Town-Crier Newspaper December 4, 2009

RPBHS STUDENT COUNCIL TREE SALE

Wellington Ready To Break Ground On New Village Hall

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Wellington will open its first meeting at the site of its new municipal complex on Tuesday, Dec. 8 when council members convene there to break ground.

With gavel in hand, Mayor Darell Bowen will call the meeting to order on the grounds of the future building adjacent to the Wellington Community Center’s north parking lot along Forest Hill Blvd. The ceremony will be the first order of business.

“I’m very excited,” Bowen said. “It has been a long time in coming.” The 54,000-square-foot, $10.5million building will be the new

home of the village’s council chambers and administrative offices, and serve as the centerpiece for the new “Town Center.”

The Town Center also will include an amphitheater and Scott’s Place, a boundless playground designed for children of differing abilities.

Weitz Construction will build the municipal complex, which was designed by STH Architects. It will be paid for without a tax increase due to extra capital improvements money in the village’s budget and federal stimulus money Wellington received, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said.

“We’re looking at 15 years that we have been without a facility. It’s time,” Priore said. “I’m excit-

ed that the council has moved forward with this initiative.”

Bowen said the impact fees from construction during the boom years make up much of the extra money that will be used to pay for the building. Impact fees are imposed by the village on new developments to pay for the increases in public services used by the development.

“If we don’t spend them to improve municipal buildings, we’ll have to give them back,” Bowen said, adding that the fees have restrictions on how they are spent and cannot be placed into the general fund.

The village is saving nearly $5 million from the original construc-

See VILLAGE HALL, page 20

P.W. Chamber Holiday Parade Returns To Wellington Dec. 13

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

season,” the more we ignore the coming 2010 storm season, the more we’re setting ourselves up for disaster. That’s why now is the best time to take the necessary precautions to modify and strengthen your home. Page 4

The theme for this year’s Palms West Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 13 is “Hometown Holidays: Connecting Family, Friends and Community.”

“The parade ushers in the holidays for thousands of parade lovers,” Palms West Chamber of Commerce Special Events Coordinator Anitra Harmon said. “This year’s parade will have dozens of floats, six marching bands, 20 horses, clowns and costumed characters.”

Now in its 26th year, the holiday parade has grown to be a favorite family tradition, Harmon said. Last year’s parade drew about 25,000 spectators to watch hundreds of parade participants.

This year’s parade will kick off at 1 p.m. on Dec. 13 and will proceed along Forest Hill Blvd. from the original Wellington Mall to the Wellington Community Center.

This year, the parade will feature 13-year-old Tommy Batchelor of Palm Beach Gardens, one of the stars in the hit Broadway musical Billy Elliot

Lox

By Ron Bukley

Staff Report

“He’s going to be in the parade and make a personal appearance,” Harmon said. “He will be available for signing autographs at the staging area. His dad is a teacher at Seminole Ridge High School, so it kind of works in with that ‘hometown boy makes good’ theme.”

Batchelor is one of several boys playing the show’s starring role on Broadway. He will also play Billy Elliot in a Chicago version of the show opening in March. Billy Elliot is based on a 2000 movie by the same name about the son of a coal miner in Northern England who dreams of being a ballet dancer. “We’re hoping that some of his fans, especially the young people, will come and say hello to him and get an autograph from him,” Harmon said.

Because a water pipe is being replaced alongside Forest Hill’s southbound lanes, the parade will travel along the northbound lanes, which is opposite the traditional route. Spectators should find spots alongside those lanes, Harmon said.

“It will be on the opposite side

of where viewers are accustomed to, but there will still be a lot of areas for them to view the parade along Forest Hill Blvd.,” she said.

The road will be closed at 11 a.m., which is a little earlier than usual. Because of the construction, organizers will have to set up everything that morning.

The parade will be preceded by the Holiday Mile Run/Walk at 12:45 p.m. Participants can register at the PNC Bank parking lot at the corner of Country Club Drive and Forest Hill Blvd. that morning or pre-register at www.palms west.com by clicking on “Events & Programs.”

A children’s holiday park will be set up in the PNC Bank parking lot, rather than its previous location in the lot at the Wellington Community Center because of construction there. The park will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The parade is put on with close cooperation from the Village of

See PARADE, page 20

Red-Light Camera Experiment Gets Underway In RPB

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Royal Palm Beach will retain red-light cameras despite questions of their legality raised in lawsuits across the state and country.

Royal Palm Beach is currently in the second month of its 90-day warning period for its new redlight safety cameras, which began taking photos of red-light runners on Nov. 8 at two intersections in the village.

The cameras are located at the intersections of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards and Royal Palm Beach and Crestwood boulevards. The cameras are operational at all times to capture still images of every vehicle running a red light at the intersections. The cameras were installed by American Traffic Solutions (ATS), an Arizona-based company that operates red-light cameras in cities across the nation. Red-light cameras have come

under fire recently in Florida. Approximately two dozen drivers filed a class-action lawsuit against the City of Pembroke Pines last month over the issue, claiming it violates their right to due process. And the Village of Wellington has postponed having ATS install redlight cameras because of increased questions of their legality and concern that the village, not the company, would be liable if there were lawsuits.

Royal Palm Beach Assistant Village Manager Ray Liggins said RPB is not concerned about the legality of the red-light cameras, since courts in other states have ruled in favor of them. “They’ve been to court in other states and they’ve won,” he said, adding that the village confirmed the legality of the cameras with their attorneys before installing them. However, courts across the nation are split on the matter. Last month, ATS lost a case in

Chamber’s Economic Development Task Force Takes Shape

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Economic Development Task Force announced earlier this year by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce has begun to take shape with two of the area’s four municipalities signing on and appointing members. Organizers expect the task force to begin working early next month.

In October, the chamber’s Economic Development Committee announced an initiative to create the task force aimed at developing employment centers in the area and attracting potential employers to the western communities.

“Our vision is to create a longterm regional policy and marketing plan to further responsible economic development,” said Susan Giddings, the chamber’s vice chair for economic development. “A successful program will help at-

tract new business to the area while assuring a business climate favorable to our existing business base as well.” Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves already have appointed elected officials to the task force, with Greenacres and Royal Palm Beach expected to announce their appointees this month, Giddings said.

“We need to unite the area and create a regional strength,” she said, adding that she hopes that with both government officials and businesses on board, the task force can address the needs of each municipality individually, while strengthening the region as a whole.

Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore and Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp will serve as task force members,

See TASK FORCE, page 20

and canals. The action was in response to a memo from the Florida Farm Bureau stating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing numeric water standards to be imposed on Florida’s streams, lakes and canals by January

at the request of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District supporting the Florida Association of Special Districts’ efforts to control that legislation. “We actually coughed up some coin to support the water

control district in their efforts,” Lipp said. “Is this just another dog that’s in the fight? Are we going to support them as well?”

LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier said the Florida Water Quality Coalition is another entity opposing numeric water quality control standards and asking support of state and federal legislators to stop it.

“It’s an unfair practice,” Saunier said, explaining that, according to the Florida Farm Bureau memo, Florida is being singled out for numeric water quality criteria.

“To put it in a nutshell, God’s

Wellington, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. “We

Royal Palm Beach High School Student Council members are selling Christmas trees and wreaths this year. Proceeds will benefit the student council, which uses the money for school improvements, teacher gifts and more. Sale hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will continue until Dec. 20. Shown here is history teacher Justin Arnone with student council members and supporters. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

YOUNG CHEFS IN THE MAKING SHINE AT 4-H FOOD PREPARATION CONTEST

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Judge Bill Crozier gives Noelle Putnik’s cherry coffee cake a score of 100; she placed first in the Yeast Breads category.

Meghan Hanley with some of her entries; she placed first in Cakes and Cake Decorating.Shannyn and Ryley Drake each received five blue ribbons.

Marian Crozier tries Kaley Jones’ potato salad; Jones placed first in her category. Nicholas and Chrisopher Ciotti each received five blue ribbons.

Deric, Noelle and Dominic Frost show off their blue ribbons.

Corruption Reforms Get County Blessing

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission approved ordinances

Tuesday, Dec. 1 that will create a county ethics commission, inspector general and ethics code designed to help make the “Corruption County” moniker a thing of the past. The ordinances follow the recommendations in a grand jury report released last spring after investigating corruption issues in the county.

County Attorney Denise Nieman said the ordinances incorporated input from many local municipal, business and civic leaders, including the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Through the process, the two prevailing issues have been how to pay for the inspector general’s office and how to keep the office independent, she said.

Nieman complimented the county commission for not interfering with the crafting of the ordinances and for acting promptly instead of waiting until voters approve a charter amendment that would make the inspector general’s office a permanent part of county government. The commission is expected to ask voters to approve such a charter change in 2010.

“Recognizing the importance of the grand jury’s work, you gave staff unbridled direction to go forward immediately with all the recommendations,” Nieman said.

“Hopefully, with the adoption of

these ordinances, we can move forward with the only reminder of the past being the good work presented today.”

The three ordinances, which passed first reading unanimously, are slated for final passage on Dec. 15.

Some members of the public, reminding the commissioners that three of their former colleagues are currently in prison, thought the ordinance didn’t make the inspector general position independent enough from the commission. The commission will be able to remove the inspector general for cause, and must approve a budget for the office.

“You’re this close to not getting it right,” Royal Palm Beach Councilman Fred Pinto told the commission. “There is clearly a perception that you will be involved. I recommend you remove yourselves from the position of inspector general. Give him the authority and power. There should not be a perception that after the smoke clears, you still have authority at the end of the day to remove the inspector general.”

The ordinances include many aspects of the Miami-Dade model, which was recommended by the grand jury, said Senior Assistant County Attorney Lenny Berger, who presented the highlights of the ordinances.

The Commission on Ethics (COE) would be composed of appointees from several agencies that could not be subject to its ju-

See CORRUPTION, page 4

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

More than half of the county’s $700 million allocated for future road improvements will go to improvements in the central western communities, said County Engineer George Webb, who gave an update on county road plans at the Board of County Commissioners meeting Nov. 24. Webb said projects in the midwestern part of the county are projected to receive almost $430 million. In addition, the state plans a $60 million project to widen State Road 80 to six lanes west of its existing six-lane section.

The 2035 Road Plan, approved by the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization in October, as well as a county five-year plan reflects what is needed regardless of the cost. A cost-feasible plan will be developed later, scaled back to reflect anticipated revenue, Webb said.

The cost-feasible plan is what is ultimately adopted as the longrange plan. Anticipated revenue for transportation improvements over the next 25 years were anticipated to be about $4.45 billion from various sources, including impact fees, gas taxes and state revenues. That’s about $495 million short of what is needed to get all projects done, Webb said.

The MPO decided to spend about 60 percent of that money on mass transit and about 40 percent — or $1.5 billion — on roads. About $700 million is designated for county and city road projects, and about $800 million is for state and federal projects. Some of the significant county projects include the State Road 7 extension from 60th Street to Northlake Blvd., which is in the MPO work program with $106 million for design, right of way acquisition and construction, Webb said. The Florida Department of Transportation will hold hearings in the first part of 2010, followed by a submission to the Federal Highway Administration for the project’s consideration.

“There is money in the MPO program to build State Road 7 from what would be our end at 60th Street all the way up to Northlake,” Webb said. Also on the plan is the westward extension of Roebuck Road from Jog Road to the State Road 7 extension. “It’s included in the county’s five-year plan for construction in 2014, but as the board knows, there are no active permit applications currently at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the South Florida Water Management District. Staff is still working on alternatives in the corridor, and it is expected that the board will address these alternatives prior to staff resubmitting to the two agencies,” Webb said. The extension of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road from Northlake Blvd. to the Beeline Highway is still on the needs list, but did not receive funding during the MPO adoption of the long-range plan,

Webb said. “The current cost estimate is over $180 million for that five-mile section of road,” he said.

“That high cost is one of the major reasons that the MPO did not include it in its cost-feasible plan.”

The county had set aside money for Seminole Pratt’s design and permitting in its five-year plan.

“We started that process and had some extremely negative comments from the Army Corps,” Webb said. “To deal with those comments, we ended up having to withdraw the permit, and we are now re-evaluating corridor options in an effort to lower the project’s cost.”

Along with the MPO’s cost-feasible plan, the agency created a map showing roads that would fail ideal levels of service if improvement projects were not done.

“Some of the arterial roads are not going to work, and you’re going to have to address level-ofservice issues for that, but for the most part, to have a county as urban as we are and big as we are, to be looking at the level of deficiencies that we have in the future with a road map that looks like this is quite an accomplishment,” Webb said.

Commissioner Jeff Koons blamed the development of The Acreage for the road construction woes the county is facing in the area, saying he watched 28,000 homes get built in The Acreage without them having to adhere to concurrency standards.

“In 1992, I objected to the county not doing concurrency in The Acreage,” he said, “and here we are 25 years later, taking a look at that major mistake we made out there and with the lack of the infrastructure and the lack of the road network. Clearly we’re here on some of the things we should have done before that we didn’t.”

Commissioner Shelley Vana said she was confused about how the plan looks at backlogs.

“It seems like the people in The Acreage, and in the midwestern communities, are coming to us and saying, ‘We have significant backlog, we have significant failures,’ and when you look at some of the maps, you see a lot of red out there that say at some point in time they’re not going to be at our level of service,” she said.

Webb said traffic has dropped on the roads in The Acreage, as it has on roads throughout the county.

“What’s happening out there today, we don’t have any deficiencies,” Webb said. “If we assume all those properties are going to be developed at their existing land uses and we build, we take some of this money the next 25 years and build the system, this is how it’s going to look, and that is not a bad picture at all in that area.

You’ve got three major

Take The ‘Off Season’ To Get Ready For The Next Hurricane Season

For most Americans, the start of December means holiday season is officially in full swing. For Floridians, however, it marks an equally joyous occasion — the end of hurricane season.

The period from June 1 to Nov. 30 is a harrying time for homeowners in the Sunshine State, who have learned to keep one eye on weather reports at all times. The radar graphic of the hurricane inching its way toward the Florida peninsula has become a source of fear, especially when it’s followed by another storm that might possibly follow its course. Fortunately, we didn’t see much of that this year. And now that Nov. 30 has passed, we’re in the clear — for now. But it won’t be long before next June rolls around and hurricane anxiety starts up again.

Now that it’s finally OK to relax and not worry about drinking the last bottle of water or diminishing the soup supply, we can enjoy the current “off season.” Of course, the more we ignore the coming 2010 storm season, the more we’re setting ourselves up for disaster. That’s why now is the best time to take the necessary precautions to modify and strengthen your home.

While it’s obviously a good thing that South Florida went another year without being hit by a major storm, the more time passes since the tumultuous 2004 and 2005 seasons, the more we tend to forget the dangers that hurricanes bring and the daily realities of a poststorm environment — waiting in lines at the supermarket, home improvement store and

Healthcare

‘Reform’ Plans

Miss The Mark

It is sad that so many proponents of the current healthcare “reform” legislation approach any criticism of the bills by claiming that opponents are simply engaged in “fear mongering.” I suppose that such a tactic is effective or it would not be so common. It is the suggested approach of the current administration: attack the opponents, ignore their legitimate concerns. There are many legitimate concerns. In brief, nothing in the legislation will help reduce the cost of healthcare. The claimed reductions in cost are solely due to reducing Medicare benefits (which means further rationing) and reduction of Medicare fraud (which can be done without new legislation). The legislation does nothing to promote consumer pressure on providers in order to foster greater efficiency. In fact, consumers will be even further removed from making decisions regarding selection of lower cost providers. Nothing in the legislation will significantly address tort reform. Until and unless medical practitioners are shielded from unscrupulous lawyers, the cost of litigation will continue to add further burdens on the cost of healthcare. The best way to encourage doctors to be more careful in their practice is to take away their license when found guilty of malpractice. Nothing in the current legislation addresses that issue.

The primary result of passage of the current legislation is that some number of medically uninsured will be provided with free or reduced-cost insurance. The cost for that gain will be rising premiums for the young and fit, higher taxes, lower Medicare benefits, and politicizing healthcare decisions which should instead be made by doctors and patients. Phil Sexton Wellington

Aaronson: Proud To Serve As Chairman

I am proud to inform you that the Palm Beach County Commission elected me chair at its Nov. 17 board meeting. Commissioner Karen Marcus was elected vice chair.

Being chair of the commission means more work for me and my staff. However, it also allows me to set the direction that the county will take over the next year. As you all know, unemployment is high and jobs are scarce. Property values have declined but demands for government services have increased. Most of us remember the words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This seems to sum up the challenges that the county faces in 2010. My number-one priority as chair is jobs. Creating jobs is the key component to moving Palm Beach County’s economy forward. When a family member is laid off, the family must cut back on expenses. One way might be to eliminate going out to dinner.

gas station for things that might sell out before you get to them. The further these memories become, the easier it is to forget and be lulled into complacency.

While it’s a little early to start stocking up on food and water for next year, it’s never too soon to buy flashlights, radios and other emergency items you’ll need in the event of a power outage. Perhaps the most important thing to do right now is begin fortifying your home to better withstand a hurricane. This means ensuring that your windows are protected by more than just plywood. Hurricane shutters are the most common solution, though if you can afford to spend a little more money, impact-resistant windows can withstand flying debris. Also, if you have a garage door that’s less than secure or holes in your roof, now’s the time to make the necessary repairs.

Last year, homeowners were able to take advantage of the My Safe Florida Home inspection program, which offered eligible homeowners free wind inspections by qualified hurricane mitigation inspectors. Unfortunately, because of budget constraints, the program expired in June. According to the My Safe Florida Home web site, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink plans to push for more funding for the program in 2010. Even without help from the state, homeowners who make the extra effort to protect their homes can see a sizable reduction in their insurance premiums. Either way, it’s an investment that you’ll want to make because come this time next year, we might not have been so lucky.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The restaurant they go to has to cut back on its expenses, so it lays off employees and buys less food from its vendors. The vendors that supply the restaurant with food have to cut back so they lay off employees and reduce the supplies they buy from farmers.

This one simple example demonstrates the chain of events that has happened time and time again over the past couple of years. The bottom line is that we need more jobs. Jobs generate income. Income spurs consumer spending. A family can go out to dinner again. The economy becomes more robust. I will be working with the county staff, the Business Development Board and the Economic Council, among others, to find ways to help our existing businesses grow and expand and to bring new businesses to Palm Beach County.

I will also be working closely with the county staff on next year’s budget that will begin next October. The county commission has already started to examine each department and its functions. It is too soon to comment on the outcome, but I can assure you that I want to reduce costs but at the same time, maintain the services that we all expect.

I will be the featured guest on the Channel 20 program Politically Speaking in December. I invite you to tune in to learn more about my chairmanship. For dates and times, go to the county’s web site, www.pbcgov.com. You will find the program guide in the Channel 20 column. You can also call the Public Affairs Office at (561) 3552205 for the information.

I am pleased to be able to serve as chair for the next year, and I will continue to work to achieve the highest quality of life for the residents of District 5 and all the residents of Palm Beach County.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 or call my staff at (561) 276-1310 or toll free at (877) 930-2205. My e-mail address is: baaronso@pbcgov.org. Burt Aaronson, Chairman, Palm Beach County Commission Support For Afghan Plan

Editor’s note: U.S. congressmen Tom Rooney (R-Fla., 16th District) and Patrick Murphy (DPenn., Eighth District) issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s address to the nation on the way forward in Afghanistan.

We support President Obama’s decision to commit 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan. He has listened to our military leaders on the ground, and has decided, along with our military commanders and civilian leadership, to pursue a strategy that ensures our brave men and women serving overseas have the resources and plan to dismantle, disrupt and defeat Al Qaeda.

With these additional troops, our service members and allies can continue to root out and kill the Al Qaeda terrorists who murdered over 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11,

OPINION

2001, and prevent them from destabilizing Pakistan and obtaining nuclear weapons.

We believe, both as Army veterans and Republican and Democratic congressmen, that there should be strong bipartisan consensus for these additional troops and resources.

We hope Congress will put partisan politics aside and support this thoughtful approach to taking on our enemies.

Tom Rooney Patrick Murphy United States Congress

Chamber: Don’t ‘Curb’ Our Future

Regarding the Palm Beach Post Nov. 20 article “County Ponders Move to Curb Development,” the Palms West Chamber of Commerce has been working diligently to garner support for the cre-

ation of a comprehensive economic development plan that will help our communities economically sustain themselves. As a chamber, our mission is to advocate for a healthy and viable business environment. Moving the boundary line eastward to demarcate the urban service area would severely restrict our efforts. Our goal is to create jobs and motivate redevelopment, just like the county. Isn’t it better to work together to achieve this goal than be working apart?

I encourage our county commissioners to look for solutions to achieve their goals and not for government to restrict specific communities. The residents of the western communities should be afforded the same opportunities as the rest of the county.

Kevin DiLallo, Chairman, Palms West Chamber of Commerce

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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

In Memory Of My Pal Morty... Thank You For Many Years Of Friendship

Take your pick. My friend Morty was: smart, opinionated, warm-hearted, loud, forthright, charming, jovial, stubborn, organized, clever, etc.

Plug in virtually any of your own adjectives, and they will probably all fit.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Morty was 93, but there he was, a couple of weeks back, Irene at his side as had been the case for 68 years, joining Sylvia

Corruption County Reforms

continued from page 3 risdiction or that of the inspector general, Berger said. Those agencies are: the president of the Palm Beach County Association of Chiefs of Police; a collaboration of the president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Palm Beach County, president of the F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association and the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion; the president of Florida Atlantic University; the president of the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Institute of CPAs; and the board of directors of the Palm Beach County League of Cities. All members would serve four-year terms. Members of the COE would not be allowed to hold or campaign for any elected office, represent a political party or political committee, or be involved in any other political activity.

Members of the COE also could not be employed by any government subject to authority of the inspector general. The powers and duties of the Commission on Ethics would be to review, interpret, render advisory opinions and enforce the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, post-employment ordinance and lobbyist registration ordinance. The COE would be able to negotiate agreements with other governments to provide similar services, subject to final approval by the county commission. It would develop and deliver ethics training for county employees, officials and other participating governmental agencies. Members of the COE, along with the state attorney and the public defender or their designees, would serve as the selection committee for the inspector general. The Office of Inspector General would be established to prevent misconduct involving abuse and corruption at all levels of county

and me on one of our semi-regular jaunts to Manhattan to see a Broadway show and enjoy dinner out.

Sure, Morty had heart problems as well as other maladies associated with being 93 years old. But the mind was sharp and the varied opinions free-flowing as usual. The social companion-

government, Berger continued. The inspector general would serve a four-year term and would be authorized to investigate, review and audit county-funded programs and contracts and prepare reports and recommendations to the county based on those investigations. The inspector general would be authorized to negotiate agreements with other public entities to oversee their activities and also would establish a hotline to receive anonymous complaints.

“Removal of the inspector general is the only thing left for the commission,” Berger said, explaining that the inspector general may be removed only for cause based on specific charges.

Berger noted the procedure for removing an inspector general in depth, including two required public hearings and giving the inspector general 60 days to mount a defense. Further, the Commission on Ethics would be asked to review the matter independently and provide a recommendation.

Commission Chair Burt Aaron-

ship soared. He was always wonderful to be with, despite our oft-times disagreements on politics, among other things. And yes, Morty loved to talk politics. Morty was a certified public accountant for some 70 years, but he only had new clients. It seems every one of his previous clients had become good

friends! I invested with him in two projects over the years. I didn’t regret it. Morty was not an overly observant man, but he was a major contributor to his synagogue, “because it was the right thing to do.” Oh yes, I forgot one word in the opening paragraph. In his

eulogy, the rabbi emphasized “father figure,” and Morty’s nephew Michael dwelled on responsible head of a big extended family. But his son-in-law Stuart used my favorite word for Morty — integrity! I join Michael in his final words: “I won’t say goodbye, I will say thank you!”

BUDJINSKI

son said he felt the Commission on Ethics should be watching the inspector general.

“I don’t see us being the ones to be recalling the inspector general or making charges against him,” he said. “I am very happy with the ethics commission vetting this. We are saying we want to be as far away from it as we can.”

Commissioner Priscilla Taylor said she felt they would be putting a lot of responsibility on a commission made up of volunteers.

In the end, the commissioners asked county staff to look into ways of giving the Commission on Ethics veto power over any decision to remove the inspector general.

The Code of Ethics ordinance would establish rules at least as stringent as the state code of ethics if not more, Berger said.

The proposed code of ethics would prevent any official or employee from entering into contracts between the county and the

official or employee of their outside employer or business. It would prohibit contingency fees and prohibit any official or employee from accepting any gift in exchange for an official public action to be taken. Voting conflicts would be expanded to require that a public official abstain from voting on a matter that would result in financial benefit to him or his family, friends or business associates.

Officials and employees are prohibited from accepting gifts worth more than $100, Berger said, adding that current state requirements will still apply.

The lobbyist registration program would be amended to require a filing fee of $25 for each client they represent. Interference or refusal to cooperate with an investigation of the COE or inspector general, or harassing anyone attempting to cooperate, would be referred to the State Attorney’s Office.

Ethics code violators would be subject to a public reprimand, a

fine up to $500 and/or jail time of up to 60 days.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria asked about the basis for the $500 maximum fine and 60-day maximum prison time for ethics infractions, and Berger replied that is the state maximum. Santamaria said it doesn’t seem to be much of a deterrent, and Berger agreed.

State Attorney Michael McAuliffe said the ordinances have been given more review than any he could remember. McAuliffe said that even though the county commission falls under inspector general scrutiny, he encouraged them to work together.

“While you fall under the office’s jurisdiction, you also are a collaborator with the inspector general,” McAuliffe said. “It’s an arm’s-length relationship, but that position, that function, that office is supposed to help you ferret out deficiencies, waste and fraud. I hope you will have a working relationship with the inspector general.”

History teacher Justin Arnone helps students carr y a tree.Stephanie and Francesca Toscano get ready to take a tree home.

Student council volunteers hold signs to attract customers.

of

Beach International Equestrian

Wellington, the Wellness Center and the Omphoy Ocean Resort.

Health Mart Pharmacy’s Nina Raviefarr.

European Day Spa’s Violeta Cromer and Zorina Zaviti.Fit Studio owner Rhonda Ashkettle and Cathy Bonadio.

Jessica Rivera and her father Stephen of Logo Graphics.

My Whole Pet Market partners Jill Scott, Pablo Sanchez and Selene Diaz.

Rebecca and Cynthia Warth hold bunnies for sale at the Pet Supplies Plus booth while owner Monte Dubois looks on.

Juvenile Arrested On Multiple Charges Following Burglary

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

NOV. 30 — A juvenile was arrested last Sunday night in connection with a vehicle burglary at a home in The Acreage. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home on 85th Road North where he met with the victim, who said when she returned home, she saw the juvenile leaving her property and walking away from her boyfriend’s Honda Civic. The victim reported that when she confronted the juvenile, he told her he was returning from a friend’s house. When the victim searched her boyfriend’s car, she found that a silver necklace with a heartshaped diamond charm, which she kept in a purple box, was missing from the center console. According to the report, while talking to the victim, three people approached the deputy, and the victim identified one as the suspect. The deputy approached the juvenile, who returned the purple box before being questioned about the incident. He claimed that a friend had stolen it. The juvenile was found to be in violation of probation for a previous theft and was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center. He was charged with burglary to a vehicle, possession of stolen property, trespassing after a warning, and child in violation of imposed conditions.

• • • NOV. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded Friday, Nov. 20 to the Kmart store on Southern Blvd. in reference to a shoplifting complaint. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer observed an unknown suspect take four quartz watches from a stand and stuff them in his right pants pocket and down the front of his pants. He then passed all points of sale, left the store without paying for the watches and entered the passenger side of a white Dodge sedan. According to the report, the suspect is described as a black male between 30 and 35 years old, 5’11” and 6’2”, and approximately 195 pounds with a bald head, beard and mustache. He was wearing a blue tank top and light blue pants. The watches were valued at approximately $40.

NOV. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Doubletree Trail last Tuesday night in response to a delayed burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between noon on Saturday, Nov. 21 and 9 p.m. last Tuesday, someone entered the victim’s home through the unlocked rear sliding glass door. Once inside, the suspect stole $3,300 in jewelry and smashed a bedroom window with a lamp. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

sometime between 11 p.m. last Monday and 6:20 a.m. last Tuesday, someone stole the victim’s car from his driveway. The victim said that the rear doors of the car did not lock. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

NOV. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Yarmouth Drive last Thursday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, a witness observed a suspect enter the victim’s vehicle through an unlocked front door and attempt to take a cell phone valued at $150 that was inside the vehicle. The suspect fled south on Yarmouth Drive. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

NOV. 26 — A Lake Worth woman was arrested last Thursday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol after she was found passed out behind the wheel of her car at the intersection of Lyons Road and Forest Hill Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation discovered 21-year-old Michelle Morris passed out behind the wheel of the vehicle with it still running. A breathalyzer test found that Morris’ blood alcohol level was at .135. She was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail and charged with driving under the influence.

NOV. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in the Polo Chase community last Thursday in response to a criminal mischief complaint. According to a PBSO report, sometime between the 6 and 7 p.m., someone put small scratches on all sides of the victim’s Toyota Corolla, which she had parked in the complex parking lot on Polo Gardens Drive. The cost to repair the damage is approximately $300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 28 — A Belle Glade man was arrested last Saturday at the Mall at Wellington Green after his car was found to have a stolen tag. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded to the mall parking lot and found that 23-year-old Clarence Robinson’s 1995 Chevy had a license plate that was stolen on Nov. 20. Robinson was taken to the county jail and charged with dealing in stolen property.

NOV. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to Littlewood Farm last Saturday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1:45 and 2:45 p.m., two unknown white male suspects in an older model red Nissan pick-up truck stole a generator that was stored outside one of the farm’s tents. The suspects backed up the truck to the generator and placed it in the bed of the truck before fleeing down 50th Street. Witnesses were unable to provide a license plate number, and there were no suspects at the time of the report.

NOV. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Westhampton Circle last Wednesday morning regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report,

NOV. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on

See BLOTTER, page 20

Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Amir Douglas, a.k.a. Hason Douglas, is a black male, 6’ tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo of Tony the Tiger on his right arm. His date of birth

Amir Douglas Sean Kingsley

Code Issues At University Centre Have RPB Zoners Concerned

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a second preliminary plat for Corporate Center West/University Centre at its meeting Nov. 24, but not before commission members discussed code violations on the project. Corporate Center West is a 9.48-acre site located at the northeast corner of State Road 7 and Belvedere Road. It was formerly known as the Palm Beach Posse Grounds. According to Jan Polson of Cotleur & Hearing, agent for the developer, construction is underway and the applicant has de-

cided to go ahead with platting of the property. The preliminary plat was reviewed by the village engineer, who is currently reviewing the final plat, Polson said.

Commission Chair Jackie Larson asked village staff about exposed air conditioning units on the roof, which is a code violation.

“Whether or not this is appropriate for a plat, I’ve always said that when somebody comes back, it opens up a can of worms for anything that hasn’t happened correctly in the past,” Larson said. “I’d like to hear from staff. When I drive by that building, which is lovely, and the clock tower is lovely, I do see code violations on that roof, and I’m curious what staff

PBSO HOSTS CLERGY BREAKFAST IN RPB

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Coordinator Diane Smith of the District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach coordinated the Third Annual Clergy Breakfast with clergy members from Royal Palm Beach. The event was a success, and attendees were able to meet and speak with Capt. Eric Coleman and Lt. David Combs, who run the district. Coleman and Combs spoke about current issues as well as future partnerships between the PBSO and the religious organizations in the community. Upcoming holiday events and holiday safety tips were also discussed. (Above) Coleman talks to attendees about issues in the community. (Below) Representatives of PBSO District 9 join local clergy for a group photo.

has asked the applicant to do to correct them.”

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the code requires screening of mechanical equipment, and according to the code, “screened” means substantially concealed from view by a structure such as a building, fence, wall, hedge or other landscaping material.

“They have installed some screens around the air conditioning units,” Erwin said. “There is a hood that isn’t screened up to the six-foot level, and we’re trying to determine if they need to get a variance for that.”

Larson said the violation is most obvious when she is heading east on Belvedere facing the front of the building.

Erwin said he thought the developer had put up screening recently, but village staff will look into it, he added.

Commissioner Darrell Lange said the code requires that the plans identify all rooftop equipment, and the developer had not done so during the application process.

“You can correct me, but I looked at the page, and it says they must identify all rooftop equipment,” he said. “They did not do that, so code enforcement and anybody else allowing that is violating their own code.”

Erwin agreed that the rooftop equipment was not shown on the original diagrams.

“They did come in a number of

times to redo the roof, which originally was supposed to be a mansard roof,” Erwin said. “I think the applicant may have overlooked it as well, and unfortunately it wasn’t caught. We have done what we can to remediate it.”

The property is zoned for 100,000 square feet of commercial office space, according to Erwin. The applicant also received a special exception use approval for South University to occupy one or two of the three buildings.

Commissioner Barbara Powell asked why the approval is in separate plats, and Polson said it was to avoid having all three lots tied up in one application. “They’re developing it in three different phases, so they’re doing individual lots so they can do individual financing on them,” she said.

Polson said there were only minor site plan changes in the application, one being to change the name of the development from Corporate Center West to University Centre.

Erwin said that village staff had recommended approval of the plat application. Lange made a motion to recommend approval of the preliminary plat application, which passed 4-0.

In other business, the commission approved a special exception use for a farmers market to operate at the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center on Sundays. The market has operated at Southern Palm Crossing, located at the northwest corner of Lam-

‘Whether or not this is appropriate for a plat, I’ve always said that when somebody comes back, it opens up a can of worms for anything that hasn’t happened correctly in the past... When I drive by that building, which is lovely, and the clock tower is lovely, I do see code violations on that roof.’ — Commission Chair Jackie Larson

stein Lane and Southern Blvd., for several Sundays, said Urban Design Kilday Studios Senior Project Manager Marty Minor, agent for the shopping center’s owner.

The market is operating now under a special event permit, which is due to expire next month, Minor said. On Nov. 19, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved a text amendment to its code, allowing green markets as a special exception, and the owners of the farmers market were looking for a permit under that designation. “This would make it a more permanent feature,” Minor said.

The market will occupy 37 spaces in front of Stein Mart, said Erwin, who explained that to qualify for a special exception, the applicant must demonstrate that there will be sufficient parking. Since the market only operates on Sunday when several businesses are closed and several of the restaurants do not open until 4 p.m., parking is not an issue because the green market is only open between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., he said.

Lange asked if the special exception can be amended in the future to allow for more space if the green market should become more popular.

“What if it kind of takes off there?” Lange asked. “It’s sort of like West Palm Beach. That got ridiculous. What kind of protection is there if it grows? I mean, I enjoy it. Is it going to be limited forever to 37 spaces?” Erwin said the application limits them now to 37 spaces unless they come back to the village.

“It’s limited to what you have there before you now, unless they come back and get a special exception amendment,” Erwin said. There is a pad adjoining the current site where a Christmas tree lot will be set up that could provide additional space if they apply for an amendment, as long as they can still show adequate parking, Erwin added.

Leonard Urban made a motion to recommend approval of the special exception, which passed 40.

Wellington Elementary School Takes First Place In Village’s ‘Cans For Cash’ Contest

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and other representatives from the Village of Wellington met Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Wellington Elementary School to honor the school for winning first place in the Cans for Cash contest. Wellington Elementary School placed first out of Wellington schools competing in the national contest, which was held during the month of October. The contest was sponsored by the United States Conference of Mayors, Novelis Corporation and Keep America Beautiful. The first-place prize was $500. Second place was awarded to Polo Park Middle School ($300), and third place went to Wellington Landings Middle School ($200). Prize money was donated by Jet Hauling.

Wellington is the first municipality in Palm Beach County to participate in this national recycling effort. The village is competing for a $5,000 award that will be presented to each of the top municipalities in four populationbased categories, for collecting the most aluminum beverage cans from Oct. 1-31. Winners will be announced in January. This became a communitywide event by the school’s partnering with the Citizens Volunteer Organization (CVO) as well as local businesses and residents. Village employees and facilities played a key role and collected a total of 935 pounds of aluminum cans. All proceeds from sale of the cans will benefit the CVO. There will be a recognition proclamation at the Dec. 8 Wellington Village Council meeting.

ANNE GERWIG HOSTS WELLINGTON COUNCIL CAMPAIGN EVENT AT GYPSY’S HORSE

fundraiser for Wellington

attorney Rob Ostrov.

candidate Anne Gerwig was held Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the

Cans For Cash — (L-R) Wellington Elementary School Principal Mike Borowski, fourth-grade teacher and Ecology Club co-sponsor Terri Gilstad, SAI instructor and Head of Ecology Club Madeline Myers, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Wellington Senior Planner Bill Nemser and Solid Waste & Recycling Supervisor Jesse Wright.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

A

Village Council

Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant in the original Wellington Mall. She was joined by her husband Alan, along with friends and supporters, including Wellington officials. Gerwig is running for Seat 2, currently held by term-limited Lizbeth Benacquisto. Also running for the seat is

Anne Gerwig with Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Tim Shields.Megan Littlefield, Julie McPherson and Deborah Neff.Anne Gerwig with friends Daniel and Sabine Cohen.

HOWARD COATES HOSTS CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

Next Wellington Chamber Lunch Set For Dec. 16

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at the Binks Forest Golf Club featuring guest speaker Hervé Jaubert. His topic will be “Escape from Dubai.”

Jaubert is a retired French Navy commander who served most of his career in the French intelligence service as a mechanical engineer and former covert operative with high-altitude parachuting, scuba diving and special ops military experience.

Resigning from the service in 1993, he moved to the U.S. to develop and create a business to build and operate recreational submarines. In 2004, Jaubert moved to Dubai to develop and create a submarine manufacturing company for the Dubai government.

In 2008, Jaubert escaped from Dubai after an ordeal including alleged false prosecution and threats of torture and death. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against Dubai World for fraud, defamation, false imprisonment and abuse of process.

Attendees will hear about Jaubert’s ordeal in Dubai, including his escape as well as the most recent financial crisis and bank default in Dubai. Jaubert will have his book Escape from Dubai on sale at the event.

Networking and registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at noon. Sponsorship and VIP table opportunities are still available. Call

(561) 792-6525 to register. RSVPs must be received by Friday, Dec. 11 at noon. The cost to attend is $20 for chamber members with RSVP, $25 for chamber members at the door and $30 for the general public.

Postal Center Collecting For Toys For Tots

The Postal Center at the intersection of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd. in The Acreage is a designated collection location for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. If you are an Acreage/Loxahatchee resident, this is your local dropoff location for the program, which encourages the donation of new, unwrapped toys to needy children. Marines will pick up donations every week until Tuesday, Dec. 22.

The Toys for Tots program began in 1948. Since then, more than 402 million toys have been collected and distributed. During this time of giving and helping, it is especially important to help those less fortunate.

Last year, the program saw a shortage of toys being donated. Postal Center owners realized there was no drop-off location in the Acreage/Loxahatchee area and wanted to be sure one was available this year to make donating convenient for local residents.

Postal Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call (561) 333-6536.

S.F. Kids Consignment Dec. 10-13

Following an extremely successful kickoff event at the South Florida Fairgrounds in July, South Florida Kids Consignment organizers will bring back the four-day event Dec. 10-13.

For parents/caregivers looking for a way to make some quick cash while money is tight, South Florida Kids Consignment is an easy, quick way to sell your children’s outgrown stuff without having to lift a finger. All sellers need to do is visit www.southfloridakids consignment.com and follow the instructions for tagging merchandise. Drop off the items at a prescheduled appointment time you set at your convenience, and then wait to collect your profits. There are no upfront charges for participating and no fee to attend the event.

Sellers can increase their profit percentage from 60 to 65 percent by volunteering to help at the sale. Refer five or more friends who participate in the sale, and you’ll get an additional five percent profit added on top. South Florida Kids Consignment is donating five percent of the sale’s total net profits to the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach chapter.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the sale. Everything left on Dec. 13 will be sold at half price.

Student

Program

For the past four years, the Village of Wellington and the Wellington Art Society have presented the Student Art Program, exhibiting the artwork of local elementary, middle and high school students. The works of art are on display for a four-month rotation throughout the year. The village and Wellington Art Society are once again asking middle school student artists attending Wellington schools or living in Wellington to submit their work for selection. This rotation will feature the theme “Wellington in Bloom.” Works of art in any format that reflect the theme are requested.

This next exhibit will begin at the end of January and will run through May. Student artists interested in participating in the middle school exhibition are asked to deliver their artwork to the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Jan. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. The artwork will be selected by the Wellington Art Society. Student artists will be recognized at the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting to be held on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Information and entry forms with program dates and guidelines are available by calling the Wellington Art Society at (561) 7923090, contacting art teachers at Wellington schools and on the Village of Wellington’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Wellington Councilman Howard Coates held a campaign kickoff party and fundraiser on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at the Players Club. Friends and supporters turned out to help Coates campaign for a full term on the Wellington Village Council. The election will be held in March. (Above) Mike Nelson, Cheri Coates, Howard Coates, Karen Hardin and Sue Nelson. (Below) Michael Coates, Barbara Johnson, Dr. Wes Boughner and Karen Hardin.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The jockeys gather on the award stage.

Original masters of Palm Beach Hunt Ken and Arle Adams with Shari Cirkus and Master of Palm Beach Hounds Bob Pelio.

George and Brenda DuPont, Charles Ward, Laurina Anderson and Tom Martin.

Joe and Ashley Maguire with their daughter Kathryn, and Toy and John Wash with their daughter Victoria.

The Palm Beach Hounds run during the opening ceremonies.

Hat contest winners Krista Basore, Louise Palmer, Caroline Moran, Luke Cahill and Kim Kolloff. Matthew Granaroli and William Teichmann do push-ups for fun.

Celebrating in the Three J’s Cigar Emporium tent.

Taylor Blauweiss sings the national anthem.

Cancer care begins with us.

When you’re facing cancer, you want the latest treatment techniques and the best physicians available—so you can get back to living your life.

At South Florida Radiation Oncology, you’ll find the area’s most accomplished and respected radiation oncologists and a full range of state-of-the-art cancer treatments. This is the team you want.

Dr. Kishore Dass and Dr. Ben Han spearhead a team of eight highly trained radiation oncologists practicing advanced cancer treatment techniques. We deliver inspired, compassionate care. Our physicians have been trained at esteemed institutions including Cleveland Clinic, National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, Mount Sinai, Beth Israel, University of Washington and Stanford. We combine compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology to give you confidence to move on.

Isn’t it time you got back to living your life? Don’t wait—contact one of five convenient locations in Palm Beach County today.

Boynton Beach | Palm Beach Gardens | Stuart | Wellington |

Community Foundation Grant Helps Support Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County recently announced that it has received a $1,760 grant from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support the promotion and financial management of Project Lifesaver.

Project Lifesaver was incorporated this year and is serving atrisk wanderers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. Project Lifesaver provides special tracking equipment to those individuals who may wander away from the safety of their homes, providing peace of mind to their caregivers.

“Without programs like Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County

‘Home For Christmas’ At Grace Fellowship

During its service on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., Grace Fellowship Church in The Acreage will hold a special “Home for Christmas” in honor of family members who have passed away.

“We name it based on the thought that, for those who believe as I do that believers in Jesus Christ go to heaven when they die, this is there first Christmas ‘home’ with God,” Pastor Jim Sims explained. “It is a serious attempt to give families a rallying point for healing and encouragement over the death of a family member or close friend. As you know, this is a tough time for families in the middle of all the holiday celebration.”

Here is how it works: family members fill out a form confirming that they will participate. The church asks those who would like to provide a picture of their loved ones to put on the tree for the service. All family members are invited to attend. The church will dedicate a portion of the service to have the family members come to the front. Sims will have some words of encouragement for them, and the congregation will pray for them together.

Finally, Grace Fellowship has a special pewter ornament that reads “Home for Christmas,” which will be given to each family to hang on their tree. The church has three on its tree each year. One is for Sims’s father James Sims Sr.,

in our community, the most vulnerable members of our community would be at greater risk,” said Elizabeth Lugo, Project Lifesaver president and Volen Center CEO. “The chances of a child or a senior who is at risk for wandering away being found more quickly and safely dramatically improves with the Project Lifesaver program. We greatly appreciate the support of the Community Foundation. This funding will improve the lives of those who wander and the families who love and care for them.”

Dr. Jack Scott, Project Lifesaver vice president and executive director of Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities agreed. “As the director of a regional

who died in 2004. Another is for a close family friend who died in 2001. The final one is to remember Sims’ mother, who died in 2002.

Anyone in the community who contacts Grace Fellowship by Dec. 14 can take part in the Dec. 20 service. The church welcomes all those who have had deaths in the family this year. Grace Fellowship Church’s Acreage campus is located at the corner of 75th Road N. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call (561) 385-5871.

RPB Baby Gets Life-Saving Transplant

With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising money for transplant-needy patients. In Royal Palm Beach, volunteers are raising funds for transplant patients such as local baby Gavin Henry. Born on April 6, 2008, Gavin was diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, and doctors at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami performed a lifesaving bone marrow transplant on Aug. 26. An estimated $60,000 is being raised by Royal Palm Beach volunteers.

Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities. Indi-

autism support project, I know that many parents feel a great sense of relief knowing their child is helped by Project Lifesaver,” he said. “The risks for wandering and the endangerment with these children are substantial and even with the most careful supervision, they can wander.”

Community Foundation President and CEO Leslie Lilly said her organization is happy to support such a worthy project. “The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is pleased to provide Project Lifesaver with this grant to improve its capacity to address an important issue in our community,” Lilly said. “This grant will help the organization strengthen its operational systems and increase its vis-

viduals and groups interested in more information can contact Community Coordinator Marsha Hibbert at (561) 801-1935 or marsha-hibbert@hotmail.com. Donations can be made in person at any Bank of America branch location using account number 2290 3134 5780 or mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Gavin H.” written on the memo line of the check. Secure credit card donations are also accepted at www.cotaforgavinh.com.

Gavin is the son of Omar and Stacey Henry, and his grandparents are Adolph and Cinderella Wellington. Gavin’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. The organization’s priority is to assure that no child is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. All funds raised are used for patients’ transplant-related expenses.

Run & Recycle At Palm Beaches

Marathon

The 2009 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival invites racers, spectators and other participants to donate their gently used running shoes to its first-ever recycling drive. The shoes will be donated to Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, a local non-profit orga-

ibility as a community resource.”

Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County has established a tracking program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or any other related disorder that may cause someone to be at risk for wandering. The special tracking equipment is placed on the participant’s wrist or ankle. When identified as missing, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and other trained law enforcement agencies will use special tracking equipment to locate the missing participant and return them home.

For more information, visit www.pbcprojectlifesaver.org or contact Executive Director Michelle Damone at (561) 7536053 or plpbcdamone@aol.com.

nization that works to empower families in need. “We’re thrilled to receive the donations. I can’t tell you how many kids we have who don’t have appropriate shoes,” Adopt-A-Family CEO Wendy Tippett said.

The goal is to collect more than 1,000 pairs of running shoes for children and adults. Local elementary school students are already collecting shoes through the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida “Read, Run & Recycle Marathon Mile” program. Students at Cardinal Newman High School and the Rosarian Academy are getting in on the act as well. The Cardinal Newman Key Club has already collected over 100 pairs of shoes.

Collection boxes are located at all 56 participating schools, the School District of Palm Beach County’s Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center and the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches office. You can also drop off your running shoes at the Publix Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, Dec. 5 and the Meyer Amphitheater on Sunday, Dec. 6.

The 2009 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival takes place Dec. 46. The marathon is part of a threeday weekend, packed with all the action participants have come to expect including the 2009 Publix Health & Fitness Expo and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Kids Read, Run & Recycle Marathon Mile.

For more information, visit www.pbmarathon.com, www. facebook.com/pbmarathon or www.twitter.com/pbmarathon.

Employees of Reliance Home Health Care worked closely with Boy Scout Troop 245 in providing 1,500 pounds of much-needed food and canned goods to 200 financially challenged senior citizens in Belle Glade. The food bundles were delivered by Reliance Home Health Care employees Rosana Castro, who coordinated the efforts, and registered nurse Marcia McIntosh to the West County Senior Center on Nov. 19 and to the Pioneer and Diamond apartment complexes on Nov. 23. The recipients were thankful and surprised because they thought they were attending a regular health screening.

Reliance Home Health Care owner and administrator Mike Ligeti said he was proud to in-

volve the company in this project. “We feel blessed to have been able to work with the Boy Scouts to provide disadvantaged seniors a very nice Thanksgiving,” he said. Castro, who is also the leader of Troop 245, explained why there is such a need in this area. “Most of these wonderful people don’t have any family nearby, are homebound and don’t have the money to buy a Thanksgiving dinner,” she said. “To see the surprise and gratitude on their faces was a gift to us as well. We can hardly wait until Christmas!” Donations of canned goods and/ or fleece blankets for Christmas deliveries may be brought to 1489 N. Military Trail, Suite 207, West Palm Beach. For more information, call (877) 247-7577.

Project Lifesaver provides special tracking equipment (shown above) to individuals who may wander away from their home.

Registered nurse Marcia McIntosh with Shawn Bynum and certified nurse’s aid Cassandra Moreland.

PALMS WEST PRESBYTERIAN’S BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

Palms West Presbyterian Church in Loxahatchee Groves celebrated its annual “Bountiful Harvest” on Sunday, Nov. 22. Parishioners

sat on chairs and blankets on the church lawn, enjoyed great music, an inspiring sermon, and wonderful food and fellowship. Palms West Presbyterian is located at 13589 Okeechobee Blvd. For more info., call (561) 795-6292.

Broxton, Mayer Wed

Sarah (nee Broxton) and Scott Mayer have announced their recent marriage on Nov. 28. The waterfront wedding ceremony was held in the afternoon in Port St. Lucie.

The bride is the daughter of Bob and Fran Broxton of Wellington. She is a 2002 graduate of Wellington High School and received a master’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University in 2008. Sarah is currently working as a family nurse practitioner in Fort Pierce.

The groom is the son of Tom and Kay Mayer of Port St. Lucie. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from

RPB Blood Drive Dec. 12 To Benefit Acreage Girl Battling Leukemia

For most of her life, 13-year-old Courtney Wolfe of The Acreage has spent her days playing with friends, attending school and playing sports. But all that changed on Aug. 7 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Her active life is now filled with multiple doctor and clinic visits, chemotherapy treatment and physical therapy.

Wolfe has spent these last months in and out of the hospital. Though she still has a long, hard fight ahead of her, her prognosis is good, and she maintains a cheerful disposition. Wolfe accepts that no one can adequately explain to her why she contracted leukemia.

Those who know her and have come to know her have learned very quickly that she regularly shows what a courageous and incredible young lady she is. As part of her recovery, Wolfe has been receiving regular blood transfusions and has come to learn the importance of donating blood. Just 15 minutes of one person’s time can mean a lifetime to another, and this has inspired her to host a blood drive.

A blood drive for Wolfe will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 28 at the corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. In

an effort to get as many donors as possible and make it as quick and painless as possible, people are asked to schedule a time to donate. Scheduling will be done in hour blocks.

If you are able to come by and donate, call Kevin Shaw at (561) 389-5937. If you are not able to donate on Dec. 12, visit any of the Florida’s Blood Centers locations up until that date. Once there, just give them Wolfe’s name and the account number (M6Z7), and your donation will be credited to her drive.

In true “Courtney fashion,” she is asking that when donors come to give blood, they bring a

new unwrapped toy, which she will be donating to the Kid’s Cancer Foundation for its annual Breakfast with Santa, which is held so the organization can give toys to local children and families battling cancer and/or blood disorders.

Wolfe believes that perhaps the reason she developed leukemia was to lead a crusade to inform the public and to see that the community’s first children’s outpatient cancer treatment center is built. She wants to ensure that other local children battling cancer receive treatment, free of opportunistic infections in a specialized outpatient center.

“Hospitals are full of sick people, so it is definitely not the best place for children who have weakened immune systems to be,” Wolfe said. “It just puts us all at risk every time we go there. I want to change that so no other child or family ever has to worry about having to come to a hospital for outpatient care and possibly contracting an infection that is even more deadly than the cancer they are already fighting.” Wolfe learned that her dream has a cost of more than $6 million, but she is not deterred. She has decided that she wants her “make a wish” to be the opportu-

nity to share her dream with the nation. Her wish is to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show The Ellen Degeneres Show and Today so that she can appeal to their more than six million viewers and ask them to open their hearts and donate $1 each in order to make her wish come true. To kick off Courtney’s Wish Campaign, she is asking those individuals who come out to her blood drive to also donate to her wish campaign. To donate blood prior to the Dec. 12 event, visit the Florida’s Blood Centers web site at www. floridasbloodcenters.org/donate now.

The Southern Cross Quintet sing “Eatin’ Chicken On the Ground.”Brianna GilesAustin and Michael Palmer

Scott and Sarah Mayer Florida Atlantic University and is employed as an IT consultant. The couple will reside in Port St. Lucie.

Lupus Foundation To Honor ‘Best & Brightest’

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeast Florida Chapter is honoring outstanding women in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast who strive to make the area a better place to live.

The “Best & Brightest” women will be honored based on their commitment to community service, charity, leadership, business, education or healthcare.

On Dec. 10, the “Best & Brightest” honorees will be recognized at a luncheon and “brightly colored” Lilly Pulitzer fashion show at the Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and Guia Brown will co-chair the event while Tania Rogers of WPTV Channel 5 will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The 2009 honorees are: Enid Atwater, Yvonne Boice-Zucaro, Dr. E. Joan Barice, Anne Bright, Lula Butler, Tensy Caine, Dr. Cecilia Crouse, Tasha Dickinson, Dr. Addie Dissick, Tana Ebbole, Dr. Effie Grear, Linda Gunn, Lisa Jaloski, Kathi Kretzer, Esther Uria Labovick, Deborah Leach-Scampavia, Petra Levin, Wendi Lipsich, Dr. Catherine Lowe, Nancy Marshall, Pamela Minelli, Judy Pierman, Michele Poole, Mona Reis, Ruby Rinker, Eileen Shapiro, Kelly Smallridge, Young Song, Jean Strickland, Anne Vegso, Mary Weeks, Maureen Whelihan and Mary Wong.

Luncheon tickets are available for $125 by calling (561) 2798606 or visiting www.lupusfl. org.

Wellington Rotary Honored For Helping Rwanda

The Wellington Rotary Club was honored by Esther’s Aid for Needy and Abandoned Children of Kigali, Rwanda at its 10th anniversary celebration dinner held recently in New Rochelle, N.Y. Esther’s Aid Executive Director Clare Offiong presented an engraved glass award to Wellington Rotarian and Rwanda Project Chair Dr. Wesley Boughner on behalf of the “outstanding support” from the Wellington Rotary Club. The primary focus of Esther’s Aid is to respond to the needs of children orphaned by war, genocide and HIV/AIDS. The Wellington Rotary Club donated the first confectionary oven in Rwanda. It was used by Esther’s Aid for the training of Rwanda street children in the area of baking and catering. The training pro-

gram grew into a vocational school that now trains 300 teenage street children each year. The program has a 100-percent rate of employment for its graduates. A follow-up project from a $35,000 Rotary Humanitarian Matching Grant delivered 140 solar ovens to Esther’s Aid for distribution of 20 ovens to the Esther’s Aid training school and to 120 separate villages. Rwanda has a serious deforestation problem as a result of native families cutting wood for charcoal. The ovens were introduced with the purpose of exposing the population to an alternative solution to the use of charcoal as the main source of cooking fuel. The project was heralded by the Rwanda government as one of the country’s major humanitarian programs.

Local Soldier Among Those To Get Combat Patches

On Nov. 8, the soldiers of the 1218th Transportation Co., 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, placed right-sleeve shoulder insignias, commonly known as combat patches, on their uniforms for the very first time. In accordance with the current regulations outlining uniform wear and appearance, the 1218th will wear the patch of their parent brigade back in Florida, the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. “We are one of two units in the entire brigade authorized to wear

this as our combat patch,” 1st Sgt. Bobby Parlor of Wellington said. “That means something special for not only the soldiers, but the unit in general.”

While the ceremony lasted only 25 minutes, the moment will be remembered by those who earned their patches, especially those soldiers who are on their first deployment. The 1218th Transportation Co. is a Florida Army National Guard unit tasked with providing truck transportation throughout Iraq.

1st Sgt. Bobby Parlor of Wellington and

Zackery Lombardo Graduates Basic Air Force Training

Air Force Airman Zackery R. Lombardo recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Lombardo 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.

Lombardo is the son of Mark Lombardo of Wellington and Patty Heal of Delray Beach. Lombardo is a 2009 graduate of Wellington High School. Zackery Lombardo

Cody Lagana Joins People To People Leadership Forum

Wellington Landings Middle School sixth grader Cody Lagana has been accepted into the People to People World Leadership Forum. He will join a select group of students in Washington, DC June 21-25, 2010 to study leadership and explore some of the United States’ most prominent monuments and institutions.

Lagana will examine the characteristics of American leadership during times of national challenge and prosperity. Forum delegates will experience firsthand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus and foster change.

Lagana was nominated by his fifth-grade teacher and was accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

For more information about People to People Ambassador Programs, visit www.peopleto people.com.

Cody Lagana

“Best & Brightest” co-chairs Guia Brown and Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto.

PHOTO BY SGT. RICHARD DUNGAN

PFC Bradley Newton of Tallahassee hold a company formation prior to the start of the combat patch ceremony.

Esther’s Aid Executive Director Clare Offiong with Wellington Rotarian Dr. Wesley Boughner.

Bronco Band Strong At State Championships

The Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Band recently finished its season at the Florida Marching Band State Championships. More than 280 bands competed at regionals this season with 80 bands qualifying and competing at championships. At the semifinals at Jefferson High School in Tampa, the Bronco Band was the crowd favorite and finished third, only tenths of a point behind second place. Only the top five bands advanced to finals that evening at the Tropicana Dome. The PBCHS band gave a great performance at the dome. It was the thrill of a lifetime for the students having a chance to perform in front of 10,000 fans and at such a great venue. After the results came in, the Bronco Band

3A. It was a very tight finish, with just a few points separating first to fifth. The Bronco class was by far the most competitive class in the state this year, with three recent state champions making finals and several multi-time finalists not making finals. Along with the entire ensemble being rated, the color guard and percussion sections are also rated. The PBCHS Color Guard was flawless all night and finished third in the state in Class 3A. The drum line and front ensemble was on fire and was crowned Percussion Class 3A state champions. PBCHS would like to congratulate all its students for their hard work and dedication.

Binks Forest Students Make All-State Chorus

Congratulations are in order for two bright and talented students at Binks Forest Elementary School.

Binks Forest music teacher and choral director Karen LaFrance recently announced that fifth graders James Mercurio and Scott Carlson will be participating in the upcoming 2010 Florida Music Educators Association’s All-State Elementary Chorus.

Mercurio and Carlson were selected by a recorded audition to represent the school at the state conference being held Jan. 6-9 in Tampa where they will perform

with over 200 other Florida singers working with a master conductor under the direction of Henry Leck. The Florida Music Educators Association enhances and encourages the prominent role of music within the school’s curriculum while providing leadership and opportunities for students to express the spirit of music through large group performance assessments. For more information about the Florida Music Educators Association, visit its web site at www. flmusiced.org.

Bronco Band members celebrate with their trophy.

James Mercurio and Scott Carlson

Seminole Ridge Construction Academy Students Visit School Jobsite

On Nov. 23 the Seminole Ridge High School construction academy’s Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) mentoring program took students on a tour of a working jobsite, visiting an elementary school under construction.

“It was really cool seeing all the different trades people,” academy student Steven Pippan said. “I was surprised how many were working there, and I didn’t realize that many had to work on the jobsite at one time. And I was really surprised how many white collar jobs there are!”

ACE is a national program teaming students with profession-

als to learn about construction management careers. ACE mentors come to the school frequently to teach the management aspect of construction, even to planning and designing an entire building.

Other ACE schools only plan a project, but at Seminole Ridge, students actually will build a house.

“When people think of construction, they think of someone swinging a hammer or digging a ditch,” academy instructor Mr. Rick Terkovich said. “They don’t realize the thousands of white-collar jobs involved. That’s the great thing about the ACE mentoring program — pro-

fessionals teach the kids about those jobs, and it really surprises some to find out that they can go to college and work in construction.”

Two companies sponsor the ACE program: Pirtle Construction and Weitz Construction.

“What I like about ACE is that it enlightens young people as to the benefits and rewards of the construction industry,” Weitz mentor Brian Shaw said. “It helps guide them to make the right decision when choosing from the many positions available. In addition, the program helps them polish current skills and discover new ones.”

• Guidance Offers Financial Aid Night — Parents of juniors and seniors as well as students themselves interested in learning about financial aid for college education are invited to attend the annual financial aid presentation Monday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Learn about local, state, national and corporate financial aid opportunities; scholarships, including Florida Bright Futures; and how to prepare for and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. This annual presentation is invaluable for students and parents planning to seek financial aid for college.

‘Flock’ A Friend For SRHS Project Graduation

Seminole Ridge High School is currently raising money for the Class of 2010’s Project Graduation event through its program “You’ve Been Flocked.” Project Graduation supporters can purchase “flocks” of flamingos to place in the yards of their friends and neighbors.

For a $20 or more donation, migrate your flock to a friend or neighbor. You can remain anonymous or let them know who is having all the fun. For a $30 or more donation, migrate your flock to a friend or neighbor and “flock proof” yourself. If anyone tries to re-flock you there is a boomerang effect and the flock returns to their yard. For a small donation, the

flock will be moved to an undisclosed destination. When choosing someone to flock with flamingos, make sure this person has a sense of humor, will not be insulted or upset, and is likely to support Project Graduation. When their yard has been flocked, instructions will be left for them on how the migration works. But do not worry; should your friend not wish to play, the flock will mysteriously disappear within 48 hours.

Call Sandra Love Semande at (561) 723-3898 to schedule your flock migration. If you have not been heard from within 48 hours, your flock will mysteriously disappear.

Acreage Pines Teacher Mentors Former Student

Acreage Pines Elementary School second grade teacher Susan Marsh regularly mentors teaching students from Florida Atlantic University. This year, her intern is Tara DiCurcio, who was a third-grade student in Marsh’s class during the 1994-95 school year. Today, DiCurcio is preparing to receive her teaching degree, and Marsh is her mentor. “It’s tremendously gratifying to find that you have the opportunity to reconnect with a former student and help her to enter your chosen profession,” Marsh said. DiCurcio indicated that she is definitely modeling her classroom management after Marsh, and that she is picking up other ideas and suggestions from her and other

educators. “I’ve always liked school and the process of learning,” DiCurcio said. With the ever-changing technology available in education, teaching will evolve and change throughout the years. However, both Marsh and DiCurcio agree that students need personal interaction in learning development regardless of the technology available to them. Teachers need to continue being reminded of their importance and praised for their efforts.

“Working with Tara during her internship and seeing her potential to be a great teacher has confirmed that I have made and continue to make a difference, and it’s really worth it,” Marsh said.

An Acreage home that was recently “flocked.”

Tara DiCurcio and Susan Marsh

Construction Academy students tour the jobsite.

New Horizons Elementary School kindergarteners recently learned about how the Pilgrims and the Indians celebrated Thanksgiving. They churned butter and made cornbread. Dressed as Pilgrims and Indians, students put on a play about Thanksgiving for their parents and enjoyed a feast together. Pictured here is Mrs. Fah Davidson’s kindergarten class.

REP. DOMINO VISITS WHS REPUBLICANS

State Rep. Carl Domino (R-District 83) stopped by Wellington High School on Monday, Nov. 23 to meet and talk with members of the school’s Young Republican Club. After Domino spoke to the students for about an hour on state matters affecting the Wellington area, the club recognized him with a certificate of appreciation.

PBCHS Culinary Academy Sizzles At SalsaFest

Seven students from Palm Beach Central High School competed in an “Iron Chef” demonstration during the annual SalsaFest on Nov. 21 at Greenacres Community Park, enamoring the crowd with their cooking prowess and knife skills.

“These kids are more professional than the students at the Flor-

ida Culinary Institute!” one judge said. Taking top honors, Emily Hogan created a tantalizing fresh berry dessert salsa complemented by lime sorbet. Second place was awarded to Kassy Quevedo for a creative display of cinnamon pita chips to accompany her fruit salsa. Tyler Dick earned third place

for an impressive traditional salsa, masterfully garnished with lemon roses.

Rounding out the competition team, Promise Stewart took fourth place. Honorable mentions were awarded to Stephany Silva, Sabrina Sosa and Robert Mckenna, assisted by Palm Beach Central reading coach Annie O’Reilly. A

total of $400 in cash prizes was donated by event sponsors and distributed to the individual team members.

Presented by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the annual SalsaFest attracts more than 12,000 visitors from across Palm Beach County. For more information, visit www.salsafest.net.

WES Students Collect For ‘Food For Families’ Drive

In cooperation with WPTV NewsChannel 5’s Food for Families drive, the students and staff at Wellington Elementary School collected 3,091 non-perishable items in just two weeks. Safety Patrol students were in charge of organizing and packing the items for distribution to C.R.O.S. Min-

istries, which maintains food pantries in Lake Worth, Delray Beach, Riviera Beach and Indiantown. Mrs. Ronda Smith’s class came in first with 247 cans. In second place was Mrs. Marie Sinram’s class with 224 cans, and in third place was Ms. Lisa Myers’s class with 217 cans.

Crestwood Middle School recently celebrated its annual Science Fair, sponsored by Mr. Anthony Allen. The following students were the winners of each grade level: (L-R) sixth grader Dominique Tyson, third place; seventh grader Austin McMullin, third place; seventh grader Landen Fresch, second place; seventh grader Jai Patel, second place; eighth grader Eli Gorgevski-Sharpe, second place; and eighth grader Ron Sambeli, first place and overall winner. Not pictured: sixth grader Jordan Sleek, first place; sixth grader Michael Williams, second place; and eighth grader Chris Delsoin, third place.

Palm Tran Offering Free Rides Dec. 7-11

Palm Tran, Palm Beach Coun-

ty’s public transportation agency, will offer free one-way rides for passengers who use the new parkand-ride lot in Wellington. The free rides will be offered Monday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 11.

Passengers who park their cars in the lot will ride one way for free on Palm Tran’s Route 40 or Route 52. Route 40 is a limited-stop express bus that travels east into downtown West Palm Beach and west to the lake communities.

WHS Winter Concert Dec. 10

The Wellington High School chorus and band programs will present their annual winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the WHS theater.

The program will include traditional choral and band music along with holiday favorites. Admission is free, and the entire com-

Parade Returns

Dec. 13

continued from page 1 have wonderful community partners that support this effort,” Harmon said.

The parade raises money for seven $1,000 scholarships for lo-

Cameras At Two RPB Intersections

continued from page 1 College Station, Texas, after voters approved a referendum to ban the cameras, and earlier this year, South Carolina passed a law requiring that tickets be handed to the operator of a vehicle to prevent the use of automated ticketing machines. But this summer, a Missouri judge ruled in favor of ATS and said that protections of federal due process do not apply to red-light citations, and an appeals court in Tennessee affirmed its support for red light ticketing.

“The bottom line is that it’s dangerous when people run red lights, and these cameras will make the roads safer,” Liggins said. The cameras are only on village roads, meaning that red-light runners on Okeechobee Blvd., which is a county road, could not be cited.

Liggins said that ATS approached the village about a year ago with the idea of installing redlight cameras. “I’m not sure I was even aware of the technology a year ago,” Liggins said. “I had heard about it, but I didn’t know much about it.”

The company conducted a study of red light running in Royal Palm Beach and determined the

munity is invited to attend. For more information about Wellington High School’s winter concert, contact WHS Director of Bands Mary Oser at oserm@palm beach.k12.fl.us or Director of Choral Activities Brad Chase at bradford.chase@palmbeach.k12. fl.us.

cal high school students, as well as one at-large scholarship through money collected from the run/walk, float entries and sponsorships.

Route 52 serves Royal Palm Beach.

The Wellington park-and-ride lot is located off Forest Hill Blvd. on Wellington Green Drive, behind the Hampton Inn near the Mall at Wellington Green.

This new park-and-ride lot is a demonstration of Palm Tran’s dedication to expanding public transportation options in Palm Beach County. The project was completed with the cooperation and assistance of the Village of Wellington and funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.

For bus schedule information, call the customer service department at (561) 841-4287.

Village Hall Ceremony

On Dec. 8

continued from page 1

tion estimate because a weak economy has pushed construction costs lower, Bowen noted.

“The contract is for less money

than the original contract. Builders are far more competitive now than they were five years ago,” he said.

Once the building is finished, Bowen expects that it will save the village $500,000 a year, mostly on rent and consolidated communication services.

Bowen said he hopes the village will be operating out of the new building before the end of next year, which will mark the completion of construction at the Town Center, with the amphitheater to be finished in June and Scott’s Place in March.

“It will be a happy day,” he said. “I am thrilled that this has finally come to fruition.”

“We give a lot of money back to the community,” Harmon said. The chamber also pays stipends to the participating marching bands. This year, the bands are from Seminole Ridge, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Central and John I. Leonard high schools and L.C. Swain Middle School.

most hazardous intersections. After the council agreed to install the cameras, it put out a request for proposals, and ATS was awarded the bid. The company bears most of the operational costs of the cameras including the installation and administering citations. “We were sold on the premise,” Liggins said. The village did not do its own study before deciding to install the cameras, and doesn’t plan to conduct a study in the future to see if improvements are being made, he said. “ATS will continue to track that information,” Liggins said, adding that the village expects to see a large reduction in red-light runners with the cameras installed. Red-light runners captured on camera will not receive points on their license, as the offense cannot be considered a moving violation under Florida law, Liggins said. Florida law stipulates that an officer must observe an infraction for it to be enforceable. Instead, the village classifies red-light running caught on camera as a code violation — in fact, the village had to write a new code to enforce the citations, Liggins said. Signs alerting drivers to the cameras were installed prior to the warning period. No fines will be issued until the 90 days have expired. The fines are $125 for the first infraction, $250 for the next and $500 for each subsequent infraction.

For the run/walk, the elementary, middle and high school with the most runners each will receive $500. The schools also compete for traveling trophies, which the winning schools keep for a year.

“The goal in this is to make zero dollars,” Liggins said, adding that the red-light cameras were not a way to generate revenue for the village.

ATS is paid a portion of the money generated from the citations. For the first three paid notices each day in a month, ATS collects $47.50 per citation. If there are more than 90 notices, the price drops to $27.50 per citation, and after 150 notices, the company gets $17.50 per citation.

Although ATS is responsible for administering the citations, Liggins said the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reviews every citation from the company and makes the final decision whether to issue each one. The fines will be sent to the owner of the vehicle regardless of whether that person was the driver because the cameras can photograph only the license plate of the car.

“The presumption is that the owner of the car is driving it,” Liggins said.

Anyone who feels they were wrongfully cited can request a hearing, and those who were not driving the car when it was photographed can send in an affidavit of non-responsibility and provide the information of the person driving at the time.

The village magistrate will make all decisions regarding contested citations.

Water Louda Dissents

continued from page 1 idea that the nutrient requirements are “arbitrary.”

Louda said every state is required to turn in reports of nutrient levels. The water outflow of the gulf states are being monitored for nutrient content in order to control red tide, he said.

“The State of Florida turned in the requirements, and the EPA disagreed, and they’re going back and forth,” Louda said. “They’re in conversation on this now. I see where each one of the groups attached to this, it’s hitting home in their wallet. Anybody in their right mind knows that if the criteria that come out are too stringent, there’s not that much that can be done about it. We’re not going to be forced into making our own STA1 East or West. This has been coming a long time. I’ve said for years we’ve got to watch water quality in our canals.”

criteria is too broad for drainage canals such as those in Loxahatchee Groves.

“The lawsuit is litigation driven by organizations, not based on scientific data,” Saunier said.

Lipp made a motion for town staff to write a letter opposing numeric water standards being set by the EPA, which was seconded by Councilman Ron Jarriel. The motion carried 4-1 with Louda opposed.

In other business:

• The council approved a pilot study between the LGWCD, the Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to modify their water plans to increase storage during droughts.

Over the years, local canals have experienced high and low levels of water during a typical dry/wet season, according to the staff report. The problem comes when the canals are extremely low during a long drought period, since the water is crucial for irrigation and fire fighting.

the LGWCD system to keep water levels higher during the dry season than they have been kept in the past. Saunier said the talks with the SFWMD’s Water Resources Task Force have been extremely conceptual.

Louda made a motion to approve going forward with the study, which was seconded by Lipp and passed unanimously.

• Town Manager Frank Spence reported that he has found a low bidder for an animal carcass hauler to remove dead pigs, deer and other game that have been dumped in the canals. Spence said he located four companies that would haul carcasses, and the low bidder wanted $150 per carcass.

The problem of dead animals being dumped in the canals came to light during a recent Intergovernmental Committee meeting where Saunier had asked that the town help haul them away. LGWCD staff is able to remove the carcasses from the canal, but could not haul them away, he said.

Louda offered to pay $300 of a $500 reward to anyone who successfully reports people dumping dead animals in the canals. Task Force

Will Begin Meeting In January

continued from page 1 along with County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. Greenacres Mayor Sam Ferreri said he expects to be nominated to the task force at his council’s meeting on Monday, Dec. 7.

“I’ve been a big supporter of the chamber doing something like this — working together to entice businesses to the western communities,” Ferreri said. “For the longest period of time there has been a struggle between the communities. There was no unified plan. How can we entice businesses if we can’t show a unified front?” In addition to the government leaders, the task force will include members of the business community and other major stakeholders.

At the chamber’s October luncheon, Giddings and her committee presented the concept of creating a sustainable and livable community in which residents can live, learn, work and play.

“We are no longer a bedroom community,” she said. “Over the past 20 years we’ve changed. There’s plenty of places to shop,

but because there’s no large employers, most of the shops are empty during the day. If you work in West Palm Beach, you’re going to use a dry cleaner nearby. It’s easier.”

Priore said he is excited about his appointment to the task force and hopes that it will address the needs of the area, including attracting major employers. “I hope we can bring quality employment to the area — not employers in the service industry and retail, but something with real production,” he said.

Giddings said that the task force will address many issues that could hinder large employers from building and operating in the western communities, such as permit issues, the transportation infrastructure and the creation of “shovel-ready” land that could be built on within 18 months.

In addition to bringing new business into the area, the task force will help established businesses stay and expand by addressing their needs in each municipality, particularly those regarding permits and fees, which Giddings said have prevented some major businesses from expanding in the past.

Giddings added that although she does not expect all the municipalities to come up with a uniform

policy, each has taken steps toward implementing a policy that would expedite the permit process so businesses can expand easier. “I know of three businesses that moved out of the communities because they had trouble expanding,” she said. “We lost major businesses to other communities.”

Another focus of the task force will be to bring higher education to the area. “We can’t expect employers to come to the communities without an education base,” Giddings said, suggesting that a veterinarian college would be appropriate due to the large equestrian base.

Giddings said that the combination of higher education and large employers is important to keep residents who have grown up here coming back to the western communities to live and work.

“Children who grow up here go away to college, and nothing brings them back,” she said. “If they leave and can’t come home to work, what will it be like here in 20 years?”

The task force will hold its initial organizational meeting with the appointed elected officials after the first of the year, where they will outline the process for bringing in employers and get feedback from government officials, Giddings said.

Louda said that while he anticipated being a dissenting vote, he asked council members to think about how strongly the letter is worded.

“Regulation of water quality standards is needed,” Louda said. “We’ve woken up. We’ve learned that the things we do will come back to bite us.”

Saunier said he respected Louda’s knowledge of environmental chemistry, but insisted that Florida is being singled out in a lawsuit that is not based on scientific fact but arbitrary numbers. He said that the special districts and the agricultural groups are interested in establishing criteria that are based on scientific fact and real world application, but the current

Blotter

continued from page 6 54th Street North last Sunday morning regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. last Friday and 8 a.m. Sunday, someone cut the chain to a gate guarding the east side of the victim’s property and stole a golf cart from the porch. The cart was a 2008 black Yamaha gas-powered golf cart with no top and flames painted on the sides. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report. NOV. 30 — A student was offered a ride from a suspicious man while waiting for a school

The proposal calls for an agreement among the three entities to allow for water to be pumped into

Roads Future Projects

continued from page 3 other dollars that may become available as projects are potentially considered out in that area.”

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he has been asked by area chambers of commerce to lead an effort to establish an employment center somewhere in the vicinity of State Road 80. “I am going to urge the Business Devel-

bus Monday morning in The Acreage. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to the victim’s home after he ran from the suspect. The student said he was waiting for his bus on Alan Black Blvd. at approximately 9 a.m. when a blue vehicle driven by a white male pulled up next to him and offered him a ride, prompting him to run home. The victim described the suspect as approximately 25 years old and wearing a gray sweatshirt. He did not remember the make or model of the vehicle, but knew that it had a Florida license plate.

opment Board to work with the chambers of commerce to exert every effort to provide that commerce center to cut down on the traffic moving east. Webb said that it is critical to keep up with the level of service on roads because state law does not require developers seeking approval for new projects to improve roads because of deficiencies caused by local governments’ failure to widen those roads. Developers are required only to accommodate traffic from their projects, he said.

There were no suspects at the time of the report. NOV. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home in The Acreage on Monday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home on 32nd Lane North by smashing the rear window of the home and stole a television. A witness said that at approximately 12:30 p.m. she observed a black four-door vehicle with dark tinted windows in the area. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects at the time of the report.

Town Center — A site plan of the new “Town Center” showing the municipal complex, Scott’s Place playground, the amphitheater and the existing Wellington Community Center.

Idlewild: Furnishings For The Equestrian Lifestyle

Unique. That was the word used by husband and wife owners John Grimes and Tara Lordi as they showed off the amazing items in their equestrian-themed Idlewild Furnishings store on South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

Augustine To Perform At Temple Beth Zion

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will present a concert featuring the young musical duo Augustine on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. Currently working full time in New York City, this fun folky group is returning to South Florida for several events. Page 30

BUSINESS

Errands Etc. Can Take Care Of Those Everyday Tasks You Don’t Have Time For Holding down a full-time job, raising children and maintaining a household doesn’t leave enough hours in the day to get everything done. That’s why many people are opting for a service offering to do errands and shopping for them — everything from buying groceries to planning and purchasing an entire wardrobe. Errands Etc. caters to people who need that extra set of hands to take care of their lives efficiently and with a touch of class. The company helps clients find balance between family, work and other priorities. Page 33

Spor ts

A Team Effort For WHS Boys Basketball

In his 15 years coaching basketball, Matt Colin has seen much of what the game has to offer. In his first season heading Wellington High School’s boys varsity squad last year, Colin saw a team play well above expectations. This season, the Wolverines are poised to continue that success. Page 39

Idlewild Offers Furnishings For The Equestrian Lifestyle

Unique. That word came up again and again as I wandered through the Idlewild Furnishings store at 13501 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington, just a few steps from the Tackeria. It was mentioned by husband and wife owners John Grimes and Tara Lordi as they showed off the amazing items in their store: the solid slabs of teak that formed tabletops; the smooth, carved teak roots fashioned into oblong bowls, carved elephants and four poster beds; cow-hide chairs and leather sofas; and a showcase filled with carved jade, turquoise and ivory jewelry.

Even the 14-foot-tall, three-inch-thick doors that led to the 6,000-square-foot back room crammed, upstairs and down, with more fabulous items were unique. Inside were cabinets and sofas, carved mirrors and African art pieces, bamboo ladders I wouldn’t be able to set upright in my house, antique urns and pots from Turkey and Italy, benches, coffee tables, living room furniture, patio furniture and two magnificent carved wooden rocking horses. Unique. Oh, yes.

Even walking into the store, a strange, exotic odor wafts over you, a scent of spices and age, and you know you’re looking at things you’ve not seen before, things you’ll not see again.

“Most of our items are solid teak,” Tara explained. “It’s an elegant, versatile hardwood that loves being indoors or out. We also have some water hyacinth and sea grass pieces, and all of it is built to last forever.”

She described the feel of the pieces as having a British West Indies, Bahamian feel with

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

rustic elegance. “This is perfect for the equestrian lifestyle,” Tara said.

And she should know. Both Tara and John have been involved with horses most of their lives. John is an avid polo player, and Tara is currently training her show jumper.

“Horse people have lots of animals hanging around,” Tara noted. “They like furniture which reflects the rural sport, but is comfortable and durable. They want leather sofas like this with solid teak, where they don’t have to worry about spurs scratching or dogs jumping. They prefer this kind of Old World elegance.”

Elegant is another appropriate word that pops up a lot.

Idlewild opened in another Wellington location ten years ago. It was so successful that it moved to the newer showroom last year. It looks like what it is: a place to find expensive, high-end furnishings. But John and Tara both emphasize that they have items available for all pocketbooks. Indeed, there were many wonderful gifts for under $100: trays and bowls, napkin rings and lovely silver horse-head hooks.

All of their items are imported from Africa or Asia, many of them designed by John himself and fabricated in Asia according to his specifications. He can also work with customers to create custom work to fit any special need.

“Teak is wonderful,” John said. “It’s also environmentally friendly. Old teak is never discarded into landfills. Almost all of our items are made from teak beams, which are several hundred years old. It’s such a durable wood that it can be reused and refashioned endlessly.”

In addition to his own designs, John works with Asian artisans to capture different feels for some projects. John copied an original 18th Century Italian cabinet, and then modified it with double hinges to accommodate a wide-screen TV for a client. He enjoys combining different ideas and influences to produce practical, comfortable pieces. He loves a challenge.

Equestrian estates are a specialty of Idlewild Furnishings. They have designed grand barn doors, entrance gates and custom stables. They have a lot of experience in helping owners design custom barns and laying out their horse farms. Ever mindful of the envi-

ronment, John also has a pauritos palm tree farm, and uses the stems to build paddock horse shelters and backyard gazebos of the sort used by show judges. The shelters have hollow pagoda roofs, stand about 12 feet wide by eight feet tall, and cost under $1,000 installed.

“They last forever, won’t rot, and best of all, the horses don’t eat them,” he noted.

A shelter that horses won’t chew on? Unique, indeed!

Idlewild Furnishings is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (561) 793-1970 or visit www.idlewildfurnishings.com.

Idlewild’s Tara Lordi with store manager Dee Roldan.

Big Parade Highlights Holidays In The Western Communities

The official harbinger of the holiday season is coming up — the Palms West Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 13. Oh, I know Macy’s already held theirs on Thanksgiving Day, but this is Florida, where it takes a little longer to get cold. Although it never gets what a Wisconsinite like myself would call cold.

When I was in the Custer High School marching band, we marched every year in the Schlitz Parade in downtown Milwaukee. That was cold. It was so cold the trumpeters had to keep their mouthpieces in their pockets so their lips didn’t stick to them when the time came to play. It was so cold that snowflakes stuck to the rims of the tubas. It was so cold you could hear, from a mile away, the clear crisp notes of the glockenspiel (a vertical xy-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

lophone-type thing to which I was assigned when my new braces made playing the clarinet too painful).

Not that any member of our band would’ve passed on the chance to play in the parade. No way. It was an honor.

Our parade along Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington is quite different, but to march in it is

still an honor. The musicians don’t think twice about the effect of the weather on their instruments. The baton twirlers don’t wear wool tights under their outfits. And people on the sidelines aren’t sneaking brandy into their Thermoses to avoid freezing to death on the curb. (They sneak brandy into their Thermoses for the sheer joy of brandy.)

Whether I’m in it or on the sidelines, I love the parade either way. For those who are in it, there’s a sense of importance, of contributing to the overall glory and majesty of the parade. For those who are watching, there’s the fun of being able to see the whole parade and to share brandy, err, comments with your family and friends.

I’ve lived in Wellington long enough to experience some unexpected parade high-

lights, which, although feared by organizers, add to the excitement for viewers, much like seeing a crash at Daytona. There was the year the parade was totally silent (someone had neglected to invite the bands). There was the year it looked like the bow of a ship was headed for the power lines (crafty participants lowered the boom just in time). There was the year a horse got spooked (and knocked over a viewer in a wheelchair). And then, of course, anything can happen when toddlers and dogs are walking down the street.

So I have big plans to get to the parade route early this year, well before the parade starts at 1 p.m. I’ll choose a good spot, hunker down with my family and friends, uncork my Thermos and drink it all in — the parade, I mean. Well, OK, the brandy, too.

‘Men Who Stare At Goats’: Great Actors In A Boring Movie

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a smallscale movie that manages to be both pretentious and unfunny at the same time. My wife and I went to see it over Thanksgiving weekend, a time when movie companies return to the “who cares what garbage we toss out, there are always some suckers willing to go” attitude that permeates the business, so we decided to see an older film we had missed. Big mistake! There were five of us, and the movie got four and a half thumbs down. Harry, who is sort of into CIA tricks with drugs, liked that element, but admitted the rest bored him. The women with us were so ticked off they insisted that we pay for the movie for them as a penalty. And they hated it despite the fact that it starred George Clooney!

The critics who raved about the movie obviously have very specialized tastes. My personal opinion is that we should have a film, Viewers (who pay a lot for movies) Who Stare at Critics. In the movie, Clooney is haunted by the fact that at one time in the past, he somehow killed a goat with his mental powers. Our group would have loved to do that to the critics who kept this movie going and led us into a couple of hours of boredom.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

With the cast of actors in addition to Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey, who are generally charming, this picture should have been enjoyable. Instead, it was a hodge-podge. Bob (McGregor) is a journalist who wants to show off for a fiancé by following a weird story in Iraq about soldiers with ESP. He runs into Lyn (Clooney), who is identified as the man with the strongest mental powers, and after a rather boring series of inside jokes about how the Army was training a group of “Jedi warriors” (for those who might have been in a long-term coma, McGregor portrayed ObiWan Kenobi in the more useless of the Star Wars trilogies), the two men travel into Iraq. Along the way they are kidnapped by ter-

rorists at gunpoint, and after escaping, Clooney makes certain to tell another Iraqi that Americans also have kidnappers. They manage to be in the middle of a gun battle between two different groups of American contract troops in which a whole group of innocent Iraqis are gunned down, an event that probably never happened since it would have gotten a great deal of coverage in our own media.

Finally, we get to see our psych war efforts as shown by the moviemakers. Of course, we do use psychological warfare in Iraq. Soldiers spend time rebuilding the infrastructure and helping to build new schools. And, yes, they put out a lot of information supporting their efforts. The clowns shown in this movie seem to be trying to put subliminal messages in all sorts of media (the kind that were shown to be laughably useless 30 years ago) all in the interest of making money. There was even a large group of goats around.

Bridges, as the new-age warrior who spent years doing drugs and cavorting in hot tubs, provides a bit of humor at the beginning, but his part goes nowhere. Near the end of the film, while I was debating whether it was

worthwhile leaving and asking for my money back, there is a scene where our “heroes” put LSD in the food and water of our troops and release some terrorist prisoners in a gesture of good will. The film’s makers obviously decided that whether those now-escaped prisoners eventually kill anyone was not important.

The movie is part of the long string of movies against American involvement in Iraq that bombed in the country over the past two years. Cleverly, it uses the charm of its stars and the few moments of humor to cover its main intent, which is to make the U.S. look bad. The movie itself is not terrible, just not very interesting.

The one nice thing about the evening out was that we saw the movie at the Silver Screen in Wellington, which reopened a few months ago. The best thing about the evening was being there, relaxing in swivel chairs at small tables and eating comfort food while watching the film. A friend from New York who was visiting us was delighted, declaring that her city could learn from us.

So, in summary: nice experience in the theater, not a very good movie.

A Visit From An Old Friend Takes Me Back To My NYPD Days

A few weeks ago, the elite unit I was part of during my time with the NYPD held a reunion up in New York. For weeks before the reunion, I debated with myself whether I should go or stay home. Ernie A wanted to go, but Ernie B kept giving me very logical reasons why I should stay home.

Ernie B noted that out of the 300 or so cops (active and retired) who were going to be at the event, I would know only about 12 of them. He went on to remind me how I feel about flying. “Is it worth a two-and-a-halfhour plane ride to see 12 folks who I haven’t seen in well over 20 years?” Ernie B wondered. Of course, Ernie A insisted, it would be well worth it!

I kept getting phone calls and e-mails from my former partner Ronnie, who agreed with Ernie A. Ronnie told me I was a big jerk (and a few other choice words) for not coming to the reunion. It was not the first time I’ve been called such things, I told him, and I am sure it will not be the last. Ernie B won the debate.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

After the reunion, Ronnie called and told me what a great party I had missed. After hearing his stories and looking at the photos that others sent me, I had to agree. I missed a great party. But Ronnie had a surprise for me. He told me he was coming down to Florida and wanted to stay at my homestead for a few days. I thought this was a great idea. After all, I hadn’t seen Ronnie in over 20 years. He did throw me one curve ball. He was landing at Miami International Airport, and that is where I would have to pick him up. I started to tell Ronnie how I don’t pick up anyone at

the airport in Miami. In fact, I’d never been to the airport in Miami.

But then I remembered how Ronnie had saved my life more than once. There was no way I could repay him. (I even named one of my kids after him.) So I decided a trip to Miami International Airport was not that much of an imposition. Ronnie told me to bring my cell phone so he could call me with his location as soon as he landed. With embarrassment, I had to tell him that I don’t own a cell phone. Without missing a beat, he asked if my wife Sharon had one. Which, of course, she does. When I said yes, he told me to bring her cell phone, which I did.

After Ronnie arrived, I don’t think we slept for the next three days. We had old war stories to tell and a lot of catching up to do. Ronnie is slowly but surely catching up to me in the grandfather department. He is half an octograndpa. He also has a set of twin grandchildren, like me. The only difference being his twins are girls and mine are boys. They are

only a year apart in age. I can almost see a matchmaker at work in the future.

The best night that Ronnie and I had during his visit was a reunion we put together. We were able to round up eight retired NYPD cops we use to work with who now call Palm Beach County home. We met at a restaurant, and none of us left the table for more than three hours. The stories were flying fast and furious. For those few hours, we were all cops again in the Big Apple. We started to wonder how fast the time had gone by. I was amazed at how old all my friends looked. Then again, I’m more amazed when I look in a mirror. I was almost in tears as I drove Ronnie back to Miami for his flight home. I can’t wait for him to come back again. He said he would try his best to return in March. I told him if he landed in Miami, I would not be available to pick him up. He understood and said he would arrive at Palm Beach International Airport. At least the Palm Beach airport doesn’t charge you $1.25 as you leave. (Not yet, that is.)

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

‘Copenhagen,’ ‘American Buffalo’ Coming To P.B. Dramaworks

West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, Palm Beach Dramaworks will continue its 10th anniversary season with Copenhagen, the Tony Award-winning play by Michael Frayn on Friday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. at the company’s intimate theater in downtown West Palm Beach. There will be specially priced preview performances Dec. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m., and the production will continue through Jan. 31.

Based on an historical event that occurred in 1941, Frayn’s drama keenly explores moral responsibility and patriotism when fellow physicists Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr, who once worked in collaboration, are now placed on opposite sides of World War II. Like much of Frayn’s work, Copenhagen ripples with irony and intelligence, and questions how one can stay true to science, family and friends, one’s country and one’s god when at the forefront of discovery.

Resident director J. Barry Lewis will direct the production featuring Colin McPhillamy, Christopher Oden and Elizabeth Dimon. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes de-

signed by Brian O’Keefe, lights designed by Todd Wren and sound designed by Steven Shapiro.

Copenhagen had its world premiere in London in 1998 before opening on Broadway in 2000, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Play.

Frayn is an English playwright and novelist. He began as a reporter for The Guardian and The Observer after graduating college in 1957. Frayn’s first novel The Tin Men was published in 1965 winning him his first of many accolades. His other award-winning novels include Headlong, The Russian Interpreter and Spies. Considered to be Britain’s finest translator of Anton Chekhov, Frayn adapted four major plays along with several smaller plays for an evening called The Sneeze in London in 1988. Theatrically, Frayn is the playwright for such well-received plays including Noises Off, Benefactors, Wild Honey and Democracy

In American Buffalo, Mamet explores a skewed vision of the American dream in which the arenas of friendship and business clash. Three small-time crooks who fancy themselves businessmen pursuing legitimate free enterprise are merely pawns caught up in their own game of dead-end, empty pipe dreams.

Producing Artistic Director William Hayes will direct the production, which features Dennis Creaghan and Matt Mueller.

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with select Sunday performances at 7 p.m. Matinee performances will take place Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. with select Fridays at 3 p.m.

Individual tickets are $44 for evening performances and $42 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322

In addition to Copenhagen, tickets are also on sale for Palm Beach Dramaworks’ production of American Buffalo, the classic American play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet, which opens on Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. Specially priced preview performances are slated for Feb. 17 and 18, and the production will play through April 4.

Augustine To Perform At Temple Beth Zion Dec. 27

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will present a Sunday concert featuring the young musical duo Augustine on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. Currently working full time in New York City, this fun folky group is returning to South Florida for several events.

Twenty-one-year-old vocalist/guitarist Louis Johnson is delighted to be returning to his home temple for the show. Johnson and his family have been members of the temple for over 15 years. He grew up in Wellington and attended New Horizons Elementary School, the Middle School of the Arts (now Bak) and the Dreyfoos School of the Arts

where he studied vocal music. Johnson also attended Flagler College in St. Augustine where he met Jordan Meredith, the other half of Augustine. The duo’s new self-titled CD is currently in top rotation at WFCF-Flagler College Radio and has just been picked up at MIT College’s WMBR. Augustine’s music can be described as Simon & Garfunkel mixed with Rihanna.

Tickets cost $10, and discounts are available to students with ID. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 7988888. For more about Augustine, visit www. myspace.com/augustine-music.

Banyan Blvd., between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue. Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the city garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Blvd. for $1 per hour with the first hour free.

For ticket information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit the Palm

Beach Dramaworks web site at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a non-profit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Florida Professional Theatres Association, Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Ringling Bros. ‘Iluscination’

At Fairgrounds Dec. 23-28

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will pull into the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds Dec. 23-28, with Illuscination, a fantasy-filled world where thrills, wonderment and unbelievable magic intersect with the outlandish fun of the circus. The dynamic cast of Ringling Bros. invites you to join them on a mystifying adventure as “Illuscinator” David DaVinci bridges the believable world in which we live, to the seemingly impossible one of the circus.

DaVinci entertains audiences with eye-popping illusions, mind-boggling transformations and unique up-close magic. This modern Houdini even attempts to escape a straightjacket while suspended three stories in the air over a den of lions.

In an intimate setting, where the action takes place just feet away from your seat, audience members will witness astonishing acrobats, awesome aerialists and amazing animals, including majestic Asian elephants, a pride of lionesses, horses, ponies and even a rare white lion. Ringling Bros. starts the excitement early with a free all-access pre-show, which begins one hour before the show. The audience will have a chance to go onto the arena floor, try on costumes, walk the low wire and meet many of the show’s performers. At this magical edition of “the Greatest Show On Earth,” you’ll watch closely and wonder endlessly. Satisfy your curiosity and get your ticket today.

The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec.

25 at 3 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 26 at 11 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m., and 3 and 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 28 at 3 and 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 for weekday performances and $23 for weekend performances, with a limited number of $50 VIP floor seats also available. All seats are reserved and available at www.ringling.com and www.southflorida fair.com. The Americraft Expo Center box office at the South Florida Fairgrounds opens Monday, Dec. 14.

Dennis Creaghan in a scene from American Buffalo

PHOTO BY STEVEN CARAS

Augustine’s Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson

David DaVinci

Errands Etc. Can Take Care Of Those Everyday Tasks You Don’t Have Time For

Have you ever heard yourself saying, “I can’t finish my to-do list” or “There just are not enough hours in the day.” Perhaps you wish you had more time for yourself. With the fast-paced, high-pressure professional lifestyles of today, more and more people have limited time to accomplish their personal errands and shopping. Holding down a full-time job, raising children and maintaining a household doesn’t leave enough hours in the day to get everything done. That’s why many people are now opting for a service offering to do errands and shopping for them — everything from buying groceries to planning and purchasing an entire wardrobe.

Errands Etc. gives you back your personal time. The company’s main focus is to help organize, run errands and see to it that your business and personal obligations are being met. Errands Etc. caters to people who need that extra set of hands to take care of their lives efficiently and with a touch of class. The company helps clients find balance between family, work and other priorities.

Errands Etc. takes care of general errands such as grocery shopping, gift shopping, shopping in general, dry cleaning, post office trips, prescription pick-ups, special order pickups from specialty or department stores, taking cars in for scheduled service, packing and delivering items, and small business solutions. Errands Etc. provides clients the ability to find more free time, offering to take the worry out of life and do the things you have to do so you have more time for the things you want to do.

Throwing a party? Errands Etc. can handle tedious errands such as picking up party supplies, food, favors, assisting with invitations or even helping organize an event. If you need help with holiday decorating, Errands Etc. can assist with seasonal decorating in your home or place of business. The company can also take care of gift wrapping needs for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. on a price-per-package basis.

Is your permanent office staff backed up with work? Errands Etc. can handle overflow work such as filing, data entry, word processing and more.

Errands Etc. is for people who work long hours, have a busy lifestyle, travel on a regular basis, are a single parent or have a busy household, or are homebound. Services include but are not limited to: scheduled shopping trips; prescription drop-off and pick-up; dry cleaning drop-off and pick-up; grocery shopping including shopping, unloading and organizing the pantry/refrigerator; gift shopping/gift wrapping for all occasions; airport drop-off and pick-up; home/closet organizing/de-cluttering; home sitting including picking up mail and newspapers, watering plants, turning lights on and off daily, a daily check of all appliances, trash bin rotation, etc.; automobile service: taking your car to be washed, taking your car for scheduled service, etc.; home service: waiting for your service personnel (telephone, cable, satellite, appliance, plumbing, contractors, computer

Cristy Gutierrez, your personal assistant.

repairmen, etc.) so you don’t have to; office assistance: filing, data entry, word processing; and organizing assistance with event planning.

Errands Etc. will provide a complimentary consultation to learn about your needs and how the company may be of service, creating a custom package to meet your needs or providing services on an as-needed basis. This includes:

• The Routine — Grocery shopping, dry cleaning, general errands and automobile services. Cost: $100 for four hours

• Worry-Free Vacation — House sitting service is available for $45 per day.

• Virtual Assistant — Data entry, word processing, filing and office organization. Cost: $125 for four hours.

• Gift Wrapping — Costs are $7 for small gifts, $13 for medium-sized gifts and $18 for large gifts.

A la carte services are available for $35 per hour with a two-hour minimum. After two hours, services will be billed in 15-minute increments. The first 10 miles are free. Each additional mile costs 40 cents. Charging by the hour instead of by the task provides more value to clients. The company prides itself on being efficient with your time. Forms of payment accepted are cash and checks. Errands Etc. requests payment at the time services are rendered. For services requiring purchases, arrangements must be made to cover the cost of the purchases.

Errands Etc. serves all of Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade and Broward counties by appointment. For more information, call (561) 290-3649 or e-mail errandsetc.pb @gmail.com.

Grand Opening Of Agliolio Pasta

And Wine Bar In Wellington Dec. 5

Agliolio Fresh Pasta & Wine Bar in Wellington will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 5. The restaurant is located at 12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace.

Enjoy a warm, comfortable, fine dining experience at casual dining prices. Agliolio’s made-to-order entrees feature fresh pasta made from 100-percent semolina (durum wheat) flour, homemade sauces and bold, fresh flavors. It is the only restaurant in the western communities featuring 100-percent fresh pasta. Agliolio offers an extensive wine list, including 25

• • •

wines served by the glass. Create your own “pasta-bility” by choosing a fresh pasta, homemade sauce and toppings served with house salad and bread ($10), or have a perfect pair (entrée and pasta), from $14 to $19.

Agliolio will donate 10 percent of the sales on Dec. 5 to Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County, a non-profit organization that provides equipment to track individuals who wander and go missing because of autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other related disorders.

Agliolio opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, call (561) 798-7770.

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

Palms West Community Foundation Car Raffle Drawing Set For Dec. 13

Santa Claus is coming to town… will he have a shiny, new car in his sleigh for you? Perhaps he will, if you have purchased your $100 raffle ticket from the Palms West Community Foundation.

The winning ticket for a $30,000 car will be drawn on the afternoon of Dec. 13, following the annual Palms West Holiday Parade.

The winner will get to stroll the showrooms of Royal Palm Nissan, Royal Palm Mazda and Royal Palm Toyota and select any car of their choice in the auto mall valued at $30,000 or less. And if the winner selects a car that costs a little bit more than $30,000, the dealership will work to help finance the difference.

The Palms West Community Foundation will be using the proceeds from the sale of the raffle tickets to offset some of the costs of the new 4,000-square-foot building that will be the future home of the foundation and the

The car raffle benefits the future home of the Palms West Community Foundation and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, shown here now under construction.

Palms West Chamber of Commerce. The facility features a 1,000-square-foot community conference room that will be available for use by local organizations.

To buy a raffle ticket, call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-

6200 or visit the Palms West Chamber of Commerce/ Palms West Community Foundation web site at www. palmswest.com. Because there will be only 1,000 tickets sold, the odds are good that Santa just might be bringing you that shiny, new car this year! Royal Palm Toyota is located at 9205 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www. royalpalmtoyota.com.

Dr. Mitchell Davis Presents At 60th Annual AASLD Meeting

Local board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Mitchell Davis recently presented at the prestigious 60th annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases held in Boston Oct. 30 through Nov. 3.

Davis and his fellow researchers reported on the response of guided therapy with Boceprevir combination therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus. Boceprevir is an investigational HCV protease inhibitor. It was one of the biggest and most exciting papers presented at the meeting.

The study showed exceptionally encouraging results in the outcomes of the hardest-to-treat patients diagnosed with hepatitis C who had no response to prior therapy. What this means to the patient diagnosed with hepatitis C is the possibility of improving the quality of the patient’s life by achieving successful therapeutic outcomes.

Hepatitis C is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease affecting approximately five million people in the United States and 200 million people worldwide. It is the most common blood-borne infec-

tion and is spread through contact with blood products. Most people don’t feel sick when they are first infected with hepatitis C. Instead, the virus stays in their liver and can cause chronic liver inflammation. Without treatment, hepatitis C can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer and liver failure. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is the number-one reason for liver transplants in America.

For more than 14 years, Davis and his team have been participating in multiple clinical trials that have advanced the medical management of hepatitis C. Many of the medications that are now on the market were studied by Davis and his team. Subsequently, patients are able to be treated with medications for two to five years before they are available on the market. The field of hepatitis C treatment is rapidly expanding with multiple new medications in the pipeline.

Davis is the founder and medical director of the Hepatitis Treatment Institute of Florida at the South Florida Center of Gastroenterology (a subsidiary of Digestive Care). The

Dr. Mitchell Davis

institute is a center of excellence, recognized as a leader in the community, in all areas of liver disease. The program is located at 10115 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 100, Wellington. For more information on the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, call (561) 798-2425.

Bealls Launches New Holiday Season Campaign

Bealls Department Stores Inc. recently launched its new holiday campaign in true Florida lifestyle fashion, celebrating the sunny smiles and “warm” holiday cheer that Floridians know and love.

Launching with a bit of palm treetrimming throughout the entire state, the new holiday campaign features imagery and fashion that combines the best of the holidays with the best of Florida: warm weather and warm smiles. The campaign launched in every market in Florida, spreading the holiday cheer to every Bealls location in the state.

“Our customers relax, save and smile when they visit Bealls, which rings true throughout the entire year. The current economic climate has consumers worried about the holiday season and shopping for their loved ones, and we want to remind Floridians that they don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the holidays the way they always have,” said Karen Filips, director of sales promotions for Bealls. “Bealls has fashions and accessories to fit any budget, and stays true to our Florida roots.”

The launch of the campaign is celebrated with a new television

spot that highlights everything that Floridians embrace about the holidays in Florida: tree-trimming the palm trees, caroling in 80-degree weather, wearing red suits — both bathing and Santa — and sharing love with family. Featuring print and online advertisements, and circulars with special deals, the new holiday campaign reminds consumers that they can relax, save and smile, especially during the holidays.

With all of the national name brands that customers know and love, Bealls has brought in the holiday fashions that embrace the Florida lifestyle. Holiday colors are available in a variety of fabrics and styles, from that winter bathing suit to the warmest of winter coats, to keep anyone comfortable throughout all of Florida’s holiday temperatures. Thick and thin cottons and wools evoke the holiday spirit, along with accessories that anyone would want to open as a holiday gift, including jewelry and fashionable hats, gloves and scarves.

Bealls’ nearest store is located at 10201 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 790-1691 or visit www. beallsflorida.com.

SRHS Girls Basketball Coach: Chemistry Is Key This Season

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity basketball team will focus on team building and improving as a whole — something the players and their coach hope will lead them to a championship season.

“This year we’re really working on team chemistry and having the girls work together,” said Coach Scott O’Hara, who coached the Lady Hawks to a 9-17 season last year.

“The most important thing is that a team shouldn’t be one or two good individual players,” he said. “We’re really big on the team working together — a team is unselfish and everybody does their part. If everybody does that, we feel that we should be successful at the end of the game.”

O’Hara hopes to accomplish this through team-building activities on and off the court.

Over the summer, the Lady Hawks spent a month together during open gym sessions and in other activities such as bowling. Playing as a cohesive team is important to O’Hara, who thinks it

will be the girls’ greatest asset this season.

“Our strength is that we don’t necessarily have any superstars. We just have a team full of hard workers,” he said.

The team has seven returning players, including senior starters Shannon Greeley, Miriam Burow and Amanda Eden. Also returning are juniors Rebecca Lane and Shayla Tyler, along with sophomores Bianca Lagos and Katie Macomber. The Lady Hawks lost co-captains Charleen Briette and Bobbi Imbimbo, as well as Shaniece Spencer and Deanna Ramcharan, to graduation last year.

New faces on the squad include sophomore Jen McGrory, who O’Hara describes as an outstanding hustler. “She’s never played basketball before, and she just hustles all over the court,” he said.

McGrory is joined by fellow sophomores Sasha Mayne, described by O’Hara as “an aggressive guard,” Julia Bunting, who provides toughness on defense, and Leah Egezeino, who brings a great attitude to the team, the coach said.

The team currently has a 1-4 record after losing to Forest Hill

High School on Dec. 1. O’Hara said he is working with the girls to improve the team’s shooting, ball movement and aggressive defense tactics. He said he hopes to be able to film their games this season so the team can review and learn from their mistakes. “I’m really proud of the commitment these girls have made to the team,” he said.

Against Forest Hill on Dec. 1, the Lady Falcons gained an early lead with a foul shot by Leslie McDowell followed by a two-pointer by LaTera Calloway, giving them a 30 lead.

Seconds later, the Hawks responded when Lagos ran the ball down the court for a two-point layup, making the score 3-2. Baskets by the Falcons’ Valerie Day, Anapola Amaro and McDowell, and an additional basket for the Hawks by Lagos made the score 125 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw four additional points for the Hawks, put in by Lagos and Lane. But 11 points scored by Calloway, McDowell, Jamilla Romeo and Natale Verderosa kept the Lady Falcons in the lead 23-9.

The Lady Hawks didn’t put any

points on the board in the third quarter and were unable to hold back the Lady Falcons, who scored nine points and pulled ahead 32-9.

But in the fourth quarter, the team stepped up and scored seven additional points with baskets put in by Bunting (four points), Eden (two points) and Mayne (one

point). However, Forest Hill also scored six additional points, making the final score 38-16 in favor of Forest Hill.

The Lady Hawks hosted Jupiter High School on Dec. 3, but the score was not available at press time. They travel to Palm Beach Central on Dec. 7 for a 7:30 p.m. game.

WHS Boys Basketball Looks To Make A Team Effort This Year

In his 15 years of coaching basketball, Matt Colin has seen much of what the game has to offer. In his first season heading Wellington High School’s boys varsity squad last year, Colin saw a team play well above expectations and earn its first playoff berth in seven years. This season, the Wolverines are poised and ready to continue that success.

The force that drove the Wolverines’ resurgence was senior forward Rahiem Smalls, who led the team in points and rebounds. “He was a 6’1” monster who every team was scared of,” junior Rex Kirby recalled.

Smalls has since graduated, but the Wolverines have several players ready fill the void. “It’s going to be a team effort,” Colin said.

Arguably, the team has more talent this year than last, which saw WHS win three playoff games. This year’s group possesses more scoring options and a taller lineup than most teams in the area. The squad features five juniors six feet or taller: Scott Witkowski, 6’4”; John Harvill, 6’0”; Kendell Johnson, 6’3”; Davis Martin, 6’3”; and Kirby, 6’6”. The team also has two seniors: Sean McCarthy, a 6’4” forward, and Tyler Wood, a 6’2” guard.

Smalls’ scoring duties have fallen in the hands of Kirby, Witkowski, Johnson and senior Bruce Fleming. Johnson and Fleming, transfers from Palm Beach Central and Suncoast high schools respectively, have brought explosiveness and ball-handling abilities to the wing positions. “They’re really good scorers, fast and very athletic,” Harvill said.

The void Smalls leaves near the basket will be taken care of by Kirby, an underrated cen-

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

ter with a high-energy game and a knack for making hustle plays. “It’s my year to prove to colleges and competitors that I am an athlete with potential, and I’ll do this by being as big a force as I can out on the court,” Kirby said.

Colin called Kirby “the hardest working player” on the varsity squad. “He goes nonstop from the time he enters the gym,” the coach said.

In mid-November, the team opened its season at the Tip-Off Classic held at Atlantic High School. In their opening game, the Wolverines upset Martin County High School, a team with a 24-3 record last year. Kirby dominated on both ends of the floor, with 27 points and 16 rebounds. WHS also defeated Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to finish the tournament without a loss.

The tournament’s result was quickly hushed by a 81-59 Wolverine loss to Royal Palm Beach High School in their Nov. 24 regular season opener. However, the team did play without starting point guard Witkowski, who was suspended by Colin for breaking a team rule.

Without the presence of a superstar quality player, the WHS boys basketball team

will need to work as a team to accomplish what they did last year. With fresh faces and Colin back for his second year, going further in the state playoffs is well within the team’s grasp.

Witkowski was back for the team’s Dec. 1 game against Park Vista, which ended in a 70-62 loss. The team was back in action Dec. 2 at Boynton Beach and Dec. 4 at home against Seminole Ridge. Results of these games were not available at press time.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

High-percentage shooting is the key for the WHS varsity girls basketball team this season. Coach Vic Navarro preaches high-percentage shooting from the perimeter as well as the low post, and with a plethora of guards with shooting ability, the girls have been lights-out to start the season.

Junior Mercedes Queen is the first of mention when talking about the team’s guards. The pass-first point guard is in her second year on the varsity level and hopes to make up for six games she missed last year due to a broken hand. Senior Stephanie Weiss is the team’s starting shooting guard and a threat from the three-point range. Weiss led the team in scoring last year with 13.6 points per game.

Navarro will be quick to use his bench, with sophomore Theresa Raniere coming in for defensive purposes and senior Sam Margiotta as an experienced backup point guard. The team’s go-to player is senior Katey Applegate, who has started every game on the varsity level in her high school career. Applegate is the leader of the offense and can play

with her face toward the basket or her back against it. According to Navarro, Applegate and Weiss are getting looks from several colleges.

With a potent offense, the girls have spent many hours practicing what Navarro calls an “amoeba defense,” in which the point guard always follows the ball. It consists of a 1-1-3 starting formation and is all about pressure. Navarro said the team only runs it in certain situations, but when they do use it, it’s extremely efficient.

The main problem the team faces is depth. It currently has only eight players and, aside from graduating seniors, lost two important members of last year’s team. Sophomore forward Gabby Sehres will not play this year due to knee injuries, and fellow sophomore Katelyn Rawls will instead focus on travel volleyball.

The girls started their season with three blowout victories on the road, at Seminole Ridge, Glades Central and John I. Leonard high schools. The team scored a total 176 points, while allowing only 64 points.

With the offense on a tear (they shot 61 percent from three-point range in a pre-season game) and a new attack defense, the team looks ready to compete with the best competition in the county. The team will even travel to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale for tournaments against some of the best teams in the southeast.

The girls hosted Pahokee High School on Nov. 30, adding a 56-12 win to their record. They were back in action Dec. 3 against Lake Worth High School and will continue the season Dec. 7 at Palm Beach Lakes.

The SRHS varsity girls basketball team with Assistant Coach Rich Lee (left) and Coach Scott O’Hara (right).

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Seminole Ridge Golf Tourney Jan. 16

Seminole Ridge High School will hold a golf tournament on Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the SRHS Athletic Department.

With support through a monetary tax-deductible sponsorship or an item/service for raffle prizes and the silent auction, community members will help the athletic department reach its goal of $10,000 to purchase equipment for Hawk athletes and to supplement the costs for tourna-

ments and various athletic events.

The tournament will feature a four-player scramble format. There will be prizes for first, second and third place in the following contests: closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, putting, par 3 and hole-in-one. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., and the shotgun start is at noon. The silent auction, awards reception, raffle and buffet dinner immediately follow.

The entry fee costs $125 for adults and $100 for students and teachers. The cost includes the fol-

lowing: an open driving range, 18 holes of golf with a cart, a Binks replay pass good for one free greens fee, commemorative tournament shirt, continental breakfast, the chance to win great prizes, oncourse contests, refreshments, awards reception, buffet dinner, silent auction and tournament awards. For more information, contact Sandra Love Semande at (561) 7233898 or spsemandepci@bellsouth. net, SRHS at (561) 422-2600 or Ed Portman at (561) 602-4409.

SRHS Baseball To Host Cleat Exchange

The Seminole Ridge High School baseball team has joined forces with the Acreage Athletic League to start a new fundraising program called “the Great Baseball Cleat Exchange.”

The baseball players will be at each of the AAL’s registration dates to accept slightly used cleats. These cleats, along with a $5 processing fee for each pair, will get the person who gives them a receipt good for another pair of donated cleats. The idea is that one family will donate a pair of baseball cleats their child has outgrown and receive someone

else’s donation in a different size. By recycling these cleats, it helps at a time when buying a new pair of $50 to $100 cleats is a daunting task.

The SRHS baseball team will clean up the donated cleats, and on Jan. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. they will have a table at Acreage Community Park during tryouts to exchange the cleats. The Hawks will be on hand to help younger players try on slightly used cleats. Donors must bring their receipts to the exchange.

“As a first-time event, we are looking forward to helping the community and supporting the Acreage

Athletic League,” SRHS baseball coach Trent Pendergast said. “All of the Hawks baseball players who participate in this event will be receiving community service hours.”

Cleat donations will be accepted at Acreage Community Park on Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds will help fund the SRHS baseball team. The baseball team has a yearly budget of close to $30,000. The baseball team is responsible for paying umpires, buying uniforms, lights for night games, security, baseball equipment, field maintenance and more.

PANTHERS 10-U B TEAM WINS BIG AT FALL CLASSIC

The Royal Palm Beach Panthers 10-U B travel softball team placed first out of six teams on Nov. 22 at the Jupiter Fall Ball Classic softball tournament. The Panthers defeated the Martin County Cruisers 7-6. After placing last place in previous tournaments, the victory was a huge accomplishment for the newly formed Panthers. The team consists of Haley Berthiaume, Megann Linardos, Sarah Longley, Cammie Hamilton, Kailey Martin, Brett Peterson, Taylor Lilly, Jordyn Frank, Miranda Hill and Kylie Shivers. They will play in their next tournament in late winter. The Panthers are coached by Kevin Linardos, Mitch Longley and Randi Hamilton. Team sponsors include ESPN Radio, Lion Country Safari, the Police Benevolent Association and Custom Signs Today.

Colts Win AAL Flag Football Super Bowl

The Varsity Colts defeated the Varsity Saints at the Acreage Athletic League’s Flag Football Super Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 21. Both teams showed up ready to play. In the first period, Colts rusher Hailey Mears sacked Saints quarterback Coral Collum for a two-

point safety. Then the Colts offense moved the ball down the field, ending in a touchdown reception by Holley Mears, thrown by quarterback Hilary Mears. The Saints fought back with a long offensive drive that ended in a touchdown reception by Charlene Thome from

Collum. Thome scored another touchdown, giving the Saints the go-ahead lead of 12-8 going into the twominute warning. The Colts’ offense did not give up and marched back down the field. Morgan McClain made a diving end-zone catch with less than two minutes left to give

the Colts a 14-12 lead. On the Saints’ last offensive drive, safety Hilary Mears intercepted a long pass by Collum to seal the win for the Colts. The Colts are coached by Shawn Mears and Danielle Medellin. The Saints are coached by Chuck Thome and Wade Collum.

Wellington Swimmers Excel At Winter Meet

The Wellington Swim Team brought 19 swimmers to Plantation last weekend to compete in the Florida Gold Coast Winter Championship meet. With the pool at the Wellington Community Center being renovated, training hasn’t been an easy task. “We have a core group of swimmers here who continue to impress me with the loyal dedication and commitment to Wellington Swimming,” Coach Rich Whalen said. Kamil Baska brought home five medals in the 13and 14-year-old age group: the 100 freestyle, 50 free, 50 fly, 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle. Other swimmers in the 14-and-under age group performed well. Matthew Romanelli improved two seconds in the 500 freestyle. After moving up an age group, Emily Deem continued to impress her coaches with personal best swims in the 100 fly, 200 fly and taking a medal in the 400 IM. In the 12-and-under divi-

sion, Wellington swimmers produced 16 personal best times. Eleven-year-old Cody Cline earned the majority of the best times. He improved his times in the 50, 100 and 500 freestyle, 50 and 100 fly, 50 and 100 back, and the 200 IM. Monica Cozad had a personal best time in the 100 freestyle. Cash Hollister also posted personal best swims in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle. Lacy Phillips also swam well, posting all best times in 50, 100 and 200 free, and 50 and 100 back.

In the 10-and-under age division, Grace Cozad swam personal best times in 50, 100 and 200 free, 50 fly and 200 IM. She placed third in the 50 free. Ashlynn Smith swam the 500 in just over seven minutes and turned in a best time in her 200 freestyle. Summer Ryder also had personal-best times in all events. Dominique Olive dropped four seconds in the 100 fly and swam the 50-fly in a personal best as well.

(Front row, L-R) Hailey Mears, Madison Harding, Hilary Mears, Samantha Long, Holly Mears and Morgan McClain; (back row) Taylor Travis, Amy Cole, Shannon O’Neil and Taylor McClain.

Hailey Mears, Holley Mears, Madison Harding and Hilary Mears.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 5

• Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present Lost In Yorkers through Dec. 13. Set in 1942 in a small apartment over a candy store in New York, the play tells the tale of two young brothers spending time with their formidable grandmother, kooky aunt and gangster uncle. Call (561) 972-6132 for more info.

• The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is presenting the 20th Annual Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival through Dec. 13 at the Regal Delray 18, Cobb Downtown 16 in Palm Beach Gardens and Reel World Cinema 8 in Wellington. The festival features award-winning Israeli, international and independent films with Jewish themes seldom seen in multiplex theaters. Call (561) 712-5258 or visit www.palmbeachjewishfilm.org for info.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host a Water Gardening Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will observe the installation of an in-ground water feature. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org for more info.

• The Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) will continue its Holiday Sale in the Armory Studios on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sale will feature student and faculty works including jewelry, ceramics and sculpture. The event is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Call (561) 832-1776 or visit www. armoryart.org for more info.

• The Society of the Four Arts (2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach) will present “Delicious Flavors by Victoria Amory” on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Jump-start your holiday mood by enjoying a demonstration and tasting from the recipes of Amory’s new book Delicious Flavors. Call (561) 805-8562 or visit www.fourarts.org for more info.

• Authors Linda Coates and Leslie Kelly will be available to sign copies of their book The Twelve Days of Christmas: a Guide to an Old Tradition with a New Purpose on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Waldenbooks in the Mall at Wellington Green (10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 3745570 for more info.

• The Lifelong Learning Society will present “How to Be a Music Critic” on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus (5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter). Sharon McDaniel will explain the criteria that make

up a classical music review. Call (561) 7998667 or visit www.fau.edu for more info.

• The 22nd Annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Dinner, Dance & Auction will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club starting at 6:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 683-3287. Sunday, Dec. 6

• The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Zion will present lecturer, author and humorist Judith Levy on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the temple (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach). Levy is the author of well-known books such as Grandmother Remembers, Grandfather Remembers and Our Chosen Child. Refreshments will be served. Tickets cost $10. RSVP by calling (561) 798-8888.

• Temple B’nai Jacob (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 6, Wellington) will hold its annual Chanukah Party on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Activities include making working menorahs, edible dreidels, card making for JAFCO, pin the shamash on the menorah, dreidel playing and latkes. For more info., e-mail mcharson@gmail.com or call (561) 791-1120.

• The Flagler Museum (Cocoanut Row and Whitehall Way, Palm Beach) will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Festivities include refreshments, choral group performances, holiday music played on the original 1,249-pipe organ and 1902 Steinway piano. Call (561) 655-2833 or visit www.flaglermuseum.us for more info.

• Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops will present “Memories of Mercer” on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Palm Beach Community College Eissey Campus Theatre (11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens). Call (561) 832-7677 or visit www. palmbeachpops.org for more info. Monday, Dec. 7

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a “Year in Review” luncheon on Monday, Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at Breakers West Country Club. Call (561) 790-6200 to RSVP.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Board Games Spectacular” for ages six and up on Monday, Dec. 7 at 3:30 p.m. Have fun playing board games with others. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness will meet on Monday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the main county library (3650 Summit

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 44 Blvd., West Palm Beach). The speaker will be Dr. Manuel Montes de Oca, psychiatric director of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. This event is free and open to the public. For more info., call (561) 588-3477. Tuesday, Dec. 8

• The Royal Palm Beach Na’Amat Sharon Club will meet Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Members will celebrate Chanukah by lighting the menorah and serving traditional potato latkes. Entertainment will be provided by musician Lou Villano. For more info., contact Cecile Millman at (561) 795-5811.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.

• Palm Beach Atlantic University will present a symphony concert featuring Mendelssohn’s “Two-Piano Concerto” with soloists Marlene Woodward-Cooper and Robin Arrigo on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at the Borland Center (4889 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students. Call (561) 803-2970 or visit www.pba.edu/performances for more info.

Wednesday, Dec. 9

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments in a supportive atmosphere led by Florida Writers’ Association member Mark Adduci. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

portion of the proceeds from will go to assist families in The Acreage touched by the possible “cancer cluster.” Tickets are $20 and admit two people. For more info., e-mail vanessa@thecahillfoundation.com or visit www.thecahillfoundation.com.

• Florida Stage (262 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan) will present The Storytelling Ability of a Boy by Carter W. Lewis starting Wednesday, Dec. 9 and running through Sunday, Jan. 17. Love gets dangerous when a young English teacher gets involved in the personal lives of two of her students. For more info., call (561) 585-3433 or visit www.floridastage.org.

Thursday, Dec. 10

• The Wellington High School Music Department will present a winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the WHS performing arts theater (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). The school’s bands and choruses will perform holiday favorites and traditional instrumental and vocal works. Admission is free. A dessert reception will follow the program. For more info., e-mail oserm@palmbeach.k12.fl.us.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Pizza & Pages: The Giver” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Copies of Lois Lowry’s book are at the children’s desk. Pizza will be served. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “A Tribute to Gershwin, Bernstein and All That Jazz” starring David Amram on Thursday, Dec. 10 in the Rinker Playhouse. Call (561) 651-4257 or visit www.kravis.org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Fairytales with a Twist: Little Red Riding Hood” for ages six and up on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Former Celtic Woman star vocalist and harpist Orla Fallon will accompany instrumentalist Jim Brickman on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 832-7469 for more info.

• The Improv Comedy Club (550 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 250, West Palm Beach) will present “Night of Laughter” to Benefit the Cahill Foundation on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. featuring comedian Greg Morton. Attendees must be 21 or older. A

• Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Yesteryear Village to be held Dec. 10-13 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com for more info.

Sunday, Dec. 13

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its 26th Annual Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. along Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. The event will kickoff with the Seventh Annual Holiday Mile Run/Walk, starting and finishing in front of the Wellington Community Center. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www. palmswest.com.

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

TEACUP CHIHUAHUAS FOR SALE — Call for info 561-506-2247. Ask for Priscilla. Shots included.

BIG YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY

DEC. 5TH, 8:00 a.m. LOTS OF XMAS ITEMS!

1191 Periwinkle Place (NW Of Greenview Shores & Wellington Trace)

NEXT WEEKEND! DEC. 12TH & Dec. 13th, 9am - 3pm - No Early Birds Equestrian Items for horse and rider. RV supplies - 5th Wheel hitch - car jack, home items. Silver pieces, tools, books and electrical items. Roll top desk. New dog collars belts and fleece jackets plus much more. 561-846-1441 for directions.

FOUND — In Vicinity of Orange Boulevard jand 130th Avenue found brown and white kitten. 6 -8 months old. Call to identify 561-790-4537

1995 TOYOTA COROLLA DX - 92K, cold A/C, power windows, power door locks, great on gas, cruise, $2,500 OBO. (561) 201-8805

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE -3 bedroom, 2 baths, single wide 3 car parking. $8,500 OBO. (561) 2018805

HONDA CIVIC 95’ — Hatchback, 5 speed, A/C, clean, good condition, up kit rims, $3,100 or best offer. Call 315-8642

HOUSE FOR RENT — Three-bedroom, two-bath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community. Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Two-car garage. Move-in ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities. Cable TV, lawn maintenance and nighttime security included. Available for rent, $1,650/month. Call Mr. Manning at (561) 315-6727 for more info.

1 BEDROOM / 1 BATH APARTMENT — includes direct TV $650 month. 561-985-1349

ACREAGE LOTS:

1.25 ACRES $50K. 1.15 ACRES $70K. 1.3 ACRES $75K. 1.83 ACRES $85K. PALMS WEST REALTY (561) 791-8998 OR WWW.PALMSWESTREALTY.COM

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3800 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

D.J. COMPUTER - Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach

ADDITIONS, ROOFING, PATIOS & REMODELING - Cell 561-202-7036

561-798-6448 Licensed & Insured. CBC 1250306 CCC1326386

DADS DOORS & WINDOWS, INC.

IMPACT WINDOWS & HURRICANE SHUTTERS — Sliding Glass Doors, Mirrors & Shower Doors. 561-355-8331 U 19958 U20177

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For more info. Call 1-888333-9903

GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO

— For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, Leather repairs, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689

GUITAR LESSONS GIVEN — by a professional jazz, classical & blues guitarist. Classically trained. 561753-7328

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. —

REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.

—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

ARE YOUR TREES READY FOR A HURRICANE? — Florida Arborists has highly trained professionals to provide superior and quality services. 561-568-7500

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL

BUILDING CLEANINGS SPECIALISTS — • Pressure Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Residential Cleaning • Parking Lot Maintenance • Concrete Coatings. Call for Free Evaluation. 561-714-3608

HOUSECLEANING - Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 years experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY HORSE FARM - 14 and up, community Service. (561) 792-2666

PART-TIME MEDICAL ASSISTANT

NEEDED — for busy medical office. Pediatric experience a must. Fax resume 561-793-0490

$20-$30/HR - Teachers/Tutors

P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/ Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas

Fax 561-828-8128 or E-mail Tutorking@WPB3331980.COM

HOUSECLEANING - 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782

COMPUTER REPAIR — We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/ Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COM-

PUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 791-9900 Cell: 370-5293

CAN FIX IT - build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494

MASTER HANDYMAN - Over 40 years quality service. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall. All types. Repairs & improvements. Call Tom 954-444-3178. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

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 561-2488528

KGS LLC — Water damaged, drywall, remodels, Kitchens & baths, woodwork, flooring, paint & textures, stucco, windows & doors, all concrete work, design, additions, enclosures,solar installation & sales, excavating and more prompt, honest & reliable. cbc056820 CVC56757

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576

LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE - Your local Geico office has been saving people money for over 70 years. Contact (561) 616-5944 for a free rate quote.

Mold & Mildew Inspections — Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

RJA PAINTING AND DECORATING, INC. - Interior , Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial. License #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561-793-5455 561-6627102

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

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. - Insured. 561-3838666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

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

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

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

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-3096975 BD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC —

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

INSTALLING TILE IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR 25 YEARS — Free estimates, residential/commercial, bathroom remodeling, floors, walls, backsplashes, custom design GOLDEN TILE INSTALLATION 561-662-9258

TREE TRIMMING & REMOVALWE DO IT ALL. Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured #200403394 Call Jimmy 329-0213

BIG BLUE TREE FARM, INC. GO GREEN! Growers of Quality Landscape Trees www.BigBlueTree Farm.com. Any Tree up to 12 feet $199 +tax Delivery & InstallationAvailable 561-793-4370 Bus. 561-202-7679 Cell

ClubZ! In-Home Tutoring ALL SUBJECTS • PRE-K - ADULT STUDY SKILLS • HOMESCHOOL • LD/ADD