Town-Crier Newspaper, December 10, 2010

LOX TOWN, CALLERY-JUDGE CLOSE TO PACT SEE STORY, PAGE 3

ITID RESIDENTS OFFER INPUT ON PARK SEE STORY, PAGE 4

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

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INSIDE Wellington Invites Residents To Join In Local Toy Drive

Volume 31, Number 50 December 10 - December 16, 2010

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB DINNER DANCE

To give needy children a bit of cheer this season, the Village of Wellington is collecting new, unwrapped toys as par t of its Holiday Toy Drive. Toys can be dropped off at any village office until Friday, Dec. 17. Page 3

Wellington’s Piece Of The World Trade Center Arrives From New York

The piece of steel that will highlight Wellington’s Patriot Memorial arrived in the western communities Saturday, Dec. 4.

Wellingt on Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, along with Wellington employees, Palm Beach County Fire-R escue off icials, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies and members of the military escorted the steel from New York. Page 5

RPB Celebrates Holiday Festival Of Lights At Vets Park

The Village of Royal P alm Beach held its annual Holiday Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 6 at Veterans Park. Vendors were selling handcrafted items, there were free cookies and hot chocolate, and free craf ts for kids. Page 10

OPINION Wellington Owes Much Of Its Success To Mische

Gene Mische’s passing is not just a loss for the equestrian community, but for Wellington as well, which continues to benefit from the annual 12week festival he founded. The community enjoys its status as a world-class equestrian destination thanks in large part to Mische’s life’s work. Page 4

Page 34-36 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 2 - 13 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS ....................... 8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 BUSINESS ................... 31 - 33 SPORTS ....................... 37 - 40 CALENDAR...................42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS ...............44 - 49 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Wellington Boys & Girls Club held its 23rd annual Wellington Dinner Dance on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Themed “Diamonds Are Forever,” the event featured a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and James Bond posters. Shown here are Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng and Dr. Lawrence Bergman with Marilyn Monroe (Camille Terry).

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

Equestrian Festival Founder Gene Mische Dies At Age 79

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Friends and associates of Wellington equestrian pioneer Eugene “Gene” Mische say they will remember him as a visionary whose work was central to the creation of one of the foremost equestrian venues in the world.

Mische, founder of Stadium Jumping, passed away Friday evening, Dec. 3, after a long, hardfought battle with cancer. He was 79.

Born in Cleveland on June 26, 1931, Mische, more than any horseman in history, changed the face of equestrian sports in the United States. His crowning achievement was the creation of the largest and longest annual equestrian event in the world, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

Former County Commissioner Ken Adams said Mische’s influence on the horse industry in Wellington was comparable to that of other Wellington founders.

“Gene Mische’s impact was as great on Wellington, I think, as anyone involved in its history with

the exception of the Wellington family and Bink Glisson,” Adams said. “Gene has created an extremely unique community.”

Adams said Mische gave feet to developer Guerry Stribling’s vision of Wellington as an equestrian community. “I don’t think many people realize that it hasn’t happened anywhere else that I know of,” Adams said. “Every other horse show that I’m aware of, people take their horses to the show, they live out of hotels or travel vans, and after a couple of weeks when the show is over, they all leave and move on to the next one.”

Wellington’s early developers, such as Stribling and Palm Beach Polo founder Bill Ylvisaker, envisioned a year-round equestrian community, but it wasn’t until Mische arrived to produce backto-back horse shows that the vision became reality.

Adams said Stribling believed that if he could get Mische to come to Wellington, he could produce a winter horse event and sustain it for a long enough period of time that the competitors would actu-

Serving Palms West Since 1980

State Grades Show Big Jump For RPBHS

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Florida Department of Education finally released public high school letter grades for the 2009-10 school year after almost four months of waiting, and results show that the majority of high schools in the western communities improved last year.

The grades were delayed at the state level due to a new grading system, which takes into account not only FCAT scores, but also the school’s graduation rate and the performance and participation of students in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes, as well as dual enrollment and other advanced programs. The new grading system also weighs student performance on college placement tests as well as the graduation rate of at-risk students.

This year, Palm Beach Central High School and Seminole Ridge High School both rose from a B grade to an A, while Wellington High School remained an A school.

The most dramatic improvement came from Royal Palm Beach High School, which jumped from a D to a B. It is the highest grade that the school has received since 2005, when it also received a B. The D grade raised concerns as to whether the school truly reflected the Royal Palm Beach commu-

nity and prompted a series of initiatives aimed at improving the school.

RPBHS Principal Jesus Armas said that the new B grade is something that students and teachers, as well as the community as a whole, should be proud of.

“Everyone I know is really excited,” he said. “We felt all along that the D status didn’t portray what was going on at this campus.

When I got here, I could see immediately that this was not a D school. The bottom line was that we needed to prove it.”

Armas replaced former principal Guarn Sims this year. He credited Sims, who took a job with the Village Academy in Delray Beach, with turning the school around.

“He was a leader and led them through it,” Armas said. “And, of course, it always comes down to the teachers and students in the classrooms who worked hard to turn things around. Last year, there was a lot of work done. Everyone came together, and they got it right. They showed the type of school that Royal Palm Beach truly is.”

Royal Palm Beach Councilman David Swift, who led a task force to look into issues at the high school, said that he was pleased to see improvements in the school’s test scores.

“I don’t think much of the See GRADES, page 18

ITID Prepared To Challenge RPB On Water Surcharge Gene Mische ally buy property and build in Wellington.

“That was a revolutionary thought at the time, but Gene believed in it and Guerry believed in it, and the equestrian community believed in Gene,” Adams said. “They had such confidence in Gene... He had that kind of trust from equestrians around the world. He was a great force in his See MISCHE, page 18

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Indian Trail Improvement District supervisors said Wednesday they plan to attend the next meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council on Thursday, Dec. 16, to raise objections on issues that have been festering between the two communities — including ITID’s resentment of RPB’s water utility agreement with the county.

The agreement puts a 10-percent surcharge on all users of county water in The Acreage and gives it to Royal Palm Beach as a result of a water agreement in which the village sold its water distribution rights to the county several years ago.

Although the surcharge brings in a minimal amount of money now, ITID attorney Charlie Schoech said it will grow over the years See ITID, page 18

FUN AT WINTERFEST

Econ Task Force Aims For Better Communication With Residents

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Communicating with residents to promote economic growth in the western communities was at the forefront of conversations during the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force meeting Wednesday, Dec. 8 in Royal Palm Beach.

Several task force members, concerned with recent setbacks in economic development in some of the communities, said that they would like to see the task force be an avenue for communication with residents to share information and prevent misinformation from spreading.

During updates from the City

of Greenacres on its redevelopment projects and the Village of Royal Palm Beach on its water utility site, the issue of communication between residents and the government arose. Both communities saw opposition to land-use changes that could have led to commercial development.

Greenacres Mayor Sam Ferreri said that a Monday night meeting to discuss a planning agreement with the county drew hundreds.

“It was probably the secondbiggest crowd I’ve seen in my 26 years,” he said. “Three hundred to 400 people showed up, all politicized by the Internet, believing that we were going to annex their land or change their land use with-

out their permission.”

Ferreri suggested that the task force could be a vessel to help educate the public on land use, zoning and the overall economic development vision of the western communities.

“People don’t understand land use and zoning,” he said. “They may live on a five-acre tract with one house, but their land use could allow seven to ten units per acre, and their neighbor could change their neighborhood in a moment by right.”

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins noted that a similar event occurred with the Royal Palm Beach water utility See TASK FORCE, page 18

Residents enjoyed holiday fun at WinterFest 2010, hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Wellington Amphitheater. There was live entertainment, vendors, a car show and even a performance by Vanilla Ice. Shown here, Wellington High School students Terah Kalk, Jackie Grebinar and P eri Diamond raise funds for St. Baldrick’s. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Managing Growth, Patient Care Challenges For New WRMC CEO

New CEO — Jerel Humphrey took over last month as CEO at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Jerel Humphrey, the new chief executive officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center, said this week that growth management will be his main challenge in the coming years.

This challenge includes everything from handling an increasing number of patients to the technological growth that is demanding internal change in the way facilities are managed.

Humphrey’s appointment was effective Nov. 1. He replaced longtime CEO Kevin DiLallo, who left in April to become vice president of the Manatee Memo-

rial Health System in Bradenton.

“I’ve only been here a month,” Humphrey told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “The hospital is very busy. We have commitments and initiatives in OB [obstetrics and gynecology], the neonatal intensive care unit, our cancer center and the emergency department that are already in place, and we really want to embellish and grow in orthopedics as well. Those things come with the turf. Right now it’s about how we continue to grow and improve those initiatives and add to them.”

Humphrey said he is impressed with the Wellington community because it’s active and vigorous

despite economic difficulties. “My sense is that there is a real can-do spirit, a real pride of ownership in this area that I am really encouraged by and really looking forward to being a part of and contributing to,” he said.

Part of Wellington’s effort at economic recovery has been to establish a 200-acre medical arts district with the 59-acre WRMC campus as its anchor. Humphrey said he had meetings planned for this week to discuss the project.

“We’re going to talk more about this medical arts district,” he said.

“At this point, it’s very encouraging. I’m going to get more inforSee HUMPHREY, page 18

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NEWS

Wellington Invites Residents To Join In Local Toy Drive

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report To give needy children a bit of cheer this season, the Village of Wellington is collecting new, unwrapped toys as part of its Holiday Toy Drive. Toys can be dropped off at any village office until Friday, Dec. 17.

“I think it’s important that we all reach out to help those in need,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “So bring toys to the village offices so we can make sure we get enough to help those kids.”

In partnership with the Citizens Volunteer Organization, the Palms West and Wellington chambers of commerce, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, Walgreens and local businesses, Wellington hopes to collect enough toys to give gifts to more than 400 children this holiday season.

The village is asking for toys for boys and girls ages 2 to 16. An angel tree, located at the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace), has specific ages and genders of children in need, but residents may choose to buy for any age or gender.

Monetary donations are also being accepted and will be used to buy additional gifts for children, especially teens, who are often overlooked during holiday fundraisers. All gifts will be purchased from local businesses.

Once the toys are collected and sorted, they will be wrapped on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 20 and 21, with help from volunteers.

Walgreens has donated wrapping paper and supplies.

In addition, the chain store is providing a discount for Wellington to purchase toys such as basketballs and footballs for some of the older children.

Walgreens also donated a CocaCola basketball hoop, which will be raffled off during Wellington’s employee breakfast to raise money to buy toys. Residents wishing to donate big-ticket items to raffle off may contact the Safe Neighborhoods Office at (561) 7914796.

On Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m., the toys will be delivered to the families.

“This is an opportunity for our residents to come together and put

smiles on children’s faces,” Bowen said.

But Wellington is also extending its reach this year to help others in need. On Thursday, Dec. 23, members of the Wellington Village Council, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies and members of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue will visit children in Palms West Hospital with toys, working with the Kids Cancer Foundation.

Toys will also be delivered to children in Pahokee, where poverty is high and many families can’t afford to buy toys during the holidays. “There’s a lady out there who tries to give gifts to 300 to 400 kids each year. We’d like to help her,” Bowen said, adding that he hopes Wellington can get together enough toys to help her meet her goal as well. “They’ve got a lot of serious need out there.

We have always been able to raise enough for our own, so I think it’s only right we try to help others.”

Bowen pointed to the success of last year’s toy drive, which helped 85 needy families, as evidence that the community will come together to help those in need. In addition to helping Wellington’s own needy families, many toys were sent to Hospice of Palm Beach County, children at Palms West Hospital and those less fortunate in Pahokee.

“There’s always going to be people in need,” Bowen said. “We should make sure to help our friends and our neighbors.”

In addition to local children, the village will also be helping local families with an “adopt-a-family” program. Each department in the village is pooling money to give a needy family a happy holiday, whether it’s buying them gifts, giving them a holiday meal or helping them pay some of their bills.

Hearts-N-Hands of Wellington will also be adopting a family, and any resident who would like to help a family can contact the Safe Neighborhoods Office.

Bowen urged the community to give back this holiday season.

“It’s important for all of us to help those who are less fortunate,” he said. “That’s who we are.

That’s what makes us a strong community and a strong country.”

Lox Groves Close To A Settlement With Callery-Judge

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Loxahatchee Groves Town Attorney Michael Cirullo announced Tuesday that he is very near a settlement with Callery-Judge Grove in its objections to the town’s proposed comprehensive land-use plan.

Last May, after the Florida Department of Community Affairs found the comp plan in compliance, Callery-Judge filed a challenge to have the DCA ruling overturned by an administrative law judge, and the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council directed legal staff to hold meetings with Callery-Judge officials to resolve the issue without litigating the matter.

The settlement involves four main areas: the capacity of Okeechobee Blvd. within the town’s boundaries, roadway connections on the north and west boundaries of the town, intergovernmental coordination with Callery-Judge’s Seminole Improvement District regarding development and traffic in the area, and how infrastructure improvements will be financed.

“I want to confirm that this is the direction you want us to pursue,” Cirullo said. “You are not approving the agreement. There are further hearings required that must be noticed.”

An attorney for Callery-Judge attended Tuesday’s meeting, but not to negotiate. “He is here because if his client agrees, we will be able to move forward in a few weeks,” Cirullo said.

Mayor Dave Browning said he felt that the proposed agreement would benefit the town in providing additional access north and west. “The biggest issue is Okeechobee,” Browning said. “We are talking about some inter-neighborhood roads that would be lowimpact.”

As part of the settlement, the town would identify and build additional roads to enable vehicles to enter and leave the town without relying on Okeechobee Blvd.

To that end, the town would agree to northern connections, including a more direct connection of E

Road and 140th Avenue North, to be built by Dec. 31, 2014. In addition, the town would be required to identify two additional northern connections into the Seminole Improvement District by Dec. 13, 2013. Callery-Judge has agreed that the uses at those locations would be for low-density residential only, according to Cirullo’s report.

The settlement also includes connections at the western boundary of the town, one in the area of Sycamore Drive to be built by Dec. 31, 2013, and a connection south of Okeechobee Blvd. to be identified by Dec. 31, 2013. The construction of the connection south of Okeechobee Blvd. would be required within two years upon either the town’s issuance of building permits for 300 new residential units or the issuance of building permits for 150,000 square feet of new non-residential development within the town. There would also be a limitation on new driveways along Okeechobee Blvd.

In addition, the town and the Seminole Improvement District will use their best efforts to negotiate an interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County to provide the future design and construction of Okeechobee Blvd. as a four-lane roadway with enhanced medians, turn lanes and landscaping.

Upon new development, property owners on Okeechobee Blvd. would be required to dedicate a 20-foot landscape and road buffer adjacent to Okeechobee Blvd.

In order to provide for the agreed-to road improvements, the town must identify a financing source and, within one year of the settlement, adopt an ordinance to levy impact fees on new development.

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp said that the town and Callery-Judge have spent a lot of time working toward a settlement and pointed out that an administrative hearing would have been extremely expensive.

“I think it’s the best we can do,” Lipp said. “For the most part, they are things we would be doing anySee GROVES, page 18

December 10 - December 16, 2010

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OUR OPINION

Wellington Owes Much Of Its Success To The Late Gene Mische Not too long after he celebrated his more than 60 years in the equestrian industry, Stadium Jumping founder Gene Mische passed away Friday, Dec. 3. A pioneer in the truest sense of the word, Mische was responsible for many a horse show in his time, most significantly to the western communities, the Winter Equestrian Festival. Mische’s passing is not just a loss for the equestrian community, but for Wellington as well, which continues to benefit financially from the annual 12-week festival he founded. The community enjoys its status as a worldclass equestrian destination thanks in large part to Mische’s life’s work.

Mische may not have been the first to promote equestrian events in Wellington — polo pioneer Bill Ylvisaker, who passed away last February, initially convinced Mische to bring his shows to Wellington — but without Mische, the Winter Equestrian Festival would not be here.

It is the largest and longest annual equestrian event in the world, and it takes place right in our backyard. But while that in itself is a remarkable achievement, it’s one of many shows Mische produced over the decades. Others include the Olympic Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2000 and 2004, the Budweiser American Invitational, the National Horse Show, the American Grand Prix Association National Jumper Championships and the World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2002 and 2006.

Mische was part of the five-member committee that brought the first World Cup to the

United States in 1980. And when Mische produced the first-ever outdoor Nations Cup, he chose Wellington as the location. It is only fitting that he has a place in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame (he was inducted in 2000), and that the United States Equestrian Federation presented him the Jimmy Williams Lifetime Achievement Award. One of Mische’s favorite accomplishments with Stadium Jumping is the company’s pioneering of hosting multiple shows for more than a week at a single show grounds. He considered what he created in Wellington to be “the greatest horse show circuit in the world.”

Mische’s involvement in the equestrian industry wasn’t limited to show promotion. As founding president of the Wellington Equestrian Alliance, Mische was a key figure in the development of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area, which was written into the village’s comprehensive plan. He did his part to ensure that village codes were protective of the equestrian community.

While Mische retired as the Winter Equestrian Festival’s promoter several years ago, the event he founded is still going strong. And if you haven’t attended a Winter Equestrian Festival show in a while, this year’s kickoff is just weeks away. The 2011 WEF runs from Jan. 12 to April 3 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Enjoying a day at the horse show is certainly a fitting tribute to Gene Mische and the legacy he left Wellington.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Streets Not Safer In Wellington I don’ t know where [Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jay] Hart and his staff hide during the day and night, but it surely isn’t on the roads in Wellington if he thinks drivers are being more observant of traffic laws compared to previous years.

Perhaps he and his staff are no longer concerned about illegal turns on red lights, and U-turns on red arrows. Perhaps he can’t see jacked-up trucks with bumpers well over legal limits, windows so tinted you can’t see inside the vehicle, hear the boom-box sounds coming from five cars behind you at a traffic light, or observe the reckless darting in and out of traffic lanes as people head east in the morning.

Maybe he needs to observe how motorists treat pedestrians trying to cross major intersections when the pedestrian can’t cross six road lanes before they lose the crossing light and are caught in the crosswalk.

And lastly, maybe their radar guns no longer work because if he thinks people are observing speed

limits when sheriff’s cars are not visible, he is truly misguided. Traffic citations may be down but please “man up” and attribute it correctly to less enforcement.

Joseph Manning Wellington

No Help For The Retirees I wonder how many of my fellow senior retirees have read about the tax deal that the president and Republicans have now embraced.

There is something positive for almost everyone.

There will be no automatic tax increases because the rates temporarily dropped in 2001 and 2003 will extend for two more years.

Workers will get a two-percent increase in take-home pay because of a moratorium on payroll taxes.

Many who might have been subjected to the alternative minimum tax will escape from that disaster.

The unemployed will get an extension of benefits, and more.

But have you noticed what broad category of folks will not only fail to get a tax break but will get an increase in taxes? Retired seniors are facing a rise in Medicare premiums and a reduction in benefits. Some hoping to leave an

inheritance for their heirs will have to inform their heirs that they now may face a 35-percent inheritance tax. But what about the big tax break that the president promised earlier? (“Obama and Biden will eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 per year.”) Nary a word.

While it is true that there is little an individual can do when they’re discriminated against, if enough of us write our representatives and the president, they just might pay attention.

Phil Sexton Wellington

No Compromise With The GOP Listen up, President Obama: We must flood the airways and petitions with the message “do not compromise.” You cannot be reasonable with unreasonable minds.

Stand up and take the strength from the people who voted for you and believe in you. Strength is all the Republicans and the turncoat Democrats will respond to. No compromise — we are for the people.

The Republicans have demonstrated over and over again that they are for taking down Obama

and “to hell with the American people, hell no” (Boehner and McConnell) the Republican leaders. There is no mandate! Just because the Republicans say there is, that doesn’t make it so. Read the polls. The American people have spoken in 2008; only the Republican, Tea Party lies and money have spoken in 2010, not the people.

You cannot let the unemployment insurance run out and you cannot let the Republicans bully you into not letting the tax cuts for the wealthy expire. We need you to take the lead and be strong and stand up to the Republicans.

Shirley Bass Wellington

Election Is Over... GOP Won Editor’s note: The following letter is addressed to letter-writers Gwynne Chesher, Shirley Bass and George Unger.

I have read all your letters since July. On Nov. 2, you lost, in part because of your letters that pointed out how far you are from reality and the voters. All of us did win a chance for a better future for this country. So please, drink your Kool-Aid and lick your

wounds in private. Kudos to the Town-Crier for printing letters.

They helped.

Robert Duquet Wellington

State Of Florida Needs Better Transportation As a longtime Florida resident, I am outraged that we do not have a more efficient transportation system. Why are we driving from Boca to Orlando for family visits to Disney? Why are tourists who come here internationally to Miami forced to rent a car when

wanting to visit the north and central parts of our state? We have major universities where students should be able to get on a train and visit their families. Work commuters who live in Palm Beach County face gridlock every day entering Miami-Dade County. It is just ridiculous.

We want safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. We want a transportation system like the northeast of our country. Most of all, we want to get out of our cars and enjoy the ride while eliminating greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.

Nina Cioffi West Palm Beach

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor.

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

OPINION

New Web Site Offers Easy Access To Health Info From Top Experts Who wouldn’t like to get authoritative answers to health questions and concerns from top doctors at Johns Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic or television’s personable, medical superstar Dr. Mehmet Oz? Now it is possible on an ongoing basis, from a wondrous new web site named Sharecare.com.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin It’s fabulously easy; simply click on any of the 48 web top-

ics available and investigate a bevy of commonly asked questions with thoughtful responses from health and wellness pros and research experts.

In a precise analysis of his site, co-founder Jeff Arnold said, “Consumers get multiple points of view and differing perspectives.”

You can search by hospital, expert’s name or disease. Importantly, access to advice from local healthcare providers is automatic.

Answers from top medical centers and hospitals in your area show up on the screen at the head of the list.

That’s not all. Starting Jan. 1,

2011, users can join a Facebook page.

Thus, you will also be able to get updated information that “friends” such as Dr. Oz place on their page and, if desired, interact with others.

P.S.: Also, be sure to check out the rapidly popularizing winein-a-keg (on tap) offerings,

which more and more trendy restaurants are serving like beer, if you will. Doing away with corks, bottles and cartons surely lowers costs. And kegged wine remains unspoiled because the gas used to push the wine through the line protects it without affecting taste. Makes sense all around!

NEWS

Public Hears Presentation, Offers Input On Big ITID Park Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District held a public workshop Saturday, Dec. 4 to chart the expansion of Acreage Community Park, which will include added recreational amenities and a longplanned community center.

Facilities at the current park, which now is 25 acres, include baseball, football and soccer fields, pavilions, shade structures, restrooms, a skate park and a playground.

Expansion plans include a boardwalk across the preserve area connecting to the existing northern park. Other features being discussed for the southern expansion area are multipurpose fields, a children’s playground, a picnic pavilion, an exercise trail and outdoor cooking facilities.

The expansion will increase the usable park area to about 40 acres.

Lisa Seltzer, president of the Acreage chapter of the American Youth Soccer Organization, said she is happy that the expansion is finally moving forward. “I’m very pleased with the direction we’re going on this,” Seltzer told the Town-Crier. “We moved out here in 1993, and we’ve been hearing about this since then. For a community as large as ours not to have these amenities already is surprising.”

Architect Rick Gonzalez of REG Architects led the discussion,

which included a forum with residents discussing what they would like at the park.

The style of the new community center building was the focus of some discussion. A recent survey of Acreage residents showed that most respondents prefer the traditional Florida architecture or “reminiscent of Old Florida.”

“Can you achieve that with modern materials?” Gonzalez asked. “The answer is yes, I think you can. You’re not going to build it out of wood because of the durability, but you can build it out of block concrete so that the roofs, the siding and all those traditional features will tie in to it.”

The community center will be the crown jewel of the park, Gonzalez said. The smaller buildings and pavilions will be built in the same style so that the designs tie together.

“If you’ve been up to Jupiter, we did Ocean Cay Park,” Gonzalez said. “That’s one of our parks that we designed, and it all had the Old Florida look with different sizes of buildings. It gives it a nice holistic look to the project.”

The Old Florida look is very appropriate for a rural area such as The Acreage, he said. The materials, such as heavy timber and metal roofs, are very durable and hold up in harsh environments.

“We heard also from the supervisors, [who said] keep the building simple and as maintenance-

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free as much as possible,” Gonzalez said.

Resident Patricia Curry commented that the paint on metal roofs that she has seen fades easily, and Gonzalez said he would recommend the natural aluminum color, which does not fade.

“There’s also a silver panel that collects sunlight and converts it into photovoltaics,” he said, explaining that the best bet in the long run is the natural aluminum because it will hold up for 50 years, as opposed to paint, which fades in four or five years. “The sun is too strong in Florida.”

The latest trend in architecture is the use of environmentally friendly concepts with LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certification.

“Having buildings that are sustainable is a very important feature with maintenance issues after the buildings are built, the electrical bills and the maintenance of the windows and lights,” Gonzalez said, noting that his company aims to do projects that are either LEED certified or certified as a “Florida Green Building.”

Many “green” practices are quickly becoming mandatory in government buildings, such as emergency efficient air conditioning, lights that go on and off automatically and new designs in toilets, he said. Grants are also available for energy-saving and environmentally friendly techniques.

Gonzalez said that the costs of many modern construction materials, such as impact-resistant windows, which eliminate the need for storm shutters, have gone down to the point where it would be unwise to use conventional materials.

The gymnasium and amphitheater are the driving elements of the community center.

“Having a gymnasium that is about 90 feet wide by 110 feet allows you to set up the large court with a breakout to two courts and have bleachers,” Gonzalez said.

“This is a basic design of the gymnasium. That is about 11,000 square feet.”

Having the amphitheater attached to the community center is a very smart idea, he said. “That is not our idea. It was in the original master plan,” Gonzalez said.

“It’s a smart idea because there is a savings element there. You can share the storage. You can share the green room facilities.”

The total area would be about 15,000 square feet, which would allow for future expansion of about 10,000 square feet when money becomes available.

“We were told we need to keep the building at around 25,000 square feet, and that’s where you can start thinking about the idea of an addition,” he said. “How can we add space to this so we can create all the other programmatic needs that we’ve heard from the

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The Original Wellington Mall

WRITERS/ Denise Fleischman • Lauren Miró • Carol Por ter

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

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Steve Dembrowski, Lincoln Colucci and Bart Colucci review renderings for the Acreage Community Park expansion.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Girls Scouts, from the moms, from all the different activities?”

To accommodate the gymnasium, the community center is envisioned as a two-story building, which will conserve land area and be more economical to construct.

Gonzalez also suggested adding indoor-outdoor space. “It’s very inexpensive to have porches,” he said. “It’s usually one-third to onehalf the cost of an air-conditioned space.”

A porch overlooking the nature

preserve to the west would be ideal. “The preserve in our opinion is like the ocean out east,” Gonzalez said. “That is the valuable thing about this site and this project — it has been set up on a 100-acre nature area. That’s an incredible asset.”

On Jan. 12, the ITID board will hold a conceptual workshop, with a final conceptual presentation in February. Construction is planned to begin in the winter of 2012.

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December 10 - December 16, 2010

Page 5

NEWS

PLENTY OF HOLIDAY FUN AT THE WELLINGTON CHAMBER’S WINTERFEST 2010

Residents enjoyed holiday fun at WinterFest 2010, hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Wellington Amphitheater. There was live entertainment, vendors, a classic car show and even a performance by master of ceremonies Vanilla Ice. For more info., visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Vanilla Ice performs for the crowd.

Vanilla Ice with PBSO Capt. Jay Har t, Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Wes Kain.

Fred Moran with his 1969 Mustang Mach I.

Mayor Darell Bowen reads ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children.

Marines Andrew Kalinyak, Michael Rowan, James Sterling and Chris Stroud.

Santa (Ricky Frazier) with Ryan Gersten.

WELLINGTON’S PIECE OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ARRIVES FROM NEW YORK The piece of steel that will highlight Wellington’s Patriot Memorial arrived in the western communities Saturday, Dec. 4. Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, along with Wellington employees, Palm Beach County Fire-R escue officials, P alm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies and members of the military escorted the steel from New York. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 791-4000.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Lt. Gene Denison with the World Trade Center steel.

Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite with Councilw oman Anne Gerwig.

The sign on the Patrio t Memorial steel.

Page 6

December 1 0 - December 16, 2010

The Town-Crier

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CRIME NEWS

Vehicle Burglaries Reported At Horse Show Grounds

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 4 — Several vehicles parked outside the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center were burglarized last Saturday evening. According to several Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, the victims called the Wellington substation after discovering their cars had been broken into. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 6:45 and 8:45 p.m., someone shattered the side window of the vehicle and stole a black leather Michael Kors purse containing the victim’s credit cards. The stolen items were valued at approximately $400.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a second report, the victim parked her car at approximately 6:45 p.m. and returned two hours later to find that her front passenger window had been smashed and her Gucci purse and Louis Vuitton wallet were stolen from the front seat. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,200.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a third report, sometime between 7 and 9 p.m., someone shattered the victim’s side window and stole her Louis Vuitton purse valued at approximately $2,300, along with several credit cards. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

••• DEC. 3 — Two men were arrested on drug charges last Friday night following a call about a suspicious vehicle. According to a PBSO report, a resident of Greenview Shores called the Wellington substation around 8:45 p.m. to report a suspicious vehicle parked on Yarmouth Court. The deputy discovered 40-year-old Willdy Auguste of Fort Lauderdale and 20-year-old Timothy Kyles of Wellington drinking gin inside the car. According to the report, both men had recently smoked marijuana and approximately four grams was found on or about their person. Both men were issued a notice to appear in court.

DEC. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road last Saturday afternoon in response to a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, the victim had gone hunting early in the morning with some friends. At approximately 1 p.m., other friends at the campsite found that the victim’s car had been vandalized. The victim returned to find that his vehicle’s windows had been smashed out, its headlights broken, tires slashed and it had what appeared to be axe holes in the body of the vehicle. According to the report, the victim said nothing was stolen from the vehicle. The victim asked his friends if anyone had seen anything, but most of them were hunting at the same time. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 4 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested on a charge of drunken driving following a crash near the intersection of Greenview Shores and Greenbriar boulevards early last Saturday morning. According to a PBSO report, 33year-old Mario Campana was in-

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volved in a single-vehicle crash.

He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where, according to a report, he refused a breath test.

DEC. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the WalMart Supercenter on Belvedere Road last Sunday regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her blue 2007 Ford F-250 Harley-Davidson King Ranch edition outside the store at approximately 7:55 p.m. and returned at approximately 8:25 p.m. to find it missing. The victim said that the truck contained several video games, clothing and a Kenwood stereo system.

She also said that the only other person allowed to drive the truck was her husband, who was shopping with her. According to the report, the deputy did not see signs of forced entry or skid marks.

There was no surveillance video available and no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 5 — A resident of Pinewood Grove called the PBSO’s Wellington substation last Sunday to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 and 9:30 p.m. last Saturday, someone cut the victim’s outdoor inflatable Christmas decoration. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 5 — An employee of the Sunoco gas station on State Road 7 called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. last Saturday and 9 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the keypad/cash box from outside the car wash.

The employee said that a customer purchased a car wash and came into the store minutes later to tell him that the keypad to enter the code was missing, and there were just wires sticking out of the ground. Another employee said that the keypad also contains a cash machine that is collected once a week and usually contains approximately $280 to $350. The employee said he last saw the machine at 6 p.m. last Saturday. It is described as a post with a keypad and digital display as well as a cash and change deposit slot.

The stolen keypad was valued at approximately $1,000. There was video surveillance footage available, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 5 — Two Royal Palm Beach men and a juvenile were arrested last Sunday on vandalism charges for criminal mischief at the Archstone Hidden Harbor apartments clubhouse located on King Fisher Way. According to a PBSO report, a neighbor said his wife heard a noise in the parking lot near the clubhouse. He looked out his window and observed 18year-old Mario Rodriguez, 35year-old Marcos Pagan and a juvenile throwing plants, garbage cans and pool chairs into the clubhouse pool. The three then went to McDonald’s on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The deputy made contact with them at the restaurant, and they were placed under arrest.

Rodriguez and Pagan were given notices to appear in court, and the juvenile was given a juvenile referral report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking f or the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Hunter Schaeffer is a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 155 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 12/27/87. Schaef fer is wanted for two felony counts of violation of probation on a charge of burglar y as well as grand theft from a dwelling and grand theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 120th Avenue North in The Acreage. Schaeffer is wanted as of 12/09/10.

• Arnika Swain is a black female, 5’2” tall and w eighing 125 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 04/ 21/78. Swain is wanted for organized scheme to defraud over $20,000 and grand thef t over $20,000. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Madison Chase in Royal Palm Beach.

Swain is wanted as of 12/09/10.

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.

Hunter Schaef fer

Arnik a Swain

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

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December 10 - December 16, 2010

Page 7

NEWS

P.W. Chamber Celebrates Successful 2010 At Holiday Luncheon

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report To close out the year, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce celebrated the successes of 2010 at its annual holiday luncheon Monday, Dec. 6 at the Breakers West Country Club.

Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda noted many accomplishments made over the past year.

“The biggest accomplishment this year, after six years on this initiative, was our new building,” Miranda said. “The chamber finally knocked down its old building and moved into the new one…

Members of our board of directors cut the ribbon, and many local government officials attended.

Our new building is an effort of the Palms West Community Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.”

Miranda also noted how active sub-groups, such as the Young Professionals, the Medical Committee and business networking groups, had injected new excitement into the chamber. Those groups are looking forward to a busy 2011, she said.

The chamber looked beyond central Palm Beach County in planning the Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, drawing attendees from across Florida.

“For those of you who were not aware, we hosted the 100 City Summit, and we were able to invite representatives from cities

from across the state to attend,” Miranda said. “It gave us a chance to sit down and talk with these individuals and the business members who were present, and gave us a chance to work toward more sustainability in Florida.”

Locally, the chamber produced several annual festivals, such as the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival and SalsaFest, as well as 25 other networking events that took place throughout the year. The 12 chamber luncheons in 2010 gave the chamber’s restaurant members a chance to showcase their businesses and another way to bring in more business.

The annual teacher appreciation mixer reached out to recognize the western communities’ hardworking teachers and give them a fun night out. “We invited all the teachers from the areas we represent,” Miranda said. “It’s a time for them to be recognized for their efforts.”

Other popular events included the Taste of the West, the chamber’s annual poker night, the installation gala and the recent Farm City luncheon, which highlighted the area’s agricultur al industry.

“Needless to say, this is an important part of our economy in Florida,” Miranda said. “The Farm City tour is about spreading the news about an important industry that operates out here.”

Tallying the numbers from the construction of the chamber building, salaries, benefits and insurance, Miranda said the chamber’s

total investment in the western communities was about $1.65 million.

“If you add that up with the efforts from the community foundation, that’s almost $2 million that the chamber has given back to the community over the last year,” she said.

She thanked the membership, volunteers and chamber leaders for making it all possible. “On behalf of the board of directors and all of our committee chairs, I want to thank you for all you do as members,” Miranda said. “We could not have done all of this without you. We need you, and I want to say thank you for all you do.”

Along the lines of economic development and putting money back into the local economy, the Palms West Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III focused his comments on the work of the Economic Development Task Force he leads, inviting chamber members to attend task force meetings and get involved in the project.

Priore also noted some other projects that he and his wife Terri are supporting, such as upcoming benefits for the Diabetes Research Institute and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The luncheon was sponsored by the Mall at Wellington Green, represented by Marketing & Sponsorship Director Rachelle Crain.

Crain recapped the mall’s successful Black Friday and holiday season activities, and encouraged chamber members to shop there

more often. She projected a strong year-end shopping season for mall retailers.

“The traffic has been wonderful,” Crain said. “People have been out there enjoying the holiday season. We could not be more delighted about that. Men also were shopping on Black Friday, and you don’t usually see that.”

Crain noted some of the new stores opening at the mall, coupled with seasonal stores just open temporarily. She also described the mall’s Ice Palace holiday display as a more expanded version of the Snow Globes that the mall featured in years past. Santa is available for pictures almost any time at the mall, she said.

For business owners looking for the perfect holiday gift, consider mall gift cards, she suggested. “It’s a great gift option,” Crain said.

“You can buy them in any denomination. It gives a person a chance to purchase what they like if you are not sure about what to get them. It’s a great way to reward your employees and let them know how much you appreciate them.”

Another great gift idea is the TicketMaster counter located at the mall’s service desk.

“The best advantage of that,” Crain said, “is you can see the seating chart when you come to the mall, and you can pick the seats you want.”

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

Mall at Wellington Green Marketing & Sponsorship Director Rachelle Crain.

Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda discusses the chamber’s accomplishments.

Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda (left) and Chairman Carmine Priore III (right) present certificates of appreciation to Mall at Wellington Green representatives.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Pafford To RPB: Pay Attention To What Happens In Tallahassee

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report State Rep. Mark Pafford (DDistrict 88) told the Royal Palm Beach Village Council last week that all the newly elected state leg-

islators will add an element of unpredictability to the upcoming session, which convenes in March.

“We’re going to go back to Tallahassee, and that means you folks

State Rep. Mark Paf ford repor ts on what to expect in the upcoming legislative session as Village Manager Ray Liggins, Village Attorney Brad Biggs and Councilman Richard Valuntas look on.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

need to pay attention,” Pafford said in a legislative update at the Dec. 2 council meeting. “I get asked fairly often what is going to be the priority, and you really don’t know. More than 40 members are brand new because of the election. In the House, that’s over 30 percent. Some will be finding the bathroom. Some know because they were lobbyists. But there’s going to be a big learning curve. The Senate has a lot of new members, too.”

The Florida League of Cities is interested in several issues that are going to be before the legislature, especially those involving taxes.

Potentially, municipalities and counties could see even less state revenue, Pafford warned.

As for potential new revenue sources, Pafford said traffic light camera advocate State Rep. Ron Reagan (R-District 67) is gone, while opponent, State Rep. Rob Schenck (R-District 44), is still there. If a traffic camera statute does pass, the state will probably get the lion’s share of revenue. “If

you look at history, the state will take a bigger grab of those dollars, potentially, and that’s an example of where you could get hurt,” Pafford told council members.

Alternative and renewable energy are areas where he anticipates movement, giving incentives to businesses that want to get into the booming field. Revenue and expenditure caps will probably be back, since Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-District 26) favors the idea. “That’s a limit on your ability to raise dollars. In my opinion, it infringes on your home rule and your charter,” Pafford said. “I live in unincorporated Palm Beach County. I really like the fact that my garbage is picked up two times a week. People forget that that might become one time a week.

That may be one small budget decision away.”

Pafford added that legislation on police and fire pensions probably will be proposed. “That’s going to be a big one,” he said, noting that such pensions have

become a large part of municipal government spending, and the Florida League of Cities supports comprehensive municipal pension reform. “Pension mandates directly conflict with the legislature’s desire to limit government spending.”

Growth management has been another big issue the past two years, Pafford said. Bills were passed last session that weakened the Florida Department of Community Affairs, which reviews local governments’ comprehensive land use plans and amendments.

“There probably will be another effort to get rid of that entire department with cost savings as the excuse, but that could be quite damaging to growth management in the state,” he said.

Pafford noted that many people have asked him what he thinks of Governor-Elect Rick Scott, and he said he does not know. “I don’t know if anybody does, other than public statements he has made about things like public transportation and the high speed rail. He

doesn’t like that, so there’s a possibility there will be a challenge to legislation we passed a year and a half ago whether or not that becomes a reality,” Pafford said. “Of course, with a $70 billion budget and billions coming in from the federal government for that, it could have some sort of domino effect in transportation planning and in other areas of government.”

Unfinanced mandates are a concern that Pafford watches for carefully to make sure the state government does not put an undue burden on local government.

“The state has a habit of doing things 420 miles away, pushing local governments out there to basically fulfill the responsibility of the state, and it’s not fair,” he said. “Local government is really the closest body of government to the citizens… In Tallahassee, generally there are a lot of very, very expensive suits and people are paid to tell you their story. Here, you deal with real people, and that’s a big difference compared to what we do up there.”

TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESENTS ‘CHANUKAFEST’ AT THE RPB CULTURAL CENTER Temple Beth Zion hosted Chanukafest on Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event featured booths, children’s games, traditional Chanukah foods, a magic show featuring Gar y Midnight, local entertainment and a menorah lighting with Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli. For more info., visit www.tem plebethzion.net.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Mayor Matty Mattioli, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Rabbi Bertram Kieffer light the menorah.

Jillian O’Leary, and Jamie and Amber Marcus.

Magician Gar y Midnight performs a trick.

THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN OFFERS PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA CLAUS The Mall at Wellington Green offered pet photos with Santa on Sunda y, Dec. 5. Numerous dogs arrived dressed in holiday attire, and mall staff gave out dog biscuit treats to pet owners on their way out.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Santa with Casey and Jet, owned by Nikki Schellenberg.

Anna Erwin with her two-month-old puppy Adorabelle.

Santa with baby Lucas Lederhandler and Toby.

Page 8

December 1 0 - December 16, 2010

CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNEY BENEFITS HOSPICE

The Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation presented “Swing with the Stars,” its second annual celebrity pro-am golf tournament, Saturday, Dec. 4 at Breakers West. Following the tournament was an awards luncheon. Polo stars Luis Escobar and Brandon Phillips were on hand for the event, along with local media and sports personalities. (Above) Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation President Greg Leach with former Miami Dolphin Keith Byars. (Below) Brandon Phillips, Cindy DeSilv a, Greg Musantry, Brad Elling and Fred Watson.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

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NEWS BRIEFS CAFCI Planning New Year’s Eve Party In RPB Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host its 21st annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach). Doors open at 8 p.m. and dinner will be served at 9 p.m.

The event will feature a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a midnight champagne toast and plenty of entertainment in the usual CAFCI manner. Guests will dance the night away to music by DJ Toots.

Admission to the event is a donation of $45 per person. For ticket information, call Winsom Martin at (561) 379-9611, Alvin Nembhard at (561) 333-8891, Junette Powell at (561) 346-2353 or Lauriston Simms at (561) 719-0263.

For more information about CAFCI, call (561) 790-4002 or email cafci@pbc.org.

Palms West Republican Club To Meet Dec. 15 The public is invited to the December meeting of the Palms West Republican Club, set to take place Wednesday, Dec. 15 at the Players Club (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington).

The meeting will focus on the next steps for the party beyond 2010. The special guest speaker will be Sid Dinerstein, chairman of the Republican Party of Palm

Beach County. The evening will start with appetizers and a cash bar at 6 p.m. The general meeting will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. An annual membership costs $25.

Additional information is available at www.wellintongop.com or via e-mail to pkrayeski@bell south.net.

Holiday bargain hunters will want to circle Saturday, Dec. 18 on their calendars. That is when the annual South Florida Fairgrounds Holiday Garage Sale swings open its doors with everything imaginable.

More than 100 vendors will display everything from clothing, books and equipment to household items and all kinds of working order trinkets. Find something useful for yourself or put it away and gift wrap it for that someone special at deeply discounted prices.

The South Florida Fairgrounds Holiday Garage Sale is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

water during the period of Dec. 620 due to a temporary change in the water disinfection process.

During this period, the water disinfection process will change from the present combined chlorine/ammonia treatment to a temporary free chlorine treatment. Periodic use of this temporary treatment process is recommended by the health department as a precautionary measure to ensure that water to customers remains free of bacteria. These temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects.

During this disinfection process, specialized users of water (such as tropical fish owners, residents with pools, businesses, hospitals and blood/dialysis clinics) may need to make adjustments in order to continue to maintain their present water quality parameters.

This temporary treatment process will be discontinued on Dec. 20, at which time treatment will revert back to the pre-existing combined chlorine/ammonia treatment process. For more info., the village’s water quality report is posted at www.wellingtonfl. gov.

If you have any questions, call Water Facility Supervisor Sean McFarland at (561) 791-4037 or Utility Director Frank Ferrano at (561) 791-4008.

A Change In Wellington Water Disinfection

Postal Center Collecting For Toys For Tots

Wellington water service customers may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in the drinking

The Postal Center in the Publix plaza at the intersection of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd. in The Acreage will be collecting toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

If you are an Acreage or Loxahatchee resident, bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The Marines will be picking up donations on Monday, Dec. 20.

The Marines Toys for Tots program began in 1948 and has since collected and distributed more than 402 million toys.

Postal Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Fairgrounds Holiday Garage Sale Dec. 18

Free Tests For Diabetics At CVS MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics inside select CVS pharmacy stores throughout the Palm Beach area are offering complimentary A1c tests through Dec. 31 to diabetics. The free tests, sponsored by Bayer Diabetes Care, are available while supplies last.

MinuteClinic is open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends and no appointment is necessary. As part of the complimentary A1c test, MinuteClinic practitioners will check a patient’s vital signs, review medical history and administer the blood test. Results are available within

five minutes and are discussed with the patient. A visit summary that includes the A1c test results is made available to primary care providers with patient permission.

For more information, visit www.minuteclinic.com/freea1c or call (866) 389-2727.

Villari’s RPB Sponsoring Toy & Toiletry Drive Villari’s Self Defense Center in Royal Palm Beach will hold a toy and toiletry drive Saturday, Dec. 11 for the benefit of the YWCA’s Harmony House, a nonprofit organization that shelters women and children of domestic violence and abuse.

Throughout the year, many women and children are forced to leave their homes with just the clothes on their backs to escape being battered. Although Harmony House attempts to provide these women and children with rudimentary essentials, they face a shortage due to the holiday season, the tight economy and competition for limited resources.

Consequently, Villari’s demonstration team needs the community’s assistance to make this event a success.

In addition, there will be a special guest visitor from the North Pole for little children. Parents can have a photograph taken of their children with the red-suited visitor. If parents want Santa to give their child a gift, they should bring a gift-wrapped and clearly namedtagged toy for him to present the child.

For more information, or to make arrangements, call Sensei Carolyn at (561) 793-4132.

Santa Paws Pet Portraits At PBC Animal Care & Control Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control is hosting holiday pet portraits. Pet owners can team up to help homeless animals by scheduling an appointment to have their family and pets professionally photographed by the Top Room Studio.

The cost is $20 for two 5” x 7” prints. All proceeds will support homeless animals as well as low-cost spay/neuter programs and animal cruelty investigations.

Call (561) 233-1222 to book an appointment for Saturday, Dec. 11 or Sunday, Dec. 12. This fun event will take place at Animal Care & Control (7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, just west of Florida’s Turnpike).

Be sure your pet is current on rabies vaccines and tags. In the event your pet is not current, lowcost rabies vaccines will be available upon arrival. Visit www. pbcgov.com/animal for more information.

BUY LOCAL

Save Money On Holiday Dining Through The Buy Local Coupon Book Would you drive a bit out of your way to pick up a free bottle of wine? How about a specialty cake at half off? Or what about doing it just to get 25 percent off a meal at a place you might already love?

You can get all these deals and more if you pick up a Buy Local Coupon Book. The deals inside are well worth the drive — and the dollar.

The dollar goes to a local charity, the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. The discounts go to you.

The business stays in the local area. Win, win, win.

In the home stretch of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s first Buy Local campaign, it’s become apparent that even some folks who make the local merchants’ cash registers ring regularly don’t know what they’re missing in the Buy Local Coupon Book of discounts.

So in an effort to continually educate everyone living in the Heart of Palm Beach County about the push to support the local economy through local purchases, here’s a peek inside the coupon book...

If you’re a wine lover, you may appreciate using the Lock Stock and Barrel coupon for a free bottle of house wine with two complete entrees.

A few well-known local merchants are offering hefty discounts, like Buca di Beppo’s and Frannie’s Fine Food’s $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. Tree’s Wings & Ribs, celebrating 15 years in the community, offers $5 off a $25 purchase. If you’re a

sushi lover, Orient Garden’s coupon gets you 20 percent off whether it’s dine in or pick up. The Gypsy’s Horse and Taste of India will take 10 percent off the bill regardless of how much you spend.

If breakfast is your eat-out meal, take advantage of the $1 off Golden Corral’s sunrise breakfast buffet. Or buy one beverage from Cofftea Café and get another one free. Cofftea is open late for those who need coffee in the evenings.

The Philly Connection’s coupon gets free fries and a drink with a 7- or 10-inch sandwich. And the Pizzano’s Pizza coupon is worth a free cheese calzone when you buy a specialty calzone.

For those who crave desserts, I’m Greek Today’s coupon is worth a free dessert with the purchase of two entrees. But perhaps the sweetest deal in the book comes from Christy’s NY Cheesecake — 50 percent off the cake of your choice including specialty and custom orders. You know you were heading there anyway for holiday treats.

Now, where’s that coupon book?

In a show of solidarity with the Buy Local campaign, more than 60 area merchants have the books for sale. They’re in local banks, law offices and city halls. Of course they’re also in the Palms West Chamber of Commerce offices. Turn to the Buy Local page in the second section of the TownCrier and find the list of merchants. But don’t look for all the coupon deals within the ads. Most of these are only available through the Buy Local Coupon Book.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB HOSTS ANNUAL DINNER DANCE AT WYCLIFFE The Wellington Boys & Girls Club held its 23rd annual Wellington Dinner Dance on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Themed “Diamonds Are Forever,” the event featured a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and James Bond posters, ballroom dancing, live and silent auctions, and music by Remix.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Andrea Olson, Dr. Veronica Pedro-Alexander, Eric Olson, Frank Demario and Dr. Harvey Montijo.

Debbie and Mark Plaxen.

Dr. Mohammad and Lubna Jahanzeb.

Ed Portman, Maria and Dr. Mike Mikolajczak and Pat Evans.

Bobby Ewing joins Remix as Dr. Lawrence Bergman looks on.

Boys & Girls Club Chair Tony Nelson and his wife Evelyn, Dr. Pierre and Dr. Sharon Dorsainville, and Amy and Philip Betts.

Zulma and Dr. Harvey Montijo, Julie Shipp, Ron Shamash, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Ben Boynton, and Dr. Shekhar and Ranjita Sharma.

RPB YOUNG AT HEART CLUB ENJOYS HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club celebrated its holiday luncheon Friday, Dec. 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

A buffet luncheon was provided by Butterfields Southern Café. The Cypress Trails Elementary School Singing Lions Chorus, under the direction of Music Director Agnes Austin-Guyer, sang Christmas carols, and Jose Kropp of Loxahatchee played Christmas carols on his violin.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Young at Heart Club board members enjoy the party.

Nancy Boyle, Jewel Large, and Rose and Joseph Zexter.

Jerry Weisinger, Lucille Tucker, Lois Wobst, Ann Steindl and Pat Ollila.

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NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH CELEBRATES HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT VETS PARK The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Holiday Festival of Lights on Monday, Dec. 6 at Veterans Park. Vendors were on hand selling gifts and handcrafted items, there were free cookies and hot chocolate, free crafts for kids and a strolling juggler.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Anne and Miranda Boodheshw ar sell handmade items.

Sharon Logan, Jessica Haddad and Karli Torrieri give Jay Berlin a cookie and hot chocolate.

RPB Vice Ma yor Martha Webst er, Councilman David Swift and Mayor Matty Mattioli throw the switch to light the tree.

Olivia Sordelet buys a macramé bracelet from Julia Cartales and Emily Dotson (back).

Gianna DeSanti tells Santa what she wants for Christmas.

Anden Toale and Jack Walter make bead bracelets.

WELLINGTON HONORS POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS AT OUTDOOR BENEFIT EVENT The Village of Wellington held a benefit for police and firefighters Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Village officials joined Palm Beach County Sherif f’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue personnel to celebrate all that they do for the community.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Personnel from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 25.

PBSO Cpl. Paul Rubino, Chief Deputy Mike Gauger, Deputy Sean Wensyel, Lt. Chris Myers and Deputy Mitch Rieger.

Grill cooks Al Stuck , Kary P appas, Jim Douglas, Danny Manica, Charlie Yates and Larr y Setlak.

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Page 11

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NEWS

WELLINGTON WOMEN’S CLUB HOLIDAY DINNER AT BINKS FOREST GOLF CLUB

The Wellington Women’s Club held its annual Holiday Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 3 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Guests brought gifts to donate to the women and children of the Harmony House, which were presented t o YWCA CEO Suzanne Turner. There was a Chinese auction and music provided by Bob Chapman.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Raffle winners Edie Chodora and Linda Rosbrough.

Club co-presidents Debi Macedonio and Phyllis Burke with the YWCA’s Suzanne Turner and donated items for Harmony House.

Wellington Women’s Club board members Susan D’Andrea, Laurie Piel, Phyllis Bur ke, Debi Macedonio, Linda Rosbrough and Cindy Yurecka.

Edie and Vic Chodora.

Denise and Robert O’Sullivan.

Marge Hartig-Specht and Mary Anne and Ron Davidson sample dessert.

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Page 13

NEWS

FUN IN THE SNOW AT THE POINTE AT WELLINGTON GREEN’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL The Pointe at Wellington Green Holiday Festival took place Saturday, Dec. 4 in the parking lot outside LA Fitness. The free event featured more than 40 vendors giving away food and prizes. Also on hand was a DJ, 10 tons of snow, a bounce house, pony rides, face painting, balloons and, of course, Santa Claus.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Jade Long and Jessica Strange make a new friend courtesy of Palm Beach Puppies.

Alex and Sophia Rothman at the Spiderman bounce house.

The staff from Pangea Bistro.

The kids play in the snow.

Veenya Oodal in front of a fire truck.

Derion Lamour in a fire truck.

CHABAD CELEBRATES A ‘CHANUKAH CANDYLAND’ AT THE WELLINGTON MALL Chabad Lubavitch of Wellington presented a “Chanukah Candyland” on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the original Wellington Mall. The event included a Havdalah service, menorah lighting, a chocolate fountain, jugglers and other goodies presided over by Rabbi Mendy Muskal. For more information about Chabad Lubavitch of Wellington, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Alex, Shannon, Eden and Renee Udell.

Jugglers Paul Anderson and Adriel Loschak perform.

Rabbi Mendy Muskal lights a special menorah flled with candy.

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SCHOOL NEWS

EQUESTRIAN TRAILS HOLDS FOOD DRIVE

BINKS FOREST CHOOSES GORMLEY, HALIGAS AS ITS DWYER NOMINEES

Pierce Hammock Elementar y School’s Panthers on the Run.

Pierce Hammock Runners Shine At NPB Ghost Run Panthers on the Run, Pierce Hammock Elementary School’s first runners club, participated in the North Palm Beach Ghost Run 1k on Oct. 23.

This was the club’s first event, and Pierce Hammock had the most participants from any elementary school in Palm Beach County. The Panthers had many winners that day. The boys placed as follows: Ryan Haas, first; Brandon Gallo, second; Preston Colp, third; Keidron Smith, fourth; and Adam Brower, fifth. The girls

placed as follows: Lily Rae Miller, fifth; and Molly Erneston, sixth. Panthers on the Run is sponsored by Christie Schwab, Risa Suarez and Carol Delong. Pierce Hammock is very proud of all of its runners.

Students meet weekly to stretch, run, build strength, endurance and learn team work. They are currently training for the Susan Koman Race for the Cure 5k in January.

Runners are encouraging all families to join the Pierce Hammock team for this important event.

Send school news items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414.

Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

Each year, the Equestrian Trails Elementary School Student Council organizes a food drive to help those in need. This year, the annual Food for Families food drive, under the direction of Kara Kenney, collected more than 1,100 items of non-perishable food items. Shown above, student council members collect donations for Food for Families. (Front row, L-R) Kaci Neveling, Morgan Stout, Anna Ferry, John Reichard and Ethan Asaro; (back row) Braden Hir, Annik a Fritsch, Casey Sosnowski, Michael Brown, Carly Coombs, Lauren Petrides and Jordan Powery.

Binks Forest Elementar y School has announced its nominees for the Dwyer Award. The teachers were chosen by their peers for their outstanding work at the school. The nominees are fif thgrade teacher Ann Gormley as the school’s regular education teacher, and third-grade gifted teacher Karin Haligas was nominated as the ESE teacher. Shown above, Assistant Principal Elizabeth Morales (center) congratulates Haligas (left) and Gormley (right) with bouquets of flowers.

Ag/Horticulture Scholarship Now Available The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has announced that it is accepting applications for the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship.

Students who wish to apply for the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship must meet the following criteria: be a graduating high school senior attending a public

or private school in Palm Beach or Martin counties, Homestead Senior High School or South Dade Senior High School; be a Florida resident, also available to upper division university students and adults in the field (must have graduated from a local high school); be interested in pursuing a career in horticulture, agriculture or re-

lated pursuits; have a GPA of 2.5 or above; demonstrate financial need; and attend a Florida public or private university/college.

Students may apply online at www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 1. Refer to the Davis Scholarship on the general application. You might also be considered for other schol-

arship opportunities by completing the online application.

The Community Foundation offers various scholarships to graduating high school seniors residing in Palm Beach and Martin counties. Scholarship information may be found on the foundation’s web site or by e-mailing prowan@cfpbmc.org.

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Page 15

SCHOOL NEWS

Western Pines Pre-Medical Science Students Visit Area Hospitals Sixth-grade pre-medical science academy students from Western Pines Middle School had the opportunity to visit St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach on Nov. 4 and 9. Eighthgraders visited Palms West Hospital on Nov. 12.

During these exciting field trips, students rotated through different departments: microbiology (to look at different slides of microorganisms), the blood bank (to see how blood is prepared and filtered), radiology (to look at interesting films of the brain and heart), the pediatric floor (to see how nurses take care of children with different conditions) and the ER.

Specialized nurses gave students a detailed explanation of the main job responsibilities within each department. The event provided students with the opportunity to observe and apply what they have been learning in class.

Western Pines strives to have its pre-medical science students see the importance of nursing, health and medical careers.

(Right) Sixth-graders gather for a group photo outside the Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center . (Far right) Eighth-graders stand by the Trauma Ha wk outside Palms West Hospital.

RPBHS Student’s Work Published In Book Andrea Aguirre’s hand was cramped but she still smiled excitedly as she signed autograph after autograph for parents and friends during a book-release party held Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Spanish River Library and Community Center in Boca Raton to celebrate the publication of the book that she, and many other young talented writers, had a hand in creating.

Aguirre, a junior at Royal Palm Beach High School, was one of 55 students from all over Palm Beach County to spend her summer honing her writing skills in the Ocè Future Authors Project.

The book, titled If Writing Were Easy, This Book Would Be Huge, was published by Ocè North America and featured multiple works of poetry and short fiction by each author.

If Writing Were Easy, This Book Would Be Huge is the fifth such

collection that Ocè North America has published.

“It was great to finally get to the end of the journey that we started this summer,” Aguirre said. “We went through the whole publishing process from rejection to editing this summer, and this was the moment that we had been waiting for. It was blissful.”

Proud parents and family members were not the only attendees at the release party. Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel was on hand to open the proceedings.

“We have such bright and dedicated students that we are so proud of,” Whelchel said. “Not many would give up summer to pursue something of this magnitude and excellence.”

Also in attendance were the teachers who ran the summer workshop (Amy McEachranTodd and Nicole Adamo) and poet Katrina Sapp-Holder, who will be

working with the Ocè Future Authors Project as an instructor next year.

The workshop ran for two weeks in June and gave the participating students an opportunity to experience the writing process from start to finish.

“The effort they have to put forth is intense. It’s important that they truly get to experience the writing process,” Adamo said.

The main draw for those involved in instructing the studentauthors is that it gives the teachers the ability to work with students who want to write and who want to improve on their writing, McEachran-Todd said.

Coming into the program, Aguirre wasn’t sure what to expect. “I thought it would be a simple writing workshop, but instead if was a re-creation of the entire publishing process,” she said. “I’ve never had my writing rejected before,

and the first time it happened I was crushed.”

Aguirre, who plans to attend the University of Florida to study journalism and psychology, said that having her work critiqued and edited in such a way has helped her to streamline her style and to improve as a writer. The workshop has given her and her fellow student-authors a new confidence in their abilities.

The Ocè Future Authors Project looks to expand this year both here in Florida by adding additional sites and accepting even more students next year and internationally as they open a series of workshops for impoverished students in Kenya.

“Our job is to help [the students] to find the rest of the words to the lost poem,” Sapp-Holder said.

For more information about the Océ Future Authors Project, visit www.oceusa.com/futureauthors.

THANKSGIVING FUN AT NEW HORIZONS New Horizons Elementary School celebrated Thanksgiving in many ways. Kindergarteners learned about how the Pilgrims and Indians celebrated Thanksgiving by baking corn bread and churning butter. They created Indian vests, head bands and necklaces.

Fah Davidson’s class invited parents and family members to a Thanksgiving show. Dressed as Pilgrims and Indians, students sang, put on a play, and enjoyed a dessert of muffins they baked.

First-grade students celebrated by gathering together during a PTA meeting and presenting a Thanksgiving program. The students performed a skit called “Hooray for Thanksgiving!” and sang songs as well. The event was well attended by family members and friends. Pictured here is Fah Davidson’s kindergarten class with parents and family members.

NEW HORIZONS BOOK FAIR AT BARNES & NOBLE

New Horizons Elementary School students recently participated in the Barnes & Noble Book Fair, an evening sponsored by the school’s Literacy Leadership Committee. Parents and students enjoyed sharing in v arious activities that highlighted reading.

Students made book buttons and bookmarks encouraging others to read. Kindergarten students sang several holiday songs related to books read in class, including “Kwanza,” “Dreidel Song” and “Hip Hip Reindeer.” Second-grade students performed Readers Theater plays. Third-grade students dressed in costumes mimicking stick puppets they created and read original stories about their ancestors’ place of bir th after reading together the book Molly’s Pilgrim. Fourth- and fifth-grade students recited poetry they created in class. Parents and students thoroughly enjoyed the evening focused on reading enjoyment. Shown above are third-grade students dressed in costume with their teachers Edie Tetrault and Barbara Garcia.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Webster Chosen As A.J. Fandrey Earns The Eagle Scout Rank Full Voting Delegate On Planning Council The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners confirmed its annual appointments for the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Martha Webster was confirmed as a full voting delegate.

Webster has served as an alternate voting delegate for the past three years as a regular attendee at the monthly meetings held in Stuart. She was nominated to the full voting position at the Palm Beach County League of Cities Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Webster has been a member of the league board since 2008 and also serves as chair of the league’s Education Committee.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Martha Webster

SCOUT JONATHAN MOORE COMPLETES HIS EAGLE PROJECT

Boy Scout Jonathan Moore, of Troop 105 in Loxahatchee, recently completed his Eagle project. Moore has been in scouting for 12 years, and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout has been a challenging experience. For his project, Moore chose to construct and build eight protective garbage can containers for the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp at the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. The containers are meant to keep the raccoons out of the garbage and the campsite a cleaner place. Shown above are Justin Moore, Jonathan Moore, Everglades Youth Conser vation Camp Director Christopher Hill and Kevin Moore of Moore Unique Interiors, who donated his time and all of the tools necessary to build the containers.

Boy Scout A.J. Fandrey on one of the swinging benches that were part of his Eagle project.

Seminole Ridge High School senior A.J. Fandrey recently was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Gulf Stream Council of Boy Scouts. His Eagle project was the installation of two swinging benches and four Robellini palm trees at Todd A. Robiner Park in La Mancha. Fandrey and members of his scout troop contributed over 336 hours of work to the project.

Fandrey has been involved in scouting since becoming a Tiger in 1999. He has attended Philmont, Sea Base, Jambo and is planning on attending the Northern Tier high-adventure campout this summer. One of his most memorable campouts was helping to rebuild Camp Tiak in Mississippi in April 2006 after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Last summer, Fandrey worked as a counselor at Boy Scout camp Tanah Keeta in Jupiter where he plans to again work prior to start-

ing UCF in the fall. Fandrey is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Aal-Pa-Tah Lodge 237.

Fandrey would like to thank Lou Recchio, Greg Dockery and Frank Reed of the Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department for all of their guidance in completing his Eagle project. He would also like to thank Val Wilson for all of her hard work done on behalf of the Boy Scouts. Fandrey gives a special thank-you to Troop 111 Scoutmaster David Pantone and his wife Amanda for all of their guidance and dedication to the troop. Fandrey would also like to recognize the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) for their outstanding support as the charter sponsor of the troop. Finally, Fandrey would like to thank his family and all of the scouts and assistant scoutmasters of Troop 111 for their support and assistance in attaining this great honor.

‘A Gypsy Caravan’ LLS Benefit Set For Jan. 22 Plans are underway for the 2011 annual gala “A Gypsy Caravan” benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 22 at the elegant Mara-Lago Club. The fun-filled, black-tie evening will include a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing and entertainment surprises.

Gala chairs Geri and Frank Morrow, along with International Chair Herme de Wyman Miro, Honorary Chair Ari Rifkin, Chairman Emeritus Elizabeth Fago and gala host chairs Donald and Melania Trump, and a group of dedicated committee members, have been working diligently to create a lavish and exciting event.

The honorary national chairs are Rhoda and David Chase, Simon and Norma Fireman, Mary Virginia Knight and Henry Fong, Lisa Leder, Erin and Sean McGould, Sydelle Meyer, Suzy

Minkoff, and Sally and Dick Robinson. Major benefactors are Lighthouse Partners LLC, and Patrick Park and Nathalie Fernandez.

Live auction items include a South Sea pearl and ruby necklace compliments of Kanaris Fine Jewelry, a 2011 Mini Cooper compliments of Braman Mini of Palm Beach, and a Bahamas getaway on exotic Cat Island, compliments of the Fago family. The gala’s grand raffle prize is a seven- to 10-night cruise for two to any world destination that Regent Seven Seas travels. All proceeds from the gala will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

For more information, call Senior Campaign Director Darby Collins at (561) 775-9954 or visit www.lls.org/pbgala.

Gypsy Caravan Committee — (Front row, L-R): Ilya Tatarov, Patrick Quinlan, Renee Plevy, Geri and Frank Morrow, Jan Burke and Dr. Rober t Burke; (back row) Jonathan Duerr, Joey Fago, Jennifer Chanay, Richard Jankus, Dan Mattei and Amy Bernard.

Yan Sunshine State Scholar District Winner Wellington High School student Felicia Yan has been selected as the 2010-11 district scholar for the Sunshine State Scholar Recognition Program.

Each of the 18 district high schools had the opportunity to select one junior, distinguished in

both mathematics and science, as a representative. The district scholars were selected based on the academic and extracurricular history of the school scholars, as well as the results of mathematics and science assessments administered Nov. 16.

Yan, her parents and a science or mathematics teacher of Yan’s choice will be invited to a recognition ceremony in Orlando Feb. 17-18. Students will be recognized for academic achievements and have the opportunity to meet with recruiters from Florida colleges

and universities.

The goals for this event are to recognize student achievement and to increase the number of students with outstanding mathematics and science credentials who choose to attend Florida colleges and universities.

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Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Nominees Sought For Global Heart Awards

Chuck & Amanda Schumacher

The Tree of Life Foundation International is preparing for its annual Global Heart Awards on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The organization is currently selecting its nominees for the esteemed award honoring those who share the same vision and represent each branch of the Tree of Life Foundation International.

The Global Heart Awards, presented by the Tree of Life Foundation International, is hosted by Nancy Stafford (Emmy Award winner, St. Elsewhere), and Sean Wolfington (Toronto International Film Festival Award winner, Bella).

The award will be presented to honorees in recognition of acts of

generosity and goodwill demonstrated by extraordinary men, women and organizations on a local, national and international scale.

Current sponsors and underwriters for the 2011 Global Heart Awards include Schumacher Infinity of the Palm Beaches, Saks Fifth Avenue and Valentino.

In addition to the celebration, the Global Heart Awards will be raffling off a 2010 Infinity Convertible good for a two-year lease and up to 10,000 miles per year.

Amanda Schumacher founded the Tree of Life Foundation International years ago with the mission to connect and consolidate global resources and charitable

entities to enhance the lives of those in need through networking and fundraising efforts with a focus on people, animals and the environment.

The organization is a global fundraising organization that connects the gifts and talents of individuals with resources of specific charitable organizations to market worldwide programs.

Tickets for the Global Heart Awards start at $425 and are tax deductible.

To learn more on how you can be part of this prestigious event, and for additional information on becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets, call (561) 8331533 or e-mail tlfinternational@ aol.com.

Neil P. Newstein, executive director, Jewish Family & Children’s Ser vice; Vincent Gerardi, Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood Golf Committee co-chair; Gregg Lowenstein, Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood immediate past president; Douglas Barr, Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood president; and Caren Winer Copening, chief development officer, Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

REP. ROONEY GIVES TBT Brotherhood Golf BEREAN STUDENTS THE Tourney Set For May 1 CONGRESSIONAL AWARD The Temple Beth Torah Broth- munity. This year, theTemple Beth

Berean Christian School juniors Heather Klo tz and Melissa Bierman were awarded the Congressional Award by U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney (R-16). They received the awards Nov. 1 at the Palm Beach State College Eissey Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. They achieved the Bronze Cer tificat e, Silver Certificat e and the Bronze Medal. This required them to complete 100 hours of community service in seven months, complete 50 hours of personal development, 50 hours of meeting physical fitness goals, and a two-day/one-o vernight expedition/exploration. There were 65 students who received various a wards in Palm Beach County. Klotz and Bierman are continuing their endeavors with the intent of receiving the Gold Medal next year. Shown left are advisor Shelby Colman, Klotz, Bierman, PBC Congressional Award Coordinator Lynn Lyons and Rep. Rooney.

erhood will host its annual golf tournament May 1 at Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club in Wellington. The public is invited to play and make donations.

Each year, the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood conducts a golf tournament benefit. It is the brotherhood’s primary fundraiser of the year.

Proceeds from the event help fund programs for the congregation, educational scholarships and annual donations to the local com-

Torah Brotherhood has selected to donate $1,000, of which $500 was donated to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service, located in West Palm Beach.

In addition to the $500 donated to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service, the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood will donate $500 to the new Boys & Girls Club facility in Wellington.

For more information on the golf benefit, call Gregg Lowenstein (561) 307-4243.

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NEWS

TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB IN WELLINGTON CELEBRATES THE CHANUKAH HOLIDAY

Tem ple B’nai Jacob of Wellington held a community-wide Chanukah celebration Sunday, Dec. 5. The event included activities and entertainment for all ages. There were special Chanukah-related crafts for children, games and food. The tem ple is located in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 793-4347.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

The game Pin the Shamash on the Menorah was popular.

Task Force

Speaking To Residents

continued from page 1 plant rezoning, which was struck down by the council after residents raised concerns. Instead of passing the measure against residents’ wishes, he said the village created a task force to discuss possible plans for the site.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Martha Webster, who will head the task force, said that she sees similar fears in her community that Ferreri sees in Greenacres.

“It seems to be the temper of the community that they are suspicious,” she said, “and they don’t understand the process that it takes to get a piece of property situated

Humphrey

New CEO

continued from page 1 mation on it. It’s still in the developmental stages, but the components of medical education, research and developing 200 acres focusing on healthcare is very exciting.”

Humphrey sees the medical arts district idea as a natural extension of what WRMC has done over many years.

“There are going to be medical offices close by or tangential to this area that will be developed, but it is yet to be articulated what is going where,” he said. “I know that there is interest in medical education, nursing education and

Grades

Good News For RPBHS

continued from page 1 FCAT total grade,” he said. “It doesn’t tell you much, and it’s often misinterpreted. All I care about are test scores. I saw improvements in reading proficiency, as well as significant improvements in math, writing and science. All those show improvement in the high school.”

Under the new grading system, which takes into consideration more than simply test scores,

Mische

Equestrian Visionary

continued from page 1 integrity and his ability to do great things in the horse world. We were awful lucky to have him here in Wellington.”

Adams, an amateur fox hunter, recalled taking his team past the competition before Mische got on board, and there were 13 horses.

“Guerry looked at that and somehow had the vision that it could be hundreds,” Adams said. “I think what actually occurred exceeded Gene Mische’s and Guerry Stribling’s expectations, but it would not have happened without Gene Mische.”

Adams said he was thrilled to hear Mische comment not long ago that Wellington’s incorporation and the establishment of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve were great accomplishments. “He contributed a great deal to it,” Adams said. “It was never for Gene Mische personally. I’ve heard he was a great businessman.

I’m not convinced of that. He was a great equestrian and a great friend to everybody who loved horses. You could take his handshake to any bank in the world, he had such great integrity. When he told people he would do something, many times it seemed impossible, but he always did it.”

Mason Phelps, a longtime friend of Mische’s, got into the field of equestrian public relations when Mische asked him to do public relations for the National Horse Show in 2002. “He encouraged me to have a stab at it, and really, if it wasn’t for Gene’s encouragement, I would not be in the public relations business today,” Phelps said.

Subsequent clients included the Winter Equestrian Festival and the International Polo Club Palm Beach when it first opened. “What better clients can you have to start with?” Phelps asked. “That trans-

Marcie Singer and Ean Chasinoff make a menorah.

Ben Shaevitz works hard on his menorah.

so that you can market it.”

The task force will accept applications from members of the public and operate as a public body, and will present recommendations for the site in April.

“I see it as an education process,” Webster said. “It’s the opportunity to have our citizens come in and be part of the task force. Through that process, we will have staff giving information… We are planning a site visit so that they can see the site and the magnitude of the 135 acres.

Then we’re going to begin the process of determining what they’d like to see and what they believe is most beneficial to our village.”

Webster said that the task force was formed, in part, because some residents felt that there had been miscommunication between the

village and residents.

“Hopefully, citizens will learn what the process is so that we lose some of that fear factor and that they will be leaders within their sections who will share this information with their residents and their neighbors,” she said.

Wellington Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore commended Royal Palm Beach for its efforts in improving communication.

“I think they’re going to set in play an opportunity to really get the message out,” he said. “Individuals get a direction that they believe we’re going in without any basis for it, and they keep moving in that direction.”

Business Development Board CEO Kelly Smallridge, a task force member, suggested partnering with local papers to get the

message out about the value of economic development.

“I think residents forget that these employers not only reduce the taxes on the residents,” she said, “but the employees are the same people who volunteer in our community schools and coach baseball and everything else.”

Smallridge noted that other communities have run series of information ads on why economic development matters to get the message out. The information could include testimonials from businesses about how they contribute to the community.

Economic Development Task Force Chairman Carmine Priore III noted that the group could use social networks as well as the Palms West Chamber of Commerce web site to get the word out

as well. “I think we need to address that,” he said, “particularly from the social network standpoint. That’s the methodology that’s being used today. That certainly is something that we should not ignore, and start to utilize in a way that could progress our desires as a task force versus just allow it to take place and spread incorrect information.”

In other business, Chamber Vice Chair for Economic Development Susan Giddings said that the trial run of the “Buy Local” campaign had been a success.

In October, the “Buy Local” campaign rolled out, offering coupons to local restaurants in the western communities. “It has been well-received,” Giddings said. “I think that it can only grow and be positive for us as we promote it.”

Giddings said that the chamber sold about 2,000 coupon booklets and that for the next installment of the campaign, the chamber was debating whether to continue selling the booklets or giving them away to reach a greater audience.

“It’s not as many as we would have hoped,” she said. “But it’s certainly a great start for us. In hearing from the restaurants, it’s a mixed bag. Some of them received a lot of coupons and did very well. Some did not. I think a lot of that had to do with the offer as well as the type of restaurant.”

Giddings noted that the next quarter’s booklet would be open to all types of businesses that offer some type of discount.

“It has been a good start,” she said. “I think all in all we can say that it was a success.”

research — I think we’re talking over 5,000 jobs. We’ll have to see how that develops over the next 10 to 20 years. It’s a very exciting concept for us and one that we’re staunchly behind.”

Humphrey described WRMC as a busy hospital with a very active medical staff. “Here, the challenge is to manage growth because we have such an active and thriving community,” he said, adding that the staff is preparing to deal with the challenges of national healthcare reform. “We’re still not sure how that is going to impact us from day to day right now, but from an administrative standpoint, everybody in the field is gearing up to respond as changes come about and are implemented.”

How the changes take root are still to be seen, but he suspects that there might be more people seeking care than people who are able to provide it. This will require hospitals and doctors working closer together, which Humphrey sees as one of his major challenges.

Humphrey has previously worked in a number of hospitals of different sizes, including a 600-bed facility. He has more than 20 years’ experience in a CEO role, most recently at Danville Regional Medical Center in Danville, Va. His longest tenure as a CEO was with the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston, a not-for-profit corporation operat-

ing 11 acute-care hospitals in southeast Texas.

“This is the size hospital that I’ve had the most enjoyment leading and directing in my career, so I’m very happy with what we have here,” Humphrey said of WRMC. “This is a very busy hospital. Bed size has kind of changed in significance. There’s not the need for the number of beds that we used to associate with very complex institutions, so I look more at the programming and the diversity of the medical staff. We have just about every specialty represented on this staff, and they’re all very engaged and talented doctors.”

For example, cataract surgery once required a four- to five-day hospital stay and is now an outpa-

tient procedure. “You’re in and out in an hour, if that,” he said. “It just shows you how technology has moved.”

One key challenge is retrofitting facilities that were built 15 to 20 years ago so they are functional with new technology.

Overall, Humphrey said he has enjoyed his transition to leadership here. “I’ve found the people to be very open and helpful,” he said.

“The people in the hospital are very committed to what we do here. The doctors are very engaged from a hospital administration standpoint.”

With three children in college, Humphrey and his wife recently moved to a home in Wellington’s Paddock Park.

He said he has established a strong relationship with the hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Jeffrey Bishop.

For his part, Bishop said he has enjoyed getting to know Humphrey. “I was impressed with Jerel Humphrey from the first interview I had with him when he was applying for the position of CEO,” Bishop told the Town-Crier Tuesday. “I have had the pleasure of working closely with every CEO at WRMC over the years. I feel Jerel has the talents and personality to carry forward the visions and projects that are in place and [to] form new goals. The public is going to find him genuine and friendly, with a very approachable personality.”

RPBHS actually had enough points to be an A-rated school, Armas noted. “We took a lettergrade penalty because the lowest 25th percentile did not have enough gains in reading,” he said.

That is an issue Armas has a plan to fix. “We hired an assistant principal, Gina Charla, who is one of the foremost experts in reading in the district,” he said. “We have changed the curriculum in the classroom, and we invested $60,000 into getting classroom reading software and classroom libraries. We’re giving reading teachers all the resources they need. We feel we are well on our

way to improving that.”

One of the state’s goals in its new grading system is to improve participation in Advanced Placement classes, Armas noted. He said that the school hopes to increase the number of students in AP and dual enrollment classes, pointing to the school’s new Excelsior Academy as an example.

Armas said that although more students are in AP classes, they were chosen because of their qualifications, not to raise scores.

“We don’t randomly put kids in classes,” he said. “We look at their background, their academic history and the probability of success.

A lot of students show high probability for success in these classes, and yet they don’t necessarily volunteer for them. We want to present that as an option for them.”

Armas said the school is presenting an opportunity for more students to take the classes and get an opportunity for college credit.

“We certainly want to encourage our students to take AP classes,” he said. “While we do get points for it, I believe it is important for us to provide an opportunity to be in these very important classes. Research shows that students who take Advanced Placement classes do better in college.”

RPBHS also increased its grad-

uation rate by 8 percent, Swift said, which puts it on par with Wellington High School. The graduation rate at RPBHS jumped from 78 to 86 percent, while Wellington’s rose from 86 to 89 percent. Additionally, Royal Palm Beach surpassed Wellington in atrisk graduation rates, rising from 61 to 76 percent, while Wellington rose from 68 to 69 percent.

“I understand what it’s like for students to have that stigma of going to a D-rated school,” Swift said. “All of the teachers and students should be congratulated for their hard work.”

Swift said he was unsure whether he would continue the task force

but that he felt that the improved grade would help to change its image and help the Royal Palm Beach community as a whole.

“RPBHS got a lot of bad press that it really didn’t deserve,” he said. “At the same time, I felt it was important to look into the issue. I knew very little about the school at the time, and the string of principals was something to be concerned about.”

Armas noted that there is still room for improvement.

“It’s important for the school to know that the fruits of its labor have been rewarded,” he said.

“But at the same time, I know we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

lated into the United States Equestrian Team and countless others. I really owe it all to Gene.”

Phelps first got to know Mische when he was judging a horse show in California in the early 1970s.

“I was an exhibitor, I got to know him and he invited me back to Philadelphia for one of the big events at the time,” Phelps recalled. “We became fast friends. I thought of him as my mentor.”

Phelps followed Mische to Florida to do exhibits at the Winter Equestrian Festival. “I had a jumping event, the International Jumping Derby, that I produced in Rhode Island, and if it wasn’t for Gene’s guidance, nurturing behind the scenes, I don’t think I would ever have pulled off one of the biggest jumping events for 13 consecutive years,” he said. “I’ve traveled the world with Gene on a couple of occasions, and Gene was a horseman and visionary unparalleled and probably will never be equaled again.”

Sports marketer Kim Tudor, who spoke to the Town-Crier from Cleveland before Mische’s wake there on Wednesday, said she was a friend of Mische’s for decades.

“I met him in 1980, and I started working with him in 1984 as sponsorship director and marketing for Stadium Jumping,” she said.

Tudor credited Mische with being part of the team that brought equestrian sports out of its infancy in Wellington. “Guerry Stribling, Gene Mische and Bill Ylvisaker were all good friends, and all had the same vision about how Wellington should develop,” she said. “Gene was very proud of their accomplishments in Wellington and making it the equestrian capital of the world, which it is today.”

Tudor recalled being there at the very beginning. “It has been a long time since we held our first horse show on the parking lot at Palm Beach Polo behind the stadium,” she recalled. “We started with 300 horses, now we’re up to 3,000 horses at the horse show, so it’s

really quite remarkable what has happened in the last 30 years.”

Tudor said Mische was a throwback to a time when a man’s word really meant something. “In this day of everybody crossing their t’s and dotting their i’s and calling in their lawyers for contracts, Gene did business differently. His handshake was his word,” she said.

“Mische loved life and lived every day to its fullest. He was probably one of the most forgiving men I ever met. That was one of his many wonderful traits.”

Mische recently celebrated 60 years in the equestrian industry, and over the course of his career managed many of the most prestigious shows in America. Mische was instrumental in bringing international caliber equestrian sport to the United States. In 1980, he was part of the five-member organizing committee that brought the first World Cup to the U.S. In 1989, Mische and Stadium Jumping produced the second Volvo World Cup ever held in the U.S., this time hosting it in Tampa. In 2002, Mische produced the firstever outdoor Nations’ Cup, hosting it in Wellington.

Mische was the founding president of the Wellington Equestrian Alliance and was deeply involved in a host of equestrian-related issues that ranged from the creation of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve to ensuring that the village’s codes and regulations help protect and enhance the equestrian community.

Mische was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2000 and was also given the Jimmy Williams Lifetime Achievement from the United States Equestrian Federation.

A visitation was held Wednesday at the Maher-Melbourne Funeral Home in South Euclid, Ohio with a funeral mass Thursday at Our Lady of Peace Church in Cleveland, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Taussig Cancer Institute in Cleveland.

ITID

Beach because that was not passed on to Acreage residents. It was a fee paid by Palm Beach County.

If Palm Beach County desires to pay the 10 percent and not pass it on to Acreage residents, then we have no complaint.”

The agreement refers to the surcharge as a franchise fee, but Schoech said it cannot be a franchise fee because such a fee is charged for the use of rights of way. “They’re not county rights of way, they’re Indian Trail rights of way,” he said. “Royal Palm Beach, had it provided water to The Acreage, would have been able to charge that surcharge, but Royal Palm Beach never provided water to The Acreage.”

Schoech said he feels that the surcharge is not legal and that a lawsuit could be brought against the county and Royal Palm Beach to negate the collection of the fee.

“Royal Palm Beach may have a claim for that fee against the county,” he said. “My opinion is that they do not have the authority to charge that fee to the residents in The Acreage.”

Schoech said that before pursuing a lawsuit, ITID might want to air its grievance with the Palm

Beach County Commission.

Other issues the ITID board plans to address with the RPB council include the presence of a 100-foot cell tower that has been moved to the northern edge of the village’s old wastewater treatment plant site, which borders the southern edge of The Acreage.

ITID President Michelle Damone also expressed resentment about a letter the board received Wednesday addressed to District Administrator Tanya Quickel from Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins in response to a letter from the ITID board expressing their displeasure over issues including the water surcharge and cell tower.

“This board of supervisors wrote a letter to Mayor [Matty] Mattioli and the council, and each of us are duly elected,” Damone said. “We wrote a letter to Mayor Mattioli, we did not write a letter to Ray Liggins.”

Damone said she would expect the response to be from Mattioli and his council, rather than Liggins addressing it to Quickel. “You did not sign the letter,” Damone said to Quickel. “Five supervisors signed the letter.”

During public comment, attorney Neil Schiller, representing a property owner at Folsom Road and Okeechobee Blvd., said that the settlement would result in significant fiscal impact on his client and other property owners along Okeechobee Blvd.

“This will be a process that takes several months,” Schiller said. “What I would suggest is that you reach out to the 66 owners on Okeechobee Blvd. This settlement agreement puts some of their properties at risk. I would like to object at this point to the settlement agreement.”

Resident Frank Schiola also voiced his objection to the settlement. “I couldn’t believe all the stuff I was reading here,” he said.

“I need a map of where the roads are going through.”

Schiola pointed out that it took Loxahatchee Groves residents years to get the E Road/140th connection off the county’s thoroughfare map.

“If we build it, they will come,” he said. “We’re not the problem.

It’s the people all around us. We will have them come through Loxahatchee Groves. I look at this and have to scratch my head. I’m almost speechless by this. This has the potential to cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Councilman Jim Rockett made a motion to authorize the attorney to engage the DCA in discussions for a settlement with CalleryJudge. The motion carried 5-0.

Upset At RPB

continued from page 1 as more Acreage residents sign up for county water.

“The impact is not on you or the county, but the residents of The Acreage,” Schoech said. “The basis for that fee was that Royal Palm Beach contended that The Acreage was in its service area. In my opinion, that was a bogus, unsubstantiated position. Royal Palm Beach has absolutely zero ability to provide water utilities to The Acreage unless Indian Trail granted them permits to use our rights of way, something which never would have happened.”

Schoech said the county agreed to collect the surcharge because the county is not paying it. ITID was offered the same surcharge for the purchase of its water utility rights, which it turned down in favor of a lump sum, Schoech said. “Royal Palm Beach is of the opinion that that negates our ability to complain about their surcharge,” he said. “Again, I readily disagree with Royal Palm

Groves

Callery Settlement

continued from page 3 way. I would like to get going on this.”

Councilman Ron Jarriel said if they had not had a petitioner, they probably would not have thought about reliever roads, pointing out that residents on the north end must travel several miles south to Okeechobee Blvd. in order to go east or north unless they take the unpaved and circuitous E Road/ 140th connection into The Acreage. “Hopefully, we can save the residents some money,” Jarriel said.

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‘Dressage Cowboy’ Gary Smith Helps Troubled Horses

Gary Smith doesn’t advertise, hasn’t got a business card, lives quietly in a house of his own design tucked way in the back of Little Ranches — but somehow, the phone keeps ringing, and people with problem horses manage to find him.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

December 10 - December 16, 2010

Page 21

WHS Boys Basketball Team Looks To Its Experience

With four returning star ters and chemistry on and off the court, the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team has shaped itself into one of the area’s best as Matt Colin returns for his fourth year as the Wolverines’ head coach.

Josh Hyber’s Column, Page 37 Pages 34 & 36

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

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ExecuCoach360 is an organizational leadership and management development agency dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations identify and address work-related challenges. It transforms challenges into shared victories while tapping into possibilities waiting to be discovered. ExecuCoach360 helps individuals and organizations work through change, assisting them to transition from where they are to where they want to be. Page 31

Sports Young RPBHS Boys Basketball Team Is Eager To Find Footing

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team will look t o build leadership and foster natural talent as it aims for a winning season this y ear. The team graduated its six starting seniors, leaving head coach Drew Quinn with young talent that he’s sure will be competitive. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................23-24 BUSINESS NEWS .................................31-33 BUY LOCAL........................................... 34-36 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................37-40 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .................... 42-43 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 44-49

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FEATURES

‘Dressage Cowboy’ Gary Smith Helps Troubled Horses He doesn’t advertise, hasn’t got a business card, lives quietly in a house of his own design (“I built it one ride at a time”) tucked way in the back of Little Ranches — but somehow, the phone keeps ringing, and people with problem horses manage to find him.

Gary Smith left his native England for a two-week vacation in Pennsylvania in 1981, and never went back home. “I fell in love with the place,” he recalled.

Gary started riding racehorses at 15, a relatively late age to start riding. “I saw a horse race on TV one day, and noticed how small the jockeys were,” he said. “I was pretty small, under five feet and less than a hundred pounds, so I thought I’d give that a try. I watched the race on Friday and left home on Saturday as an indentured servant. My parents signed me over to a trainer as a guardian, and I stayed with him for four years.”

Gary rode in many steeplechases in England, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium and, finally, the United States. He stayed in Pennsylvania for six months, then headed for South Florida to work a second string of young race horses. He had lived in Wellington for three years when his employer sent him to rehab. “I’d been an alcoholic since I was young,” Gary said. “Alcoholism goes hand-in-hand with horses. On the track, you work from 6 to 10 a.m., and then you’re basically done. That’s a lot of time to fill. Many people turn to drugs or drinking, which goes along with the parties and the social atmosphere. I was no different.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg That was 20 years ago, and Gary has been clean and sober ever since. Afterward, he took a grooming job but got burnt out. He started riding difficult horses for friends, and word spread, and gradually it morphed into a new career: a “dressage cowboy” helping what Gary calls confused horses.

“I don’t look at them as problem horses,” he explained. “They just need some direction in their life. I never had formal lessons or training. I’m not a clinician or a coach. I can’t talk and ride at the same time. I’m not locked into any one method. I keep trying until something works.”

And if something doesn’t work, it’s his problem, not the horse’s. “If a horse doesn’t respond, it’s not because he doesn’t want to, it’s because he doesn’t understand. I explain it in a different way, and eventually, he gets it,” Gary said. “I’m never heavy-handed, never use physical force. If someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, if they hit you over the head, you still won’t know the answer. Correcting a horse has to be subtle.”

Once he figures out a horse, the secrets need to be explained to the owner. “I have to be able to show the owner or rider what to do and how to do it, or fixing the horse will be useless,” Gary said. “After riding, I can explain what should be done.”

Gary noted that one common problem is rearing, which may be caused by a rider sending mixed messages: go forward and stop at the same time. “The rider thinks he’s asking a horse to collect, while pushing the horse forward with his legs. The only way out is for the horse to go up,” he said.

And how does he fix problems? “I ignore it, try not to make an issue of it. I get the horse to relax and move forward, then make a big fuss over him,” Gary explained. “It’s more about rewarding the positive than correcting the negative. You can’t correct a rear in midair. Eventually, the horse learns to look forward to the praise more than trying to escape the punishment. That’s what works best with horses: a lot of positive reinforcement.”

Before trying to correct a problem, Gary determines whether the behavior has a physical cause: laminitis, a poorly fitting saddle, sore teeth. With a horse that is totally spoiled, Gary has what he calls a “Come to Jesus” meeting.

“Some horses have problems which have never been addressed. The rider has always compromised or given in. The lunatics have taken over the asylum, and the horse is in control,” he said. “The horse likes picking fights.

See ROSENBERG, page 24

“Dressage Cowboy” Gar y Smith

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FEATURES

My Exciting Christmas Plans Could Blow Up On My Face!

Some people say I lead an exciting life, and it’s true. I lead an exciting life because I pay no attention to logistics. I just schedule in fun things willy-nilly.

Yet this carefree existence sometimes gets me in trouble, and this month, I could be in trouble. Over the next several days, I have a lot going on — unfortunately, it’s all in different locations. And travel time? What’s travel time?

Saturday, Dec. 11, is my mother’s birthday. (This has no bearing whatsoever on my travel plans, but it is on my radar screen.

Package sent. Phone call forthcoming.)

Also on Dec. 11, a paranormal research team is coming to my North Florida antiques mall to see what they can see (and hear), ghostwise. I lock them in at 8 p.m. and let them out at 2 a.m.

Twelve hours later, I hop on a plane out of Jacksonville and head out to Los Angeles because my sister Pam has tickets for

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER the Dr. Phil show. I love Dr. Phil. Never mind that I have a web TV show that requires my doing a live remote 30 minutes after I step off the plane on Sunday. (If I need time to get to Pam’s place from the airport or design a set or link to the network, it could be tight; otherwise, I don’t anticipate a problem.)

Also, Pam is usually invited to the home of a big TV star around this time of year. If the party is that night, I can’t very well talk with her on TV about her collectibles, can I? On

the other hand, maybe this big TV star will invite me, too! (Maybe we can do the web TV show from the star’s house! Oooooohhhhh… possibilities.)

The next day, we will do what Pam wants to do, and Tuesday is Dr. Phil.

I come home on Wednesday, but only as far as Jacksonville. Uh-oh. Logistics error. I need to be in West Palm Beach for a Christmas party on Friday night. Looks like I’ll be driving on Thursday.

After the party on Friday, I really need to head back up to the store because it is, after all, one of our busiest times of the year. But I’ll only be “passing through” because I promised my daughter I’d drive up to Kansas City with her brother for Christmas. My hubby will fly in on Christmas Eve. If there’s bad weather, he could end up spending the holiday at some remote airport.

So there are concerns, but, if I can pull this off glitch-free, just think — ghosthunters, my

web TV show, a visit with my sister, the Dr. Phil show, one holiday party on each coast and the whole displaced family together for Christmas — all in the span of two weeks!

Wow! We won’t address the potential glitches themselves — where the ghostbusters are inadvertently forgotten inside the store; the web TV segment is impossible to broadcast because I’m still circling LAX; the Dr. Phil show turns out to be an intervention (for me); the TV star uninvites Pam because he heard her sister is nuts; I get a flat tire as I drive to West Palm and miss the Florida Christmas party because of it; and a blizzard shuts down Kansas City.

If I have to celebrate Christmas stranded at a Cracker Barrel somewhere in Kentucky, well, that would be exciting, too, but not in a “loving Christmas spirit” kind of way. More in a Grinch kind of way.

I’ll let you know how things turn out.

Ever Notice How The ‘Best’ Movies Aren’t The Ones We See? We are now coming to the season when movie critics select the “Best Movies of 2010,” and chances are you won’t have heard of most of them. The top 10 movies of the year in terms of earnings are the ones the people actually go to see, not the ones the critics prefer. After all, does anyone really expect How to Train Your Dragon or Clash of the Titans to win major awards?

Yes, some of the top 10 grossing movies also stand a chance of being nominated for Oscars and a smaller chance of being selected by critics, but not many. Toy Story 3 was the top-grossing movie in the world this year. And it is a good movie… of its type. It probably will win an Oscar as best animated feature. Alice in Wonderland and Inception were second and third, and might stand a chance. I liked both of them. But the rest of the popular films have almost no chance.

The first movie selected by critics for award is Social Network by the National Board of Review. Again, it is a film I liked.

But I did not love it. It worked as sort of a mock documentary. It did reasonably well; it was successful because it cost so little to make, although, like just about every mov-

Rosenberg

‘Dressage Cowboy’ Gary Smith

continued from page 23 So I fight on my terms, which isn’t fun for the horse. This can be something like forceful riding for about 10 seconds, then going forward nicely, relaxed. Horses have a short attention span, about 15 minutes. The correction has to be quick. You need perfect timing to act, rather than react.”

Gary prefers to ride a confused horse wherever the problem tends to occur, which may be at a show.

ie ever made, officially it lost money. I wish my tax accountant trained with the films.

There were no thrills in Social Network. But it interests the critics, so they provide awards.

I am not a conspiracy theory buff, convinced that this is a plot to either ruin the movie business or cause mass death by boredom for the American people. Year after year, however, the top-grossing films almost never seem to win for Best Picture (yes, there have been exceptions, but they are exceptions) and often are completely overlooked.

I think the main reason for this break is that culture itself has been splitting apart — not just American culture, but in countries around the world. There is what some call “high cul-

ture,” and then there is “popular culture,” with the general assumption that the first is actually better. Of course, unspoken is the belief that the popular culture, by its very acceptance by the masses, cannot be as good.

That kind of split can be seen in many areas. Look at the New York Times Bestseller List every Sunday, and then look at the books reviewed by that paper. You are more likely to see a review of a biography of a supremely boring person who did nothing spectacular than one of the latest books by Stuart Woods or James Patterson. And Nora Roberts? Heaven forfend.

I remember sitting in a movie theater back in the 1960s watching a Jean-Luc Godard movie. It had won numerous awards, and I was showing off my ability in French to a gal who actually was French. I kept fighting sleep.

It was dreadfully boring. I said something about it to the person who recommended the movie, who simply responded that it was supposed to be boring.

Unfortunately, critics (and not just those for movies) often write their reviews more as a way of demonstrating their own creativity, their arcane knowledge, than as a means of telling the public whether they

might enjoy the film. I just read a New York Times review of an upcoming movie, The Black Swan, in which the critic had references to six different movie makers and three dance critics as the prime focus of what was supposed to be a review. Eventually, there was a minor bit at the end saying that it was a good movie.

I frankly have no interest in whether the film’s director was affected by early Dada, particularly if the film turned into current doodoo. The real issue should be whether the film is worth spending the $7, $10 or now even $14 a ticket on. It may cost less to watch a television show, but the choices are so many, the same advice may be in order.

I learned years ago that the best way to persuade people not to pay attention was to steer them wrong. The critics and filmgoers who loved movies for all sorts of reasons except the pleasure you get from watching them convinced me to pay them no mind, and I write reviews that reflect that.

All the world’s a stage, and we should select only those scenes that are of value to us.

So, going into the season when the best movies are supposed to be shown, we can hope for the best.

“I’m very careful at shows. No one wants to air their dirty laundry in public, and there are many people watching what goes on,” he said. “Some of these horses are worth a fortune, and no one wants or needs to be embarrassed. I’m always quiet and respectful; I tread lightly at show grounds.”

Gary also works with trainers.

“If someone has a trainer, I ask them to have the trainer call me. Trainers are sometimes threatened, thinking I’ll steal their clients,” he said. “I don’t want clients. I get to play with other people’s toys, and I have a great deal of fun. We’re all on the same page. I don’t want to run a barn or own a business. I like riding 10 different horses each day and fixing 10 different problems.”

Depending on how smart the horse is and

how much he retains, Gary may be able to fix the problem in one day, or he may have to return. “If you make it fun for them, horses start to enjoy the work. It becomes a game they want to play.”

He doesn’t care if the horse is a top racehorse, a fabulous show horse or someone’s backyard pet — it’s all about helping the horse. “If you form a bond with your horse, he’ll give you back tenfold,” Gary said. “You can’t make a horse do something he hates and expect him to be happy. But you can find him a job he likes. Horses aren’t machines.

They’re not disposable commodities. You can’t just throw out this one and replace him with something shiny and new. Horses are a big responsibility, and we are responsible for their happiness.”

The horse is trying to communicate, he stressed. “People say they wish horses could talk. Horses say they wish people would listen, because horses talk all the time,” Gary said. “They’re always trying to tell us how they feel or what they need. When I walk into a barn, I have no preconceived notions. I watch the person working with the horse, and often I can see the problem even before anyone says a word... I don’t have all the answers.

I get along with a lot of horses, but sometimes there’s a personality clash, and I recommend someone else who might approach it differently. There’s no ego involved. I’m very humble about what I do. At 52, I’m still learning.”

If you have a confused horse who needs help, call Gary Smith at (561) 602-2184.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Art Palm Beach Fair Jan. 21-24 At The Convention Center The 14th annual Art Palm Beach Fair will take place Jan. 21-24 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

Art Palm Beach has been captivating the interest of art enthusiasts, collectors and connoisseurs for 13 years.

The fair has become one of the most influential and innovative contemporary art fairs on Florida’s Gold Coast. International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE), organizers of the 14th annual Art Palm Beach Fair, have always valued a comprehensive and cul-

turally significant lecture and panel series as a vital component of Art Palm Beach, offering fair attendees the opportunity to be educated and informed on various cultural and art-related issues from some of the art world’s leading experts.

Art Palm Beach’s 2011 lecture and panel series will begin Friday, Jan. 21 with “Collecting Trends in the Ceramic Marketplace” at 1 p.m. The lecture will be given by Peter Held, curator of ceramics at the ASU Art Museum, followed by “The New Glass

Faith by Drew Tal (courtesy of Emmanuel Fremin Gallery, New York).

Studio: A Plethora of Potential for Artists and Collectors Alike” at 2:30 p.m. It will be moderated by Davira Taragin, and the panel members include Brent Cole, Kelly Conway and Steve T. Gibbs.

To complete the day’s program, “A Conversation on Aboriginal Art” will begin at 4 p.m. David Smith of the Leslie Smith Gallery in Amsterdam will discuss the importance of aboriginal art and its effect on the modern world.

Smith will be joined by aboriginal artist and Australian Parliament member Alison Anderson.

A panel discussion titled “Art Now: The Convergence of Photography, Video and Contemporary Art” will take place Saturday, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m. The panel will consist of moderator Kara WalkerTome, owner and curator of ArtSite, and the panel members will be collector Elaine Mordes and curator Michael Rush. The presentation “Albert Paley in the 21st Century” will take place at 2:15 p.m. Renowned artist Albert Paley will discuss his recent commissions and his current works in today’s world, followed by a book signing.

At 3:30 p.m. there will be a conversation between glass artists Lino Tagliapietra and Schantz Gallery owner Jim Schantz. The day will end with a presentation at 5 p.m. on the new Miami Art Muse-

um at Museum Park. Miami Art Museum Director Thom Collins will reveal the exciting plans for the new museum.

Sunday, Jan. 23 will begin with a lecture and panel series on “Collecting Chinese Photography.” Chris Mao will moderate a panel consisting of Christopher Phillips of the International Center of Photography, and Dale Anderson and Becky Mayer, both seasoned collectors.

Next will be the lecture “Private, Public, Private” by glass artist Howard Ben Tre at 2:30 p.m.

Finishing the day with “Collecting Post-Soviet Art: Navigating the Waters After Glasnost and Perestroika,” Gary Krimershmoys of Quintessentially Art will lead panel members Yevgeniy Fiks and Yana Balan.

On Monday, Jan. 24, curator and artist Gean Moreno will lecture on the Art Palm Beach exhibition “Improvising Architectures,” which will look at the meaning of proliferating precarious structures in a globalized world. It will showcase the works of five Miami artists — Christy Gast, Adler Guerrier, Nicolas Lobo, Ernesto Oroza and Viking Funeral — alongside those of artists Graham Hudson of London, Felipe Arturo of Bogotá, and Heather Rowe and Carlos Sandoval de León of New

Elephant Drinking, Amboseli by Nick Brandt (courtesy of Holden Luntz Galler y, Palm Beach).

York. Afterward there will be a lecture by Made to Order author Campion Platt, followed by a book signing.

“2012: The 50th Anniversary of the Glass Studio” will close the Art Palm Beach 2011 lecture and panel series.

This lecture and panel discussion will be led by Joan Baxt of the Florida Glass Alliance.

Tickets toArt Palm Beach 2011 cost $10 for a single day pass and $15 for a multi-day pass. A special first-view cocktail reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $50. For additional information about the art fair, e-mail info@ifae.com or visit www. artpalmbeach.com.

‘Freud’s Last Session’ Opens Dec. 17 At P.B. Dramaworks Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, will continue its 11th season with the southeast premiere of Mark St. Germain’s Freud’s Last Session on Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the company’s intimate downtown theater. Specially priced preview performances are slated for Dec. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. The production will continue through Feb. 6.

“We are particularly excited to present the southeastern premiere of Freud’s Last Session,” Dramaworks’ Producing Artistic Director William Hayes said. “Dramaworks played a crucial role in the development of the play, and presented several staged readings of it as part of our ‘Drama(in the)works’ initiative. Subsequently, the play received its world premiere at Barrington Stage, became the longest-running show in that theater’s long history, and then moved to New York. It is encouraging to know that audienc-

es hunger for intellectual theater, and they know a play in which C.S. Lewis matches wits with Dr. Freud is sure to deliver.”

After escaping the Nazis in Vienna, legendary psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud invites a young professor, C.S. Lewis, to his home in London. Lewis, having satirized Freud in a recent book, expects to be reprimanded for his work, but soon realizes Freud has a much more significant agenda. On the day England enters World War II, Freud and Lewis clash over the existence of God, love, sex and the meaning of life — only two weeks before Freud chooses to take his own.

Hayes will direct the production, which stars Dennis Creaghan and Chris Oden. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Brian O’Keefe, lights designed by Sean Dolan and sound designed by Matt Corey.

St. Germain is an award-winning

playwright whose plays include Camping with Henry and Tom, The God Committee, Forgiving Typhoid Mary and Out of Gas on Lovers Leap. His musical theater credits include The Gifts of the Magi and Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story. St. Germain was a creative consultant and writer for several seasons on The Cosby Show and co-wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film Duma.

Palm Beach Dramaworks’ season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including Dinner With Friends by Donald Margulies (Feb. 25 through April 17) and The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh (May 6 through June 19).

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., as well as 3 p.m. on select

Wednesdays. There will be a special added performance on Tuesday, Dec. 21, no Sunday evening performances on Dec. 19 and Feb. 6, and no performances on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25.

Individual tickets cost $47 for all performances. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

The theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Blvd., between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue. Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the city garage at the corner of Olive Avenue and Ban-

Mark St. Germain yan Blvd. for $1 per hour with the first hour free.

For ticket information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit the Palm Beach Dramaworks web site at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

ExecuCoach360 CEO Liliane M. Agee-Finke

ExecuCoach360 Offers Leadership Training For Business And Life ExecuCoach360 is an organizational leadership and management development agency dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations identify and address work-related challenges. It transforms those challenges into shared victories while tapping into possibilities waiting to be discovered.

ExecuCoach360 is committed to supporting individuals and organizations work through change while assisting them to transition from where they are to where they want to be. ExecuCoach360 offers services such as leadership training and development, career planning, executive and life coaching as well as coaching small businesses and teams.

The company believes each individual has the potential and talent to help lead the most fulfilling work life possible.

ExecuCoach360 offers solid strategies for leading you and your team to excellence. Its programs are tailored to the objectives and needs of its clients and are designed to address specific challenges at various levels of management.

Liliane M. Agee-Finke, CEO of ExecuCoach360, is a seasoned professional with a strong vision and mission to initiate a positive impact in the workplace by supporting the development of individuals, managers and executives. Agee-Finke is a professional presenter, certified coach, trainer and consultant who has designed and delivered education and training programs for an array of clients.

She possesses a unique leadership style to challenge individuals and organizations to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Agee-Finke has taught, mentored and trained individuals to develop and overcome their business and personal challenges. She offers 15 years of experience and is a member of the International Coaching Federation.

She earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University as well as an executive and career coaching certificate from Kaplan University. She

has been an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is also a member of ASTD and the International Coaching Federation and is currently working on her Ph.D. in organizational leadership at Argosy University.

Executive and personal coaching stands for balance, fulfillment, happiness and self control, and is all about moving forward with one’s goals, ambitions and development needs. Whether you are an executive, manager, supervisor, small business owner or work independently, coaching can assist you in achieving professional and personal life balance, and offer you the vision to see past the clutter and confusion that may be limiting your success. The guidance and intuition of a professional coach can be invaluable, and represents a strong shift in assumptions.

Coaching is all about someone believing in you and viewing things from another perspective while producing outstanding results.

When you have a professionally trained life coach working with you, you have a trained support coach — someone who knows what to do, knows how to guide you and stays with you, helping you get through the obstacles and reach your goals. Your life coach is a mentor, a guide, a motivator — giving you objective feedback, encouragement and nonstop support.

ExecuCoach360 will help you commit to a plan of long-term development. Coaching sessions can be conducted by phone or in person and are 45 minutes to an hour in duration. All coaching conversations are confidential. ExecuCoach360 wants to help you become a better leader and begin your new journey of self discovery.

Visit the ExecuCoach360 web site to view the array of services the firm offers, or contact the company to schedule a consultation session with no obligation. For more info., call (561) 512-4514, e-mail execucoach360@ gmail.com or visit www.execucoach360.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

All Paws Animal Clinic Celebrates Milestone All Paws Animal Clinic in Royal Palm Beach recently celebrated having its 10,000 client, Sandra Erb. All Paws Animal Clinic opened its doors for business in July 2002. The staff has greatly enjoyed caring for all their customers’ furry friends during the past eight years.

Their goal has been to give pets the best medical and surgical care and provide everyone with excellent customer service.

Dr. Patty Forsythe and Dr. Jean Oberg have both been veterinarians for more than 20 years, and they continue to keep up to date on the newest changes in veterinary medicine by attending many continuing education seminars.

Forsythe and Oberg would like to thank the western communities for entrusting their beloved pets to them.

All Paws features boardcertified specialists, an inhouse lab and pharmacy, and offers services such as medi-

Dr. Patty Forsythe, Sandra Erb with Roxy and Dr. Jean Oberg. cine, surgery, grooming, den- Beach Critical Care and Retistry, behavior counseling, ferral at 3092 Forest Hill boarding and more. Hours of Blvd. or Pet Emergency of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Palm Beach County at 3816 Monday and Thursday; 8 Northlake Blvd. a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, All Paws Animal Clinic is Wednesday and Friday; and located at 1011 N. State Road 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For For after-hours emergencies more information, call (561) until 10 p.m., call (561) 790- 790-9225 or visit the compa9225. After 10 p.m. call or ny’s web site at www.allpaws proceed directly to Palm animal.com.

PCAHU Appoints Keith Jordano Vice President

The Palm Coast Association of Health Underwriters, an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and other professionals, installed its 2010-11 executive board at its luncheon meeting about Medicare changes and their impact on patients, providers and employers at the Lake Worth Holiday Inn on Oct. 6.

The new officers are as follows: President Frank Harris, A.D. Banker & Company, of Clewiston; President-Elect Beverly Kingsley, Benefit Alliance, of Tequesta; Vice President Keith Jordano, Jordano Group, of The Acreage; Treasurer Steven Israel, South Florida Affiliated Health Insurers, of Boynton Beach; and Secretary Karyn LeVine, Treasure Coast Insurance Group, of Palm Beach Gardens.

Harris served as professional development chair for the chapter last year. “I’m thrilled to be heading this organization at a time when our members are becoming more

critical to employers and consumers,” he said. “We help businesses and consumers obtain and use one of the most critical and personal services they own. When a spouse is sick or a child is in pain, it is the health plans we sell and service that cure the illness and ease the pain.

Consumers now more than ever need our expertise in choosing the right plan. What we do simply can’t be done by a web site, a distant bureaucrat or government manual. Our focus over the next year will be not only to demonstrate this value, but to enhance it.”

Harris added that health insurance professionals are on the front line of healthcare in America.

“We will push for the passage of sensible healthcare reforms such as refundable tax credits which will help insure more Americans, we will help improve and spread the word about important coverage such as long-term

care insurance, and we will fight mandates and other onerous legislation that make health insurance more expensive for everyone,” he said.

The Palm Coast Association of Health Underwriters (PCAHU) is a professional association whose membership includes professional health and disability insurance agents, brokers, and health and disability carriers and third-party administrator representatives. PCAHU is a local chapter of the Florida Association of Health Underwriters, a state chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters. Members of PCAHU participate in local, state and federal legislative and public policy development that is of mutual interest to its clients, the consuming public, its membership and the greater health and disability benefits community in Palm Beach and Martin counties.

For more about PCAHU, visit www.pcahu.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Wellington Hairstylist Joins World AIDS Day Event In NYC Local hairstylist Claudia Diesti was one of 500 from the L’Oreal parent company, including L’Oreal Professional, Matrix, Redken and Pureology, chosen to attend Hairdressers Against AIDS in New York City this December. Attendees from across the United States flew in Monday, Nov. 29.

After breakfast, all then headed to the United Nations to listen in on the world conference covering details about the dangerous epidemic and the statistics involved. All sat quiet as world leaders and leading U.N. medical advisors talked and even asked questions about the farreaching effects of AIDS. Many misconceptions about the disease were brought to light and answered correctly.

The evening featured a dinner event in which hairdressers talked and mingled with many of the beauty industry’s leading celebrity stylists, including Joel Warren, Ted Gibson and Nancy Braun. The following morning, Wednesday, Dec. 1, World AIDS Day began, and it moved fast. Stylists started with a 6 a.m. breakfast, then all 500 were divided into smaller groups.

The groups were all united and armed with black vests, red scarves, red umbrellas, pocket

Lori Zabel, Jo Blackwell and Claudia Diesti pause for a photo during the World AIDS Day event in New York City. video cameras and a great deal of knowledge and headed to the streets. Each and every one took turns talking with strangers on the streets of the city.

After asking people for their permission to be filmed, the stylists asked questions and talked about myths concerning HIV and

AIDS, all while videotaping each person’s response. The video footage was collected and replayed on large monitors throughout the city streets.

“It was cold, rainy and for hairdressers you might think it was the worst day possible because it was one bad hair day,” Diesti said. “But

Scores of hair dressers from across the country flew in to New York City to take part in World AIDS Day. we were so proud to be doing what we were doing. All my brothers and sisters in the beauty industry were united in one single cause. At the end of the day, there was such a sense of higher good and accomplishment. I kept thinking that if even just one person was moved to get tested or learned to protect them-

selves better, then that would be one less person who might have the hear the terrible words, ‘I’m sorry but you tested positive for HIV.’” The event was covered by Good Morning America and The Today Show, which joked that, “If you need a haircut today you might be out of luck.”

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Young RPBHS Boys Basketball Team Eager To Find Footing

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team will look to build leadership and foster natural talent as it aims for a winning season this year.

The team, which finished 18-8 last year, graduated its six starting seniors, leaving head coach Drew Quinn with young, raw talent that he’s sure will be competitive this

year. “I think as soon as they figure out what they’re capable of, we’re going to have a pretty good season,” he told the Town-Crier. “Our goal right now is just to get better every day.”

Quinn said that integral to the team’s success is its leadership. The senior starters, including Jon Octeus, Devonte Birdsong and Justin Estima, brought not only talent, but leadership to the team.

Kervens Charles prepares for a shot.

“Just having six seniors around made a big difference,” Quinn said.

“They held each other accountable and know what to expect and how to handle adversity. Right now, that’s something we’re just learning as a young team.”

Returning talent includes Will Eure and Joe Joe Williams, Quinn said.

“Both of them started at the end of last year,” he said. “So that’s our experience returning.”

The remainder of the starting lineup consists of a junior and two sophomores.

“We have a lot of inexperience, but they’re playing hard,” Quinn said. “They’re really trying. We’re still trying to figure out what role everyone has. We need somebody to step up and take the bull by the horns.”

But he is confident not only in his varsity team, but in the future of the RPBHS basketball program.

“The program is in a great position,” Quinn said. “[Junior varsity coach] Dave Cuetara is doing a great job with the JV team. The freshmen and JV programs are doing extremely well.”

Quinn said his goal is for the team

Markee Jensen catches a pass.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

to step up into a leadership role and play a successful season.

“I’m not going to put a number on it because if they buy in, we can be pretty good,” he said. “It’s just going to be a matter of whether they buy in. We’ve got players, we just need to coach them up and make

them realize that they can compete with anybody if they want to.”

The Wildcats take on Palm Beach Gardens at home on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and travel to Wellington High School on Monday, Dec. 13 where they face the Wolverines for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Loss In Orlando Ends Season For Seminole Ridge Football

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School football team’s bid for the state championship came up 10 points short Friday, Dec. 3 when the Hawks lost to Dr. Phillips High School 38-28 in Orlando.

Despite the loss, the Hawks made the closest showing of any team yet against the undefeated Panthers, head coach Matt Dickmann told the Town-Crier.

“No other team all year had that close of a game,” he said. “We

watched the tapes. They didn’t have many weaknesses.”

Early on, the Hawks gave Dr. Phillips a run for the money, taking a two-touchdown lead.

“We played a really good game,” Dickmann said. “We fought hard.

We came out and had the lead 14-0.

They threw an interception, and we were able to capitalize on that.”

But the Panthers ran 86 yards for a touchdown, setting the momentum back in their favor. Despite the Hawks best efforts, they were unable to stop the Dr. Phillips offense.

“The running back they have, he’s good,” Dickmann said. “He took over the game. Even though they made some mistakes, we didn’t capitalize on them.”

The Hawks finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record and made it further in the state playoffs than any team in school history.

Looking toward the future, Dickmann noted that much of the program’s success — including its freshmen and junior varsity teams — is due to similarities in coaching style and a high set of standards for

students to meet. “The whole program, from top to bottom, is coached the same way,” he said.

“We set high standards for our students. The expectations are set by the coaches, and I think our kids work hard to meet those standards.”

But, he noted, playing freshmen and JV football is much different from varsity football, and there will be big shoes to fill once the graduating seniors are gone.

“There will be a lot of holes to fill next year,” Dickmann said. “We have to replace our entire offensive

line and all of our line backers; we don’t have a lot of depth in those areas.”

Dickmann attributed much of the varsity team’s success to its senior leadership.

“We had a great group of seniors who stepped up in a leadership role,” he said. “They set the bar high, and they knew that if we did the little things well, we’d go further than we had ever gone. They got everyone to buy into it, and that’s why we were so successful. I appreciate them doing that.”

Wolverines Boys Basketball Team Looks To Use Its Experience Three more points is all that was needed for the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team to advance another round in last year ’s district playoffs. A 70-68 loss to John I. Leonard High School in the district quarterfinals has the Wolverines hungry for a district title this season.

With four returning starters and chemistry on and off the court, the team has shaped itself into one of the area’s best. Matt Colin returns for his fourth year as the team’s head coach.

The starting backcourt features point guard Scott Witkowski. Through three games, the senior leads the team with 15 points and nine assists per game. Witkowski, one of only two three-year players on the team, has started since his sophomore year.

“He’s a very unselfish player,” Colin said

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber of Witkowski. “He has the ability to score but gives it up to find the open man.”

Witkowski led the area last year with 7.1 assists per game.

The guard rotation has a great deal of depth with senior Kendell Johnson, sophomore Mike Morosco and senior Johnny Harvill.

Johnson brings the presence of a quick player who excels on defense. Morosco earned a

spot in the starting lineup by catching the eye of Colin and the rest of the coaching staff during summer practices.

Harvill brings a great shooting touch from beyond the three-point line and also has experience with Witkowski, as the duo started in the Wellington Landings Middle School backcourt together. Sophomore Fred Millar is another guard used off the bench.

Senior forward Davis Martin and junior center Stephen Beneche are two potent threats on the low post. At 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-8, respectively, the two pose a height advantage for most local teams. Senior Rex Kirby, who dipped his hand into playing wide receiver for the football team, will return as the team’s center.

Senior guard Nikko Forgione, junior forward Derek Johnson, senior forward Brynjar

Gudmundsson and sophomore guard Alex Peavler round out the team’s roster.

The team’s offense is surely not a problem, as they average over 57 points a game while allowing fewer than 40. Colin mentioned team rebounding as an area the Wolverines need to improve on.

The team held a 3-1 record as of this week, opening with victories against Royal Palm Beach and Boynton Beach high schools before a loss at Santaluces High School. The team then defeated Glades Central on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The Wolverines are back in action against against Royal Palm Beach on Monday, Dec. 13.

Also, I have created a Facebook group titled “Josh Hyber-Sports Writer” where I will post links to my weekly columns. Please join and offer your feedback!

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SPORTS & RECREATION

RINGWALD, POYNER Former Wildcats Kala Abdell, Chelsea TAKE TOP TWO SPOTS Leiva Enjoying Collegiate Success a 2007 gradAT USTA JUNIOR OPEN uateKalafromAbdell, the Royal Palm

Gabriela Ringwald and Mackenzie Poyner recently competed in the USTA Junior Open at the South Olive Tennis Center in West Palm Beach. Ringwald was champion and Poyner finished runner-up, both com peting in the 14 and under group. They are coached by Alex Ringwald, tennis director at the Banyan Golf Club on Lyons Road. Shown above are Ringwald and Poyner with their trophies.

Beach High School volleyball team and a current member of the Lynn University Knights, has been named to the ESPN All-Academic AllAmerican second team.

In addition to these honors, Abdell was also named to the ESPN First Team All-Academic All-District team, and was recently honored as the SSC Player of the Week.

During her time as a Wildcat, Abdell was a Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel AllCounty/All-Area team member and a Pathfinder nominee in Athletics.

Chelsea Leiva, a 2010 grad, and member of the volleyball and soccer teams at RPBHS, was recently named Co-Freshman of the Year for the Sun Belt Conference. A starter for Florida International University, Leiva was also named to the Sun Belt First Team All-Conference.

Kala Abdell Leiva was also named to the NSCAA All-South Region third team. She tied the

Chelsea Leiva FIU school record for number of goals by a freshman, was tied for first place in the

conference for goals scored and kicked the winning goal in five matches this year.

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

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TPX TITANS FINISH AS RUNNERS-UP

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SPORTS & RECREATION

The 13-U TPX Titans recently had another successful baseball season, finishing as runners-up in the Nations Baseball League. After posting a 7-3 record during the regular season, the Titans rolled through the playof fs by defeating the Mizuno Edge 10-0, and avenging an earlier regular-season loss to the Florida Falcons, by a score of 6-5. In the championship game, the Titans fell to the No. 1 seed Boca Thunder by a score of 7-3. The team is coached by Nestor Rodriguez, Chris Brown and Craig Brown. For information regarding tryouts for the spring season, visit www.tpxtitans.com. Team members are: (front row, L-R) Neil Brown, Alex Hernandez, Chandler Miles, Ovanny Caminero, Bryan Martin and Tanner Brown; (back row) Ryan Stark, A.J. Gallicchio, Jacob Shue, Richie Ellis, Dante Cook and Armando Rodriguez.

WHS Wrestling Keeps Up Win Streak

The Wellington High School varsity and junior varsity wrestling teams both improved their undefeated records against Dwyer High School last Wednesday night. The JV team (2-0) defeated Dwyer 660 and were led by freshman Richard Gowie with a first period pin.

The JV wrestlers have a quadrangular dual match this week at home against Jensen Beach, Seminole Ridge and John I. Leonard.

The varsity match-up was a much-anticipated dual with Wellington coming into the match at 60 and currently ranked 10th in the state (scout.com) matching up with Dwyer, currently ranked eighth in the state. The dual included 10 ranked wrestlers. Dwyer got off to an early 7-0 lead with a win at 130 pounds where Brandon Smith (Dwyer, ranked #4) defeated Tim Skaryd (Wellington) by a score of 9-3, and at 135 pounds James Jenkins (Dwyer, #2) defeated Zach Katz (Wellington, #8) by a score of 8-4. Wellington got a big swing in the momentum at 140 pounds where Jake Ferrara (Wellington, #6) knocked off Ode Osbourne (Dwyer, #4), who is a returning state place-winner by a score of 16-7. The Wolverines went on to win eight of the next 11 matches to win the dual by a score

Brandon Lustgarten moments before his record-breaking pin.

PHOTOS BY PA T BACHI

of 52-20. Another feature match of the night was at heavyweight, where Wellington’s Brandon Lustgarten (#3) pinned Dwyer’s Bryce Gianangeli (#12) in the first period. With that win, Lustgarten became the alltime pin record holder at Wellington High School with 51 pins.

“This was a dual we were really looking forward to because Dwyer has been considered the favorite to win our county this year,” head coach Travis Gray said.

(Right) Jake Ferrara attempts a stand-up, which led to an escape in the first period.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 11 • Buckler’s Craft Fair & Food Drive will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds’ Americraft Expo Center.

The event features one-of-a-kind gifts, custom home décor, fudge and gourmet delights, jewelry, furniture, country and traditional crafts, folk art, hair accessories, candles, baby items and more. Call (386) 8600092 or visit www.bucklercraftfair.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Snow Buddies” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 10:15 a.m. for age 2 and up. Stroll down a winter wonderland and enjoy stories and crafts about snowmen.

Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host “Reptile Mania” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. for all ages.

Meet the nature center’s exotic reptiles. The cost is $3. Call (561) 233-1400 to RSVP. • On Saturday, Dec. 11 from noon to 5 p.m., the Regal Royal Palm Beach 18 (1003 N. State Road 7) will host a Family Fun Day to celebrate the arrival of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Complimentary face painting, a bounce house and exhibits from area businesses will be provided. For more info., call (561) 795-0288.

• CrossFit iQ (7233 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach) will celebrate its official grand opening Saturday, Dec. 11 with free workouts, food, drinks and fun. There will be a raffle featuring two one-month memberships. For more info., call Nicole at (561) 289-3217 or visit www.crossfitiq.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Meet the Author: Carolina Garcia-Aguilera” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. for adults. Meet the author of Bloody Twist, featuring Lupe Solano, a Cuban-American private investigator from Miami. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Teen Jewelry Making” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation will host the River of Grass Gala on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the RitzCarlton Hotel (100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan). The cocktail attire gala will include dinner, enter tainment, silent and live auctions featuring many “green” items,

and the presentation of the 2010 Champions of the Everglades awards. Tickets cost $300. Call (561) 805-8733 or visit www. ar tmarshall.org for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the movie Elf on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Gosman Amphitheatre.

Call (561) 832-SHOW or visit www.kravis. org for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 12 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present its 27th Annual Western Communities Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 12 kicking off at 1 p.m. along the traditional route down Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. Themed “Home for the Holidays,” the parade will be preceded by the annual Holiday Mile Run and include the Holiday Park with children’s events from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. Call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest. com for more info.

• Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery (10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) will participate in the Compassionate Friends’ 14th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 12 to unite grieving families in remembrance of children who have died. It is held officially at 7 p.m. local time for one hour, although services are held throughout the day. For more info., visit www.compassionate friends.org or call (877) 969-0010.

Monday, Dec. 13 • The DRI Wellington Golf Classic is set for Monday, Dec. 13 at the Wanderers Club at Wellington. Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The golf tournament will begin at 11 a.m., followed by an awards reception. Visit www.diabetes research.org/driwellingtongolf2010 for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Board Game Spectacular” on Monday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. for age 6 and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Anime Grab Bag” on Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. View new anime titles. Pocky will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Super visors will meet Monday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-0884 or visit www.lgwcd.org for info.

See CALENDAR, page 43

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 42 Tuesday, Dec. 14 • The Royal Palm Beach Sharon Chapter of Na’Amat USA will meet Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) for a belated Chanukah celebration. The guest will be entertainer Randy Stevens. For more info., call Harriet Mushel at (561) 7953924.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Master the Art of Reading” book discussion series for adults Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Barbara Harnick will lead a discussion of The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Cut & Tell” on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. for age 6 and up. Listen to holiday adventures and watch as surprises are revealed through cutouts. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 S. State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Holiday Hoopla!” on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Enjoy free samples of holiday dishes around the store and vote for your favorite. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Open Mic Night” on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Perform poetr y, shor t prose, an essay or a dance. Play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Pick up the rules at the information desk. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host the Way Off-Broadway Players in Funny You Don’t Look Like a Grandmother on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Enjoy dramatic readings of scenes from Broadway plays, episodes from classic TV and remarks by contemporary authors. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Forest Animal Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m. Hear stories about forest friends and make a simple craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern

Drive) will teach ages 9 and up how to Make No-Bake Ornaments on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. Take home the scents of the season in cinnamon apple ornaments you make yourself. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• Mix and mingle at the Palms West Chamber Holiday Jingle membership mixer on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hoffman’s Chocolates (10520 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). RSVP to (561) 790-6200.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Visit www. safety councilpbc.org or call (561) 8458233 for more info.

• Florida Stage in residence at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Goldie, Max & Milk Dec. 15 through Jan. 1. Call (561) 585-3433 or visit www.floridastage.org for more info.

Thursday, Dec. 16 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature the “Master the Art of Reading” book discussion series on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 7906070 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 S. State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Dinner with a Gourmet Chef” on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Master Chef Chris Paul will create a multi-course meal using all-natural ingredients and expertly paired wines. The cost is $35. Pre-registration by calling (561) 9044000.

Friday, Dec. 17 • Enjoy a showing of the movie Miracle on 34th Street on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl. gov for more info.

• Palm Beach Dramaworks (322 Banyan Blvd., W est Palm Beach) will present Freud’s Last Session opening on Friday, Dec. 17 and running through Feb. 6. Call (561) 5 14-4042, e xt. 1 or visit www. palmbeachdramaworks.org for more info.

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

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T OWNHOME FOR RENT— 2 / 2 2 car garage. Lakefront seasonal or annual lease. No Pet s 561-6442019 VILLA IN WELLINGTON — Walk to schools, clean 2/2 Villa, vaulted ceilings, tile floors, split bedroom, utility room with W/D and fenced patio. $850/month 775-0717

CONDO FOR RENT GOLDEN LAKES — 1 bedroom, 1 ½ Bath Annual Rental Available. Unfurnished, clean, gated 55 plus. pool, social activities. Convenient. $600/monthl Call 561-602-9584

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN LOXAHATCHEE — Includes utilities & satellite. Rent $700/month references required.

561-985-1349

3 BED, 2 BATH — 1,104 sq. ft. 1.14 acres offered at $99,000 OBO. Seller financing available. 17845 38 Lane N. Call 954-561-2600 1.55 ACRE LOT — 2 story barn, with loft horse stall, garage, water, electric, phone, $55,000. Call 561572-1782

DIABETIC TEST STRIPS — I buy your sealed, unexpired boxes. Call Mike (561) 463-3876

IN NEED OF A HOUSEKEEPER? — Over 10 years experience for private home in Palm Beach. Excellent references. Please call Amy at 561-371-6367

FOUND CAT - found cream & brown female cat near F Rd. south of Okeechobee. 798-3940

DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification.

Excellent pay and benefit s. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

NAIL TECH WITH EXPERIENCE — must do acrylic, to take over full clientele F/T and P/T. Hair Stylist with experience. Must be professional and creative F/T. 561-7905777 EXPERIENCED CONCRETE FORM CARPENTER - Must be local, have ss card, drivers license and own vehicle. Call Earl 561-3295822 or 561-790-0178.

CHRISTY’S BAKERY NEEDS — Full time counter help. 2 shift s 5:30am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Drop of resume. The Pointe@Wellington Green. 10160 Forest Hilll Blvd.

PART TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT - Seeking a professional self starter, well organized, detail oriented person. Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office including W ord and Excel. Duties including filing and faxing. 20 hours per week. Fax resume 561-642-3244 or email jnatale@pbaquatics.com IMMEDIATE OPENING — busy Wellington CPA office needs full time Administrative Assistant. Fax resume and salary requirements to 561-790-6830 PRIVATE SCHOOL — Looking for multi-tasking energetic, middle school, science/social studies teacher and high school english teacher with ESE experience. 561795-6886-Debra PART TIME SECRETAR Y — 20 flexible hours, mornings and or afternoons. Send resume to pastorweiss@bellsouth.net (St. Michael Luthern Church) WORK FROM HOME — All natural products make money in as little as 10 hours per week. C a l l 5 6 1 282-7648 or visit website SAFERCHEAPERBETTER.COM

ANTIQUE 1934 SLOT MACHINE #72 — 5¢ play. Excellent condition $500 OBO. Don 689-8763 LEMAX CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Assorted LeMax Christmas Village Buildings. From $10 to $20 Dollars.

Please call 561-790-1848 HAY FOR SALE - Orchard Grass delicious and yummy bales. Cash & Carry . Good Earth Farm in Loxahatchee 561-792-2666

THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 11TH, 8:00 - Noon. - Furniture, toys, books, Christmas items, clothes and more.

1814 Wiltshire Village Dr.

ESTATE SALE THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 11TH ONLY 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. furniture,appliances,housewares.

16475 72nd Rd. N. (corner of 72nd & Banyan) No early birds.

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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

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE Auto • Home • Life • Renters • Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh

J.C. TEETS & CO . — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t.

561-248-2611 PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates.

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

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring.

Bonded and Insured U#19699.

Call 791-9900 or 628-9215

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

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

GREENTEAM LANDSCAPING — We make your grass look greener than the other side Call now 561337-0658. www.greenteamllc.com TNT LAWN CARE - Quality Work & Dependable Service. In Business Since 1989 Monthly Lawn service, yard clean-up & mulching. Expert hedge & tree trimming. 561-6448683

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 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 PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576

MH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS CORP. - Looking for personable property management?

We are the company for you. For more information visit our website visit www.MyrnaRealty.com or call 954-205-5555

PSYCHIC READINGS - Ms. Lola Psychic Readings. Tells past, present and future. One FREE question by phone. 561-355-0036

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof p a i n t i n g . C a r p e n t r y. L i c . #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.

561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in rep airs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666.

Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

TSR PEST MANAGEMENT — Total Pest Solutions – 25 years experience. Professional Guaranteed Service for less than $25 per month.

(Average Size home) Call for details. 561-324-2557

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

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

ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975

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

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

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com LUNDY’S LOW COST SCREEN ROOMS — This month special $125 Off Rescreening with this ad 561-310-9466Lic. U-20539

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

U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

25 years experience — 1 on 1 instruction. Group lessons, Adults- Kids, Top Juniors.

A fun way to exercise. Private/ recently resurfaced court. timebombmanagement@hotmail.com.

561-236-4998.

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. License, bonded and insured. U21006 561-662-9258

ClubZ! In-Home

TUTORING All Subject s: PreK- Adult 561 •333 •1980 CLUBZ.COM America’s Largest In-HomeTutoring Co.

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

WE DO WINDOWS — 20 years professional window cleaning. Residential/Commercial references available. Lic. & Ins. 561-313-7098

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2008 BMW 3 Series 328i — Exterior: T itanium Silver Metallic Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 0845 / Stock: 11GC7134A 45,649 mi. $22,409 Internet Price 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited — Exterior: Beige Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: PTCS44 / Stock: 11GC7427A 52,256 mi. $7,895 Internet Price 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring — Exterior: Light Sandstone Metallic Interior: Pebble Beige/Cream Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RTYP53 / Stock: P2673 30,715 mi. $19,225 Internet Price 2005 Dodge Caravan SXT — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RSKH53 / Stock: 10SF5438B 78,948 mi. $8,215 Internet Price 2008 Honda Accord Sdn 2.4 LX— Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: CP2638EW / Stock: 11S9036A 24,038 mi. $16,678 Internet Price 2009 Honda Accord Sdn EX-L — Exterior: Basque Red Pearl Interior: Ivory Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: P2665A $22,985 Internet Price 2008 Honda Civic Sdn LX — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: FA1658EW / Stock: 11S8940A 28,234 mi. $16,349 Internet Price

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2008 Honda Odyssey Touring — w/ RES/ Navigation Exterior: Taffeta White Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RL3888KW / Stock: 10G4618A 47,163 mi. $26,958 Internet Price 2010 Hyundai Accent GLS — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Manual Stock: 11T1362A 7,183 mi. $12,455 Internet Price

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X — Exterior: Green Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: JKJM74 / Stock: 11S0695A 40,731 mi. $23,019 Internet Price 2000 Lexus LS 400 — Exterior: Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 8 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 9100 / Stock: 11G4544B 54,664 mi. $14,523 Internet Price

2005 Hyundai Elantra — Exterior: Red Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 10E9727A51,038 mi. $7,985 Internet Price 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: B0422 / Stock: 10G6166A 22,415 mi. $28,956 Internet Price

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 — Exterior: White Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11T4251A 1 1,386 mi. $19,658 Internet Price 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS — Exterior: Gold Interior: Other Drivetrain: 8 cylinder Automatic Model Code: M75 / Stock: 11G3763B 77,455 mi. $6,325 Internet Price

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 10G8527A 20,915 mi. $25,986 Internet Price 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 60552 / Stock: 11S0482A 69,311 mi. $6,985 Internet Price 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS — Exterior: Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11T8068A 53,431 mi. $14,256 Internet Price 2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11S4001B 67,045 mi. $9,883 Internet Price

2004 Saturn Ion 2 — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: Automatic Model Code: ZAJ69 / Stock: 11S9484B 60,578 mi. $7,865 Internet Price 2005 Scion tC BASE — Exterior: Maroon Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Manual Stock: 10SF2780A 101,443 mi. $6,995 Internet Price 2004 Volvo C70 LPT — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 5 cylinder Automatic Model Code: C70LTACV / S tock: 11S3630A 58,730 mi. $12,991 Internet Price SELL YOUR AUTOMOBILE HERE CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACEYOUR AD

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