Town-Crier Newspaper February 15, 2013

BROWNING KEEPS GROVES COUNCIL SEAT SEE STORY, PAGE 3

RPB ZONERS OK CHANGES AT PORTOSOL SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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

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INSIDE Gov. Scott Budgets $8 Million For Corbett Berm

Volume 34, Number 7 February 15 - February 21, 2013

DREAM SPONSORS ‘GET INTO AFRICA’

Gov. Rick Scott announced this week that he has allocated $8 million for improvements to the dike separating the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area from The Acreage. Page 3

School Lobbyist: More State Education Funding Coming To PBC

More money is in the state budget for schools, teachers’ salaries and retirement benefits this year, although still not up to what it was before the start of the economic downturn, Palm Beach County School District lobbyist Vern Pickup-Crawford told the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on Monday. Page 7 The benefit event “Get Into Africa” was held Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Players Club in Wellington.

Proceeds benefit Dream Sponsors Inc., a Wellington-based nonprofit that provides basic needs and school fees to Kenyan orphans while encouraging cultural exchange with local youth. Shown here are event committee members Lynne Mesmer, Lexy Sanguinetti, Fiston Kahindo, Dorothy Ettahl, Tom Neumann and Dream Sponsors founder Carla Neumann. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 11 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Vinceremos Hosts Benefit Auction At IPC

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center held its 26th annual benefit auction Friday, Feb. 8 at the Grand Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Themed “Explore the Possibilities,” the event included a live auction, dinner and its third annual Buck Off finals. Page 9

Cancer Society Hosts Fundraiser At The Grille

The American Cancer Society held its “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” fundraiser on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Grille Fashion Cuisine in Wellington. There was a cash bar with celebrity bartenders and a Chinese auction.

This event was held in support of the Diamond Centennial Ball on Saturday, March 16 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Page 13

OPINION If Campus Vote Must Happen, Get It Done As Soon As Possible

Plans for a Palm Beach State College campus in Loxahatchee Groves, meticulously discussed for two years, have been threatened by a petition demanding a referendum on the project. It’s a bad situation all around, but the best course of action is to get through it as quickly as possible. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE ................................ 17 COLUMNS .................... 25 - 26 BUSINESS .................... 27 - 29 ENTERTAINMENT .................31 SPORTS ........................ 35 - 37 CALENDAR ...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 40 - 44 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Wellington Council Wants Quick Action On Lawyer, Tennis Center

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Village Council heard updates on two looming issues Tuesday, both of which staff hopes to have reconciled early next month.

Perhaps the two biggest items on the council’s plate are the decisions of choosing a new attorney and where to move the Wellington Tennis Center.

During council comments, members asked for an update on both issues.

Vice Mayor Howard Coates noted that the report from an auditing firm tasked with evaluating the village’s legal options has been submitted.

“I see the [report] has now come in,” Coates said. “I said as soon as we get direction on this issue, I wanted to move forward.”

Council members fired longtime Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz late last year and have been without permanent representation since. They hired an auditing firm to help decide whether to hire an in-house attorney or contract with another law firm.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the council was due to discuss the item at its meeting March 12.

“Is the representative from the firm going to make a presentation?”

Coates asked.

Schofield said they were slated to present at that same meeting.

But Councilman Matt Willhite suggested the presentation be moved up to the Tuesday, Feb. 26 meeting. “I thought we would hear the report in February,” he said.

“That was the conversation we had all along.”

Willhite noted that the council had to evaluate proposals by lawyers and law firms seeking the position, and should know whether it’s going to go with an in-house or contracted attorney before evaluating applications.

“I’d like to have things decided before we have all the applications back [from staff],” Willhite said. “It would be a better process so we know what we’re looking for.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said she believed the next meeting agenda would be long. “Is there a reason why we can’t do the presentation at agenda review?” she asked.

But Willhite said he wanted opportunity for public comment.

“I think with the magnitude of the issue, the public should have the opportunity to speak,” he said.

See COUNCIL, page 20

Serving Palms West Since 1980

ITID Drops Idea For West Palm Beach Pump Connection

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a 3-2 vote, the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors on Wednesday rejected a proposed water pump agreement with the City of West Palm Beach.

The decision to discontinue negotiations over the agreement came after listening to protracted arguments from residents against the idea and a unanimous request by the Acreage Landowners’ Association to discontinue the negotiations.

The proposed agreement would have been to study the feasibility of establishing a permanent pump structure at the southern end of ITID’s L Canal that would redirect stormwater discharge from ITID’s M-1 Basin into the West Palm

Beach Water Catchment Area via West Palm Beach’s M Canal.

Proponents said the idea would provide ITID with a permanent avenue of extra stormwater discharge that was utilized during the flooding that followed Tropical Storm Isaac through a temporary agreement with West Palm Beach using temporary pumps.

Opponents said they did not trust West Palm Beach to hold to its agreements, and feared the sometimes drought-stricken city would take water from The Acreage during dry periods when the community needs to retain its water.

ALA President Bob Renna presented the request to end further consideration of the agreement on See ITID, page 20

CHABAD ‘BAR MITZVAH’

Chabad Jewish Center in Wellington held its Bar Mitzvah Celebration & Gala on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The event celebrated the 13th anniversary of the center, which conducts Jewish religious education and outreach in the community. Thirteen members were honored at a candlelighting ceremony for their dedication to the congregation’s mission. Shown here, Chabad of Wellington Director Rabbi Mendy Muskal watches as his wife Miriam lights the last of the 13 candles. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

RPB Council Nixes Drive-Through For State Road 7 Shopping Plaza Yohe Starts As New LGWCD Administrator PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved architectural changes for the Anthony Groves commercial development last week, but denied a requested drive-through restaurant lane.

The requested drive-through would have been at the southernmost building of the shopping center, located on the west side of State Road 7 about 1 mile south of Southern Blvd.

At the Feb. 7 meeting, Victoria Grove Homeowners’Association President Donna Maes said her community is concerned about increased traffic on Victoria Grove Bend, which is shared by the shopping center, the Shoma Homes multifamily community, Victoria Grove and The Enclave, a residential community under construction.

Maes said that Victoria Grove does not object to the other changes, which include painting, the addition of decorative towers and the paving of an outdoor waiting area — only the proposed drivethrough lane.

Agent Jennifer Vale of Land Design South, representing the shopping center owner, said that a traffic study showed the drivethrough would add only three vehicle trips per peak period, adding that the center’s owner believes that a drive-through would help attract better tenants to the plaza, which has had numerous vacancies.

A drive-through lane in a neighborhood commercial zoning district requires a special exception, which can be granted by the council as long as there are no objections that cannot be mitigated.

Last month, the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the architectural changes, but recommended denial of the drive-through on a 4-1 vote. Members thought the traffic lanes were too narrow for a drivethrough. Village staff, however, recommended approval.

“We are not anti-business,” Maes said. “We welcome somebody to finally fill the building, but a drive-through restaurant is definitely going to cause more traffic

along the access road.”

Maes added that the impact of the new Enclave community is still unknown. “We just want you to hear us and take into consideration that we would not like to see a drive-through in that corner of that shopping center,” she said.

“We already have the car wash there and Steak ’n Shake.”

Mayor Matty Mattioli noted that council members had asked shopping center representatives to contact the HOA about some sort of compromise, but they had not been able to come to an agreement.

Vale said the owner purchased the property last year and was trying to improve the architecture in order to attract quality tenants, adding that the owner is trying to fill the space at the southern end of the property, which has been vacant for years.

Councilman Jeff Hmara said he had visited the site and agreed that the traffic is already heavy in the area.

“The traffic flow is a challenge for a lot of reasons,” Hmara said, See DRIVE-THRU, page 20

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors approved a contract with engineer Stephen Yohe to be their new district administrator Monday, replacing longtime administrator Clete Saunier, who left in November over salary disagreements.

The board spent less than an hour going over details of the contract, including a car allowance, administrator responsibilities and terms of severance.

Human resources attorney Lara Donlon said minor changes had been offered by supervisors to the terms of the agreement since it was drafted in January. A similar contract had been rejected by the board’s first choice, former Clewiston City Manager Steve McKown.

The package provides a base salary of $84,000 with a possible 2 percent merit raise after six months and a 3 percent merit raise after a year if the board gives a satisfac-

tory performance rating, as well as other benefits including a $400 car allowance, $100 phone allowance, health insurance, retirement plan, vacation and sick time.

Donlon said Atlantic Personnel conducted a background check, including criminal and driver’s license screening, and received favorable responses from all former employers.

Yohe has been the director of engineering for the Community Learning Outreach Center since June 2010, where he also wrote the charter school application and several grant applications. Before that, he was senior project manager and engineer for O’Dell Land Development Consultants, where he designed and handled permitting for water, sewer, paving and drainage projects.

Other prior experience includes director of planning and engineering for the Housing Trust Group of Florida from 2002 to 2007, interim director of public works for the Village of North Palm Beach in See YOHE, page 7

Wellington Honors Ken Adams On ‘Founders Plaque’

Members of the Wellington Village Council with former County Commissioner and longtime Wellington businessman Ken Adams (third from left), who was honored Tuesday by having his name placed on the village’s “Founders Plaque.”

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Former Palm Beach County Commissioner Ken Adams, a Wellington resident and businessman who was instrumental in the formation of the village, will be the newest name on the Wellington Founders Plaque.

At Tuesday’s Wellington Village Council meeting, the unanimous decision to add Adams to the plaque was made at the request of Town-Crier Publisher Barry Manning with the support of several other business and community leaders.

“From time to time, the opportunity presents itself to propose a name for the Founders Plaque,” Manning told council members.

“Mr. Adams is a business leader,

an honest political leader, a community leader — he was the charter committee chair — and a dependable community volunteer.”

He said he was nominating Adams for the honor because of his work to help shape the village and inspire others to follow suit.

“Over the years, Mr. Adams has set an example for the leaders in this community,” Manning said.

“His efforts have set a high standard for Wellington.”

When other community and business leaders heard about Manning’s plans to nominate Adams, they were supportive, he said. “By the time I was ready to submit this, I had more than a dozen and a half additional signatories,” Manning said. “Many of them showed up tonight because

they wanted to be present to see Mr. Adams’ name added to the plaque.”

The outpouring of support crosses political lines, Manning said, showing that Adams is truly a leader who speaks to people of all ideologies. “The people who signed this petition run the gamut from one political leaning all the way across the aisle to the other,” he said. “That’s an indication that Mr. Adams has a strong appeal to the widest range, and is the type of person that Wellington should consider itself lucky to have plotted its foundation so many years ago.”

Council members were supportive of the idea.

Councilman Matt Willhite said See ADAMS , page 20

Page 2 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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NEWS

Wellington Equestrian Committee Still Grappling With Manure Rules

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The members of Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee delayed a decision Wednesday on recommending changes to the village’s best management practices, instead requesting more revisions.

The committee continued the meeting to Thursday, Feb. 21, when it is expected to make its final recommendation to the Wellington Village Council.

“I think we’ve taken a simple issue and made it very complicated,” Committee Chair Cynthia Gardner said.

The best management practices ordinance includes a litany of items from fertilizer regulations to treatment of horse manure.

The changes were proposed to help Wellington meet federal Environmental Protection Agency water-quality standards. They would govern how farm owners

Gov. Scott Budgets $8 Million For Berm

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Gov. Rick Scott announced this week that he has allocated $8 million for improvements to the dike separating the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area from The Acreage.

The money was included in Scott’s proposed budget released last week. He made the announcement Monday during a presentation at a Forum Club luncheon at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, according to Indian Trail Improvement District Administrator Tanya Quickel, who attended the meeting.

“Gov. Scott provided an overview of some of the items he is including in his budget,” Quickel said. “One of the items of par-

ticular importance to Indian Trail, he stated that $8 million is included for the J.W. Corbett levee/ berm project. That is the result of Tropical Storm Isaac flooding.”

During the flooding in The Acreage from Tropical Storm Isaac, state, county and local officials monitored the levee closely for a possible breach due to the difference in water levels between Corbett and the surrounding residential areas. If the berm breached, it could have significantly worsened the flooding problems in TheAcreage.

Material was brought in to use in the event of a breach, and a weir was built on the east side of Corbett to allow some of the water to flow across the Seminole Pratt

Whitney Road right of way into the Mecca Farms property.

The funding still has to get through the legislative session, but Quickel said she is optimistic that the project will be funded.

“There is proposed funding with it at this point,” Quickel said.

“It is in design phase with soil sampling and survey work being conducted as part of the design phase.”

Quickel added that the South Florida Water Management District is organizing another meeting in March to review the project with all parties involved, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, ITID and the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

manage manure and include requiring watertight storage areas and prohibiting the spreading of untreated manure.

Committee members have been critical of some of the changes and last year postponed a recommendation until Palm Beach County passed new fertilizer regulations.

But time is running out for a recommendation to the council, which must make a decision on the item in March in order to comply with the new EPA standards.

Among Gardner’s concerns were prohibition of spreading untreated manure, requiring setbacks for manure bins that could make designing a farm difficult, and requiring watertight storage.

“This is an ordinance so difficult that you’d have to hire a civil engineer to come up with a site plan,” Gardner said.

But Equestrian Master Plan Project Director Mike O’Dell said that new language has been added in to address site-specific exemptions and allow staff to work with farm owners to meet the requirements.

Gardner and other committee

members were also concerned that the code did not address whether existing farms would be “grandfathered in.”

“I think that language needs to be in there,” Committee Member Myles Tashman said.

While O’Dell has pushed for composting of waste before spreading it, Gardner said it would put an unnecessary burden on farm owners.

“In Loxahatchee Groves, you have to identify where your manure is going, pay a fee and spread it within three days,” she said.

“You don’t have to compost it before you spread it. I don’t know of anywhere else that requires composting.”

Furthermore, she said that it’s smaller farm owners who typically spread manure in their fields, not large barn owners, who typically have the manure hauled out.

“I think this has been taken out of hand for the few people who actually spread their manure,” she said.

But Committee Member Linda Smith Faver felt it was better to change the rules now, before

they become a problem.

“If it was going to be an issue, I would be more in favor of making the rules stricter now so that we don’t have a problem later,” she said. “I think it’s important that we look to what might happen in the future.”

Tashman agreed. “One of the major goals is to grow equestrian facilities even more,” he said. “So I think it would be foolhardy not to consider trying to get more regulation, especially if we want to have 40 percent more horses than we have now.”

He noted that if existing properties would be grandfathered in, it wouldn’t be an issue.

“I think that if we are going to grandfather in existing facilities and not put a burden on them until they have to be replaced, the cost of putting in these regulations is so insignificant,” Tashman said.

“I think it behooves us to do this.”

Committee members directed O’Dell to make changes to the language to address some of their concerns and return Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:15 p.m. to discuss the item again.

WELLINGTON HONORS MARK LLANO

Lucas Drops Out; Browning To Keep Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Would-be Loxahatchee Groves Town Council Seat 4 challenger L.W. Lucas has pulled out of the race, leaving Seat 4 incumbent, Mayor Dave Browning, unchallenged.

The departure of Lucas from the race, confirmed this week by town officials, means that Browning has been automatically re-elected, and his name will not appear on the ballot.

Only the Seat 2 candidates, in-

cumbent Vice Mayor Jim Rockett and challenger Todd McLendon, will be on the ballot during the March 12 election.

Browning said he is thankful for being granted another three-year term and plans to keep his focus on town business.

“It makes it a little easier,” he said. “I’m going to represent the people the same, whether I have somebody running against me or not, but I’m in it for the next three years, and I will continue to do the best I can to represent the people

of Loxahatchee Groves.”

Browning said he has fielded many calls of encouragement, offering him support should he have been challenged. “At the same time, it takes some weight off if you don’t have to go through the election and the debates and all that,” Browning said.

The Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to host a forum and meet-and-greet for the Seat 2 candidates Rockett and McLendon, but a date had not been set as of press time.

March 2 Opening Day For Commons Park The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. with events continuing until 4 p.m. The park is located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd., just off of Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

The day will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the park led by Mayor Matty Mattioli

and the council, as well as other local dignitaries. A food truck invasion will be running throughout the day with gourmet food.

As part of the celebration, entertainment will be provided by local talent beginning at 10 a.m. at various locations within the park.

Other activities include inflatable games and rides, and canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals. Fly

your kite or throw your Frisbee on the great lawn, challenge your friends to a volleyball game on the two sand volleyball courts, or just bring your lawn chair or blanket and let your children enjoy the two playscapes on site. And don’t forget a bathing suit, so the children can enjoy the interactive fountain.

For info., visit www.royalpalm beach.com, or call (561) 790-5124.

Wellington businessman and community leader Mark Llano was honored Tuesday, Feb. 12 with the “Key to the Village” during the Wellington Village Council meeting. Llano, a retired U.S. Marine, owns Source One Distributors. Council members spoke of Llano’s dedication to his community and his country, his altruism and commitment to bettering Wellington. Shown here is Llano (center) and his family with council members.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Page 4 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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OUR OPINION

If Campus Vote Must Happen, Get It Done As Soon As Possible Plans for a Palm Beach State College campus in Loxahatchee Groves, meticulously discussed for two years, have been threatened by a petition demanding a referendum on the project. It’s a bad situation all around, but the best course of action is to get through it as quickly as possible.

What looked like a done deal a few months ago could find itself tied up in years of expensive litigation. Opponents of the campus — who began circulating a petition last November to call a referendum — appear to have collected enough signatures to make it happen. Though we disagree that a referendum is needed, and believe that going back on the plan would be bad for the town, there’s a greater need to move forward expeditiously.

While some proponents of the campus believe that the petition and referendum are illegal — and they could be correct — fighting the idea at this point is likely going to make a bad situation worse. We expect, once presented with the facts, voters in Loxahatchee Groves will approve the campus, which is the quickest way to put the situation to rest.

For supporters of the petition, their argument seems to be twofold: first, that they were kept out of the planning process because the public workshops held on the issue were not properly advertised, and second, that having a college campus in Loxahatchee Groves is contrary to the town’s rural character. However, the former is not true — the workshops were all advertised and fairly well attended — and the latter is irrelevant; there was plenty of discussion over the rural-urban issue, but the time for discussion has long since ended. Even if it were still relevant, much of that debate was based on fears that it would resemble the college’s Lake Worth campus (or, even more off the mark, a residential campus).

Unfortunately, residents who haven’t paid attention until now have been presented only the opposition view of the project. The problem is that it’s forcing a black-and-white view on a complex issue, and they’re ignoring the larger context of the situation. This is about much more than just “keeping it rural” or “the people having a voice.” There are a few things being overlooked, most important among them: Palm Beach State College has already paid for the land; a step they took only after the necessary approvals were granted.

Another point campus opponents need to consider is the zoning of the location. If the college approval is overturned, it will revert to the previous mixed-use zoning and could end up in the hands of commercial developers. At the start of this process, a college campus was welcomed, since it would be a far less demanding use for the land than the previously approved mixed-use project.

This project wasn’t railroaded through with little debate or concern. A lot of work went into planning the proposed campus, and anyone who reads this newspaper knows how much town officials agonized over the “rural character” issue. In the long run, this campus will not only be good for the greater western communities, it will be good for Loxahatchee Groves — and that’s before even taking into account the legal and financial ramifications of trying to stop the campus at this point.

If there needs to be a vote, it’s crucial that it should be done as soon as possible. Our hope is that the community will support this worthy project and render the petition moot. If that does not happen, well, there’s plenty of time for the years of legal wrangling and likely financial consequences that will most assuredly follow.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘In Perpetuity’ Means Forever Three of our Palm Beach County commissioners have taken it upon themselves to change the time-honored and universally accepted definition (see Webster’s dictionary) of the word perpetuity from “forever, unending” to “whenever we feel like it!” They should be ashamed of themselves.

And for us, whom they are supposed to be representing, this is even scarier than it may sound.

What’s next? Our environmental areas protected “in perpetuity?”

I do not live in Century Village, but if this betrayal can happen to them, it can happen to any of us.

The residents of Century Village were promised a golf course. What they are now getting is a run-down deplorable piece of property intentionally ignored by the owner as a tactic to gain approval to build a community that is opposed by the majority. If this property owner cannot even have the parcel mowed and cleaned up, why would anyone believe that he could build and maintain a whole community in a proper manner?

In perpetuity means forever!

My fellow Palm Beach County residents, make your representatives accountable to you. Do not allow them to redefine the conditions of a contract; if they get away with it now, what’s next?

Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach

Liang Supports Jim Rockett’s Re-Election After working with Jim Rockett on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council for nearly three years, I feel he has been a great asset to Loxahatchee Groves. With his strong finance and audit background, he has provided great expertise and provided invaluable knowledge on how to become more transparent and more accountable for money spent by the town. He pays attention to detail, and it shows. Let’s not forget that he’s the one to thank for reducing our millage rate, and if it were up to him, the millage rate would be at 0.0!

He’s a big patriot and proud to show the world how much he loves his country. There are three generations of Rocketts in Loxahatchee Groves, representing the past, present and future of our town. He has a unique perspective as a resident, business person, father and grandfather in this great town of ours. During my time with him, he has shown to be a great neighbor willing to help out whenever possible.

As mentioned earlier, Jim has a strong finance and accounting background. He was able to find a way to lower our millage. Because of his accounting background, he meticulously reviews every RFP, contract and financial statement that comes before the council and provides great feedback. Jim also listens to the people. The first example would be during the negotiations with Callery-Judge. Another would be in regard to the current speed bumps on some of our letter roads. He genuinely cares for Loxahatchee Groves, and it shows. Jim was out on the roads during and after the recent storm,

helping residents with flooding problems. He also helped design and construct our float that just happened to win first place in the recent winter parade.

It’s truly been a pleasure and honor to sit next to him for the past three years, and that’s why I support Jim Rockett for another three years. It’s people like him who make Loxahatchee Groves great.

When you are filling in your ballot, vote for Rockett. Vote for progress. Vote for transparency.

Vote for Loxahatchee Groves.

Ryan Liang, Councilman Loxahatchee Groves

A Plan For Citizenship Seventy percent of citizens want immigration reform. They want our borders secure before anything else is finalized. So how can we secure our borders? The best answer is to use returning soldiers from Afghanistan.

In 2006, Congress spent $1 billion to get only 53 miles of fencing when we needed 2,000 miles. If Congress cannot figure how to build a wall that keeps illegal immigrants, drug lords and terrorists out of our country, let our armed forces close the borders with their presence and drones.

Now what are we to do with 11 million illegal residents? Here are some ideas that might work: Illegals now in the United States would need to register to work here legally. Phase one would start with a “probationary” legal status. We would need to know who you are, where you live and who you work for. Achieving these items would get one a photo ID “workers permit” that will grant them the right to live and work openly. If they do not wish to work toward citizenship, they would still have to meet periodically with a government representative to ensure previous obligations are still being met so they could continue to live here without fear of deportation.

In phase two, after a period of, say, five years, if one wants a green card to move on a path to citizenship, they would need to have a sponsor, like your boss, or a legal resident. One would need to speak and write English, have a job and pass a citizenship test.

Young children could follow a different path. Graduating high school and attending at least two years of college, or two years of military service, would give them the opportunity to become an American citizen by following the predetermined citizen pathway.

It is impractical to think that we can send 11 million illegals back to their country. What will happen with the above concept is that we will know who is here and where they are. Their ID, whether it is a workers permit, a green card or a voters registration card, would be up to the individual. Their future is up to them, as long as they are law-abiding residents. We all would be better for this plan, as long as our borders are enforced.

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Not A Fan Of Todd McLendon Todd McLendon is running against Jim Rockett for Seat 2 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town

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Council based on a mix of misinformation and fiction. Unfortunately, McLendon’s misguided policies won’t do anything for our town except waste our tax dollars, cause unproductive internal dissension, prevent/delay needed road improvements, and give our town a bad name.

Consider McLendon’s campaign to stop Palm Beach State College from locating at Southern Blvd. and B Road. As stated in the Town-Crier editorial of Nov. 30, “Not only is [this initiative] poorly timed, but its intentions are misguided — and the consequences could be disastrous.” The editorial goes on to say, “Town officials are worried the petition will affect their relations with the college, which could be left holding a $4.5 million parcel of land and nothing to do with it, should the petition succeed. And if that were to happen, it’s likely that cost would ultimately be passed on to Loxahatchee Groves taxpayers.”

The attorney for the college, in a letter to the town, confirmed this, indicating that McLendon’s initiative and referendum violates several Florida statutes and that the town will indeed be held accountable for the $4.5 million that the college paid for the land subsequent to the town council’s approval. Did you know that $4.5 million is equivalent to 22 years of the property taxes we all pay to the town?

Virtually all elected officials, community leaders, attorneys and professional planners who have weighed in on the issue agree.

Nevertheless, Todd McLendon continues to defy logic and to come up with even more misleading and destructive rhetoric. Clearly he is not listening to the facts. It is now up to the voters of Loxahatchee Groves to set him straight by re-electing Jim Rockett on March 12.

Elise Ryan Loxahatchee Groves

Hart-Woods Critiques Groves Council Meeting If the four-hour crushingly dull previous meeting was the warmup act, the most recent Loxahatchee Groves council meeting was more fun than anyone could expect. It was nothing less than a cabaret of hoots, horror and dishonor. An evening studded with local stars giving stunning performances.

Thais Gonzales was magnanimous in victory over council bullying and intimidation. She handed her fully signed petition into the town office. You can only guess what the town officials said once she’d left.

Her magnanimity was not reciprocated by the council. Two outof-town developer types showed us how we could turn Loxahatchee Groves into a Stepford sister town

by Photoshopping plans of Wellyworld onto what will one day (soon, by the look of it) be referred to as ‘bygone’ Loxahatchee Groves. Their nightmarish vision of how Loxahatchee Groves might look was straight out of the Town Planners Book of Bland. Fair play, though; their hideous destruction of our town did include a path around a pond for horseback riding — no trailer parking or

equestrian access. Details, details...

Who knows? Perhaps our horses might like a little supermarket car park activity as they cut along?

Howard Voren humorously took a page from history and suggested we draw a line in the B Road sand and give the 75 acres back to the county so they can have a college in their own back yard — kind of like the British attempt at solving the Jewish/Palestinian problem back in 1948. Go Howard!

Marsha Newell told us about the “Ghost of Loxahatchee Past,” a roaming woman who can apparently walk through locked gates.

Ron Jarriel attacked Mark Kutney for not having sufficient information. Jim Rockett kicked Mark while he was down because he didn’t know anything about the insurance the town’s vendors are supposed to have.

In a “to heck with it” moment, the mayor announced he didn’t want to be mayor, then realizing his gaff quickly added, “after the next three years.”

Rockett heroically offered to “give up” his $6,000 a year as he felt it was excessive. Well, it might be for what you do, Jim! Anyone else remember he’s up for re-election?

Grace Joyce, rarely seen at council meetings, there presumably at the invitation of the failing council, yet again banged on about how the college proposal was aired properly. Didn’t the 260 signatures in three weeks tell you anything, Grace? As if ignoring public opinion wasn’t enough, Grace then had a brilliant Orwellian idea and suggested the names of signatories should be made available to the council (they are anyway, Grace; it’s public record) so they could “visit” them all personally to “explain” things.

There were gasps of astonishment at the insanity of the suggestion, much less the sinister nature of it. Even the mayor was clearly embarrassed at the idea of a Loxahatchee Groves “thought police.”

And still, despite the 260-strong hand of the inevitable on their shoulders, the council, with one shining exception, remained obstinate in their opposition to freedom of speech. They again wasted time defending the indefensible college approval fiasco. They might as well have put on red noses to match their red faces and carried on driving their clown truck with no forward vision and only rearview mirrors straight down the road to defeat.

The shining exception was Councilman Tom Goltzené, who, invoking Oscar Wilde’s extraordinarily useful observation that, “A man who does not change his mind does not think,” pointed out to his council colleagues that the writing was on the wall. He implied that better writing on it, then the council stood up against it and proposed a motion for the referendum. Four cowardly silences followed. Motion denied but case proven. Our town fathers are bad dads.

Top of the comedy bill and hilarious last word went again to Jim “riotous” Rockett, who wanted us all to see some nice lights he’d found to illuminate stop signs.

Who said accountants don’t have a sense of humor? Don’t know about you, Jim, but most folk

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah W elky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

around here I know have enough trouble ignoring them without you spending town cash putting flashing lights on top! Perhaps it may be more appropriate to spend the money on the referendum?

Tim Hart-Woods Loxahatchee Groves

John Ryan: Referendum An Illegal Waste Of Money Legally adopted town ordinances (2012-04 and 2012-5) will permit Palm Beach State College to locate a 75-acre western communities campus at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road in Loxahatchee Groves. The town council is already on record in support of the PBSC campus site through its ordinance votes. The current PBSC opposition petition seeks an illegal repeal of these ordinances through a referendum vote.

Currently, taxpayer money is required to be used by the town to carry out confirming legal research and the literal petition/referendum process outlined in the town charter. As a taxpayer, I object to this waste of town time and taxpayer money on an illegal referendum process. Let’s consider these relevant facts: 1) After the town fulfilled all required procedures (including planning and zoning committee reviews, multiple PBSC presentations at town council meetings, and a PBSC workshop presentation, all advertised public meetings), and town council members had individual discussions with residents who contacted them, the town council passed the subject ordinances. Following this, PBSC completed negotiations with the property owner that were conditioned on the subject ordinances and purchased the 75-acre campus site for $4.5 million.

2) F.S. 163.3167(8) states that, “An initiative or referendum process in regard to any development order or in regard to any local comprehensive plan amendment or map amendment is prohibited.”

Relevant general wording in the Loxahatchee Groves Town Charter does not qualify for an exemption to this prohibition.

3) The current PBSC opposition petition’s stated purpose is to repeal town ordinances 2012-04 and 2012-05 that amended the town’s comprehensive plan and land use map to permit the PBSC campus on the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road.

4) Any illegal repeal of the adopted town ordinances as a result of a majority yes vote in a referendum would inordinately burden PBSC’s right to use the 75-acre site for a western communities campus.

PBSC’s attorney has already advised the town that such a referendum vote would be illegal and, if it went forward and the subject ordinances were rescinded, the town would be exposed to liability under several legal principles — possibly including Florida’s Bert Harris Act which states in relevant part that, “Whenever a specific action of a governmental entity has inordinately burdened an existing use of real property or a vested right to a specific use of real property, the property owner of that real property is entitled to relief.” (F.S. 70.001(2)) The town’s exposure to litigation would more likely include a traditional tort damage claim that, without the ability to use the 75 acres for a college campus, the property has no value to PBSC and would not have been purchased.

The damage claim may even involve the original property owner and be resolved under settlement provisions of the Bert Harris Act or other court supervised mediation. If not settled, the PBSC claim would likely proceed to the state legislature for relief in the form of the town (i.e. landowner taxpayers) repaying PBSC its purchase price of $4.5 million and certain allowed additional expenses. For perspective, the current town ad valorem millage rate of 1.2 mills of assessed property value provides $206,025 revenues to the town. A property purchase refund payment from the town to PBSC of $4.5 million would require a one-time additional millage rate of 26.21 mils or a $26.21 special tax per $1,000 assessed property value. For example, $655 for $25,000 property value; $1,310 for $50,000 property value; $2,621 for $100,000 property value, etc.

No landowner wants or needs any tax financed repayment exposure to PBSC. The town does not need a $4.5 million 75-acre site for future use, or to be involved in speculative land resale of a 75-acre commercial site.

While a majority no referendum vote (not to repeal the subject ordinances) is expected, inadequate public information is a problem and risk at this time. The town should inform landowners and registered voters in Loxahatchee Groves of the town’s official concerns by mailing a cover letter and double-sided copy of town council resolution 201222 (dated Dec. 4) to all registered voter households. The town should not risk losing the benefits of a western communities PBSC campus on the southern border of our community if at all possible.

John Ryan Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Mr. Ryan is an elected supervisor of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 5

NEWS

CHABAD JEWISH CENTER IN WELLINGTON BAR MITZVAH CELEBRATION & GALA Chabad Jewish Center in Wellington held its Bar Mitzvah Celebration and Gala on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The event celebrated the 13th anniversary of the center, which conducts Jewish religious education and outreach in the community.

Thirteen honorary members of the center were honored with a candle-lighting ceremony for their dedication to its mission. For more info., visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org or call (561) 333-4663.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Miriam and Rabbi Mendy Muskal (kneeling, left) with the honorees.

Chabad Director Rabbi Mendy Muskal, honorees Jeffrey and Rebecca Mansbach, and Miriam Muskal.

Founding members of Chabad of Wellington Ben Pincus and Neil Jetter.

Livna, Solly and Shelly Nativ.

Rabbi Mendy Muskal honors his father Yosef.

Honoree Sharon Leibovici, Miriam Muskal and Linda Zolet.

NFL ALUMNI CHAPTER BRINGS ITS ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC TO MADISON GREEN

The NFL Alumni South Florida Chapter held its 35th annual golf classic on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Madison Green Golf Club. It was the first time the tournament was held in P alm Beach County. Members include former NFL players, who competed to raise money for the Kids Cancer Foundation and the Children’s Healing Center. For more info., visit www.nflalumnisouthflorida.org.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Kids Cancer Foundation founder Michelle O’Boyle and executive board member Sandy Erb with children from the foundation, NFL Alumni league members and former NFL players.

Kids Cancer Foundation children Peter Caufield, Dylan Galin and Andrew Dawson.

Kenny Berry and Woody Bennett.

Scorekeepers Aline Duguaran and Kelita Torres with former NFL player Lawrence Wright.

Page 6 February 15 - February 21, 2013

The Town-Crier

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CRIME NEWS

PBSO Investigating Several Golf Cart Thefts In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report FEB. 9 — A resident of Palm Beach Polo & Country Club called the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington last Saturday evening to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim was unable to find his golf cart, which he had parked in his driveway. Surveillance video footage showed two unknown suspects enter the victim’s driveway at approximately 1:28 a.m. last Saturday morning.

According to the report, the suspects can be seen rolling the golf cart out of the driveway and out of camera view. According to the report, the suspects were wearing dark clothing but there was no other identifiable information. The stolen golf cart is described as silver with four headlights and the word “Aggante” on it. It is valued at approximately $2,000. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

FEB. 10 — A resident of Appaloosa Trail contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday morning to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:30 p.m. last Saturday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s yard and stole a blue six-seat golf cart from the rear of the property. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

••• FEB. 7 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested last Thursday evening after she was caught shoplifting from the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, the Royal Palm Beach substation was contacted after a loss prevention officer observed 38-year-old Yolanda Robinson enter the home goods section with a cart of clothing. According to the report, Robinson then began to stuff the clothing into plastic Walmart bags. The loss prevention officer then observed her enter the domestics department and place a comforter in her cart. According to the report, Robinson then attempted to exit the store, passing all points of sale, until the loss prevention officer stopped her. The officer recovered $149.18 in stolen merchandise.

Robinson was arrested and issued a notice to appear in court.

FEB. 8 — A Royal Palm Beach village employee contacted the PBSO last Friday to report a case of vandalism at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. According to a PBSO report, sometime during the past month, someone spray-painted the north playground equipment. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) used paint to change the playground brand name “Sway Fun” to “Swag Fun.” The complainant said the words were located on an elevated walkway and were not visible from the ground. The estimated damage was $250. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 9 — A Loxahatchee man was arrested late last Saturday night on charges of drunken driving following a traffic stop on Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was on patrol in the area when he observed a black Subaru traveling at a high rate of speed. According to the

report, the vehicle, which was being driven by 46-year-old David Petty, was found to be traveling 69 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop and pulled over Petty near Crestwood Blvd. According to the report, the deputy could smell alcohol coming from Petty and administered roadside tasks. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately six grams of marijuana hidden in a small canister, along with a pipe.

Petty was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where breath tests revealed he had a blood alcohol level of .255. He was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

FEB. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a restaurant in the Courtyard Shops last Sunday night regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was in the restaurant at approximately 10:30 p.m. and left her purse on the bar while she was on the dance floor. According to the report, the victim saw a man open her purse and retrieve her silver wallet, then exit the building. The victim followed him to the parking lot, and the man fled toward Wellington Trace. The suspect was described as an Hispanic male, approximately 30 years old, 5-foot-8 and wearing a white polo shirt. The stolen wallet contained the victim’s driver’s license and credit cards. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

FEB. 11 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested Monday morning on trespassing charges after being stopped in the woods outside Regal Cinemas on State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, a deputy was on foot patrol in the woods behind the theater at approximately 9:30 a.m. when he observed 29-year-old David Harrison in a private area with multiple “no trespassing” signs. Harrison was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with trespassing after warnings.

FEB. 11 — A Lake Worth woman was arrested for disorderly conduct Monday while at a restaurant on SR 7. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the restaurant after 30-year-old Jennifer Badilla began causing a disturbance. The deputy observed that she was extremely intoxicated. Badilla was arrested and taken to the county jail, where she was charged with disorderly intoxication.

FEB. 12 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wetlands Trails parking lot on Crestwood Blvd. Tuesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle at approximately 9 a.m. and left on the trail. The victim said she returned to her vehicle approximately five minutes later to find that someone had smashed out the driver’s-side window and stolen her purse from the passenger seat.

The victim said she had not seen anyone else in the area, and a canvass of the area did not find any suspects. The stolen purse contained the victim’s credit cards, gift cards and driver’s license, as well as approximately $100 cash. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Derrick Andrews is a black male, 5’11” tall and weighing 186 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 02/06/ 74. Andrews is wanted for escape. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was at large. Andrews is wanted as of 02/07/13.

• Victor Augustin, a.k.a. James Lynwood, is a black male, 5’8” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms.

His date of birth is 07/22/93. Augustin is wanted for failure to appear on charges of sale of cocaine and sale of a Schedule II substance. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was South 57th A venue in Greenacres.

Augustin is wanted as of 02/07/13.

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

Derrick Andrews

Victor Augustin

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

The Town-Crier

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 7

NEWS

School Lobbyist: More State Education Funding Coming To PBC

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report More money is in the state budget for schools, teachers’ salaries and retirement benefits this year, although still not up to what it was before the start of the economic downturn, Palm Beach County School District lobbyist Vern Pickup-Crawford told the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on Monday.

Pickup-Crawford said the school district’s list of legislative priorities was presented to the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation earlier this month. The 2013 legislative session begins March 5 and ends May 3.

Gov. Rick Scott’s budget was released last week, and Scott spoke about it at a Forum Club luncheon Monday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. “The governor was extremely congratulatory of the work the teachers are doing across the state,� Pickup-Crawford said. “He was appreciative of the work that

the school board and the school system are doing here in Palm Beach County. As a result, we got a good feeling from that.�

Scott’s budget overall reflects what he has been saying about tying education closer to jobs and employment, which Pickup-Crawford said makes sense in terms of economic development. “The linchpin of his proposal is that he has about $480 million he proposes to be used for teacher pay raises,� he said. “This is for regular classroom teachers, and it’s an average in a sense of $2,500 per teacher. The money would come to school districts expecting that there would be that average, but obviously, it is subject to collective bargaining, and there could be a range depending on how it is bargained at the local level.�

Pickup-Crawford pointed out that the dollars are not tied at this point to the pending mandatory state merit pay plan that the school districts are developing. “He is purely looking at this as being rec-

ognition for the job the teachers are doing, and it is meant to be a pay raise across the state. He also has this as a sustainable recommendation,� he said. “This is not a one-time bonus.�

Scott also proposed financing in his budget to help cover the employer retirement contribution, since rates are going up in Florida. “He has some $300 million in the budget for that statewide,� Pickup-Crawford said. “He is increasing dollars for technology as a category, which would also benefit some of our charter folks as well. There’s $100 million statewide. That translates to about $6.5 million for Palm Beach, which honestly is not a lot, but it’s more than we have today.�

The budget represents an actual increase from the previous year. “It is the second increase that we’ve had, so we’re hoping that the series of budget cuts has certainly bottomed out,� PickupCrawford said.

The overall money for educa-

tion is still lower than 2004 because the local property tax rolls are still down, and the school district has no recommendations to increase local tax rates. “From the standpoint of the local budget, I would say [Scott] is putting his money where his mouth is,� Pickup-Crawford said. “He has talked about improving education, and there is a record amount of state dollars going into education.�

At the federal level, PickupCrawford is watching what will happen with the so-called “sequestration� budget. He said it could directly affect Title I money, which provides instructional services for disadvantaged children; Title II money, which provides teacher training; and Title III money, which includes English proficiency programs.

Pickup-Crawford said he anticipates some reduction in overall federal funding per student nationwide. “We are preparing for that, but that is why we are watch-

ing what is going to happen with sequestration,� he said.

Florida educators are also watching what will happen at the state level with increased requirements for end-of-course exams for state testing, and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), which is to replace the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). “It also dovetails into the issue of teacher and principal evaluation, and also technology,� he said. “There are some people in Tallahassee who are very pleased with themselves about the fact that they are trying to fly the airplane while they are still building it. I would suggest to you from an engineering standpoint that’s not really feasible.�

The Palm Beach County School District has joined others in suggesting that legislators need to step back and see how all of it will really fit together, he said. “We’ve had separate laws passed in 2010,

2011, 2012 individually, and this would be a great time to see how this meshes and what adjustments and accommodations we need to make,� Pickup-Crawford said.

He said questions still remain for assessments of special education and limited English students, and how end-of-course testing will be financed, as well as evaluation of technical training. Issues still remain with writing skills testing, which will be done on a keyboard and includes third-grade students, meaning they must be proficient on a keyboard.

He also pointed out that since many of the programs are tied to at-home study, not all homes have Internet connections. “We have many neighbor hoods that don’t have Internet at this point,� Pickup-Crawford said. “Until you get that, you’re not going to have an equal system, or perhaps, an adequate system in place. That’s why we’re suggesting to Tallahassee that we need to take a look at this.�

Royal Palm Zoning Board OKs Changes At PortoSol Community

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval Tuesday of a request by the developers of the PortoSol community to increase the amount of impervious space allowed on some of its lots in order to increase marketability.

The request affected more than 200 of the 499 lots in the planned unit development on the north side of Okeechobee Blvd. behind the Super Target store. “They’re trying to increase the allowable amount of building coverage and the maximum impervious area on smaller lots,� Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said. “All the other lots that are not the small to medium lots, which would include the zero-lot

lines and the estate homes, would remain unchanged with 40 percent maximum building coverage.�

Erwin noted that the application would still be in compliance with the South Florida Water Management District permit and with village code. “Since this is a PUD, they can vary the site development standards,� he said.

Agent Donaldson Hearing said the request would provide greater flexibility for the housing market and reflect the developer’s efforts to cluster homes in order to retain more green space. “As a result of that, we have a vast open space,�

Hearing said, explaining that developer Minto had exchanged hundreds of acres of high-quality natural area to the north for the low environmental quality land on

the 100 acres where Portosol is being developed. “What we are asking you to do today is modify the property development regulations for the smaller- to medium-sized lots, which will enable us to meet our market demands,� he said. “PortoSol has turned out to be one of the finest communities here in Royal Palm Beach. We are actively selling homes at a very good pace.�

Most of the affected lots have 55-foot frontage, and the change would not affect the larger or zerolot-line properties. The request would take the affected lots from 50 percent to 65 percent allowable impervious area. “We are still way below the requirements of a [residential medium unit] district, which suggest

that there can be a minimum of 50 percent green area,� Hearing said. “We’re close to about 60 percent, and that green area is not including the recreation areas like tennis courts and recreation buildings and sidewalks.�

Hearing added that the request would enable the developer to locate some of the larger models on smaller lots. “If they want a home on a 55foot lot, we will be able to deliver that and meet a large cross section of buyers’ needs, as well as pricing diversity needs as well,� he said.

Commissioner Joseph Boyle asked whether the request would increase the frontage on the lot, and Hearing said it would not, explaining that the increased size would be to the back, and allow

space for a swimming pool or patio if the resident so desired.

Commissioner Richard Becher asked if the increase in impervious area would add to storm water runoff. “Are we going to have problems with the rain with all the items we are building here?� he asked.

Hearing said the original water management permit anticipated that all the lots would be 65 percent impervious. “We will actually be below the water management assumption,� he said, explaining that most of the lots are not being built out to 65 percent.

Erwin added that the village also made an assumption of 65 percent impervious area so it would comply with SFWMD water retention requirements.

Commission Chair Barbara Powell asked whether the change would comply with the stormwater utility ordinance the village approved recently. “What our stormwater utility is designed to do is start imposing those fees so that we can compensate for some of those costs that are coming back to the village,�

Powell said. “Those costs, as Commissioner Becher alluded to, include water quality criteria, mitigation for water quality, stormwater runoff. Those are expensive and are only going to increase.�

Bob Higgins with Higgins Engineering, representing PortoSol, said the request would meet stormwater criteria.

Becher made a motion to approve the request as presented, and it carried 4-0.

Girls Night Out Feb. 21 At Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall The Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall will host a Girls Night Out event Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the gallery’s eclectic collection of art, jewelry, bronze statues, antiques and clothing, there will be a special trunk show featuring some additional outside vendors. Guests will be able to enjoy wine and an assortment of cheeses and crackers, while they peruse the tempting merchandise and socialize with friends. Adding an extra twist to the evening’s festivities, representatives from Blue Martini in CityPlace will be there to provide everyone with samples of their famous martinis.

During this special Girls Night Out event, the gallery’s vendors

Yohe

Started Job This Week

continued from page 1 2002, and executive director of projects and facilities management for the Public Building Authority of Knoxville, Tenn., from 2001 to 2002.

Prior to that, Yohe worked for many years with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, where he was director of engineering and later deputy director of Florida operations. He earned his degree from the University of Florida in 1976.

Supervisor Don Widing, who led the interviewing, said it had been a smooth process working with

will be selecting and displaying their merchandise with the “fashionista� in mind. As part of the mix that night, there will be a number of vendors brought in especially for the event. “We are fortunate to have some vendors from around the country and, actually, from around the world, who will be in town and will be able to join us for our first Girls Night Out event,� said Jeanne Chisholm of Chisholm Gallery. “Some of the vendors scheduled to be there are Silk-Chic, with their exquisite silk clothing and Filip & Inna, with their collection of garments adorned with weaving, embroidery and beadwork indigenous to the Philippines.�

And to add a literary flair, there

will be a dual book signing featuring two local award-winning authors — Beatrice Fairbanks Zayzer, author of Murder for Beauty, and Ava Roosevelt, author of The Racing Heart.

In addition to being a great social night out with the girls, there will be a charitable aspect to the evening. JustWorld International has been chosen as the charity to benefit from this month’s event.

Jack Van Dell of Van Dell Jewelers, who spearheaded the Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall, has donated a pair of diamond horsehead earrings, valued at $1,500, to be offered as a raffle prize. “We are happy to support JustWorld International by donating this pair of earrings,� he said. “Through

their work, they make such a difference in the lives of children living in impoverished communities around the world.�

Ambassadors and volunteers from JustWorld International will be selling raffle tickets to their supporters in the weeks leading up to and at the Girls Night Out event.

All of the raffle ticket sales proceeds will be donated to the organization. The lucky winner’s ticket will be drawn Feb. 21, but you do not need to be present to win.

The Wellington Equestrian Gallery & Mall is located in the Courtyard Shops at Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. For more info., call (561) 333-3100 or visit www.wellingtonequestrian mall.com.

Yohe and wanted to be sure that he agreed with any changes to the contract.

Supervisor John Ryan said he would prefer that the contract state that Yohe must receive no less than a satisfactory performance review at six and 12 months by each supervisor — but that, Supervisor Robert Snowball pointed out, would give one supervisor the power to force Yohe’s dismissal. “The only problem I have with that is that if one guy has a problem with something that’s small and four [supervisors] love the guy, the way the contract was written you’d have to let him go,�

Snowball said.

Widing agreed. “I appreciate your being cautious,� he said to Ryan, “but if we have a rating scale

of one-to-five and one person is below three, then this person’s contract could be subject to being voided. I think that’s a little extreme.�

As a compromise, Widing offered that the supervisors give at least a 4-1 approval, and the other supervisors agreed.

Widing also suggested that the board develop clear goal-setting strategies in order to help the new administrator. “We need to work a little harder at that, so that when that evaluation comes, we shouldn’t be in a position, nor should Mr. Yohe, to be surprised when it’s done,� he said. “It’s performance measurement. I’d expect him to come to this board once a month with a report. It’s basic contract management and program

management. That’s the accountability we didn’t have in the past.�

LGWCD Chairman Dave DeMarois said he wanted to take advantage of Yohe’s engineering degree to provide services that are currently contracted, and Ryan agreed. “I think the fact that Mr. Yohe has an engineering degree is helpful,� Ryan said. “To me, that just sets in place some additional time for him to get trained on some of the work that he’ll be fully capable of doing.�

Widing also called attention to the administrator’s responsibility to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other governmental entities.

Ryan agreed that intergovernmental coordination will be an increasingly important job, adding

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Jack Van Dell of Van Dell Jewelry with Amber Warren and Caroline De Raemy of JustWorld International. that he thought that if Yohe decided to leave the district, he should be fully available to provide transitional assistance to his successor. “We might as well spell that out rather than just assume it and not have it understood,� Ryan said, calling attention to the board’s inability to come to terms with Saunier to provide transitional assistance.

Ryan also pointed out that the severance clause, which provides 60 days’ pay in the event of termination without cause after a year’s employment, was intended for him to be available to provide that transition. “I think the 60 days is not just severance to go on a paid vacation,� he said. “It’s severance to be available if we need assis-

tance in transitioning to a replacement.�

Yohe thanked board members for the opportunity to serve the district. “I listened closely and clearly understand the direction of the board,� he said. “I accept all terms of contract.�

Ryan invited Yohe to speak with the supervisors individually about their goals. “I know this is going to be a busy week or two to get your feet wet, but if you could set aside some time, each of us ought to work out some time to meet with you and tell you what our particular interests have been,� he said.

Ryan made a motion to accept the contract with the changes they had discussed, which carried 5-0.

Yohe agreed to start the following day.

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NEWS BRIEFS 40-Goal Outback Challenge Feb. 16 At The Polo Club Polo’s version of an all-star game will feature the world’s best players in the annual Outback 40Goal Challenge presented by Nespresso on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. This is the ninth consecutive year that IPC has hosted the Outback 40Goal Challenge.

EFG Bank’s lineup is Adolfo Cambiaso, Sapo Caset, Pablo MacDonough and Juan Martin Nero. Cambiaso, who became the youngest player in the history of the sport to reach 10 goals back when he was just 17, is generally acknowledged as the world’s best player.

Equus & Co. lines up with Facundo Pieres, Pelon Sterling, Miguel Novillo Astrada and Gonzalito Pieres. Facundo Pieres, the middle son of the legendary Gonzalo Pieres Sr., is deemed as the world’s second-best player.

Equus & Co. defeated EFG Bank 11-10 last year behind Facundo Pieres’ seven goals.

Once again, there will be a 2point line about 80 yards from the goal for this game. “The players will be really encouraged to go for it,” Tournament Director David Offen said.

Grey Goose vodka is designing a specialty drink for the occasion, while Nespresso will offer a variety of specialty coffees at the invitation-only post-event dinner.

The first known 40-goal game was held in 1975 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There have been at least 13 such games in the U.S. Proceeds from the gate, a VIP dinner as well as a silent and live auction benefits the Polo Players Support Group, Inc., a nonprofit created to provide financial assistance to seriously injured or ill polo players or grooms.

So far, the Polo Players Support Group has provided more than $1.5 million to 44 seriously injured or ill players and grooms.

Auction items include a polo vacation at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, a Vail Ski Chalet donated by La Casa Hermosa, a week in Argentina with 10goaler Mariano Aguerre, a sevenday holiday in a private cottage in Ireland’s County Armagh donat-

ed by Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Seager, and a Dream Team game featuring some of the best polo players.

The polo match is open to the public. Individual tickets are $20 for upgraded lawn seating, $100 for a reserved box seat and $150 for a reserved tailgate spot. A limited number of tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the game. For ticket information, call Offen at (516) 528-3821 or the International Polo Club Palm Beach at (561) 204-5687.

Seminole Ridge Family Fun Day Returns Feb. 23 The Seminole Ridge High School Hawk Band will host the eighth annual Hawk Family Fun Day Car Show, Barbecue & Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school grounds at 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

The community is invited to join Hawk musicians and their families for another weekend of fun and games. There will be a car show and barbecue platters, crafts, vendor booths and silent auction, and

plenty of rides and games for kids of all ages.

Vendors are needed. Spaces are available for $20 without electricity, $30 with electricity and $50 for corporate businesses. Vendors must provide their own tent, chairs, tables, etc. Contact Kim at (561) 798-5051 for more info. Also, donations are needed for the silent auction, which will feature items and services from local businesses as well as themed band section baskets. All donations are tax deductible.

Advance barbecue tickets cost $7 from Band Director Tim Skinner or $8 at the gate. Tickets for rides and games cost $1 each, five for $4 or 15 for $10.

The Car Show and the Big Truck & Swamp Buggy Show are open to all makes, models and years. All vehicles must be at the school no later than 8 a.m. and stay for the judging at 2 p.m. The pre-registration fee of $15 per vehicle must be paid by Feb. 20. For more information on either show, contact Jorge at (561) 753-4939 or jjcm12496@aol. com.

The sidewalk chalk contest is open to anyone interested.

All proceeds go directly to the

programs at Seminole Ridge High School. For more information, contact band fundraiser chair Roy Morgan at (561) 644-1090 or fundsrhband@gmail.com.

Wellington Garden Week Starts Feb. 24 The Wellington Garden Club will begin a week-long celebration of Wellington Garden Week with the kickoff event “Gardening Makes a World of Difference” on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., near the amphitheater). The public is invited, and admission is free.

The day will include informative seminars as well as a plant sale of nursery and member-grown shrubs, trees and flowers, both native and tropical; a raffle of a flowering tree; and an “ask the experts” booth staffed by the club’s master gardeners.

A landscape makeovers seminar at 1 p.m. will feature nationally known garden author and landscape architect Pamela Crawford

of Botanical Visions in Boca Raton. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos of an area of their yard that needs improvement.

Crawford will draw sketches of great ideas for the garden that attendees may take home.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Al Salopek, a longtime Wellington resident and member of the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association, will present “Bee Understanding.” Attendees will learn the important role honeybees play in our food supply chain. An observation hive will be on display along with locally produced honey for sale.

Additional events during Wellington Garden Week include a craft workshop for members on Feb. 25; a flower design workshop on Feb. 27, in which members will create designs to be given to supportive businesses and placed in Wellington public areas; and garden-related activities at local schools to be conducted by the club’s junior and high school garden clubs.

For further information on Wellington Garden Club membership and club activities, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 9

NEWS

VINCEREMOS HOSTS ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION AT INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center held its 26th annual benefit auction Friday, Feb. 8 at the Grand Pavilion at the Int ernational Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Themed “Explore the Possibilities,” the event included a live auction, dinner and its third annual Buck Off finals. The auction raised money for various operations at Vinceremos, which provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities. For more info., visit www.vinceremos.org or call (561) 792-9900.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Vinceremos volunteer Sarah Menor, Dar yl “Maverick” Veitch and Director of Development Susan Guinan.

Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor thanks sponsors.

Junior and Senior Riders of the Year Adison Gobardhan and Heather Pampena.

Volunteers of the Year Juliana Baxter and Greg Tarno wski.

Vinceremos occupational therapist Heidi Spirazza.

Vinceremos instructor Kelsey Swanson, volunteer Ellen Rauchbach and head instructor Cassidy Hoff.

Artist Barb Tyler and Cal Harris with one of Tyler’s art pieces, which will be on display at the riding center.

‘WILD THINGS’ ART SHOW BENEFITS RARE SPECIES CONSERVATORY FOUNDATION The seventh annual “Wild Things” art show and sale benefiting the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation was held Sunday through Tuesday, Feb. 10-12 at the Pferdekamper Studio in Loxahatchee Groves. The opening reception featured art representing all media.

Rare Species received 25 percent of the sales to use for global wildlife conservation programs. For more info., visit www.rarespecies.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Lowry Park Zoo CEO Craig Pugh, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation Curator Karen McGovern and Director Dr. Paul Reillo, and large animal veterinarian Mark Davis.

Norm Gitzen Sr., artist Norm Gitzen Jr. and Anne Gitzen.

Gisela Pferdekamper with her piece Florida.

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NEWS

DREAM SPONSORS HOSTS ‘GET INTO AFRICA’ BENEFIT EVENT AT PLAYERS CLUB

The benefit event “Get Into Africa” was held Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Players Club in Wellington. Proceeds will benefit Dream Sponsors Inc., a Wellington-based nonprofit that provides basic needs and school fees to Kenyan orphans while encouraging cultural exchange with local youth. There was a cash bar, vendors, hors d’oeuvres and African music, as well as raffles and a silent auction. For more info., PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER visit www.dreamsponsorsinc.org.

John and Nancy Waiguru sell batik artwork to Dr. Collette Brown-Graham and Gabrielle Graham.

Junette Powell (center) buys a purse from Sean and Lexy Sanguinetti at the Dream Sponsors table.

Positively Africa entertains the guests with native African music.

Diane Sauve, Allison Spall, Liz Bloeser and Phyllis Gauger.

Raffle winner Carrie Masterson receives a Starbucks basket from Lissette Cancio.

Jaspar Leahy, Christie Hetzel and Debra Middleton at the Smiles by Jiveh booth.

HANLEY CENTER FOUNDATION HOSTS ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC AT SHOW GROUNDS The Hanley Center Foundation’s 18th annual Family Picnic was held Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Guests enjoyed lunch, a silent and live auction and the Grand Prix show jumping competition in the Int ernational Arena. Visit www.hanleycenter.org for more info.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Nancy Hooker with event chairs Dan and Lisa Thomas.

Hanley CEO Dr. Rachel Docekal with John and Julie Kime and Sarah Alsofrom.

Honorary chairs Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his wife Dorothy with Honorary Child Chairman Noah Lofaso.

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©Sportfot

Page 12 February 15 - February 21, 2013

THIS WEEK

Every Saturday Night, world-class show jumping & entertainment for the whole family.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013 $125,000 FEI World CupTM Grand Prix CSI-W 3* presented by Spy Coast Farm Gates open at 6:00 pm.

©Lauren Fisher

Free General Admission.

Parking $20 per carload.

For reserved seating call Annette Goyette at 561.784.1120.

WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM

561.793.JUMP (5867)

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • 3400 Equestrian Club Road • Wellington, Florida

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NEWS

February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 13

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS FUNDRAISER AT THE GRILLE IN WELLINGTON The American Cancer Society held its “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” fundraiser on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Grille Fashion Cuisine in Wellington. There was a cash bar with celebrity bartenders and a Chinese auction. This event was held in support of the Diamond Centennial Ball on Saturday, Mar ch 16 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Celebrity Bartending chairs George Switlyk and CoCo Smith, ball chairs Larry and Linda Smith, Mark Bellissimo, former Miami Dolphin Dwight Stephenson and IPC’s Larry Coyle.

Ball chairs Larry and Linda Smith with Ashley and Joe Maguire.

Celebrity Bartending chairs George Switlyk and CoCo Smith, Grille Manager Amer Marukic, and Martha Gilmartin and Bill Smith of the American Cancer Society.

Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson points to his signature on the football won by Stef ani Glaser.

Dr. Eliezer and Annette Hernandez.

Scott Fitton, Ali Solimine and Ludwig Sollak.

Johanna Vandenboomen, Debbie O’Brien and Lara Walsh.

CENTRAL CHAMBER HOSTS WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH AT WANDERERS CLUB The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce held a Women in Business luncheon Friday, Feb. 8 at the Wanderers Club.

Guest speakers discussed issues of health, wellness, makeup, fashion and hair. For more info., visit www.cpbcchamber.com.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Visions Salon: The Color Group salon coordinator Sherri Giles, co-owner Tom Monticello and stylist Gaby Pugliese.

Premier Family Center for Healthy Aging owners Dr. Mariaclara Bago and Dr. Vincent Apicella.

Cheryl Anders with Dr. Andrew J. Shapir o.

Guest speakers receive certificates of participation from Central PBC Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Sem Ridge Senior Mitchell Lafferty Wins Tech Service Scholarship

Mitchell Lafferty

Seminole Ridge High School technical support student Mitchell Lafferty has been announced as the winner of the Palm Beach County school district’s 2013 Pat Oliphant Memorial Student Technology Service Scholarship.

Lafferty will receive the $500 award at the May 15 school board meeting.

• Debaters Qualify for State — The Hawk forensics team competed Feb. 1-3 in the Florida Forensic League Macaw Regional qualifier tournament. The following SRHS debaters will advance to varsity state competition: Wayne Selogy for legislative assembly; Peyton Bailey and John Christian for extemporaneous speaking; and the “Happily Ever Afters” team of Cas-

sandra Barrett, Melissa Garrity, Marisa Krecker, Jasmine Lang and Keith Miner for group interpretation.

• Hawk Battalion Inducts New Members — The SRHS Army JROTC chapter of the National Military Honor Society of Junior Scabbard and Blade inducted its newest members in an evening ceremony Jan. 31.

“The primary thrust of Scabbard and Blade is to encourage high standards of performance in school — academically, athletically and socially,” said retired Lt. Col. Hans Hunt, battalion instructor.

“These new members have worked incredibly hard to earn the membership. It’s a great honor bestowed upon these cadets.”

Seminole Ridge congratulates new members Shane Campbell, Benoit Cloutier, John DiCampli, Boston Hunt, Jose Ruiz, Shelby Shackelford and Morgan Wilson.

• Clubs Inaugurate ‘After Hour’ — The members of the Key Club and Society of Future Authors will sponsor a monthly “After Hour” invitational openmic forum for sharing student talents in written word, music and dance. The inaugural “After Hour” was scheduled to be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. in the cafeteria.

• Hawk Creates Online Swap Site — SRHS senior David Freund has established an online trading site, AcreageSwipSwap. com, the focus of which is to cre-

ate a localized, user-friendly network for the residents of The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington. This “non-stop garage sale” provides its members with an efficient way to buy, sell and trade goods and services within their community.

Similar to today’s social networking, Freund said, “Acreage SwipSwap.com asks users to create a personalized, customizable profile allowing them to view who they’re buying from and selling to.

The private messaging feature makes it convenient for members to communicate with one another.

It’s a direct, reliable and instant source of information regarding members’ ads. What started off as

a high-school project, quickly evolved into AcreageSwipSwap. com. We’re gaining members every day, and soon it’ll be the number-one choice to exchange goods and services within the [western communities].”

• Key Club Visits South Fork, Pine Jog — Key Club officers Monique Costner, Jennifer Almazan and James Nunez attended the “Spring Zone Rally” Jan. 20 at South Fork High School in Martin County, participating in leadership workshops with other members of district Key clubs.

On Feb. 2, club members volunteered at Pine Jog Environmental Center, where they cleared the property of the invasive species Caesar’s weed.

New Horizons Holds Responsibility Pep Rally

Students from Melissa Ruddick’s kindergarten class made hats to commemorate the day.

Golden Grove Celebrates 100th Day Of School Golden Grove Elementary School celebrated the 100th day of school on Friday, Feb. 1. All of the students participated while learning with fun hands-on activities.

Students in Jennifer Ortiz’s second-grade class dressed up for the day as how they imagine they would look at 100 years old.

Some of the other classes brought in 100 items, wrote clues on the front of the bag and the class guessed what items were inside; made a 100 yummy snack from 10 different groups; held a

scavenger hunt of 100 items; created a shopping list with pictures and dollar amounts of purchases made to equal $100; estimated and tallied their way with pennies and number cubes to 100; created 100th day puzzles out of a 100th day counting chart; made a 100gumball finger painting picture; wrote down the favorite things they did for the first 100 days of school; made necklaces with 100 beads; wrote what they would buy with $100; and were silent for 100 seconds and completed 100 exercises.

New Horizons Elementary School celebrated responsibility at a recent school-wide pep rally.

Students were encouraged to show responsibility in a variety of ways by fellow students, staff and the Wellington High School pep band — all examples of people who demonstrate responsibility. New Horizons Cub Scouts presented the flag with fifth-grade student Maddison Loftus singing the Star Spangled Banner. The WHS pep band, under the direction of student directors Jenny Bermudez and Joey Hempfriling, performed many rousing selections.

The New Horizons Music Club percussion ensemble, under the direction of music teacher Veronica Dillingham, performed numbers

that demonstrated practice and hard work.

WHS drum major Jenny Bermudez, New Horizons Principal Betsy Cardozo and Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel encouraged students to show responsibility by

making good choices. Guidance counselor Lynne Bray inspired students to show responsibility by knowing what’s expected, doing it and by choosing to have the following work ethic: do your work, do it well, and do it on time.

Students rallied together as they chanted the New Horizons student motto: “I am a safe and respectful learner. These are the skills I work on each day. I am safe; I am respectful; I am a learner. I stop, think and then choose!”

Participants of the New Horizons responsibility pep rally.

Huntington To Hold Read Across America Day On March 1, Huntington Learning Center will join millions of teachers and administrators, librarians, education support professionals, higher education faculty, students and members of the National Education Association to celebrate Read Across America Day. Now in its 16th year, the national commemoration strives to motivate children and teens to read through a series of fun events, partnerships and reading resources. The day also marks the 109th birthday of Dr. Seuss.

“Dr. Seuss was an amazing storyteller and someone who reminds us all — parents, teachers and children alike — that reading is

one of life’s great joys,” said Mary Fisher of the Wellington Huntington Learning Center. “Huntington Learning Center is excited to celebrate Read AcrossAmerica Day, a day that reminds us all how important reading is and also how fun and adventurous it can be.”

Fisher offers tips for parents to get their children reading: • Be a good role model and let your child see you reading for pleasure often.

• Read aloud with your child.

• Go to the library often and enjoy the activities they have to offer, including story times for younger children and book clubs later on.

• Make reading fun. Let your child choose books that he or she is excited about, and let him or her try a wide range of topics, book types and authors.

• Give your child plenty of opportunities to practice reading.

Reading you the mail or reading labels while grocery shopping is still reading, so be sure to engage your child in reading as often as possible.

• Incorporate reading into other interests. If your child is a sports fanatic, try offering books on favorite teams or athletes. Ask your librarian for recommendations based on your child’s personality and interests.

• Reward reading. If your child needs a little encouragement, incentivize him or her for reading each day. The more your child reads, the more successful he or she will become — and the more likely he or she will want to read more.

• Make reading a part of everyday life.

For more information about Read Across America Day, visit www.nea.org/readacross.

For more information about Huntington Learning Center of Wellington, contact Fisher at (561) 594-1900 or fisherm@hlcmail.com, or visit www.huntingtonhelps. com.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 15

SCHOOL NEWS

H.L. Johnson Students Lend A Helping Hand

Zachary Tish, Jackson Spellman, Jonathan Farrell, Rylan Gonzales and Kevin LeBrun.

Student volunteers and their families from H.L. Johnson Elementary School made an impact within the Everglades ecosystem Saturday, Feb. 2 as the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades hosted its annual trail spruce-up at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

Students eagerly removed nonnative and invasive plants, picked up litter and recyclables, and added mulch to the trails in preparation for Everglades Day on Saturday, Feb. 9. The community ser-

vice hours earned for this not only taught them a lesson in social responsibility but also in respecting and cherishing the environment.

H.L. Johnson Elementary School was designated a Green School of Quality last year and is striving to be a Green School of Excellence this year.

In addition to the Feb. 2 event, students also participate in monthly beach cleanups and weekly “play-date-in-the-park” cleanups during which students meet to play but also pick up trash and recycling beforehand.

Crestwood Mathletes Soar At County Tourney Crestwood Middle School competed in the 51st annual Middle School Mathematics Tournament Feb. 6. This competition included the majority of public, private and charter middle schools in Palm Beach County.

Crestwood’s mathletes were as follows: sixth-graders Naissa Aime, Kaeli Bassieres, Dustin Karp, Justin Phan and Austin Russell; seventh-graders Yassiel Carmona, Ashlee Carter, Matthew Emerick, Akash Patel and Nicole Pena; and eighth-graders Owen Flannagan, Serena Rampersad, Christopher Rice, Adam Travaglini and Alex Wong. These students spent three weeks studying packets of advanced mathematical material in preparation for the tour-

nament. This was above and beyond their regular competitive academic studies. Teachers Havela Drucker and Blanche Martin are proud of their accomplishments and the way they presented themselves to the community as wellbehaved and respectful adolescents.

The top three students in Crestwood were Flannagan, Carter and Rampersad. Flannagan ranked fourth in the eighth-grade and fourth in the entire county. Carter ranked among the 15 top seventhgraders in the county. Both brought home ribbons, trophies and other prizes. Flannagan won a silver edition TI-84 calculator to add to his vast collection of valuable mathematical instruments.

Crestwood’s team of mathletes who competed Feb. 6.

Crestwood would like to thank the parents who took time out of their busy schedules to assist in transporting the students. The

school also thanks Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance for her continued support and financial backing for such academic endeavors.

Crestwood teacher Marque Drummond, St. Jude Principal George Butchway and St. Jude teacher Janet Quow.

Crestwood Middle Adopts A Sister School In Ghana Crestwood Middle School has adopted a sister school in Accra, Ghana.

St. Jude is a K-9 school that was visited by one of Crestwood’s reading teachers, Marque Drummond, at the beginning of the school year. While teaching a mini lesson at the school, he was moved by the students’ attitude of wanting to learn without even having basic classroom supplies. Drummond decided that when he returned to Florida, he would try to do something to help. He shared his experience with the teachers and students at Crestwood, and

has spearheaded a school drive to contribute to St. Jude.

Students have donated an enormous number of supplies. National Honor School students have sorted and packed a 70-pound box, and another 70-pound box is being assembled.

The National Junior Honor Society donated $100 to help with mailing expenses. Crestwood’s School Officer Jeff Farrell secured an additional donation from the Police Benevolent Association to help with expenses. The gathering will continue throughout the year.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Mayor Presents Garden Club Proclamation BEN BOYNTON GETS PAUL At the February meeting of the Wellington Garden Club, Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis presented a proclamation from the Wellington Village Council designating Feb. 24 through March 2 as Wellington Garden Week.

The club will honor Wellington Garden Week by conducting free public gardening seminars, including a plant sale and raffle on Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Wellington Municipal Complex; a craft workshop for members on Feb. 25; a (Left) Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis presents the proclamation to Wellington Garden Club President Susan Hillson (R) and member Diane Patterson.

Ferreira Recognized For Volunteer Work Wellington High School senior Valentina Ferreira represents Palm Beach County as one of the distinguished finalists by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for exemplary acts of volunteerism.

The awards program, now in its 18th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Ferreira has a GPA of 3.82 and more than 1,000 community service hours. Her volunteer work includes founding Wellington High School’s Love Moves, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking.

In addition, Ferreira is a member of the National Honor Society and the American Sign Language Honor Society, competes at the national level in DECA and debate, and is a reporter and videographer for the school’s newspaper. Recently, she was the Pathfinder nominee in the Community Involvement category for her work serv-

ing her community and church. In her own words, Ferreira hopes to be seen as “a woman after God’s own heart.”

“Students such as Valentina are a source of inspiration to everyone they meet,” Principal Mario Crocetti said. “Valentina is a great role model for students and adults.”

Many of this year’s state honorees and distinguished finalists were recognized for working to combat bullying, raise money for cancer research and make more activities accessible to people with disabilities. Others were honored for mentoring other young people and supporting U.S. veterans and troops.

“Prudential is proud to honor these students for making meaningful contributions to their communities,” Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld said.

“We hope that shining a spotlight on their initiative, creativity and compassion inspires others to consider how they, too, can make a difference.”

flower design workshop on Feb. 27, during which members will create designs to be given to supportive businesses and placed in Wellington public areas; and garden-related activities at local schools to be conducted by the club’s junior and high school garden clubs.

The Wellington Garden Club, a nonprofit organization with over 150 members, has been an active part of the local community, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and National Garden Clubs since 1982.

For further information on Wellington Garden Club membership and club activities, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

VALENTINE’S CARDS FOR LOCAL VETERANS

HARRIS FELLOW AWARD

Former Wellington Rotary Club President Ben Boynton received his second Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of his continued support of Rotary’s international fund. Shown above is Boynton with Wellington Rotary Club President David Unversaw and Tom Eastwood, the fund chair.

WELLINGTON ROTARY RECOGNIZES INTERACT CLUB MEMBERS

During their recent monthly meeting, members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 made 300 Valentine’s Day tray cards for the VA Medical Center. On hand for the meeting was American Legion Auxiliary District 11 President Debbie Mitchler, who helped with the tray cards. Shown above are Mitchler and Norma Flannigan.

Pvt. Paul Hojnacki Graduates Marine Training U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Paul Hojnacki, son of Maria and Stanley Hojnacki of Royal Palm Beach, earned the title of United States Marine after his graduation from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C.

For 13 weeks, Hojnacki stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entrylevel military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

The training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, Hojnacki endured the Crucible, a

54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies.

Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

Hojnacki is a 2012 graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School.

The Wellington Rotary Club held its monthly Thursday evening dinner Jan. 31 at the Wanderer s Club. Two Interact Club members, Dennis Sousa of Wellington High School and Danny Duprey of Palm Beach Central High School, were presented certificates of recognition for having been named students of the quarter for their respective schools. Shown above are Andrew Burr, Sousa, Duprey and Wellington Rotary Club President David Unversaw.

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POLO & EQUESTRIAN

February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 19

Teams Battle At IPC To Compete In Ylvisaker Cup Quarterfinals Ylvisaker Cup competition saw four games and eight teams battling it out last weekend at the International Polo Club Palm Beach for the final three berths in the quarterfinals of the 20-goal tournament. Victories by Villa Del Lago, ERG, Audi and Lucchese decided who would qualify, but it would take a three-team Monday-morning shootout to determine the

Dwight and Dinah Stephenson with Joe Maguire.

quarterfinal pairings.

In Sunday morning action on Feb. 10, Villa Del Lago galloped out to a 6-5 halftime lead over Valiente and held on for an 11-10 win after trailing by a goal going into the final chukker of play.

Villa Del Lago relied on the talents of Argentine 8-goaler Magoo Laprida, who led the scoring with seven goals, and a sixth-chukker goal from Agustin Obregon to carry the day. The win improved Villa Del Lago’s record to 2-1, while Valiente suffered its third loss in as many games.

In the second morning game of the day, ERG had little trouble with Orchard Hill as they built up a 9-4 halftime lead before running away with the game in a 14-10 win.

Paco de Narvaez scored six of his game-high nine goals in the first three chukkers as ERG dominated play through the course of the game.

De Narvaez added two more goals in the fourth period and his ninth in the fifth as ERG enjoyed a seven goal, 13-7 lead with only one

Lucchese scored a 10-8 win over Faraway last Sunday. chukker left to play. Orchard Hill tried to make a go of it in the final period of the game, with Jeff Hall scoring two of his seven goals on penalty shots. Team captain Steve Van Andel and Lucas Criado added single goals, but the ERG de-

fense did what it had to do and cruised to the 14-10 win.

ERG remained undefeated (3-0) in tournament play, while Orchard Hill’s record fell to 1-2, eliminating them from the quarterfinals.

Another pivotal tournament

Daryl “Maverick” Veitch, Tuny Page and country singer Jason Thomas.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

game saw Audi muscle its way past Lechuza 8-7 in a fast-paced, highspeed contest that wasn’t decided until the final chukker.

After an opening 2-2 first chukker, the two teams battled all the way down to the final horn before

Audi finally secured the win.

Nic Roldan scored the winning goal on a 60-yard penalty shot in the sixth chukker for the win. Polito Pieres scored five goals for Lechuza over the course of the game See POLO, page 20

Ben Maher Wins Again In The $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix Week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival featured another exciting “Saturday Night Lights” event Feb. 9, with more than 4,000 spectators looking on as Great Britain’s Ben Maher won his second grand prix in a row.

Maher jumped to victory in the $82,000 Adequan CSI2* Grand Prix aboard Jane

Ben Maher aboard Urico.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPORTFOT PHOTO

Clark’s Urico after also taking top honors in last week’s $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix riding Cella.

Last Saturday night’s grand prix was sponsored by Adequan, which is distributed by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals Inc. Allyn Mann, director of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, was on hand to watch the class last Saturday evening and was thrilled with the success of the event and the great competition displayed.

Mann presented Maher with an Adequan Tack Locker for his win.

“We are honored as a company to be involved with this whole sport,” Mann said. “I think tonight was just another example of the commitment by the horse, the rider, and especially the owners, which are really the foundation of everything that happens with this industry. We really appreciate everybody’s efforts and it is just exciting to be a part of it.”

Olympic course designer Bob Ellis set the track for the evening. Forty-seven entries began the class with 14 advancing to the jump-off and six of those clearing the second round course without fault.

Maher and Urico had the fastest time for the win.

Argentina’s Ramiro Quintana was the first entry to clear the short course, aboard St. Brides Farm’s Whitney, holding the lead for six rounds with his time of 45.90

seconds before eventually finishing in fifth. Mario Deslauriers and Legacy Stables, LLC’s Uraguay were the next pair to jump double clear and placed sixth with a time of 46.82 seconds.

The race for top honors continued with Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Simon, who took over the lead with their clear round in 45.55 seconds to eventually place fourth. For her success, Madden was later presented with the Leading Lady Rider Award for week five competition, presented by Martha Jolicoeur and Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

Madden’s lead did not hold on for long as Maher and Urico took their start and blazed through the course in 43.81 seconds to grab the lead. Brianne Goutal and Cloverleaf Farm’s Uata went next and made a great effort with their time of 45.05 seconds to finish third. Last to go, Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Siri concluded the class with a swift round in 44.99 seconds to take the second-place prize.

Urico is a 12-year-old KWPN gelding and another new mount for Maher riding for owner Jane Clark. Maher and Urico put together a great round last Saturday night and seem to be quickly developing their new partnership.

In other results, Avery Hinson of New Albany, Ohio, bested a class of 29 junior riders during last Saturday’s Taylor Har-

ris Insurance Service’s (THIS) National Children’s Medal class during WEF week five. Hinson led the class with her 12-yearold Warmblood gelding, Rio’s Reflection, with a score of 87 points.

Maria Moore finished second aboard Angela Moore’s Arizona with a score of 86. Blythe Ruppel piloted her own Charade to a score of 86. Parker Wright and Miss Ticket to Ride, owned by Barbara Milanese, rounded out the top four riders called back for the test and finished fourth with 85 points.

Hinson and Rio’s Reflection competed during the latter part of the 2012 season in both hunter divisions and equitation classes, but Hinson has decided to focus on equitation classes for 2013. Hinson was fifth in the order for the large class, but her strategy for the course full of twists and turns, designed by Danny Moore, made her impossible to beat. Despite going early on, she remained in the lead for the entirety of the class.

Hinson will continue to compete in the THIS Children’s Medal with Rio’s Reflection, but has her sights set on the ASPCA Maclay classes as her ultimate goal. Both equitation classes are hosted weekly at WEF. The THIS National Children’s Medal Finals will be held in conjunction with the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Maryland in October.

The Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition. More than $6

Avery Hinson aboard Rio’s Reflection.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE GITTINS

million in prize money will be awarded through the circuit. For full results, visit www.showgroundslive.com. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington.

For additional information, visit www. equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

Page 20 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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NEWS ITID

No Pump Agreement

continued from page 1 behalf of the 10-member ALA board.

“All the board members are here tonight,” Renna said, explaining that the ALA had met Monday and heard presentations by ITID engineer Lisa Tropepe and opponents Alan Ballweg and Nestor Garcia on the proposed agreement, which would establish a permanent pump station at the L-8 Canal.

Council

Lawyer And Tennis Move

continued from page 1 “They won’t have that opportunity at the agenda review.”

Coates said he would not be able to make the next agenda review, and Willhite said he thought it would be important for all council members to be there. “I think the most appropriate place to hear this would be at a council meeting,” Willhite said.

Coates also noted that the council could choose to accept or reject the recommendation made by the firm that night.

“Aren’t we making a decision whether to accept it or not?” he asked. “Then it would have to be at a council meeting.”

Council members directed staff to try to fit the presentation into the next meeting.

Willhite also asked staff for an update on moving the Wellington Tennis Center.

Adams

Founders Plaque

continued from page 1 that Adams continues to work for the betterment of the village even today.

“I consider him a kitchen-table person,” Willhite said. “He’s the kind of person you can sit down with and ask him questions, and you know you’ll get the most honest and thorough answer.”

He also said Adams should be commended for his practices — political, business and personal.

“I have yet to find another person I find more ethical and highly respectable,” Willhite said. “With the work he did to incorporate this village, his work on the county commission and, on top of that, his humble nature, I think he will be a great addition to the Founders Plaque.”

Councilman John Greene said that in the short time he has known Adams, he has been a source of wisdom and guidance.

“He’s a man of great character and leadership,” Greene said. “I’d like to thank you for the time you gave me and the wisdom you shared, as well as your commitment to this village.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig noted that Adams helped Wellington out of its infancy.

“He was involved in the original incorporation of Wellington and helped us become a grownup municipality. Thank you, Mr. Adams, for what you’ve done. I’m glad to have an opportunity to do this,” she said.

Adams has been a committed public servant, Vice Mayor Howard Coates said.

“He’s someone we’re proud to have as part of the Village of Wellington,” he said. “When I think of the people that deserve to be on this list, Mr. Adams is at the top. I wholeheartedly support this.”

“It was resolved that the ALA does not support the proposed interlocal agreement with the City of West Palm Beach and requests that the Indian Trail Improvement District immediately discontinue at this time any further negotiations regarding the said intercept proposition,” Renna said, reading from the ALA resolution.

The resolution went on to state that the ALA supported preparation of a comprehensive plan to address stormwater runoff and flooding. “In plain English, we want you to vote no,” Renna said.

“We can all work together and find solutions.”

Supervisor Ralph Bair asked how ITID could develop a comprehensive flood plan if they discard proposals out of hand. “I’m curious how we are going to find solutions,” Bair said. “Believe me, I’m all for a comprehensive approach. All I want to do is continue the discussion.”

Damone asked whether the ALA resolution was not to have any further workshops or consideration of other draft agreements.

“I respect the resolution that’s in front of me, but I do have 39,990 other people that I have to answer to,” Damone said. “I believe that discontinuing the conversation is

Director of Operations Jim Barnes said the next step is to gather public input.

“We’ll have open public meetings to solicit input from the public before we put it before the council to make a final decision,” he said. “The public will be able to weigh in at a public meeting as far as location, amenities and other items.”

Last month, council members decided to move the tennis facility from its longtime home. There are three possible sites in the running: 15 acres on Lyons Road near the Village Walk community, 10 acres behind the Mall at Wellington Green and the K-Park property on State Road 7.

Barnes said Wellington plans to hold about three public input meetings.

“We try to afford everyone the opportunity to come out,” he said.

“Some folks can’t make one meeting or they can’t make night meetings. We try to accommodate everyone.”

Coates said he hopes the pro-

cess could move quickly. “It seems to me the easiest way is for staff to run the workshops and receive public input,” he said. “Then they can come back to the council with a recommendation at a public meeting and we can take public input there. I don’t want this to come back to us two or three times before we make a decision.”

Willhite also wanted to make sure staff reaches out to the communities who would be affected by the new facility.

“This has been in the papers,” he said. “It’s been talked about.

They need to be informed.”

Barnes said he was reaching out to the homeowners’ associations and would be sure to get input.

Coates asked when the decision is expected to come to the council.

Schofield said he expected the council to see it at the first meeting in March.

But Willhite said he thought that was ambitious. “I don’t think it’s realistic,” he said. “We have about two weeks. It’s a short month.”

Mayor Bob Margers. “Those are the olis called Adams a kind of people who “role model” for him. founded Wellington “He always sees and built it through the bigger picture,” the years,” he said.

Margolis said. “He They included has absolutely raised great equestrian leadthe bar very high in ers who helped build the Village of WellingWellington’s reputaton. I can’t find anytion internationally. one else I know who Specifically, Adams would be more depointed to early Wellserving.” ington developer Greene made a moand polo legend Bill Ken Adams tion to accept the proYlvisaker, who first posal, which carried brought equestrian unanimously. sports the community. “For the first “It really is time to do this,” time ever, the eyes of the world Margolis said. “It’s the least we were on little Wellington,” Adams can do for [Adams] in this village.” said, referencing Prince Charles’ Adams thanked each of the visit to the community to play on council members for their words the Palm Beach Polo fields. but said that he was accepting the Later it was horse show promothonor for those who had come er Gene Mische, who brought before him. show jumping to the area. Adams “I’m accepting it for those who said he’d recently seen an interare better people than I am and who view with Mische while on his have done more for Wellington deathbed. The reporter asked him than I have,” he said. “Unfortu- what he was most proud of. nately, they are all gone. I’d like to “Gene didn’t hesitate a moaccept it in their honor.” ment,” Adams recalled. “He said, He pointed to Roger Welling- ‘Down in Wellington, Florida, ton, who was an instrumental part there is an equestrian preserve.’ I of forming the community. almost fell off my chair.”

“He was president of the Acme Adams recalled how he and Improvement District,” Adams Mische had been at odds over the said. “He submitted the first concept of an equestrian preserve. planned unit of development at a “But after talking and truly lislow density. He didn’t need to do tening to each other, he realized that. There were no rules. He could what could be done with this sort have made a lot more money with of designation,” Adams said. more density, but he wanted a vil- “That is the thing Gene was most lage and community that his fami- proud of in his whole life, and I’m ly name would be on, that he could proud of that.” be proud of.”

Adams said he would accept the Adams noted that Wellington, honor for all those who had made along with early community pio- Wellington so great. neer A.W. “Bink” Glisson, had set “We all stand on some very aside land for preservation. strong shoulders in Wellington,” “They didn’t need to,” he said. he said. “It’s on their behalf that “There were no requirements that I’d like to accept this honor. It’s they do that. They just thought it they and others who created Wellwas the right thing to do.” ington, a very special place that When Wellington and Glisson takes hold of one’s life and creleft the stage, they passed the ates fantastic memories. It has for torch to a new generation of lead- me, and it will for all of you.”

a disservice to the entire Acreage.

To discontinue conversation, that’s irresponsible when you’re looking at a comprehensive approach.”

Damone said she believes the only way to come up with ideas is to communicate with other entities.

ITID President Jennifer Hager said that if the proposed agreement did not pass, it would force the district to look for stormwater solutions within the community.

Former ITID Supervisor Sandra Love-Semande, a current ALA board member, said she did not want to continue any discussions with West Palm Beach until the State Road 7 extension is completed all the way to Northlake Blvd., a crucial ITID goal that has been vociferously opposed by the City of West Palm Beach.

Resident Jean Edwards said she opposed discussions because she considered the city’s friendly overtures empty rhetoric.

“Although we keep hearing the words, ‘it’s conceptual,’ the details of which would be worked out in addendums to follow, if those addendums do not materialize, we are still bound legally for 30 years,” Edwards said, adding that she had listened to the presentations by Ballweg and Garcia and found hope that the district could work out solutions of its own at a fraction of the cost.

Resident Bob Summers said he has been asking questions about

Drive-Thru

Traffic Concerns

continued from page 1 adding that he shared the opinion of the Planning & Zoning Commission, which had concerns about enough space for a drivethrough and bypass lane behind the building.

Vice Mayor Fred Pinto said he did not consider three vehicle trips per peak period an impact, but was concerned about the overall design of the neighborhood.

“This particular request is bearing the burden of the bad design that happened previously,” Pinto said. “This is a parcel that has been vacant for a number of years, and it’s unfortunate that this is not something that we could really sign up for. If residents are not in support of it, that makes me uncomfortable.”

Councilwoman Martha Webster asked what the standards were for staff to recommend approval, and Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said it meets all codes and traffic standards.

Attorney Brad Biggs added that the special exception for the drivethrough is permitted, but if they

Polo

Ylvisaker Cup Play

continued from page 19 but was unable to come up with an answer to the Audi defense in the final seven minutes of action.

The final game of the day gave Lucchese a 10-8 win over a stubborn Faraway team that entered the game with a dismal 0-2 record.

An injury to Sebastian Merlos (broken rib) just two days earlier in the team’s loss to Lechuza forced Lucchese to bring in Agustin Merlos, Sebastian’s younger brother, a move that proved to be successful for John Muse’s entry.

The younger Merlos made an immediate impact on the game by scoring three first-chukker goals.

Although Lucchese jumped out to a comfortable 8-4 halftime lead, Faraway fought their way back

stormwater runoff and flood control and getting different answers.

Tropepe said workshops would be one avenue to give people a mutual understanding of stormwater issues. She also pointed out that in the 110-square-mile footprint of The Acreage, there is not a lot of space set aside for water retention.

“A rule of thumb is 12 to 20 percent of the land has to be set aside for water storage, Tropepe said.

Tropepe also pointed out that she had attended the ALA meeting and had two binders of stormwater information with her that she would make available.

“I had two volumes of permits I brought to the meeting to explain everything we have in the district,” she said. “It is a big watermelon, but we do have a handle on how we manage ourselves. We have certain parameters we must follow to move water out of the district.”

Former ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson supported taking a comprehensive approach and supported looking at all aspects of the proposed pump project. However, he thought considering the project out of context is not appropriate.

“Don’t ever think this project is the solution, because it’s not,” he said. “If you get 18 inches of rain, you’re gonna flood. It’s the amount of time it took to get it out.”

Ballweg said West Palm Beach’s water needs are anticipated to increase 33 percent in the next 20

years, and asserted that the water it took from The Acreage would generate $19 million per year of revenue if it takes 6 billion gallons per year. He also estimated that the electricity to run the pump station would be $102,000 per year.

Garcia, an engineer speaking on behalf of the ALA, recommended that the ALA purchase its own portable pumps, which could be transported to wherever the need is. “It would take a half-hour to install at any location,” he said.

West Palm Beach representative Pat Painter said the city would build the pump station at no cost to the district, pay for the electricity, and ITID would retain full control over how much water is pumped.

“The operation of the pump is totally in the district’s command,” Painter said, adding that ITID discharges to tide about 50 billion gallons a year, almost 10 times the amount of water the city would like to take. “You are throwing away water. You need to stop shutting yourself off from the watershed you’re in. Look around, this place has no lakes. Look around you, other places have lakes. I ask the board as well to keep an open mind. If you shut the door on this, it might not come back again.”

Bair made a motion to continue discussion with West Palm Beach, but it failed 3-2 with Hager and supervisors Carol Jacobs and Gary Dunkley opposed.

have special impacts that cannot be mitigated, the council does not have to approve it. “The applicant can always apply for it, and they can apply for it again,” Biggs said.

Webster said the more immediate impact would be on the Shoma Homes apartments, where there had been concerns about illegal activities in the area exacerbated by the empty buildings in the shopping center, and that additional lighting from occupied buildings and traffic behind the buildings might reduce that.

Councilman Richard Valuntas asked whether something could be done to reduce the traffic impact.

“I’m glad I don’t live there,” Valuntas said. “I’m surprised they don’t have more traffic accidents there with the way that thing is designed… Is there anything sign-wise that would help mitigate?”

Village Manager Ray Liggins said the traffic circle had been modified in the last month by developers of The Enclave.

“There was quite a discussion between Victoria Grove and The Enclave when they were doing that approval,” Liggins said. “Part of that site plan approval was the modification of that circle to make

it better with signage. What it didn’t have before was a center island. It was a circle without a doughnut in the middle. It was one big open paved area. People weren’t using it as a circle. They were using it more as an intersection. They did rebuild it more as a circle.”

Hmara said he had visited the circle since the changes were made, and the traffic flow was improved but still intense.

“The center island is very attractive,” he said. “It’s nicely landscaped, but it is exciting as you watch drivers as they try to figure out who has the yield sign. It’s probably about as well traffic-managed as you’re going to get, but it is interesting. You see cars changing lanes as they’re going through the circle. That’s my biggest concern because it does look like a difficult flow.”

Maes said the biggest issue is people using the circle to get to Publix and other stores to the north. “People are going there, driving on the wrong side of the road, faster than they ought to. We can’t control all of that,” she said.

Pinto made a motion to approve the changes but with no added drive-through, and it carried 4-1 with Valuntas dissenting.

into the competition in the second half, cutting the lead to a single goal, making it 9-8 after the fifth chukker.

Merlos scored the only goal of the sixth chukker for the 10-8 win.

The win boosted Lucchese into a virtual three-way tie, with Audi and Lechuza having identical 2-1 records.

A three-team (Audi, Lucchese, Lechuza) Monday-morning shootout victory gave Audi the bracket title, but with 2-1 records, Lechuza and Lucchese would also find their way into the quarterfinals set for Friday, Feb. 15.

The quarterfinal game schedule will see Zacara (3-0) facing CocaCola (2-1) at 10 a.m., followed by a noon meeting between ERG (3-0) and Lechuza (2-1). At 2 p.m., Villa Del Lago (2-1) will battle Audi (21), followed by a Piaget (2-1) showdown with Lucchese (2-1).

The International Polo Club will

host the annual 40-Goal Outback Challenge Cup on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. The charity match raises funds to assist injured players and grooms. The opening round of the 26-goal 2013 C.V. Whitney Cup will get underway Sunday, Feb. 17.

The high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21 at the International Polo Club.

Ticket prices for Sunday polo range from $10 general admission to $120 box seating. Tickets for Sunday brunch at the Pavilion and its reception start at $55, upward to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tickets can be purchased online at www.internationalpoloclub.com, or by calling (561) 204-5687. Find IPC on Facebook, follow on Twitter @SundayPolo or visit www. ipcscoreboard.com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and all other polo info.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 21

Page 22 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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LILA PHOTO

LILA PHOTO

ALEX PACHECO

The Perfect Match – Polo and Brunch

Enjoy fabulous cuisine, entertainment, fashion and, of course, world-class polo every Sunday, January 6 through April 21.

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For tickets, please visit InternationalPoloClub.com or call 561.204.5687. Polo HOTLINE 561.282.5290 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, Florida 33414 *Tax inclusive. Parking additional, unless otherwise noted.

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New Programs Available At Casperey Stables

Casperey Stables in Loxahatchee Groves is offering some new programs for all ages, according to owner Lori Cooper.

These include Saturday Barn Dayz for children and Ride-NFit Horse Girl Yoga for adults.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 23

WHS Boys Basketball Tops Dwyer In District Semis

The Wellington High School boys basketball team defeated the Dwyer High School Panthers 48-44 in a District 9-8A semifinal showdown Frida y, Feb. 8 before a capacity home crowd. Wellington played solid defense in the fourth period and finished the contest on top. Wellington was host venue for the District 9-8A tournament. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

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Alberto Zizzi, owner of Universal Living Sprouts, believes that eating fresh and organically grown food is an important part of living a long and healthy life.

Based in The Acreage, Universal Living Sprouts offers a variety of organically grown mineral and nutrientrich wheat grass, buckwheat lettuce, five varieties of beans, and sunflower and pea sprouts — all “living foods.” Zizzi has been growing sprouts and wheat grass for 35 years. Page 27

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0.

Sports Wildcat Boys Basketball Team Falls To Palm Beach Lakes In District Play

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team fell to Palm Beach Lakes 51-43 in the District 13-7A championship Saturday, Feb. 9 in West Palm Beach.

Though the score was close for much of the game, the Wildcats fell apart late in the third quarter, letting the Rams take control of the game and pull away. Page 35

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Page 24 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 25

FEATURES

New Programs For Kids And Adults At Casperey Stables Lori Cooper loves getting people and horses interacting in fun ways. She’s the owner of Casperey Stables, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, and she’s been doing this for a while.

“Originally I ran a barn down in Broward, then I opened Casperey here in 2002,” Cooper said. “Altogether, I’ve been running boarding, lesson and training barns for 31 years.”

And doing it quite successfully.

According to Cooper, Casperey is a relaxed mix of a variety of breeds and riding disciplines: Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Warmbloods, lots of Arabians, western, hunter/ jumper and dressage.

“We do a little of everything,” she said.

“And we have a mix of kids and adults who ride or board with us. The facility is 10 acres, with 34 stalls and 12 school horses. Our students tend to be more kids than adults, averaging 30 to 40 a week.”

A lot of those kids attend Casperey’s summer horse camp and enjoy it so much that it gave rise to a new offering: Barn Dayz.

“A lot of kids really wanted the opportunity to do more than just ride in an hour lesson each week,” Cooper said. “They wanted something like our camp experience during the rest of the year, so we decided to Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg try this, which is like a Saturday camp.”

Barn Dayz runs most Saturdays, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 7 to 14. Children bring their own lunches, but snacks and water are provided. Cooper takes up to 12 children of any riding background or experience each Saturday. It costs $60 per day, or a 10-week package is available for $450.

There’s also a discount coupon available on their Facebook page if you “like” them.

“A typical Barn Dayz includes a regular riding lesson plus one other horse-interaction opportunity such as vaulting or horseback games,” she explained. “There are also hands-on horse care activities such as bathing, clipping, braiding or learning the proper ways to wrap legs or blanket a horse. There are also other games and crafts. All activities are carefully monitored by experienced staff members. We’re into safety, safety, safety.”

Children should be dressed appropriately in long pants and sturdy closed shoes. Riding helmets are provided.

“It’s all about giving kids an opportunity to get involved in a fun and healthy activity,”

Lori Cooper (standing right) and instructor Gina Pengue (standing left) with clients.

Cooper said. “This kind of experience helps children grow in all sorts of ways and teaches a variety of life skills. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. So far it’s been quite successful. The parents are happy with the program, and the kids want to come back as often as they can.”

One of those kids is 7-year-old Madison Zimmerman, who recently attended a Barn Dayz.

“I liked it a lot,” Madison said. “I liked riding the horses and the activities. I learned how to See ROSENBERG, page 26

Page 26 February 15 - February 21, 2013

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FEATURES

Did You Remember Your Sweetie On Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day is over, and I hope, for your own sake, that you remembered it.

Of course I am talking to the guys here.

Women always remember Valentine’s Day. We have been shopping in stores that, since Dec. 26, have been swathed in red and pink. We have perused (and purchased) tons of cards, candles, frames, placemats, napkin rings, jewelry, key chains, stickers, wrapping paper and teddy bears. We have kept the card companies in business and have done our best with the post office.

Because women do not forget Valentine’s Day. Women decorate their homes, their cars, their office cubbies and themselves. Women buy cards for their husbands, their children, Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer or stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page on Facebook.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER their parents and their dogs. They buy them for aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and the people at church. If the crossing guard looked lonely on Tuesday, women brought her valentines on Thursday.

Women love the very idea of love and do their best to promote it.

Men… well, men remember March Madness. It has something to do with basketball but, being a woman, I’m not sure what.

But guys, for your own sakes, I hope you remembered Valentine’s Day. I hope that you

noticed the heart-shaped cookies in the bakery, the red and pink cupcakes on the kitchen counter and the fact that every female in your office was wearing red or pink on Feb. 14.

When bouquets of roses started arriving for your co-workers (each one met with a squeal of delight and immediate placement in a prominent location), I hope you did use the distraction as more than an opportunity to go outside and have a smoke.

Because the ramifications of forgetting Valentine’s Day can be ugly. In fact, St. Valentine himself may have been some kind of sadist, setting up innocent or distracted men for disaster.

It’s not that women expect expensive gifts (well, some do, but you want to stay away from the Kardashians), it’s that women want to know that you think of them occasionally. We think it should be easy to think of us if the word “LOVE!” is splashed across every store window and television commer-

cial. When you think of love, do you not think of us?

That’s what we want to know.

But based upon my extensive knowledge of guys (I hear you laughing), I have learned that many of them do not go to stores and some do not even notice television commercials — unless, of course, large-breasted women are featured. (Women, take heart: Even if your guy leaves you for a large-breasted TV woman, he will no more remember to buy her a valentine than he remembered to buy you one.)

But, hopefully, he did remember to buy you one — or a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers or, I guess, a tattoo. Just a little something to say he cares. Just a little something to say he loves you and you have nothing to worry about.

Unless, of course, you notice that his favorite TV weathergirl is sporting a new tattoo.

Then you may have something to worry about. And I’m sorry.

Nothing Is As It Seems In The New Movie ‘Side Effects’ Side Effects is a fascinating movie with more twists and turns than a grand slalom ski run.

Steven Soderbergh, a director who often creates fascinating puzzles of his movies, has done it again. Nothing in the film is exactly as it seems. Forget the trailers being shown on television; they give an impression that is completely different from the actual film. This is a psychiatric thriller that delves into problems we now face because of our increasing reliance on a whole series of medicines that provide artificial calm and happiness.

One problem with reviewing a movie like this is that revealing a lot of the plot takes away from the movie experience. The movie focuses on four major characters and their interactions. Martin (Channing Tatum) is a financier newly released from prison after serving four years for insider trading. His wife, Emily (Rooney Mara), is a mess psychologically, having lost her most prized possessions because of the penalties. After going to a party where she sees herself as broken, she drives her car into the wall of a parking garage and, while hospitalized, is assigned to psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law). He starts her on a regimen of regular antidepressants, which are not able to solve her problem. Her former

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Casperey Programs

continued from page 25 saddle and bridle and brush a horse. I’d like to go back again.”

“She absolutely loved it,” said Madison’s mother, Tara Zimmerman. “She had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back. It’s a good value, and they do a great job. The property is well-maintained, all the horses look happy. I’d highly recommend it to others.”

But wait, there’s more!

Casperey is also offering a special program just for adults called Ride-N-Fit Horse Girl Yoga.

“This is something new, and we’re really excited about it,” Cooper said.

psychiatrist, from when she and Martin lived back in Connecticut, Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones), suggests a new drug, Ablixa, with which she is affiliated. From the start, it works brilliantly. Emily is happy; her sex life, which had dragged, is great.

But then the side effects kicked in. That’s where I will leave the story for you to discover. The center of the story is not on what exactly happens because of the drug, but on responsibility. There are behavioral changes caused by drugs that have side effects that might be worse than the original problem. Even in our real world, there are a handful of drugs where death can be a side effect. Doesn’t it thrill you to take something for a really bad cold whose side effects might include pneumonia, bronchitis and a host of other fun dis-

eases? Some TV commercials spend almost as much time rushing through horrific side effects as they do in telling us how their medicine will improve our lives.

And what of the doctors who prescribe them? Dr. Banks is a man who enjoys the finer things of life, and a large honorarium will help keep his sexy and expensive wife happy. And all he has to do is prescribe a new drug, using it as part of a so-called controlled study. And, of course, Big Pharma is always a good target.

But this is a movie review, not a critique. Soderbergh remembered that point, which is why this is a far better movie than a movie like Love and Other Drugs.

The cast is very, very good. Rooney Mara is excellent in a textured, nuanced performance as the tormented wife. She manages to be at least somewhat sympathetic even at her worse moments. Tatum is good as the husband. But Jude Law is the central character of this drama. He is flawed but still a very decent man.

When the drug turns out to be flawed, he gets most of the blame. Watching his torment is difficult; it is clear that he has been played by the companies, but on the other hand, he is not above using them. And Emily has a few interesting twists as well.

This combination of riding and fitness will be led by Cheryl Alker, co-producer of the video series, Muscle Language: The Language Horses Understand.

Two introductory classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26, from 6:45 until 8:30 p.m. Then, a six-week course will run weekly on Tuesday evenings from March 5 through April 9.

And no, you don’t have to know anything about horses or have any riding experience.

Each session starts with 30 to 45 minutes of mat work, stretching and strengthening, including different movements, and may include yoga and pilates. After a short break, it’s on to the riding part.

“We use the horse as a four-legged yoga ball,” Cooper explained. “Riders can choose to ride bareback or with a saddle, however

they’re most comfortable. We spend another 30 minutes on the horses doing stretching, strengthening, flexibility and balancing exercises. The horses all love it, and it’s also a nice way for adults to start getting involved with horses without having to take a traditional riding lesson.”

At the end of the program, everyone’s invited along on a field trip to a park for yoga and trail riding, a picnic lunch and glam shots with the horses.

Classes are limited to no more than 10 participants. The two introductory sessions cost $25 each, and the whole six-week series costs $249. Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy closed shoes.

For more information, call (561) 792-4990, or visit www.caspereystables.com.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Soderbergh has stated that this will be his last theatrical film for a while. He is currently doing a biofilm about Liberace starting Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. But, working with screenwriter Scott Z. Burns, he demonstrates why he is considered one of our most intelligent directors. Nothing we see is exactly as it should be; the film shifts gears constantly. At times it is a murder mystery, then it is a condemnation of the big pharmaceutical companies, then it is a scathing look at how a variety of ethical people can be bought fairly readily.

And, finally, it is a morality play.

The start of the year is usually a rotten time for movies. The really good ones come out at the end of the year, and those deemed not great follow while we hold on until the summer blockbusters. But this little movie is excellent; I was spellbound.

Heart Disease Lecture Feb. 22 In West Palm A wellness breakfast discussion titled “Heart Disease: The Silent Threat” will be held Friday, Feb. 22 at 8 a.m. in the administrative classroom at West Palm Hospital (2201 45th Street, West Palm Beach).

The hospital’s clinical experts will offer a presentation on women and heart disease while guests enjoy a delicious heart-healthy breakfast.

The event will include an informative discussion to better understand heart attack warning signs in women, learn the risk factors of heart disease and ways to protect your heart health. Guests are encouraged to show their support for women affected by heart disease by wearing red to the breakfast.

For more information about the Feb. 22 breakfast discussion, or to RSVP, call (888) 256-7694. To learn more about services offered at West Palm Hospital, call (561) 8426141 or visit www.westpalmhospital.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Universal Living Sprouts owner Alberto Zizzi holds a tray of wheat grass.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Universal Living Sprouts Offers A Natural Path To Healthy Living

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Alberto Zizzi, owner of Universal Living Sprouts, believes that eating fresh and organically grown food is an important part of living a long and healthy life.

Based in The Acreage, Universal Living Sprouts offers a variety of organically grown mineral and nutrient-rich wheat grass, buckwheat lettuce, five varieties of beans, and sunflower and pea sprouts — all “living foods.”

For 35 years, Zizzi has been growing sprouts and wheat grass, and has mastered the process. He began growing when he lived in Canada out of his garage. “I first started just growing for myself, then for my neighbors, and finally for a health store,” Zizzi recalled.

He has always been interested in health and ways to better his life. “I came across a book one day about the Vatican diet, and it mentioned wheat grass and its benefits,” Zizzi said.

After reading the book, Zizzi began doing more research about growing wheat grass and bean sprouts. He frequently attended lectures given by the Hippocrates Health Institute.

“The owner would come every year to Montreal to give lectures,” Zizzi said. “One year I decided to visit Hippocrates in West Palm Beach, and I was surprised what I found there.”

There, he found many people growing wheat grass and doing exactly what he was doing in Canada. “I knew I had to move to Florida to join them,” Zizzi said.

Zizzi moved to Florida and began working at Hippocrates. “While working there, I saw so many miracles happen because of the wheat grass,” he said. “It can cure many things, and it did for me.”

After working there for five years, Zizzi decided to start Universal Living Sprouts out of his large back yard. “This April will make it 11 years since I started,” he said.

Everything is grown in a greenhouse under a controlled setting. “This is how we get everything we grow to be truly organic,” Zizzi said, adding that the benefits of wheat grass are extensive. “It’s medicine for the human body. It can heal many things — even cancer before it spreads.”

Many Universal Living Sprouts products are used as a form of alternative medicine, such as wheat grass, which can be consumed every day either by juicing it or mixing it with something else. “It has a very sweet taste; that’s why we recommend people mix it with some fruit juice rather than having it by itself,” Zizzi said.

For people with illnesses, Zizzi suggests they take 2 ounces of it twice a day on an empty stomach before a meal. “If someone just wants to take it for maintenance and they are healthy, we tell them to take 2 ounces only once a day in the morning,” he said.

To experience the full extent of the benefits of drinking wheat grass, Zizzi said it has to be coupled with proper nutrition. “Eating less meat and eating more raw greens can help alkalinize the body of acids, which is what makes people very sick,” he said. “You have to balance your PH and clean your blood, and eating the right food will help do that.”

Eating various bean sprouts can also have a positive affect on a person’s health, according to Zizzi. “We have many different kinds of sprouts that we grow here, and it depends on the person’s needs and which one they want to try,” he said. “You can put them on your salad, make them into soup, or put them in a smoothie.”

Universal Living Sprouts is located at 6238 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The products can be shipped by UPS next-day delivery and are available at any one of 15 pickup locations throughout South Florida.

For more information, including a list of pickup locations, call (561) 795-2554 or visit www. ulsprouts.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Herman Law Opens New Office In Downtown West Palm Herman Law, P.A. has announced the opening of its new office at One Clearlake Centre in downtown West Palm Beach (250 Australian Avenue South, Suite 1400). The firm is also available to meet with clients by appointment in Fort Lauderdale (600 SW Fourth Ave.).

Herman Law P.A. is a full-service law firm that practices business litigation, personal injury and criminal defense. The firm’s managing shareholder, Ron Herman of Wellington,

began his legal career as an assistant state attorney in Broward County. Later, working as a prosecutor in Palm Beach County, Herman was promoted to the specialized Crime Against Children Unit, where he focused on sex crimes and abuse. As a distinguished prosecutor, Herman rose through the ranks and was the lead attorney in the DUI and domestic violence units. Herman concentrates his practice on criminal law in state and federal courts and in the

Kravis Receives $1 Million Gift The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts recently received a $1 million gift from Barbara and Jerome Golden of Palm Beach Gardens. The gift was announced at the Kravis Center’s annual black tie gala, which was completely sold out.

This is the third major gift to the Kravis Center in the last six months, including an MLDauray Arts Initiative grant from Mary Lou and Alan Davis in honor of his late parents Leonard and Sophie Davis, and a gift from the Lawrence J. and Florence A. De George Charitable Trust.

The MLDauray grant is underwriting the new PEAK (Provocative Entertainment at Kravis) series at the Kravis Center, while the second gift is funding the new De George Academy for the Performing Arts.

Ticket sales and rental revenue alone do not cover the cost of operating a not-for-profit facility such as the Kravis Center. It is only through contributions like these and benefit events like the annual gala that the Kravis Center can continue to make the best of the performing arts available to the entire community.

fields of business litigation and personal injury.

“Many people tell me that they hope they never have to use my criminal defense services, and although I have tried serious murder and violent crime charges, I have also defended generally law-abiding citizens who accidentally find themselves in unfortunate situations, such as a DUI arrest or false accusations of sexual assault,” Herman said. “Having personally handled over 150 jury trials has given me a tremendous advantage in the courtroom and in negotiating plea deals, when appropriate, for my clients.”

That litigation and court room experience also sets Herman apart when working with his business litigation and personal injury clients.

Many small business owners do not have large litigation budgets and need legal counsel that understands their business. Herman works hard to offer creative and effective solutions to the legal disputes many businesses face at one time or another, such as contract disputes, non-compete issues, and leasing and landlord-tenant disputes. Herman Law, P.A. offers flexible billing arrangements and seeks to deliver the most favorable results tailored to the individual needs of each cli-

ent, such as an out-of-court settlement that saves valuable resources.

As a criminal defense attorney, Herman is dedicated to protecting his clients’ constitutional rights and helping them obtain the best possible outcome in the charges against them. As a civil litigator, Herman is highly skilled and effective at handling his clients’ disputes through negotiation and settlement, whenever possible, and litigation, when necessary. In 2010, Herman was recognized as a rising star by Florida Super Lawyers magazine, a distinction awarded to the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state. He has also been asked to comment and provide his legal insight on various cases for different news media outlets in the past.

Herman also actively participates in various state and local community activities and organizations. In the past, Herman volunteered to judge youth court programs run by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, spoken at a local school’s career day fair, and assisted with the Palm Beach County Bar Association Foster Children holiday party. Herman has also presented at various seminars, such as the trial practice luncheon put on by the Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers,

Ron Herman where he has spoken on “Cases Involving Sexual Abuses and Child Witnesses.”

Herman is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. With more than 12 years practicing law in Florida, Herman is prepared to handle legal matters with the highest level of competence and professionalism. For more information, visit www.rhlawfl.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

BB&T Donates $10K To Max Planck Florida Foundation Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T) has made a $10,000 donation to the Max Planck Florida Foundation to support the operations and programming of the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience.

The research center recently opened its new 100,000-square-foot facility with nine distinct research groups focused on investigating the many remaining mysteries of the brain in order to better understand human behavior and offer ways to treat a host of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases more effectively.

“We recognize the important research being done at the institute, and hope that our gift will inspire other corporations and donors to raise their hand in support,” said David L. Hamilton III, vice president of BB&T. As a corporate donor, BB&T will have its name on the donor wall prominently displayed in the lobby of the new building.

The nonprofit Max Planck Flori-

Carl Minardo, vice president of the Max Planck Florida Foundation; Ellen Laird Regnery, attorney at Haile Shaw & Pfaffenberger law firm and member of the foundation’s Planned Giving Council; and David Hamilton, vice president and regional corporate banker of BB&T. da Foundation supports the institute’s scientific research as well as its educational programs by attaining private philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and

foundations across the United States and with organizing and coordinating all fundraising programs.

For more information, visit www. mpffoundation.org.

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

February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 29

Fraudsters Pose As State Agency Online The Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles warns the public to be aware of an e-mail spam that recently surfaced. Fraudsters are using the department’s name and e-mail address, DoNot Reply@flhsmv.gov, to send e-mails that appear to be from DHSMV. The e-mails look like receipts from online transactions with the department and include confirmation and tracking numbers. The numbers are not DHSMV tracking numbers, and the e-mail addresses of the recipients did not come from DHSMV’s database.

An indicator that the e-mail is fraudulent is that it comes from two senders: DoNotReply@flhsmv.gov and another address that varies and may look like a personal e-mail address. All department e-mail addresses contain @flhsmv.gov as the domain, and DHSMV does not send transactional receipts from personal e-mail addresses.

If you receive one of these e-mails and did not make a recent transaction, DHSMV recommends deleting the message. If you have already opened the message, do not click any of the links within it. The e-mails

are not from DHSMV, and the links embedded within take recipients to non-DHSMV web sites that may contain malware.

DHSMV wants the public to understand its system has not been hacked, and it has numerous measures in place to protect customers’ information. Rather, this is a type of spam where an e-mail is made to look like it is from a trusted source and aims to trick the recipient into following a link that will lead to a web site with malware. The name for this type of spam is “phishing.”

The department offers the following recommendations for all computer users: update anti-virus software daily; update systems and programs (such as Adobe Flash, Java, browsers and operating systems); be extremely wary of unexpected emails that contain links or attachments, and do not click on the links or open the attachments; and concerned users should change all passwords using a clean computer, especially passwords for financial institutions (both personal and corporate banking accounts).

For more information, visit www. flhsmv.gov.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Boca Raton Theatre Guild Presents ‘Chicago’ March 1-17 Chicago will open Friday, March 1 and run through Sunday, March 17 at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton.

Add sex and sparkle to a combustible mixture of murder, greed, corruption and betrayal, blend with music and lyrics by the incomparable John Kander and Fred Ebb, stir in the unmistakable look of Bob Fosse’s choreography, combine with an incredibly talented cast of actors, and the result is the Boca Raton Theatre Guild’s upcoming production of Chicago.

In Chicago, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse created a work that flawlessly evokes its vaudeville setting. Flamboyant flappers, crooked lawyers and merry murderesses are all part of a sparkling script and a classic score that includes “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

BRTG producer/director Keith Garsson has assembled a stellar cast to bring some of Broadway’s most beloved and well-known characters to life: Avi Hoffman (Billy Flynn), Patti Gardner (Roxie Hart), Krisha Marcano (Velma Kelly), Sally Bondi (Matron Mama Morton) and Ken Clement (Amos Hart) are all on board and looking forward to playing in this classic tale of “violence, envy, exploitation, adultery and treachery — all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts!”

Local critic Hap Erstein listed the Boca Raton Theatre Guild’s recent production of A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia as one of his 2012 “10 Favorites of the Year,” and Chicago promises to continue to enhance the guild’s reputation as one of South Florida’s up-and-coming professional theater companies.

“This company — and this production — is going to feature the best of the best,” Garsson said. “Just getting the cast together has

been a dream, and working with them is proving to be all I could have hoped for — and more.”

Garsson’s Velma Kelly, played by Marcano, originated the role of Squeak in the Broadway production of The Color Purple. Marcano’s impressive background includes stints with the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and roles in Fosse, Disney’s Aida, Sweet Charity, Smokey Joe’s Cafe and the film Preacher ’s Kid. She holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase and is the co-chair of the business group at Career Transitions for Dancers and the founder of KM Studios.

Hoffman’s recent performances in LUV at the Plaza Theatre, and Parade Productions’ Brooklyn Boy earned him critical praise, and his turn as Wilbur Turnblad in Actor’s Playhouse’s 2012 production of Hairspray earned him a Carbonell Award. Hoffman is also known for his award-winning one-man shows Too Jewish? and Too Jewish, Too! His awards include Performer of the Year, 1995, New York Press magazine; the L.A. Ovation Award for Best Actor in a Musical, 2001; New York Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations. On television, Hoffman portrays lawyer Sid Raskin in the Starz TV series Magic City. His newest show, Still Jewish After All These Years, will run from May 10-19 at the Boca Raton Theatre Guild.

Gardner said she “is thrilled, honored and terrified to be performing the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago.” Known as one of South Florida’s busiest actresses, Gardner recently reprised her role in The Interview for the Women’s Theatre Project and was recently seen in LUV at the Plaza Theatre in Manalapan. She is a Carbonell Award winner for her performance

in Lips Together, Teeth Apart at Palm Beach Dramaworks, and has performed as the “Soap Star” in Menopause the Musical nationally for 10 years.

The Boca Raton Theatre Guild is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to producing professional productions and advancing the art of theatre in the South Florida community.

All performances of Chicago will take place in the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park. The theater is located at 300 S. Military Trail in

Boca Raton, just south of Palmetto Park Road.

Tickets for Chicago cost $35 and are available at the Willow Theatre Box office by calling (561) 347-3948. The Willow Theatre is located at 300 S. Military Trail in Boca Raton.

The Boca Raton Theatre Guild is a professional theater company that produces revivals of established works by playwrights, lyricists and composers. For more information about Chicago or the Boca Raton Theatre Guild, visit www.brtg.org.

The Phantom Recommends ‘Doubt: A Parable’ At Maltz A Magnificently Acted Play Is What Theater Is All About... Without A Doubt!

I, like most true theater goers, have always loved plays like Dial M for Murder (coming to Maltz next season), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1963), Tea House on the August Moon (1954) and Doubt: A Parable (2005).

As a product of 12 years of Catholic education, the fear of being called to Mother Superior’s office (a.k.a. the principal), I was looking forward to this award-winning play, and I was not disappointed.

The story centers in 1964 in a Bronx Catholic school where a popular priest, Father Flynn (Jim Ballard) befriends the school’s first black student. However, his actions are suspected to be improper by a young teacher, Sister James (Julie Kleiner) and the principal, Sister Aloysius (Maureen Anderman). Despite their lack of proof, and Father Flynn’s plausible explanation, Sister Aloysius is relentless in her quest to oust him from Saint Nicholas Catholic School.

There is a fine line between truth and gossip, which is masterfully examined and magnificently portrayed. The talented actors were 100 percent believable, including Karen Stephens (Mrs. Muller, the boy’s mother).

What make John Patrick Shanley’s brilliantly

written play work for me is that throughout the play, the scale of justice can go either way.

Thus you can appreciate and understand Father Flynn’s explanations and at the same time appreciate Sister Aloysius’ relentless persistence due to her overwhelming concern for her students’ welfare.

In the end, Sister Aloysius’persistence prevails as Father Flynn leaves Saint Nicholas, and much to her dismay is reassigned and promoted.

These actors under the direction of J. Barry Lewis keep you on the edge of your seat with who to believe as well as keeping you laughing throughout this one-act drama now through Feb. 17.

This acclaimed 2005 Broadway production of Doubt: A Parable inspired a popular 2008 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis. All four received Academy Award nominations for their roles.

Doubt: A Parable is sponsored by Jodie and Dan Hunt and the Roy A. Hunt Foundation. Tickets are now on sale now for the rest of the theater’s 10th anniversary season.

For a complete schedule and tickets, call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

A scene from Doubt: A Parable on stage through Feb. 17 at Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

Joe Nasuti, the Phantom, is dining, travel and entertainment writer for the Town-Crier newspaper and www.yournews.com.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

WHS Boys Basketball Tops Dwyer 48-44 In District Semifinals

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School boys basketball team defeated the Dwyer High School Panthers 48-44 in a District 9-8A semifinal showdown Friday, Feb. 8 before a capacity home crowd. Wellington was the host venue for the District 9-8A tournament.

Dwyer jumped out to an 8-point early lead, which later changed twice during the first period. The Wolverines finally settled into a rhythm and scored 9 unanswered points, but it was the Panthers who would close out the first period with a 12-10 advantage. Midway through the second period, Wellington was able to tie it up when Alex Peavler intercept-

Wellington’s Stephon Gordon leaps to keep the ball in play.

ed a Dwyer pass and jetted across the court for the equalizer. Dwyer was able to regain their lead and end the half 24-21.

In the third period, Wellington was down by as much as 8 points and closed out the period down by 5 points, with the score 31-26. But the fourth period belonged to the Wolverines as they rallied back with an early surge that gave them their first lead of the second half, which they would not surrender.

At one point, the Wolverines established an 11-point lead over the Panthers. Wellington played solid defense in the fourth period and finished the contest with the 48-44 win.

The Wolverines outscored Dwyer 22-13 in the final period for the victory.

Peavler finished with 13 points and two 3-point goals, Dondre Duffus scored 12 points, and Nick Arena scored 11 points.

Wellington played Jupiter Saturday, Feb. 9 at home in the title game for the District 9-8A crown. The Wolverines lost by a point, 36-35.

Wellington traveled south to take on Spanish River in a regional tournament game Thursday at 7 p.m., but results were not available by press time.

Wolverine Alex Peavler takes a shot from the outside.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Wildcat Basketball Boys Fall To Lakes 51-43 In District Play

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School boys varsity basketball team fell to Palm Beach Lakes High School 51-43 in the District 13-7A championship Saturday, Feb. 9 in West Palm Beach.

Though the score was close for much of the game, the Wildcats fell apart late in the third quarter, letting the Rams take control of the game and pull away.

Early in the game, the teams traded baskets with neither able to break away. The Wildcats had an early

lead and finished the first quarter ahead 10-8.

Palm Beach Lakes picked up the pace in the second quarter but couldn’t seem to take away the lead from Royal Palm Beach. With two seconds left in the half, the Rams sank a basket to creep up on the Wildcat lead, but were down by 1 point 22-21.

Both teams came out of halftime with renewed vigor and it was several minutes before either scored.

The Rams were the first to strike, putting in a 3-point basket to take the lead 24-22.

RPB’s Travis Weatherington jumps up for a basket.

A few seconds later, Jojo Williams sank a basket to tie the score at 24.

But Palm Beach Lakes responded with 2 points to take a 26-24 lead.

Ivenor Rosier scored next for the Wildcats, with 5 minutes left in the quarter. He nailed a 3-point basket to take the lead again 27-26.

But seconds later, the Rams scored several back-to-back baskets to pull away from Royal Palm Beach.

The Wildcats then let several points slip away, sending the Rams to the foul line for several free points to make the score 33-27.

It was more than three minutes before Royal Palm Beach would score again, with a basket by Ivenor Rosier with 2:30 left in the quarter to make the score 33-29. Within the last 30 seconds of the quarter, both teams scored to bring the score to 35-31.

Once the Wildcats let the lead slip away, they were unable to catch up.

Royal Palm Beach struggled to put in baskets, meanwhile losing points in fouls and turnovers that resulted in free throws for Palm Beach Lakes.

Meanwhile, the Rams kept up the pressure to dominate the fourth quarter, finishing the game 51-43.

Despite the loss, the Wildcats continued on to the regional quarterfinals against Atlantic High School on Thursday, Feb. 14. Results were not available at press time.

RPB’s Jimmitry LeBlanc steps up for a foul shot.

Wildcat Ivenor Rosier runs around a Ram defender.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Page 36 February 15 - February 21, 2013

SRHS SECOND IN CHEERLEADING REGIONAL TOURNEY

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SPORTS & RECREATION

HAWKS COMMIT ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

Several Seminole Ridge High School student-athletes took part in the recent National Signing Day. The students signed letters of intent to continue playing their chosen sport at various colleges. From the girls track and field team, Michelle Howell signed for Florida International University and Alexandria Jackson signed for Georgia State University. From the football team, Omar Pierre-Louis and Jason Shepherd signed with Bowling Green State University, Silas Spearman signed with Florida International University, Kyle Shortridge signed with the University of Louisville, and Rayfield Dixon signed with the University of Minnesota.

Omar Pierre-Louis signs his letter of intent while parents Yanick and Tacius Pierre-Louis look on.

The Seminole Ridge High School competition cheerleaders, coached by Tamara Licavoli, took second place out of 10 teams at the High School State Regional Competition Friday, Feb. 1 in Kissimmee. This is the highest placement in the school’s histor y, beating out last year’s thirdplace ranking. The team is determined to continue to strive for success and bring home a state title next year.

With only three seniors graduating this year — Taylor Carroll, Belle Dunne and Nicole Hopkins — Seminole Ridge High School stands a chance to win with a possible 23 returning team members. Shown above are the cheerleaders with Licavoli.

(Front, L-R) Alexandria Jackson with mom Jacqueline and dad Samuel; (back) girls track coach Triciana Grey, Principal James Campbell and Athletic Director Scott Parks.

Jason Shepherd with his parents Beverly and Roy Shepherd.

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February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

WHS Wrestlers Second In Tourney

Wolverine wrestlers display their new awards.

The Wellington High School wrestling team placed second at the District 10-3A tournament held the first weekend of February at Boca Raton High School.

The Wolverines qualified 10 wrestlers for the regional tournament, including Andrew Mitchell (106 pounds), Colton Macfarlane (113), Briar Macfarlane (120), Nik Bonadies (126), Mathew Wunderlich (132), Adam Pendleton (138), Brandon Paz (145), Steven Hanford (170), Noah Coulter (195) and A.J. Lopez (220).

The top four wrestlers in each weight class at the regional tournament will qualify for the state tournament on Feb. 15-16.

Benefit Bowl-Athon Feb. 15 In Jupiter To show her support for diabetes research, golf pro Michelle McGann will host a bowl-athon Friday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Jupiter Lanes (350 Maplewood Drive, Jupiter).

McGann, a West Palm Beach native with a highly successful professional LPGATour career, has battled diabetes since the age of 13.

McGann created the Michelle McGann Fund to further the efforts of organizations like the Diabetes Re-

search Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Michelle McGann Fund is dedicated to serving underprivileged children with diabetes. McGann strives to share the advantages she enjoyed to other children with diabetes. This means helping purchase insulin pump therapy equipment, or assisting in the development of physical education programs to encourage children to es-

tablish a healthy, active lifestyle from the onset of their life.

Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. A donation of $35 per person, teams of two get you into the game and the fun of unlimited bowling and shoes. McGann asks that participants gather teams (three teams to a lane) and register early. For more information, call (561) 743-9200 or visit www.michellemcgann.com or www.bowlfl.com.

SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS WIN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

The Seminole Ridge High School wrestling team won the district championship Saturday, Feb. 2 at Palm Beach Gar dens High School. The team, coached by Frank Lasagna, had 11 wrestlers advance to the regional meet, held Saturday, Feb. 9 at Park Vista High School. Trace Thome (145 pounds) and Troy Artiles (unlimited) earned first place; Evan Kauffmann (195) earned second place; Francisco Farr (106), Rigoberto Salguero (132), Andrew Belamonti(138), Liam LaPeter (152), Bradley Hargesheimer (160) and Rober t LaPeter (170) placed third; and Calvin Crumrine (120) and Nick Keller (182) took fourth place.

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

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

Page 38 February 15 - February 21, 2013

The Town-Crier

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, Feb. 16 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will feature the Outback 40-Goal Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 16. For tickets, visit www. internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 2045687.

• The Wellington Green Market will take place Saturday, Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex.

Call (561) 283-5856 for more info.

• The Palm Beach County Thrift Store (2455 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach) will hold its monthly auction Saturday, Feb. 16.

Store hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with bidding from 8 to 11 a.m. Call (561) 233-2256 or visit www.pbcgov.com for more info.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Go Fish for Health” on Saturday, Feb. 16 at noon. There is no charge. Learn nutritious ways to prepare seafood while boosting nutrient density and packing in the veggies. Call (561) 9044000 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Lego Builders Club” for ages 6 to 12 on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Meet fellow builders and work together, or alone, on cool creative projects. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Teen Advisory Posse for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Chess Club for Kids” for age 8 and up on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Practice your strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Anime Club” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m.

Watch anime, eat pizza, and check the newest manga titles. Snacks will be provided.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The monthly Acreage Community Park Jam will take place Saturday, Feb. 16 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagelandowners.org.

Sunday, Feb. 17 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue its 10th anniversary season on

Sunday, Feb. 17 with the Ylvisaker Cup. For tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.

• The nationally ranked I Am Beach Soccer League is looking for U-12 girls, U-16 boys and U-18 boys to play on traveling teams. They play every Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the south side of the Lake Worth Pier. Visit Facebook.com/IAmBeachSoccer or call (561) 900-4727 for more info.

• A night of Irish Music & Comedy featuring Ireland’s Brendan Grace with special guests Hugh O’Neill, Tracy Sands, Hillary O’Leary and the Killbillies will be held Sunday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Jupiter High School (500 Military Trail). The event is a benefit for Cathleen Kelleher, who is undergoing chemotherapy. The performance will be followed by a benefit auction, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and open bar from 9 to 10 p.m. For info., call Declan Hoctor at (561) 373-7723.

Monday, Feb. 18 • The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) offers Monday Morning Yoga at 9:15 a.m. Registration is open for session dates Feb. 18 to April 1 and April 8 to May 13. The six-week class fee is $48 for residents and $58 for nonresidents. Call (561) 790-5124 or visit www. royalpalmbeach.com for more info.

Tuesday, Feb. 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Frosted Notes” for grades 6 to 12 on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. Bring the current book, graphic novel or manga you’re reading and share it while snacking on ice cream. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) hosts Tuesday and Thursda y Evening Yoga from Feb. 19 through March 26 and April 2 through May 7, and Thursday nights Feb. 21 through March 28. The six-week session fee is $45 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. For more info., call (561) 790-5124 or visit www. royalpalmbeach.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 20 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Tween Gaming” for ages 8 to 12 on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. Challenge your friends to our Wii and board games. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Book Discussion: To Kill a Mockingbird on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

See CALENDAR, page 39

The Town-Crier

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 In honor of Black History Month, librarian Margaret Whiting will lead a discussion of Harper Lee’s classic book. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• A Quarters Auction Benefit for the American Heart Association will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Bring a roll or two of quarters and bid on a wide variety of items. There will be food, prizes and a raffle. The entrance fee is $2.

RSVP to Julie Bryant at (561) 797-1501.

• Shulamit Hadassah will host a fondue party Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the home of Joyce Gropper in Wellington. A $5 donation is waived for Hadassah members who bring a prospective member. Call (561) 791-2700 to RSVP and for directions.

Thursday, Feb. 21 • Attorney, legislator, professor, lecturer and author Dr. Sarah Weddington will highlight the Women in Power Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon at noon. Tickets cost $50, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the YWCA of Palm Beach County. RSVP to the YWCA at (561) 640-0050, ext. 134.

• The Marshall Foundation and City of West Palm Beach will welcome the Green School National Conference to South Florida with a Flotilla Reception on Thursday, Feb. 21. The expedition will start at the Southern Blvd. bridge at the Intracoastal Waterway in and end at the main dock at the waterfront of the City of West Palm Beach. Arrange to have your canoe dropped off at the site at 2:30 p.m. The launch will begin at 3 p.m. Call (561) 233-9004 to register and for more info.

• Wellington’s Food Truck Invasion will take place Thursday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Meet the Author: Patrick Kendrick” for adults on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The author will discuss his bestselling new novel Extended Family. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Whole Horse, Whole Rider,” Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Presented by the Equestrian Science Institute and Wellington equestrians, it is part of

a series of discussions on the body, mind and spirit of horses, people and equestrian sports. A $5 donation per person is requested. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).

Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info.

• American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will meet Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington). All eligible veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. E-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail. com or call (561) 301-2961 for more info.

Friday, Feb. 22 • Whole Foods Market in Wellington (2635 State Road 7) will host “Mom’s Morning Escape” on Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Moms will receive a free coffee or tea, and muffin from the coffee bar. There is no charge. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Weeds: Pesky Plants of Lawns & Gardens” on Friday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. Dr. George Rogers of Palm Beach State College will identify common weeds of lawns and gardens and entertain participants with fascinating facts about biology. Bring weeds in sealed plastic bags for identification. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. For info., call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• Semifinals and finals for Wellington Idol will take place Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellington fl.gov for more info.

Saturday, Feb. 23 • The Seminole Ridge High School Hawk Band will host the annual Hawk Family Fun Day on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school grounds. Tickets for rides and games cost $1 each, five for $4 or 15 for $10. Vendor spaces are available. For info., contact fundraiser chair Roy Morgan at (561) 644-1090 or fundsrhband@gmail.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Once Upon a Time” for all ages Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy songs, stories and crafts featuring fairy tale characters. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.

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

February 15 - February 21, 2013 Page 39

Page 40 F ebruary 15 - Februar y 21, 2013

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

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms.

Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double attached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065

HOUSE FOR RENT WELLINGTON In Sugarpond, 3 bedroom/2 bath, house with heated pool. On Canal, Landscaping & Pool Maintenance included. $2,000 per month. First, Last and Security call 305-323-4493

GREENWAY VILLAGE 1BD/1BA CONDO — 55+ community. $600/ mo. annual lease, free cable, & water, Laundry on site, community pool. 561-644-2459

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured.

Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

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

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

IN-HOME COMPUTER TRAINING & SERVICE — Patient teacher. experienced technician. Reasonable rates. Satisfaction guaranteed. For info call Randy 561-800-9552.

Randy@Trahanconsulting.com

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716 HIDDEN CREEK AT BINKS FOREST — COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE next Saturday, Feb. 23rd , 8:00 a.m. - Noon. West on Southern Blvd., left at Binks Forest, 1st Right into Hidden Creek.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUT ORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail resume tomarlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com PART-TIME LEGAL SECRETARY — for legal/accounting office. Fax resume 333-2680.

TEACHING ASSISTANT 1 - 5 P.M. MONDAY- FRIDAY — Experienced preferred 561-793-5860 TEACHERS/TUTORS — P/T SAT/ACT/FCAT Math. Flexible Hrs. Great Pay. P.B. County Area. Experience required.

Apply: ClubZ.com

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576

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

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459

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

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

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HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

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

HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs” ROSE'S HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE — 30 years experience $12$15 per hour. 561-827-0140

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the W estern Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

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

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

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

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & p ainting contractor . Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at

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

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

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

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

U-17189 561-791-9777

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

EXPERIENCED TAX PREPARER With expertise with individuals and small businesses - Hack Tax and Accounting Services 561-214-6171

www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL AND HANDYMAN — 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

Licensed and Insured. Free estimates. Call Tom at 954-254-7233 JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. W ater heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-6016458

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

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

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

MINOR ROOF REP AIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

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

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

CLUB Z! In-Home TUTORING All Subjects: PreK - Adult 561•333•1980 CLUBZ.COM America's Largest In-Home Tutoring Co.

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Inst allation,Removal.

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

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