Town-Crier Newspaper August 31, 2007

EQUESTRIANS ON PATROL

On Sunday mornings, members of the Mounted Citizens Observer Patrol meet at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center for a get-together ride. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office created the program for communities that have extensive woodlands and equestrian trails. STORY, PAGE 9A

TOWN-CRIER

SUMMER ART FESTIVAL IN RPB

The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted its Second Annual Summer Art Festival last Saturday at Veterans Park. Area artists displayed their paintings, photographs and sculptures while visitors strolled the park’s pathways and listened to live music by the waterfall.

above, artist Ida Perez shows off some of her portrait paintings.

PHOTOS, PAGE 19A

Equestrian Partners EquestrianPartners Buy Show Gr BuyShowGrounds, ounds, Old Polo S OldPoloStadium tadium

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Acquisition of the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club and the old Palm Beach Polo stadium by Wellington Equestrian Partners this week should secure the future of Wellington’s equestrian lifestyle, WEP President Mark Bellissimo said.

On Sunday, Bellissimo announced that his company had closed on 140 acres, including the existing 82-acre equestrian club, current home of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show, at a cost of $25 million, as well as the old polo stadium at a price that was not disclosed.

“We are very excited about it,” Bellissimo said. “The future of Wellington has changed dramatically.”

Bellissimo said his overall objective for the property is to transform it in order to offer a broad range of equestrian events previously not featured in Wellington, including steeplechase, puissance (high jumping for horses) and other events that might offer broad audience appeal.

“I want to build events that connect to the community,” he said. “Things like cross country, driving, steeplechase and match race grand prix — things that are more spectator friendly.”

grounds further south remains unclear. Bellissimo’s attorney Dan Doorakian was instrumental Tuesday in getting a threeweek delay in the Wellington Village Council’s consideration of the Stadium Jumping proposal (see related story, page 3A ).

While Bellissimo and Palm Beach Polo CEO Glenn Straub seem to have buried the hatchet, Bellissimo and Stadium Jumping remain at odds over whether or not the show producer can leave the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

However, Bellissimo said Wellington Equestrian Partners is committed to working collaboratively with Stadium Jumping to ensure a successful 2007 National Horse Show and 2008 Winter Equestrian Festival. He added that the WEP circle of supporters has expanded to include people in the equestrian community who have been here for decades.

“They are very well respected people who have a commitment to Wellington and to what we are all pursuing. We have had a widespread positive reaction,” he said.

County

Commissioners:

Okeechobee CountyCommissioners:Okeechobee

Needs T NeedsTo Be oBe W Widened Near RPBHS idenedNearRPBHS

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners voted Monday to designate a portion of Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach for future widening.

The vote, which amends the county’s overall road plans, allows the widening of a stretch of Okeechobee Blvd. from State Road 7 about a mile westward from six to eight lanes. The expanded stretch would end at a point where La Mancha Avenue connects to Okeechobee Blvd., once the village extends that roadway. The expansion and related intersection are intended to relieve traffic pressure created by the nearby Royal Palm Beach High School.

According to the county staff report, the existing Okeechobee Blvd. segment between SR 7

and RPBHS is already over capacity and presents an “imminent need” for improvement if the existing level of service is to be maintained.

According to the report, road-widening construction for the Okeechobee Blvd. segment between State Road 7 and the high school entrance from six lanes to eight lanes was budgeted for fiscal year 2007 in the county’s five-year road plan.

According to county staff, the proposed amendment will be sent to the state’s Department of Community Affairs, which will notify Palm Beach County in November whether or not the amendment is in compliance with the state statutes and the county’s comprehensive plan.

The Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2030 Long-Range Transportation Plan received federal

approval in March 2005. It is a 25-year forecast based on regional needs identified through the process of forecasting travel demand, evaluating system alternatives and selecting those options that best meet the mobility needs of the county.

In the plan, the MPO anticipates the widening of Okeechobee Blvd. between SR 7 and Wildcat Way from six to eight lanes.

The staff report said the segment between Okeechobee Blvd. and SR 7 and the future La Mancha Ave. extension currently has a traffic volume of 61,909 vehicles per day, more than 12,000 over capacity. The widening would increase the level-of-service capacity from 49,200 to 63,800 vehicles per day.

The report estimated a cost of approximately $4 million for the project.

Bellissimo added that he wants to preserve the old polo stadium and make it an interesting area that includes international show jumping. “This is a powerful set of property,” he said.

Once the epicenter of Wellington’s equestrian life, the old stadium has fallen into disrepair, unused for years. High-goal polo is now played at the nearby International Polo Club Palm Beach, owned by John Goodman.

Bellissimo said he wants to see the stadium return to its earlier days of glory, although polo is not part of the WEP scenario. He said he will leave polo to Goodman’s IPC. Rather, he wants to plan equestrian events so his shows do not conflict with the featured Sunday polo events at the IPC.

“We will let John own polo,” he said. “On Saturday, the polo people can enjoy high-performance grand prix.”

Exactly how Bellissimo’s purchase affects Stadium Jumping’s plans to build a new show

The partnership has expanded to include some of Wellington’s most prominent equestrian families, Bellissimo said, adding that they are committed to bringing stability to the Wellington equestrian community, keeping equestrian events in their current locations, and promoting harmony between equestrian and non-equestrian interests in Wellington.

The new partners include Craig and Frances Lindner, Andy and Carlene Ziegler, Murray and Joanie Goodman, Tim and Nancy Hooker, Chas and Candace Phillips, Stuart and Susan Goldstein, Bruce Duchossois, Bill and Kelley Farish, Caroline Moran and Frederic and Kimberly Boyer. The new partners will complement existing partners Bellissimo and his wife Katherine, Dennis and Marsha Dammerman, and Roger and Jennifer Smith.

“The additional investments provided by these families will preserve the legacy of the facilities,” Bellissimo said, adding that it is anticipated that additional equestrian partners will be announced in the near future.

In the past, critics of Bellissimo have charged he is more of a real estate developer than an equestrian promoter. It is an

Pictured

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Council Postpones New Show Grounds Hearing To Sept. 18

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Facing state scrutiny, the threat of legal action and a lot of information to digest, the Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to put off approval of a new home for horse show producer Stadium Jumping until the third week of September.

The council was set to review a development order amendment and master plan for the new 179-acre equestrian arena complex in southern Wellington’s Section 34 submitted by an entity titled Everglades Equestrian Partners, but the council voted to continue the review because of objections raised by an attorney representing developer Mark Bellissimo, a onetime partner of Stadium Jumping in another arena proposal (see related story, page 1A).

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz suggested the council continue the applications until Sept. 18, which could be scheduled as a one-item meeting.

“Currently, there is nothing scheduled at that point in time,” Kurtz said. “It would do all parties some good to have this item on an agenda that is solely devoted to it. I suggest you start the meeting earlier than 7 p.m., so you are not making the decision at 11 p.m. or 12 a.m.”

Kurtz had told the council the previous evening during their agenda workshop that attorney Dan Doorakian had voiced concerns about the project to both the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the Florida Department of Community Affairs regarding Stadium Jumping’s application.

While Treasure Coast refused to entertain Doorakian’s assertion that the project be considered a development of regional impact (DRI), which requires a more complicated approval process, on Tuesday Kurtz said the DCA was re-

questing more information, particularly whether the project should be considered a serial-performance or single-performance facility. This would also affect the project’s status as a development of regional impact.

“The village and the applicant have always believed that this is a single-performance facility,” Kurtz said. “The department has not ruled one way or another. As I indicated to you last night, DCA involvement does not stop this process. The department has not asked the process to be stopped, but they are interested in the information, and I think there are issues.”

Kurtz said Doorakian also was asking that the rules be waived so he could have 30 minutes to make a substantial presentation, beyond the usual time allowed. While Doorakian made the request too late to grant it, Kurtz said he might file a due-process claim if his request was not granted.

“We do make that available to people if the request is made timely under our rules,” Kurtz said. “The request was not made in a timely fashion. [But] it makes sense to allow everyone to participate. Could there be other folks? There could be. I suggest if a continuance is granted, that we need to make it clear to everyone that they notify the clerk by Sept. 10, and get the materials to the clerk by Sept. 11 so you can have the materials a week in advance. It’s not that I don’t think we would win the challenge.”

Councilwoman Laurie Cohen said the additional information should be considered. She also wanted to see further information about a proposal to establish a community development district on the Section 34 property.

“In fairness to everyone,” Cohen said, “this is such a critical issue to this village, I would like to see us afford more time for comments. I would like to see the additional information that we re-

quested so we can consider all these things at once. There has been a lot of new information provided. It would be irresponsible for us to forge ahead unless we have a chance to fully digest it, and unless we have a chance to digest the impact of what the information is.”

Other council members echoed those sentiments, and Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore added that the agenda review Monday revealed additional issues that should be addressed, although the room was filled with people who wanted to speak.

“I am concerned when we have this many people show up, and now they have to forfeit their opportunity to speak,” Priore said. “I would like to hear from the residents when they take the time to come out.”

Vice Mayor Bob Margolis said a oneitem special meeting had worked well in addressing the Binks Forest Golf Course situation, and also noted that in a few weeks, more residents, particularly equestrians, would be back in the community.

“This is a decision of great magnitude for this village,” Margolis said. “I think it would be in the best interest of the residents this will be a one-item meeting. The decision would be made, and it’s final. I would like to hear from them. Maybe there would be some more questioning when they come back into town.”

But attorney Martin Perry, representing Everglades Equestrian Partners, said that unlike Doorakian, he was fully prepared and objected to a continuance.

“There has been a great deal of time and effort and money put for this presentation,” he said. “Your staff has done an outstanding job. I think we have submitted everything. My concern is I think some of the issues are based on Mr. Doorakian’s request for a continuance

‘In fairness to everyone, this is such a critical issue to this village, I would like to see us afford more time for comments. I would like to see the additional information that we requested so we can consider all these things at once.’

— Councilwoman Laurie Cohen

and Mr. Doorakian’s request for a waiver. Mr. Doorakian has spent a lot of time in this village. If he’s not familiar with the rules, he should be. It’s presumptuous of him to say that he didn’t know about the rules and he should have more time. We have our entire team of consultants. We are prepared to make a full presentation.”

Under the assumption that the council would grant to continuance, Perry stressed the need to move forward quickly.

“We would like to be assured on Sept. 18 that we would get a final decision,” he said. “Time is an issue. We have a deadline we are racing against. That deadline is critical. This additional two weeks or 20 days is a significant gap. We will do our best that we make certain that whatever question you have we will address, and we will put this to rest. We want to have a full and final hearing on the 18th.”

Councilwoman Laurie Cohen made a motion to contine the item until Sept. 18, which was seconded by Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto. It passed unanimously 5-0.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

Our Opinion

WEP, Stadium Jumping Projects Can Both Benefit Wellington

When plans by Wellington Equestrian Partners to develop the “largest equestrian venue in the world” imploded late last year with the abrupt exit of Stadium Jumping from the partnership, the wave of disappointment was palpable across Wellington. What might have been a boon to the local economy — as well as the village’s stature in the international equestrian community — fell victim to a series of legal disputes, leaving observers to wonder and worry, with the season well underway, about the future of equestrian competition in Wellington.

But a lot can change in a year, and this week’s announcement by developer Mark Bellissimo regarding his renewed plans to create a large-scale horse show facility, taken together with Stadium Jumping’s ongoing plans to develop its own new facility further south, should renew hope that Wellington will substantially enhance its standing in the equestrian community. If the equestrian community can settle the remnants of the civil war that has threatened to pull it apart, Wellington could find itself the home of three world-class equestrian sport venues.

Bellissimo announced this week that his partnership has purchased the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club and the dilapidated old Palm Beach Polo stadium from Palm Beach Polo CEO Glenn Straub. That was his plan all along, but high-profile disagreements with Straub deteriorated into lawsuits earlier this year. With those lawsuits settled, Wellington Equestrian Partners now looks to the future.

The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is best known as the current home of Stadium Jumping’s National Horse Show and Winter Equestrian Festival. But with Stadium Jumping slated to move its operations to a new location in the Wellington Preserve in coming years, the prospect of retaining the current show grounds for year-round equestrian sports — as opposed to residential or commercial development — is something everyone can support.

New RPB Park

Better Be Good

While laying claim to the world’s largest equestrian facility would further bolster Wellington’s status as the nation’s premier equestrian community, several smaller (though still quite sizeable) facilities could prove just as beneficial. What’s more, Bellissimo’s purchase offers the potential to expand the diversity of equestrian activity in the area. While Stadium Jumping’s shows are heavily centered on the disciplines of show jumping, hunter jumping and dressage, there are plenty more competitive equestrian sports that enjoy a respectable following, such as reining disciplines, vaulting, rodeo events such as barrel racing and pole bending, and Paralympic competition.

Wellington is already distinguished because it offers a home to both Olympiclevel competition and the royal sport of polo. Bellissimo has announced plans to renovate the village’s original and historic polo stadium, and we hope he will revive the landmark location to its status as an integral part of Wellington’s equestrian life. Just months ago, the Wellington Village Council was discussing a plan to strip the old stadium out of the Equestrian Preserve Area and redevelop it as a commercial center. Bellissimo’s plans to revive the stadium would be a welcome aboutface.

Bellissimo’s purchase quickly received tacit support from Stadium Jumping and the Wellington Equestrian Alliance, which is another good sign. With so many local livelihoods depending on the economic generator that is the equestrian industry, we can hear a huge, collective sigh of relief. Hopefully the remaining lawsuits that have been filed amongst Wellington’s big equestrian interests will be settled soon. Burying the hatchet will not only boost the morale of local horse people, but will free the big players to concentrate on the more important task at hand: securing the future of equestrian competition in Wellington.

Letters To The Editor

I’m so glad the Village of Royal Palm Beach plans for a park on the site of the former Tradition Golf Course. Certainly many a developer has been salivating over this land for years. The future Village Commons Park sure better be of an attractive, environmentally intelligent design, though. I mean, who isn’t aware of what’s right up the road — the ridiculously extravagant Veterans Park, and this is what concerns me. Concrete seems to cover the ground everywhere. It’s overcrowded with buildings, gazebos, gaudy statues here and there, and an unnerving extravaganza of useless trellises and other ridiculous wooden structures that don’t serve any real purpose. Too bad all this wood isn’t in the form of more trees. The rather attractive southern “tip” does have more greenery though, a small lake (well, pond anyway) and with tree species well chosen. (Why they stuck a concrete amphitheatre in this area with another, bigger one at the north end of this small park is totally beyond me!) Who the heck designed this place?

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edition of the Town-Crier. In his letter, Unger suggested a lack of professionalism in the working relationship between Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham and an unidentified village employee led to that employee leaving. The employee submitted this response for publication.

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Actually, “environmentally intelligent” is the most important aspect of a park design. We all truly benefit from plenty of shade trees. Hopefully, we’ll see many native pines and oaks (which attract plenty of birds, squirrels, etc.), and not just a few palms stuck here and there. Due to the housing density surrounding most of the site, a large public park certainly makes a lot more sense than the golf course that existed on this very large piece of land, especially with the multitude of other golf courses around. Perhaps this is why the Tradition course closed. Because of this, I will say that I don’t like the idea of any kind of “golf park,” since I am aware of the planned golf course for the site. How much land would the golf section use? Anyway, however the park eventually becomes, and being on such a grand scale, I hope it will be a tasteful design and planned out by capable people this time.

Joe Giersher

Royal Palm Beach

Former Wellington Employee: Unger’s

Letter Off Base

Editor’s note: The following is in response to a letter from Wellington resident George Unger published in the Aug. 3

For the record, I left my employ at the Village of Wellington as I got married and moved out of state. My relationship with Mayor Wenham has been only positive and professional, and I feel very blessed to have been able to work closely with him. I learned a great deal working for him, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally, as he has successfully balanced his professional and political careers, as well as his personal life. I respect him for all that he does and all that he is. He represents different things to different people... some see Mayor Wenham as everyone’s best uncle, some see him as the veteran who will not miss a service to bring glory and remembrance to those who have fought and died in the line of service. I see Mayor Wenham as a genuine person who only wants to help people and see them happy. Thank you so much for the opportunity to clarify Mr. Unger’s misunderstanding of the information that he obtained.

Jill Mausteller Former Wellington Village Employee

School Supply Drive A Success

All of this could not have been done without your contributions. Way to go Wellington!

A special thank you goes out to Beth Saifman, Lisa Seltzer, Bella Markowitz, Valerie Mendelsohn, Alice Rosenblatt, Louise Marks and Fran Lerner for manning the collection table at Strathmore Bagels. Also a heartfelt thank you to the Wellington JCC and the Leonie Arguetty Preschool for participating in the JAFCO school drive as well.

Our efforts are making a difference to the children at JAFCO.

Stacy Chertock, President JAFCO Wellington Chapter

Wellington’s Cost Shifts A Good Idea

It is very heartening to see that a possibility exists that the operating expenses of the Village of Wellington will be allocated in the future based upon usage, benefits and land area, which may be more fairly allocated to the taxpayers.

It has always been unfair that developers and other persons (plus businesses) have had the time of village staff and administrative costs borne by the taxpayers during these preplanning stages when endeavoring to meet village ordinances.

Taxpayers were paying for costs that should have rightly been charges to the applicants and not subsidized by taxpayers. This is the equivalent to the insurance companies being authorized to keep the profits that they make on collected premiums while increasing premiums to accumulate a fund to pay off future claims.

It is presumed that the administrative and inter-related costs will decrease as future workload and services decrease, either by a reduction in

Thank you one and all. Our first JAFCO [Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options] school supply drive was a huge success. We brought a full carload of school items to JAFCO Village today. During the school drive we collected $150 in donations, gave out numerous membership applications and over 75 JAFCO brochures. We are definitely spreading the JAFCO name in the Wellington community.

See LETTERS, page 5A

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

Passport Shines Light On Scofflaws

After all is said and done, there really is at least one good thing that has come about from the newer, tighter restrictions on obtaining a passport.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Because of a surprising quirk in its regulations, the State Department can, and does, deny passports to non-custodial parents who owe more than $2,500 in child support. Thus far in 2007, at least $22.5 million has been collected this way. The money is then forwarded to the parent to whom it is owed. It is certainly true that the new passport requirements to fly to and from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and South America complicate our lives. It is also true that untold numbers of parent scofflaws have surfaced and been forced to pay overdue millions.

For example, an American businessman now living in China was a whopping $311,491 in arrears in his child

Letters

continued from page 4A salary, bonuses or layoffs. Of course, no one likes to have this happen, but this is the capitalistic system of supply and demand, and should also be anticipated. A business does not keep paying at the same rate when the workload and/or sales and profit decrease. In other words, I am advocating a use tax and a proportionate allocation of the costs of operating the village in relationship to the acreage of land, number of residents in a household using individual defined services, and the use of the property, not based upon the value of the related property.

I keep reading about how some people who will possibly be asked to pay for services which they now get at a subsidized rate paid by non-users complain about this potential additional expense. They also state that the reason they moved to Wellington was because the facilities that they could use and their children used were subsidized by nonusing residents.

The taxpayers in my residence are elderly, have one of the smaller model homes in our association community, have no children using village facilities, pay for the maintenance of the roads in our community (not subsidized by village taxes) and drive mostly on county roads. We are from the age when pensions were not given by companies, and when they were, they were minimal and did not include cost of living increases. Even the cost of our medical exams, prescriptions and medical apparatus is increasing while the services and benefits decrease.

We are also at that stage in life where we have become deeply concerned about who will take care of us physically and pay the related bills as we go through the countdown of our lives. We, for sure, will not be subsidized by the

support payments.

When the parents make good on their debts, they can reapply for a passport. Interestingly, Adolph Capestany, spokesperson for the Division of Child Support in Washington State, had this comment:

“For us, it has been amazing to see how people who owe back child support seem to be able to come up with good chunks of money when it involves needing their passport. Folks will do anything to get that passport, so it is a good collection tool.”

The passport denial program has become an increasingly important “hammer” to use against delinquents to about 17 million children, according to the federal office of child support enforcement. And all this time you thought our government was doing little or nothing worthwhile for the taxpayer!

village or the people who may now complain about having to pay for village services that now and in the future they will enjoy as a disproportionate reduced cost because of subsidy by non-user payers.

I have never complained about paying for educating legal persons in our community, because these represent our future, but other things not based upon usage and proportionate land use is not fair.

John Westerholt Wellington

Disappointed By Mahoney Talk

Congressman Tim Mahoney recently spoke before the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. I went, anxious to hear his talk, as I had never heard him before. I went with an open mind as he portrays himself as a “conservative Democrat.” I left very disappointed.

He started with his business background, and this all sounded great, as this could be a citizen legislator and not a professional politician. That impression was quickly changed.

Mahoney went on to characterize the Bush tax cuts as “tax cuts for the wealthy, and responsible for the growing deficit.”

Only problem is that is factually wrong. The deficit this year comes in under $160 billion, down from the 2004 record high of $424 billion. The same drop in tax rates resulted in an increase in tax revenues under Kennedy, Reagan and now Bush. But let’s not let facts get in the way of a good sounding stump speech.

During his summary remarks, he contradicted his earlier remarks by stating, “I’m here to focus on tax cuts and tax relief.” Well, I couldn’t tell if his first statement against the tax cuts or the second for the tax cuts was the “operative”

JOIN IN A TOWN-CRIER POLL!

Should local villages fund recreation programs more through user fees and less through general taxes?

A. Yes! If I don’t use a program, my tax money shouldn't go to fund it.

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C. No. Good recreation programs are a major factor in keeping property values up.

D. No! I count on those recreation programs. That’s why I moved here.

Previous Question: Should Stadium Jumping’s new show grounds be approved? A. Yes! The future of Wellington hangs in the balance: 73 percent; B. Yes, but only after changes have been made to mitigate traffic and other issues: 13 percent; C. No. It is being rushed through and needs more study: 10 percent; D. No! Who needs them?: 4 percent. Cast your vote by visiting www.goTownCrier.com and scrolling down to the poll question at the bottom left of the web page. It’s as easy as that!

statement. Next, he praised his first move in Washington, as signing on to “PAYGO” as the way to balance the budget.

Anyone who understands PAYGO will explain it’s a great idea, but it doesn’t work. It prevents any tax cuts for two reasons. One, it presumes a tax rate cut will lower tax revenue by the amount of the rate cut. The facts are quite different, but that never stopped a politician. Tax revenues have gone up by double digits during the last three years and are responsible for cutting the budget deficit. The second fatal flaw with PAYGO is that to have any tax reduction you must have a spending reduction. When was the last time you saw a politician vote to spend less of our money? They don’t. So his PAYGO stance tries to pull the wool over our eyes as well.

Following that, Mahoney crowed about taking $16 billion from the domestic oil producers and giving it to fund research into alternative fuel sources. First, the way to lower gas prices is not to increase the tax burden on the producers; they’ll just pass it on to us. Second, under Carter, we spent $1.5 billion and 30 years of research, and we’re still waiting for these wonderful alternative fuels. Alternative fuels is a great idea. Now you can’t put any of them in your car and won’t be able to do so for quite some time, but it’s a great idea.

From there he went on to praise the government funding for corn-based ethanol and other forms of ethanol. The problem is all this has done is to raise the price of corn and any corn-based products from cereal to cornbread, to animal feeds, which in turn raises the price of everything from chicken and beef. So if corn-based ethanol comes about, we’ll be able to afford to drive to the store but we won’t be able to buy chicken or beef, or afford animal feed.

He then told us how he sided with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 85 percent of the time, but rest assured he’s a “conservative Democrat.” Really? Pelosi’s San Francisco and its “safe haven,” ultra-liberal removal of ROTC programs from every school isn’t quite the same as Palm Beach County values.

By the time he was finished speaking, I wondered if he just thought we were stupid and couldn’t see how he just took both sides of the same issue, or we just weren’t aware of the facts. It didn’t take him long to become a Washington politician. I predict he’ll be a one-term congressman.

Victor Connor Lake Worth

Thanks For Help With Groves Ice Cream Social

Editor’s note: Loxahatchee Groves resident Sharyn Browning recently won a free ice cream social for her community by submitting an essay to Edy’s ice cream. The social was held at Good Earth Farm on Aug. 11 in cooperation with the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association.

The ice cream was delicious and the friendships were fun! Since the entire town of Loxahatchee Groves was invited (not just the members of LGLA), it was so good to see “old” friends and even make some new ones. Thanks to all the neighbors who came to show that our community deserved this treat after all the work we’ve done.

My thanks also to Nancy and Alan Tobin for hosting us at their Good Earth Farm. Special thanks to Doreen and Dennis Lipp for their help with preparations. They, as well as Pat and Ken Johnson, helped to scoop out each neigh-

Man Turns Violent After Drunk Driving Arrest In Royal Palm

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

AUG. 21 — Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach were dispatched to the Chevron gas station on Okeechobee Blvd. last Tuesday regarding a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. According to the PBSO report, two deputies found 30-year-old Peter Brown of West Palm Beach allegedly asleep in a pickup truck with the engine running at approximately 5:15 a.m. Upon making con-

CRIME

NEWS CRIME NEWS

tact with Brown, the deputies found Brown in possession of methadone and morphine for which he did not have a prescription. After transporting Brown to the Palm Beach County Jail, the deputies further discovered him to be in possession of a crack pipe. The truck, which did not belong to Brown, was towed.

AUG. 24 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested last Friday on charges of retail theft

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

• Stuart Lominy is a black male, 6’ tall and weighing 160 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 08/24/80. He has a tattoo on his left arm. Lominy is wanted on the charges of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, aggravated assault with a firearm, shooting into a building, throwing a deadly missile into an occupied vehicle and criminal mischief. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Cedar Lake road in Boynton Beach. Lominy is wanted as of 08/30/07.

• Tonya Pixley is a white female, 5’4” tall and weighing 120 lbs., with blond hair and hazel eyes. Her date of birth is 09/13/72. Pixley is wanted for violation of probation on a conviction for driving under the influence. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Blackberry Road in Wellington. Pixley is wanted as of 08/30/07. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crime stopperspbc.com.

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WHICH IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CONTENT.

and possession of narcotics at the Macy’s department store at the Mall at Wellington Green. According to the PBSO report, 36-year-old Andrea Nelson was observed by store security attempting to leave the store without paying for unspecified items at approximately 4:15 p.m. After Nelson was apprehended, a subsequent search revealed she was in possession of miscellaneous medications without prescriptions.

AUG. 24 — A routine traffic stop in Wellington last Friday led to the arrest of a West Palm

Beach man on a charge of possession of cocaine with intent to sell. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation stopped 36year-old Raymond Collet on Forest Hill Blvd. at approximately 12:55 a.m. Upon making contact with Collet, the deputy discovered 26 small bags of cocaine in Collet’s possession.

AUG. 25 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested on a charge of retail theft at the Macy’s store in the Mall at Wellington Green last Saturday. According to a PBSO report, 26year-old Roxanne Melvin was apprehended after attempting to leave the store with $190 worth of apparel at approximately 3:20 p.m. Melvin was transported to the county jail.

AUG. 26 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested last Sunday on a charge of aggra-

vated assault with a deadly weapon in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation stopped 29-year-old Kurt Harriman on Okeechobee Blvd. at approximately 1:45 a.m. after observing Harriman drive onto the median. Harriman failed various roadside sobriety tests and was transported to the PBSO breath testing facility, where tests revealed blood alcohol content of .118 and .117. According to the report, Harriman became aggressive in custody. While signing his name to the DUI citation, Harriman raised the pen in his right hand in a manner as if he were going to stab the arresting deputy. He was then subdued by two deputies, then charged with resisting an officer and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on

PBSO Seeks Suspect In Strong-Arm Robbery

AUG. 22 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in connection with a strong-arm robbery that took place last Wednesday at the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, an unidentified man robbed a 78year-old woman in the parking lot near JC Penney at approximately 10:10 a.m. The suspect pushed the woman to the ground and stole her purse. He is described as a black male, approximately 5’7” tall, weigh-

ing 160 to 175 lbs., approximately 20 to 25 years of age. According to the report, the suspect fled in what appeared to be either a black F150 dual cab pickup or a Ford Sport Trac. The pickup appeared to have chrome fender wells, chrome wheels and a black bed cover.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Suzanne Read or Detective Bruce Tunno at (561) 6885425, (561) 688-5424 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.

Tonya Pixley

Stuart Lominy

Wellington Hikes Drainage Assessment

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council approved budgets for surface water management, solid waste collection and wastewater utilities along with associated assessment rates Tuesday, despite protests from residents about the increased surface water management assessment rate.

The village’s 2008 surface water management assessment rate is $146 per unit, $26 above the current rate, with $11 of the increase funding the repair of erosion around Lake Wellington.

The solid waste collection assessment per curbside unit was set at $129, an increase of $4 from the current year, and $93 per unit for container units, an increase of $2.

Before the council approved the assessment rates and related budgets, longtime Wellington resident Jane Fetterly said she had issues about the proposed increase and her ability to pay for it.

“My proposed assessment is for four units,” Fetterly said, “and at $146, that totals $584. I am a retired homeowner who has lived here since 1965. I have qualified for senior and homestead exemptions from both the county and from the Village of Wellington. I am living on a limited income. My question is, why am I billed for four units, when I am in a single-family home. What is considered a unit, and what does it cover? Does it cover road maintenance? Is there any recourse to lowering this? I appreciate any written response to my questions.”

Resident Leonardo Lopez Merlos also wanted a written itemization of what he was getting for his $146, as well as details of what the taxes pay for. He said his swale and driveway are subject to flooding more than

Blotter

continued from page 6A an officer. Harriman was transported to the county jail.

AUG. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Denny’s restaurant on Civic Center Way last Sunday regarding a counterfeit money complaint. According to the PBSO report, a pair of Hispanic males were paying for their meal at approximately 2:37 a.m. when one of the men asked for change for a counterfeit $100 bill. Shortly after exchanging the bill, a Denny’s employee realized it was fake and called the PBSO. The employee said the men left in a white Chevy Corsica with a dent on the front passengerside door and a temporary tag.

AUG. 26 — A routine traffic stop led to a brief foot chase and the arrest of a West Palm Beach man on a drug charge at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road last Sunday. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the RPB substation stopped 19-year-old Michael Armstrong II for driving without a taillight at approximately 10:22 p.m. When the deputy observed what appeared to be marijuana in Armstrong’s car, Armstrong fled into the store, where he was apprehended in the rear of the food section, according to the report. Armstrong was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams, resisting arrest and

those of others on his block, so he was curious as to what he was getting for the increase. He also noted he was concerned about the flooding because of the health risks associated with mosquitos breeding in the standing water.

“I am at the mercy of the village for this,” Lopez Merlos said. “I am assuming that this is one of the services the village does. If my taxes pay for these services, and these services are not rendered, these actions are tantamount to extortion. It is my intention to dispute the assessments. I am asking with whom I should pursue the grievances.”

Mayor Tom Wenham advised both residents to talk with either Village Manager Charlie Lynn or Environmental & Engineering Services Director Gary Clough.

The council then unanimously approved the three separate resolutions for the surface water management, solid waste collection and wastewater utilities assessment rates and their related budgets.

The village is scheduled to hold public hearings on the ad valorem property tax rate and the related governmental funds budget on Sept. 11 and 25.

In other business:

• The council declined to approve an ordinance allowing offsite valet and bullpen parking for restaurants, generated by a request by the Tavern on the Green Equestrian Club, which occupies the former Equestrian Club Estates clubhouse.

During public comment, Mike Nelson of Effective Solutions, a consultant for Palm Beach Polo, said he had worked hard with village staff on the ordinance, and he felt that they had reached an admirable resolution.

Nelson said the property in question always had a parking

driving with a suspended license. He was transported to the county jail.

AUG. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the JCPenney department store in the Mall at Wellington Green on Tuesday afternoon regarding a retail theft. According to a PBSO report, 18-year-old Bradley Cazel of Wellington was caught attempting to leave the store with a pair of $20 sunglasses at approximately 3:23 p.m. Cazel

problem, and he anticipated that others would also take advantage of the availability of bullpen parking.

“They created some tough standards for someone who would use it,” Nelson said. “I believe this is a good solution for a lot of problems.”

But Equestrian Club Estates residents Carol Coleman and Don Perham urged the council to vote against the ordinance because it presented life, health and safety issues for them, chief among them blocking the entrance to their community.

“I have been privy to the amount of traffic that has been on our road to the Tavern on the Green,” Coleman said. “There have been enormous changes. There has been no road study for the impact of the increased growth. The road is the only entrance in and out of the development. If there is a fire, the traffic could be impeded. When the 8,000-square-foot tent was placed on the site for events, we had great difficulty getting in and out.”

Perham said the village had already bent over backward to accommodate the club and its main investor, Mark Bellissimo. “There was no sufficient parking prior to the increase in the seating,” he said. “Village staff has allowed and issued a permit to build a parking lot across the street from the restaurant on someone else’s land, cutting off our horse trail. The people bought in there to use the trail from the barns to get to the horse show. I’m lost here as to what to say. This is an awful lot to do for one man.”

Former Equestrian Committee chair Cynthia Gardner said she didn’t think one person’s parking problem should have village-wide ramifications.

“I attended the planning meetSee COUNCIL, page 25A

was transported to the county jail.

AUG. 29 — A juvenile was arrested on charges of retail theft Wednesday at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, the juvenile was observed by store security attempting to leave with four items valued at a total of $152 at approximately 1:30 p.m. The juvenile was apprehended and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Burglary Suspects Sought — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two suspects wanted for the burglary of a gas station on Friday, July 20. According to a PBSO report, two unknown white males smashed the front window of the Citgo station at 9890 Lake Worth Road near State Road 7 at approximately 2:30 a.m. and removed cigarettes and beer. Anyone with information regarding the suspects is asked to contact Detective Rogan at (561) 688-4061 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

RPB Budget Hearing Tuesday

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will hold the first of two public hearings on its 2008 budget Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the village hall. The village proposes the reduction of its millage rate to 1.99 mills, or $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed value.

“Our budget is really pretty straightforward,” Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick told the Town-Crier. “We’re not proposing any dramatic cuts. The only dramatic cut is to the tax rate for the 13th consecutive year. That’s the way we do business. Our programs will continue and our millage rate will go down to roughly two mills. For us, it’s business as usual.”

The council is scheduled to hold a required second public hearing on the budget Sept. 20.

In September, the council is expected to discuss several items it postponed from August, including approval of zoning plans for the new Village Commons Park and how to fill the council seat vacated by the July resignation of Barbara Isenberg.

The council can decide to name a replacement for Isenberg or keep the seat empty until the March 11, 2008 general election. The council also is expected to discuss the possibility of moving the election to Jan. 29, the same date as Florida’s early presidential primary.

— Steve Pike

‘Second Chance Garage Sale’ Sept. 29 At S.F. Fairgrounds

It was so immensely popular the first time that it’s coming back! If you missed the Gigantic Garage Sale in late July, the Second Chance Garage Sale offers everything you can imagine under one roof. Actually, make that two roofs because South Florida Fairgrounds organizers are ready to expand this show to a waiting list of bargain sellers.

The Second Chance Garage Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be plenty of free parking at the South Florida Expo Center.

The Gigantic Garage Sale was so well-received earlier last month that thousands of shoppers waited in line for a crack at all sorts of attic treasures. Individuals will be offering garage sale items, toys, clothing, furniture, books, videos, music and much more — a one-stop shopping event.

At the Second Chance Garage Sale, booths will be set up both in the west building and in the spacious adjoining east building. Booth space is available, so sign up today.

The South Florida Fairgrounds markets and advertises the show; vendors keep 100 percent of the proceeds.

The fairgrounds are located at 9067 Southern Blvd. For more information about the Second Chance Garage Sale, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

RPB Rotary To Honor Vivian Palmer As ‘Distinguished Citizen’

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club will honor former Palms West Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Vivian Palmer as its Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a dinner on Friday, Sept. 7.

Palmer retired from the chamber in March after more than 14 years on the job, during which she was a driving force bringing businesses and public events to the western communities.

Palmer created such popular public events as Palms WestFest and the Taste of the West & Chocolate Lover’s Festival.

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce serves Royal Palm Beach,

PBSO Citizen’s Police Academy Starts Sept. 26

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 substation in Wellington will sponsor a Citizen’s Police Academy starting Sunday, Sept. 26 and continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 5.

The PBSO Sheriff’s Citizen Academy will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd). The course consists of ten sessions, including a course review and graduation ceremony,

Over the years, the PBSO has expanded the involvement of community members in community-based crime prevention efforts by offering a Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. The academy provides a mechanism for educating the public about the criminal justice system. The main goals of the academy are to partner with the community, explain the operations of the PBSO and encourage citizens to

Wellington, The Acreage/Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves and Greenacres.

Terri Wescott, RPB Rotary Club treasurer and co-chair of the event, said Palmer is indeed a distinguished citizen of the area.

“We look to someone who has provided jobs and brought stability to the communities, and who has promoted the communities,” she said. “Vivian Palmer fits into that category.”

Wescott said Palmer expanded the chamber membership to more than 800 individuals and business during her tenure, and expanded the budget from $150,000 to more than $500,000.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick said the chamber under Palmer’s guidance did much to create an environment that fostered indepen-

undertake measures to prevent crime victimization.

For more information, call Corporal Richard Sciarrino at (561) 688-5447 or e-mail him at Sciarrinor@pbso.org.

Seniors Forum In Wellington

All senior citizens, caregivers, loved ones and more are asked to take part in a senior forum planning session.

The Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, a non-profit organization serving the needs of elders and their caregivers, invites people to share their thoughts regarding senior issues. Issues will include but are not limited to safety, transportation, health and health promotion, volunteering, hurricane preparation/recovery and cost of living.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill

dent businesses in the western communities.

“She did a great job of promoting the businesses out here,” he said. “You go back to the days where we didn’t have malls and things of that nature. It was all small local businesses.”

The dinner takes place at 7 p.m. at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza in Royal Palm Beach.

Tickets for the event, which includes hors d’oeuvres and dinner, are $75 each or $150 per couple. The dinner will sport a New York theme and cocktail attire is requested.

To make a reservation, call Wescott at (561) 253-4724 or Kimari Rhoads at (561) 790-6200, or visit www.rpbrotary. com for more information. Vivian Palmer

Blvd.). Light refreshments will be provided. For more info., call Patricia Ernst at (561) 684-5885 or e-mail ernstp@ elderaffairs.org. Visit the Area Agency on Aging’s web site at www.Agencyon AgingPBTC.org.

RPB Volunteer Opportunity

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy on the Education Advisory Board, which meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this government board, pick up an application at the Village Clerk’s office or download it from www. royalpalmbeach.com in PDF format. Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than noon Sept. 10 for council consideration on Sept. 18. For more info., call (561) 7905102.

RPB Church Collecting Supplies For Storm Victims

You’ve probably all heard by now of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dean on the island of Jamaica. In an effort to help the people of Jamaica recover from this disaster, several local organizations, including Royal Palm Beach Covenant Church, have created an alliance to collect needed supplies and money. The items are to be shipped Sept. 5.

Residents are asked to contribute as much as they can in non-perishable foods, baby food, water, hygiene products, toiletries, school supplies, blankets, first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, tools and machinery and blue tarps.

The collection site is Royal Palm Covenant Church, 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement at (561) 7904002.

Mounted Volunteers Keep A Watchful Eye On The Community

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Sunday mornings, members of the Mounted Citizens Observer Patrol (COP) from the western communities and elsewhere around the county meet at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Forest Hill Blvd. for a weekly get-together ride.

“It’s a nice chance for us to get together and chat while we ride,” Mounted COP Maj. Helmut Schmitt said. “Most of the time when we go out riding we do it in our own neighborhoods. We don’t have time to go to other places unless there is an emergency of some kind.”

As part of its Citizens Ob-

server Patrol, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office created the Mounted COP program in 1997 to serve as law enforcement’s extra “eyes and ears” in communities that have extensive woodlands and equestrian trails.

“We can go places that police cars just can’t reach,” said Lt. Maryann Schmitt, who like her husband is an Acreage resident.

“We can ride through brush and rough areas looking for missing kids or Alzheimer’s patients. We often ride along canal banks. All of these are places where the cars can’t reach.”

Helmut Schmitt noted there are more than 200 Mounted COP volunteers in the county. “We

use our own horses and ride around to keep an eye on things,” he said. “We go a lot slower than a police car, so we can see some things the regular sheriff’s deputies do not. Also, we are very visible. There are times when just the sight of a couple of mounted COP members on their horses has prevented trouble.”

Volunteers come from The Acreage and Loxahatchee, Acme Ranches, Homeland, Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates, Palm Beach Little Ranches and Palm Beach Ranchettes. “But more than half of us come from Loxahatchee and The Acreage,” Helmut Schmitt said.

“We like doing this,” said Sgt. Kathy Albasini of Loxahatchee. “We do this on our own time, and we’re able to help our neighbors.”

But Sundays are for pleasure,

not just business, as members of the Mounted COP gather for a morale-boosting pleasure ride. Anyone interested in joining can call Helmut Schmitt at (561) 281-3014.

Mounted COP Maj. Helmut Schmitt with Sly.

PHOTOS BY LEONARD

Mounted Citizens Observer Patrol volunteers meet at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Mounted COP Lt. Maryann Schmitt with Vadar.

Rep. Mahoney To Chamber: There’s Still Much Work To Do

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-District 16) offered members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce comments Wednesday on his activities during the first seven months of his freshman term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Speaking at the chamber’s monthly luncheon, Mahoney said he went to Congress after years in the business world with firms such as General Electric and Automatic Data Processing, as well as becoming an entrepreneur in the 1980s. He moved to Florida in the late 1980s as a result of his last business venture and has lived here ever since.

As a businessman and a selfdescribed “hobby economist,” Mahoney said he had watched

the national economy transform itself over the years.

“We have gone from a manufacturing economy to a digital economy,” Mahoney said. “We find ourselves like the guy in the 1950s horror movie, where he is running in the woods, and the green light is chasing him, and he looks down at his compass, and the head is spinning wildly.

That’s what we are seeing.”

However, although there had been a change, the benefits had not trickled down to the middle class. “Trickle-down economics,” which had its place in the 1980s and had not worked well then, Mahoney said, are not working well now, with the middle class and lower middle class struggling while millionaires are more and more successful. Many factors combined had taken the recent national

surplus and turned it into a debt. Mahoney said he decided to run for Congress because he believe the American dream is in a crisis.

“I believe in the American dream,” Mahoney said. “I believe that every child has the right to live his or her American dream. It is what makes us a nation. It is what makes blacks, whites, Cubans, Haitians, Irishmen, Jews and Catholics. That’s what brings us together as a nation. We share the same common values.”

Mahoney said is worried and scared by what he is seeing in the country, and in Florida in particular. When property taxes and homeowners insurance payments amount to more than a person’s mortgage payments, he said, there is a problem. When he ran his last company,

free health insurance was one of the perks, but he doubted that many firms could offer that now. Commonly businesses pick up part and an employee picks up the rest, and what people pay for today doesn’t equal the benefits they got years ago.

“Today, the average family working in my company is probably paying a couple of hundred dollars a month and getting half the benefits,” he said.

Mahoney also said the state’s education system is clearly broken, ranking either 48th or 50th in the nation depending on whether you’re listening to a Democrat or a Republican. Florida graduates are struggling to compete with others around the world.

“We live in a society in the

See MAHONEY, page 42A

ITID Irons Out Response To County Water Settlement Offer

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District’s attorney and supervisors met behind closed doors Wednesday seeking an end to a long-running lawsuit with Palm Beach County over water utility easement rights in the district.

The suit, a holdover from the recent “water wars” in Palm Beach County, was filed by the district under the previous ITID Board of Supervisors in an attempt to establish ITID as a utilities provider. ITID President

Michelle Damone told the TownCrier before the executive session that the supervisors were meeting to discuss a counteroffer to a settlement agreement extended by the county.

“The county has come to a tentative agreement. If an agreement is reached, Acreage residents will have the opportunity to decide whether they want county water or not,” she said. “Whether it’s by unit or street will be determined at a future time. This meeting is strictly to resolve any lawsuits we have pending with the county.”

After the meeting, ITID Vice President Mike Erickson told the Town-Crier he felt optimistic about the possibility of settling the lawsuit. “We made a lot of progress,” he said. “It can go back to the county, and they can work on the verbiage some more and come up with a strategy.”

The district’s negotiating team will include Damone, ITID Attorney Charlie Schoech and ITID Engineer Gene Schriner. Schriner did not attend the Wednesday meeting in accordance with executive session rules.

During the executive session, Erickson said, Schoech and the supervisors reviewed a proposal offered by the county and came up with a counterproposal to offer county leaders.

“There are still some issues, but there is finally progress that will lead to a long-term solution,” he said.

Damone said the district’s chief concern is the county’s use of ITID easements, while she is also concerned about the potential cost of county utilities. “Pertaining to easements, we’re not giving up any,” she said. “We may give use of the utility ease-

ment, but if we come to an agreement, we are not in the utility business anymore. Most importantly is the cost of the utility to residents. I want to make sure it is economical and feasible for a family to use it. We’re trying to find out how to make it economical for residents.”

Damone said Acreage residents will get a full briefing on their options regarding county water once the suit is settled. “There will be a full presentation at a future public hearing about how the residents will de-

Congressman Tim Mahoney address Wellington Chamber members on Wednesday.

PHOTO

Groves Council Begins Task Of Drawing Up Codes For New Town

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council met Aug. 23 for the first of a series of workshops on adapting Palm Beach County’s codes and ordinances to suit the new town.

Attorney Jacob Horowitz, sitting in for Interim Town Attorney David Tolces, explained the difference between Palm Beach County’s code of ordinances and Unified Land Development Code or ULDC.

“The code of ordinances generally explains offenses, restrictions and regulations. The ULDC is land-specific and landdevelopment-specific regarding zoning,” Horowitz said. “Palm Beach County has zoning in its ULDC. It is more land-oriented in the platting and site plan process. How many yard sales a person can hold a year or garbage collection or creation of an advisory board, that stuff tends to fall under the code of ordinances. There is no set way to run a town. You have some flexibility as far as what you want in your codes and the ULDC.”

Horowitz noted that the town has a way to go in formulating a comprehensive plan, and advised the council not to amend the ULDC too much beforehand, as the two documents by law cannot contradict each other.

“You don’t know exactly what you are going to do down the road,” Horowitz said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a position of having a conflicting

comprehensive plan and land development codes. I caution you to proceed slowly. Once the comprehensive plan is adopted, you will have a better framework on how to proceed as far as the land development codes go.”

Horowitz also said the council should consider the code of ordinances as a flexible set of regulations subject to tailoring and adjustment.

“As far as a place to start, the county code is a good thing,” he said. “Down the road, you may find something you don’t agree with. You don’t see it at this meeting or six months from now. A year from now, or two years from now, you may decide to make these changes. It’s a work in progress. Nothing is set in stone. Something that is done tonight or at the next town council meeting, is not something that can’t be done or undone in the future.”

Mayor David Browning and other council members suggested the council meet once a month to consider portions of the county’s code of ordinances.

Town Clerk Matt Lippman and Horowitz both concurred, saying that review of the regulations in gradual steps would make the task look less daunting.

“I really must emphasize not to get overwhelmed by it,” Horowitz said. “It’s going to be an ongoing process. Future councils are going to be wrestling with the same or similar issues you are dealing with.”

Through the rest of the work-

shop, council members discussed issues they thought deserving of attention, also taking feedback from residents in attendance.

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda said the housing code would need a lot of scrutiny, and said he was especially concerned about the lack of numbers on some of the homes in the community.

“Years ago, when I was president of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association,” Louda said, “we tried to convince everyone in the community that Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the PBSO needed identifiable street numbers. I would like to see that actively enforced.”

Collecting Canal resident Ken Johnson said he and his wife Pat are actively involved in Community Emergency Response Team training in the community, and that the need for clearly marked addresses is crucial.

“Right now, one of the things that came up recently was how do we identify the location at which we find individuals who are disabled or hurt, or buildings that are destroyed or on fire,” Johnson said. “That is critical to us as a team to be able to find these houses and identify them. The point you bring up is excellent. One other thing I would like to bring up is I don’t know if there is an ordinance on building height, but I would like to see that in Loxahatchee Groves.”

Both Louda and Browning noted that some properties in the

town are resting places for inoperable vehicles, although they noted that one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.

“A lot of these inoperable vehicles are retirement accounts and collector items or spare parts,” Louda said. “There is the potential for pollution from those. There is the eyesore part of this. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but sections like this need a lot of pubic input and figuring out what really needs to apply here.”

Browning said that while such boats and cars are not observable from the ground, someone once hired a plane to show the community to members of the Palm Beach County Commission, and the vehicles could be seen clearly from the air.

Marcella Blvd. resident Linda Isaacs said it would be unfair to view boats or cars from the air and declare them to be an eyesore. “As far as I’m concerned, this is a community where people have the right to live the life the way they please,” she said.

“Put up a hedge or a fence. But to take a helicopter and have a bird’s-eye view and come down on that person is absurd.”

Councilman Dennis Lipp asked town staff to investigate whether leaking oil might pose environmental problems, especially regarding groundwater.

“If there is no problem with the leaking of oil from vehicles rusting away, it’s probably not a problem,” he said. “If someone has in their mind to create a xeriscape with a 1985 Chevy Impala, they need to declare it

or clean it up and get rid of it.”

In light of the county’s noise ordinance, Lipp also raised the issue of a dispute between two neighbors, one of whom breeds birds on his property. Lipp said the conflict between bird breeder Howard Voren and his neighbor Larry Lefkowitz should be carefully considered.

“I think the problems I have heard from the Lefkowitzes need to be addressed, and when the right of someone to raise birds infringes on the right of someone to sleep,” Lipp said.

“I don’t know how we can fit that together. It’s something we need to research.”

Lefkowitz told the council the noisy birds infringe on his right to enjoy his property on D Road.

“I want to be able to open my house in the winter and have parties in my home where people can come by in the afternoon without being assaulted by loud noise,” he said. “I want to be able to sit on my porch. The only option we seem to have is a lawsuit to protect our right for enjoyment of our property, which is one of the basic rights of a property owner. That is all I am looking for. I want to live where I pay outrageously high taxes and outrageously high property insurance and to be able to use it.”

E Road resident Voren responded that the council had heard complaints from someone with a personal sensitivity.

“There have been no complaints except at this particular time by this one individual who happens

Town Seeks Solution To Growing Number Of Day Laborers

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Responding to concerns about the safety of day laborers waiting along Okeechobee Blvd. for work, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council and several dozen residents heard a Jupiter town official Tuesday describe that municipality’s successful effort at creating a hiring center.

The proliferation of landscaping businesses in Loxahatchee Groves has swelled the number of day laborers, mostly Latin American immigrants, gathering there to seek work. The situation has evoked concerns about the personal safety of the laborers and complaints about traffic problems on Okeechobee Blvd.

At Tuesday’s council workshop, Jupiter Town Manager Andrew Lukasik said his municipality faced similar concerns before creating its El Sol neighborhood center.

“We began to get an increasing number of complaints from people about workers soliciting jobs,” Lukasik said. “And there were complaints of traffic slowdowns on Center Street because of the large number of workers. Even worse, residents complained about substandard housing and overcrowding in many neighborhoods housing immigrants. We even had a group called Jupiter Neighbors Against Illegal Labor that demanded the town fight illegal immigration, something that was not our responsibility at all.”

Lukasik said Jupiter created

a multi-pronged plan to focus on improving the quality of life for workers as well as their neighbors. “We demanded higher housing standards, an improvement in the quality of life for the workers,” he said. “Of course, that led to a few lawsuits by some landlords. But we increased enforcement against excessive waste on the curbs, on keeping rusting cars on lawns. Everyone got involved: police, engineering, public works and code enforcement. And we improved the life of these people.”

The hiring center is the centerpiece of the program. “We needed a connection between prospective employers and employees,” Lukasik said. “We partnered with Catholic Charities to get up and running. By luck, we were in the process of purchasing property from them right next to our town hall and able to use that to start up quickly.”

Lukasik said critics of the project were sure the town wanted the police close by to intimidate the laborers. “The opposite happened,” he said. “As the police and workers got to know each other, more of them came forward to report crimes, and we’ve not only increased the level of comfort between the two groups, we’ve been able to improve relations with people in the Hispanic community.”

Lukasik credited Catholic Charities for making the project work. “They run everything,” he said. “They not only provide a clearinghouse for workers to find jobs, they run computer

classes, English as a second language classes, provide legal services and even use the kitchen facility there to teach cooking as a form of job training.”

Jupiter adopted an ordinance limiting solicitation for employment once the hiring center opened, Lukasik added. “We passed it the night before the hiring hall opened,” he said. “I told the mayor that people wouldn’t know that it went into effect. Instead, right from day one, we had no one on the street. The charity workers had spread the word. We had a couple of hundred workers in the hall, and the police chief said you could see tumbleweeds crossing the street, it was so empty.”

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dr. Bill Louda asked how much the program is costing Jupiter. Lukasik replied that once the building was in place, it cost the town virtually nothing. “All the work is done by volunteers,” he said, “and we just have to see that the building is in good repair. Also, we participate in their monthly business meetings, and my assistant manager has acted as a facilitator when there are any disputes. There have not been many of those.”

Louda asked about the town’s legal liability. “We don’t really have any,” Lukasik answered. “We just provide a place for the worker solicitation. We are not running a business. Catholic Charities registers employers, notes the needs and skills required for that day, and then holds a lottery of available workers who can do the work.”

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog

asked how Jupiter deals with the question of Social Security among the laborers. “That affects the employers, not the town,” Lukasik answered. “We only provide a place for them to meet.”

Attorney Julie Klahr of Goren, Cherof, Doody & Ezrol, standing in for Loxahatchee Groves Interim Town Attorney David Tolces, agreed that employers are liable on that issue.

To find partners for such a project in Loxahatchee Groves, Lukasik recommended contacting the National Day Labor Organizing Network, which helped Jupiter examine different models that have been successful around the country.

Lukasik also praised Corn Maya, an organization that helps provide social services to the Maya community and other Mesoamerican immigrants in Jupiter, for its work at the hiring hall. “They are taking over the work from Catholic Charities,” he said. “A lot of day laborers are from Central America, and Corn Maya is taking over responsibility from Catholic Charities. But our volunteers come from everywhere.”

Herzog suggested Loxahatchee Groves staff speak with Morena Molina, public relations director at the Centro Cultural Latinoamericano in West Palm Beach, who had wanted to attend the workshop but had a schedule conflict.

Councilman Dennis Lipp told fellow council members he had visited the program and was impressed. “They not only did the job of helping people with

jobs, but they cleaned up very carefully afterward,” he said. “This program is very effective. They are now getting non-Hispanics joining up for it as well.”

Lukasik emphasized many benefits of the program. “Not only are workers safer,” he said, “but we’ve had far fewer housing complaints, and people are living better. This helps everyone in Jupiter.”

Louda was cautious about the project. “This is not an enterprise that the town can afford on its own,” he said. “We need a partnership with a charity. We don’t have the resources a town like Jupiter has.”

Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan suggested at least taking the step of designating a gathering place and providing a portable toilet and rain shelter.

“Maybe even a place where bikes could be secured,” he said. “Even a first step would go a long way.”

Interim Town Clerk Matthew Lippman summarized a legal brief from Tolces. “Solicitation and employment meetings are under constitutional protection as long as the conduit is neutral,” he said. “There must be alternative channels. You can’t just tell people to stop doing it and can’t just demand it be done elsewhere out of the town.”

Interim Town Manager Dr. Irv Rosenbaum suggested town staff meet with charitable organizations as well as local churches to see if partners and a location could be found. He promised a report by the council’s next meeting.

PLAYERS CLUB HOSTS MAKING STRIDES WALK KICKOFF PARTY

A kickoff party was held Aug. 23 at the Players Club in Wellington to promote the upcoming walk

to benefit the American Cancer Society will take place Sunday, Oct. 7 at the Mall at Wellington Green. The

and learn about the event, win raffle prizes, and listen to stories from breast cancer survivors. For

call event chair Maureen Gross at (561) 793-4181 or visit makingstrides.acsevents.org.

Breast cancer survivor Kim Martin tells her story.

Glenis Chambers, Amanayea Abraham and Lorna Johnson.

Palms West Hospital’s Ana Vega and Donna Gray, Project Hope’s Ingrid Webster, and Wellington Regional Medical Center’s Peggie Barten.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Coordinator Diane Smith with Palms West Hospital Breast Center Coordinator Lee Fucci.

Insurance For You’s Silvia Garcia, Mall at Wellington Green Marketing & Sponsorship Director Rachelle Crain, National City Bank’s Tensy Caine and event co-chair Elizabeth Bornia.

Breast cancer survivor Herbert Chambers throws a pink football to kick off the signups.

(L-R) Media Chair Allyson Samilijan, survivor Lorna Johnson, the Mall at Wellington Green’s Rachelle Crain and Tracey Benson, Team Development Chair Maggie Zeller, Chair Maureen Gross, survivor Shari Zipp, Julie Tannehill of the American Cancer Society and co-chair Elizabeth Bornia.

Raffle winners won goodie bags filled with assorted items.

The American Cancer Society’s Judy Tannehill hands out pink beads.

Not The Best Approach To ‘Having A Ball’ In A Hot Tub

There are a lot of reasons not to take an exercise ball into the shower, but not one of them occurred to me before I did it. Let me explain. Two years ago, I decided to buy one of those bouncy exercise balls to sit on while watching TV, planning to work my muscles without thinking about it. Well, the most exercise I’ve ever gotten from that thing came while blowing it up, but never mind. Suffice to say that it has been lazing around our hot tub for 23 of the last 24 months.

The hot tub itself is not something I use either. It came with the house, and we paid extra for it, so I’d always been planning to get in there as soon as I had a chance... but I never did. Part of the reason was that it hadn’t been chemically corrected yet, and the other part is that I’ve always viewed hot tubs as one more bathtub to clean. Eventually our neglected hot tub sprang a leak, and more than half the water drained out. So it has just been sitting there — a giant incuba-

tion vat for mosquitoes — until today.

Today was the day I decided to take action — empty out the water, find the leak, fix it, put fresh water in, follow the instructions on the chemical kit and maybe sit in there with a glass of wine.

That was my plan.

At 8:30 this morning, I went out there with a pail and started to empty it into flowerbeds already saturated with rainwater. You know what? A hot tub holds more water than you think. After bailing, bailing, bailing, the phone rang. I ran inside to get it but then my cell phone rang. Eventually, I brought all the phones outside, but then I began to wonder if I’d electrocute myself if one of them fell into the tub. Soon my husband called and asked what I was doing. When I told him, he thanked me for taking on the project but told me to stop — he had a pump at work that he’d bring home.

“We’ve been looking at this disease trap for months and you own a pump?!” It was one of those happy/sad marital moments.

So I quit bailing. But now I was concerned about spirogyra and other rank growth I might’ve picked up in there. I decided I’d better take a shower. That’s when my eye fell on the algae-coated exercise ball. It seemed logical, at the time, to shower together. It also seemed logical to take both phones into the bathroom as I was waiting for a really important business call.

Oh, and people wonder where I get the ideas for columns.

Turns out the exercise ball consumed half the tub. There was barely room for me, but I squeezed inside and soaped us both up. This is where things started to get messy. The slippery ball and I were vying for position, squeaking and sliding, when the phone rang. I had one foot out of the tub when the other phone rang. I had to turn off the water to avoid giving away my location and the ball took over, seemingly expanding to fit the space. Dripping water, I managed to exit, take both calls and get back into the tub... but the ball was getting ornery. I finally

rinsed it off and was about to throw it outside the enclosure when I thought I’d better shake it off first. The best way to do this seemed to be to toss it against the wall. Can you say rebound? After being slapped in the face several times by this ugly nasty ball, I furiously hurled it over the top. Now why would someone do that? Why wouldn’t “someone” place it gently onto the bath mat? Because “someone” is stupid, that’s why. Bounce, smash, bounce, smash, bounce, bounce, tinkle.

To sum up: even without a hot tub, a glass of wine tastes pretty good. Let the ball clean up the bathroom.

Looking Stuff Up Is Much More Fun Than Making Stuff Up

I recently heard someone use the phrase “dog days of summer” and headed right to the computer to Google the phrase. There is nothing like learning when you are interested, an idea many teachers should ponder.

The period from July 3 to Aug. 10 was originally given the name because that is when the “dog star” Sirius is more or less in conjunction with the sun. That means it rises around the same time. Some Roman astronomers speculated that the combination of the brightest star during the day (the sun) and brightest at night (Sirius) caused the heat to rise in summer. Even earlier, Egyptians followed the path of Sirius, which they called the “Nile Star” because its rising

signaled the beginning of the annual Nile flooding that covered their farmlands with rich topsoil.

The Romans also created a series of calendars that would ultimately result in our own. Their months were: Martius, Aprilis, Mauius, Junius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. I agree that a lot of this sounds familiar. And September, April, June and November had 30 days already instead of 31 as far back as they existed.

There were some problems with that first Roman calendar. The biggest was that a lot of winter days, more than 60, were not included at all. Calendars work best when they accurately reflect the whole year.

Notice how the first month was March. The Romans subsequently added January and February to their calendar, and then moved the beginning of the year to January. That explains why our months ending in R don’t match to the numbers for which they were named. Quintilis and Sextilis (originally the fifth and sixth months) were renamed for Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar (July and August). In the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar again. The Julian calendar was not precise enough (not by very much, about five hundredths of a day), which caused a major problem when trying to calculate the date for Easter, which was based on the lunar calen-

On My Mind...

By Leonard Wechsler

dar. Easter and Christmas might have eventually been celebrated on the same day. As a result of the new Gregorian calendar, there was a shift of ten days in the 16th century for Catholic countries and 11 in Protestant Europe in the 18th century. Alaska went from Feb. 1, 1868

See WECHSLER, page 42A

OUR KIDS WORLD FAMILY FUN FEST RETURNS TO FAIRGROUNDS

The Fifth Annual Our Kids World Family Fun Festival took place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Designed for children ages 12 and under, the event featured a variety of child-oriented entertainment: music, exotic animals, storytellers, dance performances, sports mascots and TV characters, bounce houses, pony rides and rock wall climbing. For more info., visit www.adayforkids.com.

Ms. United States 2007 Lauren Wanger with Katelyn and Meghan Carter of RPB.

Vanishing Species Wildlife Director of Education Barbara Harrod holds a baby bobcat.

Devyn Aspinwall of Loxahatchee pets Stella the opossum, held by Rebeka Nickolas of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Wench” Kathy Gilbert and Captain Jack Sparrow (Mike Marsh).

Katherine Sokoloff (right) pets a swamp rabbit held by Lanie Pearce of Vanishing Species Wildlife.

Garfield and Odie introduce themselves to Melany Melendez, Lory and Kiara Delgado.

PHOTOS

Child Safety And AntiAbduction Seminar

The Wellington Boys & Girls Club, along with McLellan’s Martial Arts and Wellington Supercuts, will be conducting a free, one-hour personal safety and anti-abduction seminar for children on Friday, Sept. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The training aims to give children a fighting chance against physically abusive adults and sexual predators by increasing their awareness about potentially dangerous situations. The interactive session will feature role-playing sce-

narios in which children learn appropriate responses to danger, including setting verbal boundaries, running away, telling a trusted adult and calling 911.

The seminar will also introduce the children to some of the physical resistance techniques they can use in an event they are confronted with unavoidable danger. This will be a reserved-seating-only seminar, as seats are limited.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the training with their children. For more information, call Karin McLellan at (561) 514-1001.

Open Sesame — The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Sesame Street Live’s “Elmo Makes Music” Thursday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 23. The performance will feature singing, dancing, learning and fun when Elmo, the Count, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Bert and Ernie take the stage to share the magical world of music. Tickets cost $5 to $29. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

Solar Express Opens At The Science Museum

The South Florida Science Museum is bringing energy conservation and Florida history to their outdoor, interactive science trail with a solar train display. Aptly named the “Solar Express,” the official opening of the interactive display is scheduled for Sept. 1. Visitors will have the opportunity to push buttons and in order to move two model trains around a G-Scale sized town, as well as activate other mobile displays, including a carousel, within the “town.” One child will be selected to receive a model train set, conductor’s hat and be the first to push the button and start the train.

The solar panels are hooked up to a charge controller, deep cycle batteries and a power converter that converts 12 volts DC to 110 volts AC. This allows the reserve power to be stored for days, even during cloudy periods.

“Florida is the Sunshine State, so it makes sense to design the train system with solar power,” said Rick Newman, founder of the Boca Raton-based HighTechScience.org. “I wanted to design the Solar Express to help increase environmental awareness for children and families. Also, Florida was founded on its railroads so it gives a bit of a local history lesson, too.”

The Solar Express layout contains a 1950s model cattle/freight train and a passenger train. “It harkens back to the established East Coast Railroad days, when train travel was still a large part of daily transportation,” Newman said.

The model town and train set up contains more than 500 pieces including model houses, a windmill, farm and other details. The entire exhibit was donated by Newman and other alternative energy corporate sponsors.

“It makes a wonderful addition to our outdoor science trail, which has seen a

lot of expansions and renovations recently,” said museum exhibits designer/ director Carlos Santos, who assisted in designing the Solar Express layout, including the creation of the solar panel supports and control housings. “The Marshall Foundation recently helped restore our wetland area and we have new butterfly beds planted as well. The Outdoor Science Trail is a true gem, and the Solar Express is the perfect addition.”

The South Florida Science Museum is currently in the middle of the public phase of a 54 million dollar capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art science center.

This unique and comprehensive center will be a symbol of the community’s cultural strength and commitment to education. The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach in the north end of Dreher Park. Admission is $9 adults, $7.50 seniors and $6 children. For more information, call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

Temple Beth Zion

September Activities

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will offer the following activities in September:

On Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. Rabbi Kieffer will offer classes on topics of modern Jewish interests. The classes will be held at the Classic on Commons Circle in West Palm Beach and are open to the public.

On Monday Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Temple Beth Zion will deliver the food collection gathered on Yom Kippur to the Food Pantry at the Covenant Church in Royal Palm Beach. Paster Rose and Rabbi Kieffer have been collaborating on some future projects.

Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive. For more information, call (561) 798-8888.

SECOND ANNUAL SUMMER ART FESTIVAL IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted its Second Annual Summer Art Festival last Saturday at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Area artists displayed their paintings, photographs, sculptures and more while visitors strolled the park’s walkways and listened to live music by the waterfall, courtesy of Acreage resident Rick Nelson. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Shannon Frost and mother Susan (with dog Marley) relax and listen to the music.

Musician Rick Nelson entertains by the waterfall.

Lisette and Lisbete Prado play in the fountain.

Rick Evans of Rick’s Art in Royal Palm Beach.

H.L. Johnson Elementary School’s first-grade winners Alexandra Gabbert (first place), Miranda Boodheshwar (second place) and Jessica Gabbert (third place).

H.L. Johnson fourth-grade winners Jordan Shillingford (first place) and Haley Boodheshwar (second place) with Steve Petrone.

MOVEON.ORG PEACE RALLY NEAR MALL AT

WELLINGTON GREEN

MoveOn.org held a “Stand for Peace” demonstration Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the corner of State Road 7 and Forest Hill Blvd. Organized by MoveOn member Susan Mosely, approximately 35 people gathered to hold signs and read a list of the number of dead and injured U.S. troops in 2007 and their home towns. Brian Thomsen, a disabled Vietnam-era Navy vet, played the guitar. The purpose of the rally was to garner support for removing American troops from Iraq.

Code Pink South Florida organizer Hillary Keyes, Robin Cheney and MoveOn.org member Gwynne Chesher.

Lynn Melso, David Kurzman and Tina Anatra.

Carol Fields looks on as Celestial Tost-Fliss, 13, reads home towns and dates of deceased soldiers.

Brian Findley with Jeanne and Brad Boone.

Gwynne Chesher and Shari DeBloise read casualty figures while Bill Underwood holds up a sign in the background.

Susan Mosely and Bill Underwood.

Disabled Vietnam-era Navy veteran Brian Thomsen plays music while Susan Mosely carries a sign.

Marijo Beckman, Eugenia Sherman, MaryLou Ring, Susan Mosely, Carol Fields and Andrea Sullivan.

PHOTOS BY DENISE

Community Of Hope — About 50 women attended Community of Hope Methodist Church’s organizational meeting held Wednesday at the original Wellington Mall. The meeting was for the various groups offered by the ministry. Nineteen different groups including small family, prayer, young parents, parents of teens, seniors and weight loss are offered by the congregation, which has about 600 members and holds Sunday services at Royal Palm Beach High School. For more info., call Kathy Copan at (561) 827-0368 or email kathy@communityofhope.org. (Above L-R) Nancy Shore, Kathy Copan, Beth Locke and Suzette Gregg. (Below) Alice Wallace, Helen Mitchell and Mary Long.

Congressional Visit — Temple Beth Torah held a town hall meeting regarding U.S.-Israel relations featuring Congressman Tim Mahoney (D-District 16) last Thursday evening. The meeting was hosted by Rabbi Stephen Pinsky and President Eric Bakerman, and sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Also in attendance at the town hall meeting was Florida State Sen. Ted Deutch (D-District 30). Temple Beth Torah is located at 900 Big Blue Trace in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 793-2700 or visit www.templebethtorah.net. (Above) Bakerman and Rabbi Pinsky with Congressman Mahoney. (Below) Rabbi Pinsky with Nason Goldstein and his wife Carole.

BY

PHOTOS

Council No Valet Parking

continued from page 7A

ing with regard to this issue,” Gardner said. “I was not aware that we had a parking problem in the village. I am aware that we have a problem with parking at the Tavern on the Green. One of the things that is always great in Wellington is it’s a low-density area. It doesn’t look like New York City. We clearly have a problem with the Tavern on the Green parking. It should not be addressed at the penalty of the entire village.”

The council members voiced their

WEP Buys Show Grounds

continued from page 1A image Bellissimo is eager to shed. Although this week’s acquisition carries with it several commercial designations, Bellissimo said he wants to concentrate on the equestrian aspects first.

“The focus right now is creating a fantastic equestrian infrastructure,” he said. “We’ve got entitlements for other commercial activity, but that’s secondary. We want to get a world-class infrastructure here. These shows are going to be here in perpetuity. We just spent over $120 million for 400 acres of land. We’re probably one of the largest landholders in Wellington. The bottom line is we’re here. We’re heavily committed to the community.”

Bellissimo said the partnership has acquired licenses for 42 weeks a year, which will allow it to put on shows almost year round.

“What you will have are fall, winter, spring and summer circuits. It’s a great opportunity to dramatically increase Wellington’s role as an equestrian lifestyle community,” he said. “You might have one crowd that comes here in the

concerns about the parking proposal benefiting one applicant and said they could not support it. Councilwoman Laurie Cohen said Bellissimo’s recent purchase of the nearby parking lot property and others would provide the solution to his parking problems (see related story, page 1A).

“I am not going to support this,” Cohen said. “It’s bad policy for this village to allow various commercial venues or developers to satisfy the parking requirement with bullpen parking. Tavern on the Green is fully capable of meeting the parking requirements in light of its recent acquisition of certain properties. We

winter and a different crowd that comes in the spring with different prize points.”

Bellissimo also wants to get non-equestrians more involved. “The goal is, instead of six weeks in the winter, we want to broaden it so that it helps the entire community,” he said. “I think that the equestrian products that have been offered, except for John Goodman, haven’t really reached out to the community. So we want to try to make this an element of the fabric of Wellington. We want to send a message that these shows are here for the community in perpetuity.”

A quick end to the parade of lawsuits embroiling the equestrian community is in everyone’s best interest, Bellissimo said.

“Nobody wants to be in these lawsuits,” he said. “In the equestrian community, there was a level of uncertainty that Stadium Jumping had because it never owned the property. We own these properties now. There’s a level of certainty now.”

The lawsuits between Straub and WEP have been dropped, Bellissimo said. An eviction notice from Straub to Stadium Jumping has also been withdrawn, he added. Bellissimo said he hopes the suit between WEP and Stadium Jumping will be over soon as well.

“It is our goal to work with them and

don’t live in Miami. We live in Wellington. We don’t need an ordinance that advocates big city parking.”

Vice Mayor Bob Margolis said he wouldn’t support the ordinance either. “There was a perception that this ordinance was directed to this one entity,” he said. “We shouldn’t allow them to do this. I think this is a bad policy by which to develop this ordinance.”

Cohen made a motion to deny the ordinance, which was seconded by Margolis. It passed unanimously 5-0.

• The council took a dim view of moving the date for its election in 2008 from March to Jan. 29, made possible

settle our differences,” he said, adding that he still wants to entice Stadium Jumping to be a part of the Wellington Equestrian Partners plan and drop its plans to build its new facility in the Wellington Preserve. “I think it’s in the best interest of the sport and the best interest of the community that it be integrated.”

Wellington Equestrian Alliance Executive Director Dean Turney, a spokesman for Stadium Jumping’s arena project, said he supports the WEP acquisition and feels there is room for both entities in Wellington — but Stadium Jumping is still intent on the move.

“We’re not opposed to his acquisition of that property. In fact, I support it. I think it’s a perfect fit for the Littlewood shows,” Turney said, referring to the Littlewood Farm show circuit staged by Wellington’s Burton family.

But Turney said the current location offers no future for Stadium Jumping. “The current facility is simply not adequate, nor can it be expanded adequately,” he said.

Wellington resident Jean Goutal founded the Equestrian’s Preservation Society early this year to keep Stadium Jumping in its present location. He welcomed the WEP acquisition.

“I think it’s fabulous,” Goutal said. “We’ve been saying the same thing from

by the state shifting the date of the Florida presidential primary. All council members supported keeping the March date.

• The council approved a request from the Wellington Rotary Club to cover the rental of the Wellington Community Center and use of the sound stage, and some other costs for the club’s peace festival scheduled for September. Leisure Services Director Jim Barnes said village staff was recommending approval of the festival, except for waiving the costs for transportation of the sound stage and cleanup. Cohen made a motion for approval, which passed unanimously.

start — there is ample room to expand the existing show grounds. We never envisioned we could add the old polo stadium to the facility. It has turned out to be better than what we envisioned.”

Goutal said WEP’s plans will relieve existing congestion by shifting major events to the polo stadium. “There’s so many things that make this plan quite brilliant, actually,” he said.

Goutal said that although he supports the acquisition, as Equestrian’s Preservation Society president, he supports equestrian interests overall. “We don’t take positions, we remain neutral,” he said. “We still hope they come to their senses and settle and hold the shows at the current location. At this point, when you look at the fact that the involved land is already permitted and incorporated into a community that has been formed over 20 years, it truly does not make sense that [Stadium Jumping] would move.”

Goutal said Stadium Jumping would be better off remaining at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club as a show producer and tenant.

“A licensee does not have to be landowner,” he said. “It seems ridiculous to put the community through this when there is a possibility of resolving differences… All these issues have been resolved now. Let’s put this all to rest.”

A Young RPBHS Girls Golf Team Aims To Play Beyond Its Age GOLF GOLF

Bronco Ahola Healed

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

David Ahola’s left shoulder has completely healed from offseason surgery. That’s good news for Palm Beach Central High School’s football team and bad news for Broncos’ opponents this season. Want proof?

Ahola, a senior running back, ran for 169 yards and three touchdowns Aug. 23 in Palm Beach Central’s 51-7 pre-season victory against Spanish River.

Ahola, junior Jon Bostic and senior Zedrick Joseph combined for 353 yards rushing in three quarters as the Broncos showed their offense is one to be reckoned with this season. Ahola, who scored on a 91-yard run in the first half, scored on a oneyard run and an 11-yard run in the third quarter and left no doubt he’s healthy and ready to

And Ready To Play

FOOTBALL FOOTBALL

take his place as one of the elite running backs in Palm Beach County.

“One hundred percent healed,” Ahola said Monday as the Broncos’ prepared for their Aug. 31 opener at home against Cardinal Newman. “I never had any worries.”

Ahola, a chiseled 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, initially injured his shoulder as a sophomore on Palm Beach Central’s junior varsity basketball team when he was hit going in for a layup. The pounding he took as a running back and defensive back during the Broncos’ 2006 football season aggravated the shoulder to a point where he played in only a handful of basketball games this past season. He had surgery last January to remove

bone chips and to repair cartilage damage and spent most of the winter with his arm in a sling.

Ahola rehabbed at Athletes’ Advantage in Wellington and returned to the football field for The Broncos’ spring practice, but didn’t take part in any contact drills.

“I wanted to do a little more in the spring, but we didn’t want to take any chances,” said Ahola, who saw his first contact drills early in the Broncos’ fall practice. “I didn’t have any pain at all during fall practice. I felt real good.”

As did getting an opportunity to compete in game conditions.

“I didn’t expect to get that many yards on so few carries,” Ahola said.

PBCHS head coach John Timmins, however, knew exactly what to expect from Ahola, a three-year starter whom he describes simply as a “warrior.”

“I know his work ethic,” said Timmins, in his third season at PBCHS. “We have to make sure he doesn’t over train. We have to pull him back. He’s just that kind of kid.”

In other games Aug. 31, Seminole Ridge opens its highly anticipated season at home against Wellington. The Hawks defeated Olympic Heights 19-0 in their Aug. 24 pre-season game, while the Wolverines under new head coach Chris Romano played that night in their annual Blue/White scrimmage.

Also on Aug. 31, Royal Palm Beach, coming off a 9-2 season and a trip to the Class 6A regionals, opens on the road against Dwyer. The Wildcats, who waited out a 90minute lighting delay, lost to Glades Day 7-0 on Aug. 24 in Belle Glade.

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

An Irish proverb says, “praise youth and it will prosper.” If that’s the case, Royal Palm Beach High School girls golf coach Dan Moody will be heaping accolades on his team this season.

Four of the top five Lady Wildcats golfers, understand, are freshmen, and the fifth is a sophomore. In his first season as the team’s coach, Moody — the school’s highly successful wrestling coach — has a total of nine players on his squad, a far cry from last season when the Lady Wildcats were at times hard-pressed to field a team for some matches.

“We won a couple by forfeit, too, because the other team didn’t show up,” Moody said with a smile Tuesday as he stood on the practice range at the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach. “We’re supposed to play ten matches this season, but we don’t know if some of the schools in our district have teams. So we have Palm Beach Gardens as an extra match, and we’re trying to pick up another.

“But this is fun,” he continued. “It’s different from coaching wrestling. It’s a lot less stress. The girls are having fun and they’re learning. Four of the girls come with prior golf experience, and the others are new

to the game. They’re all helping each other to learn, which is nice.”

The most experienced of the Lady Wildcats is Genesis Alzate, a long-hitting freshman who has been playing for four years.

“She has played a lot of tournaments, and her parents are very involved,” Moody said.

“Any kid I’ve ever coached, if mom and dad are involved, they’ve got a good chance to succeed. As a parent, I don’t understand how you don’t get involved.”

“My dad has always played golf and wanted me to give it a try,” Alzate said. “I played in the Hook a Kid on Golf program [at Emerald Dunes Golf Club in West Palm Beach] and then started playing in tournaments.”

Alzate won a small tournament last year and also won the Chip, Pitch & Putt tournament for her age division at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.

“Putting and driving are definitely my strengths,” Alzate said.

“Last year I won a medal for longest drive. It was something like 250 yards. That was against boys, too.”

The Lady Wildcats opened their season Thursday against Palm Beach Central High School at Madison Green. Results were not available by presstime.

Stewart Named Head Pro At Binks Forest Golf Club

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

Wheeler Stewart, a 28-year PGA professional and former head professional at the Links at Madison Green in Royal Palm Beach and the Wellington Golf & Country Club, has been hired by KemperSports as the new head golf professional at the soon-to-reopen Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

Owned by the Jupiter-based Aquila Property Company, Binks Forest is scheduled to open nine holes on Oct. 22 and, according to Aquila, is expected to open its entire 18 holes in December. The facility has been closed since spring 2002.

When it reopens, Binks Forest will be the area’s only highend daily fee golf course. Aquila and KemperSports last month rolled out the facility’s membership plan that begins at $4,000 annually for Binks Forest residents, $4,500 for Wellington resident and $5,000 for residents outside of Wellington.

Stewart, one of South Florida’s top senior players and teachers, came to the western communities in 2001 as the first head professional at Madison Green. He moved to the West Palm Beach Golf Course in 2003, and in 2004 returned to the area as head profession-

GOLF GOLF

Wheeler Stewart al at the Wellington Golf & Country Club.

“You could say it’s been a ‘moving’ experience,” said Stewart, who spent ten years as head professional at Oakland Golf Club in Maryland and also was a teaching professional at the fabled Congressional Country Club near Washington, D.C. “I enjoy teaching beginners as much as any group of golfers, but I like running a pro shop, too.”

Royal Palm Beach High School Girls Golf — (L-R) Jennifer Molohan, Ellie Windhourst, Erica Morra, Angela Bianci, Coach Dan Moody and Genesis Alzate.

PBCHS senior running back David Ahola

PHOTO BY STEVE

WHS Golf Teams Playing This Year At The Wycliffe Golf & Country Club

Over the next three months, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club will welcome approximately 20 talented Wellington High School golfers competing in an interschool golf league on their popular new John Sanford-designed West Golf Course.

For the past three years, the WHS boys and girls golf teams played their seasons at Wellington Golf & Country Club. However, due to that club’s ongoing renovations, Wycliffe’s members and management offered their facility in a gesture of hospitality to the Wellington community.

Both teams began practice on Thursday, Aug. 23 before the start of competition for the girls on Thursday, Aug. 30 and the

boys on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Each team, composed of eight to ten players, is then scheduled to play in four to six competitive inter-school games until the end of competition on Thursday, Oct. 4.

The program is being well received by Wycliffe members and staff.

The WHS boys team was the 2006 district champions and hope to regain the title this year. The girls are concentrating on building their game to become as competitive as their male counterparts.

WHS students and siblings Jonathan and Melissa Ward have expressed their admiration for the beautifully manicured Wycliffe course.

“I invited the two teams to compete at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in the hope that they would build their school golfing program and Wycliffe could give something back to the charitable Wellington community,” said Lynn Stebbins, director of golf at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. “After the devastating hurricanes of 2005, when the Wycliffe courses and grounds were badly battered, Wellington Country Club was the first organization to offer their assistance in any way, and we hope that in providing our grounds, we can assist in a similar manner.”

Matches will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 3:30 p.m.

WCFL Prep Chargers Open Football Season With A Win

The Western Communities Football League Prep Chargers kicked off the season with an impressive 26-0 victory over a tough Patriots team. The scoring was highlighted by running back Brendan Fonts’ thrilling 60-yard run. Fonts also scored on a two-yard plunge. Quarterback Ben Sundook had a 50yard dash to the endzone, and fullback Connor Power rumbled for a 50-yard touchdown. The offensive line, anchored by center Grant Pignato and tackle Ryan Charles, was solid. Casey Ohamn, Sean Gallegher, Austin

Hughes, Javier Carrasquilla and Justin Tibbits made key blocks on all touchdowns. The Chargers defense, led by middle linebacker Cody Conley, was sparked by a stellar touchdown saving tackle by cornerback Matthew Careccia. Defensive end Chance Rocket and linebacker Keenan Duggan had a mammoth game, forcing and recovering fumbles. Defensive end Zach Sundook had several tackles, and defensive linemen Jack Smith, Johguon Robbins and Deandre Smith worked hard to preserve the shutout.

Tee Time — Wellington High School students Jonathan and Melissa Ward with coaches Kent Mauney and Laurie Bawinkel practice on the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club tee.

The WCFL Prep Chargers team with Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham.

‘Bowling For Rhinos’ Nets $6,500 For Zookeepers’Association

The Palm Beach Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers and friends recently filled Greenacres Bowl in Greenacres with committed and generous bowlers for charity. The event Bowling for Rhinos joined 60 other AAZK chapter events in raising awareness for Worldwide Wildlife conservation. The Palm Beach Zoo Chapter raised over $6,500 locally toward the national goal of $200,000.00.

The rhino is the icon for worldwide wildlife due to its fragile population. Rhinos have lived on earth for more than 50 million years but whether they survive even 50 more years is open to speculation. The Palm Beach Zoo Chapter of AAZK was proud to do its part in helping to save this and other threatened wildlife. More than 100 bowlers participated with many more people attending as supporters. Door prizes donated by local businesses were distributed throughout the evening and take-home gifts were provided to each bowler. Honored guests of the evening were Palm Beach Zoo President Dr. Terry Maple and Palm Beach Zoo Living Collections Curator

Upcoming Programs

At Good Earth Farm

The Good Earth Farm in Loxahatchee Groves has some new programs coming up, as well as those which run year round.

Petting Zoo Club and Gardening, Too — The fall and winter program starts Sept. 9 for ages seven to 12. It costs $100 per month and takes place 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays, and 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays, and features a non-riding class, as well as work with llamas, mini horses, chickens, geese, peacocks, goats, sheep, pigs. Children can plant a garden and bring home veggies.

Keith Lovett. Support from Dean Tendrich of NewsChannel 5 and Eric Burris of WPBF Channel 25, along with the Palm Beach Post and the Sun-Sentinel, helped increase the bowlers to four times last year’s number with participants coming from as far as Miami.

Sponsors included U.S. Trust Co., Ocean Potion Sun Products, Fantasy Chocolates of Boca Raton, Greenacres Bowl and dozens of local restaurants and businesses.

Officers of the Palm Beach Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers are: President Nate Stentiford, Vice President Melissa Dolinsky, Secretary Dave Quavillon, Treasurer Julie Liberante and Fundraising Chair Ivan Heit. The Palm Beach Zoo Chapter members include zoo keepers, animal training staff, education staff, docents, and volunteers of the zoo.

For information on the American Association of Zoo Keepers, visit www.aazk.org. The Palm Beach Zoo is located at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

My Little Pony Class — The yearlong program is for ages three to 5 and costs $100 a month. Group lessons Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mom will help you ride your pony and tack up, groom, brush and give your pony a bubble bath.

Riding Club — The year-long program is for ages eight to 12. It costs $185 per month and takes place Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., including group lessons with a certified trainer and games on horseback. Learn to ride English, tack, groom and wash.

Art in the Woods — The fall and winter program is for ages six to 12, $125 per month (supplies included) Wednes-

days 4 to 5:30 p.m. Paint, draw, sculpt, build, create and have artistic fun on a farm, taught by Nancy Fried-Tobin, illustrator from New York City, BFA, MAT, and MFA in Art.

Private Lessons — Year-long private lessons are offered by appointment and for ages three and up. The cost is $60 per hour or $40 per half hour paid monthly.

Therapeutic Riding — Available all year long by appointment for ages three and up, the cost is $55 per hour or $35 per half hour, paid monthly.

Good Earth Farm is located at 2141 B Road. For info., call (561) 792-2666 or visit www.thegoodearthfarm.org.

Creating Backyard Bird Habitats

Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.) offers a class on creating a backyard habitat for migratory birds on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m.

The fee is $5 for adult, $1 for children. The location will on the south side in the Charles W. Bingham Wilderness Pavilion. Learn how to enjoy native plants in your own yard while respecting, protecting, and celebrating Florida’s water resources.

For more information, call the preserve at (561) 804-4985 or visit www.grassy waterspreserve.com.

Rhino Bowling — Palm Beach Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers officers Vice President Melissa Dolinsky, Treasurer Julie Liberante, Secretary Dave Quavillon and Fundraising Chair Ivan Heit.

Homebound Mitzvah Program Sept. 10

On Monday, Sept. 10, the Lola & Saul Kramer Senior Services Agency will host the 11th Annual Homebound Mitzvah Program for the High Holidays.

Rosh Hashanah is the holiday that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year 5768. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 12. Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, is the holiest day of the year; it follows ten days later on Friday evening, Sept. 21 (Erev Yom Kippur). Together, they are referred to as the High Holidays or High Holy Days.

In total, it is expected that more than 185 volunteers will load their cars and deliver free holiday packages to an estimated 2,200 homebound seniors in the community, as well as in area hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and assisted living facilities. Deliveries will originate from MorseLife’s Katz Seniors Campus in West Palm Beach at 4847 Fred Gladstone Drive, as well as at MorseLife’s Adult Day Center on the Alex & Esther Gruber Jewish Community Campus at 8500 Jog Road in Boynton Beach.

The High Holidays package includes one kosher meal for Rosh Hashanah and one for pre-Kol Nidre, holiday candles, challah and wine. Participants will also receive a videotape of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services conducted by Rabbi Alan Sherman, chaplain with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and director of Religious Activities at MorseLife, and Cantor Glenn Sherman. In addition, a specially printed prayer book to accompany the videotaped services is also included.

The Kramer Agency continues to go to great lengths to fill the void often felt by homebound Jewish seniors during Jewish holidays and currently offers the Homebound Mitzvah Program for the High Holidays, Passover and Shabbat.

Sponsored through a major grant from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and by the generosity of 45 “Mitzvah Makers,” the Homebound Mitzvah Program brings the spirit and traditions of the Jewish holidays into the homes of seniors throughout the community who might otherwise not be able to attend synagogue services or celebrate with loved ones. Since its inception in 1997, more than 40,000 deliveries have been made by program volunteers.

For additional information about the Kramer Agency’s programs and services, or to become a Mitzvah Maker, call (561) 616-0707.

Call To Artists For Fall Fling 2007

The Wellington Art Society recently issued a call to artists to take part in Fall Fling 2007, its annual juried fine art and fine craft festival.

The third annual event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Interested artists may contact Karen Knight at (561) 798-3240 or Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561, or email Artforum9@aol.com for applications and information. The deadline for entries is Monday, Oct. 1.

For general and membership information about the Wellington Art Society, call (561) 795-1691 or visit www.wellington artsociety.org.

Local Talent Will Soar At The Airport

Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places program invites the public to attend the artist reception “Fun About Town” at the Palm Beach International Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Airport’s Conces-

sion Mall, Level 2 Main Terminal, across from travelers lounge. Parking is available in Short Term levels 4-7.

With refreshments at hand, guests can mingle with Palm Beach County artists whose photography, paintings and mixed media works showcase residents and visitors immersed in the natural environment and cultural art scene of Palm Beach County. The exhibition runs through Wednesday, Oct. 3. Selected works were chosen by Palm Beach County’s Public Art Committee. All artwork is for sale.

“Fun About Town” features works by local artists Tito Mangiola and Lisa Rockford of Wellington; Becky Anderson of Boca Raton; Tom Melillo of Delray Beach; Karen Flint and John Math of Jupiter; Lupe Lawrence of Lake Park; Pamela Marie Banker and Benjamin Kenagen of Lake Worth; Susan Tancer of Palm Beach Gardens; and Maria Amatulli, Carol Cohen, Karen Knight, Connie Kurtz and Raymond Neubert of West Palm Beach.

Through a grant from Palm Beach County’s Cultural Council, HMS Host helps support Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places exhibition at the Palm Beach International Airport, “Destination: Culture.”

For more information about Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places program, visit www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art.

Artists interested in receiving a “call to artists” for upcoming airport exhibitions and other Art in Public Places projects can submit their contact information through the Artists’ Registry page of the Art in Public Places web site.

Wellington Garden Club Meeting Oct. 5

The October meeting of the Wellington Garden Club will take place on Friday, Oct. 5 at the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a

light lunch supplied by the members, followed by a business meeting and a speaker. October’s speaker is William Reeve, president of Botanical Visions. He has 20 years of experience in the design/ horticultural trade in South Florida. Reeve is nationally certified in landscape design by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. In Florida, he is certified as a horticultural professional by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. Reeve’s presentation is titled “Right Plant, Right Place.” Guests are welcome; there is no charge. For more information, call Deborah Russell at (561) 793-7360 or Linda Leemon at (561) 753-9999, ext. 215.

Wellington Art Society Open

House Sept. 11

Are you an artist? Do you enjoy art and supporting the arts in the western communities? Then mark you calendars for Tuesday, Sept. 11.

The Wellington Art Society invites all area artists, art enthusiasts and patrons to share an evening of art and to learn more about the society’s exciting plans for the new season, as well as membership in the society. The open house will take place at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Wellington, located at 12700 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Beginning its 26th year serving Palm Beach County and the western communities, the Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit organization open to all artists and all mediums. The organization is for everyone from hobbyists to internationally published artists, as well as art enthusiasts and patrons. Members include painters, sculptors, graphic designers and artists that work in wood, metal and ceramics.

For more information about the Wellington Art Society, call Susan at (561) 795-1691 or visit www.wellingtonart society.org.

Saturday, Sept. 1

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will continue The Kid From Brooklyn through Sunday, Sept. 9. The smash musical is based on the life of New Yorker Danny Kaye. Tickets are $30 for matinee and $35 for all evening performances. Group tickets are available for 20 or more. Visit www.jupitertheatre. org or call (561) 575-2223 for tickets.

• The Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Saturday Morning Drop-Ins at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 1 and 8 for ages two and up. Had a busy week? Drop-in and spend some time listening to stories. For more info., call (561) 790-6070.

• CityPlace Saturday Nights will present Nicholas Marks and Ari performing Latin pop music on Saturday, Sept. 1 from 7 to 11 p.m. on the plaza stage at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 366-1000, ext. 7 or visit www.cityplace.com.

Sunday, Sept. 2

• Chabad-Lubavitch Hebrew School will hold an open house and “shofar factory” on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Classes are offered for children pre-K through bar/bat mitzvah. Shul membership is not required. For more info., call Rabbi Mendy Muskal at the Wellington Jewish Center (12785 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite C) at (561) 333-4663.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

• The Acreage/Loxahatchee Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 7:29 a.m. at Sneaky Pete’s Restaurant in the Grove (Winn-Dixie) Plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call President Richard Helton at (561) 792-5379.

shop teaches parents how to communicate more effectively with their children through audiotapes, role playing and exercises. For more info., call (561) 790-6070.

• Starting Tuesday, Sept. 4 and lasting through Wednesday, Nov. 21, Lion Country Safari will honor local, state and federal government employees and hotel employees and their guests with $8.99 admission. For more info., call (561) 793-1084, ext. 468 or visit www.lioncountrysafari.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

• The Jewish Coalition for Literacy will hold Literacy Tutor Training for new reading partners on Wednesday, Sept. 5 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Federation building (4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach). The organization places reading partners in 46 participating public elementary schools in Palm Beach County. Men and women over age 18 are encouraged to volunteer at least one hour per week to help students read. For more info., call Boots Fox at (561) 478-0700, ext. 194.

• The Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Avast, Ye Landlubbers!” on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 18. Show off your pirate rags in a costume contest, dare to eat some authentic pirate fare and try to avoid walking the plank. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Sept. 6

• Clematis by Night’s Concert Fountain Series takes place every Thursday at Centennial Square from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more info., call (561) 822-1515.

• VITAS Innovative Hospice Care offers bereavement support groups to anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. The next group will convene Tuesday, Sept. 4 and continue every Tuesday through Oct. 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Classroom 2 East (10101 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call Bereavement Services Manager Chaplain Karen Modell at (561) 7336326.

• The Palm Glades Girl Scouts will recruit new members on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Golden Grove Elementary School in The Acreage; on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at Frontier Elementary School in Loxahatchee; on Thursday, Sept. 6 at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach; and on Friday, Sept 7 at Acreage Pines Elementary School in The Acreage. Meeting times are 6 to 7:30 p.m. all evenings. For more info., call Sue Holmes at (561) 547-6902.

• The Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Talk Like a Pirate Day on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 3:30 p.m. for ages six and up. Set sail for adventure with rousing tales of the high seas while playing pirate games. For more info., call (561) 790-6070.

• The Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 18 for adults. Based on the parenting guidance groups of child psychologist Dr. Haim Ginott, the final three sessions of this seven-week communication work-

Sept. 8; Friday, Sept. 14; and Saturday, Sept. 15. The Studio Theatre is located at 11320 Fortune Circle, G-7. Tickets are $15. For more info., call (561) 204-4100.

• The Cuillo Centre for the Arts in West Palm Beach will host Loquacious and Bodacious: The Life and Times of Zora Neale Hurston starting with a preview Friday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. Opening night is Saturday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. The Sunday, Sept. 9 performances will take place at 2 and 7 p.m. Performances will continue until Sept. 30. For tickets and additional show times, call the Cuillo Centre box office at (561) 835-9226. Saturday, Sept. 8

• The South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) will host a Gun Show on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9, featuring a wide collection of guns, ammo, knives, hunting supplies and accessories. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and free for 12 and under. For more info., call (561) 793-0333.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will feature the origami program “Fold a Crane for Peace” on Saturday, Sept. 8 for all ages. Instructors help guide guests as they learn origami, the art of paper folding. The program takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the museum lobby and is free with paid admission. For more info., call (561) 495-0233 or visit www. morikami.org.

• The Palm Beach County Bar Association will host a small claims and mediation program on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive). The purpose of the program is to educate the public on how to file a small claims case and present information to a judge, as well as how mediation can solve a legal dispute without hiring a lawyer and without going to court. Admission is free, though space is limited. To RSVP, call the bar association at (561) 687-2800.

Friday, Sept. 7

• The Wellington Library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Baby Time on Friday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. for newborns through 12-month-olds. Bounce, sing and move with your babies to nursery rhymes and favorite songs. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Garden Club will hold its first meeting of the 2007-08 season on Friday, Sept. 7 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch, followed by a business meeting and guest speaker Stephen Webster, public relations manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s southeast district. His topic will be “Magnitude Springs: Protecting Florida’s Water Supply.” Guests are welcome. For more info., call Deborah Russell at (561) 7937360.

• The Studio Theatre of Wellington will present Lee Blessing’s play Eleemosynary beginning Friday, Sept. 7 and running through Saturday, Sept. 15. Eleemosynary examines the delicate relationship of three women. Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7; Saturday,

• CityPlace Saturday Nights will present Brass Machine performing rock ’n’ roll music on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 7 to 11 p.m. on the plaza stage at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 366-1000, ext. 7 or visit www.cityplace.com.

Monday, Sept. 10

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon on Monday, Sept. 10 at Carrabba’s Italian Grill (11141 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). The event will feature a presentation by Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $15 for members with reservations, $20 for members at the door and $25 for non-members. RSVP to (561) 790-6200.

• The Sons of Italy in America-Italian Fellowship Lodge #2713 will hold a membership drive on Monday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. A pizza dinner will be served. For more info., call Janice at (561) 798-0950 or Caroline at (561) 798-2853 evenings.

Tuesday, Sept. 11

• The Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast invites the public to share their thoughts regarding senior issues from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11 in the Wellington Community Center’s Grand Cypress Room (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). A light lunch will be served. For more info., call Patricia Ernst at (561) 684-5885, e-mail ernstp@elder affairs.org or visit www.agencyonagingpbtc. org. Send calendar items to: TownCrier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier. com.

EMERALD COVE MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLDS ITS FIRST OPEN HOUSE

The brand new Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington held an open house on Aug. 21 in preparation for its grand opening the next day. The school is located at the corner of Pierson Road and State Road 7.

Emerald Cove Middle School Principal Dr. Nancy Lucas welcomes a group of students to the new school.

A sixth grader introduces himself to language arts teacher Connie Hastings as his mother looks on.

Choral teacher Karac Levine helps a student fill out a form.

Career education and business instructor Roderick King deciphers a map of the school for a new sixth grader.

Families filled the catwalk before pouring into the new school for open house.

The sign was mounted just in time for the open house.

The Diaz family: Giovanni, Leok, Joanna and sixth grader Lenny.

Curriculum Night At Elbridge Gale

Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington will be host its annual curriculum night on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The event will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for students in kindergarten through second grade and from 7 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 3 through 5. For more information, call the main office at (561) 422-9300.

Books Being Collected For Jamaican Orphanage

Two orphanages in Jamaica — Swift Purscell Boys Home and Lyndale Girls Home — care for hundreds of children whose parents have died from or have AIDS. The school provides the basics of clothing and textbooks, but library books are minimal. Wellington Cares Clearinghouse is collecting children’s books so that each child in the school may own one book of his or her own. School supplies and textbooks are also welcome. For more information or to donate, call Ellie Caldwell at (561) 7905499.

RPB Student A Finalist At International Science Fair

Seven Palm Beach County students recently competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico after winning at the state and local levels. Among those students was Suncoast High School student Shane Masih-Das, a resident of Royal Palm Beach. Shane was a finalist in the Engineering category for his project “The Effectiveness of Character Recognition Using Self-Modifying Matrices.” All seven students will be recognized by the Palm Beach County School Board on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Hawks Band To Host Emergency Prep Breakfast

Seminole Ridge High School’s Hawks Band is sponsoring a pancake breakfast and emergency preparedness day on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at the high school, 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee.

The event will be a fundraiser to benefit the school band. There will be local vendors present, as well as members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. Trauma Hawk is expected.

There will also be a silent auction. South Florida Choppers will be on hand, and anyone interested in a motorcycle fun run can register for $25 per motorcycle. Advance tickets for the pancake breakfast are $5; $6 at the door. For vendor or chopper participation, or any questions, call Susan Hall at (561) 346-7586

Project Grad Needs Lunch Line Volunteers

Volunteers are being sought to work the slushie or pizza lines during lunches at Seminole Ridge High School for Project Graduation fundraising.

This is a profitable fundraiser, and the Project Graduation committee has the opportunity to do it daily. Anyone who is at home during school lunch is asked to is asked to e-mail their phone number to Project Graduation Chair Jean Lauer at galau6@aol.com and she will call with the schedule.

Anyone with a friend who can split lunches — one does first lunch and the other does second lunch — is welcome to do that as well. Volunteers do not need to feel that they must commit five days a week. As little as once a month will be welcome.

Safety Patrol Students Start New Year At Poinciana Day School

The Poinciana Day School safety patrol sixth graders started their duties promptly on the morning of Aug. 22 as students returned for the new school year. The safety patrol escorts students to and from their cars, making sure everyone remains safe.

The safety patrol is on duty at the beginning and end of the school day. Students are constantly under the vigilant supervision of safety patrol supervisor Ms. Darcie Mulay. The safety patrol is an integral part of the school day, making drop-off and dismissal time flow smoothly. The students become familiar with the cars of each family, learning who rides in which car pool to make the dismissal process flow quickly at the end of the day.

“I am proud of the dedication of our students,” Head of School Ms. Nixie

Swift said. “They train for this position at the end of the fifth grade year and serve as safety patrol members for the entire sixth grade school year.”

At the end of the year, the sixth grade class goes on a three-day trip to St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center.

Poinciana Day School is an independent private school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Arts and technology are integrated into the strong academic program. All students participate in a well-rounded curriculum, including sports and fitness, visual arts, performing arts, Spanish and technology. Classes of fewer than 15 students offer individualized attention and experiential learning for all students.

For more information, call (561) 6557323 or visit www.poincianaday school.org.

Safety Patrol — Poinciana Day School students Carli Bryan of West Palm Beach, Joshua Thaw of Palm Beach Gardens, Alden Thompson of Singer Island, Shelley Martin of Royal Palm Beach and Melissa Pitcher of Wellington.

PIERCE HAMMOCK ELEMENTARY HOSTS ‘RED CARPET PREMIER’

Tuesday, Aug. 21, was the fourth annual Red Carpet Premier at Pierce Hammock Elementary School. Students and parents felt like superstars as they entered the Acreage school and were greeted by administration members. Nurse Debbie Stermen welcomed concerned parents and answered all their questions. Meanwhile, the PTO had more than 100 families join the organization. Teachers had big smiles greeting eager students walking through their classroom doors.

Pierce Hammock PTO President Stacey Posner, co-vice presidents Tammy Schauers and Jacqui Hage, and Treasurer Sharon Ward.

Candy Colp with son Preston, a second grader.

Nurse Debbie Stermen.

Kristina Brown joins her father to meet her third grade teacher Mrs. Arlyncia Suarez.

Pierce Hammock Elementary School Assistant Principal Kathryn Koerner and Principal Jeffrey Eassa.

Joe Stradi and son Mike make their way to Ann Dawe’s fourth grade class.

ANN DAVIS NAMED WRMC EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Wellington Regional Medical Center’s Employee of the Month is Ann Davis, an obstetric nurse in the postpartum unit at the Centre for Family Beginnings. “Ann always goes the extra mile for her patients,” Centre for Family Beginnings Director Barbara Nash-Glassman said. “She provides quality patient care and education, often exceeding expectations of patients and family members.” Shown here are Davis (center) with WRMC CEO Kevin DiLallo and Nash-Glassman.

Frontier Elementary Cub Scouts Recruiting

Boys ages six to 11 who like to camp, play sports, go fishing, go hiking and make new friends are invited to Frontier Elementary School Pack 147’s first meeting of the year on Friday, Sept. 14. Most elementary schools already held new scout rallies, but boys who missed it can call the Boy Scouts of America Gulfstream Council at (561) 694-8585 for information in their area. Home-schoolers and private school students are also welcome.

Locals Get U. Tennessee Scholarships

The University of Tennessee West Palm Beach Alumni Chapter awarded two local high school graduates college scholarships at a recent summer mixer at the Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill in Riviera Beach.

Cheryl Marie Lueke of Wellington and Meagan Donnell of Lake Worth each received a $2,000 scholarship toward their first year of college at the Knoxville campus.

Funds for the scholarships, which are awarded each year, are raised at the organization’s annual golf tournament, which was recently held this year at the Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth and earned record proceeds for next year’s scholarship awards.

All friends and fans of Tennessee are invited to participate in a number of

events held throughout the year, many of which raise additional money for scholarships. Tennessee Volunteer football parties will be held throughout the season beginning one hour prior to kickoff for all games at Duffy’s Sports Grill in North Palm Beach.

The annual family picnic will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Island at Jupiter Beach County Park and will include a barbecue, beverages, activities for the kids and raffle drawings. Food and drinks are free.

This year, the chapter will assume another of its annual community projects — the Adopt-a-Highway program along A1A on the way to Singer Island from PGA Blvd., which will take place on four Saturdays between December and April.

Meagan Donnell and Cheryl Marie Lueke

Women’s Club Begins Season

The Wellington Women’s Club will hold its first meeting of the 2007-08 season on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center.

The evening will include dinner and socializing after the summer break, as well as a challenging contest for members and their guests.

The Wellington Women’s

Club is open to all residents of the western communities. It has monthly dinner meetings from September through June with additional activities throughout the month. As a charitable organization, the club holds fundraising events to help support the YWCA Harmony House, a home for abused women and their children, and college scholarships for local high school seniors.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Sept. 5 meeting. Guest

Ashley and Matthew Stoner

Ashley Olson, Matthew Stoner Wed

Ashley Olson and Matthew Stoner were married on May 27 aboard the yacht Caprice along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach. The couple then enjoyed a honeymoon trip to Tahiti. Ashley is the daughter of Darryl Olson of Tallahassee and Michael and Elizabeth Kennedy of Wellington. Matthew is the son of Marvin and Sarah Stoner of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Ashley graduated from Wellington High School and the University of Florida. She is currently working as a guidance counselor at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando. Matthew graduated from Indiana University Medical School and completed his residency at the University of Florida. He is currently working as an anesthesiologist with Florida Hospital in Orlando.

fees are $25. To attend the September meeting, or for more information about the club, call Carolyn Hellmann at (561) 3461590.

Christina Donnelly On Dean’s List

Christina Donnelly of Wellington has been named to the dean’s list at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY for the spring 2007 semester. Donnelly is a member of the Class

Lexi Lee Healey — daughter of Tara and Thomas Healy of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on July 27.

Daniella Quinteros daughter of Maria Coc-Escobar and Julian Quinteros of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on July 29.

Shane Michael Arnold son of Vanessa and John Arnold Jr. of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on July 31.

Kaeden Mykah Hodel son of Marjorie and Jeremy Hodel of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on July 31.

Dakota Makenzie Parks daughter of Melissa and Robert Parks of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 6.

Jamari Joseph Fleuricot son of Juslene and Joseph Fleuricot of West Pam Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 11.

Arlianna Castro — daugh-

of 2010 and is majoring in English/writing concentration.

Marist is an independent comprehensive liberal arts college with an enrollment of 4,200 full-time undergraduate students from 33 states and 15 countries. Founded in 1929, Marist offers 32 major fields of undergraduate study and 11 graduate degree programs.

Marist is included in the Princeton Review ’s guide to the top colleges and universities in the U.S., The Best 361

ter of Siara and Francisco Castro of Greenacres was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 11.

Helenny Baltazar — daughter of Martha and Filemon Baltazar of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 11.

Daniel Alejandro Cabrera — son of Jenny and Charlie Cabrera of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 12.

Gavin James McEachin son of Kimberly Watson and Shannon McEachin of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 13.

Zachary Steven Royal son of Tracy and Steven Royal of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 14.

Ashlyn Kendall Nutter daughter of Christina and Rodney Nutter Jr. of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 14.

Addison Blais Adair

Colleges, placing Marist in the top ten percent of all institutions of higher education in the United States. The Princeton Review and Forbes named Marist one of the 25 “most connected campuses” in America.

Marist is ranked among the top tier of colleges and universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” guide and is also listed in Barron’s Best Buys in College Education

daughter of Danielle and Darrel Adair of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 15.

Taforey Shauntery Anderson Jr. — son of Patricia and Taforey Anderson of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 16.

Kyle Grant Leventhal son of Lindsay and Richard Leventhal of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 16.

Olivia Jiselle Harper daughter of Jessica and Kenneth Harper of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 17.

Isabella Feijoo-Guerra daughter of Sirley and Ernel Feijoo-Guerra of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Aug. 17.

Grace Marie Little daughter of Rosemary and Christopher Little of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Aug. 21.

Mahoney Chamber Luncheon

continued from page 10A world where our competitors, their kids go to college based on their ability, not based on their parents’ ability to pay,” he said. “We live in a society where our kids are struggling to compete with kids from Mississippi, much less compete with Western Europe, Japan, China and India. We are not making the investment in a global economy. The only thing that separates us from other countries is our innovation and ingenuity.”

Among the several bills he has sponsored in his first year, Mahoney said that he was proud to cosponsor one that defers estate taxes for inheritors who keep their land in agriculture. “As long as they keep it in the family, guess what — Uncle Sam does not get any of the money,” he said.

Calling small businesses the backbone of the country, Mahoney also said he cosponsored a small business tax relief package that would funnel money to small businesses rather than just invest it in larger businesses. A member of the House Agricultural Committee, Mahoney also voiced support for ethanol, which he said could transform the sugar and related industries west of Wellington. He said he had hosted an alternative energy summit two days earlier, and hundreds of businesses showed up expressing interest. Mahoney said that when he returns to Congress in September, he will make alternative energy one of his top priorities for legislation.

Mahoney also expressed disappointment that President George W. Bush has promised to veto the Water Resources Development Act that had been crafted by representatives from both sides of the aisle and would invest in infrastructure, clean up the Everglades and help protect the ports. Mahoney thought such opposition is disgraceful given that federal lawmakers are trying to put aside their differences and doing the best they can for the future of the country.

Mahoney said his mainly Republican critics complain that his voting record demonstrates allegiance to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California, but they don’t mention that many Republicans in Congress, as many as 60 percent, vote with him.

“I am fighting for my daughter and for our kids,” Mahoney said. “We have a lot to do. We have to figure out how to turn the boat around. The president wants to veto everything right now. We ended up with seven years of neglect. Do we forget about fixing the dike around Lake Okeechobee? Do we forget about the 30,000 kids that went off of healthcare

Groves What Codes Are Needed?

continued from page 11A to be one of my many neighbors,” he said. “No matter how loudly someone screams and complains about something, you have to take that into consideration, and how the other people subjected to the same conditions are reacting and don’t complain.”

But Maureen Lefkowitz said she lives closer to Voren’s aviary than any other neighbors.

“When you have someone else next door, there is a difference,” she said. “Five acres is different than having a neighbor’s house right next door. There is a difference with how it’s affecting one neighbor versus another.”

Browning said the subject of littering would need attention, particularly in respect to places where lunch wagons stop, because the trash from customers end up in the canals.

“I know it will be something we will be dealing with at the next workshop,” Browning said. “I know there are littering laws. I don’t know what covers break trucks pulling into an area

because they don’t qualify anymore? When you buy a home, you have to put some paint on it and change the cabinets.”

Mahoney’s final topic was homeowners insurance, a topic every candidate in every race ran on in the last election. Citing that day’s newspaper headline saying Nationwide would cut the number of policies and increase rates 44 percent, he said continual promises of lower rates are not being kept.

Mahoney and Congressmen Ron Klein (D-District 22), who both sit on the House Financial Services Committee, recently introduced the Homeowners Defense Act. The bill focuses on stabilizing the catastrophe insurance market by allowing state-sponsored insurance funds to voluntarily pool their catastrophe risk and transfer that risk to the private markets through the use of catastrophe bonds and reinsurance contracts. The bill would also create a national homeowners’ insurance stabilization program to provide low-interest federal loans to states hit by severe natural disasters.

The taxpayers cannot be expected to bail out the current broken system when something bad happens, Mahoney said. When things don’t get fixed, communities fall apart.

“Communities start to die,” Mahoney said. “If you go down to Mississippi and Louisiana, you will find that we didn’t get people back in their homes, the dry cleaners are gone, the Realtors are gone and the restaurants are gone... Homes are the biggest investment that most people have. When something bad happens in this country, every taxpayer in this nation has to write a check, and doesn’t get their money back.”

The luncheon took place at the Players Club in Wellington and was sponsored by National City, the Clevelandbased banking firm that recently took over Fidelity Federal Bank in South Florida. Representative Tensy Caine said that even though National City was established in 1845 in Ohio, it will maintain a local image here. “It’s the friends, families and neighbors that live in the western communities,” Caine said. “We play and shop in the stores, and participate in your markets. We are the same people and representatives you see at our local branches.”

Caine said National City is deeply committed to community activism and noted that the bank will be a strong supporter of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Wellington in October. National City has contributed $2 million toward breast cancer research, Caine said, and suggested people contact her or any other National City representative to get more information. “We really do put our money where our mouth is,” she said.

like that. It just becomes nasty.”

During a discussion of the state’s Right to Farm Act, which protects agricultural activities from nuisance lawsuits, Browning said he didn’t want to step on the toes of agricultural people, but some activities in the community are fine and some are not.

“I had one person call me about a property that has a bunch of heavy trucks,” Browning said. “At 4:30 a.m., they were firing up the rigs and putting the crews out. That’s not something that fits out here.”

Councilman David Autrey agreed, but said the council should take care because the rural community makes Loxahatchee Groves unique from other communities. Passing certain ordinances might turn the town into a place where people don’t want to live, he said.

“My thinking on that is I call them ‘sense ordinances’ — I don’t like the way it smells, looks or sounds,” Autrey said. “You might get into a slippery slope. We all have certain likes and dislikes. How do you discriminate between what makes the place unique? Loxahatchee Groves in my mind is the opportunity to do unique things. That’s why we moved here. We have to be careful.”

Wellington Revises Mixed-Use Definitions

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

While expressing some reservations about inviting more housing to State Road 7, the Wellington Village Council approved revisions to the village’s definition of mixed-use developments Tuesday.

Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins told the council the ordinance expands the definitions of the mixed-use land designation in the village’s comprehensive plan. The amendment creates five types of mixed-use categories, generally with reduced residential densities, in addition to the single definition currently on the books.

ITID

Water Suit Settlement

continued from page 10A cide whether they want county water or not,” she said. “We can also get an estimate of the cost and financial options, if Indian Trail and the county can come to an agreement to resolve this lawsuit.”

District and county officials, including Damone and Palm Beach County Water Utilities Director Bevin Beaudet, have stressed that they would not force residents to connect to county water lines unless mandated by health concerns.

Most Acreage households currently depend on well water, and many residents have stressed in the past that they prefer to remain on well water. The district commissioned a study several years ago that identified the county as the least expensive and most practical water supplier, should the district choose to offer municipal water service. The previous ITID board, already entrenched in a deal with the City of West Palm Beach, ignored the study.

Damone said a water main running from the City of West Palm Beach, built

Letters

continued from page 5A bor’s choice of 12 different awesome flavors of ice cream.

Many have asked about the essay that was submitted. Keep in mind that it was submitted several months ago when we hadn’t seen any rain to help alleviate the drought. It simply read:

We’re an “old” neighborhood, and now, a brand new town! Loxahatchee Groves, a little pocket of paradise, recently voted to incorporate and elected its first town council and mayor. We are a small rural area surrounded by encroaching “city life” and development (which some call “progress”) in hot and sunny South Florida, and we’re doing our best to protect our uniqueness! Our dirt roads have helped to preserve our country lifestyle, but can also be a bone of contention among us

Wechsler

Looking It Up

continued from page 22 to Feb. 14, 1868 overnight when it changed from Russian to American ownership, and Russia itself adopted the Gregorian calendar only in 1918, a major reason why the “October Revolution” actually happened in November. I always enjoy heading for the reference books to learn something new. Having online computing resources makes the chore a lot easier than it was when I was young and had to run to the library whenever the topic went beyond the rather inadequate encyclopedia I had at home.

But the search for knowledge is what really turns me on. Remember all the fun questions we hear from children like “why is the sky blue?” Well, these days some parents are quick to tell the kids or they send them to teachers. Once in a

Hodgkins said the additional types offer different densities and restrict the area by which the density is calculated. The definitions allow hotel, motel and bedand-breakfast uses and institutional uses such as congregate living facilities, nursing and convalescent facilities.

Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore said he supported the expanded list of definitions but was concerned about anything that might allow more residential development on smaller parcels along State Road 7. Hodgkins said staff could address those concerns before the second reading of the ordinance.

Priore made a motion to approve the first reading with those concerns addressed. It passed unanimously 5-0.

at a cost of $2.5 million, currently has health issues because it is underutilized and does not have enough water flowing through it to remain sanitary.

She said the board and the county have each spent about $2 million on the lawsuit, which was spearheaded by former supervisor Chris Karch when the county initiated an aggressive pipe-laying campaign into the western communities that included ITID easements. Targets of the pipe-laying program included Mecca Farms, once intended as the Scripps research park site, and county buildings on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, and would also serve proposed residential and commercial developments north and west of the Acreage including projects by GL Homes and Palm Beach Aggregates.

Damone said many residents want public water for fire hydrants in order to lower their property insurance rates. She said there are hookups for hydrants where the county water lines go through, but no active hydrants as of yet. Originally, ITID planned to hold a public meeting Wednesday to give residents an update on water utility service. It was cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the ITID office.

if they become dusty. So an ice cream party would be a wonderful beginning in encouraging and reuniting our neighbors and soothing our parched throats. We’d love to have a simply fun event after all the work we have done these past several months. Hurricanes and the resulting need for cleanup and replanting, the current drought, and politics are just a few of the circumstances challenging our determination and would make us extremely appreciative of any cold, yummy, fun times with Edy’s Slow Churned! To our surrounding neighborhoods — you’ll never be the great place that Loxahatchee Groves is (and is becoming), but submit your essay in next year’s Neighborhood Salute contest. It’s a yummy one to win!

Sharyn Browning Loxahatchee Groves

blue moon do they ask the young person to check. Hah, another interesting phrase and another column sometime soon.

That completes the history lesson. Notice we’ve slid through Roman, Egyptian, European and American history, and if you paid attention, you learned a few facts you probably never knew. Hopefully, it was painless.

Unfortunately, too much of what we now call “social studies” will focus on every politically correct bit of nonsense that will almost certainly be presented with no chance for debate or reason for study.

Teachers should take note: presenting information about the past works best when you relate it to current usage, like modern phrases and things we use, like the calendar. History can be fun. I always loved it and tried to pass the love on to my students. My colleagues should do no less.

S TADIUM J UMPING I NC . I S

$60 MILLION WINNER FOR

V ILLAGE O F W ELLINGTON

Winter Equestrian Festival, National Horse Show Among Top 5 Annual Events In Palm Beach County

In 2005, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council commissioned an independent economic impact report which showed that Stadium Jumping Inc.’s (SJI) Winter Equestrian Festival, the county’s largest sporting event, generated a staggering $57 million to the local economy. An update of that report was completed this year by Economics Research Associates (ERA) showing that SJI’s economic impact has grown to $66 million, and that the entire county equestrian industry directly generates more than $274 million in annual expenditures. When directly related employee wages and the purchase of supplies at local businesses are added, that economic impact jumps to a whopping $533 million!

That’s quite an achievement for the equestrian industry which got its biggest boost when Stadium Jumping Inc., arrived in Wellington three decades ago. Since then, Wellington and surrounding residents have shared in the wealth created by the huge international growth of the equestrian sport.

The Winter Equestrian Festival and National Horse Show have long since earned their reputation as major international events. Now SJI is planning to move the showgrounds to Wellington Preserve which will provide much larger space for improvements, making the showgrounds truly one of the finest in the world.

The county’s economic studies, analyzed by Dr. William B. Stronge, Ph.D and Senior Fellow in Economics at Florida Atlantic University, provide economic data that is nothing short of staggering. Here are some examples:

•

Dr. Stronge concluded that the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show resulted in direct expenditures of $66.5 million annually for the Village of Wellington.

Palm Beach County equestrian residents spend an estimated $121 million per year caring for their 11,000 horses, and nonresidents spend an estimated $135 million participating in equestrian events.

The equestrian industry directly generates over $274 million in annual expenditures.

Not counting spectators, some 8,000 individual exhibitors, 60 vending companies, and 2,000 others crucial to the shows rely on SJI for income, stay in area hotels, condos, apartments and campgrounds, eat at area restaurants and shop at local stores.

Over half of individuals and companies associated with the show do not plan to return to the county for any other reason. About one third weren’t sure.

• About 100,000 local residents and visitors attend annual equestrian events, spending $18 million. The ERA study noted that equestrian programs are a significant component of the local tourism economy. The name “Wellington” has become synonymous with top-ranked equestrian competition throughout the world.

• •

Local equestrian-generated taxes amount to about $16 million annually, including $2.9 million in property taxes, $1 million in hotel and $12 million in sales taxes. In addition, showgrounds activities and the lifestyle around it enhance real estate values of property throughout the area.

Since 2002, the value of property in the Equestrian Preserve has grown by 422 percent, accounting for one-sixth of the taxable but only 30 percent of the land in Wellington.

WEST

At The Zolet TheZolet Ar Arts ts ts Academy Academy, Kids Learn ,KidsLearn That Ar Art Matters tMatters

By Lisa Gartner Town-Crier Staff Report

Who was William Shakespeare? You already know. But who told you? Where did you first learn about King Lear, or see your first painting by Renoir, or hear Mozart’s symphonies? Who whispered, “culture matters... art matters”?

Linda Zolet has been that person to the children of Wellington since 1991. “When a 14year-old boy asked me, ‘who is William Shakespeare?’ I thought, oh, this place has to grow,” she said.

The owner and sole instructor of the Zolet Arts Academy in the original Wellington Mall, Zolet teaches visual arts like painting and drawing with a side of classical music to adults and children ages six to 14 during five-week sessions.

“The kids were starved for that sort of thing,” Zolet said. “Back when I started, there was no art in the public schools. This was to be a cultural center. Anything that came up that was cultural, I instructed.”

Zolet said the intimate class size and individualized attention is what makes the Zolet Arts Academy a stronghold against competition. With a limit of 18

students per class, this is true enough — but there’s something more. It’s Zolet herself.

Zolet attended Midwood High School in Brooklyn, NY while growing up in the 1940s, and she said attitudes were different in the wake of World War II.

“After the war, the men couldn’t get jobs. Our high school had a staff of college professors so happy to be teaching, to have jobs — to be alive,” Zolet recalled. “We were part of such an optimistic, idealistic and altruistic generation. We were probably the last generation to have intellectuals as heroes. We all wanted to be the best musicians, artists and politicians. People didn’t sneer.”

And neither does Zolet.

Having just returned from her first trip to the western states, Zolet is abuzz with the Grand Canyon, alive with the skyline. Her portfolio is a blend of realism and abstract, of pen and ink. Zolet is 71, but it doesn’t show. Five years ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer (which she beat), but that doesn’t show either.

What shows is her conviction that culture and art matter. And Zolet tries to convey that to her students. “They

never see the world through the same eyes. They notice sunsets, shapes of leaves, differences in eyes. They appreciate beauty in all forms from a different perspective,” she said. “They learn to use all sorts of color media: oil pastels, charcoal, sculpture, wood, papier-mâché, collage… anything that strikes

my fancy and makes for a well-rounded artist.”

Working with young children with varying levels of talent, Zolet said she believes in giving “academic steps” to assure a child’s artistic success.

“Once you feed the ego, the child has the courage to go home and be creative,” she

said. “Children can work at a very high level if you work in small steps. You can teach sixyear-olds to work at a high school level, and high school students to work at a college level. They live up to these standards.”

“I owe them a vote of thanks,” added Zolet, smiling. See ZOLET, page 4B

Creative Coach — Linda Zolet adds art to the wall inside her Wellington classroom.

PHOTO

Find The Right Mortgage With Transcontinental Lending Group

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The real estate and mortgage industries might be facing tougher days, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities for homeowners and those looking to become homeowners. Current homeowners particularly can take advantage of refinancing and home equity loans, according to Carlos Ortiz of the Transcontinental Lending Group.

Ortiz, who owns the Transcontinental Lending branch in West Palm Beach along with his wife Rebecca, said more homeowners are looking to capitalize on their existing property in light of the current real estate market.

“People are saying, ‘I can’t go anywhere else, so what am I going to do with where I live?’

So we’re starting to see a lot of refinancing and people pulling out equity lines of credit,” said Ortiz, a transplanted New Yorker who lives in Wellington. “The rates are still decent out there. I remember a few years ago when they were 10 or 11 percent. Now, if you have decent credit, you’re still going to get something under seven percent.”

The interest rate, of course, depends on a buyer’s average credit score, which some credit services and lenders put at 692 nationally. But that number is a bit misleading, Ortiz said. “I haven’t seen many people with a score that high,” he said. “Most of our clients

come in with scores around 630 or 640.”

Nowadays many people are looking to trade their adjustablerate mortgages for fixed-rate mortgages and take out some cash, so they’re looking to refinance, Ortiz said. Others are opting for a home equity line of credit, a variable-rate, revolving line of credit based on the available equity in one’s home.

In addition to lowering interest rates, refinancing is also popular these days because of the glut of homes on the market. The glut can be partially blamed on overbuilding and over-speculation by investors, but also on the credit crunch that has been felt all the way to Wall Street in the aftermath of high profile subprime lenders that have gone out of business the past few months because of bad loans they signed at the height of the real estate boom.

According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes in Florida fell 41.3 percent over the second quarter of this year compared to the same period a year earlier. Nationally, according to the NAR, sales of existing homes dropped 10.8 percent the second quarter of this year compared to the same period a year ago. The good news for homebuyers and those looking to refinance, Ortiz said, is that there are still many loan packages available.

“We work with 269 lenders,” Ortiz said. “We’ve had clients with credit ratings below 500

and above 800. We do jumbo loans over $2 million.”

A diehard New York Jets fan, Ortiz moved to South Florida in 1993 to be closer to his mother, who still lives in Deerfield Beach. Starting in the food and beverage industry at age 18, Ortiz worked for the Holiday Inn and Marriott hotel chains and eventually became corporate food and beverage director for Sterling Hotels. About seven years ago, he and Rebecca got into the mortgage business as a side-

line and began investing in real estate.

“We wanted to invest in our own business, so two years ago we bought a branch of Transcontinental,” Ortiz said. “It’s better to have that kind of control.”

Like most mortgage brokers, however, Ortiz lost a little bit of that control when the market began a downward trend. “Unfortunately, home prices became over-inflated because of investors who were soaking up

the market,” he said. “When we came to Wellington three years ago, people were giving you what you asked for in a house price. Now it’s almost like a fire sale. Investors can’t afford the extra mortgages, and they have to let the houses go. But the market runs in cycles. It will come back.”

The Transcontinental Lending Group is located at 5840 Corporate Way in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 422-8155.

Loan Makers — Carlos and Rebecca Ortiz of Transcontinental Lending Group offer a wide variety of mortgage options. PHOTO

Zolet

Next Session Begins Sept. 4

continued from page 1B

“Not only because I’m healthy and cancer-free, but I still play a good game of tennis.”

Then there’s the wall. “This wall was white when we started; there was no way to keep it clean,” Zolet said, gesturing across the multicolored wall that runs along the right-hand side of her space in the mall. “So I said, ‘OK, when you finish your five-week program, you can write your name on the wall.’”

The wall she gestures to isn’t so much a wall as a canvas signed by successive waves of preteen artists: Johns over Sarahs over Janes. Blue over green over red over orange. Your neighbor’s name. Maybe your name.

The names are Linda Zolet’s calling card: every Wellington kid who ever asked about Will-

iam Shakespeare or Claude Monet.

“I think the world is much more different for kids than when I was growing up,” Zolet said. “Arts and culture ease the pain of negative realities. Art and cultural contact make people grow.”

Zolet’s next five-week session begins Sept. 4. Classes for children ages six to eight are on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Sessions for children ages nine to 14 are held Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Adult classes are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. or Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sessions cost $170 for children and $180 for adults. All materials are included.

The Zolet Arts Academy is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Suite 4 of the original Wellington Mall. For more information, call (561) 793-6489.

Fresh Market Sidewalk Sale To Benefit Diabetes Research

After its successful wine gala on Aug. 15, the Fresh Market in Wellington will continue its fundraising efforts to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by hosting its annual sidewalk sale. Beginning Friday through Sunday, Sept. 7-9, the gourmet grocer will serve up delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and frothy root beer floats.

All of the proceeds from the event will be donated back to the JDRF. The sidewalk sale will

run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

In preparation for this yearly event, the Fresh Market is holding a sneaker-sale drive, selling JDRF logo paper sneakers at its registers, again with all proceeds given to the JDRF. The sneaker sale campaign is now underway and will continue through Sept. 7.

The commitment of the Fresh Market to the JDRF and the foundation’s mission to find a cure for diabetes and its com-

plications is unwavering. Both the Wellington and Boca Raton stores hosted wine galas to continue to raise awareness about diabetes and help raise the needed dollars to support the research that will one day lead to a cure. The galas attracted close to 400 guests and raised just under $13,000. As with the sidewalk sale and sneaker sale campaign, 100 percent of the proceeds went to the JDRF.

“We are glad to help the community in any way we can,”

Wellington store manager Peter Rooney said. “This is why we are continuing our support of endeavors like these.”

The JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with Type 1 diabetes — a disease that strikes children, adolescents and adults suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since its inception, the JDRF has provided more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research

worldwide. More than 85 percent of the JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. Its mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information, visit www.jdrf.org.

The Wellington Fresh Market is located 10640 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Green Square. Call (561) 753-9861 or visit www.thefreshmarket.com for more information.

Hands-On Learning — Linda Zolet helps students create works of art.

Wellington Chamber To Present Business Showcase 2007 During Horse Show

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Wellington Equestrian Development Inc. will be the presenting sponsor of Business Showcase 2007.

Business Showcase 2007 will be held Saturday, Dec. 8 during the National Horse Show at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington.

The event, now in its second year, is hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Equestrian Committee and chaired by Diana Tashman, Nan Martin and Mike Nelson.

This showcase will allow local businesses to promote themselves to the equestrian competitors and spectators, as well as families who patronize businesses in Wellington and other local and non-local businesses.

“Wellington Equestrian Development Inc. is pleased to have the opportunity to again sponsor this expo due to the success of last year’s event and our continued support of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce,” said Ken Aussiker, the company’s president and owner. “We strongly encourage everyone to join us along with many of our customers at this fabulous event, as we feel it will be a great opportunity for the businesses to not only get to know each other but to create awareness of the Wellington business community and all it has to offer, and hopefully create new business relationships.”

For more information about Business Showcase 2007, call Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green at (561) 7926525.

For more information about the chamber, visit www.wellington chamber.com.

Government And Hospitality Days At

Lion Country Safari

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 4 and lasting through Wednesday, Nov. 21 Lion Country Safari honors local, state and federal government employees and hotel employees with $8.99 admission.

Every year at this time, Lion Country Safari runs this promotion for all government and hotel employees, offering more than 50 percent off general admission. Upon presentation of valid identification or a paycheck stub, any local, state or federal government employee or hotel employee may bring up to four guests in one vehicle to Lion Country Safari for only $8.99 per person (plus tax).

Lion Country Safari offers two parks for one low price: an exciting drivethrough safari and a walk-through amusement park. The drive-through safari is home to more than 900 animals roaming free just inches from your car. In the tranquil walk-through amusement park, guests can enjoy the animal exhibits and encounters, rides, games, food, shopping and more.

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road in Loxahatchee and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information on Government and Hospitality Days, call (561) 793-1084, ext. 468, or visit www.lioncountrysafari.com.

Wellington Couple Starts Kids At Heart Photography Franchise

Kids at Heart Photography recently planted its first franchise flag in Florida. The company now has franchisees that service the youth photography industry in seven states.

Kids at Heart offers photography services to daycare and preschools, elementary and middle schools, youth sports

leagues, dance studios and camps. Jeff and Vikki Slavin were recently awarded a Kids at Heart Photography franchise and will service all of Palm Beach County.

“We were looking for a business opportunity that I could operate once our children were all in school,” Jeff said. Kids at Heart Photography is a leader in school and youth photography, with 16 years of “capturing children’s smiles.” Founded in 1991, Kids at Heart is the alternative to the typical “point and click” school and sports photographers and has successfully photographed over one million children.

Originally from Wisconsin, Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in business management from University of WisconsinGreen Bay, and Vikki received her bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. They recently moved to Wellington with their three boys: eight-yearold Mason and four-year-old twins Logan and Tanner.

For the past eight years, Jeff has been a “stay at home dad” for his three children. Prior to that, Jeff was a center director for Kindercare in Sheboygan, Wisc. In this role, Jeff was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the daycare center, including staff scheduling, customer service, payroll, accounts payable, budget management, government agency compliance, and overall care for the children enrolled in the center.

Prior to joining Kindercare, Jeff was district manager for American Studios, a portrait photography vendor for WalMart. During his tenure with American Studios, Jeff photographed children of all ages. He was also responsible for maintaining positive relationships with the Wal-Mart store managers and their customers, managing schedules, recruiting and training photographers and sales associates, and

ensuring portrait quality and customer satisfaction.

Vikki is a group marketing manager for Jarden Consumer Solutions in Boca Raton. Prior to joining Jarden, Vikki was a marketing director for a company in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she led the wall décor business and developed a line of trend-right mirrors and mirror accessories. In addition, Vikki spent many years leading the marketing efforts of two Wisconsin-based businesses, Uniek Picture Frames and WearEver Cookware, a division of Newell/Rubbermaid.

“After researching Kids at Photography, we were excited that my background was a perfect fit for success,” Jeff said. “With my background as a daycare center director and a children’s portrait photographer, I am able to relate to and identify with the needs of my customer base.”

In his spare time, Jeff is an avid golfer, while Vikki enjoys all things Disney. They are also personally involved with the Miracle League, a baseball league for special needs children.

Due to the growth in the youth photography market, Kids at Heart made the decision to expand — by bringing a few qualified franchisees into the picture.

“With the addition of Jeff and Vikki Slavin into the Kids at Heart franchise family, we are expanding our brand and offering schools and parents a much better option for their portrait photography,” said Kids at Heart Franchise Services COO Michael Stewart. “Jeff truly understands the youth photography market, as a former daycare director and children’s photographer, he brings a unique and extremely beneficial perspective to his customers. Parents in Palm Beach County will no longer have to settle for average school pictures.”

For more information about Kids at Heart Photography, visit the company’s web site at www.schoolphotos.com.

Business Matchmaker Conference Sept. 18

The Palm Beach County School District is joining with community partners Palm Beach County, the City of West Palm Beach, the Technical & Enterprise Development Center and the South Florida Water Management District to host the Matchmaker Conference & Expo on Sept. 18.

Minority- and woman-owned businesses can access one-on-one sessions with purchasing agents from the host organizations, and participate in workshop sessions such as “How to Obtain a Small Business Loan,” and “How to Do Business with the School District, Palm Beach County, South Florida Water Management District, and the City of West Palm Beach.”

The event will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Registered participants will also enjoy a continental breakfast, a luncheon with keynote speaker, communicator and social commentator Tony Brown, and a closing reception.

Participants can register online at http://wwwasp.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/ matchmaker. Interested sponsors and vendors should contact Bruce Lewis of LB Limited at (561) 833-8080. For more information, call Diversity & Business Practices Director Dr. Otelia Dubose at (561)434-8508.

Registration Open For October Equine Auction

The South Florida Equine Auction Company will present its groundbreaking event this fall in the Wellington area. From Oct. 1 through Oct. 28 consigned horses from the U.S. and Europe will be featured online for bidding both nationally and internationally.

Partnered with International Equine Network, the auction will be televised

live on several cable networks reaching approximately 50 million households. Ten “premium” horses will then be showcased in the live televised presentation on Oct. 28. Premium horses are those with show records that will bring a higher price than general riding horses.

National City Bank will partner with South Florida Auction Company to provide credit applications and currency transfer, much like PayPal does for eBay.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to bring this cutting edge technology to the horse industry,” said organizer Melanie Peterson, who has been involved in South Florida’s horse industry most of her life. “Our team is here to assist owners and buyers in the process of purchasing equines through the online auction.”

All horses consigned will come with DVD footage as well as photographs, pedigrees, training and show records. Potential buyers will then have the ability to browse the stock in an eBay-style auction for 28 days from the comfort of their own home. Pre-purchase exams and health certificates will accompany each horse. Buyers are encouraged to conduct their own exam if they feel necessary. Consigned horses are kept at their original location until final sale.

Registration will take place Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. The venue will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, or to register, visit the South Florida Equine Auction Company’s web site at www.southfloridaequineauction. com.

Area Realtors Attend FAR State Convention

Barbara Yates and Mary Cannon, brokers with Exit Realty Neighbors in Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee, attended the Florida Association of Realtors 91st Convention & Trade Expo held Aug. 2226 at the Buena Vista Hotel & Spa in Lake Buena Vista.

Each year, FAR’s Convention & Trade Expo brings Realtors from around the state together to discuss and vote on key issues that shape their profession and state association. In addition to committee meetings, members attend educational seminars on topics such as developing marketing strategies, using the latest computer technology and current real estate industry trends.

Some of the top industry speakers featured during the 2007 FAR Convention included Nikki Ubaldini, who discussed how to thrive in a changing marketplace and find sales opportunities; Ted Jones, chief economist at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, who discussed economics, interest rates and the Internet as part of his 2008 real estate forecast; and key motivational speaker Les Brown, who inspired attendees at the Super Sales Day Awards Luncheon. Real estate professionals throughout the state took advantage of this year’s Trade Expo, where more than 150 booths showcased the latest products, technology and other business tools.

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, ongoing education, research and legislative representation to its 155,000 members and 67 local boards/associations throughout Florida.

SBA, U.S. Chamber Enhance National Disaster Response And Recovery

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will pool their resources to more effectively respond to major disasters, paving the way for faster recovery in affected communities.

The SBA’s alliance with the chamber’s Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) is part of a continuing effort to broaden the agency’s response capacity during catastrophic disasters.

“This collaboration will establish a larger corps of potential responders, made up of business leaders, the SBA and its resource partners, ready on short notice to help disaster victims rebuild their lives,” SBA Administrator Steve Preston said.

BCLC Senior Vice President and Executive Director Stephen Jordan also praised the agreement. “This relationship between BCLC and SBA sets a precedent for America’s business community to work with the federal government to prepare for and recover from catastrophic disasters,” Jordan said. “Both of our organizations are committed to accelerating the recovery process.”

As part of the agreement, SBA will provide information on its disaster recovery program and the agency’s resource partners (including women’s business centers, SCORE and small business development centers) to BCLC and local chambers of commerce. In addition, SBA will share situation analyses with BCLC and local chambers’ during pre-disaster and recovery periods, and share needs and capability assessments in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

To bolster SBA’s initial response and post-disaster recovery capacity, the agency will work with BCLC to obtain volunteers who can support the agency’s disaster assistance process. SBA will also work with BCLC on research studies on post-disaster economic recovery.

BCLC will contribute to the alliance by providing timely information and onsite updates to the SBA, and helping bolster SBA’s disaster assistance capabilities through its members and networks. In addition, BCLC will also work with SBA’s resource partners, providing recovery assistance information to the local business community and details on how to prepare for disaster before it strikes.

For information on BCLC and its disaster assistance and recovery program, visit www.uschamber.com/bclc.

Serenity First To Host Retreat At October Home & Garden Show

Serenity First, an online magazine tailored for today’s active women, will host a retreat Friday through Saturday, Oct. 1921 at the West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The retreat will feature several unique vendors that will educate and present products throughout the course of the show.

Significantly, the Serenity First stage will feature 15 prestigious speakers over the span of three days. These leading professionals will offer demonstrations and various forms of entertainment in the following categories: Healthcare, Life Made Easy, Beauty/Spa Services, Books/ Signing, Dress for Success, Editorial, Physical Fitness, Lifetime Drama, Home and Garden, Laughter: Therapy for All, Self Help/Relaxation, Meet the Specialist, Cooking Shortcuts and Personal Organizing.

As the name implies, Serenity First presents a serene, relaxing environment with descriptive shortcuts providing the web site’s members with how-to skills.

A successful physician, wife and mother of three, Serenity First founder Dr. Shelley Plumb aims to create a new and better path of quality living to share with women nationwide. Her staff does research so readers can relax while learning and discovering greater joy, satisfaction and an overall improved quality of life. Serenity First features include custom-designed, userfriendly categories including a resource page (articles of interest with a monthly rotation), a boutique (offering quality products at affordable prices), a chat room for discussing women’s issues and a page where you

Dr. Shelley Plumb

can enter to win free gifts. A native of Washington State, Dr. Plumb graduated with honors from Pacific University and received her doctoral degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. Prior to her residency appointment, Dr. Plumb was honored for four consecutive years with the Distinguished Scholar Award. Serving as chief podiatry resident, she completed her podiatric surgical training at the prestigious Crozer-Chester Medical Center of Pennsylvania in 1998.

Dr. Plumb then joined South Florida Foot & Ankle Center in Royal Palm Beach. From 2004 to 2005, she served as medical director of the JFK Center for Wound Healing in Lake Worth. As a member of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Dr. Plumb delivers heightened expertise to the professional field of podiatry. For more information about Serenity First online magazine, visit www.serenityfirst.com, email serenityfirst@comcast .net or call (561) 707-8709.

Art Of Life Announces Dessert Contest Winners

The Art of Life Gallery & Frame Shop in Wellington recently announced the winners of its second annual dessertmaking contest.

The winners are as follows: first place - David Russotti, banana cream pie; second placeAndrea Rodney, OMG bars; third place - Armando Gonzalez, Floating Island; fourth place - Lillian Fernandez, Savarin Au Rhum; fifth place - Jason La-

kow, chocolate cake; sixth place - Jann Seal, Frangipani; seventh place - Denise Friedlander, Apple Crosata; eighth place - Audrey Geraci, Grandma Ann’s Cookies; ninth place - Lillian Fernandez, Chocolate Napolean; and tenth place - Katie Hanlon, Art of Life cake.

This year’s giveaways include more than $2,000 in fabulous prizes: gift certificates to Panera Bread, Moe’s Southwest

Grill, Dean Anthony’s Express, Strathmore Bagels and Field of Greens; a wine tasting party at Winestyles; a 30-day membership to L.A. Fitness; and more. Each contestant received an $18 gift certificate to the Art of Life. The Art of Life is located at 10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 170, at the Pointe at Wellington Green. For more information, call (561) 793-8888 or visit www.artoflifegallery.com.

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

CCCS Benefit Purse Strings Set For Oct. 18 In CityPlace

More than 50 handbags, wallets and accessories from such manufacturers as Coach, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Bourke and others will be up for bid at Purse Strings, an event to benefit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County & the Treasure Coast (CCCS). The silent auction and reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Harriet Himmel Theatre in CityPlace. Sponsorships begin at $250 and individual tickets are $40.

“Our goal for Purse Strings is to raise funds to provide valuable education and counseling programs for women and families; and, perhaps more importantly, to bring awareness to the need for women to take charge of their financial future,” said CCCS President Jessica Cecere.

Elizabeth Arevalo of Wachovia will serve as event chair with Christine Pitts of Toshiba Business Solutions as co-

chair. Committee members include Mary Church, Michele DeLong, Patti Hamilton and Lisa Johnson. Presenting sponsors are Wachovia and Weight Watchers.

The Harriet Himmel Theatre is located at 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information about the event, call Cecere at (561) 515-2301 or e-mail jessica.cecere@cccsinc.org.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a non-profit, community service agency dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve a lifetime of economic freedom, is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development as a comprehensive housing counseling agency and can provide information and counseling for consumers considering reverse mortgages. For more information, visit www.cccsinc.org or call (800) 330-CCCS (2227).

Columbia Restaurant Program To Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs

Let your taste buds do the giving while you support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County by dining at Columbia Restaurant during the month of September. Over the past nine years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest Program has donated over $698,000 to 100 nonprofit organizations throughout Florida.

Through this program, Columbia donates five percent of all guests’ checks to the charitable organizations chosen by their customers during the entire month of September. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is grateful to be one of the non-profit choices listed. Columbia Restaurant is located in CityPlace and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

“We started this program in 1998 as a way of contributing to the many nonprofit groups that are so important to our communities,” Columbia’s Richard Gonzmart said. “We thought the best way to do this was by letting our customers get involved in selecting the organizations. The process is simple. They just put a check mark next to the name of one of

the charitable organizations listed on the form we provide to them, or they can write in the name of their favorite charity, and turn it in to their server. We do the rest.”

Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 and is Florida’s oldest restaurant. All Columbia locations are owned and operated by fourth- and fifth-generation members of the founding family.

The proceeds from the Community Harvest Program will be donated in the form of gift certificates to be used in the many fundraisers the Boys & Girls Clubs holds throughout the season. The Boys & Girls Clubs has 13 sites located in Palm Beach County. The clubs provide services during non-school hours, as well as summer camp opportunities, to nearly 7,500 boys and girls from ages six to 18. Clubs emphasize educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership and character building skills in a positive and safe atmosphere.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, call (561) 683-3287 or visit www. bgcpbc.org.

Professional Networking Luncheon Friday, Sept. 14 At Earl Of Sandwich

The first in a series of networking luncheons to serve the western communities will be held Friday, Sept. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Earl of Sandwich restaurant in the Mall at Wellington Green. Attendees will be afforded an opportunity to promote their business or service while being introduced to others in the community. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and include lunch, materials and promotional items. Reservations are required and seating is limited. For more information, call Alice Guy Azzaro of Coyote Accounting at (561) 779-2218.

MOMS ENJOY SOME ‘BABY TIME’ AT THE WELLINGTON LIBRARY

The newly expanded Wellington branch library hosted its program “Baby Time” last Friday. The weekly program starts at 10 a.m. and is for parents of babies, from newborns to 12-montholds. “Baby Time” allows parents time to sing along to nursery rhymes and other kids’ songs, and provides toys for playtime. The library is located at 1951 Royal Fern Drive. For more information about upcoming programs, call (561) 790-6070.

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Located in warm and breezy Palm Beach County, Newport Place is close to world-renowned beaches and museums.You’ll be amazed at the wide range of cultural and recreation activities available daily. Whatever it is you’re looking for,you’ll find it at Newport Place

Lovely apartment homes are available,and no large buy-in fees are required.Call Newport Place today at (561) 586-6455.

Erica Fleisch with her son, eight-and-a-half-month-old Kyle.

Nine-month-old Sophia Lobello befriends eight-month-old Jeremy Vallejo.

Angela Wang with daughter Josetta, three months old. Ashley Vingiano with eight-month-old Christopher.

Two-month-old Isabella Farrell gets a kiss from mom Shannon.

Claudia Bohn with threeand-a-half-month-old Isis.

PHOTOS

Area Weather Forecasters Still Get Me Hot Under The Collar

Did you notice all the local weathercasters looking down in the dumps a few weeks ago? When Hurricane Dean started to develop in the Atlantic Ocean, they all got very excited. Even though the storm was more than a week away, they were already reporting how we should get ready. TV, radio and the local daily all hinted strongly that this storm could hit Florida, before Dean even had a name. It was still a tropical wave in the ocean, very south and west of us. But with the hype they put on, you would have thought it was right on our doorstep, ready to wipe Palm Beach County off the map. They were showing us reports of folks going to the stores to stock up on stuff they most probably already had in their houses. They also did some stories from gas stations, telling us to make sure we fill our tanks.

In all of this hype, did they tell us anything we didn’t already know about how to prepare for a hurricane? (Just wondering.) I think not. Of course they did what they do best; they started to panic a lot of folks.

Lucky for us a large, a very friendly high-pressure system sent Dean well south of us. (The weathercasters knew all along about the high-pressure system.)

Wondering And Wandering

With Ernie Zimmerman

But even as Dean was passing over Jamaica, we were already getting warnings that the high-pressure system protecting us “may weaken” and Hurricane Dean could still head in our direction. As we all know, that didn’t happen. (Did you notice the weathercasters wiping the egg off their faces? No, I didn’t either.)

As Dean made its way toward Mexico, you could see the disappointed looks in the faces of the weathercasters. They started reminding us that two years ago Wilma hit Mexico, did a U-turn and came right at us.

When the weathercasters saw that this wasn’t the case with Dean, they started to tell us about a tropical wave a couple of hundred miles off of our coast. They

kept telling us how this wave could become a named storm and pay a visit to our shores.

Then they did something I never saw before. They showed us the computer models telling us where this wave would be going. Are these weathercasters that desperate for a storm to hit us? But as usual they were wrong. This wave remained a wave and delivered only a minimal amount of rain to us. We have had passing thunderstorms that gave us much more rain then this so-called tropical wave did. Shame on the weathercasters. When will they give up and leave us alone? As I have said before, they do this every year during hurricane season. Enough is enough.

I know a couple of weeks ago I said I would go cold turkey and stop watching the news. I am trying very hard, but every now and then I have a relapse, like during the Hurricane Dean coverage. But I am happy to report I am back on the wagon. My new motto is no news is good news. Sometimes I have to repeat that about 20 times to myself as I reach for the remote to turn on the news. I now go to sleep watching The Daily Show (at least I can laugh at the news), repeating to myself, no news is good news, no news is zzzzz

Go Native To Get The Most Storm-Resistant Landscape Plants

September and the first half of October is the most likely time for hurricanes to strike us, and if you remember back a few years, many trees and shrubs were completely destroyed by the strong storms that hit our area. This inspired many to seek plants that will better withstand storm winds and other natural catastrophes.

One way that at least helps, in my opinion, is to use more native landscaping. Native plants have evolved here and have learned to cope with hurricanes, cold, droughts and other factors that introduced plants don’t have to contend with in their native areas. Many of our native trees — such as pine trees, sable palms and others — came through the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes in fairly good shape compared to exotic ornamentals.

If you’re going to do some new landscaping, certainly include natives wher-

ever practical, and at least you will be assured that these should withstand hurricanes a little better.

Native plants can be used in many different ways. Bigger trees of course can be used for height and shade, and beautiful flowers, too. Some native plants lend themselves well to hedging or shrubs, and many native wildflowers and flowering perennials can add color to the landscape as well.

Many people seem to have difficulty determining which are the native plants and often don’t know what they look like. One good way to see many examples is to visit one of our large state or county parks or natural areas. Most of these are preserved natural Florida ecosystems, and all the plants you commonly see are Florida natives.

Although many private landscapes can also contain many native plants,

particularly if the existing pines, palmettos, sabals and other trees were preserved during initial construction, in many newer communities everything is bulldozed and totally new landscaping is added.

If you would like to see examples of native plants, visit the Mounts Botanical Garden at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. You may also want to attend one of the monthly meetings of the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The native plant society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Mounts Auditorium, also at 531 N. Military Trail. Meetings feature interesting speakers and often plant raffles or exchanges. The club often sponsors weekend field trips to natural areas, parks and other areas to observe native plants.

One advantage to using natives is that

Gardening With Gene

By Gene Joyner Extension Agent

you will greatly reduce the need for water and fertilizer. Once established, native plants can get by quite nicely with little assistance. Too often, though, irrigation systems that come on several times a week leach out nutrients or alter the soil pH, which causes difficulty for native plants in the long run.

The Palm Beach County Extension Service can offer advice on native plants suitable for our area and can be reached at (561) 233-1750.

$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or E-mail Tutorking@adelphia.net

HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EXPE-

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

CLEANERS RESIDENTIAL FT — Car required, Pd. Training. North and West Palm Beach Cty. Up to $10/hr Start. 561-756-2282

RECEPTIONIST - For Lawyer and Accounting Office. Some bookkeeping. Fax resume to 561-333-2680.

PINCH PENNY - POOL STORE — Forest Hill & South Shore in Wellington Perm Position - FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE - No nights - M/B avail some weekends. 18 yrs. - Will train - Apply in person.

RECEPTIONIST AND CHILD CARE — for busy Wellington Company. Experience a must Flexible Hours and some weekends. To apply Fax 561-795-8807 or email:ultima3@bellsouth.net

LOCAL WELLINGTON OFFICE — seeking friendly upbeat customer service representative. Please fax resume to 561-792-4010

SMALL PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL — in Royal Palm Beach looking for energetic, multi-tasking, ESE Learning Strategist and experienced educator in the Sciences and Histories. Call 561-795-6886 for more information. Part time or full time positions available.

TECHS AND DRIVERS — For Mosquito Control Program. Seasonal PT (25-40 hrs per wk) day & eve. Positions avail. $10.00/hr, paid training & vehicle provided. Must be 18+ w/good driving record. Apply in person M-F 8:30 am – 4 pm, 3132 Fortune Way, Ste D-8, Wellington, FL or call Diane 561-7536685. EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

OVER 62?? — Minimum $1,000 after 2 closings. Fund your own reverse mortgage and get paid to teach others. MadelynPage@BellSouth.Net 561-4222910

HOUSE FOR RENT IN ACREAGE —

5 BD/3 ½ BA/2 CG Plus office & den, $2000/MO includes lawn maintenance. 12818 Tangerine Blvd. 561-313-6680

1 NANNY GOAT — FREE to good home. 2 Male Billies $175 each. Call after 5:00 561-651-0826

3/2 Rivberbridge Gated Community. Newly renovated. $1,350/MO Call Cheryl Wagner, Continental Properties 561-723-3140

GRANDVIEW AT CRESTWOOD - spacious 3/2/1 CG in security gated community. Includes water, cable and all amenities. Located near shopping and schools. No Pets. $1,300/mo. 561-3296078

GREENWAY CIRCLE - 1BD/1BA Condo. $850/Mo. and THE TRAILS - 2 BD/2BA Condo $1,250/Mo. 561-422-2910

TOWNHOUSE 2/2 LANAI - community pool, tile/carpet, washer/dryer. Walk to Veterans Park. $1,180/Mo. water/cable included. First & Last Required. (954) 605-2180

FURNISHED EFFICIENCY — Separate entrance. Close to Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, Wellington. All utilities included. No Pets. $150/Wk. 1st & Last. 561-793-0235

132-B SPARROW DR. 3/2/2CG Duplex 1550 Sq. Ft. W/D, hurricane shutters, fenced yard on waterway, new paint & carpet, pest control & lawn care included. Kids OK/NO PETS Rent, $1,400/Mo Sec. Deposit $2,800 Total to Move In- $4,200. 561-790-4109

WELLINGTON PLACE TOWNHOUSE — 3/2/1CG, screened patio, walk to New Horizon and High School. Available immediately. Call for details. $1,375/Mo 954-494-3020

LOCAL CHRISTIAN WOMAN — seeks to be an asset to your company. If you need a dependable, honest, quick learner, self motivated, Multi-tasker with Sales/Secretarial experience Call Cristine 561-514-1173 ROOM FOR RENT: Fully furnished room available in 2

2

in Wellington. Rent $650/month w/$650

posit plus ½ utilities and $100 condo application fee. Includes pool access, basic cable. Available mid-August. 6 or 12 month lease available. Contact Paul at 352-0635. ROOM FOR RENT IN CONDO — close to schools & shopping, community pool, gated community with gym. 561-5028378 $500/Mo includes utilities.

LARGE 4/3 ON 2 1/2 ACRES — 5 Stalls, 3 paddocks. Owners would like to stay on as groundskeepers in the In-laws house. $595,000. 561-767-0731

WELLINGTON LAKES — 4/2 1/2/2CG cul-de-sac home on canal. Leading into Lake Wellington 2400 Sq. Ft. New tile on 1st Floor, all new appliance. Wrap around screened patio. Excellent Condition! Low HOA. FOR SALE BY OWNER. $349,900. Call 561-795-5154

LOWEST PRICES! — Nobody beats our Price! Free Est. Complete A/C units from $1,150. Repair Specialists. Lic./ ins. 561-795-1130 toll free 888-981-9815

RANDY POULETTE AIR CONDITIONING, LLC — 561-790-3275 Personalized service for all your Air Conditioning needs. Residential/Commercial. 24 Hr. Emergency Service Available. We Service All Makes and Models. Service contracts available.

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. - Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996.

COMPLETE AUTO SHOP LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF LOXAHATCHEE!!Services provided; Brakes, Steering and Suspension, Belts and Hoses, Complete Engine Repair, Oil and Filters, Motor Tune Ups, Custom Exhaust Systems, A/C Repair, And Much More!!! Pick-up/Deliver Mark Hamilton Auto Repair "ASE Certified" Office: 561-793-1010 o Cell: 954-605-8416 MV#62390 Visa/MC/Amex accepted.

Specializing in Infant Care. References available over 20 years experience. Non-Smoker 561-389-2020 The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666 HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE — Over 13 yrs. experience. Great references. Very Dependable. Karen. 561-632-2271 MAURILIA - CLEANING SERVICE - 561985-4137 Houses, new & used. Also stalls cleaned. Dependable & Honest. References Available. NEED HELP CLEANING? — We clean your house your office etc. Call us for reliable, responsible and immediate service. Eddie 876-2120 HOUSE CLEANING — Honest reliable. Will do your house cleaning. No Job Too Small. Reasonable rates. Excellent references. Please call 502-3252 HOUSECLEANING — reliable and dependable. Call Julie 561-603-3697

antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689

HOME STANDBY GENERATORS — Complete packages including fueled system - Best Prices & reliable new Generator systems installed from 15 to 200KW “More Practical and much quieter” Maintenance & Service for all types of generators. Factory Authorized Dealer. 561-707-0575 Palm Beach. Tropical Power Systems, Inc.

CAN FIX IT — build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494. TFN BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, remodeling, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 561-791-9900

UNIVERSAL IRRIGATION SERVICE & INSTALLATION — New Installations sprinkler repair pumps/Time Clocks. We Service all brands. Monthly Maintenance. Fast Response. Lic. #U-10740 Bonded Insured. 561-795-9735

FRANK’S BUSHHOG SERVICE — Lot mowing, Lawn Maintenance, Landscaping, Lot cleaning and TREE TRIMMING reasonable rates. 722-4403 Lic.& Ins. TNT LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 561-644-8683 — Lic. & Ins. Landscape design, low maintenance gardens, professional plant installation, mulching, monthly property maintenance, sprinklers maintenance & repair, expert hedge & tree trimming.

ARMENTO PAINTING & SONS, INC. ––

Painting, Interior, Exterior. Pressure cleaning. Custom painting, faux art. Lic. No. U14736. 798-8978. BD

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. ––– Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. Call 798-4964. Lic.#U18473

LARRY’S PAINTING & WALLPAPER — Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Interior/ Exterior painting. 561-309-2845. Wallpaper - Luanne 561-801-2018

Painting • Residential • Commercial • Historical Restoration • Faux Finishing • Stucco Repair • Roof Painting • and Pressure Cleaning • Sand Blasting • Mold Removal. FLEISCHER’S PAINTING • 561833-6661.

LET US AD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE — Residential/Commercial. Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Owner/Operator. Ask for Paul 561-309-8290. COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/ Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. RJA PAINTING & DECORATING — interior, exterior, custom colors, faux artwork, all work guaranteed. Lic. Bonded & Insured. 561-616-2255

BOB NICHOLS PAINTING — Serving the Palm Beaches for 19 years. Quality interior & exterior finishes. 561-248-6070. Lic. #16555

561-601-4707 THE DOG NANNY — Wellington and individualized pampering for Wellington & Western Communities. Dogs at their Home & Office surrounding. Dog walks, Doggie Moi Play Sessions & sleepovers. American Red Cross Pet CPR/FIRST Aid Certified.

AT YOUR SERVICE PET CONCIERGE - pet sitting, play dates, sleep overs, arrange pet grooming, vet visits, flea & tick products, Holistic/Natural pet foods. Come home to a well stocked fridge & your plants alive. Upscale services for all your beloved four legged friends. Bonded & insured. 561-791-2086

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 BD

CLUTTER FREE CLOSETS — For all your organizing needs. Custom closets. NOW OFFERING THE AMAZING BOOKSHELF BI-FOLD CLOSET DOOR. Robert Powell/Owner. FREE ESTIMATES. 561-422-7999 Lic. & Ins.

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach

MOBILE -TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net 561-248-2611 $25 Off Labor Home & Office e-Masque InteractiveHas your computer gotten slow? Do you get unwanted Pop-Ups? Does your computer seem to have a mind of its own? Would you like to connect multiple computers to the internet? Spyware & Virus Removal•Repairs •Websites•Networking Upgrades•Programming•Security call: 561-795-0559 we do make house calls www.e-masque.com

COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276

CONCRETE RESURFACING — Pools, decks, patios, & interior floors, spray deck, kook deck, stone design, Paver Repair & Resealing. 561-790-4588 ROCKANDRECORD.COM - A professional DJ and Videography

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL TODAY 793-3576

ANMAR CO. –James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528 ATLANTIC SHORE HOME IMPROVEMENT — Kitchen & Bathrooms/Remodel, Ceramic & Wood Floors, Carpentry & Handyman Services, Doors & Windows. References upon request. 561-756-0428 Anthony Palermo Lic. #CGC057252 Ins.

MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561-723-5836 Home repair. Quality Work. Free estimates. Fast on time service. "For all your home improvement needs" Lic. & Ins. 561-685-5360 561-308-6677.

“You dealt with the rest now deal with the best” maintenance and repairs. Inquire about 1 months FREE service. 561-7915073 ELITE POOL CLEANING

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-309-6975 BD SIGMA III CORPORATION PRIVATE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICE — Domestic investigation, surveillance, missing persons. Background investigation into that new boyfriend or fiancé,

JOHN’S SCREEN SERVICE –– Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight, wrinklefree, guaranteed!Lic.#9001390.7983132.

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 863-0955

\FFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 561-5686099, 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213

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

LITL AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICE — specializing in Home Theatre Installation Satellite Services and communications.

“I will Beat Retailer’s cost & Installation fees”! Call George for immediate service at 954-263-4189 561-784-4858 Office. Res./Comm. Lic. & Ins. COMPLETE IRRIGATION — PVC/PIPE supplies.Citrus ,Vegetables, Power units. Water Wheels, design services, Fairways Polo fields, Pumps/Engines mowing of all types. 1-863-675-6333.

in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded, insured. Lic. #U-11006.790-0763 or 641-4592. BD