Town-Crier Newspaper January 15, 2016 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

CRYOREGENEX OPENS IN WELLINGTON SEE STORY, PAGE 3

COUNCIL INKS ENGINEERING CONTRACTS SEE STORY, PAGE 7

THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE Western Academy Charter School Reports High State Test Scores

Volume 37, Number 3 January 15 - January 21, 2016

Serving Palms West Since 1980

DENIM & DIAMONDS DINNER DANCE

At Monday’s meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board, Western Academy Charter School Principal Linda Terranova reported that the kindergarten through eighth-grade school placed higher than the state overall this year, as well as the Palm Beach County School District, on the Florida Standards Assessments. Page 3

Acreage Flag Football Tourney Supports ACS

The ninth annual Acreage Flags for the Cure Flag Football Tournament, supporting the American Cancer Society, took place Wednesday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 10 at Acreage Community Park. During the tournament, there was a formal opening ceremonies event on Saturday, with a check presentation and a ceremony where cancer survivors were honored. Page 7

The 28th annual Wellington Dinner Dance to benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington was held Friday, Jan. 8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The theme was “Denim and Diamonds,” and the event was chaired by Georgina Bloomberg, Dr. James Goad and Marley Goodman Overman. There were live and silent auctions, along with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner. Shown here are Todd Barron, Marley Goodman Overman, Dr. James Goad and Georgina Bloomberg. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 21 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Salutes Seniors Advocate Howard Trager

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council honored retiring Wellington Seniors Club President Howard Trager on Tuesday for his more than 23 years of community ser-

RPB Young At Heart Club Celebrates Chinese New Year

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club held its monthly luncheon Friday, Jan. 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The theme was Chinese New Year. The Chinese Performing Arts Group of South Florida entertained seniors and ushered in the Year of the Monkey. Page 17

OPINION

We Have A Dream: The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This Monday, Jan. 18, our nation will recall the message and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And while his dream remains unfulfilled, and seemingly broken at times, that doesn’t mean we don’t continue to try to solve the problems and work toward peace. Dr. King’s message still resonates strong, across the United States, and here in our backyard. Several local organizations will come together to recall the legacy of the slain civil rights leader on Monday. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 13 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 8 PEOPLE................................. 14 SCHOOLS.............................. 15 COLUMNS...................... 16, 25 BUSINESS......................26 - 27 SPORTS..........................31 - 33 CALENDAR............................ 34 CLASSIFIEDS................ 35 - 38 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Howard Trager speaks at Tuesday’s council meeting.

vice as an advocate for Wellington’s senior citizens. Trager joined the nonprofit Wellington Seniors Club in 1992, where he became a valued and dedicated member, according to the village’s proclamation honoring him. Shortly after joining, Trager became a member of the club’s board of directors, and served as vice president before being named president from 2006 to 2010, and then again from 2014 to 2015, when he retired. “Since 1999, Howard has sat at the helm as the editor and publisher of the Golden Banner newsletter, which serves to inform the Wellington Seniors Club members of upcoming social and community events, as well as important health information,” the proclamation noted. As a participant in variety shows, Trager displayed his vocal, comedic and theatrical talents by

appearing in numerous sketches. Trager also served as Wellington’s official senior services coordinator from 2010 to 2012, when he identified and brought to light critical issues such as the need for senior transportation in Wellington. “I’ve been here since December of 1988, and a lot has transpired since then,” Trager said. “I am deeply honored by your words and kindness, thoughts and deeds, but there are many, many people to thank.” He thanked his partner, Estelle Rubin, the Wellington Seniors Club board of directors and Wellington officials who have worked with him over the years. “It has been a labor of love, and I thank you all so very much for this great honor,” he said. “I didn’t know that I’d be speaking tonight, but I just wanted to express my thanks for what you have done for See TRAGER, page 4

Wellington Leaders Laud Neighborhood Watch Successes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Neighborhood Watch program has expanded over the years to include many more aspects than the original crime watch mission, which officials believe has resulted in the rejuvenation of some communities that were beginning to deteriorate. Once a program run largely by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Neighborhood Watch has been embraced by the village to galvanize residents to help improve their own communities. The village’s Community Services Department recently released a plan for Neighborhood Watch meetings that will reach nearly two dozen communities over the next three months. “The Neighborhood Watch program has grown to include neighborhood engagement more than anything else, to include residents [and give them] an avenue to communicate with the village,” Director of Community Services James Poag said. That communication works both ways, with the village also able to better communicate with residents, he added. “In addition to being a deterrent for crimes in our neighborhoods, the primary focus of the Neighborhood Watch has shifted from a traditional crime watch program more to an engagement where the village can communicate and listen to the concerns of the residents,” Poag said. “It provides them an avenue and a stage where they can voice their concerns, and we can take those concerns and go to the appropriate departments to get things resolved in a timely manner.” In addition, the village uses the Neighborhood Watch program as an incentive for neighborhoods to participate in improvement grants

available through the Community Services Department. “We’ve utilized Neighborhood Watch for revitalization purposes so that people can access the funding that we have for our neighborhood improvement grants,” Poag said. Neighborhood Watch meetings scheduled include: Scribner in Olympia, Guilford, Wiltshire Village, Lakeside Shores, Stonegate, Black Diamond, Staghorn/Mulberry, Coventry Green, Channing Villas, Pine Valley, Greenbriar Circle, Summerwood Circle, Mayfair, Greenview Shores, Aero Club, Rye Terrace, Wisteria, Chatsworth Village and Folkestone/Yarmouth. In addition, a joint meeting is set for May 18 for all the communities to meet together. “This will be an opportunity for all the neighborhoods to share and engage with their neighbors throughout the village,” Poag said. “We’ll have a platform to share one overall topic at that particular meeting with all our Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the Village of Wellington.” Senior Neighborhood Advocate Jonathan Salas said the Neighborhood Watch program still encourages participants to be extra eyes and ears and to report any activity to the PBSO that seems suspicious, and not try to take matters into their own hands. “We give safety tips such as locking car doors, avoiding crimes of opportunity and things like that,” Salas said. “Typically, we segue into giving crime prevention tips.” Poag said crimes of opportunity are not typically committed by hardened criminals but often by local teens. “They check the doors, and if the doors are open, they’ll take whatever small items they can See WATCH, page 19

WHS DANCE MARATHON

LGWCD OKs Road, Canal And Trail Agreements With Town

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors approved several items Monday that will lead to the repair and maintenance of roads and canals by the town, as well as the long-planned construction of equestrian trails. LGWCD Administrator Steve Yohe reported that the town and district’s Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee recommended approval of the agreements, including a fill disposition policy for sludge removed from canals and more quit-claim deeds to enable the town to repair deteriorating roads paved with open-graded emulsified mix (OGEM).

Yohe reported that the committee recommended board approval of a proposed canal dredging and fill policy, which was approved later in the meeting. The committee also discussed quit claim deeds for gaps on North Road; South F Road, which was paved by the county; and South B Road, which was recently paved with asphalt from Southern Blvd. to south of Collecting Canal Road. Yohe said that town representatives at the committee meeting brought up that OGEM on areas of Collecting Canal Road east of South F Road near the new medical center, which was paved less than two years ago, had deteriorated and should have had a drainage culvert.

“We have agreed that it does deserve a drainage catch basin and a culvert to discharge into Collecting Canal,” Yohe said, adding that Town Manager Bill Underwood had indicated that the town might reimburse the cost to the district for the improvement. Yohe said that the town also offered to potentially have its engineer assess the condition of all the OGEM roads to see if any other catch basins are needed. He added that the district has some money from a loan it had taken out to construct catch basins and culverts if they are deemed necessary. As of now, he said, three areas have been identified. “It’s in the town’s court to get See LGWCD, page 19

Wellington High School held assemblies Thursday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 8 to promote its Dance Marathon event, which will take place March 11. The school hopes to raise $25,000, doubling last year’s fundraising efforts. Donations go to help sick children at Shands Children’s Hospital. The star of the day was 9-year-old Zander Wyant, one of Shands’ “Miracle Children.” Shown here are (L-R) Jake Anders, Kristen and Zander Wyant, Melissa Varvarigos, Christopher Wyant and Samuel Weingart. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Biz Alliance Lunch Features Sheriff Ric Bradshaw

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw addresses members of the Western Business Alliance on Wednesday.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Western Business Alliance started off 2016 with a luncheon Wednesday at the Madison Green Country Club featuring Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. The well-attended luncheon was the first event of what is expected to be a busy year. “We have some great events coming up planned for the next year, some luncheons and some special things and people as well,” said Tim “The Byrdman” Byrd, who served as master of ceremonies. “It will be bigger and better. And hats off to you for making your first year, your inaugural year, so successful.” Byrd introduced Bradshaw, thanking him for keeping Palm Beach County safe. “He has been keeping Palm Beach County safe for many years.

That job is full of sacrifices, but he has the experience to do it at the highest level imaginable,” Byrd said. Bradshaw has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement and is the leader of the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County. He has specialization in domestic security, field operations and community-based policing. Bradshaw first made it a point to recognize Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Gauger. “He’s an integral part of what makes things happen at our agency,” Bradshaw said. “Over the past 11 years that I’ve been fortunate enough to be your sheriff, he has helped tremendously to accomplish what we need to.” Bradshaw chose three areas to cover: violent crime, homeland security and body cameras.

“Business depends on safety. If your community is not safe, if your neighborhood is not safe, business is not going to flourish. People are not going to want to live there,” he said. “We get calls all the time from people saying, ‘I want to move into this area. Is it safe?’ or ‘I want to start a business in this area. Is it safe?’” People, he explained, will not go to places that are not safe. In Palm Beach County, violent crime, he explained, is mostly about gang activity. In Lake Worth, gang activity deterred community involvement downtown. “It took us about eight months to get rid of the gang that was there. They shot 111 people, killed 12, but they had a grip, not only in the community, but the downtown area,” Bradshaw said. “As soon as we got rid of them, business started coming back downtown… The See BRADSHAW, page 19

Page 2

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 3

NEWS

Cryotherapy Company CryoRegenex Now Open In Wellington

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report A permanent cold front, controlled by a power switch, has hit Wellington with CryoRegenex. It comes by way of an ultra-low temperature cloud of dry nitrogen, and only takes a few minutes to work its magic. CryoRegenex is the brainchild of chiropractor Dr. Brett Stoze. “The machine itself has been in development since 2013,” Stoze said. “The machines that are currently on the market are either available from the Ukraine or from Poland. This is actually home-grown. It’s done right here in Florida. It’s done to an aerospace grade. It’s safer, more consistent, and hitting the therapeutic temperatures that you normally don’t see with the machines that are currently available.” When using CryoRegenex, the patient stands in a pod of sorts, where supercooled air, a cloud of gaseous nitrogen, or cryovapor, decreases body temperature in a short period of time. This acti-

vates a neuro-response that forces the body’s blood supply to travel inward toward the core and the heart. “You’re actually increasing the oxygenation within the bloodstream. When you step out of the machine, it’s significantly warmer,” Stoze said. “When you’re doing that, you’re pressing all of the blood that was sitting within the core out to the periphery, back out through the muscles and tendons to the arms and the legs.” The majority of the research on cryotherapy has been on athletes. High-profile athletes such as LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo use it for recovery, Stoze explained. After the intense workouts, he said, the recovery system with extreme cold changes inflammatory pathways, reduces inflammation and helps with recovery from intense workouts. The ideal temperatures, Stoze explained, range from -230F to -160F. “It’s not so much about the

Mark Stoze and Dr. Brett Stoze of CryoRegenex.

temperature,” he said, “it’s how the body is experiencing that temperature.” The time of therapy is somewhere between two and four minutes, in swimwear. For athletes, being faster than an ice bath is an advantage, and cryotherapy works differently, not freezing the tissue but moving the blood. Cryotherapy can be used for recovery from intense physical activity, arthritis and many other ailments. Stoze first learned about cryotherapy a few years ago and was intrigued. The reported benefits worked well with his specialty as a chiropractor, and what he was seeing with his patients. “It’s completely new. It’s something that is still being explored from a clinical research point of view,” Stoze said. “It’s something a little bit different than using an ice pack.” His father, Mark Stoze, codeveloper of the system, explained the many differences between the CryoRegenex machine and its competitors. “We’ve taken away some of the risk factors. We add oxygen to the process, so you don’t have this oxygen-deficient atmosphere,” he said. “And the other factor that we have is, with the distribution, you don’t get the cold spots and the hot spots. We have anti-splatter.” Two years ago, Stoze and his father began the journey of creating a superior machine. They created the design, which is provisionally patented and is the only one in the United States. “The way it has been designed, is a different level of expertise and attention to detail than what was available before,” Stoze said.

Dr. Brett Stoze and Mark Stoze demonstrate the CryoRegenex machine.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

They are sending machines to clinics in Washington, D.C., and Maine. “We’re looking at it as more of a therapeutic modality vs. a toy; an experience. We’re working at a little bit different of a level than what’s currently available,” he said. “That can be seen within the machine, with the five anatomically positioned vents, the way the cryovapor is being generated — it’s being fully oxygenated, which helps the hot and cold spots. It makes it more consistent. You’re working at whatever temperature the practitioner has decided for the client.”

Stoze picked Wellington for his base of operations due to its location and population, where potential clients could benefit greatly from cryotherapy. “It’s a great central location, especially with all of the design and production team being in Florida,” he said. “For the equestrians, it makes a lot of sense for them. They’re more physically active than a lot of people give them credit for. It’s also an Olympic year, so people are doing a lot more serious training than they would normally be doing, so it makes a lot of sense for them to be able to have something to help them get to

that next level a little more easily.” Triathletes and athletes around Wellington will find the convenience of the location ideal, rather than having to travel 45 minutes to get to something similar. For those who are not top athletes, even just exercising for 20 minutes a few times a week at a gym, Stoze emphasized, they still have inflammation, which means that cryotherapy is beneficial for them. CryoRegenex is located at 3260 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 4, in Wellington. For more information, call (321) 654-0987, e-mail info@ cryoregenex.com or visit www. cryoregenex.com.

Western Academy Charter School Reports High State Test Scores

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At Monday’s meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board, Western Academy Charter School Principal Linda Terranova reported that the kindergarten through eighthgrade school placed higher than the state overall this year, as well as the Palm Beach County School District, on the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). “We did phenomenal,” Terranova said in a presentation to the board. “We’re really very proud of

our students. We weren’t certain how our students were going to do because it is a brand-new test on the state standards, and it was rolled out kind of haphazardly to the districts and the teachers, but we did really, really well. We did beat the district and the state in scores at every grade level in every single subject. Some of them were quite exceptional.” The FSA replaced the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) this year. The school’s Algebra 1 and Geometry classes had 100 percent

end-of-course passing grades, compared with 58 percent for Algebra 1 in the state and 60 percent for the district, and 53 percent of both the state and school district passing in geometry. “Both of those are high school credit courses, so we have seventhgraders and eighth-graders who are earning high school credit,” Terranova said. The school had 25 students in the Algebra 1 class, and this is the third year that all of its students have passed the end-of-course test. It was the first year that

the school offered the geometry course. The school had 98 percent of its students pass the Civics endof course test, compared with 53 percent at the state level and 55 percent in the district. The school also had significantly higher overall scores in all grades than the state and district. The results are available on the school’s web site at www.westernacademycharter.com. The school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Academy,

which opened two years ago for sixth-graders, was the result of a 10,000-square-foot expansion, and adds arts to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. “A lot of times you hear about STEM, it’s a big thing now; but we really felt it was important to include the arts, and that’s the ‘A’ in STEAM,” Terranova said. She noted that adding arts to the STEM framework enables students to create the future, not just exist in it. “I want our students to be the

people who are creating those jobs in the industries out there, and the arts are really important for that,” Terranova said. “They have to foster the creativity and innovation in order to keep everything rolling and keep the whole thing going into the future. You can’t just teach kids to go work in a job. They need to be creating those jobs.” She said students must have good grades to get into the program due to its advanced nature. “We further their skills and abilities through a project-based and See RPB BOARD, page 7

Page 4

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

OUR OPINION

We Have A Dream: The Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we have a dream. We have a dream that one day, celebrating Black History Month will be an afterthought, because we will have progressed so far as a society that equality will truly be a way of life. We have a dream that one day, we will indeed be judged by the content of our character, and not the color of our skin, or our nationality, or our gender, or our sexual orientation. Yes, we have a dream. But for all the progress that we, as a nation, have made since Dr. King delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963, we still have a long way to go in our quest. This Monday, Jan. 18, our nation will recall the message and memory of Dr. King. And while his dream remains unfulfilled, and seemingly broken at times, that doesn’t mean we don’t continue to try to solve the problems and work toward peace, for we can only have peace among ourselves when we truly find peace within ourselves. Despite headlines that suggest otherwise, Dr. King’s message still resonates strong, across the United States, and here in our backyard. Several local organizations will come together to recall the legacy of the slain civil rights leader on Monday. For example: • Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will present their 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, taking place Monday, Jan. 18 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The free celebration starts at 10 a.m. and ends around noon, with a light breakfast provided from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Dignity, Justice, Equality & Love.” • Wellington’s “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service” will take place Monday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Teen volunteers will be able to earn community service

Support For Martha Webster For RPB Mayor

I was pleased to learn that Martha Webster will be running for mayor of Royal Palm Beach in the Dec. 11 issue of the Town-Crier. There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Webster will make an excellent mayor. She served the Village of Royal Palm Beach very well for five years both as councilwoman and as vice mayor. Her hard work and dedication cannot be questioned. This hard work and dedication helped to make the Village of Royal Palm Beach the envy of most municipalities. Royal Palm Beach’s achievements are too numerous to mention, from the building of Commons Park, bringing Aldi to our area and creating jobs, supporting the Office of the Inspector General and the extension of State Road 7, the Crestwood Task Force including a broad spectrum of residents throughout the village, reducing or keeping the property tax rate the same for the past 20 years, and working to improve village roadways. It is little wonder that Royal Palm Beach was ranked in the top 10 communities in which to raise a family. Webster works well for the residents for the good of the community. She was re-elected both opposed and unopposed for three terms, and I, for one, know that this is her time to shine as our mayor. Let’s all get behind Martha Webster and give her our full support, not only for the good of Royal Palm Beach, but for the entire western communities. As Mayor Matty Mattioli retires, the Village of Royal Palm Beach should be led by Martha. Marcia Berwick Suburban Lake Worth Editor’s note: Ms. Berwick, a local businesswoman, was a 30-year resident of Royal Palm Beach until she just recently moved.

More On The RaceTrac Saga

Honesty is a gate that swings both ways, but there are exceptions. In this case, it appears obvious that two critics opposed to the proposal are running for office, and politics being what it is, an agenda is connected to positions on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, while those in support of the proposal are not running for office. Having said that, proof to the contrary by supporters of a political connection are invited to submit it. When legal reasons are confused with legal requirements, it further adds a modicum of non-clarity to the issue. To recap: the land in the proposal is a scant walking distance from a site adjacent to the Royal Inn, where a gas station previously existed but closed during the widening of a commercial corridor — Southern Blvd. The interpretation and burden of deciding whether a variance requirement must be satisfied rests with the Village of Royal Palm Beach, and failing that remedy, with the courts. Historically, it is going to be difficult to block this proposal from going forward almost on the site of a previously approved gas station. Some argument could be made over the number of pumps in the new gas station, but this fails due to the number of pumps in the previous station (4 to 6 pumps), previously approved adjacent to what was then a 46-room Royal Inn. It is reasonable to assume that since the Royal Inn is now a resort hotel with four times the rooms, next to a commercial route (Southern Blvd.), that more pumps would be appropriate. No other “legal” reason other than what has been addressed was given by any opponent of the proposal. Ah yes, taxpayer money, a red

hours beautifying the Wellington Dog Park at 2975 Greenbriar Blvd. by painting the restrooms, spreading mulch and more. Teens interested in participating in the project should call Meridith Tuckwood at (561) 753-2476 or e-mail her at mtuckwood@wellingtonfl.gov. • The 35th annual Scholarship & Awards Breakfast presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee of West Palm Beach will take place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Monday, Jan. 18 starting at 7:30 a.m. For additional information, call (561) 832-4682 or visit www.mlkcc-1444.org. • Dr. King will be honored at the 22nd annual Candlelight March through downtown Lake Worth. Participants will gather at 5 p.m. at City Hall and parade down Lake Avenue to the Cultural Plaza. A brief commemorative program in the plaza will feature the rededication of the MLK Globe Fountain. The fountain, installed in 2005, has been refurbished and rebalanced so that the four-ton granite globe will once again float freely and be rotated by hand. To mark the occasion, a children’s choir will perform “We Are the World.” Several other events are also planned in Lake Worth, such as an interfaith service at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in the morning and a fellowship dinner in the evening at First Baptist Church. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Dr. King famously stated during a speech before the National Urban League in 1960. “Therefore, no American can afford to be apathetic about the problem of racial justice. It is a problem that meets every man at his front door.” We have a dream that someday, this problem will no longer exist at anyone’s door.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR herring if ever there was one! Panic statements like road changes and access off of a commercial corridor, and somehow this is being given as some kind of “unusual” circumstance never seen in other locations. No mention of any road changes in any of the neighboring gas stations, like Costco or the gas station at Crestwood Square, or that the increased taxes paid by the new facility may in any way be an offset, so one can conclude that this argument has been unfairly presented. There appears to be a great deal of opinion mixed for the reason for the demise of the two banks previously on the land being discussed, and while people have a right to their own opinions, they don’t have a right to their own facts! Finally, to disagree without being disagreeable is a literary art form lost on the politically ambitious, and the substitution of personal reflection on anyone not sharing your opinion demonstrates weakness of argument and shifts the discussion away from any meaningful solution of differences. Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

The State Of The Groves

Equal influence and equal benefit are the foundation of “right and proper government.” The ultimate rulers of our community are not the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, not councilmen and supervisors, but the voters of Loxahatchee Groves. In last council session, John Ryan, treasurer of the LGWCD, complimented those who attend council meetings, as they do represent the majority of town residents, when he said, “Todd is right. There was a lot of loud comments at the September meeting, but I think those were from people that are

very loud and pay attention to a lot of what’s going on in the town.” I am one of the very loud, and “Chancellor Ryan,” you’re right. I do pay a lot of attention to what’s going on in town. I’m loud because the Groves residents need to draw near and hear. We no longer live at the corner of “happy and healthy.” We are still reeling from the activities of last year’s election. And now, we have two seats coming up for the town council on March 15 and two seats for the LGWCD board in June. Here’s the deal: The siege by the phantom of the town’s opera to remove Underwood Management has entered its seventh month. The council delays action to extend Underwood Management’s contract. Select members want to hear from the residents. Severn Trent heard that the residents want Bill and Perla Underwood as the town management. Resident Todd McLendon reminded the council, “You’ve already heard from the residents. For the past six months, the residents have been telling you they want Underwood Management to stay.” The only publicly offered opposition to the Underwoods are Supervisor John Ryan and Councilman Jim Rockett. Fellow voters, consider the following five ongoing investigations: the 2015 election by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Councilman Rockett by the Florida Commission on Ethics, LGWCD invoices to the town by the FDLE, LGWCD Supervisor Frank Schiola by the FDLE and the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General audit of town government. A complaint has been forwarded to the FCOE alleging interference by Supervisor John Ryan of a town magistrate hearing. The perception of non-transparency exists. A select group of councilmen and supervisors, that is supposedly a nonpartisan group,

works nonstop to keep the same crew in office year after year. It is hard to see clearly when supervisors and councilmen who are LGWCD loyalists support each other as campaign managers, financially contribute to each others’ campaign and endorse each other in public venue. Does “quid pro quo” evolve from such activities? The Town Charter prohibits political party affiliation. Is not the LGWCD the cover for a political action group? In a recent council session, a mysterious female LGWCD lobbyist offered threatening remarks to Councilman Tom Goltzené. Mayor Dave Browning recently commented, “I firmly believe to this day that if the town had come forward, those going for corporation, said we’re going to dissolve the LGWCD, we would not be sitting here today as a town because it would have not passed, because we were assured, I was on the LGWCD board at the time, and we were assured there would not be a move to take over the LGWCD.” There you have it. The LGWCD is more important than being a town. It is my view, the rationale to incorporate by LGWCD loyalists was to utilize “town status” to obtain additional revenue for the LGWCD. Why does the town charter say we incorporated for self-deter-

mination, and what guarantees were made to the LGWCD and by whom? Former councilman and incorporation committee member Dennis Lipp has offered that the incorporation committee never offered the LGWCD any deal. The December 2015 LGWCD meeting revealed that the LGWCD entered last year’s budget year with a $150,000 surplus and ended with a $116,000 deficit, an estimated $266,000 loss for a single year. Last week, council voted to ask the LGWCD for site control of all district roads. Florida State Statute 95.361, 2, (b) may require the LGWCD to comply with the town’s request. The loud and the not so loud are urged to ask LGWCD supervisors Dave DeMarois, Don Widing and Laura Danowski to motion and approve action to make the LGWCD dependent to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves. It is the right thing to do. Groves residents are encouraged to consider the issues, positions and tendencies of our two elected policy-making bodies, the incumbents, the challengers and to vote accordingly. It is our duty as citizens to question our government. Casting your vote is the only process that can lead to a truly representative democracy in Loxahatchee Groves. Keith Harris Loxahatchee Groves

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words suggested). Submit letters, with contact name, address and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

NEWS Trager

Retiring As Seniors Club President

continued from page 1 me this evening. It is just a great show of what this village is all about, and I’m so happy to be a part of it.” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that what Trager has done for the village is amazing. “The time you spent working with us and for us is incredible,” Gerwig said. “You’re just everything we want in a community member — someone who gets involved, takes on hard issues, deals with problems and tells us when we’re wrong. I appreciate that.” She presented Rubin with a bouquet of roses to show her appreciation for sacrificing time with Trager so he could carry out his commitments. “I know you didn’t do this by yourself,” Gerwig said. “I’m go-

ing to come down and give this to your partner because she has been alongside through a lot of this time.” Vice Mayor John Greene noted that he has attended several of the senior lunches where he has seen Trager’s influence. “I’ve seen the impact that you have and the work that has gone into this, not just from the senior community, from all the volunteers and all the people who have been a part of this, including some of our staff members… and this council,” Greene said. “I think we’ve demonstrated tremendous support for what you’ve done… I hope that legacy will be carried on by your replacement.” Jerry Springer has been named to replace Trager as Wellington Seniors Club president and Golden Banner editor. Greene added that he reads the Golden Banner every month, and especially enjoys the jokes. “You can count on me to continue my support for the lunches and the senior programs that really make a difference in this

community,” Greene said. “We’ve heard time and time again that it’s important for seniors to be able to age in place, and we’ll continue to make sure that we are providing the resources. You guys made Wellington a big part of what it is today.” “We are aging in place,” Trager quipped. “As we speak, we are aging.” Councilman John McGovern said that Trager is setting an example for all of them to follow. Mayor Bob Margolis recalled Trager’s role as president of the village’s senior task force when it was organized more than a decade ago. “It seems like I have known you almost all of my time in Wellington, and I probably have,” Margolis said. “I guess the road map that you all set for us in determining where our seniors want to stay, and what is needed for them, you’ve never wavered. You’ve always been the leader of the senior community.” Margolis pointed out that Trager not only gave up his time for the

Members of the Wellington Seniors Club joined the Wellington Village Council to salute retiring senior citizens community leader Howard Trager (fourth from left). village’s blue-ribbon committee on seniors but also the Senior Advisory Board, as well as the Wellington Seniors Club. “You and I have talked a long time about what we want,” Margolis said. “We joked that it always seems to come up every couple of

BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager

12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba

THE

TOWN-CRIER Your Community Newspaper Serving The Palms West Communities For 36 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc. The Original Wellington Mall

Wellington, Florida 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

JULIE UNGER News Editor

CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Jacqueline Corrado • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Geri O’Neil

years and it never gets built, but the senior center, the new Wellington Community Center, is getting built, and you and I are going to see it in a couple of months, so thank you for your unwavering need to get that built.” He thanked Trager for his pas-

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

sion to the cause. “You absolutely tell us where we need to be, and hopefully we’ve listened to you,” Margolis said. “Seniors and non-seniors should be thanking you for the things that you have given to the Village of Wellington.”

POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Town-Crier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758. Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr.

MEMBER OF

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce The Wellington Chamber of Commerce The Western Business Alliance

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 5

NEWS

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL GEARS UP FOR DANCE MARATHON FUNDRAISER

Wellington High School held assemblies Thursday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 8 to promote its Dance Marathon event, which will take place March 11. The school hopes to raise $25,000, doubling last year’s fundraising efforts and breaking the University of Florida’s Dance Marathon high school record. Donations go to help sick children at Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville. The star of the day was 9-year-old Zander Wyant, who has undergone multiple surgeries, starting when he was just a day old. With the help of Shands Children’s Hospital and Dance Marathon, he is doing well and having a great time being one of the “Miracle Children.” PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Drew Carlton from UF, Jake Anders from WHS, Kristen and Zander Wyant, SGA Advisor Melissa Varvarigos, Christopher Wyant, Samuel Weingart from WHS and Allison Buenaga from UF.

Kristen, Zander and Christopher Wyant speak to the crowd.

Wellington Fire Academy student Ian Marshall helps “Miracle Child” Zander Wyant into firefighting gear.

Wellington’s Fire Academy students with Dance Marathoner Samuel Weingart and the Wyant family.

Zander Wyant with UF’s Allison Buenaga.

Zander Wyant on a fire truck.

Samuel Weingart explains how Dance Marathon works.

Wellington Chamber To Honor ‘Outstanding Citizen’ Roxanne Stein The Wellington Chamber of Commerce announced this week that it will be honoring local newswoman and community leader Roxanne Stein as its “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” on March 16. The Outstanding Citizen of the Year award is awarded annually to a Wellington resident who displays outstanding service to the community and its residents, helping make Wellington a fantastic place to work, live and play. Stein began anchoring “Today on 5” in 1993 when the morning newscast was revamped and expanded. She also helped to launch the WFLX Fox 29 morning news from 7 to 9 a.m. when WPTV took over production. Most recently, she helped, along with co-anchor

John Favole, to begin the new hour-long “Today on 5” broadcast at 11 a.m. After anchoring “Today on 5” from 4:30 to 7 a.m. for more than 22 years, Stein and Favole were reassigned to the Fox morning news. Her longevity on the newscast makes her one of the longest-tenured anchors on a single news broadcast. “I’m fortunate to have covered many major events,” she said. She has attended Democratic and Republican national conventions, and she was at the White House when the hostages returned from Iran. She covered the Challenger tragedy and was back again to witness the nation’s return to space with the launch of Discovery.

EST. 2003

WE S

TER SCH

Covering medical breakthroughs in South Florida has been a highlight of Stein’s career, allowing viewers insight into some of the latest treatments for serious illnesses and diseases. The trust the public has in her was evident when Congressman Mark Foley granted her his only interview after his resignation from Congress. “Congressman Foley told me he had been courted extensively from well-known national broadcasters, including Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters,” she said. She was recognized for her Foley reporting with a Telly Award. Her other awards include the Crystal Slipper Award for her reporting and volunteer work in

South Florida, the Women With Wings and Wisdom Award, and the Girl Scouts of South Florida Emerald Award. Stein and her husband, Steve Moss, have lived in Wellington for almost 20 years. They love the family lifestyle of the community and enjoy the many outdoor activities, including tennis, golf and equestrian activities. They enjoy their cats and their horse Eternity, aka Bamboo. Stein and Bamboo are frequent exhibitors in the hunter division at area horse shows. Tickets to the luncheon will sell out. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. Registration is 11:30 a.m. with the luncheon beginning promptly at

Roxanne Stein noon. Tickets are $25 for chamber members and $35 for guests and nonmembers. No walk-ins will be admitted. For more information, call (561) 792-6525 or RSVP online at www.wellingtonchamber. com.

Western Academy Charter School

N ACAD

Stein reported extensively on the disputed presidential election of 2000, and her coverage of the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001 also included the inspiring unity of the American people. She helped families who lost loved ones in the tragedy tell their stories to viewers. Stein helped guide viewers through hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma — staying on air for hours while many viewers listened through simulcast radio broadcasting. She has widely covered Florida politics, serving as a panelist for several statewide debates, as well as covering the presidential debate at Lynn University and the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

“A” Rated, High Performing Charter School

Ranked TOP 20% of all schools in the State of Florida based on State Test Scores • TOP 7% in Math • TOP 13% in Science • TOP 14% in Reading FLORIDA 5 STAR SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE rd SATURDAY, MARCH 3

INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS AT 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm APPLY AT: WWW.WES TERNACADEMYCHARTERSCHOOL.COM

ON-LINE APPLICATION DUE MARCH 25th

2 MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS Traditional 6-8th grade program

ACADEMY Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. • Advanced level content courses • Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry 1 honors Offered for High School credit • Digital literacy and technology integrated throughout all classes •

Enrichment classes include; Computer Animation, Computer Coding, Robotics, Engineering, 2D/3D Design, Gaming Mechanics, Botany

• Seven Clubs, Intra-mural Sports, Chorus, National Junior Honor Society

Tuition Free Public School Before Care and After Care Programs 100% Highly Qualified Teachers

WESTERN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD. SUITE 400 ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411 (561)792-4123 • Fax (561)422-0674

Western Academy does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, national origin or disability.

Page 6

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

CRIME NEWS

Cash Stolen From Gas Station On SR 7

14569 Southern Blvd. • Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 561-793-1370 • www.arthurmurrayre.com 10 ACRES LAND — beautiful high and dry, cleared 4/2.5, Loxahatchee Groves $749,000 CBS, fenced. 20 ACRE RANCH — Owner financing, 24 stall barn, two residences, turn key. Riding arena, great location. Paved road. Loxahatchee Groves. $2,300,000 2.5 ACRES LAND — Owner financing, South of Okeechobee, paved road, paddocks, fenced and cross fenced, full irrigation and lighting. Loxahatchee Groves $285,000

10 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee, fenced, cleared, electric, water subdivided into two 5 acre lots. $739,000 5 ACRES LAND — 1/4 mile north of Southern Blvd. and Wellington high and dry, fenced partially cleared. $450,000 20 ACRES LAND — Okeechobee Rd. frontage Great Commercial potential, cleared, fenced, water, electric. $2,200,000

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report JAN. 6 — A deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was called to the BP gas station on State Road 7 last Wednesday morning regarding a business robbery. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 and 6:02 a.m., a black male, approximately 5 foot, 7 inches tall, wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants with stripes and a white mask entered the store and told the clerk to open the register. According to the report, the man grabbed the available cash before exiting the store and entering a dark vehicle parked in the lot next to the gas station. ••• JAN. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was contacted by an Acreage resident last Tuesday regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim applied for a job online with a company called US Mail Plus, where he was shipped packages, was to inspect the packages, and ship them back to the company. According to the report, after doing the job for a month, accepting approximately two shipments a week, a man came to his home accusing him of theft for ordering two Apple Watches using the man’s bank account information. According to the report, two Apple watches arrived at the victim’s home the next day. Several stores later contacted the victim looking for payment. JAN. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to a home on Old Hammock Way in the Black Diamond community last Tuesday afternoon regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., someone pried open the rear sliding door of the victim’s home and stole jewelry, two televisions, two Sony PlayStations and more. DNA and fingerprint evidence were gathered from the scene. JAN. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Mobil station on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, when the victim was pumping gas into her vehicle, she went inside to pay and left her 2007 Ford SUV unlocked, with her wallet on the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. According to the report, when she returned to the vehicle, her wallet, which contained a credit card, a driver’s license and a military identification card, was missing. JAN. 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to Todd A. Robiner Park on La Mancha Ave. last Tuesday evening regarding a shooting. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 9:40 p.m., a witness saw a male wearing black clothing standing next to a silver vehicle. According to the report, the witness saw a flash from a handgun, heard gunfire, then saw the male run northbound on Las Palmas Street. According to the report, the silver vehicle tried to follow the man for a short time before leaving. According to the report, PBSO deputies discovered three .380 rounds, one SCCY 9mm handgun and a pair of Nike flip flops in the park’s parking lot. According to the report, the recov-

ered handgun has been classified as stolen by the PBSO. JAN. 6 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West on Southern Blvd. last Wednesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:50 and 7 a.m., someone entered the victim’s unlocked 2012 Freightliner truck, which was making a delivery, and removed a backpack and cell phone, together valued at $320. JAN. 7 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a medical office on the campus of Palms West Hospital last Thursday regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim received an e-mail at 12:04 p.m. that she had made a transaction at a Royal Palm Beach Publix store at 11:10 a.m. for $346. According to the report, the victim then discovered that her wallet had been stolen from her purse while she was out of the office. Transactions were made at Publix, Office Depot, Dillard’s, Macy’s and FYE Music before the theft was discovered. JAN. 7 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Fairlane Court in the Mallet Hill community last Thursday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole $4 in change from the center console. JAN. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a home on 47th Road North in The Acreage last Friday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between last Wednesday and last Thursday, someone siphoned $40 of gasoline from the victim’s 2001 Buick. JAN. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to the parking lot of Wellington Regional Medical Center last Friday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 and 10 a.m. last Friday, someone broke into the victim’s 2015 Ford Fusion and stole a purse from the passenger side floorboard. JAN. 8 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Wellington Regional Medical Center last Friday evening regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. last Friday, someone stole the victim’s Apple iPhone 6 with an OtterBox case, valued at $700, from her bedside tray while she was sleeping. JAN. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Shepard Place in the Olympia neighborhood last Saturday morning regarding a theft of services. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 and 5:33 a.m. last Saturday, a cab driver picked up two individuals in Miami and brought them to the area. According to the report, one passenger jumped out of the car at State Road 7 and Forest Hill Blvd. and ran off, while the other passenger, a black male, was dropped off at a home on Shepard Place, where he knocked on the front door before running off. The homeowner told the cab driver that the black male did not live there. JAN. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee See BLOTTER, page 19

5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry. Loxahatchee Groves $324,999 OKEECHOBEE RD. FRONTAGE — Commercial potential, electrical, high and dry, fenced. Loxahatchee Groves $995,000 5 ACRES LAND — House pad, well, electric, high and dry, fenced, 900 feet from pavement. Loxahatchee Groves $299,000

5 ACRES LAND — High, dry, electric, well, paved road. Loxahatchee Groves $199,000 5 ACRES LAND — 3 bedroom, 2 bath, South of Okeechobee, 1 mile to Wellington CBS High, Dry. Call for price.

1.25 ACRES — hi, dry, close to schools and shopping. The Acreage $68,000 1/2 ACRE 3-2 fantastic location 200 Ft. From Southern Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves. $225,000 5 ACRES — private, Delwood, close to White Fences. $149,000 1 ACRE 3-2 HOUSE — W/1-1 guest house, four stall barn, fenced, 200 feet from Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee Groves. $345,000 1.15 ACRES 3-2 w/garage Close to schools and shopping. The Acreage $224,900 1.25 ACRES 5-3 CBS HOME — plus 1000 Sq.Ft. Guesthouse, 25X40 detached garage. The Acreage $282,900

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Labresha Harris is a black female, 5’3’’ tall and weighing 100 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and multiple tattoos. Her date of birth is 01/25/92. Harris is wanted on felony charges for the possession of heroin, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of a Schedule II substance, tampering with/fabricating physical evidence and possession of marijuana. Her last known address was Starblazer Drive in Greenacres. Her occupation is preschool teacher. She is wanted as of 01/07/16. • Rene Rangel is a white male, 5’11’’ tall and weighing 220 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 04/15/95. Rangel is wanted on felony charges for burglary. His last known address was Willow Lane in Greenacres. He is wanted as of 01/07/16. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Labresha Harris

Rene Rangel

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

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Council Inks Contracts With Utility Engineering Firms

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council on Tuesday authorized village staff to enter into negotiated consulting contracts with water and wastewater engineering firms. The contracts are with Arcadis RMA, Carollo Engineers and Kimley-Horn & Associates for water treatment engineering, and with Keshavarz & Associates, Kimley-Horne & Associates, Mock Roos & Associates and the Wantman Group for water distribution, wastewater collection, paving, grading and drainage engineering. Business Services Director Ed De La Vega said that the three-year contracts, which are at varying

hourly rates for each firm, were reached through a request for proposals (RFP) process. “We had the selection committee score them, rank and conduct interviews, per Florida Statutes, and these were the recommendations that were made,” De La Vega said. The council approved entering into negotiations with the engineering firms last October. The selection committee is made up of administrative-level staff. “We have reviewed the rates, and we feel comfortable with them,” he said. “We also compared them to the rates that the county currently has. They recently awarded a contract in 2014, and the rates are right in line with what the county is paying.”

The hourly rates vary from firm to firm, ranging from $145 to $215 an hour for a senior project manager to $50 to $80 an hour for an administrative assistant. Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that she wanted to be sure that the village was in compliance with Florida’s Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA). “I’ve had a question every single time this has come up, and some engineers that I’ve worked with have said that it’s a violation of CCNA to throw out rates and to conduct the business the way that we do, and I just want to make sure that we’re in compliance with the CCNA,” Gerwig said. Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said that she had not evaluated the

contracts for that purpose. “I certainly can, and we can get you an answer to that,” Cohen said. “I would think that we could approve with a condition that it complies.” “I know it’s a discussion,” Gerwig said, “and it comes to the fact that you don’t choose professional services based on price because you want the best talent you can get, and sometimes numbers aren’t what control the best products. I am as tight with money, I’m sure, as others in this room, but I want to make sure I’m getting equal quality.” De La Vega said the process used for review did not have pricing involved for the first portion of the selection.

“The selection committee reviewed all of the proposals with no pricing at all; it was a request for qualifications,” he said. “Once they made that decision to short list, they brought back the recommended firms that they short-listed, held interviews with those firms, and no pricing was ever discussed during that portion of the process. Once they made a recommendation to negotiate contracts with the highest-ranked firms, that’s when we brought back to you authorization to negotiate.” He explained that the pricing was discussed after the council authorized staff to negotiate prices with the short-listed candidates. “We go back, we get their rates,

we negotiate, and we present them to you and award contracts,” he said. “The selection was strictly based on qualifications and not price.” Assistant Village Manager Jim Barnes said that Wellington’s process is fairly consistent with how most other governmental entities do continuing contracts. “If we’re doing it wrong, everybody’s doing it wrong as far as consistency with the CCNA,” Barnes said, explaining that the consultants are engaged on a rotating basis, and the final selection is based on a bottom-line price. Vice Mayor John Greene made a motion to award the negotiated contracts, which carried 4-0 with Councilman Matt Willhite absent.

Painted Pony Offers Unique Furnishings At Wellington Showroom

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Painted Pony & More Boutique, owned by interior decorator and designer Mary Lou Pilous, recently opened on Fortune Way in Wellington. The showroom features one-ofa-kind and hard-to-find furniture, trinkets, antiques and more. The ever-changing collection has been assembled by Pilous. Originally from Canada, she has been working for more than 20 years in the Wellington area through her design company, Interiors with Mary Lou. Pilous noticed that many of her clients were gravitating toward the coastal cottage “shabby chic” look,

RPB Board

Western Academy

continued from page 3 problem-based learning environment,” Terranova said. “They’re not really working out of textbooks. We have a lot of hands-on

and there wasn’t really anywhere to purchase those types of products at affordable prices. With the encouragement of her friends, she decided to open up her own shop. “Even though it’s a consignment shop,” she said, “I feature hand-painted furniture.” Pilous is offering clients the ability to bring in a piece of furniture to be painted, or she will go on location to paint something with whatever colors the client wants. “I am also offering hand-painted furniture classes,” she said, for those interested in learning the techniques. The first class was successful, and more classes were requested.

Now, there are four classes. The first covers crackling, distressing, aging and glazing before advancing to the next class, which includes chipping, which will move an artist from one level to the next. Pilous can take four to six students per class, and can arrange for special groups. Class times and schedules are flexible, in threehour increments. Class prices vary, but hover around $125, and Pilous provides furniture, supplies and light snacks. Pilous is running the Painted Pony in addition to her interior designing company, where she has a group of people she works

with to take care of every need imaginable. In order to be different from other local consignment stores, Pilous offers pine furniture for equestrians, painted furniture for those who enjoy the coastal cottage feel, and a vast assortment of accessories. There are bird houses, baskets, antique plates and more. “You name it, and there’s a full gamut of cute things,” she said, pointing to old tin signs for 10-cent ice cream sundaes. Pilous painted eggs and then accessorized them with butterflies and flowers, making a sweet little display that can be put on a table. She also offers designer teapots, as

well as many accessories that she has collected over the years. Chalk signs, which can be personalized, are also available. “I don’t just find a piece of furniture, I try to look for an interesting shape or design of a piece so I can work with it,” she said. Seasonal flowers are coming in, and Pilous is getting ready to work with her landscape design clients. Additionally, she is writing a book to guide readers through interior design and tablescapes. With more than 45 years of design experience, Pilous brings a unique eye for design to her store and her design services. “You name it, I do it,” she said.

It all started when she was in seventh grade and was given the opportunity to design the bulletin boards at her school. Since then, she has never stopped. Pilous frequents the Wellington Dog Park with her three poodles, Mozart, Petit Mijou and Maggie, who often spend the day with her at the store. The store is located at 3132 Fortune Way D-33,34. Currently, the store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment. To reach the store, call (561) 790-7776. If you need Pilous immediately, call (561) 275-9222.

activities. They’re doing a lot of experiments. They’re creating projects, and they’re learning the standards and curriculum through the project.” In other business, Area 5 Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez reported that H.L. Johnson Elementary School Principal Dr. Patricia Lucas has taken a positon

at another elementary school in the district. “With that comes to me what is perhaps the most important thing that I do in the role that I serve, which is selecting the next leader of a school,” Rodriguez said. “And that is a responsibility that I take extremely seriously, and I’m very passionate about it because it is

critical for us to make sure that we find the right person for that school and the right person for that position.” Rodriguez noted that the process might take some time. “It’s not something that I’m going to rush into. I want to make sure we move through the process and get input from the community

and from teachers at the school and make sure that we’re able to select the right candidate,” Rodriguez added. “In the meantime, Cyndie Wolf is the assistant principal, and she is there, as well as members from the Area 5 office.” During principals’ reports, Royal Palm Beach High School Principal Jesus Armas announced that

the senior class graduation rate for 2015 had improved to 82.8 percent, over the 2014 graduation rate of 75.9 percent, and 72 percent in 2013. Armas said the school beat its goal of 82.7 percent. “It was an aggressive goal, but that was what we were trying to do,” he said.

ACREAGE FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNEY SUPPORTS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Norma and ITID Supervisor Gary Dunkley, ITID President Carol Jacobs, Chris Matthews and ITID Supervisor Jennifer Hager.

The event raised more than $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Danielle Goldberg, Lisa Goldberg and Jeanie Bell.

Commissioner Melissa McKinley with baby Michael Damone, Sheri Lovito, ITID Supervisor Michelle Damone, Kayla Meredith, Michael Meredith and Jordan Meredith.

Kyla Carter and Kelsie Roland of Rack Attack surround Kim Lager and Dolores Spitale Renegade’s Hannah McCarthy. send up Chinese lanterns.

The Eye Magnets team gets ready to play.

FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD HANDS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SM

J UST FO R C ALLI N G Never get stranded again. With Good HandsSM Roadside Assistance, you get low, flat rates on everything from tows to tire changes. Pay only if you use it. So before you hit the road, get free peace of mind. Call me today!

MICHAEL REYNOLDS 561-790-5906

121143

13873 WELLINGTON TRACE STE #B13 WELLINGTON a0a6894@allstate.com

Page 8

January 15 - January 21, 2016

LGLA Meeting Set For Jan. 21

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association (LGLA) will meet Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). The meeting will discuss town news, concerns and updates with a guest speaker presenting an informative program about local issues. It will be an open meeting where residents will get a chance to discuss issues of concern that they may have related to things that are going on in the town. For more information, contact Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114 or marge@herzog.ms.

Free Dance Class Jan. 23

Dance Arts Conservatory Center for the Performing Arts will offer a Broadway Jazz Master Class, led by Maltz Jupiter Theatre Associate Choreographer Dennis O’Bannion on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. The class is free, and

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS BRIEFS will be held at the Dance Arts Conservatory, located at 11120 South Crown Way, Suites 3 and 4, in Wellington. To register, call (561) 296-1880 or e-mail info@ danceartsconservatory.com.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida will begin its annual cookie sale, starting Thursday, Jan. 21 and continuing until Feb. 14. Cookies are $4 a box and include favorites such as Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Savannah Smiles, Do-Si-Does and Rah Rah Raisins. Also available are gluten-free Toffee-Tastic cookies, for $5 a box. For the eighth year in a row, the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida are sponsoring the Cookies for the Military program. Customers can purchase a box of cookies to send to the military though Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Operation Homefront and Soldier’s Angels. Since 2009, more than 268,000 boxes of cookies have been sent to the troops. For more information,

visit www.cookiesforthemilitary. org. At South Florida Duffy’s locations, on Friday, Feb. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., anyone who donates a box of cookies to the Cookies for the Military program will receive a free box of Girl Scout cookies of their choice, while supplies last. Online donations are also available, and anyone who donates online will be entered for a chance to win free Girl Scout cookies for a year. To learn more about the cookie sale, visit www.gssef.org.

MLK Celebration Jan. 18 In RPB

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will present the 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 18 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). This year’s theme is “Dignity, Justice, Equality and Love.” The program will feature a wide variety of performances from fantastic local talents. A free continental

breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The program will start promptly at 10 a.m. The family-oriented event is free and open to the public. The MLK Celebration has become a great opportunity for all to reflect, participate and enjoy an inspiring morning. For more info., call Elet Cyris at (561) 791-9087.

RPB Relay For Life Team Party

The Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life 2016 Team Party will take place Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach High School Media Center (10600 Okeechobee Blvd.). The purpose of the team party is to bring together registered teams and participants, along with those who might be interested in becoming Relay for Life participants, to share ideas for making the event the most fun ever and help win the battle against cancer. Guests should RSVP to Krista at (561) 436-7498 or kaybird73@ aol.com. The Royal Palm Beach Relay

for Life will take place from Saturday, April 2 at 4 p.m. until Sunday, April 3 at 8 a.m. It will be held at Royal Palm Beach High School. For more information about the Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/ royalpalmbeachfl.

donations of the following items: paint, paint rollers, painter’s tape, paintbrushes, mulch, low maintenance plants, shrubs, cleaning substances, paper towels, snacks/ water for the volunteers, gloves and garbage bags. For more info., call the school at (561) 651-0600.

Beautification Project At WES

Sons Of Italy Pasta Dinner

Wellington Elementary School will host a Clean-Up/Beautification Day on Saturday, Jan. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event organizers are seeking volunteers to help with shifts from 9:30 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to 2 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to stay the entire day. Children must be accompanied with their parents, middle-schoolers and high-schoolers are welcome as well. Wellington Elementary is located at 13000 Paddock Drive. There will be painting projects, planting, weeding, mulching, pressure cleaning and more. The school is also seeking

The Sons Of Italy Michelangelo Lodge #2864 will host a Pasta Night on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by guest speaker Wayne Picone. Picone is from the Attorney General’s Office and will explain new scams facing seniors. The menu consists of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, soft drinks, coffee and dessert. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by Jan. 28. For more information, call Pat DeVivo at (561) 249-1298 or Sam Pittaro at (561) 412-8684.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 16

50000 HE’S MY MAN CLASSIC

$ ,

WATCH OUR TOP SPRINTERS COMPETE!

JOIN

LIVE FROM 2-4PM ENTER TO WIN UP TO

500 IN THE CASH CUBE!

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 30

BIG GAME TICKET GIVEAWAY

ENTER TO WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE BIG GAME IN CALIFORNIA, HOTEL STAY & TRAVEL VOUCHER! PLUS, ESPN WEST PALM LIVE FROM 2-4PM!

FUN NEW TABLE GAMES!

EASY FOR ANYONE TO LEARN, PLAY AND WIN! FAST, FUN AND EXCITING!

ARY 4-15, 2016 FEBRU

PALM BEACH KENNEL CLUB MORE WAYS TO WIN | MORE WINNERS | MORE FUN

BELVEDERE @ CONGRESS, WEST PALM BEACH 561.683.2222 PBKENNELCLUB.COM

Page 9

Page 10

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Featuring a fully stocked bar.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Guests toasting to a delicious dinner.

Owner Mahendra Patel and Chef Tapan.

Elegant private room perfect for small parties or meetings.

RATED EXCELLENT BY ZAGAT, THEIR REPEAT CUSTOMERS, AND ME! BY JOE NASUTI The best way to describe my visit is... yummy... yummy... yummy! This is the best Indian food for my tummy... and yours! The India Grill + Bar is the home of the best Indian food in the Palm Beaches! If you’ve never tried Indian food, you don’t know what you have been missing. I became a fan of Indian food in the early 1980s at a Christmas party hosted by an Indian doctor in Philadelphia, and I’ve been addicted ever since to the wonderful flavors of India. Let me make it very simple for first timers. I would highly recommend the following. For starters, try the Onion Bhajee ($5.95), the spicy Indian version of the blooming onion, but far better, along with the Garlic Naan Bread ($3.95). For an entree, I would recommend either Chicken Tikka Masala ($16.95), or the incredible Mixed Grill Platter ($25.95), an assortment of Tandoori grilled shrimp, lamb chops, chicken Tikka and Malai lamb, or any delicious curry dish ($11.95 to $18.95). They are simply amazing and large enough to share. Next to curry, naan bread is as Indian as it gets, and the garlic naan at India Grill + Bar is a must — then again, any and all of their curry dishes are my favorites and will soon become yours. I travel around the world and always seek out an Indian restaurant while on vacation. My travels include New York City, where you will find some of the best Indian restaurants in America, and my travels to England. There are 2,100 McDonald’s restaurants in England and 2,200 Indian restaurants, where you will find some of the best in the world. Fortunately, you and I only have to travel to Royal Palm Beach to experience the wonderful flavors of India! India Grill+ Bar is vegetarian/vegan friendly. Enjoy their eight

popular Vegetarian Delights ($9.95 to $14.95), and all can be prepared vegan style. A customer waiting for takeout recommended the Vegetable Malai Kofta ($14.95), croquettes of ground vegetables and cheese, stuffed with nuts and raisins in a creamy and tasty sauce. Everything I tasted was incredible! There are more than 70 authentic offerings from which to choose, so if you are a connoisseur of Indian food, then all you need to do is either try something you have never heard of (I do this all the time) or close your eyes and point. Either way, you are in for an incredible treat. As good as the dinner is, dessert is something else entirely. Here, I would order Mango Kulfi, a traditional Indian mango ice cream... Try it, and welcome to India. Over the years, I have become accustomed to the best Indian restaurants, and India Grill + Bar is one of the best. I will be going back very soon, very often! In addition to the main dining room, there is much more than meets the eye, including a private dining area and bar that accommodates up to 90 guests for holiday parties, banquets, business meetings and even weddings. The bar area is a great place to host a social event for upward of 50 guests. My favorite is the private cozy dining room — this well-appointed area is top notch for a VIP party that will impress up to 18 of your guests. Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. For reservations, or further information, call (561) 249-7168 and please tell them that Joe Nasuti, the Phantom, highly recommended that you visit his favorite Indian restaurant! India Grill + Bar was opened in 2012 by owners Mr. Soye Thoma and Mr. Mahendra Patel and is located in the Royal Plaza shopping center at the corner of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. 

650 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. (Corner of Southern Blvd.) Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

For Reservations, Call 561-249-7168

visit us:

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 11

Page 12

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, January 23 • 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Call Andrew for Access 561.324.8914

VERSAILLES

Immaculate Estate Home in the heart of Versailles! This home boasts 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 separate living areas, full chefs kitchen inside and a full chefs kitchen outside! Your private Oasis awaits you in the lushly landscaped backyard with free-form pool! This property can also be purchased turnkey fully furnished, all you need is your toothbrush to move in! Just reduced $820,000

Andrew Burr, Broker Associate

RealtorAndrew1@yahoo.com 561.324.8914 AndrewSellsPalmBeach.com

The Western Business Alliance, Inc. A new era in building business relationships.

THE WESTERN BUSINESS ALLIANCE

The Western Business Alliance is an alliance of businesses committed to strengthening and supporting our members through economic growth, education, and community awareness. Join now and see for yourself. www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com 561.600.3820

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

SAVE THE DATE

JANUARY SOCIAL

Dale W. Grimm & Co., P.A Dale W. Grimm & Co., P.A. offers a wide range of accounting, consulting and tax services tailored specifically for small to medium sized businesses. Over the last 40+ years, Grimm has built his practice on the basic philosophy of “Building Relationships Through Personal Service“. Being available when needed and providing professional service to the client on a timely basis is the focus of the firm. His services include, but are not limited to: Business Tax Solutions, Sales and Acquisitions, Tax Planning and Compliance, Representation Before Governmental Authorities, Business and Tax Advisory Service, and Consulting Services.

February 18th for our February Social at CJR Fine Arts & Frame in Royal Palm Beach.

Please join us Catania Family Style Restaurant in Wellington on Thursday, January 21st. The fun starts at 5:30 PM.

For more information and to register visit www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com

Visit www.dalewgrimm.com to learn more.

Welcome New and Renewing TWBA Members A Vacation of a Lifetime .......................................................... Marcia Berwick Aaron's Catering of The Palm Beaches .................................... Aaron Menitoff Ambassador Lawn & Landscape Maintenance ........................ Frank Vitani Barry’s Jewelry Spa ................................................................. Natalie Stolbach Catania Family Style Restaurant .............................................. Brian Scotto Centanni Italian Restaurant .................................................... Fidel Alvarez

Creative Marketing Products .................................................. Kamell Gaffoor Hill Audio Visual ..................................................................... Tom Hill Hulett Environmental Services ................................................ Gary Scher International Polo Club Palm Beach ........................................ John Wash Jordano Insurance Group, Inc. ................................................ Keith Jordano Liberty Tax Service .................................................................. Bob Salerno

Management Accounting and Payroll Solutions LLC ................ Alice Azzaro Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ......................................................... Eric Willer Royal Inn Hotel ....................................................................... Chris Santamaria The World Entertainment and Information Network............... Peter Wein Total Shredding ...................................................................... Monica Lewis Tree's Wings & Ribs ................................................................ Erin Townsend

INDIAN TRAIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

COMMUNITY GARDEN & URBAN FARMING AT HAMLIN

The 4th in our series of Gardening Classes will meet on Saturday, January 23rd, 2016 at 10:00 am. at Hamlin House, 14893 89th Place N., Loxahatchee. Class should last approximately 1 hour and will cover the basics about how to get started growing a vegetable garden. We will review topics that include: Garden Pests, and Maintaining the garden. The class will include time to answer questions and to solve problems gardeners may have had in the past. The class will include time in the garden to demonstrate what has been discussed. We will plant more seedlings.

January 23rd Meeting: Proposed Agenda Garden Pests: 15 Minutes Maintaining The Garden: 15 Minutes Discussion, Questions, Problem Solving: 15 Minutes Gardening Time: As long as you wish!

Let’s Garden!!

Call 561-793-0874 for more details. www.indiantrail.com Please feel free to work in the garden when your schedules permit.

There is a sign in sheet either at the garden site, or inside Hamlin House (See Sandy). Tools are available to sign out. Garden is open to members every day between 7:30 and 5:00 pm.

ITID Bark Park at Downers Park

Please bring your 4 legged friends to play in the newly renovated park.

Please Visit the Newly Renovated Bob Hoefl Park

With new playground, forever lawn turf, and thoroughly modern brand new air conditioned restroom facilities.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 13

NEWS

CAFCI HOLDS SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AT ROYAL PALMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HARVIN CENTER

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) held an board swearing-in ceremony and general meeting on Saturday, Jan. 9 at the Harvin Center in Royal Palm Beach. After the swearing-in ceremony, there was a brief meeting followed by refreshments. Events PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER for the upcoming year were discussed. Learn more at www.cafcipbc.org.

President Dennis Wright and School Board Member Marcia Andrews swear in Second Vice President Genieve White.

First Vice President Rhonda Ferrin-Davis and School Board Member Marcia Andrews swear in President Dennis Wright.

School Board Member Marcia Andrews receives a gift from Samuel Baxter.

Councilman Fred Pinto and CAFCI President Dennis Wright.

CAFCI board members with Jess Santamaria.

Special guests Councilman Fred Pinto, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Councilman Jeff Hmara and Jess Santamaria.

ROYAL PALM BASSMASTERS HOLD ANNUAL PICNIC AT ROBINER PARK IN RPB

The Royal Palm Bassmasters held its annual picnic at Todd A. Robiner Park in Royal Palm Beach on Sunday, Jan 10. At the event, the local fishing club celebrated another successful year. For more information about the club, visit www.royalpalmbassmasters.org. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Ed Huff, Irene Northrop, Kayla Perez, Kiel Carr and Phil Northrop.

Club Classic Champions Dede and Punk Duff.

Jaxon and Gavyn Stavropoulos.

Members of the Royal Palm Bassmasters at the annual picnic.

Page 14

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Local Talent To Compete In ‘Watch A Rising Star’ Feb. 13 At Kravis

South Florida may be the home of the next Blake Sheldon or Taylor Swift, and Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast is bringing them to the spotlight at the 14th annual Watch A Rising Star event. Local young talent will perform for judges, and the final five will compete during the main event on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. More than $13,000 will be awarded in scholarship money with event proceeds going to support JA classroom programs in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Hendry counties. The performers are undergoing months of rigorous rehearsals and live performances leading up to the vocal competition finale. Participating singers are: Emily Rynasko, 18, of Jupiter — The Pine School attendee dreams of attending Carnegie Mellon University, but until then, she is gaining performance experience in regional theaters, working in the visual arts and being the prefect of her school’s environmental program. She has also served as “mayor” of JA’s landmark JA BizTown, leading classmates in a real-life experience in the schoolbased program, where she was able to share her love of children

Celene Perez by passing along valuable life skills. Jana Jackson, 17, of West Palm Beach — A Dreyfoos School of the Arts student, Jackson has never taken a voice lesson and will gain valuable experience during the competition. No one took her dream seriously when she announced it at age 5, but soon family and friends discovered her outstanding abilities when she entered the rigorous Dreyfoos selection process with a perfect score. Even then, her struggle to prove herself continued and, while unable to afford private voice lessons, she was determined to work at it herself.

Gregorio Umana Dylan Jackson, 17, of Lake Worth — Another Dreyfoos student, he has played the piano since age 3 and arranging a capella pieces for nearly that long. His dream includes attending Carnegie Mellon (among other noted universities) and performing on Broadway. This may have been a challenge, however, when as a young child, he had a grapefruit-sized tumor on the side of his face. While doctors told him it would remain for the rest of his life, the tumor shrank. He took that as a sign that great things are in store for his life and he is determined to work to inspire others in achieving their own goals.

Celene Perez, 17, of Royal Palm Beach — A student at the King’s Academy, she dreams of a life in the musical performance industry. She loves volunteering and helping children throughout the community while working on her performing craft. Perez notes that she wasn’t born with her musical abilities but has had to work hard to develop them, starting with her first role as a spoon in her school’s production of Beauty and the Beast. She now regularly performs leading roles, including Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera and as Mother Superior in The Sound of Music. Gregorio Umana, 17, of Wellington — Umana believes in the power of music to transform lives. He plans on attending Indiana State University and continuing his pursuit of becoming a professional musician. The Spanish, German and English speaker knows firsthand the struggles of achieving his goal. Gregorio sees obstacles as an opportunity to overcome, and through achieving, inspires others around the world to fight for their education and work toward their dreams, like he has. Maxime Pressert, 17, of Palm Beach Gardens — Pressert is thrilled to work with JA’s performance coaches during the

competition to hone his vocal and performance skills. The Dreyfoos attendee has set his sights on becoming “a working actor.” Not necessarily on Broadway, but as a career artist. He also aspires to one day produce his own plays. Recently, he took a tour from Poland to Israel, where he experienced life-changing visits to Auschwitz (where his grandfather and namesake’s first wife died). The tour changed his perspective

ALEXIA DUBOCQ PERFORMS AT HOLIDAY PARTY

Young entertainer Alexia Dubocq of Wellington — aka “Alix Who?” in the YouTube world — performed at the holiday party of her favorite dentists, Dr. Laurence Grayhills and Dr. Vikram Mohip of Grayhills & Mohip Dental. “The practice is proud to support Wellington’s young talent, and Alix has been with us since she was 2 years old,” Mohip said. Grayhills hopes to see her competing on The Voice someday. Dubocq, 15, started with “White Christmas” and closed with her YouTube hit, “Riptide.” Staff and other guests cheered and were delighted with her performance. To support this young Wellington talent, search for “Alix Who?” on YouTube. (Left) Dubocq performs. (Below) Grayhills and Mohip with Dubocq.

Area Inventor Ray Tilson Will Launch His Creation, TakeA360, This Month

On Jan. 15, Ray Tilson will launch his first Kickstarter campaign to sell his creation, TakeA360, that allows anyone to create an animated GIF file of any object up to 200 pounds and upload the file to various outlets. “I created TakeA360 to simplify the process of making animated files for anyone from a novice to the expert. This process will also allow the creator to own their images,” Tilson said. Tilson created the process while using the Irisize Imaging tool that is used by Hollywood producers. The process combines Java script and 3D animation. Tilson began his professional career as a code writer in the early 1980s, creating code such as “How to dial a comport,” which was the ATDT code sent to open a modem. “I’m pretty much self-taught,” Tilson said. “I took two computer

lessons and four days of professional programing. Computers were easy for me. I played around with them, and within four days I was writing my own code.” From there, his skills grew and he soon was in a computer club with members that included code writers from IBM graphics, Eckerd Drugs, Seimens Telecommunication and the NYSE. Tilson doesn’t fall far from the tech tree. His father was an expert in electronics for the space industry and was one of many called in to help rescue Apollo 13. As a teen, Tilson and his brothers assembled relays that were used to drive multiple flights to the moon. “Growing up, my father worked at the Kennedy Space Center,” he said. “We had unlimited VIP access to NASA and the Space Center.” TakeA360 is a manual, trans-

on the importance of Israel to the world and the importance of valuing life. The Watch A Rising Star Gala will take place Feb. 13 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets to the black-tie-optional dinner are $200. For more information, visit www.juniorachievement.com or contact Claudia Barto at cbarto@ juniorachievement.com or (561) 242-9468.

Ray Tilson with his creation. portable unit. There is also a jects. For more information, visit threaded nut for mounting a larger www.takea360.com or call (561) platform to use with bigger ob- 685-7515.

G&A is continuously fusing in-depth legal experience, high level customer service, and custom built technology to find optimal solutions for our clients. Our firm continues to enjoy delivering fifty years of combined experience to support you in the areas of:

• Family Law • Litigation • Business Formation and Transactions • Equine Law

• Immigration Law • Real Estate • Wills and Estates • Contract Review and Drafting

• PERSONAL INJURY / INJURED

561-222-2222 www.greenstein-law.com

Lake Worth

917 N.Dixie Highway Lake Worth, FL 33460

West Palm Beach

1655 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 800 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

SCHOOL NEWS

Polo Park NJHS Sponsors Annual Toy Drive For Kids At Palms West Hospital

There is nothing fun about spending the holidays in the hospital, especially if you are a kid. Understanding how terrible this can be, the Polo Park Middle School National Junior Honor Society sponsored its third annual toy drive, where students in the school donated new toys that 10 members of the NJHS brought to Palms West Hospital on Dec. 18 to hand out to children. Dressed as elves, the students handed out toys ranging from stuffed animals and dolls to remote control cars and super heroes action figures. The gifts went to children of all ages, ranging from newborns and toddlers to elementary school age, even handing out some Target and iTunes gift cards to teens who were in the hospital. Presents were given to children in the pediatric ward, the pediatric intensive care unit, the pediatric oncology unit and even in the emergency rooms. While some of the students walked around handing out presents, others stayed in the children’s playroom, reading stories, playing games and coloring with the kids who came to the common room for some well-deserved fun.

“Bringing toys to those kids was such an amazing experience,” NJHS member LeAnn Haggerty explained. “Just getting to see their faces when we handed them a present are memories I will take with me forever. I’m proud just to have been part of something so worthwhile.” NJHS was able to collect and donate well over 100 toys, enough to not only hand out to every child in the hospital, but there were also plenty left over for children brought to the hospital in the weeks following the NJHS visit. The group also donated a number of board games, puzzles, play sets and videos that the hospital can keep in the playroom for all of the children to use. “This is now the third year that we have sponsored the toy drive, and it never ceases to amaze me how much our students care about helping others, especially children,” NJHS co-sponsor Craig Kaliser said. “I think when our NJHS students see that they can bring smiles to the faces of kids who are sick and hurting, it reminds them of the impact they can have by simply remembering the old adage ‘it is better to give than to receive.’”

not wearing a seatbelt. The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office joined in, giving students and their parents warnings for not using seatbelts. During the campaign, SADD students drove with movable billboards on their cars. One sign was even displayed at J.J. Muggs Stadium Grill. They also created posters containing facts and slogans about the importance of wearing a seatbelt. At the same time, Saddy, a crash dummy and testament to what can

CRESTWOOD KIDS BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER

(Above) NJHS students deliver toys. (Below) Students get ready to visit with children in the playroom. Over the break, some students from Crestwood Middle School had the opportunity to volunteer their services at the Urban League Christmas Toy Giveaway. The event was held at Gaines Park in West Palm Beach. The students assisted in various positions throughout the day. Some helped to set up and break down the tables, while others manned tables with toys. Others served as line directors. The event was a wonderful experience for the students. They enjoyed giving back. “I am happy that I played a part in bringing a smile to a kid’s face for Christmas,” Finlay Toussaint said. The students will continue to take part in other volunteer opportunities. Shown above are: (front row) Deavon Vazquez and Andre Fuller; and (back row) Finlay Toussaint, Garron Fields, Ian Finnegan, Adrian Hector and Anthony Jones.

RPBHS SADD Focuses On Seat Belt Safety

Following an unannounced seatbelt check on Nov. 13, students at Royal Palm Beach High School attended a seatbelt safety fair. This fair took place five days after the first seatbelt check in the courtyard during all lunches. During the seatbelt check, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) members were at all of the school entrances to check if all passengers in each car had a seatbelt on. SADD Advisor Maureen Witkowski discovered that 20 percent of passengers were

Page 15

happen when seat belts are not in use, explained daily how important seatbelt safety is. During the safety fair, there were games and trivia, and students signed pledges that they would wear their seatbelts. Following the fair, SADD held another unannounced seatbelt check on Dec. 11.

Witkowski calculated the results after the second check and discovered that 13 percent of passengers were not wearing seatbelts. “As a SADD member, I am proud to say that our event had an effect on our school making the percentage improve by seven percent,” SADD Vice President Alexis Borgos said.

(Left) SADD’s moveable billboard advertised at a restaurant. (Right) SADD’s vice presidents Alexis Borgos and Chelsea Rodriguez.

ACTS OF KINDNESS AT NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons Elementary School students recently participated in many acts of kindness. Students donated toys, games, books, clothing and school supplies that were distributed to needy families in the Wellington area and to students from Belle Glade Elementary School. Belle Glade Elementary received the donations and was overwhelmed by the number of items donated. Shown above are New Horizons students with just a few of the gifts that were donated.

Not feeling well? No Appointment Needed!

Ideal Family Practice & Walk-In Express Care

Tina Dochniak, DNP, ARNP

Stephanie Wise, ARNP

A MINOR EMERGENCY WALK-IN CLINIC FOR KIDS & ADULTS Colds • Flu • Physicals - DOT, Work & School • Rashes • Minor Burns • Auto Accidents • UTI & More

FAMILY PRACTICE MEDICINE

PUBLIC NOTICE Voter Registration Book Closing for the March 15, 2016, municipal election is 5:00 p.m., February 16, 2016. Voter registration forms are available in the Village Clerk’s office. If you think you may have been removed from the active voters list for any reason whatsoever, contact the Supervisor of Elections office at 561-656-6200 for confirmation of your voting status in Palm Beach County. Noticed by Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

AVISO PUBLICO El cierre del Libro de Registración de Votantes para la Elección Municipal del 15 de Marzo, 2016 será el 16 de Febrero, 2016, a las 5:00 p.m. Los formularios para registro de votantes están disponibles en la Oficina de la Secretaria Municipal. Si usted piensa que usted pudo haber sido removido de la lista de votantes activos por alguna razón, contactar a la oficina de Supervisor de Elecciones al 561-656-6200 para confirmar su estatus de votante en el Condado de Palm Beach Aviso dado por Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

Publish: January 15, 2016 The Town-Crier

General Health & Annual Physicals • Prevention & Wellness • Chronic Disease Management • Women’s Health and Annual Exams • Flu & Pneumonia Immunizations

DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy relieves pain and inflammation associated with: Neck • Knee • Ankle • Low Back Pain • Sciatica • Arthritic Conditions • Diabetic Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Toe Nail Fungus & More!

Complimentary Evaluation & Laser Treatment Coupon ($175 Value) Please bring Coupon with you. Offers ends January 31, 2016

Walk-Ins Always Welcome! Now Accepting Humana-X Patients 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 561-231-5200 Monday, Tuesday,

13475 Southern Blvd. Suite 100, Loxahatchee Just west of Palms West Hospital on the NE corner of Southern & Big Blue Trace

Thursday, Friday

8 a.m. - Noon Wednesday

www.idealFamilyPractice.com

Page 16

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

My Next Adventure Is Gardening... Which I Know Nothing About

I’m going to garden something. Not now, of course. Later. Maybe in the spring when the seed catalogs come out. Of course, I have never gardened before, but my new summer cottage came with a garden, which the neighbors are still raving about, even though it is now nothing more than a brown pile of overgrown something-or-others. The previous cottage owner, now deceased (and hopefully not due to a gardening tragedy), evidently devoted a lot of time to this now-overgrown patch, and I intend to revitalize it in her honor — to some degree, at least. Here’s what I want to plant — tomatoes,

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER beans, carrots, rhubarb and corn on the cob. I have chosen those five things because those are the only garden-dwelling things that I will eat. I will also eat chives, but I think I can put a Chia Pet on my windowsill to get those.

My plan for tomatoes is to grow some baseball-sized ones and some golfball-sized ones. That’s for diversity. My plan for beans is green string beans. There are really no other kinds. The beans used in baked beans are, to my mind, legumes, and legumes have no business calling themselves beans. Carrots are good for the eyes, so I plan to eat enough carrots to get back the vision I had when I was 10. I figure two dozen ought to do it. I hear rhubarb takes several years to really get going, so I am planting that as insurance. Next September, if nothing at all has come up in the entire garden, I can tell myself,

“Well, the rhubarb is still working at it. Maybe next year.” And corn on the cob is just plain good eatin’. I could plant the kernel kind that comes in a can, but I want the ones with cobs. More fun. And I’ll get a Chia Pet for my herb garden of chives. A lot of old people have gardens, and I always figured it was because they wanted something to outlast them — a legacy. Now I know it’s because they’re the only ones who have time for weeding. I’m not looking forward to weeding, frankly. I don’t know what sprouting vegetables look like, so it stands to reason that I don’t know what sprouting weeds

look like, either. From what I’ve heard, the things that are hard to pull out of the ground are weeds. The things that pop out easily are vegetables. I plant to put them back and pat them on their little heads and say sorry. Another thing I am not looking forward to is “harvest time.” It sounds like everything is ready to pick at once! So you do nothing but weed for months, salivating for just a mere bean to nibble on and — nothing? Then, when you least expect it, you have such an overabundance of vegetables that you have to pawn some off on the neighbors? What kind of schedSee WELKY, page 19

Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Hateful Eight’ Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

Quentin Tarantino’s new film The Hateful Eight has more than eight victims, but I have to admit it that it is pretty hateful. Tarantino is a poet of extreme violence and nastiness, and all of that comes out in this very long movie. It is not for the politically correct crowd, and also not for anyone who lacks a strong stomach. There is no one to root for in the film; every one of the major characters is really hateful. After a beautiful opening shot (Tarantino used Ultra Panavision lenses, which haven’t been used for 50 years) with appropriate stirring music from Ennio Morricone, who did the score for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (supposedly Tarantino’s favorite film), the action focuses closely on a handful of really nasty folks. A stagecoach holds bounty hunter John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) and a prisoner, Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh, pretty unrecognizable thanks to

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler a black eye, horrid prosthetic teeth and bruises), who he is bringing to the town of Red Rock to be hanged for murder while he collects the $10,000 reward. They are flagged down by Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), another bounty hunter, who has three dead bodies with him. Ruth, who has paid for the coach, allows him in because he knows him and also because Warren has a letter from Abraham Lincoln. The two men discuss the idea of “dead or alive,” with Warren pointing out it was so much easier with the targets dead,

and Ruth obviously enjoying the idea of watching them hang. Whenever Daisy opens her mouth, Ruth smashes her in the face (most women will probably dislike this part of the film). They also meet up with Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), son and follower of a Confederate who led a small army that refused to accept the end of the Civil War. Since he is the sheriff of Red Rock, he says, and is the one who will pay both of them their bounties, they take him on board. They eventually wind up in Minnie’s Haberdashery, a waystation, because of a blizzard. They meet a whole group of other nasties there: a shifty-looking cowboy (Michael Madsen); a stereotypical Mexican, “Bob” (Demián Bichir); a British hangman (Tim Roth); and a former Confederate general (Bruce Dern). These characters meet, go through a round of curses, and then start killing each other. Warren has a particularly nasty,

graphic description of how he humiliated and then killed the general’s son, and kills the man because he pulled a gun. There are a variety of other killings. To confuse matters more, Tarantino presents the film’s sequences out of order, so near the end, we all find out there are others involved, and the movie veers in another direction. The one thing we do find out is that some of those hateful folk will cooperate when it comes to killing. The cast is pretty good. Jackson is the main force, and he clearly likes playing things really mean. Goggins tries to channel a young Jack Nicholson. Dern is typical Dern. Roth plays overly elegant until he stops and just gets nasty. Leigh is essentially unrecognizable, but gives a very good, nasty portrayal of a woman ready to manipulate anyone to get free. Tarantino is an expert director and knows how to get the most from each of his performers.

This is a very long movie, about three hours, and it never dragged. It has all the hallmarks of a Tarantino flick: lots of violence and plenty of dialogue. These characters are not the silent type. Everything has to be discussed and then rehashed. Names must be called, generally unpolitically correct ones. Just about none of the bad guys dies quickly. Unlike in most westerns, they are able to take time for a bit of philosophy before they go. As I wrote earlier, this is a nasty movie. But it is also well-done for its type. Tarantino does have an over-fascination with death and with race relations, but he is a talented director. It is supposed to be a comedy, but I heard no laughter in the theater. You will not root for any of the characters; all are murderers. Yet it keeps going and keeps the audience’s attention. If you are a Tarantino fan and have a strong stomach, it might be for you. For others, be warned.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 17

NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH YOUNG AT HEART CLUB CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club held its monthly luncheon Friday, Jan. 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The theme was Chinese New Year. The Chinese Performing Arts Group of South Florida entertained seniors with a mini fashion show of traditional Chinese dresses, performed Chinese songs and dances, and ushered in the Year of the Monkey. For more information about the Young PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER at Heart Club, call (561) 790-5149.

Maryann Robinson, Lee Messina, Roberta Hennessy and Berit Hogan of the decorating committee.

Harry and Mary Weikel with Joan and Andy Lehr.

Young at Heart Club Vice President Iris Levin, Secretary Sandy Rubin and President Phyllis Katz are sworn in by Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli.

Kitty Ziu, Monica Shang and Medal Xing do a lantern dance.

Ping Sun demonstrates tai chi moves.

Faye Dunn, Vinette Tracy and Veronie Henri.

Stefanie Piekielek, Gloria Tucker, Adelle Gidden and Sylvia Gentile.

Lilly Pulitzer Day Brightens Sunday Polo At IPC In Wellington

Lilly Pulitzer Day at the International Polo Club Palm Beach was a sellout, and the new Lilly Pulitzer Patio was awash in colorful Lilly prints. Fashion trendsetters certainly didn’t let the wet weather dampen the party atmosphere that featured the lavish Sunday champagne brunch, Lilly Pulitzer gift items and the rockin’ debut of two new 2016 Lilly Jeeps. Ladies and gents sizzled in a vibrant sea of pink, jade, aqua, orange and yellow, sporting the iconic brand prints while sipping mimosas and feasting on the best brunch in town. Lilly Pulitzer plans two more special days during the 2016 polo season, with giveaways and prizes

on Sunday, March 6 and Sunday, March 20. Look for stylish Sunday champagne brunches and polo on the Lilly Pulitzer Patio through April 24. The gate opens at 2 p.m., and the polo match starts at 3 p.m. Reservations should be made early. Book online at www.internationalpoloclub.com. The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating. Tickets start at $30. For ticketing and sponsorship information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpolo club.com.

Lilly Pulitzer Day At IPC — (Left to right) Bernardino and Kemella Marques, Giovanna Marques and Valentina Marques; Danni Melita and Richard Gaff; and Johana Izaguirre. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

Page 18

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 19

NEWS

SOCCER CLUB HOSTS NINTH ANNUAL WELLINGTON SHOOTOUT TOURNAMENT

The Wellington Soccer Club held its ninth annual Wellington Shootout tournament Friday, Jan. 8 through Sunday, Jan. 10. Approximately 300 teams came from far and wide to compete at Village Park on Pierson Road. For more information, visit www.wellingtonsoccer.com. PHOTOS BY SERGIO AGUILAR/TOWN-CRIER

The Wellington Stars won their game 3-2 against FC Florida. (L-R) Anna Maria Munoz, Gabriella Toledo, Gabriella Burke, Olivia Torres, Divya Seedial, Aubrey Moura, Ara Lanier, Caellen Seemco and Angelina Rodriguez with coach Tania Charlez.

Mackenzie Lerner, Lizzie Emby, Sydney Kaufman, Elana Gabbay, Livia Baldeschi-Balleani, Karli Cronin, Mila Durso and Gillian Roth of Team Boca.

Bradshaw

Program A Success

continued from page 1 businesses are doing better than they ever have before. We made it safe.” Gang identification has changed, but they are in business doing everything from narcotics and stealing cars to robbing banks, he explained, focusing on identity theft with housing fraud and tax refund fraud. “Our main emphasis on violent crime is to fight the gangs. Nobody has done more against gangs in this state than your sheriff’s office here. In fact, the model on how to fight gangs was modeled after what we do,” Bradshaw said. “We take them all at once. Whether it is 25, 50 or 100 of them in the gang, we make the cases, and we take them out, because it’s like cancer. You can’t just take a little bit of it. You’ve got to take them all out at once.” Keeping kids from joining gangs is also a major PBSO focus. The PBSO has put money into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County and after-school programs. The gangs, he explained, start recruiting children as young as 8 years old. Regional focus and advisory groups are a new goal of the PBSO. “We put our money where our mouth is,” Bradshaw said.

LGWCD

Agreements With Town

continued from page 1 back to us on that,” Yohe said. The committee also discussed a proposed pilot program for dust control, Yohe said, explaining that presentations were made to both the town and the district by a representative of GelTech Solutions. Supervisor John Ryan asked about the status of a similar test with the Indian Trail Improvement District, and Yohe said he understood that ITID had contracted with GelTech for six months.

Blotter

continued from page 6 substation was called to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road last Saturday afternoon regarding a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:43 and 4 p.m., a minor was observed attempting to steal $68.78 worth of groceries, which were recovered. The minor was arrested for retail theft. JAN. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Croton Drive last Saturday afternoon regarding a drug case. According to the report, deputies were responding to an overdose and noticed a cabinet smelled strongly of marijuana. According to the report, approximately 60 grams of marijuana, valued at $100, marijuana seeds and 1.3 grams of Xanax pills, valued at $100, were recovered. JAN. 10 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called Sunday morning to a home on 69th Street North in The Acreage regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between

Isabella Rodriguez, Halle Kurit and Michelle Sullivan.

Noah Hart, Sebastian Lucas, Timothy Whitney and Cameron Korshoff.

The Lions FC U-10 team came ready to play.

(Back row) Gustavo Portuese, Sabrina Tome, Samantha Aguilera, Juliana De Oliveira, Nadine Pecci, Valeria Portuese and Franklin Wheelock; (front row) Alyssa Wheelock, Daniela Trevino, Alai Alizo and Hanna Schrayer of Weston Select.

“We partnered up with the Urban League, and we gave them $200,000 from our forfeitures fund to try to start a jobs program to keep these kids off the street.” The PBSO is the lead agency for Homeland Security from Martin County to Key West, joined by 182 agencies, running the regional fusion center, Bradshaw said. Deputies are also assigned to the Joint Terrorist Task Force with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “We’re the only county in the United States that has coastal radar,” Bradshaw said. “We stopped a boat three weeks ago that had three Chinese nationals on it… We have to be very careful about who is trying to be smuggled into this country. It’s not all about the drugs.” As the eighth-largest sheriff’s office in the nation, he explained, they have a big responsibility, and helicopters and boats are expensive. Each month, 1,000 calls are made from other jurisdictions to the PBSO asking for help. “What’s the price that you put on your safety? What is it? There’s no price on it. It’s priceless,” Bradshaw said. Body cameras are a hot topic within law enforcement circles, which Bradshaw was careful to address. “I am not against body cameras,” he said. “They have a useful purpose. What I want you to leave here with is the understanding that body cameras are not the answer

— they’re not the silver bullet — to all of these issues that are going on across the country where you see inappropriate actions on the part of law enforcement, in some specific instances. It’s not the answer. That’s not going to stop anything. They’re taking pictures of it now happening. So it didn’t stop it. The body camera is another tool.” The answer, he said, is training, policies and supervision. How does he know it works? For 15 years, the PBSO averaged 12 deputy-involved shootings a year. Last year, after a revamping of the training, there were only three deputy-involved shootings. Any time that happens, he explained, there is an independent investigation. They discovered that the faster something happens, the more likely deadly force will be used. The time frame of deadly force, he said, is zero to seven minutes. As the time increases, the likelihood of deadly force decreases. “Officer-created jeopardy,” he explained, is the second variable that makes a large impact in the likelihood of needing to use deadly force. Evaluating the situation differently, getting backup and the helicopter or dogs, Bradshaw said, is how officer-created jeopardy situations can be decreased. “It’s about policies, training and supervision,” he repeated. Cameras, he explained, are one-dimensional, don’t perceive

danger and don’t provide different camera directions. In order to provide the 1,600 road deputies and the 1,000 in the jail with them, Bradshaw said, it would cost $19 million. If the Palm Beach County Commission were to offer Bradshaw the $19 million, he would use it to add 100 deputies. “I’m 100 deputies short,” he said. “They have not given me extra deputies since 2006.” Calls for service, he explained, keep increasing. Bradshaw used to have 2.6 deputies for every 1,000 calls for service. Now, he has 1.3. The national average, he offered for comparison, is 2. “You don’t want to get below 2, and we are right now,” he said. If he was offered the extra funding, Bradshaw said, he’d put more people on the roads, more people in the gang task forces, more community policing and more toward keeping kids out of gangs, to help people stay safe. The luncheon was sponsored by Bob Salerno, owner of the new Liberty Tax Service location in Royal Palm Beach. Liberty Tax Service is holding a grand opening party Friday, Jan. 15 starting at 3 p.m. The business is located at 1161 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. There will be raffles and prizes all day long, as well as pizza and refreshments, Salerno said. Learn more about the Western Business Alliance at www.the westernbusinessalliance.com.

Supervisor Laura Danowski, who was recently appointed to the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee, said she had been impressed by the effectiveness of the committee in resolving issues between the town and the district. “The committee has been an eye-opener for me,” Danowski said. “I feel like we have made tremendous inroads.” Ryan agreed that the committee has proven productive. “Given an agenda of items and having a dialogue with the town and deciding what should go to the board and the council, I think is very effective,” he said. “I’m glad we’re using them.”

Supervisor Don Widing thanked Danowski for her work on the committee. “You’re right, it is an eye-opener,” Widing said. “There are a lot of pieces there.” The board approved the proposed fill management policy recommended by the committee that will give the adjacent landowner right of first refusal of silt dredged from district canals that is deemed surplus, before it is offered to other entities, including the town. Yohe said that fill removed from the canals raised to the prescribed height would be graded and seeded, and in many cases for use as equestrian trails. Ryan asked about the condition

8 p.m. last Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday, someone stole the victim’s 2012 Dodge Ram 3500. JAN. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a business on Carol Street in the Santa Rosa Groves community Monday morning regarding the delayed report of a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime last weekend, someone cut the posts on the nursery business’s chain fence and stole a Dixie Chopper mower, valued at $3,000; a water softener filter, valued at $5,000; a 5 horsepower water pump, valued at $1,000; and a 1 horsepower water pump. Additionally, there was approximately $4,000 worth of damage done to an irrigation system and the fence. JAN. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called Monday to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store on State Road 7 regarding the delayed report of a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:39 and 10:54 a.m. on Monday, a white male and a white female were

observed stealing a copper wire reel valued at $211. According to the report, they passed all of the points of sale without paying for the wire, and then returned it for a store credit before leaving in a red Kia. JAN. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Dahlia Drive on Monday afternoon regarding the delayed report of a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 2 and 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, someone entered the home, which is in the middle of a remodel, and vandalized the walls with black marker. JAN. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called Monday afternoon to a location on 130th Avenue North in The Acreage regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Thursday and 5 p.m. Monday, someone cut the lock off of the back gate of Indian Trail Improvement District Pump Station #2 and stole a John Deere tractor.

of canal banks seeded so far, and Yohe said that the total time between dredging and seeding is about two months, with about a month for it to dry and another month to grade, remove unwanted debris and then seed. Yohe said the district removes and then replaces fences where necessary, adding that landowners have been very cooperative with the process. He explained that the fill does not leave the bank until the district’s engineer determines that it is excess fill, whereupon the adjacent landowner is given the opportunity to take it. If not, the fill can be determined surplus. The landowner or accepting entity must sign an agreement holding the district harmless if the fill is found to contain contaminants or if any other issues should arise. Yohe said the next canal will be along South F Road, which he said

Welky

Gardening Adventure

continued from page 16 uling is that? Although it does explain Thanksgiving... Pilgrim #1: What are we going to do with all this stuff? Pilgrim #2: Well, the Indians got us into this mess by showing us how to plant maize. Invite them over. Pilgrim #1: Great idea! We’ll tell them it’s a holiday. Pilgrim #2: Then when they trust us, we’ll take all their land. Pilgrim #1: I like it! When I have my garden, I’m not sharing my harvest with anybody. It’s not that I don’t want to be neighborly; I just don’t want them thinking I’m buttering them up to take their land.

(Above) Maureen and Don Gross, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Tim Byrd, Ron Tomchin and Peter Wein. (Below left) Bob Salerno of sponsor Liberty Tax Service gives Mark Bozicevic his raffle prize. (Below right) PBSO Chief Deputy Mike Gauger. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

is probably the most challenging. Widing made a motion to approve the policy, which carried 4-0 with Supervisor Frank Schiola absent. The board also approved a related canal restoration notification policy, also recommended by the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee. Yohe explained that the policy is basically what the district has been doing, but that it was being put in place as formal policy, which becomes sensitive when it relates to equestrian trail policy. Widing made a motion to approve the policy, which carried 4-0. The board also approved a permit validating an interlocal agreement with the town for recreational trails, allowing the town to connect

Watch

Program A Success

continued from page 1 get their hands on and run off,” he said. “Education is the biggest tool to prevent these things from happening within our communities, and if we can continue to [inform] our Neighborhood Watch groups on how to protect themselves from these types of petty crimes, we can prevent those types of things from happening within the village.” Salas said that village staff members have seen a tremendous turnaround in some Neighborhood Watch communities. “In a lot of our neighborhoods, we can honestly say they are cleaner, the neighborhoods are upbeat, everyone is familiar with their neighbors, they know the protocol, they know the procedure,” Salas said. “If they see any suspicious

recreational trails to district trails. Widing made a motion to execute the permit, which carried 4-0. Ryan said he thought it was important to recognize that the permit approval represented the culmination of years of work to turn over maintenance maps to the town, enabling it to not only go forward with recreational trails but also to qualify for grants underwriting the work to improve the trails, which may include gates, culverts and signage. “We’ve had a lot of people who never fully understood the necessity of the exact steps necessary,” Ryan said. “We are done with it. Now, it’s up to the town to do its part in coordination with RETGAC [the Roadway, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee].” behavior, they have the number to contact. We can honestly say that we’ve seen a drastic improvement in most of our neighborhoods.” Poag said that the PBSO, which initiated and still participates in the Neighborhood Watch programs, has also expressed satisfaction with their effectiveness. “They’ve actually seen how the Neighborhood Watch programs have been effective in helping them to deter those small types of unlocked-door crimes within the neighborhoods,” Poag said. “We collaborate with the PBSO in the Neighborhood Watch effort so that we can increase the number of residents engaged within the community.” Poag said the success of the Neighborhood Watch program has been obvious. “We’re very pleased with the program,” he said. For more information about Wellington’s Neighborhood Watch program, call (561) 791-4764.

Page 20

January 15 - January 21, 2016

EquestrianSportProdTCRD1_6.indd 1

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

1/6/16 8:46 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 21

NEWS

‘DENIM & DIAMONDS’ DINNER DANCE BENEFITS LOCAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

The 28th annual Wellington Dinner Dance to benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington was held Friday, Jan. 8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The theme was “Denim and Diamonds,” and the event was chaired by Georgina Bloomberg, Dr. James Goad and Marley Goodman Overman. There were live and silent auctions, along with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner. “Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes” provided music. For more info., visit www.bgcpbc.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Jeff and Susan Warmington with Kirk Alexander and Dr. Veronica Pedro-Alexander.

Julie Kime presents Sheriff Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw with a thank-you gift.

Club Director Kenda Peterson with (front row) Bibiana and Tatiana Montoya, Daniella Holden and (back row) Terelle and Isabella Holden.

Polo players Nic Roldan, Kris Kampsen and Brandon Phillips.

Dr. Carmine and Marie Priore.

Mary Anne and Brian Hanley.

Dr. Veronica Pedro-Alexander (center) with Julie Khanna-Gopalan and Dr. Ramprasad Gopalan.

Sean Brevak, Marley Overman, Dr. James Goad, Georgina Bloomberg and Jaene Miranda.

Todd and Debra Barron with Marni and Dr. Jon Arenstein.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County CEO Jaene Miranda, Neil Hirsch and Sara Gehrke with club children.

Alan and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig with Lizz and Mickey Smith.

Where friends meet and play. Marc Anderson and Vernon Thornton, members of The Wanderers Club.

Dues-Only Membership – No Initiation Fee Required – Limited Availability Full Golf Memberships* Traditional golf with no tee times. Casual dining at The Duke’s Bar, Veranda, and poolside • Fine dining at Stables Restaurant Tennis, fitness, a junior Olympic-size pool, kiddie pool, and play area • Year-round social calendar and child-friendly programs

The Wanderers Club is The Equestrian’s Golf Club For membership information, call Anna Grzebien at 561.795.3501, ext. 225. membership@wanderersclubwellington.com • wanderersclubwellington.com 1900 Aero Club Drive • Wellington, FL 33414 *Waiting list for Social Memberships. Dues-Only Membership may be recalled once the Club Membership reaches its full complement, beginning with the last in, unless the then established membership deposit is paid. All memberships are prorated as of initiation date.

58519_TWC_Town_Crier_Member_Ad.indd 1

9/24/15 3:19 PM

Page 22

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

THE SPORT OF Palm Beach

See and be seen at the world-class International Polo Club every Sunday for high-goal polo. Polo ponies, fierce competitors, enthusiastic crowds. Game on! For ticket options or brunch reservations, please visit:

InternationalPoloClub.com

Every Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 3-April 24, 2016 Brunch at 2 p.m. at The Pavilion Polo Match at 3 p.m. 3667 120th Avenue South | Wellington, Florida 33414 Photo by LILA PHOTO

58840_IPC_TownCrier_FP_AD.indd 1

11/10/15 1:32 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

A Family-Friendly Feel At Ponies & Palms

Ponies & Palms Show Stables is a family type of place. Owner Leslie Butzer started the business in 2004 with a twofold vision: breeding hunter ponies to be future champions, and creating a barn that acted and felt like family to clients. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 25

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 23

Ahmmon Richards Plays In All-American Bowl

In November, Wellington High School receiver Ahmmon Richards was selected by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Committee to participate in its annual all-star bowl game. Last week, Richards headed to San Antonio to meet his teammates. A total of 12 players were selected from Florida. Page 31

Shopping Spree

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business

Barron & Kogan, A Wellington-Based CPA Firm, Announces Major Expansion

Barron & Kogan CPAs, a local public accounting firm, recently announced the completion of a major expansion. Barron & Kogan, owned by Hope Barron and Galina Kogan, was founded 14 years ago in Wellington and has grown its clientele and the business services every year. The recent expansion allows the firm to continue its reputation of providing excellent client services. Page 27

Sports Rebecca Hart Shines In Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour

Rider Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani left the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship CPEDI3* in November with their seventh consecutive championship title. They followed it up with the $10,000 CPEDI3* Championship at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival on Jan. 10. Page 32

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 25 BUSINESS NEWS....................................26-27 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................31-33 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 34 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 35-38

Providing Peace of Mind Since 1960

Visit Us at Our New Wellington Location! We are located in the Courtyard Shops at Wellington next to State Farm

13860 Wellington Trace #6, Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 732-9418 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

10% OFF Serivce Call

When you come in and make an appointment. With this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Wellington Store only. 1/15/2016-1/31/16

SAFETY FIRST!! VERIFY THAT YOUR LOCKSMITH HAS STOREFRONT LOCATIONS!

• Keys • Locks • Safes • Decorative/Commercial Hardware • • Access Control Systems/Card & Key Fobs • • Medeco High Security Locks • Alarms/Monitoring • • Surveillance Camera Systems • Two Additional Locations to Serve You! Boynton Beach

301 S.E. 4th St., Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Phone: (561) 732-9418 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

Delray Beach

1642 S. Federal Hwy., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Phone: (561) 265-1101 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

www.cksecurity.com

Check Out Our Mobile App!

Page 24

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

FEATURES

Page 25

Family-Friendly Feel At Ponies & Palms Show Stables Ponies & Palms Show Stables is a family type of place in more ways than one. Owner Leslie Butzer started the business in 2004 with a twofold vision: breeding hunter ponies to be future champions, and creating a barn that acted and felt like family to clients. She succeeded at both. Tucked away on 20 acres in western Boca Raton, the facility includes two large barns, a schooling ring, a derby field, a covered arena, a round pen and many grass pastures. The farm offers boarding, lessons and showing. Leslie shares the enjoyment of her business with her daughters. Lisa is a top amateur rider and helps run the farm, Lindsay is a future veterinarian, and twins Lena and Logan are also involved. By 2008, the farm expanded into a top lesson barn, catering to young children eager to learn to ride and immerse themselves in the daily responsibilities of caring for ponies. The barn was elevated to a whole new level in 2010 with the addition of trainer Gary Duffy. “I grew up riding and showing,” Lisa said. “When I started working with Gary, I became really confident, and this year I’ll be showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in the 3’3” Amateur Hunters. We have a nice group of adults who ride with us, but we mainly have children who come out after school and on weekends. This is a place to relax and disconnect from the crazy world.”

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg There are also plenty of get-togethers and parties going on. “We’re all about families coming out and having a good time without any pressure, people brought together through their love of horses,” Lisa said. “All of our ponies are talented and have the best temperaments. They’re safe, sane, and reliable to help kids gain confidence and experience. Our clients are people who want to learn to ride and be comfortable around horses. We have people at all ends of the spectrum, from pleasure riders to people going to local school shows, and some who want to show at a higher level.” Tom Panico boards Vickie, his Thoroughbred mare, at the farm. “Vickie loves the oversized stalls,” he said. “She’s content and happy. The grooms are excellent and very personable. The stalls are kept spotless, and I love the grassy paddocks. The covered arena means I can always work her, regardless of the weather. The kids are very respectful. I always enjoy being there. I’m also pleased that they welcome other trainers and are open to natural horsemanship.”

Horse Boca’s In Style relaxes in the West Barn at Ponies & Palms Show Stables. Courtney Glotzer recently graduated from the University of Vermont and is bringing her horse back to Ponies & Palms. “I trust them to always do what’s best for the horses,” she said. “I never worry. Their riding facilities are great, and the atmosphere is uplifting and fun. There are no negative people there.” Rebekah Watkins boards four horses there, and her daughters Brielle, 5, and Skylah, 3, ride ponies. “It fits all my needs,” she said. “I can ride and show, and the girls can ride and

show. It’s like Disneyland for kids, very safe and family-oriented. They can play on swings or with the puppies, and there are always eyes watching out. This is how it should be. I highly recommend this barn to all my friends, especially anyone with kids.” Over the weekend of Dec. 12-13, the farm conducted a clinic with top trainer Trudy Glefke. “We’re hoping she’ll stay with us permaSee ROSENBERG, page 33

Time is running out to rethink your health care coverage.

NEW Last Chance!

3 Low-cost plans 3 Doctors and Medical Centers 3 Payment options

1-877-352-5830

Visit floridablue.com/find-a-location

until e v a You h 6 1, 201 3 y r Janua

Palm Beach area 1501 N. Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Located north of the Boynton Beach Mall. The amount of benefits provided depends upon the plan selected and the premium may vary with the amount of benefits selected. The policies have limitations and exclusions. Health insurance is offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., DBA Florida Blue and HMO coverage is offered by Health Options, Inc., DBA Florida Blue HMO. These companies are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Florida Blue HMO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations. 85861 0116

Page 26

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

Tide Dry Cleaners Opens A Location On State Road 7

Consolidated Cleaners Inc., in collaboration with Agile Pursuits Franchising, a wholly owned subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, has announced the opening of the newest Tide Dry Cleaners store on State Road 7. Its grand opening is set for Saturday, Jan. 16. This is the first location in Southeast Florida and the 37th Tide Dry Cleaners location nationwide, applying Tide’s 65 years of fabric care experience, GreenEarth Cleaning technology and concierge services to meet customers’ needs.

“We are excited to bring Tide Dry Cleaners to the Wellington area. Our customers in Naples and Bonita Springs love the Tide experience with GreenEarth Cleaning, service from our outstanding team and the convenience of Tide Dry Cleaners,” said Ed Glatzmayer, regional manager of Tide Dry Cleaners. The new store, located in the new Buckingham Plaza shopping center at 394 S. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach, will host a public grand opening event on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Tide Dry Cleaners system includes the convenience of drivethrough concierge services and 24hour pickup and drop-off with the Tide Dry Cleaners Anytime kiosk and drop-box. Through its partnership with GreenEarth and utilization of Tide fabric care, Tide Dry Cleaners offers cleaning technology to care for a wide range of garments and textiles. “We’ve listened to consumers who share their frustrations with dry cleaning, and we’re excited to con-

tinue leading the way in changing it for good,” said Erica Jones, Tide Dry Cleaners marketing manager. “With unique service offerings, exceptional quality and best-in-class customer service, we are showing our customers that they deserve more from their dry-cleaning experience.” Tide Dry Cleaners plans to continue its Florida expansion. “We are thrilled to see the Tide Dry Cleaners network continue to expand in the Florida market with our partner, Consolidated Cleaners Inc. We join them in celebrating

the opening of their new Tide Dry Cleaners location,” said Jeff Wampler, CEO of Agile Pursuits Franchising. For 65 years, Tide laundry detergent has been caring for the clothes of American families. Tide Dry Cleaners is an innovative extension of the Tide brand, providing superior service that customers want for their dry cleaning. The franchise system is expanding across the United States. For more about Tide Dry Cleaners, visit www.tidedrycleaners.com.

Equestrian Professional Lenore Brown Joins JRPR

Lenore Brown recently joined the team at the Loxahatchee-based equestrian public relations firm JRPR. Brown recently made a change from being on the ground with the horses as a manager, rider, groom and veterinary assistant to being the newest account manager at JRPR. Beginning her lifelong love for horses at her family’s Warmblood breeding business, Last Laugh Farm in Pennsylvania, Brown was placed on a horse before she was able to walk. She continued to ride and compete in the jumpers while also training as a competitive swimmer.

Brown attended Hood College in Frederick, Md., where she graduated in 2008 with honors and a bachelor’s degree in history and art history. She was also a captain of the swim team, starting her sophomore year. During this time, she also worked with show jumper and eventer Marilynn Little at her family farm. After graduation, Brown chose to pursue a career in horses and landed a job grooming and managing for Olympic gold medalist Leslie Howard. It was this pivotal experience that gave Brown the firsthand understanding of the exciting world of Grand Prix show jumping.

Continuing to pursue her passion of show jumping at the highest levels, Brown has also had the opportunity to work for top professional riders, managers and veterinarians. She has traveled to all of North America’s premier horse show venues. Most recently, Brown spent two years working for John R. Steele & Associates as a veterinary assistant. As she advanced as a professional in the sport, she began to see the opportunity to be involved in another fast-growing aspect of equine sports — marketing and development. “I believe that equestrian sports

are on the cusp of being mainstream in America, and I really want to be a part of that movement,” she said. “I am passionate about showing the broader public this sport that I love.” Johnny Robb, the president and creative director of JRPR, is thrilled to have Brown join the team. “She has already demonstrated an incredible work ethic and brings a wealth of hunter jumper and veterinarian experience to our team,” Robb said. For more information about JRPR’s services, call (561) 753-4608 or e-mail johnnyrobb@mac.com.

Lenore Brown trained in jumpers, and has been a groom, manager and veterinary assistant.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 27

CPA Firm Barron & Kogan Announces Major Expansion

Barron & Kogan CPAs, a local public accounting firm based in the western communities, recently announced the completion of a major expansion. Barron & Kogan, owned by Hope Barron and Galina Kogan, was founded 14 years ago in Wellington and has grown its clientele and the business services every year. The recent expansion allows the firm to continue its reputation of providing excellent tax, accounting and consulting services, as well as to expand the partners’ “soup to nuts” back-office business services. Those services include payroll, payables,

receivables, human resources and other business needs. “A little over 18 months ago, we reached a point where we were just so busy that we needed to add to staff, but we didn’t have room. So, we took over some additional office space and added two more experienced accountants to our staff,” Barron explained. “This also enabled us to expand the scope of the business services that we can offer to our clientele.” Barron & Kogan now has nine professional members on staff, who in total offer their clients more than

200 years of combined accounting experience. They cater to both individuals and a wide variety of businesses, including medical, dental, veterinary, construction, equestrian, real estate and legal — all on the local level and with a personal touch. For more information about Barron & Kogan, visit www.barronkogan.com. For an appointment, call (561) 795-4448 or e-mail info@ barronandkogan.com. (Right) Partners Galina Kogan and Hope Barron (front) with members of their staff.

Weichert Realtors Opens Local Branch Weichert Realtors Heath & Joseph, with offices in Boynton Beach and Deerfield Beach, has opened a new branch office in Wellington, at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The new office, located at the original Wellington Mall, will be managed by Broker Owner Les Salzman. “We’re very excited to be opening our third office,” he said. “For more than 30 years, I’ve been building real estate and mortgage companies both nationally and locally. The opportunity to create a very special real estate operation in my own back yard is both exciting and invigorating.”

The new Wellington office will serve all the western communities. “Our Wellington location will be a unique real estate environment which will provide a platform for a very select group of Realtors who are focused on a professional career in real estate,” Salzman said. “Like many firms, we offer a full menu of ancillary services. However, the similarities end right there.” Regarding differences, Salzman listed H&J’s Lease-To-Own Program for buyers with a credit score of 525 or above, offering homes from $100,000 to $525,000; and

the firm’s relationship with several major hedge funds that provide it and its agents with more than 100 active listings on a continuous basis. “I worked with the organization for many years before becoming an affiliate,” Salzman said of Weichert Realtors. “Today, there are nearly 500 offices and more than 12,000 agents across the country. They provide us with an excellent lead flow, technology, training and name recognition.” The firm has more than 100 agents. For more info., call (561) 732-7272 or visit www.hj-re.com.

AT&T Adds Cell Tower In Wellington

AT&T celebrated the New Year with the completion of dozens of South Florida network improvements. The company added four new cell tower sites in Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Delray Beach and Wellington at the end of December, and strengthened 70 more sites in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to handle more network traffic. The new Delray Beach cell site is strengthening service in the business park areas of Congress, Clint Moore Road and the Boca Country Club. And in Wellington, a new cell tower

is improving network performance in the areas surrounding the intersection of Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Most areas benefiting from the 70 upgraded cell sites are in the Miami area and in Broward County, but improvements also will be felt in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. “We work hard to deliver a great network experience for our customers where they live, work and play,” AT&T Florida President Joe York said. “The investment we’re making here in South Florida is one of the reasons that AT&T has the nation’s most reliable LTE network.”

Page 28

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

TaKe yoUR PIcK aVaIlaBle all Day hoT-N-ReaDy® 4-8Pm

PEPPERONI, ITALIAN SAUSAGE OR CHEESE

ONE DEEP!DEEP!™ DISH PIZZA WITH PEPPERONI OR ONE ORIGINAL ROUND HOT-N-READY® SPECIALTY PIZZA oFFeR eXPIReS: 3/31/16 Valid only at participating Little Caesars locations. Not good with any other offers. ®

8 TaSTy VaRIeTIeS

LEmON PEPPER, GARLIC PARmESAN, BACON HONEY mUSTARD, TERIYAkI, SPICY BBQ, BBQ, BUffALO OR OVEN-ROASTED

also available in a 24 Party Pack for $16.00

caeSaR WINGS PaRTy PacK

8 TaSTy VaRIeTIeS:

LEmON PEPPER, GARLIC PARmESAN BACON HONEY mUSTARD, TERIYAkI SPICY BBQ, BBQ, BUffALO & OVEN-ROASTED (16-PIECE ORDER) oFFeR eXPIReS: 3/31/16 Valid only at participating Little Caesars locations. Not good with any other offers. ®

Royal Palm Beach 11328 Okeechobee Blvd., Ste. #4 (Corner of Okeechobee Blvd & PonceDeleon)

561-204-5252

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 29

Call Today!

FOR ALL YOUR MARKETING NEEDS!

PRINTING

SILK SCREEN

GRAPHICS

PRODUCTS

561-798-2424

EMBROIDERY

BANNERS

www.CreativeMarketingProducts.com

3460 Fairlane Farms Rd. Suite 13 • Wellington, FL 33414

Page 30

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 31

Wellington’s Ahmmon Richards Plays In All-American Bowl

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report In November, Wellington High School receiver Ahmmon Richards was selected by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Committee to participate in its annual all-star bowl game. The U.S. Army has sponsored the pinnacle event of high school all-star games across the nation since 1985. The game has been played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas since 2002. The star-studded matchup between the East and West teams draws 40,000 fans every year and is broadcast live on national television. Last week, Richards headed to San Antonio to meet his teammates of the East. A total of 12 players were selected from Florida, with Richards the only player from Palm Beach County. His selection has certainly placed Wellington on the radar as an area that can produce top athletes to compete at a national level. “This is very close to a dream come true,” Richards said. “I’ve watched this on TV, and now being on the field, and part of it, it’s awesome.” The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Richards is a four-star receiver and has earned a place as one of the nation’s top wide receivers, which explains

Ahmmon Richards autographs a football for a young fan after the game. PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

his selection for the prestigious allstar bowl game roster. Richards, along with the rest of the 100 athletes from across the country, spent a week networking, making friends, training and participated in several community service events throughout the San Antonio area with members of the U.S. Army. The weeklong event encouraged the model student athletes to focus on their education, giving back to the community and maintaining sound values. Speakers who provided words of wisdom and guidance spent time with the college prospects, such as Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown. All-pro Hall of Fame inductees Shannon Sharpe and Anthony Muñoz were also on hand to provide motivation. The grand finale took place on Saturday afternoon with East vs. West in the Alamodome in front of nearly 40,000 fans, including many members of the U.S. Army. The East fell to the West 37-9, but it was clear concluding the contest that more had been achieved. A camaraderie had been established by these young men from both ends of the nation. Richards is a senior and will graduate in the spring. He has 22 Division I offers, with Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn and Miami atop his long list. Richards’ accomplishments on and off the field are impressive. He maintains a 3.6 GPA and has twice earned Player of the Year. In 2014, Richards helped lead the Wolverines to a school-best 11-2 record, a district title and a Class 8A regional finals appearance. Richards combined the last two seasons for 2,722 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. He totaled 126 receptions, and this season helped his team to a 6-5 record, district runner-up and regional quarterfinal appearance. Richards played under the guidance of Wellington coach Tom Abel. “I didn’t do anything; Ahmmon did it all,” Abel said of his star receiver. “Words can’t say enough. We’re very proud of him.” Richards is undecided on where he will continue his football career and education, but said he will make a decision on national signing day, set for Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Wellington’s Ahmmon Richards and coach Tom Abel after the game in the Alamodome.

(Right) Wellington High School’s standout receiver for the past two years, Richards leaps up for a reception in the Alamodome, and (above) makes another catch for the East.

Baseball Legend Mike Schmidt To Help Fight Melanoma At The Fair

On Saturday, Jan. 16, Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt and the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, will encourage sun safety and unveil Palm Beach County’s first BrightGuard Sunscreen Dispenser at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Schmidt, a Palm Beach County

resident who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995. The 12-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, will make a special appearance in the Expo Center East from 10 to 11 a.m. to draw attention to the potentially deadly effects of

overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. “I spent my life in the sun without protection. I am currently a melanoma survivor because I see my dermatologist regularly,” Schmidt said. “I have partnered with the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, whose mission is to increase the awareness and importance of sun safety. This mission,

to educate young and old alike, is a perfect fit for me.” This year’s South Florida Fair theme is “Discover The Palm Beaches” and will focus on the many things to do and see in Palm Beach County. A baseball theme will be prevalent among Palm Beach County fair exhibits in anticipation of the new spring training stadium to be built in the near future.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation’s exhibit to receive SunSmart prevention and detection brochures and information about Palm Beach County’s park system, and to apply free sunscreen before heading out to the midway. “Together, we can make a greater difference in the health and See SCHMIDT, page 33

Page 32

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

Rebecca Hart Shines In Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour

When Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani left the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship CPEDI3* in November with their seventh consecutive championship title, one thing was apparent: they are riding to Rio. The first step for the dynamic team in the road to the Paralympic Games,

however, was to go straight to the drawing board and begin making changes in their training and musical freestyle to prepare for the podium. Their efforts proved effective, garnering Hart the $10,000 CPEDI3* Championship at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington on Sunday, Jan. 10.

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani.

“Basically, we have done a lot of preparation work to get to this point,” Hart said. “We went to Europe, put in the leg work, the miles and the training. We are specifically keeping her for these competitions, and for the Olympic Games in Rio this September. Having the experience with the European riders, and especially with Margaret [Duprey] and Todd [Flettrich] of Cherry Knoll Farm, has been amazing. It is a fantastic feeling to have the whole team focused on one goal.” The $10,000 CPEDI3* offered a first glimpse of the contenders aiming for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and 19 FEI para-equestrians competed for the top marks in their grades. It was two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012) Hart and Schroeter’s Romani that stole the limelight, proving that they have only just begun to tap into their potential. “What I like about this competition is that we have shown a lot of progress,” trainer Todd Flettrich said. “What I like even more is that there is untapped potential. Some people max out, and do not have the room to improve, but this is only the beginning for Rebecca and Romani.” Hart was awarded the high score

of the day both for her Team Test and Individual Test in the Grade II. They earned a three-day average of 73.805 percent, with top scores from the FEI ground jury, clinching the championship title for the first leg of the 2016 Para-Equestrian Dressage Tour. “It means that our program is working,” Hart said of her recent change to move to Florida to train full-time with Flettrich out of Margaret Duprey’s Cherry Knoll Farm. “It was scary coming down here four months ago, and it was intimidating. Margaret and Todd have been absolutely phenomenal in making me feel supported, comfortable and to really focus on the goal to go to Rio.” After recently returning from a highly successful summer European tour, Hart dropped her stirrups and began working on a new freestyle, both of which were unveiled over the course of the competition weekend. “No stirrups was a bit of a scary change, but it has been better. Since my disease is progressive, my spasticity and tone has worsened with time,” Hart said. “Every time I would hit the stirrup bar, I would have spasms and basically become a human clothespin — I could not

use my body at all, and it created disharmony in our rides.” While in Europe, Hart spoke with several riders who have similar conditions, and their insight was invaluable. They told her to “drop her stirrups,” which made all the difference. “One of the reasons going to Europe is so essential is that you not only get insight from the judges, but also the other riders,” she said. “We have been working on dropping my stirrups for the last month, and it has really helped with the harmony and the flow.” Hart rode to the score of 74.167 percent for their Team Test and was thrilled with the improvements she felt for both herself and Romani. They duplicated their efforts during the Individual Test on Saturday with the score of 73.095 percent. It was their all-new Freestyle, however, that showed the beat and expression that Hart believes will put them on the podium at Rio. The ground jury awarded the pair a 74.5 percent for the pilot ride. Hart and Schroeter’s Romani will compete again in the second leg of the tour during the $10,000 CPEDI3* January 21-24, 2016. For more information, visit www. rebeccahartequestrian.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

Rosenberg

Ponies & Palms

continued from page 25 nently,” Lisa said. “I think she’ll be a good fit.” Linda Wolosyn, who helps keep the Posse shows running smoothly, was on hand to visit with her old mentor. “I rode with Trudy every day back in the 1970s, starting when I was 8,” Linda said. “Before and after school, and every summer my mom sent me away with her. We drove to shows in Virginia and Tennessee. It was great. I learned so much from her. I still use what she taught me — don’t interfere with the horse, and don’t use a lot of bits and gadgets. I’d love to see her here on a permanent basis.” Carolyn Berry attended the clinic. She rides at Ponies & Palms, along with her two daughters Olivia, 9, and Eve, who celebrated her seventh birthday at the clinic, complete with hats and cake. “This barn is a gift to me and my daughters,” she said. “This is our family time and our sport, a place where we come together with nature.

Schmidt

Jan. 16 Event At The Fair

continued from page 31 well-being of families by striking out melanoma,” said

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 33

The teenage girls are wonderful role models in terms of character and sportsmanship. I can’t imagine a better place for me and my girls.” For more information, call (561) 756-4442 or find “Ponies & Palms Show Stables” on Facebook.

Brielle Watkins with Silver Steps at Ponies & Palms Show Stables.

Trudy Glefke and Linda Wolosyn at the clinic.

Lisa Richman, executive director at the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation. “Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation provides safe outdoor sports facilities and opportunities for youth enrichment, and for 20 years, the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation has

been empowering families to make the necessary sunsafe choices for healthy lives while enjoying our beautiful outdoor venues.” For more about the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation, call Richman at (561) 655-9655 or visit www. melanomafoundation.com.

Page 34

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Saturday, Jan. 16 • The eighth annual Abi Kattel Memorial Foundation Run/Walk for Education 5K will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 at Okeeheelee Park. Visit www.abikattelfoundation.org, e-mail bijkat@ gmail.com or call (561) 358-6549 for more info. • Color of Hope will hold its sixth annual Save Haiti Bike Ride on Saturday Jan. 16 starting at 7 a.m. at Young Circle in Hollywood and ending at Bryant Park in Lake Worth with live music, vendors, fun activities for children and a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For more info., visit www.colorofhope.org or call (561) 817-1264. • The Green Market at Wellington will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Visit www.greenmarketatwellington.com for more info. • The 15th annual Fords and Friends Antique Auto Show & Flea Market will take place Saturday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brass Monkey Tavern (7781 Lake Worth Road). Admission for spectators is free. To register a flathead Ford, Lincoln or Mercury, or hot rods and race cards with flatheads, and model T and A cars, contact Vern Lehto at (561) 267-5983. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present the Lightwire Theater Company in the family show Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Visit www.kravis. org for more info. • Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor (Village Square At Golf Center, 3475 Woolbright Road, Suite 19, Boynton Beach) will continue its monthly Torah, Talk & A Taste discussion group with Rabbi Barry Silver on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Share your ideas on the Torah with the Rabbi and have a little nosh. Call (561) 968-0688 for more info. • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Deer & Raptor Walk on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m. for families and all ages. Go on a “behind the scenes” tour of the deer and raptor compounds, see the animals up close, and learn about these unique critters. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Oinkin’ Around for ages 2 to 6 on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Join in for fun stories, songs and a craft featuring playful pig pals. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Acoustic Java Jam for adults on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring your acoustic instruments and jam out. Coffee will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Crafts for Kids for ages 3 to 7 on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Make a new friend, along with a special craft. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host the Under Construction Lego Crew for ages 7 to 12 on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Use Lego bricks to make fantastic

www.gotowncrier.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

creations. Work by yourself or as a team. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free concert with the Screaming Orphans on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center will feature the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes on Saturday, Jan. 16 starting at 5 p.m. For more info., visit www. pbiec.com or call (561) 793-JUMP. • HomeSafe will host its sixth annual Jump for HomeSafe on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. Visit www.jumpforhomesafe.org or call (561) 383-9842 for more info. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis. org for more info. Sunday, Jan. 17 • Place of Hope Polo Day will take place Sunday, Jan. 17 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington). The day will begin with a brunch and silent auction at 1:30 p.m. Music and dancing will follow the 3 p.m. match. For more info., contact Amyleigh Atwater at amyleigha@placeofhope.com or (561) 775-7195. • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will continue the 2016 polo season on Sunday, Jan. 17 with the 20-goal Joe Barry Memorial Cup. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage Concert Tour 2016 on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. The celestial show includes a live symphony orchestra and solo instruments as the most iconic Star Trek film and TV footage is beamed up simultaneously in high definition to a supersized screen. Visit www.kravis.org for more info. Monday, Jan. 18 • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host its third annual Polo for a Purpose on Monday, Jan. 18 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Ave. South, Wellington). For more info., call (561) 616-8682 or visit www.lls.org/pb. • CAFCI’s 14th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place Monday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. For info., call (561) 791-9087. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will host Way Out of the Doll’s House: The Life and Wit of Nora Ephron on Monday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.kravis.org for more info. • “Equine Law 101: Business Essentials for Horsemen” will be offered starting Monday, Jan. 18 at #1 Education Place in the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 23). The eight-week series will be led by equine lawyer Krysia Carmel Nelson. Classes will be held Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. To register, call Anita Kane or Judy Blake at (561) 753-6563.

• Community of Hope Church (14055 Okeechobee Blvd.) will offer a free support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one beginning Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. For more info., call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com. Tuesday, Jan. 19 • The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Science for Seniors: Coral Reef Conservation on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 9:30 a.m. Join guest speaker Marsha Zangroniz and discover how the reefs can prevent coastal destruction and how to help in their restoration. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Presidents & Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking: Ronald and Nancy Reagan on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. William and Sue Wills bring to life the story of the president and his first lady. Pre-register at www.pbclibrary.org/presidents-2016. • Wellington will host a Walk and Talk on White Pine Drive on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Wonders of the Night Sky, a telescope viewing session for adults, on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Encounter numerous celestial wonders with a presentation and telescope viewing provided by the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • Starting Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., Community Of Hope Church (14055 Okeechobee Blvd.) will offer DivorceCare, a free support group to help people heal from the pain of separation or divorce, and DivorceCare for Kids designed to help kids ages 5 through 12 who are struggling with the confusion and pain that comes from separation and divorce. For more info., call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com. Wednesday, Jan. 20 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Presidents & Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking: Ronald and Nancy Reagan on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. William and Sue Wills bring to life the story of the president and his first lady. Pre-register at www. pbclibrary.org/presidents-2016. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Musical Toddlers & Tykes for ages 4 and under Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Join in a jam session with all lots of musical instruments for you to play along with and keep the music going. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Finger Painting Fun for ages 18 and up Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Unleash your creativity with finger painting fun. Bring an apron or wear old clothes. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Anime Otaku Club for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Hang out, watch anime, and eat snacks while you talk with friends about cool stuff from Japan. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host its State of the Garden Address on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. with Garden Director Allen Sistrunk. Visit www.mounts.org for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Researching Your Family Tree Online on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Do you know how to find your roots? Library staff will demonstrate genealogical databases and web sites of interest to family history researchers. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Shulamit Hadassah will hold its Tu B’Shevat Seder on Wednesday, Jan 20 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9910 Stribling Way, Wellington). Admission is a suggested donation of $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. To RSVP, call Helene at (561) 512-3172 or e-mail coolmama18@hotmail.com. • Congregation L’Dor Va-Dor (Village Square at Golf Center, 3475 W. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach) continues the Rabbi Sam Silver Controversial Issues Forum on Wednesday, Jan. 20

The Town-Crier at 7 p.m. with a discussion of evolution. Rabbi Barry Silver will be joined by noted members of the community who will voice their views. Call (561) 968–0688 for more info. Thursday, Jan. 21 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Origami: Unfolding Fun for ages 8 and up Thursday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. Learn the art of Japanese paper folding with cool origami models for all skill levels. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks with a Neil Diamond Tribute by Neil Zirconia on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Anime Nation for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. View new anime titles. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 7906070 for more info. • The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Small Business Seminar on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at Hurricane Grill & Wings. For more info., call (561) 792-6525 or visit www. wellingtonchamber.com. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present its annual Palm Beach Wine Auction on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Mar-aLago Club featuring a five-course dinner paired with specially selected wines from all over the world. The live auction takes place throughout the dinner and includes some of the world’s most renowned wines, travel experiences and unique treasures. The event benefits education programs at the Kravis Center. For more information, call (561) 651-4320 or visit www. palmbeachwineauction.org. • The Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) will meet Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center (6301 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach). The program will be on “Using the Internet to Track and Identify Butterflies.” The meeting is free and open to the public. Visit www. nabapalmbeach.org for more info. Friday, Jan. 22 • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present the Lula Washington Dance Theatre on Friday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23. The innovative and provocative Lula Washington Dance Theatre, created in 1980, is hailed for its explosive, high-energy appeal. Visit www.kravis. org for more info. • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst in Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael on Friday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23. Visit www.kravis.org for more info. • On Friday, Jan. 22, the supporters of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) will gather in Wellington for Rockin’ Rio, an Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit. The benefit, hosted by the USET Foundation, will start at 6 p.m. at Louisburg Farm in Wellington. For more information, contact Nancy Little at (908) 234-1251 or nlittle@uset.org. • Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will hold a Thank God It’s Shabbat on Friday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. with a participatory, family friendly, Shabbat service with music, followed by a delicious meal. Call (561) 967-3600 to RSVP. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free screening of the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron on Friday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. • Broadway star Jarrod Spector will share his talent at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center (1977 College Drive, Belle Glade) on Friday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Spector played Frankie Valli in Broadway’s Jersey Boys for five years and is currently playing the role of Barry Mann in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. Call the box office at (561) 993-1160 or visit www.dollyhand.org for more info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

EMPLOYMENT FULL-TIME — Experienced Shirt Presser $12 per hour. Wellington. Call 561-603-0718 PART-TIME ACCOUNTANT ASSISTANT — Part time, flexible, assistant to accountant. Must be organized self-starter, computer literate (Excel, MS Word), to answer phones, do filing, do scheduling. Must be willing to learn new tasks. Royal Palm Beach.REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED.Respond to arnoldsachs1@att.net No phone calls.

www.gotowncrier.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PAINTING

SECURITY

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT

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

WELL WATER AND CITY WATER — Supply, Service and water treatment. 561-7845210. Loxahatchee Irrigation Supply Inc.

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE

VET TECH WANTED — Help wanted in the Western Communities. Experienced Vet Tech for small animal practice. Please leave name, phone & e-mail. Call 305-394-1279.

S AT U R D AY J A N U A RY 16, 8 A. M. NOON — Furniture, Living room, bedroom, dining room, many misc. items, all must go! 11822 Donlin Dr. Park Place Townhomes. Forest Hill/12th Fairway. MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE — SATURDAY JANUARY 16th 8 A.M. to 1 P.M.— 12175 Stratford Street, Off Forest Hill Blvd. — top label clothing Ann Taylor, Banana Republic etc. Porcelain Doll Collection, Korg Synthesizer, Miniature Victorian Doll-house, with accessories, so many other collectibles as well videos/cd’s/dvd’s, Play-station 2, Harry Potter collection & other books, Baby items & toys, Artwork, weight bench, housewares, and all holiday decorations.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

GOT WOOD? — Rotten wood specialist, Docks-New or replacement, fencing, equestrian friendly - we do barns. Wood General Contracting. 561-805-0278. Licensed & Insured.

WELLINGTON

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779

GARAGE SALES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. “We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks” 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

PART-TIME LEGAL SECRETARY ASSISTANT — Part time, flexible. Legal Secretary/ Assistant. Computer literate (WordPerfect). Answer phones, schedule hearings, filing, assist with document preparation, etc. ONLY APPLICANTS WITH SOME EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED. REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED.Respond to j.a.abrams@att.net No phone calls.

Drivers: New Pay! $3,500 Sign-On Bonus! Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

January 15 - January 21, 2016 Page 35

CONSTRUCTION

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — Serving Loxahatchee, Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves ONLY High quality, affordable yard maintenance. NO CONTRACTS! Locally owned and operated. 561-320-1118

LOCKSMITH C.K.s L O C K & S E C U R I T Y 561-7329418 Full Service Security Since 1960 — Service and installation of locks, safes, camera’s alarms, monitoring, duplication of keys, car remotes and so much more.

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./Ext. Residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-578-2873. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

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

PLUMBING

TRAIL RIDES

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

TRAIL RIDES AT THE GOOD EARTH FARM — You get a 20 min. lesson on what to do before you go on your trek in the woods, then you go with your experienced trail boss. We can serve up to 3 people. Kids have to be at least 10 years old. Everyone has to wear some kind of boot that covers the ankle and has a heel. We have the helmets. Cost is 75$ each for a 1.5 hour experience and a personalized trail ride, walking (trotting in the ring only) at the end you wash your horse. 561-792-2666

PRESSURE CLEANING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

ROOFING ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated. Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

TREE SERVICE TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

TUTOR READING TUTOR — Certified, retired New York State Teacher - Will come to y o u . . . $ 3 5 p e r h o u r. 5 6 1 - 7 9 8 - 2 7 8 3 .

WALLPAPERING

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

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Page 36 January 15 - January 21, 2016

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016 Page 37

HERE’S MY CARD

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

Page 38 January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

HERE’S MY CARD PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE FOR AS LOW AS $21 PER WEEK

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 39

January 15 - January 21, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

GREATNESS

HERE

STARTS

Page 40

CSUSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

NET PROFICIENCY GROWTH IN READING, MATH, WRITING AND SCIENCE IS ALMOST

X 10

ENROLLMENT SESSIONS Now Available for the 2016-2017 school year SERVING SIX GREAT SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

HIGHER

than the state of FLORIDA.

Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

TUITION FREE!

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Learn more at www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

January 15 - January 21, 2016

Page 41

WELCOME TO THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

held at the Main Grounds at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

JANUARY 13 - APRIL 3, 2016 Join Us Every Wednesday through Sunday to Experience Equestrian Sport at Its Best! Watch The Equestrian Action

The Suites

Visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday, take in the exciting scene of several thousand horses and riders competing in 12 arenas.

If you want to watch the Winter Equestrian Festival in style, host a corporate event, or entertain friends and family, reserve your Suite today! With upscale decor and dining, these ringside seats for up to 22 people are available and offer a full buffet and premium bar options. Contact 561.784.1110 for more information or to make a reservation.

Stroll the grounds at your leisure, grab a bite to eat and shop till you drop at our unique boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, high-end fashion and so much more.

Grab a Bite to Eat

Children’s Activities Entertainers, live band, balloon artists, face painters, bounce houses...and more!

VENDOR VILLAGE

A variety of Food Vendors are located throughout the property, including: •

Coliano’s Pizza

•

Tito’s Tacos: Margaritas, Tacos, Burritos, Chips, Salsa

•

Tiki Hut: Grilled Chicken, Variety Burgers, Grilled Fish, Salads

•

Oli’s Fashion Cuisine: in the Vendor Village

Take a Lunch & Tour See the world-renowned equestrian competition, vendors, stables and various venues that Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. Your tour will allow you to explore twelve of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Village. The tour will be both exciting and informative, and there is a good chance you will see some Olympic riders gearing up for competition! Equestrian Lunch & Tours are available by appointment Wednesday through Sunday during the WEF season.

Shopping Around the Show Grounds You are invited to shop in a variety of locations throughout the PBIEC, including the Vendor Village, Hunter Hill, and The Bridge Deck, the outdoor courtyard oasis filled with exquisite shops and boutiques offering fashion, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more.Visit a new Vendor area each week!

Vendor Village Alessandro Albanese Ann Hubbards Tack Shop Anne Gittins Photography Antarès Sellier France Beval Saddlery Bird Dog Bay Bomber Bits Cargill Carson & Co Cavalleria Toscana Charles Ancona NY CME Horses GmbH CM Hadfields Saddlery Inc. CWD Custom Saddles Der Dau Custom Boots Equifit Equiline Equine and Country Equine Tack & Nutritionals Equis LLC Foal LLC French Corner, Inc. Horseware Ireland Equestrian Ill.Fabbri Riding Boots James Leslie Parker Photography Jods Equestrian Apparel Jotts Kocher Tack Shop La Mundial Custom Boots Laurel and Bleau Le Fash ME.N.U. OnTyte Stirrups & Footwear Palm Beach Jewelry Partyof2 Perfect Products Personalised Products Pomme New York Premier Equestrian

Running Fox Equestrian Sharon Lynn Campbell Sofie Belgium Boutique Styleliner Tack ’N’ Rider Turner & Co Van DeMoore Jewelry Voltaire Design Fine Saddlery WEF Official Boutique BARNS 3 & 4 Dandy Products Farmvet Inc. RC Saddle & Tack Repair Barn 5 Woody’s Shoe Repair Josey’s Laundry Service RING 6 Amberway Equine Solutions Horse Gym USA® RINGS 9 & 10 Butet Saumur Saddles Devoucoux Custom Saddles & Tack Fox Run Saddlery GPA Helmets McGuinn Farms Inc. Tack Trunks and Stable Equipment SportFot USA Inc. INTERNATIONAL ARENA WARM UP Animo USA Bruno Delgrange Custom Saddles Equisafe LLC

HUNTER HILL Advantage Biosciences Awesome Artifacts BJ’s Hunt Room C Jones Silver Housewares Danny & Ron’s Dog Rescue Fab Finds by Sarah Hot to Trot Illustrated Properties Realtor Jods Just FUR Fun – Goodies for Dogs Kathryn Lilly Linda Luster Studio Olive and Bette’s Pinnell Custom Leather Inc. Sarm Hippique & Pariani BRIDGE DECKS BIBA of NY Boutique Kingsland Equestrian Romitelli Shoes & Boots Swatches & Rags Finest Lines For Men WEF Official Boutique International Shoppes Douglas Elliman Real Estate Equiline Equestrian Fashion Hunt LTD Karina Brez Jewelry Keyes Art Consulting Lugano Diamonds Maybach Icons of Luxury Michelle Farmer TIKI HUT TERRACE Ariat® Copious Row Luxury Accessories David Lerner Associates Drew Dogett Photography

Eduardo Moncayo Hats Elizabeth Locke Jewels Evy Jewelry Eyes of Wellington Hermès Michelle McNabb Jewlery Peng Custom Bags Rocio G Fine Leather Goods Skiffingtons Boutique Swatches & Rags Fine Lines for Men Tucci by Newstar Wear in Good Health Fashion Zadeh of New York – Men’s Jewelry PLACES TO EAT INTERNATIONAL ARENA Tito’s Tacos Tiki Hut VENDOR ROW Harry’s Lemonade Loopy’s Crepe Café Coliano’s Pizza Oasis Café RINGS 9 & 10 Professional Concessions Magadelena’s Mexican Food Muddy Paw Coffee Nathalie’s Café BARN 4 Burgess and Clark Coffee

MAIN GROUNDS AT PBIEC | 3400 EQUESTRIAN CLUB DRIVE, WELLINGTON, FL 33414 | 561.793.JUMP (5867) | WWW.PBIEC.COM

EquestrianSportProd_PWTW1_8_16.indd 1

1/8/16 7:14 PM

Page 42

January 15 - January 21, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Floor Specialists, an Abbey Design Center, offers much more than the big box stores. Our highly trained team gives personal attention to each client to help create the living space they desire. Floor Specialists has the largest selection of hardwood �loors as well as the �inest �loor covering products in the area. From the most sought after to the most unique, Floor Specialists has it all…and for every budget.

You can read reviews, see �inished projects, read about what is trending in �looring and schedule a no obligation pre-measure and consultation at www.�loorspecialists.biz

Carpet • Hardwood • Laminate Tile • Stone • Luxury Vinyl

561-514-1912 11453 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach www.FloorSpecialists.Biz Monday - Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-4