Town-Crier Newspaper February 20. 2009

CONGRESSIONAL VISIT AT POLO

tured above, Rooney and Stam are taken out onto the

riage. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9

Hanley

Dump Opponents Dominate SWA Meeting In Wellington

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

About 55 residents came to the Wellington Community Center on Tuesday evening, mostly to tell Solid Waste Authority representatives they staunchly oppose plans for a new west-area county landfill.

Dismal Economy

Could Lead To Big Cuts At County Level

The Palm Beach County government is facing another year of belt-tightening and sacrifice, and Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman laid out the details for a citizen audience Wednesday in Wellington. Page 5

Young Pahokee Star

Visits Wellington Chamber Lunch

Damon Weaver, the fourthgrade television newsman from Canal Point Elementary School in Pahokee, was the honored guest at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s business luncheon Monday. Page 9

CAFCI Hosts Annual Valentine’s Dance In Royal Palm Beach

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held a Valentine’s Party on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The evening featured dinner, music, door prizes and dancing all night long. Page 11

The public forum was the first of three the county’s trash authority has scheduled to offer information on their landfill plans and gather public input. The SWA scheduled the meetings, in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Belle Glade, after western communities leaders complained that their communities had been left out of the site selection process.

The SWA is seeking a site on which to develop a new landfill because its current facility, located at Jog Road and 45th Street near Palm Beach Gardens, is expected to reach capacity in 2015. Although the authority already owns a landfill site it purchased in 1996, it is seeking another because the current site is along the western side of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.

After a selection process last year in which a series of privately owned parcels were considered, the SWA narrowed its options to two sites: the “SR 80/US 98 site” at the corner of State Road 80 and U.S. Highway 98 five miles west of 20-Mile Bend, and the Hundley site, on the north

side of County Road 880 about four miles west of 20Mile Bend.

SWA officials readily admit that both sites, being offered by their owners at prenegotiation prices of around $60 million, are worth less than a third of that.

But residents who showed up at Tuesday’s forum mostly voiced fears about garbage odors, about the possibility of the new landfill hurting their property values, and about wear, tear and congestion on Southern Blvd., the projected hauling route to either site.

Wellington resident Jessica Flathmann told SWA officials that it is annoying enough to put up with the smoke and ash fallout from periodic burning of sugarcane fields.

“I just think that with the landfill there, it would just be a constant odor,” she said. “Where the sugarcane fields are burned I don’t know how many times a year, this would be just a constant, constant odor.”

SWA Executive Director Mark Hammond took pains to describe the high standards that would go into the new site and how the present facility, which will continue operating a waste-to-energy plant and process other refuse after the new landfill opens, has gotten along well with residents of the adjacent Ironhorse Country Club. He also noted that with the new landfill about 12 miles distant

from Wellington, residents would not even know it is there.

“If you were to go to the City of West Palm Beach, to go to CityPlace — and I used to go there all the time when I lived in Royal Palm — I can’t really say that I ever smelled the [current] landfill five miles away. I can’t say that I ever smelled the landfill two miles away. Next time you’re driving up the turnpike, try just in your mind to picture when you start to smell a landfill. And I would doubt very seriously that if you drive up Okeechobee [Blvd.] you’re going to be smelling it at Okeechobee.”

But Wellington resident Brian McDonald called the issue of odors and distances to the present landfill a red herring. “People who built in Ironhorse moved that close knowing it was there and built that close,” he said. “This is 180 degrees aboutface from that situation. We’ve been here. We own here. We don’t want a garbage dump in our back yards.”

Several representatives of environmental organizations told SWA officials they understood that there is no optimal site in Palm Beach County, and that the SWA is doing the best it can. Rosa Durando, the conservation chair of the Audubon Society of the Everglades, noted that a new county landfill is required

See SWA, page 4

Minto Gets OK For More Homes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved an increase Thursday in the number of homes planned for a new subdivision on the eastern side of the village.

Minto Communities won the right to increase the number of units in its 251-acre PortoSol development north of Okeechobee Blvd. and

west of the SuperTarget store from 443 to 499. A condition placed on the approval caps the number of units at 499.

Attorney Al Malefatto, representing the developer, said Minto requested the change in order to keep the development viable in trying economic times. He noted that the request received approval from the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council

and the Florida Department of Community Affairs.

“This is an effort to reposition the project in light of the current economy and the current market conditions,” Malefatto said. “The net effect is that there is going to be an increase in the number of units, but Minto’s primary goal in this project has been to make PortoSol more mar-

See MINTO, page 18

PBSO Forms New Western Bureau

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

In a major organizational shift, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has created a third law-enforcement region grouping together deputies patrolling the western communities and the Glades.

Besides Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage, the PBSO’s new Western Regional Bureau will also include the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay.

Until now, the PBSO has had two regional bureaus — North and South. While the Glades communities were included in the South region, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves were part of the North region.

Newly promoted Major Tony Araujo, formerly commander of Royal Palm Beach’s District 9 substation, has been named the commander of the new region.

Araujo, who laid out some of the details of the reorganization in a Thursday interview with the Town-Crier, said his promotion was announced last Friday by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and came as a surprise. “The promotion was certainly unexpected as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

Araujo said each west-area community policed by the PBSO will maintain its current contract, while he seeks ways of making the separate districts work together more efficiently.

“We’re not mixing the contracts; every district, every contract, every village each still has their own identity,” Araujo said. “What I’ve been tasked with as a regional major is to look at things from a different viewpoint, see what the commonalities are in the area and build a level and a model of service throughout the region that’s consistent with the sheriff’s direction.”

As regional commander, Araujo said he has been tasked with expanding the community-policing model he established in Royal Palm Beach. He said he has been

working recently with other district commanders on a community-policing model that has gotten residents more involved with law enforcement.

“I can tell you Wellington does a tremendous job, as do other communities; however, they have been moving toward that goal as a districtwide community policing provider,” he said. “What I am going to do is to kind of stay on that course and try to expedite some of those initiatives through the commanders of the districts.”

A significant aspect of the reorganization is the separation of The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves into a new district, likely to be designated District 15. The two communities until now have been part of the PBSO’s sprawling District 3, headquartered on Jog Road and extending from Belvedere Road north to the Martin County line. “I’ve been tasked with the preliminary [task] of getting that area under this command and creating a self-standing district,” Araujo said. “Most communities identify with their political bodies and their service providers, fire-rescue and police. What we want to do there is find a location where we can build a structure out there. The district becomes smaller, more serviceable, more manageable so to speak, so the residents of The Acreage and Loxahatchee can identify directly with their service provider.” Araujo said the new district would likely have its headquarters on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. “What the sheriff wants to do is give the residents of Loxahatchee and The Acreage a place there where they can say, ‘this is our service provider’ and institute a level of community and problem-oriented policing that really brings the community in,” he said. “We can better achieve that goal by having a facility out there… where they have a go-to person to deal with the issues of the community.”

Capt. Eric Coleman, formerly a lieutenant and Araujo’s executive officer, is now

Promoted — Major Tony Araujo, commander of the PBSO’s new Western Regional Bureau, with Capt. Eric Coleman, who took Araujo’s place as commander of the District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach.

RPB: No Plans To Open Madrid Street Connection

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Residents in The Acreage and Royal Palm Beach are both awaiting the upcoming opening of a northward extension of State Road 7 into The Acreage. But while Acreage residents welcome the Palm Beach County-funded extension as a needed northsouth route to their community, officials in Royal Palm Beach want it only to divert traffic away from village streets, and not increase it.

To that end, village officials reaffirmed this week that they would not allow the county to open a planned

connection into Royal Palm Beach’s La Mancha neighborhood — at least not in the near future.

County officials had planned for this first phase of the two-lane extension to link to three east-west streets: Madrid Street in La Mancha, and Persimmon and Orange Grove boulevards in The Acreage. But village officials refused last summer to issue the county permits that would enable completion of the Madrid intersection.

Plans for the extension have been in the works for a long time. Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick said

about a hundred La Mancha residents told the council three years ago that they generally opposed a connection. He said the council promised them they would see what effect the completed extension would have without connecting to Madrid Street, and then meet again with residents to see how they felt about it.

“The council promised them at that time, and I think we should keep our promise,” Lodwick told the Town-Crier Tuesday.

Lodwick asserted that commuters who live elsewhere account for much of

the traffic in the village, and that the extension would allow Acreage-bound drivers to get home without passing through Royal Palm Beach.

“We need to remember that two out of three cars traveling through Royal Palm Beach are not our residents but people trying to get home,” he said. “We really think that the Acreage reliever road is going to provide a much easier opportunity for residents who live in The Acreage to get to and from their home. We don’t see a lot of residents wanting to connect at Madrid, but we’re willing to revisit it with our

residents if they have the desire. I think emotions are mixed; some would like it and some are adamantly against it.”

Councilman David Swift, who lives in La Mancha, said he believes most of his neighbors oppose a Royal Palm Beach connection.

“A number of people I spoke to didn’t want that open highway to the community,” Swift told the TownCrier Wednesday. “They felt it’s a crime issue to get in and out of the central portion of the La Mancha area a lot easier, and it really hadn’t See MADRID, page 18

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-District 16) and Miss America Katie Stam were on hand at last Sunday’s polo match between Lechuza Caracas and EFG Bank. Pic-

field in a horse-drawn car-

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

See ARAUJO, page 9

At the start of the Feb. 10 Wellington Village Council meeting, Councilman Howard Coates took the oath of office, administered by Village Clerk Awilda Rodriguez. Coates was appointed to serve out the year remaining in the term of former councilman Bob Margolis, who resigned in January.

Wellington Council Delays Decision On Selling Land

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of a local Jewish congregation expressed frustration last week at the Wellington Village Council’s reluctance to offer a villageowned parcel on Lake Worth Road they are seeking as the site of their new synagogue.

Representatives of Temple B’nai Avraham asked the council last year about the possibility of buying a village-owned 2.82-acre parcel on the south side of Lake Worth Road, just west of Barefoot Lake Drive, as a site for a new synagogue. The land, which was used as an emergency staging and debris collection area following recent hurricanes, is designated for civic uses.

on a new structure within the next 12 months.”

Scher said he found it curious that the property lay vacant for 15 years and nobody had expressed an interest in it, but since the temple requested it last year, the village had also received a request from the Jehovah’s Witnesses and that the homeowners’ association in the adjacent Isles subdivision had also requested the village grant it the right of first refusal on purchase of the property.

The temple currently leases space in the original Wellington Mall but is merging with the West Palm Beach congregation of Temple B’nai Jacob and is seeking a new home. Last August, the council told temple representatives to wait until an inventory of village-owned land was completed, and in November heard requests both from them and from a Jehovah’s Witnesses group based in Greenacres who were also interested in purchasing the land for a house of worship. At that meeting, the council ordered an appraisal of the property.

That appraisal came back late last month, putting a value of $675,000 on the property and noting that a civic, community-serving facility would be the best use of the site.

Scher said he was at a loss to explain the HOA’s request. “This property was ceded to the village by the original builder,” he said. “Members of our synagogue reside within the Isles and were unaware of this requested action, and nowhere was there any notice that the board would do such a thing such as requesting the right of first refusal.”

Scher said he had visited the Isles that afternoon and found “a number of wonderful amenities such as pools, a clubhouse, basketball courts, fitness facilities, bike and walking paths, a children’s playground, game room, meeting room, soccer and football fields, guards and roving security. For what purpose they could use this other than an empty lot or buffer zone, I do not know.”

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said he wasn’t going to turn his back on the opportunity to sell a property worth close to three quarters of a million dollars, but that the village should also identify another debris collection site in the case of future hurricanes.

Some two dozen temple congregants attended the Feb. 10 meeting at which the council was scheduled to make a decision on the surplus status of the property.

Temple B’nai Avraham’s Rabbi David Abrams said that despite a flagging economy, his congregation is dedicated to creating a temple facility as soon as possible and asked the council members for a “sign of hopefulness” that they would be willing to work with the congregation.

“I can’t tell you what to do with that land, but I think at this time, especially at this time, it makes a great statement for you to partner with us in building Wellington, investing in Wellington,” he said.

Harriet Offerman, the Realtor representing Temple B’nai Avraham, assured the council that the appraised value of the property was well within the purchasing power of the temple.

“I can’t think of a better use of it,” she said. “The location is perfect for the congregants and the children, many of whom attend schools in that immediate area, so I would hope you’ll go forth with this and give this congregation consideration for the purchase.”

Gary Scher, the temple’s board member responsible for the property search, said the property suits the temple best in terms of size, location and cost.

“We have been apprised of the price of $675,000 from the appraiser, and it has been determined by the appraiser and by statements of council members that this property for a religious group would be the highest and best use,” he said. “Were the council to agree to sell it, we would be prepared to purchase the property and to break ground

Priore noted that there did not seem to be any representative of either the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Isles HOA present and questioned whether their intent was as serious as that of the temple’s. He suggested the village clarify the process by which it would sell the property.

“That’s the order, as far as I’m concerned, that we need to determine: if in fact there are any other people interested, and two, how are we going to sell it if in fact that is the consensus of the council to sell it — and that’s another issue,” Priore said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that the first step for the council would be to determine it surplus property, and then they could decide if they should sell it. “If you’re looking at this as an investment, it’s hardly a good time to sell a piece of real estate,” he said. “I happen to own some real estate, and this is not the time I would be selling it.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said she had reservations about selling the property for many reasons, none of which had to do with the temple. She particularly noted concerns about restricting the uses that would be allowed on the site.

Schofield noted that the civic designation of the site would limit the site to uses such as governmental, educational, religious and utilities.

Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz noted that deed restrictions could guard the property against resale and a change in use designation. Council members were undecided on whether to move ahead with a surplus declaration for the property, airing views on possible uses for the land and asking ques-

PHOTO BY MARK LIOI/TOWN-CRIER

HANLEY CENTER HOSTS FAMILY LUNCHEON AT EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

The Hanley Center Foundation held its 14th Annual Family Luncheon on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. Nancy Hooker and Robert J. Debbs served as event chairs, with Norberto Azqueta and Dinah Fulton as vice chairs. The luncheon was held to raise money for the Hanley Center’s campus expansion and its Lifesaver Patient Aid Fund, which provides vital financial assistance to those seeking treatment for alcoholism or chemical dependency who are unable to afford treatment due to limited financial resources or restrictions on insurance coverage.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Event Chairman Robert Debbs says a few words.

Michael Hanley and Marion Kennedy. Dr. Alastair Kennedy and Fritz Spitzmiller.

Adam and Denise McCarthy with their children Ella and Parker.

Terry Lehman, Mason Phelps and Rodney Dillard.

Michael Danis with Laura and Michael Walsh.Terry Lehman addresses the audience.

OUR OPINION

Kudos To Gov. Charlie Crist For Putting Florida First

The recently passed economic stimulus bill has resulted in much doomsday talk from supporters and detractors alike. Without the $787 billion, supporters say, the economy will continue to decline and the unemployment rate will skyrocket. Opponents of the bill like to toss around the “s” word (that’s socialism) and argue that the bill is not a “real” stimulus but a “spending” bill that will add to the bureaucracy and leave states indebted to the federal government. With the merits of the bill still being debated ad nauseam, it may seem like it’s still a matter of debate. It’s as if some politicians need to be reminded that the stimulus bill is a done deal, and that the only thing they can do now is wait and see how it works. For governors, that means accepting their share of the funds — something that seems like a no-brainer. However, there are a handful of Republican governors who have said they may reject some of the money. Fortunately, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is not among them. Despite cries from GOP governors from Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska, South Carolina and Idaho, Florida’s chief executive has resisted the urge to score easy points with his party’s ideologues. Instead, Crist is expecting to see approximately $12.2 billion in federal funds reach the state.

Don’t Give Mayor A Pass

Several weeks ago, my good friend Don Brown wrote a column in the TownCrier that was outstanding in some respects. He threw some well-deserved hardballs to council members Dr. Carmine Priore and Lizbeth Benacquisto on the Palm Beach Community College issue that is still haunting our residents.

The most poignant comment that will define the whole issue was when Mr. Brown stated that “neither the state or PBCC had the money to build anything for years to come, so the whole issue was a moot point.” So why are we still wanting to give them a $25 million piece of property where PBCC can’t build anything?

But while Don threw hardballs at Priore and Benacquisto, he threw softballs at Mayor Bowen. Why did he not challenge the mayor’s unsubstantiated claim of $10 million in economic benefits to the community? I work in Lake Worth, and except for Wendy’s, Wings Plus and the Booksmart on Congress, not much economic activity can be seen.

Where is the huge question of traffic? Working within five minutes of the college, I can tell you the traffic congestion at 8 a.m. in the morning and 5:30 p.m. at night is huge, and they have four major access points to the college from

Sixth Avenue, Lake Worth Road and Congress. The Wellington campus will have only one.

If PBCC is such a great deal, why did the City of Lake Worth pass on annexing it years ago when the city was moving west? To quote a city commissioner at the time, “why would we annex something that has no tangible benefits, but would cost the city thousands in law enforcement and fire-rescue costs?”

PBCC is still in unincorporated Palm Beach County. No municipality will annex it. Don, great editorial — just throw hardballs the whole game.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Stop Wall Street

Giveaways

Enough is enough! No more giveaways for Wall Street at taxpayers’ expense. Any future plan needs to be implemented fairly for taxpayers, which means no more freebies for Wall Street. If banks made bad investments, then their shareholders and executives need to face the consequences before any taxpayer money is put on the line.

Prominent economists, including Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz (both winners of the Nobel Prize), Nouriel Roubini, Dean Baker and Jeffrey Sachs, all agree that the government must get a fair

For all the talk of Washington’s red ink, Florida’s economy is in bad shape too… and it’s getting worse. State Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander (R-Winter Haven) recently predicted that Florida’s budget shortfall could reach $5 billion by this spring. Previously, the state has made due by tapping into reserve funds and making cuts to social programs. One area that has not been spared is education, which would see a $3.5 billion windfall when the federal money comes through. However, because of Florida’s past cuts in education spending, it may require a waiver from Uncle Sam to get some of that money. Hopefully, Crist’s vocal support for the stimulus plan has put Florida in good grace with the Obama administration.

Whatever one thinks of President Barack Obama’s newly signed federal stimulus package, the fact remains that it is now a reality we all must live with. We commend Gov. Crist for ignoring the naysayers and putting Florida first. The bill’s detractors can keep trying to scare the public with predictions of a dark economic future for our children. Meanwhile, for those who realize the dark economic future has already arrived, burying our heads in the sand and saying “no” is not a solution.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

bargain for any money it invests in the banks, even if that means temporarily taking over insolvent banks. Even conservative Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) admitted this. If taxpayers’ money is being risked, then taxpayers should get any potential profits. If taxpayers are going to risk their money to help the banks get back on their feet, then we should get equity just like other shareholders, and we should get the reward once they’re back to profitability.

Deb Neerman

The Acreage

Take Care

Of Horses

I am writing this to persuade horse owners to keep their horses in good, healthy condition. Things that you should do are to give them plenty of clean water and food. Horses can get deadly viruses, but taking them to the vet to get vaccinated will help prevent that. Your horse walks on hoofs, so by keeping them trimmed and cleaned will cause the horses to be happier and to work with you.

One horse rescue in Florida is Pure Thoughts Horse & Foal Rescue. They alone have rescued over 600 horses and only a little over 475 were saved completely and placed in a good home. A happy ending story is one about Sweet Pea. She is a two-year-old filly. Last year

she and her mom got rescued from an abandon house. Sweet Pea’s mother didn’t make a full recovery due to fractures along her back, but she is now on a small ranch in Ocala. As for Sweet Pea, she has learned to trust her owner and has gained her full body weight back. Her owners haul her around to shows to be around other horses. Sweet Pea is growing bigger every day and is being very loved!

Your horse does a lot for you with whatever sport it participates in, and you want your horse to feel and perform very well. Good loving horses can even be found in humane societies or rescue farms. A good place to look for a horse would be a rescue. You will not regret it once you see a transformation in them and how much you will end up loving them in the end! Please rescue a horse before it is too late.

Haleu Carmean, Student Glades Day School

Belle Glade

Florida Will Not Waste Money

There is no doubt both the United States and Florida are facing challenging economic times. Floridians’ wallets are suffering, family budgets are strained, businesses are reducing expenses, and jobs are being lost.

I can assure you that the Florida Legislature is well

OPINION

aware of the challenges Floridians are facing. We are working to streamline government, increase efficiency, regain Florida’s economic footing, and set the foundation for a quick recovery and sustainable economic vitality. As stewards, we are committed to ensuring that your tax dollars are spent wisely. Florida is constitutionally required to balance its budget. We cannot spend into a deficit. In recent years, we have reduced spending by $8 billion and will continue to cut unnecessary government spending, while pursuing avenues to promote economic recovery and growth in Florida.

I am working with Gov. Charlie Crist in urging the federal government to ensure that the stimulus package will enable Florida to rebalance the delivery of health and human services to our most needy residents, invest in infrastructure projects that create jobs, provide stability in the insurance markets, and provide affordable housing for families living in an environment of underemployment and unemployment.

Regrettably, there appears

to be an excessive amount of wasteful government spending in the stimulus package. Our children and grandchildren will feel the lasting effects of this package and will be paying on it for years to come... Our goal is to allocate any federal funds received in a manner which will not only help Floridians today, but will multiply and continue to benefit Florida for years to come. Our purpose is to weather today’s challenges and secure a new day of sound economic recovery and stability for you and your family.

State Sen. Jeff Atwater Senate President

For The Record

Due to a reporting error, the “RPB Seeks Grant Money To Help Fund New Park” published last week incorrectly stated the amount paid for the former Tradition Golf Course. The correct amount was approximately $4 million. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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

In A Parrot’s Memory, Lox Council Wants To Silence The Bang

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves wants to outlaw Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. OK, I’m exaggerating just a bit. Town leaders want to outlaw the traditional fireworks that accompany those holidays.

The problem, simply put, is that they can’t because there is a state moratorium on municipalities and counties enacting regulations on purchase, sales, use and possession of fireworks. The town council recently passed a resolution asking the state to repeal the moratorium, which they are circulating to other government officials soliciting support.

What’s behind this attempt to take the bang out of these aforementioned holidays? A redbrowed Amazon parrot that allegedly thrashed itself to death because of neighborhood fireworks on New Year’s Eve. At least that’s what Paul Reillo, director of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Loxahatchee Groves, claims. The reportedly rare parrot (it is believed there are fewer than 2,500 of the Brazilian species) was part of a recovery project to breed them and re-introduce them back into the forests of Brazil.

Apparently horse people are also neighing about the bombs bursting in air because they cause the animals to spook. I don’t have any reports about them thrashing themselves to death in their barns. We have a couple of dogs that get nervous hearing the fireworks, but

SWA Land Costs Too High

continued from page 1 both by the state and by the growing local population.

“Do you know the impact Wellington people, and horses, have on all the rest of us?” she asked. “I can sympathize, I mean, ‘I don’t want a landfill’ is a typical NIMBY — it happens all the time, not only for landfills but for many oth-

Point of View...

By Don Brown

bringing them inside has always been good medicine. I have no idea what effect the fireworks have on big cats that also live (and occasionally get loose) in Loxahatchee Groves. I sometimes wonder if Bigfoot lives in Loxahatchee too, but I doubt a firecracker would spook him.

The town council declares in its resolution “that it would be in the best interest of the citizens and residents of the town to have the legislature repeal the moratorium…” The council members say that “many its residents [are] raising birds, horses and other animals which are adversely affected by the use of fireworks” and “the residents of the town also seek peace and quiet and would like to limit the unauthorized use of consumer fireworks within the town.”

Florida’s fireworks law, considered one of the most lax in the nation, is confusing. Apparently selling fireworks is legal, but setting

er uses. But the point is, we have sat back and allowed the population to skyrocket, and now like they say, the chickens are coming home to roost. You need another landfill. And the only place you are going to be able to site it in this county is in the [Everglades Agricultural Area]. And that should be center discussion — where in the EAA will it be most probably accommodated.” Members of the Palm Beach County Commission

also sit as the SWA Governing Board and will make the final decision on a new landfill site. County Commissioner Jess Santamaria attended Tuesday’s forum and told attendees that choosing one of the two currently preferred sites is by no means a “done deal.”

He also told the Town-Crier after the meeting that he will continue to advocate restarting from scratch on the site selection process, particularly because of the asking

them off is not. In any event, the Florida Legislature apparently imposed a moratorium on an existing law that prohibited local governments from outlawing sales of fireworks. Enforcing laws against igniting fireworks is difficult because violators must be observed in the act. What’s more, it seems to be legal for owners of agricultural land to set off fireworks to chase away birds. Loxahatchee Groves is predominantly agricultural.

Keepers of animals and birds such as Mr. Reillo have a good point, but with all due respect, I have a few questions I would like them to ponder. Why was the red-browed Amazon parrot brought to Loxahatchee Groves, rather than doing the project in Brazil where the bird lives? And didn’t he presume there would be fireworks on New Year’s Eve like in other communities all over America? Couldn’t he bring it inside like we did with our dogs? Maybe he could have played loud Brazilian music to drown out the noise.

And what about Loxahatchee Groves residents laid off by a foreclosed bank wanting to open up a fireworks stand to help stave off a home foreclosure? The death-by-suicidalthrashing of the red-browed Amazon parrot might qualify Loxahatchee Groves for an economic stimulus grant. Maybe instead of getting the legislature to act, the town council should send a resolution to President Obama

price for the available sites.

“It’s insane,” he said. “The appraiser said it, I said it, and the price is not acceptable. And that’s why I want to start over and open it to anywhere — I don’t care where it is, but it has got to be a fair price, it has got to have no negative impacts on the environment. Those are my criteria: a fair price, no negative impacts on the environment, and it has to make a minimum impact on the residents.”

But Santamaria also ex-

requesting that he pump some of that stimulus cash into the community to help prop up businesses that might be hurt by a fireworks ban due to the unfortunate passing of an alien parrot. And what about the agricultural community, such as all the nurseries and other growers and farmers who legally elect to drive birds away using fireworks in order to save their crops? Should they sacrifice their livelihood for an exotic bird they probably never heard of? What other creatures might be lurking in Loxahatchee Groves that most residents don’t know about?

Who is looking out for all those residents who enjoy celebrating New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July? What should they do? Watch other communities’ celebrations on television? Leaders of Loxahatchee Groves, like cities and towns all over America, should keep aware that every decision they make affects residents in different ways. Perhaps a total fireworks ban is in order — or not. Impulsive decisions, without weighing all the consequences and applying common sense, in my view are questionable decisions. A dead endangered parrot is a tragedy and whoever set off the fireworks is responsible, but no more responsible than the parrot’s caretaker, who brought the bird into the community because something was killing off the species in Brazil.

pressed skepticism about many of the arguments raised by residents at the forum.

“They made wrong statements — that they’re going to smell it, that the value of their properties are going to go down,” he said. “Of course not. I’m the real estate expert. I’ve been living here for 35 years. My business is real estate.”

The SWA’s second public forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Royal

Palm Beach Cultural Center from 6 to 9 p.m., and the third on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Dolly Hand Theater on the Belle Glade campus of Palm Beach Community College from 7 to 9 p.m.

More information on the landfill sites is available on the SWA’s web site at www. swa.org/westernlandfill.htm. The SWA Governing Board is scheduled to hold another hearing on western landfill alternatives at its March 18 meeting.

Dismal Economy Could Lead To Big Cuts At County Level

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County government is facing another year of belt-tightening and sacrifice, and Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman laid out the details for a citizen audience Wednesday evening in Wellington.

Merriman was the featured speaker at County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s monthly community forum in the original Wellington Mall, where the topic was “the State of the County.”

Most of the money for the county’s $1.5 billion operating budget is obtained through property taxes, Merriman noted.

“Our tax rate, the millage rate, which is now approximately 3.7, is lower than most of our contemporaries around the state in large, urban counties,” he explained. “We’re lower than Broward, we’re lower than Dade and most of the big counties, so that’s a good thing. How next year looks is not good, and that’s part of the state of the county.”

Merriman said that if the county should maintain the

current millage rate next year, it would have to make about $90 million in cuts. “There are a lot of different options that can occur,” he said. “One option is to go to the rollback rate, the tax rate that generates the same amount of dollars that was generated the previous year. Since the property values are actually declining, the rollback rate will be a higher amount than it was last year.”

Going higher than the rollback rate might be necessary to compensate for other revenue shortfalls from the state, including sales and gas tax, which are down because of the bad state of the economy, Merriman said.

At least half of the county’s revenue goes to operate the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which Merriman said is considered the last resort for budget cuts.

Fire and library funds will remain pretty much untouched, Merriman said. Palm Beach County FireRescue and the county library system are stand-alone taxing units, and the airport, utilities and building departments are all enterprise funds and operate based on user fees and

the money they charge their customers, he said. Merriman said that the county is managing better than most in the state because it began planning last year for lean times. “For this fiscal year, we are doing very well,” he said. “We implemented a lot of strategies last year in anticipation of a bad budget year, and we are doing just fine. We eliminated several hundred positions out of last year’s budget.”

The county’s workforce currently numbers about 6,000, Merriman said, but is diminishing each year while the amount of work to be done increases. “Every time we eliminate even a vacant position, that means there are other county employees who are going to have to pick up the slack. They’re going to have to work harder, and they’re going to have to work smarter,” he said.

In anticipation of reductions in this year’s budget planning process, county departments have been instructed to come in with budgets ten percent smaller than those currently in effect, Merriman said. They were also instructed to give no pay increases

and to keep many fixed costs flat.

“We have pretty much a hard hiring freeze,” Merriman said. “What that means is that when a position comes open, unless it’s a critical position or involved in direct public safety services, it’s probably not going to be filled.”

The county currently is keeping about 300 positions vacant until the budget process can be completed, Merriman said. The Building Division staff’s workweek has been reduced. “That’s a direct function of the bad economy and the decrease in building activity in general,” he said. “That entire division is funded with permit fees and building activity. Because of the slowdown in the construction industry, the money is just drying up, so we’re having to reduce the staff back to 32 hours a week. That’s basically a 20-percent pay cut for those employees, but they accepted it, they understood it and they’re willing to do what they have to do.”

Merriman said that because the county has already taken the “low-hanging fruit” of the easiest reductions to

make, a ten-percent reduction in the coming county budget will mean some substantial reductions in services and the possible elimination of some entire programs.

“The process will be that we will have our departments turn in their budget to the county administrator and the management team,” Merriman said. “We will then massage those requests, and what that basically means is that some departments may have to take a bigger hit than ten percent and some may have to take a lesser hit depending on what the impact of those reductions are. We do know the reductions will be substantial, and there could be wholesale reductions. We’re hoping that won’t be the case.”

Wholesale reductions could mean reduced operating hours or closings at parks. It could mean reduced lifeguards or reduced services in senior centers.

“It just depends on the department and the impact,” Merriman said. “It’s not going to be pretty. We’re going to do everything we can to minimize those reductions, but at the end of the day, they

could very well be substantial.”

Merriman said the county must also deal with unfunded state mandates. Many capital projects will be stalled, delayed or eliminated. Further reductions in the county’s reserve fund are not out of the question, he said.

“Those are things that we don’t want to do, but we’re going to have to, depending on the impact,” Merriman said. “It’s important to remember that the biggest part of the reason that these impacts are occurring is because the value of property is reduc-

Aronberg: Eye On Upcoming Session, Not Political Future

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

State Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) has introduced more than two dozen bills for the upcoming legislative session, including one he said will bring transparency to the budget process in Florida.

“It will create a web site that will allow people to see where their tax dollars are going,” Aronberg explained.

“For the first time in Florida, you would have complete transparency for every tax dollar. Every dollar that is spent by the state would be linked to the agency to allow taxpayers to know where tax money is going.”

The bill aims to remedy the way the state budget is currently organized and displayed, which Aronberg said

is difficult for the public to understand. The bill would provide for a searchable web site enabling the public to access detailed and understandable information about the appropriation of state revenues and the dispersal of those funds.

Aronberg said the bill has broad support, but the initial costs it would require might result in its defeat unless he can find outside funding.

“Anything with a price tag dooms the legislation,” he said. “I’m working on trying to find grants to allow the state to pay for this, because there is a small upfront cost, but it will return millions more to taxpayers once there is transparency in our budget process and some of the waste is rooted out.”

State Rep. Rachael Burgin, a Republican from the Tampa Bay area, is the bill’s cosponsor in the House.

Other legislation sponsored by Aronberg includes the Nicole Hornstein Act, which would require minors riding horses on public lands to wear a helmet. “They’re already required to wear a helmet when they ride a bike, but not when they are riding a horse,” he said.

The bill is named after a 12-year-old Acreage girl who died in a 2006 riding accident. The Hornstein family began urging local communities to pass resolutions or ordinances supporting the bill after lobbying the legislature unsuccessfully for a statewide helmet law. Wellington recently passed an ordinance requiring mi-

nors riding horses to wear helmets on public rights of way. Other equestrian communities including Loxahatchee Groves, Plantation, Davie and Parkland have passed similar ordinances or resolutions asking the legislature to pass a law.

Another bill sponsored by Aronberg would provide electronic safeguards against prescription drug errors. An electronic drug validation system would use a database containing patients’ prescription information along with identifiers assigned to prescribed drugs to alert doctors or pharmacists to drug overlap or dangerous drug interaction, said Aronberg, who pointed out that legal drugs caused three times as many deaths in 2007 as illegal drugs. State Rep. Carl Domi-

no (R-District 83) is the bill’s co-sponsor in the House.

Aronberg chairs the State Senate’s Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee, which is working on a bill to improve port security. “We have some gaps in our port security because the feds have some rules that we follow and the state has its own rules, so there’s a lot of confusion and duplication,” he explained.

“Those are some of my main bills,” Aronberg said. “I’ll probably have about 30 bills this year. Those are some of my highlights.”

Aronberg was born and raised in South Florida and attended Harvard University and Harvard Law School, where he graduated with honors in 1996. He became a assistant attorney general for

economic crimes in 1999, and in 2000 was granted a White House Fellowship and worked in both the Clinton and Bush administrations as special assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury for international money laundering. He was elected to the Florida Senate in 2002. Now 37, he remains Florida’s youngest state senator. Aronberg’s Senate tenure will end in 2012 due to term limits, and political insiders have suggested he seek one of several other offices, but for now he said he wants to concentrate on the legislative session.

“We’re all waiting to see what the landscape looks like,” Aronberg said. “The session is so consuming that I’m not going to decide about

See ARONBERG, page 7

Brad Merriman

See MERRIMAN, page 18

Juvenile Arrested For Marijuana At Willows Park

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

FEB. 13 — A male juvenile was arrested last Friday on drug charges at Willows Park in Royal Palm Beach. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was conducting surveillance at approximately 11:30 p.m. when he observed two vehicles enter the parking lot and park side by side at the lot’s far west end. The deputy then drove into the parking lot in an unmarked vehicle and observed a tall thin white male with long hair exit a 1997 Nissan sedan and enter the passenger side of a black Honda. The deputy approached the Honda and smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Looking inside the vehicle, the deputy saw a large amount of marijuana in the passenger’s lap and on the floor board. The suspects then exited the vehicle. Approximately 27 grams of marijuana was recovered from the Honda’s passenger area. Because the passenger admitted to owning all the marijuana, the driver was not charged. The passenger was placed under arrest and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

• • •

FEB. 12 — A resident of the 12th Fairway called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. someone entered the home through a front window and stole several items, including a ring, watch, Xbox 360, iPod, and miscellaneous CDs and DVDs.

FEB. 13 — A Wellington man was arrested of multiple charges last Friday night in the parking lot of the WalMart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation observed a vehicle parked in front of the store’s main entrance with its hazard lights blinking, obstructing traffic. The deputy asked the driver, 58-year-old John McGinty, to move the vehicle. McGinty refused to move, according to the report. He also failed to show the deputy his driver’s license when asked and made a vague threat to the deputy. McGinty continued to refuse cooperation and was removed from his vehicle. He was placed under arrest for failure to obey a lawful command, resisting/opposing/obstructing an officer, failure to display a driver’s license upon demand, failure to sign a summons and corruption by threat to a public official.

FEB. 15 — An employee of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday regarding a pair of shoplifters. According to a PBSO report, the employee observed 19year-old Krystal Caruso and 19-year-old James Lock-

wood, both of Royal Palm Beach, take packages of fishing line from a shelf and place them in their pants, walking past all points of purchase without attempting to pay for the items. They were apprehended and placed under arrest. The merchandise, valued at $100.04, was recovered. Caruso and Lockwood were transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

FEB. 16 — A resident of Players Court called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday morning regarding a grand theft from a dwelling. According to a PBSO report, the victim said she last saw her jewelry in a cabinet in the master bedroom sometime in mid-January. While packing on Monday morning, she discovered that approximately $10,000 worth of jewelry items were missing. The deputy recovered a latent print from one of the jewelry boxes. There was no further information at the time of the report. FEB. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a restaurant in the Pointe at Wellington Green on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim bought an Apple computer from a store in the Mall at Wellington Green. He put the computer in the trunk of his 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 and went to the restaurant. When he returned, the victim discovered his rear passenger window had been smashed out. The rear seat was ripped, but the trunk had not been breached. The case is inactive pending further investigative leads.

FEB. 17 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested early Tuesday morning on drug charges following a traffic stop in Wellington. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington pulled over a vehicle driven by 50-year-old Cole Dibiase for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Upon making contact with Dibiase, the deputy noticed a strong smell of marijuana. Dibiase admitted to possessing marijuana and consented to a search, which yielded approximately one gram of marijuana and a silver grinder, according to the report. Dibiase was issued a notice to appear in court. FEB. 17 — A resident of the 12th Fairway called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Sunday and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, someone stole a maroon Schwinn chopperstyle bicycle from in front of the home. There were no witnesses. FEB. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched Tuesday to a home on Bobwhite Road regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left his home at approximately 9 a.m. When he returned at 4:45 p.m., he dis-

Richard Baker Bianca Watts

Questions For The Royal Palm Beach Council Candidates

Leading up to next month’s election, the Town-Crier has asked a series of six questions to the two candidates seeking a seat on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. Answers to the first two questions are printed here. On March 10, Royal Palm Beach voters will choose between incumbent Martha Webster and challenger Demian Saenz for Council Seat 2.

What makes you the most qualified person in this race to sit on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council?

DEMIAN SAENZ: I am a lifelong Florida resident and moved to Royal Palm Beach in 2003 to raise my family. With two young children, I understand the challenges our young families face and want to bring a voice to this growing demographic. We were named one of the “Top 10 Places to Raise a Family” by Family Circle magazine. As a family man, I can work to keep it that way.

My entire professional career has been spent working for a Fortune 500 company, focused on improving productivity. To improve productivity, you must innovate and find ways to deliver services while cutting costs. We can

innovate in government just the same as you would in business. My professional experience qualifies me to do just that.

Lastly, being a political newcomer is an advantage. I can bring a fresh perspective and a strong desire to serve the people of Royal Palm Beach.

MARTHA WEBSTER: Experience! Last year, I was elected to the council. I have lived in the village for 12 years and Palm Beach County for 43 years. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brenau University with additional studies toward an educational doctorate at Florida Atlantic University. I have worked for the past nine years as a faculty member for the University of Florida Extension as the 4-H Youth Program leader. For 23 years, I have been an active community leader and was active in the village prior to running for council — something that distinguishes me from my opponent. I currently serve on the boards of the Palm Beach County League of Cities and the Crestwood Performing Arts League. I am an alternate board member of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning

Council, a member of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. I am the past chair of the Royal Palm Beach Community Revitalization Advisory Board and past vice chair of the Greenacres Planning & Zoning Commission.

What are the three most important issues facing the Village of Royal Palm Beach? What would you do about each?

SAENZ: The most important issue facing the village is planning for the slowdown in property tax revenue. We are approaching the build-out of the village. With very little land left to develop, we will not continue to see the growth in our tax revenue as we have in years past. Tax revenue will also be under pressure from decreasing property values. We need to be forward-thinking and innovative, and find ways to address a slowdown in property tax income now, so we can provide the services our residents have come to expect.

The second most important issue facing the village is the slowdown in the economy. We need to keep Royal Palm

Beach businesses operating and keep our residents employed. The council must take a more active role with the Business Development Board and leverage the programs they have. We should also work with our state government to seek funding from the newly passed stimulus bill to help bolster our local economy.

The third most important issue facing the village is the building of Roebuck Road. The further development of the western communities will result in an increase in traffic flow from the west. Providing an alternative route east rather than adding congestion to Okeechobee Blvd. will benefit all communities. It is a perfect opportunity to work together with our partners on both sides. The commitment to build Roebuck Road was made years ago; we need to hold people accountable and deliver on the promises made to our residents.

WEBSTER: First is to maintain a stable economic environment within our village. With my support, Royal Palm Beach decreased its millage rate for the 14th consecutive year. I will fight to continue this trend. Lower taxes better enable residents

to remain in their homes for the benefit of families and neighborhoods overall. I will continue to support a budget that balances a high level of service with reduced taxes. I will also continue to work with local businesses to ensure municipal processes that promote job and service stabilization.

This year, the village will undertake the construction of Village Commons Park, the largest park project in village history. There has been citizen input to help create a park environment that best suits the identity and needs of the village. Since the initial planning, our economy has flat-

tened. I will encourage the council to review the plan and to determine if the location of the nine-hole golf course is a prudent use that citizens truly need while there are two under-utilized golf courses in the village.

Lastly, it is important that the village be represented on interlocal boards and agencies that make decisions that impact the village. I will continue to work on behalf of the citizens with our local municipalities, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the Palm Beach County League of Cities and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council.

WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER AT THE PLAYERS CLUB

The Women’s Chamber of Commerce

the Players Club restaurant in Wellington.

working opportunities. For

WESTERN EXECUTIVES HOST CHARTER SOCIAL NETWORKING MIXER

Aronberg Future Plans?

continued from page 5 my next step until afterward. I don’t want anything to take away from the upcoming session. The issue is too important and the question is too deep, and I don’t want to be distracted with my own political career. I’m keeping all my options open. I love the job I’m doing now, and I don’t want to give my job any less because there may be a better job out there.” Palm Beach County Democratic Party Chairman Mark Siegel was more outspoken about Aronberg’s future.

“Dave Aronberg is an outstanding senator and has a lot

of choices in front of him,” Siegel told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “People I have spoken to in the party would like to see him run for a number of offices. Obviously, from his consumer protection record and experience, he’d make an outstanding attorney general. I think many people in the party, not just here in Palm Beach but around the state, respect him and know that he’d do an outstanding job. The other place we’d like to send him is the United States House of Representatives in District 16, currently occupied by ‘Dr. No,’ a.k.a. Tom Rooney. He hasn’t voted ‘yes’ on anything important or unimportant so far as we can tell since he got to Washington. He’s just part of the say-no-to-everything crowd.”

But Siegel recognizes that

to establish

networking

at different locations. For more

are

or e-mail westexec@earthlink.net.

the party as a whole must focus on the issues challenging the state. “I know Dave is playing a leading role, particularly in trying to block the sale of our assets to use for current expenses,” he said, referring to interest by members of the legislature to sell Alligator Alley to a private company.

“That’s the most fiscally irresponsible thing anybody can do,” Siegel said. “The idea of selling something built at taxpayer expense to a private corporation, who would then collect tolls on it and we would get a chunk of money, which we would immediately spend, is the surest way to destruction. Nobody who wishes to consider themselves fiscally responsible or fiscally conservative would engage in such a process.”

Peter Aldo Benvenuti Of Wellington Dies At Age 87

Peter Aldo Benvenuti of Wellington passed away Saturday, Feb. 14. He was 87. Formerly of Pittsburgh, Benvenuti was a proud Army artillery veteran of World War II. With his brother Henry, he owned and operated Benvenuti’s Italian Bakery in Pittsburgh for 35 years. Benvenuti loved the outdoors. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, golf and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Benvenuti was an active member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington and

the Knights of Columbus. All will miss him. Benvenuti is the son of the late Angelo and Elizabeth Benvenuti. He is survived by his loving wife of over 63 years Phyllis Benvenuti. Peter was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Mary Jo Benvenuti and is survived by his children Peter (Susan) Benvenuti of Pittsburgh, Henry (Mary Lu) Benvenuti of Toronto, Kristina (Dennis) Marquez of Wellington, Dino (Beth) Benvenuti of West Palm Beach, and Annette (Scott) Sheehan of Wellington. He was the brother of Henry (Ann) Benvenuti and the late Emily (Pat) Luvara. Peter is also survived by seven grandsons, four granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren and many other family members. A service was held Tuesday at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach. A funeral mass was held Wednesday at St. Rita Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Knights of Columbus, M.J. Benvenuti Council #8419, c/o St. Rita Catholic Church.

PHOTOS BY DENISE

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Michele Hartburk, Sandra Kaplan and Susan Sweeney.Wendy Vaniglia and Melainay Gunning.New member Janelle Dowley with Theresa LePore.

Martha Webster Demian Saenz

The social networking group Western Executives held its Charter Social Networking Mixer on Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Players Club restaurant in Wellington. The purpose of this new group is

social

relationships among western communities business people. Meetings

held weekly

info., call Troy or Ingrid Webster at (561) 793-5509

Western Executives founders Troy and Ingrid Webster.

Dr. Silvi Jantunen with artists Huguette Berzon and Norm Gitzen.

Peter Rantha, William Cannon and Ryan Liang.

Bob and Karen Cavanagh with Jeff Lampert.

Peter Rantha picks the winning ticket for the red coral necklace with a gold heart made by Ingrid Webster.

Betty Heatley, Tony Scholl and Janet Hayden.

A retirement party for Lloyd Grant (a.k.a. “Chef G”) was held Jan. 31 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Grant has been a chef for 49 years and ran Chef G Catering in West Palm Beach for 28 years. He is still available for private parties and weddings. Pictured above is Grant with Adrienne Ferrin and Jeannette Sharpe-Paul.

SENIORS VALENTINE’S PARTY IN ROYAL

Members of senior activity programs at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center got together with friends at a Valentine’s Party on Friday, Feb. 13. The table was laden with appetizers and all kinds of desserts and fruit trays, which were enjoyed by the more than 75 people who attended. Entertainment was provided by Dick Carmine, who encouraged everyone to sing along. Music of the ’50s and ’60s got people to their feet dancing and having fun. The mood overall was “love” and everyone enjoyed themselves. At the conclusion of the program, several door prizes were given to lucky ticket holders. Pictured above are some of the seniors during the party.

Kids Cancer Foundation

Holds Family BBQ At Okeeheelee Park

Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida hosted a family barbecue for families of local children battling cancer and/or a serious blood disorder on Sunday, Feb 15 at Okeeheelee Park.

The children and families were treated to a delicious barbecue buffet thanks to Shane’s Rib Shack in Royal Palm Beach. The children enjoyed activities and crafts sponsored by Learning Express at the Wellington Green Commons, a bounce house, cotton candy and snow cones provided by A&L Bungee of

Loxahatchee.

The Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida is a charitable organization that strives to meet the physical, educational, emotional, financial and spiritual needs of local childhood cancer patients and their families by working with community organizations to coordinate and provide supportive care services to young patients and their families.

For more information, call Michelle O’Boyle at (561) 371-1298 or visit www.kids cancersf.org.

Cold & Cough Fever & Flu Pneumonia & Bronchitis Cuts & Scrapes

Strains & Sprains

& Sinus Infection

Natalie Devilla gets her face painted by a volunteer.

Giselle Gonzalez gets help from mom with a cupcake.

Young Pahokee Star Visits Wellington Chamber Lunch

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Damon Weaver, the fourthgrade television newsman from Canal Point Elementary School in Pahokee, was the honored guest at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s business luncheon Monday.

Weaver, a reporter for his school’s news service, became an Internet sensation last year when clips of his interview with vice presidential candidate Joe Biden were posted on YouTube. He went on to become the youngest reporter credentialed to this year’s presidential inauguration festivities in Washington, D.C., and while he interviewed luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and Spike Lee, he was in turn interviewed by Larry King and Diane Sawyer.

With Weaver at the chamber luncheon was Canal Point teacher Brian Zimmerman, who accompanied him on his inauguration trip to the nation’s capital.

Zimmerman said working with students at the school’s television studio has been one of his favorite experiences, and because Weaver did such a good job at the anchor desk, he decided to take him out on the road during the presidential election season.

The two angled for an interview with Biden when he came to the Palm Beach County Convention Center,

Zimmerman said, and although his staff declined, they stuck around anyway.

“We stayed for the whole event,” he said. “Right at the end of the event, I positioned Damon right at the exit. Biden saw him and told some of his people that he wanted him to interview him. They rushed us downstairs. We got to wait for the other media to do their interviews. That’s why Damon became the local celebrity that he is.”

Zimmerman said Damon works hard at school, and his experiences have not gone to his head. “He never brags about anything he’s done,” Zimmerman said. “He really is a good kid and he’s basically the same kid I have known from the first day I started at the school.”

After chamber members watched a video of the trip to Washington, Damon did brief interviews with Wellington’s Mayor Darell Bowen, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, as well as Palm Beach Community College President Dr. Dennis Gallon, who presented Damon with a full two-year scholarship to the school.

Canal Point Principal Lavoise Smith, a Wellington resident, said she holds Weaver in high regard. “I am so proud of him, and the way he has carried himself,” she said. “He does not talk about

what he does except from his reports on the morning news. He comes in and addresses himself just like any other student. To be able to assume that posture tells a lot about the young man he is.”

The chamber luncheon took place at the Binks Forest Golf Club and was sponsored by PBCC. Gallon offered a few more words about the college and its plans, including a possible campus in Wellington. He started off by describing the pleasure of being a chamber member.

“When I think of all the economic development organizations who were interested in what we are doing, and what we have in Palm Beach County, when we became a member of this chamber, it really did cause Palm Beach Community College to feel as though it were an integral part of this community,” Gallon said. “For us to have the opportunity to be a part of this program, it becomes all the better for us. I would hope we would be able to continue to have that kind of one-on-one kind of relationship.”

Gallon said that of the 28 community colleges in Florida, PBCC is the sixth largest. “We currently serve about 47,000 students. They are enrolled on four different campuses,” he said. “Those campuses are strategically located throughout the county. Three of them are located

ROONEY ATTENDS POLO MATCH

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-District 16) and Miss America Katie Stam were on hand at last Sunday’s polo match between Lechuza Caracas and EFG Bank. Rooney took part in the coin toss, which EFG Bank won. Stam performed the national anthem. Lechuza Caracas won the match 15-10.

BY

on the I-95 corridor, as far north as Palm Beach Gardens, and as far south as Boca Raton. We also have a campus in Belle Glade.”

While PBCC has campuses in eastern and western locations, Gallon said the absence of a central county campus is notable, and the State Board of Education recognized that need a few years ago, as the school began looking for a home for a fifth campus.

Gallon also noted that students who start their college education at PBCC and transfer to four-year institutions often outperform students who attend only one school.

“We have students who graduate from PBCC and go on to university in Florida as well as campuses throughout the country,” he said. “Our students do as well if not better than those students who begin their academic careers in those situations.”

PBCC has also been authorized to offer some four-year degrees itself, Gallon said.

“You have heard that we have just been approved by the State Board of Education to offer the baccalaureate degree,” he said. “We believe that degree is going to add tremendously for our potential to educate the training needs of this community.”

In light of the troubled economy in Florida and nationwide, Gallon also noted

that PBCC just began a small business development center that would provide one-onone counseling in areas such as to how to launch a small business, how to do a cost analysis and how to market a business.

Gallon said the college’s new component would enable it to better help with economic recovery efforts.

“It has positioned PBCC to have another weapon in its arsenal to help with the economic recovery that this community and this nation is going through,” he said. “I feel very good about being able to share that with you.”

CHOCOLATE FEST IN LAKE WORTH

The chocolate was plentiful at last Saturday’s Oceanside Farmer’s Market, which held its annual chocolate festival at the corner of AIA and Lake Avenue in Lake Worth. The event kicked off with a breakfast chocolate-tasting and ended with a chocolate lover’s raffle. For more info., call (561) 283-5856 or visit www.oceansidefarmers market.com.

PETSMART IN ROYAL PALM BEACH HOSTS LOVE ADOPTION WEEKEND

Araujo

New West Bureau

continued from page 1

top cop in RPB as commander of District 9. Coleman said Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves residents are more closely aligned with Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, so formation of the new district makes sense. “We are all related; our children go to the same schools many times, the kids play athletics together, the folks shop in each others’ communities,” Coleman said.

“Our elected leaders interact with one another. It just

makes sense that all these various entities are working together toward a more regional outlook. Crime has no boundaries. The people breaking into houses in The Acreage are also breaking into houses in Royal Palm and Wellington. We talk now, we work now, but I think we’ll all be able to work much better in this type of environment that’s more aligned with the community policing philosophy.”

Araujo said his own office will remain in the District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach. “The Village of Royal Palm Beach will be under my purview as Western Region commander,” he said,

The PetSmart store in Royal Palm Beach hosted Love Adoption Weekend Feb. 13-15. The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue and Luv a Pet were on hand with homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens to try to find them permanent homes. The goal was to bring awareness to the thousands of homeless dogs and cats that need loving homes. A Science Diet representative was on hand to give out goody bags for newly adopted canines and felines. PetSmart is located at 531 N. State Road 7. For more info., call (561) 793-2858 or visit www.petsmart.com.

BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

&

“so I asked the village manager and he asked the council, and they said ‘by all means.’ I’m here not to run the district, but it’ll just be my headquarters to run the region.”

Araujo, who lives in Royal Palm Beach, has been with the PBSO for 27 years. Coleman, who also lives in Royal Palm Beach, has been with the PBSO for 20 years.

Coleman and Araujo came to District 9 in October 2006 when Royal Palm Beach contracted for law enforcement services with the county. Araujo said he began developing the community-policing concept for Royal Palm Beach when he took charge,

and the dedication of his officers has made it successful and effective.

“We are where we hoped to be because of the hard work of the men and women here,” he said. “In community policing, we built a service model here, and I think it has served this community very well.”

Araujo said that while each of the communities in the Western Region have individual needs and challenges, the PBSO can accomplish much in addressing crime trends before they become problems by interacting with the community. In the community-policing model, deputies are permanently as-

signed to particular sectors so residents get to know them and become comfortable with them, he said. In the meantime, the reorganization does not mean a change in any community’s law enforcement resources, Araujo said.

“We’re not going to consolidate resources,” he said.

“We have great interfacing with the other agencies, but now, being under the same region, that interfacing will be even stronger for better service delivery for the area... From a crime prevention posture, sharing all that information on a weekly basis is going to make it a much more efficient regional model.”

Author At Club Meeting

The Na’amat-Sharon Club of Royal Palm Beach will meet on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The guest speaker will be Ron Kauffman, host of “Senior Lifestyles,” who will discuss his new book Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease A light lunch will be served, followed by a short business meeting. Guests are welcome. There is a small fee for lunch for non-members. For more info., call Annette Haber at (561) 793-1484.

Lisa Polimeni of Royal Palm Beach adopted Taybo, a ten-week-old Chihuahua.

Representatives from A Second Chance Puppies

Kittens Rescue with dogs that need good homes.

Patty Cullen of Wellington with an eight-week-old Australian shepherd mix.

The gang from Grassroots Plants and Flora Design in Loxahatchee.

Lynn and Bob Barwald and their friend Jill Gardner and her children Scott and Emilee, all of Wellington.

Aaron Wishengard of Christy’s Bakery.

Leah Rosch of What a Cookie.

Tom and Regis Wenham.

Congressman Tom Rooney with Miss America Katie Stam.

Miss America Katie Stam sings while Congressman Tom Rooney and Tim O’Connor look on.

Lechuza Caracas players take the field.

Young Reporter — Damon Weaver interviews Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen. (Below) PBCC’s Dr. Dennis Gallon presents Weaver with a scholarship.

CAFCI HOSTS ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DANCE IN

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held its annual Valentine’s Party on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The evening featured dinner by Nuff

Jerk, music by DJ Soul Power, door prizes and dancing all night long.

Party-goers do the Electric Slide.

IDEAL/DREAM SCHOOL’S ‘I CAN CLUB’ EXERCISES FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Students, parents and teachers from Ideal Elementary/ Preschool and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach gathered last Friday afternoon to run, jog or walk 1.9 miles as part of the weekly “I Can Club.” Beginning at the school and making their way to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 28, club members donated canned food for PBCFR to distribute among local churches and food banks. Ideal Elementary/Preschool and Dream Middle School are located at 400 Royal Commerce Road. For more information, call (561) 791-2881 or visit www.idealelementary.com. (Left) Ideal Principal Wendy Soderman (back center) with the first group of joggers making their way to Station 28. (Right) I Can Club members place their canned food items in the bin and celebrate their good deed while PRCFR Capt. Walter Dillian (left) and District Chief Neil Enos (kneeling) look on.

Jamaican

PHOTOS

Ernie Garvey has fun on the dance floor.

Event Committee: Lascelles Harris, Audrey Campbell, Henworth Ferguson, Event Chair Yvonne Elliott, Lawrence Logan and Lauriston Simms.

(Seated, L-R) Elet Cyris, Amanayea Abraham and Hazel Hamilton; (standing) Marjorie Aiken and Sybell Dawson.

Lauriston Simms, Cynthia Rochester and Event Chair Yvonne Elliott.

CAFCI board members Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Amanayea Abraham, Genieve White, Henworth Ferguson, Kathleen Lannaman and Lauriston Simms.

Hawk Theater Students Reel In Scholarships, Awards

The Seminole Ridge High School thespians, under the direction of drama teacher Mrs. Patty Bates, created some drama of their own in recent tournament performances.

Scholarship recipients include Ashlley Rodriguez, who was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Palm Beach Atlantic University’s theatre program, and Shannon Ouellette, who was awarded a $500 International Thespian scholarship to the college of her choice.

In recent thespian competition, the following Hawks earned Superior ratings: Shannon Ouellette for Monologues, Shannon Ouellette for Solo Musical, Janine Campos for Monologues, Shelby Oliveira for Monologues, and Cindy Vandamas and Mark Batdorf for Duet Acting.

Students who received an Excellent rating included: Caitlyn Humbert for Monologues, Ashlley Rodriguez for Solo Musical, Alexis Fitzgerald for Monologues, Sarah Wellington for Solo Musical, Allessandro Alonso for Solo Musical, Corrina Escobar and Brandyn Wood for Duet Acting, Shelby Oliveira and Kelsey West for Duet Acting, and Alexis Fitzgerald, Shelby Oliveira and Stephanie Pateroti for Ensemble Acting.

Students who received a Good rating included: Katie Aucoin and Arnold Castillo for Duet Musical, Kali De Carlo for Solo Musical, and Daniel Vasile, Ariel Reda, Lebron Rice, Andrew McKenzie, Riiah Mitchell, Tyler McCarthy, Taylor Lawson and Andrew Silverthorne for Group Musical. Join the Seminole Ridge team in congratulating these Hawk thespians for their outstanding efforts!

• Audition for Multicultural Dinner Show — On Friday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. in Room 4-210, the World Language Department will hold auditions for its second annual multicultural dinner and show. “We’re looking for students who can sing, dance, act or play an instrument,”

said languages teacher Mrs. Enny Cannestro. Students, come by and sign up!

• Debate Team Competes at Varsity States — The Hawk forensics team had a great weekend at the Varsity States Regional Qualifier tournament Feb. 6-8. The novice duo of Lauren Nunez and Andrew Silverthorne qualified with their piece “Housing to Share”; Ashley Richey qualified in LincolnDouglas debate on a 4-0 decision; Devon Arnold entered and qualified in both original oratory and international extemporaneous speaking; the team of Kayla Molina and Lucas Ortiz qualified in public forum; and Peter Burch, Paige Dipirro, Edward O’Hara and David Sleeth qualified as public forum alternates.

• SRHS Honors Construction Academy Students Seminole Ridge has selected construction academy student Veronica Drane as its 2009 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Year. Drane was recognized at the Feb. 18 school board meeting, along with the CTE students of the year from other district high schools. Each student received an award for his or her accomplishments.

• TV Production Earns Statewide Honors — SRHS TV production students have once again placed in the statewide “Ask a Librarian” public service announcement contest. Senior Casandra Brescacin and junior Anthony Medrano created a video titled “What’s a Vegetarian?” that took second place in the contest judging. Congratulations!

• NAHS Competes in Digital Arts — The SRHS National Art Honor Society thanks everyone for their generous donations to the recent NAHS art supplies drive.

“We collected well over 500 items,” sponsor Ms. Gwenn Seuling said, “and we’ll make the first of many visits to Palms West [Hospital] to give the supplies to the children there.”

NAHS also congratulates Lindsey Cheek, Anthony Garcia, Ptah Quammie and Natanya Robinson, who made the final cut in its Digital Media Arts Scholarship competition. On March 2122 at Boca’s Town Center Mall, the students will compete in a live “draw-off,” and the “last artist standing” will receive a full scholarship to Digital Media Art College.

• Hawk Athletes of Note — In boys basketball, Woodley Cadet had 20 points and 20 rebounds in the Hawks’ recent victory over Berean Christian. Cadet also scored 16 points against Cardinal Newman, helping Seminole Ridge to a two-point win. In wrestling, Roman Manuel won the District 8-3A championship for his weight class and will enter this season’s regional competition with a record of 28-2. Also, Dominic Servidio improved his record to 28-4 by winning the District 8-3A championship for his weight class.

• Hawk Cheerleaders Earn National Championship — Last weekend, the SRHS varsity competition cheerleaders, coached by Mrs. Kelly Dickmann, competed in Orlando at the Universal Cheerleading Associ-

National Champs — The Seminole Ridge High School Hawk cheerleaders recently competed in the Universal Cheerleading Association’s national high school championships in Orlando, where they won first place.

ation’s national high school championships. They won first place, earning the title of National Champions of the sport. Congrats to Hawk cheerleading athletes Leanna Allwine, Courtney Byrnes, Alicia Candlish, Kailah Casillas, Cassie Chamblin, Alison Ebken, Kerri Fitts, Taylor Holmes, Karista Macrostie, Regina Maligone, Kori McMahon, Jessica Medeiros, Vanessa Morgado, Amanda Mortimer, Krysti Nast, Katlyn Rine, Arielle Sabatino, Cara Smiley, Amanda Smith, Kaitlyn

Smith and Aubrey Weiner.

• February is Dental Health Month — The SRHS clinic reminds all Hawks that the Florida Department of Health has designated February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. The department recommends these tips and treatments to prevent childhood tooth decay:

1) Fluoride makes teeth stronger, protecting them from decay. Community water fluoridation is the safest, most effective way to prevent decay, along with school-

based fluoride mouth rinse programs.

2) Daily oral hygiene, brushing twice daily for two minutes with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Toothbrushes should be replaced when the bristles fray.

3) Maintain healthy eating, choose low-sugar snacks and avoid sweets that stick to teeth.

4) Schedule regular dental checkups to assess the risk of childhood cavities or other dental problems.

Andres Camacho Of WHS Wins Logo Contest

Wellington High School junior Andres Camacho won the first-place prize for his original logo design intended for use by the newly organized Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts — an annual gift totaling $10,000, earmarked for three outstanding members of Palm Beach County’s diverse performing arts community who enrich the quality of the performing arts in Palm Beach County. Second- and third-place logo contest winners were Dreyfoos School of the Arts juniors Chloe Elder and Emily Kenyon respectively. All three students were presented with checks ranging from $50 to $100 in addition

to personalized framed certificate awards from Frank Foundation trustee Ellis J. Parker III and his wife Nancy Parker.

Also present at the ceremony held at the Kravis Center last month were prize committee members Tracy Butler, Roy Bartolomei, Craig Ames, Jo Ann Engelhardt and Steve Caras along with some family members of the young winners.

The Frank Prize award ceremony will take place this spring in Palm Beach with date and location to be announced at a later time.

For more information about the Frank Prize award ceremony, e-mail thefrank prize@yahoo.com.

Design Winner — Ellis J. Parker III and his wife Nancy with logo contest winner Andres Camacho, a junior at Wellington High School.

PBCHS Student Visits Tallahassee

Beach Central High School FBLA State President Mauricio Escobar during his visit to Tallahassee.

Florida Future Business

Leaders of America (FBLA) State President Mauricio Escobar and FBLA adviser Tammy Skinner of Palm Beach Central High School recently returned from a three-day trip with the other state officers to the state capital in Tallahassee where they had an amazing trip sponsored by the FBLA.

It was three days filled with some really amazing state leaders. They met with Secretary of State Kurt Browning (a former FBLA member), Attorney General Bill McCollum, Speaker of the House Larry Cretul, several state senators and many others.

Escobar received the original proclamation for declar-

ing the second week of February FBLA-PBL Week, signed by Gov. Charlie Crist and his cabinet members.

The group also had the privilege of sitting in the State Senate and House of Representative and going through a mock session in the Senate Chamber.

The entire trip was packed with such rare opportunities. Escobar and Skinner didn’t get to meet with the governor as planned because he had to fly out on Tuesday morning to meet with President Barack Obama in Fort Myers. That was the only disappointment, but it was still a great event that far exceeded expectations.

Escobar has ambitions to pursue political science.

Lox Student A Candidate In Scholars Program

Five Palm Beach County high school seniors have been named candidates in the 2009 Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 2.8 million students expected to graduate from U.S high schools in the year 2009. Among the students is Adam Anderson of Loxahatchee, a student at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Inclusion in the Presiden-

tial Scholars Program, now in its 45th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors.

Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities.

The 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional

performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. Further considerations are based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C. for sever-

al days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators and other leading individuals in public life. For more information about the Presidential Scholars program, call the Presidential Scholars Office at (319) 341-2PSP or e-mail to pso@act.org.

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

UM Student Amy Levine Of Wellington Attends Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting

Amy Levine of Wellington was one of a handful of University of Miami students who participated this month in the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) meeting.

Thirteen UM undergraduate and two law students attended the conference, which convened nearly 1,000 college students, approximately 100 university presidents, as well as leading non-profit organizations, social entrepreneurs and youth leaders. Levine is a junior enrolled in the UM College of Arts & Sciences.

Former President Bill Clinton hosted the second CGIU meeting Feb. 13-15 at the University of Texas at Austin. The initiative built on the successful model of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, to engage college students and administrators from around the world to make commitments to address global issues with innovative solutions. The students came together to make a difference in five focus areas of education, energy and climate change, global health, peace and human rights, and poverty alleviation.

Throughout the year, and

as a prerequisite of attending the CGIU meeting, students and university officials develop their own commitments to action. This is a specific plan of action that addresses a critical challenge on campus, in the community or in different parts of the globe. UM student commitments range from clean water supply projects for Peru to HIV/ AIDS service learning in Los Angeles to poverty campaigns in Miami-Dade.

While at the meeting, students attended workshops and working sessions as well as skill sessions where students learned how to properly market and build their project. These workshops, in turn, will help the students to implement their commitments.

Upon return, the students will work with UM faculty and staff to identify a mentor. They will also meet with the local community on a panel discussion to inform the public of their projects. The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to the community and beyond. For more information, visit www.miami.edu.

Palm

Wellington’s Denise Alexander To Chair Red Cross Polo Lunch

The tradition continues. The Red Cross Polo Luncheon, one of the longest-running charity events in the western communities, celebrates its 19th anniversary on Sunday, March 1 at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area chapter. This spectacular event has been a highlight of the Wellington and Palm Beach social season for the past 18 years.

Known for attracting famous polo players, celebrities, socialites and prominent politicos, the Red Cross Polo Luncheon has become the top event of its kind.

Denise Alexander of Wellington is the 2009 chair with Tim and Christie Gannon serving as the honorary chairs. Mike Azzaro, currently the highest-rated American player at nine goals, is the honorary polo chairman.

“We’re excited about continuing the tradition of polo and the Red Cross,” said Al-

exander, who has been involved with polo and philanthropic causes for almost 20 years. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for everyone to understand the importance of the Red Cross and what their generosity means to those less fortunate.”

The celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. with Bacardi specialty cocktails, wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres. The luncheon features a silent auction with spectacular items, including exotic vacations, unique jewels and rare

artwork. There will also be live entertainment and a live auction, including a private polo lesson with Azzaro, who has won six U.S. Polo Championships, cruise packages and catered parties.

Brownie McLean will be honored for her lifetime commitment, dedication and support of the Red Cross. Gale Brophy will also be honored for nine years of dedicated service as chairman of the Red Cross Polo Luncheon.

The 2009 Luncheon is par-

tially sponsored by Bacardi USA and Premier Beverage Co. Tickets to the event are $200 per person with a limited number of “Young Friends” tickets available for $125 with all proceeds to benefit the Greater Palm Beach Area chapter. Veranda VIP seating is available for guests to watch the polo match. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 833-7711 or visit www.red cross-pbc.org.

JustWorld’s Horseless Horse Show At PBIEC A Huge Success

The JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show held Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington proved to be another success story, attracting 99 participants. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

The theme of children helping children was in full effect as 99 children of all ages entered the Horseless Horse Show where they jumped appropriate-sized obstacles on foot. Held in the DeNemethy Arena following the conclusion of show jump-

ing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, FEI course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio set the tracks for all six divisions. Each division featured a sponsor, including the Antares Mini Stirrup Jumper division for children six and under, the Horseware Ireland Short Stirrup Jumper division for children 10 and under, the Sportfot Photography Children’s Jumper division for children 14 and under, the JustWorld International Puissance for those 18 and under, which this year featured a winning height of 4’11”, the Bluhorse Clothing Pairs Relay for children of all ages, and the Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix featuring a maximum height of 3’6” open to

King Completes Army Basic Combat Training

Army PFC Rachael C. King has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, King studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle

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

King is the daughter of Jean Stewart of Fort Pierce and sister of Meridith King of Royal Palm Beach. She is a 2005 graduate of Lincoln Park Academy in Fort Pierce.

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

those 18 and under. As some participants entered more than one division, almost 200 rounds were jumped.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the 60 volunteers who generously donated their time. Denise and Katie Quirk acted as the competition managers while D’Ambrosio, the course designer for the upcoming 2009 World Cup Final, was assisted by Hector Cano, who also constructed the jumps, and Jackie Leemon. JustWorld rider ambassadors Nick Dello Joio, Michael Morrissey Jr., Pato Muente and Ramiro Quintana were assisted in their judging duties by Equine Canada judge Judy Covert. Popular professional horse

show announcer Brian Lookabill lent his voice to the proceedings while Sportfot was the official photographer. All photos from the Horseless Horse Show can be viewed online by visiting www. sportfot.com.

Michael D’Ambrosio coordinated the awards and presentations while the timing and scoreboard were handled by Tom Scionti. Many volunteer “coaches” were on hand to help the children with their strategies, including Rider Ambassador Francie Steinwedell. The ring crew was also featured many JustWorld supporters including Angela and Mike Lawrence, Neil O’Connor, Arcadio “Shorty” Paredes and Noel Glavin.

The next Horseless Horse Show will be held Friday, March 6 in the International Arena. A gourmet wine and cheese cocktail party will be held during the event. For more information about JustWorld International, visit www.justworldinternational. org.

Local Artist’s Work On Display At Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market in Wellington recently announced it will include Loxahatchee artist J.R. Houbrick in its rotating art exhibit. Houbrick’s work will be on display through April.

Houbrick, who teaches art at Binks Forest Elementary School in Wellington, is the second artist to have work displayed at the new Wellington store as part of an outreach effort in support of area artists.

“Jim’s artwork is just beautiful, and we are happy to have it on display,” Whole Foods Market Marketing & Community Relations Spe-

cialist Lauren Belinsky said.

“We have been so pleased with the positive feedback from our customers since we started this program.”

Belinsky added that the store will feature the work of area artists in the cafe on a rotating basis, with each artist’s work on display for three months.

“My wife and I both love Whole Foods Market, so I’m very happy to be included in their efforts,” Houbrick said.

On Friday, March 20, Whole Foods Market will host a “meet the artist” reception, which will include a wine tasting and a sampling

of cheeses from the Whole Foods Market collection, with proceeds benefiting the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. “Jim Houbrick has also graciously agreed to donate to Vinceremos 20 percent of the proceeds from any painting sold as the result of the Whole Foods Market exhibition,” Belinsky said.

For more information about Whole Foods Market, call (561) 904-4000 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

For more information about Vinceremos, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www. vinceremos.com.

Denise Alexander

J.R. Houbrick

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Feb. 21

• The Winter Equestrian Festival continues through March 29 with a series of weekly show jumping and dressage competitions at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday, culminating with a grand prix. For tickets, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestriansport.com.

• The Delray Beach International Tennis Championship will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21 to Sunday, March 1 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center (201 W. Atlantic Avenue). The event will feature tennis’ brightest stars as well as entertainment, food, exhibit booths and more. Call (561) 3306000 or visit www.yellow tennisball.com for info.

• Lifechurch.tv will host “Lifestock 2009” on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Lion Country Safari. The park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online at www. lifechurch.tv. For more info., call (561) 793-6889.

• The Seminole Ridge High School Hawk Band will host its Fourth Annual BBQ & Family Fun Day on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school grounds (4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road). Admission is free. For crafter/vendor, car show or entertainment info., call Roland Greenspan at (561) 7926704 or e-mail bandbbq@ aol.com.

• The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will hold its Hatsume Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21 and 22. This annual event features four stages with continuous entertainment including taiko drummers, a Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging and martial art demonstrations. The times are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. For info., visit www.morikami. org or call (561) 495.0233.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature its Chess Club for ages eight and up on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Basic chess knowledge is required. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The 15th Annual Street Painting Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday Feb. 21 and 22 in downtown Lake Worth. During this annual celebration of the arts, hundreds of artists transform the streets into works of art. The festival also includes street performers and strolling minstrels. Call (561) 582-4401 or visit www.lwchamber.com for more info.

Sunday, Feb. 22

• Horizon Baptist Church will feature a lecture by Middle East missionary Dr. Edgar Feghaly on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at Pierce Hammock Elementary School (14255 Hamlin Blvd., The Acreage). Feghaly will give a firsthand account of life in Iraq. For more info., call (561) 792-1122 or e-mail office@horizonbc.com.

• St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington (11800 Lake Worth Road) will celebrate its groundbreaking for a permanent church building on Lake Worth Road after the 11:30 a.m. mass on Sunday, Feb. 22. For more info., call (561) 784-0689.

• The American Legion Post 390 Wellington 17-U baseball program will hold a meeting on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Wellington Village Park baseball field (11700 Pierson Road). The meeting will discuss the 2009 summer season. To be eligible, a player must be currently enrolled in high school and age 17 or under as of Dec. 31, 2009. Call Area Director Brice Miller at (561) 795-6744 for info. Monday, Feb. 23

• The 27th Annual Fountains Country Club Golf Tournament to benefit Hospice of Palm Beach County’s patient care programs will be held on Monday, Feb. 23 at Fountains Country Club (4476 Fountains Drive in Lake Worth). Tickets are $175 for golf, cocktail party and dinner, and $125 for the cocktail party and dinner only. The event will include an 18-hole and a nine-hole scramble tournament beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed with a cocktail party and dinner at 5

p.m. For more info., call Sonny Bilkis at (561) 439-3372 or visit www.hpbc.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 24

• The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. For more info., call (561) 791-4000.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present Robert Dubac’s “The Male Intellect: The Second Coming” on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. In this one-man comedy show, Dubac offers a fast-paced joy ride over the pot-holed highway of cultural hypocrisy. Tickets cost $40. Call (561) 743-2666 or visit www.jupitertheatre. org for more info.

Wednesday, Feb. 25

• Major League Baseball Spring Training and the Florida State League seasons begin Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Roger Dean Stadium (4751 Main Street, Jupiter). Spring Training tickets cost $25 to $31; Florida State League tickets cost $6.50 to $9.50. Call (561) 775-1818 or visit www.rogerdean stadium.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold its “Poetry Discussion Series” for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Engage in a provocative discussion of several published poems written by various poets. Copies of the poems are available at the information desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Thursday, Feb. 26

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold Game Night on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Games include Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The next meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). Candidates for the March 10 Loxahatchee Groves municipal election have been invited to attend. For more information, call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

• Fertility Hope , a new support group providing education and encouragement to couples trying to conceive, is now meeting at Wellington Regional Medical Center. Facilitated by reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Scott Roseff, the group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in Conference Center Room B. For info., call Dr. Roseff’s office at (561) 333-8232. Friday, Feb. 27

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Science Club: Measuring Up” on Friday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Discover how well you measure up when it comes to measuring. Call (561) 790-6070 to RSVP.

• The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington will host the Nations Cup on Friday, Feb. 27. The FEI Nations Cup Series is the oldest and most prestigious team show jumping competition in the world. Call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestriansport. com for more info.

• Palm Beach Opera will present Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) Friday, Feb. 27 through Monday, March 2. Call (561) 833-7888 or visit www. kravis.org for more info.

• The Na’amat Club in Royal Palm Beach will sponsor Na’amat Shabbat on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach). The congregation and community are invited to join in for services, led by Rabbi Bert Kieffer and followed by refreshments. For more info., call program cochair Cecile Millman at (561) 795-5811.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Science Club: Measuring Up” on Friday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Discover how well you measure up when it comes to measuring. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

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

New Hair Regeneration Laser At Epilution Spa

Dr. Michael Sinclair of Epilution Med Spa recently announced that the spa has obtained the first Revage 670 Hair Regeneration Laser in Palm Beach County.

“I believe that hair loss for both men and women is a very traumatic event,” Sinclair said. “My goal was to find a non-surgical approach to help my clients that worked unlike many potions, lotions and product claims in the market. I selected the Revage 670 because it is the only true hair regeneration laser on the market with medical science that proves it works, supported by Harvard Medical, Northwestern University and Mass General. I am excited to offer this new technology to my clients and provide an affordable, painless, non-surgical solution to a real problem. Hair loss statistics are on the rise due

to many reasons. It is no longer just genetics... In fact, women over 50 are the fastest-growing segment experiencing hair loss.”

“We have taken the lead on introducing many new products and services to the area,” Epilution Med Spa Manager Luann Hoellen said. “We pride ourselves on studying the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine and choosing the most effective treatments to offer our clients.”

Clients are invited to view the spa’s services at www. epilution.com. Epilution Med Spa is a physician-owned and operated medical practice devoted to advanced aesthetic services.

Epilution Med Spa is located at 13005 Southern Blvd., Suite 113, inside Palms West Medical Mall One. For more information, call 561-795SKIN (7546).

Financial Seminar At Community Of Hope

The Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves is offering a free “good sense” budget course to the local community. The two-part seminar will take place on two Saturday mornings: Feb. 28 and March 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Community of Hope’s church office (14101 Okeechobee Blvd., just west of E Road). This seminar will provide practical training in principles of money management that will help attendees meet financial goals, reduce debt, develop a personalized spending plan and gain financial freedom. For additional information, or to register, call (561) 7538883 or e-mail info@gocoh. com.

P.W. HOSPITAL GOES RED FOR HEART HEALTH

Friday, Feb 6, Palms

contest and by making donations to the American Heart Association. (Above left) The Med/Surgery Department shows off their red and their decorated department. (Above right) The PACU Department all dressed in red.

Sponsors Named For Scripps Opening Events

The Quantum Foundation of Palm Beach County, National City Corporation and Florida Trend magazine will serve as top sponsors of Scripps Florida’s three-day campus opening ceremonies on Feb. 26-28. Scripps Florida is a division of the Scripps Research Institute.

The Quantum Foundation is dedicated to advancing access to healthcare and education for the residents of Palm Beach County. National City, now a part of PNC, is one of the country’s largest financial holdings companies with

branches throughout South Florida. For 50 years, Florida Trend magazine has been an indispensable statewide source of business issues and political news.

Other campus grand opening sponsors include WeitzDPR, Florida Power & Light, Gunster Yoakley, Fisher Scientific, Fluor and James Landscaping Design.

The three days of activities will begin on Thursday, Feb. 26 with ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Scripps Florida’s new campus in Jupiter. More than 800 people are expect-

ed to attend the ceremony. Friday, Feb. 27 will be devoted to a special scientific symposium with faculty from Scripps Florida and the La Jolla campus joining with other scientists from Florida research organizations. Symposium topics include “Frontiers in Cellular Biology,” “Metabolism and Healthy Aging” and “Targets and Molecular Therapeutics: Drug Discovery.”

Scripps Florida’s Science Education Day on Saturday, Feb. 28 will be devoted to informative science-educa-

tion activities designed for K12 students and their families from throughout Palm Beach County. Scripps Florida scientists, graduate students and education partners from the Max Planck Institute and the South Florida Science Museum will provide science learning opportunities along a “science trail” featuring interactive science stations on a variety of topics ranging from fundamental science to human health to

energy. Food and beverages will be available during the Saturday event.

Liberty Tax Offers Free ‘Green’ Tax Preparation

Liberty Tax Service will salute the environmentally conscious with free tax preparation during its first “go green” appreciation days the week of Feb. 23 at participating Liberty Tax Service offices. Those who work for ecofriendly organizations such as recycling companies or organic grocers, or people who drive hybrid cars, can have their taxes prepared free and keep more of their green. Liberty Tax Service will offer this service at its offices in the West Palm Beach area for first-time customers.

“Members of pro-environmental organizations like the Sierra Club also meet the ‘going green’ standard for our

free tax preparation at Liberty Tax,” Liberty Tax Service Executive Vice President Scott Shrader said.

For details, call Liberty Tax Service at (561) 649-6100, email scott.shrader@liberty tax.com or visit the Greenacres location at 6366 Forest Hill Blvd. (at the corner of Jog Road).

Liberty Tax Service has more than 3,000 offices in the United States and Canada.

Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service has prepared over 6,000,000 individual income tax returns. With 40 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most

experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. Liberty Tax Service pro-

Business Women’s Association Meeting

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel (4431 PGA Blvd.).

Networking begins at 6 p.m. Dinner and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30 for members and nonmembers. Guests are welcome. The speaker will be Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach and the author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work. The topic will be “Business Etiquette.” To RSVP, call Dee Weber at (561) 626-2027.

On

West Hospital celebrated Go Red Day to promote awareness of women’s heart health. Staff participated by wearing red, taking part in a “Go Red Door” department decorating

Epilution Med Spa’s new hair regeneration laser.

LADY BRONCOS PLACE SECOND IN SOFTBALL TOURNEY AT VILLAGE PARK

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity softball team hosted a tournament at Wellington Village Park on Pierson Road last Friday and Saturday. The Lady Broncos placed second overall. The girls’ next game is Tuesday at Centennial High School.

CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

BY

Wellington Warriors Win Valentine’s Bash Baseball Tournament

In a thrilling come-frombehind 9-8 victory, the Wellington Warriors 12-U travel baseball team defeated the West Boynton Tornadoes in the final of the Phipps Park Valentine’s Bash baseball tournament held Feb. 13-15. The Warriors are sponsored by Palm Beach Prime, Stanley Steamer and Steinger, Iscoe & Greene.

Bruce Steel pitched for a win and hit three home runs during the five-game tournament. Anthony Maniotis hit four home runs and played error-free defense all weekend long. Tyler Levin hit his first two round-trippers in the event and batted .500 as leadoff hitter. Brandon Hernandez hit two home runs and pitched for a save in the quarterfinal game. Phil Sieli hit three home runs in the cleanup spot, and Nick Russo contributed two more homers during the event. Nicholas

Horvath and Mack Lemieux started the quarterfinal and final games as pitchers respectively and also added two home runs each during the event. The Warriors roster was assisted by Hunter and Harley Sanicky, who pitched, caught and were especially nimble on the base-path in addition to three home runs hit between the two.

Teams participating in the event were the West Boynton Sharks, Florida Magic (the host team), Lake Worth Cubs, Lake Worth Hurricanes, Boca Stars East, Boca Starz White and the West Boynton Tornadoes. One impressive statistic of note is that during the semifinal game, each roster position in the Warriors batting order hit a home run during that game, which accounted for ten of the 24 home runs hit by the team during the five-game tournament.

Seating Now Available For FEI Nations Cup

Seating reservations are now being accepted for the FEI Nations Cup CSIO 4* presented by CN on Friday, Feb. 27 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. The Nations Cup is one of the highlights of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, drawing huge crowds of supporters for their national teams. The series is the oldest and most prestigious team show jumping competition in the world, similar to the Olympics and the World Equestrian Championships in which official “national” teams compete against each other.

Nations most likely to field teams this year include both

the Olympic team gold and silver medal winners USA and Canada, the bronze medal winner from the 2008 Nations Cup, Mexico, as well as Ireland, Great Britain, Venezuela and Argentina. Other possible participating nations include Chile, Colombia and France.

Hundreds of seats have already been sold. Prices for tickets are $60 plus tax for reserved box seats, $25 plus tax for reserved general admission and $750 plus tax for Wellington Club tables, which seat six and include full buffet with cash bar (20 are available). For ticket information and availability, call Annette Goyette at (561) 793-5867.

TPX TITANS WIN BOYNTON TOURNEY

The TPX Titans 11-U travel baseball team recently won the Fourth Annual West Boynton Groundhog Tournament by sweeping through the playoff rounds. The Titans relied on dominant pitching and defense to defeat the Plantation Stars 6-1 and Wellington Warriors 5-0 before the hitting came around in the championship game in which the Titans defeated the Pro Ball Cobras 12-6. The Titans currently compete in the Florida Premier Travel Baseball League and play their home games at Freedom Park in Greenacres. Team members are: (front row, L-R) Neil Brown, Zach Odell, Ryan Stark, Chandler Miles, Dominic Paolo and Tanner Brown; (back row) Dante Cook, Armando Rodriguez, Kyle Lamb, Eddie D’Eusanio and Logan Goldenberg.

only gave up six points. Gator quarterback Brooke Kelly was named offensive MVP for the tournament, while lineman Michelle Valero was awarded defensive MVP. The Gators are coached by Michael Kelleher, Ron Last and Bob Oregero. Pictured above are: (front row) Zahra Jamaloodeen;

row) Michael Kelleher, Brooke Kelly and Ron Last. Not pictured: Tori Fernandez.

AHJF Hosts Annual Bowling For Equestrians

The American HunterJumper Foundation’s (AHJF) third annual fundraiser “Bowling for Equestrians” took place Sunday, Feb. 15 at Greenacres Bowl. The event was a benefit for the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF).

“I had a blast,” world champion hunter rider Peter Pletcher said.

Pletcher was among those you could hear chatting and cheering as families, friends, groups, barns and individuals from tiny tots to seasoned veterans ate, drank, tossed bowling balls, enjoyed catchup conversations, shared jokes, won raffle prizes, played video games and more to a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll music. The enthusiasm was electrifying, and it didn’t matter if a bowler guttered the ball or hit a strike.

The crowd was filled with family and friends often seen competing in or watching a horse show. Yet this evening was all about strikes and spares that would benefit worthy equestrians who for some reason were down on their luck. Everyone was enjoying a different kind of competition with an enthusiasm that was contagious.

While some tested their bowling skills, many of the youngsters were in the game room with hockey pucks, dancing feet and video games. In between there were hot dogs, chicken wings, cheese and crackers, pizza and more to satisfy hungry appetites.

The true goal of the evening was to raise money for the ERF, the benevolent arm of the AHJF. It was established to provide emergency financial support to individuals in the show hunter and jumper sport suffering from an incapacitating illness, catastrophic accident or injury. The AHJF Board reviews emergency situations and makes a determination in accordance with need.

The money to fund this program comes from private gifts, World Championship Hunter Rider member events, horse shows willing to encourage exhibitors to make a contribution, and dedicated fundraising events such as Bowling for Equestrians.

Over the past 11 years, the AHJF has distributed close to $500,000 through the ERF. The founder of Bowling for Equestrians was chair and

AHJF Board Member Katie Robinson, who also took part in the fun with her barn. The American HunterJumper Foundation was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider competition. For more information, or to make a tax donation to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, call (508) 835-8813, e-mail AHJF@earthlink.net, visit www.ahjf.org or write AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.

PHOTOS

Kimberly Doney, Nicole Granitto, Anne Marie Van Casteren and Jordanne Kessel.

Nicole Granitto throws a practice pitch while Kimberly Doney looks on.Christina Robbs at bat.Stephanie Ramirez

The Wellington Warriors 12-U travel baseball team.

The Acreage Gators won the 18th Annual Kelly McGillis 14-U Flag Football Classic Girls held in Key West Feb. 78. The Gators’ sensational offense scored over 80 points, while the strong defense

(second row) Kristy Rhemer, Madison Harding, Madeline Harding, Brooke Herron, Toni Fernandez and Chy’Ann Areyzega; (third row) Bob Oregero, Chelsea Powell, May Huet, Kristen Durham, Michelle Valero and Courtney Byrd; and (back

Team members from PJP Farm.

Raffle winner Maggie Robinson. PHOTOS COURTESY DIANA DE ROSA

Darcy Gordon Knows About Getting Ready For A Horse Show

Darcy Gordon grew up near Boston, riding hunters and Saddlebreds. She moved to Kentucky, and then attended Florida Atlantic University to study English and business. The everyday world of work became too much, and the horses won out. She moved to Lake Worth in 1993 and opened Gateway Stables, a hunter/jumper and pleasure barn, where she now keeps 33 horses for riders at various levels of experience.

Gordon admits that it’s a lot of work, but said she loves every minute of it. She has helped a lot of people compete, and she knows what it takes to get ready for that big day. She typically hauls a few loads of horses to each show, depending on who’s going that week. She especially likes the hospitable atmosphere of the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association show and does the whole circuit, much of which takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. She said it’s good, fair competition, a great facility, and not too expensive.

“We do a lot of practicing during the weeks before a show,” Gordon said. “Mostly flat work, bending, some gymnastics like bouncers and cavaletti, and some jumping. What a lot of people don’t consider is that 90 percent of a jumping class is riding on the flat between the fences. That’s where you should concentrate your efforts.”

The day before the show, everything intensifies. The horses get bathed, their whiskers trimmed, manes and tails braided, saddle pads washed, tack cleaned. The tack trunks are packed with extras of everything, plus vet supplies. There are bridle and saddle racks, curtains for the dressing room, folding chairs, buckets, fans, wheelbarrows, pitchforks, hay and grain — basically, a mini-version of the whole barn.

“I like to have a ‘try on’ session at the barn before we leave for the show,” Gordon said. “I have all my riders put on what they plan to

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

wear in their classes. This insures that no one is wearing something unfashionable, and also that everything fits. Kids grow so fast, they can outgrow their boots or jackets in no time.”

Each rider and horse needs paperwork. Horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test within the past year, and riders need registration forms, signed insurance releases and membership papers. Gordon also helps each rider decide which division to show in, and what would be the best fit for that particular horse-and-rider combination.

“The first shows of the season are the hardest,” Gordon said. “Then things are usually easier, because you’ve already completed a lot of the necessary paperwork.”

Gordon’s show day starts very early, making sure the horses are fed, clean, rested and ready to go in their classes. She makes sure each rider wears the correct number on her back and knows where to be, at what time. She sets up a schedule of who’s going in which classes, and then “it’s off to the races!”

Gordon likes the way the riders support each other. She tries to avoid having friends show against each other. She’ll also have her young riders watch a division the year before they show in it, so they can see what’s required. “I give my riders advice at the in-gate,” Gordon said. “I don’t scream from the sidelines. I give them a pep talk, which focuses on the goals they plan to achieve. My kids practice showmanship and ring management — how to be seen by the judge, how to avoid

CORBETT CLEANUP

Members to the Swamp Things 4x4 Club recently held a cleanup at the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in association with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission and another Jeep club. A family-oriented club, the Swamp Things get together for frequent trail rides and community volunteer work. Other projects include a beach cleanup day and bringing holiday cheer to pediatric patients at Palms West Hospital. Pictured above, Swamp Things members take a break from the cleanup.

Shulamit

Hadassah To

Meet Feb. 24

Shulamit Hadassah’s Wellington chapter will host its first-ever networking event on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the community room adjacent to Palm Beach County FireRescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington). The event begins at 5 p.m. and is open to members, their spouses and non-members.

The evening has three goals. The first is for attendees to learn how to network. The second goal is for Hadassah members and their significant others to meet each other and members of the community. The third goal is to raise funds for the extraordinary work of Hadassah focused on medicine and health, education, youth and the future, and the environment. Hadassah changes lives one person at a time.

Linda Barnette of ProActive Training & Consultants will discuss developing a game plan to maximize the benefits of attending a networking event. Through the course of the evening, attendees will get to know each other and network with one another.

Toojay’s Gourmet Deli and Strathmore Bagels have generously donated light refreshments that will be served. The registration fee is $12 for Hadassah members and $18 for non-members.

RSVP by Feb. 23 to Sue at

Temple Is It For Sale?

continued from page 2 tions about ways to restrict uses in case of its sale. Scher interrupted the discussion, waving prior memos from Kurtz and asking council members why they were going over covered territory. “We’ve had two different occasions to discuss other uses for this property,” he said. “We’ve had the engineer tell us that the property there is not adequate for waste removal. We had attorney

(561) 312-8310 or friedsuz@ yahoo.com.

Seniors Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

The lads and lassies of the Wellington Seniors Club will be kickin’ up their heels at the Wellington Community Center on Sunday, March 29 starting at 6 p.m. as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Bring your own libations and the club will supply setups. Enjoy a delicious corned beef and cabbage buffet dinner with apple strudel dessert, catered by Hilary’s of Royal Palm Beach. Dance to the marvelous melodies of the Lou Wills Trio and enjoy a few surprises as well.

The cost for this wonderful evening is $20 for members and $30 for guests. For reservations and table arrangements, call Joan Kahler at (561) 798-9052.

Merriman Stimulus Money

continued from page 5 ing at such an alarming rate and the millage rate can only be increased to the rollback rate, practically speaking, and it still does not generate nearly as much money as we need to continue even at the rate we are going this year.”

Merriman said county staff

Kurtz in here specifying as to how you convert surplus property. He’s also delineating in here how you can sell it. You can do it by bid, you can do it by designating a buyer. You can do it any way you choose to do it. But we’ve gone through this process three times to get us here, to have this declared surplus property.”

Scher acknowledged that he was looking at the situation from a business rather than a municipal perspective, but cautioned that in the current economy, a bank would be reluctant to loan for anything higher than appraised value, and more likely below

trouble. It’s not the color of the ribbon you win; it’s how well you perform as far as your ability that’s important. A show should be safe and fun, and a learning experience. It takes a village of people to make a horse show work, including riders, parents, coaches and spectators.”

Gordon said she wishes trainers would remember that there are only so many shows in the greater scheme of life. Mistakes are always going to happen, but you shouldn’t focus on the bad. Any mistake affords a learning experience, and a horse show should always be fun for both the kids and adults.

And then there’s politics. “Politics have always and will always be a part of showing,” Gordon sighed. “In jumper classes, not so much, because results are based on time and jumping faults. But hunter classes are judged more subjectively, including the judge’s personal opinion about a horse’s way of going.”

Gordon does allow that the number of judges is limited. “Sometimes you see a judge judging a horse that he’s sold to that trainer,” she said. “It’s not pretty, it’s not fair, but it happens. From 4-H shows to the Olympics, there are politics involved. And you know what? It’s not a bad thing for kids to learn that life’s not always fair.”

After the show, there’s just as much work to be done: packing everything up and hauling it back to the barn, cleaning everything, unbraiding the horses’ manes and tails, rubbing the horses down and bandaging their legs, sending the show clothes off to the cleaners, putting them away until the next time.

“Showing is a lot of fun,” Gordon said. “It brings people together in a very positive way. There’s nothing better than watching a horse and rider come together as one as they face that first line of jumps in a show ring.”

Minto More Homes

continued from page 1 ketable for the benefit of the residents there and the whole community. I think both the Village of Royal Palm Beach and Minto has an investment in this.”

Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said Minto would create additional lots by downsizing many of the development’s larger singlefamily estate lots. The number of lots measuring 55 to 60 feet wide would increase from 41 to 301, while the number of lots 65 to 70 feet wide would drop from 238 to 127, and the number of those wider than 70 feet would drop from 164 to 71.

Malefatto showed a photo of the limited amount of development that has taken place in the north end of the property, showing that the 55-foot lots had sold the most.

“The larger 65-, 75- and 80-foot lots have not moved as quickly as Minto would have hoped,” he said, “so we anticipate this trend to continue, which is why we’re looking to downsize the number of larger lots and increase the number of 55-foot lots.”

In addition, Malefatto said, Minto has changed the design of the homes, which will be presented to the council next month, including ten new home models showing more diversity and more appeal for the market as a whole.

Minto has also committed to complete the clubhouse and recreational facilities at the project earlier than required, Malefatto said. Previously, it had to complete the recreational facility by the

is keeping close watch on the allocation of the stimulus package money signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday.

“We had a meeting with Congressman [Ron] Klein this afternoon, and the congressmen and senators will be working closely with all the counties and cities in Florida to insure that our fair share of the stimulus money comes to the State of Florida and to the counties and to the cities,” he said.

that, while the temple would gladly pay the appraised price.

“Let’s make a decision,” he said. “What else would you possibly want to put there that would make any more sense than what we want to do?”

Benacquisto cautioned Scher that by deliberating on uses and sales processes, the council was taking steps that would ensure that the property would become the site of a development the community would welcome.

“If we don’t do that, we just open up ourselves to anyone,” she said. “You’re going

175th certificate of home occupancy.

“What we’re agreeing to do as a condition of approval is to lower that number to 140 home COs or one year from tonight,” Malefatto said. “By Feb. 19, 2010, hopefully, we will have pulled — not hopefully, we will have pulled the CO for the recreational facility.”

Malefatto said construction of the recreational facility has already begun. “That’s a $4 million commitment by Minto Communities,” he said. “That’s a significant commitment to the residents and hopefully to spur the market to the extent we can.”

Another condition Minto agreed to was to cap the number of developments at 499, Malefatto said.

Councilman David Swift said he was at first reluctant to approve increased density.

“The mayor’s and my history is that we have, since we’ve been in office, really tried to reduce density,” he said. “This has been a big deal, and the reason it has been a big deal is back in the mid-80s, Royal Palm Beach was the fastest-growing city in Florida. We had a lot of people urging the council to increase density. We’ve

Madrid No Plans To Open

continued from page 1 dawned on them whether it would be a huge benefit to them or not.”

Swift said he personally objects to the connection because most of the traffic would go past his own home on Madrid Street.

“It affects me directly,” Swift said. “My neighbors felt the same way. They felt they live in a quiet neighborhood, and suddenly changing the planning to accommodate people from someplace else getting someplace quicker, you are basically sacrificing your community for that transportation thing, and I’m not for that.”

RPB Planning & Zoning Commission Member Jackie Larson, another La Mancha resident, said residents voiced their opinions three years ago when the council was reviewing a series of improvements

to be competing with people who want to build a daycare center, who want to build a convenience store, and I respect that you’re eager and anxious, but if we’re going to craft a process, it has to be a process that gets the best result.”

Noting the temple’s frustration, Priore made a motion to declare the property surplus, but it died for lack of a second.

By consensus, the council directed village staff to prepare a written recommendation and specifics on declaring the property surplus, as well as its potential uses and a sales process.

fought that for a long, long time, so when this proposal first came before me, I was very reluctant to do it. However, I looked at the economy, and what they’re asking for, 56 new homes. If you build 56 new homes in the next three years, God bless you and I hope you can.”

Swift also said he would like to see people getting back to work. “I know you use local contractors, and I don’t see it being a traffic concurrency problem if the state doesn’t see it, that’s why I’m supporting it,” he said. “I think the developer is trying to make a case of building out a piece of property that could very well lie vacant.”

Vice Mayor Fred Pinto said he was also skeptical when he first heard about the proposal. “Managing density is something that is very high in my list of priorities,” he said. “After having the opportunity to meet with you and hear the whole story, I think you used the term ‘partner’ earlier, we have as much at stake here as you, the developer. We really want to see this project come to a successful completion. It appears you retooled your strategy to refocus for what the market conditions are.”

to roads in the La Mancha neighborhood, including paving, drainage, landscape, bike paths, sidewalks and roundabouts to calm traffic.

“It was a tremendous project,” Larson said.

But despite the traffic circles, Larson said, commuters from outside the neighborhood take a short cut through La Mancha, often at high speeds.

“As the residents, we have more traffic than is our own, a lot of speeding, cut-through traffic,” she said. “We believe that connection will only make it worse. These streets are designed for this neighborhood only.” Larson said the convenience of a connection would not be worth the cost to the neighborhood and feels that a majority of the La Mancha residents share her opinion. But at least one resident said a connection would make his life easier. Resident Israel Agosto lives on La Mancha Avenue. To get to work, Agosto currently drives north on La Mancha

Blotter continued from page 6 covered that someone entered the house through a rear sliding door. Stolen from inside were a Sony PlayStation 3 game system, four video games, a laptop computer and an Xbox game system. The PlayStation’s cord was located in the back yard. A partial latent print was recovered from the sliding door. The total amount of stolen property was valued at approximately $1,600. FEB. 18 — A Lake Worth man was arrested Wednesday night following a traffic accident in Wellington. Accord-

Pinto also pointed out that the project originally received initial approval from the county, before the property was annexed into the village.

“You chose to become part of the village, and we’re really glad that you made the decision, and we’re glad that you are part of the village,” he said.

Pinto said that moving the project forward will help preserve the value of existing homes in the community, and asked Malefatto if he was confident that the restructuring would help Minto in the current economy. “The folks at Minto thought about this long and hard, and they certainly believe this going to help,” Malefatto said.

Councilwoman Martha Webster said she thought it good that the developer adjusted the project based on the market.

“We don’t need any projects that we can’t do anything with,” she said. “We all want it to succeed because we all succeed.”

Pinto made a motion to approve the application, which was seconded by Webster. It passed unanimously.

Avenue and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. through The Acreage, west on Orange Blvd., north on Coconut Blvd., and back east about seven miles on Northlake Blvd. before cutting back northwest on the Beeline to complete his trek to Sikorski.

“That’s a lot of miles I put on my car, you know?” Agosto told the Town-Crier Tuesday.

Agosto said he has to be sure and leave before 6:30 a.m. because La Mancha and Madrid boulevards have traffic issues early in the morning that he feels would be relieved by a Madrid connection to the SR 7 extension. In addition, Agosto said he would like to see work on the SR 7 extension continue to Northlake Blvd. “I thought it was going to go all the way across to Northlake, which would have been better,” he said.

County officials have said they expect the extension to be open to traffic in March or April.

ing to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation responded to a location on 160th Trail South regarding a possible motor vehicle accident. The deputy met with the driver, 34-yearold Manuel Cervantes of Lake Worth, who said he drove his vehicle off the road and it became stuck in soft dirt. The deputy ran a computer check of Cervantes and learned that there was an outstanding warrant for Cervantes’ arrest for violation of parole relating to a DUI charge. Cervantes was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail.

(Above and below) Some of the riders from Gateway Stables in Lake Worth.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! The Fun Is Back, At Least For Me Anyway

Is it my imagination or are things starting to pick up around here?

The last two years have been less than exhilarating, even for me personally. National politics aside, there were family emergencies, medical nightmares, financial concerns and an all-around lack of fun.

Lately, some of the fun is trickling back.

A lot of the general trouble can be traced to politics and government. Maybe we should separate them — like church and state — because they just don’t seem to mix. I think it’s supposed to be that way anyway. “Play politics” until you get elected, then quit playing. Please. Family emergencies seem to plague any family that is involved, energetic and busy. Sooner or later, all that activity is bound to lead to things like scheduling conflicts, hurt feelings, broken bones — it’s all in a day’s

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

work for the busy family. My bunch had its fair share, but we survived and we’re stronger for it, right?

The medical nightmares were my own fault. Although I felt fine, I decided to get checked out so I’d be at 110 percent for my daughter’s wedding. I went on a diet, started an intensive exercise program and saw my general practitioner and dentist. Here’s the thing about doctors — they like to refer you to special-

ists. Soon I was seeing a dermatologist (to learn I don’t have skin cancer) and going to physical therapy three times a week (to correct a reaching motion I never do anyway).

The good news? I’m in perfect health.

The bad news? The aforementioned “financial concerns.”

Since when is it a good idea to incur a raft of medical bills while paying for a destination wedding? It soon became abundantly clear that my destination through this wedding would be the poorhouse. I had a plan, but it involved credit cards. Take it from me, you’re better off selling your car and all your furniture and sitting on a street corner selling oranges than you are saying “charge it.” At least that’s what I always told my children. I should’ve listened to myself.

Yet, as I said at the top, things are looking up. The new guy is taking a stab at govern-

ment; the family emergencies are under control; I’m in perfect health according to a bevy of high-priced experts; and I’ve finally sold enough oranges to pay off my MasterCard. Usually when things are going this well, I blow it all by going to Disney World. But because I am now being fiscally responsible, I’ll just go to Downtown Disney. There’s no admission charge and I can stroll the avenue darting into shops to see what’s new, maybe munching on a caramel apple. I’ll go to House of Blues for dinner or take in a movie at the multiplex. I’ll fight the same traffic going home as those who are wearing mouse ears, and yet I’ll have enjoyed the Disney experience for less than half the price.

My relatives up north are so sick of hearing about Disney that I’ll keep it to myself, but if you listen, you can hear me softly humming “It’s a Small World.” The fun is back.

Bad-Guy Bankers In Thriller ‘The International’ Underwhelming

The International is one of those movies that could have been very good, very powerful and very popular. Instead, it wastes great scenery and attractive actors on a far-fetched plot, morally ambiguous characterizations and a variety of slow-moving set pieces.

The idea that bankers can be really bad guys should be a popular one right now, considering their role in destroying our economy. In The International, the big shots at the badguy bank go a lot further. They finance revolutions in Africa. Why? One of the key characters explains that they want to own the debt that will result.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Combined with ear-shattering music that points the way to classic confrontations, it only creates classic letdowns in this movie. For example, three of the good guys trailing the assassin move around him as the music rises to a crescendo to mark his crossing of Park Avenue in Manhattan. I know crossing streets in New York is dangerous, but in that sequence nothing more happens.

Once you get past the fact that the bank is risking all its deposits and the careers of all its top leaders to buy special missile guidance systems that will not really work, hiring assassins almost seems normal.

Most of the movie is very slow moving.

Director Tom Tykwer is famous for shots that soar over the architecture of different cities.

As a former economics major, I wonder if that is the same debt that banks wind up writing off as regularly reported in the news. Perhaps I could get some bank to take on mine and write it off. Actually, most of the skullduggery in real life has to do with gaining control of key resources. Also, the amount of money involved would likely not break a major bank. But this is the movies, so who cares?

Shortly thereafter the real action comes in a set piece of shooting in the Guggenheim Museum. Since the architecture of the building is brilliant but the art plebian, watching the huge, overpriced and overvalued “art” being destroyed by bullets probably provides more pleasure than anything else in the film.

Armin Mueller-Stahl plays the most intriguing character, a former East German secret police colonel now working for the crazed capitalists of the bank. He is convinced to turn against his employers by a brief plea that

seems to focus on how he is betraying all the ideals of communism. The film works hard to show that the bad guys are not really all that different from the good. Leads Clive Owen and Naomi Watts go through their paces. Owen is sort of impressive as the one Interpol agent who thinks they should actually go after bad guys. I never quite figured out why Watts, as a Manhattan assistant district attorney, was involved. There is no chemistry between the stars, although for a pleasant change, a film actually has attractive male and female leads who don’t have a romance. That might be a first for movies. The film disappointed me greatly. It seemed to assume that clever camera angles, quick editing cuts and attractive stars could overcome a plot built on almost nothing. Real life often stinks. But movies are entertainment, and I prefer those where I can tell the difference between right and wrong.

I’m Trying To Kill Time Between NFL Season And Spring Training

At this time of year, I find myself in a state of uncertainty. The football season ended a couple of weeks ago with the so-called playing of the Pro Bowl game. I call it the socalled playing because most of the players don’t seem to be playing at the level they are capable of. I really don’t blame them — why should they risk injury during a meaningless game? Oh, maybe for the suckers who paid for tickets to watch, and the couple of hundred or so folks who decided to watch the game on TV (myself included).

The Major League Baseball camps open only for pitchers and catchers this week, so for about two or three weeks (until the rest of the players report) I am lost on the weekends.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

anyone put the puck into the net.

I never enjoyed watching or playing basketball. I felt I was always too short for the game and just never developed an interest in it. But I will give TV credit where credit is deserved. Television follows the ball and the action very well in the game of basketball.

tube, I usually can watch the entire fight. If ice-skating is on, I click the remote as fast as I can. Sometimes track and field can keep my interest, but not all the time. It depends on what event is on TV as I am trolling with the clicker.

Almost every Sunday during the football season I go over to my grandson’s home to watch at least one football game. Before I leave my house, my phone always rings: it is one of my grandsons calling to remind me to bring the “beer” over to their house. Of course they are talking about root beer. During the game they watch countless ads for beer, so I decided a can of root beer during the game would be just what the doctor ordered. During football season, I go through at least a case of root beer a week.

My withdrawal pains will end on Feb. 28, the day Little League baseball begins in The Acreage. I will have it very “EZ” this season. Three of my grandsons are on the same team. This means I will only have to watch one game a day instead of two or three.

I can’t get into watching hockey on TV. The camera has a very hard time following the puck. Most of the time it can’t follow the puck at all. If not for replays, we would never see

I guess for the next week or so I will be clicking the remote ’til my fingers start hurting. I will try to watch golf, but that will only last for about five minutes. Tennis I might be able to take for ten. What passes for wrestling these days may be able to keep my interest for about half an hour.

Now if there is a good boxing match on the

So as you can plainly see, the stretch between the football and baseball seasons is a very trying time for me. I wish the NFL would start the football season a little later and end their season later. And of course I would like to see baseball start its season a little earlier. For the NFL this would be an easy adjustment. All they have to do is start their season three weeks later than they presently start. After all, who wants to play or watch football in the middle of the summer? Not I. The end of the summer is prime baseball season. Hopefully for everyone’s sake (especially the kids) we can have a drug-free baseball season this year. (I can dream, can’t I?)

DiSalvo Financial Services: Accounting Help And More

DiSalvo Financial Services is a full-service accounting and tax preparation firm committed to providing excellent customer service to our clients. We provide the following services:

• Individual/business tax preparation

• IRS representation

• Tax planning

• Bookkeeping/payroll services

• Business plan preparation

• Business consulting

• Non-resident tax returns

• Preparation of loan request packages

We know that there are many accountants who do a great job of crunching numbers and preparing tax returns, but not all accountants are business consultants. We add value to the relationship with our clients because we provide consulting and strategic planning services for individuals and businesses. We understand the importance of meeting with our clients on a regular basis to gain an understanding of their needs and customize the level of service.

Many accountants have the attitude of “no news is good news” from their clients. They respond and react to their clients when the need arises, usually when there is already a problem. Most businesses need a proactive consultant to address issues before they become problems. We realize that most business owners are so engaged in their day-to-day business operations and do not have time to address financial issues. That is where we step in. As former business owners, we take a business approach to tax planning and tax savings. We understand the issues that business owners face and are solutions-oriented.

At DiSalvo Financial Services, we are committed to taking a proactive, forwardlooking approach to tax and business planning. Through our comprehensive interview process, we are able to take a holistic approach to examine your current situation and help you determine how to achieve your financial goals.

DiSalvo Financial Services is a familyowned and operated business with over 35 years of professional experience. Our founder and managing director Patrick J. DiSalvo began his accounting career in the mid-1970s with an international public accounting firm. Throughout his career, he has owned three accounting firms and has also held executive positions in various operating businesses including real estate development, general contracting, mortgage banking, property management and title insurance. This executive experience is what sets DiSalvo Financial Services apart from other firms.

Mr. DiSalvo’s two children, Scott DiSalvo and Jill DiSalvo Fasel, have joined the firm and bring additional experience to the team.

Scott is a graduate of Florida State University with bachelor’s degrees in finance and real estate. Scott spent five years in various facets of the real estate business prior to joining the firm.

Jill DiSalvo Fasel is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in business administration. Jill worked in the banking business for six years as a vice president of residential lending and a private banker before joining the firm. Jill recently completed the professional coursework to become a Certified Financial Planner.

In today’s challenging economic environment, it is critical to have a trusted advisor that is fully engaged in your business to help you maximize your profits and minimize costs. We can help you optimize the efficiency of your business operations and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a free consultation.

The DiSalvo Financial Services team believes in supporting the local community. Patrick DiSalvo is a governor-appointed commissioner of the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County and is chair of the Finance Committee and Construction Oversight Committee for the new Lakeside Regional Medical Center, a 70-bed new replacement hospital in Belle Glade. Mr. DiSalvo is currently on the board of directors of Kids’ Dreams, a public charity dedicated to helping underprivileged children achieve their dreams. He has also served on the boards of Kiwanis and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

As part of its commitment to the community, DiSalvo Financial Services offers a 20-percent discount on income tax preparation to all individuals employed by Palm Beach County and local municipalities, including teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and Healthcare District personnel.

Call DiSalvo Financial Services today for an appointment at (561) 659-1177. The firm is located at 1760 N. Jog Road, Suite 150 in West Palm Beach.

Patrick J. DiSalvo

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

The Phantoms Recommend ‘Beehive’ At Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Relive the age of women’s music, with six amazing vocalists!

The 1960s was the era of women’s liberation, the British invasion and a generationdefining group that will often be imitated but never duplicated. Beehive relives this era by taking us back in time with women singers such as the Supremes, Shangri-Las, Leslie Gore, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and the incomparable Janis Joplin.

Beehive: The ’60s Musical Revue at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is two hours of total enjoyment, watching and listening to the six women whose singing, dancing and personalities move from the infectious innocence of the mid-’60s girl groups to life-changing events like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War and the civil rights and women’s movements. The Capri pants-clad performers cleverly introduced themselves to the words of “The Name Game” (“Marsha, Marsha, bo-Barsha…”), and from that point on we were back in the ’60s and loving every minute of the liberating girl groups and their beehive hairdos.

Beehive featured 50 top favorites in Act 1

including “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Where the Boys Are,” “One Fine Day,” “It’s My Party” and “The Beat Goes On.” Act 2 starts with British invasion acts such as Petulia Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu singing “Downtown,” “Wishing and Hoping,” “Don’t Sleep in the Subway” and “To Sir with Love.” Then it was Tina’s turn, followed by Aretha, and finally perhaps the best tribute to Janis Joplin at Woodstock was the song “Me and Bobby McGee,” sung by Bridget Beirne. We should also mention that Anastacia (Stacy) McCleskey’s Tina Turner, Felicia Boswell’s Annette Funicello, Autumn Hurlbert’s Petulia Clark, Lisa Estridge’s Aretha Franklin and Noel Molinelli’s Connie Francis and Lulu were all equally well performed.

The costumes, set and choreography, along with the excellent musical arrangements by Tom Frey and his orchestra, worked to perfection to relive simpler times and sing-a-long music that defines the ’60s! Although we can’t go back, it is sure fun to let a swarm of familiar songs buzz around your head for a couple of hours as you enjoy Beehive: The ’60s Musical Revue at Maltz Jupiter Theatre now through Feb. 22... don’t miss it!

It was gratifying to see that this highly anticipated show a sellout on opening night, a tribute to a great show which received a 100percent well-deserved standing ovation. There are still some seats available for a few performances, but hurry.

The next show at Maltz is Evita, showing March 17 through April 5… See you at the theater!

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is located at 1001 E. Indiantown Road in Jupiter. For tickets or information on upcoming performances, call (561) 575-2223 and please tell them that Joe and Kathryn, the Phantoms, highly recommended you call!

News flash: the 2009-10 Maltz Jupiter Theatre Season will feature Fanny Brice: The Real Funny Girl (Nov. 10-22), Lost In Yonkers (Dec. 1-13), La Cage Aux Folles (Jan. 12-31), Tintypes (Feb. 9-28) and Anything Goes (March 9-28).

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier newspaper, Palms West This Week and www.yournews.com. Comments and recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

Conor McPherson’s ‘The Weir’ Now At Palm Beach Dramaworks

West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, Palm Beach Dramaworks, continues its ninth anniversary season with Conor McPherson’s Olivier Award-winning play

The Weir. It is running now through April 5 at Palm Beach Dramaworks’ intimate downtown theater at 322 Banyan Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

The Weir is set in a small tavern in rural Ireland, where local men swap spook stories in an attempt to impress a young woman who recently moved into a nearby “haunted” house. The tables are soon turned when she tells a tale of her own, and an innocent evening soon becomes a night of personal revelation. Described as beautiful and devious, The Weir celebrates old-fashioned storytelling and guarantees to serve up more than chilling ghost stories about what goes bump in the night.

Resident director J. Barry Lewis directs the production featuring Frank Converse, Dennis Creaghan, Karl Hanover, Lena Kaminsky and Declan Mooney. The play will feature scenery designed by Michael Amico, costumes designed by Brian O’Keefe and lights designed by Joseph P. Oshry.

“Casting our productions is always a challenge, and this production brought its own set of unique parameters,” Producing Artistic Director William Hayes said. “With that said, we are thrilled to have secured the immensely talented Frank Converse, Dennis Creaghan, Karl Hanover, Lena

Kaminsky and Declan Mooney to Dramaworks.”

The Weir premiered in London in 1997. After a successful run in the West End, it opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway to critical acclaim. Conor McPherson won the Laurence Olivier Award in 1999 for

The Weir. Lauded by critics and audiences alike, The London Telegraph named McPherson “the finest dramatist of his generation.”

Nominated for three Tony Awards, the Irishborn playwright has found much success with his tales of lost souls and sacred feelings that bind friends. In 1998, McPherson won the Critics Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright. His other works include The Good Thief, Port Authority, Shining City and The Seafarer. Palm Beach Dramaworks is a non-profit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Performance times are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with select Sunday performances at 7 p.m., Friday matinees at 3 p.m. and regular matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are $42 for evening performances and $40 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theater is located in the heart of downtown

Olive Avenue and Banyan Blvd. Contact the box office at (561) 514-4042 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Blvd. between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue. Parking is offered across the street for a nominal fee, or in the City Garage on the corner of

Cast members of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s production of Beehive

PHOTO COURTESY SHEL SHANAK

Cast members Karl Hanover, Declan Mooney and Frank Converse in The Weir .

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NEW 2008 CADILLAC STS

$36,073 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE

$55,442 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2008 CADILLAC DTS

$33,322 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2009 CADILLAC CTS

$29,186 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2007 CADILLAC CTS (DEMO) $24,984 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE

$29,475 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2009 BUICK LUCERNE

$21,956 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2008 PONTIAC G6 $16,843 - 1-800-876-6788

NEW 2009 PONTIAC G8 SEDAN

$28,025 - 1-800-876-6788

SELL YOUR VEHICLE HERE CALL PALMS WEST THIS WEEK AT793-7606 TODAY!

USED 2008 CHEVY IMPALA

$10,984 - 1-800-876-6788

USED 2001 OLDS INTRIGUE

$4,984 - 1-800-876-6788

USED 1997 CHEVY ¾ TON EXT. CAB PICK-UP $4,684 - 1-800-8766788

USED 2005 FORD FOCUS $5,984 1-800-876-6788

USED 2008 CHEVY MALIBU

$10,984 - 1-800-876-6788

USED 2007 CHRYSLER 300 $13,984 - 1-800-876-6788

USED 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX $6,984 - 1-800-876-6788

PLATTNER’S BELLE GLADE isit us at BELLEGLADEGM.COM

2002 FORD F350 - Triton V10 engine, supercrew cab, toolbox, bedliner, towing package. Great condition. Must see, 93,000 miles. $7500.00 OBO. Call Will at 561236-4573

1998 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCK — Green 124,000 + miles 8 cylinder. big tires, hitch. $3,795 firm. 315-1508

2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEEleather, cruise control, great/reliable automobile. Good condition. $5,200 561-202-5388

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic and check it out. Mint condition. $3500 (561) 793-5569 or (917) 4943422

1990 RED MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE — mint condition incl. hard top. New clutch, tune-up in excellent condition. Great on gas. (561) 793-5569 OR (917) 494-3422

$2,500

CALL 793-7606 TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!