Town-Crier Newspaper January 30, 2009

Stimulus Should

Focus On Creating

Long-Term Benefits

President Barack Obama’s $825 billion economic stimulus package is making its way through the halls of the U.S. Congress. While the specifics of the bill will likely change before a final measure is passed, it seems clear that the federal government is about to go on a spending spree. Of course, the idea is that there should be long-term benefits derived nationwide from the short-term spending, with job creation being the key issue.

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News

PBSO: Section 8

Bust In Wellington

Just The Beginning

The recent arrest of six people centering on Section 8 housing fraud in Wellington is the result of a new type of investigation in the county, said Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Leatherman. Page 3

Wellington Fourth Graders Experience

Exciting Day Of Polo

More than 1,200 fourthgrade students from six elementary schools recently screamed and cheered their favorite polo players to victory at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Page 7

Ministry Offers Aid To Fair Workers

Beyond the South Florida Fair’s obscure Gate 5, the Palm Lake Baptist Association is faithfully ministering to fair workers, or “carnies” as they are commonly called. Page 8

High-Spirited WCS Homecoming Week

Students at Wellington Christian School celebrated homecoming with a musical genre theme Jan. 2023. The entire student population gathered for the float parade featuring the senior country music float, junior rock ’n’ roll float, sophomore disco float and freshman Latino music float. Leading the parade was the school’s mascot, Eddy the Eagle. Page 10

BABY GATORS AT THE FAIR

Wellington Asks Feds For $106 Million From Stimulus

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

Looking forward to the possibility of large amounts of economic stimulus funding flowing its way, the Village of Wellington has presented its wish list of projects to the federal government totaling more than $106 million. The list of projects, many of which are either anticipated for eventual undertaking by the village as part of its capital improvement plan or have been deferred in the past year due to revenue shortfalls, would create an additional 2,230 local jobs, according to the request.

The Wellington wish list is one of the scores of municipal projects lists collected and published by the United States Conference of Mayors on its web site at www. usmayors.org.

Although Wellington’s list is available via U.S. Mayors web site, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen said the village submitted the list directly to the federal government.

“We submitted all our projects that were shovelready back when we first had the opportunity, probably two or three weeks ago now,” he told the Town-Crier Thursday.

Among the biggest-ticket

items are components of the village’s ambitious redevelopment plan. These include $15 million for the construction of a new municipal complex “to centralize village offices and provide significant time and operating savings” (250 jobs), $25 million for redevelopment of core business areas “including land assembly, development incentives and infrastructure expansion to facilitate redevelopment” (500 jobs) and $20 million to revitalize “aging residential and commercial areas, particularly transitional neighborhoods experiencing high crime and dete-

See STIMULUS, page 18

Village Orders A Current Appraisal Of K-Park Land

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council voted Tuesday to order an appraisal of the village’s K-Park property on State Road 7, amid questions from some council members in the past month about the wisdom of leasing the 63acre property to Palm Beach Community College for $10 a year. The lone holdout on the council’s vote for the appraisal was Mayor Darell Bowen, a staunch proponent of the proposal to build a PBCC campus on the land.

Before the vote, Councilman Matt Willhite voiced concerns that the village would bear the cost of the appraisal, as much as $15,000, although the measure would be taken to settle some questions concerning the campus. “How much money do we continue to put

on a project that village residents pay off?” he asked.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said the appraisal would be a valuable tool and put a stop to the speculation as to the value of the property, but Bowen said he did not see the necessity.

“When you buy the land for public uses, the land is whatever value you have in there,” Bowen said. “It’s not a very important tool to have when you make an important decision. We have enough information for the land across the street. I understand someone has bought it.”

During public comment, resident Tony Fransetta said he had garnered signatures of nearly 500 residents opposed to the campus proposal. “All the facts are interrelated, whether it’s the appraisal or the issue itself,” he said. “I oppose the giveaway of the land in question. I don’t think

Wellington Council Appoints Coates To Fill Vacant Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Attorney Howard Coates was appointed Tuesday to fill a vacant seat on the Wellington Village Council.

Coates narrowly edged out attorney and Wellington Equestrian Committee Member Donald Dufresne in the council’s selection process.

Council members ranked their five favorites out of 15 applicants, each awarding five points to their top choice, four points to their fourth choice, three points to their third choice, and so on.

Coates received a total of 14 points, while Dufresne received 13. Wellington’s former public works director Ken Roundtree came in third with 11 points.

Once the rankings were announced, the council unanimously ratified Coates’ appointment.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of Bob Margolis, who had to resign effective this month as part of his unsuccessful run for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections last year.

Coates, who lost a close council race last March to Councilman Matt Willhite and in November lost a state house bid to State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, said Thursday that taking a place on the council feels like the end of a long journey.

“I lost a very close election in March, went right back into another campaign, and basically I’m ending up back where I wanted to be to begin with,” Coates told the Town-Crier

Coates, who was the top pick of Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore, said he is not wavering from positions he laid out in his earlier campaign.

“There are three or four issues that are important to me,” he said. “First and foremost is the issue that com-

pelled me to run for the council in the first place — preserving the quality of life out here in Wellington, insuring that we have adequate growth management… We need to be careful of the growth decisions that we make and the impact that they’re going to have on our community.” Coates, who operates a private law practice in the village, said he is concerned about the health of the local economy and considers the equestrian community an integral part of the Wellington environment.

“It’s an important part not only to the quality of life and unique lifestyle we have in Wellington, but certainly to the economic condition,” he said. “I certainly will be an advocate of doing things that will help promote that industry.”

Coates said he feels the council is doing a good job with its economic development and redevelopment plan. He was impressed when the council discussed Forest Hill Blvd. corridor improvement plans Tuesday.

“I think anything we do that gives Wellington a greater identity is a good thing, but we have to be careful with the impact it’s going to have on the people within that corridor,” he said. “I also think we have to be careful from a cost

See COATES, page 9

NICU GRAND OPENING

it matters to the proposal whether it’s worth X, or triple X. It’s still obscene to give it away.” Fransetta took issue with a recent survey of village residents that indicated wide support for the campus, without informing respondents that the village would be providing the land to the college at virtually no cost. He said he too would have given such a survey a positive response, with no understanding of the taxpayers bearing the burden of the land’s cost, the police and fire protection, and the additional traffic on Forest Hill Blvd.

Resident Valerie McKinley accused council members of trying to pull a fast one on residents. “Your duty is to represent the people. That means we presume you have values,” she said. “Those values should be accompanied

See APPRAISAL, page 18

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report Political newcomer Demian Saenz has filed candidate paperwork to run for Seat 2 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council against incumbent Councilwoman Martha Webster.

Saenz, who is married and has two young children, works as a supply specialist for Office Depot. He has never run for political office before. “I gotta start somewhere, I figure,” Saenz (pronounced “signs”) told the Town-Crier

The 34-year-old said he has always been interested in politics from a historical standpoint and has also been looking to get involved in his community. “I’ve gotten an

itch as I’ve gotten a little older that I wanted to do more than just work in a cubicle and sit there all day and run reports,” he said. Saenz was born in Miami and has gradually moved northward. In 2003, he and his wife moved to Royal Palm Beach from the Winston Trails community in western Lake Worth, after visiting coworkers who live in Madison Green. “We came up, took a look, and there happened to be a house in Madison Green for sale we liked, and we were ready to start a family.”

A registered Republican, Saenz has never been involved in politics at the local level or spent time working on the campaign of another

candidate. He said his biggest challenge at this early stage has been learning the ropes of running for office.

“I think the most intimidating part that I’ve had so far has been learning the processes in place to run and all the rules, and how much money you can accept, and who you can accept from, and what you can do,” Saenz said. With no experienced advisors on board as yet, Saenz said he and his wife Maryalyce have been trying to come up with ideas on getting his name and message to voters. He said his approach to campaigning will come from his own experience as a voter, and what campaign tactics he

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PHOTO BY DENISE

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Candidate Demian Saenz with his wife Maryalyce and children Alex (three months) and Ryan (three years).

Howard Coates

Wellington Regional Medical Center held a grandopening ceremony for its new Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Monday. The Level III NICU provides the highest level of neonatal care available to infants born premature or critically ill. Pictured above are Dr. Sam Falzone, Dr. Louis Goldblum and Dr. Lawrence Bergman. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Abruzzo Visits With Wellington Council

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

On Tuesday, State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 85) gave the Wellington Village Council an update on the outcome of the recent special legislative session and the legislation he would be working during the legislature’s regular session in March.

Abruzzo said the legislature was faced with difficult decisions during the recent special session. He said he felt duty-bound to vote against the budget that resulted because of the massive cuts in education and healthcare.

Abruzzo, a freshman legislator elected last November to replace Shelley Vana, now a county commissioner, represents almost all of Wellington in Tallahassee.

Abruzzo thanked the residents of Wellington for electing him to office and also the council members for inviting him to speak. As he was elected by the people, Abruzzo said his door is always open.

“This is the people’s office,” Abruzzo said. “You are always welcome to visit me.”

Abruzzo said that one of the bills he has sponsored, House Bill 169, is the Nicole Hornstein Act, named for a 12-year-old Acreage girl killed in 2006 due to an accident while riding horseback. The bill would require minors wear helmets while riding

horses. The Wellington Village Council passed a resolution supporting the bill a year ago. The bill’s sponsors last year had been unsuccessful in getting it passed, but Abruzzo said he is hopeful the legislature will pass it in the upcoming session. He thanked Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto for her help in urging the legislature to pass it. He also thanked State Sen. Dave Aronberg for sponsoring the bill in the Florida Senate. “I want to commend Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, who is a big advocate on the Nicole Hornstein legislation,” Abruzzo said. “I want to make sure that House Bill 169 becomes law. This bill will move with Councilwoman Benacquisto’s leadership.”

Abruzzo operates a district office in Wellington at 1035 S. State Road 7, Suite 31527. To reach his office, call (561) 791-4774.

SWA Landfill Meetings

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach will hold three meetings to inform the public about the planning process for a new western landfill site. Details will be provided on the current site location as well as three alternate sites being considered. Anyone interested in learning more about locations, costs and benefits of each site should plan to attend. SWA staff, project engineers and landfill experts will be available to answer questions and address concerns. The first meeting will be held at the Wellington Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Residents of Wellington, Wycliffe, Farmington Estates and Victoria Groves may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in drinking water during the period of Jan. 31 to Feb. 22. This will have been caused by a temporary change in the water disinfection process.

The water disinfection process will change from the present combined chlorine treatment to a temporary free chlorine treatment. Periodic use of this temporary treatment process is recommended as a precautionary measure to ensure that water to customers remains free of bacteria. These temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects.

Due to the temporary

The Wellington Garden Club will hold its next meeting on Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will begin with a light buffet lunch provided by the members, then a business meeting, followed by a guest speaker at 1 p.m. The speaker this month is Eva Matthews, a naturalist at Green Cay Nature Center in Boynton Beach. Her topic will be “Birds of South Florida,” which she will illustrate with a slide show of colorful photographs and birdcalls.

Originally from South

The first hour will provide the public with an opportunity to review project maps and materials and hold conversations with the SWA team members. At 7 p.m. there will be a presentation by the team engineers and experts. Following the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period. The second meeting will be held at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. The third meeting will be held at the Dolly Hand Theater in Belle Glade on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit www.swa.org for additional information.

change in the disinfection process, specialized users of water (such as tropical fish owners, residents with pools, businesses, hospitals and blood/dialysis clinics) may need to make adjustments in order to continue to maintain their present water quality parameters.

The temporary treatment process will be discontinued on Feb. 22.

To learn more about your water, a water quality report is posted on the Village of Wellington’s web site at www.ci.wellington.fl.us. If you have any questions, call Water Facility Supervisor Sean McFarland at (561) 791-4037 or Utility Director Ed Wasielewski at (561) 7914014.

Carolina, Matthews graduated in 2003 from Lander University with a major in environmental science. For three years after graduation, she taught marine science at the University of Georgia, then worked for Ohio University doing turtle research. Matthews moved to South Florida several years ago to work as a naturalist at Green Cay, where birds are her main interest. Guests are welcome; there is no admission. Because seating is limited, guests are asked to RSVP to Mary Anne at (561) 968-1062.

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will hold their Annual Valentine’s Party on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach). Tickets cost $25, which includes meal and entertainment. Dress for the event will be semi-formal. For more information, call Yvonne Elliott at (561) 281-7021 or the CAFCI hotline (561)

Rep. Joseph Abruzzo

106 YEARS YOUNG!

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Royal Manor Nursing Home honored Willie Harris on her 106th birthday. The celebration included refreshments and live musical entertainment by Adam Austin. Willie was born in the mountains of Georgia. She worked as a seamstress, and later as an insurance agent. As time moved on, so did Willie and her husband. She moved to Belle Glade and worked as a missionary. Her 87-year-old daughter continues to reside in Belle Glade with Willie’s grandson and greatgrandchildren.

PBSO: Section 8 Bust Just The Beginning

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The recent arrest of six people centering on Section 8 housing fraud in Wellington is the result of a new type of investigation in the county, said Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Leatherman.

On Jan. 21, PBSO deputies and special agents with the Department of Housing & Urban Development made six arrests based on probable cause developed through investigations conducted by Leatherman, who brought more than 400 charges against the six people. Charges include public assistance fraud, conspiracy and grand theft, which involved over $136,900 in thefts from HUD involving housing assistance checks.

“There are so many people in need of the services that we wanted to check into what is going on with the Section 8 residents within the village,” Leatherman said. “Special Agent Scott Savedow with the Inspector General’s Office in charge of Housing & Urban Development, came up from Miami and gave me some special hands-on training. The village actually sent one person from the sheriff’s office to receive training down in Miami on how to investigate HUD.”

In December, Capt. Greg

Richter, commander of the PBSO’s Wellington substation, told the Wellington Village Council that cracking down on violators of subsidized housing rules and combating criminal activity in Section 8 housing areas is one of his top priorities.

Last week’s arrests include the landlord and tenants in a four-plex apartment at 1031, 1033, 1035 and 1037 Goldenrod Drive in Wellington, said Leatherman, who began the investigation with a domestic battery that had occurred in one of the fourplexes where Pamela Cunningham was charged with elder abuse on her father, Reginald Bradley.

According to Leatherman’s report, Cunningham, whose residence is now on Sunflower Court in Wellington, was listed as the head of the household at 1031 Goldenrod Drive and was receiving a check from HUD for full rent, and was also receiving a utility payment from Bradley, which is a violation of HUD policies, Leatherman said.

“In checking the housing authority files, he was never on the housing files,” Leatherman said. “He was never claimed, and further investigation revealed he was subletting a room and paying her utility bill.”

After the domestic violence incident, the father moved next door to 1037 Goldenrod Road with a couple, Latoya Mills and Vivian Smith, who were also receiving HUD payments, but both had a record of drug arrests that they did not report to HUD, Leatherman said.

“Part of the rules are if you get arrested for drugs or violent crimes, you have to report it and you are no longer eligible to receive Section 8 money,” Leatherman said.

Leatherman said the landlord, Scott Epstein of Great Oak Drive in suburban Lake Worth, was implicated after he admitted that he knew that some of the tenants were in violation of HUD rules but continued to receive payment from them.

Another arrest centered on a burglary suspect, who was followed by deputies to a home on The Twelfth Fairway being rented with HUD assistance by Martha Aguilar, according to the PBSO report.

“Deputies actually followed the young girl up to the Aguilar house, and she admitted she lived there,” Leatherman said. “That one was very easy to go after.”

According to Leatherman, Aguilar reported to have been living at the residence with three children, Julian Lopez,

Juan P. Dejesus and Juan D. Dejesus, but Juan P. Dejesus had lived there with his girlfriend and child and had since moved out of the residence. Investigation also revealed that the burglary suspect, Caridad Maria Gerena, was Aguilar’s daughter and was not listed with HUD as a resident. She had been issued a driver’s license in April 2008, listing the home on The Twelfth Fairway as her residence, according to the report.

Leatherman said the arrests are the first of several that he expects will come in the near future.

“These are the first after receiving the training,” Leatherman said. “We were asked if this is a big case, and we don’t know if it’s a big case because these are the first. We don’t have anything to judge it by, but we do have active investigations on several other houses. Every day I get new leads. This is the first time this type of crime has been charged in Palm Beach County.”

Wellington is the first PBSO district to start investigating this type of crime, Leatherman said.

“This is a new way of looking into removing crime from the streets,” he said. “Hopefully, people who need the program and deserve it can get into it.”

Stimulus Should Focus On Creating Long-Term Benefits

President Barack Obama’s $825 billion economic stimulus package is making its way through the halls of the United States Congress. Passing in the House of Representatives on a largely party-line vote this week, a version of the bill will be taken up by the Senate next week. While the specifics of the bill will likely change before a final measure is passed, it seems clear that the federal government is about to go on a short-term spending spree.

Of course, the idea is that there should be long-term benefits derived nationwide from the short-term spending, with job creation perhaps being the key issue. However, while talk of giant infrastructure programs may evoke images of big cities, there is room on Washington’s agenda for smaller municipalities, and the Village of Wellington is making an effort to get on board, as it well should.

The United States Conference of Mayors, an organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more, has initiated the Main Street Recovery Project to request funding for municipalities with “ready-to-go” projects. Wellington has 17 such projects for which it is seeking federal funding. Among Wellington’s funding requests are plans for redevelopment of older areas ($25 million for business and $20 million for residential), a municipal complex ($15 million), a wastewater renovation project ($10 million), road improvement projects ($7 million for South

Support For PBCC Plan

There have been many pros and cons presented on the proposed Palm Beach Community College Wellington campus. I am adding my thoughts to the pro side because of more than 30 years experience as a human resources manager, teacher, mentor in dropout prevention programs, and current member and former board member and chair of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

Too often, many do not give sufficient recognition and corresponding action to a proven fact, that education is a major jobs and qualityof-life issue, even more so in this 21st century global economy. Our community already plays a vital business/leadership role in the western communities. Why not include in our mission, a focus on growing and enhancing our role, by adding a PBCC campus, an important investment in our future?

Several detailed, supportive comments by Ruth Kurtz, a talented and forward-thinking Wellington resident, have stressed the importance of investing in the future of all residents, not just a small but important segment. As we have seen with past and present local and national economic experiences, nothing is more stable and garners a higher return on investment than education.

Bill Gates and many other prominent businessmen are promoting more local and national support for our community colleges, recognizing their importance in strengthening higher education and economic growth. PBCC has been a leader and important community partner in linking K-12 education and continued learning programs for the employed, unemployed and retired adults to higher education resources. I observed PBCC’s leadership during

my former Palm Beach County Workforce Alliance board membership and chair of its five countywide workforce centers committee. PBCC responded aggressively to the business community — expanding services, facilities and funding to strengthen the education and economic foundations that are required for our village, along with county and state partners, to compete in this century.

Lydia Patterson Wellington

Not Impressed With Bowen

Toward the end of the movie A Few Good Men , Navy lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffe, played by Tom Cruise, squares off with Col. Nathan Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson. Lt. Kaffe relentlessly rattles Col. Jessup’s cage, finally getting him to admit that he did in fact, issue the Code Red that led to the death of a PFC in his charge. The scene is riveting, and we all issue a collective “oh no, he didn’t just say that” when Col. Jessup seals his fate with his ill-timed admission of guilt. We are now watching a similar version of that riveting theatrical moment unravel right here in Wellington. Council members Lizbeth Benacquisto and Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore both sent letters to staff requesting long-delayed statistics and information regarding the giveaway of 67 acres of village land to Palm Beach Community College. Mayor Darell Bowen, his cage sufficiently rattled by seemingly good, completely valid questions, has pulled a Col. Jessup, spewing sarcasm, disdain, disbelief and a general attitude of condescending superiority, recently fired off an angry letter to his fellow council members. (Ask for a copy of the letter, on file with the village clerk. Trust me,

Shore Blvd. widening and $5 million to make “Main Street” improvements to Forest Hill Blvd.) and other projects the village has readymade plans for.

The village is asking for $106,900 million in total, estimating that 2,320 jobs would be created should all the projects be undertaken. However, a project’s value in creating jobs is only worth its ability to sustain those jobs. Otherwise, the government is essentially acting as a centralized temp agency. The focus should be on creating long-term jobs in the area — and an environment that fosters such jobs.

The western communities have long been overlooked in terms of federal spending, from Everglades restoration to roadway improvements. If there is going to be a largess of federal funds, and it is available to those communities that are prepared to accept it, then Wellington should be included. For a municipality with more than 50,000 residents and a high standard of living, it is only fair that the village be rewarded for being on the ball.

A full list of Wellington’s federal funding requests can be found online at the United States Conference of Mayors web site at www.usmayors.org. Click on the “Main Street Economic Recovery” button and follow the link to view projects by participating cities.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

you won’t believe it.)

In response to Benacquisto’s and Priore’s requests for answers to months-old questions, our esteemed mayor says this: “first of all, if you don’t have adequate answers to the questions posed, shame on you. It reminds me of the school kid that has a final exam tomorrow and hasn’t opened a book all semester.”

Maybe, unlike the mayor, Benacquisto and Priore realize that they really have no qualifications to perform “extensive studies of this proposal,” henceforth the requests for answers.

Which leads me to the mayor’s own conclusions of his “extensive studies.” I took his advice and asked several “law enforcement people” if an addition of a community college would lower crime rates and poverty. Their answers were a resounding no! As for the “neighborhood” surrounding the PBCC Lake Worth campus, I wouldn’t want Wellington to look like that.

Now let’s look at the mayor’s expertise in the area of business transactions. “The other alarming thing is the number of questions posed that are irrelevant to this proposal; for example, the bond payments. The village has been making these payments for five years and will continue making them until the bonds are paid off whether we do anything with the property or not.”

OK, making payments on something you own makes perfect sense. Making payments on something you’ve given away is just plain stupid. (Was he really the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce?) It would be like me giving away my car to someone but still assuming the monthly payments.

Col. Jessup was disdainful of anyone who had the audacity to disagree with him. He was a character study in personality disorders, egotism at

its best, and in general a lousy leader. Mayor Bowen made a huge mistake when he unprofessionally took on fellow council members Ms. Benacquisto and Dr. Priore. Combined and singularly they have more experience running the village than he. Instead of humiliating them and berating them, he ought to listen to them and take heed. It seems the only reason the mayor would behave in such a way and even give pen to his out-of-line remarks must be because he now sees this ill-advised deal slipping away. It might be prudent for him to remember that Col. Jessup was brought down by a lieutenant looking out for society’s best interests. We elected Mayor Bowen to look out for our best interests — too bad he has not lived up to his promise.

Lauren Sacks Wellington Stop

The Alarm Rules

Editor’s note: The following is in response to a letter written by Richard Valuntas published last week.

As a longtime resident of Royal Palm Beach, I found it encouraging that Richard Valuntas wrote his comments regarding his opposition to the new alarm fee contract that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has drawn up for residents of Royal Palm Beach. This contract by the PBSO has set conditions that many residents will find difficult if not impossible to meet, such as a provision requiring the resident or his representative be available within 15 minutes of alarm activation at his residence with a key to assist those answering the alarm 24/7.

As a resident who enjoys visiting his grandkids and an occasional cruise, I would either have to give a key to a neighbor, imposing on him to leave his house (perhaps in

OPINION

the middle of the night), or make some arrangement with a private security firm to assure compliance. Another approach may be like businesses do — provide a lock box on the property that would have to be approved, I suppose, by my HOA. The fact that the contract calls for a “no-response clause” plus a $260 fine/call by the PBSO for “not coming” makes me feel all “toasty, warm and safe.” But the PBSO does not leave it there, oh no! There will be an opportunity for them to impose additional fines for a “false alarm.” Now, I realize like Mr. Valuntas that there may be residents who abuse the PBSO with unnecessary and frequent “false alarms,” but it seems to me keeping a log of offenders and setting up a fining schedule would go a long way in reducing these calls, if that is the issue. It seems to me that “targeting” people who have alarms only encourages people to not have alarms to avoid having to pay unnecessary and punitive fines associated with “failing to be there with the key within 15 minutes.” I believe our county commission should look into this plan’s practicability.

Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach

Thanks From Spinelli Family

Editor’s note: The following is from Peter Spinelli, widower of the late Keely Spinelli, the former Binks Forest Elementary School principal who passed away in December. It is addressed to the entire community. This letter has been writ-

ten to express our appreciation for all you have done and continue to do through this difficult time in our lives. We are deeply moved by your generosity and kindness throughout the years of my wife’s battle with cancer. Keely, Drew and I have been overwhelmed by your response to our needs. The flowers planted in our garden beds, the generous gift certificates, the Hawaii band trip donations, the donated house cleaning, the meals delivered, the encouraging and uplifting cards, gifts, and flowers have expressed your love for our family, and we are so grateful. Knowing that you were and continue to be there has touched our lives in a way that words cannot adequately express. We will always hold you close to our hearts and remember the outpouring of love that you have shown toward Keely and us. Please accept this heartfelt thankyou and know that your friendship has meant so much to our family. Your amazing actions and love will forever be remembered in our hearts because you cared enough to make our burdens lighter. Keely had many Keelyisms that she would state throughout her career, but one particular stands out above the rest. It reads like this: “It’s OK to be anywhere on the continuum of learning, but it’s not OK to stay there.” If you take that quote and use it in reference to life, it would read like this: “It’s OK to be anywhere on the continuum of life, but it’s not OK to stay there.” You, my friends, have definitely exceeded that message through your actions and generosity. We should contin-

See LETTERS, page 18

In Reality, We’re All Lobbyists In Some Form Or Another

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is suggesting the idea that the Wellington Village Council approve an ordinance that would define “lobbyists,” require that they register with the village, and provide for fines and other penalties for failure to comply.

In an ironic twist, the ordinance is being drafted by well-known lobbyist Dean Turney, who represents the Wellington Equestrian Alliance. Mr. Turney is also a chamber board member and chairman of the governmental affairs committee. The proposed ordinance is much less restrictive than one drafted several months ago by Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz, which had such draconian requirements that virtually every man, woman and child would have had to register as a lobbyist in order to address an issue before the council. Mercifully, that ordinance wound up in a paper shredder.

I caught up with Mr. Turney last weekend at the South Florida Fair to ask him about the ordinance. He explained that chamber leadership has been interested in a lobbyist registration measure because it is sometimes difficult to determine whether persons testifying or speaking before the council represent any particular special interest group. “That’s why I always identify myself as representing the Wellington Equestrian Alliance, although it isn’t really required,” he told me.

The interest in a lobbyist ordinance gained momentum last year when a full-scale civil

Point of View...

By Don Brown

war was waged in the equestrian community over which of two groups was going to produce equestrian shows. The issue involved a proposed new showground in southern Wellington. Gene Mische, head of Stadium Jumping, then producer of the Winter Equestrian Festival, was to create a state-of-the-art show grounds and relocate his operation from the current show grounds on Pierson Road near South Shore Blvd. However, his erstwhile partner Mark Bellissimo charged Mr. Mische with a cavalry of supporters during a series of council meetings, challenging what he said was a hasty decision to approve Mr. Mische’s plans.

During the council meeting that decided the issue, local activist Janixx Parisi took her turn at the public podium to plead in favor of Mr. Bellissimo. Other residents challenged her, claiming she was being paid by Mr. Bellissimo. Ms. Parisi asserted she was speaking as a citizen until Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, after several attempts, managed to

extract the admission that she was on Mr. Bellissimo’s payroll. My sources at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce said that incident figured prominently in the decision to recommend a lobbyist ordinance. Which brings me back to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Turney’s draft defines a lobbyist as anyone “seeking to influence the decision of any village council member, any advisory board member, any employee or any other decision maker with respect to the passage, defeat or modification of any item that may foreseeably be presented for consideration to such entities as applicable.” It also describes a lobbyist as “any person who is employed and receives payment, or who contracts for economic consideration or benefit, including contingency benefits, for the purpose of lobbying on behalf of a principal.” I’m pretty sure you’ve already figured out that I have an opinion on this lobbyist ordinance. For example, what is meant by “receives payment?” Does it mean that an activist who wants to oppose, say, a cell tower in their neighborhood and collects donations from like-minded residents has to register as a lobbyist if he or she keeps some of the money to compensate for their time? Or how about a high school cheerleader appealing for village cash to help pay expenses for a competition that includes her team’s hotel rooms and meals? Are these “contingency benefits” requiring her to register as a lobbyist?

I think attorney Mr. Kurtz may have had the right idea. Let’s have an ordinance that makes everyone lobbyists, thereby labeling them all as suspicious characters at council meetings with an axe to grind. That might eliminate those pesky crowds that often show up at council meetings en masse. For “lobbyists” failing to comply with the ordinance, they would face a $250 per day fine up to a maximum of $2,500. Anyone making a false statement would be fined $250 for each offense. A lobbyist lying? Come on!

But I don’t think the lobbyist ordinance goes far enough. Let’s make it retroactive. Let’s get the cast of characters who widened State Road 7 and brought us the Mall at Wellington Green. Let’s bring back that snake oil salesman from New Jersey who we can blame for the Binks Forest condo development project that ripped the neighborhood apart. If we make the ordinance retroactive, maybe we can tell them to tear everything down because it was all a huge mistake. I know a lot of people like the mall and the new Binks golf course, so how about just charging them a ton of money to go on about their business? While I think the lobbyist ordinance has merit, it is a classic case of closing the barn door after the horses are out. Wellington is nearly built out, thus eliminating occasions for lobbyists to tell our council members what they should do. But let’s do it anyway just to keep everyone honest.

NEW LEVEL III NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OPENS AT

Wellington Regional Medical Center held a grand-opening ceremony for its new Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Monday. The Level III NICU provides the highest level of neonatal care available to infants born extremely premature or who are critically ill. The ceremony featured comments by Universal Health Services President and CEO Alan B. Miller, Orthopedic Surgery Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, obstetrician Dr. Melissa Carlson, and Dr. Lyle Browne of Pediatrix Medical Group. The ceremony concluded with ribbon cuttings featuring the Palms West and Wellington chambers of commerce, doctors and hospital staff, and local dignitaries.

KALEIDOSCOPE 2009 CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF CULTURE IN

Kaleidoscope 2009 took place last Sunday in downtown West Palm Beach. The annual daylong multicultural festival featured 15 “villages” from around the world, an international bazaar, ethnic foods and refreshments, an interactive kids area and two stages of multicultural entertainment. Kaleidoscope 2009’s theme “Go Back 100” celebrated 100 years of the many cultures and rich history of Palm Beach County. Entertainment included performances by local Celtic band the Young Dubliners as well-known jazz flautist Nestor Torres.

Flautist Nestor Torres entertains the audience.

Students from Elbridge Gale Elementary School partnered with St. Catherine Greek Orthodox School for Greece.

Dr. Melissa Carlson, Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, Universal Health Services President/CEO Alan Miller, and Senior Vice President Marc Miller.Neonatologist Dr. Lyle Brown

WRMC Chief Financial Officer Woody White, Controller Christina Wright, and obstetricians Dr. Moises Virelles and Dr. Seth Herbst.

Sam Lamstein, Tom Wenham, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster, Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, Dr. Melissa Carlson, Regis Wenham and Eric Gordon.

Alan Miller, Trish Rendina, Richard Rendina and Marc Miller.

Dr. Melissa Carlson

Man Crashes Through Security Gate In Wellington

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

JAN. 28 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Lakefield West community early Wednesday morning regarding a criminal mischief incident. According to a PBSO report, a security officer from the nearby Wanderers Club heard a loud bang and observed a vehicle driven by 24-year-old Greogry Horton of Hawaii enter the Lakefield West community, crashing through the front gate. Upon arrival, the deputy located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Horton was arrested and charged with criminal mischief over $1,000. He was transported to the county jail.

• • •

JAN. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home on Yarmouth Drive last Friday night in reference to a vandalism complaint. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9:50 and 10 p.m., someone smashed the rear window of the victim’s Chevy pickup with an unknown object. A witness saw the suspect but was unable to provide an identification.

JAN. 24 — A Wellington woman was arrested for shoplifting last Saturday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, 47year-old Janet Dinoto selected 32 items from the grocery and clothing departments and proceeded to exit the store without paying for them. She was apprehended by store security and escorted back inside. The total amount of stolen merchandise was valued at $269.02. Dinoto was later transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.

JAN. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center last Saturday in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his vehicle at approximately 7:30 a.m., leaving inside his wallet, which contained his Social Security card, driver’s license and bank card. When he returned at approximately 12:30 p.m., the wallet was missing.

JAN. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road last Saturday in reference to a retail theft. According to a PBSO report, a store employee observed 18-year-old Vickcaro Williams of West Palm Beach and three juveniles select purses and items of clothing from the ladies department and remove the tags. They were further observed collecting shopping bags from the checkout area before returning to the ladies department, where they placed the items into the bags. Williams and the three juveniles then at-

tempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise, which totaled $187. They were apprehended, and the merchandise was recovered. Williams was transported to the county jail. The juveniles were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center.

JAN. 26 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested early Monday morning following a traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 4 a.m., 28-year-old Cedric Livingston was traveling on Southern Blvd. when a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach pulled him over for driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Upon making contact with Livingston, the deputy discovered his license was suspended. Further investigation revealed that Livingston has been listed as a habitual traffic violator since last November. Livingston was placed under arrest and transported to the county jail.

JAN. 27 — Deputies from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach made a drug arrest following a traffic stop Tuesday night. According to a PBSO report, the deputies were in an unmarked patrol car traveling eastbound on Okeechobee Blvd. when they observed a 2004 BMW driven by 18-year-old John Demarco driving 47 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone. One of the deputies made contact with Demarco and noticed a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The deputy further observed pieces of marijuana in plain view on the floor boards, in the center console area, the dashboard and in the ashtray. The deputy also noted that when Demarco handed him his registration, small leaves of marijuana were stuck to it, according to the report. Upon searching the vehicle’s glove compartment, the deputy discovered a digital scale, a box of 50 plastic baggies and a video camera, which was later revealed to contain footage of Demarco smoking marijuana with friends. A glass pipe was also recovered from the vehicle. Demarco was placed under arrest and issued a notice to appear in court.

JAN. 27 — A Lake Worth woman was arrested Tuesday night for shoplifting at the JC Penney store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, 35-year-old Jenny Mosqueda was observed concealing a pair of earrings in her right front pocket before exiting the store without paying for the merchandise, valued at approximately $30. She was transported to the county jail.

JAN. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Wednesday to the International Polo Club in reference to a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 2 p.m. on

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Jacquelyn Brown is a black female, 5’11” tall and weighing 230 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 11/2/79. Brown is wanted for obtaining property in return for a worthless check, draft or debit card. Her occupation is cook. Her last known addresses were Yarmouth Court in Wellington and Southwest Jacqueline Ave. in Port St. Lucie. Brown is wanted as of 01/29/09. • Joseph Jurban, a.k.a. “Joey,” is a white male, 6’1” tall and weighing 180 lbs., with blond hair and hazel eyes. His date of birth is 04/12/78. Jurban is wanted for dealing in stolen property, false verification of ownership to a pawnbroker and grand theft. His occupation is pool technician. His last known address was Luxemburg Court in Greenacres. Jurban is wanted as of 01/29/09. 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.crimestoppers pbc.com.

Jacquelyn Brown

Joseph Jurban

See BLOTTER, page 18

Wellington Fourth Graders Experience Exciting Day Of Polo

More than 1,200 fourth-grade students from six elementary schools recently screamed and cheered their favorite polo players to victory at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Tackeria defeated International Polo 3-2 in a sudden-death overtime special match featuring polo pros and young players. The stadium was full as polo announcer Tony Coppola called out to see which school could show their spirit by cheering the loudest. It was a difficult decision, so Coppola picked New Horizons, Equestrian Trails and Elbridge Gale elementary schools to cheer for the International Polo Club team in white and Wellington, Panther Run and Binks Forest elementary schools to cheer for Tackeria in blue. Following a brief polo trivia quiz by polo player and actor Tommy Lee Jones, the crowd raised the roof as their teams entered the field. Jones then showed Florida State Tennis U-12 champion Kacie Moore of Wellington Elementary School how to bowl in the ball and the game got underway.

The enthusiasm mounted as the two-chukker match remained close and ended regulation time knotted at two goals. It was time for sudden death overtime. Umpire Melanja

Jones brought the teams back to midfield to the cheers from a deafening crowd. Play began with the team in white going to goal only to be turned around by the blue defense. Tackeria worked the ball back downfield, and with just over three minutes gone in the chukker, Matt Coppola put his second goal of the game through the posts, giving his team the victory. Winning team captain and professional Todd Offen has played in this match the past four years. “I feel fortunate to be a part of this, it is one of the most fantastic days of the year,” he said. Following the victory, Offen saluted his fans by waving his mallet. Other pros were Nick Roldan, Brandon Phillips and Jeff Blake. They were joined on their teams by Matt Coppola, Christina Firestone, Michael Armour, Michael Bellissimo and Matthew Cohen. Victory prizes were awarded by Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and her daughter Gabriella, a fourth grader at Wellington Elementary.

IPC hosts professional polo play from January through April every Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

THE FUN AND GAMES CONTINUE AT THE 2009 SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR

The 2009 South Florida Fair will continue at the South Florida Fairgrounds until Feb. 1, offering fascinating exhibits, great entertainment, games, rides and tasty fair food. For more info., visit www.southfloridafair.com. Pictured here are images from last weekend.

ITID

SETS GOALS FOR 2009 RELAY

The American Cancer Society’s 2009 Acreage/ Loxahatchee Relay for Life will be held April 17-18 at Acreage Community Park. The Indian Trail Improvement District team presented a community funding gauge to measure all the proceeds raised this year for the Relay for Life. Pictured above are ITID team members, including ITID President Michelle Damone, Parks Director Tim Wojnar, Supervisor Carol Jacobs with ITID staff members Allison Fay, Terry Benefield and Michael Menendez.

Saenz Seeking Council Seat

continued from page 1 thinks have or have not worked for other candidates.

Saenz graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, and said that his financial know-how sets him apart from most politicians and would prove to be an asset on the council.

“I think that is one of my stronger points in terms of my background,” he said. “I’m not a lawyer… I’m used to budgets; I work with them all day. Numbers can be sometimes intimidating to people, but for myself, I don’t find that is something where I’m going to be be-

hind the curve if I do get elected.”

Saenz said he can’t fault current council members for the way they’ve handled the village’s affairs. “It’s hard to argue with a council that has lowered taxes for 14 years, especially during those boom years when other communities left their millage rates flat and pretty much got an increase in revenues because property values were going through the roof,” he said. Neither would Saenz level any specific criticism at his opponent Webster. “Running against an incumbent and having nothing to point to is difficult, but again, I can bring a different background and a different history to the council,” he said. “Hopefully, that may or may not be enough, but I’ve got six weeks to prove it.” Still, Saenz said he chose

Kurth To Speak At Everglades Day Festival

National Refuge System

Deputy Chief James Kurth will be the keynote speaker at the Tenth Annual Everglades Day Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7. Kurth will speak on “Celebrating Wildlife Successes” at noon in the pavilion at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach). The public is invited to attend. Kurth is known for his work on a Disney documentary about caribou. Kurth helped save the Alaskan North Slope Lagoons, where caribou migrate in summers to escape the brutal mosquitoes that invade their arctic winter grazing grounds.

After graduating in 1978 with a degree in wildlife management, Kurth began his Refuge System career with posts at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi, and then at Palm Beach County’s Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge where the Everglades Day Festival is now held. From 1994 to 1999, Kurth

to run against Webster, who was elected to a one-year term in 2008, simply because he figured his chances against her would be better than against Vice Mayor Fred Pinto, a six-year incumbent who is also up for re-election. “I felt this was the one seat that I have the best shot at actually getting elected,” he said. “I thought Fred would be too formidable.”

Saenz has laid out a short list of areas he would like to focus on if elected. He would like to work with the county, state and federal governments to attract federal stimulus plan funding to the village. He would like to work on improving the flow of traffic on the village’s thoroughfares, and he would like to see the village’s older areas improved with beautification projects.

“Some of the older neigh-

managed northern Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the largest refuge in the United States, spanning 20 million acres and including the eight-million-acre wilderness area, the largest within the refuge system.

The Audubon Society of the Everglades is a founding sponsor of Everglades Day. Volunteers are active in making this a fun, family-friendly day. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors are able to choose from a lineup of presentations (some in Spanish) and exhibits, including live animals, birds and reptiles. There will be a variety of guided nature walks, to the areas where otters have been sighted again and the endangered snail kite’s food, the apple snail, still thrives. There will be bus trips out to a critical marsh area of the Everglades and special tours will be available to study the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA) set up by the South Florida Water Management District to assess practices for saving the Ev-

borhoods, I’d like to be able to, if possible, spruce them up and make them nicer through road improvements and landscape improvements,” Saenz said.

He said he would also like to work in support of small businesses and do something to get empty retail spaces in the village occupied, such as offering businesses temporary tax breaks. Saenz said he would also work to see the village maintain its levels of service as well as retain its workforce, as budget cuts last year saw the village shed some positions.

“I don’t want to lose any type of services that we can provide to the residents,” he said. “I’ve always found in my work that there’s always room for some improvement somewhere… We should probably try and keep as many people in work as pos-

erglades. There will also be canoeing, food vendors and live music. The cost is free except for food. There will be free off-site parking at Monte’s Packing House, one halfmile south of the refuge. Shuttle bus service and trolley service will be available. For more information, call (561) 732-3684 or visit www. fws.gov/loxahatchee. James Kurth

The inaugural Acreage Community Conference, hosted by the Acreage Landowners’ Association, will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Improvement District office (13476 61st Street North). Come and learn what is going on in your own back yard. The meeting will cover cur-

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will host its 23rd Annual Benefit Auction “Strides of Hope” on Friday, Feb. 20 at

sible, as long as the finances allow that, and we don’t have to raise taxes. I definitely don’t want to raise taxes.”

Saenz’s professional life has so far been spent at Office Depot, where he is currently a senior supply chain manager in the company’s transportation sector, overseeing the shipment of the retailer’s wares and the financial aspects of that activity.

“We manage the movement of the inventory from our vendor all the way to the customer,” he explained.

Saenz said working for a retailer has given him wide experience of working within budgets and an understanding of the terminology that goes with them, as well as a grasp of capital projects and what is required to undertake them, all skills that he said would serve the village well.

rent and future community topics such as community events, transportation, crime, a future library, plans for the gas kiosk at Publix, incorporation, a community center and development issues. For more information, call LeAnne Reid at (561) 753-3677 or e-mail acreage landowners@live.com.

the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For more information, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www. vinceremos.com.

But he also noted that he has become experienced at getting the most bang for the buck out of an operation.

“And that’s been the big thing,” he said, “to provide the same service or better, and sometimes we’ve been asked to improve services and bring down costs at the same time.” The filing period for candidates in the March 10 election in RPB opened on Tuesday and closes at noon on Feb. 10. As of late Thursday, only Webster and Saenz had filed complete paperwork for their candidacies, according to Village Clerk Diane DiSanto, although Pinto had filed his declaration appointing a campaign treasurer, a required step in the qualification process, and several other residents had picked up candidate packets from her office.

PHOTOS BY LILA PHOTO

Polo pro Todd Offen greets young fans.

Tommy Lee Jones shows Kacie Moore how to bowl in the ball.

Hitchiti dancer Walter Arnett thrills the crowd.

Retired Col. Marshall Goby with Pat Rielly, Walter Peace, Edward Shanklin and Hugh Connolly at the Vietnam Veterans of America Booth.

Miss South Florida Fair 2009 Cassie Stafford kisses a piglet while her mom Annabell looks on.

Baking contest winners Christopher, Katie, Patrick and Rylee Bowles and Cassandra Moser.

Sunshine Paso Fino Club member David Gomes of Loxahatchee aboard horse Stormy.

Nancy Rector sings at the Red Level Baptist Church in Yesteryear Village.

Robert Johnson of The Acreage participates in the Bike Nite parade.

Palm Lake Baptist Association Offers Aid To Fair Workers

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Beyond the South Florida Fair’s obscure Gate 5, the Palm Lake Baptist Association is faithfully ministering to fair workers, or “carnies” as they are commonly called.

Led by a team of three coordinators, volunteers from all denominations serve meals, give haircuts, staff a “store” of donated clothing and personal items, and even fix teeth.

“When we meet their basic needs, we can meet their spiritual needs,” said Jamie Gregory, who coordinated credentials for volunteers, meal plans and food donations from local businesses.

Gregory is a member of the First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach and has vol-

unteered at this event for the past 20 years. Her three home-schooled children grew up serving fair workers, calling each one sir or ma’am, following their mother’s instruction to “treat them like they’re better than us.”

During the two weeks of the South Florida Fair, youth groups, home-school groups, Bible study groups and others serve homemade meals daily at 9:30 a.m. so that workers make their 11 a.m. roll call.

Twice during the 17-day fair, they celebrated collective carny birthdays with a Thanksgiving buffet and a gift of new bathroom slippers. “We just love on ’em and try to make them feel really special,” Gregory said.

The Palm Lake Baptist Association ministers to the

carnies because of their need, Gregory said. Many live well below the poverty line, she noted.

Debbie Gould coordinates the mobile dental clinic, a two-office bus owned by the Florida Baptist Connection. Inside, carnies could have their teeth filled or extracted free of charge. The value of last year’s dental care totaled $13,000. Gould continually seeks local dentists to volunteer their time for the cause.

Carefully tracked expenses are itemized in a receipt to the association and in a report to the Palm Beach County churches that support the ministry. In addition to food and dental work, expenses include medications and doctor/emergency room visits.

The group faced a dilemma this year when the “fun

wagon” was vandalized. A 21-year veteran, the small trailer where carnies can come from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a smile, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, breakfast breads and simple medicines for headaches or colds is in dire need of replacement, said Ann Lemos, chief fair ministry organizer for the Palm Lake Baptist Association.

Items most needed by fair workers included black pants, belts, shoes, socks, underwear, consumable personalcare items, sleeping bags and blankets. Many sleep in tents, cars or in the open air.

For more information, or to make donations, call the Palm Lake Baptist Association at (561) 640-7522 or e-mail palmlakebaptassn@bellsouth. net.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Thirteen-year-old Taylor Conley serves a bag lunch to Jerry Talley.

Ryan Riley and Tanner Zaskey top off the lunch bags with Christian tracts.

Sarah Golden, Taylor Douglas and Katie Gregory put juice boxes in the lunch sacks.

DeLaina, Jim and Brandon Guntle of West Palm Beach serve in the “fun wagon” for their 21st year.

Ann Lemos, Debbie Gould and Jamie Gregory.

JustWorld Fundraising Dinner A Success

The sixth annual JustWorld International Fundraising Dinner held Friday, Jan. 23 at Maria Newman’s Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington proved more popular than ever, attracting 420 guests and raising approximately $100,000 for its project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal.

Guests, including local dignitaries and numerous Olympic medallists, were greeted by fire dancers, exotic birds, tropical drinks and hors d’oeurves as they arrived for the Polynesianthemed evening, produced by Dazzle Creative Events. Dinner echoed the tropical theme while live and silent

Coates Appointed To Council

continued from page 1 standpoint. One of the concerns I have at this point is the cost of any significant capital improvements in the situation where we have an economy that is in a downturn and could go further, and people are struggling. On the other hand, there’s some attractiveness that capital projects are going to spur jobs and help commerce.”

On the question of whether to locate a Palm Beach Community College campus

at Wellington’s K-Park site, Coates said, “I’m a big advocate of education. When you look at a public use for the property that we’re talking about here, in terms of the long-term benefit an educational facility provides, I think it’s almost immeasurable. I’m not just talking about the economic numbers of job creation and that kind of stuff; I’m talking about providing the ability of people to get a good education locally and put that education to work going forward.”

There will be a ceremonial swearing-in for Coates at the council’s next meeting on Feb. 10, but he said he will

auction items attracted hot bidding wars, with the most popular items being the use of a beachfront house at Ocean Reef in Key Largo and a guitar signed by the Rolling Stones. The event was underwritten by the Lourie Family Foundation, allowing all pro-

ceeds to go directly to JustWorld project sites around the world. JustWorld supports 12 locally based projects in five countries, helping more than 2,000 children each year. For more information about JustWorld International, visit www.justworld international.org.

be sworn in legally at the village clerk’s office well in advance of that date so he can get right to work.

Bowen is very glad that Coates will be joining him on the dais. “I felt there were a number of qualified candidates, but Howard took the initiative to run for office and got a lot of votes,” he said. “There were an awful lot of people who wanted to see Howard in that seat, so I said, ‘why should I argue with the electorate?’”

Bowen, who owns his own local business and is the former president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, said he feels Coates is

reasonable and, having his own local law firm, is a businessperson who will make sound decisions for the community. “He’s a family guy,” Bowen said. “I just think he will look at every issue in a reasonable way.”

Willhite, who defeated Coates by 42 votes in a runoff election last March, did not rank his former adversary among his top five choices. However, Willhite said he went with the majority in the final vote to seat Coates in order to encourage harmony.

“If you look at the people I voted for, I didn’t vote for people who have run before that the Village of Wellington

Patriots Fullback Heath Evans To Attend Polo Match

New England Patriots starting fullback Heath Evans will make a special appearance on Sunday, Feb. 8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington to present trophies and sign autographs.

“I’m excited to watch a polo match for the first time,” said the eight-year NFL veteran, who grew up in Palm Beach Gardens and graduated from the King’s Academy. “I appreciate watching other athletes, to see their abilities and competitiveness.”

Evans is hosting more than a dozen NFL stars, including Patriots teammates Randy Moss, Matt Cassel, Richard Seymour, former Santaluces High School superstar Vince Wilfork and Laurence Maroney, as they will play against the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team in a charity softball game on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. The softball game is open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children age seven and under. Tickets for the charity softball game are available on Ticketmaster and at the PBSO headquarters on Gun Club Road. Part of the Feb. 20 softball game fundraiser includes a

residents didn’t support,” Willhite said. “Timothy Shields, Howard Coates and Fred Van Dusen have run before, and subsequently did not win. If the residents did not want him, who was I as a single resident to say this person is now your representative?”

In order of preference, Willhite supported Wellington Education Committee Member Melissa Fritsch, Dufresne, Roundtree, Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board Alternate Morley Alperstein and Wellington Education Board Member Peter Inniss.

Coates and Willhite have

raffle featuring a custom Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. Tickets for the motorcycle raffle are $20 each and six for $100 and will be available on Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Heath Evans Foundation area at the International Polo Club. Raffle tickets for the motorcycle are also available at all Park Avenue Grille restaurants and www.heathevans. org. The winning raffle ticket will be selected at the Feb. 20 charity softball game. Proceeds from the softball game will benefit the Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

“Being in the NFL gives me a platform to bring attention to a cause that doesn’t receive a lot of attention,” said Evans, whose foundation provides access to a variety of programs, treatments and services in communities with great need and scarce resources. For more information about the charity softball game or sponsorship opportunities, contact Heath Evans Foundation President Glenn Martin at (561) 282-6345 or glenn.martin@heathevans. org.

differing views on the contentious PBCC issue. Willhite has said he does not favor giving the land to the college, and said he hopes Coates will make decisions based on what the majority of people want. “Howard I’m sure is his own person and has the ability to be a free thinker and vote what he thinks is right for the residents, not his personal opinion or his campaign or what other people want,” Willhite said. “I think he aligns more with the mayor in some of his opinions, and he’s already spoken publicly in favor of the community college. We’ll see. Only time will tell what he will do.”

Ellen Toon and Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen.

Former Wellington mayor Tom Wenham with Maria Newman.

Jessie and Catherine Pasmore with Mary Elizabeth Kent.

Gene Mische with Lynn and Ray Little. PHOTOS COURTESY JUSTWORLD INTERNATIONAL

High-Spirited Homecoming At Wellington Christian School

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Students at Wellington Christian School celebrated a music genre-themed homecoming Jan. 20-23. High school girls played their traditional powder puff game with the sophomore/ freshman team taking the championship. A barbecue fundraiser benefited the junior class prom fund and the senior class gift to the school. Throughout the week, students enjoyed a break from uniforms on Mix-n-Match Day, Music Theme Day, Cra-

zy Hair and Athletic Wear Day, and School Spirit Day. The entire student population gathered for a pep rally and for the float parade featuring the senior country music float, junior rock ’n’ roll float, sophomore disco float and freshman Latino music float. Leading the parade was the school’s newly named mascot, Eddy the Eagle. Floats were scored on overall appearance and a presentation given before the crowd and a panel of three robed judges. Hay-chewing seniors line-

danced to “Cotton Eye Joe.” Juniors threw a mock rock concert, including a mosh pit and a live performance of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by the junior band American Tuesday. Sophomores shared the history of disco and held a Saturday Night Fever-style dance-off between classmates Joey Drayson and Kyle Blank (Drayson won). Freshmen educated the crowd on musical instruments while a line of girls performed traditional dance moves taught by Sixto Valentin at Spotlight of

Wellington Performing Arts Studio. After a tough, delayed decision, the sophomores won the float contest. Homecoming culminated last Friday in the court presentation and crowning of king and queen Kevin Goff and Micah Peters before a varsity basketball game. The Wellington Christian School Eagles upset the Zion Lutheran Christian School Lions, ranked third in the state, late in the fourth quarter by a score of 74-69. A bonfire and outdoor dancing topped off the evening.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Volunteer Coordinator

Janet Ratty revs up the homecoming crowd.

Alex Bergmann jams with his band American Tuesday.

Freshman traveling guitarist Lindsay Heatley on her horse Roadrunner.

Seniors with their country music float.

Freshman Alissa Sanchez grooves to Latin music.

WCS elementary school students show their school spirit during the float parade.

Classmates congratulate sophomore Joey Drayson after he won the disco dance-off.

The freshman Latino music float.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Jan. 31

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

• The 2009 South Florida Fair continues at the South Florida Fairgrounds until Feb. 1, offering fascinating exhibits, great entertainment, games, rides and tasty fair food. For more info., visit www.southflorida fair.com.

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a Community Garage Sale on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more info., call (561) 7905149.

• Cub Scout Troop 125 will hold its annual rummage sale on Saturday, Jan. 31 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). All proceeds will go to help fund scout activities. Anyone interested in donating to the rummage sale should call Lois Spatz at (561) 797-1056.

• The inaugural Exquis World Dressage Masters will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. General admission is $20. Visit www.equestriansport.com for more info.

Sunday, Feb. 1

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosts its First Night Concert Series on Sunday, Feb. 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at Sparrow Drive. For more info., call (561) 790-5149. Monday, Feb. 2

• The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 in Royal Palm Beach will meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 at the Palms West Presbyterian Church on Okeechobee Blvd. For more information call President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875 or Secretary Margie Bonner at (561) 712-4905.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Discover the World Book Discussion Series for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Thursday, Feb. 5

• The Wellington Women’s Club invites the public to attend a dinner meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. The special guest will be internationally known public speaker Paul Martinelli, business partner of Bob Proctor, one of the main instructors in the popular DVD The Secret The guest fee is $30 and includes a full dinner and the program. RSVP to Mair Armand at (561) 635-0011 or mair@armandpest.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Teen Writing Workshop for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Crissa-Jean Chappell, author of Total Constant Order, will offer writing advice and answer questions. Bring a sample of your work to share. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Friday, Feb. 6

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Science Club: Matters of the Heart” on Fridays, Feb. 6 and 13 at 3:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, take a look at the heart and the role it plays. Call (561) 790-6070 to RSVP.

• The Equestrian Idol Talent Show & Bash to benefit the Equus Foundation will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. It will be a casual evening of feasting and revelry with cocktails, dinner, a live auction and a musical talent show performed by top equestrians. For more info., call (203) 259-1550.

• The Lord’s Place will host the overnight “SleepOut 2009” event Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach. Participate in the in-

spirational program and candlelight commitment ceremony from 7 to 9 p.m., watch a movie from 9 to 11 p.m. and then sleep overnight in the Meyer Amphitheatre. Restrooms and security will be provided. For more info., call (561) 4940125, ext. 1131 or visit www.thelordsplace.org to register or make a pledge.

• Peter Wein’s radio show “Peter’s Livingroom” and My B Network will present the Baby Boomers of Comedy on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Silver Screen Cinema Café & Comedy Club in Wellington. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will start at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10. The Silver Screen Cinema Café & Comedy Club is located at 12795 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Plaza. For more info., call (561) 795-3001.

• The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will conduct its annual “Spectacular Sale” Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8 at Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Daily admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors over 62 and multi-day tickets available for $15. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more info., call (941) 697-7475. Saturday, Feb. 7 • Wellington High School’s boys soccer team has partnered with the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington) for a Benefit Golf Tournament to raise money for the team on Saturday, Feb. 7. The scramble-format tourney begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, with dinner and raffles to follow — all for just $100 a golfer. Binks will throw in a second round for free. For info., call Michael Bach at (561) 420-3461 or Jo-Ann DiLallo at (561) 791-7742. • Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and girls between the ages of five and 14 are invited to take part in Wellington’s Annual Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Tickets cost $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional single tickets will be sold at $20 per resident and $25 per non-resident. For more info., call (561) 791-4005.

• The Stars Ball 2009 will be held at the Binks Forest Golf Club on Saturday, Feb. 7 starting at 6 p.m. to benefit Little Smiles, a charitable organization that strives to fulfill the dreams of children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters. At the Stars Ball, a handful of these “little stars” arrive by limousine for a simulated “Oscar night.” As the stars enjoy their own private party, guests enjoy an evening of dining and dancing. To sponsor or attend, call (561) 383-7274 or visit www.little smiles.org. Sunday, Feb. 8

• The Wellington High School Baseball Program will host a benefit golf tournament on Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). Registration will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a putting contest and raffle. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A barbecue dinner and awards presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Early registration is $110 per player, or $125 per player on the day of the event. The registration fee includes green fees, a golf cart, beverages, a gift bag, buffet dinner and a replay ticket. For more info., call (561) 795-6744. Monday, Feb. 9

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, Feb. 9 at 11:45 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. For more info., contact Anitra Harmon at (561) 790-6200 or anitra@palmswest.com.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present a solo piano concert by George Winston on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $40. Call (561) 743-2666 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more info.

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

Chili Chicks Performing At The Fair

The Chili Chicks are taking the 2009 South Florida Fair by storm. Born last year as part of the Acreage Music & Chili Fest, they’ll be featured entertainers on WPEC News 12’s coverage of the South Florida Fair.

The Chili Chicks, Acreagebased country line dancers who have performed throughout the state, are out to “chickify” this year’s fair. They kicked things off Jan. 17 on the Pepsi Stage, the same location where audiences will see national acts. Fairgoers will be able to catch the Chicks numerous times; the group is slated to perform on both the Pepsi Stage and the World Showcase Stage more than 12 times during the fair’s 17-day run, which ends this Sunday. The group is known for

getting people out on the dance floor to join them in kicking up their heels to oldtime favorites such as “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and newer songs, including “Gunpowder and Lead.” But when the Chicks launch into their choreographed performance routines, watch out — there’s a reason they’re a statewide phenomenon.

“Everywhere we go, we meet such great people,” team captain Wendie Smith explained. “We stay in touch with many of them through our web site chilichicks.com and our MySpace page.”

The Chili Chicks have made appearances at the Tampa Harley-Davidson Chili Cookoff, Sea World, the Meyer Amphitheater, the Harley-Davidson Florida State Chili Cookoff and the

‘MAN IN MY LIFE DAY’ AT TEMPLE BETH TORAH

Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool held its “Man in My Life Day” on Thursday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Jan. 16. Dads, grandpas and/or other significant men were invited to come to the preschool and spend time in the classroom with their children or grandchildren. (Above) Victoria Gull and her dad Matthew in the housekeeping corner of the Rainbow Friends Classroom. (Below) Attendees at the breakfast.

WIRK Acreage Fall Festival. They’re regulars at Uncle Mick’s in Jupiter, where they teach and lead a loyal crowd of followers. And twice last year they entertained big

crowds at the Cruzan Amphitheater before country greats Toby Keith and Martina McBride performed. For more information, visit www.chilichicks.com.

PACK 120 CUB SCOUTS HOLD PINEWOOD DERBY

Cub Scout Pack 120 of Royal Palm Beach held their annual Pinewood Derby on Jan. 18 at Loxahatchee Groves Park. Each boy brought his own custom-designed wooden car to compete against other scouts’ cars. Dozens of cars entered the race, but only a lucky few took home trophies. Shown here, scouts watch was one set of cars go for a ride.

DeStefano Heads To Afghanistan

Army Specialist John DeStefano has been deployed to Afghanistan. He is an electrical/electronic repair person for AH64 Apache helicopters. DeStefano has served in the United States Army since graduating from Wellington High School in 2005. He is the son of Mike and Lorraine DeStefano of Wellington.

Luke Spratt Earns Eagle

Luke Spratt was the fifth scout from Troop 197 to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008. Now 15 and a sophomore at Seminole Ridge High School, Spratt started scouting in Downingtown, Penn. when he was in second grade. After moving to Royal Palm Beach in 2005, he joined Troop 197 because of its history of producing Eagle Scouts. In 2007, Troop 197 had four Eagle Scouts. The J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area Everglades Youth Conservation Camp was the location of Spratt’s Eagle project. He chose to work on a doublewide trailer used by the summer camp counselor. Spratt and 20 volunteers replaced ceiling tiles, sealed the two trailers, added lattice around the base of the trailer and built a 12’x12’ deck. Spratt found this to be the easier part of the project. It took him many months to get the parts and materials donated. W&W Lumber Company in West Palm Beach donated most of the decking material, along with True Value Hardware in Loxahatchee. He got donations from Suffolk Construction as well as the Lowe’s

Home Improvement store in Royal Palm Beach. The Winn-Dixie supermarket on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road donated lunch to the volunteers.

For the past two summers, as well as this upcoming summer, Spratt works as a camp counselor and lifeguard at the Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation in Tequesta. He recently participated in the National Youth Leadership training. Doug Sterling, Daniel Madden, Jeremy Webb and Kevin Downes were the other scouts from Troop 197 who earned the rank of Eagle in 2008.

PALMS WEST HOSPITAL CELEBRATES MLK DAY

Palms West Hospital celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Monday, Jan. 19 by inviting Rev. Willie Lawrence of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Pahokee to speak about Dr. King’s fight for the freedom, equality and dignity of all races. Shown above are Palms West Hospital employees Valarie Green, Angela Young and Gwen Smith-Hall with Rev. Lawrence.

Luke Spratt

The Chili Chicks

John DeStefano

Sylvan Learning Center Honors Students Of The Month

Sylvan Learning Center in Royal Palm Beach recently announced its students of the month, LaVan Purnell and Lauren Laureano.

Ten-year-old Lauren is in the third grade at Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington. She started at Sylvan 18 months ago. Her mother Maggie Laureano said she has shown a tremendous improvement in her reading.

“Sylvan has improved her

ability to break down words and pronounce them when she doesn’t know them at first glance,” Ms. Laureano said. “They also give her tips on letter blends and sounds that they make and help her figure out what a word is based on different letter groupings.”

Lauren’s mother also pointed to her increased comprehension and her boost in confidence. “We plan to keep her there,” Ms. Laureano said. “She will take the FCAT

in March, and we want to make sure she keeps up with school. We may even expand what she’s doing to include math. Seeing her continue to reach grade level and do better means a tremendous amount to me.”

Lauren said Sylvan has helped her a lot with reading. “Now I can get bigger words that I couldn’t before,” she said. “The personalized attention makes it easier for me to learn and understand.”

SCIENCE FAIR AT PANTHER RUN

Panther Run Elementary School held its science fair on Thursday, Jan. 22. First-place, second-place, third-place and honorable-mention winners were chosen from each grade. First- and second-place winners will go to the district science fair May 5-7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Shown above, students from Mrs. Amy Evan’s kindergarten class look at some of the science projects.

Lauren’s favorite subjects are reading and science. When she’s not in school, she enjoys jumping on her trampoline, running around the block and playing with friends. Her favorite sports team is the Miami Dolphins. She enjoys spaghetti, pork, rice and beans, chicken and picadillo. She also takes care of her two dogs. Her favorite TV show is The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

“When I get older, I want to be a boss,” Lauren said. “My mom does human resources, and I want to be like her and work with computers.”

Eleven-year-old LaVan is a fifth-grade student at the Academy for Positive Learning in Lake Worth. The Riveria Beach resident has been attending Sylvan for more than a year. His mother Eileen PurnellMcAfee is pleased with his progress.

“I enrolled my child after seeing 1s on his FCAT,” Mrs. Purnell-McAfee said. “After his first year, he improved to 3.5 on reading, writing and math. I really like the focus of Sylvan working with him along with his school. LaVan was even willing to put some of his allowance toward the cost. It was amazing he was willing to do that to do better in school.”

LaVan said Sylvan has helped him a lot. “Now on my report card I get As and Bs in writing and English arts,” he said. “Before coming to Sylvan, I got Cs. It makes me feel wonderful. I have more confidence now, too. I want to get straight As and pass the FCAT, and that’s why I’m willing to use my allowance to get help, rather than buy games, toys or clothes.”

LaVan’s favorite subjects are reading and science. His hobbies include playing Wii Fit and taking care of his four dogs and five fish. His favorite sports team is the Florida Marlins. His favorite foods include pizza and hamburgers. When he grows up, he wants to go into the Navy like his grandfather or the Air Force.

Sylvan Learning, a leading pre-K-12 education services company, has been coaching students toward academic success for more than 25 years. Services include the Sylvan Skills Assessment, a unique diagnostic test that identifies a child’s unique needs and strengths and pinpoints the exact areas requiring strengthening or enrichment. It serves as the blueprint for the student’s personalized tutoring program. Additional offerings include tutoring in reading, math and writing, study skills for schoolwork and homework, SAT/ACT prep and more. The Royal Palm Beach center is located at 1169-B Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more information, call (561) 422-6176 or visit www. sylvanpbc.com.

Golden Grove Thanks PTO Members And Parent Volunteers

The Golden Grove Ele-

mentary School Parent Teacher Organization and parent volunteers have been working very hard and have coordinated many activities this year to support the school. They have been very instrumental in raising funds to benefit the school. Here are some highlights:

• Monthly PTO Meetings

— During the monthly PTO meetings, a ceremony is held to honor the students of the month. Primary teachers

choose two students and intermediate teachers choose one student from their classes who exhibits excellent qualities such as independence, leadership and good citizenship. For the ceremony, the students are recognized by Principal Kathryn Koerner, receive a Student of the Month award and a small reward, and then get to join their teachers on stage.

• Popcorn Friday — Every Friday at Golden Grove is Popcorn Friday thanks to

the PTO, which assists and sponsors this weekly activity. They help with the popping, bagging and delivery of the bags of fresh popcorn to each classroom. The proceeds from Popcorn Friday go toward purchasing classroom supplies and materials.

• Gator Walkathon — Last October, the PTO organized a Gator Walkathon. The students raised money for the number of laps they walked, or they collected a one-time donation from their friends

and families. On Oct. 10, the entire school participated in this healthy event. Everyone enjoyed a DJ, good weather, ice pops and a good time while raising money for the school.

• Boo Grams — The PTO also sponsored the sale of “boo grams” for Halloween. Students brought in money for boo grams, which were made by PTO then delivered on Halloween to the students’ friends and teachers.

• Hoedown — Last November, the PTO sponsored a Hoedown at Golden Grove. On Friday evening, Nov. 21,

students and their families enjoyed an evening of dancing, great food and fun.

• Holiday Shop — Last December, the volunteer coordinators worked extremely hard on the annual Holiday Shop. The volunteers set up, helped students shop for just the right gift, and held a family night for all the Golden Grove families to shop.

• Candy Gram — On the last school day in December, the PTO once again sponsored a candy gram event. Students purchased reindeer candy canes for their friends and families.

• Family Movie Night Under the Stars — On Friday, Jan. 16, the PTO hosted its Free Movie Night Under the Stars for all Golden Grove students and their families. An inflatable screen with surround sound was placed on the lawn of Golden Grove for an enjoyable family movie night. This gesture was to show appreciation for all the support given to PTO. Some upcoming events include the Father-Daughter Dance on Feb. 13, the Cookie Dough Sale beginning March 25 and the MotherSon Adventure on May 15.

LaVan Purnell

Lauren Laureano

— Golden Grove Elementary School PTO board members (above left) and volunteers during Popcorn Friday (above right).

H.L. Johnson Kids Compete In Spelling Bee

Friday, Jan. 23 was full of excitement as fourth and fifth grade students at H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach filed into their brand new cafetorium to watch and participate in the first round of the 2009 National Spelling Bee. As students, teachers and parents watched, the 38 top spellers from each of the 14 classes began the competition. Speech teacher Mrs. Barbara Taub-Albert introduced each word to the participants, who then showed off their spelling expertise to

a panel of three teacher/judges. After many rounds, Apoorva Ravichandran, a fifth grader in Mrs. Kathy Picano’s class, was proclaimed the winner. Brendan Tadiaman, a fourth-grade student in Mrs. Donna Ball’s class, won the position of first alternate. The next round of the National Spelling Bee will be the Palm Beach County Spell-Off, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28 at St. Andrews School in Boca Raton.

TKA Cheerleaders Win State Championship

On Saturday, Jan. 10, the King’s Academy varsity cheerleaders claimed the 2009 Florida State Championship title in Daytona Beach.

In order to win their first state title, the Lion cheerleaders defeated Bartow High School, 2008 FHSAA State Champions, along with other 1A-6A schools in the NonTumbling Varsity Division. The team’s victory was remarkable after placing last

PBCHS Science Students Excel

Palm Beach Central High School had an outstanding run at the Palm Beach County Science Fair. Thirty-seven research honors students entered the fair, with 25 students placing.

Ten students were selected to advance to the state science fair to be held in Lakeland later this spring. In addition to the place awards, students also received 13 special awards from various sponsors from industry and science organizations.

The following students will be competing at the state science fair: Shane McDermott, first place, Zoology; Jazmine Toye, first place, Mathematics; Alex Berliner, first place, Computer Science; Phuong Nguy, first place, Engineering; Melissa Miller, second place, Engineering; Ryan Naum, second place, Botany; Matt Davidson, second place, Environ-

Some of the Palm Beach Central High School students competing at the state science fair.

mental Science; Alena Morris, second place, Earth Science; Saphira Lazarre, second place, Medicine and Health; and Ashley Sgaliardich, third place, Environmental Science. Other students who placed second, third or fourth in-

clude Jared Schwartz, Patricia Louis, Jennifer Tran, Will Everest, Jen Farnung, Jeremy Gordon, Kody Lesko, Yasmine Hernandez, Alicia Janssen, Michelle Palladino, Diego Vidal, Eric Begens, Brittany Roberts, Lindsay Roth and Ashley Smith.

during the first day of the two-day competition.

Squad members include Montana Lowe, Morgan Farrell, Krystal Molina, Katie Zwingert, Lauren Criser, Jordan Bates, Samantha Gaffney, Brittany Luiz, Megan Kintz, Jamie Clement, Lauren Bender, Charlotte Stribling, Lexi Rowe, Chelsea Martin, Brooke Begnoche and Lauren Neidrauer. Coaches are Jennifer Dunnell Allen and Tim Pike.

SRHS Spanish Honor Society News

The Seminole Ridge High School chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish National Honor Society) inducted its 2009 members in an evening ceremony Jan. 22. Faculty members Mr. Yves Elysee and Mr. Ronnie Graydon were chosen for honorary induction into the society.

Seminole Ridge inductees include: Cierra Allen, Anthony Bass, Andres Bernardo, Miriam Burow, Ramiek Campbell, Alexander Castro, Andrea Comiskey, Cindy Dosch, Jacquelyn Eckles,

Michael Foley, John Gonzalez, Lauren Hoff, Caitlin Humbert, Michael Martin, Ashley McGowan, Brittany Moore, Katlyn Oliver, Shannon Patelsky, Natasha Piroozgar, Deanna Ramcharan, Jonathan Reyes, Amanda Richbell, Gabrielle Rodriguez, Breanne Skidmore, Shaniece Spencer, Renea Touma, Nicole Waldron and Stephanie Washbrum. Seminole Ridge congratulates all the Spanish National Honor Society inductees.

• Hawk Artist on Exhibit at Artigras — Kamisa Mitch-

ell is the

to have

into the

Competition. ArtiGras, a nationally recognized fine arts festival attracting more than 150,000 visitors, will be held Feb. 14-16 at Abacoa Town Center. • SRHS To Host Dance Concert — Seminole Ridge High School will host a dance concert on the Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The concert will be under the direction of dance teacher Kirill Kuchenkov.

WHS Fundraiser At Applebee’s

The Applebee’s restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green will host a fundraiser for Wellington High School’s Project Graduation on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mention Project Graduation to your server and the committee will receive ten percent of your purchase. For more information regarding Wellington High School’s Project Graduation,

or the Feb. 11 fundraiser, contact Donna Baxter at donna cbaxter@yahoo.com. Applebee’s restaurant is located at 10600 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 790-2994.

first SRHS student

work accepted

Artigras Fine Arts Festival Youth Art

Panther Run Elementary School held Transportation Day on Thursday, Jan. 22. Fifth graders were assigned one kindergartner each to help them see all the vehicles and meet all the important people that help in the community every day. (Above) Jeff Neeler shows students the Trauma Hawk. (Below) Palm Beach County Sheriff’s

H.L. Johnson’s National Spelling Bee contestants.

The King’s Academy cheerleading squad.

Gym Ratz Benefits Kids Cancer Foundation

Gym Ratz Fitness Center in Wellington recently sponsored a free fitness weekend to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida.

The weekend started with a kickoff party on Friday, Jan. 16 that included three hours of music and dancing provided by Millennium Entertainment, activities and crafts sponsored by Learning Express and food donated by Chili’s restaurant. Special guests included local children battling cancer and their families. All who attended had a good time and enjoyed a great workout.

Located at 1039 N. State Road 7, Suite 104-A, Gym Ratz is a fitness center for children ages six to 15 years old. Their weight-training equipment is state of the art and designed specifically for

kids. The Gym Ratz Circuit is adaptable for all fitness levels, from the “couch potato” to the “star athlete.” Certified personal trainers supervise each child’s workout. For more information, visit www. gymratzfitness.com or call (561) 333-0390. The Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida is a charitable organization that strives to meet the physical, educational, emotional, financial and spiritual needs of local childhood cancer patients and their families by working with community organizations to coordinate and provide supportive care services to young patients and their families. For more information, visit www.kidscancersf.org or call Michelle O’Boyle at (561) 371-1298.

Diesti Takes Part In Charity Fashion Show

Wellington-based stylist

Claudia Diesti led the L’Oreal Professionnel Team from the Jean-Claude Biguine salon for the Kids in Distress Charity Fashion Show. The show was held recently at the Standard Hotel in Miami Beach and was organized by House of Pearl CEO

Julia Kreibich, Ford model Claudia Davila and American Idol finalist Christina Christian. The three came together to support the nationally ac-

seminar.

Whole Foods Market Sponsors Fat-Loss Seminar

credited agency dedicated to child abuse prevention and the treatment and care of abused and neglected children.

Opening the show was Christian, who sang several songs, some of her own. Then the fashion show began, with 14 beautiful models taking part — ten girls and four guys. This was the first runway show for Claudia Diesti’s daughter Monica.

Tax Collector’s Office Implements Ethics Policy

Palm Beach County Tax

Collector Anne Gannon is taking the Palm Beach County Ethics Pledge one step further, by asking every member of her staff sign the pledge.

Gannon and Leadership Palm Beach County kicked off the signing of their ethics policy this month.

“We take our value of integrity very seriously — our ethical behavior matters to everyone at our office, not just the elected official,” Gannon said. “Our staff in-

teracts with the public each and every day, and the professional behavior we exhibit is a key part of that interaction.”

The tax collector’s office will also be the first government office in Palm Beach County to partner with Ethics Point, a third-party ethics reporting agency.

Ethics Point provides a web site and toll-free phone number for employees to report questionable ethical behavior.

“Our goal with the ethics

policy is excellence in the workplace in a culture of openness, trust and integrity,” Gannon said.

The Office of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector is a constitutional office that collects and distributes more than $3 billion annually in taxes and fees. The tax collector’s office:

• Collects property taxes for every local government agency that has the power to levy.

• Serves the county as its agent for the administration

of business tax receipts and tourist development taxes.

• Serves the state as an agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Revenue.

• Serves the public as an educational resource.

For more information, visit the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office web site at www.pbcgov.com/tax.

Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted a fat-loss seminar last Tuesday featuring Evolution Wellness owner Bryan Nichols, who shared the essential strategies for lasting weight loss and lifelong fitness.

A top-certified fitness expert, Nichols isn’t a newcomer to delivering exercise and nutrition programs; he has been a positive influence in the fitness industry since 1992. “I find that most people have questions regarding what types of foods to eat to lose fat.” Nichols said. “With so many diets available, we become confused on how to make the best choices for proper nutrition and fat loss. That’s why people need guidance on how to change their eating habits.”

New to the Wellington community, Whole Foods Market works with local business owners, said Marketing & Community Specialist Lauren Belinsky. “We enjoy bringing experts into the store,” she said. “The wealth of information that people like Bryan provide combines nicely with the wellness philosophy of the Whole Foods Market.”

Additional seminars will be scheduled in upcoming months for Nichols to speak about nutrition and fitness. Whole Foods Market is located at 2635 State Road 7 in Wellington. For more information, visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com. Evolution Wellness has made a commitment to provide motivational personal training sessions, a knowledgeable staff and a clean and convenient workout facility in Wellington. A seasoned fitness industry professional, Nichols has a passion for sharing techniques for a healthier and fit lifestyle. People come to Evolution Wellness for different reasons. The types of goals include weight loss, increased muscle tone, improved athletic performance, weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, back injuries and chronic pain. Evolution Wellness has been serving clients in the western communities for six years and is proud to be a locally owned and operated business. For more info., call Evolution Wellness at (561) 2045033 or visit www.evolution personalfitness.com.

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

Sandy Erb and Michelle O’Boyle of the Kids Cancer Foundation with Kristy Prince and Kelly Wiener of Gym Ratz.

Fashion For Charity — Claudia Diesti, Julia Keibich, JeanClaude Biguine manager Edward Oberle, Monica Diesti and Krystall Monicera.

Health Talk — Whole Foods Market’s Lauren Belinsky and Evolution Wellness owner Bryan Nichols during last Tuesday’s

Team Effort Propels WHS Basketball Girls Past Glades Central

As the Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team took the court on Monday night, an optimistic feeling flowed throughout the gymnasium. From the national anthem to the final whistle, the Wolverines converted the surrounding vibe into a 46-26 victory over Glades Central High School. With the Glades Central Raiders having just one win on the season, Coach Vic Navarro started junior forward Sarah Knoess in place of traditional starter Katelyn Rawls. The change in lineup didn’t affect the team’s performance. Guard/forward Katey Applegate scored the girls’ first four points, and the team didn’t look back from there.

Two of Applegate’s points came on a quick fast break layup. Just over two minutes later, a similar play from junior Samantha Margiotta brought the Wolverines to an 8-4 advantage. Guard Stephanie Weiss furthered the

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

lead with a three-pointer just seconds before the first quarter concluded. The team added to its lead in the second quarter with the stellar play of two hardworking freshmen. Rawls and Gabby Sehres dominated the Raiders with their excellent rebounding. During one stretch, Sehres had a combined three offensive rebounds. Not only rebounding on the offensive end, Sehres scored during the quarter on a basket, assisted by none other than Rawls. “They’re both aggressive players and have made big contributions the entire year,” Navarro said. Weiss and Applegate both nailed three-pointers in the frame as the Wolverines continued to pull away. At half-

time, the team jumped out to a 21-10 lead.

Point guard Mercedes Queen kept the Wolverines’ dominance alive, hitting a three-point ball to open the third quarter.

As much as the second quarter belonged to freshmen, the third belonged to Stephanie Weiss. “She’s been good for us all year,” Navarro said, focusing not only on the game, but the season as a whole.

The hard-nosed Weiss made occasional trips to the free-throw line, draining six out of eight for the game. She also made three of seven three-pointers.

The fourth quarter began with the Wolverines leading by 20 points. From that point on, the game became rather physical. Both teams argued about calls, or a lack thereof, and many players had freethrow opportunities. During the remaining minutes, Applegate was pushed hard in the back, and Weiss drew a flagrant foul. Yet the Wolverines battled through. Queen

kept dishing, Weiss kept swishing and Sehres picked up another offensive rebound. Maintaining the 20point advantage, the game ended with the 46-26 final.

The Wolverines’ statistics played out almost as if Navarro had objectives for each individual grade level. The junior class handled the scoring category, with Weiss and Applegate scoring 17 and 11 respectively. The freshmen duo of Rawls and Sehres handled the rebounding element. Sehres ended the game with nine rebounds and Rawls with four. “I feel that since we don’t have the big players like Royal Palm or Palm Beach Central, someone has to do it… but the whole team contributes to it,” Rawls said.

Rightfully so, a sophomore, point guard Mercedes Queen, pulled it all together with seven points and seven assists.

“There was a game?” Navarro asked jokingly. “I really wanted to watch American Idol.” Sorry, coach, but American

DiLallo Brothers Receive National Recognition

The National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association (NSCAA) held their annual convention in St. Louis on Jan. 14-16. During a luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 17, with an attendance of 1,100, the NSCAA honored their 2008 All-American teams. Wellington’s Marcus and Andrew DiLallo were honored for their accomplishments for the 2007-08 high school year.

Idol is on Wednesdays.

In mid-November, Navarro told me he had one goal for his team: “Finish the season above .500,” he said. The victory over Glades Central brought the team’s record to 9-12, but with just one game left on their schedule, the team will fall short of his expectations. “We’re just trying to get ready for the district playoffs, and I thought overall we played well,” Navarro said. The team’s post-season schedule starts off on Feb. 2 and could possibly include three more games during the opening week of February.

GIRLS SOCCER

On Jan. 23, the WHS girls varsity soccer team clinched the district championship with a win over Palm Beach Central High School. The victory not only means the team is a step closer to reaching back-to-back state finals, but it continued the team’s undefeated record against PBCHS.

Senior midfielder Sarah

Lenhart scored two goals, and sophomore Natalie Puñal scored a goal of her own to lead the surging Wolverines. Junior goalkeeper Sam Bandremer recorded four saves on the night, including one crucial stop on a loose ball with just two minutes remaining. Lenhart opened the scoring 15 minutes in on a goal assisted by Puñal. Bronco Francesca Gianoli responded with a goal to tie the game in the 39th minute. However, with just seconds remaining in the half, Puñal scored to give the Wolverines a 2-1 lead.

Gianoli responded yet again with a goal in the 49th minute of the second half to tie the game at two. Lenhart put the game away with 12 minutes remaining. A penalty kick to the left of the Bronco goalkeeper secured a 3-2 win.

The girls played Thursday night against Park Vista High School in their first regional playoff game. Results were not available at press time.

Andrew DiLallo received the NSCAA Scholar AllAmerican Award. To earn the distinction, a player must first be nominated by his high school head coach, have a grade point average of 3.75 or better, have demonstrated excellence in soccer at the high school level, and must have performed service in his community. Andrew is currently a senior at Wellington High School and has committed to Davidson College. He will sign a national letter of intent with Davidson College on Feb 4.

Marcus DiLallo was honored with the NSCAA AllAmerican Award, which includes the top players from each of eight regions. He was honored as the NSCAA Scholar All-American last year as well. Marcus is currently a freshman at Yale University and plays soccer for the Yale Bulldogs. For more information about the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association, visit www.nscaa.com.

WEF Hosts First ‘Battle Of The Sexes’

Male against female. Husbands battling wives. Established stars challenged by sparkling newcomers. Olympic gold versus Olympic gold. The winners were the thousands of spectators who turned out last Saturday night for the “Battle of the Sexes” at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, the first time for such an event in the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

For the record, the team of 10 women scored 31 points to win $50,000 shared between them, while the runners-up (males) scored 24 points and collected $5,000.

The teams competed in three contests — a speed class over jumps at about 1.35 meters, a match race in which male and female riders raced their horses over jumps side by side, and a six-bar in which each combination jumps a straight line of obstacles that get progressively higher until one wins or calls it quits.

The event was created in hopes of drawing spectators to PBIEC for a night of festivities that included the opening of a two-story tiki hut overlooking the International Arena that was bathed

in stadium lighting for the occasion. An Argentine asado party to welcome exhibitors to the world’s leading winter circuit was held at the same time. So were children’s activities including a bounce house, face painting and other fun festivities.

Among the highlights were relative newcomer Casey Hodges, of Aiken, S.C., being the top scorer for the women with 10 points, equaling Jimmy Torano of Fort Lauderdale. Russian Olympian Ljubov Kochetova won both her speed and match races, as did the USA’s Olympic gold medallist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y. over Canada’s Eric Lamaze, who won individual gold and team silver at the 2008 games.

The top rider for the combined speed and match races was Candice King of Wellington, who took home a Nespresso coffee maker in addition to her share of the winner’s purse. Jimmy Torano was equal first in the sixbar with Casey Hodges.

In addition to Jimmy riding against his wife Danielle, husband and wife Christine and Jonathan McCrea also rode against one another.

Wellington Roller Hockey Player Of The Week: Joshua Ford

The Wellington Roller Hockey League’s Player of the Week is 12-year-old Joshua Ford, who plays center/left wing for the Prep Division’s Red Wings. His jersey number is 7, and he shoots left.

Ford’s favorite hockey team is the Florida Panthers. His favorite video game is Call of Duty 4, and his favorite food is venison. He loves to go hunting with his dad. The Village of Wellington is currently accepting roller hockey registration for the upcoming season. Call Wally at (561) 252-5478 for info.

RPBHS Basketball Boys Fall To Jupiter

Last Friday night, the Royal Palm Beach High School boys basketball team hosted number-two ranked Jupiter and took them to the last possession of the game. Jupiter won the game 55-53. This tied the Wildcats with Palm Beach Gardens for third in the district at 4-2.

The Wildcats hosted Palm Beach Gardens Friday, but the score was not available at press time. The winner will receive the third seed in the district tournament starting Feb. 10 at Jupiter.

The Wildcats are led by

The Palm Beach County Sports Commission recently unveiled its new web site, www.palmbeachsports.com.

three seniors: Brad Zambito, Justin Lord and Albert Pallante. Zambito is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game. Lord is averaging 10.5 points, three assists and three steals per game. Pallante is averaging 10 points per game while averaging three three-pointers per game. RPBHS will host John I. Leonard on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Glades Day on Friday, Feb. 6. Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for middle school students and younger.

New Sports Commission Web Site guest list. One of the most important new applications is an interactive calendar of events. Visitors are able to search by facility, by sport, by date or by keyword for sporting events. The calendar will allow Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation programs, youth and adult sports leagues, schools, and municipalities in the county to submit information on their sporting events to be added to the calendar.

The project was initiated by Sports Commission President Don Dufresne, a Wellington resident. Along with the new look of the web site, there are new applications as well. Online registration will help make events sponsored by the commission much more efficient. Registrants can register and pay online, and edit their

Soccer Stars — Marcus and Andrew DiLallo at the NSCAA National Convention in St. Louis.

(Above) Christine McCrea points to her husband Jonathan during the “Battle of the Sexes.” (Below) Olympic gold medallist Beezie Madden. PHOTOS COURTESY ROXANE THEIDEL

Joshua Ford

Costumes Come Out For Fair’s Drill Team Competition

The drill team competition at the South Florida Fair got underway a little after 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. There was some initial confusion. Who goes when? What’s the lineup? Which riders warm up first? Who’s handing out ribbons? The problems were quickly solved, and things got started.

Two riders came in carrying American flags, and the crowd quieted and stood for the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, with a whoop and a holler, the riders galloped around the arena and exited.

The junior class, teams of riders age 18 and under, went first. The four teams lined up in the arena as the first judge walked through, inspecting them. There are three judges in drill team competition. Linda Wooten was the day’s first judge.

“I check each horse and rider for grooming and cleanliness,” Linda said. “The horse, tack and costume — everything has to be clean and neat. I’m looking for horses that stand quietly at rest, and the overall appearance. Riders can earn up to 40 points for this part.”

The four teams were the South Florida Mustangs, in red satin shirts and jeans. Spur of the Moment were very 1950s in their white t-shirts and blue poodle skirts. The Williston Juniors wore red and black sparkly outfits decorated with crosses. Bits and Spurs also came dressed in 1950s retro outfits, but their felt “poodle” skirts sported horses rather than poodles.

After the inspection was over, the teams rode out and lined up outside the arena, waiting their turn. The music blared, each team’s CD echoing loudly, and the riders entered and rode their patterns. Going along with their ’50s theme, Spur of the Moment used such songs as “Splish Splash,” “Lollipop” and

Letters

continued from page 4 ue to better ourselves and reach out to all in need, and that is exactly what you did. You didn’t just sit back and watch our family struggle through the tough times, but rather took immediate action and stayed consistent throughout the years, providing our family with some peace of mind. Thank you for your prayers that continue to lift us up. Our prayer is that God will bless you abundantly and that His peace and good health stay with you as you journey through this life.

Peter Spinelli Wellington

Clean Up Sem

Pratt Corridor

I live in Loxahatchee [The Acreage] and have for approximately eight years now. I love my home and my property, but I must say that this area looks disgusting. Especially the swales and roadways. I absolutely am appalled by the lack of sidewalks that are supposed to interconnect our neighborhoods and schools. We pay a lot of money in taxes out here, and we get no improvements.

We thought with a new [Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors] this would improve. Myself and my neighbors have not seen much improvement and are very disappointed. Seminole Pratt Whitney Road is deplorable. The roadway is unsafe. There are no reflectors on the road; the road needs to be repaved and relined. What happened to the berm that was to be placed on the road to hide the dilapidated homes and properties? Why are the Australian pines still on the properties lining the roadways? These are exotics and are not good for the environment, nor are they safe during hurricane season. I thought that these were suppose to be eradicated a long time ago. There are no sidewalks that lead to our high school from the north, therefore, many students walk in the street in the morning. This is dangerous. My son would like to ride his bike to and from school, but can’t because of the lack of sidewalks. Where are the bicycle lanes on the roadways? There aren’t any; they’re covered up by grass and road grime. Yes, ITID is cutting the swales, but they also cut up the garbage and spread it everywhere. Someone should be assigned to clean this mess up. I thought that we had a board to protect us, and we

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

“Rock Around the Clock.” Not to be outdone, Bits and Spurs’ music medley included the theme from Hawaii Five-O, “The Twist,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Runaround Sue,” “Grease,” “Barbara Ann” and “Surfin’ USA.” The crowd cheered, whistled and stomped, and off to the side, some people danced along to the music.

The two other judges watched closely as each team performed. Judge Dave Wagner said he was examining the equitation. “I’m looking to see how well each rider is riding and performing the various maneuvers,” he said. “Did they have the correct lead at the canter? Were the horses willing and mannerly? Did they have smooth transitions from one gait to another, and use different gaits? They earn points for their entry, overall control of the horse, degree of difficulty of the moves, making full use of the whole arena, and the exit. I can award up to 110 points.”

Meanwhile Matt Marshall sat just outside the area on a folding chair, looking for the overall entertainment value in each performance. “I want to see crowd interaction, and how the different movements coordinate with the music,” he explained. “I’m looking for uniformity of movement — all the riders performing the same thing at the same time. It should look synchronized in terms of how something’s done and the spacing between riders. I’m looking for showmanship and costumes which reflect the group’s theme. I can award 60 points.”

After the three judges had consulted on all the rides, Bits and Spurs came in first, Spur of the Moment second, Williston Juniors third, and South Florida Mustangs fourth. The ring was dragged, the next groups warmed up, and then the six quad groups (four members each) presented their rides.

The Magic Touch Drill Team came dressed as cowgirls, and their horses sported red bandanas. The Diamond Divas were dressed in flamboyant turquoise saloon girl outfits that were designed by a team member and won a prize for best costumes in the state champi-

thought we would see some improvements to this area. Most of the decent people are ready to get out of here because of the way this place looks. If this area continues to deteriorate, don’t expect the area to ever recover.

GerriAnn and Duane Dougherty The Acreage

Louda: Put Dump Out East

The following letter was written to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. A copy was forwarded to the Town-Crier for publication. Dear Commissioners:

The placement of a landfill in western Palm Beach County is wrong for two very good reasons: (1) no matter where on the State Road 80/ 98 corridors it is sited, it will impact Everglades restoration and the adjacent wildlife/ natural areas, and (2) the transportation costs, carbon dioxide and the sulfur/nitrogen oxide emissions associated with such long-range relocation of wastes from the areas of generation (cities along the coast) are unwarranted, given viable options. The landfill should be placed much closer to the coast along the main transportation corridors in proximity to the areas of waste generation, namely the coastal urban area. The only negative is that the masses that are generating the waste would see the landfill. This solution is working well in Pompano. This, in a period when transportation fuel costs are climbing beyond all expectations, would allow you to keep costs lower for your citizens. Of course there would be an initial land cost that would be easily offset within a few years of tremendous transportation cost savings. Should you still determine that placing the landfill so far from population centers is your only choice, then a concept brought to me by Mr. Frank Schiola of Loxahatchee Groves should be strongly considered. That is, offload trucked wastes onto a waste train, linking the north-south (FEC) and eastwest tracks to the west along SR 701 and forming a new spur line into whichever landfill site is chosen. Ideally, some existing agricultural spurs could be utilized, but in any event, new tracks would be but a few miles. The use of a truck transfer station/ train system would greatly lower total fuel charges and the overall carbon footprint of

onships in Tampa last October. Their imaginative entrance included a “Miss Kitty” dialogue by their dismounted coach before the four girls rode in. Spur of the Moment were dressed as cheerleaders. Dusty Roses had perhaps the most unusual costumes: they were fairies, complete with gossamer wings on their backs and garden vines on their reins.

The Outsiders came in John Deere green and yellow. The riders’ boots were green, their bridles green and yellow, and their horses’ leg bandages alternated yellow and green. Their music included “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” The last quad group was Bits and Spurs, who were dressed as doctors. They had on blue scrubs, lab coats, masks, disposable booties over their riding boots and plastic shower caps over their helmets, and very creatively, each horse wore a huge stethoscope around its neck.

When the dust had settled, the Outsiders won, followed by Dusty Roses, Spur of the Moment, Bits and Spurs, Diamond Divas and Magic Touch.

Back in the stable area, 14-year-old Stephanie Fisher of The Acreage was readying herself and Scooter, her five-year-old Quarter Horse. They were riding with the South Florida Mustang Drill Team in the open class. “This is my first time competing in drill team,” she said. “I’m not really nervous. Scooter’ll do well. He loves it.”

Fisher was invited to join the team after she’d attended a bomb-proofing clinic last April, getting Scooter used to loud and scary things. She said being on the team was hard work but a lot of fun. “The hardest part is getting it all organized,” she said. “Putting all the moves together and making them look coordinated.”

The South Florida Mustangs were leaving nothing to chance. They spent some time practicing their drill in the horse exhibit tent — dismounted, but cheerfully “trotting” and “cantering” together as a member blew her whistle to signal each movement. “Watch your line! Spread out! Adjust your spacing! Move up!”

After the arena was dragged yet again, the last eight teams warmed up and rode their drills. The Williston Juniors and Magic Touch rode. The nine members of the South Florida Mustangs came next in simple outfits: longsleeved black shirts with “Wild by Design” printed down the left sleeve. Their music echoed the theme of wild mustangs: “Born to Be Wild,” “Wild Thing” and “Wild One.”

Stephanie played the wrangler who came in at the end to round up the “herd of wild mustangs.”

The Dusty Roses fairies were back, followed by the Outsiders in modified John Deere costumes: now they each carried a flagpole topped by long yellow and green ribbons, and their horses sported yellow and green ribbons in their manes and tails. They entered following a (what else?) John Deere ATV.

The Freedom Riders, clad as soldiers and with camouflage on their faces, entered next, followed by Great Adventure and Spur of the Moment, now clad as NASCAR drivers, and included a tiny “pace car” pony out in front. Spur of the Moment won with a drill that had also won them the state championship in Tampa in 2007, followed by Outsiders, Dusty Roses, Great Adventure, South Florida Mustangs, Magic Touch, Freedom Riders and Williston Juniors.

“The girls were very excited,” Spur of the Moment coach Kim Hall said. “This is their favorite drill.”

this operation. Further, you could consider the concept of an “inland port” along SR 710 linking to rail as well. Get traffic off the roads! I still recommend placing the landfill along the eastern transportation corridor as the most environmentally and financially friendly method to solve this problem. I thank you for your time and consideration.

Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Dr. Louda is a member of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council; however, this letter reflects his personal opinion.

Saluting Lincoln And Darwin

Feb. 12, 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the births of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin, two of the greatest men in history. Born so far away, having very different careers and leading such different lives, there is still an amazing coincidence in their identical birthday, and there is also something very poignant in what they both achieved, especially in relation to each other.

Both men worked extremely hard at their chosen professions and both managed to free people, but in very different ways. Abraham Lincoln led the Union to victory in the Civil War and signed the Emancipation Proclamation, in effect ending slavery in the United States and also serving as an example for the whole world. Charles Darwin spent many years researching natural history, and his formulation of the Theory of Natural Selection, within the framework of the Theory of Evolution, was also a great worldwide achievement. His ideas showed that people could look at science and the natural world and the universe without resorting to using the supernatural as an explanation of why things occur.

One person physically freed millions of people while the other freed mankind mentally. Both amazing achievements and both men should be recognized on Feb. 12. I don’t know of any other date in history when two great men have been born on the same exact day and have positively influenced the world so much.

Andy Rosen Wellington

Stimulus Wellington Wants Cash

continued from page 1 riorating infrastructure” (500 jobs).

The Wellington Village Council approved the start of the first phase of creating a “Main Street” along Forest Hill Blvd. Tuesday, regardless of the availability of federal funding. The approval of the $400,000 work on the section between Southern Blvd. and Wellington Trace demonstrates the village’s readiness to get to work on the rest of the project, Bowen said.

“We’ve got the rest of those sections close enough to ready that we could put serious numbers on those and go to work on them immediately,” he said. “So some of that economic redevelopment stuff is ready to go, or it’s close enough. The drawings are there; it’s a matter of putting numbers on it.”

The list includes $7 million for the widening of South Shore Blvd., $10 million for renovation of wastewater treatment facilities and $3 million for the “addition of fields, practice areas and public access to vacant villageowned land.” Even a trolley system in the village, a proposal that has been floated and shot down in multiple

Appraisal K-Park Land

continued from page 1 by ethics and principles. Don’t try and con us with a survey that is not valid.”

Benacquisto made a motion to order the appraisal, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore. It passed 3-1 with Bowen opposed.

In other business, the council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance allowing the placement of cameras to identify drivers who run red lights in the village. The program would employ the village’s code enforcement system and special magistrates to make rulings on violations and levy fines.

“This will be similar to a situation when you have toll violations,” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz explained. “The cameras will pick up the violations. An employee on the code enforcement division will review the findings and send out notices. The people will have a choice whether they want to pay the fine, con-

incarnations through recent years, has a place on the list at $1.2 million.

“You can see we were listing everything we can,” Bowen said. “I mean, it’s like you throw everything against the wall and see if something sticks. Because if they’ll give us the money, absolutely we’d do that trolley system and try it.”

The village would need to weigh the expense of a trolley system against repairing its roads if it had to reach into its own pocket, Bowen said. “But if the federal government is going to give us some money in the economic stimulus package, well, we put it on the list,” he said. “That’s a wish list — there’s a lot of things in there that won’t be done for a long time if they don’t fund it.” Bowen said it made sense to include every conceivable project on the list. “We’re just listing everything we could think of that we could do immediately,” he said.

The massive $825 billion economic stimulus package passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week despite opposition from House Republicans. Bowen, himself a Republican, said he opposes the package on principle. “But if they’re going to do it, then I might as well get in line,” he said. “I think the whole thing is out of whack, although I think the Republi-

test the fine, or if they fail to respond, they will have deemed to have waived their right to respond. The fine will be applied by the hearing officer.”

During public comment, Wellington resident Bob Gilbert asked council members to reconsider what they were doing. He said he did not think the program would offer enough of a deterrent to improve safety.

“The ticket is against the car. It’s just like a parking ticket,” he said. “The behavior won’t change. They will continue to run red lights. This is just another source of revenue. It will be perceived

Blotter

continued from page 6 Wednesday, someone entered the property and stole a 2008 Kubota RTV 500 all-terrain vehicle. There was no suspect information at the time of the report.

JAN. 28 — A resident of Sawyer Terrace called the PBSO substation in Wellington Wednesday night regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he left

cans would have supported it if the thing had been solely for capital projects, because capital projects will put people to work. But if you look at that bill, over half of it is really social stuff, which doesn’t do any good.” Bowen said that the part of the bill that is aimed at improving the nation’s infrastructure will help the national economy, but the bill as a whole will provide a cruel legacy to future generations. “I think they’re going to burden our kids with such debt that it’s going to be awful,” he said.

Bowen credited the village’s staff, and particularly Director of Administrative & Financial Services Francine Ramaglia, for getting the village’s list of projects ready quickly. “It’s beneficial to have somebody like Francine, who can pull stuff together right away and get it done,” he said. While the council several months ago had begun discussing the need to be ready in case a federal stimulus effort got underway, Bowen said, village staff picked up on it and took the necessary action. “I think we have some people who are really good and astute and on the ball at the village, and they jumped on this thing quick,” he said. “As soon as we started talking about it, they went right out and did it.”

that way. I think this needs to go further.” Kurtz said the program would offer an alternative enforcement method, and that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office patrols would still be on the streets. “This is an alternative method for the enforcement of an infraction,” he said. “You will still be subject to getting a ticket for a red light violation if a PBSO deputy happens to be there and sees it occurring. If there is an officer to write out a ticket, this will still happen.” Priore made a motion to approve the measure, which was seconded by Benacquisto. It passed unanimously.

his home at approximately 5:30 p.m. When he returned three hours later, he discovered someone had broken into his home through a rear sliding door. Taken from inside were a 37-inch flatscreen TV, a Dell computer, a cell phone and miscellaneous items of jewelry. Latent prints and DNA were recovered from the scene. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Spur of the Moment junior team members outside the tent.

Bits and Spurs junior team members.

A Dusty Roses rider waits for her turn.

Leave Retirement To The Young, And Give Work To The Aging

Baby-boomers everywhere are nearing retirement, which has sent the government into a frenzy because they’ve already spent the money we’ve so generously contributed to Social Security. I mean, who knew (lo, these many years) that we would actually retire?

So I have a plan.

Retirement age should be 35 to 45. Yes, you heard me. Everyone works from the time they conclude their education until age 35. Then, using their Social Security income, they retire to the Bahamas or take their Winnebago around the country with their kids, which is fun for everyone. The minute they turn 46, it’s back to work — where they’ll have the medical insurance they will soon need. They work until they keep forgetting where they left the key to the executive washroom and then they finish out the rest of their lives in peace with the money they’ve earned.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

Oh, don’t scoff. Of course there are bugs to be worked out. But, overall, it’s a great plan:

1. People are generally healthier between 35 and 45 than they are from 65 on. Retirement would include surfing, sailing, snowboarding and extreme sports. Children could play alongside their parents and money would be pumped into the economy through the resort and equipment rental industries.

2. Because the age of the average employ-

ee would be about 59, insurance companies would tailor their services to that age bracket in order to be competitive enough to get the companies’ accounts. As a result, the people who need it most would live longer and get better care.

3. Children would be educated via their life experiences and the Internet. The Internet, with its language-translation capabilities, would create a global norm with students worldwide all on the “same page.” Parents would be responsible for the frosting on the cake — providing educational life experiences that round things out and prepare the child to function in this new, global society. Money formerly used to build and staff schools could be redirected.

4. The redefined “senior” (age 46 and up) will work extra hard as the only money they’re going to have will be what they’re earning.

They’ve already used up their Social Security money on surfboard rentals. But what about the slackers? There will be those who stay in school until age 35, retire until age 46, then refuse to work. Yet the following generation of 35- to 45-year-olds will need the money paid in to Social Security by those age 46-plus. And here’s my easy solution: make work more fun. Who would want welfare when all the fun is happening on the job, where everyone is in your age group and it’s like going to college all over again? There could be mixers for incoming “freshmen,” homecoming product launches and cafetoriums in the student union style. Boomers are already heading back to college in droves. In my plan, you’re still sitting at your computer but instead of studying, you’re earning a living. I say we take a vote.

Television Must Produce Better Sci-Fi To Attract Sci-Fi Fans

Television generally just does not understand science fiction, a major reason we have so few really good sci-fi series on the air. Actually, aside from the various incarnations of Star Trek there has been very little for those of us who really love science fiction to really get our teeth into.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

The problem seems to be that the suits who create series really are not anchored in the whole wide range of science fiction literature. Gene Roddenberry, who created Star Trek, described it as “Wagon Train to the stars.” From one incarnation to the next, the actual speed of the ships (never quite fast enough to get away from the baddies) or the means of communication (never efficient enough to be depended upon) really did not matter much. As a result, the show was story-driven. Modern TV shows have forgotten this. Lost, for example, returned to the air a week ago and is more confused than ever. Russian playwright Anton Chekhov had a great maxim: If a gun appears in the play, it must figure in the plot. Throwing thousands of contradictory clues and references into a show, most with no or simply esoteric meanings, may seem cute, but gets in the way of drama. The first season I never missed it. Now even if I record an episode, I sometimes never get around to watching. The complexities seem there to amuse the show’s creators, not the audience. Heroes has a somewhat similar problem. The first year the concept was simple: a handful of people with special powers were trying

to prevent a major nuclear explosion. Now there are dozens of characters. Some of the ones who are good guys turn out to be bad guys in some episodes and change back. There are different versions of some characters, some from the future and some from the past. One actress, Ali Larter, has actually been five different characters, at least three of whom have been killed off.

Life on Mars, the show with possibly the best cast on network television, provides great commentary on the changes in American society over the last 35 years. But it also focuses on the hero’s parents with hints that he was somehow sent back because of something involving them. If the writers had the main character chase a bad guy through some huge scientific device which sent him back, the show’s plotting could be far less convoluted.

The Sci-Fi Channel comes closest, of course, to providing great examples of what the genre can do, but it has limited resources.

Perhaps that explains why they are best at small-scale shows. In recent years, I found Eureka, a show filled with small-town values despite being inhabited by quirky geniuses whose scientific experiments threaten everyone around them, a great example of what can be done. The recent show Sanctuary brought in a Bram Stoker kind of edge to modern society. In its best episode, the regular characters tried to capture a monster, and meanwhile, a couple of media types discovered there were worse monsters than our modern politicians. The remake of Battlestar Galactica is an example of how modern scifi can indirectly comment on our own society. Science fiction fans will watch more television when good science fiction is shown. Lost now fits its name. It lost 30 percent of its viewing audience from last year, which just shows that even science fiction buffs can get bored. Give us good sci-fi, and we will come.

A Former New Yorker, I Consider Last Week’s Cold Overrated

Last week, South Florida had a couple of so-called “cold fronts” come in back to back.

As the local weather folks didn’t have any hurricanes on the radar to scare us with, they decided to try their best to scare us with the cold fronts. The reporting got so bad I thought I was in Maine instead of Florida. It appeared that is what the weather folks wanted us to believe. The only thing missing from their forecasts was the arrival of snow. The way the weather reports were coming in, I first thought the temps would be going down to at least zero. I was wrong — it was only going down to the mid-30s, and that temperature only lasted for a couple of hours for two mornings. Of course, by the second day of this so-called cold front, the temperatures were in the 60s by the afternoon. The weather folks must think we are all wimps.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

While these same weather folks were telling us how cold we were going to be, did they happen to notice that President Obama was being sworn in as our 44th president in front of almost two million very cold folks. The temperature in D.C. was in the 20s. And since our local weather people like to tell us about the wind chill factor in their reports, I wonder if they noticed the wind in D.C. that day made temperatures feel like they were in the

teens. Now my friends, that’s kind of chilly.

Coming from Brooklyn, 35 degrees for two hours at this time of the year seems like a heat wave. A sweatshirt, long pants and shoes (socks optional) are all that would be needed on the streets of Brooklyn for the weather we had last week.

I wish these weather folks would stop telling me how cold it will be for an hour or two while I am fast asleep in a warm bed. Please let me know when it will go below 32 degrees for a few of days. This way I can take steps to keep my water pipes from breaking.

In the 26 years I have lived in the Sunshine State, I have never turned the heat on in my house (my wife says I am cheap). I will admit that once or twice the thought did cross my mind. I will also admit that a couple of times my wife may have turned on the heat for an hour or so.

In New York during the winter, the house had to have the heat on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I had an oil-heated house in Brooklyn. My oil bill was costing me more than my mortgage payment. That is one of the reasons I decided to move to Florida. I never want to be cold again, never. And so far I can say I haven’t been cold for the last 26 years, no matter what the weather folks tell me. Will the weather folks please get with it? The local news is meant to bring local news. So please stop wasting my time by showing me at least ten minutes of weather (most nights it appears to be more) during a 30-minute newscast. One or two minutes of weather is more than enough. I watch the news to see news, not to see how many different ways the weather person can tell me it will be cold tomorrow morning.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Take A Musical Journey Back In Time With ‘Beehive’

Feb. 3-22 At The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, (561) 575-2223

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre invites you to put on your go-go boots for its production of the ’60s musical revue Beehive. Sponsored by California Closets, Beehive will run Feb. 3-22.

Go back in time and celebrate the era of peace, love and rock ’n’ roll, with favorites from Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and more! With six amazing vocalists onstage, relive the ’60s and the coming of age of women’s music.

Six belting women, a hot six-piece band, 50 outrageous costumes and wigs, and 15 cans of hairspray a week can only mean one thing — Beehive, the ’60s musical revue is coming! Beehive is a high-energy revue tracing the coming of age of women’s music through 37 popular hits of the girl groups and solo singers of the 1960s. The Chiffons, the Supremes, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin are just some of the ’60s pop stars portrayed by the super talented cast. Hear your favorites such as: “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Downtown,” “Proud Mary,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “Respect.”

The cast includes Bridget Beirne, Felicia Boswell, Lisa Estridge, Autumn Hurlbert, Anastacia McClesky and Noel Mollinelli. The original stage presentation of Beehive

was first presented in 1985 and ran for more than 18 months off-Broadway at the Village Gate Theatre in New York City.

Beehive is directed and choreographed by Mark Martino, the Carbonell Award-nominated director of last season’s The Boy Friend, who is returning to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre for this fun-filled revue. The creative team includes music direction by Tom Frey (2 Pianos 4 Hands), lighting design by Donald Thomas (Carbonell winner of Best Lighting in Man of La Mancha), wig design by Gerard Kelly, costume design by Jose Rivera (Carbonell winner of Best Costume Design in The Boy Friend), projection design by David Esler, set design by Dan Kuchar (Carbonell winner of Best Scenic Design in The Boy Friend) and sound design by Keith Kohrs.

“Beehive takes us back to another time in America’s history of turbulent change and defining historical events — the 1960s,” Martino said. “In this joyful musical, which traces the rise of a generation-defining group of women singers… we relive that era as it moves from the infectious innocence of the early-’60s girl groups to the life changing events [JFK, Vietnam, civil rights, the women’s movement] of the mid-’60s. We were forever changed by the events of the 1960s,

and these trailblazing women were the soundtrack of that generation. I love the show because it rewards the audience in several ways: we get to revisit this time and enjoy our shared memories — do you remember where you were when you heard the news about JFK? — we get to enjoy once again the music of these trailblazing women, and the audience at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre gets to meet six new female stars, a new generation of amazing female singers who will blow the roof off the theater at the rockin’ party called Beehive.”

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is an award-winning professional not-for-profit regional theatre dedicated to the performing arts whose mission is to entertain, educate and inspire the community. The theater is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and is located east of U.S. Highway 1 at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and State Road A1A in Jupiter.

Grab your Aquanet and come enjoy beloved hits and blasts from the past at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Tickets for all of the season’s plays, musicals and limited engagements are now on sale.

For more information, call the box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit the theater’s web site at www.jupitertheatre.org.

New Owners Upgrade The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival

Feb. 6-8 At Americraft Expo Center At The South Florida Fairgrounds

The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will conduct its annual “Spectacular Sale” event on Feb. 6-8 at Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The show, formerly known as the West Palm Beach Antiques & Collectibles Show, will be the first spectacular event under the new ownership of veteran show promoters Kay and Bill Puchstein and Yvonne and Jim Tucker, who acquired the show from DMG World Media in December.

Yvonne Tucker and Kay Puchstein, while pleased that the festival ran so smoothly and received very positive feedback for the transitional event in January, have collaborated on plans to improve both attendance and dealer participation. Both have extensive experience both inside and outside Florida in promoting well-run, successful antiques shows.

One major step will be partnering with local charities, beginning with the local chapter of the Red Cross to increase visibility for both parties.

One immediate upgrade will be the appearance of the main entrance area. For the

February event, the entry foyer will be decorated with tasteful art and artifacts to create a more upscale theme for the entire festival.

Overall the aim is to improve the general appearance of the festival while keeping the atmosphere cordial and comfortable for both dealers and visitors. To help make the festival more dealer-friendly, Tucker and Puchstein will streamline the registration process and make “load in” and “load out” easier.

Tucker and Puchstein reported that the January festival had around 400 dealers on hand, and the February spectacular will have more than 500 with plenty of inside and outside space still available.

Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Daily admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors over 62, and free for children under 12. Multi-day tickets are available for $15. There is no charge for parking at the fairgrounds.

For more information, call the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival at (941) 697-7475.

Mod Squad — Cast members of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s upcoming production of Beehive

Yvonne Tucker and Kay Puchstein

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