Town-Crier Newspaper March 4, 2016

THREE LOX CANDIDATES AT LGLA FORUM SEE STORY, PAGE 3

SWAT MOSQUITO TAKES AIM AT PESTS SEE STORY, PAGE 11

THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE

Lox Groves Town Council Reconsiders Flood Plain Ordinance

Volume 37, Number 10 March 4 - March 10, 2016

Serving Palms West Since 1980

WEST FEST AT RPB COMMONS PARK

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council decided Tuesday to reconsider enacting an ordinance that would protect residents whose property might show as being in a flood plain when the new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps come out next year. Page 3

Build-Your-Own-Bowl Eatery Bolay Now Open On State Road 7

Bolay restaurant held its grand opening Friday, Feb. 26. Owned

by Tim and Chris Gannon, Bolay debuted its new build-your-ownbowl dining concept on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach.

The restaurant features food with fresh nutrients and bold flavors, including gluten-free and dairy-free selections.

Page 12

Okeeheelee Nature Center Hosts PBC Dark Sky Fest

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Okeeheelee Nature Center hosted Celebrate the Night, the Palm Beach County Dark Sky Festival, with children activities, stargazing, a movie screening, photo opportunities and nature hikes. Page 21

OPINION

Endorsements: Wellington Ballot Questions 1, 2 & 3

Wellington’s Charter Review Task Force spent nearly a year going line-by-line through the village’s governing document.

After many hours of work, the task force proposed nearly a dozen changes to the document. Eventually, those were whittled down to six sent to the Wellington Village Council. The end result? Three ballot questions are heading to voters, but only one came from the task force. Was the entire project a waste of time? We’ll let other observers make that judgment.

Instead, we review the items actually going to the voters. Page 4

DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 12 OPINION.................................. 4 NEWS BRIEFS....................... 11 PEOPLE................................. 17 SCHOOLS...................... 18 - 19 COLUMNS.......................20, 31 BUSINESS..................... 32 - 33 SPORTS..........................39 - 41 CALENDAR............................ 44 CLASSIFIEDS................ 45 - 48 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual West Fest celebration from Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 28 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event featured western-themed fun, music, activities, shows, vendors and more. Shown here, Tee Franzoso, Joey Secard and Linda Burrowes enjoy the music. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 26 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Council Hopefuls Speak At Chamber Luncheon

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Chamber of Commerce staged a forum Wednesday, Feb. 24 to familiarize members with the candidates seeking seats on the Wellington Village Council in the election to be held Tuesday, March 15.

The forum was moderated by Wellington Chamber President Johnny Meier and included incumbent Mayor Bob Margolis and his challenger, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, as well as Vice Mayor John Greene and challenger Michael Drahos, who are vying for Seat 1.

Councilman John McGovern and Councilman-Elect Michael Napoleone, who were unopposed

and will not be on the ballot, also attended the forum.

Margolis, a 33-year resident of Wellington, has a long history on the council.

“I served on it before, and came back in 2012 to serve as your mayor,” he said. “I came back for a number of reasons, because Wellington, to me, is the best place to live, not only in Florida, but I believe in the whole world. I’ve raised a family here. I’ve been honored to sit on the council and make very difficult decisions.

Some of them, you may agree with me, some of them, you may not agree with me; but that’s what the people have elected me to do.”

Margolis highlighted his leadership, particularly in financial

issues, such as when the council hired a new auditor.

Gerwig is a 26-year resident of Wellington with three children who were raised in the community.

Her husband, Alan, is an engineer, and they started their own engineering firm in 1998. “It was a wonderful opportunity for me to live, work and play right here in my great hometown,” she said.

Elected to the council in 2010, her first six years in office were not boring.

“I’ve served on the council through some good times and through some tough times. The first couple of years, we got a lot accomplished — I’m very proud of the record that this council had,” See CHAMBER, page 9

ELECTION 2016: LOX GROVES, SEAT 2

Todd McLendon Sees Need For Change On Lox Town Council

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Loxahatchee Groves resident Todd McLendon is challenging incumbent Councilman Jim Rockett for Seat 2 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. The election is on Tuesday, March 15.

McLendon recently sat down with the Town-Crier to explain why voters should choose him for the council seat.

Born and raised in the West Palm Beach area, McLendon runs a business maintaining computerized air-conditioning control systems. He also raises parrots and other exotic birds. As his aviary collection grew, he moved to Loxahatchee Groves 10 years ago, since it was recommended as the best place in the area for bird breeders.

He moved to the community just prior to incorporation, and he was against the idea.

“I was very concerned about local politics. I had no interest in being involved in politics before.

Really don’t have an interest, per se, in being in politics right now, but the situation has put me where I feel like I don’t have a choice but to be involved with politics,” McLendon said.

Shortly after the town incorporated, a neighbor became disgruntled with McLendon’s birds and their noise, and began working toward getting him to leave the area. But McLendon said he had no intention of leaving.

“There’s hundreds of years of agriculture in Loxahatchee Groves,” he said, noting that there have been dozens of bird breeders in the community over the years.

“This is the first time that I’m aware of that there’s a neighbor this disgruntled about having an aviary next door.”

Rules and regulations were

Todd McLendon adopted by the town after incorporation, McLendon said, particularly specific ones initiated by his neighbor, that the council used in an attempt to shut him down.

“I came to find out that those rules and regulations were against Florida’s constitution and they See McLENDON, page 7

Jim Rockett Stresses Financial Expertise In Bid For Third Term

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Incumbent Councilman Jim Rockett is being challenged by Todd McLendon for Seat 2 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council.

Rockett recently sat down with the Town-Crier to explain why voters should support him on Tuesday, March 15.

Rockett narrowly defeated McLendon in 2013 to earn a second three-year term on the council.

He began his service to the town on the Financial Advisory & Audit Committee.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pace University, Rockett said his 40-year background in accounting and financial planning with IBM and Siemens gives him unique qualifications to sit on the council.

“That’s the expertise and experience that I draw out as an

individual,” he said. “Nobody else on the council has that kind of background. It’s kind of a burden to me because I look at it as, ‘I better be checking that kind of stuff.’”

Rockett, a native of upstate New York, moved to Palm Beach County with his wife, Nancy, in 1980, and eventually settled in Loxahatchee Groves to work at his son’s nursery. He has served on several association boards, using his financial expertise to help the organizations.

He believes that he is better qualified to serve on the council because of that background. “I have lots of things that I can look to in terms of skills, and I really don’t think my opponent has any of that,” Rockett said. “On the finance side, you don’t spend 40 years in that kind of business and not pick up a few things.”

Rockett said he is amused that people use the term “activist” to

Jim Rockett describe his opponent.

“In my mind, [he’s] somebody who’s complaining all the time or arguing all the time, but I haven’t seen any contribution to fix the problem,” he said.

Rockett lists his top accomplishment in office as persuading the See ROCKETT, page 7

Topping-Out Event Marks Milestone At New Wellington Community Center

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington officials conducted a topping-out ceremony on Monday for the new Wellington Community Center, scheduled for completion in June.

Mayor Bob Margolis credited Councilman Matt Willhite for his persistence in following through on the execution and completion of the new building, which replaces the old facility, a retrofitted country club building that dated back to the 1970s.

Willhite credited numerous council members and community leaders who have supported construction of the new community center.

“Mayor Margolis, thank you for those comments, but it’s not just me; it’s people like you, former Councilman Al Paglia, former Councilwoman Laurie Cohen, who made an investment in this community, who have been here a long time and have seen the future of what we need,” Willhite said.

“But the future doesn’t mean we forget our past.”

Willhite recalled the old community center’s uses as a country club, a restaurant and many years as the village’s meeting hall. “It was a little somber when we tore the old community center down, but look at what we are building for the future generations of this village,” he said.

The new building is the kind of facility that Wellington needs in order to stay in step with the times, Willhite said, adding that families need gathering locations and the village needed a more modern and efficient facility, rather than a building that had been remodeled many times in order to accommodate the needs of the village.

“The things that may happen in this building, the bar mitzvahs, the weddings, the receptions, are the legacy that they are going to leave for us and the memories they will have at this facility,” said Willhite, who will be leaving the council in a few weeks due to term limits.

With the completion of the new

community center, all the village’s facilities will be state-of-the-art, he said.

“That investment will pay off for the future of this village,” he said. “I am so honored to be here today to mark the finish of what is going to be the focal point and center of this village,” Willhite concluded.

Vice Mayor John Greene thanked everyone involved for seeing the project through.

“This has been talked about for so long, and I think it’s really important,” he said. “You guys have done a great job. We’ve done things the right way, and we continue to do things the right way.

We’re calling it a topping-off ceremony, and I think it’s appropriate as I approach the end of my first term in office. I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve over the last four years.”

Greene said some people have considered the village’s projects to be wasteful spending.

“I’m sorry, I just don’t see it that way,” he said. “I look at the tennis center, I look at this community center, I look at the programming that takes place over at the amphitheater — the money that is spent on these facilities are tax dollars, and I’m so proud to be a part of taking that money and investing it back into the community. There’s no greater example than this community center.”

He said the new building will enable the village to continue to expand its programming.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig was nostalgic talking about the old community center.

“The first time I was at the old community center, my next-door neighbor invited us to breakfast there,” she said. “We held some really wonderful events there.

That was a really good point that Councilman Willhite made about the efficiency of this new building.

The first floor of the old building was originally a parking garage, and then it was enclosed. It was great for classes and things like that, but it had water issues and See TOPPING-OUT, page 9

Topping-Out Ceremony — Councilman John McGovern, Vice Mayor John Greene, Mayor Bob Margolis, Councilman Matt Willhite and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig at the entrance to the soon-to-becompleted Wellington Community Center.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

FUN AT COLORFEST 5K

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce celebrated 20 years of serving the community with its first ColorFest 5K on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Village Park on Pierson Road. Hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers had a great time while getting a bit messy thanks to colored cornstarch powder thrown at the participants. Shown here are Meredith Brown, Anthony Zasun and Jen Schultz. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 25 PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Page 2

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Vote Tuesday March 15

SOCCER PLAYERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

SUPPORT

FRED PINTO

FOR MAYOR OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

JEFF HMARA

FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 1

RICHARD VALUNTAS FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL, SEAT 3 FOR HONEST GOVERNMENT

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Fred Pinto for Mayor of Royal Palm Beach, Jeff Hmara for Royal Palm Beach Village Council, Seat 1 and Richard Valuntas for Royal Palm Beach Village Council, Seat 3.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 3

NEWS

Three Of Four Lox Council Candidates Take Part In LGLA Forum

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’Association (LGLA) hosted a candidates forum Thursday, Feb. 25 in advance of the Tuesday, March 15 election.

Two seats on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will be on the ballot, and three of four candidates seeking those seats attended the forum. Attendees included Seat 4 incumbent Mayor Dave Browning and challenger Thais Gonzalez, along with Seat 2 challenger Todd McLendon. Councilman Jim Rockett, the Seat 2 incumbent, did not attend the forum.

Browning, a Loxahatchee Groves resident for 37 years, served 11 years on the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control Board of Supervisors before being elected to the council. He has served on the council for 9 years.

He would like to continue.

“There’s a lot of things up in the air; a lot of things going on,” he said. “It has taken a long time getting the ducks in order — on things like the horse trails — and we’re almost there. On a lot of other things, they just do not happen quickly. I wish they did.”

Gonzalez, a six-year resident of Loxahatchee Groves, moved here

to raise her family. She operates a horse farm with her husband.

“I love this town, and I have been fighting for the rights of the citizens of this town, not as an elected official, but as a citizen. As an elected official, I think I could do much more,” she said.

McLendon, a third-generation Floridian, has lived in Loxahatchee Groves for 10 years, moving to the area in order to operate his aviary, where he raises exotic birds.

He moved to Loxahatchee Groves just prior to incorporation and was against the idea. The goal of incorporation, he noted, was to preserve and protect Loxahatchee Groves.

“We’re nine years into it, and I haven’t seen much preserving or protecting of Loxahatchee Groves,” he said. “I’ve seen 7-Elevens that are 24/7 gas stations being approved. I’ve seen the largest not-for-profit kennel being approved right in the middle of Loxahatchee Groves. I’ve seen two Dunkin Donuts being approved in Loxahatchee Groves, and I’m still trying to figure out what we’ve done to preserve and protect. If it was to preserve and protect developers, they’re doing fantastic at that.”

If there is a possible conflict of interest, the candidates were asked at what point a council member should recuse himself or herself.

All three candidates said they would recuse themselves early on.

The candidates were asked if it would be appropriate for an audience member to raise an objection to a conflict of interest, and what sort of evidence they would need to show.

“Obviously, anybody could raise any objection at any time about anyone. You just have to have elected officials who are up there to do the right thing, and not have to be pointed out that they’re making mistakes,” McLendon said. “If there is something they shouldn’t be doing, they should take it upon themselves and police themselves. We need council members up there who can do it for themselves.”

Browning said anyone with information should have the opportunity to speak.

“If there is a violation, it is very important that the people know if that person refuses to recuse themselves,” he said. “Understand, I think everyone thinks we have a strong mayor system. We don’t.

I am a council member up there with everybody else. I don’t have

Dave Browning, Thais Gonzalez and Todd McLendon take questions from LGLA members.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

the right to call another person and say, ‘You’re wrong.’ I can’t do that. That’s why we have legal counsel.”

Gonzalez said that all citizens should be able to voice their opinions, no matter what the opinions are.

“Now, perception is reality,” she said. “As a council, I believe we should do research to find out the facts. But I do believe that everybody should have the right to voice their opinion.”

The candidates were asked if

they thought it was appropriate for council members to campaign for those up for election.

Gonzalez and McLendon said that it was not appropriate, preferring neutrality. Browning, who has campaigned on behalf of others in the past, said that with age comes wisdom.

“I’ve realized over the years that it really is a bad position to take to support candidates for the council. Because whoever is elected, everybody has to work together.

To campaign against somebody

who might be sitting next to you, I think, is a bad decision for the future council and for the citizens of the town,” Browning said.

Public comment has a threeminute limit during meetings.

Candidates were asked whether they think there should be a limit for council members, and if so, what sort of limit.

Gonzalez suggested a threeminute limit for members of the council.

“I have been going to the counSee LGLA, page 11

Lox Groves Town Council Reconsiders Flood Plain Ordinance

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council decided Tuesday to reconsider enacting an ordinance that would protect residents whose property might show as being in a flood plain when the new Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps come out next year.

Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board Chair Dennis Lipp said he had invited Palm Beach County Building Director Doug Wise to speak about the maps after being informed by the town manager that the council did not plan to enact a flood plain ordinance.

“Doug is going to talk to you about what the FEMA plan is and how the FEMA plan works,” Lipp said.

Wise said something to think about is the cost to do a flood plain ordinance versus the benefit.

“You’re not required to do a flood plain ordinance if you

don’t want to,” he said, but added that when the maps get adopted, it would be a benefit to some residents. “It will affect me; it will affect everybody in Loxahatchee Groves. How it affects them is going to be different, dependent on whether you adopt an ordinance or not.”

He said that if the town does not adopt a flood plain ordinance, it will require the building official, which is currently the county, by state statute to do certain minimum things on construction that is subject to the Florida Building Code under the National Flood Insurance Program.

“The difference is if you adopt an NFIP-compliant ordinance, agricultural structures which are exempt from the Florida Building Code and other structures that are exempt from the Florida Building Code, would also be subject to compliance,” he said. “Let me be clear, the requirements for compliance are significantly different

between residential structures and agricultural structures.”

Wise said that his department approves many agriculturally exempt buildings each year that are in the flood plain.

“We assist the residents and the builders to understand what’s required,” he said. “We don’t make them comply with the Florida Building Code because they don’t have to. They’re exempt under the Right to Farm Act, but we do make sure they’re compliant under the NFIP requirements.”

Why should a community adopt an ordinance? “It’s really simple.

Flood insurance,” Wise said. “Do you want federally backed flood insurance or don’t you? Because if you don’t adopt an ordinance that is at least minimum NFIPcompliant, anybody who currently has flood insurance in the Town of Loxahatchee Groves is subject to cancellation, which means there will be no flood insurance available that’s federally backed.”

Wise said private insurance policies are available, but they are more expensive. He added that the county has adopted an ordinance that requires slightly higher compliance rules than NFIP. Currently, nobody in the town is in a flood plain, but that may change when the new flood maps come out, Wise noted.

He said that Randy Wertepny of Keshavarz & Associates, the town’s engineering consultant, told him that based on appeals that had been filed, about 162 structures in Loxahatchee Groves will be removed from the flood zone in the next version of the maps scheduled to be released next year.

“Until we see those maps, all those originally identified are still in the crosshairs,” he said, adding that Wertepny told him that 59 structures will remain in the flood plain. “That’s 59 property owners. They will be required, if you don’t do an ordinance, to get private flood insurance through

their mortgages, and it could be prohibitively expensive.”

Wise pointed out that his staff works routinely with county residents who have problems with their elevation certificates or insurance policies where their properties have been misidentified and they are being charged too much for insurance.

“In the last three months, we’ve saved three residents that I am aware of probably $1,000 a month on their insurance,” he said.

Wise said it is not pleasant for him to have to tell a homeowner whose home is in the flood plain that he can’t reroof his house unless he elevates it.

“The bottom line is FEMA is about an insurance program,” he said. “There are a lot of things that I like to do, but I will tell you flood plains are not one of the things I like to do. As a building official, it’s one of the hardest things to do.”

Wise said that if the town chooses not to write an ordinance pro-

tecting structures in the flood plain now, it will not be able to get into the program later.

“It’s a painful subject for all of us,” he said. “We don’t like it; I don’t like it. The federal government comes and tells us these things, but at the end of the day, whether we like it or not, the maps are coming. They will affect your ability to get federally backed mortgages, and they’ll affect your ability to get financing.”

Councilman Tom Goltzené asked Wise whether he would provide copies of the county’s ordinance to use as models for the town to consider.

Councilman Jim Rockett recommended having legal staff start working on an ordinance immediately. “It sounds like something that we should be doing,” he said.

The county has a web site at http://maps.co.palm-beach.fl.us/ gis/floodzones.aspx where property owners can check their status in the flood plain.

Re-Elect Bob Margolis

LOWER TAXES

Bob has cut the tax rate twice!

HOME VALUES UP

Re-Elect

25% in Mayor Bob’s 1st term

Bob

Margolis MAYOR

VILLAGE DEBT DOWN from $11.5 million to just $4.4 million in last 4 years

Because Your Money Matters Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bob Margolis for Wellington Mayor.

Page 4

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

TOWN-CRIER ENDORSEMENTS

Wellington Ballot Questions: Vote YES On 1 And 2, But NO On 3

Wellington’s Charter Review Task Force began meeting in the summer of 2014 and spent nearly a year going line-by-line through the village’s governing document. After many hours of work by volunteers and paid village staff members, the task force proposed nearly a dozen changes to the document. Eventually, those were whittled down to six sent to the Wellington Village Council. The end result? Three ballot questions are heading to voters this month, but only one came from the task force. That would seem to be more than slightly insulting to the task force and its diligent work. Left on the cutting room floor were several important changes, along with a few bad ideas. Was the entire project a waste of time? Was it really a means to an end to get something else on the ballot? We’ll let other observers make that judgment. Instead, let’s review the items actually going to the voters.

Question 1: “Inclusion of the Equestrian Preserve Area Within the Charter.” The charter currently makes no reference to the Equestrian Preserve Area, which was created after it was written. This proposed amendment — the only remaining item actually drafted by the Charter Review Task Force — would recognize the Equestrian Preserve Area in the charter and permit landowners to apply to be voluntarily included in the preserve through a majority vote by the council, but would prohibit removal of properties from the preserve without a four-vote supermajority. This was something that the task force, and those who attended its input meetings, felt strongly about. In reality, there aren’t a great deal of opportunities to expand the preserve, and shrinking the preserve is something that most Wellington residents (equestrians and non-equestrians) agree is not in the community’s best interest. For that reason, requiring a four-vote supermajority to remove land from the preserve seems a prudent measure. The Town-Crier endorses a YES vote on Wellington Ballot Question 1.

Question 2: “Village Canvassing Board.” The current charter provides that the election canvassing board be composed of those members of the council not running for reelection and the village clerk. This proposed

Bellissimo: Question 3 Is Dangerous

Years ago, my family made the decision to make Wellington our home. It was not hard to fall for Wellington and the opportunities of the future, and all the great things that come with being a part of this great community. I’ll never be able to express how thankful I am for the way so many of you welcomed me and my family.

Prior to our ownership of the Winter Equestrian Festival, it was a small show operated as a private club for the enjoyment of a privileged few. It was not family friendly, nor was the public welcome.

The show was losing money, and the venue, which was rented, had a decaying infrastructure. It needed a long-term private investment from those willing to take a risk to make our economy thrive.

That’s what we did when we built a new venue from the ground up and christened it the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The families composing our partnership had a single primary goal: to create a welcoming, inclusive, family-friendly venue that our community could enjoy and be proud of. But I have become worried that all our progress is in danger because of upcoming ballot Question 3.

Question 3 is an act of political trickery positioned as preservation, aimed at undermining our community and making voters believe this is beneficial to us all. Question 3, in fact, would be detrimental to our thriving economy. Those who find themselves in a position of leadership in our community are willing to risk the lifeline of our equestrian economy to please their political patron, a patron whose desire for “preservation” is to isolate the family mansion and 300-acre estate from the rest of the community. All of the subject land already has commercial or residential designation.

This patron represents the family who is using litigation in an attempt to tear down one of our two equestrian venues, who tried desperately to fight incorporation, and then tried to fight Village Park, Wellington’s largest recreational facility. The village was forced to agree to no bike or walking paths in front of their mansion, speed bumps on Pierson Road, and the dangerous curve at Stribling Way and Pierson Road that the village is now using hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars to correct.

Wellington attracts visitors from 50 states and 43 countries.

Many have purchased property, and some are calling Wellington home. These visitors pay taxes that benefit the village’s infrastructure and operating costs. They dine at our restaurants, retain many of our professional services and shop at our stores. Ask any of your friends who run a local business about the beneficial impact of equestrian visitors. Their spending supports many of the businesses that we year-round residents value. And of tremendous significance are the contributions these visitors make to our Great Charity Challenge. The GCC has raised and distributed more than $9 million to Wellington charities, Wellington schools and other Palm Beach County charities.

In addition to eliminating much-needed lodging options, a damaging element of Question 3 would be a prohibition of families renting out apartments on their property. Further, the more visitors

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

who have local accommodations, the less traffic there will be in and out of town. Most visitors must now travel from outlying areas on our roads. We can greatly reduce that traffic.

Stop the influence of special interest money. That is why I’m urging you to vote “No” on Question 3. Defeating Question 3 will reduce traffic, strengthen local businesses and allow us to thoughtfully expand the season.

Let’s end the council infighting and strengthen Wellington by sending the message that this village is not for sale.

Mark Bellissimo Wellington Editor’s note: Mr. Bellissimo is the managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners and CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions.

pets qualified as an agricultural land use. The court decision was another loss. Essentially, the court held that McLendon’s aviary was a commercial exotic bird pet kennel that did not qualify as an agricultural land use. This court decision now jeopardizes aviaries that want to qualify for Florida’s right to farm protections.

McLendon’s campaign sign slogan is “keep it rural,” but he is “reckless rural” with poor judgment involving litigation that has adverse consequences for many residents other than just Todd McLendon.

John Ryan Loxahatchee Groves Editor’s note: Mr. Ryan is a member of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors.

McLendon Wrong For Lox Town Council

Louda Supports Todd McLendon

Most people don’t know candidates through meaningful business, friendship, community and/ or neighbor interactions. Campaign interviews, mailers and panel comments help inform voters, but they need to be consistent with a candidate’s actions and his public record. Todd McLendon has too many significant litigation issues and losses that suggest bad judgment and disregard of our rural community.

McLendon filled in protected wetlands on his property to expand the land area used for bird cages. He lost a multi-year legal challenge with the South Florida Water Management District and faces the consequences of a state court order that has found him in continuous and chronic contempt for not complying with the court judgment to restore the wetlands on his property.

Loxahatchee Groves held a workshop and provided several town council meetings for all residents to express their opinions regarding the location of a Palm Beach State College campus at corner of B Road and Southern Blvd. After this was done, and ordinances approving the college campus location were passed, Palm Beach State College purchased the new 75-acre campus property for $4.5 million. McLendon then tried to use a petition to call for a referendum vote to overturn the ordinances. He went further with state court actions to repeal the ordinances. While McLendon’s efforts failed, he was exposing the town (and taxpayers) to a well-publicized $4.5 million requirement to purchase the land from Palm Beach State College if it could not be used for the new campus.

After the town’s special magistrate heard evidence and ordered McLendon to correct a recurring nuisance noise code violation in the operation of his commercial aviary, McLendon unsuccessfully appealed the magistrate’s order in state court. Not satisfied with this result, McLendon sued the town in federal court alleging selective code enforcement and again failed.

He continues to ignore the initial magistrate’s order to bring his property into compliance with the nuisance noise code. Likely, this will involve further hearings and town fines and enforcement proceedings.

In 2015, McLendon had a litigation dispute with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office regarding whether his raising of exotic birds for sale as

amendment permits the council to appoint, through a four-vote supermajority, a community member and an alternate to serve on the canvassing board when necessary. This idea was put together by the council as a largely housekeeping measure meant to safeguard against potential problems with the canvassing board, especially now that the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections (originally considered a canvassing board member) has decided that it is inappropriate for her to participate as a voting member. In an election such as this year’s, when a sitting council member not up for election is seeking another seat, it is quite possible that there may not be enough members on the canvassing board. This change would account for that possibility.

It is a prudent measure, especially after the 2012 election showed the importance of this largely symbolic panel. The Town-Crier endorses a YES vote on Wellington Ballot Question 2.

Question 3: “Certain Land Uses in the Equestrian Preserve Area Prohibited.” This proposed amendment would prohibit “motels, hotels, condo-hotels and apartments in the Equestrian Preserve Area.” This amendment is not a housekeeping measure, nor is it from the task force. This specifically targets one developer and one project, with the goal of stopping any potential similar projects. In our opinion, this is an abuse of the charter. The hotel component of the controversial Equestrian Village project would have already required a supermajority vote for final passage, which it never received. Further, the concept of a hotel in the preserve was not in and of itself a problem back in 2012. Most of the opponents were opposed not to the concept of a hotel, but the size and scope of what was proposed. To prohibit even the discussion of future hotel projects improperly ties the hands of future councils. Furthermore, many equestrians have voiced concerns about the broad language used in this amendment, which could be construed as prohibiting the renting of satellite apartments and guest houses on estates within Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Area, which is a longstanding component of the equestrian lifestyle. This amendment is a bad idea. The Town-Crier endorses a NO vote on Wellington Ballot Question 3.

In two past Loxahatchee Groves elections, I made very bad choices about who to support. That includes Ryan Liang and Jim Rockett. This election, Mr. Rockett is running for reelection, and given his actions surrounding the 2015 election for Mr. Liang, whether or not they were illegal in sensu stricto, they certainly stretched the envelop of ethics. Therefore, it must be known that the old web site of Mr. Rockett, which shows my and other endorsements from 2013, are being kept online against the demands of myself and others.

This too bespeaks of his disdain for honorable conduct.

Todd McClendon, a resident aviculturist, is running against Mr. Rockett for Seat 2 on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, and I urge all my fellow citizens to get behind his election. Todd’s views on honesty and openness in government are at the forefront of the reasons I fully endorse his election. Please get to the polls on March 15, take your family and neighbors and vote for Todd McClendon for Seat 2.

Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Thoughts On The RPB Election

Let me see a show of hands: Who is tired of negative political campaigns? Don’t be shy, raise your hand. Are you tired of candidates exercising their right of free speech at the expense of civility or competent substantial evidence?

Based on some candidates’ statements, Royal Palm Beach is really falling apart. Whatever happened to running for office on your qualifications? Whether national or local, politics is the same.

Or is it? Locally, your vote has a much greater influence than nationally, state or even county.

When I moved here in 1986, the mayor ran the whole village for his own benefit, and we had an absentee village manager. Then our mayor got a promotion, and the village hired a strong manager.

Many, many decisions were made in those years that we are benefiting from today, and will continue to benefit from in the future if we don’t mess it up.

Royal Palm Beach has millions of dollars in the bank, and the village is about to pay off the only debt. Another show of hands, please: Who wants to be debt free? We have a low and stable tax rate, more parks per capita than any other municipality in Palm Beach County, free events other communities charge for, a

great web site that alerts you to all things Royal Palm Beach, an annual strategic planning meeting open to all residents for input and much more. Do things take longer to get done sometimes that we might like, yes. But I have found that persistence pays off well. Can the village continue to improve?

Of course.

So you ask, how do we keep this mecca that has been built over time, since apparently we are falling apart at the same time? The average voter does not have the time or energy to research all the sides of all the issues of any election, to determine for themselves what is fact, fiction or somewhere in between. Our brief encounters with those running for political office does not allow us to really know these people to determine for ourselves if they are genuinely going to support us, the residents, or if there is another agenda... So, it’s understandable why the voting public may feel frustrated and even tune out the elections...

So, you ask, what’s a voter to do? Here are my Cliff’s Notes on the Royal Palm Beach municipal election: Take a good look around you, your neighborhood, your village, your services (both public and commercial) and your police presence. If you like having money in the bank, great parks, low taxes, improving schools, ongoing comprehensive plan changes to regulate development, the ability to attend any council meeting and be heard because that’s the first agenda item, watch all village meetings on TV or through the web site, walk your neighborhoods and feel safe because of the low crime rate, then you vote for the incumbents. However, if these things are not important to you and your family, or you disagree that these things are good things and you want change, then you vote for the challengers. Just keep in mind, it’s human nature to never appreciate what you have until you lose it. See you at the polls!

Jackie Larson Royal Palm Beach Editor’s note: Ms. Larson is a longtime member of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission.

RaceTrac The Ultimate Betrayal

I want to remind my neighbors here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach of the consequences of the construction of the RaceTrac gas station at the entrance of our village that was approved by the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. We all know that it is going to bring more traffic, crime, noise and devastate the tranquility of our neighborhood. The large entranceway palm trees are coming down to make room for an extra turn lane. What already had deteriorated into an unsightly corner with the trucks at the Royal Inn will become worse.

Always we thought our community leaders would look to make this better for us. It is unconscionable to know that they actually conspired over a full year to ruin all that we moved here to Royal Palm Beach for and all the investment that we have made in our homes. They did not listen; they will not listen. The Royal Palm Beach mayor and council betrayed us!

I want to remind you that the three incumbents — Fred Pinto, Jeff Hmara and Richard Valuntas — ignored the voices of the

BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager

12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba

THE

TOWN-CRIER Your Community Newspaper Serving The Palms West Communities For 36 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc. The Original Wellington Mall

Wellington, Florida 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com

JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

JULIE UNGER News Editor

CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson • Joetta Palumbo STAFF/ Jacqueline Corrado • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil

residents. Not once, not twice, not three times, but over and over again at council meetings, special council meetings and contrived workshops. They did not listen to us and turned their backs on our requests. Send them a message loud and clear that we heard them, and we are voting you all out on March 15. Vote for Martha Webster, Lenore White and Selena Smith for a fresh voice and representation.

Jean Mancini Royal Palm Beach

Margolis: The Real Education Candidate

Painted perceptions and carefully worded verbiage of political campaigning doesn’t alter the truth. Bob Margolis is our education candidate for mayor of Wellington. When Bob Margolis, John Greene and Matt Willhite were elected in 2012, a shift in the council’s focus occurred, and our village’s children became a priority again. Eliminated by the prior mayor and a previous council, grant money to support our students returned into the budget.

At a June 2013 council meeting, Margolis’ opponent suggested implementing the program with $10,000 less per school. However, with Margolis’ leadership, our village’s 11 non-Title 1 schools each currently receive $25,000 in much-needed grant money earmarked for initiatives that promote student achievement. Data from the 2014-15 school year shows that more than 2,600 students were served by this grant, with 80 percent achieving gains in reading and 77 percent in math.

It is said that some people just talk the talk while others walk the walk. For some, I guess it’s easy to ride the coattails of successful initiatives and then pass them off as their own. Although understated, Margolis has earnestly talked, walked and made a positive impact on thousands of our students.

If it were not for his vision and commitment to our children, this grant money would never exist, potentially rendering thousands of our children without the help they need.

Our exemplary schools are the reason why thousands of us moved to Wellington. It is the reason why our property values have sustained. Regardless of other village concerns, our children should be our priority. A participant sits back and accepts the status quo; a leader rallies to affect necessary change.

Our children matter. Vote for Bob Margolis.

Theresa Ventriglio Wellington

Why You Should Vote For Hmara

I find it very rare and extremely refreshing to have a government official whose only agenda is to help his community in any way possible. We are extremely blessed to have a man like Jeff Hmara be our voice on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. He has brought his experience, honesty, intelligence, leadership and

management expertise, and his true love for his community to his position as a councilman.

Constituents are always complaining that our council doesn’t listen to them. I know for a fact that Jeff listens to and hears every word. I watched him do his due diligence when investigating the possibility of a RaceTrac gas station coming to Royal Palm Beach.

I asked him what his opinion was.

He told me he couldn’t have an opinion. He said he had to listen to what the community wanted, and he had to take the time to study the laws and guidelines pertaining to this new business coming here before he could determine how he’d vote. And that’s exactly what he did.

Thanks to Jeff’s efforts, there were many changes made and many requirements put upon RaceTrac before the commercial project was approved. I believe we all owe him a big thank you for the work he did on the FEMA flood maps issue for our community.

Thanks to his vast experience in his previous professional positions, he was able to lead the effort to sit down with FEMA and prove that the plans they were working with were outdated and had to be redrawn. Thanks to Jeff, many of our homeowners are no longer in jeopardy of wrongly being forced to purchase high-priced flood insurance because of outdated maps.

Jeff Hmara is a realist and knows that the majority of Royal Palm Beach residents don’t and never will attend village meetings. But in an effort to keep us all informed, he started an e-mail blast outlining all topics and projects happening in the village. He provides insight to their progress, the stated pros and cons of each project, and a timeline for action on said projects. We, as residents, have the ability to stay informed of what our local government is planning for the future of our community via these e-mails.

Sometimes Jeff Hmara’s honesty and knowledge is seen by others as a hindrance or unwanted obstacle to their own agenda. As a Royal Palm Beach resident, I find it refreshing and know that our common good is being defended and protected. We know that Jeff is on top of all issues affecting Royal Palm Beach. We can trust him to listen, be honest, and to do his very best to help the council arrive at good, solid decisions from which all of its residents can benefit.

Donna A. Broder Royal Palm Beach

Say No To Valuntas

We have lived in the Cypress Head subdivision located west of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. off Southern Blvd. for 17 years. We have seen many changes and also seen no changes. We voted for one of our neighbors, Richard Valuntas, for Royal Palm Beach Village Council on his promise that he would get the sand lot east of the Crestwood Publix that was supposed to be built when we purchased our homes in 1999 completed. Drive by any day and See LETTERS, page 22

SPECIAL NOTE ON LETTERS

The Town-Crier is currently receiving way more letters than we can possibly print, particularly as related to the March 15 election. We welcome your continued letter submissions, but please be aware that we will not able to accommodate all those that deserve publication. Please keep letters brief. Submit letters, with contact name, address and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly

by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Town-Crier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758.

Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr.

Copyright 2016, Newspaper Publishers Inc. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.

MEMBER OF

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce The Wellington Chamber of Commerce The Western Business Alliance

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 5

Page 6

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Michael Drahos is fighting to restore credibility and return fiscal responsibility to Wellington.

The FACTS ARE, Michael Drahos is... ...working to protect the equestrian economy. ...collaborating with equestrian leadership to end the constant and expensive legal battles. ...committed to revitalize and protect communities. ...returning Wellington to fiscal responsibility.

This is the real John GreenE...

John Greene... ...hadn’t filed his federal income taxes for at least two years. ...took a prohibited gift from a contributor. ...accepted jobs, housing, and paid vacations from campaign contributors. ...voted the favor of campaign contributors.

John Greene gets the perks. Wellington families pay the price.

Michael Drahos — Restoring Leadership in Wellington Paid electioneering communication paid for by Taxpayers for Public Integrity, 120 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 202, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Lends Support To Boat Lift Project For C-51 Canal

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council last week approved a resolution supporting construction of a boat lift at an eastern water control structure on the C-51 Canal that will enable small boats to navigate from the Intracoastal Waterway as far as the water control structure on the south side of Southern Blvd. near State Road 7.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said that the project is part of a countywide trails program, including what he hopes will eventually enable boats to traverse the C-51 Canal from the Lake Worth Lagoon to Lake Okeechobee.

The resolution, which had been added to the agenda, supports the county’s Chain of Lakes & Trails Initiative, and a resolution by the

Town of Lake Clarke Shores and neighboring municipalities to proceed with improvements to develop the boat lift.

“This particular one is from the Intracoastal Waterway from the Lake Worth Lagoon out to Lake Okeechobee,” Schofield said, recalling a grant the village received last year to build a path along Flying Cow Road, which is part of the same trail system. “There are no village dollars committed to this, and there is no budgetary impact, and it does allow connectivity along the C-51 Canal bank for both pedestrians, bicycles and those types of things.”

Schofield said that the resolution supports the plan in concept.

“We’re not committing funds to it,” he said. “Mostly it’s the state’s trail system.”

Vice Mayor John Greene said he will support the resolution, but wished he had more background.

“All of a sudden it hits our desk at an agenda review meeting, and it’s up for adoption the following night,” Greene said. “Somebody’s behind it. I’d like to do some due diligence, look at maps and understand the impact potentially down the road.”

Schofield said that he had not had much longer than the council to look at it, but the trail system planning had begun in 2009, and Lake Clarke Shores and Boynton Beach had already approved resolutions. State funding is not currently available for the program, according to the county’s web site.

“The only reason that I ask to do it quickly is because they’re trying to get those resolutions in

front of the legislature for funding, otherwise it would have waited a couple of weeks,” Schofield said.

Councilman John McGovern made a motion to approve the resolution, which carried 5-0.

The Palm Beach County Commission approved a resolution to support the effort in December 2015, asking for a legislative appropriation for engineering design and permitting costs of a navigational structure linking the C-51 Canal with the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway. The connection would most likely be a boat lift.

A feasibility study was also conducted by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. The boat lift would bring small boats up and around the control structure at Lake Worth Spillway Park,

providing navigational linkage between the canal and the lagoon.

The study was financed by the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization as part of its effort to expand modes of transportation.

Although plans are not currently underway for a boat lift at the water control structure near Southern Blvd. and SR 7, Schofield said he expects that there will be at some point, as well as another structure at 20-Mile Bend, leading to what he hopes will be a complete connection to Lake Okeechobee.

“Ultimately, if they’re going to implement the lagoon-to-lake trail system, they’re going to have to have those intermediate structures as well,” he told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “What we’re supporting is the concept of having

the lagoon to the lake connection.

The immediate parts of that are the trail system. We already did that in Wellington. We used a grant to connect Section 24 out to the C-51 Canal, which is all a part of that connectivity program.”

Schofield pointed out that when he first moved to Palm Beach County, there were fewer than 300,000 residents.

“Today there are 1.3 million, and you’ve got to find ways to get them back and forth and do some recreation with those facilities that we have,” he said. “The Lake Worth Lagoon has a rich history, and Lake Okeechobee does. They used to haul vegetables on barges from the lake to the coast. The C-51 is our version of the Erie Canal. It would be good to have that back.”

Spring Music Jam Set For March 11-13 At South Florida Fairgrounds

Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds will come alive with a variety of music from Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13 at its Spring Music Jam. The event celebrates traditional and world-class country, bluegrass and Southern rock live music.

The lineup includes award-winning country singer-songwriter John Anderson, Southern rockers the Georgia Satellites and the ever-popular Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour with Leroy Van Dyke, T-Graham Brown and T.G. Sheppard.

The Georgia Satellites — a band that has packed houses around

McLendon

Seeks Change On Lox Council

continued from page 1 were against general Florida law.

I spent a lot of money trying to correct and come into compliance with the new codes that were completely different than the codes that were under Palm Beach County,” he said. “I had to jump through a lot of hoops trying to ward off the Town of Loxahatchee Groves coming down on me.”

If the rules were applied equally to everyone, McLendon said, it would be one thing, but they aren’t.

“They are applied in one circumstance, and that’s it. Some of these council members, they save themselves, they save their friends, and they save their relatives against these codes,” he charged. “When they want to apply them to somebody else, then they apply them to somebody else. That sort of behavior needs to stop.”

McLendon said that he is currently in compliance with state law and town codes, and bristles at attempts to paint him as a single-issue candidate looking only to protect his interests.

“The council doesn’t have a sword that they can hit me with anymore because of the years that I’ve been fighting this. My business, and my occupation, is safe from the council as it stands right now. There is no benefit in that aspect to run for the council at this

Rockett

Focus On Financial Expertise

continued from page 1 council to drop the tax rate in 2010.

“For the next few years, we were able to fight off the desire to increase it,” he said. “This past year, I lost that battle, but only by one vote. I look at holding taxes down or reducing them based on need. If we have a need, then we have to consider where we have funds. If we don’t have a need, and we’re sitting on two or three million dollars in the bank, more than the whole budget for a year, then I can’t see raising taxes.”

Municipalities raise taxes so they can spend more money, he said. “If you need to spend more, let’s justify it, and make sure we start at the expense side,” Rockett said.

Rockett pointed out that the town actually gave money back to taxpayers in the form of a refund for solid waste collection, which was initially his suggestion. The only drawback was that they couldn’t do it every year, so when the fees went back up, it appeared to be an increase. “Some people have short memories and ask why it went up, and you have to explain it,” he said.

Rockett said that part of his experience is working with contracts, reading them and understanding them.

“We’ve had some problems in that arena, in my mind, that we’re not necessarily watching our

the world with their blistering brand of Southern rock — will headline Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

Founded in 1985, the Satellites quickly launched into stardom with hits like “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” “Battleship Chains,” “Hippy Hippy Shake” and others. Critically acclaimed albums and mind-bending performances earned the men a permanent spot in music history.

The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour is a show that has consistently captured fans when presented at the South Florida Fair. It will headline Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. The legendary, award-win-

ning classic country icon Leroy Van Dyke and friends take fans on a retrospective, nostalgic journey featuring America’s golden music.

Reserved seats are available for this show for $10 per person.

John Anderson will headline Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. On his latest album, Goldmine, released on his own Bayou Boys label, he completed a long overdue record of original songs. He wrote or cowrote 12 of the album’s 13 tracks.

Goldmine also is a record that could, like Cash and Haggard before him, find a home amid lovers of authentic music of any genre.

Though he would never compare

himself to his heroes, Anderson is now the standard bearer for traditional country music. In his career, he has produced 23 albums, more than 60 singles (20 reaching the top 10), and a wealth of industry awards. Goldmine proves that there’s still a lot of gold in Anderson. Reserved seats are available for this show for $10 per person.

Event hours are Friday, March 11 from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, March 12 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 per person per day, or $35 admission for all three days, and can be purchased online at www.south

floridafair.com/spring-music-jam.

Kids 12 and under are free every day. Parking is free. Camping space is available for $35 per day.

The event, which will be held rain or shine, also will feature merchants, old-fashioned games for kids, food and beverages.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, call (561) 790-5233 or e-mail theresa@southflorida fair.com or tim@southfloridafair. com. Vendors offering products, services or crafts should call Lorie at (561) 790-5245 or e-mail lorie@ southfloridafair.com. For general information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

John Anderson

point,” he said. “I’m safe because I fought this battle for years and years trying to show that what they were doing was improper.

And I’ve been successful in that.”

Moreover, he feels vindicated since some of those rules have been eliminated. “In fact, they’ve removed some of these codes and laws from the books upon the advice of their attorney, who said they’re violating Florida’s constitution by having these codes in place,” McLendon said.

McLendon ran against Rockett three years ago, narrowly losing to the incumbent. Now he’s back and feels that he has a better case to make.

“Jim Rockett is up there to serve himself and his family,” McLendon charged. “He is not up there to serve the people.”

McLendon believes that there is a need for change on the council, particularly when it comes to Rockett. He feels more confident now than he did in 2013.

“There are a lot more disgruntled people this year than last time,” he said, asserting that many of those who voted for Rockett in the past are ready for change. “I know all of the issues in Loxahatchee Groves. I’ve been here since before incorporation. I came to Loxahatchee Groves because I appreciated the rural, distinct character Loxahatchee Groves had and what it offered. There’s not many people in the town who are going to stand up to these people… I’m willing to do that.”

Some of the concerns from the public, he explained, stem from the unresolved bitterness of the 2015 election.

McLendon lists his two children as his top accomplishments, as well as proving that the town’s rules and regulations against farms were contrary to state law. He is also proud of having encouraged others to become involved in town affairs.

According to McLendon, the top three issues in this election include the town management contract, problems with code enforcement and trying to get the road situation — “a deplorable mess” — straightened out.

Grant money, he suggested, could help alleviate, although not altogether eliminate, the costs associated with road paving.

“I don’t see any way around that. The town can’t afford, with the budget it has, to improve all these roads,” he said. “What we’ve gotten so far, with the OGEM projects that have been done, is a mess.

It’s not a good situation at all.”

The town has taken over responsibility for maintaining roads that residents along those roads paid for, McLendon said, explaining that most people seem to want something other than dusty roads.

“I think it should be up to the people who live on each road to make that determination,” he said.

“I think each road segment should have their own say.”

The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, he said, should not be independent, but rather should be dependent on the town.

“The town is currently responsible for over 70 percent of the roads in the town,” he said. “I think that’s how it should continue, to take a piece at a time, let the town absorb

it, get used to it and move forward onto the next thing.”

Currently, he said, the town does not have proper code enforcement, which is a service that should be provided. “We have nobody enforcing any laws out there,” he said.

McLendon hopes Okeechobee Blvd. will remain two lanes, with a decreased speed limit.

“I have been pushing for a long time that the speed limit needs to decrease on it,” he said. “The town has the authority to change the speed limit on Okeechobee Blvd., and they have not done so since incorporation.”

McLendon said that he has been working behind the scenes to decrease the speed limit and work to keep Okeechobee Blvd. from becoming commercialized, which would increase traffic. “Commercializing some of it is only going to make that situation worse,” he said. “Any commercial you add on there will increase traffic.”

Any commercial development should happen on Southern Blvd., he explained.

He is happy with the job being done by Underwood Management Services Group, but would prefer that the council give a priority list to the management company. Bill Underwood, the current manger, is an improvement over the previous town manager, Mark Kutney, who had more of a closed door mentality.

McLendon said that he wants to keep the government as small as possible, suggesting that the code enforcement process be redone.

The Unified Land Development Code is a mess, he said, and what

it cost the town in money, it would have been better adjusting the county’s code, he suggested.

“One of my biggest pet peeves is there is money in the budget to donate to nonprofit charities, and it’s almost like a slush fund for council members,” he said. “This money is given away to different entities. It just boggles the mind that they argue that they need to keep the millage rate a certain amount to run the town, but somehow they have a surplus in there to give away. I don’t think that should be there; that should be removed immediately.”

The council has not upheld the town charter by preserving and protecting Loxahatchee Groves, McLendon said when asked about his vision for the future of the town.

“I think we need to protect what’s in Loxahatchee Groves,” McLendon said. “We need to preserve and protect what we have.”

When he ran three years ago, McLendon was aggressively fighting against the development of Palm Beach State College’s new campus on Southern Blvd.

However, the campus is now a done deal.

“I hope Palm Beach State College succeeds,” he said. “I hope they do fantastic there. I hope they’re a good neighbor, moving forward.”

McLendon’s top strengths, he said, include being very involved, knowing the history of Loxahatchee Groves and diligently checking the sources of information brought to the council.

His weakness, he said, would be time. “I spend a lot of time

now, behind the scenes, lobbying things,” McLendon said. “I hope I have the time to do what some of these council members do… I won’t have a choice but to step up and do it.”

However, McLendon does not think people should make a career of it. He favors term limits. “We have some career politicians who would be there for 100 years,” he said.

McLendon was sharply critical of his opponent, Rockett.

“He cannot get along and look past his personal beliefs or feelings dealing with people. Town management is a prime example,” McLendon said. “He simply cannot work with town management, specifically Bill Underwood.

That’s why he wants to get rid of Bill Underwood. It has nothing to do with whether they’re doing a good job for the town. He doesn’t feel they’re doing a good job for himself. He needs to look past that.”

However, he did give Rockett credit for using his background to help the town on financial matters.

“Most of the things that he harps on are financial, and a lot of times he is correct on the financial issues,” McLendon said.

Asked why voters should vote for him, McLendon said that he is a good listener.

“I listen to the people. Whether I agree or disagree, I am willing to sit down with you and talk about it,” McLendon said. “My opponent will not do that. If he disagrees with you, he doesn’t even want you in the same room.

I’ll work with anybody and try to come to a resolution.”

contracts,” he said. “If you write a contract, you should follow it. If you don’t want a contract, don’t write it.”

Rockett considers the top issues of the campaign to be his experience and what he has done for the town, as opposed to what he considers his opponent has done against the town, including several lawsuits.

“I look at it as two very different situations,” he said. “I’ve had the experience, I’ve also made contributions to the town, and I’m competing against someone who has tried to sue the town, and I think harm the town.”

A year ago, Rockett said that he was considering not running again, until he saw that McLendon was going to run again. “I couldn’t walk away from what I had accomplished, and go ahead and let this guy have this position,” he said.

He said there are other potential candidates who share his viewpoints, but they have not come forward.

Rockett has been through a rough year. He was accused of being involved with the illegal use of absentee ballots to sway the reelection of Councilman Ryan Liang. He denies all accusations of wrongdoing.

“A lot of the controversy comes from accusations, which is a little bit like, ‘When did you stop beating your wife?’” he said. “The accusations have all proven false, all been dismissed, so when you say controversial, it’s because somebody is creating controversy.

I’m defending myself in that arena, and we’ve done fine so far.”

The relationship between the

town and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District has been a contentious topic, and Rockett believes that the LGWCD should have an equal part in the town’s dealings.

“They have a specific role, and the town has a different role,” he said. “Sometimes the town is the overseer, but the roles are different, and I look at them to be the experts in terms of drainage and road maintenance. They should be equals until sometime when the need changes. Certainly, we are honing their focus to more drainage and less road maintenance.

Moving in that direction is fine; doing it too quickly is not good.”

Rockett said that the town is willing to take over the district’s dirt roads but does not have a mechanism in place to pave or maintain them.

“At this point, I think we need to carefully walk forward with taking roads,” he said. “Once we have them resurfaced, that could be a point where we say, ‘We’ll take that road.’ That should be done over a period of time.”

Rockett believes that the town is providing all the services that it should, but that some of its services could be done better, such as maintenance on non-district roads. “The district was really taxed because of the rain that we had, so what was already an aggravated situation became even more,” he said.

Rockett cited a recent culvert collapse on C Road as an example of the district being overtaxed and not able to correct the situation immediately. “They just weren’t able to help us out,” he said.

With the town taking over roadways, he said the council recently reached an agreement with Bergeron Land Development to improve and maintain them.

“In terms of the town roads, they’ve brought in a lot of good fill, raised the level of the town’s roads and have made suggestions to have better drainage,” Rockett said. “It should, in the long term, be less expensive to maintain the roads.”

He would like to see Okeechobee Blvd. remain a two-lane “rural parkway” with a trail system on one side. “The popular opinion is that it is going to be a four-lane road, divided in the middle,” Rockett said. “That’s not my vision. My vision is that we figure out how we can keep it a two-lane road.”

As for development along the road, he said the council recently agreed to reduce the floor-area ratio. “What we have said along Okeechobee is low-impact non-residential as a potential of what you should put there,” he said, adding that he would consider low-impact professional offices or other services that benefit the community.

Rockett credited the Western Communities Council, where he is the town’s representative, with helping diverse government entities coordinate efforts to present a united front in managing development.

“We only meet quarterly, but it has been an organization that worked hard on the State Road 7 extension and getting it through to Northlake [Blvd.],” he said. “We seem to be somewhat successful.

Loxahatchee Groves is putting in its two cents’ worth as far as the cost of that.”

He thinks supporting the county’s effort for a connection to the Beeline Highway is the next natural step to control future traffic.

Rockett doesn’t believe that the town needs more commercial development. If there is more retail or industrial development, he said it should be along Southern Blvd.

A critic of the town’s management company, Rockett said he wants Underwood Management Services Group to follow its contractual agreements more closely.

He favored putting out a request for proposals for management companies when Underwood’s contract was up for renewal, which resulted in two responses, but one was deemed unqualified and the other withdrew. The council ended up giving Underwood an extension, which Rockett opposed.

“I have always liked the town manager and his staff as people, but I am concerned that they don’t follow the contract,” he said. “In some recent developments, they are overpaying themselves.”

He thinks the contract negotiation with Underwood was not followed as he would like to see it conducted, based on what he has seen in the corporate world.

Rockett noted that a contractual management company is relatively unusual in the way municipalities are run.

“When you ask for people to do that service that way, and there’s really not a demand for it, it’s very difficult to find somebody to step up and do it,” he said.

Rockett said he would favor

having a separate manager with a contract, and either hired or contractual employees to attend to services, following more commonly used municipal management models.

He believes there is a misconception about the town’s budget, and budgets in general, that because the money is there, it should be spent.

“Some people feel like if you have it in the budget, then you pay it. That is about as far away from the actual way budgets work as you can get,” he said. “You put money in the budget so you allow for certain things; you anticipate certain things. You don’t know if they’re going to come to pass, but you’ve got your ducks lined up.”

Rockett thinks that the controversy surrounding last year’s election, when Ryan Liang won a narrow victory over Keith Harris — in which Harris alleged that the result was tainted by illegal absentee ballots and Rockett was involved — is being generated by those who supported Harris.

“I respond to allegations with facts, and they’re going to still cover the situation we have going on, but it doesn’t drive me from my standpoint of seeking reelection,” Rockett said, adding that he is not aware of any ongoing investigations regarding him and the use of absentee ballots in the 2015 election.

Rockett believes people should vote for him because of his experience and skills. “I think you have to look at the two people and see what they have done for the town, not to the town, and what I could continue to do,” he said.

Page 8

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL AND REFERENDUM ELECTION CALLED BY WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL TO BE HELD MARCH 15, 2016 The Village of Wellington’s Council will hold a Municipal and Referendum Election on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. The purpose of the Municipal Election is to fill the offices of Mayor and Village Council Seat 1 which are four-year terms. The Referendum Election is to consider the adoption of the proposed Charter revisions set forth in Ordinances #: 2015-16; 2015-17; and 2015-18 all of which, if adopted, will revise the Village Charter.

The Municipal and Referendum Election will be held March 15, 2016. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Your polling location is listed on your Voter ID Card.

You must notify the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office if you move from the address listed on your Voter ID Card. If you are unsure of the polling location for your precinct, contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (561) 656-6200.

The ordinances pertaining to the proposed Charter revisions are published below in their entirety.

Rachel R. Callovi , Acting Village Clerk Dated: February 10, 2016 PUBLISH: The Town-Crier February 19, 2016, February 26, 2016, March 4, 2016, March 11, 2016 VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 1

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 2

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON REFERENDUM QUESTION NO. 3

The Town-Crier

Topping-Out

Community Center Ceremony

continued from page 1 all kinds of inefficiencies. I’m looking forward to wonderful memories here.”

Councilman John McGovern said that as the youngest council member, he can reflect on the old

www.gotowncrier.com

Wellington Candidates

continued from page 1 Gerwig said. “We brought a lot of things on line. The pool was done; the amphitheater was done. We made some really good choices and were very fiscally sound.”

However, the last four years under Margolis have been difficult, she said.

“I understand a lot of it is not our fault, and not because of anything that has been done by this council. It is how it has been handled that is inappropriate,” she said.

“I don’t think our residents have been treated with respect. When there’s disagreement, our residents have been told, ‘We’ve never seen you at a council meeting before.’

Things like that should not be said to our residents. They’re coming to us, and they’re unhappy about something that’s before us.”

The current council, she said, has been argumentative with staff, resulting in the loss of key professionals. That is something she will stop as mayor, Gerwig said.

Greene thanked the chamber for inviting him and noted that he has

Page 9

NEWS Wellington Club and Wellington Community Center as it was when he was growing up.

“It is just so exciting to be here today to see this new building come to fruition,” he said. “Just Friday, we were at the amphitheater with our children and a bunch of their friends, and they were all so excited to see this building coming up and being completed and doing things at this entire municipal complex area.”

He complimented those attend-

Vice Mayor John Greene and Councilman John McGovern tour the building with R.J. Madzi of Pirtle Construction.

Chamber

March 4 - March 10, 2016

seen a shift in the right direction with the organization, going from a political chamber to a business chamber.

Greene coached his three children in sports, enjoying everything Wellington has to offer with its schools and recreational activities.

He said he is proud of his record on the council.

“I’m running on my record,” he said. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished in spite of a lot of difficult votes and a lot of controversy. We’ve managed to do good things.”

Greene works in real estate and has seen property values increase for the last four years. He also touched on controversies regarding the equestrian industry.

“We’ve managed growth responsibly. This seems to be the one debate that we have every election cycle,” he said. “In spite of that, we understand what’s important.

There’s traffic concerns. I’ll continue to do the things that I think represent the growth of the sport and what’s in the best interest of the sport, but not at the expense of selling out the values and the quality of life for the rest of this community.”

Drahos — founder of the Young

ing for having the courage to get the community center done and bringing the village forward for the next 20 years, and thanked Pirtle Construction and Song & Associates for the design and construction of the building.

“We are very excited for an on-time completion, and thank you particularly to village staff,” McGovern said. “Nothing in this village happens by accident, and it is to the credit of very hard-working and dedicated people.”

Village Manager Paul Schofield with architect Young Song of Song & Associates.

Councilman Matt Willhite, Vice Mayor John Greene, Councilman John McGovern, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig and Mayor Bob Margolis inside the partially completed Wellington Community Center.

Professionals of Wellington and a member of Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board — moved to Wellington as a child, going through the public school system before attending Florida State University.

“I came back on a college break, took a job at Wellington Elementary School and met my wife on the playground there,” he said.

They attended FSU together, and he later earned a law degree.

When they married, Wellington was the obvious choice for them to make a home together, Drahos said. “There’s something about this community that I cannot let go of, and it’s the reason I’m in this election,” he said. “I love Wellington. It has become a part of my family. When things are going wrong with Wellington, or if people say things about Wellington, it’s as if they are saying something about my family.”

The equestrian industry, Drahos continued, drives commerce in Wellington, but the council has not been working well with the industry.

“I think we can do so much better than we have in the last four years,” he said. “I believe the direction this council has taken us

in, in the last four years, has been irresponsible. I believe any responsible leader needs to work with equestrian leadership, not against it. What we have done in the last four years is put up every barrier we possibly could to progress.”

During the forum, the candidates discussed a number of issues, such as the importance of the equestrian community and its impact on local businesses, the housing market, and the importance of better integrating Wellington’s equestrians and the non-equestrians.

The candidates grappled with the future of the controversial K-Park property on State Road 7.

Margolis said it was purchased for a park — either passive or active — and believes it should remain a park, possibly with some entertainment aspect, but with the majority remaining as a park.

Gerwig pointed out that the 67-acre property is currently being used for water retention and farming, and is not a park. Before the village should do anything, she said, there should be a vision for the property.

Greene said he fought to stop the sale of the land from going through and a proposed project from going

PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Councilman-Elect Michael Napoleone, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Councilman John McGovern, candidate Michael Drahos, Mayor Bob Margolis and Vice Mayor John Greene with Wellington Chamber President Johnny Meier.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

forward when K-Park was up for sale, he said.

Drahos said he sees K-Park as a future destination environment to take his family.

Asked about their goals over the next four years, Drahos said he is looking to restore credibility and stability to the council, while Greene is hoping to maintain an environment that allows

the Equestrian Preserve Area to be protected and not exploited.

Gerwig hopes to give the council a better, more responsive face, which will give Wellington a better reputation. Margolis suggested that voters look at results, rather than rhetoric. “I want to make this the best village in the world,” Margolis said. “We are more than just the equestrian capital.”

Page 10

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

preserve. protect. defend.

VOTE

YES On

quEST iOnS 1&3

We are fortunate to live, visit, ride and show in the most celebrated place for equestrians in the United States and the World Mecca for Winter Horse Showing – the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area.

A magnet for investment, the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area is a driving force in our local economy and the very trademark of our village. The preserve is a community asset we must defend from the temptations of overdevelopment and exploitation.

Because of its appeal and despite its beauty, the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area is under the constant economic threat of over-development and exploitation. We see the proof of these pressures today as thousands of riders, horses, spectators and attendants are dangerously pressed into spaces meant for dozens. We see the evidence in the constant probing of our Village council to allow more and more encroachments, exceptions and exemptions for developers in and around the preserve.

More concrete and more traffic in and around our equestrian preserve is not a measure of our success here in Wellington, it is a testament to our failure. When we lose our preserve, we give up our identity, invite trouble and ultimately become just another crowded and angry South Florida city.

As a community, we absolutely must remain committed to the principles of preservation and sustainability in the face of this constant pressure to abuse this resource. If we sacrifice much more of the green space and rural lifestyle in and around the preserve — the very things we market to the rest of the world and make our community what it is today — we will lose the very essence of our community’s success.

It’s in our best interest to preserve our identity, protect our brand and defend the Wellington Equestrian Preserve Area.

On March 15, Vote to SAVE THE EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE Vote YES on Charter Questions 1 & 3

Pd. pol. adv. paid for by Preserve and Protect Wellington, Inc., 11924 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 10A-335, Wellington, FL 33414

EPA Ad 4.123115.indd 1

1/20/16 5:23 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 11

NEWS

SWAT Mosquito Systems Sends Pesky Biting Pests Packing

By Jason Stromberg Town-Crier Staff Report Steve Jenkins will never forget the night he decided that he had to do something for his wife Eunice, who had been bitten by another mosquito. The 44-year-old Boca Raton resident remembers it like it was yesterday.

“My wife has always hated mosquitoes. She was the type where if there was a mosquito in the house, we had to turn the lights on and find it before we went to bed,” Jenkins said. “We wanted to solve an issue, and it ended up becoming a career — and a successful one.”

Jenkins is president and owner of SWAT Mosquito Systems & Outdoor Cooling. SWAT custom designs and installs mosquito misting systems that eliminate the need for screened enclosures, candles, zappers or propane devices.

To this day, Jenkins is still amazed at how it all got started, yet proud of its success and longevity.

“Just to solve our own family problem, that’s how we got into business,” Jenkins said. “This system has been around since the 1970s, but it was for fly control.

We took that system and started installing it as a mosquito control system.”

Based in Broward County, SWAT’s territory ranges from Vero Beach to Marathon, and west to Naples. There are 20 employees on board, and there are opportunities for them to develop and be leaders in the industry.

Robert LeBlanc is one of them.

As general manager, LeBlanc is

LGLA

Candidates Forum

continued from page 3 cil meetings, and some on the council go on and on and on, like a dog chasing its tail. I’ve gone to meetings that are so long that most people leave after an hour,” she said. “At the end of the meeting, you may have three people sitting there still. It goes on for too long,

proud of the company’s customer service. “Our guys are going to do the system the right way, perfectly,” LeBlanc said. “It’s all set up and ready to go. They don’t leave your property until everything is 100 percent good to go.”

If mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other biting insects are preventing you from enjoying your yard, pool or spa, it’s time to call the SWAT professionals. Their mission is to control and eliminate those pests.

“Our custom-designed mosquito misting system is completely outside,” Jenkins said. “The nozzles are located underground throughout the perimeter of the landscaping and they mist two to four times a day. We fill up the tank, which is typically located on the side of the house.”

When SWAT is finished with its installation, the typical response from each customer is “you’ve changed my life,” Jenkins said.

“You changed how we use the outdoors.”

The threat of the Zika virus — an insect-borne illness that is believed to cause birth defects — is a growing concern in South Florida.

While SWAT’s product was not designed with Zika in mind, controlling the biting pests will help keep the virus away.

“Our product will help get rid of the mosquitoes,” LeBlanc said.

“The possibilities of getting the Zika virus are limited, as long as we take care of the mosquitoes.”

Brent Ball, vice president of project management, wants his SWAT team to continue to stay

on top of its game. “We want our customers to take control of their own home again, and we are succeeding in that process,” Ball said. “Our company offers a lifetime warranty, satisfaction guaranteed.”

A privately held company, SWAT bills itself as the “largest mosquito company in South Florida.” Its unique misting system uses an environmentally friendly, non-toxic substance.

“We use pyrethrum, which is derived from the chrysanthemum, which gets rid of the mosquitoes,” Ball said. “The system is active at sunrise and sunset.”

Each SWAT tank is refilled by the company whenever it needs it.

“Customers don’t have to call us to have us fill up their tank,” LeBlanc said. “It’s a mathematical thing. We know when to go to you.”

When SWAT moves in, mosquitoes move out — and LeBlanc is on a mission to make sure that residents here in the western communities learn the benefits of the company’s misting pest control system.

“Our customers have been so grateful and thankful that they’ve recommended us to other people,” LeBlanc said. “Our system allowed them to enjoy themselves out in the back yard.”

Call (866) 900-SWAT today for a free estimate. For more information about SWAT Mosquito Systems & Outdoor Cooling, call (954) 437-1815 or visit www. swatmosquitosystems.com.

and I think that’s very disrespectful for the people going. I take the time away from my family to go to these meetings.”

Some subjects, she said, might need more time, but the council should not lose sight that there are people sitting there attending the meetings instead of being with their families.

McLendon disagreed, saying that there shouldn’t be a need for time limits. “We should have council members up there who don’t

take advantage,” he said.

Browning mentioned that there is a suggestion for limiting each person’s conversation to five minutes, and going around the table.

“To limit the council members to three minutes for each subject is really crazy, because every subject we deal with is really important to the residents out here,” he said.

“I’m not for limiting it, but I think we need to share the time with the other council members, trying not to be the center of everything.”

SWAT Mosquito Systems employs a highly trained staff. (Front row, L-R) Joel Echezabal, Joel Murray, Reinier Herrera, Steve Jenkins and Silvio Duarte; (back row) Shawn Hurst, Ezequiel Galan, Donny Orazi, Brent Ball, Robert LeBlanc, Raudel Dupeiron, Terry Parker and Cleo Hall.

SWAT’s mosquito-repelling misting system at work.

NEWS BRIEFS Challenge Of The Americas March 11

Join the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for PINK for a family-friendly evening of equestrian excitement at the 2016 Challenge of the Americas.

Held on the evening of Friday, March 11 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, the event features the always popular dancing horses and riders of the Grand Prix musical quadrille dressage teams and a show jumping extravaganza — all in support of finding a cure for breast cancer through the world’s most promising research.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend, not only will you get a chance to enjoy an evening with top riders and horses from around the world, but you will also know you are contributing to an important cause.

General admission tickets are available beginning at 5 p.m. at the gate for $20, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

For more information about the Challenge of the Americas, visit www.challengeoftheamericas. com.

Butterflies At Wellington Green

Starting on Saturday, March 5, Wellington residents can get

up close with more than 150 butterflies at the Mall at Wellington Green’s 300-square-foot conservatory in the Grand Court — the first of its kind in the area.

Composed of live trees and plants conducive to butterflies, guests can feed more than 12 species of butterflies while learning about their life cycles from conservatory staff and making a butterfly craft. Everyone will also have the opportunity to take home a caterpillar.

Tickets are $6 per adult, $5 per child and free for children 2 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Guided tours will take place every 10 to 30 minutes.

For more information, visit www. shopwellingtongreen.com.

Community Of Hope Egg Hunt

Community of Hope Church will hold its annual egg hunt on Saturday, March 12 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. It’s free and open to all families in the community.

The day will include popcorn and sno-cones, an inflatable slide and obstacle course, a petting zoo, carnival games and, of course, separate egg hunts for toddlers through fifth grade. Preschool children will have an area especially for them. The church will provide coffee for parents and a photo spot to capture special Easter memories.

Community of Hope Church is located as 14055 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves.

For more information, visit www. communityofhope.church.

help Wellington residents be more informed about the candidates vying in the Tuesday, March 15 election. For more info., visit www.pbcca.org.

RPB Forum At Strathmore Gate West March 5

Special RPB Rotary Speaker

Strathmore Gate West will hold a candidates forum on Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at the Strathmore Gate West Clubhouse featuring Royal Palm Beach Village Council candidates and a candidate for state representative.

Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend.

Wellington Candidates Forum March 7

The Council of Community Associations will host a candidates forum at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m.

The forum will feature mayoral candidates Bob Margolis and Anne Gerwig, as well as council candidates John Greene and Michael Drahos. Retired WPTV news anchor Jim Sackett will serve as the moderator.

The goal of the program is to improve voter awareness and

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club will host a special guest speaker on Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 a.m. at the Wild West Diner.

The guest fee is $13 and breakfast is included.

Danny Gallagher is a Toronto-based journalist and author, who has been writing for media outlets since 1972. He was a Montreal Expos’ beat writer for many years. He has authored four books on the Expos, including one in French. His latest book, co-authored with Bill Young, is Ecstasy to Agony, which deals with the talented 1994 Expos squad that was derailed by a strike that cancelled the season.

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

Wellington To Kick Off ‘Let’s Move’ Campaign

Wellington is ready to get moving against childhood obesity.

The village will kick off its “Let’s Move: Commit to Change” campaign with a party on Saturday,

March 5 at Ultima Fitness (12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) from 8 a.m. to noon. The event will include special classes, vendors and programs to engage residents in an active lifestyle.

The village is partnering with the Palm Healthcare Foundation and Ultima Fitness in the “Let’s Move” campaign. The local initiative supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s national initiative to fight childhood obesity.

Throughout the campaign, Wellington and its community partners will encourage residents to take charge of their health by committing to healthy behaviors.

For more information, visit www.ultimafitness.com or www. facebook.com/UltimaFitnessWellington.

Art Society To Feature Barbara Powell March 9

The Wellington Art Society will feature well-known local clay artist Barbara Powell at its Wednesday, March 9 meeting at the Bootz Cultural Art Center (420 State Road 7, Suite 120, Royal Palm Beach). The meet-and-greet will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight, a brief meeting and Powell’s demonstration.

Powell has an impressive educational background. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith

College and a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. She spent many years in a demanding professional career but balanced this with her creative side, working in clay. She developed her skills, specifically in wheel throwing, through classes at Broward and Palm Beach community colleges, and the Armory Art Center. She is currently a member of the Wellington Art Society, the Ceramic League of Palm Beach and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Once Powell retired, she and her husband, Jerry, began creating a wide range of ceramic art using alternative firing processes. Her vessels have a strong physical presence and distinctive profiles that are truly elegant. While in the unglazed phase, her work may appear constrained, but through the process of metallic glazes, colors and the final raku firing process, the vessels are transformed, adding layered dimensions of light and movement, creating a beautiful finished piece.

“I work to first produce subliminal, physical features that evoke a desire to hold the piece, simply because it feels good,” she said.

“Creating an appealing work of art that functions through both the physical and visual realm is the highest achievement I can strive for.”

For more information, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

Page 12

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS

GANNONS’ NEW BUILD-YOUR-OWN-BOWL EATERY BOLAY NOW OPEN ON SR 7

Bolay restaurant held its grand opening Friday, Feb. 26. Owned by Tim and Chris Gannon, Bolay debuted its new build-your-own-bowl dining concept on State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. The restaurant features food with fresh nutrients and bold flavors, including gluten-free and dairy-free selections. Fruits and vegetables are cold pressed every day to make healthy juice combination drinks. For more info., visit www.eatbolay.com or call (561) 899-0111.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

General Manager Justin Brady, Owner Tim Gannon, Chef Apprentice Cloyce Martin, Manager Dan Risick and Owner Chris Gannon.

Jennifer Kintz enjoys lunch.

Meroe Rabieifar and Johnny Meier with their meals.

Alex Chiaepa and Amanda Antonacci try Bolay.

Johnny Matute, owner Chris Gannon and Leslie Matute.

Ashley Maguire with owner Tim Gannon.

Chef Apprentice Cloyce Martin with an ahi tuna salad bowl.

Dawn Weiss with Tanner and Melissa Centofanti.

ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN HOST BAZAAR & RUMMAGE SALE

St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church Women held a bazaar and rummage sale on Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28. Clothes, household items, jewelry, linens and more were sold at bargain prices. Lunch and a sweets were offered for purchase. Money raised went to the church and ECW programs.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Jackie Whiting sells books, CDs and DVDs.

Barbara Hastings Griffin found some good deals.

Episcopal Church Women President Nancy Schroeder, Ginny Elliott, Bonnie Mershon and Ola Walker at the bake sale table.

Kitty Lanaman sells dishware.

Not feeling well? No Appointment Needed!

Ideal Family Practice & Walk-In Express Care

Tina Dochniak, DNP, ARNP

Stephanie Wise, ARNP

A MINOR EMERGENCY WALK-IN CLINIC FOR KIDS & ADULTS Colds • Flu • Physicals - DOT, Work & School • Rashes • Minor Burns • Auto Accidents • UTI & More

FAMILY PRACTICE MEDICINE

General Health & Annual Physicals • Prevention & Wellness • Chronic Disease Management • Women’s Health and Annual Exams • Flu & Pneumonia Immunizations

DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy relieves pain and inflammation associated with: Neck • Knee • Ankle • Low Back Pain • Sciatica • Arthritic Conditions • Diabetic Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Toe Nail Fungus & More!

NOW ACCEPTING HUMANA X-PATIENTS

Complimentary Evaluation & Laser Treatment Coupon ($175 Value) Please bring Coupon with you. Offers ends March 31, 2016

Walk-Ins Always Welcome!

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

561-231-5200 Monday, Tuesday,

13475 Southern Blvd. Suite 100, Loxahatchee Just west of Palms West Hospital on the NE corner of Southern & Big Blue Trace

Thursday, Friday

8 a.m. - Noon Wednesday

www.idealFamilyPractice.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 13

When the Village Council tries to make decisions without enough public input, Anne Gerwig stands up for us.

Dane, Luke, Alan, Anne, Jessica and her fiance Jordan

Endorsed by: Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches

Vote Tuesday, March 15 Anne Gerwig is our voice on the Village Council.

What the residents are saying about Anne: “When the Village Council was going to cut down the trees along the canal bank in our back yards without any public input, the only councilperson who responded was Anne Gerwig. Anne takes into consideration the people who are going to be affected by her decisions before she makes the decision, not after the decision has already been made. I’m voting for Anne because she is what’s best for our town.”

“Anne has a long record of strong, collaborative yet independent decision making with integrity. Anne will use these characteristics to unify this community and move Wellington forward.”

Commander Kenneth Kopp, Retired Naval Aviator, Aero Club

Curt Seigmeister Sugar Pond Manor

Campaign of Anne Gerwig

Anne also opposed the council’s efforts to cut down the palm trees along Greenview Shores Boulevard, heading into the Aero Club.

14505 Paddock Drive Wellington, FL 33414

annegerwigformayor@gmail.com

For more information, visit Anne Gerwig for Mayor of Wellington

or call Anne at 561-602-1630.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Anne Gerwig for Mayor of Wellngton.

2160096 Gerwig Town Crier Ad.indd 1

2/29/16 3:57 PM

Page 14 March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016 Page 15

Page 14 March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016 Page 15

Page 16

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Mayor Bob Margolis is falsely attacking Anne Gerwig but his record cost Wellington.

Mayor Margolis’ record: Fined by the Florida Ethics Commission Took illegal money from a wealthy supporter Voted for the interests of a wealthy supporter Violated state law by accepting a prohibited gift gave a no bid contract for K-Park to a donor

E N I F 0 0 5 , 2 $ A Y A P O T D E C E R H O T F R S O A F W Y S A I P L O O G T R S A R M E Y B A O P B X A T N O T MAYOR G N I L L E W D E T N A .

S W G N N I E L H A T E D Y AND D A H S S I H F O E S N E F E LEGAL D

The Real Cost to Wellington Taxpayers is the shady dealings of Mayor Margolis’ corrupt ways.

ANNE GERWIG IS A RESPONSIBLE

LEADER WHO WILL KEEP WELLINGTON ON THE RIGHT PATH. Anne Gerwig has been a strong voice, leading the way for our Village, and making sure that all ideas are heard and decisions are being made together.

Leadership of Anne Gerwig: 25-year resident of Wellington Protecting our quality of life Cut wasteful spending while on Council

The record is clear, ANNE GERWIG is a respected voice of reason.

Paid electioneering communication paid for by Taxpayers for Public Integrity, 120 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 202, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

HAWK TWIRLERS COMPETE AT DISNEY

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Sip And Shop Benefits Grandma’s Place On Thursday, Feb. 18, more than 50 friends and supporters of Grandma’s Place gathered at Sequin on Worth Avenue to sip and shop.

Guests sipped wine and enjoyed refreshments as they purchased items to add to their jewelry collection. Grandma’s Place will receive 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds.

Guests included George and Lou Ann Wilson-Swan, Sue Ellen Clarfeld, Margie Dyer, Valerie Fennon, Carole Chapuis, Jessica Nicodemas, Renee Bakarian, Christie Banks, Roxanne Jacobs, Laurie Martuscella, Pamela Cherry, Sandra Newstead, Sharon Supple, Kat Pemley, Angela Refosco and Shawna Bedford.

This event was a kickoff to “An Evening of Great Expectations,” which will be held on March 11,

in conjunction with St. David’sin-the-Pines Episcopal Church in the Mallet Grill at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

The is a Key West casual event, which features Tiffany Kenney as the celebrity emcee, includes a silent auction, informal modeling

by Emilio Pucci, a live auction by Neil Saffer, music by Parisi Events and an open bar. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at www.grandmasplacepb.org.

Grandma’s Place is an emergency shelter for children who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children & Families due to abuse or neglect.

For more info., call Roxanne at (561) 408-3060 or visit www. grandmasplacepb.org or www. facebook.com/GrandmasPlacePB.

Pam Cherry and Laurie Martuscello

Competing in the High School Classic event, Seminole Ridge High School twirlers Kimberly Hoff and Samantha Williams represented Seminole Ridge at the 2016 Twirl Mania International Championships, held at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Feb. 12-15.

As part of her routine, Hoff performed to a recording of the Winged Regiment marching band’s fight song and its 2016 halftime music, earning herself a place among the top 10 twirlers for the event.

CTA-Retired Takes Part In Retirement Roundtable The Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association and the Palm Beach CTA-Retired combined resources with Pelican Financial Group and Rita Raynor of Met Life to sponsor a Pre-Retirement Roundtable recently at the CTA Complex.

The event was organized by CTA Labor Relations Consultant Minnie Williams and Retirement Committee Chair Brenda Bluntson. CTA retirees Imani Betts, Kay W. Brown, Kenneth Long, Yvonne Odom, Janet Portnow and Sharon Purce addressed matters of concern from the group of aspiring retirees.

Items covered during the roundtable were the pros and cons of

early retirement, protecting Social Security, pros and cons of DROP, making insurance choices, reentering the school system after retirement and adjusting to retirement.

Also, the Palm Beach County CTA-Retired met recently for its monthly meeting and to celebrate Black History Month.

The members enjoyed an ethnic pot luck luncheon. Entertainment was presented by writer, poet and CTA-Retiree Sharon E. Puree and FREA retiree and Ebony chorale member Flora H. Jackson.

The Palm Beach County CTA-Retired meets every second Tuesday at the CTA Complex on Spencer Drive in West Palm Beach.

Romy Hochreutener and Sharon Supple

Roxanne Jacobs and Carol Chapuis

Red Apple Supplies Helps Schools And Teachers In Need

Red Apple Supplies Manager Lloyd Evans

Red Apple Supplies provides Palm Beach County’s highest-need schools with necessary supplies that keep classrooms learning.

The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County recently announced this new service program, which allows teachers from Title 1 schools to shop for supplies and resources they need throughout the school year, long after full backpacks and supply bins have been emptied. The store’s inventory of

school, office and craft supplies is donated from national corporations, as well as local businesses and organizations.

Teachers from six priority schools will be visiting Red Apple Supplies’ new location for spring shopping dates beginning March 10. Volunteers are needed to greet and help teachers with shopping, or sort, bundle and display items.

Red Apple Supplies is recruiting

students who need volunteer hours for school credit and adults who have a desire to further education with their volunteer time and talent. Corporate and civic groups interested in supporting the store can host supply drives or volunteer for group work days.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, call (561) 4347303, visit www.educationfoundationpbc.org or e-mail engage@ educationfoundationpbc.org.

Page 18

March 4 - March 10, 2016

RPB DRAMA STUDENTS RECEIVE HIGH HONORS

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

SRHS Dance Marathon Raises More Than $30,000 To Help Sick Children Seminole Ridge High School has made fundraising history. No high school dance marathon in Florida has ever raised more than $30,000 for UF Health Shands and the Children’s Miracle Network — until now. Hawk students, staff, parents, community members and local businesses helped the school reach well beyond its goal of $20,000. On Feb. 19, students danced the night away and listened to stories from Miracle Network families.

Organizers thank the school administration for supporting the event, as well as the support staff for announcements and photocop-

ies. Special thanks also to student leaders Samantha Fisher, Cristina Ramos and Alyssa Williams, and to teachers and staff members for participating in Dare Week, Spirit Week, fun lunches and food nights at local businesses — and especially to all who packed the cafeteria for the second annual Dance Marathon.

Debaters Advance to Nationals — Congratulations to Hawk sophomores Samantha Mangoni and Andre Soucy for their National Catholic Forensic League win in Public Forum at Suncoast High School on Feb. 20. Their discussion of a carbon tax for American

industry advances them to national competition in May. Automotive Students Take ‘Top Tech’ Silver — In the 2016 Top Tech Challenge competition Jan. 30 at Orlando’s Universal Technical Institute, SRHS automotive academy students walked away with prizes for their skill in diagnosing problems with automobile electrical, braking and air conditioning systems. Seminole Ridge received a $1,000 Snap-On Tools voucher, students Sara Bass and Elijah Freshwater received $1,000 institute scholarships for their eighth-place finish, and students Donnie Hopkins and Tim Hutson

earned $7,500 scholarships for their second-place finish.

Pathfinder Nominees Get a Run-Through — SRHS 2016 Pathfinder Award nominees attended an all-day workshop Feb. 19, practicing their skills for the actual Pathfinder interviews March 9 at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Nominees received constructive verbal and written feedback from six faculty judges, as well as from their Pathfinder peers. “Our Pathfinder nominees felt the day was a huge success, and they also felt much more prepared for their upcoming interviews,” school counselor Dr. Melissa Garcia said.

Royal Palm Beach High School drama students won high honors at the Lebow Awards Shakespeare Competition at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Marcella Marques won first place, Ryan Gosling won second place, Kathie Torres won honorable mention and Claudia Torres also won honorable mention. Also, Marques was a runner up and won $200 in the English Speaking Union’s Palm Beach Shakespeare Competition. Shown above are Marques and Gosling with Kathie Torres and Claudia Torres.

RPBHS ART STUDENTS PAINT MEMORIAL FOR MICAYLA SHANER

Royal Palm Beach High School’s National Art Honor Society painted a memorial for Micayla Shaner recently at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival. Shaner was a popular medical science student who died following a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Shown above is the memorial made for Shaner.

Seminole Ridge Dance Marathon students raised $30,020.52 for UF Health Shands and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Automotive students Tim Hutson, Donnie Hopkins, Sara Bass and Elijah Freshwater.

PBSC And Modernizing Medicine To Collaborate

Palm Beach State College has signed a memorandum of understanding with Modernizing Medicine to create an innovative training hub at the college’s new Loxahatchee Groves campus for students preparing for health information technology careers and medical professionals learning to use systems for digitizing and managing patient records.

The memorandum of understanding provides that Modernizing Medicine would give PBSC students training for healthcare jobs, access to its groundbreaking iPad-based electronic health record (EHR) system, ModMed EMA, and practice management system, ModMed PM. “Our goal is to ensure that our students continue to receive quality hands-on training using the best and latest technology available so when they graduate they are prepared for the real environments in which they will work,’’ PBSC

President Ava Parker said. “This relationship with Modernizing Medicine will help us with that.

It is a great opportunity for our students, as well as the employers that will hire them. We want employers to feel confident that our graduates will be highly trained when they walk through their doors.”

Dan Cane, an original founder of Blackboard, established Modernizing Medicine in 2010 with Lake Worth dermatologist Dr. Michael Sherling. Modernizing Medicine initially developed a specialty-specific EHR system for dermatologists, but it expanded through the years and now offers it for seven other specialties, including ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, gastroenterology and more.

“Modernizing Medicine is thrilled with the opportunity to work with Palm Beach State College,’’ Cane said. “It’s vital that

PBSC President Ava L. Parker with Dan Cane of Modernizing Medicine. companies and local educational morrow’s job opportunities, espeinstitutions work together to help cially in the science, technology, prepare today’s students for to- engineering, arts and math fields.”

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 19

WES CELEBRATES LITERACY WEEK

(Above left) Fifth grade Character Counts winners. (Above right) Character Counts program participants.

New Horizons Celebrates Character Counts New Horizons Elementary School celebrated Character Counts recently at a school-wide pep rally. Students were encouraged to show each of the featured character traits in a variety of ways by fellow students, staff and special guests.

Students were introduced to the program with puppets representing caring, respect, trustworthy, responsibility, fairness and citizenship.

New Horizons Cub Scout Troop 125 presented the flag. The Wellington High School Pep Band, under the direction of student drum major Hunter Burke and band teacher Mary Oser, performed many rousing selections.

School counselor Lynne Bray encouraged students to follow the example of responsibility set by band members through knowing what’s expected of them and to just do it.

Parent volunteers, PTA members and students belonging to various service clubs were honored for all they do to show citizenship by working together to make the school better and caring by helping others.

Fifth-grade students nominated by their teachers for exemplifying each of the school’s character pillars were recognized and received trophies. Student recipients included: caring - Carla Mathieu and

Emily Singer; trustworthy - Kelsey DeGuzman; respect - Brunny Joasil; responsibility - Mareny Gonzalez-Amaro; tolerance Avery Kelley; fairness - Andrew Mack; citizenship - Sarah Ballard; friendship - Rafael Valdespino; and overall character counts - Armani Sarache.

Bray encouraged students to follow the example set by these students to always make a choice to “Do the Right Thing.”

‘Grand Night’ Show At Suncoast High School Talented students recently showcased their artistic sides at Suncoast High School.

Under the direction of Stephanie Nixdorf, everyone had a “grand night” watching and performing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical A Grand Night for Singing.

The spring production of Into The Woods will take place April 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and April 10 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call (561) 8823427 or pay at the door.

Suncoast students who took part in the “Grand Night” show.

Wellington Elementary School participated in Literacy Week during the week of Jan. 25-29. It was the eighth annual Literacy Week sponsored by the Florida Department of Education and the Just Read Florida Office. On Monday, Jan. 25, Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis came in and read Oh, The Places You’ll Go to a few classes. The children enjoyed listening to the mayor and asked many questions. There were many great activities all week long.

The school participated in DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), which had the entire school reading at the same time. School Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa talked about a “top secret book” every morning on the school news. At the end of the week, the book was revealed and read by Dr. Avossa. Shown above, Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis reads to a class.

POLO PARK LEARNS WITH BOTTLE ROCKETS

(Right) Sophomore Darin Goldstein of Wellington sings “Maria” from The Sound of Music.

Crestwood Middle Participates In Pink Shirt Day

On Feb. 24, Crestwood Middle School participated in Pink Shirt Day, an international bullying prevention event sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.

Crestwood was happy to become a part of the event. It is important to continually reinforce that bullying is not acceptable.

The Literacy Coalition’s motto is “Waves of Kindness Begin with Reading.”

Pink Shirt Day was organized first in Canada when a boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt on his first day of high school.

Bystanders came to school the next

day wearing pink. They created a “sea of pink” to make a statement to stand up to others.

Most teachers, staff and students from Crestwood wore a pink shirt to reinforce the idea that they were against bullying. The media center and reading teachers shared books that deal with bullying. All students participated in a writing activity that discussed a kindness checklist, and the students discussed how they could put kindness into their daily activities.

It was a fun and educational event for Crestwood students, and one that the school hopes will return each year.

Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance, Vice Principal Melissa Kaliser and teacher Melissa Hunter.

14569 Southern Blvd. • Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 561-793-1370 • www.arthurmurrayre.com 10 ACRES LAND — beautiful high and dry, cleared 4/2.5, Loxahatchee Groves $699,000 CBS, fenced.

10 ACRES PRE-CONSTRUCTION — 16 stall barn paved road, loxahatchee Groves, fenced, water electric.

Loxahatchee Groves 2.5 ACRES LAND — Owner financing, South of Okeechobee, paved road, paddocks, fenced and cross fenced, full irrigation and lighting.

Loxahatchee Groves $285,000

10 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee, fenced, cleared, electric, water subdivided into two 5 acre lots. $739,000 2.5 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee 1/8th of a mile $175,000

from pavement

20 ACRES LAND — Okeechobee Rd. frontage Great Commercial potential, cleared, fenced, water, electric. $2,200,000 5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $324,999 OKEECHOBEE RD. FRONTAGE — Commercial potential, electrical, high and dry, fenced.

Loxahatchee Groves $995,000 5 ACRES LAND — House pad, well, electric, high and dry, fenced, 900 feet from pavement.

Loxahatchee Groves $299,000 5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $259,000 5 ACRES LAND — water, electric, septic, high and dry, paved road. $529,900

1.25 ACRES — hi, dry, close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $68,000 1/2 ACRE 3-2 — fantastic location 200 Ft. From Southern Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves. $225,000 2.5 ACRES — two lots from pavement, cleared, high dry $159,000 1 ACRE 3-2 HOUSE — W/1-1 guest house, four stall barn, fenced, 200 feet from Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee Groves. $345,000 1.15 ACRES —3-2 w/garage Close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $224,900 1.25 ACRES 5-3 CBS HOME — plus 1000 Sq.Ft. Guesthouse, 25X40 detached garage.

The Acreage $282,900 5 ACRES — Close to pavement,cleared, high dry already $299,000 subdivided in two 2.5 acre parcels.

When science meets the real world, interesting and exciting things can happen. Dale Moore and Thomas Craig’s eighth grade science students decided to test Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion with a bottle rocket experiment. The objective of the experiment was to design, build and launch a bottle rocket for maximum vertical distance. The experiment was assigned to help students understand how the bottle rocket’s setup and movement illustrate each of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. Students were responsible for researching, designing and building their bottle rockets. Shown above, students went outside to test their designs. Many students were surprised and impressed by both the rocket’s thrust and vertical distance. The experiment resulted in a better understanding of Newton’s Laws of Motion and the science of rocketry, while providing some fun.

Page 20

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

Watching ‘The Revenant,’ Something Really Got Me Bothered

Mark and I went to see that movie The Revenant last week, mostly because it got five stars and lots of awards. But first I had to look up what “revenant” means.

I know you also did this, but just in case you didn’t, it means “an animated corpse that is believed to have returned from the grave to terrorize the living.”

And, yes, that is the plot of the film.

Leonardo DiCaprio returns from sinking with the Titanic to… no, wait. That was the other DiCaprio film I saw. (I’m not a big movie-goer.)

This time, poor Leonardo is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his fellow trappers. One guy is supposed to stay

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER with him, but he doesn’t. So, as soon as he can move, Leonardo sets out to get this guy.

There follows two and a half hours of man vs. the elements as Leonardo drags his clawed-up body across the frozen

tundra. I thought this would be boring, but it wasn’t. There was plenty of action as our hero met up with every conceivable obstacle along the way. What keeps him going is occasional visions of his deceased wife, smiling enigmatically in a “you-can-do-it!” kind of way.

Actually, I liked the movie until the very end when he finally confronts his deserter. The inevitable brawl ensues, during which time the deserter feels the need to add insult to injury by accusing Leonardo’s character of raising a “girly bitch” son.

And that’s when they lost me. I mean, really? It distresses me to think these are

the most despicable insults the screenwriters could come with for their life-ordeath scene. And yes, I blame the writers, amazingly both male. Because it doesn’t make sense. The credit for keeping Leo going goes to his wife (a girl) and the credit for ripping him to shreds in the first place goes to a bitch (technically, a sow). If it weren’t for those two, there wouldn’t have been a movie at all. Kudos especially to the bear.

And you may say, “Oh, lighten up, for heaven’s sake! It’s just a movie!” but the fact that female viewers are just supposed to accept the fact that “girly” is the worst thing you can call someone in a time of

stress rankles me. It’s as bad as, “You throw like a girl!”

Of course, grown-up girls like myself have their self-esteem to prop them up.

We know who we are and that we are “equal to but different from” the male segment of the population. It may take some people longer to admit this than others, but it’s true. However, I do worry about young girls hearing that line in the script — young girls whose self-esteem already plummets as they enter their teen years. We need to keep that from happening, and watching our language would help.

Just saying.

‘Gods Of Egypt’ An Amusing Film, But Not A Particularly Good One Sometimes a bad movie can be a lot of fun, and Gods of Egypt manages to somehow walk the fine line between absurdity and good-natured fun. It reminds me in some ways of the old version of Clash of the Titans, the one made about 35 years ago. That one had special effects that a bright junior high school student could do now, messed-up Greek mythology, and yet is always fun to watch when it comes on television. This new film is almost a match for that.

It focuses on Egyptian mythology (making those changes needed to move the plot) with those who are gods standing about 10 feet tall, all of them spectacularly good-looking. The story begins as the god Osiris (Bryan Brown) is giving up his throne as king of Egypt to his wastrel son Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). His brother Set (Gerard Butler), evil king of the desert, disrupts the ceremony, kills Osiris and, after a fight, rips the eyes from

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler Horus’s head. He becomes king, and most others become his slaves.

A young thief, Bek (Brenton Thwaites), who has been enslaved, tries to help his great love Zaya (Courtney Eaton), enslaved to Set’s chief architect (Rufus Sewell). She helps him get a look at some of the secret treasure places, which he uses to steal one of Horus’s eyes, but she gets killed as they escape.

Bek visits Horus, now a useless drunk, and trades a promise of help to get Zaya a good afterlife — the amount of treasure

you provide being the measure of deciding eternal life or destruction — for one of Horus’s eyes. The rest of the movie is the struggle for righteousness, with Bek constantly helping the god and generally getting ignored. There are battles, lots of special effects, and, naturally enough, a major confrontation in the end.

The cast is better than might be expected. Butler, a veteran of sword and sandal films, looks the part and behaves appropriately awfully; he is the ideal villain. He even manages to use his Scottish accent as a way of emphasizing his separateness from the rest of the cast.

Coster-Waldau, moved up from prince on Game of Thrones to god, carries a lot of the movie. He even manages the transition from wastrel to wise man very well.

Thwaites was appropriately perky as the thief. Geoffrey Rush as Ra, the god who controls the sun, was both regal and amusing, although his reasoning for

allowing the goings-on was strained to say the least. Eaton as the young love interest Zaya was both sassy and adorable. Elodie Yung who was Hathor, goddess of love and (somehow) the underworld, was also quite good, playing a pivotal moral role.

There has been controversy over having white actors playing Egyptian gods (never mind the fact that the Egyptians see themselves as white and protested when Louis Gossett Jr. played Anwar Sadat). Chadwick Boseman played Thoth to give a bit of balance to the cast, but he was so over the top that he took away from the film.

A tighter script would have made a real improvement; being politically correct on actors would not.

Some of the CGI was impressive.

Scenes of Horus, able to turn into a metallic falcon flying over the big city, were beautiful. But some of it left more than a bit to desire. Ra somehow looked like he was hand-pedaling the sun around a flat

earth, and the great worm of destruction he fought was just boring. The transformation of Horus and Set into metallic animals was about as exciting as watching the Transformers.

The dialogue was, well, just basically there. There were not many witty moments, and since it was clear that our heroes were going to win in the end, their jumping around as floors collapsed (and that is a metaphor seen in far too many movies; it has actually become boring) seemed done solely for the 3D effects, rather than for any excitement.

As I wrote in the beginning, this is not a good movie. I went mostly because one of my best friends loves the sword and sandal genre, and he dragged me. But I had a good time. There were no “wow” moments, but it was an enjoyable two hours.

Again, good, but unless you really like these kinds of films, wait for it to show up on the small screen.

THE WESTERN BUSINESS ALLIANCE

The Western Business Alliance, Inc. A new era in building business relationships.

The Western Business Alliance is an alliance of businesses committed to strengthening and supporting our members through economic growth, education, and community awareness.

Join now and see for yourself. www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com 561.600.3820

March 31st Luncheon

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Hulett Environmental Services Taking care of our customers is very important at Hulett. We use only the highest quality products and treat in an environmentally responsible fashion. This means you receive the most effective and convenient pest protection system there is, guaranteed!

Hulett understands that when you need us, you need us right away! We pledge to respond within 24 hours or less if a pest problem should occur. Your property and lawn will be protected from pests and termites 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Learn more at www.bugs.com

Binks Forest Golf Club Robert Avossa, Ed.D. will be speaking to TWBA members and guests at the March 31st luncheon to be held at Binks Forest Golf Club.

Thank you Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air for sponsoring this event.

Dr. Avossa was named Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County in June of 2015. Prior to joining the School District of Palm Beach County, Avossa served as Superintendent of the Fulton County Schools from June 2011 through June 2015. Avossa has dedicated his entire career to ensuring that every child is given an opportunity to succeed in college and a career of their choice.

Welcome New and Renewing TWBA Members Aaron’s Catering of The Palm Beaches ............................ Aaron Menitoff Asador Patagonia ........................................................... Natalia Yamashiro Catania Family Style Restaurant ...................................... Brian Scotto

Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air ................................................... Jathynia Garcia International Polo Club Palm Beach ................................ John Wash Lion Country Safari ......................................................... Jennifer Berthiaume

Palms West Monthly ...................................................... Robert Harris Prestia|Holtz P.A. .......................................................... Thomas Prestia Professional Family Eyecare ............................................ Dr. Jolene Reiter

Creative Contracting Group ............................................ Lisa Addis CSI Palm Beach ............................................................... Marc Melnick Floridian Community Bank ............................................. Joanne Dee

Mario The Baker ............................................................ Kevin Puebla Meade-Johnson International, Inc. ................................. Joey J. Johnson NRI Institute of Health Sciences ...................................... M. Daniel Splain

Sea Breeze Air Systems, Inc............................................. Nancy Cook Wellington Interior Design Center................................... Michael Gordon WIN Home Inspection Wellington ................................... Bethany Cordi

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 21

NEWS

OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER HOSTS PALM BEACH COUNTY DARK SKY FEST

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Okeeheelee Nature Center hosted Celebrate the Night, the Palm Beach County Dark Sky Festival, with children activities, stargazing, a movie screening, photo opportunities and nature hikes. The purpose of the Dark Sky Festival is to expose citizens to the marvels of astronomy and the importance of protecting dark skies.

PHOTOS BY SERGIO AGUILAR/TOWN-CRIER

Ryann and Jenna Bierman with Luna the turtle.

Jayden and Jacey Fairchild.

Ralph Hyppolite; Ashlee Quyle holding a baby alligator; Stacey, Christopher and Ryan Hyppolite; and Jackson and Paige Martin.

Amani Fennell enjoys one of the activities.

Hunter Naugles and Deborah Marseille.

Margaret, Ella and Emma Kazmierczak with Karen Lindquist holding a coral python.

Nath Rivera, Jeannette Gomez, Nehemias Rivera and Lila Varel.

RAINFOREST CLINIC IN LOXAHATCHEE GROVES HOSTS ANNUAL PARROT PARTY

The Rainforest Clinic for Birds & Exotics in Loxahatchee Groves held its third annual Rainforest Parrot Party on Sunday, Feb. 28. The fun day included vendor booths with a variety of parrot and pet supplies, educational talks by avian experts and entertaining animal presentations from McCarthy’s Wildlife and Showbirdz. There were also a variety of food trucks, live music, cane pole fishing, face painting and a bounce house, along with pet adoptions. For more info., call (561) 795-4878.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Mario Balart adopted Rocky, a blue and gold macaw, from Sally Peters of Pet Priorites.

Dr. Susan Clubb with her black palm cockatoo Moonlight.

Mark McCarthy (right) shows off Snowball, an albino python.

Terry Timberlake, Dr. Susan Clubb and Meeghandi Smith with Budha Barney.

Page 22

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS

Amazing Sunday Polo As Orchard Hill Defeats Dubai In Overtime Spectators, fans and fashionistas reveled in the beauty of a glorious day at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Sunday, Feb. 28.

Guests at the exclusive Coco Polo Lounge celebrated in sophisticated style and panache with a vintage double-decker bus, chic lounge area, private bar and Worth Avenue swag bag.

At the Veuve Clicquot Airstream Lounge, the champagne flowed and guests were dressed to impress. Of course, the fun never stops at the Lilly Pulitzer Patio, and the high-energy Pavilion after-party entertained a lively crowd of polo enthusiasts.

On the field, it was a strong defensive polo match with both teams fiercely protecting their turf.

Well-executed shots were blocked, keeping goals to a minimum. Or-

Elbridge Gale Supports LLS

Students at Elbridge Gale Elementary School have set a goal to raise more than $25,000 to help fund blood cancer research and provide help and hope to thousands of patients and their families through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Pasta for Pennies program, presented by Olive Garden.

Last year, the students rallied and raised more than $17,500 for LLS, becoming the top school in Florida. When the school achieves its goal this year, it will have the honor of becoming linked with a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funded research portfolio in honor and in memory of the students who have had leukemia at the school.

Letters

continued from page 4 you will see that nothing has been done.

Some of our neighbors lost backyards as Southern Blvd. was widened and will lose more when the next widening takes place. Mr. Valuntas is silent. He is more concerned about building his resume to become a judge rather than serving the residents of Royal Palm Beach; most recently using his council position to be appointed to the Criminal Justice Commission.

Mr. Valuntas also says that he saved our Cypress Head development money from tax assessments from Indian Trail Improvement District. True, he discovered that we had been charged incorrectly for 10 years. But Richard, the attorney, made no move to recover our money for the overpayment.

But here is the straw that broke the camel’s back for my family: Richard Valuntas told us that he was against the RaceTrac station to go just a few hundred feet from our development. He led us all to believe that he was going to vote “no.” We were shocked as we sat in the last meeting when he called for the vote to approve RaceTrac and voted for it.

I can never trust Richard Valuntas on anything that he says, and I certainly do not want him to continue to sit on the council... There is no doubt in our mind that we will be voting for Selena Smith. I strongly urge my neighbors who were betrayed to do the same.

Ralph and Catherine Paciello Royal Palm Beach

Vote For Fred Pinto As Mayor

This is an appeal to the voters of Royal Palm Beach to vote for Fred Pinto as mayor.

Please remember that the old Martha Webster had credibility.

The new Martha Webster has none. She is not seeking reelection to the council; she is seeking revenge. I have lost count of how many times she has been rejected at the polls by Royal Palm Beach voters. Will she be running next for president?

I am familiar with the quote from Winston Churchill that Gen Weiler quoted in her recent letter published in the Town-Crier: “If you have no enemies, then you have never taken a stand for someone or for something.” The familiar Churchill quote was, “So you have enemies? Good, it means you have stood up for something in your life.” He also said, and I quote, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary, it fulfills the same function as pain in the body, it calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”

Does that sound like Martha?

I invite Gen to vote for Fred Pinto and see just how quickly you would become her enemy. Fred has potential, there is no doubt about it. Martha, on the other hand, flip flops too often. “She has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” Once in a while someone amazing comes along.

chard Hill and Dubai were tied 3-3 at the end of the sixth chukker. In sudden-death overtime, Orchard Hill scored for the 4-3 win. Peke Gonzalez won the MVP award, while Wembley was selected as Best Playing Pony.

Don’t miss the action Sunday, March 6, with Sentient Jet presenting the C.V. Whitney Cup and the start of the Sentient Jet Challenge for polo patrons. Purchase tickets early, as it will surely be a sellout.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Polo matches are open to the public, with a wide range of hospitality and guest seating.

Tickets start at $30. For ticketing and sponsorship information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www. internationalpoloclub.com.

Sandra and Daniel Alberttis.

Sydney Butler with Sloan and Sydney Silverstein.

Robert Watson, Daniel Biaggi and John Wash.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

NEWS BRIEFS To reach the goal, students and staff have mapped out a fun and educational plan. The school will host its second annual Pi Day on Friday, March 11 from noon to 2 p.m., where students will throw pies at 70 teachers and administrators. In addition, the school has planned chess tournaments, bakes sales and dress down days.

Individually, students will collect spare change and reach out to friends, families and neighbors to raise awareness and support. So far, the school has raised $8,000 toward its $25,000 goal.

Elbridge Gale became involved with LLS after student Sebastian Sarmiento was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007. He passed away in 2009. Again this year, Elbridge Gale has yet another student diagnosed with leukemia. Andrew Dawson is a 6-year-old first grader

who recently completed the maintenance phase of his chemotherapy treatment.

Online donations to support the school’s effort can be made at http://tinyurl.com/EGES2016.

WHS Students Plan Fundraiser At Dog Park

On Saturday, March 12, from noon to 3 p.m., students from Wellington High School’s travel and tourism marketing class will hold a fundraising social event at the Wellington Dog Park with a raffle, face painting, dogs available for adoption, and food and beverages.

Donations of lightly used leashes, collars, toys and other canine accessories are being collected, and along with raffle proceeds will

be donated to Big Dog Ranch Rescue. For more information, e-mail ajplanco1999@bellsouth.net.

Tickets For ‘School House Rock Live! Jr.’ Now On Sale

Dance Arts Conservatory is performing School House Rock Live!

Jr. in March. Performances will be in-house (11120 South Crown Way, Suites 3/4, Wellington) on Saturday, March 19 at 5 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 20 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Seating is general admission.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 starting March 19. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk.

For more information, call (561)

296-1880 or visit www.dancearts conservatory.com.

Wellington Gets $200,000 Grant

The Village of Wellington has been awarded a 2016 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant in the amount of $200,000 for the new Wellington Community Center waterfront observation boardwalk and pier, multi-purpose trail, boat facility, and picnic facility.

The U. S. Department of the Interior provides funds, administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, for the development of recreational facilities through the LWCF grant program.

Wellington’s new community

center is under construction with a planned completion date of June 2016. The new observation boardwalk and pier will highlight Lake Wellington and the associated activities. As part of the ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, Wellington is planning a grand opening during the summer of 2016.

“The expanded and improved community center will showcase beautiful Lake Wellington,” Mayor Bob Margolis said. “The observation boardwalk and pier will offer new amenities, further enhancing the municipal complex and the amphitheater.”

The LWCF grant extends the village’s focus to help promote Wellington’s business and economic opportunities, as well as maintain the village’s reputation as an outstanding and safe community in which to raise a family.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR That someone is Fred Pinto. Please give him your vote and everything will be alright.

Brenda Orsolino Royal Palm Beach

Thoughts On Lox Groves Election

Believe it or not, nearly a year has passed since the last Loxahatchee Groves election. As many of you will recall, last March, at the end of Election Day, the challenger was ahead of the incumbent for Seat 3 by 22 votes. When the absentee ballots were counted, the incumbent won by 11 votes.

Throughout this letter, I will use the words “allege,” “alleged” and “allegedly” for legal reasons.

Those of us who lived through the 2015 election are familiar with the “alleged” voter fraud connected with the absentee ballots. In summary, prior to the 2015 election, the town averaged less than 60 absentee ballots for a council election; in 2015, more than 300 absentee ballots were requested; nearly half of the absentee ballots were ordered from one IP address; several of the absentee ballots were sent to one Loxahatchee Groves address; this address is the home address of the Seat 3 incumbent. A search of the public records of the names at this address revealed that some of the absentee ballots were for individuals who, “allegedly,” do not reside in the town and members of the Seat 3 incumbent’s family.

Here we are in 2016 and the postal service is delivering unrequested absentee ballots to town residents. In a 1998 case of voter fraud (Scheer v. City of Miami, 15 F. Supp.2d, 388), an officer of the court opined, “The absentee voting scheme as it now exists in Florida lends itself to fraud, manipulation and deceit. The state legislature continues to attempt improvements, but to date, criminals have found ways to abuse the system.” This voter fraud case was 18 years ago, and the state legislature is still looking for ways to stop absentee voter fraud. If you receive an unsolicited absentee ballot, please call the town clerk at (561) 793-2418 and the Supervisor of Elections at (561) 656-6200 and let them know.

Just in case this doesn’t get your blood pressure up, there is another incident. As you may recall from the 2015 town election, one of our sitting councilmen worked on behalf of candidates for Seat 3 and Seat 1 by “allegedly” going door to door to absentee ballot recipients and offering to “allegedly” help the voter with their ballot. This councilman was seen and caught on camera “allegedly” delivering absentee ballots to the Supervisor of Elections office. In addition, last year, this councilman was a member of the town’s canvassing board. The town’s charter has rules regarding elections. In the “Elections” section it states, “The election laws of the state shall apply to all elections.” State election laws speak to the mem-

bership qualifications to serve on a canvassing board and tell us that a canvassing board member who is an active participant in the campaign of any candidate who has opposition in the election being canvassed, such member shall be replaced. In other words, one of the canvassing board members served on the town’s canvassing board “allegedly” in direct conflict with state law. One of the duties of the canvassing board is to determine if the signature on the absentee ballot matches the signature on record.

Can the voters of the town trust someone who is an active participant in a campaign to be a judge of absentee ballot signatures? If we don’t get involved and demand that council uphold the town charter and state law, we’ll be faced with the same “alleged” election fraud. This year, a member of the canvassing board is actively endorsing and campaigning for one of the council incumbents. He publicly announced this at the Feb. 2 council meeting.

Dennis Lipp Loxahatchee Groves

ColorFest 5K A Huge Success

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to celebrate the success of the ColorFest 2016 5K! This first-year event exceeded expectations and drew more than 400 runners and more than 100 spectators.

Our two top runners taking home the overall male and female trophies were Michael Franklin and Natalie Basore. Medals were presented to gold, silver and bronze winners in each age division.

The chamber wishes to thank our sponsors, without whom we could not host such a spectacular event. Host Venue: Wellington Parks & Recreation; Title Sponsor: Premier Family Health & Wellness; Finish Line Sponsor: Dr. Randy Laurich and the Wellness Experience; Energize & Recover Sponsor: My Community Pharmacy; Water Bottle Sponsor: Bethesda Health; Media & Entertainment Sponsor: Talk4Media; Pre-Event Kickoff Venue Sponsor: The Art Cellar; Swag Bag Sponsor: MorseLife; Mile Marker Sponsors: Place of Hope, Your Computer Guy and Pyra Promotions; and Color Cleanup Sponsor: Rock Star Dry Cleaners.

Our exceptional vendors were Premier Family Health & Wellness, the Wellness Experience, My Community Pharmacy, Max Health Chiropractic, Whole Foods Market, Bolay Restaurant, Iron Lion Fitness Studio, Kona Ice, Place of Hope and Rock Star Dry Cleaners.

Thank you Dr. Matthew Shoemaker, Area 3 Superintendent with the School District of Palm Beach County, along with Bruce Delaney and Michelle Garvey from the Village of Wellington and the exceptional volunteers from Wellington High School, Palm Beach Central High School

and Wellington Landings Middle School.

A very special thank you Mayor Bob Margolis and Dr. Vincent Apicella and Dr. Mariaclara Bago for kicking off the event; Alyssa Coon for her spectacular rendition of the national anthem; Dr. Randy Laurich of the Wellness Experience and Hard Exercise Works for our event warm-up; Kayla Anschuetz for organizing our Wellington High School volunteer base; the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and our President Johnny Meier for their leadership; Tiffany Rodriguez, our Medical & Wellness Committee chair; Sharon Lasko and Jack Rosen for leading the race; Dean Piper for his exceptional job as our event emcee; TALK4Media; Debbie Crompton; Lisa Banionis; Karen Epstein; Marsha Israel; and Susan Harding.

The chamber salutes all our runners, exhibitors and sponsors for making their contribution to Wellington’s unique lifestyle, its economy and this spectacular event. Thank you for being part of this event and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Michela Green, Executive Director Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Support For Martha Webster

I have worked with and known Martha Webster for more than 16 years. I have seen what a powerful and innovative leader she can be in bringing people together to build successful programs. I worked with her at the University of Florida Extension Service here in Palm Beach County and always knew her to stand up for the best values and never give up on the organizations and families that she served.

Martha revitalized the countywide nutrition programs to be delivering regular nutrition education to all the Head Start, health department, senior meal sites and to most of the schools throughout the county. While running that program, she wrote and earned awards for the curriculum that she authored. Then she moved on to lead the 4-H youth program and wrote creative curriculum for many activities and youth camps.

I saw her pull off miracles when it seemed that nothing could work.

She ran horse shows, public speaking competitions, organized youth camps and directed the youth exhibits at the South Florida Fair year after year.

As a director, she always gave credit to her staff for their hard work, and even nominated several for university awards, which they received. Her work ethic and her commitment are beyond reproach.

I want to share this quote from one of the parents of the 4-H youth.

You can find it on LinkedIn should you doubt its authenticity. “Your positive leadership and kindness has touched so many lives over

the years. Our family will always be grateful for you.”

Quite honestly, the Village of Royal Palm Beach could not elect a better person for mayor.

Cynthia Flores West Palm Beach

Beware Dangers Of Development

At the February meeting of the Wellington Seniors Club, we were privileged to hear candidates up for Wellington election this March present their views and respond to questions previously posed by club members.

It was interesting to see very real differences, especially between the two mayoral candidates, Bob Margolis and Anne Gerwig. Mr. Margolis noted that Wellington is largely built out, and opposes more hotels and condos in the village. He also stated that we need to get politics out of equestrian discussions. I guess Ms. Gerwig doesn’t feel the same way, as her campaign reports (go to the village web site and see for yourself) show several thousand dollars in contributions from Mark and Katherine Bellissimo. Additionally, Gerwig and council candidate Michael Drahos apparently support an “entertainment district” in Wellington.

Let’s ask Jupiter how well that is working out for them. Ms. Gerwig justified this by saying entertainment now is too far to drive. Guess she thinks the 30 to 40 minutes to Kravis and Clematis is a burden.

Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that all candidates will receive campaign contributions, often from someone wanting something in return. But a significant amount of Ms. Gerwig’s money is apparently from equestrian interests: Blue Marlin Farms, Diamante Farms, Diamante Farms Dressage, horse trainer Arlene Page and equestrian Kevin Kane are reported as among her contributors.

However, as Mr. Margolis pointed out, 90 percent of Wellington residents are not equestrians (I have not verified his figure). When you vote in March — and please do vote — ask yourself where Ms. Gerwig’s loyalties might lie. And, to be fair, I’d also like to know more about money Mr. Margolis received from DNC Travel Hospitality, DNC Parks & Resorts, the Daytona Beach Kennel Club and the Jacobs family.

I have had multiple brief discussions with Ms. Gerwig. She is a good woman, and I believe she thinks her heart is in the right place. She has worked hard for Wellington. But I came away from the seniors meeting thinking Mr. Margolis and John Greene were the better choices for Wellington as a whole, and not just special equestrian interests.

The mayor and council we elect this March is particularly relevant, as we risk losing more green space.

Recently, Mark Bellissimo and Wellington Equestrian Partners purchased the Wanderers Club.

Late last year, the unused executive Wanderers Club course was

purchased by real estate agent and developer Jim Ward. (Interestingly this does not appear to have been made public, at least not in the Town-Crier, until after Bellissimo’s purchase.) Anyone besides me think this may be a cooperative venture? Clearly, Mr. Ward did not spend (reportedly) $1 million to keep the property as a failed golf course. Sadly, the village had an opportunity to buy this property but declined, unwilling to meet John Goodman’s terms. (They were only $300,000 apart, and I’d guess they spent more on legal fees haggling over equestrian issues and on civility assessment for our council.)

For either golf course to be developed, it will require a zoning change, and that is where the new council comes in. Granted, Wellington, in general, has never met a developer it didn’t like, but ask who will work harder to keep the land as “green” as possible, and who will permit ranchettes, a boutique hotel, bungalows, stables and manure? Both courses abut Lakefield South, an unpretentious development of villas and single-family homes largely owned by seniors. Unbridled development will bring crime, noise, traffic and a decline in property values to this stable, well-kept community with homes dating back to at least 1991.

When you go to the polls, think about this: the Wellington logo used to be a stand of trees. Now it’s a horse’s head. I certainly acknowledge the economic benefit equestrian interests bring, and very much support them in their place.

And some of the equestrian entities do fine charitable work. But enough is enough already.

Pat Keeler Wellington

Hmara’s The One

This letter is in support of Jeff Hmara for Seat 1 in Royal Palm Beach. I won’t take up space by repeating his extensive work, military and educational background, but will instead emphasize the kind of person he is. He uses his intelligence to truly listen to people, and to gather information so that whatever decision he makes on an issue is an informed one, and just as important, is in his opinion in the best interests of the residents of Royal Palm Beach.

While being a councilman is technically a part-time job, Hmara has made this a full-time job for himself, having spent many thousands of hours over these past four years working very hard and fighting for what is best for the residents of our community.

We are so very fortunate to have Hmara working on our behalf in Royal Palm Beach.

It is no coincidence that his list of endorsements for this election is the length of my arm. He has earned those endorsements, he has earned my vote, and he deserves your vote as well.

Steve Feiertag Royal Palm Beach

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Get Your Tickets Today!

MAR. 23 – 27 BB&T Center

MAR. 30 – APR. 3

AmericanAirlines Arena

Wed. MAR. 23

Thu. MAR. 24

Fri. MAR. 25 10:30 AM

7:00 PM

7:00 PM

7:00 PM

Wed. MAR. 30

Thu. MAR. 31

Fri. APR. 1

7:00 PM

7:00 PM

7:00 PM

Sat. MAR. 26 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

Sun. MAR. 27 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

Sat. APR. 2 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

Sun. APR. 3 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM

Buy Tickets: ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office 344017

Page 24

#DisneyOnIce

DisneyOnIce.com

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 25

NEWS

WELLINGTON CHAMBER HOSTS INAUGURAL COLORFEST 5K AT VILLAGE PARK

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce celebrated 20 years of serving the community with its first ColorFest 5K on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Village Park on Pierson Road. Hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers had a great time while getting a bit messy thanks to colored cornstarch powder thrown at the participants. The event was sponsored by Premier Family Health & Wellness. Full results are available at www.accuchiptiming.com.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Lindsay Kuperman and Mikayla Vennett.

Michael Franklin was the first one back, with a time of 20 minutes and 9.6 seconds.

The race gets underway.

Gus Cohn was the second one in, with a time of 20 minutes and 46.7 seconds.

Johnny Meier with Shaida Meier, Kyla Chamberlin, Isabella Lewissohn-Moore, Erica Preston and Julianna Jimenez.

Female overall winner Natalie Basore came in with a time of 23 minutes and 3.2 seconds.

Letty Hernandez and Erika Hernandez.

Sponsors Dr. Vincent Apicella and Dr. Mariaclara Bago with Johnny Meier.

Event sponsors are honored.

Lia Blanton with 8-month-old Blair and Sheri De Corral with 10-month-old Benjamin.

EST. 2003

OL

T

WE S

Y

CH

AR

TER SCH

O

Noah Thrope and Victoria Williams.

Western Academy Charter School

N ACAD

EM

ER

Andrew Holness gets hit with purple powder.

Amy Hathaway and Brianna Dougherty.

“A” Rated, High Performing Charter School

Ranked TOP 20% of all schools in the State of Florida based on State Test Scores • TOP 7% in Math • TOP 13% in Science • TOP 14% in Reading FLORIDA 5 STAR SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE th SATURDAY, MARCH 5

INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS AT 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm APPLY AT: WWW.WES TERNACADEMYCHARTERSCHOOL.COM

ON-LINE APPLICATION DUE MARCH 25th

2 MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS Traditional 6-8th grade program

ACADEMY Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

• Advanced level content courses • Algebra 1 Honors and Geometry 1 honors Offered for High School credit • Digital literacy and technology integrated throughout all classes •

Enrichment classes include; Computer Animation, Computer Coding, Robotics, Engineering, 2D/3D Design, Gaming Mechanics, Botany

• Seven Clubs, Intra-mural Sports, Chorus, National Junior Honor Society

Tuition Free Public School Before Care and After Care Programs 100% Highly Qualified Teachers

WESTERN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD. SUITE 400 ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411 (561)792-4123 • Fax (561)422-0674

Western Academy does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, national origin or disability.

Page 26

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS

WEST FEST BRINGS A FULL WEEKEND OF FUN TO COMMONS PARK IN RPB

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual West Fest celebration from Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 28 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event featured western-themed fun, music, activities, shows, vendors and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Paul Bunyan Lumberjacks brought their popular show to Royal Palm Beach.

Saturday Night Special performed a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Lilly Dilman likes bungee jumping.

Samantha Russell sings country tunes.

In the boxing showcase, Square Circle Boxing Academy’s Sebastian Ernst was declared the winner over Michael Belman from the RPB Police Athletic League.

Skeeter Sweeney, Slim Sweeney and Jaybird Sweeney of the Sweeney Brothers Band.

Riley Jennings hugs a baby goat.

Bill Gray and Shannon Garrett dance the day away.

YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL SEASONS KICK OFF IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach kicked off its new season at the Bob Marcello Baseball Complex at Willows Park. The event started the spring baseball and softball seasons with hundreds of players, families and friends in attendance. For more info., visit www.youthbaseballrpb.com.

PHOTOS BY SERGIO AGUILAR/TOWN-CRIER

Emily Paladino training with Ray Goncalves.

Former MLB star Brad Wilkerson, head coach at the Kings Academy, threw the first pitch.

Larry Mayer from Lifechurch.tv said an opening prayer.

RPB Mayor Matty Mattioli addressed the crowd.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 27

HOLLOW CREEK FARM CHILDREN’S JUNIOR/YOUNG RIDERS NATIONS CUP SATURDAY, MARCH 5 FIRST ROUNDS DURING THE DAY, SECOND ROUNDS AT NIGHT - GATES OPEN AT 5 PM $216,000 LUGANO DIAMONDS GRAND PRIX CSIO 4* SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2 PM

AGDF SPECIAL NIGHT! FREE GENERAL ADMISSION AND PARKING FEI GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE CDI-W, PRESENTED BY EVERGLADES DRESSAGE SATURDAY, MARCH 5, GATES OPEN AT 6 PM

GATES OPEN 6 PM | FREE GENERAL ADMISSION | FREE SEATING | PARKING $20/CAR, VALET $30 CAR

JANUARY 7 - APRIL 2 , 2016

JANUARY 13 - APRIL 3, 2016

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION AND PARKING

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

Adequan® Global Dressage Festival at THE STADIUM AT PBIEC

PARKING $20/CAR • VALET $30/CAR

World-Class Dressage Freestyle Competition, Food, and Variety of Vendors The Stadium •13500 South Shore Boulevard Wellington, FL 33414 www.globaldressagefestival.com (561) 793-5867 Premier Seating call (561) 784-1120

EquestrianSportProdTCRD3_4_16.indd 1

Winter Equestrian Festival at the PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER World-Class Show Jumping & Entertainment for the Whole Family!

Main Grounds at PBIEC • 3400 Equestrian Club Drive Wellington, FL 33414 www.pbiec.com (561) 793-JUMP Premier Seating call (561) 784-1120

3/2/16 7:46 PM

Page 28

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

THE SPORT OF Palm Beach

See and be seen at the world-class International Polo Club every Sunday for high-goal polo. Polo ponies, fierce competitors, enthusiastic crowds. Game on!

For ticket options or brunch reservations, please visit:

InternationalPoloClub.com

Every Sunday – January 3-April 24, 2016 Brunch at 2 p.m. at The Pavilion Polo Match at 3 p.m.

3667 120th Avenue South | Wellington, Florida 33414 Photo by LILA PHOTO

58840_IPC_TownCrier_FP_AD.indd 1

11/10/15 1:32 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Horses That Help Program Based In The Acreage

An excited group met at Hamlin House Community Center, near the Nicole Hornstein Horse Park, on Saturday, Feb. 6. After signing in, everyone headed out to the grassy area, where people led seven horses and ponies about. It was the monthly gathering of Horses That Help. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 31

The Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse team hosted South Fork High School in a non-district match-up Thursday, Feb. 25, and handled the Bulldogs 11-6 to improve its record on the season to 3-2. The Broncos drew first blood, but it wasn’t until seven minutes into the contest. Page 39

INSIDE

Sentient Jet Sponsoring C.V. Whitney Cup At The International Polo Club

Royal Palm Beach Softball Team Falls To Spanish River

On Friday, Feb. 26, the Royal Palm Beach High School softball squad hosted Spanish River High School and was held scoreless by the Sharks in a 4-0 loss. Royal Palm Beach pitcher Jaime Tino had an impressive 10 strikeouts on the night for the Wildcats (2-3).

Page 39

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 31 BUSINESS NEWS................................... 32-33 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................39-41 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 44 CLASSIFIEDS......................................... 45-48

Shopping Spree

Visit Our Main Showroom

Business

Sports

Page 29

Broncos Grab 11-6 Lacrosse Win Over South Fork

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Sentient Jet, a Directional Aviation Capital company, has renewed and expanded its sponsorship commitment at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. For the 2016 winter high-goal polo season, the prestigious C.V. Whitney Cup will be presented by Sentient Jet, along with awarding the second annual Sentient Jet Challenge and the all-new Sentient Soar and Score Challenge at halftime. Page 32

March 4 - March 10, 2016

301 S.E. 4th Street Boynton Beach, FL 33435

(561) 732-9418 Providing Peace of Mind Since 1960 C.K.’s S OWNER

C.K.’s Lockshop & Security Center has been in business since 1960 and is a full service company serving South Florida. For over 55 years C.K.’s has worked to improve it’s level of excellence, professionalism and quality service.

C.K.’s has 10 mobile units and we are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to help you. We have three locations Wellington, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. Call and ask for a free security analysis of your home or business.

Keys • Locks • Safes • Decorative/Commercial Hardware Access Control/Card & Key Fobs • Medeco High Security Locks Alarms/Monitoring • Surveillance Camera Systems

Wellington

13860 Wellington Trace #6 Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 732-9418

Delray 1642 S. Federal Hwy. Delray Beach, FL 33483

(561) 265-1101

Page 30

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 31

Horses That Help Program Meets Monthly In The Acreage An excited group met at Hamlin House Community Center, next to the Nicole Hornstein Horse Park, on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 6. After signing in, everyone headed out to the grassy area, where people led seven horses and ponies about. It was one of the monthly gatherings of Horses That Help.

The brainchild of Executive Director Yvonne Moritz, Horses That Help is a nonprofit ministry that provides free horseback riding to special-needs children while offering them and their families a fun morning of horses, crafts, fellowship, bunny petting, breakfast and lunch.

“We officially started in September 2015, when we got our nonprofit status,” Yvonne recalled. “Unofficially, we started three years earlier. My husband, Andrew, and I, and our three daughters, began volunteering at a local church. We brought along our black Shetland pony, Icee.”

It is an idea that she had thought about for quite a while.

“I’ve always had a strong desire to help others heal, and I knew that using a horse or pony would be beneficial. Icee was perfect.

He’s small, not threatening to small children or people who might be intimidated by a larger horse,” she said. “We never thought we’d evolve into an organization, but it kept growing. A lot of kids wanted to get involved, so

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg I acquired more horses. Eventually, I decided to branch out and offer the program here in The Acreage.”

The program started out in the pavilion at the horse park, but outgrew that and began renting the Hamlin House last November.

“We’re sort of stretched thin, as we’re basically self-funded. Eventually, we’d love to have our own property, at least five acres and a barn, so we could do this full-time,” Yvonne said. “We can use all sorts of items, especially helmets and buddy stirrups, and more volunteers to bring their horses.”

Among their sponsors are British Hay & Feed, Red Barn, Breen Organics, Jabrewski’s Pizza and the Gonzalez family.

Horses That Help meets every month yearround. Yvonne hopes to increase that to twice monthly. On Feb. 6, in addition to Icee, she brought her four other horses, and two volunteers brought theirs. The excited families crowded along the rail — 25 to 30 kids who would ride, and about 60 volunteers to offer helping hands.

The event started at 9:30 a.m. with a prayer

Kendall Noel on Icee, with volunteers Sarah Ray, Trisha Sliney and Katherine Mayer, and Kendall’s mother Justine. and a demonstration of horse leading and on, then crying because they didn’t want to side-walking by Yvonne, Andrew and other get off at the end.” volunteers.

The first riders were chosen and helped “These are good therapy horses,” Yvonne on, then led around the grassy area before assured everyone. “They’re special. They the games began. Yvonne explained that the know when they’re working. Our goal is for volunteers helped the riders get used to the everyone to have a fun, safe time. I’ve had horses’ motion and also do some arm and leg children who start out crying, terrified to get See ROSENBERG, page 41

Page 32

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

Sentient Jet Sponsoring C.V. Whitney Cup At Polo Club

Sentient Jet, a Directional Aviation Capital company, has renewed and expanded its sponsorship commitment at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

For the 2016 winter high-goal polo season, the prestigious C.V. Whitney Cup will be presented by Sentient Jet, along with awarding the second annual Sentient Jet Challenge and the all-new Sentient Soar and Score Challenge at halftime.

“Sentient Jet is the leading independent jet card provider in the world, and the alignment of our brands creates a winning partnership,” IPC President John Wash said. “We are honored that the C.V. Whitney Cup will be presented this year by Sentient Jet, which is renowned for its excellence, performance, safety and exceptional customer service.”

As the Exclusive Private Aviation Partner of the International Polo

Club Palm Beach for the second year in a row, Sentient Jet will offer special benefits for both Sentient Jet cardholders and International Polo Club members, as well as sponsor events throughout the 2016 season.

New this year is the exciting Sentient Soar and Score Challenge, which will take place during the halftime divot stomp. A spectator will be selected to try his hand at scoring a goal through the field’s goalpost with a mallet and ball at Sunday matches. For those who succeed, Sentient Jet will donate $1,000 to a local charity.

“Wellington is the premier equestrian enclave for polo in the world, and we are thrilled to bring together the excellence of the Sentient partner with the performance of the elite polo players who excel at this club, along with their sophisticated spectators,” said Andrew Collins, president of Sentient Jet. “We are

honored to present the 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup on March 6 at the International Polo Club.”

Sentient Jet will also be sponsoring the Sentient Jet Challenge, which will take place during March and April. At the close of the polo season, the team patron who scores the most goals during the high-goal season will be awarded a Sentient Jet Flight Card. The prize for the winner will be presented at the finals of the U.S. Open Polo Championship on Sunday, April 24.

In addition, Sentient Jet cardholders will enjoy VIP box seat tickets to watch polo matches throughout the season. International Polo Club members will receive a special Jet Card offer to fly with Sentient Jet and experience the flexibility and convenience of private air travel from the inventor of the Jet Card model.

Sentient Jet offers its 25-hour Jet Card in four jet size options, allow-

Sentient Jet has been named the Exclusive Private Aviation Partner of the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILA PHOTO

ing clients to purchase flight time on light, mid, super-mid and heavy aircraft, as well as in two age classes (Preferred and Select). Sentient Jet Cardholders receive a rare combination of industry-leading service at a

tremendous value, complete with a one-year lock on both hourly rates and fuel surcharges, with the added bonus of a 15 percent discount on hourly pricing for qualifying travel.

Visit www.sentient.com for info.

HealthSource Chiro Of RPB Conducting Donation Drive For March Of Dimes HealthSource Chiropractic, Progressive Rehab & Wellness is stepping it up for the March of Dimes by providing a free exam in exchange for a $17 donation to the not-forprofit organization.

The chiropractic exam (a $255

value) will help track down even the smallest amounts of pain, including those suffering from a wide range of problems, such as low back pain, headaches, neck pain, shoulder or arm pain, bulging or herniated discs, leg pain, numbness and more. Even

X-rays will be included, if necessary.

Donations will be accepted at the office, located at 125 S. State Road 7, Suite 103 (in Publix Plaza next to Lowe’s), up until March 31, but contributors are encouraged to call and set up an appointment.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all

babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects and low birth weight.

To schedule an appointment, call (561) 792-4016. To learn more, visit www.healthsourcechiro.com or www.marchofdimes.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 33

Junior Achievement Raises Nearly $250,000 At Event

Flapper dresses and suits filled the ballroom at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts during the Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast’s 14th annual Watch A Rising Star event on Feb. 13.

During the event, the nonprofit distributed more than $13,000 in scholarship money to the Rising Star finalists, while raising nearly $750,000 to support JA classroom programs in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Hendry counties.

The outstanding student finalists underwent months of rigorous rehearsals and live performances leading up to the dynamic vocal competition finale. The performers faced not only the judges’ table, but votes from the attendees as well.

The final winners were Rising Star recipient and Jupiter resident Emily Rynasko from the Pine School.

Winning Best Duet were Royal Palm Beach’s Celene Perez and Wellington’s Gregorio Umana, both of the King’s Academy. Other finalists were Jana Jackson, Dylan Jackson and Maxime Prissert, all of Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Guests were met at the door by volunteers from Palm Beach Gardens High School, who gave them

red carnations, pearls and “bathtub gin” for photo props. Attendees then participated in a silent auction before moving into the dining room. There, students from various schools treated the packed house to a high-energy, Roaring ’20s performance of the Charleston before Ken Cunningham took the stage. Cunningham thanked sponsors and board members.

With JA’s entire focus being on fostering students’ abilities to find success, the organization’s fundraiser also featured student emcees Ryan Fink of Palm Beach Gardens High School and Kelsey Kummerlen of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The duo kept guests roaring with laughter throughout the night.

While judges tallied the results, Justin Paul auctioned luxurious getaways. One of the auction highlights included an announcement of a $25,000 matching bid from Rick Stone. Final appreciation was given to co-chairs Karen Gonzalez and Shannon Materio and the judges for the evening, Monique McCall, Marilyn Mims and Donna Singer.

Sponsors include the Esther B. O’Keeffe Foundation; the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation; the Richard & Lesley Stone Family; the Sandy Hill Foundation; PNC Bank; the Weitz Company; Templeton & Co.; Arrigo Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram; Ellie & Bud Frank; the International Society of Palm Beach; and

Finalists Emily Rynasko, Gregorio Umana, Jana Jackson, Dylan Jackson, Celene Perez and Maxime Pressert.

PHOTO COURTESY CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

Guardians Credit Union.

For more information, call Devel-

opment Manager Cristina Sotolongo at (561) 242-9468.

Genbu Kai Karate, Health Coaches Offer Free Workshop Genbu Kai Karate in Wellington will host a free wellness workshop, “Achieving Optimal Health through Stress Relief and Weight Loss,” on Saturday, March 5.

The workshop is for people of all ages, including children, who either want to relieve stress or lose weight, or both. Certified health coaches Dr. Bob and Charlene Levine (www. cwrnow.com/healthcoaches) specialize in weight loss, stress reduction and pain relief.

Studies show that healthy weight loss and maintenance, combined with stress relief, gives a person the best chance of avoiding serious ill-health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. For those with any of these conditions, their symptoms are often reduced or eliminated by instituting healthy eating and stress management strategies. Living at one’s full potential is about creating a life of optimal health by gradually

trading unhealthy habits for healthy ones.

The Levines will discuss: 1) why it’s not your fault if you have not been able to maintain your healthiest weight or you experience too much stress; 2) simple and essential strategies for losing weight and keeping it off; 3) how to relieve stress and interrupt automatic habits and patterns so that making lifestyle changes becomes easy; and 4) how to live the longest, healthiest, disease-free life.

The Levines will provide everyone attending the workshop a free gift that will aid in stress relief, sleep improvement and increasing energy.

The workshop will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Genbu Kai Karate (13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21, Wellington).

Seating is limited. To reserve your seat, or get more information, contact Dr. Bob Levine at (561) 2008869 or drbob@cwrnow.com or Charlene Levine at (248) 894-8688.

Page 34

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 35

Page 36 March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

#1 Education Place offers Summer Academic and Enrichment camps to help students improve, maintain or acquire new academic skills in small teacher-led groups. Campers have the opportunity to choose enrichment camps such as Chess Camp conducted

by USA Chess, Video Game Creation Camp presented by Active Learning Systems, Scratch Programming Language by Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, Armory Art Camp by the Armory Art Center and more. Additionally, #1 Education Place is offering Spanish and Robotics camps. One-week sessions run from June 5 to Aug. 12. For more information and rates, call (561) 201-4531 or visit 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 23.

The Armory Art Center’s Summer Art Camp is a great way for children in grades 1 through 12 to experience a broad range of art projects. The camp will run from June 6 until Aug. 12. Each of the 10 weeks has a different theme. Experienced and vetted art instructors will provide campers with exciting, hands-on activities. All art materials are included with tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave. in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org/ youthartcamp.

Art Cellar Summer Camp is providing social and interactive art lessons, providing stepby-step instruction in a fun atmosphere for all ages during its summer camp, where young artists will learn to color outside the lines. Geared toward ages 7 to 12, nonstop art fun is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours and sibling discounts available. Young artists will paint, craft, learn about art history, play art-related games, have creative free time and more for only $55 a day or $220 for the week. Spots are limited. For more information, or to register a young artist, call (561) 792-2272 or visit www.facebook.com/artcellarwellington or www.artcellarwellington.com.

Casperey Stables Horse Camp is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts and crafts, and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures that each child receives 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 barbecue. To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Engineering for Kids is holding an Engineering/Science Summer Camp for children ages 6 to 14 where they will have a blast while learning in a fun, supportive environment. Children will be able to solve Minecraft engineering challenges, battle robots, build and launch rockets, race dragsters, create their own sailboat and more as they learn the science behind it all. Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours available. There are multiple Palm Beach County locations. Register early, since camps fill up quickly. For more information, visit www. engineeringforkids.com/palmbeach or e-mail palmbeach@engineeringforkids.net.

The Goddard School is a trusted name among parents and families for more than 27 years, with its safe classroom, nurturing environment and age-appropriate exploration and discovery opportunities. The school’s summer camp incorporates its F.L.EX (fun, learning experience) Learning Program and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) learning into exciting, one-of-a-kind and fun experience every day for children. Children ages 1 to 7 will enjoy the five different themes presented during camp, which runs from June 6 to Aug. 12 at 2665 State Road 7 in Wellington.

To register, or for more information, call (561) 333-2020 or visit www.goddardschool. com/wellingtonfl.

High Touch High Tech & Joey’s Outback Adventures in Wellington have partnered to bring the “Hottest Camps in Town” to children this summer. High Touch High Tech, the proud leader in science education for the last 20 years, brings science to life with hands-on experiments for children. Each day will be a new adventure, from interacting with real animals to launching rockets and panning for gems. The camp offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool take-home projects, arts and crafts, and awesome physical activities in Joey’s amazing indoor playground. The camp taps into a children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities to help them learn about the world around them. Expect awesome fun as campers make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream and more. For more information, or to register, call (561)792-3785 or visit www.sciencemadefunsfl.net.

The Lake Worth Playhouse is holding a summer camp where campers learn acting, voice, dance and stage movement through daily activities and rehearsals, which culminate in full-scale productions of popular musicals. Campers will be engaged in studio-style rehearsals for music, dance and production. Campers 12+ will also participate in behind-the-scenes roles and other theatre-related education at the Lake Worth Playhouse, located at 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. For more information, call (561) 586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 37

Page 38 March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Lion Country Safari will hold its popular summer day camp again in 2016. Each day at Safari Day Camp is filled with fun, adventure and hands-on learning. Campers ages 6 to13 experience wildlife and wild places, become a zoo keeper for a day, swim, play games, make crafts and enjoy behind-the-scenes activities at Lion Country Safari. Camp sessions run Monday through Friday from June 13 through Aug. 12. Tuition includes daily lunch and snack, a T-shirt, a water bottle and a cap. Camp spots fill up quickly.

Register online at www.lioncountrysafari.com or call (561) 793-1084, ext. 2127 for info.

The Little Place and The Little Place Too, Wellington’s premier nationally accredited childcare centers for more than 37 years, offer childcare for children up to 8 years old. The Little Place offers a quality, caring environment for children age 6 months to 5 years old. Staff works hand-in-hand with local elementary schools to help each child develop, to promote vital academic skills and to reinforce positive social interaction. For children ages 3 to 5, activities include utilizing tablets in the classroom with interactive programs that introduce basic math, reading and other skills. With exciting activities and outings, elementary-age children are kept busy with educational activities and playtime. For more information, or to register, call either the 1040 Wellington Trace location at (561) 793-5860 or the 2995 Greenbriar Blvd. location at (561) 790-0808.

St. David’s Episcopal School, conveniently located on Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington, is offering an onsite summer camp for children 3 to 8 years old. Camp activities include water play, outside play, movie day, Bible stories, games and music. The theme this summer is “Journey through Imagination.” Campers will explore through the mind’s eye of authors of well-known children’s books and ignite creativity with special crafts and activities. Camp takes place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and costs either $30 per day or $125 per week. For more information, or to register, call (561) 793-1272 or visit www.stdavidsepiscopalschool.com.

Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool is holding a “Summer of Fun” enrichment camp for children 2 to 6 years old. Children will enjoy a variety of fun activities that will make them smile, while promoting learning and social development. Activities include art, gymnastics, computers, sports, nature, cooking, water play and enjoying the preschool’s state-of-the-art playground. Children are sure to love the weekly entertainment, including High Touch High Tech, storytellers and animal shows. All of this takes place in a loving and nurturing environment. Camp is available for eight weeks, with full-time and part-time participation available. Temple Beth Torah is also now enrolling for 2016-17 preschool classes. For more information, or to register, call Sandy at (561) 793-2649 or e-mail psdirector@templebethtorah.net.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 39

P.B. Central Grabs 11-6 Lacrosse Win Over South Fork

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse team hosted South Fork High School in a non-district match-up Thursday, Feb. 25, and handled the Bulldogs 11-6 to improve the team’s record on the season to 3-2.

The Broncos drew first blood, but it wasn’t until seven minutes into the contest. Matt Liermann drove one in to give Palm Beach Central a 1-0

lead. The advantage was brief. The Bulldogs equalized only minutes later to tie it at 1-1.

The second quarter opened up the action, with South Fork taking a momentary 2-1 lead, off a deflection from the Bronco goalie that went into the net.

The goal sparked a Bronco rally, launching three unanswered goals that closed out the first half.

Austin Cavallo hammered in two, and Tyler Thomasson put one in

Joseph Iannone moves the ball into Bulldog territory for the Broncos.

to give Palm Beach Central a 4-2 halftime lead.

The Broncos continued to ride momentum into the second half, driving in two more goals to extend the lead to 6-2. While the Broncos were working on racking up goals, South Fork was trying to figure out how to contain Palm Beach Central’s attack.

South Fork began to piece to-

gether a strategy and bulled in three goals to cut the margin to 6-5 in the third. The two teams went goal-forgoal, heading into the fourth quarter with the Broncos holding on to a 7-6 lead.

Palm Beach Central would stiffen up on defense, not allowing the Bulldogs back into the net, and added to the tally with Liermann and Cavallo dropping in three more goals, and

Jackson Smith finding the net to lift the Broncos to the 11-6 victory.

The win placed the Broncos at 3-2 on the season. Cavallo totaled five goals, and Liermann scored three goals.

The Broncos had games against the Kings Academy and the Oxbridge Academy this week, but results were not available by press time.

Palm Beach Central’s Kevin Hagerty finds room to advance the ball.

Palm Beach Central’s Matt Liermann scores a goal for the Broncos in the second half.

Tyler Thomasson takes a shot on goal for the Broncos.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Beach Softball Team Falls To Spanish River

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Friday, Feb. 26, the Royal Palm Beach High School softball squad hosted Spanish River High School and was held scoreless by the Sharks in a 4-0 loss.

Royal Palm Beach pitcher Jaime

Tino had an impressive 10 strikeouts on the night for the Wildcats (2-3).

Spanish River got on the board early in the top of the third inning to take a 3-0 lead. The Wildcats played solid defense to hold the Sharks at bay — all the way to the top of the

sixth inning, the score remained 3-0.

While the Wildcat defense was busy trying to control the tempo of the game, it was the hitting that was missing. The Wildcats struggled at the plate to cut into the deficit.

The Sharks added to the tally, capitalizing on a Royal Palm Beach error. The Spanish River runner

Royal Palm Beach pitcher Jaime Tino throws during one of her 10 strikeouts.

Brett Peterson, at first, looks to move to second base for the Wildcats.

Miranda Hill connects with the ball for the Wildcats.

was caught between third base and the plate, which appeared to be a certain out, but an over-thrown ball from the Wildcat catcher to the third baseman went past, forcing the left fielder to cover. The mishap sent the Shark runner to the plate for the run, extending the Spanish River lead to 4-0.

The Wildcat defense buckled down in the infield and shut down the Sharks’ intentions of extending the lead to put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh inning.

Royal Palm Beach needed to come up big at the plate to begin any chance of rallying. The closest See SOFTBALL, page 41

Royal Palm Beach catcher Megann Linardes looks to throw toward third base.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 40

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

SPORTS & RECREATION

Royal Palm Beach’s Jaguar Athletics Win In Fort Lauderdale On Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, Jaguar Athletics of Royal Palm Beach took to the mat to participate in the Spirit Cheer Super Nationals competition in Fort Lauderdale.

With two teams performing, Senior Coed Level 3 and Youth Level 1, Jaguar Athletics has much to roar about.

Comprised of 12 girls and two boys, the seniors competed against

six teams and brought home a bronze title, placing third.

Next up was the youth team, comprised of 18 girls and one boy ranging in age from 8 to 11. These young athletes clawed their way to the top, competing against five teams in their division. The team placed first, bringing home a national title.

The youth team outscored all

(Right) The Jaguar Athletics team celebrates its national title win.

SRHS Basketball Senior Founds ‘1,000-Point Club’

Seminole Ridge High School senior Jihadu Brunner-Brown finished his career with 1,030 points in two seasons of varsity basketball.

The school’s all-time scorer, Brunner-Brown has a career average of 19.2 points per game and made not only 74 dunks, but also 142 three-pointers.

“Jihadu was the heart and soul of our team, with a tremendous desire to compete and win, and the work ethic that will help him succeed in life,” coach Kai Lee said.

“I’ve been playing ball since the eighth grade,” Brunner-Brown said.

“I love the competition, and I love to challenge others.”

teams in two divisions, earning them a full paid bid to the D2 Summit Championship in Tampa from April 30 through May 1.

Jaguar Athletics is in its second year and growing, featuring highly qualified coaches. Visit www. jaguarathleticscheer.com or contact Dinna Gilroy at dinnagilroy@gmail. com for more information. Tryouts will be held May 14.

WHS WRESTLERS HEADED TO STATES

Jihadu Brunner-Brown

Sanda Gane`

Any Full Price Massages, $25 off Body Facials Treatments e u r o p e a n

d a y

s p a

and

Choose from any of our massages to promote relaxation, ease soreness and increase mobility whether you opt for a relaxing or the more exotic Thai Poultice.

Our body treatments are design to break down stagnation, reducing fluid retention and toning.

Facial treatments are customized to meet every client specific needs from deep pore cleansing, acne treatment to lifting and rejuvention.

Schedule your appointment today

561.792.9696 SANDA GANÉ EUROPEAN DAY SPA | 12300 South Shore Blvd. Suite 204 Wellington, FL 33414 | (561) 792-9696

The Wellington High School wrestling team finished in second place Feb. 26-28 at the regional tournament and qualified a school-record nine wrestlers for the state tournament. Shown here are state qualifiers (left to right) Jared Abramson, Donovan Ortiz, Alec Trias, Tyler Difiore, Jacob Treanor, Eric Saber, Isaac Adonis, Cameryn Townsend and Colton Macfarlane.

The Town-Crier

Rosenberg

Horses That Help

continued from page 31 stretches. Since it was February, many of the games featured hearts.

Justine Noel of The Acreage brought Kendall, her 4-year-old daughter. She heard about the group through a Facebook page called Loxahatchee Ladies, which highlights local events.

“Kendall is developmentally chal-

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION lenged,” Justine said. “We attended their January get-together, and she loved it. She rode for 45 minutes, played games, had a scavenger hunt and races. It was wonderful. We couldn’t wait to come back again this month.”

Kendall is very excited on “horsey day.”

“I can’t say how much I appreciate this group,” her mother said.

“It’s not only close to home, it’s free.

Horse therapy is perfect for Kendall.

We plan to come as many times as we can.”

Yvonne Moritz (mounted) welcomes everyone to the gathering.

Volunteer Candie Vitani brought along Sky, her paint mare. “I was riding in the park and saw them one day,” she recalled. “I asked if I could help. That was six months ago. They’re so kind and loving.

They really have a heart for people, a love for everyone and God. This is so rewarding. It brings you real happiness and makes you appreciate what you have.”

Carolina Maldonado has been bringing her son, Alan, 9, since the group started at the church.

“I love it,” she said. “I can’t explain how wonderful it is. Alan loves it, too. It helps him physically and emotionally. He never touched a horse before... Now he loves riding. I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Brent Starts and his daughter, Hannah, 13, are volunteers. They met Yvonne and Andrew through the church.

“Seeing the kids’ faces is wonderful,” Brent said. “Helping out is a joy to the spirit. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, being one with the community. There’s healing and redemption here, for the people and the horses as well. Everyone has a purpose.”

“The kids can relate to the horses’ stories,” Hannah added. “It’s a healing process — horses and kids getting healed together.”

Emily Roberts, 13, was one of the

March 4 - March 10, 2016

early riders. “Buttercup is nice,” she said. “He likes me. I’m doing a lot better since I started. I love coming here. It’s a lot of fun.”

Emily’s mother, Susan, looked around and smiled. “It’s hard to describe how wonderful being here feels. It’s like being with family,” she said. “It has absolutely helped Emily. I wish I was a millionaire so I could donate more to them. This group is a testament to God’s greatness. He has brought everything and everyone together perfectly.”

Yvonne firmly believes there’s something about a horse that opens doors and breaks down physical,

Page 41

mental, spiritual, emotional and cultural barriers.

“It’s not just kids with special needs,” she said. “Everyone needs help in one way or another. We aim to provide a safe, wholesome, loving environment where these kids can let down their guards and simply be kids. A child lights up when you point out their potential.

As the children heal, their families heal, too. And it all starts with a kid and a horse.”

For more information, contact Yvonne Moritz at (561) 281-8599 or yvonne@horsesthathelp.org, or visit www.horsesthathelp.org.

Softball

Loss For The Wildcats

continued from page 39 the Wildcats could come was to third base.

Fly outs plagued the final inning, cutting the Wildcats’ efforts short, and they closed out the game with the 4-0 loss.

Royal Palm Beach is 2-3 early on in the season. The Wildcats faced Seminole Ridge on Tuesday night, to make up for a delayed game earlier in the season, but results were not available by press time.

Wildcat outfielder Nicole Hayslip scoops up the ball.

PHOTO BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 42

March 4 - March 10, 2016

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BURGERFI_WELLINGTON

$3 OFF

WITH PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE.*

*Valid at this location only. Coupon required at time of purchase. limit one coupon per customer. Not to be used with any other coupons or offers. Offer not valid with gift card or alcohol purchases. Void where prohibited. state sales tax applicable. cash value 1/100¢. Offer valid until 03.31.16. Not valid for online orders. @2016 all burgerfi franchised locations are independently owned and operated.

$2 OFF

WITH PURCHASE OF $10 OR MORE.*

*Valid at this location only. Coupon required at time of purchase. limit one coupon per customer. Not to be used with any other coupons or offers. Offer not valid with gift card or alcohol purchases. Void where prohibited. state sales tax applicable. cash value 1/100¢. Offer valid until 03.31.16. Not valid for online orders. @2016 all burgerfi franchised locations are independently owned and operated.

WELLINGTON 12836 FOREST HILL BLVD. WELLINGTON, FL 33414 561.612.7853 SUN - THURS 11AM - 10PM FRI - SAT 11AM -11PM ©2016 BURGERFI International, LLC. BURGERFI® and the BURGERFI® logo are registered trademarks of Restaurant Development Group, LLC. BURGERFI system consists of restaurants owned by BURGERFI International, LLC. affiliates, and BURGERFI franchisees. All BURGERFI franchised locations are independently owned and operated.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 43

No one stacks up to 551 N. SR. 7 (441)

Royal Palm Beach 561-333-5332 6250 Lantana Rd. #23

Lake Worth 561-304-0707

1250 Northlake Blvd.

Lake Park 561-881-8900

Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm www.batteriesplus.com

4.99

10.00

$

$

Watch & Battery Installation

Off Smartphone or Tablet Screen Repair

Limit 2. Some makes, models or styles may be excluded.

Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 5.30.16. CM004

Limit 2. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 5.30.16. CM014

Š

2016 DURACELL, a division of the Gillette Company, Bethel, CT 06801. DURACELL is a registered trademark of the Gillette Company, used under license.All rights reserved.

Page 44

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Saturday, March 5 • The Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a car pool tour around Storm Water Treatment Area 1E managed by the South Florida Water Management District on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. Visit www.auduboneverglades. org for more info.

• The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (6890 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach) will hold a sale of surplus items to the highest bidder on Saturday, March 5 at 9 a.m. There will be no buyer’s premium, no minimums and no reserves.

Visit www.swa.org for more info.

• The Green Market at Wellington will be held Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Visit www.greenmarketatwellington.com for more info.

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center will host Archery for Beginners for ages 8 and up on Saturday, March 5 at 9:30 a.m. and Archery Open Range at 1:30 p.m. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register.

• Genbu Kai Karate (13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21) will host a free wellness workshop, Achieving Optimal Health through Stress Relief and Weight Loss, for all ages on Saturday, March 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. Call (561) 200-8869, e-mail drbob@cwrnow.com or call Charlene Levine at (248) 894-8688 for more info.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association will present the Loxapalooza Chili Cookoff & Music Fest at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Avenue North) on Saturday, March 5 from 2 to 11 p.m. with a full day of free family fun featuring a great lineup of bands, a chili cookoff with cash prizes, food trucks, a kids zone, a car show and more. Visit www.acreagelandowners.com for info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Teen Choice Weekend for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m. Meet up with friends for a choice of games, anime, snacks, music or crafts. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Rotary Club of Royal Palm Beach will host a tribute dinner for retiring Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli on Saturday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

For information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Dan Splain at (561) 688-5112.

• Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center will feature the Hollow Creek Farm Jr/Child/YR Nations Cup CSIO-YRJ on Saturday, March 5 starting at 7 p.m. For more info., visit www.pbiec.com or call (561) 793-JUMP. Sunday, March 6 • “A Day of Mallets and Chukkers,” a fundraiser for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation Youth Scholarship Program, will take place Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington). For more information, call (561) 714-9058 or visit www.pbcsf.org.

• The International Polo Club Palm Beach (3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington) will con-

www.gotowncrier.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

tinue the 2016 polo season on Sunday, March 6 with the USPA C.V. Whitney Cup. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687.

• The Robert Sharon Chorale will perform Faure’s Requiem accompanied by an organist on Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. at the DeSantis Family Chapel (300 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) to Benefit Wounded Warriors Family Support. Visit www.rschorale.com for more info.

Monday, March 7 • The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, March 7 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). A business meeting will start at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:15 p.m. on tropical bamboo presented by Robert Saporito, past president of the American Bamboo Society’s Florida Chapter and the owner of Tropical Bamboo in Loxahatchee Groves. RSVP to Jim Wenham at hammerx48@ me.com. For more info., visit www.wellington gardenclub.org.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Flipside: The Patti Page Story on Monday, March 7 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. as part of the Adults at Leisure Series. Visit www.kravis. org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Art Club for ages 6 to 12 on Monday, March 7 at 3 p.m. Live through art by exploring different mediums. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Stitching Starters Beginning Crochet for ages 10 and on Monday, March 7 at 4:30 p.m. Learn the basics of crocheting. If you know how to crochet already, then bring projects to work on. Bring a size H, I, J or K hook and skein of worsted weight yarn. Materials will not be provided. Children must be able to work independently. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• On Monday, March 7, the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will host a candidates’ forum for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, featuring candidates for mayor and the two available council seats. It will be an opportunity to meet the candidates and ask questions. The forum will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. For more info., contact Sharon Lascola at (561) 204-9376 or shronee@aol.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host English Exchange for adults Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Practice speaking English in a fun and informal atmosphere. Intermediate knowledge of the language is recommended. Call (561) 894-7529 to preregister.

• The Council of Community Associations will host a candidates forum at the Wellington Municipal Complex on Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Call Diane Henderson at (561) 792-2232 or e-mail dhenderson@pbcca.org for more info.

• La Leche League’s Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group will meet Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Wellington Regional Medical Center. Visit www.lllwellington.org for more info.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will meet Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Cindy Bush of the Grassy Waters Preserve will discuss activities, facilities and trails, as well as volunteer opportunities. Call Margaret Brabham at (561) 324-3543 for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach will present the Russian National Orchestra on Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. as part of the Regional Arts Concert Series. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Tuesday, March 8 • The Okeeheelee Nature Center will host Story Time for ages 2 to 5 on Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. Call (561) 233-1400 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Art for Adults: Spring Still Life for ages 16 and up Tuesdays, March 8 and March 22 at 2 p.m. Examine the elements of drawing objects while enjoying the blossoming spring. Develop the fundamentals of perspective, shadowing, proportions and balance. Graphite and various other media will be provided, as well as guidance from the instructor. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy will conduct its Junior After-School Spring Golf Program at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington, starting Tuesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 10 for boys and girls ages 7 to 17 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visit www.kevinperkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 301-3783 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host its Teen Writers Group for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, March 8 at 5 p.m. Get an honest critique and thoughtful advice. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Pizza Chat for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a book, comic, short story, fanfic or manga you’re reading. Chat with the group about it while enjoying pizza and drinks.

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

• The Mounts Botanical Garden will host its Book Discussion Series on Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. The featured book will be Silent Spring

by Rachel Carson. Visit www.mounts.org for more info.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Wednesday, March 9 • The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Becoming Dr. Ruth: An Unexpected Journey from Wednesday, March 9 through Sunday, March 13. Actress Susan Greenhill tells Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s story, from surviving the Holocaust to serving in the Haganah to her struggles as a single mother who went on to earn her doctorate. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host For Real Fairy Tales for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. Use costumes and props to act out battles with wicked witches and evil giants, or become the villain and capture kind princesses and virtuous knights. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Origami: Unfolding Fun for ages 8 and up on Wednesday, March 9 at 4 p.m. Learn the art of Japanese paper folding with cool origami models for all skill levels. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet Wednesday, March 9 at the PGA Boulevard Embassy Suites Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens.

Networking starts at 6 p.m., with the dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be “The Speaking Goddess” AmondaRose Igoe. For more info., call Karen Dooley at (561) 543-5641 or Rebecca Ott at (772) 828-0915, or visit www. abwanpbflorida.org.

• Wellington will hold a Neighborhood Watch

The Town-Crier Meeting for the Mayfair neighborhood on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Visit www. wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present organist Cameron Carpenter and the Jacksonville Symphony with special guest Matthew Whitaker on Wednesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Thursday, March 10 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host All Things Seuss for ages 2 to 6 on Thursday, March 10 at 10 a.m. Come dressed as your favorite Seuss character for lively Seuss activities. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 Jog Road, Greenacres) will hold its final Lunch and Learn for the season Thursday, March 10 at noon. Yonina and Miriam will perform a riveting combination of spirited dancing, music and magic. Visit www. templebethtikvah.net for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Coloring for Adults: Celtic Knots on Thursday, March 10 at 2 p.m. Color away your stress with adult coloring featuring St. Patrick’s Day-inspired Celtic knots. Cards and coloring materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks on Thursday, March 10 at 5 p.m., with a free concert by the Casey Raines Band at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Itzhak Perlman: 20th Anniversary of In the Fiddler’s House on Thursday, March 10 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Friday, March 11 • The second annual Pony Derby Classic & Gala, benefiting Give a Buck for Special Equestrians, a Wellington-based nonprofit enabling children and veterans with special needs to experience “horsepower” that heals, will take place Friday, March 11 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium (13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington). Call Tara Bieling at (239) 200-2230 for more info.

• The Mounts Botanical Garden will host Stories in the Garden: Buzzy, Buzzy Bees for ages 2 to 6 on Friday, March 11 at 10 a.m. Visit www. mounts.org for more info.

• Wellington High School will host a Dance Marathon event to benefit the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital on Friday, March 11 from 4 to 11 p.m. For info., contact Melissa Varvarigos at melissa.varvarigos@palmbeachschools.org.

• The Challenge of the Americas, a benefit for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through its partner Play for P.I.N.K., will take place Friday, March 11 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach featuring Grand Prix musical quadrille dressage teams and a show jumping extravaganza. General admission tickets are available beginning at 5 p.m. at the gate for only $20, and children under 12 and under are admitted free. For more info., contact Mary Ross at (561) 433-0988 or anglot@aol.com, or visit www.challengeoftheamericas.com.

• An Evening of Great Expectations to benefit Grandma’s Place will be held Friday, March 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Mallet Grill at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, in conjunction with St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church. Call (561) 408-3060 or visit www.grandmasplacepb. org for more info.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present Tony Bennett on Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m. Visit www.kravis.org for more info.

Saturday, March 12 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Be Xpressive Kids Xpressions for ages 7 to 12 on Saturday, March 12 at 3 p.m.

Share original poems, writings, art work and more with friends at the library. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

EMPLOYMENT PART-TIME ACCOUNTANT ASSISTANT — Part time, flexible, assistant to accountant.

Must be organized self-starter, computer literate (Excel, MS Word), to answer phones, do filing, do scheduling. Must be willing to learn new tasks. Royal Palm Beach.REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED.Respond to arnoldsachs1@att.net No phone calls.

PART TIME, FLEXIBLE LEGAL SECRETARY/ASSISTANT. — Computer Literate (WordPerfect). Answer phones, schedule hearings, filing, assist with document preparation, etc. ONLY APPLICANTS WITH SOME EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED. REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED. Respond to j.a.abrams@att.net No phone calls.

TEACHERS FOR 2 & 3 YEARS OLD — Part time, call Monica at 561-5853992 or you can fax (561) 585-8814 or email (fbchdaycare@fbchypoluxo.com) your resume to us.

IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR BILINGUAL EXPERIENCED CLERICAL PERSON — In small office in Wellington.

Position includes handling a high volume of mail, answering phones (many calls only from Spanish callers), speaking with customers explaining services, and filing. We are a horse-related office but knowledge of horses is not required. The successful hire will have proven excellent customer service skills, be highly detail-oriented, and have proven ability to handle many details accurately on a daily basis. Excellent attendance and reliability will be a major requirement.

A resume with at least three references will be required and can be submitted via email: unitedstatespre@gmail.com H A I R S A L O N — Booth rental available or commission with some clientele.

Great environment. Looking for stylist.

Must be reliable. Cell 615-630-4244

Drivers: New Pay! $3,500 Sign-On Bonus!

Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

CWP & GOV

Salesperson Come work for the BEST! #1 JD Dealership needs a salesperson to sell new and used CWP agricultural and turf equipment to new and existing customers.

Base Plus Salary. Excellent Benefits, matching 401K. email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com

AG Equipment Salesperson Come work for the BEST! #1 JD Dealership needs a salesperson to sell new and used agricultural and turf equipment to new and existing customers.

Base plus commission. Excellent benefits, matching 401K. email dpadron@evergladesfarmequipment.com

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016 Page 45

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

PET DOCTOR - MOBILE/HOME CARE

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT

105 ACRES RPB ACREAGE

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

TIRED OF HOLDING YOUR CAT IN THE WAITING ROOM? — Call Critter Home Care and Stay Home Dr. Don Denoff. 561-517-8705

WELL WATER AND CITY WATER — Supply, Service and water treatment. 561-7845210. Loxahatchee Irrigation Supply Inc.

$6,000,000.00

PLUMBING

SWAMPLY IS AN ECO-FRIENDLY DIGITAL AGENCY — handling all of your web design, development, and hosting needs. Free consultation. www.swamply.com

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779 SUNSHINE STATE CLEANING — Residential, Commercial & Construction Cleaning Specialists. Licensed & Insured. $40 Flat Fee For a Basic Cleaning For Home or Office. Call Kristina 561-201-7123

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

PRESSURE CLEANING 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 & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

DRIVEWAY REPAIR

ROOFING

D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s 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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Call 793-7606 LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — Serving Loxahatchee, Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves ONLY High quality, affordable yard maintenance. NO CONTRACTS! Locally owned and operated. 561-320-1118

LOCKSMITH C.K.s L O C K & S E C U R I T Y 561-7329418 Full Service Security Since 1960 — Service and installation of locks, safes, camera’s alarms, monitoring, duplication of keys, car remotes and so much more.

MOVING SERVICES ICON MOVING SERVICES — Provides full service moving, packing & storage. Rated “A” plus by BBB. Lic. & Ins. FREE ESTIMATES. Call 561-338-3157.

PAINTING 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. 561-578-2873. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident PAINTING BY JESSE INC. — Specializing in residential, re-painting, interior, exterior. Since 1992. www.paintingbyjesse.com 561-723-3100 (Lic. #U16849)

PET CARE PRODUCTS HAPPY JACK LIQUIVIC ® 2x— Recognized safe & effective againist hook & roundworms by US CVM. Grand Prix 561-792-2853 Kennelvax.com

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated.

Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

SECURITY SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years.

Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 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

TRAIL RIDES TRAIL RIDES AT THE GOOD EARTH FARM — You get a 20 min. lesson on what to do before you go on your trek in the woods, then you go with your experienced trail boss. We can serve up to 3 people. Kids have to be at least 10 years old. Everyone has to wear some kind of boot that covers the ankle and has a heel. We have the helmets. Cost is 75$ each for a 1.5 hour experience and a personalized trail ride, walking (trotting in the ring only) at the end you wash your horse. 561-792-2666

TREE SERVICE 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

\

WALLPAPERING

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

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Call 793-7606 To place your ad here!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNIT Y DISSATISFIED with M.L.M.? — Are you currently frustrated or Dissatisfied with the MLM company you’re involved with now, or have you been frustrated with your experiences with direct selling and/ or MLM opportunities in the past? I’m looking for ‘1’ Leader to Develop Locally...

Call me NOW... Bill Childers 561-290-3260.

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

PRIMA PROPERTIES 561-575-1440

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS *NEW* ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP — Every Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Leo and Anne Albert Alzheimer’s Care and Service Center at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington. Contact Maria Alma, RN 561-331-6576.

GIRLS YOUTH LACROSSE PROGRAM — Starting March 21st! Ages 5-12 at Citrus Grove Park in Loxahatchee, FL. No playing experience necessary. For more information, go to www.allinsportsandfitness.org.

FOR SALE 1998 CARRIAGE 5TH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER — 38ft, 3 slides, New Air, 2 new Lazy Boy Chairs, $9,999 Very Good Condition. Call 573-614-1223

Page 46 March 4 - March 10, 2016

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016 Page 47

HERE’S MY CARD

Page 48 March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

HERE’S MY CARD PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 49

GREATNESS STARTS

HERE

CSUSA’S

NET PROFICIENCY GROWTH IN READING, MATH, WRITING AND SCIENCE IS ALMOST

X 10

ENROLLMENT SESSIONS Now Available for the 2016-2017 school year SERVING SIX GREAT SCHOOLS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

HIGHER

than the state of FLORIDA.

Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8 K-8

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

TUITION FREE!

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Learn more at www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

Page 50

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

March 4 - March 10, 2016

Page 51

Page 52

March 4 - March 10, 2016

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier