Town-Crier Newspaper July 1, 2011

WELLINGTON CRIME DOWN, ACCIDENTS UP SEE STORY, PAGE 3

CHURCH HOSTS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SEE STORY, PAGE 11

THE

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

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE County Considering Plan To Track Vacant Homes

Volume 32, Number 26 July 1 - July 7, 2011

PEDIATRIC HEALTH FAIR FUN

Following the lead of municipalities such as Boynton Beach and Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach County is considering an or dinance to track vacant homes with the goal of compelling lenders to keep them maintained in order to preserve surrounding property values. The ordinance could help real estate recovery efforts in unincorporated communities such as The Acreage. Page 3

Wellington Radio Club Takes Part In Annual Field Day Exercises

The Wellington Radio Club participated in its 12th annual Field Day exercises last weekend at Village Park on Pierson Road. Page 5

Visiting Grandson Performs At Wycliffe

For some grandparents, having their grandchildren visit means looking for creative ways to entertain them. But Jerem y Weiss, grandson of Helene and Erwin Weiss, wanted to do just the opposite during his vacation. Last Sunday, he performed an array of Broadway and opera songs for a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 people at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Page 12

OPINION Beware The Allure Of Illegal Fireworks

The Fourth of July is the ultimate American holiday. It’s a day for feeling good about being American and recognizing the freedoms that make citizenship in this country a source of pride. Most people want to enjoy the holiday with fireworks, although shooting off your own is both illegal and dangerous. Because of this, we recommend checking out one of the many community Fourth of July celebrations featuring professional fireworks displays.

Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 12 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .....................10 SCHOOLS .............................13 PEOPLE........................ 14 - 15 COLUMNS .................... 21 - 22 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 27 BUSINESS ...................30 - 31 SPORTS .......................35 - 38 CALENDAR...................40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ...............42 - 47 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Palms West Surgicenter held its third annual Pediatric Health Fair on Saturday, June 25 at its office on the campus of Palms West Hospital. There were vendors, children’s activities, arts & crafts and a free barbecue. Shown above is firefighter/paramedic Jon Hughes with Viktor and Laura Yonkers. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 8 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Zoners Balk At Crestwood Middle School Code Concerns

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Although the Crestwood Middle School expansion project is nearly complete, the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission sharply criticized the project Tuesday, unanimously denying a belated application submitted by the School District of Palm Beach County.

The expansion includes a twostory, 54,381-square-foot addition, along with other work.

Commission Vice Chair Jackie Larson asked how far along the project is, and Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said it started in October 2010 and will be largely complete by this August.

The project has many elements that do not meet village code, including undersize parking spaces, according to Erwin, who pointed out that the school district has authority to issue its own construction permits.

While the project was on the agenda, no one attended the meeting to represent the school district.

Erwin asked commission members if they wanted to discuss it or postpone it, and Commission

Chair Genevieve Lambiase said she would prefer to discuss it, school district representative or not.

“If they can issue their own permits, that’s great, but they are still in the Village of Royal Palm Beach,” Lambiase said. “It needs to go through the process. I say let’s go through it. I say we stick to the agenda.”

Erwin noted that the original school, built in 1983, was constructed without a village permit, as was H.L. Johnson Elementary School. “There is nothing in our records for this school or H.L. Johnson,” he said.

Crestwood, located on the southwest corner of Sparrow Drive and Park Road North, is currently 125,228 square feet, and the addition will make it a total of 179,609 square feet. A new bus loop on Park Road North is also under construction, as well as tennis and basketball courts, additional parking and landscaping improvements.

Neither the existing nor the proposed new parking spaces meet the village’s 10-foot by 20-foot requirement, Erwin said.

“The applicant is proposing to

continue utilizing the 9-foot by 18foot stall dimensions for the new parking that they’re adding,” Erwin said.

The campus will have a total of 169 parking spaces, which exceeds village standards by 30 spaces, Erwin said.

The landscaping and buffering does not meet the requirements of village code for parking areas, but the applicant is proposing to increase the amount of landscaping that is there now, Erwin said. The site also has a vehicle maintenance and storage area that is unpermitted by the village, which the school district has indicated it will remove within five years, Erwin added.

The application reflects the expiration of a five-year interlocal agreement between the school district and the village. “In the spirit of cooperation and in keeping with the recently expired interlocal agreement, this site plan illustrates the extent to which the school board was able to comply with village code,” Erwin said.

Larson said school district staff members were encouraged to come to the meeting but refused.

See CRESTWOOD, page 7

Referendum Will Bring Changes To LGWCD Board Of Supervisors

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report A referendum held Monday changed the way one or more Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District supervisors will be chosen.

After a day of voting by “qualified electors,” the referendum results were announced at Monday evening’s LGWCD annual meeting: 154 in favor of the change and 85 opposed.

Rather than via proxy vote by acreage, some future LGWCD supervisors will now be chosen by popular vote.

Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association President Marge Herzog, who initiated the petition drive and subsequent referendum with resident Don Williams, said

the results were strong and the residents had spoken. “This has been a very historic event, not just in this building, but in the State of Florida,” Herzog said. “This is the first time a referendum was called by the residents.”

Herzog thanked the board for holding the referendum, but suggested that any future referendums make corrections such as providing for absentee ballots, which she said had not been made available.

“I know there were many, many people who were out of the country or out of the state who were denied their right,” she said. “I know there were some handicapped people who couldn’t get here, and they were denied their right.”

Herzog added that she felt the

method of voting, which was conducted by the accounting firm Rampell & Rampell, did not constitute a secret ballot.

The vote was by “qualified electors” — those who are both LGWCD registered voters and property owners. Further study is required to determine how many seats will be up for popular vote.

It is expected to affect either one or two seats on the five-member board.

At the annual meeting, two supervisors were named to new terms on the board without opposition — incumbent Don Widing was re-elected, and Frank Schiola replaced Darlene Crawford, who chose not to seek re-election.

During the annual reports, See LGWCD, page 16

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Callery-Judge, Simon Property Top List Of PBSC Campus Sites

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach State College Board of Trustees decided in a workshop Tuesday to proceed with discussions to acquire a site for a fifth campus located in the western communities.

A site decision is likely at the board’s meeting in August.

Top contenders for the site are Callery-Judge Grove on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee and the Simon property on Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. Both had representatives at the workshop.

Also under consideration are Wellington’s K-Park and a site north of Wellington Regional Medical Center. Representatives from those sites did not attend the meeting.

The decision follows the recent veto of a state appropriation of $7.3 million for construction of a fifth campus.

PBSC Vice President for Administration & Business Services Richard Becker told board members that alternative means of financing were available for site acquisition and to begin construction of a campus without compromising existing projects, including a new criminal justice building on the main campus, computer technology upgrades and campus security.

“We have sufficient financial resources to do the projects that we currently have with adequate reserves to protect us,” Becker said. “We are in pretty decent shape in our construction fund.”

The veto notwithstanding, College President Dr. Dennis Gallon said the college is still very much in the hunt for a fifth campus.

“This is a very significant decision for this institution,” Gallon said.

“This topic of discussion has the potential to be very, very impactful for the future of this institution.”

Part of the discussion centered on the availability of Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) bond money, which is not currently available, although board members hope that will become available again next year. “At this point, students are coming to us to get an education,” Gallon said.

“They need a seat to sit in, and it is becoming very hard to do that at times.”

Although PECO funding, which comes from utility tax, ebbs and flows, Gallon said he felt it would continue to be a reliable source of capital, although it had fallen off in recent years. Becker said people he has spoken with in Tallahassee predict the fund will rebound in two years.

Becker said that if the board See CAMPUS, page 16

ORANGETHEORY CELEBRATION

Orangetheory Fitness celebrated its new Royal Palm Beach location Saturday, June 25. There were special discounts for new members, vendors and a visit from the Bloodmobile. Pictured here is Gina Miele of Cupcake Cottage with samples.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Wellington Council Closes Goldenrod

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Nearly 150 Wellington residents cheered as the Wellington Village Council voted unanimously Tuesday to close Goldenrod Road at the C-5 Canal, as the road turns into Azure Avenue.

A part of Sugar Pond Manor, the Goldenrod neighborhood is considered a transitional neighborhood, Long Range Planning Director Tim Stillings told the council. Ninety-five percent of the more than 240 units are rental units, with 25 percent of the homes in foreclosure.

The road closure would be part of a neighborhood defensive measure, he said.

“The closure itself will consist of removal of the road and creation of a T turnaround at the end of Goldenrod, a T intersection at Exotica Lane and Azure Avenue, and a driveway connection for the homeowner at the end of the street,” Stillings said.

The project would also build a 0.4-acre park on a vacant lot on Goldenrod Road between Hyacinth Place and Exotica Lane, since the street closure will keep See GOLDENROD, page 16

Officials Break Ground On A New State Road 7 Plaza

Breaking Ground — Tricia and Jim Ward, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and members of the project team at the Monday groundbreaking ceremony.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington leaders gathered Monday to break ground on the planned Village Green Center on State Road 7 with the ceremonial turning of the dirt.

Once built, the Village Green Center will occupy 15.89 acres on the west side of SR 7 between Stribling Way and Royale Blvd., south of the BP gas station and Whole Foods Market, just south of the Mall at Wellington Green. The property is part of 217 acres annexed into Wellington in 2004.

The master plan for the project envisions 59,500 square feet of

retail space, two free-standing banks, 45,738 square feet of office space and three free-standing restaurant sites. “We’ve hit a lot of walls with this project,” said Tricia Ward of Ward Real Estate.

“But we’re here today, and we’re excited to break ground.”

Ward thanked members of her staff for their dedication, along with officials from Wellington who made the project possible.

“I’ve established such great working relationships,” she said, “that it makes me want to do more.

And we will.”

The company purchased the property almost 10 years ago,

originally to build a retirement facility, said James Ward of Ward Real Estate.

Since then, the planned projects have faced several challenges, including annexation into the village, zoning changes, relocating a road and receiving a CRALLS (constrained roadway at lower levels of service) designation.

“We’ve been through a lot of changes,” James Ward said. “But I can tell you that we wouldn’t be standing here today without Tricia.”

Even buying the land was a challenge, he recalled. At the time, See WARD, page 3

Page 2

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 3

NEWS

PBSO: Property Crime Down, Traffic Accidents Up In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Property crime in Wellington is down, while traffic accidents are on the rise, according to a report from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jay Hart at Tuesday’s meeting of the Wellington Village Council.

Hart said that a primary goal of his substation for the past few years has been to dramatically reduce property crimes in Wellington — an initiative he said has shown success.

The goal is to have less than 1,000 property crimes over the course of a year.

“We’re halfway through the fiscal year with only 358 property crimes,” he said. “So we’re actually accomplishing that goal.”

Between Oct. 1, 2010, and March 31, Hart said that there were 31 burglary arrests, and nine

vandalism arrests, mostly for smashed mailboxes or graffiti.

Residential burglaries declined 43 percent, vehicle burglaries declined 27 percent, and there was an overall 25 percent decline in property crime.

Councilman Howard Coates noted that while crime has gone down overall, there has been a spike in recent months.

Hart said that was an anomaly that happens occasionally, where there will be a rash of crimes in one or two days that then disappear.

“You look at a trend,” he said.

“We look at the averages, which have actually declined 16 percent every year since we started.”

Hart attributed the lower rates partly to Wellington’s Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

“We think in large part that is due to the partnership we have

with Safe Neighborhoods,” he said. “You have put your money where your mouth is, and Safe Neighborhoods has been an integral part in the decline in burglaries.”

Overall, Hart said that crime calls make up only 5 percent of calls received from residents. The other 95 percent are non-crime, which may include anything from a noise complaint to a cat in a tree.

He said they receive about 34,000 calls for service each year.

Wellington has the highest case clearance rate for a community of its size in the county, Hart said.

“I feel that we’re doing a great job with the amount of deputies we do have,” he said, noting that Wellington has 1.7 deputies for every 1,000 residents.

As for arrests, Hart said that about 9 percent are felonies and 91 percent are misdemeanors,

with 648 arrests made this year so far. The majority of the arrests are for theft. “Because of the mall, most of the arrests are going to be petty theft or retail theft,” he said.

One of the biggest successes in the last fiscal year was stopping a ring of golf cart thefts that had been occurring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Hart said.

“The security within the gates was responsible for several of those thefts,” he said. “We had an inside ring that we infiltrated. We found out that they were being stolen and loaded up on trucks.”

Hart called traffic issues “the one area we’ve probably failed at.”

Though the goal was to hold the line at 2.2 crashes per 100 residents, Hart said it rose to 2.5 crashes per 100 residents.

“Part of it could be because

we’re down with tickets,” he said.

“I’ll take the blame for that, because I told the deputies that traffic stops are for education. Sometimes we have to get in their pocket to do that. But sometimes a deputy can get across what he’s trying to articulate without a ticket.”

With ticket costs high and the economy struggling, Hart said the PBSO isn’t out to hurt the people.

“We’ve been issuing less tickets and more warnings,” he said.

“We’re still out there every day writing tickets, but we’re not trying to hurt the people. We’re just trying to get them to comply.”

Coates asked for a breakdown of what the accidents were caused by, be it red light running or other issues.

Hart said that the majority of the crashes are caused by failure to stop at red lights and that there is a higher occurrence of crashes

near the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and State Road 7.

“The way the traffic reports are set up,” he said, “they take the closest address, which is actually the [Mall at Wellington Green]. So a lot of those are actually parking lot crashes.”

Hart said that the average response time for a high-priority call was about 5.1 minutes.

Future plans for the substation will focus on further lowering property crimes and getting traffic crashes back down to 2.2 crashes per 100 residents.

Another goal will be to maintain Wellington’s parks and keep them safe. “We have beautiful parks,” Hart said. “Our goal is to make sure we maintain and preserve what you have done such a beautiful job in doing, and make sure these parks are safe and that crime is low in those areas.”

Palm Beach County Considering Ordinance To Track Vacant Homes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Following the lead of municipalities such as Boynton Beach and Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach County is considering an ordinance to track vacant homes with the goal of compelling banks and other lenders to keep them maintained in order to preserve surrounding property values.

If passed, the ordinance could help real estate recovery efforts in unincorporated communities such as The Acreage.

“The example used was the City of Boynton Beach,” said Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone, who received a copy of a memo to the Palm Beach County Commission from Planning, Zoning & Building Department Executive Director Barbara Alterman on the proposal.

Since the beginning of the real estate downturn, Palm Beach County Code Enforcement has been working with several different agencies that provide information about the property management of foreclosed properties and has had some success and some difficulties getting compliance from the responsible parties, according to Alterman’s June 20 memo.

On April 5, the county commis-

sion directed staff to consider an ordinance to regulate vacant, abandoned and foreclosed properties. County staff reviewed ordinances from Boynton Beach, which gets its foreclosure information from the Federal Property Registry Corp., and from MiamiDade County, which handles its foreclosure registration internally.

On May 25, staff met with representatives from the Federal Property Registry Corp. about services it provides through a registry that requires all banks foreclosing on a property to register the property and include the name of a property maintenance company responsible for its upkeep.

The company can also provide assistance with the various banks and their property managers in actually getting compliance when staff hits a dead end.

Alterman recommended that commissioners authorize staff to draft a property registry ordinance and contact an appropriate vendor to provide the services to identify and register vacant properties.

Damone, who chairs the Western Communities Council, which heard presentations recently by building officials from Wellington and Royal Palm Beach on a similar topic, said the ordinance, if approved, would be good for Acreage residents and the commu-

nity in general, but could have unintended consequences.

“Being forced to register your name should be a violation of privacy if you ask me, but what I liked in the Village of Wellington’s presentation was the fact that they were offering families who may not want to be in foreclosure the opportunity for counseling and an opportunity to preserve and save their home,” she said.

Damone said she thought that many of the vacant properties result from property owners’ conscious decisions to walk away from a home whose mortgage value exceeded the property value.

“Some of these people are making a business decision,” she said.

“It’s not necessarily that they can’t afford it, it’s just that they realize that they can’t recoup the loss in value. Whether it’s right or wrong, that’s why some of them no longer pay their mortgage.”

Damone said she favors the intention behind the ordinance. “I think the concept and idea, whether there are some small flaws or not, is to preserve the integrity and value of the surrounding homes,” she said. “It might have kinks that we need to work out, but I think the approach is most appropriate to try to preserve the surrounding homes.”

Damone said it will be a little more difficult to measure the success of an abandoned home registry in The Acreage than in other communities that are enacting similar ordinances.

“I have received complaints from our residents as an Indian Trail Improvement District su-

Ward

Village Green

continued from page 1 the Lanier family owned it. Wellington spent several years negoti-

pervisor , and it’s out of my hands,” she said, explaining that enforcement is under county code enforcement auspices. “I can’t assist them, so, hopefully this ordinance will assist those who have concerns in The Acreage.”

County code enforcement in

general has been somewhat lax in The Acreage, she noted. “We’ve always been known as a ‘leave us alone’ community,” she said. “In this case, if code enforcement will be coming out for foreclosures, they can’t put blinders on to the other things that they see. We’ll see. That will be in the future.”

ating to buy the land before purchasing the nearby Kahlert property, which has since been renamed K-Park.

“They said, ‘The land is there, but you’ll never be able to get the owner to sell it,’” James Ward said. “But if you know Tricia, she

doesn’t give up that easily.”

But the challenges were worth it, he said.

“We thank you all,” James Ward said, “especially the team that has helped support us in this project.

And I think the village will be very excited when it’s done.”

Mark Holloway, Tricia Ward, E.J. Waldman, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, James Ward, Bernadette Green and Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield get ready to break ground.

Tricia Ward welcomes guests while James Ward looks on.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Page 4

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

OUR OPINION

Happy Independence Day... Beware The Allure Of Illegal Fireworks The Fourth of July is the ultimate American holiday, both because of what it celebrates and the way in which people celebrate it. It’s a day for feeling good about being American and recognizing the freedoms that make citizenship in this country a source of pride. Of course, there’s no such thing as total freedom. Even if all the laws of government were done away with, the laws of physics, as well as the general social order, would still be there.

Everyone has their own idea of what the Fourth of July means. But if you ask people what image comes to mind when they think about Independence Day, most, if not all, will say it’s some variation of fireworks lighting up the sky. However, most Americans, including those here in Florida, are not free to use fireworks for their own personal use. Laws regulating the use of fireworks vary from state to state, and in our state, anything that launches or explodes is against the law. That leaves us with sparklers and various little things that spin around on the ground.

If you’re wondering how your neighbor always manages to get his hands on a stockpile of the loud and colorful kind, it’s because of a loophole in the law that allows customers to purchase fireworks after signing a waiver stating that they’ll use them for other purposes. If anything, price is probably the only deterrent, as some of these packages can get expensive depending on what kind of show you’re hoping to put on. Considering the fact that people are still feeling the brunt of a sluggish economy, a cost-benefit analysis would likely suggest spending your money elsewhere, especially when you can watch a professional fireworks display for free. The bottom line is that shooting off your own fireworks is both illegal and dangerous.

Because of this, we recommend checking out one of the many community Fourth of July celebrations.

Just about every local community stages a show — and since the summer rains appeared over the past week, the fireworks shows, which had been threatened by the drought, are likely to go on. We’re, of course, partial to the events here in the western communities.

In Royal Palm Beach, the day starts early with a variety of sporting competitions. The Red, White & Blue Fishing Tournament kicks things off at 6 a.m. at Lakeside Challenger Park; the Firecracker Golf Tournament starts at 8 a.m. at the Village Golf Club; and over at Camellia Park, there will be 3-on-3 basketball and mixed doubles tennis tournaments, both starting at 9 a.m. The Star-Spangled Spectacular starts at 5 p.m. at Lakeside Challenger Park, with fireworks set to launch around 9 p.m. Interactive games (waterslide, bounce house, obstacle course), children’s holiday crafts, live music, free hot dogs and water, and free open kayaking take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Call (561) 790-5124 for more information.

Wellington’s annual Fourth of July Family Celebration starts at 6 p.m. at Village Park on Pierson Road with a variety of all-ages activities, from inflatable rides and face painting, to paint-less paintball (no muss, no fuss) and other “traditional” games. Also, the Life Church Band will perform, and there will be bingo inside the gym. The fireworks display starts at 9:15 p.m., lighting up the sky over Village Park.

These events are fun, safe and free — a great way to celebrate a great all-American holiday!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR More Lanes Needed Along South Shore Blvd.

Did the Wellington Village Council once again not look beyond the tip of their collective nose? How can they decide to spend all that money to “improve” South Shore Blvd. and not make it four lanes from Pierson Road to Lake Worth Road? Do they really think there will be no increase in traffic over the next few years?

Please don’t tell me that the cost would be too high. Would you rather see them spend the money on the road widening or on pavers and trees? How much will it cost to redo the road in five years?

Or are they playing the old political game of let’s do something now and let the next regime worry about fixing it five years from now, like the fiasco of the Veterans Memorial. (Who needs parking?)

I love Wellington. We bought our first lot in 1974. But some of the so-called road improvements leave me wondering if the decision-makers actually drive around the village. Too many decisions seem to be based only on today’s needs and not what might be needed in the future.

The original plans for Wellington were drawn up with a vision of the future. We need to continue that kind of planning.

Mike DeStefano Wellington

Pro-Business Agenda Will Cost Us Down The Line Recently I read an article featuring our newest elected Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig (Gerwig Invites Activists To Get Involved Locally, June 24).

I’m paraphrasing: she stated that four out of five council members were Republicans, and I might add, the same ones emanated from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. I won’t bore you with repeating that they represent the chamber, and in many aspects appear to continually do so, at the expense of the other 95 percent of

our population, in my opinion. I might point out here that it was the state chamber and the national chambers that put our country into its current financial woes. The financial community, the real estate community and certain vested interests put us into our current tailspin, and they are the business community/chambers, not John Q Citizen. Rather, it is the rich getting richer, and it starts right here.

Recently, our new governor decided to allow insurance companies carte blanche on increases (10 to 18 percent), but that only is the beginning. Next thrown out was concurrency. This translates to instead of builders and developers having to meet obligations concerning “unimportant” issues like new roads, parks and schools in new building areas, instead we will go back to when the roads have too much traffic, the classrooms are getting larger (instead of smaller as per our vote on this issue), and guess who gets to pay? The developers/builders will be long gone and yes, you are right, the taxpaying homeowner will pay through the nose.

Might I suggest to Anne Gerwig that this is a big issue, that instead of asking for citizen activists, rather she do her job and speak up. She was elected to be our activist! Wellington officials can speak to county officials (mostly Republicans), who can then speak to state officials (mostly Republicans) to change things.

But it’s a bit too late; they sat on their hands. Except for the Glades prison (closing on Sept. 1, I think), where was our State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto in all of this?

The only local politician who spoke up and had a forum on it was Jess Santamaria. Why are we so poorly represented? Oh I know, Anne Gerwig stated: Wellington is mostly Democratic, but we voted in our non-party system for mostly Republicans.

Wait a few years. Taxes will go up to pay for necessary new roads and school infrastructure, as builders/developers get more money now and less responsibility, and whereas former Gov. Jeb Bush slowed the insurance rises in policies, now it’s full speed ahead.

Sadly, we voted for this. We put

Gov. Rick Scott in office, and his Republican bunkmates are quietly towing the line even here in Wellington. But rest assured, we will have to pay the piper.

George Unger Wellington

Herzog: Resident Property Owners Have Spoken Loxahatchee Groves made history on June 27. The referendum called by the petition of more than 20 percent of the qualified electors (residents who are landowners and registered voters) was the first time a special water control district in Florida was tasked to run such an election.

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District was formed in 1917 as a corporation of landowners with 20-acre lots who needed drainage for their agricultural land.

The corporation used the voting system of one vote per acre with proxies allowed to accommodate the out-of-state owners who had an interest in their investment.

Over the years, the lot sizes throughout Loxahatchee Groves began to change with some areas having parcels of less than a quarter acre, but the voting continued by acreage because it was never challenged.

Many of the residents were not happy with the controlling advantage held by large-lot landowners who do not live in the town. Many local residents with smaller lots wanted to be more fairly represented in district elections. A political action committee called Friends of Loxahatchee Groves started researching Florida statutes for water control districts for a solution to our residents’ concern. The committee decided the petition was the correct avenue to address the inequity. The referendum vote would demonstrate the will of the majority of the qualified electors in Loxahatchee Groves.

Many of the residents endured some election inconveniences, which they called “constitutional infractions” and had them wondering about the legality of the election. The first concern some qualified electors had was that the

referendum ballots were numbered in violation of Florida constitutional statutes guaranteeing secret ballot voting. A few of the residents were so annoyed with what was going on that they wanted to know why the question on the ballot wasn’t, “Should the district be dissolved?”

Some residents who own their property in the name of a trust were denied the right to vote. Others who had differences in the exact way their names appeared on the qualified electors lists had to sign notarized affidavits stating that they had the right to vote.

Some also had to sign affidavits because their names did not appear on the list even though they were registered voters/landowners who had lived in Loxahatchee Groves for many years. The sometimes long wait for the notary to be available caused some people to have to leave and come back at a later time, even though this extra step of notarizing was unnecessary according to the supervisor of elections.

There were other residents who were not physically able to be at the polls because they were out of state, physically handicapped or serving in the military. There were no provisions made to accommodate absentee ballots as is done in every other election. The wording for the referendum question was never posted or sent to the residents for them to study and review before voting on June 27.

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District should have contracted and/or sought more guidance from the Supervisor of Elections so that many of these problems would have been avoided.

The residents have spoken by a two-to-one margin expressing a desire for one person, one vote for at least two supervisor seats. Now it is time for the district to move forward with the guidelines it must follow by law and facilitate this change demanded by the residents. The district staff should try in every way possible to minimize the costs moving forward. They should use the existing land use map created by the town and accepted by the Property Appraiser’s Office to save a significant amount of time and money. Con-

testing these accepted and established maps will only delay the process and cost the taxpayers more unnecessary costs.

Marge Herzog Loxahatchee Groves

Bad Decisions Come From Bad Ideas Sometimes bad decisions affect only the person and sometime they affect all of us. For example, tobacco may be bad for one’s health, but it’s good for the economy. Yeah, I know the “health costs.” Well that’s because we have agreed to pay for some people who make bad decisions.

The assault on a $500 billion industry for causing cancer has been underway for about 50 years. Some people who want to stop other people from killing themselves with cigarette smoke don’t seem to mind killing babies, and these are some of the same people who don’t mind killing a significant sector of the economy.

Altria is the corporate greatgrandchild of Phillip Morris’ first cigarette, which was manufactured in 1854. Since then, men and women have been puffing on burning tobacco, at first along with very big profits and no concerns about health safety issues.

How many people have enjoyed smoking or died from it since 1854 is anybody’s guess. But one has to believe that there are multiple millions more people who have enjoyed the dirty habit than have died from it.

During the last Great Depression in 1931, not one tobacco worker lost his job and not one dividend was skipped. The fact is that lawsuits against “Big Tobacco” have not proven anything, and have often ended in settlements rather than victories for the “victims” because whether true or false, the publicity is bad.

These days public opinion is so strongly against an industry that contributes billions to the economy that tobacco manufactures have to discourage people from using their product. I question the social utility of destroying a large segment of our economic prosperity just because I can’t stand the smell of burning tobacco. I think sucking burning tobacco smoke into your lungs is a bad idea, but people do worse things to their bodies; frankly, it’s none of my business what someone does with their own body, but I am opposed to a person killing someone else.

But if a person wants to kill themselves, then that’s what I call “choice.”

Fortunately, for me the smell of cigarette smoke has never been pleasant, so I don’t smoke. But the bottom line is that we all make some stupid decisions; it’s just that some stupid decisions have a greater impact on others than they do on ourselves. I think it is stupid to kill one’s self with cigarette smoke, but I think it’s also stupid to vote people into office who appoint bureaucrats and pass laws that kill the economy. When the economy is bad, a lot of people not only suffer but they also die.

Take your choice.

Frank Morelli Wellington

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) 793-6090; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

NEWS

County Touts Green Initiatives, Including Acreage Library Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Acreage branch of the Palm Beach County Library System, scheduled to open in the summer of 2012, was featured in a presentation Tuesday to the Palm Beach County Commission on the progress of local green initiatives.

The Acreage library will be one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified buildings built by the county, according to Assistant County Administrator Jon Van Arnam. The building uses watersaving features and energy-saving measures that qualify it for LEED certification.

“We thought this was going to be the first, but we learned that it could be the second or third because Palm Beach County FireRescue is building stations to LEED standards,” Van Arnam

said. “Hopefully, by the end of next year, we will have four LEED-certified buildings.”

Van Arnam said the county fleet now has 251 hybrid vehicles and six hybrid bucket trucks. “Our fleet and building operations have been moving aggressively on sustainable and green initiatives,” he said. “We believe we were the first local Florida government to purchase hybrid vehicles.”

The county has initiated policies such as “no idling,” implemented energy efficiency software, paid close attention to the selection of the most energy-efficient air conditioning and heating equipment, and conducts routine energy audits for all buildings.

Meanwhile, the water utilities department has implemented energy reduction goals to bring about a 10 percent reduction by 2020, using alternative green energy

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

sources, such as wind generators, and reducing electrical costs by $1.5 million per year.

Renewable energy initiatives include a grant-funded methaneto-energy facility at the wastewater treatment plant and wind farming in the Everglades Agricultural Area proposed by a private firm.

“This is clean, alternative energy that would allow for the continued use of agriculture in the area around those wind turbines and, in addition to being an energy source, would create jobs,” he said.

The county has also received a $6.5 million energy efficiency and conservation block grant for about a dozen projects that include the construction of solar panels, LED traffic lights and the utility department’s methane-to-energy plant.

Van Arnam said he is excited about a project in the parks depart-

ment, which he oversees, that will upgrade light banks on athletic fields to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent by utilizing more energy-efficient, computercontrolled lighting.

The county also has collaborated with municipalities to share best practices in a grant-financed program that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy. The county is also working on obtaining a grant from that department to develop a strategic energy plan that would include many of the county departments.

Water conservation is also an important part of the sustainability effort. “We are minimizing the use of water in county buildings by using low-flow faucets and toilets,” Van Arnam said.

Water supplies are also being conserved by reducing leakage in pipes, utilizing alternative water

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 Gregiore • Lauren Miró

resources and maximizing wastewater reuse. Van Arnam said the county now reuses close to 100 percent of wastewater during the dry season for irrigation, power plant cooling and created wetlands.

The county has also reduced waste through curbside recycling, metal recovery, a hazardous household waste program, a waste-to-energy facility that will power 50,000 homes and a wastewater sludge-to-fertilizer pelletization facility.

Palm Beach County is also a leader in conserving natural areas, parks and agricultural land, Van Arnam said.

It has acquired 30,000 acres of natural areas, 8,558 acres of parklands and 2,500 acres of agricultural land. It is also helping reduce the amount of water released to tide by restoring and creating wet-

lands to store the water.

The efforts are the result of a report published in June 2009 by the Green Task Force on Environmental Sustainability and Conservation, Van Arnam said.

“Sustainability means identifying actions and policies that encourage healthier, more resourceefficient and environmentally sustainable living through efficient buildings and natural resource conservation,” he explained.

Those actions include using energy efficiently, conserving and reusing water, reducing waste and conserving land. “Our leaders, yourselves and employees have long held a commitment to sustainability. This commitment is reflected in the county’s policies, and in recent years, we have been growing that culture by expanding sustainable practices,” Van Arnam said.

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 • Linda Dyer • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 5

NEWS

Wellington Radio Club Takes Part In Annual Field Day Exercises

By Eric Woodard Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Radio Club participated in its 12th annual Field Day exercises last weekend at Village Park on Pierson Road.

Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, Field Day is a 24-hour on-air operating exercise in national emergency communications, a time during which amateur radio enthusiasts all over the country tune in and make contact as practice for emergency situations resulting from failures in traditional communication methods brought by natural disasters.

To get ahead of the start of last Saturday’s rainfall, club president Larry Lazar began setting up in the early morning, well before the

event’s scheduled start at 2 p.m.

“We worked under the pavilion as much as we could,” Lazar said.

“Then this morning at 8 o’clock we got up the primary antennas.”

Roughly 12 members of the Wellington Radio Club were on hand at any given time taking shifts throughout the day perusing the airwaves for responses to their call signs and recording them on yellow legal pads. Their objective was to get as many contacts as possible, an unofficial competition that inspires participants to push their wits and equipment to the limits befitting a scenario of total electrical failure.

Club treasurer Georg Samulkewitsch said that the event is necessary practice. “The worst thing

Paul Kalamaras and Mike Bald work the radio.

that could happen is if everybody would pull out their radios, haven’t used them for two years and all the cell towers are down,” he said.

Using a generator and three radios connected to four antennas made from little more than copper wire, club members made hundreds of contacts with other amateur radio enthusiasts across the country. One antenna in particular was made from copper wire connected from one light post to another an entire soccer field away. With Florida in the southeast corner of the U.S., the antennas were arranged at a 90-degree angle pointing both north and west so as to maximize distance for potential communication.

Two radios — one high frequency and one very high frequency — were set up in a bus provided by the village. “Every time we come here, the [village] as part of its sponsorship endorsement lets us use the bus and the park facilities,” Lazar said. “In turn, our volunteers staff the radio section of the emergency operations center.”

In an emergency, when conditions are the most inconvenient, Lazar thinks a bus is the best place for a radio station. “I saw it and I said, ‘You know, if there’s something that’s practical in an emergency to convert to a radio station, it’s a bus, because you have big batteries in it,” Lazar said, “and the air conditioning is decent.’”

Tim Hill listens in with his son Preston.

Ryan Krenzischek , Brian Hamm, Larry Lazar and Steve Sawicki.

Steve Wolf and Tim Hill adjust the ant enna.

PHOTOS BY ERIC WOODARD/TOWN-CRIER

CHILDREN GET A METEOROLOGY LESSON AT THE ROYAL PALM BEACH LIBRARY The Royal Palm Beach library hosted the fun and interactive event “Weather from Around the World” Thursda y, June 23 for children and parents. Children listened as library associate Yvette Morales read stories about weather from different parts of the world. The youngsters also danced, played games and made crafts such as a Celtic cross.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Library associate Ivette Morales reads a story about weather from different parts of the world.

BRING IN THIS FOR A BRINGAD IN THIS AD FOR

MANAGER'S DISCOUNT SUPER BARGAINS! Design a Fan to Fit Your Decor PROMOTIONAL FANS NOT INCLUDED. NOT COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. PRIOR SALES EXCLUDED. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

& a Deal to Fit Your Purchase

LARGEST SELECTION OF INDOOR & OUTDOOR FANS ANYWHERE!

20%

SAVE UP TO OFF OF YOUR COOLING COSTS FOR ONLY PENNIES A DAY!

EQUESTRIANS OUTDOOR FANS FOR BARNS & STABLES NEW POLY-RESIN & SYNTHETIC HOUSINGS

LEARN HOW FROM THE FAN EXPERTS

PARTS & SERVICES AVAILABLE 45 STORES NATIONWIDE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Fan Experts For Over 30 Years Locally Owned and Operated

DAN'S WEST FAN CITY PALM BEACH

BOCA/DELRAY 14466 S Military Tr

4833 Okeechobee Blvd

495-2715

684-3882

(1/4 Mi N of Atlantic Ave)

(1/4 Mi W of Military Tr)

Julieta, Christ opher and Jennifer Palma, and Carmen, Steven and Stephanie Arias make crafts.

Murat Egelierler with his sons Ihsan and Murat.

Page 6

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

CRIME NEWS

Stolen Fork Lift In RPB; Dead Alligator Found In Dumpster

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JUNE 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Commons Park construction site on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Wednesday morning regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, a worker was ordered to pick up a forklift from the site and discovered it was missing. Another employee repaired the forklift late Tuesday afternoon, and a witness reported seeing a black semi-truck with a trailer on the site and several people loading the forklift onto the trailer.

According to the report, the witness believed that the men loading the forklift were sent by the company. The stolen forklift is described as a red 2007 Moffett M55, valued at approximately $28,000. It is missing its safety side door and has damaged back panels.

JUNE 23 — An employee of the Chase Bank branch on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday afternoon to report an environmental crime.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Monday and 1:13 p.m. last Wednesday, someone dumped half of a dead alligator with some egg residuals in the Dumpster behind the bank, causing an awful smell in the area. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 24 — A Wellington man was arrested early last Friday morning on drug charges after he was found asleep in his car in Sugar Pond Manor. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was on bike patrol at approximately 2:24 a.m. when he observed a man asleep in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle on Primrose Lane. The vehicle had its interior lights on, and as the deputy approached the vehicle, he observed a glass pipe tube in the man’s hand with residue thought to be crack cocaine.

According to the report, the deputy made contact with 24-year-old Brandon Neal, who said he had smoked crack cocaine but didn’t have any more. Neal was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with drug equipment possession and use.

JUNE 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue station on Belvedere Road last Saturday regarding a delayed vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 a.m. on Monday, June 13 and 10:30 a.m.

Friday, June 17, someone entered the victim’s vehicle and stole a loaded black .45 caliber Springfield Armory model 1911 pistol from the center console, along with an iPod mini and a pair of black earphones. The victim believes he left his vehicle unlocked.

The stolen items were valued at approximately $820. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 25 — A resident of Olympia called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday morning to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 18 and 11 a.m. last Saturday, someone entered the vacant home through the unlocked garage door and removed a chandelier and two ceiling fans. The perpetrator(s) also attempted to remove the kitchen light by pulling it down from the ceiling, causing $200 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home on Oleander Drive regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left home at approximately 2:30 p.m. When the victim’s mother returned home at approximately 8 p.m., she discovered that her bedroom window had been pried open and that several items, including jewelry and a safe with important documents, were missing. The victim also discovered that his portable Sony DVD player was missing from his bedroom. According to the report, the victim said he believed his neighbors were responsible for the break-in. The deputy made contact with the neighbors, who said they didn’t know anything about the burglary. According to the report, the deputy discovered a glove hanging from the fence that separates the two yards. He also found another glove, a screwdriver and pliers near the fence in the neighbors’ yard. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,250.

JUNE 26 — A resident of Columbine Avenue called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday to report a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left home at approximately 1 p.m. last Friday and returned at 11 a.m. the following morning to find that someone had entered her home and stole $200 from her bedroom.

According to the report, the perpetrator(s) used a mediumsized rock to break a small hole in the rear kitchen window, reached through and unlocked it to enter the home. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to Tiger Shark Cove Park last Sunday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim arrived at the park at approximately 3:15 p.m. Approximately five minutes later, he heard an alarm going off in the parking lot but didn’t see anything suspicious. Another alarm went off shortly afterward.

According to the report, when the victim was leaving at approximately 4 p.m. he discovered his front driver’s-side window was smashed and his wallet was missing from the center console. The perpetrator(s) attempted to use one of the victim’s credit cards at a gas station on Wellington Trace, but was declined. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JUNE 27 — A Wellington woman was arrested late Monday night on charges of drunken driving and child neglect after she was found driving under the influence with children in the car. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was conducting a traffic stop near See BLOTTER, page 16

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • John Horak is a white male, 5’9” tall and weighing 165 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has tattoos on his lef t hand and chest. His date of birth is 09/23/81. Horak is wanted for failure to appear for jur y trial on a charge of traf ficking in oxycodone. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Hyacinth Place in Wellington.

Horak is wanted as of 06/30/11.

• Omar Veloz is a white male, 5’6” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 05/31/89.

Veloz is wanted for failure to appear on charges of selling oxycodone and trafficking in oxycodone. His occupation is handyman. His last known address was Fernwood Crescent in Royal Palm Beach. Veloz is wanted as of 06/30/ 11.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stopper s at (800) 458-TIPS (8 477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.

John Horak

Omar Veloz

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

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Chamber Members Get An Update On County Ethics

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce got an overview of the new Palm Beach County ethics rules Wednesday during the chamber’s monthly luncheon meeting.

Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Executive Director Alan Johnson explained the role, process, scope and history of the Commission on Ethics.

Creation of the Commission on Ethics, the Code of Ethics and the Office of the Inspector General were set in motion two years ago in response to a recommendation by a grand jury that looked into corruption issues in the county after three county commissioners and several municipal officials went to jail.

Johnson said that the commission has become a national model for other counties and governments looking for a truly independent answer to corruption.

“We’ve already made progress nationally,” he said. “Palm Beach County has won the Initiatives Award from the National Association of Counties for its innovative ethics initiative.”

Johnson, a Wellington resident,

said it was a positive step in restoring the reputation of Palm Beach County, which had been given the moniker “corruption county.”

Johnson said that there were three tiers to the new program — the Inspector General, the Code of Ethics and Commission on Ethics, and the State Attorney’s Office. “When it comes down to the basics,” he said, “the Commission on Ethics is really a code enforcement board. It does more than most. But, there’s a county code of ethics and the commission enforces and interprets it.”

Johnson said that while the commission can issue advisories, interpret the code and make rulings, they do not handle prosecution. “If it’s criminal,” he said, “we shift it over to the State Attorney’s Office.”

According to Johnson, the Commission on Ethics enforces three ordinances — the Code of Ethics, lobbyist registration and post-employment rules. Only the Code of Ethics has been extended to the municipalities. “It was not included in the referendum to bring in the post-employment,” he said.

In order for the rules to be ef-

fective, Johnson said it was important to have lobbyist registration rules throughout all municipalities. “The county staff will work with the municipalities to form a database that is maintained by the county,” he said.

The key piece to the Commission on Ethics is that it is completely independent from the Palm Beach County Commission. “The thing that has made the country take notice of our ethics movement is the independence of the Commission on Ethics,” Johnson said.

He noted that others have either no ethics officers, part-time officers or officers who answer to elected officials. “The independence of an ethics initiative is so crucially important,” Johnson said. “We have as independent an ethics program as there is in the United States of America.”

Johnson explained that commissioners cannot hold political office, affiliate with political parties, hold positions in a political office or committee, contribute to political campaigns for local or state office or be influenced by the county commission.

Each commissioner was appointed by a separate, nonpoliti-

cal entity from different branches of the community.

Johnson said that much of his role is educating government employees and officials so that they don’t violate the Code of Ethics.

He noted that often, violations happen due to lack of knowledge rather than malicious intent.

“Sometimes, people just don’t think,” he said. “And that’s not an end-all, be-all. That will be a lesson for everyone. This is a process in its infancy. But I guarantee you that within two or three years, everyone will know where that line is.”

Because vendors also fall under the code of ethics, Johnson also speaks to business groups.

“We want people to be aware that this is out there,” he said.

Johnson said that the commission does not release complaints of ethics violations until a case is either dismissed or found to have probable cause. If probable cause is found, the alleged violator is given a hearing and the case is either dismissed or resolved.

Resolutions could include criminal consequences, he said. However, there is also a protection plan in place for the accused, “If a claim comes in and it is really just frivo-

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Michael Stone with Alan Johnson.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

lous,” he said, “the Commission on Ethics has the ability to assess costs against the complainant.”

Johnson said that while the commission did not wish to create a “chilling affect” where accusers are afraid to come forward, it did not want the ethics initiative to become a tool for baseless accusations. “They could have attorney’s fees assessed against them,” he said.

In its first year of operation, the

commission issued 60 advisory opinions. Thus far this year, it is up to 45 advisory opinions.

“The good thing about advisory opinions is you can go to our web site, and we have them broken down by issue,” he said. “You can look and see what opinions we’ve come up with to see if that fits with your own set of circumstances.”

For more info., visit www.palm beachcountyethics.com.

LGLA Members Given Tips To Combat Underage Drinking In Town

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Doris Carroll, executive director of the Partnership for a DrugFree Community of South Florida, was the guest speaker at the June 23 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association.

Carroll was invited to speak about teen drinking and drug abuse after a Loxahatchee Groves resident was attacked and hospitalized by a group of teens and young adults recently after he tried to quiet down a party. Also attending the meeting were officers from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco.

Carroll is also founder of the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition, whose primary mission is to prevent underage drinking.

“There are multiple strategies that need to be enforced, with multiple sectors of the community,” Carroll said. “I bring to you the knowledge and experience I have in working with communities to organize against the things that we don’t like, which includes unorganized teens, their parties

and their binge drinking.”

Carroll said Loxahatchee Groves is not the only community with problems of underage drinking, which she described as a healthcare crisis. “We can’t arrest our way out of a drug crisis, but prevention, policy and public health are the key to health and safety for all,” she said.

Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among teenagers in Palm Beach County, she said.

“There are proven strategies that can be used to reduce the use of alcohol,” Carroll said.

One method is to restrict the availability in stores and limit the hours alcohol is available for sale.

“In your own municipality, you can have ordinances that limit when people can buy alcohol,” she said.

Clerk training will help control the sale of alcohol to minors. “You can mandate that the clerks are trained to check ID,” Carroll said, adding that the town can also enact ordinances requiring that stores selling alcohol have ID scanners to detect fake IDs. Other ways to reduce underage drinking are to encourage the

ART SOCIETY THANKS

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to increase enforcement, reduce the number of “catch and releases” of underage drinkers, and have more DUI checkpoints, Carroll said.

She also suggested that the town enact an ordinance requiring gatherings of a certain size to require a permit. “If a permit is drawn, there is insurance and somebody knows what’s going on,” Carroll said.

LGLA Treasurer Ken Johnson said it is more difficult to track teen parties with the advent of the Internet and cell phones. “By the time they Twitter to meet somewhere and you find out about it, they’re gone,” he said.

Carroll said that communities can tell their police agencies what they want deputies’ response times to be. Residents can also put up “no trespassing” signs on private property, which will help deputies trying to break up gatherings, she said.

But Johnson said signs have been put up in some areas and are largely ignored. “The ordinances in some cases are paper tigers, and it is extremely frustrating to the citizens,” Johnson said.

Carroll said she also knows of an organization that will go into the stores that sell alcohol and ask permission to put stickers on the bottles and cans that read, “Don’t sell alcohol to minors,” which she said has been effective. “It’s im-

Crestwood

RPB Zoners Unhappy

Wellington Art Society Development Chair Leslie Pfeiffer recently presented Town-Crier Publisher Barr y Manning a po ttery bowl made by art society member Barbara Powell and a certificate of appreciation for his continuing support of the art society. The Wellington Art Society is on hiatus for the summer and will reconvene in September with an open house at the Wellington Community Center. Visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org for more information.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

… it s about your complete life It’s not simply about portfolio holdings and account balances.

It’s about your complete life.

You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who cares about your personal goals for your family, your business, your future. Who can give you comfort in making decisions that not only support your financial objectives, but that help ensure you have time to do the things you enjoy with those you love.

A N

I N D E P E N D E N T

F I R M

BENJAMIN G. BOYNTON, CFP & JOANNA J. BOYNTON, CFP 12400-B South Shore Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414 561.795.9156 Toll-Free 888.795.9156 Fax 561.795.6812 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

continued from page 1 “Having said that, I’m surprised they submitted this to begin with, and it does not surprise me at all that there are things they are out of compliance with,” Larson said.

“The fact that they do not have a representative here further states how little they think of our system.”

Larson said although the district issues its own permits, the school is still in Royal Palm Beach and should meet at least some of its standards.

Erwin said there are state statutes that deal specifically with school projects, including interlocal agreements, which the village

portant to do these little things and do them in groups of people,” she said. “If you stand alone, you’re going to get run over.”

Johnson said he thought that the state legislature should pass a statute making parents responsible for a minor caught drinking. Carroll said the town can enact sanctions requiring law enforcement to notify parents that their teen has been caught drinking and require a joint meeting and assessment with the parents, teen and authorities.

Sharyn Browning, wife of Mayor Dave Browning, said other local organizations should be urged to participate. “We’ve got to prioritize,” she said. “Is it always up to the government or the police to control the problem that comes from family issues?”

Browning said the community’s many churches could take part.

“You can ordinance your life away, but unless you change a person from the inside, they are the best-educated drug addicts, the best-educated drinkers in history,” she said. “It’s not an outside issue. It’s an inside issue.”

Mayor Browning agreed, noting that much of the alcohol teens get is from their parents’ homes.

“These kids don’t have to buy their alcohol, they just take it from mom and dad,” he said.

PBSO District 14 Commander Lt. David Combs said enforcement in public areas such as a park is not difficult, but that enforcedid have last January. “That did provide for alternate approval procedures as long as it met the spirit and intent of the code,” Erwin said. “In realizing the budget constraints that the school district has, this was the best they were able to offer toward complying with those regulations and still meeting the budget to actually remove the portable classrooms and give us something better for the village.

Is it an ideal situation? Absolutely not. Is it better than what was there previously? Absolutely, it is.”

Lambiase was not happy with that explanation. “So, why are we here?” she asked. “Tell them to stop killing trees. Look at all this paper. It’s going to be better for the kids, but that’s not the point.

There’s other situations that it could be better for the village, but

Doris Carroll, executive director of the Partnership for a DrugFree Community of South Florida, addresses LGLA members.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

ment on private property can be tricky. All underage drinkers are subject to arrest, but regarding catch and release, Combs said the community needs to help decide policy. “You are the community,” Combs said. “You tell me what you want me to do with your community, and if it’s constitutional, I will do it, but it’s a double-edged sword. If you want me to give no quarter, you will be wondering

why Joey doesn’t get into Harvard.”

Carroll said the community can impose sanctions on underage drinking such that if the teen complies with the sanctions, the arrest will not go on his record. “You can choose,” she said. “You can have sanctions that are different for a 14-year-old than a 19-year-old.

That’s up to you. It doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter.”

we can’t just go do it. I’m really irritated at the lack of reciprocity that goes on. We deserve the same respect that is given to them. I am not approving anything that is not up to village code.”

Larson said she felt Lambiase summed up the issue very well.

Commission Alternate Janet Ellis commented on the unpermitted vehicle storage and maintenance, which the school district indicated it would have cleaned up

by August 2016. “Why are they not cleaning it up now during construction?” Ellis asked. “Why are they waiting five years?”

Ellis added that she did not like the bus loop on Park Road North.

“That is a very congested area,” she said.

Commissioner Barbara Powell said she did not understand how the bus loop could meet code, and

Irwin said it was reviewed by the village engineer and was deemed to meet requirements.

Commission Alternate Michael Newkirk agreed that what will be there is better, but their job is to see to it that applications are submitted properly and meet the code. “I don’t buy the lack of money,” Newkirk said. “It’s our tax dollars that fund the school district. I won’t vote for it; it’s completely out of code. Whether that makes a difference or keeps them from doing anything, I don’t know, but symbolically, I’m not going to vote to agree with it.”

A motion by Larson to approve the application failed 5-0.

Decisions of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission are advisory only. The issue will now head to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

Page 8

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

NEWS

FUN, FOOD & MORE AT PALMS WEST SURGICENTER’S PEDIATRIC HEALTH FAIR Palms West Surgicenter held its third annual Pediatric Health Fair on Saturday, June 25 at its office on the cam pus of Palms West Hospital. Vendors on hand included the Orthopedic Center, My Gym and Children’s Surgical Specialists, and there were children’s activities, arts & crafts and a free barbecue. For more info., visit www.palmswestsurgicenter.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Palms West Surgicenter staff members by the business sign.

Clinical Manager Susan Christian and Chief Anesthetist Anthony Ferrese grill burgers and hot dogs.

Rachael Eakins, Melissa Keagle and Dr. Theresa Rattey of the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County.

Palms West Surgicenter Director of Business Development Lauren Lazar with Administrator Linda Bradford.

Ariann Payne and Lauryn Haya make foam picture frames.

Meredith Bradley tests Britney Rodriguez’s hearing.

PALMS WEST RADIO CLUB HOLDS FIELD DAY DEMONSTRATIONS AT OKEEHEELEE The Palms West Amateur Radio Club held an amateur radio demonstration June 25 and 26 at Okeeheelee Park as part of the annual Field Day event, during which thousands of amateur radio operators gather at locations across the nation to show off emergency capabilities. To learn more, visit www.emergency-radio.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Palms West Amateur Radio Club members Dawn Null, Carol Bailey and Louise Connolly.

Hugh Connolly points out how many states have been contacted.

Club President Rob Pease makes 90 contacts per hour.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 9

NEWS

CAMPERS AT BREAKERS WEST ENJOY A VISIT FROM THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary visited Breakers West summer camp on Wednesday, June 22. The “oohs,” “ahhhs,” squeals and giggles of the children filled the room as animals were shown one by one while Mar k McCarthy told stories about them. Breakers West is accepting kids for camp through Aug 19. For more info., call Eunice at (561) 653-6333.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Mark McCarthy guides Kayla Clemente as she holds Wally, an American alligator.

Ari Chernoblesky feeds grapes to Cosmo, a ring-tailed lemur.

Noah Ledis holds Hariette, a r ose-haired tarantula, while Mark McCarthy talks to the campers.

Mark McCarthy with Sandy, a Florida panther.

Logan Castellanos holds Louie, a kinkajou.

Norma Jean, a scarlet macaw, gives Mark McCarthy a kiss while Alexa Anderson looks on.

ORANGETHEORY HOSTS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION AT NEW RPB LOCATION

Orangetheory Fitness held grand opening celebration Saturday, June 25 at its location in Royal Palm Beach’s Southern Palm Crossing plaza. There were special discounts for new members, vendors and a visit from the Bloodmobile. For more info., visit www. orangetheoryfitness.com or call (561) 753-8111.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Thea Patrick of Massage Envy gives Michelle Pericchi a mini massage.

Mind, Body and Sole Manager Nicole Sierra discusses a running shoe with Jennifer Cashen.

Orangetheory’s Katie Vazqueztell, Jason Fisher, Stephanie Susu and Ira Bell.

Page 10

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

NEWS BRIEFS Big Fourth Of July Planned In Wellington

Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation President Greg Leach with honorary chairs Janice and Dr. Rick Levene.

Pro/Am Golf Classic Benefits Hospice Facility Golf balls were dropping from the sky (or rather a helicopter) as part of the inaugural Pro/Am Golf Classic to benefit Hospice of Palm Beach County’s first inpatient facility, the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice & Palliative Care Unit at JFK Medical Center.

The event, held at Atlantis Country Club, began with a luncheon, generously sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, followed by a “copter drop,” where golf balls, purchased as a 50/50 raffle, were dropped from a helicopter onto the 10th green. The three balls closest to the hole won. Nat Nason won first place and $500.

An awards reception with silent auction followed the tournament.

Approximately $30,000 was raised for the inpatient facility.

Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the specialized programs and services offered by Hospice of Palm Beach County through strategic philanthropy, competitive fund management and the responsible stewardship of those gifts entrusted to it.

The foundation will host its 12th annual Horizons Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 23 out of the Riviera Beach Marina.

For more information about the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, call (561) 494-6881 or visit www.hpbcf.org.

The public is invited to Wellington’s annual Fourth of July Family Celebration on Monday, July 4 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road).

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with inflatable rides, face painting, paint-less paintball, traditional games, food for purchase and more. Live entertainment by the Life Church Band will begin on the stage at 6 p.m. Free bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. inside the gymnasium, sponsored by Humana.

The event will conclude with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Free shuttle transportation service will be available from the Mall at Wellington Green Palm Tran bus stop beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (561) 791-4005.

If your family is looking for a way to cool off earlier in the day, visit the Wellington Aquatics Complex from noon to 5 p.m. for a refreshing dip in the pool! Regular admission fees apply. For more information, call (561) 7914770.

RPB To Host Annual Fishing Tourney July 4 Royal Palm Beach will host its annual Red, White & Blue Fourth of July Family Fishing Tournament on Monday, July 4 at Lakeside Challenger Park, presented by the Royal Palm Bassmasters and

the Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department.

The schedule is as follows: registration (on-site only), 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.; deadline for bass weigh-ins (bass must be alive) 11 a.m. sharp; deadline for fish weigh-ins, noon sharp; entertainment and awards presentation, 12:15 to 1 p.m.

Age groups are Small Fry (6 and under), Child (7-9), Junior (10-12), Teen (13-19) and Parent/ Child (child must be 12 or under).

There will be a free prize for each participant. Categories are Bass and Other (catfish, panfish, gar, etc. but no grass carp).

Participants can enter in one category only. Bass must be alive so take proper precautions. Participants may fish safely and legally anywhere. Boat ramp permits valid on July 4 only are available at the RPB Recreation Center.

For more information, call Royal Palm Beach Recreation at (561) 790-5124.

P.W. Chamber Poker Tourney Set For July 30 The 2011 Palms West Chamber Poker Tournament will take place Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach Kennel Club (1111 N. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach).

The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 as well as a seat at the World Series of Poker Circuit, which will be held for the second year in a row at the Palm Beach Kennel Club in February 2012.

The tournament entry fee,

which includes a seat, dinner and two drinks, is $75 per person or you can reserve a table of 10 for $750.

For those not interested in playing poker, there is a dinner buffet and the dog races for $30.

“We are really excited to be holding our fourth annual poker tournament at the Palm Beach Kennel Club,” Palms West Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Marc Schlags said. “It is home to the World Series of Poker Circuit, and our participants will have the opportunity to be in a professional atmosphere with professional poker dealers. It is going to be a great experience for everyone.”

For more information, or to register online for the tournament, visit www.palmswest.com, e-mail marc@palmswest.com or call Marc Schlags at (561) 790-6200.

Temple B’nai Jacob Open House Aug. 14 Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington will hold an open house Sunday, Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anyone interested can find out about the various programs and services B’nai Jacob has to offer the Jewish community of Wellington and the surrounding areas.

Whether you are a young family just putting down roots, empty nesters who are looking to connect with your Jewish peers or somewhere in between, B’nai Jacob welcomes all. From Tot Shab-

bats to a thriving religious school, to Bagels and Blessings with Rabbi David Abrams, there is something for everyone looking for a warm, spiritual Conservative synagogue.

Stop by the temple on Aug. 14 to meet the rabbi and have a nosh.

Bring the kids for a special arts and crafts activity and to learn more about the B’nai Jacob religious school.

High Holiday tickets will be available for purchase.

Temple B’nai Jacob is located inside the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 6. For more information, call (561) 793-4347.

Special Event At Fred Astaire Dance Studio On July 9 at 7 p.m., the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in West Palm Beach will host a spectacular event with live performances just like ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.

The judges will present their scores, and the audience will be able to vote for their favorite couple.

Tickets are available for $30 at the studio (4603 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 120, West Palm Beach) or by calling (561) 4781400 to make your reservation.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

For more information about the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, call (561) 478-1400 or visit www.fred astairewpb.com.

The Town-Crier

WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 11

NEWS

Creative Fun And Learning At Wellington Presbyterian Church VBS

By Jessica Gregoire The youth and volunteers also making the activities engaging for ble verse memorization, snacks, Town-Crier Staff Report games and a movie. The children created and put on skits depend- the children and decorated the acIt was the annual Vacation Bi- rotated to a different activity ev- ing on the point being learned for tivity rooms. Many of the volunble School week at Wellington ery 25 minutes, each held in vari- the day. “It’s just neat to see their teers were former VBS students.

Presbyterian Church the week of ous rooms throughout the school. creativity because they don’t have Vacation Bible School begins June 20.

In the arts & crafts room, chil- any scripts or anything; they just the week after Father’s Day and The program teaches children dren made and decorated book make it up on their own,” Peters takes place from 8:30 a.m. to about the Bible through various bags to send to children in the said. “And just seeing the volun- noon. Students range from kinderactivities. Its purpose was to make Dominican Republic along with a teers and how they work together garten to fifth grade. Parents can learning about the Bible fun for Bible. The church partnered with with the children — they’re ex- start registering their children for children. “Each year, many of the Biblica, a Christian literature min- cited to tell the children about next year’s VBS beginning Easstudents come back,” Children istry, to give Bibles to children in Jesus.” ter Sunday until the classes fill up.

The food and snacks were also “It usually fills up quickly, so I recMinistry Leader Jennie Peters need in a Latin American countailored to each Bible lesson ommend signing up early,” Peters said. “They enjoy it so much that try. they bring more friends with them The Bible points for the week taught for the day. Children made said. each year they come back.” were “God made you,” “God lis- crosses out of pretzels, icing and For more about Vacation Bible The activities are tailored to a tens to you,” “God watches over sprinkles. The teachers and crew School at Wellington Presbyterilesson in the Bible, and included you,” “God loves you no matter leaders included volunteers from an Church, call (561) 793-1007 or arts & crafts, music, playtime, Bi- what” and “God gives good gifts.” the community. They assisted in visit www.wpcfl.com.

CHECK OUT VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Kellie Smith, Gianna Montella, Kaylee Roberts, Jillian Payne and Anna Sansbury.

Kaden Krieger and Caedmon Uhren in the craft room.

Volunteer Peter Bartuska plays St. Peter.

Children play games related to the Bible.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

P.W. CHAMBER HOSTS MIXER AT JOE’S AMERICAN BAR & GRILL IN THE MALL The Palms West Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly networking mixer Wednesday, June 22 at Joe’s American Bar & Grill in the Mall at Wellington Green. Chamber members and non-members mixed and mingled while enjoying the restaurant’s food and drinks, as well as raffle prizes. The chamber presented a plaque to Joe’s General Manager William Penenori and Manager Kate Crossley for sponsoring the event. For more info., visit www.palmswest.com.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Mary Fisher of Huntington Learning Center gets a raffle ticket from Eric Gordon while Marcia Berwick of Vacation of a Lifetime looks on.

The Palms West Chamber’s Jessica Clasby, Mary Lou Bedford, Debi Leed, Marc Schlags and Scott Brown.

The Palms West Chamber’s Mary Lou Bedford with Joe’s Manager Kate Crossley and General Manager William Penenori, and Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda.

Page 12

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

NEWS

Wycliffe Couple Welcome Grandson’s Performance At Country Club

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report For some grandparents, having their grandchildren visit means looking for creative ways to entertain them. But Jeremy Weiss, grandson of Helene and Erwin Weiss, wanted to do just the opposite during his vacation.

On Sunday, June 26, he performed an array of classic Broadway and opera songs not only for his grandparents and their friends, but also for a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 people at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

“Most of the time grandparents, when the kids come down, are always wondering ‘Where am I going to take them?’” Helene Weiss said. “This fellow said, ‘How would you like me to entertain your friends?’”

Jeremy, 18, is an acclaimed actor and vocalist who recently won the Best Actor award from the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Typically, his grandparents get a DVD of his performances to watch, Jeremy said.

“They told me about how they show the DVDs to their friends,” he said. “But we had problems with… Phantom of the Opera and couldn’t get her a DVD. So I said, ‘Since you can’t show your friends a DVD of it, why don’t I just perform it for your friends?’”

What started as a performance in their home soon grew to more than 200 people in the community’s clubhouse. “He thought it would be in my house,” Helene Weiss said. “But then there were more people interested in coming.”

So, she contacted pianist and

friend Phyllis Weinstein to play with Jeremy and was able to move the event to the Wycliffe clubhouse.

Jeremy said he was excited to perform for the crowd. “Hopefully they enjoy it,” he said.

A first for the community, Helene Weiss believed it was so popular because people enjoy seeing young talent.

“I think the grandparents want to hear about other people’s grandchildren,” she said. “It’s something they can empathize with.

This has never been done at Wycliffe, and everyone is very excited about it.”

Jeremy attended Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Va., and has played the roles of Jinx in Forever Plaid, Marius in Les Misérables, Troy in High School Musical, Tony Lumpkin in

She Stoops to Conquer, Tony in West Side Story, Iago in Othello, Jerry in The Zoo Story, Birdboot in The Real Inspector Hound, Don Quixote in The Man of La Mancha and Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera this spring.

He has been honored with an all-star cast award and a two best actor awards from the Virginia Theater Association, five best actor awards from the Virginia High School League, and the Bill Hinek Theater Scholarship at Albemarle High School.

Jeremy participated in state competition winning productions of The Zoo Story and Man of La Mancha. Along with these honors, he was chosen to attend the Virginia Governor’s School in the summer of 2009 and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the summer of 2010.

Jeremy Weiss performs an array of Broadway and opera songs.

CHECK OUT VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTO WNCRIER.COM

Jeremy with Helene and Erwin Weiss before the show.

Erwin Weiss welcomes the crowd and introduces his grandson.

Jeremy Weiss with accompanying pianist Phyllis Weinstein.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Hoffman, Koester Join The South Florida Science Museum Team The South Florida Science Museum has announced two new additions to its team. Marcy Hoffman has been named director of development, while and Emily Koester is the new marketing and events coordinator for the museum.

“We are pleased to welcome Marcy and Emily to the team,” said Lew Crampton, the museum’s president and CEO. “It is an easy transition with both previously working alongside museum staff in some capacity this past season. We’re glad to have them on board.”

In her new role, Hoffman is re-

sponsible for the overall planning and executing of the museum’s approach to donor and member relations including membership, stewardship, grants and special events, marketing/public relations and fundraising.

As marketing and events coordinator, Koester will work closely with the museum’s education, visitor services and operations departments on the museum’s events and program support.

A third-generation Palm Beacher, Hoffman joins the museum with more than 25 years of experience in development for various nonprofit organizations. She most

recently managed her own consulting company and directed event operations for the museum’s 2011 Fete du Soleil event. A West Palm Beach resident, Hoffman received her primary education in Palm Beach at Graham Eckes/ Palm Beach Academy and is a graduate of the American University in Washington, D.C., where she received a bachelor ’s degree in communications and visual media.

Koester completed an internship at the museum before being hired as the museum’s marketing and events coordinator. She graduated from the University of Cen-

tral Florida with a bachelor’s degree in radio television and a specialization in broadcast journalism. Koester is a West Palm Beach resident.

New happenings at the museum include the exhibits “Attack of the Bloodsuckers” and “Tree Houses,” the amateur radio center open on weekends and holidays, as well as Nights at the Museum the last Friday of each month.

For more information about the South Florida Science Museum, its programs and its offerings, visit www.sfsm.org or call (561) 8321988.

Marcy Hof fman

Emily Koes ter

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 13

SCHOOL NEWS

Wellington Rotary Breaks Record With Peace Initiative Contests The Wellington Rotary Club again sponsored various contests as part of its annual Peace Initiative program. Schools throughout the community participated during April and May in poster, poetry and essay contests. The involvement of the Wellington school children was tremendous and broke all previous records for submissions.

The object, in all cases, was to present a view of conflict resolution and multicultural understanding aimed at the promotion of world peace and understanding.

The winners have been announced. The Peace Poster competition for all fourth-graders proved to be a close decision.

There were many wonderful posters from all of the contestants. This year’s competition attracted more than 340 submissions. Wellington-area elementary schools par-

ticipated for a prize of $50 to each school’s winning student, as well as a $50 prize to the classroom teacher of each winning student.

An overall winner from all of the finalists was chosen and will receive a $75 check.

The poster prize winners were: Equestrian Trails Elementary School student Kaleb Martinez and teacher Mrs. Manzella; Elbridge Gale Elementary School student Shannon Sawyer and teacher Mrs. Tobin; Panther Run Elementary School student Sophia Lorello and teacher Mrs. Culp; and Binks Forest Elementary School student Julia Wortman and teacher Mrs. Carney. All will receive a $50 prize.

The overall winner was Veronica Garcia-Parra from New Horizons Elementary School, who will receive a $75 prize. Her teacher is Mrs. McCloud, who will receive

a $50 prize. Garcia-Parra’s poster will also be used as part of the Wellington Rotary Club’s advertising campaign.

The Wellington Rotary Club also received poems from the middle schools. The winners were Judy Yang of Emerald Cove Middle School and Natalie Gomez of Wellington Landings Middle School. Both captured the spirit of the peace initiative. A special thank-you also goes to their teachers, Amy Yuzanas and Kerry Emery. A prize of $75 is awarded to each student.

The theme of the essay competition for high school students was based upon the words of the Dalai Lama: “Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.”

The winners of this competition were Tyler Bergman of Welling-

ton High School and Kayla Goldstein of Palm Beach Central High School. The club thanks their teachers, Ms. Cooperman and Ms. Ostaffe, for their work in guiding the students. Both students will receive a $100 prize.

All of the winners will receive their prizes at the United Nations Peace Day ceremony set for Sept.

21 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park (near the Wellington library on Royal Fern Drive).

Rotary invites all of the winners, their teachers and families to attend the celebration.

The Wellington Rotary Club congratulates all the students and teachers who participated. The club also thanks all of its volunteers who worked with the schools. The Wellington Rotary Club and the Village of Wellington look forward to seeing everyone at the ceremony on Sept. 21.

The winning poster by New Horizons Elementary School student Veronica Garcia-Parra.

TKA Sixth-Graders Visit The Nation’s Capitol

TKA sixth-grade students at the United States Capitol.

Students place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The King’s Academy’s sixthgrade students enjoyed their annual trip to Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas.

It was a special event that allowed all 59 students and 30 adult chaperones to create “precious and unforgettable” memories together, according to TKA Elementary Principal Jonathan Otto. The personal stories and testimonies of the chaperones at several of the historic sites, as well as encounters with some World War II veterans, made history come to life for the sixth-graders.

Some of the sights they visited were Capitol Hill, the United States Supreme Court, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Holocaust Museum, and the national memorials at the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Visiting these sites reminded the students of their Judeo-Christian heritage.

The students were impressed by the truth of George Washington’s words, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.”

King’s Academy students Cassidy VanWart, Chase Pereboom, Kirsten Adkins and Alexa Mickler participated in the aweinspiring, memorable and sacred wreath-laying ceremony at the

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

They received this honor by submitting essays on the topic “Why I Love My Country” and subsequently having their essays selected from all of the sixth-grade entries.

On the final day of the trip while visiting the National World War II Memorial, the group met and thanked many World War II veterans and current military personnel for their service to this country. These remarkable experiences made each person on the trip realize the importance of freedom and sacrifice.

“It is absolutely essential for our sixth-grade students to understand the cost of freedom and to demonstrate the proper respect for our fallen heroes,” Otto said. “They must learn the importance of communicating these crucial, revered, eternal truths to their own generation and future generations.”

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.

More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.

TKA seniors enjoy a day in Rome.

King’s Academy Seniors Travel To Italy And Greece The King’s Academy’s senior class of 2011 recently enjoyed a whirlwind 10-day tour through Italy and Greece. The trip was a wonderful culmination of their educational experiences at TKA. This class of seniors followed the tradition of 39 prior classes, traveling to foreign countries to experience history, culture and attractions.

The first half of the trip was spent in Italy, where some of the highlights included seeing the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Mammertine Prison — where the apostle Paul had been imprisoned

— and the Pantheon in Rome.

They then flew to Athens, Greece, where they visited Delphi and Corinth (both places Paul had visited) and the famous Mars Hill.

Highlights of the students’ time in Greece included TKA’s His People choir singing at an ancient theatre in Delphi, reading from the book of Acts 17 at Mars Hill, and retracing Paul’s journey in Corinth. The trip was a great way to bring the history to life for the students as they encountered relics and sights of significance that most had only learned of but never seen.

Page 14

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

RESIDENTS HOLD ROADSIDE ‘GET OUT THE VOTE’ EFFORT IN LOXAHATCHEE GROVES Loxahatchee Groves residents gathered along Okeechobee Blvd. last w eek to encourage people to turn out to vote in support of a referendum held Monda y, June 27 at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office. Residents who are qualified electors were asked to decide whether to have one or more of the district’s supervisors chosen by direct election, rather than the proxy vote by acreage system currently used. (See related story, page 1.)

Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association President Marge Herzog does her part to support the referendum.

Dustin Doran Graduates Coast Guard Training Coast Guard Seaman Dustin Doran, son of Judith and Thomas Doran of Lake Worth, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. During the eight-week training program, Doran completed a training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, physical fitness, health and wellness, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship.

Men and women train together from the first day in the Coast Guard just as they will work to-

gether aboard ships and shore units throughout the world. To reinforce the team concept, all recruits are trained in preventing sexual harassment, drug and alcohol awareness, civil rights training, and the basics of the worklife balance. Doran also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s core values — honor, respect and devotion to duty — and how to apply them in their military performance and personal conduct.

Doran will join 36,000 other men and women who comprise the Coast Guard’s workforce. He is a 2006 graduate of Lake Worth High School.

Willow Hindle (left) and Rose Rodriguez (right) hold signs.

Claus and Diane von Grote on the roadside.

Michelle Damone Earns CDO Designation

Michelle Damone

At its annual conference June 14-17 in Key Largo, the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD) presented Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone with the Certified District Official designation as part of its inaugural class.

The Certified District Officials (CDO) program is offered through FASD and is open to all elected officials from special districts in Florida. The CDO designation requires the completion of 32 hours of training in contract management, strategic planning, board relations with district manager and staff, public relations, intergovernmental affairs/agreements, financial management and audits, the

legislative process, and election, ethics and sunshine law.

In addition to serving as ITID president, Damone is chair of FASD’s Numeric Nutrient Committee. She has served on the ITID Board of Supervisors for the past nine years, having been most recently re-elected in 2008. Damone has served as chair of the American Cancer Society’s Acreage/ Loxahatchee Relay for Life (2008 and 2009), president of the Acreage Landowners’ Association (2004), president of the Acreage/ Loxahatchee Rotary Club (2004), chair of the Western Communities Council (2008 and 2009), member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

(2000-02) and many other organizations serving The Acreage and neighboring western communities.

Damone participated in the Certified District Official Program along with 16 other elected officials and attended every FASD meeting throughout the year.

The Indian Trail Improvement District was created by the Florida Legislature in 1957 as a special district responsible for the improvements and maintenance of swales, canals, roads and parks in a 37-square-mile area of central Palm Beach County, serving more than 40,000 residents.

For more information, visit www.indiantrail.com.

Palm Beach Style Rocks’ Jazz On The Palm Event In WPB A Success Fashionistas, foodies and fun jazz lovers attended a spectacular unconventional runway fashion event under the stars.

Palm Beach Style Rocks’ Jazz on the Palm was a special event to support the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Devine Style Inc., in conjunction with the City of West Palm Beach and Wild 95.5 FM, presented a community-style event at the West Palm Beach fountains on Clematis Street.

“The City of West Palm Beach was thrilled to partner with Divine

Style for Palm Beach Style Rocks’ Jazz on the Palm,” said Mary Pinak, City of West Palm Beach community events manager. “The combination of amazing jazz performers, our top-notch firefighters, and unique fashions from talented local designers made for a highly successful evening benefiting the Red Cross.”

Jazz sensation Ashley Lee kicked off the event at 7 p.m. Attendance for a Palm Beach County June event was at an all-time high, with more than 1,500 circu-

lating the vendor booths, listening to jazz and enjoying the fashion show.

At 9 p.m. the energy level shot up a few octaves and the crowd swelled as Wild 95.5 FM Morning Show host Virginia Lang, together with DJ Joshua Daniel, introduced a high-energy fashion show.

Gorgeous models took to the runway donning summer fashions from Amanda Adams Couture and stunning couture vintage from Fashionista Palm Beach (includ-

ing Oscar de La Renta, Emilio Pucci, Bill Bass, Halston, Herve Leger and more). Then, West Palm Beach firefighters were introduced individually as they escorted the doggie models onto the runway.

“After all, our first responders save the entire family, including our pets. We salute our local firefighter heroes for their amazing dedication to the community,” event organizer and Devine Style Inc. President Olympia Devine said.

That sentiment was echoed by Devine Style Vice President Troy Devine. “Yes, we are saluting our home-grown designers, organizations and heroes tonight,” he said.

“It is all about the Palm Beach County lifestyle.”

The doggy fashion show was a big hit as pooches walked the runway (coaxed and carried by the firefighters) in the latest fashions from Woof Gang Bakery in Palm Beach.

The fashion show finale segment included Brazilian-inspired

swimwear by Lezly Garrett. The models swept the runway with beach wraps blowing in the perfectly orchestrated wind. And to the surprise of the applauding audience, the models and firefighters finished the show by stepping off the runway into the Clematis Street fountains.

A well-attended weekend of instore events concluded the Palm Beach Style Rocks festivities on June 18 and 19. For more information, visit www.palmbeach stylerocks.com.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 15

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Volunteers Work To Improve Homeless Shelter In West Palm Beach

Diane Buhler, Patty Myura, Dorla Leslie, Stanton Collemer and Rebecca Weiss.

Thanks to a grant of $15,000 from Bethesda by the Sea’s Church Mouse in Palm Beach, the Center for Family Services’ Pat Reeves Village — an emergency shelter for homeless families with dependent children located in West Palm Beach — was able to have the 30 rotted and rusted doors replaced on the shelter, as well as the missing support columns. On Saturday, June 18, supporters and volunteers, including West Palm 100 members, came together to make the shelter safer for those who are in need.

All of the volunteers worked on this day-long project because they wanted to help the only homeless shelter in Palm Beach County dedicated to families with dependent

children. Local contractors who volunteered their services and expertise were: Chase/Daniello & Associates Inc., Snapp Works, SolarCool and Dr. Ernie Kuonen.

“We were so proud to be able to be a part of this renovation,” said Diane Buhler, board member of West Palm100. “The Center for Family Services’ Pat Reeves Village is vital to our community and for people at imminent risk of homelessness.”

West Palm 100 is a nonprofit social and civic organization composed of young professionals who are dedicated to supporting West Palm Beach’s children, families and neighborhoods through the donation of time, money and people power. It supports several ser-

vice-oriented organizations in West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.westpalm100.org.

Pat Reeves Village is the brainchild of Palm Beach resident and local philanthropist Patty Myura.

Her vision and dedication has created this emergency shelter for homeless families with dependent children. It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Families in the shelter are part of a structured, supportive program that includes crisis counseling provided by the Center for Family Services.

For people at imminent risk of homelessness, this program provides food vouchers, assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities.

It also provides relocation assis-

tance (travelers aid) for individuals who are stranded to return to their out-of-town families.

The Center for Family Services is a 50-year-old nonprofit social services organization whose mission is strengthening families through counseling, education and homeless intervention. For more information, call Stanton Collemer at (561) 616-1257 or e-mail scollemer@ctrfam.org or visit www.ctrfam.org.

The Church Mouse is located at 378 South County Road in Palm Beach and is open to receive donations all summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To schedule a pickup for furniture or large items, call Coy Riestra at (561) 659-2154.

Parent-Child Center Event Celebrates Children Surviving Cancer Everyone loves a party, especially the youngsters who attended the Parent-Child Center ’s “Pirates and Princesses” cancer survivor ball organized by the center ’s Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) on June 9.

Local children and teens with cancer gathered at the event to celebrate survivorship and simply let loose like kids out to have a good time. The annual event is an opportunity for children and their families to socialize with other families sharing like experiences and to take time to have fun.

Children battling cancer often miss out on many activities their friends participate in, as treatments

such as chemotherapy affect their immune systems and require them to be extra careful during play and when engaging in public activities. The evening featured kids’ favorite foods and snacks, a live DJ spinning the latest hits, dancefloor fun, face painting, crafts, games, cotton candy and a photo booth.

Memorable highlights of the party included survivor speeches from David Fitting, a brain tumor survivor, and Marisol Yepes, the mother of a child with leukemia.

The party was generously sponsored by the United Order True Sisters #61, who annually work to bring this celebration to the chil-

dren served by the Parent-Child Center’s POST program.

The POST program runs entirely on charitable contributions. To support the Parent-Child Center’s services and programs through giving or volunteerism, contact Laura Morse, Development Director at lmorse@gocpg.org or (561) 841-3500, ext. 1081.

The Parent-Child Center Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Palm Beach County since 1979.

Its mission is to partner with communities to passionately promote the economic and social well-being of children and families. For more information about the Parent-Child Center, or to learn how

to get involved, contact rlayman@ gocpg.org or call (561) 841-3500.

For more about Parent-Child Center’s programs, visit www.parentchildcenter.org, or follow the center on Facebook and Twitter.

POST is a program of the Parent-Child Center that provides quality services which promote the social-emotional health and well-being of children with cancer and their families in the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast.

POST receives funding from the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, Be A Star Foundation and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as well as other philanthropic donors.

A young party -goer on the dance floor with mom at the “Pirates and Princesses” cancer survivor ball.

EXE CUTIVE SUITES S TARTING AT $395./MO*

Imagine Being...

More Productive More Organized Less Stressed

Achieve all three with The Crexent Business Center at

V I STA PA R K CO M M O N S Whether you’re a small business on a budget or a corporate manager ready for an upgrade; we have a solution for you.

Flexible Terms • 24/7/365 Access • Conference Room Packages Utilities Included • Fast Access Internet • Receptionist Services Fully Furnished or Unfurnished • Notary Public Available

VISTA PARK COMMONS 2101 Vista Parkway • West Palm Beach, FL 33411

(561) 623-5463 VIRTUAL OFFICES FROM $89/MO • EXECUTIVE SUITES FROM $395/MO*

9 Beautiful Locations to Serve You Davie • Ft. Lauderdale • Jacksonville • Jupiter • Miami Lakes Naples / Bonita Springs • Stuart • Wellington • West Palm Beach

www.thecrexent.com • www.thecrexentblog.com * Must mention this ad. Valid with a 12-month agreement for executive or corporate offices. Limited time offer.

Cannot be combined with any other incentive. Not redeemable for cash. New clients only. Other restrictions may apply.

Page 16

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

NEWS LGWCD

Annual Meeting

continued from page 1 LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said he anticipates no increase in the budget except for costs associated with the referendum.

The district reported revenues over expenditures of $28,721. The total revenue in 2010 was $1,263,268, an increase of $22,580 over 2009, Saunier said.

Most of that money, 84 percent, came from special assessments.

The amount assessed was $137.95 per acre, which has not increased since 2007. “Next year we don’t anticipate an increase, either,” Saunier said.

Expenditures for fiscal 2010 were $1,234,547, up $13,263 from 2009. Saunier said the increase was offset by a decrease in capital outlays. The fund balance as of Sept. 30 was $182,054, or about 14 percent of the district’s budgeted 2010 expenditures.

In the legal report, LGWCD

Attorney Mary Viator said legal staff had met with representatives of other governmental entities, including the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, to resolve issues regarding operation of the district.

The firm prepared legal opinions, resolutions, agreements and easements, and prepared and reviewed contracts and correspondence required to operate the district, she said. “Going back over the years, we realized how much activity had occurred this particular year,” Viator said.

Viator said her firm spent considerable time on the referendum.

“There was coordination related to the petition referendum process to implement popular elections,” she said. “That included the preparation of public notices, the ballot, referendum certification, qualified electorate determination, the tabulation of votes… and the procedures in general.”

Other legal projects included: • Coordinating the enforcement of uniform standards regarding D Road Canal maintenance and removal of unpermitted culverts.

• Coordinating the district’s

Lynnette Ballard swears in returning LGWCD Supervisor Don Widing and new Supervisor Frank Schiola.

Goldenrod

Closed At The Canal

continued from page 1 Goldenrod residents from easy access to Azure Park.

Due to problems with negotiations, however, the park land may have to be acquired through eminent domain, Stillings said.

In March, Wellington conducted several public meetings on the issue and sent out surveys asking for feedback on the project; 174 residents responded, with many in favor of closing the road and building the park. “There was a predominance of support for the road closure,” Stillings said. “For the park, we saw about a 10 percent shift in support, but the majority were still in favor.”

Additionally, Wellington did both traffic and speed analyses at four locations on the road. “We determined that the daily traffic ranged from about 1,500 vehicles a day to a little more than 2,000,” he said.

Pedestrian counts were also taken in the morning and afternoon at the canal crossing and determined that about 40 children and 10 adults cross each day.

Stillings said that Wellington consulted with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the School District of Palm Beach County, none of which expressed a problem with the road closure.

The school district told Wellington that about 50 students who attend Wellington Elementary School live in the neighborhood, Stillings said. The closure would

Campus

Decision In August

continued from page 1 decides to approve a site, he would like to commit $500,000 to start the planning process. “I want to spend a year looking at it and planning,” he said.

Gallon said he and Becker have had long conversations about financing plans.

“What we have presented is what Dick and I have discussed and turned upside down on several occasions,” Gallon said. “We have employees who make sure we are good custodians of the people’s money. I think we are in a good financial position.”

Gallon said university presidents are raising their voices to the governor to do something to improve education. “I think this is just the beginning of the pressure that is going to be turned up on policy makers,” he said.

Trustee David Talley, who had been critical of moving forward now with a fifth campus, said he was a lot more comfortable after Becker explained where the money would come from.

budgeting process, including certification of the district’s non-ad valorem assessment roll.

• Coordinating with the district manager on financing of reconstruction and maintenance of roads.

• Coordinating road dedications to the district by drafting legislation that enabled it to go through with paving projects that property owners had approved.

• Researching title issues for a planned culvert crossing at 148th Terrace.

• Coordinating with the district and town regarding maintenance of non-district roads.

• Researching illegal placement of political signs and the district’s authority to remove them from district property.

In the engineer’s report, Saunier said the district is responsible for drainage, flood control and protection, water management and reclamation of land, as well as road maintenance and improvements. It remains a separate entity from the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

The district has continued to

network with federal, state and local agencies, including Palm Beach County’s engineering department, Palm Beach County Water Utilities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, Saunier said. Over the years, those agencies have contributed millions of dollars to offset significant increases in the district’s maintenance assessment.

“Special projects that otherwise would have been impossible to achieve have been funded with this revenue,” Saunier said.

“However, recent setbacks to national and state economies have resulted in fewer opportunities for outside revenue enhancement.”

Saunier said the district is strengthening its relationship with the town through the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee.

“The IGC has provided an effective forum for resolving common dif ficulties, identifying shared service responsibilities and cooperative project funding opportunities,” Saunier said.

LGWCD off icials thank retiring Supervisor Darlene Crawford.

mean that they would have to walk an extra half-mile each morning and afternoon.

One of the concerns in the community has been crime. Stillings said that there were 47 incidents in 2011, which he called “comparable with some of the other transitional neighborhoods.”

Several council members asked whether the closure would help combat crime, and PBSO Capt.

Jay Hart said it would.

“Any time you have a road closure and only give one access point, it will reduce crime,” he said. “It’s one less avenue for them to get away.”

Mayor Darell Bowen, who once lived on Azure, said that the road has been a problem for a long time. “It has a considerable amount of traffic,” he said. “It wasn’t designed to be an arterial street.”

Hart said that the closure would probably reduce traffic. “If you reduce traffic on the roadway, you reduce accidents,” he said.

Councilman Howard Coates asked if a footbridge or other pedestrian access would be appropriate. Hart said it would still allow access to the community. “If you allow a footbridge,” he said, “a criminal can still choose to go into Sugar Pond.”

Several council members expressed concern over crime issues in Azure Park and wondered if the road closure and opening of a new park would help alleviate those issues. Hart said that parks often attract crime, however, one way to combat that is sufficient lighting.

“Any time you have a place where people hang out, you have

the potential for crime,” he said.

“Criminals are like cockroaches.

You put light on them, and they scatter.”

During public comments, the majority of the 16 residents who spoke were in favor of the closure.

Azure Avenue resident Martin Davidson said that the road has been a problem for more than 20 years. “The issue is simple,” he said. “The road has become a pass-through. It was not designed as an artery, and the traffic pattern is more than what it was designed to handle. It’s an issue of safety. If it has a residual effect on crime, that’s great. But that’s not what I’m here for.”

Resident Kim Dube, who has lived on Azure Avenue for more than seven years, said she is concerned about the safety of children who play near the street. “I feel like I live in a Mayberry neighborhood with a speedway through it,” she said.

Other residents were concerned about crime.

Jason Crawford, who lives on Cosmos Court, said that his home was robbed two years ago.

“Neighbors did see the person leaving my home,” he said. “They also saw the same person entering a home on Goldenrod holding my pillowcase.”

Eighteen-year resident Edward Aiello said that most of the problem is crime committed on foot.

He recalled observing someone going through mailboxes on his street late at night. “I was on my bike,” he said. “I followed him all the way to Goldenrod.”

But other residents worried that cutting off the road would segregate the community. Dr. Naomi

Katzowitz said she would rather see the money spent to put in more lights for safety and speed-alleviating measures. “I think it sends a bad message to residents if we say, ‘You stay on your side, we’ll stay on our side,’” she said.

Wellington Landlord Association Co-Chairman Rett Waldman asked the council to give his organization time to work the problems out before closing the road.

In the three months since the association was formed, Waldman said that they have had 19 evictions and created a bad tenant list, encouraging all landlords in Wellington not to rent to those on the list.

“We want to assure residents that the landlords know this is a problem,” he said. “We’re concerned about the ability to put quality tenants in, and closing the road could cause an issue. We just ask that you work with the landlords and the police before you do something rash.”

Though council members expressed concern about segregating the neighborhoods, they were in favor of closing the road compared with other measures.

“We’ve had an overwhelming amount of residents in favor of the project,” Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said. “To me, it’s a mandate to do this. If that many people are asking for this, then they’re not just asking us. They’re telling us.”

He said he would support taking the road out completely. “Taking the bridge out is a one-time cost,” Willhite said. “We can’t fix the problem by having a deputy on every street corner because we can’t afford it.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine

Trustee Ken Kirby said completion of the criminal justice building and other projects currently underway should be paramount priorities, although he consented ultimately to go forward with discussions with owners of potential campus sites.

“If this were normal times, we could do this,” Kirby said. “This isn’t normal times, and I think we have to get out of the mindset that we are going to go back to normal times. Whatever normal was isn’t here anymore.”

Kirby said as stewards of the college, the board had the responsibility not to put the institution at risk. “I think to move into the next stage right now is just not indicated,” he said.

Board Chairman William Berger said the objective was not to start building a new campus, but he agreed they should seriously consider acquiring the property.

Trustee Wendy Link said she felt that if the college acquired property, it should begin building as soon as possible.

Link also pointed out that three years ago, the board was ready to sign an agreement with Wellington for the K-Park property, which she said is no longer

considered a major contender for the campus.

“To sit on property in this kind of economy doesn’t make sense,” she said. “If we’re willing to build, I’m with you 110 percent.”

Becker said about $11.4 million would available to begin construction of an approximately 54,000square-foot building right away to start off, if a site is acquired.

Gallon added that not having possession of a piece of property would weaken their negotiating position to acquire PECO funding for the 2012 legislative session. “It puts us in a position to be able to be in control of our destiny,” he said.

Trustee Carolyn Williams agreed that having the property would put them in a better negotiating position. “At the center of this are the students and the economy,” she said. “You talk about jobs; you talk about retraining people. The colleges have had some significant economic impact on the local economy over the years.”

Callery-Judge Grove General Manager Nat Roberts said he thought the board was going through a good process and that

the least expensive process for the college would be to go with Callery-Judge, since it is offering 75 acres free of charge.

“We have tried for many years, since 2005, to help the college do what it wanted to do to get this campus built,” Roberts said. “We have over the last two years made sure that we communicated to Tallahassee leadership that land is available and that you would have the land if you needed to build.

We have tried to and will continue to try to help the college accomplish its goals.”

While the Callery-Judge land is free, college officials expect that site work and road work for the site could cost more than in other locations.

Joe Lelonek with Land Design South, representing the Simon property owners, said the board should consider how many of the properties can offer 75 acres in a good location.

“I think you’re at a great time now to be looking at or negotiating or striking a deal on property for your fifth campus,” Lelonek said. “The development industry right now is probably the best time you’re going to get.”

Lelonek said the Simon prop-

The town has transferred gas tax revenue to the district the past three years, which has offset some road maintenance costs, letting the district keep the road maintenance assessment steady. “The cooperative relationship between the district and town has provided a direct financial benefit to the residents and landowners of the Loxahatchee Groves community,” Saunier said.

Regarding canal maintenance and improvements, Saunier said the drought has been a concern.

“Drought conditions have intensified over the past year, with the lowest volume of rainfall recorded in the last 80 years,” Saunier said.

As a result, the South Florida Water Management District issued an emergency order requiring all permit holders to reduce water use to 85 percent of their historic averages.

While the LGWCD has a variance valid through July 15, the SFWMD noted that the district must make appropriate changes to its system to comply with future water shortage restrictions. Sau-

nier noted that future SFWMD restrictions could threaten the district’s ability to fight fires.

The district pumped 567.22 million gallons of water from the C-51 Canal in 2010 to replenish water levels, Saunier said. The district’s water use permit from the SFWMD allows a maximum of 1.332 billion gallons to the district.

The district also received and managed more than 52.1 inches of rain in 2010, which equates to 11.3 billion gallons of water, a net decrease of rainfall of 39 percent compared with 2009, Saunier said.

Saunier said there is also concern over the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality rulemaking for numeric nutrient criteria, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s reclassification of surface waters, which he said could be expensive for water control districts.

“The district has joined with the Florida Association of Special Districts in monitoring and confronting this draconian action by the EPA as it progresses,” Saunier said.

Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District heavy equipment operator Jim DeLong received a five-year award at the LGWCD annual meeting Monday. He is shown here (center) with District Administrator Clete Saunier and LGWCD Chairman Dave DeMarois.

PHOTOS BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

(Above) Officials worry that Azure Park has become a gathering place for criminal activity and hope to stem the problem with the road closure. (Below) The empty lot on Goldenrod Road between Hyacinth Place and Exotica Lane will become a new park for neighborhood children.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Priore was concerned about voting to take the empty lot by eminent domain, but Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that Wellington would try to negotiate with the

property owner and then return to the council to begin the process of eminent domain if needed.

The measure passed unanimously.

erty has no restrictions and no liens. “Other than some trees, it is pretty clear,” he said, pointing out that Southern Blvd. is the major east-west corridor for the area.

The Simons are asking $4.75 million for 75 acres of the 97-acre site.

Berger asked for a poll of the

board to see if it wants to move forward with negotiations and consider a motion at the August meeting.

“That doesn’t mean we are going to do it,” he said.

By consensus, all board members said they favored moving forward.

Blotter continued from page 6 the intersection of Southern and Forest Hill boulevards when he observed a vehicle, which sounded like it was dragging something, pass the site without changing lanes as required by law. The deputy followed the vehicle onto Forest Hill Blvd. and initiated a traffic stop. According to the report, the driver of the vehicle, 46-yearold Louann Feinberg, immediately exited the vehicle and appeared to be walking away. The deputy made contact with Feinberg who, according to the report, smelled of alcohol. After roadside tasks, Feinberg was arrested. When the deputy returned to the vehicle, he discovered her three children inside. Feinberg was taken to the county jail where she was charged with driving under the influence

and three counts of child neglect.

JUNE 28 — A resident of the Trails community called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim received a call from his bank that there was suspicious activity on his account.

Between 7 p.m. last Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, an unknown person used the victim’s credit card number to make several purchases. The perpetrator(s) used the card at a Walgreens in Springhill, Fla. to make two purchases for $67.84 and $53.41, and at an Exxon gas station in Hudson, Fla. for $44.93. According to the report, the victim said his card was in his possession and does not know how the account number was compromised. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 17

Page 18

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

‘Buck’ Is A Must-See For Horse Lovers (And Everyone)

In theaters now, Buck is a 90-minute documentary chronicling the legendary horseman Buck Brannaman, one of the original “horse whisperers.” Columnist Ellen Rosenberg highly recommends this movie, which has life lessons for everyone, not just horse lovers.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 19

Giselle’s Dance Studio Hosts Recital At RPBHS

Giselle’s Dance Studio hosted its 15th annual dance recital Saturday, June 25 at Royal Palm Beach High School.

Dancing to a full house, Giselle’s Dance Studio students performed a variety of routines, including the popular “daddy and daughter dance.” Page 36

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Health & Fitness Fitness Trainer: To Achieve Long-Lasting Results, Diversify Your Workout Routine

By maintaining variety in your workout, your body will avoid adaptation, or becoming used to a set routine. Program diversity allows for growth of muscle and total body fat loss. It’s one of the fastest ways to get in shape. BCx Boot Camp at Wellington’s Ultima Fitness, launching July 9, is a group-based exercise program designed to increase your cardio and muscular endurance, burn fat and tone muscle.

Page 29

Sports Wellington High School Wraps Up Its Summer Basketball Camp

Wellington High School’s summer basketball camp dre w more than 200 children eager to learn about basketball or hone their skills. Held June 2024 and June 27 through July 1 in the WHS gymnasium, the camp allowed players to learn from WHS coaches and team members. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................21-22 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 27 BUSINESS NEWS .................................30-31 SPORTS & RECREATION ..................... 35-38 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ..................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................ 42-47

Page 20

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 21

FEATURES

‘Buck’ Film Is A Must-See For Horse Lovers... And Everyone I’m not much of a moviegoer. Occasionally, a friend will call and say, c’mon, let’s go, but if there’s nothing decent playing, I’ll pass.

Once in a while, however, a movie comes along that has me calling my friends and insisting, c’mon, let’s go. Such was the case with Buck.

I’d been waiting and watching for this movie for a while, and then I got lucky. It suddenly showed up at a few of our area theaters on June 24. That evening I gathered up four friends, and off we went.

I’d been aware of Buck Brannaman for some years. I own a copy of his book The Faraway Horses, which I highly recommend.

I use a Buck Brannaman halter with one of my more “pushy” horses. It backs him up nicely, makes him more polite.

Buck is a 90-minute documentary chronicling the legendary horseman, one of the original “horse whisperers.”

Brannaman served as a consultant on the filming of The Horse Whisperer, and there are extensive interviews with that film’s director/star, Robert Redford. Buck won the Sundance Film Festival 2011 Audience Award, the Full Frame Film Festival 2011 Audience Award, and Best Documentary at the Crossroads Film Festival 2011.

The format is loose. There’s no tight stoGet 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 ryline here. It follows Brannaman as he hitches up his trailer, time after time, leaving his family behind and following his gypsy life on the road — in Montana, Oregon, Maine, Colorado — giving four-day workshops.

There are archival clips of early clinics as well as current ones.

Brannaman helps owners “start” their young horses, which in horse parlance means riding a horse for the first time. He helps out with “problem children” and shows owners how to work with their horses in ways that make sense to the horse.

Gradually, the audience comes to understand Brannaman the man, his horrific childhood, and how that terrible experience allowed him to see horses from a totally different perspective, empathizing with their emotions and reactions in a way that makes their behavior completely logical.

Now, before you decide that this is a movie only horse owners would appreciate, two of the four friends who accompanied me to see the film were not horse people by any stretch of the imagination. I was especially

interested in their take on the movie, because there’s a lot more to this film than just watching people work horses.

We learn about Brannaman’s childhood.

His father forced him and his older brother to be rodeo performers at a very young age.

Blindfolded, they’d perform roping tricks, standing up on their horses’ backs. Brannaman was only 5 when he began. His father, Ace, was a man with many problems, and he took out his frustrations on his sons. His mother died when he was 11, and the beatings and torture intensified.

When a coach at school caught sight of Brannaman’s striped back one day, the authorities finally stepped in. The brothers were placed in a foster home, and Brannaman finally had a loving, stable family. But ingrained in him forever were the feelings of fear that many horses experience when faced with incomprehensibly scary situations.

Working with the acknowledged father of “natural horsemanship,” Ray Hunt, Brannaman gradually learned how to use his insights to reach troubled horses and, eventually, show owners how to do the same.

Throughout the film, there’s a lot of Brannaman sharing his insights into relationships, both horse and human. Emotions are emotions, and all of us have to deal with difficult situations and personalities. Seeing it from a different perspective allows us to think about our own daily interactions in a novel way.

People (and horses) all learn from mistakes,

The movie poster from Buc k, now in theaters. but there are ways to use mistakes to teach, just as there are ways to use mistakes to punish and diminish someone’s self-worth. Brannaman emphasizes figuring out what went wrong and thinking of alternative ways to try something. He states that horses are a perfect mirror for what’s going on inside that horse’s See ROSENBERG, page 22

Page 22 July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

FEATURES

Growing Up, It Was Always My Brother’s Fault... I Think I miss my brother. I did nothing but fight with the kid the whole time we were growing up, but now I need someone with whom to reminisce about it.

One of my earliest memories is of him throwing a brick at my head. Awwww…

See? This is exactly what I mean. I remember the brick, but I don’t remember the back story. All these years I’ve believed that there was no back story, that Jimmy was just a psychotic 3-year-old who hated me and was having one of his typical bad days. But now, I wonder.

In retrospect, I suppose there is the remote chance that I did something to instigate the attack. I mean, I was much older and more 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 mature — or so my parents kept telling me.

“Be a good example, for crying out loud!” they’d holler. After all, I was all of 5.

I’d think that maybe Jimmy had been all pumped up on sugary sweets, but we hardly ever had sugary sweets back then. A little brown sugar on our oatmeal, that was about it. So I can’t blame sugar.

And what was a brick doing in the house in the first place? Was it a doorstop? Or just something that wacko had carried up two flights of stairs from the street?

I do remember getting punished for ducking when he threw it because it went sailing through the closed window. Parents! You’d think I would’ve gotten praised for quick thinking, saving my own life like that. But no.

My mom always punished us the same way.

We’d both have to sit on the edge of the bed in the room with the door closed until we apologized and made up. When one of us hollered, “OK, we’re ready!” she’d come in to witness the spectacle and then make us shake hands or hug one another to prove we were serious. Bleah.

This tactic worked, but I never apologized first. I didn’t have to. Jimmy was much more rambunctious than I was, so being confined to one small room inside the house was like putting him into a lockbox underground.

I’d simply sit on the bed, calmly tracing the pattern of the quilt with my finger until he snapped. This usually took about three minutes.

The first minute, we’d barely look at one another. We’d just sit there and fume.

The second minute, Jimmy would start getting antsy. He’d start bouncing and fidgeting, and I knew he was ready to crack.

The third minute, he’d plead, “So you wanna be friends?” and I’d shrug, “OK.” I’d try to convey with this shrug the fact that having him as both my brother and my friend was completely optional to me. I could take him or leave him.

The minute mom witnessed our handshake, Jimmy was out the door. He hurtled down the stairs of our duplex like a madman, gulping big breaths of the air that is freedom.

The day of the incident, I watched him from the broken window, then pulled out my paper dolls, cut from the back page of McCall’s magazine. I figured I had some precious alone time ahead of me.

And I did. Jimmy didn’t come back until he’d found another brick.

‘Bad Teacher’ Could Be Better, But Still Brings The Laughs The major problem with Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) in Bad Teacher is that she is not as bad as she could be, nor as funny.

Yes, she barely knows her students’ names, even by the end of the year. And, yes, most of her class time in the beginning consists of showing movies, ironically ones about great teachers. And she comes to class hung over, and she does drugs while in school. But when, for all the wrong reasons, she actually begins to teach (very badly, by the way), even though it’s for her own reasons (to get a bonus that would pay for a boob job so she can attract a wealthy man to get her out of the classroom), she does put in effort. Which puts her ahead of a few teachers I have known.

I have to admit that as soon as I saw the trailer for Bad Teacher, I began looking forward to it. Since I was an educator for 36 years, I certainly saw my share. And watching movies about wonderful teachers always bores me since I know how fake they are. Give a quick speech, recognize that all your colleagues are fools, and suddenly kids with all sorts of problems can learn. Even Jaime Escal-

Rosenberg

Don’t Miss ‘Buck’ Film

continued from page 21 owner; we can choose to look in that mirror, but we may not like what we see.

Many horses have satisfactory outcomes in the clips. Young horses are successfully, and quietly, backed and ridden for the first time. Owners learn how to work with their horses to enhance two-way communication.

But there’s one horse, a “problem child” who does not have a happy ending. This 3-yearold stallion is the most dangerous horse I’ve ever seen. The owner, a young woman, is clearly at her wits’ end as she brings the horse to one of Brannaman’s clinics.

It soon becomes apparent that this horse is beyond help. Although Brannaman works with it briefly and one of his assistants rides it for

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler ante, the hero teacher of Stand and Deliver, was gone a few years later. Teaching is a tough job, and there are a lot of rocks on the path.

But the idea of a truly bad teacher as the center of a film? Wonderful; let freedom ring.

But the movie never quite lets Elizabeth be as absolutely bad as it might. At times, she shows actual concern for her students. In an age when stories of women sleeping with teenage boys and getting children involved in drugs are not uncommon, Elizabeth is not all that terrible. Uncaring, yes.

The real problem with the film is that there is no good contrast to her. Lucy Punch as her real rival Amy Squirrell almost steals the movthe first time, the horse has learned so many hazardous behaviors that it’s basically a loaded gun waiting to go off. When the assistant goes back into the round pen later to work with it, the horse attacks him, biting his head severely in an attempt to kill him.

Brannaman has a quiet, private talk with the owner. He doesn’t tell her. She comes to the realization herself. This horse will have to be put down. Brannaman honestly lays the blame for the horse’s behavior at her feet, and she knows it. Not through any cruelty, but through ignorance of how to raise a horse, she had allowed this horse to become a monster.

The film leaves the audience in a thoughtful mood, thinking about how we regard ourselves, how we treat others, and about how sometimes, not willfully, we can create monsters in our own lives.

For more information, visit www.buckthe film.com.

ie. She is hysterically funny. And about as bad a teacher in her over-caring way as Elizabeth is at the other end of the spectrum. And, she manages to be like Wile E. Coyote with Elizabeth as the Road Runner. She constantly comes up with elaborate plans to disgrace Elizabeth (she has a scene in the men’s room with the principal that is hysterical) and constantly has her own bomb (metaphorically) explode all over her.

Jason Segel as the stereotypical gym teacher, Russell Gettis, is far more grounded in reality, yet is clearly more than a bit off-center.

Justin Timberlake’s Scott Delacorte, a rich substitute teacher (and boy does that sound strange these days, doesn’t it?) is an impossible wimp. In one of the better scenes, he sings a song so badly that it makes the Internet sensation Friday seem like, well, Justin Timberlake.

Diaz, of course, is gorgeous. She knows how to do comedy well and is certainly willing to go pretty far in order to get laughs. She is marvelously manipulative (she has a wonderfully funny scene with Thomas Lennon as a

standardized test coordinator that is hysterical). She uses her looks and those fabulous legs wherever possible. And in this area at least, the film stays true to life. There are teachers as gorgeous as she is in classrooms. I married one. (Happy anniversary, darling!)

But there are a lot of funny scenes. Teachers should definitely watch this; they will appreciate a lot of the craziness of the typical classroom, here exaggerated but still funny.

And there are a lot of good laughs for all. It is a guilty kind of pleasure, increased because Elizabeth does not go through the usual journey to find redemption. She is manipulative until, well, the last minute or two of the movie.

Should you see the movie? It is funny, part of the new trend toward raunchy films about women. Bridesmaids is far funnier. But we always need more comedies, and adult ones do have the extra charm that in most cases they live in the real world. There was a lot of the real school experience in the movie, far more than I expected. And I laughed a lot. Yes, I felt some guilt afterward, but it was a good time.

Bank Of America Program Offers Free Admission To Science Museum On July 2 and 3, Bank of America is helping its customers celebrate Independence Day with a cultural experience. Through the national program Museums on Us, area bank cardholders receive free admission to the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach.

As part of Museums on Us, more than 152 leading U.S. cultural institutions, in 87 cities across the country, open their doors to bank cardholders on the first full weekend of each month. Participating institutions include museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, science centers and zoos. Other upcoming weekends include Aug. 6-7 and Sept. 3-4.

Now halfway through its 14th season, Museums on Us includes some of the coun-

try’s best cultural institutions ranging from the Bronx Zoo in New York City and the Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Miami.

The offer is valid the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institution, excluding fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows. Not to be combined with other offers.

For more information about Museums on Us, visit http://museums.bankofamerica.com.

For more about the South Florida Science Museum, visit www.sfsm.org.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 23

Page 24

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

• ACADEMY F OR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., RPB. Phone: (561) 798-3458. Fax: (561) 793-6995.

•LOXAHATCHEE COUNTRY PRESCHOOL — Loxahatchee Country Preschool at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. has been serving the area for more than 20 years. It is Apple and Gold Seal accredited. Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo purchased the school in 1998. They introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. A Quality Counts School for 21 years! The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computer and swimming lessons. Their method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They striv e to achiev e a feeling of self-esteem through per sonal discover y and accom plishment. The non-sectarian philosophy promo tes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural dif ferences. Snacks are included in the tuition price. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.

•NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They of fer free VPK, low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently locat ed at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

•SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart is committed to cultiv ating the intellectual, creative, social, moral and spiritual needs of each student. They provide students with an environment that will challenge and encourage them to reach their potential, preparing them for the competitive nature of the w orld. Sacred Heart’s bask etball, soccer and softball teams consistently rank in the top three in the league; the marching, concert and jazz bands have taken top honor s locally and in statewide competitions; their Odysse y of the Mind teams have placed in the top five at the state level. Sacred Heart School will prepare your child for lif e… with love! For more info., call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollak eworth.com.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — St. David’s is a small Christian school located at the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Their mission is to minister t o each child and family by providing an environment of love, security, belonging and learning. They are committed to low student-teacher ratios (Kindergar ten and fir st grade never have more than 12 students per teacher). A combination of the A Beka and Creative curriculums is used for all students ages two and a half through f irst grade. The combined curriculum allows for teaming through student play and exploration, along with the use of workbooks and teacherguided activities. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopalschool.com or call (561) 793-1272 for info.

• THE LEARNING FOUNDATION — The Learning Foundation is a private school located in Royal Palm Beach. The academic program f ocuses on the diverse needs of students. The program, for third through 12th graders, helps build a student’s self-esteem in order for them to achieve their academic goals. Elementary and middle school hours are Monda y through Friday, 8:30 a.m. t o 2 p.m. with before and after care service available. High school hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; students are required to attend 5 hours each day. The Learning Foundation’s motto “Teaching our Youth How t o Learn” is intergraded into every lesson. For more information, call (561) 795-6886.

• THE LITTLE PLACE PRESCHOOL — The Little Place Preschool has served the western communities for more than 33 years. There are two convenient W ellington locations now taking fall registrations. The Little Place offers preschool programs for ages one through five, of fering full-day and half-day programs, and school-aged programs are offered for ages 6 through 8. Named “Best of the West” for tw o years. Contact the Little Place at 1040 Wellington Trace at (561) 793-5860, or 2995 Greenbriar Blvd. at (561) 790-0808.

• ST. ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL — St. Ann Catholic School opened as the first parochial school in Palm Beach County on Sept. 24, 1923. The school served students in Kindergar ten through grade 12 until 1960 when the high school was transferred to Cardinal Newman High School.

St. Ann School continues to ser ve the West Palm Beach area. As the school approaches its 88th bir thday, they celebrate their status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Primary Years Programme (PYP). St. Ann School is proud to have been the fir st Catholic school in the nation to of fer both IB programs!

St. Ann Catholic School is located at 324 N. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 832-3676.

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 25

Page 26

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 27

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Tickets On Sale For Benise’s ‘The Spanish Guitar’ At Kravis Benise’s The Spanish Guitar has been hailed as “the Latin Riverdance.” A former street musician and now a celebrated international guitarist, Benise and his Emmy award-winning Nights of Fire cast, will perform the world music and dance spectacular The Spanish Guitar on Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The show will start at 7 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale now.

Benise (pronounced Buh-nesssay), along with a full cast of performers, takes the audience on an

unprecedented and epic adventure, exploring Spanish flamenco, Cuban salsa, Brazilian samba, Argentinean tango, Indian Bollywood, Parisian waltz, African drumming and more.

Part of a multi-city tour, this performance coincides with a PBS pledge special and follows a critically acclaimed performance on Dancing With The Stars, world tours in India and the Middle East, and Benise’s Royal Caribbean fan cruise.

A family-friendly performance for fans of all ages, The Spanish Guitar explores the cultures of the world through music and dance.

Benise moves along with the dancers as he performs the song “Cuba Libre.”

Benise’s enchanted Spanish Guitar becomes a treasure chest of inspiration; brilliantly choreographed dance numbers and orchestral pieces accompany the stories that were sealed inside this magical instrument. The Gitanas, Benise’s female dancers in The Spanish Guitar, were carefully handpicked from a global pool of some of the most brilliantly diverse talent to be found including traditional Flamenco dancers, Broadway dancers and featured soloists who previously worked with Madonna, Celine Dion and Ricky Martin. Breathtaking couture fashions complement the exotic Spanish dancing. Benise’s band is made up of world-class musicians such as Karen Briggs (Yanni), and internationally renowned Cuban drummer and percussionist Daniel de los Reyes (Sting, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira).

Benise’s personal story is as driving and passionate as his music. The guitar found him at age 11 — a connection that would begin his journey toward global recognition for his stunning and unique “Nouveau Flamenco” style. Entirely selftaught and unable to read the notes he composes, Benise pulls influence from not just the sound of the performers he once aspired to reproduce, but the very environment around him as he travels the world.

Benise always is redefining the ordinary, started to promote his own concerts, eventually selling out

Benise performs the song “Gypsy Nights” as part of the world music and dance spectacular The Spanish Guitar.

2,000-plus-seat theaters, and now bringing his mega stage hits on the road for multi-city tours. Accompanying the tour is the release of The Spanish Guitar CD and DVD via One World Music and PBS video, which was filmed over three years and across 10 countries. The Spanish Guitar is directed by Raj Kapoor (Josh Groban, American Idol, Dancing With The Stars and Britney Spears) and choreographed by

Brazilian-born and Emmy-nominated Alex Magno (Madonna, Yanni, Pussycat Dolls, Ballet Hispanico).

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in downtown West Palm Beach. To purchase tickets, visit the Kravis Center box office, the Kravis Center’s web site at www.kravis.org, or call (561) 8327469 or (800) 572-8471.

Phantoms Recommend Palm Beach Idols At Maltz Theatre See the next big stars at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s 2011 Palm Beach Idols Auditions are over, the contestants are ready to shine — and locals are getting excited for Palm Beach County’s original, fun-filled American Idol-style show.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, together with the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Guild, is producing its eighth annual Palm Beach Idols talent show Saturday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.

After a day in which nearly 90 local performers of all ages auditioned to become one of the next Palm Beach Idols, the guild announced that 25 acts will entertain at the upcoming show.

“The auditions were amazing, and I am absolutely astonished each year that we have so many talented people here in South Florida,” said Eileen Weissmann, the event’s producer and guild member. “The contestants are fantastic, and the guild loves this opportunity to bring the best of South Florida to our stage.”

Performers of all ages and talents — singers, dancers, musicians and

more — will perform for a chance to win cash prizes. There will be three categories: youth, teen and adult. Each category will have three finalists decided by the panel of local celebrity judges, and the final winners will be determined by an audience vote.

“We would love to see the next big star discovered at our theater,” Weissmann said. “Previous contestants have gone on to star in Broadway shows such as Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins.”

The evening will be emceed by Kathy Greene (program director and on-air personality at WJTW 100.3 FM), with a panel of celebrity judges that includes Rachel Leigh (Internet content director and on-air talent, WFLX FOX 29), Carol Saunders (columnist and reporter, The Jupiter Courier and Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers), JoAnn Pflug (well-known television, film actress and personality, and host of The Jo Ann Pflug Show on Seaview radio 960 AM/95.9 FM/106.9 FM), Joe Raneri (operations director and host of Cup of Joe Morning Show

on Seaview radio 960 AM/95.9 FM/ 106.9 FM) and Tim Allan Walker (morning show personality from The Mo & Sally Morning Show on KOOL 105.5 FM).

The show is an annual fundraiser for the guild, which raises money to support the not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre and its Conservatory of Performing Arts. The conservatory offers classes in dance, voice, acting and musical theater for stu-

dents of all ages, taught by Broadway-caliber instructors.

Tickets for the 2011 Palm Beach Idols cost $25. To purchase tickets, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

For information about joining the guild, call (561) 972-6106.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional notfor-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. For more information about the theater’s upcoming shows and the Conservatory of Performing Arts, visit www. jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com... Comments and recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

Page 28

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

For Long-Lasting Results, Diversify Your Workout

By Etta Gibson Special to the Town-Crier As a woman, there are two things I will gladly pay a little extra for if they are the “perfect fit” — blue jeans and a bathing suit. Those never fail to be the toughest things most women struggle to find while shopping. But living in South Florida, we can all agree that we may spend, or want to spend, more time in that bathing suit! We always have to be beachready around here. But how can you do that with the same old exercise routine?

By maintaining variety in your workout, your body will avoid adaptation, or becoming used to a set routine. Program diversity allows for growth of muscle and total body fat loss. It’s one of the fastest ways to get in shape and is becoming more and more popular. The variety of workout routines will also keep you mentally motivated to see just how much you can achieve.

If you want to try on something new that provides the camaraderie of a group fitness class and the one-on-one attention and accountability that you would get from a personal trainer, then Ultima’s BCx Boot Camp may be the “perfect fit.”

BCx Boot Camp is a group-based exercise program designed to increase your cardio and muscular endurance, burn fat and tone muscle. A variety of calisthenics, resistance training and cardio exercises melt fat and strengthen muscle. While working together with a group, you will be motivated and inspired to achieve your fat-loss and fitness goals. Positive encouragement and team spirit will push you to challenge your limits and achieve new levels of fitness and health.

With BCx Boot Camp, you will find that variety you are looking for. No workout is ever the same; they are unpredictable, challenging and, most of all, fun. The group atmosphere of the BCx Boot Camp provides continuous support, motivation and inspiration. BCx Boot Camp combines exercise, nutrition and lifestyle change into one program. It’s “one-stop shopping” for losing

Personal trainer Etta Gibson gives one-on-one instruction. weight and getting fit! If you choose to put your best efforts into the program, you will boost your metabolism, burn unwanted body fat, lose inches, lose pounds, feel and look better, and become stronger.

As a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and BCx Boot Camp instructor, I have worked on all levels of fitness. I truly believe this is the ultimate combination that will challenge beginners and the elite alike. So, if you want something that will give you the group fitness feel while pushing you like a personal trainer would, try on Ultima’s BCx Boot Camp. It can take you to that next level and have you feeling bathing-suit ready all summer! Won’t it be worth it if you find that elusive “perfect fit?”

Ultima’s BCx Boot Camp will kick off Saturday, July 9 at 9 a.m. We will be offering a four-week boot camp, which starts on Monday, July 11 with superior training six days a week. Call (561) 795-2823 to register. Don’t miss out on the chance to try BCx Boot Camp on for yourself.

Etta Gibson is a certified personal trainer at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness. com.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored

By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 29

Page 30

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

BUSINESS NEWS

RIBBON CUTTING FOR MEN’S WEARHOUSE STORE IN WELLINGTON

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Men’s Wearhouse in Wellington. The mission of the Men’s Wearhouse is to maximize sales, provide value to customers and give quality customer service while still having fun and maintaining the company’s values. Customer satisfaction is the company’s highest priority. If you are not completely happy with the fit, quality or fabric of any item, you may return the purchase within 90 days of the original sale. The Wellington Men’s Wearhouse store is located at 2335 State Road 7, by Flanigan’s Restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green. For more info., call (561) 792-8073. Pictured here are Men’s Wearhouse employees with Palms West Chamber ambassadors.

WRMC’s 2011 Resident Graduates

Wellington Regional Medical Center held its 22nd annual residency program graduation on Wednesday, June 15. The ceremony was led

by Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, director of the medical education program as well as the hospital’s chief medical officer.

The residency program at Wellington Regional Medical Center is affiliated with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. The hospital’s internal medicine program is led by Dr. Joanna Widdows, while the dermatology program is led by Dr. Brad Glick and Dr. Richard Rubenstein.

More than 150 osteopathic physicians have graduated from Wellington Regional’s medical education residency program since its inception in July 1989.

Physicians have been trained in internal medicine, dermatology residencies and traditional rotating internships.

The eight 2011 residency program graduates are as follows: Dr. Adam Weiner, dermatology; Dr. Thomas Singer, dermatology; Dr. Kim Sussman, internal medicine; Dr. James Landero, internal medicine; Dr. Hadi Siddiqui, internal medicine; Dr. Renee Young, traditional rotating internship; Dr. Ben

Resident Grads — (Front row, L-R) Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, Dr. Melissa Mora, Dr. Alissa Tomaiolo, Dr. Marianna Zelenak, Dr. Renee Young and Dr. Joanna Widdows; (back row) Dr. Vyacheslar Belous, Dr. Adam McDaniel, Dr. Kanwal Akhtar Kamal, Dr. Kelvin Akhigbe and Dr. Gregory Polar.

Tishman, traditional rotating internship; and Dr. Vik Belous, traditional rotating internship.

Special recognition was given to Chief Resident Dr. Alissa Tomaiolo, who received the Most Valuable Resident Award, and Dr. Ben Tishman, the Most Valuable First-Year Resident Award. Four clinical professors were also recognized: Dr. Joanna Widdows, the Distinguished Teacher Award; Dr. William Stech-

schulte, the Andrew Egol DO Osteopathic Award; Dr. Gordon Johnson, the Resident Choice Award; and Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, the Golden Apple Award.

Wellington Regional Medical Center’s affiliate college also presented awards at the event. Dr. Adam McDaniel, a second-year resident, received the Resident Award, and Dr. David Weissberger received the Physician Teacher Award.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

BUSINESS NEWS

Congressman Allen West To Speak At Wellington Chamber Luncheon The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced that U.S. Congressman Allen West (R-District 22) will be the keynote speaker at a July 20 luncheon to be held at the Wanderers Club at Wellington (1900 Aero Club Drive).

The event is sponsored by Connor Financial Group.

West was elected to Congress in 2010. Before retiring as an Army lieutenant colonel, West served as a field artillery officer in several combat zones in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was battalion commander for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, and in Afghanistan, where he trained Afghan officers to take on the responsibility of securing their own country.

In 2004, after serving 22 years in the U.S. Army, West retired from the military and brought his family to South Florida.

West taught high school for one year and then returned to Afghanistan as a civilian ad-

visor to the Afghan army.

Located at 8461 Lake Worth Road, Connor Financial Group is an independent firm with advisors concentrating in investment management, retirement planning and income management, and trust management.

For advice you can use, turn to a professional in retirement planning — a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC). Whether you’re still on the job, or want to enhance your current plans, a CRPC can help evaluate your financial situation and design a retirement plan for you. For more about Connor Financial Services, call (561) 713-1333 or visit www. connorfinancial.com.

Registration will take place at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon will begin promptly at noon.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $20 for chamber members with RSVP, $25 for members with no RSVP and $30 for the general pub-

Wellington Chamber Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green with Victor Connor of Connor Financial Ser vices and Rep. Allen West at a previous luncheon. lic. Seating is limited to 150 and this event will sell out.

Early reservations are suggested.

Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased by calling the chamber or online at www. wellingtonchamber.com by clicking the “Pay for Tickets Here” tab.

For additional information on attending this or any future Wellington Chamber of Commerce event, or for general information about the chamber, call Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green at (561) 792-6525 or visit the chamber’s web site at www. wellingtonchamber.com.

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 31

Center For Brain Testing & Training Opens In RPB Do you have a child with social, academic or behavior challenges, or a preschooler who just doesn’t seem to be progressing “normally?”

Have you ever worried that you’re losing your mind — or at least a little too much of your memory? Do you have a loved one dealing with memory loss or have concerns about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

If so, there’s now a place to turn for answers and for research-based solutions tailored to your specific situation.

The Center for Brain Training’s new office in Royal Palm Beach offers conventional and specialized testing as well as diagnosis and treatment for a number of conditions in adults and children including the following: memory loss, dementia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autistic spectrum

disorders including Asperger’s, learning disabilities and processing disorders.

“There is no other center like this in South Florida,” said Dr. Nathalie de Fabrique, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the new office. “We offer tests you might not find in a physician’s or traditional psychologist’s office, in addition to a powerful brain mapping tool called a ‘qEEG,’ which shows us exactly what parts of the brain are not functioning optimally. By knowing the location of the dysfunction, we can target our treatment in a way other modalities such as medications or talk therapy cannot.”

The Center for Brain Training testing office is located at 1019 State Road 7, Suite A, in the Shoppes at Regal Centre. For more information, call (561) 744-7616 or visit www.centerforbrain.com.

Page 32

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 33

Page 34

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 35

SPORTS & RECREATION

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL WRAPS UP SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP Wellington High School’s summer basketball camp drew more than 200 children eager to learn about basketball or hone their skills. The two-w eek camp was held during the weeks of June 20-24 and June 27 through July 1 in the WHS gymnasium. The players — who doubled in number from last year — were able to learn from the coaches and members of the Wellington Wolverines basketball teams. F or more information about the Wolverines, follow the team on Facebook by visiting the Wellington High School Basketball Team page.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Jack Laufenberg guards Owen Mangel.

Bryce Bernstein looks to pass.

Mackenzie Bernstein goes in for a lay-up.

Jake Silver runs the ball down the court while David Levitt guards.

Myles Medina takes a shot.

Ray Laufenberg blocks the ball carrier.

TKA Golf Programs Announce Their 2011-12 Home Courses The King’s Academy boys and girls golf programs, led by coaches Bruce Stutzman and Beth Carpenter, have announced their home courses for the 2011-12 golf season.

The King’s Academy boys golf team will be using Breakers West as their new home course, while the girls golf team will be using Mayacoo Lakes.

“Both of the new home courses are private courses which will allow for additional practice opportunity for our golfers,” Stutzman said. “Teams will also benefit from the professional expertise of the Breakers West Golf Academy instructors.”

Breakers West is owned and operated by the Breakers Palm Beach and is considered by TKA one of the finest country club experiences in the southeast. “We are thrilled to have this partnership with Breakers West,” Stutzman said.

Carpenter is anticipating great benefits to partnering with Mayacoo Lakes, which caters particularly to junior golfers. It has been the venue for many junior golf events

The 2010-11 boys golf team with coach Bruce Stutzman. as well as hosting successful TKA junior golf programs.

“Mayacoo Lakes would like to welcome the King’s Academy golf programs for their 2011-12 golf season,” said Cary McGaughey, head golf professional at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club.

Carpenter said the course will help players improve their game.

“Familiarity with this challenging course will prepare our golfers well for the upcoming season,” she said.

TKA’s golf program continues its solid growth and development. The

The 2010-11 girls golf team with coach Beth Carpenter. boys golf team advanced through district competition, and the junior varsity squad finished with an 8-2 record.

The addition last year of a unique on-campus golf training facility has already enhanced the program. The coaches feel that the

partnership with Breakers West and Mayacoo Lakes will greatly contribute to the success of the King’s Academy’s program in the upcoming year.

More information about the King’sAcademy is available online at www.tka.net.

Page 36

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

SPORTS & RECREATION

Giselle’s Dance Studio Presents ‘Variations 2011’ At RPBHS Giselle’s Dance Studio hosted its 15th annual dance recital Saturday, June 25 at Royal Palm Beach High School.

Dancing to a full house, Giselle’s Dance Studio students performed classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, hip-hop and the popular “daddy and daughter dance.”

A fantastic rendition of “Bye Bye Birdie” was also showcased, and Naida and Akasha, two well-known belly dancing professionals, delighted the crowd as well. Denise Puntriano and Andrea Oran, owners of the dance school, are extremely proud of all of their students.

Giselle’s Dance Studio has been serving the western communities since 1995, offering classes for students age 3 to adult. Its fun-filled summer camp begins Tuesday, July 5 and runs until Aug. 12, offering students ages 3 to 12 a variety of dance classes and plenty of fun activities at a very affordable price.

Dance experience is not necessary.

Giselle’s Dance Studio is located at 298 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The studio is now taking registrations for summer camp and the fall session, which begins on Aug. 17. For additional information, call (561) 753-9543 or visit www.gisellesdancestudio.com.

The classical ballet dancers move with grace.

Dancers perform a rendition of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

Dancers perform a routine based on the TV show Glee .

The girls join their dads for the “daddy and daughter dance.”

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 37

Page 38

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

SPORTS & RECREATION

Riders competing in the West Palm Beach Time Trial Series gather at 20-Mile Bend for the June (left) and March (right) races.

2011 WPB Time Trial Series Concludes At 20-Mile Bend Sunday, June 26 was a great morning for race No. 6 of the 2011 West Palm Beach Time Trial Series. A total of 50 riders participated in the 15k out-and-back course at 20-Mile Bend in western Palm Beach County.

This month there were 16 women, one junior, 31 men and one mixed tandem team. The riders started the race against the clock at one-minute intervals from the

start line, located at the bridge on old State Road 98. They proceeded north to just before SR 80 where they found the orange cones for the turnaround back to the finish line, located across from the start line.

The fastest time of the day was turned in by Matthew Wukasch of Davie, who had a time of 0:20:07.76. For women runners, the fastest time was turned in by

Jeanine Seeger of Greenacres, who clocked in at 0:22:06:24.

Wukasch competed in the 45 to 54 men’s group, and Seeger competed in the 25 to 34 women’s group. This was Seeger ’s fifth first-place win in the series, as well as her best time.

The race organizers would like to thank volunteers who helped make the race run smoothly.

The West Palm Beach Time Tri-

al Series is a series of 10 individual 15k time trials that are held once a month. The entry fee is $15.

Time trials start at 8:01 a.m. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m. and closes at 7:45 a.m. (walk-up registration only). Categories are separated by men and women in the following age groups: Juniors 1018, 19-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and older.

Cash rewards for first, second, third, fourth and fifth places are awarded for completing the series requirements of a minimum of seven of 15k time trials. Riders completing more than the required minimum races will have the seven fastest 15k times used to calculate their placing.

For more about the West Palm Beach Time Trial Series, visit www.wpbraceseries.com.

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 39

Page 40

July 1 - July 7, 2011

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, July 2 • A Gun Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). This event features a wide collection of guns, ammo, knives, hunting supplies and accessories. A concealed weapons course will be available. Admission is $8.

Visit www.flgunshows.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Happy Birthday, USA” for age 2 and up Saturday, July 2 at 10:15 a.m. Celebrate our nation’s birthday with storytelling, music and a craft. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Slipper Society” for age 5 and up on Tuesdays in July at 2 p.m. Slip on your fanciest shoes and attend a ball each week as you travel the globe to mee t storybook Cinderellas from dif ferent countries.

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

• The Delray Beach Playhouse will present Seussical Jr. Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3 for ages 6 to 18. Norton the elephant faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in this production per formed by the playhouse’s young actors.

Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com for more info.

Monday, July 4 • Royal Palm Beach will host its StarSpangled Spectacular Independence Day celebration and the Red, White & Blue Fishing Tournament on Monday, July 4 at Lakeside Challenger Park from 6 a.m. to midnight with fireworks at about 9 p.m. Visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for more info.

• Royal Palm Beach will host its annual Firecracker Golf Tournament on Monday, July 4 at the Village Golf Club. The scramble format tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The tournament will include cart and green fees, 50/50 raffle, prizes, a longest-drive contest and closestto-the-pin contest. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Golfers are asked to pre-register at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) or the Village Golf Club (122 Country Club Drive). The cost is $60 per player, $240 per foursome and $100 per hole sponsor. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

• Wellington will celebrate the Fourth of July with a pool par ty from noon to 5 p.m. at the Aquatics Complex (12150 Forest Hill

Blvd.), and the Family Fourth celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for info.

• West Palm Beach will host its Fourth on Flagler Celebration on Monday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion at the Waterfront Commons (101 S. Flagler Drive). Visit www.wpb.org/waterfront or call (561) 822-1515 for info.

Tuesday, July 5 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Summer Story Time” on Tuesday, July 5 at 10:15 a.m. for age 5 and under. Sessions continue through the end of July. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, July 5 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). For more info., visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org.

Wednesday, July 6 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Puppets from Around the World” for age 9 and up on Wednesdays, July 6 and 20 at 11:15 a.m. Explore the use of puppets in other cultures and make one of your own. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Crochet Club” beginning Wednesday, July 6 at 2 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Crochet Club will meet once a week to learn different techniques to make simple projects. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Reading Buddies” for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade on Wednesdays beginning July 6 at 4 p.m.

Children can work once a week with a teen to read together and play literacy games.

Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Novel Fashion Design” for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesdays, July 6, 13 and 20 at 6 p.m. Design and create an outfit made completely out of old books. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will hold “Family Fun Programs: Tanabat a” Wednesday through Tuesday, July 6-12. Tanabata traces its origins to a legend about the Cowherd Star (Altair) and the Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated See CALENDAR, page 41

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 40 by the Milky Way that are allowed to meet just once a year — on the seventh day of the seventh month. In Japan, children and adults write wishes on narrow strips of colored paper known as tanzaku, and hang them along with other paper ornaments on bamboo branches near their homes. The event is free with paid admission. Visit www. morikami.org for more info.

Thursday, July 7 • The Lake Wor th Playhouse (713 Lake Ave., Lake Wor th) will present Chicago, The Musical July 7-31. Visit www.lakeworthplay house.org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “World Wandering Wacky Wanda” for age 5 and up Thursday, July 7 at 2 p.m. Go on an interactive, geographical, storytelling adventure. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics will meet Thursday, July 7 at 3 p.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). Visit www.pbcgov.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Reading Trivia Challenge” practice for grades six to eight on Thursdays in July at 4 p.m. Hone your trivia skills and challenge your friends to prepare for the final competition July 30. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce Women in Business will host the 2011 Women’s Summer Golf Clinic Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Links at Madison Green. The cost is $45 per week. For more information, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a “Writers’ Critique Workshop” for adults Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. Share, of fer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Stories to Make You Jump” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. Local storyteller Monica Ladd will have you screaming and shrieking as ghosts and other creepy creatures come to life, or maybe not. S’mores will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at Vil-

lage Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.)

Visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for info.

• Propaganda (6 South J Street, Lake Worth) will host the “Pins & Needles Art Show,” featuring tattoo ar tists, indie craft makers and live music on Thursday and Friday, July 7 and 8 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. both days. Call (561) 547-7273 or visit www. propagandalw.com for more info.

Friday, July 8 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Spy Science” on Friday, July 8 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 9.

Learn a few spy tricks of the trade and check out new science project books. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Blvd.) will show the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules on Friday, July 8 at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more info., call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Saturday, July 9 • The American Orchid Society (16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach) will host an Orchid Repotting Class on Saturday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the class is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. For more info., call Enid Torger sen at (561) 404-2063 or e-mail etorgersen@ aos.org or Susan Wayman at (561) 4042031 or swayman@aos.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Book Arts Roadshow” for adults Saturday, July 9 at 2:30 p.m. John Cutrone of the Jaffe Center for the Arts will talk about books from an artist’s perspective. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Classic Car Show/Songwriters Festival on Saturday, July 9. The car show will start at 5 p.m. followed by the concert at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Sunday, July 10 • The American Orchid Society (16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach) will host a class titled “Mounting Orchids and Orchids in the Landscape” on Sunday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info., call Enid Torgersen at (561) 404-2063, or e-mail etorgersen@aos.org or Susan Wayman at (561) 404-2031 or swayman@aos.org.

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.

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 41

Page 42 July 1 - July 7, 2011

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER in Wellington needs CERTIFIED PART TIME TEACHERS new and experienced elementary & secondary teachers wanted to instruct K-12 in Reading, Math, SAT/ACT Exam Prep. No lesson plans or homework, paid training and flexible hours.

Please e-mail resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com or call 561-594-1920 and leave a message VOLUNTEER NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 WINDOW INSTALLERS W ANTED Lic. & ins. subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561714-8490 DRIVERS WANTED — Full-Time/ Part-Time W ellington Town-Car NIGHT DISPATCHER — for Wellington Town-Car. Call for details 561-333-0181 CHRISTY’S BAKERY NEEDS — Counter help. Experienced only.

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

The Pointe@Wellington Green.

10160 Forest Hilll Blvd.

CAMP COUNSELORS NEEDED FOR CAMP GIDDY UP NEEDS COMMUNITYSERVICES HOURS? — Call for info 793-4109 14 and over w/horse experience.

PART-TIME HELP NEEDED — For busy Accounting office. Must know Excel, Microsoft Word. Fax resume 561-333-2680.

PART-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANT — wanted for busy Legal office. Must know Word Perfect, Wills,Trusts & Estates & heavy phones. Fax Resume to 561-333-2680 CUSTOMER SER VICE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED — Available for flexible 20 hours Monday, Thursday, Friday work week. Proficient in Quickbooks, Excel, and Word.

Please email resume with salary history and work references to SJOHNOH1@GMAIL.COM KENNEL CARETAKER — In exchange for housing, water, electic.

Mature couple, no pets. Call for info.

Background check & Drivers license required. 561-737-1941 We Deliver Boats & RV’s WANTED part-time/full-time drivers — Must be experienced and have clean Driving Record. email:Paulton@aol.com TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD 793-3576

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

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

AUDIO PLUS ELECTRONICS — for all your electronic needs, home theater, stereo, plasma TV, satellite, security systems, computer systems. 561-471-1161

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

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jef f 561333-1923 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

STOP SCRATCHING & GNAWING — Promote healing &hair growth.

St amp out ITCHAMCALLITS! Shampoo with Happy Jack Itch No More, apply Skin Balm A d d 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

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood rep air, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertop s, wood flooring.

Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 791-9900 or 628-9215

VERAS HOME SERVICES — House cleaning, Pet Sitting, HOme Organization, window cleaning, and much more! References, honest & reliable. 561-598-0311 HOUSECLEANING AND MORE — affordable high quality work. Flexible, honest reliable, years of experience with excellent references.

For more information call 561-3197884 HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE Auto • Home • Life • Renters • Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

GREENTEAM LANDSCAPING — We make your grass look greener than the other side Call now 561337-0658. www.greenteamllc.com LANDSCAPE & DESIGN — Commercial & Residential. We meet your needs. Free Est. Tree Trimming, Landscape & Maintenance, Small & Large Gardens. 954-4718034

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

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

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craf tman 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 — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811 FOREST HILL ENGINEERING — wind mitigation/4 point inspections BN#3054 DO IT NOW before it’s too late! 561-718-2822

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

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666.

Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

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

CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576 GET RESULTS CALL TODAY

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

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & p ainting contractor . Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at

5 ACRES OF LAND FOR SALE — between Okeechobee & Southern North of Palms West Hospital off Folsom (West on Casey Rd.) motivated to sell $130,000 561-5028026

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576 GET RESULTS CALL TODAY ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Rep air - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048

SECURITY — American owned local security comp any in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com ST AN’S SCREEN SERVICE — Pool & Patio since 1973. Call for a free estimate. 561-319-2838 lic. & Ins.

2/2 NEW APPLIANCES — good condition “The T rails” good area. pool and amenities. 561-714-8376 561-793-1718 $900 monthly. Cable included.

TOWNHOME FOR RENT — 2 / 2 2 car garage. Lakefront seasonal or annual lease. No Pets 561-6442019 STUDIO APT. FOR RENT — spanish tile, furnished on farm. References required. $595/month 9668791 ON FARM SINGLE STUDIO APARTMENT — Tile/AC $595 per month. References required.

Wellington Call 561-966-8791 RENTAL HOUSE IN WELLINGTON — Three Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage, in Wellington.

Backyard fenced with canal, and pool. Beautiful Neighborhood, quiet cul-de-sac. Serious calls only 561656-9705

RLS4634 DPBR STATE OF FLORIDA — Serving Acreage, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Palm Beach Country Estates, Jupiter Farms and Coastal areas East Florida Site Planning, Dep Compliance Assured Mapping. 561-5960184 Cell Call for a Quote.

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the W estern Communities Since 1990

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. License, bonded and insured. 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

WE DO WINDOWS — 20 years professional window cleaning.

Residential/Commercial references available. Lic. & Ins. 561-313-7098

95 HONDA ACCORD LX — 4 door a/c automatic 88,000 miles good tires, tan exterior, 4 cylinder.

561-718-2822 $3,250

CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576 GET RESULTS CALL TODAY

20 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER 2010 — Asking $11,000.00 Please call 561-889-8201

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT— in Wellington Commerce Park off Pierson Road. Furnished or Unfurnished 575 Sq. Ft. with beautiful view of water. 2 upscale private offices, reception area, bathroom and storageloft. Available Immediately $600 per month (561) 722-7195

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011 Page 43

Page 44 July 1 - July 7, 2011

Legal Notice No. 546 Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of: WILL TRAIN U

Located at: NO PHYSICAL LOCATION INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith William Rodriguez, Jr. Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 7-1-1 1

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011 Page 45

Page 46 July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011 Page 47

Page 48

July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

July 1 - July 7, 2011

Page 49

Page 50 July 1 - July 7, 2011

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

The Town-Crier