being an old poop. One of my fondest childhood memories is
that of my father taking my brother Jimmy and me out trick-or-treating. I was about 6, and Jimmy was 4. I was dressed as a hobo (coal dust from our furnace provided my “beard”), and Jimmy had dots of my mom’s red lipstick all over his face. We approached a corner where some older girls (probably 12-yearolds!) were waiting to cross the street, and Jimmy proudly exclaimed, “I have the measles!” The girls, God bless ’em, screamed at the tops of their lungs and backed away in horror. Jimmy was ecstatic. Realistically, and even though I was only 6, I knew that those girls had not believed his measles story for one instant. But my heart sang because they’d played along. They’d made my little brother so happy. To be a small and fairly powerless 4-year-old with the ability to strike terror into a gaggle of teenagers? He felt 10 feet tall. That just goes to show — it’s not always all about the candy. Keeping that in mind, feel free to put adulthood aside this Halloween and play along. Please, play along.
‘Terra Nova’ Is Good, But Doesn’t Live Up To Its Potential The new Fox show Terra Nova seemed a sure bet to me when I saw the first trailers for it last spring. I mean, forget the “lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” and bring on the dinosaurs. Since I am an alternative history freak anyway, this was right down my alley. Not to mention liking dinosaurs. But the reality of television hit. Stories are a bit far-fetched, and the only reason for going back 85 million years is to get dinosaurs in. They could have gone back six months in some parts of the world and shown just as much danger without needing the special effects. The show is not a bad one, probably one of the better ones of the new season’s premieres, but it could have been far better with more plotting and somewhat fewer special effects. Really good, effective alternative history needs a sense of credibility. Yes, there has to be some kind of strange event to allow people to change the timeline, but after that, things have to be credible. A great example of that comes in the books of the 1632 universe, beginning with the book of that name (you can read it for free either by going to the library or
Rosenberg
Rosa Needs A Good Home
continued from page 27 her friend gave them money and a pony, which worked out well. They got Rosa, and the child got a pony that suited her perfectly. So things were going well. Rosa eventually became just Turner’s, and a year ago she sold the mare to someone making payments. Unfortunately, the new owner fell on hard times and couldn’t afford the payments. Four months ago, Turner took Rosa back. “She was in rough shape,” Turner said. “She has since gained back 150 to 200 pounds and
to www.baen.com, go to “read Baen” and click the free library there, where you can read it and its immediate sequel online... or just download it to your computer or mobile device). In the 1632 books, a group of Americans in 2000 go back to the middle of 1631 in Germany and have to survive. Through this series of very good books, the few thousand Americans have to deal with the limits of modern technology they still have and try to deal with being outnumbered by far more people than they could kill. They also deal with a host of other characters (including Galileo, Cromwell and Cardinal Richelieu). The book’s lead author, Eric Flint, is careful not to allow characters to suddenly have all sorts of extra things
around that could alter a story beyond belief. On the other hand, Terra Nova ignores most of that. Its first premise, that America is overwhelmed in 2149 by too many people and forbids third children for a couple, is ridiculous. The problem of the Western world today is that there are too few children. Populations in Europe are declining, and only immigration keeps our population growing. Further, as other countries in the world become developed, their populations tend to stabilize. Even more to the point, once the people go back in time, we have the same kind of dangers we see in most television adventure shows. Almost as soon as events begin, the people behind the move to the alternate universe (a way to get around a lot of philosophical questions about cause and effect) and split themselves into hostile groups with rather murky differences, all of which leads to violence. As a result, the stories are really about the conflicts mixed in with a heavy dose of typical TV soap-opera relationships. The story bounces from politics to trying not to hurt the poor dinosaurs, some of whom hunt humans, to relationship problems.
The cast is OK, probably because the acting requirements are not terribly stringent. Jason O’Mara is Jim Shannon, a police officer arrested for assaulting another officer when the police raid his house because he has a hidden third child. He is more or less the central emotional character, since much of the series centers on his family. His son (Landon Liboiron) has spent most of the series so far pouting because he had to leave his girlfriend back in the future. Stephen Lang is quite good as Nathaniel Taylor, the charismatic leader of the expedition. The show is pretty good. Certainly there are a lot worse shows thriving on television. But it does not reach its full potential. There seems no logic in anyone trying to manipulate things that are, after all, in an alternate timeline. It would have made more sense if events could have changed things for this universe. Going back and working to keep the environment safe would probably be a good thing. That path is not explored. Nevertheless, Terra Nova is a decent show. Maybe it will improve to the point of being really good.
is looking a lot better. I was getting her ready for the circuit.” Then, one day in mid-October, Turner noticed that Rosa’s left eye was half-closed and weepy. She figured the horse had bumped it on something, and treated it conventionally with the usual eye ointments. When it didn’t get better after a few days, she called in her veterinarians, along with two equine ophthalmologists, Dr. Susan Carastro and Dr. Tim Cutler. “They’re tops in this field,” Turner said. “The vets came out separately, and I got different opinions. They all agreed it was fungal keratitis, a fungal inflammation of the cornea. No one knows how she got it, but once it had gotten into the eyeball, it was bad, very quickacting because of Florida’s heat and humidity.”
The experts disagreed on the treatment. “One said surgery to remove the eye. One said a corneal transplant using a cornea stored from a horse cadaver,” Turner recalled. “One even said I should put her down.” Since Janine didn’t have $10,000 for the cornea transplant or $3,000 to remove the eye, she opted to treat it with antibiotics and painkillers. “I give her two antibiotics and three painkillers each day,” she explained. “She’s already blind in that eye. The day it ruptured was really hard, very painful for her, but she came through fine. She’s a tough cookie, still eating and acting totally normally.” Rosa’s dealing with it well. Her prognosis is good. “She has the best attitude, very quiet, fun
and smart,” Turner said. “She’s a fast learner, and I think eventually she’ll be fine for someone to ride dressage or maybe even jump, only because she’s so easy, not spooky at all, even with one eye. It doesn‘t rattle her at all. And of course, she’d be a great broodmare. She’ll be off the medications in another week or so. We’re just playing it by ear.” Turner hopes someone special will come along looking for Rosa, who’s now free to the right person. “She’s only 8 years old, and she has a lot left to give to someone,” Turner said. “Rosa’s had a rough life, and she deserves a good home.” If you know of someone who might be a good match for Rosa, call Janine Turner at (561) 793-7780.
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler
Page 30
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
BUSINESS NEWS
Pak Mail associates Ray Gleason and Art Crowell with co-owner Dave Crockett. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Choose From A Variety Of Delivery Methods At Pak Mail In Wellington By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Living up to its slogan “we ship anything anywhere,” Pak Mail sends endless numbers of packages to many parts of the country and world. The company provides its customers with convenient, specialty shipping of packages to international and national destinations. Pak Mail is a franchise with 500-plus stores worldwide; the Wellington location has been in the community since 1993. Owners Nance and Dave Crockett bought the location two years ago and have owned another location in Palm Beach Gardens for nine years. “We can ship just about anything that’s legal,” Dave Crockett said. “But when you ship through us, you have choices.” Pak Mail offers shipping of packages in a variety of sizes and shapes. Customers are able to choose which carrier they want to send their package through. With a variety of international and national carriers, from FedEx to UPS, Pak Mail allows its customers to customize their shipping order. “We enter their ZIP code on our computer, and our screen would pop up and give us about 20 options,” Crockett said, “with various combinations, Fed Ex or UPS, and various combinations of postal or ground.” Pak Mail uses a computer to determine which carrier would be the best option for each client, depending on his or her needs and the type of package in question. “When a customer comes in, we can select what is best for them and what is best for what they are shipping,” Crockett said. Pak Mail has special packaging techniques that ensure that its clients’ parcels are wellpackaged and durable enough to withstand long and rough routes. If a package contains a high-end, expensive or unique item, Pak Mail packages it and finds the best carrier for that shipment to ar-
Pak Mail associate Ar t Crowell takes out a box. rive safely and securely. “Just two days ago, we had to ship $5,000 worth of playing collectors cards, so that had to go air, so we boxed it and packaged it,” Crockett recalled. Pak Mail associates assist clients in determining the best way to send their packages based on the type of items and the client’s urgency in sending it. “Every carrier has its pluses and minuses, and every product or item a customer tries to ship has features that we try to identify, from degree of fragileness to how to package it to what’s the best carrier for that.” With more than 200 post office boxes, Pak Mail offers three different size mailboxes, with a minimum of three months’ rental. “This allows us to receive all your mail, and we can also forward it,” Crockett said. “There are people who have a mailbox here and live elsewhere. So we can forward their mail to them every week.” Pak Mail is located at 13833 Wellington Trace., Unit E4, Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2373.
SEE VIDEO FROM PAK MAIL AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 31
Page 32
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
BUSINESS NEWS
Health Care District Board Elects New Chair And Officers At its monthly meeting on Oct. 11, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Board of Commissioners elected its new board chair and officers, welcomed its newest member, and honored two outgoing officers. In a unanimous vote, the board elected Benjamin Frank as chair of the volunteer Health Care District Board, along with Carol Roberts as vice chair and Dr. Alina M. Alonso, director of the Palm Beach County Health Department, as board secretary. Frank succeeds Jonathan Satter,
who concludes his six years of board service at the end of October. “I consider it a privilege to chair this commission and take the gavel from Commissioner Satter,” Frank said. “I am very passionate about the Health Care District and hold it in great awe. The work that is done by the employees every day makes them heroes, whether it’s saving lives in our Trauma System, keeping students healthy in our School Health Program, delivering acute care at our rural hospital, Lakeside Medical Center, providing health coverage to uninsured residents or
offering skilled nursing care and rehabilitation at the Edward J. Healey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.” Frank was appointed to the Health Care District’s board in February 2009 by former Gov. Charlie Crist. After earning his law degree from New York University’s School of Law, Frank joined then NewYork Gov. Nelson Rockefeller’s administration, played a key role in the development of the World Trade Center project and the Harlem State Office Project in New York City, and served as deputy commissioner for
New York State’s Office of General Services. Frank’s first order of business included the swearing in of new board member Brian Lohmann. Lohmann is supervisor of accounting at the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. Appointed by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners to represent the Glades area, Lohmann succeeds former board member Dr. Effie C. Grear, whose second term expired in September. Lohmann will chair the Health Care District’s Finance Committee.
Benjamin Frank
SpareHolder.com Launches Operations In Wellington SpareHolder.com has announced the opening of an office and the launch of its web-based service in Wellington. SpareHolder.com is an online service that allows polo players and polo teams to book temporary game labor on a game-by-game basis. The announcement comes just in time for the start of the fall and winter polo seasons. SpareHolder.com founder Gus Whitelaw describes the site as “very user friendly and intentionally basic. The site was created so
that a player or groom can easily book experienced game help on their computer, tablet or smart phone.” SpareHolder.com offers this service free of charge to its users. The site earns revenue through online advertising, based on the number of users or hits. Whitelaw, a former polo player and somebody very familiar with the inner workings of the polo community, knows first hand the difficulty facing players and teams looking for game day help. Spare
Holder.com gives its users the ability to book a spare-holder or other game help in a matter of minutes, at most, versus the traditional method of making numerous phone calls and waiting hours for a response. This expedites the process and helping increase productivity within a team or a player’s day. Currently, the free online service is only available in the South Florida area, but SpareHolder.com has expansion plans for 2012 that include southern California, and various cities along the eastern sea-
board. Whitelaw views Spare Holder.com as a great way for the polo community to utilize technology in order to streamline what has historically been a relatively unorganized process. Whitelaw spent nine years in the entertainment business producing special events, trade shows and concerts around the country before leaving to start his own company, Outlaw Media Group, in early 2010. Since then, Whitelaw has launched several successful companies and acts as a consultant for businesses
navigating through the startup phase. His business background and the fact that he has spent the past 16 years in and out of the polo world in multiple capacities, combined with his ability to utilize technology to increase productivity, led him to the idea of his latest endeavor. Whitelaw is 28 years old and originally from St. Louis, Mo. He plans to call Wellington home for the 2011-12 winter season. For more information, contact Gus Whitelaw at (314) 440-6957 or coordinator@spareholder.com.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 33
BUSINESS NEWS
Professional Training Available At Bowon Muay Thai Academy Bowon Muay Thai Academy is an authentic Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) training facility in Wellington. It is family owned and established by Kru Alan Bowonthamachakr, who has first-hand experience in 20 professional Muay Thai competitions, earning 17 wins by
knockout and over 18 years of experience. Bowonthamachakr has trained under Ajarn Theparit Lukpanjama, a three-time Thai Army Muay Thai champion with over 200 fights and the first Thai instructor to train and fight in Japan.
ABWA To Meet Nov. 9 In Palm Beach Gardens The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m., with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and guests are welcome. The speaker will be Dr. Helen Ann Britton, CEO of Britton Communications, who will speak on the topic “Business Relationships and Social Media.” The Doubletree Hotel is located at 4431 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. To make reservations, or for more information, call Sharon Maupin at (561) 329-4485.
For directions to the event, contact the Doubletree Hotel at (561) 622-2260. The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition. For additional about the Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, call Chapter President Kandyce Key at (561) 908-4798 or visit the chapter’s web site at www. abwanpbflorida.org.
Muay Thai is known for developing the most powerful kicks used in standup game today. It is an art form that uses eight limbs of the body: fist, elbow, knee and shin. Muay Thai is the primary striking art of mixed martial arts (MMA), the greatest UFC champions have mastered the art of Muay Thai. After several years of training students at several gyms in Palm Beach County, Bowonthamachakr opened his own authentic Muay Thai boxing gym in Wellington Commerce Park. This fully equipped facility provides training for all ages, from age 6 to adults. Bowonthamachakr believes that it has helped to develop self discipline, focus, self-confidence, fitness, coordination, self-control, anti-bullying, and provide both physical and mental benefits especially in young children. This martial arts style is perfect for acquiring valuable self defense skills, burning calories, weight loss and great for full-body workout. Young children from ages 6 to 13 will be training in a small-class group where every child will receive a one-on-one training from Bo-
Students at Bowon Muay Thai Academy in Wellington. wonthamachakr in a safe, fun, challenging and family-oriented environment. Team Bowon is about creating champions from the youngest to the oldest and is home to many amateur and pro fighters. Tradition is also incorporated through Thai customs focused on respect, self-discipline, self-control and family. The name Bowon has become popular
at many Florida venues such as Back Ally Brawl, Warriors Collide, Super Brawl, Warriors Classic competitions, KMT Fight Night Ultimate Kickboxing/MMA Amateur Challenge and so on. Bowon Muay Thai Academy is located at 3132 Fortune Way, Suite D-7 in Wellington Commerce Park. For more info., call (561) 313-2419 or visit www.bowonmuaythai.com.
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.
Page 34
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
West Palm Beach Antiques Festival Fall Season Returns Nov. 4 The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will return to its three-day schedule when the fall season kicks off Nov. 4-6 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The festival’s October edition wrapped up the two-day summer season on a high note, with a record attendance that exceeded that of any previous summer event. The festival was sold out of dealer spaces and enjoyed nearly perfect weather with a slight cooling trend that was greatly welcomed after a long, hot summer. Items with a Florida provenance or connection generated a lot of interest in October. Of special interest was the collection of Disney-related collectibles offered by Jack Goldschmidt of Wellington. Also of Florida interest was a large selection of old and highly collectible Florida automobile license plates dating from 1935 to 1984, priced from $10 to $100 by Florida dealer Carlotta Dicker. Other notables at the event were a rare Coca-Cola cooler from 1929 —100 percent original — priced at $1,200, as well as plenty of Beatles memorabilia, including a rare punch-out poster for $200 by Florida dealer Henry Paschal. Norma Wolff, the dealer in booth No. 19 at the festival, could be called a “bag lady” — or, to be more precise, a “handbag lady.” Wolff has been fascinated with handbags and accessories since she was a little girl in Taunton, Mass. She had an elderly neighbor who had an astounding collection of quality handbags and accessories, and the woman
Dealer Norma Wolff holds forth in booth No. 19 with her collection of high-quality, brand-name handbags and wallets. regularly discarded older models to make room for new additions to the collection. Wolff would surreptitiously sort through the neighbor’s garbage, looking for discarded treasures in the form of handbags and wallets. Her mother eventually called the neighbor to request that she put her discarded bags in a separate container so her daughter wouldn’t have to go through the garbage. After that, Wolff anxiously awaited each garbage day to see if there were new additions to the discard box. Her affinity for quality handbags and accessories became a lifelong pursuit and eventually a profession. She owned a high-end consignment
shop for 30 years before staking claim to WPBAF booth No. 19 more than 20 years ago. Wolff specializes in handbags, but not just any hand bags. She has only the “good stuff,” carrying names like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Judith Leiber, all vintage and all genuine. Wolff said she can spot a knockoff from the parking lot. In her opinion, the older models of virtually all brands are superior to the newer versions. Her favorite models are the fine leather bags. In her booth, Wolff proudly exhibits the contents of 23 boxes of fine handbags and wallets, plus the assorted cases of fine jewelry and
This rare Beatles punch-out poster was offered for $200 by Florida dealer Henry Paschal. accessories. In the winter season she has a select collection of finer furs. Prices in her booth range from $20 to over $1,000. Most shoppers are struck by the number and assortment of bags on display. Wolff said the most frequently asked question is, “are they all real?” The simple answer is, “of course.” She is open to the acquisition of high-quality items at the festival and often will help a customer verify the authenticity of a bag they bring in. The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will open with more than 400 dealers in place as northern dealers begin to head south for the winter season. Early buyers start at
9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4 for $25; the ticket is good for all three days. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. The cost is for $7 general admission and $6 for seniors. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds. The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the South Florida Fairgrounds located off Southern Blvd. just west of Florida’s Turnpike. For additional information about the festival, call (941) 697-7475, email info@wpbaf.com or visit www. wpbaf.com.
Phantoms Recommend ‘The 39 Steps’ At Maltz Jupiter Theatre The winner of two Tony and Drama Desk Awards, this fast-paced whodunit features over 150 different characters. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and you have Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, Broadway’s most intriguing, thrilling and riotous comedy smash. The first play of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s 2011-12 season, performances of The 39 Steps run Nov. 1-13. The cast plays an abundance of different characters in this high-speed tale of an ordinary man on an extraordinarily entertaining adventure. “The 39 Steps uses ingenious theatrical invention to engage audiences and celebrate the magic of live theater, and we are truly excited about producing the show here in Jupiter,” said Andrew Kato, the theater’s artistic director. “The winner of two Tony and Drama Desk Awards, the show spent three years delighting audiences on Broadway. We can’t wait to show our audiences just how clever this madcap comedy can be.” A classic farce, the story is adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 adventure film by Alfred Hitchcock. It fol-
lows one man’s flight from wrong accusation through a series of improbable, highspeed adventures as he is pursued by the authorities. The play calls for the film’s concept to be performed with a cast of only four, playing heroes, villains, men, women, children and more. This often requires lightning-fast quick changes and occasionally for the performers to play multiple characters at once. Thus, the solemn spy narrative is primarily for laughs, with a script full of allusions to Hitchcock’s work. “The 39 Steps is a trifle; four madcap actors with more moxie than common sense decide to reinvent the classic movie as a stage production, playing all of the parts themselves,” said the show’s director, Peter Amster. “Sometimes they actually succeed in creating a sense of dash, scope, suspense and wit — which is, of course, is the fun of the piece.” A prominent leader in the theater world, Amster has directed and choreographed productions for professional theatres and opera companies across the nation. Prior to relocating to Florida, he received Joseph Jefferson
Award nominations for his direction of four productions in the Chicago area. He has taught theatre, opera and performance studies at Northwestern University, CalArts, Louisiana State University, Columbia College and Roosevelt University. The New York Times called The 39 Steps “absurdly enjoyable,” and the Daily News said it’s “a dizzy delight!” Tickets are currently on sale for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s annual series of outstanding concerts, plays, films and children’s shows. Also available are single tickets and subscriptions for the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s ninth season of great theater, the “Best of Broadway.” For tickets, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional not-for-profit regional theater dedicated to the performing arts whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire the community. The theater is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and is located east of U.S. Highway 1 at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.
Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com... Comments and recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 35
Page 36
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 37
Page 38
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 39
SPORTS & RECREATION
Royal Palm Beach Football Squad Tops Lake Worth 40-27 By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team faced Lake Worth on Friday, Oct. 21 and defeated the Trojans 40-27. The Wildcats had to rally back in the fourth quarter after trailing 2112 at halftime. They put up 28 fourth-quarter points to earn the come-from-behind victory in front of a stunned Lake Worth crowd. Royal Palm Beach started strong, marching 80 yards in just three and a half minutes on their first possession. Wildcat junior quarterback Ant McGrew scored on a 2-yard run. The point-after kick was wide, and the Wildcats took a brief early lead. The Trojans wasted no time, responding quickly when senior quarterback Evan Moore ran 77 yards for the score. Senior kicker Chris Wimer put the Trojans up by one early in the first quarter. Moore would score again for Lake Worth on a 55-yard run down the right sideline to make the score 14-6. Royal Palm Beach struck back in the second quarter when senior running back Tremaine McCullough scored the first of his five touchdowns on the night. The Wildcat point-after touchdown was denied when McCullough was stopped short of the goal to cut the Trojan
lead at 14-12. Royal Palm Beach attempted to convert on a fourth-and5 situation in midfield but was denied by the Trojan defense. Lake Worth would get on the board one last time before halftime. Moore connected with junior receiver Jermer Braswell on a 5-yard touchdown pass, giving the Trojans the lead 21-12 at the half. Lake Worth managed a drive to the Wildcat 34 yard line to start the second half, but failed on a fieldgoal attempt. Royal Palm Beach responded by reaching just inside the Lake Worth red zone, but Trojan senior linebacker Fabian Rivera intercepted a McGrew pass. Royal Palm Beach got the ball back and began their comeback, cutting at the Trojan lead. On the third play, McCullough ran from 12 yards out, making the score 21-19. The fourth quarter was all McCullough, as he chipped away at the Trojan defense, breaking away for a 60-yard scamper down the center, but tackled just shy of the goal. McCullough gave the Wildcats their first lead of the second half 25-21, with a 1-yard run. McCullough would continue to be a nuisance to the Trojan defense, adding yet another score with a 35-yard run, making the score 33-21. With 5:09 remaining, the Wild-
Wildcat senior running back Tremaine McCullough adds to his 334 rushing yard total on this touchdown run. cat defense made a stand, holding the Trojan offense from converting on fourth down. Royal Palm Beach digested nearly three minutes off the game clock, and Lake Worth got the ball back with 2:23 remaining. Lake Worth drove to the Royal Palm Beach 1 yard line, but on fourth and goal, Moore’s pass was incomplete, giving the Wildcats the ball on their own 1 yard line.
Lake Worth senior wide receiver Bernard Davis competes for a pass against junior RPBHS defensive back De’Andre Simmons. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
On the first play, McCullough fumbled in the end zone, and Trojan senior linebacker Corey Wright recovered the ball for the touchdown, to cut the Wildcat lead to 3327. On the Wildcats’ drive, McCullough appeared unstoppable as he continued to brush past the Trojan defense, running from 19 yards out, making the final score of the game 40-27.
Both sides combined for a total of 954 yards. Lake Worth’s Moore had 294 yards rushing with two scores, while McCullough for the Wildcats tallied up 334 yards on the ground, and five touchdowns. Royal Palm Beach is 6-1 on the season. The Wildcats will host fifthranked Atlantic High School on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
Wellington Wolverine Football Team Falls To Jupiter 30-16 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School varsity football team was defeated 3016 by Jupiter High School during the Wolverines’homecoming game Friday, Oct. 21. The Warriors came out strong against the Wolverines (1-6), dominating them throughout the first
half in what looked like it could be a shutout match. Jupiter scored three touchdowns and a 2-point conversion in the first half to make the score 22-0. Wellington picked up the pace near the end of the second quarter and was advancing down the field near the goal line when the clock ran out, sending them into halftime
Wellington’s Kemar Do wner is held back by a Jupiter defender. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
without putting a score on the board. But the Wolverines came back more determined to score and were able to hold Jupiter to only one more touchdown, which came midway through the third quarter. A 2-point conversion made the score 30-0 with about six minutes left. With about one minute left in the quarter, the Wolverines finally got on the scoreboard with a 37-yard field goal kicked by Joseph Bugeja, making the score 30-3. That seemed to ignite the Wolverines, who fought to make up for lost time. They were able to successfully block Jupiter from scoring again and narrow the gap. The first Wolverine touchdown came early in the fourth quarter when Grant Smallridge advanced up the field to about the 10 yard line. On the next play, quarterback Tyler Vanacore threw a 6-yard pass to Andy LeMay in the end zone for a touchdown, making the score 30-9. The Wolverines scored again with about one minute left in the game when a snap was recovered in the end zone by Horace Odoms. An extra-point kick made the score 3016 to end the game. Wellington will travel to Vero Beach on Friday, Oct. 28 for a 7 p.m. game.
Wolverine Mike Perez tackles a Jupiter ball carrier.
Wellington’s Joseph Bugeja lines up a field-goal kick.
Page 40
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
SPORTS & RECREATION
WHS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL GIRLS SWEEP PARK VISTA
Wellington High School girls varsity volleyball team hosted Park Vista on Wednesday, Oct. 19, dominating the Cobras 25-13, 25-9 and 25-11. It was the Wolverines’ last regular season home game, and Wellington was ranked second in the county. (Above left) Wellington’s senior outside hitter Kat elyn Rawls lifts herself into the air to meet the ball for a kill against Park Vista captain Kaylee Bebee. (Above right) Wellington senior mid-hitter Kelly Sullivan goes up for the block against Park Vista’s Bailey McKenna. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER
King’s Academy To Host Play Golf America Event On Nov. 4
The King’s Academy will host a free golf event titled “Play Golf America at the King’s Academy” on Friday, Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the golf learning center on TKA’s main campus (8401 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach). There will be free golf activities for everyone, including free 20-minute lessons from PGA professionals. The King’s Academy is partnering with Play Golf America, whose mission is to introduce people to golf, while improving their ability to play and enjoy the game. TKA offers boys and girls varsity and junior varsity level golf programs and has recently completed Phase II of its golf learning center with the addition of three pitching greens and a sand bunker. TKA also holds youth golf camps on the training facility during the summer. The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian
Children use the King’s Academy’s golf learning center during summer camp. Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its
Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.tka.net.
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 41
SPORTS & RECREATION
Wellington Wrestlers Tops In Coral Springs RPB’S ASHLEY ALZATE WINS BIG AT DISTRICT GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP The Wellington Wrestling Club traveled to Coral Springs High School on Saturday, Oct. 15 to compete in a USA Wrestling tournament. All four of Wellington’s wrestlers made it to the finals and three were champions. Wellington High School senior Tim Skaryd (160 pounds), WHS freshman Andrew Mitchell (98 pounds) and Emerald Cove Middle School eighth-grader Luke Ready (152 pounds) all brought home a championship medal. Wellington Landings Middle School
eighth-grader Colton Macfarlane (98 pounds) brought home second place, losing only to fellow teammate Mitchell. “Tim wrestled two close matches to win the championship,” coach Doug Baethke said. “Luke demolished two opponents (same guy) to win his. Andrew was outstanding wrestler of the group, pinning both his opponents in the first period. Colton manufactured a great comeback when he came from 4 points down in the third with 15 seconds left to place second.”
Luke Ready, Andrew Mitchell, Tim Skaryd and Colton Macfarlane.
Royal Palm Beach High School’s Ashley Alzate took top individual honors at the high school girls District 19 Golf Championship matches Monday, Oct. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. Alzate finished her round with a 78, the only player to break 80. Pictured here is Alzat e, with coach Maureen Witkowski, holding her first-place ribbon.
Sem Ridge Freshman Football Team Defeats Glades Central 20-14 The Seminole Ridge High School freshman football team rose from the ashes of its recent defeat to take on football powerhouse Glades Central. The final outcome: Seminole Ridge 20, Glades Central 14. The Seminole Ridge team scored first when Kerrith Whyte threw a key block, giving quarterback Jalen Young an opportunity to get
outside. Young swept the Raiders’ left end and scooted 60 yards for the Hawks’ first score of the night. Jacob Curran kicked the extra point to put the home team ahead 70. The boys from Belle Glade returned the resulting kickoff down to the 2 yard line, and after the Hawks stuffed their first attempt up the middle, the Raiders scored on a quar-
terback sneak. However, the 2-point conversion was stopped short of the goal line. Then the freshmen Hawks went on a third-quarter drive. Whyte and Young each made 20-yard runs into Raider territory, and from there Young again swept the left side of the Raider defense for a 35-yard touchdown run. The pointafter touchdown was botched, resulting in a 13-6
lead for the Hawks. The Raiders went on drive of their own, culminating with a long touchdown pass covering 40 yards. The 2-point conversion was good, and Glades moved ahead, 14-13. The fourth quarter saw Glades unable to spark an offense, and they had to punt. Hawk fullback Adrian Gonzalez made three straight runs, picking up two first
downs. The Hawks ran the “scissor play,” with D.J. Hickman carrying the ball 30 yards untouched into the end zone. Jacob Curran kicked the extra point to put the home team ahead 20-14. Glades had one chance to regain the lead, but the Hawks stymied the effort. This victory improves this year’s Seminole Ridge freshman season record to 5-1.
With two games remaining, the team can still tie the record for the most wins in a season. In other Seminole Ridge sports news, at a rain-soaked all-day competition on Oct. 17, the Lady Hawk golfers took the district runner-up slot, advancing to regional play. Ashley Turnquest took third place overall, and Sumner Young earned sixth.
Page 42
October 28 - November 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday, Oct. 29 • The Palms West Community Foundation will host its inaugural Zumba Extravaganza on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wellington Am phitheater. Zumba instructors will be on hand to get the crowd ready and registered for the Community Fitness 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 5. For more info., call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail maureen@palmswest. com, or visit www.palmswest.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Help! I Have to Write a School Research Paper!” Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. Librarian Carol Renner will teach high school and college students a quick and easy method of researching and writing papers. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Briana Marie Cox Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Palm Beach National Golf & Countr y Club (7500 St. Andrews Road, Lake Worth). Registration is at 11:30 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. For more info., contact Tournament Chair Danny Boivin at (561) 502-2187 or irrm16@aol.com, or visit www.brianamariecoxfoundation.org. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Trick-Or-Treating Adventure” on Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon to 2 p.m. There is no charge. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring their trick-or-treating bags. No registration and no purchase is necessary. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Dance Arts Conservatory Fall Dance Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Students will perform selections from their fall reper toire showcasing the styles of tap, jazz, ballet and modern dance. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Teen Advisory Posse meeting Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will hold a Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29. There will be games, crafts and treats from 3 to 4:30 p.m., followed by a trunk-or-treat from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Decorate your trunk, wear a costume and give out treats to children.
Prizes will be given for the best-decorated trunk. For more info., call Melanie at (561) 543-3904. • St. Rita Catholic Church will host its Roundup Dinner Dance on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 11 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and includes your choice of barbecue ribs or grilled chicken. No tickets will be sold at the door. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Council of Catholic Women. For more info., call Nancy Wall at (561) 798-3929 or Richard Campione at (561) 432-4699. • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2007 (1126 Claire Ave., West Palm Beach), along with the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, will host “Komedy Knight” on Saturday, Oct. 29 as a fun way to support local veterans. The event is open to the public and will feature local comedians starting at 8 p.m., following dinner at 6 p.m. For more info., call (561) 833-0687. • The Wellington Amphitheat er (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will present “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra” starring Michael Matone on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. Sunday, Oct. 30 • The Charlott e Hans 2011 Sof tball Challenge to benefit Ryan Senkier will take place Sunday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wellington Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). The entry fee per team is $500. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for children 7 to 17 and is free for children under 7. For more info., visit www.enforcers foundation.org. • The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club will host the inaugural Pumpkin Golf Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. N., Royal Palm Beach) to benefit Little Smiles. Golfer s will tee off at 1 p.m. The cost for golf foursomes is $300; families of four can carve a pumpkin for $100. All levels of participation include dinner. Each carving family can take their sponsored pumpkin home. For more info., contact Scott Armand at (561) 635-0002 or scott@armandpest.com, or visit www.rpb rotary.org. Monday, Oct. 31 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host the costume parade “Peeka-boo, Who Are You?” for toddlers Monday, Oct. 31 at 10:15 a.m. Come dressed in a See CALENDAR, page 43
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 42 costume and parade through the library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature a “Scary Storytelling Concert” on Monday, Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. for all ages. Members of the Scary Storytelling Club will share spine-tingling tales. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Tuesday Nov. 1 • The Royal Palm Beach 2011 Unified Local Food Drive will take place Nov. 1-19. Food items needed include stuffing, canned vegetables and fruits, boxed potatoes, soups and frozen turkeys. There are three designated drop-off locations: the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation, the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center and Royal Palm Beach Village Hall. For more info., call Diane Smith at (561) 904-8241. • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Nov. 1 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) holds “Crochet Club” Tuesdays at 5 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work on projects. Space is limited. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • An Autism Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The group provides an opportunity for sharing common feelings and experiences with others facing the same challenges, and getting informed about local resources in the community. For more info., call Erika Cohane at (954) 608-9327. • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). For more info., call (561) 793-2418 or visit www. loxahatcheegroves.org. Wednesday, Nov. 2 • The Palm Beach County Commission and the Palm Beach County School Board will hold a joint meeting Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at school district headquarters (3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold the “Great Library Scavenger Hunt” Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. for
ages 9 to 12. Celebrate Families Reading Together by participating in the scavenger hunt. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present a SalsaFest Kickoff at its networking mixer Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wayne Akers Ford (2000 10th Ave., Lake Worth). Tickets cost $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@palmswest.com for more info. • The WEI Network and Palm Beach Improv (550 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 250, West Palm Beach) will present “An Evening With London Lee & Friends” on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. For more info., call (561) 833-1812 or visit www.palmbeachimprov.com. Thursday, Nov. 3 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Tall Tales Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy stories about larger-thanlife characters, sing songs and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com. Friday, Nov. 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Meet the Author: Deborah Bruss” for children on Friday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. Meet the author of this year’s Families Reading Together title Book! Book! Book!, a lively st ory of farm animals that discover the library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie Monte Carlo (PG) on Friday, Nov. 4 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.
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 43
Page 44 October 28 - No vember 3, 2011
The Town-Crier
WWW.GOTOWNCRIER. COM
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782
NEXT SATURDAY, NOV. 5TH, HUGE MULTI-FAMILY TENTED LAWN SALE 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. — Large assortment of ANN TAYLOR clothing in excellent condition. Girl's and Men's clothing, shoes, jewelry , collectibles, porcelain dolls, college dorm items, books, DVD's, CD's, boardgames, toys,synthesizer and amp, Unique Nautical Mailboxes. Lots of Miscellaneous! No Junk! Don't miss this one! Worth the drive from anywhere! 18521 46th Court North, Loxahatchee, 33470.
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 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 Lic. & ins. 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@W ellington Green. 10160 Forest Hilll Blvd. 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 PART-TIME MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST NEEDED — for busy pediatric office. Medical Manager experience preferred. Bilingual is a plus. Please email your resume to: Isabelamina76@yahoo.com 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
HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream. Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road. Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601
DIABETIC TEST STRIPS NEEDED — I buy sealed/unexpired boxes Call Bob (561)767-8069
CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION 793-3576
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
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "W e are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561333-1923 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
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
HOUSEKEEPER — Experienced with excellent references. I DO IT ALL . Cleaning, ironing, errands and pet care. V ery detail oriented. Charlene 561-729-4131
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the W estern Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777
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
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.
LANDSCAPE & DESIGN — Commercial & Residential. W e meet your needs. Free Est. Tree Trimming, Landscape & Maintenance, Small & Large Gardens. 954-4718034
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207 ROBERT CHERR Y ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306
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
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
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 & p ainting contractor . Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 visit our website at
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
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 repair, 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
HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing. State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall rep air & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator . Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential p ainting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. W ellington 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
PILATES MASTER TEACHER — Private reformer lessons $100/hr. Full equipped studio. First lesson FREE (new client s) Call Frankie 561-784-8588
JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458
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
Quick & Healthy Weight Loss — For over 30 years our team of coaches has been helping people lose weight and keep it off permanently. Our customized programs are designed to fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. No counting. No food restrictions. No exercise required. Call your local coach, CristinaJ, at (561)288-0124 to schedule your FREE consultation. Why wait? Call TODAY!
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011 Page 45
Page 46 Oct ober 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011 Page 47
Page 48 October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW.GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 49
Page 50
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier
The Town-Crier
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
October 28 - November 3, 2011
Page 51
Page 52
October 28 - November 3, 2011
WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM
The Town-Crier