Town-Crier Newspaper June 5, 2009

2009 DIAMOND DERBY BENEFIT

Plan Helps Businesses Relocate To Wellington

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board on Thursday recommended approval of two measures intended to attract small but high-income business and industry to the village, as an alternative to more retail development.

The first measure, a flexible-use zoning district, would allow a wider range of “clean” uses, including light industry, technology, manufacturing and research on parcels as small as ten acres. And an expedited permitting program would streamline the

Wellington Community Center. Local restaurants and businesses were on hand, and there was live entertainment. Page 9

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often drawn-out permitting process, planning officials said.

The two proposals were crafted as a part of Wellington’s economic development initiative that aims to advance the village beyond its current status as a bedroom community with heavy concentrations of residential areas and retail shops.

If the flex zoning designation is adopted, staff will propose applying it to the village’s existing industrial areas on Pierson Road in a future action. The new designation de-emphasizes the word “industrial” because of

its connotations of noise and pollution. The designation would offer an alternative to retail development for commercial areas while retaining office uses, according to the staff report.

Because the two measures had raised similar questions among board members at a May workshop, Planning, Zoning & Building Director Marty Hodgkins suggested the board discuss them simultaneously.

Associate Planner Bill Nemser said the proposed Flexible Zoning Employment District would replace the vil-

See PZA BOARD, page 18

GROOVIN’ AT VETERANS PARK

Wellington Offers Some Employees Early Retirement

By Mark Lioi Town-Crier Staff Report

Shrinking budgets are forcing municipalities everywhere to reduce their staff, and in hopes of making the cuts as kind as possible, the Village of Wellington is offering an early retirement package to employees whose age and years with the village combine to reach the magic number of 62.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the village is doing all it can to reduce staffing expenses by encouraging voluntary departures.

“My goal is to try to get whatever reductions that I have to do in staff, and to try to do them without having layoffs — that’s our option of last resort,” he told the TownCrier Thursday.

Wellington, which enjoyed a decade of bountiful revenues through high property values and robust development, has been hit by a quadruple whammy of tax reform, a sinking real estate

market, a virtual standstill in construction and the overall floundering economy.

“The village’s property values dropped by over a billion dollars,” Schofield said. “Every other revenue source is down; overall our revenue is down by about $7.4 million, so this is just one of the many options we have to close that gap.”

Schofield said he doesn’t expect the village’s financial picture to improve anytime soon, so the village must make efforts to lighten its payroll burden for the longer term.

“The simple fact is that if we can get people interested in early retirement, that helps with staff reductions that even if we don’t have to do this year, we may have to do next year,” he said. Schofield said it is too early to tell how much response the early retirement offer will attract, but those who accept will be able to continue their See RETIRE, page 18

House Church Gets County OK Despite Protest

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Commission approved the establishment of a church in a house on Okeechobee Blvd. just west of the Town of Loxahatchee Groves at a zoning meeting last week, with measures to assure that amplified music and other sounds would not bother neighbors.

King of Kings Church requested conditional-use approval to convert the 25-yearold home into a house of worship. Earlier in May, the county’s Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the application by a 5-2 vote.

At the commission’s May 28 meeting, County Attorney Robert Banks explained that federal law prohibits the county from barring the establishment of places of worship except in cases of a “compelling governmental interest” and that the fact that the county has already approved another house-based church on an adjoining property, and its situation on an arterial road, makes it difficult for the commission to reject the application.

The one-acre lot on the south side of Okeechobee Blvd. is a few hundred feet west of the Loxahatchee

Town-Crier Columnist Don Brown Dies After Long Leukemia Battle

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Town-Crier columnist Don Brown, a longtime journalist and political campaign manager, passed away Saturday, May 30 in Wichita, Kan. after a long battle with leukemia. He was 65. Brown served in the U.S. Air Force as an information specialist from 1962 to 1966. Daily papers he worked for in his career included the Air Force Times during his enlistment, and on to the Daily Reporter in Derby, Kan., the Norfolk Daily News and Lincoln Journal in Nebraska, and the Daily Oklahoman and the Oklahoma City Times before taking a job handling public relations for the Tenneco Oil Co. in New Orleans. Brown retired to the western communities in the 1990s but soon resumed working as a manager for political candidates and as

a journalist, penning a weekly column in the TownCrier for five years.

Local friends say they’ll remember Brown as a caring person who did not hesitate to call things as he saw them.

Former Wellington village manager Charlie Lynn said he and Brown both started out in the area at about the same time.

“When I moved here in 1996, Don became one of the first people I really got to know outside the immediate staff in Wellington,” he recalled. “Don was a reporter for the Forum as I recall, and he had just moved to Wellington as well, so Don and I kind of started out with the then-infant Village of Wellington. We got to know each other, and we became very good friends.”

As a journeyman newspaper reporter, Brown was a relic of a bygone age — a fact

he relished and never let his friends forget.

“I always admired old-time newspaper reporters,” Lynn recalled. “And Don was one of the last newspaper reporters of the old school, and I mean that in a very complimentary way. Don was a good writer, and he pretty well called it like he saw it. I didn’t always agree with him, but Don was the kind of guy you could have an argument with, then sit down and have a beer with afterward.”

Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone, another close friend, said there was a softer side to the tough newsman.

“The public perception and persona of Don Brown was a tough newspaperman who covered controversial issues and said what others were afraid to say in his columns, but there was a different side See BROWN, page 2

Groves town limits. The surrounding property has agricultural-residential zoning, according to a county staff report. Bordering to the east is the parcel that previously received approval as a church, the New Worldwide Apostolic Church. East of that is Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School. The lot to the west is vacant. Homes occupy lots adjacent to the south and to the north across Okeechobee Blvd. A preliminary site plan for the church shows the 2,307square-foot house with a 70seat meeting hall, offices, a conference room and an existing 284-square-foot storage building relocated within the site. County staff placed a list of 22 conditions on the application, including additional landscaping and upgraded windows and doors to mitigate potential impacts to surrounding properties, as well as restrictions on the hours of operation and a bar on outdoor activities.

But Lionel Easterling, an East Brighton Drive resident directly south of the lot, said the location is unsuitable for a church. “We are a very family-oriented neighborhood,” he said. “We like our peace and quiet in the neighbor-

See CHURCH, page 4

The American Cancer Society’s 2009 Diamond Derby took place Friday, May 29 at the Breakers West Country Club. The event was held to raise money for cancer research and included entertainment, blackjack, roulette, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent and live auctions, and more. Shown here, event chairs

Dr. Daxa Patel, Dr. Collette Brown-Graham and Dr. Jennine Cabanellas receive bouquets for their hard work. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held a community concert Monday evening at Veterans Park featuring performers Derrick Hadley and the Motowners. Pictured above, the band gets the crowd on its feet. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY CAROL

Ducklings Saved From Sewer Pipe

By Kristina Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

A sewer pipe next to the Checkers restaurant near the original Wellington Mall was the scene of an animal rescue Tuesday afternoon after nine ducklings fell through a protective grate.

Checkers employee Lydia Stoked heard the ducklings and called for help. Personnel from Fire-Rescue Station 25 and Animal Care & Control Officer Jenn Blankenship responded to the call to find the ducklings stranded in the pipe.

By blowing air through the pipe, the ducklings were urged from the middle to an opening where Blankenship waited with a cage.

Following their removal from the sewer pipe, the

continued from page 1 to Don Brown that only his friends knew,” Damone said. “Although he led a carefree bachelor’s life, he very much was a family man and had a soft and sentimental side. He was very compassionate for those in need. Most people didn’t see that side of Don.”

After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Brown made efforts to help the victims of his old neighborhood of St. Bernard Parish, Damone recalled.

Brown accompanied Royal Palm Beach officials, including Village Manager David Farber, to the parish in a fundraising effort.

“He was instrumental in fundraising,” said Farber, who was himself employed by St. Bernard Parish and was its chief administrative officer from 1984 to 1988.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli, who was Brown’s friend for more than a decade, said he felt his weekly columns often had good intentions but could be extremely critical. “I didn’t always agree with him,” Mattioli said. “When he got a pen in his hand, he could be dangerous.”

But Mattioli said Brown’s columns often had the effect of bringing people together who had differences of opinion.

“He ended up saying, ‘why don’t you guys get together and have a community everybody can enjoy? Don’t be up there trying to sell your own agenda so you can get elected.’ He was big on that,” Mattioli said. “I’ll say it again: we did not always agree, but I’m certainly going to miss him.” Brown had an understanding of government that is sometimes lost on younger reporters, Lynn said.

“Don did not suffer from the civic illiteracy that I find a lot of younger reporters seem to suffer from,” Lynn said. “Don understood how our system of government works, and he understood people. He knew what motivated them, good and bad.” Lynn said he looked eagerly on his lawn every Saturday for his Town-Crier to read the Don Brown column.

you’re a public person like myself, sometimes it’s hard to be vulnerable and open. With Don, I could be open and honest and never felt like I was being judged. Don was always on the side of right. He was on the side of the underdog, and he had the tenacity and the will to take on a losing battle for others. I appreciated that in him.”

Damone recalled how she always appreciated Brown’s storytelling abilities, relating tales from his experiences, such as his coverage confirming the death of Elvis Presley. “He led a very fruitful life,” she said. Brown was originally diagnosed with terminal leukemia in 2007 but went into remission after undergoing an experimental treatment. Damone recalled how Brown was interested in supporting other cancer victims by inspiring them with his story of how he defeated leukemia, and she introduced him to an Acreage resident with the disease.

“He was such a dear friend, and I think the world’s a better place for him being here,” Lynn said. “I think the journalism profession has suffered a great loss. I wish we had a lot more like him… Underneath that gruff exterior there was a very caring person.”

Damone said what began as a professional relationship with Brown grew over time into a close friendship.

“He was a teacher; he was extremely insightful and witty,” Damone said. “When

“Don wanted to share his story with other leukemia patients and give them hope,” Damone said. “I introduced him to Gary Lauer, who wasn’t as positive as Don, and Don carried Gary by dedicating himself to weekly visits to get Gary through his own battle with leukemia.” While all of Brown’s friends have different recollections, all agree that he was a unique character. “You only run into people like Don maybe once or twice in your lifetime,” Lynn said. “I’m really going to miss him. There are fewer and fewer people I can really talk politics with anymore who understand what I’m talking about.” Brown, who was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Erma and brother Gary, is survived by his wife Sheryl of Royal Palm Beach; sons Brook (Sherry) of Picayune, Miss., Michael (Renee) of Haysville, Kan., Sam (Tammy) of Ada, Okla., Stephen (Michelle) of St. Bernard, La.; brothers Bob (Mary Ellen) of Andover, Kan., Ken (Pat) of Wichita, Kan., Richard of Haysville, Kan., James (Mary Beth) of Sioux Falls, S.D.; sister Linda (Dale) Buck of Haysville; sister-in-law Anita of Crestview, Fla.; 14 grandchildren, 12 nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, June 5 at Haysville United Methodist Church in Haysville, Kan. For more information, visit www.webb-shinklemortuary. com. Plans are underway for a memorial service in the western communities. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, 300 N. Main St., Suite 300, Wichita, KS 67202 or the KU Endowment for Cancer Research, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160.

(Above) Officer Jenn Blankenship holds the cage of ducklings after their rescue. (Below) The ducklings were placed in a cage until they could be returned to their mother.

PHOTOS BY KRISTINA WEBB/TOWN-CRIER

ducklings were returned to their mother. “This happens all the time,” Blankenship said.

ROYAL PALM BEACH ROTARY CLUB INSTALLS OFFICERS

The Rotary Club of Royal Palm Beach swore in its new board of officers last Saturday during a ceremony at the Village Golf Course. In addition to recognizing the officers for 2009-10, the club honored incoming president Keith Jordano and awarded scholarships to Jamie Lyn Richartz and Shafina Ghanie. The ceremony was led by outgoing club president Scott Armand and included music by Tony “the Tiger” Armour. For more info., visit www.rpbrotary.org.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Honorees Jamie Lyn Richartz and Shafina Ghanie.

Rotarians gather for a group photo.

Eric Gordon, Scott Armand and Terri Wescott.Phyllis Gauger and husband PBSO Col. Mike Gauger.

Rotarian Joan Scherer with Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster and husband Gary.

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria with incoming Rotary President Keith Jordano.

OUR OPINION

County Rate Increase Is A Bitter, But Necessary Pill

Members of the Palm Beach County Commission will have difficult choices to make when they begin reviewing the budget for the next fiscal year on Monday, June 8. On one side will be the county staff urging a small tax rate increase to somewhat stem the losses due to falling property values, joined by supporters of crucial county programs who want to avoid the swing of the budget ax. On the other side will undoubtedly be some taxpayers out to prevent the rate increase. No politician likes to raise taxes. And in one sense, County Administrator Bob Weisman’s budget does not. It is designed only to bring in a similar amount of money as last year. However, the higher rate will be a bitter pill for commissioners to swallow.

Right now, Weisman’s plan slices tens of millions of dollars from the county’s operating budget — at least a 10-percent cut from most county departments. It also eliminates 286 county jobs, although only 175 of them are currently filled. But it also raises the county tax rate from 3.78 to 4.29 mills.

If the commissioners balk at approving the budget proposal with a rate hike, Weisman has contingency plans for further cuts. About $80 million would be needed, and if the cuts are made, Palm Beach County may have to change its

Golf Course

Shouldn’t Be Punished

For the past 15 years or more, no one complained about golf course early mowing. It wasn’t until the Wanderers Club went private and stopped letting the residents of Lakefield use their pool, their tennis courts and dining room and cut off their views of the golf course that the complaining began. If you heard their speeches, that is the real problem. They are no longer part of a golf course community. They are outsiders. The noise ordinance is a way to punish the Wanderers Club for the things that have been taken away from them. Their anger is understandable. It compares to Binks Forest residents’ anger when their course was closed for five years. There is a real argument that the stated Code Sec. 3633 (6) does not apply to golf courses. It reads, “lawn and garden equipment that emits sound across a property line to inhabited residential land.” There is no mention of golf course equipment. It seems to deny homeowners or professional landscapers from bothering the neighbors early in the morning. Coupled with that thought is the fact that there is a golf course disclosure letter that advises home buyers to acknowledge risks and possible inconveniences that may occur when one buys property on a golf course. It includes “noise from maintenance equipment.” Homeowners had to sign this letter before closing on their property.

There is a major economic problem with lost tee times. Golf courses are running a fine line of profitability, and they cannot afford to lose this

source of revenue. We have too many courses closed today; we do not need another one.

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Kudos To Wellington Seniors Club

I’d like to extend my personal thanks to all the dedicated people who make the Wellington Seniors Club the wonderful association it has become. There are not enough superlatives to identify our innovative president, Howard Trager. If he wasn’t busy enough with the numerous tasks of organizing our luncheon meetings, etc., Howard has also taken on the job of editor of The Golden Banner, our senior newsletter. Since the unfortunate demise of Ken Katz several months ago, Howard is now also organizing our numerous field trips. He wears all three hats with a big smile on his face and lots of humor in his heart. Thank you, my friend for your wise leadership. Joan Mariutto Wellington

Protect Residents, Not Golfers

Just a few months ago, the Wellington Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board presented its request to exempt village golf courses from bans on early mowing and noise abatement laws. After an aroused citizenry appeared at a PZA meeting, our council withheld decision and Mayor Darell Bowen said that a moratorium existed until the Wellington Village Council decided the issue. Even the golf courses were of the opinion that the moratorium was

slogan to “Not Quite the Best of Everything.” The current budget proposal shields the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office from cuts. In fact, the draft budget actually funnels more money to the PBSO next year. However, since the PBSO takes the largest single chunk of the county’s operational expenses, further budget cuts could force cutbacks at the department just when we are at our most vulnerable. There is a reason why governments generally spend more during an economic downturn — recessions cause more need for government services, not less. In conjunction with cuts to code enforcement and an increased foreclosure rate leaving many homes vacant, cuts to the PBSO would open up neighborhoods to vandalism, gangs, drug crime and worse. Another blow would come in the form of the loss of key community programs. Further cuts could gut the county’s recreation infrastructure and eliminate programs designed to keep children off the streets and active in useful pursuits.

The proposed county budget will have an effect on every person living in Palm Beach County. To salvage a bad situation, commissioners and the community at large must accept a small tax rate increase in order to keep county income stable and not force the further decimation of necessary county services.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

on enforcement, and continued to violate the law with early mowing and noise despite of the fact that they were being cited for doing so.

Now this plan to disturb the peace is back. The Binks course has requested a delay of fines, and Wanderers Club received a small slap on the wrist for a single violation of a small hand mower. No mention of the monumentally large machinery that has been used or the many occasions that these large machines operated before legal times on weekdays or on Sundays. All, as if 100 acres can be mowed a few times weekly, by a small hand-mower, and without loud noise.

Now again, they are requesting the right to block our sleep. Golf course maintenance, which is allowed (by noise abatement laws) at 7 a.m. all week, and 9 a.m. on Sundays, is now requesting 6 a.m. seven days a week for these tractors and aerators, and getting the machines in position even before that. We will need no alarm clock if golf courses are exempted from mowing and noise abatement laws. This is how we will be awakened every day. Lakefield North in particular is completely encircled by the Wanderers Club. Mayor Bowen, we do not deserve this lack of regard. You are pitting the desires of a few for earlier tee-off times against the needs of hundreds of residents of this community for a decent night’s sleep. Sampson Nebb Wellington Louda To Crist:

Shame On You!

Editor’s note: Dr. Bill Louda is a member of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council and a professor of environmental chemistry at Florida Atlantic University. He

wrote the following letter to Gov. Charlie Crist and forwarded a copy to the TownCrier for publication.

Dear Gov. Crist:

Despite some positive attributes within Senate Bill 360, the very real scenario that will now follow is rampant development into previously rural areas. What the ag enclave bill did is now very much expanded. Removal of any attempts at concurrency is going to place all infrastructure costs onto the shoulders of existing residents rather than placing it were it belongs — into the costs of expansion.

I teach two environmental chemistry courses here at FAU, and from day one in each course I instill in my students the absolute need to balance risk versus benefit. I firmly believe, from experience as a councilman in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves in Palm Beach County, that this is the death knell for any semblance of sensible growth. Will this help the housing industry? Yes, but the collateral damage can only be imagined and will be evident in the months and years ahead.

This is the first time that I have been disappointed in you as my governor.

Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Thanks, RPB, For Great Baseball

I would like to thank the Village of Royal Palm Beach for its continued support for youth baseball at the Bob Marcello Complex. When my wife and I were looking for a home nine years ago, a drawing point was the wonderful baseball facility. We purchased a home in the Wil-

OPINION

lows, and this year our oldest son was age eligible to play in the Shetland (beginner) Division. The coaches were enthusiastic, cooperative and very patient with the children. My son learned baseball fundamentals, even playing shortstop and hitting off the coach. More importantly, he had a lot of fun with his teammates and increased his self-confidence as he starts school this fall. This was a great experience for him, and I encourage parents in the area to take advantage of this excellent program.

Robb Bartenslager

Royal Palm Beach

Save America

One Kind Act At A Time

Inaction is no option in these harsh economic times. Now more than ever, all Americans must get out of their comfort zones and contribute every talent, skill and resource they have to lift our country back to financial solvency. We’re all in this mess together and an “I don’t care” stance will put us in a world of hurt as we get plunged into an abyss from which we might not be able to extricate ourselves.

Again, at this critical crossroads in our history, every American must go forth with a singular resolve to making things happen. They don’t have to be deeply earthshaking in their impact or hugely far-reaching in their magni-

tude, but practical, compassionate acts such as: the ultra-affluent not shying away from their just share of taxes to help our government fund critical people programs; Wall Street CEOs pruning their astronomical salaries and bonuses to keep their companies from going bankrupt, thus stave off thousands of workers from getting served the pink slip; common folks shelving leisure-commute plans to avert skyrocketing gasoline usage; teachers and parents alike going the extra mile to teach kids the values of frugality and hard work as they’re the very foundations of a strong, viable society; legislators cutting down on unnecessary government spending to avoid drowning future generations in debt of cosmic proportions; car czars making their products within reach as they’re the basic bread-andbutter tool for every hardworking American; treasury heads lowering interest rates so the average Joe can achieve the American dream of owning a home; and the like. I love this country so much that I’ll do anything with reckless abandon, even braving death, to come to her rescue. But I can’t make a headway doing it all by myself. So I beseech each and every citizen to step up and make a difference. Let’s save America one kind act at a time!

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 them to letters@goTown Crier.com

What I Would Give To Be A Fly On The Wall At Rockefeller University

Let the truth be told: I sure would have done flip-flops to have been a fly on the wall on May 5 when an auspicious group of rich (very, very rich) and famous people came together for several hours at Rockefeller University’s presidential residence. After all, this surprisingly under-publicized gathering

Church Neighbor Protests

continued from page 1 hood, and we have a lot of concerns about a place of worship in a residential area.”

Easterling said noise and traffic problems would be compounded because of the prior approval of the other church. “We have a neighborhood with kids, a school, one house is already proposed to be turned into a place of worship, now we’re looking at a second one,” he said. “My concern is two houses, two one-acre lots. One proposed for a 35-car parking lot and the King of Kings, a 24-car parking lot.”

Easterling said neighbors already experienced prob-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

was estimated to be peopled with a net worth of $120 billion! Who was there, you

lems with the King of Kings congregation when it first held services there before it was cited for a code violation.

“When they sing and yell and beat their drums and play electric guitars there’s a disturbance in the residential neighborhood,” he said. “The house was built in 1984. The windows, the glass and glass panel doors are paper thin. I do not judge them, and I have no regrets. I go to church myself on Sundays and Wednesdays when I can, and my family does too.”

Kevin McGinley of Land Research Management, representing King of Kings, said he has met with Easterling and other residents to assure them the church would be a good neighbor, but noted that commissioners approved another church next door.

ask? How about Bill Gates and Warren Buffett for starters? Or how about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and multi-billionaire George Soros? Not impressed? Also attending were Oprah Winfrey, David Rockefeller and Ted Turner, among a wealth of others.

The lately arriving “scoop”

“This is very similar if not identical to a church approved in February in size and location, and it does have the same issues,” McGinley said. “We met with Mr. Easterling, and he’s a very reasonable man. The conditions of approval I’ve assured Mr. Easterling are better than the situation that occurred over the years.”

A landscaping buffer and septic upgrades would be put in place before retrofitting of the house begins, McGinley said, adding that he always advises people looking to convert a residential structure for use as a church to get an architect to figure out what it is going to cost. “If they get approved, it’s not just the interior work,” he said. “It’s the landscaping, it’s the parking, the drainage. These things

tells us these giants of money-making were there basically to discuss giving money away. It is estimated by the Chronicle of Philanthropy that this group has donated more than $72.5 billion to charitable causes since 1996. Participants, we are told, chatted about ways to improve and increase philanthropy in these stressful economic times. They discussed subjects like personal causes and lessons learned in the world of charitable “giving.”

can cost an awful lot of money.”

Commissioner Karen Marcus cast doubt on the feasibility of a retrofit. “Converting a residence to a 70-seat facility, you might as well just tear it down and start anew,” she said. “It’s almost a shell.”

McGinley said a large room inside would seat 70 people, while rooms off the main meeting room would serve as offices and a conference room. “It will be small; sometimes you just can’t talk people out of the vision they have for their congregation or the location that they’ve picked,” he said.

County building officials were diligent in bringing the pastor to a meeting and making it very clear what had to be done, McGinley added. “I did the same thing several

This was the first time the group held a meeting. Without an organized agenda and bereft of specific plans following the lengthy get-together, they made no plans to do it again. Seems like a shame not to have this accumulation of world-class brain power meet on a regular basis to discuss a multitude of subjects. Of course, we do understand they are a pretty busy bunch. Oh well. Still, I sure wish I were a fly on those Rockefeller University walls!

years ago when he first approached me,” he said. “It’s not something I encourage.

Single-family home conversions to churches, you’re better off just finding a vacant piece of property and building up, but that’s not always the case with small starting churches.”

Commission Chairman Jeff Koons agreed with Easterling’s objections but noted that the commission is bound by law not to turn down the congregation outright.

“Mr. Easterling, that’s the world we live in,” he said. “Subjectively you’re right, but objectively we’re in the situation that we have to make what you’re facing in your neighborhood as acceptable as we can.”

“You might hear a bass line or a drum or something like that, but the service lasts an hour and 15 minutes, but it’s not all music,” McGinley said. “It’s praying, it’s a homily and then there’s some music. I don’t believe there is going to be a noise factor. We are going to upgrade our windows and doors.”

McGinley said that the landscaping buffers would also reduce noise.

Commissioner Steven Abrams made a motion to approve the request subject to the listed conditions, which was seconded by Commissioner Shelley Vana and carried unanimously.

McGinley said the current double residential doors will be replaced, which he said may be allowing the most noise to escape. He added that the service is not entirely music.

Mario Casuga Royal Palm Beach

2009 DIAMOND DERBY GALA BENEFITS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Leukemia survivor Savannah Fry-Colodny speaks.

Event chairs and committee members Lisa Gardi, Juan Gonzalez, Dr. Jennine Cabanellas, Dr. Daxa Patel, Dr. Collette Brown-Graham, Hope Barron and Rocky Goins.

Ben and Joanna Boynton, Angela and John Lacy, and B.J. and Bobby Ewing.Ilissa Kennedy deals to Kim and Mike O’Dell.

Silvia Garcia, State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and Lisa Gardi.

Katrina and Daelazah Hadley get into the groove.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach

The Derrick Hadley band wows the audience.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Carolyn and Jeff Hmara with Maggie Zeller and Don Gross.

Burglary Suspect Found Sleeping Near RPB Home

By Kristina Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

MAY 28 — A 24-year-old man was arrested on a vehicle burglary charge last Thursday in Royal Palm Beach. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 6:55 a.m. a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation responded to a home on Lilac Drive and discovered that the driver’s-side rear window of the victim’s 2002 Ford Explorer had been smashed and there was blood on the armrest under the window. A center console bag containing change and receipts had been stolen. As the deputy walked back to his car to get to DNA test kit, he saw a man sleeping outside the house next door to where the burglary occurred. The deputy placed the man, Kyle Malenick, in handcuffs as he was attempting to leave the area, noticing that there were fresh cuts on Malenick’s left hand. An on-scene investigation revealed that Malenick was responsible for the burglary. After placing Malenick under arrest, the deputy searched his belongings and found marijuana wrapped in tinfoil and one and a half Xanax pills. Malenick was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

driving, driving with a license expired for more than four months, obstruction without violence and failure to sign citations.

MAY 30 — Deputies from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded last Saturday night to an alarm at an eyewear store in the Crossroads Plaza on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a PBSO report, the front door of the store had been broken and surveillance footage showed a white man age 30 to 35 years with short brown hair using a hammer to gain entry. The suspect took several pairs of eyeglasses valued between $6,000 and $8,000 total. Several latent prints were lifted from a display case, and DNA evidence was collected from the front door lock and desk drawer handle. A similar incident occurred at a nearby restaurant, where the front door had also been broken and approximately $10 in coins was taken from a change cup near the register.

• • • MAY 27 — Two juveniles were arrested last Wednesday in Royal Palm Beach for grand theft. According to a PBSO report, the juveniles were invited to a friend’s house on Fascination Lane in Counterpoint Estates. When the friend left the house to go to school, one of the juveniles took several items, including an Apple iPod valued at $125, a red purse worth $50, several items of jewelry and a book of blank checks. According to the report, the juveniles were arrested the following day after a person at the house where they were staying called to report a burglary at another home on the same street where five articles of clothing and a cell phone were stolen. During questioning, the deputy searched one of the juveniles’ purses and found a book of blank checks.

The juveniles confessed to the crimes and were placed under arrest.

MAY 29 — A man was arrested for reckless driving last Friday following a traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over Esteban Perez after observing Perez speeding, weaving from lane to lane and honking his horn. When asked for his driver’s license, Perez shouted profanities at the deputy and refused to provide the license. The deputy asked Perez to step out of the vehicle; after initially refusing, he complied. The deputy found that Perez was driving with an expired license. Perez was then arrested him and taken back to the Royal Palm Beach substation for processing. Following more resistance from Perez, the deputy charged him with reckless

JUNE 2 — A 26-year-old Acreage man was arrested for unlawful use of badges following a traffic stop last Sunday. According to a PBSO report, deputies from the Wellington substation pulled over a 1990 Ford Bronco driven by Matthew Henn for a broken headlight. As they approached the vehicle, the deputies noticed a gold PBSO star decal on the tailgate of Henn’s truck and a metal Police Benevolent Association badge screwed onto the license plate. The deputies saw a blue traffic vest with the word “police” written on it in bold, reflective letters and a black baseball hat with the word “SWAT” written on it in plain view in Henn’s vehicle. Henn also handed the deputies a portable blue-and-red flashing light from the center console of his car. When the deputies asked Henn if he was a police officer, Henn replied that he is not, but that over four years ago he had been a member of the Explorer program in Lake Worth. According to the report, officers advised Henn of his rights and then asked his permission to search the Bronco, to which he consented. Inside the deputies found a badge with “Fugitive Recovery Agent” written on it, a black flashlight and a portable radio. Because Henn was neither a law enforcement officer nor a member of the Police Benevolent Association, he was arrested and taken to the county jail for processing.

JUNE 3 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Monday to a residential burglary on the 12th Fairway. According to a PBSO report, the victim and his roommate left their home around 9:20 a.m. and returned around 10:30 a.m. to find that someone had entered the house through the rear sliding door. An Xbox 360 and four games had been stolen from the living room, and a safe containing $800 had been stolen from See BLOTTER, page 18

Lane North in The Acreage. Joseph is wanted as of 06/ 04/09. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Avinaash Joseph Agustin Padron

RPB To Mark 50th Anniversary With Events June 12-13

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Village of Royal Palm Beach has scheduled two days of celebrations on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13 in recognition of its 50th anniversary.

Festivities get underway at 5 p.m. Friday with the unveiling of a sculpture by public artist Mark Fuller at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards.

“This is a piece of artwork that was commissioned by the village to Mark Fuller that will be located at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee, our busiest intersection,” Village Manager David Farber said. “We will then have a brief reception inviting all past mayors and council members, as well as

elected officials from our surrounding communities.”

The celebration will continue at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park with the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Royal Palm Beach with free birthday cake, followed by entertainment by the Royal Palm Beach Community Band, as well as various children’s rides and activities.

After the concert, attendees can enjoy the free screening of a movie classic from 1959 — Some Like It Hot with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, directed by Billy Wilder — along with popcorn and lemonade.

A full day of activities are scheduled for Saturday, beginning with a 5K run/walk race at 7 a.m. from Camellia Park to the village hall

grounds where bagels, pastries, fresh fruit and coffee will be served. Commemorative tshirts will be given out and medals presented to winning racers.

At 10 a.m., village officials will open a 25-year-old time capsule and bury another for unearthing during the village’s 75th anniversary celebration, Farber said.

“We’ll begin the rest of our activities back at Veterans Park with a chili cookoff and a cupcake bakeoff where residents and attendees will be invited to enjoy the wares of both the chili chefs and the bakers,” he said.

Entries in the cookoff and bakeoff competitions are free, and prizes will be awarded to winners in individual, group and restaurant categories.

Setup for the competitions begins at 8 a.m., and each event lasts from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the village providing each entrant with a ten-foot-square space and a table. Competitions entrants are encouraged to decorate their spaces on the village’s anniversary theme of “Through the Decades.” Special prizes will be awarded to the best-decorated booth in each event.

The village will provide lemonade and cornbread to supplement the chili and cupcake offerings. Participants are also encouraged to have printed copies of their recipes on hand to share with the general public.

Among other festivities on Saturday is a pie-eating contest, with pies donated by

Winn-Dixie, Publix, Costco and BJ’s. The Chili Chicks will also be on hand with their line-dancing routine, and a DJ will be spinning hits ranging from the 1950s to the present day. At 7 p.m., there will be

music at the amphitheater, and guests can enjoy free hot dogs and soft drinks. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The entire event is free and everyone is invited to participate, Farber said.

Indian Trail Attempting To Save Collapsed Drainage Structure

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The recent heavy rainfall caused the partial collapse of a water control structure on the B Canal at 168th Terrace and Preakness Drive West in Royal Ascot Estates over the Memorial Day weekend, Indian Trail Improvement District engineers said.

Murphy Construction crews had an excavator and crane at the site this week digging out the structure, which had listed northward after corroded corrugated steel pipes collapsed and allowed water to erode the earth around the structure.

The structure, part of a system that keeps the M-2 Basin in The Acreage drained, contains gates that regulate the flow of water from the B Canal into the M-2 Canal.

The M-2 Canal empties southward into the C-51 Canal.

ITID Engineer Keith Jackson of the Engenuity Group said a resident had phoned the district late Sunday night during the Memorial Day weekend after noticing a sinkhole on 168th Terrace.

“Indian Trail mobilized

forces and did a temporary repair so that the whole road would not be lost,” Jackson said. “They dug down and discovered that a big portion of the pipe leading from the control structure under the road had collapsed, probably just from years of corrosion. It’s underground, so you really can’t see these things.”

ITID workers did a temporary repair to stop the gushing water and prevent further erosion around the control structure, Jackson said.

The B Canal structure is among some 20 flood control structures that drain the M-2 Basin, Jackson explained.

“It’s one of many control structures,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it is the primary control structure, but it is one of the larger ones.” Jackson said he assessed the damage on May 26 and determined that an emergency repair was needed.

“An emergency repair was implemented with Murphy Construction,” he said. “They build bridges, control structures, pump stations and things like that. They are used to dealing with bigger struc-

tures like this and determined very quickly that in order to save this structure — it would be better to save the structure than to let it collapse or tear it down — to grab the structure from the bottom and lift it out of the ground so that it does not fall apart and they can use it again.”

Jackson said the 25-ton concrete structure had been poured in two sections and stood a good chance of separating if it were lifted from the top rather than the bottom.

“The structure itself is in good shape,” Jackson said. “The gates are in good shape. The concrete is in good shape. Concrete has a very long lifespan, so we want to be able to save that structure but get it out of the hole without damaging it. You can’t simply lift it out with a backhoe. It has a construction joint halfway up the structure.”

To get at the structure, a plug was installed in a culvert at the B Canal where it goes under Cheetham Hill Blvd. to the west, an earthen dam was built at the M-2 Canal, and the B Canal was pumped dry so a backhoe could dig in a dry hole, Jackson said.

After the structure is pulled out, the B Canal will be regraded to replace the two culverts that lead from the B Canal to the M-2 Canal with high-density polyethylene pipe that has a lifespan of more than 100 years, Jackson said.

“We’ll replace the pipes, compact all around them, place the control structure back where it should be, backfill around the control structure and return the canal banks on both sides of the B Canal and the M-2 Canal back to their original shape,” he said.

Jackson said no property had been put in jeopardy as a result of the failure of the water control structure in question.

“The only thing was a sinkhole in the road,” he said. “They mobilized late Sunday and Monday morning and put up barriers.”

No cost estimate for the repair work had been made as of Wednesday. “We’re still in time-and-material mode,” Jackson said. “As soon as we get the structure pulled out of the way we can get an estimate.”

Lox Groves Begins Its Search For A New Management Firm

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council opened the search for a management firm Tuesday, approving a request for proposals for a new firm to replace New Community Strategies (NCS).

NCS supplies a manager, clerk, assistant clerk and financial services to the town. It gave 120 days notice in late April that it plans to terminate services to the town, saying its current annual contract at $96,000 is no longer profitable.

Town Manager Dr. Irv Rosenbaum, who is CEO of NCS, said the council will need to decide how it wants its management services provided and whether it wants to continue on a contractual basis.

“We came on board and felt around in the dark,” Rosenbaum said, explaining

that his firm improvised its services, being the first provider for the fledgling town. Rosenbaum said services might include some type of partnership with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

Town staff has had discussions with the LGWCD to assist the town in providing support services. These services would include retaining current Assistant Town Clerk Michelle Kantor as the town clerk and the LGWCD’s accounting department as the town’s financial manager.

“Michelle does an awful lot of work here,” Rosenbaum said. “This is a council decision. There’s nothing stopping exploring the scope of involvement with the water management district.”

Councilman Ryan Liang suggested looking for a parttime manager, but Councilman Dr. Bill Louda said he is

satisfied with the contractual system the town has.

“I want to see if we can find a management firm that will take Michelle on,” Louda said, adding that he would rather not blend services with the water control district.

“I want to keep them separate,” Louda said. “I think the two bodies should work together, but separately. If we have to bring on a firm at double what we’re paying you, so be it.”

Councilman Ron Jarriel said he would like to see proposals from managers.

“We talked about if we hire a management firm, it will cost $180,000,” Jarriel said. “I would like to see bids on a manager, not a firm.”

Jarriel said he was also not adverse to blending services with the LGWCD.

“If it works where we can work with the district and save money, I want to go

that route,” he said.

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp said he wanted to avoid making the town an employer and having to provide insurance and benefits. “I like a management firm and keeping government lite,” he said. Even on an interim basis, the LGWCD could provide services, Lipp said, possibly with District Administrator Clete Saunier serving as interim manager.

“On an interim basis, we would be wise to consider this, although the water control district has to approve,” Lipp said. “The district and town becoming one, with the town being the dominant force, would be a good start to see.”

During public comment, resident Frank Schiola said he agreed with the town taking its time finding a new service provider, adding that his employer the City of Jupiter

took six months to find a new manager.

“Bringing on Michelle is a definite win in my column,” Schiola said. “Bring her into the water management district so she has benefits.”

Resident Bill Gurney said he felt Saunier’s presence as manager would not promote good relations between the town and the district. “Specifically to Mr. Saunier, the politics in the community have been polarizing,” he said. “Having Clete as manager would be divisive instead of bringing us together.”

LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan said he had been reading through the “operational responsibility” portion of the request for proposals where he saw several mentions of “liaison” for the role of the manager.

“‘Liaison’ is too vague and inappropriate for the role of

town manager,” Ryan said. “‘Manage and oversee’ is used only one time.” Town Clerk Matthew Lippman said Ryan had made a good point about the manager’s role, and the request would be amended. Ryan added that if the LGWCD were involved, he would favor approaching it as a permanent relationship. Louda said if the LGWCD makes a proposal, he would want it to spell out what services it would provide. Lipp said he would prefer one firm providing all services, in the same manner that NCS does. “Let’s put it all in one basket and select the manager, clerk and financial,” he said.

Jarriel made a motion to advertise the request for proposals, which was seconded by Liang and passed 4-0 with Mayor David Browning absent.

ALA’S ANNUAL HUCK FINN DAY BRINGS THE FUN TO CORBETT AREA

The Acreage Landowners’ Association hosted its annual Huck Finn Day festival on Sunday, May 17 at the Everglades Youth Camp in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. A fun day for the whole family, the event featured games, music from DJ Mark Thomas, a wildlife exhibit, canoeing, fishing, a petting zoo, fence painting and food. One of the highlights was a performance by 11-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist Emily Webster.

The water control structure Indian Trail engineers are working to save. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Participants take a break during the pie-eating contest.

Emily Webster performs.

Richter To Speak At Chamber Luncheon

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Greg Richter as keynote speaker at a luncheon on Wednesday, June 17 at Kontiki Restaurant. The topic will be “Crime in Wellington: Reality vs. Rumor.” Richter is commander of the District 8 substation in Wellington. He is in his 27th year as a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office employee and has worked many facets of law enforcement within the agency, including road patrol, investigations and specialized services.

Kontiki Restaurant is located at 13860 Wellington

Trace, Suite 21-22, in the Wellington Courtyard Shops. The cost to attend is $20 for chamber members in advance, $25 for members at the door and $30 for nonmembers. Call (561) 7926525 for reservations or more information.

New Hours At Aquatic Complex

The Wellington Aquatic Complex has begun new summer hours. The facility is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Sunday. The complex will continue to accept private pool rentals for Friday evenings and sunshine rentals for exclusive use on Sunday mornings.

The Wellington Aquatic Complex offers swimming lessons throughout the summer for ages six months to adults of all ages. The next session begins June 15. The lessons are offered in the morning between 9 a.m. and noon and in the evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. The swimming lesson times vary depending on the level and ability of the child or adult. Lessons are offered Monday through Thursday for 30 minutes. Call the Aquatic Complex at (561) 753- 2484, ext. 2836 to register or for more information.

Junior lifeguarding classes begin June 15-25. This class is focused on ten- to 14-yearolds wishing to learn valuable lifesaving skills. Upon completion of this class, the participant will be able to volunteer at the Aquatic Complex and earn community service hours. The class is also a great predecessor to the American Red Cross lifeguarding program, which is available to those who are 15 or older.

Art Society Readies For Fall Fling

The Wellington Art Society recently announced a call to artists for its Fifth Annual Fall Fling, a fine art and fine craft outdoor festival to be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15 on the grounds of the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Artists from around the area interested in showcasing their paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry or other fine crafts are encouraged to apply. There is a non-refundable application fee of $25. The cost of a 10’x10’ booth space is $125 with double spaces renting for $225; substantial discounts on all fees are available for society members. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Oct. 1. For more information

about the event, or to receive an application, contact Event Chair Susan Rose at (561) 795-1691 or sar512@bell south.net, Geoff Wilson at (561) 963-9755 or geoffco @comcast.net, Sandy Axelrod at (561) 793-1656 or sandra@sandralynndesigns. com, or Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561 or tile maker@aol.com.

The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.

For more info., visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

New Date For CAFCI Family Fun Day Event

The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Family Fun Day will be held as part of the organization’s 14th Annual Business Expo. The event is free and open to the general public. The cultural center is located at 151 Civic Center Way. For more information about CAFCI’s Family Fun Day or the 14th Annual Business Expo, contact Tinu Peña at (561) 340-7504 or tpena

@motreco.com, or Everett Wheatley at (561) 635-1188 or everettwheatley@yahoo. com.

Fundraiser For Charitable Trust June 14

My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center featuring Copeland Davis on the piano and live/ silent auctions. Tickets cost $40 and include dinner, wine and soft drinks. For more info., call (561) 793-7606.

Summer Basketball Camp At WHS

Wellington High School will hold a summer basketball camp June 15-18 in the school gymnasium for boys and girls ages six to 14. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to noon each day. The camp will feature drills and skills (ball handling, passing, shooting and defense), competitions (knockout, free-throw shooting, hot shot and buzzer beaters), half-court and full-court play, and t-shirts. The cost is $80 per camper. Pre-registration is due by June 10. To apply, send a letter including the camper’s name, age, address, phone number, parents’

names (with a signature and date), school, grade level and a check made out to Wellington Men’s Basketball. Applications can be mailed to Matt Colin c/o Wellington High School, 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd., Wellington 33414. For more information, call (803) 439-5348.

National Garden Week

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen recently issued a proclamation declaring National Garden Week June 713 and called on community members to plant, feed and nurture their gardens. The Wellington Garden Club will commemorate National Garden Week in several ways. On June 12, the club will present Kalanchoe thyrsiflora plants to businesses and the Wellington Community Center in thanks for their generosity and support of the Wellington Garden Club. The next day, club members will give container garden plants to Habitat for Humanity homeowners. From June 8-13, the Wellington Community Center will have on display the winning entries from the coloring contest sponsored by the Wellington Garden Club; 203 kindergarten, first and second graders from five local schools participated in the contest, along with a Royal High School student who drew the coloring illustration.

Capt. Greg Richter

SUMMER KICKOFF BLOCK PARTY AT WELLINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER

The Village of Wellington and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a summer kickoff block party last Sunday at the Wellington Community Center. Local restaurants and businesses were on hand, and there was a tae kwon do demonstration and performances by the band Unified Mission and Tiny Toes Dance School.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Lisa Pride with her daughter Noelle.

Deputy Brandy Tenlen with Mooney.

Carson Ruffa with mom Jennifer and Kay Joyce of Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Danny Bealieu and Erin Peel of Tree’s Wings.

The gang from Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do.

Gillian Gordon of Abrakadoodle (standing) with some of her staff members.

Unified Mission performs.

Volunteer Terri Mirolla helps a youngster try on a helmet.

Nicole Bell and Mike Sirucek of Rocky’s Ace Hardware.

PHOTOS BY

PHOTOS

Blanche Yorkowitz (seated) with Cantor Jacob Ephron, Dr. Mel Kohan and Rabbi Dr. David Abrams.

Sandra Hawryluk, Gladys Belkin and Ira Mogitz thank Blanche Yorkowitz.

Norwalk

and Lymphoma Society. She also

Mall

Norwalk Designer Eric Gordon, artist Karen Knight and Norwalk General Manager Gene Tondre.

Paul Gallivan, Marc-Anthony Fraser, Stephan Merot, Raquel McInnis and Tricia Knorr of Viso Lasik Medspas.

Emily Colley and Kayla Cook of the Fresh Market.

Karen Knight and her painting The Terracotta Vase

DeVine Bistro & Bar owner David Palmateer serves wild mushroom risotto.

Painting winner Brittany Robinson, Susan Guilbert, Norwalk owner Barbara Marcus and Karen Knight.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, June 6

• The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will be at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. The festival attracts dealers from all over the country who sell a vast array of antiques, collectibles and decorative accessories. Call (561) 6403433 or visit www.festival ofantiques.com for info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold its Summer Reading Program kickoff “Tale Twisters” on Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m. for grades pre-K and up. Children help to create “tales” and wear “twisted” balloon costumes. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palm Beach Kennel Club (1111 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach) will show the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6 at 11:30 a.m. Come out and wager on the third jewel of the Triple Crown, plus enjoy 15 live greyhound races with superfecta wagering, a trackside barbecue, drink specials, prize drawings and more. Admission is $1. Call (561) 683-2222 or visit www.pbkennelclub.com for more info.

Sunday, June 7

• Children ages four through the sixth grade are invited to participate in Vacation Bible School at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington Sunday, June 7 through Thursday, June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. The theme “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light” will use a bayou focus to help children learn about Jesus. The cost for the week is $10 per child and $5 for each additional sibling. Call (562) 793-4999 or e-mail pastorweiss@bellsouth.net for more info.

• Ron Seibly will hold a clinic on Equine First Aid and Hurricane Preparedness on Sunday, June 7 at Red Fences Farm on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves starting at noon. The cost is $15. To sign up, call Seibly at (561) 547-7082 or Red Fences Farm at (561) 3333018.

• The Palm Beach County Democratic Executive Committee will participate in the Second Annual Law Enforcement Awards program on Sunday, June 7 at Redemptive Life Fellowship Church (2101 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach). The program will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to all members of the public who would like to honor Palm Beach County’s finest. For more info., or to RSVP, contact Nicole Galante at (561) 381-7772 or nicolegee7@aol.com.

Monday, June 8

• The South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) will offer a Summer Ag-ucation Program for youth ages eight to 12 Monday through Friday, June 812. During the five-day program, children will learn about different aspects of South Florida’s agricultural community. The cost is $100 per child for the week. Spaces are limited to the first 25 participants. Call Bettye Thompson at (561) 790-5229, e-mail bettye@ southfloridafair.com or visit www.southfloridafair.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Baby Story Time” on Mondays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 9:30 a.m. for under nine months and at 11:15 a.m. for 10 to18 months. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• In honor of Sebastian Sarmiento, who passed away earlier this year from leukemia, a Blood Drive will be held at Polo Park Middle School and Elbridge Gale Elementary School on Monday, June 8 from 2 to 8 p.m. The event celebrates Sebastian’s birthday; he would have been ten years old on June 8. To donate, call (561) 472-3939.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Games, Games, Games!” on Mondays, June 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. for ages six to 10. The first week participants will challenge each other with board and group games like Pictionary and Bingo. In week two, participants will design and make their own board game. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Board of Supervi-

sors of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District will meet at 7:30 p.m. on June 8 at the district office (101 West D Road, Loxahatchee Groves). Call (561) 793-0884 for more info.

Tuesday, June 9

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold Battle of the Books Practice on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. starting June 9 for book lovers entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Practice includes games and activities based on The Lightning Thief and Stargirl Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• Meetings for Cancer Survivors and Patients are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., center court in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 798-4110 or e-mail palmbeachcancer foundationinc@yahoo.com.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will present “You are What You Eat” on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. Join drugfree bodybuilder and fitness guru Eric Peterson of Ultima Fitness as he shares the secrets to his success and how to deal with pitfalls. Pre-registration is required by calling (561) 904-4000.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.

Wednesday, June 10

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Stories in Sign” on Wednesday, June 10, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. for ages six and up. Learn a story or two in sign language each week. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Advisory Group Scrapbooking” on Wednesday, June 10 at 4 p.m. for ages 12 to17. Help make a scrapbook of photographs from past teen programs. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Member Mixer & Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Michael’s The Wine Bar in the Wellington Plaza (12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). RSVP to (561) 7926525.

• The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet at the ITID office (13476 61st Street North in The Acreage) at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. Call (561) 7930874 for more info. Thursday, June 11

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will present “Best Beach and Boating Recipes” on Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling (561) 904-4000.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Pizza & Pages: Runaways ” on Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. What would you do if you discovered your parents were supervillains? Copies of Brian K. Vaughan’s graphic novel are available at the children’s desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, June 12

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will mark its 50th anniversary with two days of celebrations Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. Friday events include the unveiling of a sculpture at 5 p.m. and a birthday party with free cake at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., followed by a Royal Palm Beach Community Band concert and a free screening of the 1959 movie classic Some Like It Hot. Saturday activities include a 5K run/walk race at 7 a.m. starting at Camellia Park; a 10 a.m. time capsule opening; a chili cookoff, cupcake bakeoff and pie-eating contest at Veterans Park with entertainment; a 7 p.m. concert featuring Hot Brass Monkey Evolution at the Veterans Park amphitheater; and culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. For more info., visit www.royal palmbeach.com.

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

“I found something at the mall that fits me perfectly!”

WHY

IS

WiiFIT A BIG HIT?

Try it for yourself with a Wii representative! Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Event will be held in Grand Court

• Register to win a Wii unit and sports game

• Sample delicious and nutritious smoothies

• Have a professional gait analysis

• Plus giftcards, giveaways and more!

Membership in Mall Terrain is FREE! As a member you’ll enjoy:

• Climate-controlled way to meet your fitness goals

• Secure environment

• Free gift with enrollment

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TAKE FITNESS IN STRIDE.

Thompson Earns Law Degree

Shannon Thompson, daughter of longtime Wellington residents Thomas and Roberta Thompson, graduated as a juris doctor with a law degree from Florida State University on May 9. She was on the dean’s list and graduated with honors.

While at FSU, Thompson was a member of the Real Estate Law Society, Student Bar Association and Litigators, and was editor of the Law Review. She received a book award on legal writing and research.

Thompson’s article “Securities Regulation and the Virtual World” was published by the University of California, Los Angeles.

Thompson was raised in Wellington and graduated

Shannon Thompson with parents Thomas and Roberta.

from Wellington High School in 2001. She graduated with degrees in business and English from the University of Florida. Thompson studied abroad in Grenoble, France

and Beijing, China and taught marketing at Palm Beach Central High School for one year before beginning law school. Thompson will practice law in Atlanta.

Troop 160 First At

Wellington Boy Scout Troop 160, in conjunction with Ibis Financial Group, hosted a free SecureChild photo id event on Saturday, May 9 at the St. Lucie Fairgrounds, providing parents with personal safety kits for their children.

The troop placed first in the Tradewinds District for their participation at the 2009 Meg-O-Ree event at the St. Lucie Fairgrounds. Fortyeight children, including four with special needs and five special-needs adults, were each provided with a kit that records their photo, fingerprints and other vital information. For their volunteer efforts, the Boy Scouts earned three badges: Crime Prevention, Safety and Fingerprinting.

children has never been more critical, and we’re pleased we can play a role in helping parents safeguard their children.”

University to continue his education in environmental sustainability. Pictured above is Wesley Cronk with his brother Kyle, who is studying physical therapy at the University of Central Florida.

Three area residents recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

James Laidlaw, Alejandra Solis and Michael Swanberg completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Three Complete Air Force Training CRONK GRADUATES UF

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

Laidlaw graduated in 2006 from Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington and earned an associate’s degree in 2008 from the Florida Career College in West Palm Beach.

Solis is the daughter of Margarita Gomez of West Palm Beach and sister of Ligia Paez of Wellington. She is a 2002 graduate of John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres.

Swanberg is the son of Ana Swanberg of Wellington and is a Class of 2004 graduate of Wellington High School.

The SecureChild photo ID system developed by Securian Financial Group in conjunction with Ibis Financial Group is a program designed to raise awareness about child safety and provide parents with an effective resource to aid law enforcement authorities in the search for a missing child. SecureChild was created to speed up the investigation and rescue process, with the hope that every child who ends up missing will eventually come home.

“According to the Office of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, over one million children are reported missing in our country each year,” Ibis Financial Group’s Robert Barboni said. “We believe that increasing awareness about missing

Olivia Rose Yagovane daughter of Marla Ann Lettieri and Louis Alfred Yagovane of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 11. Piper Ripley Morrow daughter of Suzanne and Derek Morrow of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 20.

Gabriel David Echeverria Tippel — son of Jessica

Similar photo ID events have been hosted in local communities across the country by a variety of organizations, including police departments, retail stores, health facilities and fraternal organizations. Ibis Financial Group is a comprehensive financial services firm headquartered at 7284 W. Palmetto Park Road, Suite 106 in Boca Raton and has two additional office locations in Palm Beach Gardens and Orlando. Ibis Financial Group currently has over 35 financial advisors and support staff. For more information, visit www. ibisfingroup. com or call (561) 910-2500.

Salter Wins FCCLV Scholarship

Loxahatchee resident Kerri

Salter is the 2009 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) scholarship winner. Although legally blind, Salter describes herself as “your average teenager.”

She has been dealing with this disadvantage her entire life and has learned to overcome the many challenges she has faced.

At 18 years old, Salter has experienced events in her life that others her age can’t say they’ve had, such as learning that she won’t be able to drive because of her vision.

“I am ready to face the world and show that I can

WHO’S NEW!

Echeverria and David Tippel of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 20.

Madison Storm Fallon daughter of Amie Lovetro and Gary Fallon of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 22.

Kaitlyn Susan Rehnstrom — daughter of Jessica and Brad Rehnstrom of Loxahatchee was born at

succeed with a disability,” Salter said. With a passion for writing, Salter was accepted into Lynn University in Boca Raton. She graduated from Seminole Ridge High School on May 20 and knows she would like to be a journalist and become famous for her articles. Salter’s hope of becoming a journalist has inspired her friends to realize that just because one has a disability doesn’t mean he or she can’t succeed in life. For more information about the scholarship, contact FCCLV President Barbara Grill at grillbh@comcast.net.

Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 29. Cadaijah Maleah Thomas — daughter of Camile Tesauro and David Thomas of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 30.

Jullissa Rosa Gonzalez — daughter of Jennifer Molejon and Fernando Gonzalez of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 31.

Cold & Cough Fever & Flu Pneumonia & Bronchitis

Cuts & Scrapes

Strains & Sprains Ear & Sinus Infection

Members of Wellington Boy Scout Troop 160.

Acreage resident Wesley Cronk, a member of Suncoast High School’s International Baccalaureate program Class of 2005, has received his bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Florida. Cronk is living in New York City and has been accepted to New York

James Laidlaw

Alejandra Solis Michael Swanberg

BINKS HONORS VOLUNTEERS

Binks Forest Elementary School held its 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on May 28 at the Outback Steakhouse in Royal Palm Beach. The lunch was arranged by the outgoing Vice President of Volunteer Services Sylvia Prochilo. Each of the 80 attendees received a certificate of appreciation and a lunch provided by the Binks Forest PTA. Flowers were generously provided by Kabloom of Wellington, and volunteers received a bag of chocolates as well. Binks Forest first graders made cards thanking each volunteer for all of their help during the school year. Binks Forest had over 600 volunteers work at the school during the 2008-09 school year. Pictured above is Volunteer of the Year Susan Fradkin with Prochilo.

CHARACTER COUNTS AT NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons Elementary School honored students for demonstrating character during the school’s Celebrate Citizenship program. Adam Neto was nominated by his teachers for his trustworthiness; James was honored for always showing respect; Amanda Capote was chosen for being responsible; Hayleigh Hansen was honored for caring; and Zach Martin was chosen for demonstrating fairness. Pictured above is Hansen with her mother Deb, brother Andrew and grandparents.

Elbridge Gale Kids Make A Difference

Elbridge Gale Elementary School devoted this entire school year to helping others in the community. Once a month, the Wellington school sets aside a specific day to help a different organization in the community. “The school staff, student body and parents have come together without hesitation to give to others in need,” said teacher Laura Corzo, who organized several of these activities.

Some of the community organizations the school contributed to this year are the American Heart Association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Kids Cancer Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Elbridge Gale also embraced the Legacy Bead Program through the Bravery Hearts necklaces. The program supports children who are undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious blood disorders. In addition the staff-donated pajamas, knitted booties and hats for Palms West Hospital pediatric patients, toys have also been donated all year long for the hospital’s playroom. Recently, Palms West Hospital Director of Marketing and Community Relations Lisa Gardi presented Principal Gail Pasterczyk and school staff with a certificate of appreciation for all of the con-

tributions the school has made to the hospital.

The school also participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients and Light the Night Walk. A class held a can drive for Caridad Center, and there was also a school-wide book drive. Part of the books collected will go to “Keely’s Place,” Palms West Hospital’s future children’s library named in honor of late Wellington educator Keely Spinelli. Around the holidays, staff members put together gift bags to help families in need. At the same time, several teachers volunteered to be elves at the 2008 holiday party for pediatric cancer patients sponsored by the Child Life Institute. Recently, the school held a Think Pink Kids Day in support of breast cancer research.

The school is not only very caring about the community but also about each other. This year alone the school experienced two great losses, including Spinelli, who worked at the school as the director of the Palm Beach County School District’s first reading training center for teachers. In October, the school renamed its library in her honor. Her husband continues to be a teacher at the school. Also this year, a very brave fourth-grade student lost his battle with leukemia. At the moment there is a very

courageous kindergartener who is battling leukemia. The school staff and parents have all come together to help these families.

“This school is very special and caring, from the parents to the students, to the staff, they all care for each other in a way I’ve never experienced,” Corzo said. “We are truly a family.”

“Caring Hearts Making a Difference” is written on staff school shirts. The logo, chosen by Pasterczyk when the school first opened, certainly describes this caring school.

WHS Democrats Club Installs Officers

During a meeting on May 18, Wellington High School’s Young Democrats Club swore in new officers, signed the club’s constitution and listened to guest speakers including Wellington Councilman Matt Willhite, Congressman Alcee Hastings’ aide Dan Liftman, Palm Beach County School Board Member Paulette Burdick, local activist Nancy Pena-Brink and State Rep. Joe Abruzzo’s aide Justin Waldron. The new officers are Evan Baumel, president; Victoria Davy, programming vice president; Sharonda Hagen,

12th grade membership vice president; Jesus Hernandez, vice president/Interclub Council representative; Kodie Ann Walcott, co-secretary; Alyson Davy, treasurer; Mallory McCabe, board member/Membership Committee co-chair; Samuel Alba, board member/Membership Committee co-chair; Sharon Willcox, club sponsor; and (not in attendance) Joseph Wallace, co-secretary. For more information about the Wellington High School Young Democrats Club, visit www.whsyoung dems.com.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

WHS Young Democrats members gather with the guest speakers for a group photo.

Students sort books for the book drive (above) and display their Bravery Heart necklaces (below).

Crestwood Kids Win At WordMasters PBCHS PHONES FOR

Two teams of students representing Crestwood Middle School recently won highest honors in the WordMasters Challenge, a national language-arts competition entered by more than 230,000 students annually that consists of three separate meets held at intervals during the school year.

Competing in the very difficult Gold Division of the challenge, and coached by Nona Kramer, the school’s seventh graders placed tenth in the nation in the year-end cumulative standings among 179 school teams participating at this grade level and in

this division. At the same time, Crestwood eighth graders tied for eighth place in the nation among 175 competing teams. Four of the school’s students won highest honors for yearlong individual achievement as well. Sixth grader Landen Fresch, who earned perfect scores in all three of the year’s meets, was one of the three highest-ranked sixth graders in the entire country in the year-end standings. Eighth graders Rachael Grubstein and Elizabeth Manzano, each of whom made only three mistakes all year, placed among the 16

Volunteer Of The Year

On May 17, the Panther Run Elementary School PTA held a breakfast to honor volunteers of the 2008-09 school year. During the breakfast, Janet Malizia was honored as the PTA’s Volunteer of the Year. With more than 150 hours of logged volunteer time at Panther Run, Malizia spent a lot of time assisting in the media center and her children’s classrooms, as well as other areas of the school.

“Janet volunteers with a smile,” Media Specialist Susan Dmytrow said. “In addition to her regularly scheduled volunteer time, she stops by often to ask if we can use

highest-ranked eighth graders nationwide, and seventh grader Hyun Mo, who made only four mistakes, was one of the 24 highest-ranked seventh graders nationwide. Students who achieved outstanding results in the year’s final meet included sixth graders Fresch, Haley Boodheshwar, Asia Lee-Fat, Rebecca Russell, Connor Thies, Cian Watford, Michael Bychek, Andres Santamana and Michael Wilson; seventh graders Mo, Jhanelle Bisasos, Dequasia Ellis and Jordan Post; and eighth graders Grubstein, Manzano and Madison Miller.

Palm Beach Central High School yearbook students recently collected more than 175 used cell phones to donate to the Cell Phones for Soldiers program. The used phones will now be recycled for cash, and the proceeds will be used to purchase useful prepaid calling cards for U.S. soldiers serving our country in the Middle East.

Ashley Broder and Mary Kate Martin.

New VPK Program Available At St. Peter’s CEC

St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center in Wellington recently announced open enrollment for its new 2009 summer voluntary pre-kindergarten program.

Florida residents can register their VPK-eligible fourand five-year-olds for an educational summer of themed weekly classes full of reading, mathematics and more, all taught by a certified teacher.

St. Peter’s offers a learning environment that is backed by more than 20 years of teaching Wellington-area children and a Gold Seal certification. Classes will be held Monday through Friday start-

ing June 8 and continuing through Aug. 14. The Florida-approved VPK program is a great way to get your child ready for kindergarten this fall. The VPK classroom size is limited and on a first-come, firstserved basis.

St. Peter’s CEC is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information about the CEC VPK program, summer offerings and fall registration, call School Administrator Pat Banks at (561) 7983286.

Additional information about the school can be found at www.stpeters-umc.org.

The Child Enrichment

Students at St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center dressed up in their role-playing costumes.

Pictured to the left are:

(front row, L-R) Dani Wilt, Amanda Sheldon and Kevin Bertrand; and (back row) Kara Brackeney,

her help with anything extra. She’s efficient and talented, and has helped us with technical tasks as well as creative ones.”

PTA President Theresa Levi and Janet Malizia.

PBC LEAGUE OF CITIES INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS FOR

The 11th annual Palm Beach County League of Cities Gala was held last Friday at

The evening featured the installation of incoming president

president Ocean Ridge Mayor Ken Kaleel. Wellington

of Cities, installed the 2009-10 board while State Sen. Jeff Atwater

numerous awards were presented. For more info., call (561) 355-4484 or

New Businesses Coming To The Mall At Wellington Green

Construction is underway as the Mall at Wellington Green prepares to welcome two popular new stores and several food establishments this summer and fall. Bare Escentuals, the groundbreaking premium beauty brand and infomercial sensation, will open at Wellington Green in July. Bare Escentuals redefined the rules of makeup with the introduction of its revolutionary, popular bareMinerals foundation, composed of 100-percent pure bareMinerals with no additives or irritants. The new boutique will feature the

complete lines of bareMinerals and RareMinerals, along with a spa-luxury skincare line, md formulations.

Coming in August is Naartjie Kids, the fast-growing brand of vibrant, kidfriendly and fashionable clothing designed in South Africa. The name Naartjie (pronounced “nar chee”) is an Afrikaans word for a small, sweet citrus fruit found in Africa. Like its namesake, the Naartjie Kids brand has a flavor and style all its own. Since 1989, the company’s distinctive, colorful, naturally soft and functional fash-

ions for kids have captured attention around the globe. Now with three dozen stores on two continents, its fashions are fresh, bold, colorful, playful and fun — like the children who inspire them. The predominantly natural fabrics are preshrunk and garment-dyed for easy wear. And all fashions, in sizes zero to ten plus accessories, are surprisingly affordable. Shopping has been known to work up an appetite, and come July new restaurants will welcome guests hungry for Italian specialties and other treats. Campagnolo Trat-

toria introduces fresh and healthy homemade Italian cooking. With more than 20 years’ fine dining experience, the folks behind the popular Campagnolo name here turn their talents toward authentic and affordable food, with an emphasis on natural and minimally processed ingredients. Whole-wheat and multigrain breads, pasta and pizza will be served up fresh and tasty, as will traditional Italian dishes featuring all-natural chicken, beef, veal and wild salmon. The prompt and friendly service and casual trattoria setting welcome guests like

members of the family. Another appetizing new option at Wellington Green is Mamma Che Buono, an Italian café offering freshly steamed cappuccino and a tempting array of panini sandwiches, salads and desserts such as tortes, pastries and its classic fruity or creamy homemade gelato and sorbet.

More tasty treats are in store at the recently opened Dulce Vida — featuring organic berry smoothies, frozen yogurt and healthy snacks and juices — and at Carvel Ice Cream, New York City’s

best-loved ice cream brand, with a strong following for more than 75 years. Serving premium soft-serve ice cream, hand-dipped treats and a variety of novelties in a fun setting and at a great value, Carvel opens in July.

“Bare Escentuals and Naartjie Kids are both exciting new stores that can only be found locally at the Mall at Wellington Green,” Marketing and Sponsorship Director Rachelle Crain said. “And the new dining and snack options perfectly complement our unique shopping experience.”

Consumer Affairs Division Searching For MVP Businesses

The Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division has launched its MVP Program, a new public-private venture to recognize companies placing a high value on consumer-friendly business practices. Companies approved for MVP membership pay an annual fee and in exchange receive multiple benefits including recognition on the Consumer Affairs web site and authorization to use the MVP logo in advertising and marketing. In addition,

Consumer Affairs will provide customer service training for employees of MVP businesses.

The MVP Program is just starting to gain recognition by local businesses. About 35 companies have already signed up to be members. As an additional incentive, the first 300 companies are being given the added distinction of being “founding” members. Companies can join the program by visiting the MVP Program web site,

www.pbcgov.com/mvp, and clicking on “Become a Member.”

“MVP is a win-win-win for consumers, businesses and Consumer Affairs,” Director Dennis Moore said. “In these difficult economic times, consumers are desperately searching for businesses they can trust to treat them fairly. Our MVP Program is all about building consumer confidence.”

While the MVP Program provides direct benefits to

CASINO

consumers and businesses, it also benefits the Consumer Affairs Division and county taxpayers. The revenue voluntarily generated from the program helps offset operational costs, reduces dependence on property tax dollars and enhances consumer protection and education.

In the first seven months of the 2009 fiscal year, residents used the Consumer Affairs web site (www.pbcgov.com/ consumer) to look up information about businesses

414,704 times. Consumers can now use the web site to look for the distinctive MVP logo and know that businesses with this designation are committed to quality service.

To find a company with MVP status, simply click on “Find a Business.” Then choose a business type to see a list of all businesses of that type and the ones that have earned the MVP logo. Consumer Affairs may also remove a company from the MVP Program if it doesn’t

continue to meet standards. Consumer Affairs has been an effective consumer watch dog in the county for 37 years, and it provides resultsoriented mediation and consumer protection services for residents. The MVP Program helps to accomplish these goals. Last year, Consumer Affairs recovered over $635,000 in cash refunds and services for consumers. For more information on the program, call (561) 7126MVP (6687).

Sluggett and Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dennis Lipp.

State Sen. Jeff Atwater and Dr. Carmine Priore. Business Development Board President and CEO Kelly Smallridge, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and Palm Beach County School Board Chair Dr. Bill Graham.

Post 367 Wins Fred Lippner Tourney

American Legion Post 367 in Royal Palm Beach won the Third Annual Fred Lippner Baseball Tournament last month in Wellington.

After defeating Wellington and Lake Worth in two seeding games, Post 367 won the first place seed. The team then won its first playoff game to earn a bye into the championship game. The championship game was played between Royal Palm Beach Post 367 and Boynton Beach Post 164. It was an exciting game with the lead bouncing back and forth from team to team until the sixth inning when Post 367 batter Robbie Pettet drove in Frankie Caceres to tie the game up once again. In the seventh inning, with men on first and third and no outs, Mike Roy bunted perfectly down the first base line and squeezed in Chris Barr to

score the winning run. Manager Robert Pettet also credits the win to the clutch hitting from Tyler LeCroy, Robbie Pettet, Will Kane, Chris Barr, Caleb Hitchcock and Joe Rubiano, and the two RBIs by Mike Roy. Also contributing to the championship win was great pitching by Derek Earl, Joe Rubiano and closer Brant Forbes.

With many great defensive plays, Post 367 infielders and outfielders played a phenomenal game. Infielders include catchers David Gladding and Tyler LeCroy, first baseman Chris Barr, second baseman Caleb Hitchcock, shortstop Robbie Pettet and third baseman Frankie Caceres. Outfielders include Chris Latchmansingh, Robert Henderson, Mike Roy, Will Kane and Connor Brennan.

Other players instrumental to the wins of earlier tourna-

(Front row, L-R) Mike Roy, Andres Morillo, Caleb Hitchcock, Connor Brennan, Frankie Caceres, Robbie Pettet and Brant Forbes; (back row) Manager Robert Pettet, Chris Barr, Brett Bonincontri, Joe Pavicic, Chris Latchmansingh, Will Kane, Joe Rubiano, Derek Earl, Tyler LeCroy and Coach Bobby Schlinger. Not pictured: David Gladding, Robert Henderson and Coach Andrew Payne.

ment games were pinch runner and outfielder Brett Bonincontri, second baseman Andres Morillo and pitcher Joey Pavicic.

Post 367 would like to

thank tournament hosts Brice and Lorrie Miller for all of their hard work and determination to complete the tournament even though Mother Nature was not on their side.

‘Hercules’ A Success For MJ’s Place

MJ’s Place Dance Studio at Royal Palm Beach High School’s community education program held its annual dance recital on Wednesday, May 20 performing Hercules to a sold-out crowd. The show retold the story through music and dance choreographed by Dance Director Michele Blecher, a finalist for this year’s Palm Beach County My Teacher, My Hero award. The dancers ranged from three to 22 years old. In his debut performance, Rolando Santiago Jr., normally seen on the football field playing offense for the RPBHS Wildcats, played Hercules, the god-like hero and love interest of Meg, played by Tapazz captain and

assistant dance teacher Alexa Blecher. Assistant dance teacher Zory Laboy played Phil, Sharmane Manley played Hades, and Raeven Mills and Kaleelah Harris played Pain and Panic. Patreace Scharschmidt, Dina Irizarry, Melissa Irizarry, Anyssa Demi and Lisa Bec played the muses. Several classes participated in the production, including the preschool class, which portrayed Troy’s Angels, the beginner-level classes as the Olympus defenders and protectors of the realm, and the intermediate class as the damsels of Greece. Next year’s recital will be Pocahontas. For more information, call Michele Blecher at (561) 792-8694.

Swimmer Of The Week: Lacy Phillips

Fifth grader Lacy Phillips has been named Wellington Swim Team Swimmer of the Week.

Phillips swims with the Wellington Swim Team and has been part of the team for over three years. Although she is only ten, her hard work and dedication have paid off tremendously in the pool. She swam at the Florida versus Florida Gold Coast all-star meet this spring and placed well in her events. She first qualified for the Junior Olympics last summer and has been on fire ever since.

WILD TEAM TAKES SECOND IN TOURNEY

The Wellington Wild 12-U red team recently competed in the Palm Beach Gardens Spring Rush fast-pitch travel softball tournament. The Wild girls finished second in their bracket of 12 teams. With solid defense, timely hitting and strong pitching, the Wild team went undefeated on Sunday during the single elimination round until falling one game short of the championship title when they lost to the Diamond Dusters 12-A team in a heartbreaking 3-2 game. Players include Becky Gaidosh, Brianna Gonzalez, Megan Granitto, Baillie Jorth, Kelsey Lay, Jessica Onega, Toni Pancione, Jordan Ray, Jaime Scher, Britney Schmidt, Cristina Teems and Kristen Wright. Manager and coaches include Jenny Schmidt, Tracey Lay, Chris Pancione and John Wright.

“Lacy had a few A times and five qualifying times for the championship meet last year,” Head Coach Rich Whalen said. “By the spring, she had over ten cuts and placed in the finals in five of her events at the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympics Championship meet.”

Phillips is a competitive swimmer who enjoys the thrill of competing in everything she does. Her dream is to one day qualify for the Olympics, but her immediate goal in the pool is to work hard and achieve her 11-12 age group Junior Olympic cuts before she turns 11. “She is a high-energy kid who loves to excel in everything

she does,” Coach Paul Vowels said. Besides swimming, Phillips enjoys being a kid. She loves reading, photography and making movies. Phillips loves the beach and other outdoor activities, and swims every day, hardly missing a practice. She excels in school, maintains an A average and is a fixture on the honor roll.

Phillips’ goals are to remain an A student in school and be the best she can at everything she does. Her work ethic and talent will indeed allow her to reach her goals in the future.

Wellington Swimmers Kick Off Summer Season

Thirty-three swimmers from the Wellington Swim Team attended the Jupiter County ABC Long Course meet last weekend. Head Coach Rich Whalen was extremely pleased with the team’s outstanding performance. “The long course season is in full gear now,” Whalen said. “At this meet, the swimmers were focused on swimming fast and improving their own personal best times.” Kamil Baska brought home first-place awards in the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter fly in the 15-andunder group. Matthew Romanelli improved 25 seconds in the 200-meter breaststroke and 11 seconds in the 100meter freestyle. He also placed third in the 100-meter fly with a time of 1:37.88. Jonathan Smith, Natalia Tyson, Emily Deem and Marie Gesellschap also provided impressive times in their events. The 12-and-under group earned over 37 personal

Register For Acreage Cheerleading

Acreage Xtreme Cheerleading will hold registration for boys and girls ages five to 17 on Saturdays, June 6 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (corner of 140th Avenue and Orange Blvd.). The cost is $100, and a copy of the child’s birth certificate is required. Checks should be made payable to Acreage Cheerleading. For additional information about Acreage Xtreme Cheerleading, contact Marisa Hopkins at (561) 248-3319 or nmhop@aol. com.

best times. Tanner Fuller earned first place in the 50meter freestyle and the 100meter freestyle. Camila Gonzalez placed second in the 100-meter fly, while Fabiana Ingram placed second in the 200-meter freestyle, 50-meter fly and 1,500meter freestyle. Monica Cozad dropped over 25 seconds in the 100-meter breaststroke and over 14 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle. Sydney Mutschler dropped more than seven seconds in the 100-meter freestyle, and Gianna Ramos dropped over 31 seconds in the 400-meter freestyle. Dominique Tyson, Cody Cline, Cash Hollister, Timothy Maris, Kyle Schaefer and Christopher Smith also demonstrated outstanding efforts in the 12-and-under group. The ten-and-under age group was equally strong and impressive. Grace Cozad dropped over 12 seconds to win second place in the 200meter freestyle, and also

Brunelas Chosen For Football Camp

Thirteen-year-old Niko Brunelas of Wellington recently attended the prestigious, invite-only Air7 Quarterback University Football Camp held in Miami. He was mentored by NFL quarterbacks Shawn Moore, Mike Kruczek and Greg Briner. Brunelas is a quarterback in the Western Communities Football League and is also an all-star baseball player with the Okeeheelee Youth Baseball League. Brunelas was recently recruited by an exclusive South Florida travel baseball team, which is coached

dropped over 20 seconds to swim the 100-meter freestyle in 1:18.37 seconds. Cozad earned third place in the 100meter fly with a time of 1:39.32. Lacy Phillips brought home second place honors in the 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter backstroke and 50-meter fly. Phillips swam the 1,500-meter freestyle with a time of 22:27 for third place. Ashlynn Smith dropped over 25 seconds in the 200-meter freestyle, 14 seconds in the 100-meter fly and ten seconds in the 100meter freestyle. Jared Ingram took home first place in the 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter fly and the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 32.13 seconds. In the 50-meter fly, he recorded the second fastest time in team history for 10-and-under Wellington boys, 35.34, 12 seconds off Tanner Fuller’s record set last month. Summer Ryder and Roberto Guerrero also had personal best times in all events. Whalen noted that the swimmers in the 10-and-under age

by a former MLB player. An eighth-grade honor roll student at Emerald Cove Middle School, Brunelas was recently voted “Most Athletic” by his peers. He will attend Palm Beach Central High School in August.

Area Athletes In Sunshine State Games

Among those participating in the 30th Anniversary Sunshine State Games in Polk County June 12-14 are Nick Israel and Pete Calovi of Wellington.

Israel will lift in the powerlifting and bench-only competition at 220 pounds. He will participate in the equipp-

group deserve a careful watch as they continue to improve their times throughout the swim year. Other impressive swimmers in this age group include Tiffany Ocampo, Hannah Trieschmann and Carson Walker. The enthusiastic eight-andunder age group impressed their peers by improving personal best times. Sean Ramos dropped over eight seconds in the 50-meter freestyle and won third place in the 400meter freestyle with a time of 6:54.69. Dominique Olivo swam the 100-meter fly in 1:45.22 seconds while dropping over three seconds in the event. Ayden Colby, Ashley Cozad and Mary Reagan Phillips dropped time in their respective events as well. Mary Reagan Phillips swam the 50-meter breaststroke in 1:04.24 seconds while Ashley Cozad swam the 50-meter freestyle with a time of 45.57. Six-year-old Ayden Colby, the youngest team member, swam the 100-meter breaststroke in 2:17.50 seconds.

ed competition in the open (14-U), collegiate and junior (20-24) divisions. He hopes to set some state records as well as American records. He has a chance to win six gold medals. Last year, Israel won five gold medals and set American records for the bench in powerlifting and bench only at 198 pounds. The new bench record he set is 440.75 pounds. Calovi is a teacher at Wellington High School and will also compete at 220 pounds. Calovi will lift raw, without equipment. Both Israel and Calovi are WHS graduates; Calovi helped coach Israel his senior year in weightlifting when Israel was named Palm Beach Post Weightlifter of the Year.

11-U COBRAS SPRING LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

The Pro Ball Cobras 11-U travel baseball team won the 2009 USSSA Florida Premier Spring League Championship. The Cobras shut out the Wellington Warriors 3-0 and defeated SF Stealth 3-2 in extra innings to take the 11-U Florida Premier Spring League crown. The Cobras include: (front row, L-R) Rylan Snow, Mathew Careccia, Dylan Santalo, Austin Dempsey and Jordan Dobson; (second row) Jagger McCoy, Joey Polak, Bryan Hernandez, Bruce Martin and Manny Bejerano; (back row) coaches Rich Polak and Yosvani Hernandez and Manager Oscar Santalo. Not pictured: Christian Shinn and Coach Jeff Church.

The Redskins finished their flag football season with a record of 15-0 in the Royal Palm Beach Prep Division. The team went undefeated to win the championship, under the coaching of Joe Noto. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Max Taverrite, Marissa Atkinson, Britton Brice and Ross Thrash; (second row) Coach Joe Noto, Tyler Parks, Christopher Atkinson, Nicholas Atkinson, Calvin Specht and Coach Horace Atkinson; (back row) Jules Jasmin, Joseph Noto Jr., Jamari Moore and Jonathan Germain.

“Hurcules” Stars — (L-R) Patreace Scharschmidt, Raeven Mills, Dina Irazarry, Sharmane Manley, R.J. Santiago Jr., Alexa Blecher, Melissa Irizarry, Anyssa Demi, Kaleelah Harris, Lisa Bec and Zory Laboy.

The Wellington Wild 8-U travel softball team recently won their division championship of the Royal Palm Beach Tournament. The Wild team won five consecutive softball games in the two-day tournament to clinch first place once again. It was their second championship title over the past month. The Wellington Wild 8-U team consists of seven- to nine-year-old girls who travel throughout the area playing softball at a competitive level. The team will also compete for the NSA and USSSA state titles in June and July. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Manager Jenny Schmidt, Tia Drew, Katie Schmidt, Amia Davis, Jessie Curley, Skyler Hagan, Megan Froehlich and Coach Dave Froehlich; (back row) Coach Ric Hagan, Nicole RohrSussman, Kerstin Castro, Sydney Brooks, Bailey Cain, Ally Deleon and Coach Jeff Drew.

Lacy Phillips

Cracker Horses: Impressive Breed Is Living Florida History

Florida sometimes seems to be a little mixed up. Our state tree is the cabbage palmetto, but most people think of statelier palm trees when picturing Florida. And the state bird isn’t the flamingo or pelican; it’s the mockingbird. But at least we got it right when it came to horses: a year ago the State Legislature approved the Florida cracker horse as Florida’s official heritage horse.

James Levy, executive director of the Florida Cracker Horse Association (FCHA), said it wouldn’t have happened without a lot of help and support from Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson. “He really helped us get this done,” Levy said.

According to Levy, not long ago there were less than a hundred Florida cracker horses. The FCHA, a non-profit corporation, was organized in 1989 with 31 horses listed as foundation stock. Today there are more than 900 horses in the registry.

“We’re making slow, steady progress,” Levy said. “And we have about 290 members scattered all over the U.S. — in Texas and Tennessee, Wyoming and Connecticut, but the majority are right here in Florida.”

This past spring, the FCHA held its annual meeting at Iris Wall’s High Horse Ranch in Indiantown. Members enjoyed some fine food, along with trail rides, mounted games, and especially a rousing round of broomstick polo. “We loved the broomstick polo,” Levy said. “But the broomsticks didn’t last too long. And we were using a beach ball, until one of the horses bit it, and that was the end of that.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

But it was great fun. Some people are already practicing for next year!”

Technically, Florida cracker horses are descended from colonial Spanish horses brought here in the 1500s. Some of the bloodlines include the North African Barb and the Spanish Jennet, a gaited breed. Indeed, many cracker horses are very similar to Paso Finos in terms of size and way of going.

“Cracker horses are really comfortable to ride,” Levy said. “I use mine for trail riding. They tend to be a lean, narrow horse, not as big around as a Quarter Horse, with smooth muscling and a lanky look. Their front legs are set close together. Some of them gait, and some of them trot. They have great cow sense, and have terrific endurance. They can go all day and not get tired.”

These small horses typically stand from 13.5 to 15.2 hands and weigh 700 to 1,000 pounds. They come in all colors, especially bay, chestnut, black and gray. In addition to the usual walk, trot and canter, some also have a flatfoot walk or a running walk.

They weren’t always called cracker hors-

es. They were sometimes known by other names, such as Chickasaw ponies, Seminole ponies, marsh tackies, prairie ponies, Florida horses, Florida cow ponies and my favorite, grass guts. The name “cracker” refers to the sound of a cowboy’s whip cracking as he drove a herd of cattle to market. The cowboys were called crackers, and their horses soon shared the same name.

Jesse Davis lives in Okeechobee and breeds Florida cracker horses.

“I’ve been breeding them since 1945, before they became Florida cracker horses,” he laughed. “Back then, we just called them scrub ponies. They have some real old bloodlines, and they’re very special. They’re tough, strong and little, tough as they can be. You can ride a 750-pound cracker horse and rope an 1,800-pound bull, and he can handle it. He’ll get right down on his knees and pull if he has to. These horses can work cows all day long, then you can come home and put a three-year-old kid on him, and he’s gentle as can be.”

Davis described a cracker as a long-lived horse with a good, smooth gait. “Really smart,” he said. “People love to ride them. They’re great for trails, endurance, and especially working cows. They’re getting to be more popular now. We pretty much sell out on our colts. A fair price on a yearling is $500 to $600, and older, trained horses go for more.”

The Florida cracker horse is a marvel of endurance, Davis said. “These horses are re-

ally something,” he said. “You can ride them hard all day long, from daylight to dark, seven days a week, with a full-grown man, a heavy saddle, whatever kind of equipment you want to throw on, and they never give out. I wouldn’t ride anything else.” For more information, visit the FCHA website at www.floridacrackerhorses.com. A Florida cracker horse mare and her foal born in February 2009.

ACREAGE CAR WASH RAISES MONEY FOR PAL GATOR WRESTLING

The Palm Beach County Police Athletic League’s Gator Wrestling program held its first car wash fundraising event last Saturday at the Publix supermarket on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in The Acreage. Youngsters and adults washed cars near the road and collected money to support the program. The club had a very successful season this year, winning three large team tournaments. The club produced two individual state champions — Joey Staats, winning the Novice 60-pound class, and Tyler Difiore, winning the Midget 70-pound class. For more info., visit www.gatorwrestling.com.

PZA Board

Helping Businesses Relocate

continued from page 1 lage’s current two industrial zoning designations, Planned Industrial Development Districts and Light Industrial Districts. All current uses would be retained, but the zoning manager would have the authority to review other uses including “evolutionary uses” arising through technological advances, which might not be included in listed uses.

“We want to be in a position that we can reward creative design and provide sustainable alternatives to retail use,” Nemser said. “We want to create development that will enhance the community and provide an addition to our existing commercial areas, and we want to provide uses for some of these smaller parcels that may otherwise end up as retail.”

Retire Hoping For 10 Takers

continued from page 1 insurance coverage at employee rates and receive a severance bonus of one week’s pay per year of service.

Schofield said he is hoping that the early retirement offer will take ten people out of the village’s workforce of about 260, and that it is not directed at any particular departments or individuals — any employee whose age and years of service combine to make 62 is eligible. “I’m 54, and I’ve been here not quite eight years — I’ve been here seven years and eight months, so if they’d made that offer in four more months, I would have gotten that same letter,” he said. Wellington participates in the State of Florida’s publicsector retirement plan program, the Florida Retirement

up a sign by the side of the road.

Nemser noted that at the board’s May workshop, a question was raised as to whether the village would be creating too many incentives without reaping enough benefits.

“When we look back at the actual incentives, what we’re proposing is basically what we have in place already with the development districts,” he said. “There’s not a lot we’re doing different, a few tweaks here and there, but generally these are all incentives that have always existed in all the districts.”

Principal Project Manager Rick Green said the expedited permitting process would be available to businesses seeking the flex zoning. “We established some criteria that would be required to be met, firstly that the company that is proposing to relocate into the village must meet some of the uses that have been identified in the previous ordinance,” Green said. Such businesses must also be sited on a minimum of ten acres and generate at least 25

System. Schofield said that the employees most likely to take the early retirement offer will be those nearing the age where they can draw benefits and have also participated in the plan through other employers such as Palm Beach County. “I think you’re going to find that anyone who’s likely to take it is somebody who is looking at working three or four or maybe five more years, but is already to the point where they have a retirement income,” Schofield said. And while he admitted he didn’t anticipate very many staff members would take the offer, Schofield said the village would rather present them with some incentive while it can. “It’s not that we expect a lot of people, but we wanted the offer out there in case anybody was thinking about it because, frankly, we don’t think this is the last year property values in the village are going to go down. I don’t

positions in a two-year period that pay about $55,000 annually, he said.

“These are really intend to attract those positions that pay at a minimum the existing median income for the county, and ideally about ten percent higher,” Green said.

Any businesses meeting a certain level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification would be run through the same expedited permitting program, Green added.

Green said the village manager would select a point person to work with a business looking to relocate to Wellington. Applicants would receive a schedule to know what to expect during the process.

Green said the two measures would make Wellington more competitive among area municipalities.

“Realistically, by adopting these two ordinances, are we expecting to see a stream of applications come running through the door in the next couple of weeks? Probably

know, but my guess is that in the future we’re not going to be able to make that same offer.”

Schofield said the village is entering its fourth consecutive year of staff reductions, and so far has been able to do so through normal attrition rates, but the tough economic climate has slowed employee turnover.

“Any organization where you have 260 employees, typically eight to ten of them are going to reach retirement age in any given year,” he said. “Our staff turnover is typically 20 percent, although in this economy it has been nowhere near that.”

The offer isn’t about trying to leverage employees out with pressure tactics, Schofield stressed.

“We’re not telling people ‘here, take it now or you’re not going to have a job’ because that’s simply not the case,” he said. “It’s just one of the many tools we’re using to close the budget gap.”

not, but the intent is to dangle the carrot in front of these businesses,” Green said. “If there are businesses that are interested in relocating to the Village of Wellington, if they are considering other cities whether it’s Boca or Jupiter, we’d like to say that we have a program in place that will streamline that development review process.”

Nemser said village staff has been working with the Palm Beach County Business Development Board to make members aware that Wellington is developing the flexible zoning and expedited permitting processes.

Board Member Eugene DiFonte said he favored the ordinances with reservations.

“I’ve been in business here since 1987,” he said. “I want local businesses to do well. I like this; I think it’s innovative. I think it will work, but we don’t want businesses to locate here and take advantage of the situation and hurt other businesses as a result.”

DiFonte also asked about the requirement of 25 employees within two years. Nemser said it would just be a guideline with no enforcement provision.

Board Member Craig Bachove asked how the village would publicize the new ad-

Blotter continued from page 6 a bedroom. A similar incident occurred at another house on the street.

JUNE 3 — A West Palm Beach man was issued a citation outside the Mall at Wellington Green on Wednesday for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation pulled over a car for a tint violation. The deputy found that 19-year-old MacAllester Acquaotta was in possession of 3.5 grams of marijuana and a multi-colored glass pipe. Acquaotta was issued a notice to appear in court and released.

JUNE 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Well-

vantages of setting up shop in Wellington. “Is the village going to take a proactive approach on this?” he asked.

Board Member Carmine Priore III suggested contacting the local chambers of commerce, and Nemser said village staff has met with representatives of both the Wellington and Palms West chambers.

Board Chairman Steve Delai asked whether a business would need to come from outside the county to qualify, and Nemser said only from outside Wellington.

Delai asked if there should be some type of bonding in case the business fails to meet standards expected by the village under the ordinances, and Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz said would not be necessary because of no financial risk on the part of the village. “There is no financial incentive being offered by the village,” he said.

Delai said some provision might be added in case financial incentives do become available.

During public comment, former councilman Paul Adams, a commercial Realtor, said he had come to support the ordinances although other municipalities offer monetary incentives. “I came to

ington responded to a report of a vehicle burglary Thursday morning. According to a PBSO report, a resident of Waterway Cove Drive reported that sometime between 6 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Thursday her 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass had been broken into and her 2003 Hyundai Sonata had been stolen. A garage door opener and a SunPass were taken from the Cutlass, and the deputy collected DNA evidence from the car. In a related incident, another vehicle on the same street was broken into around the same time. In that case, the owner of a 2003 Mazda 6 called to report that his work laptop had been stolen from his trunk. Also taken were cables for the laptop, a black laptop bag, two sets

support this ordinance as a first step,” he said. “Everyone has identified that other communities, particularly Jupiter, Boca and Palm Beach Gardens, are way out front in terms of trying to attract quality industries or quality employers. This is just a first step, and probably some financial incentive down the road would make sense, waiving sewer fees or something.” Adams said he did not have a lot of confidence in the Palm Beach County Business Development Board helping Wellington attract business.

“The Business Development Board views this as the western communities; I view it as central Palm Beach County,” he said. “They’re almost entirely focused on north county and south county.” Adams said existing businesses in Wellington also have needs and have been hurting in the present economic crisis.

DiFonte made a motion to recommend approval of the flexible zoning district designation, which passed unanimously. Priore then made a motion to recommend approval of the expedited permitting process, which also passed unanimously.

of keys, miscellaneous paperwork and about $5 in change. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

JUNE 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Thursday morning to a construction site on Westhampton Circle regarding a stolen generator. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the generator from the apartment complex site. The deputy discovered that a rear window had been broken. A witness reported seeing two men pushing a generator along Peconic Court at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, but lost sight of them. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

PHOTO COURTESY TERRY PUTNAL

Christopher DiFiore and his mom Leanne collect money with their dog Moose.

Anthony Limauro (left) and Amy Widrig (right) collect cash.

(Above) The wrestlers with Head Coach and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Barry Staats and Assistant Coach Sgt. Conny Laganas of the Lantana Police Department. (Left) Sam Hargesheimer holds

So My Shop Is Haunted... But Maybe Not Haunted Enough

When I bought my antique shop seven years ago, the seller was kind enough to divulge all sorts of hair-raising details about the former funeral home’s resident ghost, Edgar.

The deal was almost off.

But then the seller explained that Edgar, who had been visually identified by several terrified people as the home’s late funeral director, didn’t do any harm, and in fact seemed to be keeping a watchful eye on the place. There were times he had apparently warded off thefts merely by whispering in the ear of a would-be perpetrator. So I bought the place.

Visitors told of hearing piles of glass breaking with no evidence to support the sound. (I cited trash pickup out in the alley.) A book of ghost stories leapt out of the bookcase and onto the floor every night. (It must’ve gotten jogged loose from its shelf when the back door slammed shut.) People reported seeing shad-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

ows and feeling cold drafts. (It’s a store full of lamps... and it’s old.) One clerk swore she saw a floating torso and quit shortly thereafter. (Whatever.) Every once in a while, my mother would taunt, “Have you seen Edgar yet?” and I’d say, “No, Mom. And I’m so tired that, if I did, there might be an altercation.” A non-believer, she was happy with this answer. Seven years of no ghosts.

Then, a couple weeks back, it happened.

I had decided I was bored with how the main room looked and decided to do something about it. The minute the last customer left, I started tearing things apart. I took all the knick-knacks and put them into shopping carts, moved the underlying furniture out into the aisles, vacuumed the carpet and put the furniture back in a new way.

I was just getting ready to replace the knickknacks when my daughter called. “You’re working hard,” she said. “I can’t believe you’re working through the final episode of your favorite TV show though.”

“Aack! My favorite TV show! I completely forgot!” So I turned out the lights and locked everything up tight, swearing to come back after Celebrity Apprentice and get all the little stuff out of the aisles.

An hour later, I was back. I unlocked the

door and turned off the alarm, but instead of silence, I heard a motor running. I cautiously peeped into the main room and there was the vacuum cleaner, humming away. Now say what you will about people who head out in a rush, they do not leave a vacuum cleaner running when they go. Not only that, but in my case I had finished vacuuming 45 minutes before putting the furniture back in place on the rug. My only explanation is that Edgar thought I was going to leave that mess there forever... and he didn’t like it.

Personally, I like my new Bahamian clerk’s explanation the best: “I told Edgar the day I started here that I wasn’t afraid of him and that if he decided to show up, he’d better have a dust rag or a broom in his hand!” Well, he chose the vacuum. If only he’d pushed it around a bit.

‘Up’ Sets A New Standard For Pixar And Animated Films

My wife and I wanted to see Up because Pixar Animation Studios, which made it, has been on a run making extraordinary movies. At the start, in movies like the company’s first feature-length effort Toy Story from 1995, Pixar presented warm, fun films for children. But in last year’s Wall-E they moved to a more philosophical mode, using art to inform and move. Animated films now present a deeper view of the human condition than films featuring humans.

Pixar seems to be growing up. Its previous films were almost continuous ads for new toys, new dolls. They were clever and often were moving. But the new movie separates itself further from the pack by presenting characters seldom seen in animated films. Ironically, right after seeing the hoopla over the first black princess in Disney animated films in a preview, we got to meet another category of the previously unseen: the elderly. Carl Frederickson (voiced by Ed Asner) is

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

a cranky old man. But in what may be one of the best, most moving sequences in movie history, we see Carl’s life. He meets his love Ellie when they are children, both in awe of explorer Charles Muntz. In a montage they get married, buy a house, make plans to follow the explorer’s trail to South America, discover they will not have children and gradually grow old together. At Ellie’s death, we see Carl lost in a world where he no longer fits. The modern world is horning in on Carl, represented by a young boy named Russell

(Jordan Nagai, in Pixar’s first Asian lead role) who needs an “Assist the Elderly” scouting merit badge and a construction company determined to get his land. Carl decides to escape to South America, doing it in spectacular fashion by attaching thousands of balloons to his home. Along the way, he discovers that Russell is a stowaway.

The sequences in South America are more formulaic. We see some stock cartoon-style characters, well done but not all that different. What we also see is the bonding of the old man and the boy. The two join a rather strange dog (voiced by writer and co-director Bob Peterson) and a mother bird named Kevin to foil the plans of the now-demented explorer Muntz (voiced in full villain mode by Christopher Plummer). There are a whole series of adventures that will keep any child, parent or grandparent on the edge of their seat.

It is the inner message that lifts this film far above the rest. Neither of the lead characters

is perfect, and the film does not simply ignore this. Carl is cranky, and at the start of the adventure, self-centered. Russell is a klutz who has major father issues. This is not a perfect film, but it is a lovely one. It has a Chaplinesque style to it. There were as many unaccompanied adults in the theater as families. The children enjoyed the action and the laughs. Old folks like me enjoyed that, but also the deeper meanings. And by the way, it made a bit of history this year as the first animated film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. The film can be seen in either 2-D or 3-D (another first: the film is the first Pixar feature to be presented in Disney Digital 3-D). We saw it in the 2-D version and had no trouble appreciating it. This is a movie to see. It is lovely and lyrical. If you loved Wall-E you will appreciate Up perhaps as much. It is sentimental and lovely. Animated films have grown up. Bless Pixar.

Sunday At The Meyer: Why Have I Stayed Away

Last Sunday, my son Brian called me and asked if I wanted to see an oldies rock ’n’ roll show. He didn’t have to ask twice. He told me he was taking me to a place I had never been to in downtown West Palm Beach. Although I reminded him that I had been downtown more times than I wanted to admit, he stuck to his story. He took me, my wife and two of my granddaughters, Eliana and Leora, to the Meyer Amphitheatre. I can’t explain why in the 26 years that I have called Palm Beach County home, I have never made it out to the Meyer. But last week I finally went. When we got downtown, we found out the City of West Palm Beach decided we didn’t have to feed the parking meters on Sunday. All parking was free. This was a class move on the part of the city. When we arrived at the Meyer, I was im-

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

pressed by the large and very green field that was the seating area. It was beautiful. I was also surprised to see a very large stage. I was expecting something much smaller. Seating was anywhere you wanted to sit. Just about everyone bought their lawn chair or blanket, and of course a cooler. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house and the weather was great. The first group to perform was a trio of guys about my age from Port St. Lucie. Of course

before moving to Florida, they all lived in Brooklyn and/or The Bronx. They called themselves Sha-Boom. And boy did they shaboom. For an hour and a half it was one oldie after another. Every one of their songs made me feel like a teenager all over again. They didn’t sing a bad song all night.

When Sha-Boom was done, it was time for the group headlining the show to sing. This group called themselves the Legends of DooWop. They even had a local connection: one member lives in Wellington. This group was very good. They sounded like they really were the legends of Doo-Wop. Most of the members were originally from New York At least three members were each once a member of an original famous rock group. When the Legends sang, everyone in the place was up and dancing (yes, the medics were on standby, but they weren’t needed).

So Long?

The highlight of the show for me was when West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel showed up, handing out cookies to the crowd. She also started dancing with some of the old men, I mean guys in the crowd. For about three and a half hours I was on cloud nine. It was the type of night you don’t want to see end. A great time was had by all. If you like shows like this, the Sunday at the Meyer series returns the fourth Sunday of each month throughout the summer. On June 28 it will be the Fabulons (they put on a great show, they have been in Wellington many times), July 26 Ambrosia will be there. The September show will be the Tokens (“The Lion Sleeps Tonight”), a Brooklyn group from my old school, Lincoln High School. My only problem on that beautiful day was the prices at the downtown eating joints. Well, I guess you can’t have everything!

SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE

Breakers West Summer Camp 2009

Calling all campers for a summer of a lifetime. Sports-minded, adventure-seeking, nature-loving kids will find something for everyone at Breakers West, where there is fun for all and all for fun.

Daily Golf, Tennis & Swimming Instruction

Basketball • Arts & Crafts • Soccer • Magic Shows Cooking Classes • Wildlife Demonstrations • Science Projects Friday’s Famous Family Cookout • And Much More…

Weekly sessions available June 8 through August 14, 2009. 8:45 a.m. –3:00 p.m. • Ages 5 – 14

Armory Art Center — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to elementary through high school students, for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on your child’s artistic and creative development. Oneweek sessions run from June 8 through Aug. 7. Extended care is available. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit us at www.ArmoryArt.org.

Camp Giddy-Up — Ravenwood Riding Academy has been located in Wellington for 20 years. Learn to ride at Ravenwood’s Camp Giddy-Up! Meet new friends and have fun all summer long learning about horses. The summer program consists of weekly sessions from June through August for children six years and up, with a focus on riding, and an emphasis on safety. Riding lessons are daily, learn to groom and bathe horses and ponies, as well as hands on horse care. All riding equipment and safety stirrups are provided. The program features demonstrations with veterinarians, blacksmiths and equine dentists. Save $25 per session with May registratin. Ravenwood is licensed and insured. Register today by calling (561)793-4109 or visit www.ravenwood ridingacademy.com. Hurry, sessions fill up quickly.

Future Stars Basketball Camp — Held in Summit Christian School, Future Stars is a fun and instructional camp for boys and girls ages five to 15 of all ability levels featuring basketball drills, competitions and games. Campers are grouped by age and ability. All campers will receive a camp t-shirt. Awards will be presented the last afternoon of camp for team winners, competition winners and special recognition. The instructional staff is comprised of high school coaches who are teachers. Lunch may be bought or brought. There will be three weekly sessions available running from June 22 through July 6. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 400-3397 for more information.

Hands On Day Camp — What to do this summer? Come on down, boys and girls, to Hands On Day Camp June 8 through July 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ages five to ten years of age. Throughout the four weeks, the summer camp program offers arts and crafts and weekly field trips. All-day hands-on activities include basketball, baseball, kickball and movies. Enroll your child today for all four weeks and receive a 10 percent discount, or choose your themed week: Kick-Off Week June 8-12, Circus Week June 15-19, Water Week June 22-26 or All-American Week (come in your red, white and blue) from June 29 through July 2. Either way your child is going to love their creative play. Hands On Day Camp is conveniently located at Temple Beth Tikvah, 4550 Jog Road, Greenacres, south of Lake Worth Road. There are NO registration fees! Don’t miss out... book today by calling (561) 967-3600.

Junior Golf Foundation — Attention, kids! Join us this summer for golfing fun featuring camps, tournaments and leagues. The Junior Golf Foundation is proud of the quality and attention that each individual receives during camps.. The foundation has hired a strong team of professionals to enhance the on and off course skills of junior players. Becoming a better player is a process through experience, good mental preparation and self discipline. The camp environment will be fun and challenging. Each student will walk away from the camp with improved skills and golf knowledge. Junior tournaments are held monthly, May through October, for kids ages four to 18 years old. For more information, call (561) 964-4653, ext. 107.

Kevin Perkins Golf Academy — The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy is now enrolling for their world-class Junior Summer Golf Camp at Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club. Palm Beach National is conveniently located on western Lake Worth Road, a short drive from Wellington/ Royal Palm Beach. Kevin Perkins, a PGA Master Professional, personally conducts each camp. The KPGA Junior Summer Golf Camp is unique from all of the area camps for many reasons: small size, each camp limits enrollment to 16 juniors; located in a country club setting, lunches served in the clubhouse dining room; an air-conditioned academy classroom; private short game area for academy only; academy complete with large teaching awning protecting campers from sun; numerous cool zones keep junior golfers cool and comfortable; state-of-the-art detailed video/computer analysis accelerates the learning process. Visit www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy. com for more information.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 19 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for our summer campers, which means our children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, our camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which our management team attends), swimming lessons in our swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. Our school provides a safe environment for our children, while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to our school, the Kings Academy said, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for additional information.

Movement Arts Dance Academy — Movement Arts will be holding affordable, fun-filled summer dance camps for kids age three and up throughout June, July and August. We have three great dance camps to choose from, including: special half-day “Mini Camps” for kids ages 3-6, full-day dance camps for ages 6-11 that follow a new theme each session, and dance intensives for the more serious dancer age 11 and up. Half-day and single-day rates are available during some of the camps. For more information, call (561) 7929757 or visit www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.

Palm Beach County 4-H 2009 Summer Day Camps — Palm Beach County’s 4-H Youth Development Program is again offering educational, fun day camps for youth this summer. The camps are a five-day experience in specialty areas, challenging campers through hands-on experiences. Camper to staff ratio is 4:1. You can learn more about the camps and obtain registration forms at www.pbcgov.com/coopext/4h.

Palm Beach Riding Academy — Palm Beach Riding Academy will be offering spring and summer camps for 2009. We are proud to offer a unique equestrian experience including riding lessons and instruction in horse care, as well as games for children. There will be trips to the horse show and polo grounds. We will also be able to offer adult sessions. The academy is located at the corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. Recently featured events have included the Palm Beach Steeplechase and the Palm Beach Jumper Derby. Times and dates to be announced to accommodate school schedules. For more information, Call Kate Turner at (561) 644-7179.

Pine Jog Environmental Education Center/Florida Atlantic University — Pine Jog offers parents several summer options. The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp provides

week long, sleep-away sessions focusing on environmental education and outdoor adventures including archery, fishing, canoeing, swimming and hiking. The Pine Jog Summer Camp provides full-day/all-summer or full-day/weekly options. Each week has a different environmental theme with outdoor exploration, nature crafts, recreation and more. All programs provide low child-to-instructor ratios, qualified staff and a safe environment for your child to engage in new experiences and learn more about our natural environment. For more information, call (561) 686-6600 or visit www. pinejog.fau.edu.

St. Peters Child Enrichment Center (CEC) VPK & Summer Camp — There is still time to enroll in summer VPK or camp! Conveniently located on Forest Hill Blvd. just steps away from the Wellington Community Center, St. Peter’s offers a learning environment backed by over 20 years of teaching Wellington-area children and a Gold Seal certification. St. Peter’s offers VPK-eligible four- and five-year-olds an educational summer June 8 through August 14 of themed week classes full of reading, mathematics and more all taught by a certified teacher. The VPK program is a great way to get your child ready for Kindergarten this fall. A few VPK spots are still available, but you must register by Tuesday, June 9 to be eligible for the program. For VPK enrollment information, call School Director Pat Banks at (561) 798-3286. If you are just looking for a great summer activity to keep your three-year-old through entering first grade child active and learning, enroll in the summer camp at St. Peter’s, offering camp sessions with all on-site activities — no buses and no additional activity fees! Campers remain on-site for themed week events with arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, creative play and more. Four two-week sessions are available. Two-, three- and five-day options are available with a choice of 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. St. Peter’s first camp session starts Monday, June. Enroll children in camp for as few as two days a week and for as little as $40 per week. Even a couple of days a week will keep your child active and learning and give you a chance to run errands or just relax! For a camp information, call (561) 798-3286. See St. Peter’s ad in this publication to get half off the registration fee per camp session if you enroll by June 8.

Villari’s of Wellington — The Villari’s of Wellington team is pleased to invite families in the western communities to join in an exciting camp that combines the benefits of stretching, cardio and self defense. The camp will run in two-week sessions, five days a week. Drop-off will start at 8:30 a.m. with camp gettting underway at 9 a.m. There will be snack breaks, craft time and lunch breaks. Pick up is between 3:30 and 4 p.m. The cost is an affordable $179 per week. Villari’s looks forward to introducing your child to the wonders of the martial way. Camp will be limited to 20 participants. Call (561) 792-1100 or e-mail senseidave@villarisofwellington. com today to reserve your spot.

Zolet Arts Academy — Come and have fun this summer at Zolet Arts Academy, located in the original Wellington Mall for 18 years. Register now for four separate weekly sessions offered Monday through Thursday, June 8-11, June 15-18, June 22-25 or June 29-July 2. Classes are held from 1 to 4 p.m. and all supplies are free. Professional, individualized instruction in all media with rotating subject matter is offered. The total fee is $150 per week, per child. Registration for the Zolet summer program is Tuesdays at 6 p.m. or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 793-6489 for more information.

THIS WEEK’S GUEST SPEAKER

Yoga Classes Now Available At RPB’s Zoo Health Club

By Genevieve Rivera Certified Yoga Instructor

What is yoga? Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means “union.” Simply put, yoga is the practice of unifying one’s body, mind and spirit through mindful movements combined with breathing techniques.

Yoga aims to bring strength, flexibility and balance to the body. Learning how to calm and quiet one’s mind is also an important aspect of yoga. Ultimately, yoga uses breathing, movement and meditation to move impurities out of the body, still the mind and create a stronger awareness of ourselves and our connection to all living things. Yoga is the path to physical balance, emotional well-being and spiritual connection.

There are several common misconceptions about yoga:

• Is yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is a practice that can awaken a deeper awareness through postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama) and meditation.

• Is yoga an exercise? Yoga is more than a physical exercise. Yoga is for the body, mind and spirit. Although it will help tone and strengthen your body, yoga also aims to quiet the mind and calm the spirit. What can yoga do for you?

• Strengthen and tone your body

• Improve flexibility

• Increase stamina and balance

• Bring more energy

• Enhance focus and concentration

• Deepen relaxation

• Eliminate toxins

• Encourage correct posture

• Promote overall health and peace of mind

You can enhance your workout routine with yoga. Incorporating yoga into your gym routine can help you reduce injury; create long, lean muscles; increase stamina; relieve muscle tension; and increase range of motion.

Personally, yoga has helped me to develop an inner core strength that no other workout routine has ever given me. Yoga has also helped to alleviate my back pain from scoliosis. I’ve been able to tone and strengthen my supporting back muscles and increase the range of motion in my spine through yoga. Yoga has given me a keen awareness of body, allowing me to adjust my posture to relieve and prevent pain and discomfort.

Through yogic breathing techniques, known as pranayama, I have rid myself of

my dependency on asthma medications. I suffered from asthma since childhood. I used an inhaler multiple times a week and was hospitalized more times than I can count. Using pranayama exercises, I have strengthened my lungs and opened my airways, allowing me to exercise and breathe without the use of medication.

I have become aware of my breath, my body, my mind, my ego and my judgments. No matter what path lies ahead of me, I will always carry these lessons with me.

This is what yoga represents in my life. This is what I aim to give to each one of our students at the Zoo Health Club. With love and gratitude, I offer students the enlightenment of yoga.

The Zoo Health Club in Royal Palm Beach offers a variety of yoga classes in a fun and safe environment. All levels are welcome! Our students range in age, gender and ability. Call the Zoo Health Club at (561) 790-0013 for the schedule of yoga classes as well as other exciting fitness classes.

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

Genevieve Rivera now leads yoga classes at the Zoo Health Club in Royal Palm Beach.

Cuillo Centre Presents Gregg Tome’s ‘Back To Babylon’

The Cuillo Centre for the Arts will present Back to Babylon June 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. In the past, Back to Babylon has had stellar success at the the Cuillo Centre’s 50-seat second story cabaret. This time it will be presented on the 377-seat main stage. Its offBroadway engagement is slated to begin July 10.

The critically acclaimed one-man show Back to Babylon is written, performed and directed by Gregg Tome. The story of Back to Babylon unfolds on the eve of a ten-year high school reunion where the opening character reminisces about how he and his friends struggled to define themselves within a haze of partying. Nine compelling characters further reveal how a close-knit circle of townies head toward a disaster that ultimately defines them all. Combining an edgy story line, ’70s rock music and imagery from the Town of Babylon itself, the audience is taken on an unforgettable trip down suburban memory lane.

“I feel that the Cuillo Centre for the Arts has helped me so much with presenting and promoting the show locally in the past, that is one of the reasons I am getting to go offBroadway,” Tome said.

Here is what has been said about Back to Babylon:

• “Woody Allen has Manhattan, Neil Simon has Yonkers and Gregg Tome has Babylon, Long Island.” — Miami New Times

• “Tome weaves a tale of the underbelly of Americana and displays a chameleon-like ability to transform himself.” — The Palm Beach Post

• “Tome is a talented monologist and an intelligent writer… he performs nine color-

ful and compassionate portraits with tenderness and comic insight.” — LA Weekly

• “Tome performs a coterie of 1970s stoners and slackers with aplomb.” — The Village Voice

• “An amazing performance… his physical transformations are astonishing.” — Closer magazine

• “Complex and well written, Back to Babylon may very well be the finest show in Fringe NYC this year.” — NYTheatre.com

• “An engaging performer with plenty of

energy… his show holds the attention of nonLong Islanders for the vividness of its characters and their modest, unmistakable authenticity… Gregg Tome clearly knows where he came from.” — Backstage.com

Back to Babylon has been produced at theaters across the U.S. Tome has appeared in film, TV and many theater productions. A full biography as well as a show history, synopsis, show photos and more information is available at www.greggtome.com.

The Cuillo Centre for the Arts has been

a jumping-off point for many shows bound for Broadway and off-Broadway, including Viagra Falls, Menopause, Respect and Looped . General admission tickets for Back to Babylon cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The Cuillo Centre for the Arts is located at 201 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 835-9226 or visit the Cuillo Centre’s web site at www. cuillocentre.com.

Palm Beach Dramaworks Announces Tenth Season Plays

Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, will kick off its tenth anniversary season with Henrik Ibsen’s acclaimed play A Doll’s House on Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. at the company’s intimate downtown theater (322 Banyan Blvd.). The season will continue with a distinguished roster of plays including Copenhagen by Michael Frayn, American Buffalo by David Mamet and Three Tall Women by Edward Albee.

“We celebrate our tenth anniversary season with a diverse selection of masterful works by four influential playwrights — Henrick Ibsen, Michael Frayn, David Mamet and Edward Albee,” founder and Producing Artistic Director William

Hayes said. “Producing plays by such fearless observers of the human experience, who have made an indelible mark on modern drama, is what makes Palm Beach Dramaworks unique on the South Florida theater scene.”

Launching the theater offerings Oct. 16 through Nov. 29 is A Doll’s House, one of Ibsen’s most famous plays, which was highly controversial when first published in 1879. The play calls into question the traditional roles of men and women in a marriage and, in a complete break with convention, ends with a wife leaving her family!

The season continues Dec. 18 through Jan. 31 with Copenhagen, which keenly explores questions of moral responsibility and patriotism

when two fellow physicists, Werner Heisenberg and Niels Bohr, who once worked in collaboration, are now placed on opposite sides in World War II.

Running Feb. 19 to April 4 is American Buffalo where the arenas of friendship and business clash when three small time crooks, who fancy themselves businessmen pursuing legitimate free enterprise, are merely pawns caught up in their own game of dead-end, empty pipe dreams.

The season concludes April 23 to June 13 with Pulitzer Prizewinning Three Tall Women . The play focuses on three women: A, B and C, each being a younger version of A who, now in her 90s, reflects on her youth, marriage

and estrangement from her gay son with a mixture of satisfaction and regret.

The performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with select Sunday performances at 7 p.m.

Matinee performances will take place Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. with select Fridays at 3 p.m.

Individual tickets are $42 for evening performances and $40 for matinees. Group rates for 20 or more, and discounted season subscriptions are also available. The theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 322 Banyan Blvd., between Dixie Highway and Olive Avenue. Parking is offered across the street

for a nominal fee, or in the city garage on the corner of Olive Avenue and Banyan Blvd. for $1 per hour with the first hour free.

For ticket information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit the Palm Beach Dramaworks web site at www.palmbeachdramaworks. org.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a non-profit, professional theatre and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Florida Professional Theatres Association, Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Gregg Tome plays a variety of characters in his one-man show Back to Babylon.

Buca di Beppo gets to the heart of fresh Italian cooking with our new summer menu featuring Mozzarella Caprese, Linguine Frutti di Mare, Oven-Roasted Salmon, Apple Gorgonzola Salad and Gelato della Casa. At Buca, we serve family-style meals in two portion sizes. Buca Small™ feeds two to three and Buca Large™ feeds an average-size country. Well, actually it feeds four to six.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE — Truck Topper & Boat Engine, Toys, Chair, Coffee Tables, beds & baby stuff. Sat. & Sun. June 6 & 7. (Counterpoint Off 441 & Belvedere Road) 10175 Patience Lane.

THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH -

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - RSVP 561236-4667 MOVING SALE! Everything must go: Furniture, Refrigerator, bikes, oak desk, king bed, etc.!! Black Diamond 1275 Beacon Circle (441 N. of Forest Hill Blvd.)

NEXT SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Something for everyone. 15 St. Davids Way (Off of Wellington Trace)

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE CALL 793-3576

HOME LITE TRIMMER GAS — $30 OBO 433-2751

28in HI-VAC Snapper Riding Lawnmower - 12.5 Briggs & Stratton INTEK OHV motor 5 forward speed, series 23, electric start mulch & bagging setups. Excellent condition $900 OBO. Call (561) 641-5759

DATA ENTRY POSITION - Must be detail oriented. Minimum associates degree, $14.00 hourly. 561-6624498

TEEN COMMUNITY SERVICEHELP WANTED - Are you 14 and over? Looking for something meaningful to do this summer? Join us at the Good Earth Farm. JuneAugust 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Call for more info. 792-2666.

CARETAKER/TENANT WANTED — Live on small estate in the Acreage (Western Palm Beach County) June, July, and August, possibly September. To care for and live on property. Rent $175.00 per week. References required. 561-862-8581

JUNK CARS, TRUCKS WANTEDTop prices paid. Call Now for FREE pick-up. 561-512-9606

Equestrian Club — 5BR/4BA/ 3CGAR/Waterfront/Pool, $949,000. Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561791-7434

Wellington - 4BR/2.5BA/2CGAR/ Pool, $269,777Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561-791-7434

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3500 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

1990 RED MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE — mint condition incl. hard top. New clutch, tune-up in excellent condition. Great on gas. (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422

$2,500

1976 Mercedes 450 SL - Light blue w/navy leather interior. 3 cars in one. Convertible, soft top & hard top included. 83,000 Original miles. Good condition. Asking $7,500 Call Bob 561-758-9938

4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME - For rent, $1,900 per month. Available March 1st. For more information call (561) 385-3605 FOR RENT 4BR/3BA/2CG SINGLE FAMILY HOME - Curb appeal, light, bright. New tile, A/C, paint (11/08). Huge enclosed, private patio. $1,850 (561) 319-1292

4/2 BEAUTIFUL HOUSE - 1.25

Acres Walking Distance to both Middle/Elementary schools, on paved main road. $1,400/mo. Contact Lillyan 561-644-0877.

LOST YELLOW LABRADOR — in Eastwood development on Sanderling Drive. Answers to BUCK Terrified of thunderstorms. Family and Puggle companion heartbroken. Please call Candy at (561) 6444489.

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

SeaBreeze Air Systems, Inc. — for Air Conditioning and Heating Indoors and Outdoors. Let us heat your pool for year round enjoyment. Call 561-964-3817 Lic. CAC039717

ARE YOUR TREES READY FOR A HURRICANE? — Florida Arborists has highly trained professionals to provide superior and quality services. 561-568-7500

JJJ AUTOMOTIVE, INC. - "We're Looking Out For You!" Complete Auto repair, foreign & domestic. We'll beat any written estimate. Free Oil Change with any service. ASE & MITSUBISHI Certified Master. 561-309-9098. Lic. MV 52657

MEDICAL AND PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CLEANINGS SPECIALISTS — • Pressure Cleaning • Office Cleaning • Residential Cleaning • Parking Lot Maintenance • Concrete Coatings. Call for Free Evaluation. 561-714-3608

HOUSECLEANING - Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 years experience. References available. Karen 561-632-2271

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!- Cleaning supplies furnished. Over 16 years - references available. Call now to secure your space. Call Hope 561-502-6607

SAVE TIME & LET US DO THE DIRTY WORK - Blue Water Home Services offers professional cleaning with earth friendly and HEPA filter equipment. Lic. Bonded & Insured. Call 561-784-1611

ANN MARTIN & ASSOCIATESMeticulous House Cleaning & Property Management year round or seasonal (We'll open & close your home). Equestrian Cleaning Special! References available. 20 Years experience.Wellington/Palm Beach. 561-791-3700

COMPUTER REPAIR — We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/ Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611

COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you. Spyware/Virus Removal. Reinstall operating system with/without backup. After hours service available. On-Site/Carry In Service. 561-713-5276

STAFF PLUS — Looking to fill full and part-time positions in customer service. For more info. Call 1-888333-9903

HIGH QUALITY LAMINATE FLOORING — at affordable prices. Hardwood floors. No deposit until delivery. Contractors welcome. Western Communities resident. Family owned and Operated. Licensed and Insured. Se Habla Español 561-568-6099

GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO — For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, Leather repairs, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 791-9900 Cell: 370-5293

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 561-2488528

MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC. — “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561-7235836

WWW.GARABAR.COM —Discount pricing. Remodeling & Repairs•Kitchens•Baths • Additions • Painting • Doors • Windows. No Deposit Until Permit • Credit Cards Accepted. 561-337-6798 Lic. #CCC1327252 & GC1510976

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inspections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811 PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE CALL 793-3576

A Personalized Lawn Care Service that you can afford. Call Dave for a free estimate 561-262-4623 or email dmtonkin@bellsouth.net Monarch Lawn Care

RIDING MOWER & SMALL ENGINE REPAIR — All Brands – Reliable – Service. Also Push Mowers & Generators. 561-685-0170

Mold & Mildew Inspections — Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

ARMENTO PAINTING & SONS, INC. –– Painting, Interior, Exterior. Pressure cleaning. Custom painting, faux art. Lic. U14736. 7988978.

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. Interior/Exterior, artistic faux finishing, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair, & roof painting/cleaning. Free est. 7984964. Lic.#U18473

COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident.

CREATIVE PAINTING SYSTEMS, INC. — Interior • Exterior • Residential Specialists. WE DELIVER WHAT WE PROMISE. All work guaranteed. FREE EST.Family owned & Operated. Over 23 years exp. Lic. #U-18337 • Bonded • Ins. Owner/Operator George Born. 561-686-6701

Waterheaters, garbage disposals, faucet repair & replacement service. New construction. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Wellington Resident 25 years. 561-601-6458. Jeremy James Plumbing, Inc.

ELITE POOL CLEANING —"You dealt with the rest now deal with the best" All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinator, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073. Inquire about 1 mo. free service.

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING —

Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-3096975 BD

GRIME STOPPERS - Pressure cleaning, commercial & residential, houses, driveways, patios, screen enclosures, sidewalks. References available.561-779-1081

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #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 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

WWW.GARABAR.COM — Now is the time for the Best Prices. Re-roof & Repairs. No Deposit Until Permit Credit cards accepted. Free Estimate. Call 561-337-6798 Lic.#CCC1327252 & CGC1510976

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, residential, commercial, reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted.561-842-6120 or 561784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.

Gutters, downspouts, vinyl/aluminum siding, windows & doors, aluminum railing. Screen enclosures (Repaired & Replaced), carports, porches, and patios. Lic. U17189. P&M Siding Contractors. 561-7919777

ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 8630955

AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 772-342-8705 Lic. & Ins. CGC 1511213

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

INSTALLING TILE IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR 25 YEARS — Free estimates, residential/commercial, bathroom remodeling, floors, walls, backsplashes, custom design GOLDEN TILE INSTALLATION 561-662-9258

PAPERHANGING & PAINTING BY DEBI — Professional Installation & Removal of Paper. Interior Painting, decorative finishes, clean & reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 26 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

WATER CONDITIONERS FROM $499.00 —- Reverse osmosis units for the whole house. Mention this ad for equipment checkup and water analysis $19.9956 1-6896151

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE CALL 793-3576