Town-Crier Newspaper February 27, 2015 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

MEET THE ROYAL PALM BEACH VILLAGE COUNCIL SEAT 2 CANDIDATES DARRELL LANGE, DAVE SWIFT & MARTHA WEBSTER PROFILES, PAGE 7

THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE

Wellington Council OKS Alzheimer’s Day Care Center At Church

Volume 36, Number 9 February 27 - March 5, 2015

Serving Palms West Since 1980

WHITE WHITE WEST PARTY AT IPC

The Wellington Village Council approved a conditional-use permit Tuesday for an adult day-care facility for Alzheimer’s participants at St. Michael Lutheran Church at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Birkdale Drive. Page 3

Reception At Whole Foods Market For Artist Emmanuel Gonzalez

Hanley Foundation Family Picnic Returns To The Show Grounds

OPINION

It’s Time To Re-Evaluate The High-Stakes Testing

DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 11 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 8 PEOPLE................................. 15 SCHOOLS.......................16 - 17 COLUMNS.......................18, 27 BUSINESS..................... 28 - 29 SPORTS..........................35 - 37 CALENDAR............................ 40 CLASSIFIEDS................ 42 - 45 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Horses Healing Hearts held its annual fundraiser White White West at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Friday, Feb. 20. The evening featured dancing, food, drink, good company and amazing auction items, all for a great cause. Horses Healing Hearts helps children raised with addiction in their home by working with horses. Shown here are Maria Alvarez, Amanda Chaplin, Haley Olszewski, Agnes Raese, Atlanta Hackney and Nicole Everly. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 22

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

LOX GROVES TOWN COUNCIL, SEAT 3

Harris Believes Town Should Be More Responsive To Residents

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Community activist Keith Harris is challenging incumbent Councilman Ryan Liang for Seat 3 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. The race is one of two council contests on the Tuesday, March 10 ballot, which also includes several ballot questions. Harris, chairman of the town’s Roadways, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee (RETGAC), has been sharply critical of the town’s policies, especially its relationship with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. “I want to be a public servant. I’m not a politician. I never participated in politics, never was interested in politics,” he told the Town-Crier. Originally from Richmond, Va., Harris attended Virginia Tech, then J. Sargeant Reynolds Com-

munity College in Richmond, and received his state registered optician’s license in 1980. He was called to the Florida Keys in 1985 to join his family’s construction business. Harris and his wife moved to Islamorada, where they lived until 2006. That work required Harris to be a problem solver. “[In] my 30 years’ experience as a state-certified general contractor in building multimillion-dollar projects, I’ve designed scopes of work, I’ve developed plans and specifications for them,” he said. “I have contracted the work, I have completed multi-million-dollar projects to successful completion.” He kept his father’s business going until 2008, when the economic downturn hit. “It took down half the construction industry in the State of Florida,” Harris noted. At the time, he was also hit with life-changing news. “In 2006, I was diagnosed with

Keith Harris Stage 4 cancer and was given a 15 percent chance of living five years. We moved to Loxahatchee Groves to set up my wife in a business and a life that she would be comfortSee HARRIS, page 21

‘Team Player’ Ryan Liang Sees Steady Progress For The Town

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Two-term incumbent Ryan Liang is being challenged for Seat 3 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council by community activist Keith Harris, chairman of the town’s Roadways, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee. The race is one of two council contests on the Tuesday, March 10 ballot, which also includes several ballot questions. “I’m seeking my third term, and I’m basically just looking to continue what I’ve started,” Liang told the Town-Crier. “The town is still in its infancy, and there’s still a lot of issues we still have to fix. I’d like to stick around and help resolve those problems.” Liang’s family has lived on a farm in Loxahatchee Groves for 18 years where they grow fruit trees. He also works as a chef at a

restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens. “My other full-time job is working with the town,” he said. Liang feels that he is the better candidate because of his experience with town government. “I would challenge anyone to seek out more knowledge in regard to current issues and future issues that the town is facing, and I think that’s important, especially for such a young town,” he said. He also pointed out that he is a “team player,” ready to work with others to support the town. “I try to work with everybody, not only people who support me, but also my opponents or people who don’t feel that they might have a voice,” Liang said. “I always try to keep an open mind in regard to any issue that comes before the council. That’s what we need, as opposed to closedmindedness and divisiveness.” For Liang, a top issue in the

Ryan Liang campaign is the continued effort in cooperation with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to stop illegal manure hauling into See LIANG, page 21

Wellington Council Moves Forward On Saddle Trail Project By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council approved four resolutions Tuesday related to the paving of part of the Saddle Trail Park neighborhood over the objections from residents of nearby neighborhoods that the project would negatively affect them. The project was initiated by residents in the southern half of Saddle Trail who were willing to pay an assessment to have paving and municipal water service in their community. The first two resolutions granted joint ownership of roadways in the Acme Improvement District to the village in order to protect both entities from possible lawsuits. Village Manager Paul Schofield said that after Wellington incorporated, the Acme Improvement District became dependent to the village. Despite that, Schofield

pointed out that it is a special taxing district created by the state and has powers that the village does not. “What we’re doing here is in light of some of the questions raised in the process of Saddle Trail,” Schofield said. “Wellington can operate and maintain roads. So does Acme. What we are doing is for those certain Acme roadways, this places them in joint ownership with Wellington so that whatever questions might exist in anybody’s mind, those are eliminated and removed. We don’t believe that this is necessary. This is something being done in an abundance of caution.” Schofield added that the council also sits as the Acme board and that agenda items are labeled as such. Councilman Matt Willhite asked why the issue was coming up now, See SADDLE TRAIL, page 4

EAF LUMINARY AWARD

The Equestrian Aid Foundation’s “A Night of Legends” was an evening of cocktails, dinner and unique entertainment held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. (Above) At the event, the Equestrian Aid Foundation presented its 2015 Luminary Award to Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo. STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Zoners OK Taco Bell Plan For Old Checkers Site By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of a major site plan modification to demolish the existing Checkers building at 1318 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. to build a new, 2,137-square-foot Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-through. Site Plan Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the site sits on an outparcel within the Crossroads shopping plaza. “The site has been vacant for a number of years,” Erwin said. “Restaurant with drive-through is listed as a special exception use within the general commercial zoning district. The applicant is also seeking approval for the building’s architecture, colors, signs and landscape plan.” He said the application, by

Cornelison Engineering & Design, meets all dimensional requirements of the village code, including the number of required parking spaces. “In addition, drive-throughs require stacking and queuing spaces,” he said. “A total of seven queuing spaces is required. Seven spaces have been provided. There was some concern by our village engineer for a potential for queuing to stack out into Royal Palm Beach Blvd. There is a special condition of approval that if that happens within a 365-day period more than 10 times, remedial action will be taken by Taco Bell, up to and including closing the drive-through.” Commissioner Joseph Boyle asked about the landscaping changes, and Erwin said the applicant is requesting infill landSee TACO BELL, page 3

Western-Themed Fun At West Fest In Royal Palm

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach’s West Fest is coming up Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 6-8 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park as the “wild west” gets ready to take over the village. With many musical acts, carnival rides, a Food Truck Invasion Round Up, western arts and crafts vendors, a western encampment village, hayrides, horse and carriage rides, a petting zoo and more, there is sure to be something for everyone at the free, familyfriendly festival. “We have four national acts from Nashville,” Community & Cultural Events Superintendent Carlos Morales noted. “I think we really have a good lineup. People

are going to be surprised.” On Friday evening, Lexi Luca, Adrianna Siena, County Line Road and Radio Romance will play. On Saturday, Burnt Biscuit, the Sweeney Family Band, the Tim Charron Band, Kristen Kelly and Walter McGuire will take to the stage. Sunday’s entertainment features Promenade Action, the Jess Taylor Band, Grayson Rogers and the Old Southern Moonshine Revival Band. In addition to the music, Royal Palm Beach is showing off some of the newer features of the park through hayrides, horse and carriage rides and a disc golf tournament, Morales said. “We actually have 18 holes of disc golf now at the park,” he said. “We have an organizer who will be

running the tournament. It will be a great way to introduce disc golf to a lot of people.” In addition to the disc golf tournament, there will also be a cornhole tournament and a demonstration by the Royal Palm Beach Police Athletic League. There will be a chili cookoff on Saturday and Sunday, with professional and amateur cooks, Morales said, where they will compete for a people’s choice award. A $10 tasting kit will be available, while supplies last, for visitors to check out the competition. Saturday morning there is a 5K charity run — Micayla’s Monarch Miracle 5K — to benefit a Royal Palm Beach High School student who is fighting lymphoma. The always-popular Miss and

Mr. West Fest Pageant has returned, and the Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar will visit during the weekend. Carnival rides are available with $20 daily access bracelets. In contrast to the rides is the Western Encampment Village, where pioneers are set up. Some nights there will be a fire, or an old-fashioned wheel barrel. It’s a western-themed area that adds to the atmosphere, Morales explained. The everyday things that are normally at the park will also be available, so there is plenty for everyone to experience during West Fest, he said. Offering parking advice, Morales said, “Come early, when parking is easier.” In addition to parking at the

park, there will be offsite parking at Village Hall and Lindsay Ewing Park, with a shuttle bringing people to Commons Park. West Fest takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 6; 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; and 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 8. To learn more, or sign up for one of the events, visit www. rpbwestfest.com.

Page 2

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 3

NEWS

Wellington Council OKS Alzheimer’s Day Care Center At Church By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council approved a conditional-use permit Tuesday for an adult day-care facility for Alzheimer’s participants at St. Michael Lutheran Church at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Birkdale Drive. The facility will be operated by Alzheimer’s Community Care. Planning & Development Services Director Tim Stillings said the center will be housed within a portion of the church and complies with the village’s land development code. “The maximum number of participants will be 45,” Stillings said. The program will operate five days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and must be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Adminis-

tration (AHCA). Conditions limit the usage to 4,210 square feet. An outdoor area for the facility will be split into two phases, with the first phase accommodating 25 participants, he said, explaining that the village code requires 100 square feet per patient. Stillings said that may be changed because the AHCA does not have a minimum requirement, and the requirement had been dropped from the county land development code, which Wellington’s was modeled on. Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board approved the plan unanimously last month. Mary Barnes, president and CEO of Alzheimer’s Community Care, said her organization is a nonprofit operating 10 Alzheimer’s care centers. The company

operates under the Alzheimer’s Services Adult Day Care Act enacted by the state in 2011. For every dollar put into the organization, 90 cents goes directly to day care and resources, she said. For every dollar appropriated by the state, three are matched by private donations. “We are very proud of this relationship,” Barnes said regarding plans to operate at the church. “It is going to be an outstanding flagship for us. We have been working very closely with them since 2013.” She added that Alzheimer’s Community Care had been trying to get a facility in the Wellington area for about 12 years. Councilman Matt Willhite said he favored the facility but did not know the location until a few weeks ago and became concerned

RPB Zoners OK Preliminary Site Plan For Cypress Key

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended preliminary plat approval Tuesday for the 36-acre Cypress Key mixed-use development on the north side of Southern Blvd. The site plan received Royal Palm Beach Village Council approval in May, which included architectural changes to townhouses that reduce the height from three to two stories to make them more compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods. Site Development Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the plat application was compatible with the site plan. It provides 23 single-family lots, 124 townhouses and several open-space tracts, as well as two commercial tracts near Southern Blvd. Erwin said the residential portion of the application meets the village’s recreation space requirements either on site or through a combination of land and cash in lieu of up to half the required land area. “It was determined in lieu of the land request, a fee would be paid for 1.65 acres of the required recreation land area,” Erwin said, explaining that the fee will be paid as a condition. However, a condition of the

council stated that the fee in lieu of land shall be paid for recreational facilities as agreed upon by the council and the developer. “In the past, the council has accepted $60,950 per acre as the accepted fee in lieu of the dedication of land,” he said. “Using that price, the recreation fee for the 1.65 acres would be $100,567.50.” Village staff recommended approval of the price per acre in lieu of the dedication of recreation land, he said, explaining that the $60,950 per acre was reached in 2003 when the project was originally approved. “Being it was vested in 2003, staff feels it’s appropriate that the fee should be $60,950, which the village accepted back then,” Erwin said. Erwin added that the final plat approval will not go through the zoning commission but directly to the council. “The basic purpose for platting is to make sure that all the infrastructure is going to be available for the site, and obviously this is partially developed and already has some infrastructure,” he said. Commissioner Jackie Larson asked what mitigation fees are used for, and Erwin said the village has a parks and recreation fund. “If the village has enough land for parks and rec, then it’s used to improve those areas,” Erwin said.

THE BEST E VALE U PALM IN TH HES BEAC

THE BEST DEALLM

A IN THE P BEACHES

Commissioner Michael Axelberd made a motion to approve the request, which carried 5-0. In other business: • The commissioners also recommended approval of a preliminary site plan by Ascension Royal Palm Beach for 2.43 acres on the north side of Southern Blvd. about a half-mile east of State Road 7, formerly known as Sunshine Properties. Erwin said the parcel is within the larger Palm Beach County Farms plat in the general commercial zoning district and conforms to village code requirements. Larson made a motion to approve the request, which passed 5-0. • Finally, the commissioners also recommended preliminary plat approval for the Toys ‘R’ Us Royal Office Park development on 13 acres on the east side of SR 7 about 0.8 mile south of Southern Blvd. Erwin said the request is for a planned commercial development in the general commercial zoning district. “The preliminary plat is a replat of the Royal Office Park together with previously unplatted land,” he said. “It conforms with the platting requirements of village codes.” Commissioner Felicia Matula made a motion to approve the application, which carried 5-0.

New 3-Bedroom Townhomes from

Limited Time Special Offer

about traffic in the area. “I think this is needed in the village and will be utilized in the village,” he said. “With that being said, it was represented to me that this has been going on since October 2013. I didn’t even know the location until two weeks ago. I became even more concerned when we talked about the traffic.” Willhite noted that the traffic at nearby schools could conflict with the Alzheimer’s Community Care traffic. “I still have traffic concerns and questions about traffic on Forest Hill Blvd.,” he said, especially the

Taco Bell

Checkers Location

continued from page 1 scaping to bring it up to the current code requirement. “Through the years, there has been some tree and shrub attrition on the site. They’re just proposing to replace what’s missing out in the front buffer, as well as the hedge material, and then they’re going with a zeriscape-type pattern around the restaurant, around the Southwestern theme. It may not be 100 percent like the landscaping around them, but they’re trying to create the Southwestern theme for the restaurant. It’s within the code.” Boyle also asked whether there is a color scheme for the shopping center, and Erwin said the established pattern for the shopping center is beige tones, but the outparcels do not have a color scheme, although the applicant’s theme is tan with a rust-colored roof. “The outparcels were treated a little bit differently than the rest of the center,” he said. Boyle also asked about the village engineer’s recommendation for the queuing, and Erwin said the concern was that cars could stack into the road right of way and create an unsafe condition. “The idea is to keep traffic on your site,” Erwin said. “You’re not supposed to be impacting the roadway with your use. We’ve had some incidents early in the morning with the Dunkin’ Donuts where the queuing does back out into Royal Palm Beach Blvd., and we’re keen to prevent that from happening again.” Village Attorney Jennifer Ash-

median cut that allows left turns out of Birkdale Drive, which he thought was dangerous. “I would like to see an ongoing traffic study if this goes forward to see that it is as safe as possible.” Willhite added that he would like to have seen the application go through the village’s Senior Advisory Committee. “I would suggest to the applicant that they go do a presentation, no matter what happens here, to our senior committee, because it is something this council has talked about a lot — senior issues and trying to develop additional senior

opportunities in our community,” he said. Willhite also asked about the second outdoor area to be developed in Phase 2. “The only thing that gives me concern is it’s across the parking lot,” he said. Stillings said that after conversations with the applicant about outdoor activity areas, staff initiated a text amendment to revise the conditions to match the county’s, which does not regulate the amount of outdoor space. “We would leave that up to the facility provider as long as they See ALZHEIMER’S, page 21

ton said that the applicant has accepted a condition that it will close the drive-through if cars stack into the road consistently. “Taco Bell is interested in keeping their drivethrough open,” Ashton said. Erwin also pointed out that there is additional room on the site to provide for more stacking if that becomes necessary. “It might affect their parking, but they probably have another six or seven queuing spaces at least before they would get out into the drive aisle of the shopping center,” he said. Commissioner Michael Axelberd also expressed concerns about possible stacking into the roadway. “You mentioned Dunkin’ Donuts, because I was going to mention Dunkin’ Donuts on Okeechobee that has huge spillover problems where it goes into the streets,” Axelberd said. He pointed out that the McDonald’s restaurant in the shopping center, which is 500 feet away, spills traffic out into the driveway where people are walking across. “It’s hazardous,” Axelberd said. “It looks great, but my concern is traffic spilling into the shopping center and people trying to rush and people trying to cross. I just want to make sure that it is properly addressed.” Erwin said that was the reason for the condition. “We realize that there is more than one drive-through in the area,” he said. “In fact, McDonald’s has an application pending. They are going to be doing some reconfiguring on their site. They are looking to do a double drivethrough, which they have indicated to us would improve the service times. That may be something

coming through for you guys to look at in the near future. We have considered that there may be the potential for synergies for both of those queues to impact each other.” Commissioner Jackie Larson agreed with the concerns about stacking. “I was on the board when the McDonald’s came through, and this board unanimously denied that application because of the way the drive-through was set up,” Larson said. “The concern was not only the stacking, but the activity of the Tires Plus, because they move around a lot of cars, too. Proportionally, that has proved to be a difficult area. The fact that they are coming in with a reconfiguration is a good idea.” She recalled that Checkers went out of business shortly after McDonald’s opened, and the village did not have a lot of time where two drive-throughs were operating in that proximity, along with the Tires Plus. “I was very pleased to see the traffic flow on this site plan,” Larson said. “The traffic flow is much, much better than it was before.” She was also glad to see the stacking condition. Ashton said it will be enforced by code enforcement if they start getting complaints. Craig Cornelison of Cornelison Engineering & Design said seven cars stacking is a lot in Taco Bell’s experience, and that they are prepared to increase that if it becomes necessary. Larson also complimented the applicant on the landscaping plan. “I’m glad to see a little TLC on that site,” she said. “It has been abandoned a long time, and this is a good thing.” Boyle made a motion to approve the request, which carried 5-0.

$239,000

$10,000

Toward Options & Upgrades

Colony Reserve offers the Private Club lifestyle with a masterfully designed community clubhouse complete with great room, warming kitchen, card room, and a LifeFitness® gym that includes aerobic, circuit & free weight equipment. Just outside the clubhouse and overlooking the lake, a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub and sundeck is the perfect place to enjoy Florida living. Colony Reserve homes come with garages and luxurious features like spacious master bedrooms with his and hers walk-in closets, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

561.249.2941 • www.ColonyReserve.com

Visit Our New Sales Center at 5299 Lantana Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33463 Directions: From I-95 - exit on Lantana Rd., go west, Sales Center 4 miles on right • From the Turnpike - exit Lake Worth Rd., go east to Jog Rd., turn south and travel to Lantana Rd., turn east on Lantana Rd., Sales Center a quarter mile on left.

BROKERS WELCOME

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENT REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER. THIS ADVERTISEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER WHERE PROHIBITED BY STATE STATUTES. PRICES, TERMS, FEATURES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Page 4

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

OUR OPINION

It’s Time To Re-Evaluate Florida’s High-Stakes Testing Regime

High school juniors (and their teachers) breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order to suspend the 11th-grade Florida Standards Assessment for English language arts. At least for now, it’s one less test to take in a seemingly endless barrage of high-stakes standardized assessments that have come to dominate Florida classrooms. The suspension was put into effect “to give the legislature sufficient time during this legislative session to consider repeal of the requirement.” While Gov. Scott’s action eliminates one test that many considered both onerous and duplicative, there still needs to be a far more comprehensive evaluation of school testing in Florida. Teacher’s union officials have called for a major revamp of the entire system, which has struggled to implement the new Florida Standards, based on the national Common Core principles. Specifically, teacher’s groups want both less testing and a year-long moratorium on high-stakes evaluations attached to the testing. That idea is not likely to fly when the state legislature is gaveled into session next week. At issue is a general disagreement over whether Florida’s testing regime has brought accountability and improved learning, or if the state is just testing for the sake of testing. Varying studies have taken opposing points of view on that question. One thing, however, is clear. Our children are part of a system that thrives on testing. Student test scores determine teacher job evaluations, school performance,

school financing and many other factors. Not only is that a lot of pressure to put on the children, but that is an overwhelming amount of pressure to put on teachers. This issue used to have a very clear political dividing line. Democrats supported the teacher’s union, which meant less testing and fewer things riding on the testing results. Republicans, led on this issue by former Gov. Jeb Bush, were for more testing and more accountability for both students and teachers. However, the advent of new Florida Standards, confusing for teachers and parents, and mistrusted by anti-big-government Republicans, has created an opening to re-evaluate Florida’s testing culture. Some Republican lawmakers are even promoting a measure to abandon the Florida Standards and give parents an option to let their children skip state testing. Will that happen? Probably not. However, somewhere between the ridiculous overtesting of today and non-accountability of 20 years ago lies a more rational middle ground. Standardized tests should be a baseline, not something to be feared. Do students understand the material they should understand by a certain grade level? Great! If not, let’s go back to the drawing board and teach them what they need to learn and figure out why they didn’t perform as expected. Meanwhile, students and learning should really be the focus of every test given. If a test can help with a teacher evaluation, that’s fine, but don’t test students for the sole purpose of evaluating teachers.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Support For Darrell Lange

At last, residents of Royal Palm Beach have a real choice among candidates for our Royal Palm Beach Village Council Seat 2! For too many years now we have been faced with few options between the back-and-forth campaigns of the same two individuals who offered no new ideas and sometimes even backed-off campaign promises made to us once elected. Now, a fresh, new candidate has come forward, an individual with an open mind willing to listen to us and beholden to no one except those he will represent — all the residents of our village. That person is Darrell Lange, who was born and raised in Palm Beach County and has lived in Royal Palm Beach for 14 years. Darrell attended school here and is now employed by the Palm Beach County Capital Improvements Department. He believes in giving to the community and volunteered to serve on Royal Palm Beach’s Planning & Zoning Commission for six years. He also is deeply committed to the youth of our community and remains actively involved in youth baseball and has coached for more than 10 years. Darrell also serves as an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts. Darrell has given selflessly to our community for a long time, and through this service has achieved a good understanding of our community and our needs and concerns. He has said that he wants more public engagement, which allows us to become more involved in our community, more confident to express our ideas, and to avoid surprises and unexpected costs to taxpayers on projects. Some of his major issues include, but are not limited to, security in the community, the quality of our schools and traffic concerns. It has been a long time coming, but finally Royal Palm Beach residents have the chance to consider someone with a new outlook and fresh ideas to represent us on the village council. For too long we have had the same people in the same seats and, as a result, have had the same things happening. It’s time to elect someone with no preconceptions to listen to us and to represent our interests in municipal government. I suspect that many of us had decided not to vote at all because

of the lack of choice among the “same old-same old.” I was one of those people. But now there is a real choice for real representation and community-inspired ideas. I urge you, my friends and neighbors in Royal Palm Beach, to go to the polls on Tuesday, March 10 and vote for the candidate who is listening and will truly represent what is best for us. Vote for Darrell Lange! Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach

Support For David Swift

Although I moved from the Village of Royal Palm Beach in 2007 after a 25-year residency, which included stints as a reporter for this newspaper as well as briefly serving as a village councilwoman, my Royal Palm Beach ties remain strong, and at one time included four generations of my family living as village residents. My familiarity and involvement with village government began in January 1986 when I began covering the village hall “beat” as a Town-Crier reporter. At that time, the village was exploding with growth and development, and the role of elected council people was particularly crucial in light of often-difficult and even controversial decisions which needed to be made. Entire comprehensive plans and codes needed to be written and enacted to assure a high quality of life for the growing village. And some council people rose to those challenges more capably than others. One who has served with outstanding clear-headedness and distinction is David Swift. With experience dating back to the 1980s, he has provided steady, sane leadership and has never been afraid to cling to his convictions on behalf of village residents. I well remember sitting at council meetings in the old village hall late into the evening while council members grappled with difficult agenda items. David Swift was never afraid to stay even later when he fervently believed he “had a problem” with some aspect of the discussion. At the time, I mostly wanted to get home to my young family, but all these years later, I know that matters needed to make sense and be of benefit to village residents before David Swift would vote his approval and go home to his own young

family. David is his own man, and his dedication has been to village residents rather than to political expediency or to special interests. Having previously covered umpteen council elections for the Town-Crier, I know that each election cycle may bring forth political rhetoric and alliances. Some of what I have read and seen in this newspaper concerning this year’s contest has more than a familiar ring to it, and I would encourage voters to very carefully examine the record of each candidate or incumbent. David Swift’s long and honorable service to Royal Palm Beach stands fully on its own merit, and for those voters who enjoy an uncommonly low tax rate and amenities most municipalities of the village’s size could not afford, then you would do well to return David Swift to council for another term, since he more than helped provide them. Barbara Yoresh Vero Beach

Yes To Liang, No To Minto

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Truth Is A Must” by Tim HartWoods, published last week. Mr. Hart-Woods has once again sniped from the sidelines while not having been an active participant in the cause that he now champions. What I refer to here is his recent comments in the Town-Crier that Mr. Ryan Liang has a “nasty group of pro-Minto people campaigning for him.” As I have endorsed Mr. Liang, I must assume that he includes me in his “pro-Minto group.” Well, the residents of Palm Beach County and the central western communities in particular know without reiteration of the fact that I am a staunch anti-Minto campaigner. In fact, my monetary and time donations to the “No To Minto” cause are considerable. At all of the No to Minto rallies, county commission, county planning and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council meetings, as well as in “Letters to the Editor” in the Town-Crier and other newspapers, where was Mr. Hart-Woods? I support Mr. Liang for a variety of reasons and his pro-Minto leanings are certainly not one of those reasons. I have learned that people who think about and vote based on a single issue are too myopic to

grasp the big picture. Yes to Liang. No to Minto. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

The Real Equestrian Trail Story

In 2012, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves attempted to obtain state grant funding for trail construction. The major problem with the grant application was questionable “site control” based on the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District’s 1918 easement deed. The next year, the district and town prepared a local bill to obtain sufficient site control to proceed with the trails. The bill was passed in the 2014 legislative session and became law on May 12, 2014. To implement the law’s requirements, updated surveys and recorded maps of canal maintenance roads are required so that legally defined trails that qualify for grant funding could be constructed by the town and used by the public. The local bill also outlined other requirements — including a perpetual use permit — that would be included as part of an interlocal agreement between the district and the town. An initial draft of the necessary documentation was prepared by the district in August 2014. Different approaches were suggested by the town. Final review and preparation of the interlocal agreement and perpetual-use permit that can be recommended for approval by the town council and district’s board of supervisors will be complete shortly. During the process of determining a course of action and obtaining necessary legislative authority to implement recreational/equestrian trails in Loxahatchee Groves, Nina Corning represented equestrian interests in preparing background materials with the district and the town, and in discussions with legislators. Keith Harris had no recognized involvement in this process. Keith Harris (and Virginia Standish) has, on several occasions, publicly criticized the LGWCD for delaying implementation of the trails. In October, the LGWCD extended Mr. Harris an invitation to a publicly noticed discussion with district representatives to clear up any of his issues or

questions that relate to the district’s work regarding joint use of canal maintenance roads for trails. The discussion opportunity was approved by district board consensus during its October meeting, and would be videotaped for public access through the district and/or town web site. To date, Mr. Harris has not accepted the district’s invitation to resolve his (and Ms. Standish’s) confusion in a manner that would provide public transparency and understanding. Implementation of the trails requires a cooperative effort between the district and the town. Balancing canal maintenance and recreation/equestrian uses, concern for adjoining landowners’ privacy, the need for continuous protective fencing, costs, grant applications and liability issues must be reasonably addressed. Mr. Harris has not shown that he is willing to participate in this process or to enter into balanced discussions on the issues. As such, it is doubtful that he (or Ms. Standish) would be an effective participant in the trails implementation process, if elected. Over the past six years, Ryan Liang and Ron Jarriel have demonstrated a willingness and ability to work constructively and cooperatively in dealing with issues as they arise. They worked to gain support for the trails bill and continue to provide thoughtful, balanced, constructive leadership for our town. I am voting for Ryan Liang and Ron Jarriel, and I would encourage others to do the same. John Ryan Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Mr. Ryan is a supervisor of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

Lipp Still Doesn’t Trust Ryan Liang

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “You Can Trust Ryan Liang” by Ryan Liang, published last week. Bottom line, the basic question is: Why did Ryan Liang recuse himself in 2014 during the Minto discussions and not recuse himself in the 2009 discussions about

Callery-Judge Grove? Liang was elected to represent the residents of the town. Only 1.2 percent of the residents in the town mailed in “Yes to Minto” reply cards. The overwhelming majority of town residents were opposed to Minto West’s density. Liang’s web site states “Ryan was and is neutral on Minto.” “Because Ryan’s family owns land bordering Minto, Ryan recused himself from any council votes on Minto…” Why should we allow Liang to remain neutral on Minto West? As an elected town representative, Liang must represent the people who elected him and not claim neutrality on these big issues. How can we expect Ryan Liang to represent the Town of Loxahatchee Groves on future issues that can substantially impact our community? What is the end game? Consider the following scenarios... Scenario 1: The Liangs sell their 120-acre Silver Lake properties to Minto. FYI, Silver Lake’s 120 acres is within the boundary of the Seminole Improvement District, which is on the town’s northern border and is surrounded by Minto West. Minto can then obtain county approval for more homes and additional commercial for the 120 acres. Scenario 2: In January 2013, WPB Development purchased 65 acres from two of the Liangs’ holding companies. A 30-acre section of this property extends from Minto West on the north to North Road on the south. The Minto/ Silver Lake culvert crossing to this section coincidentally lines up with C Road. Was the master plan to remove Ryan and family from their town land holdings so that this vital C Road connection could happen? Liang and his supporters on the council could approve WPB Development’s connection to Minto West and establish of a southern connection through the town. This would result in thousands of trips per day using C Road to access Okeechobee Blvd. Can Liang be trusted? What is the end game? You decide March 10. Re-elect no one! Dennis Lipp Loxahatchee Groves

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words suggested). 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

Saddle Trail

Project Has Its Critics

continued from page 1 and Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said arguments were raised that the village did not have the authority to use the assessment method it had chosen because the roads in question were owned by Acme and not the village. “We don’t believe that it’s an issue. We looked at it. We don’t think that there’s any reason why we can’t do the assessment in the way that we’re doing it,” Cohen said. “But in an abundance of caution, there’s no downside to convey the roads.” Willhite asked whether the resolutions would limit the powers of Acme, and Cohen said it would give the council more flexibility. “You’re not applying different rules when sitting as Acme or the village,” she said. “There are certain things you can do as Acme or as the village.” During public comment, Gary

Charboneau of Saddle Trail spoke in favor of all three items on the agenda, including a special assessment notice of intent for Saddle Trail residents, and a notice of a public hearing on the assessment. “I urge you to approve those three items, moving the project on to its next required approval,” Charboneau said. “I’m also here to thank you and village staff for their assistance in bringing this project to this stage of approval. You were abundantly clear of what the hurdles would be.” Houston Meigs of Rustic Ranches, a member of Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee, which recently voted not to approve the Saddle Trail project, said he thought the resolutions validate arguments that have been raised by attorney and Saddle Trail resident Brad Biggs over the past year. “You are now being asked to address those arguments,” Meigs said, adding that he felt the argument brings into question the validity of the petition submitted by Saddle Trail residents.

THE

TOWN-CRIER Your Community Newspaper Serving The Palms West Communities For 35 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc.

12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 The Original Wellington Mall

Wellington, Florida 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 • Fax: (561) 793-6090 World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com

“My last point is that this is fundamentally a very bad project,” he said. “It is a project that is going to ultimately degrade the equestrian industry in Wellington.” Michael Whitlow, also a member of the committee, said he thought the project would destroy a significant portion of the equestrian preserve to benefit a small handful of people. Whitlow added that he was distressed that the council had ignored the vote by the Equestrian Preserve Committee not to approve the paving project. “We are the experts,” he said. “We told you it was a bad thing, and yet you just go on and on. I think that this is the first step in ruining the equestrian preserve.” Equestrian activist Cynthia Gardner asserted that the project will affect neighbors and horses in the surrounding area. “The big impact here is not the hundred or so people who have, in fact, indicated they want their roads paved,” Gardner said. “The big impact here are the hundreds and hundreds of property owners

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

in the equestrian preserve, the thousands of horses that stable in the surrounding areas and the show grounds.” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she respected Biggs and his opinions, but that the project is driven by a supermajority of residents in southern Saddle Trail. Gerwig pointed out that the existing shell rock roads are not for horses but cars. “You have a trail system that runs through your neighborhood,” Gerwig said. “This neighborhood wants to have a trail system and a road right of way, and they made that choice overwhelmingly, and I’m fine with that. I wouldn’t want the dust. I also understand that it’s a huge amount of money. It’s not an easy decision.” Willhite pointed out that Wellington requires a two-thirds vote for assessments, whereas many municipalities require only 50 percent plus one. He added that Saddle Trail residents were considering the value that would be added to their property, not only by eliminating dust but in having

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Julie Unger

potable water and fire hydrants, which would probably reduce the cost of their home insurance. Willhite pointed out that the horse trails in Saddle Trail are 15 feet, wider than the typical 12-foot trails, and he liked the idea of taking horses off of roadways. “If we can make that separation, [it will] make it safer for anyone riding a horse,” he said. He added that Palm Beach Point is doing well with paved roads and equestrian trails with connectability to the show grounds. “I think this council has taken a lot of equestrian issues to heart,” Willhite said, refuting allegations that the council has ignored the wishes of the Equestrian Preserve Committee. “I didn’t ask for this. It was brought to us. I’m only approving the wishes of the residents. It’s being paid for by the residents.” Councilman John McGovern said he had not been on the council for the whole process, but that his first constituent call after being appointed had been from Biggs. “I have gone back and asked

staff to provide survey results and the discussions of the council so I could fully verse myself in what is going on with this issue,” he said, but he said he thought the issue at hand was to protect the village. Vice Mayor John Greene said the important issue was that it was driven by a vast majority of residents in that community, and pointed out that final approval would be after another public hearing. Mayor Bob Margolis agreed that 74 percent of the Saddle Trail residents had approved the project, and he would be insulted if he were in a community that had approved such a project and then had people from outside the community telling him that it was good or bad. “You came to us, and we helped you vet the process,” Margolis said. Greene made a motion to approve the road ownership resolutions, which carried 5-0. Resolutions to approve the intent to impose a special assessment and to set a public hearing for Tuesday, April 14 also passed 5-0.

POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414-7458. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Town-Crier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414-7458.

CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Jacqueline Corrado • Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

MEMBER OF

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce The Wellington Chamber of Commerce

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 5

NEWS

Equestrian Aid Foundation Presents Luminary Award To Bellissimo The equestrian community gathered together on Sunday, Feb. 22 for the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s “A Night of Legends.” It was an evening of cocktails, dinner and unique entertainment held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to raise money to support horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from illness or catastrophic injury. White Horse Catering provided a delicious buffet with Mediterranean cuisine for VIP members, and local food trucks showcased their best offerings for purchase. Coti Collins and Ted Brightwell brought smiles and joy to guests when they took the stage as Judy Garland, Reba McEntire and Barbra Streisand for the surprise mu-

sical performance. They opened with a magnificent spotlight on the songs of Garland by Collins that included a duet with Brightwell as Streisand. Then Brightwell dazzled during a Funny Girl blend of “I’m the Greatest Star” and “My Man.” During intermission, Equestrian Aid Foundation President Stephanie Riggio Bulger gave the 2015 Luminary Award to Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo for all his positive efforts to enhance the equestrian community. “It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award,” Bellissimo said. “The Equestrian Aid Foundation serves as a lifeline to horsemen in need, and with all

the wonderful work that they do to support our community, it is humbling to be honored for my contributions.” Riggio Bulger thanked Belliissimo for his ongoing support. “Our organization is incredibly grateful to Mark for the remarkable opportunities that he creates within the horse world, making it efficient and welcoming,” Riggio Bulger said. “Shining a light on his success and how he helps with the Equestrian Aid Foundation was our way of thanking him.” Following the break, Collins and Brightwell returned to the stage for the second set, delighting the audience with some modern Streisand melodies and culminating with a Reba McEntire mix.

Stephanie Riggio Bulger, Georgina Bloomberg and Ali Sirota.

Mark and Katherine Bellissimo.

A live auction allowed patrons to bid on an exclusive list of packages, which included an African safari, a trip to a movie premiere, an all-inclusive yacht excursion and more. One lucky guest went home with a diamond donated by Jose Aman at Diamante Atelier as part of the diamond drop raffle. Kimberly Van Kampen Boyer hosted the event along with cochairs Robert Ross, Stephanie Riggio Bulger, Monique Huntington Ketiz and Missy Luczak Smith. Guests headed to the Grille after the event for an after party with a percentage of profits benefiting the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Learn more about the nonprofit organization at www.equestrian aidfoundation.org.

Mark Bellissimo receives the Luminary Award from Stephanie Riggio Bulger, Kimberly Van Kampen Boyer and Kressa Peterson.

Coti Collins and Ted Brightwell entertain the crowd during the “A Night of Legends” show.

Jane Thomas, Chris Vance and Karin Offield.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

LEAGUE OPENS BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL SEASONS IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

Royal Palm Beach Youth Baseball kicked off its new season at Willows Park on Saturday, Feb. 21 with more than 400 families gathering to start the baseball and softball season. For more information, visit www.youthbaseballrpb.com. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Board members Tedd Kenny, Joe Mazzeo, Katherine Lange, Richard Andrew, Roger Mills, Alexandria Valencia and Martin McKenna. Not shown: Bill Nadolna.

Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach President Richard Andrew.

No one stacks up to 6250 Lantana Rd.

Lake Worth 561-304-0707 1250 Northlake Blvd.

Lake Park 561-881-8900 551 N. SR. 7 (441)

Royal Palm Beach 561-333-5332 Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm www.batteriesplus.com

4.99

15.00

Watch & Battery Installation

Off Smartphone or Tablet Screen Repair

Limit 2. Some makes, models or styles may be excluded. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 12.31.15. DM019

Limit 2. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 12.31.15. DM050

DM019 ©

Mayor Matty Mattioli throws out the first pitch to start baseball sesaon.

Shea McKenna opens softball season with the first pitch.

towncrier - 2015bw.pdf 1 1/13/2015 12:53:11 PM

Page 6

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

CRIME NEWS

Tailgate Stolen From Truck Parked In RPB By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report FEB. 22 — A deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home on Waterway Road last Sunday afternoon regarding the theft of automobile parts. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, someone detached and removed the tailgate from the victim’s 2012 Ford F-350, valued at $1,500. Two fishing poles and a Skil saw, together valued at $850, were also removed from the truck bed. ••• FEB. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was contacted by a resident of the Victoria Grove community last Tuesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 8 a.m. on Feb. 17, someone removed the victim’s work Apple iPad Air, valued at $600, and Samsung Galaxy S4, phone, valued at $400, from his work truck, a 2015 Toyota Tacoma, parked on his driveway. According to the report, the cell phone was in a dashboard cubby and the iPad was on the floor behind the passenger seat. There were no signs of forced entry, and the victim is unsure whether or not the vehicle was left unlocked. FEB. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on 73rd Court North in The Acreage last Tuesday evening regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., someone entered the victim’s residence and removed an Apple iPod, valued at $200, a Samsung Galaxy tablet, valued at $600, and a Nintendo video game console, valued at $400. According to the report, jewelry was also missing from the home. Additionally, the victim noted that the back sliding door is typically left unlocked. There were no signs of forced entry. According to the report, a neighbor recalled noticing an unknown white male teenager walking in the area at approximately 9 a.m. acting suspiciously. FEB. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Bed, Bath & Beyond store on State Road 7 last Tuesday evening regarding a

case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:54 and 7:30 p.m. last Tuesday, an unknown black male and female stole a red KitchenAid stand mixer, valued at $399, from the store, fleeing the area in a black Ford Excursion. FEB. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road last Wednesday afternoon regarding a shoplifting incident. According to a PBSO report, Bryan Thiemann was observed exiting the store with a pair of shorts, men’s socks, a six-pack of energy drinks and one juice drink, valued at $61.96, bypassing all points of purchase. Thiemann was arrested and charged with retail theft. FEB. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Raintree Lane in Sugar Pond Manor last Friday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Thursday night and 8:30 a.m. last Friday, someone stole an outdoor decoration, valued at $175, that was hanging on the front of the victim’s home. FEB. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was contacted by a resident of 83rd Lane North in The Acreage last Saturday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 a.m. last Friday and 9 a.m. last Saturday, someone stole the victim’s white cockatiel, valued at $200. The bird was in its cage at the time of the theft. FEB. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road last Saturday regarding a shoplifting incident. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 1:15 p.m., an unknown male, approximately 25 to 30 years old, 5’10” tall and 180 pounds, with black hair and facial hair, was observed removing two rifle scopes and a trail camera, valued at $259.91, from the store. According to the report, when stopped by a loss prevention representative, the man gave up the products and fled the area. FEB. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the Mall at Wellington Green last Saturday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. See BLOTTER, page 21

PBSO Seeks Suspect For Debit Card Fraud The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted for debit card fraud. An unknown man entered a local 7-Eleven store with a fraudulent debit card and successfully conducted three ATM transactions getting more than $500 in cash. The victim resides in Louisiana and was in possession of her credit card when these ATM transactions occurred. The suspect is approximately 20 to 25 years of age, 5’8” to 5’11” with an athletic build, short black hair and a goatee. This incident occurred on Feb. 10 at 8:30 p.m. at the 7-Eleven store on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Anyone who can identify the suspect is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.

Video surveillance captured images of this man, wanted in connection with debit card fraud.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Michael Edwards is a white male, 5’9” tall and weighing 220 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 12/13/67. Edwards is wanted on felony charges for dealing in stolen property, grand theft and false verification of ownership, as well as misdemeanor charges for failure to appear for a jury trial, the possession of marijuana and the possession of drug paraphernalia. His last known addresses were 58th Place North in The Acreage and 40th Street in Wellington. He is wanted as of 02/19/15. • Sarah Midgley is a white female, 5’7” tall and weighing 125 lbs., with brown hair, hazel eyes and a tattoo on her right arm. Her date of birth is 01/02/87. Midgley is wanted on felony charges for dealing in stolen property, grand theft and false verification of ownership. Her address is listed as at large. She is wanted as of 02/19/15. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Michael Edwards

Sarah Midgley

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

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 7

ROYAL PALM BEACH VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 2

Darrell Lange Hopes To Bring A New Voice To The RPB Council

By Chris Felker Town-Crier Staff Report Former Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commissioner Darrell Lange casts himself as an outsider who has valuable experience voters cannot afford to ignore as he faces incumbent Vice Mayor Dave Swift and former Councilwoman Martha Webster in a threeway race for Seat 2 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in the Tuesday, March 10 election. Several times in an interview with the Town-Crier, Lange stressed that he is most interested in hearing ideas from more varied viewpoints on issues facing the village than his opponents or the current village hierarchy are. A former six-year member of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, Lange said he has no ax to grind against either opponent. He insisted that he’s in it to win, not to be a spoiler. “Honestly, if I didn’t think I had a chance to win, I wouldn’t [be running],” he said. “I think I have a good chance. I think I have a good base. I think my name recognition is fine.” Lange said he chose to run because he was tired of the same faces in the same positions. “The Village of Royal Palm Beach

deserves more than a rematch,” he said. The 50-year-old Lange is a native of Palm Beach County who grew up in the Lake Park/Riviera Beach area and graduated from Suncoast High School. He has lived with his wife and three sons in Royal Palm Beach for 14 years and is employed with the Palm Beach County Capital Projects Department as a project supervisor. Lange participated in youth athletic programs as a youngster and has strived to repay the opportunity, he said, by coaching various sports teams for more than a decade. He is also assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 111 based in the village. Lange started in the hardware business after high school, working his way up the corporate ladder. He left that line of work after his employer was bought out. After attending the Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design for several years, he started working with architectural firms. “I got to work on country clubs and schools, and hundred-million-dollar towers and high-rises,” he said. Lange said his current job has been a great primer for local government. “I deal with developers and mul-

tiple municipalities throughout the county,” he said. “I get to interact with a lot of those professionals at different levels.” Lange is also very proud of his volunteer work with children. “There’s nothing better than to be involved with a program over a long time and to have children that you knew at age 5 still calling you ‘coach’ at 15,” he said. “I’m very proud of that kind of involvement with the community — the direct involvement.” He emphasized that in his professional experience, even some of the smaller voices in a room can be the source of excellent new ideas, whether they’re junior workers or supervisors in the field. “I want to enhance the legacy of Royal Palm Beach and to build off those different viewpoints. I want to be the one to encourage our residents to get more involved,” he said. Getting more outside viewpoints is also a key part of his goals for the future. “I want to successfully bring developers and residents into a partnership with the village staff,” Lange said. “If you have that partnership and you have residents ready to invest their time and their future to keep our neighborhood

and hometown feel, that would be a big accomplishment.” He said the top three issues of the campaign include the State Road 7 extension, which may require pushing from local governments since financing has been delayed. Lange also cited “future development of some of our empty spaces, such as the spot across the street from the high school, Cypress Key and the senior center.” He wants the village to be more creative when it comes to dealing with traffic. “We need to make sure that we’re looking at lane changes, plus lights, plus visual lanes. For example, putting in a bike lane, you’re able to reduce [the size of] the lanes, and people tend to drive slower if they think the lanes are narrower,” he said. “I think it’s not just one approach, it has to be a comprehensive approach.” Lange said that Village Manager Ray Liggins is generally doing a good job but faulted him for the lack of advance information being disseminated to residents before proposals reach the council. “It’s not that I want to increase work for the staff, but I think we can, as a council, working with Mr. Liggins, make sure that we don’t have an issue like we did at

Crestwood [the former wastewater treatment plant site], where they spent money and staff time with an idea that the residents were absolutely against,” he said. Lange does not believe that rising costs for maintaining Commons Park will put a hole in the village budget. “I’m not convinced there needs to be budget shortfalls,” he said. “I think when it comes to Commons Park and our other parks that we do a very good job on, we’re kind of a victim of our own success. The more we use it, the more maintenance, the more ideas we have to come up with, but what we’re also seeing is an increase in revenue. Real estate values are up 9 percent, and if we keep getting back to where that rises, you’re going to see… more revenue come into the village.” He suggested that the village should seek more support from local stakeholders. “Who can we bring in as a partner to the community? Can we get sponsorships, bigger sponsorships, with our sports?” Lange asked. “Can we bring the county in more?” About traffic jams at major events at Commons Park, Lange said the village should reconsider small-scale mass transit by utiliz-

Darrell Lange ing unused village parking areas and perhaps a rented trolley to expedite travel. He also noted that a pedestrian entrance at the north end will help because it offers an option for nearby residents to avoid driving. Regarding Lennar’s new residential community at the former wastewater treatment plant site, Lange said he wants it to be compatible with the area and to provide some green space. “I think definitely we have to keep the same atmosphere of See LANGE, page 21

Dave Swift Puts Focus On His Experience, Accomplishments

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Two years after winning Royal Palm Beach Village Council Seat 2 from then-Councilwoman Martha Webster, Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Dave Swift must fend off two challengers to keep the seat for another two years. Aside from Webster, who wants her old seat back, former Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commissioner Darrell Lange is also seeking the post in the Tuesday, March 10 municipal election. Swift, 70, is a 38-year resident of Royal Palm Beach who has served as a councilman on and off for more than 20 years. He lives in La Mancha with his wife, Nixie. “I moved here in 1978,” he said, noting that the population of Royal Palm Beach back then was just a few thousand people. Professionally, Swift worked for 35 years at the South Florida Water Management District as an environmental scientist. As part of his job, he would go into the Everglades and collect water quality samples to document the relationship between runoff and effects on plant and animal life. Later, he moved on to the planning department and worked on projects focused on Lake Okeechobee. He has also had a long career in public service. Before he was first elected to the council in 1985, Swift served as the chairman of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission. Swift retired from the SFWMD in 2011, and the state’s retirement system required him to leave his municipal post for at least a year. He resigned, and later mounted a

successful challenge to Webster in 2013. He highlights his top accomplishments as helping the village with its parks and finances. “Overall, with the sale of our water utility and the current sale of the Crestwood tract, that has generated about $100 million in revenue for the village over the last nine years, and that’s what basically kept the village from laying people off and cutting programs over that period of time. Plus, we built a $23 million park,” he said. “I think those are very good deals for the village and will be good deals for some time.” Veterans Park, Commons Park and the other 22 parks the village has are also important accomplishments, he noted, along with his work lobbying for the extension of State Road 7 to Northlake Blvd. “I have a lot of experience,” Swift said. “I think I know how to resolve problems, especially when people are very heated.” As an example, he pointed to the recent concerns regarding pedestrian paths at the north end of Commons Park. When there were concerns about the proposed path, village staff brought everyone concerned in golf carts to see where the proposed path would be set. The staff utilized GPS to show what the path would look like on the map. “Everybody went away happy,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot about how to resolve these kinds of issues.” Over the next two years, Swift’s main goals include building a senior living facility at Commons Park and dealing with new development both in the village and nearby. “There are four large

projects coming into the village. There are two large housing projects coming in. We’ll have to take a look at those and how compatible they’ll be for the people next door,” he said. Most off all, his goal is to keep a council that continues to work together as a team. “For me, I think the council works together well,” he said. “I think we’re recovering from the county commissioner campaign and who supported who and all that kind of stuff, but we’ll all get past that over time.” The proposed charter high school on Okeechobee Blvd. is also an issue coming to the spotlight. “We have been approached by a real estate agent who would like us to consider that piece of land next to Porto Sol, and it is land that the village owns, and it is for a public purpose. We think a school is a public purpose, so we’re looking at it,” he said. With many pros and cons about bringing a charter high school in, Swift said he’s interested in learning more. “There’s a lot of people in Royal Palm who would like to see another option for their children, and I’m certainly willing to look at this issue,” he said. Swift was disappointed that the planned International Baccalaureate program did not materialize at Royal Palm Beach High School and noted that at least 1,000 village students go to high schools outside the community. That is a key factor in the charter school decision, he said. “The questions I have are: How big of an impact would it be if they opened the school? Are they capturing kids from Royal

Palm Beach High School or other schools?” he said. Traffic has been a problem in Royal Palm Beach, and getting the delayed connection of SR 7 to Northlake Blvd. is a top priority for Swift. “We are fighting for State Road 7. We want that connection to Northlake,” he said. “We’re going up to Tallahassee on [March 3-4], so we can meet with the legislators.” Making the project move forward, finding funding and pushing for action is the main focus of the upcoming Tallahassee trip, he explained. Swift likes the job Village Manager Ray Liggins has been doing. “Ray is extremely knowledgeable about development,” he said. “He’s extremely knowledgeable about how a manager [operates]. Ray will sit down and tell you both sides of the issue, and you kind of need to pick what makes sense. He does a very good job of incorporating all five of us and our concerns. That is why Royal Palm Beach works well.” The rising costs of operating Commons Park have been a problem, but Swift said that there will be some public discussion soon about how much the park costs, how much it is being used, and about the various recreational programs that exist to determine whether the park programs are a good use of the village’s revenue. “There is a lot of money being spent in recreation,” he said. “It makes sense to look at that carefully.” Regarding the former wastewater treatment property recently sold to Lennar for residential

development, Swift noted that the plan incorporates well into the surrounding neighborhoods. “The folks clearly told us they wanted to have the same kinds of housing designs and setbacks as Madison Green and Saratoga, and they are,” he said. “We’ve done what they asked, and we think we have a product that is very similar to the surrounding communities.” While his opponent Webster has expressed concerns with the plan, Swift wants to move forward. “I’m not ready to go backward on that. We spent a lot of time to get there. We have a park, we have lakes and we have specific setbacks in the site plan we provided. We are expecting them to meet the requirements that we gave them,” he said. Over the next 20 years, the population of Palm Beach County is predicted to increase dramatically. That will require better regional planning, Swift said. “We don’t have the long-term planning that we need. Along with The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves and the Village of Wellington, we need to sit down and decide and plan for the future of these roadway systems and how people are going to get around,” he said. As of now, Swift said, there isn’t a plan. “Understand that development is going to occur,” he said. “People are coming.” For the future of Royal Palm Beach, Swift expects that there will be more benefits for residents, a senior living complex and planning for how to react for other developments such as Minto West. “There are 300,000 people, they tell me, coming [to Palm Beach

Dave Swift County] in the next 20 years. We’ve got to make some plans for it, because it’s going to happen,” he said. Swift said his top strength is that he is interested in helping the village. “People come to me about code enforcement, people come to me about building problems,” he said. “I do a lot more talking to people than I used to. I like to solve problems. That’s what I like about this job… My interest is in helping the residents.” Voters should vote for him, Swift said, for many reasons. “I think, of all the people up there, I have the most history in Royal Palm Beach,” he said. “I’ve been involved in all the major improvements we’ve made in the last 20 years, and we have made a lot of good choices over a long period of time. I would say to voters, if you like what you see in Royal Palm Beach, I’m one of the people who built most of this. If you like what you see, vote for me.”

‘Community’ The Focus In Webster’s Bid To Return To Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Former Councilwoman Martha Webster is challenging Vice Mayor Dave Swift for Seat 2 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, which Webster held until two years ago, when Swift defeated her in his bid to return to the council after an 18-month hiatus. Also in the three-way race is former Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commissioner Darrell Lange. The election will be held Tuesday, March 10. Webster, 66, has lived in Royal Palm Beach twice, first in 1979. “I moved into a house on Camellia Drive, and my daughter was born three days later,” Webster told the Town-Crier on Monday. She left the village in 1981 and returned in 1998. “One of the reasons I came back was that it is a wonderful family community,” Webster said. “In 1979, it was a long way away from things… so we made that change, but we came back because of what Royal Palm Beach is.” Holding a master’s degree in education, Webster returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom and worked for several years at Consumer Credit Counseling as director of housing, two years for the United Way as director of community initiatives and then at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Sciences. She eventually got her tenure there while she was the director of the 4-H program. She retired in 2011. Webster cites returning to college later in life among her top accomplishments. “I left school in my junior year,” she said, “and in my midlife, I went back to school and finished my degree, and went on to get my master’s degree.”

She also thinks getting elected was a top accomplishment. “I never thought I’d do that,” Webster said. “When I was elected after my second try, I jumped in to learn how to be a good representative for the people.” Webster served five years on the council before losing her seat to Swift in 2013. She made an unsuccessful bid for mayor last year, coming in third in a fourway race. While on the council, she became involved with the Palm Beach County League of Cities and was appointed to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. “I think that was an amazing five years, certainly a lot more than I ever expected it to be, and I sure enjoyed representing the people,” Webster said. “That’s why I’m back now. I think I’d like to focus more this time on ‘quality communities.’” Webster believes that she is the best person to serve on the council because she has a good mix of qualifications. “One of my opponents has community experience, and my other opponent has endless years as an elected official,” she said. “I can tell you after stepping back for two years, it gives you a good perspective at looking at things in a different way.” Her goals, if elected, include completing some of the projects already started, especially a senior assisted living facility. “That is a missing part in the housing component of the village,” Webster said. “I know many people who have had to make decisions regarding their parents or family members, and it’s tough not having a place to go close by that works for them.”

She thinks the parcel under discussion for a senior facility at Commons Park has a lot of positive attributes, including being on a bus line and having the amenities of the park nearby. “It’s within walking distance of the library and shopping, and close to medical facilities and firerescue, so unless somebody can really convince me that another location could do better than that, it looks like a really good fit,” Webster said. In this campaign, Webster hopes to give the voters a clear view of their choices. “We’ve got three candidates, one who has a lot of experience and is pulling on all of that experience,” Webster said. “He also states that he almost singlehandedly developed the village. He’s one of five votes, just as I was up there. Then, we have someone who is new, which I think is always a good thing. We want to see new people come in and become part of our council.” Another issue will be to find a way to fill vacant commercial space in the village. “We have some filling out problems,” she said. “What are we going to do with commercial that doesn’t have tenants? What are we going to do with some of our communities that are rather stagnant? ‘Quality communities’ mean that we need to be looking at those.” To ease existing and future traffic problems within the village, she would like to contract a traffic consultant to do a complete study. “I would like to see a consultant come in and take an entire look at the village, what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what roadways need either opening up or widening, or other roads,

and begin to prioritize what’s the highest concern, what’s the cost, and start working on a long-range plan,” Webster said. She thinks Village Manager Ray Liggins has been doing a fine job. “Overall, Ray has a good knowledge of the village,” Webster said. “He has concern for the village and is a resident of the village.” With a fairly static budget, the village is expected to face rising maintenance costs, such as at Commons Park, but Webster thinks residents want the village to support the park system. “We all know the parks are not revenue generators. We know that we pay for them,” she said. “We also know that this is something the residents value highly, so they want to see to it that programs continue.” The village recently sold its former wastewater treatment plant property to Lennar for residential development, and Webster said she would be looking for compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods when site plans are submitted. She pointed out that the task force that she chaired wanted open areas, parks and natural areas. She would be looking at the lot size and where they are being placed, and whether there is open space. “We also have to look at traffic coming in and out,” Webster added. Asked about any effects the Aldi project off State Road 7 would have, Webster said the initial projection of 300 jobs for the village included construction workers. “It was my understanding that they keep minimal staff and the actual distribution center would be 90 people, with 10 coming in from their upper management,”

she said. “That leaves 80, which is good.” Webster said she would like to see other large vacant pieces of property filled, and new commercial and industrial development in approved locations. “There are some great ideas out there and some innovative things that other communities are doing, but our residents don’t want it,” she said. “We need to be aware of what they do and don’t want.” Webster asserted that the Minto West project approved by Palm Beach County is going to force the village to pay for infrastructure improvements not covered by Minto’s impact fees. “I opposed Minto because… we are going to have to put resources into the impacts that are going to be caused by this,” she said, citing roads, schools and potential crime. “We’re going to have to work with other entities to solve the problem.” Asked about the status of Royal Palm Beach High School and what the village can do to help, Webster said Principal Jesus Armas has done a wonderful job at the school. “He listens to the people,” she said. “He seems to understand what it takes to improve the school.” Regarding a charter high school that has been proposed across the street from the public high school, Webster said that she has heard a lot of pros and cons about charter vs. public schools and she looks at charters from the standpoint of whether it would better the village. “There is a segment of families that want their children in charter schools,” she said. Asked why she chose to run for Seat 2 in a three-way race rather than Seat 4 held by Councilman Fred Pinto, who went unopposed,

Martha Webster Webster said she favors term limits. Although Swift has technically held the seat for only two years, he has been on and off the council for more than two decades. “I think that sitting there too long is not a good thing,” she said. Webster pointed out that she has been endorsed by Mayor Matty Mattioli and former County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. “I think it’s important to say that David [Swift] came on under the auspices that he could do better than me, and now, here it is two years later, and they’re not supporting him,” she said. “They don’t seem to care to work with him any longer.” Webster said voters should vote for her because she has the energy, commitment and heart to work for them. “I bring with me some very good experience both on the community and governing side,” she said. “I don’t get angry, and I don’t hold grudges. There’s misunderstandings, but we’re all working for the village.”

Page 8

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS BRIEFS Dressage Show, Plant Sale At White Fences

White Fences Equestrian Center on Hanover Circle in the White Fences community will host its 10th annual Welcome Back to White Fences I dressage show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 1. Dressage riders ranging from training level to grand prix level will be competing. There will be vendors selling tack, supplements, saddles, boots and helmets. The weekend will also feature a plant sale with many vendors, including AK Caribbean Nursery with fruit trees, Calusa Palms Nursery with rare flowering trees, ornamentals and palms, as well as vendors with Kaler Orchids, carnivorous plants and herbs. For more information, visit www.whitefencesflorida.com.

Gardening Week Events March 8 In Wellington

The Wellington Garden Club

will celebrate Wellington Garden Week with a Horticultural Day and Plant Sale on Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. The event is free and open to the public. The day will include a plant sale of nursery-grown and membergrown shrubs, trees and flowers. The sale also includes vegetable plants, gardening books and decorative garden items. There will be a raffle of a flowering tree, orchids and more, as well as an “ask the experts” table and a lecture series. The first lecture is “Landscape Makeovers” at 1 p.m. by Pamela Crawford, a nationally known garden author and landscape architect, who will draw sketches of great ideas for your garden. Bring photos of an area of your yard that needs improvement. Next is “Florida Friendly Landscaping” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by master gardeners Inger Jones and Mona Johnston. Learn how to incorporate Florida-friendly landscaping principles into your yard and get it certified as a Floridafriendly backyard habitat. Finally, there is “Bee Understanding” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

presented by beekeeper Al Salopek. Learn the important role honeybees play in the food supply chain. Proceeds will benefit the Wellington Garden Club’s civic beautification, environmental and youth programs. For more information, visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

Purim Program At RPB Chabad

On Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., author, musician, educator and peace activist Dr. Dave Lazerson will be celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim at Chabad of Royal Palm Beach. Advanced adult tickets are $20, children’s tickets are $10, Chai members are $15 and tickets at the door are $25. For more information, visit www.jewishroyalpalm. com or call (561) 225-1766.

Cring & Clazzy At St. Michael Church March 1

The duo known across the country as Cring & Clazzy will be

performing “567: Go Tell it from the Mount” on Sunday, March 1 at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. at St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church (1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington) featuring music, stand-up comedy, stories and singing. Cring, a composer, international blogger and screenwriter, adapts his Broadway-style musical Mountain in a “lean and keen” format, along with Ms. Clazzy, his sidekick and partner in creativity. Janet is an oboist, composer and expert on the Yamaha WX5 Wind Machine. The musical, 567, is a meshing of the great thoughts, feelings and heart from the Sermon on the Mount mingled with current insights and even an occasional contemporary twist. The show runs 50 minutes in length with no intermission. “I’ve always believed that the key to great performance is to leave people inspired, so that they are glad they allowed themselves to become open and feel free,” Cring explained. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to come to the area to present a piece of quality material that normally would cost $100 a ticket

on Broadway, but can be enjoyed by a good set of ears for a free-will offering,” Janet added. For more information, call St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church at (561) 793-4999.

Valerie Tyson Band At Dolly Hand Feb. 28

Back by popular demand, the Valerie Tyson Band is returning to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. for a free outdoor concert. With a lineup that features all styles of music from the 1950s to today, there’s sure to be something for everyone with the Valerie Tyson Band. Local food and gift vendors will be joining in on the fun, so come out early for dinner and a little shopping starting at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy. The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located on Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade Campus at 1977 College Drive in Belle Glade. For more information, call (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org.

Ally Taveras Benefit Feb. 28 At Gaines Park

A benefit event is being held Saturday, Feb. 28 at Gaines Park (1501 N. Australian Ave., West Palm Beach) from noon to 4 p.m. to remember Ally Taveras, a Roosevelt Middle School student who suffered from juvenile diabetes and passed away unexpectedly Dec. 22. I.A.S. Ent. Inc. is sponsoring and hosting the event, where all donations will benefit the Taveras family and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Featured artists include Reign, Ashley Renée, Po’et, Lyric, Kevie, KZ Boii, Palm Beach Matrix and Prosperity. Guest speakers include Chef DP, health coaches from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and other special guests. For more information, call (561) 603-7801 or an e-mail to ThatIASLife@gmail.com. There will be raffles, a bounce house, an Instagram booth and other fun and games. To donate to the family of Allyson Taveras, visit www. gofundme.com/kxb5ow.

Quality Care of All Foot and Ankle Disorders for Children, Adults and Seniors. Conservative Treatments and Advanced Surgical Procedures. • Diabetic foot care & shoe provider • Bunions & hammer toes • Fungal & ingrown toenails

• Heal & arch pain • Fractures & sprains of the foot & ankle • Wound care

Wellington 1041 State Rd. 7, Suite 5 561.328.8066

Boynton Beach 8200 Jog Rd., Suite 205 561.364.9584

PremierPodiatryGroup.com

Adam J. Katz, DPM, FACFAS Board Certified in Foot Surgery, American Board of Podiatric Surgery TownCrier-PremierPodiatry-Ad-FINAL.indd 1

6/17/14 11:07 AM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 9

NEWS

RECEPTION AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOR ARTIST EMMANUEL GONZALEZ

A reception was held at the Whole Foods Market gallery in Wellington on Friday, Feb. 20 for Wellington Art Society member artist Emmanuel Gonzalez. The event was hosted by Whole Foods Market and the Wellington Art Society with live jazz music, delicious appetizers and wine. Gonzales’ artwork will be featured at Whole Foods until mid-March. For more info., visit www.emmanuelart.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Brody, Cassandra and Jake McGilvray.

Christiane, Emmanuel and Jean Gonzales.

Faye Ford (left) won a painting of a rose.

Jennifer and Alexis Oms won an orchid.

Paulette Weiss, Susan Mosely, Suzanne Redmond, Corinne Ingerman and Leslie Pfeiffer.

Emmanuel Gonzales with his painting Hibiscus.

Featured artist Emmanuel Gonzales with Suzanne Redmond.

Tara Murray of Whole Foods Market, artist Emmanuel Gonzales and Wellington Art Society President Donna Donelan.

BAZAAR & RUMMAGE SALE AT ST. DAVID’S-IN-THE-PINES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington held a Bazaar and Rummage Sale on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday Feb. 22. There were plenty of bargains on books, household items, toys and more. Baked goods, drinks and food were available for purchase.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Jean Meserlian and Cindy Weeks display their handmade knitted items.

Helen Ainsley and Hadas Ememheiser.

FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD HANDS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SM

J UST FO R C ALLI N G Never get stranded again. With Good HandsSM Roadside Assistance, you get low, flat rates on everything from tows to tire changes. Pay only if you use it. So before you hit the road, get free peace of mind. Call me today!

MICHAEL REYNOLDS 561-790-5906

121143

13873 WELLINGTON TRACE STE #B13 WELLINGTON a0a6894@allstate.com

John and Olga Jaramillo show off their hobby horses.

Kitty Lanamann with Ashlyn, Audrey and Andrew Della Vecchia.

Page 10

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

G&A is continuously fusing in-depth legal experience, high level customer service, and custom built technology to find optimal solutions for our clients.

I am very pleased to announce that attorney Cathy Kamber has joined the firm. Ms. Kamber brings with her 35 years of legal experience in family matters like divorce, paternity, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and child custody and child visitation issues. Ms. Kamber has attained the highest rating available (AV-Rated) on Martindale Hubbell. Ms. Kamber’s addition is reflective of my commitment to provide the most comprehensive and diverse legal services to our Wellington community. - Blanca Greenstein

• Family Law • Litigation • Business Formation and Transactions • Equine Law

• Immigration Law • Real Estate • Wills and Estates • Contract Review and Drafting

561-222-2222 | www.greenstein-law.com Wellington 12300 South Shore Blvd., Suite 210 Wellington, FL 33414

West Palm Beach 1655 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 800 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

Lake Worth 917 N Dixie Highway Lake Worth, FL 33460

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 11

NEWS

HANLEY CENTER FOUNDATION FAMILY PICNIC RETURNS TO SHOW GROUNDS

The Hanley Center Foundation’s annual Family Picnic celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event included VIP seating for world-class show jumping, adult and kid-themed silent auctions, children’s activities and a buffet luncheon. The event raised money for substance abuse prevention programs in local schools. For PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER more info., visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org.

Event chairs and co-chairs Bill and Dena Foman, Michelle and Bob Diffenderfer, Denise Groo, Val Perez, Bill Adams, Dorothy and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Roxanne Stein and Steve Moss.

Lukas and Damyan Intriago listen to Al Salopek talk about honey bees.

Caden, Ella, Shane and Dina Turner.

Sarah Alsofrom of the Hanley Center Foundation with news anchor Roxanne Stein.

Sheriff for a Day winners: Aidan, Alex, Nicky and Craig Skolnic, Daniela and Michael Levenson with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and Ozzie Medeiros and Eddie Schmidt.

George Bridger got his face painted.

Aidan Skolnick spins a plate with stiltwalker Mike Weekly.

Lily Diffenderfer presented Juliette and Stephen Basore with an iPad he won.

KICKOFF PARTY AT MARBAR GRILLE FOR ROYAL PALM BEACH RELAY FOR LIFE

The Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life held a kickoff party on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Madison Green’s MarBar Grille. The meeting helped build excitement for the Relay for Life, which will be held on April 25-26 at Royal Palm Beach High School. “Music Through the Ages” PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER will be the theme.

Todd and Chris Wax with event co-chair Rob Hill.

The Breakfast Club team.

Janet Stanton shows off her artwork, which will be used to raise funds.

Cheryl Dunn Bychek and Margaret Bychek.

Page 12

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Jess R. Santamaria invites you to his th March 6

COMMUNITY FORUM

Presentation by 100O FRIENDS OF FLORIDA Advocates for the preservation of the “quality of life”of all Florida residents

ROYAL PALM BEACH & LOXAHATCHEE GROVES

CANDIDATES FOR THE MARCH 10th ELECTIONS ARE EACH INVITED TO

GIVE A 5 MINUTE PRESENTATION EXPLAINING THEIR PLATFORMS. CANDIDATES MUST CALL 793-2350 BEFORE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th TO CONFIRM PARTICIPATION.

NOTE: There will be no debate and no questions from the public.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6th, 2015 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

at the “Original” Wellington Mall Southeast corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 13

Page 14

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Keith Harris Right & Proper Government Candidate for

Loxahatchee GrovesTown Council, Seat 3

I Want the Job to Serve My Neighbors in Town Council The agricultural core of Loxahatchee joins neighbors, in mutual respect, lifestyle and agrarian pursuits.

It is our governing body’s duty to protect our open spaces, and fortify the survival of low density population. My plans are to live in Loxahatchee Groves until I meet my maker and I will treat your values as such.

Is it right and proper for a Loxahatchee Groves Town Councilman, to use “hate” campaign tactics on his election website? My presence on council will ensure there will no longer be the need for town citizens to retain legal counsel when dealing with town council. Citizens will no longer feel the need to contact outside agencies for relief. Fear of retaliation from elected public officials will be past history. I will work tirelessly for right and proper government.

How do I intend to serve our town? My job as councilman & public servant is to develop your inputs for results that benefit the many – not the few or the one. My service to you – my neighbors – will be transparent, accountable and financially responsible. Now is the time and the opportunity for the voters of Loxahatchee Groves to set standards to have equal influence in the policy making process. I want the opportunity to ensure citizens of Loxahatchee Groves protection from political action by advocating term limits. Your current representation on council should not be sufficient for you. The town council of Loxahatchee Groves is suppose to be the guardian of what is right and proper in our community and it is not right nor proper for council to fund no bid contracts, offer actions of favoritism and have two policy making bodies. Is this anyway to run our town? I affirm the values of representative democracy, citizen participation, strong community leadership, professional management and regional cooperation

I am qualified to make government work for us, not against us! Endorsed by: • Red Barn Feed & Supply • The British Feed Company

Endorsed by: Former Palm Beach County Commissioner

Jess Santamaria

Endorsed by: • Groves Horsemans Association • Heads-Up Media

Vote: Mar 10 – Palms West Presbyterian Church For information on Keith Harris, his views or to ask questions, visit www.voteharrisforcouncil.com Campaign funds in part donated by Loxahatchee residents. This political advertisement is paid for and approved by Keith Harris for Loxahatchee Groves Town Council Seat No. 3

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Royal Palm Chiropractor Scott Snyder Completes Cranial Release Training Dr. Scott Snyder, a chiropractic physician based in Royal Palm Beach, recently completed a fourday mastery class in the Cranial Release Technique, a therapeutic, hands-on procedure designed to improve health by restoring proper function to the nervous system and proper balance to body structure. The program in West Palm Beach was presented by certified instructors affiliated with Cranial Release Technique Inc., a national training institute based in New York City. The organization trains healthcare providers in the philosophy, science and practice of the Cranial Release Technique and educates the public about the health-promoting benefits of cranial-based healthcare. The 24 classroom-hour lecture and hands-on course covered a range of topics, including the anatomy of the cranium and spinal col-

umn, and a thorough exploration of the principles and mechanics of the Cranial Release Technique process. In a process lasting only a few minutes, the Cranial Release Technique facilitates a release of long-standing strains within the cranial and nervous systems and promotes relaxation of the nervous system and muscle tissue tension throughout the body. “This procedure allows the brain and central nervous system to move to a higher, more organized level of function,” said Dr. William C. Doreste, CEO of Cranial Release Technique Inc. “Patients experience a return to health and restoration of balance in life’s emotional and physical aspects.” Snyder, whose office is located at 11328 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 9, in Royal Palm Beach, can be contacted at (561) 798-8899.

Napoleon

will be special treats from caterer Chef Keisha, who will be serving steak tidbits, brown rice and veggies, chicken, shrimp and triscotti, which are all gluten-free, but if any four-legged friends have allergies, feel free to bring your own snacks. The intent of Koder’s party is to celebrate Napoleon as well as help support the Animal Rescue Force shelter. In lieu of a gift, she requests that an item, preferably for cats, be donated to the shelter.

Some of the things the shelter needs include canned or dry food that is not opened or expired, litter boxes, trash bags, disinfectants, toys, paper towels, flea treatments, clean old towels and disposable gloves. To contact Koder, send an e-mail to gvkoder@aol.com. For more information about Animal Rescue Force, call (561) 586-2126 or visit www.animalrescueforce.org.

Honorees Announced For HaitianAmerican Human Progress Award

Honorees for the Haitian-American Solidarity Center (HASC) Human Progress Award were selected on Friday, Feb. 20 at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. An evaluation and selection panel using HASC’s award-nomination criteria and process completed its review and voted on the nominations received. The winners are: Karis Engle with the Glades Initiative; Debbie Stewart with the Palm Beach

County School District; Shandra M. Stringer with Extended Hands Community Outreach and GCI Training & Empowerment Center; Louise Lorraine Voltaire with the Haitian-American Nursing Organization and Allied Hanoa; Lorna Archer Stanley, founder of Operation Restoration Christian School; Elaine Hubbard-Williams with the African-American Research Library and the Palm Beach County School District; and Tracy Spence

Page 15

FAMILY DENTIST GIVES ANTI-TEXTING BUMPER STICKERS TO THE PBSO

Dr. Scott Snyder (left) is presented his certificate.

Doggie Birthday Party Will Benefit Animal Rescue Force

Gemma Koder is holding a birthday party for 10-year-old Napoleon, a Yorkie, on Sunday, March 1 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Fern and Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. Koder is celebrating animals and their companionship with the party for Napoleon. The party will support Animal Rescue Force, a shelter program in West Palm Beach. During Napoleon’s party, there

February 27 - March 5, 2015

with SOMSistahs. The awards will be presented at HASC’s International Women’s History Month Dinner Dance Celebration on Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m. at the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). The theme of the event is “Women are the Main Pillar of Society.” These women are being honored with the Human Progress Award for devoting their talents,

time, resources and energy for the advancement of humanity, and for making meaningful contributions in society through their leadership and noble acts. Proceeds from this event will go to support the Women Self Sufficiency Program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and HASC’s projects in Belle Glade, and throughout Palm Beach County. For more information, contact HASC at (561) 502-8968 or (561) 317-3486.

Lt. David Combs, commander of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 15 is shown holding a plaque with Donna Recchio of Family Dentist of Palm Beach, which has offices in Royal Palm Beach and Lake Worth. The plaque shows Dr. Sunitha Sirivolu and Dr. Manoj Patel presenting “Share To Care” information. “Don’t Text and Drive” bumper stickers were delivered to the sheriff’s office to remind drivers to put down their phones while driving in order to reduce crashes.

Schneider Honored As Tax Problem Solver Jeffrey Schneider has been accepted as a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, a national not-for-profit association of professionals who specialize in representing taxpayers before the IRS. By becoming a member, Schneider will further add to his high level of skills, knowledge and professionalism in the area of tax representation in order to better serve his clients. Contact Schneider at (772) 337-1040 or e-mail him at jeff@ sfstaxproblemsolutions.com.

Jeffrey Schneider

Ofenloch Completes Army Training

Army Pvt. Eric C. Ofenloch recently graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Ga. During the nine-week training period, he received instruction including drill and ceremony,

weapons, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, and armed and unarmed combat. He is the son of Melisa Doss of Wellington and is a 2014 graduate of Wellington High School.

Page 16

February 27 - March 5, 2015

ECMS EMERALDS PERFORM AT WHS BASKETBALL GAME

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

Wellington Landings Students Excel At The Social Studies Academic Games The Social Studies Academic Games teams from Wellington Landings Middle School recently completed their final competitions. After a hard-fought four weeks, the elementary team comprised of sixth graders Max Epstein, Ken Delisi, Alessandra Grace, Noah Groves and Matthew McGann finished in third place. McGann placed ninth and qualified for the state tournament. Delisi finished in fifth place to qualify

for the national tournament. The middle school team comprised of seventh graders Cole Ellis, Nicholas Kapsos, Elijah Villafane, Maddie Nahom and Jonathan Hung, as well as eighth graders Philip Parel, Katie Gulkis, Jonah Smith and Anthony Mancusi, finished in second place defeating the next-closest team by 264 points. Nahom finished in 13th place, Parel finished in 11th, Mancusi in 10th, Villafane in eighth and Hung

in sixth. They all qualified for the state tournament. Smith finished in fifth place to qualify for the national tournament. The students are looking forward to the Florida State Tour-

nament at Palm Springs Middle School on March 7, and for the 50th anniversary Academic Games National Tournament in Orlando from April 24 through April 27.

Emerald Cove’s step team performed at Wellington High School with the WHS step team, the Blue Diamonds, during the Wellington High vs. Palm Beach Central basketball game. It was an amazing experience to support high school basketball and get to show team spirit. ECMS formed a step team this year and this debut performance was a mix of dance and traditional step during the half time show. The crowd cheered for the Emeralds and truly enjoyed the show. Shown here are the step teams.

SCIENCE FAIR HONORS 23 PBCHS STUDENTS

Twenty-three Palm Beach Central High School students received awards at last month’s Palm Beach County Science Fair. Ten students will be advancing to the state competition in April, including: Lindsay Placius (first place, medicine and health), Alex Naum (first place, zoology), Anthony Olive (first place, computer science), Carle Dugan (first place, chemistry), Nikita Bozicevic (first place, microbiology), Goda Graudinis (first place, botany), Amy Polen (second place, zoology), Tristen Wise (second Place, medicine and health), Sarah Rotenberger (second place, mathematics) and Ashlyn Merchant (second place, earth science).

The middle school social studies team.

The elementary social studies team.

RPBES KIDS HELP FIGHT LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA

‘BOOT CAMP’ HELPS STUDENTS PREPARE FOR TESTING AT NHES

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School collected $2,192.49 for the School & Youth Program of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through Pasta For Pennies. The money raised will go to research and patient aid in support of the mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Students emptied their piggy banks, donated their allowances and collected loose change. Donna Murphy’s class raised the most money and received a Pasta Party from Olive Garden. Shown above is Assistant Principal Cristina Fong, Principal Tracy Gaugler, LLS representative Stacy Hewitt and teacher Donna Murphy with her students.

New Horizons Elementary School fourth-grade students recently participated in “Boot Camp” in preparation for the Florida Standards Assessment. They had fun while building stamina by completing numerous reading and math activities in a given time. They also learned and practiced various test-taking reading strategies, including compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect and sequencing. Shown here are fourth-grade students with their teachers Robin Mau and Allyson Gacharna.

Are You Selling ? We are BUYING !

GOLD - SILVER - PLATINUM DIAMONDS - FINE WATCHES DESIGNER JEWELRY & PURSES

ANTIQUES - COLLECTIBLES COINS & PAPER MONEY

8100 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, FL 33467

561-729-0094

5% BONUS

LakeWorthGoldMine.com

with Coupon - not valid on Coins

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

Equestrian Trails Health Fair A Success

Equestrian Trails Elementary School hosted its health fair Thursday, Feb. 5. The event was organized by the Wellness Committee, which is comprised of students, teachers and parents.

More than 30 vendors were on hand, including national organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Epilepsy Foundation, and local doctors such as orthodontists, ophthalmologists

Students participating in one of the physical activities.

and chiropractors. Physical activity programs led demonstrations. Families were also invited to sample many different healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, smoothies, trail mix, hummus

and more. The event brought in more than 100 students and their families. In the future, the school hopes have these vendors return and to increase community involvement.

Students show off their T-shirts.

Golden Grove Elementary Celebrates 11th Annual Jump Rope For Heart Event

On Friday, Feb. 13, Golden Grove Elementary School hosted its 11th annual Jump Rope for Heart event to benefit the American Heart Association. Jump Rope for Heart promotes the importance of exercise, teamwork and community service while raising money for the American Heart Association. The AHA’s mission is to reduce disability and death due to cardiovascular

diseases, stroke and congenital heart defects. Jump Rope for Heart is co-sponsored by the AHA and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, and has been teaching kids the importance of a healthy heart for 36 years. Each child in grades kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the event. The students jumped

Assistant Principal Philip Preddy joins in jumping rope.

Need IMPLANTS? Dental Implant Specialist • Board Certified Periodontist State-of-the-Art Equipment • Digital X-Rays Most Major Insurances Accepted • Emergencies Welcome

PALMS WEST PERIODONTAL

561-792-1212

www.PalmswestPerio.com

A Healthy, Beautiful Smile Starts Here...

685 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite #203 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Regional Professional Building *18 years of experience

Dr. Lauren B. Shack, D.D.S.

at the chance to help fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Heart disease and heart defects have touched the lives of many of the students and faculty this year. Affectionately referred to as “Heart Heroes,” each child at Golden Grove was welcome to write a letter or bring in a picture of a loved one they were jumping in memory or honor of on that day. “It is our privilege to do what we

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 17

FRONTIER STUDENTS SHOW OFF DIORAMA’S

Frontier Elementary School shined at the South Florida Fair in the Florida Agriculture in the classroom diorama contest. Students had to create a diorama on some form of Florida’s agriculture. Third grader Jazmyne Yarnold Mattei won fourth place, fourth grader Sophia Kobussen won second place, Anthony Marino won third place and fifth grader Lindsay Ogden won second place. Shown here are the winning students with their dioramas.

LANDINGS STUDENTS PLACE AT ARTIGRAS

can to promote heart wellness at Golden Grove through educating our students on how to maintain a healthy heart,” said physical education teacher Cathlene Lake. Golden Grove’s staff, families and students have huge hearts and proudly donated $99,948 to the American Heart Association over the past 10 years. The goal was $10,000 this year, and so far the school has collected $14,648 in donations.

Golden Grove students jump rope for a good cause.

Wellington Landings Middle School Art students, Natalie Valencia in eighth grade and Zoe Leitner in seventh grade were each awarded second place in their respected grade levels for their art submission in the Artigras Fine Arts Festival held in Jupiter recently. There were more than 200 student artwork submissions. The students participate in Ashlan Sheesley’s art class.

Page 18

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

There’s Nothing Like A Displaced Southerner Stuck In Missouri

When I first moved south from Wisconsin, a native Floridian commented to me one day, “It looks like we’re going to have some weather.” I was perplexed. Didn’t Florida have weather every day, just like every other place on the planet? I soon came to understand that Florida “weather” referred to anything that wasn’t hot and sunny or, in the winter months, warm and sunny. So, I guess you could say that last week Florida had some “weather.” People were wearing sweaters. I, of course, am writing this from Missouri, where the high for the week

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER was 54 and the low was 6. I’m here for 19 more months, not that I’m counting. Those months include one more winter, and then both my daughter’s children will be in preschool, and I will have done all

that I can to get the next generation of my DNA off to a good start. Then, I can live wherever I want to. Mark is in Missouri with me, long-suffering husband that he is. He can tell you that it is not really 19 more months, only 18 months and 28 days. Not that he’s counting, either. Evidently, Mark does not have thick blood. In fact, he moved from Atlanta to South Florida because “Hot”lanta was too cold for him. So I am grateful to him for joining me here, but please, the updates! He is practically glued to the Weather Channel or his app.

“It’s going to be nine degrees tomorrow!” he’ll announce loudly, in the middle of my chapter. I will put down my book and look at him. “At 4 in the morning when I’m asleep in my cozy bed or at noon?” “Well, at 4 in the morning, but still.” “That doesn’t count. If I’m not outside, what do I care what the thermometer says?” “We had planned to go to the bank. Even if we go at high noon, it will still only be 17 degrees. Do you understand what I’m saying? The high is going to be 17 degrees!”

“But don’t we always drive through at the bank? And don’t you always have the car heater blasting? By the time we get there, it will be 96 degrees in that car. In fact, remind me to bring a cool drink.” “When we first get in, it will be a 17-degree metal box.” I sigh. “Do you want me to go out early and heat up the car for you?” Chivalry does not allow for this. Even a displaced southern gentleman is still a gentleman. “No,” he mumbles. Yet I make a mental note to go out and See WELKY, page 21

Who Cares About The Oscars? Not Enough Real Movie Goers

We used to really care about the Academy Awards. People argued over the merits of different movies, and Best Picture winners were important. But in recent years, we have been getting more movies nominated that no one has even seen. We were at an Oscars party Sunday night, and many of the guests had not seen most of the movies. I was one of two people there who had seen Whiplash and Boyhood, and only a few other guests had seen winner Birdman. I estimate that only a tiny portion of those watching the Oscars telecast had seen all of them, and it is likely that the great majority had not seen more than one, maybe two. The movies nominated this year are all good. There are no special tricks or games. But in 2009, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences increased the number of nominees so that “popular” movies would be nominated. Yet the opposite has happened. Most of the biggest movies of the year were ignored. The problem is that

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler the voters are now snobs who pick movies that are surrealistic (Birdman), gimmicky (Boyhood, made over the course of 12 years), British (The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything) or politically correct (Selma). Birdman was a nice film, but hardly the kind of achievement we had in On the Waterfront. If it hadn’t been for extra surrealism, it would have been a nice B-movie about an aging movie star. The acting was very good, but those who now see it with high expectations will probably be disappointed. Personally, I rated almost

all the other films nominated as better. And, again, few people saw it. At the party, most people were more interested in the dresses on the red carpet before the show than the actual awards. This has not always been true. Examine the winners from the years ending in four since the Oscars began: It Happened One Night (1934), Going My Way (1944), On the Waterfront (1954), My Fair Lady (1964), Godfather, Part 2 (1974), Amadeus (1984), Forrest Gump (1994), Million Dollar Baby (2004). Several of them were huge box office hits, and, until the 2000s, all were movies that would certainly be remembered. And while you might argue that is only a list of winners, check out the nominees of 1939, 75 years ago: Gone With the Wind (the winner); Dark Victory; Goodbye, Mr. Chips; Love Affair; Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; Ninotchka; Of Mice and Men; Stagecoach; Wizard of Oz; and Wuthering Heights. If we were rating

movies, would any of this year’s films beat out any one of them to win a spot? American Sniper was the only box-office hit in the group. By now, it might be the biggest grosser. But the other big hits — Hunger Games, Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain America — were very good movies, and in past years, that would have meant something. Frankly, I enjoyed all three more than the nominated films. They were great pieces of entertainment and essentially ignored by Oscar voters. Imitation Game came in 44th place in box office gross, and the other films were lower. As I wrote in my review, I was the only person in the theater when I saw Birdman. It was the 82nd-highest grossing movie, well behind a lot of duds. That does not mean it is less of a film, but it does mean that almost no one has really seen the film. Fewer than 10 percent of the number of people who saw American Sniper saw the winner.

Keep in mind when we discuss box office that the average ticket price is around $10. So the number of people who see a movie is about one-tenth the box office take. That means Imitation Game was seen by around 8 million people. It got, and deserved, glowing reviews. But more people watch the evening news on ABC most nights. And American Sniper, which was snubbed by Oscar voters, has taken in more money than all of the others combined. There are other awards given to movies, such as the People’s Choice Awards, and it will be the blockbusters that probably rule. The people in Hollywood will sniff and say that they award quality. Gradually, they are moving their notions of “best” away from that of the rest of us. If it continues, it will be nothing more than a fashion show. However, the voters did get the acting awards right. Every one of those winners was exceptional.

Please join us for our next social at

The Western Business Alliance, Inc. A new era in building business relationships.

A One Stop Garden Shop Inc ..................................................Raina Adams A Vacation of a Lifetime ..........................................................Marcia Berwick Alan S. Zangen P. A..................................................................Alan S. Zangen AllState Insurance - Tom Neumann Agency ...........................Tom Neumann Anderson House Auctioneers and Real Estate .......................Andrew Burr Aubin Robinson & Associates, PA ...........................................Aubin Robinson Babbsco Auto Collision ...........................................................Paul Spencer Bank of America......................................................................Susan Wallerstein Barron & Kogan, CPAs, P.A. ....................................................Hope Barron Barry’s Jewelry Spa .................................................................Natalie Stolbach Bell Business Forms ................................................................Ken Bell Bruce L. Elkind, DDS, PA..........................................................Bruce L. Elkind, DDS Cardinal Security, Inc. .............................................................Denise Smith CEO Financial Services ............................................................Carol O’Neil Cerrito Electric ........................................................................Tom Cerrito College Planning Masters .......................................................David Eisenson Community Outreach Systems ..............................................Martha Webster Computer Resolutions ............................................................Dennis Barnish Creative Marketing Products ..................................................Kameel Gaffoor Dale W. Grimm & Co., P.A. ......................................................Dale Grimm Darell Bowen Realty ...............................................................Harriet Offerman Don and Maureen Gross - Keller Williams ............................Maureen Gross Eric M Gordon Consulting ......................................................Eric Gordon Evergreen Insurance Agency...................................................Maggie Zeller Family Care Nurses Registry ...................................................Carmen Johnson, RN Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill .............................................Tom Sheppard Floridian Community Bank .....................................................Joanne Dee Florida League of Neighborhood Associations, Inc................Joe Boyle Global Carpet and Upholstery ................................................James Jeanbaptiste Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group ......................................Rob Khurana

India Bar + Grill in Royal Palm Beach

on Thursday, March 19th. Log onto www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com to register.

Hilda M. Porro, P.A..................................................................Hilda Porro Hill Audio Visual......................................................................Tom Hill Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air ...........................................................Jathynia Garcia Horizon Pool & Patio, Inc. .......................................................Chuck Grove Hulett Environmental Services ...............................................Gary Scher India Grill + Bar .......................................................................Mahendra Patel International Polo Club Palm Beach .......................................John Wash J Campbell Decorative Concrete Resurfacing, Inc. .................Michael Shinkevich JJJ Automotive Inc. .................................................................John Lawsom John Carroll - Advocare Independent Distributor ..................John Carroll Jordano Group Inc. .................................................................Keith Jordano KPA Promotions Inc ................................................................William Brasman Law Offices Of John P. Marinelli, LLC ......................................John Marinelli Lorrie Browne Interiors ..........................................................Tim Chance Lebrun Insurance Agency, Inc .................................................Philippe Lebrun Lion Country Safari .................................................................Jennifer Berthiaume Mario The Baker .....................................................................Kevin Puebla National Planning Corporation ...............................................Stas Politis NRI Institute of Health Sciences .............................................M. Daniel Splain Oak Bistro and Wine Bar ........................................................Brian Jacobsen Ocean’s Electric of South Florida, LLC.....................................Fred Farnes Office Depot 2115 ...................................................................Jonathon Rice Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. .........................................................Eric Willer Palm Beach Aquatics Inc .........................................................John Natale PBC School District Choice and Career Options .....................Tara Kobel Palm Beach Habilitation Center .............................................Gary Strother Palms West Monthly...............................................................Robert Harris Palms West Hospital ...............................................................Madeline Nava Paul and Jann Seal - Exit Premier Realty ................................Jann Seal Phelps Media Group International .........................................Julie Tannehill

PHR Solutions..........................................................................Laurel Bennet PNC Bank, NA - Wealth Management ....................................Lidy Mata Primerica .................................................................................Mark Bozicevic Print It Plus..............................................................................David Leland Professional Family Eyecare ...................................................Jolene Reiter Quad S Solutions .....................................................................Selena Smith Richard W. Schwartz, C.P.A. ....................................................Richard Schwartz Richard’s Lawn Service ...........................................................Richard Velten Royal Inn Hotel........................................................................Chris Santamaria Royal Palm Covenant Church..................................................Rev. Michael Rose Royal Palm Mazda...................................................................Larry Tynes Royal Palm Pharmacy .............................................................Rayhan Ahmed RPB Technologies, LLC.............................................................Ron Tomchin SB Atlantic Communications ..................................................Lynne Keane Sea Breeze Air System, Inc. .....................................................Nancy Cook Sharp Shopper Magazine........................................................Barbara Chaiken SunTrust Bank - Boca Raton....................................................Claudia Camacho SunTrust Bank - Jupiter Abacoa ..............................................Mario Camacho The Legend Group...................................................................Lynn Balch The Town-Crier Newspaper ....................................................Barry Manning The White Elephant ................................................................Lori Markevich The World Entertainment and Information Network ...........Peter Wein Total Shredding .......................................................................Monica Lewis Tree’s Wings & Ribs.................................................................Erin Townsend US Building Inspectors, Inc. ....................................................Patti Neri VMB Solutions ........................................................................Vicky Major-Bell Well Life Group .......................................................................Bob Still Wild West Diner ......................................................................Steven Good Your Computer Guy, Inc. .........................................................Dave Okeefe

www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com • 561-600-3820

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 6, 2015

Page 19

POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Coca-Cola Wins Ylvisaker Cup As Time Runs Out On Valiente Rally By Alex Webbe Coca-Cola (Gillian Johnston, Sugar Erskine, Julio Arellano and Mason Wroe) managed to hold off a last-ditch rally by Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, Robert Jornayvaz, Santi Torres and Sapo Caset) last Sunday afternoon at the International Polo Club Palm Beach to

capture the 2015 Ylvisaker Cup in a high-scoring 14-13 bout. The two teams traded goals in the opening chukker with 10-goaler Caset scoring twice from the field, while Coca-Cola got single goals from Erskine and Arellano for a 2-2 first period. Arellano and Caset exchanged

The Ylvisaker Cup final was a close match between rivals Coca-Cola and Valiente.

PHOTO BY ALEX PACHECO

penalty goals to open the second. Arellano drove the ball through the goalposts from 60 yards out, while Caset converted a 30-yard penalty shot just a minute later, making the score 3-3. Torres scored his first goal of the game with just under two minutes in the chukker, and Caset scorched the Coca-Cola goal for a final score with 45 seconds on the clock for a 5-3 lead. Erskine got Coca-Cola back on track in the third with a well-executed neck shot for a goal, and Arellano followed up with a shot from the corner of the field to tie it at 5-5. Caset converted another 30-yard penalty shot for Valiente, making it 6-5 at the 3:10 point. Arellano returned the favor with a 30-yard penalty shot of his own for another deadlock at 6-6. A final run at the Valiente goal had Arellano scoring with two seconds left on the clock. A highly competitive first half ended with Coca-Cola sitting on a 7-6 lead. A Coca-Cola foul resulted in Valiente being awarded a goal on a Penalty 1. Torres gave the lead to his team a minute into the period with a shot from the field, making

it 8-7. Arellano then tied it at 8-8 with another penalty goal. Erskine took the lead back for Coca-Cola with a field goal, followed by a Penalty 1, which gave Coca-Cola another goal and a 10-8 advantage. Caset converted a 60-yard penalty shot with 2:37 left in the chukker, and added a goal from the field to level the score at 10-10. Fouls continued to haunt Valiente, giving up back-to-back penalty goals to Arellano in the first two minutes of play, making it 12-10. Torres cut the lead to a single goal, 12-11. Erskine and Torres traded goals to end the chukker with Coca-Cola on top of a 13-12 score. The pace continued to quicken as play began in the sixth and final chukker, but defense was the byword. Both teams had runs at goal, but back handers and ride-offs kept the chukker scoreless. More than three minutes had elapsed before Robert Jornayvaz found himself on the scoring end of a pass from Caset, making it 13-13. Both teams scrambled for the ball with neither being able to forge an effective offensive drive. A costly foul sent

Gillian Johnston, Sugar Erskine, Julio Arellano and Mason Wroe of Coca-Cola claim the Ylvisaker Cup.

PHOTO BY ALEX PACHECO

Arellano to the penalty line in the final minutes of the chukker for a 40-yard penalty shot. The shot went wide, but seconds later, another Valiente foul sent him back to the foul line, where he scored from 30 yards out, making the score 14-13. Valiente finally gained posses-

sion of the ball and started the drive down the field. With Valiente pressing, the Coca-Cola focus was on defense. Caset broke loose, and at a full gallop, attacked the Coca-Cola goal. A longshot was on target, but time expired with the ball falling just short of the See POLO, page 21

Michaels-Beerbaum And Fibonacci 17 Win Suncast Grand Prix Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Fibonacci 17 were the winners in last Saturday night’s $372,000 Suncast CSI 5* Grand Prix in week seven of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival. Jumping under the lights of the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Michaels-Beerbaum and the 10-year-old Swedish Warm-

blood gelding won a six-horse jump-off, with Israel’s Danielle Goldstein and Carisma in second, and U.S. rider Jessica Springsteen with Vindicat W third. Forty-four entries showed over Steve Stephens’ course Saturday night with six advancing to the jump-off and only two double clear rounds. First to go in the jump-off were Emanuel Andrade and Hard Rock

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum aboard Fibonacci 17.

PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

Z. Going for the slower clear round, they finished in 41.84 seconds, but had an unfortunate four faults for sixth place. Goldstein and Israeli Equestrian Partners’ Carisma were the first pair to clear the short course in 37.86 seconds and eventually took second place honors. Michaels-Beerbaum went next with Fibonacci 17 and completed the only other double clear round in a faster time of 36.96 seconds, but had to wait three more rounds to settle the victory. Georgina Bloomberg and Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s Lilli took down the final fence to place fifth with four faults in 37.27 seconds. Springsteen and Stone Hill Farm’s Vindicat W followed, and although they completed the fastest round of the night in 35.40 seconds, the pair finished third with one rail down. Last to go, Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes C were poised to win with their time of 35.65 seconds, but the pair also had a late rail at the final fence to place fourth. A three-time FEI World Cup Finals champion and one of the best female riders in the world,

Michaels-Beerbaum has had many wins at the Winter Equestrian Festival through the years, but Saturday night marked one of her biggest. She has had great results with Fibonacci 17 all circuit and was thrilled to get a major victory with the talented gelding. “He has been jumping brilliantly since he got here to Florida, but I have had the unlucky rail down in the two grand prixs that I have ridden him in,” Michaels-Beerbaum said. “I knew he was in great form, but he is a new horse for me. I have had him less than a year. At this time last year, he was jumping 1.40m classes, so he has made a big step up into the big league. I was fine-tuning some small details with him and changed the bridle a little bit for tonight and that seemed to be perfection.” Fibonacci has quickly risen to stardom for his incredible jumping ability, and he showed that off under the lights with some impressive jumps. “He is actually a Swedish-bred horse, although he has a German father and a Dutch mother,” Michaels-Beerbaum added. “He was

born in Sweden, so the Swedish take great pride in that fact. I got him in May last year. He has a different style than most horses. He jumps with his head up and a little bit straight in his back. That is something I have decided I cannot change and that is why I was trying to finesse the bridle a little so I could help him without interrupting his jump.” Michaels-Beerbaum was at the in-gate watching as the final round of Beezie Madden and Cortes C solidified her victory. “I have to say, I expected Beezie to beat me, particularly with Cortes,” she said. “He is her best horse, and I was really surprised when he hit the last fence. Sometimes the luck goes your way, and it was with me tonight.” She was also happy to get a win for Fibonacci’s owners, Jim and Kristy Clark at Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. “They are absolutely delighted because they supported me,” Michaels-Beerbaum said. “We had a discussion last year at this time and they said, ‘Listen, we’ll support you and go find some good horses.’ Fibonacci was

the first horse we purchased and to have him win here tonight is just phenomenal.” Goldstein was also very happy with her second place finish in the class aboard Carisma, a 16-yearold Swedish Warmblood mare. Saturday night gave Goldstein the biggest finish of her career and a memorable moment in her partnership with the mare. “I have been watching a lot of video of Meredith recently,” Goldstein said. “To be second was amazing. The horse really felt spectacular today. I have been working on going a bit faster, so to be able to be second was amazing.” Although one rail came down for Jessica Springsteen in the jump-off, she was happy with a great night with Vindicat W. “I was a little worried,” Springsteen said. “The last two grand prixs, we struggled a bit. He had a bit of time off, and I feel like he is starting to get back into the groove of things, so I was really happy.” For more information, and a full schedule of events, visit www. equestriansport.com.

Page 20

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Liang

Seeking Re-Election

continued from page 1 Loxahatchee Groves. “We recently arrested several haulers,” he said. “That’s an ongoing process. I think it will be an ongoing process throughout the years until we control the illegal dumping.” Another issue is the current investigation into illegal trailer and RV parks. “We need to get a better handle on that,” Liang said. “It seems like they’re cropping up all over town. My main concern is the sanitation and garbage. I think it’s unfair to the rest of the community to support an illegal business not paying their fair share and not having the proper sanitation on their properties.” Another issue is the potential widening of Okeechobee Blvd. “I know that’s probably not going to happen in the next five years, but we need to be proactive and we need to have a good dialogue with the county,” he said. While Liang would prefer a two-lane roadway, he understands that a four-lane Okeechobee Blvd. is probably inevitable, but he wants the design to be compatible with the needs of the town. “I believe that we shouldn’t waste our efforts trying to fight the proposed plan for Okeechobee, but

Harris

Challenging Ryan Liang

continued from page 1 able with. But I’m here eight years later, still breathing and still enjoying life,” he said. “Loxahatchee Groves has given me my life back. The retreat, the quietness, the rural lifestyle is so amazing. It just rejuvenated me, and I want to give something back.” Harris is now in the equestrian industry, running a boarding and educational facility called Joshua Tree Stables. “I have been involved in town government since 2011. I served a little under three years on the Plan-

Lange

RPB Council Hopeful

continued from page 7 Madison Green and Saratoga Pines,” he said. “That seems to be what the residents and my neighbors would like to see… Then I would also like to make sure that we do have public access through the waterway in that area.” Lange praised the village’s accommodation of a new Aldi distribution facility on SR 7 and said that any future large industrial or commercial development must be kept to commercial corridors. “That way we don’t lose that hometown, neighborhood feel. You want to just make sure that you’re keeping those commercial developments in a commercial area. As long as they keep to their traffic operations to early-morning hours, I think it’s going to be a big success for Royal Palm,” he said. Lange stressed that with more development in the region, Royal Palm Beach needs to be more engaged in the planning process. “You want to make sure that we’re part of that discussion,” he said. “The commitments have to be there to have that partnership with the county and the surrounding communities.” Lange said he’s happy with progress at Royal Palm Beach High School and that the village should engage with Principal Jesus Armas, “to see what he needs.” He is for being cautious regarding the proposal to possibly build a charter

Blotter

continued from page 6 According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6 p.m., Kendra George entered an occupied vehicle and stole the victim’s Apple iPhone 5s, valued at $500. The phone was later recovered, and George was arrested for burglary. FEB. 22 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the Sunglass Hut store in the Mall at Wellington Green on Sunday afternoon regarding a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, between 4:40 and 4:44 p.m., an unknown white female removed a pair of Gucci sunglasses, valued at $350, from the store. The sunglasses were later recovered in the mall’s parking lot. FEB. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called Monday morning to the Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. regarding a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, Darrell Ivory was observed concealing items, including Bose and Sonos stereo equipment and women’s leggings and active ware, together valued at $800.96, from the store. According to the

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 21

NEWS I do feel that we need to work with the county and the surrounding neighbors to try and get a rural parkway with a median, trees, nice landscaping, some trails along Okeechobee and good equestrian crossings at certain points,” he said. Liang thinks that the town and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District have been working well together. “As two entities, we need to work together to provide the services [residents] need, and that relationship is changing, as far as road ownership and whatnot, but we are still intertwined quite a bit, and we rely on each other to provide these services. At this moment, working together is the proper relationship,” he said. While his opponent has asserted that the water control district is taking advantage of the town financially, Liang said that the town’s finances have strict oversight, including legal and financial staff, as well as the Finance Advisory & Audit Committee. “Every single dollar that is sent over to the district is invoiced and is shown where it goes to,” Liang said. “I don’t think we’re overpaying. Actually, I think we’re saving because a lot of the contract work that we do with the district is competitively bid, and the district wins them just because their bid happens to be the best. If an outside contractor can provide a

better rate, we’re more than happy to work with another contractor.” Asked whether there are any services not provided by the town that should be, Liang said residents aren’t as interested in services as much as keeping taxes low. “In the future, if there is a need for additional services, I’m more than happy to include them, but at this moment, I feel the residents are more concerned about their taxes,” he said. Asked if the town needs more commercial development, he noted that there are three commercial developments underway currently, two at Southern Blvd. and B Road and another at Okeechobee Blvd. and Folsom Road, and that he would want to see those completed before considering more. “The town needs to see how those sites progress, and if there is an additional need after that, we can definitely address that,” he said. “At this moment, I think that’s plenty of commercial within the town.” Liang feels that the town manager is doing a good job, especially since Underwood Management Services CEO Bill Underwood took over as day-to-day manager. “I think he brings a lot of experience to the town,” he said. “He’s been in town government for, I believe, over 30 years. I believe that’s a great asset for the town.” The town is now finalizing the purchase of the Central Palm

Beach County Chamber of Commerce building, which Liang thinks will give the town a better face. “It will make the town look more professional,” he said. “I think it’s in a better location, being adjacent to, actually a part of the park. It gives us that rural feel. When you come to the chamber office, or the future town office, you’re going to see it surrounded by trees. It has room for staff meetings and room for the town to grow in. That’s a great thing for the town.” Liang believes that the town is doing a good job with its budget. “The town’s budget is very tight,” he said. “The staff is doing great, and the FAAC committee is awesome. It proves by our millage rate. We have the lowest millage in the county.” His vision for the future of the town is to try to control encroaching development so that it has a minimal impact. “We are on a tightrope trying to balance development surrounding us and keeping the rural character of the town,” Liang said. “That’s always going to be a difficult for whoever’s on the council, but with the right people on the council, we can manage that tightrope.” Liang tends to be the least vocal of the sitting council members but said he works with other members on town projects. “I’m probably not the most publicly open as far as trying to

ning & Zoning Board,” he said. More recently, he served on REGTAC, appointed by Liang. However, Liang tried to remove him from the board late last year due to accusations that Harris was rude and improperly used the gavel. It’s a charge that Harris strongly denies, claiming that he was being punished for speaking out about the LGWCD and other road issues. Harris’ contracting experience directly relates to the upcoming referendum about paving roads, he explained. “The current council has a favorite subcontractor,” he said. “They claim it’s the only one in the state that does OGEM [open-graded emulsified mix road paving]. Yesterday, I turned in a letter to

the town manager from the public works director of Miami-Dade County, which had listings of five different contractors who do OGEM work. But according to our town council, there’s only one guy who does that.” The town’s use of one OGEM contractor concerned Harris. “I support the Office of the Inspector General,” he said, tying together his concerns about OGEM contractors with his support for transparency in government. “I believe in honest government. I believe in right and proper government.” The paving of Marcella Blvd. and Compton and Bryan roads, Harris said, was not done in the best manner possible. “The contract was awarded for $72,000,” he said. “The very first day, they came back and asked for a $10,000 change order. The project ended up costing almost $140,000 because of the way it was handled. The people paid double for the project.” Regular asphalt has a 30-year lifespan, while OGEM has a seven-year lifespan and needs to be resurfaced, he said. “Asphalt is a better dollar value than OGEM,” Harris said. Harris critiqued the LGWCD for its road preparation and planning prior to installing OGEM. “We’re looking at extensive repairs over the years,” he asserted. Harris said his top three campaign issues are the opening and improvement of equestrian trails, the control of roads and term limits. “Under state statute, in June or July, according to our town manager, the town can indeed take site control of all roads in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves,” he said, explaining that after seven years, the town no longer needs to go through the LGWCD to make decisions about the roads. Term limits are important to

Harris, which he said is needed to give the residents back control of their government. “Our government is a totalitarian democracy,” he said, “not a representative one. They let you vote, but they won’t let you participate in the decision-making.” There has been controversy regarding the relationship between the town government and the LGWCD. Harris feels that there needs to be separation between the two entities. “The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District is a very integral part of the town. It handles maintenance. With the town taking site control of the roads, the water district can then focus on drainage,” he said. Eight months ago, Harris was asking to have the LGWCD become a dependent entity of the town, but has since changed his mind. “I am now of the opinion that we need to make the water district independent of the town,” he said. “We take over all the roads; all they have to do is focus on drainage. They have their own method through taxes to fund that.” Harris feels that the town must take more responsibility for its roads. For example, many bridges across the canals need to be improved and repaired, Harris said. “If we’re paying for road services, let’s maintain the roads as they need to be, not just trying to pass off the financial burden to the property owners,” he said. For example, one town road has four properties. Another has 46 properties. The way the system is set up, the price of the culvert is divided by the number of homes. Therefore, for one, it could be divided by four, or it could be divided by 46, depending on the population. As for larger roads, Harris would like to see Okeechobee

high school directly across the street. “You want to make sure that any program that’s being brought in, whether it be charter or public, you don’t want one hurting the other,” he said. “I don’t see that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of selling that right now.” He brushed aside criticism by his opponents of his zoning board service, particularly that he went beyond his role as an adviser and was sometimes abrasive. “I think if you go back and you look at what specific instances they might cite, you’re going to see that I try to do my homework as best as possible,” Lange said. “If [petitioners] don’t bring in the information that they’re supposed to, or staff, if they’re not going to bring in the information or be consistent in the information they provide, then I’m going to ask questions.” Lange said he will bring a new point of view to the council. “I think I offer a different approach; an engaging approach,” he said. “I want to hear all sides, and I want to represent everyone. I don’t want anybody left out.” That is what differentiates him from Swift and Webster, he said. “It’s not that I dislike either one of them personally, but I think I would do a better job at bringing people together. I think I would do a better job of moving people forward,” Lange said. “People constantly talk about how they want more people involved in their community. They want options; they want new blood. I think they should vote for me because I do offer that.” report, Ivory passed all points of sale without attempting to pay for the items and was stopped in the parking lot and arrested. The items were recovered, and Ivory was discovered to be carrying a key knife and a debit card belonging to someone else. FEB. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to Palms West Hospital on Monday evening regarding the theft of automobile parts. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:40 and 10:15 p.m., someone removed the front passenger tire, valued at $100, from the victim’s 2000 Ford vehicle. FEB. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was contacted Tuesday morning by a resident of Sugar Pond Manor regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, someone entered the victim’s 2010 Buick Enclave and removed several tax forms and documents, along with an Apple iPad owned by her employer and valued at $300.

Alzheimer’s

Program At Church

continued from page 3 meet the health department and AHCA requirements,” Stillings said. “If that zoning text amendment is approved, Phase 2 would not be required.” Willhite said he thought that there was a misconception that Alzheimer’s patients don’t need to go outside. “Everyone still needs to go outside,” he said. “People need to go outside. We have great weather in Florida.” Willhite added that he would like to see that Wellington residents have priority to use the

Polo

Ylvisaker Cup Final

continued from page 19 goal line as the final horn sounded the Coca-Cola victory. Arellano led the field with ten goals (seven on penalty conversions), and received MVP honors for his efforts. Erskine added four goals for the win. Caset scored half of his eight goals on penalty shots. Torres was credited with four goals, and Robert Jornayvaz scored once in the loss. Dolfina Resta, owned by Adolfo Cambiaso and played by Sapo Caset, was named Best Playing Pony. Palm Beach Illustrated Wins George Haas Cup — Earlier in the day, a youthful and determined Palm Beach Illustrated

center. Barnes estimated that 95 percent of the participants will be Wellington residents. Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked where current Alzheimer’s participants go, and Barnes said that there are 20 to 25 Wellington residents who go to centers in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach or Pahokee. She said there are no other Alzheimer’s facilities in Wellington. “Our residents have been going pretty far,” Gerwig said. “This is going to be a huge benefit for local [participants].” Gerwig added that she would like to monitor traffic for problems, but Village Engineer Jim Riebe said the village cannot require them to do more than the code requires. team (Tommy Collingwood, Jared Zenni, Facundo Obregon and Michel Dorignac) held off a veteran Tonkawa side (Jeff Hildebrand, Gonzalo Deltour, Inaki Laprida and Jeff Blake) to score a 12-11 win and capture the George Haas Cup, the Ylvisaker Cup subsidiary. Obregon’s seven goals (four on penalty shots) led all scoring. Collingwood scored three times, and Zenni added a goal. Palm Beach Illustrated also received one goal on a Penalty 1. Deltour scored half of his team-high six goals on penalty conversions. Laprida and Hildebrand scored single goals, and the team was the recipient of three goals on Penalty 1 calls. The 2015 polo season continues on Sunday, March 1 with the 26goal USPA C.V. Whitney Cup. For more info., visit www.international poloclub.com.

“I always try to keep an open mind in regard to any issue that comes before the council,” Liang said. “That’s what we need, as opposed to closed-mindedness and divisiveness.” take credit for things happening in the town, but I try to work with everybody to move things forward,” he said, pointing out that during the passage of a local bill to turn over ownership of district roads to the town, he was active with state legislators and county staff to get them enacted. “I’m not seeking recognition for that. I’m just trying to do the best I can for the town.” He is also very proud of being on the council that brought Palm Beach State College’s new campus to the town. While his opponent has been critical of the slow progress by the town and the district on horse trails, Liang said the town and district have been working diligently to get legal use of the district’s canal easements to use for horse trails. “I think that just shows the lack of knowledge [of] my opponent,” he said. “Government moves slow, and in order to do things right, we have to be diligent to make sure that everything is done right. If we make a mistake, we could lose everything.” Liang was critical of Harris for being divisive and attacking people. “He has used the media and the committees that he has

been on and also public comment during council meetings,” Liang said. “He likes to attack people. I don’t think that’s a quality that one should have on the council.” Liang’s detractors have tried to tie the Liang family to the Minto West project, but he has produced documents refuting those accusations. “It seems that the same people who have issue with that have traditionally been my opponents,” he said, pointing out that complaints filed with the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics have been dismissed. “They try to portray me as a boogeyman, and it’s not the case. However, it’s always conveniently when I’m running for re-election. They’re trying to confuse the voters, but I believe the voters are a lot smarter than my opponents give them credit for.” Liang described himself as a good listener who is patient and impartial. “I think listening is a great asset to have as a council person or anybody in public service,” he said. “I love fishing, so that speaks to my patience. I also teach swimming and am a water polo coach. I try to hear all sides. I really do pride myself as being impartial.”

“Our government is a totalitarian democracy, not a representative one,” Harris said. “They let you vote, but they won’t let you participate in the decision-making.” Blvd. with a heavily wooded feel. If it must be made into four lanes, he would prefer a 50-foot median. “I’d also like roundabouts put in at Folsom on Okeechobee, as a traffic-calming device and to help motivate [residents of] new developments to use the major roads such as Southern or Northlake,” he said. If Okeechobee Blvd. becomes too large, it will divide the town, effectively cutting off equestrian trails and separating the community. “It could sever the heart and soul of Loxahatchee Groves if it becomes just a multi-lane ribbon of asphalt,” Harris said. He said that commercial property is necessary for the community, as he predicts gas tax revenue to fall as the vehicle industry is creating cars getting higher mileage and more people are working from home. “The current zoning districts of our town suggest that all of the commercial is along Southern,” Harris said, noting that the equestrian industry in Loxahatchee Groves, the town’s new commercial industry, has seen an uptick. “I would like to see controlled commercial development on Okeechobee,” he said, explaining that the town should determine where the commercial development lies, but while keeping the current nurseries and beekeepers. Harris is happy with recent changes at the town’s contracted management firm. “I support Underwood Management Services,” he said. “They have demonstrated a great eager-

ness to serve. They have improved their method of agenda development by showing problems and solutions instead of just generalities. I see an improved town management. I support them. I want them to stay.” Harris would like the town to keep its focus on agricultural developments, such as nurseries and horse farms. “I believe that town governments remain honest as long as they remain chiefly agriculturally oriented,” he said. “As long as the vacant lands are out there, we will have right and proper representation. When there becomes an urban sprawl, everyone’s hands get in the pot and all bets are off. I’m interested in all the roads being paved. They need to be paved, for life safety.” While Harris respects Liang for his willingness to serve, he criticized him specifically for being a passive player in town affairs. “He never initiates any issues,” Harris said. “He is an amplifier of something that is already presented to the town.” Harris, on the contrary, said he will be a voice for the residents. “I live and work daily in Loxahatchee Groves,” he said. “I believe in equal influence, equal benefit and everyone getting an equal deal. Our current government does not offer that. I will work tirelessly to make sure that everyone is heard and everyone is considered. I believe in right and proper government. I believe in a representative democracy. I want to be a public servant, not a person up on a dais who dictates to its citizens.”

Mayor Bob Margolis said it is equally important for caregivers to have a place to give them respite, but said he was concerned that Alzheimer’s patients tend to wander. Barnes said that is also a concern when they are at home, and that the center provides assistance, including tracking devices for the patients. Vice Mayor John Greene said he appreciated Alzheimer’s Community Care bringing the facility to Wellington but wished that there had been a clearer understanding of what it was and that the organization had gotten the necessary permits before it moved in. “I think it’s very clear there was considerable risk making improvements to that structure,” Greene said. “It puts us in position of the cart before the horse because you don’t have all the necessary permits. I understand that you took

that risk, and I do support what you bring.” Greene was also concerned that it was not brought before the Senior Advisory Committee. Barnes said they had focused their work on getting the request before the council, although they had been in contact with other non-municipal senior organizations. “When we got into the cycle of the application, we wanted to stay very close on this,” Barnes said. Greene said he was also concerned about traffic clashing with that of other facilities in the area. Alzheimer’s Community Care Board Member Kevin Wrenne said he anticipates that Palm Tran will do most of the transportation, explaining that most of the participants are not in advanced stages of the disease. Gerwig made a motion to approve the resolution, which carried unanimously.

Welky

Winter Weather

continued from page 18 start the car before I tell him that I’m ready to go to the bank. I pick up my book again and read another two pages before he adds, “There’s a 50 percent chance of snow.” “It probably won’t.” “But what if it does? The streets will be icy; visibility will be down…” “OK, let’s go to the bank the next day.”

I start another paragraph, but I know what’s coming. “It will only be 33 the next day.” “Look on the bright side. It won’t be snowing.” “But we’ll have weather. There’s weather predicted for every day this week.” This is when I snap. “There’s weather everywhere this week! Every city, state and town is going to experience weather! You know what else they’ll have? Sky!” Mark doesn’t say anything else but he looks at me, pouting. And I know just what he’s thinking. Eighteen months and 28 days to go.

Page 22

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS

WHITE WHITE WEST PARTY AT IPC A BENEFIT FOR HORSES HEALING HEARTS

Horses Healing Hearts held its annual fundraiser White White West at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Friday, Feb. 20. The evening featured dancing, food, drink, good company and amazing auction items, all for a great cause. Horses Healing Hearts is an organization that helps children raised with addiction in their home by working with horses. For more information, visit www. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER horseshealingheartsusa.com.

Horses Healing Hearts founder Liz Olszewski with Cynthia Brewster-Keating, Peter Wylde and Catherine Trice.

Larry Coyle and Linda Evans.

Tackeria’s Tony Coppola serves as the auctioneer. Kathleen Hayden, Tiffany Vanhille and Liz Olszewski.

Phyllis DiGiacomo, Laurie Chaplin, Marci Chaves and Jyoti Parmar.

Members of the Horses Healing Hearts Board of Directors.

Joe Budd Maniscalco, Sheri Maimone and Tim Byrd.

Lee Vallely and Andrea Evans.

TWBA HOSTS SOCIAL GATHERING AT OAK BISTRO & WINE BAR IN ROYAL PALM

The Western Business Alliance held a social gathering at the Oak Bistro & Wine Bar in Royal Palm Beach on Friday, Feb. 20. For more PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER information about upcoming events, visit www.thewesternbusinessalliance.com.

Fred Farnes, Eric Gordon, Ron Tomchin, Ken Bell and Bob Still.

Maggie Zeller with Oak Bistro owner Brian Jacobsen.

Michelle and Larry Karp won the raffle basket.

RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, Lynn Balch, Tim Thompson and Bob Bloom.

“Join us! We’d love you to be a part of our family.”

Photography by LILA PHOTO

– Justin Thompson, General Manager, The Wanderers Club, with his family.

Dues-Only Membership – No Initiation Fee Required Full Golf Memberships Available* Traditional golf with no tee times, tennis, and fitness • Casual dining at The Duke’s Bar, Veranda, and poolside Fine dining at Stables Restaurant • A junior Olympic-size pool, kiddie pool, and play area • Year-round social calendar and child-friendly programs The Wanderers Club is Wellington’s family-friendly, private country club. For membership information, call Anna Grzebien at 561.795.3501, ext. 225. membership@wanderersclubwellington.com • wanderersclubwellington.com 1900 Aero Club Drive • Wellington, FL 33414 *Waiting list for Social Memberships. Dues-Only Membership may be recalled once the Club Membership reaches its full complement, beginning with the last in, unless the then established membership deposit is paid. All memberships are prorated as of initiation date.

57628_TWC_TownCrierThompson_AdRev.indd 1

1/20/15 1:05 PM

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 23

SAVE $5 on Tickets!* Use offer code: SAVE5 • Expires: 4/5/15

Restrictions and exclusions may apply. No double discounts. Subject to availability. Excludes Opening Night performance.

APR. 1 – 5

MAR. 26 – 29

AmericanAirlines Arena

BB&T Center

Thu. MAR. 26 H 7:00 PM+

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $16!+

Fri. MAR. 27 10:30 AM*

Sat. MAR. 28 11:00 AM* 3:00 PM* 7:00 PM*

7:00 PM*

Sun. MAR. 29

Wed. APR. 1 H 7:00 PM+

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $16!+

1:00 PM* 5:00 PM*

Thu. APR. 2

Fri. APR. 3

7:00 PM*

Sat. APR. 4 11:00 AM* 3:00 PM* 7:00 PM*

Sun. APR. 5 1:00 PM* 5:00 PM*

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office 309168

The Town-Crier

DisneyOnIce.com

#DisneyOnIce

SuperheroeS Wanted

earn up to $340 this month & $120 this week! Donate life saving plasma. You have the power to save lives! Schedule an appointment at biotestplasma.com Royal Palm Beach • Biotest Plasma Center 100 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 (561) 791-9122 087TC

BrInG In thIS Coupon For an eXtra

$10 BonuS! New donors only. Not valid in conjunction with any other referral fees or bonuses.

BiotestPlasmaCenterRoyalPalmBeach @BPCRoyalPalm

Give and get back more! 087SH_5_667x10_25_4cFA.indd 1

1/27/15 2:34 PM

Page 24

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Live Streaming at www.COTH.com Gates Open at 6:00 PM. Stadium Seating $35 plus tax & fee. Tickets available ONLINE only at www.PBIEC.com Free Off-Site Parking at 13421 South Shore Blvd. Free Shuttle to Venue. Valet Parking $30. General Parking on-site $20.

Main Grounds at PBIEC | 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 | www.PBIEC.com EquestrianSportProdTCRD2_27.indd 1

| 561.793.JUMP 2/18/15 12:18 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Courses In The Masterson Method Coming Soon

Jim Masterson has developed the Masterson Method of helping horses heal. Over the years, he has crystallized all that he knows into a modality that anyone can study and learn in order to help horses reach their potential — and local courses will be available next month. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27

Business

Wellington Father Invents Unique Bottle-Feeding Helper For Parents

Sports Wellington Defeats Jupiter, Parkland To Take Regional Title

Wellington High School’s boys varsity basketball team hosted Jupiter High School for the Class 8A regional semifinal and defeated the Warriors 65-51 on Feb. 17 before a capacity crowd. It marked the second time in program history that the Wolverines (27-3) made it to the regional finals. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 27 BUSINESS NEWS................................... 28-29 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 40 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 42-45

Page 25

Bronco Boys Lacrosse Team Falls 10-8 To TKA

On Friday, Feb. 20, the Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity lacrosse team hosted the Kings Academy in a non-district match and lost to the Lions 10-8. Palm Beach Central provided plenty of offense but could not capitalize on possessions or get by a stingy Lions goalie. Page 35

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Shopping Spree

Page 26

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

welcome to tHe winter equestrian festival held at the Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center January 7 - March 29, 2015 Join Us Every Wednesday through Sunday to Experience Equestrian Sport at Its Best! Shopping Around the Show Grounds

Watch The Equestrian Action Visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday, take in the exciting scene of several thousand horses and riders competing in 12 arenas. Stroll the grounds at your leisure, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at our unique boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, high-end fashion and so much more.

You are invited to shop in a variety of locations throughout the PBIEC, including the Vendor Village, Hunter Hill, and The Bridge Deck, the outdoor courtyard oasis filled with exquisite shops and boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more. Visit a new Vendor area each week! HUNTER HILL BJ’s Hunt Room C Jones Silver Housewares

Grab a Bite to Eat A variety of Food Vendors are located throughout the property, including:

DP Innova Jewels

Coliano’s Pizza

Fabulous Finds – Fashion & Accessories

Tito’s Tacos: Margaritas, Tacos, Burritos, Chips, Salsa Tiki Hut: Grilled Chicken, Variety Burgers, Grilled Fish, Salads Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: in the Vendor Village

Just FUR Fun – Goodies for Dogs Natures Well – Skin Care

Take a Lunch & Tour See the world-renowned equestrian competition, vendors, stables and various venues that Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. Your tour will allow you to explore twelve of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Village. The tour will be both exciting and informative, and there is a good chance you will see some Olympic riders gearing up for competition! Equestrian Lunch & Tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season. Main Grounds at PBIEC 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414 561.793.JUMP (5867)

Equisafe LLC

Olive & Bette’s – Fashion Pinell Custom Leather Inc. Pony Pals – Toys

INTERNaTIoNaL SHoppES

La Mundial Boots

Ariat

Michelle Farmer Fashion

Elizabeth Locke Jewels Engel & Völkers Realty Eyes of Wellington

Lugano Diamonds

Nellie George Children’s Fashions Zadeh NY Jewelry

Forré Fine Art Gallery

BRIDGE DECKS

Hunt LTD

KingsLand Equestrian Fashion

Equiline Equestrian Fashion Ghurka Fine Leather Goods

BIBA of NY B+ B Positive Jewlery WEF Boutique

Grenning Art Gallery Hermès Karina Brez Jewelry

Present this coupon to receive

$5.00 OFF the WEF Boutique $5.00 value. valid FOr One persOn. MiniMuM purchase OF $20.00.

FOr use FeB. 27-Mar. 1, Mar. 4-5, 2015

WWW.PBIEC.COM EquestrianSportProd_PWTW2_27_15.indd 1

2/18/15 12:32 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

FEATURES

Page 27

Courses In The Masterson Method Coming To The Area Acreage resident Mary Last owns and runs Hands On Equine Services. Horses are her passion, and she’s well-respected in the field of equine massage. Always eager to learn more, she recently took the weekend introductory course in the Masterson Method and was so impressed that she then attended the more intensive, five-day symposium. Jim Masterson visited Wellington during the first week of December, when he taught nine eager participants the advanced weeklong course. They met each day at Palm Beach Riding Academy and also visited other barns in the area. “It was informative, fun and thorough,” Last said. “One of the most important things I learned is that less is more. You can get the biggest response using the lightest touch. It also reminded me to slow down and not rush through. I really enjoyed the experience. I’d highly recommend taking one of Jim’s courses to any horse owner of any level.” Masterson has developed a method of helping horses heal. Over the years, he has crystallized all that he knows into a modality that anyone can study and learn in order to help horses reach their potential. His unique method of equine bodywork allows practitioners to recognize and follow the responses of the horse to touch, releasing tension in key Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg junctions of the body. Masterson first became interested in equine massage in 1997. Recognizing that horses exhibit neurological responses to touch-andrelease tension, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of equine massage bodywork that anyone can learn to use while opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse. Masterson went public with the Masterson Method in 2003, scheduling demonstrations and seminars at private barns and public facilities. The following year, in conjunction with Real Bodyworks of California, he produced an instructional DVD called Equine Massage for Performance Horses. Masterson found recognition and acceptance far and wide. He accompanied the 2006 U.S. Equestrian Team’s Endurance Team to Aachen, Germany for the FEI World Equestrian Games as the equine massage therapist.

Jim Masterson leads a seminar on the Masterson Method. He worked with the USET Endurance Team again in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, as well as for equine clientele competing in the FEI World Cup, Pan American Games and World Equestrian Games. In 2008, Masterson began teaching a certification course in the Masterson Method in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

In 2011, with the help of Stefanie Reinhold, he coauthored a book titled Beyond Horse Massage. Masterson travels the world teaching his seminars and advanced courses to horse owners, trainers and therapists. In contrast to most traditional modalities, See ROSENBERG, page 37

Page 28

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

South Florida Science Center Opens Hall Of Discovery

Matthew Gittere, 7, of Wellington enjoys an exhibit in the new Hall of Discovery.

The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium debuted the first phase of its West Wing improvements on Feb. 2. The “Hall of Discovery” contains new exhibits, along with old favorites that have been given a modern twist. All are highly interactive and focus on hands-on, minds-on science. The opening offers guests 5,000 additional square feet of exhibition space. As a continuation of the $5 million expansion in 2013, the Hall of Discovery is the first phase of improvements. A highlight was the Science Center’s first bilingual exhibit, which explores nanoscale science such as atoms and molecules. The first and only nano exhibit in Florida, the exhibition presents the basics

of nanoscience and engineering, introducing real-world applications while exploring societal and ethical implications. Once all improvements are completed, the total amount spent will be $1 million. “The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium is the anchor institution for informal science education in our community,” CEO Lew Crampton said. “In addition to physical improvements, we are continuing to expand our programming. Within the last four years, we have doubled our programming, for both children and adults, increased our exhibition space by 20,000 square feet, increased our annual revenue from $1.5 million to $3.5 million, and our attendance is up from

100,000 to 205,000 annually.” There are plans for an early childhood education room, improvements to the planetarium and observatory and a new 18-hole miniature golf course. The science center has lowered entrance fees to celebrate the “Hall of Discovery” opening. During “Afterlife: Tomb & Treasures of Ancient Egypt,” admission is $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 3-12, and $14.95 for seniors over 60. Members get in free. The museum features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000-gallon aquarium with both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, a conservation research station, a Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit. The

“Afterlife” traveling exhibit features more than 200 ancient and authentic artifacts. The blockbuster exhibition has interactive components, making it feel like guests have taken a trip to Egypt to explore ancient artifacts and tombs. The “Hall of Discovery” includes more than 10 hands-on brain teasers and an interactive wall of old but fresh favorites, such as the energy conservation station. Guests can pedal on a bicycle until light bulbs receive enough energy to light up. The rehabbed part includes a modern twist to illustrate the differing amounts of energy needed to light LED, CFL and halogen bulbs. For more information, call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org.

WEF Pony Derby Benefits Give A Buck For Special Equestrians

Give a Buck for Special Equestrians has announced the Winter Equestrian Festival’s second Jump for the Children Pony Derby Classic, which will take place Friday, March 6. Young riders from across the country will saddle up for special equestrians as they compete in three $5,000 Pony Derby Classics with small, medium and large divisions at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium, located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington.

Jump for the Children kicks off at 8 a.m. and will be followed by a festive party and silent auction in which both parents and kids can participate. All proceeds will benefit Give a Buck for Special Equestrians and its partner riding programs, including the Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center (North Carolina), the Good Hope Equestrian Training Center (Miami), Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast (Vero Beach), Stable Place (Davie), the Naples Equestrian Challenge and the Vincere-

mos Therapeutic Riding Center (Loxahatchee Groves). “The funds raised from the Jump for the Children Pony Derby Classic will help us provide much-needed financial assistance to our partner programs,” said event co-chair Sissy DeMaria. Give a Buck for Special Equestrians was founded in 2013. It accepts tax-deductible donations through its fiscal sponsor, the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Give a Buck

raises money by asking horse owners to give “as little as a buck or as much as they can” with each month’s board payment. Give a Buck also raises money through merchandise sales at area tack stores and at horse shows. Give a Buck’s Young Ambassadors, children and teens ages 7-17, are the backbone of the organization, providing ongoing support through hands-on volunteering and fundraising. For tickets and more information, call Tara Bieling at (239) 200-2230.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

Page 29

Local Dad Creates Bottle-Feeding Helper For Parents

Wellington resident Martin Hill is launching a new baby product called the Beebo that gives busy moms and dads a hands-free way to bottle-feed their infants, allowing them to multi-task while doing an essential parental duty. Hill conceived of the idea while giving his first child, now 6, the multiple daily feedings infants require. After having to perform repeated uncomfortable bottle-under-thechin maneuvers because he needed to answer a phone call or pick up a dropped remote, Hill searched unsuccessfully for some product that could help and couldn’t find an existing one. Then, after he and wife Sarah relived the same difficulties with second child, now 4, the former electrical engineer took to his garage to find a solution. Hill created a prototype by carving through foam and picking out the perfect cellphone belt-clip case to rotate as needed.

The result, after some modifications, was to create a bottle holder soft and flexible enough to fit most feeding bottles on the market. Hill is now marketing it as the Beebo. At first, it was his way of being able to multi-task while feeding his infants. However, it has since become a way to spend quality time by reading to children while feeding them. Hill is an advocate of reading to infants. In fact, he quit his job and became “Mr. Mom” to his children while preparing to mass-market the Beebo. Hill believes that there is nothing like his product available anywhere else, while it’s also something almost every new parent has wished for. He has launched a web site to market his product, www.thebeebo. com, and timed its release to coincide with Read Across America Day, which is Monday, March 2. That is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss

and marks the kickoff of National Reading Month. A special introductory offer is available now on the site, giving buyers $5 off the retail price, plus free shipping. The Beebo allows a parent to read to young children while feeding them. Studies show that reading to newborns is beneficial for several reasons, Hill said. It develops vocabulary and language and communication skills; helps babies learn the meaning of words through their own parents’ comforting voices; gets them familiar with books and accustomed to listening and focusing; and may assist them in getting higher scores in school in later years. The Beebo is made from “baby-safe” materials and is fitted with the rotating bottle holder to allow a parent to find the ideal feeding angle and to move the bottle upright while burping or playing with the baby. It’s made for left- or right-handed users

Wellington resident Martin Hill developed the Beebo. and is balanced to sit comfortably unit can be rolled up compactly for and securely on a parent’s shoulder. transport. A ribbed underside keeps it in place Potential customers or interested and allows air circulation. retailers should visit www.thebeebo. The bottle holder can be detached com, e-mail sales@thebeebo.com or for easy cleaning, and the entire call (561) 880-5388.

Lake Worth Fastsigns Named One Of Top Centers In Country

Local sign and visual graphics provider Fastsigns of Lake Worth was recently named one of the top centers out of more than 570 locations worldwide at the recent 2015 Fastsigns International Convention in Dallas. The locally owned business received the Pinnacle Club Award, which is given to the

centers ranked 26 to 125 in the U.S. and Canada for sales volume for the previous year. “This award commemorates all of the hard work and excellent service our team at Fastsigns of Lake Worth provides every day,” said owner Ken Baxter. “We want to thank our customers for their continued support.”

Fastsigns, at 2001 10th Ave. N., has been doing business in the area for almost 25 years. The center provides comprehensive visual communications solutions, including wall, window and floor graphics, architectural signs, trade show displays, vehicle wraps, digital signage and more.

“We’re so much more than just sign makers,” Baxter said. “We’re visual communications consultants, innovators, designers and marketing specialists dedicated to help local businesses thrive.” To learn more, visit www.fastsigns.com/89 or call (561) 439-4700.

Page 30

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 31

Page 32 February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Casperey Stables Horse Camp is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts and crafts, and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures that each child receives individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks and during the summer. Each two-week 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 barbecue. To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com. Camp Cambridge in Wellington offers programs for children from two years old through second grade, with an experienced and mature staff, bilingual programs, in-house weekly field trips, specialty camp sessions, an on-site swimming pool supervised by Red Cross-trained staff, flexible schedules, weekly sessions, and private and group swimming. Nine weeks of camp is offered at Cambridge Schools, located at 1920 Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. For more information, visit www.cambridgepreschools. com or call (561) 791-0013. Drama Learning of Florida is a theater-based summer camp designed to nurture children’s talent and love of the theater. Campers will participate in a variety of theater-based activities and games. Camp will be held at Polo Park Middle School on Lake Worth Road in Wellington from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after care is available. The program is for children entering grades 1 through 8. All students will be cast in each session’s main show. This year’s performances include: Fractured Fairy Tales, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and The Wizard of Oz. Camp dates/performances run from June 8 through Aug. 7. For the complete list of camp session/performance dates, or for more information, visit www.dramalearningfl.com or call (561) 692-6228. For more than 26 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among parents and families. Its classrooms are safe, nurturing environments for children, offering age-appropriate opportunities to explore and discover. The Goddard School’s summer camp curriculum incorporates its F.L.EX. Learning Program (Fun, Learning Experience) and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning into exciting, one-of-a-kind and fun experiences for your child every day. This summer at The Goddard School in Wellington, children can take part in summer camp themes that include That’s a Wrap, Kitchen Chemists, the Great Outdoors, Epic Explorers and Mega Mathletes. The camp runs from June 8 through Aug. 13 and is for children one year old to six years old. For more information, visit www.goddardschool.com or call (561) 333-2020. The Goddard School is located at 2665 State Road 7 in Wellington.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

The Lake Worth Playhouse will offer a summer camp teaching children acting, voice, dance and stage movement through daily activities and rehearsals, culminating in fullscale productions of popular musicals. The students will produce Once Upon a Crime: The Trial of Goldilocks March 16-21, Shrek June 8-27 and Narnia July 6 - Aug. 1. They will be engaged in studio-style rehearsals for music, dance and production. Campers 12 or older also will have the opportunity to participate in behind-the-scenes roles and other theater-related educational opportunities. Prices range from $200 to $600. To sign up, call (561) 586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org. Mathnasium of Wellington will offer a summer program this year. According to Johns Hopkins University, children lose up to 2.5 months of their math skill knowledge from the previous grade level if they do not work on any math skills during the summer break. Mathnasium refers to this as the “Summer Slide.” Mathnasium has a summer program that re-teaches students the math skills they have trouble with, while at the same time prepare them for the upcoming grade level. Let Mathnasium help prevent the “Summer Slide” in your child’s summer. Visit www.mathnasium.com/wellington or call (561) 320-1225 for more information. NJOY Tennis recently announced that at Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, the tennis center in under new management. It is one of the finest outdoor facilities and an international training destination. NJOY Tennis offers a higher degree of excellence in tennis training and service. The company welcomes everyone to take part in the following social and competitive events offered for adults and juniors: private lessons, clinics, after-school programs, high-performance programs, holidays and summer camps, leagues, and USTA tournaments. Getting started is easy. Call now for a free evaluation at (561) 557-1487 or e-mail info@njoytennis.com. Learn more at www. NJOYTennis.com.

DDARD SCHO GO O E H CRAYON

AY ON

L®

Have your children ever dreamed of calling a last-second, game-winning shot on radio or TV? Now is their chance. The award-winning Sports Broadcasting Camp returns to South Florida this summer. Boys and girls age 10 to 18 can learn from the pros while meeting sports celebrities. Make play-by-play tapes of the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA playoffs. Host your own sports talk radio shows. Make sports anchor videos and ESPN PTI style videos. Participate in the program’s famous camp sports trivia contest, “stump the schwa” contest and much more. Day and overnight options are available. The program runs June 8-12. Call (800) 319-0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com for more information.

RA YO

CRAYO

The Goddard School’s Summer Camp offers a broad range of programs and mini camps crafted to pique the interest and curiosity of every child; there is something for everybody! Call today to enroll!

JUNE 8 - AUGUST 13 • 1 YEAR - 7 YEARS

ENROLL TODAY! WELLINGTON • 561-333-2020 GoddardSchool.com The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2015

Page 33

Page 34

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 35

WHS Defeats Jupiter, Parkland To Take Regional Title

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team hosted Jupiter High School for the Class 8A regional semifinal and defeated the Warriors 65-51 on Tuesday, Feb. 17 before a capacity crowd. It marked the second time in program history that the Wolverines (27-3) made it to the regional finals. The semifinal game marked the fourth time this season the two teams have met on the court, with Wellington taking the streak to 4-0 against the Warriors. A compilation of efforts contributed to the Wellington victory. Alex Dieudonne managed to shave off his earlier foul trouble in the first half and came up big in the second half with 21 points. Maestro Ethan Bureau hit six three-pointers in the contest that proved catastrophic for the Warrior defense. Wellington concluded the first quarter with a four-point lead, 16-12, but the Warriors hung tough with Wellington in the second. The Warriors tied it at 22-22 with less than four minutes remaining in the half. The Wolverines broke loose when Lester Gates took the ball for a slam dunk and assisted with outscoring the Warriors in the final minutes of the half 8-2 to let Wel-

lington hold a 32-24 halftime lead. Wellington remained in the driver’s seat for the duration, and coasted into the fourth quarter with a 43-38 lead. Jupiter did come within four points early in the third, but Wellington struck with sniper-like accuracy from the corners and secured several rebounds to keep possession. Dieudonne and Bureau combined for 44 points on the night, with Dieudonne adding his 21 points all

Alex Dieudonne of Wellington dunks the ball for two points.

in the second half. Bureau had a game high of 23. Jupiter came within three points early in the fourth quarter, but the Wolverines continued their stingy ways, with Aaron Kwiatek tallying 11 rebounds and adding nine

points. Wellington secured the 65-51 victory. “We knew they were great players, and we stuck to our game plan; that’s a well-coached team, and they play with a lot of pride,” Wellington coach Matt Colin said of Jupiter.

Sage Chen-Young of Wellington tries to block a Jupiter attack.

“We knew who their players were, and we just had to play.” We l l i n g t o n p l a y e d P a r k land-Douglas in the Class 8A regional final game on Saturday, and defeated the Eagles 70-57 to claim the school’s first regional title. Wellington played McArthur in the Class 8A state semifinal game in Lakeland on Thursday night, but the results were not available at press time.

Wellington’s Nick Brown moves the ball up court.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

PB Central Lacrosse Team Falls 10-8 To Kings Academy By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Friday, Feb. 20, the Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity lacrosse team hosted the Kings Academy in a non-district match and lost to the Lions 10-8. The Lions drew first blood just two minutes into the contest, tak-

Tyler Thomasson scores a goal for the Broncos.

ing an early 1-0 lead. The Broncos pushed back and pressured the TKA defense with two shots on goal, but the Lions’ goalie made key saves to help maintain the lead. Both teams battled back, but it was Palm Beach Central (2-2) that managed to find the back of the net. Kevin Hagerty launched a rocket for

the Broncos to beat the Lions’ goalie for the equalizer. The Bronco surge did not last, as the Lions quickly responded with the go-ahead goal to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. The Lions increased their lead to two when they scored in the first minute of the second quarter

Steve Acquaviva takes the ball up field.

to take a 3-1 lead. Hagerty scored his second goal to chip into the Lions’ lead. The teams went blow-for-blow, and it was the Lions who responded a minute later, to double their lead at 4-2 to end the half. Just two minutes into the second half, Tyler Thomasson found the back of the net for the Broncos. Again, the Lions would respond to the feisty Broncos with a goal of

their own, to resume their two-goal lead at 5-3. However, the Broncos tied it up again with a pair of goals from Austin Cavallo and Thomasson to bring it to 5-5. Sean Lemay gave Palm Beach Central its first lead of the game, beating the Lions’ goalie for a 6-5 lead. The Bronco lead was brief and to be the last of the game. Two See LACROSSE, page 37

Bronco Kevin Hagerty takes a shot on goal and scores. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 36

February 27 - March 5, 2015

SPORTS & RECREATION

Royal Palm Bassmasters Fish Out Of Belle Glade The Royal Palm Bassmasters held its monthly fishing tournament on Jan. 11 on Lake Okeechobee out of the Belle Glade boat ramp. First place went to the team of Walt Zajkowski and partner David Zajkowski with five fish weighing 19 lbs., 3 oz. Second place was awarded to the team of Punk Duff and partner Dede Duff with five fish weighing 12 lbs., 6 oz. Third place was awarded to the team of Rick Eaton and partner Bill Latham with five fish weighing 11 lbs., 7 oz. The big fish of the tournament was 7 lbs., 1 oz., caught by the team of Walt and David Zajkowski. The Royal Palm Bassmasters meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm

Walt and David Zajkowski Beach Recreation Center. The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members. For more information, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com and visit www.royalpalmbassmaster.org.

Kevin Perkins Golf Academy Conducting Spring Junior After-School Golf Program

Starting Tuesday, March 10, and Thursday March 12, the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy will again be conducting its popular Junior After-School Spring Golf Program at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

The program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17 and will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783.

Palm Beach Central Athletes Sign On National Signing Day

The following Palm Beach Central High School athletes signed on National Signing Day: Football — Luis Pegreo, University of South Dakota; Kemar Downer, Florida Atlanic University; Joey Ierulli, West Liberty University; Larry Dunnon, Marshall University; Jamie Saah, Central Methodist University; and Matt Gruny, Waldorf College. Baseball — Brett Hoberman, SUNY Canton. Softball — Megan Grianitto, Nova Southeastern and Kaleigh Decker, Salem International. Girls Basketball — Samara Auguste, St. Thomas University. Girls Soccer — Kasey Boyd, Palm Beach Atlantic University and

Amber Agrillo, Lynn University. Boys Soccer — Alex Vidal, Talladegra College.

(Above) Palm Beach Central football players on National Signing Day.

SRHS Wrestlers Place In State, Area Meets

Nine Seminole Ridge High School wrestlers competed at the junior varsity state tournament Feb. 14. “For being first-year and second-year wrestlers, our boys did well, considering the level of competition,” coach Chad Chieffalo said. “We had one wrestler place and two others were a match away from receiving a medal.”

Freshman Antoine Frantz, advancing to the championship semifinal round, placed fourth in the 170-pound class, while sophomore Greg Henry (152-pound class) and freshman Jon Fioramonti (160-pound class) lost early but battled back to advance to the consolation semifinals. The wrestling team also partic-

ipated Feb. 14 in the Iron Cobra Duals at Park Vista High School, managing to win three of the five dual meets with only nine wrestlers out of 14 weight classes. Liam LaPeter and Jared Smiley finished 5-0 for the tournament, with Smiley named Most Outstanding Wrestler in the lower weight classes.

The Town-Crier

Rosenberg

Masterson Method

continued from page 27 the Masterson Method enables the horse to actively participate in the process of releasing tension. It’s something you do with the horse, rather than to the horse. In fact, if

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION you don’t allow the horse to participate, it doesn’t work. What Masterson teaches isn’t what people commonly think of when they visualize equine massage. Many moves are slow, soft and require patience. For example, he sometimes uses his thumb on the roof of the horse’s mouth in order to massage the poll (top of the head) from the inside.

As he stated more than once during the advanced 5-day course, it’s important to find ways to make things more comfortable for the horse. And, as the horse gets more comfortable, the horse lets its guard down and allows the knots to get worked out. “But if he’s still not letting you go there after your third try, go somewhere else,” Masterson ad-

Lacrosse

TKA Defeats The Broncos

continued from page 35 minutes later, TKA tied it up at 6-6, and eventually went on to score four more goals, to the Broncos’ two, and took the match 10-8. Palm Beach Central provided plenty of offense but could not capitalize on possessions or get by a stingy Lions goalie. Hagerty is credited with a hat trick, scoring three goals. Thomasson is credited with two goals and two assists, and Cavallo also scored two goals. The Broncos are 2-2 on the season. They team hosted Cardinal Newman on Tuesday and traveled to South Fork on Friday, but results were not available by press time.

Palm Beach Central’s Sean Lemay tries to get around a Lion defender.

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

February 27 - March 5, 2015

vised. “It’s not strictly massage. We incorporate a lot of massage moves, but with a lot less pressure. We do this with the horse, not to the horse. The more he interacts, the better the results. You’ll definitely have an improved relationship. You can read his body language a lot better.” Advanced course participant Kathy Tow was impressed. “When the horse realizes you’re listening instead of talking to him, there’s such a change,” she said. “You become true equal partners.” Amelia Sterling also attended the seminar. “It was phenomenal, exhausting, exhilarating and fabulous,” she said. “I learned so much, I couldn’t wait to get home and start using all I had learned. With the Masterson Method, the horses respond better, with more releases and healing. My clients love how it helps their horses.” Sterling advises anyone planning to attend to do their homework first. “Get Jim’s book, which comes with the DVD, and watch, read and practice. You’ll have a strong basis to build on. If you go in cold, you’ll miss a lot,” she said. And, most excitingly, Masterson is returning to the area soon to offer two workshops. The first one, a weekend seminar called Beyond Horse Massage, will be Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22. The sec-

Page 37

Jim Masterson works on a horse. ond, an advanced weeklong course, will be held Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27. There’s a lot of information to digest. Masterson prefers that participants do a weekend course, go home and try out the techniques, and then come back. But everyone is welcome to do both courses at one time, just not encouraged. There are still a few openings. To sign up, or find out more, call (641) 472-1312 or visit www.mastersonmethod.com. You can also sign up for a monthly e-newsletter.

Resurfacing Options • Planter Walls • Water Features Colored LED Lights • Salt Chlorine Generators • Total Automation

February 28th, 2015

Creating An Outdoor Oasis

Save $150 on renovation or resurfacing project

(if renovation scheduled within 2 months) Expires 2/28/15

Our Our Wellington Wellington showroom showroom has has thousands thousands of of samples samples

F O R A L L Y O U R P O O L A N D PAT I O N E E D S

Schaefer Drugs HorizonPool.com Lic# U-14047

Page 38

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

5 FOR ONLY

MAKE IT A MEAL ADD HOT-N-READY® CRAZY BREAD® (8-PIECE ORDER), CRAZY SAUCE® & PEPSI® 2-LITER TO ANY PIZZA

OFFER EXPIRES: 5/31/15 Valid only at participating Little Caesars® locations. Not good with any other offers. Plus tax where applicable.

7 FOR ONLY

An 8-corner DEEP!DEEP!™DISH pepperoni and bacon pizza with a crispy bacon wrapped crust.

LARGE

AVAILABLE ALL DAY & HOT-N-READY® 4-8PM

MAKE IT A MEAL ADD HOT-N-READY® CAESAR WINGS® (8-PIECE ORDER), & PEPSI® 2-LITER TO ANY PIZZA

OFFER EXPIRES: 5/31/15 Valid only at participating Little Caesars® locations. Not good with any other offers. Plus tax where applicable.

ROYAL PALM BEACH (Corner of Okeechobee Blvd. & Ponce Deleon in the Royal Plaza)

11328 Okeechobee Blvd. #4 561-204-5252

47976_aa_Pizza Y_4_9917x5_575_SMcca_4C.indd 1

2/4/15 10:25 AM

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Page 39

Page 40

February 27 - March 5, 2015

Saturday, Feb. 28 • The Palm Beach County Women’s Expo will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center with more than 20 presentations and demonstrations, including self-defense, ballroom dance, a world champion hula hooper, a Zumba class, plus guest authors, seminars, financial advice and more than 200 exhibitors. Visit www. womensexpopalmbeach.com for more info. • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 283-5856 for more info. • The American Cancer Society will present Bark for Life at the Micanopy Pavilion at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. featuring a dog walk, dog events, dog/people goodie bag, dog contests, a children’s fun area, a cancer survivor walk, dog vendors and more. Dog rescue groups will also be on hand. For more info., check out @ BarkForLifePB on Twitter or visit www.facebook. com/bflpalmbeachcounty. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Zoo Stories for ages 2 to 6 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. Enjoy a frenzy of animal stories, songs and a craft. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Teatime Trivia on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. Form a team or compete alone in a stimulating game of trivia. Bragging rights and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Anime Club for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. Meet other teens who enjoy watching and talking about anime. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host RPB Teen Xpressions for ages 12 to 17 Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. Share original poems, writings, art work and more with a group of your peers. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks and tribute concerts on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand starting at 5 p.m. A Young Elvis tribute will be at 6 p.m., and the Eagles tribute band the Long Run will play at 8:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County will be the beneficiary of the second annual Mayor’s Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For more info., visit www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org. • Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor (Village Square Center, 3475 Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach) will sponsor a pot luck dinner and a presentation on identity theft Saturday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Anyone is invited to bring a dish to share to this

www.gotowncrier.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

free event. The presentation will be led by CPA Steve Kirschner and identity security specialist Nancy Roth Bianco. To attend, call (561) 9680688 or e-mail info@ladorvador.org. Sunday, March 1 • The fourth annual Wellington Kids Triathlon will take place Sunday, March 1 starting at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. Kids will swim, bike and run in five age divisions. Visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar will take place Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. For more info., visit www.rpbgreenmarket. com or call (561) 792-9260. • The Acreage Green Market will take place Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagegreenmarket. com or call (561) 723-3898. • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will present “Urban Farming: Permaculture One-Day Intensive” on Sunday, March 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with speaker Marcus (Déva) Thomson, founder of Permaculture Miami. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org. • The Rainforest Clinic for Birds & Exotics (3319 E Road, Loxahatchee Groves) will host a Parrot Party on Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with presentations, food trucks and refreshments, and pet adoption. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 13. Call (561) 628-8501 for more info. • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue the 2015 polo season on Sunday, March 1 with the 26-goal USPA C.V. Whitney Cup. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687. Monday, March 2 • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Swingtime Featuring the Jive Aces, the United Kingdom’s number-one jive and swing band, on Monday, March 2 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. • Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will host Read Across America Day with Dr. Seuss on Monday, March 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a night of stories, crafts, activities and more. The Literacy Coalition, as well as several local schools, will receive a percentage of sales. Call (561) 792-1292 for more info. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Michael Sanderling and cellist Johannes Moser as part of the Regional Arts Concert Series on Monday, March 2 at 8 p.m. and Tuesday, March 3 at 2 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. Tuesday, March 3 • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest

Hill Blvd.) will host “Science for Seniors: Insects and Butterflies” on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m. Delve into the interesting world of insects with guest speakers Edward Nelson and Richard Crook. The cost is $5 per person. Call (561) 2331400 to RSVP. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Game Day for ages 8 to 12 on Tuesday, March 3 at 3 p.m. Bring a friend for Wii gaming and board game fun. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Whole Foods Market in Wellington will host a Luau Block Party to benefit Palm Beach Central High School’s Project Graduation on Tuesday, March 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more info., e-mail pbcprojectgrad2015@gmail.com. • The Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde is coming to the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Palm Beach State College’s Belle Glade Campus (1977 College Drive) on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.dollyhand.org for more info. • The Royal Room at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach will present Rich Little from Tuesday, March 3 through Saturday, March 7. Visit www. thecolonypalmbeach.com for more info. Wednesday, March 4 • The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #367 of Royal Palm Beach will meet Wednesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Paul Anka on Wednesday, March 4 at 8 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. Thursday, March 5 • St. Rita Catholic Church of Wellington will hold a festival Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8 with rides, food, bunko, bingo, entertainment, vendors, a silent auction and lots of fun. For more info., call Nancy at (561) 7278627 or John at (561) 846-1821. • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Story Time for ages 2 to 5 on Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. The cost is $2 per child. Introduce little ones to Mother Nature through nature-based stories. Call (561) 2331400 to RSVP. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host AARP Tax Help on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. AARP volunteers will provide individualized help to taxpayers with low and moderate incomes, with special attention to clients ages 60 and older. Bring current tax documents and last year’s tax return. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Kravis Under Cover with a lecture about Amy Waldman’s novel The Submission on Thursday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W.

The Town-Crier Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks and a free concert on Thursday, March 5 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on hand starting at 5 p.m., and No Strings Attached will play at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • The local chapter of the SCBWI Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). Call (561) 792-1292 for more info. • Jeremy Wade, the popular host of Animal Planet’s River Monsters, will be the guest presenter at the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium’s annual benefit on Thursday, March 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Breakers Palm Beach. Wade will make a special appearance at the science center for the monthly Parents Night Out open to children ages 4 to 12 on Friday, March 6. Contact Marcy Hoffman at (561) 370-7738 or mhoffman@sfsciencecenter.org for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Gladys Knight on Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. Friday, March 6 • Royal Palm Beach will present West Fest from Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, with a full carnival-style atmosphere packed with western performers, live country entertainment and fun displays. Enjoy old-fashioned games and activities, like panning for gold, hay rides, pony rides and a petting zoo. For more info., visit www. rpbwestfest.com or call (561) 790-5149. • The Interact Club at Palm Beach Central High School (8499 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host the Cody’s Angels Dodging Cancer Tournament on Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. in honor of former student Cody Meiers, who died in 2012. The tournament has 16 teams, made up of clubs, students and teachers. For more info., call (561) 433-7980 or e-mail rosemary.antonacci@palmbeachschools.org. • Bestselling author, sportswriter and commentator Mike Lupica will visit Barnes & Noble (10500 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. to discuss and sign his new book, The Only Game. Call (561) 792-1292 for more info. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the Moscow City Ballet performing Swan Lake on Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

•Enrichment Classes include Computer Animation, Computer Coding, Robotics, Engineering, 2D/3D, Design, Gaming, Mechanics, Botany

EST. 2003

•Digital Literacy and Technology integrated throughout all courses

Ranked TOP 20% of all schools in the State of Florida based on FCAT Scores • TOP 7% in Math • TOP 13% in Science • TOP 14% in Reading

•Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry 1 Honors offered for High School credit

WWW.WESTERNACADEMYCHARTER.COM Online Application Due March 20, 2015

•Advanced level content courses

APPLY DIRECTLY ONLINE:

A CA N R D E

•Blend of Traditional and Project Based Learning

Saturday, March 7, 2015 (Informational Session at 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.)

Page 41

2015/2016 - 6th & 7th Grade

WE S

OPEN HOUSE

February 27 - March 5, 2015

O H

•Seven Clubs, Intramural Sports, Chorus, National Junior Honor Society

TER SC

• TUTION FREE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Western Academy is an “A” Rated, High Performing Charter School

WESTERN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

WE S AR

EST. 2003

WWW.WESTERNACADEMYCHARTER.COM

FLORIDA 5 STAR SCHOOL

N ACAD

• Fax (561)422-0674

(561)792-4123

650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD. SUITE 400 ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411

TER SCH

Western Academy does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, national origin or disability.

Page 42

February 27 - March 5, 2015

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES A/C AND REFRIGERATION JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating 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

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

COMPUTER REPAIR D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-1923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-7606

SMALL EQUIPMENT SALESPERSON

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or 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. — Int./Ext. Residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

DRIVEWAY REPAIR

PLUMBING

D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. L i c.& Ins. 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 2 5 61-667-7716

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

FLOORING C O M P L E T E F L O O R I N G R E M O VA L ! B E S T R AT E S ! A L L T Y P E S O F FLOORS! — Your local flooring store and more. www.buyithereflooring.com 561-333-2306 buyithere7@gmail.com

HOUSE CLEANING RELIABLE HOME CLEANING — Experienced, local references, pet sitting, house sitting available. 561-572-1782.

PRESSURE CLEANING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www. jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ROOFING

SALESPERSON EQUIPMENT SALES JD Dealership is looking for a self motivated, computer savvy, professional salesperson with excellent people skills to sell agricultural equipment to new and existing customers. Assist the Sales Manager in daily tasks. Exc. Salary plus commission, incentives, benefits, matching 401K email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com BOOKKEEPER NEEDED — part-time, experienced in QuickBooks, flexible hours. Please fax resume to 561-791-0952

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207

Drivers: New Pay! $2,500 Sign-On Bonus! Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

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

HOUSE SITTER • PET SITTER WANTED

SCREENING

FEMALE OR COUPLE W/REFERENCES NEEDED TO LIVE IN MY HOME — and care for my 3 dogs and 7 cats 6-12 months, call Lily 561-215-4724. Loxahatchee

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

LAWN SERVICE

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — High Quality, affordable yard maintenance serving the Loxahatchee area. NO CONTRACTS!. Locally Owned & Operated. 561-320-1118

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

MUSICAL - PRIVATE PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

NEW FLOORING BUY IT HERE FLOORING — Kitchen and Bath. Now available. Complete one stop shopping. Stop on By! Pike Road - Between Southern and Belvedere. West Palm Beach - Open 7 Days!!! 561-333-2300

PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 561-793-7606

TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS TIRES/AUTO REPAIRS— Located behind Al Packer West off Southern Blvd. Tires for autos, trucks and commercial vehicles. 561-790-7228. 587 105 Ave. N. Unit 28, Royal Palm Beach.

TREE SERVICE TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

WALLPAPERING 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

ESTATE SALE THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28th SUNDAY, MARCH, 1ST 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. Household items, furniture, 2 large breakfronts. 2006 White Coral Ct. In Lake Pointe, Off Big Blue Trace.

email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

HOME ORGANIZER

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY YARD SALE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH 8 A.M. - 11 A.M. HIDDEN CREEK AT BINKS FOREST

#1 JD dealership needs a salesperson to sell new and used CWP agricultural and turf equipment to new and existing customers. Exc. Benefits, matching 401K

DRIVERS WANTED WELLINGTON TOWN CAR — Full-Time, Part-Time Experienced. Retirees Welcome. 561-333-0181

WANT A HAPPY, ORGANIZED HOME? — See results in one session! Introductory rate: $69 for 3 hour session. References available. 561-707-2834

GARAGE/ESTATE SALES

Come work for the BEST!

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

BRING BACK LIVE MUSIC — Better than yesterday’s old hat canned music. Private parties. Broadway songs, classical Jazz from Cole Porter, reasonable rates. All you need is a Piano or Keyboard. Call Dolly Williamson at 561-965-8456

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS NEEDED with 6-10 years experience. We offer vacation after 1 year of employment. EOE/DFWP. Please email your resume to Tammy.Morris@AssociatedElectric.com Absolutely NO PHONE CALLS! PT/FT REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT — Needed Energetic, self motivated Real Estate Assistant, flexible hours. Bi-lingual & computer savvy a plus but not a must. Call Missy at 561-339-8685 or e-mail resume to misseyf@bellsouth.net PROFESSIONAL WANTED — Investment Portfolio Manager for Liberty Professional Partners in Palm Beach. Send resume to LiangAssociates@icloud.com. Must speak fluent Chinese BA required. T U TO R I N G — S o c i a l M e d i a Tu t o r Needed to help tutor adult with; LinkedIn, Tw i t t e r, I n s t a g r a m , P i n t e r e s t , e t c . $15.00 per hour. Call Leslie. 215-4724

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE - BUENA VISTA COMMUNITY BUENA VITA LAKE FRONT 2 BEDROOM PLUS DEN, 2 BATH — Professionally landscaped, peaceful, long lake views. Just listed $399,900. For further access to open house. Call Jackie DeSantis 561-436-9844

FOR RENT - GREENACRES

AUTOMOBILES FOR SALE 2005 DODGE RAM DIESEL — extended warranty, 2005 5th wheel, 30ft. Cardinal with 2 slide outs, asking $30,500, for both or best offer call 561-793-5994.

ROOMMATE TO SHARE — 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment - Purdy & Jog Road. $550 per month. Looking for under 35 years old. 954-296-3748

TENNESSEE LAND FOR SALE TENNESSEE LAND — 12 Acres for sale in Equestrian neighborhood with 3 miles of riding trails. Call Dixon Te a m K e l l e r W i l l i a m s 4 2 3 - 8 8 3 - 0 6 5 6

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015 Page 43

HERE’S MY CARD

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 561-793-7606

Page 44 February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

H E R E ’ S M Y CA R D

PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 561-793-7606

The Town-Crier

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015 Page 45

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

New Location! New Showroom!

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE!

561-333-2306 TOLL FREE: 855-808-8555

WE DO NOT SELL CHEAP FLOORING CHEAPER

WE SELL THE BEST FOR LESS! 766 Pike Road • West Palm Beach, FL 33411 (Between Southern Blvd. & Belvedere)

Page 46

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

February 27 - March 5, 2015

SIX great schools educating students in Palm Beach!

Why Choose Charter Schools USA? • Tuition-free public charter schools • Personal Learning Plans • Before and after care • Character education and leadership • Meaningful parental involvement • Certified, dedicated teachers

APPLY ONLINE TODAY!

Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

K-7 K-7 K-7 K-8 K-8 K-8

www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

Page 47

Page 48

February 27 - March 5, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier