Town-Crier Newspaper December 25, 2015

MEET WELLINGTON’S TOP FIREFIGHTER SEE STORY, PAGE 3

WELLINGTON TO IMPROVE HORSE TRAILS SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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RPB Gives Go-Ahead To The Development Of Acme Ranches

Volume 36, Number 50 December 25 - December 31, 2015

Serving Palms West Since 1980

WINTER FEST IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council is in the process of approving several requests submitted by the Wantman Group that will lead to the development of about 110 acres on the south side of Southern Blvd. just west of State Road 7 known as Acme Ranches and the Big Dog Ranch Rescue property. Page 3

Royal Palm Rotary Club Celebrates The Holiday Season With Party

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its holiday party Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Acreage home of Keith and Lois Jordano, where members met and mingled while enjoying the evening. Page 5

Wycliffe Charities Foundation Hosts Tour De Wycliffe

The Wycliffe Charities Foundation sponsored its annual Tour de Wycliffe Bike and Run/Walk event on Sunday, Dec. 13 to raise money for local charities.

Some of these charities include Faith, Hope & Love Charity; the Kids Cancer Foundation; Families-First; AVDA-Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse; and Hospice of Palm Beach County. Page 13

OPINION Human Trafficking Is A Problem That Needs More Attention

While most of us are celebrating this holiday season in comfort, it is worth remembering that not everyone has these same opportunities. More than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, slavery still exists, even here in Palm Beach County. It’s not out in the open. It’s in the shadowy underground, often hiding in plain sight. The slavery of which we speak is that of human trafficking. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 13 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 8 PEOPLE................................. 14 SCHOOLS.............................. 15 COLUMNS...................... 16, 23 BUSINESS......................24 - 25 SPORTS..........................29 - 31 CALENDAR............................ 32 CLASSIFIEDS................ 33 - 36 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Royal Palm Beach held its Winter Fest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Ice skating, a tree lighting, Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookies and more got everyone in the holiday spirit. There was a Kids Fun Zone with bounce houses, arts and crafts, a snow slide and more. Local schools, bands, dance groups and other acts performed on stage. Shown here, Noah Ortiz and Leilani Pelez visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 19 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Zoners Object To Plans For Smaller Apartment Sizes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, sitting as the Local Planning Agency, recommended denial Tuesday of plans to reduce the minimum square footage of apartments in the 392-unit multifamily portion of the Southern Blvd. Properties project.

The Wantman Group, representing property owners and the final developer, received land use and zoning approvals from the Royal Palm Beach Village Council on Dec. 17 to build a development with single-family and multifamily portions on about 110 acres on the south side of Southern Blvd. in the area currently known as Acme Ranches. The 392-unit apartment complex is planned for about 29 acres nearest to Southern Blvd.

The developer asked the zoning commission to recommend approval of an average of 800 square

feet for one-bedroom apartments, 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom apartments and 1,215 square feet for three-bedroom apartments, which is less than the village code allows.

Site Development Coordinator Kevin Erwin said that the village code requires a minimum of 1,000 square feet for one-bedroom, 1,200 square feet for two-bedroom and 1,350 square feet for threebedroom apartments, but under Florida Statutes, the minimum square footage can be waived through a developer’s agreement.

Erwin added that village staff is not recommending approval, but the developer contended that the community will have extra features, such as open space, a large pool, tennis and volleyball courts, walking paths and outdoor gathering areas to make up for the reduced floor space.

“In order to achieve the desired

amount of amenities and spacing for the proposed development, a reduction to the size of several of the multifamily units is being requested,” Erwin said, quoting the applicant. “The reduction in size is needed to address demand within the current housing market as families and individuals seek to maximize their relationship with their local community and outdoor experiences, rather than desiring to live in housing with excessive levels of space and impervious land area.”

Erwin said that village staff disagrees with the developer’s contention that the project will meet or exceed a majority of village code requirements.

“One of the things that they’re saying is that it will provide more than the code requires for open space and recreation space,” he said. “It’s very minimally above See RPB ZONERS, page 18

Wellington To Kick Off 20th Anniversary Events Dec. 31

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report On Dec. 31, 1995 — 20 years ago next week — Wellington formally became an incorporated community. The birth of the Village of Wellington followed years of discussion and a razor-close referendum vote in November 1995.

While it would take months for the inaugural Wellington Village Council to be seated, and years for Wellington to assume all of its statutory responsibilities from Palm Beach County, the final day of 1995 rang in a new municipality run by a caretaker government held over from the old Acme Improvement District, the village’s pre-incorporation government.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary milestone, the Village of Wellington and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce are planning a series of special events.

The first event is the free Break-

fast on the Green that will take place Thursday, Dec. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Residents are invited for a light breakfast and a live acoustic show by popular local artist Bobby Gugliuzza. During the event, there will be special gifts to commemorate the anniversary.

Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey is looking forward to the breakfast.

“People can come, enjoy each other’s company and then go about their day,” Garvey said. “It is New Year’s Eve; we know that people are busy with their families. We just wanted to mark that day because it’s an important day in our incorporation.”

Marking the anniversary milestone is important for the community, Garvey said.

“It’s a really nice way to bring the hometown together,” she

explained. “Wellington is a great hometown, and we love to show it off to our residents and others.

It’s a special way to kick off 2016, and we hope people will come.”

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to paint the village (or participating runners, at least) red, blue, green, yellow, orange and all sorts of other colors at the first Wellington ColorFest 5K, sponsored by the Village of Wellington, where participants will experience a bright, active adventure on Feb. 28 at Village Park, starting promptly at 7 a.m. Registration for the race is $35, and can be completed at www.active.com.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Green noted that the chamber will also be turning 20 years old in 2016.

Teaming up with the village for See ANNIVERSARY, page 18

Wellington Pulls Vacancy Question From March Ballot

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a special meeting Thursday, Dec. 17, the Wellington Village Council approved a resolution with three referendum questions to be put before voters, minus a question that would have allowed council vacancies to be filled by special election rather than by council appointment, as they are now.

The council had approved the question on the method of filling council vacancies in a 3-2 decision after some council members suggested that the language is confusing. The question, as worded, asked if council vacancies should be filled in the same manner as mayoral ones. Mayoral vacancies are currently filled by a special election.

Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said that she had prepared a rewritten charter amendment on the policy for filling council vacancies to make the language clearer, but had been informed by

the Supervisor of Elections Office that it is too late to submit revised language, and the only alternative is to go with the original language or remove the question from the ballot.

Councilman Matt Willhite had made a motion at the Oct. 27 meeting to remove the amendment from the ballot, which failed 3-2 with Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor John Greene and Councilman John McGovern dissenting.

Greene then made a motion to approve the amendment, which carried 3-2 with Mayor Bob Margolis and Willhite opposed. Cohen rewrote the council vacancy question in an attempt to clarify it, but it was too late to get the revised language on the ballot.

The special meeting Dec. 17 was called to adopt the ballot summaries by resolution.

Willhite made a motion to reconsider the second reading of the ordinance on filling vacancies See REFERENDUM, page 7

HOLIDAY FISHING FUN

The 25th annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic took place Saturday, Dec. 19 at Village Park in Wellington, where approximately 70 young anglers sought to catch the big one. Prizes were given out in several age divisions. Shown here is Troy Weber with Felipe Sparber, who caught a 1 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Council Ponders Plan For Filling Empty Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report With Royal Palm Beach Councilman Fred Pinto resigning to run for mayor, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas pointed out at the Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting on Thursday, Dec. 17 that there will be only four council members on the dais for what could be up to a year.

Two council positions and the mayor’s seat will be open in the March election, and all the seats are contested.

Former Councilwoman Martha Webster has challenged Pinto in his bid for mayor. Pinto announced previously that he would resign his Group 4 seat to run for mayor with incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli not seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, Greenway Vil-

lage resident Lenore White has qualified to run against incumbent Councilman Jeff Hmara for the Group 1 seat, and local businesswoman Selena Smith is running for the Group 3 seat against Valuntas.

Valuntas suggested that the council put a process in place to fill the fifth seat in order to prevent deadlocks on the council.

“We’ve got an election coming up, and one of the things that is going to occur after the election is we’re going to have a vacant seat,” he said. “I remember when Councilman Swift stepped down, and we only had four people for an extended period of time. I thought that was a difficult thing, and we had at least one vote, I think maybe a couple, that ended 2-2 and nothSee VACANCY, page 18

Successful Toy Drive Brings Smiles To Community

Santa visits with Palms West Hospital patient Carlos Alvarado.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Santa Claus joined Wellington Village Council members and officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, and others, for a visit to Palms West Hospital on Monday to spread holiday cheer to patients with toys from the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive.

Later in the day, the doors opened at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, allowing families the ability to make Christmas brighter for their children.

Councilman Matt Willhite was thrilled to be part of the group delivering toys to children in the hospital. One little boy, he explained, was excited because he

thought that Santa would forget him since he was in the hospital.

Another boy brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he would not accept his gift, just happy for the opportunity to read his letter to Santa.

“He wanted Santa to give the toy to a kid who would be able to enjoy it either before Christmas or after, because he didn’t think he was going to be able to make it to Christmas,” Willhite said.

The children, parents and hospital employees were overjoyed by the visit from Santa.

“The hospital is amazing every year,” Wellington Senior Services Specialist Meridith Tuckwood said. “It is the gift that, as they say, is priceless — truly priceless.”

Tuckwood enjoys watching

the children light up when they see Santa. “When we think about what is happening in our lives, we need to take a moment and think of all of the things to be thankful for,” she said.

Tuckwood works tirelessly to help those in need.

“I’m grateful for the community that we live in. We are truly blessed. We have people who are consistently giving and always going out of their way to do something for someone else,” she said.

“For that, we’re blessed.”

Most people, Tuckwood explained, do not know what it feels like to not know whether they’ll have food on the table. But the village’s recent food drive brought in enough to feed more than 150 See TOY DRIVE, page 4

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NEWS

RPB Council Gives Go-Ahead To Development Of Acme Ranches

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council is in the process of approving several requests submitted by the Wantman Group that will lead to the development of about 110 acres on the south side of Southern Blvd. just west of State Road 7 known as Acme Ranches and the Big Dog Ranch Rescue property.

The property, now mostly rural residential homes, is slated to become a development with singlefamily and multifamily homes.

Following annexation procedures over the past year, the necessary approvals are now in the form of several ordinances in either the preliminary or final approval stages, because several separate parcels are involved in the process.

The first ordinance received final approval by the council on Thursday, Dec. 17, changing the land use designation for eight tracts totaling almost 30 acres from the county’s low-density residential to the village’s multi-

family, high-density designation.

A second ordinance received preliminary approval to rezone the same 30 acres from the county’s agricultural residential and planned unit development to the village’s multifamily residential district. The plan is to build 392 multifamily units on the property, which is the part of Acme Ranches located closest to Southern Blvd., opposite commercial and industrial areas on the north side of the road.

A third ordinance was the final reading of a large-scale future land use amendment for eight tracts of land totaling almost 60 acres from the county’s low-density residential to the village’s single-family land use, while a fourth ordinance received preliminary approval to rezone the same 60 acres from the county’s agricultural residential and PUD zoning districts to the village’s single-family residential.

That land is slated to become 131 zero-lot-line homes.

Finally, a fifth ordinance was the final reading of a land use amend-

ment changing almost 21 acres from the county’s low-density residential to the village’s openspace/recreation. The developer plans to use that space to connect the development to Southern Blvd. by building a bridge across the C-51 Canal, connecting up to an existing signalized intersection.

All of the ordinances carried unanimously, with little discussion. The plan had been before the council at several previous meetings.

However, at last week’s meeting, two former volunteers who had worked with Bonnie and Wallace Findlay, late owners of the Bambi Wildlife Sanctuary (which was sold to the Folke Peterson Wildlife Sanctuary and later leased to Big Dog Ranch Rescue), objected to that property being developed as homes.

Barbara Perrone noted that the land had been approved by the county as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969.

“Bonnie and Wallace Findlay originally owned this land,” Per-

rone said. “They spent 30 years on that piece that you want to change into homes. They dedicated their lives; they were the pioneers of wildlife rescue. It was all turned over to the Folke Peterson Foundation. In 1969, there was a legal resolution that the land would remain a sanctuary. I think that land should remain a wildlife sanctuary. It’s a treasure for Palm Beach County.”

Ellen Rosenberg also wanted the current Big Dog property to remain a wildlife sanctuary.

“Tonight’s meeting is about promises made, promises kept and promises broken,” she said.

“For nearly 30 years, Bonnie and Wallace Findlay ran the Bambi Wildlife Sanctuary. In 1969, they had Palm Beach County dedicate the 30 acres as a wildlife sanctuary, making sure that it would never be developed.”

In 1997, a fire destroyed the sanctuary, and Wallace died in the blaze. Before Bonnie died in 2000, she bequeathed the land and several million dollars to the Folke

H. Peterson Charitable Foundation with the understanding that it would carry on the work of saving wildlife, Rosenberg said.

“The Folke Peterson Wildlife Center built a new facility in 2005,” she said. “Due to poor management, they ran out of funds and closed in 2009. They then leased the land to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, receiving permission from Palm Beach County to allow the secondary use on the land as long as wildlife remained the primary use. According to the lease, 80 percent of the land had to be used solely for wildlife.”

Rosenberg said that Folke Peterson, which still owns the land, should have refused to sell it for any purpose other than wildlife rescue. “Bonnie and Wallace Findlay were my friends,” she said. “Their ashes are buried on that land. They would be horrified to see houses being built there.”

Councilman Richard Valuntas asked the village’s legal staff whether there were any legal encumbrances that would prevent

what the developer is requesting, and Village Attorney Jennifer Ashton said that she had not found any deed restrictions.

“Even deed restrictions can be undone,” she said. “There was a 1969 resolution passed by Palm Beach County on a portion of this piece of property. However, the county agreed to the voluntary annexation. Once it came into the Village of Royal Palm Beach, that resolution has no more force and effect.”

Ashton noted that there is a conservation easement on a small part of the property. “Under the Florida Statutes, as long as the property owner and the governmental entity agree, that easement has been assigned to the village,” she said. “Under Florida law, that easement can be released. Folke Peterson has gotten out of the business of wildlife, so there is no legal impediment to proceeding.”

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, meanwhile, is in the process of building a new facility of its own in Loxahatchee Groves.

Eric Aho Honored By Designation As Wellington’s Top Firefighter

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report When others call for help, firefighters such as Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue’s Eric Aho are there to provide lifesaving assistance.

Aho, who was named Wellington’s Top Firefighter for 2015, loves his chosen career.

“I wanted a dynamic career that was constantly changing. I enjoy working with people, and I also wanted to do something that was an impact to me as well as other people,” Aho said.

He has spent the past eight years serving the community, first in the West Palm Beach area, then Lake Worth and Manalapan, and now, Wellington.

He floated from station to station as needed before settling in for the last three years at PBCFR Station 30, located on Stribling Road off State Road 7.

Battalion District Chief Ken Sehres nominated Aho for the village’s annual honor due to his hard work and dedication.

“He has proven himself again and again to be a firefighter with a heart for his community,” Sehres said. “He is a committed and impassioned member of our depart-

ment who serves the public with his knowledge, skill and caring.

What is sometimes not so obvious is his attention to non-emergency duties, sacrifice for others, volunteerism, and deep love for his family.”

In a career where 24-hour shifts are normal, being recognized as Wellington’s Top Firefighter is something that Aho is proud to have his young children, one 8 years old and one almost 5, be aware of.

“It makes me feel good about myself, and my kids see that people are paying attention, and what I’m doing is actually really good for other people,” he said. “Sometimes we miss family events and holidays; but somebody’s got to do it.”

Six fire-rescue teams serve the Wellington area at PBCFR stations 21, 25, 27, 28, 29 and 30 — helping to keep the community safe and responding at a moment’s notice.

“You go to a person on their worst day and you’re actually trying to make sense of it, make sense of the chaos that’s ensuing, or hold someone’s hand and make them feel better,” Aho said.

Recently, he was there on what could have been the worst day of a neighbor’s life. Her elderly mother was choking, and Aho was able to help her.

“Knowing that I was able to assist them in that time, and that my children get to know that their dad is out there to help other people, especially people that they care about, is extremely important,” he said.

Some of his best experiences come from working with his fellow crew members.

While Aho floated, he was able to experience how other teams worked together.

“You get to meet a lot of different people and their different attitudes,” he said. “Working with different crews, different personalities, makes you really in tune to the brotherhood that the fire department actually is. For me, that’s one of the most worthwhile experiences working with different groups.”

Aho was initially thrown for a loop by his recent honor.

“It took me by surprise,” he said.

“It gives you a sense of self-worth knowing that you are making a difference and that your peers see

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Station 30’s Eric Aho was recently named Wellington’s Top Firefighter for 2015. that you are making a difference.”

Serving others in the community, and always being there to lend a helping hand, drives him.

“I don’t typically talk about myself, so this has been a humbling experience,” Aho said. “I’m just happy to be able to serve Palm

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Beach County and Wellington, and for them to know that, taking notice of me… I’m very honored, and I appreciate it.”

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

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OUR OPINION

Human Trafficking Is A Problem That Deserves More Attention

While most of us are celebrating this holiday season in comfort with hopes of a joyous New Year, it is worth remembering that not everyone has these same opportunities. Some do not even get to enjoy the most basic freedoms we all take for granted. Believe it or not, more than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, slavery still exists around the world, across the United States and even here in Palm Beach County.

No, it’s not out in the open. It’s in the shadowy underground, hiding in the dark recesses of society, often in plain sight.

The slavery of which we speak is that of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), there are some 27 million people enslaved worldwide, many of them living right here among us. Slave labor ranging from agricultural work to the sex trade, smuggled immigrants and U.S. citizens alike, are held captive and exploited on a daily basis.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States every year, and half of these are children. Of the 2,515 suspected human trafficking incidents reported between January 2008 and June 2010, nearly 500 cases were confirmed and nearly 150 arrests made. Eighty percent of the suspected cases were classified as sex trafficking.

The NHTRC has even more glaring statistics. Between December 2007 and December 2012, more than 72,500 human trafficking incidents were reported, with 41 percent sex trafficking and 20 percent labor trafficking. Women were identified as victims in 85 percent of these cases.

And according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in every seven endangered runaways are child sex trafficking victims.

Just this year in Florida, through the end of September, the NHTRC received more than 1,100 calls regarding more than 300 human trafficking cases — and this likely just scratches the surface.

Given the exponential growth of illegal “massage parlors” and “escort services” advertised on

Let’s Be Honest About RaceTrac

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Time For Honesty About RaceTrac” by Richard Nielsen published Dec. 11.

Richard Nielsen writes that, “The recent debacle and protest by special competitive interests led by at least one person with a political agenda makes the proposal to create a RaceTrac gas station on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. curiously complicated.”

Be honest! Both sides of the RaceTrac issue have political agendas. In my opinion, at least four of the good old boys on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council only want to do the RaceTrac property owners a big financial favor. But they ran into Royal Palm Beach residents and small business owners who see the 20pump RaceTrac truck stop as a bad and dangerous decision. This then encouraged three women to step up and challenge the “boys” with new blood and better visions for the village.

Richard then writes, “There has

shadowy corners of the Internet, it is safe to say that for every filed report or law enforcement bust of an illegal establishment, multiple operations have opened shop behind closed doors.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, South Florida is the nation’s third-busiest region for sex trafficking, not to mention third in calls to the national hotline, which can be reached at (888) 373-7888, by texting “info” or “help” to 233733, and at www.traffickingresourcecenter. org. Palm Beach County is third in Florida in terms of calls to the NHTRC regarding suspected cases of human trafficking.

The U.S. Department of State suggests a number of ways that individuals can help fight human trafficking. These include incorporating human trafficking information in professional association conferences and trainings, distributing awareness materials, donating food or other needed items to anti-trafficking organizations, students taking action on campuses and contacting the NHTRC. Earlier this year, the Florida Legislature passed legislation aimed at trying to bring more awareness to this shameful problem by mandating the posting of “human trafficking awareness signs” (which include the NHTRC hotline and text numbers) be posted in public and private locations statewide. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2016, requires signs be posted across Florida, from interstate welcome centers and Florida’s Turnpike rest stops to airports and Tri-Rail train stations, from public libraries and public schools to adult entertainment locations. This includes strip clubs and any business offering massage or bodywork services not owned by a regulated healthcare professional.

We recognize that this new law is not enough, but it’s a start, because information is crucial when dealing with a below-the-radar crime such as human trafficking. Public transportation signage tells people from all walks of life that there is someone to call, anonymously, without fear of reprisal. We encourage you, as the New Year begins, to make a resolution to help end slavery of all types in the United States and beyond.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR been no legal reason given why this proposal cannot go forward...

There exists a level of hypocrisy that suggests that the land use for a gas station would be improper...”

Be honest! There are legal reasons to question this proposal and deny it! It takes a “Special Exception Use” change for the land to allow an automotive service station to legally use this property.

Secondly, a better fitting six-pump real automotive service station was brought to the council in 2003.

Some of the same good old boys back then decided it should be denied. In a document to that owner, it was written that “a gas station is not consistent with their (the village mayor and council) vision for the entry to the village.” So, the real hypocrisy is that RaceTrac is now being approved, because, in my opinion, of who the current applicants are.

Also consider that there is the Royal Palm Beach Blvd. access off Southern Blvd. How much taxpayer money will the village be spending to make the road/lane changes, remove thousands of dollars of landscaping, and then put in new landscaping for this property?

Lastly Richard adds: The location has limited appeal for businesses, as evident by the failure of two banks to survive there.

Be honest! Your bank failure comment is twisting the facts.

Riverside Bank failed and the branches went to TD Bank, who closed excess branches including the Royal Palm Beach branch.

Try this thought: maybe the price TD Bank placed on the land and building is unreasonable?

It looks to me that Royal Palm Beach residents and business owners uncovered some of the good old boys backroom dealings and should be applauded. My thought is replace the mayor and two council boys on March 15, and take a step toward a more open and honest Royal Palm Beach.

David Kline Royal Palm Beach

Nielsen Responds On RaceTrac

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the letter

“RaceTrac Is Not Appropriate” by Lenore White published Dec. 18, in response to Richard Nielsen’s previous letter.

The matter being discussed is whether or not the owner of a commercial property can sell or establish a lawful business within the guidelines of such use as determined by the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

Contrary to previous comments about how two previous businesses (banks) failed, there is no evidence offered that supports the contention that the business practices and lack of acumen but rather, it was the location. Curiously, the fact remains that two successful gas stations prospered in the area but were lost with the widening of Southern Blvd.

There is really limited appeal for any business outside of a gas station to be successful next to a hotel, owing to its transient nature. Travelers recognize throughout the country that choosing a hotel next to a gas station is not only appropriate, but convenient, and the decision to put a gas station next to a hotel is not an unusual decision, but a common one

judging by the number of hotels who have gas stations adjacent to their properties.

In conclusion, no, I’m not an attorney, but then neither am I running for office posturing for notice by the electorate.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

Opposed To New Gas Station In Royal Palm

I am opposed to the RaceTrac

20 pump-station being located on the corner of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Southern Blvd. There is already enough traffic on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. with residents enjoying their family in the parks.

This area is where people come to relax, enjoy seasonal craft shows, and the small and larger recreational areas. There is enough small business in this area, and the safety of the people in this area (both young and old) would be jeopardized.

Marie Cirelli Royal Palm Beach

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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 33, Wellington, FL 33414; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

NEWS

Toy Drive

Making Holidays Brighter

continued from page 1 families, and provided the opportunity to share 467 pounds of food with two nonprofit organizations.

“We have been able to take care of 157 families, to the tune of about 340 children in our community,” she said. “I just want to thank everyone for all that they’ve done and continue to do. Thank

you for supporting this each and every year.”

Supporting the community yearround is important, and shouldn’t only be done during the holiday season, Tuckwood emphasized.

As the sun set, people started lining up outside of the church, ready to pick their toys.

Each family was able to choose two toys per child, and anything left over was slated for donation to Palms West Hospital and various charities.

“We are giving to Wellington, then we’re going to go outside to help everybody,” Willhite said.

“It’s such a special day and event

that our village staff, interfaith churches, community leaders or members can come together and support members of our community who are in need… It’s the small things that we can do to try and help them and make something special for these kids.”

Embraced by the community, Wellington resident Linda Hotujec has been personally helped by the programs that Wellington offers, such as the toy drive and the food drive.

“This has touched the hearts of me, my children and my entire family,” Hotujec said. “For the past two years, the community

here in Wellington, the Village of Wellington, the police officers and the entire community have made the past two Christmases amazing for my children.”

Hotujec recently finished her schooling and passed the state board to become a registered nurse.

“My goal for 2016 is to pay it forward tenfold. Anything I can do to volunteer and help another family experience what I did, would be a gift in itself,” she said.

“It means so much.”

For Pastor Emily Denmark McGee, whose church hosted the toy pickup, helping others falls

into line with the church’s goals.

“It feels great. It makes it feel like Christmas. I’m uplifted that this many people would donate, give their time to be here and share the joy this season,” McGee said, stressing the collaborative effort that the program requires.

Children are ushered outside, or to the side of the auditorium, so that parents are able to surprise them on Christmas morning. Its uplifting, inspirational and heartwarming to see the relief on the parents’ faces, McGee explained.

As parents milled about and brought their toys over for wrapping, Willhite nodded in the direc-

tion of Tuckwood to hold a resident’s baby while they searched for the perfect gifts.

“I’m very proud of Meridith Tuckwood and all the work that she has done,” he said. “She brings this community together with the work she does. She knows these people personally, and they know her personally.”

The entire program says a great deal about Wellington, Willhite said.

“I’m so proud of Wellington and how we come together to make sure that our community is a great hometown,” he said. “This is what helps make it that.”

Santa Claus arrives at Palms West Hospital, joined by Wellington Village Council members and officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, and others.

Pediatric patient Talya Sterling gets a visit from Santa.

Pastor Emily McGee, Vice Mayor John Greene, Assistant Village Manager Jim Barnes, Councilman Matt Willhite, Senior Services Specialist Meridith Tuckwood and Mark Hilton.

Vice Mayor John Greene with children Ryan and Melanie.

Alice Blair and Mike Ovett.

Bob and Ellie Nesiba wrap presents at St. Peter’s Church.

THE

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EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba • Julie Unger CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Jacqueline Corrado • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Geri O’Neil

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Page 5

NEWS

ROYAL PALM ROTARY CLUB CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH PARTY

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its holiday party Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Acreage home of Keith and Lois Jordano, where members met and mingled while enjoying the evening. For more information about the club, visit www.rpbrotary.org.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Sally and Lynn Balch, Marcia Berwick, Sille Walbech, Max Piron, Terri Wescott and Dr. Bruce Elkind.

Sarda Bhandary, Lynn Balch, John Spillane and Steve Logan.

Sarda Bhandary, Eric Gordon, Ron Tomchin, Fred Gordon and Mike Gauger.

Joan Scherer, Elaine Tomchin and Linda Spillane.

Hosts Lois and Keith Jordano.

Carolyn and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Lisa Elkind and Lois Jordano.

PROJECT 425 ASSISTS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ON GLADES BIKE DONATION

The Knights of Columbus Peter A. Benvenuti Council 8419 from St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington and Mike Carroll’s Project 425 met at the Royal Palm Beach Walmart on Saturday, Dec. 19. They loaded 101 bikes on Carroll’s military cargo truck and took them out to Pahokee and Belle Glade. Dr. Paul Casanova organized the bike and helmet donation. The helmets were donated by the Children’s Helmet Initiative Legislative Defense Fund (CHILD). Walmart gave the Knights of Columbus special discount pricing for the 101 bikes.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Frank Truglio, Jim Sackett, Glenn Brinson and Ralph Guriere load up bicycles.

Knights of Columbus members and Project 425 members with some of the bicycles headed to the Glades.

Bill Arcuri and Frank Borrallo load small bikes in Arcuri’s car.

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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CRIME NEWS

PBSO Investigating Vehicle Burglaries At Arissa Place

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By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report DEC. 17 — Deputies from the Wellington substation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office were called to the Arissa Place community on Greenview Shores Blvd. last Thursday morning regarding multiple vehicle burglaries. According to the first PBSO report, sometime between 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday and 5:45 a.m. last Thursday, someone broke the passenger side window of the victim’s 2007 Jeep Laredo and stole a Coach purse, valued at $300. According to a second PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 4 a.m. last Thursday, someone shattered the rear passenger window of the victim’s 2015 Subaru Outback with a baseball bat before stealing a gate clicker, pool key and more than $100 in cash and change. DNA evidence was gathered from the vehicle.

According to a third PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Wednesday and 5:45 a.m. last Thursday, someone smashed the passenger side window of the victim’s vehicle and stole her purse, which was covered with a towel. According to the report, the victim’s debit card and driver’s license were also taken. According to a fourth PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 6 a.m. last Thursday, someone broke the driver’s side window of the victim’s 2003 Honda, causing $300 in damage, and stole the vehicle’s registration and insurance paperwork. DNA evidence was gathered from the vehicle.

••• DEC. 15 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Hawthorne Place in the Sugar Pond Manor community last Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 12:30 a.m. last Tuesday, someone entered the victim’s 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. On surveillance video, a white male wearing a sweatshirt is seen rummaged through the vehicle. The victim was unsure if anything was taken.

DEC. 15 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Pine Valley Drive in the Eastwood community last Tuesday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. last Tuesday, someone entered the victim’s home through a possibly unlocked bedroom window and tracked dirt throughout the house while ransacking the victim’s closet, stealing a $399 GoPro Hero 4, a 13-inch Toshiba laptop computer valued at $450, an Apple iPod, a Calvin Klein purse, and a men’s ring valued at $50. According to the report, a witness observed a slender white male, in his 20s, near the victim’s property.

DEC. 15 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Windward Cove Lane in the Isles at Wellington community last Tuesday regarding multiple vehicle burglaries. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 10 and 10:05 p.m., someone entered the victim’s vehicle inside of an open garage, and took $260 in cash and a $50 gift certificate.

According to another PBSO report, sometime between 5:20 and 7:39 p.m. last Tuesday, someone

entered the victim’s 2011 Honda Civic through an open door and removed $21 in cash, leaving behind other valuables.

DEC. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the Sunglass Hut store in the Mall at Wellington Green last Wednesday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2:30 and 2:35 p.m. last Wednesday, an unknown white male with brown hair wearing a sweatshirt, cargo shorts and white shoes stole a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, valued at $229.95.

DEC. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Mobil gas station on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Wednesday evening regarding a vehicle burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 and 10:10 p.m., a white female in her mid40s reached into the victim’s 2005 Infinity and attempted to steal the victim’s wallet before fleeing on foot toward Publix. When seen, the perpetrator dropped the wallet back into the vehicle.

DEC. 17 — Deputies from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the Towne Place community last Thursday morning regarding multiple vehicle burglaries. According to the first PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Wednesday and 5:10 a.m. last Thursday, someone entered the victim’s 2014 Dodge Dart and removed a wallet valued at $60, a purse valued at $100, and a Kate Spade cosmetics bag valued at $100. DNA and fingerprint evidence was gathered from the vehicle. According to the second PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Wednesday and 6 a.m. last Thursday, someone entered the victim’s 2005 Honda Accord through a previously broken window and rummaged through the glove box, stealing the victim’s Apple iPhone 4. DNA evidence was gathered from the vehicle.

DEC. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Equestrian Way in the Saddle Trail Park community last Friday afternoon regarding a residential burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 p.m. last Thursday and 3:45 p.m. last Friday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked barn storage area and stole a 2014 Kawasaki dirt bike.

DEC. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Bobwhite Road in the Willows II community last Friday afternoon regarding a residential burglary.

According to a PBSO report, as the victim was getting ready for work, she observed a black male riding her bicycle, which had been taken from her open garage. According to the report, the perpetrator was described as a thin teenager with short hair. According to the report, the bicycle was later recovered from a nearby resident’s lawn.

Another nearby homeowner also reported having his bicycle taken from his garage.

DEC. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Grandview Circle in the Counterpoint Estates community last Friday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Donate Miller is a black male, 5’5” tall and weighing 222 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 03/15/76. Miller is wanted on felony charges for grand theft. His last known address was 10th Avenue North in Greenacres. He is wanted as of 12/17/15.

• Fabian Vallejo, alias Fabian Vallejo-Vindas, is a white male, 5’6’’ tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 06/18/90. Vallejo is wanted for failure to appear in court on felony charges for the possession of cocaine and an invalid driver’s license; violating probation by possessing drug paraphernalia; and failure to appear in court for traffic charges of operating a vehicle with a suspended, canceled or revoked license. His last known address was S. Eric Circle in Greenacres. He is wanted as of 12/17/15.

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

Donate Miller

Fabian Vallejo

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

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Page 7

NEWS

Committee Reviews Plan For Equestrian Trail Improvements

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee recently reviewed the draft of an equestrian trails circulation report that gives an evaluation of trails as they currently exist and of plans to improve connectivity over the next 10 years.

“As you know, we have gone through a couple of iterations of this, and we are finalizing this and bringing it forward for approval,” Wellington Projects Manager Mike O’Dell said at the committee’s Dec. 9 meeting.

The report also gave a time frame for the trail improvements and included the amount of money that the Wellington Village Council plans to put into the proposal.

The report also included a summary of work that has been completed since 2004, including an update on work done since the

Referendum

Pulled From The Ballot

continued from page 1 and remove it, which was seconded by McGovern, who felt that Cohen’s revised language is much clearer, although too late to get it on the March ballot.

“No doubt the revised language Ms. Cohen brought to us is much clearer,” McGovern said. “The objective is to get rid of appointments. We should pull this and address it in August.”

During public comment, three residents said that they also found the language of the amendment to be confusing.

Anthony Forgione said he represented a coalition of residents who are concerned about the proposed referendum question.

“We believe that the ballot language on the entire issue is confusing,” Forgione said in a prepared statement. “We are asking the

council approved a conceptual master plan last year.

Committee Member Houston Meigs asked what plans are to build a bridle path along 120th Avenue South, since it was recently left without a bridle trail after the area was approved for paving.

O’Dell said no specific plans had been made yet, since it was not part of the specific approval process for the paving, but with the council approving paving of the road where the bridle path is, it tacitly became a part of the trails plan, since it is part of the comp plan.

Committee Chair Linda Elie asked whether it was within the committee’s purview to put a 120th Avenue trail in the plan before the council in order to regain that segment of the trail, and O’Dell said that they would need some council direction to do that.

Committee Member Michael Whitlow suggested that the com-

mittee make a recommendation to the council, and O’Dell said the subject before them that evening was to review the report, make comments and approve it, if possible.

“I would like to get this moving,” O’Dell said, adding that its next stop would be the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

Committee Member Dr. Kristy Lund asked whether trails are included when paving projects are presented to the council.

“We made a huge ordeal with Saddle Trail about maintaining the bridle paths, so when this was brought for paving 120th, was that brought to their attention about losing that part of the bridle trail?” Lund asked.

O’Dell said that there was discussion on the topic.

Moving on through the report, he also noted that Palm Beach Little Ranches has been highlighted for improvements.

“We have discussed their access points, being north and south on Forest Hill Blvd., as being issues we need to deal with,” he said. “There are traffic lights at both of those locations that could be utilized.”

Getting riders from Little Ranches to the heart of Wellington’s equestrian area is a challenge, O’Dell said.

“Even as we cross those particular roadways in an east/west direction, and going west from Palm Beach Little Ranches, we get across Forest Hill Blvd., then you continue against Big Blue Trace, and there’s no crossing at that intersection either,” he said. “So the challenges are not in just one location, but getting across multiple roadways is a challenge from Palm Beach Little Ranches.”

Getting a horse across Forest Hill Blvd. is a challenge no matter how it’s done, O’Dell said.

Trip counts were recently conducted on the trails, using 28 strategically located cameras that recorded not only horses, but also vehicles, with as many as 3,900 trips on a more heavily used portion in a 13-day period in March and April of 2014. Some areas had fewer than 100 in the same period.

Meigs said that he is concerned that a heavily used trail connecting Saddle Trail Park to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is privately owned.

“We need to figure out what to do because if that property is changed, if the ownership changes, somebody might not want to continue to be so generous,” he said. “There certainly is an assumption that that’s public.”

Recommendations for overall improvements include culvert crossings in some areas, plus shelters and potable water.

Cost estimates, excluding possible equestrian overpasses and

not including grant financing, are about $2.92 million. Footing improvements at key locations would cost about $1.2 million; implementing eight canal crossings, $1.2 million; striping and flashers at street crossings, $139,000; and two shelter and water locations, $70,000.

Implementation will begin this year with improvements to the socalled Brown Trail: about 2,000 feet of path, 1,000 feet along the east side of Wellington Trace and 1,000 feet along the north side of the C-15 Canal, plus connecting Saddle Trail Park to Paddock Park, at a cost of $200,000.

Also slated for 2015-16 are Blue Trail improvements to extend an existing culvert within the C-23 canal crossing, to widen the link from Saddle Trail Park to Pierson Road, and to improve the Pierson Road crossing into the showgrounds, at a cost of $180,000.

council to work together to figure out how to redraft this proposed charter amendment.”

He added that his coalition has spoken to attorneys who believe that the question can be challenged in court. “There’s no rush to put this on the ballot with two elections coming up this year,” Forgione said.

Margolis said he felt as though the issue had been taken out of the council’s hands with the decision that the supervisor of elections had made. “I commend this council for making the decision to have a charter review task force,” Margolis said. “I think that is the first time that the council has voted to have a charter review task force, versus just deciding amongst themselves which charter amendments should be sent to the residents, and I commend Councilman Willhite for doing that.”

Margolis agreed that there was a lot of confusion when the question on filling council vacancies came up.

“Our village attorney did state that it was her recommendation that we take it off, and that motion was not successful,” he said. “The motion was 3-2 to keep it on, but we can’t keep it on. We’ve been told by the supervisor that the clarification of language is just not there, so I think the decision certainly has been made for us.”

Margolis did say that he supported that goal of having residents vote on filling council vacancies.

“I think we’ll have another opportunity certainly to do that, but with everything that has been going on, the confusion, I talked to residents who have had confusion with regard to this ballot issue also,” he said. “This has given us an opportunity to clarify… what the intent of the charter amendment is.”

But Gerwig disagreed with Margolis that the council does not have a choice.

“I think we do have a choice,” she said. “The fact of the matter is we may be challenged if we make

that choice, but we have in the past said that our intent is to let the voters decide on this, so I’m just going to stand my ground on that and say, well, it might not be perfect. I think it is defensible, especially when you go back and look at conversations that we’ve had, how we got to this point. We did agree that it shouldn’t be any different than filling the mayor. I don’t think that it really does go against the intent. We’ve had this conversation before, not letting the perfect become the enemy of what’s right and what’s good.”

McGovern offered an amendment to direct staff to start the process going to get the revised question on the August ballot.

“We’ve been told by the clerk that there is money for that,” he said. “I think that the second version is not perfect, but it is certainly far closer to what we want it to say.”

Willhite accepted McGovern’s amendment. When Margolis called the question, it carried 4-1,

with Gerwig opposed.

The decision directly affects Gerwig’s seat, which she will vacate after the March election due to her decision to challenge Margolis. Should the amendment have passed, Gerwig’s seat would have gone to a special election.

Now it will be up for appointment by the newly seated council.

Greene made a motion to support the new resolution with three questions, which carried 5-0. The remaining three questions are: • Whether to change the compo-

sition of the elections canvassing board to make it an independent panel.

• Whether the charter should be amended to include a provision protecting the Equestrian Preserve Area. Currently the charter does not make reference to the Equestrian Preserve Area.

• Whether commercial transient occupancy uses other than bedand-breakfasts, such as hotels, motels and rental apartments, should be prohibited in the Equestrian Preserve Area.

Nominees Sought For ‘Heroes In Medicine’

Do you know a hero? Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, a nonprofit organization, will host its 13th annual Heroes in Medicine Awards Ceremony on April 15. These prestigious awards honor individuals and organizations throughout Palm Beach

County that use their skills and resources in the field of healthcare to provide outstanding services. The deadline to submit a nomination is Feb. 1. For more information, and nomination forms, visit www. pbcms.org/events/heroes-in-medicine.

THE ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIOR ACTIVITIES GROUP ENJOYS HOLIDAY PARTY

The Royal Palm Beach Senior Activities Group held a holiday party on Friday, Dec. 18 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Guests participated in a gift exchange, and Santa stopped by for photo op. Lunch and refreshments were served, while Rick Nelson provided music. For more information on senior activities, call (561) 790-5149.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Linda Isaacs, Elisa Diament, Gretchen Lugo and Janet O’Connor.

Dolly Hughes and volunteers with Santa.

Rick Nelson entertained the guests.

Janessa Labrada tells Santa her Christmas wishes.

Vivian Conrad and Jim Dawson.

Santa visits with Alice and Clarence Stern.

Dolores Valentine gives Santa’s whiskers a tug.

Page 8

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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NEWS BRIEFS

Armory To Offer Equine Art In Wellington

The Armory Art Center and #1 Education Place have announced the next series of classes in their collaborative partnership bringing art enrichment programs to the western communities.

For the winter series, the youth programs in Wellington will focus on equine art. “Horsing Around With Art” is a four-week course in which students will express their love of horses in two and three dimensions by studying the proportions and gait of their favorite pony, stallion or steed. Knowledge of these important drawing basics will be built upon throughout the classes. These skills will enable the avid rider, polo player or horse enthusiast to more accurately depict horses in various ranges of motion and in portraiture.

Classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 4 and run through Jan. 25.

Elementary students will meet from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. and middle school/high school students will meet from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. Both

classes will be taught by Armory Art Center instructor Margaret Jahn. #1 Education Place is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 23, in Wellington. For more information, or to register, contact the Armory Art Center at (561) 832-1776 or #1 Education Place at (561) 753-6563.

Sign Language Classes At Goodwill In WPB

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries will offer American Sign Language classes beginning Monday, Jan. 11. Classes run for eight weeks and are held every Monday from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at 1715 Tiffany Drive East in West Palm Beach.

The cost of the entire series of eight classes is $60 per person. A family rate is offered at $85 for the first two students and $10 per person thereafter. For more information, or to register, contact Beth Wagmeister at (561) 848-7200, ext. 2280, or bwagmeister@gulfstreamgoodwill.org.

Hadassah To Host Tu B’Shevat Seder Jan. 20

to the Wellington-based charity Back to Basics to bring some cheer to underprivileged children in Palm Beach and Martin counties during this holiday season. Back to Basics serves needy children by raising their self-esteem, keeping them in school, enabling self-sufficiency and investing in their future. The organization is requesting toys and other children’s items for the holiday season.

Call (561) 822-1520 for more information about the West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

GreenMarket In WPB To Help Back To Basics

Wellington Park Holiday Hours

Shulamit Hadassah will hold its Tu B’Shevat Seder on Wednesday, Jan 20 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9910 Stribling Way, Wellington).

Admission is a suggested donation of $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call Helene at (561) 512-3172 or e-mail coolmama18@hotmail.com.

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket will host a Gift Giveback on Saturday, Dec. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Patrons who received unwanted or duplicate holiday gifts can bring them to the market for a good cause. Gifts can be dropped off at a tent located next to Sandi, the holiday tree, on the Great Lawn.

Donated items will be re-gifted

Wellington’s Village Park gym will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 31.

The gym will be closed all day on Friday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Jan. 1 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Tiger Shark Cove Park, Scott’s Place, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat, Olympia Park, Community Park, Wellington Green Park the outside areas of Village Park will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Town-Crier

AMERICAN LEGION POST 390 HOSTS HOLIDAY PARTY

The Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington American Legion Post 390 held its annual holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station #30. The 23 post members and spouses who attended brought food and goodies for the occasion. The food that was not consumed remained for fire-rescue personnel to enjoy. In the holiday spirit, a good time was enjoyed by all. Post 390 and its member veterans extend a happy holiday season to the entire community.

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

NEWS

Page 9

WELLINGTON HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY FISHING CLASSIC

The 25th annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic took place Saturday, Dec. 19 at Village Park in Wellington, where approximately 70 young anglers sought to catch the big one. Prizes were given out in several age divisions. The tournament was presented by the Village of Wellington, in conjunction with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

6 & Under Winners: Mia Krumm (third), Caleb Butler (first) and Kara Dunlap (second).

Dozens of young anglers took part in the annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic.

Troy Weber with Darren Lieb, who caught a 9 oz. cichlid.

7-9 Winners: Hailey Jacobs (third), Wyatt Manley (second) and Maijah Mitchell (first).

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officer Jennifer Newman with Cole and Rylee Harter.

Layla Lovern waits for a fish.

14 Maijah Mitchell with a 12 oz. bass.

10-12 Winners: Allan Manuel (first), Jahsiah Mitchell (second) and Cameron Howard (third).

Troy Weber with Kathryn Bojanowski, who caught a 1 lb., 6 oz. tilapia.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers Lee LeBlanc and Jennifer Newman.

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

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Page 13

NEWS

WYCLIFFE CHARITIES FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL TOUR DE WYCLIFFE EVENT The Wycliffe Charities Foundation sponsored its annual Tour de Wycliffe Bike/Run Walk event on Sunday, Dec. 13 to raise money for local charities. Some of these charities include Faith, Hope & Love Charity; the Kids Cancer Foundation; Families-First; AVDA-Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse; and Hospice of Palm Beach County. Learn more at www.wycliffecharities.com. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Darrell Wilde, Marge Goldner and Norm Primost.

Carole Lidz and Mical Fogeo ran the check-in table.

Jackie Ertel and Eric Gimer coordinated the food.

Marian Rubin, Marge Goldner, Matthew Ladika of HomeSafe and Elliott Tucker.

Event organizer Norm Primost with fitness supervisor Stephanie Corman.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Division Chief Nigel Baker, Marge Goldner, Amy Stablu and Darrell Wilde.

Sandy Erb and Michelle O’Boyle of the Kids Cancer Foundation, Julie Swindler of Families First and Erin Shea of the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County.

JEWELRY EVENT AT SEAHORSE A BENEFIT FOR JUSTWORLD INTERNATIONAL

The Diamond Event, a “December to Remember” by Diamante Atelier and the Seahorse Fashion Cuisine, to benefit JustWorld International was held Thursday, Dec. 10 at the Seahorse Fashion Cuisine in Wellington. Learn more about the nonprofit JustWorld at PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER www.justworldinternational.org.

Raeneal Goncalves, David Levy and Liliana Goycoolea with Diamante Atelier.

Buu Lam, Juan Gando, JustWorld founder Jessica Newman and Fernando Aguayo.

Jessica Newman, Anne Caroline Valtin, Juan Gando, Molly McDougall, Ariana Coniglio, Mei Mei Newsome and Amber Warren at the recent JustWorld benefit.

Page 14

December 25 - December 31, 2015

CHRISTMAS PLAY AT ST. DAVID’S CHURCH

St. David’s Episcopal School in Wellington held its annual Christmas program on Tuesday, Dec. 15 where the children sang songs and performed a Nativity play.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Luncheon Benefits RPB’s Grandma’s Place

The inaugural luncheon to benefit Royal Palm Beach-based Grandma’s Place was an incredible success, as longtime supporters and new friends gathered at the Beach Club in Palm Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 8 for a silent auction, live auction and appeals to help Grandma’s Place continue its life-changing work.

Guests enjoyed a wine reception as they bid on more than 150 silent auction items. When guests sat down, they were welcomed by celebrity emcee Liz Quirantes, Channel 12 news anchor, who spoke about her deep commitment to children in the community.

Board Chair Karen Vaughan greeted guests and presented gifts and roses to Honorary International Chair Herme de Wyman Miro, Honorary Chair Elayne Flamm and Event Chair Lou Ann Wilson Swan. Committee members Sue Ellen Clarfield, Cibi Hoffman, Dina Rubio and George Swan Jr. were also recognized.

Treasurer Michele Poole gave a compelling speech about her commitment to Grandma’s Place and stories of some of the past children.

She asked “Grandma Bessie” Gordon, whom the shelter was named after, to stand and be recognized.

Then a few of the children from the shelter sang a Christmas carol

with music therapy teacher Karen House of the Palm Beach Music Institute.

As guests dined, they were entertained by a live auction led by Neil Saffer of Saffer & Company, which raised more than $15,000 with items such as a race car driver experience and a week’s stay in North Carolina.

Some of the guests in attendance were Commissioner Paulette Burdick, Jeff Koons, Tammy Fields, Sarah Alsofrom, Beverlee Miller Raymond, Ellen Smith, Suzanne Holmes, Helene Karp, Ellen Kestcher, Midge Lansat, Debra Porreco, Joan Rubin, Mary Simses, Deanne Stepanian, Patti Travis, Margaret Donnelley, Pastor Dan West, Phyllis Verducci, Sally Chester, Valerie Seifert and Mary Liguori.

Grandma’s Place is an emergency foster shelter for children, from birth to the age of 12, who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children & Families due to abuse or neglect.

Grandma’s Place is the only shelter for boys and girls from birth to age 12 in Palm Beach County. For more information, call Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 408-3060, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www. facebook.com/GrandmasPlacePB.

Grandma Bessie Gordon and Michele Poole.

Sue Ellen Clarfeld, Lou Ann Wilson-Swan, George Swan Jr., Cibi Hoffman and Dina Rubio.

ANNE GERWIG HOSTS MAYORAL FUNDRAISER

Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig held her mayoral campaign kickoff fundraiser on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at the White Elephant Restaurant with more than 90 guests in attendance. Gerwig is running for mayor of Wellington against incumbent Bob Margolis in the March election.

One of the performers at the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association’s annual music-thon.

Music-Thon Held At Wellington Green

Holiday shoppers at the Mall at Wellington were treated to the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association’s annual music-thon on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the entrance to Macy’s.

More than 100 students from 12 piano studios and the Bak Middle School of the Arts performed everything from “Jingle Bells” to Prokofiev. The young performers, who ranged in age from 4 to 16, are students of members who belong to Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association. This is the 26th year for this event, but the first

time that it was held at the Mall at Wellington Green.

The music-thon benefited Family Promise of North/Central Palm Beach County, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless families achieve sustainable independence.

“Almost $6,000 was raised this year to help the homeless families in our community, and we were so happy to partner with such a wonderful organization,” said Jan Fulford, president of the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association and music-thon chair.

Anne Gerwig with some of her supporters.

Shelly Albright and Anne Gerwig with Beth and Jim Gillespie.

Anne Gerwig with former Wellington Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore.

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SCHOOL NEWS

December 25 - December 31, 2015

Page 15

RPBHS DANCERS HELP OUT ADOPT A FAMILY

(Above left) First-grader Jack Hansen carries his sister Mary Grace Hansen across the stage for her performance as baby Jesus.

(Above right) Jack Hansen (left) and the Star of Bethlehem, played by kindergartener Max Hom, smile at Mary Grace Hansen.

Rosarian Holds Annual Christmas Pageant

In celebration of the Christmas season, the Rosarian Academy lower school performed its annual Christmas pageant on Thursday, Dec. 17 in the school’s theater. A total of 170 kindergarten through fourth grade students celebrated the birth of Jesus in front of family and friends.

The kindergartners dressed as the nativity characters, and the fourth graders narrated the Christmas story. This year, the pageant featured a live baby Jesus in Mary Grace Hansen, the youngest student to be enrolled at Rosarian starting in January.

The live baby Jesus appeared

in the final song of the program, Silent Night, when 5-month-old Mary Grace Hansen was carried across the stage by her older brother Jack Hansen (a first grader playing Joseph), and had the entire audience in complete adoration.

As Jesus lay in the manger, all that could be seen were tiny feet kick-

ing in the air as snow fell onto the stage. The pageant was a joyous and beautiful portrayal of the true reason for the Christmas season.

The lower school pageant was produced and directed by Gay Dedo, with choreography by Jeanne Bennet and lights and sound by Robert Sherman.

Seminole Ridge Announces Pathfinder Nominees

Seminole Ridge High School recently announced its nominees for the 2016 Palm Beach Post Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards, honoring high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in a particular

area of academics or athletics. The school’s nominees and the categories for which they were chosen are: Shane Artiles (mathematics), Elijah Freshwater (technical/ vocational), Clyde Goodall (computer science), Madeline Hard-

ing (sports), Devounte Ho-Hing (art), Gabrielle Marvez (science), Paisley Millhausen (academic excellence), Amber Pellicone (communications), Jacob Perry (music–instrumental), Scarlett Roque (foreign language), Jessica

Terkovich (history/political science), Amanda Vargo (literature), Julie Weber (drama) and Thomas Wozniak (reach for excellence).

The 2016 scholarship winners of Palm Beach and Martin counties will be announced in May.

PBCHS BETA CLUB REMEMBERS VETS

NHS ABUZZ WITH SPELLING BEE

Palm Beach Central High School’s Beta Club recently created holiday cards for veterans. They were hand-delivered at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Palm Beach on Dec. 11.

The members wanted to thank the veterans for their service and spread some holiday joy. Shown above are students working on their holiday cards.

New Horizons Elementary School recently hosted its schoolwide spelling bee. There were 16 participants, each representing their third, fourth or fifth grade classroom. The winners, fifth graders Franchesca Cruz and Nirmala Niraine, will go on to compete at the district spelling bee in January. Shown above are the participants and winners with Principal Betsy Cardozo and Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel.

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For the past 18 years, the Wildcat Dancers Dance Team, the RPB Dancers and Royal Palm Beach High School Dance Director Michele Blecher have adopted a family for the holiday season in partnership with Adopt a Family. This year was a huge success.

Each dancer from the dance department at Royal Palm Beach High School brought in a gift for their selected family member, making the family’s holiday a little brighter. Blecher tries to instill the thought of giving and sharing in each of her dancers. The dancers brought in their gifts not for community service points or grades, but for the reward of doing something nice for someone without personal gain. Shown above Wildcat Dancers Dance Team Co-Captain Alondra Morales and Captain Stephanie Sanchez with some of the gifts.

OSCEOLA CREEK NJHS SUPPORTS WATERFRONT WARRIORS PROGRAM

The National Junior Honor Society at Osceola Creek Middle School helped raise money for the Waterfront Warriors program by selling paper feathers to decorate the staff’s paper turkeys.

The fundraiser is called Feathers for Freedom. This year, the students bought the most feathers for the school custodian, Modesto Perez, pictured here with his feathers. The top feathered turkeys belonged to Perez in first place, Holly Clark in second place and Carn Aldoretta in third place.

Page 16

December 25 - December 31, 2015

The Town-Crier

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FEATURES

’Twas The Night Of This Christmas... ’Twas the night of this Christmas and all through the house, Not a grandchild was stirring, not a pet dog or spouse.

They had already wreaked all their havoc, you see, And now the big cleanup was left up to me.

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“What a day it has been!” I mused as I swept.

(I was glad for the quiet while everyone slept.)

It all started at 4 (yes, “a.m.” be clear) When the kids woke up shouting that “Santa was here!”

10 ACRES LAND — beautiful high and dry, cleared 4/2.5, Loxahatchee Groves $749,000 CBS, fenced.

20 ACRE RANCH — Owner financing, 24 stall barn, two residences, turn key. Riding arena, great location. Paved road.

Loxahatchee Groves. $2,300,000 paved road, paddocks, fenced and cross fenced, full irrigation and lighting.

Loxahatchee Groves $285,000

20 ACRES LAND — Okeechobee Rd. frontage Great Commercial potential, cleared, fenced, water, electric. $2,200,000

There were trucks, cars and blocks (all the usual gear) But this time a pink bed, a pink scooter, pink mirror.

A trunk full of dress-up clothes heavy with ruffles Sat next to some fake food (cookies, pies, cakes and truffles).

5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $324,999

5 ACRES LAND — House pad, well, electric, high and dry, fenced, 900 feet from pavement.

Loxahatchee Groves $299,000

5 ACRES LAND — High, dry, electric, well, paved road.

Loxahatchee Groves $199,000 5 ACRES LAND — 3 bedroom, 2 bath, South of Okeechobee, 1 mile to Wellington CBS High, Dry. Call for price.

1.25 ACRES — hi, dry, close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $68,000 1/2 ACRE 3-2 fantastic location 200 Ft. From Southern Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves. $225,000 5 ACRES — private, Delwood, close to White Fences. $149,000 1 ACRE 3-2 HOUSE — W/1-1 guest house, four stall barn, fenced, 200 feet from Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee Groves. $345,000 1.15 ACRES 3-2 w/garage Close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $224,900 1.25 ACRES 5-3 CBS HOME — plus 1000 Sq.Ft. Guesthouse, 25X40 detached garage.

The Acreage $282,900

Swathed in a pink boa that Grandma had got her, Tess beamed with delight. (That perplexed my grown daughter.)

“But we’re engineers!” my kid wailed with regret.

“How can Tess embrace all that frou-frou? Not yet!”

The excitement was mounting with each passing glance, ’Til Orion, age 3, did an impromptu dance.

Santa had listened! The train set was there!

As well as a lawnmower, up in the air.

5 ACRES LAND — 1/4 mile north of Southern Blvd. and Wellington high and dry, fenced partially cleared. $450,000

OKEECHOBEE RD. FRONTAGE — Commercial potential, electrical, high and dry, fenced.

Loxahatchee Groves $995,000

And of course the girl’s mother (my daughter, the tomboy), Had hoped that the sweet child would go for the convoy.

But little Tess toddled right past all the wheels, And sat herself down with her tea set and heels.

The stockings were full of nuts, candies and sweets, And even the dog had been lavished with treats.

There were gifts on the table and under the tree, Across the broad mantel (and some were for me)!

10 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee, fenced, cleared, electric, water subdivided into two 5 acre lots. $739,000

The Sonic BOOMER There were tiny tin pitchers and bowls, cups and plates, A doll with big eyes and another with skates.

Orion looked puzzled. What was with all these dolls?

But, behind him, his new sister was all laughter and howls.

And although their poor papa had been up until 3, Assembling items, we all had to “come see!”

The toys were piled high (had they been all that good?)

And Orion was hopping on tiptoe. (He should!)

2.5 ACRES LAND — Owner financing, South of Okeechobee,

Deborah Welky is

“I’m not sure,” I told Jen, unwrapping a sconce.

“But Santa Claus knows... the heart wants what it wants.”

As for me, I got just what I wanted this year, That brass sconce and you, my dear reader! (Love and good cheer!)

Happy Holidays and thanks for reading! from Deborah Welky, the Sonic Boomer

The New ‘Star Wars’ Film Is Great Fun!

The force is strong in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I had more fun at this movie than I have at any movie in a long time. It is the best Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back. Go see it!

J.J. Abrams has managed to totally erase all the doubts that fanboys like me had after watching those three terrible prequels years ago. He, with the help of Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote Empire and Return of the Jedi, has combined all our nostalgic feelings for the original movies and a new generation of actors to carry on the tradition.

The old empire is dead, but now the First Order under the leadership of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a leader wearing a black mask that makes him sound very much like a certain archvillain, massacres a village in order to get a map that contains the location of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who has been missing for 30 years.

One of his troopers, FN-2187 (John Boyega), is disgusted. Hotshot pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) hides the map in robot BB-8 (shades of Leia hiding a similar map in R2-D2). Poe escapes with the help of the trooper, who is quickly renamed Finn, but they

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crash-land back on the planet and Finn cannot find him. The robot has been adopted by scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley). The two team up and escape in an old junkyard spacecraft.

That ship turns out to be the Millennium Falcon, and it soon is taken over by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). The rest of the film is the story of the fugitives escaping the bad guys, getting the map to now General Leia (Carrie Fisher) and then also learning that the bad guys plan to destroy their planet.

Then follows the big battle with more than a few reminders of the battle in the original film, as well as the big battle at the end of the third movie.

The cast was uniformly excellent. Ridley was a strong protagonist, managing battle scenes and quieter, emotional moments.

Boyega was excellent in his pivotal role, and Isaac was a very strong presence whenever he was on screen, although his role was not all that large. Lupita Nyong’o nicely voiced Maz Kanata, a computer-generated version of new Yoda-like character.

But the film really belongs to Harrison Ford. Whenever he came

on screen, particularly since the film allowed him plenty of chances to repeat some of his signature lines, he took over. His scene finally meeting Leia after many years apart was incredible. By Leonard The two veterans had me, Wechsler and most of the audience, teary-eyed. And it was fun watching all the old characters: far away,” flash on in silence and C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca, then suddenly begin with the Star as they went through their turns.

Wars theme is a great way bring My one real complaint was the the audience in right from the fact that the movie was comfort- beginning. able because it constantly copied The special effects were great. from the early movies. It had a The new robot is adorable (I know desert planet, its bad guys wore what the hot present is going to be the same nasty armor, and there for Christmas this year), and most was a cantina scene with weird of the effects were done as a real aliens, and so on. There was even part of the script, not simply for a strong reference to one of the show. The new worlds seemed key plot elements in Empire. Of real, even to the point of quick course, since there are supposed views of alien animals, all contribto be five more movies coming, uting to the feel of “reality.” this may simply have been a way My wife gave the picture the to make the gentle transition into ultimate thumbs-up by saying new stars for the next generation “I’d like to see this one again,” of moviegoers. and I agree.

Special plaudits must be given This is the one movie you to John Williams, who seems to should absolutely see this year. write incredibly special musical Whether or not it is the best can scores for these movies. And be debated, but there is nothing beginning the movie by having close when it comes to pure fun at the words “Long ago, in a galaxy the movies.

‘I’ On CULTURE

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

Page 17

preserve. protect. defend.

We are fortunate to live, visit, ride and show in the most celebrated place for equestrians in the United States and the World Mecca for Winter Horse Showing – the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area.

A magnet for investment, the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area is a driving force in our local economy and the very trademark of our village. The preserve is a community asset we must defend from the temptations of overdevelopment and exploitation.

Because of its appeal and despite its beauty, the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area is under the constant economic threat of over-development and exploitation. We see the proof of these pressures today as thousands of riders, horses, spectators and attendants are dangerously pressed into spaces meant for dozens. We see the evidence in the constant probing of our Village council to allow more and more encroachments, exceptions and exemptions for developers in and around the preserve.

More concrete and more traffic in and around our equestrian preserve is not a measure of our success here in Wellington, it is a testament to our failure. When we lose our preserve, we give up our identity, invite trouble and ultimately become just another crowded and angry South Florida city.

As a community, we absolutely must remain committed to the principles of preservation and sustainability in the face of this constant pressure to abuse this resource. If we sacrifice much more of the green space and rural lifestyle in and around the preserve — the very things we market to the rest of the world and make our community what it is today — we will lose the very essence of our community’s success.

It’s in our best interest to preserve our identity, protect our brand and defend the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area. Together, we can do it.

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Page 18

December 25 - December 31, 2015

The Town-Crier

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NEWS

South Florida Fair Announces Entertainment Lineup For 2016 The 2016 edition of the South Florida Fair, which will be held Jan. 15-31 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, will host a variety of music from country and Christian rock to alternative and classic rock.

The classic rock bands are Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, the Guess Who, the Grass Roots and the Buckinghams. The national country acts are Emerson Drive and the Brothers Osborne, while the alternative rock band is Hoobastank and the Christian group is Tenth Avenue North. In addition, the Rat Pack Now will feature Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin impersonators.

Tenth Avenue North will kick off the national entertainment schedule at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17. The group, which formed while in college in West Palm Beach and made its national debut in 2008, won the Gospel Music Association Dove Award in 2009 for New Artist of the Year, and in 2010, “By Your Side” was named Song of the Year. They recently

released their fourth studio album, Cathedrals.

The versatile L.A. band Hoobastank will perform at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The band’s Fight or Flight album marks the beginning of an important new chapter in its nearly two-decade run. Described as musically and emotionally intense work, the LP is Hoobastank’s initial release on their own Open E Entertainment label following a productive decade on Island Records, during which they ruled the modern rock charts, sold 10 million albums and crossed over with the iconic smash hit “The Reason.”

Next up, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, Emerson Drive will perform. This Grammy-nominated country band has a decade of music and more than a million miles of life on the road behind them as they look toward a bright future.

The band has been a part of the country music scene since they signed their first record deal with DreamWorks Records Nashville in 2001. The Decade & Driving

Tour celebrates the 10 years of music that began with their debut single, “I Should Be Sleeping,” and continues today with their most recent single release, “Let Your Love Speak.”

Starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, the first of two Bike Nights, the Guess Who takes the stage, a group connected with a hit parade spanning 14 Top 40 hits, including “These Eyes,” “Clap For the Wolfman,” “Hand Me Down World” and “Share the Land,” as well as fellow classics and double-sided singles like their #1 rock anthem, “American Woman” and “No Sugar Tonight,” plus “Laughing” and “Undun.”

At 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, the Rat Pack Now will feature Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin impersonators.

Then at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Buckinghams, one of the most beloved and respected Chicago bands to burst onto the national scene, will entertain guests with familiar pop rock tunes from the 1960s and 1970s. Since

Women Of The Western Communities To Meet Jan. 14

The next meeting of the Women of the Western Communities will be held Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington.

The “meet and mingle” will start at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The guest speaker for the evening will be cookbook author, chef, caterer and Wellington resident Sandy Axelrod, who will discuss her new cookbook, Affairs To Remember. Copies will be available for purchase.

The meeting will also feature

a cookbook exchange. Bring a cookbook of any kind (preferably in good condition), and trade it for another member’s cookbook.

The evening will also include a delicious dinner. The guest fee is $30. RSVP for the meeting no later than Jan. 4.

The monthly donation will be non-perishable foods of any kind.

The donations will go to families residing at the Harmony House.

Bring donations in a sturdy bag or box to be transported easily and safely.

Coming soon is the club’s polo fundraiser, set for Sunday, Feb. 21 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Tickets are $100 each and include the phenomenal champagne brunch, a lively game of polo and lots of people watching.

Last February, the club raised a lot of money during the fundraiser.

Tickets will be sold through the club; details will be coming soon.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Mair Armand at mair@wwc-fl.com or (561) 6350011.

Major Wellington Milestone

utilizing local retail and service providers.

Tentatively set for March 19, there will be another special anniversary event with bounce houses, bands and more. The first council meeting occurred in March 1996, Garvey said, and the event is meant to honor and celebrate this Wellington milestone.

“It will be a really nice, feelgood environment celebration of the 20 years of incorporation,” Garvey said.

Public Information Officer Liz Nunez is looking forward to the events and taking a trip down memory lane.

“We are proud and excited to celebrate this milestone. Many great things have taken place over

the last 20 years since incorporation,” she said. “We are excited to share the memories, and look toward the future as we come together to celebrate our great hometown.”

The village has put out a request for photographs, whether they are of house construction, buildings within the village or anything that is reminiscent of how Wellington has changed over the years, including landscapes, council meetings and special events.

Photographs are requested prior to the Breakfast on the Green, and there will be an ongoing collection.

To send in digital copies of photos, e-mail communications@wellingtonfl.gov or lnunez@wellingtonfl. gov.

liminary approval by the council on Dec. 17, but they are actually closer to the village’s 12 units per acre density standard.

“We have 13.1 units per acre, which is self-imposing that density on the project, and that’s going to be a condition of our land use application,” Biagi said. “Because of this, we have additional land area with which to provide some of the amenities. This community is really going to be a high-end luxury community with a lot of resort-style amenities.”

She noted that the builder for the project is the Related Group, which is well-known in South Florida for innovative architecture and high-end apartments and condominiums.

Max Cruz with the Related Group said that since 2011, land costs have increased about 14 percent, while construction costs have increased 15 percent.

“Income growth during the same period has increased only 5 percent, so it’s critical that to deliver the highest-quality living, to look into units to justify the price for a luxury rental market,” Cruz said. “They don’t want oversized homes but amenities that will let

them escape within the community.”

Commissioner Richard Becher asked why a market survey was not part of the submittal.

“What do we have to go by but our code, which we have to follow?” Becher asked. “There is no documentation to support your position.”

Commissioner Jackie Larson said that she was not sure the proposal is a good fit with the village.

“I’m sure what you’re presenting is lovely, and I’m sure other communities are successful, but you are in Royal Palm Beach.

We have a number of things that are specific to Royal Palm Beach because we want it this way. This is a family community. You’re looking at people who want that extra space.”

Commission Chair Joseph Boyle said that the commission could only recommend what is allowable under the village code.

“We don’t have the right as our group to say that our code is bad,” Boyle said, adding that the square footage is a drastic reduction to the village code.

Becher made a motion to deny the application, which carried 4-0.

Anniversary

continued from page 1 the event, Green said, during the double 20-year anniversary, shows what a successful, vibrant and business-friendly community Wellington has grown to be.

“Teaming up with the village makes it even more exciting as our joint ventures always prove to be a success,” Green said.

Reaching the 20-year mark, she said, shows teamwork and local business support, which comes from patronizing local venues and

RPB Zoners

Frowns On Smaller Apartments

continued from page 1 the minimum open space requirement by village code. Staff doesn’t feel that is an offset sufficient to warrant a developer’s agreement.”

Erwin added that the developer’s contention that it is adding amenities to the apartments are actually amenities that are common in apartments, regardless of the size.

Erwin also took issue with a precedent cited by the developer.

“The Enclave, if you recall, was allowed to reduce the unit sizes. However, that development had an important difference,” he said. “They had an extra four or five acres of outdoor open space and recreational opportunities, which was pretty close to double the requirement for that development.”

Angela Biagi with the Wantman Group said that the developers are asking for zoning of 18 units per acre, which went through pre-

1985, original Buckinghams Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna and their band have continued to deliver fast-paced, solid shows that bring crowds to their feet to dance along. Their song “Kind of a Drag” is a standout favorite that first made them famous. Next came seven national chart hits, 15 singles and eight acclaimed albums. The Grass Roots, one of pop music’s most memorable bands, will follow that concert.

The band set a record between 1967 and 1972 by being on the Billboard charts an unbelievable 307 straight weeks, and they hold the all-time record for a one act, U.S. concert, by performing for 600,000 people on July 4, 1982 in Washington, D.C. At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, the stage sounds will return to country with the Brothers Osborne. Two sons from a working class family, John and T.J. Osborne form a twang-and-crunch duo that blends equal parts country and rock into one of the freshest, most identifiable sounds to come out of Nashville in recent years. Their debut album Pawn Shop will be released on the fair’s first day and features their current Top 15 single, “Stay A Little Longer,” which has already garnered more than 19 million total streams.

The main stage lineup will conclude with the fair’s second

Vacancy

RPB Explores Options

continued from page 1 ing got done. My thought is to get ahead of this.”

Valuntas suggested instructing village staff to give the council options for appointing a replacement.

“We have two options: appoint someone or wait a year for the next election,” he said. “I think a year with a potential for a lot of 2-2 votes doesn’t make sense to me, but that will be for a future decision to be made down the line.”

He suggested a review of not only what the council had done in the past to fill vacancies, but also other options that might be available from other municipalities.

Village Attorney Jennifer Ashton said that the council is free to choose the appointment process.

Blotter

continued from page 6 sometime between 7:20 a.m. and 8:10 p.m., someone broke into the victim’s home through a bedroom window and stole two checks and a 10-inch Samsung tablet, valued at $180.

DEC. 18 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on 70th Street North in The Acreage last Saturday evening regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:20 and 8:34 p.m. last Saturday, someone in a white truck ran through the victim’s gate and wooden fence.

DEC. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called last Saturday to the Palm Beach State College construction site on Southern Blvd. regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Friday and 7 a.m. last Saturday, someone smashed the front windshield of a Caterpillar backhoe, causing $500 in damage.

DEC. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas will perform Thursday, Jan. 28.

Bike Night at 8 p.m. on Thursday, also available for purchase online Jan. 28, with Starship featuring at www.southfloridafair.com for Mickey Thomas, the venerable $10 for all concerts, which is in San Francisco band behind sev- addition to the fair admission tickeral of the 20th century’s biggest et. To save money on admission, pop and rock anthems: “We Built patrons can buy advance tickets This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s at any Palm Beach County Publix Gonna Stop Us Now.” The band’s supermarket, Bud’s Chicken & new album, Loveless Fascination, Seafood, Palm Beach County TD is the group’s first studio record in Bank branches and Palm Beach more than 20 years. The band has County BB&T Bank branches. one of the most storied histories Adult admission, 12 and older, in rock ’n’ roll. While forming as is $10 in advance and $15 at the Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s, gate. A child’s admission, under the current incarnation of what is 12, is $5 in advance and $8 at the now Starship began in 1979 when gate (5 years and younger are free).

Thomas joined Paul Kanter to Those who are 60 years of age and resurrect Jefferson Airplane’s fol- older pay $7 in advance and $9 at low-up group, Jefferson Starship. the gate.

General seating is free with a For more info., call (561) 793fair admission ticket (which is 0333 or visit www.southfloridafair. required). Reserved seating is com.

Pinto agreed that the council should be prepared well ahead of time.

“I think it would be intelligent for us to consider appointing someone and not go a whole year with four members on the council, but it’s a good idea to get the ducks lined up with what that process would be,” he said.

Hmara supported the idea of village staff investigating alternatives. “Options are a good way to go,” he said.

Village Manager Ray Liggins asked whether the goal would be to make the appointment as close to the swearing-in as possible.

“To me, that would be a goal,” Valuntas said. “However, I don’t think we can do it until after the vacancy.”

Ashton recommended that they vote on a process beforehand so that it would be in place.

In other business, Valuntas reported on a workshop conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation at Village Hall the

day before, regarding the State Road 80/Southern Blvd. corridor.

“From my understanding, there is nothing on the front burner right now,” he said. “This is an information-gathering, data-gathering stage, but at least it’s being looked at by the Department of Transportation for whatever they plan on doing,” he said.

Liggins said that there is a link on the village’s web site where people can go to get the information needed to provide input.

Pinto said that FDOT is studying the SR 80 corridor all the way from Interstate 95 to Belle Glade in anticipation of future growth.

“They’re updating their 10year strategy, and a key variable in their seeking input from all the communities along that corridor has to do with all of the growth,” Pinto said, noting that much of that growth will be west of Royal Palm Beach. “They’re being proactive, and if you have an opportunity to provide input on the process, this is a good time to do it.”

93rd Street North in The Acreage last Saturday morning regarding a construction burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Friday and 10 a.m. last Saturday, someone pried open the access door of a residential garage and stole a Rheem 5 ton air conditioner handler and 5 ton Rheem condenser unit, together valued at $2,200, also causing $100 damage to the door frame and lock.

DEC. 19 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road last Saturday afternoon regarding a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, Jared Gilmore stole two Combo Ink packets, valued at $175.94, which were later recovered. Gilmore was arrested for petit theft and taken to the West County Detention Center.

DEC. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Citrus Place in the Sugar Pond Manor neighborhood Sunday morning regarding a residential burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 p.m. last

Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday, someone broke into the victim’s home and stole 20 pairs of Nike Michael Jordan sneakers valued at $4,000, North Face apparel valued at $250, and two gold neck chains valued at $300.

DEC. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called Sunday to a home on 40th Street North in The Acreage regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 11 a.m., someone damaged a lock latch, valued at $5, attached to a wooden shed. According to the report, the padlock was found on the ground, still locked, but pried off of the shed. However, nothing was reported missing from the shed.

DEC. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Cedar Bluff Place in the Meadow Wood community Sunday evening regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7:15 and 9:30 p.m., someone stole a shaking snowman Christmas decoration, valued at $70, from the victim’s front yard.

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

Page 19

NEWS

WINTER FEST CELEBRATION BRINGS HOLIDAY SPIRIT TO ROYAL PALM BEACH

Royal Palm Beach held its Winter Fest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Ice skating, a tree lighting, Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookies and more got everyone in the holiday spirit. There was a Kids Fun Zone with bounce houses, arts and crafts, a snow slide and more. Local schools, bands, dance groups and other acts performed on stage.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Marlee Brouthton visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Lily Forte and Alex Shaw sing “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

The Victorian Voices of South Florida sing holiday songs.

Gianna Swick meets Anna and Elsa.

Kailyn and Jayden Penney slide down the bounce slide.

The Dance Universe troupe on the Winter Fest stage.

Councilman Jeff and Carolyn Hmara, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Councilman Richard Valuntas with C.J. and Riley, and Mayor Matty Mattioli throw the switch to light the Christmas tree.

Mia and Camryn Moncelli slide down the snow.

Erin and Paula Beauchesne with Ben and Jerry.

SONS OF ITALY HOSTS CHRISTMAS PARTY & TOY DRIVE AT CULTURAL CENTER

The Sons of Italy Michelangelo Lodge #2864 held its annual Christmas party and toy drive for the Children’s Hospital at Palms West on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Guests brought an unwrapped toy for the toy drive. The lodge is accepting new members and planning social and benevolent events for the coming year. Call Sam Pittaro at (561) 412-8684 or Pat PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER Devivo at (561) 249-1298 for more information.

President Pat Devivo, Secretary Mary Ann Sardl-Loftis, Financial Secretary Louise Melillo and Trustee Frank Melillo with donations.

Betty and Joe Dente.

Carol and Joe DeVito.

Barbara and Jack Hamilton.

Joe Belluccio and Becky Kelly.

Page 20

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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Florida Whips Stage A Holiday Fun Show And Parade

The skies were clear on Saturday, Dec. 12, and the weather was perfect. That worked out just fine for members of the Florida Whips, who held a holiday fun show and parade that morning at Mida Farm in Wellington. Eleven beautifully decorated carts and carriages showed up for the event. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Business

Outback Co-Founder Tim Gannon To Open Fast Casual Diner Bolay

Bolay aims to bowl over restaurant patrons with a bold new dining concept. Created by Outback Steakhouse co-founder and internationally recognized restaurateur Tim Gannon and his son Chris, Bolay is taking a fast casual approach to fresh and flavorful food that invigorates the palate, inviting diners to build bowls packed with nutrient-rich super foods and tasty proteins. Page 25

Sports WHS Soccer Team Rallies To Defeat P.B. Central 2-1

The Wellington High School boys varsity soccer team traveled across town Friday, Dec. 18 to play rival Palm Beach Central High School, and rallied with two unanswered goals from Juan Aguirre to defeat the Broncos 2-1 on their home turf.

Page 29

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 23 BUSINESS NEWS....................................24-25 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................29-31 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 32 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 33-36

Page 21

SRHS Wrestlers Take Third Place In Kuntz Meet

Last weekend, the Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team traveled to Boca Raton and participated in the 30th annual Kuntz Dual Meet, where the team took third place overall. The meet is coordinated to give teams a chance to compete at a high level before the district tournament. Page 29

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

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FEATURES

December 25 - December 31, 2015

Page 23

Florida Whips Stage A Holiday Fun Show And Parade

After what seemed like several weeks of solid rain, the skies cleared on Saturday, Dec. 12, and the weather was perfect for whatever you felt like doing. That worked out just fine for members of the Florida Whips, who held a holiday fun show and parade that morning at Mida Farm in Wellington. Eleven beautifully decorated carts and carriages showed up for the event.

The Florida Whips is a not-for-profit statewide equine driving association offering education, clinics, pleasure drives, competitions, picnics, social gatherings and other activities.

“Whip” is the term used to describe the driver of the carriage. There are no requirements to become a member other than agreeing to safety rules and paying nominal annual dues.

Club members welcome the opportunity to introduce driving to novices and help them safely introduce the art of driving to their equines.

Victoria McCullough, owner of Mida Farm and a member of the Florida Whips, was the hostess and sponsor. The cone course was set up on her large grass side lawn, along with an elegant table offering fresh fruit, muffins and juice. A basket of carrots sat nearby, and a row of comfy wicker chairs had been set up for spectators.

“I own two Clydesdales, Luke and Master,” Victoria said. “I love driving them. I also think

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg that holding an event like this here in the village adds a lot of diversity. So many people ride and have horses here, but not that many drive. One of the nice things about driving is that you can do it with friends, whether they ride or not.”

She was honored to host the event.

“I’m very glad to host this event. I hosted the one last year. I love sharing this field with them. I won’t be doing the cones course, as it’s a bit too small for my Clydesdales, but I’ll have Luke hitched up and ready to go in the parade,” Victoria said. “I ride and show jumpers, but driving is entirely different. You have a 2,800-pound horse, and you can’t use your legs or seat. Your only connection is holding the rein, a thin piece of leather running from your hand to his mouth. That’s the biggest challenge of all, that he goes on trust, listening to that rein and your voice. It’s amazing.

I love it.”

Driving is a great sport, and a generational one, she said. “Parents teach their kids, and then the grandkids. And when you’re into the draft breeds, like I am, you have a band of

Victoria McCullough and Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis drive Luke. friends all around the world who also believe moor in Brevard County with her pair of minis, in the drafts and want to see this sport and these Sassy and Chip. “We left at 5:45 this morning horses continue,” Victoria said. to get here,” she said. “Driving is more fun Bettina Scherer, Florida Whips member and than anything. We like being out and enjoying event organizer, was on hand driving Banjo, a fun day like this, getting to meet other people her Dutch Warmblood cross. “Being here is and learning new things. It’s a great way to so lovely,” she said. “We’re very grateful to relax and enjoy the day.”

Victoria. We’d like to grow this event and open Veronica Close and Barbara Young were it up to riders as well, next year, and combine some of the volunteers who helped with the parade with a trail ride.” whatever needed doing. They were timing the Deb Bennett also attended with Sonny, her drivers as they ran the cones course. The trafShetland pony. “I used to ride, but I have bad fic cones, set up in pairs just wide enough for knees,” she said. “I started driving five or six the carts and carriages to pass through, were years ago. It’s a lot of fun. I love the camara- numbered 1 through 20 and had plastic balls derie of events like this.” set on their tops. They had to be navigated in See ROSENBERG, page 31 Max Ziaman came all the way from Scotts-

Page 24

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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BUSINESS NEWS

Farm-To-Table Dinner At Swank Farm To Help Film Festival The stars, both on the screen and in the skies, will be out for a red carpet-worthy gourmet experience on Feb. 28, when Swank Specialty Produce will be the hottest spot around for viewing the Oscars viewing during its Swank Table event, “The Envelope Please…,” benefiting the Palm Beach International Film Festival.

The season’s top ticket for gourmands and foodies alike begins

at 4 p.m., with farm-to-table food courses served from the area’s top chefs, including Josh Thomsen, executive chef at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa; Nick Martinkovic, executive chef for Jereve at Emko; Michael Hackman, chef and owner of Aioli; and Robert Bellini, pastry chef at Eau Palm Beach.

Additional guests for the evening include Buccan manager Ryan Zemmel and Stephanie Miskew, somme-

lier for the Glamorous Gourmet and the Wine Atelier in Delray Beach.

The fresh, multicourse meal will be accompanied by samples from craft brewer A Barrel of Monks Brewery.

Known for bright vegetables, exquisite greens and fragrant herbs, Swank Specialty Produce in Loxahatchee Groves is a favorite for all produce stands, top chefs and shoppers seeking the best of farmto-table produce.

Palm Beach County Golf Facilities Receive National Recognitions

Osprey Point Golf Course and John Prince Golf Learning Center have been named among the top golf ranges in the United States by the Golf Range Association of America.

Osprey Point received the honor for the first time in the five-year history of the facility. It was recognized as one of the Top 50 Public Ranges by the GRAA. Osprey Point features a double-ended, 300-yard driving range with grass hitting stations on both ends. Additionally, the range features more than 28,000 square feet of greens. There are two practice putting greens as well as two chipping greens. Also in 2015, Osprey Point earned a TripAdvisor

“Certificate of Excellence” while being named one of the top 50 golf courses in Florida by Golf Digest.

The John Prince Golf Learning Center was recognized as one of the Top 50 Stand-Alone Ranges, marking the fourth-straight year that the GRAA has honored the facility with the award after naming it the “Best New Range in the United States” in 2007. The facility features 56 grass and 48 mat hitting stations on its lit 280-yard driving range. The range features multiple target greens, while the facility also includes a 16,000-square-feet putting green, as well as a chipping green with greenside bunkers. Additionally, the facili-

ty has three regulation holes — a par four and two par threes — to allow golfers to further hone their skills.

In order to receive recognition by the GRAA, golf facilities must present an application that highlights not only a wide range of amenities but also shows a wide variety of available programming that benefits all levels of skill and promotes the growth of the game. The GRAA recognizes the top 50 facilities in three categories: Stand-alone, Public and Private. Winners are listed in the December issue of Golf Range Magazine.

To learn more, visit www.pbcgolf. com.

Swank Table guests enjoy an al fresco dinner in Swank’s own fields of green. A tour of the hydroponic farms followed by a meal hand-crafted before diners’ eyes is included in this sensational, sensory evening. Following the fine dining, guests will stay to enjoy a live screening of the Oscars.

The evening begins at 4 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m. rain or shine, with the screening to follow. Tickets

are $160 per adult, and proceeds benefit the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Entering its 21st year, the film festival hosts new movies from the United States and around the world, including more than 100 narrative features, documentaries, shorts and music videos. This year’s festival runs April 6-14.

To learn more about Swank Table, or to purchase tickets, visit www. swankspecialtyproduce.com.

Clerk & Comptroller Workers Donate Thousands To Charities

On Monday, Dec. 14, members of Circuit Sound — the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office employee carolers — performed holiday favorites while generating money for Leonardo Robilotta, a 2-year-old boy battling catastrophic epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

Robilotta was nominated for the 2015 “Season to Share” campaign

by Clinics Can Help. Each year, Circuit Sound selects a Season to Share nominee to receive donations.

The Clerks for a Cause Charitable Giving Program was created to inspire employees to participate in philanthropic activities and give back to the community. Employees participate in beach cleanups; col-

lections of books, school supplies, food and toys; and other fundraising activities. Through these initiatives, employees raised more than $50,000 in 2015 alone.

Of the money raised, more than $40,000 was collected as part of the Dress Down Friday program. Earlier this year, clerk employees participated in the United Way’s Hunger Heroes campaign, collecting 4,135 pounds of food for the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

“I am so proud of my wonderful employees. We believe that one small act of kindness can change the world, and we will continue to be a part of that change,” Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock said.

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BUSINESS NEWS

December 25 - December 31, 2015

Page 25

Outback Co-Founder To Open Fast Casual Diner Bolay

Bolay aims to bowl over restaurant patrons with a bold new dining concept. Created by Outback Steakhouse co-founder and internationally recognized restaurateur Tim Gannon and his son Chris, Bolay is taking a fast casual approach to fresh and flavorful food that invigorates the palate, inviting diners to build bowls packed with nutrient-rich super foods and tasty proteins.

Bolay is slated to open in early February in the newly built Buckingham Plaza at 250 S. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach.

“At Bolay, we cater to discerning, health-conscious guests with ingredients that uniquely customize bold, innovative flavors,” said Tim Gannon, a Wellington resident.

“We are innovating the build-yourown-bowl experience, and pairing it with refreshing cold-pressed juices, infused teas, and local craft beer and wine.”

Chef Martin Oswald, a former protégé of Wolfgang Puck, helped curate Bolay’s menu. As chef of the popular Aspen, Colo., Pyramid Bistro, he is known for drawing

Restaurateur Tim Gannon will debut a new dining concept with his new build-your-own-bowl eatery Bolay on State Road 7.

on his European roots by infusing a philosophy of holistic, nutrient-rich food into delectable high art. Together with the Gannons’ New Orleans roots, they built flavor profiles around this sentiment and their passion for food.

The restaurant menu offers food that is delicious, nutritious, wholesome, nourishing and cleanses the body every day. The ingredients Bolay guests choose from to build

bowl lunches and dinners blend tastes from other cultures and exotic spices from around the world.

Guests will have the option of selecting from a variety of bases for their bowl, plus raw and prepared vegetables and proteins, topped with custom sauces and separate add-ons.

The Gannons are committed to offering ingredients that are freshly prepared on-site daily, creating the perfect blend of healthy and savory.

A rendering of the soon-to-open Bolay at Buckingham Plaza.

Created with just the right amount of tasty and creative zest in every bowl, any meal will be outrageously good, since customers choose their own favorite ingredients.

Gluten-free, nutrient-rich items aren’t special requests; they’re always featured selections at Bolay.

Bolay will reveal grand opening plans as the date approaches. Hours will be 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Learn more at www.eatbolay.com.

Bolay’s Minted Tomatoes side.

Page 26

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Page 29

WHS Soccer Team Rallies To Defeat P.B. Central 2-1

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School boys varsity soccer team traveled across town Friday, Dec. 18 to play rival Palm Beach Central High School, and rallied with two unanswered goals from Juan Aguirre to defeat the Broncos on their home turf.

With the win, the Wolverines snapped a three-year losing streak against their crosstown foe and handed the Broncos their first loss of the season. The two teams are

ranked in the top 10, share the same district and most likely will face each other again in the playoffs.

Twelve minutes into the contest, the Broncos (11-1-1) drew first blood. Pressuring the Wellington defense, striker Vincent Knutsson took a ball and beat both the Wellington defender and the Wolverine keeper. Knutsson kicked the ball up and over the keeper into the net for an early 1-0 lead.

Wellington (9-3) did not get its first shot on goal until nearly 18

Palm Beach Central’s Vincent Knutsson scores the game’s first goal for the Broncos.

minutes in. Momentum swung in favor of the Wolverines, earning two corner kicks late in the first half. The Wellington surge forced the Broncos to use their defense, which did not see much action early on. However, the Broncos cleared away any Wellington threat that came their way.

The Broncos pushed back by putting together a couple of attacks, but the Wolverine defense was equally as stubborn and refused to surrender another goal. The Broncos held a 1-0 lead going into the half.

Seconds into the second half, Palm Beach Central earned a penalty kick from a Wolverine foul in the box and had the chance to go up 2-0, but the shot went wide. Eight minutes later, Aguirre beat the Bronco defense and shot a ball underneath the Bronco keeper for the equalizer.

In the 16th minute, Aguirre grabbed his second goal of the night to lift Wellington into the lead 2-1.

Wolverine goalkeeper Nico Gomez punted a ball with the wind that took a bounce deep into the Bronco

Wellington goalkeeper Nico Gomez leaps in the air to make a key save.

defense. Aguirre, on the bounce, popped a solid header over the Bronco keeper and into the net. “Lately, I haven’t been playing my best, and I needed to have a big night,” he said.

The Broncos put on the pressure, but Wellington showed little sign of fatigue and maintained its shape, moving the ball around well.

With just minutes on the clock, the See SOCCER, page 31

Palm Beach Central’s Trancito Velasquez leaps up for the header as Wellington’s Juan Aguirre defends.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Sem Ridge Wrestlers Take Third Place In Kuntz Meet

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report Last weekend, the Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team traveled to Boca Raton and participated in the 30th annual Kuntz Dual Meet, where the team took third place overall.

The meet is coordinated to give teams a chance to compete at a high

Hawk 132 lb. wrestler Calvin Crumrine shoots in for a single-leg takedown against a Dwyer wrestler.

level before the district tournament.

Teams from Broward and Palm Beach counties gathered at Boca Raton High School, host site for the meet.

The Hawks are ranked eighth in the county and are one of the most improved teams. The squad is led by new head coach Andrew Bradbury, who occupied the assistant position

for the past two years. “We’re trying to make Seminole Ridge a local wrestling power,” he said.

The Hawks went 4-1 through the group stage, and earned a spot in the gold pool against Palm Beach County juggernaut Olympic Heights High School. The Hawks fell to the Lions but then battled South Broward and bested the Bulldogs for third place.

Seminole Ridge 152 lb. Jarrod Smiley earns the pin-fall against an Atlantic wrestler.

Seminole Ridge finished the tournament with an impressive 5-3 overall meet record. The Hawks are a young squad with only five seniors.

Team results are as follows: Seminole Ridge defeated Miami Jackson 49-21. In the Hawks’ second meet, they defeated Spanish River 66-12. The Hawks fell to Boca Raton 37-36 in their third,

then had back-to-back wins over William T. Dwyer 60-16 and Atlantic 53-30. In the gold pool, they fell to unbeaten Olympic Heights 56-15, and then bested South Broward 51-30.

Individual results are as follows: 106 lb. Hilton Luciano, 7-1 with three pins; 112 lb. Hunter Claunch, See WRESTLING, page 31

Seminole Ridge 182 lb. wrestler Sean Edwards grapples with an Atlantic wrestler.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 30

December 25 - December 31, 2015

The Town-Crier

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Royal Palm Bassmasters Host Fishing Tourney On Lake Okeechobee The Royal Palm Bassmasters held its monthly fishing tournament on Nov. 15 on Lake Okeechobee out of the Scott Driver boat ramp.

First place was won by the team of Punk and Dede Duff with five fish weighing 11 lbs., 4 oz.

Second place was awarded to the team of Rick Eaton and Bill Latham with five fish weighing 11 lbs., 1 oz.

The team of Bryan Stavropoulos and Kiel Carr took third place with five fish weighing 11 lbs.

WRESTLING WINS FOR WIDRIG

Anthony Widrig, an eighth grade student at Osceola Creek Middle School in The Acreage, spent his time during Thanksgiving break at a wrestling tournament in Coral Springs. At the event, Widrig won his weight and age division. He has wrestled for both the Palm Beach County PAL and the Wellington Warriors kids program. He also participates in advanced classes at Osceola Creek.

The big fish of the tournament was 5 lbs., caught by the team of Mike and J.R. O’Connor.

The Royal Palm Bassmasters meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.

The club is now accepting applications for new teams and alternates.

Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing.

For more information, e-mail rpbassmasters@gmail.com or visit www.royalpalmbassmasters.org.

Debe Duff

Rick Eaton and Bill Latham

Mike and J.R. O’Connor

NINJAS ADVANCE AT GENBU-KAI KARATE

Genbu-Kai Karate recently tested and promoted eight Ninja students to their next belt level belts.

All eight are from the Wellington and Royal Palm Beach areas.

The 16-month Ninja program is specifically designed for preschool children ages 4-6. (Front row, L-R) Santiago Gollarza, Jack Silverstein, Anthoney Beckford, Logan Lopez, Avery Master, Andrew Lowenthal, Julen Cadmus and Grayson Cadmus; and (back row) Sensei Keith Moore and Jonathan Master. For more information on classes, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.florida genbukai.com.

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Wrestling

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Rosenberg

Florida Whips

continued from page 23 order and in the correct direction.

Going the wrong way, missing a pair or knocking down a ball resulted in time faults. The fastest overall score won.

“This venue is absolutely glorious,” Barbara said. “I love being here with these people. It’s so much fun. You won’t find a better group.

Everyone helps everyone else, hitch-

Page 31

Soccer

Wolverines Top Broncos

Hawks Third In Boca

continued from page 29 4-1 with three pins; 126 lb. John Arnold, 6-2 with two pins; 132 lb.

Calvin Crumrine, 4-4 with two pins; 138 lb. Nico Pieroni, 4-4 with two pins; 152 lb. Jarrod Smiley, 8-0 with three pins; 160 lb. Liam LaPeter, 7-1 with four pins; 170 lb. Devon McMinn, 3-5 with one pin; 182 lb.

Sean Edwards, 7-0 with four pins; 195 lb. Chandler Courson, 5-2 with two pins; 195 lb. Antoine Frantz, 1-1; 220 lb. Nelson Sutton, 1-6; and 285 lb. David Lyons, 7-1 with four pins.

December 25 - December 31, 2015

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

continued from page 29 Broncos earned a corner kick and dropped the ball into the box perfectly. The ball was struck, and appeared to be dropping in over Gomez, the Wellington keeper. But Gomez leaped up and snagged the ball out of the air.

“I was just thinking, I had to grab it,” Gomez said.

Seconds later, the final whistle blew, and Wolverines held on for the 2-1 win. “A little switch of the formation, and they did the rest,” Wellington coach Richard Wool-

ing up, decorating the rigs, whatever needs doing. What could be better?”

The winners of the cone course were Anna Carruthers, Deb Sparks and Deb Bennett. Also on hand were four members of the Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) mounted volunteers.

“We enjoy attending events like this,” Capt. Alan Weisberg said.

“This is a beautiful facility, and everyone’s very nice. We’re looking forward to the parade.”

By 11 a.m., the cones course was done, and everyone headed out, 11 carts heading down South Shore Blvd. Last came Victoria driving

Luke. Friends, including Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis and Santa and Mrs. Claus, joined her in her carriage.

“It was a wonderful way to share our sport and spread holiday spirit,” Bettina said. “Everyone slowed for us on the road. There were a lot of smiles and waves. It’s not something you see every day.”

For more information about the Florida Whips, visit www.flawhips. org, e-mail Southeastern Regional Director Eloise Nelson at sedir@ flawhips.org or call Bettina Scherer at (561) 308-2746.

Seminole Ridge 126 lb. wrestler John Arnold pins an Atlantic wrestler.

Wellington’s Juan Aguirre scores the winning goal. cock said. “They went out and made some great plays.”

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Both teams are on break, and will resume play after the holidays.

COP volunteers Mel Jacoby, Capt. Alan Weisberg, Julie Piccola and Nancy Fried with Mrs. & Mrs. Claus.

Page 32

December 25 - December 31, 2015

Saturday, Dec. 26 • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Archery for Beginners on Saturday, Dec. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for ages 8 and up, and Archery Open Range at 1:30 p.m. Learn the basics of archery from safety to shooting and develop a great new skill during the 2-hour program. Equipment is provided. Call (561) 2331400 for more info.

Monday, Dec. 28 • The Village of Wellington will host a Winter Break Sports & Circus Arts Day Camp from Monday, Dec. 28 through Saturday, Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Designed for kids ages 5 to 13, the camp costs $250 for residents and $275 for non-residents. For more info., call (561) 345-3217.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Lego Bricks on Monday, Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. Create vehicles or buildings out of Lego bricks. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Chess Club for ages 6 and up on Monday, Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The all-level chess club is for adults, teens and children interested in learning more about and practicing the game of kings.

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

•The Wellington Radio Club will meet Monday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way).

National Weather Service Senior Forecaster Arlena Moses will speak about the intense El Niño season. Call Larry Lazar at (561) 385-2986 or e-mail larry33414@aol.com for more info.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Scavenger Hunt for ages 8 to 12 on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. Participate in an exciting scavenger hunt based on the hit book Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein.

Try to figure out the clues by using the library’s

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

resources before everyone else does and win a special prize. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) Club with Brainiacs: It’s All About The Brain on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. For more info., e-mail echristian@sfsciencecenter. org or call (561) 370-7703.

Wednesday, Dec. 30 • Registration ends Dec. 30 for Adult Softball Leagues at Okeeheelee Park. Leagues are available for men’s and mixed teams, ages 18 and older. Leagues start the week of Jan. 8. For more info., contact Adam Schackmann at (561) 963-6722 or aschackmann@pbcgov.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Kids Wii U Gaming & More for ages 7 to 12 on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. Bored of staying home and watching TV during winter break? Play some of your favorite Wii U and board games with friends. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Card Gamers Club for all ages on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. If you like collectible card games, this is your place to be.

Bring your deck, box or binder, and come with a friend or make a new one. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will feature Matisyahu: Live at Stubb’s 10-Year Anniversary on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m.

For tickets, call (561) 832-7469 or visit www. kravis.org.

Thursday, Dec. 31 • The Village of Wellington will host Breakfast on the Green to kick off Great Hometown’s 20th Anniversary of Incorporation on Thursday, Dec. 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), with a breakfast

of eggs, sausage, hash browns, bagels, as well as a fruit and yogurt parfait. Coffee and water will also be available. Bobby G. will perform on the stage during the breakfast. Visit www.wellingtonfl. gov for more info.

• South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host Noon Year’s Eve on Thursday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ring in 2016 with a dance party, science crafts, dino-themed activities, popcorn, snow cones and a dry ice apple cider toast at noon. Decorate your own party hats and horns.

The event is included with paid admission to the science center. For more info., call (561) 8321988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre will present Capital Steps New Year’s Eve on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. Visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present “The Best of Forbidden Broadway 30th Anniversary Tour” from Thursday, Dec. 31 through Saturday, Jan. 2. The riotous revue features outrageous costumes, hysterical rewrites of familiar songs and dead-on impressions. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will hold its annual New Year’s Eve Gala at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Thursday, Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. For info., call Dennis Wright at (561) 653-1586, Lawrence Logan at (561) 7910162 or Junnette Powell at (561) 346-2353, or call the CAFCI hotline at (561) 790-4002. Tickets are also available at www.cafcipbc.org.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present the Mel Brooks musical The Producers on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis. org for more info.

Friday, Jan. 1 • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present the Strauss Symphony of America in New Year’s Concert 2016: Salute to Vienna on Friday,

The Town-Crier Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. with conductor Alexander Steinitz and dancers from the Vienna Imperial Ballet. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Saturday, Jan. 2 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold its annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Jan. 2. Registration is required. For more info., e-mail to cweber4aves@comcast.net or visit www.auduboneverglades.org.

• The Green Market at Wellington will be held on Saturday, Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Visit www.greenmarketatwellington.com for more info.

Sunday, Jan. 3 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a car pool and bird walk around Storm Water Treatment Area 1-E managed by South Florida Water Management District on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 a.m. To register, e-mail asetripinfo@ gmail.com, visit www.auduboneverglades.org or call Linda at (586) 854-0145.

Monday, Jan. 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Art Club for ages 6 to 12 on Monday, Jan. 4 at 3 p.m. Live through your art by exploring different mediums. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• La Leche League’s Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group will meet Monday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at Wellington Regional Medical Center. Visit www.lllwellington.org for more info.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Design a Puzzle for ages 8 to 12 on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. Playing with puzzles is fun. What if you could design your own? Use blank puzzle pieces to create a one-of-a-kind puzzle. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

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EMPLOYMENT COFFEE SHOP MANAGER: LOCAL F E D E R A L E M P. O P P O R T U N I T Y !

— $30K-$32k Federal Benefits Pkg! 3 years Management Experience. Send Resume to: Canteenrecruiter@gmail.com HIRING FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIANS — Full Time,will train. Benefits include paid vacation holidays & sick days.

Employee Health Insurance is available.

Must be 18 or older with Clean Drivers License. Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM send resume to carterbev@pyebarkerfire.com

Hotel Front Desk Clerk Job Opening

Person with good verbal/written communication skills and the motivation to provide good customer service. Flexible schedule needed (mainly night shift, weekends and holidays) Experience preferred, but we will train the right motivated person. Royal Palm/Wellington/Acreage residents will save on gas and travel time. Send resume via e-mail to info@ royalinnhotel.com or fax to 561-795-1502

Drivers: New Pay! $2,500 Sign-On Bonus!

Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

FOR SALE PRINTERS AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES FOR SALE — NEW Canon Pixma MG7120 - All-In-One InkJet Color Photo printer includes Ink $99; NEW Oreck Floor SteamIt $99. Vintage Sewing Cabinet $50. NEW AVANTI Mini Fridge $99. Used Once Eureka Big Shot Enviro Steamer $30. NEW “NEAT” Computer Organizer $99. Call 561-790-3951.

C L O T H I N G — B e a u t i f u l “ S P I E WA K Golden Fleece” Men’s green jacket, size 44, fully lined rabbit fur, World War II Air Force Patch. $100. Call 561-790-3951

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING 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 RC-0067207

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

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed.

Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — Serving Loxahatchee, Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves ONLY High quality, affordable yard maintenance. NO CONTRACTS! Locally owned and operated. 561-320-1118

LOCKSMITH C.K.s L O C K & S E C U R I T Y 561-7329418 Full Service Security Since 1960 — Service and installation of locks, safes, camera’s alarms, monitoring, duplication of keys, car remotes and so much more.

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./Ext. Residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-578-2873. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

PLUMBING JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

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

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ROOFING ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Call 793-7606

NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated.

Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208 Free Estimates

SECURITY SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years.

Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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

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

TUTOR IS YOUR CHILD NOT MEETING GRADE LEVEL EXPECTIONS OR NEED EXTRA HELP WITH HOMEWORK? HIRE A TUTOR! — Laura, Certified Elem e n t a r y Te a c h e r K - 6 5 6 1 - 3 2 4 - 6 4 8 8

\

WALLPAPERING

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper.

Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 30 years experience.

No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT WELL WATER AND CITY WATER — Supply, Service and water treatment. 561-7845210. Loxahatchee Irrigation Supply Inc.

December 25 - December 31, 2015 Page 33

LEGAL NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No: 2015-CP-005784 WALTER A. REILLY, III, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Walter A. Reilly, III, deceased, whose date of death was July 7, 2014, is pending in the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, Probate Division, the street address of which is Palm Beach County Main Courthouse, 205 North Dixie Highway, 3rd Floor, Room 3.23, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401, and the mailing address of which is P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal

representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December _25__, 2015.

RICHARD H. TAMI, ESQ. 7645 Persian Court Orlando, Florida 32819 Telephone: (407) 234-7195 Email: rtami2@cfl.rr.com Attorney for the Personal Representative / s / Richard H. Tami Florida Bar No.: 000884

Personal Representative: / s / Cynthia A. Reilly 8254 130th Avenue North West Palm Beach, Florida 33412

Page 34 December 25 - December 31, 2015

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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HERE’S MY CARD

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CARD FOR A S L O W A S $2 1 A W E E K

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

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PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

WELLINGTON

ADVERTISE • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE YOUR BUSINESS CARD FOR AS LOW AS $ 21 A WEEK

HERE’S MY CARD

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Page 37

December 25 - December 31, 2015

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GREATNESS

HERE

STARTS

Page 38

CSUSA’S

NET PROFICIENCY GROWTH IN READING, MATH, WRITING AND SCIENCE IS ALMOST

X 10

ENROLLMENT SESSIONS Now Available for the 2016-2017 school year SERVING SIX GREAT SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

HIGHER

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Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

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Learn more at www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

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Page 39

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December 25 - December 31, 2015

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