Town-Crier Newspaper April 16, 2010

TASTY TREATS AT FLAVORS 2010

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted its signature event, Flavors of Wellington, on Friday, April 9 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. In addition to dining and dancing to the 20-piece stage band Music Masters International, attendees sampled fare from more than 25 local eateries. Shown here, chef Mark Adams and Melanie Arnold of Binks Forest Golf Club show off Binks Fiesta, which won Best Plate Presentation.

PHOTOS, PAGE 2

Forest Hill Blvd. Road Work

Gets Underway Next Week

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Drivers could experience increased traffic starting Monday, April 19 when the Village of Wellington begins construction on Forest Hill Blvd.

Roadway improvements along Forest Hill Blvd. between Wellington Trace and State Road 7 will include milling and resurfacing, striping, signage, lighting, landscaping, irrigation, drainage and sidewalk construction.

Initially, work will begin between Wellington Trace and Montauk Drive, and between SR 7 and Birkdale Drive simultaneously.

“We will be completely redo-

ing Forest Hill Blvd.,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said.

The project will resurface the road, add and repair drainage, bring the curb to the roadway and update the look of the area.

“If you’ve seen what the road is like between Southern Blvd. and Wellington Trace, that’s what it’s going to look like when it’s finished,” Schofield said.

The work is being paid for with a $5 million transportation stimulus grant that was awarded to the village last year. The roadwork will complement the village’s new Town Center on Forest Hill Blvd.

The entire roadway project is

scheduled to be completed by February 2011. Schofield said that the construction shouldn’t cause many traffic problems for residents.

“There are times when lanes will be closed,” Schofield said. “But residents will still be able to get in and out of their homes.”

Drivers who will be most affected are those who use Forest Hill Blvd. as a cut-through to Southern Blvd. or State Road 7.

“The bulk of the rush hour traffic on Forest Hill is passthrough traffic,” he said. “Those folks will probably find it easier to go down Southern or Okeechobee.”

Acreage Community Jam Aims To Build Unity Through Music

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District are sponsoring the Acreage Community Jam program from 4 to 10 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Acreage Community Park.

The jam sessions feature local musicians, poets, comedians and other performers. The next Acreage Community Jam is scheduled for Saturday, April 17.

ALA officials hope the gatherings will help unify the community. The first jam session was held last November, with follow-up sessions in January, February and March.

“Every show has been getting a little better,” ALA Board Member Eddie McHugh said. “We’re getting a handle on organizing the event. We are encouraging walkups, we’ve got a full back line of equipment available for all the local artists, and we’ve got a nice

big stage. We’ve got an audio guy sponsoring the event, and he’s donating his gear. We’ve got a 10,000-watt public address system out there, so volume is not an issue.”

Although Acreage Community Park is centrally located at Tangerine Blvd. and 140th Avenue North, it is far enough away from homes that the sound does not disturb residents, he said.

The performers are a mix of folk, classic rock, top 40 and pop, McHugh said.

“It’s really diverse. We have some harder metal and even some Simon & Garfunkel cover bands,” he said. “There’s definitely a nice little variety. We also have some Caribbean musicians coming to the next one, and some local schools are going to have dance performances.”

The events have also received help from the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s nice to see the Palms West

RPB Pipe Project Will Bring Water To FPL Power

By Ron Bukley

Plant

pipe and they just pull it through the hole,” Tobon explained. “It minimizes any disruptions to the intersections or canal crossings or anything like that. We don’t have to do lane closures.”

The contractor has already pulled long sections of pipe and is joining those sections together, he said. “They’re actually laying the pipe between the sections,” he said. Although they are less disruptive, the directional drills are a lot more expensive than open cutting or an aerial crossing, he said. “Our first choice is an aerial crossing,”

Chamber of Commerce supporting activities out in The Acreage, especially activities by the Acreage Landowners’ Association,” ITID President Michelle Damone said.

Damone praised current ALA President Bob Renna, also a musician, for being a leading force working to establish the Acreage Community Jam.

“What we’re looking for is a way to bring the community together through music, Renna said. “We’re really looking for all different styles of music, all different ages — that’s the basic concept.”

The event is family oriented, McHugh said. Bounce houses and face painting have been present at past jams and visual artists are encouraged to display their work.

“It’s kind of an open stage for anybody to come,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s doubling as the Acreage Landowners’ Association See JAM, page 20

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Royal Palm Beach’s contract with Palm Beach County, which imposes a 10-percent surcharge on Acreage residents who hook up to county water, may not be as ironclad as county and village officials believe, Indian Trail Improvement District Attorney Charlie Schoech said Wednesday. Schoech researched the question at the request of ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson and reported that he might have found a weakness in the Royal Palm BeachPalm Beach County agreement. The discussion came up at ITID’s April Board of Supervisors meeting, where Erickson reiterated his opinion that the surcharge was not fair to Acreage residents.

Schoech said that although Royal Palm Beach had authority to impose a surcharge on non-residents, the county as new owner of RPB’s water utility does not have the right to impose a surcharge on county residents such as those who live in The Acreage.

“I looked at the issue regarding the 10-percent surcharge that is being collected by Palm Beach County on all users of Palm Beach County utilities in The Acreage,” Schoech said. “Palm Beach County entered into an interlocal agreement with Royal Palm Beach to purchase Royal Palm Beach’s utility system. When they negotiated the price of that purchase, Royal Palm Beach took the position that they as a municipality had the abil-

ity to charge up to a 25-percent surcharge on all users of their utility system outside of the municipal boundaries of Royal Palm Beach.”

The state legislature approved the surcharge, reasoning that municipal residents also pay municipal taxes. People outside the city pay the water bill and no city taxes, so cities should have the ability to add up to 25 percent to non-residents’ water bills. As an example, Schoech cited the Town of Palm Beach, which gets its water from the City of West Palm Beach, which charges Palm Beach residents 25 percent extra on their water bills.

“Had Royal Palm Beach provided the utility service to anyone outside of their boundaries, such as any portion of The Acreage, they would have the ability to charge up to an additional 25 percent on top of the amount they charge their city residents, but they entered into an interlocal agreement to sell their utility to Palm Beach County,” Schoech said. Schoech said that when a governmental agency enters into an interlocal agreement with another governmental agency, both governmental agencies must have the power within which they are contracted.

“Palm Beach County does not have the ability to charge a surcharge because everyone within the county is within their boundaries and is paying county taxes, so the law doesn’t give them the

Wellington Council Rejects Bank Offer To Settle Code Lien

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council on Tuesday rejected a $5,000 settlement offer from Chase Home Finance to release a foreclosed property from village liens.

Chase is foreclosing on a home on Shepard Place in Olympia, Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said. The owner of the home also owns another Olympia property on Danforth Terrace, which was the subject of two code enforcement actions resulting in $28,671.45 in liens dating back to 2007.

While the code violations have not been addressed, Kurtz noted that almost all of the money stems from fines, not actual costs to the village, which he estimated at $821.45.

In a memo to council members, Kurtz recommended accepting the settlement offer and dropping the Shepard Place lien. The Danforth Place lien would remain in force.

Although there are no violations against the Shepard Place property, the liens are attached to it because of the common ownership, he said.

“What is proposed is that Chase would pay $5,000 for a partial re-

lease of the lien, as it affects the [Shepard Place] property,” Kurtz said. “If you were to accept it, you would not be reducing the lien, you would just be accepting a partial release in respect to this property so that Chase can continue on with their foreclosure action and get the property back on the market.”

Councilman Howard Coates, an attorney, opposed the measure.

“I think it sets a bad precedent from the standpoint of our being able to enforce the liens that we impose out there to persuade property owners to comply with our code,” he said. “If there’s an atmosphere that our liens are not going to be enforced or respected, I wonder at the end of the day whether we will be able to enforce the code in the way that it should be enforced.”

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite agreed, noting that the council would settle with the bank, not the homeowner, which means the village is not guaranteed compliance on the Danforth Terrace property.

“It would be a different story if the homeowner was willing to fix the problems and clear up all the code enforcement violations,” he See LIEN, page 20

Staff Report

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

KonTiki wins for Best Taste.

Saundra Mercer, Roxanne Stein and event co-chair John Mercer. Karen and Bob Cavanagh with Debbie Plaxen.

Manager Joseph Warens and owner Efrain Warens of Best Display winner A Piece of Cake by Elena.

White Horse Tavern wins for Best Dessert.

Food tasting judges: Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Cindy Bovay, Michael Stone, Roxanne Stein, retired Col. Allen West, Aubrey West and Carmine Priore III.

Dozens Take Part In Mortgage Help Workshops In RPB

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

It probably is too late for troubled mortgage borrowers to get on board for the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America’s Save the Dream conference this weekend in Miami.

But it’s not too late for homeowners in need of a restructured mortgage to get help from NACA, a HUD-certified national nonprofit organization that has helped restructure or refinance thousands of homeowners’ mortgages, NACA Outreach Coordinator Carol Clark said.

Clark spoke to about 70 people during the first of two workshops on Monday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Homeowners attending the workshop were preparing for a five-day mortgage restructuring marathon Thursday through Monday, April 15-19, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Miami is the No. 1 foreclosure market in the United States, Clark said.

The Rev. Michael Rose of Royal Palm Covenant Church, who invited NACA to give presentations in the village, received help from the organization restructuring the loan on his home.

A year and a half ago, Rose found himself having trouble paying his mortgage after tithing to the church dropped off dramatically from parishioners affected by the recession. After spending about $4,000 with companies that said they were going to help, Rose found NACA, which restructured his loan in a few weeks.

NACA has contracts with most of the major lenders to restructure mortgages for homeowners who can show hardship, who live in their home and own only one home. The Save the Dream tour has reduced mortgage payments for thousands of people, Clark said. “When we run the tour to a city, we have overwhelming crowds,” he said.

As a result, NACA Chief Executive Officer Bruce Marks decided to run the marathons 24 hours a day, beginning at a recent event in West Palm Beach and this weekend in Miami. Nevertheless, because of the response, Clark said people who planned to go to Miami to receive a mortgage restructuring should have gone the first day.

“If you know someone who did

not make it to one of these workshops, just tell them we will be there for five days, but please don’t wait until the last two days, because you won’t see a bank,” Clark said. “If you wait till the last two days to go down there, I guarantee you will be frustrated because there are so many people waiting to see the banks, and we can only see so many people in a day.”

The workshops in Royal Palm Beach were organized to help people prepare for the conference in Miami so that they would have all the paperwork they needed when they got there.

“If your servicer is going to be at the convention center, take the day off, get your counseling done and go sit down with a bank. You’ll probably leave with a solution so your problem gets fixed,” Clark said.

Troubled mortgage holders who were not able to get to the Miami event can still apply for restructuring or financing through NACA by visiting www.naca.com or calling (888) 302-6222.

NACA founder Marks, who has a master’s degree in finance, is described as an aggressive crusader for reform in the banking and lending industry. NACA has been involved in enacting local and state legislation to address subprime and predatory lending, according to the NACA web site.

Under Marks’ leadership NACA has garnered commitments of more than $6.7 billion for mortgage products and has 31 offices across the nation.

Clark joined NACA after the organization helped him restructure his own mortgage after he became unemployed. “I lost my job 15 months ago,” Clark said.

“I developed software for a living and was making six figures. They sent my job to India.”

He started as a volunteer for NACA and eventually became employed by the organization.

“I enjoy what I’m doing. I love what I’m doing,” he said. “We are a nonprofit organization. Everything we do for you is free. It doesn’t cost you a dime. It shouldn’t cost you a penny for restructuring… What we do for you is free, and we bring the banks with us to restructure or modify your mortgage. If anybody is using our name and they charge you one penny, it’s not us.”

their new terms Tuesday.

Wellington Council Seated; Willhite Named Vice Mayor

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen took the oath of office at the Wellington Village Council’s organizational meeting Tuesday, April 13, marking the start of his second term as mayor. Also taking the oath were new Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, who was elected to term-limited Lizbeth Benacquisto’s seat, and returning Councilman Howard Coates, who won his seat uncontested. Bowen defeated challenger

Carol Coleman in the March 9 election, and Gerwig defeated former village employee Ernie Zimmerman in the March 23 runoff election.

Councilman Matt Willhite was appointed vice mayor, and the council unanimously passed a motion to create the position of “mayor pro tem.” In the absence of the mayor and vice mayor, the mayor pro tem will hold the gavel. The new role was awarded to Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore in honor of his longtime service to the village.

New Terms — Councilman Howard Coates, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and Mayor Darell Bowen took the oath of office to begin

Benacquisto Honored — The Wellington Village Council honored former councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto with a plaque for her service to the village. Shown here, Benacquisto and her family accept the plaque from council members. Benacquisto is currently running for the Florida State Senate in District 27.

OUR OPINION

Privatizing Space Flight Will Take Time; Florida Needs Help Now

As the Town-Crier went to press this week, President Barack Obama was scheduled to visit Florida’s Cape Canaveral to discuss his latest plans for space exploration with an apprehensive space community. Longtime astronauts and NASA employees alike are rightly concerned about changes that are coming later this year, after the 30-year space shuttle program ends. But we’ll have to watch and see how the president responds to those concerns. For now, we can only discuss the vision he has thus far outlined. We agree with President Obama’s vision that space exploration does not necessarily need to be a government prerogative. We also agree that creating a private space industry capable of manned flights with competing companies is the right kind of free-market approach that will bring about innovation. But we prefer that incentives be put in place to ensure those companies are Florida-based companies. The space industry plays a large part in Florida’s economy; its long-term viability and the state’s economic well-being go hand in hand.

However, while the president’s vision is the right one, it is a long-term vision. Unfortunately, we have a short-term problem to deal with right now, one that is affecting the United States’ standing as a global leader in space exploration and research, as well as

Florida’s economy and the thousands of jobs that will soon disappear. And while the space industry may very well flourish in the private sector, there is still a several years’ gap between the closure of the shuttle program and the new initiative bearing fruit. Meanwhile, the economy on the “Space Coast” is tied in to the shuttle program, and when it goes, there will be a lot of lost jobs in its wake.

The U.S. is looking at ramping down NASA as a manned space agency and ramping up the private sector. No one should have a problem with this vision. If gone about properly, this could put America back at the forefront of space exploration. But, unfortunately, we’re trying to get from point A to point B with a giant gap in between.

The only way to proceed is with some type of stopgap program. Although there may be other ways to get there, one obvious solution is to temporarily extend the space shuttle program. This would allow for the end of the shuttle missions to be better timed to coincide with the private sector taking over space flight. It’s certainly preferable to paying Moscow to be our space taxi service. But for now, we’ll just have to wait for the specifics. Like any far-reaching government proposal, the devil will be in the details — and the execution.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Council Not Protecting Rural Lox Groves

Voters were promised a rural town with “government lite” and “develop our way” to save Loxahatchee Groves from the big bad urban county. But the city plan lacks balanced economic, social, physical, environmental and fiscal requirements for a livable/sustainable rural town at build out. So what is “develop our way?” Is it more rural than county, and who pays for it? Instead of a “love it and leave it alone” rural town plan to control development, politics and code, the city council controls planning and zoning. And it seems that “our way” is imposing codes, liens, fines and taxes until everyone in the city “conforms” to the standards of only a few people. Government heavy control is based on a weak survey and a few badly attended meetings. It “includes but is not limited to” aviaries, pets, livestock, rural activities, agriculture, businesses, and monitoring of homes and residents. Even if grandfathering and exemptions are granted, they are not permanent, so it is easy for the council to remove agricultural land use, rural lifestyle… and rural voters. More than 450 lots are already gone from the rural lifestyle real estate market and rural land inventory of the Groves since the city denied agricultural/rural residential land use and zoning (rural lifestyle) to preexisting lots under five acres. Our small family farm/homestead had no citations from the county for 32 years, but now it doesn’t conform to Loxahatchee Groves anymore?

Only large lot landowners get rural lifestyle. What is the city’s future? The council seeks urban services (sewer and water hook-up) and the city plan does not limit the county’s Okeechobee Blvd. to “no commercial” or just the traditional neighborhood businesses, churches and permanent country-style central civic space of a rural town main street. Rural town amenities like equestrian trails/conservation easements, horse parks and showgrounds are only feasible if funds are available, and no money or land is designated. Safe pedestrian and equestrian use of city roads (rural lifestyle) is wait-and-see, but “affected” residents are paying to pave city roads ASAP. Save Loxahatchee Groves from the county? Then public servants should obey public policy in an award-winning comprehensive plan against Browardization. But the sewer and water lines that bisect Loxahatchee Groves will service more westward growth since our county commissioner supports 250 unnecessary houses on Lion Country Safari land. The Vice Mayor of Loxahatchee Groves [Dennis Lipp] works for the commissioner and voted for the project before he resigned his seat on a county land use board. Rural land is being lost before we the people can enforce smart growth public policy with the Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 in November.

Loxahatchee Groves lawmakers should put a model of the city where the public meets to show loss of AR land and what “our way” means. Other community plans are clearer: the county’s part of Loxahatchee 33470 protects 17,700 1.4- and 2.5-acre AR and

AP lots in the Indian Trail Improvement District with exurban tier public policy, a horse park and extensive trail system. The neighboring Village of Wellington has permanent central civic space and a rural preserve with world-class equestrian amenities and AR on small lots. And the “model” for Loxahatchee Groves, the Town of Southwest Ranches, made small lots conforming and planned permanent civic space, trails and compact areas for business development to stay rural in Broward County.

Loxahatchee Groves must be a definitive rural town or city government is unnecessary. For less hassle and less money the county won’t love it and leave it alone either.

Rita Miller

Loxahatchee Groves

Water Service

Good, Costs Bad

There are many positives of bringing water utilities to any community. Well systems are costly to buy, maintain and supply with electricity. There can be large variations in water quality due to the location and quality of the system. Fire hydrants are also valuable in a heavily wooded residential area as well.

In the case of The Acreage, the perception of environmental problems will be mitigated by the availability of water utilities. Also, availability of water utilities tends to greatly enhance the desirability and value of any piece of real estate. What makes little sense to me is the huge price tag we were quoted for the installation of simple plastic pipes. A costly new water treatment plant is not in the

plans, and main lines are already in the area.

We should look to Palm Beach Country Estates as an example. It is eerily similar in layout and character to The Acreage and yet the Jupiter water system recently installed water lines to them at the reasonable cost of $3,952.18 for homes less than 4,000 square feet and $9,427.95 for homes larger than 4,000 square feet. Source: www.jupiter.fl.us/water/palmbeach-country-estates.cfm. A call to the South Indian River Water Control District at (561) 7470550, their equivalent to Indian Trail, confirmed that there are no additional assessments for water service. If they can get it done for that price, why can’t we?

Peter J. Begovich The Acreage

Gannon: Big Changes Coming

This year the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office in Lake Worth turned 30. This office is the busiest tax collector’s office and serves our most economically challenged clients. With just 6,500 square feet, there isn’t room to add even one more employee to alleviate the line that forms around the building every morning. The Tax Collector’s Office has been working for two and a half years to identify a solution that incorporates not only current collections but also the issuance of driver licenses in central Palm Beach County, because the responsibility for driver licenses transactions is being transferred from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to tax collectors.

On July 7, 2009, the consensus

OPINION

of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners was to obtain a new location for the tax collector and to initiate a public request for proposals for a service center in Lantana. The board requested that staff coordinate an expedited RFP process and report to the board in two weeks on an implementation schedule. This motion passed 6-0. The site and design RFPs were completed from August to October. From November to March 2010, the tax collector and the county met multiple times to discuss the design and lease negotiations prior to commission approval.

In the meantime, budget shortfalls at the state level prompted the legislature to require all state agencies to reduce expenditures. A key component of reducing expenditures in the DMV was closing all state driver license offices and transitioning the services to the tax collector offices. The Florida Tax Collector Association is working with the DHSMV to facilitate this process and complete a plan with increased fees for services.

The transfer of the Lake Worth office to the proposed Lantana facility was never meant to replace the Delray Beach office, but to replace our Lake Worth office and incorporate driver licenses services there. Our staff and others spent over two years planning this new facility.

In March, the DHSMV notified our office that they were not renewing the lease expiring June 30 for its Delray office. While we were aware of this potential closing, we requested prior to the termination that the lease be renewed for one year to enable us to develop a service plan for south county residents.

This month, we learned through the budget process that Hendry County’s Clewiston driver licenses office is being closed in November, leaving western Palm Beach County residents driving to the Mounts Botanical Garden DHSMV office for full driver license service.

The closure of the Delray DHSMV office resulted in a reevaluation of our current plan to implement driver license services for all the citizens of Palm Beach County. As a result, we have placed the plans for the Lantana service center on hold to complete additional space planning in the south and western areas of the county. As we work to accommodate the south and western parts of the county, Lake Worth still has a dire need for a larger space to better serve central county clients, and to be prepared for the impact of the Delray Beach office closure. Anne M. Gannon Tax Collector of Palm Beach County

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 them to letters@goTownCrier.com

Former Pro Basketball Coach Johnny Bach: 85 And Going Strong

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Some old-time New York sports fans may well remember Johnny Bach as the one-time basketball coach of the Fordham University Rams (18 years). He reached a plethora of coaching successes both in the college ranks and in the National Basketball Association. But Bach, who is now a silverthatched 85 years old, has never listed coaching high school teams on his impressive résumé — not until the recently completed season. Now, just a few blocks from the gym, where as an assistant coach he tutored a young Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen among others, Bach volunteered to mentor basketball at St. Ignatius College Prep. Working mainly with the school’s sophomores, he taught many of the same drills and techniques used by the Bulls and other NBA teams. The Saints

Pipe Project Through

Royal Palm

continued from page 1 he said. “It is cheaper, a lot more contractors can do it and it’s a simpler installation. This directional drilling is more of a specialty type of construction.” Garney is laying the pipe to the M-Canal, where the crossing will be above ground. Piles are being driven there for an above-ground passage on the north side of the bridge where Okeechobee Blvd. crosses the canal. From there, contractor Felix Construction will finish the connection through Loxahatchee Groves to the West County Energy Center using conventional trenches to lay the pipe, Tobon said.

“Everything is moving along right now on schedule,” he said. The project, including the pipe laying and the water recycling plant, is scheduled for completion

by Oct. 1. “That’s when they can start testing it and make sure everything’s running right,” Tobon said. “That’s when we’d like to start sending water out to West County.”

On the M Canal, the county received a permit from the Indian Trail Improvement District to do the aerial crossing. “They’re putting the piles in and the pipe will rest on top of the piles as it crosses the canal,” Tobon said.

The pipe will stretch a total of 18 miles from the East Central Regional Reclamation Facility at Jog Road, which will be operated by the City of West Palm Beach, to the West County Energy Center. The reclaimed water treatment facility is under construction by another contractor, WhartonSmith Inc.

The county also is making provisions to use the pipe project to provide fire hydrants to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves for fire protection, Tobon said. “The need of FPL is a function

did not win a championship in the recently completed season, but wait ’til next year! June Richardson of Spencer, Iowa is 85 as well, and her volunteering juices brought her to the SMP (Senior Medical Patrol), a group that monitors possible instances of potential fraud plus advises people how to avoid Medicare and Medicaid rip-offs. The

NEWS

of temperature, so there is an excess of water available for other uses,” he said. “That was one of the other drivers of this project, in particular for the Loxahatchee Groves area. We made provisions for fire protection. We’ve included stub outs in this pipe that will allow us at a later date to come in and put hydrants in.”

In addition, the county will work with other interested users to use reclaimed water for irrigation or supplementing water supply for retention lakes, Tobon said. The county has a 20-milliongallon-a-day reclaimed water system functioning at the Southern Regional Water Reclamation Facility at Jog Road off Atlantic Ave. The reclaimed water irrigates golf courses and residential lawns in the surrounding suburban Delray Beach and Boynton Beach areas. Effluent from the plant is pumped to the nearby Wakodahatchee and Green Cay wetlands, according to the county utility’s web site. The treatment plant can clean about 35

million gallons per day. About half the wastewater coming into the plant is recycled.

“The lakes are basically storm water lakes that are just there to hold water. From there, they are pumped out and used for irrigation for golf courses or medians or stuff like that,” Tobon said.

Discussions have been held with the Village of Royal Palm Beach about possible uses of some of the reclaimed water from the new plant, but discussions have not come to fruition, Tobon said.

Tobon said he and his staff have an idea how much reclaimed water will be available above and beyond what FPL needs, but they need to see how everything works before they try to spread some of the reclaimed water to other areas.

FPL’s estimated use of reclaimed water is about 22 million gallons a day on average. About 80 percent of the reclaimed water used by FPL will evaporate, and the remaining 20 percent will be deep-well injected, Tobon said.

sprightly Midwesterner regularly talks to senior groups and checks suspicious items on Medicare statements. Think June’s work, and that of other caring volunteers is small potatoes? SMP has saved more than $105 million for Medicare, Medicaid and beneficiaries, according to Barbara Dieker, head of the government’s Aging Office of Elder Rights.

Want more information on SMP? Visit its web site at www. smpresource.org or call (877) 8082468 toll free. You might want to take a leaf from June Richardson’s, 85-year old, very worthy book of life. Unfortunately, the scam artists, particularly those preying on senior citizens, get new and often bolder practitioners every day.

Five municipalities including the county will send their wastewater to the east-central plant.

“It’s a lot of water, but it’s a good use of the reclaimed water,” Tobon said. “Instead of putting it down in an injection well, we’re actually using it for something, because if the West County Energy Center wasn’t using our reclaimed water, they would be using water from the Floridan aquifer, which is a drinking water source, so the big point of this is we’re saving that drinking water source for other uses.”

FPL was under pressure from the Department of Environmental Protection to maximize the use of reclaimed water, Tobon said.

“They approached us on this project, and they’re paying for everything, so that helps us a lot, too,” he said.

The total cost of the project is about $60 million, including the reclaimed water plant and the pipe, Tobon said.

Horizontal drilling experts Garney Construction at work along Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Member Joe Zexter and his wife Rose have a hot dog after the rededication ceremony.

St. David’s Episcopal Church Women members.

Vice Mayor Martha Webster with bocce players Mary Lou Magner and Jean Davis.

(Front, L-R) ECW members Jean Meserlian and Melba Blahais, and Irene Levine from Atlantic Art; (back) Erin Thomas and Father Steven Thomas.

Auctioneer and Atlantic Art President Gary Sher solicits a bid.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Councilman Richard Valuntas, Vice Mayor Martha Webster, Mayor Matty Mattioli, Councilman Fred Pinto and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria cut the ribbon.

Juan Baez watches his daughter Celene Rose play on the new playground equipment.

David Daniels and Jennie Seyfert play bocce.

Bocce players Lois Wobst and Chris Pooler.

Woman Attacked And Robbed While Driving In Groves

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

APRIL 10 — A Wellington woman was attacked and robbed as she drove down A Road in Loxahatchee Groves early last Saturday morning. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, the victim was driving on A Road at approximately 3:13 a.m. when a white pickup truck abruptly pulled out from a driveway, causing her to stop. Three men approached her vehicle, and the first suspect struck her windshield with a tire iron. The second suspect struck her on the left arm with an unknown object, then reached inside her vehicle and stole her purse from the center console. A third suspect entered through the passenger-side door and struck the victim in the head. There were no witnesses at the time of the report, and victim’s vehicle was taken to the PBSO impound lot to be processed for DNA evidence.

• • •

APRIL 7 — A resident of Bel-

rior outlet, which was mounted below the switch panel. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

APRIL 9 — A Lakefield resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday evening to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 7 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m. to find that her front door screen had been pulled away from the metal screen door, several lawn ornaments were missing from her front patio, and that someone had broken a sliding glass door handle and tried to pull the door off its track. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

la Terra visited the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Tuesday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s red 2007 Honda Civic and stole a Magellan GPS, a Game Boy and his wallet containing several credit cards. The victim told the deputy that his bank reported that the credit card had been used to purchase gas at gas stations on Belvedere Road and Okeechobee Blvd., and at the Red Box video machine at the entrance of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to the report, the deputy was able to obtain video from the gas station on Belvedere Road and the Wal-Mart Supercenter that showed two white or Hispanic males in their late teens or early 20s with light facial hair wearing black t-shirts. The deputy also discovered that the suspects were driving a newer model red fourdoor heavy-duty Dodge truck with two fog lights centered below the front grill. The rear window has a small white sticker on the lower left corner, and the bed of the truck has silver rails along the edge with black coating, silver running boards, a trailer hitch and retention bars.

APRIL 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a gas station on Belvedere Road early last Thursday morning regarding to a counterfeit charge. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:56 a.m., an unknown black male paid for several items with a counterfeit $20 bill and fled the store, heading south on State Road 7. The suspect is described as a black male between 18 and 20 years old, 5’6” with a thin build, wearing a black ball cap, black shirt and dark pants.

APRIL 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the South Shore community last Thursday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m., someone stole the breakers and contact poles from the victim’s main electrical switch panel on the south wall of the home. The suspect(s) also stole a white exte-

APRIL 9 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 52nd Road North last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Thursday and 6 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicles and stole a Derringer .38 special pistol, valued at approximately $164.75. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

APRIL 10 — An employee of Palm Beach Central High School called the PBSO’s Wellington substation last Saturday afternoon to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her car in a staff parking spot at approximately 7:45 a.m. and returned around noon to find her front passenger window had been smashed out and her Garmin GPS had been stolen. According to the report, the suspect(s) used a prying tool on the window before smashing it. The GPS was valued at approximately $190, and the estimated damage to the vehicle was $500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

APRIL 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Palm Beach Point East last Saturday morning in response to a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:30 p.m. last Friday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone went around the victim’s metal gate and stole four black tires and rims from the victim’s blue 1980 Jeep. The suspect(s) then put the vehicle on gray pavers taken from the side of the driveway and fled in an unknown direction. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

APRIL 10 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 96th Lane North last Saturday morning in regard to a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. last Friday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone broke into the victim’s storage shed and stole a Murray riding lawn mower valued at approximately $1,500. The suspect(s) forced open the west door of the shed, causing damage to the frame. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

APRIL 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington

See BLOTTER, page 20

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.

Louis Uretsky

Jason Watson

FPL Maintenance Program Improving Reliability In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

As storm season approaches, Florida Power & Light Co. has implemented an upgraded maintenance program that during the next year will inspect poles, clear vegetation and examine critical power lines in and near Wellington.

“There’s no storm-proof system,” FPL spokeswoman Sarah Marmion said. “But we hope that the work we are doing will improve reliability and increase storm preparedness.”

After the tumultuous 2004 to 2005 storm seasons, the state called for energy providers to maintain a higher standard of storm preparedness.

During the course of four years, FPL has been routinely maintaining its poles and lines, and by the end of this year will have inspected 57 percent of poles in Wellington, cleared 630 miles of power lines and inspected 27 main power lines.

Marmion noted that not all of the work would be done before June 1, which marks the start of

hurricane season, but she added that FPL has been diligently clearing vegetation, which commonly causes power failures and flickers.

The company has also worked to strengthen the foundations of emergency services so they would remain operable in case of a storm.

“We’ve worked with emergency services in the past to identify critical 911 and fire rescue centers,” Marmion said.

The work began in January, and during the course of a year the company will inspect 2,430 poles, clear vegetation from 120 miles of power lines and use Thermovision infrared technology to examine three main power lines.

Wellington has hybrid overhead and underground lines that span about 320 miles, Marmion said. The company routinely clears the lines and inspects them for damage.

“Should we experience outages, this work will reduce the time a customer is out,” she said, adding that the prevalent summer thunderstorms also cause outages.

The Thermovision infrared technology has been used to inspect thousands of power lines, Marmion said. The technology features a camera that can be held or affixed to a van. It detects hot spots, which allow the crew to identify problems and fix connections before the line causes a problem.

“Hot spots are just a potential problem area,” Marmion said. “Something might be rubbing wrong.”

FPL customers can visit www. fpl.com/maps and type in their street address to see a detailed map of recent improvements in their neighborhoods, Marmion said. The maps show pole inspections, line clearing, power line strengthening and Thermovision power line inspections for individual neighborhoods.

“Anyone, no matter where they live, can see a detailed map of the improvements in their neighborhood,” Marmion said. “They can see what FPL has done today, or in the last few years.”

The maps were unveiled last year and are a way for residents

where FPL has done recent maintenance.

to see what’s been done in their community, a measure the company hopes will demonstrate their increased reliability.

“We can’t guarantee there won’t be outages, but we’re committed to doing everything we can to give customers reliable service,”

Despite Easement Issues, LGWCD Continues With Paving Process

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Paving portions of A, C and D roads in Loxahatchee Groves will proceed with the presumption that the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District has easement rights based on its 93-year history of maintaining the roads, LGWCD supervisors decided Monday.

Board members voiced concern that the cost might run up as a result of possible lawsuits from property owners over the roadway easements. The roadways are owned by the property owners, but the district has easement rights. Property owners have approved paving on North A, C and D roads, South C Road and North Road, but questions remain whether some easements might come to litigation.

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said the road improvement projects are on schedule. Letters were mailed to the 30 affected A Road property owners on March 23, and the district has received four signed and notarized easements. The district also has received phone calls from property owners who reported problems such as divorce, foreclosure, property in trust or the trustee was deceased. Saunier said the problems might become more prevalent over time.

The remaining road sections are

not as far along in the process, Saunier said. North C Road letters have been drafted and are ready to be mailed. Survey and property data has been submitted to the LGWCD attorney and is being reviewed for creation of easement forms to be sent to landowners.

As the district’s engineer, Saunier said he is reviewing survey data for North D Road to develop easement legal descriptions. On South C Road, the supervisors just this week approved a survey consultant’s proposal to create property survey data.

Saunier said easement issues are inevitable. “Even if we had gone through the title search process, we would have discovered this, but we’re also already discovering it without having to pay for a title search,” he said. “Even if we had done the title search, we would still be stuck with the problems we’re having.”

Saunier asked supervisors how they would like staff to proceed with addressing problem easement properties, suggesting the option of condemnation through a guardian ad litem process where the district might not know who the actual owner or heir of the land is, and possible settlements for other easement issues.

Saunier added that determining the district’s easement rights would be clearer when they get a

response from a legal memorandum sent to the state attorney general regarding the district’s rights of control. The memorandum was requested by Supervisor John Ryan at an earlier meeting asking for an opinion whether or not the district’s continued maintenance of the roads over a period of years gives it prescriptive easement rights.

LGWCD Chairman David DeMarois said it appears that in some of the cases, there will be no way to resolve the questions.

“Right now, the big question is attorney costs,” DeMarois said. “I think that until we get a handle on the situation, maybe we should put a stop to everything we’re doing until the attorneys come back to us and give us a range of costs. If they are excessive, we’re going to have to go out for another referendum.”

DeMarois explained that the district had told property owners at the time of the referendum what the projected costs were. If the costs are higher, the projects cannot proceed without another referendum approval. DeMarois added that waiting for the resolution of the easement issues could add years to the completion of the projects.

“If we’re running up large attorneys’ fees, I don’t know that the people who voted on it would in fact vote on it again, and I think

they have the right to address that,” he said.

DeMarois recommended waiting 30 days to let the attorneys tell them how much it is going to cost to resolve the issues. “We had a certain amount budgeted, and it’s going to go beyond that,” he said. Ryan said everyone knew that there would be easement problems, which was why he wanted to get the attorney general’s opinion on prescriptive easement rights. “I think we had a pretty full discussion over proceeding with the attorney general’s opinion,” he said. “I think that solves the problem.”

Ryan also called attention to a state bill recommended by the Florida League of Cities to enhance recovery of expenditures on abandoned properties. The bill is currently in several committees of the legislature pending approval, he said.

“I think either one of those approaches solves the problem, and I don’t think either one would cost as much as trying to deal with condemnation, and I don’t like condemnation because that implies to me that you’re seeking title,” Ryan said. “Prescriptive easement is a different situation.” Ryan said another possibility

upon getting a positive opinion on prescriptive easement rights, would be to identify all properties with easement issues and have one litigation proceeding to address all their issues at the same time.

“I’m not in favor of trying to approach each recalcitrant landowner or each questionable landowner one at a time and try to get our ducks in a row that way,” Ryan said. “That would be very expensive.”

Saunier said district staff is continuing to acquire as many easements as it can and will gather together a final list of easements that have issues to be addressed.

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS MOCK DISASTER ‘SHATTERED DREAMS’

Wellington High School’s football field was the scene of a mock disaster on Thursday, April 8, as the school hosted its annual “Shattered Dreams,” a program that shows teens the real-life dangers of drunk driving and destructive decisions. The event was preceded by a movie shown in the school’s auditorium about real-life situations in which students suffered the consequences of drinking and driving. Following the presentation in the school’s auditorium, a half-day-long, staged drunk driving accident took place on the field complete with staged trauma students, DUI testing and arrest of the “drunk driver,” extrication and transpor tation of “deceased” victims off-scene. The program was timed to coincide with the WHS prom, held last weekend.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Paramedics tend to one of the “injured” students.“Injured” students lie on the ground after the “accident.”

The students who took part in the “accident” pose for a photo with WHS Principal Mario Crocetti.

PHOTO

Representatives of PBCFR gather for a group shot.

GROUNDBREAKING AT COMMUNITY OF HOPE

Community Re-Entry Team Meeting April 17

The Palm Beach County Community Re-Entry Team will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 at Acts 2 Worship Center (13000 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). It is an open meeting for all Christian churches or individuals interested in assisting with prisoner re-entry in Palm Beach County.

The current prison population in Florida is the third largest in the country. There are more than 100,000 prisoners in state correctional institutions. The Florida Department of Corrections estimates that roughly 37,000 of those prisoners will be released this year. Historically, approximately 65 percent will be released to counties in South Florida.

attending the April 17 meeting, you can find out ways to help. There are many positions available that do not require direct contact with prisoners. For more information, call (561) 793-9119.

Earth Day Celebration April 18 In Wellington

Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves celebrated the groundbreaking of its worship facility on Sunday, April 11. Festivities began with an outdoor worship service on church property, located at the corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and E Road. As a part of the worship services, long-term members spoke about their commitment to the church and their faith. That was followed by a picnic, family-oriented activities and sports. For more info about the church, call (561) 753-8883 or visit www. communityofhope.org. (Above) Parishioners gather for a group photo around a cross. (Below) Cheri and Pete Wellman say a few words. and nature. For more information, call (561) 588-8344 or visit www. clayglassmetalstone.com.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

It is the mandate of the Palm Beach County Community ReEntry Team to provide mentoring and guidance to prisoners being released in Palm Beach County. They will return without resources and without jobs. Without guidance and mentoring, they will very likely commit new crimes and reoffend. Current statistics show that over 40 percent of released prisoners will re-offend within three years without some type of support mechanism. That does not include those who violate probation and return to prison without a new offense.

It currently costs more than $2.3 billion a year for the Florida Department of Corrections to manage, house and feed prisoners. By

The Village of Wellington and the Wellington Tree Board will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary (11700 Pierson Road in Wellington Village Park). The village is partnering with several local groups and businesses, including the Wellington Garden Club, to provide informational fliers and giveaways to the public. This family-friendly educational celebration is a great opportunity to expose children to environmental awareness. The ceremony will include a ceremonial tree planting, a raffle, activities for children and a free seedling giveaway. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (561) 791-4082 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Gannon To Speak At Next LGLA Meeting

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet on Thursday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). The speaker for the evening will be Palm Beach County Tax Col-

lector Anne Gannon, who has been asked to explain any changes that have been made to the responsibilities of her office. She will specifically address the ability of the tax collector’s office to issue and renew a Florida driver’s license. Gannon has also been asked to discuss the increased rules and regulations for getting or renewing a driver’s license, as well as which documents are acceptable proof of identification and how many are needed. For more about the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

Earth Day At Lake Worth Gallery

The Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Gallery located at 605 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth invites the public to join in a celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will be a tribute to the link between art and nature, featuring original work by some of the area’s leading artists including jewelry by Karen McGovern, sculpture and assemblage designs by Karen Windchild, pottery and sculpture by Edith Perla-Smith, and much more. Special guests include 1000 Friends of Florida, the Oceanside Green Market and the Lake Worth Tree Board. Free wildflower seeds will be given away, as well as young Zamia furfurcea, or cardboard palms. Wine and special edible delights will be offered during this evening of art

Youth Racial Justice Award

Nominations

The YWCA of Palm Beach County is seeking nominations for its 2010 Youth Racial Justice Award, which honors an individual or youth group that has demonstrated leadership in organizing and implementing programs or activities that attempt to reduce and/or prevent racial injustice. As part of its mission of eliminating racism, the YWCA recognizes that youth throughout the community are helping in a variety of ways to create greater harmony among youth of various races and ethnicities. This is being done through school and afterschool organizations and religious, social and neighborhood groups. Information required as part of the nomination includes the nominee’s name, nominator’s name, address and phone number, and nominator’s relationship to nominee, if any, as well as a description of how the nominee has exemplified racial justice leadership and professional achievement. Clippings, pictures and supporting documents that demonstrate the work of the nominee may be included. The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. on Friday, May 14. For more information, or to request a nomination form, call the YWCA at (561) 640-0050.

AREA HOME GARDENS IN THE

The

Zabiks’

Honorary chairs Rob Rabenecker and Chandra Bill with Cheryl Houghtelin and Karen Gray of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Lee and Victor Zabik at their home in Legend Lakes Estates.

Schutz.

Young gardeners Nora and Megan Shirey and Finty Jackson.

The garden at the Wiesner home in the Equestrian Preserve Area.

Wellington Garden Club members at the First Baptist Church of Wellington, where tour tickets were sold.

Laurie Hristov at her home in Cedar Creek Ranch.

Lyn Cacella, Nancy Pena-Brink and Julie Bussey.

District 9 Capt. Eric Coleman speaks to Willows residents.

RPB Councilwoman Martha Webster with PBSO Community Outreach Coordinator Diane Smith. Willows residents take crime statistic handouts.

Stacy Greer, Krista Springer Basore, Laura Cunningham, Brian Edwards, Silvia Garcia and Vicki Chouris.

Brian Edwards with Tiffany Faublas.

NEW HORIZONS ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TAKE PART IN MULTICULTURAL EVENT

Students at New Horizons Elementary School recently participated in a multicultural event. They welcomed students from a visiting school in Ecuador, who played live music and performed traditional dances. Students from the New Horizons International Spanish Academy performed the Mexican Hat dance, and students from the New Horizons Drum and Orff ensemble performed several numbers. The students were enriched as they enjoyed learning about the Hispanic cultures.

H.L. Johnson

‘Treasure Hunt’

At Winn-Dixie

H.L. Johnson Elementary School second- and third-grade students, along with their families and teachers, will meet on Tuesday, April 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for an evening of fun, learning and “treasure hunting” at the Winn-Dixie supermarket in Royal Palm Beach, located at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards.

Students will search the aisles for answers to math and reading

questions on the hunt’s activity sheet. They will be focusing on skills learned in their classrooms by finding and comparing costs, sizes, letter sounds, syllables and identifying their favorite foods. Students from the school will receive prizes for completing the treasure hunt.

These prizes will be provided by Winn-Dixie and the H.L. Johnson teachers. In addition, a representative from the Royal Palm Beach branch library will be available to issue library cards to interested families. For more information about the April 20 event, call H.L. Johnson

teacher Patrice Fletcher at (561) 904-9300 or Winn-Dixie store manager Steven Lee at (561) 7930422.

Discovery Key To Host Spring Carnival April 24

Discovery Key Elementary School will host its annual spring carnival on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school grounds (3550 Lyons Road).

The family-friendly event is fun for all ages and will feature games and attractions, arts and crafts, face

painting, a petting zoo, fun foods, treats and more. Wristbands and tickets are available for advance purchase or at the door. Crafter and vendor spaces are available as well. For more information, visit www.myvlink.org/dkepta or call Kimberly Briard at (561) 4918200.

SRHS Athletic Booster Club Elections

The Seminole Ridge High School Athletic Booster Club

Nominating Committee is now taking names of people interested in the following executive board positions for the 2010-11 school year: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and three director positions. The members of the nominating committee are Martha Hunton, Cindi Walker and Sue O’Rielly.

The role of the nominating committee is to review all letters of interest and suggest a slate of officers for 2010-11 Athletic Booster Executive Board. If you are interested in any one of the above positions, submit a

letter addressed to the Seminole Ridge Athletic Booster Club Nominating Committee and turn it in to the front office or mail by May 7. Letters should include any information that will help the nominating committee make an informed decision. They should be mailed to: Seminole Ridge Athletic Booster Club, 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470. The voting of officers will take place at the club’s May 12 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the media center. For more information about the elections, call (561) 422-2611.

The dance troupe from the New Horizons International Spanish Academy with kindergarten dual language teacher Betty Baez.

Students from Ecuador perform a traditional dance.

The New Horizons Drum and Orff ensemble with music teacher Veronica Dillingham.

WHS To Present Documentary On Debaters

On Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m., the Wellington High School debate team will showcase the rough cut of Speak Easy, a feature-length documentary about debate and the forensic arts (specifically, Duo Interpretation). Speak Easy tracks a number of nationally recognized high school Duo Interpretation teams focused on qualifying for the 2008 National Forensic League championship, which took place in Las Vegas. Unlike the phenomenal movie The Great Debaters, which focused on the political end of the debate and forensic arts spectrum, Speak Easy looks at the interpretive acting aspect of debate and the forensic arts.

Wellington Debate is selling tickets to view this movie for $10 each as a fundraiser.

Proceeds will assist the team in sending six students to this year’s National Catholic Forensic

League national championship tournament, which takes place Memorial Day weekend in Omaha, Nebraska. Wellington’s national qualifiers are: Alex Hernicz, Jack Townsend and Ryan Kennedy in Lincoln-Douglas Debate; John Cassel and Rachel Ganon in Public Forum Debate; and Donna Sothen in Oral Interpretation.

Individuals interested in attending who want to reserve tickets in advance can contact Wellington debate coach Paul Gaba at (561) 795-4911 or gaba@wellington debate.com. He will ensure tickets will be available at the door on April 29. No other debate program in the area is doing this showcasing, so debaters and/or coaches from across Palm Beach, Martin, Broward and Miami-Dade counties will likely be in attendance. Former debaters and interpers

from the Milton Academy in Massachusetts, who met doing debate in middle school, continued through high school, and even coached after graduating, are producing this documentary, which is scheduled to be released nationally in 2011. “We love speech very much and hope our film will help spread the word about this fantastic activity,” producer Sami Kriegstein said.

Kreigstein’s former coach is Jenny Cook, currently the assistant coach at University School in Davie. She worked at Milton Academy at the time.

“If I didn’t feel it was worth seeing, I would have never gone through the process of setting this up in the first place,” Gaba said. “I strongly encourage people to come and watch this fun, exciting look at the world of debate and interpretation!”

Speak Easy is currently slated

A poster for the film Speak Easy

to be shown in the school’s lecture hall, but if enough tickets are sold in advance, it will be moved to the school’s auditorium.

Children’s Author Jenny Cote Visits TKA Students

In order to develop a love of reading and writing in its students, the King’s Academy regularly hosts Christian authors on its campus. Children’s author Jenny Cote visited sixth- through eighth-grade students at the King’s Academy April 7-8. She was the guest speaker at chapel and conducted writing workshops for thirdthrough fifth-grade students. During her workshops, Cote’s presentation emphasized the elements of creative writing and how a book comes together from research, writing and editing.

A question-and-answer session about the publishing process gave students a solid understanding of how books are illustrated, published and distributed. Cote also held a writing workshop for TKA’s secondary English teachers and a book signing for students who had purchased her book.

Cote developed an early passion for God, history and young people. She blends these passions together beautifully in her new fantasy fiction series The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz.

“I visit many, many schools across the country, and TKA is among the finest schools I’ve been to,” Cote said. “The campus is fabulous but the staff and the students are what make this school awesome! I had so much fun meeting the students and interacting with them in the workshops. I can tell TKA has some future authors in its midst. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and I look forward to hopefully returning in September. And students, never stop reading and writing colorful stories.”

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool

through 12th grade accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Schools. TKA also of-

fers remote learning online at www.tkaonline.net. For more information about the King’s Academy, call (561) 6864244 or visit www.tka.net or www.tkaclewiston.net.

WCS Drama To Present ‘Willy Wonka’ April 22-24

Wellington Christian School’s drama students will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka this month. Students have been working on this year’s presentation since the start of the school year. The performances will take place Thursday through Saturday,

April 22-24 at 7 p.m. each night at Wellington Christian School (1000 Wellington Trace, Wellington).

Tickets are now available for purchase in advance online at www.wellingtonchristianstore.com or at the door on the evening of

the shows, if available. The story will take you on a voyage with Charlie and the other golden ticket winners through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. With singing and dancing and a great evening of entertainment, this is sure to be a great time for

the whole family. For additional information about the upcoming performances of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at Wellington Christian School, call the school at (561) 793-1017 or visit the WCS web site at www. wellingtonchristian.org.

Students and parents from Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Wellington celebrated their school-wide reading of the book How to Train Your Dragon by attending the private showing of the 3-D movie. Family literacy coordinator Amy Watt was thrilled that nearly 400 participants were able to see the novel come to life on the big screen at Regal 18 Cinema in Royal Palm Beach. More than 500 copies of the popular book were sold at the school, and children and parents alike were enthusiastic about creating time at night where they could read aloud together as a family. Shown above, Watt’s second-grade students show off their copies of Cowell’s novel.

Wellington Christian School’s eighth grade students spent two memorable days on their recent field trip to Kennedy Space Center. The students were accompanied by teachers Kathi Pereira, Jennifer Cobb, Mark Witwer and Aaron Davitch. The group had two days packed with many activities and experiences relating to their science studies along with learning about the space program. The students’ excursion included an actual flight simulation, visits to many of the museums, a tour around the launch pad as the Discovery waited for its departure and participation in the ATX program, an astronaut training experience. The students and teachers had a fantastic time with memories that will last a lifetime, while experiencing how to put their studies into reality. Pictured above are WCS students during their trip to Kennedy Space Center.

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Author Jenny Cote with TKA students.

Wellington DAR Hosts Awards Presentation To Honor Local Students

The Spirit of Liberty Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented awards during a meeting on April 10. Award winners included four students from Wellington and Royal Palm Beach and three students from Greenacres.

Talia Fradkin, a sixth grader from Wellington, won first place in Florida for her poem “Herodias Long: A Feminist in Puritan Clothes.” Fradkin’s poem will be judged at the regional level, the Southeast Division of NSDAR for the Junior American Citizens Award.

Fradkin also participated in the American history essay contest. In prior years, Fradkin placed first in regionals in the Junior American Citizens Contest and went on to win first place at the national level. Fradkin is a young genealogist with an avid interest in history. “I write about what interests me, and I love to research people with strong beliefs who are willing to stand up for them,” Fradkin said. The subject of Fradkin’s poem was an ancestor who voiced her opinion concerning the Puritans’ treatment of the Quakers and others who disagreed with them.

Fradkin is currently vice president of the Chief Tiger Tail Society of the Children of the American Revolution.

The Chief Tiger Tail Society members won a number of awards. Kristen Mckenna, a sixth grader and current historian for Chief Tiger Tail, won second place in the Junior American Citizens Stamp contest. Courtney Carhart, a seventh grader from Royal Palm Beach and current librarian for Chief Tiger Tail, also won second place in the stamp contest. Although not present at the ceremony, both girls are actively involved in CAR and enjoy spending time with their grandmother, Virginia Davis, a Royal Palm Beach resident and current regent of the Spirit of Liberty Chapter. Kaitlyn Mouring, a ninth grader and current president of Chief Tiger Tail, won second place in the JAC Stamp contest. Although she could not attend, her family was there to support her. Parents Annelies, a past regent of Spirit of Liberty, and Robert Mouring, great-grandfather retired Sergeant John Busby and his daughters Joyce Sasser and recording secretary for Spirit of Liberty Rose-

mary Mouring were present. The younger Mouring girls also received awards. Ariana Mouring, a fifth grader and current treasurer of Chief Tiger Tail, won second place in the Stamp contest. Samantha Mouring, a seventh grader and current tegistrar of Chief Tiger Tail, won second place in the stamp contest.

The Mouring family and the members of Spirit of Liberty also gathered to honor the Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor recipient, retired Sergeant John Busby for his outstanding service to both the nation and the local community.

Two Wellington students also received Good Citizen Awards.

Allyssa Murakami, a senior at Wellington Christian School, and Evan Baumel, a senior at Wellington High School, were presented with the awards based on their outstanding accomplishments in school and service to the community. Murakami will attend Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Baumel is a presidential scholarship recipient and will attend American University in Washington, D.C. The patriotic spirit and commitment to volunteering and community service is alive and well in all generations. For more information about the Daughters of the American Revolution, call Virginia Davis at (561) 753-4972.

EASTER EGG HUNT/BARBECUE AT GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH IN THE ACREAGE

Grace Fellowship Church in The Acreage hosted an Easter egg hunt and barbecue on

(75th Road North and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road just north of Publix). There were more than

had a great time. For more information about the church, call (561) 333-4222.

Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W.

and

Virginia Davis presents the DAR Medal of Honor to retired Sergeant John Busby.

(Front row, L-R) Talia Fradkin and Ariana Mouring; (back row) retired Sergeant John Busby, Allyssa Murakami, Samantha Mouring, Evan Baumel and Eric Baumel.

JonEarl Potts and Mariela Pastoriza perform the mime “Redeemer.”

Alice Riley and the Easter Bunny start the egg hunt.

Sabrina Belizaire and Owen McCauley race for the eggs.

Abbey Rhode and Sky of the Magical Minnies give rides in the Easter carriage.

Marshall Foundation Hosts ‘Sunset Safari’

The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, which champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem, recently welcomed more than 100 supporters for a Sunset Safari at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, according to Nancy Marshall, president of the nonprofit organization.

Award-winning artist Bruce Helander and Paul Fisher, a private art dealer and owner of the celebrated Fisher Gallery in West Palm Beach, hosted the “friendraiser.”

The Sunset Safari included a delicious picnic dinner and cocktails at sunset, a special VIP Tour of the refuge, a visit to the new $1 million, state-of-the-art Everglades exhibit, an exciting airboat or ca-

noe ride, and a relaxing nature walk.

Sunset Safari VIP Pond Apple

Patrons included Doris Hastings, John and Nancy Marshall, Barbara and John McDonald, Joan and Kim Sargent, Paul Suschak and Jimmy Cates, Kathe Thompson, Phyllis Verducci, Jurate Kazickes, and John, Karolyn and Katie Neat.

Located at 10216 Lee Road, seven miles west of Boynton Beach, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1951 and covers more than 221 square miles of natural habitat, the largest northernmost portion of the Everglades.

For more information about the refuge, call (561) 732-3864 or visit www.fws.gov/loxahatchee.

Shelly Pearson and Nancy Marshall.

Andrew Kahn and Dot Engberg.

Christopher Twardy, Ava Roosevelt, Paul Fisher and Helene Barre.

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Principal Richard Myerson takes a plunge in the dunk tank.Madison Riley gets her face painted.Young saleswomen Charlotte Rogers and Crystal Leonard.

The Young at Heart Club Event Committee.

Catherine Amico clowns around with pianist/singer Joy Pitterman.

Jim Vincent sings “What a Wonderful World.”

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Rita Gluzband sings “Life is a Cabaret.”

St. Peter’s CEC To Host Annual Spring Fair On Saturday, April 17

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church and its Child Enrichment Center preschool in Wellington will host their annual spring fair and fundraiser on Saturday, April 17.

This year’s theme is “Noah’s Floating Zoo.” Activities planned include zoo-themed games, face painting, sensory booths, bounce houses, a rock wall, bungee trampoline, pony rides, food, a bake sale, entertainment and more. There will also be a silent auction with goods donated from area businesses and safety demonstrations by local fire-rescue personnel. The event logo this year was created by five-year-old Regan

Maxwell, one of St. Peter’s preschool students. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free. Games, event wristbands and food for sale on the day of the fair will support the Child Enrichment Center’s fundraising efforts. The silent auction will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Auction item wins may be paid for and picked up at 2 p.m.

Local area businesses were encouraged to donate new items, gift baskets and certificates for the school fair in return for great exposure to a large family audience. The Child Enrichment Center

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

The goal is to raise funds to purchase items that will further enrich the curriculum and teachings of the school. The spring fair is a way the parent staff fellowship can give back to the program, which supports the needs of the community.

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information about the event, call the Child Enrichment Center at (561) 798-3286.

Expert: NASA And The U.S. Space Program Need A Clear Mission

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Marion Blakey, president of the Aerospace Industries Association, urges President Barack Obama to determine a clear future for NASA.

“They’ve got a tough, but important job, in front of them, and they are more than up to the task,” Blakey said Monday, April 12 at a luncheon at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches. “Certainly, we all agree exploration of space is an important goal, and one that has significant benefits for the nation and the world.”

Blakey said she is hoping to hear specifics from President Obama on the topic, not generalities.

“Sending people to Mars will

be a pivotal moment for humanity. What we hope, however, is that the president will lay out the plan to get us there,” she said. “Articulating the vision is not enough, we must have specific milestones and the funding to achieve them. The future of our manufacturing workforce and our space industrial base has much at stake in what he’ll tell us and the decisions he makes.”

Blakey’s speech was a scenesetter for Obama’s address on Thursday, April 15 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. In that speech, Obama was to announce plans to return Americans to space within five years and to allocate $40 million to a retraining program for workers who will lose their jobs next year when the space shuttle is grounded, accord-

ing to published reports earlier this week.

Blakey said it was important that the Obama administration and NASA officials devise a clear strategy on the future of the space agency.

“What will happen if the United States lacks a strategy to explore the universe?” she asked. “Will Floridians be forced to change the motto above the soaring space shuttle on your state quarter from ‘Gateway to Discovery’ to ‘Museum of Discovery?’”

Blakey’s group has a great deal on the line as America rethinks its space program.

“At AIA, we represent the aerospace industry and know what will happen if there isn’t a detailed plan with milestones and goals,” she said. “Our member companies, many of whom have facilities up and down the Space Coast, they know what will happen. We’re at a pivotal point with the space program. Will we continue our progress forward or will we relinquish our hard-fought international leadership position? The U.S. space program must continue to adapt. We need to have clear goals and a plan to achieve them. Right now, the budget is driving space policy and goals. Policy and goals should be driving the budget, not the other way around.”

Blakey said that the United States should not be following the lead of other countries, such as China, India and Russia, who have proposed their own space missions.

“Leadership in space is critical to our nation’s prosperity,” she said. “Second, there is no substitute for the hands-on experience gained from human exploration of space. And third, we must develop a national space strategy.”

Blakey closed her speech by asking if this generation wanted to be known as the one that closed the door on the future of space travel.

“I’m reminded of the words of astronomer and visionary Carl Sagan, who said: ‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.’ Do we want to be remembered as the generation that merely gazed at the stars instead of going beyond them?” she asked. “Let’s not mistake shooting for the stars as a starry-eyed view of the world. The vision that carried man — and woman — into space is grounded in the reality of thousands of highly skilled and high-paying jobs. Shifting our focus is not necessarily a bad thing as long as the focus is on keeping America strong and in the lead.”

What is needed today, Blakey said, is a vision and challenge such as the one laid out by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s.

“President Kennedy stepped up to the challenge and urged us forward, with a goal and a vision and a plan,” she said. “This is what we require, a road map for the future, with milestones along the way and a sense of urgency that this is important to our country and proclaims in clear terms that this is who we are as Americans.”

PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE HOSTS HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Palm Beach State College staff and personnel took part in a special ceremony on Friday, April 9 in recognition of

ty is still valid, but the county would have to come up with the 10 percent from somewhere else, not a surcharge.

“They would have to come up with a legal way to collect money to pay Royal Palm,” Schoech said.

continued from page 1 ability to have a surcharge,” Schoech said. “I believe that is a serious defect in their interlocal agreement, and I believe that could be successfully challenged, not just by Indian Trail, but by anyone who wants to bring that action against the county on the basis that the county does not have the ability to levy such a surcharge.”

Schoech added that it could also mean that the agreement between Royal Palm Beach and the coun-

Lien Council Divided

continued from page 1 said. “We’re willing to work with the bank to get this foreclosure off of the homeowner’s back, but if we go forward with this, it’s only solving half of the problem. The real problem is the other one that the owner owns, that’s a residence in the same community, and we’re still going to have to continue to deal with it. It’s going to be an added cost to the village.”

While Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore felt that the settlement was a “fair bargain,” he said he could not support a settlement while the owner remained in non-

Schoech said his legal staff is still researching a second part of the challenge, questioning whether Royal Palm Beach has a right to the 10-percent surcharge.

Schoech said it is premature to enter immediately into litigation but asked for direction to write a brief outlining the legal issues.

ITID President Michelle Damone said the question arose after discussions about a referendum to bring county water to The Acreage, but she pointed out that some

compliance with the other property.

Willhite also felt that the bank was taking the easy way out, and by accepting the settlement, residents might expect similar treatment from the village.

“I think it’s admirable for us to try to work with the banks, but how are they working with us?” he asked. “This is one little case where they’re trying to take the easy way out, and I don’t agree with it. I think if we go forward in allowing people to get off the hook after an extended period of time, we’re setting a bad precedent for the residents who try to do good by their homes.”

Coates agreed. “I wonder what we’d tell the average homeowner who comes up before this council seeking a reduction as to why we

Acreage residents already are on county water, which gives the district legal standing now to challenge the surcharge.

Schoech agreed, pointing out that about $178,000 has been paid to Royal Palm Beach by Acreage residents using county water since Royal Palm Beach sold its water utility.

Damone suggested that Schoech’s staff do the legal brief and reach out to Assistant County Administrator Shannon LaRocque, who has been managing the agreement, to see she if can get the county to reach out in turn to the village.

Erickson made a motion to direct Schoech to write a legal brief. The motion passed unanimously.

can’t give every homeowner a reduction,” he said.

But Mayor Darell Bowen said the property owner is unlikely to pay the village anything, and approving the settlement would get new owners who would care for the property into one of the homes.

“If we had a cantankerous homeowner who was just being obstinate and didn’t want to take care of their house or pay their fines, I’d agree with you,” he said. “But this is not the case. We have a homeowner here who is upsidedown. He can’t pay it. He’s never going to pay it. We’re never going to see anything out of the person who violated the rules in the first place. We need to expedite these things and get them sold and in the hands of someone who will

Jam Upcoming Session Set

For April 17

continued from page 1 soapbox to reach our community in a fun way, rather than just having them come out to boring meetings, where we don’t get such a good turnout. We’re trying to have something that people can come out and enjoy and find out a bit about the community at the same time.”

The ALA has lost some of its members in recent years as residents moved out of The Acreage, McHugh said. The leadership also

take care of them so we don’t have code enforcement problems.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig agreed with Bowen and noted that the village has spent only about $800 on the property, so the $5,000 would make up for that and more.

“All we’re doing is accepting $5,000 of the lien to clear this particular one property when we’re honestly in for about $800,” she said. “We have an active lien for $28,000 on the other property, which is still active apart from this. This looks to me like the bird in the hand that we may not be offered again.”

The council voted 3-2 to deny the settlement, with Coates, Willhite and Priore supporting the motion, and Bowen and Gerwig dissenting.

has been drained as three former ALA officers now sit on the ITID Board of Supervisors.

“We have a new board now, and we’re trying to revive the Acreage Landowners’ Association and bring the community together and let them know about events that are going on in the community,” McHugh said.

Many Acreage residents are concerned about local issues, such as the current cancer cluster scare, and don’t know where to turn for answers, McHugh said.

“We want to let people know that there is a landowners’ association that they can be a part of, and control what goes on in their neighborhood,” he said.

ITID only has authority over

In other business, the council unanimously approved a resolution granting a development order amendment for an elder care center on 0.32 acres of land on Lily Court in Sugar Pond Manor. The land will be used for an assisted-living facility limited to 14 residents who are older than 60 and capable of living independently. The resolution requires the owner to obtain all federal, state and local licenses and permits before opening, Kurtz said.

Coates said he approves of the use but wondered what would happen if the owner sold the property or wanted to change the use. Kurtz said that it would have to go back through the planning process and get a new council approval.

roads, drainage and recreation, and the ALA tries to fill in the gaps. The association runs neighborhood events and serves as a community watchdog, McHugh said.

“The landowners’ association is the only one that comes up to the table to do family events,” he said. “But its not just events. We’re also responsible to watch over the county and provide people with information on the county for the residents.” McHugh is part of a new generation of ALA leaders. Owner of a local recording studio, he has been a resident of The Acreage since he was 13 and owns a home in the community. For more info about the Acreage Community Jam, visit www. acreagecommunityjam.com.

Jacob Erb on the bungee jump at last year’s spring fair.The silent auction will take place

Blotter

Marion Blakey addresses Forum Club members.

Marion Blakey talks to Gale Howden and Gary Krielow.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Students take part in the ceremony.

Eva Weiss, coordinator of the Holocaust Assistance Program, asks for a moment of silence in memory of those who died.

Survivor Norman Frajman holds the uniform that he wore.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

“The 2010 Palm Beach Polo Season has welcomed the largest crowds since IPC’s inception in 2004, confirmation that polo at IPC is attracting scores of new fans from Miami to Jupiter.” - John Wash, President of Operations for IPC.

“It is like the old days at Palm Beach Polo and Country Club.” - Mr. Yves G. Piaget.

2:00 Festivities Begin

2:00-6:00 Special Field Side Brunch in the Nespresso Grande Pavilion

2:45 Special Opening Ceremony Begins Including: Leapdog Skydivers, Jet Flyover, Team Parade and more…

3:00 Featured Final Match Begins

photography by: LILA PHOTO

My Mare Broke Her Halter... And I Became A Writer

Columnist Ellen Rosenberg had two major goals in life: to get published and to own a horse. By 1998 she had managed at least one of those dreams. “I got my first horse in 1971,” she recalled. “The getting published dream, though, hadn’t happened... And then, my mare broke her halter.” Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

Fins Fans Gather To Support Foundation

Fin Fan Fest 2010, held Saturday, April 10 at Palm Beach Central High School, brought Miami Dolphins fans together to support the Wellington-based Tyler McLellan Foundation, which supports youth sports in South Florida. Page 42

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

BUSINESS

Loxahatchee Country Preschool:

More Than 20 Years Serving The Area Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been serving the western communities for more than 20 years. The school puts an emphasis on socialization and positive reinforcement. As a result, each child grows at his or her own pace in an atmosphere of approval and acceptance. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences. Page 33

Spor ts

No Shortage Of Talent In Local High School Track & Field Teams

As local high school track and field teams look toward the district tournament next week, schools from the western communities will be well represented with standout talent and strong teams. Page 39

The Day My Mare Broke Her Halter... And I Became A Writer

It’s a good thing there wasn’t an FCAT-type of test when I grew up, or I might never have made it to junior high.

As a youngster, I didn’t read. I recall going to the school library with my first-grade class at the start of the year, but somehow when the procedure for checking out a book was explained, I wasn’t paying attention. The directions came and went, and I had missed them. And I was too shy and embarrassed to let anyone know. So I never checked out a book.

That year, someone noticed I wasn’t reading, and my parents took me to a child psychologist and had me tested. The results: I was smart. Really smart. So the school asked my mom what she wanted done with me. Should I have extra attention? Should I be placed in the 1950s equivalent of a gifted class? And mom, who also was really smart, made a good choice. Leave her alone, she told them, and they did.

In third grade, I stood close behind a classmate who was checking out a book, and observed how she did it. Then, confident, I checked out my first book. It wasn’t long after that that I wrote my first story. Predictably, it was a fantasy about a horse. I was at a friend’s house, it was a rainy day, and her mom suggested we all write stories. When mine was finished, she read it aloud, and everyone liked it.

They liked something I’d written. It was magical. I was hooked. Later that year, I wrote a poem that was displayed in the school library. It was typed. I’d quickly taught myself to type on the heavy old manual Royal type-

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

writer at home. (An aside, since I learned to type on my own, I still type the same way, using only the first finger of my left hand, and the middle and ring fingers of my right hand. I did once try to learn “standard” typing; it only slowed me down, so I abandoned it.)

In fourth grade, I wrote my first novel, a short fantasy that I typed and “bound” in cardboard, suitably illustrated throughout with crayoned drawings. I was also reading on a sixth-grade level. By sixth grade I was writing much longer pieces and reading on a high school level. And so it went.

In high school, I was writing long novels. Each day I’d add a chapter, and my books were literally passed around each class. In the margins, my readers would write their names so they would know where they left off. Then I’d write more, and the next day they would read forward and, again, write their names in the margin. I had regular readers eagerly awaiting the next installment each day in my math and social studies classes.

I had two major goals in life: to get published and to own a horse. I started riding at six, bitten early and hard by the horse bug.

All my plans to keep a horse at home failed (“We could keep it in the basement or in the garage!”) and I made do with an hour lesson once a week.

Fast forward to 1998. I had managed at least one of my dreams. I got my first horse in 1971, and since then had always had a horse. The getting published dream, though, hadn’t happened. I got pretty good at accepting rejection slips, which all had something nice to say about my submission yet always ended with the ominous, however…

And then, my mare broke her halter.

It was April 1998. The annual tent sale, which visited Wellington each show season, was packing up to head back north. Everything was on sale. I had resisted going back for yet another visit, because each time I was there I found more things that were just too good a bargain to resist. But now, my mare had broken her halter! I was bringing her to be bred to a local stallion, and she needed a new halter! It was a perfect excuse to head to the sale.

I was standing on line, awaiting my turn at the register, idly wondering how much this trip was going to cost me, when I spied a stack of Sidelines magazines on the floor. In those days, Sidelines was printed on newsprint and covered mainly local horse events: hunter/ jumper, dressage and polo.

I stood patiently in line, idly leafing through the magazine and then I saw an ad in the classifieds. Sidelines was looking for someone who knew about horses to write for them. I smiled and nodded. That was me. There were at least two things I could do well: ride and

write. I contacted the editor, and she sent me off to do a story about a man who was competing in team penning. I interviewed him, took some pictures, wrote it up and sent it in. That was the start. Sidelines was published twice a month, and soon I regularly had a story or two in each issue. Then, one day, I came across an ad from a horse magazine in Wellington; it needed writers. I contacted Joshua Manning, the editor, and submitted a list of 20 story ideas. A short time later, I was writing for Florida Horsemen, a monthly magazine, contributing one or two articles per issue.

Sidelines eventually became a monthly magazine, started covering more national subjects, and finally moved its headquarters to Aiken, S.C. Although still friends with my editor, I stopped writing for it. But in the meantime, I’d started contributing to the Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlar, a large monthly magazine based in Massachusetts.

In the spring of 2008, my work for the Florida Horsemen turned into a weekly column for the magazine’s parent publication, the Town-Crier.

And that’s how I came to do Tales from the Trails. The fun part is I can choose to write about anything at all, whatever catches my imagination. Sometimes stories come knocking on the door, when someone calls me and says, “Oh, there’s someone you must write about.” Sometimes they fall at my feet, like the time a lost horse wandered up to my fence to visit with my herd. And sometimes they knock insistently at my brain... like the idea for this column.

Publix Run-In Leads Me To Ponder The Nature Of Writing

So I was rooting around among the prepared chickens at Publix, looking for the freshest one and worrying why the freshest one had wrinkled packaging when the man next to me said, “Hey! Don’t I read your column in the paper?”

“I hope so,” I replied with a smile.

“For about 20 years?” he asked.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I admitted, suddenly feeling as ancient as mud.

“Love it!” he complimented, repeating, “Love it!”

“Well, thank you,” I blushed.

“No, thank you,” he smiled.

I grabbed whichever chicken I was holding and ran back to my cart where Mark was rooting through packages of ground beef, looking for the freshest one.

“Do you see that man over there?” I intoned seriously, pointing him out.

“Yes.”

“Well, here’s what he said to me.” And I told him.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

“That’s great!” Mark replied.

“Yeah, well, we have to leave.”

“Leave?”

“Yes. Turn this cart around and head for the door.”

“But we haven’t even gotten to the vegetables yet!”

“They’re only vegetables...”

“But the frozen pizza!”

“I’ll come back tomorrow. Come on. Let’s go!”

“Why? Because of what that guy said?”

“Yes! I have to go.”

“Why?”

I looked at Mark as if he truly didn’t understand anything. “Because what if something happens? What if I trip? What if I go into convulsions? What if I throw up right here, right now?”

Mark could see I was sincere, so we checked out.

Out in the parking lot, I began to feel better and, at home with my wrinkled chicken, I felt a lot better. Yet even I didn’t know what had happened, so I told my daughter about it. As usual, she was able to sum up the situation in a single sentence. She laughed and said, “You were afraid because he found out you were real.”

And that sounded about right. It’s so easy to talk to people about my life from the safety of my office. I can laugh and cry and wonder and hope and even tell the occasional fib with complete impunity.

When I go to the store, I usually wear a disguise — I put my hair back in a ponytail

— but Sherlock there was able to see right through that.

And, true, I have friends in town who know it’s me writing this thing but they never take me seriously anyway. No harm, no foul.

Now that a few days have elapsed, I am able to recall that incident over the chicken display more clearly. And I have to apologize to this guy. If you’re still reading, sir, I’m sorry for being flustered. Thinking back, I’m not sure I actually smiled. And I think I was mumbling.

But expressing emotion is hard for those of us who aren’t real.

We just toss out the paper airplanes of our life without thinking for a moment that anyone is actually catching them, reading them and thinking about what we’ve said.

So, while I am ecstatic about your comments and will keep them nearby to pull out and review on the bad days, I am not a real person, OK?

I think it’s better we just keep it that way.

The Effect Of New Teacher Pay Rules Is Anyone’s Guess

Teachers will express their discontent over the state’s new educational proposals this week by holding sickouts and wearing assorted symbolic colors. If history is any guide, the proposed law on teacher pay and certification will be a total disaster. We should be used to well-meaning lawmakers destroying our educational system for the best of all reasons by now.

Years ago, other well-meaning politicians passed the infamous 94-142 law designed to improve the education of special education students. It provided all sorts of funding but it lacked the one thing really needed — a way to actually help the students learn. So special education focused on setting goals, constant testing and… well, nothing more. Right now there are almost as many support people in the field as teachers, and it has become paperwork hell. A lot of money has been spent, and there has been just about no real progress in terms of student performance.

Then we had No Child Left Behind in 2001. You know how bad it is when all the big media folks ignore their bipartisan support so they can toss all the blame on George W. Bush. After all, why note that the late Sen. Edward Kennedy was an enthusiastic supporter? Again, goals were set, promises were

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

made and disaster struck. Based on the standards originally set, almost every school in America will be failing by about 2014. There are a lot more tests, and to demonstrate competency, more children must pass it each year. Since they do not, states do what Florida now proposes: get rid of the tests.

The new planned salary structure will help finish the job of destruction. Students in middle-class communities will by and large come to schools with breakfasts in their bellies. Their parents will have spent many hours encouraging learning before they even hit kindergarten. I remember my older daughter’s first-grade teacher telling me years ago that every one of her students had been able to read on the first day of school. Teachers in schools like that will have success.

Teachers working in the poorest areas will

face hungry children. They may well have never really been taught anything by parents. Actually, a reasonably high percentage will have only one parent, and many may be living with grandparents or foster parents.

Most students arriving at Wellington High School probably will enter the school reading at an appropriate grade level and be able to function normally with good teaching. Children arriving at Palm Beach Lakes High School or others in poor neighborhoods probably will average being years behind. The challenges facing their teachers will be far larger.

But who will get the higher salaries? That is not clear from the law. Officially, schools and teachers will help decide. You know that if there is extra money, it will go to those with clout. If you think they will not be the ones with the best political connections, you have not been living in Palm Beach County more than a week. Every relative of any politician, both within and outside the school district, every child or spouse of some person with clout will wind up at the schools with the best students and improve the odds for higher pay.

The teachers of the weaker kids will have the more challenging job and may be paid

WPB Antiques Festival Returns April 30 -

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will return to the South Florida Fairgrounds April 30 through May 2. All inside dealer booths are committed and only a small number of booths remain open outside, reported owners Kay and Bill Puchstein.

One of the dealers who regularly appears at the festival is Jeff Cotton, a specialist in things mechanical like old clocks and music boxes. He normally has examples ranging from the late 18th century to the late 19th century, but occasionally

has pieces from the 1600s. He is especially fond of animated clocks that do more than just tell time. The animated clocks often tell a story as well. Cotton has a nice selection of mechanical music boxes like Regina and Symphonion. He is especially proud of his collection of “musical oddities” and notes that the repair end of his business in clocks and music boxes is expanding. As much as he likes his mechanical treasures, Cotton also has a good eye for 19th-century French painted furniture in the Vernis Mar-

tin style, antique lighting, high-end porcelain and almost anything that is “one of a kind.” Cotton normally occupies three booth spaces with close to 200 objects on display for sale. He boasts that virtually all of his merchandise is fresh to the market since he buys it privately, directly from the original owners. His merchandise ranges from $500 to over $30,000 offering something of affordable interest for everyone.

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida

less. What will happen to special education teachers? By definition, their students are the weakest. Will they, like many of their students, be condemned to spend their lives in a lowerpaying environment? Under this law, it may happen.

How do you measure student progress?

A student in the ninth grade who enters reading on a third-grade level probably will not make as much progress as one already reading on the 12th-grade level. So the wellconnected will benefit and the rest of our teachers will suffer. And it is politically incorrect to note that some students work harder than others.

Expect interesting lawsuits over teacher assignments. It could be real fun to discover exactly how teachers are placed. Right now, the teacher unions are not making a fuss since pay is the same. What happens when a dedicated teacher of 20 years working in Belle Glade discovers she will be paid less because her poverty-stricken students do not do as well as their wealthier counterparts?

As a friend pointed out, UPS is hiring drivers at $70,000 a year. Will many teachers trade their school clothes for a brown uniform? Will our system recover? And will the politicians even care?

May 2

Fairgrounds. Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 30; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 1; and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 2. Early buyers admission from 9 a.m. to noon Friday is $25 and is valid for the entire weekend. Adult daily admission $7 ($6 for seniors). Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking. For more information, contact the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival at (941) 697-7475 or info@wpbaf. com. Visit www.wpbaf.com for a discount admission ticket.

Jeff Cotton stands in front of some of his inventory at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival.

On the ride home, she can’t stop talking about camp.

I hear happy stories about her friends and teachers. She proudly shows me her latest work of art. She smiles and giggles recounting her day.

CampHours: 8:30am-3:00pm

I know I made the right choice. —Beth TEMPLE

ExtendedHours: 7:00am-6:00pm

2’s,3’s,4’sACTIVITIES:

•ComputerLab•AnimalShows •AlphabetGames•Water/SensoryPlay •CreativeWriting•PuppetShows •Science&Cooking•Music&Movement •Swimming(3’s&up)•TrainRides

ENTERINGKINDERGARTENACTIVITIES: •On-SiteSwimming•Reading/MathGames •WritingCenter•CreativeWriting •ScienceThemes•GeographySkills •Sports&PlayBall® •VideoGameRoom •ComputerLabs•In-houseFieldTrips

FIRST&SECONDGRADEACTIVITIES: •On-SiteSwimming•Sports&PlayBall® •ComputerLabs•ScienceLabs •MusicClasses•CreativeWriting •ArtClasses•EnrichmentEvents •VideoGameRoom•In-HouseFieldTrips Private&GroupSwimLessons byAmericanRedCrossCertifiedInstructors

Armory Art Center — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to elementary school children for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on your child’s artistic and creative development. One-week sessions run from June 7 through Aug. 6. Extended care is available. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit at www.ArmoryArt.org.

Camp Giddy-Up — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 20 years. Licensed and insured, with all safety equipment provided, they are located on a beautiful, safe and clean farm with plenty of shade. Ravenwood is now accepting 12 students per session, ages 6-13. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers learn safety, horse care and grooming, with riding lessons daily, as well as scheduled visits with a blacksmith, horse vet and equine dentist. Weekly sessions are $200. Sibling discounts or multi-session discounts are available. Camp Giddy-Up has a full staff and a hands-on director. Register today by calling (561) 793-4109 or visit www.ravenwoodridingacademy.com. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly!

Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages seven to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.casperey stables.com.

Good Earth Farm Summer Camp — At the Good Earth Farm, home of Chocolate Chip Animal Rescue Inc., a not-for-profit large animal sanctuary, children ages seven to 11 learn to care for and respect animals on a real farm at the Horseback Riding & Animal Lovers Camp. The farm features horses, miniature horses, ponies, a donkey, pigs, ducks, geese, sheep, parrots, llamas and alpacas. Summer camp runs from June 6 through July 30, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each special half day for kids includes working with horses, miniature horses, alpacas, llamas and exotic birds, riding lessons, fine arts and crafts, candy, soap making and felting, grooming horses and llama/alpaca care. Sign up now. The camp needs 10 children minimum and 25 maximum. Call Nancy Fried-Tobin at (561) 792-2666 for details. Also, every Wednesday, Good Earth Farm offers group riding for $35 a class, ages four and up at 4 p.m. with an adult walking the child while on the pony; register separately. Fifteen years and up needed as counselor assistants includes one free riding lesson per week plus community service hours.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 20 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for summer campers, which means children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, the camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which the management team attends), swimming lessons in the school’s swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. It’s a safe environment while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to the school, the Kings Academy wrote, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for more information.

High Touch High Tech — High Touch High Tech has been providing hands-on science experiments to children in South Florida for over 15 years. They bring science to life for children in preschool through middle school. Up until now, Ann and Mike Ezratty, the owners of the South Florida region, and their team of professional scientists, have gone into your child’s school. Now, for the first time ever, they have a facility in Wellington offering summer camp programs and birthday parties beginning June 2010 at a new location off of Pierson Road. The camp offers affordable pricing, hands-on science experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, nature experiences as well as art projects that relate to the scientific investigations. High Touch High Tech knows that children are naturally curious and taps into their natural curiosity to provide them with safe, exciting and fun experiments to help them understand the world around them with the ultimate goal of giving children the tools to be able to think scientifically in order to solve problems. Expect really awesome fun as kids erupt volcanoes, pan for gems, launch rockets, make ice cream, grow plants, make fossils, dissect owl pellets and much, much more! Come visit as High Touch High Tech creates their all new hands-on science laboratory! Space is limited to 20 young scientists. High Touch High Tech is located at 3080 Fairlane Farms Rd., Suite 2. Call (561) 792-3785 today.

Noah’s Ark — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free all-day VPK. Lower rates and special registration for fall. Meals are included. Noah’s Ark offers care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Espanol. Conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool — If your child is between 2 and 6 years old, “Summer of Fun” Enrichment Camp at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is the place to be! Here, your child will enjoy a variety of fun activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include: arts & crafts, gymnastics, computers, sports, nature, cooking, water play and our new, state-of-the-art playground. They’re sure to love our weekly entertainment, including magic shows, storytellers and animal shows. All of this in a loving and nurturing environment. Eight Weeks, Full & Part-Time. Free summer VPK. Now enrolling for Preschool 2010-2011. Call Sandy for more info (561) 793-2649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net

Temple Beth Zion Preschool — Temple Beth Zion is where children of all faiths learn and play together. The preschool offers a fun-filled summer program in a safe, loving environment. The ratios are small and the staff is dedicated and caring. TBZ has a strong academic program with small classes during the school year. Registration is now open for the summer and for fall sessions of preschool and religious school. The school is APPLE accredited and offers free VPK pre-kindergarten with no hidden fees. Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 798-3737 for more info.

Zolet Arts Academy — Zolet Arts Academy is in its 20th year offering professional fine arts classes in the original Wellington Mall. The summer camp program runs Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with four separate weekly schedules starting June 7 for ages 6-8 and 9-14 in drawing, painting, sculpture and crafts. No two days are alike and feature rotating subjects and media: acrylics, watercolors, tempera, fingerpaints, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal, pen and inks, block and mono printing, 3D collage, wood, clay, tile, papier mache, textiles and observational drawing/shading for audition prep. Zolet offers individualized instruction for all skill levels and a perfect time-limited curriculum for rainy afternoons. Take-home completed work daily. The total cost of $165/week includes all free supplies. For more info., call (561) 793-6489.

‘Three Tall Women’ Opens April 23 At Palm Beach Dramaworks

Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, continues its 10thanniversary season with Three Tall Women, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Edward Albee, on Friday, April 23 at 8 p.m. at the company’s intimate downtown theater (322 Banyan Blvd.). Specially priced preview performances are slated for April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. The production will continue through June 13.

Three Tall Women focuses on three women — A, B and C — each being a younger version of A who, now in her 90s, reflects on her youth, marriage and estrangement from her gay son with a mixture of satisfaction and regret. This work, autobiographical by Albee’s own admission, won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1994.

Resident director J. Barry Lewis will direct the production featuring Beth Dixon, Angie Radosh, Geneva Rae and Chris Marks. The play will feature scenery designed by

Michael Amico, costumes designed by Brian O’Keefe and lights designed by Ron Burns.

Albee’s body of work has been recognized for decades as provocative and enlightening. His plays often examine the human condition, mixing theatrics with sharp dialogue. Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning works include A Delicate Balance , Seascape and Three Tall Women. Tony Award-winning plays include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with select Sunday performances at 7 p.m. Matinee performances will take place Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. with select Fridays at 3 p.m. Individual tickets are $42 for evening performances and $40 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available.

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 Banyan 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.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a

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

FAU Jupiter Library Features Printmaking Exhibit Through May 14

Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus Library Gallery is hosting “Proof: South Florida Printmakers,” an exhibition of broadsides and prints by nine of South Florida’s finest artists now through Friday, May 14.

“Proof” represents a collaborative effort between some of South Florida’s finest artists and writers. In some cases, the artists responded to words, and in others, writers produced work after conversations with artists. Other pairs worked closely to produce collaborative works. This intersection of word, image and the process of creative dialogue is at the heart of the exhibition.

The exhibition, featured first in February at the Miami artlabb33 gallery, was organized by artist Tom

Virgin, who graduated from FAU in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in printmaking and painting. He also holds a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Miami.

“I chose the show’s title to reflect the printmaker’s term for the first image taken from a given plate, and to demonstrate through tangible evidence that printmaking in South Florida is a vital enterprise well placed in the mainstream of contemporary work being done here,” said Virgin, who does artists books, paints, art in public places and sculpture.

Other artists with work in the exhibition are Diane Arrieta, Kari Snyder, Kathleen Hudspeth, Jonathan Thomas, John Cutrone, Seth Thompson, Andrew Binder and Brian

Reedy. Each artist has at least three works in the show, and their art includes such techniques as etching, woodcut, silkscreen and digital printing.

Cutrone and Thompson, the driving forces at FAU Libraries’ Arthur and Mata Jaffe Center for Book Arts, have been creating handmade books and broadsides together since 1995. “The literary broadside can really test the mettle of a printer in finding that successful marriage of text and image and design,” Cutrone said. “The concept of this exhibition is so exciting to me, to see the form approached even on a conceptual level by other artists in the region, even artists I wouldn’t necessarily think of as text-based.”

Snyder creates life-size figurative

prints using Plexiglas plates and prints that are a combination of etching and engraving. Her work has been greatly influenced by Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Binder, an instructor in the College of Education at FAU, is showing 18 handmade, one-of-a-kind artist books, many of them pop-ups. Several of the featured books are part of Binder’s World Heritage Series and reflect his travels around the world.

FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus Library Gallery is located at 5353 Parkside Drive in Jupiter. The library’s hours are Sundays from 12:30 to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (561) 799-8530 for more info.

The Phantoms Recommend ‘Joseph’ At Lake Worth Playhouse

The Lake Worth Playhouse rounds out its 57th season with the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical collaboration, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The show runs April 16 through May 2 at the playhouse, located at 713 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a humorous musical retelling of the Old Testament story of Jacob and his 12 sons. Joseph is his father’s favorite son and a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Soon

after he is purchased by Potiphar, he finds himself thrown in jail for the crime of thwarting Potiphar’s wife’s advances. When news of Joseph’s gift of being able to interpret dreams reaches Pharaoh, Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize.

Musical numbers include the country-style “One More Angel in Heaven,” the retro ’50s pop favorite “Go, Go, Go, Joseph,” a hipshaking rendition of “Song of the King” performed Elvis style, “Those Canaan Days” delivered with French flair, and the Afro-Car-

ibbean-inspired “Benjamin Calypso.”

The Lake Worth Playhouse production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Dirk Blackwelder and choreographed by Ricky Nahas, with music direction by Toni Stamos. The cast features playhouse favorite Shane Blanford in the title role of Joseph, with Kelly DiLorenzo as the narrator and Kevin Kelly as Potiphar. The cast includes a lively children’s chorus, plus a company of more than 20 performers of all ages, types and talents.

Individual show tickets cost $25 and $29 and can be purchased through the Lake Worth Playhouse box office at (561) 586-6410 or online at www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.

Beth DixonAngie RadoshGeneva Rae

Vulture, a print by Tom Virgin.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool: More Than 20 Years Serving The Area

Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been serving the western communities for more than 20 years. An Apple-accredited and Gold Seal-accredited preschool, the owners are also members in good standing of the Florida Association for Child Care Management (FACCM).

Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo were born and educated in New York. Frank received his bachelor’s degree in education from the City College of New York and his master’s degree from Stony Brook University. He retired from teaching on Long Island after 27 years. Anita received her education from Hofstra University on Long Island. She has her Child Development Association and director’s credentials and has taken many childcare courses at Palm Beach State College. In addition to their education skills, the Rizzos also owned and operated Swimtime for over 23 years, a school where they successfully taught swimming to over 5,000 preschoolers and preteens.

When the Rizzos purchased Loxahatchee Country Preschool, they introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. The school uses the A Beka Book Curriculum as well as the Creative Curriculum. Using the blend of both curriculums, the preschool is able to stress reading and phonics as well as a very hands-on approach to learning.

The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computers and swimming lessons. The school’s method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They strive to achieve a feeling of self esteem through personal discovery and accomplishment. The educationally sound program at Loxahatchee Country Preschool encourages children to discover intellectual concepts and ideas in play situations.

The school puts an emphasis on socialization and positive reinforcement. As a result,

each child grows at his or her own pace in an atmosphere of approval and acceptance. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences.

For the past six years, the school’s children have actively participated in the St. Jude’s Trike-A-Thon, which raises money for St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital. The students at Loxahatchee Country Preschool have raised over $7,000 to date!

The summer camp program at Loxahatchee Country Preschool enhances the firm belief that learning and play go hand in hand. The ratios in camp continue to be small, and campers are grouped together by age. The summer activities are varied and theme based. The campers go on local field trips such as bowling, golfing, shows, museums and movies. Many programs are brought to the school from the South Florida Science Museum and other sources. There is a free pizza lunch and bounce house on Fridays. Swimming lessons and Spanish lessons continue throughout the summer. Swimming lessons are also offered to the free summer VPK classes.

A special camp week is Olympic Week, devoted to physical fitness and healthy eating. Ribbons and prizes go to all! The school playground has a fitness center with monkey bars and a balance beam to enhance coordination and upper body strength. Carnival Week is another special time when classes make their own game booths. All the children participate and play the games for prizes. The face painting and cotton candy is great during this week!

Arts and crafts and ceramics are also an important part of the summer program. The children will make things that they will be able to take home and enjoy.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool is located at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.

Summer camp fun at Loxahatchee Country Preschool.

Lisa Tropepe An Honoree For 2010 Women Extraordinaire Award

Lisa Tropepe, vice president of the Engenuity Group in West Palm Beach, was an honoree at Business Leader Media’s “2010 Women Extraordinaire Awards.”

A ceremony was held to honor the winners on Tuesday, March 16 at the Bankers Club in Miami. The Women Extraordinaire Awards honor accomplished women business leaders in the South Florida community. Honorees are women of outstanding accomplishment, leaders, innovators, problem solvers and mentors to others. They serve the community by making a difference

and are held in high regard by all those who know them. This year, the honorees were chosen from a record number of nominations. In addition to her role as Indian Trail Improvement District engineer, Tropepe serves on the Palm Beach Shores Town Commission and has been interim mayor. She has also been heavily involved in the Palm Beach County League of Cities and has been a board member since 2004. In 2007, Tropepe received a special award by the league for her efforts promoting home rule. In May 2009, she was appointed

second vice president of the league, putting her on the path to be league president in 2011.

Tropepe has also been active at a state level, having been appointed to serve initially on the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. Her outstanding service on that board earned her an appointment to the Environmental Regulation Commission. Tropepe was on the commission when they enacted the extensively debated phosphorus standards for the Everglades.

“I believe women have the ability, temperament and fiscal prowess

to become a dominant force in America’s business future,” Tropepe said. “However, we must keep from being our own worst enemies. If our gender is going to continue our gains in the business sector, we must do a better job empowering our fellow women.”

For more than 30 years, the Engenuity Group has provided topquality professional civil engineering, surveying and GIS services to private and governmental clients. For more information, call (561) 655-1151 or visit the company web site at www.engenuitygroup.com.

Realtors Association Welcomes Carol Van Gorp As New CEO

After being away from her home in Palm Beach County for several years — working as CEO of the Columbia Board of Realtors in Columbia, Mo. — Carol Van Gorp has returned to serve as CEO of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB).

Van Gorp was among many nominees for the job, but came out on top for her professional experience, accomplishments and work ethic. She graduated from the University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree and has post-graduate studies in ac-

counting from the University of Louisville.

Van Gorp also holds the Realtor Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of Realtors, the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

Van Gorp currently serves on the Missouri Association of Realtors Economic Development Council,

the Transfer Tax Steering Committee and is the association’s past executive chair.

In addition, Van Gorp was the vice president of finance and information systems with the Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches as well as with NACORE, the International Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives, now CoreNet Global.

“The RAPB Board of Directors is extremely elated and tremendously grateful for the upcoming return of Carol Van Gorp to South Florida

and the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches. With her knowledge of South Florida Realtors and the local communities, she is the number one choice for our association,” 2010 RAPB President Kevin Kent said.

Van Gorp will take on the role of CEO in May. She lives in Delray Beach with her husband David, a certified public accountant, and daughter Katie, a senior at Columbia College.

For more information about the RAPB, visit www.rapb.com. Carol Van Gorp

Lisa Tropepe

Dr. Rochman Inducted Into Academy

Dr. Robert A. Rochman, an orthopedic surgeon based in Wellington, was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) on March 10. The induction took place during ceremonies at the academy’s 2010 annual meeting in New Orleans.

As part of the Center for Bone and Joint Surgery of the Palm Beaches, Rochman takes care of all parts of the body with specific specialization in the scope of the foot and ankle.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Rochman completed an orthopedic residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital with the University of Miami and went on to receive advanced fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He has experience in fracture care, arthroscopic surgery and reconstruction of the foot and ankle.

Rochman is also trained in the latest techniques to manage and treat arthritis, including performing ankle replacements.

The AAOS is the largest medical association for musculoskeletal specialists. Its fellows have completed medical school, plus five years of special study in orthopaedics in an accredited residency program, passed a comprehensive oral and

written exam, and been certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

With more than 35,000 members, the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) is a not-forprofit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org), the global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people’s quality of life. The years 2002 to 2011 have been declared National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives.

Sleek MedSpa Joins National Campaign

This May, PrettyCity, the nation’s leading online resource for all things beauty, will bring back the fourth annual MedSpa Month.

This 31-day, skin-saving campaign is dedicated to educating women about the latest clinical advancements for stopping the clock and is offering selected medical spa services at a hugely discounted price of $99 all month long at the most

respected medical spas in the U.S.

One local medical spa, Sleek MedSpa at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., is participating in MedSpa Month, offering $99 services such as laser hair removal and photo facials — treatments that would normally cost up to $450.

Consumers are invited to visit www.medspamonth.com as often as they wish for a current list of loca-

tions and their $99 offers, a directory that will be growing by the day. During their visit to the site, women are encouraged to browse MedSpa Month’s treatment glossary, an A-to-Z listing of the most popular, and often most misunderstood, medical spas services.

To browse participating locations and their $99 offers, visit www. medspamonth.com.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER WELCOMES SUSHI YAMA SIAM

IN WELLINGTON

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon cutting for Sushi Yama Siam in Wellington. Located at 12785 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza, the restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with booth seating, couch seating and regular seating. Sushi Yama Siam offers a full liquor bar and, as the name suggests, a fabulous sushi bar. The never-ending menu is filled with authentic Japanese and Thai cuisine. For more info., call (561) 798-4288. Pictured above are Palms West Chamber ambassadors with Sushi Yama Siam staff.

No Shortage Of Talent In Local High School Track Teams

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

As local high school track and field teams look toward the district tournament next week, schools from the western communities will be well represented with standout talent and strong teams.

Seminole Ridge High School boasts Class 4A state champion in the triple jump Marqueshia Stallworth, who signed last week with the University of South Florida, SRHS coach Terry Shy said. Another star in the triple jump is Jennifer Jules, who tied to win the event at the Dwyer Invitational this year.

For the boys, runner Gyasi Marshall has been a leader, along with Gary Holmes in the 400 and Norman Quinto, a hurdler.

Although teams are scored collectively, Shy notes that his coaching focuses on how the competitors can excel individually.

“Track is an unusual sport in that you’re doing your own thing, which helps affect the team score, but it’s so different than football, basketball or volleyball where everyone has to be in synch with each other,” Shy

said. “Me and the coaches — there’s four of us — work with the individual groups. We make sure they’re running intelligently. Distance runners have to pace themselves, unlike sprinters who run straight out.”

And the coaching has helped the team have some success in top meets, he said.

“We finish a little above the middle in top meets,” Shy said. “I just say look at where you are and try to do better.”

As they head for districts, Shy encourages his players to control the one variable they can: their effort.

“They get focused on who’s in the race, how rainy it is, how sunny,” he said. “None of that matters. I ask them, ‘What can you control?’ The only thing you can control is your effort. When it comes to crunch time, it’s hard because you don’t think your effort will win, and you have to find a way to be pleased if not satisfied with it.”

Royal Palm Beach High School talent includes Javonti Greene, who excels in the 100-meter, high jumper Derek Wood, 400-meter runner

Michelle Howell, 800-meter runner Jillian Collins and Patrice Collie, who has broken school records in both shotput and discus, girls coach Jay Seider said.

“We’re trying to stay consistent,” he said. “We don’t want to have peaks and valleys. We want to be on an even keel, especially for next week when we go to districts.”

And although they are gearing up for districts, Seider is also preparing his athletes for the tough competition they’ll see at regionals.

“Regionals is probably going to be the toughest regional in the state,” he said. “Teams down south are so strong. So we’d like to qualify a few of our athletes there.”

For Wellington High School’s track team, this year is a rebuilding year, coach Oscar Robinson said.

“My first objective this year was to increase the number of kids in track and field, and I think we’ve done that successfully,” he said. “Next year’s goal will be to increase the quality of athletes, which happens in a turnaround year. And then in that third year is when you benefit from rebuilding.”

Top athletes this year include high jumper Danick Duffus, three jumper Grant Smallridge and first-year senior Javel Williams, who runs the 100-meter.

As he rebuilds the team, Robinson said he hopes to lead the team to become district champions.

“In the next two years, I think that will be feasible,” he said. “In the past, I think Wellington has been known just for distance. In the past few years, we’ve developed the pole vault, and from there we’re going to focus on increasing more jumpers and sprinters. We have a whole team concept, but we just need to add those two pieces.”

WHS Girls Lacrosse Falls 15-13 To Park Vista In District Final

Park Vista High School defeated the Wellington girls varsity lacrosse team 15-13 in the district final on Thursday, April 8.

The Wolverines were led by Katie Shea, who scored six goals, and Olivia DiCarlantonio, who scored four times.

The Wolverines, who finished the season with an 8-5-1 record, showed dramatic improvement from their first match against Park Vista, a 21-12 loss on March 12.

“My main goal was to not let that happen again. I knew we were better than the way we had played,” DiCarlantonio said.

Players watched video of the first game to study tendencies, players and positions.

A diversified Cobra attack was on display early in the rematch. In the game’s opening 10 minutes, Bailey Mathis, Demi Gainey, Kate McKague and Isabella Franca scored for Park Vista. In between the first

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

and second goals, senior Meredith Kurtz scored for Wellington on an assist from DiCarlantonio.

Wellington senior Christine Waterhouse cut into the Cobras’ lead when she caught a pass in the slot area, made a nice catch and fired a sidearm release for a goal with 14:30 remaining in the half.

The rest of the half was all Park Vista. The Cobras scored seven goals in 12 minutes to a

mere two for the Wolverines. Both Wellington goals were scored by DiCarlantonio, her first two of the game.

Going into the final 25 minutes trailing 114 was not the position the Wolverines wanted to be in.

“Coach [Michael] Poza said at the practice before the game, ‘I’d rather lose by one trying to win than lose by 20 trying not to lose,’ and it started to make sense at that time,” DiCarlantonio said.

In the second half though, the tide began to change, and the home crowd immediately came alive. Shea, a junior, scored three goals in a span of six minutes to cut Park Vista’s lead to 11-7.

The elated crowd was hushed when the Cobras responded with three goals of their own. Shea then scored the highlight goal of the night. Cycling behind the net, she threw

the ball off the goalkeeper’s back and into the net.

With 10 minutes to go, the Park Vista lead was seven goals. However, a certain vibe, because of the play of Shea, caused hope to remain among the Wolverines’ faithful. With 5:47 left, Shea ignited the crowd once again, putting a shot past the Park Vista goalkeeper to bring the score to 15-9.

In a span of two minutes, Wellington got goals from DiCarlantonio and Shea.

Trailing 15-11 at the start of stoppage time (extra time allotted at the end of the game because of injuries and balls that go out of play) the Wolverines had all the momentum, but time was running out. Meredith Kurtz and DiCarlantonio scored in stoppage time, but the dramatic rally ended there.

“We did as planned, but it still wasn’t enough,” DiCarlantonio said.

RPB’s Latoya Harvin clears 4’8” in the high jump.

Miriam Burow nearly clears the bar.

Seminole Ridge’s Gyasi Marshall races RPB’s Florence Diuejuste in the boys relay.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

PBSC Golf Classic April 23 At Bear Lakes Acreage

The inaugural Palm Beach State College Foundation Golf Classic will be held at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach on Friday, April 23. Bear Lakes Country Club was the host of the 2009 PGA Tour Qualifying School finals, and this year’s golf classic will take place on the Jack Nicklaus-redesigned Lakes course.

The golf classic is a bestball format and features contests during tournament play, including two hole-in-one competitions, with a chance to win a new car from Braham BMW or Royal Palm Nissan, as well as Beat the Junior Golfer, with foursomes out-driving local youth golfer Andre Wade on a par-3 hole. Foursome sponsorships start at $2,000 and include golf, lunch, greens and cart fees and awards reception.

“With a new name, Palm Beach State College, comes new opportunities,” PBSC President Dr. Dennis Gallon said. “With the new baccalaureate degree programs, the college has taken huge strides

to educate and train the future leaders of this county to make it competitive in the global marketplace. The golf classic is one of our premier events to both promote the college to the local business community and to also fund student scholarships, programs and capital improvements.”

The tournament’s shotgun start begins at 1 p.m. and the awards reception begins at 6 p.m. or immediately after play.

A raffle, with a grand prize of an all-expensespaid, five-day Royal Caribbean cruise, also will be held as part of the fundraising efforts. Tickets for the raffle are available by calling the college’s foundation office at (561) 868-3450. The raffle is open to the community, and participants need not be present to win.

“Our sponsorship of the Palm Beach State Foundation Golf Classic helps support the scholarship program, helping our students thrive on campus as well as enriching

their lives for future career opportunities,” said James Centanni, vice president of L.D. Astorino & Associates, the tournament’s presenting sponsor. “Supporting the foundation is our way of being a good partner to the college.”

Major sponsors of the golf classic include Astorino Architects, 97.9 WRMF, Balfour Beatty Construction, Fastrack MCI, Hedrick Brothers Construction, Hon-

da Classic Golf Exchange, Lotspeich Co. of Florida, The Palm Beach Post, Pirtle Construction and Suffolk Brothers Construction. For more information about the inaugural Palm Beach State College Foundation Golf Classic, call (561) 868-3569. Golfers may also register online at www.palm beachstate.edu/foundation golf.xml. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Pop Warner

Football Registration

The Acreage Pop Warner Football League would like to thank the Acreage community and especially the Cornerstone Fellowship Church for helping to make its very first football registration successful.

The league had many registrants ranging in age from seven to 15. To show appreciation, the league gave away a $50 gas card to one of the registrants, Ian Jones. However, registration isn’t over; it will continue to be held at the Cornerstone Fellowship Church on April 17, April 24 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3

p.m. each day. On Saturday, April 17, the league will be giving away a $40 gift certificate for dinner at the Royal Palm Ale House (1136 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Come by and register on April 17 and qualify to win this great gift. The league thanks Royal Palm Ale House owners John and Cheryl Baker for donating this gift certificate and for stepping up to help the community grow.

For more about the Acreage Pop Warner Football League, call Lance Bradford at (561) 792-5492.

Freshman Football Meeting At SRHS

A meeting will be held Wednesday, April 21 for all eighth-grade boys interested in playing ninth-grade football at Seminole Ridge High School in the fall of 2010.

The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Sem-

inole Ridge High School auditorium.

For more information about the April 21 meeting, call head coach Matt Dickmann at (561) 746-0375 (home) or (561) 422-2694 (work).

The Golf Classic Committee — (L-R) Chris Moreton, Mark Tribble, Ana Thomas, James Centanni, Suellen Mann, Jessie Brewer, Rex Kirby and Dale Hedrick.

DOLPHINS FANS GATHER TO SUPPORT TYLER MCLELLAN FOUNDATION

Fin Fan Fest 2010, held Saturday, April 10 at Palm Beach Central High School, brought Miami Dolphins fans together to support the Wellington-based Tyler McLellan Foundation, which supports youth sports in South Florida. The event featured bounce houses, a dunk tank, clowns, a raffle, a silent auction, live entertainment, a celebrity autograph signing and a sports celebrities vs. teachers/coaches basketball game.

Register Now For Acreage Flag Football

The new Acreage Flag Football (AFF) league is holding sign-ups for the fall season of flag football.

This year, the AFF will have age groups ranging from five years old to 18 years old. Most divisions are co-ed, with a brand new allboys division and an all girls division for nine- and 10year-olds. The season begins

practice July 12. Games begin Aug. 14. Sign-ups are being held at Acreage Community Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays: April 17, May 1 and May 22. The cost is $105 per player, with a $5 discount for additional sibling registration.

For more info., visit www. acreageflagfootball.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Brian Klaiber and Teresa Emerton of Lake Worth show their Dolphin pride in her custom van.

The Wellington Steppers with 2010 Miss South Florida Fair Courtney McKenzie.

Karin and Kevin McLellan with a photo of Tyler.

Jose Ortiz, Marco Rivera and Shane Meyers.

The Blake family enjoys the day.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, April 17

• The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host “Party for the Planet” on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18. Celebrate Earth Day with your furry, feathered and scaly friends. Call (561) 547-WILD or visit www.palmbeachzoo.org for more info.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will host a walk of discovery on Saturday, April 17 at 7:30 a.m. at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). For info., call Daisy at (561) 439-5780.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will mark Earth Day on Saturday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Reservations are required for some programs. For more info., call Maria Rigsby at (561) 233-1400.

• The Village of Wellington will take part in the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 17 at three different locations. To register, call Meredith Tuckwood at (561) 791-4796 or stop by the Safe Neighborhoods office at 1100 Wellington Trace.

• The Wellington Art Society will present “Hot Art, Cool Place” on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The free indoor fine arts and crafts exhibit and sale will celebrate all things spring in a French market atmosphere. For more info., call Jean Talbott at (561) 9639755, Linda Rovolis at (561) 753-7840 or Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561, or visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

• The fifth annual Dream Makeover Luncheon sponsored by the Oasis Compassion Agency will take place Saturday, April 17 at Indian Springs Country Club in Boynton Beach. Tickets cost $45 per person and are available at www.oasiscompassion.org or by calling (561) 967-4066.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will celebrate National Library Week with Howard Greenblatt on classical and flamenco guitar on Saturday, April 17 at 2 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Chess Club meeting Saturday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m. for ages eight and older. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will offer “TAP: Teen Advisory Posse” on Saturday,

April 17 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host the Acreage Community Jam on Saturday, April 17 from 4 to 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). The event features local musicians, poets, comedians and other artists. The event is free and open to the public. For more info., visit www.acreagecommunity jam.com or call Bob at (561) 228-1030.

Sunday, April 18

• Wellington Swimming will host a benefit golf tournament on Sunday, April 18 at the Links at Madison Green. The format will be a four-man scramble. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a putting contest at noon and shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards reception, silent auction and buffet dinner will be held following the tournament. The cost will be $100 per player or $400 per foursome. For more info., call Laura Smith at (561) 662-7516 or Dale Mutschler at (732) 713-1452.

• The Village of Wellington will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday, April 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary (11700 Pierson Road in Wellington Village Park). The village is partnering with several local groups and businesses, including the Wellington Garden Club, to provide informational fliers and giveaways to the public. For more info., call (561) 791-4082 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Monday, April 19

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a membership luncheon on Monday, April 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). RSVP to (561) 790-6200.

Tuesday, April 20

• The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, April 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the county governmental center (301 North Olive Ave., West Palm Beach). Visit www. pbcgov.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Hand-beaded Bookmarks” on Tuesday, April 20 at 4:15 p.m. for ages 10 and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control DisSee CALENDAR, page 46

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44 trict office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-2418 for more info.

• Kretzer Piano will present the Music for the Mind Concert Series on Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach) featuring the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches. Call (866) 449-2489 or visit www.kretzerpiano.com for more info. Wednesday, April 21

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will observe Earth Day with a story and recycled craft on Wednesday, April 21 at 3:30 p.m. for ages five to nine. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Networking Mixer on Wednesday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Buca di Beppo (2025 Wellington Green Drive). RSVP to (561) 790-6200.

• A meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21 for all eighth-grade boys interested in playing ninth-grade football at Seminole Ridge High School next fall. For more information, call head coach Matt Dickmann at (561) 746-0375 (home) or (561) 422-2694 (work).

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach) will feature “Meet the Authors: J.M. LeDuc, Diane A.S. Stuckart & Richard Kendrick” on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a panel discussion on what inspires people to write a novel. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The 13th U.S. Army Band will perform a free concert at Greenacres Community Park (10th Avenue and Jog Road) Wednesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. hosted by the Greenacres and Western Communities Kiwanis. Thursday, April 22

• The Village of Wellington has donated saplings to children at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool (900 Big Blue Trace) to be planted during a celebration Thursday, April 22 at 9:15 a.m. at the preschool. For more info., call (561) 793-2649.

• The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host its Earth Day Festival on Thursday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature music and entertainment, hands-on activities, live animal demonstrations and displays from local environmental organizations. Call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org for info.

• The Florida Rowing Center will sponsor the 2010 Wellington Learn to Row Day on Thursday, April 22 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Lake Wellington. Instructor Gordon Hamilton will offer a free sculling lesson to the public. Sign up early at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more information, call (561) 753-2484.

• The Village of Wellington will showcase the work of photographer Gary Kane in an exhibit titled “100 Faces of Wellington” on display from April 2010 through March 2011 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The unveiling will take place Thursday, April 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. During the event, which is open to the public, limited-edition prints and merchandise will be available for purchase with a special artist signing. For more information, call Kane Photography at (561) 3332198 or visit www.kanephotography.net.

• The Young Friends of the Marshall Foundation will hold an Earth Day happy hour at Forte (225 Clematis St., West Palm Beach) on Thursday, April 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. For more info., call (561) 805-8733.

Friday, April 23

• The Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) will host “Visiting Master Artist Lectures” on Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24. For more info., visit www.armoryart.org. RSVP to (561) 8321776, ext. 33.

• The King’s Academy vocal arts department will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella beginning April 23. For more information, visit www.tka.net.

• A Studio Sale and Trunk Show featuring paintings by Jeanette Pomeroy Parssi, photography by Bill Underwood and fused glass jewelry by Allison Parssi will be held Friday through Sunday, April 23-25 at 750 Cedar Cove Road, Wellington. Hours will be noon to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Refreshments will be served. Call (561) 792-7731 for info.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce Installation Gala will be held on Friday, April 23 at 6 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. S., Wellington). RSVP to (561) 790-6200. 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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GIANT COMMUNITY GARAGE

SALE at Veterans Park - Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9am to 1pm. Reserve your space to sell your stuff. Space is limited! All registration fees and spot assignments MUST be made in advance by April 23. Register Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm. at RPB Cultural Center, 151 Civic Center Way, RPB or call 561.790.5149 for booth prices and more information.

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60 YEAR OLD GENTLEMAN — looking for 2 room with bath in rural area within walking distance of Our Lady Queen of Apostles church. Lives on social security income (cable or phone not required) RPB resident 7 years. Will paint and work on various projects to produce additional income towards living expenses. Would like access to be able to do own cooking. No wife or children member of a large family. Will also exchange yard work, misc. maintenance in exchange for part of the rent. Please respond to Richard Lauta, P.O. Box 211764, RPB, FL 33421

WELLINGTON AREA PROFESSIONAL 38 YEAR OLD MALELooking for room to rent for 3 to 4 months (up to $550 monthly) 305851-7985 or 765-896-8893 or Email Chris@dragonpc-online.com

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