Town-Crier Newspaper December 21,2012

RPB ZONERS OK NEW ROYAL INN COLOR SEE STORY, PAGE 3

MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN AT ACREAGE JAM SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 15

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INSIDE Wellington Seniors Board Holds Its Inaugural Meeting

Volume 33, Number 51 December 21 - December 27, 2012

ROYAL PALM HONORS VOLUNEERS

Years after a task force first asked the Wellington Village Council for a permanent voice for senior citizens in village matters, the inaugural Wellington Senior Advisory Committee finally will have that chance.

Page 3

WHS School Band Gets $39,000 Donation

Members of the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound got a holiday surprise Dec. 13 when they learned they would no longer have to march in 15year-old uniforms. Band Director Mary Oser announced that the Wolverine Band Boosters Association had received a $39,000 donation for new uniforms from William Wilson, in honor of his late son Scott.

Page 5

County Commission Undecided On Having ‘Chairman’ Or ‘Mayor’

The Palm Beach County Commission approved amendments to its procedural rules Tuesday, but postponed a decision on the most high-profile suggestion — whether to give the commission’s leader the title “mayor” rather than “chairman.” Page 7

Kids Cancer Foundation Breakfast With Santa

The Kids Cancer Foundation held its annual Breakfast with Santa event Saturday, Dec. 15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Page 9

OPINION Finger-Pointing Belittles Sandy Hook Tragedy

It is now a week since the senseless shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School devastated the community of Newtown, Conn., and though more facts have come to light about the incident, it raises far more questions than anyone can answer. Almost as soon as it happened, arguments erupted over issues such as gun rights, mental illness, and America’s “culture of violence.” Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 15 OPINION ................................. 4 CRIME NEWS ......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS ........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................. 17 PEOPLE ............................... 18 COLUMNS .................... 27 - 28 BUSINESS .................... 29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 33 SPORTS ........................ 39 - 41 CALENDAR ................... 42 - 43 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 44 - 49 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Royal Palm Beach held a holiday luncheon for volunteers Saturday, Dec. 14 in the main ballroom at the Madison Green Golf Club. Volunteers were treated to a buffet lunch in honor of their hard work throughout the year. Shown here are Lorna and Dr. Nicole Pearson, Gloy George, Vinette Tracy and Kathleen Lannaman. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 22 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Regional Leaders Discuss Acreage Drainage Solutions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Several agencies met Wednesday to address how and why Tropical Storm Isaac caused widespread flooding in The Acreage and how to remedy the problems.

Key projects discussed were drainage capacity improvements and reinforcing the dike separating the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area from The Acreage community.

The meeting included staff members from the Indian Trail Improvement District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and Palm Beach County.

While the meeting was closed to the public, ITID Administrator Tanya Quickel and Palm Beach

County Administrator Bob Weisman updated the Town-Crier afterward.

“The discussion was an update on our short-term improvements and our long-term objectives,” Quickel said.

The possibility of a breach in the dike separating The Acreage and Corbett was a primary concern during the flooding, and Quickel said that SFWMD officials confirmed that the agency is designing a secondary isolation berm for Corbett to provide improved stability and increase its ability to serve as a water storage area without compromising the welfare of Acreage residents.

“They are in the process of designing [a secondary berm], and Fish & Wildlife is fully supportive, and expressed that today,”

Quickel said, adding that the SFWMD is working on financing the project. “Funding is not completely secure at this time, and as they move along, that is the next area to work out, but they are designing it so they know what kind of funding is needed.”

Regarding increased capacity, ITID has produced a draft agreement with the City of West Palm Beach to install a pump station into the L-8 tieback canal that would allow discharge to the M-1 Canal under emergency conditions.

“We hope that will be on the January agenda for Indian Trail’s board to consider,” Quickel said.

“That involved both parties working on that, so that is in place.”

Meeting participants also disSee DRAINAGE, page 7

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington Latest Community To Plan Foreclosure Registry

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Worried that unkempt vacant and foreclosed properties in Wellington could drag down home values, the Wellington Village Council voted unanimously last week on an ordinance that would give village code some teeth in tackling abatement issues.

Dubbed the “Real Property Mortgage Registration Ordinance,” the measure would require lenders to register with Wellington, pay an annual fee and require them to maintain the foreclosed properties to Wellington’s code.

“Staff believes this program will be a great benefit to Wellington,” Code Compliance Manager Steven Koch said at the Dec. 11 council meeting. “We believe it will reduce the time staff spends dealing with these homes.”

The ordinance would require lenders to register with Wellington’s vendor, vacantregistry.com, within 10 days of foreclosure, to identify a property manager and to pay an annual fee.

This would be beneficial, Koch said, because now it is difficult to

know who is responsible for maintaining a property, meaning maintenance goes by the wayside, which causes code issues.

“About one-third of cases at the last special magistrate hearing were foreclosures,” Koch said. “It’s not just uncut grass or poorly maintained pools anymore. It’s issues with dirty roofs and sidewalks. Neighbors next to these homes want to know what is going on. This would give residents an outlet. They can go online and see what is happening with the homes.”

Councilman Matt Willhite said that he has seen similar problems.

“A foreclosed home in my neighborhood had multiple leaks in the roof, and now the home has mold,” he said. “The value of the home dropped. It was one of those problems where if we had known who owned the property, we could have notified them and stopped it.”

Already, the program has been successful in other communities.

Koch said that municipalities such as Royal Palm Beach and Delray See REGISTRY, page 20

‘SALTY CLASSIC’ GOLF

Workshop On Okeechobee’s Future Exposes Wide Divide

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Town of Loxahatchee Groves invited residents’ input during a Wednesday meeting concerning the future of Okeechobee Blvd.

As in previous such meetings, opinions varied widely, ranging from some homeowners advocating for making the road four lanes so they can safely make left turns into their properties, to giving the corridor more of a “main street” and “center-of-town” feel.

Planning consultant Jim Fleischmann said there is a wide variety of uses that can occur in the corridor, ranging from agricultural to commercial, although the current comprehensive plan calls for commercial uses to be directed toward Southern Blvd.

The town recently drew a lawsuit after it turned down a development application for the Day property at the southwest corner of Folsom Road and Okeechobee Blvd. after staff reported that the application met all standards of the town’s comp plan and Uniform Land Development Code.

Fleischman pointed out that Okeechobee is roughly at the center of town, with 56 percent of residents living north of the road and 44 percent south.

Fleischmann said the roadway

is a designated urban collector highway. The county has plans to expand the 2-lane segment to 4 lanes in its long-range road map, although the improvement is not identified in the county’s five-year road plan. Current “guesstimates” put the widening at between 2020 and 2035, Fleischmann said.

The trigger for the widening is when large-scale development occurs at the Callery-Judge Grove and the GL Homes properties west of the town. “At this point that’s anyone’s guess,” Fleischmann said.

He also pointed out that traffic volumes have actually declined on Okeechobee, from 20,000 trips per day in 2006 to 14,000 in 2012. “As long as traffic volumes remain at that level, the county will probably not include Okeechobee in its traffic plan,” Fleischmann said.

Resident Nina Corning said that much of the traffic on Okeechobee went to Southern when improvements were made on that thoroughfare. She wanted to protect the town and see that it is not divided in two parts with a highvolume highway.

“I can’t see the four-lane road dividing us,” Corning said. “What I can see is more of a main street image.”

Corning suggested street calming on Okeechobee, such as cob-

blestone covers over the lettered roads.

Okeechobee Blvd. property owner Patricia Althouse said traffic under current conditions is unbearable. She fears making a left turn onto her property out of concern that a driver behind her will pass her on the left regardless of whether she has her turn signal on. During rush hour, traffic is backed up a half-mile on the lettered roads, she added.

In an e-mail, Okeechobee Blvd. property owners Jerry and Pat Hastings said they have owned their 5-acre parcel for 30 years and watched the area grow. They questioned the reasoning of putting commercial only on Southern Blvd.

“Why not put it at the center [of town]?” they wrote. “You could help make it a town that works for the people in this town.”

Acts 2 Worship Center Pastor Calvin Lyerla wrote that he favored widening Okeechobee Blvd. to four lanes with a center left-turn lane, and to allow more light commercial uses along the corridor. He added that he thought property values are being kept depressed due to the lack of movement on zoning issues.

Land planner Kerry Kilday, agent for property owner Bill Day, said they had made application for See OKEECHOBEE, page 20

The inaugural Salty Classic was held Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Former Royal Palm Beach High School star and current Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hosted the event, a benefit for the Wounded Warriors Project and Athletes Advantage. Shown here is longest-drive winner Lito Santos with Saltalamacchia. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPBHS Students Find Unique Way To Fight Texting While Driving

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report More than 50 students trickle into the classroom of Royal Palm Beach High School teacher Maureen Witkowski. This is where they spent weeks planning and thinking of ways to reduce the number of students texting while driving.

The students are part of the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions or SADD program, which Witkowski coordinates. The program gives students the opportunity to stop their peers from making bad choices through support and awareness.

The desire to fight texting while driving began at the beginning of

the school year, during one of the group’s meetings. “We needed a way to get teenagers to put their cell phones away while driving,” Witkowski said. “But cell phones for these kids are like a bad habit — you can’t just stop the habit, you have to replace it with something else.”

Instead of advising students to put their phones in the back seat, the SADD members came up with the concept of a slide box to put the phones in while driving.

“For many of these kids, the cell phone is like their baby; it’s their way to be connected to everything that is going on,” Witkowski said. “They would never go for See RPBHS SADD, page 11

Indian Trail Administrator Tanya Quickel Offers To Resign

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors could start 2013 searching for a new district administrator.

District Administrator Tanya Quickel offered her resignation at the tail end of the Dec. 12 board meeting after calls for reorganizing ITID’s leadership to bring the director of operations directly under board supervision.

Former Director of Operations Anthony Las Casas left the district this month after sharp public accusations, first that canal levels were being kept too low, then that the district had not properly han-

dled the flooding from Tropical Storm Isaac.

Meanwhile, the balance of power on the board shifted with last month’s election of Supervisor Gary Dunkley, who replaced Supervisor Carlos Enriquez at last week’s meeting.

Also at that meeting, Supervisor Jennifer Hagar was tapped to be ITID’s new president, replacing longtime ITID President Michelle Damone, who remains on the board as a supervisor.

As the meeting drew to a close, Supervisor Carol Jacobs called for the district’s reorganization, saying that she was dissatisfied with the way it is being run and wanted

to change the management structure.

“I would like to put a hiring freeze on now and advertise for an operations and maintenance position — somebody who knows parks, pumps and roads — who would work for the board instead of working under Tanya,” Jacobs said.

Damone pointed out that such a change would violate Quickel’s contract. “You realize that that’s a direct violation of her current contract, right?” Damone asked, pointing out that Quickel’s contract would have to be renegotiated or amended in order for such a change to be made.

“I’m doing something tonight that I’ve wanted to do,” Jacobs said. “I’m going in this direction because that is a very important position.”

Jacobs added that she wanted not only to bring the director of operations and maintenance directly under the board’s supervision, but to reduce the administrator’s responsibilities. “I would like to change that position to district manager, because the district manager should run the office and work on the budget,” Jacobs said.

“I’m not disagreeing or agreeing with you,” Damone said. “I’m just simply saying, to take any action on what you’re suggesting

tonight, if that’s what a majority of the board wants, it would be in direct violation of her current contract.”

“We could either renegotiate this contract or we could terminate it, so take your pick,” Jacobs said.

“What do you guys want to do?

Because right now I’m in a position where I feel very uncomfortable. I have a hard time coming down here, and I’m walking on tippy-toes to even check my mailbox.

I’ve been accused of things that are not [true]. Rumors have been spread from this office about me and my family.”

Jacobs said she would prefer to See QUICKEL, page 20

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 3

NEWS

Long-Awaited Wellington Seniors Board Holds Inaugural Meeting

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Years after a task force first asked the Wellington Village Council for a permanent voice for senior citizens in village matters, the inaugural Wellington Senior Advisory Committee finally will have that chance.

The advisory board was approved earlier this year and held its first meeting Thursday, Dec. 6.

The new committee was a priority for Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis in his campaign because, he said, Wellington seniors have often been overlooked.

“We have so many different advisory boards, and I think that’s a big segment of this village that we were missing,” Margolis said.

“We have the seniors club, but they are more social in nature.”

In 2006, the council created a

task force to look into issues plaguing Wellington’s elderly residents.

At the helm was Chairman Howard Trager, who now sits on the Senior Advisory Committee.

“The council at that time wanted to find out what we were or were not providing for seniors,” Trager said. “We did surveys to find out what seniors wanted and gathered information for the village.”

And the task force discovered that Wellington was not offering as much programming for seniors as it did for other demographics.

“There was a large segment of the population who basically have not been served, with the exception of the Wellington Seniors Club,” he said.

Other issues such as housing and transportation were also on the forefront of seniors’ minds, Trager said, adding that with the

census predicting that as much as 23 percent of Wellington’s population will be senior residents by 2020, the task force agreed it was important for them to have a voice in village operations.

“One of the top recommendations was that council create an advisory committee,” Trager said.

“We felt that Wellington was doing amazing things for kids and equestrians, but it was time to do something for seniors.”

But the idea did not gain traction until earlier this year.

Newly appointed Senior Advisory Committee Chairman Tony Fransetta said he felt senior issues were made election issues to gain support. “I think they wanted to get past the next election and give people the impression that something was being done for the seniors,” he said.

Trager said he hopes the committee can be a voice for seniors and senior issues.

“I think it will be an opportunity for seniors to have a voice and express some of their needs,” he said. “That includes transportation, which Wellington has addressed, assisted and independent living, healthcare and, of course, the community center. We’ve been talking about that for years, and nothing has been done. There are several major issues, but there has never before been a sounding board for seniors.”

Margolis has long advocated for seniors to take an active role in planning for the rebuilt Wellington Community Center, but he said he believes the committee will be useful long after the new building is erected.

“I think that they can help facil-

itate interactions between seniors and the government,” he said.

“By that I mean how to navigate through programs like Social Security, Medicare and more. I see them being a liaison and instructing seniors on where to go if they have problems.”

Fransetta said he hopes the committee can identify needs in the community and suggest programming that can benefit seniors.

“I don’t see us administering the programs but rather identifying a need and suggesting we create programs to fill those needs,” he said. “We now have the ability to go to the community and bring issues forth that they want addressed.”

One of those issues is housing.

“We still have an exodus of seniors leaving Wellington,” Fransetta said. “They are downsizing

and finding themselves in positions where they can’t afford or aren’t physically able to maintain the property they live in.”

Though this month’s meeting was mostly organizational, Fransetta said he’s requested the committee to solicit community input on issues. “There’s no sense in us having a senior committee meeting without allowing input from residents,” he said.

He encouraged anyone with a stake in issues affecting senior citizens, be they seniors or children of senior residents, to come to meetings and have their voices heard. “We’re trying to set this up to suit the needs of the seniors in Wellington, but also the populace in general,” Fransetta said.

For more information on meeting dates, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov.

RPB Zoning Board OKs New Color, Other Changes For Royal Inn

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Monday for improvements to the Royal Inn, including new paint colors along with parking and landscape modifications.

The commission supported a proposal to repaint the hotel at the northwest corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards from its current light pink base color with mocha trim to a golden yellow color known as “filtered sunlight” as the base with a pinkish orange color called “coral glow” as the trim.

The painting will be completed in two phases, with five of the buildings painted in each phase, Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said. The second phase will be completed by the end of June 2013.

Erwin pointed out that when the building was painted originally, no architectural approval was required.

John Bellamy of Island Designs Architects said the goal is to upgrade, enhance and improve the overall appearance of the Royal Inn by repainting with two carefully selected colors designed to brighten the overall look. The golden yellow hue is for the walls, covered walkways, stairs, storefronts, soffits and ceilings. “The coral

glow is the accent color,” he said.

“That’s for the fascia, trim, raised stucco, accent bands and the doors.”

Bellamy said portions of the building were actually painted to assure that the colors meet or exceed expectations.

Commissioner Jackie Larson said she thought the colors contrast nicely with the terra cotta tile roof.

Commissioners Richard Becher and Michael Axelberd also liked the colors. “I looked at the colors, and I thought it looked great,” Axelberd said.

Commissioner Darrel Lange asked whether the teal awning signs would be redone, and Erwin said that would be under a separate application.

Becher made a motion to approve the color scheme, which carried 5-0.

The commissioners also recommended approval of a proposed landscape plan for a truck parking lot to be located on the west side of the hotel. The applicant sought a waiver to the 25-foot landscape requirement to allow a 9-foot buffer along Southern Blvd., which had been reduced during the Southern Blvd. widening, and to allow the omission of a 3-foot berm on the north and south landscape buffers.

The hotel also sought a waiver to allow a one-to-one ratio for roy-

al palms rather than three-to-one, which was consistent with the rest of the property, and a site plan modification to include seven truck parking spaces.

Erwin explained that the area on the west side of the Royal Inn property is the former site of an Amoco gas station that was no longer workable as a service station after land was taken for the widening of Southern Blvd. The site is dirt and grass with some trees on the north side of the property, he said.

Axelberd asked whether trucks were parking there now, and Erwin said they have been, but it drew a code violation. “The applicant is bringing in this application to close out that violation,” he said.

Axelberd also asked whether the elimination of the berm would cause noise problems with neighboring properties, and Erwin said that is not expected. He explained that there would be only seven trucks there at any one time, and they would be hotel guests.

“They park there now at various locations on site,” Erwin said.

“With the proximity to Southern Blvd., there is high background noise there, so I’m not sure what kind of effect it would have. Generally when they park in there, they are staying overnight, so it’s not like they’re coming and going all day long.”

The Royal Inn with part of the exterior painted in its new color scheme (far right).

Hotel owner Jess Santamaria said he expects the truck parking to be temporary. “My intent is within the next 12 to 24 months to build additional hotel rooms,” he said, explaining that he currently complies with the village’s parking requirements. “These are workers who work construction jobs in the

immediate area, mostly at the FPL power plant down the road. Once they finish their jobs, I may not have any trucks.”

Santamaria added that he could have the trucks park alongside other guests but that he would prefer to keep them separate.

Santamaria said occupancy has

begun to improve recently after a lag during the economic downturn. “Now things are improving, and my intent is to build on that parcel,” he said. “My intent is to build another 20 rooms.”

Becher made a motion to approve the application, which carried 5-0.

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OUR OPINION

Immediate Finger-Pointing Belittles The Sandy Hook Tragedy It is now a week since the brutal and senseless shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School devastated the community of Newtown, Conn., and though more facts have come to light about the incident, they raise far more questions than anyone can answer. Almost as soon as it was reported, arguments erupted over issues such as gun rights, mental illness and America’s “culture of violence.” Unfortunately, but somewhat inevitably, the finger-pointing started, and a conversation that began as Americans mourning in the wake of a tragedy quickly became a polarized argument. Regardless of what our political leaders do, it’s important that the American people have a rational, deliberate conversation about what happened, what it says about our country and how we can improve things in our own communities — because this can happen anywhere.

Sadly, Americans have grown desensitized to media reports of violence. The Columbine tragedy was more than 13 years ago, and there have been many more shootings since then. In just the past several years, we’ve witnessed some of the worst: Virginia Tech; Fort Hood, Texas; Tucson, Ariz.; and Aurora, Colo. Not only are they frequent in number, but the severity seems to have increased as well. And now, with the murder of elementary school children, the scenario is untenable. There’s no way we can allow for this to continue as the status quo.

The problem of mass shootings is an extremely complex issue that too many people are trying to simplify, looking for the easiest scapegoat to blame as an excuse for further inaction.

Because the shooter, Adam Lanza, was reported to have suffered from a personality disorder, many have simply blamed the incident on “mental illness.” Exactly what should be done about it is another matter. How do we know when someone is not mentally fit to own a gun? How do we prevent them from obtaining guns? According to reports, the guns Lanza used belonged to his mother.

The gun control debate is just as complicated. How do we account for the guns and ammunition people already have? Any new gun-control laws won’t have an effect on this, nor will it matter for those circulating in the black market. Does that really mean new laws won’t have an impact? Why should assault rifles be legal? Are they really what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they drafted the Second Amendment? Do we really think the SecondAmendment is in danger, or is that just a scare tactic to avoid dealing with the issue?

The problem with most arguments is that they demand an immediate, single solution, when in reality there are only steps we can take to work toward a common goal. And that’s why it’s so important for this to be a conversation that includes everyone. This is a conversation that has been delayed for a long time, and now that it has started again, we need to make sure we get off on the right foot. If we enter the discussion thinking we know all the answers, we’ll never get anywhere. It needs to be approached with an open mind and desire to move forward with new information — because there is a lot for everyone to learn.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Accident A Wake-Up Call For Intersection This past Friday [Dec. 14], a serious automobile accident at the intersection of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. sent five people to hospital; one victim needed to be airlifted by Trauma Hawk for critical care. This accident is only one of many in recent years at or near this crossing, including at least one fatality in the corridor.

These should serve as a reminder that there is an urgent need to address the hazards this stretch of road, and especially this corner, presents before yet another incident occurs with similar or graver consequences.

While the intersection in question is a gateway to the Equestrian Preserve Area, it also bears a significant load of Wellington’s commercial, commuter and residential traffic. It is a major thoroughfare for residents making their way to parks, schools and homes, as well for large numbers of horses, golf carts and people on foot traveling up and down Pierson Road on the bridle path. It is an intersection that would be directly affected by any future development in the immediate vicinity.

For more than 30 years, my wife and I have experienced the exponential growth of Wellington with excitement and some apprehension. This growth has brought goods, services and opportunities to the community that were only dreamed of 20 years ago. However, this growth has also brought consequences resulting from past planning that at times have seemed to us both opportunistic and flawed.

A traffic study, whose results were shared with the community last season, was, in my opinion, flawed. We were present at one of the presentations and felt at the time that the process used in the study was incomplete and did not accurately represent the actual number of vehicles, seasonal population growth and many other factors that contribute to the increased traffic on South Shore Blvd., especially south of Greenview Shores.

Traffic statistics were averaged over a 12-month period. This approach ignored the reality that traffic increases dramatically during peak periods of the year, and during specific seasonal events. Regardless of any potential future increase in traffic, the fact remains that this is currently a dangerous intersection requiring immediate attention from the Village of Well-

ington — for the sake of everyone’s safety.

Since the elections last spring, I believe the current council has taken a serious and thoughtful approach to the issues and concerns of the community; we would like to applaud them for that. I would encourage them to make the intersection of Pierson and South Shore a priority in their ongoing efforts to improve the safety and welfare of all.

Allan Shore Wellington

Nation Needs Better Treatment For Mentally Ill The Sandy Hook massacre has already got anti-gun politicians talking about more gun control.

They are quick to point out that this sort of thing never happens in countries like England, Canada or Japan where there are strict gun controls. However, the real reason this sort of thing doesn’t happen there is not because of gun control, it’s because those same countries have universal healthcare.

We don’t need to ban guns. We need to ban crazy people. Those three countries treat the mentally ill before they go nuts and kill people. That is the real reason they don’t have this kind of tragedy over there.

Here, if we treat the mentally ill at all, it’s for a short time, and then they are given a bottle of pills to take home. Pills for serious mental illnesses tend to cost a small fortune, and hence, don’t get refilled in order to pay the rent or buy food.

They are also rife with serious unpleasant side effects. Consequently, a lot of the seriously mentally ill just stop taking them. And then bad things happen. In most cases, the patients themselves are in the most danger from that, but in some cases, like at Sandy Hook, others pay the price for the lack of universal healthcare.

So if there were no guns in this country, the Sandy Hook massacre would still have happened. He would have simply used knives, poison or explosives to accomplish the same thing. So banning guns may make some people feel better, but it is no substitute for universal healthcare.

Dennis Hawkins The Acreage

‘Wage Theft’ Another Fancy Liberal Term Commissioner Jess Santamaria was one of two commissioners who voted to create another new

government bureaucracy to punish employers and employees.

Fortunately, the “wage theft law” was defeated by a 5-2 vote, in large part due to the cool heads that prevailed, which included Priscilla Taylor and Shelley Vana, two outstanding women advocates for the poor.

“Wage theft” is just a clever, emotionally charged term like “corruption county.” These terms are known to appeal to the emotions rather than the intellect. It is easier to manipulate public opinion on an emotional level than try to educate voters with the true facts and consequences.

The fact is that punishing voluntary agreements between employers and employees is simply government interfering in the free market. The result is always fewer jobs, which means greater competition for jobs and therefore greater leverage for employers.

Carrying the crime-fighting banner by Santamaria has already cost taxpayers $9 million a year, and if he had gotten his way we would be paying millions more to find and prosecute employers who provided jobs to willing employees. Those employees are most likely the new arrivals from other countries who are thankful to have a better place to live and work.

While Santamaria does not have a plan to reduce the 40 percent unemployment in his district, he was not responsible for it. Before Santamaria took office, the State of Florida acquired hundreds of thousands of acres of sugar fields in the Glades and took them out of production. Thousands of jobs were lost. Unfortunately, the seat that Santamaria holds on the commission has not been filled by a strong advocate for the Glades and for the poor and starving who live there.

Perhaps the next person to sit in Santamaria’s term-limited seat will have more courage and strength to do the heavy lifting, and he or she might convince lawmakers to pass legislation that will stimulate job development in the Glades. I think we can all agree that 40 percent unemployment is unconscionable.

Frank Morelli Wellington

Horses And Cars Don’t Mix Over the past several years, we have witnessed many near accidents on roads in the Equestrian Preserve Area. My home backs up to Greenbriar, which is a cross street to the horse show as well as a through road between Greenview and Aero Club. There are two

separate issues that everyone needs to be educated about.

Drivers need to be more cautious when driving through the equestrian preserve. Horses are animals that can be easily spooked. They cannot be easily controlled when approached by a speeding vehicle. They are also easily frightened by loud noises, like horns. These scenarios put the horse and rider at risk, and the vehicle driver at risk, if the horse becomes uncontrollable.

Riders need to be more considerate of vehicles. Because of the gravel streets, horses are frequently ridden on the roads. Vehicles also use these same roads, and riders need to allow for vehicles to slowly and safely pass and not have multiple horses spanning the width of the roads.

These are examples of how horses and vehicles need to safely occupy the same area as was originally designed. Would it be possible to do a public education news piece for everyone as the Winter Equestrian Festival will be beginning soon?

Judith Gordon Wellington

Adopt A Shelter Pet This Holiday For families in the western communities thinking of opening their homes to a new furry member in the New Year, please visit our county shelter, Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control, located nearby at 7100 Belvedere Road, because someone is waiting for you to show up and adopt them, giving them a second chance for a new life in a loving home.

In exchange for your care and affection, these animals will gratefully return your kindness with loyalty and love. For many of these animals, their time at the shelter before they will be euthanized is running out, because, unlike local nonprofit shelters, the county must take in all animals, and there is no room to keep them all forever.

At the county shelter, not only can you find a lifelong animal companion but the low adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, current vaccinations, microchipping, protection against fleas and ticks, and much more. Compare this with an expensive pet shop or online purchase where, for your hundreds or even thousands of dollars spent, all you get in exchange is an animal with no guarantees about the conditions under which that animal was bred.

Everyone has heard about the terrible conditions in puppy mills, and pet shop abuses and neglect,

and no one wants to willingly support this type of cruel industry. If you truly want an animal for love and loyal companionship and not to show off as an expensive possession you purchased, then adopt; please don’t shop. Make our community a more humane place to live and set a caring example for the children in your lives.

The shelter web site is www. pbcgov.com/publicsafety/animal care/adopting_pet.htm.

Debbie Lewis Royal Palm Beach

North B Road Referendum A Waste Of Money At the Dec. 10 Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District board meeting, a referendum was held for landowners on North B Road. The question at hand was whether the landowners wanted to have North B Road paved.

The vote came about because a few months back a local landowner had gotten up a petition asking for paving and submitted it to the LGWCD. Although the petition fell short of the necessary 51 percent required by the board’s own policy to generate a referendum, the board in their wisdom deemed it “a good enough effort” and decided to proceed with a referendum anyway. The vote had a record 92 percent turnout — something heretofore unheard of in Loxahatchee Groves. The end result was 425-259 against paving the road.

Clearly the majority of landowners do not want the expense of paving in these hard economic times and are satisfied with the dirt road. Another factor was that no one could tell the landowners for sure what the cost would be. The people were only given an estimate. One resident asked what would happen if the cost turned out to be double or triple the original estimate; would the landowners get a second chance to vote when they knew the actual cost?

The answer was no.

Furthermore, in the board agenda packet for this meeting, a resolution to proceed with paving on North B Road was included with these words: “Whereas the landowners situated on North B Road approved the referendum by a majority vote of the acreage cast.”

It would seem logical that before the board went to the trouble and expense of paying the lawyer to draw up a resolution to go forward with paving, they might have waited to see how the people voted first! Not only was this a waste of our tax dollars, but it was very presumptuous on the part of the board members. Apparently they did not know the minds of the voters as well as they thought. Maybe it is time to do away with the board altogether and consider consolidating the LGWCD’s function with the town?

Marge Herzog Loxahatchee Groves

Nielsen Responds To Euell Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Thomas Euell Responds” published Dec. 7.

I’m so sorry that you thought my reference of Romneyesia was directed as a kind of ridicule towards former Gov. Romney — it wasn’t!

Let’s begin with your reference to President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. President Bush began his presidency with about a $247 billion surplus, no wars and no high unemployment, all left to him by Democratic President Bill Clinton, and after only eight years as president, Bush was able to leave the incoming President Barack Obama a $1.7 trillion deficit, two wars (one built on lies) and an unemployment rate just north of 8 percent — not exactly what you would expect from a conservative Republican president, not auspicious, but what you may describe as a calamitous presidency, but of course, looking back on his days when he bankrupted the Texas Rangers baseball team, not totally unexpected.

The other person Mr. Euell lauds is Vice President Cheney, whose previous employer where he also was a vice president, Halliburton, who received a no-bid Army contract it somehow obtained. During the Halliburton saga, $6 billion of taxpayer money was paid to Halliburton for services not rendered. Halliburton, under pressure of possible indictment moved the company to the United See LETTERS, page 20

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OPINION

PBSO’s Emergency Field Force Is Integral To The Public Safety Last summer, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

You didn’t see them on TV in the arena.

Instead, they were on the streets, part of a large contingent of law enforcement officers monitoring protests and making sure there was order in the city.

That’s what our 112-member Emergency Field Force does.

Whether in Palm Beach County or across Florida, our team of law enforcement and corrections deputies is equipped to handle civil disorders, hazardous responses, search and rescues, and mass arrests. We also assist in security details for dignitaries, including

POINT OF VIEW

By PBC Sheriff Ric Bradshaw presidents, who often attend big events in the county and other places like Tampa.

These deputies are highly trained and experienced in responding to just about any kind of incident requiring a larger and

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more sophisticated law enforcement presence.

I’ve seen them save lives and prevent major property damage.

In recent years, our Emergency Field Force assisted in the search for an elderly man in a remote part of the Glades. They also helped contain Occupy Movement demonstrators who slept on the streets of West Palm Beach. They also were instrumental at stopping rioters from trying to take over a generator plant in western Palm Beach County and disrupt traffic on a major road.

In October, our team played a big role in helping with security during the presidential debate at Lynn University, when thou-

sands of people came to the campus and millions more watched on TV and computers. In assisting with big events like the Republican National Convention, the sheriff’s office is reimbursed for the expenses of sending our team.

We live in tough economic times and, unfortunately, some people react aggressively, even violently, toward their fellow neighbors and important county institutions.

You would be amazed at what protesters will do these days to create civil disobedience, but rest assured that our deputies are usually a step ahead of them and able to stop trouble before it happens.

Our Emergency Field Force is there to deal

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

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swiftly with people seeking to harm others and destroy property.

The team constantly trains in the newest tactics to contain rioters and big crowds. All it takes is one call, and our team gathers, sometimes in a matter of minutes, to deal with all sorts of situations. When needed, they come with tents, food and other supplies to operate in places where we have to stay for a long time, like a hurricane-ravaged zone.

The Emergency Field Force is an essential part of the sheriff’s office and our mission. We should all be grateful to these hardworking and courageous men and women for all they do to keep us safe and secure.

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND GETS $39,000 DONATION AT WINTER CONCERT Members of the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound got a holiday surprise Thursday, Dec. 13 when they learned they would no longer have to march in 15-year-old uniforms. Band Director Mary Oser announced that the Wolverine Band Boosters Association had received a $39,000 donation for new uniforms from William Wilson, in honor of his late son Scott, who was a WHS alumnus, and Allen and Pirjo Seaman. The news came to the excitement of a packed house for the band’s winter concert. For more info., visit www. whsband.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Members of the percussion section play music from The Nutcracker.

Wolverine Band Boosters Association leaders with the Wilson and Seaman families after the concert.

Chorus members gather backstage.

WHS Principal Mario Crocetti shares his gratitude.

Band Director Mary Oser receives a check from William Wilson.

Members of the symphonic band play for the crowd.

RPB RECREATION, LA PETITE ACADEMY PRESENT ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ EXCERPTS Royal Palm Beach Recreation and the Petite Academy of Dance presented excerpts from The Nutcracker on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Children ages 2-10 had five weeks to put together this holiday dance recital with training by the Petite Academy Artistic Director Charlene Shaw.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Sugar Plum Fairies: Albertina Abrate, Maia Derrevere, soloist Maddie Loftus, Jayden Loftus, Audrey Winaker and Sarah Madden.

(Left) Little snowflakes Tessa Rawlik, Julianna Knowles and Riley Mack. (Right) Members of the La Petite Dance Company ensemble.

Page 6 December 21 - December 27, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Home Burglaries In RPB And Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 14 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in the Victoria Grove community last Friday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 3:40 p.m., someone pried open the victim’s rear window and entered the home, stealing two HP laptop computers, a diamond tennis bracelet and a diamond solitaire pendant. The stolen items were valued at approximately $27,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Olympia community Monday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon last Sunday and 7:30 a.m. the following morning, someone pried open the rear bathroom door of the home and stole several pieces of jewelry and electronics. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) stole a 55” Samsung television, a Lenovo desktop computer, a Nintendo Wii gaming console, a 42” Sony television, a platinum diamond ring, a white gold diamond chain and a bangle bracelet. The stolen items were valued at approximately $20,200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 18 — A resident of the Pinewood East community contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday evening to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 a.m. and 7:12 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home through the rear kitchen window and stole a Nikon digital camera, HP laptop computer and two Samsung televisions. The stolen items were valued at approximately $3,200. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

••• DEC. 12 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to the intersection of Temple Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road last Wednesday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim rode his bicycle to

the bus stop near the intersection at approximately 8:20 a.m. The victim said he locked it on the bike rack and went to school. According to the report, the victim’s mother drove by the bus stop at approximately 3:20 p.m. and noticed her son’s bike was missing, but the lock was still there. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 14 — An employee of the Super Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Friday afternoon to report a theft.

According to a PBSO report, at approximately 11:22 a.m., a loss prevention agent was informed that someone had removed a Nook tablet device from its display case in the store. Video surveillance evidence showed that an unknown Hispanic male entered the electronic section and cut the Nook from its display. He then placed it inside his pants pocket and exited the store without attempting to pay for it. According to the report, the suspect entered a blue Honda Accord. He is described as approximately 5’6” and 170 lbs. and was wearing a red shirt and gray shorts. The stolen item was valued at approximately $269. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 14 — A stolen vehicle was recovered late last Friday night outside the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road, leading to the arrest of five suspects. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:30 p.m. a volunteer unit for the PBSO contacted the Royal Palm Beach substation to report a suspicious van with two unknown males standing outside. According to the report, the deputy arrived on scene and found that the van’s tag was listed as stolen, and that the steering column had been damaged and the ignition punched out. The deputy made contact with four suspects: 56-year-old Alvin Henderson, 35-year-old Pearl Jones, 22-year-old Timothy Williams, 19-year-old Devonta Ross and 19-year-old Milton Higgins, all of Jacksonville. They were arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where they were charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.

DEC. 14 — An employee from the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road contacted the See BLOTTER, page 20

PBSO Seeking Wellington Armed Robbery Suspect DEC. 18 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of a suspect wanted for Tuesday’s armed robbery of a McDonald’s restaurant in Wellington.

According to a PBSO report, at approximately 4:27 a.m., an armed robbery occurred at the McDonald’s restaurant on Greenview Shores Blvd. The suspect is described as a black male approximately 6-foot to 6-foot-2, 170 lbs., with short dreads, armed with a black semi-automatic handgun with a brown grip. He was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black jeans and a camouflage colored baseball hat with the word “Ace” on the front. He was seen leaving in a black SUV-style vehicle.

Anyone who has information

A video still of the suspect at the cash register. about this armed robbery or can identify this suspect is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • David Picard is a white male, 6’1” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 03/19/87. Picard is wanted for grand theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known address is Pine Needle Drive in Greenacres. Picard was wanted as of 12/13/12.

• Joel Rivera is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 165 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 05/ 12/93. Rivera is wanted for violation of conditional release supervision on charges of burglary while armed with a firearm and grand theft from a dwelling.

His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Pine Circle in Greenacres. Rivera is wanted as of 12/ 13/12.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8 477) or visit www.crimest opper s pbc.com.

David Picard

Joel Rivera

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

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

County Commission Undecided On Having ‘Chairman’ Or ‘Mayor’

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission approved amendments to its procedural rules Tuesday, but postponed a decision on the most high-profile suggestion — whether to give the commission’s leader the title “mayor” rather than “chairman.”

“I’ve tried to explain the reasoning behind this,” said Chairman Steven Abrams, who proposed the change. “I agree you can operate under either system. It isn’t about me. I certainly don’t want anyone up here to vote based on whether it hurts my feelings or makes me happy. For one thing, the chair rotates, but it does recognize that the leader of a governmental body has a distinctive role.”

Abrams said he discovered the difference in recognition when he served as mayor of Boca Raton, adding that the difference of attitudes is starkly different when considering the other two counties that make up the South Florida metropolitan area.

“Yesterday I met the mayor of Miami-Dade County and the mayor of Broward County to discuss topics of mutual interest,” he said, explaining that they discussed issues to take to Washington, in-

cluding transportation financing.

“We can go and say, ‘Senator, we have these leaders, two mayors and a chairman of the three most populous counties in South Florida.’ Perhaps we can have a stronger voice when we can say we have the mayors of the three largest counties in South Florida.”

Abrams further noted that outof-town CEOs who want to locate companies in the county usually want to speak to a mayor. “I guess they often wind up speaking to the mayor of West Palm Beach,” he said.

Abrams also brought up President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Palm Beach County, when he thought Commissioner Shelley Vana, who chaired the commission until last month, did not get what he felt was proper recognition. “I believe that Palm Beach County would have gotten more exposure if we had had a titular mayor of Palm Beach County,” he said.

Legislative Affairs Director Todd Bonlarron said the issue has been discussed several times.

“There is a sort of hierarchy of government and titles involved in government,” he said. “Presidents equate themselves with governors, who equate themselves with mayors, regardless of how much

power actually exists in each of those different titles. There is an assumption of authority.”

Bonlarron said he sits on the board of directors for the National Association of Counties and works with other organizations where they look to the U.S. Conference of Mayors for feedback on local issues.

“It’s one of the most powerful groups that exist, and they are not all strong mayors in that organization,” he said. “Certainly with Broward County — their mayor is essentially the chair — I think it has lent them some additional credibility in the 10 years or so since they have had that in place. I can cite time after time when the president has come to our community where on a staff level they seek out mayors.”

Vana said a change might be appropriate, but felt more discussion is necessary so the public understands the purpose. “I think Todd’s explanation was a good explanation of why we might want to do it,” she said. “You don’t have the power, you’re just the spokesperson.”

Vana added that there are also good reasons for moving to a strong mayor system of government. “I know everybody will want

to crucify me for bringing up those two words, but with the mayor [discussion], I think we should have more time for people to understand why we might just change the name,” she said.

Abrams pointed out that moving to strong mayor form of government would require a charter change. County Attorney Denise Nieman added that the charter change would require public hearings, adoption of an ordinance and a public referendum.

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor said she did not know whether just a title change is needed or something more, but added that something needs to be done for the county to get appropriate recognition.

“I just attended the National Association of Counties meeting in Atlanta, and this exact conversation came up,” she said, explaining that Fulton County had put out millions of dollars for a project to locate there, and the mayor of Atlanta, rather than the county commission, got invited to the reception. “The actual entity that put up the dollars did not because of the confusion. I know that it’s not an issue just here in Palm Beach County.”

Commissioner Jess Santamaria

said he thought deeds rather than titles make the most difference. “I find this topic rather humorous,” he said. “One of the first things I brought up when elected and reelected as part of my thank-you speech was, ‘My name is Jess.’ I don’t think I need a title, even the title ‘commissioner.’I’m the same person I was before I was elected.

I want to be accepted for my actions and my public service.”

Santamaria said he did not understand why the commission would want to have a mayor when there are 38 mayors already in the county. “President Obama is going to think, ‘Which of the 38 mayors are you?’” he said.

Santamaria pointed out that the position of “chair” relates to running the meetings. “That is a very important role, to run the meetings,” he said, “but once the meetings are over, we are all equals.

There is no one who is higher than the other.”

Commissioner Paulette Burdick said she appreciated Bonlarron’s explanation but felt it did not necessitate a change in the title. “It’s misleading to the public if you consider a commissioner a mayor,” she said. “It indicates it’s elected countywide.”

Commissioner Hal Valeche said

he thought they were elevating the question to more importance than it deserved. “We’re not granting the mayor, if that’s what we choose to call him or her, any new powers, and they know that, and we know that, and if they try to exercise more powers than what they are entitled to, we’re going to speak up about it,” he said.

Commissioner Mary Lou Berger said she thought the title of mayor and concept of strong mayor should not be lumped together.

“They are two different and distinct things,” she said. “I know we spent a lot of money doing a charter amendment process last year, and that was not a topic that came forward… As far as changing the chair’s title to mayor; I’m OK with that.”

Abrams said he thought the public identifies with and wants access to a particular person. “The public in my opinion identifies more with a mayor than a board chairman,” he said. “That is the basis for my proposing this.”

Vana made a motion to bring the question back to another meeting and allow more public comment.

The motion carried unanimously.

Meanwhile, Taylor asked that there be more research on other possible titles.

Wellington Council Discusses Equestrian Plan With Committee

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Village Council met with Equestrian Preserve Committee members last week to discuss progress on the village’s equestrian master plan.

Wellington has been working on a new master plan to address equestrian issues since 2011, when it hired Florida Atlantic University to survey equestrian and non-equestrian residents alike and

Drainage

Meeting Discusses Future Projects

continued from page 1 cussed discharge to the south, into the C-51 Basin. “The next step is to ask the Indian Trail board to have a pre-application meeting with the South Florida Water Management District in anticipation of some sort of permit modification for additional discharge to the south,” Quickel said.

The Mecca Farms property off Northlake Blvd. one day could serve as an added water retention area, and Palm Beach County is negotiating to sell the land to the SFWMD. “Indian Trail has made it known that we would want to be considered for some type of additional discharge or storage as part of the Mecca property, so that will be coming forward once the sale is complete,” Quickel said.

Also on the agenda was some type of relief for the inactivated ITID area known as Sunny Urban Meadows. Property owners in that area do not hold a water discharge permit, Quickel noted.

“These people are not represented by any formal property owners’ association, so communicating with them is a bit more challenging,” she said, explaining that representatives from Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s office represented them at the meeting. “They want it to be done, but the challenge is that when the people in these areas understand the cost involved with the improvements and infrastructure, there usually is not adequate support.”

get a feel for the needs of the community.

At the Dec. 12 meeting, Dr. Jaap Vos, who has been working with the village through the FAU partnership, said that the survey data shows that the equestrian community is largely in agreement on many issues.

“There is agreement that Wellington is indeed one of the best equestrian areas in the world,” he said. “It seems people agree that a Also on the horizon is help for Deer Run and White Fences. ITID provided a plan for some improvements to the swale around the M2 Impoundment Area to keep water from flowing into those communities during flood conditions.

That plan was approved by the ITID board in October. “Those improvements are being done right now,” Quickel said.

Weisman said two follow-up meetings have been scheduled.

The first one, probably in February, will be Gov. Rick Scott’s requested meeting to discuss the Corbett berm replacement. Another meeting, probably in March, will be a follow-up to the Wednesday meeting that will deal more with drainage issues.

“I thought we had a good discussion about what actions need to be taken to address the drainage issues in The Acreage,” Weisman said. “They aren’t necessarily easy things to do, but at least we know how to proceed. There are several things we need to work on; one is to improve the permitted discharge into the C-51 Basin to the south. We’re going to talk about discharge into the [L-8 rock] pits, and there’s also some options regarding West Palm Beach. We also talked further out into the future for the potential for Mecca to act as relief.”

As for Corbett, Weisman said there was general agreement that the strength of the dike, rather than the high water level, was the issue of concern.

“It’s still in the evaluation phase, but because the existing berm is somewhat on private property, what they’re thinking is that a combination of the existing berm and a better berm on the Corbett property might be the best solution,” he said.

mix of equestrian disciplines is one of the things that makes this place very unique and desirable.”

During focus groups following the surveys, Vos said that the community stressed that Wellington must put the horses first in drafting its new regulations and future plans. “It’s clear that the horse needs to be central in any equestrian master plan,” he said.

Of the improvements desired in the area, Vos said equestrians overwhelmingly asked for more and better bridle paths and road crossings. “They want a safe way to move through Wellington,” he said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said that one of the largest safety problems is when horses and cars clash. “One of the things people stress is to keep horses away from cars,” he said.

Schofield said that doing things like delineating horse crossings at intersections is fairly easy, but restructuring the bridle trail system for safety would be harder. “It is a more difficult thing to do to take the trail system that is out there and get something that is there and safe,” he said.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig wanted to know whether a horse

overpass was feasible at the intersection of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. “Is it just way too difficult to achieve?” she asked.

Equestrian Master Plan Project Director Mike O’Dell said that Wellington has looked at the issue.

“There are a number of different plans out there that have looked at the concept of putting an overpass there in some format,” he said. “I think if you put some good engineering minds together, you could come up with something that works.”

The one issue where the community was split, Vos said, was on increasing commercial development in the equestrian area, with 42 percent against it and 37 percent in favor.

“One of the issues with this question is that commercial development means different things to different people,” he said. “The community is clearly divided about this.”

Gerwig asked whether equestrian venues were considered commercial elements. “Some people would consider them a purely horse or recreational element,” she said. “That’s not clear from the question.”

Vos said it was open to interpretation, but said he found that all other questions, which were equally vague, typically resulted in consensus among their answers.

“This survey was done at a difficult time; there was major controversy,” he said. “It’s surprising that people agreed on most of the issues.”

Equestrian Preserve Committee Chair Cynthia Gardner noted that in the past 12 years, the equestrian community has fought against development in several areas, including property near Lake Worth Road and South Shore Blvd. and at the Equestrian Village site.

“The equestrian community has spent the last 12 years fighting commercial development,” she said. “To people who have been fighting and have friends who don’t live here anymore because of the growth that was threatened, there are seriously critical issues.”

One area where Vos said data had been inconclusive was in the economic impact of the equestrian community to Wellington. He noted that a 2011 study by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission found the industry had a $185 million impact countywide, but he

added that it could not be known how much stays in the village.

“We really don’t have any data on that,” he said. “We’re not sure how much of it contributes to the local economy in Wellington.”

He said that FAU evaluated Wellington’s employment structure compared with those of other communities, such as Royal Palm Beach and Coral Springs, and found little difference.

“It was surprising,” Vos said.

“Here we have an industry with a $185 million impact on the economy. Why don’t we see that?”

He said it’s possible the study did not test for the right variables, but suggested Wellington look into how it “captures the economic benefit” brought in by the industry.

After three hours of tackling issues from public riding spaces to commercial development, Equestrian Preserve Committee members expected to use the information and opinions to help draft the master plan before it returns to the council.

“That was the way the council set up the process, so that it would be in the hands of the committee,” Schofield said. “That’s really how it should be.”

Ultima Fitness Gives Back This Holiday Season During the month of October and early November, Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do in Wellington played host to several fundraising events with the support of members and guests.

Some of the events were held in the Ultima facility, such as the Party in Pink Zumba fundraiser to benefit thinkPINKkids and the BCX Boot Camp Hospice fundraiser. Xtreme Tae Kwon Do raised more than $3,300 in one morning through its annual kick-athon, and members were also part of “Team Ultima” in the 15th annual Wellington Community Fitness Run/ Walk, which also benefited Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Since opening in 1990, Ultima Fitness has been highly involved in the community and is committed to giving back. It sponsors and organizes activities throughout the year with the support of members, who share the same respon-

sibility of helping others. By doing these events, Ultima achieves its goals in helping and giving back to the community.

“It’s with the help of dedicated members like ours that we are able to give back so generously to the community,” explained Lynette Laufenberg, program/fitness director.

Ultima staff believes that true gratitude involves action. “Lend a hand; pitch in; make a gift; give your time,” Laufenberg said. “Give back as often as you can. Even a friendly greeting can make a big difference in the world!”

The team at Ultima Fitness would like to thank all those who supported them in all their fundraising events this season. They take pride in what they do, inside and outside of their facility, especially if it involves taking care of others and supporting them in whatever they are doing to better

Lynette Laufenberg, Judy Duany, Gustavo Pope-Guerriero, Jill Merrell, Mary Lou Bedford, Mariela Castillo and Tania Artiles. themselves and help others.

If you would like to be part of the Ultima team, or to learn more

information about the facility, visit the gym’s web site at www. ultimafitness.com.

Page 8 December 21 - December 27, 2012

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NEWS BRIEFS Wellington Art Society ArtFest Set For Jan. 5-6 The Wellington Art Society will host its annual juried art show Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and 6 at the Wellington Amphitheater.

The show, which was previously called the Fall Fling, has expanded to include artists from around the state and has been renamed ArtFest on the Green.

The response for booth space was enormous, and the 40-plus artists participating have been juried in. The works include glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting and ceramics.

This is also the first year that prize money will be awarded with the judging being done by two well-known professionals in the art world: Jamnea Finlayson, owner of JF Gallery in West Palm Beach, and Ted Matz, accomplished artist and art instructor. A total of $1,500 in prizes will be awarded.

Additionally, art students from Palm Beach County schools will be exhibiting in the student exhibit with ribbons awarded to elementary, middle and high school students. Along with the youth art

exhibit will be art activities for children to participate in.

The fun-filled weekend will also have a full schedule of live music on stage and food vendors. On Saturday, Jan. 5, the ArtFest will open early so that visitors will be able to enjoy the Wellington Green Market and all that it has to offer.

The event hours are Saturday, Jan. 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ArtFest is free to the public and ample parking is available.

The location is the Wellington Amphitheater next to the Wellington Municipal Complex at 12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

For more information, visit www. wellingtonartsocietyblogspot. org, or call Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 301-4498 or Ilene Adams at (561) 346-0172.

The Wellington Art Society is open to all Palm Beach County artists of all media and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art. Membership forms are online or at monthly meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Wellington Community Center.

For more information about ArtFest on the Green or the Wellington Art Society, visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org or call President Tony Baker at (561) 7223657.

Enroll In Junior Holiday Golf Camps At Binks The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy is now enrolling for its junior Christmas holiday camps at Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

The camps will be held Monday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 28 and Monday, Dec. 31 through Friday, Jan. 4.

The week-long junior Christmas holiday camps are open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17. Golf clubs will be provided if needed.

Anyone junior who would like to attend the camps may register by e-mail at dkperkins4@cs.com or by calling (561) 301-3783.

Kevin Perkins Golf Academy provides world-class instructional programs for players of all ages and abilities at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

For more information about the

junior Christmas holiday camps and other programs provided by the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy, call (561) 301-3783 or visit www. kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com.

Wellington Father Daughter Dance Returns Feb. 2 Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and all blends of families are invited to take part in Wellington’s annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 2.

It will be a night of delight designed for daughters ages 5 to 14 and includes dancing, a delicious dinner, games and pictures. Each couple will receive a free keepsake to cherish the memories of this fun evening. The theme for the evening is “Every little girl is a princess.�

The Father Daughter Dance will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale through Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Wellington Community Center and the Village Park gymnasium. The cost is $50 per resident couple and $62.50

per nonresident couple. Additional tickets may be purchased for $20 per resident and $25 per nonresident. This is a popular event, so be sure to buy your tickets as early as possible.

This event is sponsored by Simon Orthodontics and additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, call (561) 791-4005.

Register For Adult Classes At PBCHS Palm Beach Central High School is now offering adult and community classes.

Whether you’re interested in a community class, to earn a GED diploma in pursuit of higher education or to learn English, Palm Beach Central has something for you.

The school will be offering winter classes starting the week of Jan. 22. Registration starts Jan. 7.

For more information, view the schedule on the school’s web site www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/Palm BeachCentralHS. For further information, call (561) 304-1008.

Free Admission For ‘Santas’ At Palm Beach Zoo In the spirit of the season of giving, the Palm Beach Zoo is offering discounted and free admission to visitors. Now through Dec. 24, anyone wearing a Santa hat to the zoo will receive $2 off regular admission price. Those who come to the zoo dressed in a full Santa suit (defined as a hat, beard, coat, pants and boots) and stay in costume for a portion of their visit will be admitted for free.

The Palm Beach Zoo invites visitors to check out the more than 1,400 animals living within the 23acre lush tropical habitat and learn more about them through daily programs such as the Wild Things Show, black bear training, black howler monkey feeding and Malayan tiger talk.

The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Blvd. Memberships range from $65 for seniors to $125 for families. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. For more information regarding the Palm Beach Zoo, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

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NEWS

BASEBALL STAR PRESENTS ‘SALTY CLASSIC’ GOLF TOURNEY AT BINKS FOREST Current and past Major League Baseball players were on hand for the inaugural Salty Classic on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Former Royal Palm Beach High School star and current Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hosted the event, a benefit for the Wounded Warriors Project and Athletes Advantage. A $150 donation per player provided a playing spot in the scrambleformat golf tournament, a goody bag, dinner and a raffle, plus a memorabilia auction. All participants also received a replay pass good at Binks Forest for another 18-hole round of golf.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(Seated) Mark Hodgkins, former Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant and Ben Tiant; (standing) Andrew Coughlan, Bill Wood, Dave Hallett, Lew Karrh and Denis Oliverio.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (center) with Wounded Warriors’ Lito Santos, Andrew Coughlan, Robert Suarez, Lyndon Or tiz and Denis Oliverio with Winchester.

Dalida Patilla, Juan Salinas-Bentley and Mary Venegas.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (third from left) with first-place winners Rob Oristaglio, Bobby Bradley and Bob Bradley.

Retired Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, Steve Daniels, Gene Daly, Ray Christian and Frank Daniels.

Rafael Lopez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Rafael Lopez Jr.

KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION HOSTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT FAIRGROUNDS The Kids Cancer Foundation held its annual Breakfast with Santa event Saturday, Dec. 15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Local children battling cancer and their families enjoyed a morning of breakfast, games, crafts, raffle prizes, gifts and photos with Santa. The foundation holds such events several times a year to lift the spirits of these young patients and their families. For more info., visit www.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER kidscancersf.org.

Aimee, William, Riley, Zachary and David Habegger.

Daniel Santiago takes a photo with Santa.

Santa with Tiffany Ashley and her son Dylan Pickard.

Kids Cancer Foundation volunteers, board and staff members with Santa.

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NEWS RPBHS SADD

No Texting And Driving

continued from page 1 just throwing it in the back seat, trunk or glove. With a box, they could carefully put their cell phones away.”

One of the concerns students have about putting their phones away is the accessibility in case of an emergency.

“With the slide box, they just have to slide it out of the box, and their cell phone is right there,” Witkowski said.

And if a student is expecting an important call or text, and they hear it buzzing or ringing inside the box, they can still access it. “All they have to do is pull over to the side of the road and slide it out of the box,” Witkowski said. “This way, they have to think twice before just looking at their phones while driving.”

Witkowski and the SADD members spent the past few months designing the box and getting it made, and on Friday, Dec. 14, they distributed more than 700 boxes as a free gift to students, faculty and staff during the lunch periods in the main courtyard and cafeteria.

To get the word out about not texting while driving, the SADD members also came up with a campaign and slogan, ‘No texting, I’m driving’ or NTID. One of the highlights of the campaign was a rap

song and video, which advised students not to text while driving.

“Music holds teenagers’ attention, so I asked the students if they knew anybody in the school who raps,” Witkowski said. “They all said, at the same time, ‘Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson.’”

Witkowski asked science and ESE teacher Terrance Johnson if he would be interested in doing a rap song about the campaign to deter students from texting while driving. “We sat down and came

up with all the ideas,” she said.

“And he put all the ingredients together, wrote a rap song, and SADD gave him the money to go to a recording studio. Then we created the music video for it.”

Johnson was also featured in the video as an example of a parent using the slide box before driving.

“Many of our students say that their parents are the biggest culprits when it comes to texting while driving,” Witkowski said.

“So we decided to have Mr. Johnson in the video as a parent himself, being a role model for students.”

Royal Palm Beach High School SADD members hope that their efforts will reduce the number of accidents due to texting while driving, not only at their school but also for people all over America.

“Our plan is to take this campaign nationally and get schools all over the country involved,” Witkowski said.

RPBHS teacher and SADD coordinator Maureen Witkowski with club members.

SADD coordinator Maureen Witkowski with fellow teacher Terrance Johnson, who wrote and performed the rap song.

RPBHS Assistant Principal Mike Williams gets a slide box from Maureen Witkowski, Tamara Laurette and Maya Williams.

Danielle Silberfine signs up to receive a free cell phone slide box.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

PBC MOUNTED POSSE HOSTS THE YEAR’S FINAL SHOW AT JIM BRANDON CENTER The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held its final show of the year Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The show was an opportunity for riders to get in points before the year-end awards were given out in each class. The show season returns in February. For more info., visit www.pbcposse.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Corey Chilcutt shows miniature pony Chillin’s Baby Bison.

Faith Campagnuolo and Snippity Doo-Dah jump a crossrail.

Jaclyn Campagnuolo and Snippity Doo-Dah go over a pole.

Teddy Roosevelt, a pony available for adoption through Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue, warms up for his class with Isabella Harding at the helm.

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 15

NEWS

A RELAXING EVENING OF MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN AT ACREAGE COMMUNITY JAM

The Acreage Landowners’ Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District hosted the monthly Acreage Community Jam on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Acreage Community Park. The family-friendly event featured local entertainers, from rock bands to rappers, and there were vendors selling food. For more info., visit www.acreagelandowners.org.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

The Acreage Jam Band plays a few songs.

Kaitlyn Guncheon and Rachel Ferreira.

Arlene Pollock and Mike Moore enjoy the music.

Brian Schuct brought a festive chair to sit on.

Jeff and Michelle Wellenbusher.

The band Whitecaps performs.

Ellen and Randy Guncheon.

LOCAL VENDORS SELL THEIR WARES AT ROYAL PALM’S HOLIDAY FLEA MARKET

The Village of Royal Palm Beach sponsored a Holiday Flea Market on Friday, Dec. 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Cent er. Vendors sold a variety of items such as jewelry, clothing and home décor. There was food for sale, and a DJ provided music.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Julette Browne, Lawrence Logan and Elaine Bowra.

Margaret Sandifer and Melrose King.

Carmen Reda, Paula Perez and Melanie Moncon knit and crochet.

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 17

SCHOOL NEWS

Sem Ridge Pathfinder Nominees Announced Seminole Ridge High School has announced its 2013 Palm Beach Post Pathfinder nominees.

These seniors, leaders and achievers in their respective nomination categories will compete with others from area high schools, with the winners awarded scholarships.

The categories and nominees are as follows: Academic Excellence, Danielle Parks; Art, Linden Sutherland; Business, Rachel Coulanges; Communications,

Seminole Ridge SECME students Mitch Lafferty and Jesse Mendheim at the VEX Robotics Competition.

Paige Wilson; Community Involvement, AnnaLina Fellicella; Computer Science, Ashleigh Cotterell; Drama, Aliyah Chance; Foreign Language, Melanie Bean; Forensics, Melissa Garrity; History, Cameron Schneider; Literature, Jessica Vasco; Mathematics, Mitchell Vasquez; Music (Instrumental), Sarah Probst; Music (Vocal), Alexis Rizzolo; Reach for Excellence, Justin Kaufmann; Science, Ryan Meingasner; Sports, Megan O’Hara; and Technical and Vocational, Jonathan DaCosta.

• Hawks Go Airborne — On Nov. 2, the JROTC Hawk Battalion participated in the annual 82nd Airborne Division Dinner, and the cadets not only conducted a saber arch for the attending veterans but also presented the colors.

“It was a great honor to be at this event because our cadets got to talk with the 82nd Airborne veterans,” said retired Lt. Col. Hans Hunt, the battalion’s instructor. “It was a great honor to be able to participate. The cadets, along with the veterans, heard Congressman Allen West speak about his experiences in the military and how they’ve helped him in his everyday life.”

• Thespians Earn District Honors — In district competition Dec. 8 at Fort Pierce, SRHS dra-

ma students earned numerous honors for their acting and performing abilities.

Results are as follows: Critics’ Choice (“Superior”) Small Group Musical – Cassandra Barrett, Jacqueline Campos, Aliyah Chance, Ashlyn Conerly, Madison Dickson, Megan McCarthy and Paige Wilson; Critics’ Choice (“Superior”) Solo Musical – Jaqueline Campos; “Superior,” Solo Musical – Caitlyn Buttery; “Superior,” Duet Acting – Caitlyn Buttery and Morgan Musgrove; “Superior,” Monologue – Aliyah Chance; “Superior,” Publicity – Jessica Vasco; “Superior,” Costume Design – Rachel Warren; “Excellent,” Duet Acting – Austin Alban and Jeff Rizzo; “Excellent,” Ensemble Acting – Devon Higgs, Aletta Kemp, Jeff Rizzo and Alyssa Tiwari; “Excellent,” Monologue – Morgan Musgrove; and “Excellent,” Duet Musical – Joe Prieto and Rachel Warren.

• SECME Travels to Gulliver — SECME students competed Dec. 9 in the South Florida championship of the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) at Miami’s Gulliver Prep.

The VRC Team 1614 consisted of robot driver Jesse Mendheim and field scout Mitch Lafferty, who designed and built a robot (affectionately nicknamed

“Sack Sucker”) that could quickly and efficiently solve specific obstacles and challenges.

Lafferty and Mendheim competed with and against 40 teams from across the state — Melbourne to Miami, Bradenton to Boca — in action-packed executions of VEX Sack Attack, a game played on a 12-foot square field.

The object of the game: attain a higher score than your opponent by scoring bean-bag like sacks in goals, earning bonus points and “parking” robots at the end of a match.

The Hawks finished the qualifying rounds with three wins and five losses, missing the playoffs.

But their coaches, Erich Landstrom and Ed Batchelor, are proud of their students taking what they’ve learned and applying it to an academic sport.

“In building and programming a competition robot from the ground up, they’re developing critical skills for the workforce — hard work, team work, collaboration and leadership,” Landstrom said. “The SECME VRC team must raise funds to cover the cost of robot parts, competition entry fees and transportation expenses. Support them this holiday season: Make a matching gift at http://tinyurl.com/AdoptSeminoleSECME. All gifts are welcome!”

Osceola Creek Scholar-Athletes Of The Month Osceola Creek Middle School has announced the recipients of its Scholar-Athlete Award for November. The award is sponsored by the school police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others. This month’s honorees carry high grade point averages as well as play varsity sports.

Girls volleyball honored Nicole Rosenthal, 13. “Nicole is a firstyear player who is improving every day,” coach Shayne Sanderford said. “She has improved already, and I expect her to continue to improve throughout our season.

She not only is a good player but has an exemplary attitude on and off the court. I look for her to improve every day and expect to see

her playing at the high school level next year.”

Rosenthal is an eighth-grader with a 3.57 GPA. She has not yet decided which college she would like to attend; however, she is set on a law enforcement career and would like to eventually work at the FBI. Boys soccer honored seventhgrader Kyle Huff. “Kyle is not only an exceptional soccer player; he also holds one of the highest GPAs in the school,” boys soccer coach Tony Bugeja said. “We are blessed to have Kyle as part of our soccer family tradition here at OCMS.” Huff, 12, has perfect attendance to go along with his 3.86 GPA. He also plays volleyball and was Osceola Creek’s Sixth-Grade Athlete of the Year. Huff would like to attend the University of Central Flor-

Zack Forde and Jacob Tayler interview Russell Wilson.

Golden Grove Students Interview Pro Athlete Jacob Tayler, Izabelle Matute and Zack Forde of Golden Grove Elementary School’s Gator News Network (GNN) traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, Nov. 24 to interview Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.

Forde and Tayler did the interviewing, and Matute did the taping. Each of the three students wrote the questions.

This project started with showing the entire school a videotape of Wilson on the morning news, where he talks about character development and working hard.

The students talked about Wilson and became interested in interviewing him. Golden Grove media

specialist Marge Keller made the arrangements. The school used some of Wilson’s principles as vocabulary words for spelling lessons.

Forde and Tayler asked questions such as, “How did if feel to be the best quarterback in college football?” Wilson talked about how he competed against some great quarterbacks, but his biggest competitor was himself. Wilson said he feels humble and doesn’t take anything for granted.

After the interview was over, Lane Gimmell, director of communications for the Seahawks, said that the students were the most prepared interviewers he had seen.

NEW HORIZONS STUDENTS CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE

Scholar Athletes — Osceola Creek Principal Dan Frank, Kyle Huf f, Nicole Rosenthal and School Police Officer Sandy Molenda. ida to study law or marine biology.

Supporting the program are Subway and Burger King (at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Or-

ange Blvd.), and Dairy Queen (at Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.

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

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Third-grade dual language students at New Horizons Elementary School recently chose and read biographies about their Hispanic heroes. They created posters with information about the person, dressed as the person, and presented their displays to other classes in the school. Pictured here are third-grade dual language students dressed as their Hispanic heroes.

Page 18 December 21 - December 27, 2012

Pastor Weiss Back From Sabbatical St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church has announced that Pastor Marjorie Weiss is back from her four-month sabbatical.

Weiss was a recipient of a Lily Endowment National Clergy Renewal grant that allowed her to travel on a pilgrimage to Europe and ending her time with a fourweek stay at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in California.

Weiss has been ordained for 32 years and is one of the first women pastors in the Lutheran Church.

The theme of her sabbatical was “Three Decades of Ministry: What’s Next?” She strives to lead St. Michael with open-minded, Christ-centered objectivity. It is a congregation for which science and faith do not conflict.

Weiss is back just in time to officiate Advent and Christmas Eve services. Advent services are held at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. every Sunday between now and Christmas.

Christmas Eve services will take place at 5:30 p.m. for a family-oriented service, and there will be candlelight service at 11 p.m.

St. Michael is located on the

Pastor Marjorie Weiss northwest corner of Birkdale Drive and Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. This will be the first Christmas service in the new sanctuary, which was completed in May. Everyone is welcome at St. Michael, no matter their religious background. For more information, visit www.stmichaelelc.com or call the office at (561) 793-4999.

RPB’s Martha Webster Named 2013 Vice Chair Of Planning Council Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster has been appointed vice chair of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council for 2013.

Webster was first appointed as a member to the council in 2009 by the Palm Beach County League of Cities. She served as secretary/ treasurer during 2012.

The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council is the only regional forum in which elected and appointed leaders regularly come together to discuss complex regional issues, develop strategic regional responses for resolving them, and build consensus for setting and accomplishing regional goals.

Elected officials serve annual terms, and gubernatorial appointees serve three-year terms. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council is made up of 19 elected officials and nine guber-

Martha Webster natorial appointees.

The council operates a number of programs and services for regional planning and economic development designed to satisfy the needs of its public- and privatesector customers and foster the healthy and orderly growth of the region.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Annas Run Nets $6,000 For Little Smiles Organizers of the Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K Run have announced that this year’s event raised $6,000 for Little Smiles. That is $1,000 more than last year.

The Jeff Annas 5K Run was held Saturday, Sept. 15.

This year, with the date near 9/ 11, more than a dozen firefighters wore their bunker gear while racing to show their commitment to the charity, their profession and physical fitness.

Professional Firefighters/Paramedics representatives presented the check to Little Smiles at a recent Wellington Village Council meeting. Little Smiles provides help for children who are sick in

the hospital or in hospice care.

The event also raised enough money to give another $6,000 in college scholarships to local high school students who demonstrate dedication to public service and community service.

The five-year run for charity, organized by the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics Benevolent Fund Inc., has donated more than $50,000 to local charities and $17,000 in scholarships.

For more information about the Jeff Annas Memorial Firefighters 5K Run, visit www.jeffannas5k. com.

For more about Little Smiles, visit www.littlesmiles.org.

James Fisher Attends Inactivation Of U.S. Navy’s USS ‘Enterprise’ Navy Seaman James Fisher, son of Terry Mistler of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kevin Fisher of Loxahatchee, along with nearly 12,000 past and current crewmembers, family and friends, attended the inactivation of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, recently completed its 25th and final deployment and returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled inactivation, held prior to the ship’s terminal offload program and subsequent decommissioning.

The inactivation ceremony was the last official public event for the ship and served as a celebration of life for the ship and the more than 100,000 sailors who served aboard.

The chief of naval operations, the commander of United States Fleet Forces, nine of 23 prior commanding officers, many decorated war heroes and thousands of Enterprise veterans attended the event.

In honor of that spirit, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in a video message played at the ceremony, announced that the name Enterprise will live on as the name was officially passed to CVN-80, the third Ford class carrier and the ninth ship in the U.S. Navy to bear the name.

Commissioned on Nov. 25, 1961, the eighth ship to bear the illustri-

ous name Enterprise, the “Big E” was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

A veteran of 25 deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean and the Middle East, Enterprise has served in nearly every major conflict to take place during her history. From the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 to six deployments in support of the Vietnam conflict through the Cold War and the Gulf wars, Enterprise was there.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Enterprise aborted her transit home from a long deployment after the terrorist attacks, and steamed overnight to the North Arabian Sea. Big “E” once again took her place in history when she launched the first strikes in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 100,000 sailors and marines have served aboard Enterprise during its lifetime. It has been home ported in both Alameda, Calif., and Norfolk, Va., and has conducted operations in every region of the world.

Fisher is a 2002 graduate of Norwood High School in Ohio and joined the Navy in February 2011. He is a 2010 graduate of University of Cincinnati in Ohio, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree.

For more information on USS Enterprise, her legendary history, and Inactivation Week events, visit enterprise.navy.mil.

Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Piering of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue races in a full mask and oxygen tank.

Diva Rodriguez Finishes Air Force Basic Training Air Force Airman Diva Rodriguez recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Rodriguez 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 through the Community College of the Air Force.

Rodriguez is the daughter of Karla Rodriguez of West Palm Beach and granddaughter of Daniel Murphy of Boynton Beach.

She is a 2011 graduate of Wellington High School.

Diva Rodriguez

Derek Feick Graduates Marine Recruit Training Marine Corps Pvt. Derek Feick, son of Jill and James Feick of Royal Palm Beach, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. For 13 weeks, Feick stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Training subjects in-

cluded close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, Feick endured the Crucible, a 54hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Feick is a 2012 graduate of the Kings Academy in West Palm Beach.

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NEWS

MARTHA WEBSTER KICKS OFF RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

A campaign kickoff party was held for Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. The event was catered by the Lord’s Place Café Joshua, and Duo Exceptionale’s Alicia Branch and Bill Stafford provided entertainment. Non-perishable food donations were accepted for the Royal Covenant Church Food Pantry at the door.

Webster is facing a challenge from former Councilman David Swift in the March municipal election.

Dale and Wanda Butcher, Scott Armand, Councilwoman Martha Webster, Ron Tomchin and Eric Gordon.

Quickel

Offers Her Resignation

continued from page 1 terminate Quickel’s position. “But I’m going about doing it in a nice way,” she said. “If we have to renegotiate it, I think we should.”

Jacobs said that when Quickel was hired in early 2010, she was the last supervisor called by ITID Attorney Charlie Schoech, and, although she did not like the contract, she was told there were already four votes to hire Quickel, so she went along with the majority. However, Jacobs said she is not convinced that Quickel has the necessary maintenance and operations experience to get the job done.

“I don’t think Tony [Las Casas] really knew the real scope of the job, but he had to follow Tanya’s

Registry

Foreclosure Problems

continued from page 1 Beach have similar ordinances and use vendors to manage the registry.

“Almost all of the municipalities we spoke to have a vendor for the registry,” he said. “Royal Palm Beach tried keeping track of properties but decided it was too timeconsuming. All of the communities have shown the program cuts down on staff time spent processing these cases. They are also able to get in contact with the lender easier because they have a contact they can get hold of right away.”

Currently, Koch said he has one full-time staff member who han-

Gloria Ferrara, Margie Bonner, Councilwoman Martha Webster and Al Magersuppe.

lead, and Tanya is the lead with a lot of stuff that I don’t think she’s qualified for,” Jacobs said. “I could put the vote out there to terminate Tanya if you want me to.”

“If you put the vote out to terminate Tanya, do you know what it is going to cost the district? It’s like $150,000,” Damone replied, referring to Quickel’s separation agreement of one year’s salary if she is asked to leave without cause.

“Let me put it this way,” Jacobs said. “I know books. I was a bookkeeper for 12 years. What we would pay to terminate her contract has been lost in one month here. We would be better off to pay her contract, and we would still be ahead.”

Damone, however, disagreed.

“Tanya has saved us a lot of money since she came on board. She did what we asked her to do with fiscal responsibility. We didn’t

have public records correct here.

We didn’t have our books correct here. She did everything we asked her to do, and this is a public process. I think we need to be respectful,” Damone said.

“I’m trying to be respectful,” Jacobs replied. “I feel like I’ve been treated like a rag doll, and I don’t even have respect of the board.

The employees are told not to talk to me. They don’t even say ‘hi’ to me anymore. I don’t talk to these employees. I hear things through the grapevine. I don’t always believe what they say because I know how rumors are spread.”

Schoech suggested that the board determine whether there was support to terminate Quickel’s contract without cause. “If there is, then this matter is finished with no additional discussion,” he said. “If there isn’t, you cannot hire a maintenance operator until the contract is amended, and that

will require a negotiation with Ms. Quickel.”

Jacobs made a motion to terminate Quickel effective immediately, but it died for lack of a second.

Dunkley said that he would not second such a motion without gaining more firsthand information. “I understand and I can empathize with Supervisor Jacobs, and one of the reasons I refuse to vote at this point is because I am the new kid on the block,” he said.

“I’m a professional investigator, and I don’t act on hearsay.”

Dunkley said he would prefer to table the issue so he can study it and decide for himself. “I do think we need to sit down and reorganize things,” he said. “I think it needs to be more transparent.”

Jacobs agreed to table the idea of terminating or renegotiating Quickel’s contract for several months but said she still believed a hiring freeze is needed.

Damone suggested that supervisors conduct a workshop with Quickel and other administrative staff to review the responsibilities of the respective departments.

Jacobs said she favored such a workshop, but pointed out that she had asked for a similar meeting in September that never came to be.

Damone suggested they have a roundtable discussion outside the office. “It would help Supervisor Dunkley, too,” she said, “where the board of supervisors hears who the key staff members are, maybe each one could introduce their departments to us where we would be able to ask them questions.”

Jacobs added that she would like Schoech to review the Sunshine Law and help Hager with presiding over the board.

Damone asked Quickel if that was agreeable, but Quickel said

she would prefer to have her resignation negotiated with legal staff.

“You have made it very clear about the hiring freeze and to change the direction of maintenance and operations, and I completely understand, but there is a contract in place,” Quickel said. “I would ask that you give direction for me to negotiate with the attorneys.”

Jacobs made a motion to begin negotiations for Quickel’s resignation, which was seconded with regrets by Damone. The motion carried 5-0.

“I’ll say for the record that I know why Tanya did that, because she is an absolute professional,” Damone said. “Even if you disagree with her, this is not fair to her professionalism. She is wellrespected among her peers in this county and this state, and she deserves to be treated with respect.”

dles abatements when a property has gone into decline. That staff member, he said, often must search to find who is responsible for the property. “I’d rather be able to send one e-mail than three letters to get compliance,” he said.

Additionally, it would benefit the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in dealing with crime.

“They’ll be able to get updated information to deal with trespassers and other issues,” Koch said.

Vice Mayor Howard Coates asked about Wellington’s projections for foreclosures.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the numbers are expected to rise slightly in the coming months as courts release properties, but then will decline.

“We expect it to rise to about 1,500 properties,” he said. “But we believe we are at the end. We are

seeing more movement in the market, especially in homes in the $400,000 range. The number of homes may go up in the short term, but we believe that in the next three years, it will subside significantly.”

Willhite asked whether the registration fee would need to be paid every time the property changes hands, and Koch said it would.

“If it’s the same vendor, they can annually renew it,” he said. “But it’s similar to a rental license. We still have to process all the information and do the paperwork.”

Wellington would split the registration fee — recommended between $150 and $200 — with the registration company. “There is no upfront cost,” Koch stressed.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she had been against similar measures in the past because

costs would be passed on to consumers buying the home. She said this program could help keep homes from needing expensive repairs, however.

“Honestly, somewhere along the way the consumer ends up paying the cost,” she said. “But this keeps down maintenance costs if it’s done all along. It keeps our costs down, and it keeps fines down.”

Gerwig said that with foreclosure rates falling, Wellington probably would not need the program for long. “How difficult is it to get out of?” she asked.

Schofield said there is a yearto-year contract, meaning the council could terminate it at the end of the year.

Willhite said he thought the program would be beneficial.

“I think it’s a good thing to have in place,” he said. “I think it will be helpful to open more dialogue and

have more connections. We need to force lenders and banks to start taking care of the property, because they’re leaving us with the problems. It’s not just our problem, it’s the neighbors’. Their home values are decreasing because of the eyesore.”

Willhite added that he would like to see homeowners’ associations notified if the ordinance passes so they can help identify issues.

Coates said he was generally in favor of the ordinance but asked that staff clear up some of the legal language dealing with when the property officially enters the program. He noted that under Florida law, lenders can’t automatically take control of the property.

“They can’t do it without a court-appointed receiver that permits them to have access to and preserve the property,” he explained. “What I think we should do, instead of requiring the lender

to do the maintenance outright, we should require them to take all reasonable measures to go to court and get the approvals needed.

Then I would be much more comfortable that this complies with the law.”

Coates also pointed out that though the measure was being billed as a vacant homes registry, it was tracking foreclosed homes, whether vacant or not. “This is a foreclosure registry,” he said. “The problem for me is that if the home is not vacant, if someone is occupying it, I don’t know why we don’t have the ability to go to that door and deal with it directly.”

Coates said he would support preliminary approval of the measure but hoped to see the language cleaned up before final adoption.

Willhite made a motion to approve the ordinance, setting the registration fee at $150. It passed unanimously.

cial on Southern Blvd. is a bad idea.

“Commercial there is what I call highway commercial,” he said. “It will be an income stream, but not the center of town. Love it or hate it, Red Barn offers a lot of services, and is in the center of town.”

Resident Virginia Standish said she thought the county is pro-development and the residents have to protect their town. “A town center is a fantastic concept,” Standish said, adding that she favored an idea that had been suggested to locate a town hall on Okeechobee.

Former Councilman Dennis Lipp said he had moved to Loxahatchee Groves in 1977 when Okeechobee was then referred to familiarly as “Middle Road.”

He clarified, however, that the original intent for commercial on Southern Blvd. was to develop Tangerine Blvd. to the north of the lots on Southern Blvd. as the main commercial access point for residents. “Okeechobee has been a problem,” Lipp said. “This is the third or fourth workshop. The solutions never get simpler, and now we are faced with a lawsuit.”

Lipp said he would like to pay

$20,000 or $30,000 for a planner, not a developer, to research and provide recommendations for Okeechobee Blvd.

Resident Howard Voren said finding solutions has been tough, with factions fighting against one another. “It’s all hot-button issues, reacting to issues without having the facts,” he said, adding that when Southern Blvd. is widened, it will severely restrict access from the town. “I see D Road as a quasi-main street. They are going to take away that access.”

Voren asked town staff whether they could come back with suggestions or ideas that people could look at and say what they prefer, since what had been provided so far was much too general.

“What we have now is not anything I can feel good about,” Voren said. “Instead of being given broad concepts, give us some basics.”

Town Manager Mark Kutney said the workshop was to be the first of two public input meetings, the next of which will be in February or March to take comments on the future of the Southern Blvd. corridor.

the car and noticed that Jones appeared nervous. According to the report, the deputy ordered Jones out of the vehicle, but Jones started his car and put it in drive. The deputy said that only after drawing his weapon and giving Jones strong verbal commands did he turn off the car. According to the report, the deputy deployed his Taser, striking Jones in the shoulder, but Jones continued to resist arrest. After apprehending Jones, the deputy searched the vehicle and discovered a marijuana cigarette and a loaded Ruger pistol under the front seat. The gun was discovered to be stolen, and the serial number had been filed off.

Jones was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, resisting an officer with violence and possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

DEC. 18 — A Clewiston woman was arrested Tuesday evening

for retail theft and drug possession after she was caught stealing from the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer contacted the Royal Palm Beach substation after she stopped 33-year-old Ruthie Lott.

According to the report, Lott entered the store at approximately 6:30 p.m. and selected several items off the shelf and placed them in a purple rubber box in her shopping cart. The officer then observed Lott remove the box from the cart and exit the store without making an attempt to pay for the concealed items. The loss prevention officer stopped her and recovered $420.12 in stolen merchandise. According to the report, the deputy arrived and, during a search of Lott’s bag, discovered .8 grams of powdered cocaine in a small plastic bag. Lott was arrested and taken to the county jail, where she was charged with grand theft and possession of cocaine.

2013 South Florida Fair Advance Tickets On Sale Discount admission and ride tickets to January’s annual South Florida Fair are now on sale at Publix supermarkets, BB&T, Bud’s Chicken & Seafood and TD Bank locations. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.south floridafair.org.

The 2013 South Florida Fair is slated for Jan. 18 through Feb. 3.

“Fair tickets are the perfect holiday gift for the entire family, friends or associates,” President and CEO Rick Vymlatil said. “There is an assortment of ticket packages available to fit every budget.”

An advance purchase saves up to 30 percent off gate prices, which go into effect Jan. 18. The cost of an advance adult admission, 12 and older, is $10 and $15 at the gate.

An advance child’s admission is

$5 and $8 at the gate (5 and younger are free), and an advance senior admission, 60 and older, is $7 and $9 at the gate. For details on this and other discounts, including the Mega Saver package, which represents a $41 savings in advance, may be found online at www. southfloridafair.com/tickets.

The South Florida Fair, Palm Beach County’s largest and oldest event, is starting its second century with a number of new attractions including an impressive 70,000 square foot exposition theme of “Washington, D.C., Our Nation’s Capital.”

New entertainment offerings include a world-class, patriotic ice show, an intriguing Elephant Encounter, a Firefighter Show and the Landshark Band. Returning fair

favorites include pig racing, a petting zoo, hypnotist Mark Yuzuik, Dennis Lee and the Sally Bennett Big Band orchestra. All are free with a fair admission ticket.

National recording acts that have been booked include Jackyl, 10th Avenue North, Dustin Lynch and the Country Gold Tour. More than 90 rides will be open on the magical Wade Shows midway.

Among the fair favorites are the thousands of farm animals and feathered friends gathered in the Agriplex and strolling through historic Yesteryear Village while perhaps munching on a famous corn dog or funnel cake.

For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southflorida fair.org.

File For Homestead Exemption In Wellingon The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser ’s Office will be offering its services at the Wellington Municipal Complex, 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., the third Thursday of every month, from 10 to 11 a.m. through February 2013. A representative will assist with homestead, senior and other property tax exemption applications, as

Letters continued from page 4 Arab Emirates, where it remains today, is still enjoying a no-bid Army contract but adding a subsidiary KBR, which charges our kids $90 for a sea bag full of laundry. I’m grateful to Mr. Euell for bringing up this mess.

Lost in this discussion about “carbon footprints” is Mr. Euell’s credentials as a member in good standing in the scientific community, capable of making any kind of credible argument about the leading causes of global warming but ridiculing Mr. Gore’s position backed by some of the biggest names in the scientific community. Interestingly, Mr. Euell does make a case that anyone not supporting Big Oil interests is somehow in favor of higher gas prices.

Iris Levin, Al Berwick, Phyllis Katz and Ray Casto with Councilwoman Martha Webster.

well as answer questions you may have on property taxes. The deadline for exemptions is March 1.

Exemptions include: the initial $25,000 homestead exemption, the additional $25,000 homestead exemption, a senior citizen exemption, a $5,000 disabled veterans exemption, a combat-disabled senior veterans exemption and the $500 wid-

ow/widower exemption.

Documents required to file a homestead exemption include: a current Florida driver ’s license or Florida identification card and a current voter registration card or declaration of domicile. Non-U.S. citizens must also provide proof of permanent residency. For more information, call (561) 791-4000.

Increasing oil production will not lower gas prices at the pump, it will merely allow Big Oil companies a greater opportunity to sell more oil in a global market.

The purpose of business is to make money, wherever and whenever they can and they are not the least bit interested in how much you pay at the pump. The most startling part of your argument about healthcare is that you don’t really understand it or you would have recognized that Romneycare is the precursor and the model for Obamacare but the mechanisms within them are identical and the only exception is that Obama made his version weaker to appease Republicans, but it did not!

Mr. Euell, the election is over and the direction the Republican party wanted to take this nation

failed. Electorally, Republicans were trounced 332-206. You lost because you walked all over women’s rights. You lost because you didn’t understand that we are a land of immigrants and you wanted to deny new immigrants here illegally as cheap labor a pathway to citizenship.

Finally, you lost because you don’t know how our present healthcare works for the 47 percent you disdain. I was a tech director of five professional departments and an on call administrator in a 250-bed hospital in Chicago, and when you try to discuss the healthcare industry, it is apparent you are in over your head or a victim of Romneyesia (just couldn’t resist it — sorry!).

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

Okeechobee

Wide Divide Remains

continued from page 1 commercial land use on the property and had been told by staff it was consistent. “His position continues to be that it’s in an area appropriate for commercial use,” Kilday said.

Kilday added that many Loxahatchee residents seem to have an “all or nothing” point of view and pointed out that there are probably appropriate places for different types of uses.

“There is already a mix, and some of those will be there a long time,” Kilday said, adding that he felt the town should get beyond the issue of use and focus more on design for the corridor. “Okeechobee is an opportunity. Right now, it is an ugly road with bad edges on it. I heard two people say ‘main street.’ Start with the core and grow out from the core.”

Kilday urged that a design workshop be conducted to develop concepts for the corridor. He added that he felt focusing commer-

Blotter continued from page 6 PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach late last Friday night to report a case of forgery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 11 p.m., the employee discovered six counterfeit $20 bills while counting money. She did not know who used the bills or at what time they were received at the store. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 16 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested last Sunday night on felony weapon possession and drug charges following a traffic stop in Counterpoint Estates. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was on patrol when he observed a gray Chevy Malibu speeding on Grandview Way. According to the report, the deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 24-year-old Tyrell Jones. The deputy said he could smell marijuana coming from

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NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH HONORS ITS VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON The Village of Royal Palm Beach held a holiday luncheon for volunteers Saturday, Dec. 14 in the main ballroom at the Madison Green Golf Club. Volunteers were treated to a buffet lunch in honor of their hard work throughout the year. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Marcia Quick, Prudell Belle, Maria Gallaro and Adell Marlatt.

Robin and Richard Becher with Brigitte and Joe Boyle.

Cheryl and Mike Lower with Beth Kaplan and Joe Schelorke.

Sally and Lynn Balch.

Bruce Evans with his mother Vera.

Catherine Amico, Mayor Matty Mattioli and Jerry Springer.

Doris Mendez-Weeks, Dolly Hughes and Cindy Beckles.

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES LANDOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY YARD SALE

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association hosted a community yard sale Saturday, Dec. 15 at a home on F Road in Loxahatchee PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER Groves. Residents gathered to sell various household items, from kitchenware to clothing.

Brittany, Carrie and Daniel Correll sell clothes.

Virginia Malkemes sells a juicer.

Darlene Stevenson sells glass and porcelain items.

LGLA member Dr. Bill Louda sells a variety of items.

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 23

Page 24 December 21 - December 27, 2012

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LILA PHOTO

LILA PHOTO

ALEX PACHECO

The Perfect Match – Polo and Brunch

Enjoy fabulous cuisine, entertainment, fashion and, of course, world-class polo every Sunday, January 6 through April 21.

Entrance at 2 p.m. | Polo match at 3 p.m.

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Champagne Brunch

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The Pavilion Reception Pass January-February: $55 March-April: $65 r 1SF NBUDI DIBNQBHOF UPBTU r 1BTTFE MJHIU IPST E PFVWSFT r 5XP DPNQMJNFOUBSZ ESJOL UPLFOT

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Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch (for two) January-February: $300 March-April: $330 r $PNQMJNFOUBSZ WBMFU QBSLJOH r 1BWJMJPO SFDFQUJPO r -BWJTI HPVSNFU CSVODI r " DPNQMJNFOUBSZ CPUUMF PG 7FVWF $MJDRVPU

For tickets, please visit InternationalPoloClub.com or call 561.204.5687. Polo HOTLINE 561.282.5290 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, Florida 33414 *Tax inclusive. Parking additional, unless otherwise noted.

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Jennifer Benoit: Dressage Judge, Appraiser, Trainer

Jennifer Benoit, the owner of Seahorse Stables in Wellington, is living an enviable life, although it didn’t seem that way a while back.

Read about her transformation from being unemployed to turning her horse hobby into an equestrian business.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27

December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 25

Wellington Soccer Boys Dominate Dwyer 8-0

The Wellington High School boys varsity soccer team traveled to William T. Dwyer High School on Friday, Dec. 14, where they shut out the host Panthers 8-0. It took the Wolverines only 60 minutes to end the contest due to the eight-goal advantage rule prior to time expiring. Page 39

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Master Travel & Cruises Offers Clients Vacation Packages With Peace Of Mind

Master Travel & Cruises has opened a new location in the Wellington Marketplace. Previously, the longestablished agency was in Royal Palm Beach. It does more than just sell vacation packages; it provides clients with security. “We give our clients guidelines and make sure that everything is in order, like whether their passports are not expired, or if they need a visa to enter a country,” co-owner Lynda Reich said.

Page 29

Sports Wellington Girls Basketball Squad Falls To Dwyer 71-28

The Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team was defeated 71-28 by William T. Dwyer High School at a home game on Thursday, Dec. 13. Dwyer got out to an early lead and dominated the court, while the Lady Wolverines struggled throughout to put points on the board.

Page 39

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 27-28 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 29-31 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 33 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 39-41 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................42-43 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................44-49

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 27

FEATURES

Jennifer Benoit: Dressage Judge, Horse Appraiser, Trainer Talk about someone who’s found a way to make horses more than a hobby! Jennifer Benoit is living an enviable life, although it didn’t seem that way a while back.

She was working as a medical device sales rep and also competing at the Grand Prix level when she became pregnant plus had to contend with two herniated discs in her back. After she gave birth, she had back surgery — and then got laid off.

Her husband, Chris, viewed the change as an opportunity, however — a way for Benoit to morph her hobby into a business.

“He’d watched me buy, sell and trade horses over the years,” she said. “He saw my job loss as a sign that I should do it professionally. So, last year, we moved from Boca to Wellington, bought this property and began Seahorse Stables.”

The property, on Indian Mound Road, includes 5 acres and an eight-stall barn. Some clients board with Benoit, especially during the season, and others trailer in for lessons.

Why Seahorse?

“It’s a lucky emblem for us. Chris loves boats and the ocean, and I love horses. It became our symbol. When we bought this place, he sold a yacht and I sold a very nice Grand Prix horse,” Benoit said, smiling as she explains the next part. “Also, seahorses are the only Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg species where the male gives birth. That suits me fine.”

As for being a USEF judge, Jennifer received her “r” rating in 2005.

“I wanted to become a better rider and competitor,” she explained. “I wanted to see what dressage looked like from the judges’ perspective. The hardest part is sitting still and watching others ride. The best part is being able to give helpful and encouraging comments.”

Benoit explains that becoming a judge is a very rigorous program in which you meet certain requirements at each level, and you have to remain at each level at least two years before moving up.

“I started early, because it can easily take 15 years or more to reach FEI level,” she said.

“I’ve been accepted into the ‘R’ level, and I’m waiting to be tested. The tests include practical exams, where you sit with judges and see how they’re scoring riders. You also judge the same classes and then compare your score sheets with those of the judges. It’s very much an apprenticeship.”

Jennifer Benoit of Seahorse Stables in action. IMAGE COURTESY JOANNA JODKO PHOTOGRAPHY Among other requirements, you need the recommendations of 25 judges at that level.

“This isn’t an easy goal to achieve, but I’m glad it’s difficult,” Benoit said. “It should be something that not just anyone could do. You have to work hard at it and really want it.”

What does she look for when she’s judging?

“I want to see purity of gaits, expression, impulsion, submission and a harmonious picture of horse and rider. I want to see a happy See ROSENBERG, page 28

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FEATURES

’Twas The Week Before Christmas Here In Palms West ’Twas the week before Christmas and all through the west, the grown-ups slept soundly ’cuz they’d done their best.

Deborah Welky is

Some groups gathered clothing and undies and shoes; some gathered up PJs in reds and in blues.

’Cuz it’s not just their status that you may perceive.

It’s that they know “better to give than receive.”

Their children were cared for, and presents piled high.

Not one would be left out, not one would dare cry.

The Sonic BOOMER

Some donated food to the hungry and then, went down to the soup kitchen — did it again.

And, yes, there are some who just take, never give, but they’ll learn by example.

They’ll learn how to live.

These grown-ups worked hard at their jobs the year through.

But they also worked for The unfortunate, too.

Of Christmas (with all of its glitter and fluff), and Santa (with his magical bagful of stuff).

Even those who did not have one minute to spare, worked out some small way they were able to share.

So when you see photos and names (and the places), that collected donations, take note of the faces.

They donated, gave and signed numerous checks, so each child — not just theirs — would enjoy the effects.

The Marines did their job and gathered up toys, The B&G Club helped out, both the girls and the boys.

And this is the thing that makes the west great.

They work hard; they play hard, They ap-pre-ci-ate.

Then thank them... your neighbor, your doctor, your friend... ’Cuz these are the people who worked ’til the end.

Bill’s Bikes shared the wealth with Kids wanting ’cycles, And artists made crafts with supplies bought from Michael’s.

They welcome you in, then they help you out.

They have lots to give, and they do give it out.

To make sure all kids enjoyed Christmas this year, and their parents faced 2013 with hope and not fear.

Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer or stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page on Facebook.

‘The Hobbit’ Is A Truly Great Movie... Make Plans To See It! The Hobbit is a triumph of storytelling and technology. It is more accessible, particularly for those who do not regularly inhabit Middle-earth, than The Lord of the Rings. Originally written as a children’s story, becoming a form of introduction to the world, instead of concentrating on the overarching struggle between good and evil, it examines its effect on one hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. As a result, it becomes an adventure story filled with dwarves, elves, orcs, trolls, goblins, wizards and flying birds. And, one hobbit. Well, the young Frodo (Elijah Wood, one of several veterans of the earlier trilogy to make cameo appearances) does show up briefly in the beginning, talking to the elderly Bilbo (Ian Holm), but aside from that, there is only one hobbit.

Bilbo (Martin Freeman) is a contented hobbit, enjoying life with his books and his stores of food in his comfortable lair. When Gandalf the wizard (Ian McKellen) tells him he will soon be on an adventure, he refuses. Within a short period of time, his home is overrun by dwarves, all intent on retaking their old home, Erebor, now called the “lonely mountain.” He is horrified when Gandalf suggests he join the dwarves, says he won’t, but the next day joins

Rosenberg

Jennifer Benoit

continued from page 27 horse, one who’s working hard and enjoying his job,” Benoit said. “If there’s a problem with the horse, many times it’s caused by the rider sitting or using herself incorrectly. Judges don’t give training tips, just observations.

Since the horse is 95 percent of the score, a so-so rider can compete on a really nice horse and do quite well.”

Benoit really cares about the horses she rides and judges. One time, as a judge, she stopped a rider in a schooling show and asked her to leave the ring because she wouldn’t stop yanking on her pony’s mouth.

A common fault she often sees?

“Novice dressage riders have a misconcep-

up. And that is how the journey begins. The dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) do not fully accept him as they battle their way toward the castle, now held by the Dragon Smaug. The movie becomes a chase film as the 13 dwarves and one hobbit, as well as Gandalf, wind up being pursued by enemies. Finally, after Bilbo behaves heroically, he is accepted.

Since this is the first film of a planned trilogy and, comparing this to the first of the LOTR films, it is actually better. The issues are far simpler, and there have been incredible advances in computer-generated special effects.

Gollum (portrayed through computer-generated imaging by the great Andy Serkis who did the part in the early films) is far more ex-

pressive than ever before and plays a far more subtle role. The interplay between Bilbo and Gollum is superb, providing far more backstory on Gollum than we have seen before. We finally even see Bilbo getting a certain golden ring. But we also see the elves Elrond and Galadriel (Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett) as well as Saruman (Christopher Lee) arguing over the future of Middle-earth, which helps determine a lot of the main plot line. There are several chase and battle scenes with orcs and wargs (all CGI images) as well as goblins.

It is difficult to assess the acting of the troupe as a whole. Freeman is superb as Bilbo. He is querulous, imbued like all hobbits with a love of home, and does not feel he is a hero. But he carries off the transformation into hero, at first simply stalling for time better than the ferocious dwarfs when that is needed and eventually actually fighting. His is the central role, and he does it extraordinarily well. I mentioned Serkis earlier. His kind of acting deserves some form of recognition by the Academy Awards; his work in these films as well as Rise of the Planet of the Apes deserves an award. Most of the dwarves are fitted with prosthetics on their faces, making true expres-

sion difficult, although Armitage, most surly, does a great job.

The early trilogy was sharply criticized for cutting out large sections of the books. That is not true of this film. The new series is based, naturally, on the book of the same name, and includes information that Tolkien inserted into footnotes and appendices. Very little is left out; actually, there are additions that make the story far more comprehensible.

That helps understanding the story and the issues. The film becomes a tale of great adventure. Yes, the moral issues that were so important to Tolkien are still there. Gandalf, when asked why he suggested the hobbit join them, argues that the important things in life are the small ones, the little kindnesses, the wisdom to know when it is better to show mercy rather than kill. That was a hallmark of Tolkien’s beliefs, and having it in the film and focusing on the least obviously heroic of its members brings a reminder of how regular people often perform acts of selfless bravery.

This is a really good movie. Go see it. You can take older children, although you should be warned that there is a lot of violence in it.

But it is good. I look forward to the sequels.

tion that horses have to be rounder and deeper, so they pull the head down to make the neck rounder and push for bigger movements, instead of teaching a horse to find a comfortable headset on the bit and use himself correctly,” Benoit said. “They should think about motivating the horse to move forward from his quarters, not just submit to unyielding hands. Young horses, in particular, should never be too collected at the walk. Riding should be enjoyable for both horse and rider.”

Benoit is also a certified equine appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers, which she said is a great deal of fun.

“There’s always someone with a list of requirements looking for a dressage horse. I can try the horse for them, shoot a video, talk with

a vet, set up a pre-purchase exam, video the flexion test, negotiate the price, write the bill of sale, arrange shipping — everything,” she explained. “A big part is establishing a horse’s fair market value by comparing it to similar recently sold horses. This is commonly done during a divorce, buying out half of a syndicated stallion, donating a horse to a charity or making an insurance claim.”

In teaching her students, Benoit evaluates what they’re doing and advises them how to strengthen weaknesses so they can improve and move up a level.

Ellen Reeder is one of her students. She splits her time between Monkton, Md., and Wellington. She met Benoit through a friend last year.

“She’s marvelous, a superb fit,” Reeder said.

“She matches my personality and interacts

wonderfully with my horse, a big German Warmblood. She makes him happy. Each day, when I ride with her, she has a plan all thought out as to what we’ll work on, what games he’ll play. She always keeps his tempo and mood in mind. She lets him be proud of what he’s done and makes riding fun for both me and my horse.”

Benoit is always teaching, Reeder said.

“Even when we’re taking a break or walking out, she talks with me and teaches me things,” Reeder added. “She’s very observant and detail-oriented, catches even minor things early before they turn into big problems. She’s intelligent, poised, has a lot of empathy, is very capable, and just plain fun to be with.”

For more information, visit www.seahorse wellington.com, or call (561) 309-7300.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

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BUSINESS NEWS

December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 29

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Master Travel & Cruises owners Michael and Lynda Reich (left) with travel agents.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Master Travel & Cruises Offers Vacation Packages With Peace Of Mind

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Master Travel & Cruises has opened a new location in the Wellington Marketplace.

Previously, the long-established travel agency was located in Royal Palm Beach. Its current location is a newly renovated storefront office perfect for both walk-ins and appointments.

Owners Michael and Lynda Reich have been in the industry since 1988. They have moved offices several times over the years to meet the demands of their clients in an ever-changing industry.

“Before our most recent move, we were in the Royal Plaza at Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards,” Lynda Reich said. “We were in three different locations there for the last 12 years.”

They also had a location in West Palm Beach. “That’s where we originally started,” Reich said.

Master Travel also has an office in Denver, Co., started by an agent who moved there.

“She kept her clients and got new ones out there,” Reich said.

The move to Wellington was a much-needed change for the owners, who wanted to reach a broader clientele. “We just needed a change,” Reich said. “Many clients from Wellington were also finding us at our Royal Palm Beach office, but it was a hidden location.”

The agency offers a variety of vacation experiences, whether it’s customized trips to exotic locations or quick cruises to the Bahamas.

Master Travel has two divisions: corporate and agency.

“My husband does the corporate side, where most of the planning is done by phone

and e-mail, and that is his specialty,” Reich said. “On our agency side, we have many agents who are specialized in certain areas and meet with clients at our office.”

Whether a client is looking for assistance in planning a destination wedding or a monthlong tour of any country, Master Travel has 10 agents who are experienced in various areas.

“That’s what sets us apart from other agencies — our experience, knowledge and professionalism,” Reich said.

Travel has always been a passion for Reich. While living in New York, a close friend piqued her interest in travel planning when she asked Reich to assist her in planning a vacation. “She made it so exciting, and I said to my husband, ‘You know, that’s something I may want to do some day,’” Reich recalled.

When they moved to Florida, the Reichs decided to buy an existing travel agency. “It was called Master Travel at the time, and we built it up over the years and made it what it is today,” Reich said. “Years ago, we added ‘Cruises’ to the name because in the advent of the cruise agencies, we would have many people call and ask, ‘Do you sell cruises?’ so we decided to put it in our name.”

Master Travel does more than just sell vacation packages; it provides clients with security. “We give our clients guidelines and make sure that everything is in order, like whether their passports are not expired, or if they need a visa to enter a country,” Reich said.

Master Travel & Cruises is located in the Wellington Marketplace at 13833 Wellington Trace, Suite E13, Wellington. For more information, visit www.mastertravel.net or call (561) 798-0505 or toll free (800) 445-5493.

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BUSINESS NEWS Prop Appraiser Adopts Domestic Partnership Tax Equity Program Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits has adopted a policy that will reimburse employees who elect to provide health insurance to their domestic partners.

Currently, the portion of employee insurance premiums paid by the property appraiser’s office is considered taxable income for same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partners.

Pre-tax premium benefits for married couples are not taxable income under federal law.

“There is a disparity between the benefits received by married couples and those received by domestic partners,” Nikolits said. “This new policy will level the playing field for both married couples and unmarried couples who are in long-term committed relationships.”

Employees who qualify as domestic partners and elect to provide health insurance to their partner will receive a tax equity reimbursement aimed at mitigating the impact of the additional imputed income tax. The new policy, which goes into effect in January, was initiated following a request from Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

Diana Goetz

Jim Walton

Stephanie Rapp

Michael Mitrione

Quantum House Names New Board Members Quantum House has announced the appointment of Diana Goetz, Stephanie Rapp and Jim Walton to its board of directors. “Diana, Stephanie and Jim are proven leaders in their respective industries and will bring their unique and valuable insights to our board,” Quantum House Chair Julie Criser said.

Diana Goetz is the senior director of accounting and financial risk of TBC Corporation. She has volunteered for Quantum House for several years.

Stephanie Rapp is an attorney for

Jones, Foster, Johnston & Stubbs, PA and comes to Quantum House through a partnership with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches.

Jim Walton is president of Southwest Greens. Walton also volunteers his time at Quantum House, most notably for providing his services to keep the Quantum House putting green.

“The staff and current board of Quantum House are honored to welcome Diana, Stephanie and Jim,” said Robi Jurney, executive director of Quantum House. “Quantum

House is working hard to extend its reach in the community. By engaging new leaders, we can continue to ensure Quantum House will be a place ‘where hope has a home’ for families whose children are receiving medical treatment.”

Additionally, Michael Mitrione was elected to the Executive Committee of Quantum House. Mitrione will now also serve as secretary and continues to serve on the Quantum House board, as he has since 2011.

Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the

burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition.

The 10-suite hospital hospitality house provides lodging, meals, care and compassion to more than 500 family members each year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Quantum House is the only facility of its kind between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.

For more information about Quantum House, visit its web site at www. quantumhouse.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Bennett To Lead Palm Beach State’s Belle Glade Campus Dr. Holly Bennett will join Palm Beach State College on Jan. 28 as the new provost of the Belle Glade campus.

The Pennsylvania native has 20 years of higher education experience, including a background in workforce and economic development. She comes to Palm Beach State from Belmont College, a two-

year college in Ohio where she has been serving as dean of workforce and economic development since 2009. She was chosen to lead the Belle Glade campus after a national search that drew 146 applicants. She replaces Dr. Marcia Hardney, who resigned earlier this year.

Bennett said she is looking forward to coming to Palm Beach State

College and the Belle Glade campus.

“I see a lot of opportunity there,” Bennett said, noting that she gets to bring a fresh set of eyes to the campus and the community. “You’ve got the sugar industry. I think there is a lot that we can do. Palm Beach State College has a very good reputation as a community college.”

She knows first-hand the chal-

O’Neil Joins Elite Networking Pros Elite Networking Pros has announced Carol O’Neil as its newest member. She has worked for more than 20 years in the financial services industry.

O’Neil founded CEO Financial Services about five years ago to help people get their “financial house in order” and keep it that way for the rest of their lives. Her idea was simple: create a comprehensive financial plan for each client and then manage this plan toward each goal.

This allows clients more time to concentrate on things they cannot delegate. The business has expanded and now offers far more comprehensive financial services.

“After many years in this business, the financial issues have become the easy part; what motivates

me now is empowering our clients to make the most intelligent choices with their money, fulfill their aspirations and seeing them experience genuine happiness and security in their lives,” O’Neil said. “This gives us a sense that we are making a difference helping coach people.”

O’Neil holds degrees in economics and communications from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and is a certified financial divorce analyst. She is pursuing a certified financial planner designation and a master’s degree in taxation. O’Neil and her husband, Jim, live in Lake Worth. Most of their free time is spent with their immediate family or involved with the community.

Elite Networking Pros brings together a group of Palm Beach Coun-

ty business owners and professionals who are truly best-in-class in their respective industries. Its members bond together to help each other succeed in business. Belonging to Elite Networking Pros is like having a team of salespeople working for you. Every member interacts with friends, clients and business associates who could use your products or services.

Elite Networking Pros members will refer you with confidence because of the trust that builds as a result of being a part of Elite Networking Pros.

Elite Networking Pros meets every Friday morning for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.elite networkingpros.com.

lenges of communities like the Glades where unemployment has reached more than 40 percent. She was hired by Belmont College specifically to develop a strategic plan for Ohio’s Harrison County, which was hit hard during the last economic recession. Steel plants closed, and the coal industry, faced with stringent environmental regulations, shut down some of its mines, leaving many out of work. With the support of the Harrison County Commission, she spearheaded the creation of a strategic plan to help attract new industries, retain current industries, and spur economic development. “We worked largely with all volunteers to put together the strategic plan,” she said. Bennett also was elected to the Regional Planning Board to assist with the implementation of the plan.

Prior to going to Belmont College, Bennett worked for three years as dean of college preparatory services at Mohave Community College in Kingman, Ariz. and for five years as basic skills director at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C. She also has worked at Pennsylvania State University as a program coordinator/instructor and as a consultant at other colleges and universities. She first began work-

Dr. Holly Bennett ing in higher education in 1988 as a computer information systems instructor at Ivy Tech State College.

She holds a Ph.D. in workforce education and development from Pennsylvania State University, a master ’s degree in employee relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Grace College, and an associate’s degree in computer programming from Ivy Tech.

For more information about Palm Beach State College, visit www. palmbeachstate.edu.

Page 32 December 21 - December 27, 2012

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NOW OPEN! WELLINGTON EQUESTRIAN GALLERY& MALL

“Portrait of a Polo Player–Pete Bostwick”

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“A Puro Galope” by Marcela Ganly

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

‘Little Mermaid Jr.’ Opens Dec. 28 At The Borland Center KWP Productions will present the first regional theater production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., starting Dec. 28 and running through Jan. 6 at the Borland Center for Performing Arts in Palm Beach Gardens. The 60-minute musical, designed for youth performers, is based on the 2008 Broadway production and the 1989 animated feature film. The cast contains approximately 33 local students from elementary to college, led by Director Kimberly Rommel-Enright and Helen Buttery, musical director and choreographer.

This classic Disney title contains all of the songs from the Academy Award–winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show. The Little Mermaid Jr. takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice.

The local cast members are as follows: Ariel – Victoria Devereaux (a Dreyfoos School of the Arts student from West Palm Beach); Carlotta – Amisha Russell (a Palm Beach Atlantic University student from Palm Beach Gardens); Chef Louise – Sydney Wolff (a Dreyfoos student from Wellington); Co-Pilot/Sailor – Sidney O’Gorman (a Bak Middle School of the Arts student from North Palm Beach); Flotsam – Michelly Gonzalez (a Dreyfoos student from West Palm Beach); Jetsam – Jaycie Cohen (a Dreyfoos student from Lake Worth); Flounder – Becca Suskau-

Prince Eric (Alec Ruiz of Wellington), Ariel (Victoria Devereaux) and Carlotta (Amisha Russell). er (a Bak student from Palm Beach Gardens); Grimsby – Chris Konce, a Palm Beach State College student from Palm Beach Gardens); Mersisters – Emma Sue Harris (a Dreyfoos student from Lake Worth), Taylor Blount (a Dreyfoos a Dreyfoos student from West Palm Beach), Cara Young (a Dreyfoos student from Wellington), Laura Romero (a Dwyer High School student from Palm Beach Gardens), Malley Puc (a Bak student from Palm Beach Gardens) and Sydney Wolff (a Dreyfoos student from Wellington); Pilot – Alfredo Gonzalez (an Atlantic High School student from West Palm Beach); Prince Eric – Alec Ruiz (a Dreyfoos student from Wellington); Scuttle – Analisa Ruiz (an Oxbridge Academy student from Wellington); Sebastian – Sarah Hardwick (a Dreyfoos student from Lake Worth); Tri-

ton – Jonathan Raffoul (a Boynton Beach High School student from Boynton Beach); and Ursula – Jonathan Clarke (a PBAU student from West Palm Beach).

Show times for Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. are Dec. 28 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 30 at 3 p.m., Jan. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 6 at 3 p.m.

Located in northern Palm Beach County, KWP Productions is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers and theatre goers. The company enjoys working with young people to create shows for young and old alike. Through its productions, KWP strives to teach its actors about the craft of acting as well as the process it takes to create a full-scale production. KWP Productions holds open auditions to the public. Audition requirements

The Mersisters mesmerize the audience with their vocal talents. vary by show. There is never a fee or charge for participating in a KWP Production show. For more information, call (561) 339-4687 or e-mail info@kwpproductions.com.

Disney Theatrical Group operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and is among the world’s most successful commercial theater enterprises. Through Disney Theatrical Productions, Disney on Ice and Disney Live!, DTG brings live entertainment events to a global annual audience of more than 19 million people in more than 50 countries.

Under the Disney Theatrical Productions banner, the group produces and licenses Broadway musicals around the world, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida , Tarzan, Mary Poppins (a co-production by

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh) and The Little Mermaid. Other successful stage musical ventures have included King David in concert, the national tour of On The Record, several touring versions of Disney’s high school musical Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin, a critically hailed Off-Broadway production of Peter and the Starcatcher at the New York Theatre Workshop and, most recently, premiere stage adaptations of the films Aladdin at 5th Avenue Theatre and Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse.

Tickets for Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. cost $20 for adults and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com, call (561) 339-4687 or visit the box office 30 minutes prior to show time. The Borland Center is located at 4901 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens.

Christine Andreas To Perform With P.B. Pops Jan. 5-10 Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops are setting the stage for a tribute to the great ladies of the American Songbook with Broadway superstar and Tony nominee Christine Andreas in Here’s to the Ladies set for Jan. 5-10.

Performances will take place at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach State College Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens and the Florida Atlantic University Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium in Boca Raton.

Andreas is appearing in the third series of the Pops’ 21st season. Having recently ended performing in La Cage Aux Folles with Kelsey Grammar last year, Andreas is an audience favorite. Songs that will be featured during this concert include “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” among many other favorites.

Andreas returned to Broadway in April 2010 and starred nightly as Jacqueline in the award-winning production of La Cage Aux Folles with Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge.

Prior to La Cage, she received nationwide raves starring as Margaret Johnson in the 55-week national tour of the award-winning musical The Light In The Piazza.

“Christine Andreas is an outstanding actress with an incredible voice and our audience loves her. Her voice combined with the talent of our virtuoso musicians will most certainly result in a magical night celebrating the amazing women of the Great American Songbook,” Lappin said.

Best known for her work on Broadway, Andreas burst onto the New York theater scene starring as Eliza Doolittle in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 20th anniversary

production of My Fair Lady and garnering the Theatre World Award.

Andreas received two Tony nominations re-creating Laurey in Oklahoma! and as Frankie Frayne in On Your Toes. Andreas created the role of Marguerite St. Just on Broadway in the original production of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Engagements in New York at the Café Carlyle and the Algonquin’s Oak Room prompted the New York Times to extol, “She delicately kills with the sheer beauty of her voice…

She finds a blend of lyricism and sweet sensuality that only the finest Broadway voices can conjure.”

Her Carnegie Hall debut was hailed as “brilliant,” “delicious” and “sexy” in Variety. The L.A. Times called her “a mesmerizing musical presence.”

Concerts for Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops begin Jan. 5 and 6 at the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Center at Florida At-

lantic University in Boca Raton, Jan. 8 at the Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens and Jan. 9 and 10 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $29 and are available by calling (561) 832-7677 or visiting www.palmbeachpops. org.

The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 833-8300 for tickets.

The PBSC Eissey Campus Theatre is located at 3160 PGA Blvd Palm Beach Gardens. To contact the ticket office, call (561) 207-5900.

The FAU Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium is located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. To purchase tickets, visit www.fauevents.com/ online.

Also, the Palm Beach Pops is offering a holiday special on four concert ticket packages. Purchase all

Christine Andreas four concerts, Here’s to the Ladies, Maestro of the Movies, Clint Holmes and Sensational Broadway for as little at $119 and up. Call (561) 832-7677 for more information.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Girls Basketball Squad Falls To Dwyer 71-28

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School varsity girls basketball team was defeated 71-28 by William T. Dwyer High School at a home game Thursday, Dec. 13.

Dwyer got out to an early lead and dominated the court, while the Lady Wolverines struggled to put points on the board. Nicole Reed helped put Wellington on the board, scoring two 3-point baskets in the first period, in which the Lady Wolverines trailed 21-7.

But the Lady Panthers held Wellington nearly scoreless in the second period, meanwhile extending their lead with back-to-back baskets.

Though the Lady Wolverines tried to catch up, they were unable to put points on the board.

Dwyer added 29 points in the second period alone, and Wellington put in only one basket, a foul shot

by Brianna Sabbat. The second period finished with Dwyer in the lead 50-8.

But the Lady Wolverines came back fighting in the second half of

the game, cutting into Dwyer’s lead.

Baskets by Sabbat, Latoya Ashman and Haley Thompson added to Wellington’s score to finish the game 71-28 at the buzzer.

The Lady Wolverines traveled to Seminole Ridge High School on Monday, Dec. 17 and lost to the Hawks 46-31. They also hosted Royal Palm Beach High School on Thursday, Dec. 20, but results were not available at press time.

Wellington returns to face John I. Leonard High School on Monday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Lake Worth.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington’s Brianna Sabbat puts in a foul shot.

Wellington’s Bethany Long guards the basket.

Wolverine Haley Thompson carries the ball across the court.

Wellington’s Latoya Ashman looks to make a move.

Wellington Soccer Boys Dominate In 8-0 Win Over Dwyer

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School boys varsity soccer team traveled to William T. Dwyer High School on Friday, Dec. 14, where they shut out the host Panthers 8-0.

It took the Wolverines only 60 minutes to end the contest due to the eight-goal advantage rule prior to time expiring. Wellington drew first blood just five minutes into the match, when Jack Alker sent in a rocket from 20 yards out to the give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead. Alker struck again in the 16th minute off a deflected save from 6 yards out to make it 2-0.

Four minutes later, Wellington’s Jesus Castellon launched a shot from 18 yards out to extend the Wolverine lead to 3-0 at the close of the first half.

The Wolverines needed only 20 minutes into the second half to score five more goals to end the match, as they patiently passed the ball to build their attacks at the Panther net.

WHS defender Daniel Rubio intercepts a Dwyer pass.

Wellington dominated in time of possession and shots on goal. Five different players for the Wolverines scored goals on the night. Gino Col-

man, Miguel Rincon and Alker had two goals each. Caleb Zesiv and Castellon each scored a goal. Wellington is 7-1-5 on the season.

Wellington’s Mauricio Romero heads the ball up field.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

International Equestrian Education Course Debuts At WEF Starwyn Farms of Wellington has announced the launch of the International Equestrian Education series, which will be offered for the first time during the 2013 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Working in conjunction with WEF, Danielle Goldstein, Grand Prix show jumper and owner of Starwyn Farms, and her partner David Krum, designed the innovative and exciting five-week courses to provide valuable knowledge, understanding and insight for young riders, adult amateur equestrians, professionals and anyone interested in horses,

regardless of experience. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from top professionals in the industry covering a vast amount of material and topics such as the basics of horsemanship, stable management, grooming, tacking, and schooling area safety and etiquette.

Topics such as FEI standards, jumper course design, veterinary and hoof care basics, legal contracts and business essentials will also be addressed.

Two semesters of series will be offered during the Winter Equestrian Festival. Semester 1 will be held

Clay Gibbs Runner-Up At Junior Tour Championship Thirteen-year-old Clay Gibbs of Wellington was runner-up at the South Florida PGA Junior Tour Championship golf event. The 36hole tour championship was held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 at Santa Lucia River Club in Port St. Lucie.

Competing in the Boys Age 12-13 Division, Gibbs recorded rounds of 76 and 79, for a 155 total. He recorded an impressive seven birdies during the two-day competition. The

event was won by Weston’s Alberto Martinez, who shot 73, 70, for a two-day total of 143.

“This was a great event for Clay, who beat a number of players in the very impressive field. I am very pleased with the progress Clay and I have made with the things we have been working on,” said PGA Master Professional Kevin Perkins, who runs the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

during WEF weeks 1-5 (Jan. 8 through Feb. 8), and Semester 2 will take place on weeks 7-11 (Feb. 19 through March 19). All classes will be held Tuesday and Friday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enrollment for each 10-class semester costs $500, and graduates will earn the Starwyn Certificate for Equestrian Education. Starwyn’s International Equestrian Education Certification program provides knowledge to people who otherwise may never have the opportunity to access this valuable information and is an excellent option for aspiring equestrians and individuals with little to no equestrian knowledge, as well as seasoned professionals. The education series will benefit trainers or barn managers looking to upgrade the skills of their grooms or riders, and is designed to advance the equine industry as a whole by educating beginners and increasing knowledge in the equestrian community With the collaboration and support of the Winter Equestrian Festival, scholarships to the International Equestrian Education series will be available to anyone over the age of 15. The Winter Equestrian Festival will award 10 scholarships to the series during the 2013 circuit. The

Danielle Goldstein of Starwyn Farms (center) with Flora Regolo and Susan Cooperman of Wellington High School.

PHOTO COURTESY DANIELLE GOLDSTEIN

scholarships are open to any individual interested in learning more about the equine industry or advancing their skills in horsemanship.

To apply for the scholarships, applicants must be 15 years of age or older and should send an essay describing their passion for horses and the importance of equine education to Goldstein at dani.goldstein@ gmail.com. Applicants should include their full name, e-mail and

phone number on their essay, which should be no fewer than 1,500 words. The deadline for entries is Jan. 1, and the 10 winners will be selected by a committee on Jan. 4.

Goldstein is aspiring to be the first female show jumper on the Israeli Olympic Team in 2016.

To enroll in the International Equestrian Education series or for more information, call (917) 544-3349 or e-mail dani.goldstein@gmail.com.

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December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 41

SPORTS & RECREATION

WHS wrestlers and coaches with their new trophy.

Randy King

Dennis Veclotch

Dede Duff

Chris Schultz

Bassmasters Compete In Lake Wales Royal Palm Bassmasters held its monthly fishing tournament on Oct. 13 and 14 on Lake Kissimmee, outside the City of Lake Wales.

First place was awarded to the team of Randy King (boater), with 10 fish weighing 22 lbs., 10 oz. and partner Hoot Decker (co-angler), with two fish weighing 14 lbs., 7 oz. for a team weight of 37 lbs., 1 oz.

Second place was awarded to the team of Dennis Veclotch (boater), with three fish weighing 15 lbs., 4 oz. and partner Chris Schultz (co-angler), with four fish weighing 21 lbs., 3 oz., for a team weight of 36 lbs., 7 oz.

Third place was awarded to the team of Ed Singleton (boater), with five fish weighing 18 lbs., 6 oz. and partner Larry Payne (co-angler), with

five fish weighing 16 lbs., 12 oz., for a team weight of 35 lbs., 2 oz.

The Big Fish on the first day of the tournament was caught by Dede Duff, with a bass weighing 9 lbs., 6 oz.

Chris Schultz caught the second day’s Big Fish, which weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 oz.

Royal Palm Bassmasters meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at

the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The club is now accepting applications for new boaters and non-boater members.

Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing. For more information about Royal Palm Bassmasters, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com or visit www.royalpalmbass masters.org.

WHS Wrestlers Win At Big Lake Classic The Wellington High School wrestling team captured the championship trophy Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Okeechobee Big Lake Classic wrestling tournament.

The team finished 4-0 in the dual portion of the tournament, and the championship was determined in a final individual round in which the top four wrestlers at each weight competed for team points.

The team scores were as follows: WHS, 46 and Okeechobee, 34; WHS, 39 and

Haines City, 36; WHS, 55 and Sarasota Military Academy, 23; and WHS, 42 and Avon Park, 30. Individually, the results were as follows: 106 pounds, Andrew Mitchell (50), first place; 113 pounds, Colton Macfarlane (4-1), second place; 126 pounds, Nik Bonadies (5-0), first place; 132 pounds, Marcus Morin (3-2), fourth place; 138 pounds, Brandon Paz (4-1), second place; 160 pounds, Josue Arce (3-2), fourth place; and 182 pounds, Devin Gillotte (41), second place.

Page 42 December 21 - December 27, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 22 • Arts Dance Generation will perform Don Quixote on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 22 and 23 at the Wellington High School theater (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). The energetic storybook ballet is staged in its entire splendor, with colorful scenery, costumes and vibrant dancers. Call (561) 7954901 or visit www.schoolofballetartsfl.com for more info.

• The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex.

Call (561) 283-5856 or visit www.wellington fl.gov for more info.

• Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.) will feature Wetlands Discovery Canoeing on Saturday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Paddle your canoe away from the hustle of the world into the peaceful marsh.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Visit www. wpb.org/grassywaters or call (561) 8044985 or for more info.

• Genbu-Kai Karate School (13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21, in the Wellington Marketplace) will offer free, ongoing Community Workshops on Bullying Awareness and Prevention on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m., open to all school-age children, including their immediate family members. These workshops address how to recognize and potentially avoid verbal and/or physical bullying and how to deal with these situations. For more info., call (561) 804-1002 or visit www. floridagenbukai.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Chess Club Meeting for age 8 and up Saturday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Practice your strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Monday, Dec. 24 • A Latte Fun at Downtown at the Gardens invites children and their families to a VIP Character Meet & Greet from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24. Little ones can get autographs, pictures and one-on-one time with their favorite characters. The event culminates with a visit from Santa. Admission costs $24.95 per child ($15.95 for siblings), which includes a hot beverage for the caregiver, milk or juice for the child, appetizers and dessert samples, plus all-day access to the indoor playground. For more info., call (561) 627-1782 or e-mail party@lattefun.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 26 • Forbidden Broadway will visit the Kravis Center Dec. 26-31. Since 1982, Forbidden

Broadway has lampooned America’s most talked-about stars and shows. There will be eight show times. Visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 833-8300 for tickets.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Glitter Scratch Art” for ages 5 to 8 on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. Use a stylus to scratch off a coating that reveals a metallic, glittery surface. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Tween Gaming” for ages 8 to 12 on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. Challenge your friends to Wii and board games. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Crafternoon” for age 2 and up Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 26-28 at 3:30 p.m. Drop in and make a simple craft during your library visit. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Catch That Gingerbread!” for age 4 and up on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a grown-up to help you decorate gingerbread cookies and hear the story of the gingerbread man in case yours runs away!

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

Thursday, Dec. 27 • Children ages 3 to 8 can celebrate the Arrival of the New Year at the Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) on Thursday, Dec 27 at 11 a.m. Read stories about this great celebration and decorate a festive craf t to take home. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host a Luau Party for ages 8 to 12 on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. Learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions, dance the Hukilau, make leis and enter a hula competition. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, Dec. 27 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Between 15 and 20 food trucks will participate in this event every Thursday. Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Challenge your friends to Wii or board games.

Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will feature “Buyers’ See CALENDAR, page 43

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 42 Picks Wine Tasting: Featuring Bubbly” on Thursday, Dec. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy featured sparkling wines paired with fine cheeses from around the world.

There is no charge, and no registration is necessary. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

Friday, Dec. 28 • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Healthy Kids Breakfast of Champions” on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 9 a.m. Learn how to make breakfast fun, fast and nutrient-dense for your little champions. All children must be accompanied with a parent or guardian. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “CD Scratch Art” for ages 9 to 14 on Friday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m.

Scratch away black acrylic paint on CDs to reveal the shiny surface beneath. String together several to make a decoration for your room. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Grassy Waters Preserve (8264 Northlake Blvd.) will host a Moonlight Paddle on Friday, Dec 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. Experience the sunset over the freshwater marsh and glide through the quiet waters under the glow of the full moon. Basic paddling skills are recommended. Call (561) 804-4985 or visit www.wpb.org/grassywaters for more info.

• South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host Holiday Magic Nights at the Museum on Friday, Dec 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. Jump into the holiday spirit with a magical night of science. There is no charge for museum members, $11 for nonmembers, $7 for children and free for children under 3. Call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org for info.

Saturday, Dec. 29 • The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex.

Call (561) 283-5856 or visit www.wellington fl.gov for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host the Acreage Avengers for ages 10 to 14 on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. Share your ideas to make the library a better place for all teens. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

Monday, Dec. 31 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Craft Crazy” for ages 2 to 6 on Monday, Dec. 31 at 3:30 p.m. Go crazy with an assortment of crafts from throughout the year. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at “Cirque-A-Licious,” a big-top dinner show on Monday, Dec. 31 at the Meyer Amphitheater (105 Evernia St., West Palm Beach). Doors will open at 7 p.m. and seating for the Cirque Big Top will start at 7:30. All tables have an excellent view. The eight-piece Cirque band will play for dancing and to accompany stars of Cirque De Soleil performing. A three-course dinner will be served by Café L’Europe. Visit www.bigtopdinnershow.com for details.

Thursday, Jan. 2 • The sixth annual Flags for the Cure flag football tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society will take place Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 2-6 at Acreage Community Park. It includes women’s and men’s divisions, and boys and girls divisions in age brackets. The cost is $45 per player. For more info., contact Keith Shivers at (561) 3581933 or flagsforthecure@hotmail.com.

Saturday, Jan. 5 • The Wellington Art Society will present ArtFest on the Green, a two-day event with artists and vendors from throughout the county, on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and 6 at the Wellington Amphitheater. More information and applications are available at www.wellingtonartsociety.blogspot.com.

Sunday, Jan. 6 The International Polo Club Palm Beach will begin its 10th Anniversary Season on Sunday, Jan. 6 with the Herbie Pennell Cup. The International Polo Club is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington.

For tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub. com or call (561) 204-5687.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will feature “The Art of Close-Up Photography” on Sundays, Jan. 6, 13 and 20 in the Garden Conference Room. Join noted nature photographer John J. Lopinot for a close-up photography workshop. The cost is $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers. For more info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

Monday, Jan. 7 • The Grief Recovery Support Group will offer a 13-week class on Mondays beginning Jan. 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wellington Presbyterian Church (1000 Wellington Trace). The cost is $20, which includes a workbook. For more information, visit www. wpfcl.com or call (561) 793-1007.

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.

December 21 - December 27, 2012 Page 43

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUT ORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail resume tomarlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends.

Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHATCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 DRIVERS — DEDICATED ACCOUNT! TOP PAY! $2,000 sign on bonus. Benefit s, miles, great hometime and more. 1-888-5674854 Werner Enterprises.

TEACHING ASSISTANT FOR PRESCHOOL — Experienced preferred. 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 561-793-5860 TEACHER— 3 Year Old Class.

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

CDA Required. 561-790-0808 PART-TIME KENNEL HELP/ GROOMING ASSISTANT— to work Saturday, Sunday and Monday, possibly more. Call 561-791-1234 to set up interview FULL TIME PERMANENT POSITION -Available immediately. Female wanted for local produce market. Must have knowledge of fruits & vegetables. 561-329-5000 WELLINGTON CAB/TOWNCAR Talented assistant. Duties include phone, dispatching. Must be computer literate, and proficient in Excel Spreadsheet. Must be able to pass background check. 561-3330181

THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22ND 7:00 AM. TO 12:00 NOON. — Household & children's toys, antique pine bedroom set with desk and much more. 501 Rachel Lane. (of f Pioneer & 441)

TOYOTA YARIS 2010 -36,500 miles. Very good condition. 10K. call 561-784-5122 or 561-252-7783 for appointment.

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from S pruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms.

Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. W eekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating 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

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your ap artment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012252779

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Sof tware setup, support & troubleshooting w w w . m o b i l e t e c . n e t .

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jef f 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. W e accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Rep airs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood rep air, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs.

18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561802-8300 or 754-242-3459

ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est.

Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured.

CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com T OWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULT S CALL 561-793-7606 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

TOWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-7606 T ODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Inst allation,Removal.

Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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This Holiday: Unbottle Your World Wrap Up A Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station And Get 4 Stainless Cups As A Bonus

From Our Family To Yours Give The Gift Of Great Water Pure and Simple

Since 1972

220 Business Park Way Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Mention This Ad For Special Holiday Pricing

561-753-7700 aquasoftpalmbeach.com

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