The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase 2008 took place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club on Pierson Road in Wellington as part of the Holiday & Horses show hosted at the PBIEC. The
By Ron Bukley
Town-Crier Staff Report
With “green” architecture gaining in popularity, Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board last week explored ways to make new village buildings more environmentally friendly.
Local architect John Szerdi of Living Designs Group in Lake Worth has worked with a number of municipalities to create policies and provide incentives for builders to include design features that are beneficial to the environment.
Szerdi, who is certified in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) process, gave a presentation to the PZA Board on Dec. 4 to explain how the village can encourage local developers to incorporate “green” principles in construction.
ing, the highest of the five LEED rating levels. Although the initial outlay can be greater, there are long-term paybacks, Szerdi explained.
“When it’s done up front with a good design team, it does make sense,” he said. “It’s not going to make sense if you’re building a building that may be minimum code. If you have the ability to do a good quality project, the benefits of it are pretty good in how well it lasts, the upkeep is reduced, the maintenance is reduced, even in rental properties.”
Szerdi said that in the northwest United States, non-green buildings are having difficulty renting.
“People want to be in healthy, green buildings,” he noted.
Christmas tree, photos with Santa, vocal performances by student choirs and more. Page 3
It’s Time To Get Into The True Spirit Of The Holiday Season While the annual “holiday” movies shown on TV serve a sentimental purpose, many of them also contain a message: that we should make an effort to act as humanely and considerately as possible to each other. Page 4
Spor ts
Loss To Orlando-Boone Concludes Football Season For Wildcats
The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team fell just short of a berth in state-level play last Friday night, stumbling at home in the Class 6A regional finals against the Orlando-Boone Braves 31-6. Page 27
Patient Care, Comfort Key At Royal Palm’s Espinosa Opticians Optician Juan Espinosa strives to contribute to the friendly neighborhood feeling of Royal Palm Beach at Espinosa Opticians in the Crossroads Plaza. Page 35
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has reached or exceeded its objectives in several enforcement areas in Wellington over the past year, the village’s top cop told the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday.
PBSO Capt. Greg Richter, who commands Wellington’s District 8 substation, noted advances in traffic safety, combating crime at the Mall at Wellington Green, overall crime prevention and crime suppression from October 2007 through September 2008 in delivering his annual report to the council.
Richter said District 8 set a traffic safety goal of 2.2 or fewer crashes per 100 residents, and that goal had been reached with a four-percent decline over the timeframe of the report compared to the previous 12 months, accompanied by an average increase of 170 more traffic citations per month issued by his deputies. Two more motor deputies also had been deployed. With incidents at the Mall at Wellington Green and surrounding plazas spiking the village’s crime statistics, Richter said, the district sought to reduce the number of stolen vehicles and incidents of juvenile trouble at the mall to less than ten percent of Wellington’s total and did so, with juvenile trouble calls from the mall accounting for seven percent and stolen vehicle reports at nine percent. The number of vehicle burglary incidents at the mall had been reduced from 46 to 23, he said.
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The 2008 Palms West Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade is bigger than ever with 125 entries, according to the chamber’s Special Events Manager Anitra Harmon. The parade celebrates a quarter-century of memories and traditions in the western communities with “Silver Bells in the City: Celebrating 25 Years” on Sunday, Dec. 14. The parade route down Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington begins at Wellington Trace at the original Wellington Mall and ends about a mile and a half away at the Wellington Community Center. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and finishes at about 3 p.m.
Recognized as one of the largest parades in Palm Beach County and attracting more than 25,000 spectators, the event will showcase floats built by local organizations, marching bands, horses, clowns, costumed char-
Richter further noted that District 8 aimed for a five-percent reduction in property crime and achieved a 15-percent reduction.
In its efforts at crime suppression, Richter said the district’s “Street Team” crime suppression unit worked hard to detect and eliminate gang activity and maintain the village’s low crime rate. Toward those goals, he said, deputies identified 11 gang members, made 126 felony arrests and filed 355 drug-related charges. The Village of Wellington’s crime rate of 3.6 incidents per 1,000 population is the lowest crime rate for any city in Palm Beach County with a population of 50,000 or more.
Richter noted that only 10 percent of the calls for service District 8 received over the past year were for crime-related activities, and that while calls for service increased eight percent, the number of cases declined two percent.
“Violent crime is rare in the Village of Wellington,” Richter said. “The Street Team accounts for 35 percent of the arrests. The vast majority of the thefts are retail.”
Richter said he wants to maintain the effort on keeping those figures down and focus a community policing presence on areas that have historically been problematic.
“We are focusing our community policing efforts on White Pine, the 12th Fairway and Goldenrod,” he said. “We are also focusing on gang prevention and eliminating a gang presence within Wellington.”
acters and celebrity guests such as Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Santa Claus. News anchor Roxanne Stein of WPTV NewsChannel 5 is this year’s grand marshal. Forest Hill Blvd. will be closed to traffic beginning at 11:45 a.m. Sunday between Wellington Trace and Country Club Drive and reopen sometime after 3 p.m., Harmon said.
More than 300 runners are expected to participate in the Holiday Mile, which kicks off at 12:45 p.m. just before the parade. At the head of the parade will be the Harley Hundred, local business and civic leaders on motorcycles, led by Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield, carrying Christmas presents for kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, who will have a special viewing area by the grandstand near the Wellington Community Center.
A new feature of the festivities is the Holiday Park, enter-
Richter also said the district has a Section 8 housing initiative to crack down on violators of subsidized housing rules and combat criminal activity in areas where Section 8 housing has been established.
“We have made some strides, headway and arrests,” Richter said. “We already arrested some people who were abusing the Section 8 Housing initiative. It’s an excellent program, and there are people who deserve it. But the others are taking it away from those who need it. We sent those offenders to the Housing Authority.”
The village spends 17 percent of its general fund on law enforcement services, Richter noted, while most comparable municipalities spend more, with the lowest ratio of officers per resident. While the Village of Royal Palm Beach has a smaller population than that of Wellington, Richter noted that it spends 30 percent of its general fund on law enforcement and has 1.81 officers per thousand residents, while Wellington has only .89 officers per thousand.
“We are at the lower end here,” he said. “We are striving to do the best we can by maintaining as much fiscal responsibility as we can. We do it by maintaining the lowest crime rate for a community of this size. We also have the highest solvability rate.”
Richter said that in the next 12 months he would like to see further progress made against gang activity in Wellington, as
See CRIME, page 18
taining children between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the grassy area behind the stage at the Wellington Community Center.
“They will have bounce houses and face painting, games and food, all kinds of things going on there for the children before Santa arrives,” Harmon said.
A large contingent of horses will represent the area’s equestrian community, Harmon said. “We’re very, very thrilled about that,” she said.
Parade VIPs are expected from the communities represented by the Palms West Chamber, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage and Greenacres. Seven bands from area schools will march and play in the parade, which will also feature Star Wars characters, a troupe of clowns, Ronald McDonald and cartoon characters including Tinkerbell, Minnie Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. Six llamas led by 4-H members will also participate.
Living Designs Group is located in the recently completed EcoCentre at 1005 Lake Ave., a 33,000-square-foot environmentally friendly office complex his firm co-designed with the property owner, attorney John Romano and his wife Nancy.
Szerdi said the attitude that environmentally friendly construction is unrealistic has given way to projects that are practical, attractive and not tremendously more expensive than conventional construction if planned carefully.
“There’s a lot of opportunities for many different types of buildings, not just a tremendously large project,” Szerdi said, referring to projects such as the Bank of America building in New York City, the world’s largest building with a Platinum rat-
The perception of “living green” has gained appeal with younger generations, who are more open to the concept of having an “open-window day” periodically at school or in the office to exchange fresh air, Szerdi said. “With the next generation, there’s a great interest in being green,” he said. Szerdi grew up in Fort Lauderdale, where he said it was once considered safe to swim in the canals, and he attended a junior high school that did not have air conditioning. “Things were designed pretty well back then,” he said. “Now there is a recurrence of what would be to me a logical approach, and the perception of a green building as a good place to go to eat or to shop.”
Szerdi said his firm has been working on LEED principals with other area municipalities including Boynton Beach, Lake See GREEN, page 18
As the parade commences, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office helicopter will fly over, one of many representatives from the PBSO.
“We have a huge contingent from the PBSO, and of course Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will be part of the parade as well,” Harmon said. “There are 125 entries. It’s huge.”
Other participants include local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownie Scouts, Girl Scouts, schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations.
Harmon suggested spectators arrive early, as parking will be limited. A large designated parking area will be at Montauk Drive off Forest Hill Blvd. northwest of the Wellington Community Center. Harmon said a continuous shuttle service will carry participants and spectators between the parade dispersal site at the Chancellor Corporate Center on South Shore Blvd. and the Wellington Plaza at Wellington Trace
and Forest Hill Blvd., across the street from the parade assembly site at the original Wellington Mall beginning at 11 a.m.
“There is no parking on Forest Hill at all,” Harmon said. “We suggest that people get there extra early to save their space and bring their families to enjoy the parade. There’s plenty of food and drinks on the parade route, and I believe that we’re supposed to have really nice weather the day of the parade.”
Each year, entry fees from the event generate thousands of dollars for scholarships awarded to high school students from the western communities. The parade is produced by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce with the cooperation of the Village of Wellington and the
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Members of the Wellington Village Council bade a fond farewell Tuesday to Councilman Bob Margolis, as it would be his last council meeting before his resignation becomes effective.
Margolis ran unsuccessfully for the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections post this year and was required by law to file a letter of resignation from his council seat, effective as of the end of the year.
Margolis, an executive with Procter & Gamble, served on Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board before being appointed to the council in 2003, elected in 2004 and reelected in 2006. The remaining council members will have the opportunity to appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Margolis’ term, which ends in March 2010.
Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto thanked Margolis for serving on the council for the better part of six years.
“You have been a strident advocate for the issues important to you,” she said. “I have considered it a true honor to serve with you… I am sure we will continue to hear from you on a variety of issues. It will be welcome.”
Margolis said he remembered the first day he sat on the dais, and how he was so nervous that he could barely sit in his seat. He didn’t know what to do that first evening, he said, but he learned quickly.
“Everything I have done, I have always tried to do in the residents’ interests,” he said. “Hopefully I have left Wellington a better place. You will not hear the last of me.”
Councilman Matt Willhite thanked Margolis for providing him with guidance and wisdom.
“I hope to carry on some of the ideals and thoughts you had in representing the people of
Rep. Mark Pafford (DDistrict 88) recently announced that he
on the House Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care, the Healthy Seniors Appropriations Committee, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee, and the Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee.
“As a longtime advocate for Florida’s elders and those who are dependent on the state’s healthcare services, I am excited to serve on the House Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care, as well as the Healthy Seniors Appropriations Committee,” Pafford said.
Pafford has an extensive background in the healthcare field. He has served as the chief executive officer for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter and as planning
Wellington to the best of my ability,” Willhite said.
Willhite also urged fellow council members to take quick action on filling the vacant seat, noting that several individuals had already expressed an interest in it. “We need to address it sooner rather than later,” he said. Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore noted that he and Margolis had known each other for a long time. “I made the recommendation and asked you to serve on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board,” he said. “No matter what your ideas are, they add importance to our community.” Mayor Darell Bowen said he was confident that Margolis would stay within a phone call’s reach and would remain active in the community. “I wish you the best in whatever endeavors you take on,” he said.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Wellington resident Mike Nelson also praised Margolis for the work he had done while on the council.
“You and I had been on the other side of the fence on most issues,” Nelson said. “[My wife] Kathy [Foster] and I talked you into running. It’s great to have supporters around you, but you learn from your opponents. I have the utmost respect for you and wish you well.”
and policy director for the Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast. As a third generation Floridian, Pafford also is mindful of the issues of growth management and is concerned about Florida’s natural environment. As a member of the Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee, Pafford will play an important role in creating growth plans that take into account conservation of resources, recognize the importance of quality transportation and provide efficient services to Florida citizens for decades to come. Pafford heads to Tallahassee on Dec. 16 for his first week of committee meetings. For more information about Pafford or the Florida House of Representatives, visit www.myflorida house.gov.
Now that the 2008 presidential election is over and we move from the campaign season to the holiday season, it’s time we shift gears and take stock of where our priorities lie. Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States. Congress gave Wall Street billions of taxpayer dollars and may do the same to the auto industry. Economic experts recently announced, to no one’s surprise, that our economy is in a recession. And, of course, our military is still toiling away in Iraq. Those are just a few facts of life. But being aware of these facts, one must choose how to react. Because it’s the holiday season, we urge everyone to act in the holiday spirit. While the annual “holiday” movies shown on TV serve a sentimental purpose, many of them also contain a message: that we should make an effort to act as humanely and considerately as possible to each other. Of course, the same lessons can be drawn from watching the news. If the unemployment figures and stock market news haven’t affected your attitude this holiday season, then surely the wakeup call came with last month’s news of the tragic death of a Long Island, N.Y., Wal-Mart employee who was trampled by the incoming throng of shoppers. It’s a reminder that greed can be deadly. However, selfishness doesn’t necessarily involve viewing one’s self as more important than others. There is also the type of self-
I am writing in regard to the front page story in the Nov. 21 issue of the Town-Crier concerning the village’s lease agreement presently under negotiation with Palm Beach Community College. Based on what was said at the Nov. 28 Wellington Village Council meeting, it appears that either Mayor Darell Bowen was misquoted in this article, or Village Manager Paul Schofield made numerous misrepresentations (which were not corrected by Mayor Bowen) to the council when responding to questions posed by Councilman Matt Willhite.
Specifically, Mr. Schofield said:
• Other than himself and Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz, no one from the village has been involved in any lease negotiations or discussions with PBCC;
• That there has never been any resolution or directive from council appointing the mayor or any member of the council to become involved in these lease negotiations;
• That the $1 million per year rental provision at the end of the 25th year still remains in the lease agreement.
Mayor Darell Bowen never disputed or contradicted any of these statements when made by Mr. Schofield. However, in this front-page story, “Mayor Bowen said he has talked to college officials in the past week about the lease and said both sides are near agreement.” Mayor Bowen was also quoted as stating, “that the $1 million rental provision has been deleted from the lease” and “they’re [PBCC] not going to agree to that. They can’t agree to that.” If your front page story was accurate and Mayor Bowen was not misquoted, then clearly someone is not telling us the truth. Is it possible that the remaining four members of the council and the public at large were lied to by our village manager and our mayor at the Nov.
28 council meeting? If so, why and what is going to be done about it? This is clearly not acceptable and should not be tolerated. Immediate action and investigation needs to be undertaken and punishment imposed where appropriate. We, the people, should demand and not settle for anything less than full disclosure, honesty, truthfulness and integrity from our elected officials and village staff concerning all aspects of this PBCC proposal and government in general.
Howard Sohn Wellington
Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to Don Brown’s column in the Nov. 28 issue of the Town-Crier
Mr. Brown, got a kick out of your column about the frustrations of dealing with the Florida Department of Transportation. I, too, have exchanged emails with Ms. Tish Burgher regarding an issue that bugs me. The new signs they put up on Southern Blvd. approaching Big Blue Trace in both directions read “Big Blue Trace Blvd.” Huh? That’s like someone deciding to arbitrarily make the name on a sign Military Trail Blvd. or Haverhill Road Blvd. I explained to her that a trace is a boulevard (the actual definition is a path, trail or road made by the passage of traffic) and that someone screwed up. She thanked me for bringing it to their attention and that the project manager is looking into it. That was two months ago. Can’t blame her, she probably just deals in PR and damage control. Every time I drive by, I think, there goes several hundred dollars down the drain in materials and labor, not to mention it’s embarrassing. Steve Hanvey Wellington
My, my. How we do protest. Last week, the Town-Crier
ishness in valuing material objects more than basic human necessities. Crass consumerism is not an essential element of the holiday spirit. In fact, most would probably agree that it is more of a blight than a blessing. Still, we live in a consumer-driven culture, and it’s nearly impossible to avoid temptation — especially when there’s a Best Buy commercial on TV advertising a sale on iPods. But when the next commercial is for a Third World charity organization, the desire for material things is suddenly put into perspective.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to give this holiday season, there are organizations right here in the western communities that can use your assistance. The Wellington Cares Clearinghouse, which collects surplus goods for people in need, is run by Ellie Caldwell. Call her at (561) 790-5499 for more information. In Royal Palm Beach, Royal Palm Covenant Church has a food pantry you can donate to. Call the church at (561) 793-1077 for more information. To get involved in the Rotary International organization, there are three clubs serving the area: the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club (President Scott Armand, 561793-3700, www.rpbrotary.org), the Wellington Rotary Club (Secretary Jeff Goodale, jeff.goodale@duda.com or www.wellingtonrotary.org) and the Acreage Rotary Club (Roland Greenspan, 561-792-6704). For some, the gift of giving is the greatest gift of all.
printed responses to my letter to the editor that appeared the week before. That letter was originally read to the Wellington Village Council at a public meeting. I was spokesperson for a group of seniors and physically challenged persons who attended, and we asked our lawmakers to address a matter of safety at the park. The TownCrier later contacted me for permission to print it. I knew there would be repercussions.
Two existing rules, posted and visible at the venue, are being ignored by a number of patrons of the large dog section. Our seniors and physically challenged citizens, mostly patrons of the small dog park, and their pets, are frightened of large, unleashed dogs. There have been occasions of aggressive behavior by large animals. Some owners of large dogs are not cleaning up after their pets in the common areas.
One responder seems to believe that because she has not personally witnessed the physical contact between unleashed dogs and people that these incursions did not happen. Ms. Levy, your visual verification is not required to substantiate the veracity of the concerns of our seniors. Don’t call us liars. You have “watched with amusement” and “chuckled” for eight months at the goings-on in the small dog section of the park. You call me reckless and irresponsible, and say that I’ve “instigated” the small dog park, whatever that means.
For six of those eight months, while you’ve been chuckling, I have not been in Wellington. I wasn’t here when the village equipment and personnel were “commandeered” to move equipment. Ms. Haughn, the stone “patio” was approved by the village, and constructed to prevent people from stepping into the holes dug by dogs in the seating area. I understand that the stones were paid for by patrons of the park.
Whatever happened with benches, swimming pools, multiple water bowls, et al, is of no concern to me, or other seniors in our group. These non-issues
were never addressed in the letter, even though Ms. Haughn states that patrons of the small dog park encouraged and abetted such silliness. If Ms. Levy really knows the person responsible, she should be ashamed of herself for the character assassination of an individual who may be overly exuberant, and annoying to some, but is passionate about his dog and the dog park. Have at me all you want, but leave this guy alone.
Ms. Haughn, you commented on the senior, recently recovered from knee surgery, who had an encounter with an unleashed dog. You indicate that she is responsible for the incident by “insisting on attending” the dog park. She was perfectly able to drive to the park, exit her car and walk with her leashed pet to the small dog area in complete comfort. She had every reason to believe she could do so safely; the rules state that all dogs must be leashed. She was leapt upon by a large animal as she left her vehicle, her knee buckled. And it’s her fault?
Ms. Levy, you say I am one of the individuals who call the village several times a day. I have called the village exactly once, to learn the correct procedure for bringing an issue before the council. If one particular person calls the village several times a day, the village will deal with that person.
All owners really appreciate our dog park, and village efforts to make it a fun and safe place for people and pets alike. It’s too bad that a certain few foul the pot for the rest of us. I stand behind our presentation of legitimate concerns to elected officials. Council members have said they will address our concerns, and we expect that they will honor their promises.
Ms. Levy, you say that, “no one likes these people,” which I assume includes me, but let me reassure you that my popularity doesn’t concern me and has nothing to do with the issues we’re trying to resolve. I wouldn’t know you or Ms. Haughn if you rang my door bell today. But I’ve been around for 70 years, and have observed that
If The Big Three Get A Car Czar,
This week the “Big Three” automakers looked to be getting a “car czar” — along with billions of dollars — to help manage their companies because the captains of the industry couldn’t do the job themselves. Of course, we taxpayers would carry the “car” note since no bank found them credit-worthy enough.
I think it’s time for Congress to turn its attention to the need for an “air czar.” That’s right, someone to be the absolute ruler over airline efficiency and courtesy. This Caesar of the air would crusade not for the companies, but for the tens of millions of passengers depending on them to reach their destinations safely and on time — and without unnecessary stress. If you’re at an airport and you see someone looking for their luggage or sleeping on concourse seats, you’ll know who I’m talking about.
I got this brilliant idea Wednesday afternoon, right after finally taking off on a flight that was given three different departure times. I was leaving the Air Capital of America. For those of you who didn’t grow up there, you might not be aware that the distinction belongs to Wichita, which is home to Boeing, Cessna, Beech, Lear and other aircraft companies. You would think that airlines would be more respectful of their Air Capital. I would think it would be like flying in and out of Mecca. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius gave up a gig in Obama’s White House because she didn’t want to give up her recorded “welcome to Kansas” announcement at the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. I know a lot of Kansans who would rather she record a “welcome to Washington, D.C.” announcement,
By Don Brown
but that’s a column for another day.
character assassination, blaming the victim and killing the messenger seldom contribute to problem solving.
It’s hard to ignore a dog defecating if he’s at the end of a leash. Leash your large dogs, and use the poop bags provided. Period.
Barbara Phillippi Wellington
I have read the letters the past two weeks about the Wellington Dog Park. From what I can tell, the issues are large dogs not on leashes and poop not being picked up. Yet the follow-up letters to Ms. Phillippi’s letter did not address that.
I used to have large dogs, and still love them, but space and money dictate that I have small ones now, and I love them also.
I do understand that some people have a fear of large dogs, but both of my small dogs have been attacked here in Wellington and worry when I get out of my car at the park and a large dog comes running toward me. My leashed dog will growl because he can’t defend himself.
Yes, a dog might escape once in a while, and some poop could be missed. That’s life. But I have slipped on a large pile of poop because the owner of a large dog didn’t see it, or didn’t care.
I moved to Wellington in 2000. Being a senior citizen, I found it hard to meet people. After my older dog passed away, I adopted another pet and began going to the dog park. It was wonderful, and I met so many terrific people with similar interests and their pets that I adopted another dog. We began having trouble with the dogs digging under the benches, and the village began putting pavers under the benches. The dogs were still digging, and we were
afraid of tripping and got permission to add pavers to expand the area. We purchased the additional pavers ourselves, which the village installed. Thank you, Wellington, for a wonderful dog park. The benches, bags, water, mowing, spraying, and all the great things you do for the four-footed furry ones. We are grateful. Dog owners, please be kind to your fellow man and keep your pets leashed and pick up the poop, as the laws stipulate. Judy Mullins Wellington
With the county commission’s approval of the Southern/ Seminole Pratt commercial project on Dec. 3, growth management was taken from the people of Palm Beach County and put back in the hands of “Westward Ho!” politicians and developers. The commission resurrected part of a sector plan they had killed to remove property from the rural tier of the central western communities for a developer, which set precedence for urban form west of Seminole Pratt. Public trust was violated. Again. Taxpayers paid for planning staff and consultants and established public consensus for a
The article “Shopping Center Gets OK For Sem Pratt & Southern” published last week should have identified Richard Sluggett as the property owner. Also, the vote was for the final adoption of the land use amendment. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.
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 793-6090; or you can e-mail to letters@ goTownCrier.com.
the errant airline executives. The czar could set up a special hotline number like 4357 (HELP) so we could call for instant relief or at least honest answers.
And while I’m on the topic, why do airlines seem to file for bankruptcy over and over again but keep coming back like Lazarus, while we need to pony up our hard-earned cash to bail out the automobile industry? I blame General Motors for the economic disaster we’re all going through. Who was it many decades ago that Point of View...
It turns out that my two-hour Wichita delay en route to my stopover in Atlanta was just the first leg of a long flight experience. As I write this, my flight out of Atlanta is already two hours delayed and counting, taking me home to Palm Beach in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday.
Since I had a lot of time on my hands and not wanting to waste it, I tried to learn exactly what caused the delay. No one could tell me except to offer an iffy and vague, “maybe it’s the weather somewhere.” Like what weather and where? Are we talking about a cyclone in India? Or an unusual thunderstorm in Death Valley? Could a cancelled 20-passenger flight in Canada’s Northwest Territories have a domino effect on Wichita and Atlanta?
They keep talking about a Passenger Bill of Rights for those of us who have spent hours holding our bladders while in a holding pattern on tarmac a few feet from the gate. I say an air czar would cut through all the complaint red tape that airlines are so famous for. The czar could issue banishment decrees or even death sentences to
said, “as General Motors goes, so goes the nation?” Too bad we can’t resurrect him from the grave.
The airlines are chock-full of smart people like pilots and engineers. Why can’t they figure out potential problems like weather patterns and where all their planes are at any given time? I’ve got a ten-year-old grandson who plays complex computer games who could probably solve that problem. Of course, I would partner him up with a Palm Tran bus driver.
How about this number for a look-see at the advertising costs involved in running for public office — $2.6 billion. Yes, that was the amount spent on political advertising by candidates and interest groups during this past presidential election season. Where did all of that money go? $2 billion was spent on local broadcast television. Radio and local TV gobbled up $400 million while national network and cable television swallowed about $200 million. These robust figures were amassed by the Campaign Media Analysis Group, which revealed the numbers were the highest ever for a
Footloose and...
By Jules W. Rabin
presidential election. The balance included everything from the chief executive’s race to elections for local assembly, plus so-called advocacy advertising. Overall, this advertising bill is up more than 54 percent from the $1.7 billion spent in 2004. Surprisingly, the 2008 amount is less than the $3 billion the survey group had predicted. Thus, if you have developed
an itch to run for public office, better step back first and take a long look at your fundraising prospects. Public financing is generally not an option for races other than the presidency. And one or two rich uncles, unless they are on Forbes magazine’s “Billionaire List,” won’t do it.
Want to understand the dynamics of big-league fundraising? I suggest you contact David Axelrod, the chief strategist for the Barack Obama campaign. He knows how to shake the money tree successfully. After all, President-elect Obama raised a startling $750 million for his successful run.
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Palms West Chamber of Commerce CEO Jaene Miranda covered the highlights of 2008 at the chamber’s last business luncheon of the year Monday.
The chamber started off an “absolutely amazing” year with solid sponsorship for its longawaited new building, Miranda said, as Florida Power & Light presented a $100,000 donation.
“Needless to say, at the first luncheon of the year, they provided us with a really big check,” she said. “That was such a great kickoff to the year. The second thing that happened was we actually finalized our lease extension with the county. We have a 30-year lease with the county now. We are very excited about that.”
Miranda said she was proud the chamber had made its signature annual event WestFest more environmentally friendly in 2008, with the help of its sponsors and staff.
“One of the groups that stood up for that was Florida Public Utilities,” Miranda said. “At a December 2007 County Commission meeting, they declared our West Fest a green event for Palm Beach County. That’s the first time that happened.” Miranda said the chamber’s installation gala in its 25th anniversary year was a smashing success. “We had an absolutely spectacular gala,” she said. “We had 22 corporate tables that were purchased, and tremendous sponsorship outreach that came in at a higher level. We had over 300 guests there. The auction broke all records. We made $300,000 to $400,000 from the auction. We were so happy with the event.” Miranda said the Taste of the West held at the South Florida Fairgrounds also went well due to the hard work of chamber members and participating restaurants.
“We had spectacular attendance in four hours,” she said. “We had 1,800 people come through the South Florida Fairgrounds. All our sponsors really stepped up. We served a lot of food. A lot of restaurants got tremendous exposure.” Miranda said she was also
proud that the chamber stepped up to sponsor the Village of Wellington’s Fall Festival, a community event that was on the chopping block doe to municipal budget cuts. “It was planned for a while, and rather than creating our own event, we helped save an event,” Miranda said. “It was an opportunity for us to provide a safe Halloween for the kids in the community. Everyone had a good time.”
Miranda also praised the second annual SalsaFest, which took place at Greenacres Community Park in November. “We were hoping to get 8,000 to 10,000 people,” Miranda said. “12,000 people walked through the gate. We were floored. We had three major acts that came and performed. They drew a tremendous amount of spectators. Overall, it was a spectacular event.”
Miranda said the chamber’s networking events, mixers and luncheons were well attended by members. Power networking events devised by the chamber’s membership committee allowed participants to sharpen their skills at promoting their businesses.
“You have 30 seconds to a minute to talk,” she explained.
“You exchange your commercials among the groups. It really gives you an opportunity to let people know what you do in the community, and the kind of services you provide. We rotate from table to table, and that gives you a chance to talk to a small group about what you do.”
The chamber’s Leadership Palms West program offered an opportunity to meet community leaders and better understand the facets of the local economy and government, behind the scenes.
“We do everything from meeting with the mayors and the county officials to going out to the Glades and meeting with representatives of the equestrian community,” Miranda said. Miranda said the next program starts in January. “We are taking applications now,” she said. “It’s a four-day commitment. It’s one day a month for four months, and then you graduate. It’s the most spectacular
program we offer from the standpoint of education. If you want to know what’s going on in the community, you need to take it. We had 32 graduates from last year’s program.”
The chamber’s Entrepreneurial Academy allows members to sharpen their practical business skills and knowledge, Miranda said.
“This is more directed at someone who needs a refresher on how to write a business plan, what are the best advertising opportunities out there, and what is available from an IT perspective,” she said. “It’s a seven-night commitment. We do it over two months and then you graduate. It’s one of those things where our membership gets in-
volved in mentoring other members.”
Chamber efforts members can look forward to in 2009 will include a young professionals group and a green task force, Miranda said, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the chamber’s new building is anticipated to take place on Jan. 10.
Meanwhile, Miranda invited everyone to come out to the chamber’s 25th Annual Holiday Parade in Wellington on Sunday, Dec. 14, which will include the Holiday Mile run and a new feature, the Holiday Park, which will feature bounce houses and face painting for the kids.
The luncheon was held at the Breakers West Country Club
and sponsored by Royal Palm Toyota on Southern Blvd., just west of the South Florida Fairgrounds.
Breakers West membership sales manager Heather Beasley mentioned some of the member packages and services the club offers.
“This year, we opened up a junior executive membership for business and for personal reasons, and a corporate membership,” she said. “Breakers West is also available for catered events, whether it’s here or off premises. We do everything from weddings, bar mitzvahs, to anniversaries and private events.”
Michael Scannello of Royal Palm Toyota thanked the cham-
ber for its efforts to promote the dealership.
“The Palms West Chamber of Commerce has done a tremendous job of promoting our dealership,” he said. “We want to thank Jaene and the staff for being wonderful and friendly. The chamber puts out a lot of attention to all the businesses in the area. Everyone is also welcome to come and see our facility.” The chamber’s January member breakfast will take place at the Gypsy’s Horse in Wellington on Jan. 12, with featured speaker County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www. palmswest.com.
By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report
DEC. 10 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to Okeechobee Blvd. early Wednesday morning in reference to a possible drunk driver. According to a PBSO report, the deputy made contact with the driver, 35-year-old Manuel Xon Salvador of Lake Worth, and asked him to exit the vehicle and follow the deputy to the rear of the car. Xon Salvador then put the vehicle in reverse and hit the deputy with the open driver’sside door, forcing the deputy into oncoming traffic. After the deputy commanded Xon Salvador to stop the vehicle, he put it in park. A second deputy removed Xon Salvador from the vehicle and placed him into custody for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
• • • DEC. 5 — A Wellington woman was arrested last Saturday for shoplifting at the JC Penney store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 18-year-old Shanique Corbett removed miscellaneous jewelry items from the counter and placed them in her bag. She then exited the store without paying for the merchandise. She was apprehended and turned over to the PBSO.
DEC. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home on Reading Terrace on Monday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:30 p.m. last Sunday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s 2002 Hyundai Accent and removed a Canon digital camera, an iPod Nano, a black brief case containing miscellaneous documents and a Florida driver’s license. The deputy was unable to obtain latent prints. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.
DEC. 8 — A resident of Ivy Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s vehicle was burglarized while parked inside his garage last Saturday. Stolen from inside was a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber handgun. According to the victim, the garage door was open and he believes the vehicle was unlocked.
DEC. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Tuesday to a pump station at the intersection of 50th Street and Ousley Farms Road regarding a grand theft auto. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle at approximately 10:15 a.m. and went fishing. When he returned an hour later, he discovered the vehicle was missing. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
DEC. 9 — A resident of Barberry Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday in reference to a vehi-
cle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. Monday and 12:15 Tuesday, someone gained entrance to the victim’s 1993 Honda Accord and stole an iPod Nano, hubcaps and the cover plate of the CD player.
DEC. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home on Spinnaker Lane on Wednesday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. the following morning someone stole all four rims and tires from the victim’s vehicle. The deputy was unable to obtain latent prints, and there was no suspect information at the time of the report.
DEC. 10 — An employee of the BJ’s Wholesale Club on State Road 7 called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Wednesday regarding a retail theft. According to a PBSO report, the employee was checking the store’s inventory of diamonds when he discovered a fake diamond necklace. While reviewing a surveillance video recorded Nov. 7, the employee observed a white female remove the real necklace and conceal it in her bra, replacing it with a fake one. There is no further suspect information available.
DEC. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded Wednesday morning to a home in the Saratoga Pines neighborhood regarding a vandalism complaint. According to a PBSO report, the deputy was investigating a delayed report involving two vehicles on Suffolk Drive. The front passenger window of each vehicle had been shot out with a BB gun. Two pellets penetrated the body of one of the vehicles as well. According to the report, similar incidents occurred between last Sunday and Monday outside numerous homes throughout the village.
DEC. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the parking lot of the SuperTarget store on Okeechobee Blvd. on Wednesday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle in the east end of the lot at approximately 2:30 p.m., ensuring it was locked and the windows were closed. Approximately 20 minutes later, she was notified by a store security officer that the driver’s-side window had been smashed. Stolen from inside was the victim’s GPS device.
DEC. 11 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested on a DUI charge early Thursday morning following a traffic stop on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation observed 50-year-old James Fawcett traveling 81 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone. A DUI investigation was conducted, and Fawcett was arrested and transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • David Jones is a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 215 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. His date of birth is 08/16/67. He has a tattoo on his abdomen. Jones is wanted for capital sexual battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His occupation is lawn maintenance. His last known address was Walker Ave. in Greenacres. Jones is wanted as of 12/11/08. • Crystal Morris is a black female, 5’6” tall and weighing 135 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 09/26/86. She has a tattoo on her right calf. Morris is wanted for failure to appear in court on the felony charge of grand theft. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known addresses were White Pine Drive in Wellington and Mil-Race Court in Greenacres. Morris is wanted as of 12/11/08. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc. com.
The Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band presented a memorial concert in honor of Pearl Harbor Day on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the original Wellington Mall. Members of the Mighty Wolverine Sound have been honored with an invitation to perform at the battleship USS Missouri which is permanently docked in Pearl Harbor. The performance is scheduled for March 30, 2009.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
The 26th Annual Bill’s Bikes Memorial Toy Run, held in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, took place last Sunday at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Several thousand motorcyclists gathered to support the event, which started at the fairgrounds and ended at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. Participating bikers brought along toys for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.
BY DENISE
The world-famous Lipizzaner Stallions visited the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds last Sunday for two performances. The stallions were presented in the style and tradition of the renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna. For more info., visit www.lipizzaner.com.
BY
Temple Beth Torah in Wellington will host the family Chanukah Shabbat celebration “Dress Down” on the evening of Friday, Dec. 26. Come light the candles, join in the festivity of the holiday and hear the story of Chanukah. Bring your menorah.
The special guest will be State Sen. Dave Aronberg, who will sing Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song.” Feel free to bring friends and family members to enjoy the evening.
The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Torah runs a well-stocked Judaica boutique. It includes hostess gifts, children’s gifts, gifts for Jewish lifecycle events,
The Wellington branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches will host a fun-filled family Hanukkah party on Sunday, Dec. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be a bounce house, crafts, yoga for kids, latkes, dreidels, music and more. Spend a
Community of Hope Church (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will host its annual Back to Bethlehem festival Dec. 12-14. Back to Bethlehem, a re-creation of the ancient city of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus Christ’s birth, is again expected to attract thousands from around South Florida. From 7 to 9 p.m. each night, guests will go back in time through an interactive experience with authentically costumed actors, live animals, real baking of bread, weaving, blacksmithing and much more. Admission, parking and refreshments are all free.
Attendees will be barked at by Roman soldiers as they barter with shopkeepers and street beggars before they reach the crescendo — the live Nativity of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, and an appearance by the angel Gabriel.
“Our goal is to offer our community a free, fun opportunity to experience the story of Jesus’ birth in an engaging way that elevates the true meaning of Christmas and is appropriate for all ages,” Community of Hope Church Pastor Dale Locke said.
In other news, Community of Hope offers a support group for those grieving during the holidays. No matter how long it has been since your loved one died, the holidays can be a painful
On Thursday, Dec. 18, the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach will present a lecture by Fran Kaufman, who has served as director of the PalmBeach3 contemporary art fair since late in 2007. Her experience as curator, private advisor and exhibition organizer in New York and Europe is a key asset to the future growth and success of PalmBeach3 and its parent company, DMG World Media. Anyone interested in going to PB3 should attend this lecture prior to the event to get an inside look at how art fairs work and what goes into putting them together. Kaufman will talk about art fairs, and in particular about how PB3 has evolved and the future of art fairs worldwide. Along with the exhibition, Kaufman will have a video presentation. This event is open to the public.
Kaufman was an art dealer and gallery owner for more than 15 years. In addition to coordinating exhibitions, she has served as a consultant to private and institutional collectors, and has organized numerous art events in the U.S. and abroad.
ritual items, holiday items and books. The boutique’s hours are flexible. For more information about the boutique, call the temple office at (561) 793-2700 and ask for the boutique’s voice mail if a volunteer is not available. Messages will be returned within 24 hours.
Friday evening services at Temple Beth Torah begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday morning services begin at 9:45 a.m., preceded by Torah study at 9 a.m. Birthday blessings occur the first week of each month.
Temple Beth Torah is located at 900 Big Blue Trace in Wellington. For more information, visit www.templebethtorah.net.
festive afternoon with family and friends at the JCC. The cost is $18 per family. The Wellington JCC is located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-15. For more information, call Program Coordinator Sharon Lowenstein at (561) 253-6030.
time. That is why Community of Hope is offering the free seminar “GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays,” designed to help and encourage people facing the holidays after a death. The seminar will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Community of Hope’s Church office (14101 Okeechobee Blvd.). The seminar features video interviews with counselors, grief experts and people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics such as “Why the Holidays Are Tough,” “What to Expect,” “How to Prepare,” “How to Manage Relationships and Holiday Socials” and “Using the Holidays to Help You Heal” are discussed from a Christian perspective with trained group of facilitators from Community of Hope Church. Community of Hope Church hosts worship services each Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach High School auditorium, just west of State Road 7 on the south side of Okeechobee Blvd. Construction of the church’s first worship facility on its own property is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2009. For more information on Back to Bethlehem or Community of Hope Church, call (561) 7538883, e-mail beth@gocoh.com or visit www.backtobethlehem. org.
For many years, Kaufman participated as a reviewer and judge at a variety of prominent international photography festivals. She continues to lecture on a range of topics including advice to beginning collectors, presentation strategies for artists and the business of art fairs for the Sotheby’s Institute and other venues. In addition, Kaufman acts as an independent curator and consultant. She has written catalog essays and articles on contemporary art for both print and online art journals. To reserve your spot, call Loren at (561) 832-1776, ext. 30 or e-mail her at loren@armory art.org. The Armory Art Center is a not-for-profit community-based visual arts center providing opportunities for individual growth, self-expression, increased awareness and appreciation of the arts through participation in studio, exhibition, lecture and other educational programs. For more information on the Armory Art Center or the Master Artist Workshop, call (561) 832-1776, ext. 21 or visit www.armoryart.org.
By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report
Palms West Hospital staff met with members of the Wellington Art Society on Monday, Dec.
8 to present them with a plaque thanking them for donating more than 60 original pieces created specifically for the hospital’s pediatric department and pediatric emergency room.
“Our approach was to make the hospital a more joyous place for kids to be. Bring more color and happiness,” said Karen Knight of the Wellington Art Society.
The artists met in August to discuss color palettes, themes and canvas sizes for the project in order for the display to visually flow throughout the children’s area hallways and rooms. Deciding to cheer kids up with
“happy, bright, outdoor Florida” pictures, the group let their imaginations loose. Recently, artist Linda Rovolis’ neighbor recognized her style when she brought her twoyear-old to the hospital for chemotherapy. Rovolis entices viewers to spot elusive frogs and geckos hidden in the foliage or to count flowers and butterflies in her rainforest painting. “She said that they stop to enjoy my painting. It brought tears to my eyes to make a little difference in somebody’s day,” Rovolis said.
Nicole Damico of Palms West Child Life Specialists agreed that the paintings help the children escape for a while. “It’s wonderful,” she said. “We’ve used the paintings to play scavenger hunts, and the children get
more exercise as they browse. It makes a difference.”
The Wellington Art Society is open to artists working in all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists a platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.
A charitable organization, the society aims to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.
For more information about the Wellington Art Society’s Art Reach Program, contact Knight at (561) 798-3240 or artforum9 @aol.com.
Representatives of Hospice of Palm Beach County joined patrons at the Black Canyon Grill in Royal Palm Beach on Thursday, Dec. 4 for a wine tasting. Proceeds from the event will benefit Hospice programs and activities. More than $500 was raised. For more information about Hospice programs, call (561) 227-5140 or visit www.hpbc.com.
Loxahatchee Country Preschool celebrated its 20th Annual Powwow on Nov. 20, led by teachers Josie Barrett and Lisay DeZolt. The children entertained family and friends with Thanksgiving poems and songs. Everyone enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast in their classrooms. (Above) Barrett and DeZolt lead the children in songs. (Below) Children sing out during their presentation to family and friends.
Seminole Ridge High School will conclude its production of the Disney Channel’s smash hit High School Musical this weekend.
Show times are Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.
The contemporary musical comedy is about a high school basketball star and a shy academically gifted newcomer who discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up together to audition for the
lead roles in the school musical, it threatens East High’s rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar. In a desperate effort to maintain the status quo, the jocks, the brainiacs and even the drama club regulars are soon hatching convoluted plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage. Tickets cost $10 for adults and students, and $7 for senior citizens and children seven and under. For more information, call (561) 422-2655.
Golden Grove Elementary School second graders concluded their Pilgrim unit in the social studies curriculum with a musical performance Nov. 21 titled “The First Thanksgiving.” The students read poems and performed songs, which they worked on collaboratively with their teachers.
The cafeteria stage depicted the Mayflower as a stunning backdrop with the singing Pilgrims beautifully adorned in their native head dress. These were prepared by teachers and parent volunteers.
The program began with the “Star Spangled Banner” by the Golden Grove handbell ensemble. It was their first performance of the national anthem and was followed by the opening rendition of a modified “Come Ye Thankful People Come.”
The rest of the program included items from each of the second-grade classes. Mrs. Sue Stanco’s class was first to perform, and the talented students from her class did an excellent job with a Native American song, “Sunset.” Their two poems were “The Indians Are Creeping” and “The First Thanksgiving.” Mrs. Carol Len-
hart’s class kept up with the pace with its perfect rendition of the beautiful folk tune “Thanksgiving” and their poem “The Story of Thanksgiving.” Then, the melodious voices of Mrs. Janine Conigliaro’s class joined together with the singing of “Cherokee Lullaby,” and they recited “Twas the Night of Thanksgiving.” Their renditions were followed by the brilliant singers in Mrs. Pam Moreland’s class with “America, My Home.” The folk song “Harvest Time” could not have been better performed by the students in Mrs. Holly Johnson’s class, as was their poem “The ABCs of the First Thanksgiving.” They preceded the songbirds in Dr. Elaine Ealy’s class with their rendition of “Thanks a Lot” and poems “Three Turkey Gobblers” and “A Child’s Song.” The blend of the young voices of the secondgrade students ended the performance with the harmonious singing of “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
Music teacher Dr. Estivaliz Gastesi and reading teachers Mrs. Tanya Wesley, Mrs. Terry Pentz, Mrs. Moreland, Mrs. Conigliaro, Mrs. Stanco and Mrs. Diane Kinne worked diligently with the students.
Osceola Creek Middle School recently announced its recipients of the Scholar-Athlete Award for November. The award is sponsored by the School Police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others. This month’s honorees all carry high grade point averages as well as play varsity sports. Both of November’s honorees are eighth graders.
Boys soccer honored Perry Montiero. Coach Tony Bugeja said, “Perry has been an outstanding player on the Osceola Creek soccer team for the past three seasons. Perry is an outstanding player on the field. He is captain of this year’s team and is a constant threat to the opposition. He is an excellent student-athlete. Perry has always been on the honor roll and continues to excel in many ad-
vanced and honors courses. Perry is a valued member of the western communities, and we look forward to seeing him succeed in high school and on to college.”
Perry, who sports perfect attendance and a 3.90 grade point average, also plays on Osceola Creek’s boys volleyball team. He would like to attend either Harvard or Dartmouth, followed by a career in computer science. Haven McCoy was honored in girls volleyball. According to Head Coach Shayne Sanderford, “this is Haven’s second year on the team, and she has improved greatly. She has become one of our setters and is doing a great job in such a short time. I expect much improvement by the end of the season. She has a great attitude and always has a smile on her face. She has been a pleasure to coach.”
Haven, a student council
member, has a 3.20 GPA and also runs track at Osceola Creek. She is undecided on a college, but wants to be a journalist or a photojournalist. Supporting Osceola Creek’s Scholar-Athlete Award program are Moroso Motorsports, which
donated free passes to the
and
orees,
(located at
ney Road and Orange Blvd.) and Dairy Queen (Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.
Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach recently announced the winners of the school’s science fair, many of whom will now participate in the Palm Beach County Science Fair.
Capturing the top three honors in the sixth grade are Tyler Schilf (first place), Andres Santamaria (second place) and Asia Lee-Fatt (third place). Honorable mention was given to Mikey Bychek.
In the seventh grade, Elijah Gumpel took first place, Eli Gorgevski-Sharpe placed second, Kristina Mancini placed third and Nick Lang was recognized with an honorable mention.
Securing the top four places
in the eighth grade were Brandon Singh (first place), Braden Hartigan (second place), Kristina Mancini (third place) and Amara Kaboudan (honorable mention), while eighth grader Michelle Baccietti was the overall winner of the Crestwood Science Fair with her project titled “How Clean Are Your Hands?”
Other eighth graders whose excellent projects will be entered into the Palm Beach County Science Fair are Cameron Edlund, Gabe Abreu, Elizabeth Manzano, Paige Wilson, Khunput Bangkunaray, Suzzanna Rayfield, Pattiya Laorngsudhi, Kaylee Crenshaw and Kristy Rowe. Crestwood Middle School would like to congratulate these great scientists in the making.
Poinciana Day School Head of
Spanish class at Poinciana Day School includes Hispanic culture in addition to the written and spoken language. As part of their class, eighth-grade Poinciana students were studying various Hispanic countries, the last of which was Costa Rica. Each student selected one aspect of Costa Rica to research, including native animals, food, artists, clothing and music.
Students created posters portraying their area of research as a visual aid for their Spanish oral presentations to the class. The culmination of
the unit was a fiesta including foods indicative of the Costa Rican culture — a tasty finale for everyone’s hard work! At the fiesta in the decorated Spanish classroom, students conversed easily in Spanish.
The honored guest was Head of School Mrs. Nixie Swift. Swift toasted the students and praised them for both their culinary and academic achievements. Swift also lauded Sra. Jael Nolan of Royal Palm Beach for the creativity that she shows in her Spanish program. “We are fortunate to have outstanding teachers such as
Sra. Nolan, who bring their energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the classroom on a daily basis, allowing students the opportunity to experience all aspects of their education. Students are excited to learn about other countries and their cultures because it is presented in such a vibrant manner.”
All Poinciana Day School students in kindergarten through eighth grade participate in Spanish classes. Students are immersed in the Spanish language and culture, with the emphasis upon learning how to converse in the language at all age levels.
Located at 1340 Kenwood Road in West Palm Beach, Poinciana Day School is a small, independent private school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade where “every student is an honored student.” All students pursue a strong academic curriculum as well as a wellrounded specialty program consisting of visual arts, performing arts, technology, sports and Spanish.
For more information about Poinciana Day School, call (561) 655-7323 or visit the school’s web site at www. poincianadayschool.org.
Seminole Ridge High School literary magazine Mirage has received a First Place with Special Merit award and the Most Outstanding High School Literary-Art Magazine award for 2008 from the American Scholastic Press Association as part of its annual magazine competition. The magazine, which will see its third annual issue this spring, is student-produced under the advisorship of Ms. Carly Gates.
• Guidance Offers PSAT Scores, Bright Futures Assistance — Hawk guidance counselors will distribute PSAT scores to sophomores and juniors during lunches Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16. On Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 9:15 a.m., the guidance office will hold a PSAT interpretation session for interested students in the auditorium. Students must sign up in advance for the session; they can sign up in the guidance office or at lunch when they retrieve their scores.
On Thursday, Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m., counselors will be available in campus computer labs to assist seniors in completing the online Florida Bright Futures scholarship application. Seniors must sign up in the guidance office to be assigned to a lab. Seniors who have already applied or do not need help with the application need not attend. For more information about these events, contact guidance counselor Ms. Theresa Hartl at (561) 422-2634.
In November, under the leadership of physical education teacher Cathlene Lake, more than 250 students from Golden Grove Elementary School “jumped” toward heart health while simultaneously raising critical funds for lifesaving heart and stroke research.
Jump Rope for Heart directly helps tackle the looming childhood obesity epidemic facing American children today as it promotes physical activity and provides educators with the tips and tools necessary to help teach children to value their heart health at a young age.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Jump Rope for Heart is an educational and fundraising event held in schools across Palm Beach County and the nation. The program teaches the importance of physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families.
Lake is an educator, motivator and cheerleader all in one — and all for the heart health and well-being of her students. Lake, a teacher for several decades, has spearheaded the Jump Rope for Heart program at Golden Grove for the past five years. Under her guidance and leadership, participating students raised more than $53,000 in the first four years alone. Lake’s commitment to Jump Rope for Heart has grown in stride with its success and has been fueled by her family’s experiences with heart disease and a heart complication that she personally faced.
Heart disease has affected both of her parents, ultimately claiming the life of her father. Two years ago, at age 53, Lake learned she had a heart defect. While she initially attributed the symptoms to age, she ultimately consulted with her doctor. Surgeons performed an ad-
vanced procedure to correct the defect, and Lake today has a renewed sense of energy and appreciation for advancements made possible by the American Heart Association and years of research.
As an educator and someone who has been touched by a heart complication, Lake works each day to promote the value of heart health. She encourages men, women and children alike to make their heart health a top priority and supports initiatives such as the American Heart Association’s work to combat childhood obesity and the organization’s movement to inform women that heart disease is their number-one health threat.
Through Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association empowers females to take preventative steps to avoid an encounter with heart disease. These include planning and maintaining a physi-
A wellness fair was held at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Nov. 20. The event was sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging and organized by Wellness Coordinator Joyce Bailey, who also offered depression screening during the fair. Podiatrist Donald Clayman offered foot exams, nurse There-
sa Zaehring checked blood pressure, nurse Tonuia Alston checked blood sugar, nurse Nila Galan offered nutrition screening and nurse Virginia Leichter offered hearing screenings. Lifeline Assistance representative Lorraine Sconfoft was available, but due to time constraints was not able to talk with
many seniors. She will be back on Jan. 13 to sign up those eligible to receive assistance on phone bills. The RPB Cultural Center will have interesting health lectures one Friday a month sponsored by Palms West Hospital. Call Dolly at (561) 792-5503 or (561) 790-5149 for more info.
cal activity routine; preparing heart-healthy meals; scheduling a yearly appointment with one’s doctor to check blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride and body mass index levels, among others; and knowing one’s family history.
“With children’s heart health now more than ever being afflicted with complications due to poor diet and the lack of an active lifestyle, we need now more than ever to increase awareness and provide them with knowledge of better healthy choices,” Lake said. “If I can get the children, even the youngest children, to remember the risk factors, it makes me feel good. We want to motivate them as early in life as possible to move, to get active. We’re dealing with the age of computers. It’s a different generation.”
For more information, visit www.americanheart.org.
Cherie Suzane Rubin and Craig Bradley Sussman were married on Saturday, June 14. The wedding ceremony and reception were held at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton.
The bride is the daughter of Joseph and Candace Rubin of Wellington. Cherie received her bachelor’s degree in event management from the University of Florida in 2006. She is the youth development director of the March of Dimes in Gainesville.
The groom is the son of Pam Sussman and the late Jeffrey Sussman of Ormond Beach, Fla. Craig received his bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of Florida in 2001.
The groom earned his medical degree from St. George’s University in 2005. Sussman is now a neonatologist at Shand’s Hospital in Gainesville.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Hawaii and now reside in Gainesville.
• • • 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.
Brendan Gibbons, kicker for the Cardinal Newman High School Crusaders football team, has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game in San Antonio on Jan. 3, 2009. Gibbons, a senior from Wellington who plans to attend the University of Michigan, will kick for the East All-Stars in the internationally televised football game.
Now in its ninth year, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl emphasizes the skills and sportsmanship learned by high school players throughout the United States.
At Cardinal Newman High School, Gibbons was recently presented with his official game jersey by U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl officials. Surrounded by his family, teammates and coaches, Gibbons thanked everyone for their support in helping him achieve this great honor.
At the recently Lou Groza Awards ceremony, Gibbons tied for High School PlaceKicker of the Year.
Nicole’s Village Tavern in Wellington hosted a unique calendar signing party on Thursday, Dec. 4 featuring Gary and Carrie Kane, the photographer and stylist behind the 2009 equestrian women calendar Les Femmes Équestres. The calendar contains fashionable images of local riders Georgina Bloomberg, Paige Johnson, Amy Swerdlin, Monica Burssens, Ainsley Vince and several other notables. At the event, the Kanes presented a $5,000 donation to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, one of the charities benefitting from the calendar.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
The Poinciana Day School student body collected 4,672 pounds of food for the Food for Families drive — more than two tons of food. This averaged almost 70 pounds of food per student.
Students from Poinciana Day School spent weeks collecting cans of food, stacking them everywhere — in classrooms, the sports equipment closet and even in the technology lab! All the students in kindergarten through eighth grade contributed to the drive.
Student Council President Alicia Hebron of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, and Student Council Vice President Xavier Parris-Turner of West Palm Beach, led the school’s food drive. The collected food became part of the greater Food for Families drive coordinated by WPEC TV NewsChannel 5.
One of the unique aspects of the food drive is that the student council held a bake sale to raise money to purchase additional food for the food drive. Each of the student council members contributed baked goods for this worthy cause. The rest of the students felt that it was a yummy way to help others.
The students enjoy helping make a difference. This year, when the need is so great, their efforts are especially appreciated by the community.
“It’s important to help people who are less fortunate,” Hebron said. “What if we were in that position? We would want someone to help us.”
“We feel it’s important to teach students they are part of the larger global neighborhood and that their actions can make a difference in the world,” Head of School Nixie Swift said.
Feeding Families — Poinciana Day School students load items that were donated to the Food for Families food drive.
Located at 1340 Kenwood Road in West Palm Beach, Poinciana Day School is a small, independent private school for students in kinder-
garten through eighth grade. For more information, call (561) 655-7323 or visit the school’s web site at www. poincianadayschool.org.
A bridge-building competition was held on Tuesday, Dec. 9 as part of the Palm Beach County Science & Engineering Fair at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Wellington resident Nicholas Priore took first place in the Middle School Division. Nicholas is an eighth grader at the Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach and a student in Matt Sallas’ advanced physical science class. His bridge, which was made of balsa wood, weighed 15.65 grams and sustained a load of 45.9 pounds with an efficiency of 2.9 pounds per gram. Nicholas is the grandson of Marie and Dr. Carmine Priore and the son of Terri and Carmine Priore III. Pictured here is Nicholas with his trophy.
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Controversy over the design of a roundabout at an intersection in southern Wellington took center stage at the Wellington Village Council’s Tuesday meeting. The council approved amendments to the development order and master plan for a 66-acre site that was once planned as a new equestrian arena, but heard plenty of opposing views on a teardrop-shaped median feature at the intersection of 50th Street and 120th Avenue.
continued from page 1 well as reduce the number of traffic crashes and robberies and bring the number of property crimes below 1,000 cases annually. He cautioned that a significant portion of the crime in Wellington is perpetrated by criminals from elsewhere.
“Wellington is no longer the sleepy bedroom community it once was,” Richter said. “There are a lot of problems that float into Wellington from outside.”
During council comments, Councilman Bob Margolis said the PBSO might be justified in increasing the number of deputies patrolling the village.
“There is a tipping point for
continued from page 1 Worth and Stuart. “They are all very different because each city is different with what their priorities are,” he said. Because there are five different levels of LEED certification, the ratings must be looked at carefully by municipalities considering offering incentives to developers, Szerdi said. “When you have projects that have LEED certification, they’re going by those guidelines, and then there’s specific credits or achievements that they should have that are quantifiable,” he said.
But getting started in meeting LEED standards presents challenges to builders who are accustomed to conventional construction methods.
“Many contractors don’t know how to put together their products and their suppliers to make sure that they can achieve those things during the process,” he said. “It’s time-consuming for them when they have to deal with this. It does cost more, and the first time someone does it, they have that learning curve, which comes right out of their pocket.”
Much green design springs from innovation, which eventually becomes an accepted part of design, Szerdi said. “We’ve done a couple of projects in South Florida where we used pond water from a stormwater retention area for cooling tower water,” he said. “It saved them a couple of million gallons a year. You can also use it for irri-
continued from page 4 national award-winning comprehensive plan to protect the Everglades, save farmland for food and fuel, plan livable/sustainable communities and revitalize old ones. So why are representatives of the people dictating with personal opinion instead? Are they ignorant of or just disdainful of “Eastward Ho!” redevelopment and Smart Growth public policy to control piecemeal western expansion?
The public told public servants what to do in award-winning plans that are ignored, and taxpayers paid for urban services and roads extended west for Scripps that now benefit developers. Since development is proceeding again toward the Everglades, it is time for politicians and developers to reveal their “comprehensive” plans to the public.
Rita Miller Loxahatchee Groves
Don’t Give Away Village Land
Christmas is coming, but I do not authorize Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto to play Santa Claus with my money by putting the K-Park site in the giant stocking of Palm Beach Community College!
As a 15-year resident of Wellington, a college graduate and parent of three students who attended the former Palm Beach Junior College, I do not favor this magnanimous $40 million
Besides reconfiguring a central area in the Wellington Preserve parcel from a commercial arena to a private equestrian club for residents in the Wellington Preserve development called the Wellington Training Club, the applications also designate a second entrance on 50th Street and the paving of a stretch of the street from the end of the existing pavement to the intersection of 120th Avenue.
everything,” he said. “They are handling more calls for service and solving more crimes. Maybe we need to increase the amount of deputies per resident. Maybe you need to consider it next year.”
Councilman Matt Willhite concurred and noted that the struggling economy might generate a rise in crime, but additional deputies would help see that the village is not affected.
“Not to alarm anyone, but there is a potential for more crime and for more serious crime,” he said. “We’ve had a few of these instances. Crime doesn’t stay in one area. You are on top of the situation, and you are working as hard as you can. You may need to take the time to consider increasing the number of deputies.”
gation. You don’t have to use potable water.”
Other savings can be found in building taller and more compact and using less night lighting, if municipalities will allow it, he said. Other techniques include adding a rooftop garden instead of a traditional roof and collecting rainwater in cisterns to be used for various purposes within the building, Szerdi said.
The EcoCentre also collects about 300 gallons of condensation a day that is used to water indoor plants, Szerdi said. “Thinking about these things like this up front, if they are done right and the intentions are there early, they can be put together and be an interesting driver for designs,” he said.
Incorporating energy-efficient windows and insulation can generate dramatic energy savings, Szerdi added. The EcoCentre not only has energy-efficient windows, but they can be opened on nice days, thereby saving air-conditioning costs.
“We’ve been good the last couple of weeks, but you do get the sound of the city coming in, so you have to weigh that out,” he said. “When you’re looking at saving energy, you look at how much natural light comes into the building as well. People are happier when they can see out, and with natural light, you know what’s going on. It’s a much better overall environment, working, living, whatever.”
The most important factor in completing an eco-friendly building is making sure all the green elements are working together the way they were intended, Szerdi said. “You have to make sure everything is work-
giveaway. It is not that far down Lake Worth Road to the main campus, which we taxpayers already support. Chances are that some of the classes and most of the activities would be located there anyway.
Although I am a regular reader of the Town-Crier, I had no idea that this was a “done deal,” as the front page article in your Nov. 21 issue seems to indicate, nor was I contacted by the Village of Wellington’s $10,000 survey (which I would not have approved either).
As an 80-year-old who has survived the Great Depression, I advise the Wellington officials to terminate this outrageously expensive gift to ungrateful, demanding college officials and put a lump of coal in their stocking instead. Further advice to Mayor Bowen and his cohorts: stop pandering to PBCC, stop spending sprees and knuckle down to guide our community in a sagging, scary economy. This calls for wise, careful, thoughtful leadership, which in my opinion has been sadly lacking recently.
Ruth E. Keen Wellington Euell Responds
To Miller Letter
Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Obama Will Be An Improvement” by Colette Miller published last week.
Well, welcome aboard, Ms. Miller — glad you liked my letter. So you want me to “get over it,” just like you folks got over the Bush election (selected, not
Village staff originally placed a condition on the applications that the developer reconstruct the existing teardrop-shaped roundabout at the intersection to a conventional shape, but the council’s advisory committees, the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and the Equestrian Committee, both requested that the condition be deleted.
The existing roundabout, with its point extending north along 120th Avenue, was constructed months ago with the aim of discouraging through traffic in the village’s southern equestrian area. But village staff members report that its presence has instead encouraged drivers to regularly violate traffic rules and circumvent the feature the wrong way, and that fixtures on the roundabout have been vandalized on several occasions.
On Tuesday, project planner Mike O’Dell urged the council to unburden the developer of any responsibility for the roundabout situation. O’Dell said there is no traffic increase associated with the project to warrant imposing the condition.
ing right before it is handed over,” he said.
One of the most prevalent concepts in environmentally friendly construction is recycling, Szerdi said. “We have probably the first office building that has no dumpster,” he said. “We work with our city and Waste Management to recycle everything in the building. We work with our housekeeping group, and the way they recycle everything at the end of the day is just a matter of attitude and working those things out.”
PZA Board Member Eugene DiFonte asked if awarding LEED certification is something Wellington’s building department might be able to do, and Szerdi said they could do so if they receive required training.
PZA Alternate Alan Johnson asked if federal grants are available to the village for offering incentives for environmentally friendly construction, and Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins said village staff members are working on gaining access to such funding.
Johnson pointed out that the village is planning to construct a municipal building and recommended looking into federal grants expected to become available through federal stimulus packages.
Hodgkins said that idea is under active consideration. “We will see that we get our fair share if not more,” he said.
Hodgkins added that the village has been a leader in water reuse for irrigation and providing incentives to residents who use canal or pond water for irrigation. The village is striving to achieve 100 percent water reuse eventually, Hodgkins said.
elected). And after three recounts in Florida, in which he still won each time, they wanted a fourth. And each time they called for a recount, the stock market dropped. No, Ms. Miller, I’m going to hold Obama’s feet to the fire just as you people did with Bush.
As for the Carter years, just because you don’t remember doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
As a matter of fact, your memory isn’t too good on other things. They tried to bring the twin towers down in 1993 on Clinton’s watch, but the bombs didn’t have the effect the planes did. And if you want to blame Bush, I guess we can then blame Roosevelt for Pearl Harbor. But I’m sure you forgot all about that if 9/11 was the “mother of all attacks.”
As for most of your letter about torture, lawless Neanderthals running amok is just a lot of dribble not even worthy of a reply. But I do welcome your comments, and it will be interesting to see how the most liberal senator in the Senate governs. After all, Vice Presidentelect Biden said Obama didn’t have enough experience to be president. As for his intellect, we’ll have to see, won’t we, Ms. Miller?
And last but not least, things in this country started going bad two years ago, just about the time the Dems won back the House and the Senate. What a coincidence. It hasn’t stopped regressing yet, although I understand they’re not going to do anything to help it under the Bush watch.
Tom Euell Wellington
“The concerns of the roundabout design are unrelated to this application,” he said. “The Village of Wellington should use its procedures and policies as to what they really want to see there. I was also advised for the cost of it. We have paid for the construction of 50th Street from South Shore to our entrance and to 120th Street. We could extend 50th Street. We estimated that cost to be another half a million dollars. If we make a true roundabout, we estimated that cost to be about $35,000 to $45,000. We have done that based on the fact that it is a stand-alone project.”
Mary Martin, an alternate on the Equestrian Committee, urged the council to retain the teardrop roundabout in accordance with the wishes of the Equestrian Committee and the PZA Board, and warned the council that encouraging more traffic in southern Wellington would endanger its appeal for the equestrian industry.
“I personally sat at this intersection for an hour one morning, and 75 percent of the cars were service vehicles and construction vehicles,” she said. “Ten percent were commuters, and the rest I cannot say. Sixty percent of them were violating traffic rules. We are being premature to convert it to a standard roundabout. We have paved the road, and we are going to pave more of it. Paving and horses don’t get along well together.”
Wellington resident Greg Cafaro, who lives near 50th Street, said he is also concerned about traffic violations and that peo-
ple using the road now take major risks crossing from pavement to dirt.
“Whatever is decided to go back there needs to be safe for us and for the horses,” he said.
“The horses trotting along are not making the noise we are enduring. We are not anti-equestrian. We would like to see the remaining section paved, whether you go with the teardrop or full roundabout.”
Daniel Goldsmith, whose home adjoins 50th Street, said he and his family had endured traffic along the road for four and a half years.
“We have endured trucks and trailers and shaking in our home,” he said. “I have cracks in the ceiling. I would like the council to continue with the recommendations of the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and the Equestrian Committee. By eliminating this and putting in a full roundabout, you will increase traffic.”
Council members said they supported the concept of a traditional roundabout if the safety, traffic and other concerns of the residents could be addressed.
“The Training Club is an amenity we want to support in the community,” Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said. “It provides for more opportunities for equestrian activity. It’s something we have committed to all along. My concern about the teardrop is it’s not really safe. We do want to be mindful of the people who live over there. It also limits or cuts off the passthrough traffic. Can we do a test program to block off the road with barricades before we move
along with a long-term solution?”
Village Manager Paul Schofield said that would be an option to consider, but he stood by his recommendation to resolve the safety issues with the teardrop roundabout.
Councilman Bob Margolis said he shared concerns about the traffic and noise. “I sat and watched while the cars did unsafe speeds,” he said. “We can’t have someone out there enforcing it 24 hours a day.”
Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said that the frustrations with the teardrop were brought about by not paving 50th Street as a deterrent to traffic.
“It has not been a deterrent,” Priore said. “They continue over a dirt road. The teardrop has created a frustration… I support the normal roundabout.”
Mayor Darell Bowen said he, too, watched the traffic using that road, and the teardrop does not work.
“120th was never meant to take that much traffic,” Bowen said. “Here we are forcing people to use it. We can’t stop people from coming through if you live there and do business there. I don’t know why that little section would be unpaved. That is something we have to look at and address. We have to fix it and look at the through traffic.” Priore made a motion to approve the development order and master plan amendments with all conditions intact, including the developer’s responsibility for reconstructing the roundabout. The motion was seconded by Benacquisto and passed unanimously.
A farewell event for outgoing Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chair Wahid Mahmood was held last Sunday at the Crowne Plaza in West Palm Beach. Many local Democratic officials were in attendance, and several spoke fondly of Mahmood, wishing him well in his future activities.
895 1,183 1,471 1,760 2,048 2,337 2,625 2,913 3,202 3,490 3,778 4,067 4,355 4,643 4,932 5,220 5,508
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Business Showcase 2008 took place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club on Pierson Road in Wellington. the showcase took place as part of the Holiday & Horses show hosted at the PBIEC. The day culminated with the chamber’s annual tree-lighting ceremony hosted jointly with horse show promoter Mark Bellissimo and featuring the sounds of local school and church choir ensembles. For more information about the chamber, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
Guests enjoyed an evening “Under the Tuscan Moon” at the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington’s 21st Annual Wellington Dinner, Dance & Auction on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. The co-chairs of the event were Dr. Harvey Montijo and his wife Zulma, and Dr. Vincent Apicella and his wife Dr. Mariaclara Bago. The black-tie event is known for kicking off the busy social season in Wellington. It began with a cocktail reception and high-end silent auction, followed by dinner, dancing and a live auction.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
I saw an amazing sight this past weekend — a building that a car had driven through. There were no tire tracks, but it looked like the driver jumped the curb, mowed down a palm tree and went through a fence before he took out the concrete wall of the building and pushed most of the office furniture into a corner, popping the rear wall out into the yard. He couldn’t have even tried to brake. Judging by the damage, the building had been deteriorating, but still… Comedian Ron White says, “you can’t fix stupid.” That may be so, but I think you should at least hold Stupid responsible. If someone does something like, say, drive through a building or put their baby on top the car or leave their dog frozen to the sidewalk because “he didn’t come in when I called” (yes, this really happened) — that person should receive a Stupid Stamp. Three
stamps and you have to take a night-school course called “Life 101” before you can be admitted back into society.
Life 101 would be mandatory because most people don’t want to live with the inherently stupid. I know that everyone makes mistakes. I’m not talking about minor infractions here — errors that occur because we’re distracted or in a hurry.
If we had to give out stamps every time we got the wrong order at a fast-food restaurant, we’d have to buy massive printing equipment and run the presses around the clock. But people who eat a bowl of rising bread dough need to be stopped — and cited.
My Life 101 course would include general highway safety tips that aren’t in the driver’s ed manual — things like “stay on the road” and “avoid buildings” and “bring the baby inside before you take off.”
The course would also teach Home Life: “don’t put hairpins into the light socket,” “keep broken glass away from your food” and “when in the shower, close the curtain.”
And, for the sake of pets: “empty the litter box at least annually,” “don’t tie the dog to the car and then back up” and “if your pet is whining but
doesn’t come when you call, there may be a reason. Put down your beer and go check!”
But who decides how stupid is too stupid? I suggest a panel composed of stupid people. If the world’s stupidest people agree that an action is stupid, it is. These citizen panels would have to be regional, however. What I don’t know about possum hunting could fill a book, yet others may not understand why you shouldn’t gun your engine when passing an equestrian. You’d get a “bye” if you were out of your neighborhood, and therefore out of your element — but only three byes per person. Otherwise we’d just ship our stupid people out of state and the other states would ship theirs to us.
Hey! That’s not a bad idea! Maybe each Life 101 graduate could be issued a diploma — and a bus ticket.
One major problem with our society is our treatment, or perhaps mistreatment, of teachers. Teaching is more than simply knowing a subject, although that is also a vital requirement. A good teacher knows how to make sure students understand a subject. A great teacher makes them understand and love it. And many in society sneer at them.
I read a story about a high school teacher in California who spent so much money on copier fees for an Advanced Placement (college-level) course that he raised money to pay for the materials by charging for ads on his quizzes and tests. Although there were some real ads for businesses, most ads were motivational messages from parents.
While most of his students passed their exams with the highest possible score, according to reports, this teacher was criticized by many outside the educational community for the ads.
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
were savage. One person noted that teachers are often given money to pay for extra materials. Indeed, my wife, who teaches in Palm Beach County, generally gets a check for $200 to cover special materials. Her bills at Barnes & Noble are far higher than that. Keep in mind that the average high school teacher might see 100 students a day, which means an outrageous spending level of two dollars per student. Wow!
teachers. After all, they teach the skills and attitudes we want our children to learn.
I have taught Advanced Placement classes in American history and economics, and the amount of material needed is massive. Think of what students pay for college books if you need a comparison.
‘Avenue
What was this gifted teacher to do? He had several alternatives. He could stop providing needed materials, but that would not provide the best possible education. He could have paid for the difference in costs himself, perhaps only sacrificing one meal a day for his children. Instead, he found a different way, one in which his students were able to get the material needed and he did not have to work a second job, perhaps at WalMart during Christmas season.
Some commentators discussing the situation
Even worse, a couple of critics were certain that teachers were overpaid for their work. They should check out Florida salaries. I particularly disliked statements like “part-time work.”
Back when I was teaching in the South Bronx, New York City Mayor Ed Koch loved to talk about the short workday of a teacher. I remember working on lesson plans and materials for a couple of hours and watching him on his way to some fancy event while he discussed my life of ease.
Most of us would name our children as the most precious things in our lives. At this time of year, we throng the stores to buy presents. The best, most valuable one would be to provide good
Accepting former real estate agents and mortgage brokers as teachers just because they are temporarily out of work is a great way to make sure there are no shortages. Back in New York, we used the “mirror test” to determine whether a candidate possessed the qualifications for teaching: if the mirror fogged when the candidate breathed on it, qualifications were met. We might do the same here... and we, too, could match the level of educational accomplishment often found in the South Bronx.
I know I am too cynical. But I also recognize that too often we are more willing to
Last week I went to the “Big K,” better known as the Kravis Center, to see a musical called Avenue Q. The show came into town with very good reviews from the local media and very good recommendations from friends and relatives. The show has been running on Broadway for several years, winning quite a few awards. So, I figured, how could I go wrong? Well, I did. Because the show was supposed to be so good, I decided to break my habit of buying nosebleed tickets. For this show I bought tickets up close and personal. We sat right in the middle in the orchestra, about 11 rows from the stage. It was the best ticket for a show I ever bought in my life. A pair cost me $167. I know I must be crazy, but when you are in love with your better half you must follow your heart. Allowing someone else to park my car at the Kravis cost me another $12. So far, not counting
By Ernie Zimmerman
the dinner, the show cost me $179. But who’s counting? Because I was such a high roller, on this night the Kravis Center decided to throw in a couple of free drinks.
The way this show turned out, I wished they had thrown in a couple more drinks.
Avenue Q takes place in an outer borough of New York City, apparently in Brooklyn. The thing that is different about this show is the cast. The cast is about half real-live humans and the other
half of the cast are puppets. So far it sounds like a great idea. Most of the puppets are on the hands of the human cast. Most of the show is the puppets talking to each other via their human partners. When I first heard the show was half puppet, I was thinking of bringing my grandkids. But I was advised that would not be a good idea, because the puppets and some of their actions get a little off-color. And believe me, that is exactly what happened. This was not a Sesame Street show. That was made quite clear in the first two minutes.
The show is about puppets falling in love with each other. OK, some of the humans fall in love with each other also. In fact, we were treated to a human wedding — with the puppets invited. There is a very slow-developing storyline to this show. In my opinion, the show would have been better served if it didn’t have the puppets in
the cast. But I must admit the puppets did make Avenue Q clever and different. All in all, I had a good time until the very end. At that time the actors came onstage. One stepped forward to address the crowd. He told us all the human actors would be in the lobby as we were leaving. He went on to say they would all have buckets and be collecting donations for a Broadway charity.
I thought this was a little crude and rude. I had just spent $167 for tickets to see this show plus the 12 bucks to park the car. I was under the impression I had already made my contribution. After all, this was a for-profit show. And I believe they made a big profit from me. I will go to at least one more show at the Kravis Center, but if they are out there with their buckets at the end of the show, I think it will be a very long time before I spend some of my very hardearned money there again.
By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report
The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team picked a bad night to have a bad night.
The Wildcats fell just short of a berth in state-level play last Friday night, stumbling at home in the Class 6A regional finals against the OrlandoBoone Braves 31-6.
In the first quarter, Royal Palm Beach was forced to punt on a fourth down. But a bad snap didn’t give the Wildcats’ senior punter Damien Stephenson a chance to kick, and Orlando-Boone took possession of the ball near the 35 yard line. The Braves capitalized on the field position and scored a touchdown five minutes into the game.
The Wildcats looked as though they might answer later in the first quarter. But a pass by RPBHS quarterback Marvin Payne was intercepted, and the ball was returned deep into the opposite field. Royal Palm Beach’s defense staved off a touchdown, but OrlandoBoone added three points with a field goal to take a 10-0 lead. Orlando-Boone continued to build on their lead. Going into halftime, the Braves were comfortably ahead 24-0.
Royal Palm Beach’s only score of the game came in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. Payne connected with junior Steven Brinson on a 20-yard scoring pass.
The Wildcats ended the season with an impressive 11-2 record.
PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY/TOWN-CRIER
Successful dressage trainer John Zopatti was 14, living in Massachusetts, when a friend of his mother invited his family out to a farm to see a newborn pony foal. He’d never been around horses before.
“That was it,” he said. “I was hooked.”
Zopatti spent as much time at the farm as he could during the summers, cleaning stalls and grooming horses. In exchange, he got to ride the ponies. He also got to watch the better riders and trainers, especially his friend Amy, who did dressage. Years later, his experience morphed into a training job at a barn with Susan Anderson, a “great trainer.” Zopatti saved his pennies and took lessons with her whenever he could afford it.
Zopatti tried vet school but couldn’t get past the blood and dissection, so he switched to another program and graduated with a business management degree. He worked at a few odd jobs for the next couple of year before becoming a working student for Olympic dressage rider Heidi Erickson in New Jersey. Erickson was very generous with her time and her horses. Zopatti was doing the same mucking and grooming as he had with the ponies, but now he got to ride some “very fancy horses” in exchange.
“That’s where I learned the value of riding a horse who knows more than you,” Zopatti said. “I was riding FEI schoolmasters who were trained to third and fourth level. I learned the feel of the movements. I had finally found what I wanted to do with my life.”
Zopatti broke young horses for Jimmy Fairclough, one of the top four-in-hand drivers in the world. Then he branched out, rented a farm in New Jersey, and began teaching on his own. He continued working with Erickson, and came to
By Ellen Rosenberg
South Florida with her during the winter show seasons. Zopatti was thrilled when he won or placed high in many classes with Shining Moment, a “hot hot hot” off-the-track Thoroughbred he had trained.
South Florida was a different world and a different level. All the top riders he’d always idolized, such as Robert Dover, were at these shows.
“I’d spend every spare moment going to different farms and arenas, just watching them school,” Zopatti recalled. “I’d take my lunch hour, bring along a sandwich, and just sit and watch. Then I got to know them, at parties and functions, and I was amazed that they were so nice, just normal people.”
Zopatti soon began emulating some of his idols. He won numerous regional championships and was voted trainer of the year four years in a row by the Gold Coast Dressage Association from 2003 through 2007. He also trains some of the top adult amateur dressage riders currently showing. Even at some of the top shows, like Aachen, Germany, Zopatti prefers watching riders school to watching them show. He said one can learn a great deal more about how to work with a horse that way, and see how these top riders solve problems. “It really sharpens your eye,” he said.
Zopatti began working with Jurgen Koschul, a
top German dressage rider who had coached the Spanish and Swiss Olympic dressage teams in different years. “Jurgen is a super teacher,” Zopatti said. “He really understand horses and has compassion for them. He always emphasizes the basics. Things have to be done in a certain order for them to be correct.”
Zopatti said he loves the “intimacy” of dressage, the clear understanding, the way small, subtle cues from the rider translate into intricate, flowing responses from the horse. He loves the way something like a tiny shift of the rider’s weight can result in an elaborate response.
One of the highlights of his life was buying a farm with Olympic dressage rider Bent Jensen in 2003. Jensen Zopatti Enterprises LLC is located in the Little Ranches area of Wellington, specializing in training adult amateurs, importing some young prospects from Europe, and standing a breeding stallion.
“It’s a good balance of people and horses,” Zopatti said.
Zopatti’s advice to anyone who wants to get started in dressage is to do what he did: attach yourself to someone you look up to, and watch them and learn.
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Royal Palm Beach High School’s girls basketball team is back and stronger than last year, having lost only one player to graduation from last year’s 1611 team, Head Coach Anthony Dangerfield said.
The Lady Wildcats, who are 6-1 for this season and 4-0 in District 9-6A play, have five returning seniors and a promising freshman in Ashante Dobby.
“As far as the overall team, we’re expecting a lot of good things this year,” Dangerfield said. “We have a talented group of girls who have been working all summer with our weight room program.”
The captains are senior guard Amber Ford, who has four years on varsity; senior forward Patrice Collie, a three-year varsity player; and senior guard Ikeria Corbett, who has four years on varsity. Other returning seniors are Marcel Medina and Marlecia Fuller.
Junior center Lataya Harvin is back with the team after helping carry the RPBHS volleyball squad to the state finals.
“My prediction is we should make it to the district championship game,” Dangerfield said. “Well take it from there. The girls’ goal is to finish in Lakeland this year at state. The seniors are playing with a sense of urgency. We want to play fast
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington will be holding its second year of Upward Basketball and Cheerleading for children in grades kindergarten through seven. Upward Basketball is a league where every child plays, every child learns and every child is a winner. In the church’s Upward Basketball and Cheerleading league, every child will get to practice and play a game every week. They will learn techniques to improve their skills and receive special recognition awards after each game. Most importantly, they will get equal playing time and the chance to develop new friendships.
Program representatives are excited about the early interest and calls they have already received. The goal is to allow
children in the western communities participate in an organized league in a fun environment.
St. Peter’s United Methodist Church’s Upward Basketball and Cheerleading league will run for eight weeks. Practices will be held once a week with games played on Saturdays beginning January 2009. Evaluations will be held on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Next week is the final week to register. Registration forms can be picked up at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., or by visiting www.stpeters-umc. org. For more information about Upward Basketball and Cheerleading, call League Director Chris Moore at (561) 793-5712, ext. 22.
Wellington High School will hold its Holiday Basketball Camp on Saturday Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gymnasium. The camp is for boys and girls ages six through 14. The cost is $30. The camp will be hosted by the boys basketball team. Highlights include lessons in ball-handling, passing, shooting and defenses, as well as competitions, lots of fun and a free camp T-shirt. Make checks or money orders payable to Wellington Men’s Basketball and mail to Matt Colin, Wellington High School, 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414. For more information, call Colin at (803) 439-5348.
and press the ball, but at the same time strive for that halfcourt defense, that’s one of our strengths this year. In order to be champs, we have to be able to take down Lakes this year.”
Palm Beach Lakes High School earned a 24-6 record last year and has four returning starters. Other tough teams in District 9 include Jupiter High School, boasting four returning starters and coming off a 22-5 record, and Palm Beach Central High School with a 14-6 record from last year and five returning starters.
“We play in the toughest district in Palm Beach County,” Dangerfield said. The Lady Wildcats defeated
Jupiter 45-42 on Dec. 4, overcoming a ten-point deficit going into the fourth quarter.
“Jupiter had a great game plan, and they didn’t allow us opportunities to run the floor for transition points,” Dangerfield said. “We were down ten points, and the girls pulled out a tough district win.”
The team enjoyed outstanding play from Collie, who was leading scorer with 15 points, and Harvin, who scored ten points with 11 rebounds.
“We had to create a more fastpaced game, but they just dictated the game the first three quarters, trying to slow it up, trying not to allow us any transition points,” Dangerfield said.
This year, Dangerfield said he has stressed mental toughness and the mindset to finish the game strong.
“We’ve been playing together a lot longer this year,” he said.
“When we limit our turnovers, we can play with anybody.”
One key focus is keeping control right up until the end of the game, Dangerfield said.
“In two of our games last year, we were up by ten points, and one of our games we lost this year we were up by ten points going into the fourth quarter, and we let the game slip away,” he said. “So, we have to finish our games. That’s our game plan this year: to stay on them when we have them on the ropes.”
Dangerfield, in his third year as girls basketball coach at RPBHS, said the challenging schedule will mean all the more satisfaction if they fulfill their dream of a district championship and possibly more.
“This is where we’re expecting a lot of greatness this year,” Dangerfield said. “We have a lot of talented girls behind our seniors. But the seniors have earned it, and this is their time.”
The Lady Wildcats will host Palm Beach Central High School on Thursday, Dec. 18 before the holiday break, and then resume play in a holiday tournament in Fort Myers Dec. 27-31.
The Wellington Christian School baseball team finished the 2008 season with an appearance in the district finals, the regional semifinals and another winning campaign, boasting an overall record of 16-5.
But the Eagles’ accomplishments go far beyond the winloss column. Six baseball players graduated from WCS in 2008 and all six have moved on to a higher level of education: Logan Baker (Colorado State University), Josh Frabitore (Florida State University), Seumus Hardman (Edison College), Eric Kooienga (Universal Technical Institute), Joey Lelonek (Palm Beach Community College) and Scott Roselli (St. Leo’s University).
“We are extremely proud of these young men for their academic and athletic accomplishments on and off the field,”
Coach Mike Drahos said. “Wellington Christian School has a very high academic standard which prepares and encourages our students to succeed in a college environment.”
Roselli, the 2008 team captain, is currently attending St. Leo’s University on a full Athletic I academic baseball scholarship. Roselli also received 100 percent offers from Maryville and Tusculum colleges in Tennessee. Roselli attended WCS his junior and senior years and helped lead the baseball program to exceptional new heights.
In 2007, the Eagles finished the season with a 23-2 record, number-two ranking in the state, a district championship and an appearance in the regional finals, as Roselli led the way with a .458 batting average.
The Eagles closed the 2008 season once again with an appearance in the regional semifinals as Roselli finished his senior year with a 7-2 pitching record, ERA of 0.55, 68 strikeouts in 50 innings, a golden glove third base performance and a batting average just over .400. He was also selected to the Palm Beach County All County Team and the Palm Beach County All Academic Team. Academically, Roselli excelled in his graduating class with a 3.50 GPA..
The future looks promising for the young Eagles 2009 season as senior pitcher Kevin Goff will be returning as the ace on the hill, and already expectations are high for his future. Several colleges and universities are lining up in hopes to persuade Goff to consider playing baseball at their school in 2010. He has al-
ready accepted invitations for visits from coaches and has toured the campuses of numerous universities and colleges, including Yale and Brown universities.
Pitching will remain the strength again for the Eagles as junior Dan Roselli will be replacing his brother to help Goff anchor the staff. Dan is already in contact with several state colleges with high hopes of pitching for one of them in 2011.
The Eagles spent this fall season participating in a very competitive Palm Beach County fall baseball program in an effort to prepare for what promises to be another very well-balanced District 13 conference, which will commence in February 2009. Conditioning is now underway with hopes of a prosperous 2009 campaign.
University of Florida senior Laurabeth Guenthner of Wellington and freshman Teresa Crippen of Pennsylvania headlined the final day of the 2008 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming Short Course National Championships at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center last Saturday for the Gators.
Guenthner captured the national title in the 1650-yard free, while Crippen returned to finals of both the 200 back and 200 fly.
As a whole, the Gators walked away from the 2008 U.S. Short Course Nationals with over 70 season-best times, 12 career-best times,
over 25 NCAA provisional marks, and one automatic qualifying mark from junior Gemma Spofforth in the 100 back (51.62) as the leadoff leg of the winning 400-yard medley relay.
Guenthner rallied for the national title in her best 1,650yard free of the season with a
• • Send sports news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
The national recognition of the event may have been lacking, but Wellington High School’s version of Monday Night Football — fútbol, that is — was possibly more passionate an event than Monday’s game between the Buccaneers and the Panthers. Instead of the NFC South rivals, local foes WHS and Palm Beach Central High School took the field for two intense soccer matches. First on the night’s agenda were the girls teams, followed by their male counterparts. Both games were full of highenergy play and countless physical battles. The Lady Wolverines won their match 10, while the boys fought to a 2-2 tie.
WHS senior Nicole Lichtenwalner and junior Nicolette Vocaturo felt the consequences of two early hits; fortunately, both were in good enough shape to finish the game. One hard-hitting duel in particular was between Wolverine senior Sarah Lenhart and PBCHS sophomore Holly Kobus.
“When two rival schools clash and play with so much heart, you don’t expect anything less,” Wolverine sophomore Natalie Puñal said. “The intensity brought our team together, and that’s why these games are so important.”
The first scoring chance of the night came off the foot of Wolverine sophomore Kaelin Ferreira, who played well from the opening whistle to the closing horn. Ferreira’s shot off a free kick boomed through the air just
By Josh Hyber
before clashing into the right goal post.
The match-up of Lenhart and Kobus was the main highlight the majority of the first half, with both players seeming to be wherever the ball was.
As momentum swung back and forth, Wolverine freshman Katie Casey entered the game in the final ten minutes of the first half. Casey, who along with a handful of other freshmen was playing in her first showdown with PBCHS, energized the team’s offensive play. “It was nerve-racking,” Casey said.
“Being a freshman, it felt really important that we didn’t lose.”
Moments later, Ferreira sent a deep pass to Puñal, whose shot rang off the crossbar. Sophomore Melissa Welch had a rebound chance, but a cluster of players knocked the ball away. Puñal also received a free kick before the half concluded, but Bronco goalkeeper Meghan Anido turned it away.
The Wolverines eventually found the back of the net early in the second half on a Lenhart goal. The senior, who has scored numerous important goals this season, finally escaped Kobus’ pressure at the 40-minute mark. The remaining portion of the game was focused on defense for the Wolverines. Senior Ari
Barletta played arguably her best game of the year, and senior Genny Rigg continued to make key stops. Head
Coach Fern Brewer even played freshman forward Brittany Middlebrook more toward the middle of the field in the game’s closing minutes.
When the clock hit zero, the Wolverines still had never lost a game to Palm Beach Central. Goalkeeper Sam Bandremer recorded her eighth shutout win in the match.
“It feels good to keep the legacy alive,” Lenhart said.
“The tradition continues,” Lichtenwalner added.
With most of the Lady Wolverines in attendance showing their battle wounds, the boys team took the field. With starting goalkeeper Aaron Dupere out of the lineup, senior Corey Bandremer stepped in to make it an all-Bandremer goalkeeping affair.
If the girls game was a scene from Rocky, then the boys game was a clip out of Gangs of New York. Strong hits were thrown by both teams and despite frequent fouls being called, they continued to come the entire game. Bandremer was ready for the opportunity; just one minute into the contest he made a huge save on Bronco forward Mariano Gelso.
Minutes later, Wolverine sophomore Kamil Balcerzak found space to get a head on a ball thrown by senior Chris Koskie. The ball rolled past the goal line for an early Wolverine lead. Chances by Wolverines Andrew DiLallo and Felipe Carbonell as
well as Broncos Mariano Gelso and Christian Henao were spread throughout the following minutes until the Wolverines struck again. Senior Woody Bach shot a ball that cleared PBCHS goalie Nicholas Ravecca before the first half ended. While the first half belonged to the Wolverines, the second couldn’t have been more different. Two minutes in, Bronco Christian Henao scored to put PBCHS on the board. The play seemed to quiet down a bit with an occasional crowd-arising collision for the rest of the second half. However, Bronco Diego Vidal had just enough time to sneak in a second effort chance to tie the game 2-2. Much to the Wolverines’ dismay, that’s how it ended.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Fate couldn’t have been any more diverse for the WHS boys varsity basketball team during the opening week of December. Losing two games by a combined five points and winning one game by two points tested the young team’s early-season resilience.
A four-point loss to Spanish River on Dec. 2, followed by a buzzer-beating loss the following night, didn’t influence the team’s play last Friday as they edged out Centennial High School 52-50. Senior Rahiem Smalls lead the way to victory with an impressive double-double, recording 24 points and 14 rebounds.
Not only was it the team’s first victory, it was the inaugural win for Head Coach Matt Colin. “I was [more] excited for the kids,”
Colin said. “It showed that their hard work and effort [finally] paid off.”
Not wanting to open their season 0-4, the Wolverines focused on the little aspects of the game, such as diving for loose balls and taking charges. For the Wolverines, this gave them additional possessions. In result, they tied their season high in points with 52.
The Wolverines’ backcourt duo of sophomore Scott Wit-
The Wellington Roller Hockey League’s Player of the Week is seven-year-old Juan Bentley, a member of the Training Division Tampa Bay Lightning.
In his position as the Lightning’s center, Bentley shoots right. His jersey number is 7. Bentley’s favorite professional hockey team is the New Jersey Devils, and his favorite professional hockey players are Martin Brodeur and Scott Gomez.
Other favorites of Bentley include his favorite video game, Wii Mario Cart, and his favorite food, Mexican Mud Pie. Bentley also enjoys horseback-riding lessons and is learning to play polo. His nickname is Juancito.
Bentley is an excellent offensive contributor to his team. He has one of the best wrist
Juan Bentley
shots in the league and is able to easily raise the puck into the net
Saturday, Dec. 13
• Florida Atlantic University’s Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host “Go Green for the Holidays and Music in the Forest” on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will learn about exciting alternative gift options from Heifer International and the Nature Conservancy. For more info., call Tracey Ritchie at (561) 6866600, ext. 419 or e-mail her at tritchi1@fau.edu.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Drop-In Story Times” on Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 20 for ages two and up. Times are 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. For info., call (561) 790-6070.
• The Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach) will offer woodcarving for all levels in a workshop held Dec. 13 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. The workshop will include demonstrations and personal instruction in tool technique, form and the qualities of wood with instructor Jesse Walp. To register, call (561) 832-1776, ext. 33.
• The Cuillo Centre for the Arts (201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach) and Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company will present The Velveteen Rabbit on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more info., call (561) 835-9226 or e-mail rduffy@cuillocentre.com.
• The Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Players will continue High School Musical Dec. 13, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 for adults; a 2 p.m. matinee show will be presented Dec. 13 for $5. Tickets can be purchased online at www. seatyourself.biz/bronco. For more info., call Gail Marshall at (561) 304-1035.
• The Palm Beach Opera will continue Rigoletto at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) Saturday through Monday, Dec. 13-15 in the Dreyfoos concert hall. Call (561) 832-SHOW or visit www.kravis.org for more info.
• The Buckler Christmas Craft Show takes place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14 at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (561) 7930333 for more info.
• “Christmas in the Village” will continue Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14 at the South Florida Fairgrounds’ historic Yesteryear Village. The traditional festival of Christmas lights, music, food and entertainment will take place from 5 and 9 p.m. each evening. More than 20 historic buildings will be decorated with everything from lights and giant wreaths to gingerbread men and toy soldiers. For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.
• The Community of Hope Church (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will present “Back to Bethlehem,” an exciting interactive outdoor event recreating the ancient city of Bethlehem, Saturday through Monday, Dec. 13-15. The event is free and appropriate for all ages. The pageant will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. For info., call (561) 753-8883 or visit www.backtobethlehem.org.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “The Irish Rovers Christmas Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Gosman Amphitheatre. Call (561) 832-SHOW or visit www.kravis.org for more info. Sunday, Dec. 14
• Palms West Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 25 years of memories and traditions with its holiday parade “Silver Bells in the City” on Sunday, Dec. 14. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. along Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington and will showcase beautiful floats, marching bands, strutting horses, clowns and costumed characters. News anchor Roxanne Stein will serve as grand marshal. For more info., visit www.palmswest.com or call (561) 790-6200.
• Grand opening festivities will be held Sunday, Dec. 14 at Fine Art at West Best in West Palm Beach. The gallery, which is operating in conjunction with the adjoining West Best Jewelers, is owned by artist Ursula Fernandez and is located at 2602 S. Dixie Highway. The grand opening will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. and feature artwork by Fernandez
and Judy “Yudit” Eisinger. For more info., call Fernandez at (561) 301-6848.
• The Puerto Rican Organization for Cultural Enhancement and Reaffirmation (PROCER) will hold its third annual fundraising event “Trullas de Puerto Rico” on Sunday, Dec. 14. The dinner and dance Christmas fiesta will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Admission costs $40 per person, which includes dinner, dessert and an open bar. For more info., call (561) 439-5631.
Monday, Dec. 15
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Baby Story Time on Mondays, Dec. 15 and 22. Your baby will love the rhymes, finger plays, songs, books and toys. Times are 9:30 a.m. for babies under nine months and 11:15 a.m. for 10 to 18 months. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host English Exchange on Monday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. for adults. Practice English conversation skills with Paula Alexander. Basic English speaking skills are required. Call (561) 649-5495 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Meet the Author: Jo Jo Harder” on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. In her book Diva Dogs: A Style Guide to Living the Fabulous Life Harder shows you how to throw awesome parties for fourlegged members of high society. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Young Artists Series: String Art” on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m. for ages five to eight. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Palm Beach County Premier 8-U travel baseball team is seeking skilled players who were born after April 30, 2000. Tryouts will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16 and Friday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at Olympia Park in Wellington. Call (561) 379-3302 for more info.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “An Evening with Barbara Cook” on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. in the Dreyfoos concert hall. Call (561) 832-SHOW or visit www.kravis. org for more info.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Let It Snow!” on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. for ages three and up, featuring stories about a winter wonderland and a special wintry craft. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold a Holiday After Hours Mixer at Al Packer Ford West (10601 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For info., call (561) 790-6200. Thursday, Dec. 18
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Poetry Discussion Group on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. inside Classroom 1 at Palms West Hospital. The guest speaker will be Fred Rapach of the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. He will discuss Everglades restoration. For info., contact Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875 or marge@herzog.ms. Friday, Dec. 19
• The Good Earth Farm (2141 B Road, Loxahatchee Groves) will host a hands-on introduction to equine-assisted therapy Friday, Dec. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No horse experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required. Call (561) 791-8939 for info. Saturday, Dec. 20
• The 18th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Wellington Community Center dock (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The tournament starts with registration at 8 a.m. with the tournament to follow from 9 to 11 a.m. on the dock and the surrounding shore. Awards and fish tales will follow at 11 a.m. For more info., call (561) 753-2482, (561) 790-5124 or (561) 7932675.
Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 7936090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.
Sears Home Appliance Showroom — Sears recently held a grand-opening ceremony for its new Home Appliance Showroom at 6169 S. Jog Road in Lake Worth. It offers well-known national appliance brands such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, General Electric, Jenn-Air, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Bosch, LG and Maytag. In addition to a wide laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwasher and water softener assortment, customers can also preview the complete Sears assortment of more than 8,000 appliances online at the store’s solution center. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the showroom, call (561) 966-8889. Pictured above are Sears Home Appliance Showroom employees with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
Royal Palm Mazda — The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently participated in the grand opening of Royal Palm Mazda in Royal Palm Beach. The dealership has been open for business for several months at its location on Southern Blvd., one block east of State Road 7. But on Thursday, Nov. 20, Royal Palm Mazda celebrated the official grand opening of this eco-conscious store. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was accompanied by food, music and fun. For more information about Royal Palm Mazda, visit www.royalpalmmazda.com. Pictured above are representatives from the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, Mazda, Penske and contractors from AutoBuilders, the builders responsible for constructing the store.
• • • Send business news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
Riverside Bank recently announced that it will voluntarily participate in the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLG) created by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The TLG Program was created to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in the banking system. It provides full FDIC insurance coverage of all non-interest-bearing deposit transaction accounts, regardless of dollar amount. Full coverage will last through Dec. 31, 2009.
“All deposits are FDIC insured up to the allowable limits,” Riverside Bank President Cindy Robbins said. “[TLG] takes it a step further by guaranteeing the full amount of funds in non-interest-bearing deposit transaction accounts. The Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program is optional and not all banks will be providing the additional FDIC coverage to their customers.”
The program’s FDIC insurance coverage is over and above
the $250,000 in coverage already provided to customers. For example, if a customer has $500,000 in a non-interest-bearing transaction deposit account and $250,000 in a certificate of deposit, the FDIC would fully insure the entire $750,000. Under the program, a “noninterest-bearing transaction deposit account” is defined as an account at an FDIC-insured domestic financial institution such as Riverside Bank that does not accrue or receive interest and
does not require advance notice of a withdrawal. This includes accounts at Riverside Bank such as the Lifetime Free Checking, Free Business Checking and NOW accounts if the interest rate remains at or below .5 percent. The program covers eligible accounts, regardless of ownership, including municipal, government
For consumers looking for a computer, a television or even a car, the deals offered by retailers indicate that this might be the right time to buy. Many popular electronics and other gift items are being offered at significant discounts to encourage consumers to spend and help retailers boost year-end sales. Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast cautions consumers to take advantage of sales to make planned purchases, but leave other sale items on the shelf.
“The thought of getting a ‘deal’ can sometimes cloud our judgment,” CCCS President Jessica Cecere said. “Consumers need to be careful not to overextend themselves making un-
planned purchases that they will pay for well into the New Year and beyond.”
CCCS offers the following tips to help shoppers:
• Make a list and stick to it
— Having a list of the people you need to buy for and a budget for each person is a great way to make sure you don’t overspend. Jot down ideas for each person and use that to help guide you while you shop.
• Plan your shopping before you leave the house — Use the newspaper circulars and the Internet to plan your shopping trip.
If you know where you are going and what you plan to buy while you are there, you are less likely to deviate from your plan.
• Avoid window-shopping Try not to head to a store with-
out even an idea of what you are planning to buy. You will almost always end up spending more than you planned. If you go to a store for a particular item, get it and leave instead of strolling through all the aisles.
• Leave credit cards at home
— You can’t make an impulse buy if you don’t have the money to do it. Leaving your credit cards at home will require you to take some time to think before making a purchase.
• If you do buy, make sure you are really getting a deal
While there are many opportunities to save money this holiday season, something is not a deal just because the retailers says it is. Research the items you are considering, compare prices at several retailers and be sure it is a deal before making the purchase. Compare the price your retailer is offering by using sites such as www.pricegrabber.com, www.bizrate.com or www.my simon.com. For information on available rebates on consumer electronics, computer software and hardware and other items, visit www.rebateplace.com. And before you buy anything, look for coupons to save on instore and online purchases. Sites such as www.couponcabin.com or www.dealcatcher.com can help you find deals for dollars off, a percentage off or free shipping that can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings. For more information about the CCCS, call (800) 330-CCCS or visit www.cccsinc.org.
The Kidzaroni.com project began when Kim Swerdlin-Shapiro, Internet industry professional turned stay-at-home mom, began searching for a web site where her daughter could chat with and e-mail friends and create her own personal page in a totally safe online environment. The sites she found for young children lacked the ageappropriate content component necessary to keep elementaryage children engaged, and other sites didn’t offer the parentmonitored safety component needed for kids too young for Facebook and MySpace. Kidzaroni.com was created to provide lots of fun content for
kids and a safe place to learn social networking skills. Kidzaroni.com incorporates popular web culture into the site. Its parent editors screen all content. Kids can view some the Internet’s favorite videos, compete for “high score” in the game room or listen to the original Kidzaroni radio station, a 50/50 mix of age-appropriate Top 40 songs and tween artists such as Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers and Miranda Cosgrove, spearheaded by Kim’s husband Scott Shapiro. As parents of two children in the target demographic, the founders of the company are extremely concerned about safe-
ty issues and have gone to great lengths to ensure Kidzaroni.com is a safe site that adheres to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Recognizing that a parent’s number-one concern is keeping their children and their personal information safe, the foundation of the site’s platform is based on the SHADOW (Safe Hands-on Approach to Directing kids through the Online World) monitoring system. This system allows parents and children to have separate (but linked) logins, essentially permitting parents to monitor their child’s activities within the network. To assure a safe experience, children can participate
only in social aspects of the site with their parents’ permission, and parents have the final control of what features their child will have access to and what security setting they personally are comfortable offering to their child at Kidzaroni.com.
“Our site is continually monitored and our content is always age appropriate,” Swerdlin-Shapiro said. Kim Swerdlin-Shapiro grew up in Wellington and is a graduate of Forest Hill High School and Florida State University. Scott Shapiro is a longtime radio personality known on air as Scott Davidson. The couple and their family reside in Parkland.
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Panera Bread bakery and café in Royal Palm Beach. Located at 11131 Southern Blvd. in the Southern Palm Crossing plaza, Panera Bread offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The staff bakes everything fresh daily, including all breads and specialty pastries. The menu includes made-to-order sandwiches, tossed-to-order salads, hot Panini sandwiches, fresh soups served in bread bowls, and hot and cold beverages. For more information, or to place an order, call (561) 204-3012.
As unemployment grows and personal debt rises, concern about the slumping economy has taken a dramatic leap in Florida, according to a poll released recently.
Since Leadership Florida began asking residents three years ago what they think is the number-one issue facing the state, no topic has dominated the survey the way the economy does now. In the 2007 survey, taxes and government spending topped the list. But those issues are greatly overshadowed this year with the almost 50-point jump by the economy and jobs.
“It is no surprise that the num-
ber-one concern for Floridians is our economy,” said Mario Trueba, chair of Leadership Florida, which commissioned the annual survey. “More importantly, this survey reveals that Floridians are looking to state and local government to develop and implement proactive measures to stimulate the economy and create jobs.”
The survey offers a revealing snapshot of how the state’s citizenry perceives everything from the economy and taxes to education and quality of life. In the 2008 poll, 56 percent listed jobs and the economy as the most important issue, up
sharply from seven percent in 2007. Next on the agenda of concerns, both polling at eight percent, were healthcare and taxes/government spending.
When Floridians were asked what was the single greatest stress on their household finances, personal debt was cited most often — 23 percent, almost double from the 2007 survey.
Faced with harder economic times, Floridians now support offering incentives to businesses to expand or relocate to Florida. Statewide, support for incentives has increased to 63 percent, up eight points from last year. Residents continue to feel
state agencies should put a greater emphasis on sustaining existing businesses over attracting businesses from out of state.
“People here are more committed to returning this state to a leader in creating jobs and economic opportunities,” Trueba said. “Floridians are sending a clear message to government and community leaders by asking them to offer incentives to businesses so they can expand, re-locate and stay here to create more jobs.”
The down economy also has had some effect on how Florida residents view the issue of growth. More now feel that the
of new people moving into the state outweigh the negatives.
“Florida has an incredible livability climate, and attracting new residents is good for our economy. We’re moving past the tipping point of negative perceptions toward growth,” Trueba said.
Floridians also have a more favorable opinion of local governments’ efforts to manage growth.
Fulfilling Leadership Florida’s role as the convener of discussion on important statewide issues, the Sunshine State Survey establishes longitudinal
In order to help the Community Food Alliance focus on what it does best — provide nutrition and valued services to families in dire need — area residents and businesses are encouraged to drop off canned food items at any Colonial Bank office location in Palm Beach County.
“Our relationship with food is more than just a means to meet our physical needs. Food brings us together through celebrations of birthdays, weddings, and as families and friends sitting down together for a holiday meal,”
Colonial Bank is joining forces with the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance, an organization devoted to preventing hunger by assisting families encountering times of economic hardship. Now through Dec. 19, Colonial Bank is accepting canned food goods to be distributed to local food pantries in Palm Beach County. Canned food donations can be dropped off at any Colonial Bank office location in Palm Beach County. In the western communities, there are two locations: 11317 Okeechobee Blvd., Royal Palm Beach (561753-2100), and 151 S. State Road 7, Wellington (561-9048525).
Community Food Alliance Director Alex Stevens said. “Conversely, hunger breaks us apart, and affects the well-being of our entire community. We’re thankful that Colonial Bank has made the decision to step up to engage the community in this countywide food drive effort to make a positive impact on our community’s welfare.”
This year, the Community Food Alliance is reporting that the local information and referral line 211 is experiencing a 42percent increase in calls from people seeking emergency food assistance when compared to the same time last year. This trend
also is being observed by other area food pantries and soup kitchens. Furthermore, recent national surveys have revealed startling statistics indicating a growing fear among adults about meeting their family’s food needs.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance,” said Eris Sandler, president and CEO of retail banking for Colonial Bank’s South Florida region. “We are known for rallying our employees and clients for goodwill, so I’m excited to see the benefits this effort will bring. At this time of increased
need, I hope we can also generate some enthusiasm for this effort among other area residents.”
The Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance is a group of community organizations that work together to implement a countywide strategic plan to end hunger and improve food security. Members of the alliance work to integrate systems that address food and nutrition issues, maximize the use of government self-sufficiency programs, increase access to nutritious food to low-income households, and improve awareness of health and wellness to all Palm Beach County resi-
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Optician Juan Espinosa strives to contribute to the friendly neighborhood feeling of Royal Palm Beach at Espinosa Opticians, which opened in May.
Espinosa, 29, spent years working for other optical businesses before deciding to open his own store. The optical business sort of found him, Espinosa recalled, and sent him on his way to study for his optician’s certification at Broward Community College and a state license and national certification.
“It wasn’t the path I was going to be going down,” Espinosa said. “I started working in this as a high school job, and I’ve loved it ever since. They put me through college and here I am today.”
Espinosa said he loves helping customers pick out frames that fit them and using the latest
technology available to help people improve their vision. All the work on a pair of spectacles is done in the store, he said. “I love the lens design, I love the fabrication of everything that I do, which I do here personally myself; really, the whole process of it,” Espinosa said. “Nothing gets sent to an outside lab. Everything gets cut, drilled, mounted and fabricated here. I do order the raw materials, but I make it here.”
Espinosa opened his shop in Royal Palm Beach’s Crossroads Plaza because after working as the manager of the local Target Optical the past few years, he realized that there is a strong sense of community in the village, and that appeals to him.
“There is such a neighborly feel out here that what I want to do is bring a place where that old-school, mom-and-pop shop is there once again,” he said. “I want to bring value without
bringing the mall attitude or mall prices. I want to remember your first name when you come in and make it a very personable experience.”
Espinosa said it’s not necessary to go to a large chain’s outlet for good prices on eyewear.
“I’m not about tricks or gimmicks or anything like that,” he said. “I’ll give you what you need. If you need three pair of glasses, I’ll get you three pairs, and I’ll get you the best price. If you need one pair, then we’ll talk about the best choice in lenses and the best choice in frames. As far as pricing goes, I know that the way my prices are set, they are lower than anyone in the area. Because I’m so new, it’s a matter of more people knowing me.”
The store, although nicely laid out with cabinets displaying frame choices, is not ornate. Espinosa said he prefers to keep it simple in order to keep prices low.
“This is not what you would call a boutique,” Espinosa said. “It’s made to be a comfortable, inviting atmosphere where people can shop and be treated well and have a great experience. It’s not about ‘it looks expensive in there.’ This was made specifically and only for the comfort of our patients. We wanted to do something that just made you feel at home when you came in.”
In many ways, it is a philosophy that bucks the trend in the industry.
“We’re trying to be your mom-and-pop optical store, something that rarely exists anymore,” Espinosa said. “Everything is a franchise now or a corporation. I want to be the same face that you see year after year when you come for eyecare needs.”
Being outside the world of franchises and corporations means stepping away from a sales mentality and more toward service, Espinosa said.
“The service that I can personally deliver can’t be compared to a different product or a different price or a different location,” he said. “It’s what I offer here, and it’s why most patients end up coming back and buying a second and a third pair from you, because they truly feel that I gave them the knowledge
of what’s going on in their glasses, and just what they wanted, not anything more, and I didn’t hassle them to buy anything else.”
Because he makes spectacles in-house, Espinosa said the turnaround time is faster than other places, including the big franchises.
“My turnaround time can be anywhere from, believe it or not, 20 minutes to two days for the most complicated of jobs,” he said. “I do have an assortment of lenses and prescriptions that I keep here in stock. People have come in, picked out their glasses and in 20 minutes gone home with their glasses complete.”
Filling more complicated prescriptions such as progressive bifocals can take a day or two, Espinosa said.
“I usually tell them three days
just to buy me time and surprise then when I finish a bit earlier, but that still is a lot quicker than anyone else in the area,” Espinosa said.
There are some places that offer to rush glasses in an hour.
“Unfortunately, you’re paying for that, big time,” Espinosa said. “I don’t do that.”
Espinosa said he believes in instilling the “wow” factor with his patients for everything including how the store looks, how quick the turnaround time is, the price and the selection.
“Everyone who has come in here has absolutely raved about the selection,” Espinosa said. “The women especially love it. I get more women shoppers than men; that’s why I say that. They really love the more up-to-date trends and looks and styles.”
“The kids have a good selection as well,” Espinosa said, including Converse, Barbie, Nautica for Children, Thalia and Power Rangers. Espinosa makes house calls by appointment to repair or deliver glasses for customers who are homebound. Espinosa Opticians is located in the Crossroads Plaza at 1240 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sunday. Spanish is spoken. Eye exams are available by calling (561) 333-3211 for an appointment.
