Town-Crier Newspaper December 23, 2011

HAPPY HANUKKAH & MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR LOYAL READERS

2011 CAR RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCED SEE STORY, PAGE 12

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

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Volume 32, Number 51 December 23 - December 29, 2011

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA CLAUS

Toy Drive Spreads Joy In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report More than 175 Wellington children will have gifts to unwrap on Christmas thanks to the generous residents who came together to support Wellington’s Holiday Toy Drive.

“It’s nice to be able to spread a bit of cheer,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “It’s nice that we, as a village, are able to give back.”

More than just individual families, Wellington was able to help collect toys for children at the Boys & Girls Club and the Kids Cancer Foundation, Wellington Volunteer Coordinator Kim Henghold told the Town-Crier Wednesday.

“We were also able to assist families that live in neighboring communities Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee,” she said.

Additionally, Wellington col-

Wellington Firefighters Present Special Gifts

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue held a Christmas-gift presentation Saturday, Dec. 17 at Station 20 in Wellington. The gifts were for Alvaro and Jeremy Nolasko. Alvaro was injured a few months ago when he fell from a tree he was trimming.

He was rescued by PBCFR officers. Page 3

County Agrees To Fund Business Development Board Marketing Plan

In the wake of the Aldi grocery store chain’s announcement that it will locate a regional distribution center in Royal Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Commission Tuesday approved $200,000 in funding for the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. Page 7

Serving Palms West Since 1980

The Kids Cancer Foundation hosted its annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. Santa handed out presents from Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club members, who fulfilled the wish list of the Kids Cancer Foundation children. Shown here with Santa are Jaime Erb, Kids Cancer Foundation Treasurer Sandy Erb and President Michelle O’Boyle. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9

lected enough toys to help children in Pahokee.

Unlike in the past several years, when volunteers dropped bags of toys off at the families’ homes, parents were given the opportunity to “go shopping” for their children, selecting an age-appropriate toy.

“It made more sense,” Henghold explained. “The parents know their children’s interests and hobbies, and they are the best people to pick out the items. This way, we ensure the children are receiving the item they truly want.”

The change also made logistical sense, she said, because parents could give the gift to their children on Christmas morning rather than their children observing volunteers delivering the toys.

Bowen agreed. “It makes people accept some of the responsiSee TOY DRIVE, page 7

RPB HOLIDAY LUNCH

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Matt Willhite Seeks Re-Election; Shauna Hostetler Enters Race Maguires Host TKA Christmas Open House At Wellington Home

The halls were decked Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Wellington home of Ashley and Joe Maguire as they hosted a Christmas open house in support of the King’s Academy’s 2012 Mane Event Auction “Passport to Paris.” More than 80 guests enjoyed a festive evening with the sights and sounds of Christmas with the taste of Paris. Page 12

OPINION Planned Chamber Merger Must Protect The Communities

O ver the next month, the boar ds of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce will decide whether to complete their planned merger. As a founding member of the Palms West Chamber, the Town-Crier supports this merger — but only if it is accomplished in a way that protects the integrity of the western communities and the role of the chamber in promoting the needs of this area.

Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 25 BUSINESS ...................27 - 29 ENTERTAINMENT ................30 SPORTS .......................35 - 37 CALENDAR...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ...............40 - 44 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, currently wrapping up his first fouryear term on the Wellington Village Council, remains unopposed in his bid for re-election to Seat 4.

However, several candidates have come forward in hopes of earning one of the other council seats up for grabs March 13.

Seat 1, currently held by termlimited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, has already drawn three potential candidates, with six weeks to go before the filing deadline in February.

Community activist Shauna Hostetler, former Wellington Councilman Al Paglia and Isles at Wellington resident John Greene had filed paperwork as of Wednesday.

Equestrian activist Carol Coleman also filed papers to run but told the Town-Crier Wednesday that she had decided not to run.

Mayor Darell Bowen is also

seeking re-election. Former Councilman Bob Margolis has filed paperwork to run against Bowen.

MATT WILLHITE Willhite, a Michigan native, moved to Lake Worth at age 9. He attended Indian River State College and Palm Beach State College where he received his associate’s degree in emergency medical services. He is a former U.S. Navy Reserve corpsman and served with the U.S. Marines.

A fifth-generation firefighter, Willhite works for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, where he is a captain. He and his wife, Alexis, have two sons: Luke, 4, and Mark, 2.

Willhite moved to Wellington 10 years ago and was elected to the council in 2008. He said he hopes to have another four years to continue his dedication to preserving Wellington’s quality of life.

“I think we did a lot of good things in Wellington, but I think

there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Willhite said. “It’s a growing community, and we have a lot of challenges ahead of us. This is my community, I live here, and as we continue to grow, I want to have input over the quality of life here.”

In his four years in office, Willhite said that Wellington has done a lot of good despite a shrinking budget. When he was elected, the annual budget was $118 million, which the council has cut back to $73 million.

“We’ve still been able to provide services to our residents,” he said. “We’ve also been able to grow our capital improvement projects.”

Willhite said he is proud of his voting record to build the Wellington Amphitheater, renovate the aquatics complex and build Scott’s Place playground and the new municipal complex.

“I think that’s a major accomSee ELECTION, page 18

New District Maps Could Shift Area Representatives

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report If the proposed Florida House of Representatives district maps released last week stand, two area state representatives might end up facing each other in a Democratic primary.

The map proposals put Mark Pafford (D-District 88) and Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85) in the same district. However, Abruzzo told the Town-Crier that he will probably run for a newly created, Democratic-leaning State Senate district covering most of the western communities.

Redistricting will be the hot topic on the agenda when the state legislature convenes next month for an extended winter session. All the maps are currently just proposals and could change before maps are finalized.

The maps currently propose a newly formatted District 34, dom-

inated by central and western Palm Beach County, including all of Wellington, all of Royal Palm Beach and most of Loxahatchee and The Acreage, with a portion of Broward County that includes Weston. It also takes in far western areas of unincorporated Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton.

“That seat pretty much encompasses the majority of my current seat,” Abruzzo said.

The district is currently 43 percent Democratic, 29 percent Republican and 26 percent independent. In the last gubernatorial election, Democrat Alex Sink easily outpolled Republican Gov. Rick Scott in that district model, he said.

“That’s the way the seat is drawn right now, and that independent base has historically gone Democratic in elections,” Abruzzo said. “I feel comfortable saying it is a solid Democratic seat. If

that map stays intact, I will be running for the State Senate.”

Proposed District 34 was created when the seat currently held by State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto (R-District 27) was cut in half. It currently stretches from Palm Beach County all the way to Lee County on the west coast. Benacquisto, who has changed her residency to Lee County, is expected to seek the newly formed west coast seat.

Abruzzo said he is confident that Benacquisto’s district would remain cut in half and that a western Palm Beach County district would be created. “The courts may kick that whole map back for a variety of reasons, but at the end of the day, I feel confident that we will have a new State Senate seat that I will run for,” he said. “Sen. Benacquisto’s seat was known as the most gerrymandered district in See DISTRICTS, page 19

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual holiday lunch Saturday, Dec. 17 at Outback Steakhouse. Pictured here are Sally Balch, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster and Lynn Balch. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

RPB Council: Aldi Project A Big Win For Community

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At their meeting Dec. 15, Royal Palm Beach Village Council members praised the decision by Aldi food stores to build a 500,000-square-foot distribution center in the village.

Aldi announced its plans at a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The distribution center, to be built on a 70-acre site nestled between Royal Palm Beach High School to the north and the Regal Cinemas to the south, will feed about 70 retail stores planned for South Florida.

During his report, Mayor Matty Mattioli said Aldi’s decision would be an economic benefit for the village. “I’d like to welcome Aldi into the Village of Royal Palm Beach,” he said, predicting that the new center would attract other businesses.

Mattioli said the center will employ about 100 people when complete. “Once they … have their stores in operation, they expect to have as many as 500 employees,” he said. “We are so happy they chose us. We were not the first on the list.”

He credited Village Manager Ray Liggins and RPB staff members for working with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County to attract Aldi after months of negotiation.

Councilman Fred Pinto said many people in the village are not familiar with the location of the distribution center site.

“It’s behind the movie theater off of State Road 7,” Pinto said.

“One of the prerequisites that Aldi had... was that a site already have the proper zoning in place, and that really helped us make the first cut when they were looking at some 26 other properties.”

Pinto stressed that a rezoning would not be required for the project.

“We have indicated to them that our biggest concern was for the quality of life and not impacting our citizens who live on the other side of that property,” Pinto said, adding that if anyone has questions about the plans, they should call the village and staff members would meet with them.

“Our staff will be happy to sit with you and explain to you some of the things that will be put in See ALDI, page 18

County Commission Agrees To Put Slot Issue On Ballot

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission agreed Tuesday to put a question on the 2012 general election ballot next November asking county voters whether they want to allow slot machines at licensed pari-mutuel facilities in the county.

The referendum would primarily benefit the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Several residents objected to the question being placed on the ballot, citing increased crime and broken families as a result of gambling.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria cast the sole dissenting vote, saying that approval would lead eventually to casino gambling in Palm Beach County.

Pastor Al Hernandez said gambling would lead to increased crime, prostitution and alcoholism. “It will bring many things that will not help restore this county,” Hernandez said. “There will be robbery, drug traffic, you name it.”

Virginia Brooks of North Palm Beach also opposed legalizing slot machines.

“There are many reasons why allowing slot machines in parimutuel facilities would be a bad

idea for Palm Beach County,” Brooks said. “For one thing, slot machines have terrible odds, and they are highly addictive. These machines are designed to produce what seem to be near-misses to make people think they can win.”

Brooks said that a gambling addiction help line reported that 66 percent of the callers said they had problems with slot machines.

“If this county legalizes slot machines, then that makes it legal for destination casinos to come into our county,” Brooks said.

“That’s one of the requirements to have destination casinos. I know it’s tempting to look at gambling

as an easy source of revenue, but empirical evidence shows that gambling leads to increased alcoholism, addiction, poverty, family breakdown and crime.”

She said pushing the decision on the voters, rather than taking a difficult stand, is the wrong course of action.

“I’m asking you to justify our trust in you as elected representatives,” Brooks said. “Let us know by your vote today that you will protect the way of life that we have by voting against any possibility of increased legalized gambling and the problems it will impose upon us.”

Carol Hurst of Palm Beach Shores asked the commissioners not to place the question on the ballot. “Go to Atlantic City and look at the bulldozed acreage behind the casinos that are on the boardwalk,” Hurst said. “Atlantic City used to be a destination for the boardwalk and for the beach.

It was beautiful. Now there’s nobody walking on the boardwalk.”

Hurst also pointed out that Las Vegas is having problems with lost jobs and that Nevada faces a huge budget deficit.

However, Dennis Grady, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of See SLOTS, page 18

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NEWS

Concerns Prompt RPB Zoning Board To Postpone Target Request

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday postponed an application

by Target to enclose its no-longer-operating garden center with stucco and fabric after commissioners raised concerns about the lack of landscaping and the durability of the materials being used.

No Target representative was at the meeting.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said Target, located at the northwest corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and State Road 7, wants to enclose a portion of the now-vacant garden center with masonry and stucco consistent with the existing finish and put mesh fabric close to the paint color of the building over other areas of chain-link fencing on the east side.

Commissioner Darrell Lange said he was trying to understand how they would finish the inside portion of the stucco panels with-

out removing the existing chainlink fencing.

“It says existing fence to remain,” Lange said. “How are you doing that if you’re putting up metal studs and a stucco partition?

It’s not that I don’t like the elevation. You know how I am about survivability and architecture on all sides.”

Erwin said that the chain-link openings appear to be gates that could be opened for them to do the stucco work.

Lange asked if Target had submitted a use for the space, and Erwin said the application was only for the architectural change for the stucco in-fill and fabric.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson said she had assumed that the changes were in order to expand their merchandise storage area until she read deeper into the application. “The garden center is closed,” she said. “And there’s no roof on it.”

Commissioner Barbara Powell was also concerned about durabil-

ity, and Erwin said that if the stucco becomes stained or the fabric becomes ripped or torn, the store would be cited by code enforcement.

Lange said he would prefer to delay the approval a month, since the applicant was not present to answer questions.

Commission Alternate Richard Becher agreed. “It seems logical to table this until they show up,” he said.

Larson asked whether representatives had communicated with village staff, and Planning & Engineering Secretary Chris Wax said the applicant was aware of the meeting and had received the agenda. “They are in California, but had not indicated they would not be attending,” Wax said.

“My feeling on this is we have a number of unanswered questions,” Larson said. “If we have enough people who feel strongly about a postponement, then I think that’s what we should do.”

Erwin said enclosing the space

completely or changing the use would be the subject of a separate application.

“I believe the nature of this is as a temporary thing until they figure out what they’re ultimately going to do with this space,” Erwin said, pointing out that it was part of the original square footage when the store was approved by Palm Beach County. “We reviewed the site plan before, and the garden center was part of the floor area, so even if they enclosed it, it wouldn’t increase the space…

I think this is what they are proposing now to secure it and make it look a little bit better than just a big open empty space that people can see into.”

Erwin clarified that the application is for exterior work only.

“The interior is an entirely different issue,” he said. “It’s not something you would review because it’s not something you would see from the exterior of the building.

The whole reason this application is here is for architecture, so if you

have a problem with the architecture, or have questions about that, then we should probably defer it.

If it is about the use of the space, that’s not really what they’re asking for.”

Lange asked when the commission would be able to get those answers. “If they change the use, are they going to have to come back in for site plan approval?”

Lange asked.

Erwin said if it has any other use than a garden center in the future, it would come back before the board and would have to be reviewed. “If you wanted to see some landscaping there, that would be an appropriate time,” Erwin said.

Lange said that the area is very plain now and should be improved at some point. “It was very nice with the greenery, and now with that gone, it’s all just concrete and parking,” he said.

Erwin said the applicant had not submitted any landscaping plan.

“They didn’t have it landscaped

when it was an open garden center,” he said.

Lange said he would not mind approving the architectural change as long as there was an understanding that they had to come back for a change of use, but Larson said she was concerned about that idea.

“Let’s look at it this way: let’s say this is their end game,” she said. “We have lost the opportunity to increase any landscaping or do anything more aesthetic because they’ve gone through it this way.”

Erwin reiterated that if any change is made from the garden center use, they would have to come back for approval.

RPB Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien asked board members what they would like the applicant to do about landscaping.

Lange said the parking is very straight and the landscaping is minimal, with only one palm tree on the southeast corner. “I would See TARGET, page 18

WELLINGTON FIREFIGHTERS PRESENT SOME SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS

INDIAN TRAIL RECOGNIZES FIRE-RESCUE PERSONNEL

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue held a Christmas-gift presentation Saturday, Dec. 17 at Station 20 in Wellington. The gifts were for Alvaro and Jeremy Nolasko. Alvaro was injured a few months ago when he fell fr om a tree he was trimming. He was rescued by PBCFR officers. To help out, PBCFR presented him with a Lark mobility scooter. Jeremy received a bicy cle and a donated laptop computer. The family also received food and other gift certificates.

PHOTO COURTESY DON DELUCIA/PBCFR

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors last week recognized Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Capt. Pete Wallwork and Tara Cardoso for their participation in the inaugural Acreage Fire Festival on Saturday, Nov. 5, as well as their ongoing fire and rescue services provided in The Acreage. Wallwork and Cardoso are shown here with board members Jennifer Hager, Michelle Damone, Carlos Enriquez, Ralph Bair and Carol Jacobs.

PHOTO BY R ON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Page 4 December 23 - December 29, 2011

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OUR OPINION

Planned Chamber Merger Must Protect Integrity Of Communities Over the next month, the boards of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce will decide whether to complete their planned merger.

This is a merger that makes a great deal of sense from a financial perspective. As a founding member of the Palms West Chamber, the Town-Crier supports this merger — but only if it is accomplished in a way that protects the integrity of the western communities and the role of the chamber in promoting the business needs of this area.

Should the two chambers merge and form solely a single regional entity, we fear they could lose the local focus that is crucial to an effective chamber of commerce. That is why we propose that what should be created is an umbrella organization to operate both chambers.

There would be one centrally operated staff, one board of directors and one trustee program.

However, just as the merger intends to keep two offices (one in Loxahatchee and one in Lake Worth), it would keep two names, in addition to the parent organization, which would be a strong, unified voice on regional issues.

This is a concept that has been put into operation in metropolitan areas across the nation.

While our situation might be unique, the merged operation could eventually look like successful organizations in the Tampa market (the Tampa Bay Partnership) and the Orlando market (the Central Florida Partnership).

This newly created Palm Beach Partnership could operate both chambers as wholly owned subsidiaries, giving members of each chamber automatic cross membership in both. There could be events presented by either chamber, or the parent organization. Local issues can be

served and addressed by the local entities, while the regional partnership will be a strong voice for pro-business interests countywide.

This concept could also set up the merged organization for future growth. If done properly, other business-oriented nonprofits or chambers might see the value in joining such an operation. While we expect that staffs and boards of directors will be merged into one cohesive unit, perhaps advisory boards representing each chamber’s local interests could be created to make sure that the local viewpoint is not lost among the regional outlook of the merged entity.

The fact of the matter is that while the interests of Lake Worth and Palms West will align more often than not, there are times when local needs will diverge. Case in point: For years, eastern interests fought to keep the sale of big-ticket items such as cars and furniture away from the State Road 7 corridor and only available in eastern areas to promote eastern business interests. It was the Palms West Chamber that fought against this policy designed to keep the western communities from becoming self-sufficient. In that case, and others, the local perspective is crucial, and must not be lost on the altar of bigger, better and more powerful.

For 30 years, the Palms West Chamber has been a strong advocate for issues facing the western communities. It remains so today, from its economic development task force to its support for the much-needed completion of State Road 7. The same can certainly be said for the 100-year history of the Lake Worth Chamber. This merger, while offering many benefits, should be handled in a way that allows both chambers to continue fulfilling their historic missions, while also allowing for a new, more regional mission to be formed.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Julie Weil Deserves Due Credit Your Dec. 9 issue was very nice to have a front-page photo showing the opening of the Butterfly House (“Butterfly House Opens On Wellington Regional Campus”). However, there is a distressing point to the article. As you will notice, the central person in the ribbon cutting is Julie Weil. She is actually the fire behind this movement and the spirit behind the Butterfly House. Nowhere in your article is her name mentioned nor her work to make this happen!

It seems that you are promoting State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto more than anything else, which is a great disservice to Julie, who went to Washington alone and spoke to the Congress and put everything in motion. This is not to downplay the interest and any contribution made by the senator, but the original concept was made and built on by Julie Weil. I do believe that an apology is in order here and would be greatly appreciated by those who know the whole story of this wonderful lady and movement.

Eugene VanMiddlesworth The Acreage

Clarification On Lox Groves Paving Projects I noticed in last week’s article (“LGWCD OKs Bid For OGEM Road Improvements”) the OGEM road improvement projects were incorrect. South D Road is not being improved at this time. The roads that are being improved with OGEM are as follows: • Project 1 — North ARoad from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road from A Road to a quarter-mile east of A Road.

• Project 2 — North C Road from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road from a quartermile west of C Road to a quartermile east of C Road.

• Project 3 — North D Road from Okeechobee Blvd. to North Road, and North Road from a quarter-mile west of D Road to a quarter-mile east of D Road.

• Project 4 — South C Road from Collecting Canal Road to Okeechobee Blvd., and Collecting Canal Road from a quarter-mile west of C Road to a quarter-mile east of C Road.

Can you please print a correction in the paper? We are getting calls about it.

Clete Saunier District Administrator Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Editor’s note: The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

Mattioli Supports Inspector General On Nov. 2, 2010, by referendum, the taxpayers of Palm Beach County voted by over 72 percent to have an inspector general also oversee all 38 municipalities. We at Royal Palm Beach agreed to be included in the passing of the ordinance. The cost of the Office of the Inspector General was supposed to be paid by all vendors and contractors who won the bids by contributing one quarter of 1 percent of the winning bid, and not by our taxpayers.

Why are there some municipalities creating so many obstacles to the necessary work of the inspector general? The grand jury recommended that the MiamiDade model be followed. Taxpayers are to be represented by the elected officials. Why are we not?

Contact your elected officials and express your concerns.

I support the one quarter of 1 percent cost of the Office of the Inspector General to be paid by the vendors and contractors doing business with the county and municipal government, and not by the taxpayers.

Matty Mattioli Mayor, Royal Palm Beach

Response To Response To West, Part 2 Allen West, Part 1 Allen Editor’s note: The following letEditor ’s note: The following letter is in response to an opinion piece by U.S. Congressman Allen West (R-District 22) published last week.

I was astonished to read Congressman Allen West’s defense of

NEWS BRIEF Appointments For RPB’s Martha Webster Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster was elected to the 2012 Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council Board at its Dec. 9 meeting. She was chosen to serve as secretary-treasurer. Webster has joined as an alternate member representing the Palm Beach County League of Cities, serving from 2008-10 and as a regular member in 2011.

the mega-rich and their megayachts, posited on the idea that because these millionaires and billionaires pay the marine industry to create and maintain these waterborne palaces, this is to society’s benefit. Does this man have no idea how society works?

In fact, the only moral basis for society is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. And because no one gets rich without the cooperation of millions of others (to build the infrastructure that carry the products of the rich man’s business, the schools to educate his workers, and the security forces to protect it all), it’s necessary to give back to society in the form of taxes. And because the wealthy get the most, they fairly should give the most… their fair share.

That doesn’t happen when the rich are free to dole out a few dollars here and there to support their lifestyle, when and if they feel like it. This is the notorious trickledown theory, proven unproductive over 30 years of trying it, from Reagan to Boehner, Cantor and McConnell. And in the American context, it doesn’t happen especially when those dollars go to Chinese boat-builders, because when their workers are paid $10 a day, the yachts can be bought cheaper. Or would Congressman West have our workers reduced to such wages, so the same price could be obtained here, at the cost of our workers’ and their families’ prosperity?

In fact, average Americans are beginning to understand that they, too, deserve to be treated fairly for their part in the economy.

Boat-builders may not construct as many super-yachts, but they’ll find a market for smaller boats, and a lot more of them.

Jay Schleifer Wellington

Martha Webster

ter is also in response to Congressman West’s opinion piece published last week.

Congressman Allen West is certainly enthralled with the yachting crowd but apparently does not understand the 99 percent of Americans who are not yacht owners and probably never will be. I am not directly involved in the Occupy movement, but I believe that they represent a majority of Americans who agree with the young protesters’ objection to an ideology that glorifies, empowers and rewards the extremely wealthy, while the middle class is slowly becoming the working poor.

It would do Congressman West well to read a recent Vanity Fair article written by Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel Prize for Economics– winning Columbia professor, who wrote, “Of the 1 percent, By the 1 percent, For the 1 percent.” Here is an excerpt from that article:

“The upper 1 percent of Americans are now taking in nearly a quarter of the nation’s income every year. In terms of wealth rather than income, the top 1 percent control 40 percent. Their lot in life has improved considerably. Twenty-five years ago, the corresponding figures were 12 percent and 33 percent. One response might be to celebrate the ingenuity and drive that brought good fortune to these people, and to contend that a rising tide lifts all boats. That response would be misguided.

While the top 1 percent have seen their incomes rise 18 percent over the past decade, those in the middle have actually seen their incomes fall.”

So, my response to Congressman West is that the wealthy do need to pay their fair share in taxes. Payroll taxes (Social Security) are only deducted up to $110,000 annually, so the CEOs who make many times that amount are not paying their fair share. Billionaires who make most of their income through capital gains (who need not work for a living) are only paying 15 percent in taxes. A majority of America’s largest corporations pay little or nothing in taxes due to loopholes in the tax code that Republicans have given them.

And to the very few who are wealthy enough to have to pay estate taxes (the Paris Hilton tax), I think that, “We’re sorry for your loss,” might be our best response.

The elderly, disabled, sick and the poor pay sales taxes but do not pay income taxes if their incomes fall below the poverty line — which is as it should be (unless you, along with the Tea Party crowd, believe that Grandma needs to get off her butt and find a second job). Average, hardworking Americans, like the mechanics, dockhands, cleaners and other service staff that West refers to, are paying the bills while the super-wealthy get all the breaks. The Bush tax cuts gave big, fat tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires so that they could create jobs.

Instead, they sent their money and their businesses (jobs) overseas and stashed the rest of their good fortune in foreign banks.

President Obama has cut taxes on individuals, families and small businesses since he took office in 2009. It should be crystal clear to anyone who is paying attention that Democrats see the inequality in our current system and are trying to save the middle class, while Republicans like Allen West are obstructing everything that President Obama and the Democrats propose, and are still trying to convince us that trickle-down economics actually works. How smart does one have to be to see that it is the reverse-Robin Hood plan (take from the poor and give to the rich) that has been a major cause of the vast income inequality in this country? It is a vibrant and healthy middle class that is the engine of a successful democrat-

ic/capitalist society. Allen West should know that.

Gwynne Chesher Wellington

Appreciation For Local Doctor In this day and age of cynicism and skepticism, I believe that everyone needs a hero in his or her life. Well, I have two heroes in my life. One is most certainly Jesus Christ as well as the healing power of faith and prayer. My other hero is a physician by the name of Dr. Richard Hays.

As for Jesus being my hero, the reason is quite obvious to me, while the reason that this particular physician is my hero simply is that he is not even close to a fast-food type of physician.

Dr. Hays always takes time with me, and his level of care, consideration and medical treatment have been above and beyond how some other physicians have treated me. In present times, physicians are either on the end of complaints or lawsuits, but I have nothing but praise and admiration for my hero, Dr. Richard Hays.

If you’re looking for a physician who takes time with you and answers all of your questions, then in my opinion Dr. Richard Hays is most definitely four out of four stars. Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and all of Palm Beach County can be thankful that my hero can be there for their health and well-being.

Peter Young West Palm Beach

Nielsen Replies To Sexton Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to Phil Sexton’s letter published last week (“Sexton Replies To Nielsen”).

Digressions exceeded only by half-truths, intentional or not, give pause, making it difficult to repair rational discussion, and I was not expecting a treatise on the basics of private enterprise. The propensity to “change” my statements either interpretively or intentionally, in order to refute them somehow, makes the writer a graduate

of the Gingrich school of economics.

I find it singularly incredible that the examples I presented that are in place subject to government regulation that suspend normal rules of buyer and seller are ignored in favor of a blatant, selfserving and specious argument not in evidence. The Affordable Care Act principle should satisfy conservative views that Americans should not be “coddled” by “free” government programs that they do not financially participate in and should “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” appears to be a consistent contention by conservatives that everyone should pay into healthcare and not expect people doing this to voluntarily cover the uninsured as well as themselves.

The real issue concealed in the bogus argument against the Affordable Healthcare Act is the belief that private enterprise, which has had exclusive control of the healthcare insurance industry, can do it better and is more affordable than a government-mandated program, and to quote Scrooge, “This is humbug.” It was the “exclusionary” practices of the insurance industry itself that spawned the Affordable Care Act. The realization of the American people that the “larger the pool,” the lower the costs to the insured through cost averaging has set the stage away from the greedy and predatory practices of the insurance industry. Funds from healthcare should be directed back to hospitals and doctors who deliver services and who actually care for patients.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

For The Record A photo from the Western Communities Holiday Parade on the cover of last week TownCrier was incorrectly identified.

The group in the photo was the Wellington Landings Middle School majorettes. The TownCrier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words).

Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 7936090; or you can e-mail letters@goTown Crier.com.

OPINION

You’d Be Surprised To Discover What Some Visitors Bring To Jail And you thought visitors to a jail always brought cookies and candy. Think again. The wouldbe gifts are more likely to be drugs, knives, scissors and razors — you know, the stuff that got inmates locked up in the first place.

A recent review of visitors to

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin the infamous Rikers Island jail

THE

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and their endless attempts to get away with giving prisoners contraband is head-turning. Visitors hide switchblades in their belts, crushed pills in their waistbands and cocaine in various ways in their shoes. Two recent young visitors, ages 16 and 21, were nailed trying to smuggle marijua-

na and tobacco in latex gloves.

Then there was the 18-year-old woman who was caught at the entrance with 17 loose bullets in her purse. In one recent week, stuff that turned up included three canisters of pepper spray, eight blades of various sizes and shapes and a steak knife. Also,

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

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

the jailers said hello to two forks, two pair of scissors and a hypodermic needle, plus a calculator.

Rikers, which identifies intended prisoner recipients as ICR (intended contraband recipients) with special jumpsuits on visiting days, also finds collectibles like cell phones, beepers, iPads

and iPods as well as condoms.

Occasionally, when the bus bringing visitors to the jail has the driver announce a “surprise inspection,” the drivers “suddenly find a lot of stuff on the floor of the bus.” I guess, really, it’s not all that strange in the environment.

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December 23 - December 29, 2011

Page 5

NEWS

RPB THANKS ITS VOLUNTEERS WITH HOLIDAY PARTY AT OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual holiday lunch Saturday, Dec. 17 at Outback Steakhouse. The event was held for community supporters, advisory board volunteers and guests.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Catherine Amico, RPB Mayor Matty Mattioli and Jerry Springer.

Phyllis Katz, Mary Ann Robinson, Roberta Hennessy and Mary Nicai.

Joy Martin, Lawrence Logan, Vinette Tracy, Kathleen Lannaman and Lorna Pearson.

Al Mager suppe and Margie Bonner.

David and Edaline Kendle.

Patricia and PBSO Capt. Paul Miles with RPB Village Manager Ray Liggins.

ST. PETER’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS ‘THE NATIVITY EXPERIENCE’ St. Peter’s United Methodist Church held The Nativity Experience, a celebration of the Christmas story through drama and music, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18. Guests were treated to a retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth through song and live performance. For more info., visit www.stpeters-umc.org.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

The choir sings as Mary (Brandy Peterson), Jesus, Joseph (Justin Richardson) and the shepherd (Mike Riggs) wait in the manger.

The three wise men (Bruce Robertson, David Boyer and Drew Persenaire) look over baby Jesus, asleep in the manger.

The three wise men present their gifts to baby Jesus.

Page 6

December 23 - December 29, 2011

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CRIME NEWS

Gun Drawn During Traffic Altercation At RPB Walmart

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 14 — An Acreage man was arrested last Wednesday evening on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following an altercation in the parking lot of the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was called to the scene after one of the victims called to report the incident. According to a PBSO report, during a traffic-related altercation in the parking lot, 55-year-old Bryan Robbins pulled a small black handgun from his left rear pants pocket and pointed the weapon at two women, who said they feared he would shoot them. According to the report, Robbins then went into Walmart with two young boys. The deputy and one of the victims entered Walmart, where the victim was able to point out Robbins. According to the report, the deputy asked Robbins to keep his hands above his head and asked if he was armed, and Robbins replied that he was. The deputy recovered a .22-caliber Baretta semi-automatic pistol with eight live rounds of ammunition from his back left pocket. According to the report, a witness to the incident identified Robbins as the perpetrator, and video camera footage from Walmart confirmed the incident had occurred. Robbins was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

DEC. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to Downers Park in Royal Ascot Estates last Friday morning regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 a.m. last Monday and 11 a.m. last Friday, someone used what appeared to be a sledgehammer to vandalize a bathroom. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) shattered a toilet, sink and a door handle, causing approximately $1,200 in damage.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the parking lot of Regal Cinemas last Friday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said she parked her truck in the north side parking lot at approximately 2 p.m. When she returned about two hours later, she discovered that someone had punched out the lock on the driver’s-side door and removed her

purse and her daughter ’s school backpack. According to the report, the deputy observed that the perpetrator(s) had wiped down the driver’s-side door near the lock, making him unable to get fingerprints from the vehicle. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 17 — A Boynton Beach man was arrested early last Saturday morning on charges of carrying a concealed weapon following a traffic stop in the Shoma Homes community. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:30 a.m. a deputy on patrol in the area observed a blue Chevy Malibu parked in the dark parking lot of the closed clubhouse area. The deputy made contact with the driver, 23-year-old Brandon Major, who said he was waiting for someone. According to the report, Major acted nervous when the deputy asked if there was anything illegal in the car and later consented to a search. The deputy discovered a black Walther P-22 semiautomatic pistol under the driver’s-side seat, loaded with nine bullets. Major was placed under arrest and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

DEC. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 54th Street North last Saturday morning regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Friday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone broke the driver’s-side windows on the victims’ vehicles using an unknown blunt object and rummaged through the glove boxes.

The victims said the cars were parked in their driveway located on the north side of the home, and that the perpetrator(s) did not take anything. According to the report, one of the victims said she believed someone may have entered her unlocked vehicle since some of its contents appeared to be removed. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 17 — A resident of 93rd Road North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday to report a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he had video surveillance footage of an unknown white male suspect stealing his 2000 Bombadier jet ski and trailer. According to the report, the video showed the suspect arrive at the property at 1 p.m. last Friday in a silver two-door vehicle and survey the property. The suspect left and returned about half See BLOTTER, page 18

Outside (left) and inside (right) vie ws of the Wellington home that was damaged b y a fire last Wednesday.

Fire Severely Damages Home In Wellington DEC. 14 — Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue units responded last Wednesday to a fire at a home on Old Country Road in Wellington. According to a PBCFR report, firefighters arrived at approximately 11 a.m. to find flames coming from a rear bedroom and smoke coming from most of the openings in the home.

Fire-rescue crews found the source of the fire in the back bed-

room. It was intense enough to burn through the roof and damage a good portion of the interior of the home.

A dog was rescued, and the crews managed to get the fire out while saving a good portion of the structure. Investigators determined the origin of the fire to be an unattended incense candle. It was deemed accidental. There were no injuries.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding this wanted fugitive: • Luis Miguel is a white male, 4’11” tall and weighing 104 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 10/04/88.

Miguel is wanted for failure to appear and violation of supervised own recognizance on a charge of presenting false information of identity. His occupation is unknown.

His last known address was 28th Lane North in The Acreage. Miguel is wanted as of 12/22/11.

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

Luis Miguel

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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Page 7

NEWS

County Agrees To Fund Business Development Board Marketing

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In the wake of the Aldi grocery store chain’s announcement that it will locate a regional distribution center in Royal Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Commission Tuesday approved $200,000 in funding for the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

The money will be matched by funding coming from the private sector for marketing initiatives to attract new businesses to the county.

Commissioner Karen Marcus asked whether the financing was going to be on an annual basis, and county staff replied that currently, it is a one-time expense.

Commissioner Paulette Burdick supported the grant. “At this

particular time, there is nothing more important that we can do here than continue to create jobs in Palm Beach County,” Burdick said, explaining that she volunteers at the Lord’s Place serving food. “It’s heartbreaking to listen to some of the stories of men and women who have worked for 20 or 25 years and have lost their jobs, their family, their homes.”

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor commended the BDB on its accomplishments in the past few months, bringing eight new businesses or business expansions to Palm Beach County. “I think that is a wonderful thing, so if that is any indication, I think the $200,000 is well spent,” Taylor said.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he also has been pleased

with the performance of the BDB. “I’m optimistic that there is going to be more to come,” Santamaria said. “I particularly like what I see with the private business community contributing to the funding… I want to see the other side contribute toward funding this type of enterprise.”

Santamaria asked BDB President and CEO Kelly Smallridge to report on recent accomplishments. “We have had an outstanding quarter for 2011 so far,” Smallridge said. “We have had eight projects in the last three months.

We’re usually very fortunate if we land one or two a month. We’ve landed the largest economic development project in the last seven years in physical size with the 500,000-square-foot Aldi facility in Royal Palm Beach.”

Of the eight projects, three were in Boca Raton, three in Riviera Beach, one in Royal Palm Beach and one in West Palm Beach.

“That’s just our first quarter, close to 800 jobs, new and retained,” Smallridge said. “It’s much better than last year, so we’re really off to a great start.”

Taylor asked whether the distribution center was for Aldi stores alone or for other stores, and Smallridge said Aldi currently plans about 20 new retail stores in Palm Beach County, which had not been included in the BDB’s economic report.

“The economic impact numbers that we reported of $50 million is just for the physical building, the equipment in that building and the land,” Smallridge said. “They will distribute to the Aldi stores in Mi-

ami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.”

She added that Palm Beach County competed with 30 other potential sites for the center. “It was a 20-month process, and we landed that in the Village of Royal Palm, so they will be the village’s largest taxpayer and one of their largest employers,” Smallridge said.

“So, we’re going to have a new grocery franchise, then?” Taylor asked.

“You will, and they will take over the existing stores, primarily the Winn-Dixies and Albertsons,” Smallridge said, referring to grocery chains that have retreated from the Palm Beach County market in recent years.

Commissioner Steven Abrams asked whether the BDB had al-

ready secured the $200,000 matching money, and Smallridge said it is secured by contract.

“It was a $200,000 request from you, and then we would raise $200,000 privately. We’ve already received $100,000 of that,” she said.

Abrams asked if the $200,000 is contingent upon the BDB’s full match, and she said it is. “It will be matched dollar for dollar,” Smallridge said.

Abrams said he does not support giving the full $200,000 because of severe financial constraints, although he felt the BDB has done a good job, particularly in his district.

Taylor made the motion to approve the grant, which was seconded by Marcus and carried 6-1, with Abrams dissenting.

Hearing On SR 80 Widening Draws Crowd, But Few Comments

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Florida Department of Transportation held its final Project Development & Environment (PD&E) hearing on improvements to State Road 80 (Southern Blvd.) between Forest Hill/Crestwood Blvd. and County Road 880 on Dec. 8 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington.

Only three people provided input, although about 100 people attended, including officials from local municipalities and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

FDOT representative Richard Young presided, accompanied

by Project Manager John Thompson and Robert Carballo with the consulting firm C3TS, as well as many other FDOT representatives who answered questions during an open house prior to the hearing.

According to the proposal, improvements to SR 80 are needed in order to provide additional capacity to meet existing and future traffic demands, enhance safety and mobility, and improve emergency access and hurricane evacuation along the corridor.

The existing average daily traffic along SR 80 ranges from 16,000 to 28,400 vehicles per day.

By 2035, the average daily traffic is projected to range from 42,900 to 54,500 vehicles per day.

Toy Drive

Helps Many Families

continued from page 1 bility, having to come in and pick it out,” he said. “Then they have the opportunity to choose and don’t end up with something they may not need or that the child might not like.”

“This increase in traffic will exceed the capacity of State Road 80, causing congestion if no improvements are made,” according to the presentation.

Based on the analysis, widening is needed from Lion Country Safari Road east to Forest Hill Blvd. Widening is not needed for the segment from CR 880 to Lion Country Safari Road by 2035. A 12-foot shared-use path along the north side is being proposed along the entire project limits.

The proposed improvement is intended to provide additional capacity and improve safety on the 9-mile segment from CR 880 to Forest Hill Blvd.

The hearing was held to give anyone interested, information to understand the project and comment on their concerns, and to share information with the general public about the proposed improvement, its conceptual design, alternatives under study and the potential benefits and adverse, social, environmental and economic impacts upon the community.

Within the project area, SR 80 is primarily a four-lane divided roadway, which transitions to a six-lane divided segment on the eastern end at Forest Hill Blvd.

From County Road 880 to Binks Forest Drive/B Road, SR 80 is a four-lane divided roadway with flush shoulders and a 64-foot me-

dian. The right-of-way is typically 200 feet within that section.

From B Road to Palms West Parkway, SR 80 continues as a four-lane divided roadway with flush shoulders and a 46-foot median and 200-foot right-of-way.

From Palms West Parkway to Forest Hill Blvd., the road transitions to a six-lane divided urban section with curb and gutters and 12-foot bicycle/pedestrian paths on both sides. The right-of-way is typically 194 feet in that section.

At the Seminole Pratt Whitney Road intersection, a second leftturn lane will be added on the eastbound side. On the westbound side, the existing U-turn lane will be offset from the opposing dual left-turn lanes to provide better visibility. Bus bays and high-emphasis crosswalk markings are proposed for the two existing bus stops at that intersection.

At the A Road/Flying Cow Road intersection, an eastbound left-turn and U-turn lane will be provided. At the B Road/Binks Forest Drive intersection, the eastbound left-turn lane onto B Road will be offset from the opposing dual left-turn lanes onto Binks Forest Drive. Two potential bus stops with high-emphasis crosswalks were evaluated for that intersection.

At F Road/Big Blue Trace, the eastbound left-turn lane is also being offset from the opposing

dual left-turn lanes to improve visibility. Two potential bus stops with high-emphasis crosswalks were evaluated for the intersection.

Two intersections with full median openings — 210th Terrace west of Palm Beach Aggregates, and the entrance to Loxahatchee County Plaza between C and D roads — do not meet FDOT criteria for spacing between intersections and will have to be modified with right-turn-only and U-turn lanes, according to the presentation.

The existing full median opening at the plaza will be converted to an eastbound median opening, and a new westbound opening is proposed just west of the plaza opening. Vehicles going east from the plaza would be required to turn right and go west to a U-turn lane.

At the intersection of Palms West Parkway, the westbound right-turn lane will be converted to a through lane, and a new rightturn lane will be provided.

Lighting from Lion Country Safari Road to Forest Hill Blvd. as well as landscaping will be evaluated during the final design, which will be coordinated with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves and the Village of Wellington.

Dozens of potential stormwater drainage sites were identified, although only about eight totaling about 21.6 acres will be needed

for the 9-mile segment, and will be selected during the final design phase. Some of the potential sites would require moving a home or a business, according to the presentation.

During public input, Nancy Gribble of Fox Trail was concerned about the possible location of a retention pond in the vicinity of her community because of the number of horse owners there. She also questioned the purpose of the 12-foot shared path. “What’s the goal of that?” Gribble asked. “Are you going to expect people to ride their bicycles and walk to County Road 880? I don’t know why we would be spending our money on something that is not going to be useful.”

Gribble was also concerned about noise abatement and lighting. “Even though you said noise abatement was not going to be necessary, we know that you cannot go south because the C-51 is there, so everything is going to be placed on our community, so noise and lighting is going to be a big issue for us.”

During the PD&E study, several alternatives are developed based on public input, according to the presentation. Several public meetings have been held since January 2010 when the study began and public input was factored into the process.

The cost of the two similar al-

ternatives is $49 million and $54.7 million, including construction, design, engineering and right-ofway acquisition.

The PD&E study is the second step in the process. The phase involves the preparation of all engineering and environmental documentation required in order to receive federal approval and subsequent financing, according to a recorded presentation.

State Road 80 is a principal east/ west arterial emergency evacuation route and regional transportation corridor, providing access to other north/south regional corridors, such as Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 95, U.S. 27 and State Road 7. It is one of only two major east/west roadways within Palm Beach County, the other being SR 710 (the Beeline Highway).

SR 80 connects residential and employment centers of eastern Palm Beach County to the Lake Okeechobee region of Belle Glade and South Bay, both considered critical areas of economic concern, according to the presentation. Improving mobility and connectivity to those areas supports their efforts for economic development.

The project now goes into the design phase, which will continue through next summer. More information about the study and the overall project is available at www.sr80study.com.

Bowen and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, along with members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, delivered toys to Palms West Hospital on Wednesday, an experience that Bowen said makes one remember what the holidays are about.

“It brings your feet back down to earth,” he said. “It really shows you that some of the things we worry about every day aren’t as

important as we think they are.

Some of these kids have a tremendous outlook on life, and I’m glad we were able to brighten their holidays.”

He noted that Wellington residents continue to step up to the plate, even in a down economy, to help those in need.

“The people who support this are great,” he said. “[The toy drive] is something we love to do

and will continue to do.”

However, Bowen said that it is often hard to collect toys for local kids when competing with other charities that don’t necessarily keep the toys in Wellington.

“We have to compete with charities like Toys for Tots,” he said. “They’re massive. The way they collect toys, they don’t give anything back to us. They treat us like we’re a donor communi-

ty when we have kids in need here. Lots of people collect toys for them, but they don’t stay in Wellington.”

Despite the challenge, Henghold said that programs such as the toy drive are what makes Wellington a great place to live.

“Our council and senior staff make sure to do the very best for our residents by allowing our department to coordinate these types

of events,” Henghold said.

She noted that residents are always looking for ways to help their community.

“Our residents are wonderful and engaged,” Henghold said.

“They volunteer their time and resources because they also care about their fellow neighbor. It’s one of the qualities that makes Wellington unique and a great place to live.”

Toys were sorted by gender and age at the Safe Neighborhoods Office.

Mayor Darell Bowen joins officers to deliver toys.

Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig join PBSO and PBCFR officials, arriving with bags of toys for the Kids Cancer Foundation at Palms West Hospital.

Page 8

December 23 - December 29, 2011

Jan. 2-6 Winter Wonders Workshop At The South Florida Science Museum The South Florida Science Museum is turning into a winter wonderland during the Winter Wonders Workshop, which will take place Jan. 2-6. The temperature will drop and snow will fall as children ages 4 to 12 years old participate in some cool, winterthemed science activities while school is on break.

“Even though we live in Florida, children can still get a taste of winter through our Winter Wonders Workshop,” said Lew Crampton, president of the South Florida Science Museum. “Our museum educators have planned a week filled with many exciting learning experiences that will be a lot of fun for children!”

The week will be filled with frigid activities from making snow and dry ice experiments to mixing potions that will grow crystals overnight. Young scientists can see what is in the winter night skies in the planetarium. The week will also include craft activities such as making snow globes, spin art snowflakes, weaving colorful wind whirlers and much more.

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with extended hours of structured activities available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost for the Winter Wonders Workshop is $210 for museum members and $235 for nonmembers, and there is a onetime registration fee of $25. Space

Kalin Basford-Cazacu makes snow. is limited, so register now online at www.sfsm.org or by calling (561) 832-2026.

The South Florida Science Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exciting curiosity and furthering the understanding and appreciation of science and technology. The museum features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, fresh and saltwater aquariums, as well as natural history exhibitions.

Each year, the museum welcomes more than 125,000 visitors and reaches more than 55,000 students through workshops at the museum and outreach programs to local schools.

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NEWS BRIEFS RPB Chanukah Unity Celebration On Dec. 26 Chabad of Royal Palm Beach will hold its inaugural Chanukah Unity Celebration on Monday, Dec. 26 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards.

A village-wide menorah lighting will be attended by the community and local dignitaries and radio personalities from the WEI Network and other media broadcasters. At 5 p.m. sharp, the internationally acclaimed French Twins will perform acrobatics and comedy. There will be free Chanukah latkas, donuts and chocolate Chanukah gelt.

This event is free to the public.

A celebration for the whole family, it includes bounce houses, food, entertainment and the menorah lighting at 5:45 p.m. For more info., visit. www.jewishroyal palm.com or call (561) 795-1534.

Register For Wellington Holiday Camp Want your kids to have a blast during winter break? Register now for Wellington’s Winter Holiday Camp.

Children ages 6 to 13 will play different sports, including basketball, flag football, soccer and kickball with fun games and prizes, including daily sportsmanship prizes and an awards ceremony. In addition, every camper will receive a free Building Up Sports

Academy T-shirt and a sports medal. This camp is educational, structured and entertaining whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete.

The Winter Holiday Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Village Park, located at 11700 Pierson Road. The first session is Tuesday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 30, and the second session is Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Friday, Jan. 6. The cost is $175 per session for Wellington residents and $218.75 per session for non-residents.

Registration for Wellington’s Winter Holiday Camp can be completed at Village Park, the Wellington Community Center or by visiting the Parks & Recreation page at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

For more information, call (561) 601-5248 or visit www. buildingupsportsacademy.com.

CAFCI To Host New Year’s Eve Party In RPB Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) invites the community to attend its 22nd annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach). This event will feature a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a midnight champagne toast and more entertainment in the usual CAFCI manner. Guests will dance the night away to music by Top Ranking Sound.

The event will start at 8 p.m., with dinner being served at 9 p.m.

The cost is a $45 donation. For ticket information, call Winsom Martin at (561) 379-9611, Alvin Nembhard at (561) 333-8891, Junette Powell at (561) 346-2353, Lawrence Logan at (561) 7910162, Jerome Wright at (561) 6498254, Dennis Wright at (561) 6531586 or CAFCI at (561) 7904002, or e-mail cafci@pbc.org.

Panther Ridge Center Benefit Set For Feb. 13 The Panther Ridge Conservation Center has announced the date for “A Walk On the Wild Side,” an evening consisting of cocktails, exquisite light fare, a silent auction and an exciting live auction to benefit the nonprofit organization. It will take place Monday, Feb. 13 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Panther Ridge Conservation Center invites everyone to enjoy the exotic atmosphere of the center and visit the feline inhabitants. Part habitat, part haven, part labor of feline love, the Panther Ridge Conservation Center is above all else a home for some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered big cats.

Nestled among the horse farms and estates of Wellington, Panther Ridge is a nonprofit institution dedicated to providing a lifelong home and superior care for exotic felines that have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

The cost is $50 per person. For more information, call (561) 7958914 or visit the Panther Ridge Conservation Center ’s web site at www.pantherridgecc.org.

Centenarians Admitted Free To The South Florida Fair Know someone who’s 100? As part of the South Florida Fair’s many new promotions to mark its centennial, any person 100 or older will be offered unlimited free admission to the 17-day spectacular Jan. 13-29.

For more information, contact the South Florida Fair Public Relations Office at (561) 795-6408 or johnp@southfloridafair.com. A fair representative will be delighted to process a complimentary any-day admission pass.

Advance discount admission tickets to the 2012 South Florida Fair are on sale at any Publix supermarket in Palm Beach County, Bennett Auto Supply, TD Bank and Bud’s Chicken & Seafood as well as at www.southflorida fair.com. For more info., call (561) 793-0333.

Race For The Cure Registration Jan. 26 At Mall Registrations for the 21st annual Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure will be taken at the Mall at Wellington Green on Thursday, Jan. 26. The race will take place Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.komen southflorida.org/2012rftc to register online or make a donation, or call (888) 470-6374.

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NEWS

KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION HOLDS ANNUAL ‘BREAKFAST WITH SANTA’ IN RPB The Kids Cancer Foundation hosted its annual Breakfast With Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Madison Green Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. A Broward County Sheriff’s Off ice bagpipe player w alked up the driveway, followed by two fire trucks with Santa and his helpers. They tossed pillow pets to waiting kids. Santa handed out presents from Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club members, who fulfilled the wish list of the Kids Cancer Foundation children.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

RPB Rotarians Mellie Mollison, Eric Gordon, Selena Smith, Marcia Berwick, Claudette Williams and Joan Scherer.

Santa and helpers toss pillow pets to eager kids.

Children make crafts.

Cour tney, Eliza and Susan D’Andrea.

Karina and Alyssa Sosa with their pillow pets.

Adonte and Andreas Jakusik see Santa.

SONS OF ITALY LODGE HOSTS CHRISTMAS DINNER AT RPB CULTURAL CENTER The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) Loggia Michelangelo Lodge #2864 held a potluck Christmas dinner during its meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Members brought toys for the Toys for Tots program, there was a PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER Christmas-themed singalong and food catered by Mama Mia Trattoria.

Sam Pittaro, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Arras Hattman and Pasquale DeVivo with donated toys.

The council gathers for a photo.

Lee Spinosi gets a CD signed by Andrew Doll.

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NEWS

Maguires Host TKA Christmas Open House At Wellington Home The halls were decked Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Wellington home of Ashley and Joe Maguire as they hosted a Christmas open house in support of the King’s Academy’s 2012 Mane Event Auction “Passport to Paris.” More than 80 guests enjoyed a festive evening with the sights and sounds of Christmas with the taste of Paris.

Guests were greeted outside the Maguires’ home with Christmas music performed by TKA’s 27piece Swingin’ King’s jazz band under the direction of Kimberlee Aliapoulios. The season’s joyful spirit and jazzy holiday instrumentals were enjoyed by all.

As Maguires welcomed guests into their home, TKA’s honors

choral ensemble, His People, lined the sweeping staircase singing as heralded angels. The group performed a selection of holiday music under the direction of David Snyder. Guests were delighted by the sights and sounds of the festive Christmas ambiance and décor.

In keeping with the “Passport to Paris” theme, the Maguires arranged catering of a delicious array of Parisian-themed food, including a crepe station manned by professional chefs and French bistro-style dining.

In addition to being great fun, the event was a huge success financially, bringing the total to more than $100,000 to support

TKA President Jeff Loveland (right) with hosts Joe and Ashley Maguire and their children.

the school and underwrite the auction.

TKA President Jeff Loveland led a short program thanking the hosts, auction chair and generous supporters. He introduced Steve Rasmussen, the school’s vice president, who spoke passionately about the eternal investment that is made by investing in the students at the King’s Academy. He explained that the return on the investment is a sure thing and something that is evident as TKA students go out and impact the world.

The King’s Academy Mane Event will be held March 2 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

The fundraiser will include dining,

live and silent auctions, and entertainment by TKA students. Cochaired by Andrea Titus and Connie Tuller, the event is presented

by Ashley and Joe Maguire, Liz and John Raese, Insurance Office of America and Regal Paint Centers. Platinum sponsors are Revan Racing Inc., Shirleen and Ed Aiello, and Andrea and Ray Titus.

Gold sponsors are Kim and Jim Cobb, Connie and Ed Tuller, and Cathy and Dale Hedrick. Proceeds from the event benefit the school’s annual fund.

For more information on this event or about the school, contact the King’s Academy Development Office at (561) 6864244.

Auction chairs Ed and Connie Tuller and Andrea and Ray Titus.

The Swingin’ King’s jazz band entertains guests.

TKA’s honors choral ensemble His People performs.

Palms West Community Foundation Announces Car Raffle Winner The Palms West Community Foundation has announced that the winner of the 2011 Car Raffle is Phillip John Webb Jr. On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11, Santa pulled his winning ticket from the big, red bin on the judg-

Winner Phillip John Webb Jr.

es’ stage at the end of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s 28th annual Holiday Parade.

Webb will be able to select the car of his choice, valued up to $30,000 MSRP, from the Royal Palm Auto Mall, which features Toyota, Mazda and Nissan brands.

“It is not every day you can go pick out a car you have dreamed of having,” Webb said. “It’s somewhat surreal. My family is ecstatic to hear the news, and I am sure they will all have their share of opinions as to what vehicle I should pick.”

Webb has been the guidance counselor, college advisor and athletic director at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach for the past six years, and he lives with his family in Lake

Worth. Previously, Webb worked as a coach and teacher at Lake Worth High School, where he ran the dropout-prevention program, and he established the school’s Entertainment, Recreation & Sports Marketing Academy in 2000.

“My wife, Kim, has taught PE for 30 years in Palm Beach County, my daughter, Kylie, is graduating from pharmacy school at Palm Beach Atlantic in May, and my son, Nicholas, is coming home for the holidays from Tallahassee Community College,” Webb said.

“Our family is going to be together for the holidays, and we are definitely going to enjoy this great Christmas present.”

H&R Block has donated a certificate for the preparation of a free

tax return and professional advice, valued up to $600, to Webb for winning the 2011 Car Raffle.

“Good fortune has tax consequences, and H&R Block specializes in all taxation situations, including winning a brand new car,” said Lisa Tamucci, the H&R Block district marketing coordinator for West Palm Beach/Jupiter.

“I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity Palms West Community Foundation is giving me as their winner of the 2011 Car Raffle,” Webb said. “I also appreciate the generosity and kindness shown to me from everyone at the Royal Palm Auto Mall. This is truly a blessing for our family, and it couldn’t come at a better time for us... during the holidays.”

Santa Claus draws Webb’s name after the Holiday Parade.

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NEWS

HOLIDAY-THEMED PERFORMANCES AT WELLINGTON’S HOMETOWN HOLIDAY EVENT Wellington held its Hometown Holiday event Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Wellington Amphitheater. Guests enjoyed holiday songs per formed by the Binks Forest Elementary School choir and Seminole Ridge High School’s Musage tes chamber choir as well as the ballet The Nutcracker performed by Wellington Ballet Theatre. The show also included musical performances by Taylor Renee, Lindsey Livingston and Lizzie Sider, with vocalist Tina Livingston serving as the master of ceremonies. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER SEE VIDEO FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Binks Forest Elementary School choir sings “Light a Candle.”

Lizzie Sider performs an original song.

Tina Livingston croons out a tune.

Lindsey Livingston sings “Holly Jolly Christmas.”

Layla Chalifoux dances across the stage.

Dancers per form en pointe.

Amanda Campion flies through the air.

ACREAGE HORSEMAN’S ASSOCIATION HANDS OUT BARREL RACING AWARDS The Acreage Horseman’s Association held its Barrel Racing Awards Banquet on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, followed by a barbecue. The top six point-winners for the past season were awarded saddles worth $1 ,300 each. Winners were as follows: 12 & Under, Taylor Goodhead; 1-D, Patty Waters; 2-D, Beverly Wallace; 3-D, Morgan Klosterman; 4-D, Holly Jacobs; and Jackpot, Jessica Rivera. For more info., visit www.acreagehorseman.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

Division winners with their new saddles.

Rider Jade Or tiz is given a plaque in memory of her horse.

All of the youth participants were awarded gift buckets.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Motivational Speaker Joel Sonnenberg Addresses RPBHS Students The auditorium at Royal Palm Beach High School was silent as the freshmen who filled it regarded the scarred man wearing the white hat who stood before them.

The rest of the school was just as quiet, as students watched via broadcast to every classroom.

The man with the hat was Joel Sonnenberg, who survived being burned over 88 percent of his body when he was 2 years old. Sonnenberg is a man used to frank stares and answering the questions that race through someone’s mind upon seeing him.

Sonnenberg is so used to it that he turned it into a full-time career, spreading his inspirational message of survival in the face of great odds across the world and at all levels of the media. Sonnenberg has appeared on national television since he was 5, and has been speaking to audiences in the ninth grade. He has even received a

commendation for his inspirational speeches from U.S. presidents.

“I knew Joel through our alma mater, Taylor University,” history teacher Brad Johnson said. “I invited him to speak to our students because he is an amazing person whose life of achievement inspires everyone he meets.”

Johnson wanted to provide a special message to the entire school, but especially the Class of 2015. To that end, only freshmen were invited to meet Sonnenberg in the auditorium. The rest of the school was able to watch a live broadcast of the event, the first ever using the school’s new audio/visual equipment.

Principal Jesus Armas was thrilled to welcome Sonnenberg and his message of perseverance.

“We have a vision of meeting the holistic needs of our students,” Armas said. “It is incumbent on us to bring in a variety of oppor-

tunities for our students to grow as individuals.”

The point of a holistic education is to provide students life lessons that extend beyond the classroom, and Sonnenberg certainly did just that. Over the course of his speech, he described the accident that caused his burns and then spoke of the 45 surgeries that followed. Sonnenberg quietly told tales of being bullied and of how he dealt with the cruelties on a daily basis. He told students that you can either get better or become bitter, and that he chose the former and has not looked back.

Sonnenberg spent the rest of his time with the student body telling them about the people who affected his life in a positive way and answering questions with frankness and honesty.

“It was amazing and incredible and inspirational,” senior Andrea Aguirre said. “I have never heard

anything like Joel’s story before, and I loved how open he was during the Q-and-A session.”

Aguirre’s impression was shared by many other students around the school, as well as Armas. “I can’t think of a better way to provide a message of positive attitude to our students than to have them hear Joel’s message,” Armas said. “Our school today is better off for having had an opportunity to share with Joel.”

Sonnenberg also shared some of his many achievements with the students. To date, he has been not only a successful public speaker but also student body president, captain of his high school soccer team and an Olympic torch bearer.

Sonnenberg left students with a message of hope and his dream for them. “I want everyone to appreciate the little things and to make a difference in someone’s

Principal Jesus Armas, Joel Sonnenberg and Brad Johnson PHOTO BY CARISSA KANIA

life today,” he said.

The students and faculty members who were in attendance and watching in their classes could not help feeling inspired. “In today’s

world, where we find an overabundance of bullying and a lack of tolerance, Joel’s story is inspirational,” Armas said.

— Kendra Jackson

WPMS Honors Its Students Of The Month

Students Of The Month — Patrick Powell, Naya Payne and Jessica Hammett with Principal Robert Hatcher.

Western Pines Middle School Principal Robert Hatcher has announced the students of the month for December. These students were selected by their math teachers for their academic excellence in the classroom as well as their positive character traits in and out of school.

Sixth-grade student Naya Payne is an exemplary math student. His teachers noted that he always participates in class discussions and has never missed a single one. Payne has a wonderful attitude and never complains about assignments or homework. He is polite and well-mannered and a pleasure to have in any classroom.

Seventh-grade student Jessica Hammett is an outstanding student with a strong sense of responsibility. According to her

teachers, she strives for excellence in all her endeavors and is reliable and gets the job done.

Hammett is always willing to help her teachers and her fellow classmates when asked. Her teachers believe that she is an excellent role model for her fellow students.

Eighth-grade student Patrick Powell has a wonderful sense of humor and knows when and when not to use it, according to his teachers. He has very positive outlook and is always willing to help other students. Powell works very diligently both in and out of class.

He always strives to do his very best, even completing extra work in order to assure that he knows the concepts. Powell’s teachers feel that he is an outstanding role model for his peers and a pleasure to have in class.

SRHS Thespians Host Districts, Earn Honors Seminole Ridge High School hosted a district thespian festival earlier this month, with 400 students from Palm Beach and Martin counties competing for the opportunity to perform at the state drama competition in Tampa this spring.

Hawk senior Justine De Carlo was awarded the first-round “Critics’ Choice” for her top-place

ranking in the monologue category. “Justine was an outstanding representative for Seminole Ridge,” SRHS drama coach Patricia Bates said. “Her hard work, maturity, commitment to rehearsing and self-discipline were evident, and we’re very proud of her accomplishment.”

Also receiving superior ratings were Hannah Bourget (mono-

logue), Marc Sachs (solo musical theater), Michael Bloom and Carmine Cioffoletti (duet acting), and the team of Natoya Brown, Brenda Celestine, Aries Constantine, Simeon Lyons, Kenntrice O’Neal and Karen Rathiban (pantomime).

In other Seminole Ridge news, the debate team continued its winning streak at a recent competition at West Boca High School.

In the radio announcing event, Dalen Brauner took the gold and Wayne Selogy the silver; Landen Fresch placed fifth in Congressional debate; and the duo interpretation team of Anthony Manrique and Samantha Ocello placed fourth.

The team also recently received a $250 grant from Publix Supermarket Charities.

Jenny L. Cote talks to Berean students about her work.

Author Visits Berean Christian Author Jenny L. Cote visited Berean Christian School on Nov. 16 to give two writing workshops for students in grades three through eight.

Currently working on her fifth book, Cote is a Christian author who emphasizes the importance of good research when working with students on writing. During her visit, she shared how she did research for her most recent historical fiction book: The Prophet, the Shepherd, and the Star.

Cote had students complete ac-

tivities to understand the steps and importance of research for writing, as well as the benefits of outlining. This was Cote’s second visit to Berean. During her trip, she also visited three other local Christian schools to promote her books and speak to students.

For more information about Berean’s special programs and events, visit www.bereanwpb.org.

For more information about Cote and her books, visit the author’s web site at www.epicorderofthe seven.com.

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SCHOOL NEWS

December 23 - December 29, 2011

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PBCHS STUDENTS SUPPORT TOMS

WCS FLOAT WINS AT HOLIDAY PARADE

MYSTERY BOOK CLUB AT NEW HORIZONS

On Dec. 10, students from Palm Beach Central High School gathered at Wellington Village Park to decorate white canvas Toms as par t of the shoe company’s mo vement to raise awareness of global poverty. The event was organized primarily by Vanessa Nascimento and Toms team members Amanda Beraglia, Carlin Shaw, Alexy Barker, Sasha Garrido, Case y Leopold, Aldo Araujo, and Leissa Vincent. The event’s purpose was to encourage students to purchase Toms and contribute to the One for One movement, which gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes sold. Pictured above are Palm Beach Central Toms team members during the event Dec. 10.

Wellington Christian School would like to congratulate its students and parents who helped the school win first place in the Juvenile Float division at the annual Western Communities Holiday Parade. Representing the school were several vehicles, cheerleaders, elementary students in a manger scene, and the high school band. The theme this year was “Rockin’ in the Holidays,” and the band kept children and adult spectators entertained with a couple of favorite Christmas tunes, including “Jingle Bell R ock.”

WCS congratulates all participants and helper s, especially the parent volunteers who assisted: Jen and John Lawson, Angie and Aaron Cocuzzo, Mildred Jimenez, Michelle Strassel, Cathy Connolly, Lainie Guthrie, Maria Baynon, and Chad Isaacson.

New Horizons Elementary School students recently participated in the school’s Mystery Book Club. Each class received a book sealed in an envelope. Each day for one week students received a clue related to a specific book. Students enjoyed using the clue to guess the book title. At the end of the week, the book title was revealed, with teachers reading the book to their students.

As a culminating activity, students dressed as their favorite book character, with classmates guessing the book character each one represented. Pictured here are off ice staff members dressed like characters from Mar y Poppins.

PHOTO BY SASHA GARRIDO

RPBHS Students Make Big Donations To Unified Local Food Drive Students from Royal Palm Beach High School donated more than 500 cans of food to the Unified Local Food Drive in an effort to help local families in need during Thanksgiving.

The drive, sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Royal Palm Beach in conjunction with the Interact Club and the International

Business Academy at RPBHS, was a success. The PBSO delivered 255 turkeys and 322 bags containing complete meals to families.

“This was a great and rewarding experience,” said Darrell Schwartz, who is the head of both the Interact Club and IBA at RPBHS. The drive was open to all

schools, businesses, churches in the area and residents in Royal Palm Beach. The PBSO worked with Schwartz to turn the high school into a drop point for donations from the community, as well as to collect donations from students and staff inside the school.

In order to provide an additional incentive for student donations, the PBSO and Schwartz collabo-

rated to offer prizes for the top donating classes at RPBHS. The class with the second-highest amount of donations was given a pizza party sponsored by the Interact Club. The top donating class was given an ice cream party sponsored by the PBSO and Blue Bell Ice Cream.

The class that donated the most food from the top donating school

was awarded the grand prize: a trip to become honorary sheriff’s deputies for the day. The prize includes being sworn in as a deputy and traveling around the county by police car, boat and helicopter.

Schwartz performs many duties for the school outside of his roles as lead teacher for the IBA and Interact sponsor. Over the past few months, he organized a beautifi-

cation project with Kiwanis to clean up and re-landscape the courtyard of RPBHS and setup several beach cleanups through Interact. His hard work inside and outside of the classroom was recently rewarded when the Council for Exceptional Students’ (Palm Beach County Chapter) named Schwartz their 2011 Regular Educator of the Year.

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THE GRIFFIS FAMILY GETS A NEW ADDITION

Brianne and Daniel Griffis of Loxahatchee have announced the birth of their son, Ethan Alexzander Griffis, on Nov. 21 at 12:40 a.m. in Charlotte, N.C. Ethan was 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 and a half inches long. His grandparents are Linda Burton of Loxahatchee, and Keith and Carol Grif fis of Clover, S.C.

Jose Arroyo Completes Marine Training Marine Corps Pfc. Jose L. Arroyo, son of Army Lt. Col. Osvaldo and Michele Ortiz of Wellington, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Arroyo and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running 3 miles and performing calisthenics.

In addition to the physical conditioning program, Arroyo spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training.

They performed close order

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Provident Jewelry Hosts LLS Benefit Event More than 250 guests enjoyed the “Casino Style” night hosted by Provident Jewelry and sponsored

by Palm Beach Illustrated, raising more than $5,100 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Held at the Jupiter showroom, the evening featured exciting card tricks, spin the wheel games and thrilling raffle items to win.

All proceeds from raffle items and casino games went directly toward LLS. Provident Jewelry also donated a percentage of proceeds from the evening to the organization to help those in need.

“LLS was excited to be teaming with Provident Jewelry and Palm Beach Illustrated for a second year,” said Darby Collins, LLS’s senior campaign director.

“This event gives us a wonderful opportunity to raise money for an organization that helps so many in need.”

LLS’s mission is to cure leuke-

mia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The organization relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundation contributions to advance its mission.

A legacy of prestige for the past two generations, Provident Jewelry has served South Florida as one of the leading jewelers with locations in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Naples, Fort Meyers and Boca Raton. Provident Jewelry has an extensive selection of the finest vintage and cotemporary jewelry including new and certified pre-owned timepieces.

For more information about Provident Jewelry, visit www. providentjewelry.com or (888) 888-GEMS.

drill and operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Arroyo and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment — and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Arroyo and his fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are

presented the Marine Corps emblem, and addressed as Marines for the first time in their careers.

Wellington Graduates From Gulf Coast U. Florida Gulf Coast University has announced its recent graduates. Among them are several students from Wellington.

Daniel Chamberlain graduated

Seth Berman, Rob Samuels, Scott Diament and Nick Linca of Provident Jewelry.

IMAGE COURTESY LILA PHOTO

with a master’s degree in business administration from the College of Business; Brett Harry graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business; Geoffrey Ostroff graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business; and Taylor Sullivan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Located in Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a Florida public university, offering under-

graduate and graduate degree programs.

The school is dedicated to providing a student-centered learning environment that offers the highest quality educational opportunities for the development of the knowledge, insight, competencies and skills necessary for success in life and work.

For more information about Florida Gulf Coast University, visit the school’s web site at www. fgcu.edu or call (888) 889-1095.

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

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

WELLINGTON MOMS HOST ‘GET HOOKED FOR A CAUSE’ IN WEST PALM BEACH

Wellington residents Dickie Jessell and Marcie Singer co-chaired a girls night out Dec. 8 at Off the Hookah in West Palm Beach as part of the “Get Hooked on a Cause” initiative to support Camelot Community Care, a nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health organization committed to providing quality services to children and families. The event was a big success for Camelot, with funds raised and many toys collect ed for the children of Camelot. For more information, visit www.camelotcommunitycare.org.

Event co-chairs Dickie Jessell and Marcie Singer with Off the Hookah Director of Events Valerie Mendelsohn (also a Wellington mom).

Guests put money on the Camelot Tree in support of the campaign “Donate a Dollar, Deliver a Dream.”

Camelot Community Care Director Leslie Serena and her staff members pack up the donated toys.

New Hope Charities 18th Holiday Bazaar: Another Fabulous Year New Hope Charities, an organization helping struggling families in the Glades through programs and services to improve the community, held its 18th annual Holiday Bazaar chaired by Catherine and Andres Fanjul on Dec. 1 at the Sailfish Club in Palm Beach.

The Holiday Bazaar was once again an exciting and fun-filled event. With music by the Latin band Norberto y Marisela con su Septeto Caribe, the dance floor was alive and overfilled with guests enjoying themselves. More than 450 gathered for this spectacular event, raising almost $100,000 for New Hope Charities’

programs in western Palm Beach County.

For one night, the Sailfish Club was transformed into an extraordinary bazaar from end to end featuring fabulous shopping options at the vendors and silent auction, delicious food stations at every turn, and sensational entertainment.

Vendors featured at the event included Daniella Ortiz, Sticks & Spirits cigar shop, Schneider Gem Sales, Stubbs & Wootton and Palm Beach Eyes, among many others.

Highlights included a live auction for “Sheriff for a Day” and a trip to Casa de Campo in La Ro-

mana in the Dominican Republic, a raffle drawing for exciting prizes, and WPEC Channel 12 anchor Liz Quirantes as master of ceremonies.

“It was nice to see the dance floor so full of people,” Event Chair Cathie Fanjul said. “The feeling and atmosphere of the event this year is exactly what we want to achieve with the Holiday Bazaar, and it’s great to see everyone having so much fun.”

Major sponsors included Sun Capital Partners, Florida Crystals, Sunset Marina and the Kelly Foundation of Kelly Tractor.

The Holiday Bazaar is the organization’s largest fundraising

event of the year. Thanks to money raised at this event, New Hope Charities can continue to provide hope to families in western Palm Beach County’s underserved communities of Pahokee, Belle Glade and South Bay. Through the many programs and services offered at New Hope’s family center in Pahokee, this underprivileged population receives the skills and education necessary to overcome illiteracy and hunger, and break the cycle of poverty.

For more information about New Hope Charities, visit the organization’s web site at www.new hopecharities.org.

WHS Grad Wilkinson Serving In Afghanistan Kate Wilkinson was a National Honor Society student at Wellington High School, where she also enjoyed soccer and flag football. She graduated from WHS in 2003.

Wilkinson graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida in 2007, where she majored in English and public relations, and minored in Spanish.

Wilkinson spent two summers volunteering in Bosnia and India, where she lived in a local orphanage, worked in the slums, and

taught English to the local community.

After completing college, Wilkinson accepted a Fulbright scholarship to Indonesia, where she taught classes at a local high school and hosted an educational TV show. It was in Indonesia that Wilkinson decided to attend a graduate program in international relations.

While completing her master’s degree in international relations at George Washington University, she was awarded a Boren Fellow-

ship to Tajikistan. In Tajikistan, Kate studied Farsi, volunteered with an NGO for women’s rights, and published research on microfinance.

Currently, Wilkinson works for the Department of State in Afghanistan, where she serves on a provincial reconstruction team.

Although not in the military, Wilkinson lives and works on a military base in one of the most volatile areas of Afghanistan. As an economic adviser, she partners with local government and mili-

tary officials, to create programs providing opportunities geared for women and youth.

Wilkinson’s parents, Michelle and Manny Zapata, and Kevin and Cindy Wilkinson, are extremely proud of her endeavors and accomplishments.

“We are proud of Kate and all the men and women who serve far away from home,” Wilkinson’s parents said. “They live and work in harm’s way in the hopes of building a better world for all of us.”

Andres Fanjul Jr., Allegra Fanjul, and Carissa and Nick Coniglio.

Former WCFL All-Star Receives Scholarship Matthew Moody, who began playing organized football in the Western Communities Football League, recently received a gray shirt scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. Moody will report to Baton Rouge in January.

Moody is a graduate of Winter

Park High School near Orlando, where he received honors as the Most Valuable Defensive Lineman after completing his senior year football season.

Moody is the son of Michael and Lita-Marie Moody of Winter Park, and the grandson of Elet Cyris of Royal Palm Beach.

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

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

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NEWS

Holiday HorseFest Returns Dec. 11 To Downtown West Palm Beach Equestrian Sport Productions and the City of West Palm Beach hosted the second annual Holiday HorseFest presented by Fidelity Investments on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach.

It was a festive and exciting day by the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront that attracted thousands of spectators to experience the live entertainment, food and carnival, in addition to thrilling equestrian competitions and exhibitions that showcased the sport of show jumping as well as other equestrian disciplines such as vaulting, dressage and driving.

The Holiday HorseFest featured two classes featuring some of the top show jumpers in the nation.

In the first class, Olympian Margie Engle of Wellington was unbeatable. The class had 20 entries, and they had to find the fastest track over a course designed by Jason Shelley. The fastest one with the least faults was the winner.

Engle rode her sale horse Zubantos, who is only 7 years old, and it was their first competition together. They were able to notch the first clear round when they went sixth in the class. They posted a time of 63.011 seconds for the win. The only other clear was Schuyler Riley on Gold Marie 33, who finished in 63.621 seconds, just off the pace for second place.

Third place went to Michael Desiderio on Landini, who had four faults in 50.434 seconds.

The second class offered for riders was the four-bar competition, where they had to go clear over

Election

Willhite And Hostetler

continued from page 1 plishment for the council,” he said.

“We created a focal point for Wellington and brought a lot of new things for the public to take advantage of.”

A project that brought Wellington national attention was the new Patriot Memorial, which Willhite conceived. He said it is something he thinks will benefit Wellington for generations to come.

Willhite also noted that he has voted to hold the tax rate steady for three years in a row, choosing to cut costs to produce a balanced budget without sacrificing services.

To help save money, Willhite said he has supported creative measures, including selling wastewater sludge for $200,000 and purchasing a nursery of trees rather than individual trees to save the village $350,000.

He also pointed to the beautification of several major Wellington roadways, including Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards, much of which was paid for with grant money.

“Hopefully, every major thoroughfare will be resurfaced in the next year or two,” Willhite said.

“I think it’s a good thing. It makes trips easier for residents... and it will make Wellington an attractive

Aldi

RPB Official Thrilled

continued from page 1 place to protect your quality of life,” he said. “We should be proud of the fact that this national company chose our village to put in place their regional headquarters.”

Councilwoman Martha Webster said it took the work of many different agencies to bring Aldi to the village. “It was a great effort to bring Aldi here,” Webster said.

“It’s going to be a very good impetus. It’s going to really help our economy here, with the right kind of jobs in the right place.”

Palm Beach League of Cities Executive Director Richard Radcliffe attended the meeting and congratulated the council and the village on attracting Aldi to RPB.

Slots

County Residents To Vote

continued from page 1 the Palm Beaches, said the Palm Beach Kennel Club has been a major contributor to the economy.

“It has provided employment for over 600 men and women,” Grady said. “The item before you allows the people of Palm Beach County to make a choice if they want to continue to allow that parimutuel facility to function on a level playing field with those to the south of us.”

Pari-mutuel slot machines are moving forward in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson compared slot machines to the lot-

four jumps set in a row, with just one stride between each fence. In the first round, the jumps started at 1.25m and ended at 1.40m.

There were 12 entries in the class, and nine of them were clear in the first round. Only five were able to advance to the third round of competition, and the only clear was Steven Bluman of Colombia, who rode his big jumping Percy to victory. Tied for second place were Carolina Mirabal on G&C Leroy, Ryan Genn on For Farina, Richard McGrath with Rugby, and Andres Rodriguez on Williams.

It was a great day of competition for these riders, who were happy to come to the Meyer Amphitheatre to show a new crowd of spectators what show jumping is all about.

In addition to the variety of horse sports demonstrated throughout the day, the drawing of charities for the 2012 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments brought over 150 charities from all over Palm Beach County out with their fingers crossed in hopes of being drawn for this year’s event.

Charities were drawn randomly throughout the day in a series of drawings dispersed in between the different equestrian competitions. While some lucky charities that participated in last year’s event happened to get drawn again, there were many new charities drawn this year that will compete in the Great Charity Challenge for the first time.

Arguably, none were luckier at

Margie Engle and Zubantos speed to victory in the 1.35m speed class. the Dec. 11 event than last year’s winner, Wheels for Kids. The organization made a heartfelt and emotional presentation of a customized wheelchair to a little girl in need at the beginning of the event. The wheelchair, costing nearly $7,000, was bought with the money that Wheels for Kids received as the winner of last year’s Great Charity Challenge.

After witnessing the emotional presentation, the generous Mirabal family of G&C Farm (sponsor of last year’s winning team) decided that they would donate two more wheelchairs to Wheels for Kids to help more children in need. “You guys are amazing,” said Denise Jungbert, head of Wheels for Kids.

As if the day couldn’t get any better for the Wheels for Kids or-

ganization, it was randomly drawn again to participate in this year’s Great Charity Challenge event on Feb. 17, guaranteeing them no less than $10,000 for their charity.

“I’ve never been this lucky before,” Jungbert said. “We will be able to help so many more kids now.”

Not all is lost for the charities that were not drawn at the Holiday HorseFest. Over the next couple of months, Equestrian Sport Productions will be announcing wild card opportunities for charities not drawn to still have a chance to participate in this year’s Great Charity Challenge.

The 28 charities chosen to participate in the 2012 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments included the two pre-selected/pre-

place as we try to bring business here.”

Willhite said he hopes to maintain a careful balance between preserving Wellington’s unique lifestyle and attracting business. He noted that he had voted in favor of expedited permitting but expressed concern about the proposed Equestrian Village project’s retail component.

The Equestrian Village project would bring world-class dressage competition to the old Palm Beach Polo stadium property on the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road. The project includes an equestrian venue as well as retail and office space and a hotel. It is expected to go before the council early next year.

“My concern,” Willhite said, “is that there’s already an overabundance of empty retail space right now. Can the village and current businesses sustain it if we build another 100,000 square feet of retail?”

As the only council member with young children, Willhite said he will continue to represent families. He said he will focus on recreational programs as well as keeping Wellington’s public schools great.

Willhite said he hopes residents will give him the opportunity to continue to serve Wellington. “I’m very honored to serve the residents of Wellington,” he said. “I think I’ve done a lot of good. I’m just asking that if residents think what

Matt Willhite

Shauna Hostetler

I’ve done for the last four years has been good enough, that they’ll allow me to serve them for another four years.”

For more information, visit www.mattwillhite.com.

SHAUNA HOSTETLER Hostetler, a community activist who lives in Binks Forest, is one of three candidates currently seeking election to Seat 1.

After growing up all over the U.S. due to her father ’s job, Hostetler made Palm Beach County her home 31 years ago when she married her husband, Ron. A 23-year resident of the western communities and a 15-year Wellington resident, she and her husband have five children and two grandchildren.

Hostetler studied business development and marketing at LDS

Business College in Salt Lake City. She and her husband coowned two construction companies. She currently works as an events manager for Deseret Books.

For more than 30 years, Hostetler has been active as a fulltime volunteer in leadership positions for several community organizations as well as in the Palm Beach County school system and her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wellington.

Among her many volunteer positions, Hostetler served as the sponsorship chair for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and Eagle Scout coach, and as a member of the 2011 Leadership

“I’ve been going out to the 38 municipalities and explaining what the league does and how important it is to get involved and what the league has to offer,” Radcliffe said. “I haven’t come out here because you are kind of like the poster child of what you should be doing.”

Radcliffe said the league is working this year to stimulate the economy. “Normally, I give advice on what to do and how you’ve got to be involved with committees, and everybody here is doing it,” he said. “I don’t think your residents realize, so I’m going to just take the time to come up and explain this is the way a city should be run. You’re red-hot.

You’re making it all happen, and you’re hitting on all cylinders.”

Also last Thursday, the council approved a bid of $25,500 to clean stained and painted sidewalks by

water blasting, which was $5,500 more than previously budgeted.

Earlier this year, the council approved an amnesty program to clean sidewalks that had been stained or painted by homeowners, which is a code violation.

Liggins said $20,000 was originally budgeted because that was what they had been quoted by a contractor.

“We learned that there was somebody else out there with the same equipment,” Liggins said.

“Instead of sole-sourcing it, we were in a position where we needed to bid it.”

“This is interesting. I look at this as maybe the market is starting to get better,” Pinto said, noting that for years, bid prices have been going down, not up. “Maybe business is improving.”

Public Works Director Paul Webster said it was the first com-

petitive bid in a long time that the prices were higher than anticipated. He said he planned to meet with the contractor this week and arrange a cleaning schedule for the nearly 100 sidewalks to be cleaned. “This is still the most cost-effective method,” he said.

Councilwoman Webster said issuing a competitive bid was the appropriate thing to do when there was more than one contractor available. “The price is still low,” she said.

Pinto made a motion to approve the bid, which carried 4-0.

In other business, the council canceled its regularly scheduled Jan. 5 meeting. The next meeting will be Jan. 19.

tery, which is legal in Florida. “It’s all over the country, and if you look at it, the fact is the payoff is far less than what you get on the slot machines, percentagewise,” Aaronson said. “We all sitting up here know one thing: we have constituents who get on buses that go down to the Indian casinos.

They want to gamble. We have the cruise ships coming in. People get on cruise ships to gamble. We lose the revenue.”

Aaronson said he wants to give county residents a choice as to what they want to do. “If they do not want to have it, they will vote not to have it,” he said. “If they think they want it, they will vote to have it. The fact is that the state is bringing forward certain things as well. We’re not talking about a casino at this time. We’re just talking about slot machines.”

Aaronson pointed out that the

Palm Beach Kennel Club currently has high-stakes poker, in addition to the dogs. “The fact is people who want to gamble will go to a place to gamble,” he said. “You will not stop them, and I think that we could use employment here in Palm Beach County.”

Santamaria said he would not support the ordinance. “If anybody can guarantee to me today that the only thing that will be moving forward is slot machines at the dog track and nothing else, I would consider it,” Santamaria said. “We know that casinos, in fact, will be the end goal… If and when this comes to a referendum vote in November 2012, I will oppose it then, so I have no choice but to oppose it now.”

Aaronson made a motion to put the item on the ballot, which passed 6-1 with Santamaria opposed.

Bruce Duchossois of Wellington Equestrian Partners dra ws a lucky charity from the hopper. qualified charities, the Caridad Center and Wellington Community Foundation, and the randomly selected charities, which were as follows: American Humane Association; American Red Cross, Be A Star Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties; Big Dog Ranch Rescue Inc.; Child and Family Connections Inc.; Children’s Home Society of Florida; Greyhound Pets of America; Gulfstream Goodwill Transition to Life Academy; Hanley Center Foundation; Hospice of Palm Beach County; Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO); Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast Inc.; Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County Inc.; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; Literacy Coalition

of Palm Beach County; Loggerhead Marinelife Center; Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter; Palm Healthcare Foundation; Place of Hope; South Florida Science Museum; Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Florida; Center for Family Services; Unicorn Children’s Foundation; Wheels for Kids; and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center This event would not be possible without the following sponsors: FTI Consulting, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, the City of West Palm Beach, the Downtown Development Authority, Palm Beach Illustrated, Brook Ledge, Dever Golf Cars, Gracie Street and Renny & Reed.

For more about the Great Charity Challenge, visit www.ftigreat charitychallenge.com.

Palms West class hosted by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.

Hostetler has also served as her church’s women’s organization president, a youth group leader and the media and public relations director, among other titles.

Most recently, from 2009 to 2011, she served as PTA president at Binks Forest Elementary School.

Hostetler said she decided to run as an extension of her service to the community.

“I am passionate about Wellington and want to see it continue to be the great place it is,” she said.

“I want to continue to build on the good, yet address the areas that need improvement. One of my personal mottos is, ‘Be a part of the solution.’ Serving on the council will help me utilize my strengths as a leader who has made a positive difference in many areas.”

Hostetler said she will listen to all sides of an issue and make a decision based on what is best for everyone.

“One of my strengths is being able to look at all sides of an issue before I make a decision,” she said. “Over the years, I have had to make many choices that affect a large group of people. I recognize that serving on the [council], I represent the best interest of all residents, not just a small group.”

Wellington’s quality of life is what draws many people to the community, Hostetler said.

“I come across people on a regular basis who are moving to Flor-

ida,” she said. “When they narrow it down to the few places they want to live, Wellington is always one of those. Unless they want to live on the beach, they always choose Wellington. I feel like it’s a great place to move to, and I want to keep it that way.”

Hostetler said she would advocate smart spending if elected to the council.

“I’m not going to go in and say that we need to spend money,” she said. “I believe in carefully managing money and keeping budgets tight. I think we should spend smart today so that tomorrow is a better day.”

Hostetler said she’d like to keep Wellington a community where people come to raise their families and then retire, noting that both families and seniors are integral parts of Wellington’s community.

“I want to ensure that the current residents have the support they need to raise a family and retire here,” she said. “We need seniors; they are a valuable asset to our community.”

Ultimately, Hostetler said she hopes that residents will give her the opportunity to use her leadership experience to serve the community. “I want to preserve and protect the things that make Wellington a great place to live, work and play,” she said. “This will take careful planning and financial responsibility today with the future in mind.”

For more information, look for Hostetler’s campaign page on Facebook.

Target

continued from page 3 like to see some 4-foot cutouts just to keep it broken up a little bit so that it’s not just a stucco monster,” he said.

O’Brien said the application had gone through county approval for architectural design guidelines in regard to landscaping and big-box standards, and the village had agreed to annex them with their existing standards.

“If they got approval from the county, which allowed this type of

arrangement, then we give them that right,” O’Brien said, adding that landscaping approval is separate from architectural approval.

Powell made a motion to accept the application as is, which resulted in a 2-2 non-decision. Lange said he was OK with the 2-2 vote, but Erwin said a postponement might be preferable. “Rather than no action, it would be better to table it, because the whole reason they’re here is for action,” Erwin said.

Lange made a motion to postpone the item to the Jan. 24 meeting, and the motion carried 4-0.

PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Tuesday afternoon to a home on Folkstone Circle regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., someone smashed out the windows of the victim’s Ford Taurus, causing approximately $700 in damage. The victim said she did not know anyone who would do this. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 20 — A resident of the Greenview Shores neighborhood called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a pair of designer sunglasses, a GPS unit and three bottles of vodka. The stolen items were valued at approximately $469. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington

was dispatched to a home in the Greenview Shores neighborhood Wednesday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim was at home at approximately 11:45 p.m. when she observed two unknown males in dark-colored ski masks cut her rear patio screen door and enter the patio. The perpetrators fled over the rear wall and crossed Big Blue Trace, going into the Wellington Lakes community. According to the report, the perpetrators were described as two males approximately 6 feet tall and wearing dark clothing.

DEC. 21 —A resident of Wellington’s Edge called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Wednesday afternoon to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:20 p.m., the victim’s son observed a black male wearing a white, hooded sweatshirt open his mother’s car door. The victim’s son scared the suspect, who fled on foot.

There was no further information at the time of the report.

Postponed

Blotter continued from page 6 an hour later in a blue or green Ford Explorer. According to the report, the suspect then attempted to hook the trailer to his truck, but was unable to do so. The suspect then left and returned at approximately 3 p.m. and was able to hook the trailer to his truck. He then fled westbound on 93rd Road North. The video was taken as evidence, but there was no further information at the time of the report.

DEC. 20 — A resident of West Palm Beach contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday to report a vehicle burglary. According to the report, the victim was at the Target Superstore on Okeechobee Blvd. from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and left her vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. When she returned to her vehicle, she discovered that someone had removed her driver’s license and $100 cash from the glove box.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 20 — A deputy from the

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Page 19

NEWS

MUSIC & GIFT GIVING AT ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIORS GROUP HOLIDAY PARTY The Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activity Group held a holiday party Friday, Dec. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. There was a gift exchange, potluck meal, a singalong and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Volunteers Prudel Belle, Cheryl Lower, Dolly Hughes, Vinette Tracy, Lorna Pearson, Attis Solomon, Beth Kaplan and Joe Schelorke.

Lisa Orwig gives Carl Wingo a present.

Kathleen Lannaman, Doris Mendez-Weeks and Darlene Mattis.

George and Marge Herzog, Santa, and Ruth Hamlyn.

Olive Forrester performs a song on the piano.

Districts

Abruzzo Likely To Seek Senate

continued from page 1 all of Florida. That seat is going to get cut in half, and we will end up having a Democratic seat.”

Abruzzo, who serves on his chamber’s congressional redistricting committee, said that there are five versions of State House maps. “The five models are very similar,” Abruzzo said. “There are just slight variations between them.”

Abruzzo said the way the models are drawn now, he and Pafford

would be in the same district. The only other district in some of the models with a portion of the western communities appears to be a minority seat likely to be held by State Rep. Mack Bernard (D-District 84). In some maps, that district cuts through The Acreage in order to connect Riviera Beach with the Glades.

“There are five variations, but they are all pretty similar in the respect that the districts do not change that much,” he said. “The maps that you see in front of you, many believe on both sides of the aisle that there is a good possibility of them passing court muster, that the courts will rule that they comply with Amendments 5 and 6. I feel that it is safe to say that

the maps presented most likely will be the maps most people are running on at the end of the day.”

More questions are being raised on the State Senate side, he said.

“People are contesting that they do not comply with Amendments 5 and 6 as well as the State House maps do, and there may be some changes down the road by the courts,” he said.

Pafford, however, is not so sure the State House maps will stand the way they are drawn now.

“These maps haven’t been produced for the purposes of creating districts,” Pafford said. “These maps have been produced for political purposes to basically motivate candidates or current members into divulging what is most

important to them, which is not proper anymore because of Amendments 5 and 6.”

Pafford said there should not be any political motivation in terms of how the districts are drawn.

“Districts have been drawn to provoke political response from elected officials and candidates interested in running for office,” Pafford said. “They’re provoking those responses in a large part because they want to know what part of a certain district is most important to them so they can leverage viable districts during the next 60 days of session.”

The models are intended to bait legislators and political leaders into approving better districts for themselves in order to get issues

Dolly Hughes and Doris Mendez-Weeks. of their own approved, he asserted.

“What better way to get those issues passed than to hold a district above their heads for 60 days,” Pafford said. “This is a political process from the get-go, and, unfortunately, even though Amendments 5 and 6 passed, which takes politics out of the drawing process, you’re going to still have people putting politics in.”

Pafford added that no matter what occurs, there will be lawsuits and the courts ultimately will end up determining what the districts are. “I’ll have to take a look at the lines when we actually have maps that mean something,” he said.

“Right now, they don’t.”

State Rep. Mark Pafford

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Emergency? Call Kindred Spirit Medical Transport When things go wrong with horses, they often happen quickly.

Maria Vitale owns and runs Kindred Spirit Equine Emergency Medical Transport. She and her team of four are trained in technical rescues of large equines and other livestock.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

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Page 21

Bronco Boys Basketball Squad Falls To Jupiter

The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity basketball fell to Jupiter High School 59-48 at home Frida y, Dec. 16.

The two schools were neck-and-neck during the first half of the game, with the Jupiter squad pulling away after halftime.

Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business The Season To Be Jolly: How To Deal With Holiday Depression And Stress

For some people, the holidays imbue them the sense of joy, happiness, inner peace, and renewed faith and optimism for the coming year. For others, there is sadness, a sense of isolation, depression and a pessimistic feeling. Wellington psychologist Dr. Harvey Klein offers a few thoughts and tips to consider that might help the latter group. It is important for them to set realistic expectations and goals f or the season. Page 27

Sports Wellington Basketball Squad Defeats Royal Palm Beach 53-46

In a rematch from earlier in the season, the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team battled host Royal Palm Beach High School on Friday, Dec. 16, besting the Wildcats 53-46. The Wolverines were able to avenge an early season loss to the Wildcats back in November. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ...................... 23-25 BUSINESS NEWS .................................27-29 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 30 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR .................... 38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 40-44

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Page 23

FEATURES

In An Emergency, Call Kindred Spirit Medical Transport When things go wrong with horses, they often happen quickly. Happily, emergency help is available.

Maria Vitale owns and runs Kindred Spirit Equine Emergency Medical Transport. She and her team of four are trained in technical rescues of large equines and other livestock — cows, bulls, llamas, you name it.

“I go after loose livestock,” she laughed.

“I chase loose horses like there’s no tomorrow. Our prices are reasonable, and we try to especially help out the smaller, less-well-off animal rescue groups. I would never, ever, deny someone service because they couldn’t afford it.”

Vitale and her crew have the same training as the members of fire-rescue’s Special Operations Unit. “We take the same courses and can help safely extract an animal from confined spaces, like an overturned horse trailer, or swift water, like a pond or canal, without causing further damage,” she said. “We specialize in mobilizing downed horses — horses who can’t get up due to seizures, colic, a broken leg or paralysis. We also transport deceased horses.”

Vitale stressed that she’s a vet tech and works with the attending veterinarian. She’s based in The Acreage but responds to calls all over Florida.

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 “We’ve hauled a lot of horses up to the vet school in Gainesville,” she said. “We’re also certified with FEMA to help animals during a natural disaster. I’d like to form a team of people who’d be willing and able to respond during a flood or fire or hurricane. Ten would be a nice number.”

Vitale has an extensive horse background.

She started riding at age 8 on Long Island, where she grew up, then continued after moving to Fort Lauderdale, Wellington in 1998, and, in 2004, The Acreage. She owns three rescue horses at the moment. She’s a member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce Equestrian Committee.

“I have a lot of useful training and experience,” she said. “Working with a vet, I can splint a broken leg and apply our Kimzey Splint, which actually supports and allows a horse to walk on a broken leg. I also have Rescue Glides, to move a downed or deceased horse.”

Vitale said that all horse owners should think ahead and try to plan what they’ll do in case of an emergency.

Maria Vitale with her horse ambulance trailer.

“I’ve seen barns from backyard lean-tos to huge places in Grand Prix Village with no emergency trailer access, no way to get a vehicle close to a downed horse,” she said.

“Owners should think about things like this

if their horse becomes sick. Don’t stick it in a small stall way in the back. Put it in a pasture with a 12-foot gate, so we can get in and help it. A well-functioning farm should be orgaSee ROSENBERG, page 25

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FEATURES

When Santa Claus Arrived, It Was A Magical Experience Remember when I was telling you last week about the unparalleled Interstate Drop Forge Christmas Party of my youth? Visit www.gotowncrier.com/welky if you missed it, but, never mind, we’ve reached the climactic moment right here — Santa Claus has just arrived.

Our mouths dropped open. This was the real Santa Claus, not some fake like the one on the street corner. He had the thickest red suit you could imagine, the fullest white beard, the laughingest eyes! He was covered in real North Pole snow, he was carrying a leather strap with jingling sleigh bells on it, and he ho-ho-hoed like no one but the real Santa could do. All the doubts put into our heads by the bad kids at school melted quickly away. Not only did Santa exist, he was right here at the Interstate Drop Forge Christmas Party. Wow, Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

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

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER Dad’s company was even more important than we had been led to believe!

As Santa took his place in a special chair on stage, the purple velvet curtains were pulled back to reveal — could it be true? — stacks and stacks of presents wrapped in plain brown paper. They covered the wall! They reached to the ceiling! They were for us!

Age group by age group, Santa called us on stage. Every single child sat on his lap and shyly, hopefully, fervently whispered into his ear what he or she wanted for Christmas. We knew we would get it. This was Santa Claus!

The only thing standing in our way was…

“And have you been good this year?”

Jimmy and I tried to point out the many times we had been good and push down the memories of our frequent fights, the last of which had taken place in the back seat of the car on the way over. I mean, surely Santa wouldn’t hold that against us, would he? I mean, Jimmy had let part of his coat slip over onto my side! Santa told us to work hard in school and help Mom around the house, and we did! Because of Santa, we studied for tests and were underfoot with a dustcloth for, oh, at least a full week after the party.

Upon leaving the stage, each of us was handed a huge present, and it always turned out to be something good. We were also handed a red plastic net stocking filled with candy, which put us so “over the top” with bounty that we had to be helped down the stage steps.

On the way back to our seats, we tried not to look at those who had been in line before us and already had their presents opened because we wanted to be surprised.

We didn’t take our presents apart there, and I think Dad was charged with the task of running out to the car and locking them in so

they’d be “safe.” As for us, we were off and running again. The bowling alley was open.

There was a peanut machine and the smell of hot popcorn. Dad would let us sit next to him at the bar with a Nehi root beer or orange soda. There was a huge banquet upstairs where the meat was provided, and all the wives tried to outdo each other with their side dishes or desserts. My mother’s recipes always got rave reviews — although I knew they would because, after all, she was Mom. After dinner, the party started to wind down.

Or maybe Jimmy and I fell asleep across Mom’s lap. I do remember Dad having to carry us into the house later.

I would say “I want to go back,” but I don’t.

I don’t want to know that money was taken out of Dad’s paycheck each week to pay for the party. I don’t want to think about the rental fee on the Elks Club. I don’t want to know that Santa had a wooden hand due to a drop forge accident. I don’t want to see that party through adult eyes at all.

I want to remember it just as it was — perfect.

New ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Movie Amusing, But Drags Early On The biggest problem with Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows is that it is a classic sequel. The previous film made a lot of money, so, Hollywood (being what it is) has to do another one. This one is bigger, louder and splashier to ensure that audience members have no time to sit back and realize that the plot is simplistic. Instead, there are all sorts of clever tricks and set scenes to divert and amuse.

This series of movies actually has relatively little to do with the original Sherlock Holmes who, as created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was cerebral. Not very many things actually happen in the stories. The detective was asked to solve an impossible crime, and he then explained everything. That would make for boring movies, particularly in today’s action market. So the new Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is an athlete, leaping all over the place to solve crimes more by his actions than his thoughts.

In most ways, the movie is really a kind of sequel to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson (Jude Law) constantly squabble, trade wisecracks and rescue one another from certain death.

In this film, Holmes dies twice (of course, he does actually survive death… and

Rosenberg

Maria Vitale Of Kindred Spirit

continued from page 23 nized so it’s not a hindrance in case of an emergency.”

Vitale has done it all — helped horses with legs under fences, cast in stalls, caught in barbed wire, suffering colic, stuck in canals, hit by cars and the worst — involved in trailer accidents.

“Water rescues and trailer accidents are the most technically difficult. One afternoon

twice!). He also loves to wear costumes even when they are not particularly necessary.

The featured one seemed to have him in drag for no other reason than it was supposed to be amusing.

The story actually does follow some of Sir Arthur’s original plotting. The main villain is Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), the criminal genius. Most of the time, however, we merely see Moriarty reacting to Holmes’ verbal barbs.

The original author almost never actually used Moriarty, but until close to the end of the film, the villain is as low-key as possible, and that slows everything. When he finally does act, as part of the last half-hour when the action finally gets to the point, his personal abilities with violence are totally out of the mold. It is in the last hour where a sluggish plot finally gets to the point and truly satisfies.

The cast is good as expected. Downey is one of our better actors, particularly with comedy. He tosses off lines that are completely outrageous and… well, they really work. After tossing the new Mrs. Watson (a really good Kelly Reilly) off a moving train into a river, he shrugs and says: “Someone has to say it. It had to be done.”

Law is very good as the straight man in this adventure. He has perfected the kind of bristling, the seeming acceptance of the most incredible happenings as just his due in the partnership. He understands his role as the solid one, the grounded one, in the relationship.

One problem with the cast is that they are being asked to play roles far below their ability levels and thus are wasted. Noomi Rapace, who was excellent in the Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, plays an angry, desperate gypsy, so intent on finding her brother that hers was a one-dimensional performance. Stephen Fry as Mycroft Holmes went way over the top, even more outrageous than his brother. Watching him call his brother “Shirley” as a diminutive just reminded me of the better movie joke with that name from Airplane (“Surely you must be joking”; “I never joke. And don’t call me Shirley”).

Rachel McAdams returns as Irene Adler and is totally wasted in the early, overly slow buildup.

How good is the film? Pretty good, although the beginning is definitely too slow. Moriarty does not appear for a while, essentially leaving the film without a point. Finally, when he does appear, his on-screen relationship with Holmes is so overly mannered as to be more amusing than ferocious. Yet, there are plenty of well-tuned set pieces and enough amusing bits to hold us until the action heats up for the last half of the film. And the last half is the saving grace of the movie.

Although this time of year is when the top films are presented in hopes of winning awards, this movie will not make any lists. It is amusing and entertaining, but, since this is a comedy, even the death of Holmes over the Reichenbach Falls is not much more than a diversion. Sir Arthur, who came to not care much for Holmes, did kill him off that way, but popular demand brought him back after years.

Here, well, you have to see the film.

In the end, it is a decent movie, worth your time and money with some good laughs, a lot of chuckles and a fabulous ending. Had the opening half been nearly as good, it would have been a top-notch film.

I’d just dropped a horse off up at Gainesville and was on the way home when I came upon an overturned trailer on I-75. It had just happened — it was raining, the driver ran off the road, and four horses were trapped. No one else was there yet, just the owner,” Vitale recalled. “I pulled over — it was really traumatic. I thought, ‘How the hell am I gonna get them out of there?’ The cops and the fire department arrived right after me. We got the horses out. They were mangled; the trailer was mangled. They were flailing around. I talked to them and quieted them down. Two were salvageable; two had to be euthanized. That was a terrible scene,

but I’m glad I was able to help.”

Vitale describes another rescue as heartwrenching. Last year, a friend asked her to pick up a rescue horse she’d adopted out but which the owners could no longer care for.

Vitale drove out to Indiantown, picked up the horse, delivered it — then went back the next day and talked the owner into surrendering the other four horses.

“They were walking skeletons — they had rain rot, cuts all over their legs, no food, no shelter,” she said. “One was 30 years old, completely crippled with arthritis. I brought them home, gave them some food and TLC, found homes for three and kept one.”

Vitale will be providing a new service this year: shuttling horses to and from horse shows.

“We’ll bring horses to any shows, local or statewide, or other events: parades, overnight camping trips, trail rides, whatever,” she said. “We can arrange pickup and dropoff at the owner’s convenience, for a nominal fee. We’re available 24/7, including holidays.”

For more information, contact Maria Vitale at (561) 253-4282 for non-emergencies, and (561) 308-6391 for emergencies. Kindred Spirit’s web site is under construction, but you can find them on Facebook.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

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BUSINESS NEWS

Psychologist Dr. Harvey Klein in his Wellington office.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/T OWN-CRIER

The Season To Be Jolly: Dealing With Holiday Depression And Stress

By Dr. Harvey Klein Special to the Town-Crier For some people, the holidays imbue them the sense of joy, happiness, inner peace, and renewed faith and optimism for the coming year. For others, there is sadness, a sense of isolation, depression and a pessimistic feeling. Here are a few thoughts or tips to consider that might help the latter group.

1) The economy or your finances. Be realistic without guilt. If money is tight, for example, don’t feel guilty about limiting money spent and giving less-expensive gifts. You may arrange spending limits with family or friends. The idea of gift giving is to let people know you are thinking about them, not about what they think of you. Parents, your kids will survive without the new iPhone or computer, etc. Don’t feel guilty; they will still love you! Real friends will not view you disparagingly because you could not be extravagant. If a friend you like said, “Money is tight this year, so I just sent a card,” would you no longer be their friend? The gift is not why they care about you. If it is, there is not a real relationship. Maybe hand-make something creative. Overspending can lead to depression when bills arrive.

2) Know who you are and when not to trust yourself. You may be lonely at some point or disappointed about something during the holidays. If you have a previous history of clinical depression, your mind may

distort, magnify or generalize the feeling or thought. Readdress those thoughts realistically. What was good? Remember you laughed at some nonsense in a sitcom or the friend who didn’t call today called last week and likes when you call him. If you are in recovery for substance abuse and are feeling more lonely, reach out. Maybe go to an additional AA or NA meeting, or visit your counselor or sponsor a bit more often.

3) Set realistic expectations and goals for the season. Do not overstress yourself or make commitments that you can’t handle. If the dinner party is too stressful, don’t take it on yourself.

4) Go out, call people, share feelings with friends, relatives, support groups, etc. You might find others feel the same way when you share thoughts. Get out into the light. Even though rare in Florida, for some people, lack of light can affect their mood. Don’t lock yourself up in a dark room.

5) Be careful about overeating or drinking. You will regret it later.

6) Help others. Volunteering may curtail loneliness and take your mind off of yourself.

7) Laugh. Take the time to be silly.

Dr. Harvey Klein is a Wellington-based psychologist. His office is located at 12788 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 1002, Wellington.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 287-6003.

‘You may be lonely at some point or disappointed about something during the holidays. If you have a previous history of clinical depression, your mind may distort, magnify or generalize the feeling or thought. Readdress those thoughts realistically.’

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BUSINESS NEWS

2011 Realtors Association Awards Winners Announced The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches (RAPB) has announced its 2011 award winners.

Christina Morrison of Delray Beach was named 2011 Realtor of the Year. Morrison is a commercial Realtor and real estate consultant, who specializes in raw land, change of use and flex space. Morrison has represented several developers and owners with properties throughout southern Palm Beach County. Over the years, Morrison has contributed her time and talents to real estate in Palm Beach County. She is a major force within the community, who is dedicated to ensuring a positive business climate. She is a consistent

advocate for property tax reform and pro-business platforms and initiatives designed to attract ecofriendly businesses to beach communities.

“I was totally speechless when I heard that an RAPB award was being given to me this year since there are so many Realtors who worked so hard,” Morrison said. “It is an honor just to be considered with them. To work with these esteemed colleagues — and RAPB’s exemplary staf f members — has truly been an honor for me and has raised the bar on what I expect of myself and our industry. I can honestly say that working with RAPB over the

P.W. Chamber Leadership Program Starts Jan. 19 The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s five-day premier leadership program will kick off Thursday, Jan. 19 with a private cocktail reception for new candidates and alumni hosted by the South Florida Fair.

The first day of the program begins on Thursday, Jan. 26 and will continue in February, March, April

and May. Tuition is $300 for chamber members and $450 for nonmembers, which includes breakfast, lunch, supplies and transportation to selected sites on each of the five days.

For more information about the leadership program, call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@palmswest.com.

past five years has made me better at my profession and strengthened my ability to work on various causes that are important to our industry both here in Palm Beach County and statewide.”

Tim Harris of Palm Beach was named the recipient of RAPB’s Community Service Award. Over the years, Harris has devoted his time to the Lord’s Place, organizing a “sleep out” to fight homelessness in West Palm Beach. He helped establish the West Palm Beach Downtown Neighbor Association (WPB-DNA) and served as the founding president.

The WPB-DNA represents thousands of property owners acting as the go-to organization addressing quality of life issues for local residents. Harris has also been appointed RAPB’s president-elect for 2012.

Three local brokers were named Broker of the Year for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the local real estate industry. The award is based on office size.

For a small office, Bob Goldstein of Hospitality Consultants, Boca Raton was recognized for his accomplishments in commercial real estate specifically related to the hospitality industry.

Christina Morrison

Tim Harris

For a mid-size office, Deborah Bacarella was recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in the international luxury market.

Bacarella manages Bristol Properties International in Boca Raton.

For a large office, John Kern, owner of Platinum Properties in Jupiter, was the recipient of the award.

Kern is an advocate of technology, who consistently provides his team with the training and tools to be effective in today’s competitive real estate climate.

The Affiliate of the Year Award was presented to PNC Mortgage for its commitment to building relationships with RAPB members, educational support and service to the community.

The Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, “the voice for local real estate,” represents over 7,500 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

For more information, visit www. rapb.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Feltenstein To Speak At Wellington Chamber Lunch Jan. 25 The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive). The featured speaker will be Tom Feltenstein.

Energetic, bold and passionately resolute on injecting marketing in-

novation into organizations, Feltenstein does not go timidly into any endeavor, yet he is not the kind of man to intimidate you either. More than 30 years of “in the trenches” experience has earned Feltenstein the notoriety of being the most popular and provocative voice in 4

Next Shred Fest Set For Jan. 7 In RPB Buried in a mountain of paper?

Concerned about identity theft?

Then attend Shred Fest 2011, a complimentary service provided by the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents, Palm Beach County Chapter. It will take place Saturday, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back parking lot of the Lakeview Center (1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach).

It is free to anyone concerned about identity theft and who wants to dispose of personal and sensitive documents. This is an incredible opportunity to protect yourself from identity theft by safely destroying your personal documents and papers in the shred truck.

Enrolled Agents are federally li-

censed tax practitioners with technical expertise in the field of taxation. They are empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections and appeals.

Attendees are asked to bring a teddy bear along with their papers and documents. The FSEA collects teddy bears year round for “Teddy bEArs for Kids Inc.” The FSEA’s goal is to put a smile on the face of as many of the sick and needy children in the community as possible.

For more information about Shred Fest, visit the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents web site at www.fseaonline.org.

Walls Branding and Neighborhood Marketing today. He’s also been labeled as the most insightful.

Feltenstein is motivational, inspirational, informative and completely commits himself to every audience.

He exposes outdated, conventional business thought and tells the truth about mass media marketing approaches that often masquerade as marketing programs. Audiences find that Feltenstein is entertaining, challenging and always brimming with “uncommon wisdom.”

Feltenstein has been a featured speaker for the likes of President George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Larry King, Terry Bradshaw, Lou Holtz, General Colin Powell, Deepak Chopra, Rudy Giuliani, Art Linkletter, General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., Wayne Dyer, Brian Tracy, former McDonald’s CEO Ed Rensi, and Subway founder Fred DeLuca.

Prior to being a consultant to Fortune 500 companies for the past 30 years, Feltenstein served as senior vice president for an international, billion-dollar advertising agency, Bozell Advertising. As Ray Kroc’s disciple, he began his career with

McDonald’s, rising up to become a senior-level marketing executive.

Feltenstein is the CEO and founder of Power Marketing Academy, a leading consulting firm that serves and educates businesses in the industries of franchising, retail, hospitality and service. PMA conducts clinics, seminars, strategy sessions and trainings.

Feltenstein has also received acclaim from the media for his uncommon marketing wisdom from Larry King, traded barbs on the Late Show With David Letterman, and argued the waste of running ads during the Super Bowl on the Fox News pre-game show. He has shared his insight in interviews with Lou Dobbs, Voice of America, Bloomberg TV and radio, U.S. News & World Report and CNN, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Food Network, Entrepreneur magazine and other media.

In 2009, Feltenstein was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Northwood University. He was the first recipient of the Visionary Award, a prestigious honor presented by the Council of International Restaurant Brokers.

Tom Feltenstein Registration will take place at 11:30 a.m., with the program starting at noon. The cost is $20 for chamber members with RSVP, $25 for members at the door and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, or to register for the luncheon, call (561) 792-2525 or visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.

For more about Feltenstein, visit www.tomfeltenstein.com.

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

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

West Palm Beach Antiques Festival Set For New Year’s Weekend Following a successful weekend Dec. 2-4, the next West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will ring in the new year. The three-day show will take place Friday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 1 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The first December show enjoyed another record crowd, spurred on by the cooler temperatures with highs reaching into the mid 70s. Both the east and west expo halls were sold out of indoor dealer spaces, with another 70 dealers outside, reaching a total of more than 400 dealers set up at the festival. Visitors have started returning in great numbers for the Florida winter season.

The seasonal visitors included dealers as well as buyers. Mark Fixster of Vermont offered an el-

egant violin in a custom case for $200. Jeff Cotton of Atlanta showcased an oak-and-brass-trimmed trolley car coin machine (circa early 1900s) for $1,200. John Valentino of New Jersey displayed a pair of 40-inch-tall figural aluminum garden urns from the 1960s for $760 each. Meanwhile, Pat Reed of Damarscotta, Maine, said her pedal car, which represented a World War I–era airplane, was probably a one-of-a-kind handmade item from the period and easily supported the $1,250 price tag.

Florida and local dealers were also well represented. Among those was longtime Palm Beach County dealer David Strasser, a specialist in smaller items of higher quality. Strasser grew up in the

This World War I–era pedal car was offered for $1,250.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has collected antiques most of his life. His early interests ran to early porcelain and 18th-century American antique furniture, but after retiring from civil service he broadened his horizons after opening a retail shop on Antiques Row in West Palm Beach. He has been at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival for two years and has a large following from his 14 years on Antiques Row. Strasser normally displays more than 300 items in his booth at the festival in a variety, ranging from late 19th-century French and European animal figural bronzes to a large array of German and English porcelain from the early 1800s, to mirrors, clocks and other antique-looking valuables.

While his favorite item is an 18th-century Hepplewhite mantle clock with an undisclosed price, the rest of his inventory ranges in price from $25 to $1,800. Strasser said what attracts the most attention to his booth is the wide variety of porcelains.

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will open with more than 400 dealers in place, with many northern dealers now set up for the winter season. Early buyers start at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30 for $25; the ticket is good for all three days.

Hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31; and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. The cost is for $7 general admission and $6 for seniors. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds.

West Palm Beach antiques dealer David Strasser with a few of his prized items.

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival is held at the South Florida Fairgrounds located off Southern Blvd. just west of Florida’s

Turnpike. For additional information about the festival, call (941) 697-7475, e-mail info@wpbaf. com or visit www.wpbaf.com.

‘The Effect of Gamma Rays’ Opens Jan. 6 At P.B. Dramaworks Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, continues its 12th anniversary season with Paul Zindel’s play The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds on Friday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. at the company’s brand-new Don & Ann Brown Theatre at 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. Specially priced preview performances are slated for Jan. 4 and 5 with regularly scheduled curtain times through Jan. 29.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-theMoon Marigolds tells the story of Tillie, a hopeful and focused dreamer who struggles to keep her aspirations alive amidst the chaos of her home life, controlled by a desperate mother and a rebellious sister. Tensions are elevated on the night of the school science fair where Tillie is hoping to be acknowledged for her project on the effect of gamma rays on man-in-the-moon marigolds. First published in 1970, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and the Obie Award for Best American Play.

Dramaworks Producing Artistic Director William Hayes will direct the production featuring Laura Turnbull, Arielle Hoffman, Skye Coyne, Harriet Oser and Gracie Connell. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Brian O’Keefe and lights designed by Sean Dolan.

Paul Zindel is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author, playwright and screenwriter. He began his career as a high school chemistry teacher before changing paths in 1969 to write novels. Zindel wrote from his own point of view; coming from a difficult upbringing, he stated that he felt he could do more for teenagers by writing for them. His first novel, The Pigman, was followed by several other influential books for teen readers. His screenplays include Marigolds, the film adaptation of his award-winning play as well as Up the Sandbox starring Barbra Streisand, and Mame starring Lucille Ball.

The Dramaworks season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including The Pitmen Painters by Lee Hall (Feb. 17 through March 11), Master Harold… and the Boys

by Athol Fugard (April 6-29) and Proof by David Auburn (May 25 through June 17).

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Individual tickets cost $55 for all performances. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. Dramaworks’ new Don & Ann Brown theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. For additional information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

Send entertainment 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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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Basketball Squad Defeats Royal Palm 53-46

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report In a rematch from earlier in the season, the Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team battled host Royal Palm Beach High School Friday, Dec. 16, besting the Wildcats 53-46.

The Wolverines were able to avenge an early season loss to the Wildcats back in November. Early in the game, it appeared the Wildcats would repeat history, as they outscored Wellington in the first

quarter 13-8. The Wolverines would adjust and go into the half with a 24-22 lead. Wellington doubled the Wildcats points in the third.

The Royal Palm Beach defense came up big in the fourth quarter, coming within 2 points with 51 seconds left in the contest. The Wildcats tied Wellington at 46 with just 21 seconds left, but aggressive play caused a series of RPB fouls that gave the Wolverines the edge to earn a 53-46 victory.

Wellington senior center Steph-

Wellington’s Alex Peavler gets by Wildcat point guard Ivenor Rosier.

ane Beneche scored 15 points; sophomore Dondre Duffus scored 12 points. Nick Arena put up one 3pointer for the Wolverines. Royal Palm Beach junior point guard Ivenor Rosier scored 12 points and two 3-pointers, and junior forward Kervens Charles had eight rebounds.

The Wildcats traveled to Pahokee, and Wellington traveled to Palm Beach Gardens both on Thursday, Dec. 22 for 7:30 p.m. games.

Scores were not available at press time.

Wellington’s Dondre Duffus takes the ball across court.

Royal Palm Beach center Jimmitry Leblanc goes up against Wellington’s Courtney Bigby for a score.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

P.B. Central Boys Basketball Squad Falls To Jupiter 59-48

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity basketball fell to Jupiter High School 59-48 at home Friday, Dec. 16.

The two schools were neck-andneck during the first half of the game, with the Jupiter squad pull-

ing away after halftime.

Sam Auguste kicked off the game with a 2-point basket, but Jupiter quickly took control of the ball and put in three back-to-back baskets to make the score 6-2 early on. On the Broncos’ next possession, Mark Evans nailed a 3-point basket to cut Jupiter’s lead to 1 point.

Sam Auguste goes up against Jupiter defenders to put in a basket.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

A.J. Lowe followed it up with a lay-up to take the lead 7-6. But a holding call against Palm Beach Central put Jupiter on the foul line, and they put in two baskets to take a narrow lead 8-7. The Warriors extended their lead with back-toback baskets, edging away from Palm Beach Central 12-7.

Evans sank another 3-point basket to cut Jupiter’s lead to 12-10 and Auguste scored to tie at 12. The Broncos matched Jupiter basket for basket going into the second quarter tied at 17. Jupiter pulled ahead at the start of the second quarter, going to the line on a holding call to put in 3 points and take the lead.

The Broncos fought to reclaim the lead but couldn’t.

Baskets by Lowe, Rawle Akins, Abdul Dial and Gerald Milligan contributed to the Broncos’ score, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Warriors, who won 59-48.

Palm Beach Central traveled to Seminole Ridge High School on Thursday, Dec. 22, but scores were not available at press time. After the holiday break, the Broncos return Friday, Jan. 6 when they face the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Palm Beach Central’s A.J. Lowe looks to pass.

Bronco Mark Evans makes a 3-point basket.

Rawle Alkins jumps up to take a shot.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Villari’s RPB Helps Harmony House

Nic Roldan and Kevin Perkins.

Polo Star Visits Kevin Perkins Golf Academy Top American polo player Nic Roldan recently visited the Kevin Perkins Golf Academy to hone and improve his golf game.

“Nic is a great young man that my wife Denise and I have known for many years,” Perkins said. “It was so great to see him again, and what an amazing athlete he is! We worked on improving his grip and how to use his wrist more effectively. We will also work later on how to bring his ball flight down. Nic hits the ball so high and long, the lower ball flight will give him more control and allow for him to have more

shot selection. As with all high achievers, Nic is a great student, really wants to improve and understands the step-by-step process that it takes. I have no doubt we can bring his golf game to the level he would like.”

The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy provides world-class instructional programs for players of all ages and abilities. It is based out of the renowned Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club in Wellington. For more information, visit www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy. com or call (561) 301-3783.

If you were driving on Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach in the early afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 10, you may have been surprised to see Santa Claus riding on a fire truck. He was heading to Villari’s Self-Defense Center of Royal Palm Beach for its annual holiday party, where he passed out gifts to the many martial arts students who were in attendance. He also stopped by the bake sale table sponsored by the Junior Leadership Team members to purchase a cookie shaped like a karate uniform.

But there was more to the event than just food, family and fun. Master Ken Smith, director of the center, believes in giving back to the community, and for the second year in a row designated the YWCA Harmony House as the recipient of the school’s generosity. Harmony House is a 63-bed shelter in an undisclosed location in Palm Beach County that provides secure lodging and assistance to women and their children who are the victims of domestic violence.

The students collected toys for the children who will be in the shelter over the holidays. The mothers were not forgotten either. The demonstration team assembled lovely gift baskets with toiletries, cosmetics and other gifts for the women. On hand

(Front row, L-R) Damien Lopez and Danny Giordano; (second row) Logan Colman, Kirsten Vera, Eda Kutsal, Gia Giordan and Josh Scarborough; (back row) Mathew Evers, Suzi Scarborough, Santa Claus, Bridget Vanaman, Katie Bowen, Allyson Samiljan, Master Ken Smith and Sensei Carolyn Penn-Smith. to accept the items was Allyson Samiljan, communications and special events coordinator for the YWCA. “We are so appreciative of Villari’s of Royal Palm Beach support again this year. Their efforts will definitely make the holidays much brighter for the Harmony House residents,” Samiljan said.

Smith stressed the importance of his center’s being involved in the

community. “The purpose of our martial arts school is to be the place in the community where students of all ages learn about coming together and working together for the betterment of everyone in our community,” he said.

For more information on Villari’s Academy, call (561) 793-4132. To contact the YWCA, call (561) 6400050.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Good Showing For WHS Wrestlers The Wellington High School wrestling team competed at the Western High School Invitational Tournament (26 teams) the weekend of Dec. 9 and finished in 11th place.

The Wolverines were led by senior Collin Bachi (160 pounds) who placed third in his weight class and improved his record to 11-2 this season. “Collin has really impressed this year while wrestling up one weight class and only losing decisions to the third- and fourth-ranked wrestlers in the state,” coach Travis Gray said.

He defeated the 15th-ranked wrestler from South Broward in the wrestleback rounds on way to his third-place finish. Sophomore Josiah Cleghorn (220 pounds) placed fourth in his weight class and improved his record to 8-4 this season.

“Josiah lost a close 2-point match in the semifinals to the 15th-ranked wrestler in the state from Nova High School and had to wrestle his way back to the consolation finals,” Gray said. “Josiah has come a long way in just his second year of wrestling and is showing signs that he will be a competitor for that state tournament this season.”

Senior Juan Ferro (132 pounds)

WHS Wrestlers — Coach Travis Gray, Brandon Des Jardins, Angel Lopez, Steven Hanford, Nik Bonadies, Collin Bachi, Austin Schnaderbeck , Noah Coulter, Juan Ferro and Josiah Cleghorn. placed sixth in his weight class and improved his record to 3-5 this season. “You wouldn’t know it by looking at Juan’s record, but he has really been wrestling tough this season,” Gray said. “His losses are all to top ranked wrestlers in the state, and he has been wrestling them tough in only his second year of wrestling.”

The WHS junior varsity team went 2-0 at their home triangular

match against Boca Raton and Park Vista on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The Wolverines started off with a 46-24 win over Boca Raton and then followed that up with a 45-30 victory over Park Vista. Wellington wrestlers who won both of their matches were Andrew Mitchell (106 pounds), Brandon Des Jardins (113), Mathew Wunderlich (120), Logan Reso (132), Noah Coulter (170) and Chase Denhart (220).

RPB Dancers Mid-Term Show The dancers from Royal Palm Beach High School presented their mid-term show Wednesday, Dec. 7 in the school’s auditorium.

The show was titled “Burlesque” and included selected music from the movie musical Burlesque as well as contemporary radio music. The dance routines were all choreographed by master teacher and choreographer Michele Blecher and were in the dance realms of lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and musical theater.

“Burlesque” opened with dancers performing “Welcome to Burlesque,” which had audience mem-

bers on their feet. The show continued with Blecher’s class periods 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7, and her three competition teams — the Wildcat Dancers, Tapazz and Liquid Gold — all performing in 23 various dance routines.

Midway through the show, joining the dancers in “Let Me Entertain You” was Gwynne Eldridge, master English teacher and the show’s stage manager. The show’s grand finale, “Beautiful People,” had the entire cast of 180 dance students dancing their hearts out with talent and enthusiasm, and everyone dancing in their seats.

Hawks Honored As All-Area Among the fall sports players designated All-Area by The Palm Beach Post or The Sun-Sentinel are several members of the Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team. The school would like to congratulate first team designees Mike Altamonte, Rayfield Dixon, Gary Holmes, Omar Pierre-Louis, Alex Santacroce, Kyle Shortridge and Antonyo Woods; and second team designees Scott Bellinger and Darian Williams.

In other SRHS sports news, the Hawk wrestling team finished in

second place with 188.5 points at the Santaluces High School invitational Dec. 10. All ten Hawk wrestlers scored points at the tournament, with eight reaching the finals and four earning championships.

Scoring points for the Hawks were Evan Kauffmann and James Moore; finalists were Logan Broberg, Zach Hallmann, Sam Hargesheimer and Robert LaPeter.

Seminole Ridge championship winners were Pierce Beaubien, Brayden Gilles, Trace Thome and Scott Watson.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 24 • Campus on the Lake at the Society of the Four Arts is accepting registration for a series of classes focusing on the works of George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. The six-part series will take place on Mondays beginning Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. The classes will include scene study, readings and discussions of the greatest wor ks of these masters, with an overview of the tradition of British and Irish dramatists who preceded them. The class will be led by Royal Shakespeare Company Associate Artist and National Theatre of Great Britain player Barrie Ingham. The cost is $150. To register, visit www.fourarts.org/ campus or call (561) 805-8562.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Apoxee Park in the West Palm Beach Water Catchment Area on Saturday, Dec. 24. Meet at the entrance on Jog Road, 1 mile north of Okeechobee Blvd. at 8 a.m. for a challenging 8mile hike. Plenty of water is a must. Call Joe at (561) 616-8790 for more info.

• Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 25 • The Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches invites the community to two fun, family-friendly events planned in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens on Sunday, Dec. 25. Join Ken Krimstein, author of Kvetch As Kvetch Can, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Talay Thai in Palm Beach Gardens for an afternoon of food and laughter. Admission is $42 and includes dinner. For more info., call Melissa Engelberg at (561) 712-5226 or e-mail melissae@jcconline.com. Latkes on the Lanes will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Jupiter Lanes bowling alley. This includes a latke-tasting competition, the Great Dreidle Spin-Off and a fun day of bowling. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 8 to 16, which includes unlimited bowling and shoe rental. For more info., call Rachel Fox at (561) 712-5279 or e-mail rachelf@jcconline.com.

Monday, Dec. 26 • Good Earth Farm (2141 B Road, Loxahatchee Groves) will host “Winter Camp at the Farm” for ages 6 to 12 Monday through Friday, Dec. 26-30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A hot lunch served each day in the cafe is included in the cost of $230. Only 20 chil-

dren will be accepted. Call Nancy at (561) 792-2666 for reservations and more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 • The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) will host a trip to Florida Atlantic University on Tuesday, Dec. 27 for a clinic by FAU men’s basketball coach Mike Jarvis, who will go over “Skills for Life: The Fundamentals You Need to Succeed.” On Dec. 28, participants will visit the FAU arena for the Owls’ basketball game against Siena. All camp registration will be through the recreation center. For more info., call (561) 215-5958.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Winter Break Wonderland” for all ages Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 10:15 a.m. Try it for an hour or all morning long.

It’s your choice: board games in the story time room, or puzzles and coloring in the youth services area. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Winter Break Fun: Paper Beads” on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 10 to 15. Learn how to make paper beads out of magazines, then turn the beads into bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister.

• The West Boynton Cobras 10-U travel baseball team will host Baseball Tryouts Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 5 p.m. at the Lake Worth baseball fields (900 22nd Ave. North, Lake Worth). Players cannot turn 11 before May 1. The team will compete in the Florida Travel Baseball League 10-U Majors Division as well as the Amateur Athletic Union/ South Florida Travel Baseball League. For more info., contact Luke Rivara at (954) 740-0712 or westboynt oncobras@bell south.net, or visit www.westboyntoncobras. com.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Buyers’ Picks Wine Tasting: Featuring Bubbly” Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join wine and beer buyer s for a tasting of their favorite holiday sparkling wines. 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.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 6 p.m.

See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 Play Nintendo Wii and board games. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Paper Bag Dramatics” for ages 8 to 12 on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. It’s in the bag! Select the clues to create your own skit and perform it for the group. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Winter Break Fun: Science Demonstration” for ages 6 to 9 on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Learn about the solar system and discover the science behind a volcanic eruption. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “School Sleuths: Art Auction” for ages 9 to 12 on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. The paintings that were being used for the school ar t auction have been switched. Can you figure out which are the fakes and foil the art thief? Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Dec. 29 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Craft-acular Wonderland” for age 2 and up Thursday, Dec. 29 at 10:15 a.m. Make one craft or several. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Card Mania” for ages 5 and up Thursday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. Deal yourself in for a v ariety of card games. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Winter Break Fun: Basket Weaving” for ages 8 to 12 on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m. Learn how to make a simple basket. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Friday, Dec. 30 • Royal Palm Beach will hold registration for the high school division of its Youth Basketball Program. The high school division is co-ed and open to residents and non-residents. For residents, registration will take place Dec. 30 through Feb. 17 or until filled at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center or online at www.royalpalmbeach.com.

Players not living in Royal Palm Beach may register beginning Jan. 5. Call (561) 7905124 for more info.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a bird walk Friday, Dec. 30 at 8 a.m. at Green Cay Wetlands (12800 Hagen

Ranch Road, Boynton Beach). Meet outside the nature center main door. For more info., contact Linda Humphries at (561) 7427791 or hlindaase@aol.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “You Name It!” for ages 8 to 12 on Friday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. What does your name say about you? Research the meaning of your name, make a name craft and play a game. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Go Club event for ages 8 to 17 on Friday, Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m.

A local member of the American Go Foundation will teach how to play this ancient Asian strategy game. A dults with family members are welcome to play. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host “New Year’s Nights at the Museum” on Friday, Dec. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The family-friendly evening will feature science labs, activities and crafts, with a presentation in the Motorola Theatre to toast the New Year. For more info., call (561) 8321988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

Saturday, Dec. 31 • Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Monday, Jan. 2 • The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will feature “Winter Wonders Workshop” winter break camp for kids Monday through Friday, Jan. 2 through 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Young scientists can make their own snow, carry out dry ice experiments, view winter night skies in the planetarium and mix potions to grow crystals overnight. The cost is $210 for museum members and $235 for non-members. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

Friday, Jan. 4 • The fifth annual Susan G. Komen Flag Football Tournament will be held Jan. 4-8 at Acreage Community Park. For info., e-mail flagsforthecure@hotmail.com, call Tournament Director Keith Shivers at (561) 3334200 or visit www.flagsforthecure.com.

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 23 - December 29, 2011

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINAT OR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation T utors.

Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail resume to:marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 WELLINGTON CAB HIRING — part-time dispatcher. Dispatcher experience, computer literate, telephone etiquette. Pro-active self starter individual looking for career. Some days - mostly nights & weekends. 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561333-2680

HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover’s Dream.

Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES 3/2/2 RANCH HOME –— 4266 sq. ft. on 5 acres. $250,000 Structure built w/o permits. Sold as is. Cash Sale 561-315-0570

WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only.

Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 Lic. & ins.

QUALIFIED PIZZA DRIVERS — Over 21 experienced delivery person apply in person 601 RPB Blvd.

Pizzano’s LOOKING FOR HOUSEKEEPER/COOK from 7:30-7:00 Mon-Sat 5 1/2 days a week. One needs to be child and pet friendly. It is essential that you are a confident cook. You will be responsible for most of the cooking and for all housekeeping including but not limited to, laundry, ironing,shopping organizing.

Possible live-in situation.

It is essential that you have experience working as a housekeeper/cook with a private family. Start January $400.-$450. per week.

Send references to mag5061@yahoo.com

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new inst allation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225.

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t.

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

STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING Promote healing & hair growth.

Stamp out ITCHAMACALLITTS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK itch.

No More apply Skin balm add Tonekote to diet. Goldcoast Feed 793-4607 www.kennelvax.com

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

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT — Efficiency, fully furnished, full kitchen & bath,TV, cable, Washer/Dryer, all utilities included. One person, No Pets, No Smokers. Short Term Lease $800 Per Month. 1st & Security call 561-790-0857 or 561-6320464

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 FOR INFO. HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 I WILL CLEAN YOUR HOUSE OR APARTMENT — Reasonable rates, excellent references call Roxanne at 561-693-8163 HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

HOMEOWNERS - AUTO - LIFE HEALTH AND DISABILITY — Call me for no obligation quotes. Marc Piven, RFC Licensed Agent. 561635-1168 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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing.

State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811

ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof rep airs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

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

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796

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

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 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 visit our website at

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

U-17189 561-791-9777

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

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

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 painting.

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

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990 SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

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

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,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

WANTED TO BUY: Cash for unwanted New/Used Woman’s/Men’ s Name Brand Perfumes .5 ounces and up at least half full. Wellington Area. 561-432-8055

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