Town-Crier Newspaper December 2, 2011

RPB HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS DEC. 5 SEE STORY, PAGE 3

FOREVER YOUNG LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

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

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INSIDE Wellington To Begin $826,000 Roadway Beautification Project

Volume 32, Number 48 December 2 - December 8, 2011

PETS VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS

The Wellington Village Council unanimously awar ded an $826,000 contract Tuesday for beautification along parts of Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington Trace and South Shore Blvd. Page 3

Local Scouts Begin Christmas Tree Sale At St. Peter’s Church

Wellington Boy Scout Troop 125 is once again holding a Christmas tree sale now through Dec. 17 on the front lawn of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. A total of 350 North Carolina Fraser fir trees have arrived.

Sales from the trees benefit the troop’s continued activities.

Page 5

Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay For Life Kickoff

A kickoff event was held for the American Cancer Society’s Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Indian Trail Improvement District office. The relay will take place March 30 at Acreage Community Park. Page 7

Successful Barrel Racing Year At AHA

The last barrel racing event of the Acreage Horseman’s Association 2011 season will be Sunday, Dec. 4 at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, with an awards banquet planned for Sunday, Dec. 18. Page 18

OPINION Districts Are Better, But Not Good Enough

The proposed district lines released this week by the Florida State Senate may be more compact, but they remain creations of incumbency protection. While they may be “fairer districts,” they do not meet the spirit of the constitutional amendments Florida voters approved last year. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION ................................ 4 CRIME NEWS ........................ 6 NEWS BRIEFS .......................8 SCHOOLS .............................15 PEOPLE........................ 16 - 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 27 BUSINESS ...................29 - 31 ENTERTAINMENT ................32 SPORTS .......................37 - 39 CALENDAR...................40 - 41 CLASSIFIEDS ...............42 - 46 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Mall at Wellington Green hosted Paws ’n’ Claus on Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Ice Palace in the Grand Court. People brought their dogs to be photographed with Santa. Shown above, Eileen, Alicia and Melissa Wasnock with dog Ginger pose with Santa. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

PBC To Strictly Regulate Private Hunting Camps In Corbett Area

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission agreed Tuesday to acknowledge 13 privately owned properties used as temporary hunting camps in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area with the understanding that there can be no further building or subdivision there.

Planning, Zoning & Building Director Barbara Alterman was seeking approval to “recognize” certain properties as existing in the Corbett area and that, in exchange for the recognition, the property owners will agree to put a document in the public records acknowledging that there can be no further subdivision or building on the land. In addition, any repairs would be limited to no more than $1,000 per year.

Code Enforcement Division

Director Kurt Eismann said his department had received a complaint from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission outlining issues that its agents saw on a recent inspection.

“The issues were dredging and filling of wetlands areas and dumping of raw sewage in a cypress swamp area, trash on the ground and also unpermitted construction,” Eismann said. “After we did some research on this, we made an inspection and determined that there are 13 properties out there belonging to private individuals that involve construction without permits or subdivisions that are not allowed.”

There are a total of 54 acres of private properties in the 60,000acre Corbett area. “It is a very small portion, but it’s important that it be corrected,” Eismann said.

“We determined through research

that the property was sold off by the State of Florida starting in the 1940s. We believe that it was sold with the idea of recreational hunting and fishing.”

Over time, there was construction of small camps. “It grew further and there was more construction, and there was actually some subdivision of property,” he said.

In 1957, the county got involved and determined that any construction prior to then would be unregulated, but any construction after that time would have to meet code standards. In 1973, the county approved a subdivision ordinance, Eismann said.

“There were properties there that were subdivided after that date,” Eismann said, explaining that a list of the properties in the hunting area has been prepared.

Of the 13 properties, five of the See CORBETT, page 18

State Senate District Maps Would Dramatically Redraw Local Lines

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Florida State Senate released an initial draft of redistricting maps for senate and congressional seats this week, with Palm Beach County having more compact districts.

Rather than spread over six senate seats as in the current map adopted in 2002, Palm Beach County would have all or part of just five seats. One of those would have just a small portion of the county.

District 27, the poster child of gerrymandering, currently held by Republican State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, has been shrunken to the west coast and appears to have taken the former Wellington resident with it.

“I got a lovely call yesterday from Lizbeth,” Palm Beach County Republican Chairman Sid Dinerstein told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “It was basically a ‘Goodbye and thank you’ call.

I’ve worked with her closely for many years.”

Dinerstein said he was support-

ive of both Benacquisto and failed Republican candidate Sharon Merchant in last year’s District 27 primary.

“I’ve helped [Benacquisto] as much as you can as a county chairman, particularly where you had a primary where I had to stay as ecumenical as possible,” he said.

“But once you get past that, we were very supportive in lots of ways. I’m a big fan of hers, and very proud of her work she did in her first session. She got bills passed. She’s seen as a real player. Having said that, she’s heading west with the Republican part of that district.”

In place of District 27 is a newly drawn District 34, taking in all of the western communities, as well as the Glades, Lake Okeechobee, the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and areas along State Road 7 into the south county area, before plunging to the southwest, taking in the Weston and Southwest Ranches portions of Broward County.

District 30, currently held by State Sen. Maria Sachs, runs

roughly between Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 95 from Okeechobee Blvd. to Glades Road in Boca Raton; District 29, currently held by State Sen. Chris Smith, is roughly between I-95 and U.S. 1 from northern Palm Beach to Delray Beach, where it jumps west of I-95 to pick up both sides of Congress Avenue and farther south to cover Boca Country Club before heading south to Fort Lauderdale.

District 25, currently held by State Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, takes up coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties and expands inland on the north to include North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and part of Jupiter, then hooks around District 29 to the south to pick up River Walk, Lakeside Green and part of Cypress Lakes in West Palm Beach. The south end of Treasure Coast-based District 28, currently held by State Sen. Joe Negron, dips just south of the Martin County border to pick up some north county enclaves.

Dinerstein said he has a politiSee DISTRICTS, page 7

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Inspector General Supporters Criticize Wellington Over Suit

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s decision to join several municipalities in litigation over the financing of the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General prompted several residents to speak out Tuesday against the lawsuit and Wellington’s involvement.

Last month, Wellington joined with more than a dozen other municipalities in a lawsuit opposing the requirement that municipalities pay for a portion of the office’s cost.

During public comment, several residents noted that the decision to join the lawsuit was made at the end of a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 26 that did not end until nearly 2 a.m., when all residents had left.

Paul Razza, a Wellington resident and administrative assistant to County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, called the lawsuit a “stalling tactic.”

Razza, who said he was speaking as a resident and not as a county employee, said that people were aware of the funding method when they voted for the office.

“It was approved by Wellington residents who agreed to pay

the funds,” he said. “It’s a stalling tactic to say the funds are not there to be paid. All of us knew that we had to pay it, and all of us were willing to pay it.”

Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President Tony Fransetta, also a Wellington resident, said that it was in everyone’s interest to have and to finance the inspector general’s office.

“Members of council voted against the public interest,” he said. “Some of you still don’t want to fund it. I think for my benefit, for your benefit, mostly for the public’s benefit, you need the inspector general, because nobody is above the law or above the voters.”

Wellington activist Morley Alperstein requested 15 minutes to speak on the topic in advance. He was placed on the agenda for the public forum portion of the meeting.

During his presentation, Alperstein said that this lawsuit is the final hurdle in being able to have a truly independent inspector general.

“We have endured many obstacles in order to get a truly indeSee LAWSUIT, page 18

ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Pangea Bistro in Wellington held its first anniversary party Wednesday, Nov. 23 in collaboration with Utopia. The celebration included a live DJ and entertainment, dancing and drinks.

Shown here are Michael Kotz, Teresa Perkaj and Omar Calderin. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 13 PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Toy Drive To Bring Holiday Joy

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Hoping to give every child a reason to smile come Christmas morning, Wellington is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its annual holiday toy drive.

Toys will be wrapped and distributed to needy families with children who might not otherwise get a Christmas gift, Volunteer Coordinator Kim Henghold said.

“We want to ensure that all the children in our community receive a gift for the holidays,” Henghold said.

New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off during business hours at select Wellington offices until Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Locations with a box are the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) and the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace).

Henghold said that while toys for children of all ages will be accepted, teenagers are a group often overlooked during the holidays.

“We are providing gifts for children and teenagers up to age 18,” she said. “So if a household has teenagers, we will be providing them with age-appropriate gifts. Gift cards are always good See TOYS, page 18

Holiday Parade Returns To Wellington Sunday, Dec. 11

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Parade — this year with a “Rockin’ in the Holidays” riff — will march along Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington, kicking off Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

“Rockin’ in the Holidays is a musical theme,” explained Mary Lou Bedford of the Palms West Chamber. “Think of those songs, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ and ‘Jingle Bell Rock.’ We do have some floats that are going to be playing rock jingles and Christmas and holiday songs, and

we’re going to have a live concert immediately following the parade.

It will be a lot of fun for the community.”

Presenting sponsor Schumacher Automotive Group is sponsoring the bands, which will be announced soon.

The parade will feature floats, marching bands, clowns, dance troupes, costumed characters and more. “We have a lot of participation,” Bedford said. “It keeps growing every year, so we’re excited about that. We have over 125 entries. The businesses and community get so creative. Some of the floats are just adorable.”

Each of the floats will be announced as they pass by the grandstand, Bedford said. “Ben Boynton will serve as our master of ceremonies again this year, and he announces everything from the judges’ stand.”

Judges will be former Wellington Mayor Kathy Foster, Karen Cavanagh and Schumacher’s Sal DelGreco.

WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Jim Sackett, who lives in Wellington, will serve as grand marshal.

Sackett recently retired after 33 years on the job. “When I called and asked him to be the grand marshal, he said, ‘You know, I

think I was the first or second grand marshal when the parade started back in the 1980s,’ so that is a fitting tribute for him,” Bedford said.

The entry fees for floats and sponsorships help pay for nine $1,000 scholarships awarded to local high school graduates each year. The numerous marching bands in the parade receive stipends to help pay for uniform cleaning, music, instruments and other expenses. Bands this year will include those from Wellington, Seminole Ridge, John I. Leonard, Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach Central high schools.

Dennis Witkowski is returning for his 28th year as parade chair.

“He’s been chairing it from the beginning,” Bedford said. “He really is instrumental in organizing everybody. We meet once a month, and he does a great job.

See PARADE, page 18

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NEWS

Wellington To Begin $826,000 Roadway Beautification Project

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council unanimously awarded an $826,000 contract Tuesday for beautification along parts of Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington Trace and South Shore Blvd.

The contract was awarded to ValleyCrest Landscape Development, which was the lowest bidder in a sealed-bid process, Village Manager Paul Schofield explained.

It will pay for improvements on Greenview Shores Blvd. between South Shore Blvd. and Goldenrod Road, Wellington Trace between Greenview Shores Blvd. and Hy-

acinth Place, and South Shore Blvd. between Greenview Shores Blvd. and just south of Pierson Road, Utilities Director Bill Riebe said.

The improvements will not only beautify the area, they’ll also extend a reclaimed water main from where it exists now at Tiger Shark Cove Park, north to Goldenrod Road, and then east of Wellington Trace to Hyacinth Place, Riebe said. Landscaping improvements in the medians will include 196 trees and 13,418 hedges, plus about 48,770 square feet of sod.

It will also add in conduits for future landscape lighting.

“The palette is very similar to

what we’ve done on South Shore,” Riebe told the council.

“That will be the end product.”

Also included in the measure was a budget amendment that would take money from the Stribling Way/Forest Hill Blvd. intersection project and appropriate it to the landscaping project.

“The developer has come forward and will do the improvements as part of a development order,” Riebe explained. “So there are monies left that can be reallocated for the balance here.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig asked whether a landscape plan would come before the council before the project begins.

“My concern is I don’t want to have problems like we have had in the past where we say, ‘Oh, we don’t like that,’” she said. “I’m concerned if we don’t like it, it will cost us more in the long run. I want to make sure we don’t recommit the sins of the past.”

Riebe said that a landscape plan has been provided with a rendering of the overall look but that specific plants could be provided.

“The landscaping plan is for the same types of plants we have used on South Shore,” he said. “The center median on Greenview Shores will have the same look as that on South Shore so that everything blends together.”

The only difference in the two, he said, would be additional sod on the new improvement areas.

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said he was glad to see Wellington using reclaimed water at a time when water is in short supply.

“It’s such a great thing for our community that we’re using water we’ve already produced,” he said. “We’re not having to use surface water. Though there may be a cost now, it will save us in the long term.”

In other business, council members passed an ordinance 4-1 governing the removal and disqualification of board and committee members. The ordinance changes

the rules for board and committee members so that when they accrue two consecutive unexcused absences or four absences of any kind, the council members who appointed them would have the option to remove them.

It would also disqualify any board or committee members for having a felony conviction within 10 years of their appointment, or while they were serving.

According to a staff report, Wellington would run background checks on appointees, at an estimated cost of $1,250 each year.

The measure passed 4-1 without discussion, with Gerwig dissenting.

Holiday Festival Of Lights Brings Christmas Spirit To RPB Dec. 5

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach’s annual Holiday Festival of Lights will take place Monday, Dec. 5 at Veterans Park from 5:30 to 9 p.m., featuring entertainment by local school choruses and bands.

“At 6:15 p.m., the 30-foot tree will be lit, and at about 6:30 p.m., Santa will arrive for the kids,” said Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio, who advised people to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa.

Extra parking with a continuous shuttle service will be available at Royal Palm Beach Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.) and the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center

(151 Civic Center Way). Veterans Park is located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

“There will be food and beverages available from the Mess Hall café, and the village is giving out cookies and hot chocolate,” Recchio said.

Holiday craft vendors will be there, and the village will provide free holiday craft making for children, co-sponsored by TD Bank.

“All the supplies will be there,” Recchio said.

There will also be performances by local children, including choirs and dance classes from the village’s recreation department, Royal Palm Beach High School, La Petite Academy, Royal Palm Beach Elementary School, Cy-

press Trails Elementary School, Donna Tucci’s School of Dance, the Crestwood Middle School step and cheer team and the Crestwood Middle School band. Music will also be provided by DJ Terry Harms.

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, father of three young children, said the tree-lighting is one of his family’s favorite events.

“It’s a great thing, and it’s well-attended,” Valuntas said.

“As I remember, last year was quite cold. I don’t think we’re going to get that this year, but it’s a lot of fun. I know my kids, in particular the baby, like just going to the park and playing.

The kids love to see the Christmas tree and Santa.”

Valuntas said the event is good for drawing members of the community together.

“I’m glad we can get people out to enjoy the holiday season, and hopefully much better weather this year,” said Valuntas, who added that he has attended village-sponsored events such as the tree lighting and fall festival for years but that having children gives him a different perspective. “It’s much different when you’ve got the little ones and seeing it through their eyes. It’s kind of like a magical experience for them.”

For more information about the Holiday Festival of Lights, call the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center at (561) 790-5124 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

Santa Claus visits last year’s Holiday Festival of Lights.

TOWN-CRIER FILE PHO TO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Lox Groves Officials Plan January Council-District Joint Meeting

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and the Town of Loxahatchee Groves are arranging a joint meeting to discuss several ideas on how to streamline the two entities and operate more efficiently.

Loxahatchee Groves Town Manager Mark Kutney said he is planning on Saturday, Jan. 14 for the meeting.

“I’m in the process of securing the Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School cafetorium,” Kutney told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.

The time is tentatively set for 9 a.m. to noon. “I will be talking to the council on Tuesday,” Kutney said. “We’re still trying to firm up the details. They had talked about forming some sort of consensus.

They had identified some issues.

Right now, we’re moving toward getting it ready. If they want a facilitator, we’ll work that out.”

Although volatile relations that had existed right after the town’s incorporation in 2006 have calmed, there has been ongoing discussion on how to bring the two entities closer together. There has also been some discussion about an eventual merger.

At the Nov. 14 LGWCD meeting, supervisors discussed items submitted by the council for consideration at the workshop, including a process to possibly merge the town and district and whether that process would be economically and functionally effective for the Loxahatchee Groves community.

They also want to discuss how to coordinate between the town and district on road improvements and maintenance, as well as efficient implementation and maintenance of a community-wide equestrian trail system. In addition, implementing a “one-stop” process for all town and district

permitting is also on the agenda.

At the Nov. 14 meeting, LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said he would continue to work with town officials to schedule the meeting.

Supervisor Don Widing asked whether it had been decided to have a facilitator at that workshop, and Saunier said the use of a disinterested third-party facilitator had been discussed at an Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee meeting.

Widing said he favored having a third-party facilitator. “There are professionals trained in public administration education and dis-

cipline in these types of things,” he said, adding that he expected that “when it’s done, there [will be] some type of product, something that at least captures what we’re doing.”

Widing said he would like to get at least something to build upon from the meeting, rather than a talk session or gripe session. “I want some direction when I’m sitting at this meeting,” he said. “I want it to be a professional process, and when we get done, we know and the public knows what we did.”

Widing added that he would be receptive to sharing the cost of a facilitator.

Supervisor Frank Schiola asked whether the International City/ County Management Association could provide a facilitator. Widing said it could, but that there are other opportunities.

“We’ve got a community college that’s wanting to build here; you’ve got Florida Atlantic University; you’ve got Palm Beach Atlantic University; you’ve got Barry University, [and] Keiser,” Widing said. “They have schools of government that do these types of things. Some of it is even working projects among the students.

They have a lot of resources that See LOX GROVES, page 18

Page 4 December 2 - December 8, 2011

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OUR OPINION

Senate’s Proposed District Lines Are Better, But Not Good Enough Another step was taken in the 2012 redistricting process this week as the Florida State Senate released proposed lines for new state senate and congressional districts. As a result of the Fair Districts amendments a supermajority of voters approved in 2010, the legislature must now follow tougher guidelines as it takes up the redistricting process. The amendment calls for more compact and contiguous district lines that keep communities together. While definite improvements have been made, the proposed district lines are far from perfect.

In the state senate, the most significant change for the western communities are the redesigned Districts 27 and 34. Spanning five counties and running nearly coast to coast, District 27, currently served by Republican Lizbeth Benacquisto, has long been one of two constituencies, east and west. Benacquisto, a former Wellington Village Council member, was elected after building a base in Palm Beach County. Now that she resides in Fort Myers, her constituents in Palm Beach County no longer have a local person representing them. However, the proposed district lines would leave District 27 to the west coast and put all of the western communities and the Glades in District 34.

Under the new model, District 34, an oddly shaped district that currently spans parts of western Broward and Miami-Dade counties, would instead cover a large, almost square-shaped block of western Broward and Palm Beach counties and continue north all the way up to the

J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. This would include Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage and Loxahatchee. While it’s good that the western communities residents would have a single state senator representing them, it’s possible that person could live in Broward County — which is exactly what we’re hoping to avoid.

The proposed congressional districts have the western communities split apart. District 16, currently served by Republican Tom Rooney, would be significantly more compact, covering all of Martin and St. Lucie counties, as well as northern portions of Palm Beach County. District 16 would cover The Acreage, Loxahatchee and parts of Royal Palm Beach. Democrat Ted Deutch’s District 19 would get all of Wellington, while Democrat Alcee Hastings’ District 23 would get a slice of Royal Palm Beach.

Granted, this is only an early draft, and these lines aren’t set in stone. If the goal of Fair Districts was to stop the creation of ridiculously shaped districts that joined areas that had nothing in common, then some success has been achieved. However, if its key was to create districts that would foster competition — not be incumbency protection zones and not let the legislature be dominated by partisan extremes — this is not a map that will accomplish that.

These are districts that let parties have an easy hold on them. They may be fairer districts, but they do not meet the spirit of the amendments Florida voters enacted.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR RPB Deserves High-Quality Candidates Reading Guenter Langer’s letter (“Occupy Royal Palm Beach,” Nov. 18), just “throwing your hat into the ring” does not make you a good candidate.

Looking through the information on Ms. [Felicia] Matula, current candidate for Royal Palm Beach mayor, I note that she threw her hat into the ring based on her concern for the future disposition of the old wastewater treatment plant. If that is the case, I wonder why she did not volunteer to be a member of the task force that was created to bring some discussion to the residents. She instead posted the names of the volunteer members who threw their hats in the ring on a Facebook page, and then asked that each be contacted to speak against any proposals.

I, for one, see this as an act of agitation and not leadership, as would be expected of one desiring to serve as an elected official of the Village of Royal Palm Beach, especially the position of mayor.

In further reading of the web page content, Ms. Matula advocated for the ousting of the two council members voting in favor of economic development of that property, neither of whom were the mayor. She seems conflicted.

As for the other candidate whose “hat is in the ring,” I know very little. He is web-page-less, most likely a good thing. And to close with a quote from Mr. Langer: “Will we see more hats?”

Royal Palm Beach deserves better candidates than what I see right now.

Jerry Coffman Royal Palm Beach

Support For Inspector General Suit Editors of local newspapers and some apparently deep-pocket advertisers disparage the effort by local municipal governments to challenge the methods of taxation

that have been established to fund the Office of the Inspector General.

They all like to cite the fact that 72 percent of voters approved the extension of the office’s oversight to the municipalities. Editors also claim that the public knew what they were doing when they approved the ballot initiative. But the public did not know what they were voting for. The rules for funding had not been worked out, nor had other details of the functioning of the office. Some of those details were agreed to by an unelected “drafting committee” months after the ballot approval. And Ms. [Sheryl] Steckler, the inspector general, continues to revise her own rules.

There are many reasons why the inspector general should be more accountable to voters. The office can easily become a fiefdom, operating in a manner it sees fit. It may well be that the current inspector general is not going to succumb to the temptation to expand the operation beyond all reason. But that does not mean that all subsequent inspectors general will be as well behaved.

I think it is a good thing that the municipalities are shining a spotlight on the office.

Phil Sexton Wellington

More Kudos For Horace Reeves I echo the sentiments contained within the letter to the editor by Jane Mades (“Wellington Employee A True Ambassador,” Nov. 25) regarding the blessing found in our “Wellington ambassador,” Mr. Horace Reeves.

For some time, I, like so many in town, have been the recipient of “this amazing quick fix” found in his earnest smile and wave. What a gift indeed, to be showered in an instant with the light and love that emanates from Horace. It brings me such joy to see him on the roadways and respond with a wave and identifying horn beep. He is an example for all in reaching out to others in genuine kindness.

I have for some time thought it

would be wonderful to honor Mr. Horace Reeves as Wellington’s parade marshal and have a significant parade role each year, and hope others will agree. This would not only honor his contribution to Wellington’s emotional health, but allow the residents to reciprocate in kindness.

Sue Talley Wellington

Affordable Care Act Is Needed Another election is upon us and another clarion call for partisan support. Republicans, still looking for a popular leader and not just a “flavor of the month,” have drifted from traditional conservative positions, e.g. “People should be dissuaded from welfare and support themselves at whatever socioeconomic level they can maintain,” to voting against any new White House initiatives that may advance recovery, a cause celebre not unconnected to the next election.

Ironically, more than a few progressives are assisting conservatives in blocking any new White House initiatives, giving rise to speculation that both houses may be influenced by campaign money from special interests, with “silent” Democrats content sitting on the sidelines, leaving Republicans to do the heavy lifting.

There exists in these United States a whole plethora of mandatory programs that citizens of this great nation must participate in, and it brings into question the complaint by conservatives regarding the Affordable Healthcare Act. According to a consensus of conservative opinion, there exists in our country a “great unwashed” who can’t or won’t take responsibility for their own healthcare, yet when a program is presented like the Affordable HealthcareAct, the argument by conservatives shifts from making people more responsible, a conservative tenet, to freedom of choice, an argument by conservatives in 1933 when FDR proposed Social Security. No one going to our emergency rooms throughout this great nation can

be denied care based on their ability to pay because laws were passed with bilateral support to prevent catastrophic epidemics.

During my long tenure in hospital management, I’ve watched and participated in increased cost shifting and cost averaging, which hospitals were forced to do to survive. Concurrent with the rise of unemployment, the number of people being seen has skyrocketed in emergency-room visits.

Presently, there is no mechanism that could contribute in paying for such visits, so it begs the question: Why would anyone be against any mechanism that would make it possible for people to participate in responsibility for their healthcare in a program that may lower the amount of “hidden” costs to those of us whose private insurance is impacted negatively by the emergency-room visit or hospitalization of the uninsured? It is apparent that resistance to the Affordable Healthcare Act is not based on its premise but on special-interest paranoia regarding regulation of the healthcare insurance industry.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

False Facts Blur Opinion Unfortunately, some presidential nominees don’t know the facts (Cain: “Libya?”) or just twist them (Gingrich: “I’m not a lobbyist for Freddy Mac”). In my previous letters, I asked my fellow letter-writers to stick to proven facts before muttering an opinion. We private citizens do not need to repeat the wrong behavior of those politicians.

In the Nov. 18 Town-Crier, Mr. Thomas Euell defied my plea once again. Just to prove my point in a response to my letter (“Debates Are Boring With Little Substance,” Oct. 28), he claimed I had stated earlier that I am “no expert on economics.” If he had checked the facts he would have found that it was not me but Mr. Phil Sexton who had stated just that (“Corporate Taxes Just Passed On To Consumers,” Sept. 9). My remark

about President Carter’s restrain from starting “unnecessary wars” (a term used by Ron Paul) led him to think I was an all-out fan of Mr. Carter. Mr. Euell, take the Kool-Aid you asked for: I was not. And: I hold a degree in economics.

Interestingly, by looking up the facts, I reread Mr. Sexton’s letter and found that he asked an interesting question about corporate taxes: Aren’t those taxes passed on to the customers in the end?

Well, the U.S. tax code is quite complicated, but we don’t need all the details. Taxed are only the profits, if at all. Generally, taxable income for a corporation is gross income less allowable tax deductions. The deductions, of course, make up all the difference. That’s the part of the tax code loaded with loopholes that, according to the New York Times (Feb. 2), allows companies like Boeing (4.5 percent) or Carnival (1.1 percent) get away with almost no taxes at all.

With the exception of S corporations and mutual funds, the part of profits that is distributed to shareholders in form of dividends is taxed again (15 percent).

OK, most corporations do pay a certain amount of taxes. Can they pass them on to the consumers of their products? In short, the answer is a little bit more complicated than just yes or no. Taxes are not part of the businesses’ calculations for determining the prices for their goods or services. On the other hand, the consumers who buy those products provide the corporations with the sought-after profits, which are then subject of taxing. But, of course, the owners of those corporations and, very importantly, the corporations themselves are consumers as well,

and as such they also buy goods and services produced and provided by other corporations. If I don’t own a business, I may either pay income or payroll tax, and I can deduct certain goods or services I needed for my work. This way, some of the money I contribute to some business’ profits will reduce my own taxes.

As the saying goes, in the long run, we are all dead, and so in the end we all provide the IRS with the revenues, partly collected by corporations through their profits.

The less the consumers buy, the less they contribute to the revenues. Ideally, the more profitable businesses generate and collect more money to pass on to the IRS in the form of taxes. However, as mentioned above, this is hardly the case. A tax reform is direly needed.

One last word to Mr. Sexton’s letter in the Nov. 18 edition (“Get Back To Founding Principles”). He pleads for a return to some “principles” that have been “abandoned” during the last 100 years.

The principle he describes is the freedom to determine a price for goods or services between a seller and a buyer. He confuses this freedom, which is still valid, with the redistribution of wealth through the government, which he apparently doesn’t like and wants to get rid of. I don’t know if he really thought through his idea.

It would mean to abolish public schools, libraries, fire departments, security forces, streets, etc. Maybe he thinks a little less radically and just wants to abandon Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, retirement benefits, etc. Really?

Guenter Langer Royal Palm Beach

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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OPINION

Despite Budget Cuts, Sheriff’s Office Maintains Its Key Resources A few months ago, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office adopted a new $464 million budget for the current year. It wasn’t an easy process.

As you know, ongoing economic problems have hurt local tax revenues and forced all county agencies, including the sheriff’s office, to reduce costs. At the same time, demand for public safety services has gone up because of population growth in Palm Beach County over the past decade.

Making matters even harder, county administrators had asked my agency to make even deeper cuts in our staffing and programs because we’re perceived as being a major expense to the county’s operating budget. That’s not the case.

POINT OF VIEW

By PBC Sheriff Ric Bradshaw The sheriff’s office budget includes services that we aren’t required to administer. Those services are: running the county’s jails, securing the courthouses, operating the crime lab and managing school crossing guards. The costs to run them: $151 million this year. The county is re-

sponsible for providing them, not the sheriff’s office. We’ve managed these services for decades simply because they are natural functions of my agency. In fact, we’ve managed them at a bargain price compared to what it would cost the county to run them separately as county departments.

My agency is an independent organization under the law, and I’m mainly responsible for law enforcement, making sure our county is secure. I know there’s a lot of pressure in government to reduce spending, but I’m not going to make detrimental cuts to law enforcement based on wrong assumptions about my agency’s core responsibilities. Rest assured, your safety is my top priority.

Despite the cuts, we have kept in place all of our key resources to respond to emergency calls and fight major crime. Our specialized investigators are working to lock up gang leaders and end their destructive crime sprees. Other detectives are closing open-air drug markets near rogue pain clinics and investigating doctors, nurses and pharmacists who enable doctor shopping and other unlawful acts.

As we’ve made our county safer, I have directed my staff to ensure that fiscal responsibility is integral to all operational decisions. In recent years, we have held off on buying new vehicles to replace old ones. We have slashed overtime pay.

We’ve also become more aggressive in pursuing state and federal grant dollars.

In addition, with 4,000 employees, including 2,200 deputies, our staffing levels have not changed significantly since 2007, and I have directed my staff to ensure that we hold that line. I am also continuing to reduce our upper management staff, which is at the lowest level in more than 10 years, saving the agency millions in personnel costs.

For as long as the economic problems continue, my staff will be evaluating programs and paring down costs. But I’m not going to accept orders to trim expenses because of wrong perceptions about my agency. I won’t let anything stand in the way of us providing the highest level of law enforcement for the safety of our citizens.

Congress Needs To Get Serious About Fighting Childhood Obesity Is childhood obesity an increasingly serious concern to the medical world?

And how, say the vast majority of the medical establishment; it’s getting worse and worse. So what does Congress do about it? It recently blocked new rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that were slated to over-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin haul the nation’s school lunch program.

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The proposed changes, the first since the mid-1990s, sought to add more fruits and green vegetables to lunch menus.

They would have also cut the amount of potatoes served, plus there were changes in the way schools received credit for serving vegetables. The new rules would also have cut, by 50 per-

cent, sodium over the next decade.

Enter the Washington lobbyists from corporate giants like CocaCola, Del Monte, etc. to convince the lawmakers that the new rules would force prices upward and that kids might well throw away much of the new, more healthful food.

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“The new rules will not increase the delivery of key ingredients,” said that august “nutritional expert” John Keeling of the National Potato Council. His remarks made no reference to the bottom line of his corporate clients.

Marge Wooten, director of nutritional policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, re-

torted this way: “At a time when child nutrition and childhood obesity are important national health concerns, Congress should be supporting the United States Department of Agriculture in its efforts to serve healthier school meals, not undermining them.”

I couldn’t agree more. Who says Congress does nothing?

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December 2 - December 8, 2011

Page 5

NEWS

LOCAL SCOUTS BEGIN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE SALE AT ST. PETER’S CHURCH Wellington Boy Scout Troop 125 is once again holding a Christmas tree sale now through Dec. 17 on the front lawn of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. A total of 350 North Carolina Fraser fir trees have arrived from the same supplier of the White House’s tree. Sales from the trees benefit the troop’s continued activities. SEE VIDEO AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Kaylee and Keyton King look at Christmas trees.

Jamie Dindal helps move trees.

Boy Scouts Austin Schwartz and Carson Dindal move trees for customers.

Abby Jo and Steve Winsor pick out a Christmas tree.

Samantha, Jacob, Cary and Dana Schwartz help the scouts sell trees.

SHOPPERS GET AN EARLY START ON BLACK FRIDAY DEALS AT AREA RETAIL STORES People started lining up at local stores Thanksgiving morning Thursday, Nov. 24 hoping to take advantage of Black Friday deep discount sales. The Super Target store in Royal Palm Beach and Best Buy in Wellington’s Isla Verde shopping center had lines forming at 10 a.m. The main item shoppers sought w as a deal on televisions.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Sandra Palacio and her son Juan-Pablo Lopez were first in line at Target to get a deal on a 46” TV.

Joe Maria, Gary Hess and Johnny Hernandez wait in line at Best Buy in Wellington for doorbuster deals on 42” T Vs.

Laura Dierks looks over the Target ad for deals on DVDs to send to her son.

Page 6

December 2 - December 8, 2011

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CRIME NEWS

Dog Stolen From Home In Royal Palm

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report NOV. 29 — A resident of Counterpoint Estates called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday to report a burglary.

According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 7:45 a.m. and when she returned at approximately 1:55 p.m., she noticed that the interior garage door leading into the home was open. The victim discovered that her dog, a Yorkshire terrierChihuahua mix, was missing and the gate to the kennel was open.

The perpetrator(s) stole two 42inch televisions and a DVD player, along with several pieces of jewelry. According to the report, the deputy believed that entrance was made to the home by breaking the glass of the rear sliding glass door and then exiting through the front door. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

••• NOV. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a home in the Willows early last Thursday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he left his Acer laptop computer under the passenger seat of his car and went out for the night. Sometime between 12:30 and 3:20 a.m., someone entered the victim’s vehicle and stole the laptop computer, which was valued at approximately $500. According to the report, the victim said that his rear passenger window was broken and could be opened just by pushing down on it. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there was no further information available.

NOV. 24 — A resident of 63rd Lane North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Thursday afternoon to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4 and 3 p.m. last Thursday, someone stole the victim’s racing go-karts from a shed behind his house. The victim said the home is his second home, and he returned to discover that the lock on the shed was missing and that the go-karts were missing.

According to the report, the stolen vehicles are EasyKart go-karts.

One was described as a blue 125 cc go-kart, valued at $7,000. The other was a red 60cc go-kart valued at $5,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 24 — Two Wellington residents called the PBSO substation in Wellington late last Thursday night to report a case of assault. According to the report, the first victim said she was driving on Greenview Shores Blvd. when she heard a noise that sounded like a gunshot. When she arrived home, she noticed a chip in the rear passenger window. The second victim said he was traveling down Greenbriar Blvd. when he saw a young black female walk into the street and throw a rock, striking his rear passenger door jamb. The second victim said he observed the suspect, along with a group of other juveniles. According to the report, the girl was described as a black female between 10 and 13 years old, heavy-set and

wearing pigtails and a pink T-shirt.

NOV. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 140th Avenue North last Friday morning regarding a theft.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. last Thursday and 9:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unoccupied property and stole two catalytic converters from the victim’s vehicles. The victim said that he had been working at the property last Thursday, but did not notice any evidence of a theft at the time. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 25 — A resident of 71st Place North called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Friday afternoon to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s brother parked the victim’s blue 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in the driveway and left the keys in a mailbox. Sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., someone removed the vehicle from the driveway. The victim said he called his brother, who said he’d left the truck at the house. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 26 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested last Saturday night on drug charges following a traffic stop off State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol when he received a report of a drunk driver near the intersection of State Road 7 and Belvedere Road. The deputy observed a blue Chrysler Town Car that matched the description speeding and drifting in and out of the bicycle lane. According to the report, the vehicle made a wide turn onto an access road and into oncoming traffic.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 50-year-old Angela Kloepping. A second deputy arrived on scene to perform roadside tasks. According to the report, prior to towing the vehicle, the deputy discovered two crack cocaine rocks weighing .3 grams in the vehicle, as well as a crack cocaine pipe in the dashboard. Kloepping was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was charged with possession of cocaine and drug equipment.

NOV. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a property on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves on Monday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight on Thursday, Nov. 17 and 8:30 a.m. Monday, someone entered the property and stole a water pump valued at approximately $300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 28 — A resident of Sunflower Circle called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday morning regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. last Friday and 7 a.m.

Monday, someone entered the victim’s garage and removed a 40caliber Glock handgun from the victim’s unlocked vehicle, along See BLOTTER, page 18

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in f inding these wanted fugitives: • Iliana Guzman-Menencia is a white female, 5’1” tall and weighing 120 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She has scars on her abdomen and right foot. Her date of birth is 05/11/76. GuzmanMenencia is wanted for failure to appear on charges of trafficking in marijuana, unlawful possession of property for trafficking, and sale or manufacture of a controlled substance. Her occupation is housekeeper. Her last known address was Seminole Road in P alm Springs.

Guzman-Menencia is wanted as of 12/ 01/11.

• Kenya Sams is a black male, 6’1” tall and weighing 195 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos.

His date of birth is 01/19/78. Sams is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of robbery with a deadly weapon.

His occupation is stereo tech. His last known addresses were White Pine Drive in Wellington and Old Dixie Highway in Riviera Beach. Sams is wanted as of 12/ 01/11.

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.

Iliana GuzmanMenencia

Kenya Sams

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

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December 2 - December 8, 2011

Page 7

NEWS

ACREAGE/LOXAHATCHEE RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF EVENT HELD AT ITID OFFICE

A kickoff event was held for the American Cancer Society’s Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Indian Trail Improvement District office. The event included a video on the history and purpose of the relay, stories from local cancer sur vivors and complete information on the relay, which will take place March 30 at Acreage Community Park. For more info., or to sign up a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/acreagefl.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Event Chair Becky Kobussen (right) with committee members.

Bob Renna, Arlene Pollock, Martha Gilmartin and Mike Moore.

Committee members Bryan Alarcon and Diane O’Connor.

Committee member Laura Hayes with Entertainment Chair Debbie Johnson.

Rockin’ the ’80s team member Donna Turpin with Hannah Johnson.

Seminole Ridge High School band and relay team members Sarah Probst and Keith Miner.

Commissioners Agree To Research Possible Charter Changes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission agreed Tuesday to research the advantages and disadvantages of several proposed charter amendments. Many of the measures are intended to save money, commissioners said, possibly including the appointment rather than the election of some constitutional officers.

Part of the discussion at Tuesday’s workshop was whether the county’s internal auditor was now redundant after the creation of the Office of the Inspector General and whether the charter can be changed to require constitutional officers to use county services rather than outsource jobs as some of them do.

Commissioner Karen Marcus said she would like to look into whether the internal auditor’s office is now a duplication of resources, and Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he agreed.

“I do believe that is an area that there can definitely be substantial savings, and I’d like to pursue that,” Santamaria said. “There is definite overlap between the internal auditor and the Office of the Inspector General.”

Districts

Senate Map

continued from page 1 cal analyst looking at the proposed maps and does not have precise political breakdowns yet. However, he feels that he has potentially viable Republican candidates to run in District 34, which will have somewhat of a Democratic edge.

“It’s probably meant to be a Democratic district and probably meant for Joe Abruzzo,” Dinerstein said. “We already have a couple of people looking at that, and when we have better numbers, we’ll know better how seriously to look at it, because we’re expecting another very good cycle next November.”

Commission Chair Shelley Vana said she would agree to look at it and see if there would be savings, but added she thought the two offices do have some separate functions. “I don’t have an issue with looking at it, but look at what other places have done,” she said.

“I believe they keep their internal auditor function, also.”

The commissioners also agreed to determine whether there would be savings by having constitutional officers utilize county services such as human resources and telephone and computer equipment.

Staf f pointed out that elected officers such as the sheriff, tax collector and supervisor of elections are not bound to utilize county resources and use their own if they so choose. The charter can be amended, however, by public referendum to have the commission appoint constitutional officers, in which case they could be required to use county services.

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor said she would like to look into the possible savings of centralizing some of those services, even if the constitutional officers’ positions remain subject to elections.

Deputy County Administrator Brad Merriman said his staff at-

tended seven public meetings to get input on possible charter changes, and also attended meetings of individual organizations, giving information on what the county charter was about and the changes that have been made to the charter.

“We reviewed the structure for all the 20 charter counties in Florida,” Merriman said. “That included a comprehensive look at the governance of the county, including constitutional, county commissioners’ terms, whether they are partisan or nonpartisan, and how the districts are structured.”

Merriman said the charter has had a total of 13 amendments since it was adopted in 1984. Two of those were put on the ballot by a petition of the voters, which were to have the seven commissioners elected by district (approved in 1988) and to limit commissioners to two consecutive four-year terms (enacted in 2002).

Staff collected a total of 933 surveys and tabulated 1,245 comments, Merriman said.

Staff got responses to commissioners’ questions on whether to have an appointed supervisor of elections and tax collector, whether to consolidate some depart-

ments and whether to have nonpartisan commissioners.

Top responses by the public were to keep elected constitutional officers, retain commissioner term limits, to continue electing commissioners by district on a partisan basis and not to change the charter at all.

If it is determined that there will be proposed changes, the preliminary reading will be by ordinance in the spring of 2012, with second and final reading to follow, placing them on the November 2012 ballot.

Merriman said all the responses are on the county web site at www.pbcgov.com.

Santamaria said that based on the number of responses compared with the 1.3 million population of the county, he did not think the survey was statistically significant.

“I don’t feel it is representative of the true feelings of the constituents,” he said. “It is such a minuscule amount of response, unless this means everyone is so really happy with the way things are, they don’t really care to respond.”

Marcus said some of the more popular responses, such as to keep elected constitutional officers,

might have been orchestrated by the constitutional officers.

Vana asked how many meetings were held, and Merriman said there were 16 in all.

“Sixteen meetings,” Vana said, “and it’s been on the web site, it’s been on TV. It’s been in the newspaper, so it may have been orchestrated in people saying, ‘Keep this,’ but my feeling, and it has been my feeling from the beginning, is that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Vana also pointed out that there were no comment cards and no one in the commission chambers.

“When somebody wants something, this room is filled and there’s standing room only outside,” she said. “I’ll be amenable to whatever the public wants, but right now what I’ve seen is the public is screaming to say, ‘We really don’t want to change anything.’ No action is action.”

Taylor agreed with Santamaria that the survey appeared to be statistically insignificant. “However, that does not relieve us of our duty as commissioners and policymakers for the county, and we certainly have an issue with the budget,” she said. “Looking at efficiencies

was one of the reasons why we talked about doing it in the beginning.”

Referring to the 532 requests to keep elected constitutional officers, Taylor said it never was intended to get rid of them, but only to look at how they can work more efficiently with a cost savings to the county.

“I feel that regardless of whether we got 1.3 million or 532 [responses], there are certainly issues that we as a commission should be concerned about to be certain our government runs better and more efficiently,” Taylor said.

She asked about the criteria for placing a question on the ballot, and Merriman said it was the commission’s prerogative to place any question it wishes.

Santamaria said one issue he had been interested in since he was elected was whether to pursue nonpartisan elections of commissioners and made a motion to that effect, which was seconded by Commissioner Steven Abrams, but it failed 4-3 with Abrams, Marcus and Santamaria in favor.

Santamaria also made a motion to consider the countywide election of commissioners, which failed for lack of a second.

He pointed out that when Benacquisto ran in District 27 against Democrat Kevin Rader, it was a district that had been trending Democratic.

“We won that, and I knew we were going to win that from the beginning,” Dinerstein said. “Either Lizbeth or Sharon Merchant would have won that seat, but I expected it to be Lizbeth with her sitting right there on the Wellington Council. It was a great base to work from, and then she immediately went to the west coast and locked those guys up. She got the endorsement of the entire Fort Myers City Council. She’s a very good politician.”

Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Alan Sie-

gel said he could not imagine any court concluding that the proposed district maps comply with newly enacted “fair districts” constitutional amendments 5 and 6. “[The proposed districts] are self-serving and narcissistic,” Siegel said. “That’s all it is. The idea of mixing Wellington with Weston is an example of what’s wrong with this plan. You have three senate districts across the BrowardPalm Beach line. Why? There is no reason for that other than political manipulation.”

To comply with the amendments, efforts should be made for districts to be compact and follow municipal boundaries, Siegel said, adding that only under special conditions should the district

boundaries cross county lines. “At most, one district should cross the Broward County line into Palm Beach,” he said.

Siegel said he is not so much interested in strengthening the Democratic constituency’s position, although there are more Democrats in Palm Beach County than Republicans.

“The districts should be drawn in accordance with the will of 63 percent of the population,” Siegel said. “Wellington is predominantly a Democratic district. So what?

The point of redistricting is not to make reliable districts for any party.”

He said the point of redistricting is to assure that communities are not broken up and have a sim-

ilarity of interests. “I don’t like one-party Democratic districts any better than I like one-party Republican districts,” Siegel said, explaining that he felt that districts that strongly favor one party tend to result in the election of uncompromising extremists. “All the districts should be reasonably competitive.”

The final districts will probably not be drawn until the spring.

“Hopefully, in May, but probably not until June, because whatever comes out of the legislature goes to the courts,” Siegel said.

Based on the model presented, Siegel anticipated that the courts would reject it.

The way District 34 is currently configured, Siegel said he

would like to see former District 27 Sen. Dave Aronberg or State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85) run. “We have several fine candidates in Dave Aronberg and Joseph Abruzzo,” Siegel said.

Dinerstein said if Abruzzo decides to run for senate in a newly drawn District 34, the Republican Party would make a strong effort to pick up his house seat.

“If Abruzzo jumps and does run for his seat, I’ve already talked to someone about running for the one that he’s in now, which we only lost 53-47 last time,” Dinerstein said. “That makes it within reach, and we lost it to Abruzzo, who clearly has an ability to raise money and gets a lot of Republican business support.”

Page 8

December 2 - December 8, 2011

Dinosaur Exhibit Opens At The South Florida Science Museum Jan. 27 The South Florida Science Museum is under siege! Tyrannosaurs, raptors and other exotic creatures will invade the museum in January during the exhibit “Dinosaur Attack.” Guests will come face-to-face with and be able to actually reach out and touch a 70million-year-old dinosaur bone through this hands-on, interactive adventure. The exhibit will open with Dino Roar Night on Friday, Jan. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. It will continue through May 13.

“Curated from the collection of South Florida dinosaur hunters Robert DePalma and Rudy Pascucci, ‘Dinosaur Attack!’ showcases predator and prey dinosaurs in interactive settings,” said Lew Crampton, the museum’s president and CEO. “This exhibit is all about dinosaurs all the time, with plenty of hands-on activities to add to our understanding of how these great beasts lived and died 70 million years ago.”

“Dinosaur Attack” is an interactive adventure that features the ferocious exchange between a juvenile T. rex and a baby Triceratops, both authentic skeletons.

Overhead, raptors will be leaping through the air as they attack an 8-foot-long plant-eater. Guests will also come face-to-face with sharp teeth, deadly claws and even touch an actual fossilized leg bone of a 70-million-year-old Maiasaura dinosaur.

One of the dinosaur sk eletons to be on display in the exhibit.

Throughout the exhibit, dino explorers of all ages can uncover fossils in the exhibit’s hands-on dig pit, and roam through a dino hunters camp, where they can dress up like a paleontologist while discovering the field techniques and tools used by actual paleontologists to bring home the bones. Activities and crafts will take place throughout the museum, including a dino puppet theater, library and videos featuring dinosaurs, dinosaur rubbings and more. For more information about the South Florida Science Museum, call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

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NEWS BRIEFS Audition For Wellington Idol Talent Contest Wellington is inviting all singers, singing groups, dancers and dancing troupes to have a shot at becoming the first-ever Wellington Idol. The grand-prize winner will take home a $750 cash prize, three runners-up will walk away with $250, and the top 12 finalists will perform on Channel 18. Contestants must be at least 8 years old as of Feb. 1, must reside in Wellington or attend a Wellington school, and cannot be professional performers.

Contestants will be divided into three age groups: ages 8 to 12, ages 13 to 17, and age 18 and up.

Participants must register in person. Registration is available Dec. 5-21 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Registration is also available Jan. 4, 5 and 7 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 4 and 5, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 7.

During registration, contestants must submit an application form, proof of age such as a birth certificate or photo ID and one headshot, along with a non-refundable fee of $20 per individual or $40 per group, payable to the Village of Wellington. Contestants must also submit a recorded audition (maximum length of three minutes) on a non-returnable CD (for singers or groups) or DVD (for dancers or troupes). Be sure to la-

bel your disc with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, age and category, as well as the title of your act.

Entries selected for a live audition will be contacted no later than Jan. 17. Live auditions will be held Jan. 20-22 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Eight performers from each age group will be selected to perform in the semifinals on Jan. 27 and 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. The top four performers from each age group will then compete in the finals on Feb. 10 and 11 from 7 to 10 p.m.

For the official rules and application form, visit the municipal complex, the Wellington Community Center or the “Events” section of Wellington’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov. For more information, contact Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or jpiconcelli@wellingtonfl.gov.

Blvd., on the first Saturday of every month through May 2012. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the playground before and after the event. The park is designed with large play structures and ramps ensuring children and parents of all physical abilities can play together.

The following Story Time dates and themes are scheduled: Dec. 3, “Holidays Around the World”; Jan. 7, “New Year’s Day”; Feb. 4, “Valentine’s Day”; March 3, “St. Patrick’s Day”; April 7, “Earth Day”; and May 5, “Animal Mommies and Babies.”

The Cambridge School is located at 1920 Royal Fern Drive and offers children age 2 through prekindergarten the opportunity to learn developmental skills in a modern, safe and secure facility.

For more information, call (561) 791-0013 or visit www.cambridge preschools.com.

December Story Time At Scott’s Place Dec. 3

Wellington Moms Heading Charity Event In WPB

Story Time at Scott’s Place in Wellington invites the community to get into the holiday spirit. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., children of all ages will be delighted with stories about holidays around the world with free giveaways sponsored by the Cambridge School of Wellington.

Cambridge School Assistant Director Sara Purvis will serve as the guest reader.

Story Time takes place at Scott’s Place barrier-free playground, located at 12190 W. Forest Hill

Off the Hookah in West Palm Beach will launch its “Get Hooked on a Cause” initiative with a Girls Night Out on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. in support of Camelot Community Care. Wellington residents Dickie Jessell and Marcie Singer are co-chairing the event.

Throughout the year, Off the Hookah is hosting special events to help raise awareness and funds for different nonprofit organizations that serve those in need within the community.

Camelot Community Care is a nonprofit child welfare and behavioral health organization committed to providing quality services to children and families that are client focused and strength based.

Camelot’s mission is to develop and provide services that enable children and families to realize their own potential. Programs include in-home counseling, therapeutic foster care, outpatient counseling, case management and adoptions.

Camelot provides foster care and counseling services to more than 500 families a year throughout Palm Beach County.

Supporters of Camelot Community Care will enjoy a night of eating, socializing, shopping and giving. Off the Hookah will be hosting this special evening, with proceeds going to Camelot. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and include a dinner buffet and two drinks. A variety of vendors will be on hand, so people can get a jump-start on their holiday shopping. Each attendee is asked to bring an unwrapped gift or gift card for the children of Camelot. Great prizes will be raffled off to help raise additional funds for Camelot.

Off the Hookah is located at 314 Clematis St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, serving a menu of homemade Mediterranean specialties, along with sushi and continental cuisine.

For additional information, or to purchase a ticket, visit www. camelotcommunitycare.org. To contact Off the Hookah, call (561) 837-8577.

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NEWS

SANTA AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN TAKES TIME OUT FOR PET PHOTOS The Mall at Wellington Green hosted Paws ’n’ Claus on Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Ice Palace in the Grand Court. People brought their dogs to be photographed with Santa. For those who missed it, there will be another chance to bring your pet Sunday, Dec. 4. The line forms outside the food court at 6 p.m.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Savannah and Sarah Allan with Haley, and Jacob and Nathan Panozzo with Max. Santa with Roxy and Mary Steen.

Comet, Santa and Charlie Mullins.

Kari Nautique with Archer.

Santa with Whitney Earnhardt and Sadie.

WELLINGTON QUILTERS DONATE QUILTS TO VA MEDICAL FOSTER CARE Louise Connolly and Joy Klein are two of 10 ladies from the Wellington Quilters Bee who worked six months on military-inspired quilts. Fifteen quilts were given to the Veterans Administration medical foster care program Nov. 11. They will be given to local veterans, both male and female, who go to live with foster families to get readjusted to civilian life and deal with any trauma that they suffered during active duty. (Left) Connolly and Klein with some quilts. (Right) Connolly with Wendy Irwin from VA Volunteer Services.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

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ecurities and investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Santa with Fritz, and Olga and Otto Kaufmann with Sophia.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON’S PANGEA BISTRO HOSTS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Pangea Bistro in Wellington held its first anniversary party Wednesday, Nov. 23 in collaboration with Utopia. The celebration included a live DJ and entertainment, dancing and drinks. Pangea Bistr o is located at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd., in the Point at Wellington Green. For more info., visit www.pangeabistro.net or call (561) 793-939 4.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Jennifer Labbe, Lyssa Smith, Angela Pappas and Brittney Walton.

Owner Grethel Boscan with daughter and co-owner Natasha Dominguez.

Bartender Brittany Bumgardner prepares drinks for customers.

Nicole Nunez, daughter of Pangea owner Grethel Boscan, with servers Angela Nanni and Kaitlin Pierce.

Gisela Ramirez and Maryrena Gomez enjoy music outside.

Alexia Gonzalez, DJ Adam Lipson and Sara Gayoso.

LOTS OF FOOD DONATED AS PART OF ROYAL PALM’S UNIFIED LOCAL FOOD DRIVE

Volunteers came together at the First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach on Sunday, Nov. 20 to sort food donated through the second annual Unified Local Food Drive. The food was collected Nov. 1-19, donated by local residents and businesses. A total of 156 turkeys and $1,000 cash was donated, which was used to buy more turkeys; more than 250 were given out.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

Diane Smith of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Of fice with Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church volunteer Hugh Caulfield and First Baptist Church Pastor Roger Acton.

Beth Summers and Pastor Roger Acton arrange stuffing boxes.

Wendy, Lucas and Robert Bean sort canned goods.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Students learn about cardiopulmonary services.

Students enjoy the Trauma Hawk presentation and speak with the pilo ts.

Nursing staff members instruct students on how to suit up to go into the C-section room in obstetrics.

RPBHS Medical Students Shadow Nurses At Palms West Hospital On Thursday, Nov. 10, Palms West Hospital hosted 40 students from Royal Palm Beach High School for “A Day in the Life of a Nurse” to provide them with a glimpse of the career of nursing.

The students all attend the medical magnet program at the school. The four-hour agenda for the day included tours of various nursing units at the hospital, giving students a compre-

hensive overview of what a nurse does during an average shift. These areas include the catheterization lab, emergency department, pediatrics, cardiopulmonary and obstetrics.

The day also included a special presentation and tour of the Trauma Hawk and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

Each year, the Nursing Consortium of South Florida, a coalition

SUCCESSFUL FOOD DRIVE AT WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Wellington Elementary School recently participated in the annual Food for Families Drive. The teachers’ Positive/Home School Connection Committee helped to organize the drive with the support of man y volunteers counting canned goods. Students and staff donated 2,312 non-perishable goods. Shown above are committee members with some of the donations.

of hospitals, nursing schools, healthcare agencies and foundations, organizes the “Day in the Life of a Nurse” program for high school students interested in pursuing a career as a registered nurse.

The goal of the consortium is to ensure that students see the important work that nurses do and are inspired to adequately prepare themselves for a career in nursing.

Many students who participate in the event are students at area magnet schools where part of the curriculum focuses on careers in healthcare.

“This event provides high school students with an opportunity to shadow registered nurses and provide a glimpse into their future career,” said Silvia Stradi, chief nursing officer at Palms West Hospital. “Our goal is to encour-

age students to continue pursuing their career in nursing and show them the lifesaving and sustaining tasks the nurses provide to patients. Our staff is very excited to participate is this event and to be able to share their experiences with these young students in our community.”

Students participating in the one-day program take part in various activities including tours of

key hospital departments conducted by nurses. This experience allows students to spend time with the nurse and ask them individual questions about their profession, their challenges and their nursing stories.

Students also typically meet and hear from nurse educators, information systems nurses, nurse researchers and nurse administrators.

NEW HORIZONS JOINS FOOD FOR FAMILIES

NEW HORIZONS HOSTS THANKSGIVING FEAST

New Horizons Elementary School students participated in Food for Families. In November, students focused on showing they care by par ticipating in acts of kindness. The New Horizons Student Council participat ed by sponsoring a week of collecting canned food items. Students donated 1,384 pounds of food, which was given to Grandma’s Place in Royal Palm Beach, one of the participating Food for Families organizations. Shown above is student council teacher sponsor Pat Klammer with student council of ficers Lorraine Bueno, Alison MacCloud, Trident Nottingham and Eduardo Sayago.

Second-grade dual-language students at New Horizons Elementary School enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast. Students performed a play about the many ways the Indians helped the Pilgrims, parents prepared food, and students read essays they created in Spanish and English telling what they are thankful for. Pictured here are students, parents and teachers Edie Tetrault and Lourdes Palmer in Indian headdresses.

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MANCUSO DONATES TURKEYS TO CHURCH

Acreage attorney Chuck Mancuso donated a dozen turkeys to Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Royal Palm Beach for its Thanksgiving meal pr ogram. Shown above are Mancuso’s donated turkeys.

Stimely Graduates Air Force Training Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher L. Stimely has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

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

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

Stimely is the son of Brenda and Donald Stimely of Lake Worth.

He is a 2008 graduate of Wellington Christian School. He earned a degree in 2010 from Palm Beach State College.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Wellington Filmmaker Debuts New Movie It was a packed house at the world premiere of the new film Gina & the G.I.T., held Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Borland Center in Palm Beach Gardens.

“This really shows what a great film community we have in South Florida,” said writer/ director Marc C. Zatorsky, a Wellington resident.

Producer Shawn Morrell Lewis was glad to have the finished product. “This has been a 20-month labor of love,” he said.

In addition to the cast and crew, Hollywood star Joanne Pflug, a longtime friend of Zatorsky and supporter of the project, was in attendance, along with several other notable members of the South Florida film community, including award-winning Turkles filmmakers Frank Eberling, and Robert and Chel Tassey, and All That You Can’t Leave Behind writer/di-

rector William A. Butland and producer C. Todd Vittum.

Gina & the G.I.T. tells the hilarious tale of Gina, a genie from Brooklyn who was last out of her lamp in 1977, and Tina, a GIT, or “genie in training.” Narcolepsy, inexperience and nosy neighbors make for a family-friendly comedy that all ages will enjoy.

Lori Yanotti Lescht plays Gina, Rachel Barcia plays Tina, and the cast is rounded out by several actors recognizable from their prior screen roles, including Diane Hulton from the show Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Burt Reynolds Scholarship winner from the Palm Beach International Film Festival Paul Halluch was the director of photography for the first half of the shoot, followed by Rick Bennette, who also handled the editing. Original music was composed by Anthony

Writer/director Marc C. Zatorsky (back row, center right) with cast and crew members.

Espina, and computer animation was done by Wessley Summers.

Platinum Award winner Cooper Getschal provided original music and co-wrote the theme songs for

Gina and Tina with co-producer Vittum.

For more information about the movie, visit its web site at www. ginaandthegit.com.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HIKE AROUND THE BIG ‘O’

Twenty-nine walkers com pleted the walk around Lak e Okeechobee Nov. 27. They started in Pahokee Nov. 19 and walked counterclockwise around the lake, returning to Pahokee on the morning of Nov. 27. Although most of them came from Florida, there were participants from Tennessee, Missouri and Georgia. Pictured here are Gordon Johnson, Clyde Hopkins, Paul Guyon, Liz Branle y, Rolando Branly, Leo Nunnink, Ami Brown, Barbara Scruggs, Charles Auer, Wayne Mcswain, Rod Niemann, Suzanne Niemann, Bob Coveney, Donna Hornsby, Robert Dowdy, Sandra Friend, Bob Fromhartz, Shirley Button, Willy Hannemann, Andy Kirk, Delbert Bollinger, Bill Detzner, Sally Davies and Wally Ward. Not pictured: Paul Cummings, Mary Hennessey, Gail Baldwin, Leigh Anne Shockley and Edward Herod.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Xtreme Students Raise Money For Run/Walk The students from Xtreme Tae Kwon Do at Ultima Fitness in Wellington raised more than $2,000 as a team in the 14th annual Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run/Walk.

For the past 10 years, the students of Xtreme Tae Kwon Do, led

by Grandmaster Gustavo PopeGuerriero, have raised money by doing a kick-athon, and this year was no exception.

“Ultima Fitness has been integrally involved in the Wellington Community Fitness Run, since the very beginning, and this is a wonderful way for the students, from the Xtreme Tae Kwon Do program to be involved. They look forward to doing their kick-athon every year,” Pope said. “Every year they come together in a spirit of unity to help a community charity such as the American Cancer Society, Scott’s Place playground

in Wellington, My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper, and this year, the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation.”

The students got different people to sponsor them in the kickathon, such as a parent, grandparent, friends or neighbors. Then on the designated Saturday, Oct. 15, they gathered at Ultima Fitness for the kick-athon.

“Each student has a pledge sheet, and they set a goal of how much money they are going to collect,” Pope said. “On the day of the kick-athon, they brought the money and they did as many kicks as equals their money — one kick per dollar raised. It was a fun afternoon. We ended up with a good crowd, and the students raised over $2,000. It teaches my students to care for others and to give back to their community.”

Pope’s students not only had a

WELLINGTON GARDEN CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

The Wellington Garden Club held its annual New Members Coffee on Nov. 10 at the home of Linda DeSanti. President Susan Hillson led a discussion on the club’s goals and fundraising events. The club has grown by 32 new members since last May, with a total now of 151 members. Charities include Habitat for Humanity as well as scholarships for horticulture and environmental students at Palm Beach State College. Shown above are new members (front row, L-R) Sandy Sklar, Gigi Galle and Ruth Mansmith; (back row) Teresa Cummings, Barbara Zenker, Dr. Meredith Snader, Rosemarie Schaefer, Diana Guastella, Alma Walker and Alice Mueller.

The Xtreme Tae Kw on Do demo team. fun day at the gym, but they were contributing to the betterment of the community.

For more information about tae kwon do classes, call Pope at (561)

795-2823 or visit www.ultima fitness.com. Xtreme Tae Kwon Do at Ultima Fitness is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington.

SPRING WEDDING PLANS FOR LOFTIS, VAN OLST

Ron and Mary Ann Lof tis of Royal Palm Beach have announced the engagement of their daughter Stephanie Loftis to Matthew Van Olst, son of Ann Neumann of Loxahatchee and Eric V an Olst of Moraga, Calif. Loftis is a 2011 graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health science and vascular sonography. Van Olst is a 2011 graduate of Nor thwood University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business, advertising and marketing. A spring 2012 wedding is planned.

Cub Scout Pack 120 with Genbu-Kai assistant instructor Maritsa Moore and chief instructor Sensei Keith Moore.

Cub, Girl Scouts Learn Self-Defense At Genbu-Kai Karate On Nov. 20, Genbu-Kai Karate School hosted free self-defense/ bullying seminars for Cub Scout Pack 120 and Girl Scout Troop 20188 of Royal Palm Beach.

Twenty children in each group, ranging in age from 5 to 13, learned valuable lifesaving information all within an hour’s time.

Areas covered during the seminar were stopping verbal abuse immediately, recognizing and preventing potential abduction, including learning a few simple selfdefense moves against a push and a wrist grab. In addition, a handful of parents participated alongside their children.

Genbu-Kai Karate School offers self-defense/bullying seminars for all ages often throughout the year. If interested, contact the school to schedule a seminar. It is also available for bullying-prevention lectures, including self-defense seminars for area schools as well.

Florida Genbu-Kai Karate’s facility is located at 585 105th Ave. N., Suite 18-B, in Royal Palm Beach.

For more information regarding the school or its bullying and selfdefense seminars, call (561) 8041002 or visit www.floridagen bukai.com.

Girl Scout Troop 20188 with Genbu-Kai assistant instructor Maritsa Moore and chief instructor Sensei Keith Moore.

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NEWS

Successful Barrel Racing Year At Acreage Horseman’s Association

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The last barrel racing event of the Acreage Horseman’s Association 2011 season will be Sunday, Dec. 4 at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, with an awards banquet planned for Sunday, Dec. 18.

President John Rivera said barrel racing has been a part of the Acreage Horseman’s Association since it organized in 2007 and has been growing steadily.

“It started small, around 40 or 50 entries, and it has got to 100 entries,” Rivera said, explaining that most of the participants are from Palm Beach County, but some come from as far as Davie.

The event is called a game show, but it also offers a jackpot in which contestants put in a cer-

tain amount of money that is divided among the winners. “We keep 20 percent out of that money, and that goes back into the club for awards for the kids and all that,” Rivera said. “It’s a way of bringing back a little money for the club.”

The competition is divided into 12-and-under and open divisions, in which anyone can ride. Competition is also divided into speed divisions, or handicaps, which change from competition to competition. “We take the fastest time, and that’s the first division, and we add a half a second to that time, and that starts the second division, so you can fall in the cracks, but it gives somebody else a chance,” Rivera said. “You don’t have to have the fastest horse.”

The third division is determined by one full second off the winning time, and the fourth division takes two seconds off. “Everything goes off the winning time,” he said. “If you have a horse that’s two seconds slower than the fastest horse, you’ve still got a chance. Every pattern every day is different.”

Rivera said the racing is in different patterns, of which the clover leaf is the most popular, run around four barrels, creating the pattern for which it is named.

There is also the Texas-style race, with three barrels in line where the horse and rider weave around the barrels and back again.

“There is pole bending with six poles, and they weave back and forth on that pattern, and then we have a surprise event. Usually we

rotate them, but nobody knows which one we’re going to use until we actually set it up, and that takes the advantage away from some of the riders, not knowing what that pattern is going to be,” Rivera said. “We just try to mix it up a bit.”

In addition to the riders, there are numerous spectators, mostly family and friends of the riders.

“It’s very, very family-oriented.

It’s a lot of fun; there’s no other show around like it,” he said. “Everyone comments there’s no show around with that atmosphere where you actually have fun. It’s not all about the competition.”

Rivera said there are vendors, including a food cart called Holy Cow. “The food cart lady cooks dinners, subs and all kinds of food,

hot dogs, burgers,” Rivera said.

“Sometimes we have people who want to sell tack for the horses or shirts and hats. If they want to do that, we charge them $25, and they can sell whatever they want the whole day. Sometimes they come and sell horse feed or hay and stuff like that. We don’t make it hard.

We try to make it easy for them.”

At the awards banquet, the top six point-winners are awarded saddles worth $1,300 each.

“We spend a lot of money,” Rivera said. “Everything goes back, pretty much. We only keep about $500 for the new year.”

The club also pays for the main course of barbecued ribs and chicken and drinks, and everyone brings a potluck dish to share. “We always have too much, which is

good,” Rivera said.

Every child gets a certificate or plaque for participating, he said.

The association also has other ongoing equestrian events. More information is available at www. acreagehorseman.com.

ESP Announces 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Highlights Equestrian Sport Productions has announced the schedule highlights of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, including the USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Winter Equestrian Festival Prize List is now available online at www.equestriansport.com, under the “Horse Show” tab and “Prize List” link.

The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival is the world’s largest and longest-running horse show, combining hunter, jumper and equitation competition for 12 weeks from Jan. 11 through April 1.

There will be some changes to the upcoming year’s schedule, and all of the exciting classes from last year will return. Management company Equestrian Sport Productions welcomes equestrians to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington for the biggest and best WEF yet.

Once again the show leads the country in prize money with over $6 million awarded, with the highlight class, the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI 5*, moving to Week 12 and running Saturday, March 31.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has an-

nounced that the PBIEC will host the USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. The competition will be held March 21-24.

This competition will also serve as the 2012 USEF Show Jumping National Championship. It will consist of four rounds over three days of jumping.

Hosting the selection trials for the U.S. show jumping team leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games is a great honor for Equestrian Sport Productions, and ESP President Michael Stone said he is thrilled at the opportunity to host the prestigious competition.

“Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to welcoming the nation’s very best horses and riders to the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this March,” Stone said. “It is truly an honor to host these trials, and we hope to provide competitors with the best experience possible as they vie for a spot to compete in London on the world’s stage.”

ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo shared in the sentiment.

“The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has grown into one of the best facilities in the world, and the show grounds will be in top form in March as the

nation’s Olympic hopefuls travel to Wellington to compete,” Bellissimo said. “We are excited to have been selected as the host venue for the trials.”

The FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments will return in 2012 with a goal of raising more than $1.5 million for 32 local charities.

The challenge is one of the top five yearly fundraising events in Palm Beach County.

In 2012, WEF will of fer even more opportunities for show jumpers to accumulate FEI Rolex ranking points. There are another nine new classes for 2012; the number of FEI Rolex ranking classes for the circuit is 34. These new FEI classes are made possible by the support of Copernicus Stables, Suncast Corporation and Sleepy P Ranch.

WEF will also host many other exciting competitions, including the only Nations Cup in the United States, the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm.

Riders will have two chances to gain points in qualifying for the FEI World Cup Finals, and they will have the opportunity to compete on the grass derby field at the stadium on four occasions.

The Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series will return this year with classes in Weeks 1-12.

These classes will also qualify horse/rider combinations for the $50,000 Leading Horse/Rider Combination Award. The Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series is a popular class every week, and with riders vying for another rider bonus, it is sure to be a top competition to watch. The winning horse/rider combination will win $25,000, the second-place finisher receives $15,000 and thirdplace finisher will win $10,000.

Hunters will have two feature events during the circuit in addition to their weekly divisions. The WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach will return on Saturday, Feb. 18. The best hunters of the circuit will compete head to head under the lights in this popular event.

The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will cap off the festival by being the feature event on Sunday, April 1. The class will be held on the grass derby field at the stadium, giving horses and riders the perfect opportunity to show off their talents on a traditional surface.

Highlight “Saturday Night Lights” events for the 2012 season include the following: the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix (Jan. 14); $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix FEI CSI 2* (Jan. 21); $55,000 Nespresso

Battle of the Sexes (Jan. 28); $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix FEI CSI 2* (Feb. 4); $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm (Feb. 11); WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular (Feb. 18); $100,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix FEI CSI 2* (Feb. 25); $35,000 Hermès Puissance and $50,000 Vita Flex Match Race (March 3); $200,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 4*-W Presented by the Bainbridge Companies (March 10); and the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI 5*.

During the 12 weeks of competition, other feature events are: the College Preparatory Invitational Jan. 13-15; the $50,000 Horseware Grand Prix FEI CSI 2* on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the stadium; the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the stadium; the $150,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix FEI CSIO 4* on Sunday, March 4 at the stadium; and the $78,000 Pennfield Feeds Grand Prix on Sunday, March 18 at the stadium.

Equestrian Sport Productions welcomes people worldwide to come experience the 2012 circuit, which promises to surpass expectations.

Title sponsor FTI Consulting

Lawsuit

Inspector General Funding

continued from page 1 pendent inspector general,” he said. “We have all struggled to rid ourselves of the title ‘corruption county.’ Let us not falter in these final hours.”

He said, however, that contractors would be the ones truly paying for the office.

“Each contractor will pay only one quarter of 1 percent on all government contracts,” he said. “It is the contractors who will pay for doing business with the city and the county.”

Though some have said that the vendors will reject the idea, Alperstein said that a $1 million contract would mean that a developer pays $2,500 for the inspector general.

“Do you really think a developer would be willing to lose a $1 million contract over $2,500?” he asked.

Alperstein responded to criticisms that the financing of the office is an illegal tax, pointing out that Miami-Dade County has funded its inspector general in a similar manner for 13 years.

Alperstein said he was confi-

Parade

Sunday, Dec. 11

continued from page 1 We also have a great parade committee made up of members of the chamber who give time and talent to make it a success every year.

I’m very grateful. It’s definitely a group effort. Schumacher, our presenting sponsor, has been very generous.”

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. at Wellington Trace and will continue down Forest Hill Blvd., end-

grown significantly each year due to the support within the local community. Last year, the campaign raised more than $13,000 for families in need.

“We are honored to host the Quarters for Quantum campaign in support of Quantum House in West Palm Beach,” said Sam Covelli, owner/operator of Covelli Enterprises. “This day is about doing our part to help make a difference for local children in need of medical care.”

Quantum House Executive Director Robi Jurney said she is grateful for the support that Covelli Enterprises and Panera Bread have shown to Quantum House.

“Every dollar raised during Quarters for Quantum will help to provide a caring and supporting home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition,” she said.

dent that, starting in September, the office would be fully financed by contractors doing business with the municipalities and the county.

“The cities do not have to pay for it,” he said. “They should just follow the county’s system. Not only would the residents not pay twice, they would not pay once.”

He questioned council members about why they had not adopted a similar financing plan, rather than fight the measure. “It would be no cost to Wellington and no cost to the residents,” Alperstein said.

But the contention that the office would truly be financed by contractors was refuted by Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz.

“It is not being funded by an assessment on contractors,” he said. “That is simply incorrect. It has not been voted on to be in place in the future.”

Kurtz said that because Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock has said she will not pass on any money until the lawsuit is resolved, Wellington should withhold payment for the Office of the Inspector General.

“I would recommend that the council not make any further payments to the clerk’s office,” he said. “It doesn’t make any sense at all to have money transferred to her office to sit in her account.”

Councilman Howard Coates,

who voted against entering into the lawsuit, said that he felt in previous news stories he had been painted as being in favor of the lawsuit, which he was not.

“I remain in objection to being involved in the lawsuit,” he said.

“Sometimes the perception is more harmful than the harm you’re attempting to eradicate.”

He said he thought that the negative perceptions that will surely arise because of Wellington joining the lawsuit outweigh the cost to Wellington to finance its share of the office’s costs.

“I don’t think it’s a good tradeoff,” Coates said.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore said that Wellington should still send the money to show that joining the lawsuit is not an issue of being unwilling to pay.

“It’s not that we don’t pay because we don’t want to be involved,” he said. “What we’re dealing with is a misunderstanding. The amendment was very clear; as I understand it, the amendment was clear in how it was funded.”

Priore said that the financing was not coming from contracts but from Wellington’s general fund, which is what posed the problem.

“Right there is a reason to pause and say we’re not living up to the letter of the law,” he said.

ing at the Wellington Amphitheater. In an effort to provide a safe procession route, Forest Hill Blvd. will be closed from the north intersection at Wellington Trace to South Shore Blvd. beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Parade day includes other family- and kid-oriented activities such as the Holiday Park from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Blvd.), which will include music, bounce houses, food and exhibit booths. The concert immediately follows the parade.

The Holiday Mile Run/Walk

will begin at 12:45 p.m. at Forest Hill Blvd. and Country Club Drive. Pre-registration is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger. The race application is available at www.palmswest.com.

Bedford also credited the cooperation of the Village of Wellington, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue with helping make the parade a success. Other community sponsors include Waste Management, Florida Public Utilities, PS Business Parks, TKM Farms, the City of Greenacres, The Palm Beach Post, Republic

In the western communities, Panera Bread is located at 10540 W. Forest Hill Blvd. near the Mall at Wellington Green (561-3331330) and at 11131 Southern Blvd. in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center (561-2043012).

Quantum House, a nonprofit hospital hospitality house, is the

Toys

Spreading Holiday Cheer

continued from page 1 for teens so they can pick out what they like.”

If residents would like to buy gifts for a specific child this year, they may choose an angel from Wellington’s Angel Tree located at the community center. Each angel has the gender and age of a child who is in need this year.

“The idea of an angel tree is that residents can buy gifts for a spe-

Corbett

Private Hunting Camps

continued from page 1 lots are vacant. “Eight have structures built after 1957, and 12 of the properties were subdivided after 1973,” he said.

Inspections have been done by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Palm Beach County Health Department, the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and county code enforcement. “The issues that involved the DEP have been resolved, and the health department is satisfied at this point as to action that was taken by the owners to correct Services of Palm Beach, Southern Palm Crossing, the Village Shoppes, the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Wellington Golf Cars, FPL, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the Boynton Financial Group, Whole Foods Market, Two Men and a Truck, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Starbucks, Grapeseeker Advertising and Design, Hill Audio Visual, JJ Muggs Stadium Grill and Print-it Plus.

For more information, visit www.palmswest.com and click on the “Annual Holiday Parade” logo, or call Bedford at (561) 7906200.

Lox Groves

Joint Meeting

only facility of its kind between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. It provides lodging for more than 500 family members each year while their child is receiving treatments for serious medical conditions in Palm Beach County. For more information, call (561) 4940515 or visit www.quantum house.org.

continued from page 3 they will gladly provide to us at little or maybe no cost.”

Supervisor John Ryan pointed out that there are background materials available from when there was active discussion over combining the town and the district.

“I think we ought to review those and make them available on our web site,” Ryan said.

He added that it should include a consultant’s report and the results of a meeting held by the town that resulted in the creation of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. “I’d like to take advantage of what’s been done. It might serve as a refresher if we made it generally available,” Ryan said.

cific child,” Henghold said. “Having the angel helps them to choose gifts for that age and gender, and it gives them a reminder. It also ensures that the child will be getting one or more gifts.”

For residents who might be unsure what to get children, Wellington staff will be distributing a flier with a suggested toy list on the back. “If you don’t know what to get, the list can be helpful,” Henghold said. “It will tell you what to get children of different ages.”

Once Wellington receives all the toys, volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts to needy families throughout the village, Henghold said.

Last year’s toy drive was so successful that Wellington was able to help not only hundreds of needy children in Wellington, but also young patients at Palms West Hospital and hundreds of other needy children in nearby communities such as Pahokee, Henghold said.

“We were able to help a lot of people, and we hope to do that again this year,” she said. “Wellington children will take precedence, but an excess will be donated to the Kids Cancer Foundation as well as to children in Pahokee.”

For more information about the toy drive, call Henghold at (561) 791-4137.

those problems,” Eismann said.

Alterman said meetings were held with the property owners after meetings with the various county and state agencies. “As a result of that, staff is making this recommendation for the board’s consideration — this acknowledgment of no further building and no further subdivision, and a limitation on maintenance and improvements,” she said.

Attorney Peter Carney, representing a majority of the property owners, said he and one of the property owners had met with Alterman and Commissioner Jess Santamaria, as well as with staff members, and resolved the issues.

“I think this topic has been pretty well flushed out in individual meetings,” Carney said.

Alterman stressed that the own-

ers and subsequent property owners need to understand that building permits cannot and will not be issued for the properties because they do not meet minimum standards. “Therefore, they cannot do work that would require building permits,” she said.

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor asked Eismann whether the violations, including the dumping of raw waste, had been corrected or if they were being allowed to continue. Eismann said they had been corrected. “What they had were regular indoor toilets with the plumbing just going out into the bushes, and that has been stopped,” Eismann said.

Commissioner Karen Marcus made a motion to accept the staff’s recommendation, which carried unanimously.

Panera Bread Collecting Quarters For Quantum House Panera Bread is partnering with Quantum House for its annual Quarters for Quantum campaign.

Customers who bring in a roll of quarters ($10) to any of the 13 Palm Beach County Panera Bread cafés on Friday, Dec. 9 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. will receive a $5 Panera gift card.

Quarters for Quantum is a grassroots coin drive sponsored by Panera Bread that raises funds to stock the food pantry for families at Quantum House. The drive has

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For more information about the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival, visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

Blotter continued from page 6 with an iPod charger, a pair of sunglasses and two video games.

The victim said the garage door had been open several times over the weekend, and the perpetrator(s) may have done it then.

The stolen items were valued at $560. According to the report, the gun was recovered by the Highland County Police Department, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington

was dispatched Monday to Village Park on Pierson Road regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. last Friday and 3 p.m. the following afternoon, someone cut the black chain-link fence that surrounds the property. The damage was done near the baseball fields, and an employee said he believed it may have been juveniles who reside in the Grand Isles, which is on the other side of the fence. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $250 in damage, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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NEWS

GEM & MINERAL SHOW RETURNS TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS The Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches held its 45th annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, Bead & Fossil Show on Nov. 19-20 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Vendors were on hand selling a variety of gem and mineral items. For more info., visit www.gemandmineral.cc.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Pat Vonkeil and Maria Basso look at jewelry from Golden Tiger Imports.

Audrey and Fletcher Sessoms of Ye Olde Rock Shoppe.

Ricardo Collier and Victoria Winterton look at Beads from Golden Enterprises.

Raymond Chan shows Bridgett Marx a necklace.

Jacek Tomasik of Amber America with a display of earrings.

Kym Holbert of S. and S. Gold and Diamond.

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December 2 - December 8, 2011

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Need Help With A Problem Horse? Call ‘Cowboy Bob’

Lindsey Vander werf had reached a dead end with her horse Gabe.

As the young Warmblood grew bigger, he also grew out of Vanderwerf’s control. Enter “Cowboy Bob.” After 20 minutes with Gabe, Bob had the horse facing him and moving and listening.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

December 2 - December 8, 2011

Page 23

SRHS Girls Basketball Focused On Team Strategy

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team is relying on teamwork and team chemistry heading into the new season. Currently undefeated, the Lady Hawks are relying on a mix of mature leadership along with new talent, noted head coach Scott O’Hara. Page 37

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business TCBY Frozen Yogurt Store Now Open In Wellington’s Courtyard Shops Plaza

Ice-cool, delightfully sw eet frozen yogur t is available at Wellington’s first ever TCBY store. Known for having “the countr y’s best frozen yogurt,” TCBY has been satisfying the taste buds of frozen-yogurt lovers for the past 30 y ears. Co-owners Marni and Greg Altfest opened the Wellington location on Nov. 16. TCBY offers 14 core flavors of frozen yogurt, which can be mixed into a swirl, adding an additional seven more flavors. Page 29

Sports Hawks End Football Season With 14-6 Loss To P.B. Gardens

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team ended its bid f or the state championship title Friday, Nov. 25 with a 14-6 regional semifinals loss to Palm Beach Gardens at home. Though it was a close game, mistak es and missed opportunities cost the Hawks the game. Page 37

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES .......................25-27 BUSINESS NEWS .................................29-31 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..................... 32 SPORTS & RECREATION ......................37-39 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ..................... 40-41 CLASSIFIEDS ....................................... 42-46

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Page 25

FEATURES

Need Help With A Problem Horse? Call In ‘Cowboy Bob’ The dream quickly spiraled into nightmare.

It all began six years ago, when Lindsey Vanderwerf’s aunt phoned with thrilling news: She was planning on breeding her Hanoverian mare and giving Lindsey the foal as a birthday present. A stud was chosen, the mare took, and in due time the foal, Gabe, was born. When he was a yearling and old enough for the trip, Lindsey’s aunt shipped Gabe from their California home to Lindsey’s home in Jupiter Farms.

“Getting Gabe was a dream come true,” Lindsey said. “I’d never had a purebred horse before, let alone a fancy Warmblood. Plus, this was a baby that I’d be able to raise and teach, a clean slate with no issues. I was so excited.”

However, things did not go smoothly.

“He got really sick when he got here, so I didn’t do anything with him for about six months,” Lindsey recalled. “Then I got pregnant right away with the first of my three children, so I didn’t have much time for him at all.”

Gabe just sat around and grew and grew.

Three years later, when Lindsey, 29, finally had time to start working seriously with him, Gabe, now 4, had changed.

“My aunt and uncle had done a lot of basic groundwork with him as a baby,” she said.

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg “But that had completely vanished, and all that was left were major problems. Gabe had turned into a monster. He was really huge and really dominant. I couldn’t even walk past without him lunging at me. He would bite.

He would kick. He would charge. He was every problem I knew. I used to fall asleep cringing at the thought of having to deal with him again in the morning. He just kept getting bigger and scarier.”

Even though Lindsey is a good rider, she know she needed help.

“I needed a lot of help. I went looking for a trainer who wouldn’t beat my horse into submission. I contacted a few who came out and started doing just that, so I sent them on their way,” she said. “This past May, I was at the feed store and told Richie, the owner, about my problem and asked him for a recommendation. He told me, ‘You need Cowboy Bob!’ I got his card and called, begging for help.”

Originally, Lindsey wanted a trainer to leave Gabe at her house and come out to work See ROSENBERG, page 27

Cowboy Bob with Gabe and Lindsey Vanderwerf.

Welcome to The Society of the Four Arts!

We hope you will join us for one of these exciting programs.

On Display All Season Exhibit: Florida’s Wetlands Cost: No Charge • (561) 655-7226 On Display Until January 14, 2012 Exhibit:The Art of the Illustration: Original Works of Howard Chandler Christy and J.C. Leyendecker and Andy Warhol:The Bazaar Years 1951-1964 Cost: $5 for entry, free admission for members (561) 655-7226 Monday, December 05, 2011 at 6 p.m.

Campus on the Lake Workshop:The Passionate Kitchen: French Cooking Classes with Roberta Sabban Cost: $300 per four class session (561) 805-8562 or campus@fourarts.org Monday, December 05, 2011 Children’s Library: Story Time - Sinterklaas Time: 10:30 a.m. (pre-school) 2:30 p.m. (school-age) Cost: No Charge • (561) 655-2776

Monday, December 05, 2011 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Children’s Library: Floral Design Class Cost: $13 (561) 655-2776 Reservations Required.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Library: Story Time-Cookie Day Cost: No Charge • (561) 655-2776 Wednesday, December 07, 2011 Campus on the Lake Lecture: Beloved Spirit: Pathways to Love, Grace and Mercy Alexandra de Borchgrave Time: 2:30 p.m. • Cost: No Charge (561) 805-8562 or campus@fourarts.org Book signing to follow Wednesday, December 07, 2011 at 8 p.m.

Concert: Palm Beach Symphony Cost: $40/$45 • (561) 655-7226

Thursday, December 08, 2011 Children’s Library Story Time: Caroling Day Time: 10:30 a.m. (pre-school) 2:30 p.m. (school-age) Cost: No Charge • (561) 655-2776 Saturday, December 10, 2011 Campus on the Lake Workshop: Living with Flowers: “Joyous Holidays” with John Klingel Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon Cost: $60, includes materials (561) 805-8562 or campus@fourarts.org Saturday, December 10, 2011 Met Opera: Live in HD - Faust Gounod Time: 1 p.m.

Cost: $25, students $15 (561) 655-7226

FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.

2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg

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December 2 - December 8, 2011 Page 27

FEATURES

Assembling A Christmas Tree Is Above My Skill Level!

I hate to say it, but putting up the Christmas tree is now beyond my skill level. I don’t know what happened here, but suddenly I am out of my league. Part of the problem is that I wanted my tree up early — before the natural trees arrived in Florida — so I dragged my “emergency” fake tree down from the attic.

I think the fake tree resents being the standin because every time I use it, it has a different problem. It started the year I used just its top as a “small tree” in another room. I bought a real tree for the living room and left most of the fake tree sweltering in the attic. Things went downhill from there.

Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

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

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER The next time I wanted to use it, its top was completely missing. I had to run out at the last minute and buy a small tree to use as the top.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t done my research, so the top of the tree now has longer needles than the rest of the tree. I consoled myself with the lie that nobody looks up there.

This year, the middle is gone.

“Where’s the middle of the Christmas tree?!” I shrieked to Mark. He muted the TV

long enough to shrug, then went back to his football game.

I ran to the store in my bunny slippers, hastily purchased a 6-foot tree and rushed home to insert it as the center section of the 14-foot tree I envisioned. I had done better research this time, so the needles matched the bottom, but now the trunks were different diameters.

“Ackk!” I screeched, and Mark morosely turned off the game. He knew his evening had taken a turn for the worse. Ten minutes later, he was out in the garage, whittling wood and slicing PVC pipe into sections while I experienced my annual holiday meltdown with: “You’re in construction, for Pete’s sake! Just cobble something together!”

In short order, the tree was duly cobbled, and I stood back to admire it. Hmmm. The bottom third was large and dense, the middle third was long and lean, and the top third bob-

bled jauntily whenever someone crossed the room. Nonetheless, it was 14 feet tall — maybe 16.

So I leaned over to plug it in and (uh-oh!) only the top and bottom sections were glowing. I had neglected to purchase a pre-lit tree for the center. See why research is important?

Mark was headed back toward the couch but spun on his heel and returned when he caught me trying to commit suicide by ingesting three holly branches and a ball of mistletoe.

“I can always add more lights,” he reasoned, quietly hiding the fireplace poker lest I fall on it in a desperate act of hara-kiri.

Four hundreds lights and 15 boxes of ornaments later, I have to admit that fake tree looks pretty good. We just have to remember to walk gently when we cross the room. I know it’s waiting for any excuse to fall over.

Clooney Is Strong In Great New Movie ‘The Descendants’ I have complained a lot about poor quality in movies, but at last we’ve managed to get to the end of the year, the time when the best movies usually are released so they get attention for possible Academy Awards.

And the new movie The Descendants is that rare treat, a drama that actually works. Its makers could wind up holding a few statues in February.

The story is one of the breed called “dramadies.” A serious look at a man in crisis, it also has a great deal of humor. Director Alexander Payne, who did the great film Sideways, finds a way to explore people who seem real and conflicted. Nothing seems forced; everything flows together well. The script is wellwritten, the cast, exceptional. The film deals with a serious subject; there are many moments of great sadness. But there is also a great deal of wit.

Matt King (George Clooney) is a successful lawyer, not very interested in his own family. He even in the opening narrations boasts of his own reliability, his one-dimensional life of responsibility. When his wife goes into a coma from a boating accident, he has to take responsibility for his two daughters, 17-yearold Alexandra (an incredibly good Shailene Woodley) and 10-year-old Scottie (Amara

Rosenberg

Cowboy Bob, Part 1

continued from page 25 with him here, but Bob said it would be better to bring Gabe to his place.

“I was scared to bring him. I was scared to try loading him in the trailer. I was scared to try leading him anywhere or do just about anything with him,” Lindsey said. “But Bob talked me into it, and on June 1 he showed up at my house with his horse trailer.”

The training started right away.

“I walked Gabe out from his paddock. I had the lead shank chain over his nose to give me a little bit of control,” Lindsey said.

“When I handed the lead shank to Bob, the first thing he did was take the chain off

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler Miller), despite having felt for years that he was merely the backup parent. He soon learns that Alexandra has a lot of guilt and anger because her last conversation with her mother was a fight. He also learns that the fight was over the mother’s affair with another man.

King winds up trying to deal with that issue as well as another problem, deciding on the fate of 25,000 pristine acres of land on Kauai that his relatives desperately want sold in order to make them very rich.

The film uses Hawaii as an effective background as well as a metaphor for the untouched on the edge of corruption, both in terms of land and family.

The cast is excellent. I’ll admit I have never been a Clooney fan. His performances generally either are in not very funny comedies, which he almost snoozes through, dependGabe’s nose. He told me, ‘You’re never gonna need to use that chain again. There’s never any need for intentional pain when you’re training horses.’ Well, that made me feel a lot better — I knew I’d found the right trainer.”

She was impressed by how Bob got Gabe onto the trailer.

“He handled Gabe with such confidence that Gabe just followed him right into the trailer,” Lindsey said. “For the first time in a long time, I felt better. I felt as if there was hope for Gabe.”

Bob smiles at the memory of the day he brought Gabe to his place.

“He flat-out tried to jump right over me when I went to unload him,” Bob said. “Then he proceeded to try to kick me, then he tried to bite me. I knew he was gonna be an interesting project. He had no respect for anyone or

ing instead on his looks, or some of the very weird political dramas he likes to produce. In this film, however, he is really good. He plays against type; he is a bit of a goofball, yet still a man with pride and more than a shred of honor. He seems to inhabit the part, and as he grows into a new sense of manhood, he seems to inhabit the character.

Everyone else matches up to him. Woodley is exceptional; I expect we will be seeing her often in the future. She has anger issues, has been in trouble, but seems to grow up, learning to not only appreciate her father but understand her mother’s impulses. Miller is good in a part that could easily have become a typical child’s role. Beau Bridges is quite funny as one of King’s cousins, whose main interest is becoming rich from a land sale. Nick Krause is very funny as Alexandra’s stoner boyfriend, Sid. Robert Forster gives another one of his tough, interesting performances in a small role.

He shows how a fine actor can have a huge impact even while only on screen for a few minutes. Even Matthew Lillard as the wife’s former lover manages to work against type, and the always interesting Judy Greer does a great turn as his wife, particularly in a very bitter scene near the end. anything. The thing with horses, you have to earn their respect, it’s not something you can force.”

“I watched the first time Bob worked with Gabe in the round pen,” Lindsey recalled.

“Gabe wasn’t even wearing a halter. It didn’t take too long, maybe 20 minutes, and Bob had Gabe facing him and moving and listening. It was such a beautiful process, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together. I knew Gabe and I had found the right trainer to help us. I’d been afraid that maybe there’d be no way back, but now I could see a glimmer of hope.”

Lindsey regularly started going over to Bob’s house, also in Jupiter Farms, to watch and help and learn. She knew that Gabe’s future depended on this one man, the guy everyone called Cowboy Bob. To be continued...

We need good dramas. They are teaching tools for life, and they show characters in the process of change. Clooney’s Matt King avoids stereotypes, has interesting quirks and comes alive on the screen.

Watching him learn not only what to say but what not to say is fascinating; the character grows. It is easily his best performance to date.

Payne is a superb director. Everyone is excellent; the film is filled with many small, telling performances and elements. The pace is not rushed; there is time to watch and understand the different characters, even the smaller ones. It is a movie dominated by grief and remembrance but also filled with moments that amuse.

There are usually only a handful of exceptional movies that come out of the average year. This is one of them. It deals with adult themes of loss, grief and remembrance. I recommend it highly.

Property Appraiser’s Thanksgiving Food Drive A Success Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Gary R. Nikolits, CFA, is happy to announce that employees of the Property Appraiser’s Office contributed four tons — 8,112 pounds — of canned food as part of the office’s 12th annual Holiday Food Drive.

Extended Hands Community Outreach in Pleasant City received the bounty Friday, Nov. 18. The nonprofit volunteer organization serves Thanksgiving dinner to the Pleasant City community and operates a food pantry and soup kitchen.

This is the seventh consecutive year that the Property Appraiser’s Office has donated to Extended Hands.

“We hope our contribution will help individuals and families who would otherwise do without the basic necessity of food this holiday season,” Nikolits said. “It is especially rewarding to us to know that every ounce of food donated by our employees will be distributed right here in our own community.”

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HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

Create Your Own ‘12 Days Of Fitness’ This Holiday Season

By Lynette Laufenberg Special to the Town-Crier As we enter the month of December, many of us are faced with the fear of gaining weight. Fighting off those holiday pounds is easier than you think. All it takes is a little creativity and direction. And because the traditions of the holidays almost always involve family, what better way to get active than with your entire brood?

Focusing on daily activity and healthful eating should not be limited to one’s age. In fact, the earlier these concepts are introduced to kids, the better. Getting into exercise can never start early enough.

So check out the “12 Days of Fitness,” and if you start early enough in the month, you might even get to do it twice.

• Day 1 — No calorie-containing beverages. Kids and adults (you’re not off the hook either) tend to drink a lot of their daily calories in the form of sugar. The hit list: soda, fruit juice, Kool-Aid, Gatorade and even vitamin water (added sugar).

• Day 2 — Play DUMBLEDORE with your kid today. It’s just like HORSE, but with a way cooler name. All you need is a basketball,

a hoop and an affinity for Harry Potter.

• Day 3 — Use your feet! Wherever you head after school today (grocery store, a friend’s house, etc.), walk to your destination together (when possible) instead of driving. Or make a point to walk to the park and spend time at the playground. Almost every neighborhood in Wellington has a local park within walking distance. Yes, parents, you too can swing on the monkey bars!

• Day 4 — No video games today. Be the “mean” parent today and deem the PlayStation and Wii off limits. Instead, go outside and toss the football around, or grab two gloves and a baseball and play catch. Your kids will love the oneon-one time with you.

• Day 5 — Children will follow their parents’ lead. If you’re making a conscious effort to eat more healthfully, the kids will follow.

Choose fruit instead of a 100-calorie pack.

• Day 6 — Tell your child and spouse (or both) that you love him or her. People don’t say it nearly enough.

• Day 7 — No skipping breakfast today. Choose something with

both protein and carbohydrates, such as a banana with peanut butter, yogurt and granola, cottage cheese and fresh berries, or eggs on whole wheat toast. Numerous studies have shown that those who eat breakfast consistently tend to have a lower BMI (body mass index) compared to those who don’t.

• Day 8 — Do something mindful today: Take a class in yoga, Pilates or indoor cycling. Not only will you get a great workout, you will slow down your internal thoughts as well. Taking care of you allows you to take care of others.

• Day 9 — Healthful snack tip: homemade protein bars. These include 1 cup of raw almond meal (grind in a food processor or blender), 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds, six scoops of chocolate protein powder, half a cup of natural peanut butter, two whole eggs (omega 3s) and two egg whites. Mix everything in a large bowl. You will have to keep stirring to get everything to mix into thick dough.

Spread the mixture in an 8’x8’ baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

• Day 10 — Keep it old-school.

Given the high-tech nature of to-

day’s society, it stands to reason that many parents will buy their child the latest “it” gaming console or an iPod. For every one high-tech gadget you buy for them, buy them two gifts that will get them moving. Examples: a bike, scooter, football, baseball bat, jump rope, hula hoop or a puppy (wink).

• Day 11 — Here’s a novel idea: Go outside and play with your kid.

Because we can’t build a snowman or a snow fort, or make snow angels in South Florida, how about climbing a tree, going for a bike ride or playing kickball for an hour?

Good for them, and good for you.

• Day 12 — Instead of leaving Santa a snack of cookies and milk, leave him one of those protein bars you made.

Remembering how important our health and wellness is during this holiday season will help put many other things in perspective. Without good health, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, what size TV you have, or where your next vacation will take you. Without our health, we will not be able to enjoy any of these things. At Ultima Fitness, we are always happy to help meet the needs you may have, whether it is to provide direction in

Lynette Laufenberg establishing an exercise routine, nutrition guidelines or assist in training for your next competitive event.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you at Ultima in 2012!

Lynette Laufenberg is a certified personal trainer and group fitness director at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultima fitness.com.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

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BUSINESS NEWS

TCBY co-owners Marni and Greg Altfest inside their new Wellington shop.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

TCBY Frozen Yogurt Store Now Open In Wellington

By Jessica Gregoire “We offer samples to the customer if they Town-Crier Staff Report have not tried a flavor before, but it’s pretty Ice-cool, delightfully sweet frozen yogurt much a self-service weigh-and-pay shop,” is available at Wellington’s first ever TCBY Marni said. “So the customer is in control of store. Known for having “the country’s best how much or how little they put into their frozen yogurt,” TCBY is a longtime staple in cup.” the world of frozen treats and has been satisFor the health-conscious, TCBY offers a fying the taste buds of frozen-yogurt lovers new classification of frozen yogurt called Sufor 30 years. per Fro-Yo. Co-owners Marni and Greg Altfest opened “It’s frozen yogurt made with added ingrethe Wellington location on Nov. 16. dients that increase fiber, protein, vitamin A “We knew we wanted to open up a frozen- and D, and seven live active cultures,” Marni yogurt place, so we checked everywhere from said. “A scientist employed by TCBY creathere to Miami and up to Port St. Lucie, and ed all the flavors.” all the different other competitors that were TCBY offers 14 core flavors of frozen yoout there,” Greg said. “It came back that gurt, which can be mixed into a swirl, adding TCBY is the best product in the country 30 an additional seven more flavors. “We marry years running.” them up so that if you like peanut butter with Located in the Courtyard Shops at 13860- chocolate, we can make them into one,” Greg 43 Wellington Trace, Greg believes the store said. is in one of the best locations in Wellington.

There are more than 40 different varieties “It’s in the foremost shopping center in cen- of toppings, which change periodically. “For tral Wellington, and that’s why we chose this the holidays, we have eggnog coming up, and location,” he said. last month we had ginger bread, so every From the centralized location to its bright month we have different ones coming and fun décor, the Altfests have put in many through,” Greg said. months of thought and preparation into the TCBY’s most popular frozen yogurt flanew TCBY. “It’s a family dining atmosphere vors are white chocolate mousse, cookies and with music and TVs going,” Marni said. cream, and cake batter. TCBY carries no-sugTCBY extends the relaxed family feel by ar-added yogurt and toppings for people with allowing its customers the freedom to self- diabetes or those trying to watch their weight. serve. “We are there to assist them if they need “We also have non-dairy, which are our it, but the customer is in charge of creating sorbets,” Marni said. “And we offer nonfat and making their own frozen yogurt,” Greg and low-fat yogurts as well, so there is a little said. bit of everything for everybody.”

When entering TCBY, customers are greetTCBY also offers an assortment of pies and ed with a friendly smile and warm hello. They cakes to take home. The shop is open to parare directed to the cups located by the fro- ties, groups or meetings. For more info., visit zen-yogurt dispensers, where they have an op- www.facebook.com/TCBYWellington or call tion of a 16- or 25-ounce cup.

(561) 366-7725.

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ABWA To Meet In P.B. Gardens Dec. 14 The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens.

Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m., with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and guests are welcome.

There will be no formal speaker.

The December meeting will be a holiday celebration and membership inquiry. All are welcome as the ABWA dedicates this meeting to U.S. military veterans.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 4431 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. To make reservations, or

for more information, call Dottie Smith at (772) 341-2823 or Sharon Maupin at (561) 329-4485. For directions, call the Doubletree Hotel at (561) 622-2260.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition.

For additional about the Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the ABWA, call Chapter President Kandyce Key at (561) 908-4798 or visit www.abwanpbflorida.org.

P.W. Chamber’s Annual Holiday Luncheon Dec. 5 The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its holiday luncheon on Monday, Dec. 5 at the Breakers West Country Club.

The luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature holiday music, raffle prizes

and more. Tickets cost $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Breakers West Country Club is located at 1550 Flagler Parkway.

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

Marshall Foundation Names Goodman To Advisory Board

Nancy Marshall, president of the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, has announced that attorney Jaimie Goodman has joined the nonprofit organization’s 25-member advisory board.

A resident of Jupiter with a law practice based in downtown West Palm Beach, Goodman has nearly 30 years of legal experience in both Michigan and Florida. The Cornell Law School graduate has worked in complex employment litigation for a Fortune 500 company and as a practicing courtroom attorney, covering areas such as occupational safety and health matters, discrimination and harassment, administrative hearings and multi-defendant product liability law.

Goodman is a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association and the National Employment Lawyers Association.

In addition, he is active with civic organizations such as the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm

Beaches, the North County Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach League of Women Voters and Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2012.

“With his keen legal mind and experience, along with his proven commitment to community service, Jaimie Goodman will prove to be a brilliant addition to our invaluable advisory board,” Marshall said.

Based in Palm Beach County, the Marshall Foundation champions the restoration and preservation of the greater Everglades ecosystem through science-based education and outreach programs. Annually, more than 25,000 elementary and high school students in Palm Beach County actively participate in the Marshall Foundation’s various education programs.

Founded in 1998, the nonprofit or ganization has in recent years awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships and internships, planted nearly 100,000 native Florida trees in wetland areas, and involved

Jaimie Goodman more than 5,000 volunteers in hands-on restoration projects.

For additional information about the Marshall Foundation, call (561) 233-9004 or visit its web site at www.artmarshall.com.

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

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BUSINESS NEWS

Meet The Principals At The Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies In 1978, cousins Steven Shapiro and Ronnie Pertnoy founded the Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies with a vision to provide an unrivaled customer experience and a product that strives to be better than the best.

Joined by the young blood of each of the founders’ sons, the company is truly an exception to the norm, with two generations of builders bringing something different to the table, therefore allowing their customers to have a positive and wellrounded experience.

Shapiro and Pertnoy got their start in the business world while working at their fathers’ men’s clothing store in Miami. The experience of working in retail taught them a philosophy that has worked for the past 34 years: always focus on keeping the customer happy.

The Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies were one of the first developers in Wellington. Pertnoy saw the growth potential of Palm Beach County while working as an employee for a construction company. He took a very strategic approach to construction and development, which is reflected in his work as the founding principal partner of the ShapiroPertnoy Companies. “I think that if you are transparent and you are passionate about what you do, and live

a life of integrity, giving to people and the community, then all of those things find their way back to you in some kind of fashion. They are all keywords that we live by in life and business,” Pertnoy said.

Shapiro decided to partner with Pertnoy in 1978 after leaving the film industry. Pertnoy had recently finished building his first home, and Shapiro thought that they could make a name for themselves and build the business working together. “We came from the retail side, where everything is geared toward the customer, not necessarily toward maximizing profitability,” Shapiro said. “We were more concerned about making the customer happy so we could grow a business exponentially by referrals.”

Pertnoy’s son Josh joined Shapiro-Pertnoy after attending college.

He learned the construction side of the business from multiple subcontractors. At the time, his father was building a new home for the family in North Palm Beach, and it became Josh’s first official job. He was there from the day the bulldozer cleared the land, until the first moment that the electricity flickered on. Josh is now a Florida-licensed general contractor, and he oversees a full-time staff of nearly 15 construction per-

sonnel as well as simultaneous construction projects. “When I watched those lights turn on, it felt like the most rewarding experience,” Josh said. “It has been 12 years since I joined the company, and it has flown by.”

Shapiro’s son Kevin grew up admiring the way his father interacted with people. After he learned what it was that his father did, he began to follow the same path. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he worked for several real estate companies on local and national levels.

In 2005, Kevin decided to join the Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies. Kevin is a licensed real estate salesperson and licensed mortgage broker, and currently manages the combined companies’ properties as well as the lending arm of the company, S&P Capital Corporation.

“Commercially and residentially, we start from the same place, keep them happy and do the right thing,” Kevin said. “We really bring the family values and family ethics to a business, which is rare. When we do business with people, they become expanded family.”

For 34 years, the Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies have been the choice of

Ronnie Pertnoy, Josh P ertnoy, Kevin Shapiro and Steven Shapiro. discerning homebuyers throughout South Florida. Designing and building at the highest level of custom estate properties and commercial developments, their innovative, collaborative approach and unequaled quality are reflected in every project they undertake. From a spectacular 30,000 square foot residential compound in Jupiter’s Admirals Cove to the equestrian communities of

Wellington, and from luxury lifestyles in the mountains of North Carolina to a new professional office complex in Palm Beach Gardens, the Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies remain in the forefront of development in the upscale residential and commercial markets.

For more information about the Shapiro-Pertnoy Companies, visit www.shapiropertnoy.com.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

A Variety Of Media On Display At Lighthouse ArtCenter View a landscape, see the work of talented teachers or find a tempest in a teapot. It all is possible now through Dec. 31 at the Lighthouse ArtCenter, the Tequesta museum and art school that also is northern Palm Beach County’s oldest cultural institution.

“What an opportunity for the lovers of art to see a range of art and

An untitled teapot

by Todd Burns.

media,” said Katie Deits, executive director of the Lighthouse ArtCenter.

The museum has on display three shows: “Landscapes 2011,” which exemplifies that range of media; “Landscapes 2011,” the Lighthouse ArtCenter School of Art faculty show; and “Fong Choo: The Artful Teapot Invitational.”

“Expect the far out, super close, photo-realistic, abstract and everything in between,” Deits said. “Visitors will see landscapes in just about any medium, from paintings to ceramics to installation to digital.”

The faculty show is an opportunity for the museum’s school of art to show off.

“Our instructors include awardwinning artists, many of them nationally known,” Deits said.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn during the exhibition “Fong Choo: The Artful Teapot.” Ceramics artist Fong Choo is internationally renowned for his miniature teapots, which are reminiscent of the 15th-century Yixing style of pottery.

“It was quite a coup for the ArtCenter to showcase Fong Choo’s work,” Deits said. “But it shows our commitment to becoming a

Ceramics artist Justin Lambert with some of his work.

McKee Waterlilies by Wellington Art Society member Nancy Tilles.

center for ceramics art.”

Fong Choo’s miniature works are known for their specially mixed glazes and fantastic forms. He is willing to share his art. Students can learn first-hand from the master during a workshop, scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each night.

“The Artful Teapot” is also a ceramics invitational juried by Fong Choo and includes artists from Florida, Iowa, New York, Utah and the United Kingdom.

For those looking for unique holiday gifts, there also will be an ex-

tensive display of artist-made mugs available for cash and carry.

“Our museum has been one of Palm Beach County’s best-kept secrets,” Deits said. “With artists the caliber of our instructors and Fong Choo, that’s about to change.”

The Lighthouse ArtCenter is a member-supported not-for-profit community arts organization, providing excellence in art exhibitions, instruction, education and ArtReach for all ages. Programs are funded in part by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Coun-

cil and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.

The Lighthouse ArtCenter is located in Gallery Square North, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, one-half mile west of U.S. Highway 1. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with free admission.

For additional information about the LighthouseArtCenter Museum, the School of Art, exhibitions, programs and events, visit www. lighthousearts.org or call (561) 7463101.

Kravis Center Announces Four New Additions In 2012 The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has announced the addition of four new presentations in early 2012. Tickets to the public are on sale now.

• Jan. 2: B.B. King — Universally hailed as “King of the Blues,” time has no apparent effect on one of the most important electric guitarists of the last half-century, other than to make him more popular, more cherished and more relevant than ever. King will perform at 8 p.m. in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall.

Tickets start at $25.

• Jan. 6, Feb. 3 and March 9: Kravis Under Cover — The Kravis Center is introducing a new literary lecture series hosted by Board Member Lee Wolf, a dynam-

ic speaker and lecturer who founded the Theatre Club of Florida Stage in Manalapan and now chairs the popular ArtSmart Continuing Arts Education Lunch & Learn lecture series. Wolf will analyze the artistic riches of four literary works that provide compelling insights into the male-female psyche: Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage by Hazel Rowley, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway and Brick Lane by Monica Ali. Through intuitive observations, participants will come away with answers to questions such as: What style of narrative has the author chosen? Are the characters and underlying themes well defined? How do the events and characterizations relate to you and your worldview? The lecture will take place at 1 p.m. on all dates at the Picower Foundation Arts Education Center in the Cohen Pavilion. Tickets cost $25 per lecture and $60 for the series.

• Jan. 10 through Feb. 19: Divorce Party The Musical — The Kravis Center is hosting the world premiere of this delightful new musical from the producer of the off-Broadway hit Menopause The Musical. Still reeling from her divorce, Linda is rescued by her three friends who have come to turn her

Bill O’Reilly will speak April 6. despair into a weekend of hilarity.

Using popular songs with clever new lyrics, the ladies sing and dance their way through the wildest divorce party ever. It’s the ultimate girls night out, coupled with a healthy dose of comic mayhem and a touch of “naughty” (for adult audiences). This is a Kravis presentation in association with Flip-Her Productions. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be a 7:30 p.m. Sunday perfor-

B.B. King will perform Jan. 2 in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall. mance on Jan. 15 only. Also, there will not be a 1:30 p.m. performance Wednesday, Jan. 11. Performances will be in the Rinker Playhouse.

Tickets start at $25.

• April 6: Bill O’Reilly — Bestselling author and syndicated news columnist, O’Reilly is host of The O’Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel. Blending news analysis with investigative reporting, the show has gained international prominence and is now seen in more than 30 countries. O’Reilly will appear at 8 p.m. in Dreyfoos Concert

Hall. Tickets start at $25.

To purchase tickets, visit the Kravis Center box office (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) or web site (www.kravis. org), or call (561) 832-7469. The Kravis Center is currently in its donor priority period that offers priority seating to donors according to their level of giving and by the date orders are received within each donor level. Membership begins at $75. For more about becoming a donor, call (561) 651-4320 or visit www.kravis.org/membership.

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

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Register Now for the

MADISON GREEN GLO-BALL LEAGUE Another “Bright Idea” from your friends at Madison Green Golf Club! $35 + balls includes: 9-Holes of Glo-Ball Golf plus an appetizer in the MarBar Grille and your 1st drink is ON THE HOUSE!

Call the golf shop for more information

(561) 784-5225

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December 2 - December 8, 2011

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Hawks End Football Season With 14-6 Loss To P.B. Gardens

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team ended its bid for the state championship title Friday, Nov. 25 with a 14-6 regional semifinals loss to Palm Beach Gardens High School at Callery-Judge Grove Stadium.

Though it was a close game, mistakes and missed opportunities cost the Hawks (9-3) the game.

“We didn’t play real well,” head coach Matt Dickmann told the Town-Crier. “We had personal fouls at the wrong time that gave them the opportunity to score. We were inside the red zone three times and didn’t get a touchdown.”

Initially, Seminole Ridge had the upper hand, putting in a field goal in the first quarter. Going into the second quarter, they were leading 3-0. But early in the second quarter, Hawk quarterback Antwan Washington fumbled the ball on a sack and turned over to the Gators in their own territory.

Palm Beach Gardens capitalized on the opportunity to put in a touchdown. An extra-point kick made the

Seminole Ridge’s Gary Holmes runs around the Gators’ defense. score 7-3. Later in the game, Seminole Ridge got near the end zone and opted to kick a field goal, cutting the Gators’ lead to 1 point.

Then in the fourth quarter, the Hawks found themselves near the end zone with 1 yard to go, but the Gators’ defense stopped the Hawks from scoring, forcing a turnover on

downs with about six minutes left in the game.

“You can’t go into big games like this, make it into the red zone four times and not score,” Dickmann said. “We had the opportunities, we just didn’t capitalize on them. It was a defensive struggle all night. They just came away

Hawk quarterback Antwan Washington hangs on to the ball.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/T OWN-CRIER

with bigger plays than we did.”

With about one minute left in the game, the Gators made the biggest play of the game — a 99-yard run for a touchdown. An extra-point kick made the score 14-6.

Despite the little time left, the Hawks made a valiant attempt to score again, but a pass by Washing-

ton was deflected in the end zone with only seconds left to end the game.

Still, Dickmann said he is proud of how far the Seminole Ridge team has come. “It was a great year,” he said. “I’m proud of the kids. We fought hard. Unfortunately, we just came up short.”

SRHS Girls Basketball Focusing On Team Strategy This Year

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team is relying on teamwork and team chemistry heading into the new season.

“They’re playing together as a team, and that’s our strength really,” head coach Scott O’Hara said.

“We have 11 great team players.”

Currently undefeated, the Lady

Hawks are relying on a mix of mature leadership, along with new talent. With five seniors on the team, O’Hara said the experience they have playing together helps make it a more cohesive team.

“We’ve had a young group for a couple of years,” he said. “Now we have a nice mix of youth and maturity. The older girls really have the younger girls’ backs. They’re teach-

The Seminole Ridge High School Lady Hawks varsity basketball team.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

ing them to play together, and I think we will see that pay off.”

Returning to the team this year are Kelli Lees, Kate O’Hara, Katie Macomber, Meridith Burrow, Sasha Mayne, Jen McGrory and Jessica Cody.

New players include Kennice Rodney, Cristina Richards and Jessica Gamble.

The Lady Hawks shine best together, O’Hara said.

“We don’t have any superstars,” he said. “We all play together; we’re unselfish. I think that’s what has been great so far. The girls seem to enjoy playing together, and it’s a great benefit.”

O’Hara said the goal for the team is to continue improving and striving to be better each time the girls step on the court, no matter what their record is. “I’m not looking at wins and losses,” he said. “Our goal is to get better every practice, every game and every day we go out there.”

Though he acknowledged the team has a rough season ahead of it, O’Hara attributed the girls’ success to hard work and good team spirit.

“The girls are fun to coach, and that’s the best part of it,” O’Hara said. “They love to work hard.”

The Lady Hawks defeated Spanish River 74-47 at home Monday, Nov 28. They hosted Boca Raton on Thursday, Dec. 1, but results were not available at press time.

Kate O’Hara takes the ball to the basket.

Kelli Lees runs the ball across the court.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Totilas To Appear At World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Totilas, the reigning dressage world champion and current world record holder in the Grand Prix Freestyle, is coming to the 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Totilas’ appearance will be at the only World Dressage Masters CDI5* event in North America, held

Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfven, Steffen Peters and Tina Konyot during last year’s awards presentation.

PHOTO BY SUSAN J. STICKLE

Jan. 26-29 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. It will be the only public appearance of this legendary stallion during his visit to North America. The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* will run concurrently with the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*/ CPEI3*. The World Dressage Masters CDI5* presented by Axel Johnson Group is the world’s premier dressage series, with over half a million dollars in prize money, and each show boasts over 100,000 Euros in prize money.

With his current rider, Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath, Totilas won the CHIO Aachen 2011 in July; Totilas and Rath went on to help the German team win a silver medal at the European Dressage Championships in August. The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach will launch Rath’s and Totilas’ 2012 competition season, which is directed toward the London 2012 Olympics. Totilas is an 11-year-old KWPN stallion co-owned by renowned German Olympic show jumper and breeder Paul Schockemöhle and German Olympic dressage rider Ann-Katrin Linsenhof.

Wellington Classic Dressage is the organizer of the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, having taken

over the reins of this unique event in 2011. Managing Partner Noreen O’Sullivan said that excitement is building around an already starstudded list of confirmed entries.

“The word is out to the top riders in the world, who are making their plans and looking to Wellington Classic Dressage and the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach for an exciting winter season in Florida,” she said.

O’Sullivan has confirmed that the reigning World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Champions Steffen Peters and Ravel will be returning to Florida to defend their title. Ravel is a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by World Dressage Masters Palm Beach sponsor Akiko Yamazaki. The only time Ravel and Totilas have competed against one another with their current riders was at the CHIO Aachen 2011, where Totilas narrowly defeated Ravel in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

O’Sullivan has also confirmed the attendance of several other top international pairs, including reigning Olympic champions Anky van Grunsven and Salinero, as well as the 2011 European team champions from Great Britain, Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, who will bring her European Championship

Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath and Totilas will compete at the 2012 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY JOHN FLANNAGAN

mount, Valegro. Making a return visit to the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach will be the second- and third-place pairs from the 2011 event — Tinne Vilhelmsson Silfven of Sweden on Favourit and Tina Konyot of the United States with Calecto V. Over the coming weeks, there will be announcements about more top international entries for the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach, as well as information about

tickets for VIP table seating and general admission.

“We are planning an expanded general admission area, upscale vendors for food and shopping, entertainment, and of course, some great competition,” O’Sullivan said.

The World Dressage Masters Palm Beach 2011 was a spectacular success and a memorable evening for over 1,200 spectators, who were treated to a multi-course French-themed dinner at ringside.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

The Hawk wrestlers celebrate their victory at the Bayside Invitational Tournament.

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BRAVES WIN COACHPITCH CHAMPIONSHIP

The Hawk wrestlers with the champion plaque they won following their victory at the Park Vista Classic.

Hawk Wrestlers Win Bayside Invitational After traveling two hours north to the eight-team Bayside Invitational Tournament which took place Saturday, Nov. 19 at Bayside High School in Palm Bay, the Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team was rewarded with a stellar first-place finish.

The Hawks’ lineup of wrestlers has been working hard in the off-season under coach Frank Lasagna and assistant coach Kevin Lasagna.

“Our team is [composed] of seasoned upperclassmen with lots of experience as

well as some great athletes who are new to the sport,” Frank Lasagna said. “I am very pleased with the intensity and dedication that our guys are showing. This will be a great season for the Hawks’ wrestling program.”

Standout Hawk wrestlers for the day were Alex Wellingham, third place, 106 lbs.; Pierce Beaubien, first place, 113 lbs.; Sam Hargesheimer, third place, 120 lbs.; Rigo Salquero, fourth place, 126 lbs.; Logan Brobreg, first place, 132 lbs.; Trace Thome, first place, 138 lbs.; Cody La-

sagna, third place, 145 lbs.; Brayden Gillis, first place, 152 lbs.; Brad Hargesheimer, third place, 160 lbs.; Scott Watson, first place, 170 lbs.; Robert Lapeter, first place, 182 lbs.; and Zach Hallman, third place, 195 lbs.

Team scores for the event were as follows: first place, Seminole Ridge; second place, Heritage; third place, Eau Gallie; fourth place, Titusville; fifth place, Bayside; sixth place, Fort Pierce Westwood; seventh place, Centennial; and eighth place, Martin County.

In other Seminole Ridge wrestling news, the Hawk team won the sixth annual Park Vista Classic held Tuesday, Nov. 22 at Park Vista High School in Boynton Beach.

The Hawks defeated Suncoast in the first round 84-0, Lake Worth in the second round 75-6, Atlantic in the third round 70-0, and Park Vista in the fourth round 4028.

The Hawks will compete in the Gateway High Tournament in Kissimmee the weekend of Dec. 3.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Braves won the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach 8-U coach-pitch championship game played at the Willows Park baseball complex. The team’s final record was 12-1-1. The Braves are Kaitlyn Riordan, Connor Birch, Jack Walter, Hayden Strickland, Mason Materdomini, Will Armstrong, Andrew Sessions, Chris Lehner, Connor Har twig, David Munoz, Taj Andino and Zashawn Daley. The team is coached by John Riordan (head coach), Rich Birch, Chris Materdomini and Jason Strickland.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 3 • The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League will host the Florida Silver Gloves State Boxing Championship on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). For more info., call the recreation center at (561) 790-5124.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a bird walk Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8 a.m. at Peaceful Waters Sanctuar y at the southeast corner of Village Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington). Meet at the beginning of the boardwalk. For more info., contact Linda Humphries at (561) 7427791 or hlindaase@aol.com.

• Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Story Time at Scott’s Place Playground (12190 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) returns at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 with stories about holidays around the w orld.

Cambridge School Assistant Director Sara Purvis will serve as guest reader. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Marky’s Caviar Class and Tasting” featuring local Siberian Osetra on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. A $5 donation is requested, which will go to Mote Marine, a Florida-based non prof it aquafarm located in Sarasota. Pre-register at customer service or call (561) 904-4000.

• The 24th annual Boys & Girls Club of Wellington Dinner Dance, themed “Le Cirque,” will take place the evening of Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. The black-tie event is known for kicking off the busy Wellington social season.

For more info., call Special Events Coordinator Alonna Paugh at (561) 683-3287 or visit www.bgcpbc.org.

Sunday, Dec. 4 • Hugs and Kisses Inc. and the Enforcers Foundation of Palm Beach County will host a Charity Softball Game, Concert & Barbecue on Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to 6 p.m. at PGA National Park in Palm Beach Gardens. The Enforcers’ team will battle the Palm Beach State College Panthers girls softball team. For more info., call (561) 8199471 or visit www.hugsandkissesinc.org.

Monday, Dec. 5 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Winter Story Time

Sign Up” for children under 5 on Monday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. Sessions run from Jan. 3 to Feb. 24. Drop by or call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its Holiday Luncheon on Monday, Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Breakers West Countr y Club (1550 Flagler Parkway). Tickets cost $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@palmswest. com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Holiday Pop-up Cards” for ages 9 to 12 on Monday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. Pop in for tips on how to make cute holiday greeting cards. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Royal Palm Beach’s Holiday Festival of Lights will take place Monday, Dec. 5 at Veterans Park. Lighting of the 30-foot tree will take place at 6:15 p.m., followed by photos with Santa at about 6:30 p.m. Local youth will perform. For more info., visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet Monday, Dec. 5 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). A social will be held at 7 p.m. The program, “Trekking in Nepal,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Call Sherr y at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Crochet Club” on Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at 5 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work on projects. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Creative Crafts” for age 12 and up Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a “Caymus Wine Dinner” on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring award-winning wines from Caymus Vineyards, with a reception at 6 p.m. in the wine department and dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the lifestyle center. Call customer service at (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

See CALENDAR, page 41

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 40 • The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). For more info., call (561) 793-2418 or visit www. loxahatcheegroves.org.

• The Royal Palm Beach Community Band’s final fall concert will take place Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Refreshments will be served. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a bird walk Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 a.m. at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach). Meet at the Marsh Trail.

For more info., contact Linda Humphries at (561) 742-7791 or hlindaase@aol.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Meet the Author: Alan Gerstel” for adults Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. On what would have been famous entertainer Louis Prima’s 101st birthday, his son, former Channel 12 anchorman and author of Swing, will tell the story of his 30year search for his birth father. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will present a Basic Driver Improvement Course on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Visit www. safetycouncilpbc.org or call (561) 8458233 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesdays, Dec. 7 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. This is a fun family story time in English and Spanish. Participants read, sing and create a delightful craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Standup comedian Mark Lundholm will perform at South Florida Improv locations to benefit the Hanley Center. Performances will be Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Miami Improv; Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Improv; and Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.at the West Palm Beach Improv. General admission is $35 and for VIP seating is $60. For more info., call Theresa Kewley at (561) 841-1212.

Thursday, Dec. 8 • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will sponsor its annual Holiday Carnival from Thursday, Dec. 8 through

Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4620 Summit Blvd. in West Palm Beach. The event will feature 40 rides and attractions. Parking and admission are free. Armbands will be sold to ride all rides on the day of purchase. For more info., contact John Verona at (954) 3043959 or jverona@mchsi.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Art Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. Listen to stories about art, sing songs and make a simple craft. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Open Mic Night” for adults on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Join your neighbors and perform poetry, short prose, an essay or a dance. Play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Pick up a copy of the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Safety Council of Palm Beach County will present a motorcycle course Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 and 11 at Wellington High School (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Visit www.safety councilpbc.org for, or call (561) 845-8233 for more info.

Friday, Dec. 9 • The Wellington Seniors Club will host its annual holiday dinner and installation of officers and directors Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club. There will be dinner, as well as music and entertainment provided by John DiLorenzo of On Stage Productions. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. RSVP to events coordinators Tony and Mary Alfalla at (561) 784-0119.

• Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves will host its annual Back to Bethlehem program on Dec. 9 and 10, and again Dec. 16 and 17. Enter the city of Bethlehem, walk through the marketplace and visit the holy family. The event is free and appropriate for all ages, and will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. each night at 14101 Okeechobee Blvd. For more info., call (561) 7538883 or visit www.gocoh.com.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host its “Laugh Out Loud” comedy series Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 7532484 for more info.

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

December 2 - December 8, 2011

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Legal Notice No. 551 Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of: LAWN GUY

Located at: 17977 78 RD. N. LOXAHATCHEE, FL 33470 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

Andrew J. O’Brien Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 12-02-11

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

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

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

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

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 793-7606 QUALIFIED PIZZA DRIVERS — Over 21 experienced delivery person apply in person 601 RPB Blvd.

Pizzano’s P. T. PERSONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED — Searching for highly organized, creative & energetic individual as a personal & admininistrative assistant. Knowledge of Microsof t Office, flexible hours and can work from home. 561-512-4514 or Execucoach360@Gmail.com

WELLINGTON PLAZA FUNDRAISER FOR CATS GYMNASTICS TEAM THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 3rd 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

Housewares, toys, kids stuff, clothing, etc.

12779 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

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

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

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Original Price $1,494,000. Just reduced to $599,000. 3/2 Home. 10.5 plus acres also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream. 12033 Acme Road, Wellington, Little Ranches

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT — Efficiency, fully furnished, full kitchen & bath,TV, cable, Washer/Dryer, all utilities included. One person, No Pets, No Smokers. Short Term Lease $800 Per Month. 1st & Security call 561-790-0857 or 561-632-0464

FOR SALE — Dog House $5.00, (2) Cat/Dog Doors $100, Small Antique Dining Room Set $250 OBO, Large Red Antique Oriental Server $650 OBO, Large Gold Italian Mirror $175 OBO, Green Minton China Service for 12 $350, Pink Electric Car $80 OBO, Gold Swivel Natuzzi Chair $175 561-200-9322 Call for Email Pictures

ADULT SITTING — Experience with the elderly. Available by the day or the week. Will drive to appointments and run errands. Call 561261-0552

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

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

STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING Promote healing & hair growth.

Stamp out ITCHAMCALLITTS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK itch.

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

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates.

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

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

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

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

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

NOT FOR PROFIT — Government Corporation Issued and Gtd. Call me for a free quote. Marc Piven, Agent 561-635-1168 Auto & Commercial Available.

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

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

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

State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

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

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

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

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

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof rep airs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & p atio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

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

U-17189 561-791-9777 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 FOR INFO.

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

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

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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