Town-Crier Newspaper December 25, 2009

• ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE

FISHING TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Royal Palm Beach ushered in its 50th anniversary year amid hard economic times, controversial decisions and strained finances. But restrained spending, smaller budgets and cuts on costs helped the village through the year.

The March election season featured two Royal Palm Beach Village Council seats up for grabs, but only one in actual contention. Councilman Fred Pinto was reelected unopposed, while incumbent Councilwoman Martha Webster easily defeated challenger Demian Saenz. But it was a tough year to be a council member, as the village faced high foreclosure rates, falling property values and a shrinking budget.

Foreclosure rates in the village rose at the beginning of the year, but began to stabilize at its closure. The number of unoccupied homes in foreclosure created a problem for code enforcement as properties were not maintained. When it came to property values, the news was grim for Royal Palm Beach. Village leaders were expecting a 17-percent decrease. Instead, RPB saw its values drop by 19.26 percent, prompting village leaders to scrutinize their budget even further.

TAX RATE REDUCTION

TRADITION HOLDS

The village passed its $55 million budget in September with a tax rate reduction for the 15th consecutive year, a feat attributed to outsourcing water utilities, law enforcement and fire-rescue services to the county. To trim the

budget, the village also had to eliminate several positions in the public works and parks and recreation departments.

To create additional jobs in the village, Royal Palm is looking at the 135-acre site of its former wastewater plant as a potential site for future enterprises in biotechnology or other areas. The land is available because of the village’s outsourcing its water utilities to the county. However, no decisions were made this year.

RECREATION

EMBEZZLEMENT

Perhaps the biggest controversy to rock the village this year was a $50,000 embezzlement scandal. As the year ends, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the situation, but Royal Palm Beach Youth Baseball

2009 IN REVIEW: THE ACREAGE

Cancer Concerns Dominate The News

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Acreage families will always remember 2009 as the year of the cancer scare.

In May, state and county health officials launched an investigation to see whether the number of cancer cases in The Acreage constituted a “cancer cluster.” It started after some residents reported concerns that a disproportionate number of people living there had developed brain tumors.

Because of residents’ requests, the Florida Department of Health began investigating an area southeast of 140th Avenue North and 60th Street. The study showed an elevated level of brain cancer among girls there, but the correlation was weak, said health officials who studied all types of cancer reported.

In October, health officials reported that the number of total cancers was higher than expected for adults, but there was no specific pattern such as brain cancer, officials said. Other cancer types were slightly higher. But the data was based on the 2000 census population counts, and the health department believed the nineyear-old population estimates were too low to be meaningful. The incidences of cancer focused on more recent years, where there were no excessive numbers of pediatric cancers overall, but there was an increase in pediatric brain cancer as a group, especially for girls. Then again, there was also a dramatic increase in the population. As residents worried that the cause might be in their drinking

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves began 2009 with a bitter political contest and ended the year with an unprecedented period of cooperation among the community’s various factions.

A lifelong community resident and a political newcomer were elected to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council in March, each promising to put an end to a bitter rivalry that at one point threatened the existence of the town itself.

Nurseryman Ryan Liang upset incumbent Vice Mayor Marge Herzog 420 votes to 269 votes. Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor Ron Jarriel defeated community activist Ilene Rindom 451 votes to 239 votes.

Jarriel, who resigned his seat on the LGWCD board to run for a

council seat, was considered the frontrunner from the moment he filed to run. Liang was a political unknown when he decided to enter the fray against longtime Groves leader Herzog, but proved to be a tireless campaigner. While some observers, including Liang himself, were not surprised about his victory, many were surprised by the margin.

THE MAIN ISSUE

A central issue in the election campaign was the sometimes-sour relationship between the town and the water control district. In 2008, Herzog emerged an advocate for the town to quickly take over the district, a position that divided the community and prompted talk of dissolving the town.

Both Herzog and Rindom were endorsed by retiring Councilman Dave Autrey, who also advocated the demise of an independent

LGWCD. But a consultant’s report in late 2008 recommended the creation of an intergovernmental committee to resolve the differences between the two governments. The committee began meeting in early 2009 and has met regularly ever since. It is credited with helping resolve several thorny issues.

The election tipped the balance of power on the council toward conciliation with the district and its supporters in the community.

A month after the vote, the council approved, at Jarriel’s request, the creation of a committee of residents to watch over the town’s finances. Jarriel said he had heard many residents complain about the town’s spending and that the contingency fund was being kept too high.

After several months, the comSee GROVES, page 18

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

In a year that saw high unemployment and foreclosure rates, it was leaner budgets and innovative economic planning that comprised Wellington’s focus in 2009.

The Wellington Village Council faced the fallout this year from a steep economic downturn, with falling property values and rising foreclosure rates, giving it the tightest financial picture Wellington has seen since the village incorporated in 1996. Wellington led the county in foreclosures with 1,194 properties in foreclosure as of June, according to one estimate, and another 1,200 in pre-foreclosure.

This prompted a proactive stance from Wellington to combat foreclosures and help residents already in need. The village partnered with the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches to offer symposiums on how to avoid, deal with and get out of foreclosure, which gave hundreds of residents the opportunity to talk to experts

one-on-one about saving their homes. As foreclosures rose, the problem was complicated as property values continued to drop countywide. Wellington received a bit of good news — its property values had declined by only 16.6 percent, instead of the anticipated 18 percent, giving village officials half a million dollars more in revenue than expected.

TIGHT MONEY Wellington’s out-of-the-box thinking helped the village make cuts, collect revenue and maintain key services. The budget was cut by 19 percent, from $103 million to $82.9 million. The property tax rate was hiked from 2.34 mills to 2.5 mills, but that was less than the anticipated 2.8 mills. A buyout was offered to longtime Wellington employees whose age plus years served equaled 62 or higher. The moves positioned the village to save more than half a million dollars annually. In October, village

chastised county officials for not making the inspector general more autonomous. The county plans to ask voters in a 2010 referendum to make the

and

be

Everglades restoration in return for 1,600 acres the Solid Waste Authority owns near the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. That land was to be the site of the new landfill before it was rejected on environmental grounds. Commissioners delayed choosing a new landfill site for 12 months. Despite so many years of

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in Wellington received a visit from Santa on Saturday, Dec. 19. While the adults enjoyed lunch, children were offered free photos with Santa. Shown above with Santa are Zachary, Maggy and Emily Hessler. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 7 PHOTO BY DENISE

The 19th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic was held at the Wellington Community Center dock on Saturday, Dec. 19. A record 140 young anglers came out for the event, catching and releasing 107 fish with a total weight of 56 pounds, five ounces. Pictured above is Lunker Division first-place winner Nicole Linn and her dad Patrick with a grass carp Nicole caught. RESULTS & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 13

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

SWAMP THINGS 4X4 CLUB DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Santa and his helpers from the Swamp Things 4x4 Club visited Palms West Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 19 to bring some holiday cheer to pediatric patients. For the second year now, Swamp Things members came bearing gifts, distributing video games and other toys to more than 30 youngsters. For more info., visit www.theswampthings4x4club.com.

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE

Swamp Things members with collected toys and games.

Markel Mickens accepts his gift from Santa.

Palms West Hospital Child Life Specialist Mallory Fischer (right) with club members.

Dulce Garcia gets an iTunes gift card and a ball from Santa while father Antonio looks on.

Alexander, Alejandro, Adrian and Andrew Villanueva with St. Nick.

Donovan Dueno wonders what his present is.

RPBHS Official: School Academy Programs Strong And Expanding

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Although Royal Palm Beach High School has been criticized recently for poor FCAT grades and the loss of top students to other high school programs, a school representative appeared last week before the Royal Palm Beach Village Council to stress that RPBHS offers three excellent career academies, with more special programs on the horizon.

RPBHS Curriculum Specialist James Cooper gave a presentation at the Thursday, Dec. 17 council meeting. The school’s poor state grade of D recently led council members to meet with school officials to work through questions the council had about the school and possible solutions.

RPBHS currently has three academies: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC); International Business and the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The school has plans to add academies on early childhood education and geographic information systems (GIS), Cooper said. And there are plans for RPBHS to become the fourth high school in the county with a gaming animation and simulation program.

“The other programs have grown dramatically,” he noted.

The programs are geared to fit with Florida’s career trends, which are currently medical- and computer-related. “These things are all heavily related to the things we are introducing or already have on the campus,” Cooper said.

The career academies are smaller learning communities that create a smaller academic environment, which leads to more-accomplished students, Cooper said.

“We have found that there is a higher attendance rate, there’s lower discipline issues and there’s higher graduation rates in smaller learning communities,” he said.

“There’s higher self-esteem and satisfaction with school.”

Students in each academy get to wear shirts with special logos rather than the shirts required under the school dress code.

“They cohort together, they travel together and go from teacher to teacher, so they create that small community feel.

The students receive a lot more assistance than just having a single student going from class to class,” Cooper said, adding that academy teachers work together to learn students’ strengths and weaknesses and how they can help each one.

There’s a five-year plan for the Palm Beach County School District to evaluate all 110 academies operating under the National Career Academy Coalition, which gives accreditation to the programs, Cooper said.

The HVAC program has received criticism for not requiring high-caliber academics, but Cooper disputes that idea. “Many people have the misconception that it is not really a rigorous program.

However, the books that they use at PBCC [Palm Beach Community College] for their HVAC program are the exact same ones used at Royal Palm Beach High School, so they’re using college-level material in that program,” Cooper said.

The HVAC industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, he said, adding that industry experts believe that most of the professionals in the industry will be retiring over the next five years.

“With the majority of this industry retiring, I still want AC. I don’t know about everybody else,” Cooper said.

Although the program has had some turnover, students who stuck with it and earned certification went directly into the industry, earning $14 to $21 an hour, Cooper said. One student was invited to earn his master’s degree while continuing to work with his company, which would enable him to earn about $85,000 a year, Cooper said.

The program emphasizes environmentally friendly technology, following the trends of the industry standards, Cooper said. The curriculum integrates geometry and algebra, although it is not required for certification, he said. It has an advisory board of eight members who are all members of the local chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

The international business and medical academies also have advisory boards that include local professionals, Cooper said.

The business academy is involved with the Royal Palm Beach Rotary’s Interact Club. It’s working on a landscaping beautification campaign on campus now. Students also participate with the Future Business Leaders of America, where they’re involved in community service and competitions that enable them to earn scholarships.

The school is working on integrating existing courses such as accounting, marketing and web design into the international business academy, Copper said. Many of the courses demand algebra, geometry and higher math skills.

“I think that will actually bring more of our students back to the school, saying, ‘Hey, I want to be an entrepreneur and jump into business ownership,’” Cooper said. “These are some of the things that a lot of people may not realize are going on at this time.”

The Academy of Medical Science at RPBHS was designed by Academy Coordinator Karen Kissel, who also designed the medical academy at Palm Beach Gardens High School, Cooper said.

“The medical academy is already pretty high end,” Cooper said, adding that medical academy students can choose a premed or nursing-oriented curriculum.

‘We have found that there is a higher attendance rate, there’s lower discipline issues and there’s higher graduation rates in smaller learning communities.’ Curriculum Specialist James Cooper

Recreation And Critical Services To Operate As Wellington Shuts Down For Week-Long Holiday

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington’s offices will close from Friday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Jan. 4, but recreational services and some key functions will remain open for public use. The village decided to close for business for 10 days during the holidays to help trim the 2010 budget. During the closure, neighborhood parks and the gymnasium at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) will be open to the public. The Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace) will remain open for essential operations and emergencies.

“The Safe Neighborhoods office will be open with someone on staff to take calls,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “That way we can bring people in to resolve any issue that might occur.” Law enforcement, fire-rescue and utility services will operate as normal.

“You’ll be able to get all your basic services,” Schofield said. “And utility plants will be open in case someone’s water goes off. If there’s a major emergency, our utility people will be called in.” Village Park and the gym will close on Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The park and gym will be open Saturday, Dec. 26 from noon to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Regular hours will resume Saturday, Jan. 2. The Safe Neighborhoods office will close on Christmas and New Year’s days, but will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday, Dec. 28 through Wednesday, Dec. 30, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 31. Regular office hours will resume Monday, Jan. 4. For utility emergencies, residents can call Wellington’s water treatment plant at (561) 791-4037. For more information, visit www. wellingtonfl.gov or call the village at (561) 791-4000.

2010: Five Things We’d Like To See Happen Over The Next Year

2009 has been an eventful year here in the western communities. But for every newsworthy event offering a solution, such as the Village of Wellington launching its Safe Neighborhoods initiative, there were issues that remained unresolved. So as the year draws to a close, the Town-Crier presents this list of five things that we would like to see happen over the next year:

• A ‘Cancer Cluster’ Resolution — The number-one “hot-button” issue for residents of The Acreage is the possibility of a cancer cluster in the area, and whether environmental factors are causing residents to develop the disease. The matter first gained traction when Acreage resident Jennifer Dunsford, whose son was diagnosed with a benign tumor in 2008, began organizing other residents on the issue. Since then, the topic has gained the attention of everyone from county officials and state lawmakers to well-known national activist Erin Brockovich. Thus far, investigations into the issue have not been conclusive one way or the other. In this case, not knowing is worst scenario of all. We hope there will be significant strides made toward finding some type of resolution over the next year; a clear determination of whether a cancer cluster exists and a way forward for the community to get out from under the cloud of suspicion. Either way, the Acreage community needs to be united in the face of this difficult situation.

• More Economic Development — While the national economy remained weak throughout 2009, forward-thinking business leaders and local officials in the western communities are taking matters into their own hands with the creation of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force. While still in its early stages, the task force looks to gain traction in 2010, with goals of attracting additional industry and businesses to the area and creating employment centers. This is exactly the type of initiative

Thanks For Successful Tournament

At the 19th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic on Saturday, Dec. 19 on Lake Wellington, the hunt for the “Big Guy” got interesting. The winds were so high there were whitecaps on Lake Wellington, and with 50-degree weather, 140 junior anglers fished for the Big Guy and got good results. They caught and released four large grass carp, up to Branden Nicholson’s 10-pound, 11-ounce “big fish” of the tournament. But they were all the small relatives of the 31-pound monster caught two years ago by young Erick McGartland. In all, the children caught and released more than 100 fish, with 13-year-old Nicole Linn being the top angler by catching two grass carp weighing a total of 18-pounds, five ounces — the last one being caught right at the buzzer (she lost one earlier in the morning) to best all the boys and show that girls can fish, too. Again, we thank Barbara Crawford and the staff at the Wellington Community Center for the clean facilities, which is quite a task considering the ducks and pelicans that still call the dock area home. It was great to see Lt. John Reed (retired) and Wanda Cheek, Lee LeBlanc and Rob Story of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, who assisted and brought the awards entertainment — a Florida alligator we nicknamed this year “Christian Ponder.” John, with a generous donation from Advance Muffler & Brake, gave out four $25 restaurant gift certificates by raffle to the parents, who are sometimes un-

der-recognized for bringing the kids to these events. Bass pro Mike Jones was on hand with his son Justin, who assisted aspiring young bass pro Christina Kenny, along with Oliver Williams and Samantha Sawyer performing the weigh-ins. Mike also donated a free half-day guide trip on Lake Okeechobee as one of our grand prizes.

The tackle prizes we distributed to the children were a result of a generous $300 donation from the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, and the highlight of the day was the free giveaway of more than $2,000 worth of lures, soft plastic baits, hooks and accessories to all the children, donated by Marty Grafstrom and the fishing department at Gander Mountain in Palm Beach Gardens. The beautiful fish trophies were donated by Visual Images of Royal Palm Beach, and the bread bait was donated by Publix of Wellington. Merry Christmas to all as the hunt for the Big Guy continues. Tom Sawyer Wellington

Money For War, But Not For Those in Need

Editor’s note: The following is a response to Phil Sexton’s letter in last week’s Town-Crier “Healthcare Critique Not Partisan.”

Let’s shed some light on Mr. Sexton’s puzzlement; the reason such observations were charging partisan is because his comments are totally in line with the comments made by every “conservative” media person from Glenn Beck to Rush Limbaugh. I find it almost amusing, if the subject

the western communities needs to further the region’s push toward self-determination and self-sufficiency.

• An End to the Foreclosure Crisis — Another problem related to the economy is the foreclosure crisis, which hit Wellington particularly hard. We’d like 2010 to be a year in which this problem moves off into the sunset, so we can get back to rebuilding property values. This will take more of an effort between the banking industry and different levels of government to actually move the process along. Right now, there are whole neighborhoods, such as those along State Road 7 in Wellington, that are essentially stuck in real estate limbo until things get moving again. Bad loans must be written off and houses must be sold for fair market value to people who intend to live in them.

• Road System Funding — Though it has been on our wish list for years now, we’re hopeful that 2010 will be the year in which the county and the state finally agree to fully fund the necessary road systems here in the western communities. These include the Roebuck Road extension, the Seminole Pratt Whitney Road extension to the Beeline Highway and the State Road 7 extension to Northlake Blvd. These projects — especially the latter — have been pushed aside for too long, and we shouldn’t have to wait another year for traffic relief.

• Stability in Loxahatchee Groves — Over in Loxahatchee Groves, things got off to a rocky start in 2009 as tensions grew between the town council and the water control district. However, with the election of former district supervisor Ron Jarriel to the council in March and the hiring of full-time Town Manager Frank Spence in August, Loxahatchee Groves began its path toward stability. The new town still has many growing pains ahead of it, but hopefully the entire community can work together in the same direction in 2010.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

were not so serious, that Mr. Sexton decries the debt that will lead to “increasing costs and decreasing services,” ignoring any possibility of savings over the same period by arresting the runaway price increases that are so prevalent in a non-competitive industry that can virtually charge whatever it wants and deny coverage to anyone it wants. If ever there was a role for government, this is it: to create competition in an unregulated, non-competitive industry that gets a great deal of its income from the taxpayers!

Mr. Sexton is oddly silent about what to do for his fellow citizens who are facing rising unemployment without healthcare or the costs we face when instead of going to a physician in private practice, he finds he has to go to an emergency room at many times the cost at taxpayer expense. It is odd to that the “Party of No” will spend millions on a war that depleted a surplus from the previous administration but argue against “adding to the debt” if it’s for the health and welfare of its citizens.

Mr. Sexton, like many in the Party of No, has no plan to assist the millions of Americans who worked hard and played by the rules, but he found that we can raise money for a war built on lies. But millions found that either they couldn’t afford the insurance rates outside a group or they had preexisting conditions, which either way prevented them from getting insurance.

Without a public option, there is no way to change the culture in an industry that has no competition. What will come out of the Senate, while some see as an important first step, is more likely a gift and a big win for the insurance industry, which will remain

non-competitive with the help of Sen. Joe Lieberman, who has reversed himself big time from being for a public option when he was a Democrat running for vice president, to last September when he said he was for a Medicare buyin for folks 55 and up, only to reverse himself yet again, when he said he would vote against the bill if it contained the buy-in. It’s not at all hard to understand why Joe Lieberman does what he does, and it’s not from some deep conviction, but rather it’s more likely he comes from a state that has 72 of the largest insurance companies.

If the argument by the opposition to healthcare reform and the public option is the debt and loss to Medicare, then they have to justify their silence over the spending binge of the Bush administration mishandling and stupidly managing an arguable war and saddling our future generations with trillions of dollars of debt created by two wars. Seems we can find money to finance wars, bailout Big Auto and Wall Street, but find it “too expensive” to bail out hardworking Americans with a healthcare reform bill with or without a public option.

I guess when a man has lost the wrinkles in his belly and is sated, he can’t hear the cries of the millions who are hungry. They have been working hard on healthcare reform since FDR, and the same fears I hear about the public option and healthcare reform, I read about Social Security in 1933. It wasn’t the end of the world in 1933, and it isn’t the end of the world now. It’s just an attempt in trying to put an end to an unfair, non-competitive industry.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

OPINION

Think Of The Needy This Christmas

Celebrating purely amongst ourselves, feasting on caviar and filet mignon while a good quarter of the globe literally fights for crumbs defies the true meaning of Christmas.

Let’s broaden our horizons and think of a world that now languishes in misery. Let’s empathize with the burgeoning spectrum of the hapless and unfortunate: drug addicts in Mexico, sex slaves in Thailand, persecuted Christians in Laos, abused women in Afghanistan, earthquake victims in Indonesia, pirate hostages in Somalia, massacre casualties in the Philippines, flu fatalities in China, fraught soldiers in Iraq, swelling hungry in Africa, spiraling homeless in India and growing unemployed in America. Are we so calloused as to brush aside the harsh truism that in this dogs-eat-dogs universe only a lucky few cavort in untold affluence while a great many languish in abject poverty? Faced with this gut-wrenching conundrum, I’d rather go hungry than witness a sea of starving poor, and gladly part with a cushy mansion to preclude a single soul from spending

sleepless nights in a cold, forlorn shanty.

For the nth time, it’s incumbent upon every kind-hearted American to know that in the grand scheme of things, we won’t be judged by fame or fortune but on how we’ve come to the rescue of the less privileged. This Christmas, and countless Christmases yet to come, let’s use every resource we’ve got to aid the needy. Let’s not be a despicable Scrooge when we can be a caring, giving Santa.

We’ve come a long way from our Neanderthal days. We’ve evolved into compassionate Homo sapiens ever vigilant to let it all out for a worthy cause. It’s downright tragic to march into our graves with the “I and nobody else” mindset. Is there a sweeter triumph than knowing that we’ve lived not just for ourselves but the whole world?

In these crossroads of a history in flux, inaction is no option. In full force, let’s go forth and make a difference; let our generation be known as the one that flexed its muscle for the human kind. Through it all, we can unabashedly say “Merry Christmas” only if we spare no time to foster humanity!

Mario Casuga Royal Palm Beach

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

The New York Yankees’ Mariano Rivera: Baseball’s Best Ever Closer

It is hardly even “Hot Stove League” time yet, but following the recent Sporting News magazine feature on Mariano Rivera, my literary genes dictate that I should do a piece on baseball’s “best ever closer.” And there is little doubt that Mariano is just that.

At 40, and with 15 fabulous years as a Yankee including five times as World Series champions, Mariano was never better than

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

closing in the 2009 playoffs where he recorded five saves, allowing just one run in 16 innings. Incredibly, his post-season

record for saves reached 39, with an astonishing ERA (earned run average) of 0.74! As an afterthought, Rivera has now saved 500 games in his career, only the second pitcher ever to have accomplished it (Trevor Hoffman was the first).

Here’s how his longtime catcher Jorge Posada sees it: “He isn’t as good physically as he was ten years ago — his velocity is down

two or three miles per hour — but he sure is mentally. I think he could still close games in five or six years from now.”

As for Rivera pitching for another team (he will be a free agent after the 2010 season), Mariano says easily, “I believe the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to play for one team.” Breathe a sigh of relief, all you Yankee fans.

In discussing Mariano Riv-

era’s quiet type of team leadership with the Yankees, another legendary baseball closer, Dennis Eckersley, puts it this way:

“There is such security to knowing that he’s there… which in turn says this guy is the most valuable player of the era and of his team… what Mariano has done makes him as valuable as any player who has ever played.”

And what does the extremely reserved, self-effacing Rivera say about all of the plaudits?

“You have to respect the game,” he said. “You can show emotion, but to disrespect the other team or disrespect baseball, it’s unacceptable.”

I imagine that will still be his message on that glorious day when he accepts his recognition at Cooperstown.

RPB Signs On To Chamber’s Economic Development Task Force

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed last week to participate in the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s newly created Economic Development Task Force, but not before hearing a warning from Mayor David Lodwick to expect a backlash from outside interests.

The village joins Wellington, Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach County, which already have appointed members to the task force. The panel also will include a number of business leaders and other stakeholders. The task force’s mission is to de-

velop employment centers in the area and attract potential employers to the western communities.

Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli and Village Manager David Farber or his designee were appointed to represent Royal Palm Beach.

Other government-appointed task force members are Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore and Village Manager Paul Schofield, Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp and Town Manager Frank Spence, Greenacres Mayor Sam Ferreri and Zoning Administrator Clifford Torres, and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Assistant County Administrator Shannon

LaRocque. Heading the organization is Susan Giddings, who is vice chair of economic development for the chamber.

Lodwick noted that he will not be able to serve since he has announced he will not run for reelection in March, but was enthusiastic about the western communities addressing issues as a unit.

“There’s some vision that we do share, and that is the cities see the greater good in trying to attract jobs to the western communities,” Lodwick said. “The cities see a greater good in seeing not who gets what, but making sure we all benefit from the positive type of growth that smart growth can

BUDJINSKI

bring. The goal would be to bring in a significant employment base that would lead the way for future development around it.”

Lodwick said the western communities need to present a united front and must stand firm against those who would squelch their vision, referring to a recent push by County Commissioner Karen Marcus to move the county’s urban service boundary east — in line with the county’s focus for economic development along the coast.

“Those of us who are out here recognize the need for smart growth going forward, not the same thing we have, for intelligent

bringing of jobs, hoping that we have an advocate downtown who will step up the next time this is brought up by any commissioner from outside our area to stop growth out here and say, ‘Hey wait a minute, I represent that district and that’s unacceptable,’” Lodwick said. “You will have backlash from this downtown.”

Councilwoman Martha Webster commended the chamber for putting the plan together.

“I talked with some of the other members, and they are very enthusiastic,” Webster said. “I think it’s a good thing. I don’t think we can work too hard on this effort.”

or

by Councilman

Councilman

said he would also be interested in working with the task force. “We need to focus on bringing jobs into the community and creating a notion that says you can live here and work here and not have to travel an hour to get to your place of employment,” Pinto said. “This is long overdue, but better late than never. I would really like to work with this group.” Pinto pointed out that he has

See TASK FORCE, page 20

Webster nominated Mattioli to be on the board along with Farber

his designee, which was seconded

David Swift.

Fred Pinto

PHOTOS

Rep. Mark Pafford, Diana Demerest and

Abruzzo.Bill Sauers plays some tunes.

Donna Sauers (right) with her daughter Theresa and granddaughter Kirra.

Allyn Schiavone and Chris Hickey.Roberta Williams, Elizabeth Juliano and George Williams.

Jolie Burrell, Mason Phelps and Kim Boyer.Tami Hoag and Darren Chiachia.

Bruce Duchossois, Margaret Duprey, Todd Flettrich and Ron Neal.

Chester Weber with David and Karen O’Connor.

COURTESY SUSAN J. STICKLE

Burglars Target Neighboring Stores In Royal Palm Beach

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

DEC. 18 — Two businesses were burglarized in the Royal Plaza on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Friday night. According to separate Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the plaza after an employee arrived at work to find the businesses had been burglarized. According to the first report, sometime between 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. the following morning, someone threw a cement block through the glass door of the first business, causing $300 in damage. Unknown suspects entered the store and stole a cash register valued at $300, which the store employee said contained no money. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no witnesses at the time of the report. In a second PBSO report, unknown suspects smashed the glass door of a neighboring business, causing $300 in damage, and opened several drawers. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no witnesses at the time of the report. •

DEC. 16 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested last Wednesday afternoon on drug charges following a traffic stop on Forest Hill Blvd. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 1 p.m., a deputy from the Wellington substation pulled over 29-year-old Michael Sears for an expired paper license plate. When the deputy approached the vehicle, he smelled an odor of marijuana coming from inside. A search of the vehicle found a bag containing 4.5 grams of cocaine, marijuana, two Xanax pills and $650 cash. Sears was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

parked on Weybridge Circle were burglarized. According to the first report, sometime between 6 p.m. last Thursday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone smashed the left rear window of the victim’s Honda Civic and stole a CD player valued at approximately $250. According to a second PBSO report, someone smashed the right front window of the victim’s Honda Accord and stole Apple iPod headphones valued at approximately $20. According to a third PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Thursday and 8 a.m. last Friday, someone smashed the right front window of the victim’s Honda Odyssey and stole $7,950 in cash and checks. In each case, there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 17 — An Aero Club resident called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday after nearly $2,400 in checks were stolen from her mailbox. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:30 a.m. last Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. the following morning, two checks were taken from her mailbox. The checks totaled $2,389.20. The victim closed her bank account. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

DEC. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road last Thursday regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a loss prevention officer observed 27-year-old Leslie Schonholz and 30-year-old Jennifer Pendergrast, both of West Palm Beach, remove shirts and jackets from their hangers, put the clothes on and then conceal various other items under the jackets. The officer reported that both women then walked past all registers without paying for the merchandise and were apprehended. The value of the stolen merchandise totaled $228.19. Schonholz and Pendergrast were arrested and taken to the county jail where they were charged with retail theft.

DEC. 18 — Several vehicles were burglarized last Friday night while parked in the Weybridge community off Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. According to separate PBSO reports, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the community after three vehicles

DEC. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Kmart store on Southern Blvd. last Saturday in reference to a shoplifting complaint. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer observed some items near a rear door that seemed out of place. Upon reviewing a surveillance tape, he discovered that four unknown black males had stolen seven televisions from the store. According to the report, at approximately 8:05 a.m., the suspects pulled their maroon Chevy Astro van to the back receiving door, moved items away from the door and then left. At least two of the suspects entered the store’s stock area and loaded seven televisions onto a pallet jack and pushed them outside through the rear door, where the van was waiting. The suspects put six televisions in the van and one on the roof before leaving the area. The suspects are described as black males, one wearing a blue shirt, jeans and a light-colored hat, another was in dark shorts and a dark, striped shirt, a third was wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts, and the fourth was wearing a light colored shirt, dark pants and a dark hat. The stolen merchandise was valued at $4,798.98.

DEC. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in the Pine Cones neighborhood off Wellington Trace last Saturday morning in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Friday and 11:15 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked SUV and stole several of his possessions, including a credit card and Florida driver’s license. The victim found some of his belongings on a neighbor’s lawn. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. DEC. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Nordstrom department store in the Mall at Wellington Green last Sunday regarding a shoplifting complaint. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 4 p.m., a loss prevention officer observed 42-yearold Rose Louis of West Palm Beach pick up a black Juicy Couture handbag and conceal it in a Macy’s shopping bag. Louis then walked past all points of sale and out of the store, where the officer stopped her. The stolen merchandise was valued at $178. Louis was taken to the county jail and charged with retail theft.

Fair Districts Amendments Aim To Change Redistricting Rules

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A group called Fair Districts Florida is working to get amendments on the 2010 ballot to prohibit redistricting that favors a particular political party.

As of last week, the organization had gathered 1.65 million signatures, 50,000 more than the 1.6 million needed to get amendments on the November 2010 ballot. If voters approve the amendments, they would require the Florida State Legislature to create districts that conform to more natural boundaries, as opposed to districts that are gerrymandered to favor one party or another, according to Fair Districts Florida Campaign Chair Ellen Freidin. According to several polls, 70 percent of voters favor the change, Freidin noted. The group claims that its effort has support from members of both

parties, although many members of the Republican Party, which now controls the state legislature, oppose the amendments.

State Rep. Mark Pafford (DDistrict 88) said he strongly supports the idea.

“I think it’s going to be a great amendment,” Pafford told the Town-Crier. “Eventually, it will change the constitution, which will pull the political piece out of the redistricting that we do every 10 years, as has always been done by both political parties, both majority parties, whether it’s Democrat or Republican.”

Fair Districts Florida has drafted two amendments to the Florida Constitution to put on the 2010 ballot through the citizen initiative process. One deals with congressional districts, while the other focuses on state legislative districts. Both protect minority vot-

ing rights while demanding that districts be compact and use existing political and geographical boundaries.

Pafford said seats are now groomed to create a power base and customized to allow certain candidates to run for the House or Senate seat of their choice.

“This bill would help extricate the political selfishness that a lot of members feel that they can take advantage of and really bring some equitable representation to the end game,” Pafford said.

In 2000, Florida had almost 43.5 percent (3,801,142) registered Democrats, 39.2 percent (3,425,661) registered Republicans and 17.4 percent or (1,518,078) independent or other party voters. At that time, Republicans controlled the legislature, and they drew districts assuring that they would retain control, re-

gardless of the significantly higher number of Democrats, Pafford said.

“What we ended up with was a legislature that is pretty much actually more than opposite,” Pafford said. “It’s almost a two-to-one advantage in the Senate. In the House you’re looking at 76 of the majority party and 44 for the Democratic party.”

The result has been largely Republican legislation that passes with little debate, Pafford said.

Since the amendments are being put on the ballot by public initiative, the language cannot be manipulated by the legislature, Pafford said. “I’m delighted that in this instance it’s coming from the people,” he said. “There is no chance for anyone in particular to tamper with the language.”

Pafford said the amendment has been approved by a judge to as-

sure it is beyond legal challenge.

“I think it’s probably the best bet for an impartial type of change because it’s coming from the people,” he said. According to officials from Fair Districts Florida, sophisticated computers, voter registration data and past election returns are used to predict how particular voters will vote in the future. Voters favorable to one party or another are packed into districts, creating “safe” districts for one party or another. The result is that districts are bizarrely shaped, with no effort to see that cities and counties are kept together in districts. Communities are often split among several representatives, and districts often cover multiple counties and communities.

Should Fair Districts Florida be successful, “Florida voters will have a meaningful chance to se-

lect legislators rather than have legislators who select voters favorable to them,” Freidin said. State Senate District 27 is considered the poster child of a gerrymandered district. It is legally contiguous, although it stretches from Palm Beach County on the east coast to Lee County on the west coast. Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) said enabling fair districts is critical. “It’s the most important thing we can do to save democracy in Florida,” he said. “Our districts are rigged, and the voters suffer. The only way to fix it is to pass this amendment.” While Fair Districts Florida claims to be non-partisan, Republican Party officials reject that assertion.

“It’s totally Democratic,” said Sid Dinerstein, chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach

See DISTRICTS, page 20

Senior Activities Coordinator Dolly Hughes with volunteers Prudel Bell, Cheryl Lower, Vinette Tracey, Elaine Mathis, Beth Kaplan and Joe Schelorke.Fran Kasmir gets a

from

Schelorke and Beth Kaplan. Door prize winners Mary Clapp, Beryl Spence and Deborah Lewis with their poinsettias. Local chiropractor Dr. David Dorfman of Mobile Chiropractic delivered hundreds of toys to the Wellington Boys & Girls Club on Dec. 17 as part of his second annual Stuff the Bus toy drive. Mobile Chiropractic joined a dozen other businesses to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. Any extra toys will be shared with the Boys & Girls Club of Belle Glade.

Dr. David Dorfman with boys and girls at the club.

Debra Sahagian and Katrina Jackson sort toys.

Boys & Girls Club Director Sabrena Ingraham, Debra Sahagian, Katrina Jackson and Dr. David Dorfman.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in Wellington received a visit from Santa on Saturday, Dec. 19. While the adults enjoyed lunch, children were offered free 4”x6” photos with Santa. The Gypsy’s Horse is located in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., visit www.gypsyshorse.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Maggie and Zach Brent.

Summer and Trevor Robb.

Brennen Soyke, Julia Jackson and Ian Jackson.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS HOLIDAY PARTY

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce held a holiday party last Thursday at the chamber office in the Lake Wellington Professional Centre. More than 100 people turned out for the celebration. Toys were gathered and will go to needy children in the Glades communities. The chamber would like to thank Ken Adams, Diane Brockway and the staff at the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, as well as Campagnolo restaurant for providing the food. (Above) Guests enjoy the evening. (Below) Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, his wife Sherry and Rocky Goins.

Volunteers Needed At

Scott’s Place

Scott’s Place will be a barrierfree playground constructed in the new Wellington Town Center, where children of every ability will be able to play together. With that bond of community in mind, Wellington is inviting residents to come together to help build the playground.

On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16 and 17, residents can gather at the future park site near the Wellington Community Center for a community build. With guidance from professional installers, residents will help assemble the large pieces of play equipment that will go into Scott’s Place.

“This community has a longstanding tradition of its residents having a hand in building its parks and fields, including Tiger Shark Cove and the Boys & Girls Club. We want to continue that tradition with Scott’s Place,” Village Manager Paul Schofield said.

The metal play equipment in Scott’s Place is designed for use by children who use braces or wheelchairs in addition to ablebodied kids. One large play structure has ramps instead of steps to allow all children to reach its upper decks.

Regardless of whether you’re skilled with tools, you can have a hand in helping at the community build. Several companies who work with Wellington will be providing skilled workers to supervise the labor. In addition, there will be first aid and refreshment

tents that will need volunteers. People will be needed simply to carry equipment and tools on the work site.

There will be a morning and an afternoon shift each day, so residents can volunteer for one or all of the shifts during the weekend. Check-in will begin each day at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), where Scott’s Place is being built. Check in for the afternoon shift will be at noon. There will be jobs for student volunteers as well. Those under age 16 should be accompanied by a parent.

Wellington will provide food and drinks for everyone participating that weekend, and local grocers and restaurants are invited to participate with a donation of food and/or drinks. Anyone wanting to volunteer or donate should call Rachel Fenech at (561) 791-4787 or register online at www. wellingtonfl.gov.

Healthcare ‘Towny Meeting’ On Dec. 29

On Tuesday, Dec. 29, Peter Wein of the Internet radio show Peter’s Livingroom and Harriet Lerman of Voice of the People will present a “towny meeting” at 2 p.m. at the W4CY radio studio (8401 Lake Worth Road, Suites 210-211). For those unable to attend, the show can be heard by visiting www.w4cy.com. The subject of discussion will be healthcare, and it will be a great opportunity to ask questions and

get answers. The show will address what the politicians in Washington have planned for the American people.

Wein and Lerman want the politicians to know how you feel, which is why they have assembled a panel of healthcare professionals to discuss their point of view and give insight on what is going on and how it is going to affect everyone. The panel will include State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88), Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Kevin DiLallo, insurance agent Allen Mergaman, Dave Knapp of Adcahb Medical Coverages and Ann Fonda. This event will be introduced by Wein and moderated by Lerman.

To have your questions asked, e-mail peter@w4cy.com. Members of the audience for the show are being accepted by reservation only. Seating is limited, so contact W4CY Radio at (561) 340-1490 to reserve your spot in the audience.

WHS Debaters Bring Home The Awards

On Saturday, Dec. 12, six Wellington High School debaters took home awards at the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League Spanish River Tournament.

In Novice Oral Interpretation, Wellington took three of the top four spots. Darby Guyn placed first with straight “1” rankings, Tabitha Lazarre placed third and Valentina Ferreira took fourth. In addition, Ashley Hernandez

placed ninth, Morgan O’Dell 15th, Carolyn Perez 18th and Jordy Pincus 19th.

In Novice Public Forum Debate, the team of Rachel Ganon and Shivan Kanagaraja went 4-0 and took home first-place honors, while in Student Congress, Kevin Liang placed second overall in his legislative chamber. The Novice Duo Interpretation team of Megan Herrick and Nick Thibault placed fifth, while Novice Lincoln Douglas debater Jake Teitelbaum went 3-1 and placed ninth overall. The Spanish River tourney followed an exciting weekend at the George Mason University “Patriot Games” Invitational in Fairfax, Virginia, Dec. 4-7. There, the Public Forum team of John Cassel and Rachel Ganon broke to doubleoctofinals after attaining a 3-1 preliminary round record, and Alex Hernicz went 3-1 in Lincoln Douglas Debate, narrowly missing the octofinal break round.

Seven Wellington debaters earned their NFL Degree of Merit ranks in December, surpassing the 25-point mark: Ashley Taylor, Kasey Goins, Ashley Hernandez, Shivan Kanagaraja, Morgan O’Dell, Sierra Pelizza and Jake Teitelbaum. Rachel Ganon passed the 75-point mark, earning her NFL Degree of Honor and will receive her varsity debate letter at the spring banquet. Alex Hernicz surpassed the 1,000-point mark, earning the Degree of Outstanding Distinction. He is the 19th Wellington debater to surpass the 1,000-point plateau. Wellington now has 172 overall NFL degrees on record.

PBCHS Students, Faculty Present Holiday Performing Arts Show

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

In theater-in-the-round style, Palm Beach Central High School entertained guests with the show “A Performing Arts Holiday Prism” on Dec. 8. Choral director Scott Houchins, drama teacher Gail Marshall and band director James Yaques collaborated on the show that featured jazz bands, special instrument ensembles, choruses, color guard members and the Bronco Players thespian group. The evening culminated with a student and faculty combo with Yaques on trombone, assistant band director Luke Basso playing trumpet and Houchins singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as the marching Bronco band’s resounding number “Here Within.”

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

An Old-Fashioned Christmas was celebrated Dec. 10-13 in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. In addition to classic

Christmas decorations on each building, there were pony rides, singing in the village’s church, kids crafts, storytelling and volunteer costumed re-enactors depicting the period from 1895 to 1945.

Morgan Roberts and Amanda and Beverly Orfino write to Santa.Tristan Weeks tells Santa what he wants for Christmas. Troops 199 and 197 sell Christmas trees.

Taylor Rivera and Cali Weinstein sing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Rebecca Buckley sings “Christmas Lullaby.”

Jazz band members perform a number.

Faculty members James Yaques, Luke Basso and Scott Houchins perform with the jazz band.

Drumline members Sadrac Alexis, Dean Pinnock and David Hylton.

Jamison Hudson tells the story of the angel tree topper.

140 Anglers Turn Out For Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic

The 19th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic was held at the Wellington Community Center dock on Saturday, Dec. 19. A record 140 young anglers came out for the event, catching and releasing 107 fish with a total weight of 56 pounds, five ounces. The biggest fish was a 10-pound, 11ounce grass carp caught by 13-year-old Branden Nicholson of Wellington. The first fish caught was a nine-ounce tilapia caught by 10-year-old Corinne Kenny of Wellington at 9 a.m. The most fish caught and released went to Ryan Lutwin and Lincoln Colucci, with three fish each.

Minnow Division (age 6 and under) — First place: Ryan Lutwin of Boynton Beach, age three, three fish weighing 1 lb., 4 oz.; second place: Colin Murry of Royal Palm Beach, age four, two fish weighing 1 lb.; and third place: Hunter Vilela of Wellington, age two, one fish weighing 11 oz.

Shiner Division (ages 7-9) — First place: Brian Stokes of Wellington, age eight, two fish weighing 2 lbs., 10 oz.; second place: Liam Stokes of Wellington, age nine, two fish weighing 1 lbs., 4 oz.; and third place: Andrew Savoie of Lake Worth, age seven, two fish weighing 1 lbs., 2 oz.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Bluegill Division (ages 10-12) — First place: Lincoln Colucci of Loxahatchee, age 12, three fish weighing 2 lbs., 13 oz.; second place: Dustin Reville of Loxahatchee, age 10, one fish weighing 1 lb.; and third place: Robert McDougle of Boca Raton, age 11, one fish weighing 14 oz.

Lunker Division (ages 13-15) — First place: Nicole Linn of Wellington, age 13, two fish weighing 18 lbs., 5 oz; second place: Branden Nicholson of Wellington, age 13, one fish weighing 10 lbs., 10 oz.; and third place: Anthony Boddy of Wellington, age 13, one fish weighing 9 lb., 6 oz.

Ryan Lutwin of Boynton Beach with Capt. Mike Jones.

Jake Vilela of Wellington.

Colin Murry of Royal Palm Beach and his dad Kevin.Hunter and Jackson Haynes.

Amanda Ng with Wellington resident Christina Kenny of sponsor Gander Mountain. Anthony Boddy of Wellington.

Oliver Williams with Nicole Linn’s catch.

Cristina Rodriguez of Wellington.

Ava and Steve Larrabee of Wellington pick out a pole.

Liam Stokes of Wellington.

The young anglers gather for a group photo.

Seminole Ridge High School Announces 2010 Pathfinder Nominees

Seminole Ridge High School has announced the 2010 Pathfinder Scholarship nominees. Students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement are nominated in 18 academic, vocational and athletic categories.

The school would like to congratulate the following seniors who have been nominated for this prestigious award: Academic Excellence, Andres Bernardo; Art, Natanya Robinson; Business, Nicole Granino; Communications, Hailey Mears; Community Involvement, Carlos Monesar; Computer Science, Brian Masters; Drama, Janine Campos; Foreign Languages, Katelyn Woodbury; Forensics and Speech, Lauren Nunez; History and Political Science, Jill Hanrahan; Literature, Jessica Morales; Mathematics, Shannon Patelsky; Music (Instrumental), Zachary Brown; Music (Vocal), Berlyn Duclair; Reach for Excellence, Desiree Cordero; Science, Alixandra Garic; Sports, Kristina De Carlo; and Technical/Vocational/Agricultural, Christian Dick.

Carroll Chosen Administrator of the Year — SRHS Adult and Community Education Principal Dave Carroll was honored as Administrator of the Year for Community Education and recipient of the coveted Allen Rice Award at this year’s Adult and Community Education luncheon. “Dave has made reality our goal of establishing a Seminole Ridge community school program,” Principal Dr. Lynne McGee said. “His hard work, dedication and support of our schoolday programs are evidence of his commitment to our school and the Acreage community.”

Also at the luncheon, Nat Roberts, Callery-Judge Grove managing partner and a consistent advisor, supporter and friend to the Seminole Ridge family, received the Business Partner of the Year Award for his continual support of programs at Seminole Ridge.

• Hawk Footballers Named All-Conference — Coached by Matt Dickmann in the most successful season to date, several Seminole Ridge varsity football

players have been selected for All-Conference in District 6A football.

First Team members include defensive linemen Eric Poppert and Eric Wegner, fullback Tyler Butler, guard Ray Collet, linebackers Tacius Pierre-Louis and Chase Watson, running back Javian Wrisper, safety Woodley Cadet, split end Jeacky Charles and tackle Austin Williams.

Second Team members include center Michael Schwartzberg, defensive back Jarryd Klaffka, defensive lineman Lamark Blair, kicker Matt Johnson, linebacker Stephen McPherson, running back Gary Holmes and tight end Mickel Pringle.

• SRHS and Rotary Team Up — The Acreage/Loxahatchee Rotary Club and the SRHS Construction Academy have come together to offer a fine selection of birdhouses, owl houses, bat houses, butterfly houses and squirrel boxes for your back yard, adding to the “catalog” the beautiful Adirondack chairs that the academy already sells to raise funds. All hous-

es are designed based on plans from the University of Florida and the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service for the best results to attract birds and their friends to your back yard.

All profits from the sales will be used for the Seminole Ridge Construction Academy building projects. The academy receives no funds from the county and has always had to seek out donations and raise funds.

“I’m thankful to the Rotary Club for their willingness to help us and for coming up with this idea,” academy coordinator Rick Terkovich said. “I just couldn’t see us selling wrapping paper or gift cards, and with these bird, bat, owl, butterfly and squirrel houses, the kids are really improving their woodworking skills!”

For more information, call Terkovich at (561) 422-2678 or John Thomas of the Rotary Club at (561) 818-2505.

• The Ridge Hosts Olympiad — On Saturday, Dec. 12, Seminole Ridge SECME members hosted a

Polo Park Collects Toys For Needy Children

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Polo Park Middle School along with KOOL 105.5 collected toys for Children’s Medical Services in West Palm Beach. Every year Mo and Sally collect toys and gifts for CMS for ages infant to 18 years.

Sally Sevareid, Jay Seiger and Tim Allen joined the Polo Park Student Council and National Honor Society to help put all the gifts into the KOOL 105.5 van. (Monty “Mo” Foster had a previous commitment.) Students from Polo Park brought in ageappropriate, new, unwrapped gifts.

“Traditionally, we seem to run out of gifts for our middle school-age children as well as the teenagers,” Sevareid said. “We are also in dire need of new or gently used Christmas holiday type gift bags. We take all of the gifts that we receive for the kids and place them in the gift bag according to developmental age and cost equitability. On behalf of the staff and families at CMS, we appreciate your interest in this activity. Without the community supporting their volun-

teer endeavors, they would not be able to put all those smiles on our family’s faces! The happy memories of this event last throughout the year.”

Children’s Medical Services is a division of the Florida Department of Health that is charged with providing medical care coordination for approximately 4,500 financially eligible, medically needy children. All of these children have chronic medical conditions and range in age from birth to age 21. Children with chronic medical conditions who have insurance through the Florida Kid Care program are provided care coordination from birth to age 19. The medical conditions range from asthma to life threatening genetic abnormalities with all the accompanying medical conditions. CMS also has a brain and spinal cord injury program, an infectious disease program and provides the care coordination for children in medical foster care. For more information about Children’s Medical Services, visit www.doh.state.fl.us/ alternatesites/cms-kids.

countywide design seminar for the annual engineering Olympiad, tutoring more than 100 visitors from various schools and the community in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Science

general knowledge games with a “brain bowl.”

CRESTWOOD STUDENTS MAKE FRIENDS IN ITALY

Crestwood Middle School students in Ms.

eighth grade English classes are in the process of writing friendly letters that will be sent to eighth graders in

Italy. Professora Patrizia Salutij, who teaches English to her students in Passini Media, Livorno, Italy, is a personal friend of Poggi who had the pleasure of visiting her school this past summer as an “American colleague.” Poggi participated in the administration of the oral English exam for the eighth graders. This is the third year students in Poggi’s classes have been learning about the culture and customs of kids their own age in a different country. The hope is that this writing activity will inspire students to better understand and appreciate similarities as well as differences in kids their own age 3,000 miles away. Pictured above is Salutij with students in her English class.

Brian Bartels, Cindy Dosch, Ryan Hamilton, Matt Schulz and Brandy Milano prepare for their “brain bowl” session.

students from numerous high schools competed in designing and building mousetrap cars and water bottle rockets, and in

Rosemarie Poggi’s

Tuscany,

(Above) The group takes a break from loading gifts.

(Below) Students bring gifts to the KOOL 105.5 van.

Western Pines Honors Students Of The Month

Western Pines Middle School

Principal Robert Hatcher has announced the students of the month for December. These students have been nominated by their elective teachers for standing out in class as students of character and worthy of honor.

Sixth grader Ashley Flint is an industrious and energetic young lady. She was new to Western Pines this year and immediately began focusing on striving for excellence. No challenge in or out of the classroom appears to be an obstacle to Ashley’s eagerness for success. She is a joy to have, and all of Ashley’s teachers are proud of her.

Christian Cordero is the seventh-grade student of the month. He actively participates in all phases of his classes. Christian is

always willing to read, either independently or in a group. He enjoys working on the Read 180 computer program and utilizes his reading skills and strategies in small group work with his peers and his teacher. His conduct in class is exceptional. Christian is a delightful student and should be recognized for being an asset in his classes and in the community. Finally, the eighth-grade student of the month is Levi Ruiz. Levi is a confident, inquisitive student who contributes valuable insight into every classroom discussion. Levi’s strong academic focus enables him to maintain exceptionally high grades in all of his classes. He has earned the distinction of being a principal’s honor roll recipient as well. Levi’s strengths include being a creative problem

solver, working on computers, and having an impressive vocabulary and quick wit. When not focus-

WCS Book Fair At Barnes & Noble A Success

The Wellington Christian School Book Fair was held on Nov. 19 at Barnes & Noble in Wellington.

The evening was a huge success and quite entertaining. Many WCS families, faculty and staff gathered throughout the store alongside the regular bookstore clientele. They were entertained by a Christmas performance from the school choir, holiday music by the jazz band and a mini drama production from students in the school’s upcoming spring play, Willy Wonka. Attendees also enjoyed the music of local pianist

Michael Anderson and story time for the little ones. This annual event helps WCS raise money to purchase books for its library. This year, however, through the Adopt-a-School program, WCS was able to present Forest Hill Elementary School with approximately 300 books that will help to bring a brighter holiday to its student body. The evening combined good will and true holiday spirit and was definitely enjoyed by all. For more information, visit www.wellingtonchristian.org or call (561) 793-1017.

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

The WCS jazz band performs during the book fair.

Students Of The Month — (L-R) Levi Ruiz, Principal Robert Hatcher, Christian Cordero and Ashley Flint.

ing on his academics, he enjoys inventing things, singing, playing the guitar and the culinary arts.

Royal Palm Beach Youths Donate Gifts

Royal Palm Beach youngster Alex Ng has been donating to Pleasant City Elementary School for the past four years. Last year he recruited Andre Ferreira, and the two came up with toys for the children. This year, they recruited Kaylee Santiago and Christie Porter. The four went to Pleasant City to donate toys and hand out candy canes.

“Everyone is buying toys for the kids, what about the grandmas and grandpas?” Alex’s sister Amanda asked.

Alex and Amanda’s great grandmother passed away last

year at the Royal Manor nursing home, where she had been staying. Each time Amanda visited Royal Manor, she was able to bring smiles to the faces of the residents. This year, Amanda asked for donations from friends and family members, and bought hair brushes and stuffed animals. She then recruited her soccer buddies Julia, Madison, Kaitlin, Allison and Aliah to sing holiday songs and hand out the gifts. The youngsters learned that it’s not the cost of the gift that counts, it how you choose to share the experience.

Wellington Cub Scout Pack 125 won first place in the Juvenile Division at the Palms West Holiday Parade in Wellington on Dec. 13. The float was built by Glen and Robin Corradino, Duane O’Connor and designed by Luc Limbourg. It was made out of 80percent post-consumer recycled plastics and 100-percent recyclable wood, true to the Cub Scout principle “Leave No Trace Behind.” The pack would like to thank its sponsors: Playground Factory Outlet, Diagnostic Centers of America and GREENteam Landscaping. Shown above are the Cub Scouts on their float.

ST.

The congregation of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington donated almost 300 wrapped Christmas presents for 92 underprivileged children who attend the PEPPI (Preschool Enrichment Program with Parental Involvement) Head Start Child Development Center in Belle Glade. Presents included clothing, toys, games and books. The gifts were delivered to PEPPI Director Shirley Walker on Dec. 16 for distribution to the parents of 30 families later that day. Delivering the presents were Karen Sexton, Alec Pridgeon and Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, all members of St. Michael. Pictured above, Sexton (kneeling), Walker, Pridgeon and Bowen with children who attend PEPPI.

Marquez Wimberly Graduates Army Basic Training

Army Pvt. Marquez Wimberly has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Wimberly studied the Army

mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony,

marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, the military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field-training exercises.

and

is the nephew

Wimberly

of Elnora Blue of Pompano Beach

son of Danette Dinkins of Wellington. He is a 2008 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

Kaylee Santiago, Andre Ferreira, Alex Ng and Christi Porter with Pleasant City students.

CUB SCOUTS FROM PACK 120 SPEND A WEEKEND CAMPING AT FORT WILDERNESS

Royal Palm Beach Cub Scout Pack 120 had a blast the weekend of Dec. 11 at Fort Wilderness Campground near Orlando. The scouts and their families set up camp on Thursday and spent Friday at the Disney park of their choice. On Saturday, they explored the campground, played volleyball, attended a sing-along and movie, and watched a light show and fireworks display before returning to their tents for the night. On Monday, Dec. 14, the scouts held their December pack meeting at the Harvin Center in Royal Palm Beach. Several scouts received prizes for selling popcorn in October, and some received belt loops for their achievements. The boys decorated holiday cookies, played a ring toss game, made winter-themed crafts and raffled off more prizes at the end of the meeting.

Local Girl Scouts Learn About Self Defense

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, West-

ern Pines Girl Scout Troop 943 attended a special self-defense seminar for women hosted by Master Ken Smith at Villari’s Academy of Martial Arts in Royal Palm Beach.

Troop Leader Kathy Persson approached Smith to teach her troop because of the high statistics of assault against women, and Smith is a recognized leader in personal safety for women.

“Every two and a half minutes, a woman is sexually assaulted,” Persson said. “That is one in six women — over two 200,000 annually. In addition to these staggering statistics, three out of five girls before they reach the age of 18 will be a victim of date rape or

acquaintance rape. This is the time when these girls need to learn about the seriousness of crimes against women.”

The girls learned how to be proactive in potentially dangerous situations and how to eliminate most of the tell-tale signs that predators look for. They even learned how to walk in an assertive and confident way. Persson and the parents in attendance felt that the program delivered on all the important topics such as cultivating personal awareness, understanding in setting the proper boundaries, remaining calm with breathing in difficult times and in some basic hand-to-hand encounters. For more information, visit www.villarisacademy.com.

RPB Author Pens Colorful Children’s Book

Join an inquisitive, spirited fouryear-old boy as he learns about the sun’s daily journey across the sky in Why Does the Sun Set, Mommy?, the new children’s book by Royal Palm Beach author Rhonda G. Boles (published by AuthorHouse). Perfect for a story-hour break or a relaxing bedtime read, Why Does the Sun Set, Mommy? chronicles the conversation between an attentive mother and her fouryear-old son Kyle. The mother describes the miraculous daily journey of the rising and setting

of the son in response to Kyle’s various questions. Accompanied by Katrice Shorter’s colorful illustrations, Why Does the Sun Set, Mommy? uses engaging, entertaining text to help develop children’s analytical and cognitive skills.

“Once upon a time, there lived a little boy who asked a million questions daily,” Boles wrote. “On this particular day, Kyle’s topic of conversation was the sun. Just as the sun was beginning to set, Kyle peeked out of his bedroom window to see the sun’s golden rays

paint a picture on the lake’s rippling waves. He ran through the house to find his mother and with an excited voice shouted, ‘Mommy, look what the sun is drawing on the water!’ Kyle’s window overlooked a huge lake that was covered by a mesmerizing water reflection of the setting sun.”

Boles is a newly published children’s author and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Palm Beach Atlantic University. At age two, Boles’ son

Kyle was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, a speech delay that causes a child to have difficulty executing phonetic sounds. As his speech improved with determination and the help of a speech pathologist, Kyle grew very inquisitive as he mastered his speech and language skills. Why Does the Sun Set, Mommy? was inspired by the conversations Boles had with him and is the first of three books she plans to write. For more information, visit the AuthorHouse web site at www. authorhouse.com.

Copan Featured In Book Of Teen Writers

Wellington teenager Benjamin Copan has been anthologized in the book The Best Teen Writing Of 2009. His piece “The Moon” was among the 48 works selected to appear in the book.

Published by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, The Best Teen Writing Of 2009 features work from young writers ages 12 to 18 who were honored for their writing by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2009. The collection showcases the passion and skill of young writers across the country and offers a promising outlook on the future of the written word. The awards are the largest

source of scholarship funds for creative teens in the U.S., offering recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarship opportunities to outstanding students in art and writing. The foreward was written by Night author Elie Wiesel.

Copan’s work is vivid and animated, painting a picture that can be appreciated by many. It is a wonderful example of art enriching one’s life. The book as a whole makes for an excellent holiday selection.

To purchase a copy of The Best Teen Writing Of 2009, visit www. scholasticstore.com. For more information about the award recipients, visit www.artandwriting.org.

WHO’S NEW

Sophia Michelle Drahos — daughter of Nathalie and Michael Drahos of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 1. Colin Michael Sullivan — son of Christina and Michael Sullivan of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 2. Ethan Liam Hill — son of Gracille and Brett Hill of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 3.

Maddison Nicole Rodriguez — daughter of Kari Schiano and Carlos Rodriguez of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 7. Emilia Morgan Gambarrotti — daughter of Shannon and Michael Gambarrotti of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 10. Amari Nevaen Parrado — daughter of Charnece and Alejandro Parrado of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Dec. 13.

Brayden Reece and Gavin MacLean at Fort Wilderness.Scouts and their siblings try to stay warm.

Scouts raffle off prizes at the December pack meeting.

Master Ken Smith discusses self-defense with the girls.

Royal Palm Road Work, RPBHS Woes

continued from page 1 League board members informed village officials in the fall that former league president Mike Infante, a longtime RPB recreation activist, had written himself at least two large checks from league funds. This prompted the village to revoke its contract with RPBYB. A new league made up of many of the same volunteers was created with much stricter financial oversight to take over baseball in the village.

ROYAL PALM BEACH

BLVD. TRAFFIC RELIEF

Plagued by heavy traffic, Royal Palm Beach saw some relief this year with the extension of State Road 7 north of Okeechobee Blvd. Connections at Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards allowed residents of The Acreage an alternative route to the east, freeing up space on the often-clogged Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

But getting village residents a route to the new road proved problematic. A proposed connection to State Road 7 via Madrid Street in La Mancha pitted neighbor against neighbor before being vetoed by the council. Although there are few ways in and out of the large neighborhood, the council ruled in favor of residents who had safety concerns about increased traffic near their homes.

Homeowners near a different part of State Road 7 provided another fight for the council when a developer proposed putting up

apartments near the Victoria Groves neighborhood south of Southern Blvd. The council axed approval for the apartments when density concerns became an issue.

Several residents of Victoria Groves opposed the plan, citing concerns about crime, drug use, trespassing, traffic and gang activity they said would be generated by the development.

ROEBUCK ROAD DELAY

Although much of the controversy surrounding SR 7 connections was cleared up this year, Roebuck Road connection proponents will have to wait until 2014 to see any development.

Roebuck Road was supposed to be extended from Jog Road to State Road 7 to provide traffic capacity necessary for three West Palm Beach communities that were build in the mid-1990s. But more than a decade later, West Palm Beach is fighting Palm Beach County’s efforts to get the road built — a major priority for Royal Palm Beach officials. County commissioners postponed the road’s schedule because of the difficulty it has in getting the necessary permits. But neighbors in Riverwalk, Andros Isles and Baywinds, who have fought the road that would be built north of their communities, saw the delay as a partial victory… as did Royal Palm Beach, which worked to make sure the road was not deleted in its entirety.

EYE IN THE SKY

After a year of planning, Royal Palm Beach, through an agreement with a private company, installed red-light cameras at several intersections, prompting ques-

tions of safety versus revenue generation. Village officials noted that other municipalities have seen a decline of as much as 40 percent in red light runners once cameras were installed. The cameras, which became operational in November, are a source of much controversy in South Florida, with several municipalities being sued by residents for violation of due process.

REPORT CARD: D

Royal Palm Beach officials also wrestled with how to combat Royal Palm Beach High School’s D grade from the state and low graduation rates. The school was second only to Pahokee High School in instances of violence, alcohol, drug use and weapons on campus in 2008. Village officials bemoaned the village’s only high school becoming a “regional high school” with students from other areas making up a large chunk of the student body. In addition, more and more local students are choosing other schools for their special programs rather than their home school. In 2009, the village set up a special task force to work with the school district on improvements to RPBHS.

CELEBRATIONS, STEPS FORWARD

But the village also found reason to celebrate this year. It marked its 50th year with festivities, fireworks and a new sculpture in June, drawing the community out to join in the event. The village also began work on the 160-acre Village Commons Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., once a shuttered golf course. Smart planning and small cuts al-

lotted enough money to build the park, despite the smaller budget. In other recreation news, the village cut out the middleman by allowing residents to register for recreational activities online, saving the village paperwork and money.

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church broke ground and completed its new worship center on Crestwood Blvd. This year also marked the grand re-

Groves Working Together

continued from page 1 mittee received more general acceptance after it questioned the billing procedures of the town’s code enforcement practices and revealed charges of fraud by a member of the town’s auditing firm.

WORKING TOGETHER

As an example of the two bodies’ newfound ability to work together, the council in May voted to provide $240,000 in gas tax money to the district for projects on D and A roads after LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said the district would have to raise assessments to pay for the projects.

Gas tax revenue was one of the arguments for incorporation, and council members agreed that the district, whose responsibilities include road maintenance, was the logical recipient for some of that money.

The district had prioritized

opening of the Royal Palm Beach branch library, which closed in 2008 for renovations.

THE LODWICK ERA

DRAWS TO A CLOSE

The end of the year’s election announcements foretell a lively political season to mark the beginning of 2010, starting with Mayor David Lodwick’s announcement that he will retire after 12 years with the gavel. The announcement prompted Vice

$554,000 in projects, and topping the list were the D Road Canal improvements, costing $180,000, and a survey of the A Road Canal right of way at $60,000.

NEW MANAGEMENT

In April, the town’s management firm, New Community Strategies, gave notice it was pulling out because it was costing the firm more to run the town than it was taking in. It had supplied a manager, clerk, assistant clerk and financial services to Loxahatchee Groves on a contractual basis.

NCS was the first management team that the town had, carrying it through its first two years and three months. In June, the council began a search for a new management firm.

In August, council members signed a contract with Frank Spence as their new manager. Spence, a West Palm Beach resident who for the past three years has served as village manager of Biscayne Park in Miami-Dade County, brought a new management team with him. Spence, 72, has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public

Mayor Matty Mattioli to announce his candidacy for mayor, vacating his council Seat 3.

administration. He has been involved in local government for more than 40 years, most of it in South Florida.

Spence also brought experience in the code enforcement process, which was a much-debated topic with the council embroiled in the creation of land development regulations and codes of ordinances. Spence said he had assembled one of the finest management teams available, with a combined experience of more than 100 years, for $200,000 a year. New Community Strategies had been contracted for $96,000 annually.

ANOTHER ELECTION ON THE HORIZON

By year’s end, Councilman Dr. Bill Louda announced that he will not run for re-election in March. Herzog announced her intention to run for his seat, softening her position on taking over the water control district. But another district advocate, Jim Rockett, has announced he too will run for the seat. Mayor David Browning, a former district supervisor, has announced he will run for re-election.

Seat 1, currently held by Councilman David Swift, will also be up for grabs in 2010. Royal Palm Beach community activists Richard Valuntas and Tinu Peña declared their intentions to seek Seat 3. Peña came in second in a three-way race won by Martha Webster two years ago.

EMERALD COVE CHORUS MEMBERS SHARE THEIR MUSIC AT AREA HOSPITALS

The Emerald Cove Middle School advanced chorus groups recently shared holiday music and joy in their annual community service outreach program. Under the direction of music teacher Karac Levine and accompanied by Chris Douglas, the group sang at Lakeside Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center. “We did this our first year to get our name known in the community. It became a tradition,” Levine said. Pictured below are chorus members performing holiday songs.

County A Power Plant Rises

In The West

continued from page 1 than 600 staff positions. But the budget still included $27 million more than the previous year for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Palm Beach County raised the tax rate to 4.33 mills from last year’s 3.781 to generate more tax dollars even though property values have dropped. And the pain has only just begun, county officials said, projecting the 2011 budget to be $100 million smaller. Between 2001

Wellington A Polo Tragedy

continued from page 1 began working four 10-hour days, with most village offices closed Fridays, and this month, nearly all staff members will take a week of unpaid furlough over the holidays to save about $300,000 more a year. At the end of six months, the village will reassess whether the four-day workweek plan has been successful. Despite its money woes, Wellington was able to keep its yearsold promise to residents looking for reimbursement of the hurricane recovery surcharge levied by the village for tax year 2006. In July, property owners received checks for $115 or $70.

NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT

Despite the tight budget, Wellington invested $1 million to launch Safe Neighborhoods, a program designed to reduce crime and improve declining neighborhoods.

The village contracted for two

Acreage Cancer, New ITID Leader, Nicole’s Law

continued from page 1 water, health officials tested 50 private wells and found that 46 tested clear of manmade contamination. Residents were concerned about the presence of radium 226 and 228 in well water, but health officials said the levels are normal for well water, and the particles are easily removed by a filter. The presence of radium is more likely to cause bone cancer than brain tumors, health officials noted.

The studies continue as the health officials plan to interview families of the 13 brain cancer patients in the area, gathering information on the families’ residential history, jobs held, military service, hobbies, school attendance, immunizations and other possible exposures that might be related to cancer risks.

The cancer scare also brought criticism from some residents who said the publicity was causing unnecessary alarm and driving down home values. Indian Trail Improvement District officials reported getting calls from Realtors,

Task Force

RPB Joins Chamber Panel

continued from page 4 more than 18 years business experience on Wall Street and holds a business degree. Webster agreed to amend her motion to include Pinto as an alternate. Lodwick said the stronger the task force, the better. “We need to have that voice,” he said. Lodwick said he feels that although Santamaria is a member of the task force and recognizes the need for economic development in the area, the cities should be the engine that drives the task force.

“As you look at how the chamber has functioned and the folks on their board, the leadership has to be the cities,” Lodwick said. “It

and 2007, the county’s personnel grew from 3,800 in 2002 to 4,400 in 2007.

To meet next year’s budget, the county already is planning to slash about 600 more positions, reducing the county’s workforce back to the 3,800 it had in 2002. POWER TO THE PEOPLE In August, Florida Power & Light activated the first of three planned generating units at its new West County Energy Center, and was scheduled to activate a second before the end of the year. The third is expected to power up in 2011. Each unit at the plant, located off Southern Blvd. near 20Mile Bend, will supply 1,250 megawatts, enough energy to supply about 250,000 homes and

additional Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies to give it four deputies completely focused on community policing in the neighborhoods plagued by crime and neglect. The village also hired a neighborhood advocate and a recreation specialist to reach out to residents in the areas.

The village opened an office so the Safe Neighborhoods team would have a place to meet with residents. Two code compliance officers also work from the Safe Neighborhoods building on Wellington Trace, and together all of them work as a team to solve problems.

Although the program is new, the initiative is credited with a 24percent decline in crime in transitional neighborhoods. Part of the success has been the village’s Section 8 housing fraud crackdown. Using the strict federal guidelines governing public assistance housing, PBSO deputies have been able to remove many scofflaws from the local Section 8 properties. When they were removed from the area, crime dropped as well.

Looking to draw jobs to Well-

saying they were required to include addendums to their contracts mentioning the cancer study.

NEW DIGS FOR THE DEPUTIES

In early 2009, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the creation of a new substation to serve the Acreage/Loxahatchee area. District 15 became operational in October under the command of Lt. Jay Hart. Initially, the substation operated out of the Royal Palm Beach substation. But in December, the District 15 deputies moved a little closer to home when they set up operations in the Midwestern Communities Service Center at 200 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach. They will remain there until they get a permanent substation, likely paired with a new Palm Beach County FireRescue station on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

District 15 is huge, extending from the Beeline Highway south to Southern Blvd. and from 20Mile Bend east to 110th Avenue, excluding Royal Palm Beach. Previously, deputies covered the area from District 3 in Palm Beach Gardens.

The district was created because of the increasing number of calls for service in the area, Lt. Hart

doesn’t have to be in the cities, it could happen anywhere out here, and we will all benefit. My point is we need to be advocates. We need to be vocal. We need to be watching what’s going on. We cannot just rely on just one person who I think will agree with us most of the time.”

Santamaria said the ideal business would be a high-tech company similar to IBM, Pratt & Whitney or Motorola, all of which have been instrumental in Palm Beach County in the past.

“All we need is one substantial employer,” Santamaria said, adding that he felt the business center should be on Southern Blvd. west of Loxahatchee Groves and Wellington.

“We already have an east-west thoroughfare,” Santamaria said, adding that commercial centers should not be on land such as the Callery-Judge Grove or GL

businesses, using natural gas, one of the cleanest burning of the fossil fuels, according to FPL representatives.

The plant was located near existing power transmission lines needed to relay the electricity it generates. The generators use water from the Floridan aquifer for cooling and steam production, but FPL plans to use reclaimed water — partially treated wastewater — for those purposes by early 2011. Once a pipeline to deliver the reclaimed water is extended from the plant near Florida’s Turnpike, the plant will use about 27 million gallons of reclaimed water. While 80 percent of the water will be evaporated, 20 percent will be injected into deep wells.

ington, the council instituted an eight-part economic development plan, which includes measures to assist industries wanting to locate in the village. The council approved a “flex zoning” category and a “streamlined” permitting process for employers who would bring new jobs to Wellington. The plan features a medical arts district near Wellington Regional Medical Center to draw jobs in the medical field into Wellington. The plan also includes the recreation of Forest Hill Blvd. as Wellington’s “main street,” with a “Town Center” featuring a new municipal complex that broke ground in December. Nearby will be an amphitheater and a boundless playground. The entire complex is expected to be finished next year. Nearby, major renovations are underway at the community pool.

POLO TRAGEDY

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching story this year was when Wellington’s tight-knit polo community was rocked by the deaths of 21 horses. The horses, belonging to the Lechuza Caracas team, died on the sidelines during the prestigious

said. District 15 will have equipment especially suited for problems specific to the area. A big issue is speeding, and the deputies all have been equipped with laser or radar speed detectors. Five of the deputies will have new fourwheel-drive trucks. Deputies will also have access to two ATVs, putting them on equal footing with many of the area’s vandals and joy riders.

OLD FACE,

NEW OUTLOOK

A familiar face returned to The Acreage in December when the Indian Trail Improvement District hired Tanya Quickel, its former finance director, to be the new district administrator.

Quickel was ITID’s finance director from 1999 to 2003, leaving to join the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, where she remained until this month.

As administrator, Quickel’s salary will be $149,000, which is $44,000 higher than that of the previous administrator, Chris King. King was asked to resign in November after ITID’s risk-assessment firm found problems with the district’s financial records.

Quickel’s contract calls for establishing goals and performance

Homes properties, which do not have the infrastructure to support that type of development. “That would be a mess, but if you put it on Southern, the major infrastructure is already in place.”

That location would also serve residents of Belle Glade, Santamaria said, pointing out that Palm Tran already has a bus service running from the coast to Lake Okeechobee.

Santamaria said a location such as Palm Beach Aggregates would have no environmentally sensitive land to be challenged.

“Give them tax breaks for five years and low-cost land,” Santamaria said. “We are not collecting taxes today on vacant land. We can attract an employer and say we’re not going to charge him taxes, but get him to invest $50 or $100 million, and we’re talking business. That’s bringing something to the community.”

Environmental groups, including the Audubon Society of the Everglades, have opposed the plant because it’s located near the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and because they’re concerned about its emissions.

FOLKE PETERSON SHUTS DOWN

In July, the Folke Peterson Wildlife Center closed because it ran out of money. Before closing its doors, the five-year-old nonprofit organization had to release or move more than 350 injured and displaced native Florida wildlife. About 50 animals that could not be released because of the seriousness of their injuries were sent to other wildlife centers, na-

U.S. Open Championships. The painful episode made headlines worldwide and drew the village and the sport under intense media scrutiny. In the end, the deaths were linked to improperly made horse nutritional supplements. The incident led to a series of new rules put out by the United State Polo Association governing the use of and testing for such supplements. A YEAR OF CONTROVERSY

The year wasn’t without controversy. Wellington walked away empty handed from its year-long talks with Palm Beach Community College to bring higher education to a plot of State Road 7 land referred to as K-Park, an issue that divided residents.

The issue of stables in the Paddock Park I neighborhood, and early yard work on golf courses in Wellington also polarized residents.

Paddock Park’s horse-loving residents didn’t win the right to stable horses in the northwestern Wellington neighborhood when the council unanimously struck down the idea, a victory for opponents concerned by the addition

objectives within 90 days and updating those goals and objectives annually. Some of the ITID supervisors said they had come to know Quickel through her work as treasurer for the Florida Association of Special Districts and felt that Quickel would bring back some continuity to the district.

LIBRARY SAGA STILL BEING WRITTEN

The prospect of a branch library in The Acreage took a giant step forward in October when the ITID Board of Supervisors agreed to move ahead with negotiations for a land swap with Palm Beach County.

Supervisors agreed in concept to lease a seven-acre civic site east of the Publix shopping plaza at Orange Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the county in return for a package of about 46 acres of property that would be leased to the district for expansion of Acreage Community Park.

The county proposed to exchange a 50-year lease of the land adjacent to Acreage Community Park for a 50-year lease of ITID’s civic site so the Palm Beach County Library System can build a library. In November, the supervisors agreed to apply jointly with Palm Beach County for a permit from the South Florida Water Management District so the library could be built.

NICOLE’S LEGACY

In June, Gov. Charlie Crist came to Hamlin Equestrian Park in The Acreage to sign Nicole’s Law, which requires minors to wear helmets while horseback riding in public areas or taking riding les-

Districts

Group Eyes

2010 Ballot

continued from page 7 County. “They got to do redistricting 14 times in a row. This will be our second, and therefore they want to rewrite the rules of the game because they can’t win on Election Day.”

Dinerstein said that in the 1990s, Republicans gained power from the Democratic Party, which previously controlled the legislature and the governor’s office.

ture centers, zoos or museums. The center took in 5,500 to 6,000 injured animals annually, according to nature center representatives. The nearest alternative wildlife rehabilitation centers are the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter and the Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale. INLAND PORT MANEUVERS

Over objections from Gladesarea officials, the Palm Beach County Commission approved an amendment to the master plan for the Port of Palm Beach that could allow a coveted inland transportation center to be built somewhere outside the county. Glades officials see the proposed inland port as the answer to the area’s high unemployment. The amendment was the port’s effort to incorporate language to promote development of the inland port. A staff report called the change minor, but representatives from the Glades took umbrage. A Port of Palm Beach official said the language had to be included to qualify for federal funding. The port had applied for federal dollars to build a railway, which will run through several counties. He added that the port does not have control over many aspects of the transportation network. By year’s end, a site in the Glades owned by Florida Crystals emerged as the top contender for the inland port, but the project is likely still several years away.

of the four-legged creatures in their community. However, the council left the door open to reconsider the idea down the road.

Some residents living near the Wanderers Club and Binks Forest golf courses complained about 6 a.m. mowing being done to serve early tee times, in violation of village noise rules. The courses argued that they would lose money without earlier tee times and asked the council to grant them an exception to the morning noise ordinances. Ultimately, the golf courses won the right to start course work at 6 a.m.

Wellington worship centers had several reasons to celebrate this year. St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church broke ground on a new church. Meanwhile, Temple B’nai Jacob received the green light from the village to purchase a plot of land on Lake Worth Road for its new temple.

THE YEAR IN POLITICS

The Wellington Village Council ends the year as it began — with changes looming. At the dawn of the year, Councilman Bob Margolis resigned, and the council appointed local attorney

sons. It was the culmination of a two-year effort by Gary Hornstein, whose 12-year-old daughter Nicole died after falling from a horse in 2006. It was the first time the governor had made an official visit to The Acreage.

An alliance among area government leaders — Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors President Michelle Damone and Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto — helped ensure the bill’s passage. State Sen. Dave Aronberg and State Rep. Joe Abruzzo sponsored Nicole’s Law, which passed during the 2009 legislative session.

In October, ITID officials changed the name of the Hamlin Equestrian Park to Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park in her memory. ITID is also sponsoring a helmet law education campaign in cooperation with the Acreage Horseman’s Association.

SPEEDERS, TRAFFIC & DUST

In April, the long-awaited State Road 7 extension opened from Okeechobee Blvd. to Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards in The Acreage, making thousands of drivers happy, but drawing complaints from residents near those streets about dust and added traffic on the local dirt roads.

Speed humps have worked so well on Persimmon and Orange Grove that speeders are using other roads, especially 110th Avenue North and Mango Blvd., said residents from those streets.

Before the connections to State Road 7 were allowed, supervisors had required that the county pay

“Their policies as particularly relating to crime, which at the time was rampant in Florida, were so divorced from the thinking of the electorate, that in an extremely short period of time, we gained one house, then another, then after that, Gov. [Jeb] Bush,” Dinerstein said. “They didn’t lose power because they shredded the constitution. They lost power because they lost touch.” Aronberg said the amendment would require certain standards in redistricting, but does not mandate the way it is set up. “The amendment only creates standards against gerrymandered districts,”

Howard Coates to fill the vacancy. And heading into a 2010 election cycle with three seats up for grabs, candidate announcements peppered the last half of the year. In November, Coates announced his intention to run for a full term on the council. Also seeking more time on the council is Mayor Darrell Bowen, who announced in October that he would seek a second term as mayor. Term-limited Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto announced she would seek election to the Florida State Senate District 27 when State Sen. Dave Aronberg leaves. Long-time Wellington resident Anne Gerwig and attorney Rob Ostrov announced this fall that they will seek to fill her seat. The District 27 race continued to heat up in the middle of the year when former state representative Sharon Merchant entered the race against Benacquisto. Both are Republicans running for a seat that has trended Democratic. If she wins, Benacquisto would face either Democratic State Rep. Kevin Rader or Fort Myers attorney Pete Burkert, both vying for their party’s nomination.

for speed humps on Persimmon and Orange Grove, hoping that it would serve as a model for a comprehensive traffic-calming program for all of The Acreage. In October, the board gave district engineers the go-ahead to design a comprehensive plan for paving and improving network roads and providing traffic calming. The plan was part of a series of statutory requirements for special districts making roadway improvements. Supervisors agreed that the plan would happen only as money was available.

A WATERSHED AGREEMENT

In November, the ITID withdrew its objection to a drainage permit for the widening of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road when Palm Beach County agreed to provide more drainage. The county had applied in September 2005 to the South Florida Water Management District for the required permit to widen Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to four lanes between Okeechobee Blvd. and Sycamore Drive. Both Indian Trail and the Seminole Improvement District that provides drainage to the adjacent CalleryJudge Grove objected. Under the new plan, Palm Beach County will build nine retention ponds. In the future — like when Palm Beach County moves to the next phase of widening between 60th Street and Northlake Blvd. — Indian Trail wants to coordinate the retention areas with the county so they could serve as parkland or trail sites.

Aronberg said. “The constitution would say we can no longer gerrymander or favor a party.”

Aronberg said that Republicans are involved in the effort, including Bob Milligan, Florida’s former comptroller, who is an honorary co-chair of Fair Districts Florida, and Thom Rumberger, a prominent lobbyist in Tallahassee, who serves as honorary chair. “This is a battle between good government and people who manipulate the government,” Aronberg said.

More information about Fair Districts Florida is available at www.fairdistrictsflorida.org.

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Loxahatchee Artist Featured At Lighthouse Exhibit

Contemporary artwork of all media submitted by South Florida artists has been selected for the Lighthouse Center for the Arts’ exciting contemporary art show, which opens Jan. 7 and runs through Feb. 6. Among the entries to be accepted is Stimulus by Gisela Pferdekamper of Loxahatchee. Page 30

Patricia Davidowitz: Horsewoman With A Heart Acreage resident Patricia Davidowitz downplays her role as a horse rescuer. “All I do is make a phone call,” she said. “I’m just a stepping stone.” She’s a very important stepping stone for a few lucky horses... and it all started with a call she made one day to Debbie McBride. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

BUSINESS

Get A Full-Body Workout With BelaBody

BelaBody Fitness in Wellington has teamed up with Fizogen Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts Training Center to offer unique fitness services to the community. Bela Santos, a passionate veteran in the fitness industry, has created this program sure to meet the needs of individuals of all fitness levels. Page 33

Spor ts

Royal Palm Beach Basketball Boys

Push Past Palm Beach Central 65-45

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team dominated Palm Beach Central High School 6545 at home on Dec. 18. In other basketball news, the Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team lost to Berean Christian School 41-24 at home on Dec. 15. Page 39

Helping Horses In Need Is A Passion for Patricia Davidowitz

Patricia Davidowitz downplays her role as a horse rescuer. “All I do is make a phone call,” she said. “I’m just a stepping stone.”

She’s a very important stepping stone for a few lucky horses.

Patricia has been around horses all her life. She grew up in Fort Lauderdale, riding and training her own horses. She loved the speed and excitement of barrel racing and competed regularly.

“I was big into the fast stuff,” she recalled. “Now that I’m a bit older, 42, I still ride, but it’s more about staying safe, more sedate. Just trail rides and pleasure riding.”

When Patricia moved to The Acreage four years ago, she didn’t have horses, but that didn’t last long. She had always been active in helping out animals, volunteering at shelters and wildlife centers, and fostering dogs.

Then she saw an ad for a rescued horse that needed a home. She called. Debbie McBride had placed the ad, and the two became immediate friends, united by a passion for saving horses.

“When I met Debbie and saw what she was doing, I was hooked,” Patricia said. “I got sucked right up into it. Debbie is one of those people with a heart of gold. She can’t say no to a horse in need. Animal Care & Control calls her when they have a special case. A lot of people use her when they fall on hard times and need to place a horse. I love Debbie. Every time she gets in a new horse, it’s like a new addition to the family. I just have to go over to see it. I don’t think she even realizes the extent of what she does — and she does it

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

all on her own, without any funding or financial help. She does it for the same reason all of us do: to help the animals.”

So Patricia responded to Debbie’s ad and met Jack, a ten-month-old colt rescued from a PMU farm. These farms hold herds of mares, all bred so that their urine can be collected to produce drugs for menopausal women. PMU stands for Pregnant Mare’s Urine, which contains a hormone used in some drugs to treat the symptoms of menopause. When the foals are born, they’re an unwanted side effect, and sold off as quickly as possible so the mares could be bred again and kept pregnant. Debbie and others regularly try to save as many of the foals as they can, finding them good homes.

Patricia brought home Jack, an adorable little white Appaloosa with a spotted blanket. But he was lonely, so she added Joey, another Debbie-rescued horse. This one was a retired nine-year-old bay Standardbred trotter off the racetrack. “He’s a good boy,” Patricia said.

But there were still needy horses out there, and soon enough, Patricia added Wally, a 19-

year-old Appaloosa, which she describes as the love of her life.

“Wally was in a bad situation,” Patricia said. “A local woman had way too many horses and wasn’t able to care for them or feed them properly. You looked at them and you could see them just wasting away. I bought Wally to get him out of there.”

Her fourth rescue was another one from Debbie, a 20-year-old bay Shetland pony named Emily rescued from a kill-pen in a horse auction in Pennsylvania. “Emily was just skin and bones when I got her,” Patricia recalled. “Now she’s fat and sassy.”

Patricia points out that rescuing horses in need is not something just anyone should try, even if their heart’s in the right place. Horses can be unintentionally dangerous, and owners need a wealth of knowledge to care for them while staying safe. Over her lifetime of riding, Patricia has gotten hurt more than once. She’s been kicked and stomped, had horses fall on her and rear over backward to land on top of her. She’s endured a ruptured liver and a shattered pelvis, and she recently

fell off, landing on her elbow and dislocating it, a pain she described as more painful than childbirth. None of it really matters to her. It’s all about rescuing the horses.

“The best thing about rescuing a horse is the feeling you get knowing what his fate could have been as opposed to where he is now, safe and secure,” she said. “The one thing I also want to say is that if someone finds himself in a situation where he has a horse and can’t afford to keep it and feed it properly, please look for help. A lot of people are going through tough times right now, getting laid off from work, losing their houses. Don’t make the horses suffer. Surrender them or re-home them to someone who can give them what they need. They depend on us for everything. There are people out here who can help. Don’t feel like you’re trapped. You can call for help.

“Horses know when they’ve been saved. They realize it. You can see it in their faces, in their eyes. I’ll always keep one stall open to foster a neglected horse. I’ll always have one stall open for a horse in need.”

Wellington’s Father-Daughter Dance Feb. 6

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

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the event being held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Tickets can be purchased at the Village Park gymnasium or the Wellington Community Center until Jan. 28. Seating is limited. Tickets are $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per nonresident couple. Additional single tickets will be sold at $20 per additional resident and $25 per additional non-resident. For more info., call (561) 791-4005.

Christmas: The Perfect Holiday For Me To Revel In Nostalgia

I’ve finally figured out what makes Christmas so special — it’s the unique blend of the present with the nostalgia of the past.

For every child under age 10 who awakens at full throttle, there is at least one adult who remembers experiencing that same energy unleashed.

For every big box that is ravaged, there is at least one onlooker equally curious as to what’s inside.

For every doll that is cuddled, there is one woman remembering her favorite doll.

All the emotions of the day are played out again, if perhaps on younger faces. There’s the joy of watching a child open his first gift; the anxiety of hoping Mom will like what you got her; the relief that Sis didn’t get her the same thing; the sadness that one family member couldn’t make it; the happiness that so many of them could; the hysteria of what the dog looks like wrapped in ribbons, and on and on.

is The Sonic BOOMER

Family tradition is strictly followed — one family may go to church on Christmas Eve; the next wouldn’t miss Christmas morning. Adaptations are made grudgingly when schedules are adjusted to accommodate newcomers, but everything always works out for the best. Peace will reign, if only for a day.

Back at home, the kitchen could hardly be called peaceful, but it will not be denied its place as the heart of the home. Mom will try to retain control, but if Dad decides to whip

up some pancakes, pancakes shall be whipped. Grandmas will impart serious wisdom, Grandpas will put in their two cents, and kids will continually be admonished for being “underfoot.” (Although, really, would we have it any other way?)

Shortly after the mayhem subsides, teenagers will take their electronics and melt away into quiet corners, or if in pairs, take to the streets. Many a pledge has been made among snowy December fir trees or softly swaying palms — promises that are sealed with kisses and cuddles and giggles and blushes, assuring the earth for generations to come.

As darkness descends, the family settles down, cracking out the cards or board games or puzzles or books. A full half-hour may go by before someone remembers there is food in the fridge, and Mom will sigh as she “just got everything cleaned up!” But before you know it, she’ll be carving the meat and slicing the bread and setting out the mayonnaise

and mustard and lettuce and sliced tomatoes and boldly announcing that, “Those who eat must make their own sandwiches!” This is exactly what we want to do, and she knows it, but the words must be spoken.

Before long, the littlest revelers will nod off on the couch or in Grandpa’s lap or under the table with one arm around the dog. The strongest boys will carry them to bed while everyone comments on “how they’ve grown” as the boys try to suppress their pride. One by one or two by two, the rest of the family will succumb to exhaustion and make their way to bed as well.

Tomorrow will dawn in a mystic haze, but the magic will slowly dissipate as the children beg to go off with friends, the stockings are taken down from the mantle and the last of the leftovers have disappeared by lunchtime.

Life has returned to normal, but at least we had “the day.”

Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ Offers Stunning Visuals, But Lacks In Plot

The new film Avatar is one of the most anticipated in years. It is stunning visually, particularly if you see it in 3D, but it has a hackneyed plot that has been done over and over again. Ironically, it condemns technology while the entire movie has been done using the latest computer-generated images.

The effects are marvelous and kept everyone’s attention even through more than two and a half hours of screen time. But the promise of the opening half is slowly worn away by the sustained violence of the second.

Director/writer/producer James Cameron openly stole from a variety of sources. Poul Anderson’s classic science fiction novella Call Me Joe provided the whole idea of avatars. Dances With Wolves and A Man Called Horse provide most of the rest of the plot, with a measure of Disney’s Pocahontas thrown in for good measure.

One of the pleasures of science fiction is world building. Remember the desert, forest

A few weeks ago, my baby brother Steve called me and asked if I wanted to go see Dion and the Belmonts. He went on to say the show would be at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek. He said the tickets would be $20 a pop. I told him I would have to check with my boss (my wife Sharon) and would call him back.

One thing my wife and I have in common is that we like the same kind of music. I didn’t have to ask my wife twice. She wanted to see Dion and the Belmonts as much as I wanted to see them. I called my brother back and told him we would go to the show with bells on our toes. I could tell by the silence on the other end of the phone that my brother thought the way I accepted his offer was kind of strange. What can I say? I am a strange type of person.

It was decided that since I don’t leave the western communities very often and didn’t have a clue where the Seminole Casino was located, I would meet my brother at his house in Broward County. After writing down the

By Leonard Wechsler Deborah Welky

‘I’ On CULTURE

and ice worlds of Star Wars? So creating the world Pandora in which all the plants, animals and humanoids are connected is a nice conceit. The scenes where the avatar (played in human form by Sam Worthington) learns the life of the native people are the best in the film.

But Cameron falls for the Rousseau curse, the idea of the “noble savage” promulgated by the French philosopher two and a half centuries ago, that somehow those people who live closer to nature have a purer life. Most of

the Native Americans who learned of the notion thought it was laughable. But those of the chattering classes have always been attracted to the notion.

Cameron decided to move even beyond that idea and use the film as a way to criticize the military — the big bad grunts ready to go in and wipe out the natives use the language used about Iraq. And, by doing so, Cameron presumably casts Saddam Hussein as a sweetnatured, loving peacenik filled with good will toward men.

As a result, the movie is simplistic in nature. The big, bad grunt team led by Colonel Quaritch, played wonderfully by Stephen Lang, is a caricature of the psycho war leader, living for the chance to kill. Only a handful of his soldiers express any doubts about using sophisticated weapons against natives armed with bows, arrows and spears. The natives are the ones with nature, who control their horses and flying birds through actual

neural connections between themselves and the animals. In the end, the fight is a victory for Gaia (well, Pandora), nature over man. Having criticized the script, I must add that the movie was a brilliant piece of filming. The visuals are amazing. I highly recommend watching it in 3D, although one of my friends who has a problem with heights told me he had to close his eyes a couple of times. Cameron has been able to create his film with incredible effects. There are floating mountains, strange wildlife and incredible angles for camera work. You actually feel the effect of flight as you watch. Is this a worthwhile film? Absolutely. The effects are brilliant, parts of the storytelling marvelous. My disappointment was only that it was not better. When I walked out of the first Star Wars movie, I was stunned and uplifted. I had seen a film that would live for generations. With Avatar, I only saw a film that is a marvel of technology. It is a great ride, but not a great film.

My Love Of Oldies Leads Me To The Coconut Creek Casino

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

directions very carefully, I figured I could find my brother’s homestead without getting lost. My brother told me the show would be in a tent in the casino’s parking lot. He went on to say that there is no reserve seating, so we would have to get there at least an hour before the show. He went on to remind me this is not the Hard Rock.

Even though the show had an 8 p.m. start time, my wife and I left our house at 3:30 p.m. I wanted to make sure I got to my brother’s house in plenty of time. The trip to Broward County was uneventful ’til we tried to get off the Sawgrass Expressway.

Besides the heavy rain complicating the situation, to exit this fine highway, you need 50 cents in exact change. The exit we got off at was an unmanned exit. It was no surprise to me, because when my brother was giving me his great directions he told me about this unmanned tollbooth. I put two quarters in the toll box, but the light at the end of the tollbooth remained red. I waited for what seemed like five minutes, but the light would not turn green.

The toll machine said I only put in 25 cents. That was a lie. The State of Florida now owes me 25 cents. Then again, we had no more change. By this time, there was a line of cars behind us. I decided to get out of the car to see if there were any pennies from heaven (change) on the ground. No such luck. I then went to the car in back of my car and told the driver my problem. Much to my relief, he gave me a quarter and told me Merry Christmas. I didn’t know how to thank him. The machine took this quarter and let me through. When we got to my brother’s house, I found

out Dion was not in the show. My brother said he told me this when he originally called me. He went on to say I just heard what I wanted to hear and have selective hearing. OK, maybe he is right. I do have a problem with my hearing.

We got to the casino three hours before the show was to begin. We had a great dinner and headed over to claim our seats. We had to wait in line to exchange our tickets for bright red wristbands. Then we had to go outside in the pouring rain to get to the tent. We found ourselves great seats. (At least it was dry inside the tent!) All we had to do now was wait an hour before show time.

As I looked at the crowd, I was wondering why everyone looked so old. Then the Belmonts came out, and they looked older then the crowd. One Belmont had to sit on a stool for the entire show.

But the show was great. They sounded as good, if not better, than they did 46 years ago. For 90 minutes, it was 1963 all over again. Yes, they were good.

Loxahatchee Artist Featured At Lighthouse Center For The Arts

Contemporary artwork of all media submitted by South Florida artists has been selected for the Lighthouse Center for the Arts’ exciting contemporary art show, “Contempo: Pushing the Limit on Art,” which opens Jan. 7 and runs through Feb. 6. Among the entries to be accepted is Stimulus by Gisela Pferdekamper of Loxahatchee.

A total of 34 works were selected by Nelson Hallonquist, co-director of the Gavlak Gallery in Palm Beach. Once the pieces are displayed, Hallonquist will choose a first-, second- and third-place finisher, along with awarding “Best in Show” to one of the artists.

The opening reception and awards ceremony for Contempo, along with two other exhibits — “The Art of Film” and “Bra-Vo!” — is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the museum galleries.

“I could not be more impressed with the quality of artwork entered into our ‘Contempo’ exhibition,” curator Shannon Scott said. “I feel that the selected artwork for the show really represents contemporary art to its fullest and is a great example of the vast talent we have right in our own back yard. I think this exhibition is definitely going to accomplish what it promises in its title, ‘Contempo: Pushing the Limit on Art.’”

The Lighthouse Center for the Arts is a non-profit community arts center dedicated to providing excellence in arts exhibitions, instruction, education and outreach for all ages. The Lighthouse Cen-

ter for the Arts is located in Gallery Square North (373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta), one-half mile west of U.S. Highway 1. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information on the Lighthouse Center for the Arts Museum or School of Art exhibitions, programs and events, call (561) 746-3101 or visit the center’s web site at www.lighthousearts.org.

Art Society Features Artist Nancy Fontana Greenfield In January

The Wellington Art Society’s online gallery show will feature artist Nancy Fontana Greenfield for the month of January.

Originally from New York, Greenfield now calls Wellington home. Through her youth, she loved to draw and paint, but her education led her to a degree in medical records and nursing.

After a 25-year hiatus from painting, Greenfield picked up her brush again just a little more than a year ago, inspired by the idea of giving her original artwork as gifts to her children.

Greenfield prefers to work in acrylic. Her subjects range from flowers to nautical scenes. Of most interest is her series on pears, which captures the fascinating shapes and forms of this fruit. Also, one of Greenfield’s newest paintings draws inspiration from her Florida surroundings with landscapes filled with silhouetted palm trees.

With a passion for art, Greenfield said, “ I feel like a kid in a candy shop, and I am having fun painting still-lifes, murals, animal portraits and landscapes as well as anything that gets my creative juices flowing.”

Twelve paintings by Nancy Fontana Greenfield can be viewed on the Wellington Art Society’s web site at www.wellingtonartsociety. org, in the Gallery Show section. The online show will continue through Jan. 31. All works are available for purchase.

The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.

A charitable organization, its mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.

For more information about the Wellington Art Society, call President Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561.

P.B. Light Opera Company Presents ‘Naughty Marietta’ Jan. 10

The Palm Beach Light Opera Company will present a semi-staged concert production of Naughty Marietta with music by Victor Herbert and libretto by Rida Johnson Young on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. The performance will take place at the Eissey campus theater at Palm Beach Community College (11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens). Naughty Marietta will feature a cast and orchestra of 30 directed by Joseph N. Rubin. Naughty Marietta opened on Broadway on Nov. 17, 1910 and ran 136 successful performances. The piece was revived on Broadway in 1929 and 1931. The 1935 MGM film starring the immortal Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy was their first movie together. One of the most beloved operettas of all time, Naughty Marietta was constantly

revived by stock and amateur companies all over the country, but has not been seen in recent decades.

Herbert’s masterpiece score contains “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life,” “The Italian Street Song,” “I’m Falling in Love with Someone” and “ ’Neath the Southern Moon.” The Palm Beach Light Opera Company’s production marks the 100th anniversary of the Broadway premiere as well as the 150th anniversary of Herbert’s birth.

A sweeping, romantic tale of love and deception, Naughty Marietta is set in colorful French New Orleans of 1750. Countess Marietta, upon running away from her home in France, disguises herself as one of the marriageable “casquette” girls sent by the King of France to New Orleans. Upon her arrival, she is befriended by American frontiersman

Captain Richard Warrington, who is under orders to capture the notorious pirate Bras Pique.

The lieutenant governor’s son Etienne also has his eye on Marietta, and tumultuous conflict ensues as Marietta dangles both men at her will. A romantic and hilarious plot combined with some of the most memorable music ever written for the American musical stage, Naughty Marietta is a show you won’t want to miss!

The Palm Beach Light Opera Company is a newly formed nonprofit theatre company, based in Palm Beach, dedicated to the preservation and performance of classic operettas.

Founded and incorporated in 2008 by Executive Director Joseph N. Rubin, the Palm Beach Light Opera Company is a volunteer or-

ganization providing talented singers and musicians in the South Florida community with the opportunity to perform in operetta productions.

Rubin, one of the foremost historians of operetta, is also the founder and director of the Canton Comic Opera Company in Ohio, the only theater company dedicated solely to the performance of American operettas.

The Palm Beach Light Opera Company’s premiere production of The Chocolate Soldier was performed in January 2009.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, call (561) 283-2400 or e-mail pblightopera@yahoo.com. For more information, visit the Palm Beach Light Opera Company’s web site at www.pblightopera.com.

Stimulus by Loxahatchee artist Gisela Pferdekamper.

A production photo from Naughty Marietta.

Nancy Fontana Greenfield

Get A Full-Body Workout With BelaBody Fitness

BelaBody Fitness in Wellington has teamed up with Fizogen Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts Training Center to offer unique fitness services to the community. Bela Santos, a passionate veteran in the fitness industry, has created this program sure to meet the needs of individuals of all fitness levels. Santos’ philosophy and style is hands-on, thorough and personalized, educating students on the importance of the mind-body connection for effective training, helping them ultimately succeed in living an optimal life and achieving their health and fitness goals.

In April 2009, Santos moved from Boston to the West Palm Beach area, continuing her passion for fitness and health education in Florida. She is a teacher at heart and a positive fitness role model who brings forth a lot of life experience. Her passionate energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Santos is an American College of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer, national-level Fitness America competitor, MMA events spokesmodel and personal fitness chef.

BelaBody Fitness has pushed the creative limits with the design and instruction of classes teaming up with the highly recognized MMA sports world. This specialized fitness program focuses on all aspects of training in a new, edgy, intense environment. The program promotes discipline in training and the importance of the mind-body connection in all training activities. The training environment has an edge, appealing to students who are serious about efficient, quality training and instruction. Santos assures that with limited equipment, variety in training techniques and expert instruction, students are guaranteed to get into incredible shape inside and out. The program covers all aspects of fitness, from flexibility to cardiovascular conditioning and strength training. The following is the unique blend of classes offered in the program:

• BelaBody BASIX — This eclectic 75minute class will work your total body by teaching you alignment-focused movement patterns using traditional strength work enhanced with body-weight exercises, yoga-

style postures and core training techniques. Students will develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and better posture. It is highly encouraged for athletes of all types and fitness enthusiasts.

• KickinBODY — This is a 60-minute MMA/kickboxing circuit and conditioning class. Students are sure to get in “die-hard” shape with this high-intensity fat-burning class.

• BODYworks — This 60-minute strength class will increase your lean muscle mass and sculpt your entire body with limited use of equipment. Free weights, body-work exercises and proper instruction guarantees results. This class is pre-booked to five students maximum to ensure quality, individualized attention and equipment availability.

All first-time BelaBody Fitness students receive one free class. The membership prices include unlimited access to program classes and a gym facility membership with no contract commitment period.

Fizogen Xtreme Couture MMA Training Center is 7,500 square feet, complete with an MMA Octagon Cage/Rink, fenced matted grappling areas, advanced strength and conditioning equipment, and the best trainers in the world for elite mixed martial arts.

Fizogen has a full-time staff of trainers who come from all parts of the world, specializing in the major fighting disciplines, including Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai, boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and MMA. Fizogen also has a part-time staff consisting of some of the biggest names in the fight game, including Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Mike Pyle and many more. The clean, organized, co-ed training facility is equipped with amenities such as a student check-in area, retail pro shop, juice bar, towel service and fully equipped locker rooms and showers.

The training facility is located in Wellington Commerce Park at 3133 Fortune Way, Suite 21 (behind Wellington Auto Service). To learn more about each of the programs offered, call (561) 333-2096 or visit www. belabodyfitness.com. Learn more about the facility at www.fizogen-couture.com.

An inside shot of the Fizogen Xtreme Couture MMA Training Center in Wellington.

J & D Wood Donates To Vinceremos

Woody the Beaver, the spokesman for J&D Wood’s quality pine bedding, recently stopped by the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves with some good news.

The shavings company will be donating a portion of all bags of its shavings sold in Florida between Nov. 1 and March 30 to the nonprofit riding center. “We appreciate what Vinceremos stands for, and it is our way of giving back,” said Tom Stearns, director of marketing and sales for J&D Wood Inc. “We think the work that Vinceremos does is wonderful, which is why we are donating a portion of all shavings sold in Florida to them.”

Stearns said the local feed companies that sell the shavings and are taking part in the program include Grand Prix Feed, Red Barn and County Line Feed.

“J&D Wood shavings are a premier dust-free shaving that has become the premier shaving on the market,” he said. “The Allen family owns the company and believes in combining quality shavings and customer service.”

Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor is thrilled that J&D Wood is so supportive of their program. “It’s great to have a corpo-

Nestlé Nespresso To Host Grande Pavilion For 2010 Polo Season

International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington has announced that Nestlé Nespresso S.A., the high-end line of espresso machines and signature coffee products, will return as a sponsor for the third consecutive year, and the first as title sponsor of the Grande Pavilion for the 2010 polo season opening on Jan. 3 and running through April 18.

of the Americas and New York City’s Bistrot Bagatelle, will join global brands such as Piaget and Veuve Clicquot to celebrate the spirit and heritage of polo at IPC.

rate sponsor,” Menor said. “It really helps us to continue serving our riders, which is our goal.”

Vinceremos was founded in 1981 and has four programs: therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, horse for heroes and equine assisted psychotherapy.

“J&D appreciates what Vinceremos does for so many families,” Stearns said. “In these hard times, we are still in a position to give back,

and we are pleased that Vinceremos and their students will benefit.”

For more information on quality pine bedding from J&D Wood Inc., call Stearns at (561) 373-9663 or visit the company’s web site at www.qualitypinebedding.com.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center is located at 13300 Sixth Court North in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, visit www.vinceremos.com.

The pavilion, a luxe, field-side, climate-controlled hospitality tent, will play host this season to thousands of spectators, including many high-profile celebrities, who will flock to IPC to enjoy Sunday polo in the most prominent facility in the nation.

In addition to offering guests the opportunity to soak up high-caliber polo, glimpses of the players and their famous fans in comfortable style, the pavilion will be at the center of a cultural pastiche when the best in polo meets the best in interior design, fashion and cuisine. Notable brands from Palm Beach’s famed shopping mecca Worth Avenue, as well as the Design Center

“We are incredibly excited that Nestlé Nespresso will lend their name to the Grande Pavilion for the 2010 season and pleased to once again include them as a sponsor as we take the world stage of polo,” IPC founder John Goodman said. “On a personal note, I have been a devoted fan of Nespresso for years, and look forward to having one before every match!”

The Nespresso Grande Pavilion will welcome guests for Sunday Polo and events throughout the season. The elegant interior will showcase DCOTA’s distinguished designers under the guidance of Bruce Sutka of Sutka Productions International, feature apparel from couture boutiques along Worth Avenue, as well as sponsor lounges, a live feed of the featured match and more. For more information, visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

J&D Wood’s Tom Stearns presents a donation to Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor while Woody the Beaver, Vinceremos student Ella Cohane and Vinceremos handler Jeffrey Perham look on.

MD Now Partners With Healthagen

MD Now Urgent Care Walk-In Medical Centers recently announced a new partnership with Healthagen to promote its Palm Beach County urgent care centers on iTriage — an acute-care decision tool for iPhone, smart phone and web-based users. Palm Beach County residents can now find the closest MD Now Urgent Care Center for immediate non-life threatening conditions, all from a mobile device.

MD Now is one of the first urgent care centers in Florida to utilize this interactive technology, which empowers consumers to evaluate symptoms, learn about the possible causes, find appropriate locations for treatment, as well as obtain cost information based on the type of facility. “This partnership parallels the opening of our newest and largest 10,000square-foot state-of-the-art urgent care center, corporate and conference facility in West Palm Beach, located at 2007 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.,” MD Now CEO and Medical Director Dr. Peter Lamelas said. “By providing

information to our community about our newest urgent care medical center and the other MD Now clinic locations on iTriage, we are connecting with the growing base of mobile users who, in immediate care situations, need quick access for their non-life-and-limb-threatening medical emergencies.”

Helping patients access the most appropriate level of care quickly is often an overlooked component of the healthcare debate. Mobile technology and “wireless health” hold considerable promise in helping patients take a proactive step in their healthcare, and MD Now will use the mobile technology of iTriage to help patients when an unexpected need arises.

“ITriage gives healthcare facilities a way to leverage mobile devices and wireless networks to provide greater access to affordable healthcare,” Healthagen CEO Dr. Peter Hudson said.

As one of the largest providers of urgent care walk-in and occupational (workers’ comp) medical services in South Florida, MD Now Ur-

gent Care has six medical clinics throughout Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach/Wellington, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton.

Each location is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including evenings,

weekends and holidays.

Owned and founded by Lamelas, all MD Now clinics are full service urgent care centers and provide a wide spectrum of services, treating adults as well as children.

For additional information, visit www.mymdnow.com or www.itriagehealth.com.

CCCS: Don’t Make These Five Common Credit Card Mistakes

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast shares five common credit card mistakes consumers make:

• Spending like a lottery winner — Instead, save money for the item you want to buy, purchase it with a credit card and pay off the purchase when the bill arrives.

• Charging items when cash will do — Many consumers use credit cards for groceries, gasoline and other everyday expenses. If you are tracking your expenses and paying the balance in full each month, this can be a great way to build credit. But if you are carrying a balance and paying interest on your food and gas purchases, use cash for these items instead.

• Paying off a card and closing the account — One of the benefits of paying off a credit card is that you now have a better debt to available credit ratio, which is an important factor in calculating

your credit score. Closing out the card eliminates that benefit. Consider keeping the card “active” by making a purchase every two or three months and paying it off.

• Ignoring processing and mail time — If you use your bank’s online bill pay system or pay at your creditor’s site, be sure to know how long it takes to process the payment. Many payments are not processed for 24 to 48 hours. Paying online on your due date can actually result in a late payment.

• Using cards as an emergency fund — An emergency can take a lot longer to pay off and cost you two to three times as much when charged to a credit card. CCCS recommends that consumers have a minimum of $1,000 in an emergency fund and work toward savings funds that will pay for three to six months of living expenses.

For more information, call (800) 251-CCCS or visit www.cccsinc.org.

Healthagen’s Dr. Peter Hudson and Dr. Wayne Guerra

RPB Basketball Boys Push Past Palm Beach Central 65-45

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team dominated Palm Beach Central High School 65-45 at home on Friday, Dec. 18.

The Broncos gained first possession of the ball at tip off, but the Wildcats’ Devonte Birdsong quickly snatched it away and ran down the court to score two points only seconds into the game. The Broncos’ next possession resulted in a turnover, and Troy Stafford shot a three-point basket, giving the Wildcats an early 5-0 lead.

Another basket by Birdsong brought the score to 7-0, but on the Broncos’ next possession, Mauricio Neira ran the ball up the center court and made a two-point basket, putting Palm Beach Central on the board. A foul against the Broncos put Will Eure on the foul line, where he scored one point, bringing the score to 8-2.

Jon Octeus recovered the ball for the Wildcats and ran the ball around the Bronco defense, putting in another two-point basket. Earl Bailey scored next for the Broncos, making the score 10-4 with more than five minutes left in the first quarter,

but a three-point basket by Octeus extended the Wildcats’ lead to 134. The Broncos fought to close the gap with additional baskets by Bailey, Neira and Daniel Broecker. But the Wildcats retained their lead with points by Octeus, Birdsong and Derrick Wood to close out the first quarter 25-11.

Both teams fought to control the ball at the beginning of the second quarter. Early on, the Broncos made multiple attempts to score, picking up the rebound each time. Finally, Bailey gained control of the ball and tossed it in for two points. The ball was returned to the Wildcats’ basket by Birdsong, making the score 27-13.

A foul against the Wildcats gave Jamal Smith two easy points, and another basket by Neira narrowed the RPBHS lead to 10 points at 2717. The Wildcats responded with additional baskets by Wood, Birdsong, Octeus and Stafford to keep the team securely in the lead. The Broncos fought back with baskets by Neira, Bailey, T’Zhionne Watson and Gerard O’Connell to finish the half 40-29.

The Broncos made a tremendous effort to come back in the second half, starting with a score by Bailey.

But Birdsong responded with three points for the Wildcats. From there, the Wildcats continued to pull away with back-to-back baskets by Birdsong, making the score 47-31.

The Broncos responded with another two points, but Justin Estima shot three points for the Wildcats, bringing the score to 50-33 with four minutes left in the third quarter. Additional baskets by Estima, Birdsong, Stafford and Octeus for the Wildcats, as well as points by Neira, Bailey, Martial, Watson and O’Connell finished the third quarter with a score of 62-40.

In the fourth quarter, each team fought to keep the other at bay. It began with a foul against the Broncos, and Wood was given an easy point. On the Wildcats’ next possession, Mike Pinard scored a twopoint basket, making the score 6540. The Broncos held the Wildcats from further scoring, and baskets from Neira and Bailey made the score 65-45 at the buzzer.

Both teams will travel to Park Vista for a tournament on Monday, Dec. 28. After the holiday break, the Wildcats and Broncos will meet again at Palm Beach Central on Tuesday, Jan. 5 for a 7:30 p.m. game.

Lady Hawks Basketball Team Defeated By Berean 41-24

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team lost to Berean Christian School 41-24 at home on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The first half saw both teams struggling back and forth to take the lead, with neither able to do so. The score was tied 8-8 at the end of the first quarter, with baskets from Ke’Andrenee Berry and Emily May for the Lady Bulldogs, and Megan O’Hara, Katie Macomber, Bianca Lagos and Rebecca Lane for the Lady Hawks.

Berean gave points away to Seminole Ridge in the second quarter by fouling Amanda Eden and Jen McGrory. However, they made up with baskets by Samie Lesperance and Berry, as well as a foul shot by Chelsea Locklear. But the Lady Hawks fought back to tie the score 13-13 at halftime with an additional two points by Lagos.

Berean opened the second half with a two-point basket from Lesperance, which was the beginning of their lead. A foul against Seminole Ridge gave the Lady Bulldogs two more free points, making the score 17-13 early in the third quarter.

Macomber narrowed the gap with a two-point basket, but Berry re-

sponded by picking up the rebound and running the ball down the court for a two-point layup. Then, on the Lady Hawks’ next possession, she recovered a loose ball and scored another two points, making the score 21-15.

McGrory made the next basket by faking out the Lady Bulldogs’ defense beneath the basket and making it in for two points. But Locklear jumped for the rebound and took the ball back to the Lady Bulldogs’ basket for back-to-back baskets, bringing the score to 25-17.

With only two minutes left in the third quarter, O’Hara struggled through the guards and made a twopoint basket. However, in the process Locklear was fouled and put in a foul shot for the Lady Bulldogs, keeping them ahead 26-19.

On the Lady Hawks’ next possession, O’Hara took the ball down the court far ahead of the Lady Bulldogs’ defense for a two-point layup, finishing the third quarter 26-21.

The beginning of the fourth quarter saw the ball travel between Lagos on the Lady Hawks and Berry on the Lady Bulldogs, as each tried to run down the court only to have the ball stolen by the other. But a pass from Lagos to Lane resulted in a two-point basket, narrowing the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 26-23.

Unfortunately, aside from a foul shot from O’Hara, it would be the last basket the Lady Hawks would make all game. By contrast, the Lady Bulldogs scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. Ten points were scored by Lesperance, including a three-point-basket, and additional points were made by Berry and Locklear.

The Lady Hawks travel to Park Vista on Monday, Dec. 28. After the holiday break, Seminole Ridge hosts Park Vista on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Christian Robledo faces off against Derrick Wood.

Bronco Julian Owens runs around Wildcat Will Eure.

Devonte Birdsong runs the ball while Julian Owens guards.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Bianca Lagos looks to pass the ball down the court. Jen McGrory looks for an opening while Emily May guards.

Megan O’Hara runs the ball down the court while guarded by Samie Lesperance.

Ke’Andrenee Berry runs with the ball after taking it from Megan O’Hara.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Crestwood Volleyball Team ‘Goes Pink’

The Crestwood Middle School girls volleyball team digs pink. Crestwood’s colors are black and yellow, but this year the team is wearing pink, and the motto is “dig pink.”

For the past seven years, Coach Tim Finan has made a promise to his team. If they win the county championship, he will dye his hair pink. For the past six years, he has come close. The team has made the playoffs each year.

This year, Finan has taken it a step further by encouraging his team to help support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the fight against breast cancer.

In addition to trying to

motivate his team in winning the championship, Finan would like for his team to be aware of breast cancer and to get involved in the community.

Finan’s younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer this past September and will be fighting the disease with treatment in West Palm Beach.

Crestwood’s volleyball team is currently in second place in the Western division and looks to return to the playoffs and make a run at the championship.

The playoffs start in January. On Jan. 30, the Lady Eagles will be joining Crestwood’s team to walk with thousands of others along

The Crestwood Middle School girls volleyball team.

Flagler Drive in the Race for the Cure.

Anyone who would like to donate to Finan’s team can do

Wellington High School varsity wrestlers.

Wolverine Wrestlers Improve Records

so at the Komen South Florida affiliate web site at www. komensouthflorida.org/ 2010rftc/crestwoodms.

Register For Palm Beach Little League

Palm Beach Little League baseball is holding registration for the spring 2010 season. The league is for ages five to 16. The cost is $80 per player. There are several ways to register for league play, including:

• In person at the concession at Seminole Palms Park (151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

• Register and pay online by visiting the league web site at www.pblittleleague. com and clicking on the “Registration” link.

• Download PDF forms from the league web site, and mail your registration and a

check to Palm Beach Little League, 3209 Marbella Court, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.

For more about the spring 2010 baseball season, call Palm Beach Little League at (561) 714-0352.

The Wellington High School junior varsity and varsity wrestling teams celebrated wins over Royal Palm Beach High School on Friday, Dec. 11.

The junior varsity squad began the night with a 65-11 victory over the Wildcats, which kept the Wolverines’ record perfect at 7-0 this season and 12-0 over the past two seasons. The WHS varsity wrestlers defeated Royal Palm Beach by a score of 6412, improving their record to 5-1 so far this season.

Leading the way for the Wolverines with wins by pin were Cody Walker, Eric

Brandon Lustgarten. The varsity team then traveled to Archbishop McCarthy High School, placing third in a 13-team individual tourney Dec. 12. The Wolverines were led by Zach Katz, who earned a championship medal. Second-place finishers were Wilga, Ferrara, Mazza and Lustgarten. Walker placed third, and Collin Bachi and Austin Delgado each placed fourth. The squad is led by juniors Ferrara, Katz and Lustgarten, who all have 8-1 records this season.

Melamed, Tim Skaryd, Kevin Pascal, Mikolaj Wilga, Jake Ferrara, Jeff Mazza and

RPBHS Hosts Lively Dance Presentation

The Royal Palm Beach High School dance department, along with special guests the Wildcat Dance Team and the Tapazz Dance Troupe, entertained the audience Dec. 10 with a spectacular dance showcase.

The walls of the auditorium were shaking with the thunderous applause from the audience after each of the 19 dance routines. Dance Director and Choreographer Michele Blecher choreographed all routines. Blecher is one of the original teachers hired when RPBHS opened in August 1997.

The Royal Palm Beach community has noted Blecher’s dedication and loyalty to RPBHS. Her talent, dedication and loyalty has made the dance department at RPBHS its constant shining gem since 1997. Blecher has been presented with many opportunities over the years, but she has remained true to her goal to build a dance department at RPBHS.

The 19 dance routines ranged from lyrical, musical theater, jazz and hip-hop. The

cast of 150 dancers offered mirror images of each other during the entire cast routines “Fame” and “Dance with Me.” The dancers are extremely talented and many have been awarded honors, scholarships and contracts.

Blecher, the Wildcats Dancers dance team, the RPBHS dancers and the Tapazz Dance Troupe would like to thank their sponsors for their financial support: Tutoring Club in Wellington, Duffy’s Sports Grill, M.J.’s Place Dance Studio, A+ College Solutions, Nature’s Table Café, Carey M. Blecher Investment Management, 1st Armored Div. Eng. Combat

Team, Tutoring Club, the Blecher family, Ian Berry Videography and Digital Editing, Pointe Management Group, the Estebanez family, the Bernstein family, Do-

minican Restaurant, Finishline Auto Dealing, Yazmin’s Catering, the Camanico family, Martinelli’s Jewelry and Ocean Blue Graphics.

Wellington Residents Win Prestigious YearEnd Equestrian Awards

The United States Dressage Federation has announced that four-year-old Hanoverian mare Barcarole, owned by Global Dressage Sales Inc. of Loxahatchee, ridden by Caroline Roffman of Wellington and bred by Jurgen Buhrfeind of Osten, Germany, is the 2009 Adequan/USDF FEI Four-YearOld Horse of the Year. The Six-Year-Old Horse of the Year award went to six-yearold Hanoverian stallion Pikko del Cerro HU, owned and bred by Horses Unlimited Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M., and ridden by Mikala Gundersen of Wellington.

Barcarole’s median score of 8.6 made her the top horse in the United States competing in the four-year-old category. Pikko del Cerro HU’s median score of 7.8 made him the top horse in the United States competing in the six-year-old category. Horses competing for the award must have a minimum of four

different scores from four different competitions and from four different judges. The median of these scores must also be 6.5 or higher to qualify.

The awards recognize horses competing in dressage with special tests designed for the age-restricted categories. In addition to being judged on the horses’ movements, riders are also judged on their position and seat upon the horse.

Barcarole and Pikko del Cerro HU were recognized for this honor with a certificate, plaque and embroidered cooler at the Adequan/USDF annual convention held in Austin, Texas. Also, the horses will be featured for their achievements in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, the USDF’s monthly, members-only magazine.

For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf. org.

(Above) Members of the Tapazz dance troupe. (Below) The Wildcat Dancers dance team.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 26

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “Forbidden Broadway” Saturday through Thursday, Dec. 26-31 in the Rinker Playhouse. This scathingly funny love letter to the Great White Way is back with its newest edition. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 27

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

Tuesday, Dec. 29

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

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

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Tommy Tune and the Manhattan Rhythm Kings in “Steps in Time” on Tuesday, Dec. 29 in Dreyfoos Hall. Nine-time Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune teams with longtime collaborators the Manhattan Rhythm Kings for a look back at his incredible career. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Wednesday, Dec. 30

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

Thursday, Dec. 31

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host its 20th Anni-

versary New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The event will feature a buffet dinner and music by DJ O.G. Admission costs $45. For reservations or more info., call Hensworth Ferguson at (561) 784-8804, Uriah Belle at (561) 798-9451 or Lascelles Harris at (561) 798-3634.

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

Friday, Jan. 1

• Join Play and Learn, a parent-child interactive program at the Temple Beth Torah Preschool in Wellington. This program is for children ages 15 to 30 months and their caregivers. New sessions begin in January. Choose from Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday sessions at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. Call (561) 793-2649 or email psadmin@templebethtorah.net for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “Salute to Vienna World’s Greatest New Year’s Concert” on Friday, Jan. 1 in Dreyfoos Hall. For more info., call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org.

Saturday, Jan. 2

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at John Prince Park in Lantana on Saturday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 a.m. for a one-hour walk, then enjoy a breakfast gathering at a Lake Worth restaurant. Call Sherry at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will hold a “Get Green Today Expo” on Saturday, Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature ecofriendly and healthy-living-themed games, activities and “green” vendors for eco-conscious children and adults. Call (561) 547WILD or visit www.palmbeachzoo.org for more info.

• The Boca Raton Fine Art Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Royal Palm Plaza at corner of South Federal Highway and South Mizner Blvd. Art demonstrations and great food are part of the ambiance. The

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44 show is free. For more info., call (941) 7553088 or visit www.hotworks.org.

• The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum will host the Lighthouse Kids Explorers Club on Saturday, Jan. 2 at noon. This special outdoor eco-history program for ages eight to 12 allows boys and girls to learn about lighthouse area flora and fauna, history, archeology, ancient tribal life, maritime and pirate life, and marine ecology. Call (561) 747-8380, ext. 101 or visit www.jupiterlight house.org for more info.

• The Palm Beach Pops will present “Sinatra Sings Sinatra” featuring Frank Sinatra Jr. on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall at the The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). For more info., call (561) 832-7677 or visit www.palmbeachpops.org.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Peter Ligeti’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door Tribute to Bob Dylan” starring Bob Stillman Saturday through Monday, Jan. 2-4 in the Rinker Playhouse. For more info., call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org.

Sunday, Jan. 3

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet at the entrance to Jonathan Dickinson State Park for a four-hour walk through a variety of ecosystems on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. Call Mary at (561) 391-7942 for more info. Participants need to pay a park entrance fee.

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

Monday, Jan. 4

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet on Monday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center for an informational presentation on the development of a hiking trail from the Atlantic Ocean at Hobe Sound to the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee at Port Mayaka. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host “Florida’s Fabulous Birds” on Monday, Jan. 4 at the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (6301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). The speaker will be Lar-

ry Manfredi. There will also be a bird-friendly native plant mini-lecture and plant sale, book sale and Bird-of-the-Month mini-lecture. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for refreshments. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 742-7791 or visit www.auduboneverglades.org.

• Session 3 Art Classes begin on Monday, Jan. 4 and run through Feb. 27 at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach). Day, evening and weekend art classes are available for adults, teens and youth in a variety of media such as painting, drawing, sculpture, wood, glass, printmaking, jewelry, fibers, metals and photography. Visit www.armoryart.org for a full listing of class offerings or call (561) 832-1776, ext. 33 for more info.

Wednesday, Jan. 6

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center (129 East Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will hold children’s story times on Wednesdays in January at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge. For more info., call (561) 742-6780 or visit www.schoolhouse museum.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Express Yourself: Book Discussion Series” for adults on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Sign up and check out a copy of the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present the “Magic Tree House Adventures Series” on Wednesdays, Jan. 6-27 at 6:30 p.m. for ages six and up. Hear each week about Jack and Annie’s exciting adventures as they travel through history in the “Magic Tree House” adventures. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Florida Atlantic University MacArthur Campus Library (5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter) will present “The Life and Times of Bob Dylan” hosted by Rod MacDonald and Big Brass Bed on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. For more info., call (561) 799-8667 or visit www.llsjupiter.com.

Thursday, Jan. 7

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host at meeting of the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. 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.

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

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. - Insured. 561-3838666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident.

CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

PALM BEACH PET SERVICES LLC - Pet Sitting, dogwalking, www.PalmbeachServices.com 1866-648-1150 Lic. Bonded, Insured

LICENSED PLUMBER - Beat any legitimate estimate. A/C service lowest price. Complete service, new construction, replacement. CFC1426242 CAC058610 Bonded & Insured. 561-601-6458

POOL PLASTERING AND RESURFACING — Lic. U19996. 561722-7690.

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-3096975 BD PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE CALL 793-7606

GRIME STOPPERS - Pressure cleaning, commercial & residential, houses, driveways, patios, screen enclosures, sidewalks. References available.561-779-1081

RESUMÉ’S R US — Resumé writing, cover letters, advice/counseling. Mention this ad for special rates. www.Ineedaresumenow.com 561-228-1378

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.561-842-6120 or 561784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

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’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.