Town-Crier Newspaper July 23, 2010

RED CROSS LIFEGUARD COMPETITION

Wellington’s lifeguards took second place in the fifth annual American Red Cross lifeguard competition held Sunday, July 18 at the newly renovated Wellington

Five teams from South Florida demonstrated their physical skills, knowledge and quick thinking in a series of competitions to showcase their abilities as professional lifeguards. Shown above are lifeguards from the Wellington team with their trophies.

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council postponed consideration Tuesday of three requests for land-use changes. Applicants were given two weeks to bring their projects in line with what council members and residents want.

The three applicants are the Simon property with about 97 acres on the northwest corner of B Road and Southern Blvd.; the Equestrian Partners/Solar Sportsystems property with about 90 acres on the northeast corner of B Road and Southern Blvd.; and the Day property on 9 acres at the southwest corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Folsom Road.

The council, sitting as the landuse planning agency, approved the Southern Blvd. projects 3-1 with Mayor Dave Browning absent. The Okeechobee project received a 4-0 vote not to transmit. Transmittal approval in Loxahatchee Groves requires a 4-1 supermajority.

When the council reconvened Tuesday in its regular session to

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

A large steel beam, warped in the wreckage of 9/11, will adorn the Village of Wellington’s planned “Patriot Memorial” and serve as a reminder for years to come.

“This piece from the World Trade Center will enable residents to see the magnitude of the destruction that day,” Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said. “It will help our community in the future to remember that day and provide connectivity to the event.”

In January, the Wellington Village Council approved the memorial, which will sit at the entrance to the new Town Center, between Scott’s Place playground and the

vote on transmittal approval, attorney Marty Perry, representing all three applicants, requested postponement, which the council granted in three 4-0 decisions.

The Simon property applicants were asking for an amendment from low-density residential uses to low-intensity commercial, institutional and public facilities for a total of up to about 256,000 square feet, including a 232-space recreational vehicle park.

Jim Fleischman, the town’s planning consultant, said the town staff recommended approval with conditions, including that a multiple land-use category be created in the town’s comprehensive plan to cover the different uses.

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp, who voted against all the requests, pointed out that it would take positive votes of all four council members that night to send the amendments to the Florida Department of Community Affairs for approval.

“When you look at planning, it’s not like it’s going to be built tomorrow,” Lipp said. “This is 20year-out stuff. We want to give

them a clear vision of where we want to go.”

Pat Johnson was one of several residents who spoke against transmittal, saying she did not feel the applicant was promoting uses that serve the community.

“I don’t think 250,000 square feet is neighborhood serving,” Johnson said. “I don’t see saving minutes to go to the store as an advantage for the property owners. I don’t understand how the market would support this. We have offices vacant within five miles.”

She also felt that an RV park would not be serving the community.

“Recreational use including private operations seems counterproductive,” Johnson said. “It’s not going to be a quiet place with 232 units. It’s really not for us. We’re not going to be the ones there.”

Joe Lelonek of Land Design South, agent for the Simon property, said the land-use process is long-range and conceptual.

“The RV park is proposed to be more upscale,” he said. “With the

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

In what one commissioner described as a “gift” to Wellington, the Palm Beach County Commission on Wednesday approved a traffic request needed by the village to create a medical arts district centered around the Wellington Regional Medical Center campus. The “gift” was a CRALLS (constrained roadway at lower levels of service) designation on State Road 7 that some say would take away traffic development privileges from other would-be developers along the SR 7 corridor.

The medical arts district concept calls for almost 1 million square feet more space for medical-related uses than is currently approved, said Wellington Economic Development Director Martin Hodgkins, who made the presentation to the commission.

County staff recommended denial of the request based on several issues, including the prediction that two intersections in the area of the medical arts district would fail performance standards as a result of the change. Further, some mitigation measures were not specific, and the additional 1 million square feet is well more than the county’s comprehensive plan allows.

The county staff report also found that the development would have a negative impact on other properties. The report concedes that the mixed use/integrated development idea is a good concept, but it is just a concept at this point,

with no master plan or binding agreement in place. However, county officials acknowledged that it is a worthy idea and would like to continue working with Wellington to resolve the issues.

Hodgkins agreed that the project is currently conceptual but said transmission approval would help bring together the eight property owners to work for the project. He added that the time frame for the project is about 20 years. The project is part of the Wellington Economic Development Initiative, which also includes a number of goals by the village such as a flex zoning district, enhancement of the equestrian community, redevelopment of older neighborhoods, a municipal “Town Center” currently under construction and Forest Hill Blvd. improvements also underway.

“We’re looking to develop an employment center not just for Wellington, but the surrounding communities,” Hodgkins said of the medical arts district. Hodgkins said a long-range planning initiative would not be driven by a formula-based traffic engineering approach, but the concept of creating employment opportunities for 55,000 village residents and about 165,000 more residents in a five-mile radius would capture trips rather than put them on the road.

He added that the village hopes the project would help prevent urban sprawl and that the medical arts district concept is consistent

new Wellington municipal complex. It will feature an eternal flame, a flagpole, benches and a fountain, in addition to the beam.

Although the memorial was slated to cost between $70,000 and $80,000, Willhite said that the project is currently anticipated to cost $125,000, of which $100,000 has already been raised through private funding.

Construction is expected to begin in January, with the project to be revealed to the community on the 10-year anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

Willhite and members of Wellington staff traveled to New York City this month to select a piece of the wreckage to bring home. The village was authorized by

the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive the 36foot-by-8-foot steel beam. Palm Beach Gardens is the only other community in the area that has received approval for an artifact, Willhite said.

“It was an honor for us to be able to go there and select our own piece,” Project Manager Nicole Evangelista said. “It’s not something that they let everyone do. We were granted special permission.”

Although Willhite said that he would be honored to have any piece of the World Trade Center, he said he chose the beam for its look, which showcases the disaster.

“I wanted the piece to tell the

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

In a 3-2 decision, a divided Royal Palm Beach Village Council decided not to approve a landuse amendment Thursday, July 15 that might have led to the redevelopment of the village’s former wastewater treatment plant into an economic development center designed to attract high-paying jobs to the village.

The 160-acre site is off Crestwood Blvd. and west of H.L. Johnson Elementary School. Several dozen residents of nearby neighborhoods attended the meeting to protest the change.

The land was cleared after Royal Palm Beach sold its utility department to the county several years ago. For the past year, village officials have considered the site as a possible economic development zone. However, residents of nearby Saratoga and Madison Green have argued at several public meetings that they do not want commercial uses considered for the land.

Ideally, village officials hoped to see the land used as an industrial research park for the biotech or green industries. The land-use change would have shifted the site from its current public use desig-

nation to mixed-use commercial to have the property ready should the village find an interested developer.

The amendment would also have allowed low-density multifamily and single-family residential homes to serve as a transitional buffer between the economic development center and adjoining residential areas, Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said.

Mayor Matty Mattioli noted that the response from residents had been largely unfavorable. Of the more than 50 comment cards submitted that evening, the vast majority opposed the idea, he said.

“I attended every planning meeting,” Mattioli said. “As I sit here tonight, I had just one resident say he wanted it. I suggest we do not transmit the amendment and forget this thing once and for all.”

While an economic development center may be a good idea, Mattioli said he wants to acknowledge the wishes of residents. He added that there is no great pressure to do anything with the land at this time.

“This land is free and clear with no mortgage, no taxes to pay on it,” he said. “We hope Public

However, with news this week that the leak has been brought largely under control, Bonvento was hopeful that South Florida

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

WELLINGTON MARKETPLACE LAUNCHES SERIES OF MONTHLY THEMED EVENTS

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Arlene Lilly sits at the Consign and Design booth.

Wellington Florist owner Dean Varvarigos at his booth.

Children enjoy free snow cones and popcorn from Floridian Community Bank.

Rebecca and Jonathan Rodriguez, with Paloma, enjoy the music and shade.

Sherry Williams of Rocky’s Ace Hardware signs up new member Phil Everett.

Richard Koch drives his classic 1963 Ford Galaxie.

Catie Asip sings.

RPB Council Allows Multi-Family Plan

To Advance Despite Neighbors’ Concerns

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council approved the first reading of an ordinance last week to increase the allowed density on a 30-acre tract of land fronting State Road 7.

The council voted 3-1 on Thursday, July 15 to raise the allowed density from two units per acre to nine units per acre.

The land is south and east of the Victoria Groves community and west of Anthony Groves Plaza. The council approved the change in hopes that the developer and Victoria Groves residents can reach an agreement on the density. About 70 Victoria Groves residents protested the request submitted by the planning firm Cotleur & Hearing on behalf of more than a dozen property owners.

Councilman Fred Pinto recused himself because of a business association his firm has with Cotleur & Hearing.

Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien noted that the property was annexed by the village in November 1998 and that the adjoining Victoria Groves development is zoned four units per acre. Black Diamond to the south is two units per acre, while Shoma Homes to the north is multifamily with 14 units per acre.

O’Brien said the density being requested is consistent with land development and zoning codes and the use would be a good transition from intense commercial uses to the east to the residential to the west.

Village Attorney Brad Biggs said the question under consideration was for a land-use amendment, not rezoning. There are several steps to the process before the actual development could proceed.

Ron Collins, agent for developer Futura, said his clients originally requested 12 units per acre, but had been told to work with neighboring residents and return with a lower density.

“We had meetings with residents a number of times,” Collins said. “My client has operated under your direction and worked with the neighbors in tremendous good faith. They are opposed, but I want to make it clear that we operated under your direction.”

Although the vote was for a land-use change only, Collins stressed that the development being planned would be for an upscale rental community geared toward professionals and run by a property manager.

“This is going to be a high-end, luxury development,” he said. “It will be first class in every aspect.”

The development would be separated from surrounding developments by buffers and passive parks.

“The design was changed to minimize the impact on residents,” Collins said. “We created a park,

which will be passive because they don’t want ball fields and lights. We have unusually large setbacks, and we have agreed at their request that landscaping will go in before vertical construction.”

The developer also agreed to make a contribution to Victoria Groves because of the potential of use of its road, Collins said, adding that if the multifamily project does not go forward, an application would probably be made for a commercial use on the property.

Landscape architect Donald Hearing of Cotleur & Hearing said the development is committed to 50 percent open space.

“You cannot do that under a different density,” Hearing said, explaining that the anticipated average rent would be $1,500 per month.

Hearing said the development fills a need for rental apartments to offset a significant loss of rental units through conversions to condominiums from 2003 to 2006.

“There is a market today, and when the project is built, there will be a greater need,” Hearing said.

“We believe the nine units per acre is clearly consistent with the comp plan.”

Hearing pledged that if the council approved the transmittal’s first reading, the developers would continue to work with neighboring residents to address their continued concerns.

Mayor Matty Mattioli pointed out that he had about 40 comment cards against the development and questioned the intensity of negotiations with the residents. Collins said Futura had met with residents.

“We hear large numbers of people clapping and booing, but we did meet with residents,” Collins said.

Attorney Stephanie Toothaker, who had been retained by the Victoria Groves Homeowners’ Association, said she would speak on their behalf so as not to drag the meeting out.

Toothaker submitted a petition signed by 690 Victoria Groves residents asking the council to deny the proposal at nine units per acre.

“They are asking for a restriction on the density,” Toothaker said. “What are the residents asking? They ask no more than seven units per acre. Does it meet a need? Does the increased density affect consumptive use? We think it is inconsistent with current uses.”

Mary Ralph, one of the dozen owners of the property in question, said she and her husband had built their home there 40 years ago.

“There was no Wellington, and Royal Palm Beach was just a few houses,” she said. “We have gone through many developers trying to work something out.” Ralph explained that she could not hold out much longer. “My taxes are $4,400 a year. I have a

See VICTORIA, page 18

Commercial Use Eyed For Vacant Land At Okeechobee & SR 7

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a land-use change for a 50-acre parcel of land at the southeast corner of State Road 7 and Okeechobee Blvd.

The July 21 special meeting was a continuation of the agenda from the Thursday, July 15 meeting, which ran over time because of discussion of other items.

The land-use change application came from Weldon Townhouse Limited, which owns the vacant 50.376-acre property.

The land currently is designated for medium-density multifamily and single-family residential use, senior planner Bradford O’Brien said. The applicant wants to change its designation to commercial land use.

Attorney Eleanor Halperin, representing the owners, said that initially there were some concerns from the Breakers West Homeowners’ Association about the change.

The property shares its eastern and southern border with Breakers West and has a restriction declaration that governs setbacks on the property. However, Halperin said that both parties had come to an agreement, which would be finalized by the ordinance’s second and final reading.

“We agreed to modify the declaration so that there is a 200-foot

restriction on the south property line and an 80-foot restriction on the east property line,” she said.

“We hope to have it signed within 30 days or better.” The declaration did not apply to a piece of the property on the south border that did not back up to the Breakers West community.

Mayor Matty Mattioli asked whether the Breakers West HOA was in agreement with the new declaration.

Breakers West representative Joseph Verdone, with the Carlton Fields law firm, said that his clients had agreed and supported the new declaration.

James Norquest, with the law firm Gunster, Yoakley and Stewart, said he had some concerns about the piece of property not included in the setback agreement, but would address the issue before the final reading.

Councilman Fred Pinto asked whether the applicant was changing the land-use designation in anticipation of building when the economy gets better. Halperin said that was the case.

Councilman David Swift said he agreed with the change. “It should be commercial,” he said. “Everything around it is commercial. It sits on the corner of two of the most traveled highways in the county. It makes sense.”

The council approved the change unanimously.

OUR OPINION

In The Gulf Oil Disaster’s Wake, Perception Is Trumping Reality

The idea that “perception is reality” has long been popular in the world of politics. Campaigns have lived and died as the result of the wrong thoughts being put into people’s heads. Whether a claim is true doesn’t always matter. It’s an unfortunate lesson the State of Florida is learning right now in the wake of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Although the physical effects of the spill haven’t yet reached South Florida’s shores, the economic effects are already being felt.

Because of Florida’s proximity to the disaster area, with a large portion of the state bordering the Gulf Coast, many people — living in Florida or elsewhere — don’t need much convincing to decide our beaches have been polluted. All it takes is talk of tar balls arriving onshore, and a sizable segment of the population will avoid the beach altogether. Fortunately for South Florida’s shorelines, any tar balls that have washed up aren’t because of the oil spill. Of the 144 tar balls collected locally, not one of them were linked to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Unfortunately for Florida’s tourist-driven economy, that little bit of information isn’t part of the chatter that’s been reverberating lately.

Letter Was Disrespectful

I read your Town-Crier publication each week and enjoy the articles and the news. Last week, however, I was most disappointed in an ugly, inflammatory letter to the editor written by a Robert Duquet. Such misrepresentation and disrespect of our new president is harking back to the last eight years of such poor destructive management of our country and that type of rhetoric. Our new president is trying to change the atmosphere in the Washington, D.C. area, changing from such language as Mr. Duquet is using as if it was being printed in a tabloid.

Now here it is in all its ugly form right here in Wellington. Wellington residents and your readers are more educated and informed than what is being printed in that letter. Let’s bring the atmosphere up a few more notches to being respectful. We do not need that kind of negativity.

Dolores Hunt Wellington

All Wellington Leaders Deserve Recognition

This letter is sent on behalf of all council members who have served the Village of Wellington. Without their time and effort, we would not be the premier community that we are today. I wish to reply to Ms. PerilloGreen, Wellington Chamber of Commerce executive director, relative to the letter she sent on behalf of the chamber to the TownCrier last week. Her letter complimented both former Mayor Kathy Foster (1996-1998) and current Mayor Darell Bowen (2008-present) for all they accomplished in making Wellington No.

72 on Money magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live in America.”

I was the very proud mayor of Wellington in 2003 when Wellington was ranked No. 7, yes, No. 7 by Money magazine as the best place to live among cities with fewer than 100,000 people in the east. Ms. Perillo-Green’s letter also left out former Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore’s name (19982000).

The Village of Wellington has had four mayors since 1996, and I am sure we all share the same pride about Wellington being recognized as one of the best places to live by Money magazine. Leaving both Carmine’s and my name out needed to be corrected so that Wellington residents get the total and complete picture. There is no question that Ken Adams’ name should be included. He, along with numerous others, have worked very hard to make Wellington the great place to live that we all call home.

Tom Wenham Wellington

Unger Pulls Out His Dictionary

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to Morley Alperstein’s letter published last week.

Recently, I had the misfortune to read a letter which used the terms Communist/Socialist, progressive and finally regressive, all in furtherance of describing the Democratic Party.

Apparently, Communist is abhorrent to most, so Socialist became the title. This hasn’t worked well (much like using the word liberal as an insult), so the writer switched to progressive, but then he insists (probably because it sounds good) that indeed they are regressive.

Confused now, I pulled out my trusty Funk & Wagnalls for the

One would think that with the situation taking a toll on the state’s economy, lawmakers would have rushed to hold a special session to address the issue. And while they did meet this week, it was only after being forced by the hand of Gov. Charlie Crist. Rather than working together to figure out what needs to be done and the best way to go about it, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Crist played politics with the issue, each side trying to make the other look bad while not getting anything accomplished. While the onus to get something done fell on the shoulders of the legislature — which spent a total 138 minutes on the issue — Crist could have given them more options than simply whether or not to move forward with a constitutional amendment deciding the future of offshore drilling. Thankfully, despite the ineptitude of those in Tallahassee, Palm Beach County is prepared in the event that oil arrives on our shores, having set up task force to deal with the situation. So let’s not lose our heads over something that hasn’t even happened. Besides, the far more serious threat is the possibility — the very likely possibility — that a major storm will hit South Florida this year.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

exact offense: “passage back; return; withdrawal.” Boy, now I’m really confused. I never thought that the following legislation met this criteria, as all were or are groundbreaking: women’s rights, civil rights, disabled rights, gay rights and just this year financial reform (as we speak), and healthcare coverage improvements. I guess the trouble with affixing terms to generalize a group of people is in reality it is but a tool of the discontented, to paint the opposition.

George Unger Wellington

Don’t Buy GOP Rhetoric

The recent letter “Greed, Not Obama Bad For business” (July 9) is the truth, and more people should be thinking instead of parroting what they hear on Fox News and what they hear from the “great exaggerator and fabricator,” Rush Limbaugh. The response letter, “Obama A Failure” (July 16) is the only rhetoric expounded by the Republicans, Limbaugh and Fox News because they have no facts to back up their misinformation. In fact, anyone who believes their “crazy talk” deserves what they get. Republicans have lost their sanity in their blind hatred for Obama. They have vowed publicly, from the day he was elected, as [Republican Congressman John] Boehner put it, “we will take this president down.” So did y’all forget that? So with which party do you want to be associated? Hmm?

Shirley Bass Wellington

Protect Freedom

I know you probably consider yourself an average “John Smith” American, but there are some concerns that should be getting your

attention about now. There are some major threats to our well being in America. The No. 1 threat is the possibility of losing our freedom. Everything that you have, from your home, to your car, your guns, your computer and the wealth you had previously accumulated is a result of freedom and hard work. Eighty percent of the people out there don’t even know they have lost many of their Godgiven rights and freedoms. It hasn’t hit them yet, but it will. In order to compare loss with gain you have to look back at what all the freedoms were that were left to you, John Smith, to guard and protect for yourself and the next generation. We all should ask this same question, but before I can, I have to know the founding documents inside and out, and understand and study the personal correspondence in the letters between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Samuel Adams, and the rest of these men who agonized over every word that was written in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The founding fathers warned you of the dangers of excessive taxation. They warned you of the dangers of foreign entanglements. They warned you of the dangers of government spending. They warned you of the dangers of allowing a private central bank to control our monetary system with a debt-based currency. They warned you of the dangers of having a two-party political system. They warned you to keep your nation sovereign and independent. They warned you to be distrustful of your government. They warned you that the price of liberty was eternal vigilance. And last but not least, they warned to protect the Constitution because all governments are potentially corruptible powers.

Until we as Americans can tell where each of the previous facts is written, we will never be fully informed. We haven’t studied and are not educated in all the facts. But at the same time we are supposed to protect those freedoms. Is it wise to make a stock trade without knowing the facts? Or to purchase a house without looking at the contract? Or buying a car without being fully informed?

Your house, your car, your money are all important; but none are as important as your freedom. But most have not read and do not understand the contract. Well, I hope this gives you some homework to do, John. It’s obvious, too, that the next biggest danger to our lives as Americans is the financial or economic collapse. Have you heard of the Baltic dry index? That is just one indicator. It dropped 75 percent last time I checked. Bob Moral Loxahatchee

Rise Of China Is No Myth

Editor’s Note: The following letter is in response to the letter “Don’t Believe Myths About China, BP” by George Unger, published July 9. The federal government is indebted to China for one trillion dollars, and owes one hundred trillion in unfunded liabilities. Note the once-booming cities like Lansing, Mich. supported by Diamond Reo; Oakland, Calif.’s machine and metal shops, automobile plants, iron works, shipyards and the Southern Pacific railroad; Youngstown, Ohio’s fifth-largest

steel producer in the world; Gary, Ind.’s U.S. Steel, once the largest steel manufacturer in the world; Bethlehem Steel in Bethlehem, Pa., which was the second-largest steel manufacturer in the world. China is now the world’s largest producer of steel, cement and other heavy industry commodities. Manufacturing costs are lower in China than in the United States, and President Obama wants China to decouple the yuan from the U.S. dollar so that the yuan will float up above the value of the dollar. When this occurs, China’s goods will be more expensive in the U.S. and less expensive for the Chinese.

On May 13, the Chinese State Council passed a 36-part measure increasing investment opportunities for foreigners. This new measure permits private entry into many sectors previous dominated by the state. One of these is the financial services sector. The private sector in China is now responsible for 60 percent of its GDP, and has generated 56.4 percent of fixed investments in urban areas in 2009. In fact, China allows foreign investors in 62 out of 80 sectors, and Chinese have access to only 42 of these sectors. While China is a totalitarian state, and private investors run the risk of government intervention and even confiscation, the federal government forbids oil companies from drilling, and have taken over the auto, banking and insurance industries. No wonder investors are willing to take their risks in China.

Frank Morelli Wellington

DCA Report Finds Fault With Changes At Sluggett, Lion Country

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Two proposed developments on Southern Blvd. west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road received less than glowing reports from the Florida Department of Community Affairs this week. The Sluggett property, 63 acres on the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, asked for an amendment from 161,000 to 281,000 square feet of commercial space, and also wanted to delete a requirement that no commercial enterprise could be more than 65,000 square feet. That would have created the opportunity for a big-box store such as a Wal-Mart or Home Depot. Agent Bob Bentz said the objections and recommendations

Dropped

continued from page 1 Works will cut the grass once in a while.”

However, Vice Mayor Martha Webster said the designation of “economic center” that the council wants to create in the village’s comprehensive plan is not site specific. It is a use that could apply to several parcels around the village.

“This is a land use that is new,” Webster said. “It’s one that we

made by the state could be corrected easily enough. He said the DCA has two roles, to see that amendments are consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and to send the applications to other state agencies for response.

“We meet all the criteria that are established in the state and local comprehensive plans for this project,” Bentz said. “I think that often, not all of that information is communicated properly to the various respective agencies.”

Bentz also pointed out that some of the DCA’s objections mirrored the county staff’s recommendation for denial. The Palm Beach County Commission voted for approval contrary to the staff recommendation.

“It’s all very confusing for the DCA,” Bentz said, pointing out

haven’t had. We are in this economy looking for other things besides the regular retail, the malls, the regular commercial — we are looking for things beyond that, and that’s exactly what I’ve heard, that they don’t want more commercial. The economic development center allows us to do that anywhere that it fits.”

Webster said she sees a need for Royal Palm Beach to be more visionary in finding new economic opportunities.

“These are hard economic times, and we have done a good job in these economic times,” Webster said. “This village is

that Palm Beach County is the only county that sends conflicting reports to the DCA.

Lion Country Safari requested an amendment to be moved from the rural to the exurban tier and to be allowed four times the number of homes on the southern half of the 637-acre parcel, from a total of 63 to 254 units, at one unit per 2.5 acres.

In its objections to the Lion Country project, the DCA wrote that the applicant did not demonstrate a need for additional residential units in short-term or longterm planning time frames and failed to accommodate workforce housing. It also stated that the amendments are internally inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

On the Lion Country report,

sound. Your taxes were just voted down again because of the assets of this village. We want to move forward with things that will benefit our village, and I feel that this land use is something that we need for future economic development.”

While Councilman Fred Pinto said he agreed with Webster on the concept of an economic development center, the needs of the residents come first.

“I will be swayed by the citizens because that’s who I serve,” Pinto said. “That’s who I’m here to represent.” Pinto said he had gone through

the DCA recommended that the county should not expand the exurban tier to include the Lion Country Safari site, saying the single-use project would lead to an increased reliance on automobiles and reflects indicators of urban sprawl.

The DCA’s recommendation was to not adopt the amendments, or increase density through workforce housing and demonstrate a need for the increased density. The DCA also recommended considering a small neighborhood center to provide a mix of land uses to mitigate traffic impacts.

Lion Country agent Kerry Kilday said he was confident they could rectify the DCA’s objections.

“We are now working through

the more than 50 comment cards and saw only two who favored the project.

“I think the message is clear,” he said. “From a strategic perspective, looking at the long-term viability of this village, the concept of having this type of unique development is good for the village, but that’s in the future, and clearly this is not the site to put it.”

Councilman David Swift said it’s a worthy concept in the wrong place.

“What staff is working on is a good idea,” Swift said. “What it lacks is support from people living in the area.”

that list of items they addressed, and we believe we can satisfactorily answer those requests,” Kilday said, explaining that he plans to meet with county staff next week to go through the report.

“Normally, the process in working with staff is you need to address a response for each of the individual items and provide the additional data and analysis that they’re asking for.”

Kilday said he did not understand one of the issues, which lumped Lion Country with a series of land-use amendments at Lake Worth Road and Florida’s Turnpike.

“We believe there needs to be a separation between what goes on in the central area of the county as opposed to what’s going on in the east,” he said.

Swift noted that future redevelopment ideas for the old wastewater plant property should include more input from neighbors earlier in the process.

Councilman Richard Valuntas said he agreed with Webster and pointed out that economic development was part of his campaign platform.

“My position on this hasn’t changed,” Valuntas said. “I would be in favor of at least going forward with the text amendment.”

Kilday said the DCA objection to moving the parcel from the rural to the exurban tier would only require additional comment.

“There is a policy that requires the county to revisit what they call antiquated subdivisions and redesignate them to what the established development pattern is,” he said. “That affected The Acreage. It also affected the 5-acre subdivisions. What it means is where that condition exists, you must make that change. That’s a clarification issue that needs to be provided to them.”

Kilday said traffic concurrency requirements have been met, pointing out that more traffic would be generated if Lion Country expanded its park than if the residential units were built.

“In my 36 years as a resident, and with my knowledge of Royal Palm Beach, this concept of economic development does not belong there,” Santamaria said.

“This is a residential community. Anything that has to do with anything professional should be put in the outskirts. It should not be in residential.”

However, Pinto made a motion to abandon the idea, which was supported by Swift and Mattioli. Valuntas and Webster dissented in the 3-2 vote. After the vote, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, who attended the meeting, said he was pleased with the process that had taken place. While economic development is a good idea, the location was not appropriate.

Spencer Sullivan holds Wally the alligator.

Cosmo, a ring-tailed lemur, grabs a grape from Corrine Westvelt.

Rezza Perez pets Louie the kinkajou.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Brianna Strickland with Norma Jean, a scarlett macaw.

Mark McCarthy helps Kylie Fuentes, Zoe Gershberg, Emma Jutte and Kyra Smith hold albino Burmese python Snowball.

Mark McCarthy introduces Chase Dixon to Harriet, a tarantula.

Alan Zangen, Dr. Kishore Dass, Ron Miranda, Dennis Witkowski and Juan Cocuy.

Dale Pickford, Francine Nelson, Ron and Jaene Miranda, Juan Cocuy and Al Paglia.

Kathy Foster, Mike Nelson, Debbie and Mark Plaxen, Ron Miranda, Karen Hardin and John Hodgon.

PBSO Seeking Suspect For Fraud And Embezzlement

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

JULY 20 — Several people contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington over the past month to report a case of embezzlement and fraud. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation obtained 15 felony warrants Tuesday for the arrest of Albert William Linden. Several victims reported that they gave Linden deposits to rent a home on Indian Mound Road in southern Wellington and then discovered that the property had been rented to several other victims. According to the report, the victims also discovered that Linden was not the owner of the property. According to the report, one victim said that he was “swindled” out of more than $20,000 by Linden, and said that Linden had entered his room and stole $18,000 from his safe. At the time of the report, Linden remained at large.

• • •

Mawali to exit the vehicle and recovered a Smith & Wesson .40caliber semi-automatic handgun. Mawali said he had a concealed weapons permit in his wallet, which was in the center console of the vehicle. According to the report, Mawali granted the deputy permission to retrieve the wallet, and the deputy also discovered a plastic bag with 1.2 grams of marijuana. Mawali was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams.

JULY 17 — A Royal Palm Beach woman was arrested last Saturday afternoon for shoplifting at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was dispatched to Macy’s after a loss prevention officer observed 31-year-old Mariela Sanchez steal several clothing items, valued at $162.01. Sanchez was placed under arrest.

JULY 16 — Two men were arrested on drug charges last Friday night following a drug sale outside a hotel on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was patrolling the parking lot on foot when he observed a white Ford Mustang enter the parking lot and park in a space. The deputy noticed that neither the driver nor the passenger left the vehicle. Shortly afterward, a brown Honda arrived and parked next to the Mustang. The driver of the Mustang, 20-year-old Steven Vargas of Wellington, then exited the vehicle and began talking to the driver of the Honda, 23year-old Brian Cid of Royal Palm Beach. According to the report, the deputy observed Cid holding a plastic bag containing marijuana. Vargas then handed Cid money and took the bag. The deputy then made contact with the subjects. According to the report, Vargas said he had bought marijuana from Cid for $25, and Cid said he had more marijuana in the vehicle. The deputy recovered four grams of marijuana from Vargas, and an additional 20.5 grams of marijuana and $185 were recovered from Cid’s car. Both men were placed under arrest. Vargas was released at the scene with a notice to appear in court. Cid was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with selling marijuana and possession of marijuana.

JULY 16 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Friday evening on drug charges following a traffic stop near the intersection of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Country Club Drive. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was in an unmarked car traveling north on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. when he noticed a black Mercedes-Benz with a license plate covered by a piece of tinted plastic. The deputy was unable to run a registration check and initiated a traffic stop. According to the report, the deputy made contact with the driver, 33-year-old Jerry Danorris Mawali, who stated that he had a gun under his seat. The deputy asked

JULY 17 — A resident of the Equestrian Club called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Saturday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 p.m. last Friday and 6 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s unlocked car and stole a brown leather briefcase, valued at approximately $250, which contained bank checks from several banks. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 18 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home on Shoreline Drive last Sunday morning in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Saturday and 6 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s vehicle through an unsecured window and stole a radio valued at approximately $20, a garage door opener and several small tools. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 18 — A resident of The Acreage contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Sunday to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, last Friday the victim noticed an unauthorized $324 transaction on her bank account from an online purchase from Wal-Mart. According to the report, the victim contacted her husband, who said he had not used her bank card to make any purchases. The victim also contacted Wal-Mart to find out additional information, but could not obtain any information because she didn’t have an order number. The victim said she believes her credit card information was compromised when she placed a travel reservation over the phone. Both the victim’s bank and Wal-Mart are conducting investigations.

JULY 18 — A resident of Pleasant Wood Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Sunday afternoon to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, a neighbor alerted author-

See BLOTTER, page 7

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Clifton Bennett, a.k.a., Carl Beckford, Carlos Beckford and Calvin Roberts, is a black male, 5’10” tall and weighing 190 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his left cheek. His date of birth is 11/16/84. Bennett is wanted for fraudulent use of personal identification information. His occupation is laborer. His last known address was Parkside Drive in Greenacres. Bennett is wanted as of 07/ 22/10. • Cory Bennings is a black male, 6’0” tall and weighing 160 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has a shaved head and tattoos on both arms, right shoulder and left wrist. His date of birth is 11/05/76. Bennings is wanted for a felony charge of uttering forged bills, checks, drafts or notes, and two counts of misdemeanor failure to appear on a charge of retail theft. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was South 37th Court in Greenacres. Bennings is wanted as of 07/22/10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Clifton Bennett

Cory Bennings

New Haitian Pastor Brings Unique Viewpoint To P.W. Alliance Church

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report

As parishioners of the Palms West Alliance Church in Loxahatchee Groves head to their pews, Haitian-born Carl Joseph, the new assistant pastor of worship and creative arts, plays his keyboard and leads them in a song. They all sing in unison: “Yes Lord. Yes Lord. Yes, yes Lord. Amen.”

Since coming to the church three months ago to serve as the assistant pastor, Joseph and his family have become a part of the Palms West Alliance Church family. “We love him,” said Judith Crosbie, a Palms West Alliance Church parishioner for 15 years.

“He and his family bring a new style to the church.”

According to Joseph, he does not have any intentions of changing how things are done in the church. “I’m here to be an extension of what has already been here,” he said, “continuing to make Palms West a place where everyone feels welcome — a melting pot of people who feel excited through praise and worship.” Palms West Alliance Church was established in 1989 by Pastor Howard Dunlap. Members such as Winston and Judith Crosbie were drawn to the church for its family-oriented atmosphere.

“It’s not like all of these big congregations where you don’t know anybody,” Winston Crosbie said. “Everyone in here knows everybody, and we are all like one big family.” The church is part of the Alliance ministry, which has been around for 120 years. Palms West Alliance Church Lead Pastor Randy Clarke said the mission of the Alliance church is to spread the word of God through service, and

opening up more churches, especially in places where there is no religion.

“There are 130 Alliance churches in Florida,” Clarke said. “But we have more members around the world than in the United States.”

With members in 65 countries, the Alliance church sends and receives members from all over for service and assistance.

Joseph was transferred to Palms West Alliance Church from the Agape Worship Center in West Palm Beach, a Haitian Alliance church where he was the pastor for six years. He was born in Haiti, first coming to the United States with his family when he was two years old.

Joseph grew up in both Haiti and the United States and played the drums in the band at his church in Spring Valley, N.Y., where his father was the pastor.

“I’ve been coming to America since I was two years old, and I was back and forth from Haiti to Philly to New York,” Joseph said. “I also lived in Chicago where I attended Moody Bible Institute, and in Indiana where I attended Huntington University.”

Before becoming a pastor with the Alliance church, Joseph worked with children and made music for the Alliance church in Haiti. He has recorded more than 3,000 songs for the church in English, French and Creole. “I’ve composed at least 10 or 12 albums,” Joseph said. Joseph lived in Haiti for 17 years with his wife Rose-Mai. They have four children: Randy, 21, Stephanie, 19, Stacey, 18, and Brandon, 14.

In Haiti, Joseph formed a Christian band called Alabanza. After forming the band, Joseph saw a need for a Christian recording stu-

dio in Haiti because of the lack of Christian music being produced in French Creole.

“God put it in me and my wife’s heart to make a Christian recording studio,” Joseph said. “Before that, there were only a couple of songs that were made in the past six years.”

Through Alabanza, Joseph was able to operate the only Christian radio station in Haiti. “We own Alabanza Christian Radio, where we also edit videos, translate movies to French for the Haitian people, and we even made our own movie about faith and praise,” Joseph said.

Although the Alabanza studio is based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Alabanza Band, a 12-member band of singers, drummers, per-

cussionists, saxophone and bass players, is based in the United States. According to Rose-Mai, who serves as dress and logistics coordinator for the band, Alabanza travels around the world spreading the word of God through their music.

Joseph said that without RoseMai’s support, he would not have accomplished all that he has. And although Joseph’s schedule keeps him away from home much of the time, Rose-Mai said she understands. “I understand that it’s a calling,” Rose-Mai said. “One time I rolled over in bed and he was not there. I got scared. I was looking everywhere for him, calling his name and phone. I went into the studio, and there he was with his headphones on.”

Rose-Mai is hoping she and her husband can make an impact at the church. “I currently sing with the worship team and help with the worship meetings,” she said. “But I would like to start here a ministry with young kids and have them sing and talk to each other about the Lord.”

Clarke hopes that Joseph’s arrival to the church will bridge the gap between the Haitian and American communities. “We are a multicultural church and embrace diversity,” Clarke said. “We are hoping that Pastor Joseph being here is a way to reach out to the Haitian community.”

Regular services at Palms West Alliance Church are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. “We are open to anyone who comes who is looking for Christian faith,” Clarke said. “Our mission is outreach. We have families in our church going to China to work. We have other members who are in Columbia right now spreading the word and reaching out to those in need.” Joseph is looking forward to seeing more people attend the Palms West Alliance Church and become a part of their mission of service, outreach and praise. The church will host a praise and worship

Indian Trail Candidate Question 1: Tell Us About Your Background

Each week leading up to the Aug. 24 primary election for the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors, the TownCrier will be asking questions of the four Seat 1 candidates. The first question: “Tell us a little bit about your background and what makes you the most qualified candidate to sit on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors?”

JENNIFER HAGER

I can answer this question with relative ease. To be honest, I’m not sure that there’s anyone reading this who is truly interested in “my background,” but for those who are, I will say this: I am a concerned resident of this community. I am a neighbor. I am a wife. I am a parent. I am a teacher who educates the hearts and minds of the most precious of all resources — my neighbors’ children. Now if that doesn’t satisfy the background question, nothing will. Is anyone really the “most qual-

Blotter continued from page 6 ities to a broken loft window in the victim’s home. The victim is a part-time resident and will not be back until the fall. Sometime between Feb. 10 and last Sunday, someone entered the home by climbing on the roof, smashing the loft window and climbing through. The suspect(s) searched through the victim’s closets and dressers, but it is unknown if any items were taken. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 18 — A deputy from the

ified” candidate? Generally, people run for elected office because they feel like they can make a difference. I do not profess to be an expert on health or environmental issues, budgeting or park development and maintenance. However, I do have growing concerns with how these issues are addressed. Decisions that have been made by the ITID board greatly affect me. I’ve realized that there are a lot of people out here who are very much like me; they share my concerns, they feel my anxiety, and they have wonderful ideas — but they also feel powerless. They feel voiceless. I would very much like to help change that.

MIKE NICHOLS

My professional career spans 30 years in South Florida, learning, understanding and interpreting water-related issues both as a government regulator and as a private consultant. In addition, for the past 10 years, I have run a successful environmental consulting

PBSO substation in Wellington responded last Sunday to the intersection of Wellington Trace and Old Country Road regarding an act of mischief. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6:51 p.m., the victim was driving when unknown suspect(s) threw rocks at her vehicle, striking the windshield and roof and causing approximately $200 in damage. The deputy checked the area and spoke to several homeowners who did not see anyone in the area. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

JULY 20 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested for

business. Over the years, I have served on various working groups, advisory boards and committees dealing with water quality, water supply planning and wetlands regulations. In 1994, I co-authored one of the first quantitative assessment methods in the country incorporated into law that places a numerical value on wetlands in order to be able to ensure no net loss of our wetland resources.

I have recently been serving as vice chair of the Acreage Community Focus Group, a group of residents formed to assist the community in evaluating the Florida Department of Health’s Level 1 cancer inquiry. I bring a unique perspective to the group, having decades of professional experience with water and soil sampling, analysis and interpretation of data. I am keenly aware of how important finding answers to the 200507 elevated cancer levels are to the community and want to ensure that I will demand only the best science be applied to the problem.

drunken driving Tuesday night following a traffic stop near the intersection of Southern Blvd. and Fairgrounds Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Nissan Frontier driven by 37-yearold Jose Granados Villatoro. The deputy noticed signs of impairment and an odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage. A second deputy arrived and administered a roadside sobriety test. According to the report, Granados Villatoro was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he refused a breath test.

It is these experiences and qualifications that I believe uniquely position me to be the most qualified candidate to serve the community considering the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this current economic climate. My wife, children and I are committed to this area, having cherished the abundant opportunities and experiences our unique community affords.

BILL RILEY

I moved to The Acreage in 1995. Ever since I moved here, in one way or another, I had issues with the Indian Trail Improvement District. At that time, we had a board of supervisors voted in by land proxy votes. I fought with legislators to change that vote, so people who lived here could vote for each candidate of their choice. When we had our first popular election that the residents could vote and choose the ITID board, the “popular” vote became just that — a popular vote. Voters vot-

ed into office people who were friends or because they belonged to the same club, not by qualifications. I studied ITID from its inception in 1957, how most of the land was sold by mail for a few thousand dollars per home site that was swamp or needed major changes to build a home on it. On the other hand, the orange groves made millions in profits. I served on several ITID committees. When I served on the Special Projects Committee, I had ideas such as traffic calming, using rumble strips, more signs and speed bumps. One of my ideas was to have in-house road grading so we could have control of the grading of unpaved roads. It turned out that we saved money by doing it in-house. I thought the ideas were unique. I found out later that other people had the same ideas, but they were never implemented. As the community grew, I knew we needed to look ahead to the future, and we still do. My qualifications are knowing the his-

tory of ITID and the mistakes that were made and paid for by our residents.

RICHARD WAITE

I was born in Nebraska and moved to Florida when I was a young boy. In the early 1960s, we became residents of West Palm Beach. In 1963, I joined the U.S. Navy and was trained in explosives, firearms, firefighting, electronics, electrical, security and was with the Department of Defense Police. I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1983 and have lived in the Wellington and Loxahatchee area since 1988. I will be an asset to the Indian Trail board and community because of my extensive legal background in constitutional law and knowledge of the Indian Trail Improvement District charter. I am willing and committed to go to great lengths to keep my community family informed and represented fairly, with their best interests being first priority.

Carl and Rose-Mai Joseph with their sons Randy and Brandon; daughters Stephanie and Stacey are away

college.

Palms West Alliance Church Lead Pastor Randy Clarke and his wife Alicia with Rose-Mai and Carl Joseph. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Bill Riley Mike Nichols

Jennifer Hager

CANDIDATES ADDRESS YOUNG DEMOCRAT CLUB

P.B. Little League Expanding To Acreage/Lox

The Palm Beach Little League would like to welcome all Acreage and Loxahatchee residents to join the baseball league. Due to the new boundary extension, the entire Acreage and Loxahatchee area is now able to participate in the Palm Beach Little League program, which has been attracting talented players and coaches for the past two years and has doubled in size each season. The league was showcased this year during the district playoffs with the 10-U team placing first, the 12-U team placing third and the 15-U team placing second. Palm Beach Little League will hold fall registration over the next couple of weeks and invites prospective players and their parents to come be part of the most recognized youth baseball organization in the country. For more information, visit www.pblittle league.com.

Green, Health & Wellness Expo Returns July 24

With more companies focusing on green, health and wellness issues, the South Florida Science Museum is hosting the second annual Green, Health & Wellness Expo, offering a one-stop shop to learn about green and healthy living and aging in the community. The event will take place on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. Entrance to the event is included as part of the museum’s regular admission fee and is free for museum members.

The expo will feature fun and educational activities for the family, all promoting a healthy lifestyle though vendor exhibits, demonstrations, giveaways, tastings and much more. The South Florida Science Museum is partnering with Whole Foods Market, which will be giving free gifts to individuals who bring a reusable water container to the event. In addition, PRP Wine International will offer all-natural wine tastings and the Resource Depot will be on-site making crafts with kids using all recycled materials.

“The South Florida Science Museum is trying to encourage individuals to embrace a life of health, wellness and green living through awareness of natural products to create a green, clean and healthy lifestyle,” said Theresa Kewely, director of marketing at the South Florida Science Museum.

Other vendors include: Chickfil-A, Costco, the Division of Forestry, chiropractor Dr. Lewis Singer, the Drowning Prevention Coalition, the Give a Life Foundation, KISS Energy Solutions, Nozzle Nolen, R&R Honey Co., the Slow Foods Movement, the Solid Waste Authority and the Pampered Chef Cindy Nelms.

The South Florida Science Museum is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Museum admission costs $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors 62 and up, $6 for children 3 to 12, and free for museum members and

children under 3. For more information about the South Florida Science Museum, call (561) 8321988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

Crestwood Fundraiser July 28 At Duffy’s

Crestwood Middle School students Alex Ng and Devin Wallace will hold fundraiser on Wednesday, July 28 at Duffy’s Sports Bar & Grill in Royal Palm Beach. From 6 to 10 p.m., 10 percent of food sales will be donated to Crestwood.

Ng and Wallace are offering prizes and gift cards, which they will be raffling off every 15 minutes. Those with the voucher sponsoring the fundraiser will receive a free raffle ticket and can get an extra raffle ticket by donating a gently used or new

The Palm Beach County Young Democrats held their July meeting at Brogues on the Avenue in Lake Worth. Speakers included State Sen. Dan Gelber, a candidate for Florida attorney general; U.S. Senate candidates Jeff Greene and Maurice Ferre; county commission candidates Michael Jackson and Paulette Burdick; and school board candidate Thomas Hawkins. Pictured here are Greene (above) and Ferre (below). PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Spanish Exchange Students Meet With Veterans In Lox Groves

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Exchange students from Spain were guests of Vietnam veterans and the crew of Project 425 on Monday, July 19 in Loxahatchee Groves.

After being by welcomed by Ret. Army Maj. Gen. Wayne Jackson, the students shared highlights of their experiences in the U.S. Then, they heard firsthand accounts of the Vietnam War from several veterans, including 1st Lt. Bill Arcuri and Chief Warrant Officer

Bill Jeczalik.

Arcuri was a U.S. Air Force B-52 copilot who ejected with four of six fellow crew members after their plane was shot down during a Christmas mission in 1972. He spent the next 55 days at the POW prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Students watched footage of Arcuri’s release, along with other prisoners of war. The footage was an excerpt from National Geographic ’s three-part series titled “Inside the Vietnam War.”

A U.S. Army Chinook pilot, Jeczalik described an evacuation mission under heavy enemy fire. “When you’re out there in battle, you’re not fighting for political reasons, you’re fighting for each other,” said Jeczalik, who was awarded a Silver Star just two weeks

before his 20th birthday.

Veteran Mike Carroll was a new high school graduate who was “in love with horsepower” when he served two years after being drafted, then volunteered for an additional year when he got an offer to work on Chinooks.

“I saw 12,000 horsepower to my left and 12,000 horsepower to my right, and I got to ride in the middle of both,” U.S. Army Spec 4 Carroll said, adding that he felt a “commitment to do my share for my country.”

Students then met Project 425, a Vietnam veteran UH1H Huey helicopter that Carroll rescued from a gunnery range and restored for mobile static display. The students donned helmets and sat in the cockpit and behind a machine gun.

The exchange concluded with a visit by Chris Noel, a Hollywood starlet sent to Vietnam by the Department of Defense as a morale booster. Noel encouraged troops on Armed Forces Radio with her show “A Date with Chris,” as well as entertaining and singing live at posts throughout Vietnam from 1966 to 1971. Clips from several performances and interviews years later helped students understand Noel’s mission. At their request, she gave an impromptu performance of “What a Wonderful

World.” Today, Noel runs a homeless shelter for veterans in Boynton Beach.

The students said they were grateful for the experience and that the personal stories helped them better understand the Vietnam War. Jackson praised the students’ interests in exchanging “information and ideas for better world understanding and peace” and summarized the day’s mission.

“You’re not seeing the rich and famous here,” Jackson said. “These are people who give back to their community. This is what America is all about.”

For seven of the 10 students, this marked their third consecutive year in West Palm Beach as exchange students. Each student lives with a host family for the month-long stay, enabling them to be immersed in an English-speaking environment and American culture. On weekdays, students spend mornings studying English with a teacher. In the afternoon, they visit educational sights and points of interest and enjoy leisure activities. Weeknights and weekends are spent with the host family.

For more information on the exchange program or on how to become a host family, call program coordinator Corky Dorey at (561) 439-2115. For more information on Project 425, call Mike Carroll at (561) 753-3800.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Chris Noel greets Jose Eiros as exchange coordinator Corky Dorey looks on.

Veterans Bill Jeczalik and retired Major General Wayne Jackson hand a certificate souvenir to Gonzalo Sabater.

Exchange students from Spain visit with Vietnam veterans.

Patricia Lozano looks out from the Huey cockpit.

Siblings Patricia, Jeronimo and Macarena Lozano.

Larissa Silva shows Mayor Darell Bowen and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite around the facility.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Home Away from Home owners Larissa and Juan Silva, and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite.

David Nunez, Larissa Silva, Mayor Darell Bowen, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite and Juan Silva at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Larissa Silva (far left) with some of her staff members

FLARA President Tony Fransetta with State Rep. Mark Pafford.Tony Fransetta with County Commissioner Jess Santamaria. Attendees gather for a group photograph.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

LION COUNTRY SAFARI CAMPERS MAKE PAPIER-MÂCHÉ ANIMALS FOR THE LIONS

Early last Thursday morning, lions at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee were stalking and pouncing on nine papiermâché antelopes made by day campers. Keepers also prepared salmon treats and blood popsicles to help the lions cool off. The kids enjoyed seeing the lions playing with their creations and learned something about the lion’s predatory behavior.

Movement Arts Dance Academy In RPB Hosts Summer ‘Mini Camps’

Movement Arts Dance Academy in Royal Palm Beach recently completed five weeks of summer camp fun. The two weeks of “mini camp” for ages three to five was a huge success.

The mini campers attended one of two themed camps — the “Posh Tea Party” or “Ballerina Princess” camp.

The Posh Tea Party campers ended their week dressed up in boas, tutus and fancy hats, and were served tea and cookies at their very own real tea party. The Ballerina Princess campers ended their fun week dressed up in princess gowns and crowns and attended a grand ball with dancing and refreshments.

In addition, three weeks of dance camp for students ages 6 to 11 included themed weeks such as “Around the World,” “Summer Fun” and “Dancing Through the Decades.”

Campers in the dance camps ended each week with an in-studio performance where they showed off the dance moves they learned throughout the week.

The “Around the World” week was a favorite for most campers. During that week, instead of focusing on tradition-

Preschool campers dressed up in their finest at the “Posh Tea

al dance styles such as ballet, tap and jazz, campers learned dance styles including Irish dance, African dance, flamenco, hula and Bollywood. Movement Arts Dance Academy is currently accepting registration for its 2010-11 classes, which begin on Aug. 23. The academy is located at 1241 N.

State Road 7, Suite 11, in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 792-9757.

To obtain the 2010-11 class schedule and registration information, visit the Movement Arts Dance Academy web site at www.movementartsdance academy.com.

Register For VPK At Panther Run

Panther Run Elementary School has announced the opening of a second voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) class for four year olds. Parents may pick up a registration packet in the main office from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Space is limited, and the class will be filled based in the order in which the school receives the completed packets. For more information, call (561) 804-3900.

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

A lion eats salmon left on a papier-mâché antelope.Lion Country Safari day campers with camp counselors.

Lions rest after attacking papiermâché antelopes and getting treats.

Workman Receives National Recognition As Outstanding Volunteer

Wellington High School student

Christie Workman is one of the 230 civic-minded high school juniors and seniors selected as 2010 Bank of America Student Leaders for their leadership and passion for community service. As part of their award, the selected high school juniors and seniors headed to Washington, D.C. July 18-23 for the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s weeklong Student Leadership Summit.

The summit aims to inspire students who are already answering the nation’s call to service to continue serving their communities and effect a lifetime of positive change. In addition to attending the summit, student leaders participate in eight-week nonprofit internships, paid for by Bank of America, at organizations in their local communities. Students gain hands-on experience and learn the finer points of nonprofit management and leadership while the nonprofit organizations benefit

from the additional resources and support.

Workman is interning at Communities in Schools of Palm Beach County. Other Palm Beach County student leaders include Luisa Gutierrez, a Lake Worth resident and rising senior at Lake Worth High School; Grace Lee, a Boca Raton resident and rising senior at Atlantic High School; Megan McCarthy, a West Palm Beach resident and rising senior at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts; and Karl Pischke, a Jupiter resident and rising senior at William T. Dwyer High School. Like Workman, they are also interning at Communities in Schools of Palm Beach County. “At Bank of America, we strongly believe that an investment in future leaders plays a pivotal role in revitalizing our communities,” said Fabiola Brumley, Bank of America’s Palm Beach County market president. “Providing opportunities for our youth to

David Hausman Graduates U.S. Air Force Basic Training

David J. Hausman

Air Force Airman 1st Class

David J. Hausman has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Hausman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate’s degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.

Hausman is the son of Will Hausman of Lake Worth. He is a 2007 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

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

be leaders in their communities today is important not only to our long-term success in Palm Beach, but also as a nation and world. Through our Neighborhood Excellence Initiative and our larger corporate social responsibility efforts, we’re helping to create a culture of global service — one that benefits individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and the neighborhoods they serve.”

At the weeklong leadership summit, students learn how service benefits communities economically; how corporate, nonprofit and government collaboration is instrumental in community revitalization; and the important role that nonprofit organizations play as community anchors, particularly during times of economic stress.

Through a series of interactive workshops and hands-on activities, the summit includes educational seminars and the participation of several special guests.

Workshop highlights include:

• Meetings on Capitol Hill to discuss important issues that impact young people such as lack of financial education in secondary schools and affordable opportunities for a post-secondary education.

• A financial education policy discussion, including panelists Michelle Greene, deputy assistant secretary for financial education; Laura Levine, Jump$tart Coalition executive director; and Phil Martin, the U.S. Department of Education’s assistant for financial education.

• Leadership sessions that introduce business etiquette, identify personal strengths, develop future goals and identify opportunities for giving back to the community wherever they land.

• A large-scale, environmental service learning volunteer activity with the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation at Fort Dupont in the Anacostia

neighborhood to study the harmful environmental effects from everyday pollutants.

The Student Leaders program is one component of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. Since the program’s inception in 2004, it has recognized and awarded more than 1,200 student leaders, many of whom have gone on to leadership positions at colleges and universities while continuing to lead civic engagement efforts.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative annually recognizes organizations, individuals and students who have shown a commitment to improving their communities. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has committed more than $110 million globally to the NEI program and will invest over $20 million in 2010 alone.

Komen For The Cure Honors Patti Abramson

The South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has awarded its highest honor, the newly created Eleanor Goodman Spirit Award, to Patti Abramson for sharing her extraordinary altruistic spirit, instilling stewardship and demonstrating passion for the Komen for the Cure cause of ending breast cancer forever.

Abramson, consulting chair of the 2011 Komen South Florida Race for the Cure, is the first recipient of the award, created in honor of Susan G. Komen and Komen founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker’s mother, Eleanor Goodman, also known as “Ms. Ellie.” Goodman instilled the importance of giving back to the community in her daughters at an early age. The recipient of this award must instill the same altru-

istic spirit in their children as Goodman did while stressing the importance of a passion for a cause.

“I’m deeply touched by this honor and hope it will inspire others to give back to their communities and to work persistently to reach their goals,” said Abramson, who is also serving as the pledge program chair for the 2011 race.

“The Komen cause is a family mission that our children are involved in often without a choice. Teach them to give as a way of life. They will help strengthen our families as well as our world.”

Diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, Abramson has been involved with the race for about nine years, having started as a volunteer cheering on race participants and stepping up her role af-

ter a close friend’s diagnosis. She credits involvement with Komen for saving her own life, and for instilling the importance of early detection and yearly mammograms. As chair of the 2010 race, her mission was to spread the message to groups including women under 40 who are being touched more frequently by the disease.

Abramson, a buyer for Evelyn & Arthur, and husband Larry have three children. The race is always a family event for Abramson and in 2009, her family participated in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure in Washington D.C.

For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call (877) GO KOMEN.

Larrea-Ibarra Completes Navy Basic Training

Navy Seaman Apprentice

Fiorella C. Larrea-Ibarra, daughter of Elaine Ibarra of Royal Palm Beach, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Larrea-Ibarra completed a

variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot

camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of ba-

sic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

Larrea-Ibarra is a 2008 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

WHS Student Christie Workman

Patti Abramson

Klezmer Performance Honors FAU Benefactor

John Strassel

Publishes His First Novel

Outskirts Press Inc. has announced the publication of Eternity Beckons by local author John Strassel.

The 60-piece Klezmer Company Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Aaron Kula, captivated an enthusiastic audience with its stellar performance of love songs, guest soloists and an emotional tribute to late benefactor Marvin Weiner, during the recent fifth annual “Spirit of America: Bernstein Songbook & Music from Fantasia” concert at Florida Atlantic University’s Carol and Barry Kaye Auditorium.

FAU President Mary Jane Saunders and her husband, Dr. George Newkome, as well as FAU Provost John Pritchett and his wife Ginger, attended the annual concert and post-concert reception hosted by FAU Libraries and the University Club of the FAU Foundation. The events also drew more than 100 VIPs.

The concert celebrated the Marvin and Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Collection, which focuses on the American Revolutionary era and contains more than

8,000 imprints. The Weiners lived in Boca Raton and donated the collection to FAU Libraries in 2006. Marvin Weiner passed away on June 25, two days before the concert. Sybil Weiner passed away in November 2009. Guest soloists were Shani Glance, an Israeli-born soprano who is the granddaughter of renowned opera singer and cantor Leib Glantz, and tenor Daniel Cochran, a core member of the Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches.

Two funds related to the collection and KCO exist to support FAU libraries. The Weiner Spirit of America Collection Fund helps provide additional educational outreach programs to benefit future generations of students and scholars. For more information on the Marvin and Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Collection, contact Ellen Randolph at (561) 297-2693 or erandol1@fau.edu, or visit www.library.fau.edu/depts/spc/ weiner.htm.

Jonathan Haynes, Rise Namiki Wed At Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Jonathan Edward Haynes and Rise Namiki were married May 1 at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando. The bride’s attendants were Risa Namiki, Rio Namiki and Tara Haynes. The groomsmen were Jason Haynes, Vincent Burkhardt and Kazu Namiki. Haynes and Namiki both graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. They went to Maui for their honeymoon and both have been hired by the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, Maui to work.

Dennis and Lorelle Haynes of Wellington are the proud parents of Jonathan, and Dr. Shoichi and Nami Namiki of Japan are the proud parents of Rise. The couple now happily lives and works in Maui.

Newlyweds

With U.S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and pervasive online avail-

Eternity Beckons is an invitation to travel alongside one of the Lord’s beloved saints as he journeys down a predestined path toward a new beginning. The way is coursed with passion and pain, faith and folly, repentance and reprisal. But through trial and torment, as well as the very depths of depravity, a fallen soul perseveres by God’s preservation. At 512 pages in length, Eternity Beckons is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Christian fiction category.

ability through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, the suggested retail price of Eternity Beckons is $21.95.

Strassel is a former journalist who was employed in the South Florida newspaper industry for the better part of two decades, including the Town-Crier, where he covered local sports.

Strassel is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and still resides in Palm Beach County with his wife and son. Strassel is cur-

rently an elder at Wellington Presbyterian Church. Eternity Beckons is Strassel’s first novel.

The web page for the novel is located at www.outskirtspress. com/eternitybeckons and was launched simultaneously with the book’s publication. Additionally, Eternity Beckons can be ordered by retailers or wholesalers for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of 10 or more from the Outskirts Press wholesale online bookstore at

www.outskirtspress.com/buy books.

Isaiah Bishop Graduates Army Training

Army National Guard Spec.

Isaiah C. Bishop has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, Bishop studied the Army mission and re-

Rise Namiki and Jonathan Edward Haynes.

Marlis Hadeed and FAU

President Mary Jane Saunders.

ALA Begins Review Of Community’s Outdated Neighborhood Plan

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Acreage Landowners’ Association, seeking to reinvigorate the organization, looked to update its neighborhood plan at a meeting Tuesday, July 20.

The association has around 100 active, dues-paying members, said Secretary Rebecca Larrabee. By re-evaluating the Acreage Neighborhood Plan, the association hopes to look to its future with an updated vision for the neighborhood.

“We just recently acquired most of the boxes full of ALA paperwork,” ALA President Bob Renna said. “Becky [Larrabee] has been doing her best to dig through all that paperwork and find out some of the past history, because some of it has been lost.”

Indian Trail Improvement District Vice President Carol Jacobs

Groves Decision

Postponed

continued from page 1 closing of many mobile home parks, a need has developed. Are we convinced that’s the best way to go? Not completely.”

Councilman Jim Rockett said the council had agreed it wants to focus commercial development along Southern Blvd., but agreed with Johnson’s comments.

“Southern is where we want to concentrate development,” Rockett said. “The concept of the RV

Med Arts County OKs CRALLS

continued from page 1 with the county’s Strategic Economic Development Plan.

“Since the medical arts district represents sustainable planning and an economic vision for central western Palm Beach County, the participation and support of Palm Beach County is critical to its success,” Hodgkins said. “This is not another retail center, but an economic center for sustainable employment.”

Commissioner Steven Abrams said the project has merit but is not ready to be approved and asked why it could not wait until the next transmission round.

“This is sort of a chicken or the egg situation,” Hodgkins said. “If you try to get too much done, it’s possible all the property owners might not agree. We want this as an incentive to get the property owners to participate. At some point, we have to get started.” He added that the county will get a more detailed look when a traffic study is presented.

Abrams also asked about mass transit and Hodgkins said the village is working on that. “We co-

Beam Memorial Ready In 2011

continued from page 1 story of how these 110-story buildings were crumpled to small scraps of metal,” Willhite said. “Every piece is unique with its own characteristics. I chose what I thought would be fitting.” Because of the size of the beam, the memorial’s design may change to accommodate it, Evangelista said. However, even with changes, the project is still on track for its finish date next year. Willhite said that the piece would not change the design drastically. He proposed putting the beam at a 45-degree angle and having it cross one of three sidewalks to allow residents to walk under it.

“Everybody places the artifacts completely vertical because that’s how the World Trade Center stood,” he said. “I’m not trying to re-create it. I thought it would be appropriate to have it at an angle

Victoria Nine Units Per Acre

continued from page 3 letter from State Farm stating that my property insurance is going up to $4,356 per year. I’m a widow; I’m 78. I need something done. We had a choice to go with Wellington or Royal Palm Beach. We went with you.” Fellow property owner Delma Walker said she could not understand why the residents of Victoria Groves hold so much sway on the question.

“I don’t know why it is up to Victoria Groves to decide what goes on our property,” Walker said. “We didn’t tell them what

wondered whether the ALA would be setting up committees to review each part of the plan. Renna said that would be considered.

“Tonight is just an overview of [the plan] to bring it back to everyone’s attention,” he said. “The next step we’ll say, ‘Well, how are we going to do this?’ But yes, it is quite possible that we could have committees.”

Renna noted that the ALA drafted the Acreage Neighborhood Plan about 15 years ago. ITID Supervisor Ralph Bair said development of the plan started even earlier.

“There were two community meetings in 1992 and 1994 that started the development of the plan itself,” Bair said. “We brought together the whole community; even Loxahatchee Groves contributed. We went through a

park always sounds bad, although I’m a user. It’s not like I’m going to go there. I do think it’s worth taking forward.”

Councilman Ryan Liang questioned the density. “What you’re proposing is the maximum,” Liang said. “Why don’t you work out something more agreeable to the residents?”

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he agreed that commercial development should go on Southern Blvd. He was interested in pinning down the developer to pave B Road.

“Instead of saying ‘pursue,’ I

operated with the Department of Transportation and put in a masstransit parking lot at the Mall at Wellington Green,” he said. “We do support mass transit.”

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen was one of several community leaders who spoke in favor of the project.

“I’m here to ask you to give this consideration,” Bowen said, asserting that the creation of a medical arts district is part of the good planning that led Wellington to be named as one of the top 10 places to live by Money magazine. “We have a great plan here before you today that will create great jobs and improve the medical facility. “We ask you to give it serious consideration and a chance to take it to the next higher level.”

Susan Giddings, the vice chair of economic development for the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, said the surrounding communities are participating in the project.

“This region is united to become economically self-sufficient,” Giddings said. “The medical arts district is the first step to create economic opportunities.”

Former Wellington Mayor Kathy Foster said she has lived in Wellington 30 years and the village has always been involved in

to commemorate the fallen buildings.”

Brick pavers on the sidewalks will bear the names of the victims who were killed in the attacks.

Willhite hopes to dedicate one sidewalk to each place that was attacked — the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and rural Shankesville, Pennsylvania.

“We want to have a brick naming and honoring every single person who died that day,” Willhite said.

Willhite hopes to bring the beam to Wellington for the 9/11 events this year, but noted that it will require cooperation from both the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New York judicial system.

“The artifact is considered an actual piece of evidence from a crime scene,” Willhite said. “It has to be signed off by a judge before it can be released to us.” The project is being funded privately, through donations to the Wellington Community Foundation. For more information, or to donate, contact Evangelista at (561) 791-4733.

should go on their property. The bottom line is Futura has met your demands.”

Patricia Dailey, another property owner, said what is proposed is a well-designed project.

“When Victoria Groves was built, they were 13 times our density,” Dailey said. “I’m sure that had more impact on us than this small development will have on their property. This has been a financial hardship. My husband had a heart attack. This is our last chance. He cashed his life insurance last year to pay taxes. I’ve supported you for 30 years. If I did not think this would be an asset, I would not support it. I’m asking you to support us and not let us slip through the cracks.” Collins pointed out that village

whole litany of projects and things that we wanted to see done in the community — different improvements to The Acreage that would keep it rural, but still be amenities that people could enjoy without having a city or something watching over them.”

The goals of the original plan were to enhance the rural character of The Acreage and preserve its lifestyle while providing amenities, protect natural resources, and encourage agricultural usage, and to uniformly enforce code.

When drafted, it was recommended that the plan be reviewed on an annual basis — a mandate that did not happen.

Renna pointed to the Publix plaza on Orange Blvd. as something that struck a balance between preserving the rural lifestyle while providing some amenities. He

would like to see a commitment by the developer,” Jarriel said, adding that he liked the staff recommendation of creating a multiple-use designation. “I have friends who love RV parks. I personally think people who enjoy RVs are retirees and like to travel. Maybe they’ll see Loxahatchee Groves, like it and settle here.”

Lipp said he saw some good and bad things about the proposal and pointed out that the first plan, which was turned down, was for 78 homes. “As we move along we need to stick to what our vision is,” Lipp said. Rocket made a motion to trans-

long-term planning. “They had a vision for what a community can do,” Foster said. “We want to add sustainability to the village with high-quality jobs.”

Andrea Troutman, traffic consultant for Wellington, said the CRALLS designation is projected for 2030 and that the study does not fully take into account that the medical arts district would capture trips. “We’re not allowed to take that into account,” Troutman said. “Due to that it shows it will fail in 20 years. I don’t believe it’s accurate.”

Acreage resident Patricia Curry was one of several members of the public who spoke against the project. “I don’t have to tell you what I think about CRALLS,” she said. “I heard 50-year vision. I don’t think that’s a good vision. There should be a moratorium on CRALLS.”

Commissioner Karen Marcus said she was concerned about transmitting a plan as an academic exercise. “It’s kind of spinning wheels, sending it up there and getting a denial,” Marcus said.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he was in a difficult spot being on numerous boards in the Wellington area and friends with most of the applicants, but he felt compelled to vote against trans-

noted that some of the recommendations in the plan are now outdated.

One such recommendation was that The Acreage protect its aquifer and residents by “prohibiting the permitting of petroleum facilities… within the Acreage Unified Planning Area.”

Under that advice, the gas station in the Publix plaza would not have been built, Renna said.

“But we have to have it. It’s a necessary thing in life,” ALA Vice President Domingo Flores said. “And in a community of 39,000 — which is the number that keeps coming up — not having a grocery store would be ridiculous; not having a gas station is really ridiculous.”

The plan also includes a section for code enforcement, which Renna noted has not been strong in The Acreage.

mit, which passed 3-1 with Lipp opposed.

The Equestrian Partners/Solar Sportsystems property, which is now vacant pasture land, also asked for an amendment from low-density residential to commercial, institutional and public uses with about 140,000 square feet of retail and office space, 15,000 square feet of 120 age-restricted dwelling units and a 15,000-square-foot daycare center. Town staff also recommended approval with the addition of the multiple-use designation added to the comp plan.

mittal. “If you want to talk about pressure, I don’t know if any of you have more pressure to support a project like this,” he said. “It’s a great project, and who would ever go against 5,000 or 6,000 jobs? I would be lynched if I said I was against high-paying jobs.”

Santamaria said he doesn’t care for CRALLS, but if it is good for the community, he would support it, although he felt the approval is being requested too soon. “There is a lot of work to be done,” he said. “We need something clear, specific.”

Commissioner Shelley Vana said she agreed there are elements to be filled in. “If it gets kicked back, we’ll deal with it,” Vana said. “It might be an opportunity to look at solving problems.”

Commission Chairman Burt Aaronson said he would favor transmission but agreed there is more work to be done.

“As it sits today, I would not be for adoption,” he said. “I will support transmission, but will not support adoption if things do not happen. I think you have three, four or five months to put a plan together that I will support.”

Abrams made a motion to transmit, which passed 5-2 with Santamaria and Marcus opposed.

staff agreed the proposal is compatible and added that if the density were lowered to eight units per acre, as had been suggested by residents, the quality of development would be worse.

Mattioli noted that even if the transmittal request is approved, there is no guarantee that zoning would be approved at nine units per acre.

Councilman David Swift said he had worked with Collins for many years as well as Cotleur & Hearing and had confidence in both of them. “I think from a planning standpoint, there are a lot of reasons to support this,” Swift said. “I’m supporting nine units per acre.”

Councilman Richard Valuntas and Vice Mayor Martha Webster

The recommendations call for Palm Beach County Code Enforcement officers to enforce the regulations and respond to complainants and violators.

“As I’m reading this, I’m wondering, is this something that the ALA wants to get involved in?” he asked. Bair said it was included because at the time the community was “moving toward some sort of government.”

“All of this was put together to say in seven years we’ll have some kind of municipal or annexed government,” Bair recalled. “So [the ALA] could help watch these things and make these codes so people would conform.”

But Bair noted that code enforcement officers weren’t concerned with properties in The Acreage.

While Renna wondered if the

Agent Mike O’Dell stressed that this is just the beginning of the process.

“This is a five- to 15-year project,” O’Dell said. “Our landowners are committed to this project, and we are committed to working with you.”

Johnson said she did not oppose this project as she had the previous one. “I think this project is much more fitting for our community, much lower density,” she said.

Holly Procell of B Road said she would like to see more buffering. “I like the possible uses with assisted living. It seems to fit better,” she said.

Jarriel agreed that an assistedliving facility is needed in the community. Rockett also agreed. “It brings something that we don’t have,” he said.

Lipp said his biggest concern would be having a potential voters’ bloc in a low-density, rural community that is committed to light government.

Rockett made a motion to recommend approval, which carried 3-1 with Lipp dissenting.

The least popular item was the Day property request for an amendment from low residential to commercial office with almost 90,000 square feet. Agent Kerry Kilday said the property is prima-

Chamber County Prepared For Oil

continued from page 1 ing by. It’s a very common occurrence.”

Bonvento noted that since the gulf disaster began, 144 tar balls have been picked up on local beaches and analyzed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

“None of the tar balls have been related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” he said.

The county’s main focus has been developing a plan to protect about 12 miles of environmentally sensitive areas, estuaries and oyster beds that could be harmed if a larger number of tar balls inundate the area.

“We identified the specific areas, working with the four inlet commission districts, working with the U.S. Coast Guard and working with DEP,” Bonvento said. “We identified protective measures that would have to be taken to protect those environmentally sensitive areas. We identified local resources that would be available to assist. We are talking about installing protective barriers across those estuary areas and along the Intracoastal Waterway.”

Bonvento said the plan was sent to Tallahassee for state review, and that the state indicated the plan also could be used by Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

“We also have been working with the tourism industry,” he said.

ALA has authority to enforce the codes, Bair said only the county or a municipality could do so.

The plan also states that the ALA should have an Equestrian Trail Committee and have an equestrian trail transportation system for movement throughout The Acreage.

However, several ALA members said that there were not enough trails, and the current trails aren’t being well maintained. Larrabee wondered whether it is Indian Trail’s responsibility to maintain the trails, which Bair said it was. At next month’s meeting, the association will focus on the steps it will have to take to change the plan. “We need the watchdogs back,” Jacobs said. “I think that’s what we’re all about.”

rily vacant with a land-use designation that allows only one residential unit on the property.

Kilday pointed out that the property is at the entrance to the town and that the property has commercial uses to the east and west. He said he understood the town’s desire to locate commercial on Southern, but that office space is needed on Okeechobee. Resident Patrick Painter said the rural character of the town is being taken away piece by piece. He pointed out that the town does not have a center.

“Find a center somewhere; don’t just strip us,” Painter said. “Nine point three acres is a postage stamp, and you’re going to put 93,000 square feet there?” Painter added that he felt the council should not feel rushed. “You’re overdriving your headlights,” he said. “Don’t be anxious, don’t confuse objectives with vision.”

Liang made a motion not to transmit, which passed 4-0. With the two-week postponement granted, transmittal will be reconsidered at the council’s next meeting Tuesday, Aug. 3. Fleischman said the approval process is likely to take months. “It’s a long, lengthy process where the public has several opportunities to make comment,” he said.

er agencies to develop plans in Martin County should oil hit the coastline.

As far as the impacts of the oil spill, Encomio said they are already being felt in the local fishing industry.

“These are the areas where fisheries have been closed,” Encomio said, displaying a map. “That’s an area of 30 percent of the Gulf of Mexico, and the commercial fishing industry is about 40 to 50 percent of our commercial fishery industry for the whole United States. For this amount of area to be shut down is a huge economic impact. In fact, in our area, we have a shellfish hatchery that is privately owned, and they are being affected. They are not sure they will be able to harvest in our area.”

Encomio also warned against using fresh water to try to push back the oil from reaching the marshes in the gulf. In the past, that practice was used in South Florida as well, he said, and it caused health problems with fish and other marine species. It is a problem that crops up when Florida experiences hurricanes and water managers discharge fresh water.

both commended the amount of work the developer appeared to have done with the residents. However, Valuntas said he would be happier if the zoning were less than nine units per acre. “I would be more in line with a density of six, but I’ve heard it’s not going to happen unless it’s nine,” he said. “I suggest you change the zoning from nine to eight.”

Webster said she had never seen a developer work so hard to come to an agreement. “The time has come for a decision,” she said. “I believe at nine, it is a good compromise.”

Swift made a motion to approve the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Webster and carried 3-1 with Valuntas opposed and Pinto abstaining.

“It’s basically a precautionary measure that’s advising people that if they see tar balls, they should report the tar balls to Palm Beach County Emergency Management. Right now, we are monitoring the situation. We’ve got our vendors and contractors notified as to the amount of protective measures we are going to need.

We are ready to go. Based on the latest information, we think we are in really good shape, and we don’t perceive being impacted.”

In fact, Bonvento said he is far more worried about problems in Palm Beach County posed by possible hurricanes than by the oil spill.

Vincent Encomio, a research specialist with the Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart, also spoke at Wednesday’s luncheon.

He is involved with the oyster reef restoration project in the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. He said his organization is working with the DEP and oth-

“The solution is to try to get back as much of the historic flow as possible,” Encomio said. “The crux of Everglades restoration is to restore that flow as much as we possibly can. The oysters like to be in a mix of fresh and salt water, but if you get them into five parts per thousand, it’s stressful for them. When we get into the salinities of five parts per thousand, we see mortality in the adult oysters. We have lost 75 percent of this resource of oysters from the St. Lucie River. It’s an important filter. They also provide habitat for a lot of other animals.”

Encomio’s goal is to try to get the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop the discharges. Also at Wednesday’s luncheon, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen noted that some of the people attending the luncheon were wearing T-shirts with No. 72 on the back, and that those T-shirts are for sale.

“Money magazine has named

Wellington the 72nd-most desirable place to live and for families to raise their kids in,” Bowen said. “Many of us in this room have visions of being number one.” Coral Springs and Coconut Creek in Broward County are the only other Florida cities on the top 100 list. For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite (left) with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey staff members.

It’s not simply about portfolio holdings and account balances. It’s about your complete life. You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who

Fundraiser Helps 4-H Riders Get To State Finals

Members of three 4-H groups held a bake sale June 26 at the Red Barn to help raise money for their trip to the Florida 4-H Horse State Finals. Four of the 12 competing riders — Angel Alvanese, Rachele Parry, Sydney Neff and Hannah Gassner — qualified. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

Children’s Care Facility Opens On Southern Blvd.

Miami Children’s Hospital has announced that the first Miami Children’s Hospital Nicklaus Care Center has opened in Palm Beach County. The stand-alone clinic is located in Palms West Medical Office Building III at 12989 Southern Blvd., Suite 203 in Loxahatchee Groves. Page 33

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Features

Wellington Council, Wellington Rotary Proclaim Village A ‘Peace Community’

The Wellington Village Council has again recognized Wellington as a “peace community.” The council’s proclamation, made in conjunction with the Wellington Rotary Club, was made initially in 2009. Rotary has since continued with various peace-related initiatives, which include the planting of a Peace Pole, the sale of flags of the world and contests at the area schools and scout organizations. Page 24

Spor ts

Wellington Hosts Regional Red Cross Lifeguard Competition

Wellington’s lifeguards took second place in the fifth annual American Red Cross lifeguard competition held Sunday, July 18 at the newly renovated Wellington Aquatic Complex. The activities challenged them to assess a situation and react.

Page 35

Fundraiser Helps Local 4-H Riders Head To State Finals

Members of three 4-H groups held a bake sale on Saturday, June 26 at the Red Barn to help raise money for their trip to the Florida 4-H Horse State Finals.

Dru Gassner, leader of the Pony Trails group, explained that members qualify for the state finals by competing in local shows. Twelve riders competed, and four — Angel Alvanese, Rachele Parry, Sydney Neff and Hannah Gassner — had qualified. There are classes for all sorts of riders: ranch riding, barrel racing, ranch versatility trail, hunter, English and western pleasure, dressage, and halter and showmanship. Each member can choose to compete in up to five classes.

Alvanese, 16, has been a member of the West Pines group for six years. She says being in 4-H looks good on a college résumé, and it’s also a fun way to help out the community.

“It gets you involved with community service. We do demonstrations about horse programs. It’s a great learning experience,” said Alvanese, who qualified in western showmanship, western pleasure, trail, western horsemanship and ranch versatility trail.

Hannah Gassner, 16, is a member of the Pony Trails and Dru’s daughter. This is Hannah’s first year in 4-H. She plans to attend the University of Florida and loves horses.

“I’ve learned so much about horses in just a year,” she said. “I’m planning to learn a lot more, and also to help teach others.”

Hannah enjoys showing and jumping. She qualified in hunter showmanship, halter mares, English pleasure, English equitation and ranch riding.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

The fundraiser garnered each girl $45, and an earlier fundraiser brought in $90 each. Dru said the money helped them pay for stall fees, shavings and travel expenses. “The costs of going to a show like this are astronomical,” she said. “We’re humble people. We don’t have a lot of extra disposable income. I can already see that we’re going to have to plan a lot of fundraisers for next year.”

The state finals were held July 8-10 at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa. About 345 riders competed, and 42 were selected to move on and represent Florida at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships, which will take place July 29 through Aug. 1 in Clemson, S.C.

“It was quite a show,” Dru said. “The best of the best were there. The classes were huge. Each class had 40 to 50 entries and took about two to two and a half hours. There were four rings, and each ring had four classes each day. After all the riders had gone, they called back the best 15 or 16, and then those were pinned. Some got honorable mentions, and places 11 through first got placed.

“Our girls did very well,” Dru said. “Hannah, my daughter, got an honorable mention

in halter mares. Sidney Neff placed sixth in hunter style halter mares. Angel Alvanese placed second in one of her classes and qualified for the regional championships.”

“We’re very proud of all of our girls,” says Wendy Wagner, leader of West Pines 4-H and Alvanese’s trainer. “Angel earned enough points to move up to the regional championships. She was second in trail, and there were 48 riders in that class. Overall, she earned 18 points in all of her western classes. Angel qualified last year and did extremely well. We hope she’ll do even better this year, despite some unforeseen setbacks. Her horse, I R Royal Bars, became lame, so she’s had to borrow another horse to show on, Wicked Cowgirl. So far, it seems to be working out.”

The state finals featured a lot of tough competition and “was kind of overwhelming,” Dru said. “Everyone rode beautifully and was well-prepared,” she added. “There was no room for error. It was like being in an A-rated show. Next year I think we’ll be better prepared, now that we know what to expect. We need to enter some tougher local shows.”

The girls also re-

ceived the grand championship award for their stall decorations. Their theme was Mission Possible (the “Im” was crossed out), and promoted their goals of leadership, citizenship, community service and going green. Each girl picked one area and illustrated it. There was also a poster board displaying pictures of them riding in their different disciplines. Additionally, they won the Golden Shovel award for having the cleanest and neatest barn area.

“It was an excellent experience for everyone,” Dru said. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

(L to R) Dru Gassner, Wendy Wagner, Angel Alvanese, Rachele Parry and Hannah Gassner at the June 26 Red Barn fundraiser.

Who Has Time For The Beach Once You Move To Florida?

When I was attending the University of Wisconsin, I came to Florida for spring break. It was March, which meant the thermometer had been hovering below freezing for about five months and had several months to go. When I stepped off the plane in Fort Lauderdale, it was mind-blowing to go be greeted with a balmy 72 degrees.

After four days here, I wanted to stay longer, but I’d run out of money. So I did what any college kid does, I called my dad. Following the requisite lectures about working, saving and planning ahead, Dad sent me a “This is a loan!” via Western Union. Good ol’ Dad.

When I showed up to claim the money, the guy at the counter asked when I would be going back. I told him I had only planned to stay four days but now I’d be able to stay longer.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

“Why don’t you stay forever?” he asked. “That’s what I did. Came down for spring break, and I’m still here.”

I looked around the gray little office and decided I would most definitely be going back. I needed to get my degree. I didn’t want to have to work cooped up at Western Union.

The other thing I remember about that trip was remarking to a local that she didn’t look

very tan. She just laughed, “Because I’m working! No one who lives in Florida has a tan!”

Despite these warnings, I obviously ended up moving to Florida. It was a communication malfunction between my first husband and me. When he asked if I wanted to “go” to Florida, I thought he meant for a vacation. He had other plans. And because I didn’t own anything, I was already packed.

At least I had gotten my degree first. It was in teaching, so I probably could’ve made as much money with a career at Western Union, but I was happy about it. College degree was checked off my list.

The tan was another story. Genetically, I am not going to get a tan no matter what I do. And even if my genes allowed it, my sunscreen would prevent it. I know I’d probably look better with brown skin, but it isn’t worth

dying for. I’ve accepted that I’ll be “porcelain” for life.

And, as far as Florida is concerned, the shoe is on the other foot. Now that I’m here, I am always interested in what visitors think. I like to get a fresh perspective on the state.

The latest perspective I’ve gotten is from people who were going to come here, but changed their minds because they think they’ll be swimming with tar, not dolphins. I tell them the east coast is fine, but then I remember that I haven’t been to the beach in ages. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I went.

So I’m giving myself some homework. I am going to go down to that beach and take a look around. If I step in a tar ball, I’ll know what to tell people. If not, I’ll break open the sunscreen and pretend like I’m visiting. It could be fun and, best of all, I won’t have to visit Western Union if I run out of money.

‘Inception’ A Brilliant Movie, But It Takes Work To Watch

Inception was designed to be a tour de force movie — visionary, surreal and brilliant. It certainly succeeds on the first two. For the third, it helps if you are sharp-witted and concentrate throughout.

Chris Nolan, one of the great filmmakers of our time (Memento, Insomnia, and, of course, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) creates a multiple dream world to play out a fanciful caper film. Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a specialist at going into the minds of people through shared dreams to “extract” key information, usually industrial secrets. While doing it to a Japanese businessman (Ken Watanabe), he finds out that the industrialist has been auditioning him for a far more difficult task. The businessman, Saito, wants him to enter the mind of business rival Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) and “incept,” create an idea that would seem to come from within the man.

DiCaprio, a man unable to return to the United States, agrees to try when Saito says he can guarantee Cobb’s ability to get in. Cobb creates a team (this is a caper movie). He has point man Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Eames (Thomas Hardy), a “forger” who can take on new identities in dreams, and Yusuf

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

(Dileep Rao), a chemist who can create the special drugs that can take the team and their mark, Fischer, into several levels of dreams. Most importantly, he gets Ariadne (Ellen Page), a young architect who creates the different levels of dreaming.

As expected, things go wrong and the team has to battle its way through. There are two different sets of enemies: one from the mark’s mind and the other the presence of Cobb’s late wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) that comes from his subconscious. The fun part is watching the use of special effects to create wondrous images. On the top dream level, a freight train crashes through the streets in a traffic jam. There is also a long sequence with seemingly no gravity on another level; a gun battle through an ice fortress in another. There

are incredible pieces of brilliant action: the explosions that shatter Paris as Cobb and Ariadne chat at a bistro. My favorite is watching Paris fold in on itself.

The acting is uniformly excellent. DiCaprio was excellent as usual. Cotillard had such presence that although she was not on screen very often, she seems to hover over and affect most events. The real revelation is Page, who is quickly demonstrating that she is one of our finest actresses. Her part, named for the Mistress of the Labyrinth who saved Theseus in mythology, required intelligence and passion. She was the standout in an exceptional cast.

The film is not an easy one to follow. At one point, you are asked to keep track of four different dream levels at the same time with events on higher levels affecting the action on the lower ones. To further confuse the issue, events move at different speeds on the different levels. As the crew falls off a bridge on the first level, it loses gravity for a long time on the second. Injuries done to someone on a higher level still exist lower down. And to solve the problems and be able to return to reality, the team must solve things on the lowest level to be able to resolve issues on the

third level, which allows resolution on the second level and finally up to the first and then reality.

That sounds a bit wearing, doesn’t it? People who love science fiction will find it exhilarating and people who really love movies will have a great time watching the blending of ideas and visual images into a whole. But this is not a typical “lean back, relax and watch the actors amuse you” kind of film. You have to put in work, connecting the dots so to speak, in order to really appreciate it.

At that point, you begin to understand that while the visuals make the key points interesting, Nolan is examining the nature of reality, learning, the brain, and most important, of love. Somehow, in the ever-shifting dream worlds and interesting special effects (most of which were not computer-generated), Cobb’s love for and obsession with his late wife and her obsession with the nature of reality, become a core value of the picture.

In most reviews, critics either loved it or loathed it. That now becomes your problem. This is the best movie I have seen all year, although the movie industry has not set the bar very high. But, as noted earlier, you have to concentrate and do some work.

Wellington Council, Rotary Proclaim Village A ‘Peace Community’

The Wellington Village Council has once again recognized Wellington as a “peace community.”

The council’s proclamation, made in conjunction with the Wellington Rotary Club, was made initially in 2009. Since then, the Rotary Club has continued to move forward with various peace-related initiatives, which include the planting of a Peace Pole, the sale of flags of the world and contests at the area schools and scout organizations with the aim of promoting world peace, multicultural understanding and conflict resolution.

The Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of many people worldwide of a planet without conflict and of the wish for multicultural understanding. This is a non-political,

non-religious concept with peace and understanding as its precept.

A Peace Pole is a multisided eight-foottall structure, usually made of wood. The words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in various languages are on each of the sides. The Wellington Peace Pole, which is in the 14.5-acre Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive, is an eight-sided structure with the peace message in English, Spanish, Japanese, Hebrew, Hindi, Chinese, Arabic and Russian.

There are more than 250,000 Peace Poles in countries throughout the world and can be found at such diverse locations as the pyramids at Giza in Egypt, the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan, Robbin Island in South Africa (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned) and at the site of the

baptism of Jesus in Bethany. The majority, however, are to be found in less historic places such as churches, parks, gardens, office buildings, and at companies and organizations in most cities and towns throughout the world.

The Wellington Rotary Club is engaged in a major effort to bring more additional Peace Poles into the community and is encouraging local individuals, organizations and businesses to sponsor their own Peace Pole.

The poles can be planted outside or on a stand for placement inside a building. The poles are handcrafted to the buyers’ requirements, and it is suggested that a dedication ceremony be held to unveil each pole. The Wellington Rotary Club will provide all of the information regarding the purchase of

the pole and guidelines for the dedication ceremony.

The more Peace Poles in the community, the more significance there will be to annual event marking U.N. World Peace Day, held each year on Sept. 21. The Wellington Rotary Club hopes such observances will see members of families, clubs, churches, companies and other organizations taking a few moments to join together at their Peace Pole to wish for peace and understanding throughout the world. The poles would also stand throughout the year as a reminder of that commitment.

For details regarding all aspects of the purchase of a peace pole, contact Wellington Rotary Peace Pole Planting Initiative Chair Karen Hardin at (561) 333-8709 or kjhsedona@aol.com.

Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Gallery To Host ‘Art Rocks’ Aug. 6

Handmade drums on display at the Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery for its Aug. 6 event titled “Art Rocks.”

“Art Rocks,” an exploration of the many ways music and the visual arts intertwine, will be featured at the Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery in downtown Lake Worth. The event will take place on Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be on display Aug. 6-20.

Musical instruments were among the earliest works of art within primitive groups. The oldest-known musical instrument, a decorative flute, was recently excavated. Drums are among the most primitive and sophisticated forms of early musical expression. To this end, drums have become the theme of the evening, with handmade drums on display in the gallery.

The gallery has invited local drummers to come and play. Additionally, all attendees at the Aug. 6

event are invited to pick up a drum and create their own music.

The artists of Clay-Glass-MetalStone Cooperative Gallery have celebrated the music and harmony of the planet through each of the mediums used within the gallery. Many of the artists work while listening music and use musical forms and metaphors in their creations. Music inspires the mind, hands and body.

Visitors to the opening are invited to bring their own drums to play or acquire one of the many drums for sale, created by Betty Wilson. Gallery artists will be on hand to encourage all visitors to participate in the fun and enjoy the rhythmic waves and beats. Attendees are welcome to use any open space in the gallery for dancing to the music.

This is also the weekend of the great Lake Worth-It concert at Bry-

ant Park. On Aug. 7, Bryant Park will explode with the music of local area bands as well as an appearance by national indie-rock band Of Montreal. The night of Friday, Aug. 6 will feature previews of this inaugural event with musicians throughout the community. The gallery welcomes everyone’s participation in creating art and music. Like previous openings at the gallery, a wine and cheese tasting will take place.

The Clay-Glass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 605 Lake Avenue. Gallery openings are held the first and third Fridays of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. For more info., call (215) 205-9441.

Subscription Tickets On Sale For P.B. Pops’ Upcoming Season

Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops, known for their signature concerts themed around music from the Great American Songbook and special guest artists, have big plans for the group’s 19th concert season for 2010-11. Subscription tickets are now on sale at the Pops’ box office. Music director and conductor Lappin leads the orchestra into a thrilling season with six hotly anticipated concert series starting Nov. 1. Concert venues include the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and the Palm Beach State College Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens.

• Let It Be… The Beatles — The opening night concert features a

tribute to the Beatles with guest artists the Nylons, a four-member a capella group best known for their hits “Kiss Him Goodbye,” “Chain Gang” and “Happy Together” from their seven gold and platinum recordings. Billboard magazine calls this group “one of the few groups to bring dominant vocal harmony to the American charts.” Along with original orchestrations from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Lappin takes the audience on a musical journey of all-time Beatles favorites such as “Yesterday,”

“Eleanor Rigby,” “Hey Jude,” “All You Need Is Love” and more. The performance schedule is as follows: Nov. 1-3 at 8 p.m. at FAU; Nov. 56 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center; and Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre.

WARPED TOUR JULY 24 AT CRUZAN AMPHITHEATRE

The Vans Warped Tour will return on Saturday, July 24 to the Cruzan Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Among the performers are the Conditions (shown above), who will be performing on the Ernie Ball stage. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.vanswarped tour.com for more information.

• The Best of Broadway — Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops’ annual Broadway concert has become one of the most popular traditions in South Florida, beloved by fans everywhere. The Pops will present a collection of magnificent music from a variety of popular musicals by the top composers, featuring Broadway’s brightest singing stars. The performance schedule is as follows: Nov. 29-30 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center; Dec. 1, 3 and 5 at 8 p.m. at FAU; and Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre.

• The Streisand Songbook

The concert celebrates the music of Barbra Streisand, one of today’s greatest living legends, spanning her entire career. It will feature timeless songs like “Evergreen” and “The Way We Were” as well as the music from Hello, Dolly!, Funny Girl and Yentl, and introducing a special guest singer. The performance schedule is as follows: Jan. 4-6 at 8 p.m. at FAU; Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre; and Jan. 10-11 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center.

• An Evening of Rodgers and Hart — An internationally acclaimed singer and guitarist for over 25 years, guest artist John Pizzarelli puts his own spin on the lighthearted songs written by the dynamic duo of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Rodgers and Hart are remembered for their artistic collaborations on 28 stage musicals and over 500 songs, including “It’s Easy to Remember” from the 1935 film Mississippi, “The Lady is a Tramp” from Babes in Arms, as well as classics “With a Song in My Heart,” “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” and “My Funny Valentine.” Joining Pizzarelli for the sizzling evening of song will be his brother Martin Pizzarelli on bass, Larry

Fuller on piano and Tony Tedesco on drums. The performance schedule is as follows: Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre; Feb. 9-10 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center; and Feb. 11, 12 and 14 at 8 p.m. at FAU.

• Celebrating the Great Sammy Davis Jr. — An overwhelming audience favorite, superstar Vegas entertainer Clint Holmes returns to honor one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Sammy Davis Jr., along with other nostalgic favorites. Holmes was the buzz around town this past February when he made his debut with Lappin and the Pops in a concert that received rave reviews and critical acclaim. The performance schedule is as follows: March 9, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at FAU; March 13 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre; and March 14-15 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center.

• The Music of Billy Joel and More — Handpicked by legend Billy Joel himself to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out as the original lead of the captivating

“Piano Man,” Tony- and Grammynominated Michael Cavanaugh has been entertaining audiences worldwide to rave reviews ever since. Cavanaugh performs Joel’s hits such as “Just the Way You Are,” “Piano Man” and “New York State of Mind,” as well as other legends for an amazing concert, sure to close out the season on a high note. The performance schedule is as follows: April 4-5 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center; April 7-9 at 8 p.m. at FAU; and April 10 at 8 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre.

Subscriptions to a series of six concerts for the 2010-11 season are on sale now, ranging from $125 to $495. Subscriptions may be purchased by visiting the Palm Beach Pops box office at 500 S. Australian Ave., Suite 100, West Palm Beach or by calling (561) 832-7677. Single tickets will be available to the general public beginning Aug. 1 and are priced from $29 to $89. For more info., visit www.palmbeach pops.org/season.

Bob Lappin leads the Palm Beach Pops in a performance.

Tae Kwon Do Offers Physical, Mental Benefits For Adults

By Gustavo Pope Special to the Town-Crier

For adults and young adults, tae kwon do is a way to refuel, recharge and remember the value of keeping one’s body fit, keeping the mind focused and the spirit strong.

The benefits of tae kwon do training for adults are numerous. Besides learning an ancient martial art and its traditions, tae kwon do classes will help improve your cardiovascular health, increase your metabolism and build much-needed muscle. Your body will become more toned, and your muscles stronger and more flexible.

Learning tae kwon do helps you feel safe and confident in today’s society. Tae kwon do is an excellent form of stress management. Getting in shape and feeling good offers a balance to our often busy and demanding lives. Tae kwon do will improve the quality of your life by teaching you valuable life and success skills such as mental focus, self control and life balance.

In addition, your self confidence will improve; you’ll be encouraged to push yourself further than you thought possible. This confidence will translate to all aspects of life: work, personal and other activities. See for yourself how tae kwon do can have a positive impact on your life!

In our adults classes, students are required to be mentally engaged. This keeps your training fresh and mentally stimulating, and leaves you ready to face the challenges of a full life

and the challenges of their martial arts journey. Our classes are physically challenging and are designed to increase applied strength, flexibility and endurance. We do this in a safe and non-embarrassing environment so that you can achieve your personal fitness goals.

Adult tae kwon do students are known for having a strong and resolute spirit. By overcoming the challenges in what the martial arts have to offer, you will feel as though you can accomplish anything. Improve your strength, flexibility and overall health!

Our classes at Xtreme Tae Kwon Do are designed to be positive and inspirational. We’ll keep you motivated and thinking about progress and positive, worthwhile goals. Our passionate, professional instructors are success-oriented and will help bring out the best in you. You can expect to go home from class feeling refreshed and renewed, with more vigor and enthusiasm for life. Come and give us a try — you won’t regret it.

Grandmaster Gustavo Pope

Grandmaster Gustavo Pope is director of tae kwon do at Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do. He is a seventh-degree black belt. Ultima is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultima fitness.com.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

New Web Site Made For Equestrians PALMS WEST CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTING FOR ADVANCED BREAST CARE

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Advanced Breast Care of the Palm Beaches in Wellington. Dr. Kathleen E. Minnick has opened her new office located at 12160 South Shore Blvd., Suite 103, in Wellington. Advanced Breast Care of the Palm Beaches specializes in the care of benign and malignant breast disease. Minnick is board certified and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. For more information about the services provided by Advanced Breast Care of the Palm Beaches, call (561) 798-7494 or visit www.breastabc.com. Pictured above are Minnick and her staff with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

A new web site for the equestrian community has launched recently at www.wellingtonequestrian classifieds.com. It fills a niche in a horseman’s lifestyle by combining the flexibility of Craig’s List and similar forums from other sites with fresh ideas that create easy access to levels of news, services and equine information for little or no money.

“My friends are constantly on Facebook and Craig’s List,” said site owner Marisa MacMahon, a

lifelong horsewoman. “I wanted to create an active, online presence where equestrians in Wellington, Palm Beach County and South Florida can easily shop, sell, stay informed and communicate openly.”

MacMahon, who graduated from the University of Miami with a communications degree, said the site is positioned to become the go-to resource for busy equestrians. “I’ve had a horse for sale and a house for sale for the last four years and thought the site would save money

on advertising,” MacMahon said.

Work on the site began in May with help from Harrison Morgan Design and Boland Consulting Inc. and went live July 7. The home page banner is a scene from a Wellington horse show and provided by artist Heidi Osgood-Metcalf, who was commissioned to create the 2005 National Horse Show poster.

Visit the site to explore advertiser options, services, forums and how it complements a horseman’s lifestyle.

CAFCI To Host Business Expo Aug. 21

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement Inc. (CAFCI) will host its 15th annual business expo on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

This event allows local businesses to showcase their products and services, with a focus on those from the western communities. This year’s theme is “Business Survival in Challenging Times.”

Scheduled expo speakers include representatives from local banks who will offer assistance to local businesses and a representative from the Small Business Adminis-

tration who will share resources that they offer.

The event offers several opportunities for businesses. Some of the many benefits of participating include:

• Securing new business contacts

• Developing prospect database

• Providing hands-on exposure to products and services

• Building brand awareness

• One-on-one business networking

• Recruiting new distributors

• Networking with the business community

• Gaining customer feedback

• Business card exchange

Other activities include food sampling and a raffle. The family event will also feature games, face painting and various activities for children.

CAFCI’s 15th annual business expo will take place from 1 to 5:30 p.m. The cost to rent a table is $50 for CAFCI members and $75 for non-members. Sponsorships are also available.

The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center is located at 151 Civic Center Way. For more information, or to purchase a table, call (561) 7911618 or (561) 315-3598.

New Children’s Care Facility Opens On Southern Blvd.

Miami Children’s Hospital, South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, has announced that the first Miami Children’s Hospital Nicklaus Care Center has opened in Palm Beach County. The stand-alone clinic is located in Palms West Medical Office Building III at 12989 Southern Blvd., Suite 203 in Loxahatchee Groves.

“Thanks to the support of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, Miami Children’s Hospital now gives a new option to Palm Beach County area families with children who require pediatric specialty care,” said Dr. M. Narendra Kini, president and CEO of Miami Children’s Hospital. “Managing life during treatment far from home puts a strain on parents and children. We are hopeful that the Loxahatchee clinic will enhance access to MCH services while alleviating the need of having to travel to multiple medical appointments throughout South Florida.”

The following Miami Children’s Hospital specialists will have appointments available at the Nicklaus Care Center:

• Dr. Chad Perlyn is a craniofacial specialist who provides comprehensive care and management

for infants, children and young adults with congenital and acquired craniofacial disorders, including but not limited to cleft lip/palate, skin lesions and vascular malformations.

• Dr. Alejandro Diaz is an endocrinologist who treats infants, children and adolescents with endocrine disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia, obesity and thyroid disorders.

• Dr. Alisa Muniz Crim is a gastroenterologist who diagnoses and treats a wide variety of problems, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, recurrent/persistent abdominal pain and Celiac disease.

• Dr. Mark Epstein is a neurologist who diagnoses, evaluates and treats cerebral palsy, epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, pervasive development disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and mental retardation.

• Dr. Harry Shufflebarger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who diagnoses and treats scoliosis and spinal disorders. Shufflebarger also serves as the director of the Division of Pediatric Spinal Surgery at the main MCH campus.

“We are honored to welcome these wonderful physicians to Palm Beach County,” said Barbara Nicklaus, chair of the Nicklaus Chil-

dren’s Health Care Foundation Board of Directors. “The new Nicklaus Care Center provides a nice platform for our foundation to further expand its impact and advance the healthcare needs of children.”

The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation mission is to provide support for activities that advance and enhance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases and disorders.

“It is very gratifying for our family and foundation supporters to see a vision turn into reality,” said Jack Nicklaus, honorary chairman of the foundation’s board. “We look at this center as more than just a doctor’s office. It is an important tool for parents to have in their tool boxes as they navigate the needs of children who require specialized care. We are pleased to team with Miami Children’s Hospital and look forward to continuing to help kids in the communities where our family lives and works.”

Appointments are now available for children who have special medical needs and require care from pediatric craniofacial, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology and orthopedic specialists. For additional information, or to request an appointment, call (561) 383-7113 or

visit www.mchnicklauscarecenters. com.

The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation focused on providing charitable support to organizations and initiatives designed to prevent of childhood diseases and disorders.

The foundation also supports notfor-profit programs and projects aimed at pediatric healthcare and health-related services. In addition, the foundation supports not-forprofit programs and projects aimed at children’s health, safety and wellbeing. For more information, visit www.nchcf.org.

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus with Dr. M. Narendra Kini in one of the treatment rooms at the new facility on Southern Blvd.

Wellington Hosts Regional Red Cross Lifeguard Competition

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington’s lifeguards took second place in the fifth annual American Red Cross lifeguard competition held Sunday, July 18 at the newly renovated Wellington Aquatic Complex.

Five teams from South Florida demonstrated their physical skills, knowledge and quick thinking in a series of competitions to showcase their abilities as professional lifeguards. The activities challenged them to assess a situation and react.

“The competition not only brings together professionals so they can network, but also serves to keep their skills very proficient,” said Linda Olson, director of safety education for the Red Cross. “It is also a way to demonstrate to the public what is involved as a professional lifeguard.”

Each team took part in a series of competitions, some mimicking reallife scenarios and some to test the teams’ strength and quick-thinking skills. Each team had to make a deep-water rescue, assess a spinal injury, help the victim of a seizure, and perform first aid on a patient while a parent hovers.

“In situations where there is an emergency, the lifeguards may not have time to plan,” Olson said. “Each year we try to provide something a little different, a twist that takes into consideration different signs that they may not have seen before in a real situation.”

Additionally, the teams battled in tug-of-war, a brick relay and an Ironguard competition where each competitor had to swim two laps, rescue a dummy, drag it across the pool deck and then perform CPR.

Wellington took first place in three events: the spinal injury res-

cue, the passive submerged victim rescue and tug-of-war.

They were edged out of winning the competition overall by Boca Raton. Third place went to the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA of Boynton Beach.

“The competition was excellent,” Olson said. “As always, it’s a healthy competition, but it really comes down to that they are there to win.”

Olson said that the competition also was meant to show the public the important role lifeguards play.

“We want to educate the public on how important it is to swim and enjoy the water around supervised areas,” she said. “It’s important that parents and individuals recognize water safety. We don’t get into it during the lifeguard competition, but another important aspect is for children to always have parental supervision in a backyard pool.”

PHOTOS

Chris Degler of Wellington rescues a “drowning” Travis Smith.

George Klein of Wellington performs CPR on a dummy as part of the Ironguard competition.

Larissa Gaines of the DeVosBlum Family YMCA of Boynton Beach jumps in to “save” a drowning victim.

George Klein, Justin Heinrichs and Chris Degler, all of Wellington, practice CPR on a dummy.

Team Boca Raton takes home the winning plaque.

Karly Rudy and Melissa Jones of the YMCA team put Travis Smith on a board.

The Wellington team pulls in tug-of-war.

CATS Gymnasts Compete At Lynn University

The gymnastic team from CATS of Wellington recently competed in the AAU National Championships at Lynn University in Boca Raton.

In Level 2, Michela Frozini scored a 9.8 on beam, a 9.7 on vault, a 9.450 on bars and a 9.3 on floor. Angela Lares scored a 9.5 on beam, a 9.4 on vault, a 9.4 on bars and a 9.4 on floor. Alexis Merritt scored a 9.7 on vault, a 9.65 on beam and a 9.450 on bars. Alexa Alvarez scored a 9.8 on beam, a 9.3 on vault, and a 9.1 on floor. Arabella Campbell scored a 9.8 on vault, a 9.3 on bars and a 9.150 on beam. Alexandra Lares scored a 9.6 on bars, a 9.550 on beam and a 9.5 on vault.

Stephanie Katz scored a 9.750 on vault and a 9.3 on beam.

In Level 3, Elia Aird scored a 9.650 on bars to earn third place, a 9.150 on vault, a 9.0 on beam and a 9.0 on floor. Renaya Lindsay scored a 9.5 on bars, a 9.5 on beam and a 9.1 on vault. Carlene Powers scored a 9.65 on bars, a 9.4 on beam and a 9.1 on floor. Faith Campagnuolo scored a 9.2 on floor, a 9.2 on vault, a 9.2 on beam and a 9.1 on bars. Sidney Glaubrecht scored a 9.4 on bars, a 9.3 on beam and a 9.150 on vault. Bianca Sileo scored a 9.350 on beam, a 9.350 on bars and a

9.250 on vault. Samantha Baez scored a 9.4 on bars to earn third place, a 9.350 on beam and a 9.150 on vault. Kinsey Cribs scored a 9.350 on beam, a 9.2 on bars and a 9.050 on vault. Jordyn Maybrown scored a 9.1 on vault and an 8.9 on bars.

In Level 4, Isabella Padilla scored a 9.625 on beam to earn third place, a 9.550 on floor for first place, a 9.250 on bars for second place and a 9.250 on vault for second place all around. Sophia Ringvald scored a 9.525 on vault to take second place, a 9.025 on bars, a 9.025 on beam and a 9.0 on floor. Gabriella Hernandez scored a 9.4 on vault to take third place, a 9.15 on beam and a 9.1 on bars. Alexia Moraes scored a 9.225 on bars, a 9.075 on beam and a 9.0 on floor. Mia Frozini scored a 9.3 on vault. Together, the team won the fourth-place team trophy.

Last Week Of Basketball Camp In RPB

The final session of summer basketball camp at Royal Palm Beach High School will be held the week of July 26-29. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day inside the school’s gymnasium.

The camp is run through the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. To register, call the rec center at (561) 791-5000.

Register For Women’s Softball In West Palm

The Greater Palm Beaches Gumbo Limbo League is offering a slowpitch women’s softball program for women living in the greater West Palm Beach area.

In Level 5, Rayven Glaubrecht scored a 9.0 on vault to take third place, a 9.425 on beam for second place, and a 9.425 on floor for first place and earning first place all around. Michela Arbocco scored a 9.2 on bars to win first place, a 9.175 on beam, an 8.950 on floor for second place, as well as second place all around. Angella Chandler scored a 9.150 on bars to take second place and an 8.625 on vault.

In Level 7, Vanessa Vergara scored an 8.75 on floor to take fifth place and an 8.4 on vault.

The CATS gymnastic team is coached by Margarita Martinez, Felipe Restrepo and Mario Restrepo. For additional information, or to learn how to become a member of this award-winning team, call (561) 795-3393 or visit the CATS Gymnastics web site at www.cats gymnastics.com.

Games will be played this fall on Sundays at Howard Park in West Palm Beach. Howard Park is located at 1302 Parker Avenue (south of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Okeechobee Blvd.).

Registration for the fall season is now open to place players and register teams. For fall league program requirements and sponsor package information, e-mail softballgalhere @aol.com or call (561) 758-8082.

The CATS girls and their coaches pose with their trophies and medals after competing at Lynn University in Boca Raton.

TNT Gymnastics Team Wins At AAU Championships

Gymnasts from TNT Gymnastics Center in Wellington competed in the AAU Championships held May 22-23 at Lynn University in Boca Raton. TNT Gymnasts earned numerous medals and trophies at the event.

TNT competitors and their scores are as follows: Victoria Hayes, Level 2 (35.950 all around); Eden Cirillo, Level 2 (36.5 all around); Catherine Boynton, Level 2 (37.6 all around); Molly Lasko, Level 3 (36.850 all around, fourth place); Nicole Hirsch, Level 3 (37.750 all around, third place; second place on beam); Gracie VanNess, Level 3 (36.750 all around, seventh place); Skylar VanNess, Level 3 (37.5 all around, second place; second place on bars); Emma Romano, Level 3 (36.9 all around, fifth place; third place on beam); Carly Banister, Level 3 (35.850 all around, 13th place); Amber Birt, Level 3 (36.150 all around, 12th place); Nicole Giordano, Level 3 (35.0 all

around, 15th place); Kailan Brown, Level 4 (34.675 all around, 11th place); Amy Damante, Level 5 (35.8 all around, eighth place); Daisy Coates, Level 5 (31.375 all around, 15th place); Misha McKelvey, Level 5 (31.875 all around, 14th place); Emma Rigolo, Level 5 (32.375 all around, 12th place); Nicole Fitos, Level 7

(32.225 all around); and Cayla Amatulli, Modified Optional (33.450 all around, eighth place).

The TNT gymnastics team is coached by Percy Price, Tina Tyska and Laura Ealy. The team is now in its new location at 3120 Fairlane Farms Road. For more information about TNT’s program, call (561) 383-8681.

American Legion Post 367 17-U Team Finishes Second

After ending the regular season in second place, the American Legion Post 367 17-U baseball team finished the district tournament in second place.

The team is based in Royal Palm Beach.

After losing their first game and dropping into the losers bracket, the American Legion Post 367 team came together and won the next four games they played, with the 10-run rule being implemented in three of the four wins.

These wins led the team to the district championship game held Saturday, July 17 in Delray Beach.

The American Legion Post 367 team finished second, which qualified the team for state competition to be held in Bradenton starting July 23.

The team’s strong pitching by Robbie Pettet, Zach Lawrence, Trent Bellamy, Alberto Hernandez and Giovanni Marcello, and catching

by Jason Moore, overpowered Wellington, Santaluces, Jupiter and Spanish River, which led to the four victories.

Phenomenal plays were made during the tournament by infielders Robert Henderson, Austin Hernandez, Rob-

bie Pettet, Caleb Hitchcock and Zach Lawrence.

Game-saving catches were made by outfielders Jacob Rhemer, Tyler Boccanfuso, John Garcia, Alberto Hernandez, Trent Bellamy and led by center fielder Mike Roy.

(Front row, L-R) Austin Hernandez, Tyler Boccanfuso, Jacob Rhemer, Mike Roy and Alberto Hernandez; (back row) Coach Walter Lawrence, Jason Moore, Caleb Hitchcock, Robbie Pettet, John Garcia, Trent Bellamy, Zach Lawrence and Manager Robert Pettet.

TNT team members with their trophies.

• ACADEMY FOR CHILD ENRICHMENT — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free VPK. Infants through after school day and night care, 6:30 a.m.midnight, Monday through Friday. Meals included. Se habla Español. Special rates for fall registration. Visit www.smallworldpbc.com for more info. The academy is located at 700 Camellia Dr., RPB. Phone: (561) 798-3458. Fax: (561) 793-6995.

• ALL-STAR KIDS — Every parent wants a safe, clean and caring childcare center for their child. At All-Star Kids, they address all of your child’s needs in a fun and loving environment. Small classes with caring, certified teachers, giving your child the attention they need to be successful. The children are exposed to a wide range of experiences to foster an excellent learning environment. All-Star Kids offers programs for children six weeks old to pre-K as well as after school. Visit All-Star Kids to see this wonderful school in action — they would love to meet you and your child! All-Star Kids is located at 14390 Orange Blvd., Loxahatchee. For more info., call (561) 792-5440.

• LOXAHATCHEE COUNTRY PRESCHOOL — Loxahatchee Country Preschool at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. has been serving the area for over 20 years. It is Apple and Gold Seal accredited. Owners Anita and Frank Rizzo purchased the school in 1998. They introduced educational diversity into the curriculum. The school tuition includes Spanish lessons, gymnastics, computer and swimming lessons. Their method of self-paced discovery recognizes that all children do not mature and develop at the same rate. They strive to achieve a feeling of selfesteem through personal discovery and accomplishment. The non-sectarian philosophy promotes social development through understanding diversity and appreciation of cultural differences. Snacks are included in the tuition price. For more info., call (561) 790-1780.

• MOVEMENT ARTS DANCE ACADEMY — Movement Arts will be holding two auditions for their new dance company. The auditions will be on Saturday, July 17 with an additional audition on Saturday, Aug. 21. The company will be for students ages 6 and up who are interested in competing and performing at local events. The studio is also currently accepting registration for the 2010-11 school year. Movement Arts offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hiphop, baton twirling, boys-only classes, and more for students age 2 through adult. For more information on auditions or classes, call the studio at (561) 792-9757. More information about the studio can be found at www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.

• NOAH’S ARK — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free VPK. Low rates and special registration for fall. They offer care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

• SACRED HEART SCHOOL — Sacred Heart is committed to cultivating the intellectual, creative, social, moral and spiritual needs of each student. They provide students with an environment that will challenge and encourage them to reach their potential, preparing them for the competitive nature of the world. Sacred Heart’s basketball, soccer and softball teams consistently rank in the top three in the league; the marching, concert and jazz bands have taken top honors locally and in statewide competitions; their Odyssey of the Mind teams have placed in the top five at the state level. Sacred Heart School will prepare your child for life… with love! For more info., call (561) 582-2242 or visit www.sacredheartschoollakeworth.com.

• ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL — St. David’s is a small Christian school located at the northwest corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Their mission is to minister to each child and family by providing an environment of love, security, belonging and learning. They are committed to low student-teacher ratios (kindergarten and first grade never have more than 12 students per teacher). A combination of the A Beka and Creative curriculum is used for all students ages 2½ through first grade. The combined curriculum allows for teaming through student play and exploration, along with the use of workbooks and teacher-guided activities. Visit www.stdavidsepiscopal.com or call (561) 793-1272 for more info.

• TEMPLE BETH TORAH PRESCHOOL — A quality educational foundation is the basis for future academic success. If your child is between 15 months and kindergarten, Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is Wellington’s oldest and most respected preschool. Your child will enjoy a variety of activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include reading and writing skills, computation skills, gymnastics, computers, foreign language, and art and music appreciation. The school also features a state-of-the-art playground. All of this is available in a secure, loving and nurturing environment. Gold Seal, NAEYC-accredited program with full-time and part-time programs. Now enrolling for preschool 2010-11. VPK is available. For more info., contact Sandy at (561) 7932649 or psdirector@templebethtorah.net.

• TEMPLE BETH ZION PRESCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL — At Temple Beth Zion’s preschool, children of all faiths learn and play together in a loving, nurturing learning environment. The school is Apple accredited school using the Creative Curriculum program. The school is accepting applications for ages 2 through 5. They offer free VPK classes that have no hidden fees or required extra hours. Ask about the “Mommy & Me” program. “My First Jewish Experience” and “More Jewish Experience” (ages 5-6 & 6-7) is a fun Montessori-style experience including art, music, holidays, prayers and customs. For more information, call (561) 798-3737 (preschool) or (561) 798-8888. Visit www.templebethzion.net for details.

• THE KING’S ACADEMY — The King’s Academy is a private, non-profit, college-preparatory, interdenominational Christian school. Located on a beautiful 60-acre campus, the school community consists of grades K-4 through 12. The academic program is designed to challenge motivated students of good moral character who are in the middle to upper range of academic ability. Honors and Advanced Placement classes are available for all students in preparing for college-level work. Students may participate in a multitude of clubs, athletic and fine arts programs. For more information, visit www.TKA.net or call (561) 686-4244, ext. 335.

• THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM — The South Florida Science Museum reaches more than 55,000 students each year through educational programs at the museum and outreach to local schools. Programs explore all fields of science and are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards. These programs are adapted to reach students in many different learning environments, including public and private schools, out-of-school time, scout troops and other community organizations. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.

• WELLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — Established in 1981, Wellington Christian School is celebrating 30 years of educational excellence. WCS offers preschool through high school (PK3-12th grade). Wellington Christian School’s award-winning curriculum has set the path for students to be successful with 98 percent of graduates attending colleges and universities all over the country. The mission of Wellington Christian School is to impact the world by educating students in a Christ-centered, loving atmosphere that pursues spiritual and academic excellence. WCS is accredited by SACS and CSF and provides a low faculty-to-student ratio, a college preparatory academic program, interscholastic and intramural athletics, and fine arts programs. Call (561) 793-1017 or visit www.wellingtonchristian.org for more info.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, July 24

• The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center (7500 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host “Wellington Classic Dressage in the Tropics” in the covered arena on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25. Visit www.wellingtonclassic dressage.com for more info.

• South Florida Kids Consignment will continue Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25 at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). For more info., visit www.southfloridakidsconsignment.com.

• A Gigantic Garage Sale will be held Saturday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo East (9067 Southern Blvd.). More than 80 vendors will be hand offering a variety of garage sale and novelty items. Admission for buyers is $2 at the gate. Visit www.southfloridafair. com for more info.

• The South Florida Science Museum (4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach) will host the second annual “Green, Health & Wellness Expo” on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The expo features fun and educational activities for the whole family. Call (561) 370-7724 or visit www.sfsm.org for more info.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Touch Tank Class for ages 5 and older on Saturday, July 24 at 11 a.m. Learn about the nature center’s underwater creatures such as starfish, horseshoe crabs and urchins. Call (561) 233-1400 to RSVP.

• The West Palm Beach Public Library (411 Clematis Street) will feature “Didgeridoo Down Under” on Saturday, July 24 at 2 p.m. for elementary school-age children. Join in for music, art, puppetry, global awareness and the comedy of Australia. There is no charge. Call (561) 868-7703 or visit www.mycitylibrary.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a meeting of the Teen Advisory Posse on Saturday, July 24 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Find out what’s coming up and share your ideas for future teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Beastly Book Discussion” on Saturday, July 24 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Discuss Alex Flinn’s modern take on the story of Beauty and the Beast. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Vans Warped Tour will arrive at the Cruzan Amphitheater at South Florida Fair-

grounds on Saturday, July 24. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.vanswarpedtour. com for more info.

Sunday, July 25

• Palms West Presbyterian Church (13839 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will host Vacation Bible School July 25-30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be five nights of classes, and the sixth night will be a family potluck dinner and program night. The theme this year is “Galactic Blast,” a cosmic adventure praising God. For more info., call Candi McLeod at (561) 635-0740 or e-mail rgm427bb@aol.com.

Monday, July 26

• Former NFL stars Lorenzo Hampton, Mark “Super” Duper, Keith Byars and others will host a Youth Football Camp to teach the fundamentals to players ages 7 to 14. The week of training will begin Monday, July 26 and run through Friday, July 30 at Mirasol Park in Palm Beach Gardens. To register for the camp, call (678) 773-1160.

• The Loggerhead Marinelife Center at Loggerhead Oceanfront Park (14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach) will hold Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp Monday through Friday, July 26-30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children in grades two through eight. Discover the biology, habitats and threats of the different species of sea turtles in Florida. Also learn about conservation efforts and what can be done to help save sea turtles. Call (561) 627-8280 or visit www.marinelife.org for more info.

Tuesday, July 27

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Let’s Make Music” on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. for ages 2 to 5. Music lovers will gather to dance, sing and move to the beat of their favorite songs. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bookmaking II: Key Chain & Cookie Cutter” on Tuesday, July 27 at 4 p.m. for age 10 and up. Make a book to carry with you wherever you go. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” on Tuesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, July 28

• Smiles by Jiveh (11989 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach) will host a Community Dental Seminar on Wednesday, July 28

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 42 from noon to 2 p.m. A broad range of dental solutions will be discussed including implants, denture-retained implants, computer-guided implants, whitening and veneers. Space will be limited and reservations are recommended. Call (561) 798-9997 or visit www.smilesbyjiveh.com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Bicycle Safety & Maintenance Class on Wednesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. for adults. Bret Baronak from the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization will talk about bicycle safety and demonstrate basic maintenance. Bicycles, equipment, apparel and accessories will be on display. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Club Science” on Wednesday, July 28 at 2:30 p.m. for ages 9 to 12. Learn what kind of minerals are in the ocean and try saltwater experiments. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse will host Barrel and Western Events on Wednesday, July 28 from 5 to 11 p.m. in the arena at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center (7500 Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., visit www.pbcposse.com or call (561) 333-3857.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After-Hours Mixer on Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Massage Envy (11021 Southern Blvd., Suite 160, Royal Palm Beach). RSVP to Scott Brown at (561) 790-6200.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an Open Mic Night on Wednesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. Perform poetry, short prose, an essay or dance, play an instrument or sing for an audience of all ages. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Thursday, July 29

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Make a Splash” with animals from the Green Cay Wetlands on Thursday, July 29 at 3 p.m. for ages 4 and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host an After-Hours Scavenger Hunt on Thursday, July 29 at 6 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Explore the library after hours, eat pizza and win prizes. The program will be open only to teens who have completed the Summer Reading Program. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Friday, July 30

• The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County is sponsoring Project Connect on Friday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Salvation Army West Palm Beach Corps (2122 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.). Project Connect provides a wide range of services to homeless individuals, families and those at eminent risk of becoming homeless. For more info., call (561) 478-5351 or visit www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org.

• The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum and Learning Center (129 East Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach) will present “Fun With Food: Ice Cream” on Friday, July 30 at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. The charge is $2.50 for non-members and $2.25 for members in addition to museum admission. Call (561) 742-6782 or visit www. schoolhousemuseum.org for more information.

• The Links at Madison Green (2001 Crestwood Blvd. N., Royal Palm Beach) will host a Golf Tournament for South Florida Law Enforcement Agencies on Friday, July 30. There will be a $500 giveaway for low team score team as well as $500 to the agency that enters the most players. Registration begins at noon with a shotgun teeoff at 1 p.m. The cost is $60, which includes entry into all events, 18 holes of golf, golf cart, dinner and prizes. Call tournament coordinator Eric Kaplan at (954) 319-6282 for more info.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present Seussical Jr. Friday and Saturday, July 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. featuring students in grades three through five. Call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more info.

• The Dave Matthews Band will perform on Friday and Saturday, July 30 and 31 at Cruzan Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Call (561) 795-8883 for more info.

Saturday, July 31

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature “Jurassic Peek” for all ages on Saturday, July 31 at 11 a.m. Meet Florida reptiles and amphibians up close. The cost is $3. Call (561) 2331400 to RSVP.

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

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Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 07-23-10

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MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580.

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY

WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

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

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600 JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.