Town-Crier Newspaper June 1, 2012

LGLA HOSTS LGWCD CANDIDATES FORUM SEE STORY, PAGE 3

ITID PLANS TO TEST FLASHING STOP SIGNS SEE STORY, PAGE 4

THE

TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE Wellington Puts Focus On ‘Green’ Initiatives

Volume 33, Number 22 June 1 - June 7, 2012

Lt. Combs: High-Profile Incidents Mask Low Crime Rate In Groves

In an update on law enforcement at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting last week, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 15 commander Lt. David Combs noted that several incidents had interrupted the normally quiet atmosphere of Loxahatchee Groves recently.

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Wellington joined American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 to honor fallen veterans with its Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 28. Shown above, American Legion members march in the parade. Royal Palm Beach held its Memorial Day observance Monday at Veterans Park.

Shown left are Major General Wayne Jackson and Sgt. Wayne Jackson Jr. with a wreath.

MORE WELLINGTON PHOTOS, PAGE 5 MORE ROYAL PALM PHOTOS, PAGE 9

Rotary Members Visit RPBES To Promote Drowning Prevention

Whole Foods Market Cookout Benefits FSO

Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted the “Support Our Troops Cookout” on Sunday, May 27 to support Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. Page 13

OPINION Make Your Storm Preparations Now

This Friday marks the start of the 2012 hurricane season, and this summer marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew’s devastation. Besides showing us what a strong hurricane can do to our region, Andrew also showed us that a lifechanging disaster can occur at any time. That is why the time to prepare is now — not when a storm is on the way. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 SCHOOLS .....................14 - 15 PEOPLE ........................ 16 - 17 NEWS BRIEFS..................... 19 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 BUSINESS .................... 25 - 27 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 29 CAMPS .........................32 - 33 SPORTS ........................ 35 - 37 CALENDAR ...................38 - 39 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 40 - 44 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Two ITID Seats Up For Vote This Year

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

Wellington showed off its efforts to become a more environmentally conscious and economical government as part of the “100 Cities Summit” last month at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Tom Amburgey, Wellington’s chief information off icer, led the presentation.

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Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club members visited Royal Palm Beach Elementary School on Wednesday, May 23 to promote drowning prevention. The Rotarians gave out a book with a CD and coloring book featuring Josh the Otter. Page 12

Serving Palms West Since 1980

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ AND DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Crime Down, But Burglaries Are Up In Royal Palm Beach

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Crime is down overall in Royal Palm Beach, although burglaries were up in 2011, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Paul Miles, who gave his annual report to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council on May 17.

“Overall, I’m happy to say the Village of Royal Palm Beach has had a 6.8 percent decrease in crime in 2011,” said Miles, commander of the PBSO’s District 9 substation.

District 9, which covers Royal Palm Beach, had 1,093 criminal reports in 2011, compared with 1,173 for 2010, a decrease of 80 incidents.

The village had two homicides in 2011, up from none in 2010. In August, a 24-year-old man was

shot and killed behind a bank by a resident who has been charged with murder, Miles said. In December, a resident shot and killed a perpetrator attempting to steal a motorcycle. The state attorney’s office determined that incident to be a justifiable homicide, Miles said.

There were eight forcible rapes in 2011, down from 14 in 2010.

There were 70 aggravated assaults in 2011, down from 75 in 2010; and 199 burglaries, up from 174 in 2010.

There were 731 larcenies in 2011, down from 826 in 2010; and 69 auto thefts, up from 62 in 2010.

Larcenies made up 66 percent of the total crime incidents, with shoplifting responsible for 34 percent of all reported theft incidents.

However, shoplifting decreased 16.5 percent from 266 incidents in

2010 to 222 in 2011, Miles said.

There were 14 robberies in 2011, way down from a high of 43 in 2007, Miles said. “These are usually crimes of opportunity; however, we did three arrests in these cases,” he said. “Overall, robberies were down 36.3 percent compared to 2010.”

Of the total robbery cases, seven were highway, four were commercial, one was a gas station and two were residential.

Overall, there was an 11.9 percent reduction in all thefts in 2011.

“We had 25 more burglary incidents this past year as the preceding year,” Miles said. “Burglaries continue to be the biggest challenge in the village.”

Traffic enforcement was up last year, with District 9 deputies writSee RPB CRIME, page 18

Equestrian Preserve Petition Qualifies For Wellington Ballot

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington voters could have the chance as early as this summer to decide whether to make the village’s charter require a unanimous vote by the Wellington Village Council for changes to land development regulations on properties in or around the Wellington Equestrian Preserve.

Last month, Wellington received petitions circulated by Preserve Wellington Inc. to put the decision to voters in a referendum.

A second petition to require a unanimous council vote for changes to Wellington’s comprehensive plan failed to gain enough signatures to make the ballot.

The question asked by petitioners was, “Shall the charter of the Village of Wellington be amended to require that amendments to the village’s land development regulations which increase height, density, intensity, floor area ratio or lot coverage on property located within, abutting or contiguous to the Equestrian Overlay Zoning

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Two seats on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors are up this year, and candidates have until next Friday to qualify for the ballot.

Seat 2 incumbent Supervisor Carlos Enriquez faces a challenge from Gary Dunkley, while ITID President Michelle Damone, the Seat 4 incumbent, remained unopposed as of Wednesday in her bid for another four-year term.

The filing period closes at noon on Friday, June 8. Both Damone and Enriquez told the Town-Crier that they intend to seek re-election, although they had not filed as of Wednesday.

Dunkley, 57, said he’s running because he does not like the direction the community is taking.

A Miami resident for more than 30 years, Dunkley is of Caribbean descent. “I am a single parent,” he said. “Myself, my family and my animals, we built our home in Loxahatchee 10 years ago. We enjoy our horses, and we love animals. I moved out here for open spaces.

My grandkids, when they come to visit, they enjoy the open spaces, and that’s why I moved out here.”

Dunkley, a member of the Acreage Landowners’Association, has a bachelor’s degree in business from Florida International University. He started as a debit agent for John Hancock, then got a job with the state monitoring pari-mutuel wagering. His responsibilities included the Flagler, Biscayne and Hollywood dog tracks.

“After that, I opened up my own bail bonds agency in Miami,” he said. “I owned it for 15 years, then

District require approval by five affirmative votes of the [Wellington] Village Council?”

Village Manager Paul Schofield told the Town-Crier that enough qualified voters signed the petition to put it on the ballot.

“I will put it before the council to decide whether it will be placed on the ballot in August or November, or by special election,” he said.

In a letter to Preserve Wellington Inc., Village Clerk Awilda Rodriguez said that 4,741 petition sigSee PETITION, page 7

I retired. I moved out here to give my kids a new start in life, getting them out of the city.”

Dunkley said he recently came out of retirement to work for another bail bonds agency to help pay his children’s college tuition.

His eldest son is a journalist living in Hong Kong. His eldest daughter is an assistant principal in Gainesville. His second-oldest son is studying film in New York, and his youngest daughter is pursuing her master’s degree at Georgia State University. Dunkley said part of the agreement with his kids is that he will continue to help with their tuition as long as they remain in school.

Dunkley said he is running because he thinks ITID does not give the public sufficient opportunity for input.

“I think we should use the resources we have to expand our rural character,” he said. “I believe the whole community should be fairly represented in Indian Trail, not just part of the community.”

Dunkley feels that there should be open communication between residents and elected officials. “I think unnecessary rudeness is not appreciated from our elected officials,” he said.

Declining to cite any specific incidents, he said, “I believe that if you are elected by the people, you should talk to the people with respect.”

Dunkley also believes that there was not enough public input for the community center approved recently to be built at Acreage Community Park. “What I object to is the methodology and the way they conducted the survey,” he See ITID SEATS, page 18

Royal Palm Covenant Church has fallen behind on its mortgage and is seeking community support.

Oldest RPB Church Needs Financial Help To Survive

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Fifty years in the community and $300,000 in debt, Royal Palm Covenant Church is in desperate need of money and in jeopardy of closing its doors.

Not just a place of worship, but a community gathering point, the church long has been a center for assisting people in the community, from all walks of life.

The church’s financial troubles date back to the devastating hurricanes of 2004-05, which blew off the church’s roof and did dramatic infrastructure damage. Lean eco-

nomic times have made it difficult for the church to keep up, said Rev. Michael Rose, the church’s pastor for the past nine years.

Rose and his congregation are pleading for $300,000 to pay off the banks in order to save the church. The bank has been working with the church, Rose noted.

It presented a workout option of $50,000 to keep the account current. Unfortunately, that will cover only the accumulated interest that the church owes.

Rose, has been on a frantic mission to save the church. The See CHURCH, page 7

GRADUATION 2012

Seminole Ridge High School Mints 579 New Graduates

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School Class of 2012 will be remembered as a caring, compassionate and talented group of students who are ready to soar on to their next opportunities. The school graduated 579 students Thursday, May 24 during its commencement ceremony at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Principal James Campbell recalled that when he began his time as principal one year ago, many people questioned why he would want to work with 2,500 students every day.

“In this past year, I saw numerous students participate in charitable drives,” he said. “I saw stu-

dents come together to support each other in times of personal loss.

I saw students who, after years of walking through a drab courtyard, took it upon themselves to change it.”

After listing all the accomplishments he saw students make this year, he said he now has an answer for those who doubted his career choice.

“Inevitably, the good in our students outweighs the bad,” he said.

“The next time someone asks me why I want to work in education, I know the appropriate answer is, ‘Why would I want to do anything else?’”

Campbell encouraged graduates to focus on reaching new goals. “A new phase of your life is

starting tomorrow,” he said. “Focus on the opportunities that lie ahead of you. Today will never happen again. Don’t waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail.”

Senior Class President Taylor Godfrey, who will attend the University of Central Florida, reminded her classmates that hard work is as much a part of success as any opportunity.

“As we leave today, we strive to be our own person,” she said.

“We cannot just sit and wait for opportunity to knock. Success is not defined by opportunity plus luck. We must have the resolve to work hard at achieving our goals.”

She encouraged them to cherSee SRHS GRAD, page 8

SRHS grads Jason Twigger, Scott Watson and Jake Weininger.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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NEWS

Wellington Keeps Focus On Environmentally Friendly Policies

By Chris Felker Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington showed off its efforts to become a more environmentally conscious and economical government as part of the “100 Cities Summit” during the fourth annual Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference/Expo last month at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Tom Amburgey, Wellington’s chief information officer, led a presentation on “Information Technology Solutions for Greening Your City,” followed by a more detailed talk about the tools that Wellington staff members are using.

Wellington has contracted with Avolve Software to enable the transition. Cindy Bernstein, director of government sales for the firm, detailed how the tools work for the many municipal officials and government service vendors attending the expo.

Amburgey showed a short video giving an overview of the village’s efforts, citing Wellington’s

certification as a “gold-certified green local government” under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the U.S. Green Building Council. Amburgey said the new municipal complex is the centerpiece of Wellington’s efforts.

He also noted proudly that Wellington is a recognized “Tree City USA,” an honor bestowed by the Arbor Day Foundation. “We really put a lot of effort into being green, doing the things that are right for a sustainable future,” Amburgey said.

He noted that Wellington gives incentives through its planning and permitting processes for property owners who build or improve property according to LEED specifications.

“Green technology is what we’re doing,” Amburgey said, adding that with every project, staff evaluates things such as, “What does it do to reduce the carbon footprint; how does it reduce paper use; how does it help to create green buildings; and, most impor-

tantly, how does it facilitate lifestyle change? We try to look at how to cut our impact on the environment in anything we undertake.”

He ran through a list of projects implemented to “help make Wellington a green city and a green operation.”

One is organized storage. “We have a system that generates the reports electronically,” Amburgey said. “It’s a document management program… It makes it easy for people to find stuff, without paper.”

Another is making staff aware how much information they print on paper unnecessarily. Wellington now uses a system requiring each user to scan a security card to print something, and a report is produced monthly that enables officials to ask, “Did you really need to print those thousand pages?”

Amburgey said that Wellington provides its staff with “strong electronic systems, very good e-mail systems so they don’t need to

print; dual desktop monitors so they can work on multiple pages rather than refer to printed materials. We give them all the monitor space they need.”

He said the village operates with a “unified communications system” that includes the capability for videoconferencing, teleconferencing, whiteboards and more.

“We have the ability to do videoconferencing from any of our six locations where people work,” Amburgey said, noting that alone cuts down dramatically on staff’s driving and paper use.

So does a community-wide wireless system used by the utility operation.

“That lets us reduce our carbon emissions,” Amburgey said, “because we read 21,000 water meters every month… We now do that by pushing a button and it’s read automatically rather than have three trucks driving the whole city to read water meters.”

The system also gives staff the ability to track lift stations and other utility operations as well.

“With videoconferencing, our guys in the field can pull over and do a video chat, take a picture, send it back, do whatever they need to do through the Wi-Fi system.”

Wellington is also using “cloud computing,” which means that information the village must store is being saved remotely, so no costs are incurred to house and maintain computer servers.

Amburgey listed numerous energy-saving features of the new municipal building, including automated power and water usage control systems and all Energy Star-certified equipment and appliances.

“Everything is low-power; we use battery backup and energysaving features. Our PCs lock after 15 minutes of inactivity to reduce power usage, and the monitors shut off automatically every night,” he said.

Many mobile computing applications are in use, he said, because “an iPad uses a lot less energy than a PC does, and I can do 98

percent of what I need to do on an iPad,” Amburgey said. “Sixty-five percent of our employees fall into that category.”

He noted that the village’s eservices, such as the ability to make online utility payments, cuts down on residents’ energy usage.

He noted that about 12,000 to 15,000 residents per month take advantage of that.

Amburgey added that a lot of Wellington’s permitting now can be processed online.

“We’re doing about 65 percent of our permits electronically now,” he said.

Amburgey credited advanced computer programs as the No. 1 reason behind “green” cost savings.

Avolve Software’s Bernstein then gave a detailed presentation, noting that 25 municipal jurisdictions statewide now are using Avolve’s “ePlan” technology and running through the many benefits that those governments, including Wellington, are reaping.

LGLA Meeting Features LGWCD Candidates Snowball And Parks

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor Robert Snowball and challenger Roy Parks faced off in a debate May 24 at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting.

Parks and Snowball will contest Monday, June 25 in the district’s first popular-vote election, rather than a proxy-vote system based on one vote per acre. Registered Loxahatchee Groves voters who are also property owners or the spouses of property owners are eligible to vote.

Snowball, a 12-year LGWCD veteran, introduced himself by saying, “Everybody knows who I am.”

Parks said he has been a fulltime resident and property owner in Loxahatchee Groves for 14 years and is a fifth-generation Floridian.

“I was a board member with the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association for about three years,” he noted.

Parks has worked as Ibis Golf & Country Club’s information technology specialist for the past three years. A former president of the 1,025-home Southwind Lakes Ho-

meowners’ Association in Boca Raton, Parks has been a volunteer for Missionary Flights International. His previous background includes work with the South Florida Water Management District.

Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1988 and a master’s degree in computer information from the University of Miami in 1992. He previously ran for LGWCD supervisor in 2009.

Moderator Dr. Bill Louda asked the candidates what their vision is for district roadways and how to control cut-through traffic.

Snowball said he would like to see all the roads paved with open graded emulsified mix (OGEM). “I like how they look now,” he said.

“I like no dust. The cut-through traffic is going to be a problem no matter what.”

When Parks ran in 2009, he said some people discussed other products that could be used on unimproved dirt roads that also might reduce dust, including a soybean polymer. “Sometimes, well-maintained dirt roads cost less than a paved road,” Parks said. “That’s back to what the residents desire to have. The thing that’s close to

my heart, though, is the fairness.

We have folks who are paying different amounts for their roads, or maybe getting them for nothing at all, and I know folks who are upset about having such big discrepancies.”

On the topic of the LGWCD’s role as a drainage utility, Parks said his top concern is keeping water out of residents’ homes.

“When Irene came through here, we ended up having a lot of water in our yards that took quite a while to drain off,” Parks said.

“They have improved the drainage system since that time. We probably do drain better, but we definitely need to maintain our water drainage and keep our canals maintained.”

Snowball said the district’s nineyear canal rotation plan effectively takes care of proper drainage.

“We have no trees and silt built up in the canals,” he said. “However, if we don’t keep doing the maintenance on those canals, we’re going to have the same problem again.”

Louda invited candidates to speak about all aspects of their life in Loxahatchee Groves.

Parks said he has participated

in road cleanups, cookouts and other activities, and that he knows many residents. However, when he ran in 2009, it was a proxy election.

“It was a small landowner against someone who had a lot of proxies,” Parks said. “I hope to do much better this time.”

A 15-year resident, Snowball noted that the job of LGWCD supervisor is not a social position; it’s a functional, policy-setting role.

“Obviously, everybody knows I’ve been doing this for 12 years, a job nobody wants,” he said.

“You’re up there as a representative… you’re listening to what [people] say and applying common-sense answers and solutions.”

Louda asked candidates how the district and town can work together to enact the stringent water pollution abatement measures being mandated by the federal government.

Snowball said the district administrator is working on that, but that the solution will be having the money to do it. “We do not have the money that that is going to take,” he said. “Sooner or later, the South Florida Water Management District has told us we have to

LGWCD candidates Robert Snowball (left) and Roy Parks (right) at last week’s LGLA candidates forum.

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER have it. It’s not a matter of if — it’s when.”

Parks said that during droughts, the district must pump a lot of water in to maintain canal levels. “Our elevation here is higher than the surrounding communities, so we end up feeding our water back out to Royal Palm Beach and other areas. If we had a fire out here, we’d be in trouble if we can’t keep our canals with a decent level. Fortu-

nately, we do have some fire hydrant systems in the center of the Groves.”

Louda pointed out that this will be the first election by qualified electors, as opposed to one-acre/ one-vote, and asked each candidate to give his viewpoint on the new method.

Parks said he has been interested in having a popular vote for a See LGLA, page 18

Page 4 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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OUR OPINION

Get Prepared Now: Don’t Let A Hurricane Catch You Off Guard!

This Friday, June 1, marks the start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, and this summer marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew’s devastation of South Florida. While the western communities were spared the brunt of that storm, our neighbors to the south were greatly affected — to the point where many of them relocated to our area. Besides showing us what a strong hurricane can do to our region, Andrew also showed us that a life-changing disaster can occur at any time.

The 1992 hurricane season was mostly uneventful. It wasn’t until late August that a named storm made landfall. But because that storm’s name was Andrew, it didn’t matter how much calm there was before the storm. It struck South Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, causing billions of dollars in damage. However, while Category 5 storms like Andrew don’t come along often, that is of little consolation. Even a Category 1 hurricane can cause chaos.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 2012 will see a less active season than those of recent years. But it doesn’t matter how many storms are predicted for this season. As we learned 20 years ago, it takes only one storm to bring life as we know it to a screeching halt. Because of this, we urge everyone to start planning now, if you haven’t already done so, and be prepared for a possible lengthy power outage. Stock up on the neces-

sities such as water, batteries, candles, matches and non-perishable food items. Ensure that your home will be secure by purchasing hurricane shutters (or plywood, if that will work) and covering up any holes in your roof, garage door, etc.

If you have any prescriptions you can’t live without, be sure to get refills as soon as possible.

Never wait until the last minute; that can be as dangerous as any physical threat from the hurricane. Because we’re increasingly reliant on cell phones, and many people no longer have landlines, it’s important to keep all batteries fully charged and have backups as well as car chargers. If you have a yard or patio, be aware of all the possible projectiles you would need to move, and have a plan for quickly storing them away.

And for those who don’t feel safe staying home, it is important to be prepared as early as possible, especially if your plan is to leave town. Figure out which is the best route to your destination and get a head start. The last thing you want to do is race against the storm. For those planning to stay at a local shelter, Seminole Ridge High School and Palm Beach Central High School are the two American Red Cross hurricane shelters serving the western communities. For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center’s web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Don’t Rush Into A K-Park Deal Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield and to the Town-Crier for publication.

I would like my thoughts to be passed along to the Wellington Village Council as they are debating use of the K-Park site this June, after proposals are submitted.

Taking the long-term view, I see no reason currently to find a use for the land until a unique idea presents itself, and that may take a decade or so. What is the rush?

We surely do not need another park or a filling station. A home for a technology company, probably medically related, might be a good idea, but it should be the right one and tie into the education and training of our community’s young people.

But for now and the foreseeable future, what we are now doing with the land, using it for the growth of organic vegetables, which pays a little extra to the Wellington over its expenses for the property, has tremendous currency for advertising us as a “green-minded,” forward-thinking community, one concerned with the health of its citizens by making such food locally available. I urge the council not just to act for the sake of action in making this

important decision about the KPark property.

Millie McCoy Wellington

Wellington Council Made Correct Decision At long last, the voice of the people was reflected in the vote that took place at the Wellington Village Council meeting last Tuesday evening. It was not a vote against a sport, but a vote to uphold the rules and laws our elected officials are sworn to uphold.

If the process by which development is carried out and is not in conformity with those rules and practices that govern it, we have chaos. Three cheers for [Mayor Bob] Margolis, [Councilman Matt] Willhite and [Councilman John] Greene for standing up for the people who elected them.

Houston Meigs Wellington

Honor The Santamarias Kudos to County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and his entire family. Regardless of one’s political persuasion, one cannot help being fascinated by the deep commitment of this unique Santamaria

family to our western communities and beyond.

Their support of various charitable and other organizations, plus many other good deeds, places them at the head of the class. They have brought a new meaning to the term “community involvement.” Never have so few impacted the lives of so many. Despite their workload, they always seem to find the time to attend and give their support to various charitable, political and other social events in our community. Most residents, and especially the readers of the Town-Crier newspaper, are well aware of the Santamarias’ contribution to our society.

As our county commissioner, Jess is the developers’/special interests’ worst nightmare because he is knowledgeable, and his vote is not for sale. At commission meetings, he can often be seen mounting a one-man campaign to eliminate waste of our tax dollars and protect our interests. His unwavering campaign for transparency in government and his support for the Office of the Inspector General makes him simply the best. We, the people, should not miss any opportunity to thank the Santamaria family for the tremendous job they are doing and encourage them to keep up the good work.

They are motivated by philanthropy. It is time for us to show just

how much we admire, respect and appreciate this incredible family by, may I suggest, naming a school, park, building or street after the Santamarias in recognition of their contribution to our society.

How about it?

Karl Witter The Acreage

Truths About Autobahn Driving To qualify for a driver’s license, a driver must be at least 17 and have completed 25 to 45 hours of professional instruction and 12 hours of theory, with a certain amount of practice driving on the autobahn. The cost of a license is $2,000. This is after paying for the professional instruction and passing the related tests.

Speed limits are strictly enforced on 4,500 miles of the 7,500mile autobahn highway system.

Speed limits of 50 to 80 miles per hour are posted along the entire system. Nowhere is there signage that states a higher then recommended 80 mph. Every single person using the autobahn must be capable of traveling at speeds greater than 36 mph. You must only pass using the left lane, and will be cited for any right lane passage.

To qualify your vehicle for driving on the autobahn, a vehicle

must pass a comprehensive inspection. Disqualification could be from a single rust spot, a dent or a small chip in the windshield.

Speed limits are expected to be adhered to and rigorously enforced. Police use radar speed traps, with penalties resulting in heavy on-the-spot fines. All traffic offenses are subject to on-thespot fines. On the autobahn, it is rare to see speeders pulled over for speeding. Instead, a camera takes a photograph of your vehicle, and you receive a ticket in the mail. These sleek cameras are almost impossible to spot, especially given the high speeds traveled.

The autobahn is infamous for the number and size of its accidents. As an example, excessive speed led to a crash involving 259 cars. According to the VCD German Transportation Association, Germany could reduce traffic

deaths by 30 percent, lower carbon dioxide emissions by 3.4 million tons per year if speeds on autobahn were limited to 75 mph, just 5 mph lower. There is an average of 23,000 accidents each year on the autobahn, and the average deaths are 850 per year. This means that by lowering speed limit by just 5 mph, the VCD estimates there could be 255 fewer deaths per year just on those driving the autobahn.

In Germany and all European countries, you will be camera ticketed for going 5 km over the speed limit. Five km equals 3.1 mph. All drivers are treated the same. There are no exemptions, no privileged drivers like government employees and/or their relatives or friends, no matter what position they hold. Wouldn’t that be unique here? Fairness for all.

Lee LeAndro Wellington

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

OPINION

They Call It ‘Public Education,’ But Is It Really All That Public?

“Public” education used to be about kids, parents and teachers. Today there is a fourth equation in the formula: private corporations who thrive and pretty much have their finger in virtually all of “public” education.

Ever hear of the Pearson firm?

It is the world’s largest, for-profit education business. Among other bits and pieces, Pearson

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin holds a five-year, $32 million contract to produce New York State standardized tests. That, howev-

er, is the proverbial drop-in-thebucket.

Pearson has a five-year testing contract with the State of Texas, which costs its taxpayers almost a half-billion dollars. It sure looks like everything is bigger in Texas.

How powerful is Pearson? Its lobbyists happen to include the gentleman who acted as White

House liaison with Congress in putting together the No Child Left Behind law.

Its nonprofit foundation is famous for shipping state education commissioners on free trips overseas to think about school reform. As a recent New York Times column pointed out, a U.S. kid could attend a school run by Pearson while progress is evalu-

ated by Pearson standardized tests.

Or the youngster could drop out and obtain a GED. It used to be exclusively operated by the nonprofit American Council on Education. Last year, guess what: Pearson announced it was joining a partnership to “redevelop” the GED. The current administration is

trying to coax states to amalgamate their individual (50) versions of standardized tests and share as many as possible to dramatically cut costs. Some people call this a federal takeover of public schools.

I wonder what point of view Pearson has about states sharing tests. Let’s think about that one.

NEWS

ITID To Experiment With Stop Sign Flashers At Key Intersections

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In an attempt to improve drivers’ awareness of stop signs, the Indian Trail Improvement District is going to experiment with flashers at select four-way stop intersections in The Acreage.

Director of Maintenance & Operations Tony Las Casas said he has acquired some flashers to go on the top of stop signs to use during the test period.

“I hope to install a couple of flashers at several intersections

within the next 30 days,” Las Casas told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “We’ll see how they work and see if they address what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The ITID Board of Supervisors has discussed placing four-way stop signs at the paved neighborhood network road intersections, following guidelines described in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Las Casas said the existing stop signs are already visible but that the district is trying to highlight

them to make drivers more aware.

“We’re trying to bring more attention to them,” he said.

During discussion at ITID’s meeting May 9, supervisors directed staff to go ahead with the experiment, following a recommendation by consultant Trent Ebersole of McMahon Transportation Engineers & Planners.

Ebersole’s firm created an overall traffic calming plan for ITID. The staff report, though, makes clear that providing four-way stops at intersections for traffic-calming

purposes is not the district’s intended purpose.

A proposal for traffic calming on 140th Avenue North did not get the board’s OK. “There was some discussion about overall traffic from the consultant, Trent Ebersole, and that’s where the consideration for the flashers came up, to try that in lieu of other changes at this time,” ITID Administrator Tanya Quickel told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.

She said that ITID staff intends to present the board with

a full report at some point.

“I’m not sure if we’ll have it done by the June board meeting, but within the next couple of months,” Quickel said.

Las Casas said the flashers will be solar-powered LEDs (light emitting diodes) installed on existing stop signs. “These are small units that go on top of the stop signs,” he said.

At the May 9 meeting, some residents said they like the dark in The Acreage and did not want it spoiled by flashers. “This is a pi-

lot test, and we may find that they’re bright enough, they’re too bright, they’re not durable, who knows?” Las Casas said. “That’s why we’re running the sample.

Before we go and order several hundred of these, we want a pilot test to see what we’re looking at.”

Quickel said the experiment is part of the overall traffic program in the district.

The estimate for installation of flashers is $75,190, which is currently included in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2013.

Meteorologist Kait Parker To Speak At June 20 Chamber Lunch The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that local celebrity and meteorologist Kait Parker from WPTV NewsChannel 5 will be the guest speaker of the chamber’s Wednesday, June 20 luncheon.

Parker can be seen weekday

mornings on NewsChannel 5 and on partner station, Fox 29. She came to NewsChannel 5 in December 2010 as weekend morning meteorologist. After her first year in Florida, she was promoted to weekday mornings, working alongside Glenn Glazer from 4:30

to 7 a.m., and as the primary meteorologist for Fox 29 News from 7 to 9 a.m. While at NewsChannel 5, Parker earned the certified broadcast meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Before coming to NewsChannel 5, Parker worked in Montgomery,

Firefighters Rescue Kittens On Thursday, May 17, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue firefighters were in the middle of a training drill at the Pike Road complex when someone noticed there was a group of four tiny kittens trapped under a stairwell inside the building. They stopped the drill and firefighter/paramedic Rich Nicoletta squeezed under the stairwell, scooped up the kittens and put them in his helmet. After rescuing them, several of the firefighters decided to adopt the kittens.

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Ala., where she was the weekday morning meteorologist. There, she single-handedly kept viewers safe and informed during everything from tornadoes to ice to hurricanes.

While in Montgomery, Parker also coordinated all the community events for the station and helped local charities and nonprofits. She spent a great deal of time volunteering at the Montgomery Humane Society, where she found a best friend in Bruce, a large and lovable mutt. Bruce is now a part of Parker’s family and is loving the beaches of Florida.

While studying at the University of Missouri, Parker worked at the local NBC affiliate, providing weather for local radio stations.

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró

She also taught a class on storm chasing to university students and was a member of the Mizzou Storm Chase Team and treasurer of the Meteorology Club. She also spent time learning from some of the best in the business at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas.

The June 20 luncheon will be held at the Wanderers Club. It is expected to sell out, so get your reservations in early. The cost to attend the luncheon is $20 for chamber members with an RSVP, $25 for members without an RSVP and $30 for the general public.

Registration is at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at noon. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Kait Parker For more information on attending this or any future Wellington Chamber of Commerce event, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

WELLINGTON HONORS MEMORIAL DAY WITH A PARADE & SOLEMN CEREMONY Wellington joined American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 to honor fallen veterans with its Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 28. After the parade, dignitaries shared their feelings on the day and honored veterans in the crowd at the ceremony held at the Wellington Veterans Memorial.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington council members and their families march in the parade.

Local veterans gather after the ceremony.

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Dr. Carmine Priore lay the POW wreath.

Anita and Sam Nebb with Rosemary and Al Paglia.

Paul Adams and Mary Castillo lay the U.S. Marine Corps wreath.

Regis and Tom Wenham lay the U.S. Air Force wreath.

AREA CUB SCOUTS HOLD RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER AT ST. PETER’S CHURCH Cub Scout Pack 125 hosted a rummage sale Saturday, May 26 at St. Peter’s United Me thodist Church in Wellington. Members sold household items, clothes, books and children’s toys. Proceeds went to raise money for a member’s medical expenses.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Karla and Diego Azurdia buy books and games.

Myriam Gustave buys a mirror, Mychaela Lafalaise buys a cake pan, and Chaad Gustave buys a baseball.

Gianna Gouveia with Michael Pitts of Cub Scout Pack 125.

Page 6 June 1 - June 7, 2012

The Town-Crier

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CRIME NEWS

Man Arrested For Assaulting Girls In Shopping Center

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report MAY 26 — A Wellington man was arrested last Saturday afternoon on charges of assault following an incident in the Wellington Town Square shopping plaza. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, Javier Moreno-Zolla followed several girls as they walked through the plaza. According to the report, he called to them and tried to get them to meet him. A witness told the girls to come into his store and call their parents. According to the report, Moreno-Zolla left the plaza but later returned and confronted the subjects. According to the report, when Moreno-Zolla got too close, the witness detained him until the PBSO arrived. Moreno-Zolla was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with assault.

••• MAY 21 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a barn on Pierson Road last Monday evening regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 p.m. Sunday, May 20 and the following evening, someone removed a KTM motorcycle and fled in an unknown direction.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 24 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Bob Marcello Baseball Complex at Willows Park last Thursday evening regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said she placed her purse behind the passenger seat at approximately 7 p.m. and went into the park. When she returned from baseball practice, she discovered that her rear passenger window had been smashed out by an unknown object and her purse had been taken. The stolen items were valued at approximately $204.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 24 — A resident of Elysium Drive called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday afternoon to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 2:36 p.m., someone smashed the rear sliding glass door and entered the victim’s home. The victim’s daughter said she was asleep with her boyfriend at the time. According to the report, the perpetrator(s) ransacked the master bedroom and stole a jewelry box with several pieces of jewelry, an iPad and an iPod. The stolen items were valued at approximately $7,850. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

MAY 25 —A resident of 52nd Court North contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last weekend to report two acts of vandalism. According to separate PBSO reports, the victim discovered that someone had damaged his water pipes. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m. last Friday someone broke the victim’s water pipe, which leads from a reservoir to the pump. The victim said that it appeared to be kicked in and bent.

According to the report, the victim has a fence around the area, in addition to a “no trespassing” sign. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $700 in damage.

There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

According to a second PBSO report, the victim discovered last Saturday that someone had damaged a one-inch plastic water pipe connector. According to the report, sometime between 11 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., someone pulled the water pipe from the water pump connection, causing approximately $300 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Village Shoppes plaza last Saturday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 and 3 p.m., someone smashed out the front passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a small vinyl lunchbox with several spices inside. The stolen items were valued at approximately $30. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 26 — A resident of the Fox Trail community called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday afternoon to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her purse in her unlocked car outside her home at approximately 10:30 a.m. When she returned at approximately 2 p.m., she discovered that someone had removed her designer wallet from her purse, along with approximately $200 cash. Her purse was still sitting on the seat. The victim said that her lawn service person was on the property at the time.

There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MAY 26 — Two West Palm Beach men were arrested last Saturday evening on charges of shoplifting from the Walmart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer observed 46year-old Darin Byrd select several items in two carts and leave them near the front of the store. The officer then observed 29-year-old Jimmy Jean-Pierre enter the store, walk to the carts and exit the store without attempting to pay for the merchandise. A loss prevention officer stopped Jean-Pierre and recovered $1,057 in merchandise.

Byrd was also stopped. Both men were arrested and taken to the county jail, where they were charged with retail theft.

MAY 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched to a home in Royal Ascot Estates last Sunday evening regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 and 7 p.m., someone tore up a dirt driveway. The victim said it appeared a four-wheeler had done the damage.

MAY29 — ARoyal Palm Beach man was arrested on drug charges Tuesday afternoon following a traffic stop on Birkdale Drive. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was on patrol and observed a beige Mercury traveling south on Birkdale Drive with illegal tint. The officer initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 32year-old Rodney King. According to the report, the deputy could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered 12 oxycodone pills. King was arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Steven “Steve” Chismar is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 240 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on his upper right arm. His date of birth is 09/06/64. Chismar is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of driving under the influence. His occupation is cable installer. His last known address was at large. Chismar is wanted as of 05/31/12.

• Stephen Kelley is a white male, 6’0” tall and weighing 215 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a scar on one of his eyes. His date of birth is 06/ 10/68. Kelley is wanted for unemployment compensation fraud. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Windmill Way in Greenacres. Kelley is wanted as of 05/31/12.

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.

Steven Chismar

Stephen Kelley

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

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 7

NEWS

Pinto Urges Royal Palm Residents To Apply For Open Zoning Seat

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council has re-advertised for Planning & Zoning Commission applicants after a candidate selected for membership withdrew her application.

One position remains open after candidate Ana Martinez, an architect, declined her appointment, which came at the tail end of a discussion which featured a heated argument between Mayor Matty Mattioli and Councilwoman Martha Webster, then the liaison to the all-volunteer board.

Councilman Fred Pinto, appointed last month as the new liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission, said he hopes to quickly get the board back on an even keel after a rocky few months.

Pinto told the Town-Crier that he disagrees with Webster’s assertion that the commission’s role is to help woo potential businesses.

“Their mission is a second-level technical review filter process for the council,” Pinto said. “They have a technical mission. It’s not their job to try to convince or try to sell somebody to come here, because that’s political. Their job is to do a review based on the merits of the application and how they apply to our codes and ordinances, architectural standards and requirements.”

Pinto said that applications start at the staff level, then go to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and finally are heard by the village council.

“The staff will look at it initially

and, perhaps, recommend approval with five conditions,” Pinto said.

“Then it can go to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and they can add additional requirements.”

By the time it gets to the council, the application might have a series of conditions from both staff and the board.

Pinto clarified that the first people a development applicant sees are staff and the village manager, not the zoning commission.

During a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting May 24, Pinto tried to explain his views regarding the commission’s role and his relationship as liaison.

“There seems to be a lot of confusion around that and a lot of inaccurate assumptions that were made about the role of the liaison,” Pinto said. “I explained to them that

I’m their conduit to the council and from the council to them. I explained to them that my remarks to them that evening represent the views and wishes of the council, not my personal view.”

Pinto also told commissioners that when they review applications, they need to be professional and courteous with the applicants and residents, and not let emotions get in the way of their professionalism and skills in terms of evaluating the applications.

Pinto also told them that if they have a problem, he is the one to call, not the village manager or the staff. “If they have a concern, they should bring it to me, and I will get the right people involved,” Pinto said.

He also stressed that the commission must work in conjunction

with — not in opposition to — village staff, and that they should expect the council to sometimes make a different decision than their recommendation.

“Our professional, full-time staff makes recommendations week in, week out, and I told them I don’t know what the batting average is, but maybe 50 to 60 percent of them get accepted and 40 to 50 percent, we go in a different direction. As elected officials, we have a hundred different variables that we take into consideration,” he said.

Pinto also pointed out that he makes note of split decisions and wants to get input of the minority and their concerns. “I made it clear to them that they are important, they do count, but they should not in any way, shape or form take it

personally when recommendations from them get reversed,” he said.

The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.

Interested residents may pick up an application at the village clerk’s office or visit www.royalpalm beach.com, click on Government, then Boards & Committees and then Online Volunteer Board Application.

Completed applications must be returned to the village clerk’s office no later than noon Thursday, June 14 for council consideration at its meeting Thursday, June 21.

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Call the village clerk at (561) 790-5102 for more information.

Lt. Combs: High-Profile Incidents Mask Low Crime Rate In Groves

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In an update on law enforcement at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association meeting last week, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 15 commander Lt. David Combs noted that several incidents had interrupted the normally quiet atmosphere of Loxahatchee Groves recently.

One was the shooting of resident Seth Adams by a deputy on the evening of Wednesday, May 16. That incident remains under investigation.

Church

Financial Appeal To Community

continued from page 1 church has set up a building fund with PNC Bank and TD Bank so that people can donate money to the church at any of their branches.

“All people have to do is to go into any one of those banks, and say they would like to make a contribution to the Royal Palm Covenant Church building fund,” Rose said. “That’s all we need for people to do to reach our goal.”

So far through the bank fundraiser, the church has raised about $4,000. “Our main goal is to pay off the $300,000 this year, to get this financial burden off of us so we can carry out our ministries,” Rose said.

Known for being the oldest church in Royal Palm Beach, the

“As you know, things in the town are normally quiet, but the waters have been a little choppy lately,” Combs said at the Thursday, May 24 meeting. “Unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to comment on much of that while it’s under investigation.”

Combs said he hoped the investigation will be finished soon.

“The investigation is ongoing, and it involves everyone from the state attorney’s office to the sheriff’s office, and hopefully that will be concluded quickly and all the information will get out,” he said.

“Right now, with an active investigation, and I can’t really tell you much about that.”

However, Combs did say he understands the community’s concerns.

“The community wants those answers, and I understand,” he said. “We want those answers, and everyone deserves answers.

It’s a full-scale investigation.”

LGLA President Marge Herzog noted that Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is scheduled to speak at the group’s next meeting about his budget and community involvement.

Combs also addressed several reports of men driving near local schools and asking youngsters if they want rides.

“We take this amazingly seriously,” Combs said, explaining that he has directed all the energy he can to find the suspects. “School police have people involved. It’s not just us. We’ve been canvassing the whole area.”

Combs asked anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it.

“These are our kids,” he said.

“That’s a big deal, but nothing has happened so far. We ask that if

you see anything that doesn’t look right, give us a call. It’s better to call us and it not be anything, than not call and spend the rest of your life wishing you had called.”

Another incident was a stabbing at an Asian market the previous weekend, which involved alcohol consumption, he said; an arrest is expected. Combs said he has to return to the local markets regularly where migrant workers hang out and drink to remind them that alcohol consumption on the premises is illegal.

One of the PBSO’s Spanish-

speaking chaplains helped him speak with some of the local workers and store attendants about controlling drinking on the premises, he said.

Overall, things are good, he said, pointing out that the total burglary rate is down 6 percent.

“For a tough economy, that’s just amazing,” Combs said.

District-wide, there has been a rash of home invasions, automobile burglaries and thefts, he said, which the department is working on. Combs noted that most car burglaries are to unlocked cars.

church is located at the southern end of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. It opened in 1962 and was previously known as the Evangelical Covenant Church. Rose is the church’s fourth pastor, along with his wife Carolyn, who serves as co-pastor.

Rose has initiated programs such as the Youth Xplosion for young people to learn about important issues affecting them through several days of workshops and entertainment. He also started the church’s after-school tutoring program, which provides inexpensive instruction for students from low-income families.

“If the church is closed down, then many of its programs go with it,” food pantry volunteer Berbeth Lewis said. “I don’t know what these people would do without it.”

The pantry feeds more than 300 people per week, many families with small children or homeless people, who all depend on the church’s pantry for sustenance.

“Right now, we are classified as a Class B agency, so that allows us

to go down and purchase food from Feeding South Florida,” Lewis said.

The pantry is open only on Thursdays for a couple of hours.

“We are the only ones who have a weekly pantry in the western communities,” Lewis said. “And some people from as far west as Belle Glade come and as far east as West Palm Beach.”

Lewis hopes that despite its problems, the church will be revived. “I hope the membership will grow back to what it was or more,” she said.

When Lewis first began going to the church in 2004, she noticed a change in the membership.

“Many of the members left after the former pastor left,” she said.

“And that cut the membership drastically at that time.”

In recent years, membership began to pick up. “There were times when the church was full,” she said. “And we had a lot of young people coming here and going to the Sunday school.”

Recently, the membership began to decline again. “I’m hoping that with some changes, the membership will grow again,” Lewis said.

With so many people to feed every week, Lewis does not know how they are even sustaining the food pantry program. “I only have around $75 to purchase food every week,” she said. “Even though the food is not that expensive through Feeding South Florida, our pantries are always bare, because we don’t have enough food.”

The church is close to many people’s hearts in the community, from business owners to the elderly, Rose said. Some have been members for decades.

“A lot of people have already told us, ‘We don’t want this church to go; it has to stay here, because this is the church we used to go to when we were young,’” Rose said. “Our oldest member just celebrated her 99th birthday.”

Local accountant John Spillane has been doing the church’s fi-

nances for many years and understands how much of an impact it has on the community. “If people knew what the church was about, they would help,” he said. “From its food pantry to the after-school tutoring program, it helps a lot of people.”

The multicultural church also has a Creole ministry, which has become an integral part of the congregation.

Royal Palm Covenant Church

has also been a catalyst for many local churches and congregations of other faiths in the area.

“We have been a blessing to many ministries here,” Rose said.

“Synagogues and Catholic churches — they all meet here at some point.”

The church is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more information, or to make a donation, call (561) 793-1077 or visit your local PNC Bank or TD Bank branch.

(Above) Food pantry volunteer Berbeth Lewis. (Lef t) Rev. Michael Rose, pastor at Royal Palm Covenant Church.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Petition

Unanimous Vote Would Be Required

continued from page 1 natures had been received for the question regarding land development regulations.

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher also reviewed the signatures.

“Of the 4,741 petition signatures submitted,” Rodriguez wrote, “3,978 are qualified electors of the Village of Wellington.”

She said that the group had met the requirements of Florida law mandating that petitions must be signed by at least 10 percent of Wellington’s registered electors in the last municipal election to make the ballot.

The second petition for unanimous comprehensive plan changes received 327 signatures, with 266 being from qualified electors — not enough to make the ballot.

Council members are expected to discuss the matter when they meet June 12.

“We are contacting the supervisor of elections office to determine the cost to hold the referendum,” Schofield said.

Those costs could vary dramatically depending upon when the vote is held. Piggybacking with the August primary election or November general election will likely be less expensive than holding a stand-alone vote.

Schofield said the village would

also schedule informational sessions to educate voters on the matter, but noted that Wellington as a municipality could only disseminate information, not attempt to sway voters’ opinions.

Councilman Matt Willhite said he was aware of the petitions and had concerns about requiring a unanimous vote.

“I don’t think it’s the best idea to give any single person that much power,” he said. “One person could hold up the process and choose to vote down something.”

He noted that Wellington’s charter has provisions to require a 4-1 supermajority for many changes, as well as a majority vote for most other items.

Willhite said he believes the petitions were a way for voters to express their displeasure with what was going on in Wellington at the time.

The petition was being circulated in the run up to the recent municipal election dominated by the controversial Equestrian Village project.

“I think the idea behind it was that they were unhappy with the response by government to their requests and concerns,” he said.

It will be the voters, he said, who decide whether the changes to Wellington’s charter will be made.

“Ultimately, the voters will decide,” he said. “People have the ability in a democracy to ask things of their government.”

Representatives from Preserve Wellington Inc. did not return calls for comment.

Page 8 June 1 - June 7, 2012

SRHS Grad

Class Of 2012

continued from page 1 ish each moment. “Life is too short to waste,” Godfrey said.

“Although this door is closing, a new one is opening. It brings new adventures and experiences that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Salutatorian Michael Canlas, who will attend the University of Florida, recalled the night before he began his freshman year.

“I just knew I had to get through it,” he said. “We have not only made it through, but we have accomplished so much more.”

He recalled the numerous accolades students had won with state championship titles in sports and other extracurricular activities, as well as other achievements. “I’m proud to say that not only do we excel in what we do, but we go pretty hard,” Canlas said.

Valedictorian Rachel Hand, who will attend the University of South Florida, said that she was apprehensive coming from a homeschool environment into Seminole Ridge. Now, she feels the same apprehension about leaving.

“We’re losing our familiarity,” she said. “It will never be the same.

There’s a large part of me that is sad about that.”

But now the Class of 2012 will have new opportunities, she said.

“While we may be losing much of what we’ve come to know, we’re gaining something new,” Hand said. “Now we’re on to a whole new schedule — a whole new life.

It’s not going to be like high school.

In just a few moments, you’ll be

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GRADUATION 2012 stepping into unknown territory.

No longer will the world view you as high school kids. They’ll view you as adults with responsibilities.”

Hand encouraged her peers not to let apprehension of the unknown limit them.

“Take it from someone who came into a new setting and is grateful for the experience: Fear of the unknown only ever holds you back,” she said. “So, don’t be afraid. Embrace the next challenge.

It’s experience that makes us who we are.”

Newly appointed Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent E. Wayne Gent told graduates not to be afraid to make mistakes.

“Don’t make any excuses,” he said. “You’re going to make mistakes, and you’re not always going to be successful. But if you worry about making a mistake, you’ve already made one. Failure won’t hurt your health, but feeling like a failure could.”

He encouraged them to continue to be a caring, compassionate and giving group of individuals.

“How do you give the world and yourself the best you have?” he asked. “The key word is in the sentence: by giving. Giving to others has health benefits. It increases your self-confidence. It combats depression. It helps you live longer.”

Gent said that each student is his or her own artist, and their lives will be their masterpiece.

“Each one of you is a masterpiece,” he said. “As the artist, you need to create and develop a life that will affect this society and others in a most positive way.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL’S GRADUATION CEREMONY AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

SRHS Principal James Campbell shares his advice.

The Town-Crier

Salutatorian Michael Canlas addresses the graduates.

Seminole Ridge Graduates smile for family and friends as they leave the ceremony.

Melissa and Rochelle Williams with Ashley McRae.

Class President Taylor Godfrey offers her reflections.

Valedictorian Rachel Hand recalls her time at SRHS.

The Mortimer family with graduate Kaleb.

Trisha McElwee, Kristina Hall, Amber Valentine, Ashley Lacroix and Brittanny Frassetto.

Graduates Sasha and Sara Mayne with Johnathan Young.

Graduates celebrate getting their diplomas.

(Left and right) Graduates from the Seminole Ridge High School Class of 2012 exit the building with their diplomas.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 9

NEWS

ROYAL PALM BEACH OBSERVES MEMORIAL DAY WITH EVENT AT VETERANS PARK The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its Memorial Day observance Monday, May 28 at Veterans Park. Local dignitaries joined members of the religious community and veterans groups to conduct the ceremony, and the Royal Palm Beach High School ensemble band performed music for the crowd.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Johnathan Germain, Mayor Matty Mattioli, Major General Wayne Jackson, Chaplain Anthony Beazley and Sam Bown.

Greg Choinski and Bill Hicks.

Lynn and Sally Balch with Rev. Mike Rose and State Rep. Mark Pafford (D-District 88).

Keynote speaker Major General Wayne Jackson.

VA Medical Center Chief Chaplain Anthony Beazley.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 members Joan Shewmake and Ruth Hamlyn.

Chriss Mille and Steve and Marcia Brewer.

MARBAR GRILLE HOSTS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND COUNTRY CONCERT & BBQ The MarBar Grille at Madison Green Golf Club hosted a Memorial Day Weekend country concert and barbecue featuring Loxahatchee’s own David “Gator” Bressmer on Saturday, May 26. There was a bean-bag toss game, an airboat and swamp buggy on display from the Palm Beach County Airboat & Halftrack Conservation Club, and lots of great food.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Butch Danison, Gary Albritton and Craig Gray.

Lacey Camacho and David “Gator” Bressmer with Michelle Damone of the MarBar Grille.

Bobie-Sue Bressmer and Wendy Culey.

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 11

Page 12 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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NEWS

The Town-Crier

ROTARY MEMBERS VISIT RPBES TO PROMOTE DROWNING PREVENTION PROGRAM Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club member s visited Royal Palm Beach Elementary School on Wednesday, May 23 to promote drowning prevention. The Rotarians gave out a book with CD and coloring book featuring Josh the Otter. RPBES was one of three schools the club visited last week. For more on Josh the Otter, visit www.joshuamemorial.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Rotary President Michael Fehribach, joined by Josh the Otter, reads to the kids.

Josh the Otter sits with the students.

Students crowd around their new friend.

Lynn Balch, RPB Rotary President Michael Fehribach, MaryAnne Gioia and David Eisenson.

RPBES Principal Suzanne Watson with Josh the Otter.

Lynn Balch hands out books to students.

WELLINGTON SENIORS QUILTERS BEE DONATES ITEMS TO THE HARMONY HOUSE The Wellington Seniors Quilters Bee recently donated items they made to abused children at the Harmony House. Group members worked for a couple months on the Pillowcase Project, making brightly colored, kid-themed pillowcases. The Wellington Seniors Quilters Bee meets ever y Thursday morning at the Wellington Community Center. F or more info., contact Shirley at imcooking@hotmail. com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Pillowcase Project Manager Louise Connolly, the YWCA’s Allyson Samiljan and Quilters Bee President Shirley Siegel.

Louise Connolly, Joni Gambucci, YWCA Communications and Special Events Director Allyson Samilijan, Shirley Siegel, Bobbie Zenker, Joan Kelley, Iris Goldson, Ali Stains and Beverly Perham.

Doris Rickles, Pillowcase Project Manager Louise Connolly, Wellington Seniors Quilters Bee President Shirley Siegel and Mildred Pitchon show pillowcases they made.

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 13

NEWS

‘SUPPORT OUR TROOPS COOKOUT’ AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET BENEFITS FSO

Whole Foods Market in Wellington hosted the “Support Our Troops Cookout” on Sunday, May 27. Customers enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks, proceeds from which benefited Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. For more info., visit www.forgottensoldiers.org.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Jessica Miller writes a letter to a soldier.

Chef Joe Colavito, Alexis Toohey and Lauren Belinsky of Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods Market associate store team leader Sara Angsuwan gets a hamburger.

Marisa Feldman puts ketchup on her hotdog.

Susan Feldman buys a hamburger to support the troops.

Alyssa Collins, Brooke Eadicicco and Jeanelle Avallone of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach with a soldier care package.

BINKS FOREST GOLF CLUB HOSTS FLORIDA BLOOD CENTERS’ ‘BIG RED BUS’ Florida’s Blood Centers Big Red Bus stopped by the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington on Saturday, May 26. Donors received a PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER foursome golf pass and free movie ticket.

Big Red Bus blood drive organizer Vinnie Pizzino with Binks Forest Golf Club Marketing Manager Bob Still.

Participants play golf after donating blood.

Ian Harrell finishes donating blood.

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SCHOOL NEWS

SRHS Psych Club Wins TKA Alumnus Talks To Performing Arts Students at the King’s Acade- gave students access to informaRelay For Life Spirit Award myStudents recently enjoyed a master class tion that most high school stuThe Seminole Ridge High School Psychology Club earned some accolades recently. Led by team captain Melanie Bean, the club not only raised money for the American Cancer Society at this year’sAcreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life, but it also won the event’s Spirit Award trophy.

In other Hawk news, the Seminole Ridge Army JROTC honored a World War II hero at a May 21 ceremony, naming its Raider Team after retired Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk. Members of the battalion unveiled the Irzyk’s Raiders

guidon and presented the general with a framed version of the battle standard. In addition, the JROTC cadets held a ribbon cutting at the team’s training site, now known as the Irzyk’s Raiders Training Compound. Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk served in the Army for 31 years, fighting five campaigns in Europe as a tank battalion commander in the 4th Armored Division, which spearheaded Patton’s 3rd Army. He was wounded twice and received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Elbridge Gale Student Poems To Be Published Students in Toni Koy’s fourthgrade writing classes at Elbridge Gale Elementary School recently found out that they will soon be published authors. They will have their poems published in a Creative Communication poetry anthology titled A Celebration of Young Poets. In addition, these students earned Elbridge Gale the distinguished honor of “Poetic Honor School” for having a high percentage of student poems accepted.

The students are: Veltenna Estiverne, Adam Abdelqader, Kianelys Antuna, Cory Batson, Shanique Brown, Ryan Carryl, Stephanie Cedano, Shaelle Champagne, Timothy Downey, Isaac Esparaza, Amina Estrada, Victoria

Fiefie, Jason Figueroa, Valeria Flores, Payton Gandry, Hailey Goldstein, Ethan Guinan, Andre Jefferson, Dana Johnston, Cedrick Joseph, Taylor Kerr, Tyler Kerr, George Kinsler, Eugene Martin, Bella Mazzola, Madison McAllister, Andrew Meyers,Camila Neira, Sophia Neira, John Ortiz, Ckianu Perez, Bryanna Ponce, Joshua Ramsingh, Jeremi Remy, Kayla Richards, Patricia Rivera, Stella Rivera, Michael Robles, Ashley Rojas, Joshua Santos, Hailey Sargent, Jamaya Sears, Angus Thatcher , Austin Tonks, Sydney Turner, Tracey Volmar, Ali Wharton, Matthew Wiggins, Andreana Williams, Abrionne Williams and Mackenzie Yeatman.

led by TKA alumnus Tess Soltau (2005). Soltau and her college associate Ryan Melia offered performing arts students and their parents an opportunity to gain insight into the competitive world of musical theater, and shared ways to help students prepare now for careers in the business.

Soltau graduated at the top of her class from Carnegie Mellon University and has been in Whoopie Goldberg’s new musical White Noise in Chicago as well as playing the role of Wednesday in The Addams Family on Broadway. Soon she will be seen playing the role of Rapunzel in Into the Woods withAmy Adams on Broadway.

Melia, also a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, is the cofounder of Pigpen Theatre Company. The duo’s personal insights

dents would not be privy to, that will give them an edge in the college search and audition process and well as in the professional world. The information was invaluable to TKA students who wish to pursue a career in the performing arts. Soltau finished the master class with a wonderful rendition of “Pulled” from The Addams Family.

Students and parents were grateful for their time and openness to share their trade secrets.

“Tess was a tremendously talented student, but it is her drive, focus and commitment that made her into the Broadway success she is today,” TKAArtistic Director David Snyder said. “She felt very prepared for this competitive industry from the training she received at King’s. It is our desire in TKA’s performing arts department to part-

David Snyder, Tess Soltau and Ryan Melia. ner with our students to expose them to the realities of the world of musical theater while preparing them in every way to conquer it as Tess has. The complexity and qual-

ity of the shows we produce broaden our performers’ skill-set and experience, and it is our vision to continue to raise the bar for our students with each show.”

Radio Host Reads To Students At Acreage Pines Kevin Rolston, host of the Kevin, Virginia & Jason Show on Wild 95.5 FM, recently was a special guest reader at Acreage Pines Elementary School, where he helped stress the enjoyment and importance of reading.

Students in grades two through four and staff alike were excited to meet Rolston and put a face to the voice they listen to and laugh with every morning.

Rolston read By My Brother’s Side by Ronde Barber and Tiki

Barber, National Football League superstars, about the values of family, hard work and determination. A question-and-answer session with participants followed, where the topics discussed included his career, family and interests.

“I had a great time,” said Rolston, a father of three readers.

“I couldn’t believe how quiet the kids were. For a minute I thought my reading had just put them to sleep… much more intimidating

than talking to thousands of people on the radio!”

The following are some of the student comments Rolston’s visit generated: “Kevin was good with reading with expression.”

“It was cool to meet Kevin.”

“I liked the book because the brothers worked together.”

“It was fun to meet a radio celebrity.”

“I’m so happy Kevin came to our school.”

“It was interesting because the brothers helped each other. He read the book with emphasis.”

“It was fun, and I’m happy I met a cool guy.”

The reading was facilitated by the Anne & Sam Klein Jewish Coalition for Literacy, part of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Jewish Community Relations Council. The coalition helps improve the reading skills of public school children through volunteer Reading Partners.

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 15

SCHOOL NEWS

Nearly 300 Attend Wellington High School Project Graduation Party On Monday, May 21, following the biggest day in their high school careers, nearly 300 graduating seniors from Wellington High School enjoyed an all-night party at the Village Park gym.

The annual Project Graduation was an attempt by event organizers to “give the seniors a safe place to let off some steam and celebrate their big day,” event co-chair Susanne Bennett said.

The impetus for the evening can be found in some very sobering statistics, Bennett noted. “Unfortunately, each April and May, teenage alcohol- and drug-related accident fatalities spike — in big part as a result of unsupervised graduation celebrations gone bad,” she said.

The parent-supervised, allnight, alcohol-free/drug-free party was the committee’s attempt to combat those statistics.

The Project Graduation party started at approximately 10 p.m.

on graduation night, and the fun continued until after 5 a.m. Graduates were entertained all night by a DJ, huge inflatable games and rides, a hypnotist, casino games and more.

Food and refreshments were served throughout the night, and students were given raffle tickets, which were used to vie for a number of prizes, including bicycles, dorm-sized refrigerators, televisions and other items that will come in handy as the students make the transition from high school to college, the military or the workforce.

“This event was a huge undertaking, and it would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of dozens of volunteers,” Bennett said. “Our hats are off to everyone who helped make this event possible.”

Though this year’s Project Graduation has only just taken place, the school needs volunteers to

CAREER DAY AT NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons Elementary School recently experienced a plethora of speakers representing a variety of careers. Inside speakers included construction engineer Ron Maisano, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer Melissa Huber, florist Heidi Sayago, pilot Kevin Proodian and flight attendant Annette Proodian, nurse Mary Jo Walsh, rocket scientist Tyler Jennings, and several other professionals from a variety of fields. Students expressed interest in careers as they explored each one. Pictured here are students Brenan and Breana Maisano, and their father Ron, with the demonstration home he built for the day.

help plan and organize Project Graduation 2013.

“At a cost of around $20,000, Project Graduation does not happen all by itself,” Bennett said.

“Fundraisers are an important part of the planning process, and the time to start is now,” she added.

For the 2012 event, fundraisers included a first-ever golf tournament, which brought in around $8,000. “That was a tremendous way to kick things off,” Bennett said.

The committee held a variety of events around the area to help raise additional funds, and those events take time to plan, Bennett added.

As has been the tradition, the 2012 planning committee will now hand the reins to a new group of volunteers whose children will be part of the 2013 graduating class at Wellington High School.

“We have a logo, which was created by a local marketing company for 2013 and beyond,” Ben-

nett said. “We have a wealth of information and documentation that will help the new group get off to a fast start. We just need to hear from someone who is willing to step in and take the lead on this.”

Anyone interested should contact the 2012 committee via e-mail at wellingtonprojectgrad@gmail. com.

“We won’t dump everything on you,” Bennett said. “Members of this year ’s committee will be happy to meet with the new group to point you in the right direction and answer any questions you might have.”

Bennett said that although it was a tiring experience, it was well worth the effort.

“We were all tired,” she explained, “but it was a good tired because we knew where our children were all night, and that they all made it home safely the next morning.”

ALL-STAR KIDS TEAM RAISES BIG BUCKS AT RELAY FOR LIFE

All-Star Kids Early Learning Center again fielded a large team of survivors, teachers, parents and students to help raise a record amount for the 2012 Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life at Acreage Community Park. With a team of more than 24 members age 2 and older, All-Star Kids had an enthusiastic team for the fifth year in a row. Team leader Magda Whirlow was very happy with the show of support from friends, family and the community, which led All-Star Kids to raise more than $1,200 for the Relay for Life. Shown above is the team from All-Star Kids Early Learning Center in front of their tent at the relay.

Students ham it up for the camera in this beach scene, one of several photo areas set up at the event.

RPBHS Student Receives Art Scholarship Marlon Murasko of Jupiter High School and Amanda Price of Royal Palm Beach High School are the two recipients of the 2011-12 Palm Beach County Art Teachers Association scholarships of $1,000 each. Murasko will be attending the University of Florida, and Price will be attending the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

The PBCATAScholarship Committee met to review the portfolios of the applicants for the 2011-12 school year. Nine applicants from six different high schools in the county submitted portfolios to be reviewed.

“We wish to offer our congratulations to these students and their art teachers: Brian Kovachik, Elizabeth Christian and Cindy Oakes,” PBCATA President Britt Feingold said.

It is the mission of the Palm Beach County Art Teachers Association to support art education and to promote art as a means of communication for each individual. It is the right of each individual to develop his or her own creativity and aesthetic potential. It is the association’s purpose to strength-

Amanda Price en the position of art education in Palm Beach County. The group supports programs in art that meet the needs, interests and abilities of each individual student. The association promotes and maintains the highest quality of art education in Palm Beach County.

For more information about the Palm Beach County Art Teachers Association, visit its web site at www.pbcata.org.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Leadership Palm Beach County Honors Youth Leadership Graduates Leadership Palm Beach County (LPBC) recently honored student graduates of its Youth Leadership Program and awarded college scholarships to eight program par-

ticipants, who reflected on leadership and their own career focus in outstanding essays.

The graduation celebration was held Wednesday, May 16 at

Wellington Teen Accepted Into NYC Dance Program Emma Parssi, a freshman at Wellington High School, has been accepted into the prestigious preprofessional summer intensive program during Tap City USA, sponsored by the American Tap Dance Foundation in Manhattan.

At only 14, Parssi is the youngest dancer ever to be accepted into the program, an intensive master workshop that culminates with a performance on Broadway.

Parssi has been dancing since age 3 and currently is enrolled at Susan Lyle Studios in Greenacres, where she works on not only tap but ballet, jazz and modern dance.

Her tap teacher, Kimberly Dawn Smith, is no stranger to the bright lights of Manhattan, having performed previously as a member of the famed Rockettes dance troupe.

Parssi also has spent parts of the past five summers at Interlochen Arts Camp in Interlochen, Mich., where she has studied under some of the top dance instructors in the nation.

To gain acceptance into Tap City USA, Parssi had to submit an audition video to ensure that she was proficient at several dance

Emma Parssi PHOTO BY ALLISON PARSSI

moves. Her dance instructors were also interviewed, with each assuring Tap City management that she was up to the task.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be accepted into this program,” Parssi said. “I can’t wait to get to New York!”

the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach. More than 150 guests enjoyed remarks by program cochairs Eric Hopkins and Ike Powell III as well as a keynote address by actor and producer Frank Licari.

The 2012 Youth Leadership Class was composed of 45 high school juniors representing 23 different schools throughout Palm Beach County.

Selected by school principals and guidance counselors, Youth Leadership class members are immersed in a nine-month curriculum that gives students unparalleled access to county industries, leaders and experiences.

This year, onsite session days brought students into the studios of Channel 25, the kitchen of the Breakers, down into the Kennedy Bunker and aboard airboats in Grassy Waters Preserve. These talented young leaders honed

skills in public speaking, interviewing and resume-writing.

LPBC’s Youth Leadership program is coordinated by volunteer alumni of the organization’s adult leadership program and has graduated more than 550 students. The next class begins in September.

Incoming high school juniors interested in participating should speak with their principal or guidance counselor.

For more information about Leadership Palm Beach County’s Youth Leadership Program, or to make a tax-deductible contribution to support the scholarship fund, call LPBC Executive Director Christina D’Elosua at (561) 833-4321 or visit www.leadershippbc.org.

(Left) The 2012 Youth Leadership scholarship recipients.

(Right) Deanna Cook of Palm Beach Central High School with her parents.

Golfers Win Vegas Promotion At Binks Forest Two area golfers are heading to Las Vegas, thanks to the Binks Forest Golf Club and its “Vegas Baby” promotion conducted May 6 and 8 at the Wellington golf club.

Brett Laiken of Royal Palm Beach and Peter Lenz of Loxahatchee each won a three-day/ two-night trip for two that includes a companion airfare to their choice of several Las Vegas hotels.

“This is a fun promotion that the Binks Forest Golf Club will conduct throughout the summer,” said Bob Still, director of marketing and membership. “Each month, we will have designated Vegas Days and send out e-mail notices to our fans, giving them a chance to win a trip.”

Included with the program is a coupon book of more than $500 in discounts and promotional activi-

ties. “This is really great,” said a surprised Laiken upon being contacted by Still. “I just had a great day playing golf at Binks and then to get this as a reward is awesome.

Best of all, it’s not tied with any timeshare presentation.”

Summer rates at the Binks Forest Golf Club are now in effect. Golfers can play Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for only $27 and receive a free lunch, too. After 3 p.m., every day (Sunday through Saturday) rates are only $18 and include a free beverage.

The Binks Forest Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington and offers a live operator service 24 hours a day for reservations.

Call (561) 333-5731 to make a tee time or visit www.binksforestgc. com.

Paul Lenz (left) and Brett Laiken (right) with Binks Forest Golf Club Director of Marketing and Membership Bob Still.

Local Students Graduate From Gulf Coast U. Several residents of the western communities recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University.

The graduates are as follows: Laura Dimpflmaier of Loxahatchee graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Business; Alexandra Rockoff of Wellington graduated with a bachelor’s de-

gree from the College of Arts and Sciences; Kaitlyn Lawrence and Corey McKenna, both of Wellington, graduated with bachelor’s degrees from the College of Business; Brandon Smith of Wellington graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the college of Health Professions; Dana Haussman of Wellington graduated with a bach-

elor’s degree from the College of Professional Studies; and Sean Terwilliger of Wellington graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the College of Professional Studies.

Florida Gulf Coast University is dedicated to providing a studentcentered learning environment that offers the highest-quality ed-

ucational opportunities for the development of the knowledge, insights, competencies and skills necessary for success in life and work.

For additional information about Florida Gulf Coast University, call (888) 889-1095 or visit the school’s web site at www.fgcu. edu.

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A HAPPY 99TH FOR RPB’S RUTH HAMLYN

Royal Palm Beach resident Ruth Hamlyn celebrated her 99th birthday Wednesday, May 23 at Hilary’s Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach.

Hamlyn celebrated with a group of veterans who meet every Wednesday at 8 a.m. to share breakfast and friendship as they joke and laugh with each other about experiences they had while serving in the U.S. military. Shown above is Hamlyn (center) celebrating with her friends at Hilary’s.

Chris Matilszki Finishes Marine Corps Training Marine Corps Pvt. Chris Matilszki, son of Patricia Kay of Wellington and Jozef Matilszki of Rockledge, Fla., recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

Matilszki and fellow recruits began their training at 5 a. m., by running three miles and performing calisthenics.

In addition to the physical conditioning program, Matilszki spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drill and

June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Courtois Awarded Jiffy Lube Scholarship The “What Drives You?” scholarship program, funded by the West Palm Beach–area Jiffy Lube franchise group Atlantic Coast Enterprises LLC, has awarded $4,000 worth of scholarships to two local high school students for the 2011-12 school year.

Stephanie Courtois of Wellington High School and Caroline Posner of Spanish River High School are the overall Teen Driver category winners and will be awarded $2,000 each as scholarship awardees.

The “What Drives You?” scholarship program is open to all teen drivers as well as students enrolled in driver’s ed in West Palm Beach area high schools.

Students are asked to submit a 500-word essay detailing what drives them now, as an opportunity to express their inner drive and ambitions.

In her winning essay, Courtois discusses striving to study jour-

nalism at the University of Central Florida and using a career in journalism to help give a voice to the underappreciated. Posner wrote about aspiring to combine her love of both math and international relations by working as a civil engineer in developing countries.

The scholarships are open to all students regardless of test scores or grades, currently enrolled in high school. Finalists are selected throughout the school year by a Scholarship Review Committee.

Scholarship money will go directly toward secondary education, in the form of college or other qualified technical or professional program chosen by each winning student.

If you are the parent of a teen driver or a student enrolled in driver’s ed and would like more information about this scholarship program, talk with your child’s teacher, high school counselor or visit www.yourturn2apply.com.

operated as a small infantry unit during field training.

Matilszki and other recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct.

Matilszki and fellow recruits ended the training phase with the Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are

presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as “Marines” for the first time in their careers.

Matthew Damone Completes Navy Basic Training Navy Seaman Recruit Matthew Damone, son of Michelle and Ralph Damone of The Acreage, recently completed U.S. Navy

Stephanie Courtois with Jon Crego. basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Damone 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 basic 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.

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.

Page 18 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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NEWS

Wellington’s Maureen Gross Joins Phelps Media Group Family Maureen Gross, a longtime Wellington resident and Palm Beach County leader, has joined Phelps Media Group International to lead a new department designed to provide additional services to existing PMG clients, to expand their local exposure and to create a charitable component to the industry.

Gross will handle most of the PMG activities in the Palm Beach County area that are not related to the equestrian world. She brings with her a vast base of local contacts in Palm Beach County and

over 25 years of community service and nonprofit experience.

“We are thrilled to have Maureen Gross on board with us,” said Mason Phelps Jr., president of Phelps Media Group. “We here at PMG are a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world. By having Maureen join our staff, we will be able to expand the reach and focus of our firm.

This will add a whole new dimension to our work and simultaneously offer our clients even more services.”

The new department will include the implementation of event organizing and charitable fundraising services — services that will be available to PMG’s existing clients and to new clients that need these services.

“I have worked as a fundraiser in the community for over 25 years,” Gross said. “But, in this economy, I know that many nonprofits are not able to have a fulltime person on staff to fundraise for them. By creating this new aspect to PMG’s client services, we will be able to provide experienced

and knowledgeable assistance to an organization that just needs help on a single event.”

Gross’ experience will also be utilized to assist with existing events that PMG is already involved with such as the Challenge of the Americas, the Equus Foundation Fete Cheval and Equestrian Idol, the International Gay Polo Tournament, social aspects of the World Dressage Masters, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation and many others during the upcoming year. PMG’s expansion of services and outreach to the local com-

munities in Palm Beach County offers a new opportunity for both PMG, its clients and ultimately, the local community.

“By adding this new department at PMG, it provides us with the ability to not only maximize our relationship and offerings with our clients, but to also expand our client base and influence in the local community,” Phelps said. “It is a win-win situation, and we are happy to have Maureen onboard.”

For more info., call Phelps Media Group at (561) 753-3389 or visit www.phelpsmediagroup.com.

Maureen Gross

LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE HONORS LOCAL TALENT AT ITS ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

The Lake Worth Playhouse held its annual awards gala Saturday, May 18. The gala kicked off with a reception in honor of the 161 actors who have graced the stages of the Lake Worth Playhouse this season. The big winners for the night included Ricky Nahas for Director of the Year (for Little Shop of Horrors), Katherine Watkins for Outstanding Costume Design (for Chicago), and Production of the Year was awarded to the Broadway hit musical Chicago, directed by Clayton Phillips.

Cast members from Chicago.

Shenise Nunez, nominated for Feature Actress in a Musical, with her date Sam Lastinger.

Clayton Phillips, Production of the Year award winner for Chicago, with Taylor Rivera.

RPB Crime

GRADUATION 2012

Dreyfoos Bids Farewell To The Class Of 2012 The Dreyfoos School of the Arts held its 2012 commencement ceremony Tuesday, May 22 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Student Madison Mills opened the ceremony with a rendition of the national anthem. This was followed by Principal Dr. Susan Atherley, who praised the Class of 2012 and thanked everyone for the warm welcome she has received since taking on her role at Dreyfoos.

Atherley went on to say that not only is this one of the most accomplished senior classes in Palm Beach County, but that collectively the class has earned more than $18 million in scholarships and will be attending some of the most prestigious colleges, universities and conservato-

ries in the nation.

Central Area Superintendent Rod Montgomery delivered a motivating speech that included a challenge for the graduates to answer a question about themselves: “Who are you, the real you, not the person your parents want you to be or how people see you, but the real you?”

Montgomery left this question with this class of 300 and told them once they figure it out, to always stay true to themselves.

With GPAs averaging above 5.0 for both Salutatorian Alec Zisson and Valedictorian Zachriah Moustafa, it was no surprise that their respective speeches both motivated and inspired their classmates, parents and guests in attendance.

Salutatorian Alec Zisson with his family.

ITID Seats

Dunkley Vs. Enriquez

continued from page 1 said. “Not everyone was able to participate. To participate, you had to log on to the Indian Trail web site.”

Dunkley said he believes The Acreage should continue with its thrust to develop as an equestrian-oriented community, citing the recent improvements to the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park. “Every community should develop a theme,” he said. “We can’t jump from one spot to another.”

He said that ITID should continue developing greenways, equestrian trails and paths that will be conducive to an equestrian environment — “like every other elected official since I’ve been here promised to do. I haven’t seen it,” Dunkley said.

Enriquez characterized his first four years on the ITID board as successful for the community.

“It has been an amazing four years,” he said. “I think my record speaks for itself as far as the accomplishments. Compared to where the district was when I first got elected and where it is now, it has made quite an improvement, from more roads being maintained, to lower taxes. We’ve lowered taxes about 19 percent.”

The district is also moving forward on numerous projects, including one of Enriquez’s favorites, telemetry for the water control structures, which is reducing the need for workers to operate them manually.

Theater majors Eli Brown, Taylor Rivera and Nicholas Galarza celebrate.

Taylor Rivera (center), nominated Featured Actor in a Musical for 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, with Director of the Year Ricky Nahas and Outstanding Costume Design winner Katherine Watkins.

Theater majors Alex Welsh and Stephen Santana.

Graduate Madeleine Kaye with her parents.

“I pushed for the ognition of voters telemetry,” he said. who are primarily “In the district, no there to vote for their longer do you have presidential choice. to call out a worker “I would actually to go to various like to see the district gates out in the diselections moved to trict. It’s still an onMarch, but I’ve been going project, but here before, and I we’re moving forcan do it again,” Daward on it. The gates mone said. and pump stations Damone said the are electronically past four years have controlled through been the most succellphones. I feel cessful for her as a that’s a very imporsupervisor. “We’ve Carlos Enriquez (left) and Gary Dunkley (right). tant accomplishment turned around a disI have contributed to the district.”

Enriquez said a professional trict that was in fiscal turmoil,” she Moving ahead with the Acre- staff has been developed and the said. “We’ve proven to be fiscally age Community Park expansion, ITID web site has been improved, responsible. We’ve hired an adwhich involved a complicated land with a lot more transparency, which ministrator and administrative staff swap with the county and also got he said was one of the issues that are more than qualified and The Acreage its new library, was when he ran four years ago. have excelled.” another major accomplishment.

The board is in the process of The board also has made hard “We’re close to making this a real- decisions, he said, such as approv- developing the community center, ity,” he said of the park. “We’re ing the connection of the State which has been in the planning for close to having our shovels in the Road 7 extension to Persimmon more than 10 years, she said. ground.”

Blvd. with assurances from the “We’ve improved and repaired our Enriquez said completion of the county and state that the road relationship with Palm Beach park and library will contribute sig- would be extended to Northlake County,” Damone said. “We renificantly to the improvement of Blvd. eventually. “That was a duced taxes by 20 percent the last property values. He also pointed tough decision, so we need to fin- five years. We were not forced to out that ITID’s last audit came ish the job now, completing that do that. Our board was in a posiback perfect. “That was fantastic, road to Northlake,” he said. tion that we chose to do that. no comments, no nothing, which “I ask myself this question: ‘Is That’s significantly different than is a far cry from when we started the district better off now than it the municipalities.” four years ago,” he said.

She added that the district has was four years ago?’ and 100 perEnriquez said he has gained cent it is, and that’s the combined increased the level of service on knowledge of the workings of the leadership of the board,” he said. roads and replenished its reserves. district in his past four years. “I Damone, who is president of the Although Damone has not yet can tell you, in the last four years, drawn a challenger, she said she is Western Communities Council, I don’t think we’ve had any nega- prepared to mount a campaign. said the district has also improved tive newspaper articles at all, com- However, she is not looking for- its relationship with neighboring pared to the previous four years,” ward to the prospect of running at communities. “Indian Trail is a rehe said. “It has all been positive. the same time as the presidential spected improvement district in We are moving the district forward election, which requires more ex- the county and throughout the and people are happy.” pense in order to draw name rec- state once again,” she said.

Capt. Miles Reports

continued from page 1 ing 8,025 citations. “DUI arrests increased by 4.9 percent,” Miles said, an increase from 121 to 127.

“Citations increased by 7.7 percent, and crashes decreased by 4.2 percent.”

The District 9 Street Crime Team, made up of four deputies and a supervisor with support from road patrol units, made 277 arrests, which resulted in 87 felony arrests, 137 misdemeanors, 41 warrants and 12 traffic arrests, Miles said.

There were 10 vehicle crimes, 14 weapon violations and $24,192 in cash seizures.

The two District 9 detectives were assigned 452 cases, resulting in 102 clearances, for a clearance rate of 22.56 percent, compared with a national rate of 18.9 percent, and 66 arrests.

Miles said the clearance rate could be higher if they only assigned cases with some chance of solvability. He pointed out that some departments only assign solvable cases.

“I assign cases to these detectives [and] some have almost a zero solvability factor,” he said.

“We have no witness, no DNA, there’s very little to work on. However, I think it’s important that we at least do some follow-up with residents and leave those cases so when we work with these other cases, there might be something that links us to those other cases.”

Miles said his key goal for 2012 is to reduce burglaries. He also wants to continue to reduce robberies and focus on community outreach, Miles said, explaining that community participation continues to be an important aspect of the department.

Last year, District 9 participation included five career days at local schools, Boy Scout and Girl Scout crime prevention training, Fleet Watch with village staff, 64 appearances before homeowners’ associations and attendance at a number of community special events.

District 9 is one of four PBSO stations that provide fingerprint-

LGLA

Candidates Speak

continued from page 3 while. “I’m very thankful to be able to be a candidate,” he said. “I think we should have at least another seat available to the general voters here.”

Snowball said he doesn’t like the new method because he thinks “a lot of people out here [who] actually own lots… are going to be cast aside. I don’t think that’s right.”

With many state agencies looking at drastic cutbacks, Louda asked about possible privatization of services to reduce costs.

Snowball said he thought the LGWCD has done a good job holding down costs. “I don’t think you’re going to accomplish anything bringing in outsiders who don’t care about what’s going on here,” he said. “The guys we’ve got care about what’s going on. I think we should reward them and continue on and let them work.”

Parks said that before his current position, he worked for a staff-

ing services. Last year, 1,646 requests for fingerprinting were processed. Bicycle-equipped deputies provided 1,271 bicycle hours, more than double the number of the previous year. “You see many of our guys out there on bicycles,” Miles said. “We have more and more certified.”

Deputies picked up 307 truants.

The Mounted Unit provided 366 patrol hours on horseback. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit stopped 180 trucks, did 149 truck inspections, removed 28 trucks from service, removed four drivers from service and issued 34 warnings and 38 citations. The Marine Unit provided 144 patrol hours.

The Computer Assisted Dispatch System (CADS) recorded 76,042 incidents for District 9 last year. Of those, 52,141 were police activity such as business or residential checks or traffic stops. The remaining 23,901 were residential or business calls for service.

Also speaking at last Thursday’s meeting was Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Arena with his annual report.

Arena said PBCFR responded to a total of 3,695 Royal Palm Beach incidents in 2012. Of those, there were 2,768 medical calls, 338 vehicle or boating accidents, 294 alarms, 167 assists or investigations, 100 fires and 28 hazardous material or power line incidents. Of the medical calls handled, 2,232 resulted in transport of patients to hospitals.

Structure fires pose the most serious threat to life and property loss, Arena said, explaining that each year, PBCFR analyzes structural fires to determine the location and cause of each fire. The majority, 59 percent, occur in oneor two-family dwellings. Of those, 34.9 percent originate in the kitchen during food preparation. The most common cause is leaving the area unattended, which allows the fire to grow and spread beyond the cooking appliance, Arena said.

Smoke detectors help lead to early fire discovery. PBCFR has an ongoing program to install smoke detectors in homes of those who are unable to due to physical or monetary restrictions. ing company that offered corporate benefits to employees in small businesses. “It was really a good deal for both the employer and the employee. I’m not saying to eliminate positions, but you may find other avenues of staffing those positions that are mutually beneficial.”

Finally, Louda asked the candidates for their thoughts on whether the LGWCD should become part of the town government or stay independent.

Parks said he thought the town right now is going through challenges of its own that put it in a bad position to merge. “I don’t see any time frame within the next five years,” he said. “At this point, I don’t see the town and district becoming one entity.”

Snowball agreed. “Sooner or later, it is going to become [the town’s] water works,” he said. “It’s the natural progression toward it.

Right now, the town and the council have made it very clear that they are not ready. They would like the five board members to keep moving along, and right now we are working great together, and we are getting things done.”

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 19

NEWS BRIEFS Taste In The West June 7 At The S.F. Fairgrounds The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 15th annual Taste in the West & Chocolate Lovers Festival on Thursday, June 7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

More than 3,000 food and chocolate lovers are expected to attend and enjoy tasty food samples offered by area restaurants and caterers. Attendees will also enjoy music and a business expo with more than 60 exhibitors.

Chocolate lovers will be able to enjoy the many delectable samplings and have the opportunity to vote on their favorite chocolate treat at the event. The winner will receive the coveted People’s Choice trophy of the “Most Scrumptious Chocolate Dessert.”

Produced by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Royal Palm Auto Mall, this highly popular food tasting and business expo is open to the public from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the fairgrounds’ Expo Center East at 9067 Southern Blvd.

Admission costs $15 per person

for adults, and children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12.

Additional sponsors include All-Star Plumbing and Drainage, Chef Master, Armand Professional Services, DiSalvo’s Trattoria, Two Men and a Truck, Humana and Above & Beyond Parties.

Community partners include the Palm Beach Post, Around Wellington, Sun-Sentinel , the TownCrier, Coffee News, WEI Network, 1290 WJNO, Clear Channel Radio, the South Florida Fair and Palm Beach County Expositions.

For further information, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www. cpbchamber.com.

Women’s Club End-Of-Season Meeting June 14 Women of the Western Communities invites the public to attend its final meeting of the season Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison Green Golf Club (2001 Crestwood Blvd. North, Royal Palm Beach).

The evening will include a buffet dinner, the installation of the new board of directors, and the

presentation of the club’s donation to the Mary Rubloff YWCA Harmony House, a shelter for abused women and their children.

The club’s annual scholarship awards will also be presented. The special guest speaker will be WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Kelley Dunn.

Incoming board members include Mair Armand, president; Susan D’Andrea, first vice president, programs; Carol O’Neil, second vice president, membership; Ruth Mansmith, corresponding secretary, newsletter; Marian Feldman, co-recording secretary; Selena Smith, co-recording secretary; Faye Ford, treasurer; and Melany Armand, treasurer-elect.

The club congratulates the following scholarship recipients: Michelle Anne Espanto from Suncoast High School, who will attend the University of Florida; Felicia Yan from Wellington High School, who will attend the University of Pennsylvania; Gabrielle Yolande Alexandre from Palm Beach Lakes High School, who will attend Western New England University; and the winner of the Women of the Western Communities Linda Penta Memorial Scholarship, Khierra D’Nietra Ciggs from Glades Cen-

tral High School, who will attend Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.

The guest fee is $30. For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Armand at mair@ wwc-fl.com or (561) 635-0011.

Summer Hours At Aquatics Complex Wellington invites the community to dive into summer fun with new extended hours at the Wellington Aquatics Complex.

The following schedule is in effect now through Sunday, Sept. 2: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.; and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.

The Wellington Aquatics Complex is located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two diving boards, two 25-foot water slides, an aquatics spray ground and a kiddie water play area. The daily admission is free for children age 2 and under, $3 for juniors ages 3 to 17, $5 for adults ages 18 to 54, and $2 for seniors age 55 and older.

Wellington also offers splash passes for 12 daily admissions for the price of 10, as well as summer passes and annual passes. In addition, the Wellington Aquatics Complex hosts swimming lessons, diving lessons, lifeguarding and junior lifeguarding classes and water aerobics.

For more information, call the Wellington Aquatics Complex at (561) 791-4770.

Youth Art Exhibit Open In Wellington Wellington is honoring 14 young artists whose works of art were selected for a new public exhibit. The artwork represents a variety of media and is on display on the lower level of the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The exhibit is open now through September.

The student artists, ranging from first through fifth grade, will be recognized by Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on Monday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the municipal complex, located at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Wellington coordinated with the Wellington Art Society and the art teachers at Wellington’s elementary schools to encourage students to submit their artwork. The following students are participating in the new exhibit: Victoria Avella, second grade, ArtStart; Hannah Brodtman, second grade, ArtStart; Genia Charles, fifth grade, New Horizons Elementary School; Zoe Chasinoff, second grade, Binks Forest Elementary School; Jamie Jerchower, fourth grade, Panther Run Elementary School; Summer Lyons, first grade, Elbridge Gale Elementary School; Grady McBrayer, third grade, Wellington Elementary School; Allison Robbert, second grade, Binks Forest Elementary School; Charli Roseff, second grade, ArtStart; Jack Tobin, fifth grade, Binks Forest Elementary School; Samuel Tobin, third grade, Wellington Elementary School; Britney Trinemeyer, fifth grade, Wellington Elementary School; Nicholas Webber, second grade, Binks Forest Elementary School; and Lara Weiss, fourth grade, Elbridge Gale Elementary School.

For more info., call Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082.

Page 20 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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Horse-Selling Pitfalls: Recalling Personal Experience

Selling a horse is emotionally difficult for human and equine alike. In the second part of her series on the subject, Ellen Rosenberg shares her own experiences selling horses. Most of the time, things worked out, though there was one disaster that took years to overcome.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23

June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 21

Wildcats Defeat Gardens In Spring Football Game

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team bested host Palm Beach Gardens 41-21 during a spring match-up Friday, May 25. Royal Palm Beach showed off its talent for next season, taking an early lead and not relenting. Palm Beach Gardens struggled to keep up and ultimately let the Wildcats slip away. Page 35

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Wellington Accountant John Spillane Offers Personalized Services For Clients

Wellington-based certified public accountant John Spillane has been an accountant for most of his life.

As a young student growing up in Pennsylvania, Spillane knew that he wanted to work with numbers and become a CPA. Spillane understands the importance of personalized service. He has worked in large firms where one-on-one attention to the client is lacking.

“What separates us from other firms is our level of personal service,” he said. Page 25

Sports Mounted Posse Hosts Spring Festival Ranch Rodeo At Brandon

The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held its Spring Festival Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, May 26 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Forest Hill B lvd. The day kicked off with the Slack Barrels and Poles competition, followed by the Pee Wee and Junior Rodeo and the Performance Rodeo. Page 35

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 23-24 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 25-27 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 29 SPORTS & RECREATION........................ 35-37 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................38-39 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................40-44

Page 22 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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Palm Beach Riding Academy Come join us and discover the world of equestrian sports this summer!

We are very fortunate to be located at one of the world's best horse show facilities and have our own covered arena (a bonus during the hot summer months).

Our programs are tailored to meet ALL LEVELS of riding experience; whether you are an avid rider, or have no prior experience, we can guarantee that you will learn new things!

SUMMER CAMPS AND LESSONS AVAILABLE Our summer camps run Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM (with extended hours available), from June 11 through August 17, 2012.

Our lesson program can be tailored to fit your schedule.

We look forward to meeting you!

For more information, please contact Anne-Caroline at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com

WWW.PBRIDINGACADEMY.COM

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June 1 - June 7, 2012 Page 23

FEATURES

Horse-Selling Pitfalls: Recalling My Personal Experiences Selling a horse is emotionally difficult for human and equine alike. For me personally, coming to that point where I have to sell a horse is never an easy decision. My horses are family members. How do you sell a family member? But horses are also incredibly expensive, and there are times when a horse is no longer suitable — one or the other of us needs to move on.

I always try to ensure a good match between my horse and his new owner, and mostly things have worked out well. A few times they haven’t. And one time, a disaster resulted that took me years to overcome.

The first time I sold a horse was purely for financial reasons. I was in graduate school, and the choice came down to affording food for either the horse or myself. He was my first horse, a wonderful horse. I stood in the barn driveway, holding a check, and watched my good friend drive away in a stranger’s trailer.

That was tough.

It did get a little easier, over the years. One excellent match resulted when I sold a wonderful mare to a good friend who’d been out riding with me weekly for a year or more. She and the mare, Ginger, were a perfect match.

My friend still owns Ginger, and I’ve never lost one minute of sleep worrying.

While I owned Ginger, I bred her three times Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg and ended up selling all three foals. One foal I couldn’t wait to get rid of, one ended in sadness, and the third ended in disaster.

Ginger’s second foal was a little filly. Ginger had been pregnant with twins, found early on an ultrasound, and the vet pinched off one.

Perhaps the hormones I gave Ginger before the procedure affected the remaining fetus, because as soon as this filly hit the ground, it became clear she hated people and wanted nothing to do with them. She was difficult to work with. I sold her as soon as I weaned her, and never missed her one day.

Ginger’s third and last foal was one of those perfect, golden colts. Biscuit never minded doing anything I asked of him and always had a cheerful, friendly outlook. I was actually selling another horse I owned, and someone who came to try that horse fell in love with Biscuit and somehow managed to talk me into selling him. He was only a yearling.

I visited him a few times, and all was well, when suddenly the new owner quit taking my calls. It took me a while to find out what hap-

xxx Ellen Rosenberg with Max, one of Ginger’s foals. pened. Working with a trainer, the new owner The trainer sold him and kept the money, and broke Biscuit and was riding him, but he a lawsuit ensued. The trainer had the money, dumped her hard, so she decided to sell him.

See ROSENBERG, page 24

Page 24 June 1 - June 7, 2012

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FEATURES

Like In My Youth, I Think It’s Again Time To Burn The Bras I have an idea. Let’s tell every man we know that, before he heads off to work each day, he should strap an elastic band around his chest.

Sure, it will make it more difficult to swing his arms, lift things, bend or stretch without chafing, but I think it’s a good idea.

And because excessive movement or, indeed, any movement at all will cause this band to slip out of place, it could have a strap that fits over each shoulder. As days turn into years, these straps will eventually gouge trenches into his shoulders, but that’s OK — then the straps will be less likely to slip down his arm, inhibiting movement even further.

Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER Share this idea with all the men of your acquaintance, and I pretty much guarantee that their responses will range from “no” to “hell, no!”

Yet women do this every day.

So I was surprised that the subject came up during a Memorial Day picnic, where temperatures in the high 80s were causing rivulets of perspiration to travel down the chests of male and female attendees alike.

One of the females, whose elastic band was now acting as a retention pond in addition to its other wonderful properties, quietly suggested to the other females that we burn our bras — again. “We did it in the ’60s, why not now?” she asked.

She instantly had everyone’s attention. The women looked at her in awe, as if to say, “We really could?” and the men looked at her in amazement, as if to say, “You really would?”

And then we laughed out loud.

We laughed because, not being in our 20s anymore, the idea seemed utterly (even udderly) preposterous. It would be on YouTube in three seconds. Worse (judging by the excitement sparked by the very thought of it), it would instantly inaugurate a national trend.

Women who should be thinking about joining the Gray Panthers would instead be standing around bonfires, vehemently hurling in

undergarments that would slowly melt into lacy pink blobs of latex, rubber, plastic, hooks and eyes. The air would be rife with chlorofluorocarbons. The ashes would have to be treated as hazardous waste.

And what then? What happens after we’ve thrown off the yokes and halters of our oppression? I’ll tell you what — less back pain, less shoulder pain, less shoulder disfiguration and maybe — just maybe — fewer heart attacks.

Did you know that 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks? Yes. And that the first thing the paramedics do upon arriving at the victim’s side is cut off her bra? Uh-huh.

That alone should tell us something. That alone should serve as a warning.

So let this be my rallying cry: “Burn your bra! Free ‘the girls’!”

I will if you will.

‘MIB 3’ Is Better Than No. 2, But That Is Not Saying Much Watching Men in Black 3 reminded me of the old rule about sequels: If the second is a real dog, the third will be an improvement.

Yes, this is better than the very tired second installment. On the other hand, it is not a spectacular improvement. The movie is OK; there are some nice moments in it, but far too much gimmickry and obviously computer-generated effects. A few of the aliens are interesting; the best looks human except for one computer-generated effect.

The film decided to forgo the traditional “III” in its title and went to a regular 3 in order to remind people that they could see it in 3-D. Why they would pay the extra money to see the film, however, is beyond me. It is mostly a vehicle for Will Smith to return to starring roles after avoiding movies for three years following a string of flops. To get back on his feet, he will follow this movie with a whole group of other sequels. Whoopee!!!

In the movie, Agent J (Smith) goes through his usual routine with Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones, pushing his shtick more than ever) until the bad guy, Boris the Animal (Jermaine Clement), breaks out of LunarMax, goes back in time and kills K. This leads to a very pallid

Rosenberg

Horse-Selling Recollections

continued from page 23 the old owner had the papers, and some unknown person had Biscuit.

A few years later I found him again, for sale, and went out to visit, even though I couldn’t afford to buy him back. I rode him for the first time, my grown-up baby. The girl who eventually bought him seemed like a dream come true, someone who would love and keep him forever, but when I again visited, Biscuit had morphed from the colt with a perennial sunny disposition to a horse so angry and miserable that he stood on the cross-ties biting at air.

His new owner decided he’d be a show horse, and all he ever did was stand in a stall or on cross-ties. His coat had to be perfect, without one speck of dust or dirt. He was never allowed to just be a horse. I quit going to

invasion of Earth by his race, which had gone extinct except for him in the old timeline. J goes back in time, meets the young K (Josh Brolin) and between the two of them, they stop Boris.

There is even an overly sweet bit of a postscript.

Smith pretty much sleepwalks through the film. He plays himself, gets a chance to do his usual gimmickry, but not much more.

Jones, who mostly appears in the first 40 minutes, with a very brief bit at the end, does Tommy Lee Jones very well, all grumpy and terse. Josh Brolin, as the young K, nearly steals the movie as a result. His impersonation works brilliantly. After a minute, he is K, a younger, more personable version, but still unmistakably K.

Some of the smaller parts really stand out.

Bill Hader is brilliant as Agent W, who is Andy Warhol. His big scene is superb. It also brings one of the film’s best lines… from Agent J, who remarks that “all models are aliens. I found out the hard way.”

Even better in a small part is Michael Stuhlbarg as Griffin, a being who can see and experience all possible futures. Frankly, he is far more interesting than J or K or, for that matter, just about everyone else in the picture, providing, ironically, the real humanity that the humans manage to avoid. Emma Thompson is wasted as O, the new head of the Men in Black group and, it turns out, a former possible lover of K. There are special effects galore in the picture; the problem is that there are so many that none of them wildly stands out. There is a general feel of “been there, done that” throughout. The aliens are generally not much different from ones we have seen before; J and K are a bit tougher on them, but aside from one gigantic fish, which appears quickly in one scene and is gone the next, the threats are limited.

According to Hollywood sources, the bud-

visit. I couldn’t stand to see my baby so miserable.

And then there was Ginger’s first colt, a wonderful big bay named Max, the horse I thought I’d always keep. The one that ended in disaster.

Max was a great colt, the first baby I raised from day one. Everything went fine. I showed him at halter when he was six weeks old, Ginger by his side. I backed him at 2, rode on trails, entered Walk Trot classes. Everything was perfect. Except every few months, he popped an abscess, and each time, it got a little worse. The vet advised me Max’s hooves couldn’t tolerate South Florida’s wacky weather: either too wet or too dry. Sadly, I decided I’d sell him to someone who could bring him up north where his feet would fare better.

One day, a woman came to try him and brought along her trainer. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something about her gave me the willies. My stomach started rolling. I didn’t want her on my horse, but here she

was, along with her trainer.

I rode Max, who was finally sound again after months of work, then the trainer rode him. Then it was time for the woman to try him, and again, my stomach was in knots. I ignored it and held the reins while she mounted.

I can still picture it all. Max walked forward, and for some unknown reason the woman snatched back hard on the reins. Confused, Max backed up, but she kept tugging back, wrenching his head around. Surprised, Max half-reared, trying to free his head. The woman fell back, still holding the reins. Max reared up and she fell back, pulling him over backward. He landed beside her, his hind right leg awkwardly bent.

The woman was shaken but unharmed. She and her trainer left, telling me Max “wasn’t what they were looking for.” What I didn’t realize at the time was that she’d broken his leg. I ended up giving him away as a companion horse. He was only 3 years old.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

get for this movie ran into the hundreds of millions, but most of it appears never to have made it to the screen. The MIB offices now look super-fancy but worked better when they were ordinary.

The first of the series seemed a revelation to those of us who had never read the comics it was based on: aliens in disguise living among us, all sorts of interesting differences.

Now the aliens are expected and, while they look different (there is an interesting sort of fish with a strange, actually live human face that looked like it might be served up as food… strange and disturbing, but aside from seeing it on a counter in a Chinese restaurant, nothing else was done with it), they were not that different. The bad guy was really not all that alien; the chase scenes were OK but not brilliant.

On the other hand, it was a pleasant diversion. I have seen far worse movies this year. I sat back, munched on my popcorn and had a pleasant time. For two people, that is an expensive way to spend a couple of hours, but .. well, I like Smith, and I really liked both Brolin and Stuhlbarg. That might do it for you, but I’d wait for On Demand or the DVD.

Cancer Survivor Beauty & Support Day June 5 At Empire Empire Beauty School in West Palm Beach will participate in Cancer Survivor Beauty & Support Day on Tuesday, June 5. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., cancer survivors are invited to their local Empire Beauty School for a day of complimentary pampering.

Men, women and children of any age will be treated to free hair and nail services on a day that is intended to make all cancer survivors feel appreciated. Cancer Survivor Beauty & Support Day is a purely volunteer event with no money being raised and with no solicitations being made.

Empire Beauty School is located at 4258 Okeechobee Blvd. in the Cross County Plaza. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 615-4265.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Wellington Accountant John Spillane Offers Personalized Services

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington-based certified public accountant John Spillane has been an accountant for most of his life.

“I’m one of those few individuals who never changed my career,” he said.

As a young student growing up in Pennsylvania, Spillane knew that he wanted to work with numbers and become a CPA. Spillane recalls first learning about, in his opinion, one of the most fascinating mathematical theories — the theory of compound interest.

“Some people say it’s one of the wonders of the world,” Spillane said. “That theory has always amazed me until this day because it never fails, and I learned it in second grade.”

While in school, Spillane excelled in mathematics, and he worked his way through college using those skills. While attending Robert Morris University and Gannon University, both in Pennsylvania, he prepared tax returns at the encouragement of one of his professors.

After graduating, Spillane got a job as an auditor at the large CPA firm Arthur Andersen. “I audited many huge publicly traded companies,” he said.

Spillane then started his firm, J.P. Spillane, CPA, 25 years ago in Wellington. “I wanted to meet the needs of small businesses and individuals in the area,” he said. “Many of our clients in the area have been with us for 20 years or longer.”

Spillane has been in the western communities since the 1970s. “When I first moved out here there was nothing,” he said. “Over the years, I have seen this area grow along with my firm.”

He is proud of the reputation his firm has earned. “We are an exceptional firm,” Spillane said. “And I’m not just saying this because it’s my firm, but people tell me this.”

Spillane recently received a new client who learned about his firm through Angie’s List, an online service that compiles service-oriented businesses based on consumer ratings.

“She told me I was rated ‘A,’ and I did not even know I was on there,” he said. “Since then I have gone on there and seen the reviews, and people think we do an exceptionally good job.”

Spillane understands the importance of personalized service. He has worked in large firms where oneon-one attention John Spillane to the client is lacking. “What separates us from other firms is our level of personal service,” he said.

By sitting with each client and going over their accounting, bookkeeping, tax planning and preparation, financial statements, financial fitness, business solutions and consulting, the firm assists people from all walks of life.

Working as an accountant is what Spillane enjoys doing, and he could never picture himself doing anything else. “I’ve always been good at accounting, and it just came natural for me,” he said. “I have also influenced other family members to go into accounting, and I have a nephew who actually used to work for the same firm I did.”

Part of being an accountant is being an important aspect of people’s lives.

“You get to find out what they are doing, and you can really help people a great deal with something very few people know about,” Spillane said.

J.P. Spillane, CPA is located at 12788 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, visit www.jpspillane.com or call (561) 7901488.

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Families First Earns COA Accredition The Council of Accreditation (COA) recently announced that Families First of Palm Beach County has been accredited.

COA’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality services.

COA has recognized Families First of Palm Beach County as one of these outstanding providers.

COA accreditation is an objective and reliable verification that provides confidence and support to an organization’s service recipients, board members, staff and community partners.

“The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations and its service delivery practices,” said Julie Swindler, CEO of Families First. “We are measured against national standards of best practice, and are honored to receive this accreditation.”

These standards emphasize ser-

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vices that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidencebased and outcome-oriented. In addition, they confirm that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

COA reviews and accredits the entire organization, not just specific programs. “COA congratulates Families First of Palm Beach County for their hard work and wonderful achievement and is proud to have it as part of COA’s Community of Excellence,” said Richard Klarberg, president and CEO of the Council on Accreditation.

The goal of Families First is to enable families and support children to become productive and successful members of the community. For over 22 years, Families First has ensured that families regain their resiliency following crisis, increase and maintain their social connections, and increase and utilize their knowledge of parenting and child development. For additional information on Families First of Palm Beach County, visit the organization’s web site at www.familiesfirstpbc.org.

BUSINESS NEWS

Health Department Holds Volunteer Awards Ceremony

The Palm Beach County Department of Health held its 34th annual volunteer awards Friday, May 18 at the Airport Hilton, honoring the dedication and commitment to better health in Palm Beach County.

Presented by the master of ceremonies, WPEC-TV 12 news anchor Eric Roby, this year’s theme “Volunteer$ Are Pricele$$” acknowledged honorees for outstanding contributions to the programs that promote and protect the health and welfare of all county residents.

The event honored 22 individuals for outstanding service to the community, including C.L. Brumback Volunteer of the Year Award winner Dr. Russell L. Anderson and Volunteer Physician of the Year Dr. Ira “Ike” Jacobson. Three programs were also highlighted: the Pajama Project, Project Linus and Feeding South Florida. The ceremony was bittersweet with a heartwarming tribute to the late Dr. Carl Brumback, Palm Beach County’s first champion for public health who passed away earlier this year.

Anderson has been an orthopedist for more than 55 years. For the past 12 years, he has acted as a vol-

Health Department Director Dr. Alina Alonso with Dr. Russell Anderson, Eric Roby and Dr. Ike Jacobson. unteer provider at the West Palm Beach Health Center. Anderson has been a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Project Access program for seven years.

Anderson provides a specialty service that would not be possible for underserved and uninsured patients. He has been a valuable asset for both the health de-

partment and the community.

Jacobson is a podiatrist and has served the Glades area for 22 years.

He is also a member of Project Access. Jacobson has an ongoing policy in his office that if any patients are uninsured, he accepts only what the patient or the family can afford no matter what treatment is necessary.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Three New Members Elected To South Florida Fair Board As the South Florida Fair enters its second century, the organization recently added three new board members. Patti Hamilton, Latoya Ricketts and Krista Basore were welcomed during the South Florida Fair board’s annual reorganization meeting.

The trio joins more than 100 other local volunteers who serve the fair in leadership capacities, ranging from the policy-making board of trustees to distinguished and life trustees, to directors, and life and honorary directors.

As vice president and director of business development, Hamilton brings more than 30 years of leadership, sales and marketing experience to Southern Waste Systems and its affiliate companies. As part of the executive team, she is instrumental in the strategic planning and operation of all companies, with a focus on sales, marketing, training and legislative planning.

Basore was awarded a Marshall Memorial Fellowship and recently participated in an international study exchange in various European countries. She is currently establishing an independent consultancy focus-

New South Florida Fair Board Members — Patti Hamilton, Krista Basore and Latoya Ricketts. ing on leadership and civic engagement and volunteering.

Ricketts is a disaster recovery initiative specialist/planner for the Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Community Development.

She has received several community awards including the Dr. Martin

Luther King Leadership Award from Palm Beach State College and the Palm Beach County Golden Palm Award, the highest county employee honor.

For more information about the South Florida Fair, visit www.south floridafair.com.

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New Clerk’s Office App Calculates Recording Fees Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock has an app for prospective Palm Beach County home buyers who want to know how much they will pay for recording fees, doc stamps, abstract fees and other charges due at closing.

The cost to record a mortgage, deed and other documents can add hundreds — even thousands — of dollars to the cost of a new home.

Now buyers can know exactly how much they’ll pay in fees by using Clerk-Culator, a free smartphone app developed by the clerk & comptroller’s office.

Clerk-Culator, available for free download on iPhone and Android smartphones and tablets, allows users to figure what they’ll pay when recording deeds, mortgages and other documents at the clerk’s office. No other smartphone app of its kind is currently available in the Android, iPhone and iPad app stores.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to do business with our office, and our Clerk-Cula-

tor app is a prime example of that,” Bock said. “Thanks to the app, it couldn’t be easier to figure how much to pay to record real estate documents in our office. Saving citizens time is saving citizens money, and that is very important to me.”

In addition to the benefits it offers to home buyers, the new app makes it easy for real estate professionals — Realtors, title company employees and attorneys — to quickly tabulate fees on the go, or at their desks. “This app makes it faster to calculate how much buyers will have to pay to close on a property,” said Bonnie Lazar, president of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches. “Now Realtors will be able to figure out how much clients will pay in recording fees while showing a property.”

Getting the app is as simple as downloading it from iTunes or from Google Play. The Clerk-Culator also is available online by visiting the Recording page at www.mypalm beachclerk.com. For more info., call (561) 355-2996.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Norton Museum To Host ‘Summer Soulstice’ Party June 21 In the summertime when the weather is fine, a little music can be good for the soul. And the Norton Museum of Art is providing plenty of music — and then some — at “Summer Soulstice,” a joyous, music-jammed, activity-laden, foodfilled, photo-packed party set for Thursday, June 21.

This coolest of events — an extended Art After Dark — is set for 5 p.m. to midnight on June 21, the first day of summer. Museum galleries will close at 9 p.m.

“Summer Soulstice” celebrates the advent of summer, and the opening of the photography exhibition

Melissa “Moonchild” Stokes will perform at 6:30 p.m.

“Clubs, Joints and Honky-Tonks: Photographers Experience the Music Scene,” which runs through Sept.

30.

The celebration will also feature many of South Florida’s most talented and popular music acts, including the Spam Allstars, Suenalo, the People Upstairs, Hot Java Band, Max Dubose, Damon Fowler, Melissa “Moonchild” Stokes and more.

The summertime fun also includes a drum circle with tribal dancing; an acoustic campfire with open mic hosted by Ric Pattison; a children’s stage, featuring music and entertainment for kids and by kids; face painting; DIY art activities; steel drum lessons; and more.

Curated by Tim B. Wride, the Norton’s William and Sarah Ross Soter curator of photography, “Clubs, Joints and Honky-Tonks” features work by photographers who have immersed themselves in the places, spaces and energy of concerts, shows and spontaneous live performances. More than 75 images provide a long-overdue insight into the waves of performance, participation, adulation and energy that migrate toward the stage from audiences and, indeed, from the venues themselves. There will be plenty of illumination into the worlds of rock ’n’ roll, country music, hiphop and the blues, including imag-

es and essays from photographers Jeff Dunas, Lynn Goldsmith, Henry Horenstein, Elliott Landy, Moby (who as a performer had a unique perspective from center stage) and David Scheinbaum, as well as Heavy Metal Parking Lot, the 1986 video documentary by Jeff Krulik and John Heyn about Judas Priest fans.

“All too often in most music imagery, the overriding visual emphasis is placed upon the notoriety of the performer rather than the performance and energy of the music,” Wride said. “The photographs that dominate ‘Clubs, Joints and HonkyTonks’ shift the focus of the experience away from the dominating celebrity and personalities of the performers toward the often-overlooked participation of the listeners who give the music meaning — and the not-so-passive spaces and places in which performances take place.”

The performance and activities schedule is as follows: • East Maze Garden Stage — From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be a drum circle with Tribal Belly Dance; 6 p.m., a performance by Ladies & Gentlemen; 7:30 p.m. fire dance performance; 8 p.m., a performance by the People Upstairs; 9:30 p.m., a performance by Suenalo; for food, a Latin funk fusion grilling station will be open until 11 p.m.

• Central Garden — At 5 p.m.,

The People Upstairs will perform at 8 p.m. on the museum’s East Maze Garden Stage. there will be an acoustic campfire with open mic hosted by Pattison; 8 p.m., a performance by Hot Java Band; and the Southern barbecue station will be open until 10 p.m., serving beef brisket sliders and pork ribs with a southern bourbon glaze.

• Theater — At 6:30 p.m., there will be a performance by Melissa “Moonchild” Stokes; 8 p.m., a performance by Damon Fowler; 10 p.m., a performance by the Spam Allstars; and Café 1451 will be open until mid-

night, offering prix-fixe dinner and a happy hour–style menu.

• Atrium — At 5 p.m., there will be Stars of the Future children’s performances; 8 p.m., Silent Disco; and the café will be open until midnight, offering prix-fixe dinner and a happy hour–style menu.

There will be a cash bar in all areas. Face painting, DIY art activities and steel drum lessons for kids are also being planned. For details, visit www.norton.org/summersoulstice.

Chinese Art Auction Set For June 23-24 In Boynton Beach A weekend auction packed with Chinese carvings and works of art, fine porcelain and decorative arts will be held June 23-24 by Elite Decorative Arts at the firm’s gallery located in the Quantum Town Center in Boynton Beach (1034 Gateway Blvd., Suites 106-108). The first gavel will come down at 1 p.m. both days.

The Saturday, June 23 session will feature over 300 lots of fine porcelain, artwork and decorative arts. An equal number of lots will change hands on Sunday, with a session dedicated to fine Chinese carvings and works of art. Previews will be held Friday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on sale days from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Internet bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com.

The expected top lot of the sale is a rare and masterfully carved Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup from the 17th or 18th century, four inches tall and fitted to a reticulated teakwood base. It has a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $250,000. The cup was offered at Elite Decorative Arts’ March 17-18 auction but has been relisted in the upcoming sale because of non-payment.

“We had an unfortunate situation where the winning bidder, named Xiangai Zhao from Shanghai, China, submitted a winning bid of $270,000 through Auctionzip.com, under the buyer name King779, then failed to meet his payment obligation,” said Chris Hayes of Elite Decorative Arts.

This was a troubling occurrence, but it may also be symptomatic of a more widespread trend. A May 12 report in the Financial Times

said up to 40 percent of “sold” items involving Chinese buyers were never paid for. The problem exists in Chinese auctions and in U.S. auctions, too, especially in the sale of highend Asian bronzes, ivories, pottery and porcelain pieces. Elite was just the trend’s latest victim.

The rhinoceros horn libation cup is quite striking — finely relief carved as a wooded jungle and rendered in high relief to depict a village scene with trees and people working and resting. One side shows scholars climbing the side of a rock mountain, with many types of trees. The other side depicts a family at the base and a tall and leafy peony tree growing amongst rock.

Also offered June 24 will be several stunning fine carved red coral group figures, highly sought after by collectors. Two lots carry pre-sale estimates of $40,000 to $60,000. Both are fully relief carved group figures. One depicts two maidens with young girls, plus a phoenix with birds of paradise. The other is a massive hand-carved coral figure depicting Quan Yin, with four birds.

Two other red coral group figures are expected to bring $30,000 to $40,000. One depicts Quan Yin with deer, birds, bamboo trees and flowers. The other depicts a maiden holding a lantern and a fan, with two children to her upper and a young girl under them.

Also sold at the June 24 session will be a Chinese Ming Dynasty olive-glazed pottery vase having a raised design depicting dragons and flora throughout and six rings to the

shoulder, with mask design (estimated value, $12,000 to $18,000); and a Chinese Cultural Revolution-era hand-carved polychromed ivory group figure of a woman and young child on a stool (estimated value, $6,000 to $8,000).

The June 23 session will be somewhat more free-wheeling with the star lots drawn from several different categories. One expected standout is a late 19th century Victorian-style standard grade burled walnut Wooten patent desk, with bronze hardware (estimated value, $10,000 to $15,000).

Artwork will feature a drawing on paper by James Abbott McNeil Whistler of a man and a young girl, 7.5 inches by 10.5 inches, framed and matted (estimated value, $6,000 to $8,000), and a photogravure by Robert Mapplethorpe, titled Orchid, of an orchid on a black background, signed and dated, Edition No. 22/27 (estimated value, $8,000 to $10,000).

Also sold June 23 will be an 18kt white gold and 2.53-carat diamond bridal ring set, an engagement ring featuring a modern brilliant cut round diamond of VS2 clarity and J color and weighing exactly 1.39 carats (estimated value, $5,000 to $10,000).

Elite Decorative Arts has decorative arts auctions slated for July 21 and Aug. 18. Quality consignments are still being accepted. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, call (561) 200-0893 or toll-free at (800) 991-3340, or e-mail info@eliteauction.com. To learn more about Elite Decorative Arts’upcoming events, or to see an online catalog of the June 23-24 auction, visit www.eliteauction.com.

A Chinese hand-carved polychromed Cultural Revolution ivory figure.

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Academy for Child Enrichment — Summer Camp Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics.

Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals.

Registration is now being accepted for Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Visit the Academy for Child Enrichment at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 798-3458 or visit www.small worldpbc.com.

Camp Gan Israel Day Camp — Camp Gan Israel has a program geared for your child!

Understanding that all kids are unique and are drawn toward different activities, Camp Gan Israel offers something for everyone. There are professional sports instructors, baking experts, dance instruction, jewelry making, karate instruction, trips to exciting local venues, swimming, boating, scrapbooking, edible art and so much more. Camp Gan Israel runs from June 18 through July 20, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The camp will take place at Palm Beach Central High School and accepts children from 3 to 13 years. To register, visit www.wellingt onjewishcenter.org or call (561) 333-4663.

High Touch High Tech/The Lab — The Lab is happ y to announce that it is expanding into a larger facility located near State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Science is presented by High Touch High Tech, the leader in hands-on science education for the last 17 years.

Each day will be a new adventure from interacting with “lab critters” to launching rockets and panning for gems. The program offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, art, physical activities and more. The Lab taps into children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities that help them learn about the world around them. Expect awesome fun as kids make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, tie dye t-shirts and more! Call (561) 444-3978 for info.

The Learning Foundation of Florida’s Academic Summer Camp — TLFF’s elementary, middle and high school summer academic school/camp program has several different service options available to assist the diverse needs of students. TLFF’s K-8th grade summer program focuses on individualized academic remediation. TLFF uses weekly

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themes, a variety of teaching strategies, including a multi-sensory/hands-on approach and creative lessons. TLFF’s high school summer program focuses on grade forgiveness and/or acceleration. Students who have received D or F grades in classes may redo them for a higher grade. Students can also accelerate and take classes to get ahead. Both programs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning June 18 and running through Aug. 3. For more info., call TLFF at (561) 795-6886.

Noah’s Ark Summer Camp — Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is now being accepted for both Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 753-6624 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com.

Pierce Hammock Elementary Summer Camp Program — Summer is just around the corner, so make plans now to sign up with Pierce Hammock Elementary School. Pierce Hammock has been serving the west area since 2004 and would love for you to join in the summer fun. Monday is on-campus activity day: participate in arts & crafts, sports, cooking, computers and more. Tuesday through Frida y will be off-campus days. Field trips include museums, wildlife excursions, water parks, arcades and other exciting places. Hurry, sessions fill quickly. For more information, or to register, call (561) 6334530 or visit www.edline.net/pages/Pierce_Hammock_Elementary/Afterschool and click on “2012 Summer Camp Info.”

Tiny Tikes — Tiny Tikes camp is geared toward the elementary-age camper. Daily activities are sure to keep the campers happy, busy and engaged. Trips include bowling, skating and movies weekly, as well as special trips including the zoo, science museum and much more! They have three conveniently located centers which open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Activities occur throughout the day, both at the center and out on the bus. Meals are included. Call (561) 790-1780 now to reserve your space or visit Tiny Tikes at 16245 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wildcat Football Squad Defeats Gardens In Spring Game

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team bested host Palm Beach Gardens 41-21 during a spring match-up Friday, May 25.

Royal Palm Beach showed off its talent for next season, taking an early lead and not relenting. Palm Beach

Gardens struggled to keep up and ultimately let the Wildcats slip away.

The Wildcats scored first with a touchdown early in the first quarter to take the lead 6-0. But Palm Beach Gardens responded with a touchdown and extra-point kick to take the lead 7-6. Not willing to give up the lead, Royal Palm Beach put in another touchdown, and Austin

Wildcat De’Marcus Holloway makes a first down.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Lombardi kicked a successful extra point to finish the first quarter 13-7.

Royal Palm Beach extended its lead in the second quarter, putting in another touchdown. Another extra-point kick made the score 20-7.

Palm Beach Gardens put in another touchdown at the end of the quarter to make the score 20-14 going into halftime.

The third quarter opened with a touchdown by Royal Palm Beach.

De’Marcus Holloway ran the ball 30 yards, then quarterback Ant McGrew threw a pass to JoJo Williams, who was waiting in the end zone. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the touchdown was called back for a personal foul.

The Wildcats were pushed back again by a delay-of-game penalty, putting them at the 43 yard line. But Royal Palm Beach came back on the next play with a touchdown by Williams. An extra-point kick by Lombardi made the score 27-14 with 8:25 left in the third quarter.

The Gators edged up the field several times, teetering on the goal line, but penalties pushed them back. Eventually, they put in a touchdown and extra-point kick to make the score 27-21.

Things picked up in the fourth quarter, when Royal Palm Beach put in its junior varsity members. The Wildcats held back Gardens while managing to score an additional two touchdowns to make the score 4121.

RPB quarterback Ant McGrew looks to pass.

Wildcat defenders take down a Gator ball carrier.

MOUNTED POSSE HOSTS SPRING FESTIVAL RANCH RODEO AT BRANDON The Palm Beach County Mounted Posse held its Spring Festival Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, May 26 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The day kicked off with the Slack Barrels and Poles competition, followed by the Pee Wee and Junior Rodeo and the Performance Rodeo. For more info., visit www.pbcposse.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Monica Lalama races for home.

Lisa Miller takes Queenie through the barrels.

Trevor McGuire heads for barrel two.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Heath Evans 7-On-7 Championship June 9 Two teams from Palm Beach County and one from Broward County — Atlantic, Northeast and Palm Beach Gardens — have accepted invitations to fill out the field in the seventh annual Heath Evans Foundation 7-on-7 Championship on Saturday, June 9.

The invitation-only tournament, which traditionally features many of the top programs in the state, will be held at the King’s Academy, Evans’ alma mater.

The trio will join 13 other teams, including reigning Class 8A champion Tampa Plant and Class 8A runner-up Miramar, which had previously accepted invitations to participate in one of the premier summer 7-on-7 tournaments in the country.

The Heath Evans Foundation 7on-7 Championship, presented by Hulett Environmental, provides a glimpse at almost 100 major college prospects. The talented field includes several teams that advanced deep into the 2011 FHSAA playoffs, including Dwyer, a Class 7A semifinalist; Miami Central, the Class 6A finalist; and Miami Booker T. Washington, the Class 4A finalist. Also

playing will be first-time participant Tampa Wharton as well as Cypress Bay, McArthur, Vero Beach, Miami Carol City, Ely, Chaminade-Madonna and host TKA. Teams will be split into divisions and play a round-robin format beginning at 9 a.m. After a lunch break, there will be single-elimination competition in the afternoon with the semifinals set for 3 p.m. and the championship game scheduled for 4 p.m. In addition to the skill players, high school linemen will have their own competition.

The Chick-Fil-A Lineman’s Challenge features a series of events, including a combine-style bench press, an agility challenge course and head-to-head tire flip over a 30yard course. An individual champion will be crowned as well as an overall team champion. Last year there was the Fastest Man Challenge, a 40-yard dash featuring one representative from each team.

The Heath Evans Foundation 7on-7 Championship, presented by Hulett Environmental, is open to the public. Tickets cost $5 person and are available at the gate. For more info., visit www.heathevans.org.

Oxbridge Academy Coach Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Around campus he is known as “Coach Suggs,” but Isaiah Suggs was a standout athlete long before he started coaching the girls lacrosse and basketball teams at the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches.

The former three-sport athlete recently was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at his high school alma mater, the Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Mass.

Suggs graduated from the prestigious boarding school in 1978, yet his star athlete status there is still legendary. While attending the school, he earned three varsity letters in football, four in basketball and three in lacrosse. Suggs was a running back and hard-hitting safety in football, and was named co-captain of the team in his senior year. As guard and captain of the varsity basketball team, he led the group to Independent School League and New England Class C championships and finished his senior year with a 19-1

record. While playing midfielder on the lacrosse team, he was twice named to the All-Northern Division All-Star team.

Following his successful high school career, Suggs joined the faculty at the Governor’s Academy, where he remained for 23 years. He coached the junior varsity lacrosse and both the men’s and women’s varsity basketball teams. His women’s basketball team won back-to-back New England Class B Championships in 2001 and 2002.

Suggs joined the faculty roster at the Oxbridge Academy in September 2011 and resides in Palm Beach Gardens. He will be conducting the school’s summer basketball camp, which runs June 2529 for girls and July 9-13 for boys.

The academy’s summer athletics program will focus on developing skills in basketball, lacrosse and softball, while instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.

Any aspiring athletes can register

Isaiah Suggs to attend. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lunch and snacks will be provided daily. For more information on fees and schedules, visit www.oapb.org.

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

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Area Genbu-Kai Students Travel To Branch Location In Kansas Four students from the Genbu-Kai Karate dojo in Wellington recently traveled to Pittsburg, Kan., to participate in the Genbu-Kai branch location’s 35th anniversary events.

The students had the opportunity to participate in seminars directed by chief instructor Shihan Fumio Demura (ninth dan). Demura Shihan is known for being the first karate instructor to introduce shito-ryu karate, along with Okinawan kobudo (weapons), outside mainland Japan to the United States in 1965. The students had the opportunity to compete in a tournament that totaled 200 competitors; they also attended an awards banquet, where they were able to meet and interact with other Genbu-Kai students from different locations nationwide.

The weekend events were topped off when Sensei Keith Moore was awarded his fourth dan (level) black belt ranking directly from Shihan Demura. This October will mark Sensei Moore’s 32nd year in martial arts. The tournament divisions consisted of kata (form), kumite (sparring), kobudo (weapons), batto kata (sword form) and team kata (team forms). Division winners are as fol-

(Front row, L-R) Shihan Fumio Demura, Amanda Vicente and Darien Pasztas; (back row) Sensei Keith Moore, Brent Bedwell and Mike Hritcko. lows: Darien Pasztas – third kata; Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Amanda Vicente – fourth kata; Loxahatchee areas, with the excepBrent Bedwell – third kumite, sec- tion of Hritcko, who is a student of ond Batto kata; Sensei Moore – Moore’s original New York locafourth Kobudo Kata, third kata, tions. fourth kumite, first Batto kata; Mike Genbu-Kai Karate is located in the Hritcko – second kata, third kumite; Wellington Marketplace. For more Bedwell, Hritcko and Moore – third information, call (561) 804-1002 or team kata. All students are from the visit www.floridagenbukai.com.

ACREAGE RAYS FINISH SEASON UNDEFEATED

The Acreage Athletic League minor division Rays (9-10) won the championship Saturday, May 19, ending the spring season undefeated.

They finished the season with a 16-0 record. According to the team, this has never been accomplished before in the Acreage Athletic League. The Rays are Austin Armstrong, Jarret Champagne, Sawyer Colucci, Shane Goolsbey, Cody Sauermann, Mark Shano, Jonathen Sylvester, Tyler Washington and Eric Weiss. Their coaches are Bart Colucci and Jay Weiss.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, June 2 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will observe National Trails Day with a hike in John Prince Park in Lake Worth on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast afterward. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host a class on bromeliads and air plants Saturday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Learn the basics of bromeliad care and artwork, the different kinds of bromeliads, where they are found, and how to integrate them into your garden. Call (561) 434-5777 or e-mail info@thenaturescenter.com to register. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome. Visit www.thenaturescenter.com for more info.

Sunday, June 3 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, June 3. Meet at 8 a.m. at the gate. Bring plenty of w ater. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for more info.

Monday, June 4 • The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) will of fer an Oil & Acrylic Art Class for age 18 and up beginning Monday, June 4 at 1 p.m. For supply info., call Alice Mullins at (561) 798-5961.

Supplies are approximately $40. Pre-registration is required. For program info., call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149.

• The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) will offer seven-week Guitar Classes beginning Monday, June 4 at 4:50 p.m. for age 6 and up and 6 p.m. for 13 and up. For more info., call instructor Melody Stuart Hipsman at (561) 324-4824. Pre-registration is required.

• Pre-natal Yoga Classes are offered at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane) on Mondays, June 4 through July 9 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. The cost is $50 for residents and $60 for nonresidents. Call (561) 790-5124 to pre-register. No experience is necessary.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold its monthly chapter meeting Monday, June 4 beginning with a social at 7 p.m. and program at 7:30 p.m. Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 9639906 for more info.

Tuesday, June 5 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, June 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth

floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a lecture by Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher on Tuesday, June 5 at 2:30 p.m. She will speak on “Staying on Top of New Election Laws” and “Confusion About Redistricting.”

Voter registration will be available. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Crochet Club for age 9 and up on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Learn introductory stitches or bring current projects and socialize.

Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature Chess Club for Adults on Tuesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Chess fans unite to practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) feature Crochet Club meetings Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for ages 9 to 14. Learn basic skills and socialize while you work.

Space is limited. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Wednesday, June 6 • The Safety Council of Palm Beach County’s 27th annual Traffic Safety Recognition Awards will take place Wednesday, June 6 at noon at the Embassy Suites (1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach). Police officers, traffic safety professionals and citizens will be recognized for outstanding efforts in traffic safety. For more info., visit www.safety councilpbc.org.

Thursday, June 7 • The Nor ton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach) will open its summer exhibition on the evening of Thursday, June 7 with “Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey.” Gorey is among the rare breed of artist whose work is as much beloved by children as it is by adults. For info., call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.

• The 15th annual Taste in the West & Chocolate Lovers Festival will take place Thursday, June 7 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center East (9067 Southern Blvd.). For more info., visit See CALENDAR, page 39

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 38 www.cpbchamber.com or call (561) 7906200.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers Critique Workshop for adults Thursday, June 7 at 6 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will feature “Anime Origins” for ages 12 to 17 Thursdays, June 7, 14 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. Explore Japanese fashion, food and culture as seen in your favorite anime. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).

Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info.

Friday, June 8 • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free screening of the movie Avatar on Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 7532484 for more info.

Saturday, June 9 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will do trail maintenance in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, June 9 at 6 a.m. Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 or Diana at (561) 848-2880 for more info.

• The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will sponsor a Farm Your Back Yard Workshop on growing vegetables Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mounts Exhibit Hall A. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. For more info., call (561) 2331757 or visit www.mounts.org.

• The Villa Olympia Tennis Cour ts in Wellington will host a USTA Recreational Coach Workshop on Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for the workshop is $20. Participants will engage in six hours of on-court training with USPTA/PTR-certified trainer John MacDonald. For more info., contact Janet Sprague at sprague@florida. usta.com or (561) 385-7399. To register for the event online, visit www.ustarcw wellington.eventbrite.com.

• The Philippine Summer Festival will take place Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. The event will feature food vendors, arts and crafts, souvenirs and live music. Admis-

sion costs $6 for adults and is free for age 3 and younger. For more info., visit www.the philippineamericansociety.org or call (561) 315-2316.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Library Tours at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 9; Thursday, June 14; Wednesday, June 20; and Tuesday, June 26. This staffguided tour of the new library emphasizes LEEDS-certified qualifications. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will feature “Saturday Morning Cartoons” for ages 5 to 8 on Saturdays, June 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 11 a.m. Recapture Saturday morning magic with sugary cereal and new and classic cartoons. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister.

• The 2012 Wellington Health & Wellness Festival will take place Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at near Whole Foods Market in Wellington. Presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the free event will showcase a variety of specialties, including chiropractic spinal screenings, medical screenings, cutting-edge fitness trends, integrative and holistic medicine, aromatherapy, pet therapy, massages and food samples.

For more info., call (561) 792-6525.

• Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will hold a class on edible and seasonal gardening Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. Join Jim Doenges for an open discussion on the benefits of edible and seasonal gardening. To register, call (561) 434-5777 or e-mail info@thenaturescenter.com. The program is free and walk-ins are welcome.

Visit www.thenaturescenter.com for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will kick off its Summer Reading Program with “Jugglemania 2” for all ages Saturday, June 9 at 2:30 p.m. This high-energy, interactive show will have you gasping in awe at juggling feats, from scarves to clubs and more. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will hold an Anime Club meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, June 9 at 3 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free concert featuring Long Run’s Tribute to the Eagles on Saturday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent particip ating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225.

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

COMPANION/LIVE-IN FOR ELDERLY — Experienced in all Area’s Top references, I speak English only. Call 561-632-0464

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.net.

561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d W ell. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

F AMILY OWNED CLEANING BUSINESS IS EXPANDING — We are honest, reliable and dependable. Over 20 years experience in the Western Communities. Call today to get started. Norma 561-3555044

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •RV • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in W ellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINAT OR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation Tutors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490

FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends.

Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHA TCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 FRONT DESK CLERK — for operating the front desk of hotel, good verbal and written communication skills, spontaneous desire to assist others and provide excellent customer service, flexible schedule needed, mainly night shift, weekends and holidays. Experience preferred. Please send resume via email or fax. info@royalinnhotel.com Fax 561-795-1502

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BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor d r y w a l l , k i t c h e n s / c a b i n e ts / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references.

Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-6016458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior p ainting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 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 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof rep airs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

SECURITY — American owned local security comp any 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 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

AQUA TIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete rep air of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the W estern Communities Since 1990

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

STEAMPRO TILE & CARPET CLEANING — Residential & Commericial. 561-818-8635 (office) 561-255-9098 (cell) Licensed, Bonded and Insured.

TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SER VICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 199212121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

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

Legal Notice No. 559 Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:

LAKHANI ENTERPRISES Located at: 12047 Sunset Point Ct. Wellington, FL 33414 County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida,forthwith

Ahmed La Khani Publish :Town-Crier Newspapers Date: 6-1-12 T OWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-7606 TODAY

BEAUTIFUL FURNISHED SINGLE FAMILY HOME — 3/2/2 with pool. Granite kitchen & baths.

Located in Fairway Cove. Lawn & Pool Maintenance included. Available Immediately through end of November. To view home call 561972-0219 561-791-0699

ROOM FOR RENT — includes Queen Size bed, dresser, and night stand. Access to kitchen, living room, washer-dryer and huge yard.

Available now for $600 month. 561291-4077

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms.

Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065

NEXT SATURDAY, JUNE 9th 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Weather Permitting — Huge garage sale including many Womens size 3x clothing. Follow signs at Big Blue Trace & W iltshire Village 1360 Brampton Cove

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