Town-Crier Newspaper February 22, 2008

New Manager Begins NewManagerBegins

Shifting V Village S illageStaftaff f

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Village Manager

Paul Schofield, in office only a week, is instituting major changes in the organization of village staff.

Schofield said he is creating a director of operations position that will be filled by John Bonde, the onetime Indian Trail Improvement District administrator hired by the village several years ago.

“The most significant is the creation of director of operations, which with all the operational departments under Mr. Bonde, I believe is a better utilization of his time and talents,”

Schofield told the Town-Crier “Given the fact that we are currently without a public works director and are using a contract engineer, we will be making use of Mr. Bonde’s administrative talents.”

Bonde, formerly the village’s community liaison officer, will be in charge of the Environmental and Engineering Services, Community Services and Leisure Services departments. The Community Liaison Office that Bonde formerly headed will be closed, and its personnel redistributed to other departments.

Schofield said he would also recommend doing away with

his own former position as community services director, a job created for him by former manager Charlie Lynn.

Meanwhile, Francine Ramaglia’s role as director of financial and administrative services will be expanded to include the task of economic development, but the Information Technology and Employment Services departments previously under her control will now report directly to Schofield.

Schofield said Bonde’s expertise will be invaluable as the village’s director of operations because he has the skills to step into that role fairly quickly. “The advantage is he is an existing employee who is knowledgeable of both our city and our operations,” Schofield said.

Since the departure of longtime village engineer Gary Clough last year, the village has retained engineer Craig Unger as director of environmental and engineering services on an interim basis.

“We did ask him several months ago if he would be interested in the job, and he said no,” Schofield said. “He had a business he was going to run, but agreed to help us out during our transitional period. However, Craig’s not here, by his own choice, for the long run.”

Schofield said the restructur-

See SCHOFIELD, page 9A

s Spar Over SparOver Air Quality AirQuality

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

More than a dozen speakers voiced complaints about the Florida Power & Light power plant under construction near 20-Mile Bend during a Feb. 14 public hearing in Royal Palm Beach by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on the unit’s air construction permit application.

While a group of protesters talked to local media before the meeting, most did not stay for the presentation or public comment.

However, on Monday more than 100 protesters turned out for a demonstration in front of the FPL construction site on Southern Blvd. near Palm Beach Aggregates. Many taped themselves together, shutting down traffic in both directions for several hours before deputies

cleared the road, according to protester and Acreage resident Alex Larson.

“I was there about four hours,” Larson told the TownCrier Monday. “The kids were just fantastic. Some of them duct-taped themselves together. There were people taking pictures of our tags and of us. About 25 of my friends were arrested,” she said, adding that she was not arrested, but allowed to leave by deputies.

Larson also spoke at last week’s meeting, telling DEP officials that the FPL plan to store 12.6 million gallons of diesel on the site and running a 35mile natural gas pipeline past the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and the Palm Beach Aggregates rock mine “is insane.”

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s when the disaster happens, be-

See PLANT, page 46A

YOUTHFEST PARADE IN RPB

Saturday, Feb. 16 was opening day for Royal Palm Beach Youth Baseball, and the season kicked off with the annual Youthfest Parade along Okeechobee Blvd. The parade included more than 50 floats. Each team in the league created a float based on the theme “College Game Day.” A record 535 boys and girls registered this year. Pictured above, Antonio Rivera, Anna Campos and Esther Reyna clean up candy wrappers.

PHOTOS, PAGE 19A

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The mother of a special-needs student at Cypress Trails Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach urged the Royal Palm Beach Village Council Thursday to press the Palm Beach County School Board for a muchneeded modernization plan for the school.

Maxine Sutherland also urged fellow parents to attend the school board’s Feb. 27 meeting, when the board is expected to vote on the construction of a new elementary school on Marginal Road, directly east of

the Okeeheelee Golf Course and Florida’s Turnpike and south of Southern Blvd. in unincorporated Palm Beach County.

Sutherland, secretary of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization executive board, told the council that as many as 300 Royal Palm Beach students could be bused to the new school.

“They’re taking 300 kids from our school and taking them to a faraway area,” Sutherland said. “But whether they build a new school or not, Cypress Trails needs to be renovated. It must be updated.” Built in 1989 to serve approx-

imately 600 students, Cypress Trails has a current enrollment of approximately 865 students. Sutherland offered a copy of her Jan. 28 letter to County Commissioner Jess Santamaria complaining of conditions at Cypress Trails, as well as Santamaria’s Jan. 29 letter in turn to School Board Chairman Bill Graham. “I urge you to seriously re-evaluate the needs of Cypress Trails Elementary and remedy their critical situation in the immediate future,” Santamaria wrote.

Sutherland said Cypress Trails is one of three elementa-

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Council Candidates Spar At Seniors Club Forum

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

All eight candidates in the race for three contested seats on the Wellington Village Council introduced themselves to members of the Wellington Seniors Club at a forum on Wednesday.

First to speak were the mayoral candidates, challenger Darrell Bowen and incumbent Tom Wenham.

Bowen, president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, said he wants to bring a fresh, businesslike approach to the way council conducts its affairs.

“I will bring strong leadership and management skills in a businesslike way. With my skills at working with million-dollar budgets, I would get rid of those items that are not carrying their weight and reduce spending without cutting services. Another thing I would bring to the mayorship is my strong customer-service background. Customer service has to be first and foremost. When we all go to the village to pay our utility bills, pull permits or sign up for recreation programs, we want to feel we got good value for our money.”

Bowen said the village’s seniors have also been given short shrift on a variety of issues, such as housing and transportation and their expressed desire for a senior center. “We have been talking about that for the last ten years,” Bowen said. “It’s time we did something. I think our senior population has

been underserved in the past. I will work to change that.”

Wenham told the seniors that village services and finances are in strong shape. He noted that the council had recently approved an assisted-living facility for seniors, while admitting it was long overdue. “It took some work and some negotiating, but it’s done,” he said.

Wenham also said the village must continue to guard its open land, such as golf courses and fields in the village’s Equestrian Preserve Area.

“We need to address growth management,” Wenham said. “There is vacant land. If we

don’t watch it, the developers will come here and take over the golf courses. I am concerned about the land in the Equestrian Preserve Area, particularly with the 15- and 20-acre parcels. I think that most of you have lived here for a large amount of time, and you recognize the open space and what it means to this community. It is vital to the community, and I think it has to be preserved. We, as the council, are the final decision-makers. The buck stops with us.”

Wenham said voters should elect a mayor with a proven track record on issues such as growth and land management.

“Stability in government is important,” he said. “Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We need steady leadership. The residents of Wellington know they can count on it. We need someone with institutional knowledge and experience. I am that person.”

Duane Christensen, a retired businessman, wasted no time in charging that his opponent for Seat 1, incumbent Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore, refuses to listen to the will of the people. Christensen cited Priore’s vote on the failed Hospitality Shoppes project as an example.

“I base my observation with the research project that the village undertook and paid for a couple of years ago,” Christensen said. “In this survey, the concern on most people’s minds was the overbuilding in many shopping centers and too much commercial everywhere. In spite of that, he voted on the shopping center on South Shore Blvd. Two committees, the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and the Equestrian Committee, voted against it. He voted for it.”

Another Priore vote in favor of development, Christensen said, was a council resolution supporting Callery-Judge Grove’s “new town” proposal west of The Acreage. “He voted for the developer to have the right to go ahead and develop this land,” Christensen said.

“This developer went to Wellington and to the folks in the western communities and asked their support. Not one other community favored it. The mayor is the only other council member who voted against it.”

Priore countered that he supported the Hospitality Shoppes proposal because it would have created an assisted-living facility, which would generate little traffic.

“When the Equestrian Committee and the zoning board heard the request of the petitioner,” Priore said, “they were asking for 100,000 square feet of commercial space. By the time the village council received it, it was 30,000 square feet. It was exactly the amount they were allowed there. It was a use by right. What I voted for was an assisted-living facility to be placed on that site. I don’t mind being accused of increasing density by allowing an assisted-living facility.”

Priore also noted that he sat on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, which had given Callery-Judge a thorough

and favorable review. “They were going to provide jobs, schools, parks and roads,” he said. “The alternative was the sector plan. That plan provided nearly the same commercial, and the same number of homes. It did not contain any provisions for roads or schools. The traffic also would go into CalleryJudge, and not out of it and go down Forest Hill Blvd.”

Priore noted that he had lowered the millage rate from 2.7 to 2.34 in his time on the council, and while taxes had been lowered, the village would be facing some tough economic times ahead. “That’s what you grew up with,” Priore said. “Tightening our belts and living within our means. We are going to be able to. I will get re-elected, and I will carry that message back to council.”

Lawyer Howard Coates, first to speak among candidates for the open Seat 4, noted he was the only one to have filed before incumbent Councilwoman Laurie Cohen declined to seek re-election. Coates said he was probably the only candidate who both lives and works in the community, and said the reason he decided to run was that he felt growth and traffic had gotten out of hand.

“I am an individual who is committed to preserving the quality of life for the residents and the commercial enterprises and the businesses that need Wellington to thrive and prosper,” Coates said. “The reason I decided to run was I saw things slipping through the cracks. You only have to look at Forest Hill Blvd. from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at night. Without casting stones, I think it is clear that something is wrong. We need to look no further than the memorials at our intersections. We have to do things to manage growth. The businesses are also struggling. We have to have a vision as to what kind of development we want on [State Road 7], and how it will affect the interior of our community. That is what I will bring to the table.”

Seat 4 candidate Tim Shields, a professor at Nova Southeastern University, said the village must do more to address and embrace its senior population and make them feel like they are a component of the community. Shields also said the village should reach out to neighboring communities and establish better communications with them.

“We need to partner with our neighbors,” he said. “Health and

Mayoral Candidates — Challenger Darell Bowen (left) and incumbent Tom Wenham (right) at Wednesday’s Wellington Seniors Club forum. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

A Mayor should have strong leadership skills, a strong background in management with experience in budgeting, planning, and customer service, and a firm commitment to the community. Darell Bowen has all these qualities.

Darell has owned two successful businesses in Wellington. Darell’s experience managing nearly 200 employees, preparing multi-million dollar budgets, planning and charting the growth and success of his businesses has prepared him to lead the Village. Quality customer service has been the cornerstone of his business success.

Darell will bring his much needed business experience, new leadership and fresh ideas to our Village Council.

Our Opinion Environmental Activists: A Useful Message Delivered Poorly

Monday’s protest against the Florida Power & Light plant under construction near 20-Mile Bend had all the ingredients of a media circus: theatrical demonstrators, a swarm of sheriff’s deputies and miles of angry motorists trapped in gridlock. Led by members of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition and Earth First!, protesters attempted to halt construction of the plant by blocking the entrance to nearby Palm Beach Aggregates, from which FPL bought the land. Not surprisingly, the protests yielded only negative results; more than two dozen demonstrators were arrested, and construction of the plant remains on schedule.

Although most of the demonstrators behaved lawfully, it is the actions of their more flamboyant counterparts that will be remembered — and that’s not a good thing. Environmentalism is a cause that has grown increasingly popular over the past few years, and there are many people who were sympathetic to the concerns of Monday’s protestors. However, much of that sympathy eroded each minute a motorist sat idling on Southern Blvd. To them, the protestors’ message was “my right to free speech is more important than your right to conduct your daily business.” If their intent was to gather public support (as it should be), the demonstrators failed. If their purpose was to save the environment from the “River of Gas,” as one protest banner read, all the extra carbon monoxide emitted by idling traffic rendered that mission unaccomplished. With more development plans looming, public support is a crucial asset in the long term. Ironically, one of the more contentious proposals in play involves the

Cast Knowledgable

Votes On March 11

I have made the same plea in the past and will continue to do so while there is a continuing need. This plea is for Wellington citizens to both be certain to vote on March 11 and to vote with a knowledge of the candidates’ governing experiences along with their position on a broad range of issues.

very land the protestors occupied — Palm Beach Aggregates. The mining company plans to build homes on the 1,200 acres it owns along Southern Blvd. west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. After withdrawing its request for annexation into Wellington four years ago, Palm Beach Aggregates received a questionable residential rezoning from the county, a move spearheaded by former county commissioner Tony Masilotti, who now sits in a jail cell because of illegal land deals. The Florida Department of Transportation is conducting a feasibility study regarding the widening of Southern Blvd. due mainly to this project. Meanwhile, residents of Loxahatchee Groves and the surrounding communities are rightly concerned about the effects such development would have on the area’s resources and traffic patterns. One way forward is to place the project on the county’s proposed overlay plan, which would replace its stillborn sector plan as a blueprint for future development in the rural area. Either way, it’s something that will require broad public support, not just from so-called “activists.”

The right to free assembly and free speech is guaranteed in the United States Constitution, but those rights are restricted when they begin to infringe on the rights of others — and Monday’s protesters infringed on those rights. Given the serious development issues facing county residents, environmental activists would do well to keep everyone’s interests in mind, not just those of their cause. If they really care about being heard, they first need to learn how to speak. If you want more people to walk with you, don’t step on their toes.

Letters To The Editor

It bothers me to no end to listen to or read about candidates who promise us solutions to everything and yet have made absolutely no contributions to the running of Wellington, or other municipalities. They talk in generalities and platitudes without offering concrete and financially balanced solution recommendations, and never have had to publicly take a stand, whereby definition,

TOWN-CRIER

Your Community Newspaper

Serving The Palms West Communities For 28 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc.

12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31

The Original Wellington Mall Wellington, Florida 33414

Phone: (561) 793-7606

Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 • Fax: (561) 793-6090

World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher DAWN RIVERA General Manager

some segment of the populace will be against their position. Previously un-elected candidates never have had to demonstrate an understanding that resolving complex issues is far from simple, and most often times means designing optimized solutions. The Wellington electorate needs to be seeking consensus-building “team players” who can get things done in the face of adversity and not be looking at long-shot “lone ranger” candidates who are looking toward individual and narrow-spectrum agendas. I applaud small municipal government officials who are in a position and have the courage to go back and revise previously made decisions when the criteria for those decisions has changed. Wouldn’t it be nice if our Congress would do the same thing?

lenge candidates to publicly take a stance on a broad range of positions near and dear to their own hearts.

For certain I’m endorsing [Councilman Dr. Carmine] Priore and [Mayor Tom] Wenham, and leaning toward [Dr. Fred] Van Dusen for their experience, for their leadership and for how they have managed our village’s complex issues in the past.

Joseph Manning Wellington

FP&L Protestors Were A Disruption

the lives of so many people?

Perhaps a woman in labor was attempting to get to the hospital. Perhaps there were hungry babies screaming in cars. Perhaps there were hungry, carsick pre-schoolers who couldn’t hold their urine anymore. Perhaps people trying desperately to make ends meet lost wages not being able to get to work.

Your method of protest was a disgrace. You had no right to block roadways. In doing so, you did more damage to the environment than the rest of us law-abiding citizens would have done were we able to go about our normal routines.

Alexandra Munley Royal Palm Beach

Reclaimed Water Should Benefit

JASON BUDJINSKI Community Editor MARK LIOI News Editor

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

WRITERS/ Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba • Lisa Keeney Steve Pike • Carol Porter • Leonard Wechsler

CONTRIBUTORS/ Don Brown • Jules Rabin • Deborah Welky • Ernie Zimmerman

ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez

ADVERTISING/ Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson

STAFF/ Betty Buglio • Shanta Daibee • Geri O’Neil

Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr. Copyright 2008, Newspaper Publishers Inc.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.

As a 30-year Wellington resident and senior, I personally am seeking and supporting candidates with known platforms for conserving our Wellington recreation-designated green space, growing and supporting our youth recreation programs and facilities, having a focus on programs to maintain property values and those with absolutely no connections or associations with land developers. These are my priorities, and I would encourage others to make them theirs as well. At a minimum, voters need to chal-

On Monday, Feb. 18, protestors to the proposed Florida Power & Light plant in Loxahatchee barricaded State Road 80, causing massive traffic problems in Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee. The air was rife with the smell of exhaust from the thousands of cars that idled on the roadways. Tens of gallons of extra gas were consumed, no doubt, as those vehicles were forced to travel many extra miles to get where they were going. How can you believe you did a good thing when you further damaged the environment?

On the bright side, maybe Al Gore can now make a movie about the starving animals at Lion Country Safari after a day’s profits were lost. Why was it also necessary to disrupt

County Residents

All citizens within the area controlled by South Florida Water Management District should take a good hard look at other counties in southern Florida. Those areas with reclaimed water supplies are allowed to water lawns and other landscaping up to three days per week.

As this year’s drought worsens and future droughts are likely, it would behoove the taxpayers of Palm Beach County to lobby the county commis-

Beware Funeral ‘Pre-Need’ Contracts

During a time when scams are becoming increasingly evident in our society (i.e., identity theft), add “pre-need” funerals to the watch list. And if you are thinking of one, approach it with a jaundiced eye. According to a 2007 AARP survey, some 23 percent of older Americans have opted for the preneed possibility. Many regret the decision.

Pre-need — where you and/ or your spouse (or both) seek to ease your family’s financial burden and grief when you pass — pays for your funeral. Suddenly, when the time comes, what was set up to hedge against inflation and comfortably cover all funeral even-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

tualities does neither.

Some $18 billion is estimated to cover pre-need accounts today. The contracts are going up by $2 billion a year. As for charlatan tricks, perhaps the “casket chicanery” is the funeral equivalent of bait and switch — hence the casket, already paid for, is “not available.” Either they offer a casket of lesser value or seek to sell you a model at higher cost. And

where have we heard this before? Here are a few tips before you sign up. Think it over… putting money into a separate, dedicated funeral account keeps you in control

If you are investigating a preneed, bring a magnifying glass when reviewing the contract. Check out refunds should you change your mind or move. Are there any penalties involved? Are you fully covered, or are there charges for death certificates, clergy honoraria, newspaper notices… even the opening and filling of graves? Finally, make sure a lawyer or someone knowledgeable and trusted reviews any pre-need contract.

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: 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to 793-6090; or you can e-mail to letters@goTownCrier.com.

Moderate Candidate Like Margolis Needed For Elections Chief

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Palm Beach County politics — voters or office holders — who has an encouraging word for Supervisor of Elections Dr. Arthur Anderson — except maybe for U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (DBoca Raton), who got him elected four years ago because his constituents couldn’t figure out how to cast a ballot.

Rep. Wexler handpicked Dr. Anderson to run against former election supervisor Theresa LePore, who created the so-called “butterfly ballot” that confused voters in 2000 probably because it couldn’t be colored in with a crayon. Following that 2000 election, Rep. Wexler decided that President George W. Bush shouldn’t have won... and went about to seek retribution upon the only person he could find to punish.

Now folks, let me remind you that the election supervisor’s office by 2004 had become “nonpartisan” — that is to say you can be a member of the Throw the Bums Out Party and still be an eligible candidate. Rep. Wexler apparently figured that the Bums Party wasn’t nearly as reliable for him in the nonpartisan of-

Letters

continued from page 4A sion for expansion of the reclaimed water system such that more agriculture, golf courses, polo fields and homeowners benefit from this resource. As it stands, Palm Beach County will be directing most of this resource to the new Florida Power & Light power plant at 20-Mile Bend. You already pay for sewerage and the cleanup of the reclaimed water, should you not also benefit from the product?

Reclaimed water should be viewed as a resource, not a bother. I’ll gladly explain this further to anyone. Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Editor’s note: Dr. Louda is an environmental biogeochemist and professor

Lexima Drops Out Of Wellington Council Race

The race to claim Seat 4 on the Wellington Village Council shrank to four candidates this week with the withdrawal of Jean-Joseph Lexima.

Lexima, who filed papers with the village last month as a candidate for the council seat being vacated by Councilwoman Laurie Cohen, was said to be preoccupied by an illness in the family. He previously mounted an unsuccessful challenge to incumbent Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto in 2006.

Still in the race for Seat 4 are attorney Howard Coates, college instructors Timothy Shields and Fred Van Dusen, and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue worker Matthew Willhite.

fice as a Democrat, so he dredged up Dr. Anderson, whose legacy to date is that he has never run a glitch-free election during the four years he has been in office. There might still be voters sleeping on park benches somewhere in Palm Beach County awaiting an election result.

In walks term-limited-out State Rep. Susan Bucher (D-West Palm Beach), who has filed against Dr. Anderson. Rep. Bucher, one of the most partisan members of the State Legislature, has bigwigs in both parties nervous about her motives. Don’t forget that after the 2000 election, Ms. LePore changed her voter registration to independent in hopes of deflecting charges of partisan politics from the election office, which all parties depend on for accurate and timely results.

Many of my sources in both parties are hoping Wellington’s own Vice Mayor Bob Margolis might step up before the June filing period to challenge both Dr. Anderson and Rep. Bucher for the office. If he does, he’ll have plenty of support. Why? Because Vice Mayor

at Florida Atlantic University. He is also a member of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council.

Wellington’s Council Needs To Curb Spending

Did you ever wonder what the Wellington Village Council spends to support itself each year? I did, and so I consulted the 2007-08 fiscal year budget. Here’s what I found:

On page 90, the village council’s budget is listed as $750,072 (including one staff member). By village charter, the grand total of the members’ annual salaries is set at $19,200. Where does the rest of the money go? Well, when the citizens voted against increasing the members’ salaries twice, the council institut-

Panel On World Religions

To promote religious tolerance and understanding, St. Michael Lutheran Church is sponsoring a panel discussion of major world religions (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity) at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 at the Wellington Community Center.

WPTV’s Jim Sackett will be the guest moderator. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call (561) 7934999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com.

Aronberg To Speak At Chamber Luncheon

Effective Solutions Inc. will sponsor a one-of-a kind “Luncheon with the Senator” on Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Links

Margolis will have support among highlevel members of both the Democratic and Republican parties. The Democrats believe Rep. Bucher might be too partisan for the nonpartisan office. The Republicans believe Vice Mayor Margolis, a moderate Democrat, can build a winning coalition in the western communities of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves, which have more than 150,000 votes.

Many Democrats believe Vice Mayor Margolis might be the least obtrusive — perhaps most palatable — candidate among Dr. Anderson, Rep. Bucher and himself. Many Republicans agree.

Vice Mayor Margolis has reportedly told supporters he would not run for the election supervisor’s office and that he wishes to remain on the Wellington Village Council. However, he told me a couple of years ago that he did want to make a run for the office, hoping Dr. Anderson might relinquish the post. Whatever his reasons then, I believe he would receive widespread support in the western communities and in the south county area now. Given his reputation as a moder-

ed some nice expense accounts. Travel, I suppose, plus we get mailed an awful lot of glossy brochures with the council members’ picture featured on the front page.

But that is not all. On page 92, we find another $255,422 (staff of two) for “council and community relations.” That money is designated for answering communications between the council and residents, for neighborhood outreach and for monitoring the contract with the sheriff’s office. Then on page 102, we have another $728,182 (staff of eight) to “provide effective and efficient oversight and management of the council agenda process,” as well as providing a receptionist, distributing the mail and doing special projects for the Administrative and Financial Services Division. Finally, on

at Madison Green clubhouse in Royal Palm Beach. State Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) will be the guest speaker at this Wellington Chamber of Commerce event.

As the youngest member of the Florida State Senate, the 36-year-old Aronberg has already passed major consumer-protection legislation that safeguards residents’ privacy against identity theft and financial schemes.

Effective Solutions Inc. was formed in 1999 and is active in the representation of private owners and corporate entitles in political and governmental representation, land use, land development, real estate valuations and acquisitions, management of litigation, real estate management, construction, property and liability insurance and other management

Point of View...

By Don Brown

ate, I believe he would get support in the northern, coastal and southern parts of the county.

Some of my friends in both parties are encouraging him to run. For his part, Vice Mayor Margolis is staying mum on his plans at least until after Wellington’s municipal election in March (where he is not up for re-election). Said one highranking Democrat, “we know that Rep. Bucher has a tough reputation as a partisan, and we’d like someone a bit more friendly to both parties.” Another member of the Republican Party elite told me “Vice Mayor Margolis is someone we could support for the nonpartisan office.”

Are you listening, Vice Mayor Margolis?

page 103, we find $266,692 (staff of two) for the Wellington Information Network to “disseminate information on village operations… to residents [and village employees] and increase participation in government.” Maybe this last one does not belong to the council, but it sounds a lot like it is about getting the council’s message out.

So back to my original question: what does the village council spend on itself? I am not exactly sure, but it seems to be far in excess of $750,072 but less than $2,000,368. What I am sure of is that we need a local businessman like Darell Bowen on the council — someone who understands the value of our hard-earned money.

Colin Baenziger Wellington

concerns and needs. “Together with Mike Nelson and Effective Solutions Inc., we are most honored to bring the distinguished senator to this area,” said Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green.

The format for the luncheon will be a reception with Aronberg, followed by a legislative update, and an open forum allowing members and guests to interact with the honorary speaker.

The Links at Madison Green clubhouse is located at 2001 Crestwood Blvd. The cost to attend the luncheon is $15 for chamber members in advance, $20 for members at the door and $25 for nonmembers. RSVPs are required.

For more information, call the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at (561) 792-6525.

Man Arrested For Discharging Firearm In WellingtonNeighborhood

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

FEB. 18 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington arrested a man for discharging a firearm Monday afternoon on Old Hammock Way. According to a PBSO report, 38-year-old Florin Constantinescu of Wellington was found to have a fired a 9mm handgun at approximately 5:45 p.m. A caller reported witnessing Constantinescu in the street with the pistol. Several

CRIME NEWS CRIME NEWS

units responded and Constantinescu was taken into custody. According to the report, Constantinescu refused to comply with lawful orders and was taken to the ground. Constantinescu was charged with discharging a handgun inside village boundaries and resisting arrest without violence. He was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:

• Natalie Carswell, a.k.a. Natalie Mullings, is a black female, 5’6” tall and weighing 140 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 01/01/76. She has tattoos on her right arm/shoulder and back, and a scar on her right arm. Carswell is wanted for grand theft. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Briar Bay Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Carswell is wanted as of 02/21/08.

• Anthony Lozowski, a.k.a. Michael Lozowski or Anthony Moretti, is a white male, 5’5” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 07/30/64. He has a tattoo on his left arm. Lozowski is wanted for burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. His occupation is laborer. His most recent addresses were Sonoma Springs Circle in Lake Worth and Sparrow Trail in Royal Palm Beach. Lozowski is wanted as of 02/21/08. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crime stopperspbc.com.

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WHICH IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CONTENT.

FEB. 10 — An Acreage woman was arrested for shoplifting on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Toys ‘R’ Us store on State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, 26-year-old Amy Snyder refused to pay for items concealed in her purse at 1:56 p.m. According to the report, Snyder physically pushed a store employee who tried to detain her before a deputy arrived. A search of Snyder’s bag revealed store merchandise totaling $116.47. Snyder was charged with retail petty theft, resisting a merchant

and simple battery. She was transported to the county jail.

FEB. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach arrested an Acreage man on Sunday, Feb. 10 for driving under the influence. According to a PBSO report, the deputy observed a car driven by 35year-old Leonel Gonzales Pacheco almost hit a concrete wall on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. near La Mancha Avenue at approximately 2:55 a.m. Upon contact with Pacheco, the deputy detected the smell of alcohol on Pacheco’s breath and noticed that his eyes were glassy, according to the report. Pacheco failed a series of field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. He was transported to the county jail and his vehicle was towed.

FEB. 15 — A resident of Regal Court called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday regarding a theft. According to the victim, her Apple Macintosh mini computer was stolen from her bedroom sometime between

4 p.m. last Thursday and 8 a.m. the following morning. The computer is valued at approximately $700. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

FEB. 15 — A Wellington man was arrested and charged with drug possession last Friday while driving on Wellington Trace. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation pulled over 21year-old Donald Barth II for failing to obey a stop sign at approximately 6:30 p.m. Upon contact with Barth, the deputy discovered there was an active warrant for his arrest in Santa Rosa County. A search of Barth revealed three oxycodone pills in his wallet and drug paraphernalia in his car. The vehicle was towed, and Barth was taken to the county jail.

FEB. 16 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested for shoplifting last Saturday at the Macy’s department store in the

Miami Man Arrested At The Center Of Lox Marijuana Bust

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

FEB. 19 — A Miami man was arrested on Tuesday for his involvement in a ring of marijuana grow houses in Loxahatchee. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 45-year-old Miguel Fernandez was arrested after a 15-monthlong investigation that involved between $6.8 and $7.8 million

with of marijuana. During the investigation, numerous search warrants involving the SWAT Team were executed.

According to the report, Fernandez hired growers to run the houses, of which large portions were converted to accommodate the operations. Fernandez was charged with operating a criminal enterprise. He was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

Anthony Lozowski

Natalie Carswell

See BLOTTER, page 7A

RPB’s Lodwick Plans To Meet With WPB’s Frankel Over Roebuck Road

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick said Wednesday he is planning to meet with West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel sometime in the next two weeks in regard to her opposition to Palm Beach County’s plans to extend Roebuck Road from Jog Road west to State Road 7.

Frankel and other West Palm Beach officials have vowed to fight the county’s Roebuck Road extension plans on environmental grounds, saying the road is too close to the city’s water catchment area.

Residents of developments along Okeechobee Blvd., including River Walk, Baywinds and Andros Isle, are also opposing

Seniors Candidates Speak

continued from page 2A transportation issues cannot be addressed alone as a village.”

Shields also said the village should improve the lines of communication among its residents in various age groups. “We must work on creating a culture of learning for all age groups,” he said. “Teens can teach seniors how to webcam, and seniors can tell them about the Great Depression. Education spans the ages. Nothing is more powerful than education. The feeling of working together and cooperation is something we all need… If you want to work with me, I need your help. I need your vote. Together we can make a difference.”

Council hopeful Matt Willhite said his young son was part of his motivation for running for Seat 4. “I moved here over six years ago,” he said. “I have a son, and I am running for the council because I want to be here for his future. In these trying times, the village will see a lot of changes. I have the ability to get consensus. I can work with my fellow council members. I will work for you. With your support, we can look at a lot of things together, such as growth, the economy and the quality of life in the community… The biggest thing is public safety. I want to make sure we all have a safe and secure community.”

Willhite also said that while he supported the council’s recent approval of a senior housing development, the council must

Blotter

continued from page 6A Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 42year-old Minerva Rivera was caught by store security attempting to steal a pair of pants worth $74 at approximately 4 p.m. Rivera was transported to the county jail.

FEB. 18 — A Miami man was arrested on Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Monday for possession of cocaine with intent to sell and driving under the influence. According to a PBSO report, a caller informed a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington of an intoxicated motorist driving a green Jaguar. The deputy lo-

the extension. Those subdivisions won development approval from the county on a guarantee that Roebuck Road would be extended.

Royal Palm Beach officials and Palm Beach County officials, including County Commissioner Jeff Koons, say the Roebuck Road extension is needed to ease traffic congestion on Okeechobee Blvd.

Lodwick downplayed the suggestion that Royal Palm Beach preparing for a fight against Frankel and West Palm Beach.

“I certainly don’t view it as a fight,” he told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “All we’re asking for is that the City of West Palm Beach honor an agreement it signed in 1995. The city and the county sat down and agreed

do a lot more for its elder population. The younger members of the community would all be seniors one day, and they would need the services that their forebears should have already. “I want to thank the council for passing the agreement with Sunrise,” Willhite said. “This is a step forward for providing things for our community. This community is made up of young families now. They should not have to move out of Wellington.”

Dr. Fred Van Dusen, a criminal justice professor at Palm Beach Community College, touted his background in the military and criminal justice, saying he could draw on his experience working with multi-million-dollar budgets if elected to the council.

“One of the things I did and did on my own, while working

that in order for the city to allow development of all those homes along Okeechobee Blvd., they recognize there might be some environmental impact in the construction of Roebuck Road.”

As part of that 1995 agreement, Lodwick said the City of West Palm Beach has collected mitigation impact fees to help fund the Roebuck Road extension.

“The City of West Palm Beach has that money,” Lodwick said. “We’re just looking for the City of West Palm Beach to honor an agreement that’s been in place for 13 years.”

Lodwick said he and Frankel have “always had a cordial relationship.”

“We’re not looking for a fight,” he said.

in the government in New York, was develop a disaster plan,” he said. “My task was to move 1.2 million people after having been able to talk to five different counties. To set up shelters for 1.2 million people is a test. We here have hurricanes, and all of you know that is one of the worst things that can happen.”

Van Dusen also agreed that the needs of seniors must be counted more in a community that is aging rapidly. “One of the things that is necessary is that we provide more services for seniors,” he said.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. The Palms West Chamber of Commerce has also scheduled a forum at the community center on March 6.

cated the vehicle at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace at 10:52 p.m. Upon making contact with the driver, 27-year-old Matthew Shomer, the deputy searched his vehicle and found a small bag of cocaine, as well as 17 individually packaged bags of cocaine. Shomer was transported to the county jail and his car was impounded.

FEB. 18 — A resident of Sunrise View Lane called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 3 p.m., the victim told a deputy from the Wellington substation that he left his vehicle unlocked in his

2008 SF Fair Shatters Records

The 2008 South Florida Fair themed “Party with the Animals” will leave its paw prints for some time to come. Unaudited figures released this week reveal that 13 daily admission and revenue records were broken. Three are all-time fair records, including best-ever Sunday admission and midway revenue on Sunday, Jan. 27, as well as overall midway revenue of $3.56 million.

Reported total attendance at the 2008 South Florida Fair was 598,281, up from the previous mark of 586,550 reported in 2007. As usual, weather played a significant role. Opening weekend was greeted with near-perfect Florida winter skies, but rain doused the fair for four consecutive days from the first Sunday through Wednesday. After that, mostly clear weather welcomed fairgoers.

Patrons were treated to an increased entertainment offering that ranged from a popular Sea Lion Splash and Live Shark Encounter to an amazing Rainforest Adventure. Big crowds enjoyed a dazzling Flight of Dreams cirque-style show.

Plans are already underway for the 2009 South Florida Fair, which will take place Jan. 16 through Feb. 1. For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

State Rep. Shelley Vana To Speak At LGLA Meeting On Feb. 28

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. inside Classroom 1 at Palms West Hospital. Speaking at the event will be State Rep. Shelley Vana, who will give an update on legislative matters of concern to Palm Beach County, specifically the western communities. Also speaking will be a representative from the Audubon Society, who will discuss threatened and endangered birds in and around the western communities. For more information about the LGLA or the Feb. 28 meeting, call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

driveway and that a video camera was stolen from the floorboard.

FEB. 19 — A resident of Miramontes Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to the victim, he left his Land Rover unlocked in the driveway of his residence overnight Monday. When he returned to the vehicle at approximately 5:40 a.m. the following morning, the victim discovered several items were missing from inside, including two Canon cameras (one worth between $3,500 and $4,500), three camera lenses, one lens filter and one camera bag.

Courting Voters — Candidate Tim Shields makes the rounds at Wednesday’s Wellington Seniors Club forum.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Commissioner Santamaria Lays Out Goals For The Future

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Reviewing his first year in office, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria thanked his supporters Wednesday and encouraged them to continue their involvement in local government affairs.

“It has been a challenging year,” Santamaria said. “Without your commitment to participate in our government, you cannot expect your representative to do it for you. The only way I can accomplish anything is for you to be with me as much as you are able to. You need to participate in attending some of the functions, and writing letters to the commissioners and writing letters to the papers. You need to be making your voices heard and letting me know what you want, because unless I know what you want, I won’t be able to represent you the way I should like to.”

Santamaria made his comments at a community forum in the original Wellington Mall. Santamaria has been holding the forums since his election in 2006. On Wednesday, he said he wanted his constituents to judge him on how he had lived up to the commitments he had made for his first year in office. He noted that he promised he would not accept any campaign contributions from special interests who do business with the county.

“I don’t want to feel in any shape or form obligated to be nicer to someone who contrib-

uted to any of my projects,”

Santamaria said. “I have lived up to that commitment. Another statement I made was that if anyone came by to speak to me about a development project, or trying to sell a product or service, it would be recorded. There would be no private or secret meetings.”

Santamaria said he went into office determined to preserve the quality of life in the western communities, a topic on which many residents had voiced concerns. He noted that he worked hard to sway the minds of his fellow commissioners about approving the “new town” proposal at Callery-Judge Grove, which was ultimately rejected in a 4-2 vote.

Santamaria also noted that Callery’s owners refused to be flexible about lowering the amount of housing in their proposal, and that had helped kill the plan. But the concept of giveand-take works both ways, he said, especially with ideas like the Sector Plan.

“There are some people who are disappointed with me,” he said. “I am trying to explain that if you try to get everything, you wind up with nothing. You have to be flexible and get most of what you want.”

In his campaign, Santamaria said, he also pledged to promote development of high technology and high-wage jobs in Palm Beach County in order to reduce reliance on tourism. Following Scripps had come the Max Planck Society, for which the county had approved $87 mil-

lion to establish research facilities. It would take some time to build up the technology and high-wage jobs, he said, but the wait would be worth it. “It will pay off for Palm Beach County and as whole in the near future,” he said.

Santamaria also said he was still committed to making affordable housing available, and said he hoped the recent downward turn in the housing market would drive prices down so people would be better able to afford homes. Meanwhile, the county has earmarked a 20-acre parcel in Haverhill for affordable housing, he said.

“The county is in the process of developing that for housing,” Santamaria said. “I expect to deliver 100 homes or so sometime in the year 2008. Hopefully, we can expect to accomplish affordable housing in the next 12 months or so.”

While Santamaria said he was in favor of lower taxes, he noted that the effort must be balanced, because lowering them too much can cause a drop in services to taxpayers.

“How do you cut waste?” Santamaria asked. “Where are you going to find waste and improve efficiency? The only way to balance taxes and keep services is to cut waste and improve efficiency.”

Paramount in preserving services is maintaining good security, Santamaria said.

“What good is it to live in a democratic county like ours if you are going to be afraid? I will not risk the fire and police pro-

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria addresses residents at Wednesday’s public forum at

tection,” he said. “That is one area where we are going to try to improve efficiency and cut waste. I am going to continue to try to provide our fire and police forces so they can protect our homes and streets. That is an area where I am going to be careful when I look at their budgets.”

the original Wellington Mall.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

‘Dry Hydrants’ Possible In Part Of Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Village staff spoke to the Wellington Equestrian Committee last week about the possibility of installing fire hydrants in Equestrian Preserve Area neighborhoods such as Saddle Trail Park and Paddock Park, which have no municipal water services.

Utilities Director Ed Wasielewski told committee members at their Feb. 13 meeting that dry hydrants, which draw water from surface sources such as canals and ponds, would be the most economical plan. Affected property owners would need to request the installation and would be assessed for it.

Installing hydrants would greatly improve the ability of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue crews to fight fires in these areas. Wasielewski said mobile water supply vehicles can move water from distant sources, but the critical factor is whether or not crews can maintain an uninterrupted supply of water at the fire

Schofield Making Changes

continued from page 1A ing also reflects a difference between his management style and that of Lynn.

“I will be more engaged in the daily goings-on of the village,” he said. “It’s not a criticism of Charlie’s management style. There are people who work well that way, and he had a management team that did. I don’t have two of the key players in his management team. Mr. Clough is gone, and I am no longer sitting where I was.”

Free of the expense of several senior management positions, the village will be able to retain many lower-level workers. Some currently vacant positions will remain unfilled until village leaders get a handle on the economic future, he said.

scene at a predictable rate. Installation of dry hydrants eliminates the inefficiency and complexity of long-distance water shuttle operations, and also allows access to water sources from a roadway instead of having to work on soft ground immediately adjacent to the pond or canal.

Wasielewski said that dry hydrants cannot always provide 100-percent coverage of each lot in a community, but offer an average 80 percent coverage. Potable water is a more expensive alternative to dry hydrants, he said, but also a more reliable and versatile water source. Dry hydrants must also be maintained periodically so they stay in service, he said.

“It’s a question of who you are going to protect and not protect,” he said. “It’s just as efficient to install the potable water lines. The dry hydrants would be strictly for fire protection. There would be no sewer coverage in those areas.”

Wasielewski told the committee he was making the presentation because Vice

“We had some revenue shortfalls this year that have to be made up,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense to fill positions that we may not be able to fund next year. I don’t think we’ve seen the end of tax reform. There are bills pending in the legislature now that will limit revenue increase of any sort and limit spending increases. I believe in future years we are going to be looking at more restrictive spending.”

For now, Schofield said he has his eye on maintaining the village’s levels of service. “This year I hope to get through any cuts and reductions without any noticeable decrease in service levels, but given all the things on the horizon, I don’t know if that is possible for Wellington or for any municipality,” he said. “I am grateful that we are in good financial condition. There are cities that are not.”

Chair Mike Whitlow had asked about the viability of dry hydrants, and no action was required that evening. If equestrian residents wanted more information on utilities, he said, they could get in touch with village staff.

Community Development Director Marty Hodgkins also updated the committee on stakeholder input from a meeting last month on proposed rules for commercial arenas that have long been a topic of debate. He summarized the stakeholders’ comments, some of which staff agreed with and some they did not.

Some points on which opinions differed included definitions of the size of arenas, minimizing or eliminating the use of architectural standards, annual reporting of arena activities to abutting properties, and changing arenas on properties with a future land-use designation from a conditional use to a permitted use.

Village staff agreed with the stakeholders on issues such as revising the definition of arenas to include only commercial operations, that 25 acres was too

Schofield, a planner by trade, is also looking at ways to address problems in some of the village’s older neighborhoods. “One of the things I see as most critical to Wellington’s future is to find a way to get a handle on some of the areas that we refer to as ‘transitional’ neighborhoods, the areas where we have high incidences of absentee landlords and high incidence of code enforcement and some law enforcement issues,” he said.

Another vital element of the equation is an assessment of Wellington’s business climate, Schofield said, especially with the impact of the Mall at Wellington Green and the proliferation of “big box” retailers outside village limits.

“We recently completed a business census, and I think it’s important that we look toward the economic future of the village and that there are job oppor-

small an area on which to apply the rules, that including areas of less than 50 acres could allow conversion of existing parcels to arena uses, and that concerts and similar events should not occur in arenas.

Hodgkins suggested the committee members meet with equestrian promoters and staff to review a draft of the ordinance, or a meeting including only staff and promoters. Either way, he said, approval of the end product and its submission to the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and council would still rest with the committee.

Committee Chair Don Dufresne and other board members said they did not want to rush the process and would take great care to make sure the ordinance addresses the many concerns raised.

Committee Member Brad Scherer also spoke about the potential for the ordinance to be abused, with a property owner acquiring lots next to each other in order to apply for a commercial arena designation.

tunities for people where they don’t have to drive to coastal areas, but that we don’t create a retail expansion,” Schofield said. “What we are looking for is some jobbased economic development. That’s one of the things we’re going to have Francine [Ramaglia] take a look into.”

Paul Schofield at his new desk.

Wellington Election Question 2: What Are The Most Important Issues?

From now until the March 11 election, the Town-Crier will ask questions for publication each week to the nine candidates seeking seats on the Wellington Village Council. This week’s question: “What are the three most important issues facing the Village of Wellington; what would you do (have done) about each?”

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

DARELL BOWEN

The three most important issues that Wellington is facing are budgeting, planning and serving our customers. With strong leadership and a businesslike approach, we can solve each one.

Since incorporation, our budget has grown more than twice as fast as our population. This is a good indication that we have many areas where we are overspending. By using the sound business practices that I have learned running my own successful businesses, I am confident that we can reduce the budget without cutting services. It is just a matter of comparing costs to benefits for each line item, and if the benefits are not justified by the costs, it has to be cut.

By developing a vision for the future and communicating it with all residents, we can be more proactive in our quest to attract the businesses and organizations we want in the community. We desperately need a bigger employment base to support all the retail we have here. I believe that a university would be an asset to the community. It would satisfy the needs of not only families, but also seniors. With proper planning, we can have all the things our community should have.

I will lead the way in showing everyone how customer service works. My goal is to ensure anyone dealing with the village comes away with the sense that

they received good value from the village. Every taxpayer is a customer of the village, and they should be treated that way.

TOM WENHAM

Fortunately, our council exercised restraint during the boom years and created sufficient reserves. At my urging, we recently set aside $5 million to rebuild our Rate Stabilization Fund, allowing us to smoothly handle the effects of Amendment 1 and lower overall property values. A top priority will be to continue our conservative financial management to produce the most efficient and effective delivery of services possible for our residents.

Our next priority should be consistency of village leadership. We lost Charlie Lynn, Wellington’s manager of 11 years, due to his recent retirement. We will also have at least one new council member this April because of Laurie Cohen’s decision not to not to seek re-election. But stability in government is important. Certainly our need for stability played a factor in last week’s hiring of new village manager Paul Schofield. We have many challenges to face, and we need institutional knowledge and expertise to deal with them.

Lastly, we must protect, preserve and defend against unchecked development. As we reach build-out, developers will

be eyeing our open spaces — including golf courses, large parcels of vacant land and land currently used for equestrian purposes — looking for increased density and the ability to build on our open land. I have a long record of standing up to developers. We must remain true to our founding vision — a green community with all the amenities that make Wellington a wonderful place to live.

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 1

DUANE CHRISTENSEN

I think the primary issues facing Wellington in the future were identified a few years ago when the village hired a research firm to poll our residents to find out their greatest concerns about the direction our village was headed. Here are the top three concerns: 1) over-building — too many shopping centers, too much commercial; 2) too many cars on our roads; and 3) fiscal irresponsibility.

In response to these concerns, it is imperative we follow the “voice of the people.” The new council should immediately switch from unchecked growth and take a much tougher stand on new development applications. Call it smart growth, controlled growth or whatever you want, the bottom line is that we must preserve our open space and recreation land, and hence our quality of life.

In the years just ahead, we can expect developers to push the council for approvals in two areas of the village: the Equestrian Preserve and along a dangerous section of Forest Hill Blvd. near the library and a school. We must be fair to the developers; they have rights that must be respected. But I also believe that nearby residents of any proposed development be allowed to weigh in with their opinions so that their personal and private property rights won’t be abused. Finally, I think the village’s seven-year

“vision of the future” statement sent to the state last April should be reviewed by the new council and be amended. At present, the “vision” of the future is too similar to the past and fails to recognize the post-build-out era now upon us. The emphasis on development should be curtailed; emphasis should be switched to improving the appearance of our village, the lifestyle of residents and the environment in which we live.

DR. CARMINE PRIORE

In 2007, the Sunshine State Survey taken by Leadership Florida asked the question: in your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the State of Florida today? Twenty percent named taxes and government spending more than any other single issue. This may not seem significant until you compare the answer to the same question in 2006, when only eight percent responded “taxes.” When asked about all the public services offered by all levels of government: how do you rate local government’s performance? Forty-four percent said “about the right amount” was being provided by local government. This is significant since it is apparent that residents believe local governments are providing essential and desired services cost effectively. Wellington’s Strategic Plan, which was the result of hours of council workshops

Darell Bowen Tom Wenham

Duane Christensen Dr. Carmine Priore

Candidates

continued from page 10A held in the summer of 2007, gave us a vision of Wellington in 2022. The vision would be achieved by establishing goals to be reached from 2008 to 2012. There are several goals which make up the Strategic Plan. The first goal is to become a sustainable village government, financially sound, and providing superior services. The second goal is to provide highquality functional infrastructure, which translates into convenient daily living for residents. The third goal is for Wellington to be a premier place to live in Palm Beach County, an ideal choice for families and retirees. The fourth goal is to provide distinctive neighborhoods, a place you call home. Finally, we must create business and employment opportunities — jobs for the residents living within Wellington.

Our success in achieving these goals will allow us to achieve our vision for 2022.

CANDIDATES FOR SEAT 4

HOWARD COATES

I came to Wellington for the quality of life, its small town, rural ambience, tremendous schools, and superior parks and recreational facilities. The qualities that most attracted me here are slipping away and will be gone forever if we do not wisely control future growth and development. With increased traffic and congestion and stress on our parks, recreational and other services, we must resist commercial development and landuse changes that threaten to change the character of Wellington, add further danger to our roads and threaten our local businesses. Any future development must be accomplished with a vision that has protecting Wellington as its numberone priority.

As the growth rate of the village slows and property values stabilize at reduced levels, we must keep the budget under

control and find ways to reduce the tax burden while maintaining high levels of service. With sound fiscal management and aggressive cost-containment protocols put in place to identify areas where services can be reduced or eliminated or which can be delivered more efficiently, I am confident that a council free of special interests can make the tough decisions that will result in a lean, efficient budget and reduced taxes.

Finally, we must pursue policies that encourage the development of local commerce and job opportunities for our residents — policies that enhance local businesses and add services and benefits to our community. Increasing the educational opportunities by having a Wellington campus of Florida Atlantic University or Palm Beach Community College would be something I would work for, as well as encouraging the prompt development of assisted-living facilities and skilled nursing care for our seniors. These types of projects would enhance existing businesses, provide local job opportunities and move Wellington toward a complete community where we can live, work and play.

TIMOTHY SHIELDS

As a council, we need to step forward as leaders of the community. The council needs to take a stronger role in improving the efficiency of village government. As community leaders, the tone we set as a council can have a positive impact on the entire village operations. As a professor of organizational leadership and technology, I hope to provide a new perspective on leadership and change. We must carefully analyze and debate decisions before they are made, get citizen feedback before implementation, and have a grasp on the impacts of the decision, so the council is not reversing course. This constant back-andforth weakens confidence in the leadership of the village.

Education is an important part of my life, and I want to continue advocating

for the educational opportunities that exist in Wellington. The village should take a role in bringing together the educators within our village to talk about our overall mission. Bringing a university campus to our community would certainly be an asset. Providing the entire scope of educational opportunities within the village will benefit all citizens, from prekindergarten to seniors. We must nurture a culture of learning.

Finally, the village should be actively engaged with business leaders in the community and county to enhance the ability of the village to attract and maintain small and medium-sized businesses. It is only through active engagement can we attract and maintain the best professional job base for Wellington. A solid job base within our borders will support other businesses within our village, reduce outbound traffic and increase civic engagement.

DR. FRED VAN DUSEN

Taxes are always one of those issues because of the state’s new cutbacks. I would cut taxes if I could, but I cannot see that happening at this point, so what has to be done is the village has to become more efficient at providing its services. Look at programs that are not necessary at this time and prioritize those that are.

• Safety — Maintaining the level of security that we have and being pro-active in its approach. Working closely with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue to assist them when the village can and working together to provide the best service in the county.

• Construction — We have a lot of construction throughout Wellington. The council should keep on top of the contracts and set deadlines for their completions.

• Seniors — Wellington has more than 8,500 seniors living in its limits with about 18,500 25- to 35-year-olds also. We are all going to become seniors, and as the village grows and more move here, we must look at the level of service we could provide.

• Business, small and medium — We must attract small and medium-sized business into Wellington. This will help to offset the tax issues from the housing problems. It would provide employment for those who live here, and in turn generate revenue for other business that are already in Wellington.

MATTHEW WILLHITE

After hearing my neighbors and friends talk about what is affecting their lives today, I’ve decided to run for the council. The issues facing my family and the people of Wellington have become the platform from which I will work to make a priority once elected. The people have spoken; the top three issues facing the families of our community are the economy, the quality of life and public safety. Although these issues may not need drasSee CANDIDATES, page 46A

Howard Coates Timothy Shields Matthew Willhite Dr. Fred Van Dusen

Groves Council Gives Church Approval For Worker Center

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved an agreement Tuesday with the Acts 2 Worship Center’s Good Faith Alliance allowing the establishment of a resource center and hiring place for day laborers on church property on Okeechobee Blvd.

The agreement paving the way for the Buena Fe Day Labor Center was to have been signed two weeks earlier, when the town passed an ordinance prohibiting streetside work solicitation. At that meeting, Acts 2 Pastor Calvin Lyerla asked the council to hold off on the agreement, saying it required far too much oversight regarding records and documentation of the workers.

On Tuesday, Town Attorney David Tolces said those concerns had been resolved with Lyerla. “I had the opportunity to meet with him, and we addressed

the concerns he had raised,” he said. “This agreement is before you this evening for your approval.”

Lyerla told the council he regretted that he had not yet been able to finalize the center’s insurance. “We hoped we would have a certificate of coverage we could bring to you tonight,” he said. “That is the only missing link here. When you are depending on other people, you have to wait sometimes. We are waiting for the proposal for the policy.”

Councilman Dave Autrey made a motion for approval, seconded by Couniclman Dr. Bill Louda. It passed unanimously 5-0.

Louda also made a motion to authorize Interim Town Clerk Matt Lippman to pay $1,080 for extra law enforcement personnel near the center, which was seconded by Autrey. It passed unanimously. It is anticipated that Buena Fe will open its doors during the second week in March.

In other business:

• The council approved an ordinance for public cost recovery, making applicants seeking land development, engineering or building permit approvals responsible for costs associated with processing their applications, such as land use amendments, rezonings, variances and site plans. Autrey made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Louda. It passed unanimously.

• The council approved a resolution supporting the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District’s application for a variance from the South Florida Water Management District’s Phase 3 water restrictions. The district is limited in the amount of water it can withdraw from the C-51 Canal to maintain minimum water levels in its own canals, and has applied for a variance in order to permit it to withdraw additional water to suppress fires. Louda made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Au-

trey. It passed unanimously.

• The council approved a contract for the scope of services with the firm Analytica of Newberry, Fla. for strategic planning and visioning services as the town charts a roadmap for its future. Vice Mayor Marge Herzog made a motion for approval, which was seconded by Louda. It passed unanimously.

Lippman also gave council members the dates for Analytica’s public strategic visioning and planning sessions: March 22, April 5, April 12 and April 26.

“We will make up flyers and do newsletters,” Lippman said. “We will have a specific page on our website dedicated to it. This is just informational to get the ball rolling for now.”

• The council approved an agreement with Calvin, Giordano & Associates for comprehensive planning services. Herzog made a motion for approval, seconded by Louda. It passed unanimously.

Equestrians Concerned About Drought Compliance, Turf Quality

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

At the request of the Wellington Equestrian Alliance, South Florida Water Management District officials were on hand at the Wellington Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 14 to hear the concerns of equestrian professionals about water use.

SFWMD variance specialist Cynthia Gefvert explained that the district has developed specific rules and standards for water consumption by golf courses during the various stages of water restrictions. These include weekly monitoring, monthly evaluations and calculators to determine how much water should be consumed. While equestrian

uses similarly employ large tracts of land, no set of standards has yet been developed for the horse industry, and gathering information on their needs has been difficult.

“We felt the equestrian issues were not being addressed,” Gefvert said. “It’s becoming more of an issue. We are starting to get requests for variances from polo fields. We’re getting questions about polo fields. We are not horse people.”

Polo enthusiast Wade Byrd suggested it might be easier for the SFWMD to include polo operations with existing golf course standards. In any case, he said, it is imperative that the polo fields be maintained in good condition.

“The polo fields are so critical,” Byrd said. “Do you think in the future you

could put us in the mix with the golf course operations?”

Equestrian Ryan Mooney asked whether equestrian field owners would be required to meter their water. He said some operators had told him they didn’t have a meter, but used a pump.

Gefvert and SFWMD golf course specialist Linda Hoppes said pump use can be done by permit, but most customers would need a variance that is virtually impossible to obtain.

“There is a permit for watering that is done that way,” Gefvert said, “but there has not been a way to get a variance. The variances need to be approved by the South Florida Water Management District’s executive team and the executive director. That group has been ada-

mant about requiring a meter for measuring water.”

Gefvert and Hoppes also asked if any one agency represents equestrians in the community. They noted that in talking with golf course representatives, certain key people would respond. Given that day’s meeting had attracted only a smattering of people, it was hard to gauge the horse industry’s needs.

“In working with the golf course industry,” Hoppes said, “the proposed industry has a chapter. Does the polo industry have a chapter or something like it joined together? The district needs to understand your needs. Unless there are 50 or so of you here, it’s hard for us to know what you want. We’re going to

See EQUESTRIANS, page46A

Groves Council Hires Lobbyist To Consult On Widening Plan

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council agreed Tuesday to retain lobbyist Donna Brosemer on behalf of town interests as developers seek to widen the town’s stretch of Southern Blvd.

The owners of the Palm Beach Aggregates mining operation are seeking to fund the widening of a four-mile stretch of Southern Blvd. between Forest Hill Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in order to build homes on part of their property. The Florida Department of Transportation is currently conducting studies on the feasibility of the proposal.

Council members have said they want more say in the matter and last month adopted a res-

olution requesting that the Palm Beach County Commission rescind a January 2006 resolution approving the controversial rezoning of the Aggregates property.

On Tuesday, Interim Town Manager Irv Rosenbaum told the council that discussions on the State Road 80 corridor will involve interacting with a range of FDOT officials, county officials and property owners along the road. “It’s not just an FDOT project,” he said. “There are a lot of players involved in it.”

The council agreed to pay Brosemer, an experienced lobbyist who previously worked for the Loxahatchee Groves incorporation movement, at the rate of $2,000 per month instead of extending a six-month contract for her services.

“Hopefully, we can figure out

within two or three months if her services are needed beyond that,” Councilman Dave Autrey said.

Councilman Dennis Lipp said that retaining Brosemer would help the council get a handle on issues concerning Southern Blvd. Noting that a demonstration against a new Florida Power & Light power plant next to the Aggregates property the previous day had stopped traffic on the road for hours, he said the council and residents should monitor the situation concerning various interests along Southern Blvd. very closely.

“We want to come to grips with what is going on here,” Lipp said. “This is a very major step. I think that we will prevail. It’s a good mindset to have. You also have to realize our pockets are not as deep as other

pockets. They are pushing this agenda. I don’t know if anyone got caught in the traffic jam on Southern yesterday. That’s the issue with [Palm Beach] Aggregates and FPL. There is a lot in play here. Before jumping into this, we ought to have a frank and open discussion. Is this a good place to spend our money? I brought it up. But I have been doing a lot of thinking about this. What effect will we have without spending 12 grand or six grand?”

Rosenbaum said that while the town has slim chances of getting the project stopped, by getting involved it would gain some attention and a place at the table.

“Municipalities are powerful, and they have a lot of authority,” Rosenbaum said. “We want to be able to sit at the table with

them. Hopefully, we will walk away with a piece of the pie and some influence, and get some sort of accommodation for Loxahatchee Groves as any other agency would have gotten. Communities and neighborhoods do not have a lot of influence. As municipalities, the likelihood is we will be coming out with some sort of influence.”

During public comment, Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan said he hoped Brosemer would pursue specific goals.

“I thought Donna could help us in working with FDOT to get some money for professional planning for the Southern Blvd. corridor,” he said. “Dennis has brought it up and the others have. That will be our tax base going forward. We need to have

Indian Trail Public Hearing Feb. 28 On ‘Water War’ Settlement

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing Thursday, Feb. 28 to consider approving a proposed settlement of the district’s “water war” with Palm Beach County.

The ITID’s legal battle with the county began when the previous board of supervisors attempted to establish the district as a water utility provider. The current board has been seeking ways to pay costs incurred by the previous board, including a

multi-million-dollar legal bill, a pipeline not yet paid off and the prospects of continuing to lose money with a utility that only provides water for a few dozen commercial customers.

The settlement arrangement is a result of months of negotiations between the county and ITID. If the agreement is approved, the county will pay ITID close to $9 million that would buy existing infrastructure, pay for easements and compensate for road damage caused by previous utility installation, as well as provide an advance on the district’s expect-

ed share of future revenues. In turn, the county would be established as the official water provider in The Acreage.

ITID President Mike Erickson stressed that the settlement would not force any Acreage residents to connect to the county’s water supply.

“All this agreement does is to settle our lawsuits, pay for some of the pipes we put in, puts in some extra fire hydrants and agrees that the county will be our water provider, not any other entity,” he told the Town-Crier Tuesday.

Supervisor Michelle Damone

welcomed public feedback during the hearing. “We know there are some strong feelings over the issue, and we want the public’s advice,” she said. “Please, everyone, come to the meeting and learn the facts. You’ll be able to hear from people who favor the agreement and people who are against it.”

Erickson said the county has made several concessions to the district in the course of negotiations. “They are paying us close to a half-million dollars more for past damages,” he said. “Even better, they are paying to install more than 20 extra fire

hydrants that will make us safer and lower insurance rates. Also, we insisted and got language that will allow us to go to court to stop the ten-percent franchise fee that Royal Palm Beach gets on our water bills.”

The full text of the agreement is available through a link on the home page of the ITID web site at www.indiantrail.com.

Erickson said he would post a fact sheet summarizing the agreement on the site.

The Feb. 28 meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Improvement District office on Avocado Blvd.

Acreage Entrepreneur Hopes To Launch Local Radio Station

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

Acreage Landowners’ Association members learned Tuesday about plans to put The Acreage on the airwaves.

Ken Hendrick of the Acreage-based promotional products company Hendrick Services told ALA members he has applied with the Federal Communications Commission to establish a low-wattage FM radio station that would broadcast to the Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

“We want to use our voice to serve both Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage,” said Hendrick, who is hoping to get the call letters WLOX for his station. “We will not only have music, but we want to tape government and other important meetings and be able to play them on the air or let people listen to them on the Internet.”

Hendrick said he is already running two Internet-based broadcasts, www. 40country.com and www.loxradio.com, the first playing country music and the second music from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. “Once we get everything set up for our FM station, which will come after we get final approval from the federal government, we will run free ads for local home-based business in the area,” Hendrick said.

In other business, Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Michelle Damone encouraged more people to volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in The Acreage, scheduled for May 2 and 3 at Acreage Community Park. She thanked the ALA for creating it own team. “We’re doing pretty well,” she said. “We already have 20 teams lined up, although we need seven more to meet our goal. The goal of this relay is to raise $60,000 for cancer research and care.”

Damone said teams are encouraged to

have fun with the event’s theme of movies. “The ITID is doing Viva Las Vegas, and we’re even going to have some roulette and poker going on during the event,” she said. “Since all house proceeds go the ACS, no one is really a loser.”

Organizers have already arranged for a DJ and live bands at the event, as well as a purple carpet, Damone said. “We have a lot of teachers involved,” she said. “Our kids are really getting involved through the schools. Every school has joined the effort, and Seminole Ridge High School has five teams coming.”

For more information on the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, call Damone at (561) 315-2973 or event organizer Elizabeth Gregg at (561) 3660013, ext. 125.

Also Tuesday, ITID President Mike Erickson invited ALA members to attend several important upcoming meetings. On Feb. 28, the board will hold a public hearing to decide whether to accept a

‘We will not only have music, but we want to tape government and other important meetings and be able to play them on the air or let people listen to them on the Internet.’

— Ken Hendrick

proposed agreement with Palm Beach County over water rights. On March 12, the board will meet with Palm Beach County planning staff to discuss a proposed overlay for the western communities.

“These meetings are very important, and we hope people come to provide advice,” Erickson said.

ALA’s Huck Finn Family Day Returns March 9

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The Acreage Landowners’ Association invites western communities residents to attend its annual Huck Finn Family Day event at the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area on Sunday, March 9.

“This is an inexpensive, fun way for a family to have fun together,” ALA Vice President Winston Crosbie told association members at their meeting Tuesday. “The kids have such a good time, and so do we.”

Indian Trail Improvement District President Mike Erickson added that Huck Finn is always a highlight of the year.

“One of the nicest things is that we get to meet a lot of our neighbors,” he said. “We live on our streets with only a few people who we get to know. We have over a thousand people there. The kids run around together, and we get a chance to meet a lot of their parents. And there’s lots of great food, and all of it is really inexpensive.”

For the kids, Huck Finn Day features a petting zoo, wildlife exhibit, a pinewood derby for homemade wooden model cars, fishing, canoeing and a variety of rural-style activities.

“We’ll have a lot of the old favorite events,” ALA President Carlos Enriquez said. “We have the fence-painting, pie eating and corn-shucking [contests].

Kids love the petting zoo and the wildlife exhibits. We have swamp buggy rides, which costs a bit extra, canoeing and fishing.”

Music will be provided by local DJ Mark Thomas. “Come and play, come and look at the beautiful scenery,” Crosbie said. “Enjoy the food. Chat with your neighbors. This is a day for all of us to kick back and have fun.”

Huck Finn Family Day takes place at the Corbett Youth Camp on Sunday, March 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3. The Corbett Youth Camp is at the northern end of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

For more information, call Enriquez at (561) 714-8516.

Ken Hendrick

DEMS MEET AT TREE’S WINGS

The Mid-County Democratic Club held its monthly meeting Monday, Feb. 18 at Tree’s Wings in Royal Palm Beach. Speakers included state legislative hopefuls Joe Abruzzo and Mark Pafford, as well as Royal Palm Beach councilwoman-elect Martha Webster and School Board Member Paulette Burdick. For more info., visit www.midcountydems.com. (Above) Burdick (left) and Webster (right) address club members. (Below) Pafford discusses Florida State House of Representatives District 88, in which he is running.

FASHION SHOW FOR A CAUSE

The Fourth Annual Alliance for Eating Disorders’ Escape to Reality Fashion Show was held Saturday, Feb. 16 at Harley-Davidson of Palm Beach on 45th Street. Models included News Channel 5 anchor Tania Rogers, State Sen. Dave Aronberg, Jennifer Bautista and many more. For more information about the alliance, call (561) 841-0900 or visit www.eatingdisorderinfo.org. (Above) Sue Restivo and Laura Gardner of the Wellington-based Premier Design High Fashion Jewelry were some of the many vendors on hand. (Below left) Aronberg and Ms. South Florida 2006 Allison Kreiger. (Below right) Wellington residents Debbie Sanacore and Karen Hardin pose with some of the bikes.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER AND STU ULRICH/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

MVPs — Argentine 10-goaler Miguel Novillo Astrada and American nine-goaler Mike Azzaro of Crab Orchard shared the Michelob Ultra Polo MVP award of the 2008 Outback 40-Goal Challenge last Saturday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Gonzalito Pieres scored the winning goal with one second remaining to lift Crab Orchard to a 10-9 triumph over EFG Bank. Azzaro and Novillo Astrada finished with three goals each to lead Crab Orchard. The celebrity event was a benefit for the Polo Players Support Group. Shown above are Novillo Astrada, Polo Museum and Hall of Fame Executive Director George Dupont and Azzaro.

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID LOMINSKA

Tova Mordechai To Speak At Temple

Tova Mordechai will tell her fascinating life story in a lecture titled “Back to Her People” on Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Jewish Center, 12785 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Tova Mordechai was born Tonica Marlow to a British evangelist father and an Egyptian Jewish mother. At the time of her birth, her father was already a full-fledged minister with an established congregation, and their household revolved exclusively around the church.

At the age of 16, Mordechai was accepted as the youngest student at a noted theological college, and within four years she had become an ordained minister.

Her influence as a preacher, artist and composer of Christian literature extended to all corners of the earth. In her autobiography Playing with Fire, Mordechai vividly describes her painful ordeal and her transition from Christian asceticism to Jewish observance.

Mordechai currently resides in Safed, Israel with her husband Rabbi Chananiah Mordechai and their four children. She works full time at two local seminaries and continues to lecture worldwide.

The cost for the evening is $25 per person and $36 per couple. For more information, or to reserve your seat, contact Rabbi Mendy Muskal at (561) 3334663.

When The ER Says

“Be Patient”

• Most

• Adults and Pediatrics

• Sprains,Fractures and Lacerations

• School,Sports and Work Physicals

• On Site X-Ray,Lab Tests and EKG

PARADE MARKS THE START OF RPB YOUTH BASEBALL SEASON

Saturday, Feb. 16 was opening day for Royal Palm Beach Youth Baseball, and the season kicked off with the annual Youthfest Parade along Okeechobee Blvd., followed by opening-day ceremonies. The parade included more than 50 floats. Each team in the league created a float based on the theme “College Game Day.” Division winners are as follows: AAA Shetland Division, Sooners; AAA Pinto Division, Razorbacks; AAA Mustang Division, Tar Heels; AAA Bronco Division, Rams; Pony Division, Gators. Best in Show went to the AAA Pinto Division Gators. A record 535 boys and girls registered this year. For more information about the Royal Palm Beach Youth Baseball League, visit www.rpbyb.com.

The AAA Pinto Division Gators won Best in Show.

The Arkansas Razorbacks, winners in the AAA Pinto Division.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick talks baseball.

RPB Councilwoman-elect Martha Webster with her husband Gary.

Ohio State Buckeyes players make some noise.

The Cowboys show their “wild west” spirit.The Stanford Cardinals show off their float.

Mike Infante talks about the upcoming season.Players and coaches recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PETTERS FOUNDATION HOSTS

DINNER PARTY AT POLO CLUB

The John T. Petters Foundation hosted the 2008 John T. Petters Foundation Cup Feb. 15-17 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. A dinner was held Friday at IPC, featuring a silent auction, a live auction hosted by comedian Wil Shriner, and music by the Virginia Coalition. Special guests included Justin Tuck and Michael Strahan of the New York Giants. The John T. Petters Foundation provides college scholarships to students in financial need for study abroad. For more info., visit www.johntpettersfoundation.org.

Jeremy Fedoruk and Alan Shankman of Three J’s C-Cigar Emporium II with Felipe Sosa.

Foundation Chair and CEO Tom Petters with Brad Cance.

Jenny Petters with the New York Giants’ Justin Tuck.

Bob Reyers with Tommy Lee Jones. Jon McGaunn, comedian Wil Shriner and Joe Schmit.

Bluhammock Music’s Nichelle Sanders, Michelle Chapman, Ralph Cutler and Rachel Reiter.

The New York Giants’ Michael Strahan chats with guests.

Special Clothes For The Weekend Are A Family Tradition

Last Saturday I got into my “work clothes” (blue jeans and an old shirt) and prepared to set about my day. On the way into the kitchen, I thought about how many years I’ve been doing this and how happy it makes me.

When I was a pre-teen, I’d keep my special “work clothes” on the first hook in my closet. They’d hang there all week, and I’d slog past them to get to my dreaded “school clothes” but brushing up against them almost promised that better (weekend) days were coming.

When Saturday finally arrived, I’d jump out of bed, race to the closet and climb eagerly into my blue jeans and my “Zap! Shirt.” This was an extra-large T-shirt painted with a huge yellow lightning bolt and red and blue letters saying, duh, Zap!

My best friend and I each made one so we could match. Zap! had no particular meaning — it was just how we felt on Saturdays. We were awake, we

had our bikes and our 50-cent allowances and — Zap! — we were ready to go. When people asked us what the Zap! was for, we’d just shrug and say we sort of guessed it might be the sound that lightning makes, the sound of energy.

It was definitely the sound of our energy. The moment we were finished being quizzed by adults, we’d exchange a look and tear out of there — on to the next thing!

These days, I eschew (yes, eschew!) hanging any garment on a hook, but I still enjoy having specially designated clothes.

I think I inherited the “work clothes” legacy from my dad. He’d spend every Saturday in his old Marine Corps khaki slacks (soon covered in paint splotches and axle grease), a white short-sleeved T-shirt and his old Marine Corps cap (not the dress white one, the khaki one — like TV’s Gomer Pyle wore). As the years

went by, Mom made him start keeping the cap on the first hook along the basement stairs because she didn’t want it out in plain sight. But when the basement door creaked open and Dad reached for that cap, we kids knew he was going to do something, and that meant we were going to do something, whether it be helping, watching or merely getting underfoot.

My dad has always had a fantastic work ethic. I don’t know if he got it from his parents, the Marine Corps or Mom, but he puts work first and keeps his “nose to the grindstone” until it’s done. It makes playtime all the more valuable.

Mom’s no shirker, either. To this day, I think of the kitchen as her “office.” All her important phone numbers and vitamins are there; the tomatoes ripening on the windowsill are there, and if he’s not out working, Dad’s there — her number-one “client.”

Now retired, both continue to work harder than ever — Mom expanded the perimeters of the garden; Dad revarnished every piece of woodwork in the house from blonde to mahogany. Together they travel annually from Wisconsin to California to Texas to Florida to check in with each of their four children. Of course, whenever I see them in Florida, they are never in “work clothes,” and I sure do miss that khaki cap. At least I’ve still got them — and their work ethic.

‘House’ Showed A Wide Audience How Great A TV Show Can Be

Occasionally television series, even very good ones, have episodes that rise far above their usual standard. A recent episode of House demonstrated how really good writing and an excellent cast can create a taut one-hour drama. The episode, which aired following the Super Bowl because the FOX network ostensibly wanted to show off a top product to a wide audience, went more than the extra mile to show how good television can be.

For those who have never watched it, House is about one of the most cantankerous doctors in the history of television. Hugh Laurie plays Dr. Gregory House as a brilliant, tormented genius with dozens of quirks. House is one of those Shakespearean characters whose brilliance is almost cancelled out by his negative qualities.

He sorts through the most complex medical issues weekly and usually finds

answers. One of the better elements of the plotting is that he usually is wrong at first and has to work through a lot of failure before success. Ah, if only most doctors would spend as much time on what often seem to be minor ailments.

In the Super Bowl Sunday episode, House is asked to remotely diagnose a psychologist in Antarctica with some puzzling symptoms. While communicating with her via computer, he discovers to his chagrin that she can see him as readily as he sees her. This opens up a complex dialogue — his push for a cure involves her trying a medication belonging to one of her colleagues. She, meanwhile, does not want to deplete the supply of potentially lifesaving medication.

Casting Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino as the Antarctic psychologist was a brilliant stroke. She became the perfect foil to House, the cranky diagnostician. Her character is brilliant, beautiful and inter-

ested not only in the diagnosis but in understanding the man who is working to heal her. Their interplay, which includes a marvelously erotic scene in which she examines her own body with House watching through the computer, demonstrates how exceptional performers can bring meaning to well-written words.

Meanwhile other cast members are involved in a series of cat-and-mouse games that almost cost a life because House wants to get cable television in his office. There have been times in past episodes where I resented subplots because they detracted from the basic thrust of the episode. This time I was reminded of how often Shakespeare did the same thing, breaking tension with subplots that often reflected back on the main point of his play. In House, the issue of being straightforward and trusting others was examined in the subplot,

By Leonard Wechsler

while the two main players dealt with it over a computer connection.

As one of the supporting cast commented, House relaxed his characteristic emotional isolation because his patient was so far away. Thousands of miles of separation enabled a perceptive woman to get him to open up far more than his patients and partners down the hall ever would.

As one of the supporting cast commented, House was able to get very close

I’m Irked By A Couple Of Things That Keep Getting Underfoot

A couple of things have been bothering me over the last couple weeks. In the big scheme of things they aren’t really very important, but they still bother me nonetheless. So please bear with me as I get these two gripes off my very large chest. In both situations, if the shoe fits, please wear it.

My first gripe is the dog walkers who take great pride in walking their dogs on other folks’ property. One purpose of the walk is to let the dog do its business. Now I must admit some folks do carry bags and pick up after their dogs, but I am very sorry to say that many dogwalkers I have observed do not pick up after their dogs. How rude and crude could they be?

Why do these dog walkers think it is acceptable to let their dog go to the bathroom on other folks’ property and then just walk away and leave the dogs’ poop for someone else to either step

on or pick up and throw away?

One of the reasons why I have chosen not to have dogs (other then my 20percent dog, which I happen to have this weekend) is because I do not like to pick up their poop. If people have decided to take in a dog and care and love said dog, an important part of the joys of owning this dog is to please pick up after your pooch

The other thing that irks me is the gum-chewers, who decide that when the time comes to get rid of the ACG (already-chewed gum) they just throw or spit it out onto the ground without a second thought. Why can’t they wait ’til they get to a garbage can and toss the gum in said can? I guess that would be too easy. It seems hardly a day goes by that I don’t step on someone’s ACG. For some strange reason my feet are drawn to gum on the ground as if it were a magnet.

Of course, after stepping on the gum, it takes me what seems like a couple of hours to get it off my shoe or sneaker. And I never really get it all off.

The other day after stepping in my daily ration of ACG, I tracked it into my car. When I was leaving my car I realized my very new, very expensive floor mat was now covered with someone’s ACG. Of course no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the gum off the floor mat. Thanks, Mr. Gum-chewer, whoever you are.

To tell the truth, I don’t know why folks chew gum. Most gum-chewers look like cows during the chewing process, and I was always taught that gumchewing can lead to cavities. So please, gum-chewers of the world, please show a little courtesy for your fellow man and discard your ACG in a proper manner.

These two items might sound petty to you, but believe it or not, this is how

New York City has lowered its crime rate to make it the safest big city in America. The police went after the so-called small “quality of life” crimes. They took care of the small stuff, and by doing so, the big stuff started taking care of itself. The police found out that the folks doing the small stuff were in many cases the same folks doing the big things. Enough said. A word to the wise should be sufficient. It’s called respect the rights of others. A little common courtesy never hurt anyone.

AN EVENING OF INTERACTIVE DINING AT WILD ORCHIDS CAFÉ

Wild Orchids Café in Royal Palm Beach hosted an evening of interactive dining on Saturday, Feb. 16. The Mardi Gras-themed event featured the culinary delights of Chef Chris Paul, who cooked up everything from mini muffuletta to pork tenderloin and New Orleans sausage seafood bake, and offered a how-to demonstration afterward. It was a tasty and educational evening. Wild Orchids Café is located in Veterans Park (corner of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Sparrow Drive). For more info., call (561) 204-5640 or visit www.wildorchidscafe.org.

wait

The

staff: Wendy Ramos, Amanda Garcia, Laura Ryan, Vanessa Osin, Robin Bednarcik and Kevin Ryan (back) don colorful Mardi Gras masks.

Angela and Severn Ombres, Barbara Ward, Joe Winfree, Jodie Jupp and Jeff Petrone.

Chef Chris Paul with the main entrée.

Jay and Patty Fedo of Wellington.

(Seated) Michael, Mary and Lauren Bello, and Emil and Pat Gianantonio (standing) celebrate Lauren’s 17th birthday.

Gary and Tanya Meade of WineStyles provided the white California wine for cooking.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

CUPID THE GIRAFFE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Lion Country Safari celebrated Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 with a birthday celebration for Cupid, a three-year-old giraffe. Cupid is located at the Giraffe Feeding Pavilion, which was decorated with balloons. A special cake made of hay was prepared for Cupid, who, incidentally, has a patch of dark hair on his neck in the shape of a heart. For more information about Lion Country Safari, call (561) 793-1084 or visit www.lioncountrysafari.com. PHOTOS BY

DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wechsler Check Out ‘House’

continued from page 21A to the woman because she was so far away. Separation allowed a perceptive woman to open him up and get through far more deeply than patients and partners down his hall ever would. How often do people mask their feelings? Use humor or crankiness to cover up real feelings? And how often do these

defensive maneuvers backfire by keeping others away even when we wish they were closer?

This episode demonstrates the real power of episodic television. As we learn more about some of the characters, we can also be surprised by interesting turns that new situations bring out. Of course, it is also a shame that sometimes we learn more about them than about the people around us, the ones we actually know.

GRAND OPENING

GRAND OPENING

“Come

visit us, we are now open!”

“Come visit us. We are now open!”

Yolanda and Alyssa Hill of Loxahatchee feed Cupid a cracker.

Can you find the heart-shaped patch of brown fur on Cupid’s neck?

Cupid gets a sweet potato treat from Sue Cook and Linda McAndrews.

Jeff and Sydney Thompson get close up and personal with the giraffe.

The Hawks’ Baseball Squad Shuts Out Royal Palm Beach 3-0

By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity baseball team shut out visiting Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday night 3-0.

The Hawks took the lead in the second inning when Cody Buchanan brought home Ryan Gibberd. The other two runs came in the sixth inning off the bat of Peter Mooney, who drove in Alain Lomontaine and Chris Amatulli.

RPBHS will have a chance to avenge the loss Friday, Feb. 29

BASEBALL BASEBALL

at 7 p.m. when the Wildcats host SRHS. But first, Royal Palm will host John Carroll Catholic on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and Pope John Paul II on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Seminole Ridge traveled to Wellington High School on Friday, Feb. 22, but results were not available at press time. The Hawks host Palm Beach Central on Tuesday before traveling to Suncoast Thursday. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Palm Beach Central’s Boys And Girls Teams Defeat Wellington

By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report TENNIS TENNIS

The Palm Beach Central High School girls and boys tennis teams both posted victories Tuesday afternoon at Wellington High School.

The Bronco girls won 5-2 while the boys topped Wellington 4-3.

Palm Beach Central will host Seminole Ridge on Monday, Feb. 25 before traveling to the

home of the Hawks the following day.

Palm Beach Central will host Wellington on Tuesday, March 4.

The Wolverines will host Spanish River on Monday, Feb. 25 and Jupiter Wednesday, Feb. 27. All games are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

WHS Grapplers End Season At State Tourney

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington High School boys wrestling team finished with six points in the Class 3A state wrestling tournament held last Thursday through Saturday in Lakeland. Wolverine junior Zach Pincus placed sixth individually at 152 pounds, with victories in three of six matches.

Pincus defeated Ronnie Toledo of Taravella 7-3, Bryan

WRESTLING WRESTLING

Lewis of Boyd

and

Royal Palm Beach’s Jason Lide (160), and Palm Beach Central’s Justin Sitzer (130) and Matt Dooley (125) each failed to qualify for the medal rounds.

Anderson 7-3

Jonathan Medina of Braddock 5-3. Pincus was beaten 11-4 by South Dade’s Luis Montalvo in the fifth-place match.

Wolverine Julie Weber faces off against Palm Beach Central’s Natalie Puc. Jasmine Edwards, Palm Beach Central’s top seed, gets her backhand ready.

Wellington’s second-seeded player, Stephen Bender, keeps his eye on the ball.

Palm Beach Central’s top seed Rashaad Williams serves.

Second-seeded Bronco Sanjeev Mohammed.

Wellington’s top seed Corey Wagshol charges the ball.

Hawk Ryan Gibberd dives safely back to first base.

RPB’s Julian Landron returns safely to first under the tag of Pat Lecroy.

Chris Amatulli runs home to score the second of three Hawks runs.

Wildcat Julian Landron tries unsuccessfully to dive back to third base before Corey Wax makes the tag.

Seminole Ridge’s Zach Johonnett gets a base hit.

Bradley Moves From Pitching Baseballs To Driving Golf Balls

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

As the Pittsburgh Pirates’ first-round draft choice in 1999, Bobby Bradley lived up to his reputation of being a control pitcher. For example, at Class A Hickory (N.C.) in 2000, the former Wellington High School All-American struck out 118 batters and walked only 21. But a multitude of shoulder and elbow injuries derailed Bradley’s march to the big leagues. He made it as far as the Pirates’ AAA farm team in Indianapolis before they released him on July 1, 2005.

Nowadays Bradley, 27, is participating in a game in which control still counts, but instead of the margin for error being 17 inches wide and 8.5 inches long, it’s anywhere from 45 to 50 yards wide.

Depending on the competition, those are the widths of ranges at long-drive

GOLF GOLF

events. Bradley is a member of the Long Drivers of America, a band of brothers who travel the country performing in exhibitions and competition to see who can drive a golf ball the farthest. LDA events, including the annual Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, Nev., have become popular attractions in the golf world the past few years, with big hitters such as Jason Zuback, Brian Pavlet and Sean “the Beast” Fister routinely launching golf balls 400 yards and beyond.

Bradley hasn’t reached that mark yet, but at the LDA’s Diamond in the Desert Classic in Mesquite earlier this month, he finished third to earn a spot in the 2008 Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in October. Each competitor gets six attempts to put his drive in the

grid. Bradley won the first three rounds of the Diamond in the Desert Classic with drives of 359, 358 and 363 yards respectively, but his only qualifying drive in the semifinal was 324 yards.

This October will be Bradley’s second appearance in the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship in as many years. He qualified for last year’s event with no previous experience in long-drive competition.

“I was playing golf one day last March at Park Ridge and saw a flier about a long-drive contest there,” Bradley said. “I really hadn’t played golf much for a year but went ahead entered.”

Bradley made it through the regional rounds, which included a victory over 2000 Re/Max champion Victor Johansen. But despite a 380-yard drive, Bradley didn’t qualify for the final rounds of the championship.

Bradley is teaming with Matt “Hoss” Vilade in a Texas two-ball tournament in Dallas in March. Vilade, by the way, holds the Re/Max long-drive record at 473 yards. “I feel like I have a future doing this,” Bradley said. “I’m still learning a lot of things about my golf swing.”

In that regard Bradley gets help from noted teacher Charles Kallassy, inventor of the Swing Magic training aid and a two-time finalist in the Re/Max World Long Drive competition.

At six feet, two inches and weighing 215 pounds, Bradley is one of the smaller competitors on the long-drive circuit, but he’s one of the better all-around athletes, which partially explains why he’s able to crank up club speeds in the mid140 mph range. How fast is that? Consider that the world’s number-one golfer, Tiger Woods, has a swing speed that is generally in the mid-130 mph range.

Bradley recently signed a contract to play Krank Golf club heads. On Tuesday at the Binks Forest Golf Club in

Bobby Bradley

Wellington, he tested two new 50-inch drivers — one with six degrees of loft and one with 7.5 degrees of loft — on the practice range.

“This is a good place to practice because the range is only about 35 yards wide,” Bradley said. “And I have good memories of this place. I remember playing out here as a kid. I even got Jack Nicklaus’ autograph between the 16th and 17th holes at the Sazale tournament in 1991.”

Bradley blasted the first few balls well over 300 yards, but each one was blocked to the right and landed closer to Binks’ tenth green than the middle of the practice range. “I don’t really have a game plan,” Bradley said with a smile. “I just try and swing as hard as I can.” So far, that’s the best game plan of all.

Golf Radio — ESPN 760’s Russ Evans (left) and Pat Rooney Jr. (right) brought their show The Golf Exchange to the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington on Sunday morning. In addition to talking to guests, the duo provided some playby-play as club members attempted to hit the 18th green in one shot from 150 yards out. Binks Forest member Mack McGaughan of Wellington accomplished the feat with a six iron.

PHOTO BY STEVE PIKE/TOWN-CRIER PHOTO

Big Wins For The Wellington Soccer Club

Teams from the Wellington Soccer Club put on an impressive display over the President’s Day weekend with five teams earning championship titles and six teams advancing to final or semi-final matches at three tournaments across the state.

In Tampa, the U-16 and U-17 Boys teams won their respective championships at the prestigious Score at the Shore Tournament, while the U-17 girls earned a berth in the semi-finals.

At the Weston Invitational Tournament, the U-10 Boys White, U-15 Boys

and U-15 Girls (playing up in the U-16 division) all won their division championships. In other Weston tournament action, the U-9 Girls Blue, U-10 Boys Blue and U-13 Girls all advanced to their divisional finals and the U-11 Boys White earned a berth in the semi-finals.

Closer to home, the U-11 Girls were finalists at the President’s Day Cup tournament in Jupiter.

Congratulations to all Wellington Soccer Club players, coaches and parents who enjoyed a great weekend of soccer and represented the club so well.

COBRAS COME OUT ON TOP

The AAU Pro Ball Cobras 10-U travel baseball team won the 2008 President’s Day Tournament in Lantana. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament and won the championship game in a dominant performance, defeating the Coral Springs Diamond Dogs 12-1. The Cobras are (front row, L-R): Austin Dempsey of Lake Worth, Dylan Santalo of Lake Worth, Bruce Martin of West Boynton Beach, Mathew Sternola of Wellington, Jake Eder of Boynton Beach, Keaton Baird of Royal Palm Beach and Brandon Betchel of West Boynton Beach; (middle row) Jordan Dobson of West Palm Beach, James Vaughan of Lake Worth, Brian Hernandez of West Palm Beach and Logan Goldenberg of Lake Worth; (back row) coaches Oscar Santalo, Jeff Church, Yosvani Hernandez, Gary Goldenberg and Bruce Martin.

The Wellington Wave U-15 Girls — (Front row, L-R) Sara Sturgis, Tatiana Lestido, Brianna Nardi, Maggie Matella, Amanda Antonacci and Andrea CedenoToban; (back row) Bailey Mudrick, Lauren Bruckner, Kaysea Beaty, Nathalie Carrasquilla, Samantha Brown, Maria Collins, Nicole Falzone, Katie Hanlon and Crystal Martinez.

Wellington Wave U-15 Girls Champs

The Wellington Wave U-15 girls soccer team won the Weston Invitational Soccer Championship held on President’s Day weekend, competing in the U-16 Division. They were the only true U-15 girls team represented at the tournament, which included teams from all over Florida.

After shutting out Tropical Soccer Club 2-0, the Wave played to a 1-1 draw against the Coral Springs Renegades. On day two of the tournament, the girls narrowly lost 1-0 to the Weston Wild. The Wave girls went into the finals on Monday as the number-two seed and faced the Weston Wild a second time. The Wave came out on top this time, defeating the Weston 1-0 in a penalty-kick shootout.

This was a true championship matchup as both teams played very physically to a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation time. The Wave did have a last

push up field, and possessed the ball in the Weston penalty area. Prior to the player taking a shot, the official blew his whistle ending regulation play.

Wave Head Ron Coach Matella attributed his team’s success to the defensive effort, and said “this was long overdue; they earned this.”

• CASPEREY STABLES HORSE CAMP — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, our campers find little time to be bored. Our low counselor/child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. We have a weekly swim party and end each session with a horse show and family BBQ! Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about our camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call us at (561) 792-4990 or visit our web site at www.caspereystables.com.

• VILLARI’S SUMMER CAMP — The staff members at Villari’s of Wellington are pleased to offer a full nine-week summer camp. Villari’s summer camp will improve your child’s focus, fitness and confidence and communication skills through interacting with their peers. We will focus on flexibility, coordination, listening skills, personal fitness and improved social awareness. Martial arts is not just kicking and punching, it’s about having fun! Call (561) 792-1100 to reserve your space.

• SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP — Boys and girls 10 to 18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros and meet sports celebrities. Campers will record play-by-play, reporting, sports anchor and PTI tapes. Campers will tour a pro stadium/arena and make reporting tapes at the stadium. Kids will participate in mock sports talk radio and PTI (“Pardon The Interruption”) style shows, trivia contests and much more. The camp runs June 9-13 at the FAU Boca campus. For more information, call Sports Broadcasting Camps at (800) 319-0884 or visit our web site at www.playbyplaycamps.com.

• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Come join us once again for our Summer Camp Eagle. Programs available for children four years to fifth grade. Camp runs June 9 through Aug. 1, 2008 (no camp Friday, July 4). Join us for Jump Start Academics (morning hours only) or Summer Camp Eagle until 3 p.m. Aftercare is available. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking, Bible, swimming and field trips. Jump Start Academics in reading, math and writing (ages 6-12). Look for our ad in this section. Call (561) 868-2225 for more information or stop by and see us at 1000 Wellington Trace in Wellington.

• FAME DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS STUDIOS — Fame Studios offers summer camp and intensive workshops. We offer Fun Camp where no experience is necessary; Performance Camp for those with a bit of experience; and our Intensive Workshop for experienced dancers. Visit us at our Wellington location at 3080 Fairlane Farms Road, Bay 4 (just west of the Mall at Wellington Green) or call us at (561) 795-9992.

• CAMP EXPLORATIONS — Camp Explorations is located on the beautiful campus of JFK Medical Center Charter School. Join us for 10 weeks of fun-filled summer days. We have a new heated swimming pool on site, which we will use for daily swim lessons. Campers will enjoy our computer lab, air conditioned gym, crafts, science fun, sports and more. Register by May 1 to receive $10 per week discount. Call (561) 868-6105 for info.

• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP — St. David’s Camp is open to children ages three to eight. Children can sign-up by the week and can pick two days, three days or five days. Each week has a theme, with activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, outside play and learning activities. All activities are on-site with our trained, loving staff. We are located at 465 W. Forest Hill Blvd. on the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. For additional information, call (561) 793-1272.

• PALM BEACH ZOO SUMMER CAMP — The Palm Beach Zoo’s 2008 Summer Zoo Camp offers great adventures for children ages five to 14. Zoo campers will gain a better understanding of a variety of animals and the habitats in which they live while enjoying a full schedule of daily amusements. Hands-on animal encounters, fountain play, crafts, hands-on science, zoo tours, games, scavenger hunts and, of course, zoo keeping duties are included. Each week the program introduces a new wildlife adventure, so parents may want to consider more than one week of zoo camp. Camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before and after care and lunch are available for an additional fee. All programs are on Palm Beach Zoo grounds at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. Weekly sessions are from June 9 through Aug. 22. For more information and registration forms, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org or call (561) 547-WILD.

• TEMPLE BETH TORAH LEONIE ARGUETTY PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT CAMP — Runs June 16 through Aug. 8. Designed to meet the needs of children ages two to five, our program features arts & crafts, cooking, science, nature, water play, computers, music & movement, sports, gymnastics and weekly shabbat celebrations; weekly entertainment such as puppet shows, carnival day, magic, library time, and more! We are also offering summer and fall VPK. We are a licensed and NAEYC-accredited school. For more information or a tour of the facility, contact Director Ann Parades at (561) 793-2649. The Town-Crier Presents

Saturday, Feb. 23

• The 2008 CN Winter Equestrian Festival continues through April at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington). For more information, visit www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will host an Adopt-a-Road Cleanup on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at 16020 Okeechobee Blvd. near the Adopt-a-Road sign to get their bags for the cleanup activity. Bring gloves, a hat and water. For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 7919875.

• Community of Hope Church will hold its annual Heavenly Treasures yard sale on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8 a.m. Many items are available including clothing, furniture, toys and luggage. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Anyone wishing to donate goods for the free yard sale can drop off items under the big white tent on the church property. Community of Hope Church is located at 14101 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call (561) 753-8883.

• Supporters of the Seminole Ridge High School Band will hold their Third Annual Barbecue & Family Fun Day on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on school grounds (4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Loxahatchee). The free event will feature a wide range of activities for everyone in the family: bounce houses, a dunk tank, a car show, more than 150 vendors, and silent and live auctions. For more info., call Roland Greenspan at (561) 7939889.

Sunday, Feb. 24

• The Cresthaven Stamp Club will hold its monthly Stamp and Postcard Show on Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center (3151 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). For more info., call Arnold Zenker at (561) 969-3432 or e-mail arnoldzenker@bellsouth.net.

• The 2008 polo season will continue Sunday, Feb. 24 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the start of the 26goal C.V. Whitney Cup. C.V. Whitney Cup play will continue until Sunday, March 2. The International Polo Club is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For tickets or more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpolo club.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host the seminar “Horses: Prey Animals Living with Predators” on Tuesday, Feb. 26. For more info., visit www.horsefair.net or call the library at (561) 7906070.

• The Equestrian Aid Foundation will host its inaugural celebrity roast on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. The event will honor the birthdays of two icons in the horse industry, legendary hunter/jumper guru George Morris and Jessica Ransehausen, a driving force in American dressage. Visit www. equestrianaidfoundation.org or call (800) 792-6068 for more info.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Well-

ington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.ci.wellington.fl.us for more info.

• The Wellington High School and Dreyfoos School of the Arts Debate Teams will compete Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. inside Wellington High School’s Little Theatre (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). The debate will focus on whether the federal government should offer solutions to prevent foreclosures and assist with affordable housing. Call in advance for reserved seating. For more info., call WHS debate coach Paul Gaba at (561) 795-4911.

Wednesday, Feb. 27

• Crestwood Middle School faculty, staff and students will gather for a book fair at Barnes & Noble in Wellington on Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Highlights of the evening will include performances by the jazz band, chorus and handbells. Students from the honor society will read their favorite Dr. Seuss stories. Purchases of books, music, café goodies and cheesecakes will go toward future book purchases for students. For more info., call (561) 753-5000.

• ArtStart of Wellington will hold a Celebrity Bartender Event and Trunk Show on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Amici Ristorante & Bar, 375 South County Road, Palm Beach. Members will model the latest creations of six fashion designers from around the country the night of the event, with a portion of the proceeds going to ArtStart. All tips collected from 6 to 8 p.m. will be donated to ArtStart. Visit www.artstartinc. org or call (561) 791-2861 for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 28

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Book Talks: African-American Authors” on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. For more info., call (561) 790-6070.

• The Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with local banks and credit unions, will launch “Palm Beach County Saves” on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clayton Hutcheson Agricultural Services Center (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). This free event will promote positive financial actions such as saving, credit/debt management and wise use of financial institutions. To register, call (561) 233-1742.

Saturday, March 1

• On Saturday, March 1, the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will offer a one-hour walk in John Prince Park in Lake Worth. Enter the park off Congress AVenue, turn right at the stop sign and left into the first parking lot. The walk begins at 7:30 a.m. For more info., call Paul at (561) 963-9906.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s West Fest Land & Sea Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2 at Okeeheelee Park (7500 Forest Hill Blvd.). Gates open at 10 a.m. The cost is $10 for daily admission, $15 for a two-day pass, $30 for a daily family fun pack and free for children under seven. For more info., visit www.palms west.com or call (561) 7906200.

• The Pine Ridge South IV residents in Greenacres will hold an Arts & Crafts Show in the clubhouse within the com-

plex, just east of Melaleuca and Jog roads, on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included in the sale will be framed watercolor art, hand-crafted three-dimensional metal work and handcrafted items such as jewelry and a large variety of handmade sewn and knitted items. The public is invited. For more info., call (561) 967-0912.

• The Wellington interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host a Sisters and Friends Legacy Reception on Saturday, March 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Villa Olympia Clubhouse in Wellington. All female Pan-Hellenic organizations and professional women are invited to attend. For more info., e-mail Soror Luletha or Tiffanie at 20pearlsaka@gmail. com.

• The Autism Project of Palm Beach County is promoting its Seventh Annual Renaissance Food & Wine Festival, including silent and live auctions, scheduled for Saturday, March 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Palm Beach Shores Community Center. The event will raise money for the Autism Project’s school in West Palm Beach. For more info., call Michelle Damone at (561) 315-2973 or e-mail appbcdamone@aol. com.

• The Diabetes Jungle Safari will be held on Saturday, March 1 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Jungle Safari is a fundraiser for the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. Attendees can expect numerous surprises set against a lush, jungle atmosphere. Live and silent auctions will feature a week stay in the mountains of North Carolina, an exotic African safari, a puppy and more. For more info., call Chrissy Lane at (561) 7533389.

Sunday, March 2

• YMCA Strong Community Polo Brunch “Polo with Pedro” will be held Sunday, March 2 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Friends gather for Sunday brunch in the festive and classy-casual style of the YMCA to raise money for scholarships and enjoy a 26-goal polo match. For more info., call (561) 968-9622.

Friday, March 7

• Temple Beth Torah in Wellington will host speaker Robert Tanen, the Anti-Defamation League’s associate director for the Florida region, during Friday services on March 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. Temple Beth Torah is located at 900 Big Blue Trace. For more info., call (561) 793-2700 or visit www. templebethtorah.net.

Saturday, March 8

• The Wellington Antique Show & Heritage Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at the Grand Marquee on the Cultural Campus near the Mall at Wellington Green. Admission is free; a portion of proceeds received from $5 parking fees will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. Attendees can have items appraised at $5 per item (limit two). A limited number of indoor booths are still available. Call Deborah Welky at (561) 795-5916 for more info.

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

The King’s Academy To Host Author Bryan Davis

Bryan Davis, author of the contemporary/fantasy young adult book series Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire will address seventhto 11-grade students at the King’s Academy on Tuesday, Feb. 26 during a combined assembly. He will conduct two writer’s workshops.

Davis is the fifth author to visit the King’s Academy in its “Meet the Author” series. TKA has hosted renowned authors such as Robert Elmer, Sigmund Brower, Bill Myers and Dr. Jerry Jenkins. One of the goals of this series is to expose TKA students to successful contemporary

Bryan Davis

Local Students Place In Playwrights Festival

Many western communities students were named in the Eighth Annual Young Playwrights Festival writing competition held recently at the Florida Stage in Manalapan.

Judges said it was very difficult to select winners and honorable mentions this year. The teachers and students who participated did a wonderful job. Florida Stage representatives said they appreciate the hard work and creativity that went into crafting the plays.

The Young Playwrights Festival will take place at the Florida Stage on Monday, March 31.

For more information about the festival, go to www.floridastage.org/ypf.

Winning plays by local writers were:

• The Students’ Revenge, by eighth

Christian writers, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers while offering practical tools and advice.

The King’s Academy is a non-denominational Christian school located in West Palm Beach. The school consists of nearly 1,400 students from throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information on Bryan Davis, visit his web site at www.dragons inourmidst.com.

Anyone who would like to attend the assembly or visit one of the workshops should call Tina Tutwiler at (561) 6864244, ext. 354.

grader Christina Hasko of Wellington Landings Middle School

• Déjà Vu Reversed, by eighth grader

Nicole Hamilton of Wellington Landings Middle School

• Time for Dinner, by first graders Alexa Mollica, Brianna Uhl, Dane Szala, Rahul Subramaniam, Brooke Cohen and Hely Lin of Equestrian Trails Elementary School

• Over in the Jungle, by third graders

Rahel Imru, Kierstyn Lockey and Erin Stedt of Equestrian Trails Elementary School

• Friendship of Any Kind, by fourth graders Matthew Hoch, Isabella Lynch, Taylor Rich and Debbie Thomas of Equestrian Trails Elementary School. Honorable mentions went to:

• WITCH!, by eighth grader Catie Asip of Wellington Landings Middle School

• Mr. Snookieheizman’s Warning, by

Elementary Students Make Bread — Royal Palm Beach

School third graders pounded dough during a recent bread-making activity. Students learned how to mix ingredients, follow a recipe and knead the dough in preparation for rising. With the help of parent volunteers and the cafeteria staff, each student took home a freshly baked loaf and some classes participated in a tasting session. (Above) Members of Mr. Bruce Saulter’s thirdgrade class make bread.

eighth graders Lacy Bollinger and Jennifer Kovacs of Wellington Landings Middle School.

Florida Stage would like to thank Evelyn Baber and the Heckscher Foundation for Children for their generous and ongoing support.

For more information about Florida Stage’s Young Voices programs, call Director of Education Susan Hyatt (561) 585-3404, ext. 115.

Carnival At Pierce Hammock Elementary

The Second Annual Western Community Carnival will be held at Pierce Hammock Elementary School at 14255 Hamlin Blvd., off Northlake Blvd. and 140th Avenue North Friday through Sunday, Feb. 29 through March 2. Rides, games, foods and various dem-

onstrations will be offered. The event is open to the public. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call the school at (561) 6510441.

Acreage Pines Fox Family Festival In May

The Acreage Pines Elementary School Fox Family Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is open to the public and provides a safe environment for families and friends to get together for a day of fun. The school is seeking vendors and sponsors.

If you are interested, e-mail Tricia Bonincontri at tricia7964@aol.com or call the PTA office at (561) 753-9467.

RPB

Elementary

Seminole Ridge Literary Mag Recognized By English Teachers

The initial issue of Seminole Ridge High School’s literary magazine Mirage has been selected to receive a rank of “Excellent” by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Mirage sponsor Ms. Carly Gates submitted the magazine for evaluation in the Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines. The program encourages excellence in

magazine writing and schoolwide participation in magazine production.

The 2007 Mirage was selected from among more than 450 schools that entered publications for evaluation.

Wrestler Qualifies for State Competition — The SRHS wrestling team, coached by Mr. Frank Lasagna, had one athlete qualify for the state tournament in Lakeland. Hawk wrestler Will

Jones placed fourth in the 189-pound weight class to qualify.

Debate Takes Two Golds — In the recent Palm Beach Central High School tournament, Hawk debaters once again did well.

Of the six students placing in Lincoln-Douglas debate, three were Hawks. Peter Burch placed second with a 4-0 record, Stephanie MacInnes

was third and Paige DiPirro was fifth. In other events, Edward O’Hara placed fourth in oral interpretation with his performance of “Prose and Poetry”; the public forum team of October Reid and David Sleeth placed first; and Devon Arnold took gold in Student Congress.

The team will compete at Harvard University this weekend.

Western Academy Holds A Successful Tupperware Fundraiser

Cheers rang out in Ms. Lindsay Sum’s second-grade home room when the class learned they had earned a party by achieving their goal of having the highest sales in the Western Academy Charter School Tupperware fundraiser.

The students’ joy reached new heights when they realized one of their classmates, Zachary Hare, had been the school’s top fundraiser and earned a $100 cash prize. Ms. Sum expressed pride in her class and her own happiness as she

took home a Tupperware organizer set, her prize for leading the students to success.

“Those students showed our whole school what can happen when a group works toward a goal,” Principal Linda Terranova said. “Ms. Sum is always an inspiration to her students. She also happens to be a newlywed who’s still setting up her kitchen. She really wanted to win the teacher prize, so she used the tools our Tupperware consultant pro-

Wellington Women’s Club 2008 Scholarship Applications Available

Applications for the Wellington Women’s Club College Scholarship Program are available for area high school seniors. Each year the Women’s Club awards four to six college scholarships valued between $500 and $1,500 each. Applicants must live in the western communities and be graduating from high school this June. Along with transcripts and community-service hours, an essay titled “What My Education Means to Me and How I Will Use it to Benefit Society” must be submitted.

Applications are available in high school guidance offices. Students may also request one by writing to Welling-

ton Women’s Club Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 823, Loxahatchee, FL 33470.

Direct any questions to Scholarship Chair Debbie Hession at (561) 798-3900.

All applications must be postmarked by April 11 to be eligible.

The Wellington Women’s Club is celebrating 31 years in Wellington. The charitable organization meets the first Thursday of each month for dinner and to hear guest speakers. Members enjoy many fun and entertaining activities for fun throughout each month. Guest fees are $25 for the monthly meeting. RSVP to Mary Armand at (561) 635-0011 or mair@armandpest.com.

vided and encouraged the kids to work hard to try to win the classroom party and the top-seller prize, and look what happened — second grade swept the competition.”

Tupperware consultant Cheryl Dunn Bychek has been involved at Western Academy as a parent and writing coach for years. “I wanted to help the school earn money, first of all, but I wanted to do so in a way that would make it fun for all the kids and staff,” she said. “Through daily activities with prizes and enticing incentives, we were able to motivate these kids to help their school.”

Tupperware offers a select group of its products in a special fundraising catalog, allowing organizations to retain 40 percent from the sale with no investment and minimal effort. For more informa-

tion on Tupperware fundraisers or other products, contact Bychek at (561) 7980691 or visit www.my2.tupperware. com/cabychek.

McLean Wins Landings Geographic Bee

Wellington Landings Middle School eighth grader Michael McLean won the school-level Geographic Bee held Jan. 23 and sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

School winners will now take a written test, and up to 100 of the top scorers throughout Florida will be eligible to compete in the state bee on April 4.

The National Geographic Society will

provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for state champions and teacher escorts to participate in the National Geographic Bee national championship on May 20 and 21.

The first-place winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship and a lifetime membership to the society. Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 21, which will air on television.

Fundraiser — Tupperware’s Cheryl Dunn Bychek with Zachary Hare and Lindsay Sum.

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School Essay Winners Announced

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School staff recently announced the winners of the annual school-wide expository essay writing contest.

The top essay from each class was selected by the classroom teacher. Next, the teachers from each grade level voted on the ranking for the top three. These essays represent the best writing from each grade. Teachers congratulated writing students for producing essays that were focused, organized, well-supported and written with attention to grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling.

In kindergarten, first place went to Daina Petit-Frere from Mrs. Lianette Perez’s class. In second was Rachel Abelenda from Ms. Kelly Lytle’s class. Third went to Julie Deshommes from Mrs. Lisa Linardos’s class.

In first grade, first place went to Logan Fenimore from Ms. Alison Miller’s class. In second was Angelica Walker from Mrs. Carol Shahin’s class. Third went to Sofia Grosso from Mrs. Shelly King’s class.

The second-grade winner was Natalie Bruce from Mrs. Cristina Kennedy’s class. In second place was Kayla Seetaram from Ms. Daryl Mechanic’s

class. Third place went to Sydney Jones from Mrs. Laurie Gwynne’s class.

In third grade, first place went to Jeffrey Rahming from Mr. Bruce Saulter’s class. In second place was Emma Thomas from Ms. Jen Kohler’s class. In third was Lilybell Zaniga from Ms. Collene Gallaher’s class.

In fourth grade, where the students are intensely preparing for the state FCAT writing test in February, the first-place winner was Ryan Rinaldi from Mr. Andrew Ruddick’s class. In second was Jordyn Greenia from Mrs. Ann Gormley’s class. Third place went to Kristen Unico from Mrs. Vicki Mauney’s class.

The fifth-grade winner was Cheyenne Drew from Mrs. Crystal Castillo’s class. In second was Ryan Rodriguez from Mrs. Susan Armstrong’s class. Tied for third were Juan Pinzon from Mrs. Gladys Mosley’s class and Majestie Taylor from Mrs. Nancy Benyon’s class.

Winners were presented with trophies on the morning announcement news program; they read their essays on the program as well. The next school-wide contest is for narrative writing, which will be held in the spring.

Four Area Teachers Nominated For The William T. Dwyer Awards

Four teachers from the western communities have been nominated for the William T. Dwyer Excellence in Education Award.

Three teachers at local schools were nominated for the Elementary Education Award: Patricia Klammer at New Horizons Elementary School, Stacy Nussbaum at Binks Forest Elementary School and Bonnie Rossa at Elbridge Gale Elementary School. Sandra Coster of Wellington Landings Middle School was

nominated for Career Education.

The 2008 Dwyer awards ceremony will be held on Monday, April 21 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

The William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education is a joint project of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.

The Economic Council is a non-profit organization of business leaders commit-

Bill T yson’s Auto Repair

ted to creating an environment to help business prosper. The council is involved with the social, economic and civic processes of Palm Beach County and is a catalyst between the public and private sectors fostering dialogue, planning and action on important countywide issues.

The Education Foundation is committed to the identification and promotion of innovative and effective educational policies and programs by mobilizing public-private partnerships, community col-

laboration and private sector resources.

The purpose of the Dwyer Awards program is to honor outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County, to increase awareness of exemplary educators in the community and to encourage all residents to promote high standards of excellence in education. For more information, contact Education Foundation Director of Programs Tracy Rudnick at (561) 4348428.

The Write Stuff — Royal Palm Beach Elementary School’s Expository Essay Writing Contest winners.

New ‘Winterim’ Program Debuts At Summit Christian School

The innovative “Winterim” program debuted at Summit Christian School in January, catapulting Summit Christian juniors and seniors out of the classroom and into the career world for two weeks.

Eager students “tried on” jobs they would not normally experience before college. Business professionals who took the students under their wings said they were thrilled with the quality of work and enthusiasm they received from the students.

The program works like this: juniors and seniors arrange internships at local businesses, medical practices, law firms, radio and television broadcasting stations and “go to work” Monday through Friday. At the end of their internships, “employers” complete a performance evaluation, which is submitted to the school.

Here are a few Winterim highlights:

Two Summit interns, Melea Trindade and Brittany McMaster, worked in a West Palm Beach television station, where they took part in creating television programming for events such as the mayor’s State of the City address. Vocally gifted student Megan McCloud was featured in a radio commercial and performed live during the morning drivetime show, while interning at her favorite radio station, 88.1 WAY-FM, next to some of her favorite DJs and producers. Jill Ziaja attended a leadership conference with a team of lawyers during her internship, and Sherri-Ann Hall witnessed a baby being delivered. While working the 911 desk, Chris Crerand received two phone calls from individuals who witnessed a tragic death, and Staci Mihalko worked with paramedics and emergency management at the emergency operations center.

Meanwhile, back on campus, freshmen, sophomores and middle-school students explored two career fields, through half-day career-specific courses com-

prised of lectures, labs and field trips. Guest speakers visiting the campus included representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Palm Beach Gardens Canine Unit, local attorneys and business owners. Field trips included a trip to a local crime lab, a correctional institution, Lion Country Safari, the Palm Beach Zoo, various other animal services, performances and businesses. Some of the courses middle and high school students enjoyed were studio recording, criminal justice, crime scene investigation, web site design, writing to publish, sports management, introduction to ministry, introduction to the stage, digital photography, mock trial, animal planet, cooking, introduction to education, fashion and interior design, and entrepreneurship. Students who participate for all four years will have a semester of credit for “career planning” added to their completed transcript. Summit will continue the program next year, so anyone who owns a business and would like to get involved is asked to contact the school. Open enrollment is currently underway. To learn more about Summit Christian School, visit www.summitchristian.com or call (561) 686-8081, ext. 319 to set up an individual appointment.

WHS Band Members Earn Superior Ratings

Members of the Wellington High School bands earned a total of 75 Superior medals at the Florida Bandmasters Association District Solo and Ensemble Assessment Feb. 7-9 in Boca Raton. Eighty-seven WHS band members performed in the assessment.

Students earning Superior ratings in solo performance were: Kyle Capobianco, Rebecca Carter, Alyssa Cunningham, Michael Fasano, Tommy Jacobs, Ted

Karmelin, Erica Kesmar, Meagan Kovacs, Brittney Ladwig, Sidney Oser, Katie Riley, Marianne Saa and Courtney Smeriglio.

Ensembles earning Superior ratings were the Jazz Band, Majorettes, Percussion Ensemble, Clarinet Trio, Woodwind Trio, two Drum Duets, Saxophone Quartet, Trumpet Trio, French Horn Quartet, Tuba Quartet, Flute Quartet and Jazz Combo.

Forty-six of the band members qualified through their performances for the state contest.

WHS Football To Hold Skills Clinic In June

The Wellington High School football team is running a football skills clinic for kids ages eight to 12.

Sessions will be held June 16-19 and June 23-26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. all days on the Wellington High School fields. The cost will be $150 per session, due by May 1.

Contact Mary Chapman at (561) 7847703 or send an e-mail to dkbja5@ aol.com for more information.

Getting Experience — Summit Christian School Junior Megan McCloud with 88.1 WAY-FM broadcaster Donna Cruz.

HEART

Sock

Hop Attendees Twist The Night Away At Acorn Hill

Hundreds of equine enthusiasts turned out in ’50s sock hop garb to support the efforts of the Humane Equine Aid and Rapid Transport (HEART) ambulance at the third annual fundraiser held Feb. 15 at Acorn Hill Farm.

Acorn Hill Farm was transformed into an authentic ’50s diner, complete with the music of City Lights. The band performed all night and kept guests on their feet, dancing to the classic hits of the era. Guests were greeted by the ambulance

staff, and the ambulance unit was on site for viewing. There were several raffle prizes for which partygoers could purchase tickets, including a case of first vintage Acorn Hill Wine, a piece of jewelry from David Yurman, a P.J. Saddle of choice and more. Outback Steak House, owned by Tim Gannon, provided the menu of shrimp, prime rib, vegetables and desserts. Additionally, there was an old-fashioned ice cream bar where guests were treated to authentic root beer floats and more.

STEPHANIE POWERS AT POLO

Actress Stephanie Powers attended a polo match on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Powers was in town visiting Polo Gala Founding Chair Patricia Yunghanns of Palm Beach, helping her with plans for the Feb. 29 gala to benefit the non-profit Polo Training Foundation. The gala will take place at IPC; Tommy Lee Jones will serve as the event’s honorary chairman. Shown here is Powers (center) with Yunghanns (right) and IPC General Manager John Wash.

HEART’s Sock Hop was sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, Murray Kessler, Sweely Holdings, Jacque Schultze, Bombardier Flexjet, Split Rock Farm, Meadow View, Beth Johnson, Warm Wind Farm, Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur P.A., Trelawny Farm LLC, Jackie Leemon and Tim Toole, Jane Forbes Clark, R. Bruce Duchossois and H ’n’ D Stables, and David Lubben and Nancy Kwam.

The HEART Equine Ambulance was founded as a nonprofit organization in 2000. HEART is led by grand prix rider Robin Sweely, along with a staff of specially trained employees and volunteers. To date, HEART has two trucks and two trailers — one retrofitted to be an ambulance and one that was custom-built per HEART’s specifications.

With the help of private donations and the annual fundraiser, the organization has expanded its services and availability. In 2006, HEART transported eight horses, while in 2007 that number jumped to 29. Between the two rigs, HEART attended 30 horse shows this year.

Fortunately, it is a rare occurrence that horses are physically debilitated or die during show-jumping competitions. While accidents are few and far between, these losses are traumatic. Aside from the obvious heartbreak to the riders, the public observing the incident is forever impacted by how the care of the horse is handled.

For more information about HEART, or to make a donation, visit the organization’s web site at www.equine ambulance.com.

Showing Some HEART — Mason Phelps, HEART President Robin Sweely and HEART Board Member Tony Hitchcock at the HEART Sock Hop.

PHOTO BY COURTESY ALEX PACHECO

PHOTO COURTESY HEATHER CARISTO

Jan Rodusky Of Royal Palm Named VP At Palm Healthcare

The Palm Healthcare Foundation recently promoted Jan Rodusky of Royal Palm Beach to vice president of grant programs. Amy Dean was also promoted to vice president of policy and workforce programs.

Palm Healthcare Foundation President Suzette Wexner said the promotions strengthen the leadership team at the foundation. “Amy and Jan have demonstrated an incredible level of commitment, creativity and passion for advancing healthcare,” Wexner said. “They have worked tirelessly to develop a deep understanding of the greatest challenges we face in our community today and to bring together people, organizations and resources in a collaborative effort to create real change in the lives of the underserved.”

Rodusky spent ten years securing grants and gifts for health-focused organizations as a professional fundraiser

in northeast Ohio and in West Palm Beach. She is active in her community as a representative of the foundation, as well as a leader through her personal involvement and volunteerism. Rodusky serves on several boards and committees, including the Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition, the Center for Non-

profit Excellence, Leadership of Palm Beach County, Donor’s Forum of South Florida and St. Ann Catholic School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Kent State University. For more information about the foundation, visit www.palmhealthcare.org.

Joshua Bryant Completes Marine Basic Training

Marine Corps Pvt. Joshua Bryant, son of Roberta Stensland of Chesterfield, Va. and Pieter Bryant of Loxahatchee, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C.

In a program designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally, Bryant and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a.m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition to the physical conditioning

program, Bryant spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training.

Bryant and fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54hour team evolution culminating with the presentation of the Marine Corps Emblem, and their address as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.

Wellington Student Wins VFW County Democracy Essay Contest

Wellington High School senior Bradley Samore is the winner of the District 3 Veterans of Foreign Wars essay and speech contest.

Samore is the son of son of Sandra and David Samore.

The selection was announced by District Commander Frank Welling and Ladies Auxiliary President Claire Smith of the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 3, which comprises all of Palm Beach County and consists of nine posts and five ladies auxiliaries.

The writing prompt for this year’s competition was “What is My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans?” Each of the nine posts selected a winner from their post. Samore submitted his essay to Mrs. Pat Snow, the youth activities chairperson at Veterans of Foreign Wars

Post and Ladies Auxiliary 4360 of Palm Springs, where Mike Snow is post commander and Pat Prevatt is the Ladies Auxiliary president. Samore has played “Taps” on his trumpet for ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day for Post 4360.

At the district ceremony and dinner held Feb. 9 at Post 4360, Samore was presented with a $500 savings bond from the district and a check for $75 from the ladies auxiliary. Post 4360 presented him with a check for $100. This is in addition to being honored with an expensepaid stay and banquet for him and his parents at the midwinter state conference for the Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for Florida on Jan. 19 in Orlando, where he was presented with a Voice of Democracy blazer jacket and

$100. There Samore competed against 22 other districts in the state, with the winner being from the Ocala District. Samore, who has been accepted at three Florida universities, plans to use his earned scholarship awards toward pursuit of a jazz trumpet major.

Other speech/essay winners for the district included second place, Benjamin Meyers, Post 10556 in Boca Raton, a student at Atlantic High School; and third place, Crystal Tarallo, Post 9610 in Jupiter from Jupiter High School.

Middle school student winners for Post 4360 were all from Okeeheelee Middle School and included the following: first place, Taylor Hanson; second place, Brandon Cabrera; and third place, Victor Galicia.

Bradley Samore

Jan Rodusky

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts Cocktail Party Fundraiser

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society held its sixth annual Cocktail Party and Silent Auction on Feb. 7 at the Players Club in Wellington. This year’s event raised more than $50,000 to support the organization’s mission.

This year’s honored hero is Krystle McGrady, a 16-year-old student at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She talked about what it is like to be diagnosed with and treated for lymphoma. In her speech, McGrady expressed sincere appreciation for all the people in her life who took the time to help her through the illness. Susie Dutta presented McGrady with a beach cruiser bike on behalf of the Dutta Corporation and Guido Klatte.

Patrons of the event viewed a photo exhibit of blood cancer survivors and the significant person in their lives who cared for them during their illness. At the close of a silent auction, Marcy Freedman was

awarded the title of 2008 Equestrian of the Year for her efforts in raising $3,800. She was given a portrait donated by artist Mary-Ellen Janssen.

Runner-up Carleigh Fedorka raised more than $1,700 through an online campaign and was given a $1,000 gift certificate donated by EuroAmerican Saddlery. In addition to the silent auction, saddle pads donated by World Equestrian Brands and Lauren Walfish were sold with all proceeds benefiting the society.

Local sponsors of the event were Palms West Hospital, Dark Horse Chocolate, Bombay Sapphire and EuroAmerican Saddlery. For further information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or how to support next year’s campaign, call Campaign Director Darby Collins at (888) 478-8550, ext. 14 or Event Chair Mary Ann Grant at (561) 301-5817.

VOTING FOR

THE FIRST TIME

Rose Lupardo, mother of Matt and Corinne Lupardo of Wellington, arrived in New York City from Italy in 1958 and lived in New York on her own until March 2007. She is now living with her family in Wellington. Shown here, Matt Lupardo took Rose to vote for the first time in her life on March 12. She will be 88 years old on June 16.

Kristopher Oryon Messer — son of Kristy and Jacob Messer of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 7.

Conner Allen Giles — son of Rachel and Patrich Allen Giles of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 7.

Thomas David Bell II — son of Rhonda and David Bell Sr. of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 8.

Sky Marie Zill — daughter of Sheena and Jeffrey Zill of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 11.

Raoul Eccleston Brown Jr. — son of Amanda Belcher and Raoul Brown of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 11.

Aiden Kristofer Lesiczka — son of Agnieszka Anna Lesiczka of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 11.

Kellan Ross Miller — son of Peggy and Chad Miller of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 12.

Austin Michael Walczak — son of Christina and Christopher Walczak of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 12.

Nicholette Abigail O’Hara — daughter of Kathleen Ninnoska Ali of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 13.

Leonardo David Alvarez — son of Giselle and Miguel Alvarez of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 13.

Survivor — Timmy and Susie Dutta, and Mary Ann Grant present lymphoma survivor Krystle McGrady (right) with a beach bike cruiser.

A MAGICAL FASHION SHOW

In preparation for the Arthritis Foundation’s upcoming Magic of Caring fashion show and lunch in March, three children stopped by Bealls department store in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday to pick out their threads. For more information about the foundation, visit www.arthritis.org. (Above) Ten-year-old John Newkirk and mom Ashley look at some t-shirts. (Below left) Ten-year-old Marissa Salvador. (Below right) Four-year-old Lauren Andres with her mom Shawna.

Wellington Art Society Art Auction March 16

The Wellington Art Society invites art enthusiasts and supporters to enjoy an afternoon of art March 16 at the Breakers West Country Club. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature a live art auction. Auction items include award-winning paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery and other works by area artists.

The afternoon will begin with an opportunity for attendees to meet the artists and view their work. Other highlights include a buffet lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. and a silent auction featuring merchandise and services from area businesses including the Kravis Center, Walt Disney World, a golf package, Taboo restaurant, the South Florida Science Museum, Raindancer restaurant, the Palm Beach Zoo, a spa basket, Butterfly World, Vizcaya, Grayhills & Mohip Dental and much more.

Proceeds will benefit the Wellington Art Society and its many programs, including the awarding of scholarships to area graduating high school art majors. The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit organization open to all artists and all mediums, from art enthusiasts to internationally published artists. Members include painters, sculptors, graphic designers and artists who work in wood, metal and ceramics.

Jean Talbott will serve as event chair. Tickets are $40 and need to be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (561) 795-1691, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or e-mail info@wellingtonartsociety.org.

Israeli Art Month At The Armory Art Center

The Armory Art Center and the Association of Israel’s Decorative Arts (AIDA) are partnering to bring South Florida a month of Israeli art.

Israeli Art Month at the Armory Art Center will take place from March 6 to April 5 and will feature unique works created by leading Israeli fiber artists, artist-led workshops, a lecture presented by curators from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Racine Art Museum, and a jewelry trunk show presented by the Yaw Gallery of Michigan.

Israeli Art Month’s marquee event is “A Common Thread: An Exhibition of Israel Fiber Art.” The exhibition showcases the contemporary Israeli art scene and presents ornamental, functional and wearable works of fiber art created by six leading Israeli artists. The exhibit offers the opportunity for many of the artists to show their work for the first time in South Florida. Featured artwork includes the traditional Arab embroidery of Arab Israeli artist Buthina Abu Milhem and colorful, modern woven works created by Yehudit Katz. “A Common Thread” will run March 6 to April 5.

Other highlights of Israeli Art Month include an informal discussion on Friday, March 14 led by Jane Adlin of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Davira Taragin of the Racine Art Museum on the development of Israel’s decorative arts. “Our partnership with AIDA is our first step in what I hope is a long relationship,” Armory Executive Director Jesus De Las Salas said. “It is important to me and the Armory that we help artists, not only in our community, but artists around the world and truly create a ‘common thread.’”

The Armory Art Center is a not-forprofit community-based visual arts education and exhibition center providing opportunities for individual growth, self expression, increased awareness and appreciation of the arts through participation in studio, exhibition, lecture and other educational programs.

The center is located at 1700 Parker Avenue in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 832-1776 or visit www. armoryart.org.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

HOME & GARDEN SHOW RETURNS TO AMERICRAFT EXPO CENTER

Palm Beach County’s largest home and garden show returned to the South Florida Fairgrounds’ Americraft Expo Center Feb. 15-17. The event featured more than 500 exhibitors and several stage presentations. Products and services included the latest trends in home improvement, decorating and gardening, including some of the newest products in the marketplace. Experts conducted live, interactive seminars and demonstrations. A doggy fashion show was held on Saturday to showcase dressed-to-impress dogs that made appearances on the runway. For more information about future home shows, visit www.floridahomeshows.com.

Loxahatchee Electrical Services owner Emmett Jarvis and brother Travis display Lutron switches and wireless dimmers.

Author Glenn Boyles shows off his new book about home improvement.

Dana Noto of The Acreage and her dog Ziggy strut their stuff during the doggy fashion show.

Deb Oblaczynski with TLC star Nadia Geller.

Kathryn Maguire, granddaughter Kathryn Maguire and her mom Ashley.

Chef Robert Catherine and wife Barb, authors of Romantic Dinners for Two

PHOTOS BY DENISE

Schools Cypress Trails Modernization

continued from page 1A ry schools that the county opened in 1989. The other two — Limestone Creek in Jupiter and Indian Pines in Lake Worth — have a footprint identical to that of Cypress Trails. Sutherland said both received new additions and core facility renovations between 2004 and 2006.

Cypress Trails was scheduled for the same classroom additions and core renovations, Sutherland said, but Principal Gale Fulford was told that a new elementary school would be built in the village and the renovations would not be needed. The promised new school near State Road 7 was never built.

“I’ve met with the school board several times,” Sutherland said. “Each time I go, they have made some effort to rectify some of the problems, but not the core problems.”

Sutherland said her son is au-

Plant

FPL: Plant Will Be Clean As Can Be

continued from page 1A cause they’re blasting every single day,” she said. “They will be blasting within 290 feet of a natural gas pipeline.”

Dr. Bill Louda, a Loxahatchee Groves councilman and Florida Atlantic University environmental science professor, told DEP officials he appreciated the meeting, but bemoaned that specifics of the plant were discussed after it had received a site permit and construction had gotten underway. “To my way of thinking, you ought to have all the individual meetings first, then take up the siting,” he said.

FPL officials say the initial phase of the West County Energy Center, a 1,250-megawatt gas-fired generator, is considered one of the cleanest, least polluting systems available. FPL plans to eventually install two more identical units at the plant for a total output of 3,750 megawatts.

But Louda said an earlier report had the three units putting 600 tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere per year. Even with catalytic converters, he said he was concerned that FPL reported it would be emitting 360 tons of nitrous oxide annually per unit.

Equestrians Drought Compliance

continued from page 12A be in a water shortage for a while.”

Byrd said that while the International Polo Club is the community’s largest polo entity, smaller polo clubs are discussing some sort of association. “There are ways to contact the various clubs,” he said. “We’re trying to get some organizations formed so we can be a much stronger force.”

Mooney said there is a support system among the smaller groups, which stay in touch with each other. “You learn more from your peers than anyone else,” he said. “Hopefully we can build on that. There will be strength in numbers.”

tistic but is a fully included student at Cypress Trails. Sutherland praised the teachers and staff at Cypress Trails for creating a successful learning environment under antiquated conditions.

“When my son is pulled out to go to speech therapy, he is placed in a room that is closetsize and sits on the floor because there is no room for a table and chairs,” Sutherland said. “They sit kids on cold tile to have speech therapy twice a week.”

Sutherland, who said she holds a master’s degree in education, told the council that other special-needs students are worse off. “The kids who aren’t as lucky as him — the specialneeds kids who aren’t in inclusion — have classrooms on the outskirts of the library, which is also the room where the teachers get their resource materials,” she said. “So the kids who need the least distraction are constantly interrupted by teachers who have to come in to get their materials.”

Louda also objected to the meeting’s narrow focus on gas emissions. “The whole thing ought to be, I don’t know, holistic — I guess that’s the new buzzword for looking at these processes,” he said. “When we look at each individual part, it’s hard to get the big picture and make true decisions.”

Louda added that he felt proper notice was not given for the meeting. “I try and stay aware of everything that’s going on. Today I found out about this meeting at around 3:30. Luckily my coat was still in the truck. It was the same way with the siting meeting,” he said. “I’m not speaking on behalf of the council, but this goes to show the public’s interfacing. This meeting, as a council member in Loxahatchee Groves, I never heard about it. Wellington and us are the closest to this plant, and we never heard about this meeting.”

Loxahatchee Groves resident Joan Shewmake said notice of the meeting also took her by surprise. She said she was concerned about a rise in asthma among Pahokee residents. “Any particulate matter in the air is too much,” she said, adding that options for solar energy should be pursued.

After the meeting, DEP Program Administrator Al Linero noted that the meeting had indeed been publicized in local newspapers.

Dale Reeves and Jim Clinton, who both represent Deeridge Farms, said the riding rings in their operation are kept moist for the safety and health of the horses. Dry riding rings carry dust and insects and are unhealthy for both riders and horses, they said.

“We have several horse riding rings,” Reeves said. “We would like to water the rings before the horses ride on them. Can we or can we not? Are we able to transfer water? We have a couple of lakes on the property. Last time we wanted to transfer water, we used the irrigation pumps to transfer it. Are we able to do that? My concern is if someone sees we are pumping water, they will think we are putting it on the lawns, and that’s not what it’s for.”

Equestrian Cynthia Gardner

Sutherland told the council she supports the federal “No Child Left Behind” guidelines, “but I’m here to say, ‘let there be no school left behind.”’

On the matter of busing kids to the proposed new school, Mayor David Lodwick said “it will actually be a shorter ride than it is to Cypress Trails now” for many of the students.

Lodwick said he agreed with Sutherland that renovation work at Cypress Trails is long overdue. “Some of the improvements will come with just getting the right numbers of kids in our schools,” Lodwick said. “This goes back 20 years to the day they opened H.L. Johnson [Elementary School]. The bottom line is they absolutely need to modernize.”

Councilman Fred Pinto, whose son is a first-grader at Cypress Trails, said he met last week with School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond and school district staffers regarding modernizing Cypress Trails.

“They did agree that they

Loxahatchee Groves resident Bill Gurney told DEP officials that intense development pressure in the area runs counter to environmental preservation “Instead of cleaning up the Everglades environment, we are setting the stage for additional huge amounts of pollution,” he said. “As a taxpayer and an electric user, I will be made to pay for the FPL plant as well as pay for the restoration of the Everglades. It seems to me I’ll be paying at both ends. But the most important point is we are adding pollution pressures on the Everglades instead of reducing them. It would seem to me that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection would be most interested in protecting its citizens and protecting its natural resources instead of possibly championing continued pollution.”

Acreage resident Sharon Waite said she was upset that maps of the plant do not show her community. “Every time I testify, those maps always leave The Acreage out,” she said. “The first map I saw, we were a cloud. We are 110 square miles. How can that be? The only thing they ever admit to having near this is Wellington. We are a mile west of Wellington.”

Waite added that the plant’s smokestacks would be 12 stories high.

“That’s going to be one ugly

said visiting equestrians are used to top-notch fields and rings. It was a good idea to keep them moist, she said, or the riders might decide to go elsewhere.

“Most farms have all-weather rings,” Gardner said. “They’re small areas. Some of them are 120 feet by 200 feet. They are not big plots of land. There are few people who have grand prix fields or grass riding rings. It’s the small riding rings that make Wellington and what makes our equestrian facilities so desirable. It’s the quality of the footing they have. If they can’t maintain the footing, they have no reason to be here. It’s so critical for us.”

SFWMD officials said equestrians should feel free to contact the district as well with any questions, and said they plan to hold more public input meetings to gather further feedback.

were going to address many of the issues,” he said.

Following the council meeting, Pinto told the Town-Crier he wants to see a list of work Fulford wants done at Cypress Trails.

Candidates

continued from page 11A tic change, they still should be evaluated regularly to ensure the highest standards possible are maintained.

• The Economy — We need to work hard to tighten our belts as the village’s revenues decrease. However, we also need to make sure we have a stable budget. The millage rate has to be at the point which still provides the residents with the services they require, but also will allow residents to feel some relief at home in their budgets.

• Quality of Life — The residents of Wellington expect a very high standard of services and amenities. From our parks and recreation programs to pub-

“If there is a list of 25 items, for example, then we can take it to the school board,” Pinto said. “They probably won’t be able to get them all done, but they should be able to get some done on that list.”

lic works to the equestrian industry to our A-rated schools to our beautification and green space programs, we enjoy the very best that South Florida has to offer. However, one area we are lacking in, and I will work to improve once elected, is with our seniors.

• Public Safety — We are currently being served by two agencies which provide topnotch services ranging from emergency medicine, firefighting, police protection, K-9, aero medical support, SWAT team, community policing, hazardous materials mitigation and many more which the public requires be the best in the country. I will ensure that the services we receive continue to improve the lives of each resident.

RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

monster,” she said. “The air quality is going to be like a sewer, and you know it.”

Boca Raton attorney Barry Silver, who is co-chair of the Palm Beach County Environmental Coalition, said he was concerned that the DEP does not monitor greenhouse gases.

“That’s unconscionable and it’s a gross violation of your duties,” he told DEP officials. “The DEP might as well not even exist if you’re not going to monitor greenhouse gases. That’s the major threat to the world as we know it environmentally. We are just shocked at the coalition to learn that the DEP does not monitor such things.”

After the meeting, FPL representative Pat Davis told the Town-Crier the plant will be among the cleanest ever built, exceeding rigorous California standards.

Brosemer A Seat At The Table

continued from page 13A this done as well as possible.”

E Road resident Bill Gurney asked the council if the lobbyist proposal was a backup plan. It was his understanding, he said, that the council did not support the widening of Southern Blvd. at all. “We had originally talked

“It is the cleanest in the state and one of the cleanest plants of its kind in the nation,” Davis said. “One of the nice things about this plant is by running this plant, we will be able to run older, less efficient plants less often, further improving our mission profile as a company.”

Davis said the blasting at Palm Beach Aggregates in the proximity of the gas pipeline had been taken into account and was not considered a threat to its integrity.

“The real issue is ‘is the plant safe?’ And the answer is yes,” she said. “The plant will not impact wells in the area. It will not be affected by rock mining in the area. It will not affect air quality. It will be the cleanest of its kind in the state and one of the cleanest in the nation. It’s really difficult to get any greener than that.”

about opposing it,” he said. “I assume that’s on the front burner, and all of these suggestions are backup.”

Browning said that was correct, noting the council had passed a resolution in opposition.

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog made a motion to engage Brosemer, which was seconded by Councilman Dr. Bill Louda. It passed unanimously.

Not In Support — Environmental activist and Boca Raton attorney Barry Silver at last week’s DEP hearing in Royal Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY

PALMS WEST

A TOWN-CRIER Publication

Y Your Pet Is In Good Hands ourPetIsInGoodHands W With ith At Y Your

By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report

Leaving home for a few days or more can be complicated. Did you turn off the oven? Did you stop the mail? Did you turn on the security alarm? And who is taking care of the dogs and cats?

Harris and Joyce Gropper have an answer for that last question with their Wellington-based pet-sitting company, At Your Service Pet Concierge.

The Groppers go above and beyond the normal pet-sitting service of simply showing up at a home to walk the dog or feed the cat.

“If they need some things in the house, we’ll go shopping for them,” Joyce said. “That can be great because if you’re coming off a big trip, you don’t feel like going to the store. You just want to get home.”

But Joyce noted that such efforts are simply human-oriented extras that come with the pet-sitting service. “I’m not there to be their concierge,” she said. “I’m there for the animals, but if they need some small items, like milk or eggs for when they return, we’ll run out and stock up on some things.”

It’s all part of what Harris refers to as the company’s “personalized service.”

“We’re in the customer-service business,” he said. “I can’t afford to lose business. We get very close with our clients. We get to know them very well.”

So well, in fact, that the Groppers even have taken in a client’s dog as their own.

Her name is Chiquita Maria, a Chihuahua whose owner, a wounded Iraq war veteran, had difficulty taking care of her and his other dog.

“He asked if we could find a home for her,” Joyce said. “We never thought we would wind up with her, but we did. Now we love her.”

A retired high school music teacher who grew up in New York City, Harris turned to pet grooming three years ago when he and Joyce started a local Aussie Pet Mobile franchise, providing mobile pet-grooming services. The Groppers started with one mobile grooming salon and now have three traveling around the county seven days a week.

At Your Service Pet Concierge was born last spring when Joyce lost her job as regional sales manager for a pharmaceutical company, and the couple saw an opportunity to create an adjunct to their existing business.

“I didn’t want to go back to the corporate world and travel ten days a month,” Joyce said. “So we just decided to expand the business.”

Since they were already recommending pet-sitting services to their grooming clients, Joyce said the new business was a no-brainer. “But we figured if we were to do something like this, we’d have to be different,” she said.

And that’s where the Groppers’ personal service comes in. At Your Service can provide pet-sitters who will sleep over at a pet owners’ home if so desired. Two of the four pet-sitters the

Groppers employ are available for overnight jobs.

“I just took a job that requires me to be in 15 hours,” Joyce said. “The lady has nine dogs. Can you imagine how expensive it would be to board all those animals? Over Christmas we had a lady in Wellington with five dogs and two cats. For almost a week I was there three times a day. It was a huge job.”

A job the Groppers certainly don’t take lightly.

“We always do a meet-and-greet with the clients so the client can get to know us,” Joyce said. “They’re checking us out, too.”

The average cost for three daily visits to a client’s home is $50 per day. “But we don’t just go and walk the dog and say ‘that’s it,”’ Joyce said. “Typically we spend 30 minutes with a dog — sometimes more.”

For more information on At Your Service Pet Concierge, call (561) 791-2086.

Leadership We Can Count On

Tom Wenham has always been a leader in our community - even before Wellington became a Village. He was elected to our very first Village Council and has served as our Mayor since 2000.

Under Tom’s leadership we’ve built a great way of life together - world class Parks and Recreation programs, Senior Services, and the Equestrian Preserve.

Moving forward, we must protect our environment, exercise fiscal responsibility and maintain the high levels of service that make Wellington such a wonderful place to live.

Now, more than ever, we need the proven leadership of Tom Wenham.

PHOTO BY STEVE PIKE/TOWN-CRIER

Pet Sitters — At Your Service Pet Concierge owners Harris and Joyce Gropper with Teddy and Chiquita Maria.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Tom Wenham for Mayor of Wellington

Amenities And Comfort Key At Southern Palm Bed & Breakfast

By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report

The term “bed-and-breakfast” suggests little cottages, but visitors to the Southern Palm Bed & Breakfast in Loxahatchee Groves are in for a pleasant surprise.

Clients at Southern Palm drive through the lush green grounds of a 20-acre estate and arrive at a large house containing all the nicest features of home combined with a few they might seldom find anywhere else.

Owner Cheryl Reed has an energetic staff ready to make certain that the guest experience is a great one. She has been running Southern Palm since 1997.

“We have regular customers who have been coming down here for the past ten years,” Reed said. “Hank and Ginny Vogel of Vogel Boots come down here for nine or ten weeks every year. They’ve become like family.”

Reed said she loves running the bedand-breakfast because it gives her the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. “Every year in high season — January, February and March — we have all the wonderful equestrian people who come down here for the horse shows,” she said. “We’re not much more than ten minutes away from the shows.”

Reed also has warm words for regular visitors from the Florida Rowing Center, also in Wellington. “They are some of the nicest people,” she said. “A lot of rowers come down for instruction from some present and former Olympic rowers. And they come back here year after year.”

Reed said the peace and quiet of her rural setting is a major attraction for guests. “We have celebrities here sometimes, as well as some famous writers,” she said. “They know we give them peace and anonymity while they are here.”

Each of Southern Palm’s nine avail-

able suites is large and well furnished, each in its own style. Every room has a dressing room, a walk-in closet, a minifridge and cable television, a private balcony overlooking a large pond and even unlimited telephone access to anywhere in the United States. “We even have WiFi, which has become invaluable to just about all our guests,” Reed said.

While some of these amenities are available at other bed-and-breakfasts, how many have a private pond where guests can feed large golden koi and catfish? “I like having the catfish here because they’re bottom-feeders and keep the pond environmentally friendly without chemicals,” Reed said.

Reed prides herself on keeping her grounds as chemically free as possible.

“The food we serve at breakfast is organic, and I made sure we didn’t use particleboard when we built the place,” she said. “All our cleaning supplies are non-toxic, and we use botanical oils to control pests. We’ve been able to attract people here with multiple chemical sensitivities who have trouble staying at other places.”

Competitive snowboarder Todd Bauer, a guest at Southern Palm, said he loves the place.

“It’s relaxing here and the food is healthy, which is very important for someone like me,” he said. “The people are all friendly. Even better, I’m staying here for a bit, and I found out they clean my room every day. I didn’t expect that!”

Reed said she likes the kind of people drawn to her place. “They tend to be quiet while loving to have fun,” she said. “I’ve begun to run Saturday night dinners for my guests, and we all get know each other.”

The property is large enough to host retreats during the off-season. “We had one retreat of Buddhist monks from Thailand and another with a shaman from

Peru doing a ritual healing for some guests from that country,” she said.

Reed also hosts weddings on the premises. “We are large enough,” she said. “Recently a family came down here for a wedding because of a very ill family member and put together a huge wedding. There were 11 bridesmaids, and they had tents out for the guests and even brought in a dance floor. It was wonderful.”

A licensed occupational therapist, Reed works at a clinic in Lake Worth specializing in hand injuries. “I work about a

dozen hours a week,” she said, “which keeps up my skills and allows me a lot of time with my guests.”

During the winter season, rooms at the Southern Palm go for $169 single occupancy and $259 for double occupancy. Weekly and monthly rates are also available, as well as off-season rates.

The Southern Palm Bed & Breakfast is located at 15130 Southern Palm Way, off C Road in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 790-1413 or visit www.southernpalmbandb.com.

That’s right. You can sign up for a chance to win a free 32” Visio® flat-screen TV from Riverside Bank. No strings attached. Whether you’re a Riverside Bank customer or not, simply stop by our Wellington office between now and March 31, 2008 and sign up to win.

Southern Hospitality — Southern Palm Bed & Breakfast owner Cheryl Reed at the 20-acre estate in Loxahatchee Grove.

PHOTO BY LEONARD

Liberty Foods Indian And Caribbean Store Relocates East

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

When Debbie Motilall and her family moved to the western communities from Fort Lauderdale five years ago, she decided to open a spice store to serve customers seeking Asian, Indian, Caribbean, Thai and Middle Eastern ingredients.

“When we got here there wasn’t a lot of variety, and I thought I could bring in some different ethnics,” Motilall recalled. “Spices are a very popular thing. As I was finding out, people like to use a lot of different spices. I decided, why not have a spice store?”

The store, Liberty Foods, gradually expanded to offer not only a variety of ethnic spices and foods, but also traditional handmade Indian clothing, international CDs and DVDs, and Hindu statuary and icons.

The business has become so successful that two weeks ago Liberty Foods relocated from the Southern (Kmart) plaza at Southern Blvd. and State Road 7 to a new 2,600-square-foot location the family purchased at the southwest corner of Sansbury’s Way and Belvedere Road.

Motilall runs the store with help from her husband Fip and daughters Stephanie, 17, and Sarah, 16, who attend Suncoast High School. Her eldest daughter Anna, 19, is now attending the University of Florida.

Although of Indian descent, Motilall’s great-grandparents moved from India to British Guyana in the early 1900s. As a

result, she has been exposed to a range of cultures and ethnic foods, but English is the only language she speaks.

“We kept up with our culture, but we were living in South America for three generations: my grandparents, my parents and myself,” she said. “We were British-annexed. That’s why we don’t have any other language. We speak only English.”

Although Motilall and her family are still getting some areas of the new location set up, they will offer all they did before in an expanded setting.

“We carry most all the spices for every different recipe,” she said. “We carry a selection of Indian, Chinese and Thai curries, as well as Caribbean spices. We also carry syrups and malts of different nationalities.”

Motilall said she believes Liberty Foods is the only store in the area that carries so wide a variety of ethnic spices and foods. “There is just Caribbean or just Indian or just Vietnamese or Japanese, but there’s never been a store with everything in it,” she said.

Among the offerings at Liberty Foods are such hard-to-get spices as fenugreek powder and coriander seed. She also has dried peas for soups in green, white, orange, black and yellow.

“We also carry desserts from different countries,” she said.

Within a month she expects the store’s fish tanks will be set up and again offering live tilapia, crab and other varieties of live seafood. The new location will also expand on Liberty Foods’ deli offerings of sandwiches and salads, and Indian, Caribbean and Chinese foods from the kitchen. “Indian food can hardly be made from a box,” Motilall said. “It has to be made from scratch. I’m hoping to expand on that quite a bit.”

for parties and other occasions.

Liberty Foods can also cater Caribbean and Indian foods

Motilaill said she and her family enjoy living in The Acreage near White Fences. “It’s 20 minutes from everything pretty much. In our development we have paved roads,” she said, admitting she’s among the “new breed” who prefer pavement to dirt roads.

Liberty Foods is located at 951 Sansbury’s Way and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The store is closed Mondays. For more information, call (561) 793-2711.

Ethnic Goods — Liberty Foods owner and Acreage resident Debbie Motilall inside her new store at the southwest corner of Sansbury’s Way and Belvedere Road.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Priore, Kiselewski Named To Wellington Chamber President’s Circle

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently named Florida Power & Light employees

Donald Kiselewski and Carmine Priore III as the newest members of the President’s Circle.

The President’s Circle is a unique and exciting chamber opportunity extended to established leaders of the community, local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Carmine Priore III is the plant general manager of FPL’s West County Energy Center. He serves on the Village of Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, the National City Bank Advisory Board, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Beach Central High School Advisory Board. He is active in charitable fundraisers and has chaired two events for the Renaissance Learning Center School for Autism.

Priore received a bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Florida in 1989 and promptly joined FPL. He is a registered professional engineer and obtained a master’s of science degree in engineering management, combining business administration and industrial engineering from the University of South Florida. Additionally, he completed the executive program Driving Corporate Performance at Harvard Business School in Boston, Mass.

A 23-year resident of Palm Beach County, Priore lives in Wellington with his wife Terri and their three children. He is the son of Wellington Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore.

Kiselewski is FLP’s area manager for northern and western Palm Beach County. Prior to joining FPL in May

2005, Kiselewski served as a congressional chief of staff and was a 14-year employee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kiselewski serves as treasurer of the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, and on the boards of directors of the Palm Beach County Education Commission, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. He is active in community organizations such as the American Heart Association and Young Friends and Families of the South Florida Science Museum.

Kiselewski holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Emory University and a master’s in business administration from Florida Atlantic University. A 35-year resident of Palm Beach County,

Palm

Gardens with his wife Heidi and children Katie, Jackson and Chelsea.

CCCS: Consumers Face Higher Costs For Essential Needs

People seeking basic budget counseling from Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast spent an average of $531 on gas and food in January 2008, nine percent more than the average of $486 in January 2007.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast is part of the CredAbility Network, a family of agencies serving people in all 50 states. The CredAbility Network provided basic budget counseling to ap-

proximately 5,000 individuals in January. The average budget counseling client is 38 years old, had a gross annual income of just under $40,000 and total debt of $25,733. More than half are homeowners.

“There is no doubt that consumers are facing increasingly tough economic times,”

CCCS President Jessica Cecere said. “For many, increases in income do not begin to keep up with the rising cost of necessities.”

For the individual calling

CCCS in January, the $531 spent on food and gas accounted for about 30 percent of their monthly living expenses of $1,774.

The increase in spending on gasoline was most dramatic, rising from an average of $182 in January 2007 to $215 in January 2008. Since 2003, average spending on gasoline has almost doubled from its January 2003 low of $112 per month. Average spending on groceries increased four percent from January 2007 to January 2008, rising from

$303 per month to $316.

CCCS professional counselors offer individual, confidential advice for developing budgets, managing money, using credit wisely and building a savings plan. Counselors will review a person’s financial situation and help determine the best possible financial strategies. The counselor will offer solutions to a person’s current financial problems, as well as personalized plans for preventing financial pitfalls in the years to come. The service is available in English or Spanish.

People can call for a free budget-counseling session at (800) 330-CCCS (2227). To begin an online counseling session, visit at www.cccsinc. org. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast is a nonprofit community-service agency that provides confidential budget counseling, money management education, debt management programs, bankruptcy counseling and education, and comprehensive housing counseling.

Kiselewski lives in

Beach

For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce President’s Circle, call (561) 792-6525.

Donald Kiselewski

Carmine Priore III

Former Pro Umpire Launches Advertising Agency In Wellington

Former pro baseball umpire Zach Rebackoff (a.k.a. the “Flying Birdman”), known for his colorful calls and flamboyant style, recently formed Advantage Advertising Agency, an advertising/media company designed to brand or re-brand small businesses. The 56-yearold Rebackoff is a resident of Wellington, where the operation is based.

Rebackoff, an entrepreneur with the mask on or off, will use his self-taught skills to support businesses that usually fall outside the lines of conventional agency interests: small businesses and retailers.

“Ad agencies have historically sought clients where huge budgets were available to create expensive campaigns,” Rebackoff said. “That leaves small businesses to figure it out on their own. With that said, we’re happy to dig ourselves inside that market and earn our way into their vision with hard work and dedication to excellence.”

Rebackoff’s resume outside of his eight years in pro baseball (from 1975 to 1982) includes startups in the school business and photography industry. Additionally, Rebackoff’s published merits include

his 1984 trade paperback Tough Calls (Avon Books), as well as various columns and articles for Gannett newspapers, Baseball Digest and the St. Louis Post Dispatch

The new agency uniquely utilizes human resources, virtually. Industry-specific experts are matched up to likewise case studies, allowing Advantage’s management team to manage and experts to do what they do best: use their imagination.

“I don’t claim to know everything about everything,” Rebackoff said. “What I do know is that by providing clients with expert marketing advice, sometimes not necessarily from my own brow, exhibits that we truly offer a direct path to solu-

tions, in addition to fresh ideas and timely implementation. And I also know that retailers particularly are solicited for their ad dollars by those who operate based on their agenda: earning a living and making quota. Our choices are based on research, analysis and testing, then a recommendation.”

The agency offers the full gamut of services including ad design, creative writing, media placement (print and broadcast), public relations, publicity, focus group studies and website development. The animated arbiter recruits MBAs and business professionals into his strategies, and directs those resources to accommodate specific client requests.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER WELCOMES PALM BEACH PUPPIES & BOUTIQUE

Located at 10240 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 120 in the Pointe at Wellington Green, Palm Beach Puppies and Boutique offers precious teacup, toy, designer and large-breed puppies displayed in cushy elegant cribs (not cages), with pink and blue baby motifs and mobiles twirling above. The store carries extensive lines of European doggie designer couture clothing, jeweled accessories, designer feeding bowls, beds, blankets and handbags for carting your pampered pooch in style. For more info., call owner Ryan Garson at (561) 422-2220 or visit www.palmbeachpuppies.com. Pictured here are store employees with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Advantage seeks to inform small-business owners that although they may be educated, attractive, well-spoken and perhaps even proven business professionals, they may neither have the time, patience or skills to dedicate to a branding campaign. For more information, visit the Advantage Advertising Agency’s web site at www.advantageadagency. com or e-mail Rebackoff at zach@advantageadagency. com. Send business news items to: The Town-Crier 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

Zach Rebackoff

WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS

Havana Shirt Store — Located in the Mall at Wellington Green, the Havana Shirt Store offers tropical-inspired clothing made with silk and linen, footwear and accessories for men and women that exude a casual feel. For more info., call Laura Burdo or Malvinetta Williams at (561) 204-4060. Shown here are store employees with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Fit2Run — Fit2Run in the Mall at Wellington Green was created from assessing the needs of area runners. Trained sales associates will guide customers through an extensive selection of footwear, apparel, home fitness equipment and accessories including performance eyewear and GPS personal trainers. For more info., call Mike Wilson or Sharon Jacobson at (561) 753-9343. Shown here are Fit2Run employees with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

Ultra Dry Cleaners — Ultra Dry Cleaners, located at 10240 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 130, is a full-service dry cleaning business, offering pickup and delivery service. For more info., call Bob Salerno at (561) 753-6200. Pictured here are Ultra Dry Cleaners staff members with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

The Coffee Shack — Owned and operated by Kristin and Jim Chamberlin, the Coffee Shack is located at 9108 Forest Hill Blvd. in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza. The Coffee Shack offers gourmet coffee and tea, wine and beer, fresh pastries, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as customer-reward cards. For info., call (561) 333-0294. Shown here are owners James and Kristin Chamberlin with Wellington Chamber ambassadors.

All Florida Pool & Spa Center Honored With President’s Award

All Florida Pool & Spa Center, South Florida’s largest pool and spa company, was recently presented with the Sundance Spas 2007 President’s Award. This marks the second time All Florida Pool & Spa Center has received the award in its 37 years of operation.

Sundance Spas’ annual President’s Award recognizes outstanding achievements in sales excellence and customer support. With more than 500 dealers nationwide, Sundance Spas recognized All Florida Pool & Spa Center as its top performing single store dealer in the U.S. The honor recognizes a company’s total contribution, dedication and service to both its customers and the Sundance Spas brand of hot tubs.

“Receiving the President’s Award is a great honor and would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone throughout our organization,” All Florida Pool & Spa Center President David Cohen said. “We strive to provide our customers with the best possible products, services and support. This recognition helps confirm that we are succeeding, and we will continue to set higher standards

to bring our customers new levels of satisfaction.”

From its headquarters in North Miami, and its newly opened West Palm Beach facility, All Florida Pool and Spa Center is Florida’s largest distributor of Sundance spas. Aside from selling hot tubs, All Florida offers Floridians a complete array of pool and spa products and services, including everything from chemicals and equipment to complete pool renovations.

Founded in 1971, All Florida Pool & Spa Center markets its offerings through two retail stores located in North Miami and at 5601 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. A fleet of over 50 trucks and 70 pool and spa experts allows the company to help Floridians realize maximum backyard enjoyment. For more information, call (305) 893-4036 in Miami or (561) 2425100 in West Palm Beach, or visit www.allfloridapool.com.

Sundance Spas manufactures portable and in-ground hot tubs, including a complete line of accessories. For more information, visit www.sundance spas.com.

Tangible Property Form Due April 1

The property-tax reform package under Amendment 1 that Florida voters approved on Jan. 29 includes a $25,000 exemption benefit for business owners.

The first $25,000 in value of furniture, fixtures and equipment used by a business is exempt from taxation.

“This is a new benefit not previously available to business owners,” Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits said. “Additionally, after the initial return, the requirement to file an annual return is waived

unless the value of their tangible personal property exceeds $25,000.”

The deadline to return the completed tangible personal property form to the Property Appraiser’s Office is April 1.

The $25,000 personal property exemption does not apply to mobile homes classified as tangible personal property. The exemption applies to all tax levies, including school districts.

Call Tangible Services at (561) 3552896 for more information.

Customer Appreciation — Representatives from the BankUnited branch in Wellington gathered with customers on Thursday, Feb. 14 for Customer Appreciation Day. BankUnited is located at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 19. For more information about BankUnited, call (561) 204-3573 or visit www.bankunited.com. Shown above are bank representatives and customers.

Getaway Cafe — Formerly Bean & Bakery, Getaway Cafe has been known as “the place to meet” over breakfast and lunch for the past five years. Under new owners Joel and Jackie Robins, the customer-friendly atmosphere will continue while quality and value will be taken even higher. The restaurant, located at 8480 Okeechobee Blvd., is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Catering and delivery are available as well. Call (561) 333-3990 to place an order or for more info. Shown here are the Robins with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors during a recent ribbon cutting.

SHARE CONDO

$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or Email Tutorking@WPB3331980.COM

HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EXPE-

RIENCED; Familiar with QUICKBOOKS - Full-Time position. Pay commensurate with experience. Fax resume to A. Silver - 561-432-2825

FUND YOUR OWN REVERSE

MORTGAGE,SAVE YOUR HOME — & get paid to help others do the same. Minimum $500. Madelyn 561-422-2910

CLEANING PART TIME - Buffing floors. Wellington Area. $9/hr 7 am to 10 am 1800-342-2104

FUND YOUR OWN REVERSE

MORTGAGE,SAVE YOUR HOME - & get paid to help others do the same. Minimum $500. Madelyn 561-422-2910

PT SALES PEST CONTROL OFFICEto work Saturdays. Commissioned position. Call Jim 561-512-4901

DELIVERY AND TO GO - FT/PT Delivery Drivers. Must have own insured vehicle. Earn $10.00 per delivery. 561752-4444

PART TIME SALES – Local pest control company has an opening for a residential sales person. Earn 20% commission on all initial treatments. Unlimited opportunities. Set you own hours. If interested call Jim @ 561-512-4901.

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITION-

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

ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING/TAX

SERVICE — Accounting Professional available to provide accounting support to back office operations. Specializing in record keeping, tax compliance, planning, improving productivity and growth. Utilizing the most advanced Accounting software and spreadsheets such as,QuickBooks, DacEasy, Solomon and Excel. For information call: 561-693-4345 or 386-793-4543 Email: Visionsandconcepts@comcast.net.

NURSERY DEVELOPMENT & NATIVE

PRODUCT SALES - Clearing, construction, plantings, & maintenance, veterans, seniors 10% discount. Call 3R Reasonable Reliable Results. 644-9351

FRED LADWIG ARCHITECT, P.A. - Specializing in custom residential architectural design for over 20 years. New construction, renovations and additions. FL. Registration AA 2706, 561-333-3353.

The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666

it, move it, plant it,

more. Call Bruce, 793-2494. TFN

HOME REPAIRS, INC. — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, remodeling, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 561-791-9900 Cell: 561-3705293 THE HANDYMAN CAN! - Craftsman with years of experience. Repairs, water damage, painting, wall/ceiling, texturing, moldings, flooring, organizers, plumbing, tile. Remodeling bath/kitchens. Big Savings on outdoor kitchen & bar using your grill or just hang a fan. Make your repair HONEY DO LIST. I show up & want your return business. References. Hourly/job. Call Greg 561531-3141

ANMAR CO. –James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561-723-5836

“You dealt with the rest now deal with the best” maintenance and repairs. Inquire about 1 months FREE service. 561-7915073 ELITE POOL CLEANING

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-309-6975 BD

PRIMROSE PROPERTY MANAGMENT FULL SERVICE RESIDENTIAL HOME CARE — Weekly inspections, repairs, & maintenance. Monthly reports, Reasonable rates. 561-602-6857. or email primrosepm123@aol.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS – Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U9 865. 9675580. BD

SHAKE ROOF SPECIALISTS –– New roofs, repairs, preservation. License #CC025465. Shake Masters, Shake Chem. Members of Shake Bureau. 4396668 BD

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING ––Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded, insured. Lic. #CCC-058317 790-0763. BD ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 BD

GARABAR, INC. ROOFING & GENERAL CONSTRUCTION — 561-337-6798 www.garabar.com Lic. #CGC 1510976 CCC1327252. “Deal” Direct with owner. * Please see our display ad* Major credit cards accepted. Fast Free Estimates. Insurance claim specialists.

B.K. WINDOW TINTING - Safety, security, storm & solar control, window film application. "We Beat Any Written Estimate From Another Company!" Completely mobile since 1992. Palm Beach 561-718-3536 Martin/St. Lucie 772-6074359 Melbourne 321-544-3163

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach

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

HOT WYRE ELECTRIC — For all your electrical needs. Panel upgrades, installations, repairs, lightening protection, troubleshooting. Licensed, Insured, Free Estimates. 561-313-0134

BILLS ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER SERVICE — New construction, repairs, upgrades, generators, cable, network. No Job Too Big or Too

TNT LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE 561-644-8683 — Lic. & Ins. Landscape design, low maintenance gardens, professional plant installation, mulching, monthly property maintenance, sprinklers maintenance & repair, expert hedge & tree trimming. Yard cleanup too!

ARMENTO PAINTING & SONS, INC. –– Painting, Interior, Exterior. Pressure cleaning. Custom painting, faux art. Lic. No. U14736. 798-8978. BD

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. ––– Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. Call 798-4964. Lic.#U18473

LARRY’S PAINTING & WALLPAPER — Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Interior/ Exterior painting. 561-309-2845. Wallpaper - Luanne 561-801-2018 Painting • Residential • Commercial • Historical Restoration • Faux Finishing • Stucco Repair • Roof Painting • and Pressure Cleaning • Sand Blasting • Mold Removal. FLEISCHER’S PAINTING • 561-833-6661.

LET US AD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE — Residential/Commercial. Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Owner/Operator. Ask for Paul 561-309-8290. COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/ Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident.

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING — interior, exterior, custom colors, faux artwork, all work guaranteed. Lic. Bonded & Insured. 561-616-2255 PAINTING — HOME PAINTING Interior – Exterior. $1290 +tax up to 2500 sq. ft. (walls area) 561-674-HOME(4663) J&C’s Faux Painting Service, Inc. Lic./Ins. U14092

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! Lic.#9001390. 798-3132.

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 863-0955 AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 561-5686099, 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213

SALES, SERVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR ALL TYPES — Windows, doors, accordion & panel shutters. Impact glass. USA IMPACT WINDOWS & DOORS. 561-502-1518

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

PAPERHANGING & PAINTING BY DEBI — Professional Installation & Removal of Paper. Interior Painting, decorative finishes, clean & reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 26 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

WINDOW CLEANING One Or Two Story Homes Serving the Western Communities Since 1988 James 795-4109