Town-Crier Newspaper April 4, 2008

Mural Project Would Require Wellington Amend Its Code

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

While the Wellington Village Council welcomed a proposal Tuesday for an outdoor mural on one of the walls of the Village Park gymnasium as part of the village’s “Art in Public Places” program, council members were also reminded that murals are currently banned in the village. Wellington resident Susan Bradford, a noted muralist, offered to render the mural for the village as well as raise the money needed for the work, which

she said would be approximately $30,000. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Ivy Rosenberg told the council the project would be entirely funded by corporate sponsors engaged by Bradford. “The project would not begin until all funds are committed, and the final rendering would be brought to you for final approval,” she said. Bradford described the location, size and theme she was considering. “The mural will be approximately six by nine feet, located on the right wing wall

on the right portico area of the parks and recreation building,” she said. “The subject matter will be ‘Teamwork,’ to promote the town in a positive light that represents our community’s values. As we all agree, teamwork is a very important skill needed as an adult.”

Bradford said it would likely take her three months to raise money through sponsorships. She is still working on the details of that effort, but wanted the council’s go-ahead to proceed. She said it is likely the mural

See MURAL, page 20

Matt Willhite Takes The Oath; Priore Tapped As Vice Mayor

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Following his victory in a runoff election last week, Matthew Willhite was sworn into office as a member of the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday.

College Campus Proposal Eyes K-Park Land

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A proposal for a Palm Beach Community College campus in Wellington has some members of the Wellington Village Council excited and others worried.

The proposal was put forth by PBCC President Dr. Dennis Gallon and Kathy Foster on Wednesday. Foster, Wellington’s first mayor, is a member of the Business, Technology and Education Board of the Western Communities, the organization that did much of the background work for the proposal.

Foster and Gallon have requested 15 minutes to make a presentation at the council’s next meeting on April 22.

“There has always been a desire to have an institution of higher learning in the community,” Foster told the Town-Crier Foster noted that many high school students from the western communities are involved in advanced-placement classes at PBCC campuses. A large slice of the enrollment for the main campus in Lake Worth and the Eissey campus in Palm Beach Gardens are from the Wellington area, she said. “There are also many adults who would like to go back to school, as well as seniors,” Foster said, but with gasoline approaching $4 a gallon, commuting becomes problematic.

According to Foster, the perfect location for such a campus would be the 60 acres of Wellington-owned land along State Road 7 known as K-Park.

Wellington. “I’ve wanted it for a long time,” Bowen said. “At the [Wellington] chamber we discussed it, but I don’t think anybody has taken on what Kathy did.” Bowen said he believes the PBCC proposal has merit and deserves further study.

“I’m sure I’ll have a lot of questions, but I’m not opposed to it,” he said. “That’s one of the things we dearly need here.”

But two other council members said they don’t like the idea — especially if it requires the KPark site.

Councilman Bob Margolis said he could not imagine favoring a proposal to give away land that was purchased for athletic fields.

“I think that’s totally ridiculous,” he told the Town-Crier “Every meeting we’ve ever had we’ve always talked about keeping K-Park for park space. Whether we decide to build a park or something else in the future, all of our decisions were always, once we give up land we can never get it back.” The village paid $9 million for 67 acres, recently selling five acres for an assisted-living facility. “We have the 62 acres left,” Margolis said. “We need that to maintain the levels of service in our charter. We need a certain number of ballfields per residents, so, we’d have to redo our charter to even think about [giving up] the property.”

However, Margolis does not believe PBCC needs K-Park in order to locate a campus in Wellington.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my wife, my son, my mom, my friends and my supporters,” Willhite said. “I look forward to working with the residents. I appreciate your support and faith in me. I hope to keep the support through the course of my term. I look forward to working with my colleagues here. Again, I appreciate everyone’s support, and I thank you.”

Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore as vice mayor, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Bob Margolis. The motion passed unanimously.

Once Willhite had been sworn, the meeting came to order with the council’s first order of business being the selection of a new vice mayor. Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto made a motion to nominate

The council also unanimously appointed Benacquisto to replace former councilwoman Laurie Cohen as Wellington’s representative to the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Priore will serve as the alternate for the MPO seat.

Foster said a concern for some individuals is that the SR 7 corridor was originally planned as a center for work opportunities and “incubator businesses” so residents would not have to leave the community for employment. Locating a campus there would provide impetus to locate those incubator businesses on nearby undeveloped land, she said. “That would be the ideal location to go back and address the things we didn’t have the chance to the first time,” she said.

One of Mayor Darell Bowen’s campaign themes was the need for a college campus in

“If the community college wants to build in the western communities, all they have to do is go across [Pierson Road] to the Ward Waldman property, which is the old Centex property,” Margolis said. “Centex was going to build a development, and now that property is for sale, and I think that would be a perfect place for a community college campus.”

Margolis said he admires the concept and understands the need for a college campus, but not at the expense of Wellington parkland.

“It’s ridiculous for the coun-

See PBCC, page 20

Crier. “And once you’re on the bike path, you’re going to able to get anywhere around the village.” The grant vote was the highlight of a short council meeting Wednesday, which also featured a discussion RPB’s ongoing road disagreement with the Indian Trail Improvement District. As one of the major players in discussions on expanding roads in the western communities, Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick reiterated the village’s support for the northward extension of State Road 7.

The project is part of a comprehensive network of bicycle paths throughout the village designed to more easily connect the village’s parks and shopping areas, including paths along Southern Blvd., State Road 7, Okeechobee Blvd. and what Village Engineer Ray Liggins called the “main loop” of the village: Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and through the La Mancha neighborhood.

Liggins said the comprehensive trail system would hit all parks in the area and the commercial areas around Okeechobee Blvd. and Seminole Palms Park.

“When you look at the completed loop system, everybody is probably going to be within one half mile of any given bike path,” Liggins told the Town-

“We have taken a position consistently in the past to support our friends at Indian Trail and their desire to have the road extended,” Lodwick said. The State Road 7 extension is intended to relieve the traffic congestion along Okeechobee Blvd. and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. While the county is currently extending the road from its current terminus at Okeechobee Blvd. to Persimmon Blvd., ITID officials have for years insisted that the road must be continued to Northlake Blvd. as soon as possible.

Recently ITID officials have accused RPB of not pushing as hard for the road’s second phase as it did for the first. The two governing bodies are also at odds over ITID’s desire to see the E Road/140th Avenue North connection in The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves removed from the county’s future thoroughfare map, as well

The breast cancer support group Your Bosom Buddies II held its Second Annual Pink Ribbon Gala on Saturday, March 29 at the Wanderers Club at Wellington.

Gucci

with

Franzoso, Michelle Steiber, Shari Zipp, Abbe Felton and Lorna Johnson.

The Oath — Councilman Matthew Willhite takes the oath of office as council members Bob Margolis and Lizbeth Benacquisto look on.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

A Scaled-Back

Development Gets Initial OK

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission gave its approval last week to a plan by Callery-Judge Grove to build 2,999 homes and 235,000 square feet of commercial and office buildings on its 4,000acre citrus grove.

The planning commission approved the development plan, titled the Callery-Judge Ag Enclave by an 8-3 vote on Friday, March 28.

Last spring, the county ultimately rejected an earlier plan by Callery-Judge to build a “new town” of some 10,000 homes and more than five million square feet of commercial space, which also involved state review as a development of regional impact or DRI. The new development plan falls just under the threshold of the requirements for classification as a DRI.

Callery-Judge is taking advantage of the state’s new Agricultural Enclave Law, which allows owners of agricultural properties to build to a density equal to that of surrounding communities.

The county’s Principal Planner Bryan Davis, who made the county staff presentation last week, told the commission that under the statute, the land must be developed under “new urbanism” concepts that employ clustering of homes and open space. Under the law, a minimum of 60 percent of the enclave remains rural or natural, with no more than 40 percent developed. The concept calls for most of the residential development to be within walking distance of commercial areas to allow independence for those who do not drive.

“Ninety to 95 percent of the development will be on 30 percent of the space,” Davis said.

County staff placed numerous conditions on the proposal, including 23 road improvements totaling $200 million to $250 million, 12 of which are called for in the proposal, the county’s Senior Traffic Engineer Nick Uhren said.

The road improvements include the widening of Southern Blvd. from six to eight lanes from Big Blue Trace to Forest Hill Blvd. Appropriate buffering of neighborhoods from roadways is also required.

Callery-Judge must meet all concurrency requirements for road improvements, Davis said.

Kieran Kilday of Kilday & Associates, representing Callery-Judge, told the commission the property had been owned by the Callery family since 1966 and actively farmed in citrus until their operation was challenged in recent years by citrus canker and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

“My client is the longest resident out there,” Kilday said. “He said, ‘I just want to be treated fair.’”

Kilday & Associates had represented Callery-Judge on the “new town” proposal, and Kilday said it was with great chagrin that Callery-Judge General Manager Nat Roberts agreed to the scaled down project. “Did I have to drag him kicking and screaming to agree to this? Yes,” Kilday said. “Does he want more? Yes.”

The tract still has some citrus, tree farms and row crops, Kilday said. Development over the next five years will be limited to 115 homes, he said, with most of the residential components in later phases.

Davis said the county’s Parks & Recreation Department is negotiating for 30 acres next to Seminole Ridge High School for combined use by the public and the school. The Palm Beach County School District is also negotiating with Callery-Judge to dedicate a site and pay for a school.

“We’re not committing to anything today,” Davis said. “They’re not going to undo their agricultural operation tomorrow. This gives everybody a longrange plan.”

According to the county’s staff report, county officials and Callery-Judge representatives debated details of the conceptual plan throughout the negotiation process in order to provide flexibility while also establishing a reliable tool for ensuring that the project is developed as intended.

The project is conditioned to an overall master plan at the time of the first rezoning in order to ensure that the “new urbanism” design elements and concepts, such as clustering density and fostering connectivity between neighborhoods, are implemented effectively.

During public comment, Indian Trail Improvement District Administrator Chris King commended county staff on the work they had done. He said the ITID Board of Supervisors had discussed the current plan and commended many of its concepts. “They support this at this time,” he said.

Royal Palm Beach Engineer Ray Liggins submitted a letter on behalf of Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach opposing the development, citing a lack of commitment by the county or the developer to show financial commitment for road improvements and the lack of an overall plan.

Planning Commission Member Larry Zalkin asked planning staff about the allegation, and Planning Director Lorenzo Aghemo said the details would not be required until zoning approval is sought.

Planning Commission Member Sam Shannon said he was concerned about the lack of detail. “Abacoa comes to mind,” he said. “We did have detail then.”

Planning Commission Member Katharine Murray asked about the land receiving urban services while remaining in the rural tier, and Planner Lisa Amara said it is not much different than what has been given Pratt & Whitney and the North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport. “They are considered limited urban service areas,” she said.

Planning Commission Member Michael Weiner said it seemed that the applicant had done what was required of them.

“I would like to see the board get behind this,” he said. “What is going on in the west is not my political philosophy, but we have to follow state statutes. I would like to show the state we know how to do it in Palm Beach County.

Some members of the commission were disappointed that Callery-Judge was not requesting more. Planning Commission Member Neil Merin said as a commercial real estate broker he found the 235,000 square feet of commercial space insufficient.

“If you’re trying to serve the community, this amount of commercial space is woefully inadequate,” he said. “You need 250 square feet per person. Two or three times more is needed.”

However, Merin said he would support the overall plan. “It’s time to fill the hole in the donut. I move to approve staff’s recommendation,” he said. The motion was seconded by Zalkin and passed 8-3 with Planning Commission Member Dennis Lipp, also a Loxahatchee Groves councilman, joining Shannon and Murray in opposing the proposal. The Palm Beach County Commission is scheduled to review the new Callery-Judge plan on April 28.

Man With A Plan — Kieran Kilday of the firm Kilday & Associates represented CalleryJudge Grove at last Friday’s meeting.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Tran Hopes ‘Gold Link’ In RPB Develops Loyal Following

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

service, the Link does not offer door-to-door transportation, but is designed to serve residential areas where Palm Tran’s regular fixed-route service is not easily accessible, and is geared especially for seniors, although all riders are welcome.

“The basic idea behind the schedule is to help people, mostly seniors, get to places that are important, as well as hooking them up with regular Palm Tran lines that are often too far for them to walk to,” said Link driver Sandra Griffin as she drove the Gold Link route in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday.

The Gold Link travels from Palms West Hospital to Royal Palm Beach Blvd. via Crestwood Blvd., and riders within three quarters of a mile of the route can call in advance to schedule a pickup.

“I tell people to let everyone else know that I will go out of my way to pick them up if they live off the standard route,” Griffin said. “I picked someone up at the Harvin Senior Center further down Royal Palm Beach Blvd. because they called and set it up.”

The bus seats 16, has lifts and is handicapped-accessible.

While the Gold Link bus pauses for several minutes at the Royal Palm Beach civic complex on Okeechobee Blvd., where riders can connect to other Palm Tran routes, Griffin said extending the service to the Super Target further east makes

sense. “That has worked pretty well because there are some people who want to shop over there, and we provide a good service,” she said. When Griffin reached the Target parking lot, she scanned the area for riders but found none.

“Not nearly enough people use the route,” she said, “but I think that’s mostly because we need more advertising for it. I picked up a few people last week at Target who were ready to take the regular bus and were happy when I could drop them off more conveniently. One of them called for the bus this morning, and I did a pickup.”

Griffin, who also drives other Link routes, thinks ridership is light in Royal Palm Beach because most people in the western communities have cars.

“When I drive the Lake Worth-Boynton Beach route tomorrow, I’ll pick people up at the shopping center at Nassau Square and drive down Lyons Road to Boynton Beach and then go way west to take them

out to the Caridad medical center there,” she said. “Some of the people on that route tell me they either have no cars or they don’t like driving so far.” Returning west on Okeechobee Blvd., the Gold Link bus stops at the Crossroads Shopping Center before continuing on to Crestwood Blvd. and Palms West Hospital. Griffin said ridership might increase if it is publicized more.

“A lot of people still don’t know about this service,” Griffin said. “We would have more riders if they knew how good the service is. I’ve driven a few people to where they can take the regular bus lines, and they tell me how much they appreciate it. But since the route here is only on Tuesdays, they know they can’t depend on it.”

While the Gold Link bus makes pickups along its standard route, riders who want to schedule a pickup should call Palm Tran at least one day in advance. For reservations, or more information, call (561) 649-9838 and select option 5.

‘A lot of people still don’t know about this service. We would have more riders if they knew how good the service is.

I’ve driven a few people to where they can take the regular bus lines, and they tell me how much they appreciate it.’

— Gold Link Driver Sandra Griffin

Gold Link — Driver Sandra Griffin invites you climb aboard Palm Tran’s Gold Link service in Royal Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Aggregates Decision Good, Now Let’s Come Up With A Plan

Whether it was the doldrums of a weak housing market or a possible falling out with developer Lennar Homes, Palm Beach Aggregates owners made the right decision by withdrawing their plans for a residential development west of Loxahatchee. The rock mining company, which owns land along Southern Blvd. near 20-Mile Bend, had plans to build 2,000 homes on a 1,200-acre piece of property but recently applied to rezone the land for agricultural use, its original designation.

Palm Beach Aggregates had initially brought Lennar on board as the home builder for what was to be the Highland Dunes Planned Unit Development. But in the wake of Palm Beach Aggregates’ ties to former county commissioner Tony Masilotti — who is now in federal prison because of illegal land deals, one of which involved the property in question — that partnership soon eroded. Faced with such bleak prospects, it’s no wonder Aggregates has given up on the housing game.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the Aggregates’ latest plans, it is good news for the western communities. The land has been a bone of contention since 2004, when Aggregates submitted an annexation request to the Village of Wellington but withdrew it in favor of a more developer-friendly rezoning from the county.

Most recently, Palm Beach Aggregates’ proposed widening of Southern Blvd. between Palms West Hospital and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road — a plan devised to accommo-

Coates Wrong About Willhite

I take issue with Mr. Howard Coates’ assertion that Mr. [Matthew] Willhite won Wellington Village Council Seat 4 due to his strong union backing (“Put Community Over Politics,” Letters, March 28). In my opinion, Mr. Willhite ran a most proficient campaign with miniscule campaign funds, which is refreshing and commendable. However, I had no intention of revoting for the runoff between he and Mr. Coates until I received a letter in the mail from Mr. Willhite, asking me to vote for him. I received said letter because I am a registered independent, and upon receiving same, I immediately decided he was worthy of my vote. Anyone with such determination, energy and tenacity certainly deserves a seat on our council. There are other members currently serving on our village council sans experience — so Mr. Willhite will be just fine. Mr. Coates, get over it and move on; sore losers are not this chick’s cup of tea.

Colette K. Miller Wellington

Wellington Seniors Want Trolley System

Mr. Joseph Manning (“Not A Trolley Fan,” Letters, March 28) states that has never talked “to one senior citizen or soon-to-be senior citizen who would be in favor of such an enterprise” (trolley system). He also stated that “they certainly would not be willing to walk to a major trolley stop in the heat, sun and rain

we often experience in South Florida.” (Anyone waiting for any bus has to do that, too.)

I wonder if Mr. Manning remembers why he was appointed to the now sunset Senior Citizens Task Force? Does he not remember that the task force was assigned the “task” of determining what the Wellington senior population felt was needed in the community? Does he not remember that 8,000 questionnaires were sent out to all Wellington residents 55 and older? Does he also not remember that the responses from some 1,800 seniors was a need for public transportation, affordable housing, an assistedliving facility and a senior center (in that order).

The record shows that Mr. Manning abstained from voting for trolley transportation although all the other members of the task force voted in favor of it. Perhaps Mr. Manning should join the Wellington Seniors Club and speak to residents about their needs before saying that he has “not spoken to any one senior, or soon-to-be senior that would be in favor of such an enterprise.” All the other members of the task force were “senior citizens,” as were those who responded to the senior survey. The Village of Wellington had put the item on the 2006-07 budget only to remove it, until grants and other funding were to be found by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Perhaps there are other plans for link transportation or super shuttle service that are less costly than trolley service. Hard times will need hard answers.

Mr. Manning, I have heard from seniors who have expressed the need for some sort of public transport or trolley service, and

One-two-three-four…

That’s my personal trainer Lauren Martiny counting my leg curls at Wellington’s Ultima Fitness. For two days each week since Jan. 2 (which also happened to be my 64th birthday), I was a participant in the gym’s 90-Day Fitness Challenge. I called it the Barry Manning Challenge (after the publisher of this newspaper) because he was responsible for roping me in. I learned later that he had cooked up the deal with Ultima co-owner Jill Merrell.

My regular readers may recall that I recently underwent chemotherapy for leukemia. I was still (as I am today) in the recovery process after being informed last August that I was officially in remission. Last March, when I was first diagnosed, I was told that I had a 10 to 20 percent chance of survival even with treatment, and that I would probably die within two months. My idea of exercise over the past year has certainly not been very challenging. During my four months of hospitalization, it consisted of wrestling my IV tree down hospital corridors and outside where I spent as much time as I could. When I returned home in July, the most exercise I got was to drive myself to the VA hospital for weekly blood draws. Barry thought it would be a good idea if I got myself back into better shape. I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant about “back.” While I declared him my worst enemy for getting me

date Highland Dunes — worried the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council.

Of course, this is a decision that should have been made years ago; the county should never have allowed Aggregates such a high density of development in a largely rural area. The biggest problem with Palm Beach Aggregates’ failed plan is that it would have started yet another link in a chain of piecemeal residential development in western Palm Beach County — think Weston and Coral Springs in western Broward County. Hopefully, returning the Aggregates’ land to its previous agricultural designation signals a victory for proper land-use planning. But the county needs to do more to prove this is the case. Given its past handling of this issue, it’s understandable that residents aren’t optimistic. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: until the county can develop a comprehensive plan for future development west of the western communities, it should not approve any new large-scale developments there. The plan should determine the amount of density a developer is allowed, what type of development is permitted and how much land should be preserved for nature preserves, expansion of the Everglades and to be kept in agricultural uses in perpetuity.

Insiders have long derided the Aggregates’ speedy residential approval as “zoning by fax.” We all know the results of this kind of planning — it’s the reason so many Broward County residents moved to the western communities in the first place.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I hope that you will regain your memory or just check your minutes and the final report issued by the Senior Citizens Task Force that you spent a year as part of. Perhaps it was just a “senior moment.” Sampson Nebb Wellington

WPB Officials Not Honest About Roebuck

The Palm Beach Post got the facts correct in their editorial supporting the Roebuck Road extension. They carefully investigated the facts, followed the history, and reported the story accurately. Where was the environmental outrage from West Palm Beach city commissioners when they constructed three developments — Riverwalk, Andros Isle and Baywinds — in the wetlands area? These developments total more than 3,000 residences plus commercial development. Together they generate more than $4.8 million in tax revenue for WPB. They exist based on the promise of an agreed-upon and funded comprehensive road plan that is Roebuck Road. Now the city wishes to obstruct the completion of the road project that would alleviate traffic congestion for the communities west and retain the fees collected for the construction. Unlike the developments of Ibis and Ironhorse that abut sensitive environmental lands and the already completed portion of Roebuck Road west of Jog that is directly above the wetlands, the remaining Roebuck Road extension plan west will lie along “north alignment

B” as agreed upon by all parties. It will travel south of the wetlands reuse system, an area of reclaimed water; and continue southwest with a northern easement increasing up to 500 feet from the water catchment area.

This action by West Palm Beach serves to diminish the credibility of the county approval process, dishonor interlocal agreements and impact traffic on Okeechobee Blvd. for all area residents. The time has come for West Palm Beach to behave with integrity and work in harmony with surrounding communities to complete the Roebuck Road extension.

Martha Webster Councilwoman Royal Palm Beach

Royal Palm Beach Irks

Dr. Louda

“Deletion of E Road/140th is not good planning” — from the quantitatively minded council of Royal Palm Beach. Today everything is about the quantity and nothing about the quality of life.

I grow weary of Royal Palm Beach negatively influencing Loxahatchee Groves. Lest we forget, more than a decade ago Royal Palm Beach made a move to put their vehicles and vehicle maintenance shop on the property at the corner of Folsom and Okeechobee Blvd. Why? Because it would be an eyesore and blight on their village but it wouldn’t bother us rubes. Next, we had to remove 97 acres from the so-called “all-or-nothing annexation” rider to the recodification of the Loxahatchee

involved in Ultima’s challenge, I actually consider him one of my dearest friends, in spite of the many knock-down, drag-out arguments we have from time to time. I suppose I was a willing accomplice to Barry’s 90-Day Fitness Challenge conspiracy even if I wouldn’t admit it publicly. I knew he was looking after my best interest.

Five-six-seven… uuuuuhhhhh!

That’s the sound of me moaning from the burning in my legs. “That’s OK,” Lauren assured me. “That means it’s working.”

I never did understand the “no pain, no gain” mantra of exercise. How can pain be good for you? In fact, pain changed my exercise regime past the midway point. I developed a problem with my shoulder that ended my upper-body workouts. The problem persists today, but I am certain it has much more to do with pins in that shoulder than with my exercise.

Lauren ran me through the whole gamut — weight training, leg press, leg extension, leg curl, back extension, abdominal crunch, standing calf raises and walking the treadmill. One machine after another. I must confess that I did not look forward to the assault on my body all this training was taking at first, but I warmed up to it. I even looked forward to the workouts. Why? Because I began to feel better. I had more energy. My workouts were pretty early in the morning, and the exercise made me feel better during the rest of the day.

On the treadmill, I was at first exhausted after walking only a mile. However, on my last day on Wednesday, I walked three miles at the rate of 20 minutes per mile, and I could have gone farther. My other drills caused less burning, and we doubled the number of regimes. I began to feel much more energized during the day.

Eight, nine… ten. Wednesday was the day of reckoning. It was “reveal day,” when participants are weighed again and body fat measured. I should have been embarrassed, but I wasn’t. I lost only two

Groves Water Control District’s charter.

The next act of legislative blackmail was forcing the removal of Palms West Hospital from the boundaries of Loxahatchee Groves during our incorporation. Now they dare interfere with our attempts to control our internal traffic patterns.

E Road/140th was put on the map in 1989 (Midland’s study) and has been objected to from that day forward by those directly affected. The county has adopted a policy of taking new thoroughfares to the peripheries of existing communities. By the way, Loxahatchee Groves has been here since 1917; Royal Palm Beach only since 1959.

The construction of E Road/ 140th as a thoroughfare would do one thing — bring traffic to Okeechobee so it could go east, to the very same highly impacted intersection in Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Also, note that Royal Palm Beach Blvd. is not being widened to Southern. Hmm, there’s some relief. How about four-laning it and La Mancha?

I find it strange that Royal

Palm Beach wants to plan for growth to the west. This must be solely to serve their metastasizing commercialization. This could also be the reason for not wanting to go for the traffic relief of State Road 7/Roebuck — all of the customers might bypass all of those stores, stores, stores.

Do note that Callery-Judge Grove went from 10,000 homes to under 3,000 and Highland Dunes was just taken out of play and back to agriculture. Rather than working within each other’s borders, why not work for the real solution? That solution is State Road 7 all the way to Northlake and put in Roebuck to the east. Both of these would not go through any community, and they can be built with the appropriate environmental safeguards and might even be classified as scenic drives along which development would be forbidden in perpetuity.

Dr. J. William Louda Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Dr. Louda is a member of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The TownCrier, 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

POINT OF VIEW...

By Don Brown

pounds, and my body fat and lean body mass remained approximately the same. To be fair, I changed none of my eating habits — most of which are considered sinful by serious trainers. Was it a waste of time? Heck no! I have more energy today than I’ve had for several years. I owe that to Barry, Jill and especially Lauren, who tried her best to whip me into shape. Will I continue with the program? You bet! But after I heal whatever is wrong with my shoulder. There was another unexpected side benefit to the challenge. I got a hefty contribution from Jill to Don’s Team for Relay for Life, for which I have been soliciting (make that begging) to raise money for cancer research. The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the relays at Palm Beach Central High School on April 25 for residents of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, and on May 2 at Acreage Community Park for residents of Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage. I will split the proceeds from my “virtual” team between both relays. There is still time to make a contribution. Just make out a check for $10 (more if you want) to Relay for Life and send it to Don Brown, c/o The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414.

Take That, You Stuffed Shirts!

I love a good sports story... even if it’s very old, and especially if it involved “stuffed shirts” who “lose,” and particularly if it’s true. This one has all of the ingredients. The year is 1977 and the NBC TV network has just recruited Don Ohlmeyer from ABC to rebuild its moribund sports department. One of Ohlmeyer’s first projects was to initiate Breakfast at Wimbledon, a live telecast from England of the men’s finals of this storied tennis tournament. A problem arose when he realized that the 2 p.m. starting time in England was 9 a.m. in the United States. Ohlmeyer was to gamble that an

American audience would arise on a Saturday morning to watch overseas tennis — even if it was Wimbledon.

One of Ohlmeyer’s promotional aims for this somewhat revolutionary broadcast was to promote the heavy pomp and ceremony involved in the “grand entrance” of the finalists. That year’s defending champ Bjorn Borg and American Roscoe Tanner were to get the all-out pageantry treatment. Between the spectacularly dressed “Beefeater” heralds and the traditional bowing, etc. to the queen’s box, etc. it was different — maybe even exciting. But history dictated the cere-

By Jules W. Rabin

mony go off exactly at two o’clock. Ohlmeyer’s telecast needed a five-minute window to introduce the show and hype it on air. He asked, then begged, the Wimbledon “stuffed-shirt directors” for a five-minute delay before the match started. Reasonable request? They absolutely refused! Ohlmeyer was devastated. His lengthy promotion for the creative programming was about to begin as a disaster. NBC went live from Wimbledon at 9 a.m. sharp. However, the players mysteriously didn’t appear for several minutes... thus “miraculously” the American network was able to get in the entire, historic opening before the first ball was

Footloose and...

‘No Vacation From Learning’ At RPB School

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

While students in the western communities will soon be breaking for the summer, the director of a Royal Palm Beach private school reminds parents that summertime academic work is important for all children.

“Too often students spend their summers without ever opening a book,” Learning Foundation of Florida Director Debra Thornby said. “They forget a lot of material they learn during the school year. That is one reason why many schools spend the first month of every year going over material from the previous one.” Thornby said the Learning Foundation of Florida in the Royal Plaza prides itself on personal commitment and does it not only by providing healthy values but also through very small class sizes.

“This is a school where one to one really makes a difference,” Thornby said. “We have a student/staff ratio of five to one, and that is across the board. Our high school runs 11 months, so our students put a lot of time in.” On a theme of “no vacation from education,” the Learning Foundation is accepting summer

enrollment for students coming from any public, charter or private school.

The summer program for elementary and middle school children begins on June 17 and runs through Aug. 7, with the school open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. With the school’s regular high school curriculum on summer hiatus only for one month, the Learning Foundation will be open in July only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for outside students who want to do accelerated or remedial schoolwork.

“This is a very important program,” Thornby said. “High school students can earn course credits by enrolling in the Florida Virtual School and change grades from Fs and Ds for higher grades. Or they can move forward and pass an extra class. Almost all work is done on computers and at their own pace.”

The school, which started in 2005, currently has approximately 100 students enrolled in grades 3 through 12. The school’s facilities, covering about 5,000 square feet, include eight academic classrooms, two labs and two tutorial rooms. Students also take advantage of ad-

jacent Camellia Park for lunch or recess. “We never have more than 11 or 12 in a class, and I try to keep sizes even a bit smaller,” Thornby said. “We have computers in every room and use as much high technology as possible to provide an excellent education.”

Thornby, an Acreage resident, is proud of her school’s growth. “It has taken time, but we are growing nicely,” she said. “We’ve been able to expand and would like to take in more regular students. And, of course, we would like to be able to help students all through the summer.”

High School Administrator Tracy Weingarten is very enthusiastic about the school’s accommodating schedule. “Our students come in Tuesday through Friday and have flexible hours,” she said. “They must be here for five hours each day, but they can start as early as they want. This allows them time so they can have jobs.”

Weingarten said the school’s teaching strategy produces results. “We had 22 graduates last year, and seven of them won Bright Futures scholarships to college,” she said proudly. “That’s a higher percentage than at most other high schools in the county.”

The high school students all enroll in the Internet-based Florida Virtual School as well as Class.com in order to complete their school requirements. “Each is able to work at an individual pace,” Weingarten explained. “Some students work at an accelerated pace, and others at an extended one. Because we use this approach and use it on an individual basis, each of our students is able to have an individualized educational experience.”

Students take regular subjects like English, math, science, social studies and Spanish. Because they can access a wide variety of classes on the computer, they are able to take electives not normally available.

Thornby said she is proud of the way school faculty members interact with students. “We have classes that are not completely grade-specific,” she said. “We have a grade 3 and 4, a grade 4 and 5, a grade 5 and 6, and a grade 7 and 8 as well as the high school. We can move students to where they fit best.”

Each class has at least two staff members, one of them a lead teacher. The school also has a floating teacher, Thornby said, “who is able to pull a student out

See LEARNING, page 20

A MATZAH FACTORY

In preparation for the upcoming Passover holiday, Chabad of Wellington’s Rabbi Mendy Muskal held a “Matzah Factory” activity last Sunday at the Wellington branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches. Rabbi Muskal was joined by several eager youngsters, and even some of their parents, who watched as he made fresh matzahs. Pictured here, Muskal puts some matzahs in the oven (above), demonstrates how they’re made (right) and serves them to the youngsters (below).

The Crestwood Performing Arts League (C-PAL) will present “All-American Broadway and a Tribute to Irving Berlin” on Sunday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach High School Performing Arts Theatre.

The dynamic production promises beautiful voices, dazzling costumes and an evening filled with showstoppers from great American musicals such as

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

A Unique School — Learning Foundation of Florida Director Debra Thornby with a group of her students.

Suspects Flee Armed Robbery In Wellington

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

MARCH 30 — Two Wellington men were the victims of an armed robbery last Sunday at the intersection of Wellington Trace and Brier Patch Trail. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 4 a.m., the victims were driving back home after a poker tournament at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, where one of the men won $2,500. As they approached the intersection of Wellington Trace and Brier Patch Trail, a dark sedan cut in front of their car. According to the report, two African-American men jumped out of the sedan. One of the men fired a shot with a handgun. According to the report, the victims fled to one of their homes and hid in bushes at the back of the property. The suspects caught up with one of the men and forced him to give up the money as well as a cell phone. The suspects then left in the black sedan. The investigation was turned over to the Violent Crimes Division.

• • •

MARCH 27 — A Lake Worth man was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia on Vinings Circle in Wellington last Thursday. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 7 p.m., a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington stopped 18-year-old Christopher Mayo in reference to a suspicious person report. Upon contact with Mayo, the deputy received verbal permission to search his vehicle. The search revealed a glass pipe. Mayo was given a notice to appear in court and released.

MARCH 27 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested for resisting a law enforcement officer on Sweetwater Bend in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was assisting a U.S. Marshal in apprehending 32-year-old Ladipo Bethea, who had two outstanding warrants — one for capital murder in Alabama and one for racketeering in Orange County, Fla. The deputy made contact with Bethea at approximately 4:30 a.m. inside Bethea’s apartment and ordered him to leave the bedroom several times. According to the report, Bethea secured the door in an attempt to keep deputies from making the arrest and executing the warrants. Upon forcing their way into the room, Bethea failed to comply with deputies’ orders to lie on the ground and place his hands behind his back, according to the report. After multiple attempts to secure Bethea, the deputies took him into custody. Bethea was transported to a medical facility for injuries and later transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

MARCH 28 — A Belle

Glade man was arrested for shoplifting last Friday at the Bealls department store in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, deputies from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to call of a shoplifting in process at approximately

2:30 p.m. The deputies met with a store security officer who had observed 21-year-old Brandon Ashley place several items of clothing in a backpack and conceal several more items underneath his shirt. Ashley then put on the backpack and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. When he was stopped by store security, Ashley admitted to taking the items, saying they were for a female who had been with him in the store. All the clothing was recovered, and Ashley was transported to the county jail. According to the report, the deputies made contact with three females outside of the store who were possibly involved in the theft, but found no stolen items in their possession.

MARCH 29 — A Greenacres woman was arrested for shoplifting last Saturday at the Nordstrom store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer observed 49-year-old Heloisa Pereira take and conceal three shirts and exit the store without paying for them. Pereira was transported to the county jail.

MARCH 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington arrested a Wellington woman last Sunday morning on a charge of driving while intoxicated on Forest Hill Blvd. According to a PBSO report, the deputy observed 27-year-old Melissa Rivera drive over a concrete median and end up facing south in a northbound lane at 6:10 a.m. According to the report, a test revealed Rivera had a .21 blood-alcohol content level. She was transported to the county jail.

MARCH 30 — A resident of Sanderling Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday after an XM satellite radio was taken from his car. According to a PBSO report, the victim told the deputy that at sometime between 8 p.m. last Saturday and 1:50 a.m. the following morning, a hole was cut in the convertible top and the radio was removed from the dash. According to the report, the radio mount was removed from the dash but did not appear to be damaged. There were no traces left by the suspect on the car roof but there was a print on the outside of the passenger window.

APRIL 1 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Tuesday to a home on Westhampton Circle in reference to a burglary. According to the complainant, at sometime between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., entry was made to the property through an unlocked rear screen patio. The lock on the rear sliding-glass door had been slipped, and the chain lock on the front door had been engaged so no one could enter, according to the report. A 30-inch flat-screen TV and TV stand were stolen. Taken from an upstairs bedroom were a queen-sized mattress, box spring and metal frame, which were brought downstairs and placed on the patio; the mattress and box spring were left behind.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:

• Demetrius Cooks, a.k.a. Derick O’Neal or Alphonso Ordonez, is a black male, 6’3” tall and weighing 246 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 01/21/78. He has tattoos on both arms and his left shoulder. Cooks is wanted for fleeing or attempting to elude a marked police car and driving while license revoked as a habitual traffic offender. His occupation is tile installer. His last known addresses were Woodland Road in Palm Springs and South B Street in Lake Worth. Cooks is wanted as of 04/03/08. • Abdonel Eugene is a black male, 5’7” tall and weighing 176 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 10/03/69. Eugene is wanted for neglect of a child. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Bellcrest Court in Royal Palm Beach. Eugene is wanted as of 04/03/08. 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.

Abdonel Eugene

Demetrius Cooks

County Officials Tout New Environmentally Friendly Bus System

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Tran is going green, and Palm Beach County commissioners want you to know about it.

At a press conference held Monday at Palm Tran’s headquarters in West Palm Beach, commissioners met with Gov. Charlie Crist and congressmen Ron Klein and Tim Mahoney to discuss improvements to the agency’s buses, which include using biodiesel fuel and nitrogen in bus tires, as well as using black light technology to circulate cleaner air and using reclaimed water for bus washes.

Speaking to county staff, local legislators and members of the public who were present for the event, Commissioner Karen Marcus discussed how Palm Tran and other county agencies are going green. She spoke of such efforts as low-impact lighting in county buildings, hybrid cars and the environ-

mentally friendly school soon to be opening at Pine Jog.

“We’re excited to be going green, and we are excited to be here today to recognize the efforts of Palm Tran with its biodiesel fuel and other efforts,” Marcus said.

Mahoney pointed out that being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean you have to accept less efficiency and higher costs.

“When this project was brought to me a year ago,” Mahoney said, “it was going to be an innovative program. It was going to be a program that would reduce costs, increase efficiency and as a result move Palm Beach County and the State of Florida in a new direction.”

Klein spoke about the country’s declining revenues and the skyrocketing costs of oil, and how that affects everyone’s pocketbooks. Klein said if the effort to go green takes away the need to import oil from countries that are

Adult Programs At The Wellington JCC

The Wellington branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches is offering the following programs for adults:

• Hip-Hop — Get a workout to the beat of contemporary music. Classes take place Mondays, April 14 to June 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $72.

• Line Dancing — If you love country-western, have good ol’ time learning the latest line dances. Takes place Mondays, April 14 to June 2 from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. The cost is $72.

• Mahjong Lessons — Debbie Cohen teaches ancient but popular game. Takes place Thursdays, April 17 to May 22 at 10 a.m. The cost is $60.

• Scrapbooking — Bring your supplies, the JCC will supply the coffee and inspiration. Takes place every Tuesday at 10 a.m. The cost is $5.

• Art Class —Renowned painter Rosemond Hammond will teach you how to work in acrylics, charcoal and more. Takes place Wednesdays, May 7 to June 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $125.

• Adult/Child CPR certification — Become certified by Red Cross instructors. Takes place Thursday, May 15 from 6 to to 10 p.m. The cost is $60. The JCC is located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-15. For more info., call Sharon at (561) 253-6030.

anti-American in their policies, he was very much in support of it.

“Oil was once $28 a barrel, and today we know it’s $107 a barrel,” Klein said. “And the question is, what do we do about it? A high percentage of the oil we import is for transportation for automobiles, and a large percentage of it goes into public transportation. Reducing our oil consumption is also a matter of national security. This will create new jobs and greater opportunities. It’s clearly a question of doing more for our environment. This is what this biodiesel plan does. We’re happy to bring some dollars from our past budget to help with this. We will continue with that commitment in the future.”

Commissioner Burt Aaronson focused on the positive effects of biodiesel and how he hopes that this is the beginning of something that will continue. Aaronson said it would be a good idea for Palm Beach County to pursue green initiatives in other areas, and that agencies such as Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office should consider using biodiesel fuel and nitrogen.

“We will ask agencies such as PBCFR and the PBSO to have their tires filled with nitrogen,” Aaronson said. “If we can get other agencies throughout the state to have their businesses, their police vehicles and fire-rescue vehicles filled with nitrogen, I would implore the governor to look into it. I would implore our state representatives to look into it. The cost is not that great. The savings is much greater than the cost.”

Commissioner Bob Kanjian praised Crist for his efforts statewide on environmental issues, adding that it is im-

sioner Karen Marcus, Congressman Ron Klein, Commissioner Burt Aaronson and Congressman Tim Mahoney in front of one of the “green” Palm Tran buses. portant to keep moving along the “green road” in the future, or the efforts made so far would fade away. Kanjian also said he would recommend a task force be formed to address green building practices, green standards and programs that would be incentivebased for builders and developers to comply with green practices. The task force would be composed of developers, architects, builders, conservationists and other individuals who help shape a policy to implement these measures in the future.

“With the help of the people here today, we can adopt policies that are environmentally and long range financially responsible,” Kanjian said.

“Palm Beach County can quickly become a leader in moving our area to a balanced and sustainable future.” When it was his turn to speak, Crist praised the county commissioners and congressmen for their hard work in garnering the funding for something that would show benefits in the future as related to the budget and to the environment. He concurred with Mahoney and Klein that using biodiesel would help move the country away from dependence on foreign oil. “Using biodiesel would get us off of our dependence on foreign oil,” Crist said. “It’s incredibly important we stay independent and we stay strong while going green.”

Going Green — Commissioner Bob Kanjian, Gov. Charlie Crist, Commis-

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Thousands Of Motorcyclists Turn Out To Mourn Slain Deputy

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

More than a thousand motorcyclists rode to the South Florida Veterans Administration Cemetery west of Lantana to pay their respect to the late Broward County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Chris Reyka as part of a pilgrimage to the American Police Hall of Fame in Titusville last weekend. Reyka, a Wellington resident, was shot in a drugstore

parking lot in Pompano Beach on Aug. 10, 2007. The shooter has not been identified.

Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Donnelly, who was with Reyka when he died, organized the event as both a salute to his close friend and a fundraising effort. Money raised will be split between the Reyka family, the Police Benevolent Association Hope Fund and the American Police Hall of Fame.

Many at the cemetery knew Reyka well. BSO Capt. Wayne Adkins told the Town-Crier that Reyka is deeply missed by all his comrades. “Chris was someone I knew for years,” Adkins said. “He served under me. He worked hard and always believed his job was important, that we had to take bad guys off the street. But he always made time for his family. He believed in family and really loved them.”

Reyka’s wife and children were at the ceremony and received hugs from many in the crowd.

But most attendees just wanted to honor Reyka’s life. Many were law enforcement officers or their family members.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mitch Rieger, who serves in Wellington, said it is important to recognize the importance of Reyka’s life and his death. “We go out every shift and never know what will happen,” he said.

Melissa Schaub stressed the importance of supporting a fallen deputy’s family. “My husband is also a Broward deputy, and my brother serves in Palm Beach County,” she said.

R.J. Bloese of Royal Palm Beach said he hopes Reyka’s killer will be identified soon.

“All it takes is one call if it’s the right call,” he said. “But I’m happy to participate in honoring Chris.”

Diana and Benny Guastella of Wellington, who serve in the PBSO’s Citizen Observer Patrol, participated in the event. “We wanted to be a part of this,” Diana said. “There are some bad people out there but there are even more good ones. Today we wanted to be with the really good ones. That’s why we came.”

The event attracted people from nine states. Participants wore long-sleeved green t-shirts honoring Reyka with his badge number, the date of his death and the brief line “10-7”

Florida State Policeman David Pius explained the line. “It means out of service,” he said with tears in his eyes. “We end all police funerals here with a police radio call, giving the downed officer’s number three times, asking for a response. Then we hear from the radio. ‘Out of service, now and forever.’ It always brings tears.”

Keith Long of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Broward County Sheriff’s Office Captain Wayne Adkins.

Mourners lay flags at the grave of BSO Sgt. Chris Reyka.

PHOTOS BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Diana and Benny Guastella of Buena Vida.

R.J. Bloese

PBSO Deputy Mitch Rieger with Allison Waters.

Mark Schwartz, Jen Nierman and David Prius.

Indian Trail Prepares To Defend Water Agreement Against Suit

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

While an agreement with Palm Beach County recently settled some longstanding lawsuits for the Indian Trail Improvement District, ITID is now gearing up for another legal battle, this one filed by residents opposed to the agreement.

Acreage residents Alexandria Larson, Sharon Waite and Nicole Tolleson filed their suit against ITID on March 10, arguing that the deal between the district and the county to end their “water war” is contrary to the interests of residents. The suit asks a judge to determine whether ITID complied with state laws in approving the agreement.

The county and the district forged the settlement, which ends lawsuits that sprang from Indian Trail’s ill-fated attempt to make itself a regional water provider, in February after months of negotiations. In return for ceding rights to provide water in The Acreage to the county,

ITID netted close to $9 million, which pays for existing infrastructure, the use of the district’s easements and compensates for road damage caused by previous utility installation, as well as providing an advance on the district’s expected share of future revenues.

The lawsuit questions the district’s authority to approve the agreement without “properly considering” a number of issues. These include whether ITID can subject residents to a new taxing authority that would levy special assessments, and the board’s decision to approve the agreement without a popular vote.

The lawsuit also charges that the agreement allows the county to locate sewer lines to a degree that may require the plaintiffs to discontinue the use of their private wells and allows the county to install wells that could reduce the amount of water available to residents.

Significantly, the lawsuit alleges that the county is being

assigned easement rights that belong to residents in order to settle lawsuits that arose when the county violated those easement rights.

On Monday, Larson told the Town-Crier that she and her fellow plaintiffs filed the suit because the ITID Board of Supervisors had given away what was not theirs to give.

“The residents own the roads and canals in the district,” she said. “When the county wanted to put pipes down on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, they paid some landowners as much as $70,000 for the right. Now the supervisors are willing to give away easements on my land, land that I pay assessments and taxes on, and I get nothing.”

Larson said the settlement allows the county to dig wells and lay sewer lines that might have a severe environmental impact on The Acreage. “The county gets to dig 29 really deep wells in the district,” she charged. “That could change the nature of the whole water system, par-

ticularly when we have a drought. And who knows what will happen when they put in sewer lines.”

ITID Supervisor Michelle Damone told the Town-Crier that ITID legal counsel in the suit will seek to have Larson, Waite and Tolleson pay the district’s legal fees. “The people behind it may not care how much money they are costing the district,” she said, “but we’ve already had to pay over $2 million [to fund the lawsuits against the county] and got nowhere. I want our lawyers to demand that this group pay all the legal fees for the district.”

ITID has hired attorney Brian Joslyn to represent it in the suit, but Larson noted that scandaltainted attorney William Boose was until recently a partner in Joslyn’s firm, Casey Ciklin Lubitz Martens & O’Connell. Boose is serving two years in a federal prison for his involvement in a corrupt land deal with former county commissioner Tony Masilotti.

“They hired Bill Boose’s old law firm,” Larson said. “He’s now in Club Fed after taking a plea deal for his corruption.”

ITID President Mike Erickson told the Town-Crier on Wednesday that the firm is still very highly regarded, particularly in dealing with the kind of case involved. Erickson said ITID will request that the case be dismissed, noting that the lawsuit was filed even before both sides had ratified the agreement. “They actually challenged the agreement before anyone agreed to anything,” he said, “which may have been one reason they did not even attach a copy of the document. And there are a variety of other issues that might very well not be resolved.”

The lawsuit charges that the district sold its pipelines, related infrastructure and various rights to the county for $318,380, while an appraisal commissioned by the district valued these in excess of $8 million, and noted that Royal

Palm Beach gained a much higher amount in a similar deal with the county. Erickson scoffed at these assertions. “That’s only one small part of the package,” he said of the infrastructure payment.

“They are also going to pay the several million dollars in bond debt the previous board took on, that paid for that pipe that connects to nowhere. That is not mentioned at all.” Erickson said comparisons to payments to Royal Palm Beach are meaningless. “Royal Palm Beach had its own plant already built,” he said. “Its residents already were hooked up to the system. We don’t have any of that, and we’re all spread out.” Erickson agreed with Damone that the plaintiffs should pay the district’s legal costs if the judge rules in the district’s favor. “I want to push for the idea that the prevailing party should have its legal bills paid by the loser,” he said. A judge is scheduled to hear the case on April 15.

Lox Groves Suspends Anonymous Code Complaints For Six Months

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves

Town Council voted Tuesday to put a six-month moratorium on anonymous code violation complaints so town staff and inspectors can catch up with complaints already on the books.

Town Clerk Matthew Lippman said cases are piling up quickly and his staff is getting behind in processing them.

Town Attorney David Tolces said most cases have to do with storing materials, manure, largescale composting and yard waste, especially uses that could be describes as retail in nature.

“We’re making sure the cases that we bring have evidence to support the cases we allege,” Tolces said.

All the cases have had plenty of opportunity to come into compliance, he said, noting that he felt the first round of hearings had worked out very well.

Lippman said the town office has received a deluge of code violation complaints since it put its own system into effect recently. There are nearly 45 open cas-

es, with the town’s small staff spending 90 percent of its time on code enforcement.

“The caseload is getting tremendous,” he said. “We’re in a tough spot now and getting overloaded.”

In order for staff to catch up, Lippman asked that anonymous complaints not be received.

For the sake of discussion,

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog made a motion to do away with anonymous complaints, which was seconded by Councilman Dave Autrey.

Herzog said her concern was that by forbidding anonymous complaints, residents would be afraid to identify themselves.

“The anonymous complaint is a kind of a protection,” she said. “Even though I made the motion, I feel people need to be protected.”

Councilman Dennis Lipp pointed out that Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and the county allow anonymous complaints. “At some level, we have to realize there are people who have violent tendencies in Loxahatchee Groves,” Lipp said.

Still, he suggested that if someone is afraid to, they can have someone who is not afraid report the violation. Autrey said he felt some residents are using anonymity to snipe at their neighbors, and that

Wellington Teen Council Hosts ‘The Mix 2008’

The Wellington Teen Council will host its third annual outdoor teen concert Saturday, April 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. on the Wellington Community Center front lawn (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The event is named “The Mix” because it features a variety of local teen performers in diverse music genres. This concert is free to high school teens. There will be various refreshments and items for purchase courtesy Smoothie King, Painted Phoenix Body Art & Airbrushing and the event’s performers. For more info., call Julie Strow at (561) 753-5262.

valid complaints will still come through without the anonymity. He noted that the town’s current code is carried over from that of the county.

“The burden put on staff at this point is tremendous,” Au-

St. David’s Hosts Spring Fashion Show

The Episcopal Church Women of St. David’s-in-the-Pines are inviting the public to their Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon on Saturday, April 26 at noon at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington). Clothing for the fashion show will be provided by Stein Mart in Royal Palm Beach. There will be three entrées to choose from: macadamia-crusted salmon, chicken marsala, or pasta and shrimp along with an appetizer and dessert — all for $35 a ticket. All proceeds will be used to

trey said. “Let’s give them time to come up with our own code.

I’m for suspending anonymous calls. If someone feels it is obnoxious, they need to speak out.

I’m supporting staff’s request.” Lippman said he would be

support the Outreach Program at St. David’s. Call Jean at (561) 784-2596 for more information.

T.H. Pine Book Signing At Silver Screen Cinema

open to suggestions, such as suspending anonymous calls for a certain period.

Herzog said people have been so frustrated by a lack of enforcement that they are coming

Horror/mystery author T.H. Pine will make an appearance at Silver Screen Cinema in Wellington Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6 for a book signing. The even will start at 4 p.m. both days. Pine wrote the vampire trilogy Dawn of the Blood Moon. In The Pastor and the Private Eye, Pine introduces fictional private investigator Cilla Stephenson Guests who purchase a copy of the book will receive a free souvenir pen. For more information, call (561) 795-3001. Spring Fiesta Benefit At New Hope Charities

The Second Annual Wellington Spring Fiesta to benefit New Hope Charities will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the home of Michele Poole (4200 State Road 7,

Bee Biz Deserves

Better Buzz, Says Industry Official

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Think of bees not as a nuisance, but as a precious environmental resource — that was the buzz at last week’s Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting.

Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association Vice President Brendhan Horne told LGLA members March 27 that bees make possible every product that uses ingredients produced by pollinated plants.

“Without them, people would go hungry,” Horne said. “Honeybees can do awesome things for you. Honeybees pollinate a lot of herbs, flowers and other plants. If there were no bees, there would be no chocolate. Cocoa nuts grow on cocoa trees. It’s a flower that gets pollinated by the bees that produce them. If there are no cocoa nuts, there is no chocolate. The same thing goes for beer. Hops depends on bees. If you like your shirt, you’d better like bees.”

For his presentation Horne brought along a honeycomb frame from a commercial beehive, complete with bees, along with samples of different types of honey and other bee products.

Horne, whose association works to raise public awareness of the benefits bees bring to mankind, admitted that the stinging insects get a lot of bad press, especially due to the aggressive nature of “Africanized” bees.

“Honeybees do not have a really good public relations firm,” Horne said. “Every time the 6 p.m. news comes on, you hear about the terror of bees and how someone was stung. Bees sting. It’s their defensive mechanism. The media in Florida believes that the only bees in Florida are killer bees.”

As a beekeeper, Horne removes beehives from homes and other spots where they can cause problems. “I do a lot of feral cutouts, and not one of them was Africanized,” he said. “I have the documentation to prove it.”

Horne said the Africanized bees are derived from imports of African honeybees to South America, where it was hoped hybrids with European honeybees would produce more honey and adapt to tropical conditions. While no more venomous than their European counterparts, Horne said they are much more prone to aggressive defense of their hive territory.

“Pure African bees are not the greatest honey producers,” Horne said. “The hybrids are incredible honey producers, and temperature-resistant, but they are angry as all get-out.”

Horne said there have been only 17 or 18 recorded deaths from stinging attacks in the 20year period since Africanized bees first appeared in the United States. The best thing to do when confronted by a swarm of angry bees of any type, he said, is run as fast as possible. Head inside and jump in the shower, or get into a car and turn the air conditioner on. Whatever you do, he said, don’t jump into a lake or pool because the bees might wait for you to resurface.

Bees have also been getting media attention of late because of a mysterious syndrome called colony collapse disorder or CCD, in which bee populations dwindle and colonies die out. The implications are severe, Horne said, because of mankind’s dependence on bees for pollination.

“We don’t know what the cause is directly,” he said. “We are looking for a single cause, and we don’t think it’s a single cause. This looks like it’s a combination of many things, such as fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals. What it’s doing now is causing millions of dollars a month in lost farming.”

Horne also said human ignorance is taking a toll on the bee population, as people tend to destroy bee colonies when they find them. “If they sting you, they are protecting themselves,” Horne said, “You have to understand why they sting. They are protecting their homes. What should you do if you find a beehive? Don’t do anything to it. Don’t poke at it. Don’t set it on fire. Leave it alone.”

Horne said anyone who finds a hive in a problem location can call on the beekeepers association to remove it, instead of trying to destroy it themselves or calling an exterminator. “We have beekeepers who love bees,” he said. “We want to come out and get them and give them good homes. We have wonderful locations for them.”

The drought is causing problems for bees as well, Horne said, as less water means less plant life to produce nectar. “It’s what the bees grab to produce honey,” he said. “If there is no nectar, no pollen, there is no honey and no fruit. We don’t get the rain, we don’t get the flowering crops we should. If the drought continues to get worse, it will have a detrimental effect on the farms.”

Horne said he and his fellow beekeepers are looking for people who might want to house hives on their property, and Loxahatchee Groves offers great

See LGLA, page 20

“The reason why you want to turn on the air conditioner is that bees are cold-blooded,” Horne said. “They don’t like the cold. They don’t do well with it. It paralyzes them.”

SUPPORT

Beekeeper — Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association Vice President Brendhan Horne with a photo of his tiny friends at last week’s Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Brian and Mary Ann Hanley of Royal Palm Beach hosted a fundraiser March 30 for state legislative hopeful Mark Pafford, who is seeking the RPB-based District 88 seat. Guests at the fundraiser included County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster and longtime friend and fellow Democrat Joan Joseph. (Above) Santamaria, Mary Anne and Brian Hanley, Pafford and Webster. (Below) Pafford joins his supporters for a group photo.

FOR PAFFORD PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

A ‘STAR-STUDDED’ BRONCO PROM

Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington held its prom on Saturday, March 29 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. Billed as “An Evening of Stars,” the event was fashioned as a red-carpet gala.

(Clockwise from right) Prom King and Queen Danous Estenor and Melanie Eaton with Principal B.E. Mondy; Kelli-Ann Scharschmidt and Justin Harris; Cody Johns and Gina Hosang; and Mandy Auguste and Mike Atteo.

FIELD DAY FUN AT PANTHER RUN

Panther Run Elementary School in Wellington held a week of field day events Monday, March 31 through Friday, April 4 on the PE field behind the school. The entire field was decorated like a tropical island, and the youngsters took part in relay races and games each day. On Tuesday, April 1, second-graders were out on the field with PE Coach Amie Souder, and teachers Bev West and Jenny Benson assisted in the activities.

H.L. Johnson’s SECME Students Shine In District Competition

Creative thinkers are alive and well at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach. Members of the school’s Science Engineering Communications Mathematics and Education Club (SECME) were well prepared to face stiff competition in this year’s countywide event held March 29 at Diamond View Elementary School. They came home with awards in two of the eight categories. Throughout the 2007-08 school year, club members worked in teams. Under the direction of teacher/coaches Jenny Birney, Wendy Elgersma, Kim Brandofino and parent volunteer Stacey Marino, students honed their skills in the various competitive divisions. Science, engineering and math projects explored the building of bottle rockets, bridg-

es and mousetrap cars. The studies paid off, with the H.L. Johnson team earning an honorable mention in the Bottle Rocket category. Communication-related projects produced poems, essays and patch, poster and banner designs reflecting this year’s theme “Lighting the Torch to Empower Future Leaders.” The theme “Lighting the Torch” was the match that lit the imagination of the mostly third through fifth grade H.L. Johnson students, earning them an honorable mention in the Banner division. A “brain bowl” competition fulfilled the Education segment of the SECME studies. Sixty schools participated in the March 22 competition. H.L. Johnson hopes to host the SECME Olympiad for the 2008-09 school year.

Students balance eggs on a spoon for the race. Hula hooping was a popular field day activity.

Panther Run students muster all their energy for the sack race.

Emily Birney builds a mousetrap car.

Gabby Foursa works on her mousetrap car.

Pat Spagnardi and Jonathan Germain display their mousetrap cars.

Kendall Curtis concentrates.

Carli Sprague, Kendall Rogers, Madisyn Mikus, Connor Mikus and Kendall Curtis won honorable mention for this banner.

The Brain Bowl team of Haley Boodheshwar, Alec Deker, Coach Stacey Marino, Bhumika Sood and Jared Sprague.

Luke Brandofino, Carli Lorelli and Landen Fresch construct model bridges.

Joshua Klumb and Savannah Marino with their bottle rockets after launch.

Seminole Ridge Biotech Student Advances To Regional Challenge

Completing his third year in Seminole Ridge High School’s biotechnology academy, Lucas Ortiz has been selected as the Florida representative for the Southeast Region of the SanofiAventis BioGENEius Challenge, an annual competition that recognizes outstanding high school student research in biotechnology. Two regional finalists from the southeast will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the Sanofi-Aventis International BioGENEius Challenge during the Biotechnology Institute’s Annual Conference on Biotechnology Edu-

cation in San Diego June 16-18. Ortiz won top honors at the Palm Beach County Science and Engineering Fair earlier this year for his project “Methodology to Sequence the Histone Code.” Under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Busby of the Scripps Research Institute, Ortiz participated in a summer internship last year, where he completed his project in proteomics.

• Deadline for Checks — The end-of-year deadline for accepting personal checks is Friday, April 18. After that date, the school cannot accept personal checks from any student for any

activity, obligation or order. All personal payments must be made in cash, bank check or money order.

• World Languages to Host Multicultural Event — The SRHS World Languages department will host its first multicultural dinner and show on Friday, April 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy a wonderful evening in the company of enthusiastic and talented students! Dinner provided by Pollo Tropical will be served from 5 to 6 p.m. The show to follow will include student-performed belly dancing, Irish step danc-

ing, steel drum music, Caribbean dance, singing and poetry readings.

Support the World Languages Department while learning more about the diverse ethnic groups that make our community a wonderful place to live. Tickets cost $8 in advance and can be purchased from any world languages student. On the night of the event, tickets will be $10 at the door.

For information about volunteering or to purchase tickets, email event coordinator Mrs. Enny Cannestro at cannestro@ palmbeach.k12.fl.us.

PBCHS FCCLA Members Attend Conference

do. Eight Palm Beach Central

Vendors Sought

For LG Carnival

The Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School PTO will host its annual carnival and silent auction on Friday, April 25 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The carnival is a family activity that brings everyone from the school and community together for a day of fun. The PTO is looking for community businesses to help sponsor the event. New events planned for this year include

obstacle courses, a laser-tag maze, bumper cars, a bounce house, rock-climbing wall, a rascal rocket and a gyro space ball. The cost to sponsor one of these events ranges from $150 to $600. In return for a sponsorship, the PTO will acknowledge each company the day of the carnival. Businesses will also be allowed to provide flyers and business cards for participants. The PTO can arrange to pick up donated items or they can be mailed directly to Loxa-

High School members attended the meeting and participated in the many activities and programs offered.

Reed Jeschonek received a gold medal for his Job Interview project, Heather LaScala received a silver medal for her FCCLA Writes short story, Brittney DosSantos received a silver medal for her Career Investigation project. Amanda DosSantos, Holly Frank and Zoe Rodriguez each received a bronze medal in the culinary competition.

Heather LaScala and Kaitlin Crow served as voting delegates. Sara Sohn represented Palm Beach Central and District VII in the talent contest. Sohn was also elected to represent District VII as a new state officer. Her first official duty will be to attend and help host the 2008 National FCCLA Leadership Conference in July in Orlando. FCCLA advisor JeffAnne Pike was honored with a certificate

hatchee Groves Elementary School, 16020 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee, FL 33470. For more info., or to request a vendor application, call PTO President Stacy Dietrich at (561) 333-4364, fax (561) 4232250 or e-mail loxpto@aol. com.

Crestival Set

For April 25

Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach will host its spring “Crestival” on Friday,

for 15 years of service to the organization.

In other news, the Visual Arts Department would like to congratulate four students who earned scholarship awards for their creative masterpieces during the annual Women in the Visual Arts Spring Celebration of High School Art Award Ceremony held Sunday, March 30. Sophomore Andrew Phillips received one of the largest awards during the ceremony — $500 for his painting Kool Cat Sophomore Sarah Noeske received $175 for her double-image photograph Living in a Rocky World, freshman Ashley O’Brien received $125 for her double-image photograph Between Real and Make-Believe, and sophomore Meghan Lackey received a $57 set of acrylic paints for her painting Sweet Rhythm

These pieces and others may be viewed in the administration corridor.

April 25 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

This annual carnival consists of a variety of games and activities for all ages including a dunk tank, bounce house, hole in one, coin toss, food court, football and basketball tosses and face painting.

Food, music and crafts will also be part of this fun event. All students, parents and siblings accompanied by parents are invited to attend.

Tickets are now on sale. For more information, call the Crestwood office at (561) 753-5000.

• Peers Honor Lifting, Wrestling Coaches — Palm Beach County coaches have voted Seminole Ridge girls weightlifting coach Ben Kenerson “Coach of the Year” in his sport. Kenerson received the honor for his efforts and success in building an outstanding girls lifting program. Wrestling coach Frank Lasagna was chosen by county coaches as “All-Conference Coach of the Year.” Lasagna and the wrestling team — all underclassmen who will return next year — took 13 out of 14 weight classes to regional competition.

This year’s Science and Mathematics Fair at Frontier Elementary School in The Acreage was a huge success. More than 600 science and math projects were displayed at the Science and Mathematics Open House. The school would like to thank all parents, family, friends and students who came out to see the amazing experiments. A special thanks is given to this year’s judges, the Seminole Ridge High School National Honors Society. Principal Dwan Ross, Assistant Principal Laurie Wilt, and science and mathematics fair coordinator Molly Harding are proud of the hard work and effort displayed during this year’s science fair. Pictured above and below are the students who will represent Frontier in the Palm Beach County Science and Mathematics Fair April 22-24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds with advisors.

Lucas Ortiz

The Florida Association of Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

FCCLA Members — (Front row, L-R) Amanda DosSantos, Holly Frank and Zoe Rodriguez; (back row) Kaitlin Crow, Heather LaScala, Reed Jeschonek and Brittney DosSantos.

held their State Leadership Conference March 26-29 in Orlan-

Wellington High School DECA members.

WHS DECA Members Are Bound For Atlanta

DECA is a marketing club at Wellington High School that is famous for running and operating the school store that meets the needs of the students around campus. Although that is one thing DECA does in order to get real life business experience, competition is the real fire that burns within these students.

Wellington’s DECA chapter is sending 17 students to the national competition in Atlanta from April 25-30. This is the most intense competition the students have ever faced. Students are up against everyone eligible in the United States, as well as students from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Germany and Canada, which adds up to about 14,000 students. They are preparing by vigorously reading textbooks and absorbing test material.

H.L. Johnson

Going Green

For Earth Day

Exciting activities are going on at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach. Students are gearing up to go green for this year’s Earth Day/ Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for April 22.

The event, sponsored by the Village of Royal Palm Beach, encourages students in five area schools to make good personal ecological choices in their community. Recognizing the importance of ecology, economics and earth ethics will encourage families to become responsible trustees of the present and future. This school-wide effort at H.L.

“This is the most talented group of students we have brought to nationals, and I am expecting great results,” advisor

Susan May said.

Sarah Baccus has been chosen to attend a leadership conference in Atlanta where she will take part in leadership development seminars and learn the skills that can strengthen and build the local chapter.

The top students competing for national recognition, cash and scholarships are: Joe Lebowitz, Alex Avalos, Greg Barbosa, Kelsey Foster, Jackie Whitten, Sheanell Gonzalez, Kelsey Stroze, Jonathan Martelli, Mike Boland, Peter Spezia, Tyler Stewart, Amanda Duemonte, Stephanie Joseph, Tiffany Champagne, Megan McDonald, Kelly Eissa and Steven Ashford.

Johnson will take diverse paths, teaching young people to preserve and maintain a caring community.

Some of the ongoing preparations include the following:

• Kindergarten and first grade students are reading and sharing the book The Giving Tree

• The second grade is holding a park and school cleanup.

• The third grade is holding a “Recycle Fashion Show.”

• The fourth grade has prepared poems and an earth charter to be read at a tree-planting ceremony April 22.

• The fifth grade has created posters to be submitted for the national poster contest “Saving Trees.”

• Schoolwide events include an Earth Day poster contest “It

The King’s Academy Key Club Goes Green

The students in the King’s Academy Key Club at have initiated and implemented a program to recycle paper, cardboard and plastic bottles. Students from the Key Club are working after school each day to collect recycled materials and dispose of them properly.

Recycling bins from the Solid Waste Authority have been placed in each classroom and office area for paper disposal, bins for plastic bottles have been placed in the cafeteria, and a special dumpster has been designated for cardboard and paper.

In the first two weeks, Key Club students collected two

four-yard dumpsters full of paper and cardboard, and two 95gallon bins full of plastic bottles (each bin holds about 1,000 bottles).

“I know one person can’t change the world, but if everyone just does a little something, we can make a big change,” said 11th-grade Key Club student Gracie Aho. “I love having the chance to be involved in this big change.”

King’s Academy is a nondenominational Christian school located at Sansbury’s Way and Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. For more information, call Tina Tutwiler at (561) 6864244, ext. 354.

Takes a Village to Save the Earth.” This is an art project with prizes donated by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. There will also be an essay contest “What’s So Great About a Tree?” Entries will be read over the morning announcements newscasts.

• The 2007-08 Recycling Program is already in action. A forester will be a guest speaker at the school on the importance of trees.

• The newsletter Jaguar Tales is informing and encouraging parents to think green in its articles “Pack an Earth Friendly Lunch” and “20 Simple Earth Friendly Projects.” A video production by the media center reflects all the Earth Day activities.

For more information, call teachers Kathy Chiacchio, Doreen O’Rourke or Donna Ball at (561) 795-4955.

LGES To Be

Tented April 7

Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School will be treated for dry wood termites over the upcoming spring vacation. Dry wood termites are commonly found in South Florida.

The school will be tented on Monday, April 7. Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School will be ready for use when students return from spring vacation on April 14.

For more information, call Principal Richard Myerson at (561) 795-4961.

Instructional Materials Adoption Committee

Meetings Set

The Instructional Materials Adoption Committee meetings for literature, AP literature, AP language, grammar, driver’s education, music K-12, ESOL 612 and K-5 grammar/composition have been set. All meetings are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Grade six through 12 literature, AP literature, AP language and grammar meetings will be held June 1618. Driver’s education will meet June 11, music for K through 12 will meet Aug. 6 and 7, ESOL for grades six through 12 will meet Aug. 6 and 7, and K-5 grammar/composition will meet June 23-25.

The committee will meet in the Instructional Materials Department, School District Support Center in the McKesson Building, 1400 North Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach. The committee is made up of teachers, community members and district curriculum staff. The School District of Palm Beach County convenes the committee to evaluate new instructional materials. All committee meetings are open to the public. For more information, contact Instructional Materials Specialist William J. Purtell at (561) 684-5145 or e-mail purtellb@ palmbeach.k12.fl.us.

(Above and below) Key Club members empty classroom recycling boxes.

King’s Academy Key Club students assemble recycling boxes for distribution.

SCHOOL NEWS

PEP RALLY AT EMERALD COVE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington recently held a pep rally for its basketball team featuring different clubs and organizations within the school.

School pirate mascot Javaris Reddick dances with Principal Dr. Nancy Lucas during a jazz band number.

Step team members (L-R): Marnique Hollis, Chanel Cooper, Philice Jeremian, Bianca Davilla, Donisha Brown, Jasmine Berrett and Gaelle Lacroix.

The Emerald Cove dance team wows classmates during their pep rally debut.

PHOTOS COURTESY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER

Wellington High School students dressed in their best for the prom on Friday, March 28 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. (Above, L-R) Brittany Knevelbaard and Alison Bowen. (Below, L-R) Bowen with Viviana Victoria and Laura Bostwick.

Amy Longhofer, age seven, grew her hair extra long to donate to Locks of Love recently. Longhofer had her hair cut at Capricious Salon in Wellington.

Brianna Passman and fellow cheerleaders energize the crowd.

Coach Brian Tilley takes Rodrigo Leal for a spin through the cheerleading line.

‘Mitzvah Day’ At Temple Beth Zion

On Sunday, March 30, members of Temple Beth Zion and the TBZ preschool participated in their first Mitzvah Day. Participants ranged from age three to age 90.

“Some people think that the word mitzvah means charity, but the Hebrew word mitzvah really means commandment or obligation,” said Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, the temple’s spiritual leader. “If someone is doing a mitzvah, they are doing what they should be doing. When I look around at all that is being done here today, I am very proud of our congregation.”

The preschool parents organized a silent auction. The entire sanctuary was filled with gift baskets loaded with donated items. The baskets were auc-

tioned off to raise money for a new playground. Thirty-six of the preschool students, ages two to five, participated in a walkathon. They were cheered on by their parents and grandparents, most of whom were the sponsors, raising more than $6,000 through the activities.

As their contribution to Mitzvah Day, TBZ’s Sisterhood organized a special afternoon visit with the patients of the Morse Geriatric Center in West Palm Beach. Yiddish bingo was played and new friendships were formed.

“This day was the culmination of a lot of people doing a lot of hard work to help better their community,” Kieffer said. “Oddly enough, it was we who gained the most.”

Jennifer and Avery Cohen

Broxton, Cohen Wed

Jennifer (nee Broxton) and Avery Cohen recently announced their marriage. The March 29 beach wedding ceremony was held at sunset on Singer Island.

The bride is the daughter of Bob and Fran Broxton of Wellington. She is a 1998 graduate of Wellington High School and received a degree in interior design from Palm Beach Community College in 2000.

The groom is the son of Eric and Jill Cohen of Wellington. He is a 1998 graduate of Welling-

Hassell, Martin

To Wed In May

Claudie and Ray Hassell of Loxahatchee announced plans for their daughter Justine Hassell to marry Jared Martin in May. The bride and groom both reside in Jacksonville Beach.

Justine earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in guidance counseling from Florida State University. She is a middle school guidance counselor in Jacksonville. Jared is the son of Karen and Greg Martin of Saba, Netherlands Antilles. He has a

ton High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2005. The couple will reside in Port Orange, where Avery is finishing his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Jennifer is currently working at the Port Orange YMCA as an aerobic instructor and coordinator. She has received certifications in group exercise and Pilates. She is currently studying personal training. Jennifer and Avery plan to start their own health and fitness studio.

bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology and is employed with Citizen’s Property Insurance Corporation.

Karmelin On Dean’s List

Amanda Karmelin of Wellington has been named to the University of Hartford dean’s list for fall 2007. The University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn, is an independent, comprehensive institution of higher education, offering educational and career programs in seven schools and colleges.

WHO’S NEW!

Emanuel Milian — son of Yamila De La Cruz and Deivy Milian of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 7. Jake Vincent Azzaro — son of Lisa and Vince Azzaro of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 7. Selin Pisan — daughter of Yeliz and Onur Pisan of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 10. Isabella Alaina Hussey daughter of Julie and Wayne Hussey of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on March 12. Frances Anne Francis daughter of Marie Jane and Thomas Francis of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 12. Orion Lucas Carroll-Ruiz — son of Amanda Sue Carroll and Jose Miguel Ruiz of Royal

Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 13. Mira Grace Netto — daughter of Melissa Soares Netto of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 15. Alec Delio Garcia — son of Christi and Erick Garcia of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on March 18. Layla Mae Lovern daughter of Margaret Cook and Michael Lovern of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 19. Preston John Radia Herrera — son of Sarah Jean and Cordial Roderick Herrera of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 19. Ethan Brian Powell — son of Mariza Duenas and Donald Powell of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on March 20.

Ruth Baraoidan, Rabbi Bert Kieffer and Linda Foutty admire some of the baskets at the silent auction.

With More For Families, New Promoters Broaden WEF’s Approach

Though the Winter Equestrian Festival has been a staple of the Wellington community for years, the show’s new promoters have spent their first season in charge focusing on making the event more accessible to a larger crowd.

Along with a top-to-bottom makeover of the renamed Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is a new approach: that Wellington is home to the world’s longest-running horse show, and not just another winter stop on the global circuit. This includes everything from the world’s best equestrian competitions to a feast of international food and drink to pony rides, petting zoos, face painting and balloons for children. Along the way, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment and world-class shopping choices as well.

When the Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) group bought the show grounds and surrounding properties such as the old Palm Beach Polo stadium, they were investing in themselves as well as the rest of the Village of Wellington, as they all own homes and farms in the community. WEP set up Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) to stage activities not just for the 12 weeks of the annual WEF, but a year-round series of events aimed at both equestrians and the broader community.

WEF already attracted thou-

sands of horses, owners, riders, grooms, farriers, veterinarians and a host of others from around the globe who provide services for the equestrian community, bringing a huge injection of money into the community.

Instead of serving up a schedule of competitions that was the same week in and week out, ESP Chief Executive Officer Mark Bellissimo and his team looked at one of the most popular events on the calendar as an example of how to generate community involvement — the Nations Cup, which brings thousands of fans to the show grounds to cheer on their favorite teams in a mid-March Friday night party. The extra promotion worked. The Nations Cup drew its largest-ever audience of spectators. That event was followed by a winner-take-all $50,000 night in which a team from the United States battled a “World” squad made up of riders from 30 countries competing, from as far away as New Zealand, Iran, Russia and Hungary, as well as the traditional equestrian powerhouses of Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and France. Also included were riders from Canada, the largest contingent after the U.S., as well as Mexico and several Latin American nations. Near the end of the WEF circuit, last Saturday night’s cele-

Family Friendly — Bounce houses (above) and petting zoos (right) are among the ways the new promoters of the Winter Equestrian Festival have aimed to make the horse show experience more family friendly.

bration was held with the last Grand Prix — the highest level of jumping similar to an event on the PGA tour or the tennis circuit, except that males and females in high-performance equestrian sports compete against each other on equal terms — and attracted one of the largest crowds ever.

“Instead of sitting here hoping people would find us and stop by,” Bellissimo said, “we went into the community and told them what we had to offer for a Saturday evening out.”

The response was enormous, Bellissimo said. For two hours, ponies gave rides to more than 160 children. Lines formed for a turn in a “bounce house.” A petting zoo was so popular that

children and their parents did not want it to end.

Of the thousands of spectators who came for the party — a barbecue held at the same time to thank exhibitors for their participation in WEF packed a giant tent that holds more than 1,000 people — many admitted they had never before visited the show grounds. They came, many said, curious as to what the horse show was all about.

Many left impressed by what the show grounds offered all members of the family.

“Providing families with entertainment and fun ways to share what we offer is only one aspect of what we want to achieve,” Bellissimo said. “We want the local businesses to help

us create a center of entertainment that they and every one else in Wellington and the surrounding communities can be a part of.”

New events in the planning stages include what is being dubbed the “Celebration of the Horse” for later this year, in which horse sports such as eventing, vaulting and reining will be held alongside show jumping, hunters and dressage with a holiday season spectacular created by equestrian impresario Simon Brooks-Ward, whose Christmas show at London’s Olympia is world famous. A steeplechase championship in which horses are ridden at a gallop over hedges, fences and other natural obstacles across

country while spectators tailgate along the course is in the works, as are other community focused activities, some planned for as soon as within the next month.

“As soon as we completed our first upgrade of the show grounds to make it ready for the start of this year’s WEF, we turned to the community in which we live to invite them to share in what has been created,” Bellissimo said. “Many residents of Wellington and surrounding areas told us they had never been to the horse show. Many people did not know where the horse show was. We set out to change that by aggressively reaching out to residents, whether they’re horse lovers or not.”

With the intention of offering much more than a horse show, Equestrian Sport Productions wants to enlist community businesses to benefit from the millions of dollars of commerce that is spawned by the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. A meeting of the horse show organizers and local businesses is planned for later in April. Those interested should e-mail info@equestriansport.com to receive information as soon as it is available.

The 2008 Winter Equestrian Festival wraps up with events this weekend. For more info., visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-JUMP.

A tall clown entertains a group of spectators last Saturday.

Equestrian Sport Productions’ new approach has led to large crowds and packed stands.

Tennis Match At IPC Raises More Than $50,000 For Charity

Two of the world’s top tennis players raised more than $50,000 to benefit the David Nalbandian Foundation on March 25 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian — ranked number two and number seven in men’s tennis respectively — faced off against each other in a private singles match to raise money for Nalbandian’s non-profit organization, which promotes the physical and mental development of people with disabilities. Nalbandian defeated Nadal 6-4 in the one-set exhibition.

“It was a lot of fun for us,” said Nalbandian, who also defeated his friend Nadal in the Paris ATP Masters final last year.

“We play a lot together on the court, and we also spend a lot of time together outside the court, too. We’re good friends. We really enjoyed playing here, and next time I will be doing something to help his foundation.”

The event was sponsored by IPC polo team owners, including Melissa Ganzi, Gonzalo Avendano, Camilo Bautista, George Rawlings, Greg Goodman and John Goodman.

Following the singles match, each of the sponsors selected one member from their respective teams to play in a round robin style doubles match. Five of the world’s best polo players took swings alongside Nadal and Nalbandian, including Ignacio Astrada, Adolfo Cambiaso, brothers Gonzalito and Facun-

do Pieres, Pablo MacDonough and Nicolas Roldan.

Nadal of Spain is twice a singles runner-up at Wimbledon and undefeated at the French Open, having won all 21 matches at that tournament. He is best known for denying Roger Federer a career grand slam, defeating Federer at the French Open in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Nalbandian of Argentina has won eight ATP titles. He defeated Federer in Madrid at the ATP Masters Final in 2007.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is hosting professional polo tournaments until this year’s season finale April 20. For more information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

Tennis Benefit At IPC — (L-R) Camilo Bautista, Marc Ganzi, Rafael Nadal, David Nalbandian, Gonzalo Avendano and John Goodman at the March 25 tennis benefit. PHOTO COURTESY LILA PHOTO

PBCC K-Park

Concerns

continued from page 1 cil to consider giving it away,” he said. “If that’s something this current council wants to do, we should let voters decide it via a referendum? Do you want to keep it or do you want to sell it? We’ve had multiple offers to sell this property, and we could probably sell it tomorrow.”

Margolis said his phone has been ringing off the hook with unhappy parents of youth athletes since word of the proposal got out.

Newly elected Councilman Matt Willhite said he would be happy to hear the proposal, but he doesn’t envision letting the land go. “It’s my understanding that property in that area goes for a million dollars an acre,” he said. “We sold 5.2 acres to Sunrise [Senior Living] for $5 million, and we’re going to give $62 million in property to the community college? I’m not against education. I’m just against giving something that the village residents paid for away for free.” Willhite reiterated his campaign position that he would be against any other use for K-Park. “I’m against anything but the original proposition as a park,” he said.

Foster said once they see the benefits and the facts, those opposed to the proposal might reconsider. “The number of children participating in recreation has been fairly stable, if not decreasing,” she said. “The cost of housing is precluding many young families from moving to

Mural At Village Park

continued from page 1 could be finished by the end of the year.

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said he was very excited about the possibility of a mural at that location, but asked if murals could be limited to that one particular site because of questions about regulating murals located elsewhere in the village.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto concurred and suggested that the council review any other mural proposals. “I would support us having any request for a mural or any site that would be considered appropriate for a mural coming before the council or any subsequent council,” she said.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that allowing the mural would require an amendment to the village code, which currently forbids murals.

“If the council wants to move forward with this project, there are a couple of things I would anticipate you do,” he said. “If you say go ahead, you could direct staff to enter into an agreement that would cover some of the issues as far as how long it would be up there, maintenance of the artwork and all those other things. The other thing is right now under village code, murals are not allowed. If you approve this concept, we would also be moving to amend the sign code to allow this at least in this location. As a part of the ordinance process, you would determine whether or not the murals were appropriate in other locations or any other type of buildings.” Kurtz said he didn’t think it would be appropriate for the council to limit murals in the village to the one under discussion. “I will warn you that when it comes to free speech and when it comes to art, your ability to control content other than on the property that the village owns, or the Acme Improvement District owns, is problematic,” he said. “But we will cover that if you desire to go forward with this, and we move forward with that ordinance.”

Benacquisto asked when the ordinance would be coming back for consideration. Kurtz

Code Staff Needs

Time To Catch Up

continued from page 9 out of the woodwork. “We do need to get rid of anonymous calls for some time,” she agreed.

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda said he didn’t want the town to refuse acceptance of anonymous complaints permanently, suggesting a six-month moratorium.

Mayor Dave Browning acknowledged the legal right of an individual person to face his or her accuser. He also agreed that

the area. Our public school system at the elementary level has a reduction in students. In analyzing the people who are using our fields, we presently have today ample fields for everyone, and even factoring in many of the teams playing at the present time are travel teams who are not Wellington residents.”

Foster said a college campus would serve many age groups in the village. “I think that in looking at the balance in the community,” she said, “there’s whole segments of the population such as our older residents and working parents and individuals who would like the opportunity to have a college conveniently located so that at the end of a busy work day or during their leisure hours they could take enrichment programs that would benefit them financially and intellectually.”

Foster said another major factor when considering the pros and cons is that state-mandated property tax cuts last year forced the village to cut expenses nine percent, and recently approved Amendment 1 will force another ten percent in cuts, which makes it less likely the village will be able to fund the development of K-Park in the near future.

“I think it is an extraordinary opportunity to have the ability to partner with an institution of higher learning that would benefit so many aspects of our community,” Foster said. “They offer middle school programs and summer camps. They offer continuing education classes for professionals. Then there’s the social and cultural opportunities that would come from a college

said it was likely that the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board would review the ordinance in May, and the council would probably review it in May or June.

Benacquisto asked whether Bradford should wait until final council approval before doing any fundraising work. Kurtz said Bradford could begin raising funds if the council approved the proposal that evening, with the understanding that there might be some changes to the project depending on how the ordinance is worded.

“The first step would be to get the agreement in place,” Kurtz said. “She understands and the village would understand how long it would be up there and what the maintenance responsibilities would be for each party. As we resolve all those issues, the ordinance would be making its way through the process. She will also be making her decisions and come up with some representation to her donors as to how it would be handled if it fell through. If you gave approval tonight, she could go out there and start raising her money, and she would understand there were caveats involved.”

Benacquisto made a motion

LGLA Bees And Plants

continued from page 11 potential because of its large-lot, agricultural-residential zoning. For more information about the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association, e-mail bee keepers@beekeeperspbc.com or visit www.beekeeperspbc. com.

Also speaking at last week’s LGLA meeting was Tony Patel of Hydro Delight Farms in Loxahatchee Groves, a new take on the “U-pick” farm. Patel said Hydro Delight Farms grows fresh, all natural, bioorganic strawberries, blueberries, lettuce, tomatoes and other produce in special hydroponic containers without using dirt.

“We don’t use dirt,” Patel said. “Our motto is to ‘get out of the dirt.’ In growing hydroponics, you don’t have dirt, or E coli, or salmonella, or any of the other diseases that come

the town has to catch up on complaints. “If a neighbor is fearful, they should go to another who is not,” he said. Browning said code enforcement is working well, especially in dealing with the huge piles of manure. When the manure was cleaned up, a bad rat problem also went away, he said. “Right now, there is a big popularity of turning people in,” Browning said.

During public comment, resident Elise Ryan pointed out that anonymity serves a purpose in a town where 83 residents had been booked in the previous month on various charges, some serious, including aggravated

campus in our area — it’s just a benefit to us.”

Foster said PBCC is poised to start building the campus immediately.

“They are already approved by the State of Florida for a fifth campus,” she said. “Why not us? My understanding is that Palm Beach Community College has $25 million available to begin construction immediately. In my conversations with the college, they feel it is absolutely possible to have classes available by spring of 2010. To me, it’s a win-win situation for everyone, and I hope the council has the opportunity to really look at the proposal and listen to the community so that we can bring this benefit to everybody.”

Business, Technology and Education Board of the Western Communities includes representatives from all over the western communities, as well as PBCC provost Dr. Maria Vallejo. The chair is Noel Guillama, president and CEO of the Quantum Foundation. Members include Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto as well as representatives from local hospitals, banking and private businesses.

“I think that there has been a recognized desire within almost every organization around, whether it be the Palms West Chamber of Commerce or the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, everyone in business and active in the community sees the need and the win-win of having an institution like a college within the community boundaries,” Foster said. “To me there’s no better or higher use of land than for education.”

directing village staff to work out an agreement with Bradford and bring back an ordinance allowing the project to take place, which was seconded by Councilman Matt Willhite. It passed unanimously 5-0. In other business:

• Mayor Darell Bowen raised the possibility of reexamining the refund of a $115 hurricane recovery surcharge to Wellington property owners sooner rather than later. While council members have already said that the village has not been refunded enough money for its hurricane cleanup expenditures to justify refunding the unpopular 2005 surcharge, Bowen raised the issue during a discussion of topics for an upcoming workshop.

“It doesn’t seem to go away,” Bowen said. “There is no question that the numbers bear out that we have not been refunded all the money that we spent on hurricane cleanup. On April 22, during our next scheduled meeting, we will be doing our midyear budget review. We will look at our reserves. If we have them, I for one, will recommend we refund the money. If we don’t have the money, I don’t have the power to print it.”

through the compost or through the dirt. We’re environmentally friendly. We don’t put any chemicals in the ground either. We don’t spray any chemicals on our strawberries.”

Patel said the hydroponic system requires less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.

“We use a lot less water,” he said. “With this system in place, you can do anything in it a lot faster, and a lot longer. We use one quart of liquid in the morning, and one quart in the afternoon. That’s all we use in a 24hour span. Nothing goes to waste. That’s our way of doing it.”

The nutrients for the plants are mixed in with the water they’re fed, and the whole system requires less space and less labor than traditional farming.

“The main thing is we use a lot less of everything,” Patel said, “and that includes fertilizers and nutrients. We don’t use hard fertilizer, and as for nutrients, we use very little. I usually mix up 325 gallons and that lasts 14 days. That’s about 200,000

battery and battery on an officer. She said she plotted the addresses of the suspects, and they were not clustered in any one area.

“They’re all over the place. It’s evenly distributed,” she said. “Keep anonymity. It’s appropriate to focus on people violating, not those reporting. I have seen some pretty egregious violations, and they were all accepted as anonymous complaints. If it will be $1,000 more to process, hey, raise my taxes.”

Ryan’s husband, Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan, offered a different point of view. “Normally I don’t disagree with my

Upcoming Events At Temple Beth Torah

Temple Beth Torah in Wellington has several special events planned for April and May:

• The temple will hold its 23rd Annual Community Passover Seder and Dinner on Saturday, April 20 at 5 p.m. Reservations are required by April 10. Call (561) 793-2700 for more information.

• Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy, coordinator for the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota, will speak to the congregation on Friday, April 25 (Yom Hashoah) at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy will present the lecture “Never Again, All Over Again: Genocide, Darfur and Jewish Responsibility.” Be sure to bring your teens.

• The temple will celebrate

Learning A Unique RPB School

continued from page 5 for a short time if we discover that the child has just not been understanding a key concept. A few minutes of one-on-one direct instruction goes a very long way.”

Administrator Terri McIntyre said all students are tested regularly to determine strengths and weaknesses. “We want to know if a student has a specific weakness in a particular area,” she said. “If we know about it right away, we can make sure we make certain that the student does learn the materials.”

Thornby said she created the school after working as an edu-

• Benacquisto said a member of her own family would cover a $500 fee required of organizers of the Wellington/Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

Relay Chairman Peter Wein thanked council members for the use of the village’s community stage at the event, to take place at Palm Beach Central High School on April 25, but requested they reconsider the $500 fee organizers are required to pay.

“This is a community event,” Wein said. “It raises awareness about all different kinds of cancer, and it lets people know about the services they offer to the community. It is not only for research and for funding Nobel laureates, but it gives people help getting to and from the hospital and getting treatments, and also getting advocacy in Tallahassee. Every dollar we raise goes back into the community. If there is any way the village council could waive the $500 fee, we would be extremely appreciative of it.”

Benacquisto said she and her family had just marked three years since the death of her mother from lung cancer, and

plants. If you did it the old-fashioned way, that would require 50 or 60 acres more of land. If you do it in the ground, you use thousands of gallons of water a day. You also would have a lot more people working for you. We have six people working parttime 25 hours a week to maintain the whole farm.”

Patel said Hydro Delight offers varieties of produce that supermarkets don’t often carry, such as white tomatoes and black tomatoes, which taste similar to common red ones. He said the best time to visit the farm is early in the day and early in the week to get the best selection.

“The best time to come is before lunchtime,” Patel said, “and the best day to come is Tuesday or Wednesday, as we normally close on Sunday and Monday. So you have a better choice of strawberries if you come on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

Hydro Delight Farms is located at 15550 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call (561) 792-4800 or visit www.hydrodelight.com.

wife, but I think there is a reason to have a short period of moratorium,” he said.

While John Ryan suggested a middle ground in which people call a council member who would act as a filter, Tolces said that could violate the town charter, which requires that direction to staff come from the town manager. “What I ask you to do is advise the citizen they need to contact town hall,” he said.

Resident Doreen Baxter suggested letting the complaints stack up, and eventually the violation-reporting frenzy would die down, but Lippman said the complainers expect to see results quickly and will usually call

“Yom Ha-Atzmaut” (Israel’s 60th birthday) on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, one of the most distinguished rabbis of the Reform movement. He is guaranteed to stir Jewish passions. Salkin will speak on “A Dream of Zion: Americans Reflect on Why Israel Matters.”

• Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool will hold summer camp June 16 to Aug. 8 for ages two to five, and a “Play and Learn” for ages 15 months to two and a half years. VPK offered. Call (561) 7932649 for registration information.

cational advocate and consultant, where she found that far too many students were not getting the kind of education they need.

“Bright kids got bored and got into trouble,” Thornby said. “Some students are just not able to function in large school settings where they seem more like a number than a person. And, of course, many students have very particular kinds of learning problems. Some of our students have specialized disabilities that prevent learning even though they are intelligent, and we work with the Palm Beach County School District to provide extra help. Often some ‘face time’ with an occupational therapist or a learning specialist regularly will provide enough support to enable a student to succeed.”

Thornby said the school is

said her father would be glad to support the event.

“I am sure that my dad would like to pay the $500 fee to cover

RPB Council

No Water Fee Hike

continued from page 1 as the county’s plans to connect the State Road 7 extension to Madrid Street in Royal Palm Beach’s La Mancha neighborhood.

“Madrid was never designed to be a thoroughfare road,” Lodwick said. “This council has had a very consistent position that it is not in the best interest of our residents to connect that roadway.”

In other business:

• Councilman David Swift reassured residents that their water bills will not increase if Palm Beach County approves a proposed 15-percent surcharge on water rates. County commissioners voiced approval Tuesday for the surcharge requested by the county’s Water Utilities Department Director Bevin Beaudet, who told them the utility is losing money because of

• The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Torah runs a well-stocked Judaica boutique. There are hostess gifts, children’s gifts, gifts for Jewish life-cycle events, ritual items, holiday items and books. Hours are flexible. Call (561) 793-2700 and ask for the boutique voice mail if a volunteer is not available. Messages have a 24-hour return time.

Temple Beth Torah’s Friday evening services begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday morning services begin at 9:45 a.m., preceded by Torah study at 9 a.m. Birthday blessings occur the first week of each month. The temple is located at 900 Big Blue Trace. For more info., visit www.templebethtorah.net.

• The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Torah invites everyone to Miriam’s Festival on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. The cost is $5. Call (561) 793-2700 for more information.

designed for “average children with educational needs that are often not met in regular school settings.” The curriculum is the same as that of the public school system and all students work toward regular diplomas. Students with special needs are eligible for McKay and PRIDE scholarships, and school administrators can assist with applications.

The Learning Foundation of Florida is located at 507 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. on the northeast corner of Southern Blvd. For more information on the elementary and middle school for either the summer program or school year enrollment, call Thornby (561) 798-8984. For information on the high school, call Weingarten at (561) 7956886.

your costs,” Benacquisto said. “We have in the past also sponsored the dinner in her memory.”

mandatory water restrictions. The proposed surcharge would add $4.95 to the monthly bill of a residential customer with combined water and wastewater service using 6,000 gallons of water per month (an increase from $35.50 to $40.45). But Swift said Royal Palm Beach residents will not see the increase as part of the deal it struck to sell its utility to the county in 2006.

“There’s a ten-year freeze on water rates that will continue,” Swift told the Town-Crier following the Wednesday council meeting. “That’s what drove the whole deal.”

• Liggins told the council that work on the La Mancha Road renovation project is progressing on schedule and that it is expected to be complete on time in October. The project includes the installation of a new drainage system, new landscaping, new curbing on each side of the street and the construction of bicycle paths on each side of the street.

back in a week if they do not see results. Lipp said there is nothing in the statute that said if a complaint comes in it has to be processed in a certain amount of time. “We’ll declare a constrained government at lower level of service,” he quipped.

Lippman said that while town staff work for the council, they also serve the residents, adding that the office assistant has been verbally harassed for the slowness of code enforcement. “My staff is the one under fire on this issue,” he said. Louda said he would like to see a time constraint put on the no-anonymity rule. “I would like to see them freed up to work

on

visioning and the comp plan,” he said. Herzog accepted an amendment to her motion for a sixmonth suspension, which passed unanimously. In other business, the council unanimously approved an increase of $25,000 to Calvin, Giordano & Associates on code enforcement services for six months, to compensate for the number of additional hours spent on code enforcement. Louda made the motion, seconded by Autrey. Council members also approved a levy of $50 per case on code violators for administrative costs. Herzog made the motion, which passed 4-0 with Louda absent.

Modern Farming — Tony Patel of Hydro Delight Farms in Loxahatchee Groves at the March 27 LGLA meeting.

YOUR BOSOM BUDDIES HOSTS PINK RIBBON GALA AT THE WANDERERS CLUB

The breast cancer support group Your Bosom Buddies II held its Second Annual Pink Ribbon Gala on Saturday, March 29 at the Wanderers Club at Wellington. The evening featured dinner, a silent auction with a variety of items to bid on (sports memorabilia, liquor, jewelry, etc.), raffles, live music by the Fabulons and lots of dancing. For more information about Your Bosom Buddies II, call (561) 422-6034 or visit the group’s web site at www.yourbosombuddiesii. org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Breast cancer survivors gather for a group photo.

Dr. Kathleen Minnick and Michelle Steiber.

Your Bosom Buddies founder Linda Burrowes with Teresa Franzoso.

Shari and Dr Jeff Zipp with Nancy and Dr. Neil Berliner.

Survivors Shari Zipp and Lorna Johnson on the dance floor.

Your Bosom Buddies officers and board members Lorna Johnson, Teresa Franzoso, Abbe Felton, Michelle Steiber, Marie Phillips and Shari Zipp.

Cathy DeStefano, Tom Wenham, Mary Martinez, Regis Wenham and Bhargavi Vasilou.

Michelle Vissage of Sunny 104.3 FM was master of ceremonies.

Dr. Kishore Dass and Dr. Amos Dare.

Dr. Douglas Freedman, Shari Zipp and Dr. Sharon Haas.

Rose Freed, Barry Schimmel, Lorna Johnson, Cassie Satiano, Shari Zipp, Laz Bezarra and Dr. Jeff Zipp at the raffle booth.

832-4300

Capri Blu owner Grace Tasca would like you to be her guest for some very entertaining dinner shows this season. For only $65 per person, you will enjoy a very memorable evening featuring a four-course dinner and a superb operatic performance.

Recently, we had a delightful evening watching the performance of Mozart’s delightful comedy The Marriage of Figaro, filled with magnificent music and suspense. Will the countess win back her husband’s love? Will the count recognize Cherubino in disguise?

Will Figaro and Susanna’s wedding really happen? Yes, yes, yes!

The opera was performed by Serenade Productions, and producer and performer Margaret Schmitt explained to the audience what was to take place before each act, a nice touch for first-time opera lovers. The performers were in excellent form throughout the evening and gave a stunning performance, with great piano accompaniment by Vindhya Khare.

A lovely prix fixe meal was served between acts, consisting of a salad of tomato and baby greens, followed promptly by a pasta course of penne alla Bolognese. For an entrée, your choice of veal scaloppini sautéed with lemon, white wine and capers in olive oil, or fresh snapper filet sautéed with onions, olives, tomatoes and zesty herbs. Dessert consisted of tiramisu and coffee.

Besides being noted for their opera nights, Café Blu also offers some of the best Italian food in the Palm Beaches. With an array of your Italian favorites including appetizers ($12$18) caesar, portobello or arugula salads, as well as prosciutto and melon or beef capaccio with shaved parmesan. The pasta selections ($22-$26) are straight from all regions of the Italian peninsula: fettuccine alfredo (Rome), penne alla vodka (Venice), ravioli caprese (Capri), pappardelle (Naples) and gnocchi (Sorrento).

Meat and fish entrée selections ($23-$38) include veal scaloppini, langoustine, 14-oz. veal chop, chicken piccata, lamb chops and pork chops. “Il pesce fresco” is a variety of the best and most flavorful whole European fresh fish, flown in daily from the Mediterranean. You will want to taste the delightful flavors of these unique delicacies of the sea. All Capri Blu’s creations are homemade authentic recipes handed down from generation to generation, and all awaiting your pleasure.

On April 14, Capri Blu presents “From Sorrento to Granada” featuring opera and zarzuela (Spanish comic opera) songs from some of the best Italian and Spanish repertoires.

On April 28, “The British Are Coming Again” returns for the second year with great music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gilbert & Sullivan. This you won’t want to miss!

May 5 is Italian Night, with beloved arias and ensembles from favorite Italian operas, plus Neapolitan songs. Verdi, Puccini, and “O sole mio.” For more information, visit www. capribluflorida.com.

A great evening of great Italian food and/or live entertainment is only a phone call away, so call Grace at (561) 8324300 for reservations and further information, and please tell her Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, highly recommended you call!

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier newspaper. Comments and recommendations are welcome. Contact them at thephantomdiners@ aol.com.

Three J’s C-Cigars Emporium II in Wellington held a special event on March 27 featuring Rocky Patel of Rocky Patel Cigars, who was on hand to sign autographs and present his popular brand of cigars. The evening started at 6 p.m. with dinner on the patio of the nearby Campagnolo restaurant. Representatives from Rémy Cointreau USA offered guests 1738 single-malt scotch. Also particpating were Edible Arrangements, Kindred Spirits, WineStyles, Cigar Snob magazine, Zen Massage and Penta Water. Three-J’s is located at 4115 State Road 7 in the Marketplace at Wycliffe. For more info., call (561) 868-5600.

BY LISA

Bob Reynolds, Charles Ansaroff and Tony Vee.

Nish and Rocky Patel with the Three J’s staff.

Three J’s C-Cigars Emporium II owner Jeremy Fedoruk with Cecelia Overton of Macallan, Dan Liguori of Remy Martin and Olivia Paraschuk of Macallan.

John and Pat Buonfiglio with Jerry and Shirley Holtel.

Ron Scholz, Lyman Fussell and Paul Cipriani.

Bob Crane, Keith Girten, Ken Whitaker and Jim Matthews.

Diane Hudson, Elaine Vee, Dee Brown and Betty Gambino.

BARRETT JACKSON COLLECTOR CAR EVENT AT FAIRGROUNDS

The Sixth Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event was held March 27-30 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The 600-plus cars sold at no reserve included top collector vehicles, muscle cars, antiques and one-of-a-kind restored machines. Dealers sold and purchased cars for their collections or museums. Some people just wanted to recapture their youth and buy a muscle car like they used to have. Highlights of the event included eight cars from The Sopranos, which were sold to benefit Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. To see results of the sale, visit www.barrett-jackson.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ST. THERESE SPRING FLING FUNDRAISER AT WYCLIFFE

Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church held its annual Spring Fling fundraiser Saturday, March 29 at the

& Country Club to benefit the church’s building fund. Money raised through the event will go toward purchasing pews for the church. Congregants Loodie Alonso, Carole Plummer and Marcie Stephens organized the event. Church students also helped out at the event with the auction items. St. Therese is located at 11800 Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 784-0689.

A car from HBO’s hit series The Sopranos

Kim Anthony and Derek Hill with a 1975 Chevy Monza Spyder.

Jet-powered racing champion Elaine Larsen of Larsen Motorsports.

CJ Wood and his son Charlie with a 2007 Shelby GT500 given to him by Gary Bennett.

Craig Jackson and ex-drag racer Darrell Gwynn of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. Fran Herbst of Wellington with actor Justin Bruening.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

St.

Wycliffe Golf

Janice and Robert Downs with Diane and Robert Gradomski.

John Giragos, Martin Fleming, and Hugh and Rita Reynolds.

Tom and Elizabeth Brinkman, Jose and Mary Rodriguez, and Jerome Plummer.

Father Lou Guerin, Mae and Tom Loglisci, and Jo-Ann Espanet.

Loodie Alonso and Carole Plummer Bob and Jean McKean

Pastor Brian Lehnert with Paul and Peggy Flynn, and Mary and Herb Brown.

FEATURES

Another Dispatch From The Slightly Haunted Antique Store

Here’s what’s interesting about my north Florida antique store, the one my husband and I converted from an old funeral home: everything.

Take, for instance, my phone call to one of the clerks last week. We talked for 20 minutes about sales and rearranging the merchandise and, just as I was about to hang up, she casually asks, “want to hear a funny story?”

Well, I’m all about funny stories so I say, “yeah.”

“Yesterday at 5:05, I had brought in the outdoor furniture and locked the door and was standing at the counter, tallying up the day’s receipts and writing out the deposit, and I looked up and the ghost was standing there.”

“Edgar?” (Sightings of the deceased funeral director — Edgar — have been sporadic over the years.)

“I don’t know if it was Edgar,” she said. “He was about six feet tall, and I only saw his profile.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

He looked like Abraham Lincoln but without the beard.”

“What was he wearing?” (The last person to see Edgar’s visage said he was in an old-time black pinstriped suit with a white carnation in his lapel.)

“I don’t know what he was wearing — it was just his head.”

“Just his head,” I repeated. Say what you like about my clerks, they’ve got

guts. Anyone who is visited by a floating head while counting change and who then relays this information to her boss as “a funny story” has gumption. Plus, she shows up for work the next day. Amazing.

“Are you sure it wasn’t just someone looking in the window and you caught their reflection in a mirror?” I asked.

“I’m sure,” she said, matter-of-factly. “Because when he left, he knocked a frame off one of the dealer’s shelves. It was June’s, but don’t worry — it didn’t break.”

Breakage is sometimes quite low on my list of worries.

“What was in the frame?” I asked, still trying to get to the bottom of this latest visitation. “A picture? A photograph?”

“It was a cross-stitched thing that said, ‘home is where the heart is.’” She paused. “You don’t think I’m crazy, do you?”

“No, I don’t,” I assured her. “But I do believe we don’t know everything there is to know. I believe that emphatically.”

We exchanged a few more words about a new dealer who was going to move in on Thursday and then we hung up. I remember vaguely hoping that the new dealer didn’t get wind of this. After all, only four or five people claim to have seen Edgar in the last six years. It’s not like we’re overrun with spectres or anything like that. Edgar sort of belongs there, and he seems to watch out for us.

Except for consistently knocking our book of ghost stories off the shelf, he’s been quite helpful. He’s warned the manager of impending danger. He keeps the thugs at bay. And I think it’s his presence that keeps the former embalming room nice and cool — icy, almost. So maybe our friend Edgar just misses the place. That, or maybe he senses June is having trouble at home.

Opera Offers Springer-like Drama, So Why Dwindling Crowds?

Opera lovers are a special breed. We love the old warhorses: musical masterpieces generally aged a century or more. The plots tend to be a bit old-fashioned. You might think of Jerry Springer set to some of the most gorgeous music ever written. Of course in opera, love and honor are absolutely vital, which is a bit different from the folks on the Springer show. Palm Beach Opera concluded a very good season this past weekend at the Kravis Center with a lovely production of Verdi’s La Traviata. Its plot is essentially that of Camille. Courtesan Violetta is dying of consumption (the old name for tuberculosis) and while partying meets a young man, Alfredo, who offers complete love and commitment. They run off together, she hocks her jewels to support him, and then his father begs her to let him go for the family’s honor. She leaves; Alfredo fights a duel over her, and then comes to ask forgiveness as she dies in his arms. Of course, none of this would happen anymore. But in opera, love is very powerful. It usually does not conquer all, but as lovers die, they sing some glorious songs. The Palm Beach Opera production had great singing from the

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

whole cast and, as always, arias like “Libiamo” and “Dite alla giovine” are both beautiful and moving. In the first act, the contrast between Alfredo’s “Un di felice” which is an expression of complete and undying love and “Sempre libera,” her desire for her own need for independence, is a striking example of how opera uses its music to emphasize emotions. There are fewer opera devotees today than there were years ago. My mother adored the opera and dragged me there a lot when I was younger. I learned to appreciate it and came to love some of the really great pieces. There were very, very few young people at the Kravis Center last Saturday night. The audience knew the opera well, were

appreciative of the singing, particularly for the greatest of the arias. But all were aware of the precarious position opera is now in. Years ago, Ed Sullivan presented some great pieces of opera, and we saw sections in movies. Today we are more likely to hear rap, and variety shows are a thing of the past.

Of course, the stories do not change all that much. The movie Pretty Woman was all about a prostitute and the wealthy man she was entertaining. Interestingly, one important sequence features the hero taking the young woman to the opera, which was La Traviata. A perfect fit.

The conditions shown in most operas, the obsessions and the loves, are not very different from those of today. But we have become so sophisticated that we would rather pretend things like love and honor are no longer important. Those who take them too seriously are often perceived as dangerous, and they often are. The man who cannot deal with his wife’s departure is almost a staple of many news reports after he has committed violence. How often have we heard of murder-suicides in these situations? We can grieve for them, but we no

longer have the music memorializing those feelings. We are so very sophisticated. Love seems not very important, honor is a term either snickered at or turned upside down far too often. We live in a new age and one in which the misogyny of art overwhelms all else. Those of us a bit older or somewhat more sensitive have to return to the past to see the feelings celebrated. So audiences for opera get older and smaller.

When a representative from the opera company announced that La Traviata was completely sold out, indeed had to turn people away, the audience applauded loudly. They also gave a sigh of relief when next year’s season was announced, as rumors have been flying that the company might not go on.

Next year, the company will produce Verdi’s Rigoletto, Bellini’s Norma, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Puccini’s La Boheme. The first is about lust and family, the second about honor, the third revolution, and the fourth love amidst poverty. All are worth seeing and above all hearing. Call (561) 833-8294 or visit www. pbopera.org for more information.

Our Troops Are Spread Across The Globe For War’s Leftovers

More than five years ago our president announced on a very large aircraft carrier that hostilities had ended in Iraq. And more than 4,000 brave American troops have died in Iraq, at least 96 percent of them after the president made his announcement.

This war has now been going on longer than World War II, and there is no end in sight. We still have American troops posted in countries as leftovers from all the wars we engaged in over the last 65 years, with Vietnam the sole exception. We still have troops in Europe, we still have about 40,000 troops in South Korea and we still have troops in Japan. Even though we weren’t elected to do the job of the world’s policeman, somehow we have earned that title. England in the old days had an expression, that “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” Well,

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

guess what: the sun never sets on the American GI. We are spread out all over the world. Well maybe not quite all over the world. The last time I checked, there were few, if any, regular army troops guarding our borders with Mexico and Canada. In my opinion, I think we need troops at these locations more than we need them in South Korea, Europe or, of course, Iraq.

I know better than most that we just can’t stop on a dime with what we are doing in Iraq and bring everyone home. But I do wish someone would come up with a plan that has a very reasonable timeline so our military families can be united again.

I did one tour in Vietnam and believe me, that was more than enough. I don’t understand how some of our troops can be forced to go back to Iraq three or more times. It sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me. Maybe the Supreme Court needs to take a look at this situation.

I am, however, very proud of our military and the U.S. citizens on the home front. Today’s warrior is being treated very differently than the troops coming home from Vietnam. To the credit of the American people, today’s troops

are being treated with the honor and respect they deserve.

I have talked to many of today’s heroes; almost every one of the conversations has led to tears. Not their tears, mine. We are very lucky to live in a country where we have such brave young people. Now let’s hope the Veterans Administration and its hospitals do their parts in helping these brave warriors in whatever way they may need it.

I know from personal experience that the VA hospital in Palm Beach County is top-shelf. Let’s hope the rest of the hospitals across the country are as good. And don’t forget that whenever you see one of these brave Americans in uniform, a simple thankyou would be very sweet music to their ears.

WELLINGTON SENIORS HAVE LOADS OF MARDI GRAS-THEMED FUN AT COMMUNITY CENTER

The Wellington Seniors Club hosted a Mardi Gras-themed evening Sunday, March 30 at the Wellington Community Center. In addition to the festive costumes worn by club members and their guests, there was live music, dancing and the crowning of the king and queen. Terry O’Grady was crowned King Terrance I and Sunny Meyer was crowned Queen Soleil. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Terry O’Grady and Sunny Meyer, king and queen of the event.

Some of the seniors show off their Mardi Gras costumes.

Helen and Bob Prior with their daughter Kathy Fallon and her husband Gary.

Alan and Elizabeth Graham Sunny and John Meyer

Howard Trager

Marge and Terry O’Grady.

Bill and Joan Mariutto

Bob and Sharon Flaster

• PLANET KIDS — Planet Kids is family-owned and operated with trained, experienced counselors all with First Aid/CPR training. The camp has the coolest playground in town, continual learning programs in house, exciting field trips three days per week, hands-on science, educational outings, scrapbooking, cooking, swimming, roller skating, bowling, wildlife sanctuary visit, Jungle Queen cruise and more. Two separate camps are offered: Junior camp for ages 2 to 5 years and Super camp for ages 5 to 12 years. Planet Kids is open daily from 6:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday through Friday at five convenient locations. See our ad for locations and phone numbers.

• SUMMIT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — An independent nondenominational Christian school serving children from six weeks to 12th grade, Summit Christian School features exciting summer camps. Junior Camp (K through first grade) and Senior Camp (second grade through fifth grade) from June 9 through Aug. 1, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Experienced SCS summer staff supervise children in daily devotions, field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, tennis, karate, lunch and much more. Early bird special: register your family before May 2 for $30 ($50 after May 2) and receive a free T-shirt. For more info., call (561) 686-8081, ext. 326 or visit www.summitchristian.com.

• CASPEREY STABLES HORSE CAMP — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, our campers find little time to be bored. Our 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. We have a weekly swim party and end each session with a horse show and family BBQ! Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about our camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call us at (561) 792-4990 or visit our web site at www.caspereystables.com.

• RAVENWOOD RIDING ACADEMY — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 20 years. Proprietor and instructor Judie Jenner has been professionally involved with horses for over 30 years. Learn to ride at Camp Giddy-Up! Meet new friends and have fun all summer long learning about horses. The summer program consists of weekly sessions from June through August for children six years and up, with a focus on fun, and an emphasis on safety. Lessons daily, groups are limited to 10 to 12 campers per week and grouped by skill level. All riding equipment and safety stirrups are provided. The program features demonstrations with veterinarians, blacksmiths and equine dentist. Call (561) 793-4109 to register today. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly.

• TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESCHOOL & CAMP — A camp where children of all faiths learn and play together, offering a fun-filled summer program in a safe, loving environment. We have a strong academic program with small classes during the school year. Registration is now ongoing for fall sessions of religious school and preschool. We are located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 798-3737.

• BREAKERS WEST SUMMER CAMP — Offers something for everyone. Campers ages five to 14 are invited to join the Breakers West counselors for daily golf, tennis and swimming instruction, field trips, basketball, soccer, arts and crafts, magic shows, cooking classes, wildlife demonstrations, cookouts and more. Breakers West Summer Camp starts June 9 and runs through Aug. 15. Weekly sessions are $300 per camper, per week. Discounts are available to families registering multiple children and/or for multiple sessions. For more information, call (561) 653-6333.

• VILLARI’S SUMMER CAMP — For the first time in 25 years, Villari’s of Wellington is pleased to announce a full-day, nine-week summer camp. After years of research and preparation, we have decided it is time to offer a camp tailored to developing the mental as well as physical skills of your child. Through stretching, strengthening and balancing the bodies and minds of our children, we open a world less intimidating, more interesting and less confusing to them. Let your child experience a summer full of fun, fitness and friends. Call (561) 792-1100 for more info.

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington High School girls lacrosse team handily defeated Spanish River 21-1 in the district semifinals Tuesday at Wellington’s Village Park. The Lady Wolverines went on to face tough competition Thursday night against Park Vista in the district finals, but results were not available by press time.

When these two teams met earlier in the season, the Park Vista Cobras de-

BY

feated Wellington 12-6. Heidi Blouin led the Wolverines (10-7) with six goals. Mandy Martino scored four goals for Wellington and Carly Ponz scored three goals. Marianna Barrett scored twice for the Wolverines, while Alyssa Terry, Danielle Boudreau, Lindsay Knoller, Grace Thompson, Kaitlin Kurtz and Christine Waterhouse each scored one goal. In other lacrosse action Tuesday night, Park Vista topped Palm Beach Central 25-1.

Baseball Teams Strong Into The Home Stretch

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

As the District 9-6A tournament approaches later this month, the four high school baseball teams from the western communities appear to be hitting their collective stride at the right time.

Two of those teams in particular — Wellington and Seminole Ridge — are playing their best ball of the season. In addition, Palm Beach Central looks to be on track after a slow start, and Royal Palm Beach continues to get strong pitching performances that make the Wildcats a consistent threat.

The biggest surprise of the group is probably Seminole Ridge, not because the Hawks weren’t expected to be a force, but because of how they’ve grown over the past few weeks. Injuries, poor fielding and the lack of timely hitting plagued Seminole Ridge early in the season. The Hawks lost seven of their first eight games. Seminole Ridge has recovered, however, and has won five of its past eight games to improve the team record to 7-10.

The Hawks won three of four games at the Anderson Bat National Classic in Anaheim, Calif. March 22-27, including a 4-2 victory on March 27 over St. John’s College High School of Washington, D.C. — a team that has been ranked as high as number two nationally by Baseball America magazine. The Cadets, by the way, took the field with nine players who had signed Division I college scholarships.

“We pitched well, played defense and hit the ball well,” Seminole Ridge coach Trent Pendergast said. “That’s the combination that wins baseball games. I think once the kids realized they could play with these teams, their confidence certainly grew. We’ve always thought that if we play good, fundamental baseball, we can compete with anybody. That’s the important thing. If the kids believe it, then it will happen on the field.”

Seminole Ridge’s only loss in the tournament was to another national power, Orange County (Calif.) Lutheran, who defeated them 16-11 on March 26 in a game in which the Hawks held an early 4-1 lead. “We were a little tired in our pitching, and to be frank, that offense was one of the best lineups I’ve faced as a high school coach,” Pendergast said. “They hit the ball re-

ally well. We just couldn’t get their guys out. But I was really proud of our kids’ effort. Even though they lost, they showed a lot of heart.”

Seminole Ridge was scheduled to play at William T. Dwyer on Tuesday night, but the Panthers unexpectedly canceled the game earlier in the day. The Hawks played their final district game at Palm Beach Lakes on Thursday and hosted Lake Worth in a Senior Night game on Friday; scores for both games were not available by press time. In games played Tuesday night, Wellington and Palm Beach Central both posted victories at the National Grand Slam Tournament in Boca Raton. Wellington starter John Brebbia struck out 18 batters to lead the Wolverines to a 4-2 victory over previously unbeaten American Heritage. Brebbia went six and one third innings and improved his record to 7-1. The victory moved Wellington’s winning streak to four games and put the Wolverines at 13-4 going into Wednesday night’s tournament game against West Boca. Wellington beat Key West 5-4 in its opening-round game on Monday. The Wolverines broke a 1-1 tie with four runs in the fourth inning. Wellington starter Evan Stermer (3-0) picked up the victory. In the same tournament on Tuesday, Palm Beach Central also ran its winning streak to four games with an 8-3 victory over Miami-Coral Reef. The Broncos (10-6) pounded out nine hits to back the four-hit pitching of starter Kyle Finch. Devon Travis homered and drove in two runs for Palm Beach Central, which topped Central Florida Christian 12-1 on Monday to give Coach Scott Benedict his 400th career victory.

Travis doubled twice for the Broncos against Central Florida Christian, and starter Jake Meiers (3-2) claimed the victory. The Broncos played American Heritage on Wednesday, but the score was not available by press time. Also on Monday, three Royal Palm Beach pitchers — Alex Williams, Austin Perez and Joe Dye — combined on a six-inning no-hitter in the Wildcats’ 11-0 victory over Glades Central. The victory ended Royal Palm Beach’s twogame losing streak. The Wildcats (1010) were scheduled to play at Jupiter on April 4.

‘We pitched well, played defense and hit the ball well. That’s the combination that wins baseball games. I think once the kids realized they could play with these teams, their confidence certainly grew.’ — Seminole Ridge’s Trent Pendergast

Royal Palm Beach Flag Football Team Shuts Out Pahokee 12-0

By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report

out visiting Pahokee 120 on Tuesday night. Anne Purdin scored a touchdown on a 10-yard run to put the Wildcats on the scoreboard in the first half. In the second half, Wildcat quarterback Ma-

riel Medina pitched the ball from the one-yard line to Amanda Rosado in the end zone for a touchdown.

Royal Palm Beach traveled to Seminole Ridge Thursday night, but results were not available at press time. The Wildcats will travel to Lake Worth on Monday, April 14, followed by Palm Beach Central Tuesday, April 15. Both games are scheduled for 6 p.m.

for a touchdown.

RPB’s Amanda Rosado catches the short pitch

Wildcat Anne Purdin runs the ball.

Jade Greene gains yardage for the Wildcats.

Valencia Ocean catches a pass for Royal Palm Beach.

Royal Palm Beach quarterback Mariel Medina looks to pass.

Pahokee was penalized for this collision with Valencia Ocean.

Wildcat Brianna Joseph tries to pull the flag as the Pahokee quarterback passes.

Wolverine Carly Ponz (right), who scored a trio of

Kelly looks to pass.

Wolverine Laura Gomez handles a ground ball.

Lindsay Knoller picks up a loose ball before it rolls out of bounds.

Wolverine Alyssa Terry tries to outrun the Sharks’ defense.

Cook Takes Second In Volleyball Tournament

The Sunshine State Conference Beach Collegiate Volleyball Championship Inaugural Tournament was held last weekend at Club V in Tampa. It was the first collegiate beach tournament for Division II schools, following the success of the CSTV Division I Championships. All nine teams in the SSC sent multiple teams to the tournament, for a total of 39 teams.

Former Royal Palm Beach High School standout Amanda Cook took second place with partner Audrey Starkebaum to represent Saint Leo University. Saint Leo also finished second overall in the Commissioner’s

Cup, which counted the cumulative points for each school.

“We have been waiting a long time for beach volleyball to become a sanctioned collegiate sport,” said Cook, the junior libero for the Lions. “I am so glad to have participated in the first-ever tournament of its kind.”

Beach volleyball has had much recent success with the Olympics and the AVP, the pro beach tour. Many casual sports fans have become familiar with the game. For those who have known and loved playing on the beach, it’s just one more way for people to enjoy their favorite sport.

JCC Seeks Teenagers For Maccabi Games In Ohio

The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is looking for a few more sportsinclined teenagers to join its delegation to this summer’s JCC Maccabi Games in Akron, Ohio, Aug. 10-15. Spots remain for boys ages 13-16 on the basketball team and for boys and girls who want to compete in golf and tennis. The deadline for applying is May 1. Every summer for the past 25 years, the JCC Maccabi Games have provided Jewish teens ages 13-16 with five days of athletic

competition, community service, and social and cultural activities promoting Jewish pride and enriching the lives of Jewish youth. These five days can change a Jewish teen’s life through the transforming and powerful experience of integrating sports with Jewish identity and values.

The JCC is also seeking sponsors, which are vital in enabling the team to participate. To become a team member or sponsor, call JCC Maccabi Games Delegation Head P.J. Abbott at (561) 712-5244.

Bronco Chandler Morford

The Runner-Up In Contest

Palm Beach Central High School junior Chandler Morford was the runner-up in the Class 6-A State Three-Point Shooting Contest held March 1 in Lakeland. Chandler finished with eight shots. Districts throughout the state hosted their own tournaments. Each team was allowed two participants. From there, the district champions competed at the regional finals game, which included four district champions each. Those players went on to compete in each classification at the state finals in Lakeland.

WELLINGTON WILD 10-U GIRLS SECOND IN TOURNEY

The Wellington Wild 10-U red team took second place in the West Boynton girls fast-pitch softball travel tournament on March 16. Outstanding pitching and timely hitting earned them a spot in the championship game, where they lost in a tight 1-0 game. It was a great start to this year’s travel softball season, which will see the girls play throughout South Florida. The team is managed by Jenny Schmidt with the help of coaches Tracey Lay, Tina Heysler and Chris Pancione. Pictured here are (front row, L-R): Leah Heysler, Katie Wolpert, Kelsey Lay, Althea Smith and Megan Granitto; and (back row) Samantha Lambro, Toni Pancione, Britney Schmidt, Kaylin Kramer and Lianna Mullins.

LADY WOLVES 14-U TEAM WINS BIG ORANGE CLASSIC

The Wellington Lady Wolves eight-grade 14-U travel basketball team won first place at the USSSA Big Orange Classic in Coral Springs March 16 and took first place at the Starzz Classic March 30 in Palm Beach Gardens. The team is coached by Amos Doby and Rich Raniere. Team members include Sarah Beinstein, Natasha DeVita, Ashante Doby, Natasha Karosas, Lexus Love, Myranda Nadal, Makaela Pratt, Theresa Raniere, Alison Ray and Kenshadra Smith.

Football Champs — The Buccaneers took first place in the NFC Pro Division in the Acreage Girls Flag Football League. In the AFC Division, the Jaguars took first place. The Bucs’ record for the season is 10-1-1. They are coached by Keith Kowalski and Wayne Wilhelm, who have been coaching together for seven years. Kowalski and Wilhelm helped Tammy Young start the girls flag football league in The Acreage seven years ago. Playoffs start this week. Pictured above are (kneeling): Lindsey Jones; (second row, L-R): Katelyn

Woodbury, Jessica Arias, Savannah Kowalski, Kaitlin Griffin, Lauren Hart, Neal Hart (Lauren’s grandfather, who made the “Go Bucs” sign), Alexis Adorno, Bianca Lagos and Kim Kelly; (third row): Wilhelm and Kowalski. Shown below are coaches Wilhelm and Kowalski with player Savannah Kowalski.

Chandler Morford

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, April 5

• The 2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival continues at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington). For info., visit www.equestrian sport.com or call (561) 7935867.

• Israeli Art Month at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) continues through April 5 featuring unique works created by leading Israeli fiber artists, artist-led workshops, lectures and more. For more info., call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armory art.org.

• The 2008 Palm Beach International Sculpture Biennale, hosted by the Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches, continues Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6 featuring larger-than-life sculptures by artists from around the globe. The show is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cultural Trust site with guided tours and self-touring maps of the grounds. For more info., call (561) 333-4948.

• The West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show continues Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Americraft Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, free for children under 12, and $11 for a multi-day pass. For more info., call (561) 640-3433 or visit www.wpbantiques.com.

• A Gun Show will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.) on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6. The show features a wide collection of guns, ammo, knives, hunting supplies and accessories. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For info., call (561) 793-0333.

• Town of Loxahatchee Groves focus group meetings will take place Saturdays, April 5, 12 and 26 at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School in three daily sessions from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. While all sessions are open to members of the public wishing to listen, only the 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. session is open to participation from the general public. For more info., call (561) 7932418.

Sunday, April 6

• The 2008 polo season will continue Sunday, April 6 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington). U.S. Open play will continue until Sunday, April 20. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

Monday, April 7

• Registration is now available for the Spring Break Camp for children ages eight to 13 at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. The camp will run Monday through Friday, April 711 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers will enjoy lessons in kayaking, snorkeling and swimming, as well as excursions to the Everglades, Okeeheelee Nature Center and Lion Country Safari. The cost is $200 per child. Space is limited. Basic swimming skills required. For more info., call (561) 7532484, ext. 2836.

Wednesday, April 9

• Patrons of the California Pizza Kitchen in the Mall at Wellington Green will have an opportunity to support Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO) on Wednesday, April 9. Twenty percent of purchases from 11 a.m. to closing will be donated to JAFCO, a nonprofit child-welfare agency serving 350 abused and neglected children in South Florida. For more info., call Stacy Chertock at (561) 385-1710.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Socrates Café on Wednesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. Marji Chapman will lead a discussion on a variety of thoughtprovoking subjects such as friendship, life’s purpose and more. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

Thursday, April 10

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Teen Talent Show on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment from teenagers in the community who will sing, dance, play instruments and more. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Saturday, April 12

• The Palm Beach County 4H Club is sponsoring an “All About Llamas” clinic on Saturday, April 12 at Good Earth Farm (2141 B Road, Loxahatchee Groves). The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a discussion by llama owners Mary Tom and Jessica Rothering. The

cost is $10 per person. Call (561) 792-2666 for more info.

• The Tenth Annual Reggae Fest / Caribbean Carnivale will be held at Bryant Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy authentic Caribbean food, arts and crafts and a children’s area. Eight different bands will perform. Visit www.lwchamber.com/reggaefest, call (561) 582-4401 or e-mail lwchamber@lw chamber.com for more info.

• The Asphalt Angels Car Club will hold its 14th Annual Spring Fling on Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the American Polish Club (4725 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth). The event will include a car show, dinner and dance. The party will have a ’50s theme, featuring the band Back in Time and Elvis impersonator Joel Harris. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. For more info., call Debi Weld at (561) 795-6281 evenings.

Monday, April 14

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, April 14 at 11:45 a.m. at Breakers West Country Club. For info., call (561) 790-6200. Wednesday, April 16

• The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public workshop on Wednesday, April 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The purpose of the workshop is to present preliminary concept plans and traffic data for discussion and feedback regarding the State Road 7 extension. For more info., call Project Manager Beatriz Caicedo-Maddison at (954) 7774336 or toll free at (866) 3368435, ext. 4336; or Assistant Project Manager Gregor Senger at (954) 777-4141 or toll free at (866) 336-8435, ext. 4141.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly membership mixer on Wednesday, April 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lion Country Safari . For more info., call (561) 790-6200.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Aligning Your Body” for adults Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. Cheryl Alker will share the secrets of postural alignment and show how to achieve a lean and lifted posture that’s free from neck, shoulder and back pain. To pre-register, call (561) 7906070.

• The Village of Wellington will feature its five-week Residents Academy starting on Wednesday, April 16 and continuing Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. through May 14 at the Wellington Community Center. The course provides an indepth introduction to all village departments and their functions. To receive an application, call Kathy Tatgenhorst at (561) 791-4097. All applications must be submitted by April 11, and participants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday, April 17

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Promoting Your Business with Effective Speaking” on Thursday, April 17 at 2 p.m. with Phil Scruton from Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070. Friday, April 18

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will hold a “Read Together Book Discussion” for adults on Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Barbara Harnick will lead a discussion of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. Call (561) 790-6030 for info. Saturday, April 19

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 19. Registration will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane), where participants will be equipped with bags and gloves. Refreshments and lunch for all participants will follow the cleanup. Call Michael Cheatham at (561) 790-5199 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Community Garage Sale will be held Saturday, April 19 at Veterans Park (corner of Sparrow Drive and Royal Palm Beach Blvd.) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A fee of $15 will reserve an open ten-by-ten space. The deadline to register is April 14. Call (561) 790-5149 for info. Send calendar items to: Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 7936090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.

CPA Firm Froehlich & De La Rua Can Help You Save On Taxes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Are you getting all the tax writeoffs you deserve? If you are a commercial property owner, chances are you are not, said certified public accountant Betty De La Rua.

De La Rua is a CPA with more than ten years’ experience in a procedure called cost segregation. Also called cost mitigation, cost segregation can provide property owners with tremendous tax benefits from accelerated depreciation deductions, she explained.

De La Rua is a partner in the fullservice accounting firm of Froehlich & De La Rua in Wellington, offering tax computation and planning, audits, reviews and compilations. The firm also partners with other accounting firms to offer business, estate planning and other specialized services.

“One of our niches is to offer cost mitigation,” she said. “That’s what kind of sets us apart from other firms. We can do this project for people who have commercial real estate in cooperation with their current CPA so they don’t have to switch CPAs. In most cases, it produces a very large tax savings. It’s a technique that has been underutilized.”

Cost segregation is a highly specialized area of tax law that spans several thousands of pages in judicial decisions, IRS rulings, regulations and interpretations, De La Rua said. The basic idea is that certain materials such as carpeting, electrical, cabinetry and landscaping in a building wear out, or depreciate, faster than others. Through cost segrega-

tion, some items can be depreciated faster and the money passed on to the owner.

De La Rua’s partner Jay Froehlich said most commercial property owners aren’t aware of the availability of cost segregation procedures.

“Basically, depreciation laws say that when you build a building, the building is depreciated over a 39-anda-half-year period,” Froehlich said. “Doing a cost segregation study, you can break out components of the building that are utilized as not a part of the building.”

The technique applies to properties that have been built or acquired since 1986, De La Rua said. “People who have had their property for a while would benefit, as well as people who are just buying,” she said.

The procedure applies to a wide range of income-producing properties including condominiums, apartments, airports, banks, restaurants, food processing facilities, medical centers, hotels, recreational resorts, golf courses and retail facilities, De La Rua said.

Froehlich & De La Rua works with an engineering firm that pioneered cost segregation procedures and conducts the study of the building. “We partner with one of the largest CPA engineering firms to perform these studies,” De La Rua said. “They segregate the different aspects of the building into different categories. We will do all the forms that the company needs to present to the IRS to get their deduction.”

Clients can get a tremendous return on the professional fees they pay, she

said. Clients routinely receive savings of 10 to 20 times their investment for the study, which allows a client to possibly deduct depreciation retroactively.

De La Rua said her firm will first assess whether the study would be worth the expense for the property owner. “We do a preliminary analysis before the study to make sure the taxpayer will benefit from the study,” she said. “We do a free estimate.”

Although last year’s tax-filing deadline is not far off, the process can be started at any time, Froehlich said. “Many businesses have not filed their tax returns yet and have put themselves on extension ’til Sept. 15,” he said. “We can still get this done by Sept. 15 if they are on an extension. You can do an amended return also.”

Froehlich & De La Rua also specialize in research-and-development tax credits and homeowner association accounts, and can provide bi-lingual service as De La Rua is a Spanish-speaking native of Cuba. “We have a large international clientèle,” she said.

Froehlich has been doing business in Wellington since 1988. Originally from Long Island, he is licensed in New York and Florida and has been a practicing CPA since 1978. De La Rua joined the firm in 2004.

Froehlich & De La Rua CPA Firm LLC is located in Wellington’s Chancellor Corporate Center South at 12008 South Shore Blvd., Suite 211 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (561) 795-9500 or visit www.froehlichcpa.com.

The Palm Beach Chapter of the Democratic Professionals Council held its monthly meeting last Friday. The guest speaker was Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-District 16), who spoke about issues such as the upcoming election in November (and his re-election), as well as the political climate in Washington. For more information about the Democratic Professionals Council, visit the organization’s web site at www.democraticprofessionals council.org.

(Left) Mahoney with State Rep. Shelley Vana. (Right) Attorney Bob Diffenderfer, Palm Beach County lobbyist Todd Bonlarron, Mahoney and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.

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

Vet Dr. Bob Smith Joins Palm Beach Equine Clinic

Dr. Bob Smith, an area veterinarian who specializes in advanced reproductive services for all equestrian disciplines, recently joined Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington.

Smith has had a solo practice in Loxahatchee Groves for 30 years, concentrating on large animals for the past decade while servicing clients from Jupiter to Boca Raton.

“I’m excited about joining

Palm Beach Equine Clinic and being able to concentrate on my expertise,” said Smith, a 1975 graduate of the University of Georgia who lives in Royal Palm Beach. “I feel my clients and patients will benefit from the support available at this larger equine hospital.”

Smith will advise and consult with clients on advanced fertility techniques such as embryo transfers and oversee a complete frozen semen program from col-

lection to storage and worldwide distribution.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to have someone of Dr. Smith’s reputation in the industry and the community join our staff,” Palm Beach Equine Clinic President Dr. Scott Swerdlin said. “Dr. Smith’s presence and knowledge helps us expand our reproductive services at the clinic.”

Palm Beach Equine Clinic is a full-service equine practice

providing ambulatory, emergency, surgical and diagnostic services to the entire horse community in South Florida. The clinic features 19 veterinarians and a support staff of more than 40 who provide thorough lameness examinations, pre-purchase evaluations, internal medicine workups, 24-hour emergency coverage, intensive care and complete surgical services.

Palm Beach Equine Clinic is also a large referral facility, re-

ceiving cases from South Florida’s racetracks for orthopedic surgery, nuclear scintigraphy, advanced lameness diagnosis and complex medical cases.

The clinic also offers cutting-edge diagnostic imaging for its patients including digital radiography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imagery.

For more information, visit www.palmbeachequineclinic.com or call (561) 793-1599. Dr. Bob Smith

Sharon Wardle Opens Group Travel Business In The Acreage

A new travel business recently opened in The Acreage. Ship & Shore Meeting & Event Planning specializes in group travel. With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Ship & Shore President Sharon Wardle has a proven track record of event planning, sales and operations. Most recently, Wardle worked as director of cruise operations at a cruise-consulting company. She spent the previous 11 years as project coordinator and executive assistant to the vice president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. As president of her own company, Wardle is excited about the opportunities and challenges that come her way. Finding the perfect cruise for her clients is

of utmost importance. Wardle works closely with them on every detail until her job is done… and then some. Wardle’s personal expertise in specialized cruises allows her to easily go out of her way to make a meeting or a vacation one that will be remembered.

Ship & Shore Meeting & Event Planning is able to provide expert advice on itineraries, ports of call, cruise lines, ships, accommodations and other important cruise-planning details. The cruise industry is the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry for both meetings at sea and vacations, and consistently receives the highest satisfaction levels among vacationers. More than 90 million passengers have cruised in the past

10 years, and more than 12 million will cruise in 2008.

“With so many different segments of the population cruising, we have a cruise for everyone,” Wardle said. “Whether you seek adventure, cultural enrichment, a large meeting at sea, family reunion, sweet 16 parties, charitable function, an exciting golf cruise, culinary arts program or complete relaxation, the opportunities in today’s cruise market are endless.”

From the Flow Rider onboard surfing simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating and boxing rinks, to pirates and fireworks displays, cruise ships have it all. Ship & Shore is currently offering the four-night

“Firefighters Summer Splash Cruise,” which is open to every-

Stroller Strides Program Comes To Wellington

Strides, the nation’s largest fitness program for new moms, has arrived in Wellington. Classes take place 9:30 to

10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road.

“Stroller Strides is a great way

to get back in shape, as well as stay in shape,” Stroller Strides of Wellington owner Jaime Shamy said. “We present a fun opportunity for the moms of the Wellington community to turn their strollers into a workout.”

Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by nationally certified instructors, it’s a great workout for any level of exercise.

In 60 minutes, you will get a total body workout improving your cardiovascular endurance, your strength and your flexibility. The classes are equally beneficial for babies. Instructors will weave songs through the

workout and incorporate activities to make it fun.

In addition to the classes, Stroller Strides offers playgroups and mom’s night out, giving women an opportunity to socialize. “We provide the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with other moms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel their demanding lives,” Shamy said. “You can make new friends, get into shape and enjoy time with your baby.”

According to Shamy, Stroller Strides allows women to exercise in a social atmosphere and children can benefit from watching their moms participate. For more information on Stroller Strides, call Shamy at (800) 5015441 or e-mail jaimeshamy@ strollerstrides.net.

one and will take place Aug. 1115 on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas. For every 16th payable passenger, $200 will be given back to a fire station of your choice. Also coming soon is the “Diva Darlings” cruise.

“The value is also exceptional,” Wardle said, noting that a cruise typically includes accommodations, all meals, room service, entertainment, meeting space and often airport transfers; airfare can also be included as well as travel insurance. “We want to fulfill our clients’ meeting or vacation needs. We want to provide a meeting or vacation that is truly memorable. A cruise is the best option available today.”

Ship & Shore’s clients can choose to sail the world aboard

an intimate yacht-like vessel, a high-tech mega-ship or virtually anything in between. With more than 500 ports-of-call and over 175 cruise ships to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Born in Nottingham, England, Wardle moved to Florida in 1988 after spending six years in Bermuda. Ship & Shore Meeting & Event Planning is open seven days a week and available to meet clients at their convenience to discuss their next meeting, cruise or land vacation. Wardle prides herself on being a team player with her clients and building positive relationships. For more information, call (561) 204-2128 or e-mail ship shoreevents@bellsouth.net.

Strategic GMAC Real Estate Moves To RPB

Strategic GMAC Real Estate recently announced that it has relocated its Loxahatchee office to a new, full-service residential real estate office in Royal Palm Beach to better serve the needs of area buyers and sellers.

“Relocating to our new office in Royal Palm Beach is another way we’re reaching out to provide our customers with the highest level of service available,” said Suzanne Horwitz, broker/owner of Strategic GMAC Real Estate. “We have always served the western com-

Stroller

Stroller Strides’ unique workout has arrived in Wellington.

Sharon Wardle

Wellington Attorney Steven R. Duhl Specializes In Family Law

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Attorney Steven R. Duhl considers himself a client’s attorney. “I am ready to fight for my clients at all times,” he said. “But I work hard with them to make sure that if at all possible, they come out ahead in legal disputes.”

From his office in the Wellington Reserve office park, Duhl works mostly in family law as well as handling bankruptcies and other civil cases. “I work with my clients to make certain we have winnable cases,” he said. “Of course, many family law cases are never really winnable because they often do not settle anything. I try to make certain my clients understand that a winning verdict does not guarantee a happy future.”

Duhl calls himself an old-fashioned lawyer. “Abraham Lincoln once said it was a lawyer’s job to resolve disputes,” he said. “But in a lot of cases, there is no easy resolution. A good lawyer has to be ready to go to trial if necessary, but sometimes there are ways to find solutions without trials. There are times that the only way you could reach a settlement would be to give in to the other person and just surrender. In those cases, you have to be ready to try the case.”

Duhl said that although he handles a wide variety of cases, tougher times often create special problems for families. “When things get tough, families go through a lot,” he said. “I try to work with people to deal with their problems at a reasonable cost and with a satisfactory result.”

Unlike TV lawyers (and some reallife ones), Duhl guards his clients’ affairs carefully. “People who come to a lawyer often prefer that no one else know their business,” he said. “My staff and I make sure that we never have anything around for anyone else to see, and we’re even careful with phone calls. We don’t leave messages that talk about legal business because someone else might hear. We make certain that we never release a client’s identity. And I never discuss my cases.”

Duhl, who has lived in Palm Beach County for more than a quarter of a century, was born in the New York City borough of Queens and grew up on Long Island. He attended the State University of New York at New Paltz and then attended law school at the University of Florida, where he graduated with honors in 1983. “I’ve practiced law here ever since,” he said.

Duhl moved into the Wellington Reserve recently. “I still have an office in Belle Glade,” he said, “and I used to work in West Palm Beach. But this lo-

cation is right at the center of the county and very convenient to everywhere else. Plus, this is a growing area. I like it here.”

Knowing that most individuals can’t afford to run up a huge tab for legal fees, Duhl said he works hard to keep clients’ bills down. “I try to keep the number of hours I spend on a case down,” he said. “If I represent someone in a divorce case whose spouse works for the county, I know how much he makes. I can ask whether my client thinks he has outside sources of income or places to hide wealth. If the answer is no, I don’t have to spend a lot of time doing research that builds up my bill.”

Duhl also tries to avoid unnecessary complications. “Unlike a lot of lawyers on television, I am a minimalist,” he said. “I want to make sure that the important questions are answered, but I also know that sometimes the best thing to do is know when you should keep your mouth shut. I have watched lawyers get the answer they want, and then spend a lot of time asking whether the person being questioned is sure. It confuses the issues and just wastes the clients’ money. I am a client’s attorney. I want to get the best possible result, and I recognize that winning a case but having a huge legal bill as a result may not be a great situation.”

Duhl jokes that he has set some records for legal decisions. “I got a guilty verdict one time so quickly I didn’t even have time to get to the wa-

ter fountain after the judge sent the jury out,” he said. “Unfortunately, I was the defense lawyer.”

He also worked one of the shortest civil trials on record. “We had the whole trial where I represented the defendant, selected a jury, put in the evidence and had the jury find my client had no liability — all before lunch,” he said. And in a recent trial, he represented a defendant in a civil suit and did not have to say a single word before the judge dismissed the case. “My client was one of two in the case,” he said. “The plaintiff’s lawyer went on for a week, and the other defendant’s lawyer was there. I came in at the end for an hour and a half because I knew there really was no case.”

Duhl noted that he saved his client thousands of dollars in legal bills because he was only there for a short time. “I knew what I had to do,” he said, “and was pretty sure there was no case at all against my client. And I like being able to save my clients money.”

As a solo practitioner, Duhl said he has represented many clients over 25 years. “I haven’t worked for anyone else,” he said. “I get clients from recommendations from previous clients who were satisfied with my work.”

The law offices of Steven R. Duhl, PA are located in the Wellington Reserve office park at 1035 South State Road 7, Suite 216. For more information, call (561) 624-6306 or (561) 9969266.

Allison Levine To Speak At Women In Leadership Awards

Executive Women of the Palm Beaches recently announced Allison Levine as the guest speaker for the 25th Annual Women in Leadership Awards. The awards recognize Palm Beach County’s most inspirational female leaders who serve as an example to others and influence positive change. Levine has a moving story of challenges, achievements and success.

An avid mountain climber, she was invited in 2002 to serve as the team captain of the first American women’s Everest expedition. Two years later she traveled across the Arctic Circle on skis for more than 100 miles to successfully reach the top of the world — the geographic North Pole.

Levine’s achievements have given her the strength to share her passion with others. She founded the Climb High Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of jobless women in third-world countries by training them to be trekking

guides in their local mountains.

As a corporate executive, Levine’s 20-year business career encompasses healthcare, technology and finance.

After earning her MBA from Duke University, she moved to New York to work for Goldman Sachs.

In 2003, Levine left Wall Street to serve as deputy finance director for Arnold Schwarzenegger in his successful bid to become governor of California. Levine is the founder and president of Daredevil Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in organizational effectiveness, leadership development and team dynamics.

The 2008 Executive Women of the Palm Beaches awards luncheon will take place Friday, May 9 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. With over 600 attendees expected, proceeds from the luncheon will support the Executive Women Outreach scholarship program, the endowment fund, and the Lois Kwasman

Community Impact grant program that is awarded each year.

The Women in Leadership Awards are presented annually to outstanding women in the volunteer, private and public sectors of Palm Beach County. The awards recognize women who have sustained outstanding accomplishments and have displayed generosity of spirit, commitment to integrity and diversity, and genuine connectedness with others.

Celebrating its 25th year, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches helps women advance professionally and personally through networking, sharing resources and encouraging leadership. The organization inspires, promotes and recognizes women throughout Palm Beach County by providing financial support for scholarships and community projects, and hosting the annual Women in Leadership Awards. For more information, call (561) 8334241 or visit www.ewpb.org.

Client’s Attorney — Attorney Steven R. Duhl inside his office in the Wellington Reserve office park. PHOTO BY LEONARD WECHSLER/TOWN-CRIER

Allison Levine

BASSETT SHOP-ATHON BENEFITS PURE THOUGHTS

Bassett Home Furnishings in Wellington teamed up with Pure Thoughts Horse and Foal Rescue on Thursday, March 27 for a shop-athon with customers receiving 20 percent off and Pure Thoughts getting 10 percent of each sale. The special offer continues through April 11 for customers who request it. Bassett Home Furnishings is located at 10670 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more info., call (561) 204-4141. Pure Thoughts is located at 19181 Capet Creek Court in Loxahatchee. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving, rehabilitating and adopting out horses, ponies and foals that would otherwise be destined for slaughterhouses. For more info., visit www. pthr.org or call (561) 753-6555.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Study

More than 20 of Wellington’s finest dining establishments will offer up their tastiest samplings on Friday, May 9 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Flavors of Wellington. Now in its fifth year, the chamber’s “signature event” will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of dining and dancing to the 20-piece stage band Music Masters International, as well as the opportunity to bid on exceptional auction items. The platinum sponsor for this year is HSBC Bank. HSBC is now in Wellington, which means the “world’s local bank” is closer than ever. More than 125 million clients around the world enjoy the benefits of banking with HSBC, which offers

Shows Lack Of Affordable Rental Housing In Palm Beach County

As if times weren’t difficult enough for low- and moderateincome households, the continuing lack of affordable housing options in Palm Beach and Martin counties is presenting even greater challenges for many area residents.

According to a new study commissioned by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties with support from its John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund, a decline in available rental units, coupled with increasing costs, is making it tougher for lower-income individuals to find housing in the communities where they live and work. The study was conducted by the Metropolitan Center of Florida International University under the guidance of Ned Murray, associate director of the center.

The study’s findings include a number of indicators that shed light on the current challenges in the rental housing market:

• The rental inventory in Palm Beach and Martin counties is the principal source of available housing for low- and moderateincome households.

• Since 2000, the supply of affordable rental housing has diminished, due primarily to the loss of nearly 16,000 rental units to condominium conversions in Palm Beach County and 663 rental units in Martin County.

• Since 2000, the number of renter households that are “extremely” cost-burdened (rent payment in excess of 50 percent of monthly gross income) increased from 24,528 to 34,845 (42 percent) in Palm Beach County and from 1,829 to 2,548 (39 percent) in Martin County.

• Rent affordability gaps are substantial in many municipalities with high concentrations of the resident workforce.

• Expiration of tax credits will affect 1,016 existing affordable rental units by 2010.

“The Community Foundation has been working to build awareness of affordable housing issues in our community for a number of years,” said Shannon Sadler Hull, president and CEO.

“We believe that the compelling findings from this study provide solid information that a wide range of government entities, individuals and organizations — including ours — can use in our efforts to find solutions to these pressing concerns.”

For example, the findings have the potential to influence the Community Foundation’s grantmaking activities and will

serve as the basis for convening community discussions around the issues and potential courses of action, Sadler said. The release of the study comes less than one month after the MacArthur Foundation announced a $5 million grant to the Community Foundation to help address the pressing need for the creation of affordable housing in the community.

The Community Foundation board is currently working with the MacArthur Foundation to develop ways the money can be used to creatively address affordable housing needs in Palm Beach and Martin counties for low-income and working families. The Housing Leadership Council, an organization supported by the Community Foundation, released a study on workforce housing earlier this

year that also indicated the need for workforce rental housing.

“This detailed rental housing study helps frame the issues so the most effective strategies and methods are developed to address the crisis,” Housing Leadership Council President and CEO Suzanne Cabrera said.

“We are excited to partner with the Community Foundation on an issue that is so vital to the future of our community.”

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has been creating lasting value for more than 35 years. With permanent endowment now totaling $138 million, the foundation accepts contributions from individuals, families, businesses, corporations and other foundations in support of community initiatives, special projects and

permanent endowment. Income from endowment is used to make grants and award scholarships primarily in Palm Beach and Martin counties. For more information, call the Community Foundation at (561) 659-6800 or visit www. yourcommunityfoundation.org. The Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County is an action-oriented coalition of business, civic and community leaders working to identify strategic solutions and funding options to the workforce housing shortage in Palm Beach County. Its primary goal is to increase the availability of attainable housing throughout Palm Beach County for workers at all income levels. For more information, visit www.hlcpbc.org or call (561) 653-4107.

Claudia and William Abramson of Wellington with Bassett Home Furnishings Administrative Manager and Pure Thoughts volunteer Karen Lucca.Karen Lucca with Bassett owner Barry Reiss.

Karen Lucca with Pure Thoughts Horse and Foal Rescue founders Brad Gaver and Jennifer Swanson.

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH

LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/ Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or Email Tutorking@WPB3331980.COM HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EX-

PERIENCED; Familiar with QUICKBOOKS - Full-Time position. Pay commensurate with experience. Fax resume to A. Silver - 561-432-2825

DELIVERY AND TO GO - FT/PT Delivery Drivers. Must have own insured vehicle. Earn $10.00 per delivery. 561752-4444

WANTED: EXPERIENCED IRON WORKERS: Welders, structural and miscellaneous steel. Must have transportation, cell phone, hand tools, toolbucket. 561-753-1747

PILATES INSTRUCTORS NEEDEDwill train. 561-784-3828

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - $9/hr P.T. Wellington. Basic phone & computer skills required. 561-784-9613

COMPANION — Senior Lady Needs a Mature Woman to drive her to apointments, shopping, and assist with light chores around the house. Must have 4 door sedan in good condition. NO VANS/OR SUV’s Valid Fl. Drivers License. 2-3 days per week. Hourly rate plus car expense. 561-795-7552

561333-3353.

The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276 HOME OR BUSINESS - after Networking Virus, Spyware,

$25.00

Call the

561833-3310. FAST-TEKS

ON-SITE COMPUTER

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 5th

4:00

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 5th 9:00 a.m. — Boating, toys, clothes, furniture and more. (In Savannah Estates DIAL 006 on keypad) 9827 Savannah Estates Dr. (441 South of Hypoluxo in Savannah Estates) 561-968-0680

THIS SATURDAY, & SUNDAY APRIL 5th & APRIL 6th 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. — Something

— The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611 HOT WYRE ELECTRIC — For all your electrical needs. Panel upgrades, installations, repairs, lightening protection,

Saturday - March 29th & April 5th 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Two Locations for your convenience!!!

Village Park Gym or Wellington Commons Mall

Tackle Football Program - Ages 6-15

Full Contact High Schools Rules - 5 Divisions

Combine/Draft Information to be mailed

Registration Fee: $175

T-Shirt provided for each child at registration

Cheerleading Program - Ages 5-15

No experience necessary. **Cheer, Chants, Stunning, Dance & Tumbling Cheerleading competition in November

Registration Fee: $130

T-Shirt provided for each child at registration