Town-Crier Newspaper March 2,2012

WELLINGTON ELECTION PROFILES PAGLIA VS. WILLHITE, PAGE 11

ROYAL PALM BEACH ELECTION PROFILES HMARA, SMITH AND DELATORRE, PAGE 13

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INSIDE

Volume 33, Number 9 March 2 - March 8, 2012

THINKPINKKIDS DODGEBALL FUN

Look For The March Issue Of ‘Forever Young’ In This Week’s Paper Wellington Candidates At Chamber Luncheon

Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to meet most of the candidates seeking election to the Wellington Village Council at a luncheon held Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Wanderers Club.

Page 3

Royal Palm Zoners Reject Charter School

In a 3-2 decision Tuesday, the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denying an application

by Charter Schools USA to take over the former Albertsons grocery store at the intersection of Crestwood and Southern boulevards. Commission members objected to the application largely out of traffic concerns.

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Wellington Seniors Club Group Visits Equestrian Festival

The Wellington Seniors Club gathered for lunch Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to watch the $32,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Seniors had lunch, socialized and enjoyed an afternoon of horse sport. Page 5

OPINION Endorsement For Lox Groves Council

This week, the Town-Crier begins our endorsements for the upcoming municipal elections on Tuesday, March 13 with a look at the race for Loxahatchee Groves Town Council between incumbent Ryan Liang and challenger Byrnes Guillaume.

Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ..............................3 - 17 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 POLO/EQUESTRIAN ............ 19 SCHOOLS .....................20 - 21 NEWS BRIEFS..................... 22 PEOPLE ........................ 28 - 29 COLUMNS .................... 35 - 36 BUSINESS .................... 37 - 39 CAMPS .........................40 - 43 SPORTS ........................ 49 - 52 CALENDAR ...................54 - 55 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 56 - 60 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Wellington High School’s thinkPINKkids held its annual dodgeball tournament Friday, Feb. 24 in the WHS gym. Students from local middle and high schools fielded teams to compete for the top prize. Shown here are teams from Emerald Cove Middle School. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 8 PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Two Lox Groves Candidates Meet At LGLA Election Forum

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Issues concerning Okeechobee Blvd. and commercial development were hot topics Thursday, Feb. 23 as Loxahatchee Groves Town Council Seat 3 candidates Ryan Liang and Byrnes Guillaume tackled the town’s tough issues during a debate hosted by the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association.

Liang is seeking re-election to his seat and is challenged by Guillaume in the Tuesday, March 13 election.

Issues of widening Okeechobee Blvd., putting in a streetlight and commercial development along the road topped the list of preselected questions by the association, posed by moderator Dennis Lipp.

With the county considering widening Okeechobee Blvd., candidates were asked how many lanes they envision the road being in 10 and in 20 years.

Guillaume said he’d like to alle-

viate traffic while maintaining the rural characteristics of the area. He noted, however, that Palm Beach County has ultimate authority.

“The county has jurisdiction over its expansion,” he said. “I believe we have to work with the county so they know what our wishes are so they won’t do something out of bounds with what our vision is. My vision would be for us to work with the county to make sure they adhere to what we want.”

Guillaume said that one of the ways to maintain the rural characteristics along the road would be to carefully select what commercial development goes there to promote less traffic.

“Obviously, if we put a big-box store there like a Wal-Mart,” he said, “it’s going to cause increased traffic problems.”

Liang said he would oppose widening the road to six lanes in the future, preferring to keep it two lanes.

“But we have to face reality,” he said. “There is going to be more development in the western communities. So, [widening the road to] four lanes seems to be inevitable. But I feel that we do have to increase our dialogue with the county… and help steer them to the vision of what Okeechobee will look like in our town.”

Liang said that the town needs to have a strong plan for what the road should look like.

“I feel that we should come up with an overall plan in general,” he said. “We also need to decide what the proper floor-to-area ratio is going to be. We have an idea, but we don’t really have a hard number.”

Some have said Okeechobee should be a “rural parkway,” and candidates were asked to define what they thought a “rural parkway” would look like.

Liang said he’d like to see a median with trees down the cenSee LGLA FORUM, page 14

Merger Creates New ‘Central Palm Beach County Chamber’

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report With a new name, a new logo and a new brand, the Palms West and Greater Lake Worth chambers of commerce officially announced their long-planned merger at a luncheon Monday, Feb. 27.

Now known as the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, the organization will extend its reach from the western communities to the coast, offering businesses increased exposure, marketing and services.

“We are observing today not a victory but a celebration of new opportunities,” CEO Jaene Miranda said. “It’s symbolizing an end to what we have known for 28 years at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and 100 years at the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, it’s a new beginning, signifying renewal as well as change.”

Miranda said that the merger was born out of a passion for business, for economic development and for a strong community and chamber.

“Once in a while, an opportuni-

ty comes along that can change everything,” she said. “We dared to imagine the possibilities. Who would have known that a conversation on a warm July evening… would lead us here.”

She called it a historic moment.

“This moment will go down in history,” Miranda said. “You can say that you were here for this moment.”

Merging the two chambers was no easy task, and Miranda credited a dedicated team of passionate individuals from each chamber.

The group included Bland Eng, Rachelle Crane, Terri Wescott and Frank Gonzalez from the Palms West Chamber, and Rick Tourville, Greg Rice, Roger Manning and Dan Perrin from the Lake Worth Chamber.

Carmine Priore III, chairman of the Palms West Chamber, noted that the merger is a way for both chambers to continue to thrive in a changing economy, allowing for improved services.

“I think that we can all agree that the business world we operate in today is much different than it was 28 years ago,” he said, “and espe-

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Wellington OKs Bid For New B&G Club

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Boys & Girls Club is getting a new home after the Wellington Village Council unanimously approved a $3.6 million construction contract Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The new digs, which will be built adjacent to Wellington’s water treatment plant site on Wellington Trace, will help serve more children.

Director of Operations Jim Barnes said that the 22,570-squarefoot facility would be three times the size of the current club site on South Shore Blvd. Though originally estimated to cost between $2.9 and $3 million two years ago, several factors made the building more costly.

The project will cost just under $3.6 million and is expected to be completed sometime next year.

“Part of it is just the current construction market,” Barnes said.

The contract was awarded to MBR Construction of Fort Lauderdale. According to the staff report, MBR was chosen from six applicants because it offered the lowest bid and pledged to assign more than 50 percent of the proposed price of the work to Palm

Beach County vendors and subcontractors.

Of the financing, more than $2 million is already in place. Private donors contributed $1 million; Palm Beach County will kick in $600,000; and Wellington agreed to fund $700,000 of the project as well as provide a no-interest loan for the $1.3 million balance to be paid back over 10 years.

Mary O’Connor, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, said that the club has served thousands of Wellington children for the past 25 years.

“We are so excited about this,” she said. “We have been waiting for a long time for this day to come, and now we are waiting for the day when we can open the club.”

O’Connor said that Wellington, with its small club, turns away more children than any other club in the county.

“We serve 525 children in that little tiny club,” she said. “The facility would not allow us to take on more kids. This new building is a phenomenal facility. It will allow us to do so many things. It will have a state-of-the-art computer lab, a dance studio, a science lab, See B&G CLUB, page 14

SRHS BAND BENEFIT

Seminole Ridge High School hosted its seventh annual Hawks Benefit Car Show & Bazaar on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the school parking lot. Shown here, Jared Skinner, Richard Schwartz and Danny Cruz enjoy shaved ice. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

cially 100 years ago. Not only are we facing tough economic challenges, but we are moving through a more diverse, global environment. Businesses that choose not to change will be challenged.”

Tourville, chairman of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber, said that members would have increased marketing opportunities.

“Usually when something seems too good to be true, it is,” he said, “but this is a different story.”

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber will encompass 1,200 businesses, offering 57 networking events, 12 signature events, five educational programs and six membership support programs, Tourville said.

The expansion will also afford the chamber a larger sphere of influence in governmental issues, See CHAMBER, page 14

Six Area Teachers Are Dwyer Finalists

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Six local teachers are among the 25 finalists for this year’s Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education.

Candidates will go for interviews before a panel of judges this Saturday, and winners will be selected in five categories: Elementary Education, Middle School, High School, Special Programs and Career Education. The winners will be announced in April.

Finalists from the western communities include Rita Jordan, who teaches web and digital design at Palm Beach Central High School and has been nominated in the Career Education category.

Jordan likes to think that she does more than just teach a class.

“I think they think of me as a teach-

er who goes beyond the call of duty,” she said. “I think they understand that I generally care about my students, and work very hard to prepare them for life outside of high school.”

Perhaps that is because teaching is not Jordan’s first career.

“Most of my career, I was in the industry, so I bring that perspective to my students,” she said. “I also think they think of me as someone they can depend on. If something needs to be done, they turn to me.”

Jordan has been a teacher for six years. “I’ve been a graphic designer in small agencies, video production studios and large companies such as CNN,” she said.

“We were the first team that built CNN.com back in the early 1990s.

See DWYER, page 14

Friends, School Honor Accident Victim Daniel McCauley

Remembering Danny — A view of the memorial Daniel McCauley’s friends and classmates made for him at the site of the fatal accident on Forest Hill Blvd. near Okeeheelee Park.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report People remember his smile, faint but always prevalent. But mostly, 17-year-old Daniel McCauley is remembered for being an allaround great kid, with a lot going for him.

A Palm Beach Central High School junior, he was on the varsity football and wrestling teams.

Known for his positive outlook on life, McCauley was enthusiastic about his future.

This is how friends and family remember McCauley, whose life was cut short by a car accident Wednesday, Feb. 22 on Forest Hill Blvd. near Okeeheelee Park. McCauley was traveling eastbound when, for unknown reasons, his

car went off the road before striking a pole.

Since McCauley’s untimely death, his family and friends have been finding ways to celebrate and remember his life — from a memorial at the site of the accident, adorned with balloons, flowers, footballs, his wrestling jersey and a medal, to an outpouring of support on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tumblr.

The day after the accident, McCauley’s friend Jennifer Lisenbey began by putting up the Facebook page, “R.I.P. Danny McCauley.”

The page received an overwhelming response, as friends posted and reposted it all over people’s walls and pages.

With community support, the page has since reached more than 7,670 “likes.”

“I never expected it to get that many likes,” Lisenbey said. “I’m so glad that this happened.”

As Lisenbey along with other friends posted their thoughts about McCauley on the page, someone came up with the idea of getting his favorite singer, Taylor Swift, to do a memorial concert for him. The idea soon took off with a Facebook page — “Get Taylor Swift to Notice Danny McCauley” — and a Twitter campaign, #Doit4danny.

Lisenbey and friend Asia Garcia also created a YouTube video, which talks about who McCauley See MCCAULEY, page 14

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 3

NEWS

Wellington Candidates Greet Business Leaders At Chamber Lunch

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to meet most of the candidates seeking election to the Wellington Village Council at a luncheon held Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Wanderers Club.

The luncheon gave candidates a chance to share information, meet members of the business community and answer questions.

Three seats are up for grabs March 13. Council Seat 1, currently held by term-limited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, has drawn candidates John Greene and Shauna Hostetler. Vice Mayor Matt Willhite is seeking re-election to Seat 4 and faces a challenge from former Councilman Al Paglia. Mayor Darell Bowen is also seeking reelection, challenged by former Councilman Bob Margolis.

Greene was the only candidate who didn’t attend the Feb. 22 luncheon.

Bowen took the opportunity to respond to the series of political attacks that have been mailed to Wellington residents by a political action committee financed by a special-interest group looking to stop the proposed Equestrian Village project.

“How many people think this is the way politics ought to be done?” he asked. “You’re going to have an opportunity on March 13 to tell them that this isn’t how politics is done in Wellington.”

Bowen said that the election should not be boiled down to a single issue, noting that there are many more issues in Wellington that affect residents.

He said he did not think that Wellington should be just a bedroom community, and instead must bring sustainable jobs for residents. “My opponent has already gone on the record to say Wellington ought to be a bedroom community,” Bowen said. “I don’t feel that way.”

If elected, he said he would keep the focus on the issues that matter to all residents.

“We need to focus on things like education, safe neighborhoods, cultural and recreational opportunities for all our residents,” he said. “I promise you that I will focus on those issues.”

Margolis pointed to his business background and roots in the community, noting that he raised a family in Wellington and worked with Proctor & Gamble for many years, as well as served on the council and several Wellington advisory boards.

He said he would be a voice for residents. “I believe Wellington is the community it is today because of the residents,” Margolis said.

“The residents come here for a better quality of life.”

He said he would stand up for small businesses and help the village’s already-suffering business community. “I do believe Wellington is a bedroom community,”

Margolis said. “Not only do I believe it, but a lot of the residents I’ve talked to who have been here for a long time believe it, too.”

He noted that in his time in office, the council built several parks, found solutions for phosphorus runoff by setting aside land for the Wellington Environmental Preserve and set aside ample reserves that have helped Wellington through the down economy.

If elected, Margolis said he would push for a more transparent government and work with the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General. “I believe another set of eyes is important,” he said. “I do not support the lawsuit, and believe the office should be fully funded.”

Hostetler echoed Bowen’s comments that the election is about more than one issue. “I have spent a lot of time educating people on what has been reduced to just one issue,” she said. “I understand that Wellington is larger than just one issue.”

A 31-year Palm Beach County resident, Hostetler said she has raised her family in Wellington and has been involved in the community through schools, sports and other projects, including serving as PTA President at Binks Forest Elementary School. “Wherever I am,” she said, “you can see that I have my sleeves rolled up. I don’t sit on the sidelines. If someone is whining about something, I’m looking for a solution.”

Hostetler said she would encourage residents to get involved.

“I want them to be part of the solution,” she said. “As I go doorto-door and talk to people and hear their complaints, my mind is already asking, ‘How can we come together as a community and fix that?’”

Hostetler said that she would work to be a council member serving all Wellington residents. “I’m someone who listens and looks at the big picture,” she said. “I don’t look at the lines that are drawn in the sand. I look at this as a community. We all live here.”

Paglia said that he is a candidate with deep roots in the community, having moved to the community long before it incorporated. He got involved early, serving in numerous recreational, social and civic organizations, culminating with his time on the council from 1998 to 2002.

“My roots run deep in this community,” he said. “I saw something that I could plant my feet in and stay here the rest of my life.”

He said that if elected, he would support responsible growth, pointing to the Mall at Wellington Green, which was approved while he was in office. “I will support sustainable, smart growth,” he said, “and give families the opportunity to raise their children and to live, learn, work and play in their own back yard.”

He said that he would support projects like the Equestrian Village,

Mayor Darell Bowen (left) and his challenger Bob Margolis (right) at the Wellington Chamber luncheon last week.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

which expand the equestrian industry in Wellington.

“My opponent voted against that project,” he said. “He voted against the FAU Living Lab 2060 which… will keep us moving forward with smart, sustainable growth.”

If elected, Paglia said he would be a voice for residents, promote small business and sustainable growth and maintain Wellington’s quality of life. “I promise I will work hard for you,” he said.

Willhite said that he is a leader who has helped Wellington through a tough economy and wants to continue to make smart decisions as things improve.

“We went from a budget of $119 million to $73 million,” he said.

“What does that say? That says that we’ve been able to sustain our community… while other munici-

palities are struggling to keep their heads above water.”

He pointed to many of the improvements made during his term, including Wellington’s Town Center, that have helped improve residents’ quality of life. “That means something different to each one of us,” he said.

Willhite noted that he has voted for many business-friendly measures such as flex zoning, expedited permitting and more. “We put these things in place to help businesses grow in our community and to attract business to the area,” he said.

He said he has been a councilman who makes educated votes, asks questions and justifies his decisions. “I’m going to vote for what I think is best for Wellington as a whole based on residents’ input,” Willhite said.

Royal Palm Zoning Board Rejects Charter School Over Traffic Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In a 3-2 decision Tuesday, the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denying an application by Charter Schools USA to take over the former Albertsons grocery store at the intersection of Crestwood and Southern boulevards and turn it into a charter school.

Commission members objected to the application largely out of concerns for traffic in an alreadycongested area.

Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the school wanted to convert the 64,000square-foot Albertsons building into the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West, which would accommodate a total population of 1,145 kindergarten

through eighth-grade students.

The item was originally heard Feb. 7 but was postponed to Feb. 28 to allow the applicant additional time to rework the traffic flow pattern on the 9.98-acre parcel.

Erwin said the applicant was proposing operating hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with preschool from 7 to 8 a.m. and afterschool offered from 2:30 to 6 p.m. He added that Palms West Hospital has agreed to allow a cross access point from its plaza to the school parking lot, which would ease traffic concerns.

The applicant provided a traffic flow and stacking plan to accommodate 180 on-site stacking spaces for pick-up and drop-off. Parents would enter at two locations, the southwest corner of the property on Southern Blvd, and at the entrance off Crestwood Blvd. be-

tween Wendy’s and a retail building to the north. Parents would proceed along the east end of the building up to the back of the school, where they would stack in three lanes and wrap around to the west side of the building to a pickup and drop-off area.

Once parents had dropped off their children, they could exit at four locations, to the hospital campus to the west, at the southwest corner of the property to westbound Southern Blvd., at the east side north of Wendy’s onto Crestwood, or at the northeast corner of the property onto Crestwood.

Erwin said the school had obtained a permit from the county for exits on to Crestwood Blvd., but it was with conditions that the school conduct a traffic study to see if a light is warranted at the

northeast intersection.

“They also have to do another signal study two months after the opening of the school once parents have learned the traffic flow patterns to make sure that no conditions trigger the need for a light at that location,” Erwin said.

Commissioner Darrell Lange, whose background is construction, said he met with a traffic engineer, an architect and village staff to come up with a new traffic plan for the school. The result was the plan presented at the meeting, which Lange supported.

He said the most recent proposal is an improvement over the more complicated schematic shown on the applicant’s original plan. “This one right here, the consensus is that you’re going to get them in and out quicker, which is, I think, a

lot of the concerns that we had at our last meeting,” Lange said.

Commissioner Janet Ellis said she was concerned about the northeast exit onto Crestwood.

“It’s difficult to get out, and I’m thinking about the traffic at 7 in the morning and 6 at night when so many people are on their way to work or on their way home, or they are trying to get into Walgreens. I’m not happy about that exit/entrance being used at all.”

Commissioner Jackie Larson asked about the stacking, and Erwin said it allowed for 180 when the total number of pick-up or drop-off vehicles would be about 500. “What happens to the rest of the vehicles?” Larson asked.

Commissioner Michael Newkirk said he was satisfied with the conditions. “Should the school not be

a success, which we all hope it will be, if they were to leave we’ve got another empty building sitting there,” he said. “There’s only so many things that are going to occupy that. I think it’s a great idea.”

Commission Chair Barbara Powell said she still did not like the traffic plan. “My concerns are still traffic,” she said. “I don’t think this is the best fit for this location just because of traffic.”

Larson made a motion to deny the application as submitted, which carried 3-2 with Lange and Newkirk opposed.

Planning & Zoning Commission decisions are advisory in nature only. As the Town-Crier went to press, the charter school proposal was scheduled to go to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council for consideration Thursday, March 1.

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TOWN-CRIER ENDORSEMENT

Give Ryan Liang Another Term On The Lox Groves Town Council The Town of Loxahatchee Groves will hold a municipal election Tuesday, March 13. While Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Ron Jarriel was automatically re-elected without opposition, Vice Mayor Ryan Liang is facing a challenge in his bid for another three-year term in Seat 3 from attorney Byrnes Guillaume.

As Loxahatchee Groves continues to grow as a functioning government, the issues facing the town are mostly regarding its future, with the top issues being those involving development (such as the planned Palm Beach State College campus) and the town’s relationship with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. After having met with both candidates, we considered their ideas and their history with the town, and believe that Groves residents would be best served by re-electing Liang.

When Liang was elected in March 2009, there was a civil war going on and the town was considerably polarized. Liang was part of the group that helped calm everything down and move the town forward. He also played a role in writing the town’s Uniform Land Development Code and ending the lawsuit with Callery-Judge Grove. Today, calls for “de-incorporation” have died down and the town maintains a good working relationship with the LGWCD. During his interview with the Town-Crier, Liang said the town is in its best shape since incorporation, and he is right. He has a clear vision for the future that involves balancing

growth and maintaining the town’s character, and he believes in a strong relationship with the water control district. Also, because of his family’s fruit tree business, Liang has deep roots and investments in the town.

As an attorney, Guillaume would bring a point of view to the council that currently is lacking, and that is definitely a positive. He seems deeply interested in improving town affairs, and should he be elected, we believe he would do a commendable job. However, Guillaume’s involvement in Loxahatchee Groves is very limited. Prior to launching his campaign, Guillaume was virtually unknown in town affairs.

Though the town is no longer in its infancy, it is still trying to find its footing in some areas, namely the relationship between the town and the LGWCD, as well as responsible growth and maintaining the town’s rural character. As an incumbent, Liang was on board during some of its early development, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t continue to serve the people of Loxahatchee Groves for another three years. While we would like to see Guillaume continue his community activism, we do not believe now is the time for him to do so in the capacity of a town councilman.

The Town-Crier endorses the re-election of Ryan Liang to Loxahatchee Groves Town Council Seat 3.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ‘Preserve’ Group Is A Sham I have received a piece of mail almost every single day from “Preserve Wellington” attacking Mayor Darell Bowen. I have had someone knock on my door and call me on the phone to say disparaging remarks about the mayor. When I ask them who they are, they say they are being paid $20 a hour to work on this project.

Enough is enough! Look closely at who is funding this effort. All of the money so far has come from one source, Solar SportSystems out of Buffalo, N.Y. Why are they so interested in stopping a project that will bring much-needed jobs to our community and enhance our tax base? Why do they think it’s OK to outright lie about not only the project, but the mayor as well?

Also, look carefully at where Bob Margolis, John Greene and Matt Willhite are getting their campaign contributions, many of them from Buffalo, N.Y. Coincidence? I think not! You can check for yourself by calling the village clerk’s office.

I’m confident Wellington residents are smarter than that and will see this sham for exactly what it is.

If you have questions, call the mayor. That’s what I did. He was glad I took the time to call him and not be swayed by a shadow organization trying to buy this election.

Suzanne Bennett Wellington

Wellington Must Protect Preserve The Wellington Equestrian Preserve is the reason Wellington has grown and prospered, adding millions of dollars to the tax coffers as property values have increased and equestrians from all over the world flock to Wellington. I am one of these transplants, having dedicated three years to building our horse farm.

The preserve is now threatened by developers who will unravel the zoning protections that keep the preserve precious and unlike any other place in the country. If the developers are allowed to proceed, the preserve will be ruined. It will become like thousands of other horse show venues across the country. Many of us will pack up and leave. Other towns, such as Aiken, S.C., have venerable horse traditions and are vying for us to relocate there. They will succeed if we don’t preserve the preserve.

The Wellington Village Council has approved the developers’ plans without adequate investigation into the traffic, noise and environmental problems the pro-

posed development will cause. I believe the council acted precipitously because they are relatively unsophisticated and are star struck by the developers’ tales of increased prosperity for all.

Marcia Radosevich Wellington

Equestrian Village Will Help Us All Now that the new equestrian center on South Shore and Pierson is a hot topic, we are again talking about traffic congestion on South Shore. I guess this facility came as a huge surprise to our council — you know, the same people who decided that trees and grass along the sides and median of the newly finished road are more important than a four-lane road.

Who would ever think that a facility like this would generate traffic? Funny how we need two leftturn lanes at Lake Worth Road to accommodate such “little” traffic, especially when Lake Worth road is still just two lanes.

Since I brought it up, let’s mention the new equestrian facility. I have heard that the horse people are even against it. Who are they talking to? Certainly not the dressage contingent. The ones I know are all for it. Why not have a worldclass facility for these riders like we do for hunter jumpers and polo players? Oh that’s right, it brings traffic and changes our lifestyle.

Whose lifestyle will be affected by this project on an old polo stadium site that has gone virtually unused for years? What else would you like to put on this site?

Wake up, people. Wellington is a world-renowned equestrian location for the top horse people of the world. They have generated huge sums of money for this village. The new facility is a logical step in our growth.

I know that the condo hotel is a sticking point, but let’s talk about a compromise instead of elimination. And, yes, we are probably not in need of more retail stores, but isn’t competition a good thing for the consumer? If not, why are we seeing more strip malls going up on State Road 7? Let’s look at the big picture and realize that Wellington is still growing. Those of us who have been property owners since the 1970s can attest to that. Maybe too fast for some, but inevitable nonetheless.

Mike DeStefano Wellington

Examine Mayor Bowen’s Record Politicians are getting sensitive.

And why shouldn’t they be? They don’t want their record truly ex-

amined. Take, for example, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, whose campaign literature claims that he lowered taxes during his tenure, when in fact the opposite is true and the tax rate increased.

At the same time, he cut city services, even closing the city on Fridays.

Certainly, you’d think that threeday weekends would make the politicians more understanding and willing to listen. Not the case in Wellington.

So here comes an organization, the Taxpayers for Integrity in Government, which has thousands of supporters in the community who question the mayor and his tactics and want more accountability in office. But the mayor doesn’t like the voice of Wellington.

So join the debate, get out and vote on March 13, and don’t let any politician belittle you for making your voice heard. Find out more about Taxpayers for Integrity in Government at www.preserve wellingtonsfuture.com.

Nancy Tanner Wellington

Bob Margolis Endorsement The first thing Bob Margolis promises to do if elected mayor of Wellington will be to resign Wellington from the lawsuit against funding the inspector general.

That is reason enough to vote for him.

Bob is one of the truly involved residents who helped Wellington become what we love. He served on the council, chaired sports and recreation, voted to acquire KPark, and was instrumental in bring back the Binks Forest golf course, among many other things.

Although Darell Bowen is taking credit for building the new facilities, and refurbishing the roads and landscaping, it was the council that Bob Margolis served on that provided the impact fee funds that made these improvements possible. While on the council, he relentlessly examined the Wellington budget to ensure every expense was justified.

He believes in smart growth, and questions a 58-foot-tall hotel in the Equestrian Preserve, and believes that the traffic from this expansion will be excessive on such limited, single-lane roads.

There are serious questions on the divide among the current council, especially on contested issues.

With Dr. Carmine Priore at term limits, and two other seats up for election, it seems the right time to start anew. The first step will be to elect Bob Margolis mayor, and I wholehardily believe that will go a long way toward changing the tenor of

the council to one of more transparency, productivity and accountability.

Morley Alperstein Wellington

Stop Fighting Inspector General At the last Wellington Seniors Club meeting, all the candidates for local offices appeared, asking us to vote for them. I submitted a question asking them why Wellington and 14 other towns in Palm Beach County refused to fund the Office of Inspector General. My question about funding the new Office of Inspector General was never asked! I wonder why.

I am glad to hear Matt Willhite and Bob Margolis support funding the new Office of Inspector General. What about the other candidates, including Mayor Darell Bowen?

According to the Palm Beach Post, 356 public officials have been convicted of wrongdoing in Palm Beach County in the last 10 years.

That’s why Forbes magazine voted us the fourth worst place to live in. We can do better. My remedy: a large monetary fine and good dose of jail time!

Martin Shapiro Wellington

Support For Jeff Hmara If you love living in Royal Palm Beach as much as I do, then I urge you to take the opportunity to go out and vote in our municipal election on March 13. We have a wonderful opportunity to vote for a person who lives in our village and who cares about its welfare and the welfare of all of us who live here. That individual is Jeff Hmara. Jeff’s personality, interests, education and service to our community make him the ideal candidate to fill the position of Seat 1 on our village council.

Jeff earned a master ’s degree in acquisition and contracts management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Citadel. He currently is an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. His previous employment included the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Army.

Jeff is not a newcomer to community service. He has served on the Crestwood Redevelopment Task Force, the Madison Green Master HOA and the Walden Village HOA. These credentials speak clearly to the fact that Jeff is well qualified and competent to represent our best interests on the

council. Put all of that together with the fact that he is a caring, interested, well-informed neighbor, and it is clear that Jeff is the one and only best candidate to represent our interests on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. I am confident that his recommendations and decisions will be in the best interests of all of us.

Furthermore, I am not alone in my confidence in Jeff. He has been endorsed by many segments of our community and beyond, namely, County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans President Tony Fransetta and the Firefighters Union.

Please, for your good and mine and for all of our community, remember to get out and vote on March 13 and make that a vote for Jeff Hmara for Seat 1 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach

Matula: Voice For The People As a working mother myself, I am impressed with Felicia Matula’s drive to be so involved in our community.

She has been an active resident, attending village council meetings consistently for over a year. She is dedicated to Royal Palm Beach and what is in our best interest as a community without a political agenda. She has demonstrated her ability to use effective communication skills with residents about the wastewater treatment facility.

If it were not for Felicia using innovative ways of communication with residents, our voices would not have been heard on this very important issue. She is not afraid to go door to door to meet with residents, as demonstrated by obtaining over 250 signed petitions in support of her being placed on the ballot for mayor of Royal Palm Beach. It should also be noted that she is the only known candidate to go out and obtain signatures from residents.

As a resident of the western communities for over 25 years, I

am very excited to support Felicia for mayor on March 13. If you want to get something done, you give the task to a person who is a hard worker and is capable of getting things accomplished.

Kim Whalen Royal Palm Beach

We Need Honesty In Government Now more than ever, “we the people” must demand honesty in government.

1. Not long ago, three county and two West Palm Beach commissioners pled guilty to federal corruption charges together with three businessmen. As a result, we have been nationally given the shameful title “Corruption County.” In May 2009, a grand jury, initiated by our state attorney, after a lengthy and thorough investigation, confirmed that we are, in fact, “Corruption County,” and as a result recommended the establishment of the Office of the Inspector General, similar to Miami-Dade.

2. In November 2010, over 72 percent of voters for all 38 municipalities overwhelmingly demanded that all 38 municipalities be under the government watchdog inspector general — a clear mandate by “we the people.” Fifteen cities, including Wellington and West Palm Beach, have been doing everything they can to obstruct the work of our inspector general — why? Is it because they have something to hide? From the beginning, Mayor Darell Bowen is one who has been strongly opposed to the Office of Inspector General and is now pretending he supports it!

3. Less than a year ago, 13 persons consisting of municipal employees (including West Palm Beach and Wellington employees) and staff members of a Wellington contractor, were arrested for alleged unlawful exchange of contractor gifts for government contracts or favors.

4. Last month, one of the most reputable national publications, Forbes magazine, named our area the “fourth most miserable place See LETTERS, page 23

SPECIAL NOTE ON LETTERS

The Town-Crier has received far more letters in recent weeks than we will be able to publish before the March 13 election, even with additional space we have set aside. We will publish as many as possible, but our apologies to those whose letters have been left out. 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. For est Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or e-mail them to letters@goTownCrier.com.

OPINION

True Preservation: Time To Come Together As ‘One Wellington’ Divisive politics are part of national as well as local elections. Voters need to be armed with accurate and comprehensive information in order to make informed decisions. The future of Wellington will be decided in the election on March 13. As a concerned resident and business owner who cares deeply about this community and the ability of all its residents to flourish, I am disturbed by an increasingly negative and inaccurate campaign being waged to defeat current Mayor Darell Bowen. I encourage you to look at the facts and understand what is going on, and not believe the negative and inaccurate information being disseminated. Often the loudest voices are not the truest voices.

My wife and I are full-time Wellington residents and love this community. While we were initially attracted by the equestri-

POINT OF VIEW

By Mark Bellissimo Managing Partner, Wellington Equestrian Partners

an activity in 2000, we fell in love with the community as a whole and moved here full time in 2004 because of a unique combination of great family atmosphere, schools, recreation facilities, safe neighborhoods, community spirit, local service infrastructure, equestrian lifestyle and, of course, the weather. It was welcoming and inviting. We have made great lifelong

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friends both in and out of equestrian circles. We expect to retire here.

One disappointing dimension for us, however, was the apparent divide between the two worlds — the equestrian and non-equestrian. The equestrian world, which was formerly owned and controlled by a small group of nonresidents, was insular and had limited interest in interaction with the greater Wellington community. As no surprise, the greater Wellington community, who were made to feel unwelcome and irrelevant, grew apathetic and disengaged from equestrian matters. Gene Mische was an amazing visionary and is responsible for Wellington’s initial equestrian success. I knew Gene well and I believe Gene had a sincere interest in the community, but in my opinion, he had limited resources and did not have the support of the share-

holders on his board to do anything more than run a seven-week horse show. An attitude pervaded from this small group of controlling equestrians who believed they were doing the community a favor by being here.

There was a perspective, I believe, of “be nice to us, give us what we want, or we will move the show out of town, or if we don’t like what you do, we will sue you.” In my opinion, this animosity between the equestrian and non-equestrian worlds reached a heightened state when Solar SportSystems Inc. and the Wellington Equestrian Alliance — owned and/or controlled by the Jacobs family, billionaire residents of Buffalo, N.Y. — decided to sue the village over a number of issues including traffic access to Village Park on Pierson Road, one of Wellington’s largest recreation facilities.

BARRY S. MANNING Publisher

JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

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DAWN RIVERA General Manager

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RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

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

The park was, unfortunately, located next to the Jacobs’ 200-acre estate, which is on Pierson Road. Pierson Road has long been the physical dividing line between the equestrian and non-equestrian worlds.

Jacobs’ entities aggressively sued the village and, with overwhelming legal costs mounting, the village was forced to settle.

The results of this effort were the speed bumps on Pierson Road, a dangerous hairpin turn on Stribling Way, and no bike or walking paths on Pierson Road to a park where thousands of community children go each week. In a Sun-Sentinel article in 1996: “Bernard Crawford, a Wellington soccer club board member, said, ‘To have a single landowner hold a community hostage is unbelievable!’” No, not really... read on.

Prior to 2007, the Winter Equestrian See BELLISSIMO, page 27

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 5

NEWS

WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB GROUP VISITS THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL The Wellington Seniors Club gathered for lunch Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to watch the $32,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Seniors had lunch, socialized and enjoyed an afternoon of horse sport.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Estelle Rubin, Irma Kracov and Howard Trager.

Jean Occhiogrosso, Iris Goldson and Marcia Levy.

Eileen Kuhnel, Mary and Club President Tony Alfalla, Equestrian Sport Productions Catering Director Patricia Miele and Irene Dix.

Mary Alfalla, Eileen Dix and Eileen Kuhnel at the check-in desk.

(Seated) Sandra Anderson and Ben Spinelli; (standing) Jackie Spinelli and Maryann Boomhower.

Ben Maher aboard Quiet Easy 4.

Tony Alfalla looks on as Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone greets the seniors.

Reed Kessler rides Cylana.

The day’s featured class was won by Nick Skelton and Big Star.

PHOTO COURTESY SPORTFOT

Page 6 March 2 - March 8, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Boat Parts Stolen From Royal Palm Storage Facility

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report FEB. 23 — Several customers of a storage facility on Fox Trail Road contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday to report instances of theft.

According to three separate PBSO reports, someone entered the victims’ boats stored on the property and stole several thousand dollars’ worth of property. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. last Tuesday and 6:20 p.m. last Thursday, someone removed the drive shaft and propeller from the victim’s engine. The stolen parts were valued at approximately $2,500. In a second PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. and 6:37 p.m. last Thursday, someone climbed the wall on the northeast corner of the facility and removed a Yamaha drive shaft and propeller from the victim’s boat.

The stolen items were valued at approximately $3,500. According to the report, the deputy observed scuffmarks on the northeast wall as well as disturbed shrubbery. In a third PBSO report, the victim had last seen his boat motor intact at approximately 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday. Sometime between then and 7:30 p.m. last Thursday, someone removed the lower unit from his Yamaha motor. According to the report, the victim said he believed the perpetrator(s) probably turned the battery switch on to raise the motor and remove the parts. The stolen parts were valued at approximately $3,000. The deputy observed several surveillance video cameras and contacted the storage facility to review the tapes, but there were no suspects at the time of the reports.

••• FEB. 16 — A Wellington man was arrested Thursday, Feb. 16 on charges of burglary and criminal mischief following an incident on Forest Hill Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation was called to the scene of a possible drunk driver on Forest Hill Blvd. He made contact with a witness, who said he had called 911 after observing a Jaguar swerving back and forth, leading to an altercation between the two men. According to the report, the deputy made contact with the driver, 26-year-old Jeremy Feenstra, who said he had been in a verbal altercation with the passenger in his vehicle. The witness said that when Feenstra noticed him following behind, he exited his vehicle and threatened him. According to the report, Feenstra kicked the left rear window of the witness’s vehicle, shattering it. A second witness said she observed Feenstra kick in the window, and the passenger of Feenstra’s vehicle confirmed the story. Feenstra was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with burglary with assault and criminal mischief.

FEB. 22 — A woman called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Wednesday evening to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said she was visiting a home on Shoma Drive last Wednesday morning and left her wallet on her vehicle while she returned to the residence to lock her door. When she returned to the car, she noticed her wallet was gone. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm

Beach was dispatched to a home on Shoma Drive last Wednesday evening regarding an attempted burglary. According to a PBSO report, at approximately noon, the victim’s son was in the home when he heard the door to the secondfloor balcony being tugged. The victim’s son said that when he looked out on the balcony, he saw an unknown black male on the balcony trying to enter the home.

According to the report, the suspect fled in an unknown direction.

The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s, shirtless with dreadlock hair and a goatee.

FEB. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 67th Street North late last Friday night regarding an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:30 and 11:45 p.m., someone broke the victim’s fence post and gate, causing approximately $100 in damage.

FEB. 27 — A resident of the Kensington community contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday to report a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, the victim last saw her white 2000 Cadillac Escalade parked outside her home at approximately 11 p.m. last Sunday.

When the victim attempted to return to the vehicle at approximately 10:55 a.m. the following morning, she discovered it was missing. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 27 — An employee of the Indian Trail Improvement District contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/ Loxahatchee substation Monday to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. last Thursday, someone entered the bathroom at Downers Park and removed the sink from the wall, causing approximately $100 in damage. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Tuesday to a home on Windtree Way regarding a delayed burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Sunday, Dec. 18 and last Sunday, someone stole several pieces of lawn equipment from an unlocked shed in the victim’s yard. The stolen equipment was valued at approximately $1,330. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 28 — A Wellington employee called the PBSO substation Tuesday regarding an act of criminal mischief. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1:30 p.m. last Friday and 11 a.m. Tuesday, someone used a blunt tool to shatter a press box window near one of the athletic fields at Village Park. The perpetrator(s) caused approximately $1,000 in damage.

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

FEB. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Isle Verde shopping plaza Tuesday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary.

According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot at approximately 1 p.m., leaving her purse and wallet on the front passenger seat. She returned about an hour later and drove to another store, where she discovered that her wallet containing $1,000 cash and her debit and credit cards was missing. There were See BLOTTER, page 14

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Boyd Knaack is a white male, 5’11” tall and weighing 165 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 10/01/86.

Knaack is wanted for dealing in stolen property, false verification of ownership and failure to appear on a felony charge of resisting a police officer with violence and failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge for resisting a police officer. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was Widgeon Road in Wellington. Knaack is wanted as of 03/01/12.

• Nicole Myers is a white female, 5’4” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 07/27/ 77. Myers is wanted for obtaining property in return for a worthless check, draft or debit card. Her occupation is unknown. Her last known address was Windwood Way in Royal Palm Beach. Myers is wanted as of 03/01/12.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stopper s at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Boyd Knaack

Nicole Myers

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

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 7

Page 8 March 2 - March 8, 2012

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NEWS

WHS THINKPINKKIDS HOST ANNUAL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT IN SCHOOL GYM Wellington High School’s thinkPINKkids held its annual dodgeball tournament Friday, Feb. 24 in the WHS gym. Students from local middle and high schools fielded teams to compete for the top prize. Teams from Emerald Cove Middle School dominated, taking home all the medals. The top three were as follows: the Pink Banditooos, first place; the Moose Knuckles, second place; and the Raptors, third place. In the high school tournament, first place went to the Short Bus Ballers, second went to the Ball Busters, and third place went to the Expendables. The organization will host its annual 5k walk on May 11. For more info., visit www.thinkpinkkids.org.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Team Really Really Really Ridiculously Goodlooking.

First-place high school winners the Short Bus Ballers.

Second-place high school winners the Ball Busters.

Third-place high school winners the Expendables.

Team Sexy Strong and fans get fired up.

Jake Romano of team Sour Diesel winds up.

PBC Inspector General’s Office Receives Crucial Accreditation The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) assessors recently conducted an onsite assessment of the Investigative Unit of the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General and found it to be 100 percent in compliance with applicable standards.

CFA assessors noted in their report to the CFA Commission that the Palm Beach County OIG was the first inspector general’s office to participate in the electronic accreditation process.

The CFA assessors stated that the OIG’s file review was “exceptional and flawless” and further noted that the office “has embraced their responsibilities to the citizens of Palm Beach County in a genuine fashion... Everything they do, including seeking accred-

itation, is done to further the public’s trust in government.”

“This is another large step toward establishing a world-class Office of Inspector General that is paramount to ethics reform,” said Judge Edward Rogers, chairman of the Inspector General Committee. “The nation is watching Palm Beach County and the positive changes being made to improve transparency and accountability in government.”

The following are quotes from assessor’s report: • The Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General is committed to professionalism and strives to instill trust in the public it serves and believes that transparency is a fundamental tenet, which the accreditation process provides.

• Highlights of the OIG’s Investigations Unit’s accomplishments include: implementing a webbased case management system, which incorporates accreditation standards; formally issuing the Accreditation Manual within the first 12 months; and completing the accreditation assessment within the first 16 months of operations.

• The OIG has established an infrastructure with the capacity, diversity and flexibility to address each complaint in a timely manner.

The dynamics of having over 40 separate, and at times competing, entities within its jurisdiction require the OIG to be sensitive to the varying capacity levels among the entities. The diversity of OIG staff education, training and certifications reflects the OIGs ability to succeed at accomplishing its

mission of “Enhancing Public Trust in Government.” Also, the professional ethics and personal behavior of the OIG staff are of great significance. Every employee must maintain unassailably high ethical standards, faithful obedience to the law, a strict avoidance of even the appearance of unethical behavior, and an unrelenting self-discipline for independent and objective thoughts and work habits.

“CFA accreditation provides an independent and objective assessment of our investigative operations,” Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steckler said. “I am pleased that we have achieved accreditation within the first 16 months of operations and that our assessment was ‘exceptional’ and ‘flawless.’

I believe in the value of transparency and oversight, to which CFA has confirmed that we are conducting ourselves in accordance with established professional standards.”

An accreditation program has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Accreditation is the certification by an independent reviewing authority that an entity has met specific requirements and prescribed standards. Law enforcement agencies and inspectors general in Florida can attain that accredited status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

The full accreditation report can be found at www.pbcgov. com/oig.

Inspector General Sheryl Steckler

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 9

The Truth About Equestrian Village

By Mark Bellissimo, Managing Partner, Wellington Equestrian Partners Who are the Developers?

What are the Traffic Impacts of the Equestrian Village?

• Entities owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) which is majority owned by full-time Wellington residents;

• The traffic figures presented by the opposition are distortions meant to create fear.

• WEP entities own and operate the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and the Winter Equestrian Festival after their purchase in 2007.

• The projected traffic conforms to Wellington and the State of Florida traffic requirements and has been approved by Wellington and Palm Beach County traffic engineers.

• Since their purchase, and during one of the worst financial crises in our lifetimes, WEP has invested tens of millions of dollars improving the Showgrounds and dramatically increased the annual economic impact of the Winter Equestrian Festival from $59 million to $120 million while creating hundreds of jobs. The Winter Equestrian Festival has grown over 40% since their purchase.

• WEP prevented the same Principals who are opposing Equestrian Village (who are not residents) from moving the Showgrounds from its current Wellington location in 2007. This would have had a dramatic and devastating impact on the Wellington economy and property values.

• WEP partners (the Bellissimo family) created the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge that has contributed $2.7 million to over 50 Palm Beach-based charities over the past three years, including this year’s $150,000 winner, the Wellington PTA/PTOs.

• All road improvements are paid by the developer, not the taxpayers.

• The hotel will reduce traffic in and out of Wellington by letting visitors stay and show at Equestrian Village and at the local equestrian center.

What is the Size of the Equestrian Village?

• The Equestrian Village is already commercially zoned property with existing entitlements for 260,000 sq. ft. of commercial/retail/office.

• The plan calls for additional 13% of square footage for a total of 295,000 sq. ft., of which 75,000 sq. ft. is dedicated to commercial, and the remaining 220,000 sq. ft. is dedicated to the hotel, which is a less intense use than full retail.

• Height was reduced by council from 66’ to 58’ (approx. size of WHS building).

• WEP entities employ over 300 employees in the community.

What is the Equestrian Village?

• A world-class equestrian center focused on stimulating Wellington’s economy and creating a place where all residents can enjoy equestrian sport.

• A hotel to serve the community, tourists, sponsors, exhibitors and industry conferences. Wellington, with a population with approximately 55,000, currently has only one hotel, the Hampton Inn, which does not have conference or banquet facilities.

• A riding academy with a covered arena that will also serve the new equestrian public school riding initiative.

• A retail/commercial center (75,000 sq. ft.) to support hotel and equestrian facilities.

What are the Benefits of the Equestrian Village?

• Continues the transition of Wellington from a large winter horse show serving the wealthy into a year-round equestrian industry that serves the entire community.

• Creates hundreds of full-time equestrian industry jobs and construction jobs for local workers.

• Stimulates Wellington’s economy by bringing new residents and visitors to Wellington who, in turn, will use shops, services and other businesses located in Wellington.

• New venue and events will increase interest in Wellington for rentals and property ownership, which increases real estate prices and improves the tax base used for social services.

• Establishes a place within the community where both equestrians and non-equestrians can socialize, like the glory days of Palm Beach Polo.

What was the Public Process for the Equestrian Village?

• The project was announced in the Spring of 2011. It passed the village’s Equestrian Preserve Committee by a 4-0 vote. It passed the village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board by a 5-2 vote. Both meetings were open for public comment, were well attended and went late into the night.

• The Wellington Council meeting took three days and had extensive public comment and huge public attendance. The Council voted 4-1 for the first two Petitions and 3-2 for the third Petition.

Who is the Opposition to the Equestrian Village?

• Primarily the Billionaire Jacobs Family, which is funding and coordinating many different groups opposing the project, through various organizations like Solar SportSystems Inc. For example, this entity has funded $250,000 to “Taxpayers for Integrity in Government,” which is responsible for the many “negative” flyers going to village homes.

• The aggressive campaign includes many misrepresentations and distortions of fact meant to scare the community regarding the approvals process, crime, decreased real estate values and traffic.

• Entities controlled by the Jacobs Family sued the village in the mid 1990s to limit traffic on Pierson Road. The outcome of that suit were speed bumps on Pierson Rd, a dangerous hairpin turn on Stribling Way, and the lack of bike and walking paths to the largest recreation park in Wellington, Village Park on Pierson Road.

• The Jacobs Family unsuccessfully tried to move the Showgrounds out of Wellington and then away from their 200-acre mega estate on Pierson Road.

Equestrian Village is a privately funded project which will grow Wellington’s economy by expanding the equestrian season, provide more customers for existing businesses in Wellington and create much-needed jobs for Wellington residents, and create a place where all residents can enjoy equestrian sport.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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©Sportfot

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the Gallery (a south beach themed pavilion), the Tiki Hut (polynesian beach bar), Tito's Tacos (Mexican food/margaritas).

Many public hospitality pavilions,

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For reserved or premiere seating, fine dining options, or group sales (10-500 people), call or text Annette Goyette at 561.779.1660 or email annette@equestriansport.com WWW.EQUESTRIANSPORT.COM

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Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • Wellington, Florida

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ELECTION 2012: WELLINGTON VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 4

Former Councilman Al Paglia Seeks A Return To Public Service

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Former Councilman Al Paglia hopes voters share his vision for Wellington and vote Tuesday, March 13 to return him to the Wellington Village Council.

“Living in Wellington reaffirmed in my mind why I wanted to move here,” he said. “It’s a place where families can nurture and come together. I knew we had an ideal community in our midst.”

Paglia is a longtime Wellington resident who served on the council from 1998 until 2002. After one term, he narrowly lost his re-election bid to Lizbeth Benacquisto, now a state senator.

Paglia grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of New Haven, where he received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. He spent 24 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Paglia and his wife, Rosemary, moved to Wellington in 1978 and raised three children in the community.

For more than 30 years, he worked as a purchasing professional for entities such as the Palm Beach County School District, Broward County and the City of Boca Raton. He later opened Palm Beach Contract Furniture, which he sold in 2010.

Active in the community, Paglia has served as a member of the St. Rita Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, as a board member of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, as co-chair for the Western Communities Relay for Life and on the annual “Tootsie Roll” drive for mentally challenged children.

Paglia said he decided to run for Seat 4 after seeing that Vice Mayor Matt Willhite would be unopposed.

“This is a democracy,” he said. “If you have the opportunity to serve your community, step up to the plate. Take a risk. People are so apathetic today. People should rise to the occasion and show interest in their government. I offer a distinct difference on a comparison line.”

If elected, Paglia said he would vote for sustainability and family-oriented policies in the village. He said he would advocate for small businesses, work to bring in sign codes that allow for better visibility and look for grant opportunities.

“Having been a small businessman, I can talk from experience,” he said. “I know how hard it was for people to seek me out because they couldn’t find me.

There was no proper signage.”

Paglia said he would look to Florida Department of

Transportation and Palm Beach County grants to pay for improved signage.

He said that there are many grants that will help small businesses save, and that Wellington should be pro-active in educating about them.

“The village has to be proactive in bringing ‘go green’ energy saving grants to the businesses in our community,” Paglia said. “If we can do that, some of them could see increased savings from using [green measures].”

With increased budget shortfalls, Paglia said he would strive to hold a tight budget. He said he supports several of the measures already in place to cut costs, such as the four-day workweek.

“We have done really well,” he said. “I don’t see a whole lot of things that I would say have to be done.

I would hold that 2.5 [mill tax] rate.”

Though Paglia said he supports all Wellington has done to stem the foreclosure crisis, he felt that more could be done to educate and advise residents.

“You could take it further,” he said. “We have a lot of staff who go out into the neighborhoods. There’s no reason they can’t put out information packets and leave them on the doorknob.”

He also said he’d like to see a real-estate advisory board created within his first year in office, bringing together top Realtors, real-estate experts and others who can help educate council members and residents about how to keep people in their homes.

“I could see right now all the brains and experts in our village coming together,” he said. “I’m sure if you put the call out… people who are experts in this industry would come together to brainstorm how we can help our own.”

Paglia applauded Wellington’s Safe Neighbor hoods Initiative. He pointed out that the planned Boys & Girls Club facility to be built on Wellington Trace would help make a difference for neighborhood children.

“We have latchkey kids over there who are alone every day after school,” he said. “We’re doing what we can.”

Another project Paglia said he would support if elected is the planned medical arts district. “I think it’s great,” he said. “It was 204 acres in a swath of land that was just sitting there as a swamp. We’re going to expand on what started with all those little medical offices.”

Though Paglia said he supports the new Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General, he said he agrees with the lawsuit brought by 15 municipalities — including Wellington — challenging its financing scheme.

“The lawsuit was the right thing for our community to do,” he said. “The concept of the inspector general… was the right thing to do also. What happened was the way it was set up, it wasn’t a proper prorated sharing ratio. We were paying like three times more than Riviera Beach. If all 38 towns, regardless of their size, had their fair share, I think it would be the best way to do that. Whatever that formula is, it should be the same for all towns.”

Paglia also said he would have supported the proposed Equestrian Village project that went before the council last month.

“I would have voted with the majority,” he said.

“When you get into the details of the plan, the dressage part was perfect. The height of the hotel, whether 58 feet or 62 feet, that’s not a problem for me.”

He did say, however, that he was concerned about traffic and thought Pierson Road might need to be expanded to mitigate the problem. “I’m concerned there might be traffic issues coming out at peak times on Pierson,” he said.

Paglia said that he is very much the same candidate he was in his last election, though a bit more mature. “I’m a grandfather now,” he said. “But not much has changed. I’m still the same guy in 2012 that I was in 2002.”

He said that he wants residents to be able to move to Wellington and raise a family, much like he did many years ago.

“I stand for well-planned, manageable, sustainable growth,” he said. “I want you to be able to move here with your young family. Live, educate your children, recreate them here, send them to college and then, hopefully, have employment centers so if they want to move back and work here, they can do that. Simultaneously, I want people to be able to age gracefully, stay in their homes or go to a treatment center nearby.”

Rebuking claims that he is still focused on issues of yesterday, Paglia said he has been keeping an eye on village issues even when he was not in office.

“That doesn’t make any sense to me whatsoever,” he said. “Age is just a number.”

Al Paglia He also said that claims that he is aligned on a slate with candidates Darell Bowen and Shauna Hostetler are untrue.

“I only met Shauna about six weeks ago,” he said.

“My line of thinking is more in line with Darell than it is with Bob [Margolis, Bowen’s opponent], though I like Bob. I’m more in line with Shauna than with [candidate] John Greene. But we didn’t go in a dark room and plan this.”

Paglia said he is a candidate who has deep connections to the community and will help it remain family-friendly.

“I know the community,” he said. “I have roots here. I’ve raised three children, and I’ve seen what families went through then and what they’re going through now.”

Paglia said he hopes voters will see his contributions to the community and choose him on March 13.

“I’m the best guy for the job,” he said. “I hope they give me their support.”

In Bid For Re-Election, Matt Willhite Proud Of Accomplishments

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite hopes voters remember his record of accomplishments as they head to the polls Tuesday, March 13, when Willhite is seeking re-election to Wellington Village Council Seat 4.

“I’m running on a record,” he said. “I do vote with the majority much of the time, but I do have my own opinions. Those opinions are usually based on input I receive from residents. I think that’s what my job is.

I will talk to everyone and ask for their input, and I think I demonstrate that on the dais when I ask questions.”

Willhite moved to Lake Worth from Michigan in 1980. He moved to Wellington 10 years ago and was elected to the council in 2008.

Afifth-generation firefighter, Willhite works for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, where he is a captain. He and his wife, Alexis, have two sons: Luke, 4, and Mark, 2.

Willhite attended Indian River State College and Palm Beach State College, where he received his associate’s degree in emergency medical services. He is a former U.S. Navy Reserve corpsman and served with the U.S. Marines.

Willhite said he is running for re-election to continue protecting Wellington’s quality of life.

“Through one of the toughest economic times in my lifetime, we’ve been able to sustain this village,” he said. “We’ve gone out and garnered federal money. We’ve held the tax rate the same the last three years. We’ve gone from a budget of $119 million to $72 million, yet the village is still prospering. I was there when things were good. I was there when they got bad, and now I want to continue the work as things get better.”

Willhite pointed to the many beneficial projects approved during his time in office, including the Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, completion of the Wellington Environmental Preserve, upgrading of the village’s water treatment facilities and other infrastructure.

In his second term, Willhite said he would focus on bringing jobs to Wellington, bringing the village out of the foreclosure crisis and finishing long-standing projects expected to be completed in the coming years. “I would like to create some more jobs in the community,” he said. “Yet I still think of it as a bedroom community. I think that’s why people live here.”

One way he believes jobs could come to Wellington is through the proposed medical arts district.

Willhite noted, however, that there are still many factors that have to come together for that idea to materialize.

“I think it has great value if all these stars align,” he said. “If it happens, it’s a great thing. The hospital is our single largest [private] employer in this village.

For them to be able to add some more would be a great value. I’m hopeful that it can happen, but I’m not 100 percent guaranteed that it can.”

With Wellington leading the county in foreclosures, Willhite said that helping bring back the housing market has been a continued goal. “I would like to get us out of this foreclosure crisis,” he said. “I think the sun is coming up. I think that things are looking better.”

Some of the measures Willhite has supported to help include a neighborhood abatement program to maintain vacant properties, the countywide Neighborhood Stabilization Program, working with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and instituting the Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

“We’ve been taking homes that are in disarray and maintained them for safety,” he said. “When you have a bad apple in the bundle, it’s going to spoil the rest.”

Willhite said he has been fully in support of the Safe Neighborhoods program and would like to see it continue. “It has really helped the neighborhoods and the village as a whole,” he said.

Though Wellington faces a continually shrinking budget, Willhite noted that the village has held its tax rate steady for three years and that he would look to use rate stabilization funds to offset any budget shortfall.

“I don’t know that we really need to have a tax increase,” he said. “We still have about $2.5 million in rate stabilization funds. That money is supposed to be for a rainy day. Things seem to be getting better.

However, we have the ability to utilize some of those funds.”

Willhite pointed out that Wellington is expecting some savings this year, seeing the fruits of recent capital improvements. They will save on rent for the PBSO District 8 substation, which recently moved from the original Wellington Mall into the village’s old administrative offices.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a reason to raise the [tax] rate next year,” he said.

One project that saw unexpected costs was the Patriot Memorial, a project Willhite spearheaded to pay tribute to those lost in the 9/11 attacks.

“Was I as upset as anyone else about the costs?

Absolutely,” he said. “Everyone supported the project, and then it came back with more poignant numbers. It came in at $800,000, and we said, ‘Absolutely not.’”

In the end, the project cost approximately $430,000.

The cost was covered not by taxpayers’ money, Willhite said, but by impact fees left over from savings on other projects, and about $140,000 in private donations.

He noted that another privately financed project, Scott’s Place playground, has already cost Wellington more than $100,000.

“No one has complained about Scott’s Place,” he said. “Do I think [the Patriot Memorial] is one of the most beautiful memorials in the village? Absolutely.”

Though Willhite admitted that he and Village Manager Paul Schofield got off to a rocky start when Willhite first joined the council, he said he believes Schofield is doing a good job.

“He’s in a difficult position with five people that he’s trying to please,” Willhite said. “He did a lot to help us through the down time. He cut $50 million from the budget. That’s a lot of money.”

But Willhite has concerns when it comes to the village’s legal department and rising costs for legal consulting.

“When I first got elected, we had about a $750,000 budget for our legal department,” he said. “I am concerned where we are right now with all the pending lawsuits that we are involved in. I still think there’s a benefit to bringing our legal counsel in-house. I think it could potentially cost us a lot more in the coming years.”

Willhite said he strongly supports the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General and believes it should be fully funded.

“Join the lawsuit, don’t join the lawsuit. Fund the inspector general,” he said. “Seventy-two percent of the population said we’re going to put the inspector general in place and this is how it’s going to be funded. That’s what we have to do. I think what we have to do is follow the will of the people.”

Another controversial issue this election cycle is the proposed Equestrian Village project. Willhite said that he supports the dressage facility on the proper-

Matt Willhite ty, but not the overall project due to concerns about traffic and density.

At a council meeting last month, he was the lone dissenter on two of the project’s three parts, joining Councilman Howard Coates in opposition to the third part.

“It all tied in to traffic safety,” Willhite said. “They talked about extending the use of the facility yearround with conventions and [other events]. I have a lot of concern about the safety. There are no lighted traffic signals to facilitate [traffic]. They are dumping onto feeder roads.”

The height of the proposed hotel and the commercial development also concerned him.

“When I did the calculations at the dais, [the hotel] was 95 feet high,” he said. “There is not a single building west of the turnpike… that is that tall. Do I think Mark Bellissimo has done a lot to benefit this village? Absolutely. But I have concerns about the See WILLHITE, page 14

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ELECTION 2012: ROYAL PALM BEACH VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 1

Ken DeLaTorre Puts The Focus On His Land-Planning Experience

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report With 13 years of experience in land-planning issues, Ken DeLaTorre believes that he has the proper expertise to serve on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

DeLaTorre joins Selena Smith and Jeff Hmara in the race for the council’s Seat 4, which has been vacant since the resignation of longtime Councilman David Swift last summer. The election will be held Tuesday, March 13.

DeLaTorre moved to South Florida in 1998 from Providence, R.I., after receiving a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Rhode Island. “I came to South Florida where all the growth was going on,” he explained.

He spent the next decade doing work for a number of major development firms, such as Centex Homes and WCI Communities. DeLaTorre opened his own business in July 2008, Design & Entitlement Consultants. “We offer land use, zoning and consultation services,” he said.

DeLaTorre and his family moved to Royal Palm Beach in November 2010. “What attracted us to Royal Palm Beach was the fact that it was very familyorientated, and it was much safer than where I was living before in West Palm Beach,” he said. “We were very impressed with the level of service out here and the reasonable tax rate… We were looking for a safer place to raise our kids, and Royal Palm Beach was on the short list. We moved to Madison Green in 2010, and we have no intentions whatsoever of leaving Royal Palm Beach.”

Among his top accomplishments, he lists starting a small business under difficult conditions. “I was laid off from a previous job [with Centex] at probably the worst possible time,” he said. “My first daughter was 3 months old; my wife was not working.”

The biggest challenge of having his own business is that there are not many people buying land or doing anything with their property right now. “Many of my clients have been banks since they’ve taken ownership of properties people have essentially walked away from,” DeLaTorre explained.

His wife now teaches second grade, which has

lent some continuity to the family revenue stream, he said.

It is his 13 years of experience in land use, planning and growth management issues that he feels makes him the most qualified candidate to serve on the council.

“These issues are the type of items that these elected officials vote on every day,” he said. “I’ve had experience working all over the State of Florida. I’ve been exposed to a vast number of municipalities and seen how their processes work. With that experience, I could essentially bring in the best of them to Royal Palm Beach.”

As a proponent of economic development and jobs, DeLaTorre said that is what the village needs right now. “As a land planner, sustainability is a huge item of focus for me, as sustainability means everyone lives, works and plays in Royal Palm Beach. We need to attract some of these job engines and bring them into town,” he said.

DeLaTorre wants to work closely with Royal Palm Beach High School to see that the new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academy created by Principal Jesus Armas is successful.

“This is a huge opportunity, what Principal Armas is doing at the high school,” he said. “I talked to him about it and said one of the things that you could potentially do on some of these vacant parcels is bring in a job engine or robotics company that can work in conjunction with the high school to enable that program.”

Another goal would be to prioritize the fact that all government employees are public servants. “I have seen the best and the worst,” he said. “I’ve seen some elected officials who are excellent and actually do what they are put there for, which is to listen to the public, and I’ve worked with other levels of government, whether it’s an inspector or building official, where they kind of lose sight of that.”

DeLaTorre said he would not favor raising the tax rate under any circumstances. Instead, he would look more closely at the budget for inefficiencies. When Royal Palm Beach Commons Park is finished, he would look at ways to generate more revenue from it to offset the debt service and maintenance costs. “We

also need to bring in some of these job engines to generate tax revenue,” he said.

He looks to the completion of the State Road 7 and Jog Road extensions to help ease traffic congestion.

“I know politics has basically stopped both of them, but from my perspective as a land planner and a concurrency perspective, they make sense,” he said.

DeLaTorre said the recently enacted foreclosure registry ordinance was a step in the right direction, but not the solution. “I know it’s a difficult task to get to the correct entity to register, between the lender and the actual property owner, but I think that what they can do in conjunction with some of the HOAs will hopefully take a step to maintain some of these properties,” he said.

Village Manager Ray Liggins is doing a good job in light of the challenges he has faced, DeLaTorre said. “Revenue is not coming in and will probably continue to decrease,” he said. “The village has done a very good job of keeping a relatively balanced budget without the revenue.”

To promote a more business-friendly environment, he would try methods such as enterprise zones to attract new businesses and keep those already here.

“I would continue to make it business-friendly so they are not lured out of town,” he said.

DeLaTorre said the 150-acre former wastewater treatment plant site represents a huge opportunity.

“I think we need to step back and take our time with it and not rush into anything,” he said.

He thinks the property should remain in its current land use designation of public ownership for now.

“You have to listen to the residents,” he said. “You don’t want to put something in there that’s totally obtrusive. I don’t think it’s the right spot for commercial. I would rather have something that’s open from eight in the morning to six at night.”

Since DeLaTorre has lived in the village only a year, some have questioned whether he has enough local experience for a council seat. However, DeLaTorre sets himself apart from the other candidates due to his land-planning experience. “A land planner looks at things differently and very meticulously,” he said. “I think my experience could be a tremendous asset on the council.”

Ken DeLaTorre Asked whether he is sure he has enough time to serve on the council and take care of his family, he said being self-employed also allows him to make his own schedule. “I already work nearly seven days a week, so nothing is really going to change for me,” he said.

If elected, DeLaTorre agreed that he would have to be careful that he has no conflicts of interest with the council and his clients. “If any semblance of a conflict occurs, I would have no problem recusing myself,” he said.

He said people should vote for him because he wants to maintain the community as family-oriented and safe. “My family is the number-one thing in my life, and I want to make sure that my kids are safe growing up in this community,” DeLaTorre concluded.

Jeff Hmara Brings Government Experience And HOA Leadership

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Jeff Hmara believes that his lifetime of military and government experience, coupled with his years of work with his local homeowners’ association, make him the top pick for voters selecting a new member of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council on Tuesday, March 13.

Hmara, a nine-year Madison Green resident, joins Selena Smith and Ken DeLaTorre in the race for the council’s Seat 4, which has been vacant since the resignation of longtime Councilman David Swift last summer.

Hmara has been married 42 years and has two children and four grandchildren. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel and served 26 years active duty with a 12month tour in Vietnam and 14 months in the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

“Subsequently, I became involved in the acquisition of weapons systems and command control systems with the Army,” Hmara said. “I got trained in the process and dealt with major contractors developing and delivering to the troops some of these critical wartime components, and dealing with major contractors like GE and Lockheed Martin.”

After retiring from the Army, he did similar work in administrative positions with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. He retired five years ago and is now an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, teaching organizational management, leadership, ethics and economics.

Hmara and his wife have been deeply involved with homeowners’ associations in Madison Green, including the Walden Village HOA where they live, and the Madison Green Master HOA, of which he has been president the past two years.

“Getting involved in homeowners’ associations was a positive experience because it allowed me to engage at a level of working with neighbors, oftentimes on controversial, frictional kinds of issues, and figuring out how to do that,” Hmara said.

He believes that a lot of what they do at the homeowners’ level is similar to what the village council does. “When the seat opened up last year, I had a lot

of homeowners tell me, ‘You ought to step up and get on the council,’” he said. “‘Let’s get some representation from this area, but also fill it with somebody who has some experience with these kinds of issues.’”

Hmara highlights his top accomplishments as being able to give back to people he meets, and sharing his experience and insights. “The classroom is a wonderful environment for that. So, too, is the homeowners’ association,” he said.

It is this management and leadership experience that Hmara believes makes him most qualified for the council post.

“I look at some of the improvements that we’ve been able to make, and the impact, moving things forward in areas that were stuck for many years,” he said. “One of my most proud accomplishments is when I look at the homeowners’ association now — I’ve got a board of committed, capable volunteers.”

His top goal on the council would be to make sure residents feel they are represented. “What I mean by that is that they feel that they are being listened to and that their opinion matters,” Hmara said.

Another goal would be to help improve the quality of education at the high school level. Hmara noted that he has met with Royal Palm Beach High School Principal Jesus Armas and other local principals, as well as Palm Beach County School Board Member Marcia Andrews, about improving the system.

He also wants to make sure Royal Palm Beach puts the focus on positive, balanced growth in the community. “We’ve got some great initiatives going on now with the [Aldi] food distribution warehouse coming into the area, in a place that kind of makes sense, as opposed to where there was some thinking about the Crestwood area,” Hmara added, noting a previous proposal to put commercial uses at the old wastewater treatment plant site.

As a Madison Green resident, Hmara was in the thick of the protest against that proposal. He also sat on the task force empaneled to come up with alternate plans for the site, which turned out a report that he was not particularly happy with. It included a complex mix of education, recreation and residential uses that was later tabled by the council. “Have you ever heard the expression that a camel is a horse created

by a committee?” he said. “What pleased me most was tabling the issue.”

While he does not favor commercial uses on that site, Hmara did say promoting a stronger business environment overall is the key to any healthy economy. “One of the things that I teach in my economics class is that the real economic engine is small business,” he said. “That’s where a majority of people are employed.”

Hmara sees one of the top issues in his campaign as putting the focus on honest, open government.

“The issue of the Office of the Inspector General ties in with that,” he said. “It’s disconcerting to see 15 municipalities suing, objecting to paying for that oversight when I know personally from having been overseen by inspectors general, that while it’s somewhat uncomfortable, the reality is it’s a healthy thing to have.”

He thinks Royal Palm Beach made a good decision not to get involved in the lawsuit.

No matter what next year’s budget holds, Hmara would not support raising the tax rate. He would first look at cuts to capital improvements until the economy is back on its feet. “One of my favorite questions is, ‘What would happen if we don’t do this?’” he said. Second, he would do a line-item review starting with the most costly items.

Royal Palm Beach recently approved a foreclosure ordinance that addresses issues familiar to those being fought by homeowners’ associations hamstrung by economically troubled homeowners skipping their dues, he said. “Trying to find that compassionate balance, to those who continue to pay and also not unfeeling and uncaring to those who are in a difficult situation is very difficult,” Hmara said.

His HOAs have tried different approaches, including payment plans. “One of the things we want to do, and I think this is true now of the village as a whole, is we want good neighbors to stay in these homes, and if they can’t afford these homes, we would like them to move out and allow other people to move into those homes who are going to maintain those homes.”

He hasn’t figured out yet whether the village ordinance is accomplishing that end. “They haven’t really had it in place for that long,” Hmara said.

Jeff Hmara As for Village Manager Ray Liggins’ job performance, Hmara said he thinks Liggins is trying very hard. “Ray, I think, is totally committed to the community, to doing the best he can to grow into this job,” he said. “This is not the first engineer I’ve ever worked with who stepped up to the management level. Having an engineering background myself, I understand how difficult that can be.”

Hmara said voters should choose him because he brings the experience of leadership and organizational abilities. “I think I’ve demonstrated the willingness and ability to effectively listen and integrate the desires of the community to the extent that I can actually elicit that input from individuals,” he said. “One big thing is that I’ve got time. I’m retired, and other than teaching, my time is available, and I intend to apply it to being a councilman.”

Selena Smith Brings Business Background, Community Service

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Selena Smith, one of three candidates seeking a vacant seat on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council, believes that her business background and community service make her the best choice when voters head to the polls Tuesday, March 13.

Smith joins Jeff Hmara and Ken DeLaTorre in the race for the council’s Seat 4, which has been vacant since the resignation of longtime Councilman David Swift last summer.

Smith, 38, was born in Antigua, a small island in the West Indies, and moved to Miami at age 10 to live with her grandparents. She attended middle and high school there, then attended Barry University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

She worked in sports promotion with teams including the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins, and with the National Hockey League.

After a stint as marketing director for Roger Dean Stadium, she recently decided to open her own public relations and marketing company. “I also work for Costco because I need to pay my bills,” Smith said, explaining that she works in the marketing department at the Royal Palm Beach Costco.

She and her husband, Adam, have lived in Royal Palm Beach for three years. They are residents of La Mancha. Smith serves in leadership roles in a number of local organizations, such as the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club, Women of the Western Communities and the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.

Smith considers her top accomplishment as being able to reach the goals she sets for herself. “Every time I set a goal for myself, I accomplish it,” she said.

Smith believes that she is the best choice for the council because she has the community experience that is crucial to the job. “I’m involved with the community, and I serve the village,” she said. “I’m here to continue to serve the residents of the village in how we can continue to grow and develop.”

Her top goals for the next two years, if elected,

include cutting through red tape that she said seems to delay village projects. “I know there is a due diligence and it takes time, but I’m not sure why they seem to drag out as much as they do,” Smith said.

Another of the top issues for her is promoting small businesses. “There are lots of storefronts that are still vacant that need to be filled,” she said. “Another part is the vacant homes. As I drive around the different communities, I see the foreclosure signs out there.”

Also a priority is to follow through on the proposed senior living facility near Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. “I think it’s a tremendous compliment to the village that we have residents who plan on remaining residents, so I’d see what we can do to help them,” she said.

Although the village faces another tough fiscal year, Smith said she would not support a tax rate tax increase in the current economic climate. “Some salaries have been cut in half since 2008,” she said.

“They haven’t come back to where they were, so I don’t think there’s a lot of room to say, ‘Hey, you’re going to have to pay more.’ I think what we need to do is look at where we’re spending our money and make sure we’re spending it correctly.”

Smith said that she would not cut parks and recreation funding because that is one of the big draws bringing people into the community.

“If you don’t have anything that’s drawing people in, you’re not going to have the funds you need to do what you need to do,” she said. “I don’t want to cut salaries because people rely on those, but you have to look at where you are spending the money.”

Smith does not believe that the recent village ordinance to combat problems with foreclosed homes went far enough.

“I know the Realtors are not happy with it,” she said. “I have many neighbors who take care of vacant properties just to keep the property value where it is. I commend them for doing that because it gives

the overall feel that the village is not becoming dilapidated.”

She said she might consider offering neighbors a stipend for their upkeep, as opposed to having village staff do the work.

Smith generally approves of the job Village Manager Ray Liggins is doing.

“From the times I’ve had to work with Mr. Liggins, he has been open and helpful with the questions that I had, helping me understand certain perspectives,” she said. “Overseeing quite a bit of the village is quite difficult. I’m not sure if having one person oversee all those departments may be the correct thing to do.”

As for possible changes in village policy, Smith said she would look for changes in code enforcement fines so residents are not charged as much as they are and that the village is more lenient.

“I say this about code enforcement specifically, I would take it on a case-by-case basis,” she said, noting the instance of a resident who asked to have an 8-foot hedge rather than the 6-foot hedge enumerated in village code. “He was breaking the rule, but he and his neighbor agreed that it was the right thing.”

As for the future of the former wastewater treatment plant site off Crestwood Blvd., Smith said she would consider a trade school there. “I’m not an expert in the field, but just from a resident’s standpoint, considering the different opportunities we have with it, I would like to see it be more of a trade school,” she said.

Smith said she could foresee “mechanics, electricians, repairmen, repair businesses on the first floor, then have classes on the second floor. Those are industries that have been recession-proof.”

Some critics have asserted that Smith lacks experience to serve on the council, but she said many of the things she does, such as her work with the Palms West Chamber and the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival, involve direct interaction with the village. “I’ve had to deal with them on one side,” she said. “Have

Selena Smith I been involved in government through the village?

No. Have I had to work with them on various projects?

Yes.” Smith pointed out that as a member of the chamber’s Economic Development Task Force, she has worked with the “buy local” program to help local businesses. “I think that was a huge program,” she said. “I would promote a small business Saturday once a month,” she said.

In conclusion, Smith said that people should vote for her because she would bring a fresh perspective to the council.

“My business background is different than other backgrounds that are there,” she said. “I’ve had to work with multiple entities in order to get results.”

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Isa Kramer Benefit March 10 The family and friends of Isa Kramer will present an evening of live entertainment and fun Saturday, March 10 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. There will be dancing, auctions, food and drinks, along with a no-limit Texas hold ’em tournament. Funds raised will help Kramer, a single mother who has survived lymphoma cancer and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Contact Stacy Somers at (561) 317-5030 to donate auction items or inquire about sponsorships.

Duffy’s RPB To Support WHS Academy March 4 Duffy’s Sports Grill in Crest-

McCauley

Friends Recall Lost Student

continued from page 1 was and explains why they believe Taylor Swift should recognize him.

“We have gotten over 9,000 views on that video,” she said.

With all the effort everyone has been making on behalf of Danny, Taylor Swift is not yet committed to the cause. “We have been going back and forth with her publicist and agency,” Lisenbey said.

“We are trying to get her to realize what we are doing, but her publicist said that since she is on tour, it’s going to be difficult to do something now.”

McCauley would listen to Swift’s music all the time. “He would listen to her in his jeep, at home and in school,” Lisenbey said. “So we thought getting her involved in some way would be a great way to remember Danny.”

McCauley’s older brother David McCauley remembers him listening to Swift before a game.

“Right before a wrestling match, [he] and his buddy would listen to Taylor Swift to get them pumped up,” he said.

Chamber

Merger Complete

continued from page 1 Priore said. The chamber now represents one-third of the incorporated municipalities in Palm Beach County — nearly 400,000 residents.

Tourville said that members of both chambers could now enjoy those benefits.

“It does not matter whether you are members of the Palms

NEWS

wood Square will donate 10 percent of sales from patrons who dine Sunday, March 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. to the Equine/Pre-Veterinarian Academy at Wellington High School. Patrons can also buy a coupon book with hundreds in savings from local merchants.

Bring this article with you and you can enter into one of five drawings for a free coupon book.

The Equine/Pre-Veterinarian Academy at Wellington High School provides students with an opportunity to pursue a rigorous, accelerated science program to prepare them for veterinary medicine and/or animal sciences at the college level.

Due to the rigorous science curriculum, the program is also appropriate for students preparing for a college program in pre-medicine or any field requiring a strong foundation in upper-level sciences.

Topics include horse anatomy and physiology, behavior, parasitology, disease, lameness and more.

Academy students are required to complete 20 hours of community service in an animal-based area during each year of high school.

Academy students are also required to intern with an animal healthcare facility and complete a research project in animal sciences/medicine as a senior in high school.

Duffy’s is located at 11957 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 792-4045.

David was pleased to know how much his brother touched the lives of so many people. “It speaks volumes on how Danny affected other people,” he said.

The McCauley family is grateful for the community’s support.

“It makes my family feel really good about the amount of support we have gotten,” David said.

“It means the world to us.”

As an active fisherman, McCauley had a love for being outdoors and was known for wearing Guy Harvey shirts. “Danny was very well-known for fishing,” Lisenbey said. “He wore Guy Harvey shirts all the time to school.”

Friends contacted Guy Harvey and told him about McCauley, and the artist decided to honor him by presenting a signed print of his work to the McCauley family.

At Palm Beach Central High School, Principal Butch Mondy said students have formed a committee, which is in charge of putting together activities and events related to remembering McCauley.

“We have also been working very closely with his family to make sure they are involved in it as well,” he said.

As soon as Mondy heard about the accident, he along with other officials responded quickly to students’ needs. “We immediately

brought in the district crisis team,” he said. “We had probably 15 to 17 guidance counselors and psychologists just for them to talk.”

Mondy was most impressed by the students’ reaction. “How they support each other is just amazing,” he said. “Everything they have been doing is very much from the heart, all about showing love for Daniel and being very supportive of his family.”

Other observances also were seen at the school, from a small memorial by McCauley’s parking spot to a barbecue on Monday with 800 students and family members. “Students got to speak about Daniel and how they knew him and loved him,” Mondy said. “It was very nice.”

As for McCauley’s parking spot, students came up with the idea of possibly making it a spot for the senior scholar athlete of the year to park.

McCauley’s funeral took place Tuesday at Christ Fellowship in Royal Palm Beach, where friends and family spoke about his life.

McCauley’s friends have planned an event to honor him through fishing, called the “Fish for Danny Day.” The event is open to anyone who wants to fish, and will be held on March 11 at the Lake Worth Pier.

West Chamber or the Greater Lake Worth Chamber, or maybe both,” he said. “The bottom line is that this merger delivers the benefits of the new organization to its members that would not have been realized by these individual entities.”

Though its new web site remains under construction, information about the Central Palm Beach Chamber can be found at www.cpbchamber.com or the “Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce” page on Facebook.

Carmine Priore III, Jaene Miranda and Rick Tourville hold up a sign announcing the new chamber’s name.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

B&G Club

Contract Approved

continued from page 1 a teen center and a junior center.”

Getting the new facility built so the club can reach more needy children is crucial, O’Connor said.

“Kids don’t wait,” she said.

“They just grow up. The kids we serve at the club, the majority would go home after school, would be unsupervised and would be at risk. Our goal is to raise enough dollars so that we don’t have to turn kids away.”

The new club will also be able to serve teenagers, something that O’Connor said is highly needed.

“The teen population is a for-

Willhite

Seeking A Second Term

continued from page 11 timeliness of the growth. Other businesses are hurting right now.”

Though Willhite has been painted as a voice of dissension on the council, he said that he votes with his colleagues most of the time.

“I’ve voted against different things, but for the most part, I vote with the majority,” he said. “Do I

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gotten generation,” she said. “We will be able to provide them with the services they want and need.”

During public comment, resident Sam Nebb asked what would happen to the old facility. Village Manager Paul Schofield said that the property is a significant part of Wellington’s recreation program.

“There is a deed restriction on the land that says it may only be used for a public purpose,” he said.

“We simply could not run the recreation programs we have without that park.”

Council members approved the contract unanimously to a chorus of applause from the audience.

“I just want to see really heavy equipment on that property as soon as possible,” O’Connor said. ask questions before I get there?

Absolutely. It’s my job to make the best informed vote I can.”

Willhite said that he will be a voice for the preservation of Wellington’s quality of life.

“It’s about the quality of life,” he said. “That term is defined differently by each one of us. I think I’ve been able to offer that broadly to every person who lives here.

I’m a family man. I’m a workingclass guy, and I’m working to make this village a better place not only for my family, but for residents, too.”

Fishing Club Meets At Okeeheelee The Fishing Club of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s

newest fishing club, meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). The next meeting will take place March 7 and feature a presentation on nighttime sword fishing.

Meetings of the Fishing Club of the Palm Beaches begin at 6:30 p.m. with an informal reception, followed by presentations at 7 p.m.

The club consists of fishermen of various skill levels who gather to share their knowledge and appreciation concerning sport fishing in South Florida.

Each month, the club invites speakers to share their expertise with club members. The club is recognized by the International Game Fish Association.

For more information, contact Bob Shanley at barroe5@yahoo. com or (561) 602-6760, or visit the club’s Facebook page.

2012 Dressage Derby Underway National and international riders are gearing up for top-notch competition at the $20,000 Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDIW, which kicked off Thursday, March 1 and will continue through Sunday, March 4.

Riders from Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Columbia, Spain, Mexico and Argentina will join competitors from across the United States at the International Horse Sport Palm Beach Champions Park in the Equestrian Estates to compete at the derby, a USEF high-performance qualifying competition for this year’s 2012 World Cup and 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“We have a record year for riders competing in the Grand Prix, and a wait list as well,” Show Man-

Palm Beach Central High School mourns the tragic death of student Daniel McCauley.

(Clockwise from above) McCauley’s wrestling jacket as part of the roadside memorial; images of McCauley smiling for the camera and on a fishing trip; and McCauley on the wrestling mat.

Dwyer

Meet Local Finalists

continued from page 1 I was part of that initial team.”

Difficulties in the Florida job market led her to a job fair. “Within 15 minutes, I had a contract and was going to be a teacher,” Jordan recalled.

Although she has always been comfortable behind a computer, she feels she has a social side that is comfortable working with people. “I think once I started teaching, and teaching what my passion was, which is the graphics and the media production, I really felt actualized,” Jordan said. “And I kind of have a way with the kids. Who knew? I didn’t. I didn’t have children. I always enjoyed them, but I didn’t realize that I had so much that I could share with them.”

Dr. Nicole Crane teaches kindergarten through fifth-grade art at Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington. She is a finalist in the category of Elementary Education.

Crane’s classes are active at community exhibitions. “We basically try to do everything we can in the community and the surrounding area,” she said. “I have an art-integrated program. We are a science school, so I integrate science with their lessons.”

Currently, her students are making clay turtles, clay snails and clay fish to align with their science concepts. “I think part of the nom-

LGLA Forum

Guillaume vs. Liang

continued from page 1 ter of the road as well as along the sides.

“I’d like to see some grass and some hedges there as well,” he said, “but definitely trees — something that keeps a canopy, something that is attractive and something that is nice to look at,” he said.

Guillaume said he would want input from residents before determining what it should look like.

“It’s not about what I think,” he said. “It’s about what the residents want. I can go in there and design it, but will it be the vision of the town? I foresee us working together.”

Lipp noted that the only approved commercial use on Okeechobee in the town is at the town’s eastern edge, but that there are several applications pending. Candidates were asked what commercial uses they would consider along the road.

Guillaume said that he would not support businesses that clashed with the town’s character

ager Noreen O’Sullivan said. “I have had competitors tell me that the derby is their top show for the season.”

Spectators can expect to see top competitors all weekend, including Sunday’s crowd-pleasing musical freestyles. The derby promises not only to be a season highlight with top competition, but also an unparalleled week of great shopping and special events.

The IHS Champions Park includes 10 rings suitable for national and international competition on 50 acres, including 15 acres of parking, 150 stalls for international horses and 200 temporary stalls for the national shows and a new western arena.

For more information on the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, visit www.ihspb.com or www.pb derby.com.

Rita Jordan ination has to do with my art integration program and how I bring their science concepts into the art room,” said Crane, a resident of Royal Palm Beach. “We do art shows throughout the community and statewide, and national if there is one available.”

Crane also has a digital photography club where she takes students out to various locations. “I received a grant that I used to purchase digital cameras,” she said.

“I use those to photograph nature in the surrounding areas. We have a preserve beside our school, and I take our photography club on what we call our photographic excursion so they learn photography skills as well as science.”

Earle Wright teaches television production at Seminole Ridge High School and has been a finalist three times in the Career Education category.

“We do a lot of things that are different from other programs,

Earle Wright which is what got their attention,” he said. “Now that they have picked me as a finalist, I have an interview this Saturday in front of a panel of judges from the Economic Council of Palm Beach County.”

He thinks what sets his program apart is the level of competition in his classes. “In the classroom, my program is very competitive,” he said. “We win a lot of contests.

We’re in our seventh year now; we started our own student video showcase, and we actually sell tickets to the community. We’ve sold out the last three years straight, 870 seats at $5 a head.

We’ve raised thousands of dollars for my program by putting together a showcase night where we show off our best short films, music videos, commercials, public service announcements, all the stuff we do throughout the year.

The best pieces go into the show.”

Since his classes have been

but would instead like to see more rural-type businesses.

“I’d like to see more nurseries,” he said. “More equestrian businesses.”

Liang said that he would like to protect the businesses already in the area but would consider new commercial development on a case-by-case basis.

“Obviously we don’t want a bigbox store,” he said. “But we do need to address each application on a case-by-case basis.”

The candidates were also asked whether they would amend the town’s comprehensive plan to allow more development on Okeechobee Blvd., or try to push all development to Southern Blvd.

Liang said he favors building along Southern Blvd. but said he would want to have residents’ input.

“I think it would require further discussion and workshops with the community to see if that’s what we want,” he said. “Right now, I completely follow the idea of having all of our commercial on Southern, but we still have to discuss what’s going to happen with Okeechobee.”

Guillaume said he would like to listen to residents’ input, noting

that the plan was a vision established by the town early on.

“I’m open to amend it if that’s the desire of the group,” he said.

“But most residents have indicated that they want commercial development along Southern. Until that changes, we should probably put it on Southern.”

Lipp said that there has been some discussion of transferring development rights from Okeechobee to Southern and asked whether candidates would support that to increase density along Southern.

Guillaume said he would support the measure if it allowed Okeechobee to retain its rural character.

“It’s about maintaining our quality of life so we can all enjoy it,” he said. “If that will allow us to maintain rural, I would support it.”

Liang said that at first glance, he would not be in support of increasing density but is willing to look into the issue.

“I don’t think our vision was to increase the density,” he said.

“I’d be willing to look into it further, possibly if they could do transfer of rights outside of the town — that, I’d be more amenable to.”

putting on the shows, other schools have adopted similar events with varying levels of success. “I don’t think anyone has been as successful as ours yet,” Wright said. “But they’ve seen what has been working for us, and they have been copying it.”

Lucas Basso teaches anatomy, honors physiology and AP biology at Palm Beach Central High School. He is also assistant band director and varsity tennis coach.

Basso is a finalist in the High School category.

“I’d like to think it’s my versatility and my dedication to my job,” Basso said. “I love my job, and I think that really comes across. I really have a passion for what I’m doing and I really like it. I hope that leads to good things for students, because if I’m passionate, they’re passionate.”

Basso said he feels he can also teach from life experience because he started out as a corporate biologist with North American Biologicals in research and development, as well as a professional trumpeter and percussionist.

“I actually worked in the corporate world before I became a teacher, and I worked in the field that I teach in,” he said. “It has given me a perspective that not everyone else has. I was doing biotechnology and now I’m teaching it, so I’m able to give kids a little bit of a different perspective.”

Other finalists from the western communities include Sarah Docekal, who teaches intensive reading at Wellington High School, and Victoria Stedt of Equestrian Trails Elementary School, who teaches gifted children.

The Dwyer Awards is a joint project of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and UnitedHealthcare of South Florida.

All nominees, finalists and award recipients will be honored Tuesday, April 24, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.thedwyerawards.com.

Blotter continued from page 6 no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

FEB. 28 — A resident of Canterbury Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report an act of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Sunday, Feb. 19 and last Sunday, someone appeared to have intentionally killed three of the victim’s 6-foot-tall ficus hedges on his property. The victim said he believed an unknown chemical was used. The hedges were valued at approximately $300. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 17

NEWS

SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS ANNUAL BENEFIT CAR SHOW & BAZAAR Seminole Ridge High School hosted its seventh annual Hawks Benefit Car Show & Bazaar on Saturday, Feb. 25 in the school parking lot. There were vendors and a bounce house, as well as clubs such as the Asphalt Angels and the East Coast Mustangs. Funds raised from the event will be used for band trips and other expenses.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Michelle Bohl, Danny Cruz and Katie Milke show off their henna designs.

SRHS Color Guard members Lisa Chandler, Lizette Owens, Sidney Clarke-Lequerique, Samantha Morales and Heather Riley.

Scott Kuczynsky, Bayleigh Kilpatrick and Keith Miner hold puppies for sale.

Kelsie Barnett and Melina Willson paint a fire-rescue truck.

Mike and Trace y Guinaugh buy fresh produce.

Melanie Pincus and Rowan Pelfrey sell items to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Eva Sjodin and Michelle Hofmann check out handmade soaps made by Carol Rodriguez.

Deborah Johnson and Becky Kobussen give Acreage/ Loxahatchee Relay for Life information to Dianne Head.

Richard Koch with his 1959 Plymouth Sport Fury.

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 19

POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Piaget Narrowly Defeats Audi 13-12 In The Ylvisaker Cup Final It was a family affair at International Polo Club Palm Beach last Sunday as husband and wife Melissa and Marc Ganzi battled it out on Piaget Field with their dueling teams, Piaget and Audi, in the exciting Ylvisaker Cup final. Piaget emerged victorious with a narrow 13-12 win.

Kicking off the featured 3 p.m. match with his rendition of the national anthem was famed tenor Charles Pitt. Cornelia

Piaget won a closely fought match during the Ylvisaker Cup final.

IMAGES COURTESY LILA PHOTO

Guest, daughter of American fashion icon C.Z. Guest and polo champion Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, officiated the coin toss.

In an intense and extremely close match, Piaget took the lead early in the opening chukker, scoring the first goal. Audi managed to stay on their heels, trailing 3-2 at the end of the chukker. It was a goal and a penalty shot by Nic Roldan that took Audi up 4-3 in the second chukker, but Miguel Astrada of Piaget tied it up at the end of the period. By the end of the first half, the score was Piaget 9, Audi 7. Piaget dominated in the fourth chukker, taking a twogoal lead. Roldan scored two goals in the fifth, cutting Piaget’s lead to one goal, but it was that goal that separated them in the end, as Piaget took home the cup in a nailbiting 13-12 victory.

Sunday, March 4 marks the 2012 Royal Salute C.V. Whitney Cup finals beginning at 4 p.m. at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Known for its seven state-of-the-art polo fields, a stunning newly renovated pavilion and a variety of entertainment,

Lauren Tomeu, Amanda Boalt, Bettina Anderson, Whitney Taylor and Rush Zimmerman. the IPC is the place to see and be seen every Sunday. Whether it’s enjoying a glass of champagne, the spectacular fieldside brunch, or partaking in reserved lawn seating, Wellington Kids Zone or general admission seating, the club has something to offer every level of spectator.

For season information and tickets, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com. Find IPC on Facebook, follow the club on Twitter @SundayPolo or visit www.ipcscore board.com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and all other polo info.

Judie Gibson, John Wash, Cornelia Guest and Mason Phelps.

Spooner Wins $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 3* Grand Prix California’s Richard Spooner and Show Jumping Syndications International’s 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cristallo galloped to victory in last Saturday night’s $100,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 3* Grand Prix at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

The pair was the fastest by two seconds over Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partner’s Nougat Du Vallet, who finished second, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher on Tripple-X III, who finished third.

Sixty-six horse-and-rider combinations contested last Saturday night’s first-round course, set by Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany. Seven advanced to the jump-off, which saw four clear rounds.

Brianne Goutal and Remarkable Farms LP’s Onira set the pace, first to go in the jump-off with a clear round in 41.41 seconds, which eventually finished in fourth place.

Ben Maher and Tripple-X III followed and upped the ante with their clear round in 39.50 seconds, which took third place. Dinan and Nougat Du Vallet completed another clear round, improving on the time in 38.93 seconds to finish second.

The lead changed hands for the final time as Richard Spooner and Cristallo entered the ring. The pair blazed through the track in 36.77 seconds to earn the top prize.

Jeffery Welles and Aries, owned

by Noel Love Gross, finished the short course with a rail at the last fence in 37.80 seconds to place fifth. Alexandra Thornton and Dunwalke LLC’s Caballero 84 finished with four faults in 41.75 seconds to place sixth. Catherine Pasmore and Pasmore Stables’ Vandavid were last to go in the jumpoff and had two rails in 38.51 seconds to place seventh.

Spooner and Cristallo have had a successful partnership in recent years, although the rider admits it was not so easy at the start. Cristallo was difficult to turn, and it was not until Spooner’s wife, Kaylen, began riding the gelding under saddle that his rideability really improved. The pair has been a force to be reckoned with ever since and has won classes all over the world.

Second-place finisher Dinan was happy with her horse in the pairing’s first night class at a 1.60m height. Finishing in third place, Maher was also pleased with his mount Tripple-X III, who was showing in his first big class since arriving in Wellington last week.

Jumper competition was fierce throughout many of the rings at the PBIEC last Saturday. In the opening class in the International Arena, Vesuvius and Meagan Nusz took home the top prize in

the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. Owned by Amalaya Investments, Vesuvius and Nusz were the fastest in a nine-horse jump-off out of 58 original entries.

Chloe Reid and Quebon, owned

by Chloe D Reid LLC, were first in the $1,500 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper class, while Olivia Jack and Haida du Castillon won the $1,500 Surpass Medium AmateurOwner Jumper class. In the final $1,500 Reist Industries Medium Junior Jumpers, Eugenio Garza and Chazar were speedy for the win.

The course designer of the Mogavero ring was Scott Starnes of California. There were 12 clear rounds over his course that began with 22 entries in the $1,500 Masters Jumper class. Zoellen Speelman of Maryland rode Daphne Marinovich’s Sonora B for the win.

Speelman and Sonora B, a 1999 Dark Bay KWPN gelding, went early in the class and were the quickest of the clears with a time of 58.180 seconds, which was almost 20 seconds within the time allowed of 76 seconds. Second place, with a time of 59.022 seconds, went to Lindsay Harms of New Jersey, riding her mount Cordeleon. Donald Little of Massachusetts was third with a time of 59.656

Zoellen Speelman aboard Sonora B. seconds on his mount Mr. Nightime, a 1994 Grey Dutch Warmblood Gelding.

The second class in the Mogavero ring was the $1,500 Martha Jolicoeur Adult Amateur Jumper 36-49. Five entries out of 16 went clear. The winning ride went to Heidi Leahy of Illinois riding Troubador, a 2000 Chestnut KWPN Gelding by Lincoln, owned by the Bullneck Barn LLC. Leahy went second in the class and her

Richard Spooner and Cristallo stretch over the final oxer in the jump-off to win.

PHOTOS COURTESY SPORTFOT

time of 62.384 seconds was not able to be beat.

Second place went to Gunfire 5, a 2003 Bay Warmblood Gelding, ridden and owned by Michael Crotty of Washington. He was only three-tenths of a second slower than Leahy with a time of 62.681 seconds. Winning the yellow ribbon was Bridget Ennevor of Minnesota riding Bel Farms’ Rafino, a 2003 Grey Dutch Warmblood Gelding, with a time of 64.434 seconds.

The Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1. More than $6 million in prize money will be awarded through the circuit. For full results, visit www.show groundslive.com.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington.

For more information, visit www. equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Seminole Ridge High School Robotics Team Wins ‘Clash In Clermont’ Seminole Ridge High School SECME students won first place at the “Clash in Clermont” Feb. 18, bringing home the trophy from the VEX Robotic Competition Gateway tournament and qualifying for a spot in California at the VEX Robotics High School World Championship this spring.

The SRHS team consisted of robot driver Bert Sivongsay; field scout Jesse Mendheim; programmers Brendon Gearty, John and Joe Swierzko-Vickers; and coach Ed Batchelor. They designed, built and programmed a robot to quickly and efficiently solve the obstacles and challenges of VEX Gateway.

The Hawks competed with (and against) 30 teams from across the state, forming a triumvirate with teams from Clermont and Miami.

“Giving students the opportunity to work with the VEX robotics systems promotes education in science, technology, engineering and math and teaches critical life skills — teamwork, project management and problem solving,” SECME sponsor Erich Landstrom said.

Hawk SECME robotics team must now raise funds to cover the cost of robot parts, competition entry fees and transportation expenses. To support the team this spring, you can make a

matching gift at http://seminole secme.blogspot.com.

In other news, Seminole Ridge SECME students were among 24 teams from across the state competing for a spot at the National Science Bowl in the Feb. 19 regional qualifiers at Florida International University.

SRHS was represented by Qwynn Burch, Zach Chmielewicz, Patrick Eden, Mitchell Herrmann, Ronit Liberman, team captain Caitlin Miller and Gabriel Pinder.

This year, the Hawks failed to advance to the double elimination bracket, with four losses and one bye during the round robin.

“But even the students who don’t earn a trip to the Washing-

ton, D.C., finals say that competing in the Science Bowl bolsters their understanding and their outlook,” Landstrom said.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Bowl is a fast-paced, Jeopardy!-style, head-to-head academic competition in which students match their mental abilities in science, technology, engineering and math.

(Right) Assistant Principal John Hay looks on as SECME students Joe Swierzko, John Swierzko, Bert Sivongsay and Jesse Mendheim program their VEX robot for autonomous operations.

H.L. Johnson Aiming For Green School Award

SPELLING BEE AT LOX GROVES EL

Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School recently held a school-wide spelling bee. At the conclusion of the competition, Amber Simon came in first place and Taylor Ann Murray came in second. Both girls will be representing Loxahatchee Groves Elementary at the Palm Beach County Spelling Bee. Shown here are Simon and Murray with Principal Richard Myerson.

Even and Collin Romano, Aiden Murray, Francesca Moore, Owen and Alayna Pawlyk, and Aaron Murray during a “playdate” at Loxahatchee Groves Park.

H.L. Johnson Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach is striving for the Palm Beach County Green School Recognition Award, a point-system award that promotes sustainability through schools.

H.L. Johnson is working with Everglades and Wellington elementary schools to help with their recognition programs, as well.

“Team Green” has arranged a Friday “Playdate in the Park” during which the students wear their school T-shirts or their Team Green

T-shirts and come and pick up trash and recyclables, explore nature, exercise and play.

Initially, the students in H.L. Johnson’s second-grade gifted class were invited, as well as students from Everglades and Wellington elementary schools, but now the playdates are open to whoever would like to participate.

For more information about the Green School Recognition Award, visit www.ourgreenschools.com/ program-overview.

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

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 21

SCHOOL NEWS

Big Win For PBCHS Winter Guard The Palm Beach Central High School Winter Guard had a big win Saturday, Feb. 18 at the South Florida Winter Guard Association’s contest held at J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs.

The PBCHS Winter Guard took home the first-place win in

class A with this year’s Bronco Winter Guard program, titled “Radiation Around Us,” under the direction of Amanda Pampena, instructors Luis Jaramillo and Luis Betances, and band directors James Yaques and Luke Basso.

Guard captains Cara Farley

and Audrey Hood, both seniors this year, are very proud of the accomplishments and how much the guard program has grown over the past four years they have been involved.

“This is our first win of the season, and we are so proud of our guard team,” Hood said.

Cypress Trails students, teachers and parent volunteers participate in Jump R ope for Heart.

Cypress Trails Jumps Rope For Heart

Ruth Szollosy performs.

The PBCHS Winter Guard team.

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.SFWGA.ORG

PHOTO COURTESY KIMBERLY HOOD

Cypress Trails Elementary School participated in its ninth “Jump Rope for Heart” on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The event is a jump-rope fundraiser for the American Heart Association. All students participated by jumping rope for a 30-minute time period. Parent volunteers and the fine arts teachers assisted Linda Zaskey with this event, which involved the entire school.

CRESTWOOD STUDENTS CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S WITH A SCHOOL DANCE

Seventy-one students collected donations for the AHA, raising more than $3,400 to help fight heart disease and stroke. During their physical education classes, students learned about heart anatomy, heart function and how to take care of their heart to prevent disease. Students learned that eating a healthful diet of foods from the original five food groups and exercising every day can help reduce

their chance of heart disease and stroke. They also learned that an indolent lifestyle can lead to heart disease in the future. To increase their chance for a long and healthy life, students agreed that smoking and drugs should be avoided.

The students set a goal to raise $5,000. If they meet the goal, Zaskey will be taped to the wall by the students who turned in money. So far, they have collected $3,444.18.

NEW HORIZONS SECME WINS AT DISTRICT EVENT

Top Speller s — (Front row, L-R) Heven Kaufman, Graciella Leon and Alexis Bennett; (back) Assistant Principal Christie Schwab and Principal Dr. John Car velli.

Pierce Hammock Spelling Bee Winners

The sixth-, seventh and eighth-graders at Crestwood Middle School celebrated Valentine’s Day with a dance. Shown above are Marissa Smith, Stephanie Haddad, Alexandrea Colombo and Taylor Terceira.

Pierce Hammock Elementary School was buzzing with excitement Thursday, Feb. 9 as 32 fourthand fifth-grade students and their families assembled in the cafeteria for Pierce Hammock’s annual spelling bee.

The students had been preparing for months, and the competitors were strong spellers. After

many rounds, fifth-grade student Heven Kaufman emerged as the winner. The first runner-up was Graciella Leon, and the second runner-up was Alexis Bennett.

Kaufman and Leon represented Pierce Hammock Elementary School at the local area spelling bee on Feb. 25 at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton.

The New Horizons Elementary School SECME Club won first place in a recent district competition. Club members participated in the Palm Beach County School District’s SECME Olympiad. During the “Gotta Regatta” challenge sponsored by Lowe’s, students were challenged to build a boat using various provided materials. The New Horizons team won first place for building the fastest boat.

Students meet weekly to practice high-order, hands-on science, engineering, communication and math skills. Shown above are the club sponsors, third-grade teacher Jennifer Schuler and Community Language Facilitator Susan Wissinger, with participating winning team members.

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Author Jeannette Walls To Speak At ‘Women In Power’ Lunch March 6 PNC Bank, a division of the PNC Financial Services Group, has announced that the season’s final “Women in Power” luncheon to benefit the YWCA of Palm Beach County will take place Tuesday, March 6 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Headlining the luncheon on will be best-selling author Jeannette Walls.

Her stunning memoir, The Glass Castle, has been a New York Times best-seller for over four years, has sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S. alone, has been translated into 22 languages, and is being made into a movie by Paramount. Named one of the “Top Books of the Decade”

by Amazon, it has won numerous awards including the Christopher Award, the American Library Association’s Alex Award and the Books for Better Living Award.

In The Glass Castle, Walls describes growing up in the desert southwest and a West Virginia mining town with her three siblings and brilliant, unconventional and often irresponsible parents.

Overcoming her hardships, Walls moved alone to New York City at age 16, enrolled in Barnard College and eventually became a columnist for New York magazine and www.msnbc.com. In 2009, Walls released the New York Times bestseller Half Broke Horses, a true-

Jeannette Walls life novel based on her resilient maternal grandmother. She lives in Virginia with her writer husband, John Taylor.

“We are so pleased to end this season’s Women in Power luncheon series with such an acclaimed author,” said Craig Grant, PNC Bank’s regional president.

“Jeannette Walls’ ability to overcome hardship and turn adversity to her advantage certainly reflects the YWCA’s goal of empowering women and girls.”

The luncheon will be held in ballrooms A and B. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon starts at noon. Free valet parking is provided at the Okeechobee entrance. Reservations are $50 and can be made by calling the YWCA of Palm Beach County at (561) 640-0050, ext. 134.

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NEWS BRIEFS Youth Cultural Film Festival March 21 In an effort to promote youth in the realm of film and digital media arts, Tax USA and Haitian-American artist General Rouj have partnered with Kidz Korner and local filmmaker Gary Davis to host the inaugural Palm Beach Youth Cultural Film Festival on Wednesday, March 21 at the Boynton Cinema (9764 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach).

Davis, an Acreage resident who teaches the art of filmmaking at Toussaint L’Ouveture High School, sees this festival as a vehicle for the youth to see their potential through arts. Both Davis and Rouj understand the importance of cultural diversity and to be a positive influence for local youth, especially those who are at risk. The festival films will include various cultural and foreign high school and college, shorts, documentaries, journalistic and music videos. Although various students and schools are already involved, there are still limited submissions available for entry in the festival.

Event organizers are asking local businesses and the general public to partner with Kidz Korner to participate in this event. Approximately 200 to 300 attendees are expected, including actors, directors, producers, music artists, DJs, models, comedians, designers, models, photographers and other entertainment industry insiders.

The goal is for it to become an

annual event in which entertainment industry connoisseurs can participate and stay involved with Palm Beach County youth to enable them to have a positive artistic and professional career path in entertainment.

“Instead of getting involved in other violent crimes, selling, producing, distributing drugs, at-risk youth can use their creative minds to express their ideas, sell, produce and distribute movies,” Davis said.

Tickets cost $10, and the attire is black tie. The red carpet activities begin at 7 p.m.; show time is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Gene Jack Rouzzoe at (561) 771-2713 or studiod114 @gmail.com.

Race For The Arts March 10 At Dreher Park The 11th annual Race for the Arts/Celebration of Young Artists will be held Saturday, March 10 at the Dreher Park South trail in West Palm Beach, just south of the Palm Beach Zoo. The event is designed to showcase the fine arts opportunities open to students in Palm Beach County and help support the programs. All proceeds go directly to fine arts programs and participating students.

Attendees will enjoy music and artwork courtesy of the students in Palm Beach County Schools.

Displays of art and performances will take place at the Dreher Park South main pavilion and along the

race route. The event also features a costume contest for the most creative team and individual participant, refreshments and food from local restaurants as well as many opportunities for raffles and prizes.

Registration and packet pickup starts at 6 a.m. The “Make You Mom Proud Kids 1-Miler” starts at 7:15 a.m., with race wheelchairs off at 7:25 a.m. and runners, and walkers off at 7:30 a.m. The sanctioned race route is 5K in length along scenic south and north Dreher Park. Students will perform from 7 to 10 a.m.

Early registration is available only at Fit2Run in the Mall at Wellington Green or online at www. active.com. Event organizers are seeking community help as participants and volunteers in addition to sponsorships and donations.

For more info., call (561) 329-9455, or visit www.raceforthearts.org.

Four Arts Extends Koch Exhibition To April 29 After experiencing recordbreaking attendance for the new exhibition “Recapturing the Real West: The Collections of William I. Koch,” the Society of the Four Arts has announced it will extend the exhibition until April 29 and will offer advance ticketing for gallery talks.

The first lecture on the exhibit was given by the collection’s owner, Bill Koch, and drew more than 650 attendees. Additional talks with Koch’s curatorial staff

are scheduled as follows: March 3 at 11 a.m. and noon, March 17 at 11 a.m. only, March 31 at 11 a.m. and noon, April 14 at 11 a.m. only, and April 28 at 11 a.m. and noon.

“Recapturing the Real West” opened Feb. 4 and features items from Koch’s comprehensive private collection. Nearly 80 percent of the items in the collection have never before been displayed publicly. One of the most exciting items featured is the only existing tintype of Billy the Kid, which made headlines last year when it sold for record amounts at auction. The Society of the Four Arts is the first museum to display this photograph since it was acquired by Koch. Wagons are displayed on the lawn outside the Four Arts’ gallery building, and art fills every available space in the museum — including the ceilings. An additional gallery was opened up for the first time in nearly a decade to recreate a Western saloon, with a beautifully carved full bar lining an entire wall.

Space is limited for each talk, and advance reservations are required. Tickets to the gallery talks are free for members and children under 15, and cost $5 for all others. Included in the entry fee is admission to the exhibit and the talk, as well as a copy of the accompanying exhibition catalogue (while supplies last). To purchase advance tickets, visit the Four Arts’ Esther B. O’Keeffe Gallery Building or call (561) 655-7226.

A western film festival accompanies the exhibition. For a full schedule of film selections, visit www.fourarts.org/films.

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Letters continued from page 4 to live” in the country due to corruption and crime.

“We the people” can put an end to government corruption, abuse of power and government waste by continuing to support the inspector general and by electing candidates in the March 13 municipal elections who have a proven track record of supporting the inspector general, honest public service, professional integrity and leadership. It is for these reasons that I strongly support Bob Margolis for mayor of Wellington, Matt Willhite and John Greene for the Wellington council, Matty Mattioli for mayor of Royal Palm Beach, Jeff Hmara for Royal Palm Beach council, and Ryan Liang for Loxahatchee Groves council.

I need honest persons like these to join me in my continuing mission to end corruption in both county and municipal governments and protecting the quality of life in our communities — the main reason we came to live here.

Together, honest public servants and honest citizens will win the battle against corruption, abuse of power and government waste.

Jess Santamaria, County Commissioner, District 6

Support For Guillaume I was impressed with the way Byrnes Guillaume spoke at the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association’s candidates forum about preserving and protecting the rural lifestyle that the equestrian and agricultural establishments bring to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

I also thought about the many issues the town is facing and decided to support Byrnes Guillaume because he has shown that he is an honest person who will stand by his word. He promised me in 2009 that when the time was right, he would get more involved within the town. Here we are today in full campaign mode, with Byrnes fully committed to be the consensus-builder when elected as the next town council member. Byrnes has shown that he is a fast learner.

He has been fine-tuning his knowledge about the issues that the town is facing and has been able to catch up on them because he is a very good listener who does hear and process what is being said to him.

I also decided to support Byrnes because I was impressed with the way he makes a statement and

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OPINION then stands behind that statement.

He has made a commitment to run a positive campaign and not react negatively toward the opponent and his supporters if they resort to nasty campaigning. This principle alone has been a welcomed campaign strategy that other political campaigners should follow.

I hope you will join me in voting for Byrnes on March 13. Loxahatchee Groves needs an openminded council member who will study the facts, listen to the people and then vote based on the results of the findings.

Marge Herzog Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Mrs. Herzog is president of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association.

This letter reflects her personal opinion.

ing record to improve Loxahatchee Groves... Through the current council, Loxahatchee Groves has made demonstrable progress, and Ryan has been a significant participant in the hard work and decisions. I also believe that the town will benefit as more residents with the background and expressed interest of Byrnes Guillaume become involved as members of the town’s working committees and, additionally, when they attend and constructively participate in issue workshops and regular town meetings. This is where Byrnes Guillaume should start.

John Ryan Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Mr. Ryan is a Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District supervisor. This letter reflects his personal opinion.

Guillaume’s False Start

‘Preserve’ Group Is Harassing Me

As reported in the recent TownCrier, Byrnes Guillaume’s “feelings” regarding the Town of Loxahatchee Groves needing more transparency and higher ethical standards, and his negative comments regarding opposition candidate Ryan Liang (attributed simply to “others”) are no way to begin a constructive and consensusbuilding campaign. These were unsubstantiated public criticisms from a town council candidate who has had no meaningful participation in the town’s formation, in resolving the town’s growing pains with prior managers, and in overcoming Callery-Judge’s lawsuit challenge to full town status and operation. Byrnes Guillaume’s unfortunate public comments also reflect poorly on his candidate platform of listening to all sides, issue research, balanced views and consensus building.

I had a brief discussion with Byrnes Guillaume during his meetand-greet on Saturday and suggested that if he believes the TownCrier misinterpreted his feelings and that he did not intend to spread any unsubstantiated negative comments regarding his opponent — that he should work with the Town-Crier to make necessary public corrections. This would be appropriate since Byrnes asserts that he is an ethical attorney who is not about running a negative campaign. There was no answer other than I am entitled to my opinion.

I am a supporter of re-electing Ryan Liang based on his experience and understanding of town issues and his constructive vot-

What is the phone number for Preserve Wellington’s Future?

They do not have integrity by the behavior they are exhibiting. You can’t find it on their propaganda or at their web site. Yet they know my phone number and are harassing me and bullying me with their opinion. Never mind that I have a “do not call” number. Their activity is most unseemly and uncivilized.

These wealthy horse owners and landowners want to stir up the “commoners” to support their wealthy horse lifestyle by wanting to ensure the fact that all is bucolic and farm-like. Never mind the fact that their wealth is not contributing in any way to the opportunities the “common” people of Wellington could aspire to with the possibility of more growth through jobs and activities that surround that growth.

Why are they harassing us over and over again with propaganda that surely costs a lot to generate? Use the money for some worthy cause to help those in need, like Wellington schools that recently realized contributions from Wellington Equestrian Partners.

Twice in one day they littered my front door with their expensive propaganda and called me. Leave me alone! I told them that yesterday when they called and the time before that. Today, when returning home from work, they had again called and left a message.

Please tell them this: Take your money and your horses and move back to your summer home if you do not want to be part of Wellington’s future progress. We all don’t

have horse farms. We live here all year. And stop harassing me!

Sandra Samore Wellington

Support For The Equestrian Village I would like to thank the four members of the Wellington Village Council for their courage and foresight in voting for the Equestrian Village [project].

This project will indeed move us forward as a destination for years to come and solidify our position as one of the top 100 communities in America. It will assist the village financially maintain its stellar credit rating, and assist the efforts to keep our housing values high in a market which has not been kind to most communities. I, too, had reservations about the large hotel, but the council recognized the importance of this project and this small part of the project would not keep the remainder of the project from happening, and mitigating the size of the hotel would be secondary.

As a resident for over 20 years, I have seen the NIMBYs and negative nabobs be against everything since incorporation. They were against Village Park, against the mall and against the annexation of Olympia. These same people are coming out against the Equestrian Village, with the same irrational voices and ideas…

The recent political fliers mailed out around town state the project would generate around a million car trips? Really, Village Park and the mall generate more trips in four days than the Equestrian Village would generate in a season. The current challenger for the mayor’s seat says he didn’t move to Wellington to have an Equestrian Village, but yet he voted for incorporation, supported Village Park, and supported the mall and annexation of Olympia, all of which changed Wellington in a huge way, and generated tons of traffic and activity! So why now is he changing his mind? Could politics be the answer?

The bottom line is Wellington is a first-class community with a top-notch staff run by a first-class manager, and is considered one of the finest in the country and one of the most fiscally sound in the state. Years ago, when I was active in Wellington activities, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite sat in the audience of most council meetings and spoke against everything that came up. Now that he is on the other side of the dais, he still is

against everything. I guess some things never change. Again, thank you to the four council persons who did the right thing.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Selena Smith To The Rescue In an earlier letter to the editor, I had indicated that I was interested in which candidates would come forward to run in the Royal Palm Beach municipal elections.

For this reason, I have been waiting to see someone emerge who would provide intelligent leadership. Well, my answer came sooner than I expected. Selena Smith was the only candidate who spoke up for a good cause in a positive and reasonable manner in the heat of a very unseemly public controversy at a recent council meeting.

An unexpected debate arose over the village’s support for the annual Art & Music Festival that is coordinated in partnership with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. The festival has evolved into a signature family event for the village with the work undertaken by the chamber for the benefit of the local businesses and enjoyment of the residents. It seems as if the village staff recommended a change from the previous year’s conditions of support by reducing the contribution from the budgeted $6,000 to $2,000.

With the council already down one position due to the resignation last year of Councilman David Swift, the representation was reduced more by the fact that Mayor Matty Mattioli apparently sits on the Palms West Chamber board and was therefore required to recuse himself from the deliberation of the agenda items regarding the festival. This left two council members to deliberate, plus the vice mayor holding the gavel. All these conditions converged at the same time, and so the battle for funding support for the festival was on; and let me say, if you attended the meeting or watched it on TV, it was an ugly battle.

Following the staff presentation and reasonable questions from Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Councilwoman Martha Webster, Councilman Fred Pinto then blistered into a long diatribe directed at Jaene Miranda, CEO of the chamber. Ducking and weaving, Miranda attempted to civilly respond. It was at this point Selena Smith, a community volunteer with the chamber, stood up to calmly explain the importance of the festi-

val and benefit to the overall community...

In the room were other candidates who have been there for many weeks and yet only she stood up for the residents and was able to interject leadership from the floor. I will thank you Selena with my vote for you on March 13 and also enjoy the street painting again for the third year.

Jerry Coffman Royal Palm Beach

Stop Attacking Mayor Bowen The past two weeks, I have received four mailings from a group calling themselves Preserve Wellington’s Future, apparently paid for by “Taxpayers for Integrity in Government.” I have no idea what these organizations are or who finances them. However, they seem to have the same goal expressed by the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance, a group whose objective was to stop the proposed Equestrian Village project.

The first group did not achieve that goal, and the new groups seem to have expanded that goal to include attacks on Mayor Darell Bowen for his support of this facility. As a 23-year full-time resident of Wellington and the owner of a small horse farm, I have a problem with these tactics. I wonder who is actually behind these mailings and whether their motives are truly for the good of our community or whether they are personal.

I found it difficult to believe most of their original arguments against the Equestrian Village, such as increased crime and decreased property values.

When I see spurious arguments against a facility that will probably have more positives than negatives for Wellington, I have to question the motives behind this.

When I see expensive mailings from multiple unknown organizations, I wonder which wealthy individual or individuals are funding them and whether this issue affects them personally. I was happy to see that Linda and Ray Hunt, in their Feb. 24 letter to the editor, also had issues with these mailings. So are these “organizations” expressing honest concerns for our community or are they payback for Mayor Bowen’s support for the project? It would be nice if some reporter would take the initiative and get to the truth behind all this so that the rest of us will know whom to support.

Paul Feuer Wellington

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NEWS

Wildlife Commission Seizes Big Cats From ‘Tarzan’ Home In Groves Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators and officers served a search warrant Monday, Feb. 27 in Loxahatchee Groves, where they seized two tigers and one leopard from a facility maintained by Steve Sipek — known for his movie portrayal of Tarzan in the 1970s — and Melanie Boynes.

“Mr. Sipek and Ms. Boynes were in violation of federal and state

Bellissimo continued from page 4 Festival was focused and operated as a seven-week horse show.

Wellington was one stop on a national equestrian tour that included other cities like Tampa, Cleveland and Lake Placid. The business struggled financially, had no long-term operating plan and had no plan for integration with the community. The business sold land surrounding the show grounds to offset losses and now was out of land to sell. This lack of foresight led to a situation where the show grounds facility was run down and Stadium Jumping Inc. (SJI) had apparently defaulted on its show grounds lease.

The future of Wellington as an equestrian community was at risk.

Together with my wife, I organized a group of fellow Wellington residents Dennis and Marsha Dammerman, and Roger and Jennifer Smith, and we established Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP).

While WEP is a for-profit venture, our greatest passion lies in transforming this community from a large temporary seven-week horse show focused on the wealthy few to a permanent industry spanning 12 months that serves the entire community. I worked out a deal with Stadium Jumping and Gene Mische to keep the show grounds in its current location. We signed a deal and worked for six months on the strategy. All was well until one of SJI’s largest shareholders, Solar SportSystems Inc. (surprise), owned by the Buffalo billionaire Jacobs family, suddenly decided that they did not like the deal and threatened to move the facility out of Wellington. After a huge outcry from local equestrians, they decided to move it across town and away from its current Pierson Road location (a pattern seems to be emerging regarding Pierson) to Section 34, a residential pod that would target 700,000 square feet of buildings on the new show grounds.

laws that are in place to keep both people and animals safe and healthy,” said Major Curtis Brown, leader of the FWC’s Captive Wildlife and Investigations Section.

“The FWC removed the animals to protect public safety and to place them in a licensed, healthy and safe facility.”

The warrant authorized the seizure of the animals based on the facility’s repeated failure to correct

violations, including multiple bites and escapes, fencing and caging deficiencies, possession of Class I wildlife without proof of consistent and sustained commercial activity, possession of Class I wildlife without a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit and feeding animals an improper diet.

“After previous inspections and correspondence, the couple has continuously failed to comply

with FWC and USDA regulations, presenting safety concerns at the facility,” Brown said.

The FWC has worked extensively with the captive wildlife industry and stakeholders to establish the best possible rules for public safety and humane treatment of the animals. Applicants must meet USDA regulations as well as state regulations to possess and/ or exhibit such wildlife.

Florida’s strict requirements that owners must meet to obtain a permit to possess Class I wildlife include being financially responsible, having ample training and experience, providing reference letters and establishing disasterresponse plans.

“We want to support the ethical and legitimate use of wildlife,” Brown said. “We value our partnerships with the zoological and

wild animal rescue community throughout Florida, as well as our relationships with responsible, properly maintained captive wildlife facilities.”

There are 255 facilities in Florida licensed to possess Class I wildlife, seven of which are in Palm Beach County. These facilities are inspected at least twice a year to ensure continued compliance.

initiative; and a small commercial center (75,000 square feet) intended to provide an integrated gathering spot for the community where equestrians and non-equestrians can socialize and interact back to the glory days of Palm Beach Polo. The traffic conforms to village and state standards. In the three public hearings, there was a 13-3 vote and a 12-4 vote in support of the various plans. The benefits to the community are to strengthening the local economy by expanding the equestrian season, the creating of hundreds of full-time industry and construction jobs, increasing the tax base, improving the real estate market, and attracting new events to Wellington during the fall, spring and summer. The resort hotel becomes the core attraction and distinguishing feature of the facility.

Once again, in my opinion, because it is near Pierson Road, the Jacobs family, through Solar SportSystems and a number of their “preservation” alliance groups that they support and/or fund, are launching an aggressive public negative attack campaign full of inaccurate information and distortions to discredit the project, the WEP partnership and the leadership of the village. Their disturbing tactics have created great confusion with a short-term effect of discrediting the mayor with the ultimate goal of influencing the upcoming village election and introducing its slate of candidates that it is heavily supporting (Margolis, Greene and Willhite). The Jacobs family, hiding behind their many lawyers, lobbyists, consultants, nonprofit “preservation” entities and political action committees, are waging another fullscale war against this community under the guise of protecting it.

They have recently contributed $250,000 to the Super PAC “Taxpayers for Integrity in Government,” an organization that has showered and overwhelmed this community with house-to-house

petitioners and daily attack mailings that falsely give the impression of a large-scale opposition to the Equestrian Village project.

We live in a world where cyber bullying and Super PACs now rule the day. The attack ads are ruthless and disgusting in their personal attacks against the mayor, all supported by a group of people who do not have the courage and conviction to make their own case or ever engage the community beyond their protection of Pierson Road. It is easy to stay on the sidelines, and then every five years come out and attack the people in the community who are trying to make a difference, all while hiding behind entities, lawyers, lobbyists and consultants. Not coincidently, right before the village council vote, the Jacobs family paraded the Stanley Cup trophy around the community as a measure of their success. I congratulate them on the success, but please understand that next year another billionaire will win the trophy and parade it around their community.

This community does not care about your generosity or success in Buffalo or Boston. However, everyone here cares what you do in our home, Wellington. If you want to get some worthwhile attention, spend $250,000 contributing to the Boys & Girls Club or any other community charitable organization rather than spending that same amount destroying the reputations of hardworking, honest people who spend each day, week and month thinking about the future of this community.

I am confident that the Equestrian Village will have the great impact on integrating our community into One Wellington and ensuring that we preserve our local economy and equestrian activity well into the future. I am hopeful that this community sees through the Jacobs-led preservation charade and votes in support of those candidates who have the best interests of Wellington in mind.

OPINION In my opinion, this move would have been devastating as it would have invalidated the existing Wellington equestrian trail system and infrastructure, devastated and significantly devalued hundreds and hundreds of farm and residential properties surrounding the existing show grounds, and resulted in a huge transfer of wealth from longtime village residents, many of whom had their life savings in their equity in their properties, to entities controlled by the Jacobs family and to the benefit of some of their wealthy friends. The traffic that these “preservationists” would have introduced to the back roads and heart of the Wellington equestrian domain would have been devastating to the rural character of Wellington.

My family and our partnership decided to challenge their relocation efforts and prevent this. Not surprisingly, WEP quickly expanded to include 15 other families, many of them also full-time Wellington residents (and some of them longtime Jacobs friends) and all equally committed to this community and creating the most unique place in the world. We endured a relentless million-dollar campaign of misinformation and personal attacks on me and my family led by Mason Phelps and Phelps Media Group and the various lawyers, lobbyists and consultants hired by the Jacobs’ entities. While they convinced a small group of followers that the current facility could never be world class (they were dead wrong), we stood up to their threats, bullying tactics, and aggressive negative and personal campaigns, and we decisively prevailed. We purchased assets, licenses and land, and we kept the horse shows in their current location. We broke up their private club. After the purchase, WEP embarked on an ambitious plan to create a new chapter in Wellington’s history. This equestrian plan would be developed, owned and operated by Welling-

ton residents with a long-term view of the future. For the next five years, we invested over $35 million in capital improvements in support of a $200 million investment in our community. All investments were privately funded with absolutely no public support or incentives! I believe the outcome of our efforts, during arguably the worst financial climate in our lifetimes, have paid dividends to this community in the following ways: • Created and Protected Jobs — We employ over 300 employees during the year. We have also created hundreds of vital construction jobs annually. Our efforts indirectly create and support thousands of indirect equestrianand non-equestrian-related jobs annually.

• Reduced Seasonality — We have reduced seasonality by increasing shows from the seven weeks to almost 10 months on the same facility. Entries for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) have grown over 40 percent leading to a dramatic increase and benefit to the local economy.

• Large Property Taxpayer — Our entities combined are one of the largest taxpayers in Wellington, paying almost $1.2 million in annual property taxes.

• Protecting Real Estate Values and Tax Base — Equestrian participants rent and purchase property throughout Wellington.

Our efforts have sustained and elevated real estate prices within the community, thus elevating the tax base critical for support of public programs.

• Elevated Economic Impact — A 2011 independent report issued by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission stated that we grew the annual economic impact of WEF on Palm Beach County from $59 to $120 million during our ownership of the festival.

• Enhanced Charitable Giving — The FTI Great Charity Challenge initiative that my daughter and I created three years ago has

raised and distributed $2.7 million over the last three years to Palm Beach County charities, many of them Wellington-based charities, including the Wellington Community Foundation, the Wellington Boys & Girls Club and Wellington PTO/PTA. This year’s winner, the Wellington PTO/PTA, will receive over $150,000.

• Community Participation — Opened our arms to the community by providing family entertainment, improved seating options and offered free admission, which has dramatically expanded the participation to thousands of Wellington residents who now attend our events.

• School Outreach — Initiated a public school initiative for the 12 public schools, plus Wellington Christian School, to make riding more accessible to those with limited resources and embarked on an initiative to educate the community about the thousands of equestrian jobs that exist in the community.

Wellington is now regarded as the premier equestrian lifestyle destination in the world, drawing record attendance from 49 states and 32 countries. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) is now regarded as one of the finest equestrian facilities in the world and the Winter Equestrian Festival is now regarded as one of the finest events in the world.

Once again, there is a great opportunity for Wellington, through the Equestrian Village project, to integrate with the community, improve its economy, and elevate its status on the world stage. This privately funded project’s goal is to create an economic engine for this community by creating a worldclass equestrian center focused on bringing dressage back to Wellington; a 100-room hotel to serve the community, tourists, sponsors, exhibitors and industry conferences; a riding academy that also serves the public school riding

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

EWPB Celebrates Anniversary In Wellington

Detective Mitch McCranels, Capt. Paul Miles, Lt. Marcos Martinez, Deputy Marvin Hubert, Detective Gabe Carino, Deputy Carlos Dorta, Chief Deputy Michael Gauger and Diane Smith.

RPB Rotary Recognizes Officers Of The Quarter The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club named its officers of the quarter at a recent meeting.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Marvin Hubert received an award for his outstanding work in the Shoma community, incorporating crime prevention and community policing into a community with positive results.

PBSO Deputy Carlos Dorta re-

ceived an award for proactive patrol in high-crime areas, which has led to numerous burglary and narcotics arrests.

And finally, PBSO Detective Gabe Carino received an award for consistently investigating crimes within the village, resulting in numerous arrests for burglary and theft, and maintaining a high clearance rate.

RPB PACK 120 SCOUTS AWARDED AT BANQUET

It was an out-and-out party as Executive Women of the Palm Beaches (EWPB) kicked off its 30th year celebration of the business organization’s beginnings in Palm Beach County on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The 18-month celebration began at the Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club in Wellington, which sponsored the event.

Proceeds from the event support Executive Women Outreach, the fundraising arm of EWPB. Proceeds benefit scholarship and grant programs for women in Palm Beach County.

Sponsor Hamilton Jewelers enticed guests as they entered with a beautiful jewelry display hosted

by Donna Bouchard, vice president of Hamilton Jewelers in Palm Beach. At the other end of the room, Pattie Light of Pandora and Julie Kime of Allstate Insurance sponsored a photo booth. In between, the popular Wellington eatery provided an open bar and hors

d’oeuvres for members and guests, some who drove from Jupiter to Delray Beach to attend.

Ellen Block of the Jay Block Companies provided take-home gifts.

Executive Women of the Palm Beaches was founded in 1982 by senior professional and executive women in Palm Beach County to support and advance women in business and community leadership.

Today, EWPB’s membership includes the leaders of business, banking, government, law, real estate, medical, utilities, arts and culture, publishing, nonprofit management, education, finance, marketing, and many additional businesses in Palm Beach County.

Executive Women of the Palm Beaches’ mission is to provide a dynamic presence dedicated to the professional and personal advancement of women through networking, sharing resources and encouraging leadership. Through

Event chairs Pam Payne, Susan Petersen and Tish Carlo.

Executive Women Outreach, the organization provides financial support to scholarships and community projects.

For more information regarding Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, call (561) 684-9117 or visit www.ewpb.org.

Girl Scouts Benefit Kids Cancer Foundation Girl Scout Daisy/Brownie Troop 2051 1 of Wellington invited Brownie Troop 20432 of Wellington to participate in a pajama party held Feb. 23 at St. David’s-inthe-Pines Episcopal Church to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West.

Thirty Girl Scouts, along with family and friends, participated in the event and collected more than 60 pairs of pajamas.

Last fall, Girl Scout Daisy/ Brownie Troop 20511 created an ongoing service project called “Sock-It-To-Cancer” and collected more than 60 pairs of new bright fun socks to help bring some “joy

and color” to the Kids Cancer Foundation children at Palms West Hospital. It was brought to the troop’s attention that KCF was in need of extra children’s/young adult pajamas for patients receiving treatment at the hospital. At that time, the Girl Scouts were eager to provide additional service to KCF. Not only does this pajama party benefit the community, but it is also helps the troop celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts by creating a service project, hosting a party with another troop, making new friends and celebrating what Girls Scout is all about — service and friendship.

Daisy/Brownie Troop 20511, Brownie Troop 20432 and friends with troop leaders Lisa Derubeis, Caroline Tummino, Jennifer Weese and Vanessa Essery.

Royal Palm Artist Johnson Wins At ArtiGras Royal Palm Beach Cub Scout Pack 120 held its annual Blue & Gold banquet Sunday, Feb. 19 at the R oyal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Each den in the pack was assigned a certain holiday, and each family brought a potluck dish and dessert representing that holiday. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner. Several scouts received pins and belt loops for their academic and athletic accomplishments. The banquet recognizes the crossing over of the Webelos II Cub Scouts (fifth-graders) to Boy Scouts, and celebrates the founding of the Boy Scouts of America by Robert Baden-Powell in February 1910. Shown above, scouts show off their certificates for participating in the flag raising on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Royal Palm Beach artist B. Corey Johnson was recognized as the leader in the mixed-media category when he was awarded first place at the ArtiGras Art Festival at Abacoa in Jupiter. He was listed in this category because his medium is so avant-garde that it was difficult to classify.

Johnson’s first series, which was on display at ArtiGras, depicts the various breeds of Koi that are so realistic you feel as though you

could reach in and pick them up out of the water.

“As an artist, my medium of choice is gilding, although gilding is typically thought of as a craft,” Johnson wrote in an artist’s statement. “It is usually seen as the embellishment that accentuates some other work that has been deemed ‘art,’ whether it’s the magnificent gilding on the altar at the Notre Dame cathedral or the gold leaf that adorns a Gustav Klimt painting.”

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St. Michael Pastor Marjorie Weiss Receives Grant Marjorie Weiss, pastor of St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wellington, is the recipient of a Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal grant of $49,800.

Weiss is one of 158 religious leaders to be chosen from congregations across the nation to take part in this program that allows pastors to take an extended sabbatical so they can take a step back from their busy lives and gain the fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Weiss has been ordained for 32 years, one of the first female pastors in the Lutheran Church. She plans a trip to Europe with her husband to visit cultural sites along the Danube River. She also will travel on a pilgrimage to Ireland, finally ending her four-month sabbatical with a month at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

During the sabbatical, the congregation will work on the sabbatical theme of “30 Years of Ministry: What’s Next?” as they continue to assess how best to follow their mission as “the hands and feet of Christ.”

At St. Michael, the goal is to participate in several local out-

Pastor Marjorie Weiss reach programs that help families that are in need in the local community.

Weiss strives to lead St. Michael with open-minded, Christ-centered objectivity. It is a congregation where science and faith do not conflict. Weiss and the congregation welcome the community to worship at St. Michael at services on Sundays at 8:30 or 10:45 a.m.

The congregation will celebrate the completion of a brand-new sanctuary for worship in May. St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive. For more information, call (561) 793-4999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com.

Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414.

Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.

March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 29

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Sandra Castellon-Osorio Receives Award South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary has announced that Sandra CastellonOsorio of West Palm Beach is the latest recipient of a financial award for her education from the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) program.

Her selection was based on both financial need and academic achievement, according to SFBC & TS Provost Dr. Mary Drabik.

“We are very grateful to the state Department of Education for this opportunity to recognize Sandra, who has been a blessing to the SFBC community,” Drabik said in making the announcement.

“Programs like FSAG enable us to

provide additional assistance to help keep the cost of education as manageable as possible.”

Castellon-Osorio, daughter of Jesus and Sandra Castellon of Royal Palm Beach, is a second-year student who will be receiving her associate’s degree in biblical studies this spring and is working toward her bachelor’s degree in clinical Christian counseling.

South Florida Bible College is located at 1100 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach.

For more information on South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary, visit www.sfbc.edu or call Mary Drabik at (954) 5458323.

Sandra Castellon-Osorio and SFBC&TS Provost Dr. Mary Drabik.

PHOTO BY JOSIAH STEPHAN

Master Gardener Visits Groves Garden Club

Bill Skinner

The Loxahatchee Groves Garden Club held its monthly meeting Saturday, Feb. 18 at Palms West Presbyterian Church.

The guest speaker was master gardener Bill Skinner. He explained the thorough but lengthy process for becoming a master gardener and the many hours of volunteering and other responsibilities that such a title would require. He also

took questions from club members.

One question about weeds will require the help of a weed expert to get the answer. Skinner explained that people can call the Palm Beach County Extension Service at Mounts Botanical Garden if they have questions about gardening or treatment for a problem issue.

Then next meeting of the Loxa-

hatchee Garden Club will take place Saturday, March 24. The club will take a trip to the Excalibur nursery for a tour of the nursery and to learn about tropical fruit trees that grow successfully in this growing zone. The club will meet at 2 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church and car pool to the nursery. Contact Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875 for more information.

Brendan Carroll On Dean’s List At Norwich Norwich University has announced that Brendan Carroll of Wellington was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2011 semester.

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students in a corps of cadets, as civilians and as adult students. The university

was founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army.

Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States, celebrating 50 years of

the honor code and the birthplace of the nation’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

For more information, visit www.norwich.edu.

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NEWS

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CUSTOMERS TURN OUT FOR WPB SPRING HOME SHOW The West Palm Beach Spring Home Show took place Frida y through Sunday, Feb. 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Exhibit ors showcased home-related products and services from window treatments to granite countertops. For more info., visit www.acshome show.com.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Home Improvements owners Nancy and Matt DeGennaro with interested customer Raymond Girolami.

Chuck Grove, Jesse Ballard and Jordan Grove of Horizon Pool & Patio in Wellington.

David Hastings and Sharon Hostetler of Wellington Vacuum.

Bill Lindsey of Floor Specialists of Wellington.

Lori Jill Finkel of Lori Jill Designs with designer window treatment.

Wellington Royal Marble & Granite co-owners Susana Fernandes and Maria Almeida.

FUN AND INFO AT WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS SEMINAR AT HURRICANE GRILL

A Women’s Health & Wellness Seminar was held the evening of Thursda y, Feb. 23 at Hurricane Grill & Wings on State Road 7. The informational seminar covered wellness, beauty and financial independence. Several local vendors were on hand.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Karen Moronese tries a Body by Vi shake sample from Cac Stiner.

Carol Arya, “luscious lips” winner Dawn Perkins and Amy Allgood.

Jessica Delgado gets a neck evaluation from Dr. Andrew Biggs.

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 31

PALM BEACH POLO SEASON AT INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB

JANUARY 8TH-APRIL 22ND

Discover Sunday Polo th

Sunday, March 4

Royal Salute CV Whitney Cup Final • • • • • •

4:00 pm Featured Match Field Side Champagne Brunch General Admission Seating & Concessions in Wellington Zone Kids Zone Half Time Divot Stomp Polo Player Autographs Following Match

View Schedule | Purchase Tickets | General Information Internationalpoloclub.com | Box Office: 561.282.5334 Club Line: 561.204.5687

3667 120TH AVENUE SOUTH | WELLINGTON, FLORIDA 33414

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Joy Ream Stocks Everything Farriers Need To Work

Joy Ream’s store Palm Beach Farrier Supply stocks everything a farrier might need: a variety of forges, bar stock, shoes, tools, nippers, rasps, nails, pads, a whole wall of racing plates, and of course, shoes for every discipline.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 35

March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 33

SRHS Baseball Aiming For Regionals This Season

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity baseball team is vying for a winning season this year that will propel the Hawks through the district tournament and on to regionals. “I think we’ll do well,” head coach Trent Pendergast said, adding that his team will be one to watch, with a number of standout players. Page 49

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Choose Your Own Freshly Grown Produce At Honeybee’s U-Pick Farm

Farming close to seven acres on only two acres of land, Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick in Loxahatchee Groves is an innovative approach to growing fresh produce. With fruits and vegetable from strawberries to squash, stacked in intricately designed 4-foot-high pod systems, “you can grow a lot of stuff in a small amount of space,” co-owner Jessica Yockey explained. Yockey opened the farm last October, along with co-owner Scott Niebel. Page 37

Sports Wildcat Baseball Team Shuts Out Palm Beach Lakes High School 15-0

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity baseball team hosted Palm Beach Lakes on Friday, Feb. 24, and shut out the Rams 15-0 in five innings. The Wildcats held the Rams to just one hit during the contest, managed four runs by the second inning, and by the fifth inning had racked up 15. Page 49

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................35-36 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 37-39 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 44 SPORTS & RECREATION........................49-52 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................54-55 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................56-60

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 35

FEATURES

Joy Ream Stocks Everything Area Farriers Need To Work Joy Ream has never shoed a horse, but she knows everything about what those who do shoe horses need.

Originally from Mansville, Ohio, Ream has been visiting South Florida off and on since 1998. She moved to the Wellington area permanently in 2004.

“I grew up riding and doing the whole horse thing,” Ream said. “I came up through the 4-H ranks, rode Saddlebreds and competed in Combine Driving. I stopped riding in 2002.

Right now I don’t own a horse.”

All of this has nothing to do with shoeing horses, right? Ah, but there’s something else: She was married to a farrier for 32 years.

In 2004, Ream began working at Palm Beach Farrier Supply. That spring, she approached the owner, interested in seeing the books and maybe buying the business. A deal was struck; Ream sold some property in Ohio and used that money as a down payment.

“The owner was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to pay off the loan,” Ream recalled. “I made my loan payment every month right on time that first year, then made double payments each month after that. I paid off a ten-year loan in six years. I own it free and clear. The business basically paid for itself.”

Ream’s store stocks everything a farrier Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg might need: a variety of forges, bar stock, shoes, tools, nippers, rasps, nails, pads, a whole wall of racing plates, and of course, shoes for every discipline: dressage, jumping, eventing, trail riding — an endless amount of equipment.

“I try to have a little of everything,” Ream said. “You never know what someone might ask for. I have shoes that will fit Warmbloods and draft horses, and shoes that will fit ponies and minis.”

The store is 2,680 square feet and has been called the best sport horse farrier supply shop in the United States.

“Our customers are mostly farriers, but we also do get some horse owners,” Ream said.

“This time of year, with the Winter Equestrian Festival, we get quite a few European shoers who travel with their clients. We import French shoes specially for them. We’re always willing to order whatever it is someone needs.”

Those needs can be great, especially in South Florida, where the environment is particularly tough on horses’ hooves. As she explained, the sand has an abrasive and detri-

mental effect on hoof walls. Even horses that arrive for the show season with excellent feet can see problems develop because of the sandy soil. Shoe and hoof care are crucial. The old saying is accurate: no hoof, no horse.

Sandy Johnson is a customer.

She has been a farrier since 1986, both here and in Ohio, following her clients.

“Palm Beach Farrier Supply is the best store of all the farrier supply stores I’ve ever been in,” Johnson declared. “They have a fantastic variety of tools and equipment, just about anything you might need or want. If there’s something new on the market, Joy will research it and get it in. She’s probably the most helpful person you’ll ever meet. She goes out of her way to be accommodating. It’s a terrific store, she’s a wonderful Joy Ream of Palm Beach Farrier Supply. person, and we’re blessed to have her.”

Ream invites newcomers to visit. “Come in longer,” she admitted. “I have a feeling I’m and give us a try,” she said. “We stock the not going to be horseless too much longer.” best variety of materials to help you do your Palm Beach Farrier Supply is located at 3500 best job. If you need something, I’ll order it. I Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 13, in Wellington. keep the coffee hot and the cookies fresh.”

It’s open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Oh, and getting back to that “whole horse Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays durthing,” Ream just bought some property with ing the show season. a barn and four empty stalls.

For more information, call (561) 204-5022 or “They probably won’t be empty too much visit www.palmbeachfarriersupply.net.

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FEATURES

I Never Been A Big Dog Fan, But They’re Growing On Me Having been bitten twice as a youngster, I never thought I’d say this, but I like dogs.

The first time I was bitten was when I ran across the street toward a dachshund which then leapt up and bit me in the kneecap. His owner quickly explained that I had caused the incident by startling the dog. Uh-huh.

The second time I was bitten was when I was delivering Girl Scout cookies. Petey-theBad-Kid’s Doberman, leashlessly marauding through the neighborhood (as usual), attacked me. If Petey’s mother was home at all, she was hiding behind the curtains. Petey was probably in jail.

So when my kids wanted a dog, it was: “No. You can get one when you leave home.”

My daughter might have left home in order to get a dog. The first Christmas she was back, Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

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

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER she had a dog with her. I had told her it could stay in the garage. So Christmas morning was spent with Jen running back and forth into the garage. I loosened up later when I had some degree of certainty that I was not going to be bitten again. In fact, I watched the dog for six months when Jen had to go to Turkey on business. Crockett and I became friends.

When they’re not biting you, there’s something quite adorable about dogs. They try to be good. If you give them clear rules, they will try to follow them.

Jenny had taken Crockett to training classes where she did very well but he was thrown

out. It appears that Crockett does not consider himself a dog. What Crockett likes to do is listen to what the teacher is saying, then bark it out in orders to the “dogs” in a language he feels they will better understand. In his mind, he is less of a canine and more of an interpreter. As a self-appointed second-in-command, however, he is not very tolerant. He will bark his head off, bully the slower dogs and make fun of any dog that does not do well. He is sort of a bad drill sergeant.

When not around those annoying “dogs,” he is perfectly well-behaved. He doesn’t beg.

He doesn’t chew up the furniture. He never even wraps his leash around a tree when you walk him.

He’s smart. But he’s also a shameless opportunist, just like a kid who doesn’t have the means to buy his own toys and snacks.

While Jen was gone, Crockett quickly learned that Mark will give him popcorn and I will give him anything else. He doesn’t beg for it; just sits quietly to the side, watching with intense interest as our hands go from the

popcorn bowl to our mouths. Eventually, we feel so selfish, we share. Then we lie to Jen about why he might be sick. It’s never the half-bowl of popcorn we gave him; it’s always “bad dog food?”

She may be on to us. But what am I supposed to do? I, for one, was taught never to eat in front of anyone, to share. That was my training.

I’ve got to hand it to the dog I met this weekend. I was sitting in a Burger King, gratefully eating the Italian Chicken Sandwich that is everyone’s favorite but which is only on the menu about twice a year (an editorial comment), and a big commotion erupted behind the counter. At first I thought someone had slipped because everyone was hollering and bending down. But no. A smart little dog had jumped in through the drive-through window!

He figured, “Why wait around to be served food when it’s right there, right over this bothersome ledge?”

I admired him for taking things into his own paws. Such an opportunist.

‘Wanderlust’ Not A Bad Movie, But Could Have Been Better The problem with Wanderlust is not that it is a bad movie; it isn’t half bad. But it also is not nearly as good as it might have been, and based on a few scenes, should have been.

Some scenes in this “lifestyle change” movie are brilliantly satirical, demonstrating that the writers and director know how to do satire.

Then there is the rest of the film.

George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) are New Yorkers working to get by.

In one of the really good scenes, a real estate agent gets them to buy a “microloft” (meaning a studio apartment smaller than your average second bedroom). After all, she tells them, it’s in a great neighborhood so you really can’t go wrong. Within days, George’s company collapses under an FBI investigation, and HBO turns down a chance to do Laura’s proposed documentary on testicular cancer in penguins.

The HBO scene is brilliant, shining like a diamond at the top of a compost heap. When Linda in a fit of pique tells the HBO people that they’d like the project better if it involved “polar bear hookers using meth,” one of the TV people replies, “I think you’re being sarcastic, but if you’re not, we’ll buy it.”

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler Returning to the real estate agent, they learn that they’ll lose everything on the apartment.

“But you just told us it was a good investment,” George wails. The only option open is to become a lackey for George’s brother, a crass businessman who runs a huge portapotty business in Atlanta. But on the drive down, George and Linda wind up crashing (both literally and figuratively) into a commune, a place where money means nothing.

Led by charismatic Seth (Justin Theroux), the members are a throwback to old hippie days.

A lot could have been done with the commune as a source of jokes, but the film sticks with lack of bathroom privacy, casual nudity and a lot of marijuana smoking.

The jokes become retreads after a while and, of course, there are issues over “free love.”

What the film probably wants to stress is that you can run away from a lot of things in your life, but you can’t really run away from who you are. George is a likable guy who, despite resenting some elements of Laura’s life, actually adores his wife. When beautiful Eva (Malin Akerman) offers to have sex with him, he has to work himself up for it by mouthing inane “come-ins” in a scene that might have actually been funny if it had run half as long. When he uses them on Eva, she gets turned off.

Laura, on the other hand, seems to go along with the idea of free love, but we only hear about it second-hand. Far too much of the film is done that way, gross out one scene and far too much discretion the second.

The cast is actually pretty good. Rudd is as likable as always, the charming everyman.

Aniston is pretty, pleasant and willing. The supporting cast is stellar, albeit mostly wasted. Linda Lavin is superb as the real estate shark but appears for not much more than a minute or two. Alan Alda, as the founder of the commune, sometimes seems to retain far

more sense than anyone else. Theroux plays the pivotal character with élan but should have demanded better lines. His could have been a brilliant part, but it remained one-dimensional. Fine performers like Lauren Ambrose, Kathryn Hahn and Jordan Peele are essentially wasted. Akerman gets more screen time in the trailers than she does in the film.

But there are those few fleeting moments of brilliance and there is a sort of amiable likeableness to the movie. As a romantic comedy, the romance is very muted, but the two leads do have a sweet chemistry between them.

They seem to belong together so you root for them.

The best thing about this movie is that we are moving through the “dead season” for productions. Within a few weeks, we’ll see a few spring break movies, even a superhero sort of film, and in a couple of months Hollywood will return in force with the blockbusters we really want to see. In the meantime, you could do worse with this movie. And if you haven’t yet seen either The Artist or The Descendants, far better movies, they are still playing.

International Weekend Returns To Polo Club March 16-18 The International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington is gearing up for its second annual International Weekend March 16-18. Working in tandem with the Wanderers Golf Club, also situated in the heart of Wellington, the weekend will include teams from three different countries, competing in six distinct sports.

Beginning Friday, March 16 and rounding out on Sunday, March 18, IPC will exhibit top U.S. and international teams in rugby, tennis, croquet, golf, cricket and polo. Friday’s competition will begin at 9 a.m. with croquet, located on the lawn, while the first match of cricket will begin promptly at 10 a.m. on the stick and ball field. Saturday is sure to deliver sporting excitement, as the croquet teams launch the morning athletics at 9 a.m. Cricket will once again commence at 10 a.m. with

tennis following 1 p.m. The polo teams will begin their game on Field 2 at 11 a.m., while the competition will conclude with rugby at 2 p.m., located on Piaget Field.

The golf portion of the event will be held on Saturday as well, but at a separate location, on the green at the Wanderers Club.

Saturday will end on an exciting note with the Irish Festival, open to all guests. Sunday will draw the weekend to a close, with a 9 a.m. game of croquet.

In addition to the compelling matches that will be showcased, the fusion of Irish recipes with the International Polo Club’s fivestar cuisine are sure to tempt guests. Sponsors, such as Tara Management, Maq Group, the Four Seasons Hotel, Phelps Media Group and Palm Beach Motor Cars have

been generous in providing trophies, prize money and funding for the weekend.

While this event is highly anticipated for spectators who enjoy the competitive edge of athletics, it is also appealing to those who are enticed by a congenial environment of great food, beverage and entertainment.

With teams determined to win, and guests guaranteed to have a great time, International Weekend at the International Polo Club Palm Beach is where the excitement will be this St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

For tickets, contact Maria Feola at (561) 282-5334 or mfeola@internationalpolo club.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Judie Gibson at (561) 204-5687 or jgibson@internationalpoloclub.com, or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Rugby action will take place on Piaget Field.

PHOTO BY CARRIE WIRTH

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BUSINESS NEWS

Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick co-owner Jessica Yockey with some strawberry plants.

PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Choose Your Own Produce At Honeybee’s U-Pick Farm

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Farming close to seven acres on only two acres of land, Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick in Loxahatchee Groves is an innovative approach to growing fresh produce.

With fruits and vegetable from strawberries to squash, stacked in intricately designed 4-foot-high pod systems, “you can grow a lot of stuff in a small amount of space,” co-owner Jessica Yockey explained.

Yockey opened the farm last October, along with co-owner Scott Niebel. Although both owners are seasoned farmers with years of experience, hydroponic farming is a new venture for them.

“I had done field-grown strawberries at our U-pick in Boynton Beach for close to four years,” Yockey said. “Scott at the time was farming close to 2,000 acres out here and in Boynton Beach.”

But Yockey and Niebel were drawn to a farm in Loxahatchee Groves, which would become the location of Honeybee’s Hydroponic UPick.

They would drive past the farm every few weeks when going to visit Yockey’s sister, who lived in the area. “It was closed for, I think, about three years, and I thought it would be a great location for a farm,” Yockey said. “I think this area needs something like this because there isn’t a U-pick farm out here.”

Yockey and Niebel decided to try their luck on hydroponic farming. “I had never done something like this, but I studied it in school,” Yockey said.

Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick is open to the public for picking fresh strawberries, cabbage, lettuce, squash, tinkerbell peppers, jalapeños, cubanelles, beans, peas, grapes, plum tomatoes and beef steak tomatoes. “I continuously plant different things every few weeks,” Yockey said. “Soon I will be planting

some Swiss chard and more lettuce and cucumbers.”

Everything is grown off the ground naturally without the use of pesticides and herbicides. “Our one form of pest control is that we do release lady bugs every six weeks,” Yockey said. “And we make a party out of it, where everyone is invited to help release the lady bugs in different areas of the farm.”

The hydroponic farming system is an intricate process but well worth it, Yockey said.

The vegetable and fruits are grown inside pods that contain a sterile growing media of a vermiculite perlite mix. Water and nutrients are deposited into a growing media, which look like small red clay balls, through pipes connected to structures holding multiple pods.

The pods are stacked on top of each other, and are four feet high.

“The water and nutrients from the pipes hit the growing media, and then it explodes and all the moisture trickles down to the pods,” Yockey said. “We water three times a day for five minutes, and we use about a tenth of the amount of water a commercial farmer would use.”

The benefits to hydroponic farming are vast for farmers, people and the environment, Yockey noted. “It’s low maintenance,” she said.

“We don’t have to spray, it’s cleaner and more cost effective in terms of labor. And since we are off the ground, we have very little bacteria and fungus issues out here.”

The pods being well off the ground makes it easier for people to pick. “They don’t have to worry about bending down to pick anything,” Yockey said. “They can run through here fairly quickly.”

Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick is located at 15550 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 7953399 or visit Honeybee’s Hydroponic U-Pick on Facebook.

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IRS Has Money For 2008 Tax Returns The Internal Revenue Service has announced that refunds totaling more than $1 billion may be waiting for one million people who did not file a federal income tax return for 2008. However, to collect the money, a return for 2008 must be filed with the IRS no later than Tuesday, April 17.

The IRS estimates that half of these potential 2008 refunds are over $600.

In some cases, people may not have filed their 2008 returns because they had too little income to require filing a tax return even though they had taxes withheld from their wages or made quarterly estimated payments. In cases where a return was not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund. If no return is filed to claim a refund within three years, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

For 2008 returns, the window closes on April 17. The law requires that the return be properly addressed, mailed and postmarked by that date.

There is no penalty for filing a late return qualifying for a refund.

The IRS reminds taxpayers seek-

ing a 2008 refund that their checks may be held if they have not filed tax returns for 2009 and 2010. In addition, the refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to the IRS, and may be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts such as student loans.

By failing to file a return, people stand to lose more than refunds of taxes withheld or paid during 2008.

Some people, especially those who did not receive an economic stimulus payment in 2008, may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit. In addition, many low- and moderate-income workers may not have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The EITC helps individuals and families whose incomes are below certain thresholds.

The thresholds for 2008 were as follows: $38,646 ($41,646 if married filing jointly) for those with two or more qualifying children; $33,995 ($36,995 if married filing jointly) for people with one qualifying child; and $12,880 ($15,880 if married filing jointly) for those with no qualifying children.

For more information, visit www. irs.gov.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Bafitis Offering Breakthrough Cosmetic Treatment Ultherapy

Dr. Harold Bafitis has announced that the first-of-its-kind treatment known as Ultherapy is now available at his offices in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens.

Ultherapy has captured the interest of the medical community and national news media because it lifts and tones the skin in a meaningful way without surgery.

“This represents a whole new paradigm within aesthetic medicine,” Bafitis said, “and my patients are thrilled to have an effective ‘entry level’ option for improving sagging skin that doesn’t entail cutting or downtime.”

The use of this FDA-cleared ultrasound technology enables physicians, for the first time, to see and then treat the deepest support layers of the skin addressed in surgery without disrupting the uppermost layers of skin. There can be some initial contraction, but the ultrasound energy also triggers the body’s natural response mechanism, which is to rejuvenate aging collagen and supplement it with new collagen.

This will gradually, over the course of two to three months, strengthen and tone the skin, and gently shift it

into a more youthful position. While the results do not duplicate the results of surgery, Ultherapy’s gradual improvements make it a compelling option for those who are not quite ready for surgery.

Tens of thousands of Ultherapy treatments have been provided worldwide, and Bafitis is glad to be at the forefront in the U.S. of this clinical advance, cleared by the FDA in September 2009. This non-surgical option can be used in the areas of the body with loose, saggy skin.

Bafitis Plastic Surgery has been designated a national training site for other physicians in the use of Ulthera technology.

Bafitis is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He completed undergraduate, graduate and medical schools, all cum laude. Bafitis is a clinical associate professor of plastic surgery at Nova Southeastern University Medical School and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has led teaching conferences at national cosmetic plastic surgery meetings and has performed live surgery on closed-circuit TV with hundreds of cosmetic

Dr. Harold Bafitis surgeons, residents and plastic surgeons in attendance.

Bafitis has shared his technique of awake liposculpture as well as rhinoplasty for over 15 years. He also hosts local teaching seminars that include techniques that have led to the Bafitis integrated liposculpture abdominoplasty (BILA).

Bafitis’ Wellington office is located at 9116 Forest Hill Blvd. For more info., call (561) 422-1117 or visit www.drbafitis.com/face/ultherapy.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Quantum Foundation Celebrates 15 Years With Big Grants To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the Quantum Foundation will host a breakfast Thursday, March 15 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ Cohen Pavilion to honor its partners and to thank the organizations it works with to make Palm Beach County a better place to live.

The foundation also will make a special announcement at the breakfast.

In 1995, the Board of Trustees of JFK Medical Center sold the hospital to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp. and used the proceeds from the sale to create the Quantum Foundation. Quantum awarded its first grants in 1997 to six healthcare and education programs totaling $2 million to improve child and infant health services, children’s literacy and care of abused children.

The Quantum Foundation had taken its first steps. Now, 15 years later, after nearly 1,000 grants totaling more than $100 million, the foundation continues to make great strides as it helps to improve health and education in Palm Beach County.

“We are honored to work with the many organizations in our community to make a difference in the lives of those who are served,” said Kerry Diaz, president and trustee of the Quantum Foundation.

Beginning with those initial grants, Quantum’s focus has always been to improve the health and welfare of the community by concentrating on three areas — healthcare access, science and health education, and community betterment. It provides support to organizations to develop and expand programming and provides seed money and assistance to new organizations to create and grow programs that benefit the community.

In 2009, Quantum’s grant to Genesis Community Health provided the fledgling primary care program in Boynton Beach with planning, renovation of its facilities and operating support. Genesis, which saw its first patient in 2010, now has a medical director, two nurse practitioners, a family nurse and a psychiatric nurse.

“We wouldn’t even be here without Quantum’s support,” Genesis Executive Director DeAnna Warren said. “We strive to be a health ‘home’ to those in the community by not only providing essential medical services, but by helping those who are qualified to get insurance, encouraging preventative health measures and locating sources to help patients with other issues including mental health

and dental problems.”

Sometimes Quantum is the unsung hero in programs the community takes for granted. One example is the school nurse program.

“Thanks to the Quantum Foundation’s generous support and vision in 1998, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County launched its school health program, which gives all public school students access to a registered nurse in the school setting,” said Dr. Ronald J. Wiewora, chief executive officer and chief medical officer of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County.

Today, the Health Care District staffs provides more than 200 school nurses to help nearly 175,000 public school students stay healthy and ready to learn. The nurses provide first aid, medically complex care planning and case management, communicable disease surveillance and health screening.

Quantum’s education support includes the Digital Inclusion Project, which provides students and families in the Pleasant City and Coleman Park neighborhoods in West Palm Beach with access to computers and the Internet at home. Students have home access to the same online textbooks, research information for school assignments and

Dr. Ronald J. Wiewora supplemental resources as students in more affluent neighborhoods, and their families are able to use the Internet to find jobs, improve work skills, take online classes and access government services.

More than a decade ago, Darlene Kostrub, CEO of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, wanted to bring the Literacy AmeriCorps, a “domestic literacy Peace Corps” to Palm Beach County. Quantum provided the seed money to recruit about a dozen recent college gradu-

DeAnna Warren ates to provide literacy services to adults, children and youth in with community. Last year, more than 40 Peace Corps members contributed 68,000 hours to provide reading enrichment activities for children, participate in community service projects, recruit community volunteers and help at-risk students stay in school.

For more information about Quantum Foundation, call Toni May at (561) 832-7497 or visit www. quantumfnd.org.

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Academy for Child Enrichment — Spring Break Camp runs from March 19 through March 26. Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is being accepted for both Spring Break and Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Visit the Academy for Child Enrichment at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 798-3458 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com.

Armory Art Center Summer Art Camp — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to elementary school through high school aged children 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 a child’s artistic and creative development. Students age 4.5 to 7 years old will rotate among several studio areas daily in ceramic sculpture, drawing, painting and other creative mediums. Teen workshops include wheel throwing, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media, fashion illustration, printmaking, papermaking, glass fusing, collage and more! All art materials are included in the cost of tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 8321776.

Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon: this small, quality program fills quickly!

To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

Camp Gan Israel Day Camp — Camp Gan Israel has a program geared for your child! Understanding that all kids are unique and are drawn toward different activities, Camp Gan Israel offers something for everyone. There are professional sports instructors, baking experts, dance instruction, jewelry making, karate instruction, trips to exciting local venues, swimming, boating, scrapbooking, edible art and so much more. Camp Gan Israel runs from June 18 through July 20, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will take place at Palm Beach Central High School and accepts children from 3 to 13 years. For more information, or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org or call (561) 3334663.

Foxtail Farm — Foxtail Farm has been doing business for approximately 25 years in Palm Beach County. Disciplines are in huntseat equitation. Camps focus on horse health, barn care, safety, and also correct seat and balance. Ages are from 5 to 14 years old. Lessons are taught every day at camp, as well as all year long. Horse showing is available as students advance. There is also a focus on training students to become trainers in the future themselves. It is a breakthrough into the world of horses for pleasure, pet or showing, if desired. Foxtail Farm is licensed and insured. For more information, call Patti Morin (561) 2554037 or visit www.foxtailfarmstables.com.

Golden Grove Gator Camp — Gator Camp is back and ready to explore the world!

The camp will run for eight one-week sessions starting June 11 and continuing through Aug. 3. Campers range in age from entering kindergarten through entering ninth grade. Campers enjoy field trips, on campus programming, group activities, cooking, arts & crafts and the opportunity to spend time with old and new friends. Campers will visit eight different countries this summer and will

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learn about their cultures, food, games and people. Call Pat Packard at (561) 904-9730 for more information.

High Touch High Tech/The Lab — The Lab is happy to announce that it is expanding into a larger facility conveniently located off State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Science is presented by High Touch High Tech, the leader in hands-on science education for the last 17 years. Each day will be a new adventure from interacting with “lab critters” to launching rockets and panning for gems. The program offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool science takehomes, art, physical activities and more. The Lab taps into children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities that help them learn about the world around them. Expect awesome fun as kids make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, tie dye t-shirts and more! The registration fee is waived if you sign up by April 1. Call (561) 792-3785 today.

Home Away From Home Summer Camp — If your kids want a great summer camp experience, come to any of Home Away From Home’s four Palm Beach locations now enrolling summer camp programs for children ages 4-10 (limited space is available). The program offers daily indoor and outdoor field trips. Free meals and webcam services are included. It has been rated the “Best Summer Camp Ever!” For more information, visit www.homeawayfromhomechildcare.com or call Wellington at (561) 791-8558, Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 627-6170, Jupiter at (561) 747-6916 or West Palm Beach at (561) 802-9090.

Noah’s Ark — Spring Break Camp runs from March 19 through March 26. Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is being accepted for both Spring Break and Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call (561) 753-6624 or visit www.smallworld pbc.com.

Royal Palm Covenant Tutoring Summer Camp 2012 — Children ages 5 to 14 will enjoy field trips to Lion Country Safari, museums, parks, bowling, movies, the zoo and activities such as sports, arts & crafts, cooking and more fun. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open enrollment for the camp begins March 2. A one-time registration fee of $25 per child includes a T-Shirt.

The camp is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 793-1077 to register.

Spotlight of Wellington — Truly enhance your child’s performing arts level with Spotlight of Wellington’s summer intensive workshops. Spotlight welcomes students currently studying the performing arts and those with an undeveloped drive and passion. Sessions are offered according to level and age. Programs stimulate students through challenging, yet fun, experiences in a warm, positive environment. Students train in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, theatre, vocal and hip hop in an intimate and exclusive environment. Student performance levels greatly increase through Spotlight’s intensive experience. Several students have promoted to area schools of the arts. Call (561) 790-7758 today for proper placement, or visit www.spotlightofwellington.com.

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

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Features Edwina Sandy Exhibit

Three Graces by Edwina Sandy.

“The Art of Edwina Sandy: A Retrospective” is on display now through April 1 at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach.

Over the past 30 years, Sandy has created art of international acclaim that includes sculpture, paintings, collage and works on paper. Her work has reached a wide audience far beyond the realm of the private collector. In addition, Sandy’s book Art will be available for purchase.

Art chronicles wonderful photographs of her life that illustrate her famous ancestry. This book is the first and only collection of her visionary and artistic endeavors spanning four decades.

The New York artist and sometimes Palm Beach resident will grace both the gallery and gardens with works from the sacred to the secular, addressing politics and society.

Tackling big ideas while combining the lighthearted and the profound, Sandy’s works are at once playful and mind provoking. The artist’s clearly recognizable style uses positive and negative images to powerful effect.

Not solely focused on political subjects, but also frequently explor-

ing the relationships between man and woman, major works include her series “The States of Woman” and “The Marriage Bed,” which is in the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The exhibit at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will also include paintings from her series “Women of the Bible,” which are being shown for the first time since 1987.

“Some of the best characters in the Bible are women, and I have chosen to portray those with the most graphic stories,” Sandy said.

“When some people ask me if it isn’t a bit lese-majesté to treat this subject in such a light-hearted way, I reply, ‘God wouldn’t have given us a sense of humor if he hadn’t wanted us to use it!’”

Early in her career, for the 1979 United Nations’ Year of the Child, Sandy created three monumental sculptures, which are now installed at United Nations centers in New York, Geneva and Vienna. A decade later, she used dismantled sections of the Berlin Wall to create an extraordinary sculpture titled Breakthrough, now permanently sited at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., where her grandfather, Winston

Churchill, gave his historic “Iron Curtain” speech.

From her earliest work of social commentary, which began in London in the 1970s with paintings of the vibrant world she inhabited, Sandy showed her own distinctive style, which translated into other materials. Most notable of her bronzes in this exhibit is Christa, a female Christ figure on the cross, created in 1975. After being on display in galleries on both sides of the Atlantic, Christa was installed on Easter in 1984 in New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The media coverage created a worldwide furor, and she experienced the double-edged sword of public debate, as both praise and outrage flooded in.

Today, Sandy’s works are mainly large-scale metal sculptures, which include her iconic Eve’s Apple, Three Graces and her Sunflower Woman, commissioned by Henry Buhl for his celebrated Sunflower Collection.

The gardens are located at 253 Barcelona Road, at the corner of Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. A member and guest reception will take place Thursday, March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www. ansg.org or call (561) 832-5328.

History Of Florida Surfing Exhibition Opens March 12 At FAU The University Galleries in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University will present the landmark exhibition “Surfing Florida: A Photographic History” beginning Saturday, March 17 and continuing through Saturday, May 12.

The exhibition has been developed for the past three years by University Galleries Director W. Rod Faulds and Paul Aho, the exhibition’s curator, a lifelong Florida surfer and head of photography and digital imaging at the Paducah School of Art. A series of programs and events will take place the opening weekend beginning Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17, including opening remarks by Steve Pezman, cofounder and co-publisher of Surfers Journal and former editor and publisher of Surfer magazine, surfing’s longest-published magazine.

“Surfing Florida” presents the history of Florida surfing through contributions from more than 50 photographers from Florida standouts like Tom Dugan and Richard Messerol to internationally known photographers Jeff Divine and Steve Wilkings. Several other photographers of note, such as Gean Baron, M.E. Gruber and John Tate, are also included along with younger photographers, such as Nic Lugo and

Ryan Gamma. Hundreds of surfers in and out of Florida have formally and informally influenced the project’s development and content.

The exhibition at FAU will also include historical surfboards representing Florida’s 80-year-old surfing history.

The exhibition presents Florida’s surfing history through seven regional sections — five on the east coast and two on the Gulf Coast — and several theme-oriented sections. The thematic sections such as “The Sunshine State,” “Spiritual Dimensions in Surfing” and “Environmentalism and Surfing” have been informed by contributions from six humanities scholars in association with a grant the project received from the Florida Humanities Council. During the exhibition, some of these scholars will present public lectures including FAU’s Jamie Cunningham, an ethnomusicologist who will speak on “Surf Music” and University of Central Florida’s Mark Long, a historian who will lecture on Florida’s “Maritime History.”

Surfing Florida will employ “media stations” to present film, video, music and interviews with historic surfers. These media stations will present a wide variety of media in an interactive format to allow viewers to discover or remember aspects of surf culture and Florida surf his-

tory. Many Hollywood films, notably Gidget (1959), have influenced the public’s perception of surfers and surfing, while since the 1960s documentary films representing surfer’s perspectives have been a mainstay of surf culture. The media stations will also include vintage 8mm footage, historical documentaries constructed from such footage by Will Lucas, and excerpts of several oral history interviews conducted in association with “Surfing Florida.”

“Surfing Florida: A Photographic History” comes at a time when surfers throughout the world are beginning to seriously document this sport and lifestyle through books, museums and surfing history organizations. While Florida is part of this movement, it is also challenged by its reputation for lackluster surf. Yet, because of the inconsistent surf, surfers from Florida share an insatiable hunger for waves and an aggressive approach to the sport that has resulted in an incredible number of world titles for Florida’s competitive surfers and a deep cultural history. “Surfing Florida” has sought out and collaborated with many individuals and organizations from Florida’s statewide surfing community involved with archiving and documenting Florida’s surf history.

The University Galleries are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1

Ten-time world champ Kelly Slater (center) with (L-R) Todd Holland, Scott McCranels, Rich Rudolph, Matt Kechele and Charlie Kuhn.

PHOTO BY TONY ARRUZA

to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Group and class tours are welcome and can be arranged by appointment during public and alternative hours.

The exhibition and related programs and events are free and open to the public. Produced as a traveling exhibition by Faulds and student assistants, “Surfing Florida” will also be presented at the Pensacola Museum of Art in the summer.

“Surfing Florida” is made possi-

ble in part by grants from the Florida Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and the Roslin Family Foundation. Printing services for the project are courtesy of Konica Minolta Business Solutions, and Eastern Surf magazine serves as the media sponsor.

For more information about the exhibition, call the University Galleries at (561) 297-2966 or visit www. fau.edu/galleries.

Send entertainment 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.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wildcat Baseball Team Shuts Out Palm Beach Lakes 15-0

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity baseball team hosted Palm Beach Lakes High School on Friday, Feb. 24, and shut out the Rams 15-0 in just five innings.

The Wildcats held Palm Beach Lakes to just one hit during the contest. Royal Palm Beach managed four runs by the second inning, and by the fifth inning they had racked up 15.

It was a credit to the Royal Palm Beach defense, which played solid throughout, but the Rams gave up four errors and multiple walks, and struck several batters.

The Rams changed pitchers three times during the latter part of the game in an attempt to get back some control but had little success.

The errors were costly for the Rams, for they could never gain any momentum. Palm Beach Lakes did manage to provide excitement

at third base on two occasions when they tagged out two Wildcat runners attempting to steal third.

The top performer of the game was Royal Palm Beach pitcher Freddie Passelli (2-0), with four innings pitched, one hit and seven strikeouts.

Royal Palm Beach was back in action Tuesday against Cardinal Newman, coming away with a 4-1 victory.

RPB first baseman Chris Barr attempts a bunt.

Wildcat first baseman Chris Barr tries to tag out Palm Beach Lakes pitcher Mike Elis after a big lead-off at first base.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

RPB pitcher Freddie Passelli throws from the mound during the first inning.

RPB second baseman Connor Brennan takes his swing.

SRHS Baseball Squad Aiming For Regionals This Season

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity baseball team is vying for a winning season this year that will propel the Hawks through the district tournament and on to regionals.

“I think we’ll do well,” head coach Trent Pendergast said. “We’re aiming for a winning record, and I think we’ll end up right around there.”

Pendergast said his team will be one to watch, with standout players like leftfielder Robert Henderson and senior shortstop Marcus Mooney. “[Mooney] has been on varsity since he started with us as a freshman,” Pendergast said. “He’s one of the best shortstops in the whole area, and he led all the hitters in Palm Beach County last year. We’re looking for him to do that again for us this year. He’s signed to play for Palm Beach State [College] next year. He’s a great player.”

Also returning are first baseman Tyler Glover and centerfielder Courtney King. “He should do real well for us this year,” Pendergast said of King. “He played really well last

Anthony Boccanfuso (left) and Courtney King (right) work on their batting during a recent practice. year and was a great asset.”

One of the goals for the Hawks this year is to improve pitching, Pendergast said. “We have some inexperienced pitching this year,” he said. “If you don’t have that, it’s tough to compete. We have a tough schedule, so we’ll have to see where we go.”

Seminole Ridge competes this year against top teams such as Boca Raton, Spanish River and John I. Leonard. “We’re still competing with all the biggest schools in the state,” Pendergast said. “We’re not getting a break by any means.”

But with a 3-3 record and almost two dozen games left in the season, Pendergast said he’s optimistic.

“It has been a slow start,” he said.

“But we’re in a position where we can turn it around. We still have 22 games left to go.”

Ultimately, Pendergast said he’d love to see his team take a state title.

“We want at least a winning record and to make it to the regionals,” he said. “We’d love to play for a state championship; but whether that’s in the cards, we’ll have to see how the season goes. We’re just looking forward to a great year.”

Tyler Glover winds up to pitch.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wave U-16 Soccer Girls Finalists In Score At The Shore Showcase

Dylan Yoos

Jesse Weinberg

Wellington Wrestlers Second In Tourney The Wellington Wrestling Club hosted a 12-team dual tournament for kindergarten through eighth grade Saturday, Feb. 25 and ended up earning a second-place finish in their division.

The Wellington Warriors wrestling team earned a 4934 win over Palm Beach County PAL 2 in the first round, then a 55-44 victory over Heights Wrestling, a 5041 loss to Wrestling University, and finally a win over Port St. Lucie PAL.

Undefeated wrestlers for Wellington were Dylan Yoos (third grade, 55 pounds), Jesse Weinberg (fourth grade, 65 pounds), Jacob Sims (third grade, 77 pounds) and Colton Macfarlane (eighth grade, 98 pounds).

The Wellington Wrestling Club will travel to the USA State Tournament this weekend in Kissimmee.

For more information about joining the wrestling club, email wellingtonwrestling@ gmail.com.

The Wellington Wave U16 girls soccer team participated in the Score at the Shore Showcase soccer tournament held Feb. 18-20, and battled their way through six matches to get to the finals, where they eventually fell 3-1 to Elite Soccer United out of western Pennsylvania. The final match earned them second place overall in the tournament. The tournament series attracts teams from all over North America.

The Wave earned first

Wave’s Sarah Maclean battles for the ball in the championship match.

place in their bracket, winning three out of four games in group play.

Wellington first defeated Midwest United Select from Kansas 1-0. Wellington then lost a close game to Elite Soccer United from western Pennsylvania 1-0. The Wave rebounded nicely with back-toback victories over FSA Freedom (5-2) and against the Caledon Wildcats from Canada (1-0).

The Wave finished first place in group play, boasting seven goals and two shutouts. Wellington faced Midwest in a rematch in their semifinal game, and bested them again, 1-0. The win propelled the Wave to the championship match against Elite Soccer United in a rematch. Wellington fell in the final game 31, earning second place overall in the tournament.

The Wave were down at the half 1-0 but came out on a mission, and within minutes tied the contest 1-1. Midfielder Michelle Nilsen put in a

The Wellington Wave U-16 girls soccer team after the tournament award ceremonies. header on frame over the Elite keeper for the equalizer. The match remained tied most of the second half, until Elite managed two late goals to take the win.

Wellington scored a total of nine goals in six games, and managed three shutouts.

Nilsen had two goals. Forward Sarah Maclean scored four goals, forward Amanda Perez, midfielders Devyn Higgs and Makayla Barrantes all scored one goal. Wellington is now preparing for the

FYSA State Cup in March.

The U-6 Wellington Wave girls team includes Kaitlyn Anders, Christina Barbera, MaKayla Barrantes, Alexandra Bonadies, Aubree Browder, Manuela Correa, Devyn Higgs, Natalie Kelly, Sarah Maclean, Michelle Nilsen, Amanda Perez, Claudia Petrizzi, Kaitlyn Smith, Amanda Torres, Antoinette Walton, team captains Amanda Nardi and Brianna Labadie. The team’s head coach is Hassan Jaddaoui.

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This Week at The Four Arts Exhibit Extended! Now On Display Through Sunday, April 29 Recapturing the Real West:The Collections of William I. Koch $5 • (561) 655-7226 On Display All Season Florida’s Wetlands • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Ongoing Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Campus on the Lake Class:Yogalates with Rassika Sabine Bourgi $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Monday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Story Time In The Gardens: Love Your Pet Day with Karen LeFrak No charge • Reservations required • (561) 655-2776 Monday, March 5 at 3:30 p.m.

School Age Program: Floral Design $13 • Reservations required • (561) 655-2776 Tuesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, March 7 at 11 a.m.

Book Discussion: Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell No charge • (561) 655-2766 Wednesday, March 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Lecture: Lost & Found: Rediscovering Women Poets of the Italian Renaissance with Professor Carol Moore • Part of the Splendors of Italy series $20 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562

Thursday, March 8 and Friday, March 9 at 10 a.m.

Two-Day Workshop: Painting Fountains and Flora of Palm Beach in Watercolor with Elizabeth Horowitz • $120 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Thursday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Story Time: Music Day • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Thursday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Lecture: From Renaissance to Baroque: the European Collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum with Joanna Norman • Part of the Splendors of Italy series $20 • (561) 805-8562 Friday, March 9 Western Film Festival:The Cowboys (PG) at 2:30 and 8 p.m.

Open Range (R) at 5:15 p.m. • $5 • (561) 655-7226 Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m.

Lecture and Book Signing: Bringing Adam Home:The Abduction that Changed America by Les Standiford • No charge Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Saturday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m.

National Theatre Live:The Comedy of Errors (encore) by William Shakespeare $25; $15 for students with valid I.D. • (561) 655-7226 Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m.

Concert: Jerusalem String Quartet • $15 • (561) 655-7226

FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.

2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg

Page 52 March 2 - March 8, 2012

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Pfeiffer University’s Three Hawks Sign For College Ball Specian Honored Pfeiffer University’s David Specian of Loxahatchee has been selected as the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas Men’s Volleyball Player of the Week during week number three of the 2012 season.

Specian, who makes it 2-for-2 in players of the week for men’s volleyball, had a huge hand in continuing the Falcons’ seven-game win streak with a perfect 5-0 week overall as Pfeiffer improved to 7-1, 5-0 in league play.

Starting with a road matchup against the defending champs at Mount Olive, Specian helped rally the Falcons to a 3-2 win after being down early 2-0, by assisting a matchhigh 49 times in the five-set thriller adding nine digs, two block assists and a kill. In a Saturday tri-match at Eastern Mennonite, he added 40 assists in a 3-1 victory with nine more digs, three block assists and five kills from the front row. Later against Philly Bible in his one set of action, Specian handed out 10 helpers with two digs and a kill in another 3-1 win.

Rounding out the week against conference foes Limestone and Lees-McRae, Specian assisted 50

David Specian and 41 times in 3-1 league wins while adding six digs against the Saints and eight against the Bobcats. In the blocking department, Specian picked up two more block assists against Limestone and a solo stuff at Lees-McRae chipping in with four kills during each contest. For the week, Specian hit .440 with his 15 kills registering a monster 190 assists averaging 10.56/set. He dug up opponent attacks 34 times while picking up eight total blocks and two aces.

In the month of February, three Seminole Ridge High School varsity football players signed college scholarships for football. Gary Holmes Jr. has signed with Florida Tech, Kevin Jerome has signed with Tusculum College in Tennessee, and Darian Williams has signed with Marist College in New York.

Head football coach Matt Dickmann is confident of their futures.

“These three outstanding young men are great students as well as great football players,” he said, “and I know all three will excel, academically and athletically, at the next level. I wish them the best of luck in their journey to success.”

In other Seminole Ridge sports news, it was a mixed bag for Hawk tennis players, with a win for the boys and a loss for the girls.

On the court against Glades Central High School on Feb. 21, the girls tennis team was defeated 7-0, but the boys team had its first win, with singles match victories for Brandon Phan (8-6), Cameron Schneider (8-2), Victor Valcarcel (82) and Kyle Whirlow (8-1).

Darian Williams, Gary Holmes Jr. and Kevin Jerome.

In addition, the team has chosen Anthony Lawton and Jules Pellico as this year’s co-captains.

Both “took the day off” from their

singles matches to allow their teammates to compete, “the sign of a good captain,” according to tennis coach Joe Rodriguez.

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

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March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 53

HEALTH & FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

‘Stranger Danger’ And Other Safety Tips For Children

By Gustavo Pope-Guerriero Special to the Town-Crier Unfortunately, the world is a scary place, and there are people out there who prey on children. I can’t stress enough how important it is for all parents to talk to their children about what to do in case someone whom they do not know approaches them.

We need to make our kids confident and aware, not scared. You must give your children the knowledge and strategies they will need to protect themselves in dangerous situations.

Remember, these lessons should be ongoing. However, don’t forget to keep these lessons age- and maturity-level appropriate. As your kids get older, the lessons themselves and how you approach your child with these lessons should change.

When I talk to my very young students (3- to 5-year-olds) about stranger danger, I ask them, “What does a stranger look like?” You will be surprised by their answers: “they have long teeth,” “they are really big” or even “they have funny clothes.” (I’m still trying to figure out the last one.) Young children do not really have a sense of danger and think that everyone is good.

Tweens (10- to 12-year-olds) are not too sure about how they should act in situations with an adult they do not know. This is because they do not know if they should say “no” to an adult. Tell them that it is OK to say “no” to someone they do not know. Teenagers think that they are too old to be worrying about strangers or who they talk to. Unfortunately, they can all be targets. It is our

responsibility to keep them safe.

Here are some tips on how you can talk to your kids about a few different subjects: • Sexual Assault — Most grownups are nice to kids and care about what happens to them. But, every now and then, there are grownups who try to touch a child in a way that is not OK. This adult could even be a person children know and trust; such as a relative, teacher or neighbor. Tell your children that their body belongs to them. No one has the right to touch them if they don’t want them to. There are places on their body that are private. For example, places that are covered by a bathing suit. They need to trust their feelings. If something feels funny or wrong to them, they can say no.

It is OK to say no to an adult who tries to do something that feels wrong. Remember, adults and older kids should never ask you to keep a secret about touching, never touch you anywhere that is private (like where your bathing suit covers you), never ask you to touch them anywhere private, never reach under your clothes or try to get you to take off your clothes, and never ask you to keep a secret about something wrong.

• Preventing Abduction — Don’t play in deserted areas such as empty playgrounds or parks. In public places, stay with your mom or dad or use the buddy system. Always play, walk, bike and skate with a friend. Stay alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, like you think someone is following you, you are probably right.

If you notice that an adult is hanging around your school playground, your park or your yard, then you need to go to a place where you know you can find people that you trust. If someone tries to grab you, you need to kick, punch and yell: “No! I don’t know you! You are not my mom (or dad)!”

• Safety at Home — Many kids get home before their parents. If you come home before your mom or dad, make sure that the first thing you do is call a parent to let them know that you got home OK. If you come home and a window in your house is broken or a door is open that shouldn’t be, do not go in. Go to a trusted neighbor or find a phone and call 911. When your family is home and the doorbell rings, always find out who it is first and ask your mom or dad if it is OK to open the door.

Never tell someone you are home alone, whether they call on the phone or come by your house. Ask your mom or dad what they would like you to say, like: “My dad’s in the back yard; he will call you when he is done.” Never give information to anyone over the phone or Internet about yourself, your family or where you live. This also applies to online safety. Hang up on or stop talking to anyone who calls to bother you or who says bad things on the phone.

• Gun Safety — If you find a gun anywhere, don’t touch it. The gun could be loaded and dangerous. Tell your mom, dad or a trusted adult. If someone shows you a gun, don’t touch it. Guns are not toys. They can kill someone or hurt a person

very badly. Kids have been accidentally killed by guns, sometimes by their friends. Tell the person that you don’t want to be around guns because someone could get hurt or killed. Get away from the gun and the person. If you hear gunfire, duck. Get down as low as you can and cover your head.

• Safety Tips for Walking Home or Someplace Else — Carry your cell phone for use in an emergency.

Never accept rides from a stranger.

If a driver pulls to the curb to ask directions, avoid getting too close; adults don’t ask kids for directions.

Sex offenders often use this ploy to get children to come to their vehicles. Another trick commonly used to get a child to come to their vehicle is to tell the child that they have a puppy or other desired item. If you are being harassed by the occupants of a vehicle, you should turn and run in the opposite direction.

The driver will have to turn around or back up to follow.

These are just a few things that you can talk to your children about.

I am sure that you can add a few more topics as well. For instance, you can make a password in case you need to send an unfamiliar adult to pick up your child because you can’t make it to pick them up one day.

When talking to your children about strangers and danger, keep in mind they need to understand what is meant by “strangers.” Children will need to learn to recognize that not all people unknown to them are dangerous. This is easy for adults to understand, but it

Gustavo Pope-Guerriero may be a little difficult for a child.

Explain to him that a police officer is a “good” stranger, but a person trying to get him or her into a car is a “bad” stranger.

I firmly believe that children who take tae kwon do are much more prepared to deal with this potentially physical or violent confrontation and, thereby, are able to take the necessary steps to successfully navigate and control the potential outcomes of this situation. To stay safe, a child is going to have to watch out for themselves.

It is our job to make sure that all kids are safe. Let’s be diligent about it, and let’s make this a safe world for the sake of our children.

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

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

Page 54 March 2 - March 8, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, March 3 • West Palm Beach Antiques Festival continues through Sunday, 4 at the South Florida Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.).

Visit www.festivalofantiques.com for info.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk John Prince Park on Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 a.m. Walk 2 to 4 miles in the company of hiking buddies with breakfast afterward at TooJay’s.

Call Paul Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Visit the Wellington Green Market on Saturday, March 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Enjoy a family-fun day at Wellington Elementary School’s 2012 Carnival on Saturday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The-PTO sponsored event features bounce houses, pony rides, games, food, face painting, entertainment and local vendors. Wristbands will be available for $25 and tickets for $1 each on the day of the carnival. For more info., call the school at (561) 651-0600.

• Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host a “Choose Native” class Saturday, March 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. Join inhouse botanist Julia Gehring to discuss native and Florida-friendly alternatives to common ornamental plants. Call (561) 4345777 to register. Visit www.thenaturescenter. com for more info.

Sunday, March 4 • The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park in southern Martin County on Sunday, March 4. Plenty of water is a must.

Meet at the front gate at 8 a.m. Call Mary Miller at (561) 391-7942 for more info.

Monday, March 5 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a bird walk Monday, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. at Wakodahatchee Wetlands (13026 Jog Road, Delray Beach). Meet at the top of boardwalk. For more info., visit www.auduboneverglades.org.

• The Wellington Prowlers and Roller Kings roller hockey teams will host a golf tournament Monday, March 5 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. For more info., call Gari Sanf ilippo at (561) 603-1513, e-mail wellingtonrollerhockey@gmail.com or visit www.wellingtonrollerhockey.com.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meeting Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature

Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). The presentation will be about migratory birds. Call Sherry Cummings at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

• Violinist Elmar Oliviera, artist-in-residence at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music, will perform the Schumann Violin Concerto with the Atlantic Classical Orchestra on Monday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Lynn’s Wold Performing Arts Center (3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton). Tickets cost $40 for orchestra seating and $35 for mezzanine. For tickets, call (866) 310-7521 or visit www.acomusic. org.

Tuesday, March 6 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, March 6 at 9:30 a.m. at the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., sixth floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) features Croc het Club on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Learn basic crochet skills and socialize while you work.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 7932418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves.org for more info.

Wednesday, March 7 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will host the USPA Piaget Gold Cup 26-goal tournament from Wednesday, March 7 through Sunday, March 25. For more info., visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

• Palm Beach Executive Network will hold its weekly breakfast meeting Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30 a.m. at Friendly’s Restaurant (1001 State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach).

For more info., call call Kendra Rosenfeld at (561) 795-3240 or e-mail kendra.rosenfeld @mynycb.com.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk Jones/Hungryland Slough on Wednesday, March 7 at 8 a.m. Take a wonderful weekday walk through pine wetlands. Call Dave Cook at (561) 7438642 for more info.

• The Global Business Development Center (14000 Military Trail, Suite 112, Delray Beach) will host an “Ask an Expert Lunch Roundt able” on Wednesday, March 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Facebook executive will discuss how Facebook can be leveraged See CALENDAR, page 55

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 54 to grow your client base and profit margin.

The cost is $25. Lunch will be included and pre-registration is required. Call (561) 8944500 for more info.

• Sunset Pilates (223 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach) will host an open house to benefit Gratitude House on Wednesday, March 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn about a leading a healthy lifestyle while supporting the Gratitude House rehabilitation center for women. The free event will include free chair massages, entertainment, an aura photography session, Pilates demonstrations, raffle prizes and more. Call Alyson Limehouse at (561) 820-9184 or e-mail sunsetpilates@ aol.com for more info.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters will host a Royal Palm Beach Village Council Candidates Forum on Wednesday, March 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call Scott Brown at (561) 7906200 or e-mail scott@palmswest.com for more info.

Thursday, March 8 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Knowing What’s Now” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, March 8 at 4:30 p.m. Talk with other teens about the latest online trends, web sites, music and ways to stay safe online. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

•The Norton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach) will host the jazz duo Davis & Dow as part of its “Art After Dark” series on Thursday, March 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.

Friday, March 9 • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach) will host “Stories in the Garden: Flowers” Friday, March 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Mounts Pavilion. This free program is targeted for children ages 2 to 6 and includes story time, garden exploration and crafts. Call (561) 233-1757 for reservations. Visit www. mounts.org for more info.

• The Royal Palm Art & Music Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11 on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. near Southern Blvd. Carnival rides will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 9. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.royalpalm beachfestival.com.

• Fete Cheval, presented by Spy Coast Farm, will take place Friday, March 9 in the

International Club at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. The popular event serves as the primary fundraiser for the EQUUS Foundation. For info., visit www.equusfoundation.org/fete-cheval.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host Laugh Out Loud Comedy Night on Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 7532484 for more info.

Saturday, March 10 • Champions and puppies alike will return to the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) on Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11 for the Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers Association’s annual All Breed Dog Shows. The events will include two AKCsanctioned dog shows. For more info., visit www.pbcdfa.org.

• Wellington will host a Green Market & Songwriters Showcase on Saturday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Artist, researcher and biologist Guy Harvey will show his iconic artwork beginning Saturday, March 10 at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, free with park admission. For info., call (561) 7767449 or visit www.macarthurbeach.org.

• Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host a class on recognizing invasive plants in your home garden Saturday, March 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. Learn how to identify the most common invasive plant species in the area. The class is free. Call (561) 434-5777 to register. Visit www.the naturescenter.com for more info.

• The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation will host its annual Sunset Safari to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 10. The event will feature guided airboat and canoe tours, nature walks, music, storytelling interactive exhibits, and dinner, wine and cocktails at sunset. Tickets start at $75 per person and may be purchased online at www.art marshall.org.

• Wellington will present a free concert featuring Long Run’s Tribute to the Eagles on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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

March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 55

Page 56 March 2 - March 8, 2012

WE BUY YOUR OLD & BROKEN GOLD — diamond, & silver jewelry, coins, silverware, flat-ware, etc. Wellington Green Mall. CR Jewelers (outside Aeropost ale) 561-753-1313

YARD SALE MARCH 3rd & MARCH 4th, 7:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

— Furniture, Books, Puzzles, and Games. 659 Spinnaker Court.

WELLINGTON’S EDGE HUGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, March 3rd 8 a.m. - Noon 10851 W. Forest HIll Blvd.

Across from Buca di Beppo Something for Everyone!

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation T utors.

Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 DRIVERS! DRIVERS! DRIVERS! Drivers wanted for Wellington Cab. Retirees welcome. Cleaning Driving Record. Call 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 NAIL TECHS — Experienced clients waiting - full-time & part-time. Apply at Permanent Elegance7070 Seminole Pratt,Loxahatchee 561-7905777

EMPLOYMENT WANTED — Semi retired accountant/bookkeeper seeking part-time (2 to 3 days per week) Experienced in Quickboook, Pro and more. 561429-8970

WWW. GOTOWNCRIER. COM

SMALL COMMERCIAL RE/ASSET MGMT FIRM SEEKS FULL TIME EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER — Must be exceptional at Microsoft Office with the ability to fully utilize all aspects of Outlook, Microsoft Word, and excel. Must have superb organizational skills and the ability to maintain, track and diary litigaton files. Must be efficient with all office equipment (digital phone, printer, scanner, copier and mailing machine. Must be willing to commute 35 miles west of Wellington Daily. Email resume to: Steve.Royal@theroyalcompanies.com

MAKE $100 - $300 PER DAY— Daily pay! START FREE! For info call Richard at 1-800-729-9268

ARTWORK FOR SALE Framed Milnar Original Works, Island Brie, 46x45, $20,000.00 Serenity, 35x34, $22,000.00 Signed Tony Bennett, Central Park, $10,000.00.

Please call Pat at 561-795-3337

HOUSE FOR SALE — 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home, 10.5 plus acres, also approved to be sub-divided into 4 parcels. Horse Lover ’s Dream.

Wellington Little Ranches. 12033 Acme Road Just Reduced Please call Julie Poof, 561-222-0601or rent $3500/monthly

Available for immediate occupancy.

Three-bedroom, two-bath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community. Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Two-car garage. Movein ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities.

Cable TV, lawn maintenance and 24-hour security included. Available for rent, $1,550/month. Call Josh at (561) 315-6727 for more info.

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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

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

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

HAPPY JACK LIQUIVIC — Recognized safe & effective against hook & roundworms by US Center for Veterinary Medicine. Grand Prix Call 561-792-2853 or visit our website at www.happyjackinc.com STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING — Promote healing & hair growth.StampoutITCHAMCALLITTS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK Itch No More. Apply Skin Balm add Tonekote to diet. Goldcoast Feed 793-4607 visit our website www.kennelvax.com

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 TO PLACE YOUR AD

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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Windstorm Mitigation Inspections, Mold Inspections, Air Quality Testing.

State of Florida Lic. & Ins. #HI2147 US Building Inspectors 561-7848811

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782 CLEAN LIKE IT MY OWN CLEANING SERVICE — thirty years experience local reference Acreage, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm and Wellington area. 561-234-7905 T OWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS PLACEYOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY AD HERE CALL 793-3576 THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

TNT LAWN CARE — Hedges & yard clean-up, Quality & Dependable Service. 561-644-8683

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS Air Quality Testing, leak detection.

US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811.

State of Fl. Lic. & Ins. #MRSA1796 T OWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS PLACEYOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY AD HERE CALL 793-3576

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

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

Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured.

CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

March 2 - March 8, 2012 Page 57

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

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

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

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

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

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

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal.

Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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