Town-Crier Newspaper August 3, 2012

CANDIDATES FOR P.B. COUNTY CLERK SEE PROFILES, PAGE 7

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

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INSIDE New Livestock Rules Given Preliminary OK

Volume 33, Number 31 August 3 - August 9, 2012

COVENANT CHURCH FUNDRAISER

The Palm Beach County Commission gave preliminary approval last week to a Uniform Land Development Code amendment that would relax requirements for livestock kept in the rural and exurban tiers, which include The Acreage.

Page 3

Groves Puts $500,000 In Capital Plan For Possible Town Hall

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved a capital improvement budget Tuesday including $500,000 to plan for a future town hall and $200,000 for trails. Page 4

A fundraising benefit for Royal Palm Covenant Church was held Sunday, July 29 at the original Wellington Mall. The event featured a live auction, raffle prizes, music by Copeland Davis and more. Shown above are County Commissioner Jess Santamaria (left) and his wife, Victoria, Pastor Michael Rose and his wife Carolyn (center) and visiting church leaders.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9

Performers Audition For Wellington Talent Search Competition

Wellington Talent Search auditions were held Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Amateur performers took the stage for a chance to advance to the semifinals on Friday, Aug. 3. The top 12 finalists will then compete Saturday, Aug. 4. Page 5

Young Professionals Mixer At Francesca’s

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Young Professionals mixer Wednesday, July 25 at Francesca’s Pizza in Royal Palm Beach. Page 16

OPINION Town-Crier Continues Primary Endorsements

Tuesday, Aug. 14 is primary election day in Florida. In the lead up to the election, the Town-Crier is offering our opinions on some of the candidates voters will find on the ballot. This week, we make endorsements in the races for Palm Beach County Clerk, State Senate District 25 (Republican Primary) and Port of Palm Beach Seat 1 (Democratic Primary). Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 12 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 SCHOOLS ............................ 13 PEOPLE ........................ 14 - 15 NEWS BRIEFS...................... 17 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 BUSINESS .................... 25 - 27 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 29 SCHOOLS SHOWCASE ... 30 - 31 SPORTS ........................ 35 - 37 CALENDAR ...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

2013 Lox Groves Town Tax Rate Unchanged From Current Year

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At a budget workshop Tuesday, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council agreed to keep its property tax rate unchanged at 1.2 mills for the upcoming year. Due to a small drop in overall property values, that will bring in slightly less property tax revenue than last year.

The council also approved a sheriff’s budget at the same level as last year, $274,785, and approved a solid waste allocation of $220,500, with a $100-per-customer refund taken out of unassigned funds.

And, addressing a much-discussed issue, council members approved a method for residents on dirt roads to get open graded emulsified mix (OGEM) paving done by a petition process.

The $206,025 in ad valorem revenue will be $3,975 less than the $210,000 collected last year. The town will also take in $343,726 in utility taxes, $289,897 in state revenue sharing and half-cent sales tax, and $248,500 in franchise fees.

With other, smaller revenues, the town’s total revenue estimate is $1,426,748.

Councilman Tom Goltzené pointed out that less than 20 percent of the total revenue will be from ad valorem taxes. “With the electrical utility tax and the FPL franchise fee, really twice as much money comes out of people’s electric bill as their tax bills,” he said.

Expenditures will include $254,635 for town management and a total of $630,869 for other government services.

Staff had transferred $225,000 from unassigned funds to the sanitation fund to give town customers some relief in a bad economy.

Bill Underwood, head of the town’s contracted management firm, said the town had a good revenue year in 2011 and put $357,000 into undesignated net assets. To give some relief to residents, they put some in the solid waste fund and the rest into a capital improvements fund.

Vice Mayor Jim Rockett said he would like to provide relief to res-

idents in the form of a sanitation refund. “I think it’s a great idea, but I’d like to do it so we could repeat it each year, not necessarily give away such a large chunk the first year,” Rockett said, suggesting $126,000, which would be $100 per customer for the town’s 1,260 clients.

“I’d like to plan to do it next year,” Rockett said. “I’m not going to try to guess when things are going to get better, but I’d like to think they are going to get better someday.”

Rockett suggested spreading out the surplus over the next several years. Town Manager Mark Kutney said the refund would not be sustainable over the long term.

Goltzené said he favored a rebate to residents and understood Rockett’s point on sustainability, but felt some of it might be put somewhere else.

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he favored taking it one year at a time.

“We have a management team, and they’re one of the best,” he said.

See GROVES, page 18

‘Equestrian Forum’ Group Hosts Inaugural Meeting In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report A new voice representing equestrian professionals has come to the table regarding Wellington’s divided equestrian industry. The organization, dubbed the Equestrian Forum of Wellington, is hoping to represent those who make their livelihoods from the industry.

More than 75 people packed into Utopia at Polo West on Tuesday, July 31 for the group’s inaugural meeting, which became heated at times.

Formed by equestrian professionals Jack Mancini, Terri Kane, Gaye Scarpa and Kathy Brown Mailloux, the group formed after, they said, several recent decisions put the upcoming equestrian season in jeopardy.

“Our purpose was to bring together people who have an opinion on the equestrian industry in Wellington that might be a little different than what we’ve heard or experienced,” Mancini said. “I think many people feel that the equestrian industry has not been given a voice.”

By “equestrian industry,” Mancini said he was referring to those who make the bulk of their income from the horse show season — be they grooms, vets, retail shop owners, photographers or any people in any other profession.

“I am a small business owner, and I depend on the equestrian events in Wellington — all of them,” he said.

Mancini stressed that the group was not aligned with any side of the debate but purely intended to

represent the equestrian professionals in Wellington. “It’s for people who make their living from this industry,” he said. “That’s what’s important.”

The group’s founders point to recent decisions by the Wellington Village Council that they say have created a crisis surrounding the equestrian industry.

After the master plan allowing a permanent dressage arena on the Equestrian Village property was revoked, Mancini said that no other permits had been issued to allow shows there.

Mancini said that although opponents of the equestrian venues want to return Wellington to its roots, the community has changed.

“Since Prince Charles played polo on that site, the identity of See EQUESTRIANS, page 18

Serving Palms West Since 1980

ITID Seeks Input For Community Center Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District will host meetings next weekend to develop programs for the new community center being planned at Acreage Community Park.

The meetings will take place Friday, Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the district office, 13476 61st Street North.

ITID supervisors said the goal is to give residents an opportunity to offer input on the type of programs the facility should offer.

Supervisor Ralph Bair said the discussions will be led by architect Rene Tercilla of Tercilla Courtemanche Architects in order to get input on details for the 18,000square-foot building.

“They’re going to ask people what kind of programs they’d like to see in the building to see if we can accommodate all these different types of things,” Bair said.

“We just basically want to see what types of people will be using it.”

Bair said he would like to see a better turnout than at previous workshops to get input for the park expansion project.

“There hasn’t been enough participation,” he said. “We’ve been talking about this building for 10 to 12 years. It has just become an issue the past few years when we had the actual money to do it.”

The board has $4 million available but hopes to come in under that figure to allow for additional amenities.

“I figured people would want to

be more proactive and see what, besides a gymnasium and some ancillary workrooms, we could build in for the community and make it a more community-oriented center,” Bair said. “It’s not going to be just a gym; it’s going to have more facilities inside.”

The outside of the building will feature other amenities, such as a stage for entertainment and a concession stand to support both inside and outside activities. “It all depends upon what the people want, because they’re going to be the actual ones using it,” Bair said.

In earlier discussions, board members said a facility that size could have a gymnasium capable of housing a full regulation court with bleachers or two side courts where two games could be going on at the same time.

It tentatively will have an interior and exterior stage, as well as five or so programming spaces for classes, such as karate or art. The building would be divided so the outside could operate independently of the inside. Therefore, an outdoor concert can operate with a concession area and bathrooms without the need to open the entire building.

Bair said people have told him they would like a place to play cards or board games, or for older people to have a party. “It’s not just for the kids,” he said. “It should be a place where people can congregate and talk… It really becomes a gathering place.”

ITID President Michelle Damone said she looks forward to the input. “It’s an opportunity to enSee ITID, page 18

FLEA MARKET IN RPB

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held an indoor flea market Friday, July 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Vendors sold collectibles, clothing, accessories, toys, jewelry and more. Shown above, Maria Balet shows her holiday wreaths.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 12 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

One Bid Comes Back For K-Park Property

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council this month is expected to review the lone proposal submitted for the K-Park property, a science and technology campus proposed by ReInvent America LLC. Discussion of the item is tentatively set for the Monday, Aug. 27 agenda review meeting, Purchasing Manager Ed De La Vega told the Town-Crier Monday.

“We did receive one proposal,”

he said. “We are still reviewing it, but it is tentatively scheduled to be discussed by the council.”

Earlier this year, the former council asked staff to draft a request for proposals for the 66-acre KPark site, located on the southwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way, south of the Mall at Wellington Green.

The bid, which went out in February, said that all proposals should balance Wellington’s resiSee K-PARK, page 7

RPB Zoning OK For Aldi Distribution Center Site Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the site plan for Aldi’s regional distribution center July 24, and recommended approval of the plan.

The 72.5-acre site is located about 1,500 feet south of Okeechobee Blvd. on the west side of State Road 7 and is approved for industrial land use and zoning.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the applicant is seeking approval as a planned industrial development (PID) for a warehouse and storage building over 400,000 square feet, both of which are special-exception uses in an industrial zoning district.

The proposed PID will include

an existing storage facility located at 1201 N. State Road 7, in the northeast corner of the site. The applicant is proposing to subdivide the property into 13 parcels, beginning with parcel 1, the main building of about 821,000 square feet on 42 acres, and parcel 11, an 11-acre water retention area with an 8-acre lake, as well as roadway parcels, Erwin said.

The remaining parcels will remain vacant until being siteplanned at a later date. Erwin said the plan meets village code requirements.

The plan also provides sight buffers in accordance with village code except for a required 3-foot berm, for which the applicant has submitted a request for a waiver,

which will be reviewed by the village council.

The proposed building will be two stories and 33 feet with a flat roof, which slightly exceeds the allowable building height of 32 feet for the zoning district. He pointed out that recent amendments to the code allow for 1 foot in additional height for every 5 feet of additional setback.

Erwin added that the application complies with the village’s noise ordinance, with the provision of noise walls 8 feet high along the western boundary and 11 feet high along a 1,000-foot portion of the northern boundary. Truck loading will be along the north and east sides of the building, and truck parking along the east side.

Erwin said the application also meets landscaping requirements, except for the previously mentioned berm, and also meets requirements for proposed signage, with a 20-foot-by-12-foot maximum sign that will be in the median of the entrance road.

Erwin said village staff is recommending approval of the application as submitted.

Erdman Anthony Engineer Dana Gillette explained that Aldi is a successful worldwide discount grocer.

“They are making a significant investment in Florida,” Gillette said. “They’ve got a significant number of stores in the central part of the state, and they’re opening up a lot of stores here in South

Florida. They are expecting to open at least 60 stores, so they need a distribution center to serve them, and they will be operating these stores and this distribution center for many decades to come.

They’re looking for the long haul on this project.”

Gillette said Aldi spent several years searching throughout South Florida for the most appropriate site. “They were looking for things like traffic, and a community that was pro-business, and one that had a good neighborhood for their future employees to live and work in,” she said. “I think we’re pretty fortunate to have them here.”

Gillette said the site is surrounded by a number of different uses, See ALDI, page 18

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NEWS

New Livestock Rules Get Preliminary County Commission OK

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission gave preliminary approval last week to a Uniform Land Development Code (ULDC) amendment that would relax requirements for livestock kept in the rural and exurban tiers, which include The Acreage.

At the July 26 meeting, Planning Director Rebecca Caldwell said the draft ordinance would provide protection to property owners in the rural and exurban tiers who would otherwise be subject to citations for keeping livestock.

Caldwell said that the end goal is to preserve and protect the rights of county residents. “We have put together proposed regulations to

achieve this mission,” she said.

“As regulations exist currently, properties in those areas can have only one use, residential or bona fide agricultural use.”

Caldwell said the new ordinance is narrowly tailored to separate poultry from birds and to protect the rights of residents who keep domestic livestock, as guaranteed in the comprehensive plan.

The language addresses the standards for accessory structures associated with keeping livestock, and the new standards would be more lenient than the ULDC’s, and differentiate between fixed and portable structures.

“Portable structures are those that are not fixed and are easily movable,” Caldwell said. “They are

allowed in the front and side street yards, but permanent structures are not.”

Permanent structures have always required building permits in compliance with the state building code, while permanent accessory structures that are unpermitted cannot be “grandfathered in” under any new regulations because they were not legal in the first place, she said.

The new regulations do not affect horses, hobby bird breeders or bona fide agricultural uses, which are addressed under other ordinances and statutes. Since the proposed regulations do not address bona fide agriculture, the Right to Farm Act does not apply, Caldwell noted. What constitutes

bona fide agriculture is determined by the Property Appraiser’s Office.

“It will affect residents who want to keep cows, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry,” she said.

Caldwell added that current home occupation regulations do not allow the public to come to a residence to purchase items, but the new regulations would be more lenient, allowing six separate sales of multiple items per year.

This would, for example, accommodate 4-H and similar activities at residences that do not have a bona fide agricultural use.

The new rules exclude planned unit developments, which were not designed to be rural in nature.

The amendments would also address livestock fencing, as well

as the status of existing structures and grace periods for non-compliant structures. It also deletes the maximum number of livestock that can be kept on a property as well as screening requirements.

“The proposed regulations will benefit the residents in these areas by codifying reasonable standards to implement the guaranteed right, found in the comprehensive plan, to keep livestock as an accessory use, recognizing their presence within a rural/exurban community,” Caldwell said.

She added that 5 acres are required under current regulations to keep livestock, but the proposed regulations would have no minimum acreage requirement.

Steve Hinkle of Jupiter Farms

urged passage of the amendments to allow residents there to continue agricultural activities, explaining that on his street, six in 10 people have chickens or other livestock. “It would be illegal if you do not continue this,” he said.

“Please continue this so that we can continue our agricultural lifestyle.”

Mike Erickson, former Indian Trail Improvement District supervisor and now government liaison for the Acreage Landowners’ Association, encouraged the commissioners to pass something to allow continuation of agricultural activities.

However, Erickson had a problem with limiting on-site sales to See LIVESTOCK, page 18

Jobs, Education, Property Insurance Top Priorities For Peterson

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Melanie Peterson is asking voters to choose her in the Republican primary for State Senate District 25 and give her a shot at going up against the Democratic candidate, State Rep. Joe Abruzzo (D-District 85).

Peterson faces attorney Geoff Sommers of Boca Raton in the Aug. 14 primary. The winner will face Abruzzo in November.

“I have the experience, and the connection to the community,” she told the Town-Crier. “I know the difference between The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. I’ve lived in almost every one of those communities, and I understand their individuality. I understand the nuances of each community and who their residents are.”

The newly drawn District 25 takes in all of the western communities while encompassing most of western Palm Beach County, starting in the northwest at Lake Okeechobee, cutting east through Palm Beach Gardens and then back west, south through Wellington into western Boca Raton, and west across to Belle Glade.

Peterson is a 25-year resident of central Palm Beach County. A graduate of Santaluces High School, she has a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and was a Marshall Fellow. In 2002, she co-wrote a booklet about agricultural best management practices in South Florida as part of the fellowship that brought her notoriety in agricultural circles.

For the past decade, she has volunteered with the Florida Farm Bureau, serving on its Equine Advisory Board for eight years. She is a member of the Young Farm-

er and Rancher Leadership Committee. In 2006, she was elected to a seat on the Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.

Peterson has spent 18 years in the equestrian industry, working as a trainer, Realtor and founder of a marketing and equestrian sales web site. She began riding through her work with the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. Peterson has served as a board member of the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association and the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Council.

Peterson said she wants to be a voice for the county, which many people don’t realize is heavily agricultural.

“Through some of my experiences as a volunteer, I have been involved in policy implementation regarding South Florida,” she said. “I was encouraged to consider running for election because we don’t have enough representation that understands our county.”

If elected, her No. 1 goal would be to bring jobs to the area, especially the Glades. “I’m concerned about the Glades,” she said. “They have a 40 percent poverty rate out there, and I don’t know that anyone is really paying attention to what goes on out there.”

She said residents have a vested interest in seeing improvement in that community.

“Beyond the human interest, it should matter to residents because it’s costing the county a lot of money,” Peterson said.

“They are not able to pay for their own services. We need to pay attention to them and get industry and job training out there.”

Peterson said she supports the proposed inland port and that in her time spent with residents, she got a real look at how the community lives. “I had really interesting conversations,” she said. “A lot of them want job training. They’re concerned about their kids. It gives a face and picture to some of these issues.”

Peterson said she’d like to work to encourage companies to locate in the area in order to help the community. “We not only want to help get them on their feet, but we want to help them do better for themselves,” she said. “They want to work; they just don’t have work.”

In general, she said the state legislature can help create a business-friendly environment to attract jobs to the state.

“We have to reform business regulations, cut corporate taxes and make Florida a more business-friendly environment,” Peterson said. “Then we have to have an affordable living and a good education system.”

Another issue Peterson hopes to tackle is property insurance. “We’re seeing the [real estate] marketplace recover, but homeowners’ insurance continues to be a real issue,” she said. “Let’s talk about rate modeling. Let’s talk about risk mitigation. Let’s get to the heart of the situation.”

In the area of education Peterson wants to see the state make “bold moves.”

“We have to, so we can be competitive,” she said. “Everything goes back to jobs. You need a good education system in place for employers to want to come here.”

Though she noted that everyone has a different opinion of what “central” Palm

Beach County is, Peterson said she thinks parts of the community have been overlooked.

“The chunk in the middle has been kind of abandoned,” she said. “We’re not seeing that much infrastructure being developed. Rather than continue to plow over fruitful farmland and build more houses out west, I’d like to see them revitalize some of central Palm Beach County.”

Peterson said that illegal immigration continues to be an issue for South Florida. Though she supports a guest worker program, she said that illegal immigrants have become a burden on the system. She said she believes that could help make up budget deficits.

“I’m told that it costs $3.5 million for illegal immigrants in the prison system,” she said. “We have to do a better job of identifying them in the prison system.

They should be sent home.”

While many people believe the newly drawn district gives Abruzzo, the Democratic nominee, an edge, Peterson does not believe that is accurate.

“The shining star is the 26 percent independent vote,” she said. “I think I can speak to independents. People are ready for a change. They want a real representative in Palm Beach County.”

Peterson stressed that she has roots in the community. “I know what it’s like to live here,” she said. “I have my finger on the pulse of this community. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth; I know how to make something from nothing.”

Though Peterson classifies herself as a conservative, she said that she has often been able to bring people together from all sides of an issue. “I’ve always been

Melanie Peterson able to work across the board with different kinds of people to bring them to the middle,” she said. “I like to discover what everyone can agree on, and what we can do to work together.”

Peterson described herself as a highly principled person who is not easily dissuaded from her goals. She said she hopes voters will recognize her experience and her drive.

“I understand where this community has been and where we want to go,” she said. “I listen. I want to hear from people and be a voice for this area. I think we have been grossly underrepresented.”

For more information, visit www.vote melanie.com.

Editor’s note: State Senate candidate Geoff Sommers, who faces Peterson on the Aug. 14 ballot, was invited but did not meet with the Town-Crier’s editorial board.

Page 4 August 3 - August 9, 2012

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TOWN-CRIER ENDORSEMENTS

Re-Elect Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock; Select Wayne Richards In Port Primary, Melanie Peterson In Senate Primary Tuesday, Aug. 14 is primary election day in Florida. In the lead up to the election, the Town-Crier is offering our opinions on some of the candidates voters will find on this month’s ballot. This week, we make endorsements in the races for Palm Beach County Clerk, Port of Palm Beach Commission Seat 1 (Democratic Primary) and State Senate District 25 (Republican Primary).

PALM BEACH COUNTY CLERK — This race pits two-term incumbent Sharon Bock against challenger Lisa Epstein, a nurse and mortgage fraud activist. Epstein is a really nice woman with the single-minded purpose of holding those responsible for mortgage fraud accountable. She has done amazing things from a lay perspective. However, Epstein wants this job so she can make an example of the Palm Beach County court and public records system, and that is not the proper use of this office. The proper use of the office is to organize court records, organize county records and provide financial oversight for the county. Bock has successfully navigated the clerk’s office for many years, much longer than she has been an elected official. She’s an attorney who also has financial expertise and has done a good job organizing the office, despite continued budget cuts from the state. Though we disagree with Bock on certain issues, such as blocking money due the inspector general’s office, that doesn’t change the fact that she is by far the more qualified candidate for the job. Both Epstein and Bock are Democrats, but since there are no other candidates in the race, the Aug. 14 election is open to all county voters. The Town-Crier strongly endorses the reelection of Sharon Bock as Palm Beach County Clerk.

PORT OF PALM BEACH COMMISSION, SEAT 1 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — This is a race in which an established incumbent, Wayne Richards, is being challenged by a political newcomer, builder Joseph Anderson. However, unlike some county agencies, the Port of Palm Beach is running smoothly and has little need for a change in leadership. And having served as chair of the port commission for the past two years, Richards is very much at the helm. Under his watch, annual revenues increased from $12.6 million to $16 million,

and in four of the five years, the port reduced expenses. This was done in the face of an incredibly difficult economic period. During his time on the commission, Richards has done a lot to modernize the district, and it continues to be a great asset to the county. Anderson might very well make a good port commissioner and offers some good ideas, but in this race, there just isn’t a good enough reason to vote out the incumbent. The Town-Crier endorses incumbent Wayne Richards in the Port of Palm Beach Commission Seat 1 Democratic Primary.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 25, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY — Vying for this newly drawn district are Republicans Geoff Sommers and Melanie Peterson. The winner of the primary will face the Democratic nominee, State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85), in November. Peterson, a longtime central Palm Beach County resident, has deep roots in the local equestrian community. She has a strong background in issues that matter to the western communities. Having sat on the Equine Advisory Board for the Florida Farm Bureau for eight years and serving six years as an elected supervisor of the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District, she has experience advocating for equestrian interests and as an elected official. Sommers, on the other hand, is a lawyer from Boca Raton who has never held political office. And though Peterson is a fairly conservative Republican, she is known for being able to negotiate with disparate interests and bring people together. In a district that’s drawn to favor a Democrat, that’s a crucial quality for the Republican nominee, should the party want to win the seat in November. If Republicans are looking for someone more likely to make a Democratic-leaning seat go Republican, Peterson is the better nominee. But more important for the western communities, Peterson actually knows about this area and is running to represent voters in this area. Sommers passed on an opportunity to meet with the Town-Crier’s editorial board, and we’re not aware of him doing any campaigning in the area. If he’s running a race, it’s not in these parts. The Town-Crier strongly endorses Melanie Peterson in the State Senate District 25 Republican Primary.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thanks For A Great Job On The Budget Over the last four years, our county and municipalities have faced huge drops in revenue and property values. Wellington staff has cut more than any other municipality, at the amount of over $30 million of budget expenditures during this period.

The staff has looked in every nook and cranny, instituted every operation possible, and with great effort tried to keep layoffs and job eliminations to a minimum. While other municipalities and the county have cut back on levels of service and reduced maintenance on simple things like aesthetic appearances in most areas, Wellington looks as good as ever. Our highways, medians, swales and canals look as good as ever, and in many cases improvements have been added to most parts of the village.

The village has kept up its level of service in all areas, including leisure services, public service and community development.

As a member of another municipality staff, which has had to cut back on all levels of service, I find this amazing, and especially when the reserves of the village has actually increased, and capital improvements are actually still being conducted throughout the village. Wellington should feel very good about what has happened over the last four years as it has continued its first-class standing, while most other communities in the county have moved in the opposite direction. Our newly elected council has spent countless hours looking to micromanage the budget but have found nothing

that they or any other person would have not done.

Mr. [Paul] Schofield, Mr. [Jim] Barnes, Mr. [John] Bonde and Ms. [Francine] Ramaglia have done an outstanding job moving this village forward. I would strongly suggest that if the newly elected council persons were interested in saving money for the village, they would start by not getting us involved in lawsuits... Since they have been elected, we now have seven lawsuits that will cost the village over $1 million to defend, and who knows how much if we lose. I guess the Wellington Super PAC got its money’s worth!

Hang in there staff, we all appreciate your great job.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Take Part In ITID Community Center Planning As we all know, a community center is being built right here in The Acreage. I encourage all residents to attend one of the community center program development meetings being held at the Indian Trail Improvement District administrative building on Friday, Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m.

The purpose of these meetings is to meet with the architect to discuss the needs and wants of our community. If you have any ideas about the types of activities and spaces that would be beneficial to our community, please share those at one of these meetings. Adults, senior citizens, teenagers and children from The Acreage are invited to give their input. Spread the word. After all, the community cen-

ter is just that — a center for our entire community.

Molly Harding Communication Director Acreage Athletic League

Beware Of Mitt Romney So, let’s see: Mitt Romney was founder, CEO and CFO (and sole shareholder before 1999) of Bain Capital. Yet from 1999 to 2002, he made no decisions for Bain investments, and says he did not know what investments were made or who made them. And still he and Bain’s shareholders received the benefit of the vast profits of Bain.

So who was running Bain and made all the decisions? Nice trick.

Who puts their life’s savings into a company with no leader? Does that mean that if Romney is president of the United States, he will be absent and not know or care who is running the country and making decisions? Just sayin’!

Tax disclosure for 10 years has been the history of past presidential candidates, including Romney’s father, who willingly gave them. So what is he — or is it his wife — afraid of, since she seems to be the spokesperson for their tax returns and assets?

The Olympics, which Romney is so proud of, would not have been successful without the “donation” of the federal government — yes, the U.S. federal government.

It is a bit egocentric and selfdelusional for Romney to think that he did anything to be successful by himself. After all, he inherited his money, he had federal assistance in every way, from tax loopholes for his businesses, which he seems proud to have availed him-

self of, to federal funding for the Olympics and for Massachusetts when he was governor.

What President Obama said, basically, if anyone can think in abstract terms, is that “no man is an island.” Only the Republicans will argue with that.

Shirley Bass Wellington

Administration Is A Threat Why has the mainstream media not taken a poll titled, “Threatened/Lost Rights of Americans by this Administration?”

• Right to bear arms — With the recent Colorado shooting, the Democrats, with the backing of the media, are again trying to take guns away from law-abiding citizens who have the right to bear arms through the Second Amendment of the Constitution. It was reported that a law-abiding citizen carrying a gun legally in the theater that Friday night might have been able to save innocent lives, as people were saved last year when Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and was helped and probably saved by bystanders. If one was carrying a legal gun, he or she would have been a hero for stopping the perpetrator.

• Freedom of religion — In the Obama healthcare program, freedom of religion is challenged with a mandate that Catholic hospitals must perform abortions and offer birth control. Catholic universities are also mandated to provide birth control for the faculty, through Obamacare. Abortion and birth control are against Catholicism.

The Democrats and media attack defenders of their religion, using

the twisted argument that the Catholic hospitals and universities are against women’s rights. Abortion and birth control have been against the teachings of the Catholic religion since the religion began.

• Freedom of speech — We have lost the right to gather in demonstration against government and must apply for a permit to do so.

The president of Chick-Fil-A, using his right of free speech against same sex marriage, finds himself not being able to expand his business in two states because the two

mayors in these states are prosame-sex marriage, and have stated they will not approve new locations for his company.

• The right to work (not constitutional) — Obama said it is government that creates jobs. Well, where are they? This administration has had more than three and a half years and trillions of dollars to make it happen, and tens of millions of Americans are still out of work. No jobs. Nothing shovelready yet?

Ronald Piretti Royal Palm Beach

For The Record • In last week’s article “LGWCD Lowers Assessment Rate,” an incorrect figure was given for the final approved assessment for properties on unpaved roads. The rate will be $135 per acre, which is $16.45 below the current year’s assessment rate of $151.45 per acre.

• In last week’s endorsement of Anne Gannon in the race for Palm Beach County Tax Collector, it should have been pointed out that the race, to be decided Aug. 14, is a closed Democratic primary.

Since there is only token opposition in November, the winner of the primary will take the seat.

• In last week’s article “Joe Talley Wants A More Transparent, Community-Minded PBSO,” Mr. Talley’s age was listed incorrectly.

He is 68.

The Town-Crier regrets any confusion these issues might have caused.

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

NEWS

Lox Groves Puts $500,000 In Capital Plan For Possible Town Hall Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved a capital improvement budget Tuesday including $500,000 to plan for a future town hall and $200,000 for trails.

During council members’ discussion of capital improvement plans, Town Manager Mark Kutney explained that capital programs are generally projected out several years to give council members a general idea about the future. “Some cities will have a separate CIP, he said. “We are combining it with the rest of the budget.”

Bill Underwood of Underwood Management Services Group, the town’s management contractor, said capital project allocations would not be spent until they are addressed by the council in greater detail and approved.

Councilman Tom Goltzené said he wanted money for linear parks in the budget, but it was not included. “Nobody discussed it with me,” he said. “I thought it was a worthwhile project. I’m disappointed.”

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he would like to see something set aside for equestrian trails. “I have nothing against linear parks, but am concerned about who pays for it,” he said, adding that he is also concerned about park maintenance costs.

Goltzené said that the scale and maintenance for linear parks would be much less than conventional parks. “They are designed to be paid for entirely by the developer, and improve water retention,” he said. “We made a commitment to the people we were going to do this.”

Jarriel said he’d be willing to set aside $200,000 for trails, as op-

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posed to linear parks. “I have nothing against linear parks, but if you’re talking trails, $100,000 is nothing,” Jarriel said. “We’ve got the money, and we need a budget for it.”

“I’ll certainly second that,” Goltzené said, pointing out that $250,000 had been included for a traffic light on Okeechobee Blvd.

“I opposed it. Okeechobee is a county road, and I would like to see them pay for it rather than us.”

Jarriel added that he strongly favors the light on Okeechobee Blvd. He also said that he will be meeting with Commissioner Jess Santamaria to seek help with funding.

Goltzené said in light of recent disagreements with the town office’s landlord, he said he understood budgeting $500,000 toward a future town hall, but said he thought they’d be better off bor-

rowing money with the current low interest rates. “We don’t need to pay that kind of money for that kind of facility.”

Jarriel said he favored having money in the capital plan for a town hall. “Just because we have $500,000 budgeted doesn’t mean we will spend it,” he said. “When I talk about spending $500,000, it is not the council, but a resident decision. We need to be working on it while the prices are right.”

Councilman Ryan Liang agreed that they should set aside money for equestrian trails, move ahead on the traffic light and start the search for a town hall.

Vice Mayor Jim Rockett said he understood that the capital budget is tentative, but he was not interested in spending that type of money on a building. “If we find a project that is worthwhile, we will go ahead and do it, [but] I’m not going to support $500,000 for land

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

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EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró

unless it’s 500 acres,” he said.

Mayor Dave Browning said he would like to build a hardened structure on water control district property and possibly take over the retention area to the north.

“Then we’ve got a location everybody is used to,” he said.

Browning added that he would like to see if the town could work something out with the current landlord for the short term.

Kutney said he had been working toward a new office location since the conflict erupted with the landlord several months ago.

“I’ve been talking to Realtors and landowners,” he said. “I’m trying to potentially get the best deal I can.”

During public comment, former councilman Dennis Lipp said he got a call from a resident suggesting he contact the landlord, Kan Yee of Yees Corp, about the rental agreement for the current town hall

office, located in the Palms West Plaza. Lipp said Yee had told him he would agree to a five-year lease at $1,550 a month with additional space.

“I think we have a solution,” Lipp said. “There is time for us to take control of the situation.”

Jarriel said he’d like to negotiate with the landlord for a shortterm solution and asked for consensus for Lipp to meet with the landlord. “Since you talked to him, I would like to see that written up,” he said.

Lipp said he thought it would be more appropriate for the mayor to do it.

Rockett said he agreed but did not want to lose sight of a permanent place for town government in the future. “If we can negotiate a five-year lease, OK, but I don’t want to turn management away from looking for another facility,” he said.

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

LOCAL PERFORMERS AUDITION FOR WELLINGTON TALENT SEARCH COMPETITION

Wellington Talent Search auditions were held Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Amateur per formers from singers to dancers took the stage for a chance t o advance to the semifinals on Friday, Aug. 3. The top 12 finalists will then compete Saturday, Aug. 4 f or a chance to win the grand prize of $500 and a full scholarship to attend the Talent INC National Talent Convention and Showcase in Orlando. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Elise Elizondo and Elyssa Louise perform on stage.

Performer Gabriella Craft with her sister, Erika.

Andrea Schiola before her performance.

Devounte Ho-Hing listens to the judges after his dance performance.

Maritza Ortiz with her daughter Nicole de la Cruz after her performance.

Alexandra Lopez sings “Rolling in the Deep.”

Victoria Lopez sings “The Climb.”

Dalton Williams performs an original song.

RPB CAMPERS LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS FROM MCCARTHY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation campers invited Westgate Youth campers to join them for a McCarthy Wildlife Sanctuary animal presentation Friday, July 20 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Mark McCarthy explained the lives, habits and care of the exotic animals he has rescued.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Mark McCarthy and Abigail Mesa with Wally, an American alligator.

Mark McCarthy and ShaDiamond Fuller with Norma Jean, a scarlet macaw.

Mark McCarthy gets help holding Snowball, an albino Burmese python, from Kerriann Spratt, Jayden Fernandez, Amber Hasen and Nick Acosta.

Page 6 August 3 - August 9, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Woman Arrested For Using Stolen Credit Cards In Royal Palm

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By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report JULY25 —ARoyal Palm Beach woman was arrested last Wednesday on charges of fraud after she was discovered using a stolen credit card to make purchases.

According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a Wellington woman called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach after her wallet containing several credit cards was taken from a gym locker. The victim had been contacted by her credit card companies and told that fraudulent charges were made at the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to the report, the deputy reviewed surveillance video footage from the store and observed 26-year-old Vonchera Vereen use the victim’s cards to buy gift cards and then leave the area in a silver Acura. The deputy said Vereen was wearing a T-shirt with the gym’s name on it, and he was able to discover her information by looking through the gym’s membership log. According to the report, Vereen made $265.28 in purchases. The deputy was able to locate Vereen at her home, and she was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was charged with illegal use of credit cards.

JULY28 — A resident of Meadow Wood Drive contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he always keeps his canoe in his back yard chained to the ground but did not lock it. At approximately 12:15 p.m. last Saturday, someone stole the canoe from his yard. The stolen canoe was valued at approximately $400. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY28 — ABelle Glade woman was arrested on charges of shoplifting and unarmed burglary last Saturday afternoon following an incident at the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 22-year-old Walisha Burks was discovered shoplifting from the JCPenney store but fled into the parking lot. According to the report, Burks ran across the parking lot and then jumped into an occupied vehicle to hide from law enforcement and refused to exit.

Burks was discovered and arrested. She was taken to the county jail, where she was charged with grand theft and unarmed burglary.

JULY 28 — AWest Palm Beach man was arrested in Royal Palm Beach late last Saturday night on drug and weapon possession charges. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation observed a black 2000 Mercury on Okeechobee Blvd. with a replaced tag. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 28year-old Karim Corner. According to the report, Corner consented to a search of his vehicle, which revealed a box of cigarettes containing 1.6 grams of marijuana and 1.5 pills of ecstasy. According to the report, the deputy also discovered metal knuckles in Corner’s back pocket. Corner was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

JULY29 — A resident of Meadow Wood Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Saturday and 1:30 p.m. the following afternoon, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole approximately $600 worth of items. The stolen items included a Verizon phone charger, a Garmin GPS unit and a pair of prescription glasses. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to Calypso Bay Water Park last Sunday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary.

According to the report, the victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot at approximately 2 p.m. and left her designer handbag on the front passenger-side floor of the vehicle. When she returned at approximately 4:45 p.m., she discovered that someone had smashed her passenger-side front window and taken her bag and wallet, which contained $1,500 cash. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,880. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a cemetery on Southern Blvd. last Sunday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle in the rear of the cemetery, along the roadway, at approximately 7:20 p.m. When she returned approximately 30 minutes later, she discovered that someone had smashed the driver’s-side rear window and removed a large designer bag containing a Kindle e-reader and case, as well as her wallet and credit cards. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) attempted to make a purchase at a gas station on Okeechobee Blvd., but the card had been frozen by then. The stolen items were valued at approximately $450. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 30 — A resident of 81st Lane North contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation early Monday morning to report an act of vandalism in progress.

According to the report, at approximately 2 a.m. she heard a loud banging from the rear of her property and went outside. The victim discovered two white males in white T-shirts fleeing the property to the canal on the west side. According to the report, the deputy observed that the perpetrators had attempted to use a log to break the windows on the victim’s shed. The windows were hurricane impact glass and did not shatter completely, but approximately $200 in damage was done. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

JULY31 — ACoral Springs resident contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach early Tuesday morning regarding a robbery. According to a PBSO report, the victim responded to an online ad for an iPad for sale. The victim said that at approximately 12:42 a.m. he met two black men at the Steak & Shake parking lot on State Road 7. According to the report, See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Michael Davis is a white male, 5’8� tall and weighing 155 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his chest and a scar on his abdomen.

His date of birth is 07/04/61. Davis is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of battery on a law enforcement of ficer.

His occupation is unknown. His last known address was River Bluff Lane in Royal Palm Beach. Davis is wanted as of 08/02/12. • Brenda Downs is a white female, 5’0� tall and weighing 120 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her back. Her date of bir th is 03/04/74.

Downs is wanted for grand theft. Her occupation is bookkeeper. Her last known addresses were Avon Road in West Palm Beach and the 12th Fairway in Wellington. Downs is wanted as of 08/02/12.

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

Michael Davis

Brenda Downs

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

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 7

ELECTION 2012: PALM BEACH COUNTY CLERK

Sharon Bock Puts Emphasis On Expertise, Years Of Experience

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock is hoping residents see her experience and dedication, granting her a third term in the Aug. 14 primary election.

Bock faces opposition from mortgage fraud activist Lisa Epstein. Both Epstein and Bock are Democrats, but since there are no other candidates in the race, this month’s primary is open to all county voters. The winner will claim a four-year term.

“I have the experience,” Bock told the Town-Crier. “There are very few constitutional offices that you can start from scratch. The one I assure you that you cannot start from scratch is the clerk’s office.”

Bock earned her bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa., and her law degree from South Texas College of Law. Prior to working for the clerk’s office, she spent 25 years in the private sector as a financial consultant, general manager, real-estate lawyer and title company owner.

She joined the clerk’s office in 1998, when she was hired as chief deputy for court services. In 2003, she was promoted to chief deputy clerk.

Bock said that her experience prompted then-Palm Beach County Clerk Dorothy Wilken to hire her and, later, to ask her to run for office.

“I was the first attorney ever hired to run the court system,” Bock said. “I brought in a lot of private-sector efficien-

cies and ideas, but I also learned a lot. By the time the seven years were up, I was ready to take the job [of clerk] over and hit the ground running.”

Bock was elected in November 2004 and re-elected in 2008. In her time in office, Bock said she has helped to professionalize the staff and make the office more efficient, all in the face of a shrinking budget.

“My top accomplishment is my staff,” she said. “Over the last 14 years, I have really professionalized the office. When you come into the office, they may call them clerks, but what you are getting is a professional.”

Bock said this is especially necessary given the budget cuts her office has faced, which led to layoffs and the closing of the office’s Royal Palm Beach branch.

“I was cut 25 percent in the last three years,” she said. “That was 111 positions I had to lay off.”

Bock pointed out, however, that her office sends about $250 million each year to the state in revenue but gets back only $29 million for its budget. “There is more than enough money for Palm Beach County coming out of the pockets of its citizens,” she said.

One of the ways she has helped to maximize efficiency in the office is by reclassifying employees’ positions based on the work they actually do.

“We hired a consultant who is reclassifying every single job,” Bock said. “We now go in and see what it is an employee

does, and we have been able to consolidate functions under one person.”

This process has also provided an opportunity for Bock to evaluate where technology can help save time and money.

“We have begun the process of finding out where we can use technology, and actually allow better use of the time for each member of our staff,” she said.

Every four years, Bock drafts a new strategic plan, and this time technology is at the top of the list. “We are moving from a complete paper environment to a paperless environment,” she said. “It’s a complete digital environment. That means that everyone who uses our courthouse will be using it digitally.”

Bock said she does not believe that having Palm Beach County’s new Office of the Inspector General is a duplication of services, as the clerk’s office continues to have oversight.

“The inspector general actually has to come to me to get records,” she said.

“Without some controls on the inspector general in terms of policy and funding, could that office potentially become an uncontrolled bureaucracy? Of course it could. Do we have to keep an eye on any government agency? Yes.” In light of a lawsuit regarding financing of the office, Bock decided to hold $315,000 sent last year by the municipalities, a decision many have criticized her for.

Bock said that she is tasked with making sure all money that is paid through her office is in the budget, lawful and serves a public purpose. But the lawsuit

suggested that payment of the money was illegal.

The municipalities’ lawsuit alleged that their payments were illegal, she said, which “triggered my absolute need to get involved and stop it.” Additionally, Bock noted that neither party would indemnify her for releasing the money, for which she said she can be held personally liable.

She said that she has stayed out of the lawsuit, instead waiting for direction from the court. “I do not make decisions with the lawsuit,” Bock said. “I don’t want to be tagged with doing something in the lawsuit with a political motive.”

Bock said she believes in a strong checks and balance system and has used her auditing arm over the years to expose potential and verified corruption in Palm Beach County.

“I did an audit and discovered the bond issue problems years before it came to light,” she said. “The only thing you can do is bring it to the attention of the people you are auditing.”

Bock’s opponent has criticized her for not policing the records, especially in the area of mortgage fraud, but Bock said that is not her job.

“I have presented her with 100 years of case law that demonstrates over and over that my job is to keep the records,” she said. “I do not police the records; I am prohibited from doing a forensic audit. My job is to create a level playing field for the judiciary and protect the integrity of the public records.”

Bock labeled herself as a tenacious per-

County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock son who fights for what she believes is right. She said that she hopes voters will believe in her experience and return her to office.

“I have the experience to do the job,” she said. “I have proven over the last eight years to keep the office pure in what it is supposed to be doing. I have always worked tirelessly for the citizens of Palm Beach County.”

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

Lisa Epstein Sees Role For Clerk’s Office In Foreclosure Crisis

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Nurse and mortgage fraud activist Lisa Epstein is challenging incumbent Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock in this month’s primary election.

Both Epstein and Bock are Democrats, but since there are no other candidates in the race, the Aug. 14 election is open to all county voters. The winner will claim a fouryear term.

Epstein is a graduate of George Mason University who has been living in Palm Beach County since 1997.

Working as an oncology nurse, she began investigating lenders in 2007 when she noticed changes in the traditional response from mortgage lenders regarding her cancer patients saying they would work out something with their families to pay their mortgages.

“Something changed in 2007, and their families and I weren’t able to get anywhere, and it really weighed on my suspicions,” Epstein said. “Something had changed.

Something was different.”

Epstein said she considers herself pretty persistent and able to work around bureaucracies, HMOs and insurance companies that want to deny treatments, medications or testing.

“Then, in my own personal life, I was facing financial issues right after the crash and went through the same rigmarole I saw my patients going through,” she recalled.

With her curiosity piqued, Epstein started spending her time off at the county courthouse observing foreclosure court, researching cases, looking in official records and visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission web site for the regulatory filings of mortgage-backed secu-

K-Park

Council To Review Bid

continued from page 1 dential lifestyle while developing a stronger economic base. It should “include employment through a diversity of jobs, primarily with family-sustaining, valueadded jobs,” according to the bid documents.

These jobs would pay average salaries of $60,000 or more, and could include businesses such as education, technology, research and development; green or clean

rities investments during the real-estate boom.

“I became one of a very small group of whistleblowers into the financial fraud and foreclosure fraud story,” Epstein said, noting that putting the puzzle together took about 18 months of nonstop work.

Once the pervasive fraud was uncovered, she believed that there would be more than just congressional hearings, consent orders and settlements. “I thought there would be some sustainable solution to keep millions of families in their homes, and there isn’t, there really isn’t,” she said.

Epstein also thought representatives would implement policies to protect families within their constituency, but found resistance at state and county levels. “We saw our attorney general fire the foreclosure fraud investigators, so, I decided I would throw my hat in the ring and run for a position [where] I wasn’t just a citizen advocate,” she said.

Epstein said she chose to run for county clerk because one of that office’s main duties is safeguarding the integrity of the public records. “The financial services industry has filed what we know are tens of thousands of records in our own county that are forged, fraudulent or fabricated — a crime in Florida statute, and it affects our property rights,” she said.

Epstein said it also affects title integrity for people far outside the foreclosure crisis. “It affects our ability to have faith in conveyance of real estate for decades,” she said.

She is also concerned about the concentration of county investments in bailed-out banks. “Out of the $1.45 billion investment fund of county investments, about 56 percent is in Freddie- and Fan-

alternative energy; and science.

The bid also requests an “integrated, mixed-use project in a campus-style setting” that emphasizes energy efficiency and low-impact development.

ReInvent America offered Wellington $7 million in its proposal and estimated it would need about $9.9 million in infrastructure costs to be financed by bonds.

The proposal would bring a science and technology campus utilizing all 66.7 acres that would focus on technology and energy in a “smart zone” environment.

According to the proposal, “smart zoning” includes mixed

nie-backed securities, so, that’s guaranteed by us, the federal taxpayer,” Epstein said. “I think we really need to look at this and examine what it means for us as American taxpayers, who are asked to bail out Fannie and Freddie continually. If counties across the state, across the nation are doing this, this is an unsustainable model.”

Epstein also points out that Wells Fargo Bank, the county’s depository institution, recently signed a settlement on discriminatory lending practices with fair housing groups because it maintained homes better in upscale neighborhoods than it did in minority neighborhoods.

“Are any of the other banks any better? I don’t know, but I think that we should look at other alternatives than continuing to support institutions that have been so damaging to us, our county, our state, our nation,” she said.

Epstein believes elected officials should represent the people who elect them. “I, as a nurse, a citizen [and] an advocate, have always put people first,” she said.

“Everything in my professional life and personal life really shows that I have the No. 1 qualification, which is to represent people, and would be willing to take great personal risks to do the right thing.”

She thinks the top issues in the race include acknowledging the violation of the authenticity of land records, the reduction of hours at the clerk’s offices as a result of budget cuts and promoting more awareness of what the clerk does.

“What would be a crime for a citizen to commit is being done countless times by the financial services industry, and we need to really from the local level start holding them accountable,” Epstein said.

During the campaign, she has found

uses for universities, schools, research and development alongside the science, technology and bio-medical industries. The zoning also supports offices, restaurants, cafes, retail, banks, gyms, hotels and other public uses.

Included in the proposal were letters of interest from several companies, including a safety glass manufacturer, the Max Group restaurants, a pharmaceutical research and development facility, a sustainability consulting office, and a theater and boutique bowling alley.

De La Vega said that the council would have to consider the pro-

that few people know what the clerk’s office does. “Everyone knows what the sheriff does, the supervisor of elections, the tax collector, the property appraiser. Very few people, even civically engaged people, are clear [on the role of the clerk],” Epstein said. “I think that’s a deficiency.”

Epstein said she is better qualified because she really wants to make a difference for the people she represents. She wants to look at the financial reports with the same zeal and intellectual curiosity that she did when she was researching the SEC filings. “I want to get to know the employees,” she said. “There are over 700 employees. I want my leadership and personality traits to filter down.”

She would begin by introducing herself to all the staff. “I don’t want to go in and clean house overnight,” she said. “I want to go in and learn who people are and what they believe is the best that can be done to move the office forward.”

Epstein also wants to investigate what she believes is foreclosure cost shifting by bank law firms onto the clerk’s office to do legal research. “This happens to the detriment of the taxpayers,” she said. “We really can’t afford it anymore.”

Epstein is concerned about the state’s financing reduction not only to the clerk’s office but the judiciary as well. “It seems that the state is really trying to de-fund the judiciary, and we need to get that message out there because the judiciary plays such a key role in society,” she said.

While Epstein has been called a oneissue candidate focusing solely on the foreclosure crisis, she said that is one outcome of a financial fraud crisis that brought down the entire economy, causing massive unemployment and cutbacks.

“The cutback in services in [the clerk’s]

posal but was not obligated to accept it. “They have several options,” he said. “Their options could range from rejecting the bid, accepting it, rebidding the project, or rejecting it and waiting.”

Because Wellington received one proposal, it will not go through the typical selection committee process, he said.

“If we had received more than one proposal, we would typically have set up a selection committee. But since we have received one, it is up to [the council] how we proceed,” he said.

Though council members had not yet seen the proposal, Mayor

Challenger Lisa Epstein office is the direct outflow of the financial fraud crisis,” she said. “Until we, as a nation, as a state, and as a county, start holding our elected officials accountable to standing up and protecting citizens, it is just going to drag on and happen again.”

Epstein said the public’s confidence in government and the judiciary is being eroded. She said voters should vote for her because she can make a difference.

“We now have a public that knows that when you go into court against a financial institution, you are going to lose, even if you’re right,” she said. “We do not hold financial institutions accountable for massive fraud, for perjury and for forgery.”

For more information about Epstein, visit www.lisaforclerk.com.

Bob Margolis said he was aware of the bid.

Margolis said he has been an advocate for using the land for a public purpose since it was purchased for public use.

“It was originally purchased to be a park, but [the Wellington Environmental Preserve] alleviated some of our concerns about open space,” he said. “I would entertain several ideas for the property, from keeping it open space to turning it into a park, or using it to entice a veterinary school or other medical school to come to Wellington.”

But, he said, he’d like to see it

put before residents. “I’d like to have a workshop to get resident input,” he said.

Margolis said he could not speak about the submitted proposal but said he was expecting to discuss it with village staff and the council.

He said, however, that he had some concerns about the zoning, which could allow for something like a hotel or retail space to be built. “We don’t have to decide on anything right now,” Margolis said, noting that the organic farm currently using the land had renewed its lease. “I’m just so happy we have the land.”

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ELECTION 2012: CIRCUIT COURT RACES

Former PBG Official Jody Lane Seeks To Unseat Judge McCarthy

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Circuit Court Judge Tim McCarthy faces a challenge from former Palm Beach Gardens Councilwoman Jody Lane in his bid for re-election.

The two are vying for the Group 2 seat on Aug. 14. The election is nonpartisan and open to all Palm Beach County voters.

Lane is a 25-year Palm Beach Gardens resident who served on the council from 2005 to 2010. A native of New York, she spent a decade on Wall Street working in financial management before earning her law degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Lane was hired as an assistant state attorney in Palm Beach County and spent three years there, winning a promotion to division chief.

She then went into her own practice, working in property, criminal and civil law. “As a circuit court judge, I can be placed in any of those divisions. I have experience in all of them,” she said.

Lane said she decided to run because she was concerned McCarthy would not able to serve his full term. He must retire when he

turns 70, which will occur a little less than halfway through his term if he’s re-elected.

“I’m ready to go on the bench, while he’s ready to retire,” Lane said. “Then the government gets to appoint someone, and voters lose the power of their vote. We trust the electorate to choose our judges, but they are only getting half their vote.”

Lane also said she thought McCarthy does not show the level of respect she believes the office deserves, pointing to part of a bar poll where many lawyers ranked him low in demeanor. “He doesn’t show respect when people come in his courtroom,” she said.

Lane also raised concerns that McCarthy has taken contributions from lawyers that she said have open cases before him. “I would never do that,” she said.

If elected, Lane said she would make time for every case, come into court prepared and try to be efficient. “That means taking the time for every litigant and reading all the motions filed by lawyers,” she said. “I understand the importance of budget problems and that it’s

important to keep the docket moving, but that is secondary to making sure that every litigant gets a fair and impartial consideration.”

Lane said a change in the seat is guaranteed, whether it’s now or in three years. “The future is now,” she said. “I’m a good candidate.

I’m fair and impartial, and I will fulfill the term.”

For more info., visit www.jody laneforjudge.com.

McCarthy has spent 14 years as a circuit judge in Palm Beach County, presiding over civil, criminal and juvenile cases since 2000.

Prior to that, he was a family court judge in Delray Beach.

He received his law degree from Notre Dame in 1971. In 1973, he started at the State Attorney’s Office, where he was eventually made felony division chief. In 1975, he left the office to go into private practice.

For 22 years he represented clients mostly in civil cases. He received his Florida Board Certification in civil trial law and business litigation. He was also given the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell, a peer-review board.

McCarthy was appointed a cir-

cuit court judge in 1998. He now also serves as judicial mentor coordinator, helping to train new judges.

McCarthy points to his long experience as the reason voters should choose him. “I have been a judge for 14 years, and before that, I worked hard to gain the experience necessary to preside over these cases,” he said.

McCarthy said that he strives to be a fair and impartial voice and to give every person who walks in his courtroom a chance.

McCarthy said that though he is required to retire, he hopes to continue to serve as a senior judge. “I will be serving two years and nine months of the term, and then I can become a senior judge when I retire in 2015,” he said.

Regarding the bar poll, McCarthy said that he rated highly in the other eight categories of the poll but has acknowledged the criticism.

“I do accept that if 115 lawyers tell me I need improvement, there may be an issue,” he said. “I have taken steps to try to improve and talked to a professional.”

But, he said, tough judges re-

Judge Tim McCarthy

Challenger Jody Lane

quire punctuality and professionalism in the courtroom. “I may have imposed old-fashioned standards that some people don’t like,” McCarthy said.

He also addressed claims that he should not take campaign contributions from trial lawyers, noting that it has been declared both legal and ethical. “She has also accepted contributions from lawyers, and there are safeguards in

place to ensure it remains ethical,” McCarthy said.

Ultimately, McCarthy said voters should recognize his experience and return him to the bench. “I am, by far, the most experienced person in my race,” he said. “Over the last 14 years, I have ensured that everyone was treated fairly and impartially.”

For more info., visit www.reelect mccarthy.com.

Retirement Age Key Issue In Alvarez-Goodman Judicial Election

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Circuit Court Judge Ron Alvarez faces a re-election challenge from attorney Jaimie Goodman, who hopes to take his place on the bench.

Both Alvarez and Goodman are up for the Group 9 seat on Aug.

14. The election is nonpartisan and open to all Palm Beach County voters.

Goodman, 54, of Jupiter, was born in Queens, N.Y. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Cornell University. He has more than 25 years of courtroom experience and 29 years of litiga-

Judge Ron Alvarez

Challenger Jaimie Goodman

tion experience in state and federal courts.

After graduation, Goodman worked for five years as in-house counsel at General Motors in Detroit. In 1993, he opened a private practice catering to civil rights victims in employment discrimination cases, moving his practice to West Palm Beach in 1999.

In 2010, he ran for election to the Circuit Court Group 33 seat and came in second in a four-way race won by Lisa Small.

Goodman decided to run because Alvarez will not be able to serve his full term due to the state’s mandatory retirement age, meaning the governor will appoint a new judge in his place. “He’s required to step down with less than one-third of his six-year term served,” Goodman told the TownCrier.

This is a problem, he said, because voters don’t get a voice.

“Under the Florida Constitution, voters have the right to elect their circuit court and county court judges,” he said. “I don’t believe in the

appointment process. I believe voters should decide.”

Goodman said that he would be a hard worker who listens to those who come before him. “What’s important is that everyone gets a fair shake in the courtroom,” he said.

Goodman noted that his campaign is entirely self-financed, something he decided to do in order to maintain independence.

“My campaign does not accept contributions from attorneys or anyone else,” he said. “People’s faith in an independent judicial system is very important to me.”

He said voters should choose him because he will be a fair, impartial and ethical judge. “I hold myself to a higher ethical standard,” he said. “I care about our community, and I am the only candidate in this race who can serve a full term.”

For more information, visit www. jaimiegoodman.com.

Alvarez, 67, is a native of Indiana. He earned his bachelor ’s and law degrees from Indiana Univer-

sity. In 1972, he moved to Palm Beach County and began working with a private firm doing jury litigation.

He later opened his own practice, where he remained until 1992 when he applied to the Judicial Nominating Committee. He was appointed a circuit judge in 1993.

Alvarez has served on the bench for 19 years, with 13 of those years spent in the juvenile division, something he considers his passion.

“You can really help people,” he said. “I never give up on my kids, no matter how much trouble they have or how many times they come before me with issues.”

Alvarez has been an advocate for juveniles in the court system, and championed a program that brings therapy dogs into the courts to help ease stress. He said he’d like to expand this program.

“It makes an amazing difference,” he said. “The kids walk in all stiff, but after a few minutes of interacting with the dog, they relax. If a child has to testify, we bring

the dog and handler up there to provide support.”

Though he will have to leave the bench in October 2014, Alvarez said he hopes to continue his work as a senior judge.

“I still have a lot to accomplish,” he said, noting that he’d like to see a mental health court for juveniles as well as equal plea offers given to youth that are offered to adults charged with drug crimes.

Additionally, he noted, whoever replaces him must stand for reelection. “One year after they are appointed, they must stand for reelection,” he said. “Seventy percent of the judges serving in Palm Beach County reached the bench through the appointment process.”

Alvarez said voters should choose him because of his experience and passion for his job. “I am the most competent and qualified candidate,” he said. “I have the expertise, and I don’t have blemishes on my record.”

For more information, visit www. voteforronalvarez.com.

Attorney Margherita Downey Takes Aim At Judge James Martz

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Attorney Margherita Downey is challenging Circuit Court Judge James Martz for his spot on the bench in this month’s election.

Both candidates hope to secure the Circuit Court Group 26 seat on Aug. 14. The nonpartisan election is open to all Palm Beach County voters.

Downey earned a bachelor’s degree from Barry University, a master’s degree in public administration from Florida Atlantic University and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University.

She worked for four years as a Florida state trooper and then served as a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reserve officer. In 2000, she became an assistant public defender in Palm Beach County, a position she held for three years. Downey now works as an arbitrator for the Florida Bar Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee.

Downey said she has dedicated much of her career to assisting youth and families through the legal system, be it with her work for the Guardian Ad Litem program,

the Children’s Rights Council of South Florida or as a Youth Court volunteer judge.

“I have represented thousands of everyday people, from moms and dads to grandparents, children and teenagers,” she told the Town-Crier. “I have listened to their problems and seen their tears. I have a heart for families and compassion for people.”

Downey said she is the most experienced candidate in the race and will be able to work not only in the family court but in all divisions of the circuit court.

Downey said she decided to run in order to help people. “I can help more people as a judge than I can in private practice,” she said.

She said she chose to run against Martz because she felt that he does not respect the people in his courtroom, especially women.

“I believe I can do a better job,” she said. “I believe I’m better qualified. We need a change on the bench, and Judge Martz does not have the judicial demeanor for family court.”

Downey said she is financing her own campaign. “I’m putting my money where his mouth is,” she

said. “I’m not taking contributions.

I feel that good public servants need to be honest with the public and serve the public, and that’s what I intend to do.”

For more info., visit www.ms downey.com.

Martz, a native of New York, was born into a family of law-enforcement officers. When he was 20 years old, he moved to Santa Monica, Calif., and joined the police force.

In 1979, he returned to New York and joined the police department there, where he served 14 years.

He later moved to Palm Beach County and earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern.

Martz worked for 11 years in the state attorney’s office and most famously prosecuted Rush Limbaugh. He was nominated and appointed to the county court, where he served in the civil, criminal and domestic violence divisions for five years.

Two years ago, he applied to move to the circuit court and was again nominated and appointed.

“I’m very proud that I was able to get appointed,” he said.

During his time on the circuit

court bench, he has worked mostly in family court. “It’s a challenge,” he said. “It can be frustrating, but it’s what I do. I have served people all my life, and I’ve never shied away from a tough assignment.”

Martz said he has worked to help families by bringing everyone to the table. “I can’t take all the credit,” he said. “I have always been a collaborator, bringing all the stakeholders together to work and recognize the needs of everyone else, then coming up with a plan that will benefit everyone.”

Martz characterized himself as a hard worker, noting that he has cut in half a 14-month backlog.

“People should be able to get on with their lives,” he said. “You want families to know the answers in a reasonable time, or the acrimony gets worse.”

Martz said that his opponent has appeared infrequently in his court and is getting information from litigants who were unhappy with his decisions. “It appears to me that she has taken one side of the story as gospel and made a judgment of me,” he said. “That is the exact characteristic we don’t

Judge James Martz

Challenger Margherita Downey

want on the bench.”

He said that based on one incident in court, she has labeled him as disrespectful toward women. “I requested for her to follow a simple rule, which was to go out and talk to the other side,” Martz said.

“I said it to both lawyers, and the lawyer opposing her was also a woman.”

Martz said that voters should choose him because he has shown

he is experienced, efficient and dedicated to the job.

“I have an exemplary record,” he said. “I’ve never been disciplined by any regulating body. My appellate reversal record is the lowest in the county. I’ve also become an example of efficiency in family law and continue to work tirelessly in the hardest division.”

For more info., visit www.vote judgemartz.com.

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 9

NEWS

FUNDRAISING DINNER IN WELLINGTON HELPS ROYAL PALM COVENANT CHURCH A fundraising benefit for Royal Palm Covenant Church was held Sunday, July 29 at the original Wellington Mall. The event f eatured a live auction, raffle prizes, music by Copeland Davis and more. The church is having financial problems and is in danger of foreclosure. To make a donation, visit TD Bank or PNC Bank and specify the Royal Palm Covenant Church Building Fund account. For more info., call (561) 793-1077. A golf tournament to benefit the church is set for Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Binks Forest Golf Club.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria hosted the evening.

Rose Gibson, Margaret Sandifer and Elaine Earle.

Jess Santamaria and his wife, Victoria, Pastor Michael Rose, Mary and Copeland Davis, and visiting church leaders.

Copeland Davis chats with guests and plays the piano.

Sandra and Kenandy Mitchell with Jacqueline and Garia Francis.

Barry Manning with Royal Palm Covenant Church Pastor Michael Rose.

Myrna Williams and Iris Conliffe at the check-in table.

The Tabernacle of Pentecost members sing.

E.J. La Touche of the Tabernacle of Pentecost.

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 11

Page 12 August 3 - August 9, 2012

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NEWS

SHOPPERS, SELLERS TURN OUT FOR ROYAL PALM BEACH INDOOR FLEA MARKET The Village of Royal Palm Beach held an indoor flea market Friday, July 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Vendors sold collectibles, clothing, accessories, toys, jewelry and more. The event was well attended, and there were bargains galore. The next indoor flea market will be held in December. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Yesteryear Village crafters Roxie Coleman, Carol Bailey, B.J. Maxwell and Eleanor Walker.

Sarah McKenzie gets info from Claudette Rifenberg of Party Lite.

Skylar Kesselman and Iris Levin.

Attis Solomon, Dolly Hughes and Vinette Tracey.

Joy Klein, Shirley Siegel and Joan Kelley show their playful side.

Yvonne Lovelace shows Dorothy Slade kids clothes.

Local TV Series To Focus On Arts Integration In The Classroom This summer, television viewers are invited to tune in to Cultural Capital and enjoy seeing kids in Palm Beach County classrooms learning through the power of the arts. The programs, hosted by Bill Nix, vice president of marketing and government affairs of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, regularly airs each month.

Cultural Capital will be shown at 10 p.m. Sundays, 10 p.m. Mondays, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, 11 a.m.

Fridays and 10:30 p.m. Saturdays on Palm Beach County TV Channel 20.

In the first of the two-part series scheduled to air in August, Shawn Berry, the Cultural Council’s manager of arts and cultural education, and Dr. Gail Burnaford, a Florida

Atlantic University professor and expert in the area of arts integration, share with Nix what “arts integration” is and what it means when it comes to enhancing learning among children.

An added conversation with Nix, Pam Miller, chair of the Center for Creative Education, and Ronni Gerstel, a Palm Beach County artist, takes viewers inside a thirdgrade classroom at Hidden Oaks Elementary School in Lantana, to see how artists and teachers are working together, led by the CCE, to discover new, creative ways to reach children with the usual traditional lessons in social studies.

“It’s a known fact that when kids have art in school, they perform better, behave better and

have a better outlook on life,” Nix said.

The second show, scheduled to air in September, will continue exploring enhanced learning opportunities for children with art when Burnaford returns, this time, sharing a conversation with Jan Rodusky, the Cultural Council’s director of grants.

“The council is pleased to fund programs in arts integration by investing thousands of dollars into community educational programs,” Rodusky said. “We believe very strongly in our efforts to introduce children to art — and to reach all types of learners by supporting the arts as a vehicle for learning.”

An added segment in the show

introduces viewers to Palm Beach County teacher Dr. Lavinia Draper, a Fulbright Award recipient, and Principal Adrienne Howard of U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School in West Palm Beach. The two will share successes at combing hands-on art projects with core curriculum components, and how Draper’s application for the distinguished award won her a threemonth scholarship to the United Kingdom.

In a conversation led by Nix, Draper and Howard will discuss the eagerly anticipated fall experience, when Draper will teach, share best practices with peer educators, and conduct research in her area of interest and expertise in arts integration.

U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Principal Adrienne Howard with Cultural Capital host Bill Nix and teacher Dr. Lavinia Draper.

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 13

SCHOOL NEWS

King’s Academy Students Attend Naval Academy’s STEM Program Three students from the King’s Academy recently returned from five days at the United States Naval Academy, where they participated in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

(STEM) program.

Rising eighth-graders Joe Divine, Samantha Michlowitz and Megan Sheffer-Herman were accepted into this prestigious program based on their devotion to

Megan Scheffer-Herman with other delegates at the National Air and Space Museum.

academic proficiency and community enrichment, as well as their personal leadership potential.

The STEM program is designed to encourage rising eighththrough 11th-grade students to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology throughout high school and college. The students experienced real-life application of math and science principles through hands-on practical learning. In particular, the extreme physics class was a favorite among TKA attendees as they studied sound waves and learned how humans see and hear.

After a full day of classes, students participated in sports and enjoyed a social activity after dinner such as movies and ice cream.

“It was the best experience of my life,” Sheffer-Herman said. “I loved meeting people from around the nation and the Naval Academy is now my first choice of colleges.”

TKA Secondary Principal Son-

Samantha Michlowitz

Megan Scheffer-Herman

Joe Devine

ya Jones said the school is “extremely proud of our students and their selection into this prestigious program. This was a great opportunity for them to experience the rigors of military academy academics while also participating in

sports and field trips and meeting people from all over the country.”

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West

Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit the school’s web site at www.tka.net.

Health Care District School Health Administrator Anne Hedges Retires School Health Administrator Anne Hedges has retired after nearly 15 years at the helm of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s nationally recognized School Health program.

At its regular monthly meeting July 11, the Health Care District’s Board of Commissioners and CEO Dr. Ronald J. Wiewora honored Hedges for her leadership and dedication. Hedges, who joined the district in 1998, developed the School Health program with the goal of placing a registered nurse in every public school in the county. As a result of her vision and

guidance, the program has matured into a comprehensive clinical operation of more than 200 fulltime registered nurses in 169 public schools who keep 170,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade healthy and ready to learn.

“Hedges’ contributions have been critical to building and implementing the kind of program the Health Care District and its community partners envisioned when the School Health program began in 1997,” said Wiewora, who also serves as the Health Care District’s chief medical officer. “She was instrumental in developing this pro-

gram, and under her expert guidance, it has become a model in Florida and across the nation.”

The Health Care District’s school nurses, in concert with families, school faculty and local providers, improve community health by helping students and their families navigate the healthcare delivery system. During her tenure, Hedges achieved a milestone as public school students across the county graduated high school having had the benefit of a school nurse on campus from the time they began kindergarten through 12th grade.

Hedges has been recognized in the community for her dedication and commitment to the health of Palm Beach County students. In 2011, Hedges was the recipient of Palm Healthcare Foundation’s prestigious Leadership Award at its annual Nursing Distinction Awards, which recognizes area nurses for their contributions and work in serving patients and their community.

In March of this year, the Quantum Foundation, an early partner in the launch of the School Health program, presented its first Change Leader Award, along with

a $5,000 grant, to the Health Care District’s School Health Program and praised Hedges for her leadership.

The Health Care District provides $11.5 million to staff and operate the School Health program and provide medical oversight.

The School District of Palm Beach County provides an additional $2,550,000 toward the program. The Palm Beach County Health Department ensures the execution of the annual School Health Plan filed with the State of Florida and also provides medical oversight of the program.

Anne Hedges

Huntington Learning Center: Prepare Your Student To Go Back To School If your child could use a little help getting back into the school swing of things, there are a number of simple things you can do to make the transition easier.

“Take steps these final few weeks of summer to help your student prepare mentally and otherwise for a new school year,” said Mary Fisher of the Wellington Huntington Learning Center.

Fisher offers these tips to ready children for the first day and week of school: • Call up friends — If your child hasn’t seen classmates from last

year all summer, now is a great time to arrange a few activities with school friends. If you know students who will be in your child’s class, encourage your child to reach out to them, too.

• Make a school visit — Stop by the school at least once to let your child walk around and check out his or her new classroom, if possible. If your child has an opportunity to meet staff members and his or her new teacher (at backto-school night or in another way), take advantage.

• Go over the routine — If your

summer routine has been relaxed, now is the time to remind your child how a typical school day will go.

If needed, start enforcing a reasonable bedtime a few weeks before school starts. Hang a family schedule and/or calendar in a visible place.

• Get the home organized — Keep hooks near the entry door to your home where your child can keep the backpack, jacket and other school gear. Have him or her organize his or her desk or homework area. Take your child shopping to restock school and orga-

nizational supplies for the home and the classroom. Don’t forget to buy a new planner for him or her to use to stay on top of all obligations and assignments.

• Do some refresher work — The final few weeks of summer, incorporate a little school work into your child’s daily schedule, using workbooks or worksheets from last year to brush up on math, reading and other basics. To practice writing, have your child keep a daily journal on the things he or she did this summer. As you bump up bedtime, include reading in the

nightly routine — letting your child choose books from the library.

• Sit down to talk about goals — Goal setting can be a powerful tool. Talk with your child about the things that he or she would like to accomplish or change this school year — academic or otherwise. If your child had any difficulties last year, let him or her know that you are there to help and want to maintain open communication about school.

When it comes to preparing for back to school, a little can go a long way.

“Back to school preparation is largely about getting in the right mindset,” Fisher said. “Help your child prepare by talking positively about this coming school year and the good things to come. Remind your child of the best parts of school, and also let him or her know that you’re always there to help problem solve when issues arise.”

The Wellington Huntington Learning Center is located at 2655 State Road 7. For more information, contact Fisher at (561) 5941900 or fisherm@hlcmail.com.

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OBITUARIES

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Howard Scott Hyber Groves Artist Featured At Cultural Council Of Wellington, 53 Howard Scott Hyber of Wellington passed away July 7. He was 53.

Born in Queens, N.Y., he moved to Florida in 1997 with his family.

He graduated from Baruch College at the City University of New York and started a successful career in sales and marketing, developing his own marketing and advertising agency. Hyber was named Ambassador of the Month by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce working as associate publisher.

Hyber was an ambitious professional and a loyal business associate to all who had the honor of interacting with him. He was also a dedicated family man who loved his wife and sons and would take every opportunity to share their accomplishments with friends and co-workers.

Hyber was an inspirational husband, father and friend and was always there to reach out to anyone in need. He was an avid sports fan and was well versed on the lat-

Howard Scott Hyber est happenings with his favorite teams, such as the Mets, Jets, Knicks and Rangers.

Hyber is survived by his wife, Beth, sons Jason and Josh, as well as his parents. A memorial service was held on July 11 at Star of David Funeral Chapel of the Palm Beaches.

Gregory B. Sawkiw Passes Away At 55 Gregory B. “Gregg” Sawkiw of Lake Worth passed away on July 20. He was 55.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on June 27, 1957, Gregg was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Genevieve. Sawkiw was employed as a registered nurse by Empathy Care Inc. in Boca Raton and previously employed by West Boca Medical Center.

Sawkiw is survived by his partner of 23 years, Gregg Marconi, and their children: Parker, 6, and Bryce, 5. Sawkiw is also survived by his sister, Joanne Smart, and his brother, Roland Larsen, both from Canada. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation hours will be Friday, Aug. 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church (1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington). A memorial service will be held at the church Saturday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up for Parker and Bryce

Gregg Sawkiw at TD Bank. The account number is 4270357324.

The family wishes to thank Pastor Marjorie Weiss of St. Michael Lutheran Church for her time and assistance. A monetary donation may also be made to the church in Sawkiw’s name.

Friends and family may log on to www.palmswestfuneralhome. com to post messages and condolences.

To Karen McGovern, art is nature and nature is art.

“Art and nature are one and the same to me,” said McGovern, a Loxahatchee Groves artist. “You cannot have one without the other.”

A conservation biologist by day and jewelry designer by night, McGovern finds her inspiration to create jewelry at home, where she also works, at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation. Surrounded by rare animal species of parrots, primates and antelope, along with a multitude of plants natural to Florida’s landscape, this is where she often discovers “finds” to incorporate into her artwork — bones, feathers and cat eyes, among them.

Ideas for McGovern’s wearable art designs, which include necklaces and lockets, stem from original short stories and poems that McGovern herself has written.

Each is displayed on parchment paper, and attached, to shed light on her unique creations.

“These stories I call ‘imaginings,’” McGovern said regarding the words that give wearers a delightful peek into her vivid imagination.

Antiquities, found objects such as fur, seeds, shells and botanicals, make up her sculptural works such as theaters, totems and talismans, to name a few of her freestanding creations. McGovern calls her designs an honest reflection of her view of the world.

“Some of my designs are shocking, disturbing, yet compelling as well,” she said.

As a member of the Palm Beach Cultural Council, McGovern has her art for sale at the Cultural Council’s Uniquely Palm Beach Store in Lake Worth. The store features the work of 50 local artists and cultural organizations with more than 1,000 items in stock.

When she sells her pieces, she puts the money raised toward boosting awareness for wildlife conservation.

“I’m showing this work nowhere else,” McGovern said. “I hope the public embraces this gallery.”

The Cultural Council is Palm Beach County’s official arts agency and serves nonprofit cultural organizations and professional artists throughout the county. Its responsibilities include marketing the county’s cultural experiences to visitors and residents, adminis-

Artist Karen McGovern at her home in Loxahatchee Groves. tering grants to organizations and artists, expanding arts and cultural education opportunities, advocating for funding and arts-friendly policies, and serving cultural

organizations and artists through capacity building training and exposure to funders and audiences.

For more information, visit www. palmbeachculture.com.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Festival Of Trees Organizers of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens’ sixth annual Festival of Trees are gearing up for the event, which is set for Friday, Nov. 30 at the gardens in downtown West Palm Beach.

The theme is “Masterpiece of Music.” Immersed in the holiday spirit, the gala reception features artfully designed evergreen trees, musical performances, costumed characters, and a synchronized light and music show throughout the gardens.

The festival will open with an enchanting holiday gala reception.

Enjoy the holiday season and stroll through the magical Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens to a plethora of evergreen trees decorated as a salute to music. Adults and children will be captivated by the wonder of the decorated trees, characters in costume, and delightful entertainment.

This extraordinary evening is the major fundraising event for the gardens and its community enrichment programs. The Festival of Trees provides an opportunity to preserve and support the histori-

cal and cultural treasure, as well as provide funding for visits and cultural education to thousands of students annually.

The honorary chairs are Karyn Lamb, Joseph Pubillones and Mieke van Waveren. Millie Dayton, Helenè Lorentzen and K.C. Pickett will serve as co-chairs, and Jennifer Garrigues will be the design chair.

The mission of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is to preserve the historic beauty of the gardens.

Since 1977, the nationally designated property and sculpture gardens have been home to over 300 unique species of palms and native plants. Established by artist Ann Norton to be home to her outdoor sculptures, the sculpture gardens have grown to be an important cultural institution giving the community and visitors the opportunity to explore nature and art in environmentally conscience and urban setting.

The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Inc. is a recognized nonprofit operating foundation established in 1977 by the promi-

Festival of Trees Honorary co-chairs Karyn Lamb and Mieke van Waveren.

PHOTO COURTESY LUCIEN CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

nent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton.

The gardens are located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist stu-

dio are currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (561) 832-5328 or visit the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens web site at www.ansg.org.

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 15

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

KidSanctuary Campus Hosts Local Designers At PGA International On Wednesday July 18, local interior designers and related businesses convened at PGA International to unveil their room themes by displaying storyboards for the first KidSanctuary Campus home.

The home and its interiors will be complete by late November with a Designer Showcase Open House Dec. 1-2 at its location at 555 Safe Haven Drive in West Palm Beach.

KidSanctuary Campus Inc. is a charitable organization located in Palm Beach County committed to

assisting children who have been removed from their home because of neglect and abuse. With land donated by Palm Beach County, and a capital campaign currently in place, the 5-acre residential facility broke ground with its first home on Oct. 5, 2011. The J.M. Rubin Foundation has sponsored the first house to be named the Rubin Cottage. The second home has been sponsored and the ground breaking is estimated to take place in February 2013. The

Design Chair Angela Reynolds and KidSanctuary President Connie Frankino.

second home will be named the Dodero Family Cottage. The capital campaign will continue to raise the necessary funds for the construction of two additional homes and a recreational/therapy building.

“A roster of our area’s top designers and vendors have come together to offer their services to create a spectacular design showcase that will be a safe haven for children who deserve an environment that is trustworthy, dependable and reliable,” said Connie Frankino, president of KidSanctuary Campus. “With the construction of the first house nearly complete, we are excited about moving toward the interiors of the home, and seeing each of the designer concepts tonight really helped bring the vision to reality.

We are thankful for everyone’s philanthropic efforts that will impact so many children for years to come.”

Design Chair Angela Reynolds said the evening was an “opportunity to meet and share our vision by displaying concept boards for everyone to see. It was special to hear the designer’s enthusiasm as they explain how the kids will relate and function in the space.

The designers went that extra mile to create a magical space for the children. The dining room has a Dr. Seuss theme, one of the bedrooms has a modern wooded theme, and the living room was so over the top fabulous. At the reception we realized we had collaborated to create something amaz-

ing, and we all had goose bumps while we all shared our vision.”

Participating designers include Angela Reynolds Design, Austin Hancock, Carousel Kitchen and Bath, Cynthia Thomas Interiors, the Fava Design Group, Jack Phillips, JMA Interior Design, Joseph Pubillones of JP Interiors, NGX Studio, Melody Smith, Jacquelyn Armour, the Sunflower Room, Chelsea Lane Designs and Home Life Interiors. Throughout, each designer has been able to work with local and national vendors who have donated items for the house. Companies offering product and services include Around the Edge, Artistry Woodcraft/ Knapp Kitchens, Brooks Painting, Ceramic Technics/Iris Ceramica, Ferguson, the Glass Tile Store, Haifa General, Max Urban Millwork, Onshore Construction and Design, Porcelanosa, and Wallpaper by Wendy.

KidSanctuary Campus Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing a safe home for abused, abandoned and neglected children in Florida. The mission for Kid Sanctuary Campus is to ensure that each child receives the benefits of a sense of belonging and permanency in a caring and positive environment that nurtures self-esteem and hope.

For more information on KidSanctuary or how to donate to KidSanctuary Campus, contact Executive Director Patrick DeSantis at (561) 653-8274 or patrick desantis@bellsouth.net.

Amanda Wollenweber, Andrea Cameron and Lydia Kurth.

PHOTOS COURTESY FREHM PHOTOGRAPHY

Brittany Smith Makes Dean’s List At Grand Valley State University Grand Valley State University has announced that Brittany Smith of Wellington made the dean’s list for the winter semester.

The list includes students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.

Located in Allendale, Mich., Grand Valley State University is

dedicated to providing a rich learning environment for students, offering a wide range of majors and hands-on research opportunities.

Highly credentialed and responsive faculty and individual advisors and mentors promote a liberal arts emphasis that teaches students critical thinking and problem solving.

For more information, visit www. gvsu.edu.

Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414.

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

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NEWS

CENTRAL CHAMBER HOSTS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MIXER AT FRANCESCA’S The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Young Professionals mixer Wednesday, July 25 at Francesca’s Pizza in Royal Palm Beach. The mission of the group is to allow young professionals a chance to network with each other to develop both professionally and personally. For more inf o., call Jessica Clasby at (561) 790-6200 or visit www.cpbchamber.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Francesca’s owner Danielle Vallone received a certificate of appreciation from the chamber’s Jessica Clasby.

John Wendler, Megan Kolhagen and Sam Dickerson.

Little Smiles Executive Director Ashley Gordon with chamber membership account representative Tony Zapata.

Attorneys Cathy Sobke and Brianna Blackston.

Judicial candidate Jaimie Goodman with Rob Jager of Hedgehog Consulting.

Mariela Castillo, Tony Zapata and Jessica Clasby.

Pete Ganci, Mary Miller, Kristin Spillane and Bruce Ringette.

CHARITY BASKETBALL GAME TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue held a charity basketball game to benefit the American Heart Association on Friday, July 27 at John I. Leonard High School. There was a celebrity basketball game featuring players from ESPN760, followed by a PBCFR and PBSO match-up. The event also featured food, drink, T-shir t sales, and a variety of police and f irerescue vehicles. There were also performances by the Palm Beach Makos cheerleaders and the Palm Beach Matrix, as well as a DJ and raffles. All proceeds benefited the American Heart Association.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Quincy Defreitas races down the court, guarded by Joe Callela.

James Washington dribbles across the court.

Ryan Burke races toward the basket.

Adam Sakonas is guarded by Nicholas Pietro Jr.

The Town-Crier

Audition For ‘The Nutcracker’ In Wellington Wellington Ballet Theatre is holding auditions for its second annual Nutcracker Tea. The performance will feature highlights of The Nutcracker and also showcase the company’s winter repertoire. High-level dancers are invited to attend the audition and will be expected to dance en pointe.

Apprentice-level and beginning-level ballet students are also encouraged to attend. The audition will consist of a master class given by Melissa Waters and will include a classical barre and the execution of various technical steps for the student to perform in center and across the floor. The audition will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Dance Arts Conservatory (12260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1, Wellington).An RSVP is required order to participate in the audition. To confirm your attendance, e-mail info@wellington ballettheatre.com or call (561) 2961880.

To further encourage young dancers to come out for the audi-

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NEWS BRIEFS tion, Wellington Ballet Theatre will be holding a dance intensive for serious students Aug. 6-17. The faculty will feature many of South Florida’s premier teachers, including Sandra Goodnough, Fran Peters, Melissa Waters, Herbert Dingle, Andrea Oran, Dale Dewey, Rocky Duvall, Dorie Duvall, Rob MacGregor and Jackie Zitelli. The curriculum will be focused in ballet, pointe (with pre-pointe), contemporary, jazz, lyrical, modern, African, acro, technique and conditioning, yoga and zumba. The dance intensive will be held at the Dance Arts Conservatory. Space is limited. For more information, call (561) 296-1880 or e-mail info@ wellingtonballettheatre.org.

Wellington Ballet Theatre is a performing company and school of ballet registered as a not-forprofit and charitable organization, dedicated to promoting and preserving the dance arts in our communities. It provides a cultural experience by dancing historical and classical ballets as well as original and innovative choreographies.

Auditions, workshops, master classes and dance demonstrations are open to all members of the dance community, providing an

outlet for all students of artistic merit to express themselves and learn more about classical dance as a form of art.

To further develop its reputation in the community, the Wellington Ballet Theatre is available for black-tie performance events and other fundraiser entertainment opportunities. It is located at 11260 Fortune Circle, Suite J-1, Wellington. For interest in upcoming performances, ballet classes or bookings, visit www.wellington ballettheatre.org or contact founder Rocky Duvall at info@ wellingtonballettheatre.org or (561) 296-1880.

Bak/Dreyfoos Audition Prep Class At ArtStart Wellington-based ArtStart has announced that it will offer a oneweek audition prep class for visual arts students who plan to submit an application to the Bak Middle School of the Arts or the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The fiveday session begins Monday, Aug. 13.

Each student will be asked to

bring with them whatever work they have completed, so it can be reviewed and a decision made about whether to include the piece in the student’s portfolio.

Whatever looks “great,” said ArtStart’s Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi, will be considered for the portfolio. Areas in need of improvement will be addressed, and “the students will complete some wonderful new work for their portfolios, and will gain confidence in their ability to do the work.”

Parssi, a professional artist who teaches the class, said her goal is “to help students gain the confidence they will need when it comes to presenting their portfolios and doing the on-site work that is required of them at the interview.”

“Hands-on” is how Parssi described her teaching technique.

“Each student is different, and each has different areas that could stand a bit more focus,” she said.

For that reason, class size is kept to a minimum, allowing each student to receive the help he or she needs. “In the end, the student has to do the work,” Parssi said. “But we’ll give them the tools they need to do it, and do it well.”

The class schedule is as fol-

August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 17

lows: Session B1, Bak VisualArts, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon; Session B2, Bak Visual Arts, Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m.; and Session D3, Dreyfoos Visual Arts, Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Class size is limited to six students. Call (561) 635-2037 to schedule and register. The cost to attend Visual Arts Camp is $200. The class includes art supplies expert instruction and critique taught by Parssi, ArtStart president and founder. For more information, visit www.artstartinc.org.

Free Pap Tests Aug. 6 At Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood will celebrate its annual Free Pap Test Day on Monday, Aug. 6 with free testing at the Wellington Health Center (10111 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 340).

It is recommended that women over 21 get a pap test at least every three years to screen for cervical cancer. But almost 2 million women in Florida have no health

insurance, and even more are underinsured. Planned Parenthood is offering this potentially lifesaving test at no cost to women in the community.

To make an appointment, call (800) 551-4060. Appointments are limited and should be made early.

For more information, visit www. ppsoflo.org.

Children’s Author To Read At Palm Beach Zoo The Palm Beach Zoo will host well-known children’s author Theresa Burns on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. She will sign books after each presentation.

The zoo has received a $4,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to expand its conservation and educational youth reading program, which includes hosting Burns, who will read her books You’re Not My Cat, This Bear and That Bear, and The New Kangaroo.

For more information, visit www. palmbeachzoo.org or call (561) 5330887. To learn more about the PNC Grow Up Great initiative, visit www. pncgrowupgreat.com.

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NEWS

Five Property Tax Amendments Await Florida Voters In November

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Acreage resident John Thomas, an employee in the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, updated members of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association last week on several of the 12 proposed amendments to the state constitution coming before voters in November.

At the July 26 meeting, Thomas explained that five of the amendments deal with property tax issues and could make his job appraising property much more complicated. Those amendments would provide additional exemptions for certain groups of people, Thomas said. “In the past, there was only the homestead exemption,” he said.

In 1992, the Save Our Homes amendment passed, which placed a 3 percent cap on the amount the assessed value

can go up on a homesteaded property, which he said presented an unforeseen problem because there was no provision for the market to drop.

Through the years, many smaller exemptions were added. There are now about 30 different exemptions, including for conservation, widows, veterans and people with disabilities.

Thomas said that he thought the new proposed amendments would only add to the inequities in tax exemptions. “I suggest you go to the Division of Elections and read the amendments,” he said. “They are quite long. It will take about an hour and a half.”

Amendment 2 would allow an additional exemption for veterans with a combatrelated disability who were not Florida residents when they went into the service, equal to the percentage of their combatrelated injury.

Amendment 4 is long and tricky. The three-part amendment would address what would happen when property values go down by prohibiting an assessment increase on a homestead and certain other homes if the market value is less than the market value on the preceding Jan. 1. The second part would reduce the assessed value increase cap from 10 percent to 5 percent on any property that does not have a homestead exemption. The third part would provide an additional homestead exemption to every person who establishes a homestead exemption within one year after purchasing the homestead property, and has not owned a property in the prior three years to which the Florida homestead exemption applied.

Amendment 9 would provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a military veteran or first responder. The amendment authorizes the legislature to

totally or partially exempt the surviving spouse’s homestead property from ad valorem taxation.

Amendment 10 would provide an additional $25,000 exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by counties, municipalities, school districts and other local governments on tangible personal property. The current exemption is $25,000, and the amendment would increase the exemption to $50,000.

Amendment 11 would allow an additional exemption equal to the assessed value for low-income seniors who have maintained long-term residency on their property if it has a market value of less than $250,000. If an owner has maintained permanent residency on the property for not less than 25 years, has reached the age of 65 and has a low household income, the exemption must be authorized by the county or municipality.

John Thomas of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office.

‘Hairspray’ Concludes With Sold-Out Show At Lake Worth Playhouse The award-winning hit Broadway musical Hairspray wrapped up its four-week engagement on Sunday, July 29 with another soldout show at the Lake Worth Playhouse.

It was no wonder, as this production was the Theatre Chat top pick for Best South Florida Musical of Summer 2012.

With the vision of Artistic Director Jodie Dixon-Mears, Director Clayton Phillips and Choreographer Lawrence Street, the show

transported the audience back to the 1960s. The band was led by Musical Director Dominic Raffa, and the set was designed by Cindi Taylor.

This summer’s show leads the Lake Worth Playhouse into its 60th season with a great range of musicals and comedies to celebrate this milestone.

For more information about the upcoming season, or about auditioning for one of the shows, visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.

Megan Rochford, Shenise Nunez, Kelsey West and Valentina Diaz, all from the western communities.

Link Larkin (Domenic Servidio) sings “It Takes Two” to Tracey Turnblad (Kelsey West).

Equestrians

Inaugural Meeting

continued from page 1 Wellington was forever changed,” he said. “It’s not a little town that supports the use of horses. It’s much larger than that. It’s one of the biggest world destinations for people to come watch show jumping, polo and now dressage.”

But with the revocation of the Equestrian Village master plan, Mancini said the Forum founders were concerned about the upcoming dressage season.

Kane, who owns a dressage farm, said that last year the dressage barns saw record numbers of occupants. “For the first time, we were turning people away,” she

Groves

Budget Hearing

continued from page 1 “The future, I think, is going to be very positive. This is one way to treat everybody equal.”

Councilman Ryan Liang said he liked the idea but was not sure about committing to do it more than one year.

Mayor Dave Browning said he liked the idea of planning the rebate for two years, and the council gave consensus to budget $126,000 for the coming year.

Other provisions in the budget include $150,000 to supplement Loxahatchee Groves Water Management District activities.

Aldi

Industrial Park Site

continued from page 1 including Royal Palm Beach High School and a townhouse community in unincorporated Palm Beach County to the north, a strip mall and self-storage facility to the northeast, State Road 7 and the Regal Cinema to the east, the industrial park to the south including the school bus yard, and the Willows single-family community to the west.

The existing site is mostly vacant, filled with invasive exotic plant species, she said. The existing entrance road from State Road 7 will be rebuilt to accommodate heavy truck loads, and turn lanes on State Road 7 have received conceptual approval from the Florida Department of Transportation.

The road will be 55 feet and have curbs and sidewalks with trees and

Andrew Spinelli, Director Clayton Phillips and Taylor Rivera, all from Wellington.

The cast of Hairspray at the Lake Worth Playhouse.

said. “But because of the things that have happened since then, people think the dressage season is not happening. I should be taking reservations now, but people are not planning to come to Wellington because they don’t know if there will be a competition.”

As its first order of business, the group has asked those in support to push for council members to grant all necessary permits for the 2013 season to happen.

“It has not been approved on the agenda,” Kane said. “We need to make our voices heard and let them know it’s very important.”

Mancini said that another immediate way people could help would be to sign a petition that “calls on the Wellington Village Council to take immediate action to allow the Global Dressage Fes-

tival… to occur at the dressage and derby facility.”

Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone said permitting is a complicated process.

“The problem is that it’s not as simple as getting a special use permit,” he said. “The process could take three or four months.

In addition, the special-use permits did not give us permission to use the permanent structures.”

But Stone told the group that his organization had been in talks with the village. “We are working with the council,” he said. “We believe we will get somewhere over the next two to three weeks.”

Discussion got heated when veterinarian Dr. Scott Swerdlin pointed out that most of the council was present and suggested that they address the matter.

But Mayor Bob Margolis said that would be a violation of the Sunshine Law. After the meeting, Councilman John Greene told the Town-Crier that although he could not speak at the meeting, he would be in favor of issuing the special-use permits necessary for the 2013 Global Dressage Festival.

“We are not killing dressage in Wellington,” he said.

Greene pointed out, however, that his concerns with the master plan changes included allowing events on the site that were not necessarily equestrian-related.

Margolis also said he supports dressage. “The council is committed to making sure there is a dressage season in Wellington next year,” he told the Town-Crier Wednesday.

One speaker, local businessman Jack Van Dell, said that he understood that if the show promoters sent in their applications on time, they would be approved.

“Everyone in the free world who lives in Wellington wants to see the success of the equestrian industry,” he said. “I understand that it is on the Aug. 14 agenda. As I understand it, it will be approved if [promoters] send all the proper papers. This is not a crisis. It’s not the end of the world.”

Carol Cohen of Two Swans Farms said she felt betrayed.

“I am in shock that this has happened,” she said. “I’m angry. I’m really passionate about this. What can we do?”

Several attendees suggested a door-to-door campaign and making shirts and other propaganda

During public comment, Elise Ryan, a member of the town’s finance committee, encouraged council members to spend money on roads. “Nobody says lower taxes, they want better roads,” she said. “We have a significant balance that needs to be put to good use.”

Rockett made a motion to adopt the tax rate, which carried 5-0.

In other business: • The council also approved a petition process for residents to request OGEM surfacing for dirt roads.

Rockett pointed out that there are many non-district dirt roads that are in poor condition. “Let’s put dirt roads up to snuff, then worry about OGEMing them,” he said.

Jarriel agreed that many dirt roads in town need better maintenance. “All they need to do is call and say they need a load of fill,” he said.

However, Jarriel pointed out that the item being discussed was a policy for residents to get road surfacing if they want it. “This has nothing to do with grading roads,” he said. “All I’m looking for is for a plan to be approved.”

Rockett said that he had no problem endorsing the surfacing policy but had brought maintenance of dirt roads up because council members were not discussing it.

Goltzené said the current policy of having residents on non-district dirt roads call for grading or other maintenance does not work.

“If you have to call, it’s because

they are not doing their job,” he said.

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said he and his staff are familiar with the condition of all the roads and agreed with Goltzené’s comments about being proactive rather than reactive. But, he said, the district’s policy is to wait for residents to call about nondistrict roads.

Rockett made a motion to approve the OGEM surfacing policy, which carried unanimously.

• The council also approved the sheriff’s contract, which will include additional services although the amount will remain the same, according to Lt. Steven Thibodeau, executive officer of contracts and permits for the PBSO. “The sheriff is willing to hold it

the same,” he said.

The contract will provide 24hour, seven-day coverage, which requires six deputies. Loxahatchee Groves will be its own zone, although deputies are authorized to leave the area to assist in other incidents.

The deputies will also have access to all the services available from the PBSO. “Your deputies are not alone,” Thibodeau said.

“They will have plenty of resources available.”

landscaping on both sides with an overall easement of 77 feet.

Gillette said the original site had been turned around to have trucks on the east and north sides to separate them from the residential neighborhoods to the west, and car parking on the west side by the offices on the northwest corner. The architecture for the building is in warm neutral colors, she said, pointing out that the west side will be the quiet side of the building.

The required landscaping has been oriented toward the edges of the property to provide buffering for neighbors, primarily on the west side, she said, pointing out that the building will not be visible at all from the north or west.

Commissioner Darrell Lange asked questions about the noise study and landscaping, but said he approved of the application overall, especially the extensive, detailed package that had been submitted.

Commissioner Richard Becher asked about a neighbor’s concern over exhaust from the trucks, and Gillette said turning the building so trucks were on the east and north would minimize that.

Brian McGee, Aldi’s national warehouse coordinator, said the company focuses on efficiency and does not leave trucks idling for long periods. “Typically, we load up a truck and go,” he said.

“There are not a lot of trucks sitting there idling a long time. That’s how we operate.”

Commission Vice Chair Michael Newkirk said he agreed that the adjustments made by Aldi should minimize exhaust issues, pointing out that it met standards before the building was turned around.

He also complimented the presenters on their package. “This really was easy to look at,” he said.

Commissioner Jackie Larson asked about the ebb and flow of traffic, and McGee said the peak operation is from about 7 a.m. to 3

p.m., although there will be trucks coming and going throughout the evening.

“We do what is called staging, and that allows our trucking company starting at 4 and on to pick up loads and run them to the stores. Most of our deliveries are off peak-traffic hours,” he said.

Commission Chair Barbara Powell asked whether the company was seeking any LEED energy efficiency qualifications, and McGee said they were not, although the company has been energy-conscious for some time.

“Our goal is to sell high-quality products at the best price,” McGee said. “Everything we do in our building is built around energy efficiency, from the refrigeration system to the air conditioning.”

Becher made a motion to approve the application with the condition requiring a berm being stricken, and it carried 5-0.

Livestock

Preliminary Approval

continued from page 3 six a year. “That’s a big one,” he said. “Where did the six come from?”

Erickson added that because of the smaller lot sizes in The Acreage and Jupiter Farms, “someone isn’t going to have all kinds of things they can produce on that small of an area to sell and turn it into a store.”

Thus, he said, the ALA proposed “that on-site sales shall be limited to livestock and livestock products raised or produced strictly on-site. The scale and size of what we’re talking about will limit

Blotter continued from page 6 the victim gave $300 to the man holding the iPad, and the man snatched the money and kept the iPad, fleeing the area toward the Shoma Homes community. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

JULY 31 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to Seminole Palms Park on Tuesday after-

to make non-equestrian residents aware of the issues.

Mancini said he’d like to see everyone with a professional interest in the industry get involved.

“What that means, I don’t know yet,” he said. “We would like to form committees and get people involved to make us an effective voice for our cause. We’re gathering momentum.”

For more information on the Equestrian Forum of Wellington, e-mail equestrian.forum@live. com.

ITID

Community Center Meetings

continued from page 1 gage with the community,” she said. “It’s really positive for the community, and I’m looking forward to the response.”

Damone said the district is especially enthused that the architect, who has a rich history of designing public facilities, will be leading the discussion. “With the architect driving the outreach, it will be interesting to see how they respond,” she said.

For more info., call (561) 7930874 or visit www.indiantrail.com. what they’re actually going to do.

They can’t import stuff and bring it in.”

Acreage resident Patricia Curry objected to language stating that the keeping of livestock would be “permitted,” pointing out that the comp plan states that the keeping of livestock is “guaranteed.” She added that she thought the ordinance violates the Right to Farm Act, contrary to county staff’s interpretation.

Commissioner Karen Marcus made a motion to grant preliminary approval with the provision that county staff continue to work with people who still have concerns regarding the language.

The motion carried unanimously. Final adoption is set for Aug. 23. noon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot at approximately 10 a.m. When she returned at approximately 4 p.m. she discovered someone had smashed out her driver’s-side window and removed an empty purse, valued at approximately $100, from the floorboard. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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Diane Cohoon Loves Retraining Rescued Horses

Sanctuary Farm owner Diane Cohoon has been rescuing horses since the early 1970s. She retrains horses with a variety of problems, from older horses that need a new lease on life to those that have been abused and have lost their trust in people.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 21

Athletes Sharpen Skills At Wellington Soccer Camp

The Wellington Soccer Club hosted its Elite Soccer Camp from Monday, July 30 through Friday, Aug. 3 at Village Park. Campers were taught technical skills training, technique, tactics and field positioning by Wellington Soccer Club Director of Coaching Patrick Zoete and his staff. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business ‘The Lab’ Offers Exciting, Interactive Science Learning For Local Children

Combining engaging activities with education, the Lab makes learning science fun. Located off State Road 7, just south of Wellington, the children’s activities facility offers camp programs with a unique style for an alternative learning experience that gets youngsters intrigued. Owners Ann and Michael Ezratty use science-based activities provided by High Touch High Tech, a program that uses a hands-on interactive approach to learning scientific theories. Page 25

Sports All Sports Camp At The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center

Royal Palm Beach hosted another week of its All Sports Summer Camp Monday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The week began with learning the fundamentals of basketball, but campers also learned football, kickball and other fun sports.

Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 23-24 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 25-27 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 29 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................42-46

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FEATURES

Diane Cohoon: A Passion For Retraining Rescued Horses I first met Diane Cohoon about 15 years ago at her Caloosa farm. As I was leaving, I backed up slightly crookedly and ended up getting stuck in her driveway. Somewhat sheepishly, I walked back to the barn and explained my predicament.

No problem, she informed me breezily; it happens all the time. Whereupon she grabbed a thick rope she’d made by weaving together about a million old hay ropes, had some of her volunteers throw a harness on a horse, then we marched back to my disabled vehicle. The rope got tied to the undercarriage, the horse got hitched up, my car was pulled back to safety, and I was once more on my way.

That’s pretty much how Cohoon handles a lot of unexpected quasi-emergencies in her life, by remaining unflustered and finding a way forward. And that way often involves rescued horses, frequently Standardbreds.

Cohoon started her Sanctuary Farm in the early 1970s. The exact year?

“Oh, God knows when,” she laughed. “I was working at a farm in Lake Worth, and a woman I’d met, a groom at the track, called with a problem, a nice horse who was done racing and now would be sold for dog food.

He was a big red Standardbred stallion, a trotter, 7 or 8 years old, and she loved him dearly but couldn’t afford to keep him.”

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

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg But where to put him?

“This was before I bought my farm, and I told her I couldn’t keep a stallion at the farm where I was working, so she had him gelded, and a few weeks later, here he came,” Cohoon recalled. “Foxborough Lane had never been ridden, only driven, but he took to under saddle work, and in no time at all, one of my daughters was showing him over fences.”

That, however, did not turn out to be the horse’s true calling. “One night, the neighbor’s cows broke out of their pasture and headed down the road. The neighbor came over, frantic, needing a horse so he could herd the cows back home. Foxborough happened to be standing there, so we threw a saddle on him, and the neighbor hopped up. He herded the cows back home, and Foxborough found his true calling. That horse just loved moving cattle. He thought pushing cows around was the best thing ever, and soon after that, he got adopted out as a cow pony.”

That’s how it started. Soon, Cohoon was getting calls from other people at the track See ROSENBERG, page 24

Kate Devine, Brieanna Pauldo and Diane Cohoon with Military Trail.

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FEATURES

Finding A New Clerk Turned Out To Be Quite A Challenge I needed to hire a sales clerk for my antiques shop in North Florida recently, and, once again, this task was made easy for me by the applicants themselves. I’d like to say it was because of the stunning number of qualified hopefuls, but in fact it was just the opposite.

The field was narrowed sharply to four the moment I tossed out all inappropriate (or downright ridiculous) applications — or those brought in by people who had obviously never heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”

For instance, dirty jeans, a ripped T-shirt and flip-flops are probably not the best fashion choice when you are trying to show someGet your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER one that you would like to represent them at their place of business.

I would also suggest that you try not to breathe alcohol on them when you lean in, asking to borrow a pen. Or how about this?

Bring a pen with you! I think we could agree that a pen is the one thing you will definitely need in order to fill out a job application.

If you’ve spent time in jail for possession of cocaine, at least learn to spell the phrase.

I have an optional question on the application — “Do you smoke?” — and the most

intriguing answer I got was “only socially.”

What does that mean? And what are you smoking?

I had several applicants that I felt truly sorry for, but one in particular stood out. He came in with his wife pushing a baby in a stroller.

“We’re here to apply for the job!” she announced.

“All of you?” I asked, looking at the baby.

“No, just him.” She gave him a shove toward the counter. I handed him a blank application, but she grabbed it before he could blink, then began rummaging in her purse for a pen. “Here, take this.” I was happy that together they had a pen, but still…

Next followed a scene so uncomfortable I had to leave the area. She stood there and told this poor slob what to write on each and every line. That completed, she allowed him to hand the paper to me, and wandered off as he did so, but I could feel her circling back behind me during the interview process.

Feeling that as much as a raised voice might cause him to flee (or burst into tears), I tried to be gentle as I asked, “Is there a reason you needed help filling this out?”

“It’s just because my penmanship is so bad,” he mumbled.

I looked at the paper. It was the printing of a third-grader, but it was neat. “This isn’t bad. I can read this,” I said.

We talked a bit about his previous employment, and then I said: “I’m going to keep this on file, but let me give you a heads-up. It would help if you filled out job applications on your own. A boss needs to know that you can handle something like that by yourself.”

He nodded, but, behind me, I heard the control freak huff out. She knew she — I mean he — hadn’t gotten the job.

In the end, I found what I was looking for — a reliable, honest, experienced clerk who would be a real asset to the store.

I just had to kiss a lot of toads to find her.

The FCAT Is Flawed, But Beware What Might Come Next Surprise! Everyone agrees that the FCAT is a lousy system for testing children. It took only 10 years for general agreement. After all, we all want bright, successful kids. If the tests don’t show some real progress by our children, the obvious next step is to get rid of the test.

Florida is looking for ways. Some teachers have already been told that a new test might replace the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, testing “higher-order thinking skills.” In other words, it will actually be harder. Students wouldn’t have to answer dumb questions based on reading paragraphs; they’d have to work out complex issues and make inferences. You might ask, “But won’t that mean fewer students will pass?” At that point, educators will hurriedly assure you that the new tests will just show what a great job they are doing.

Logically, a new, more challenging test should make it harder for borderline students to pass. But, as in most things these days, there is a cute catch. One of the real problems of the FCAT is the use of those pesky multiple-choice questions. If a student facing a math problem asking for the

Rosenberg

Diane Cohoon

continued from page 23 needing good homes for nice Standardbreds who were done with their racing careers.

“There’s a misconception that Standardbreds are uncomfortable to ride, but that’s not true at all,” she said. “Because they’re taught to be front-end pullers, many have flat or inverted backs. They don’t know how to carry weight or use their hind ends. I use a lot of basic in-hand work which changes how they move. That, and a lot of turn-out time to unwind. Then I drive them over hill and dale, and teach them to use their quarters for impulsion.

Standardbreds are lovely horses, able to excel in a variety of disciplines. They pretty much ride like Warmbloods and have quiet minds.”

Of course, Cohoon doesn’t limit her operation to Standardbreds. Another of her charges is Cochise, a 15-year-old pony, who came

total of two plus two and he selects five, well, he is wrong. If he misses enough of those questions, he fails. If he needs to get 40 out of 60 right and gets only 39 right, he fails. Either you are correct or you are wrong.

Nothing in between.

On the higher-order thinking tests, things get a lot fuzzier. When I was a school administrator back in New York, I was convinced that turning the three-hour English Regents Exam that had a lot of multiple-choice, fill-in and spelling questions into a six-hour, essentially all-essay, exam would be a disaster. Instead, a higher percentage of students passed that test, which measured mastery, than the test designed to ensure simple literacy.

The reason was that in essay questions,

there are no simple right or wrong answers.

Teachers were carefully trained to mark on a scale of one to six. One meant the kid really didn’t write anything much, and six was for only the very best. Very, very weak answers got a two, and strong essays got fives. But threes and fours were rather fluid. Four was the passing score; three meant it was a good try but not quite good enough. And markers knew that the bosses wanted a higher percentage of kids to pass. And a one-point change really seemed not that large. Using a bell curve, most answers should have been three or four and probably around the same numbers for each. But there were always a lot more fours.

The markers were well aware that a minor change in enough students’ grades would be welcomed by all, challenged by almost no one.

And if enough students did not pass, markers might just lose jobs. Machines that mark multiple-choice questions don’t have those worries. And everyone celebrated; administrators breathed a sigh of relief; no one tries to get rid of a principal when the kids are doing fine. And teachers could relax, knowing that there would be less pressure. Parents would

smile since their children would graduate from high school.

Of course, the college teachers and employers of the students were not nearly as pleased a couple of years later when they discovered that the literacy problems were now on their shoulders. So our kids might be going to a new world of testing where, if two plus two doesn’t equal five, they can get credit for staying within single digits with a bit more because, after all, five is not much more than four. So they will be almost right, and that will make things all right.

Formalized tests can then join horseshoes and hand grenades as events in which a close miss still counts. School boards will be happy because there will be fewer complaints, and parents in a lot of countries around the world will probably be pleased that their students who work their behinds off for an average of about a month’s more schooling each year and then go to special “drill classes” to make sure they retain the information will not have to worry about competition from American kids.

The FCAT is very flawed, but let’s be careful about what replaces it.

to her three years ago. He’d been abused and lost all trust in people. His usual reaction was trying to hurt anyone who came near him, biting or striking out. For a year, Cohoon petted his neck every day and spoke kindly to him.

Finally, he let her hug him.

“Starvation and physical problems are easier to cure than emotional ones,” she said.

“My passion is reestablishing trust with horses and teaching people how to ride in a way which won’t mess up a horse. When people ride crookedly, the horse gets crooked. Centering the human can fix a lot of lameness issues. I love fixing bodies.”

Cohoon tries to limit her horse population to between 10 and 20 horses at any one time.

Sometimes, however, that doesn’t work, like the time some years back when a woman from Palm Beach brought a semi-trailer of nine horses she’d just saved from going to slaughter.

“Of course we took them, but it was a little hectic for a while,” she laughed.

Cohoon has 16 horses, some permanent residents and some looking for new homes. She can always use volunteers, but she won’t take just anyone. “Rescues often have a lot of issues. These horses need knowledgeable handlers who won’t make their problems worse,” she explained. “I want people who either know a lot about working with horses, or are willing to learn, not someone who wants to come out, jump on a horse and cowboy around. In exchange, my volunteers get a real education and learn a great deal about horse management.”

And financial help is also needed. “We can also use sponsors who pay for all or part of a horse’s needs, either feed, medical or both.

It’s totally up to each sponsor what they choose to pay,” Cohoon said. “One woman sponsored a horse 22 years ago who was diagnosed with EPM. He’s rideable, but he’s got nerve damage on his left side and his back end’s not too strong, so he’s stayed with us

forever. She comes out and rides Military Trail, or MT, once a week.”

Cohoon would like to start a program to teach prospective adopters about working with rescued horses.

“I want them to know what they’re getting into,” she said, “how to handle problems they’re likely to see, what sort of special vet care or nutritional needs might be involved, how to asses a horse’s personality or temperament to ensure a good match.”

She would also like to work with other rescue groups in the area. “Maybe hold a series of classes or lectures,” Cohoon said. “Horses and people both suffer when they end up with the wrong partner. Someone can very quickly become overwhelmed. I’d like to create a support system. The more people know before adopting a rescue horse, the better chance it’ll work out well.”

For more information, call Diane Cohoon at (561) 622-6237.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Lab owners Ann and Michael Ezratty conduct a science experiment for campers.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

‘The Lab’ Offers Fun, Interactive Science Learning For Children

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Combining engaging activities with education, the Lab makes learning science fun. Located off State Road 7, just south of Wellington, the children’s activities facility offers camp programs with a unique style for an alternative learning experience that gets youngsters intrigued.

Owners Ann and Michael Ezratty use science-based activities provided by High Touch High Tech, a program that uses a hands-on interactive approach to learning scientific theories.

The Ezrattys have been teaching the program to area school children since 1996, when they first bought the High Touch High Tech franchise. The program became extremely successful over the years, they decided to open up a centralized location where children can come in. This became the Lab, a concept developed by the Ezrattys.

“We still go out to the schools, as far as Port St. Lucie and Miami,” Ann explained. “But the difference is now children and schools can come to us, too.”

High Touch High Tech is an international company. The Lab is the creation solely of the Ezrattys and is not affiliated with High Touch High Tech, aside from the fact that the program is offered there.

“Even though we are very proud of High Touch High Tech, and we have done very well with the company, we have limitations because it’s a franchise,” Ann said. “With the Lab, we are able to do whatever we want in terms of branding and design.”

Children who attend the Lab have a variety of things to see and do, from dancing to playing with various animals such as rats. “They make fabulous pets because they are clean, tame, friendly and they have the intelligence of a dog,” Ann said.

The Lab also has geckos, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, aquatic turtles and a tropical fish tank with a variety of fish.

“Many of these children don’t have the opportunity to touch all these types of animals, and learning to respect animals is so vital to their character,” Ann said. “So we hope to instill good values here as well.”

The science experiments offered through High Touch High Tech are made to engage the children. “These children don’t even know they are learning,” Ann said. “They are just having fun doing the experiments and asking questions.”

One popular experiment is the volcanic eruption, in which the room is set to glow in the dark, and the Ezrattys mix various erupting fluids with coloring in a bottle. All the children’s eyes are on the bottle, which is shaken until it erupts with fluid shooting up to the ceiling, and onto some of the students, who all wear white lab coats and goggles. For the children, it’s more than a science experiment; it’s an amazing experience, Ann noted.

Working with children has been Ann’s dream for many years. “She used to be a pediatric nurse and wanted to start her own business with children,” Michael said.

With Michael’s background in construction, he used his expertise to build and design the facility. “When we moved into this new facility in November, it was just four walls, and it took a lot of work and time to get it how we wanted it,” he said.

The Lab offers spring, summer and winter camps, after-school and parents night programs, and is open for field trips, school groups, birthdays and summer camps. It is located at 10101 W. Lantana Road, Suite G, Lake Worth.

For more information, visit www.thelabfor kids.com or call (561) 444-3978.

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PLANET KIDS CAMPERS ENJOY ‘COW APPRECIATION DAY’ AT CHICK-FIL-A

Campers from Planet Kids’ summer camp visited Chick-fil-A in the Mall at Wellington Green for its Cow Appreciation Day on July 13.

Planet Kids was one of six camps that came to visit. During Cow Appreciation Day, everyone who dressed as a cow (or wore cow-themed clothing) received a free meal. Shown here are Planet Kids campers and counselors in the food court.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Oasis Awarded $80,000 Grant From The Jim Moran Foundation

Oasis Compassion Agency has been awarded a grant from the Jim Moran Foundation for its Career Center and Women’s Center operations. This is the Jim Moran Foundation’s first grant to Oasis, which helped 700 families get back on their feet in the past year through its holistic, self-help program.

The $80,000 grant ($45,000 accessible this year and $35,000 next year) will fund the essential position of the case manager, who qualifies and works with the clients to determine a course of action for success, and a part-time women’s center coordinator, who will ensure the effectiveness and operation of the program.

“Through our partnership with Oasis Compassion Agency, we are able to reach women and families in crisis and help stabilize their current circumstances, while offering comprehensive services to equip them to overcome life’s hardships,” said Jan Moran, chair and president of the Jim Moran Foundation.

Oasis, now in its ninth year of assistance, helps its central Palm Beach County clients stabilize and improve their economic circumstances with a three-pronged ap-

Women’s Center Coordinator Mabel Leon (right) coaches her client through the program “Investing in Your Future, Finances and Finesse.” proach in which roadblocks to success are identified, a plan is created to overcome those obstacles, and that plan is implemented. Oasis assists its clients with food and clothing while requiring clients to attend job counseling as well as other counseling and/or classes in personal finance, computers, typing, nutrition and others.

Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of the Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. To learn more, visit www.jimmoran foundation.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

DiSalvo’s, One Price Dry Cleaners Join Wellington Chamber The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced that DiSalvo’s Trattoria and One Price Dry Cleaners have become members.

DiSalvo’s Trattoria was established by Pasquale “Patrick” DiSalvo, who was born in Bagheria, Sicily, and grew up with a deep respect for family values and an appreciation of fresh, delicious homemade meals prepared by his “Momma” Rosa.

In 1955, when DiSalvo was 5, his father moved the family to the United States and settled in Milwaukee. There, at the age of 8, DiSalvo got his first job (with no pay) in the restaurant business peeling 50-pound bags of potatoes with his father. Later the family moved to New York, where Pasquale grew up.

For almost three decades, DiSalvo worked hard and became a successful, multi-tasking entrepreneur and business owner based in the western communities of Palm Beach County. He was a real estate developer and is now a certified public accountant.

He currently owns and oper-

ates DiSalvo & Associates PA, a certified accounting firm located next to the restaurant, with his children Jill and Scott.

Due to DiSalvo’s upbringing and his passion for family and good food, he created DiSalvo’s Trattoria located at 1760 N. Jog Road, Suite 180 in West Palm Beach. It is a family-owned restaurant dedicated to cultivating a warm, friendly environment where guests feel like “famiglia” and enjoy “Momma’s” original recipes prepared and served by the DiSalvo team. Per tradition, DiSalvo personally checks the food every night with a taste test to ensure quality. He said his restaurant offers “great, simple Italian food that’s authentic Southern Italian.”

DiSalvo added that his restaurant is known as the place with the “world’s best meatball.” The restaurant has a full service wine and liquor bar, full service catering for up to 100 people in their Famiglia Room, and a private dining room that seats up to 25 people.

The Wellington Chamber

Jack and Dana Linden (center) with Wellington Chamber ambassadors. of Commerce also recognizes DiSalvo’s many contributions to the community. He is committed to children’s charities and is active in the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County. In addition, he recently provided financial help to the widow of one of his former employees. For more information, visit www.disalvostrattoria.com.

One Price Dry Cleaners is located at 111 S. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. The business is owned and operated by Jack and Dana Linden, who moved to Jupiter in 2003 from Long Island, N.Y. They opened their doors about a month ago.

Jack explained that the cost to dryclean most garments at his location is $3.59 — hence

Scott DiSalvo, Hank Klein, Fran Crouse; Maggie Zeller, Jill DiSalvo, Christian Lopez, Pasquale “Patrick” DiSalvo and Bob Salerno outside DiSalvo’s Trattoria. the name. One Price Dry Cleaners is one of about 7 percent of drycleaners that use the environmentally friendly hydrocarbon cleaning system. Although hydrocarbon machines are more expensive, they offer benefits. There are no known health hazards with hydrocarbon usage, clothes get cleaner, brighter, softer and odor-free, and it is

safe on beads, leather trims and other plastic ornaments.

“I want the community to know that my wife and I are hands-on,” Jack said. “One of us will always be there to take care of any problems that may come up.”

For more on Wellington Chamber of Commerce, visit www.wellingtonchamber. com.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Lighthouse ArtCenter Exhibits Showcase Faculty, Craftsmen Regional talent will take center stage in two upcoming exhibitions at the Lighthouse ArtCenter.

The shows, “Faculty Exhibition” and “Made in Florida: Florida Craftsman Members’ Show,” highlight a range of styles and media.

They will run Aug. 6 through Oct. 10.

Students always shine at the Lighthouse ArtCenter’s School of Art. But the museum’s

A wood cabinet made by Florida Craftsmen artist Kurt Raschke.

annual “Faculty Show” is all about the instructors.

“Each year, I am impressed with the quality of work offered by our faculty,” said Barbra Broidy, the ArtCenter’s executive and curatorial assistant.

Katie Deits, the ArtCenter’s executive director, agreed. “We always have been known for the quality of our instructors, and each year, it seems as though they raise the bar,” she said.

The faculty exhibition will include paintings

by Barbara Carswell, Norma Conway, Charles Gruppe, Peggy Kirkwood, Sibel Kocabasi, Ted Matz, Hugh O’Neill and Randall Scott; drawing and cartooning by Pat Crowley; mixed media by Jenny Constable, Judy Flescher, Esther Gordon and Ann Lawtey; jewelry by Tracey Roedl; ceramics by Justin Lambert and Cara McKinley; sculpture by Maritza Cornejo Bean and Nilda Comas; photography and Photoshop imaging by David Randell and David Willison; fused glass by Betty Wilson; and storybooks by Cathy Helowicz.

“Made in Florida” is the official Florida Craftsman Members’ show and is a juried exhibition showcasing the finest contemporary glass, jewelry, fiber, wood, ceramics, metals and mixed media.

“The Florida Craftsman gallery is located in St. Petersburg, so this exhibition is an opportunity to be awed by the range of talent from across the region,” Deits said. “Expect to be amazed.”

Opening reception for both shows will be held during the museum’s Third Thursday

A bio-diversity ring made by Florida Craftsmen artist Brenda Gregory.

Bird of Paradise by Lighthouse ArtCenter faculty member Ted Matz.

event on Aug. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“There is no better opportunity to meet the artists and to be inspired,” Deits said.

The Lighthouse ArtCenter is a member-supported not-for-profit charitable organization, providing excellence in art exhibitions, instruction, education and outreach for all ages. It is located in Gallery Square North at 373 Tequesta Drive in Tequesta (half a mile west of U.S. 1).

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Admission costs $5 Monday through Friday and is free on Saturday. The museum is closed Sunday.

For more information about the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum, School of Art, exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.lighthouse arts.org or call (561) 746-3101.

‘Cathy Rigby Is Peter Pan’ Now Through Aug. 5 At Kravis Center Audiences are invited to discover the magic of the two-time Emmy Award–winning and two-time Tony Award–nominated production Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan. Families and fans will have their chance to “fly” into the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts for this magical production now through Aug. 5. Tickets are now on sale to the general public.

Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan is a unique, family-friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook will mesmerize young and old alike. The legend you thought you knew is now the adventure you never dreamed possible.

Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan is produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Nederlander Presentations, Albert Nocciolino in association with Larry Earl Payton, Michael Filerman, Heni Koenigsberg and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Direction is by Glenn Casale, who directed the 1999 Tony Award– nominated and Emmy-winning Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby.

Casale has been a resident for almost 23 seasons at the California Musical Theatre, where he has directed more than 550 shows. The flying sequence choreographer is Paul

Rubin, a.k.a. “the Fly Guy,” who has choreographed some of the most memorable flying sequences from the Tony Award–winning Broadway production of Wicked, to Cathy Rigby’s Emmy Award–winning DVD Peter Pan. The creative team includes Patti Columbo (choreographer), Keith Levenson (musical director), Michael Gilliam (lighting design), Julie Ferrin (sound design), Sean Boyd (fight director) and Julia Flores (casting director).

McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s Tom McCoy and Cathy Rigby are beginning their 17th season as executive producers of the McCoy Rigby Entertainment Series at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Since the 1994-95 season, McCoy Rigby has produced more than 75 plays, musicals, concerts, dramas and comedies.

MRE has also produced several Broadway productions and national tours, including Peter Pan and Seussical the Musical, both starring Cathy Rigby, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Carl Anderson, Camelot formerly starring Michael York and through 2008 starring Lou Diamond Phillips, and Happy Days the Musical.

Since 1990, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan has made four stops on Broadway, garnering four Tony Nomina-

tions, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical. Other credits include the A&E network premiere of Peter Pan, which received four Emmy Award nominations and one Emmy Award, “The Historic All-Star Concert for Pope John Paul II” at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the award-winning documentary on balancing wellness titled Faces of Recovery.

The Washington Post wrote, “Peter Pan sparkles with fairy dust!

Rigby has mastered the boy who wouldn’t grow up.”

Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan flies into the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Aug. 1-5. Performances continue with matinees Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 5 at 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale to the public at the Kravis Center box office (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach), online at www.kravis.org/ peterpan or by calling (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471, and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Tickets start at $25. Group orders of 10 or more receive a discount and may be placed by calling (561) 6514438 or (561) 651-4304.

For additional information on the show, visit www.cathyrigbyispeter pan.com.

Kathy Rigby in the role of Peter Pan.

The thrill of flying will mesmerize young and old alike.

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HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

The Road To Healthy Living Starts With Proper Nutrition

By Nicole DeFreece Special to the Town-Crier Low-carb, low-fat, no-sugar, lowcalorie… it can all be very confusing. What is the best diet? It’s simple — healthful, clean eating that is realistic to maintain throughout a lifetime, along with daily physical activity. It is important to understand and include all major nutrients in daily eating for they all play an important role in the proper function of our bodies.

Whether your goal is weight loss, weight gain, disease control and prevention, or just to maintain your health, the same basics apply. Our day should always start with breakfast to break the fasting state from sleeping. After that, eat small meals and snacks every three to four hours

throughout the day, especially before and after exercise. This can help raise your metabolism and control your appetite. It also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels throughout the day as well your energy and mood.

What you eat is just as important as when you eat. Carbohydrates provide us with energy; it fuels our bodies and brains. Include plenty of whole grains, and a variety of fruit and vegetables. Protein is responsible for repairing and building muscle tissue. It is important for everyone regardless of your goals. Be sure to get some lean protein in each meal and snack. A small amount of healthful fats are also necessary for providing insulation and energy.

You should be drinking at least half

your body weight in water each day.

Try to limit your salt intake, added sugars and processed foods. Controlling portion sizes helps us maintain a healthful calorie range.

Healthful eating is achievable for everyone. It can fit into your budget, schedule and lifestyle if you have the proper tools. It is important to understand how to read labels and to be exposed to a wide variety of products. Preparing meals can be done quickly and easily, catering to the whole family, even those with food allergies or limitations.

If you have ever thought that you had to stop at the drive-thru because of a busy schedule, or cooking more healthful doesn’t taste good — or maybe even that

such food is expensive — you are wrong!

I can help you change your body and mind through exercise and proper nutrition. We can take your workouts to the next level to maximize your time in the gym. I can teach you how to shop intelligently and prepare tasty meals and snacks.

Learn how to get the most out of your calories.

Whether at home or on the go, good eating is achievable with the proper knowledge!

Nicole DeFreece is a certified personal trainer at Ultima Fitness/ Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultimafitness.com.

Nicole DeFreece

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 35

SPORTS & RECREATION

ATHLETES SHARPEN SKILLS AT WELLINGTON SOCCER CLUB’S CAMP

The Wellington Soccer Club hosted its Elite Soccer Camp from Monday, July 30 through Friday, Aug. 3 at Village Park. Campers were taught technical skills training, technique, tactics and field positioning by Wellington Soccer Club Director of Coaching Patrick Zoete and his staff. For more info., visit www.wellington soccer.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Haley Jenkins throws the ball back into play.

Caitlyn O’Neill guards the goal.

Brenda Martinez passes the ball.

Serena Rodrigues and Stephanie Dodson clash over ball control.

Christina Coombs goes in for a kick.

Michelle Sullivan (left) and Tiffany Schramm (right) battle for the ball.

Baseball Tournament To Attract Over 100 Teams To PBC The Palm Beach County Sports Commission has partnered with the World Scout League (WSL) to host one of the largest amateur baseball tournaments in Florida this summer.

The World Scout League Finals, an inaugural 15-day amateur baseball tournament, is taking place now through Aug. 10 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter and the Santaluces Athletic Complex in Lantana. The event is the grand finale of summer baseball tournaments happening in Palm Beach County, with more than 220 baseball games being played during the two-week stretch.

The World Scout League Finals will field 110 teams, comprising more than 1,700 athletes from across the nation, competing in five age groups: 18-U, 17-U, 16-U, 15-U and

14-U. The tournament is divided into three segments, with the remaining segments being 16-U and 15-U (now through Aug. 6) and 17-U (Aug. 6-10).

WSL created a new concept for travel baseball by establishing a league that is designed to provide consistent levels of competition for teams located in 40 different regions throughout the country.

WSL offers approximately 100 leagues (four to six teams) nationwide for the age groups 18-U, 17-U, 16-U, 15-U and 14-U. Teams participate in local, regional and national events within their league structure.

By joining the league, teams commit to participating in the World Scout League Finals, which influence the high team participation numbers.

This tournament will be one of the

largest scouting attractions to take place in the world of amateur baseball. Few scouting events offer athletes the opportunity to perform against competition that has a parallel talent level. This tournament is unique, featuring both wood composite bats for the older age groups (16-U to 18-U) and metal bats for the younger age groups (14-U and 15U). Scouts will have an opportunity to see a wide array of age groups perform under conditions that form an immensely competitive environment and test skills that are necessary for the highest levels of baseball. More than 100 professional and college baseball scouts are expected to visit Palm Beach County because of the WSL finals.

Palm Beach County is home to many of the largest and most presti-

gious amateur baseball tournaments in the nation. However, this is the first national tournament to attract more than 100 teams over a two-week period during its inaugural year.

WSL believes that more than 200 teams could easily be participating during its second year of existence in 2013.

The economic benefits for Palm Beach County will be significant.

The event is expected to generate more than 2,000 hotel room nights and over $1.5 million in direct visitor spending for the local community.

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the county as a sports and sports tourism destination. The commission brings sporting events and activi-

ties to the county, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season) and maximizes utilization of county facilities. The commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and a local membership program that supports its goals. Local, regional, national and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the commission with sports organizations and event owners.

The commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches. For more information, visit www.palmbeachsports.com.

Page 36 August 3 - August 9, 2012

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Mike O’Connnor

Bill Latham

Stu Shoemaker

Rick Rickenbach

Bassmasters Host Fishing Tournament On Lake Okeechobee Royal Palm Bassmasters held its monthly fishing tournament Sunday, June 24 out of J&S Fish Camp on Lake Okeechobee.

First place was awarded to the team of Mike O’Connor (boater), with five fish weighing 13 lbs., 4 oz. and partner Bill Latham (co-angler), with five fish weighing 10 lbs., 8 oz., for a team weight of 23 lbs., 8 oz.

Second place was awarded to the team of Stu Shoemakeer (boater), with five fish weighing 12 lbs., 14 oz. and partner Scott Shannon (co-angler), with five fish weighing 8 lbs., 6 oz., for a team weight of 21 lbs., 4 oz.

Third place was awarded to the team of Rick Rickenbach (boater), with five fish weighing 13 lbs., 14 oz. and partner Roxann Rickenbach

(co-angler), with five fish weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., for a team weight of 20 lbs., 9 oz.

The Big Fish of the tournament was caught

by O’Connor, with a bass weighing 5 lbs., 13 oz.

Royal Palm Bassmasters meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100

Sweet Bay Lane). The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members. Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing.

For more information about the Royal Palm Bassmasters, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail. com or visit the club’s web site at www.royal palmbassmasters.org.

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

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August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

ALL SPORTS CAMP AT THE ROYAL PALM BEACH RECREATION CENTER Royal Palm Beach hosted another week of its All Sports Summer Camp Monday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The week began with learning the fundamentals of basketball, but campers also learned football, kickball and other fun sports. For more info., visit www.royal palmbeach.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRĂ“/TOWN-CRIER

Asante Alleyne (left) tried to take the ball from Dalton Nutter.

Alejandra Gonzalez heads across the court.

John Auten lines up a shot.

Ryan Auten sets himself up under the basket.

Zoe Bumgardner (right) guards Matt Petrokus.

Dalton Nutter looks for help from a teammate.

Page 38 August 3 - August 9, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Aug. 4 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk John Prince Par k in Lake Wor th on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Royal Palm Beach will host a Back-toSchool Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). It will follow a team registration format, with each team consisting of five to seven members. The cost is $50 per team for residents, and $60 for nonresidents. Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalm beach.com for info.

• Palm Beach Atlantic University (801 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach) will host Parents Educating Children Back-To-School Day on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with speakers and vendors to help and encourage both new and veteran homeschoolers. Visit www.parentseducating children.com for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a Staff-Guided Tour emphasizing LEED-certified qualifications Saturday, Aug. 4 at 10:15 a.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Floral Design Class on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. Bring or purchase a medium-sized vase along with your own cutting sheers. All flowers will be provided. The cost is $5 per person. Pre-register at the customer service desk or call (561) 9044000 for more info.

• Golf teams from churches throughout Palm Beach County will compete in the inaugural Pastor’s Masters Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The event will benefit Royal Palm Covenant Church. The scramble format event will tee off at 1 p.m., followed by an awards dinner, auction and raffle. Player entry fees cost $75. Non-golfers may attend the dinner and auction for a $50 donation. For more information, call the church at (561) 2949258 or visit the Binks Forest golf shop (400 Binks Forest Dr., Wellington) for an entry form.

• The Palm Beach County Young Democrats will host a Meet the Candidates Luau on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cottage (522 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth). The cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Tickets include appetizers and one drink. For more information, contact

pbcyoungdemocrats@gmail.com or (561) 444-9884.

• The Wellington Talent Search Finals will take place Saturday, Aug. 4 fr om 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Sunday, Aug. 5 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 8 a.m.

Bring plenty of water. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for more info.

• The VFW Riders of Post 9610 will host a Poker Run Fundraiser for Paws 4 Liberty on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. Stops will be at Pete’s Place and several area VFW posts.

Riders can start at 1 p.m. from any of the posts but end up at Post 9610 (354 10th St., Lake Park) by 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per hand. For more info., call (561) 6441577 or visit www.paws4liber ty.org.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (100 N. Palmway, Lake Worth) will present “Out of Africa,” a celebratory exploration of South African wines and cuisine, on Sunday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. Twelve South African wines will be offered. Tickets cost $25 per person and may be purchased by calling the church office at (561) 582-6609. All proceeds will benefit St. Andrew’s programs and services.

Monday, Aug. 6 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Dog Days of Summer” for ages 7 to 12 on Monday, Aug. 6 at 1:30 p.m. Celebrate the newest “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movie with games and a craft. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Simple Seasonal Origami” for age 8 and up Monday, Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at simple origami paper folding. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Crochet Club for ages 9 to 14 on Mondays in August at 5 p.m. Learn basic stitches and socialize while you work on projects. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Edible Landscaping: Rare Fruits in South Florida” for adults Monday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. Charlotte Gomes of the Rare Fruit Council will introduce an array of tropical and subtropical fruits that can be can grown in your landscape. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register.

See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet Monday, Aug. 6 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, with a social at 7 p.m. and program at 7:30 p.m.

Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

Tuesday, Aug. 7 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Crochet Club for adults Tuesdays, Aug. 7 and 14 at 5 p.m. Learn introductory stitches or bring current projects and socialize. Age 9 and up are also invited. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Art Smarts: Faux Stained Glass” for ages 6 to 8 on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

Make creative designs with the look of stained glass. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister.

Wednesday, Aug. 8 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Green Thumbs Up” for ages 6 to 8 on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. Sing, dance, hear stories and take home a small garden friend. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Special Animal & Bug Stories” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Aug. 8 (for ages 3 to 5), Aug. 15 (for ages 2 to 5) and Aug. 22 (for ages 3 to 5). Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more information.

Thursday, Aug. 9 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Let’s Pretend” for ages 2 to 6 on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 11:15 a.m. Use costumes, props and your imagination to be what you want to be. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The next Girls Night Out will take place Thursday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Players Club in Wellington. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County has been selected as the evening’s charity beneficiary.

For event info., contact pcrcatering@aol.com or (561) 795-0080. For vendor info., e-mail mbg@phelpsmediagroup.com or call (561) 714-0887.

Friday, Aug. 10 • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “The Sushi Stop” on Friday, Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. There is no charge

and no registration is necessary. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will host a Community Center Program Development Meeting on Friday, Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 7930874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie Night at the Museum on Friday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Saturday, Aug. 11 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Giraffes Can’t Dance... Can You?” for ages 3 to 6 on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 10:15 a.m. Hear stories and show your moves to celebrate giraffes. Make a giraffe to take home. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a program on Making Tie-dye Bandanas on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. for ages 10 to 15. Dress to get messy.

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

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Health Starts Here: College Send Off” on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. Learn how to eat healthy, tasty food on a budget with minimal equipment. There is no charge. Pre-register at the customer service desk or call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will present a free Neil Diamond Tribute Concert on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for info.

Sunday, Aug. 12 • The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will host a Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 12 at noon at the Palm Beach Kennel Club (1111 N. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach). For more info., contact Maritza Clark at (561) 790-6200 or maritza@cpbchamber.com, or visit www.cpbchamber.com.

Monday, Aug. 13 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Tween Game Day” for ages 8 to 12 on Monday, Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

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

August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 39

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“We Love Your Puppy Just As Much As You Will!”

Grooming Services Now Available Call 561-422-4220 for an appointment

Luv My Puppies, Owners Joan and Ron Slack

Mention This Ad for 20% Off Your Grooming Service Valid through 8/31/2012

New Ownership (formerly Palm Beach Puppies) Come Experience the New Store!

561-422-2220

10240 W Forest Hill Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33414

LuvMyPuppies.com Find Us:

August 3 - August 9, 2012 Page 41

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\

Legal Notice No. 562 Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH OF WEST PALM BEACH Located at: 1470 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Suite A Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

Dr. Decanio Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 8-3-12

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINAT OR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends.

Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHATCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 GENERAL MAINTENANCE PERSON NEEDED — for Residential, Community Association FT/Part Time, 24 hours per week,Mon-WedFri, 7:30am - 4:30pm. $10.00 per hour. Background Check & Drug Test Required. Fax resume to 561967-7675 or call 561-967-3337 for an appointment-or email resume to tkiser@capitalrealtyadvisors.com DRIVERS: DEDICA TED ACCOUNT! — Top Pay, Benefits, Miles, Great Weekly Home-Time & More! Werner Enterprises. 1-888567-4854 CDL DRIVER — Minimum 2 years experience produce experience preferred. Excellent pay and benefits. Appy @4003 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470 PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER NEEDED FOR 3 YEAR OLDS Full-Time 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mon. - Fri. CDA Required 790-0808 PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS ASSISTANT NEEDED FOR 2 YEAR OLDS 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Experience preferred.

AFTERNOON ASSISTANT needed Mon.-Fri. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Experience preferred 790-0808

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

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured.

Call for an estimate and to schedule your ap artment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

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

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

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

FULL SERVICE DESIGN/BUILD —contractor offering architectural design, engineering and construction in South Florida, Commercial, Residential and Industrial construction specializinig in custom design utilitizing concrete,stone and timber. Post and beam, ornament al iron and conventional styles. New England builder since 1973 in the timber frame style and in Florida since 1989 offering all types of cmu and concrete construction. Additions, alterations and improvements to equestrian out buildings. Florida State Certified Building Contractor.

Project list and references upon request. Free Consultation. Email: dvdros@bellsouth.net or phone 561-632-8061 or visit our website www.drosettabuilding.com

HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-6016458

TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SER VICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 199212121 V isit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

HAY FOR SALE — From our farm to yours. New York State Organic Hay. Top Quality. Small Square, Large Square, Round. Call or Email for pricing. We Deliver. 607-538-9685 Scotchvalleyranch@gmail.com

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

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ARE YOU SERIOUS? Call Coach Cristina or visit www .results44.com for more info. (561) 288-0124 30 day $ back guarantee

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

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs” FAMILY OWNED CLEANING BUSINESS IS EXPANDING — We are honest, reliable and dependable. Over 20 years experience in the Western Communities. Call today to get started. Norma 561-3555044

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

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

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

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood rep air, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinet s/ countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident T OWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL T ODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD AD HERE 561-793-7606

CARD/PSYCHIC READINGS — p ast, present, future. Advice, love, marriage, business, help with all problems. By appointment only. Call 561-293-0405 or 561-683-5164

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in rep airs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

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

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

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

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

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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

U-17189 561-791-9777 HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE —Jupiter Aluminum Products for your • Windows • Doors • Shutters 561-747-4166

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

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

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

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

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms.

Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065 106.33 ACRE EQUESTRIAN FARM NEAR AIKEN, SC — Please call Debbie Harrison, Realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co., at 803-480-5245 for details.

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