Town-Crier Newspaper December 18, 2009

SANTA ARRIVES IN WELLINGTON

Indian Trail Plan Brings More Paved Roads To The Acreage

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A road improvement plan is being developed by the Indian Trail Improvement District that will provide paving for all feeder roads in The Acreage as well as sidewalks and traffic calming over the next five to seven years. The plan being developed is a continuation of previous projects that introduced paving to The Acreage.

At the ITID Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Dec. 9, the district’s engineering firm Engenuity Group gave the board a draft map for supervisors to work from, showing a plan for a network of feeder roads including those that are paved or should be paved soon.

Dubbed the “R3 Plan,” the map and the associated plan is required by Florida statutes controlling the way special districts like ITID spend funds, said Supervisor Mike Erickson, who has been actively involved with the development of

future Acreage road network improvements.

“When it came to the point of traffic calming on a comprehensive approach, we spent hours and hours and hours with our planning committee two years ago going through this whole process,” Erickson told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.

Erickson noted that the past approach to road development and traffic calming has been random to a large extent, with the exception of the R2 Plan, which established a policy to have a paved road within a half-mile of every residence in The Acreage.

The current plan will be “pay as you go” and will not involve any forms of debt or increased assessments, Erickson said. “In order to pave these roads that are left in the plan that are network roads feeding dead-end dirt roads, we’ve got to go through this process,” he said. “Right now all the roads that are being paved are not getting a full paving process.”

Roads such as Indian Trail Drive are being improved, receiving a milling base and a threequarter-inch asphalt cap to preserve the base, but the district is not allowed to do a complete paving job unless it has a water control plan, Erickson said.

Millings being put down on some of the roads are a method of improving the dirt road, which will prepare it for a cap and eventual paving, he said.

“We can do all the base rock and improvements to the existing road, but we can’t do a complete paving job and finish it until we get through the R3 Plan,” Erickson said. “We’re cleaning up the process so that we can legitimately pave these roads to completion.”

The R3 Plan will develop a policy for the board stipulating that any roads that feed traffic to deadend dirt roads are considered network roads, Erickson said. “Those roads have the potential to be paved roads as the long-term, cost-

See ITID ROADS, page 20

Wellington Collecting Holiday Toys For Needy Local Children

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

and passing students. Let’s hope the Christmas holiday serves as a reminder that we need to remain tolerant and respectful of others. Page 4

The Village of Wellington is in need of new, unused or gently used toys by Dec. 21 for its Hometown Holiday Toy Drive to benefit less fortunate children in the community.

The toy drive is a partnership between the village’s Safe Neighborhoods Office, the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, State Representative Joe Abruzzo’s office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, the Citizens Volunteer Organization and local businesses.

With help from area guidance counselors, the village has identified 75 families who are in need this holiday season, so officials are hoping to hand out between 200 and 400 toys to local children, Neighborhood Advocate Meridith Tuckwood said.

“I know everyone is in a bad

way this year,” she said. “But kids all over the place believe in Santa, and we want to make sure they have something to believe in.”

The village has collected about a quarter of the toys to meet its goal, but officials hope this weekend will bring in more donations, Tuckwood said.

“Our community is so generous, and we’ve gotten a great deal of toys, but we don’t have nearly enough to meet our goal,” she said. “We’re just hoping to be able to put smiles on the faces of all the youth in our community.”

The children who the guidance counselors identified will get gifts appropriate to their age and gender.

“One goal of the Safe Neighborhoods Office is to help Wellington residents in need,” Community Programs Director Ivy Fivey said. “Other toy drives dis-

tribute to kids across the county, but ours focuses just on kids in our own back yard.”

Toys for any age and gender are being accepted, including gently used toys that are in good condition as part of Wellington’s “Gift From Your Heart” program. They can be dropped off at several village offices throughout Wellington. Although most other toy drives do not accept used toys, the village is hoping to find them a new home with a child in need, Fivey said.

“We’re going that extra mile,” she said. “There’s always someone in need, and people often have used toys handy that they can’t donate to other drives. They can still put smiles on our children’s faces.”

Teenagers are often overlooked in toy drives meant for all ages,

See TOY DRIVE, page 20

Foreclosure Crisis Not Over, But Easing In Royal Palm Beach

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach continues to have many foreclosed homes and properties in danger of going into foreclosure, but the number seems to be stabilizing.

“From what the village staff is telling me, it is a steady number,” Mayor David Lodwick told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “The Realtors tell me they are seeing activity in the units being sold. I talked with the president of a condo association this morning, and their units are starting to sell and turn over. As they begin to sell, it’s the beginning of the solution.”

However, Lodwick said the village continues to see problems with vacant homes.

The village’s code enforcement department is tracking 213 homes that are in foreclosure, Code Enforcement Director Linda Walker said, adding that the number of foreclosures is probably much higher because many homes in the foreclosure process remain occupied and maintained.

Walker said an unmaintained house is the first clue. “There could be tons of others,” she said. “When they are not being maintained, the first thing we do is check to see if it is in foreclosure.” Walker said it is encouraging that the number of homes her department tracks is not growing as quickly. “We are not adding to our list like we were,” she said. “Over the last month, we added three. We have a lot on the list that have gone back to the bank.” The most difficult time for code

PBSO: Wellington Is Safer, But Beware Vehicle Burglaries

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington has seen a spike in burglaries to vehicles, a trend that will continue until residents lock their cars and guard their valuables as well as they do in their homes, said Capt. Greg Richter, commander of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 8 substation in Wellington.

“The number-one crime in Wellington is theft of items from unlocked vehicles overnight,” Richter told the Town-Crier. “You need to lock your vehicles just like your homes. Don’t create an opportunity for crime.”

Aside from property crime, the village saw decreases recently in traffic accidents, robberies and gang-related crime. Additionally, high-profile Section 8 housing fraud investigations and the Safe Neighborhoods program have helped curb crime over the past year.

Property crime, which includes vehicle burglaries, rose 17 percent from 2008 according to the PBSO’s annual report presented to the Wellington Village Council earlier this month. Most of that is

attributed to vehicle burglaries, Richter said, adding that there were 144 extra cases this year.

“This is not a crime that affects one particular area,” Richter said. “It’s very sporadic. Criminals break into unlocked cars with items of value that tempt them.” Typically, professional criminals do not commit car burglaries, he said. Instead, young people looking for easy targets will steal valuables from unlocked cars in their own or nearby neighborhoods. “It’s not viewed as that serious of a crime,” Richter said. “But breaking into a car is a felony, just like breaking into a house. Most of the time parents are shocked — they think their child is at a friend’s house.” Even loose change left in an unlocked car is tempting for criminals, Richter said. “What’s scary is that people leave their garage door openers in their cars,” he said. “Then they [the burglar] can come back later and get into the house.”

While property crime rose, many other types of incidents decreased.

Automobile crashes decreased

Jim Rockett Announces Bid For Lox Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Nursery manager Jim Rockett announced Monday, Dec. 14 that he plans to run for Seat 2 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. Rockett, who is co-chairman of the town’s Finance Advisory & Audit Committee, made the announcement at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District meeting, where he told board members that if elected, he intends to continue with the interaction that has developed between the town and the district. Seat 2 is currently occupied by Councilman Dr. Bill Louda, who

recently announced that he would not seek re-election. Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association

President Marge Herzog, a former councilwoman, also plans to run for the seat.

Seat 4, occupied by Mayor Dave Browning, will also be up for election on Tuesday, March 9. Browning told the Town-Crier on Monday that he intends to run for re-election.

Rockett, 62, feels his 40 years’ experience in accounting and financial planning would benefit the town. He said he also has experience working with homeowners’ associations, including Strawberry Lakes west of Lake Worth,

The annual Palms West Holiday Parade, presented by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, made its way down Forest Hill Blvd. on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13. Shown here, Santa Claus waves to the crowd from a float sponsored by the Wellington Rotary Club. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

See PBSO, page 20

FESTIVE GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION FOR ROYAL PALM BEACH LIBRARY

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Dec.

On hand for

event

John Callahan III, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick and Library

Chair Ellen Winikoff. Entertainment included violin music from Jose Kropp, clowns from Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, photographs with Dewey, and magician and balloon sculptor Karl Koppertop. The library is located at the corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. For more information, call (561) 790-6030.

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria leads the ribbon cutting.

Ann Fleming and Sue Welsh cut the cake.Library employees during the re-opening ceremony.Violinist Jose Kropp performs inside the library.

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster with PBC Library Director John Callahan III.

RPB Village Manager David Farber, Mayor David Lodwick, Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli, Tom Wenham and Dana Lodwick.

Religious Extremists Bring Culture Wars To Loxahatchee

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Four members of the Kansasbased Westboro Baptist Church displayed placards condemning gays, Jews, President Barack Obama and Christmas for about 30 minutes in front of Seminole Ridge High School in Loxahatchee on Monday, Dec. 14 just as students were being dismissed.

Westboro Baptist Church has been described by the Anti-Defamation League as a small, virulently homophobic, anti-Semitic hate group that travels across the country picketing institutions that support such groups.

Westboro members have also picketed funerals of Iraq War dead and plane crash victims, as well as religious institutions accepting homosexuality. The church, which has no affiliation with other Baptist organizations, was founded in 1955 by the Rev. Fred Phelps Sr. Seminole Ridge was the second stop in Palm Beach County for the group, made up of the Westboro founder’s wife Betty, son Fred Phelps Jr., and grandsons Joshua and Hezekiah. Other locations they picketed Monday and Tuesday included Anti-Defamation League offices, Jewish Federation locations and Spanish River High School west of Boca Raton.

“When we go to areas where we are going to be spending a couple of days, we focus on schools that have high population,” Joshua Phelps said. “The reason we try to get some high schools in is because this student generation has been lied to from birth with lies of ‘God loves everyone’ and ‘it’s OK to be gay.’ They need the standard of God put in front of their eyes. That’s what we’re doing.”

The picketers received encouragement from some students leaving school, but most students jeered, some even throwing trash at their placards that included the messages “God Hates Fags,” “Fags Doom Nations,” “America is Doomed,” “You’re Going to Hell,” “Your Rabbi is a Whore” and “The Beast” with a picture of President Obama. One sign characterized Christmas as a pagan

holiday. Their picketing drew an impromptu demonstration by students who created their own makeshift posters, announcing “Gay Pride,” “God Hates Haters” and “Love Lovers.”

About a dozen Seminole Ridge students crossed Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to confront the Westboro group.

“They have their right to their own opinion, but I don’t see why it’s OK for them to tell us what’s right and what’s not, especially since Jesus was a Jew,” student Vanessa Engelhardt said.

Sheena Colon had become visibly shaken at the messages of the posters. “They shouldn’t be doing that at a school,” Colon said. “If they want to have their little rallies together or whatever, but don’t come to a school when there’s a whole bunch of races here. Times are changing.” Engelhardt said Seminole Ridge thrives on its diversity of races, cultures and beliefs.

“In this school, we have no problems with race,” Engelhardt said. “We have the occasional little thing, but usually we’re pretty cool about that stuff. For them to just bring all that hatred here is just going to start stuff.”

Ridge students Matt Dillon, Mary Beth Hietapelto and Allesandro Mack stage an impromptu counter demonstration with signs such as “God Hates Haters” and “Love Lovers.”

By Lauren Miró Town Crier Staff-Report

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted Thursday, Dec. 10 to recommend approval of amendments to the Orange Point master plan, redesignating land on Lake Worth Road at Barefoot Lake Drive so that Temple B’nai Jacob can

Protest At School — Seminole Ridge High School students confront Westboro Baptist Church demonstrator Joshua Phelps during the Monday protest. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Westboro Church’s Betty Phelps holds her signs.

Using Free Speech To Spread A Message Of Hate Is Not Christian

The culture wars made a brief stop in the western communities this past week when members of Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas took their traveling protest to Seminole Ridge High School. The four church members stood along Seminole Pratt Whitney Road the morning of Monday, Dec. 14, displaying an array of signs intended to shock and enrage motorists and passing students. In almost any other circumstance, such a street protest could be seen as a matter of free speech — a group exercising the right to bring awareness to an issue through a public display. But the sole purpose of the Westboro group was not to express an idea, but to denounce entire segments of the population, and doing so under the guise of religion.

With the holidays fast approaching, the community should be embracing the spirit of the season. No matter what your faith is, the message preached by Jesus Christ — one of love and tolerance — is one that everyone should follow. Not only do the views of Westboro Baptist Church go against these teachings, but their attitude contradicts the popular Christian belief that only God can be the judge of man. As church member Joshua Phelps told the Town-Crier, “They need the standard of God put in front of their eyes. That’s what we’re doing.”

When we learned that Westboro church members were in the area, we had to decide whether our covering the protest would inadvertently help to spread their message, or if the event’s significance as a news story outweighed whatever “free press” we would be providing them. We chose the latter. Thankfully, their “cause” has few followers. In fact,

Louda: That’s Not What I Said

In the article “Herzog Eyes

Louda’s Groves Council Seat” in last week’s Town-Crier , you wrote: “He’s also frustrated with the board’s pro-agriculture position at the expense of other residents and equestrians, he said. ‘I don’t see any of the pure residents or any of the equestrians coming forward any more,’ he said. ‘They also are part of the community.’”

This comes across in a manner which I did not state or imply. That is, I did state that I am upset that more residents and equestrians should be actively involved. If you remember correctly, I also stated that the ag section of our community is large and should, of course, be represented. Again, I said nothing about a “pro-agriculture position at the expense of other residents and equestrians.” I was complaining about the lack of participation by the other two sides of our community triangle, residents and equestrians.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Dr. Bill Louda, Councilman Loxahatchee Groves

Vote For Rockett, Not The Past

In last week’s Town-Crier article “Herzog Eyes Louda’s Groves Council Seat,” Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dr. Bill Louda comments on the town council’s pro-agriculture position. Since our new council was seated, I have not seen any pro-agriculture policies, but I sure have seen a lot of initiatives I would call pro-Loxahatchee Groves. In the months since Mrs. Marge Herzog failed in her bid for re-

election to office, the new council has made many changes that have benefited virtually everyone. Resident participation has increased greatly. Meetings are constructive and productive. The new council has provided funding for road improvements; reduced costs for code enforcement, planning and legal expenses; appointed a watchdog finance advisory and audit committee; reviewed contracts; and, where possible, hired local Groves residents and businesses to provide services. They also conducted a “tire amnesty day,” improved garbage services, eliminated lobbying expense, funded equipment for the town EOC, provided GPS equipment to local firerescue units, obtained community input on code and business uses via workshops and surveys, worked diligently via the intergovernmental committee to coordinate joint programs with the water control district, hired a new highly qualified town management team, increased the hours of the town office, improved auditing and banking services, installed a flashing light for Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School and moved the town office to new, more spacious quarters at no increase in cost!

A review of our environmental regulations is underway and an environmental committee (advisory) of local residents has been formed to provide input to the council. The gas tax funding provided to the water control district allowed them to avoid an increase in assessments. Our new council did all of this while reducing our town taxes. Wow! All of this has been possible because of a greatly improved attitude of cooperation among board members, and between the town and the water control district. I believe our town is on the right track. In contrast, the previous coun-

it wasn’t long before the counter-demonstrators at Seminole Ridge outnumbered the four Westboro members.

We are especially proud of the Seminole Ridge community, both the students who ignored the hateful signs on display as well as those who challenged the protesters, not allowing their hate speech to go unchecked. Most importantly, though, we are proud of the counter-demonstrators who stood up for what they believe in. Rather than respond to the protesters’ hate with more negativity, the students stuck to promoting their message of peace and love. Some had even taken the time to research Westboro beforehand and questioned the church members about some of the teachings on their web site.

The issue here is not actually one of free speech, or even a matter of religious belief. The issue is the hatred that lies beneath the ideas spewed by the Westboro group. There’s a major difference between disagreeing with people’s beliefs and deciding that you alone understand and control the will of God.

This newspaper has argued numerous times over the years in support of free speech and lively debate, and we’ll continue to do so whenever the issue comes up. But we will never support discrimination. It is unequivocally wrong. Using religion as a means to spread hate is a shameful practice, not to mention an affront to that religion. More than that, religious intolerance is dangerous, as we learned eight years ago on Sept. 11. Let’s hope that Dec. 25 is the only reminder we need to remain tolerant and respectful of others. That day may come only once a year, but we must live with each other year-round.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

cil on which Mrs. Herzog and Dr. Louda served expended staff and council time and financial resources on an attempted hostile takeover of the water control district (opposed by Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp and Mayor David Browning). Council meetings were sometimes consumed with unproductive debate and negative comments from council members and residents. Regular gas tax funding to the district stopped and road projects were delayed. Some businesses closed after code enforcement action was taken against them.

Given the history, I certainly do not want to roll back the clock. I plan on voting for Jim Rockett, a resident and businessman with 40 years’ experience in finance and accounting as well as extensive experience in community service. He has committed to listen to all our residents and to work with our neighbors and other governmental agencies. Mr. Rockett is vice chair of our Finance Advisory & Audit Committee, which has worked diligently over the past few months to assist the new council in adopting improved financial procedures, more transparent financial reports and reduced town expenses. (Mrs. Herzog and Councilman Louda publicly opposed the formation of this committee of resident volunteers.) Clearly Jim Rockett is the more qualified candidate. I encourage others to support Mr. Rockett and continue the progress of our current council.

Elise Ryan Loxahatchee Groves Don’t Let WRMC Go

Digital

Wellington Regional Medical Center has advised the Village of Wellington that it will be requesting digital lighting on State Road

7 and Forest Hill Blvd. My question is why? Isn’t their huge banner sufficient, and wasn’t their “now hiring” banner across the face of their building enough?

Does anyone not know where the hospital is, and cannot strangers see this monstrous building (especially with all those trees gone that used to be around the lake)? Do we want signage like in-your-face neon to greet our families and guests upon entering our village?

I was part of the group that wrote the master association codes, and we made sure that signage was kept to a minimum. But that looks like it is about to change, like Miami, New York City and every place our citizens left to find a less commercial/less trafficfilled environment! So here we have an entity that never complied with our village sign code now wanting to expand their signage — and I ask why? If they wish internal signage for directions within their development, that’s fine, but visible from the outside is outrageous.

Somehow there must be a balance between the 90 percent residents and the 10 percent businesses. It would appear that business is getting a bit too much, and the price we pay is never-ending signage, and now digital signage.

Understand this: what’s good for the hospital becomes available to every business. Ask an attorney — we cannot control content.

Wellington Regional, knowing this, is not being a good neighbor! I await their new messages, perhaps their banner or lighted signage will feature BOGO signs — “buy one, get one free... two x-rays for the price of one.” It’s certainly no less offensive than “now hiring!”

Understand what they acquire will then be in every shopping center, even the ones in residen-

tial areas, the equestrian areas and, needless to say, in our local malls and up and down SR 7 ad nauseum. How is it that the other hospital seems to be surviving without attacking us with visual aides offensive to our sensibilities?

George Unger

Wellington

Healthcare Critique Not Partisan

I am truly puzzled by Mr. [Richard] Nielsen’s letter published in the Dec. 11 Town-Crier. I wonder if he even read my letter, to which he referred. He cites the “Party of No” and claims that my comments are “highly partisan.” In my letter, there is absolutely no mention of any political party in any manner. I criticize the present legislation strictly on a factual and rational basis. I care nothing for which political party is proposing the legislation.

I do agree with Mr. Nielsen in his statement that “the present plan is unsustainable.” (I assume that he meant the present situation, rather than plan. For there is no current federal healthcare plan.) But the fact that the current situation is unsustainable does not mean that just any change will be for the better. I stated clearly why the proposed changes will do nothing to improve either healthcare or the cost of it. And I suggested the changes that need to be

made in order to improve the present situation. That is certainly not a characteristic of myopia. There are also some small nits to be picked in Mr. Nielsen’s “data.” He says, “the insurance companies [which administer Medicare Advantage programs] receive 25 percent more than those in traditional Medicare plans.” What I believe he is referring to is the MedPac study which cited a 14-percent higher cost for the “fee-for-service” type of MA plan. The HMO type of MAs were found to be as efficient as Medicare. But it is not just the “fee-forservice” MA plans that will be cut. All MAs will be cut and Medicare benefits in general will necessarily be cut if money is to be saved. (See GAO estimates.) I hope that all citizens try to understand what is actually being proposed. It is difficult because the legislation changes every day. As Shields and Brooks (liberal and conservative commentators) agreed on the PBS News broadcast on Dec. 11, what the Senate is doing is only whatever is necessary to get 60 votes. They agree that the legislation is actually not a plan. But if it passes, generations of Americans will be saddled with increasing costs and decreasing service.

After you have informed yourself as best you can, please let your Congressional representatives know what you think about the proposed legislation.

Phil Sexton Wellington

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

Looking For A Quick Pay Day? Trying Giving Someone The Middle Finger

In Pittsburgh, gesturing with your middle finger toward a police officer will not get you a disorderly conduct citation. As a matter of fact, if you are Dave Hackbart, it will get you a fat payoff, since his citation was found unlawful by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court… on free speech grounds!

continued from page 1 enforcement, Walker said, is the period between a family moving out and the bank actually taking ownership. Once the bank holds title, code enforcement requires that the bank maintain the property. “They don’t want it, and they don’t want to maintain it,” Walker said, adding that some banks are more diligent in taking care of their properties than others. “We have one bank that seems to be proactive in taking care of the homes, but the fore-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

In 2006, Hackbart gave the legendary “finger” to a motorist who

closure process can take as long as a year and a half until the bank takes possession.”

During that gap, there is no one code enforcement can call to ensure that the homes are maintained. “Once the bank has the house, we can call them,” Walker said.

It’s also a long time before the banks get a foreclosed home ready for sale, Lodwick noted. “It would help if the banks would go ahead and speed up their process in approving people who want to buy,” he said.

Lodwick said he hears reports all the time of people waiting six months or longer for bank approval to buy a home in foreclosure. “That’s part of the problem,” he said. “Once it’s in that cycle, it

blocked him from parking. When a third driver objected to the gesture, Hackbart gave him the same treatment. However, the third man happened to be Pittsburgh Police

Sgt. Brian Elledge, who promptly issued the now infamous citation. No, no, said the Supreme Court. Such citations are taboo because of free speech.

This is hardly the first time situations involving things such as swearing and offensive gestures have taken place in the Steel City.

From March 2005 to July 2008, there were 198 such citations issued. And time after time, when adjudicated, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said “free speech prevails.” Actually, the Pittsburgh

NEWS

takes a long time for a bank to approve deals.”

While acknowledging that banks don’t have as much money to lend and are tightening criteria for lending, Lodwick said he wishes banks would lend to people who want to live in homes rather than just invest in them, he said. “We could learn so much about banking if we all just take time this time of the year to watch

It’s a Wonderful Life, where a local bank lent money back out in their local community to people they knew. They held a piece of the mortgage, and people actually paid a down payment and lived in the home,” Lodwick said. “They did not buy the home as an investment, but they bought it as a home. There will be some pain

BUDJINSKI

as the housing market adjusts back to a real economic model in which people buy homes to live in them.”

Due to the foreclosure crisis, home prices have dropped dramatically, Lodwick noted, which can be a silver lining, making homeownership more affordable than it was during the boom years. Lodwick said organizations are available such as the Consumer Credit Counseling Service to help people in foreclosure trouble.

“Consumer Credit Counseling probably helps more people than anybody else,” said Lodwick, who was a member of the group’s board of directors for several years. “They’re a non-profit agency, they’re part of the United Way. They’re good people not looking to make a buck off of you, and

Police had “retrained officers in the law” on two occasions. Since in Mr. Hackbart’s case he was awarded $50,000 from the city, it was decided to retrain them again to emphasize that the disorderly conduct statute can’t be used to protect the police from all verbal indignities.

Mr. Hackbart will only get

they’re trying to help people keep their homes if at all possible.”

Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers a variety of programs to help families in foreclosure or in danger of it, according to Jessica Cecere, president of CCCS of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “We do what we call foreclosure prevention counseling,” Cecere said.

Different programs are offered to people in different stages of foreclosure, including loss mitigation counseling, repayment counseling, how to arrange short sales or negotiate a mortgage adjustment to revise the payment plan.

$10,000 of the $50,000 windfall. Not surprisingly, the remainder goes to his lawyers. Meanwhile, buoyed by his interest in his own case, Hackbart, a waiter by trade, has quit that job to return to school to become a paralegal. He may even consider going to law school. Imagine all this from an overactive middle finger!

“There is a whole gamut of services and programs that we offer to help people who want to stay in their homes, stay in their homes,” she said. “Some people are so upside down that they don’t. At that point, we counsel them on what to do.” Right now, the most in-demand programs are loan modification and loss mitigation, she said. Cecere urged people facing foreclosure to get help because the processes are daunting. They are challenging even for experienced agencies because of the heavy work flow right now. Cecere said she offered foreclosure workshops in Royal Palm Beach, but few people attended, perhaps because people were embarrassed about their financial problems. CCCS can provide counseling over the phone by calling (800) 251-CCCS or online at www.cccsinc.org.

Bob Cavanagh, PBSO Deputy Rusty Lamm, Michelle McGann and Carmine Priore III.

Ginny Orthwein shows golf pro Mike Adams and Michelle McGann her swing.

Maguire

Longest Drive winners Rusty Lamm and Ginny Orthwein, and Closest to the Pin winners Terry Katz and (accepting the award for Frank Bianchini) Mike Bianchini.

Michelle McGann with first-place winners Bruce Fishbein, Onno Van Romondt, Doug Tannehill and Paul Van Romondt.

PBSO Col. Mike Gauger with Deputy Rusty Lamm.

Alter servers Justin Kolnick and Justin Moore with Sue Hutcheon, carrying a relic of St. Andrew the Apostle.

The main entrance to the new church building.

Visiting priests greet Bishop Gerald Barbarito.

Man Robbed Outside His Royal Palm Apartment

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

DEC. 11 — A Royal Palm Beach man was robbed early last Friday morning in the parking lot of his apartment complex on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 5:10 a.m., the victim was walking from his apartment in Greenway Village to the parking lot with two friends when 20-year-old Joseph Adams of Royal Palm Beach grabbed him from behind. A second, unknown suspect put a sharp object to the victim’s throat, demanded his wallet and then took the wallet from the victim’s rear pocket. The unknown suspect fled onto Royal Palm Beach Blvd. on a red beach cruiser bicycle, while Adams ran back to his home. Deputies found Adams in his home and placed him under arrest. In addition to the robbery charge, Adams was found to be in possession of narcotics, which were in plain view in his home. The second suspect is described as a black male, approximately 24 years old, 6’2” and 170 lbs., wearing black and blue clothing and a hat. During questioning, Adams said that he knows the man only by the name “Murder.” Adams was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with robbery with a weapon.

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DEC. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a medical building on State Road 7 last Thursday morning in reference to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:25 and 11:20 a.m., someone stole three Dunlop tires and a Lincoln hydraulic jack from the back of the victim’s Ford F-350. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,450. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects at the time of the report.

p.m., someone drove a vehicle into the victim’s garbage can, which was dragged down the street and damaged the sod. The damaged property was valued at approximately $130. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

DEC. 12 — Several vehicles were burglarized last Saturday night in the parking lot of the Publix supermarket on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. According to separate PBSO reports, a deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to the plaza after two vehicles were burglarized while parked behind Publix, where the victims worked. According to the first report, sometime between 3:30 and 11:20 p.m., someone stole a CD player with an iPod hookup, women’s bowling shoes and a Swiss Army pocketknife from the victim’s vehicle while she was working. The victim found white marks on the rubber under the window on the driver’s-side door, suggesting the suspect had used a tool to open the door. The stolen items were valued at approximately $375. In a second PBSO report, the victim came out of work at 11:20 p.m. to find his front driver’s-side window had been smashed. Missing from the vehicle were a pack of cigarettes and a CD case containing 100 CDs. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,025. Due to rain, DNA evidence was unable to be taken at the scene. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report, and there were no surveillance cameras in the area.

DEC. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Olympia community last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9:30 p.m. last Thursday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked BMW and stole loose change and a stethoscope. The suspects also stole alcohol from the garage, which was opened with the victim’s garage door opener. The stolen items were valued at approximately $400. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

DEC. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Horseshoe Trace last Friday night regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. someone smashed the victim’s bathroom window, entered the home and stole approximately $2,500 in jewelry from the master bedroom, closet and office. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

DEC. 12 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in Grand Isles last Saturday night in response to a criminal mischief complaint. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 11:45

DEC.13 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Pointe at Wellington Green last Sunday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., someone smashed the front driver’s-side window of the victim’s vehicle. The victim’s Safe View camera system was stolen off the dashboard. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

DEC. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road last Sunday regarding a shoplifting complaint. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:25 a.m., a loss prevention officer observed 45-year-old Mark Dornblut of Wellington exiting the store with a shopping cart filled with Corona beer, even though the store does not sell alcohol after midnight. The officer stopped Dornblut in the parking lot and asked to see a receipt, which he did not have. The officer then brought Dornblut into the security office and reviewed the surveillance footage, which showed Dornblut select 18 cases of Corona beer and place them in a shopping cart. He then proceeded to the exit, passing all points of sale without attempting to pay for the items. The value of the stolen merchandise was $215.46. Dornblut was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with larceny.

DEC. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on

Chiquitia Thornton

Funding Questions Arise As County Approves Corruption Reforms

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission gave final approval to ordinances creating an office of the inspector general, an ethics commission and a code of ethics on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The move finalized six months of discussions on how to best enact a series of anti-corruption reforms following a three-year stretch that saw three county commissioners sent to prison on separate corruption allegations.

“I’ve been on this commission a long time, and it has been a troubling past couple of years for those of us who have tried to do good work for the public to have that

shadow cast over this county,” Commissioner Karen Marcus said. “I’m hoping that today, this sets that behind us so we can get back to the work of the people with the public feeling that we are being transparent.”

But the unanimous approval sparked immediate debate because it included an amendment recommended by the county attorney to exempt some smaller contractors and agencies from the fee that will pay for the inspector general’s office.

Some residents objected, saying they felt the amendment diluted the power of the office because it might not have the money it needs to operate. But county administra-

tors admitted they would spend more to collect the fee in some cases than the money they would collect. Assistant County Attorney Lenny Berger said financing the inspector general’s office could be adjusted as necessary, so there is not a danger of the post being under-funded.

Under the amendment, contractors would be required to pay the quarter-percent fee, but subcontractors would not, said Audrey Wolf, director of facilities development and operations.

Commission Chairman Burt Aaronson asked whether agencies that receive relatively small amounts of money from the county should be subject to the fee.

County Administrator Bob Weisman said in many cases, the paperwork could be burdensome, but it is also difficult to sort out who would be subject to the fee and who would not be. “We’re talking about raising revenue to pay for the inspector general, and if it ends up costing us more money than we raise, it’s not doing justice or a service to anyone,” Aaronson said.

Weisman said the cost of collecting the money will be relatively hidden compared to the money raised because it will be accomplished in the overall administration of the county, but the reality is there will be costs associated with it.

Commissioner Jeff Koons asked whether it was logical that the 50 financially assisted agencies that collect about $13 million annually from the county be under the new office’s review. All those agencies must undergo an audit by the county, a pre-audit by the clerk and federal audits, as well as the county’s internal auditor.

“You’ll have at least three or four agencies looking at the same thing,” Koons said. Weisman said the inspector general will have the potential to look for the full range of errors and malfeasance.

“I think the Miami-Dade experience was that the charitable agencies are as ripe as contractors

for potential flaws or malfeasance,” Weisman said. “You need to decide this based on the funding issue, not on the substance of who might do what. The question is do you want to assess the quarter of one percent or not, because they all are as likely to be inspected as anyone else.”

Marcus said it is too early to decide whether certain groups should be exempt from the fee.

“Everybody needs to be at this table,” she said. “We’ve heard from the public that everybody needs to be at this table, and I think the financially assisted agencies, some of them get a lot of money from us and some only get a little, See CORRUPTION, page 20

Chris Lincoln Wins Palms West Community Foundation Car Raffle

of Lake Park was the lucky holder of the winning ticket, which was good for a Toyota, Mazda or Nissan worth up to $30,000 courtesy of Royal Palm Auto Mall. He chose a 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser.

The facility features a 1,000-square-foot community conference room that will be available for use by local organizations.

Sean Flynn gives gift cards to people getting off the bus.

Santa (Dr. Wes Boughner) draws the winning car raffle ticket while Scott Popkin looks on. As the Palms West Holiday Parade came to an end on Sunday, Dec. 13, the winning ticket was drawn for the Palms West Community Foundation’s 2009 car raffle. Chris Lincoln

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER AND COURTESY PALMS WEST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Chris Lincoln and his girlfriend Rita DeMier.

Chris Lincoln receives his keys from Royal Palm Nissan and Mazda General Manager Scott Popkin.

Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic Dec. 19

The 19th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Wellington Community Center dock (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Families and friends are invited to come and see this free children’s fishing bonanza. The tournament starts with registration at 8 a.m. at the dock area, with the tournament to follow from 9 to 11 a.m. from the dock and the surrounding shore (no boats, please). Awards and “fish tales” will follow from 11 a.m. to noon. Tro-

BLOOD DRIVE FOR ACREAGE TEENAGER

phies will be awarded for first, second and third place based on the total weight of fish caught and released in each age group: six and under, seven to nine, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15.

The official weighmaster will be bass professional Christina Kenny of Wellington. As a youngster, she fished in the tournament and has now turned it into her livelihood, working in the fishing department of the new Gander Mountain in Palm Beach Gardens. Also on hand will be bass pro and Lake Okeechobee guide Mike Jones and his son Justin, another young bass professional hoping to make it on the junior circuit. Rods and reels will be available for use, courtesy of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, an event co-sponsor. Bait is provided with live worms from Gander Mountain and bread from Publix in the Wellington Courtyard Shops. Trophies are courtesy of Visual Images. The fishing tackle awards and the many door prizes are provided through a donation from Lake Wellington Professional Centre and Gander Mountain. Each child entering will receive a free tackle gift. For more information, call (561) 753-2484, (561) 790-5124 or (561) 793-2675.

Music Theater Holiday Camp In Wellington

By popular demand, Dance Arts Conservatory in Wellington will

hold a musical theater holiday camp. The winter holiday camp will be offered as workshops instead of the book-show formats that were originally slotted. The workshops will still feature the direction of “Miss Darlene” and will concentrate on developing children’s acting, singing and dancing skills with theater exercises, projection and vocalization practice, and choreography instruction. Ages four and up are welcome. Session 1 will take place Dec. 21, 22 and 23. Session 2 will take place Dec. 28, 29 and 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. The cost is $50 for each camp Dance Arts Conservatory is located at 11260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1, near Village Park. To preregister for the workshop, call (561) 296-1880. For more info., visit www.danceartsconservatory. com.

Wellington Hosts Holiday Toy Drive

The Village of Wellington is partnering with the Citizens Volunteer Organization, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, local businesses, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and State Rep. Joe Abruzzo’s office for the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive to benefit less fortunate youth in the community.

Residents are asked to drop off their new, unwrapped toys by Dec. 21 to any of the following locations: the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace), Ad-

ministration Office (14000 Greenbriar Blvd.), Planning, Zoning & Building (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) and Parks & Recreation (11700 Pierson Road). For more information, call (561) 753-2476.

Meeting On Northlake Corridor Jan. 12

Planners from Palm Beach County, the cities of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host an informational public meeting regarding the preliminary findings of the latest update to the Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Seminole Ridge High School media center at 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. There will be a brief PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. The land-use study update provides an assessment of the area’s needs for commercial and office uses, according to population and projected growth. For more information, call (561) 233-5312.

Wellington’s

Father-Daughter

Dance Feb. 6

Fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers and all blends of family are invited to take part in the Village of Wellington’s annual FatherDaughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Wellington Village Park

It will be a night of delight designed for dads and their daughters to share dancing, a delicious dinner, games and pictures. Each couple will receive keepsakes to cherish the memories of this fun evening. This event will be most enjoyed by girls between the ages of five and 14 years old. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the event being held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased at the Village Park gymnasium or the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Ticket sales end Friday, Jan. 28. Seating is limited, so make sure to purchase your tickets before they are sold out. Tickets are $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional single tickets will be sold at $20 per additional resident and $25 per additional non-resident. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, call (561) 791-4005. Tiger Shark Cove Playground To Close For Repair The Village

Palms West Chamber’s Holiday Parade Rolls Through Wellington

The annual Palms West Holiday Parade, presented by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, made its way down Forest Hill Blvd. on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13. The event kicked off with the Seventh Annual Holiday Mile Race followed by more than 125 parade entries making their through the heart of Wellington. There were seven marching bands from area schools, Brownie troops, Cub Scout packs, clowns, antique cars and fire trucks, twirlers, horses and much more. Many community organizations created beautiful, creative floats based on the parade’s theme, “Hometown Holidays, Connecting Family, Friends and Community.” The winning parade entries were: Decorated Vehicle — First place, Brownie Troop 87, and second place, Golden Girls Nursing Registry.

Adult Float — First place, Knights of Columbus/St. Rita Catholic Church, and second place, South Florida Fair. Band — First place, Seminole Ridge High School, and second place, John I. Leonard High School.

Equestrian — First place, Acreage Horseman’s Association, and second place, Magical Minnies. Performing Group — First place, Solid Gold Twirlers, and

second place, Eldridge Gale Elementary School.

Juvenile Float — First place, Cub Scout Pack 125, and second place, Wellington Christian School.

Marching Group — First place, Western Communities Football League, and second place, Star Wars 501 Legion, Everglades.

Best in Show — Cub Scout Pack 118.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and his wife Sherry in a car driven by Mike Nelson.

The Western Communities Football League float.The Palms West Hospital float.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli and Councilman David Swift.

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant’s float.

The St. Rita Knights of Columbus float.

Scouts from Troop 87 on their float.

The Golden Girls Nursing Services vehicle, which placed second in the Decorated Vehicle category.

The South Florida Fair float, which placed second in the Adult Float Vehicle category.

2009-10 Directors and Officers: Tony Alfalla, Mae Loglisci, Hildi Wanklyn, Joan Kahler, Estelle Rubin, President Howard Trager, Sally Schwartz, Sunny Meyer and Ethel Mossman.

Marylee Zipelin, Elaine Hogarty, Christianne Caggiano and Jean Hennekam.

Zena Plous, Iris Goldson, Sally Schwartz, Harriet Katz and Bernice Klein (seated).

Dr. Harvey and Zulma Montijo with Tony and Evelyn Nelson.

Israel and Maria Pabon with Evelyn and Tony Nelson.Members of the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association.

Dream Middle Inducts Student Government Officers For 2009-10

Dream Middle School has announced its student government officers for the 2009-10 school year. They are as follows: Jimmy Marchand, president; Krista Evans, secretary/ treasurer; Austin Peace and Mark Sinclair, eighth-grade representatives; Andrew Borell and Kyle Hasak, seventh-grade representatives; and Kali Ashurst and Shelby Cavanagh, sixth-grade representatives. The student government offic-

SRHS Drama Group Wins At District Competition

Seminole Ridge High School Drama II students, under the direction of Mrs. Patty Bates, swept the awards recently at the district One-Act Play Festival in Jensen Beach. The Hawks took home four trophies — “Best Technical,” “Best Ensemble Play,” “Superior” and “Critics’ Choice.”

The first-place finish entitles them to present in April at the state drama festival in Tampa. In addition, Francoeurla Jean received the Best Actor award for her performance in Competition Piece

Also at the district Individual Events Competition, Janine Campos, Shelby Oliveira and Stephanie Plateroti received a “Superior” for their monologues. Oliveira and Plateroti each received a $500 check toward their college tuitions from the International Thespian Society. Plateroti also received a $5,000 annually renewable scholarship to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University. Campos, Oliveira and Kelsey West earned $1,000 scholarships to PBAU.

In other news, the drama department announced its presentation of the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast Jan. 15-24 in the SRHS auditorium. Tickets cost $10 at the door. Evening performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15; Saturday, Jan. 16; Friday, Jan. 22; and Saturday, Jan. 23. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan.16; Sunday, Jan.17; Saturday, Jan. 23; and Sunday, Jan. 24.

• Fizzix Funday Students Showcase Skills — Hawk physics students showcased their “Fizzix Funday” research projects Nov. 24, testing their skills in “Drop It,” “Build It” or “Launch It.”

Drop It tests student-built packages to protect a raw egg from cracking. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue provided a 60-foot free-fall from the ladder of a fire truck. SRHS congratulates Patrick Costan and Brian Harner, whose creation survived three falls.

Launch It entails using compressed air and water to launch a two-liter plastic soda bottle and measuring the hang time. SRHS congratulates Andy Bernardo, whose bottle rocket was airborne for 7.0 seconds.

And finally, for Build It, students created a coaster with the longest ride time (with bonus points for loops). SRHS congratulates Christopher Bainter and Andrew Piroli, whose “Perfect Plumbing” kept rolling for an average of 16 seconds.

• Hurricane-Proof ‘Houses’ — What do you get when you combine Hawks, construction paper, popsicle sticks, aluminum foil and tape? Hurricane-proof houses!

“Hurricane Landstrom” was a leaf blower directed at simply built scale-model houses to test their resistance. Some withstood the test of wind, and some were destroyed. It was all in the name of science, as students learned about the force categories of hurricane

winds and the construction designs that make houses more durable during those winds.

• SRHS Student Wins NASA Essay Contest — Anthony Bass, a senior at Seminole Ridge High School, is a national winner in the Cassini Scientist for a Day essay contest. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory runs this contest for students in grades five through 12.

His essay about Saturn was chosen from among 330 essays submitted by students from 41 classrooms in 20 states. A team of judges consisting of scientists, engineers and educators read the essays and selected one winner per topic per age category. The winning essays are posted

on the web site for the Cassini mission to Saturn at http:// saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/ scientistforaday8thedition/ sfad8thview.

The fall 2009 edition of the Cassini Scientist for a Day essay contest is an official Special Project of the International Year of Astronomy 2009. The Cassini spacecraft has been observing Saturn, its moons and rings since it entered the planet’s orbit in 2004. The spacecraft’s instruments have discovered new rings and moons and have improved our understanding of Saturn’s ring system. For more information, visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov.

Brian Harner and Patrick Costan with their Fizzix Funday project.

RPBHS Joins In ‘A Day In The Life Of A Nurse’

Each year, the Nursing Consortium of South Florida, along with a coalition of hospitals, nursing schools, healthcare agencies and foundations in partnership with South Florida public school districts, organize the program “A Day in the Life of a Nurse.” The program provides high school students with the opportunity to shadow registered nurses and get a glimpse into the very rewarding career of nursing. A total of 46 South Florida facilities and 49 schools participated this year.

On Nov. 13, Wellington Regional Medical Center was the local site for this one-day program, which provided nine students from Royal Palm Beach High School’s Medical Sciences Academy the chance to participate in a variety of activities, including touring key hospital departments and meeting “front-line nurses” and other key nursing personnel such as nurse educators and ad-

ministrators. The experience allowed students to see nurses in action and ask individual questions about the profession, including its rewards and challenges. Coordinated by Wellington Regional’s Staff Development Director Mary Kattan, the one-day program was attended by the following enthusiastic Royal Palm Beach High School students: Simeon Lyons, Jenna Bellach, Michelle Kautz, Leah Decenteceo, Mariel Manuel, Alexandra Satchell, Ky Desmarattes, Drusilla Bunyan and Cheyenne Tavares. Karen Kissel, the school coordinator of the program, expressed her gratitude to WRMC for giving the students this opportunity. “The students and I felt really privileged to have hospital experts spend their time to share their experiences and answer questions,” she said.

For more information, call Karen Kissel at (561) 753-4000.

King’s Academy Underwriting Party A Success

New Horizons Elementary School students learned about the fun of reading by participating in the Barnes & Noble Book Fair. Guest readers, including New Horizons teachers and Principal Elizabeth Cardozo, read their favorite books. Some classes acted out and performed holiday songs while others acted out stories and recited poetry. Students made special pins encouraging everyone to read, and parents enjoyed watching their children perform and perusing the books with their children to purchase. Proceeds from the evening will be used to purchase books for each classroom. Shown above is Mrs. Deb Hansen’s third grade class performing their rendition of “Deck the Halls.”

Each year, the King’s Academy hosts its annual dinner and auction. Prior to the event, an underwriting party is held to give TKA parents an opportunity to underwrite the auction. On Saturday, Dec. 5, TKA parents John and Liz Raese opened their Palm Beach home to more than 70 family members and friends of the King’s Academy in support of the 2010 dinner and auction. In addition to being great fun, the event was a huge financial success. More than $90,000 was committed to the 2010 dinner and auction, titled “The Mane Event.”

sors Batten Construction Inc. and Bob’s Auto Glass. For more information on this event, call the King’s Academy Development Office at (561) 6864244.

sociation of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Schools.

The Mane Event will be held on March 6 at the PGA National Resort & Spa. Proceeds will benefit TKA’s annual fund. The event is presented by Insurance Office of America and Regal Paint Centers, along with Platinum Sponsor Revanracing.com and Gold Spon-

The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the As-

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.tka.net.

RPBHS students and teachers with WRMC staff.

TKA President Jeff Loveland, former president and founding board member Nelson Loveland, and hosts John and Liz Raese.

TKA Headmaster Kevin Colling with Peter and Pieternel Knollenberg.

WELLINGTON GIRL SCOUTS FROM TROOP 246 ‘DISCOVER

Dressage Under The Stars Returns In January

The excitement, fun and splendor of FEI Dressage Musical Freestyle competition — along with celebrities and thousands of dollars in prizes — will all take place at the 2010 Top Shelf Dressage Under the Stars Series premiering in January at the Players Club Bar & Restaurant in Wellington. Dressage Under the Stars will offer dressage enthusiasts a chance to sit tableside at the Players Club while enjoying top competitors and their horses dancing under the stars.

“We held the Dressage Under the Stars Series a few years ago, and it was such a success that we are bringing it back,” Players Club owner Neil Hirsch said. “We are stepping it up a notch, and in addition to being able to sit ringside and watch the horses, people will also have the chance to sit on the balcony and enjoy a buffet while overlooking the patio and field.”

The Dressage Under the Stars Series will run every Wednesday night beginning Jan. 27, 2010 through March 17. Admission is free, and dressage rider and country singer Jenna Wyatt will host each Wednesday event. “Jenna

has sung at the Players Club before, and she is a very talented girl,” Hirsch said. “She will be the emcee each Wednesday night, and we are really looking forward to it.”

International dressage rider Shannon Dueck of Dueck Dressage is looking forward to the events at the Players Club. “Dressage Under the Stars was an awesome event. It was fun to ride in front of so many appreciative fans at the Players Club,” Dueck said. “I am so thrilled that they are bringing the dressage back this year, and I will be excited to participate in the events.”

Dressage Under the Stars, sponsored by Patron Tequila, Perrier Jouet Champagne and Absolut Vodka, will not only feature top dressage competitors but also celebrity judges and guests. In the past, dressage judges have included Betsy Steiner, Oded Shimoni, bestselling author Tami Hoag and Germany’s Michael Klimke.

The Players Club, which overlooks magnificent polo grounds, offers a dining experience unparalleled in the Palm Beaches.

“The Players Club has a long-

standing relationship with the equestrian community, and Dressage Under the Stars is a great way for the Players Club to connect to the exciting Wellington horse scene,” Hirsch said. “Having din-

ner and watching horses perform and dance on the field is pretty special.”

For more information about the Players Club, visit its web site at www.playersclubrestaurant.com.

Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi and the girls stand by a fountain in front of Holden Luntz Gallery, the second stop on their tour.

Troop mom Barbie Jacobson and the Girl Scouts learn about Émile Gallé during a tour of A.B. Levy Rare Antiques & Fine Art.

The girls pose with Arcature’s Mitch Denowitz and a large Robert St. Croix sculpture.

Chris Swindler of Boy Scout Troop 105 in The Acreage completed his Eagle Project on Nov. 7, painting the exterior of a house in Royal Palm Beach. The project

Dressage Under The Stars — Host Jenna Wyatt along with past judges Betsy Steiner, Tami Hoag and Michael Klimke.

Corsentino Named Top Student Volunteer

The 2009-10 Palm Beach County Outstanding Student, Adult and Senior School Volunteers have been named. Palm Beach Central High School senior Brandon Corsentino is the Student Volunteer of the Year, Debbie Ellman of Spanish River High School is the Adult Volunteer of the Year and Arnold Rich of Park Vista High School is the Senior Volunteer of the Year. These three individuals provided thousands of hours of support in their role as volunteers.

“Over 36,000 volunteers work in Palm Beach County schools supporting our goal of academ-

ic excellence,” School District Volunteer Coordinator Debi Elfen said. “These three outstanding individuals are shining examples of the thousands of dedicated volunteers working with our children every day.”

Many students are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. However, very few have the ability, or sense of responsibility, to balance their time as Corsentino does.

The Wellington resident is ranked 11th in his class of 644 students, succeeding in both Advanced Placement and honors classes, while actively participating in varsity football, coach-

Troop 122 Hosts Reception At Osceola Creek

Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 122 recently held a reception at Osceola Creek Middle School in The Acreage.

Webelos from local Cub Scout packs were invited to meet the troop members and participate in a geocaching activity led by Cindy Vandamas of Venture Crew 2005.

The boys had a great time locating hidden treasures using

handheld global positioning units.

Each boy received a special geocaching patch for his efforts. The Boy Scouts led team-building activities, played games and shared stories of their scouting adventures.

Each participating scout got a treat bag and had a great time. Boy Scout Troop 122 is based in Loxahatchee.

• • •

ing of flag football, Key Club, BETA Club and National Honor Society. Through these clubs, Corsentino has coordinated and garnered school participation in countless school-related community service activities, such as St. Baldrick’s Day, Relay for Life, Hispanic Human Resources Council, Quantum House, Gold Coast Down Syndrome’s Buddy Walk and aiding underserved students in nearby Title I elementary schools.

For additional information about the 2009-10 Outstanding School Volunteers, call Elfen at (561) 434-8789.

The

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.

Valuntas A Finalist For Litigation Award

Richard Valuntas of Royal Palm Beach was recently named a finalist for the Daily Business Review’s Fifth Annual Most Effective Lawyers in South Florida award in the “Complex/Business Litigation” category.

Valuntas was nominated for his work in a United States District Court case that secured a $20.4 million jury verdict for his client. Valuntas and his colleagues at Katzman Garfinkel Rosenbaum LLP represented a condominium association that sustained significant damage to its buildings from Hurricane Wilma in 2005. When the insurance company refused to compensate the condominium association for the hurricane damages, a lawsuit was filed and ultimately tried before a jury.

The jury’s verdict awarded the condominium association everything it was seeking in its breach of contract claim.

Ferrell Graduates Air Force Training

Air Force Airman Kathryn A. Ferrell has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

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

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

Ferrell is the daughter of Jeffrey Ferrell of West Palm Beach and granddaughter of Dolores Pierre of Okeechobee. She is a 2009 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School.

Brandon Corsentino

Scouts take time out of the reception for a group photo.

Richard Valuntas

Title Company Steps Forward To Resolve North Road Access Issue

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A title company has pledged to pay for a culvert crossing over the North Road canal in Loxahatchee Groves to give property owners on 148th Terrace North a legal way to get in and out of their property.

The plan approved Monday, Dec. 14 by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District resolves access problems that the district and residents living north of the North Road Canal have been wrestling with for the past year. Residents have been using a maintenance easement that runs along the north side of the canal as their access road. After Palm

Rockett Lox Council

Candidate

continued from page 1 then FEMA came in. I was very pleased with the cooperation and our ability to work with the group and provide them a home.”

Rockett said he bought a fiveacre lot on 43rd Road North in Loxahatchee Groves in 1999.

“When I was a young guy, I grew up in a farm environment,” Rockett said. “I’ve always liked a rural setting.”

Beach County installed a water line along North Road, making the easement narrower, the water control district became aware that it would be liable for accidents along the strip. In October, the district sent letters to the property owners on the north side of the canal noting that it would be closing access to the easement on April 30, 2010.

Although the easement is commonly considered to be the extension of 40th Street North, it’s actually just a canal easement owned by the district, making the district liable for accidents there, District Administrator Clete Saunier said. He had recommended that property owners contact their title com-

He bought the property with the intention of building a home there, anticipating it would be his last home.

“We started building the home in 2005, and it took us a couple of years to get through that. It takes quite a bit of time just to get through the system and permitting, but we moved in in the spring of 2008,” Rockett said. “This will be our second Christmas out here.”

Although Rockett has not lived in the town a long time, he said through his involvement, he has learned the needs and issues of the town quickly. “I’m fortunate to be

panies to help resolve the issue, since none of the properties should been approved for sale without legal access.

Attorney’s Title Insurance, the title company for one of the property owners, will pay $80,000 to install a culvert bridge, providing access to residents who live along 148th Terrace. It would be less expensive than the lawsuits the company anticipated if it did not, said attorney Barbara Richardson of Shutts & Bowen LLP, representing Attorney’s Title. The company represents Golden Harvest Enterprises Inc. and Dancing Crane, which is owned by the Liang family. Ryan Liang is a town council member.

able to speak to people who are well versed and have been here for a while,” Rockett said.

He not only lives in Loxahatchee Groves, but works in the community, managing the C Road nursery his son owns.

“He offered me an opportunity as I left corporate America to get out of that environment and get in a completely different environment,” Rockett recalled. “It’s one that I’ve really enjoyed, running that business and working with the people who are in that business. It’s quite another slice of America.”

Richardson said that she has been coordinating with other landowners along the 148th Terrace corridor between C and D roads and their title companies. She researched deeds back to 1902 when Southern States Land & Timber Company owned the property and found no legal access for it.

“Going forward from 1902, there is no legal access to the Golden Harvest property,” Richardson said.

When the agents assured the title to properties and saw 148th Terrace North and 40th Street North, they assumed they were public roads because they had numbers, she said. “Through no fault of their own, all these land-

Rockett has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a certified management accountant. His work experience includes IBM and Siemens Corp.

If elected, Rockett said he intends to continue the work that has begun and does not anticipate advocating big changes. He said he supported Ron Jarriel and Ryan Liang in their successful bids for council seats last year because he identified with what they appeared to be bringing forth, which included frugality and cooperation with the water control district.

“I continue to identify with

owners are in the same predicament,” Richardson said. “They have no legal access. Attorney’s Title is willing to come forth and do whatever it takes to at least get the access for Golden Harvest Enterprises Inc.” Richardson said that Saunier had submitted culvert plans to her, which she gave to the engineering firm Erdman Anthony, which will coordinate the project. She said the company also estimated the cost of acquiring property from the existing culvert crossings at C and D roads to 148th Terrace, but the estimates were higher than the cost of the culvert. She asked if the district will accept the dedication of the structure for mainte-

those things,” Rockett said. “I feel very comfortable working with the group in terms of what they seem to stand for and how they go about things.” Land development regulations are still being developed, and Rockett said he participated in the stakeholders meetings to develop the regulations. “Putting those regulations together and finalizing them, and then the code of ordinances that follow, that’s a large chore ahead of us, but we can’t take our eye off the ball,” he said. After years of mistrust, Rock-

nance after the crossing is built. After considering several options, the supervisors decided to make a mini-amendment to its water control plan to make the crossing part of the district’s road system and charge all landowners in the district for it. LGWCD Attorney Mary Viator said the crossing could be considered as an overall improvement to the entire district. Under that option, construction could begin immediately, Richardson said. Saunier said a mini amendment would probably be the most expeditious resolution. He also recommended that 148th Terrace be dedicated to the Town of Loxahat-

See LGWCD, page 20

ett said he has been very impressed with the recent cooperation between the council and the water control district. “We’ve seen evidence of great progress that can be made when you’re not trying to butt heads,” he said. Rockett added that while he has heard that the council has been advocating certain groups at the expense of others, he disagrees. “If the council is to be described as pro anything, I think their actions over the past year are clearly pro Loxahatchee Groves,” he said.

MATTIOLI HOLDS CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER AT HILARY’S RESTAURANT IN RPB

Culvert Solves Problem

continued from page 18 chee Groves. “If we’re going to build a bridge, it should be a bridge to somewhere,” Saunier said.

Supervisor Robert Snowball made a motion to accept Attorney Title Company’s proposal to construct the culvert crossing with the understanding it will be eventually dedicated to the public, and Supervisor Don Widing seconded. The motion carried 4-0 with Supervisor John Ryan absent. In other business:

• The board voted 4-0 for Saunier to negotiate with approved contractors for maintenance of D Road. The maintenance had been included in the district budget for this year after the Town of Loxahatchee Groves approved giving the district $180,000 in gas tax dollars for the project.

PBSO Accidents Are Down

continued from page 1 by five percent as deputies increased enforcement in problem areas, Richter said. Credit goes to both added enforcement and residents driving safer, he said.

The number of accidents fell from 1,291 last year to 1,230 this year. Crashes have decreased each year since 2005, when there were 1,345 crashes, Richter noted.

“Every year we have lowered the crash rate, which is significant,” he said. “We focused on where the traffic accidents occurred, and that’s where we direct our enforcement efforts.”

Instead of setting up speed traps, this year PBSO deputies identified where the most crashes occurred in Wellington and increased their presence in those areas. Additionally, complaints from residents were used to determine areas for extra patrols.

Fewer tickets were written for traffic violations, which Richter

Temple Neighbors Express

Concerns

continued from page 1 be adjacent to The Isles and Wellington Shores communities, Flinchum said that there would be enough buffer to prevent problems. The Isles has a 20-foot buffer of empty land to the west of where the temple will be, and there is a six-foot wall around the Wellington Shores community to the south. Additionally, a 15-foot buffer will be required on the south, east and west sides of the temple, Flinchum said. The Isles Homeowners’ Association President Greg Cafaro said that he was concerned about the addition of a daycare center and the impact it will have on traffic and noise in the area.

“This land is in the center of three major gated communities,” he said. “There is also a middle school and an elementary school on either side of them. We have a lot of traffic in the mornings, so any additional traffic created by a day school or a daycare will add to the traffic flow.” Richard Tolbert, HOA president at Grand Isles, echoed Cafaro’s concerns, adding that the lack of a deceleration lane at the temple’s entrance on Lake Worth Road is a problem.

“What happens in the morning when that light turns is that there’s a pulse of traffic east on Lake

The district received 15 bids that ranged from about $37,000 to $260,000. Saunier narrowed the list to four, ranging from $58,950 to $131,950. He said he threw out the three lowest bidders because of discrepancies and inaccuracies.

Supervisors asked about the wide range of bids between the four finalists, and Saunier said if negotiations wound up with the highest of the finalists, it still would be 25 percent less than what was budgeted.

• Supervisors also discussed a letter from residents along 43rd Street insisting that they do not want the district grading that road. A letter dated Nov. 12 from 43rd Street resident Christine St. John stated that the road is on her private property, and she did not want the district grading it. A letter from Martin Geist dated April 14, 2008 also asserted that the road is private property and he did not want the district grading the road. The two are the only residents out of the 11 living on the road who don’t want it graded. Nine of the property owners have signed a petition

said is an indication that residents are voluntarily complying with the law and avoiding accidents.

“We like to look at the number of stops we made, not the number of tickets handed out,” he said. “Just because we stop someone doesn’t mean a ticket is always warranted. Traffic stops can be used to educate a person on what they’ve done wrong so that they don’t continue that behavior.”

This year, the PBSO’s goal was to decrease robberies in Wellington by at least five percent, but instead saw a 28-percent decrease. Robberies fell from 47 cases in 2008 to 34 in 2009. Robberies had increased each year since 2005 with 20 cases, to their peak last year. Additionally, deputies arrested individuals in 38 percent of the robberies committed this year, a success that Richter has attributed to a partnership between his detectives and the PBSO’s robbery division. “The biggest change we made this year was that any time a robbery occurred, we assigned a detective to that case,” he said. “Our detectives are very

Worth Road,” he said. “They are going to encounter a car almost at a stop trying to make that turn in, and it’s going to cause a pulse of braking that’s going to go back into the intersection.”

Tolbert added that the lack of speed enforcement is also an issue. “It is not unusual to see cars going 50, 60 and 70 miles an hour eastbound on Lake Worth Road,” he said. “And that problem is going to stop at the rear-end of a car turning into the temple site.”

Residents also were concerned about traffic clogging Barefoot Lake Drive.

“Barefoot Lake Drive is just a single-lane roadway, which is the only access and exit to the Wellington Shores community, so that’s going to severely impact their traffic,” Cafaro said.

“They’ve touted that they’ve done traffic studies, but I have yet to see any of the markers or indicators in the roadway.”

Gary Azzinaro, a Wellington Shores resident, said that the road can hardly handle its own 180-home community. He was concerned about the traffic because the road has no stoplight, so residents must compete with cars on Lake Worth Road when trying to turn in or out of the development.

“We’re a small community that seems to be forgotten about,” he said. “Our homes are clearly in Wellington, but we’ve been given a Lake Worth zip code. Now it seems like the town wants to punish us by adding construction of either one or two entrances on Barefoot Lake Drive, the only

in March after 12 years on the job.

asking for it to be graded, Saunier said.

Since October, Saunier said he has adhered to the board’s direction to continue grading the road even though residents had threatened to sue if the district continued to grade the road, Saunier said. St. John’s letter denied that she or Geist had threatened legal action, but pointed out that the district by statute is not permitted to maintain private property.

Viator agreed that district money cannot be used for non-district purposes, and since two property owners have raised the issue, the district might be exposed to liability.

Widing said he was more concerned about liability if they did not allow maintenance and a fire truck could not get across the road to answer an emergency.

“I want to cut the tentacles away and see if we can help these people,” Widing said. “I’m asking what policy change would need to be made so we can do this. I can’t get past the fact that this road has been here a long time and sud-

tenacious, and combined with the robbery division, they were able to clear many of the cases.”

Only one gang crime was committed in 2009, which was a robbery and assault outside Burger King on Wellington Trace. Three gang members were caught within days in the case.

“There haven’t been a significant number of gang incidents in Wellington,” Richter said. “But we see them bobbing on the horizon, and we want to get in front of it before it starts.”

To classify a crime as a gangrelated activity it has to meet two of eight criteria outlined by the state, Richter said. The criteria include investigating whether the suspects identify themselves as gang members or have been identified by others.

A sheriff’s deputy from Wellington was assigned the position of gang activity coordinator to help curb gang behavior, Richter said. “He’s a former New York City Police officer who worked on the gang force there,” Richter said. “He worked with dozens and dozens of gang members, putting to-

road that’s used to get into our community.”

Azzinaro said that traffic studies in the past determined the road could not handle a school bus stop because of its effect on traffic and was concerned about the traffic studies done on the road for the temple.

Sexton Engineering conducted the traffic studies by putting counters in the area during peak hours in the morning, evening and on weekends, said the village’s traffic consultant Andrea Troutman. She said she was concerned about Barefoot Lake Drive, but that the results were acceptable. However, the village did not do its own study.

Tolbert was also concerned about the village’s notification process. He said that only three residents in Grand Isles received notices, and none were sent to the HOA or the property manager. Cafaro said The Isles hadn’t received letters either. Although there were signs put on the roadways, Cafaro said they were unreadable from the car.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said that his staff would review the notification issue, and the public hearing would be held again if there had not been adequate notification.

The board voted 4-1 in favor of the amendments with Board Member Steve Delai dissenting. Board Member Alan Medoff did not vote, citing a conflict of interest, and Vice Chair Craig Bachove was not present. Alternates Morley Alperstein and Alan Johnson replaced them.

denly the property owner is say-

ing you can’t maintain it.”

Supervisors agreed to continue their existing policy of grading the road.

• Supervisors also discussed the results of a landowner survey for paving South C Road with open grade emulsified mix (OGEM). So far the response to the survey sent to owners of 347 acres in mid November showed that owners of 87 acres are for and 104 are against the project. Because owners pay based on the number of acres each owns, the votes must be based on acreage. In this case, a majority of the owners, regardless of the size of their acreage, are also opposed with 22 for and 25 against, Saunier said.

Saunier said the response so far was a surprise because a property owner had submitted a petition that appeared to show residents in support of having OGEM applied to the road. He speculated that people were not aware of the cost until the survey was sent out.

Supervisors postponed a decision until their January meeting on

gether in-depth investigations, so he has brought a lot of training and expertise with him. The work he has done this fiscal year has just been astounding.”

The Section 8 fraud investigation program has done a lot to curb crime in Wellington by weeding out criminals and those collecting government money fraudulently.

Section 8 renters who commit crimes or house criminals become ineligible for Section 8 assistance. So far 16 arrests have been made, resulting in 12 people losing their benefits and two facing

ITID Roads Many Years To Complete

continued from page 1 effective way to maintain them,” he said.

The premise is that the feeder roads require more grading than dead-end dirt roads, Erickson said. While dead-end roads are graded once or twice a month, feeder roads usually need grading twice a week, and it is more cost-effective to get them paved.

Sidewalks and horse trails will also be part of the plan, Erickson added.

“If you have a paved road, you now have to have a paved sidewalk,” Erickson said. “That’s part of the policy, so there are sections

Toy Drive Donate

By Dec. 21

continued from page 1 so appropriate items are always in need, Fivey said. She said that people tend to buy for babies, toddlers and young children instead.

Walk For The Animals Will Benefit Animal Rescue League

federal charges. “We check the blotter every day to see who’s been arrested,” Richter said. “And people will call us and tell us that their neighbors are letting criminals live with them.”

Although Richter said he believes the Section 8 program is an asset, those who abuse the system must be punished.

“We will continue to pursue this issue tenaciously,” he said.

“Section 8 housing is a wonderful program. It lends a helping hand to people who need assistance. Those abusing it certain-

of roads and sidewalks that we want to tie into this R3 Plan so everything is legal and legitimate going forward.”

Rather than approving projects as they arise, the plan allows ITID to plan out paving projects years in advance, “and put the project priorities that staff gives us onto the network roads and get them completed,” he said.

Progress, however, will depend upon the amount of money that is available. “The board is already committed not to raise taxes,” Erickson said. “Off the top of my head, I would say it will be a five- to seven-year process.”

Erickson estimated that there is about 20 miles of road remaining to pave.

More detailed maps are need-

ly deserve to be arrested.” Another program to help curb crime is the Safe Neighborhoods program that was instituted this summer to help lower crime in transitional neighborhoods. Since the program began, there has been a 24-percent decrease in crime in those neighborhoods.

“We’re not just cleaning up the neighborhoods,” Richter said. “We have very strict law enforcement policies so law violators know they aren’t welcome there anymore. Being poor should not correspond to living with crime.”

ed, Erickson said, showing the various stages of road improvement. “I need to know what roads out there are not up to the inchand-a-half paving standard,” he said. Similarly, he said maps are needed for milled roads ready for a cap, and those that need to be milled.

“Really, there should be four or five categories of roads so that we can look at it comprehensively,” Erickson said. “You need to take a look at the whole cycle of roads that we have, because this includes repaving. It’s a comprehensive plan for the road network, which means you’ve got to take into account going forward in a timeline. It’s a standard planning process, but it doesn’t seem that Indian Trail has been there before.”

Corruption Inspector General Funding

continued from page 7 but I think that will be their buyin to what we’re doing, and we haven’t heard any requests for exemptions.”

Commissioner Shelley Vana suggested a flat fee for agencies receiving small amounts of money. “We’re giving money to agencies, now we’re just taking it back,” Vana said. “It is adding a level of work that is really meaningless.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he agreed with Aaronson

In addition to the toy drive, the Safe Neighborhoods Office and CVO have also collected turkeys for the 75 needy families so they can have a holiday dinner this year.

“The holidays are about giving to those in need,” Fivey said.

The toys will be wrapped at the Safe Neighborhoods Office on Dec. 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. with the help of local volunteers. They will then be delivered to the children’s homes on Dec. 22 and 23.

and Vana. “If we know up front that it’s going to cost us more than we take, then we shouldn’t charge,” he said. “If we already know up front that we’re wasting money, we shouldn’t waste money. We shouldn’t charge if it’s going to cost us more to process.”

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor said she felt inspector general investigations should be for cause, which the ordinance does not require, but Berger said restricting the inspector general to for-cause investigations might impair the power of the position. Taylor said she would support the ordinance but asked, “Why would you not want to put ‘for cause’ in here?” Weisman replied, “The intent is to give him unlimited ability.”

“This is a great time for us to focus on giving back to our own community.” Toys can be dropped off at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace), the Administration Office (14000 Greenbriar Blvd.), Planning, Zoning & Building (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), and the Parks & Recreation Department (11700 Pierson Road). For more information, or to donate, call the Safe Neighborhoods Office at (561) 791-4796.

Blotter

continued from page 6

52nd Road North early Wednesday morning in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. the following morning, someone cut the lock off the side door of the victim’s trailer and stole several tools valued at approximately $1,700. The trailer was backed into the victim’s driveway and attached to his truck. There were tire tracks from a small vehicle leaving the driveway and heading east on 52nd Road, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

A mayoral campaign fundraiser for Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli was held Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Hilary’s restaurant in Royal Palm Beach. He was joined by family, friends and supporters, including Royal Palm Beach council members past and present. Mattioli is running to replace David Lodwick as mayor. Lodwick is stepping down

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Matty Mattioli greets Ernie Thowdis.

Former Royal Palm Beach councilwoman Carmela Starace with Matty and Marion Mattioli.

Carmela Starace, Gary Webster and Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster.

Annual South Florida Fair Returns Jan. 15-31

The largest and oldest event in Palm Beach County, the annual South Florida Fair is merely weeks away. Deeply discounted advance admission and ride tickets are on sale at multiple outlets. Save up to 30 percent on ticket purchases (great for gift-giving) now through Jan. 14. Page 30

BUSINESS

Massage Therapist

Vanessa Talcott Now Full-Time In Wellington

Vanessa Talcott, a licensed and insured massage therapist, is now a permanent resident of Wellington. For years, Talcott traveled between her farm in Central Florida to the Wellington area for the winter dressage season. Talcott’s choice to live full-time in Wellington allows area residents access to her talents in massage and “energy work.” Page 33

Spor ts

Lady Wolverines Pound Park Vista

The Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team dominated Park Vista High School 62-29 at home Monday, Dec. 14. In other basketball action, the Palm Beach Central High School boys team lost 64-39 to Santaluces High School on Friday, Dec. 11. Page 39

Kim Bolser-Aumen Still ‘Crazy For Arabians’

Kim Bolser-Aumen was one of those horse-crazy girls. She rode at a farm that bred Arabians. After her lesson, she’d visit with the horses, mooning over the Arabians, dreaming of the day she would have her own. Kim had fallen in love with the breed. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

Kim Bolser-Aumen Has Been ‘Crazy For Arabians’ All Her Life

Kim Bolser-Aumen was one of those horsecrazy little girls. All she ever wanted was her own horse, but her family couldn’t afford one, so she settled for once-a-week riding lessons when she was eight and living in Tampa. She rode at a farm that bred Arabians, and after her lesson, she’d visit with the horses, mooning over the Arabians, dreaming of... one day...

Kim had fallen in love with the breed.

“Arabians are such people-oriented horses,” she said. “They’re always curious and quirky and full of personality. And Arabian owners are also a lot of fun, just like their horses.”

Fast-forward 17 years. At 25, Kim was living in Arizona, had her first real job, had paid off her car, and finally bought her first horse, an Arabian of course, for $1,000. The mare was only four years old, and Kim envisioned a long, loving relationship. The dream was cut short three months later when the mare unexpectedly died of a heart attack. Too late, Kim found out the horse had had a congenital heart defect.

“I felt like my dream had been ripped away,” Kim recalled. “But after I got over the shock, I determined to do my darndest to get another horse.”

On her birthday in 1992, she managed to get that next horse, another Arabian. She’d first spotted Wendell when he was just a sixweek-old baby, but he hadn’t been for sale at that time. She kept an eye on him, and when he was offered for sale at six months, Kim pounced and bought the chestnut stallion.

Three years later, Kim and Wendell, now

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

gelded, moved to the Palm Beaches to start a new life together in an area filled with barns and Arabian shows. It was an exciting time.

All these years later, Kim still adores Wendell, who is now 17 years old. “He’s my main riding horse, my best buddy,” she said.

Kim now owns a home on five acres in Loxahatchee and a few other Arabians. There’s Easter Music, a 21-year-old chestnut mare, Ballistic Boy, her five-year-old colt, and a couple of others that her trainer talked her into, horses of national quality that she could take to the top shows. One of these is Millennium.

Kim enjoys showing, and she decided to try for the highest level, the National Arabian Show, which is held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the last week of October each year. About 3,000 people compete. To get there, riders have to qualify by earning points at regional shows. Kim shows in Arabian breed shows in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. She needed a top horse to earn enough points.

Top Arabian show horses don’t come cheap, and the $40,000 to $80,000 price tag was way out of Kim’s reach. But in 2006,

when the economy went south, she found that suddenly there were horses available at much more affordable prices.

“That’s how I found Millenium,” Kim recalled. “Due to the economy, his owners were desperate to get rid of him. They needed the money, and he also had a few issues. Nothing mean or dangerous, but he didn’t consistently stay slow and collected at the canter, and he’d take advantage of a less experienced rider. I knew we’d be a good fit, so I bought him.”

Things were going well. Kim and her trainer worked with Millenium, a nine-year-old chestnut gelding, and by 2008 they were set to compete in the regional championships when a freak accident occurred. Millenium, who was stabled at Kim’s trainer’s barn, caught his left eye on something in his stall, and although the vet was able to save the eye, the horse lost his sight in it.

“We had been doing so well,” Kim said. “After the accident, I didn’t even know if he’d ever be able to show again. It was such a big trauma. He stayed with the vet for six or seven weeks. Then he needed down time to recuperate. And he looked different. He has such beautiful eyes, and now the left one looked a little weird, blank, smaller. But I

was amazed that after he was better, it didn’t faze him at all.”

Kim hopes that this year her trainer will be able to take Millenium all the way to the nationals in Open Western Pleasure. Her goals include improving her riding skills, showing successfully, and expanding her network of Arabian-owning friends.

“What I love best about showing is being able to compete as an adult,” Kim said. “I’m mostly competing against myself, trying to improve. It’s also a lot of fun being around other horse people, especially ones who, like me, are crazy about Arabians.”

Kim Bolser-Aumen rides Millenium as he shows off his Arabian western pleasure style.

With Christmas Fast Approaching, I’m A Woman Out Of Time

I know it’s Christmastime because I lost a full day last week. I even argued with my husband about it.

“It’s Wednesday, and already our neighbors are putting their trash cans at the curb,” I mused. “A full day early.”

“Today’s Thursday,” Mark said. “The trash truck came this morning.”

“No way! I’ll check my phone.” (Remember the old days, when people looked at calendars? Now we check our phones.) “Wow, even my phone is wrong,” I said. “Did a meteorite strike last night or something? Are our electronics all screwed up?”

“Not our electronics,” Mark said, somewhat diplomatically.

“What does your phone say?”

“It says, ‘Thursday.’ ”

“It does not! Let me see that!”

Eventually, I was forced to admit that the trash truck, our cellular service provider and every newspaper I picked up could not be “in

The Sonic BOOMER

cahoots against me” as originally thought, and it must indeed be Thursday.

This presented a new problem. “But which day did I lose?” I asked Mark.

“How the heck should I know? I saw you every day. It’s not like you wandered off.”

Now things went from the ridiculous to the sublime as I tried to account for my own whereabouts, arguing aloud with myself that I had only experienced four days not five.

“I know I was here on Sunday because I spent the day wrapping presents. I was here

on Monday because I took those presents to the Post Office…”

“Debbie, please…” Mark started.

“On Tuesday, I addressed all the holiday cards, and on Wednesday, I forgot to put the trash out.”

“Don’t make me have you committed…”

“That was it! That’s all I did!”

“Because you forgot to put the trash out yesterday! Because today just started and today is Thursday!”

This revelation stunned me. I had to accept the fact that, having lost a full 24 hours, I was way, way behind schedule, and with Christmas just a week away! Panic set in.

“I’m not going to make it!” I screeched. “When am I going to frost the cookies? When am I going to decorate the mantel? When am I going to do the grocery shopping and bake the pies and vacuum the carpets and tip the mailman?”

“Please don’t forget to tip the mailman.

Once a week I watch him slam on the brakes because you’re chasing after him, waving a letter.”

“I have to tip the newspaper carrier, too. And the trash guy.”

“The trash guy will have to wait until next week.”

“Because he’s already been and gone.” “Right!”

“Because today is Thursday.”

“It’s nice to hear you say it.”

“What day is Christmas?”

“Friday.”

“Not tomorrow!” I shrieked.

“No, not tomorrow. That is, unless you lose a whole week this time.”

“Don’t even suggest it.”

The ironic thing is that I love Christmas. If I lost a week in September, it wouldn’t be so bad. But December? I have too much to do.

Speaking of which, I’d better get started. What time is it? Let me check my phone…

Morgan Freeman Great As Mandela In Eastwood’s ‘Invictus’

Clint Eastwood is a wonder! At 80, he has directed a marvelous film, Invictus, about how Nelson Mandela created a sense of national unity in South Africa among people separated by a vast gulf of hatred by rallying support for the almost totally white Springboks rugby team. The film begins as Mandela (Morgan Freeman) leaves prison after 27 years of captivity. Realizing that the vast black majority of his country hates the rugby team, often cheering for their opponents, he risks his popularity to support the team.

The film works wonderfully, due primarily to Freeman’s brilliant performance. We have seen him in so many other great roles, but Mandela is a role he was born to play. He brings out Mandela’s overriding humanity, his understanding of the people who had been his captors. He had learned about them as their prisoner, and instead of trying to destroy them, he works to win them over.

Eastwood is a master of low-key propaganda. Watching Mandela’s black bodyguards

A few afternoons ago I found myself with nothing to do. It was a beautiful afternoon, sun shinning, mild temperature and very little wind blowing. I just had finished a long breakfast meeting, followed by a lunch meeting. (My poor waistline!) I now had a few hours to kill before my next meeting. No one ever told me that being retired was so much work!

After riding around to nowhere in my pony ragtop for about an hour, I decided to see what was playing at the movies. It has been many years since I went to an afternoon movie by myself. Usually when I go to an afternoon movie, I have a bunch of grandkids in tow, and we see the latest cartoon or kid-friendly movie.

Come to think of it, I can’t even tell you the name of the last movie I saw that wasn’t a cartoon or a kid movie. As I parked my car and started walking toward the box office, I was still debating what movie to see. There were two cartoons playing, and without miss-

By Leonard Wechsler Deborah Welky is

‘I’ On CULTURE

dealing with newly assigned white bodyguards, watching whites on one side of a road playing rugby while blacks on the other side play soccer allows brief images to impart information that could take pages of dialogue. Watching as the white players, led by captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), learn more about their black countrymen by teaching rugby to children, with Mandela smiling as he watches news reports about it, creates a moral sensibility of brotherhood without being intrusive.

The rugby scenes are excellent. Most Amer-

icans know very little about the game. It is not that dissimilar in many ways to our football, but played without pads and all the extra protection. According to one excellent line from the movie, “Soccer is a game for gentlemen played by hooligans; rugby is a game for hooligans played by gentlemen.”

Freeman’s Mandela provides an excellent seminar on leadership. A victory gained simply by dominating the opposition might work in sports, but almost never in politics. He might have destroyed the Springboks. The vast majority of his countrymen would have applauded, but he would have lost even more support than he already had among the white minority, which still played a vital part in the country’s economy. Mandela used moral leadership, the most rare of all elements, to support the team loved by his former oppressors and to convince his normal followers to join him. Instead of a festering wound, the campaign for the 1995 Rugby World Cup became a symbol of reunification. There are many

national and local leaders who could learn from the film. Let us hope we can find more who have the kind of courage to unify rather than divide.

The film’s name comes from the William Ernest Henley poem of the same name, a poem that Mandela kept on a scrap of paper in his tiny cell during his long years of exile. Its marvelous last lines, “I am the master of my fate/I am the captain of my soul,” symbolize the kind of moral courage that is so seldom prevalent. The Mandela of the film takes risks to achieve important rewards. Eastwood shaded the truth in some parts of the film, but it does not really matter. The symbolism and the power of the film are aweinspiring. Even the heartiest cynic will cheer in the end for the team that came through. Eastwood has a triumph. The movie succeeds as pseudo-history, as propaganda and as a film. You will be moved, and rightly so. You will wish that there were more Mandelas in the world and mourn that there are so few.

My Empty Afternoon Finds Me At The Movie Theater... Alone

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

ing a beat, I almost bought a ticket to see one of them. Then I remembered that I was alone... no kids! I didn’t have to see a cartoon this time. I could see a real movie if I wanted to.

As I looked up to see what other movies were playing, I noticed The Blind Side. Because I watch a lot of Leno, Letterman and The Daily Show, I had a very good idea what The Blind Side was about. The other movies playing did not attract my attention.

So I decided The Blind Side would be my movie of choice this afternoon. The first surprise I got at the box office was when the

young lady offered to sell me a senior citizen ticket. At first I was surprised — I didn’t think I really looked old enough to be offered a senior discount. But I guess to the teenager sitting in the box office, I must have looked like her grandfather. But when she told me the senior ticket was a dollar cheaper than the regular ticket, I had to admit to her that I was indeed a senior.

The next surprise I got was how expensive the senior ticket cost. The movie prices went up about $2 a ticket since my last visit. The next surprise I got was when I went into the theater to watch the movie. There was hardly an empty seat. It appeared that many folks had nothing to do on this afternoon. At least I wasn’t alone. The movie itself was very enjoyable. If you like true stories that are tearjerkers, then this movie — which centers on one young man’s rise from homeless teen to top football player — is for you.

When I got home and told my wife Sharon I went to the movies, she didn’t say much.

But when I told her what movie I saw, she started to yell at me for going to the movies without her. She said I knew she wanted to see The Blind Side. I reminded her that I could do a lot of things in life, but mind reading was not one of them. (As usual, a wrong choice of words on my part.) I thought that would be a safe statement for me to say, being that my wife and I have not gone to a movie together in over five years. (She is not a fan of cartoons.) Besides, The Blind Side had a whole lot of football in it, and my wife hates football.

To make my wife happy, I had to go back to the movies that night for the late show and see the same move again! When I approached the box office, I was going to ask for two senior citizen tickets. Then reality set in. I asked for one senior ticket and one regular ticket. The movie was great the second time around for me, and my wife loved it the first time. Go see The Blind Side. I know you will like it.

Two Exhibits Concluding, Two Opening At Armory Art Center

On Saturday, Dec. 19, the Armory Art Center will conclude its stunning members’ exhibition of professional jewelers of the Japan Jewelry Designers Association, showcasing traditional and contemporary jewelry.

This exhibit of fine-crafted jewelry in both traditional and unusual materials is now on display, including a diamond-encrusted alexandrite and 18-karat gold skull ring by Jurio Fujita and a whimsical bangle bracelet made of handmade washi paper, newspapers and string by Noriko Hatanaka.

“This exhibition, surprising in the

range and use of media, is so fascinating,” Sandra Barghini said. “We are delighted to host such an important show of Japanese jewelry.”

The exhibition is juried by artist and international artist’s representative Charon Kransen, who specializes in the field of contemporary metal and jewelry. It was organized and coordinated by Jim Bove in cooperation with Yukiko Ueda, secretary general of the Japan Jewelry Designers Association, and Emiko Shigeta, chair of the Japan Jewelry Designers Association’s International Committee.

Also concluding Dec. 19 is

Musician Jane Siberry To Perform At FAU Library On Jan. 8

The Arthur and Mata Jaffe Center for Book Arts at Florida Atlantic University will host Canadian musician and artist Jane Siberry in an acoustic concert and for a two-hour workshop. The concert will take place on Friday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m., and the workshop will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Both events will take place in the Wimberly Library, third floor east. Siberry has been recording music since 1980 and is appearing in concert in South Florida for the first time. She is best known for her songs “Calling All Angels” (with k.d. lang) and “Everything Reminds Me of My Dog,” as well as for her recordings from film and television soundtracks, such as “It Won’t Rain All the Time” from The Crow and “Calling All Angels” from Pay It Forward. Siberry’s workshop is titled “The Role of the Artist in Society/Songwriting/Porch Talk.”

Florida Atlantic University’s main campus is located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Tickets cost $30 for the concert and $25 for the workshop, and must be re-

“Buckle Down!” The exhibit features functional buckles in all media, ranging from precious metals with gems to experimental use of other media, juried by Robert Ebendorf.

Two exhibitions will open on Jan. 15: “Native To Florida” and a Larry Leach solo exhibition.

“Native To Florida” will kick off with an opening reception on Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. In conjunction with and in partial support of Busch Wildlife Refuge, “Native To Florida” is an invitational celebrating efforts for the preservation of Florida’s native species of flora and fauna. There will be special guest animal appearances as well. “Native To Florida” will conclude on Feb. 4.

Leach’s exhibit will open with a reception on Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. A stunning display of the work of landscape painter, Leach paints vast panoramas of closely observed nature. With his ability to fuse depiction with mark making, Leach creates paintings that are not only about visual events, but are visual events themselves. He brings together a specific sense of place with a universal evocation of light and space. Leach is a noted painter whose resume includes a solo exhibition at the Art Museum of Southeast Tex-

as in Beaumont. The exhibit will continue through Feb. 26. Celebrating its 23rd season, the non-profit Armory Art Center provides opportunities for individual growth and self expression through participation in studio classes, exhibitions, lectures and other educational programs. With more than a dozen state-of-the-art studios and a student population of nearly 3,000,

the Armory Art Center is the community art center in the Palm Beaches.

Armory gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on the Armory Art Center, or to sign up for classes, visit the gallery’s web site at www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.

South Florida Fair Returns Jan. 15-31

The largest and oldest event in Palm Beach County, the annual South Florida Fair is merely weeks away. Deeply discounted advance admission and ride tickets are on sale at multiple outlets.

served in advance. For more information, contact Programs Coordinator John Cutrone at (561) 2970455 or jcutrone@fau.edu, or visit www.jaffecollection.org. Jane Siberry

Save up to 30 percent on advance ticket purchases (great for Christmas gift-giving) now through Jan. 14. The South Florida Fair officially opens on Friday, Jan. 15 and continues for 17 days through Sunday, Jan. 31. Adult admission tickets, bought in advance, are just $10. Children ages six to 11 are admitted for $5 in advance. Admission for seniors (age 60 and up) is $7 in advance.

Save $5 on an advance wristband or ride ticket voucher. Save a whopping $41 on an advance purchase of the Mega Saver (four any-day admissions, two ride tickets or wristband vouchers, and four $5 food tickets). Go to the fair as many times as you wish Monday through Friday with membership in Friends of the Fair.

That’s not all. Purchase a fair advance admission ticket and receive a free admission ticket good on opening day, Jan. 15.

The theme for this year’s South Florida Fair is “America’s National Parks.” The one-of-a-kind exposition will take you through the Flor-

ida Everglades, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite and more. National recording artists playing the fair this year include Luke Bryan, Chris Young, David Nail, Blue Oyster Cult, Eric Church, Sevendust, Hed PE and MercyMe. Concerts are free with your fair admission ticket.

Check out all of several family shows including the world famous ShangriLa Chinese Acrobats, Kachunga and the Alligator Show, illusionists Ridgeway and Johnson, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Tyzen the master hypnotist and much more.

One of the rides at last year’s fair.

one of North America’s leading fairs.

The Wade Shows magical midway features over 90 exhilarating rides. Don’t miss the fair’s incredible Agriplex and historic Yesteryear Village.

Whatever you do, be sure you fill up on a South Florida Fair corn dog or elephant ear. There’s nothing like mouth-watering fair food, and there’s nothing like the colorful and electrifying atmosphere of an American fair — the South Florida Fair,

Advance, discount tickets are on sale now at any Publix in Palm Beach County, TD Bank, Arby’s, Bennett Auto Supply, Bud’s Chicken & Seafood, Riverside Bank as well as chambers of commerce in Belle Glade, Pahokee and Okeechobee. You can also order online at www.southfloridafair.com as well as at the fair ticket office at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The South Florida Fair is located on Southern Blvd. one mile west of Florida’s Turnpike. There is always free parking. For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www. southfloridafair.com.

A ring by Nahoko Fujimoto.

A ring by Jurio Fujita.

Massage Therapist Vanessa Talcott Now Full-Time In Wellington

Vanessa Talcott, a licensed and insured massage therapist, is now a permanent resident of Wellington. For years, Talcott traveled between her farm in Central Florida to the Wellington area for the winter dressage season.

Talcott’s choice to live full-time in Wellington allows area residents access to her talents in massage and “energy work.” Talcott has long utilized massage to improve the overall health of her own horses. She is currently considering expanding her services to include equine massage.

Massage has been used for centuries to improve one’s physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Massage is much more than a vehicle to relieve mental and muscular tension. It strengthens the immune system by increasing the efficiency of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, thereby flushing toxins and impurities from the body. Another benefit of this increased circulation is the reduction of blood pressure and edema; swelling in joints and extremities can be greatly reduced.

In addition, flexibility is increased when massage is incorporated with assisted stretching techniques. As an adjunct to chiropractic adjustments, massage is an invaluable tool that helps retrain the soft tissue structures to reprogram and adapt to the new bone alignments.

Athletes benefit from deep tissue, neuromuscular and trigger point release techniques. Along with assisted stretching, massage helps to keep muscles from only being stretched or worked one way. Muscles need to go through their full range of motion to encourage the flow of oxygenated blood into the cells and organs. Regular

massage helps to reduce the tendency for muscles to spasm or cramp because it ambidextrously re-educates the muscle tissue.

Reflexology is among the various “energy” techniques employed by Talcott. It addresses the energetic points on the feet, hands and/or ears which, when stimulated with pressure, help to energetically assist corresponding organs to function more efficiently. It feels like a great foot and hand massage.

After any massage, the consumption of an adequate amount of water is important in order to flush the released toxins from the body. Not drinking enough water can precipitate flulike symptoms. Before any massage, check with your healthcare provider. There are certain conditions that make massage not recommended. Among them are deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, recent major surgery, weakened or fractured bones, fever and infection or acute inflammation.

Massage helps people on their journey into self-awareness and self-healing. It also helps people get to a state of relaxation similar to meditation. For those who have trouble relaxing and becoming more centered, massage may help.

Sharing the experience of massage is Talcott’s way of helping and “giving back.” Because of this, she offers many very affordable massage packages. As a single mother, Talcott understands the need for flexibility in scheduling. For this reason, she is happy to accommodate the scheduling needs of clients at an appropriate place of their choice, or in her Wellington home office.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Talcott at (305) 2994706 or via e-mail at lightridingirl@hotmail. com.

Massage Therapist Vanessa Talcott

Gonzalez Named Hospice Fellow Foreclosure Auctions Will Soon

Hospice of Palm Beach County recently announced that Wellington resident Dr. Faustino Gonzalez has achieved the status of fellow of the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

The recognition comes in large part to the publications Gonzalez has written on topics pertaining to hospice and palliative care, his teaching to both other physicians and the community at large, his board certification and the volunteer work he has participated in for many years.

Gonzalez’s teaching, as well as insightful articles, have helped a countless number of individuals in the medical community navigate their way as they deal with a variety of illnesses and many diverse patients.

“Each day, Dr. Gonzalez provides the most incredible care to our patients and their families,” said Richard Levene, vice president of medical affairs for Hospice of Palm Beach County. “He is very deserving of this prestigious honor. It truly reflects his excellence in the field and contributions to the hospice and palliative medicine community.”

Gonzalez, whose specialties are internal and palliative medicine, has been with Hospice of Palm Beach

County since 2001 in the roles of both associate medical director and now access medical director.

Hospice of Palm Beach County is a top provider of hospice and palliative care for patients in the Palm Beach County community. The non-profit organization provides services to more than 7,000 patients and their families each year, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospice of Palm Beach County, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to meeting every need of patients and families faced with advanced illness. The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services — from nationally recognized hospice care to music therapy, massage and loss-specific healing services. Full bereavement support is offered to hospice families and to anyone in the community in need.

Care is provided wherever the patient is — at home, skilled nursing or assisted living facility, hospital or hospice inpatient unit, including the C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach, the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at JFK Medical Center, the Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and

Dr. Faustino Gonzalez

the Hospice and Palliative Care Units at Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.

Hospice of Palm Beach County’s focus is on quality of life. The organization is sensitive to and respectful of religious, cultural and personal beliefs.

For information about Hospice of Palm Beach County, call (888) 8485200 or visit www.hpbc.com.

The days of auctioning properties on the courthouse steps are nearly over. Starting Jan. 21, the office of Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock will begin conducting foreclosure sales online.

The new service is part of Bock’s ongoing effort to save time and money while using technology to improve efficiencies, customer conveniences and access to the courts.

“Online foreclosure auctions will allow attorneys, bank representatives and the general public to research and bid on properties from anywhere in the world, avoiding a trip to the courthouse,” Bock said.

“The foreclosure process will also be more transparent with the public being able to go online to view bidding or the results of auctions.”

Online auctions will replace inperson sales at the courthouse. By automating the auction, the office expects to save at least 2,600 work hours a year — allowing those resources to be dedicated to other foreclosure-related clerk duties.

During 2009, the Florida Legislature cut $7.1 million, or 18 percent, from the clerk’s budget in Palm Beach County. More than 100 clerk’s office employees lost their

Be Online

jobs, and the office lost the equivalent of 210,000 work hours. There are currently more than 45,000 pending foreclosure cases in Palm Beach County, with an average of 2,500 new cases being filed each month in 2009.

The clerk’s office currently conducts two to three live foreclosure sales weekly, selling anywhere from 80 to 150 properties at each auction. Online auctions will also have set auction days and set times to bid on each property. The foreclosure auction site, accessible at www. mypalmbeachclerk.com, will go live on Jan. 6. At that time, bidders can begin registering, placing deposits and researching properties. When the site is live, interested potential users can utilize helpful online training. In-person training classes are available for the public on Jan. 5 at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Clerk & Comptroller’s Learning Center in Room 5.1304 of the main courthouse (205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach). To register, e-mail mmcmillan@mypalmbeachclerk. com or call (561) 355-6824. Attendance is by registration only. For more information, call (561) 3552996.

Fit2Run Wins Prestigious National Awards

Fit2Run has been named one of the 50 Best Running Stores in America for the second year in a row. The award was presented by Formula 4 Media, producers of the Running Event, the largest conference and trade show for running specialty stores in North America. Fit2Run was also named the winner of the 2009 Ubuntu Award created by Balega Sports International to honor one specialty running store that does an outstanding job of community service, also presented at the Running Event. Fit2Run’s local store is located inside the Mall at Wellington Green.

The 50 Best Running Stores in America list is the result of a year-long process that rates running stores based on their customer service, their relationship with the community they serve and a number of other key factors.

Starting in spring 2009, Formula 4 Media solicited nominations from consumers, members of the trade and even stores themselves. The nominations were edited and vetted and narrowed down to

about 120 stores that underwent an intense evaluation process. The evaluation included a mystery shopping rating that evaluated the store on 20 different points. This was done by a secret shopper who spent $100 in the store and rated it on points ranging from staff knowledge and attitude to “does the store offer clean try-on socks,” and other criteria.

How a store supports its local community is another key factor in determining what stores make the list. The community support is evaluated based on sponsorship of local races, support of charities and essentially what the store does for its local community of runners.

“There are hundreds of great running stores in the country, but we believe this list represents the 50 best,” Formula 4 Media President Mark Sullivan said.

The Ubuntu Community Service Award goes to only one company in the United States. Fit2Run is this year’s recipient, presented by Balega International General Manager Chris Bevin.

Fit2Run Wellington store manager Mike Wilson, coowner Parks Robinson, University Center store manager Laurie Broeske and co-owner William Robinson.

“This award goes to a store that epitomizes the spirit of community involvement,” Bevin said. “The culture of Balega is from the strong belief in community or family common to many of the tribes in South Africa. We draw a lot of inspiration from the beliefs of their people. That belief is the basis of this award and its name, Ubuntu, attempts to define that belief.”

Running Insight magazine wrote, “Fit2Run is extremely involved in many charita-

ble endeavors throughout Florida… But in presenting the award, Chris Bevin of Balega specifically cited the work of William Robinson and his son Parks Robinson, owners of Fit2Run, and their work developing a 497-acre wildlife and nature preserve on the south side of Tampa Bay in a neighborhood in northwest Bradenton.”

For more information, visit www.fit2run.com or call the Wellington store at (561) 753-9343.

ABWA Chapter Monthly Dinner Meeting Jan. 13

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and guests are welcome. The speaker will be J.C. Teets & Co. President Jim Teets, a business consultant who will discuss how to help business owners meet challenging issues. The program title is “New Year/New Opportunities.”

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition. To make reservations, or for more information, call Dee Weber at (561) 626-2027. For more information on the American Business Women’s Association, call Chapter President Carol O’Neil at (561) 389-1227.

Tax Collector Centers Close For The Holidays

On Wednesday, Dec. 23, all Palm Beach County Tax Collector service centers will close at noon. All service centers will reopen after the holidays on Monday, Dec. 28 at 8:15 a.m.

Clients needing to complete transactions may use the

tax collector’s web site at www.taxcollectorpbc.com or pay by phone using the following numbers: hunting license, (888) 486-8356; fishing license, (888) 347-4356; property tax, (561) 355-2266; and business tax, (561) 3552272.

Lady Wolverines Basketball Team Pounds Park Vista 62-29

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team dominated Park Vista High School 62-29 at home on Monday, Dec. 14.

The game started off badly for the Lady Wolverines with a foul against them in the opening seconds of play. The team rebounded with two points by Katey Applegate to tie the game. Minutes later, Applegate stole the ball from the Lady Cobras and scored a three-point basket, putting Wellington ahead 5-2. But another foul gave Park Vista easy points, closing the gap 5-4. However, a basket by Sam Margiotta, two successful foul shots by Theresa Raniere and another seven points by Applegate finished the first quarter with Wellington in the lead 14-4.

The second quarter began with another foul against Wellington, and Rachel Brown made both shots to bring the score to 14-6. The Lady Cobras stole the ball on the next WHS possession, and Jenn Greenstein made three points, bringing to score to 14-9.

Although Park Vista scored in the first few minutes of the second quarter, the Lady Wolverines responded with baskets by Stephanie Weiss, Sarah Knoess, Margiotta and four

successful foul shots by Mercedes Queen, giving them a total of 18 points for the quarter.

However, the home team gave away points to Park Vista by fouling Brown twice more. Coupled with baskets by Autumn Wojack and Greenstein, the Lady Cobras racked up 10 points in the quarter, making the score 32-14 at the half.

Weiss opened the third quarter with a strong drive to the basket through the Lady Cobra defense for a two-point lay-up. Brown responded with a three-point basket for Park Vista on their next possession. But a foul against Park Vista gave away two easy points to Queen, bringing the scoreboard to 36-17.

The teams then moved the ball back and forth, with neither scoring in the middle of the quarter.

Wellington let the Cobras make points with foul shots by Christine Saint Pierre and Mackenzie Garcia. However, the team kept the lead with points by Weiss, Raniere, Applegate, Knoess and Debra Gerrits. The score stood at 48-22 at the end of the third.

The opening of the fourth quarter again saw Park Vista on the foul line, and a successful shot from Brittany Wallace made the score 48-23. The Lady Wolverines responded

with a two-point basket and then a steal from Maxine Dubois to put the ball back in Wellington’s possession. Dubois passed the ball to Applegate, who shot for another two points, taking the score to 52-23.

Wellington scored ten more points with baskets from Raniere, Applegate, Margiotta and foul shots from Gerrits, but gave away points to Park Vista with foul shots by Saint Pierre, Wallace and Maritza Moreno. Four additional points by Garcia made the final score 62-29.

After the holiday break, the Lady Wolverines travel to Forest Hill on Thursday, Jan. 7 and Palm Beach Central on Friday, Jan. 8.

Bronco Boys Basketball Team Falls To Santaluces 64-39

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity basketball team lost 64-39 to Santaluces High School at home on Friday, Dec. 11.

The Broncos pulled away early in the first quarter with a two-point basket by Mauricio Neira made within the first minute of play. The Chiefs’ next possession was turned over when Christian Robledo stole the ball and ran it down court. He passed to center Max Martial, who was waiting under the basket and jumped up for another two points.

The Chiefs responded with successive three-point shots by Jeff Romeus, making the score 6-4 and giving Santaluces the lead. The Broncos held the Chiefs from running away with the lead in the first quarter with another five points by T’Zhionne Watson. However, the Chiefs retained a 15-9 lead with baskets by Earnest Roberts, Corey Johnson, Richard Meeks and Mark Williams.

The second quarter began with a two-point basket by the Chiefs, which began a back-and-forth between the teams. Robledo shot a three-pointer, which was countered with two points put in by Roberts, making the score 19-12.

But the Broncos weren’t letting go without a fight. They scored 12 points total in the second quarter, with baskets by Watson, Neira, Earl Bailey and Gerard O’Connell. Nevertheless, baskets for the Chiefs by Roberts, Romeus and Williams, as well as Serge Auguste, Jermaine Johnson and Steven David brought the score to 33-21.

Seconds into the third quarter, Roberts made a two-point basket for the Chiefs, then stole the ball from the Broncos and put it in for another two points, making the score 3721. Williams took the ball from the Broncos on their next possession, ran down the court and dunked the ball for another two points, bringing the scoreboard to 39-21.

Two successful foul shots by Roberts gave the Chiefs a 20-point lead, 41-21. Additional baskets by Romeus, Williams and David upped the score to 47-21. However, foul shots by Robledo and Neira, as well as baskets by Julian Owens and Martial, reduced the gap slightly, 47-29.

The fourth quarter saw the Broncos struggling to score on offense, while keeping the Chiefs from running away with the lead. It also had the most fouls committed by either team, which gave opportunities for easy points.

Auguste, David, Roberts and Johnson scored a combined total of 17 points for the Chiefs, eight of which were foul shots. Foul shots for the Broncos by Jamal Smith and Watson were unsuccessful, but Bailey and Martial made two successful foul shots each. Additional baskets by Greg Etienne, Anthony Adams and O’Connell brought the score to 64-39 at the buzzer.

High scorer for the Chiefs was Roberts with 16 points, while Watson scored seven points for the Broncos.

Palm Beach Central heads to Royal Palm Beach High School on Friday, Dec. 18. After the holiday, the team travels to Lake Worth High School on Monday, Dec. 28 for a 3 p.m. game.

Max Martial goes for a foul shot.

Stephanie Weiss steals the ball from Cobra Autumn Wojack.

Christian Robledo faces off against Jeff Romeus.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Point guard Jamal Smith and the Chiefs’ Earnest Roberts.

Mercedes Queen runs the ball around Christine Saint Pierre.

Rachel Brown tries to run around Wellington’s Stephanie Weiss.

Wave U-14 Undefeated In Six Matches

Since the conclusion of their early season, the Wellington Wave U-14 girls soccer team had a rough start, losing their first two games, each by one goal. However, the girls rebounded in remarkable fashion, going unbeaten in their last seven matches.

The Lady Wave won the Plantation Thanksgiving Soccer Classic going undefeated in four games, including the championship match winning 1-0 against the Miramar Strikers.

Forward Christina Barbera scored the lone goal in the first period. The Wave dominated possession, and the defense kept the ball off their side of the field most of the match. The Wave posted three consecutive shutouts in the tournament. Nathalie Kelly and Lindsey Guthrie also provided goals for the Wave throughout the tournament. This was the second year in a row the Wave has won the tournament.

Regular season play picked up the following weekend with the Wave de-

feating the Bonita Springs Storm 8-0. The Wave dominated in every aspect of play. Claudia Petrizzi and Tanairi Rivera each scored two goals. Nathalie Kelly, Savannah Stawicki, Marissa Sunshine and Lindsey Guthrie also scored. Coach Kevin Bovett was pleased that so many of his players were able to find the back of the net in the game. A credit to the defense, and goalkeeper Antoinette Walton for posting her fourth shutout in a row. The defense is outfitted by Kayla Puzon, Marissa Sunshine, Amanda Nardi and Leah Heysler.

The following day, the Wave girls hosted Fort Lauderdale Select and posted another victory, winning 3-2. The Select found the back of the net off a corner kick to take an early 1-0 lead. The score, however, seemed to spark the Wave into a frenzy. Midfielder Nathalie Kelly found the equalizer only minutes later to make it 1-1. Just before the half, midfielder Michelle Hyde drove the ball up the left side and struck the ball to the back of the net to

take the 2-1 lead. The Wave maintained possession and the lead the rest of the match. Midway through the second period, forward Caitlyn Kanopka took the ball from the left and launched a shot right by the Select keeper into the back of the net, making the score 3-1. Fort Lauderdale scored one more goal with minutes left in the game, making the final score 3-2.

The Wave won its game last weekend against Port St. Lucie Juventus 1-0 to extend its unbeaten streak to seven. Guthrie scored the lone goal

early in the second half. Walton earned her fifth shutout of the season.

They now prepare for the upcoming Orange Classic in Plantation Dec. 27-29, one of the largest tournaments in the Eastern United States. The Wave is hoping that defenders Alyssa Randell and Molly Cuthbertson will return from injuries to play in the tournament.

The Wave will host its third annual Wellington Shootout tournament in January.

For more information, visit www.wellingtonsoccer.com.

The Palm Beach United U-13 girls travel soccer team won the Plantation Thanksgiving Tournament Blue Division championship on Nov. 29. PBU defeated Plantation on penalty kicks in the championship game. Isabella Contreras and Nicole Dorminey scored goals for PBU in the title game, which ended in a 2-2 tie after regulation play. In the penalty kick phase, PBU goalie Victoria Merz helped her team clinch the win by stopping a key Plantation kick. Team members are: Sabrina Cedeno, Nicole Dorminey, Alexa Morrow, Kasey Boyd, Cassidy Flechaus, Christin Costa, Makaylan Clark, Victoria Cruz, Kassidy Roberts, Ali Bowlby, Aggie Argeros, Isabella Contreras, Casey Williams, Aubrey Megrath, Haley Koncir, Victoria Merz and Emily Stamper. The team is coached by Skip Cotthaus.

The Wellington Wave U-14 girls soccer team.

Coleman Wins Lois Kwasman Award

During the 18th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards at the Kravis Center, Carol Coleman was presented with the Lois Kwasman MVP Award, a recognition bestowed upon an outstanding board member of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

The award was named after the late Lois Kwasman in honor of her hard work and dedication as a Palm Beach County Sports Commission board member as well as a leader in the community.

“Carol is very deserving of the Lois Kwasman Award, as she has gone beyond the call of duty for the Sports Commission,” said Patty Dent, president of the PBCSC and senior vice-president/regional manager for BankAtlantic.

Coleman, a Wellington resident, is an “R” judge for the United States Equestrian Federation and the Canadian Equestrian Federation, and founder and president of the nonprofit R.W. Mutch Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to gifted equestrians.

As chair of the PBCSC Membership Committee, her endless energy and abilities have been instrumental in growing membership and activities of the commission, as well as identifying and securing new

sporting events in Palm Beach County.

The Lou Groza Award is presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl and is also sponsored by the Breakers, Continental Airlines, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, ESPN Radio 760, ESPN Regional Television, Ceebraid Signal Corporation/Richard Schlesinger, Kiwanis International, JBS Destination Solutions, McGladrey & Pullen LLP, the Palm Beach Post, Parallax Productions, Bus One LLC, the Tux Shop and WPEC News 12.

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, non-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the county as a sports and sports tourism destination. The commission brings sporting events and activities to the county, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season), and maximizes utilization of county facilities.

The commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and a local membership program that support its goals. Local, regional, national and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the commission with sports or-

ganizations and event owners. The commission also produces sportsrelated programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the annual Lou Groza Awards program, the Sports Hall of Fame and the Kids Fitness Festival, and it awards the annual Sam Budnyk Student-Athlete Scholarship. For more information on the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, visit www.palmbeachsports. com.

Hawk Wrestling Team Takes Second In Key West Tourney

After traveling five hours south to the eight-team Key West Dual Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 5, the Seminole Ridge High School wrestlers were rewarded with a stellar second-place finish.

The Hawks’ lineup of wrestlers has been working hard under hallof-fame Coach Frank Lasagna, Coach Kevin Lasagna and Jamie Young. They proved their stamina by coming in second only to 3A Columbus High of Miami, which is ranked third in the state.

The first match pitted the Hawks against host school Key West, with

Seminole Ridge winning the round 39-30. Next, the Hawks bested District 16-1A champs Doral Academy 52-22. The third match-up was against highly ranked Greenville High School from South Carolina, and the Hawks won 42-32. Fourthround action had Seminole Ridge claiming victory over Coral Shores 54-19.

Standout Hawk wrestlers of the day were Sam Hargesheimer at 103 pounds, Tony Graziano at 130, Cody Lyons at 135, Greg Coulanges 140, Bola Olofin at 152 and Joe Brow at 285.

The Seminole Ridge High School wrestling squad.

Carol Coleman

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 19

• The Flagler Museum (Cocoanut Row and Whitehall Way, Palm Beach) will offer holiday evening tours Saturday through Wednesday, Dec. 19-23 at 7 p.m. Experience a Gilded Age Christmas while taking an after-hours guided tour of Whitehall. Call (561) 655-2833 or visit www.flagler museum.us for more info.

• “Bright Nights: A Holiday Lights Spectacular” continues at Roger Dean Stadium (4751 Main St., Jupiter) through Sunday, Dec. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. Capture the magic of the holiday season with this 20-minute dazzling light show synchronized to holiday music. Featuring more than 140,000 lights, 45 steel trees, a 50-foot tree, leaping arches, a twinkle wall and fireworks-styled aerial displays, this one-of-a-kind show will delight every member of the family. For more info., visit www.brightnightspb.com.

• The Holiday Music Magic Planetarium Show at the South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, WPB) will continue through Sunday, Jan. 10. Enjoy holiday music hits from the past and present, visually choreographed with 3-D artistic animation and all-dome scenery. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www. sfsm.org.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Wellington invites all to join them as they glean the corn fields near Canal Point on Saturday, Dec. 19. The corn will be donated to a local food bank. Volunteers will meet at 7 a.m. at the church parking lot on the northeast corner of Big Blue Trace and Wellington Trace. The activity will last until about noon and end with lunch. Food and drink will be provided. For more info., call Shauna Hostetler at (561) 6855600 or Colin Baenziger at (561) 707-3537.

• The creators of Time to Play Baby will be at Learning Express near Whole Foods on State Road 7 on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to present their awardwinning new infant development product for ages one to 13 months. Call (561) 4223112 or visit www.wellington.learning express-toys.com for more info.

• During its service on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., Grace Fellowship Church in The Acreage will hold a special “Home for Christmas” in honor of family members who have passed away. Grace Fellowship Church’s Acreage campus is located at the corner of 75th Road N. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more info., call (561) 385-5871.

Sunday, Dec. 20

• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (10900 SR 703, North Palm Beach) will hold a Bluegrass Music Jam on Sunday, Dec. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come to the park and listen or join in if you are musically inclined. The concert is free with park admission. For more info., call (561) 624-6952 or visit www.macarthurbeach.org.

• The Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches will present Handel’s Messiah with a live orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Poinciana Chapel (60 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach). Call (561) 845-9696 for more info.

• John McCoy, Amelia Costa, Norman Gitzen and Lois Herrick will be the featured artists at the Sunday, Dec. 20 gallery opening of Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery (605 Lake Ave., Lake Worth). The opening will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. For more info., call (561) 588-8344 or visit www.clayglassmetalstone.com.

Monday, Dec. 21

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Introduction to Irish Dancing” for ages eight and up on Monday, Dec. 21 at 5:45 p.m. Certified instructor Marie Marzi will guide you through beginner steps based on traditional Irish dance forms. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the musical Chicago Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 21-23 in Dreyfoos Hall. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www. kravis.org for more info.

Wednesday, Dec. 23

• Bring your children to the marinelife center in Loggerhead Oceanfront Park (14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach) for sea animal-inspired stores, puppets and music on Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Call (561) 627-8280 or visit www.marinelife.org for more info.

Thursday, Dec. 24

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the Moscow Classical Ballet performing The Nutcracker Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 24-26 in Dreyfoos Hall. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Saturday, Dec. 26

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach)

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44 will present Forbidden Broadway Saturday through Thursday, Dec. 26-31 in the Rinker Playhouse. This scathingly funny love letter to the Great White Way is back with its newest edition. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 27

• Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will present a concert featuring the young musical duo Augustine on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. Currently working full time in New York City, this fun folky group is returning to South Florida for several events. Tickets cost $10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 798-8888.

Tuesday, Dec. 29

• Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) invites the community to attend a free lecture on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. The presenting speaker will be Luis Fleischman, executive director of Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach. The topic will be “Conflict in the Middle East Today.” Call (561) 967-3600 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a free Sparkling Wine and Caviar Tasting on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Stop by the specialty department to sample luxurious sparkling wines and caviar so you will know exactly what to buy for your New Year’s gathering. Enjoy this special evening of samples and live music with friends, family and neighbors. To pre-register, call (561) 904-4000.

• Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (9701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Tommy Tune and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings in “Steps in Time” on Tuesday, Dec. 29 in Dreyfoos Hall. Nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune teams with longtime collaborators the Manhattan Rhythm Kings for a personal look back at his incredible career. Call (561) 6514257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info. Wednesday, Dec. 30

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Bop ’til you Drop” for ages 18 to 30 months on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 11:15 a.m. Little ones and parents can dance the time away with favorite songs and motions. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. Thursday, Dec. 31

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host its 20th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at the Royal

Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The event will feature a buffet dinner, music by DJ O.G. Admission costs $45. For reservations or more info., call Hensworth Ferguson at (561) 784-8804, Uriah Belle at (561) 798-9451 or Lascelles Harris at (561) 798-3634.

• Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present “Capitol Steps: New Year’s Eve” on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 5 and 8 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 1 at 5 p.m. The group is back with a hilarious new show to ring in the new year. Tickets start at $50. Call (561) 972-6132 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more info.

Sunday, Jan. 3

• The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-bythe-Sea (141 South County Road, Palm Beach) will present its annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. A $15 donation will be accepted at the door. Call (561) 655-4555, ext. 50 for more info.

Saturday, Jan. 9

• The Early Bird Ford Club, Palm Beach Region, will hold its 10th annual “Ford & Friends” meet on Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Holiday Inn on Lake Worth Road near Florida’s Turnpike. All flathead Fords, Lincolns, Mercurys, Model Ts and Model As are welcome. Trophies will be awarded. Activities include a flea market, 50/50 raffle, food and live entertainment. Call Dan or Stacy at (561) 712-9252 or e-mail horizon5@ bellsouth.net for more info.

Friday, Jan. 15

• The South Florida Fair returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds from Friday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 31. Tickets are on sale now. Call (561) 793-0333 or visit www. southfloridafair.com for more info.

Friday, Jan. 22

• The 2010 JustWorld International Annual Fundraising Dinner will be held on Friday, Jan. 22 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children. Money raised at the dinner will go directly to helping educate impoverished children in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal. For more info., visit www. justworldinternational.org.

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

HOUSE FOR RENT — Three-bedroom, two-bath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community. Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Two-car garage. Move-in ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities. Cable TV, lawn maintenance and nighttime security included. Available for rent, $1,650/month. Call Mr. Manning at (561) 315-6727 for more info.

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$20-$30/HR Teachers/Tutors

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

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HOME FURNISHINGS FOR SALE - Everything needed for 2 bedroom apt. or groom's quarters; white leather couch, loveseat & rocker, entertainment center, dining table, china cabinet, kingsize & queensize mattresses/box springs & frames, all kitchenware & small appliances, all linens, iron, ironing board and more $1.950 all (not sold separately) 561795-5916

WINE BOTTLES GREEN HOCH STYLE — 12 pint size bottles only $18 per case. 561-234-0023 FOR SALE — Home Furnishings, almost new. 8 single beds, living and dining room, furniture, ktichenware, Not sold Separately $2500. SALE THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 19TH, 911am 1630 North U.S. Highway One. Jupiter, FL 33469

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CLEANINGS SPECIALISTS — • Pressure Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Residential Cleaning • Parking Lot Maintenance • Concrete Coatings. Call for Free Evaluation. 561-714-3608

HOUSECLEANING - Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 years experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

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HOUSECLEANING - 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

COMPUTER REPAIR — We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/ Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-7135276

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ADDITIONS, ROOFING, PATIOS & REMODELING - Cell 561-202-7036

561-798-6448 Licensed & Insured. CBC 1250306 CCC1326386

DADS DOORS & WINDOWS, INC. IMPACT WINDOWS & HURRICANE SHUTTERS — Sliding Glass Doors, Mirrors & Shower Doors. 561-355-8331 U 19958 U20177

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For more info. Call 1-888333-9903

GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO — For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, Leather repairs, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689

GUITAR LESSONS GIVEN — by a professional jazz, classical & blues guitarist. Classically trained. 561753-7328

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 791-9900 Cell: 370-5293 CAN FIX IT - build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494

ANMAR CO. —James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-2488528

KGS LLC — Water damaged, drywall, remodels, Kitchens & baths, woodwork, flooring, paint & textures, stucco, windows & doors, all concrete work, design, additions, enclosures,solar installation & sales, excavating and more prompt, honest & reliable. cbc056820 CVC56757

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE - Your local Geico office has been saving people money for over 70 years. Contact (561) 616-5944 for a free rate quote.

Mold & Mildew Inspections — Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

RJA PAINTING AND DECORATING, INC. - Interior , Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial. License #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561-793-5455 561-6627102

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. - Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964. Lic. #U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. - Insured. 561-3838666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

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