Town-Crier Newspaper August 19, 2011

CHANGES COMING TO EQUESTRIAN PANEL PB COUNTY OKS FORECLOSURE REGISTRY SEE STORY, PAGE 3 SEE STORY, PAGE 7 THE

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

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INSIDE ‘Teacher Of The Year’ Keeps Education Fun And Engaging

Volume 32, Number 33 August 19 - August 25, 2011

B’NAI JACOB HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

Kristen Rulison, Palm Beach County’s reigning “Teacher of the Year,” plans to engage her students with an innovative teaching style this coming school year, like every other. A third-grade reading teacher at Elbridge Gale Elementary School, Rulison is a lifelong resident of Palm Beach County.

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Groves Town Council To Develop Road Policy

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council discussed developing a policy on road improvements Tuesday. During a discussion of drainage, swales and culverts, Councilman Ron Jarriel said the council needs to come up with a policy on installing drainage swales on non-district roads. Page 7 Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington held an open house Sunday, Aug. 14. It was an opportunity to sign up kids for religious school, get tickets for the high holidays and become a member of the congregation. There were refreshments and a kids room with supervised fun activities.

Pictured here are teachers Marion Westfal and Gerri Becker with Josie and Oliver Chase, and Jake and Hope Greene. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 8 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

WHS Band Car Wash

The Wellington High School Wolverine Band Booster Association held a car wash Sunday, Aug. 14 at the parking lot in Wellington Plaza. The band is raising money to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, transportation and more. PAGE 9

American Legion Post Golf Tourney Sept. 9

Members of the Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 are planning their inaugural golf tournament to be held Friday, Sept. 9 at Binks Forest. Page 12

OPINION This School Year, Let’s Keep Our Focus On The Students, Not The Adults As Palm Beach County students head back to school this Monday, let’s hope that this year the focus stays on them, not the adult-centered politics that made headlines throughout the last school year. From new laws in Tallahassee, changes on the school board to the ousting of an unpopular superintendent, the last school year was not pretty. Luckily, we now have the chance to turn the page. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 12 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .............................13 PEOPLE........................ 14 - 15 COLUMNS .................... 21 - 22 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 24 BUSINESS ...................27 - 29 SPORTS .......................33 - 35 CALENDAR...................36 - 37 CLASSIFIEDS ...............38 - 43 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Hundreds Attend Redistricting Hearing At FAU In Boca Raton

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Many of several hundred people attending a legislative redistricting meeting in Boca Raton on Tuesday said they were concerned that the timeline laid out by the state’s redistricting committee would not allow time for proper review before enactment.

Others said that they were concerned about definitions of words in the recently passed “Fair Districts” constitutional amendments 5 and 6 such as “compact” and “feasible.”

Others said the timeline was setting up Florida for an election meltdown in 2012.

Almost 80 speakers were al-

lowed two minutes each to speak at the meeting attended by about 300 people, which went on for three hours.

The meeting was one of several dozen the redistricting committee has held, working its way south through the state. The committee chairman, State Sen. Don Gaetz (R-District 4), said members of the public had been asked to draw what they considered fair districts using templates available on the web at www.floridaredistricting. org.

Joan Karp, president of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, said that there were only six more hearings and the committee had yet to produce

maps with redrawn district models.

“Why aren’t we seeing maps at any of these hearings that the public can make comment on the product instead of the criteria?”

Karp asked. “By the time maps are presented, there will be little time for public comment. In this tight budget environment, these expensive hearings shouldn’t be wasted on merely listening.”

Karp noted that other states are much further along in the redistricting process. “The current timeline seems to be only three days in Tallahassee for public comments,” she said. “How can we, hundreds of miles from TallaSee HEARING, page 16

Blake Bennett Takes Helm As Wellington Landings Principal

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Landings Middle School will begin the new school year with a new principal. Blake Bennett has taken charge of the school, replacing Eric Paul, who has been promoted to north area director.

Bennett is a former assistant principal at Boynton Beach High School and a seven-year resident of Lake Clarke Shores.

“I am so honored and so excited to be joining the Wellington Landings Middle School team,” Bennett said.

Her background includes teaching math and students with special needs. She graduated from college in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University in northwestern Ohio. Upon graduation, she moved to Nashville, Tenn., where she taught math and special-needs students in a high school there for four and a half years.

“I moved back to Ohio and got my master of arts in educational leadership at Ohio State University,” she said.

Bennett grew up in Buffalo,

N.Y. where her family still lives, but said she prefers the Florida weather. She moved to Florida 10 years ago to care for her grandfather, who was very ill.

“I was very, very close with my grandparents, and he was very sick, so I moved to Florida and began working at Lantana Middle School,” she said. “I taught math and ESE, then I became the ESE coordinator at Lantana Middle School, then I became the assistant principal at Boynton Beach High School, which is where I have been the past four years.”

Bennett said she has enjoyed getting to know the staff and teachers at Wellington Landings.

“We had a fantastic sixth-grade and new student orientation last Wednesday,” she said. “We had two sessions, so I got the pleasure of meeting so many of our new students and parents, as well as our PTO and volunteer coordinator. I met with them after, and we started making plans for the year, which was very exciting. I’ve been meeting with my administrative staff as we were getting ready to open the school.”

On Tuesday, she had her first day with the teachers. “The teach-

Serving Palms West Since 1980

David Swift Resigns From Royal Palm Village Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report After 22 years on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, Councilman David Swift resigned his seat this week after cutbacks at the South Florida Water Management District forced him into early retirement.

In a letter to his council colleagues dated Tuesday, Swift explained the circumstances behind his abrupt departure.

“Yesterday I was informed that this Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, will be my last day of employment with the South Florida Water Management District,” he wrote.

“The district has recently experienced a 32-percent reduction in ad valorem revenue, which requires the streamlining of operations and reducing staffing levels… My position as lead environmental scientist was… cut from next year’s budget.”

Both the SFWMD and Village of Royal Palm Beach are part of

the Florida Retirement System (FRS), Swift explained. Regulations on retirement for dually employed FRS members require that all employment with FRS employers must have been ended for six months or the person is ineligible for retirement benefits.

“To protect the retirement benefits that I have worked hard to earn over the past 34 years,” he wrote, “I sadly submit this formal notification that I am resigning as village councilman.”

The resignation was effective immediately.

Swift was among dozens of senior SFMWD officials let go this week as the district struggles to achieve a new state-mandated property tax cap.

Swift was first elected to the RPB council in 1988, serving until 1990. He served again on the council from 1991-1993. He returned to the council in 1994 and has been on the board ever since, See SWIFT, page 7

HEALTH STARTS HERE

Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted its Health Starts Here information station ribbon cutting Monday, Aug. 15. The Health Starts Here information station is located in the produce department near the juice bar. Guests were treated to a food and juice tasting, and had the opportunity to learn about Whole Foods’ Health Starts Here program. Pictured here are Marketing Director Lauren Belinsky and Healthy Eating Specialist Cheryl Kobal at the new station.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington May Move Election To Nov. 2012

Blake Bennett ers have come in and have been so welcoming, even before school started, coming up to meet me, and I’ve gotten to know a lot of the staff,” Bennett said. “Everybody has been exceptionally warm and welcoming. It’s a great team; you can feel the team atmosphere at the school.”

Bennett said she has spent the past several years building an See BENNETT, page 16

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Next week, the Wellington Village Council will consider moving its municipal election next year to coincide with the November 2012 general election, which could save the village thousands of dollars.

Earlier this month, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher cautioned municipalities that they might need to move their elections. State leaders are considering setting the presidential primary in early March, just prior to Wellington’s regularly scheduled election on Tuesday, March 13.

With little time between elections, Bucher said that there wouldn’t be enough time for her office to have voting equipment ready in time for another election.

The equipment must be tested before it can be used at the polls.

At the Tuesday, Aug. 23 council meeting, Wellington staff will seek direction from the council on whether to change the election date for all upcoming elections.

State law gives municipalities the ability to change election dates by ordinance.

“We’re looking for the council to give direction to staff for what they want to do,” Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said. “We are not recommending that they change it, just asking for direction on the matter. I think that it’s apparent that if [Bucher] has her way, she would like to see the elections moved to the general or primary election date.”

In addition to concerns about time, moving the election could also address concerns of cost, Bonde said.

According to a staff report, the cost of the regular 2010 municiSee ELECTION, page 16

Plans Bring Acreage ‘Garden Of Hope’ Closer To Reality

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Supporters of a Garden of Hope, a reflection place for residents of The Acreage, came a step closer to realizing their goal this week with the completion of blueprints for the project.

The Garden of Hope, which has been approved as part of the Acreage Community Park expansion, was proposed by residents Diana Demarest and Tracy Newfield.

Newfield is the mother of Seminole Ridge High School student Jessica Newfield, 16, a brain tumor survivor.

“I told Diana about this idea that I had, and I drew it out on a napkin,” Newfield recalled. “It’s a

place I wanted people to be able to go and reflect, whether you were a caregiver, whether you were a survivor or had suffered some sort of illness. We were at the Relay for Life the week before, and I thought it would be nice to have. Going every year because of my daughter’s brain tumor, every year we get a little more involved.”

When she heard about the park expansion project, it all came together. “I thought, wow, this would be a great opportunity to do this Garden of Hope that I was thinking about,” Newfield said.

Newfield and Demarest want the park built entirely from donations, not taxpayer money, so they

asked the SRHS Construction Academy to help out with the plans. Teacher Rick Terkovich agreed to have his students make the benches needed for the project.

Donors will be able to purchase the benches, which will be inscribed with whatever the donor wishes and arranged around a brick paver walk built in the shape of a ribbon. The pavers will also be purchased and inscribed.

“Right now, we’re in the process of finding the bricks that we’ll need,” Newfield said. “We just got the measurements of how large our area is going to be.”

The park will be about 40 by 60 feet, and the paver area will be about 400 square feet.

“We’re pricing it all out, and it should be of no cost to the community at all,” Newfield said. “It will all be donated.”

Students will also be able to earn community service credit by helping to craft the landscape. “It’s going to be beautiful,” Newfield said.

State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (DDistrict 85) has agreed to head up the Garden of Hope Committee.

“I’m excited and honored to be able to help move this great idea by the residents of The Acreage forward,” Abruzzo told the TownCrier on Wednesday.

Newfield said she is organizing a team for the next Relay for Life, which is staged at Acreage Com-

munity Park, where committee members will be selling Garden of Hope bricks. She is also planning a follow-up presentation to the Indian Trail Improvement District supervisors, who approved the concept in May and asked them to come back when their plans were complete.

“Right now it’s a little too early,” Newfield said. “They’ve already given us the space. They made the measurement, and they made sure that everything is going to work out for our spot, but now they have to work out the rest of the park. It’s not just my little section.”

Newfield said participants in the See GARDEN, page 16

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NEWS

‘Teacher Of The Year’ Aims To Keep Education Fun And Engaging

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Kristen Rulison, Palm Beach County’s reigning “Teacher of the Year,” plans to engage her students with an innovative teaching style this coming school year, like every other.

Rulison, a third-grade reading teacher at Elbridge Gale Elementary School, lives in Royal Palm Beach with her husband Tommy and their newborn baby boy, Parker. She was raised in Palm Beach County and received a degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Growing up, Rulison dreamed about being a teacher. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

“I was one of those kids with a little chalkboard, and would set up my stuffed animals and pretend to be a teacher.”

Rulison also recalls drawing inspiration from her former thirdgrade teacher, Ms. Amerson. “I loved her, and she just made me love school,” Rulison said. “She inspired me at a young age to be a teacher.”

That passion for education never subsided. “As I got older, I just always loved being around kids and loved school and had a positive experience,” she said. “I wanted to give back to education because I felt like I got a good education going to school in Palm Beach County.”

Rulison constantly emphasizes the importance of reading to her

students. “I try to get them to relax and enjoy reading,” she said.

By having her classroom set up as a beach, she has made children able to feel relaxed while learning. “I have a beach umbrella, Hawaiian leis and surfboards; it’s very tropical,” Rulison said. “I like to give them opportunities for different places they can read because me, personally, I don’t like just sitting at a desk and reading.

So I have a carpet area, beach towels and chairs they can read on.”

In order to be in the running for the county’s teacher of the year award announced last March, Rulison first was named teacher of the year at her school. Then she had to submit a 20-page application and a video of her teaching one of her lessons. “Between reading the packet and watching the DVD, that’s how they determined the winner,” she said.

Rulison was extremely surprised when she found out she won the countywide honor. “I was just honored to be the teacher of the year from Elbridge Gale Elementary because they have such an amazing faculty here,” she said.

“And in a way, I feel that every teacher deserves teacher of the year, because to be a teacher, you have to go above and beyond. It’s not just a 7:30 a.m.-to-3 p.m. job.

You have to take your work home with you and be passionate about it and do what’s best for the kids.”

Rulison tries to be a positive role

model for her students. “I always tell my students that I’m a student myself,” she said. “And even though I’m your teacher, I still go to trainings and meetings myself because I want to know what’s best for you guys and how to teach you guys.”

Rulison hopes that the future of education continues to evolve and get better for students. “I think as long as people are sticking to the research-based practices and not stuck in the old ways, by staying on top of what’s best for the kids, I feel like education is improving.”

She uses an innovative teaching style, which she learned from attending teacher-training workshops run by Kagan Professional Development. “I went to their summer academy, and it’s all about collaborative and cooperative learning,” Rulison explained.

“I made it a lot less teacher-centered and a lot more student-centered.”

Rulison applies the innovative teaching techniques she learned during her Kagan training session and has seen an improvement in her students’ development.

“I do silly cheers to cheer the students on and try to keep a very positive environment,” she said.

“Since a lot of the Kagan exercises are games, it’s almost like I tricked them into learning. In fact, in the beginning of the year, I had some parents come in and say, ‘My kid keeps coming home and

Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year Krist en Rulison reads to her newborn son Parker.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

saying all they do is play games.

Why are they not learning?’ And I say, ‘Yes, they are learning, but they just don’t know that they are because we are doing all these exercises.’”

Rulison strives to make learn-

ing fun and engaging for her students.

“I don’t like to have them just sit in their seats and give them a worksheet and get drilled like that,” she said. “It’s more of higher-level learning and thinking, and

the students are engaged the whole time.”

For winning, Rulison received a plaque and a Macy’s gift card.

“Another neat thing I got to do was throw the opening pitch at a Marlins game,” she said.

Ethics Rules Might Bar Horse Industry Reps From Wellington Board

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Citing concerns of possible future ethics violations under the new Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, Wellington staff is recommending that the Wellington Village Council remove two nonvoting representatives of the equestrian industry from the Equestrian Preserve Committee.

Currently, the Equestrian Preserve Committee has seven voting members appointed by the council and two ex-officio members: nonvoting representatives chosen by the International Polo Club Palm Beach and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

These positions, according to a staff report, were created to give

the equestrian industry a voice on land-use matters within the Wellington Equestrian Preserve.

The new Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, however, prevents members of boards and committees both from voting on and participating in discussions of matters that are considered a conflict of interest.

The issue will be discussed at the next council meeting, set for Tuesday, Aug. 23.

“This came up as a result of the ethics interpretations we are getting,” Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said. “There is a lot coming out of the Ethics Commission — findings on certain situations that could affect Wellington.”

Bonde said that Village Attor-

ney Jeff Kurtz has been paying attention to the commission’s findings, interpreting them and evaluating Wellington’s policies to avoid violations.

“In this case,” Bonde said, “there may be conflicts of interest with regard to serving and being part of a regulated group. The way it’s worded, they can’t even participate in the discussion.”

This would prevent representatives from the equestrian industry from commenting or discussing any issue that affects a customer or client.

Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Executive Director Alan Johnson said that a customer or client is defined by the code as “any person or entity to which an official’s outside employment

has supplied goods and services to during the previous 24 months, having a value greater than $10,000.”

According to the staff report, a competitor or member of either IPC or the PBIEC could fit that definition. “Due to these conflict situations,” the report states, “the ex-officio members will, too often, be silenced by their status as committee members rather than be given a voice on the committee as originally intended.”

Johnson said that he had not reviewed Wellington’s particular case and therefore couldn’t comment on staff’s recommendation, but noted that the code was established to keep board and committee members from receiving special benefits.

“The code of ethics,” he said, “requires that an official or advisory board member abstain from voting and not participate in any matter that they know, or should know with the exercise of reasonable care, will result in a special financial benefit not shared by similarly situated members by the general public.”

Johnson said he was unsure exactly what the role of ex-officio members was, and whether it would be considered a violation of the ethics code for them to remain. He noted, however, that municipalities are welcome to create their own code beyond those set by the commission.

“Any municipality can develop their own policies or rules that are more strict than the countywide

Code of Ethics,” he said, “so long as they don’t conflict with the code. I commend staff for getting ahead of the issue and taking preventative measures.”

Bonde said that the representatives would still be able to participate as part of the public discussion. “Right now they sit [on the committee] in an ex-officio seat,” he said. “From the perspective of the people, it seems as if they are participating in the business.”

He noted that Wellington is continuing to monitor the ethics commission’s advisory opinions carefully. “There are other cases [like ours],” Bonde said. “We are following those and testing ourselves and our own appointees to make sure we aren’t going to violate the code.”

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OUR OPINION

This School Year, Keep The Focus On Students, Not The Adults As Palm Beach County students head back to school, let’s hope that this year the focus stays on them, not the adult-centered politics that made headlines throughout the last school year. From new laws in Tallahassee, changes on the school board to the ousting of an unpopular superintendent, the last school year was not pretty. Luckily, we now have the chance to turn the page.

Many students are apprehensive about the new school year, anxious to see which of their friends they share class with and hoping to make new friends as well. And that’s just the social element. With a higher grade level comes more advanced course material, and for the students who are in line for standardized testing this year, the pressure is even greater. However, although they may not know it, they’re not the only ones whose futures are hanging on test scores and letter grades. For the teachers and administrators who are being judged based on their students’ performance, the pressure is even higher, and the consequences can be more severe than any type of parental punishment.

Though the rigors of standardized testing and the school letter grade system are felt all over the state, the Palm Beach County school system over the past year felt the additional strain of a battle between the powers that be at the school district and a growing legion of critics. On one side was former Superintendent Art Johnson and former Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez, who had enacted a set of hotly contested academic programs. On the other side

were teachers and parents who opposed those programs and whose discontent grew to the point where Johnson’s resignation was their primary goal. But while the controversy brewed, the school district was faced with serious budget constraints — a problem it still faces.

Now that Johnson is no longer in charge, the focus can be placed back where it belongs — on educating the children of this county. We sincerely hope that all the energy spent over the past year on investigating problems in his administration can go to dealing with ways to work within the budget without severe cuts to programs such as the arts or athletics.

While the school district starts its first full year without Johnson in charge, several schools in the western communities have new leadership as well. Palm Beach Central High School sees the return of a familiar face at the helm as Principal Butch Mondy is back in charge. Wellington Landings Middle School has former Boynton Beach High School Assistant Principal Blake Bennett as its new principal. Over at Seminole Ridge High School, James Campbell will replace Dr. Lynne McGee, who had been at the helm since the school opened. And at Binks Forest Elementary School, new Principal Michella Levy takes the place of Stacey Quiñones, who transferred to Morikami Park Elementary School, where she will serve as principal. We wish them the best of luck as they settle in to their new positions.

Remember, drive safely and watch for pedestrians, because the new school year is about to begin!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Campus Is Good, But Beware Traffic Issues When I first heard that Palm Beach State College was looking at the Simon property (B Road and Southern Blvd.), I was worried about the impact on the lives and lifestyle of Loxahatchee Groves.

However, given further thought, [I see] that having PBSC there will add to our community and allow higher education a foothold in the western communities in total.

There are just a few things that should occur prior to opening the branch campus. First, any adjacent commercial should be low-key and serve both the students and staff of the college as well as the neighborhood. That is, no regional draw establishments should be allowed.

Second, the northern portion of that property, the southern side of Collecting Canal, should be preserved as a part of a linear “wilderness” park of at least 150 foot width. Lastly, the bridge at B Road and Collecting Canal should be removed. This will be required in order to curtail cut-through traffic from Okeechobee Blvd. to the campus. Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Folsom Road and potentially south D Road should be connections of choice to get to the campus’ entrance off Southern Blvd.

The campus is a good thing, but the traffic impact must be considered up front and immediately.

Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

It Takes A Majority To Spend Money In a recent letter to the TownCrier, a writer chastised Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite for his support for a 9/11 Memorial Park, which has ballooned from $80,000 to close to half a million.

Never mind that Matt is a fireman, or that he served as a corpsman for the Marines, he has a right to act the patriot, miss his brethren and want to honor them.

I agree that the pricetag is too much and that the piece of steel should have been added to our existing park for about $20,000, but I’m not an elected official. I do, however, understand Wellington politics as it requires counting

only to five. Councilwoman Ann Gerwig advised us that indeed, the majority of our council are Republicans, which would be four out of five; Willhite being the lone Democrat. Using this easy formula, one can deduce correctly, that nothing can pass this council without a majority decision, a Republican majority.

The writer, who seems interested in money waste, conveniently forgets the planned giveaway to Palm Beach State College of land worth $4 to $6 million, with Willhite only requesting some guarantees, and since then, lo and behold the college came up with the money to be spent elsewhere.

Moving on, there was the council vote (yes, a majority again) to spend $252,000 for a university to do a 50-year study of Wellington’s future, with another majority vote to close down a roadway, take away someone’s land and build yet another park (to fill in for those dispossessed of their park) by the road closure, that also being in the $300,000-plus vicinity.

I’m not going to argue the merits of any of these items lest I bore you further, but know well, all of the above are optional items.

In a time when our fellow citizens are losing their jobs, their homes and college tuition is disappearing, why undertake these expenditures when we have no idea what tomorrow brings (let alone a 50-year plan)? While our country, our state and our neighboring cities/villages are cutting back, Wellington seems to be on an early Christmas spending spree. Perhaps keeping these funds might have been more prudent, as not one of these items was/is essential.

Let us not forget that it still takes a majority to do anything in Wellington, and it is not Matt’s party that runs the village, but he did save us $4 to $6 million. Can the majority say that?

George Unger Wellington

Championing A Mixed Economy I’m responding to Thomas Euell’s response to me titled “Capitalism Made The U.S. Great.” I wish I weren’t, as I think it’s unfortunate the Town-Crier printed what amounts to a personal attack. I will continue to argue points, and re-

sist Mr. Euell’s desire to make this about me instead of facts. But I wonder how so many can be angry at Congress for being divisive when we can’t even have a respectful conversation here. I ask that that the Town-Crier refrain from printing this type of trash in the future. But hey, if they don’t, game on!

After calling me a Marxist and a socialist, he says that “Capitalism made this country No. 1 in the world” and it’s true that millions have come here for economic opportunity. But the thing that has always made the U.S. great is the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our ability to amend it, which we have now done 27 times. People have come for a host of reasons, many Hispanics for jobs, many Irish due to famine, many Jews due to persecution, some British, going way back, in search of religious freedom.

Apparently, any criticism of capitalism must mean that the speaker is a socialist, in the eyes of Mr. Euell. This is at best misguided, as the United States has always had a mixed economy. Always. The argument that exists is really over how mixed we want it to be, but only fringe elements would completely eliminate every aspect of capitalism or socialism for the other.

Truth be told, many of our nation’s best ideas have been ones that are closer to socialism than capitalism. Unemployment insurance, public schools, Social Security, the 40-hour work week, public transit — these are not capitalist ideas. Watch a candidate run for office advocating the complete dissolution of them though, and you will find one lonely capitalist.

And really, how well has capitalism worked without the government’s help? Isn’t everyone on both sides bothered by the bailout of the banks? What about the savings and loan scandal? Hasn’t the government bailed out both the auto industry and the airline industry? What about farming subsidies, or the massive contracts to technological companies from the Department of Defense?

I find it odd and somewhat amusing that Mr. Euell would hold up New York City, the center of worldwide finance, as an example of a city’s economy being destroyed by social programs. Ac-

cording to a story in Reuters that appeared last week, NYC “usually rides the same roller-coaster as Wall Street’s profits.”

And there’s this quote in the same story from Standard & Poor’s: “New York City’s recent budgets and financial plan updates incorporated weaker economic and revenue growth than has actually occurred, and we believe the city has historically moved swiftly to address projected budget gaps.”

That hardly sounds as though New York has found itself in desperate times due to social programs, but I’ll keep going. New York has 667,200 millionaires, more than the total of the next three runners up — Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. — combined. New York is not one of the 11 cities with the greatest crime rate, according to U.S. News & World Report. Orlando is tied for third and Miami is seventh. Miami ranks fifth in the nation in worst poverty rate. New York is 66th.

Who has the most corporate headquarters, the most millionaires, the higher taxes, more social programs, less crime and less poverty? New York, New York!

Yes, capitalism and the government are forever intertwined in the U.S., sometimes for the better, sometimes not. But as I’ll restate from my last letter, the concentration of wealth in the U.S. has become alarming, with 50 percent of Americans owning only 2.5 percent. That’s not a few people on the bottom. That’s half of us! And the top 10 percent now own over 70 percent of everything. If that’s not a problem, at what number does it become one? When the top 10 percent own 80 percent? Ninety?

It is not an economic hardship for the super-wealthy and the corporations to just pay the same kind of taxes they paid during the times of our parents and grandparents, a time of incredible economic growth, and there are some places where profiteering doesn’t belong, like prisons. Also, as I said last time, the Citizens United case that now allows corporations to give whatever they want to political campaigns is dangerous to the idea of democracy.

Those are not new arguments, and to shout me down for making them is frankly un-American. If I must be labeled, I’d prefer “supporter of Keynesian economic the-

ory” and “concerned American.”

Finally, I’ll finish with a quote from an editorial in a recent issue of The New York Times: “I would raise rates immediately on taxable income in excess of $1 million, including, of course, dividends and capital gains. And for those who make $10 million or more — there were 8,274 in 2009 — I would suggest an additional increase in rate.

My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionairefriendly Congress. It’s time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice.”

Who said that? Noted Marxist Warren Buffet.

David Eisenberg Royal Palm Beach

Corporations Should Be More Patriotic Why aren’t the deep cash pocket corporations thinking and acting as their patriotic duty to give more to grow the American economy — American jobs? This would revive the middle class and allow lower class individuals to move up the economic ladder.

Showing their patriotism, in this manner, is especially needed, since they benefited from tax dollars that supported their moving companies and jobs to other countries.

Why should you trust politicians, who get their guaranteed salaries and increases, health benefits and paid vacations, all from taxpayer funds and still want to deny you comparable benefits?

Why should you trust political parties that have and continue to try dismantling Social Security and

Medicare as a viable safety net?

These programs have been the only lifeline for the most vulnerable in our society, even some former wealthy individuals, who incurred significant losses from ponzi schemes are beneficiaries.

Do you really believe the individual voter can compete with corporations, who are more concerned with only profits and not creating jobs in America? A majority of our U.S. Supreme Court declared corporations as your competitor.

Middle and lower economic individuals have no more to give.

When working they are taxed at a higher rate, while at the same time pay many other federal, state and local taxes at the same rate as wealthy individuals. There was a recent news story that revealed, even when purchasing property in Florida, wealthy individuals pay astronomically lower fees than others.

America as a whole and individuals can all profit from less greed and more patriotism.

Lydia Patterson Wellington

For The Record In the article “Palm Beach State To Buy Simon Property For Fifth Campus” published last week, the location of the property was not accurately described. The Simon property is located at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road in Loxahatchee Groves.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words).

Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail letters@goTown Crier.com.

OPINION

After All Those Years, Lou Gehrig’s Treasure Trove Is Now Available It normally does not take anything like 80 years to get the “collectibles” from a great athlete into the mainstream madhouse of memorabilia. But in the case of a previously unknown cache from New York Yankees superstar Lou Gehrig, which is taking place now, those who know say Gehrig’s stuff should bring in over a half million dollars.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin Acknowledged as one of the greatest players of his time, Gehrig was extremely shy off the

diamond. His social life was ruled for years by his mother, Christina, and she tabooed many possible relationships. Thus when Lou eventually married Eleanor Grace Twitchell against mama’s wishes, the mother-in-law/ daughter-in-law relationship never blossomed.

There were no children. Somehow or another, Christina was

the after-death recipient of the items now on sale. Curiously, she passed them on to a gal who once dated Lou, Ruth Martin.

Ruth’s son Jeffrey Quick has authorized the sale.

Among the items there is a gray uniform worn by Gehrig on a 1934 baseball tour of Japan, and a signed baseball attached to a cigarette lighter. There are also

personal items like a leather wallet with Gehrig’s name imprinted, plus a baseball motif and an art deco, 1928 World Series Hamilton watch. The baseball/ cigarette lighter was signed by the likes of Babe Ruth, Jimmy Foxx and Connie Mack, etc. who were tour mates in Japan.

Where has the stuff been all these years? Ruth Martin kept it

all in a linen closet and one safe deposit box. She died in 1955 at 87, and Quick decided the time has come. “No one ever looks at it,” he said. “They are wonderful sports artifacts. Now I’d rather turn it loose into the collectable community.”

Let us also assume that Quick, now retired, will have an easier financial time in the days ahead.

NEWS

Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful Cleanup Returning On Sept. 17 Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful Inc. is seeking help from volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17 with additional dates in September, October and November in Palm Beach County.

The cleanup is sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy worldwide and is coordinated locally by

Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful. As part of this effort across the globe, individuals take part in the International Coastal Cleanup to remove trash and debris from the world’s beaches and waterways, identify the sources of that debris, and change the behaviors that allow it to reach the ocean in the first place.

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During this signature event each September, hundreds of thousands of volunteers from countries all over the world spend a day picking up everything from cigarette butts and food wrappers to lost fishing nets and major appliances. Because trash travels to the ocean by way of storm drains and waterways, they don’t just work

along ocean beaches; these dedicated volunteers navigate through mud and sand along lakes, canals and rivers, often working far inland on roadways and neighborhood streets.

Many walk, while others set out on boats. Thousands more don scuba gear to seek trash below the water’s surface. People of all ages,

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

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DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró

from any walk of life, can participate. Last year, during the 25th anniversary of the cleanup, in Palm Beach County alone, over 4,000 volunteers picked up over 29,000 pounds of trash from Palm Beach County beaches, lakes and participating neighborhoods. From the information provided by volunteers, the source of most of the

trash and debris comes from shoreline and recreational activities (52.54 percent) and smokingrelated activities (37.29 percent).

This year, volunteers will gather at multiple locations on Sept.

17. Most events begin at 8 a.m.

For a list of sites, dates and times, visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org or call (561) 686-6646.

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

Page 5

NEWS

PIZZAZZ HAIR SALON’S ‘GIVE BACK’ FUNDRAISER BENEFITS ADOPT-A-FAMILY

Pizzazz Hair Design hosted its annual fundraiser Pizzazz Gives Back on Sunday, Aug. 14 to benefit A dopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches. The salon, which is typically closed Sundays, opened its doors to raise money for the charity. Adopt-A-Family is a nonprof it organization dedicated to assisting poverty-stricken families in need. For more info., visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org. For more about Pizzazz, visit www.pizzazzhair.com. These pictures are from the location at Kobosko’s Crossing.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Stylist Nikki Bailey with Sarah Collins.

Barbara Cline and stylist Teresa Richards.

Chris Wood gets her hair done by stylist Letty DePietto.

Charlene Pisani, Lena Barilla and Dottie Militello with Pizzazz salon co-owner Dennis Marquez.

Debbie Scott gets a pedicure from stylist Ashley Umgelder.

Customer Olivia Larson gives her donation to stylist Ken McBriar.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET OPENS ‘HEALTH STARTS HERE’ INFORMATION STATION Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted its Health Starts Here information station ribbon cutting Monday, Aug. 15. The Health Starts Here information station is located in the produce department by the juice bar. Guests were treated to a food and juice tasting, and had the opportunity to learn about Whole Foods’ Health Starts Here program. For more info., call (561) 904-4000.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Whole Foods Marketing Director Lauren Belinsky ser ves smoothies to the Drummond family.

Healthy Eating Specialist Cheryl Kobal (center) is helped by Maya Drummond (left) and Lee Spinosi (right) as she cuts the ribbon.

Larry and Margaret McAllister sample some of the recipes offered at the station.

Page 6

August 19 - August 25, 2011

The Town-Crier

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CRIME NEWS

Armed Robbery In RPB; Stolen Cement Mixer In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report AUG. 12 — A woman was robbed at knifepoint last Friday morning in the Groves at Royal Palm shopping plaza on State Road 7. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the plaza at approximately 7:20 a.m. after a man threatened a woman with a knife.

According to the report, the victim said she was standing behind one of the buildings when a black man came up behind her, put a knife to her back and demanded money. She opened her bag and gave him $30, which he took and then fled the area westbound into the Shoma Homes community.

The suspect was described as a black male between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers with a green and white bandana covering his face. The deputy canvassed the area and the community with negative results.

••• AUG. 5 — A resident of Bridlewood at Binks Forest called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Friday, Aug. 5 regarding a theft.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 and 2 p.m. the following afternoon, someone broke the victim’s metal mailbox post and stole the mailbox. A search of the neighborhood yielded no results.

The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $330 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 6 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a construction site in the Olympia neighborhood Saturday, Aug. 6 in response to a theft. According to a PBSO report, an employee of the construction company removed two tires from a cement mixer and chained it to two wheel barrels at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5.

When he arrived the following morning, the employee discovered that someone had cut the chain, replaced the tires and removed the vehicle from the area.

The stolen cement mixer was valued at approximately $5,000.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 12 — A resident of La Mancha called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach early last Friday morning to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim entered her bedroom at approximately 2 p.m. to discover that it had been ransacked. The perpetrator(s) removed several pieces of jewelry from her drawers as well as approximately $50 cash. According to the report, the victim said she left a sliding glass door unlocked, which may have been the point of entry. A neighbor told the deputy he observed an unknown male walking between the houses. The suspect was described as wearing a white rag on his head and a white long-sleeve shirt.

AUG. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 46th Place North last Saturday evening regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2:30 and 9:30 p.m., someone forced open the victim’s front door to gain access to the residence and stole several items, including 11 Thomas Blacksheer statues, a black touchscreen computer, a Johnny Walker wine set and several pieces of jewelry. The stolen items were valued at approximately $21,300.

DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 14 — A Wellington woman was arrested on charges of drunken driving last Sunday night following a traffic stop near the intersection of Sparrow Drive and Sparrow Court. According to See BLOTTER, page 16

Man Shot Trying To Escape Custody At Wellington Regional AUG. 14 — A West Palm Beach man was shot last Sunday afternoon by a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy after the man tried to escape from custody while at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:52 p.m., 23year-old John Haulotte was under

care at the hospital when he got into an altercation with the deputy assigned to oversee him. Haulotte attempted to escape and the deputy fired at him, striking him in the leg.

According to the report, Haulotte had non-life-threatening injuries and was returned to the emergency room for treatment.

Wellington Woman Dies In WPB Traffic Collision AUG. 12 — A Wellington woman died early last Friday morning following a traffic accident on Southern Blvd. between Avocado and Pine avenues in West Palm Beach.

According to a PBSO report, 20-year-old Marissa McKee was traveling west on Southern Blvd. when, for unknown reasons, her vehicle veered sharply to the right

and began spinning as it slid forward. The vehicle slid up over the curb and sidewalk, and rolled into a large drainage ditch. According to the report, McKee was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. McKee was not wearing a seatbelt, and investigators believe that alcohol or drugs may have contributed to the crash.

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Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Island Shores Drive in Greenacres. Badgett is wanted as of 08/18/11.

• James Nickerson is a white male, 6’4” tall and weighing 175 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. He has tattoos on both arms and his right shoulder. His date of birth is 03/02/61. Nickerson is wanted for possession of oxycodone. His occupation is painter. His last known addresses were Hibiscus Drive in Royal Palm Beach and Yarmouth Drive in Wellington. Nickerson is wanted as of 08/ 18/1 1.

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

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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

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

Groves Town Council Hopes To Develop Coordinated Road Policy

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council discussed developing a policy on road improvements Tuesday.

During a discussion of drainage, swales and culverts, Councilman Ron Jarriel said the council needs to come up with a policy on installing drainage swales on nondistrict roads.

“Our legal staff recommended that whatever we do when it comes to drainage swales along our roads must be of public benefit,” Jarriel said. “We need to know that by keeping a good drainage swale so water can flow, it’s not going to allow our town roads to be washed away.”

Councilman Tom Goltzené agreed with the concept of installing swales, as long as they are designed for holding the water, “rather than encourage rapid runoff just into the canals, that we may have some sort of impoundments along the way to keep the water table up,” Goltzené said, citing the need to keep more water in the community, rather than

losing it to the canal system.

“It did start raining, thank God, but six months from now, you know where we’re going to be,” he said. “We need to start thinking about how to encourage lengthening the period of time that we have the water.”

Councilman Ryan Liang also agreed. “I was the person who first brought this up, so I completely agree with setting up some type of policy as far as what the town is going to do in regard to drainage swales on non-district roads,” he said.

Liang was concerned about getting proper legal descriptions for the easements. “In the future, we’re going to have to look at all the roads, so we need to look at getting all our roads and swales legal,” he explained.

Councilman Jim Rockett said that is likely to be a complicated process. “I think the council wants to put a policy in place,” he said.

“There are so many pieces to this particular puzzle. It’s got to be comprehensive, and it’s got to be fair.”

Mayor Dave Browning liked

the idea of retaining water and favored working in cooperation with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. However, he was wary of the expense of getting surveys for all the roads.

“I am not a big fan of spending a lot of our tax dollars regarding proper legal descriptions,” Browning said. “We’re basically paying a surveyor hundreds of thousands of dollars. My thought is, you’ve got a road in that’s been there for 20 or 30 years; it’s a town road.”

Browning said he had been reluctant initially on the idea of improving swales but came to believe it would save money in the long run. “If the town is spending money to repair the roads, it doesn’t make sense then to have them wash right out,” he said.

Town Manager Frank Spence said the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee had discussed creating a joint policy. “We are developing this very thing, a policy for canals and culverts,” Spence said.

Rockett said he would like the council to have more input on a

policy, pointing out that the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee has representation of only one staff member and one elected representative each from the town and the district.

“This is something that you have a lot of different opinions on,” Rockett said. “There may be five different thoughts on five different things or five dif ferent thoughts on the same thing.”

He suggested a town-district workshop to discuss a policy more thoroughly.

Goltzené said that in discussing a capital budget for roads, council members should be able to identify what roads they would want to improve. He suggested starting with roads that are already slated for improvements.

“We start with those roads, and we look at all the side roads that attach to them,” Goltzené said, pointing out that he would give weight to side roads where more residents benefit and areas where drainage is more of an issue.

Browning noted that whatever decision is made will greatly affect the LGWCD. “Whatever we

do, we’re feeding into the district canals,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re going to have to get elevations and things like that from the water control board. I think setting up a workshop would be really good.”

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said there are a number of issues that could come up on the side roads.

“Please do not throw out surveys being required completely,” Saunier said. “There are some areas where it’s obvious, perhaps, that the landowners are acknowledging that there are easements, but there are a lot of areas, especially north of the North Road Canal and west of A Road Canal, where there are very blown surveys and property issues. What you don’t want to do, in my opinion, is spend a lot of tax dollars on an improvement and have somebody come in and say, ‘My property line is there, and I can prove it in court,’ and you’ve lost that battle.”

Saunier said he felt it would be good to have an action plan. “I know there are many people who

moved out here for dirt roads, and they don’t want any improved surface on there,” he said. “Economically speaking, I think that’s not smart, but if that’s what they want, then I think the board and the council would agree that that’s what they should have as long as the largest majority on that road wants that.”

Saunier said the district’s successful road improvement projects have been based on input from residents in workshops and getting them to buy into the concept. “It’s an involved process that should be carefully looked at, but not analyzed overly,” he said.

Rockett said he saw two issues, creating a policy and addressing specific projects, and suggested that the council put a policy discussion on the agenda first.

Goltzené agreed that particular areas are more important but said they need some sort of criteria to rank the projects.

The council members agreed to have the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee discuss the issue, and a course of action will then be determined.

P.B. County Commission Enacts Foreclosure Registration Rules

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission gave final approval Tuesday to an ordinance mandating registration of foreclosed and abandoned homes in order to see that they are maintained.

The ordinance, which was granted preliminary approval July 28, requires the inspection and registration of property with mortgages in default and requires annual registration fees, maintenance and security of the property by mortgage holders.

The ordinance was approved with minor changes, including a clarification that just the house, and not the entire perimeter, must be secured. “We’re striking out ‘property and/or’ but we’re leaving in ‘structure,’” explained Planning and Zoning Director Barbara Alterman.

Commissioners also added a phrase that any pool areas must be

Swift

Resigns From RPB Council

continued from page 1 serving several terms as vice mayor.

Swift told the Town-Crier that he regards the most significant accomplishment of the council during his 22-year tenure to be the sale of RPB’s water utilities department to Palm Beach County in 2006, which gained the village a perpetual fund that earns it about $1.5 million in interest per year.

“In the long term, that was really a fund I didn’t realize we’d have,” Swift said. “I can’t think of any other city in that position.”

He said he’s also happy that the council turned over police and fire services to the county. “They’ve really impressed me with their professionalism,” said Swift, who initially opposed the police and fire mergers. “It was a difficult decision for me. I had come on the council, and a small-town police force was what I understood, but this worked out quite well.”

secured. “There were some questions about whether they would have to secure the entire perimeter of the area,” Alterman said.

“That was not the intent, and we wanted to clarify that it was just the structure and the pool area that has to be enclosed.”

They also changed the language regarding posting of responsible parties on the property so that it did not conflict with homeowners’ association restrictions against posting bills.

“We added, ‘unless prohibited by recorded covenants and restrictions,’ and that came about as a result of some of the attorneys representing homeowners’ associations who were concerned about conflicts that don’t allow signs in these communities,” Alterman said. “We can probably work out a way to get information about a property management company to the HOA without actually posting the property.”

The intent of posting the property with a sign is to allow neighbors to identify who is responsible for maintaining it so they would be able to contact the management company themselves, Alterman said. “In the case that the HOA doesn’t allow signs, we’re looking for a more efficient way to do that,” she said.

Dionna Hall, senior vice president of the Realtors’ Association of the Palm Beaches, reiterated her organization’s concerns that the tracking process, specifically using the filing of lis pendens (preforeclosure), would embroil homeowners still in their homes who were having trouble keeping up with their mortgage payments but keeping their property maintained.

She also questioned the need of requiring registration of condominiums.

Alterman said internal issues in condominiums such as leaky plumbing or mold that affect

neighbors need to be addressed.

“If you get a pipe breaking or a mold problem, the idea is to be able to go in and cure that problem before it affects other properties,” she said.

Commissioner Paulette Burdick said she supported having an independent contractor monitor records for foreclosed homes but wondered if there should be an escape clause in case a less expensive means is found.

“I understand that the [Palm Beach County] Sheriff’s Office, which does a lot of this patrolling, would also like the opportunity at some time to participate and be the provider,” Burdick said.

Deputy County Administrator Verdenia Baker said she worked initially with a third-party vendor to bring the ordinance forward.

“Subsequent to that, the sheriff’s staff made us aware that they had a database that could be modified that had all the data,” Baker said.

Commission Chair Karen Marcus said she would prefer to go with the outside vendor for now.

“I got that feedback also from the sheriff’s office,” she said. “I think the board already decided to go this way. Right now, I think since we’re just starting out on the process, it would be safer to try this way.”

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor asked if the enactment of the ordinance would impact code enforcement staff’s workload. “Do we see that this will increase the amount of work on our people?”

Taylor asked. “I know we’re having cutbacks and everything else, and I would like to know how this is going to affect us.”

Baker said it would definitely affect them to some extent. She said there was currently a lull in foreclosures due to the recent “robo-signing” scandal that evicted thousands of people unfairly.

“Once that is cleared up, I think

we will see an increase again to complete the foreclosure processes,” Baker said. “Yes, I do believe there will be an impact to our workload for code enforcement.”

Alterman said she anticipated a change in staff responsibility because they had been attempting to locate managers of abandoned, run-down property themselves and that the effort had been very labor-intensive, with a low success rate. She said having a vendor locate the properties and their proper maintenance authority would reduce the workload.

County Administrator Robert Weisman said there has been a reduction in code enforcement staff, but he anticipated that the ordinance would enable them to work more efficiently. “I think if this all works correctly, we may actually end up with a better result and maybe less reasons to pursue code enforcement,” he said.

He said he is pleased that the State Road 7 reliever road has been built out to Persimmon Blvd., with plans for eventual completion to Northlake Blvd., thereby allowing Acreage residents a way in and out of their community without having to go through Royal Palm Beach. “That was good for The Acreage, too,” Swift said.

Another accomplishment he recalls was the uniting of retirees, who once made up a large percentage of the village population, and families who were growing steadily in number and starting to demand services such as recreation.

“The retirees, who made up a majority of the population at the time, were concerned that a bunch of new families were going to raise taxes and basically have their way with what they want to do with their tax dollars,” Swift said.

“There was a lot of infighting, and it was very difficult when I first came on the council, because I was the youngest guy on there, and everyone else was over 60.

The long and short of it is that over time, we have learned how to get along and work as a team.”

Swift said people tell him they

are impressed that council members treat each other, as well as the audience, with respect. “The civility doesn’t exist sometimes in other venues, so that’s a big change that I’ve seen over the last 20 years,” he said.

He is not happy, however, with how the Palm Beach County School District has treated Royal Palm Beach High School. “Early in my career, I campaigned hard for a local high school,” he recalled.

When RPB finally got its local high school, it was turned into a regional school serving students from outside the area. “Rather than a community school, we have a large urban school,” Swift said.

Getting the school was a long fight. He recalled feeling betrayed

by Wellington when Royal Palm Beach residents joined in a campaign for a high school in the western communities, and when Wellington High School was built, Royal Palm Beach was cut out of the deal and its students continued to attend Palm Beach Lakes High School until Royal Palm Beach High School was finally built years later.

“To finally get a high school, I

was thrilled,” Swift Swift said he plans said. “We took our eye to stay around and off the prize, and the might consider run[district] in 2006 ning again in a year if changed the boundFRS rules allow it. “I aries. That’s the only will have to wait a negative thing I can year and see what think of, but I as one happens, and see if I councilman can only am still interested in do so much.” it,” he said.

He said he hopes his Now 66, Swift said council colleagues will he looks forward to keep up the pressure on visiting his grandchilthe school district until dren in North Carolithe boundary issue is na and traveling. resolved.

“There’s a lot of Swift said he regrets David Swift resigned Tuesday from the RPB council. things going on that I having to leave the would like to be incouncil. “I enjoy being on the won’t go to every council meet- volved in that are not in Florida, council,” he said. “I enjoy work- ing, but I will go to some that I so that gives me some travel time ing with other council persons, think are important and voice my to interesting places, so, I’m lookand we have a pretty good man- opinion.” ing forward to that,” he said. agement team there.”

Swift’s seat is up for election He said he might consider a He said he found it ironic that volunteer position on one of the next March. VillageAttorney Brad the legislature, in an effort to stop advisory boards, but did not want Biggs told the Town-Crier that state employees from double-dip- to risk losing his retirement bene- council members could appoint ping, caught him in the web. “I fits to a council position that pays someone to fill the seat until then, don’t even get FRS [benefits] about $14,000 a year. “If you take or leave it vacant. from the village,” he said. “But any money from that, you would Mayor Matty Mattioli said he because of the rules, I have to re- be considered not to have retired. favors leaving Swift’s seat empty sign.”

You could lose your pension,” until the election.

Swift said he intends to remain Swift explained. “Because the “Let someone run like everyinvolved. “I will continue to go to stakes are so high for me, I can’t body else, rather than appoint council meetings,” he said. “I take the risk.” them,” Mattioli said.

‘The retirees, who made up a majority of the population at the time, were concerned that a bunch of new families were going to raise taxes and have their way with what they want to do with the tax dollars. There was a lot of infighting, and it was very difficult when I first came on the council, because I was the youngest guy on there, and everyone else was over 60... Over time, we have learned how to get along and work as a team.’

Former RPB Councilman David Swift

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

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NEWS

FUN TIME FOR THE FAMILY AT TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB OPEN HOUSE IN WELLINGTON Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington held an open house Sunday, Aug. 14. It was an opportunity to sign up kids for religious school, get tickets for the high holidays and become a member of the congregation. There were refreshments and a kids room with supervised fun activities. For more info., call (561) 793-4347 or visit www.tem plebnaijacob.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Daniel, Allison and mom Amy Robbert get information about the religious school from Andrea Cohan.

Temple B’nai Jacob board members.

Volunteers David Mendelsohn and Randy Feldman.

Jonathan Marcus, Rabbi David Abrams and Lori and Samantha Columbo.

Jeff, Amanda and Craig Ginsberg eat cookies.

Osi Mendelson, Jake and Cari Sukienik, and Liz Thal.

Congressman Allen West Meets With Employees At Area Business Congressman Allen West (RDistrict 22) toured a local business last week to learn more about its efforts to provide opportunities for the disabled and developmentally challenged. Baron Sign Manufacturing has teamed up with Seagull Industries for the Disabled, offering jobs and helping the disabled build confidence and independence.

“These individuals deserve our support and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community,” West said. “I’m proud of this local small business for taking a chance, a chance that will pay dividends in the future.”

Baron Sign Manufacturing initially will be employing up to six individuals, many of whom have Down syndrome and other severe disabilities, and giving them the

opportunity to work with their hands, doing various tasks such as simple production, packaging and finishing.

During the visit, Baron Sign Manufacturing CEO Sandra Foland and Seagull Industries President Fred Eisinger signed a letter of understanding regarding their commitment to work together.

“The men and women from Seagull are hard working, and we are happy to have them as part of our team,” Foland said. “We’re not just creating jobs, we’re re-creating lives.”

For more information about Baron Sign Manufacturing, visit www.baronsign.com. For additional information on Seagull Industries for the Disabled, visit its web site at www.seagull.org.

Congressman Allen West with Baron Sign Manufacturing CEO Sandra Foland.

Congressman Allen West meets employees to salute the new partnership between Seagull Industries for the Disabled and Baron Sign Manufacturing.

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

Page 9

NEWS

VISIONS HOSTS HAIRCUT-ATHON TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Visions Hair Salon held its fourth annual haircut-athon Sunday, Aug. 14 to benef it the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. There were raffle prizes and refreshments, and all money raised from lemonade sales, salon hair services and pink nail polish sales went directly to the American Cancer Society. Visions is sponsoring a team for the 5K walk, set for Oct. 22 in downtown West Palm Beach.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Ally Lorenz, Olivia Eames and Abbey Eames pick out feathers for their hair.

Visions staff members with American Cancer Society Area Executive Director Martha Gilmartin (far right).

Martha Gilmartin accepts a check from Visions owner Tom Monticello while Sherri Giles and Clarissa Cornelius look on.

Gaby Pugliese helped Breanna Stanford donate her ponytail to Locks of Love.

Hunter Carr accepts donations for lemonade.

Elizabeth Hayda gets her hair blow dried by Brooke Zuidema.

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL WOLVERINE BAND HOLDS CAR WASH TO RAISE MONEY The Wellington High School Wolverine Band Booster Association held a car w ash Sunday, Aug. 14 in the parking lot of the Blockbuster Video in Wellington Plaza to benefit the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound. The band is raising money to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, transportation, etc. The next car wash will be Sept. 4. For more info., visit www.whsband.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

WHS band members hold signs advertising the car wash.

Natalie Thurston, Valeria Alfaro, Alex Gillette and Matt Genore.

Members work hard to suppor t the band program.

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Women In Business Luncheon Aug. 31 At Madison Green As part of its Women in Business series, the Palms West Community Foundation will host a luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 31 at noon at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). Iberia Bank is sponsoring the event, which will feature the WPEC NewsChannel 12 anchor Liz Quirantes as the speaker.

Quirantes considers the lesson that she learned from her mother to be one of the most valuable — the ability to maintain balance in her life. Quirantes says of her mother, “she has had the most influence on me as a person and as a career woman. She taught me how to succeed and how to balance family, career and faith.” A sold-out crowd is expected to attend and to hear Quirantes as she shares her personal insights on achieving success in business and balance in life.

Quirantes, a familiar face in Palm Beach County, is the news anchor on the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts for WPEC NewsChannel 12. However, she is equally known for her passionate work in the community. Despite her rigorous work schedule, Quirantes has been able to find the time to be active in many worthwhile causes, including the H.O.P.E Project, which provides reducedcost mammograms to underserved

Liz Quirantes and uninsured women in Palm Beach County. She has also been involved with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and has featured on-air reports about breast cancer. One project that has remained closest to her heart is Forever Family, a nonprofit charity that works to find homes for foster children.

The cost for the luncheon is $25 for Palms West Chamber members and $35 for non-members.

Sure to be a sell-out, reservations for this event are requested by Monday, Aug. 29. To RSVP, visit www.palmswest.com and click on the Women in Business icon on the right-hand side, or call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200.

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NEWS BRIEFS FLNA Forum Aug. 22 At RPB Cultural Center The Florida League of Neighborhood Associations (FLNA) will host a public forum Monday, Aug. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). All members of neighborhood association boards of directors, residents and other interested parties are invited.

The forum will address the financial impact to neighborhood associations caused by the current foreclosure and vacant home crisis, and the efforts and alternatives being used and available to neighborhood associations and local and county governments.

Confirmed panel members include Wellington Deputy Village Manager John Bonde, Royal Palm Beach Community Development and Code Enforcement Director Robert Hill, West Palm Beach Construction Services Director Doug Wise, Palm Beach County Code Enforcement Director Kurt Eismann, Palm Beach County Collections Coordinator Glenn Meeder Jr., Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger and more.

For more info., call (561) 7581618 or visit www.flna.org.

Benefit For Cancer Patient This Saturday A fundraising event for Andrew Lott, who has Stage 4 brain can-

cer, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27 at noon at Cornerstone Fellowship Church in The Acreage (corner of Orange Blvd. and 140th Ave. North). There will be games, crafts, a barbecue, music and more. Donations in his name will be accepted as well. They can be sent to the church at 13969 Orange Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33412. For more information, call event coordinator Carol McIlvin at (561) 301-7873.

Next LGLA Meeting Set For Aug. 25 The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves).

The guest speaker will be Michelle Williams, director of the southeast region of the Florida Public Archaeology Network at Florida Atlantic University. She will discuss the excitement you could experience if you dive into the waters just off some local beaches in South Florida.

Have you ever wondered about the history resting just off these local beaches? Southeast Florida is home to nearly 300 years of maritime history, which is protected in six separate underwater archaeological preserves. These preserves are free and open to the public.

Williams will discuss some of the ships, the cargo carried and the people who used the ships to sail the seas. She will use a Power-

Point presentation to help add more of an understanding to this topic. Her discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Come prepared to get answers to questions you have wondered about.

For more information, call Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114. All LGLA meetings are open to the public.

WWC To Kick Off The New Season Sept. 1 In RPB The Women of the Western Communities (formerly the Wellington Women’s Club) will hold its first meeting of the 2011-12 season Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the MarBar Grille at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, Royal Palm Beach).

Started in 1977 as the Welcome Wagon for new residents of the area, the group became the Wellington Women’s Club in 1983 and has served the community since that time in many ways. A social philanthropic organization of women helping women, the club supports two major causes: the Mary Rubloff YWCA Harmony House, a secure shelter for abused women and their children, and college scholarships for area high school seniors.

But the name is not the only thing about the club that is changing. “We want to be more inclusive of the entire area and encourage women from Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, The Acreage and western Lake Worth to join

us,” co-president Stacy Kaufman said.

This year, instead of formal dinner meetings the first Thursday of every month from September through June, the group will have fewer regular meetings with several optional outings to such venues as theaters, casinos, restaurants and movies.

The new format will allow the annual dues to be lowered to $195 with various payment options available. “We hope to make membership affordable so more women can become involved in this great club,” co-president Laurie Piel said.

To make a reservation or for more information, contact Mair Armand at mair@wwc-fl.com or (561) 635-0011.

Free Lecture On Brain Science In Royal Palm The public is invited to a free educational lecture to explore a scientifically proven, drug-free method of treating the symptoms of autism, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression and insomnia.

The lecture will take place Thursday, Aug. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Center for Brain Training in Royal Palm Beach (1019 N. State Road 7).

The topic is neurofeedback (biofeedback for the brain). Seating is limited. To reserve a seat, or to learn more about the topic, visit www.centerforbrain.com or call the Center for Brain Training at (561) 744-7616.

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Page 11

NEWS

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CONNOLLY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL IN ROYAL PALM BEACH Connolly’s Sports Bar & Grill in Royal Palm Beach held an open mic night with host Fonda Cash on Monday, Aug. 15. Patrons took the stage to show their friends and other audience members their various talents. Connolly’s is located at 10045 Belvedere Road.

For more info., visit www.connollysbar.com or call (561) 795-0403.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Connolly’s owners Chris and Trish Carpenter.

Michael Tesch, Autumn Skie and Alex Nguyen of the band Slush perform.

Mother and daughter Carey and Meghan Ritmiller.

Mike Saucier sings for the crowd.

Valerie White plays the saxophone.

Melinda Elena with host Fonda Cash.

(L-R) Todd Deason and his daughter Autumn Skie with Slush members Alex Nguyen, Michael Tesch and Brandon Bartow.

RAIN CUTS SHORT REBORN HIGHWAY CONCERT AT WELLINGTON AMPHITHEATER

The Wellington Amphitheater held a classic car show and concer t Saturday, A ug. 13 featuring the band Reborn Highway. A few cars from Palm Beach Cruisers Club were on hand, though the concert was cut short due t o rain. The Wellington Amphitheater will feature Steel Pony on Saturday, Aug. 20.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Reborn Highway’s Josh Pertnoy, Rich Conklin, Ken Hurley and Ryan Mishkin.

Bert and Ruth Joseph with Claire Freed and Hank Morris wait f or the concert to begin.

Representatives from Market Salon and Store were on hand.

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NEWS

American Legion Post 390 Golf Tourney Sept. 9 Members of the Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 met Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the Binks Forest Golf Club to discuss Post 390’s inaugural golf tournament to be held Friday, Sept. 9 at Binks Forest.

The tournament will kick off Wellington’s Patriot Day weekend commemoration. Proceeds will benefit the Future Heroes Scholarships Fund and other local youth, patriotic and veteran support programs. The tournament will have a 1 p.m. shotgun start followed by a barbecue dinner and awards, and a silent auction.

The tournament will be run by volunteers to celebrate fallen heroes, Sgt. Chris Reyka and other firefighters, police and veterans.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. The cost to enter the tournament is $100 a person or $35 for the barbecue dinner and awards festivities only.

For more info., call John Isola at (561) 795-2721, Mike Pancia at (561) 304-5403 or Ed Portman at (561) 602-4409, or e-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com.

Planning The Tournament — Binks Forest Golf Club Director of Catering Wendy Buchanan, American Legion Post 390 Commander Tom Clapp, Post Adjutant Mary Castillo, Vice Commander Mike Pancia, Past Commander Tom Wenham, Sergeant-at-Arms John Isola, Tournament Director Ed Portman and Binks Forest Event Coordinator Susan Tur turici.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Emergency Preparedness Forum Aug. 22 The Wellington Radio Club will host a blue ribbon public safety panel to discuss emergency preparedness in the western communities on Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Palm Beach County FireRescue Station #30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington).

The panel will include Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, PBCFR Battalion Chief Nigel Baker, Emergency Operations Center Logistics Manager Daryl Boyd and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Executive Officer Lt. Chris Myers.

Topics will include changes and improvements in preparedness, old and new hazards (hurricanes, tornados, the Hoover Dike failure and bird flu pandemic scenarios, etc.), preparedness coordination with other agencies concerned with the western communities, volunteer preparedness and roles during an emergency, and a review of past emergency responses and lessons learned.

For more information, contact Wellington Radio Club President

Larry Lazar at (561) 385-2986 or larry33414@aol.com.

Lorna Johnson To Chair Making Strides Walk The American Cancer Society’s Palm Beach Area chapter has announced that Lorna Johnson will be the chair of this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in West Palm Beach. The walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Meyer Amphitheatre.

In addition to being a breast cancer survivor, Johnson is the vice president of Your Bosom Buddies II Inc., a breast cancer support group at Wellington Regional Medical Center. Breast cancer survivors like Johnson hope their passion will inspire others to join the fight against breast cancer. The group held its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pink Party Kickoff on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach.

For more information about the walk, contact American Cancer Society Associate Director Martha Gilmartin at (561) 650-0139 or martha.gilmartin@cancer.org.

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Page 13

SCHOOL NEWS

Green Building Council Gives FAU Building Platinum Certification The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification to the recently completed Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science Building in Boca Raton.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of highperformance green buildings. Designed by the international architecture, planning, engineering, interior design and program management firm Leo A. Daly, FAU’s facility is the first academic building in southeast Florida to achieve this status.

“With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC’s vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of U.S. Green Building Council. “As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science building is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.”

“Florida Atlantic University is visionary in its approach to education,” said Robert J. Thomas, Leo A. Daly’s principal of science & technology. “Science

buildings are typically energyconsuming by nature, but both the college and our project team wanted to build a world-class facility that would showcase the university’s commitment to sustainability. Achieving the LEED Platinum certification validates that commitment.”

The new 97,000-square-foot, five-story facility houses the university’s computer science, electrical and computer engineering programs, and consists of electrical instrumentation labs, computer build/circuitry labs, 5G technologies and specialized research labs.

“This facility will place the university, college and local community at the national forefront of energy conservation and environmental stewardship efforts and act as a catalyst for building a sustainable infrastructure,” said Karl Stevens, former dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The project showcases some unique engineering and cuttingedge technologies, including: • Chilled Beam Technology — Chilled beam technology, which has been used in Europe and Australia but has been seldom used in the United States until recently, substantially reduces the energy used by mechanical systems. Using this technology coupled with photo-

The public lobby of FAU’s new College of Engineering and Computer Science building. voltaic systems, heat exchangers and other additional strategies reduced the energy usage by almost 35 percent.

• Temperature Control Systems — At FAU, geothermal wells capture heat from groundwater that has a year-round stable temperature of 78 degrees, to reheat the fresh air in the dedicated outside air unit. Additionally, heat exchangers capture heat gain from the data center computer servers and the UPS. • Lighting Control Systems — The FAU building’s orientation provides day lighting within 90 percent of the building’s occupied

rooms, views from 75 percent of the occupied rooms, shading of the building’s exterior to control heat gain and glare, and orientation to the wind.

• Solar Hot Water System — This captures heat from the sun to supply the hot water in the building.

• Art in Public Spaces — Ewaste from FAU’s campuses is incorporated into the facilities’ artwork within the project.

• Educational Signage — Signage in the facility teaches visitors about the LEED strategies and systems used within the building.

A view of the southeast elevation over the lined lake.

Other sustainable elements include reducing the water consumption by 40 percent compared to the typical facility through features such as high-efficiency restroom fixtures and occupant sensors; utilizing Florida native and adaptive vegetation to restore natural plant and animal habitat for the new engineering building premises; diverting more than 80 percent of the construction waste from landfills; and using local materials.

In addition to the LEED certification, there are training and educational achievements within the building including state-of-the-art

classrooms and labs, as well as a virtualized cloud computing infrastructure, enabling the use of information technology resources on demand.

“This is such wonderful news.

This 97,000-square-foot building provides an environmentally efficient place for our students, faculty and staff. So many individuals have contributed to this amazing project, and we are very thankful to all of them,” said Mohammad Ilyas, interim dean of FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “This is the right building at the right place and at the right time.”

TKA Juniors To Attend ADL National Youth Leadership Mission The King’s Academy juniors Zoe Andarsio and Michael Habib have been selected to attend the Grosfeld Family Anti-Defamation League National Youth Leadership Mission Nov. 13-16 in Washington, D.C. The ADL, which champions civil rights and human relations, fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all. To this end, the ADL initiated the Grosfeld Family ADL National Youth Leadership Mission to offer an effective way for America’s youth to apply the lessons of the Holocaust to modern-day issues of bigotry.

Andarsio and Habib will be part of a culturally and religiously diverse group of high school juniors

selected to participate because of their leadership potential, demonstrated interest in Holocaust education as well as diversity and ability to share the messages of the mission with others. Activities in Washington, D.C. will include participating in ADL’s A World of Difference Institute activities, touring the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and attending meetings with community leaders including government officials, civil rights legends, trailblazing educators and Holocaust survivors. These activities over the course of four days will enable Andarsio and Habib to learn of the consequences of prejudice and discrimination as well as the price of indifference and inaction in the face of hatred.

“Zoe and Michael are exceptional citizens with compassion and concern for others,” TKA High School Principal Sonya Jones said. “They serve as examples of the school’s objectives to train students who will not merely adjust to society, but will change society and to teach students to relate with non-Christians and with Christians who hold differing views, which coincides with the ADL’s mission.”

Andarsio and Habib will also grow to understand their responsibility to educate themselves and others and learn that they possess the power — through their actions and behavior — to become positive agents for change.

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Chris-

tian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue, and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www. tka.net.

Michael Habib

Zoe Andarsio

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

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August 1 9 - August 25, 2011

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Cameron Wheeler Studies Abroad In Switzerland Through Ayusa Wellington resident Cameron Wheeler, a junior at American Heritage High School, recently returned from a study abroad trip to Switzerland where he studied international business, globalization and perfected his French.

Wheeler said studying in Switzerland opened his eyes in many ways. “While I was in Switzerland, our group learned about the tasks of different international organizations such as the International Labor Organization and the United Nations, and the processes these organizations go through to achieve their goal,” he said.

“Being immersed in the Swiss culture during this learning experience also gave me the opportunity to learn about another culture and even learn a few words in the local language, French. I would definitely recommend an experience like this to anyone.”

Wheeler traveled through a high school study abroad program called Ayusa, which matched him with a carefully screened host family in Switzerland. He learned French, experienced Swiss culture through organized weekday activities, and explored Switzerland on the weekends through guided ex-

cursions. Ayusa is a nonprofit promoting global learning and leadership through foreign exchange, study abroad and leadership programs for high school students.

“Ayusa is committed to building bridges of understanding between cultures, and one way we do this is through our Ayusa study abroad program for U.S. high school students,” Ayusa Director Joe Roma said. “Students return from study abroad trips with knowledge about a new culture and a fresh perspective on American culture.”

Ayusa International was found-

ed in 1981 to promote global learning and leadership through foreign exchange, study abroad and leadership programs for high school students from the U.S. and around the world. In addition, AYUSA administers multiple high-profile grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of State.

For more information, visit www.ayusa.org.

(Right) Cameron Wheeler and other students enrolled in the Ayusa program during their trip to Switzerland.

Burggraaf Publishes New Children’s Book Author and Western Pines Middle School teacher Deborah Burggraaf has announced the release of her fourth book titled Crow No More.

Crow No More follows Burggraaf’s third book, Boonie, Freedom Runner. Boonie was well received by children, parents and educators, and the same positive response is anticipated for Crow No More.

For her new book, Burggraaf has teamed up with illustrator Matt Lumsden, a graphic design artist from Delray Beach, to create an inspirational story of everlasting friendship between Paul, a Portuguese fisherman, and Old Black Crow. Paul and Old Black Crow both enjoy the seaside village in Oceanside, Calif., along the strand, which includes frolicking seagulls, yellow-fin croaker, perch and golden seaweed.

Each day, Paul and Old Black Crow treasure their longtime friendship. Until one day, old Black Crow goes missing. Paul is saddened and turns his white bucket over, tossing Old Black Crow’s bread crumbs to the dancing seagulls.

The Crow family informs Paul that Old Black Crow’s time on Earth has ended, but he should look to the night sky, where the two will be reunited once again.

Paul returns to fish at night to find a single star shining brightly across the Pacific Ocean. Each night the friendship is re-born once again. Children are reassured about the everlasting bond of friendship, in a wondrous new form of beauty.

With its vibrant colors and inspiring story, Crow No More will be embraced by children, their parents and teachers who always welcome a moving story with a positive message.

Written for children ages 5 to 12, Crow No More is creatively illustrated by Lumsden, a master of spectrum. Parents, teachers and children will also love the age-specific learning activities that Burggraaf has made available on her web site, www.dburgg.com.

Crow No More is published by Protective Hands Communications in Riviera Beach. For more information, call (866) 457-1203.

Deborah Burggraaf

RPB Resident Launches Dance Magazine Royal Palm Beach resident Karina Felix-Fedele has announced the debut issue of The Dance Magazine Of Florida, a free publication that is promoting, supporting and preserving dance in Florida by serving statewide dance communities from students through professionals.

“Florida’s dance scene is so vibrant and diverse,” Felix-Fedele said. “Since moving here from the Turks and Caicos islands, I’ve met so many wonderful teachers, students and performers who don’t know about each other. I decided to find a way to unite them,” Fe-

lix-Fedele said of the launch of her magazine.

She noted that the magazine focuses primarily on dance studios because “their dedication shapes the next generation of dancers, teachers, studio owners and parents of future dancers, teachers and studio owners. Dance studios form the backbone and are the very lifeblood of the dance community.”

Felix-Fedele said that her intention also is to assist dance teachers with supplemental information that can be used in class to continue students’ education, with dis-

cussion topics and word puzzles to enhance a student’s training.

The Dance Magazine of Florida is distributed free of charge to the community through distribution at selected dance studios, dance retail stores and performance venues. Subscriptions are also available.

For more information about The Dance Magazine Of Florida, or to view back issues, visit the magazine’s web site at www.dance magflorida.com. To request a free copy, e-mail Felix-Fedele at dmf@dancemagazineflorida. com.

Alex Small gives an acceptance speech af ter receiving the 2011 FTBA Presidential Scholarship.

Alex Small Earns FTBA Presidential Scholarship Alex Small, son of Steve and Elyn Small of Wellington, was awarded the 2011 Florida Transportation Builders Association’s Presidential Scholarship. The FTBA awards several scholarships each year to eligible students whose parent or legal guardian is an employee of a company associated with the FTBA.

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on their GPA, standardized test scores and a scholarship essay. Small will receive a scholarship for $8,000 payable over the next four years. He graduated this year as valedictorian of Wellington High School and plans to attend Emory University in Atlanta this fall.

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Page 15

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Ackermans To Chair Boys & Girls Club Wellington Dinner Dance The Boys & Girls Club of Wellington has announced that fatherson team Dr. Ronald Ackerman and Dr. Joshua Ackerman, along with their respective wives Bobbi and Amber, will chair the 24th annual Boys & Girls Club Wellington Dinner Dance.

The dinner dance, themed “Le Cirque” will take place the evening of Saturday, Dec. 3 at the

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

The black-tie event is known for kicking off the busy social season in Wellington. It will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner, dancing and a spectacular live auction.

The senior Ackerman and family patriarch, Dr. Ronald Ackerman, has been practicing medicine since 1984. A former chief resi-

RPB SCOUTS EARN SPORTS BELT LOOPS

Royal Palm Beach Cub Scout Pack 120 teamed up with Pack 197 of West Palm Beach to participate in a softball belt loop workshop on Sunday, July 17 at Okeeheelee Park. In Cub Scouts, Tigers, Wolves and Bears (first-, second- and third-graders) earn belt loops in different subjects and spor ts. Like most events in scouting, the workshop was open to older scouts and their siblings, too. The pack is looking forward to another school year filled with fun and interesting camping trips, sports and community ser vice projects. Shown above are Pack 120 scouts with pack leader s Won-Mee Gibson, R yan McNally and Vicky Onofrey.

dent at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York, he and Bobbi moved the family to Wellington more than 20 years ago.

Opening a solo practice, Ackerman grew his business into what is today Advanced Women’s Ob/ Gyn Associates. With two offices and six doctors, the group offers comprehensive care and expertise in all areas of women’s health.

In addition to his general practice, the senior Ackerman is also a clinical professor at Nova Southeastern School of Medicine; he is on the faculty of Kansas City University’s School of Medicine & Biosciences and has published numerous articles. He is also the founding chairman of the Department of Ob/Gyn at Palms West Hospital, helped design and establish the Your New Life Center as well as, being an active member of the hospital’s board of trustees for many years.

Ackerman is also known as the doctor of Jupiter Island’s own celebrity voice, Celine Dion, and played an integral part in planning both of her family additions. But the senior Ackerman has contributed more to the community than just a robust practice, excellence in medical leadership and celebrity cliental; his eldest son has become an instrumental part of the advanced women’s team and is his self-proclaimed “baton-carrier” of the family business.

Dr. Joshua Ackerman joined his father’s practice in August 2010 and has been a patient favorite ever since. After graduating from

the American University School of Medicine, he completed his internships and residency programs at Mount Sinai School of Medicine - Queens Medical Center, Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he completed training as an advanced laparoscopist and robotic surgeon.

In addition to their impressive resumes, the Ackermans have very personal ties to the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, with the younger Ackerman being a club alumnus. “Looking back on my time at the club brings great memories,” Dr. Joshua Ackerman said.

“I was there all the time growing up, to play baseball or just be with friends.”

“The importance of an influential place such as the Boys & Girls Club is pivotal in the lives of young people,” Dr. Ronald Ackerman said.

The doctors are also joined by their wives Bobbi and Amber in their efforts. The senior Ackermans, Ronald and Bobbi, have been married for 36 years and have two other sons: Corey, a lawyer, and Jamie, a business entrepreneur working toward his MBA. “They played tee ball and baseball at the club when they were young and spent many afternoons there,” Bobbi Ackerman said of her children.

In addition to their work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the pair has raised money for the Children’s Cancer

Bobbi and Dr. Ronald Ackerman, and Amber and Dr. Joshua Ackerman.

Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Bobbi Ackerman has served on the board of Temple Beth Torah.

In recent years, Joshua and Amber Ackerman have been focusing on their growing family.

They have two children, 5-yearold daughter Addison and a new addition, son Ethan. They also reside in Wellington. The father-son team is thrilled to make the event a family affair this year and look forward to “giving back to such a wonderful cause.”

Ticket prices to the event are $225 per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Proceeds from the dinner dance will directly benefit the members of the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. The club provides servic-

es during non-school hours, as well as summer camp opportunities, to more than 750 boys and girls from ages 6 to 18. The Boys & Girls Clubs emphasize educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership and character-building skills in a positive and safe atmosphere.

Through quality programs, the club experience provides children with the guidance they need to make a healthy transition from childhood to young adulthood.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities for this year’s Wellington Dinner Dance, or to find out more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, call Special Events Coordinator Alonna Paugh at (561) 683-3287 or visit www.bgcpbc. org.

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NEWS Hearing

Hundreds Speak On Redistricting

continued from page 1 hassee, analyze and comment in that length of time?”

She added that the software, MyDistrictBuilder, provided to the public to draw their maps, does not include the tools necessary to draw real statewide maps that fit the constitutional criteria. “Consequently, the league is not drawing maps,” Karp said. “How can we plan and execute candidate forums without knowing where the districts fall? How can we answer the questions of constituents when they ask who is running in their district?”

Florence Fidell, with the United Federation of Teachers, said it is the job of the committee to carry out the will of the 63 percent of the voters who supported the Fair Districts amendments, designed to make the redistricting process less political.

“Your ploy of giving us the opportunity of drawing the lines, instead of presenting what you think is fair and legal, I find it unconscionable,” Fidell said. “I, like others, have done my research and know you have had the necessary data to draw district lines. You’ve had it since March, and by doing it this way, it limits the time that prospective candidates can file and allow us to make clear decisions on who we think should represent us.”

Jean Craft said the committee should have maps for the public to look at and comment on.

“When you do vote on the maps, how are people going to get all the way up to Tallahassee?” Craft asked. “This should already be done. It is not our job to draw the maps. It is your job to draw the

maps. That’s what the constitution calls for. It’s our job to say whether we like it or not.”

Tom Whatley, who lives in Delray Beach, in former Wellington resident State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto’s District 27, said he disagreed with Craft as far as members reaching out because he had attended an informational meeting the week before called by State Sen. Maria Sachs (D-District 30).

“It’s a tedious task you are going through. It could be political suicide for a few of you, depending on how the maps are drawn up,” Whatley said.

He pointed out that District 27 could be the definition of gerrymandering. “If I walk a quarter mile left or right I’m in Sen. Sachs’ district,” he said. “I was a little disappointed, Sen. Benacquisto, when you moved over to Fort Myers, and actually everything I need, I go three miles over to Congress Avenue to Sen. Sachs’ office.”

Whatley agreed there is a time issue because many people who want to run for office will not be able to file because they will not know what district they are in.

Harry Raucher said he believes that many of the districts have already been redrawn, but not released to the public. He added that a lawsuit filed by the legislature to overturn the redistricting amendments is unfair and unjust.

“A lot of taxpayer money is being paid to hire lawyers in pursuit of a lawsuit [against amendments] approved by over 63 percent of the voters,” Raucher said.

Henry Kelley, president of the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party, said he had attended several of the redistricting meetings and watched more on the web, where he said he saw the recurring theme that the committee should be producing maps.

“We believe that in a republic,

the citizens have an obligation to participate and tell you how we think on a given issue,” he said.

“As such, I have drawn two congressional maps, a full Senate map and a full House map for your review. I am here to express my disappointment in the professional groups who stand before you and complain, but haven’t lifted a finger to draw their own maps to show you what they want and put their agenda on display.”

Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Alan Siegel said he had gone through several redistricting processes in his political career.

“Generally, it’s pretty disgraceful. However, the State of Florida adopted the Fair Districts amendments,” Siegel said. “In this county, 70 percent of the people voted for them, which is why you have such anxiety about them not being followed.”

Siegel asked that the committee keep in mind the integrity of county and city boundaries when drawing up maps. “There is no excuse for crossing a county boundary more than once or for dividing a city up into four legislative districts,” he said.

Former Republican state house candidate Tami Donnally said she agreed with the committee’s listening to the public before it drew maps and was concerned about the new constitutional redistricting requirements.

“I have some concerns about these amendments and their potential impact on the outcome of the process,” Donnally said. “I’m concerned about many of the keywords and phrases of these amendments that are not clearly defined and will cause some confusion. Words like ‘compact,’ ‘practical’ and ‘feasible’ all sound easy enough to understand, but what do they actually mean?”

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, a

Former state house candidate Tami Donnally addresses the committee.

PBC Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher expresses her concerns over the process.

Michelle McGovern of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson’s office, David Mann with Florida Atlantic University Governmental Relations, and Laura Coburn, senior legislative assistant for State Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, before the mee ting.

PHOTOS BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

As of Wednesday, Willhite has filed for re-election to Seat 4; former mayoral candidate Carol Coleman and former Councilman Al Paglia have filed for Seat 1, to replace term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore; and former Councilman Bob Margolis has filed to run for mayor. More candidates are expected to emerge.

Willhite said that the candidates who filed did so with a March election in mind.

“I don’t think they would have filed to start running if it’s a year away,” he said. “It doesn’t seem right to [change the date] in the middle of an election.”

Though the qualifying period hasn’t officially opened, Willhite noted that candidates who have opened a campaign account can incur many costs, including campaign management, a post office box and web site, and must also file campaign reports every few months.

“Candidates will have to pay to keep things going until then,” he said. “All of those things will cost you more if we extend the time frame. It will cost more for a candidate to run.”

Willhite said that while there could be a cost savings for the village, the goal of Wellington’s referendums last year were to save money on elections.

“The potential for it to be a financial benefit to the village is there,” he said. “But we passed referendums last year to help, and we haven’t had the chance

yet to see their benefit to the village.”

Mayor Darell Bowen, who is also up for re-election next year, said he is more concerned about government spending than an individual candidate’s.

“I’m more worried about what the government is spending during elections than if I have to spend more of my own money,” he said. “If I thought about it as an individual, I’d probably want to keep it in March. But the hat I’m wearing right now means I’m concerned with what’s best for Wellington and its residents. If I look at it from the standpoint of the average [citizen] living in Wellington, I’d ask why we might spend more to hold it then.”

Although the cost savings may be a benefit to Wellington, Bonde said that the drawback would be that the election might be overlooked when compared to the topof-the-ballot partisan races.

“That is one of the downsides,” he said. “There are so many items on the ballot, it may blend in with other elections.”

Willhite said that he was also concerned about holding a nonpartisan race during a time traditionally reserved for the most partisan of races.

“We don’t want voters to come out and not vote for you because they don’t know what party you are,” he said. “I’m concerned that it may hurt the nonpartisan appearance of the municipal election. I don’t want to hurt the integrity of the race.”

Another concern, he said, was getting the same amount of attention and support as candidates in the bigger races.

“With all the other candidates,” he said, “are you going to be able to raise funds? It’s harder for a municipal candidate to collect money when they’re competing for it with someone in a congressional or presidential race.”

But Bowen felt that changing to the national election date would help draw more voters rather than push them away.

“More people will vote,” he said. “Whether they will be informed voters, I can’t say.”

He said he wasn’t worried about partisan politics playing a role in the way people vote.

“When voting, I never considered whether the candidate running for mayor was a Republican or a Democrat,” he said. “I never thought it was important. I don’t know why people would get mixed up in it.”

If the council decides to move the election to November, the sitting members will have another eight months on the council.

Willhite said he was concerned about delaying the process.

“I don’t want to say, ‘Too bad, you’re stuck with me for another eight months,’” he said.

“Whatever decision we make, it has to be the best thing for the city.”

Bonde said that once staff members get direction on the matter, they will return to the council with an ordinance.

ment, and I’m excited to bring that to the middle school and work with kids to get them ready for Advanced Placement coursework,” she said.

She said she also looks forward to further developing the “singleschool culture” at Wellington Landings. Single-school culture is the concept of operating each classroom under the same strategies and expectations, she said.

“There is already a strong single-

school culture in place here,” she said.

Bennett said she has never wanted to do anything but teach.

“I have always been an educator,” she said. “I was 17 when I went to college, and I have never held a job in anything else, besides regular teenage jobs. Since college, I have always been an educator.”

She said her first practicum experience, which was at a middle school, was a formative experi-

ence for her. “I got to work with a student who was having difficulty multiplying, and I knew from that moment on I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “That’s how I started to learn more about learning disabilities and math. I always liked math.”

Bennett said she looks forward to the first day of school. “I’m so honored to be here,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet the students as they arrive on campus.”

Election

Could Move To Nov. 2012

continued from page 1 pal election, held in March, was approximately $35,000. However, a referendum held in November cost much less — about $11,500.

The exact cost to participate in the November 2012 election has not yet been determined by the Supervisor of Elections office.

“The discussion has mainly been centering around the cost,” Bonde said. “Looking at the analysis of past elections, you can clearly see there is an enormous savings by putting the referendum on the general election ballot.”

Bonde also noted that if other cities move their regular elections, those that choose to hold them in March might have to pay even more.

“The cost is determined by a lot of factors,” he said. “It also is affected by whether there is a runoff.”

Last year, Wellington paid an additional $35,000 to hold its runoff election. But in November, voters decided to eliminate future runoffs when one candidate receives more than 35 percent of the vote, which could make runoff elections more rare.

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, who is up for re-election next year, said he was concerned about changing the election date during an election cycle.

Bennett

New WLMS Principal

continued from page 1 Advanced Placement program, making a rigorous curriculum for students. “I have also worked at building pre-AP programs to get kids ready for Advanced Placement courses, whether it be AP courses in college or dual enroll-

State representatives Richard Steinberg (D-District 106), Mark Pafford (D-District 88), Mike Horner (R-District 79), Dwayne Taylor (D-District 27) and Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85) hear testimony. former state representative, said the time frame is not workable for supervisors of elections across the state. “As everybody knows, Florida is an important swing state in the 2012 presidential election,” Bucher said. “The eyes of the world will be focused on the State of Florida, and there is always special focus here in Palm Beach County on elections.”

Bucher said after managing 20 elections in the past 30 months, she can attest that it is not easy under normal conditions to get voters the ballots they deserve.

“It all takes time,” Bucher said.

“We should be working on a schedule right now for what needs to be done for next year; however, we can’t because we don’t have the district lines. We can’t even schedule a presidential preference primary because a date’s not set.

You are sending our state into a perfect storm of disaster.”

Bucher invited committee members to look at their own calendar, which, without lawsuits,

allows supervisors of elections to get information on June 4, 2012.

“That is simply impossible,” Bucher said. “To conduct elections efficiently and accurately, election officials need time to adjust precinct lines to move districts, gain approval of those precincts by the board of county commissioners and notify all of our voters well in advance of Election Day. You are placing our voters in the worst possible position, and this entire process is supposed to be for the voters.”

At that point, Gaetz told Bucher her two minutes were up. “Ms. Bucher, out of respect for your constituents, if you could submit your remarks in writing and conclude if you can in just a few sentences…”

“I’m your election partner, I’d like to complete,” Bucher said, amid cries from the audience to let her finish.

“I’ll be happy to grant you another 15 seconds, but please try to be brief,” Gaetz said.

“Given the timeline, voters will have little time to get to know the

candidates running in their areas,” Bucher said. “If you follow your current timeline created by you and can be changed by you, I believe you are setting up our state for massive voter confusion in a very important election year, and that is entirely unnecessary. If the legislature, the attorney general, the Supreme Court and the Justice Department complete their work on schedule, election administrators will have less than two weeks to adjust the records for Florida’s 11 million-plus voters, plus the absentee ballots that must be mailed to our military overseas.”

She also pointed out that during the 1992 redistricting process, there were 13 lawsuits, and in 2002, there were five. She added that lawsuits challenging amendments 5 and 6 are projected to generate more lawsuits. “Why doesn’t your calendar reflect what you know or expect to happen this year?” Bucher asked.

More information about the redistricting process can be found at www.floridaredistricting.org.

Garden of Hope — Plans for the Garden of Hope at Acreage Community Park include a ribbon of brick pavers with benches and a monument.

Garden

Web Site Planned To Seek Brick Sponsors

continued from page 1 Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life will be able to see the Garden of Hope as they walk around the track.

“It’s going to be a nice place to reflect, whether you’re going through cancer, a survivor or caregiver,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be cancer. It can be any illness.

It’s going to be a nice, quiet area.

I think it’ll be unique.”

The group still has a lot of work

Blotter continued from page 6 a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol when he observed a 2007 Dodge Ram turn right on Sparrow Drive from Royal Palm Beach Blvd., cross over the yellow line and drive toward oncoming traffic. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 51-year-old Audrey Kuncl-DeVivo, who showed signs of impairment. According to the report, a second deputy arrived at the scene to administer roadside tasks, but Kuncl-DeVivo refused.

She was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where

to do, but their major hurdle of getting approval from ITID is past.

“We’re going to have a web site where everybody will be able to go to order their bricks,” Newfield said. “When they order their bricks, they’ll be able to go back and see who they’re honoring, or what they survived or what their affliction was. They’ll be able to see their actual brick and where it’s been laid, and they’ll be able to see what was written on the brick, and it will always be there.”

Newfield noted that she and Demarest are about to launch a Facebook page to further promote the project.

“Soon the page will be open to everybody,” she said. “It’s just not quite open yet because we’re still working out all the kinks.” she refused to submit to a breath sample. She was charged with driving under the influence.

AUG. 15 — A resident of Sunset Point called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday to report a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. last Monday and 2 p.m. the following week, someone entered the victim’s home through an unlocked rear sliding glass door and stole several computers, jewelry, cigars and cash. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,250. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

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Page 17

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

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Need Jumps? Jump Builder Robert Hughes Can Help

With a background in horseback riding and three decades of experience in construction, Jumps “R” Us owner Robert Hughes has a competitive edge. He makes a variety of common standards, including training (single pole), wing and fan standards, and more.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

August 19 - August 25, 2011

Page 19

SRHS Football Looking For Another Banner Year

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team is hoping that hard work and dedication will take them all the way this year as they keep their eye on the state championship.

The Hawks had an impressive 11-2 record last season that saw them go all the way to the state playoffs. Page 33

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Palms West Veterinary Hospital Offers High-Quality Personalized Pet Care

Palms West Veterinary Hospital in Loxahatchee Groves provides full-service, affordable pet care to its clients. Some of its services include tumor removals, spays, neuters, dental care, flea and tick treatments, vaccinations, X-rays, blood tests, physical exams, hear tworm treatment and prevention, declawing and nail trimming. The hospital offer s lowcost physical exams and services to try to make pet care as affordable as possible. Page 27

Sports RPBHS Girls Volleyball Coach Optimistic About This Year’s New Team

The Royal Palm Beach High School girls varsity volleyball team will rely on both skill and chemistry as it prepares to take on a new district. Last season, the Lady Wildcats finished with a winning record but were knocked out of the district playoffs in the semifinal round. Page 33

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................21-22 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 24 BUSINESS NEWS .................................27-29 SPORTS & RECREATION ..................... 33-35 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .....................36-37 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 48-43

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

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August 19 - August 25, 2011

Page 21

FEATURES

Need Jumps? Jump Builder Robert Hughes Can Help You Out I’m always fascinated when someone finds a way to use what he knows to keep afloat in today’s economy. Take Robert Hughes, for example.

This Florida native was born in Miami, raised in Gainesville — the Gator-themed pickup truck is a bit of a giveaway — and grew up in Loxahatchee. He attended Jefferson Davis Middle School and Twin Lakes High School.

The horseback riding started early. He learned the basics at 3 in Davie, was showing in Walk-Trot classes in Gainesville at 8, and was involved in Pony Club and eventing (which involves some daredevilish jumping) at 12 in Loxahatchee.

“That’s when I broke my first horse,” Hughes recalled. “Bandit was a bay Welsh pony, and four to five times a day, he put me on my back. That pony taught me to ride pretty good.”

Hughes gave up riding while he was in the Marines for a couple of years. Then he moved back to Gainesville and started riding and showing jumpers, but only for fun. For the next 30 years, the horses took a back seat to his work in construction. In 2005, he moved back to Loxahatchee and got back into horses.

“I have four horses now, one I’m showing Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg in jumpers,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of the local shows, and this year, I plan to show at some of the Winter Equestrian Festival shows as well.”

All of which gives Hughes a competitive edge for his sideline business of building jumps. The construction skills have been in place for many years, as has the knowledge of how horses view jumps.

Horses see things oddly. They have the largest eyes of any land mammals. Because their eyes are located on either side of their heads, they have great vision to their sides and behind them — which is why you might get kicked if you spook a horse by suddenly approaching his rear.

This makes a lot of sense. Horses are prey animals, and a predator would naturally chase after them or jump on their backs. Many prey animals have eyes that allow them to quickly scan these vulnerable areas, unlike predators — like dogs, cats and humans, for example.

We have eyes in the front of our faces, giving us binocular vision and great depth perception. This makes hunting a lot easier.

Robert Hughes of Jumps “R” Us works on a project.

Horses, on the other hand, with one eye on each side, have monocular vision, giving them a wide view so they can detect stalking animals sneaking up from behind. It enables them to scan their surroundings on both sides, with either eye — which is why riders can pass

something going to the right, and the horse doesn’t react, but pass it going to the left and the horse may shy — it can look different to each eye.

Horses do have some binocular vision See ROSENBERG, page 22

Page 22 August 19 - August 25, 2011

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FEATURES

Tips On Things That Sell (And Don’t Sell) At An Estate Sale Because I own a large collection of tables and have a perverse desire to root through other people’s belongings, I went into the estate sale business. It seemed like a good way to make money and have fun at the same time.

And, on the day of the sale, I do have a great time. I’ve lovingly arranged people’s objects as if they are on display at a retail store, and I sell them as fast as I can so the owner can move out of the house — which is usually their goal. In exchange for my efforts, I receive a percentage of the take — which is always my goal.

But, in the weeks leading up to the sale, things are not so fun. During that time prior to the sale, I am digging through drawers, closets, garages and attics, and it is usually 95 degrees and/or raining. I have to drag everything out without getting bitten or stung, reGet 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 search the value of every item the homeowner has accumulated over the past 20 to 40 years, clean it and stick a price tag on it. Imagine doing that in just, say, your kitchen. My junk drawer alone would take three days.

Still, last week I had five days to price everything for a sale that takes place this weekend. This house had everything from sewing needles to toothpick holders packed into 30 bureaus in 10 rooms — plus whatever was on the wraparound porch or in the two tool sheds and equipment barn. Oh, and the back yard was stuffed with lush (saleable) potted plants.

Fortunately, this time, the owner stuck around to help me. Usually, they vacation in

the Caribbean and return, relaxed and refreshed, on the day of the sale.

The house is odd in that the owner loved Oriental objects and suffered from migraines, so she covered up all the windows and painted everything inside black or red — walls, ceilings, furniture — everything. I was starting to get depressed in there.

And I know I can sell 30 porcelain Japanese figurines — but 130? And if it wasn’t porcelain, it was brass. If I melted down all the brass in that house, I’d have enough to outfit a horn section, tubas included.

But there were some interesting finds — a vintage Zeiss camera with all the lenses still in their little leather pouches; a souvenir scarf from the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia; another set of scarves printed with World War II route maps; and a Zippo lighter worth several hundred dollars.

In case you’re impressed and are taking a quick glance around and tallying up the contents of your house with an eye toward cashing in, let me tell you right up front what will not bring in any money (and remember that these deductions are based on nine years in

the antiques and estate sale business, not on what you paid for these items). You will lose money on your set of heirloom china dinnerware (no one eats at the table anymore); your set of beautifully etched crystal glassware (see above); your silverplated anything (people will no longer take the time to polish anything less than sterling); your “collector’s” plates that hang on the wall ($1 each, if you’re lucky); your lamps; most of your pictures; and any doll (a four-letter word).

Of course, there are exceptions, and these unique items are featured on “Antiques Roadshow.” But the things that are guaranteed to sell are more likely to be things such as electric trains, funky cigarette holders, famous doodles on napkins... the things you would least suspect.

Because, just like you were with your parents, your kids want to buy things in a style that suits them. If you have an original signed Picasso, you might want to try to impress upon them that it’s important, but here’s the truth: Picassos end up at auction somehow.

And at Goodwill.

I’m just saying.

Music Is Wonderful In ‘Baby It’s You,’ But The Plot Is Thin We just came back from New York, where, of course, we went out of our way to see a Broadway show. Because the big hits are generally priced in the range normally accepted for short vacations, we went to a small musical, Baby It’s You! This show is a fictionalized celebration of Florence Greenberg, the woman who discovered the Shirelles and became a force in the music business.

The show’s creators have followed the recent trend of not having an original score and instead used most of the Shirelles’ hits (the producers were not able to get the rights to use their biggest hit, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?”) such as “Mama Said,” “This is Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Soldier Boy” and “He’s So Fine.” Songs by other artists Greenberg worked with, including Gene Chandler and Dionne Warwick, were part of the score. Looking at the playbill, I realized that there was only one song that I had never heard before.

The use of these songs helps make the show fun, since it follows the advice of doing shows where “the audience goes into the theater humming the music.” And the audience responded enthusiastically, as expected. The

Rosenberg

Robert Hughes

continued from page 21 straight ahead, but they have a blind spot directly ahead of them. To compensate, they lower their heads to see something closer and raise it to see something farther away. As a horse approaches a jump, he tends to lift his head in order to better judge its height and depth. Horses have a hard time seeing depth, which is why it’s harder to jump wider (deeper) fences than a single rail. Horses also can’t sense very well how far an object is from their body. They can’t see immediately in front of their noses, so a jumping horse briefly loses

cast was expert, all of them exceptional singers, and sold the material as expected.

As usual in shows like this, the real problem is in the book. The story was so hackneyed, so formulaic, so designed to appeal to today’s older audience, that there was no real tension. Florence starts off as a Jewish housewife in the Passaic, N.J., of the late 1950s, and her first word is, of course, “Oy.” She wants to get out of the house, and her husband puts her down so abruptly that her responses won cheers from the women in the audience.

The authors managed to touch on corruption in the music business, racism, ambition and relationship problems without really scratching the surface to any real degree. At one point, Florence, who had ignored her

daughter (the one who actually told her about the girl singers) for years because of her work, hears her sing and somehow, all the problems between them are solved. The story is so predictable that it becomes nothing more than an excuse to allow the characters to change their costumes.

Part of the problem is that most of the songs are done by the four women who make up the Shirelles (and also faked it as Ruby and the Romantics and Dionne Warwick). They are excellent singers, but they have more costumes than lines of dialogue. Except for Shirley Austin, the lead singer, each of the young women was summed up in about two lines.

Most of the story was carried off by another group of actors, all of whom sang, and also sang well, but were supposed to be somewhat separate from the girl singers. The authors use a singer/narrator who gives a oneminute description of what happened in each of several years and then filled in playing Chuck Jackson, Ronald Isley and Gene Chandler. Good singing and the songs were good, but each performance broke up the narrative.

Why did Mamma Mia! succeed where this one failed? (Baby It’s You is closing at the

Broadhurst Theatre Sept. 4, after only 151 performances.) Perhaps it’s because there was a real story (not a brilliant one, granted, but enough of a plot that the songs could be slotted in). Here, the songs basically became the story, and what the audience got was a somewhat halfhearted, if expert, oldies rock concert. Of course, when the songs are really good and when they work really well, for example, in Shout, Twist and Shout, Our Day Will Come, Walk on By and so many others, it is easy to just relax and enjoy the music.

I would not be surprised to see the show playing at the Kravis sometime in the near future. If you are old enough or familiar with old-time rock ’n’ roll enough to know and love the songs of that era, to enjoy the great girl groups and some of the other performers, you will have a great time. If you do not, you might walk away singing “Mama Said (There’ll Be Days Like This),” one of the Shirelles’ classics.

On the other hand, you could wind up deciding that “Tonight’s the Night,” another one of their songs. The show was fun, even if not as good as it might have been. And, oh, I love that music!

sight of the obstacle just before he jumps it.

In other words, a horse jumps something he can no longer see.

Although horses are not colorblind, they can perceive only the blue and green spectrums. Red and related colors appear green. It is also especially difficult for horses to distinguish between yellow and greens. Jumpers do better if the obstacles are painted a different color from the surroundings, so they can judge them more accurately. Studies have shown that horses are less likely to have a rail down when the jump is painted with two or more contrasting colors rather than one single color.

All of which brings us back to Hughes and

his new venture. In 2010, he started a business called Jumps “R” Us. Someone asked him to build some obstacles for a dog obedience course, and the penny dropped. He knows construction, and he knows horses.

Why not build jumps?

“At first I made them out of PVC pipes, but they were too light and kept blowing down in the wind,” Hughes said. “Now I make them out of pressure-treated wood, and I can build just about anything anyone wants.”

He makes a variety of common standards, including training (single pole), wing and fan standards, as well as gates, coops, roll tops, flower boxes, planks and liverpools,

which are water jumps (only his are simply painted blue and don’t hold water). He also makes the traditional octagon poles. He’s done wishing wells and tower jumps. They can be painted or unpainted, and 3 to 6 feet tall.

His prices are reasonable. A set of training standards starts at $60, and poles cost $50 to $60, depending on the length. He also offers package deals of a variety of jumps starting at $750.

“If you can draw it, I can make it,” Hughes said.

For more information, call Hughes at (561) 822-3639, (561) 248-6812 or (352) 258-1237, or visit Jumps “R” Us on Facebook.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Two Exhibits Set To Open At Photographic Centre Aug. 27 Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the worldrenowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre, has announced the opening of two new exhibitions, “The View Project” and “FOTOcamp 2011.” Both will be on display Aug. 27 through Nov. 5.

“The View Project” is an exhibit and book showcasing work by 70 international photographers that seeks to uncover what it is about

FOTOcampers at work.

certain places or photographs that, for some unknown reason, speak to our heart in an unforgettable manner.

This is a collection of photographs that attempt to reveal something about the photographer ’s inner life — images that are personal and powerful, yet perhaps not clearly understood, even to the viewer/ photographer.

Editor Joyce Tenneson asked each photographer to write a short statement to accompany their photograph, describing exactly what it is that makes the photograph they have sent memorable to them. Tenneson became interested in exploring why it is that certain “views” have such power.

She found nothing in her research that could explain exactly why certain places have such long-term influence in our lives. For example, why is it that some people long to be in the desert, while others feel completed or inspired by the ocean, the city or the mountains?

In fact, “The View Project” will encourage viewers to ponder which specific views, places and moments have left an indelible mark on their own lives. A special reception will take place Friday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. lecture by Tenneson.

Also opening Aug. 27 is the ex-

hibit “FOTOcamp 2011.” Numerous moving and magical images captured by children and teens who participated in one of PBPC’s three special FOTOcamp sessions in June and July, will be on display for everyone to see.

FOTOcamp students were grouped by their level of experience, from beginner to advanced in each of the two-week summer sessions. Students were issued a digital SLR camera and explored a variety of photographic topics, including lens choices, lighting, composition of photographs and digital imaging.

FOTOcamp sessions were led by a professional instructor and two assistants, thus allowing plenty of oneon-one time with each student. This summer’s instructors included Raymond Gehman, a National Geographic photographer, and Jeff Larson, a photography instructor at the University of Florida. Past FOTOcamp instructors have included famed photographers Laurence Gartel, Anna Tomczak and the Pulitzer Prize-winning John Kaplan.

The culmination of all three FOTOcamp sessions is this special exhibition of photos taken by the young students. At the exhibition’s opening on Aug. 26, one talented FOTOcamper will be named Student of the Year and receive a free

Sunday, George by Sally Gall.

SLR digital camera. A grand opening reception will take place Friday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Palm Beach Photographic Centre is located at the downtown City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown

West Palm Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (561) 253-2600 or visit www.workshop.org or www.foto fusion.org.

Norton Reinstalling Galleries To Enhance Visitors’ Experience

Norton Museum of Art Assistant Registrar John Welter and Registrar Pam Parry carefully prepare old masters from the museum’s permanent collection for reinstallation.

The Norton Museum of Art is reinstalling many of its galleries to provide visitors a more engaging experience with its world-renowned collection of European and American art.

To accomplish this, the museum will be closed from Sept. 12 through Sept. 30. The museum will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, Oct. 1. (As the first Saturday of the month, admission to the museum is free to Palm Beach County residents with proof of residency.)

The museum chose its slowest time of the year to carry out these improvements. “Traditionally, September is a slow time in South Florida. The same is true for a West Palm Beach museum,” Norton Museum of Art Assistant Director Charlie Stainback said. “Though we’ll be closed for two-and-a-half weeks, behind the scenes we will be very busy. When we reopen, much of the museum’s hundred-thousand-plus square feet of gallery space housing the museum’s world-renowned collection will be entirely re-installed. These and other less obvious changes will enhance the visitors’ experience.”

Upon re-opening, the museum’s popular Art After Dark series, which takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. every

Thursday, and features special performances, tours, artist demonstrations and more, will recommence on Oct. 6. That evening’s program will feature a jazz performance by Davis and Dow, and a wine tasting hosted

by Café 1451 and Selected Brands.

The first exhibition of the new season follows shortly on Nov. 3 with artist Dave Cole’s Flags of the World installation. The complete schedule for the 2011-12 exhibition season will be announced soon.

For more information, contact Scott Benarde at (561) 832-5196, ext. 1183, or at benardes@norton. org.

The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. General admission is $12 for adults, $5 for visitors age 13-21, and free for members and children under 13.

Special group rates are available.

West Palm Beach residents receive free admission every Saturday with proof of residency. For additional information about the museum and its upcoming exhibits, call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Business Manager Steven Good (second from right) and owner Dr. Ira Grossman (right) with Palms West Veterinary Hospital staff.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Palms West Veterinary Hospital Offers Quality Personalized Pet Care

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Palms West Veterinary Hospital, located at 556 Folsom Road in Loxahatchee Groves, provides full-service, affordable pet care to its clients.

The hospital is owned by veterinarian Dr. Ira Grossman. Originally from Far Rockaway, N.Y., Grossman wanted to become a veterinarian at a young age.

“When I was a little kid, I had a cat and I brought him to the vet, but they couldn’t work on him,” Grossman recalled. “They taught me how to work on him at home, and I just kept pursuing it until I got older.”

With his passion and love for animals, Grossman worked hard and received a degree in veterinary medicine from the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, followed by a formal internship at the Animal Medical Center of New York in Manhattan. “And I’ve been practicing ever since, for 31 years,” he said.

Palms West Veterinary Hospital Business Manager Steven Good said the hospital specializes in caring for dogs and cats. “We offer wellness care and all sorts of procedures and surgeries,” he said.

Some of the services include tumor removals, spays, neuters, dental care, flea and tick treatments, vaccinations, X-rays, blood tests, physical exams, heartworm treatment and prevention, declawing and nail trimming.

“We offer prescription diets and pet foods in anything necessary from heart diets to weight diets,” Good said.

The hospital also has two other experienced veterinarians on staff, including Dr. Jason Bennett, who has been caring for animals for three years. “He also works at Lion Country with all the exotic animals,” Good said. “But here, he primarily works on dogs and cats.”

The newest veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Miller, started in June and specializes in small-

animal medicine and 24-hour emergency care.

“From emergency dog bites to if a dog is poisoned by a Bufo toad, she is on call 24 hours,” Good said.

The hospital offers its 24-hour emergency service for customers who call after normal hours. The calls get forwarded to Good.

“I screen the calls to the vets and determine if it’s a real emergency or something that can wait until the morning,” he said. “If it’s a real emergency, I call whichever doctor who is on call, usually Dr. Miller, and then we meet them at the hospital.”

The hospital focuses on providing personalized care for each pet.

“At other places, a lot of the care gets delegated to veterinary technicians. The vet walks in for two minutes and sees the dog and says, ‘Do this, do that,’” Good said. “But here, we provide a very hands-on care. The vet is working on your animal and seeing what’s wrong.”

The hospital works hard to keep clients’ bills low, avoiding unnecessary procedures.

“We try to keep our bills as low as possible and use a hands-on approach to find out what’s wrong, and not run a whole bunch of tests that can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars,” Good said.

The hospital offers low-cost physical exams and services to try to make pet care as affordable as possible. “Our fee structure is very reasonable,” Grossman said. “Our office visit exam fee is probably less than anywhere else in the country except for nonprofits.”

The veterinarians at Palms West Veterinary Hospital strive to give the best available care and attention to each animal. “We know the animals come first,” Good said.

For more information about Palms West Veterinary Hospital, call (561) 798-2780 or visit www.palmswestveterinary.com.

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PALMS WEST CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING FOR IDENTA-KID SERVICES

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Ident- A-Kid Services of America in Wellington. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Ident- A-Kid Ser vices is the nation’s oldest and largest child ID safety program available today. The Ident-A-Kid card is designed to provide parents and law enforcement of ficials with crucial information should a child become lost or missing. The driver’s license-like card contains a child’s photograph, fingerprint and complete physical description. Parents should keep the card with them at all times and, in an emergency, can provide law enforcement with it for immediate response. For more info., visit www. identakid.com or call (561) 333-3633. Shown above are Ident-AKid Services representatives with Palms West Chamber ambassadors.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Online Retailer Country Sweet Outdoors Vying For Office Space

Acreage resident Cristy Morrow, owner of the online apparel store Country Sweet Outdoors, has announced that her company has entered a contest to win retail space in downtown West Palm Beach called the “Great Shop Showdown.”

The winner receives a year of free rent with a five-year signed lease agreement for office space on Clematis Street. Morrow said she has big plans on how to sell her clothing line and accessories, along with providing out-of-town guests and visitors with a taste of Palm Beach County — airboat rides, swamp buggy rides, fishing trips of a lifetime in the lake or ocean… and even helicopter rides as well.

Currently, Country Sweet Outdoors’ clothing line can be found in stores from Ocean City, Md. to Islamorada, Fla. and even at the local Bass Pro Shops. Red Barn Feed & Supply in Loxahatchee Groves is one of its biggest local retailers and the first store to carry its line. “It’s been great to have the support of our hometown,” Morrow said. “Our plan is to have our clothing line in nationwide stores, along with a retail store of our own.”

Countr y Sweet Outdoors owner Cristy Morrow.

Morrow has lived in The Acreage since 1978, and her family owned Loxahatchee Bait & Tackle for more than 20 years.

For more information about the Great Shop Showdown, visit www.

westpalmbeachdda.com/the-greatshop-showdown.

For more about Country Sweet Outdoors, visit the online retailer’s web site at www.countrysweet outdoors.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Herndon Joins Palms Local Company Provides Etched West Hospital As CFO Panels For Wellington Memorial Palms West Hospital recently announced that Scott Herndon has joined the hospital as chief financial officer.

Herndon comes to Palms West from the Medical Center of Arlington, an affiliate HCA facility in Texas, where he was vice president of finance since 2009. Herndon has more than 12 years of healthcare experience and a proven track record in hospital financial operations, process improvement, business development and strategic planning.

Herndon is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Professionally, he belongs to the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the Medical Group Management Association.

“We are pleased that Scott has joined our executive team,” Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng said.

“He brings an extensive background of finance and management skills as well as many years in the healthcare environment. I know he will

Scott Herndon be a big asset to Palms West.”

Herndon said he is excited about joining the Palms West Hospital family and looks forward to serving the hospital and the western communities of Palm Beach County. He is relocating to South Florida from Arlington, Texas with his wife and his two children.

Palms West Hospital is a 175-bed acute care medical and sur gical, adult and pediatric facility committed to providing the western communities with the highest quality healthcare services. For more info., visit www.palmswesthospital.com.

Signs By Tomorrow of West Palm Beach has been hired to fabricate and install four etched glass panel displays and commemorative plaques for Wellington’s Patriot Memorial.

Franchise owner Scott Bedford said his business would support the project by providing separate plaques to be placed around the fountain, on benches and the flagpole and World Trade Center steel display. “The Wellington Patriot Memorial reminds us about that unforgettable day,” Bedford said. “It’s a memorial for everyone who was lost on that day.”

The four displays consist of 50” x 60” tempered glass panels that will be installed in 84” x 55” painted aluminum frames. The glass panels are inscribed with the names of nearly 3,100 victims of the 9/11 tragedy.

The Patriot Memorial is located at 12198 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Signs by Tomorrow of West Palm Beach is a local sign company with world-class expertise in creating affordable, high-impact signs and visual messaging solutions.

For more information, visit www. signsbytomorrow.com/wpb.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Seminole Ridge Football Looking For Another Banner Year

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team is hoping that hard work and dedication will take them all the way this year as they keep their eye on the state championship.

The Hawks had an impressive 112 record last season that saw them go all the way to the state playoffs.

They were ultimately defeated by Dr. Phillips High School in a close 10-point game.

“It took a lot of hard work to get there, and we tell [the team] that if they want to go back, they need to work hard and push themselves to be better,” head coach Matt Dickmann told the Town-Crier Monday.

Dickmann credited the success

last year to a strong team both in skill and in leadership. He said it’s something he already sees continuing this year.

“Our upperclassmen are great,” Dickmann said. “They are always helping our younger players, giving them advice and teaching them.”

After graduating several key players, including linebacker/fullback Tyler Butler and quarterback Trevor Vanscoy, Dickmann said he has to replace his entire offensive line. But he said he has found a lot of young talent.

“We have a few young guys in there now, and they’re doing a great job,” he said. “And Antwan [Washington], our quarterback, went 256 yards and was 11 for 12 in his first varsity start.”

Linden Southerland blocks Andrew Gomez as he runs up the field.

Returning to the team this year is running back Gary Holmes, who was a key player in the Hawks’ game last year. “He looks true to form,” Dickmann said. “He’s a three-year starter. He knows what to do, and he does it well.”

Dickmann said the strength this year will be overall team speed.

“This year our defense has speed,” he said. “We won’t be as big up front, but we’ll be fast.”

Overall, Dickmann said that the goal is the same as always: to get to the playoffs. “I think we have a great team,” he said. “And if they work hard, they can do it.”

The Hawks will open the season Friday, Aug. 26 with a pre-season game at home against Hollywood Hills High School.

Zach DeCosta looks to pass.

Chris Gomez (center) jumps up for a pass.

Michael Almante intercepts a pass.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

RPBHS Girls Volleyball Coach Optimistic About This Year’s Team

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School girls varsity volleyball team will rely on both skill and chemistry as it prepares to take on a new district.

Last season, the Lady Wildcats

Bayley Cook jumps up for a hit.

finished with a winning record but were knocked out of the district playoffs in the semifinal round. This year, the school dropped down a division, putting the team in district 7A, where it will face Palm Beach Lakes, Forest Hill and Santaluces high schools.

“There’s a lot of unknown,” head coach Sal Ciano said. “It’s going to be a whole new district and a new set of teams.”

But Ciano said he is confident in his players, many of whom have already played together for a few years. “I have high expectations,” he said. “I always do. I always come into it saying that we’re going to win. I think we will be very competitive.”

The Lady Wildcats lost three big hitters last year including graduated seniors Cara Veclotch and Tarin Knott. Returning starters include junior Gabrielle Marionakis and sophomore sisters Brianne and Bayley Cook. “They’re right side hitters,” Ciano said of the Cooks. “That

makes us very strong on the opposite side and gives us a good advantage.”

New to the team is Kiersten Abdell, sister of former Lady Wildcats Shaina and Kala Abdell.

Ciano said he has a young team, with more than half of it made up of sophomores. Despite the youth, he said they have the advantage of having played together already.

“They’ve played together as a group before,” he said. “Everyone already knows one another, so they’re not surprised when someone hits the ball really hard. Fundamentally, we should be a strong team. They have that cohesiveness.”

In addition to a strong varsity team, Ciano noted that he has exceptional talent on the junior varsity team, so much so that he may have to make cuts to the team for the first time in years.

“It’s really great to be able to have such a pool of talent to choose from,” he said. “And it’s going to keep us competitive for the future.”

Members of this year’s RPBHS Lady Wildcats volleyball squad.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Overall, Ciano said that the outlook is good for the Lady Wildcats. “I’m optimistic,” he said. “I think we have the potential to come in first or second this year

and surpass what we did last year.”

The Lady Wildcats begin play next week when they host a preseason tournament on Thursday, Aug. 25.

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LOCAL TAE KWON DO STUDENTS COMPETE IN ATU NATIONALS

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Students from Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do in Wellington recently competed in the American Taekwondo United (ATU) U.S. national championships in Los Angeles, Calif. Sheri Robinson took first place in forms and second in sparring, Jeff Robinson took first place in forms and third place in sparring, and Jarod Forman took third place in sparring. These students train under eighth-degree black belt Grand Master Ki Sop Yoon. Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do is located at 13860 Wellington Trace, Suite 25. For more information, call (561) 795-1199 or visit the studio’s web site at www.supertae kwondo.net. Shown above is Ki Sop Yoon with Sheri Robinson, Forman and Jeff Robinson.

LLS Team In Training Competes At Annual Loggerhead Triathlon

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training competed in the annual Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter on Saturday, Aug. 6. All eight members of the team completed the three-eights-mile swim, 13mile bike and 3.1-mile run. In total, the TNT participants raised over $12,000 to help cure blood cancers.

Aside from the current TNT participants, there were multiple TNT alumni at the event, all sporting TNT colors in support of the mission. TNT cycle coach Kristin Barthlomew of Jupiter took first place in the women’s 35-39 age group with a time of 1:18:29. Jacey Biery from Delray Beach, a TNT alum who is currently training with TNT for the Tour de Tucson Century Ride in November, placed fourth in the same age group with a time of 1:25:18.

Participants are part of a national team called Team In Training, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature national fundraising program. Funds raised through TNT are used to finance lifesaving blood cancer research and provide financial assistance and programs for local patients.

The TNT triathlon team.

All TNT participants receive expert coaching, training schedules, group training sessions and socials, race entry, singlet, and hotel accommodations for the event weekend.

Each member of the team also trains and fundraises in honor of an “honored hero” who has experienced the diagnosis of a blood cancer.

Since its inception in 1988, more than 420,000 participants have raised more than $1 billion to help fund blood cancer research and pro-

vide services and support to patients and their families.

First trainings are taking place across Palm Beach County starting in August for the first ever Rock ’n’ Roll Miami Latin Music Half Marathon and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January. For more information about the program, call the LLS at (561) 7759954 or e-mail nicole.switzer@ lls.org or visit www.teamintraining. org/pb.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Big Improvements Made To Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Wellington Classic Dressage is gearing up for its 2012 show season at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, and major improvements to the center will mean that no matter the weather, the show will go on.

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, a Palm Beach County’s Parks & Recreation facility, has been host to dressage and other equestrian events for the past six years.

The facility has undergone major improvements this summer including landscaping and beautification, but more importantly footing.

The FEI rings and warm-ups have new footing, and an additional $100,000 was spent on a state-ofthe-art drainage system in the show arenas and barns.

The new footing is courtesy of Wellington Classic Dressage, said Joan Hutchinson, facility manager at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. “And we’re grateful for that,” she said. “Those footing improvements were paid for by Wellington Classic and yet it benefits everyone, not just dressage riders.”

The new drainage system was covered by Palm Beach County, and Hutchinson said that while it’s one of those vitally important improvements, it’s also not one that is easily

noticed. “When it floods, people notice that, but the idea here is that neither the rings nor the barn will flood, and people don’t usually notice an improvement that’s good,” she said.

Noreen O’Sullivan, managing partner for Wellington Classic Dressage and president of Gold Coast Dressage Association, agreed.

“Florida is in a tropical climate and is subject to heavy rainstorms at times, so although we can’t control the weather, it’s great that we have such a great system in place,” she said.

Wellington Classic Dressage and Gold Coast Dressage hosts shows year -round at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

The Wellington Classic Dressage Series again will host the Palm Beach leg of the World Dressage Masters CDI5* presented by Axel Johnson Group at the center. The World Dressage Masters is one of the richest dressage series internationally, with each show boasting over 100,000 Euros in prize money.

The WDM Palm Beach will take place during the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3* on Jan. 26-29, 2012 with the Interna-

tional Polo Club Palm Beach as presenting sponsor.

Wellington Classic Dressage does much more for the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center than contribute new footing, Hutchinson said.

“Dressage brings a lot to our facility,” she said. “Not only does it contribute to our overall budget, but it has increased our profile. Most facilities are struggling right now, but the fact that dressage has embraced us with so many shows helps increase the visibility of the Jim Brandon Center. Dressage has made us better known to the entire equestrian community.”

O’Sullivan noted that admission is free to the public for most events.

“We also try to really work with Jim Brandon’s management to make this one of the best competitor and community-friendly facilities for all of its users,” she said.

Hutchinson said Wellington Classic Dressage not only draws a tremendous following of spectators and competitors, but the show series management has also done an excellent job of marketing its shows, which has given the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center some added publicity.

“They do the work of letting peo-

ple know that we are here,” she said.

For more information about upcoming shows, call (561) 227-1570

or visit www.wellingtonclassic dressage.com, www.gcdafl.org or www.ihspb.com.

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center has undergone major improvements to its footing and landscaping this summer.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Aug. 20 • Buckler’s Craft Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). Admission is $8 for adults and free for kids. Visit www.buckler craftfair.com for more info.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a walk/stroll Saturday, Aug. 20 at Okeeheelee Park. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the first parking lot off Forest Hill Blvd. Call Daisy at (561) 439-5780 for more info.

• The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Go Native… Florida Natives for Your Yard” on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Discover the many native plants that grow well in South Florida. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Mystery at the Library” on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. for ages 10 to 15. Find clues and solve a mystery in a live-action setting. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington) will host “Chess Club” on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2:30 p.m. for age 8 and up. Chess fans unite to practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature its third annual “Back-to-School Bonanza!” on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. Join Whole Foods Market and Wellington for an event that the whole family will enjoy. Activities include storewide sampling, burgers for backpacks cookout and magic. Enjoy a hot dog, hamburger or veggie burger with a side and drink for a $5 donation to raise money for school supplies that will be given to children in need by the Police Athletic League. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Wellington Ballet Theatre will hold auditions for its inaugural Nutcracker Tea. The audition will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Dance Arts Conservatory in Wellington, located at 12260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1. E-mail wellingtonballettheatre @yahoo.com or (561) 296-1880 for info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature the Steel Pony

Band on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Sunday, Aug. 21 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a walk in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands on Sunday, Aug. 21. Bring binoculars to bird watch while you stroll along the boardwalk at this premier bird watching spot on Jog Road in Boynton Beach. Meet at 7 a.m. in the parking lot.

Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• VFW Post 2007 (1126 Claire Ave., West Palm Beach), along with the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, host a Sunday Brunch on the third Sunday of each month. The menu includes eggs, sausages, cream cheesefilled French toast, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, and more. The cost is $8.50. For more info., call (561) 833-0687.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Health Starts Here Tour & Demonstration on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free. Join Cheryl Kobal for an introductory tour through the store. Pre-register at customer service or by calling (561) 904-4000.

Monday, Aug. 22 • The Florida League of Neighborhood Associations (FLNA) will host a public forum and panel discussion on how local communities and associations are addressing foreclosure and vacancy issues on Monday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Call (561) 758-1618 or visit www.flna.com to pre-register.

Tuesday, Aug. 23 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will host “Sleepy Story Time” on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. for ages 2 and 3. Enjoy stories about bedtime and naptime, sing songs and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Deliciously Raw with Renate” on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Celebrate your health and learn to make great vegan and raw dishes that everyone will enjoy. Preregister at customer service or call (561) 904-4000.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Summer ComSee CALENDAR, page 37

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 36 munity Band will perform a concert at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided by Butterfields Southern Café. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

Wednesday, Aug. 24 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Gluten-Free Cooking: What’s for Lunch?” on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Join Chef Joe as he demonstrates how to create a gluten-free lunch that is easy to bring on the road to school, work or to a friend’s house. There is no charge. Pre-register at customer service or call (561) 904-4000.

• Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach) will host an Autism Grandparent Support Group on the fourth Wednesday of the month beginning Aug. 24 at 7:15 p.m. Come join the group for support and to share any questions or concerns regarding your loved one in a non-denominational atmosphere. There is no charge.

For more info., call Laura Germaine at (954) 531-8743 or Randi Solomon at (561) 5416951.

Thursday, Aug. 25 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington) will feature “Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease” for adults Thursday, Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. featuring nurse Marie MacDonell of Alzheimer’s Community Care. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington) will host “Family Board Game Fun” on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. for age 4 and up. Have family fun playing different board games such as Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, Matchup and more. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Palm Beach State College will begin offering its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in January to help registered nurses boost their training. An information session will be held Thursday, Aug. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 129 in the Natural Science building on the Lake Worth campus (4200 Congress Ave.). For more info., visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/bachelor.xml or call (561) 868-4100.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Task Force will meet Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Department of Planning and Engineering conference room at Greenacres City Hall

(5800 Melaleuca Lane). Call Scott Brown at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail scott@palms west.com for more info.

Friday, Aug. 26 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Mom’s Morning Escape and Whole Kids Club Story Time & Snack” on Friday, Aug. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Moms will receive a free mini-massage, coffee or tea, and muffin from the coffee bar.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian t o attend. Register at customer service or call (561) 904-4000.

• Flavor Palm Beach will kick off Friday, Aug. 26 with an al fresco tasting party on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront.

The event launches a month-long discount dining promotion beginning Sept. 1 and benefits the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Admission to the kickoff party is free to the public from 6 to 9 p.m., with dining tickets costing $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For more info., visit www.wpbgo.com.

Saturday, Aug. 27 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a 7-mile hike in Apoxee in the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area on Saturday, Aug. 27. Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot off Jog Road approximately one mile north of Okeechobee Blvd. Call Joe at (561) 616-8790 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Writing the Novel” on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. for adults. Beginning to intermediate writer s will learn how to write a novel or improve what they’ve already written. Participants will discuss different methods for plotting, outlining and keeping your stor y on track. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Wellington Aquatics Complex (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Short-Course Swim Meet on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The facility will continue to be open to the public during its normal operating hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for swim meet spectators. Regular daily admission rates apply to the general public. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

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

August 19 - August 25, 2011

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER in Wellington needs CERTIFIED P/T 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 leave msg.

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 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.

CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT — Needed with flexible weekday availability. Must be reliable and have dependable transportation. Skill requirements: must be highly proficient in all aspects of quickbooks, payroll, excel and word. Detail oriented and excellent organization and communiciation skills. Seeking Western Community resident only!

No agencies, please! Located in Acreage. Fax resume to 561-8282379 WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — part-time dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career.

Some days - mostly nights & weekends. 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561333-2680 LAKE FOUNTAIN TECHNICIAN — Looking for motivated person to service and maintain water features, ie, lake fountains, waterfalls, aeration systems, etc. Must have clean and valid DL Will train but electric and plumbing knowledge is a plus Salary negotiable, Benefits Please send resume to fax 561790-7220 or email to lpalermo@pbaquatics.com Or call 561-756-1011

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

MATURE COUNTER PERSON & DRIVERS — looking for full-time & part-time. Apply in person Pizzano’ s Pizza 601 RPB Blvd. Royal Palm Beach (Southern & RPB Blvd)

LARRY’S AIR CONDITIONING — Air purification and service. Air Purifier, RGF, REME Air purifier. Commercial & Residential service and inst allation. Servicing Western Communites and Palm Beach County. 24 Hour Emergency Service. CA CO49300. 561-996-5537

AUDIO PLUS ELECTRONICS — for all your electronic needs, home theater, stereo, plasma TV, satellite, security systems, computer systems. 561-471-1161 FURNITURE FOR SALE — Dining Room Pedestal Table; with 54” round glass top, 4 upholstered parsons chairs, Curio Cabinet; glass shelves & interior lighting, Coffee table ; cream colored base with square glass top, also (2) White Modern Counter Stools. Call 561523-0324

APARTMENT WANTED: For single working person $600, a month or less. Non-smoker. References available. Please call 561-572-1782 HOME WANTED TO RENT: Executive Family seeking a minimum 1800 sq.ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath(or larger) pet-friendly house to rent with oversize lot in country atmosphere. Willing to sign 2 yr lease with reasonable rent. Send details & any pics to tjsailen@aol.com

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 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

Experienced and local Content/ Copy Writer available for websites, marketing collaterals and more.

Specialize in SEO content writing.

Rates vary depending upon the project. For more information call 561-247-2605 or email hello1930@live.com.

PLACE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AD HERE CALL 793-3576 FOR MORE INFO

HUGE YARD SALE - THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 20TH 8:00 a.m. — Seminole Pratt Whitney and 75th Grace Fellowship Church. Set-up at 7:30 a.m. Donations accepted Call Dawn 561-633-3070

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)

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. W ater heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded and Insured. CFC1426242. 561601-6458

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING AND MORE — affordable high quality work. Flexible, honest reliable, years of experience with excellent references.

For more info call 561-319-7884

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 TOWN-CRIER

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 793-3576

®

®

HAVING A GARAGE SALE PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576 FOR INFO

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DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates.

A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

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

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

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

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Est ablished 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, p atios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com STAN’S SCREEN SERVICE — Pool and Patio since 1973. Call for a free estimate. 561-319-2838 Lic. & Ins.

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

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 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990 SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal.

Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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