Town-Crier Newspaper August 16, 2013

COUNTY URGES FLOODING COOPERATION SEE STORY, PAGE 3

BEELINE WORK WORRIES SOME AT ITID SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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INSIDE Media Angst Fuels Council Discussion On Press Release Policy

Volume 34, Number 33 August 16 - August 22, 2013

READY TO HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL

Concerned about Wellington’s portrayal in the media, members of the Wellington Village Council discussed Tuesday whether the village should publish its own news releases regarding certain issues, and whether a policy would be needed to guide staff in drafting those announcements. Page 3

WHS Grad Costan Gets D’Alessandro Scholarship Award

The inaugural Cpl. Michael D’Alessandro Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Wellington High School graduate Jessica Costan on Aug. 9. The scholarship is named for D’Alessandro, a soldier who died last year. The ceremony was held at the Wellington home of Lori and Gary Barlettano, D’Alessandro’s parents. Page 5

Lox Groves Might Designate Roads For Golf Cart And ATV Use

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council is reviewing the use of golf carts and other small vehicles on local roads. The council could pass a resolution later this month designating which town roads they can operate on.

Page 7

Beverly Perham Hosts 75th Birthday Party

Beverly Perham, founder of the local nonprofit Back to Basics, celebrated her 75th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 10 at her home in Wellington. Page 15

OPINION Be Alert On The Roads As School Year Returns

The new school year kicks off next week, and whether you’re excited to be going back or wishing the summer would stretch on forever, it’s time to get back to the daily grind. The first few days of school are always hectic, rife with confusion as everyone settles into a rhythm. We at the Town-Crier urge everyone to be aware and be safe. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 10 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 PEOPLE ............................... 13 NEWS BRIEFS..................... 14 COLUMNS .................... 21 - 22 BUSINESS .................... 23 - 25 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 26 CALENDAR ................... 30 - 31 SPORTS ........................ 33 - 35 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 32 - 37 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted its Back-to-School Bonanza on Saturday, Aug. 10 to encourage kids to get ready for school. Guests enjoyed food samples, crafts, giveaways and exploring vehicles from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County FireRescue. Shown here, K-9 Officer Clue makes friends with Ryan Tuckwood and Mia and Adelka Horowitz. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

S.F. Fair’s Yesteryear Village Cancels Christmas Festivities

By Anne Checkosky Town-Crier Staff Report There won’t be any ice skating, hot chocolate sipping or touring decorated buildings at the South Florida Fair’s Yesteryear Village come Christmas time. “Christmas in Yesteryear Village” has been cancelled for this year.

It was a business decision, said South Florida Fair Chief Operating Officer Vicki Chouris. “It just wasn’t cost-effective,” she explained.

While the emphasis at Yesteryear Village — a history park on the South Florida Fairgrounds campus, showcasing buildings and artifacts from the 1890s to the 1940s — is on old-fashioned fun for families, there are just too many other competing events during the holiday season that are free, Chouris said.

There are plenty of neighborhoods that feature extensive decorations, plus mall displays and other outdoor events, all available at no charge. “At the holidays, there are so many opportunities for families to view decorations,” she said.

Yesteryear Village charged $10

admission for its Christmas event last year. Children 2 and under were admitted free, and those who purchased advance-sale fair tickets at area Publix supermarkets got a free child ticket for the Christmas event.

“It hasn’t been working for the last few years,” Chouris said.

It’s also tough on fair workers and volunteers to put on Christmas at Yesteryear Village a mere three weeks before the fair begins, Chouris noted.

The 2013 Florida Fair ran from Jan. 18 to Feb. 3. The 2014 event runs from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2. “We have limited staff, and our volunteers are stretched,” she said.

Volunteers were saddened to learn of the cancellation.

“We’re disappointed,” said Karen Schmitt of Schmitt’s Pony Ranch in Lake Worth, which rents ponies for events. Schmitt has been volunteering at Yesteryear Village for 20 years.

Schmitt and her husband, Bruce, a fair director, usually bring their ponies to the village for events such as Christmas in Yesteryear Village, the Sweet Corn Fiesta and the Halloween-themed event Spookyville, she said.

“It gives the kids something to do,” she said of the pony rides.

They charge a nominal fee, just $2 per rider, so they’re doing it more for the children than to make money, she added.

“It’s just a fun, old-timey thing,” Schmitt said, in keeping with the theme of Yesteryear Village, which seeks to preserve and promote local history.

As chair of the sewing circle at Yesteryear Village, Schmitt said she was always involved with the Christmas celebration, decorating and preparing her building for onlookers.

There has always been some type of Christmas event there, she said, adding she hopes that people will miss it this year and want to bring it back for next year.

One suggestion she had about reviving the Christmas event is to make it more like Spookyville.

“There’s more to do [at Spookyville] for the money. If they can figure out how to do that with Christmas, I think they can be successful,” Schmitt said.

Spookyville will run this year from Oct. 18-20, Oct. 25-27 and Oct. See YESTERYEAR, page 16

Wellington Block Grant Money A Help To Senior Community

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to approve plans that would net the village $253,335 from the federal government to go toward improving accessibility for public facilities, senior transportation and other programs.

Council members also asked staff to look into using future grant money toward senior housing programs.

The council voted unanimously to approve an action plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program.

The village must submit an action plan annually to the U.S. De-

partment of Housing & Urban Development to be eligible for grant money.

Community Services Director Nicole Evangelista said about $165,000 would go toward improving sidewalks to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act for accessibility. Approximately $10,000 will go toward the Senior Transportation and Rides (STAR) Program; $15,000 will be spent on a tuition reimbursement program; and $13,000 will provide youth recreation scholarships.

Block grant money is issued to municipalities to finance programs typically for low-income residents,

but seniors do not have to meet an income level.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said Wellington’s seniors are the largest beneficiaries of the program in Wellington.

Evangelista agreed. “They don’t have to meet the low-income qualifier,” she said. “They just have to be 62 or older.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig pointed to the STAR program.

“You’re offsetting their out-ofpocket funds for transportation,” she noted.

Under the STAR program, Wellington covers the $4 cost typically charged for each ride in the seSee GRANT MONEY, page 16

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Community Center Shelved As ITID Puts Focus On Drainage And Athletic Fields

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report After hours of discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 7, the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors rescinded its prior designation of $3.7 million to build a community center at Acreage Community Park.

It was the latest chapter in a decade-long debate over whether a community center is needed in The Acreage, and if ITID is the proper organization to build and operate it.

After years of discussion, the community center appeared to be on the verge of reality last year, until Tropical Storm Isaac and a sharply contested election refocused ITID on drainage issues.

After hearing hours of input from residents on what ITID’s priorities should be, supervisors last week scrapped plans for the build-

ing and decided instead to refocus on drainage improvements.

However, the board did agree to get cost estimates for additional outdoor park amenities, including more athletic fields, and see how much of the work could be done in-house.

ITID Attorney Mary Viator said the $3.7 million was a payment from the county for the district’s utility rights and was not from resident assessments. “I think right now it is set aside, designated more for a community center,” she said.

Supervisor Michelle Damone, who has long favored building a community center, clarified that the money was designated for capital improvements, which included a community center.

Supervisor Gary Dunkley, who was elected on a pledge to imSee ITID, page 16

TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington held an open house Sunday, Aug. 11. It was a chance for prospective new members to get information about the Jewish congregation. Shown here are, Alan Cohan, Rabbi David Abrams, Morry Silverman and Rich Chasinoff. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Commission Agrees To Fund Inspector General Shortfall

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission agreed Tuesday to cover a $687,000 shortfall for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), a move made necessary partially by a lawsuit from several municipalities who have disputed funding the office.

Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman asked commissioners how to address the situation. The proposed budget for the office is $3.7 million, which includes 40 positions, 23 of which are filled.

The office is funded by the county, the Children’s Services Council and the Solid Waste Authority. About $1.5 million of the budget would come from the municipalities.

But a lawsuit brought by 14

municipalities means it is unlikely the office will get adequate funding in 2014.

“It’s important to note that the county continues to fully fund our obligation, which requires 54 percent of that funding, or about $1.8 million,” Merriman said.

He noted that the county has also kicked in about $300,000 each year to make up for the deficit from the municipalities. “We have received no revenue from the municipalities’ obligation of $1.5 million annually, and it’s uncertain if we will ever receive any of that revenue,” Merriman said.

Additionally, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County recently canceled its agreement with the office, resulting in a loss of $298,000.

If the budget were reduced to See OIG BUDGET, page 4

Renaissance Charter School To Open In RPB Next Week

By Anne Checkosky Town-Crier Staff Report Years in the making, the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West will welcome its first students next week.

The Royal Palm Beach school is run by Charter Schools USA, founded in 1997 as one of the first charter-school management companies in the country.

The company now runs 58 schools in seven states, said spokeswoman Colleen Reynolds.

The Palms West campus is the company’s third charter school in Palm Beach County, although it operates more than 30 schools across 11 Florida counties.

Renaissance Palms West opens Aug. 19 serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The

school will expand to eighth grade in future years.

The opening caps a two-year project that retrofitted a long-shuttered Albertsons supermarket at the corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards into the thriving new school.

Leading the school as principal is veteran Palm Beach County educator Sharon Brannon.

A longtime teacher, administrator and principal in the Palm Beach County School District, Brannon lives in Wellington. She served as principal at Frontier Elementary School in The Acreage and Forest Park Elementary School in Boynton Beach.

After a move to Tuscon, Ariz., where she became principal of a K-12 charter school, and a brief,

two-month retirement, Brannon said she was ready to get back in the game.

“I knew I wanted to continue to work as a principal. I just love schools,” she said.

There are a few things that set Renaissance Palms West apart.

First is its emphasis on parental involvement, which is mandatory, Reynolds said. Parents must commit to volunteering at the school for 20 hours per year. It’s 30 hours of volunteering if more than one child is enrolled, she said.

“We have found that when adults are involved [in education], kids do better,” Reynolds said.

That doesn’t look like it will be a problem at Renaissance Palms West, because parents are already See CHARTER, page 7

Renaissance Palms West first-grade teacher Ashley Rivello shows off her reading corner.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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NEWS

Media Angst Fuels Council Discussion On Press Release Policy

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Concerned about Wellington’s portrayal in the media, members of the Wellington Village Council discussed Tuesday whether the village should publish its own news releases regarding certain issues, and whether a policy would be needed to guide staff in drafting those announcements.

The question arose after village staff issued a news release last month at the urging of some council members about the outcome — in Wellington’s favor — of litigation regarding the controversial Equestrian Village site.

“There has been a question of the necessity for a policy that would provide guidance to staff on future press releases that deal with litigation or matters that are actively being considered by the council,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said.

Vice Mayor Howard Coates was concerned that staff had consulted council members before issuing the release.

“The problem I have is with the process that was followed,” he

said. “I had a problem that [Schofield] felt the need to vet the draft of the press release with each of the council members. My concern is that he feels he has to go to the council to get approval before sending it out. That is awfully close to seeking a vote or consensus… for what he is doing.”

Coates noted that Schofield has the authority to issue news releases without consulting the council. “But when he exercises that authority, in part based on the input he gets from council members, I think then you’re at the point where you’re essentially doing something that would require a council vote,” Coates said. “Had he sent this press release without coming to any of the council members, I wouldn’t be saying this.”

He suggested that if staff needed input from council members on a news release, it should be raised at a public meeting.

Councilman John Greene said he had asked for an announcement providing residents with information about the litigation, something he did not believe the media was doing.

“I didn’t ask for any specific wording or content of that press release,” he said. “I did not edit it.

I trust the information was what Mr. Schofield felt was appropriate.

I think members of this community need to hear the entire story, because that story is not being told.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig thought the council should discuss the content of the releases in public if they were going to appear to represent the council’s view.

“I don’t think that one member of the council should be directing the manager when it comes to anything regarding the litigation,” she said. “Even though we may want to tell the story our way, our press releases should not come from this five-headed panel, unless we have a discussion and decide what that version should say.”

But Greene said it was an issue of getting the facts out to the public.

“The facts are the facts,” he said.

“Putting out a press release that says ‘these are the facts’ is not an interpretation. It’s not an opinion

from anyone on this council.”

He reiterated that he believes the news media were not publishing the full story.

“The media decide what facts they want to put into their stories or their editorial columns,” he said.

“People have an agenda. They can spin it however they want. They can write whatever they want, but we have an opportunity to at least let the people of this community know the truth.”

But Gerwig said the media would still do what they wish with that information.

“We’re not the press,” she said.

“They are going to print what they want out of it. We’re never going to own the press.”

Greene agreed. “That’s right,” he said. “Someone else does [own them].”

Councilman Matt Willhite said he did not believe the council needed a policy regarding news releases, but felt that getting information out was a good thing.

“I think the idea was that many of our residents call us, e-mail us and come up here with concerns about the amount of money this

village is spending on litigation,” he said. “What this proved is that we are in a defensible position.

The court system sided with us.

Hopefully our residents see that we made the right decision for this village.”

But Gerwig noted Wellington had not published similar news releases about litigation in favor of Wellington’s position.

“We were found to be correct in other matters on this same site, and no one pushed to release a press release about it,” she said.

“That’s why I think the status quo [not issuing a news release] was appropriate. The press has access to the information that is out there.

If they want to do a story on it, they can go get the court papers.”

Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis asked Village Attorney Laurie Cohen whether she had any concerns that the information in the news release could have jeopardized the village’s legal position.

“No,” she said. “I was never concerned there would be any impact to our settlement in litigation.”

Margolis said he didn’t think a policy was needed.

“I feel fully confident in Mr. Schofield,” he said. “I understand this one was of a sensitive nature because of the litigation, but I don’t think we need a policy.”

He echoed Greene’s concerns about the information being released by the media.

“I feel very frustrated that we don’t have an opportunity or a vehicle to tell our residents… about the litigation,” Margolis said. “We don’t have a newspaper. The only thing we have in our village is either on the dais or through the village. We don’t have the ability to refute what is written. And I hope what’s written is vetted by their legal department.”

Cohen said she believed the consensus of the council was not to draft a policy governing news releases but, rather, to bring items of a sensitive nature before the council for discussion.

“I think we’ve gotten the message that if we’re dealing with an issue as sensitive as this issue, it would be something we would bring before you,” she said.

Council members agreed.

Commissioners Urge Agencies To Work Together On Flood Control

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission approved a resolution Tuesday requesting aggressive flood control improvement efforts from the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to avoid future storm flooding.

The resolution encourages the SFWMD to cooperate with jurisdictions in central Palm Beach County that experienced Tropical Storm Isaac’s flooding last year, to adjust discharge limitations in order to minimize flooding, and to expedite the redesign or repairs to the berm surrounding the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, which was on the brink of breaching after the August 2012 storm.

The resolution also asks the U.S. Army Corps to expedite repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

Large quantities of its water have been released recently to lower the lake’s level because of heavy rain this summer.

Palm Beach County Mayor

Stephen Abrams took public comments before going to commissioner comments, beginning with Acreage resident Alex Larson, who alleged that a series of errors by various agencies led to prolonged street and yard flooding in The Acreage after Isaac.

Larson said the sale of the Mecca Farms property to the SFWMD to help flood control will give the entire county both more water storage and the ability to redistribute stormwater north and east.

County Administrator Bob Weisman took issue with Larson’s assertions regarding storm response.

“Ms. Larson is entitled to [her opinion], but I do wish to respond,” he said. “There was an excellent response from all of the agencies involved, including the water management district, the county and [the] Indian Trail [Improvement District]. I do not feel there were shortcomings. I think we responded well.”

Acreage resident Anne Kuhl thanked the commissioners for considering the resolution.

“Your support for flood preven-

tion in the county is very, very important,” she said. “Tropical Storm Isaac was a wake-up call for us in The Acreage. At 18 feet to 22 feet above sea level, one of the highest areas in the county, to be sitting in your house and be trapped for up to two weeks, not able to drive out of your street, is very concerning.”

Kuhl added that she is concerned about new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps that put most of the county in a flood zone and stand to raise insurance rates, but do not take into account improvements to the flood control system.

Former County Commissioner Jeff Koons noted that he has been involved with water issues in the county for 20 years. “As a West Palm Beach city commissioner, I was asked to chair the county’s planning council on water, and I was a founding member of the Water Resources Task Force,” he said.

Koons showed the commissioners a picture of a pump that 20 years ago took water out of The Acreage and put it into the M Ca-

nal feeding into the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area. “I don’t know why, but we didn’t continue it,” Koons said, adding that last year, the SFWMD, Palm Beach County and ITID came together to renew the program.

Koons said a Jan. 11 letter from former SFWMD Executive Director Melissa Meeker asked ITID to participate.

“The agreement would be West Palm Beach would build it and Indian Trail would operate it,” Koons said, pointing out that ITID rejected the offer.

Koons said the water would go into the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area and north into Commissioner Hal Valeche’s district, into 10,000 acres of the county’s natural areas, including the Loxahatchee Slough. “It also flows through Commissioner [Priscilla] Taylor’s district,” Koons added.

He said Palm Beach County Utilities was involved because it would benefit one of its well fields just south of Belvedere Road.

“The main beneficiary is Palm Beach County water systems,”

Koons said, pointing out that the agreement would pull Acreage water east instead of west as is done now. “Maybe Palm Beach County needs to be party to this agreement. It makes no sense for Indian Trail not to participate.”

Palm Beach County Water Resources Manager Ken Todd said numerous objections have been raised to the FEMA maps. “Staff from not only the county but a number of municipalities sat down with FEMA and their consultant approximately two weeks ago, explaining the issues that we have,” he said. “FEMA went back, they thought about all that they had heard, and they have actually pushed the date back about three months to give us time to work with them to correct the maps.”

He said the maps would not become final until the end of 2014 or early 2015. “There’s plenty of opportunities to work with them,” Todd said.

Commissioner Mary Lou Berger said the FEMA maps are of national concern. “When Commissioner Taylor and I attended the National Association of Counties

meeting, at the Energy, Environment and Land Use Steering Committee there was great discussion of the flood maps on a national basis,” Berger said.

Commissioner Paulette Burdick said she had seen the damage caused to the Intracoastal Waterway by pushing recent floodwater out through the C-51 Canal, and accepted Koons’ comments. “I agree that we need to look at flooding in Palm Beach County,” Burdick said.

Burdick asked that the county continue to try to lead in looking at alternatives.

“I would ask that Mr. Todd, who is our water resources manager and very highly respected throughout the region and state, take a lead effort working with the South Florida Water Management District and Indian Trail,” she said.

“Recently, [ITID] changed its engineer, and perhaps they need a little bit of time to look at how we all can collaboratively work together.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said the flooding from Tropical See FLOODING, page 16

Page 4 August 16 - August 22, 2013

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OUR OPINION

Be Alert On The Roads As School Returns After Summer Recess The new school year kicks off next week, and whether you’re excited to be going back or wishing the summer would stretch on forever, it’s time to get back to the daily grind.

The first few days of school are always hectic, rife with confusion as everyone settles into a rhythm. Drivers who have noticed a summer lull in morning traffic will once again find the streets full, while parents dropping their kids off will once again have to get used to the inevitable traffic cycle. We at the Town-Crier urge everyone to be aware and be safe. All too often, motorists don’t heed school speed zones or seem to have forgotten that if a bus is stopped to pick up or disembark riders, they must come to a full stop and must not pass the bus.

Drivers must also get used to looking extra carefully for kids crossing the streets — not every child knows the rules of the road and when it’s safest to cross.

It seems like common sense, but every new school year there are violators, and what we don’t need is an accident to mar the beginning of what should be an exciting time for kids. So shake the summer cobwebs away and be on the alert.

With new schools in our area, drivers must also be on alert for new traffic patterns. For example, there is a new traffic light on Crestwood Blvd., north of Southern Blvd., where the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West will be open for its first day of school Monday.

Drivers in the area should remember there is now an operational light at that intersection and take extra precautions.

Next week is an opportunity for everyone to start the year off on the right foot. Students begin the new school year with clean slates. What happened last year is in the past.

What’s most important is that students know they have the support to succeed, not only from parents and other family members, but from their communities. And community members need to set good examples by being good role models for students and for being good neighbors who look out for each other.

The new school year is a time of firsts and lasts. For kindergarteners, it’s the very beginning of a lengthy academic career. For seniors, it’s the beginning of the end of an era and for some, an end to school altogether. For middle schoolers, it’s making the transition from elementary school. For high schoolers, it’s making the transition from middle school. Sometimes these changes aren’t always as easy to make as they seem.

So, at least at the beginning of the year, let’s give everybody the benefit of the doubt that they’re trying their best and if somebody is struggling, lend them a hand.

For some teachers, it will be the last time they face a class, as retirement comes at the end of the school year. For others, it will be their first time leading a class and they might be more than a little nervous.

Remembering that we are all in this together might go a long way in getting the first days and weeks of school off to a smooth start.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Good First Step, Still Concerns

I applaud the Wellington Village Council for looking into current problems and having a consultant analyze obstacles to moving forward. The Town-Crier is right on when the newspaper states that this is the first building block to repairing relationships, working on establishing trust and common goals, and having frank and honest discussions about the village and its future.

Unfortunately, there is one bad apple who seems to constantly strive to stir the pot and make a career of being divisive and being the voice of “no” and negativity: Councilman Matt Willhite. Mr. Willhite is the driving force behind the move to fire the manager, and was quoted as saying, “that we just aren’t getting along” in the days before the consultant was brought on board. Now that the consultant confirmed that indeed they aren’t getting along, and has outlined a process to solve those problems, Mr. Willhite now wants a study to make a decision on whether they should fire Mr. Schofield. Sorry councilman, that is your job and quit looking for somebody else to take the heat. If you were paying attention, you would notice that he is doing a great job.

Years ago, when Wellington was

in its infancy as a municipality, Mr. Willhite would sit in the back of the council chambers and speak against every issue that came up, religiously, meeting after meeting.

Some things never change, and unfortunately, Mr. Willhite is not only part of the problem now, he is the problem.

But I am very hopeful, as Mayor Bob Margolis is becoming the leader and mayor that all of us knew he could be. During Bob’s terms as councilman, he was the most respected and liked councilman from all sectors of the community. His achievements were large, and he was known for getting things done and listening to all sides of every issue. I feel that with the mayor’s leadership, and the other three council members’ willingness to work together, Wellington can finally get back on track and move forward, keeping this one of the best places in America to live.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Can We Save The Inspector General?

It was clear and simple. The inspector general needs additional monies or she will have to lay off a large part of her staff. The county commissioners have always said

they are in favor of an independent inspector general. Since the rogue cites have ignored the 72 percent of their electorate, and have sued to not fund the IG, there was only one way to keep the IG going, and that is for the Palm Beach County commissioners to give her the money, and they agreed in principle to do it.

Things are going much better for Palm Beach County this year.

Housing is booming, property values are rising and taxes will increase. There should be enough money to fund the temporary needs of the inspector general, despite budget constraints.

County Clerk Sharon Bock is currently holding onto the money 25 cities have committed to fund and is trying to get the authority to pass it on to the inspector general. The rogue cites are still stonewalling the inspector general by shamelessly disregarding citizens’ wishes to fund the IG. Their only hope is to vote their representatives out of office in the next election, which is exactly what Wellington did in its last election. This issue is getting old, but we must not relent.

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Flooding: An Important Issue

Flooding destroys properties

and endangers lives, furthermore, flooding pollutes clean water sources. It is vitally important to identify the causes and ways of mitigating the effects of flooding.

My friends in academia, such as Dr. J. William Louda, who is an eminently qualified environmental biogeochemist and who has contributed to this section from time to time, will hopefully share his critical insights. In the interim, having studied law and water policy management, I would like to share my views.

Parking lots, roads, playgrounds and other man-made structures with impervious surfaces and inadequate drainage and water retention systems significantly contribute to clean-water pollution. Insurance covers the cost to repair damage, but does nothing to return our clean water sources to their pre-flooding chemical, physical and biological characteristics.

Polluters and not taxpayers should pick up the tab for the damage they cause. Since the 1950s, private flood insurance has not existed and government has been picking up the tab. If we are looking for causes, one problem is that older building codes did not require adequate drainage and water retention systems, as do current codes. Municipalities are not liable for negligence in code enforcement and developers are of-

ten insulated from liability suits if they have complied with building codes; however, building codes set a minimum standard and do not establish the outer limits of a developer’s safety responsibilities.

It is not likely that courts will retroactively assess damages against developers of properties that flood, as has been the case with chemical polluters. But there is another mechanism that might accomplish the same result. The U.S. Supreme Court decided government has the power to require its citizens to purchase health insurance or pay a tax. Accordingly, I submit that government has the power to require developers and owners to buy flood insurance and call it a tax.

The Flood Disaster Protection

Act of 1973 was the beginning of a plan that mandated the compulsory purchase of flood insurance for owners of commercial and residential properties encumbered by federally backed mortgages. This mandate is very likely to be extended to private homeowners not covered by federally backed mortgages. FEMA has drafted a new map, which puts Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and The Acreage in new flood plains. If enacted, a flood-insurance mandate could cost residents of those areas $800 a year or more.

To learn more about flooding and what the county is working on visit www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/ dem/floodawareness.

Frank Morelli Wellington

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

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

OPINION

Hurricane Tips For Being Prepared When A Storm Blows Our Way As we start to roll into the most active part of the hurricane season — and 2013 is slated to be a doozy — here are a hatful of tips and suggestions which can be most useful.

Remember, before the storm is the time to get ready!

Home survival kit: 7 to 10 day supply of water, cash in case banks or ATM machines are not

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin available, medications, 7 to 10

day supply of non-perishable canned or packaged food, a portable radio, extra batteries, a manual can opener, flashlights for all, a fully charged cell phone, a good first aid kit and charcoal or filled propane tanks for the barbecue. Also, don’t forget soap, toothbrush, toilet paper, paper towels, etc, and also easy access to emergency tools such

as pliers, screw driver and wrenches.

Other notable items: remove damaged and diseased tree branches… organize emergency supplies like canned food, drinking water, first aid supplies, etc… clear the yard and garden of loose objects like lawn furniture and trash cans… make sure the car has a full tank since many gas

stations might not have electricity. Also, keep in mind that most Red Cross shelters do not permit pets inside and make other plans if you need to shelter your animals.

Don’t forget a list of key phone numbers, and if you own a boat, don’t forget to check your contract with the marina, since some point out once there is a hurricane

watch issued, the responsibility for the boat is yours, not theirs.

Storm Categories, if statistics turn you on: Category 1, 74-95 mph (some to moderate damage ); Category 2, 96-110 mph (extensive damage); Category 3, 111-129 mph (devastating damage); Category 4, 130-156 mph (catastrophic damage); and Category 5, 157 mph or higher (catastrophic damage).

follow whatever the court’s ruling may be.”

Palm Beach County Mayor Stephen Abrams asked whether the Solid Waste Authority, which is controlled by the county commission, might be able to come up with additional temporary financing.

“That may be something we can look at in our other capacity,” Abrams said. “I’m just looking for ways to close the gap. It may be a combination of different sources,

something to get us through this period of litigation.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he supported the OIG for the overall good of the people of Palm Beach County. “Whatever means are necessary, we must support the Office of Inspector General,” he said.

Commissioner Hal Valeche made a motion to fund the $687,000 for fiscal year 2014, which carried 6-0, with Commissioner Shelley Vana absent.

NEWS OIG Budget

County To Cover Extra $687,000

continued from page 1 cover only the 23 positions filled, it would be $2.75 million. To maintain staffing at that level, an additional $687,000 would be required from the county’s general fund.

No money is currently available in the 2014 budget, according to a county staff report, but if the commissioners choose to honor the request, amendments could be made at the first public budget hearing scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9.

The amendments would increase the contribution from the county and reduce the overall budget to reflect only the 23 filled positions. The 17 vacant positions would be reinstated once the municipal financing was implemented.

But without the additional county money, Inspector General Sheryl Steckler would need to lay off six employees by Sept. 27 and another three by Dec. 27.

Steckler thanked County Administrator Bob Weisman for putting the matter on the agenda.

“The current issue, always difficult, is fairly straightforward,” Steckler said. “The office needs to continue on a long-term and continued funding base that is stable.

We all understand that this was caused by the municipalities’ decision not to pay, and the Clerk of the Court’s interjecting herself into the lawsuit by withholding payment from those municipalities that are not party to this lawsuit.”

At the beginning of the year, the office had 26 staffers, she said.

“We were managing, but through the year, we lost three, and we did not fill those positions,” Steckler said. “So today, we stand at 23.

We recognized that there were going to be some issues with the budget, so we didn’t fill those three positions.”

Having 23 positions filled puts the office at 57 percent funding, she said. Yet it must oversee all of the entities in its jurisdiction, even the municipalities that are not paying for it.

“If we did not take in the complaints, and did not do the investigations, or look at the contract review processes of the municipalities, what message would that send?” Steckler asked.

She pointed out that the county charter sets the parameters of her office’s funding, which is 0.25

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percent of all contracts under the office’s jurisdiction.

“The actual process to establish the inspector general’s funding never contemplated a multiyear lawsuit, and as such we are facing this today,” Steckler said.

Nevertheless, the OIG must present a budget each year. “I not only complied, but presented a very reasonable budget to you all,” she said.

Steckler noted that it came under the 0.25 percent allowable but was relying only on the 54 percent of overall financing that the county was scheduled to provide. She said her office will continue to perform its duties, but needs assurances of minimum financing levels so it can survive without having to lay off staff.

About two dozen people spoke during public comment, urging commissioners to adequately finance the office, including Morley Alperstein of Wellington.

“The county commissioners have always said that they favor an independent inspector general,” he said. “Since the rogue cities have ignored 72 percent of the electorate, and have sued not to fund the IG, there is only one way to keep the IG going. And that’s for you, the county commissioners, to give her the money.”

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara pointed out that this was a more clear-cut issue than governments often face.

“You have a clear mandate,” he said. “More than 72 percent of the voters said, ‘Make this happen.’ Even better than that, you have a working model and successful example to follow.

Miami-Dade’s OIG has worked well and served the citizens of their county.”

Hampton Peterson, general counsel for the office of Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock, said he wanted to clarify some of the allegations made about Bock’s role in the OIG lawsuit.

“First of all, the clerk is not in a position to make policy,” Peterson said. “The reason for her getting involved in this lawsuit was as an intervener... only to ask the court’s clarification as to the distribution of the funds that have been collected. She has an obligation to protect the taxpayers’ dollars, and the question was brought by the municipalities whether this was an illegal funding mechanism. Until that was determined, or until the court made a decision regarding the distribution of these funds, she felt it was an obligation to be in this lawsuit. Once the court makes a determination, she will

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

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DAWN RIVERA General Manager

LGLA Meeting On Aug. 22 The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves).

There will be two guest speakers for this meeting. The first speaker will be discussing film and TV productions in Palm Beach County, explaining what has been produced here and how people can get involved.

There will also be a representative from the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Science in Belle Glade, who will speak about the Green Industries Best Management Practice mod-

ule and Florida-friendly fertilization. GI-BMP training is required for all landscapers in order to minimize nutrient pollution.

There will be a question-andanswer session after each speaker finishes. It will be an open meeting during which residents will get a chance to discuss issues of concern they may have related to things that are going on in the town.

The meeting is open to the public, but only LGLA members with 2013 paid dues can make motions and vote on them. For additional information, contact LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 8189114 or marge@herzog.ms.

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NEWS

JESSICA COSTAN RECEIVES FIRST CPL. MICHAEL D’ALESSANDRO SCHOLARSHIP

The first Cpl. Michael D’Alessandro Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Wellington High School graduate Jessica Costan on Friday, Aug. 9. The scholarship is named for D’Alessandro, a soldier who died last year. The ceremony was held at the Wellington home of Lori and Gary Barlettano, D’Alessandro’s parents. Costan was chosen out of many applicants to receive $4,000 to assist with her expenses to attend Florida State University.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Lori Barlettano, silver member donor Lisa Davis, scholarship recipient Jessica Costan and Bob Davis.

Lori Barlettano, PBSO representative Nancy Woolley and D’Alessandro’s grandmother, Betty Gibbons.

Lori Barlettano and Jessica Costan with platinum member donor Kara Rockenbach.

Jessica, Gratiana and Andy Costan with Lori Barlettano.

Lori Barlettano, Shayna Sexton from Wellington High School and Jessica Costan.

Gary Barlettano, U.S. Army Capt. John Parker and Jessica Costan.

A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION FOR PATRONS AT BACKSTREETS BAR IN WELLINGTON Ernie Medeiros, owner of the Backstreets Bar & Grill in Wellington, held a party on Friday, Aug. 9 to celebrate his birthday and his July 6 wedding to JoJo. A free food buffet was served, and guests enjoyed music by the Crossfire Band.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Coco Lyons, Linda Becker, Dave Robinson and JoJo Medeiros.

JoJo and Ernie Medeiros share a special dance (left) and are honored with a toast to their happiness (right).

Marge and Fred Specht with Susan Semon.

Page 6 August 16 - August 22, 2013

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CRIME NEWS

Suspicious Device Removed From ATM At Royal Palm Bank

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By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report AUG. 6 — An employee of a bank on Southern Blvd. called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach last Tuesday afternoon to report a suspicious incident. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was dispatched to the bank after the employee noticed a suspicious device on the bank’s ATM near the building’s front entrance.

The employee contacted his supervisor, who confirmed that the ATM had not had any devices installed on it. According to the report, when the deputy pulled on the device, he noticed it was held on with tape. The device had a small hole pointing toward the keypad of the ATM, and contained two cell-phone batteries and a small motherboard. According to the report, a detective determined that the device is a type of scanner used to illegally obtain bankcard numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). The device was removed, and the ATM’s service company was called in to check the machine. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 8 — An Acreage woman was attacked early last Thursday morning outside of the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road.

According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to the store after the woman said she had been attacked in the parking lot. According to the report, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the victim was putting her groceries in her vehicle when two men approached her.

The victim said they demanded money from her, but she didn’t have any. According to the report, one of the suspects grabbed her left arm and she pulled away, falling to the ground and scraping her hands. The victim then called for help, and the suspects fled toward a nearby gas station. The suspects were described as white males between 17 and 19 years old, both wearing black T-shirts, black shorts and black socks pulled up to their knees. According to the report, the incident was caught on surveillance video footage, but there was no further information at the time of the report.

AUG. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was called to a home on Sunflower Circle last Thursday evening regarding a home burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., someone used an unknown tool to pry open the rear slidingglass door of the victim’s home and stole several pieces of jewelry and electronics. According to the report, the victim came home to find that the perpetrator(s) had taken a jewelry box containing a gold ring with diamonds and sapphires, a gold tennis bracelet, a pair of diamond earrings and a gold men’s Bulova watch. The perpetrator(s) also stole a Nintendo Wii gaming

system, along with assorted video games and DVDs. The stolen items were valued at approximately $3,400. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 9 — An employee of a farm on Southern Blvd. called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Friday to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. last Wednesday and noon Friday, someone shot several bullet holes into a large irrigation device known as a “rain reel.� According to the report, the bullets damaged irrigation tubing, which would have to be replaced. The damage was estimated at approximately $3,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 11 — A resident of Jonquil Place called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Friday, Aug. 2 and sometime last Saturday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked pickup truck and stole a Garmin GPS unit valued at approximately $150.

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

AUG. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on North Road last Sunday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Saturday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s pickup truck and stole a cordless drill. The perpetrator(s) also stole a rechargeable hotwire from the victim’s fence and a Yamaha motor from the victim’s boat. The stolen items were valued at approximately $10,700. The deputy observed a large amount of tracks where the motor had been dragged and loaded into another vehicle, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 11 — A Wellington resident was arrested last Sunday morning on charges of disorderly intoxication and trespassing after he was found asleep inside the vestibule of the Publix supermarket on Forest Hill Blvd. According to the report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to the store at approximately 9:30 a.m. last Sunday after an employee discovered 47-yearold Robert Rieskamp asleep in the store’s entryway. The deputy observed Rieskamp sleeping on the floor. According to the report, the deputy could smell alcohol and noticed that he appeared heavily intoxicated once awake. According to the report, Rieskamp had been removed from the store previously. He was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with trespassing and disorderly intoxication in a public place.

AUG. 11 — A deputy from the See BLOTTER, page 16

Traffic Accident Claims Life Of Elderly Wellington Woman AUG. 12 — A Wellington woman died early Monday morning following a traffic accident at the intersection of Birkdale Drive and Wellington Trace.

According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 5:30 a.m., a 2006 Scion XB driven by 86-year-old Terralee Herbert was traveling westbound on Birkdale Drive, approaching Wellington Trace.

Meanwhile, a 2010 Chevrolet Impala driven by 48-year-old Rodney

Wetzel of Wellington was traveling northbound on Wellington Trace.

According to the report, Herbert failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection in front of Wetzel’s vehicle.

Herbert’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side and spun across Wellington Trace onto the sidewalk. Wetzel’s vehicle spun counterclockwise.

Herbert was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding this wanted fugitive: • Daniel Grider is a white male, 5’11� tall and weighing 185 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo on his right shoulder. His date of birth is 05/28/ 77. Grider is wanted for violation of probation on charges of grand theft auto and possession of a Schedule IV substance.

His last known addresses were Carver Street in Lake Worth and Edham Drive in Greenacres. He is wanted as of 08/08/ 13.

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

Daniel Grider

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

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NEWS

Lox Groves Might Designate Roads For Golf Cart And ATV Use

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council is reviewing the use of golf carts and other small vehicles on local roads. The council could pass a resolution later this month designating which town roads they can operate on.

At a meeting Aug. 6, Town Attorney Michael Cirullo said he had done the review of the legalities of golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mini-trucks and other small, low-speed vehicles that had been requested by the council.

Cirullo included golf carts, allterrain vehicles and swamp buggies in his memo. He concluded that low-speed vehicles and minitrucks are permitted without taking any action.

“There are rules and regulations in the statutes for those, and I’ve outlined them in my memo,” he said. “You can take action not to allow them, but if you take no action, they are allowed on the road.”

Golf carts and swamp buggies, however, would require action by the council, Cirullo said.

“The main issue that you would

consider in doing that is to designate the roads on which they could be safely operated,” he said. “You need to have a consideration that they’re safe for the road conditions. Once you do designate those roads, there’s signage that needs to be put up to tell the golf cart and swamp buggy folks, ‘Yes, you can use it,’ but also to warn drivers that there may be golf carts and swamp buggies coming through.”

Cirullo said he did not have a format for such a sign but that the first step would be for the council

to decide whether to put it on its agenda for action and to have town administration review the roads for possible golf-cart use.

“Once those roads are designated, I would recommend a resolution to designate those roads with whatever review you may use to confirm that vehicles can be safely operated,” Cirullo said. “If you’re going to make a difference between some roads allowing swamp buggies and some roads allowing golf carts, then you would need separate resolutions.”

Councilman Jim Rockett point-

ed out that under the information Cirullo had given them, golf carts on roadways must have a rearview mirror and red reflective warning devices on the front and rear.

“My favorite standards for golf carts are efficient brakes and reliable steering,” Cirullo said. “One issue that came up was the age [of the driver], and under the state statute, the minimum age is 14.”

Councilman Tom Goltzené said the only thing he did not see in Cirullo’s memo was accommodating for tractors and other farm equipment, which Cirullo said is

already covered under agricultural exemptions, which are allowed under state regulations to operate on the road, but require a luminescent triangle on the back.

Cirullo also pointed out that there is a separate state statute for golf carts in senior communities.

“I did not want to over-analyze that, but I did want to point that out for the record, since it was mentioned,” he said.

Goltzené made a motion to bring the topic back at the Tuesday, Aug. 20 meeting for formal consideration. The motion carried 5-0.

Former ITID Supervisor Blasts Beeline Highway Widening Plans

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report A former Indian Trail Improvement District official is warning that the Florida Department of Transportation’s planned expansion of the Beeline Highway (SR 710) could spell trouble for The Acreage.

During public comment at the ITID Board of Supervisors meeting Aug. 7, former Supervisor Penny Riccio said she attended a hearing that day in Indiantown on the project, which has been in planning stages for the past year and a half.

“It’s a very serious issue,” Riccio said. “They have incorporated The Acreage and the Loxahatchee area in their PD&E study, saying that there is more anticipated development.”

Riccio said it needs to be made clear that The Acreage is close to build-out, adding that she spoke at the meeting, explaining that

Charter

Renaissance Palms West continued from page 1 clamoring to help, Brannon said.

Last week, as she and the teachers trained in their new school for the first time, there was already a group of parents on hand volunteering to help teachers get classrooms ready.

“I am overwhelmed by the positive support we’ve gotten from parents,” Brannon said.

There are 842 students enrolled at the school this year, with another 345 on waiting lists. But the wait list doesn’t apply to all grades and there are some slots still open, Brannon said.

While the school is starting as a kindergarten through sixth-grade school, one new grade will be added each year for the next two years, Reynolds said.

Students at the charter school all get their own personalized learning plans, Reynolds said.

It’s a data-driven curriculum with benchmark testing to see where the students are and get them where they need to be, she said.

In addition to core subjects, such as math and reading, the school will also offer classes in art, music, Spanish and physical education, Brannon added.

The school follows the same state standards as public schools and is a step ahead of public schools when it comes to transitioning from the Sunshine State Standards and FCAT testing to the new Common Core standards, Brannon said.

Kindergarten to second-grade students at Renaissance Palms West will use the new Common Core standards reading textbook this year. That will make it a little easier for them to make the transition, although the third- to fifthgrade teachers know this is the last

there are only 500 or so Acreage lots left to build, and the population should not increase dramatically from the 39,000 people already in the community.

According to an FDOT report, a multimodal Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study is being conducted to evaluate potential improvements to the Beeline Highway from 1 mile east of SR 76 (Kanner Highway) to SR 708 (Blue Heron Blvd.). The proposed improvements include widening the Beeline Highway from about 1 mile east of SR 76 to the Pratt & Whitney entrance. It would be widened from the existing two lanes to four lanes.

No widening is proposed from the Pratt & Whitney entrance to Northlake Blvd. From Northlake Blvd. to Blue Heron Blvd., improvements include widening the existing four-lane road to six lanes.

A flyover at SR 710 and Northlake Blvd. is also proposed.

Further, a 10-foot, shared-use path on the north side of SR 710 is also being evaluated from approximately 1 mile east of SR 76 to Northlake Blvd.

The widening from Northlake to Blue Heron will serve to reduce congestion, as well as to enhance mobility, safety, emergency access and truck movement within and through Martin and Palm Beach counties, according to the FDOT report.

The total project length is about 25 miles. The estimated cost for the proposed improvements is about $181 million, which includes $126 million for construction, $5 million for right-of-way acquisition, $29 million for engineering and $21 million for mitigation.

The project is in the final stages of public input.

Riccio said she thought the underlying reason for the project is to accommodate development of the 4,800-acre Vavrus Ranch prop-

year for Sunshine State standards, Brannon said.

Pupils can look forward to stateof-the-art technology in their new school, including two computer labs, two art and music rooms, laptops, a mobile laptop, laptops for teachers, Smart Boards and interactive white boards, among other things, and a slew of software packages that will allow students to do advanced-level coursework or take remedial courses, if needed, Brannon said.

There will also be a charactereducation curriculum that teaches children how to be good citizens in the classroom and beyond.

“They’ll learn how to be kind, considerate and honest,” Brannon said.

Her goals for this year include creating a strategic plan for the school; analyzing student data in reading, writing, math and science, to see how students are performing; creating a culture of academic excellence; recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers; and providing professional development opportunities for them.

“This is an exciting beginning,”

Brannon said. “We know we’ll have a good year.”

Parents will be able to monitor their child’s progress using a student information system that provides real-time test results and tracks things such as the student’s completion and turning in of homework assignments on time, as well as any disciplinary action. The system will be accessible online — no waiting around for a progress report at the end of the grading period, Reynolds said.

Reynolds said demand for charter school options in central Palm Beach County is what led USA Charter Schools to open the Renaissance Palms West campus.

The company also opened the Renaissance Charter School at Summit on Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach this year. The Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach on Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. opened last year.

The Renaissance Charter School at Palms West is located at 12031 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 214-6782 or visit www. palmswestcharter.org.

erty, which is planned for 7,600 homes, 2 million square feet of commercial and a 4,000-student campus.

“They claim that there’s 26,000 car trips at the corner of Northlake and the Beeline Highway, which warrants the Beeline to be widened from Northlake down to Blue Heron, but Blue Heron is not our concern,” Riccio said.

“Our concern lies between Northlake and Haverhill, because the road fails at Haverhill. Haverhill is a heavily urban populated area.”

Truck trips through The Acreage to the Beeline are at 12 percent and anticipated to go to 21 percent, Riccio added.

“I screamed that we don’t want to be a community of pass-through truck traffic,” she said. “They’re projecting the trips with the truck traffic to go to 54,000.”

Riccio asked that ITID board members and Acreage residents

send in comments to FDOT asking the agency not to widen the Beeline from Northlake to Haverhill to six lanes.

“That would destroy our neighborhood because they are looking at the Vavrus development also,” Riccio said. “We shouldn’t be lumped into that.

We shouldn’t pay for whatever they want to do over there. We need to bombard that office that we oppose that.”

Riccio added that the bridge planned to go over the railroad track at Northlake Blvd. and the Beeline will start at the entrance to the Grassy Waters Preserve and go up to an elevation of 18 feet, resembling the overpass at State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. “That’s abhorrent, that’s ludicrous, just to accommodate Vavrus?” Riccio said.

Ultimately, the SR 710 corridor could potentially reduce automobile and oil dependence, as well as

vehicle emissions, and provide an economic development benefit to the area, according to the FDOT report.

Modern passenger trains would be utilized on the existing railway running parallel to the highway, providing fast service, safe and reliable transportation, wireless capabilities and a comfortable and convenient method of travel.

The corridor design fits in line with FDOT’s vision plan for the Florida Intercity Passenger Rail, which connects all major urban areas not commonly serviced by air or rail.

Other benefits have been identified with the project, including higher property values, increased commercial activity, increased tax revenue and the development of livable, accessible communities.

For more information on the project, visit www.sr710.com.

(Above) Veteran educator Sharon Brannon is principal of the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West. (Below) The school’s technology lab.

The new playground awaits the arrival of students next week.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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NEWS

TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB IN WELLINGTON HOLDS OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW MEMBERS Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington held an open house Sunday, Aug. 11. It was a chance for prospective new members to get information about the Jewish congregation. Guests enjoyed refreshments and more. For more info., call (561) 793-4347 or visit www.templebnai jacob.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Amy Robbert, Andrea Cohan and Liz Thal.

Teacher Marion Westfal with Ean Chasinoff.

Temple members Anna, Gina, Glen and Dr. Sara Bernstein with Rich Chasinoff.

Susan Feldman assists Zoe Bruck with a craft.

Zan Liebowitz, Marisa Feldman, Ella Bender and Herb Gordon.

Teachers Ileana Schulte, Sheila Katz, Sandi Gladding, Becky Oblon and Marion Westfal meet to discuss the new school year.

OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL FUN The Okeeheelee Nature Center held a week-long summer camp Aug. 5-9 for kids ages 9 to 12. Activities included an airboat ride in the Everglades, arts and crafts, games, native animal encounters and more. For more info., call (561) 233-1400.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Anthony Rodriguez holds a water walker.

Okeeheelee Nature Center Manager Clive Pinnock with Hootie, a screech owl.

Camp counselor Kaitlyn Hanley helps Alex Stair with archery.

PALM BEACH HORSE PARK

LATEST NEWS WHAT HORSE SHOW AMENITIES ARE PLANNED FOR THE PALM BEACH HORSE PARK?

The Palm Beach Horse Park will host one or two horse shows every week, year round, and take advantage of the air conditioned main Arena, 3 covered show rings and 10 show and exercise rings. We will showcase not only the American Quarter Horse, but all breeds including Arabian, Morgan, Paso Fino, Paint… even draft horses and mules!

There will be stabling for approximately 500 horses and room for up to 500 additional horses housed in temporary stalls during larger events.

To accommodate the vehicles that will be transporting these horse to town, the Horse Park will have parking for +/-2000 cars, along with RV & trailer hook-ups for about 100 vehicles.

We welcome your input and ideas – this is YOUR community. Please contact us at: 561-333-3100 or Email: palmbeachhorsepark@gmail.com www.PalmBeachHorsePark.com

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SCHOOL NEWS

Kids Receive Books From Palm Beach County Library System The Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System sponsored “Reading Is Soooo Delicious” this summer. For three weeks, library staff and library supporters visited camps and school sites in Greenacres, Jupiter, Pahokee and West Palm Beach.

Each week, the children, ages 5 to 17, were able to select one to two books they could add to their home libraries.

The participating students also received a bag and a simple craft

project. More than 2,500 books were distributed.

Research has shown that children are more likely to read for fun and learn new things when books are readily available in the home.

Starting a home library also shows a child how important books are.

“I usually pick out the books that my teachers want me to read, but now I got a chance to pick out my own, and I enjoyed it more than what others want me to read,” said Sabrina, a student at the West Ju-

piter Community Center.

“The Friends of the Library and the library staff wanted to find a way to get books into the hands of children to prevent the summer slide,” Friends of the Library President Jane Blevins, a former librarian, said. “That is how we came up with ‘Reading Is Soooo Delicious.’”

One parent wrote to say how grateful she was for the program.

“Thank you very much for the books you provided for my chil-

dren over the summer,” Latoya Bell wrote. “My children are learning how important it is to learn how to read and understand what you are reading.”

The Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System plan to expand the program to eight sites next summer. To donate to “Reading Is Soooo Delicious,” send checks to the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System at 3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

GED And ESOL Classes Begin On Sept. 9 The Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System sponsored “Reading is Sooooo Delicious,” which distributed free books to four locations, including the Greenacres Community Center.

School District Honored With Procurement Award The School District of Palm Beach County’s Purchasing Department has earned the 18th annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award for 2013. The district is one of only 23 in the U.S. to receive the award. It is the sixth consecutive AEP Award for the School District.

The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award recognizes organizational excellence in procurement. Public and nonprofit organizations earn the award by obtaining a high application score

based on standardized criteria.

The purchasing department is dedicated to providing professional and efficient services and supports the activities of the school district, which includes: education, financial responsibility and community service.

“We have a wonderful team of professionals working in the purchasing department and are proud to be recognized for supporting our schools and departments efficiently,” Director Sharon Swan said.

In today’s competitive job market, a high-school diploma is essential to attain educational and career goals. Passing the GED test and receiving a high-school diploma opens the door to new opportunities and a better future.

The current GED test is available on computer, as well as on paper and pencil. Results show that adults who take the computer version are scoring higher and finishing faster. Computer testing is done in person, on a computer, at an approved testing center at the School District of Palm Beach County.

Cost for the complete battery of computer-based tests is $130, while the cost for the complete battery of tests on paper and pencil is $70. Eligible students enrolled in School District of Palm Beach County GED classes can apply for

a free GED test (either for the computer or paper and pencil version).

The Palm Beach County Community Action Program will pay for students to take the GED test if they score at least 450 on the official practice test and if their income level meets certain eligibility criteria.

To find out if they meet all the qualifications and to apply for a free GED test, students can call or visit one of the following community action offices by Sept. 30.

• 810 Datura St., West Palm Beach, (561) 355-4792 • 610 SW 15th Ave., Delray Beach, (561) 278-8090 • 6415 Indiantown Road, Jupiter, (561) 694-5471 • 1440 MLK Blvd., Riviera Beach, (561) 845-4672 • 1699 Wingfield St., Lake Worth, (561) 694-5416

• 380 E. 5th St., Pahokee, (561) 924-7232 • 625 MLK Blvd., South Bay, (561) 996-6721 The Adult & Community Education Department (ACE) of the School District of Palm Beach County offers convenient GED classes online and at more than 30 locations. ACE also offers classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The Mandel Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach as a pilot site for GED classes.

“Our partnership with the Mandel Public Library will help us reach a mutual goal of providing lifelong learning opportunities to members of our community,” said Jane Bravo, manager of curriculum/special projects. “By working together, we will provide resources to ensure that students are successful in

reaching their educational goals.”

In addition to providing classroom space and a computer lab, the Mandel Public Library will sponsor up to 24 GED students based on eligibility criteria.

“The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, as part of our expanding opportunities for lifelong learning, is pleased to be working with the Palm Beach County School District to offer the GED program,” Library Director Christopher T. Murray said.

Fall 2013 GED and ESOL classes will be held from Sept. 9 to Dec. 13. Registration begins Aug. 26.

GED & ESOL classes are $30 for Florida residents and $120 for nonresidents.

Information about GED and ESOL classes is available at www. palmbeachschools.org/ace or by calling (561) 649-6010.

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August 16 - August 22, 2013 Page 13

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

RPB’s Amanda Ng Wins National Pageant Amanda Ng, a Royal Palm Beach resident starting fifth grade at Cypress Trails Elementary School this year, was crowned the National USA Junior Ambassador Preteen on Aug. 3, taking home the Spirit of Pageantry award for building friendships and promoting sportsmanship.

Ng also took first place in Talent and Community Service. To win the awards, she competed in pageants based on community service and worked hard all year preparing for her national competition.

The National USA Jr. Ambassador pageant is run by former pag-

Amanda Ng with Build A Bears from her Build-A-Bear drive.

Michael Meyer Graduates Air Force Basic Training Air Force Airman Michael A. Meyer recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.

Meyer completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Meyer is the son of Daniel and Bertha Meyer of Loxahatchee. He is a 2012 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

Michael A. Meyer

Walker Finishes Army Basic

Army National Guard Pfc. Aaron C. Walker recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, Walker studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayo-

net training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises.

Walker is the son of Mychelle Walker of Wellington. He is a 2011 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

eant contestant Kristin Thurston and her mother, Barbara, teaching young girls to form friendships, help others and build confidence.

The Junior Ambassador Pageant is an open national pageant and was started to offer a national opportunity to girls across the country. “This pageant was founded on the ideal of promoting success instilling the values of leadership, integrity, character and confidence,” Thurston said. “We believe these are important qualities that will help young women conquer the world.”

In preparing for the pageant, Ng coordinated a “Build-A-Bear” drive and raised 50 Build-A-Bears for the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa, but more importantly, inspired the builders to help others. Ng also wrote a book, Colors by the Day, and reads it to the children in the pediatric ward of Palms West Hospital every three months.

This book helps the children talk about their feelings. She is currently working on her second book.

Ng also visits the Royal Manor Nursing Home each December with Beanie Babies for the residents.

RPB’s Amanda Ng is crowned National USA Junior Ambassador.

“I’m happy to go because this is where my great-grandmother died, and I feel like I’m visiting her each time I go, but the sad part is, when I get to know a new one, they may not be there the next year,” Ng said. “I continue to go because there’s always new grandmas and grandpas that need cheering up during the holidays each year.”

Ng always invites at least two new friends to join each year, and there are always at least 10 kids during the visit.

Ng with her trophies.

When asked what she wants to do with her crown and title Ng replied, “I want to encourage more kids in my community to

do community service and I am happy to make appearances to help my local businesses and nonprofits.”

Port Of Palm Beach Honors Student Interns The seven students who are participating in the 2013 Port of Palm Beach summer intern program were recognized by the Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 16.

The six-week program allows students from Palm Beach County to gain knowledge about port business and operations while working in a professional setting.

In its second year, the port intern program was open to currently enrolled college sophomores, juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. The students spent the duration of the program in the department that best fit their fields of studies, such as public relations, business development, accounting, security, records, commission affairs, IT and accounting.

“The intern program allows students to develop professional leadership skills as well as explore career options in their future professions,” Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Edward R. Oppel said.

“Students are grateful these days for opportunities like this,” said Trevor Nelson, who is spend-

ing the summer working in the accounting department at the port.

“Through the port internship program, the port employees really take the time to develop students in the community.”

The interns in the 2013 program are: Ben Wiles from Boca Raton, who is studying engineering at Florida Atlantic University; Devon Bull from North Palm Beach, a stu-

dent at Lincoln Culinary Institute; Trevor Nelson from Palm Beach Gardens, who is studying accounting at Auburn University; Jakel Osborne from West Palm Beach, who is studying drama and dance at Spelman College; Arielle Harrell of West Palm Beach, who is studying information technology at Florida A&M University; Devin Powell of West Palm Beach, who is

studying business administration at Florida A&M University; and Anya Obradovich-Reeder of West Palm Beach who is studying design at Parsons/The New School of Design.

The internship program is sponsored by the Port of Palm Beach, AECOM, South Florida Materials Corporation, Sunstates Security and Port Contractors.

Port Interns Honored — (Left to right) Commissioner Jean L. Enright, Commissioner Wayne M. Richards, Ben Wiles, Devon Bull, Commissioner Edward R. Oppel, Trevor Nelson, Jakel Osborne, Arielle Harell, Devin Powell and Commissioner Blair J. Ciklin.

Page 14 August 16 - August 22, 2013

Heart Health Fair At WRMC Aug. 28

Wellington Regional Medical Center will host a “Healthy Heart Health Fair and Forum” on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community event is designed to increase awareness about heart disease and encourage people to learn about prevention and treatment.

Heart and blood vessel disease is a medical condition that refers to numerous problems, many of which relate to atherosclerosis — a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the flow and result in a heart attack, stroke or aneurysm.

In addition to free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, lunch and learn lectures will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

At 11:30 a.m., “Risk Factors and Preventing Cardiovascular Disease” will be presented by Dr. Michael B. Lakow, a board-certified cardiologist. He will discuss risk factors, prevention, prevalence, diet and exercise.

The Town-Crier

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NEWS BRIEFS At 12:30 p.m. “Cardiovascular Disease Intervention” will be held.

It will be an informal, interactive discussion about interventional treatment options and hearthealthy lifestyle choices.

A healthy lunch will be served, so reservations are encouraged.

Call (561) 798-9880 to reserve a place.

Vegetarian Shabbat Aug. 23

Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor, the forward-thinking Reform Jewish congregation, invites the community to attend Friday night services at 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach School of Autism, 8480 Lantana Road in Lantana.

The Aug. 23 Friday night Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. will include guest speaker Jeff Tucker, Dade County leader of Earth Save. Tucker will talk about the connection between Jewish values and vegetarianism.

Tucker has worked to translate the ethics and values of Judaism into the way animals and the planet are treated. He will share his view that the highest teachings of Judaism lead to vegetarianism.

A vegan oneg Shabbat and dis-

cussion will follow the service. All are welcome to attend. Call (561) 968-0688 for more info.

Kids Helping Kids Princess & Pirate Ball On Oct. 13

The second annual Kids Helping Kids “Princess & Pirate Ball” will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

Amie Swan and Abbie Beebe will chair the event, while Max Silverstein and Emma Guieri will serve as co-chairs of the kids committee. A program of the Center for Family Services, Kids Helping Kids increases awareness of philanthropy among youth, while making a difference in the life of another child.

The Princess & Pirate Ball will include cocktails and mocktails, dinner by the bite, a treasure hunt, face painting, crafts and more. The ball is for children of all ages and their parents and/or grandparents.

Casual attire and themed costumes are encouraged.

Tickets for adults are $150 and tickets for children are $95. For tick-

ets, or sponsorship information, contact Stanton Collemer at (561) 616-1257 or scollemer@ctrfam.org.

Proceeds will be used to support the Pat Reeves Village Shelter, which provides life-changing services to families with children who are either homeless or at risk for homelessness.

Kids Helping Kids starts to teach philanthropy at an early age and teaches children to help other children less fortunate through hands-on projects and events.

The program takes place at the Pat Reeves Village Shelter in West Palm Beach, the only emergency homeless shelter in Palm Beach County for families with children.

The Center for Family Services is a 51-year-old, nonprofit social services organization whose mission is strengthening families through counseling, education and homeless intervention.

Timed 5K Added To Place Of Hope Walk

New for 2013, Place of Hope has added a timed 5K to its annual Hope Walk, which began as a family oriented fitness and fundrais-

ing event in 2008. With the addition of the 5K, Place of Hope hopes to welcome running and exercise enthusiasts who train at shorter distance events.

The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. at Carlin Park (400 Florida A1A, Jupiter).

The fifth annual Hope Walk & 5K invites everyone to a day filled with fun activities, starting with a pre-walk warm-up, a 2-mile journey through the life of a child in foster care, followed by family fun activities, such as a dodge ball tournament, cardio class, car show, specialty units on display by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, pancakes from IHOP and more.

The event raises funds that will allow Place of Hope to continue providing children with items such as food, clothing, summer camps, educational supplies, sports, special children’s activities, family outings and family vacations. In 2012, the fourth annual Hope Walk was supported by 553 walkers, 86 volunteers, 510 donors and 71 sponsors.

To register online, visit www. placeofhope.com and click on Hope Walk. Registration ends Friday, Nov. 1 at 9 p.m. Call (561) 7757195 for additional information.

Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-licensed child welfare organization that provides family style foster care (emergency and long term), family outreach and intervention, maternity care, safety for domestic minor sexually trafficked victims, transitional housing and support services, adoption and foster care recruitment and more.

In 2012, Place of Hope served 773 children, young adults and their parents.

Quarters Auction Aug. 21 In RPB

A quarters auction will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Donate $2 for a bidding paddle and bring rolls of quarters or small bills to bid on items provided by a wide variety of vendors, from healthcare products to candles, jewelry, home items, clothing and more. Food will be available for purchase. This month’s charity beneficiary is Team Krazy for Kate at the annual Buddy Walk benefiting the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization. For more information, call (561) 797-1501.

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August 16 - August 22, 2013 Page 15

NEWS

BACK TO BASICS FOUNDER BEVERLY PERHAM CELEBRATES HER 75TH BIRTHDAY Beverly Perham, founder of the local nonprofit Back t o Basics, celebrated her 75th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 10 at her home in Wellington. Approximately 100 friends from the various group she belongs to came to celebrate. There was a barbecue buffet and a birthday cake, as well as swimming.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Beverly Perham (standing, right) with members of St. Rita’s Council of Catholic Women.

Beverly Perham with St. Rita choir members.

Beverly Perham blows out the candle on her cake.

(Front row) Beverly Perham, Joan Kelly and Marietta Bowie; and (back row) Louise Connolly and Ali Stains.

Beverly Perham with friends from the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center and her doll club group.

Beverly Perham with her Back to Basics Angel Helpers.

TWO WELLINGTON EMPLOYEES HONORED WITH CERTIFICATES OF ACHIEVEMENT

Greenview Shores 1 Neighborhood Watch Team Captain John Shwiner met with Wellington Deputy Manager John Bonde and Code Compliance Officer Rich Cataldo on Wednesday, Aug. 7 to present them with certificates of achievement.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Code Compliance Officer Rich Cataldo and Neighborhood Watch Team Captain John Shwiner.

John Shwiner, Rich Cataldo, Code Compliance Manager Steven Koch and Wellington Deputy Manager John Bonde.

Wellington Deputy Manager John Bonde and Greenview Shores 1 Neighborhood Watch Team Captain John Shwiner.

Page 16 August 16 - August 22, 2013

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NEWS

District Invites Eligible Families To Apply For Free Or Reduced-Price Meals The School District of Palm Beach County invites all eligible families to apply for free or reduced-price meals.

Household size and income criteria will determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals for students enrolled in Palm Beach County schools.

Children from families whose income is at or below the cutoff levels may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. An application cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information. Once approved, meal benefits are good for an entire school year.

Families should allow 10 days for processing applications, which are available at the principal’s of-

fice in each school. Families need to complete one application per household, even if the siblings attend different Palm Beach County schools. The information provided on the application will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are required to list on the application only the child’s name, SNAP/TANF case number and signature of an adult household member.

Foster children will receive free

benefits regardless of the child’s personal income or the income of the household. If the foster family chooses to apply and the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits.

Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless or runaways should contact district liaison Anax Pompilus at (561) 434-8852.

For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their applications. Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s

Yesteryear

Christmas Cancelled

continued from page 1 31. Kids 12 and under can trick-ortreat on all of those nights, plus there will be rides, games and spooky arts and crafts. Admission is $7.

Chouris wouldn’t rule out staging Christmas at Yesteryear should a generous donor come forward, but she isn’t expecting that to happen, either. “We’d consider it,” she said of an offer to underwrite the event.

Christmas in Yesteryear Village was held over two weekends in December last year and featured free ice skating, a cookie contest, Starz of the Future auditions, caroling, a 30-foot Christmas tree and a synchronized light show.

Chouris said there’s another event in the works planned for

ITID

Community Center Defunded

continued from page 1 prove drainage in The Acreage, made a motion to un-designate the money and conduct a cost analysis for development of fields and other outdoor amenities.

ITID President Jennifer Hager asked whether the board could move the money to an undesignated fund so they could address drainage issues, but possibly start the park expansion with ITID’s own staff working on athletic fields.

Supervisor Carol Jacobs said she was ready to scrap plans for the community center immediately and build athletic fields without tapping into the $3.7 million.

“We have men right now,” Jacobs said. “We can start doing stuff over there that doesn’t even need to come out of that money. There’s a lot in-house that can be done and get kids on those fields.”

Jacobs asked whether recreational matching grants the district has attained for the project can go to purposes other than the community center, such as field

Flooding

Working Together

continued from page 3 Storm Isaac was a good example of turning a negative into a positive.

“We saw the potential negative impacts of flooding resulting from a tropical storm,” Santamaria said.

“That wasn’t even a real big one yet, but sooner or later there will be a big one that will cause a neg-

income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. Additionally, a housing allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative is not to be included as income.

All other households must provide the following information listed on the application: • Total household income listed by amount received and type of income and how often the income is received (wages, child support, etc.) received by each household member; • Names of all household members; • Signature of an adult household member certifying the information provided is correct; and • Last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult signing the application or check the box for “N SSN” for this household member if he or she does not have a Social Security number.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household

Grant Money

TOWN-CRIER FILE PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

three weeks after the fair, but because it’s a work in progress, she couldn’t give further details at this time.

For more on Yesteryear Village, visit www.southfloridafair.com and click on the Yesteryear Village tab, or call (561) 793-0333.

lights. “We need to get going, and we need to work on it,” she said.

Acting District Administrator Jim Shallman said the grant money could be used for purposes other than the community center as long as they were recreation related.

Dunkley’s motion to undesignate the $3.7 million carried 3-1, with Damone opposed. Supervisor Ralph Bair, another proponent of the community center, had left the meeting.

“I am strongly opposed,” Damone said. “Since I was 27 years old, I have been supporting the community center, and I have not done anything in my tenure with this district to not support the community center.”

Jacobs then made a motion to scrap the community center and move ahead immediately with development of outdoor amenities.

Dunkley seconded the motion, but pointed out that they still do not have a cost analysis for outdoor amenities. Jacobs said she was confident they could move ahead with field development before a cost analysis is completed.

“We can make a couple of fields,” she said. “We can afford that.”

Jacobs’ motion also carried 3-1, with Damone voting no.

Hager said a community center had never been high on her priorities list.

“Right now is not a good time,” she said. “People have been saying, ‘For all these years we have been promised a community center, we’ve been promised fields.’

Now is not the time. We cannot do it right now. With respect to Michelle wanting a community center and you guys wanting fields, I think that’s a happy medium compromise. I still don’t even know if I want that, but the fields will at least provide the kids with more space to play their sports.”

Hager added that she thought a community center might be a possibility at some point. “No one said, ‘Don’t come back in a few years.’We’re trying to compromise with a solution for every resident,” she said.

During public input, resident Linda Knox favored using the money available to build a community center.

“It has been about 16 years now looking at dirt,” Knox said. “We have the grant money; let’s use it.

I’m tired of all the excuses. We have children out here. We have more than mortgages, houses and drainage. We need something for the children besides breaking into

ative impact on our communities.”

The good aspect of the flooding was it drew the attention of Gov. Rick Scott, he said.

“A number of constituents got involved and took advantage of that opportunity of the visit of Gov. Scott, because we started a consistent, regular communication with the governor over several months,” he said.

Santamaria pointed out that Scott was able to get $4 million in funding to rebuild the Corbett berm. “That’s why this resolution

is important for all of us, to emphasize that the seriousness of flooding in Palm Beach County should be mitigated and minimized by active participation of both elected officials, as well as active members of the community, with respect to areas that clearly need a little bit of encouragement and pushing,” Santamaria said.

Valeche made a motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Santamaria, which carried 6-0. Commissioner Shelley Vana was absent.

decision with the determining official on an informal basis.

If a parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he or she may make a request either orally or in writing to Chief Operating Officer Michael Burke, 3340 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33406 or call (561) 434-8510.

Unless indicated otherwise on the application, the information on the free or reduced-price meal application may be used by the school system to determine eligibility for other educational programs.

Tiger Shark Cove Park Playground To Close For Turf Maintenance Tiger Shark Cove Playground, located at 13800 Greenbriar Blvd., will close beginning 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21 for turf maintenance.

The playground will resume normal operating hours the following day, Thursday, Aug. 22. For more information, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

continued from page 1 nior transportation program. “That will continue this year,” Evangelista said.

Councilman John Greene asked whether the money could go toward senior housing programs.

“One thing we hear constantly from our seniors is they want to age in place,” he said. “There seems to be a lot of concern as the population is aging about staying in Wellington. How can this money be used, if at all, to look at housing options that would allow seniors to stay and age in place?”

Evangelista said there are programs that will allow Wellington to use the block grant money for senior housing.

“It’s something we can look into for our 2015 programs,” she said.

“The funds we have right now will completely satisfy the ADA sidewalk project. It will be done next year, and we will be looking into new projects.”

Greene asked whether Wellington requests a certain amount of money. “If we have larger programs for senior housing, can we request more funds?” he asked.

Evangelista said the village gets what HUD chooses to give it. “It’s a formula,” she said. “But we can look into options for programs that can help.”

Councilman Matt Willhite said senior housing has been a goal of his for many years. “In 2008, we said we would start looking into more senior housing,” he said. “I’m encouraged that we applied for this grant, it’s something I would like to start looking at more. Whatever tools we have available to move this forward and make it easier for our seniors to age in place, I would like to see us look into that.”

Mayor Bob Margolis also supported the idea. He suggested staff meet not only with the Senior Advisory Committee but also the Wellington Seniors Club.

Schofield said Wellington staff would begin to look into the programs for next year after the 2014 budget is set.

cars and houses. We need a civic center, arts, crafts, theater, you name it; something for our children.”

Former Supervisor Sandra LoveSemande said drainage should be the district’s main priority but that parks are also important. “I feel this board has an opportunity to work with staff and our professionals to be able to possibly do both, and that’s what I would see move forward,” she said.

Damone read e-mails from residents favoring the community center, including one from Seminole Ridge High School coach Scott O’Hara pointing out that the Acreage Athletic League has an excellent girls flag football team that feeds the state championship high school flag football team, but he sees girls entering high school who lack basic skills in basketball and volleyball.

“We can’t afford not to build

the Acreage Community Center,” O’Hara wrote. “Is it any wonder that our very own Seminole Ridge varsity flag football program has brought so much pride to this community by winning the state championship the last three out of four years? Yet as a varsity basketball and volleyball coach, I find it incredibly difficult for our players to compete against even local competition. While many of our state championship flag football players are the same girls who play basketball and volleyball, our players come to high school lacking basic basketball and volleyball skills.”

Bair asked what the annual cost would be to operate a community center, and Shallman said the estimates were $450,000 to $500,000 a year.

“Nobody really knows what the actual operating expenses are going to be,” Shallman said, adding

that no cost estimates had been done for Phase 2, which is the outdoor amenities, including athletic fields, courts, trails and a possible splash park, BMX track and/or amphitheater.

Damone said the maintenance cost for a community center would come to about $26 a year per household.

Resident Anne Kuhl thought the maintenance costs for a community center were too high.

“I don’t want to see us get into a jam,” Kuhl said. “We also have a debt. We’re going to get to a point that we’re going to have to raise our taxes. What if the flood insurance [map changes] go through?

That could be another $600 to $800 a year for our families out here for flood insurance. Twenty-six dollars, sure, that’s a best-case scenario. It could be $200, and it’s going to go up. It’s not going to go down.”

gun receiving harassing text messages with lewd photos. The messages started at approximately 11:20 a.m. last Sunday and were from a phone number unknown to the victim. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) sent the victim an unsolicited pornographic photo. The perpetrator(s) then continued to harass the victim, asking her if she liked the photos. According to the report, the victim called the number and spoke with an unknown male suspect, who said he randomly picked her number and continued to ask her feelings about the photos. The victim asked the man to cease contact with her, but he continued. According to the report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation called the number to request that the suspect contact him, but there was no further information available at the time of the report.

AUG. 12 — An employee of

Total Wine called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday to report a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:30 p.m., three unknown white males and an unknown white female entered the store and stole several cigars. According to the report, two of the male suspects walked to the back of the store while the third male suspect and the female suspect entered the cigar humidor. The employee said the two male suspects then created a distraction, breaking a beer bottle by the cash registers, while the other two suspects concealed $500 in cigars.

According to the report, the four suspects exited the store without paying for the merchandise and fled in an older-model white Mercedes-Benz. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there was no further information available at the time of the report.

Programs Help Seniors

Samantha Sturgill, Sara Ornelas Hannah Bentrim and Emma Dunn from RPB’s Brownie Troop 20082 at last year’s Christmas celebration at Yesteryear Village.

size changes, contact the school.

Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed should also contact the school. Such changes may make the student eligible for free or reduced-price or free meals if the household income falls at or below the approved levels.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the superintendent will review applications and determine eligibility.

If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he or she may wish to discuss the

Blotter

continued from page 6 PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on Citrus Grove Blvd. last Sunday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 9 a.m. last Saturday and returned home the following day to find that two televisions and a laptop computer had been stolen. The victim reported that her adult son had been at home alone, but did not call to report the burglary. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,700. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

AUG. 11 — A resident of Madison Green contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday afternoon to report a case of harassment. According to a PBSO report, the victim had be-

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August 16 - August 22, 2013 Page 17

NEWS

CROWDS ENJOY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BONANZA AT WHOLE FOODS IN WELLINGTON Whole Foods Mar ket in Wellington hosted its Back-to-School Bonanza on Saturday, Aug. 10 to encourage kids to get ready for school.

Guests enjoyed food samples, crafts, giveaways and exploring vehicles from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Members of the PBSO, PBCFR and Village of Wellington officials with representatives from Whole Foods Market.

Beck Selman with a big bag of organic carrots for the horses.

Susan Williams, Lauren Belinsky and Deputy Jeff Denney with some back-to-school necessities.

Wellington Councilman John Greene gets a snack from Amanda DeSantis.

Evan and Alexis McPherson with the SWAT truck.

PBSO Deputy Vasile Ciuperger with Steve Daiagi, who brought his helicopter for guests to see.

EMERALD COVE MIDDLE SCHOOL HOSTS PIRATE PREP FOR NEW SIXTH GRADERS Emerald Cove Middle School held its Pirate Prep School Aug. 5-8 for the 303 incoming sixth-grade students. Pirate Prep was designed to take the tension out of starting at a new school. The teachers volunteered their time to help students transition to the new school.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Shelbie Charley gets information about being in a new school from camp assistant director Rennicka Peart.

Sabrina Soncini, Isabella Camejo, Imelina Chib and Elyssa Louis make beaded bracelets.

Shanique Brown and Alicia Cook read information on bullying.

Page 18 August 16 - August 22, 2013

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Plan A Visit To The Museum Of Polo & Hall Of Fame

You may have driven by the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame, located at 9011 Lake Worth Road. It’s worth a stop. It’s friendly and welcoming, the only polo museum in the world, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the game by preserving and exhibiting information and artifacts. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

August 16 - August 22, 2013

Page 19

Broncos Practicing For Fall Football Season

The Palm Beach Central High School Broncos are busy preparing for the fall football season. The Broncos don’t have an easy schedule, with a season opener against Royal Palm Beach, then traveling to Glades Central. Last year, the team slumped out of the gate, starting 1-2. However, then they turned red hot. Page 33

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Sacred Heart School is shaping the next generation of leaders as it prepares its students for college. Located in the heart of Lake Worth, Sacred Heart puts a focus on technology. “All of our classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards, Wi-Fi is available throughout the school, our computer lab offers 30 world languages via Rosetta Stone software and the middle-school textbooks are on iPads, which the students get to take home,” Principal Candace Tamposi said. Page 23

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Plan A Visit To The Museum Of Polo & Hall Of Fame

You may have driven by the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame, located at 9011 Lake Worth Road. It’s worth a stop. They’re open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the season (January through April), they have Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

It’s friendly and welcoming, the only polo museum in the world, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the development of the game by collecting, preserving and exhibiting information and artifacts, as well as honoring those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the sport.

Executive Director George DuPont kindly showed me around one Wednesday afternoon.

He enjoys playing stick and ball, and really admires the top players who stop by frequently.

“The museum opened in 1986, and I began working here two years later. Many of our visitors have never even watched a match,” he said. “But they can learn a lot about the game by coming here. We have the most important U.S. polo trophies on exhibit, along with videos, art collections and memorabilia. We preserve yesterday for tomorrow.”

Exhibits illuminate polo’s 2,600-year history, best playing ponies and a day in the life of a polo pony, women in polo, famous tournaments and players, and a celebration of the

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg 100th anniversary of the U.S. Open Championship. There’s artwork, paintings, sculptures, lots of silver cups, an ancient Chinese scroll and a wooden practice horse covered with a green horse blanket.

Two saddles stopped me cold. I stared at them, not daring to touch them, though no barriers stopped me. These polo saddles had belonged to Gen. George Patton and Tom Mix, one of the early film cowboys. Patton’s saddle was utilitarian. Mix’s was covered with hand-tooled scrollwork, his initials embossed into the seat.

The Hall of Fame at the museum honors the heroes of the sport, each year inducting icons of the past and eligible living heroes. An awards gala, held on the Friday of President’s Day weekend, is attended by a who’s who of the polo world. In 2000, Horses to Remember was added, and in 2001, the Philip Iglehart Award for individuals who’ve made exceptional lifetime contributions to polo.

Brenda Lynn is the museum’s director of development. She used to breed Arabians before coming to work at the museum.

Brenda Lynn and George DuPont at the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame with Tommy Hitchcock’s wooden practice horse and Tobiano’s blanket.

“I don’t have time to ride anymore,” she ers; I wanted to preserve the ponies’ stories. said. “I eat, drink and sleep the museum. I’m We have a traveling exhibit. I hope to expand constantly busy reorganizing the collections, the collection and add more artwork, more traveling and promoting the museum. It’s both exhibits and more artifacts.” my hobby and my job. I love what I do. My Lynn shared her personal highlights. main interest is documenting the polo ponies.

“My very favorite exhibit is the wooden See ROSENBERG, page 22 Most people are familiar with the human play-

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Skippy’s First Baseball Outing: One For The Record Books Skippy, my grandson, will celebrate his first birthday in two weeks, so his parents decided to take him to a baseball game. Because they live in Kansas City, it was the Royals versus somebody. The “somebody” just happened to be the Red Sox and, since Skippy’s dad hails from the Boston area, it was his home team.

(Actually, Greg is from New Hampshire, but they are evidently too small to warrant a Major League Baseball team of their own. I think it may prohibited by the U.S. Constitution: “No teams allowed where the stadium will be larger than the state itself.” If New Hampshire ever rebels and gets a team, I would like to suggest this name and motto: “The Maple Syrup Runners: We Chase You Down then Stick it to You.”) At any rate, last Sunday saw Skippy all decked out in his Red Sox regalia. Where my daughter found a Red Sox baseball uniform in his size, I will never know, but he was cute

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER right down to his red knee socks.

Now one would think it might be a bad idea to take a 1-year-old to a stadium that seats nearly 38,000 — and where people even well over 2 feet tall risk getting moshed. But they forgot one thing — Skippy hadn’t had his nap.

You don’t mess with babies who haven’t had a nap. They’re testy.

As Skippy approached, oncoming traffic took one look at his face and aisles cleared.

Whole sections gave up their seats. I think

they may have shown him on that giant TV screen as an example of what the Red Sox would be doing later — crying uncontrollably.

But an hour later, Skippy was peacefully asleep thanks to the calm, quiet atmosphere of the game (the very reason I do not favor baseball).

When he awoke, he was a new man.

He had just learned to clap so, every time the fans clapped, he did too, Unfortunately, most of this clapping was being done by Royals fans (who eventually won 4-3), so Skippy had to rely on his engaging smile to win over nearby Red Soxers.

And he did — well, except for the people in front of him. Did you know that if you squash a water bottle really hard, all the water comes squirting out the top before your mom can stop you? So much fun!

And there was even more fun to be had.

They have a neat tradition at the Royals’

Kauffman Stadium — after the game, all the kids are invited to come down and run the bases. It was kind of a long haul for a person who has only been walking for about a month, but mom and dad helped him out and, when he finally toddled across home plate, he was handed a certificate with his name on it as an “Official Royals Fan.” Skippy wanted to scrunch that certificate into pulp immediately, but his parents are keeping it — he gets to choose his own team someday, and it just might be the Royals. Besides, he likes to scrunch everything into pulp.

An exhausting three hours later, the worn, weary, whipped Red Sox gang was home, where both parents wanted to go immediately to bed, but Skippy wanted to run around for a couple of hours and look for things to scrunch up.

It was a typical family “night out.” And memories are made of these.

Why I Believe That 2013 Is ‘The Year Of The Super Flop’

Unfortunately, 2013 is proving to be the “year of the super flop” for the movies.

A certain number of films, of course, are doomed to failure. Not every movie can be a hit. But this year has provided spectacular flops. When a $30 million movie tanks, most people do not even notice it. And if the budget is controlled, even a movie that gets terrible reviews can make a profit. Hansel and Gretel was made for $50 million, was panned almost unanimously, but took in $200 million.

But summertime is when we see the “tent pole” films, the ones that are supposed to be the blockbusters. These are the movies that bring in so much money that a whole raft of indulgent, really uninteresting vanity projects can be made, while still providing enough for half of Hollywood to have private tennis courts, even though officially they still lose money. Perhaps the original Star Wars movie is still listed in the loss column. But this year, a lot of the big films have been super flops.

We have seen some hits: Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, World War Z, as well as the latest Star Trek. But think of the other movies, the ones

Rosenberg

Museum Of Polo & Hall Of Fame continued from page 21

practice horse. It belonged to Tommy Hitchcock, one of the greatest players who ever lived,” she said. “And the blanket belonged to Tobiano, his most famous horse. I get psyched when I touch it. This blanket touched that horse. It has his DNA on it.”

During the 1920s, polo players became American heroes, none more so than Tommy Hitchcock Jr. A 10-goal player by age 22, Hitchcock was the leader of a generation of young players who would eventually control the destiny of the sport in the Golden Era. It is rumored that F. Scott Fitzgerald may have based Jay Gatsby on him.

The practice horse and blanket were do-

that paid for so many ads you felt you knew them, and then found no audience. A great example is The Lone Ranger. It cost more than $250 million and will almost certainly not be profitable. It took in only $29 million over the July Fourth weekend. And who can forget Pacific Rim? Again, a huge budget, topping $200 million, and a small audience.

You know you’re in trouble when your first week box-office take is well behind some kiddie cartoon.

I would ask who could forget After Earth, the Will Smith stinker, but the real question is who might remember it? It had a tiny box office and a gigantic budget. Oblivion

starred Tom Cruise, but headed to oblivion right away, although it was not a bad picture.

And earlier in the year, we had Jack the Giant Killer, A Good Day to Die Hard and Gangster Squad.

There were a few reasons for the collapses at the box office. First, of course, in the summertime, we have at least one new movie, often two, opening the same weekend. It gets the buzz, all the publicity. But with rising prices when you go to the theater (3-D and the special RX screen, which is not terribly special at all, raise prices quickly), many people are getting more selective about what they see. And if you missed opening week, there’s a new blockbuster the next one.

Add in the fact that we generally get another chance to see the movies about two months later when they come out on DVD and On Demand, and we pay a whole lot less. There are some movies I skip because I don’t need to pay more than $20 for my wife and myself, when weeks later I can get away with paying $5 and can make microwave popcorn for a lot less than they sell the stuff at the theater.

Another problem is when movies start sending messages. The old-time producer Sam Goldwyn used to say, “If you want to send a message, send a telegram.” But producers often want to lecture us. If a message is slipped gently into a really fun package, no one minds. But too many producers want to hit us over the head with a social or political message, and those movies tend to be ignored, except by the Hollywood elite.

The number of films based on comic books is not surprising, since much of Hollywood is now more interested in creating “packages” than interesting movies, and there is even a formula used to develop scripts. Creating different types of films is getting impossible.

Steven Spielberg told interviewers that his film Lincoln was a hair away from being on HBO because Hollywood thought it made the audience work too hard at thinking.

Imagine a lesser producer trying to bring up something new.

On the other hand, I go to the movies and tell you which ones to see. There are a good many to miss.

nated, as were so many artifacts. “They drove the horse down here from Long Island tied to the top of a van. Can you imagine?” Brenda asked, her eyes alight.

She’s full of fascinating stories, including how they came to possess a set of 16 handpainted Limoges plates from the early 20th century, each depicting a different player and pony. Some of the famous names: Jay Phipps, Augie Belmont, H.P. Whitney and other great players of that era. “Nancy Milburn, the granddaughter of Devereux Milburn, said she’d found some old plates and asked if we wanted them. We drove up to the Milburn estate in Narragansett, R.I.,” Lynn recalled. “Devereux had been one of a team called the Big Four, which included Harry Payne Whitney, and brothers Larry and Monty Waterbury. They won the Westchester Cup in 1902, 1911 and 1913, and never lost an international match during those years.”

While they were there, Nancy Milburn asked if we might be interested in a cardboard box she’d found in the basement.

“It was dented, partially crushed, covered in mold. It held a painting so moldy we couldn’t even see the picture,” Lynn said. “We had it restored, and it turned out to be a portrait of Devereux on Jacob by F.B. Voss, commissioned in 1920 as a gift. Another six months, and it would have been damaged beyond restoration.”

Lynn really hits her stride speaking about the ponies. For example, Tenby was Devereux Milburn’s favorite mount. He rode Tenby for three chukkers in 1911, 1913 and 1914 championships. He also rode at the 1921 matches, when the horse was 18 years old.

“Unfortunately, on the voyage home from England — riders and horses traveled on ocean liners back then — Tenby became ill and died,” she said. “Prayers were recited,

he was draped with an American flag, and buried at sea.”

Then there was Belle of All, a Thoroughbred who didn’t like to race.

“She was sold and sold and resold, and finally was hauling a cart when someone saw her being abused, bought her and retrained her for polo,” Lynn explained. “She ended up with Louis Stoddard and played brilliantly, praised for her incredible speed, stamina and courage.

It just goes to show that if a horse falls into the hands of someone who understands and connects with her, she can become a superstar.

The riders play because they chose to. The horses play for the love of the game. They have great heart and dedication. Most people watch the players when they attend a match.

I watch the horses. I’m really off my rocker about the horses.”

For more info., visit www.polomuseum. com or call (561) 969-3210.

‘I’ On Culture

By Leonard Wechsler

‘The riders play because they chose to,’ Brenda Lynn said. ‘The horses play for the love of the game. They have great heart and dedication. Most people watch the players when they attend a match. I watch the horses. I’m really off my rocker about the horses.’

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Sacred Heart Principal Candace Tamposi joins students in showing off some of the advanced technology available at the school.

Sacred Heart Prepares Students For College

Sacred Heart School is shaping the next generation of leaders as it prepares its students for college.

Located in the heart of Lake Worth, Sacred Heart School is the second-oldest Catholic School in Palm Beach County. It puts a focus on technology.

“All of our classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards, Wi-Fi is available throughout the school, our computer lab offers 30 world languages via Rosetta Stone software and the middle-school textbooks are on iPads, which the students get to take home,” Principal Candace Tamposi said.

The high-tech environment found at Sacred Heart isn’t the only aspect of the private school that sets it apart. Sacred Heart is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of every child from the most gifted learner to those with unique learning differences.

“Our faculty realizes that learning is a lifelong formation process and the key to future professional success,” Tamposi said.

The Cathleen McFarlane Ross Learning Lab and the Sacred Heart School Montessori Academy for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are evidence of that commitment.

In addition to academics, Sacred Heart has strong athletics, music and arts programs. In 2010, the school’s varsity basketball team won first place in the diocese. The co-ed soccer teams placed second in diocesan competition with other schools during 2012 and 2013. The school also has basketball, cheerleading, swimming and golf teams.

The music program provides a unique music experience for students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. This year, the program will unveil its own recording studio with Pro Tools, a digital audio workstation for Microsoft Windows, and Garage Band, a software application made by Apple that allows users to make music or podcasts.

The Sacred Heart art program is designed for creative problem solving. The format provides a way for many children of different learning styles to experience art in a positive

The girls basketball team is just one of many successful athletic programs at Sacred Heart School. way. The program works with Norton Museum of Art and is part of the Progressive Afterschool Art Community Education program.

Sacred Heart has been providing high-quality, Christ-centered education for more than 65 years. In 2009, the school faced a financial crisis; the community demonstrated their commitment with gifts of substantial financial resources. Since then, the school has opened its doors to accepting numerous available scholarships. This financial assistance has made Catholic education within reach for numerous families. However, families who enroll their children in Sacred Heart are not limited to families of the Catholic faith, but generally are families who are seeking a Christ-centered education for their children.

Excellence in both academic and moral education for its students is what Sacred Heart continues to practice. The school would not be able to do so without the generous financial support of the community and its donors, and the countless hours spent by volunteers.

For more information about Sacred Heart School, call (561) 582-2242 or visit at 410 North M Street in Lake Worth. Learn more at www.edline.net/pages/Sacred_Heart_ School.

August 16 - August 22, 2013

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August 16 - August 22, 2013

Zoo Hires Former TV Reporter As Media Relations Manager

Angela Cruz Ledford, a former WPTV reporter, is the new media relations manager at the Palm Beach Zoo. Ledford brings eight years of communications experience, enthusiasm for the zoo’s mission, a passion for nonprofit organizations and experience in multiple South Florida newsrooms. In her new position, Ledford is responsible for serving as the media contact and communications liaison for the zoo, as well as raising awareness of the zoo’s conservation efforts.

“The zoo is proud to have Angela Ledford joining our conservation team,” President and CEO Andrew Aiken said. “Angela’s broad media experience and storytelling expertise genuinely complement the zoo’s mission to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife.”

Ledford most recently worked as a reporter for WPTV NewsChannel 5 and WFLX FOX 29. She previously worked in marketing/ public relations with two nonprofit organizations.

“I am thrilled to represent the Palm Beach Zoo, which educates people about the need for wildlife conservation,” she said. “I look forward to working with media to

Angela Cruz Ledford tell the zoo’s unlimited stories about the animals that we care for and save from the real threat of extinction.”

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to inspire others to value and conserve the natural world. The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Blvd.

It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

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Business News

Real Estate Groups Merge To Form Second Largest In State

In a general meeting, the members of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB) recently voted to merge with the Realtors Association of St. Lucie (RASL) to form the second largest Realtor association in Florida. The merger will take effect Sept. 1.

The merger is the culmination of a decade-long strategic initiative to form a single, cross-county-line association that leverages the strengths of both organizations to deliver expanded services and support for Realtor members, while reducing the cost of operations.

“By combining our numbers, we gain tremendous purchasing power,” said RAPB’s Carol Van Gorp, who will remain as CEO of the newly formed Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and St. Lucie County.

“We also increase our influence and our capacity to provide more and better tools, resources and training, which benefits our members and the buying and selling public.”

Staci Storms, CEO of the Realtors Association of St. Lucie, agreed.

“Our associations have a shared commitment to providing innovative and high-quality resources and exceptional service to members,” she said. “We expect this merger to increase negotiating power and influence with vendors. The savings will be invested in products and services that are beneficial to our members.”

Storms will remain part of the newly formed association staff as assistant CEO. “The merger responds to what we’ve been hearing from members of both groups for years,” Van Gorp said. “Realtors want access to cutting-edge technology and a robust education portfolio — at a lower cost. That’s exactly what this merger will enable us to provide.”

The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and St. Lucie County will maintain its three Palm Beach County locations, as well as the St. Lucie location.

Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and St. Lucie represents more than 10,000 members involved

Carol Van Gorp in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate. The newly formed association ranks in the top 10 nationwide. For more info., visit www.rapb.com.

Send 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.

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Business News

Clerk’s Employees Help Needy Students Start The School Year

Employees donated hundreds of new spiral notebooks, folders, pencils, pens and boxes of crayons to the Clerk & Comptroller’s annual school supply drive to help underprivileged children in Palm Beach County start their school year with much-needed supplies.

Items collected included $150 in Walmart gift cards, 70 backpacks,

785 spiral notebooks, 661 folders, 593 boxes of crayons, 338 composition notebooks, 298 packs of pencils and 267 packs of loose-leaf paper.

Employees of Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock bought supplies with their own money and also raised money within their departments to buy additional school supplies and gift cards.

Clerk Sharon Bock with Cristina Sotolongo, development coordinator for the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, and Peter Lansing, assistant director of Pat Reeves Village.

“So many of our clerk’s staff are also parents, so they understand how important it is for children to start school on the right foot,” Bock said. “Our office again has shown the dedication to the community that makes me so proud to be clerk.”

Half of the donated supplies, including the backpacks and $80 in gift cards, were donated to the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County to distribute to children living at the center’s emergency shelter for homeless families.

The rest of the supplies and $70 in Walmart gift cards were delivered to the west area office of the School District of Palm Beach County for students in the Glades communities of western Palm Beach County.

The school supplies drive is part of the clerk’s Charitable Giving Program, which includes community service, raising money for employee-selected nonprofit organizations through the Dress Down Friday program and supporting agencies such as the United Way of Palm Beach County.

For more about the clerk’s office, visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com or call (561) 355-2996.

August 16 - August 22, 2013

Page 25

Family Dentist Reaches Out To Oklahoma Survivors

When the tornado struck Oklahoma, it left behind massive devastation and destruction — 24 people died and thousands lost everything. Many remain homeless.

The American Red Cross has been receiving relief contributions from concerned citizens around the United States.

Dr. Sunitha Sirivolu and Dr. Manoj Patel of Family Dentist of Palm Beach are among those making donaDr. Sunitha Sirivolu gives a donation tions to the American Red to Joe Girvan of the Red Cross.

Cross. Office staff, family and friends have also participated The American Red Cross prevents in raising collections and awareness and alleviates human suffering in the to help the people affected by the face of emergencies by mobilizing disaster. the power of volunteers and the “Everyone can help make a differ- generosity of donors. Learn more ence,” Sirivolu said. “Our donations at www.redcross.org. provide the support and help that so Family Dentist of Palm Beach many need. Contact your local Red has offices in Lake Worth and Royal Cross chapter today and help change Palm Beach. someone’s life.”

The Royal Palm Beach office is “I feel we all have a duty and re- located at 11903 Southern Blvd., sponsibility to help as many people Suite 116. as we can,” Patel added. “Everyone For more information, call (561) needs to stand beside our neighbors 795-7668 or visit www.familydentist in times of need.” palmbeach.com.

NO CALL TO0 HOT!

Page 26

August 16 - August 22, 2013

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Dining & Entertainment

Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Gallery Welcomes New Artists Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery continues to break all records in August. Six new artists have entered the gallery and will show their works in the largest emergence of new artists in gallery history. The event will take place Friday, Aug. 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Gregory Hubbard returns to the gallery after a two-year break. He has transported his huge ceramic sculptures to the finest art exhibits throughout the country and is in many of the best collections in the nation. He brings his signature works back to the gallery. They are monumental in contrast to his latest works; translations on a smaller scale with a focus on a fine-art jewelry line.

Rickie Leiter has become well known throughout South Florida as the guru of all that is art, and where and when it is happening. Her works as a jewelry designer and Fimo clay artist are on display. Leiter’s large, vivacious personality is reflected in her dramatic, colorful pieces. To keep up with all that goes on in the arts community, subscribe to the Rickie Report at www.therickie report.com.

Ken Swicegood is both a pastry chef and jewelry designer. Openings at the gallery are doubly joyful events, both for the eyes and the belly. Swicegood creates wrapped fused glass pieces that incorporate

Marsha Balbier’s Fall in Asheville.

a wide assortment of metals, beads and wires. His food displays for openings are works of art as well, and another good reason to come to gallery openings.

Robert ben Kline has brought a sculptural whimsy to the gallery that he executes through ceramics and bright colors. From monumental busts to jitterbugging dancers to costumed dog breeds to an animated piano player, his works cover the gamut of an unusual thought process expressed with joy in clay.

Marsha Balbier has returned home to Florida from Asheville, N.C., where she was considered the best harmonica player in town. Her works in the gallery run the gamut from silver jewelry made from silver clay, to encaustic works to abstract fused glass paintings. A home décor designer, her works are accent pieces for special nooks and niches.

David Fiore brings a fourth dimension to a 3-D gallery. His works hang outside the gallery, a durable mosaic display for large outdoors areas. With Fiore, the gallery ventures into a new realm — that of outdoor art to grace walls alongside the sea — and as an accent on walls.

Many of his images are nautical or botanical. They are large, dramatic statements. He will install them if patrons are local. Fiore has been a prolific and original figure in American ceramic arts over the past decade. Having founded Fiore Tile Works in 2003 primarily as a designer tile workshop, he began to pursue a vision of representational art expressed through ceramics in a colorful and vigorous way. Soon he was producing large-format bas-relief murals and found an enthusiastic market for his work among art collectors all over the country.

Craig McInnis of Jerry’s Artarama will demonstrate and teach the art of painting on old vinyl records.

His original work is on display at Coastars, the coffee shop directly

across the street from the gallery. His lessons are free to the public.

Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 15 South J St. in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Sunday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call Joyce Brown at (215) 205-9441 or e-mail JCLay6@aol. com. To contact the gallery directly, call (561) 588-8344.

A polymer pin by Rickie Leiter

Wellington’s Cassadee Pope To Perform Aug. 30 At CityPlace

Singer Cassadee Pope will rock Cityplace Aug. 30.

Cassadee Pope, winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 3, will rock CityPlace with a free performance on Friday, Aug. 30 as part of the Summer Country Music Concert Series.

Pope, a Wellington native, returns following her national summer tour with Rascal Flatts. The singer-songwriter will showcase songs like her smash hit single, “Over You,” as well as her newly released single, “Wasting All These Tears,” from her debut album, Frame by Frame.

After the performance, Pope will make an appearance at Tequila Cowboy Bar & Grill for a public meetand-greet. The event is presented by South Florida Country 103.1 WIRK, Napleton’s West Palm Beach Hyundai and Bud Light.

The series will continue with another free performance by Chris Cagle on Oct. 22.

For more info., visit www.city place.com or call (561) 366-1000.

New Lake Worth Beach ArtFest Set For Nov. 23 & 24

The newly renovated Lake Worth Beach Complex will debut its first major event, the Lake Worth Beach ArtFest, on Nov. 23 and 24, set amid the Atlantic Ocean in front of the newly renovated Lake Worth Casino building.

In partnership with Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavors, producer of the nation’s finest juried art shows and craft festivals, the new arts and crafts festival at the beach will welcome nearly 100 vendors featuring pottery, ceramics, raku, glass, wood, paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry and more.

Lake Worth artisans are encouraged to become involved in two

ways. First, compete to create the inaugural commemorative poster.

The competition is open to all artists who reside in Palm Beach County.

The poster should reflect the theme and history of the Lake Worth Casino building and Lake Worth Beach Complex, while branding the event as a premier arts and crafts festival.

The winner will receive a complimentary booth at the festival and receive all the publicity and promotions surrounding the inaugural festival. To apply, visit the Lake Worth Casino Building page on Facebook or stop by the Leisure Services Office at 1121 Lucerne Ave., Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The second option is for local artists to get involved in the LULA Lounge. This lounge, located in the grass park situated between the pier and playground, is an arts area that will feature all Lake Worth artists.

The mission of LULA Lake Worth Arts is to unify the existing arts community around a shared vision, implement goals for strengthening the property value, improve access to the arts through educational programs and invest in partnerships that support the talent and the creative community in Lake Worth.

All artists must apply and follow all rules on www.artfestival.com.

They must be selected by Howard

Alan Events to participate in the show. If selected, all LULA artists will receive a 20 percent discount to be involved in the show and must display in the special LULA area.

Artists wishing to apply and be a part of the main show or who are already in the show will not be eligible for the LULA Lounge.

Artists wishing to have a booth in the Lake Worth ArtFest and LULA Lounge must observe the following rules: All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the approved artist themselves.

Kits, imports and mass-produced items will not be allowed.

Three images of the work are required and one image of the out-

door display. Indoor images are not acceptable. The committee must see the entire display, including a white tent (which all artists must provide).

An application-processing fee, non-refundable, is $25. Additional fees vary and can be found at www. zapplication.org.

The festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For sponsorship and other vendor opportunities, call (561) 533-7395.

The casino building and beach complex is owned and operated by the City of Lake Worth. It opened in March 2013 and is located at 10 S. Ocean Blvd. For more information, visit www.lakeworth.org.

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August 16 - August 22, 2013

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Community Calendar

Saturday, Aug. 17 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Pete the Cat Story Time and Craft for ages 3 and up Saturday, Aug. 17 at 10:30 a.m. Join in for favorite Pete the Cat stories, songs and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Beachside Ryde Fitness Studio is teaming up with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to present a fitness expo Saturday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach).

It is open to the public, and entry is free with a donation to the Komen Foundation.

For more info., call (561) 249-8804 or visitwww.beachsiderydeinc.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Animefest for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m.

Come in costume, enjoy anime trivia and crafts. Pizza and snacks will be provided.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Chess Club for ages 8 and up Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Practice strategy skills with other players.

Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Monday, Aug. 19 • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will offer Coaching the Mature Driver on Monday, Aug. 19 at the South County Civic Center (16700 Jog Rd., Delray Beach) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. The course qualifies drivers for an insurance discount. To register, call (561) 845-8233.

The course is also available online for $20.

For details, visit www.safetycouncilpbc.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 20 • The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual State of the Cities Luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The price is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 578-4807 or e-mail marylou@cpbchamber.com to RSVP. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Job Searching Online for adults Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Business Librarian Susan Berger will show how to use the Internet and library databases to help with a job search. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature 101 Fantastic Fin-

gernails on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. for ages 8 to 12, and 6 p.m. for ages 12 to 17.

Decorate your nails with out-of-this-world designs using 101 different polishes available. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host a Mac & Cheese Charity Block Party on Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Taste a slew of creative mac & cheese recipes around the store and vote for your favorite. All participants will receive a plate, fork and voting ballot. A $10 donation per person will go to Team Molly of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Family Game Night for ages 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Play a variety of board, card and Wii games with friends and family. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info.

• The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation will present the second annual Physicians Talent Showcase to benefit Adopt-A-Family and the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace (700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach). For tickets, call Complete Ticket Solutions at (866) 449-2489. For more info., call Kathi Kretzer at (561) 748-0036 or e-mail kkretzer@kretzerpiano.com.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Tissue Paper Flowers for ages 6 and up Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. Make bouquets of flowers out of colorful tissue paper. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Clothespin Animals for ages 6 to 10 on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 3:30 p.m. Learn how to make a cute animal on a clothespin. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Florida Plants: Go Native! for adults Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

Lynn Sweetay of the Florida Native Plant Society will offer tips for landscaping, discuss the necessary removal of exotic invasive See CALENDAR, page 31

The Town-Crier

Community Calendar CALENDAR, continued from page 30 plants and answer questions. Call (561) 681-4100 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host The Sushi Stop featuring a yellow spice California roll with brown rice Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Déjà Moo on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to make your favorite foods sans dairy.

There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Teen Game Night for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Play card and board games, Super Smash Bros. and other Wii games, with tasty snacks. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• A Quarter Auction will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Food will be available for purchase. Bring quarters to bid on products and raise money for this month’s charity, Team Krazy for Kate at the annual buddy walk benefiting the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization. For more information, or to RVSP, call (561) 797-1501.

• Can Jews and Muslims get along? And where are the moderate Muslims? These are issues to be discussed as Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor continues Rabbi Barry Silver’s monthly controversial issues series, at Palm Beach School for Autism (8480 Lantana Road, Lantana) on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Dr. Khalid Minhas will be the guest speaker.

For more info., call (561) 968-0688.

Thursday, Aug. 22 • The Palm Beach County Commission will hold a zoning meeting Thursday, Aug. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov. com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Baby Story Time for ages 10 to 23 months Thursday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Early Art: Stained Glass Collage for ages 2 to 5 on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Make an elegant collage with colorful tissue to resemble a stained-glass

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window. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Résumé Writing for adults Thursday, Aug. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Learn how to use Career Transitions, a free career guidance database, to create and format a professional-looking résumé.

Bring a flash drive to save work. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature Papier Mâché Dinosaur Eggs for ages 7 to 12 on Thursdays, Aug. 22 and 29 at 3:30 p.m. First make papier mâché dinosaur eggs and discover what you can hide inside. Paint them the following week. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). There will also be a free concert by the LifeChurch.tv Band at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host Modern Mediterranean with Mohila on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., Mediterranean cooking expert Mohila Neteghi will make herb soufflé, yogurt sauce and tabbouli.

There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Friday, Aug. 23 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Lego Afternoon for ages 5 and up Friday, Aug. 23 at 3:30 p.m.

Build Lego buildings and see how tall they grow. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host One-Pot Meals on Friday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. featuring Mexican pork soft tacos and spinach and sausage-stuffed shells. One-pot meals will help you cook in bulk and be ready for the week. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Saturday, Aug. 24 • The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will host a Certified Boating Safety Class on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) for ages 17 and older. Call (561) 791-4082 to register.

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

E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

August 16 - August 22, 2013

Page 31

Page 32 August 16 - August 22, 2013

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Sports & Recreation

August 16 - August 22, 2013

Page 33

WHS Running Back Matt Sabatino Prepares For Season

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington High School senior running back Matt Sabatino has been preparing for his final season as a Wolverine.

Sabatino has been training vigorously throughout the summer, attending camps and hitting the weight room daily. The 6-foot,

190-pound Sabatino committed to making his body stronger after a near-career-ending ACL injury that put him on the sideline nearly his entire sophomore year.

In his second game as a Wolverine, after transferring from Palm Beach Central, he tried to make a block after an interception and went down. “I planted wrong, when I tried

Matt Sabatino breaks away from the Palm Beach Central High School Photos by Gene Nardi/Town-Crier defense for a gain last season.

to change direction, I heard a pop and went down,” Sabatino recalled.

“It came to an end just like that.”

Sabatino’s injury required immediate surgery. Concerned about being able to return to the gridiron, he immediately began rehabilitation, and after nearly nine months of therapy, he was able to run again.

His injury put things in perspective — in one wrong moment, it can all end. This has served as motivation for him to continue his quest to pursue a college scholarship to play football.

Sabatino’s statistics at a glance may not seem impressive, but with a struggling Wolverine offense last season, he made plenty of waves.

Sabatino made up half of the Wolverines’ rushing scores last year.

He helped lead the Wolverines to an undefeated 3-0 start last season, making Palm Beach County’s Top 10.

Sabatino recalls his highlight of the season when he had a 46-yard touchdown run against Seminole Ridge, where he broke several tackles and took off for the end zone.

Sabatino attributes his speed to joining the track team last year, and he plans to run track again as a senior. “It has really helped me with my speed,” he said. “Coach [Oscar] Robinson has worked with me, and

Matt Sabatino works out in the gym during a summer training session. it has been great,” he added, referring to the WHS boys track coach.

You can still find Sabatino in the gym, where he currently has a max bench press of 300 pounds and a squat of 430 pounds. He hopes to be a contributor on the field this fall and will most likely play both offense and defense. He is experienced at free-safety, and with his speed, he could help the Wolverines defensively.

Sabatino keeps his focus on the importance of education as well, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. He’s undecided on what he would like to study in college, but one thing is clear — he wants to be playing college football.

With one more season to record in his senior year, Sabatino certainly has demonstrated perseverance, passion and commitment, on and off the field.

PBCHS Football Team Strives For State Championship

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report High school football practice has started, and the Palm Beach Central High School Broncos are busy preparing for the fall season.

The Broncos do not have an easy schedule, with a season opener against Royal Palm Beach, then traveling to Glades Central. Mid-season, the Broncos face Seminole Ridge, then close out regular-season play with district nemesis Park Vista and then Palm Beach Gardens.

Last season, the Broncos did not

jump out of the gate in impressive style, starting 1-2 with tough loses to Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Both teams were able to limit the Broncos to just 6 points.

However, Palm Beach Central then turned red hot, winning the next six games, averaging 35 points a game. “The seniors just got hungry after a not-so-great start last year.

We had to get back at it after the second loss,” University of Miami commit K.C. McDermott told the Town-Crier.

The 6-foot, 6-inch, 285-pound

Palm Beach Central running back Thomas McDonald runs for a big gain in the team’s first practice with pads. Photos by Gene Nardi/Town-Crier

standout maintains the very discipline that took the Broncos into the regional semifinal game against Seminole Ridge by leading workouts and training himself. “We have the discipline, skill and toughness to get there and make a run at a state title this year,” he said.

Palm Beach Central received a minor hit in the backfield with the graduation of Lloyd Howard (now at Georgia Prep Sports Academy), but the Broncos have every bit of confidence in returning running back Thomas McDonald. The 5-foot, 10-inch, 190-pound senior should be a major player on the squad.

“Tommy is the best running back in Palm Beach County,” Bronco receiver Rudolph Saint Germain said.

Saint Germain, a 6-foot, 2-inch, 190-pound receiver, is slated to possibly play free safety as well this season. “It’s all about commitment, with us,” he said. “Last year’s seniors stepped it up for us, and this year we’ll maintain that.”

Saint Germain has attended camps this summer to improve his skills and receive the ball more this year.

The Broncos may go to the air more this season to balance their attack. With several returning players, Palm Beach Central should be the frontrunner for the District 108A title this season, but will have

The Bronco kicking crew work on their skills during practice. to knock out tough foes such as Park Vista and John I. Leonard to accomplish that. Should the Broncos win the district, they could face rematches with Palm Beach Gardens and Seminole Ridge in regional play.

The Broncos’ kickoff classic is slated for Friday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m., with the team hosting Miami Northwestern. The regular season opens Friday, Aug. 30 with the Broncos hosting Royal Palm Beach at 7 p.m.

Page 34

August 16 - August 22, 2013

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sports & recreation

Wellington Wolves Take Second At National Tournament The Wellington Wolves fourthgrade basketball team recently competed in the AAU Division 2 national basketball championship held in Charlotte, N.C. A total

of 37 teams competed. The local 10-year-old boys finished second in the country.

Five of the players on the team started competing in national cham-

The Wellington Wolves fourth-graders with their second-place trophy.

pionships starting in the second grade.

The tournament began June 15 with the boys defeating one of the hometown teams, Metrolina Havoc, by a score of 62-14. Christopher Walker scored 19 points to lead the way, while Makye Boles scored 9, blocked six shots and grabbed 8 rebounds.

The next day, Wellington had another big game by outscoring the Classics from South Carolina by a score of 60-17. Walker again scored 19 points to lead the way. William Van Hook hit for 11, and Xaiver Henry contributed 9 points.

On Wednesday, the Wellington team continued their winning ways by overpowering Central Carolina 62-14. Isaiah Novil had 13 points to lead the way, followed by Corey Thomas with 10.

In the first three games, no one on the team played more than half of the game. In all three games, the Wellington boys averaged over 42 percent from the floor.

On Thursday, the competition got harder. The CU All Stars out of the Potomac Valley fell to Wellington 40-35. Walker had 14 points to pace the team.

On Friday, the boys played two games. In the first game, they de-

feated the TJ Lakers out of the D.C. area by a score of 32-25. Novil led the way with 12 points, but it was Hayden Eugene who came off the bench to score 5 points in less than 30 seconds to provide the spark that the Wolves needed.

Another team from the Potomac Valley, DMV Elite, became the team’s second victim, as Wellington won 54-41. Walker had 20 points, while Donovan Draper and Taylor each had 9 points.

This set the stage for the finals on Saturday against the Philadelphia Legends. It was a nip-and-tuck game with the score tied 20-20 at halftime and 28-28 going into the fourth quarter. Wellington scored two straight 3-point shots to take the lead 36-30 with two minutes left in the game. However, Philadelphia

forced turnovers to take the lead and won in the last minute, 44-38.

Wellington finished with a record of 42 wins and 17 losses. Some of those losses came when the team decided to play as a fifth-grade team against stronger opposition.

Two other teams in the Wellington Travel Basketball Association finished the season on a high note.

The third-grade team won the southeast regional championship and the fifth-grade team finished fifth in the country in their age group.

The WTBA has teams from third to 11th grades. Prospective players are welcome to try out for teams in their respective age groups. Information about the teams and tryouts can be obtained by calling Chris Fratella, league president, at (561) 252-9530.

Try A Free Zumba Class In RPB Register now through Aug. 23 to attend a free Zumba class at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Pre-register for the class at the recreation center or by calling (561) 790-5124.

Zumba classes are offered in one of two dance studios at the recreation

center. Classes are ongoing yearround and are offered four nights a week.

Classes cost $23 for four classes for RPB residents ($28 for non-residents). Classes are held Monday through Thursday, and each night of the week is a different session.

For info., call (561) 790-5124 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

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sports & recreation

Page 35

The Marlins Vs. The Mets: A View From The Press Box turned out to be Aug. 1), we sent in media pass requests.

On July 30, we received confirmation.

So when Zemach and I entered Marlins Park, we walked through the media entrance near home plate. I signed my name on a sign-in sheet and walked into the bowels of Marlins Park. After walking for a while, Zemach and I hung a sharp left, through a tunnel and into box seats on the first base side.

I collect autographed memorabilia and always enjoy getting to games early to get autographs. It was grueling that the first sight of the field I saw was Zack Wheeler, the prized Mets rookie pitcher, signing autographs. I could have gotten a picture (definitely not an autograph), but I didn’t want to push my limits.

Zemach and I stood on the warning track in shallow right field and watched some of the Mets pitchers long toss. I took a picture on the warning track, said hello to a friend who’s a Marlins batboy and headed up into the concourse. It was Camp Day. Of all the games,

thankfully this was the one I didn’t have to sit in the regular seating.

We then walked to the Clevelander, a lavish nightclub beyond the left field wall. We checked out the swimming pool (seriously, a swimming pool) and the bar.

I didn’t swim, and I’m underage, so we left and headed to the press box.

On our way there, we ran into Fox Sports Florida’s Rich Waltz and SportsNet New York’s Kevin Burkhardt. In the triple-tiered press room, Zemach and I sat to the far left in the second row. ESPN’s Adam Rubin sat directly in front of me. Legendary Mets PR coordinator Jay Horowitz and WFAN Radio’s Ed Coleman sat to my far right, along with Jorge Castillo of the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

I had a free vanilla ice cream with crushed Oreos on top with a cup of lemonade, as well as Zemach’s leftover popcorn. I had two overly greasy corndogs and mushy fries that cost $5. Harvey pitched his worst game of the year, and the Marlins won 3-0.

If there was one negative to the day, it was that my press pass didn’t allow me clubhouse access. Zemach’s, however, did. This may get me in trouble, but after the game, we switched passes, and I used his pass to get into the Mets locker room.

On our way down after the game, Zemach and I rode the elevator with Marlins President Larry Beinfest and General Manager Mike Hill. (I actually interviewed Hill one time after he gave a speech at Wellington High School.)

When Horowitz opened the doors for the nine beat writers, I entered. The locker room was dead silent. It was shaped like a football with the lockers all facing the middle.

The reporters were directed to a side wall, where Mets Manager Terry Collins soon came out to give his postgame press conference. When Collins finished, we waited for Harvey. After Harvey, we spoke to Marlon Byrd, Ike Davis and Bobby Parnell. I wanted to see star third baseman David Wright, but he was nowhere in sight. Zemach

Joshua Hyber stands on the field at Marlins Park. texted me at 4:08 p.m., saying I’ve been to Marlins Park we should leave by 4:20 p.m. twice before. Once to see the to beat the Miami traffic. The Marlins play the Dodgers, clock ticked to 4:32 p.m. and once to see the Marlins quicker than I could have play the Nationals. I’ve interimagined. D-Wright (as I call viewed professional athletes him) eventually appeared. and covered collegiate sportMost of the reporters had ing events. I’ve worked in already left, and those who the press box at the Syracuse remained didn’t go over to University Carrier Dome. ask him any questions. So I But this was the first time didn’t either. I put my recorder I’ve been a member of the into my pocket, took one last working press at a profeslook at my surroundings and sional sporting event. I hope headed out of the clubhouse. it won’t be my last.

SUNDAY | 9.08.13 The course of this sprint triathlon travels beaches and scenic neighborhoods of historic Lake Worth. presented by

Ready.Set. TRI!

By Joshua Hyber Town-Crier Staff Report Walking through the turnstiles, grabbing a box of popcorn and catching a glimpse of the freshly cut outfield grass for the first time; there is nothing more Americana than attending a Major League Baseball game.

I’ve done it many times.

I’ve been to games at the old Marlins ballpark (through its many name changes), and at Shea Stadium and Citi Field in New York. But when I entered Marlins Park earlier this month, I didn’t walk through a turnstile. And my popcorn was free.

Earlier this summer, I interned for The Sid Rosenberg Show on WMEN radio 640 AM. While I was there, I made plans with the show’s producer, Steve Zemach, a New York Mets fan like myself, to attend a Mets-Marlins game when the Mets came down in August. Specifically, we wanted to see Mets ace pitcher Matt Harvey.

After weeks of trying to figure out what day Harvey would actually pitch (which

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