Town-Crier Newspaper, February 18, 2011

HAWK FAMILY DAY BBQ SATURDAY AT SRHS UROLOGISTS DISCUSS ROBOTIC SURGERY SEE STORY, PAGE 3 SEE STORY, PAGE 7 THE

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

Your Community Newspaper

Volume 32, Number 7 February 18 - February 24, 2011

Wellington Ponders Clinic To Care For Village Employees

INSIDE

County Demands FDOT Start Guardrail Work

The Palm Beach County Commission approved a resolution Tuesday to be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation demanding guar drails along State R oad 80 from 20Mile Bend to State Road 715, where there have been 1 5 deaths in recent years as a result of crashes. Page 3

Great Charity Challenge — FTI Consulting Chairman Dennis Shaughnessy and Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo in front of a big check showing how much money will be given away at this weekend’s special event at the Winter Equestrian Festival. PHO TO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Wellington Jewish Center Celebrates Ten Years At Gala

The Wellington Jewish Center celebrated 10 years of growth Sunday, Feb. 13 with an anniversary dinner at the Wellington Community Cent er. The evening honored Ben and Debbie Pincus with the Outstanding Community Leadership Award, Amy Dow with the Pillar of Jewish Education Award and Livna Nativ with the Pillar of Chessed and Volunteering Award. Page 9

Over $1 Million For Charity On The Line At Special WEF Event

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report More than $1 million in prize money is on the line for 32 lucky charities as top world-class and amateur riders compete for their causes during the 2011 FTI Great Charity Challenge at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, Feb. 19.

“This is going to be a wonderful event for the equestrian community to give back,” Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo said. “We want to see everyone out there cheering on their team.”

In its inaugural year, the Great Charity Challenge awarded $560,000 in prize money to 24 charities, and this year promises to be bigger and better with more

charities, more money to be won, and more to do and see for families, equestrians and residents.

And with $1,020,000 to give away, the event is the largest single class in U.S. show jumping history, Bellissimo said.

Dennis Shaughnessy, chairman of the board of FTI Consulting, the horse show’s presenting sponsor, said that he was excited to be involved in such an event.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get the horse world engaged in helping the community,” he said.

“They’re an amazing group of people who come from all over the world.”

The Great Charity Challenge is organized in a relay format with teams of professional, amateur and junior riders riding for a ran-

domly selected charity. The charities were selected in a draw during the Holiday HorseFest at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach.

Prize money is determined by the quickest time over a course of jumps, and each charity is guaranteed at least $10,000, with the winner to get about $150,000.

Each charity was randomly assigned a sponsor — a generous family or individual who donated money to make the event a reality. The sponsors have the chance to select the amateur riders who will compete for their charity, while the professional riders are selected at random.

The event’s presenting sponsor, Fidelity Charitable Services, manSee CHARITY, page 20

Lox Council Rejects Settlement Kelly Bensimon, Carson Kressley Visit Polo Club

Real Housewives of New York City’s Kelly Bensimon and stylist, designer and TV personality Carson Kressley stopped by for brunch at the International Polo Club Palm Beach last Sunday. Page 15

OPINION Dr. Johnson’s Swan Song

Dr. Ar t Johnson’s tenure as superint endent of the Palm Beach County School District has drawn to a close. Although we would have liked to see Johnson depart under better circumstances, the fact remains that he needs to leave — mostly because the side show that has dominated the past year has taken the focus of education in this county away from where it belongs... with the children. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 14 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS ....................... 8 POLO & EQUESTRIAN .........15 SCHOOLS ..................... 16 - 17 PEOPLE........................ 18 - 19 COLUMNS .................... 27 - 28 SUMMER CAMPS ........ 31 - 33 BUSINESS ................... 35 - 37 SPORTS ....................... 41 - 44 CALENDAR...................46 - 47 CLASSIFIEDS ...............48 - 53 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Serving Palms West Since 1980

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council scrapped a proposed settlement agreement with CalleryJudge Grove on Tuesday.

The agreement, more than a year in the making, was aimed at settling Callery-Judge’s challenge to the town’s comprehensive plan.

Instead, council members said they would go to court if CalleryJudge doesn’t offer a road connection plan more palatable to residents.

The citrus grower, which owns 4,000 acres just north of the town, has insisted that Loxahatchee Groves do nothing to impede the efficiency of traffic flow, which would decrease access to CalleryJudge when it develops its property.

In the agreement, the town would have had to meet certain deadlines to make road improvements, including road openings to the north, east and west of the community, and improvements to Okeechobee Blvd.

More than an hour of discussion on the topic included comments from Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone, who said her constituents near a proposed connection to Sycamore Drive East would not agree to it.

Damone did say, however, that ITID would consider a connection of E Road to 140th Avenue North by means of a roundabout or other traffic-calming device. Applicants seeking to make connections See SETTLEMENT, page 20

‘WELLINGTON’S FINEST’ SUPPORT CFF

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington employees and their families may soon be able to take advantage of the village’s healthier outlook on life. Village officials are seeking options to provide a wellness clinic at its new municipal complex to provide routine care to employees.

“We’re putting together a request for proposals,” Director of Financial Management & Budget Mireya McIlveen told the TownCrier on Wednesday. “We are considering maybe a partnership with area hospitals and nearby clinics.

We plan to accept proposals and look at different options and consider the different costs associated with each option.”

The move is part of Wellington’s push toward healthier living.

Currently, it provides a gym on premises to its employees. Providing a place where they could stop in for a checkup, renew prescriptions and get small, routine medical care would not only benefit employees, but also increase productivity, McIlveen said.

“There are a lot of benefits to having something like that,” she said. “It can help to increase productivity. If your eyes are bothering you at work and you have a headache, or if you feel a cold coming on, you could go to the clinic site and get the care you need, then possibly go back to work. That way, employees don’t

have to take time off and spend two or three hours going to a doctor’s office.”

The village is weighing the benefits of having a nurse practitioner on site to see a handful of patients each day, or perhaps something more comprehensive, McIlveen said.

“As we get responses, we’ll look at the different options,” she said. “Something like a nurse practitioner would be low cost but may not be able to handle as many patients. It’s about finding the right balance for what we need.”

And the move could benefit the village by lowering its health insurance premiums; however, that isn’t a guarantee. McIlveen noted that Wellington’s premiums are based on actual claims, and can rise or fall depending on that number each year.

But village officials hope that by having permanent healthcare on site, employees and their dependents could remain healthier.

“Ideally, we’d like someone to be able to see employees and their dependents — anyone covered under the health insurance,” McIlveen said. “It may be hard to find someone willing to come in to see only 200 employees… We will be waiting for those [requests for proposals] to come back and look at our options.”

Employees may also have other health-related options to choose See CLINIC, page 4

WILD THINGS ART SHOW

The fifth annual “Wild Things Art Show” benefiting the Rare Species Conser vatory Foundation was held Saturday, Feb. 12 at Gisela Pferdekamper’s art studio in Loxahatchee Groves.

Sho wn here are Pferdekamper with RSCF Direct or Dr. Paul Reillo and Curat or Karen McGovern. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 2 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Rec Ideas Lead Task Force Suggestions

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s inaugural “Wellington’s Finest Ball” was held Saturday, Feb. 12 at the new Grande Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Many local dignitaries were on hand for an evening that featured a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, dancing and awards to honor Wellington community leaders. Shown above are honorees John and Toy Wash, Kelly Smallridge, Craig Stein, Event Chair Jeff Greer, Terri and Carmine Priore III, Mike Sexton, Susanne Bennett, Aaron Menitoff and Julie Larson. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Several members of Royal Palm Beach’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Task Force agreed Tuesday that they’d like to see the property put toward recreational use.

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council formed the task force when residents and officials couldn’t agree on an acceptable land use for the 150-acre property located off Crestwood Blvd.

Initially, the council wanted to rezone it to be an employment center, but nearby residents protested the move.

The task force is set to discuss and recommend an acceptable

land use, which will be presented to the council in April.

After visiting the site, some members felt it was large enough for multiple land uses, but most expressed the desire for a park or similar use. Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien reminded task force members that they would be recommending a land use category, not a specific land use.

“I was quite taken aback by the size of the property,” Mike Axelberd said. “I had no idea it was so large. I feel it could be used not only as a mechanism to raise revenue but to attract young families and young people to the area.”

Axelberd said he would like to See TASK FORCE, page 20

P.W. Hospital Kicks Off 25th Anniversary Celebration

Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng with f irst CEO Mike Pugh.

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Palms West Hospital kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration last Thursday, Feb. 10, with cake and cupcakes, memories and reunions.

The hospital’s first CEO, Mike Pugh, along with current CEO Bland Eng, members of the staff and a few nurses who have been around since the very beginning delivered treats throughout the day.

“I just can’t get over what a change it is and how nice it is,” Pugh said, “and how professional the people are and how friendly they are. That’s the biggest thing.

This is not a cold hospital here.

This is a friendly hospital.”

Pugh was named CEO in 1984, overseeing construction of the hospital, which opened in 1986.

Once it opened, Pugh recalled how patients trickled in slowly.

“We had no patients because we didn’t have but about four doctors,” he said. “As more doctors came, more patients came.”

In the beginning, Palms West Hospital had only enough staff for one floor and has since expanded to use all three floors, with a fourth one soon to be added.

Nurse Sally Jaworski, who began working at the hospital 25 years ago, has been able to watch the hospital grow and expand.

“It used to be very small,” she said. “There was one pharmacist and a couple of people in the lab.

We had only four beds in the ER. It has grown so much in 25 years.”

And it’s not only the building that has expanded. Today, the hospital houses more than 150 doctors and 800 employees, with 165 beds and the ability to see and treat more patients than ever.

Eng credited Pugh for laying the roots that have helped make Palms West Hospital as successful as it is today.

“I think that Mike laid a wonderful foundation, making sure that we have good-quality physicians and we give good patient care,” he said. “He worked hard to do that.”

Pugh said he is thrilled to see the advancements the hospital has See ANNIVERSARY, page 7

Page 2

February 18 - February 24, 2011

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The Town-Crier

NEWS

LOXAHATCHEE ART SHOW RAISES MONEY FOR THE RARE SPECIES FOUNDATION

The fif th annual “Wild Things Art Show” benefiting the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation was held Saturday, Feb. 12 at Gisela Pferdekamper’s art studio in Loxahatchee Groves. The show featured wildlife-inspired art, sculpture and fine jewelry from some of the area’s leading ar tists and designers, with special “wild” guests from the Busch Wildlife Sanctuar y. For more info., visit www.rarespecies.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Sandra Ef fertz and Ed Shoemaker look at Rock Me Over stones.

Norma Morris admires Stimulus by Gisela Pkerdekamper.

Jean Hutchison drops her raffle ticket in the cup.

Artist Anthony Burks with his painting The Lion .

Cheryl Wise with caracara Amanda, Dr. Paul Reillo, Karen McGovern and Dr. Mark Davis.

Bobbe Miller wears a necklace and earrings created by Emma Boehringer.

The Town-Crier

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Februar y 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 3

NEWS

Feb. 19 SRHS Band Fundraiser Features A Full Day Of Activities

Countr y music artist Emily Brooke, shown here performing last weekend at WIRK’s Rib Round Up, will be one of the featured artists at the Hawk Family Day BBQ. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Brass Evolution and country music artist Emily Brooke will be the headlining acts during the 2011 Hawk Family BBQ on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Seminole Ridge High School.

The family event features food, fun, live music and more, and proceeds benefit the Seminole Ridge High School band and other arts programs at the school.

“It’s going to be a great day,” event coordinator Roy Morgan said. “We have a lot going on — there will be some great food and great talent. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy.”

The all-day event lasts from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the concert to begin at 6 p.m. Admission to the concert costs $5, but the remainder of the day is free.

Events in the morning include a car show featuring clubs from across the area, as well as more than 40 vendors with all sorts of merchandise and services.

Additionally, starting at 2 p.m., members of the Miami Dolphins cheerleading team will be available for pictures, and the kids can

enjoy lots of inflatable rides and games provided by Wellington Bounce House.

For those up for a bit of competition, there will be a corn hole contest, which Morgan described as a combination of beanbag toss and horseshoes.

“It’s a game that has really taken off,” he said. “Guests will be able to play for a game set, which is about a $150 value. One will be painted Seminole Ridge colors, and the other will be done in Miami Dolphins colors and signed by the cheerleaders.”

And there will be food — lots of it, Morgan said. “The band will be selling barbecue pulled pork, pulled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and pizza,” he said. “All of it will help the band.”

Additionally, there will be a silent auction with great items like the chance to be a batboy at Roger Dean Stadium for a day, as well as baseball tickets and more. Each class of students has also put together a basket of goodies.

Morgan noted that the senior class basket has everything a student could need to go to prom.

“It has all you need,” he said.

County Demands FDOT Start Guardrail Work

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission approved a resolution Tuesday to be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation demanding guardrails along State Road 80 from 20-Mile Bend to State Road 715, where there have been 15 deaths in recent years as a result of crashes.

The most recent deaths were a mother and her two young children just last weekend.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria initiated the resolution, saying, “I presume everybody is aware that the death toll along the second segment of State Road 80 continues to mount. It has now reached 15 deaths in recent years.

I am just appalled at the pace that our state Department of Transportation has been moving.”

Santamaria said the department informed him in August 2010 that it was going to start construction of the guardrails. “I was outraged when I found out that nothing definitive has been started yet, so I’m asking the board to join me in this

resolution to demand that construction work on these guardrails be immediately put into effect,” he said.

Commission Chair Karen Marcus asked Santamaria if he preferred a letter. “A letter is faster than a resolution because a resolution has to come back to the board,” Marcus said.

County Administrator Bob Weisman said his staff had prepared a draft resolution if the commission wanted to approve it.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson said he would support the resolution fully.

“Commissioner Santamaria, I think you’re 100-percent right on this, and I’ll tell you why. I have the same problem on a road, Boca Rio Road in Boca Raton,” he said.

“We have many people going in the canal. Right now, I’ll be fighting for guardrails over there, and the Lake Worth Drainage District doesn’t want to let us use their easement. In this state, it’s easier to get a sound wall put up than a guardrail. It doesn’t make sense, but that’s what happens.”

Aaronson said State Rep. Irving Slosberg (D-District 90) was responsible years ago for getting guardrails put in along Florida’s Turnpike where many vehicles had been going into the canals.

“We all have to work on that,” Aaronson said. “We have people going into canals who never should go into canals. People should never have to drown. Families don’t have to lose their loved ones.”

Santamaria said he would like to draft a letter as well and made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Aaronson.

Commissioner Shelley Vana supported the resolution and recalled Slosberg’s work to get the turnpike guardrails when she was a state representative.

“I think we should talk to him about this, too,” she said. “Road safety is his thing, and I think he would be a big asset to us in trying to get this thing speeded up. I would fully support this. It should have happened a long time ago.”

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, also a former state representative,

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recommended changing several instances of “request” in the resolution to “demand” instead. She also recommended that the commission direct its lobbyist, Todd Bonlarron, to lobby for the guardrails.

“There’s nothing like having that personal contact,” Taylor said.

Commissioner Steven Abrams said he would also support the resolution.

“We have done much fact-finding on this, so I can agree to ‘demand,’” Abrams said.

He also pointed out that the county has installed guardrails using stimulus money. “Maybe we can at least get a project started without having to rely on the state,” Abrams said.

Weisman said the state is about finished with the design work. “I think by doing this, we’re trying to shortcut their contracting process somehow, maybe by using a vendor they have on board,” he said.

The motion carried unanimously.

“A limousine, flowers, hairstyling and even a tuxedo rental,” he said.

“It’s the complete package, and could be used by students at any school.”

At about 6 p.m., the fun continues with live entertainment on the SRHS courtyard stage.

Headlining the night is the Brass Evolution, a band featuring some of South Florida’s best musicians.

The band has performed all over the nation and opened for acts such as the Beach Boys, Patti LaBelle and Earth, Wind & Fire.

“They’re a great band,” Morgan said. “They put on a great show, and I think everyone will love them.”

Also performing is local country music artist Emily Brooke.

Brooke has performed across the county at local events and was recently featured at WIRK’s Rib Round Up. “She’s got an amazing voice,” Morgan said. “She’s going to be the next Taylor Swift.”

Admission to the concert is $5 and space is limited, so come early. Those sitting in general admission should bring lawn chairs.

Reserved seating is also available for $15 per person, and includes seating at a table with catering from Pascalli’s Italian Ristorante.

“We’re really encouraging local businesses who might want to come out to the event to purchase a table,” Morgan said. “It would

be a great way to showcase the community to clients, or to come out for a great evening.”

Proceeds will benefit the SRHS band, which hopes to offset its budget and allow more students to participate. This year, the band traveled to the state competition with its rendition of Alice in Wonderland, which is a great honor but also comes at a high price, Morgan said.

“All of the proceeds will help offset the band’s budget,” he said.

“We hope to help out some of those parents who are in need. A lot of students drop out of the program because they can’t afford it, and we hope to raise enough to make it affordable.”

Band members will be out in their performance costumes, and attendees can pose with the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and even Alice herself, along with the rest of the cast.

Morgan has encouraged other arts programs, which he said are drastically underfinanced, to participate, too. The drama club, photography club and FACE club will have activities to help raise money as well.

For more info., visit www. seminoleridgeband.com. For reserve seating, call Morgan at (561) 644-1090, and for vendor information, call Cathy Probst at (561) 307-2420.

Minor Fire Quickly Under Control At P.W. Hospital

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palms West Hospital staf f quickly extinguished a fire that broke out in an air conditioning unit early Tuesday morning.

Hospital representative Lisa Gardi said there was never a danger to anyone. “It was caused by a motor in the air handler on our second floor west tower, which is our medical surgical floor,” she said. “The fire alarm went off, and the fire was extinguished by a security guard with a fire extinguisher.”

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue was called, and firefighters helped draw out the smoke. The

fire was not large enough to activate the sprinkler system.

“We moved out the patients that were on that floor,” Gardi said.

“There were about 30 patients moved off that floor, from the second floor of the west tower to the second floor of the east tower.

There was never any danger to the patients. They were just moved because of the smoke.”

The patients were moved back to the west wing by about 10 a.m., she said.

“Our staff did a wonderful job of extinguishing the fire and quickly getting the patients to a safer section of the hospital,” Gardi said.

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February 18 - February 24, 2011

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OUR OPINION

Dr. Johnson’s Swan Song: Put District’s Focus Back On The Students As the Town-Crier went to press this week, the Palm Beach County School Board was only days away from parting ways with Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson. At a meeting Wednesday night, school board members were adamant that Johnson resign, giving him until Monday to agree on a settlement or be fired. Johnson, however, maintained that they had a working relationship and should continue it, despite having agreed to work toward a settlement only a week before. Although we would have liked to see Johnson depart under better circumstances, the fact remains that he needs to leave in order for the business of educating our youth to move forward.

The current school board majority was chosen by voters last year largely because of their opposition to Johnson and the expectation they would replace him. With budgetary and academic challenges facing the school district, the last thing the school board should be spending time on is battling the superintendent. And right now, there’s no reason we should believe that wouldn’t continue to be the case should Johnson remain in his current position.

Things started going downhill for the superintendent 18 months ago when the programs enacted by former Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez enraged both teachers and parents. But last summer, when Hernandez’s problems upgraded from program controversy to employment scandal, Johnson’s make-or-break moment had come. Unfortunately, he dramatically mishandled the Hernandez situation, and in doing so, lost the confidence of the school board and the teachers. That confidence is not coming back, and the only

way forward is through the exit door.

Still, despite the recent state of the school district and Johnson’s involvement in it, his overall tenure as superintendent paints a more favorable picture. It would be unfair to remember only Johnson’s last year in control of the district while ignoring the previous nine. Over the past decade, the advancements he oversaw in test scores, school construction and magnet schools have been well above average when compared to other school districts in Florida. And he devoted nearly three decades of service to Palm Beach County, having spent nearly half that time as principal of Boca Raton and Spanish River high schools. And he entered the job of superintendent having sat on the very board that hired him and now is about to fire him.

Year after year, Johnson spoke to graduating seniors about public education being the “genius of democracy.” His commencement address has often described his vision of public education and the critical role it plays in the future of our country. The Palm Beach County School District has to be careful that in a state in which the new governor is pushing for major reforms to the system of public education, that it not lose focus of the fact that this is not about teachers, school board members or the mistakes of the superintendent, but about educating our children. The main reason Johnson needs to go right now is that for the past year, the primary concern seems to have been the superintendent and his opponents, and that is not where the district’s time and resources should be going. At the end of the day, the school board needs to get this over with so it can get back to focusing on what matters most — our children.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Lipp Responds To Eric Marple In the Feb. 11 edition of the Town-Crier, a letter to the editor was published from Loxahatchee Groves resident Eric Marple. Mr. Marple has taken issue with me regarding the use of property tax exemptions. Mr. Marple seems to want readers to believe that I am anti-agriculture because I suggested that those who receive an ag property tax deduction prove that they are in the business of producing agricultural products for sale and/or are bona fide farmers.

The Palm Beach County property appraiser is the constitutional officer of the county who [determines taxable property values].

Florida law provides this power to the property appraiser. Florida Statute 193.461, Sub-Section (6)(a) details the responsibility of the property appraiser in assessing lands claiming an agricultural tax exemption. The property owner must prove that the ag use is bona fide ag. The problem is that several hundred acres within Loxahatchee Groves which receive property tax breaks do not meet the standards set in 193.461(6)(a).

For example, the owners of the 97 acres at the northeast corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road, also known as the Simon property, are seeking to develop residential and commercial uses. Currently, this parcel receives an agriculture uses exemption (use code 6000) and pays $690/year in ad valorem taxes. Yet the owner of a 7.83-acre vacant piece of property east of C Road near Southern Blvd. pays $5,770 in ad valorem taxes per year! Why is this developer get-

ting a $593 per acre tax break?

This is vacant land. Just across from the Simon property east of B Road, the owner of another 73acre parcel is also seeking development approval, and they too receive an agricultural tax break.

They pay just $544/year in ad valorem taxes.

Another example is the Red Barn Feed & Supply store, which is located on five acres and has a retail use. The owners of the Red Barn pay $49,297/year in property taxes. A competing feed store in the town receives an agricultural tax exemption and pays a mere $5,850/ year in property taxes.

Why does this commercial enterprise receive a $43,447 gift? Is this what Mr. Marple is defending?

The four properties I have cited above total just 177 acres of the town’s total 6,953 acres. The annual loss in ad valorem tax revenue for these 177 acres is nearly $150,000, or 7 percent of the town’s 2010-11 budget! How much lower would all of our taxes be if we had a fair and equitable ag-exemption process?

I grew up in central Illinois. My grandparents were farmers. I spent many summers working in the corn fields. I fully support anyone who has the skills, ambition and work ethic to make a living from the land. Farmers deserve every tax credit, tax exemption and God’s blessing.

If the town council does not take care of its taxpayers, who will?

How long will it take to have fair property taxes? If the majority of the council is aligned with special interest groups, how can we expect this inequity to be resolved?

Do you want to put your trust in [candidate] Tom Goltzene and his campaign handlers?

In Mr. Marple’s letter to the editor, he points out that Mr. Goltzene has an agricultural business. Let’s examine one of Mr. Goltzene’s numerous ag businesses (a dozen businesses in as many years!). In November and December 2002, Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control lawfully took custody of 35 goats based upon allegations and evidence that the animals had been subject to cruelty, neglect or other abuse (Clerk of Court case No. MC0228894-RJ). Several of these neglected animals had to be euthanized, and the remainder were sold at auction. The Goltzenes now have the distinction of being on Animal Care & Control’s “do not allow to adopt” list. Is this the sort of responsible “farmer” we want setting policy for the Groves?

I will continue to fight for all of the property taxpayers in the Groves. I want everyone who pays property taxes in the Groves to pay their fair share and not one cent more, but the fraudulent use of bogus ag exemptions in our town needs to stop. I am not anti-ag. I am anti-fraud. Don’t let free-loaders take any more money out of our pockets.

My name is Dennis Lipp. I’ve been a resident of the Groves since 1984. I’ve been an active member of the community for over 17 years. With your support, I will continue to represent all of the citizens of the town.

Dennis Lipp, Vice Mayor Loxahatchee Groves

Fearmongers Are On Both Sides The reason media outlets do not “point the finger” at the so-called

“fearmongers,” as Shirley Bass recommends in her Feb. 4 letter to the editor, is because what she is asking them to do is misrepresent the news.

First of all, Sarah Palin has never said, “If ballots don’t work, bullets will,” nor did she ever suggest “Second Amendment remedies.” Yes, Sarah Palin did place cross-hairs on a map to illustrate those districts targeted by the GOP or suggestive of Gov. Palin’s energy to assist in the defeat of congressmen or congresswomen she deemed worthy of defeat. Oh my — cross-hairs! If we rationally step back and look at the crosshair issue, we see that many media outlets did in fact use that imagery in their news cycle, and that is why Ms. Bass is aware of the icon on the map. However, to deem a cross-hair as suggesting violence is hyperbole meant to create hysteria where there is none. It is a point not worth mentioning, although every media outlet of any significance did mention it. The word “target” has been an acceptable term for decades and possibly centuries.

No one ever burned Nancy Pelosi in effigy, although there is one tea-party group in Virginia that planned to burn her in effigy for her handling of the healthcare legislation. What were the media outlets to do, create a story where one does not exist? On the other hand, Ms. Bass’ favorite “news” outlet did make it look like Nancy Pelosi was burned in effigy because Jon Stewart created a satirical piece about the burning. It’s satire! Jon Stewart is a master of satire. Ms. Bass needs to recognize satire is forced by its creator to produce a response. That is not news. It is humor.

There is no proof anyone spit on a congressman, and if for some reason someone did spit, how can Ms. Bass designate the party association of someone who is not recognized as the culprit? The media handled the incident; however, only assumptions remain.

The most glaring assertion of Ms. Bass is the quote she suggests Sen. Mitch McConnell stated.

Here is where critical thinking or lack thereof is most salient. To think that any senator in the United States would say, “My goal is to bring Obama down, even if it means bringing the country down” is to lack all sense of critical thinking. After Mitch McConnell said that the single most important thing they want to achieve is for President Obama to be a oneterm president, Cynthia Tucker, in her column, editorialized, “…the GOP has as its main goal trying to make sure the president fails — even if the country fails along with him.” If media outlets do as Ms. Bass suggests, we will have no honest media outlets.

There is negative and positive on both sides of the aisle, but I suggest that the media outlets doc-

ument the news and not attempt to create the news. And most importantly, if you are one who looks to Jon Stewart for unbiased and straight-forward accounting of events, then that is a satire in the waiting. That is hilarious.

Steve McGowan Wellington

Save Money For Domestic Priorities With the recent 2012 federal budget calling for cuts to Medicare, Social Security and an increase in taxes and spending, I have not heard one of our elected officials say the right thing.

What should be said is, “Let’s stop being the world’s checkbook.” Let’s stop sending $80 million to Haiti, $100 million to Mexico, $250 million to Sudan, etc. That would be a step in the right direction. One good thing will come out of this: less than two years to go before we get a new president in office.

Craig Jacobson Wellington

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

NEWS

LGWCD Local Road Bill Granted Legislative Delegation Approval

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation voted 6-3 this month to put forth a local bill in the upcoming session of the Florida Legislature to enable the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District to pave four sections of road.

The proposed bill is now being processed by legislative staff, according to LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier, who reported Monday on the progress of the bill.

LGWCD supervisors agreed several months ago that a local bill granting the district power over easements is the best way to resolve issues that have been hindering the district from proceeding with previously approved paving projects.

Easement acquisition issues had arisen regarding North D and South C roads because of foreclosure, divorce proceedings and deceased trustees. Also, response to requests by the district for easement access was slow, further delaying the projects.

Most municipalities get around the problem by invoking the right of presumptive dedication — an easement that has been used as a road for a specific length of time is presumed to be a public roadway. However, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves has not been in-

corporated long enough to enjoy that authority, and special districts do not have that power.

The local bill is designed to grant that power to the LGWCD for specifically the four road segments in question. Local bills usually get through the legislative delegation with no problem and are passed in the legislature with little or no comment, but this one hit a snag after the Palm Beach County League of Cities objected to the bill.

Loxahatchee Groves community activists Marge Herzog and Laura Tindall raised concerns that it would compromise the rights afforded to Loxahatchee Groves as a municipality and its ability to collect gas taxes. As a result, Legislative Delegation Chairman Joseph Abruzzo said he would not sponsor the bill.

At the LGWCD meeting Monday, Saunier explained that the local bill allows for prescriptive easements for the width of the roads, as they have been maintained by the district for more than seven years. “The revised bill affects only the four road projects passed by referendum of the landowners who voted to tax themselves in order to improve these roads,” Saunier said.

The four road segments are A Road from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road

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about one-quarter mile east from the A Road intersection; C Road South from Collecting Canal Road to Okeechobee Blvd., and Collecting Canal Road about one-quarter mile each way, east and west, from the C Road intersection; C Road North from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road about one-quarter mile east and west from the C Road intersection; and D Road from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road about one-quarter mile each way from the D Road intersection.

Saunier said the district coordinated with the League of Cities to develop solutions that create no adverse precedents for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves or any other municipality and that the league’s board unanimously withdrew its opposition to the local bill on Jan. 26. The district’s local bill was presented again to the legislative delegation at its Feb. 2 public hearing. It is being sponsored

by State Rep. Jeff Clemens (DDistrict 89).

Supervisor John Ryan said he was concerned about the 6-3 delegation vote. “I was disappointed the vote was not 9-0 in support of a local bill,” Ryan said. “All that is affected are existing public roads.”

Ryan pointed out that there were public workshops in 2009 for the

affected property owners, who voted in favor of the projects. He said he feels the project is necessary for safety reasons. “Time has passed,” he said. “I believe it is reasonable to believe that contractors are hungrier now than they were in 2009, and the [costs will be] lower than they were estimated at that time.”

Ryan said the district has posted the summary of the bill on its web site at www.lgwcd.org. He also expressed concern about “misinformation” that opponents circulated in order to get signatures for a petition that they presented at the delegation meeting.

“At our last meeting, I gave my concerns about outdated misinformation and bad facts that Marge Herzog and Laura Tindall were

Clinic

Less Sick Time?

continued from page 1 from, as the village is considering partnering with programs such as Weight Watchers and other organizations to encourage its staff to stay healthy.

McIlveen explained that as part of the village’s insurance, it is allotted $10,000 to spend on wellness costs. The money must be

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circulating, and I doubt that they changed their opposition arguments to obtain petitions, but I think that we saw at the legislative delegation that at least three of the local legislators who received these last-minute petitions and letters were concerned enough that they didn’t feel they could vote in favor of the bill,” Ryan said.

Supervisor Darlene Crawford said the district should be able to get copies of the petitions presented at a public meeting. “Citizens have the right to go out and try to persuade legislators if they have a different opinion,” he said. “The only reason we’re doing this is because people voted for this. We didn’t just decide it was something we wanted to do for the safety of

these four roads. The landowners asked us to do it.”

Ryan said he respects people’s right to their own opinion but wished they would use valid information. He added that if Tindall is presenting herself as an expert witness, she must exercise due diligence on issues and not persist in misstatements. “On several occasions, some of the comments that she made are simply incorrect or misstated,” Ryan said.

Crawford said facts can be interpreted differently. “Different people read the same document, and you will be amazed at how that person interprets the same thing you read,” she said. “I don’t know if they have nefarious purposes; they just have a different opinion.”

approved by its insurance provider but can cover anything from gym memberships to health programs.

“It’s popular for municipalities to raffle off gym memberships to their employees,” McIlveen said.

“But we already have a gym, so we wanted to do something different.”

In an employee survey, one of the most requested options was an on-site Weight Watchers program that meets weekly.

“We really just started looking

at these different options,” McIlveen said. “We’ll be looking into the different ideas and try to decide what meets our needs.”

McIlveen said that the village hopes to encourage its employees to lead healthy lifestyles.

“It’s a new year, and many of our employees showed a lot of enthusiasm about getting fit,” she said. “But that excitement has tapered off a bit, and we hope that these new options will promote wellness throughout the village and get everyone excited again.”

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Page 5

NEWS

FIRST ‘WELLINGTON’S FINEST BALL’ SUPPORTS CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s inaugural “Wellington’s Finest Ball” was held Saturday, Feb. 12 at the new Grande Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Many local dignitaries were on hand for an evening that featured a sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, dancing and awards to honor Wellington community leaders.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Craig Stein, Toy and John Wash, Jean Salem and Michael Sexton.

Ben and Joanna Boynton with Linda and Larry Smith.

Mike and Marie Bianchini with Ashley and Joe Maguire.

Ashley Maguire, Denise Meers and Kristy Desith.

Jean Salem and Barbara Safranek.

Aaron Menitoff, Julie Larson, Juan Gonzalez, Jeannine Cabanellas, and Terri and Carmine Priore III.

FUN ST. DAVID’S SCHOOL BIKE-ATHON BENEFITS ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

St. David’s Episcopal School in Wellington held its seventh annual bike-athon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital on Frida y, Feb. 11.

Kindergarten and pre-K students rode laps on their bicycles to raise money for St. Jude. In addition, the children were treated to a mound of real snow t o play in, as well as cotton candy, a bubble station and more.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Children enjoy riding in the bike-athon.

Kimberly Maher rides for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Youngsters have fun in the snow pile.

Page 6

February 18 - February 24, 2011

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CRIME NEWS

Vandals Target Homes And Stores

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report FEB. 5 — Someone called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington on Saturday, Feb. 5 to report an act of vandalism at a Village of Wellington pump station. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., someone spray-painted graffiti on the north wall of a pump station at Ousley Sod Farms Road and 50th Street South. The perpetrator(s) painted two “KKK” logos and three swastikas in red spray paint on the wall.

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

FEB. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, Feb. 5 regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 9 p.m. someone stole the victim’s navy blue EZ-GO golf cart. The victim said that she parked the golf cart at the horse show grounds and returned to find it was gone. The cart was valued at approximately $4,500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 11 — A resident of The Acreage called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Friday evening to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim received a notice from the Internal Revenue Service that her tax refund was being reviewed. However, the victim said that she had not yet filed her tax return, and that the IRS advised her to file a police report. The victim said that she doesn’t know who used her name, Social Security number and address to file a return. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

FEB. 12 — A juvenile was arrested last Saturday night on drug charges following a report of suspicious activity at a Royal Palm Beach park. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to Todd Robiner Park in La Mancha regarding several juveniles hanging out there after dark. The deputy made contact with the driver of a 2004 Honda Odyssey and could immediately smell alcohol coming from the car.

The deputy discovered several open cans of Four Lokos, an alcoholic beverage. The deputy also discovered a pill bottle and glass pipe inside the purse of a juvenile passenger. Inside the pill bottle was a clear bag of marijuana. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

FEB. 13 — An employee of the Super Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime around midnight, two unknown subjects driving a large box truck stole three cardboard bales from the rear of the store. Video surveillance footage was of poor quality.

The stolen items were valued at approximately $180. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Wellington Community Center last Sunday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., someone stole the victim’s purse from the kitchen. The victim reported that she had placed her purse under a cart, which had been up against the wall in the

kitchen. When she returned, the purse and cart were gone. The victim was able to locate the cart, but the employees who moved it said there was no purse on the cart.

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

FEB. 14 — A Jupiter woman called the PBSO’s Wellington substation Monday to report a theft.

According to a PBSO report, the victim was at the Bealls department store in Wellington last Saturday when she placed her Metro PCS cell phone on the counter. A white female in her 30s took the phone off of the counter and placed it in her purse. According to the report, the suspect was caught on video surveillance cameras and paid for some merchandise with a credit card, which the store will provide to the PBSO. The stolen phone was valued at approximately $200.

FEB. 14 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to the Grove Marketplace plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road on Monday regarding an act of vandalism.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 p.m. last Friday and 9 a.m. Monday, someone broke into a vacant shop in the plaza and spray-painted several words on the interior walls and mirrors. An employee of a nearby shop said that last Friday she observed several white male teenagers in front of the store.

FEB. 14 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested Monday morning on charges of drunken driving following a traffic stop near the intersection of Okeechobee Blvd. and Skees Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over a white Nissan Versa for a tint violation.

The deputy made contact with the driver, 22-year-old Jennifer Schmitt and observed an open container of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer on the front passenger seat and noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver. According to the report, the deputy issued Schmitt two traffic citations for tint and open container, and then attempted to conduct roadside tasks. Schmitt was unable to complete the tasks. She was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where breath tests revealed she had a .196 blood-alcohol level. Schmitt was charged with driving under the influence.

FEB. 15 — A resident of the 12th Fairway called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., someone stole a 10-karat gold chain and prescription pills from her bedside table drawer. Both the front and rear doors to the home were believed to be unlocked, but nothing else was taken. The stolen items were valued at approximately $320.

FEB. 15 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Polo Lakes on Tuesday evening regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 9:15 p.m., someone threw an unknown blunt object through the victim’s secondstory living room window, causing it to shatter. The object didn’t go through the window and could not be located. According to the report, the victim didn’t know who threw the object, but saw three males exiting the development on bikes. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Sonia Celis, a.k.a. Sonia Celis-Nunez, is a white female, 5’2” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.

Her date of bir th is 08/23/58. Celis is wanted f or violation of probation on a charge of sale of am phetamines and dispensing prescriptions without a license.

Her occupation is unknown. Her last known addresses were Torchwood Court and Whit e Marsh Drive, bo th in Wellington. Celis is w anted as of 02/17/ 11.

• Glen Straw is a white male, 5’6” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 05/ 08/86. Straw is wanted for conspiracy to traffic in oxycodone and trafficking in oxycodone. His occupation is unknown.

His last known address was 90th Stree t Nor th in The Acreage. Straw is wanted as of 02/17/11.

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

Sonia Celis

Glen Straw

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

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Februar y 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

Urologists Visit Chamber Lunch To Tout Robotic Surgery At PWH

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report The Palms West Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon Monday, Feb. 14, and attendees at the Wellington Community Center heard Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng toast his institution’s silver anniversary serving the western communities.

“I want to wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day,” Eng said.

“This is an important week for us at Palms West Hospital. It was this week 25 years ago that the hospital saw its first patient. We are very excited that we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. We are also very pleased that we are hoping to break ground to commemorate those 25 years in July as we start a $60 million expansion of the facility.”

The expansion is focused on the pediatric floor and the pediatric and adult intensive-care units, among other areas.

Eng has been with the hospital for more than three years, and with parent company HCA for 16-plus years. He attended the luncheon with several doctors from the hospital who updated chamber members on exciting surgical breakthroughs that are lessening hospital stays for patients.

“We have the busiest robotic surgical program in the entire county,” Eng said. “We’re very blessed to have wonderfully skilled surgeons in the western communities, and the robotic surgeries [at Palms West Hospital] are focused around two areas, hysterectomies and prostate surgeries.

Technology and medical care have certainly advanced.”

With the precision of the da Vinci robotic surgery system, the success rate is way up and the

complication rate is down, Eng said.

Eng introduced Dr. Edward Becker and Dr. Damian Portela of Palm Beach Urology Associates to explain how this groundbreaking procedure has revolutionized prostate cancer screening and surgery.

Becker said the doctors at Palm Beach Urology Associates had chosen to get involved in robotic prostatectomy because many patients who used to come to their practice were going out of the state to have robotic procedures done.

“In years past, and before Dr. Portela got here, we did a large volume of open prostatectomies,” Becker said. “We saw that part of the practice completely dry up.

Patients were going away to have this robotic prostatectomy done, and there was nobody in our community providing this service.”

Concerns Becker had about learning the new procedure quickly evaporated.

“I thought this was going to be a huge undertaking to learn this technique,” he continued. “But it was a lot easier than I had anticipated. Basically, the operation is the same operation, but it’s just through a different approach.”

Becker stressed that all men must be on the lookout for prostate problems.

“Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men,” Becker said. “And it’s the sixthleading cause of cancer death in men. There is a fallacy out there that prostate cancer doesn’t kill people. It’s a slow-growing tumor, but it does kill people.”

Becker described the various types of prostate cancer and how they range from the early process of the disease, when it cannot be

felt and can be determined only through specifically looking for it, to later versions of the disease when a man can clearly discern that something is wrong. Aside from screenings, men should seek out a specialist the moment something seems wrong, Becker said.

“As far as I am concerned, for someone who is healthy and young, watchful waiting is watchfully waiting for something that is confined and treatable to go someplace else and become incurable,” he said.

Portela said that as many as 50 percent of men may suffer from the disease at some point in their lives, and it can run in families.

The disease has been detected in men in their 40s, all the way up to their 80s and 90s, Portela said, adding that one of the advantages of the robotic prostatectomy is that people can quickly return to normal lives, including normal sexual function.

“The da Vinci is a robotic technique developed by the military so that our soldiers could have better care in the field,” Portela said. “It transforms the hand and gives you the flexibility of the wrist where you can put your hand in a very small space. It allows you to keep your skills as a surgeon without the need to make a big incision to put your hand inside.”

With robotic surgery, patients’ pain level is greatly reduced.

“There is no change in what we are doing. The difference is we have a different tool that will allow us to do this in a minimally invasive way,” Portela said. “In the past, we used to limit the age of the patient because of how difficult it was to recover from the procedure. With this new technique, it allows us to treat patients

Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng addresses chamber members. who are not as young as we would like. Now they can recover better, and have better quality of life in an older age group. The benefits are shorter hospital stays, significantly less bloodshed and a return to normal activities.”

The luncheon’s food sponsors were Vanessa Robbins from On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in Royal Palm Beach and Lisa Hamilton from Cupcake Cottage.

Robbins noted that her restaurant is coming up on its one-year anniversary in August.

In other business, Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said that the next Economic Development Task Force meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24 at the new Wellington municipal complex. She invited everyone to take part.

Miranda also invited everyone to the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival coming up March 26-27, with a preview of the carnival rides on Friday, March 25.

Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda (left) and Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III (right) thank Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng, Dr. Damian Portela and Dr. Edward Becker.

Vanessa Robbins of On the Border and Lisa Hamilton of Cupcake Cottage receive certifcates of appreciation from Palms West Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

“You can come out and be a spectator,” Miranda said. “Or if you want to have your business represented, we do have booths available. We have special prices for our member businesses. We

are looking for artists and sponsors for our artists.”

For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

Groves Water District To Explore Pathway Along E Road Canal

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors asked district staff to explore creating a public pathway that runs along the canal easement on E Road north of Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road.

Supervisor Darlene Crawford initiated the discussion Monday, explaining that the easement is cut off by property owners who have put up fences. “On E Road north of Okeechobee, there’s a very nice pathway that goes north to North Road, just like on F Road,” Crawford said. “It would make a great

equestrian path or pedestrian path, but individual landowners have put fences across it.”

Crawford said she doesn’t know how the district can maintain the easement because of the fences. “I think it is something we need to think about because it could be put to a better use for pedestrians or bicycle use,” she said. “Our roads are getting a little bit crowded, and it might be nice for those who want to ride a bike, walk, jog or whatever.”

District Administrator Clete Saunier said he is looking into the fences and gates that have been built across the path. However, Saunier noted that F Road was

designated as an equestrian trail only after the LGWCD worked with Palm Beach County to install a fence line along the properties so there was no potential trespassing as people rode down the canal bank.

Saunier added that the existing path is intended for canal access by the district and is not currently designated for public use. “F Road is equestrian use only, so there is a liability issue there,” he said, explaining that a special legislative act allows the district to acknowledge greenways and trail systems, including equestrian trails.

Saunier said he would have to talk to the district’s legal staff

ITID To Kick Off Relay For Life Team With Party On Feb. 19

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District’s team for the Acreage/ Loxahatchee Relay for Life is preparing to party like the 1980s on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Kocomo’s Island Grill in the Publix shopping center at Orange Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

“We’re holding a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in anticipation of the Relay for Life, which is in April,” said ITID Supervisor Carlos Enriquez, who is captain of Team ITID. “We’re going to have a DJ there playing music. She’s going to be playing 1980s music. We’re going to have 1980s trivia. We’ll have a costume contest. We’ve got some prizes.”

Prizes include a gift basket donated by American Blue Pools,

also located in the Publix shopping center. “That was very, very generous of them,” Enriquez said.

Supercuts donated a coupon for a free haircut, and Kocomo’s will donate tips at the bar to the team for the duration of the party. There will also be a 50-50 raffle.

“It’s going to be a great time,” Enriquez said. “I’m sure a lot of people will show up. It’s a great way to get the community together for a good cause — the fight against cancer.”

The team is planning other fundraising events prior to the Relay for Life.

Enriquez is also trying to organize a poker run for bikers to take place immediately prior to the Relay for Life, which is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3 at Acreage Community Park.

“I’m hoping to start it some-

‘It’s a great way to get the community together for a good cause — the fight against cancer.’

ITID Supervisor Carlos Enriquez place in The Acreage at midday on that Saturday and ride out, do some stops, and end up over at the park at the beginning of the ceremonies for the Relay for Life,” he said. “It will be a good thing to get the biking community together out in The Acreage and bring some people in to the event.”

For more about these events, call Enriquez at (561) 714-8516 or e-mail terri.lane@cancer.org.

about a similar use on E Road.

“I’ll look into permitting,” he said. “We have a lot of permits that go into place that allow people to put up fences for security reasons.

There are security incidents from the past of landowners leaving their frontage open. We have a high crime rate on those properties, including vandalism of people driving onto the properties and destroying crops or nursery products.”

Saunier said he would gather the necessary information and update the board at its next meeting. The length of the path is about one mile from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road.

LGWCD Chairman Robert DeMarois asked Saunier to see whether the town will provide financing for fencing through gas taxes, similar to what the county did for F Road before the town incorporated.

For the past two years, the town has provided several hundred thousand dollars to the district for infrastructure improvements.

Supervisor John Ryan said one of the concerns in the past has been all-terrain vehicles using the trails.

“One of the concerns, and we never really resolved it, was the four-wheelers and the people who are reckless in the use of those

vehicles on those trails,” Ryan said. “I think in some respects, gates that could be accessed by equestrians could be kind of a selfcorrecting mechanism. It doesn’t help the continuity of the ride, but it does at least break up the trail so it couldn’t be encumbered by a lot of four-wheel traffic.”

Saunier said there are laws banning such vehicles on the canal side of the easements. “That is an enforcement issue for the police, and it is a hard one to enforce, because often they are able to run off without ever being caught, or if they are reported, by the time the deputy arrives, they are gone,” he said.

Anniversary

Hospital Marks 25 Years

continued from page 1 made, and said that Eng has helped the hospital grow and succeed during his time as CEO. “Bland has done so much more in his three years here than you could have ever thought could happen,” Pugh said.

“Once you plant the seeds, it’s more of a challenge to get the fruit going.”

And as for the next 25 years, Eng is anticipating having a bigger facility but continuing the hospital’s reputation for great patient care. He said he hopes to see the hospital grow and expand with the surrounding community for years to come.

“We’re going to continue to offer great care to our patients and grow and meet the demands of the community,” he said. “We’re add-

Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng, former CEO Mike Pugh, CFO Joe Paul, COO Michael Patterson and longtime Palms West Hospital staff members hand out cake and cupcakes.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

ing a new floor, we’re going to expand the adult ICU, the pediatric ICU, the pediatric floor, [medical surgery] and the laboratories.

We’re very excited to do that, and we’re very appreciative of Mike coming back and helping us celebrate 25 years.”

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February 18 - February 24, 2011

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NEWS BRIEFS Lox Groves Garden Club To Meet Feb. 19

Comics Anthony Monte (left) and Frannie Sheridan (right).

A Night Of Comedy At The Wellington Amphitheater WEI Network and the Internet radio show Peter’s Livingroom, in conjunction with the Village of Wellington, presented a comedy show Friday, Feb. 11 as part of “Laugh Out Loud,” an ongoing series of monthly comedy shows at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Admission to all shows in the series is free for all ages. Last Friday’s event included comedians coming directly from performances at the Improv, Bonkers, the New York Comedy Club, National Lampoon and other clubs across the country. Performers included the following: master of ceremonies Neil Berliner, Alan Shuman, Michele Mink, Brian Kirk, Frannie Sheridan, Evan Jacobs and headliner Anthony Monte.

There was audience participation, especially with the children who attended the show. Although the comedians involved in the series are used to performing to adult crowds in clubs, they still delivered much laughter for the whole family. Audience members brought blankets and seating, as well as coolers with drinks and munchies.

“Laugh Out Loud” shows take place the second Friday of each month. The next comedy show will take place Friday, March 11 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Visit www. peterslivingroom.com or call Wein at (561) 827-4223 for more information. Dates are also listed on the Village of Wellington’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

The Loxahatchee Groves Garden Club will meet Saturday, Feb. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.).

The speaker will be a representative from the Florida Atlantic University archaeology department who has been asked to speak about Native American medicinal plants. Medicinal plants have a long history of use and are still commonly used medicine.

The public is welcome to attend but must RSVP. For more information, call LGGC President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

Next LGLA Meeting Set For Feb. 24 The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.).

The speaker for the evening will be a representative from the Florida Public Archeology Network who has been asked to discuss the archeological findings that were used to form their opinions about the history of dining in South Florida. The speaker has been asked to explain how the abundance of weeds and plants with seeds may have had an influence on the eating choices and experiences.

Also at the meeting will be the annual candidates forum for those

who qualified to run for the available Loxahatchee Groves Town Council seat. Incumbent Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp and Tom Goltzene have been invited to participate.

For more information, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

Portuguese Festival March 5-6 In Lox Groves The Portuguese American Cultural Society of Palm Beach County will host its annual Portuguese Cultural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6 at the club’s facilities located at 13265 Okeechobee Road in Loxahatchee Groves.

The event is open to the public and will take place from noon to 1 a.m. March 5 and noon to 7 p.m.

March 6. The festival will feature traditional Portuguese food from all regions of Portugal, traditional music, folklore dancing, arts and crafts. There will also be a kids zone.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office personnel will be on hand for crime-prevention demonstrations, and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue will offer fire prevention/safety demonstrations (with fire engines on hand). The Palms West Breast Center will have a table, home health services will offer blood sugar testing, registered nurses will perform blood pressure checks, and the Bloodmobile and American Cancer Society Relay for Life representatives will be available.

Entertainment will include Portuguese, African and Brazilian music performed by Portuguese students. Admission is free, but a $4 donation is requested for parking that will be directly donated to the Portuguese school.

For more information, or for vendor inquiries, call (561) 5843069 or (561) 271-5394.

Community Foundation Scholarships The Palms West Community Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications from graduating seniors who either attend school or live in the western communities. This year the foundation will be able to award nine $1,000 scholarships to deserving students to help offset the cost of their college education.

Through the generosity of the sponsors of the 27th annual Palms West Holiday Parade, the Palms West Community Foundation is able to support nine students’ educational endeavors.

Each high school that has a marching band that performs in the holiday parade has a sponsor.

This sponsorship money not only underwrites the cost of the bands’ performance, but then a portion of the money is used to fund the scholarships. So, one lucky student from Seminole Ridge, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Central, John I. Leonard, Glades Central and Pahokee high schools will be the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.

In addition, there are two “at-

large” scholarships available that will be used to benefit students who live in the western communities, but attend a magnet or private school. This year ’s nine scholarships represent an increase of two from last year.

Students are encouraged to submit their applications by March 4 to be considered for a scholarship.

For application details and requirements, visit www.palmswest. com, and click on “Scholarships” or call Maureen Gross at the Palms West Community Foundation at (561) 790-6200.

Wellington Women’s Club Meeting March 3 The next meeting of the Wellington Women’s Club will be Thursday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington).

Members and guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and a presentation

by Sonia Meyer, author of the novel Dosha: Flight of the Russian Gypsies, a story of early Soviet Russia, the persecution of the Gypsies and a young Gypsy girl.

When she was two years old, Meyer fled the Nazis with her parents to live in the woods of Germany and Poland with partisans and Gypsies. Shortly after the war, Meyer and her family returned to Cologne, Germany where she foraged for food with a band of Gypsies camped nearby.

The guest fee is $30. For additional information, or to make a reservation, call Allyson Samiljan (561) 798-6741.

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Februar y 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 9

NEWS

WELLINGTON JEWISH CENTER CELEBRATES TEN YEARS WITH DINNER & AUCTION The Wellington Jewish Center celebrated 10 years of growth Sunday, Feb. 13 with an anniversar y dinner at the Wellington Community Center. The event featured dinner, silent and live auctions, as well as comedy by Reuven Russell and music by the YBO Orchestra. The evening also honored Ben and Debbie Pincus with the Outstanding Community Leadership Award, Amy Dow with the Pillar of Jewish Education Award and Livna Nativ with the Pillar of Chessed and Volunteering Award. For more info., visit www.wellington jewishcenter.org.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRĂ“/T OWN-CRIER

Dinner and Auction Committee members at the event.

Barry Manning with Dr. Tomer Haik and his wife Shari.

Jackie Brant, Lisa Weisberg and Myra Sherman.

Rabbi Mendy Muskal addresses his guests.

Committee member Annie Royer gets the auction started.

Committee member Sue Weinstein with honoree Livna Nativ.

Honoree Amy Dow with her husband Randy.

Honorees Ben and Debbie Pincus with son Sam.

PALM BEACH COUNTY NOW CHAPTER HOSTS ITS ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON

The Palm Beach County National Organization for Women held its annual Susan B. Anthony Awards Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Boca Raton Countr y Club. The honoree was former State Rep. Kelly Skidmore, and the award was presented by 2010 winner Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock. For more info., visit www.pbcnow.org. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER AND STU ULRICH/TOWN-CRIER

Kelly Skidmore receives her a ward from Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock .

Skidmore gathers with other local officials at the luncheon.

U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings gives the keynote speech.

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February 18 - February 24, 2011

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NEWS

FAU Equestrian Team Comes Out Strong Against Region’s Best In its first competition and with a complement of riders from the western communities, Florida Atlantic University’s equestrian team made a strong showing Saturday, Feb. 12 against the Southeast’s top collegiate programs.

The riding Owls placed in nine classes at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) show hosted by the University of Miami at the Plantation Equestrian Center in Broward County.

“The team did awesome for our first show,” freshman Jordan Carbonneau said. “I am so happy everyone had fun and placed in every class. I think we have real potential to be one of the best schools in the future.”

Despite being new to the collegiate equestrian scene, the Owls include many seasoned English equitation and jumper riders with experience in some of the state’s top shows, including the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“I already knew that we had great riders going into this first show,” team president Laurel Sendach said. “I just wanted everyone to have fun and not to worry about winning. I’m extremely happy that everyone did so well.

It makes me very optimistic for the next show as well as the years to come, knowing that we have the talent to do it.”

Carbonneau, from Oviedo, led the Owls, winning the Intermedi-

ate Over Fences class. “Of course I wanted to win my first class, but with this being my first college show, I did not expect to win,” Carbonneau said. “I figured I would place well after my class though because I felt like I rode well. I was really excited when they called the placings and I ended up with first.”

Sophomore Ariel Glazer, a Wellington High School graduate, placed third in Novice Over Fences. Senior Daphne Markey of Royal Palm Beach pinned fourth in the Open Over Fences class.

Catherine Connor, a junior from Homeland, near Wellington, was reserve. Markey was reserve in the Open Flat (Under Saddle) class.

In the Intermediate Flat class, reserve went to Sendach, a sophomore from Delray Beach. Glazer was fourth in the Novice Flat.

Rebecca Eigen, a west Boca Raton freshman, was reserve in Advanced Walk-Trot-Canter. Freshman Amanda Burke, of the Lake Worth area, was third in Beginner Walk-Trot-Canter.

The IHSA, formed in 1967, has 376 teams and 6,500-plus riders who compete in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship and reining in 45 states and Canada.

Seven of the 10 Florida members (FAU, overall team winner Central Florida, Florida International, Florida, Miami, Rollins and South Florida) competed Saturday. Fel-

low Zone 5-Region 3 members Georgia Southern, the College of Charleston, and Savannah College of Art and Design also competed.

It takes a well-rounded rider to excel in IHSA competitions because horses, saddles and other gear are provided at each venue by the host team. Each competitor rides an unknown horse, without warm-up, in each event, testing her/his horsemanship. Competitors are professionally judged only on their skills.

“Riding a horse that I’m unfamiliar with is nerve racking at first because you don’t know what they’re going to be like,” said Connor, a Wellington High School graduate who has ridden for most her life. “But once you get going, you just try to ride and you don’t think about it as much. It’s challenging, but it reminds you why you like horses in the first place.

Because, for the most part, they’re all fun.”

“Showing a horse that I’ve never ridden before was very interesting and not as hard as I thought it would be,” said Carbonneau, an Oviedo High School graduate. “I just had to focus on my position and just go with the horse.”

Amy Foster Hoerner of HowLyn Acres near Pompano Beach, coaches the FAU equestrian team, which was founded in 2009 by Victoria Von Baillou and organized by Sendach and Katie Bak-

er. Team leaders include Samantha Cossin, vice president; Steph Mayne, secretary; Connor, treasurer; and Eigen, English team captain.

The Owls plan to make the IHSA regionals and nationals, Sendach said, placing FAU on the equestrian map.

FAU is “actively competing in all the IHSA shows this year, rather than just a few,” she said. “We have the talent. We just need the consistency.”

The Owls next competition is March 5 at College of Charleston and March 6 at Savannah College of Art and Design.

“Now that we have a show under our belt, I think we will all be less nervous and more prepared.

We know what to expect now,” Connor added. “I think that come the 2011-12 show year, we will be a top team in the Southeast region.

All of our riders are strong and experienced. Hopefully we will start to draw in more riders based on our good riding team.”

The FAU equestrian team is seeking sponsors, donors and fundraising aid to enable participation in distant and expensive shows, and to establish itself as an accredited sport at the university.

For additional information, or to help, visit www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=298731315492 or e-mail Sendach at lsendach@fau. edu.

Catherine Conner

Daphne Markey

The Florida Atlantic Univ ersity equestrian team: Paige Dekiel, Laurel Sendach, Amy Foster Hoerner, Jordan Carbonneau, Cat Conner, Rebecca Eigen, Daphne Markey, Amanda Burke and Ariel Glazer.

PHOTOS BY BOB MARKEY II/PALMS WEST PHOTO

ANNUAL GARLIC FEST BRINGS SOME FLAVOR TO DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH The 2011 Delray Beach Garlic Fest took place Feb. 11-13 in downtown Delray Beach. The event included music, arts, cooking, fun and lots of garlic. On Saturday night, Feb. 12, musician Buddy Guy played on the main stage. Proceeds from the event benefited 16 local charities. For more info., visit www.dbgarlicfest.com.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach representatives at their booth.

Buddy Guy plays on the stage Saturday night.

would like to let all of my customers know I am no longer at Al Packer West, I have now joined the familyowned Wayne Akers Ford team in Lake Worth as a Lead Sales Manager.

With over 18 years of automotive sales experience, I look forward to making your next vehicle purchase the same stress-free and professional car buying experience you’ve always had with me in the past!

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I will beat ANY deal in South Florida!

Come in, say “Hello” and receive a $50 Gift Certificate with my compliments!

2000 10th Ave N., Seconds West of I-95, Exit 64, Lake Worth

Cell Phone:

561.236.3019 Wayne Akers Ford: 561.582.4444 Friend Us On Facebook! www.facebook.com/wayneakersford

There was no shortage of garlic available at the festival.

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Februar y 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 11

Enjoy the tradition Sunday Polo in the Wellington Zone • Open to the Public with a General Admission Ticket • Greek Cafe and Full Cash Bar Available • Special Kids Zone - Featuring Bounce Houses, Arts & Crafts Face Painting, Petting Zoo-Something Different Each Week!

• Field Side Seating for Breathtaking High Goal Polo!

Purchase tickets online or at Gate Game Day: internationalpoloclub.com Further Information: 561.204.5687

3667 120TH Avenue South Wellington, Florida 33414 T. 561.204.5687

Page 12 Februar y 18 - Februar y 24, 2011

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February 18 - February 24, 2011 Page 13

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NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF EVENT AT RPB CULTURAL CENTER The American Cancer Society Relay for Life sponsored a kickoff party Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

The RPB Relay will be held on May 21 and 22 at Crestwood Middle School. This year’s theme is “Carnivals and Games.” For more information about the relay, call (561) 650-0134.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Nancy Dominiq ue gets the items in order.

Relay for Life Chair Ellen Barkan, Rick Sherrif fe and American Cancer Society Community Representative Teri Lane.

Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Dawn Fresch and Debbie Still.

Pink Panther team members Arielle Bruckner, and Elizabeth and Rebecca Kahn.

Armando Perez with Sam and Luke Hollander.

Teri Lane listens to Elijah Sherriffe’s cancer survival story.

FINGER-LICKIN’ FUN AT WIRK’S RIB ROUND UP AT THE CRUZAN AMPHITHEATRE

Radio station 107.9 FM WIRK held its second annual Rib Round Up on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre. Representatives from 10 local eateries were on hand to make ribs, which were judged by WPEC News Channel 12 anchors Eric Roby and Suzanne Boyd. The overall winner was McCray’s II Backyard Bar-B-Q. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Scott Paxton receives the first-place rib-eating award from WIRK’s Keith Van Allen.

Roadhouse Steak & Grille’s Chevy Garceau, Nichole Ware and David Thompson.

Gail and Cynthia Warner enjoy Park Avenue’s ribs.

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Februar y 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 15

POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Kelly Bensimon & Carson Kressley Visit IPC For Sunday Brunch Real Housewives of New York City’s Kelly Bensimon and stylist, designer and TV personality Carson Kressley stopped by for brunch at the International Polo Club Palm Beach last Sunday.

Joined by nearly 300 guests looking to be at the epicenter of Wellington’s polo season, the club’s Nespresso Lodge was abuzz as celebs and guests delighted in Veuve Clicquot champagne and a gourmet brunch, overlooking the featured match between Bendabout and Equuleus on Piaget Field.

In a close match, Bendabout (22) managed to score an 11-10 win over previously undefeated Equuleus (3-1), but lost out on any playoff hopes due to earlier losses and net recorded goals. Bendabout needed to win by no fewer than four goals for a shot in the Ylvisaker Cup playoffs.

In a contest that was tied seven

times, both teams battled to a 4-4 halftime score before Equuleus moved out to a narrow 7-6 lead after four chukkers of play. Chris Nevins scored two unanswered goals for Bendabout in the fifth to take an 8-7 lead. Goals from Gillian Johnston and Inaki Laprida in the sixth had Bendabout in front 10-7 before Equuleus staged a comeback. Mariano Gonzalez scored twice from the field to cut the lead to a single goal, 10-9.

Lucas Criado’s second goal of the game was followed by a Gonzalez penalty conversion for the final score in the 11-10 Bendabout win.

Sunday, Feb. 20 marks the Ylvisaker Cup final where the International Polo Club will also welcome Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne to Sunday brunch. Purchase your tickets now at www.internationalpoloclub. com.

Carson Kressley, IPC President John Wash and Kelly Bensimon.

The Food Network’s Ingrid Hoffman on stage with Bendabout.

IMAGES COURTESY LILA PHOTO

Another Win For Laura Kraut At $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix An exciting jump-off capped a fantastic class last Saturday evening in the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm, as Laura Kraut and Cedric added another Grand Prix victory to their tally at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

Following their win in the $78,000 Adequan CSI2* Grand Prix earlier this month, Kraut and Cedric bested an allstar field with a picture-perfect round for the win.

Alan Wade of Ireland designed the course, which saw a crowd of 5,600 spectators at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

A field of 40 starters showed up to compete and eight of the best were able to jump clear to advance to the jump-off.

Canada’s Ian Millar went 18th in the original order and was the first competitor to jump clear over the first-round course riding Star Power, owned by Team Works. The pair then jumped first over the shortened course and laid down a smooth, clear round in 49.11 seconds to kick things off and eventually finish in fifth place.

Canadian rider Yann Candele and Pitareusa, owned by Susan Grange, returned next for the jump-off and jumped in top form. The pair was clear in an even 45 seconds to take the lead, but was pushed back to fourth place in the end.

Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Let’s Fly went next. The duo had an unfortunate two rails to finish with eight faults in 48.01 seconds, earning eighth-place honors.

The lead changed hands again as Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios and G&C Quick Star 11 entered the ring and blazed a clear round in 44.39 seconds. The pair eventually finished in third place.

Ready to defend their Grand Prix title, Kraut and Cedric entered the ring next and did it again, jumping clear in 43.28 seconds. Three more rounds followed, but Kraut and Cedric held on for the win.

Margie Engle and Indigo, owned by Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek and Gladewinds, were the next pair to jump, but had a rail down to finish with four faults in 45.21 seconds to earn seventh place.

Great Britain’s Nick Skelton rode Beverly Widdowson’s Carlo 273 to four faults in 44.36 seconds to finish in sixth place.

The final competitors in the ring were McLain Ward and Antares F, owned by Grant Road Partners. Fast and clear, the pair put in an exciting round, but could not quite top the leaders. Their finishing time of 43.46 seconds ended up in second place.

Cedric, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Happy Hill Farm, has been the ride of a lifetime for Kraut. “I’ve had a lot of really great horses in my life, but I don’t think I’ll have another one like him,” she said.

Ben Maher scored a win last Wednesday morning in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Maher and Oscar put down a winning time of 60.806 seconds for the win over Peter Wylde on Lipton De L’Othain (62.987 seconds) and McLain Ward on Domino (64.050 seconds).

Seventeen found the way to a clear round, but it was Maher and Oscar who had the most speed. “He’s naturally a fast horse, so if you’re clear, he’s always near the top end without even trying,” Maher said.

Maher and Oscar, a 15-year-old KWPN gelding, have only been together for seven months, but they have made the most of their partnership. They won the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic in Week 2, just a few days after Oscar shipped over from Germany.

The fifth round of the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series was held last Thursday afternoon with a victory for McLain Ward and Antares F. The pair was the fastest of three clear jump-off rounds in the class in 40.85 seconds to win over 64 starters.

Pablo Barrios and G&C Quick Star 11 finished in second place with their time of 41.94 seconds, and Jennifer Crooks rode S.F. Uryadi, owned by Olivia CoxFill and Stella Farm, into third place with a clear round in 51.34 seconds.

The winning combination of Ward and Antares F is a fairly new partnership within the last six months, and Ward noted that he and the 11-year-old Baden-Württemberger gelding are gradually getting to know each other.

Last Friday’s competition continued with the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge. Out of 50 starters, Venezuela’sAndres Rodriguez piloted Oreade Des Dames to victory with the fastest of 12 clear rounds. After leaving out a stride in between fences two and three, Rod-

riguez knew he had the time in hand and was able to safely navigate the rest of the course without fault. The pair’s time of 63.571 seconds held on for the win. Coowned by Andres Rodriguez and Andres Olivares, Oreade Des Dames is a nineyear-old Selle Francais mare. The victory was the mare’s second of the week after she also won a 1.35m class last Thursday.

Finishing in second place, Reed Kessler and Flight finished the course with no faults in 64.023 seconds. Third place was awarded to Kate Bomgaars and her horse Online for their clear round in 65.244 seconds.

Making it four weeks in a row, Christina Kelly won the $10,000 EquiFit High Junior Jumper Classic, this time riding Creata Van Ten Biesen, owned by Diamond Edge Farm. Kelly also won a class in the Medium Junior Jumpers. The $15,000 ECB Equine Spa High A/O Jumper Classic saw a win for Whiskey and owner/rider Sophie Coppedge.

The fifth week of WEF competition concluded last Sunday with the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic, and it was Nick Skelton and Big Star who proved victorious over a field of 65 entries.

Skelton and Big Star, an eight-year-old KWPN stallion, cleared the jump-off in 40.985 seconds, a blazing time that beat second-place finisher McLain Ward and Louisburg Farm’s Esplanade 7 by more than two seconds. Ward and Esplanade were clear in 43.131 seconds. Marie Hecart and Babbe Van’t Roosakker, owned

by Haras De La Rogue, were third in 43.314 seconds.

This is the second big win for Big Star, who also claimed victory the $40,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix in Week Two. Fifty-five riders started in the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix and nine jumped clear to return for a jump-off. Four horse-and-rider combinations jumped double clear, and Christina Kelly and Camirage, owned by Diamond Edge Farm, had the fastest time in 35.432 seconds for the win. Reed Kessler and Onisha clocked in just four-tenths of a second shy of that time to finish in second place in 35.829 seconds. Katie Dinan and Vancouver finished in 37.864 seconds to place in third.

Seventeen-year-old Kelly has had an outstanding circuit so far, winning the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic four weeks in a row prior last week’s victory.

From Oxford, England, Kelly trains with show jumper Margie Engle and has had her winning mount Camirage, a 10-yearold Holsteiner mare, for three years.

The hunter ring numbers were bigger than ever in the fifth week. Most hunter barns and competitors chose to show last week, as it was one of the qualifying weeks for the WCHR Hunter Classic Spectacular.

The green horses led off the week, with numerous entries competing last Wednesday and Thursday. Patricia Griffith and the Heritage Farm entry Sway were the winners of the tricolor last week in the See WEF WRAPUP, page 20

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SCHOOL NEWS

Career Week At Binks Forest Elementary

New Horizons second-graders, dressed as their ancestors, with teachers Robin Mau and Lourdes Palmer.

Immigration Lesson At New Horizons Second-graders at New Horizons Elementary School have been studying immigration.

Each student created a family tree showing their ancestors and where they came from. Students then researched their country of origin, with help from media specialist Elaine Lee, perusing library books, encyclopedias and the Internet for facts about the country.

Students then answered questions about their ancestors’ country in a passport pamphlet that also includes their photo.

As a culminating activity, students went back in time by dressing as their ancestors and traveling to the media center, which Lee decorated as Ellis Island. The students got on a “ship,” pretending to take the long journey across the ocean to New York City.

After “arriving” at Ellis Island, students went through check stations to see if they were well enough to stay in America. Students learned by experiencing what many of their ancestors encountered coming to America.

Students at Binks Forest Elementary School recently participated in a school-wide Career Week program that included 40 guest speakers and a career-related vehicle day.

The event is organized each year by guidance counselor Randi Schietz, who also prepares the students prior to the event with career lessons in guidance class and career exploration activities in the online computer lab. Fourthgraders even took job personality tests and learned more about themselves and jobs that would match their personalities. Their Career Week speakers were chosen to represent each personality type: doer, thinker, creator, persuader, organizer and helper.

Guest speakers included fire-

fighters, a rocket scientist, doctors, a child psychiatrist, greyhound rescue workers, a hair stylist and dozens more. Grades K-4 heard four or five guest speakers. Fifthgrade students followed a conference format and were given schedules with 15 careers divided into two shifts. They were able to choose six sessions to attend based on their career interests.

On the final day, students were able to explore fire-rescue vehicles, a variety of police vehicles, the mounted posse and their horses, a Palm Tran bus, tractors, an amphicar, a Waste Management truck, a crane, construction vehicles from the Village of Wellington and animal-rescue vehicles. It was a successful and memorable week.

Students in the guidance class use the mobile computer lab.

Berean Takes A Trip To The University Of Miami

RPBES TEACHERS RACE FOR A CURE Berean Christian School ninth- and tenth-graders during their field trip to the University of Miami.

Ninth- and tenth-grade students from Berean Christian School recently visited the University of Miami for an interdisciplinary field trip.

A collaboration between the English, art and guidance departments, the field trip allowed students to experience learning outside the classroom and see what all their hard work is ultimately for — admission to college. The trip came as a culmination of a project in which students learned to do responsible research and wrote reports on a piece of artwork featured at the Lowe Art Museum at UM’s Coral Gables campus.

During their visit, students were able to see their artwork in person. Some noticed new details such as small inscriptions left by

the artist, while others were surprised at the paintings’ sizes. The visit also included a tour of the campus and time to ask the admissions office what requirements the university has for acceptance and scholarships. As ninth-grader Matthew McDonald put it, “The trip inspired me to work harder so I can get to a place like that.”

The teachers who collaborated on the excursion said this met their goals exactly and that they hoped to “show students how their learning applies to life and give them a goal to reach for.”

Berean Christian School recently held its open house and is currently enrolling students for the next school year. For more information, call (561) 798-9300 or visit www.bcsbulldogs.org.

Ideal Students Collecting ‘Pennies For Peace’

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School teachers attended the Komen Race for the Cure Jan. 29 to memorialize former principal Penelope Lopez, family members and friends. Students and teachers raised and donated money for breast cancer awareness with a Pajama Day, Sports Jersey Day and the selling of pins. The walk has become an annual tradition at the school, but it is the first year the RPBES team walked without Lopez, who passed away last November after a long battle with breast cancer. She is remembered at RPBES as an outstanding principal, teacher and friend to many and is truly missed.

Students in Sophie De La Paz’s fourth-grade class at the Ideal School in Royal Palm Beach are raising money for the Central Asia Institute’s Pennies for Peace program after reading the book Listen to the Wind. The book, which is a children’s version of the New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea, details Greg Mortenson’s mission to build a school in Pakistan and provide children access to education where it never existed before.

“After reading the book, the fourth-graders asked me what they could do to help children in other

countries get an education, and as a group they decided to start a Pennies for Peace campaign here at the Ideal School,” De La Paz said. “Their goal is to collect five million pennies school-wide, and students from every grade are participating. We’re all very excited about it!”

Students have been an integral part of the process from requesting permission from the school administration to start the Pennies for Peace campaign to spreading the word about it to their school mates. Students will be visiting local businesses to get them in-

volved as well.

De La Paz said the Pennies for Peace campaign is increasing students’ awareness of the conflict in the Middle East. They have also discovered that an education is a peaceful way to reduce the number of young terrorists in that part of the world since children are often targets for recruitment.

If you would like to get involved, call De La Paz at (561) 791-2881. The Pennies for Peace campaign runs through March 18.

For more about the Ideal School, call (561) 791-2881 or visit www. idealschoolflorida.com.

Valentina Pierce, Jack Fennessy, Connor Elder and Alex De La Rua take par t in Pennies for Peace.

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February 18 - February 24, 2011

Page 17

SCHOOL NEWS

Seminole Ridge National Honor Society Inducts 83 New Members The Seminole Ridge High School National Honor Society chapter inducted 83 members — its largest group to date — at an evening ceremony and reception Feb. 10. Chosen as honorary faculty members this year were social studies teachers Andrea Caceres-Santamaria and Allen Gerfers.

Sophomore inductees are: Victoria Bassford, Melanie Bean, Breanna Beardsley, David Beguiristain, Tabitha Bickman, Reinhard Brown, Jessica Bruckner, Caitlin Buttery, Aliyah Chance, Sidney Clarke-Lequerique, Nicholas Craig, Kayla Deeren, Alaina DeRenzo, Chelsea Diller, Cameron Edlund, Samantha Garfinkel, Alec Gilbert, Madison Harding, Carli Higgins, Corey Hoff, Michelle Holsinger, Nicole Hopkins, Cassidy Jessup, Brooke Kelly, Melissa Krupp, Jillian Lilly, Julia Marin, Courtney McGowan, Ryan Meingasner, Rosemary Murray, Shawn Norack, Megan O’Hara, Danielle Parks, Mikayla Parnell, Eric Phan, Sarah Probst, Jonathan Rhemer, Kristin Rycko, Cameron Schneider, Amanda Schultheis, Jared Skinner, Jenna Skinner, Timothy Sumell, Gabriella Thomas, Casey Turek, Jesse Valiente, Jessica Vasco, Mitchell Vasquez and Paige Wilson.

Junior inductees are: Oluwakemi Adeagbo, Alexis Adorno, Tyler Bertolami, Qwynn Burch, Courtney Byrd, Brenda Celestin, Jade Chung-Lee, Victoria Colditz, Juliana Da Silva, Patrick Eden, Zviadi Esartia, Jacob Georginow, Dahyean Gong, Jamie Ho, Jenny Hunter, Morgan Jones, Samantha Littman, Bianca Lagos, Candice Lynch, Jennifer McGrory, Ashley Mucinski, Helen Ortiz, Alexander Santacroce, Nicole Serrano and Daniel Specian.

Senior inductees are: Brittany Brooker, Savannah Drake, Katie Easterling, Marissa Goff, Danielle Moore, Audrey Rimel, Kris Stewart, Tatiana Villante and Megan Wright.

• Hawk Cadet Takes Silver — In the February JROTC drill meet at Dwyer High School, Hawk Battalion Cadet Sergeant Gary Poe placed second in the individual armed male exhibition, a threeminute routine with a 12-pound drill rifle. The exhibition had 15 competitors from five high schools — South Fork, Jupiter, Forest Hill, Dwyer and Seminole Ridge. The school would like to congratulate Poe for his outstanding accomplishment.

• French Honor Society Inducts Members — The SRHS chapter of the Société Honoraire

CHARACTER COUNTS AT CRESTWOOD MIDDLE

Crestwood Middle School has announced its “Character Counts” winners for the month of February. They were nominated by their teachers as students who exemplify outstanding character.

Shown above are: (front row, L-R) Gabriela Montes, Roshane Peters, Kevin Budzisch, Jakub Gancarz and Kae’Neisha Bell; (middle row) Susmi Chowdhury, Samuel Perez, Christian Salamone, Malik Peynado, Nick Diasio and guidance counselor Joseph Suhrbur; and (back row) Principal Stephanie Nance, Devin Wallace, Alex Ng, Andre Ferreira and Hunter Schwalm.

de Français inducted its new members Tuesday, Feb. 15. The school congratulates the following students, la crème de la crème: Natoya Brown, Enelia Carrero, Herman Castro, Melody Lafferty, Sean Monaghan, Perry Monteiro, Suzett Morales, Daisy Morris, Omar Pierre-Louis, Raquel Redondo, Anne-Marie Seals, Jenny Souriya, Mark Vernon and Rachel Warren.

Selected as honorary faculty members are World Languages Chair Patricia McKillican and social studies teacher Stuart Sabin.

• Debaters Qualify for States — In recent competition at Jensen Beach, several members of the speech and debate team earned the honor of competing in the state varsity tournament next month.

Marlee Arnold placed first, with the only 4-0 record in LincolnDouglas debate; Dalen Brauner, C.J. Galko and Ashley Wilcox placed first in group interpretation; and Giana Abrams and Dominic Anaya are first alternates in duo interpretation.

• Mathematics Honor Society Inducts Members — Seminole Ridge’s newest honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, inducted its inaugural group of members Feb. 17.

The mathematics society has chosen its first officers: Arnold

Banner, president; Alexander Castro, vice president for induction; Robyn Exclusa, vice president for tutoring; Edwin Keo, vice president for Pi Day; Ryan Meingasner, vice president for competitions; Kristen Cousins, secretary; Brooke Kelly, treasurer; Jesse Pentz, historian; and Brian Bartels, parliamentarian.

The Seminole Ridge Mu Theta Alpha charter members are: Victoria Bassford, David Beguiristain, Natoya Brown, Brenda Celestin, Alaina DeRenzo, Brandon Gordon, Lindsey Hanrahan, John Little, Samantha Littman, Victoria Marinucci, Caitlin Miller, Duncan Miller, Joseph Pavicic, Danielle Parks, Norman Quintero, Raquel Redondo, Summer Roque, Dominique Sailsman, Nicole Serrano, Timothy Sumell, John Swierzko, Joseph Swierzko, Brandi Thomas, Jessica Vasco and Mitchell Vasquez.

• Hawk Wins $100 in Poster Contest — Project SMART, part of the school district’s Department of Safe Schools, recently partnered with the Acreage/Loxahatchee Rotary Club in offering an alcohol-prevention poster contest to address the issues of underage drinking in Palm Beach County schools. Approximately 500 poster entries were submitted from

SRHS Battalion Cadet Sergeant Gary P oe.

Palm Beach County students, a judging committee selected 15 semifinalists, and 3,000 people participated in the final judging, open to the public online.

Among the winners of the Project SMART Alcohol Prevention Poster Contest is SRHS sophomore Kyle Maglietta. Maglietta and the other contest winners each receive $100 and will have their entries displayed on the inside of 1,000 school buses for the rest of the school year.

• Adobe Honors SRHS Teach-

er — Seminole Ridge information technology academy teacher Rob Schwartz has been selected to serve a new two-year term as an Adobe Education Leader (AEL).

Adobe Education Leaders help the corporation craft and refine a vision for effectively using technology to enhance learning and scholarship. AELs explore innovative educational solutions and share their discoveries through publication, peer training and presenting to the broader education community.

Equestrian Trails SECME Students Compete Equestrian Trails Elementary School’s Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics and Enrichment Club (SECME) consists of fifth-graders. In preparation for the district-wide SECME Olympiad, Equestrian Trails coordinators Victoria Stedt and Elizabeth Richards held their own school competitions.

SECME members competed in two categories: Bottle Rockets and Mousetrap Cars. The two top teams in each category were chosen to represent the school at the Olympiad.

The winners of the Bottle Rocket competition were the “Flying Ninjas” (Zachary Gordon, Joe Kohlbeck and Gary Wu) and “Achieving Altitude” (Corina Dang, Valentina Garcia and Emily Jacobs). The “Mice Ops” team (Condell Eastmond, Krishan Govin and Maxwell Larkin) and “Mice on the Run” (Troy Roberts,

Tyler Robinson and Dylan Tolley) won the Mousetrap Cars competition.

The students also participated in the Brain Bowl. Corina Dang, Condell Eastmond, Zachary Gordon and Joe Kohlbeck were chosen to represent Equestrian Trails at the Olympiad. In addition, a group of students created a banner that will be judged at the district competition. The banner design team included Gabriella Craan, Valentina Garcia, Ayden Krehl, Layla Lozano and Gina Rand. Garcia will also be representing the school in the poem and essay competitions.

Other SECME members include Jason Broder, Daniel Costantino, Giorgio Dal Bon and Adam Jacquish.

(Right) SECME members with club advisors Victoria Stedt and Elizabeth Richards.

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Februar y 18 - Februar y 24, 2011

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Galizia Competing In International Junior Miss Florida Pageant Finals

Joseph Cava

Christian Collazo

Dante Memmolo

Three Graduate Air Force Training Air Force airmen Joseph Cava, Christian Collazo and Dante Memmolo recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military disci-

pline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Cava is the son of Joe Cava and Laura Lombardo of Wellington,

and a 2007 graduate of Wellington High School.

Collazo is the son of Lourdes Collazo of Wellington, and a 2009 graduate of WHS. Memmolo is the son of Dante and Maureen Memmolo of The Acreage, and a 2010 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Acreage resident Ashley Lynn Galizia has been chosen to represent the State of Florida as the 2010-11 International Junior Miss Florida Princess at the upcoming international finals.

Galizia is part of a select group of young ladies who will participate in this year’s international scholarship competition, to be held July 4-10 at the Gaylord Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

The International Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant is a program organized to encourage positive achievement by helping to nurture and build self awareness in our youth and young women of today.

The International Junior Miss program awards scholarships to individuals on the basis of achievement throughout the week of competition and service through

throughout the year as an International Junior Miss titleholder.

Scholarships are awarded in each division up to $5,000 per division.

Awards are provided for academic achievement, volunteer service and spirit of participation.

Additional scholarships are provided for excellence in talent, modeling, public speaking and other optional categories totaling over $1,000 in additional scholarship opportunities per division, bringing the grand total of scholarships offered this year at the International Finals to nearly $40,000.

Families interested in learning more about the International Junior Miss Scholarship Program should call (904) 240-4831 or visit www.internationaljuniormiss. com for additional information.

Ashley Lynn Galizia

Fun For The Whole Family At St. Peter’s CEC Valentine’s Sweetheart Dance St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center (CEC) hosted its third annual Valentine’s Sweetheart Dance on Friday, Feb. 11 in the Wellington church’s fellowship hall.

The preschoolers and their families came dressed in their most festive Valentine’s attire. The children danced the night away with music provided by Jason Shields from A Touch of Class Entertain-

ment. Entry tickets were provided and redeemed for an ice cream treat from Cold Stone Creamery.

Family portraits were taken by DB Images.

Preschoolers from St. Peter’s CEC ranging in age from two and a half to five years old broke it down at the Valentine’s dance.

Activities of the evening included the limbo, hula-hooping contest, freeze dance and conga line.

Sentimental father-daughter and mother-son dances made the whole evening worth it. All the CEC Staff was in attendance to watch their students enjoy the evening.

After working up a sweat on the dance floor, the children didn’t mind waiting in line for their Cold Stone treats. Their creativity was apparent by the ice cream concoctions they came

up with. Strawberry, vanilla and cotton candy ice cream was topped with chocolate syrup, caramel, sprinkles, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, gummy bears and marshmallows.

Some of the children commented about their favorite parts of the evening. “I had fun doing the limbo when it got real low,” Avery Hill said.

Makena Kihei said she enjoyed

hula-hooping, and Cade Kendall said, “I liked dancing to that song ‘Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good, Good Night.’”

The evening ended with a lot of yawns and fathers carrying their preschoolers to the car. A great night was had by all, and the children will be anxiously awaiting seeing their Valentine sweethearts at the dance again next year.

The Child Enrichment Center is a Gold Seal-accredited, Florida-approved preschool under the guidance of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church of Wellington.

St. Peter ’s United Methodist Church is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call the Child Enrichment Center at (561) 7983286.

Send Palms West People 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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Page 19

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Troop 143’s Grant Kazi Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Eagle Scout Grant Kazi at Grassy Waters Preserve.

GROUP FROM ST. RITA HELPS OUT IN JAMAICA

Parishioners from St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington recently visited Kingston, Jamaica where they provided assistance to impoverished residents. Parishioners included Tom Moran, Mary Anderson, Jean McKeen, Maxine Lee-Fatt, LiSane Panther and Al Paglia. The group left on Feb. 9 to visit Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, where the y have been ser ving meals to the poor, cleaning and bathing them. Missionaries of the Poor Founder Father Richard Ho Lung visited St. Rita in 2009. He has missions in Jamaica, India, Africa, Philippines and Haiti, and works only with the poorest of the poor. For more information, visit www.missionariesofthepoor.org. Shown above is Paglia with a young mother and her baby.

Grant Kazi, an eighth-grader at Osceola Creek Middle School in Loxahatchee and a Boy Scout with Acreage Troop 143, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on Nov. 29, having completed all of the requirements.

Only two percent of all the young men who join the Boy Scouts of America attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout. To qualify for the award, a scout must have completed at least 21 merit badges and organized and led a service project that benefits his church, school or community.

Kazi organized and led youth and adult volunteers in redesigning more accessible interpretive signs along the boardwalk of the Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach. The previous signs were in fixed positions and were often difficult for small children and physically challenged visitors to read. They describe important environmental information at each tour spot.

With the guidance and help of his mentor Wayne Levesque, Kazi

was able to modify the existing boardwalk signs with a design that allows them to be raised and lowered to any height. The design included aluminum frames provided by Sunshine Aluminum, and allow necessary changes to the interpretive signs as needed, providing greater flexibility for Grassy Waters Preserve’s exhibits.

Kazi joined the Cub Scouts as a first-grader and later earned the highest award — the Arrow of Light. As a member of Troop 143, he started earning his merit badges (35 thus far) and attending weeklong summer camps in the Southeast region and currently holds the position of chaplain/aid.

He is also a member of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center Senior Division basketball team and OCMS percussion band and National Junior Honor Society.

Troop 143 meets on Monday evenings at Western Pines Middle School. For more information, call Scoutmaster Jerry Kuczynski at (561) 793-9691.

RECEPTION FOR WELLINGTON’S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

The Wellington Art Society held a reception Feb. 9 for the artists whose work was chosen for display in the Art in Public Places program sponsored by the Village of Wellington. Pieces include oil paintings, watercolors and photographs. Their artwork will be displayed in various locations throughout the village. Shown above are Wellington Mayor Bowen, Talia Fradkin (the youngest participating artist) and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite.

Royal Palm Beach Ma yor Matty Mattioli, Village Manager Ray Liggins and RPB R otary Secretary Joan Scherer.

RPB Rotary Meets With State Representative, RPB Village Officials On Thursday, Feb. 3, State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88) was the guest speaker at the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club meeting.

Pafford spoke about the state budget and how it pertained to his district. There was an in-depth conversation with members about the economy and education system. Pafford also discuss the many issues that our senior community and small businesses face on a daily basis and what he is doing to make a difference.

A week later, at the Feb. 10 meeting, Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins and

Mayor Matty Mattioli spoke to Rotarians.

Liggins discussed the village budget as well as construction and improvements. The group learned about parcels available for business development and opportunities such departments as parks and recreation provides.

Rotary members also heard the exciting plans for the Royal Palm Beach Commons Park scheduled to be completed in April 2012 and that Royal Palm Beach was named one of the top ten towns to live in by Family Circle magazine.

State Rep. Mark Pafford and Royal Palm Beach Rotary President Eric Gordon during the Feb. 3 Rotary meeting.

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February 18 - February 24, 2011

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NEWS Charity

$1 Million On The Line

continued from page 1 ages the funds to give sponsors the peace of mind that their money is going to charity.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, we’re delighted to be associated with the Winter Equestrian Festival’s Great Charity Challenge and its outreach to benefit so many worthy causes in the Palm Beach area,” said Sarah Libbey, president of Fidelity Charitable Services.

Originally, Bellissimo planned to help 30 charities, but found himself with so many people looking to sponsor a charity in the event that he raised it to 32. “A few more people wanted to get involved,” he said.

Added to the roster of charities were the Equestrian Aid Foundation and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. Each was chosen because of the number of ticket sales and T-shirt

sales they brought in last year.

General admission tickets are $20, and all proceeds will be divided among the charities. Tickets can be purchased online at www.equestriansport.com or by calling (561) 793-5867.

Gates open at 6 p.m., with the first horse on course at 7 p.m.

And admission gets you more than just the thrill of watching riders soar over jumps for charity. There will also be a large kids’ carnival with a petting zoo and other wild animals. Additionally, there will be street performers, games and a trick horse show.

There will be raffles, food and drinks available, and a live band to keep the crowd energized and entertained all night long. “It will be a great night out for families,” Bellissimo said.

And the main event is a relay race, which means it’s easy even for children to keep track of and cheer on the riders.

“With the relay concept, it’s a lot more fast-paced,” Bellissimo said. “There’s a lot more energy — it’s built for speed. The crowd

goes crazy, and we’ll have the music blasting.”

But the event was created not only to showcase a great, fun event but also to give back to the community. Bellissimo hopes to see it grow into one of the largest charitable events of the year.

Shaughnessy said he was surprised at how large it has grown in only one year.

“I didn’t expect it to grow this fast,” he said. “That’s a tribute to Mark. We were very hopeful that as it builds a following over the years, it could become a significant contributor to the charities and give the horse world a chance to pay the community back for a great facility, great weather and a great experience.”

Bellissimo said he hopes to have the support of Wellington and its surrounding communities this year and in years to come.

“We hope that this will increase in scale each year,” he said. “And we want to see as many residents out there as we can. It’s going to be a great opportunity for them to see what the equestrian world is all about.”

The Step By Step Foundation was the big winner at last year’s inaugural Great Charity Challenge.

Scenes from last year’s Great Charity Challenge.

PHOTOS BY RANDI MUSTER, LAUREN MIRÓ, JENNIFER WOOD AND COURTESY ESP

Task Force

Rec Ideas Find Favor

continued from page 1 see the property used for sports and recreation.

“We could use the building we have and put in a handball court or indoor tennis court,” he said.

“The property could be used as a recreational park. We could build a bike track… a walking track with interesting views or a BMX park.”

Additionally, he noted that the village could charge a small parks fee to residents, and a greater fee for non-residents looking to use the facilities. “Yes, we do have numerous parks in Royal Palm Beach,” Axelberd said, “but nothing on this side of Okeechobee Blvd.”

Robert James agreed. “We have a lack of recreational facilities on

Settlement

CalleryJudge’s Move

continued from page 1 into The Acreage must get ITID permits.

Town Attorney Michael Cirullo asked the council for direction on what to do next with the settlement agreement after residents roundly rejected it at a recent meeting. An administrative law hearing — the next step if a settlement is not reached — has been delayed until at least April 1.

Cirullo emphasized that no commitments had been made on the agreement. “I’ve had conversations with Callery-Judge’s attorneys subsequent to the last meeting,” he said. “It took quite some time to get to where it is today. At this point, it is appropriate for the council to make some determinations on what it wants to do in this case.”

Councilman Jim Rockett made a motion to reject the settlement offer and move to the court hearing, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp.

Councilman Ron Jarriel wanted to know how much money had been invested in the mediation process. “I hate the thought of all that being wasted,” he said.

“We’ve got a workshop coming up for all the residents of Okeechobee Blvd. I would go back to Callery-Judge and propose that they make the workshop.”

Jarriel would also like to see more communication with ITID in the matter. “I’ve always said that as western communities, we’ve got to work together. In the past, I think we got shafted as far as getting benefits from the county. If

the northwest side of the village,” he said. “I know that we have a lot of recreational space in other areas, but I’d like to see the space used for recreation. We could maintain the existing building as a recreational center or multipurpose building of some sort. I don’t think we need any more homes or any business in that area.”

Madison Green resident Jeff Hmara suggested that other, smaller parks could be consolidated into the one large park for all of the village’s recreational use.

“We understand the costs of maintaining a recreational park area,” he said. “But you could look at selling some of the smaller ballpark areas right off Okeechobee and use them as commercial space. Then we could consolidate those parks into a sports field complex surrounded by or abutted by some residential low-density homes.”

But Parks & Recreation Direc-

tor Lou Recchio noted that the village already more than exceeds the requirements set forward by the National Recreation & Park Association.

“We don’t just pick numbers out of a hat for how much space we need,” Recchio said. “The NRPA makes sure to set guidelines for all municipalities. Do we meet those guidelines? Yes. We far exceed them. We are a lot better off than many other communities when it comes to parks.”

Additionally, several members noted that the existing, 10,000square-foot building on the property could be used for civic and personal functions, and rented out to bring in revenue. O’Brien noted that the building could be retrofitted for almost any use from a recreation center to a clubhouse for a community.

Currently, the building has office space in the front with a warehouse in the back.

Marjorie Aiken noted that much of the community isn’t even aware that the building is there.

“It could be a multipurpose building used for training,” Aiken said. “And it could be rented out to various organizations for meetings, weddings and other events.”

Aiken also said she would like to see the property used for senior residents by way of an assisted living facility or an exercise park.

June Perrin agreed, noting that the village has a growing senior population that will need to be cared for in the next 10 years.

“It could be an upscale assisted living home,” she said. “Someplace with ample parking, a walking path, waterfalls and good views. It wouldn’t take up very much room on the land.”

Other ideas for the property from task force members included a wildlife preservation park with trails for residents, a pool fa-

cility and a cemetery. “If you’re not Catholic and you’re not a veteran, there’s not a lot of places to be buried,” Joseph Boyle said.

Most of the task force members agreed that they did not believe the property should be zoned for commercial space or residential use, except for extremely low-density housing.

But Boyle told the task force that they should not discount the idea of more homes.

“We’re different from the rest of the country,” he said. “All of the baby boomers are reaching retirement age, and they are going to want to move south. They don’t want to shovel snow anymore, and they’re going to need a place to live. Building homes isn’t something we can just write off.”

Other residents suggested holding off on making a decision on the property until the future was surer. “I think we need to take a long-term view on this,” Denis

Eirikis said. “The property is a valuable asset to the village. Rather than zoning it and having it leave, I think we should wait. I think this is a horrible time, at the bottom of the market, to be thinking about getting rid of it.”

Diane Queller agreed. She noted that due to the village’s utilities deal with Palm Beach County, the northern 15 acres of the property would remain a water plant, and that area also houses a cell phone tower.

“From a real estate standpoint… not a whole lot would be marketable as residential except the very southern part,” said Queller, a former Realtor. “Why do we have to do anything right now?

The stability of the economy is so shaky. We don’t really have the ability to make promises. We don’t know what will happen to our village and our economy.”

The task force meets again Monday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.

we don’t work with Indian Trail and communicate with CalleryJudge for our future and their future, we’re going backward,” he said.

Jarriel said he has supported an east/west connection at 40th Street for the benefit of students at Seminole Ridge High School. “We have a lot of high school kids who come through our area,” he said.

“They come from The Acreage, but they also come from Loxahatchee Groves, and we’ve had a couple of them — one was a personal friend of mine — who went in the D Road Canal.”

Councilman Ryan Liang said he felt the council should let CalleryJudge know what has transpired.

“If they are willing to work it out and change things, then we can possibly keep moving forward, but if they are unwilling to budge, we’ll go to court,” he said.

Lipp said he has always had reservations about the proposed settlement, which was crafted in executive sessions among Mayor Dave Browning, Cirullo, three Callery-Judge attorneys and Callery-Judge staff. He pointed out that the proposal has 54 requirements for the town and not one for Callery-Judge.

Lipp added that he does not want to talk about the settlement agreement in a workshop on Okeechobee Blvd. “We will end up rushing through one to get to the other and not come to a conclusion,” he said.

Damone agreed that the town and ITID should work together on this topic. “Our board was caught by surprise,” she said, noting that most of the proposed connections would need ITID approval.

Damone said a Loxahatchee Groves connection to Sycamore Drive is a non-starter with her constituents. “I understand that pres-

sure for more connections to the high school, but I have a whole bunch of constituents over in that area who would just light my world on fire,” she said.

Resident Grace Joyce felt the town must look at how much it would cost to go through with the agreement to build the roads as opposed to fighting it. “Callery is being a bully here to our community,” Joyce said. “This is our first really big challenge as a community, and are we going to let them bully us into something that doesn’t address any of the concerns and just helps them with future development? It doesn’t help us. It doesn’t meet the goals of our comprehensive plan.”

Lipp said that he thinks the town should find the best land use attorneys in the state and begin looking toward the court fight.

“I think if we’re going to go down the road of having workshops with these folks, I think we ought to simultaneously instruct staff to start conducting interviews… At this point we need to consider all options,” he said.

Rockett said he had made the motion to reject the agreement because there was nothing in the agreement that people favored.

“I don’t see anything that we can hold on to, because there is no reward,” he said. “I’m reflecting what I think I heard from people to reject the entire proposal. If the council was to do that, and then we hear back from Callery-Judge to do something other than continue to trial, then let’s hear what they have to say.”

Browning suggested dividing the motion, first voting whether to reject the agreement, and then deciding whether to go to trial.

Rockett modified his motion to simply reject the settlement. That motion carried 5-0.

Cirullo said he was aware of one case where a land use complaint had been resolved through workshops. “The other option is to go directly to litigation,” he said.

Lipp made a motion to abandon negotiations with Callery-Judge and direct counsel to go forward with litigation. Rockett seconded the motion for discussion.

Rockett said he felt the discussions have been one-sided. “It is difficult to see an alternative,” he said, but suggested going back to Callery-Judge representatives once more. “It is a chance we need to take.”

Jarriel said he felt the Sycamore Drive to 162nd Avenue and D Road to 140th Avenue connections in the settlement agreement are constructive.

“Sycamore is a dirt road,” he said, adding that a roundabout at 140th and E Road is needed badly. “We’ve got guardrails there and they don’t keep cars from going in the canal.”

Jarriel favored a workshop on those two connections with residents, ITID representatives and Callery-Judge representatives, if they wish to participate.

Damone reiterated her support

for a somewhat improved connection at E Road and 140th Avenue, but not Sycamore Drive to 162nd Avenue.

Browning called the question to abandon negotiations and proceed immediately to litigation, but the motion failed.

Rockett then made a motion to inform Callery-Judge that the council had rejected the proposal and ask Callery-Judge for suggestions on how to proceed. That motion carried 5-0.

Cirullo said that in the meantime, he would contact land use attorneys to recruit for the case.

Hanoverian, did not seem to mind the rain last Friday. Faraci, who hails from Maryland, has owned Chamonix for three years.

Not far behind was the reserve champion, Laurie Lewis, riding her own mount, Abercrombie. Abercrombie is a 10-year-old Oldenburg. Lewis and Abercrombie won one class, placed second in another class, and received thirds in two remaining classes.

Grace Stuntz was aboard her own mount Fitzhugh for the tricolor win in the Illustratead Properties Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunter division. Week 5 marks the second week this season that Stuntz and Fitzhugh, an eightyear-old gelding, have been awarded championship honors.

Stuntz and Fitzhugh received the championship by winning one class, placing second in two classes, and placing third in one of the division’s remaining classes.

Tied for champion, but with fewer points over fences, was the reserve champion winner Stephanie Riggio riding her own mount Breitling. The pair earned reserve championship honors by winning one class over fences and

one class under saddle. The duo also was awarded a second-place ribbon in another of the division’s over fences classes.

Last Sunday, Hayley Barnhill was awarded the championship honor for her performance in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters. Barnhill was aboard the John Jedakis and Robert Crandall entry, Casallo, a seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding.

Casallo also shows in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division with owner Robert Crandall. Barnhill and Casallo won two classes, placed second in a class, fourth in another class and sixth under saddle.

Olivia Esse rode Iwasaki and Reilly’s entry, Small Affair, to the reserve championship honors last weekend in the Large Junior 1617 Hunter division. Small Affair is an eight-year-old Selle Francais gelding. The duo won two of the division’s five classes.

The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running through April 3. Visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867 for more information and complete results.

WEF Wrapup

Hunter Results

continued from page 15 Pre-Green 3’ Hunters. Sway, a sixyear-old Dutch Warmblood, seems to have that special something. The pair secured the championship by besting a field of 25 horse and rider combinations and winning three of the division’s five classes. They also were awarded a third in another of the division’s classes.

The reserve champion last week in the 3’ Pre-Greens was Fer gie, a nine-year-old Hanoverian mare.

Fergie is an entry of Cookie Beck and was shown by Chrystal Knight. Knight and Fergie won the reserve championship by placing second in three classes and third in another class.

Numerous amateur riders began competing in various divisions last Thursday. Among them was Elizabeth Faraci riding her own mount, Chamonix. The pair was awarded the championship in the Adult Amateur 3’3” Hunters.

Chamonix, a seven-year-old

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Acreage Horseman’s Association Shows Growing

The Acreage Horseman’s Association is alive and kicking. This group represents the equestrian community within The Acreage, and you don’t have to own a horse t o belong. The AHA promotes a friendly and safe horse community through programs geared toward the entire family. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27

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Okeeheelee BMX Riders Gear Up For Nationals

Area competitors came out last week to Okeeheelee Park’s BMX track to prepare for nationals on April 30 and May 1.

Located on Forest Hill Blvd. near Florida’s Turnpike, the track is buzzing with practice runs and races each Tuesday and Thursday night. Page 42

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Wellington Ballet Theatre Holding March Auditions At Dance Arts Conservatory

The newly launched Wellington Ballet Theatre is a pre-professional dance company and not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated t o providing the highest standards of classical training, dance education and performance to the area. Wellington Ballet Theatre will hold auditions for an apprentice program March 5 at 6 p.m. at the Dance Arts Conservatory in Wellington. Page 35

Sports P.B. Central Hosts Softball Tournament At Okeeheelee Park

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity sof tball team host ed a softball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Ok eeheelee Park on Forest Hill Blvd.

Several local teams and teams from across South Florida par ticipated, including Wellington High School. Page 41

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................27-28 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 30 BUSINESS NEWS .................................35-37 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................41-44 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ..................... 46-47 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 48-53

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FEATURES

Acreage Horseman’s Association Shows Keep Growing The Acreage Horseman’s Association (AHA) is alive and kicking. This group represents the equestrian community within The Acreage, and you don’t have to own a horse to belong, though it seems as if most members do own a horse. Or two. Or more.

This nonprofit organization promotes a friendly and safe horse community through programs geared toward the entire family. It conducts free clinics to improve equine health and offers a forum for meeting new people who have similar interests. Riding style and preference don’t matter.

Shelli Smiley is a nurse who has lived in The Acreage, on and off, most of her life. She and her husband Gary own two quarter horses: Ally and Hoochie.

“The Acreage was always known as a place where you could have your horses in your backyard,” Smiley said. “That’s why I live here. It’s why a lot of people moved here. I used to board my horses, but it was expensive. Plus, it ate up a lot of time, trying to balance work and family and riding time.”

Smiley has been competing in barrel racing since she was 11 years old, at the old Posse Grounds and other local shows, and then around the state and the southeastern U.S. When she was 18, she even competed in the top quarter horse shows and tried her hand at rodeo. “When it comes to barrels, I’ve done it all,” she said.

But then life happened, and she got busy with other things. Last year, a friend told her about the AHA. Smiley decided to try her

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg hand at barrel racing again. She showed at the South Florida Fair and had a great time.

She joined the AHA, glad to have a nearby venue for her passion.

“The AHA is a great group of people,” Smiley said. “The shows are fun and friendly. I like that it’s so close to home. That makes it economical. I don’t have to travel far or spend a ton of money on gas or entry fees.

We’re very lucky to have such a wonderful local equestrian park right here in our community.”

The park, formerly known as Hamlin Equestrian Park and recently renamed Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, is open to the public. Equestrians can bring their horses there to school or ride around, and the AHA hosts shows there regularly. The barrel series shows run on the first Sunday of each month. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and jackpot starts at 9 a.m. They also have three hunter jumper shows planned, and a trail ride/campout in the DuPuis Reserve.

The cancer cluster scare and the bursting of the housing bubble made life difficult for

Acreage resident Shelli Smiley with her quarter horse Ally.

Acreage horse owners in recent years, but Smiley is is glad that things are looking up.

“Things are getting better,” she said. “A lot of horse people have moved up here from Davie. I think the worst part is over. Even though keeping a horse is really expensive, we find a way to manage. There are fewer horses here now, but I think that’ll come back too, in time. The Acreage will always be an

equestrian community, and the AHA is one way we connect with each other and stay in touch.”

John Rivera is president of the AHA. He joined two years ago, quickly ended up as vice president, then became president this year. “Somebody pushed me,” he laughed.

Rivera owns two quarter horses and has See ROSENBERG, page 28

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FEATURES

A Look At Column Ideas That Never Came To Fruition...

It is time for me to clean up my desk.

Well, actually, it is way past time, but today is the day I am going to get it done.

I will start with my Mountain of Half-Baked Ideas, a pile of scraps upon which my monitor teeters. These old napkins, magazine postcards and Walmart receipts have been embellished with fabulous but hastily scribbled column ideas that came to me while hurtling down Interstate 95 or while at Olive Garden with friends or while I was some other place where I couldn’t just drop what I was doing and write.

I used to wish that car dashboards had builtin keyboards but realized that even Detroit knew that would be dangerous and stupid.

Then texting showed up. At least with my dash-mounted keyboard you didn’t have to hold your phone at the same time!

So let’s see what I have here: • “Valentine Bail Bonds.” Oh yes. That re-

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER fers to a sign I saw along the highway. What a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift, I thought — to spring your beloved perpetrator from the slammer so you can celebrate this special day together.

• Another favorite, as far as signs go, was this one that took two separate signs to pull off — “Garage Sale Today.” “Yes, Today.”

• And, at this very same sale, another intriguing sign — “Two for $7 or $3 each.”

• Rollercoasterplex. That was a fantastic idea

I had — a theme park with nothing but rollercoasters. To save space, you could intertwine them in and around each other and wave to people on a completely separate ride as they whooshed by. Not cost-effective, but fun.

• Spinach ice cream. I know it wouldn’t sell if placed next to the other ice creams, but what if it were in the vegetable aisle?

• The Teacup Party. At first I thought this would be a good idea for antiquers who wanted to band together in order to wield more political power, then I worried that the party would attract too many Mad Hatters. Then I wondered if those two groups weren’t really one and the same.

• Free Puppies. I thought it would be fun to include a free puppy for everyone mentioned in my will. Jeeves would walk in with a big box of them, and no one gets anything else until they’ve adopted a puppy. (I’m still coming up with more fun ideas for my will.

After all, it’ll be my last chance to entertain people.)

• Am I the only one who has ever left Disney World with a turkey leg in their purse?

• I overheard someone in line at the grocery store wondering aloud if they had enough money in their “chicken account.” I finally realized the statement had nothing to do with chickens but was merely a dialect.

• My confession. I am guilty of sneaking things into thrift shops. If the item is small and I don’t have time to drive around back to drop it off, I just place the thing on a shelf and leave. That way I’m not leaving litter in the alley, and the biggest issue is a “missing” price tag.

So now that I’ve been able to chuck out those slips of paper, my computer monitor is back on firm footing. You, however, have a pile of new confetti in your brain. Just be grateful a puppy didn’t come with it!

‘Just Go With It’ A Cute Remake Without The Original’s Edge The problem with the new movie Just Go With It is its fuzziness. Probably, that’s caused by its being a remake of a remake of a remake.

And just like photocopies, each time a copy is itself copied, the sharpness of the lines fades.

When this was a French farce, Fleur de cactus, it was a sharp satire. It was softened as Cactus Flower on Broadway and softened again as a movie, a very nice movie, one good enough to win an Oscar for Goldie Hawn. Now, it has been redone, and instead of being a sharp satire, it is mostly just sweet. That turns it into a pleasant experience, but so much more could have been done to make it better.

Adam Sandler plays Dr. Danny Maccabee, a successful plastic surgeon, who is able to fool a lot of women into not getting “too serious” by wearing a fake wedding ring. Then he meets the girl of his dreams, Palmer (Brooklyn Decker), who finds the ring (which he didn’t wear with her) and demands a meeting with his wife. He lies, tells her the marriage is over, but she wants to meet the wife and children he invents on the spot. So he asks frumpy assistant Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) to pretend to be his wife and pays for her makeover.

Rosenberg

AHA Shows Popular

continued from page 27 been riding since his daughter, now 15, was 2.

“The AHA is a great thing for families and the community,” he said. “We try to offer something in a bunch of different riding disciplines.

Our goal is for everyone to have a great time at our events.”

The year’s first barrel show was held Sunday, Feb. 6 — Super Bowl Sunday. Indeed, some participants had on Steelers or Packers shirts, and at least one person wore a “cheese head” as she rinsed off a horse. The sky was pleasantly overcast, and the parking area was crammed with trucks and trailers. Horses and people were everywhere.

According to Rivera, 200 to 300 people at-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler Since she’s Jennifer Aniston, she turns out to be gorgeous, of course. Through one plot turn or another, the two of them go off to Hawaii with Palmer, the two children and his childhood friend Eddie. Things pretty well work out as you’d expect. Sandler winds up with Aniston; Decker’s character winds up flirting with a professional tennis player (who looks suspiciously like her real-life husband, Andy Roddick), and everyone is happy.

And that is the real problem. Everybody winds up being nice. In the Cactus Flower movie, Walter Matthau was a grumpy leading man. Watching him chase after adorable Goldie Hawn was fun, and Ingrid Bergman was great in her transition as the older woman who se-

tend each show, and this looked to be on track.

The first class, jackpot, a money-back class, had more than 50 entries. AHA Treasurer Patty Walters was busy.

“The best part about our shows is the atmosphere,” Walters said. “We all get along.

We cheer each other on.”

Three brand-new members attending their first show, Trish Dubord, Kaylee Crawford and Shelby Boren, sat on their horses, watching the jackpot class and awaiting their turns.

“A lot of my friends show here,” Dubord said. “It looks like a lot of fun.”

For more information, visit www.acreage horseman.com.

(Right) Three new AHA members: (L-R) Shelby Boren, Kaylee Crawford and Trish Dubord.

cretly dotes on the lead. And it seemed rather a pointed commentary since Hawn wound up with a male her own age. Here... well, as I wrote before, they are all just so nice.

Sandler plays his usual nice guy, the same kind of part he plays in almost all his movies.

Aniston is gorgeous, and plays her part well but without much drama. Decker is gorgeous enough to be the real distraction; a scene at the beach coming out of the water in a very brief bikini is eerily reminiscent of Bo Derek in 10. But she plays her part as being just too nice. Nicole Kidman, in a small role as an evil competitor from Katherine’s past, not only turns out nice but somehow, incredibly, not even very attractive. The two kids in the move, Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck, have a high percentage of the funny lines even if Madison, in particular, manages to do most of the final half of the movie in a terrible fake British accent as part of the story.

In other reviews, I’ve noted that in romantic comedies, you need sparks flying. In this film, there just are not very many of them.

Once Aniston gets dolled up, Sandler becomes jealous, signaling the conclusion. There are

some sparks between them. A scene where Kidman pushes them to play a game where each tells the other what they really like about each other was excellent. But then the camera turned away to record some mindless scene where Sandler’s best friend tries CPR on a sick sheep. There’s another cute scene where Sandler teaches the young boy to swim that manages to avoid being sickly sweet.

As a result of all this niceness, the film just meandered. When Danny eventually tells Katherine that he loves her, and that he loves her kids, it’s essentially anti-climatic. The audience all smiles and sighs and watches the last couple of minutes where the director showed the lead couple’s wedding in lieu of any real action.

It is a pleasant movie, one that you would never mind seeing. Sandler is far better when he tries to be tougher, but his fans prefer him this way. Too bad; the movie would have been far better with a stronger streak of toughness.

But, still, it is a nice movie, inoffensive and fun. We did enjoy it, and you will, too. But I would not expect to hear any mentions of it when next year’s awards are made.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Bob Carter’s Actor’s Rep Concludes Run Of ‘Columbinus’ Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company (Actor’s Rep) will conclude its production of Columbinus Friday through Sunday, Feb. 18-20 at the Stonzek Theatre (709 Lake Ave., Lake Worth).

Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Columbinus is a documentary drama that probes the psychological warfare of alienation, hostility and social pressure that goes on in high schools across America. It was sparked by the 1999 massacre that occurred at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colo.

The first act of the play is set in a stereotypical, fictional American high school and follows the lives and struggles of eight teenage archetypes. These characters are not given names but labels, and the two outcast friends designated in the script as Freak and Loner are slowly driven to crime and madness by the bullying from their classmates.

In Act 2, these boys become Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, in scenes taken from their videos and personal journals, illustrating the days approaching and including the shootings and the suspects’ suicides. The other cast members become survi-

vors, victims and townspeople who reflect on the events.

Directed by Artistic Director Bob Carter, the cast features all local high school students who are studying acting. They include Carson Hausmann, Lake Worth, Park Vista High School as Erick Harris; Ilana Rothmann, Lake Worth, G-Star School of the Arts, as Rebel; Allans Schancho, Greenacres, G-Star, as Dylan Klebold; Mariah Telesca, Boynton Beach, G-Star, as Perfect; Jahaan ElRaatib, West Palm Beach, G-Star, as Faith; Cassie Enright, Jupiter, Boynton Beach High School Performing Arts Academy, as Cassie; Albert Fermin, Lake Worth, Park Vista High School, as Jock; Austin Abbott, Loxahatchee, Seminole Ridge High School, as A.P.; Sean Donahue, Boca Raton, G-Star, as Prep.

The United States Theatre Project, headed by the originator of the idea, P.J. Paparelli, created the play. S tephen Karam and Paparelli wrote it, with dramaturgy by Patricia Hersch. Artists with the United States Theatre Project conducted exhaustive interviews and research in order to create the two-part piece that first sets up a fictional but real-

istic world of adolescence that could be anywhere in America, and then morphs into the factual events leading directly to the school shootings at Columbine. Ultimately, Columbinus asks more than just “why?” but perhaps more importantly, “Why do people treat each other the way we do? Columbinus is a fascinating and heartbreaking examination of human behavior.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 students, and may be purchased at www.boxofficetickets.com or by calling (800) 494-8497, or at the Stonzek box office one hour prior to show time.

Since 1980, Actor’s Rep has been known for its strong training programs for actors of all ages, and its productions of daring, avant-garde, and seldom-seen classic plays. New classes are underway for children, teens and adults, and these include beginning and advanced acting and improvisation. Arts middle and high school audition preparation workshops are also available. For additional information about the show, or to learn more about Bob Carter’s Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company, call Carter at (561) 3012588 or visit www.actorsrep.org.

A scene from the Actor’s Rep production of columbinus.

Maltz Jupiter Theatre Presents ‘Jolson At The Winter Garden!’

Al Jolson was once the most famous and highest-paid entertainer in the world — singer, dancer, actor, comedian, impresario, rebel, businessman and star.

Now, in the original musical Jolson at the Winter Garden!, starring Mike Burstyn and set to debut Feb. 22 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the audience learns about the performer known as “the world’s greatest entertainer.” Combining his hit

tunes such as “Swanee,” “Toot Toot Tootsie” and “My Mammy” with hilarious stories, touching memories, and a compelling story, the show is designed to take its audience on a thrilling and unforgettable journey through the growth and rebirth of Jolson’s sizzling career and the real story of the man behind the legend.

“By bringing this new show to life at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, we

RPBHS Students Show Off Talent At The Norton The Norton Art Museum is currently displaying the exhibit “Made in Hollywood: Photographs from the John Kobal Collection.” It features a body of work by famous photographers, all of whom used the Hollywood celebrity portrait of the 1940s and 1950s as the subject for their image.

Royal Palm Beach High School’s advanced photography students researched the photographers in the exhibit and worked hard in the two makeshift studios or on their own “glamour” photo shoots to produce quality portrait images.

“This is a great opportunity for the students to obtain first-hand experience with portrait photography, photo editing and studio lighting,

which could help them with a future career in the field, as well as building a portfolio of work,” photography teacher Cynthia Oakes said.

RPBHS photography students have excelled at this exhibit for the past several years. “One of the most important aspects of this opportunity is that the students can list this exhibit in their resumes, which can give them an advantage in their college applications,” Oakes said.

The exhibit is on display now through March 6 in the Marden Gallery at the Norton Museum of Art (1451 South Olive Ave., West Palm Beach).

For more information about the exhibit, visit www.norton.org.

are contributing to the national landscape of new work,” said Andrew Kato, the theater’s artistic director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Broadway star Mike Burstyn, who portrays Al Jolson, and director and choreographer Bill Castellino, who have both garnered much success in South Florida. Bill directed Cagney! at Florida Stage, which won the Carbonell Award for best new work last year.”

The musical gets its title from special concerts performed at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York, where Jolson garnered nine sell-out shows in a row between 1911 and 1928. This was in addition to more than 80 hit records, 16 national and international tours, and the starring role in the first full-length talking movie, The Jazz Singer, in 1927.

“Al Jolson was the Barbra Streisand of his day, and he broke many barriers,” said Bill Castellino, the show’s director. “He was the son of a Jewish cantor who defied tradition to become a performer, recording artist, vaudevillian, movie and radio star, and entertainment legend.

He was also the first person to have a one-man show on Broadway, the first performer to make more than $10,000 per week and the first performer to entertain U.S. troops overseas. He was loved all over the world.”

All of the musical’s events and characters take place in historical

Mike Burstyn plays Al Jolson in Jolson at the Winter Garden! context. But the show offers an unexpected plot twist and surprise ending, said Burstyn, who previously played Jolson in the national tour of another musical about Jolson called Jolson: The Musical, also directed by Castellino.

“Al Jolson passed away in 1950, and now, on the 60th anniversary of his passing, I am pleased to have the chance of bringing him back with a new musical,” Burstyn said.

“I am bringing him back to where he always preferred to be: on stage, in front of his beloved audience, entertaining and singing his heart out, as only he could.”

Jolson at the Winter Garden! will open Tuesday, Feb. 22 and run through Sunday, March 13. Tickets cost $43 to $60 and may be purchased by calling (561) 575-2223 or online at www.jupitertheatre.org.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional notfor-profit regional theater dedicated to the performing arts whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire. The theater is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and is located east of U.S. Highway 1 at 1001 East Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.

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Academy for Child Enrichment — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free all-day VPK. Infants through after-school day and night care, 6:30 a.m. to midnight (Monday through Friday), meals included. Qualified staff. Se habla Espanol. Special rates for all registration. The Academy for Child Enrichment is located at 700 Camellia Drive in Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 798-3452 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info.

Calling All Kids Indoor Playground — Calling All Kids summer camp fun includes rock climbing, water slides, gymnastics, video arcade, movie theater, kid-size village, arts & crafts, science & cooking, Wii stations and more for children six months to 10 years. The best place in town to have your kid’s private birthday party! For more info., visit www.CallingAllKidsFunCenter.com or call (561) 8687007 or (561) 802-9090. Calling All Kids is located at 854 Conniston Rd., West Palm Beach.

Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages seven to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each twoweek session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days.

Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

Get Creative! Armory Art Center Summer Art Camp — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to your elementary school through high school aged children for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age appropriate and focus on your child’s artistic and creative development. Students age 5-7 years old will rotate among several studio areas daily in ceramic sculpture, drawing, painting and other creative mediums. Teens work with guest artists during intensive studio workshops in a variety of areas in the visual arts. All art materials are included in the cost of tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.

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Home Away From Home Summer Camp — If your kids want a great summer camp experience, come to any of Home Away From Home’s four Palm Beach locations. Now enrolling summer camp programs for children ages 4-10 (limited space is available). The program offers daily indoor and outdoor field trips. Free meals and webcam services are included. Rated the “Best Summer Camp Ever!”

For more information, visit www.HomeAwayFromHomeChildcare.com or call Wellington (561) 791-8558, Palm Beach Gardens (561) 627-6170, Jupiter (561) 747-6916 or West Palm Beach (561) 802-9090.

Jewish Summer Camp — Enjoy a Jewish summer camp on a farm for girls ages 711 at the Good Earth Farm. Featuring a six-week certificate of horse care competency. Candy making, soap making, painting, drawing, 3D design, sewing and crafts. Kayak instruction; European spa comes to the camp for beauty day. Jewish music singing, art and a Shabbat program with a local rabbi. Director Nancy Fried Tobin (BFA, MAT, MFA, RM, Equine Certified Specialist/Instructor) has been working with kids for years. Registering now; call (561) 792-2666. Located at 2141 B Road in Loxahatchee Groves, the farm is 25 minutes from anywhere in the Palm Beach area.

Noah’s Ark — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves.

They offer free all-day VPK. Lower rates and special registration for fall. Meals are included. Noah’s Ark offers care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Espanol. Conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools.

Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

South Florida Science Museum — Join the South Florida Science Museum for Summer Camp 2011! Each exciting week will offer hands-on exploration for young scientists ages 4 to 12 on specific topics in science. The days are packed with fun science lessons, laboratories, crafts and outside activities led by expert science educators. Camp starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. with extended hours of structured activities available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Camps are grouped into ages 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Before and aftercare available. Early registration accepted prior to May 1. Register online at www.sfsm.org or by calling (561) 8322026.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Artistic Director Jesse Hammel (right) with dancer Nancy Stephens.

Wellington Ballet Theatre Holding Auditions March 5 At Dance Arts Conservatory The newly launched Wellington Ballet Theatre is a pre-professional dance company and not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing the highest standards of classical training, dance education and performance to the area.

Wellington Ballet Theatre seeks to build self-esteem and professionalism in its dancers as well as to promote a deep appreciation of dance arts throughout the community. Its mission is to be an example of excellence for dancer development, providing intensive artistic and ballet experience in preparation for a student’s entrance into professional ballet careers.

At its inception, the studio is looking for a group of eight to ten advanced ballet dancers of artistic merit to launch the company. Under the artistic direction of ballet master Jesse Hammel, Wellington Ballet Theatre has great expectations for its repertoire and looks forward to extraordinary education and performance opportunities for their dancers.

As a not-for-profit, it is a goal of the Wellington Ballet Theatre to offer its artistic experiences to students at little or no cost. To begin, the studio will be providing performances at fundraising venues, raising donations for future larger-scale productions and is looking forward to a wealth of future performance opportunities for its dancers.

For its audiences, Wellington Ballet Theatre will provide a cultural experience by dancing historical and classical ballets as well as original and innovative choreographies.

The auditions, workshops, master classes and dance demonstrations are open to all members of the community, providing an outlet for all students of artistic merit to express themselves and learn more about ballet as an art form. Additionally, Wellington Ballet Theatre will be developing an apprentice program

Jesse Hammel in a dance performance. to accommodate the younger ballet dancers of the community.

The auditions will be held Saturday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at the Dance Arts Conservatory in Wellington (12260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1).

An RSVP is required by Feb. 28 in order to participate in the audition. To confirm your attendance, contact Wellington Ballet Theatre by e-mail at wellingtonballettheatre@yahoo. com or by telephone at (561) 306-0787.

Wellington Ballet Theatre invites contributors, volunteers, corporate sponsors and charitable donations to help innovate dynamic artistic programming for these young students of ballet. These dancers are thriving in their artistry and can be rewarded through the Wellington Ballet Theatre with professional quality programs that showcase their talents.

For more information, visit www.wellington ballettheatre.org or call executive directors Rocky and Dorie Duvall at (561) 306-0787.

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WHOLE FOODS MARKET HOSTS PRE-‘HAIRSPRAY’ MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Theater students from the Dreyfoos School of the Ar ts were on hand Sunday, Feb. 13 at Whole Foods Market in Wellington to per form love songs from the school’s upcoming production of Hairspray. Customers and team members were all feeling the lo ve from their wonderful performance and from the delicious chocolate-covered strawberries that were served for all by Whole Foods Market chef Joe Colavito. For ticket information, contact Beverly Blanchette at (561) 802-6061 or blanchb@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. Shown above, Hairspray cast members perform.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Susan D’Andrea Joins The Team At The Links At Madison Green

Susan D’Andrea has been named food and beverage director for the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach. She will be responsible for overseeing the soon-to-open restaurant and managing special and social events such as weddings, bar/ bat mitzvahs, luncheons, dinners and corporate meetings.

D’Andrea has been in the restaurant and wedding planning industry all her life. Raised in Miami, her family owned D’Andrea’s Roma Restaurant in Coral Gables and Buccione’s in Coconut Grove for many years. D’Andrea was owner and chef of D’Andrea’s Restaurant in South Miami, a five-star fine Italian dining restaurant for 10 years.

In 1992, she joined the opening

catering team for the Baltimore Hotel in Coral Gables and became responsible for such high-profile events as the Summit of the Americas with President Bill Clinton and 37 world leaders and a private dinner for British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She has also worked with such notables as Luciano Pavarotti and Yo-Yo Ma. D’Andrea has served as catering director at the Fisher Island Club and the Hilton Charlotte Center City, and clubhouse director at Williams Island Country Club in Aventura. Most recently, she was clubhouse director at the Binks Forest Golf Club.

For information about booking a special event, call D’Andrea at (561) 784-5225, ext. 103.

Susan D’Andrea

ABWA To Meet March 9 In Gardens The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’sAssociation will meet Wednesday, March 9 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens.

Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The

cost is $35, and guests are welcome.

The speaker will be Chapter President Carol O’Neil. The program topic is “Values of ABWA/Membership Month.” Other chapter activities for the evening include voting for Chapter Woman of the Year and more.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 4431 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. To make reservations, or for more info., call Sharon Maupin at (561) 624-3816. For more about the chapter, call O’Neil at (561) 3891227 or visit www.abwapbflorida. org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Area Game Developer Appraisal Institute Honors Robert Debuts iPhone Game Gore As ‘Volunteer Of Distinction’ Whitemarsh Games’ new iOS title “Puppy Park!” is moving up the charts in the Apple App Store, announced the creator of the new video game company, Wellington resident Fred Shernoff.

The idea for the game came about after Shernoff and his wife Tyler were walking their Yorkie puppy Corduroy around their neighborhood. Corduroy strained against his leash in an attempt to chase a passing car.

“Tyler said, ‘There needs to be an iPhone game based on a puppy going for a walk,’” Shernoff recalled.

“I was convinced such a game would already exist, but it didn’t.”

Shernoff immediately joined the iOS Developer Network through Apple Inc. The only problem was he didn’t know how to program.

However, three months of reading and practicing later, Shernoff was ready to begin developing his game.

“Puppy Park!” went through numerous iterations and variations before Shernoff settled on the current game: a little puppy runs around the screen collecting bones and avoiding obstacles in response to the user’s touch. The game is simple to

learn but increases in difficulty with each level.

“In early testing,” Shernoff said, “I found that players could be easily overwhelmed by too many details. When I streamlined the design, the testers became obsessed with competing for the highest score.”

Whitemarsh Games plans numerous free updates for “Puppy Park!” which retails for $.99 in the App Store. The game is compatible with all iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad models.

The company thanks the early adopters who have been beneficial in spreading positive word of mouth about “Puppy Park!”

“Puppy Park!” can be found in the mobile App Store or through iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer.

More information about the game, as well as a direct link, is available at the “Puppy Park!” Facebook fan page.

Whitemarsh is a game development company based in Wellington.

Founded in 2011, it has released “Puppy Park!” for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

Robert J. Gore Jr. recently was recently recognized as the Appraisal Institute’s February “Volunteer of Distinction” for Region X. Gore is vice president at Iberia Bank in Royal Palm Beach.

The Appraisal Institute is the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers. Region X includes Florida and Puerto Rico.

Gore is a member of the South Florida Chapter.

“Robert Gore is an example of the outstanding individuals who belong to the Appraisal Institute,” Appraisal Institute President Joseph C. Magdziarz said. “We’re proud of the contributions Robert and all our members make to our organization, to the real estate valuation profession and to the communities where they work and live.”

Gore has been a member of the Appraisal Institute for nearly 30 years. His service includes being chair of the Education Committee and the SRA Admissions Committee, and being a member of the chapter’s board of directors, including serving as chapter president. He has served as a regional representative and was Region X finance of-

ficer in 1997-98 and in 2000-03. He served two years as the chapter’s chair of an annual charitable golf event for the Habitat for Humanity, raising more than $30,000.

Gore has been involved in the real estate valuation profession for nearly 30 years. His service includes holding general certification in Florida, working as a licensed real estate broker since 1983 and serving on various boards of the local Board of Realtors. He earned the GRI designation from the National Association of Realtors in 1983 and served on several committees.

Gore earned his Senior Residential Appraiser designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1987 and his bachelor ’s degree from Barry College in Miami in 1979. He has been married for 38 years and has four sons and four grandchildren. Gore, 63, has worked at Iberia Bank since 2010.

The Appraisal Institute is a global membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with more than 24,000 members and 91 chapters throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards,

Robert Gore methodologies and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide.

The Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Members of the institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs.

For more information, visit www. appraisalinstitute.org.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Palm Beach Central Hosts Softball Tourney At Okeeheelee

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity softball team hosted a softball tournament on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Okeeheelee Park on Forest Hill Blvd.

Several local teams and teams

from across South Florida participated, including Wellington High School, Palm Beach Gardens High School, Martin County High School and Archbishop McCarthy High School. The Lady Broncos tied 1-1 with Archbishop McCarthy, while the Lady Wolverines defeated Mar-

tin County 5-2 and PBCHS 1-0.

The Palm Beach Central Lady Broncos travel to Park Vista High School on Wednesday, Feb. 23 for a 7 p.m. game. Meanwhile, the Lady Wolverines host Palm Beach Lakes High School on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m.

Cor Boggess rounds third base to score one of Wellington’s five runs against Mar tin County.

Wellington’s Amanda Perk swings at a pitch during the game against Martin County.

P.B. Central’s Alexis Pisa looks to run to third base.

Amanda Blanchard pitches to an Archbishop McCarthy batter.

P.B. Central’s Sara Vazquez keeps her eye on the ball.

Wellington pitcher Remi Losey winds up.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

WHS Varsity Basketball Boys Fall To Dwyer In District Final Jacoby Brissett and the William T. Dwyer High School Panthers came into Wellington High School on Saturday, Feb. 12 for the boys varsity basketball district championship game riding a 13-game winning streak and boasting a 25-2 record. Although the Wolverines came the closest of any district opponent to upset the Panthers (losing by 18 points on Jan. 13), their defeat was much more significant in the district final, with the Panthers winning 93-67.

Brissett, the Dwyer guard who was recruited to play basketball at North Carolina (among other top programs) and the 25th ranked quarterback in the nation according the ESPNU 150, announced on Friday, Feb. 4 that he will play both sports at the University of Florida. However, as of Feb. 12, he had yet to sign a letter of intent.

On the hardwood, Brissett and company opened on an 11-4 run against the Wolverines. Wellington junior center Stephane Beneche ignited the crowd with a dunk to cut

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber the deficit to 17-10, but the Panthers kept firing. By the end of the opening frame, Wellington trailed 23-10. Wellington guard Scott Witkowski had five points in the quarter.

“Our goal was to keep within 10 in the first quarter because last time they came out quick on us as well,” Witkowski said. “Everyone knew being down 13 against a team like them was going to be tough to come back from.

But no one gave up and still played tough.”

The Wolverines pulled to within nine points at 23-14, when senior guard Kendell Johnson hit a pull-up jump shot early in the second

quarter. Nine points quickly became 13, and 13 eventually became 17. Wellington sophomore guard Fred Millar hit a three-point basket to make the score 37-23, but Brissett, shooting guard Victor Adams and forward Greg Louis kept pouring it on.

At the half, Dwyer led by 22 with the score 49-27.

In the second half, the play was much of the same. The Wolverines hit sporadic baskets, but could not contain Dwyer from gaining offensive rebounds or Adams from hitting three-pointers.

Dwyer had a 20-point lead for most of the third quarter, with the home team’s lone highlight coming on a John Harvill coast-to-coast layup. Trailing by 25, Beneche threw down another dunk. Brissett responded with two free-throws.

At the end of three, the Panthers had a sensational 70 points to Wellington’s 51. I joked with Wellington varsity baseball shortstop Mitch Morales that Dwyer would be playing

the Heat the following night.

Brissett was actually forced out of the game early in the fourth quarter because of injury, but returned minutes later. With the score 7855, the feeling in the gymnasium was that the Panthers could eventually get to 100 points.

The Panthers had 93 points when Wellington sophomore guard Alex Peavler checked into the game and scored five quick points, three of which came on a three-pointer.

“We play Dillard,” Collin said of where the team will go from here. “We’re a hardworking team. If we win, we’ll see Dwyer again.”

Both teams advance to play in the regional quarterfinals. The Panthers move on to face Northeast High School from Oakland Park on Thursday, Feb. 17.

The Wolverines take on state powerhouse Dillard High School at home, also on Thursday, Feb. 17. If both teams advance, they will meet for a third time this season in the regional semifinals on a date that has yet to be determined.

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ACREAGE SOCCER GIRLS WIN AT AYSO STATE GAMES

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Okeeheelee BMX Gears Up For Nationals

By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report Area competitors came out last week to Okeeheelee Park’s BMX track to prepare for nationals on April 30 and May 1.

Located on Forest Hill Blvd. near Florida’s Turnpike, the track is buzzing with practice runs and races each Tuesday and Thursday night.

Like Motocross races, BMX races begin with a starting gate followed by rolling jumps, curves and rollers (a

series of short hills) that lead to the finish line in one-lap races. Children and adults participate in this exciting sport. Each night begins with practice runs starting at approximately 6:30 p.m. lasting until the first races start around 8 p.m. This lasts until about 9 p.m., and approximately 20 races are run in rapid succession each night.

Okeeheelee Park will play host to the national races this year. For more info., visit www.okeeheeleebmx.com.

(Below and right) BMXers riding on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

The Acreage Arsenal U-10 girls soccer team won third place at the 2011 AYSO Section 14 Stat e Games. The tournament was held in Wellington over the Mar tin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, Jan. 15-17. The team exceeded all expectations by demonstrating outstanding game play, teamwork and sportsmanship to clinch its first-ever tournament medal. They finished the tournament 4-2 to take third place. For more information about soccer in The Acreage, visit www.ayso1521.net. Shown above are: (front row, L-R) Kailee Fogel, Julia Bryant, Savanna Rallo, Ashle y Lewkutz, Kace y Repici and Alana Brinley; (middle row) Kendall Wright, Bethany Seltzer, Regime Brinley and Alexis Ferland; (back row) coaches Chelsie Lewkutz, Rob Le wkutz and Pat Br yant.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

CATS Gymnastics Team Excels At Mardi Gras Competition The CATS Gymnastics team recently competed in Stuart for the annual Winter Mardi Gras competition.

In Level 2, Alyssa Hill scored a 9.350 on beam for first place, a 9.2 on floor for first place, a 9.375 on bars for second place and a 9.350 on vault for second place, earning her first place all around. Kylie Wilhelmi scored a 9.250 on vault, a 9.175 on bars, a 9.050 on floor for third place, an 8.925 on beam for third place, earning her third place all around. Genevieve Sylvester scored a 9.30 on bars for first place, a 9.475 on vault for third place, earning her third place all around.

Elizabeth Sylvester scored a 9.2 on bars for third place and a 9.125 on vault. McKenna Dickinson scored a 9.050 on vault and a 9.1 on bars.

Bailey Brown scored a 9.525 on vault for first place. Katie Lettera scored a 9.1 on vault. Together these gymnasts brought home the firstplace team trophy.

In Level 3, Faith Campagnuolo scored a 9.250 on beam for first place, a 9.2 on vault for second place, a 9.175 on floor for second place, a 9.225 on bars for third place, earning her first place all around. Brieanna McCaffrey scored a 9.5 on bars for third place. Arabella Campbell scored a 9.275 on

Hawk Wrestlers Take Fourth Place In District Seminole Ridge High School would like to congratulate its wrestling team for its fourth-place finish at the district tournament Feb. 5.

The team scores were close, with only 7.5 points separating the top four teams: Port St. Lucie, 156; Jupiter 153.5; Wellington, 152; and Seminole Ridge, 148.5.

Many Seminole Ridge wrestlers were individual finishers and qualifiers for regional competition later this month. They include: first place, Pierce Beaubien and Trace Thome; second place, Logan Broberg, Joe Brow, Brayden Gilles, Sam Hargesheimer and Scott Watson; third place, Cody Lasagna; and fourth place, Nick Keller.

vault for first place, an 8.675 on beam for second place, earning her second place all around. Alexis Merritt scored a 9.550 on bars for second place and a 9.2 on vault for second place, earning her third place all around. Carlene Powers scored a 9.675 on bars for second place and a 9.275 on vault for third place. Kinsey Cribbs scored a 9.125 on vault for first place and a 9.175 on bars.

These gymnasts brought home the third-place team trophy.

In Level 4, Ranaya Lindsay scored a 9.650 on vault for first place, a 9.125 on bars for second place, earning her first place all around. Elia Aird scored a 9.025 on beam for first place, a 9.550 on vault for second place, earning her second place all around. Mia Frozini scored a 9.5 on vault for third place, and also winning third place on beam. Samantha Baez scored a 9.225 on bars for second place and a 9.1 on vault for third place. Bianca Sileo scored an 8.875 on floor for fourth place and an 8.850 on vault. These gymnasts brought home the third-place trophy.

In Level 5, Isabella Padilla scored a 9.1 on vault for first place, an 8.875 on beam for first place and an 8.8 on floor for third place, earning her first place all around. Alex-

The CATS girls and their coaches with their latest trophies. is Moraes scored an 8.8 on vault for second place and an 8.850 on beam for second place. Sophia Ringvald scored an 8.95 on vault for third place and an 8.350 on beam for third place. These girls brought home the second place team trophy.

In Level 6, AAU Taylor Michie and Level 6 USAG Caitlin Flaherty both won first place on all events.

Prep Op. Rayven Glaubrecht scored a 9.0 on vault, an 8.875 on beam

and an 8.850 on floor. Michela Arbocco scored an 8.9 on beam for third place and an 8.675 on vault.

Angella Chandler scored an 8.675 on vault and an 8.250 on bars.

In Level 7, Vanessa Ver gara scored an 8.7 on vault.

The CATS girls are coached by Margarita Martinez, and Felipe and Mario Restrepo. For additional information about the team, visit www.catsgymnastics.com.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Feb. 19 • Palm Beach County Thrif t Store (2455 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach) will hold an auction on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (561) 233-2256 for more info.

• The Seminole Ridge High School band is will host its sixth annual Hawk Family Barbecue on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the school. The event includes a car show, drum line competition, games and inflatables for kids, a concer t under the sky, a silent auction and plenty of great food.

Call Cathy at (561) 790-5977 for more info.

• The Tri-County Council of the American Business Women’s Association will host its first quarter general meeting and leadership seminar Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Boca Raton Conference & Executive Center. Admission is $15. Guests are welcome. To register, visit www.abwatricounty.org. For more info., contact Programs Chair Paula Pirozzi at (561) 251-1059 or paula.pirozzi@yahoo.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Writer Ted Bell on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. for adults. The bestselling author will talk about his latest book Warlord. A book signing will follow. To pre-register, visit www.pbclibrary.org/writers live. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Chess Club on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. for age 8 and up. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host the Teen Advisory Posse on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host its Anime Club on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Watch anime, eat Pocky and check out the newest manga titles. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The FTI Great Charity Challenge will take place Saturday, Feb. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington). Call (561) 793-5867 or visit www. equestriansport.com for more info.

• Buckler’s Winter Craft Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19-20 at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). Call (386) 860-0092 or visit www. bucklercraftfair.com for more info.

Sunday, Feb. 20 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Kids Class: How to Eat a Rainbow” on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Want to play with your food? Here’s your chance! Kids will learn how to make a healthy meal out of colorful fruits, veggies and other ever yday and not-so-everyday foods. All children must be accompanied by a parent. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Monday, Feb. 21 • Temple Beth Tivkah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will show rare videos of great Jewish singers as part of its winter adult education program Monday through Thursday, Feb. 21-24 from 10 a.m. to noon with a snack break. The cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Call (561) 967-3600 to reserve a seat.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will present “Natural Ways to Combat Fibromyalgia” on Monday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Join Dr. Tim DeCanio, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and renowned speaker, to learn how to avoid the common pitfalls with current treatments and the newest advances in pain-free living. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 • The Boy Scout Blue & Gold Dinner sponsored by the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Links at Madison Green. The banquet will start at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more info., call Mike Fehribach at (561) 238-3003.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Open Mic Night on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Perform poetr y, shor t prose, an essay or a dance. Play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Call (561) 7906070 for more info.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Call (561) 7914000 for more info.

• The Jazz Arts Music Society of Palm Beach will present the Marian Petrescu Trio on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace (700 South Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach).

Visit www.jamsociety.org or call (877) 7222820 for more info.

Wednesday, Feb. 23 • The annual Lusitano Collection InterSee CALENDAR, page 47

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 47 national Horse Auction is set for Feb. 2326 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Visit www.lusitanocollection.com for tickets and additional info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will hold Vita-Mix Demonstrations Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 23-27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Stop by the produce department for live demonstrations. Enjoy simple and healthful recipe ideas and free samples. Call (561) 9044000 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Yarncraft: Crocheting” on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn ho w to crochet using materials provided by the library. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature a Gluten-Free Shopping Tour on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge. Call (561) 9044000 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Networking Mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at McClellan Chiropractic (1470A Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 7906200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

Thursday, Feb. 24 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Nocturnal Animals Story Time” on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 4 to 6. Listen to stories about owls, bats, possums and other animals that only come out at night. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Game Night on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Republican Club of Palm Beach County will host its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The dinner begins with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Confirmed speakers include keyno ter Newt Gingrich, Congressman Tom Rooney and Congressman Allen West. For more info., call (561) 686-1616.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Master the Art of Reading Book Discussion on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of A Map of the World by Jane

Hamilton. Sign up and check out the book.

Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Dinner with a Gourmet Chef” on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Master Chef Chris Paul of Wild Orchids Fusion will create a multi-course meal using Whole Foods Market’s all natural ingredients and expertly paired wines. The cost is $35 per person. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

• The Historical Society of Palm Beach County will present “The Everglades: Birds and the Plume Hunting Period” on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at Bethesda-By-theSea Episcopal Church (141 S. County Road, Palm Beach). Visit www.historicalsociety pbc.org or call (561) 832-4164 for info.

Friday, Feb. 25 • The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, the Palm Beach Zoo and the South Florida Science Museum will host the Back to Nature Luncheon on Friday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach. Author Richard Louv will be the keynote speaker.

The luncheon is for everyone concerned about the future of children. The cost is $125 per person. RSVP by calling (561) 805-8733 or e-mail plantcypress@aol.com.

• Area 42 Toastmasters will present its Table Topics and International Speec h Contests on Friday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal P alm Beach). Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Channel 12 anchor Curt Fonger and District 47 Humorous Speech Champion Dawnna St. Louis will be the special guest speakers. The event is free and open to the public. Contact Cindy Beckles at cindyebeckles@yahoo.com for more info.

Saturday, Feb. 26 • The Wellington Garden Club will host “Gardening Makes a World of Difference” on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking area of the Wellington Community Center. Admission is free. For more info., call (561) 635-8809.

• The $75,000 Fidelity Grand Prix FEI CSI W will take place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington) on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. Call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestriansport.com for info.

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

February 18 - February 24, 2011

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER opening in Wellington needs CERTIFIED PART TIME TEACHERS new and experienced elementary & secondary teachers wanted to instruct K-12 in Reading, Math, SAT/ACT Exam Prep. No lesson plans or homework, paid training and flexible hours.

Please e-mail resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com or call 561-594-1920 and leave a message TEACHERS/TUTORS P/T SAT/ACT/FCAT- MATH Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. PB County Area Experience required Fax: 828-8128 E-mail tutorking@wpb3331980.com BUSY ACCOUNTING OFFICE — needs Secretary/computer literate permanent position. Please fax resume to 561-333-2680 VOLUNTEER NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 INSURANCE AGENCY PARTTIME MARKETER— Outgoing personality, flexible hours,familiarity with local schools a plus. Must have own transportation. Please fax resume to 561-214-6165 WANTED 23 PEOPLE TO LOSE 5100 POUNDS! 1 LOST 20 LBS IN 5 WKS! 1-855-587-8449

EASY ONLINE BUSINESS! — Google & Facebook Get Paid Click Income. Now you can too! Details: http://www .extreme-clickincome.com

HIDDEN CREEK @ BINKS FOREST COMMUNITY YARD SALE — Next Saturday,Feb 26, 8am to 12noon. (Southern Blvd. west to left at Binks Forest, 1st right into Hidden Creek) WELLINGTON’S EDGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE — MULTIFAMILY Next Saturday, Feb. 26th 8am - Noon Forest Hill Blvd. Across from the Mall at Wellington Green SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

APARTMENT FOR RENT — 1 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, living room, private entrance, electric & cable included. $700 monthly 561-2522622 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT — for rent. Close to Seminole Pratt & Okeechobee. Includes water, electricity & DirectTV. $625/Mo. 561985-1349

3 BEDROOM 2 BATH VILLA GOLFVIEW VILLA — in Lantern Walk community. Pool and clubhouse. All new kitchen and laundry room $1,295. 561-714-2585 CONDO FOR RENT — ROYAL PALM BEACH, must be 55 or over.

Clean 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, transportation, pool, movies etc. $600 per month. Call 561-602-9584 2/2 NEW APPLIANCES — good condition “The Trails” good area. pool and amenities. 561-714-8376 561-793-1718 $900 monthly. Cable included.

TOWNHOME FOR RENT —2/2 2 car garage. Lakefront seasonal or annual lease. No Pets 561-6442019 EFFICIENCY FOR RENT — fully furnished/full kitchen,TV,washer/ dryer. Private entrance. No smoking.No Pets. Single adult $700 per month includes all! 561-6320464 561-790-0857 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 7933576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD

HOUSE FOR RENT IN RIVER BRIDGE — Three-bedroom, twobath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community.

Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Twocar garage. Move-in ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities. Cable TV, lawn maintenance and 24-hour security included. Available for rent, $1,599/ month. Call Josh at (561) 315-6727 for more info.

3 BED, 2 BATH — 1,104 sq. ft. 1.14 acres offered at $89,000 OBO. Seller financing available. 17845 38 Lane N. Call 954-561-2600 1.55 ACRE LOT — 2 story barn, with loft horse stall, garage, water, electric, phone, $50,000. Call 561572-1782 WELLINGTON 2/2 VILLA FOR SALE — Move-in Ready! New paint, new carpet, new kitchen flooring, outside patio entryway.

Light & bright. Call Lorna (561) 3191292 Keller Williams Realty. $78,500.

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225.

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

JJJ AUTOMOTIVE,INC. — we’re looking out for you! John Lawson.

561-204-2855 600 Royal Palm Commerce Rd. Suite E, RPB. Lic. #MV52657

GIVING SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS a healthy option to recharge adult day service for Alzheimers at Path of Life ALF. License #AL11709 561795-4248

CARING & COMPASSIONATE CNA — with 20 plus years hospital & private experience; FL licensed & insured; Wellington resident; excellent references. Online at eldercarenotebook. 561-531-4179

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782

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

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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811 HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, 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

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

561-248-2611

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CAL 793-3576

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE — specializing in deep tissue neuromuscular, Thai massage, private yoga and injuries to neck, shoulders, back & hips. 21 years experience, mobile only. Marion 973-2026626.

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

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

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

BACHE DEVELOPMENT INC. — General Contractor Christopher G. Bache 561-662-8353 cgc1510884.

New construction, barns, kitchens, baths, complete remodeling, flooring, painting, residential/commercial www.bachedevelopment.com

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring.

Bonded and Insured U#19699.

Call 791-9900 or 628-9215 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 7933576 T ODAY T O PLACE YOUR AD

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, p atios 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 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666.

Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & p atio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

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

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

U-17189 561-791-9777

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

GRAND OPENING PSYCHIC BOUTIQUE. Crystals & Gifts Available. Call for an appointment. 561355-0036

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof p a i n t i n g . C a r p e n t r y. L i c . #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposit s. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.

561- 842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048

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

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. License, bonded and insured. U21006 561-662-9258

AMERICAN TREE SERVICE Tree Trimming, landscaping,removal, hauling & stumps Most Palms $20.

Lic.Ins. Free Estimates Call Roy 373-6117 or Jimmy at 329-0213

ClubZ! In-Home

TUTORING All Subjects: PreK- Adult 561 •333 •1980 CLUBZ.COM America’s Largest In-HomeTutoring Co.

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

WE DO WINDOWS — 20 years professional window cleaning. Residential/Commercial references available. Lic. & Ins. 561-313-7098

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