Town-Crier Newspaper March 5, 2010

ELECTION 2010: WELLINGTON MAYOR

RPB Candidates Spar At Forum

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach Village Council contenders Tinu Peña and Richard Valuntas squared off in a televised debate Tuesday, March 2 at the Village Meeting Hall. The forum was supposed to include mayoral candidates Matty Mattioli and Steve Petrone. However, Petrone was unable to attend due to a last-minute family emergency. The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters, and league rules precluded Mattioli from participating if Petrone was not there.

Tuesday’s forum was held one week to the day before the March 9 municipal election. Peña, a 10-year resident raising two children in elementary and middle school, is a civil engineer and veteran of the U.S. Army. She is an alternate member of the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission. Peña said she is running because she believes in maintaining the quality of life in the village.

Valuntas moved to Florida as a child from Pennsylvania and grew up in Broward County. He graduated from Miramar High School in 1988 and attended Florida State University, where he financed his own education, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology, and later a law degree. He currently works for a legal firm representing condominium and homeowners’ associations.

The Valuntas family moved to Royal Palm Beach in 2001, and he volunteered to serve on the Recreation Advisory Board in 2002. He currently chairs the board. Valuntas said he is running for office because he feels it is important to have citizens participate in government.

Valuntas cited problems at Royal Palm Beach High School, traffic issues and foreclosures as the three most important issues facing the village.

“Children, unfortunately, are heading out of Royal Palm Beach to magnet schools,” he said, explaining that he would follow

Councilman David Swift’s work with a committee that includes school officials to address problems such as student safety and the school’s poor rating by the state.

Regarding traffic issues, Valuntas said a study is needed to assess the feasibility of opening the Madrid Street connection to the State Road 7 extension. The council has voted to keep the connection closed.

Peña said the three most important issues are taxes, traffic and the high school.

In regard to traffic, she wants to look at traffic light timing on Okeechobee Blvd. during peak traffic hours and increase the pressure to get Roebuck Road built.

Regarding the high school, Peña commended Swift for taking the lead in getting a committee organized. “The ball was dropped somewhere, and I will make sure this does not become an issue again,” she said.

To address problems with residential and commercial foreclo-

See RPB FORUM, page 22

Loxahatchee Groves Council Takes Aim At Foreclosures

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council decided Tuesday to take an inventory of homes that have been abandoned and look into an ordinance that would require the upkeep of foreclosed homes in the largely rural community.

Local Realtor Bill Hammond noted that the number of foreclosures and abandoned properties have increased dramatically in the town.

“Nobody seems to want to take care of them,” Hammond said. “With many people out of work, it’s probably going to get worse. It’s not a situation that’s going to correct itself. Houses are burning down. They’re just sitting there.”

The banks and mortgage companies that wind up owning the properties do not want to have anything to do with foreclosed and abandoned homes in Loxahatchee Groves, Hammond said.

“It is my idea that we as Loxa-

hatchee Groves create ordinances with regard to maintaining these properties inside and out and figuring out who is the rightful owner,” he said, explaining that the town could do the repairs and send the bills to the owner. If the bill isn’t paid, the town would put a lien on the property.

“It’s devaluing your property if you have one in the neighborhood,” he said. “For the last 10 years, we’ve been building $500,000 homes and looking like Wellington. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but we have really come up in Loxahatchee Groves, but by this devaluation, we’re going down — at least down in price anyway. Let’s not go down any faster.”

Hammond said he had not gotten the exact number of foreclosed homes in Loxahatchee Groves. However, he estimated that it is not as bad as the problems in Wellington and The Acreage. Nevertheless, it is a problem that should

not be ignored.

“We’ve watched people leave in the middle of the night,” Hammond said. “They call me and ask, ‘What’s my house worth?’ and I say it’s worth $400,000 and they say, ‘Well, I owe $600,000 on it.’ That’s not uncommon, and they’re gone a week later.”

Hammond hopes that being proactive can help stem the tide of property devaluation.

“If we can strengthen ourselves with regard to some sort of control, maybe we can slow it down a little bit and continue our good growth,” he said.

Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan recalled visiting a friend who had an abandoned property behind her.

“It had been made into a skeleton of what used to be a pretty nice house,” Ryan said, adding that he would support an ordinance to enforce maintenance by owners

Wellington Hopefuls Make Final Pitches As Election Nears

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Village Council hopefuls gathered at the Wellington Community Center on Wednesday, March 3 for a televised candidates’ forum held less than one week before voters head to the polls on Tuesday, March 9.

Issues discussed ranged from K-Park and taxes to the equestrian community and senior issues.

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce organized the forum with questions from a panel of local media. Seat 2 candidates Anne Gerwig, Wismick St. Jean and Ernie Zimmerman, along with Mayor Darell Bowen and his opponent Carol Coleman, participated in the two-hour question-andanswer session, during which they were able to make their final pitches to village residents.

While all the candidates supported higher education, they were divided on what to do with the KPark property, which remains in village possession after a failed attempt to bring Palm Beach Community College (now Palm Beach State College) to Wellington.

“We have to find out what the best use of the land is,” St. Jean said. “I would put it to a referendum and let the voters decide.”

The land is zoned for civic use, which Gerwig said means it should not be sold off for a profit.

“We could sell the land for $35 million, or whatever it’s worth,” she said. “But then the land is gone forever. I would look for a public-private partnership that would let the village retain some use of the land.”

But for Zimmerman, the answer was easy: don’t give away the land for free.

“If they want it, let them pay for it,” he said. “We’re paying $40,000 a month on that land to watch weeds grow. I’d like to see something done with the land. But we can’t afford to give it away for free.”

While Bowen felt that the KPark property wasn’t even near the top of the list of issues the village will deal with next year, he supported putting out a request for proposals to see what the land is worth and what ideas are out there.

“But if you want to bring in higher education, you have to do a public-private partnership,” he said. “Public schools don’t buy land. They generally trade for services to benefit the community.” Coleman said the issue should be sent to a referendum to let vot-

CEO DiLallo Leaving WRMC For Bradenton

Town-Crier

By Ron Bukley

Staff Report

Longtime community leader Kevin DiLallo will be leaving his post as chief executive officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center next month.

DiLallo, the current chairman of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, has been promoted to vice president of the Manatee Memorial Health System in Bradenton.

During his 12-year tenure at WRMC, DiLallo has led the development of many services and projects, including expansion of the hospital’s cancer center, Level II and Level III neonatal intensive care units and a patient care tower. The hospital’s 59-acre campus has also added several new medical office buildings and a five-story parking garage during his tenure.

DiLallo told the Town-Crier that he regrets leaving Wellington, but the timing is right.

“It was an opportunity I was looking for,” DiLallo said Tuesday. “It’s a promotion within the company I work for. The time was right, the promotion was right, and it was hard to say no.” Yet the decision was not an easy one to make.

“It’s bittersweet for me to leave because it appears that I’ve had an impact here,” DiLallo said. “I like the community. I’ve put a lot of time into it. I’m going to miss it.”

Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, chief medical officer at WRMC, will miss DiLallo.

“He has become a good friend, a great mentor to me, and his leadership in our organization has been

See DILALLO, page 22

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

South University’s new Royal Palm Beach campus was dedicated Friday, Feb. 26 in front of faculty, students, staff and local representatives eager to learn more about the university and its programs.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have South University in Royal Palm Beach,” Mayor David Lodwick said. “It’s a perfect fit for our community. It’s a perfect fit for all the western communities.” South University was established in 1899 in Savannah, Ga., and has expanded with several campuses on the East Coast. The private university opened

its campus at State Road 7 and Belvedere Road in January, and more than 1,000 students have enrolled. This marks the first of three buildings that will comprise University Center, and the first institute of higher education in the village.

“We all know that education is bedrock for economic revival and revitalization,” Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation Chairwoman Maria Sachs said. “This is going to be one of the foundations for this area’s economic revitalization. You can’t get a better location than this.” The university offers various degree programs, including bach-

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club hosted its second annual Glow Ball Golf Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Links at Madison Green. Rotarians braved the elements and played nine holes of golf in the dark to benefit Little Smiles and the Rotary Scholarship Fund. Pictured above, Craig Mancini buys raffle tickets from Nancy D’Angelo and Joan Scherer. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE

See VOW FORUM, page 21

South University staff and Royal Palm Beach officials cut the ribbon to dedicate the local campus.

The 15th annual Hanley Center Foundation Family Luncheon was held Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Winter Equestrian Festival. It featured a silent auction to raise needed funds for addiction treatment. Shown here are: (front, L-R) Miranda and Dylan Green; (back) Barbara Langaro, Susan Goldstein, Cindy Sulzberger and Darin Goldstein. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 15

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

YMCA HOSTS ‘POLO WITH PEDRO’ BRUNCH AT THE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Jonathan Cameron-Hayes and Arvo Katajisto with YMCA kids.

Kevin De Souza and Ted Christian from sponsor TD Bank with YMCA President/CEO Russell Martin.

True Rodriguez, Leslie Rose and Denise McCann.

Corinna Allen, Katherine and Mark Bellissimo.Bill and Roxanna Cella with Mason Phelps.

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches held its sixth annual brunch “Polo With Pedro: A Tribute to the Spirit of Pedro G. Morrison” at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington on Sunday, Feb. 28. The event featured silent and live auctions, and a fabulous brunch. Children from the YMCA’s after-school program greeted guests, and numerous polo players were in attendance.

The YMCA’s Russell Martin, Joe Schweigart, Charles Wolfe, Laurie Lindsey and Lorie Gleim.

First EDI Task Force Meeting Focuses On Vision For The Future

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force unveiled its Regional Economic Development Initiative at its inaugural meeting Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Local government representatives and business stakeholders discussed the future of economic development in the western communities, and how they could attract sustainable employment to the area.

“We at the Palms West Chamber have a vision of our community as a place where people can live, work, learn and play,” Chairman Kevin DiLallo said. “Our chamber has taken the initiative to help create a long-term plan of economic stimulus for the western communities.”

While the meeting was mostly for organizational purposes, DiLallo encouraged the task force members to focus on their visions for the future.

“This is a chance for us to create our own vision,” he said. “Our vision needs to be regional with long- and short-term goals. Our vision needs to provide stimulus for both public and private sectors. The vision must include education — that’s a priority. And most important, this vision needs to come from all of us, united toward our own plan for the future.”

The western communities developed as bedroom communities that fed commerce to the east, said Susan Giddings, the chamber’s vice chair for economic development.

“But we know our communities and indeed our region have changed,” she said. “We’re no longer bedroom communities. We lost gainful employers such as Pratt & Whitney and Motorola. We built a multitude of housing

developments. And retail shops and restaurants sprung up in large numbers, but no one is here to use them during the day.”

Carmine Priore III, incoming chairman of the chamber, reminded members that their position in the task force is to lead the community into the future.

“Leadership is action, not position,” he said. “It’s up to us not because of the positions that we hold on this task force, but the leadership we bring in our community to drive us into the future.”

The first step in the initiative was to create a task force headed by chamber members but composed of local elected officials and local business owners with a stake in the community.

“We have all put off economic development individually for too long,” Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield said. “I’m glad to see the chamber taking these steps, because it will bring us together in one place where we do not work for cross purposes, where we recognize that we are all dependent on each other. This economic development plan lets us concentrate on our strengths and do what other plans don’t let us do, which is to focus on businesses that are there already and make sure that we preserve what’s best about our community.”

Each task force member was given the chance to speak about the economic development issues. Many of the members cited concerns about shovel-ready land, traffic and expedited permitting, which they felt were important aspects to economic development.

“For the City of Greenacres, we don’t have a lot of vacant land,” Mayor Sam Ferreri said. “So from our seat at the table, we’re looking to offer other things that maybe some of the other municipalities can’t. We’ve got a stable work-

The Williamsons join Wellington Village Council members to cut the ribbon and open Scott’s Place for children

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The new Scott’s Place playground opened Monday, March 1 to an eager group of children and parents.

“Scott’s Place is the culmination of a several-year vision of our family to help provide the opportunity for disabled children to play with their able-bodied friends,” Wellington resident Del Williamson said. “We can hardly wait to see young children and their families enjoying the equipment and the reading corner over the next several months and years. Scott’s Place has truly come to life, and we thank you for that.”

Wellington’s

The playground, in the new Town Center along Forest Hill Blvd., was made possible by a $250,000 donation from Williamson and his wife Barbara. Wellington Village Council members expressed gratitude to the Williamsons.

“Life put you in an unfortunate situation, but look what you’ve done with it,” Councilman Matt Willhite said. “To have this park named after your son and for you to share, not only monetarily, but to share the circumstances you went through, it will last for the life of this village.” The Williamsons donated the

See PLAYGROUND, page 10

Section 24 Project Named After Everglades Pioneer

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council voted unanimously Tuesday, March 2 to rename the Section 24 Impoundment Project in honor of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, an environmentalist and activist who was known as the “mother of the Everglades.”

The area will be called the Wellington Environmental Preserve and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat. It will provide Wellington with flood protection, water cleansing and environmental protection. There also will be a recreation area with pedestrian and equestrian trails, boardwalks and an observation tower where residents can look out over the Everglades.

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto was concerned that the name might be too long for residents to say, but the council felt that the name was appropriate.

“It’s really important that her name be alongside the Everglades,” Councilman Matt Willhite said. Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore

agreed and assured Benacquisto that the residents would find their own colloquial name for the area.

“It’ll find its own name,” he said. “That tends to happen with parks, like with Pierson Park.” The site will be dedicated later this year.

In other business:

• The council unanimously declared March “Census Awareness Month.” The 10-question Census form will be sent to all homes nationwide this month. Filling it out will make sure that Wellington residents are adequately represented in county, state and federal governments, and also make sure Wellington gets its fair share of federal and state funds.

• The council unanimously approved the final reading of a resolution rezoning 122 acres of industrial space along Pierson Road from Light Industrial to the newly created Flexible Use Zoning Employment Center (FZEC). The council approved the new zoning classification for Commerce Park in June and approved the first reading of the resolution at its Feb. 9 meeting.

to play.

Elect Matty Mattioli Royal Palm Mayor, Put Richard Valuntas

On The RPB Council; Re-Elect Darell Bowen Wellington Mayor

Municipal elections will be held Tuesday, March 9 in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. The TownCrier has been covering the candidates for the past several months, including extended candidate interviews with our editorial board. We’ve covered candidate forums, printed in-depth question-answer sessions and done long profiles of each candidate. Here we offer our opinions on each race.

MAYOR OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

The mayor’s race in Royal Palm Beach has shaped up to be a referendum on the policies of the past decade. For the past 12 years, retiring Mayor David Lodwick and the council he has led have worked closely with Village Manager David Farber, consistently heading Royal Palm Beach in the same direction: shedding expensive village services to the county, putting resources into large road improvements, attracting the development of large-scale commercial endeavors on the village’s outskirts while adding large park facilities in the interior, all the while making the village less dependent on residential property taxes. The two candidates are Matty Mattioli, Lodwick’s onetime challenger who has transitioned into the standard bearer of the current council, and Steve Petrone, a former village employee sharply critical of the Lodwick-Farber vision. In fact, his signature issue has been his objection to the high salary Farber commands after 15 years on the job. Mr. Petrone’s heart is in the right place. We believe that he truly has the best interests of the community in mind. After a career as a newspaper reporter (including a stint with the Town-Crier two decades ago) and a decade working for Royal Palm Beach, he clearly has a command of the issues. However, we reject his characterization of Royal Palm Beach over the past decade as a community out of control led by an administration run amok. In reality, Royal Palm Beach has been an oasis of fiscal restraint when compared to the bloated largesse that marked most South Florida municipalities over the boom years. “Who asked Royal Palm Beach to become the business hub of the western communities?” Mr. Petrone asked. Well, the Town-Crier for one. The development of major retailing on State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. has been a key facet of the maturation of this region into an independent, self-sufficient area. It is also one of the key ways Royal Palm Beach has become less reliant on residential property taxes. Is Mr. Farber (Mr. Petrone’s former boss) overpaid when compared to other mid-sized communities? Perhaps somewhat, but that was a decision made years ago when village leaders decided that they wanted to keep a man many consider among the best municipal managers in Florida on the job here, rather than searching for a job with a larger community — and it was the correct decision.

Twelve years ago, Mr. Mattioli first ran for mayor. He had the support of the Town-Crier in that race against Mr. Lodwick. We felt at the time that Mr. Mattioli was the better choice, but we have been pleasantly surprised by the Lodwick years. It was Mr. Lodwick’s decision in April 1999 to bury the hatchet with Mr. Mattioli and forge a council consensus that set the framework for a team approach that has made Royal Palm Beach a model of functionality among the often dysfunctional world of lo-

Unger Supports Zimmerman

The residents of Wellington are not represented in this village as well as the business community is by a 3-1 margin. This is affecting major signage changes (proposed larger signs and digital signs), and can also affect zoning issues.

At present, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce has three members on the village council. Ernie Zimmerman does not need to spend thousands of dollars on a campaign consulting firm (to direct a campaign, write speeches and prepare a candidate) as Anne Gerwig does. No, I prefer someone who knows the issues without help, who has spent a career in public service (Vietnam veteran, police officer and Wellington code enforcement).

Had the village listened to Ernie and I, we would not have the depressed areas that are now costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to address annually. This issue was the clear fault of the previous administration and lack of care in addressing the deteriorating communities. Those years of neglect are now costing us dearly. Ernie Zimmerman is one of us. He has children and grandchildren here, all who attended Wellington schools and participated in village sports programs. Wellington used to be a better place, and we certainly can do better than we are, but it takes initiative and knowledge of which his opponent Anne Gerwig would require time to obtain. We don’t have the time for on-the-job training, and Ernie is well prepared to jump in immediately.

One point that Ernie brings to fore is the fact that many people in Wellington have never bothered to get occupational licenses. It is

cal politics. Mr. Mattioli’s 16 years of council service have shown that he is up on the issues and more than qualified to hold the gavel. He has also shown that he will continue the consensus approach of the Lodwick years, which is why he has earned the support of many of his council colleagues in his bid for mayor. The Town-Crier strongly endorses the election of Matty Mattioli as the next mayor of Royal Palm Beach.

ROYAL PALM BEACH COUNCIL, SEAT 3

The race to fill the Royal Palm Beach council seat that Mr. Mattioli is vacating poses a much more difficult decision. The two candidates in the race are both bright, community-minded individuals who have each shown the volunteer, civic-minded spirit that the Town-Crier traditionally seeks when choosing a candidate to support for open council seats.

Tinu Peña ran for a council seat two years ago in a race eventually won by Martha Webster. At the time, we believed that Ms. Peña was an up-and-coming leader, but she was too new to the local civic scene and lacked a certain degree of community experience. Unlike many failed council candidates, Ms. Peña redoubled her efforts over the past few years, becoming a leader of several community organizations and taking a volunteer position on a village board, putting her engineering expertise to use in community service. She also comes across as far more polished and up on the issues than she did two years ago. In short, Ms. Peña today is the formidable, qualified and deserving candidate that she was not two years ago.

Richard Valuntas, Ms. Peña’s opponent, is also an extremely strong candidate. He has a long history of service on the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Board, a group he currently chairs. He has also appeared regularly before the Royal Palm Beach Village Council to express his opinions on a number of topics, demonstrating a wide range of interest in governmental issues. Mr. Valuntas’ expertise as an attorney representing condominium and homeowners’ associations further demonstrates his understanding and interest in local government. Mr. Valuntas claims to be a consensus builder who is fairly happy with the general direction of Royal Palm Beach, but has not shied away from challenging the council on certain issues, such as zoning decisions. Like Councilwoman Martha Webster, we expect that on the council, Mr. Valuntas would challenge the status quo without acting as a destabilizing roadblock.

Royal Palm Beach residents will be well-served if either Ms. Peña or Mr. Valuntas take Mr. Mattioli’s council seat. However, the community service and command of the issues demonstrated by Mr. Valuntas is just a bit more in depth than Ms. Peña. Further, while the council already has an engineering perspective among its membership, it does not have a legal point of view. Mr. Valuntas would serve that useful role. The Town-Crier endorses Richard Valuntas in the race for Royal Palm Beach Village Council Seat 3.

MAYOR OF WELLINGTON

The race for Wellington mayor boils down to whether residents are satisfied with incumbent Darell

unfair that the members of the chamber of commerce have the necessary licenses and yet there are too many delinquent businesses. Unfortunately, our village does not have a single person dedicated to collection of these funds (while Boca Raton has three fulltime people), and so half a million dollars is probably a reasonable guess on what our village is losing by their lack of interest (not unlike code enforcement).

I believe that Darell Bowen, who I consider both a friend and an excellent mayor, would be better served by having independent and free-thinking Ernie Zimmerman sitting on the dais with him to represent the 95 percent of Wellingtonians who don’t have a business in our village.

Thank you and please vote, no matter who your candidate is. It is reprehensible that of 65,000 residents, fewer than 3,000 or 4,000 people will vote in this local election. It is in troubled times as these when we must tighten our purse strings that there is a greater need for good representation. So once again, please vote!

George Unger Wellington

Starace Responds To Petrone

Editor’s note: The following letter, written by former Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Carmela Starace, is in response to a letter in last week’s Town-Crier written by Royal Palm Beach mayoral candidate Steve Petrone. Dear Mr. Petrone: I also worked for the Village of Royal Palm Beach from within, as a council person. We have this form of government because the residents voted to be a sovereign-

Bowen’s first two years in office or if new ideas are needed. Mr. Bowen has strongly defended his positions as necessary to keep the village moving forward in difficult times, while challenger Carol Coleman chides him for missteps and claims to have a better vision for the future.

We’re very glad that Ms. Coleman entered this race. It is always useful to have contested elections and a discussion of the future. We’ve been very impressed by her outgoing personality, her background, her obvious intelligence and many of the ideas she brought to the table. It is clear that Ms. Coleman cares very deeply about the Wellington community and has strong credentials for the job, from her roles as a businesswoman and an equestrian, and her careful scrutinizing of village affairs. We found her to be an engaging person who, should she win this election, would certainly be a qualified person to serve as mayor of Wellington. Ms. Coleman would give off a strong, confident image that would benefit the community.

The Town-Crier did not support Mr. Bowen when he ran for mayor two years ago. But over the past two years, we have been pleasantly surprised by his ability to rise to the occasion. We believed then that Mr. Bowen was a bit naïve as to what the job of mayor actually includes. It is not about taking a vision and running forward. It is about consensus and gently bringing others to your point of view. It is a high-profile position with ceremonial responsibilities that cannot be assigned to others. Mr. Bowen quickly learned that the job is different from the one he thought he was campaigning for, and to his credit, he adjusted quickly. After the failed K-Park campus project, he realized that leadership is more than vision — it is about negotiation and convincing others. And for the past year or so, that is exactly what Mr. Bowen has done, and he has been very effective in that regard. While he still believes donating land for a college campus is a good move for Wellington’s future, he realizes he did a poor job selling his beliefs and reasoning. For the future, Mr. Bowen has pledged to move forward through a request for proposals process that would give any group with a valid project for the K-Park land equal footing for consideration.

Mr. Bowen has been an effective mayor for the times we live in, specifically, his “cut the fat,” “think outside the box” and “help businesses in difficult times” approach. While that wouldn’t have resonated during the boom years, it works well in these days of budget deficits, declining revenues, shuttered businesses and empty storefronts. We are also impressed by Mr. Bowen’s leadership on the Safe Neighborhoods program and the new municipal complex — both programs that were years overdue. While some have criticized building a centralized village hall, it is something the Town-Crier has supported for more than a decade. And the fact that the current administration is able to do so using cash on hand and grant money from other sources without having to go into debt, well, that’s a bonus and something taxpayers should be proud of.

While Ms. Coleman may make a good mayor for Wellington, Mr. Bowen has earned a second term. The Town-Crier endorses the re-election of Darell Bowen as mayor of Wellington.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ty. The council/manager form of government gives the people a say in their city. No one should think that they can work alone and force changes on our city. You criticize or “shoot from the hip” and yet you do not recognize the achievements of this council and manager. First, the park you criticize takes in $10,000 a year just renting out one gazebo. The park is never empty of children and events (weddings, birthday parties, etc.). Our city has been named one of the best cities in which to live nationwide.

Second, yes, the village manager receives a salary, but he works hard for us, and he helped bring in the money to allow for our tax rate to be lowered for the past 15 years. (The water utility’s $60 million goes right to our village.)

Third, the cultural center you speak of had more functions for your band practicing, even when other groups needed it (your kingdom).

Fourth, yes, it is time for a change. It is time for you to start speaking up about all the positives of the council for which you would work as only one vote, and start to build consensus, not chaos. I also shoot from the hip.

Carmela Starace Royal Palm Beach

Support For St. Jean

I wish there was a way to combine all three Welllington Village Council candidates into one, so that the residents can reap the rewards. All three present with their attributes and their promises, but we can only vote for one. I choose Wismick St. Jean. It is true that he attends the council meetings and the county commission meetings to fight for the issues that are im-

portant; not only to him, but to benefit all residents of Wellington. Dr. Delores Bussie Wellington

Council Needs Zimmerman’s Knowledge

It is Ben Franklin’s quote, “an investment in knowledge pays the greatest interest” that we must use to base our decision when voting for Wellington Village Council Seat 2. Ernie Zimmerman is our village’s investment in knowledge. Through his longtime community involvement, going back to the time of the original master HOA First Wellington, and continuing ever since, Zimmerman has acquired an expansive knowledge regarding the village’s inner workings as well as an insightful perspective on all residents of the community.

As a veteran, retired NYPD officer, and father and husband to family members who help educate our youth, Zimmerman’s input to community decisions will reflect his broad depth of knowledge and public service commitment to all of us. His position to negotiate fair market value with Palm Beach State College, or any other entity, instead of giving our land away for free demonstrates a commonsense, fiscally responsible, no-hidden-agenda approach to politics.

As a council member, his invaluable expert knowledge will help to lead each of us through these tough economic times while focusing on maintaining the integrity of the Wellington we all love. Zimmerman is truly the “E-Z choice” for council and our best investment in knowledge.

Theresa Ventriglio Wellington

WELLINGTON COUNCIL, SEAT 2

The race to replace term-limited Lizbeth Benacquisto on the Wellington Village Council pits three interesting candidates against each other: Wismick St. Jean, Anne Gerwig and Ernie Zimmerman. If neither gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will head to a March 23 runoff. Realtor Wismick St. Jean is highly intelligent with great ideas to stem the tide of foreclosures and fight crime in troubled neighborhoods. However, these are both areas that the current Wellington Village Council has enacted fairly successful programs to combat. His programs would be more in-depth, and perhaps better. But his answer for finding the money is to comb through the budget and trim the fat. Perhaps that was the answer several years ago, but after three years of budget cuts, there’s not much of that left. Further, his absolute opposition to consider millage rate increases would strait-jacket the council should upcoming budget woes be worse than expected. Anne Gerwig is a longtime volunteer community activist cut from the same cloth as Ms. Benacquisto and would likely serve a similar role if elected to the council. Ms. Gerwig’s point of view is very much in line with the pro-business positions that dominate the current council majority. Her election would be a vote for the status quo, and in this case, that is not a bad thing. While we were initially worried about her husband’s engineering firm causing conflict of interest problems, we are satisfied with her pledge that should she be elected, Alan Gerwig & Associates would refrain from bidding on village work or otherwise doing work directly for the village. We came out of our interview with Ms. Gerwig with a far more positive point of view than when we began, and we are convinced that she would make a fine council member.

The biggest surprise of this race is also the candidate causing the biggest hurdle for the Town-Crier: former Wellington employee Ernie Zimmerman, who until recently was a columnist for this newspaper. We counseled Mr. Zimmerman against running for office, not only because it would mean the end of his column, but also because we did not believe that he would make a particularly appealing candidate. We were wrong. Mr. Zimmerman has shown to be a quick study of the issues and comes across far more skilled a candidate and community leader than even his closest friends gave him credit for. His history with the village would bring a unique point of view to the council, and we find ourselves leaning toward him as the strongest choice. However, it is not just likely, but probable that our longtime association with Mr. Zimmerman is a factor in that point of view. Therefore, formally endorsing him would not be proper.

The Town-Crier chooses not to issue an endorsement in the race for Wellington Village Council Seat 2.

After reviewing each of the races, we’ve now stated our opinions. Whether or not you agree with them, please make sure to get out and vote on Tuesday, March 9. The strength of our great democracy depends upon it!

Peña The Best Choice In RPB

The choice could not be clearer to me as a longtime resident of Royal Palm Beach that your support should go to elect Tinu Peña for Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

I first heard of Tinu Peña two years ago when she first ran for office in Royal Palm Beach. I soon found out how involved this young lady is in serving not just her community but her profession and alma mater. My choice to support her was solidified when I recently heard both candidates speak at a candidate’s forum. Not only did she clearly state her reasons for running, she discussed her initiatives and how she would address them when elected, and she showed her ability to address issues on a broad base. I have to say out of all the candidates who spoke that evening, she was the only one who gave a clear sense of her intentions and was able to clearly articulate her position on the situation at [Royal Palm Beach] High School and the economic challenges facing our community.

While some might bring up the past about who supported this young woman in her previous bid for office, it is plainly clear to me and anyone who has heard her speak that this young lady is the candidate of the future. I can assure you that her proposed initiatives for our community address our present and future concerns. She is as independent as they come when it concerns leading

and making decisions. She would be the best choice to serve us, the citizens of Royal Palm Beach. This I know firsthand from the astute and ethical manner in which she runs her campaign. Believe me when I say, her interests lie in serving the citizens of Royal Palm Beach and not personal gain. She has been and will continue to be a strong advocate for all residents and our community. So, I strongly encourage and urge my fellow residents to vote for Tinu Peña.

Marie Linette Cajou Royal Palm Beach Support For Valuntas

Finally, a municipal candidate who pulls out ahead in distinguishing real issues and not the usual bland rhetoric that fits any city at any time. Richard Valuntas, in the last candidate interview in the TownCrier, spoke of current conditions that the residents are grappling with in the current economy. He offers realistic support for invigorating small business economy and housing foreclosures in recommending community-based adult living homes. He advocates reliable and honest approaches when seeking community opinion on issues that have the potential to divide public policy. Richard has also shown a mature understanding of the political nuances that make or break county support, such as negotiations with the county for Roebuck Road. This is the second run for his See LETTERS, page 24

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep

LIZBETH BENACQUISTO HOSTS CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER IN

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PBSO Col. Mike Gauger and his wife Phyllis with PBSO Deputy Sam Ith.

Lizbeth Benacquisto with Geoff Sluggett and Rick Gonzalez.

Harvey Oyer III, Michelle Watson, Wellington Councilman Howard Coates and Melissa McKinlay.

Karl Watson Jr., Jim McCann and Dean Turney.

Lynn Balch, Sam Eaton, Scott Armand and Mike Armand.

Nancy D’Angelo, Joan Scherer and Jeremy Gordon sell raffle tickets.

Would-Be Robber Attacks Victim At RPB Gas Station

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

FEB. 28 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to the Chevron gas station on Okeechobee Blvd. last Sunday afternoon regarding an attempted robbery. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:15 p.m. the victim left his bicycle outside the gas station while he bought a soda. The victim noticed a young black male trying to take the bicycle and went outside and confronted the suspect, grabbing the bike to prevent the suspect from taking it. According to the report, the suspect put one of his hands in his pocket and told the victim that he was going to count to five, and if the victim didn’t let go of the bicycle, he would kill him. It is unknown whether the suspect had a weapon, but the victim didn’t let go of the bicycle. When the suspect finished counting, he punched the victim on the left side of his face. According to the report, the suspect realized he wasn’t going to be able to steal the bicycle and left on foot, walking eastbound through the parking lot of the Super Target store. According to the report, a Chevron employee said the store’s video shows the lower half of the suspect’s body. The suspect is described as a young black male with an athletic build, clean-shaven, wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

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following a traffic stop at the intersection of Okeechobee Blvd. and Powell Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation observed 20-year-old Nikolas Rademacher run a stop sign in La Mancha and then run the red light at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Street and Okeechobee Blvd. Upon initiating a traffic stop and making contact with Rademacher, the deputy smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle found Rademacher to be in possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana in plastic baggies and glass jars, half a Xanax pill and a bottle of anabolic steroids. Drug paraphernalia and a 9mm semi-automatic Khar firearm were also found, along with $495 in cash. Rademacher was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with drug possession and possession with intent to sell.

FEB. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to the Sunsport Gardens campground Tuesday, Feb. 16 regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the victim’s unsecured golf cart from the front of his trailer. The victim said he contacted the front desk, spoke to neighbors and walked around the campground, but was unable to locate the vehicle. The golf cart is valued at approximately $1,400 and has a damaged seat fixed with duct tape. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

FEB. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center last Thursday evening regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her Honda CRF50F motorcycle at the facility and left the key in the ignition. Sometime between 7 and 10 p.m. it was stolen. There were no surveillance cameras on site and no suspects at the time of the report.

FEB. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home on Montauk drive last Thursday regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., someone forced open the front window of the home and stole a gold cross, prescription drugs and a laptop from the victim’s bedroom. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,250. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

FEB. 26 —A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested on drug charges early last Friday morning

FEB. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a home on Sunflower Circle last Saturday afternoon in response to a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and noon, someone stole the victim’s 2006 two-door, white Dodge truck valued at approximately $11,000. The deputy did not see evidence of forcible entry into the vehicle, and spoke to two neighbors who said they hadn’t heard or seen anything. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

MARCH 1 — An Indiana man was arrested for drunken driving Monday night following a traffic stop on the corner of Greenview Shores and South Shore boulevards. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was on patrol when he was almost struck by a black truck crossing several lanes of traffic without a signal and cutting him off. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with 39-year-old Eric Vitello. The deputy concluded Vitello was impaired, and he was arrested and taken to the county jail where he was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a DUI test.

MARCH 1 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to the Publix plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road on Monday afternoon regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, 20-year-old Anthony Demauro of The Acreage walked out of the doors of the Publix supermarket without attempting to pay for six five-gallon water jugs in his shopping cart. The stolen items were valued at approximately $76.74. He was confronted by a clerk and later arrested and taken to the county jail, where he was charged with petty theft.

MARCH 2 — A resident of Saddle Trail Park contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 and 9:30 a.m. Monday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked barn and stole a black dressage saddle valued at approximately $1,000. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Arturo Calderon

Joshua Hilling

Final Candidate Questions: ‘Are You Happy With The Current Management Of The Village?’ & ‘Why Should Voters Choose You?’

From now until the Tuesday, March 9 election, the Town-Crier is asking questions for publication each week to the candidates seeking seats on the Royal Palm Beach and Wellington village councils. This week’s questions: “Are you happy with the current management/operation of the village? What, if anything, would you like to change?” and “Why should voters choose you over the other candidate(s) in this race?”

Royal Palm Beach Candidates For Mayor And Village Council Seat 3...

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

MATTY MATTIOLI

Village Management — I am a supporter of our village manager, David Farber. Mr. Farber has been innovative in ensuring our village’s financial health. For example, selling our water utility to the county gave us $60 million in net revenue which, when invested conservatively, will provide a reserve fund for decades to come. With conservative investing, the $60 million has now grown to $68 million.

Merging our village’s fire and police department with the county was not only cost effective, but allowed us to increase our road patrol and the number of firefighters and paramedics serving our residents.

We have a comprehensive parks and recreation program, and we’ve built several new parks and preserved green space. The construction of our new state-of-theart, 160-acre Commons Park, currently underway, and the rebuilding of many of our roads are creating new jobs for our residents during these tough economic times.

However, I believe there is always room for improvement. The council has always made sure Mr. Farber is looking for new and innovative ways to serve our residents without increasing taxes.

Pitch to Voters — It’s easy to say what you would do if you were elected, but I’ve always believed actions speak louder than words. I am the only candidate for mayor who understands our issues and has a proven track record of looking out for our residents. I have voted, with the majority, to lower our millage rate every year for the past 15 years.

My opponent was let go by the village and is now running for office as a personal vendetta against the village. He shouted profanities at a village resident and then impersonated a fellow employee when asked his name. The police were called and he said “he just couldn’t help himself.” He is not worthy of your vote. I am proud to have the endorse-

ment of the Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County and our entire village council: Mayor David Lodwick, Councilman Fred Pinto, Councilman David Swift and Councilwoman Martha Webster.

STEVE PETRONE

Village Management — No, I am not happy with the current management/operation of the village. That’s the main reason I am seeking this post. Most of our council members have lost touch with the people they were elected to represent, and instead of acting like leaders of the community, they are simply a “rubber stamp” for a manager who was not elected by the people. Our council needs to take a more “hands-on” approach to overseeing the operation of the village and activities of the manager. For far too long, our citizens have had to foot the bill for runaway expenses, wasteful projects and obscenely excessive management salaries.

My opponent speaks of possible further layoffs of village staff. How fair is it to cut out lower level employees when the manager is paid more than $214,000 a year, and six other managers are paid between $108,000 and $167,000?

Can a village of 30,000 people with a median household income of $69,000, with two people working in most cases, afford these excessive salaries? If elected, I would call for a review of all current and planned projects to see where practical, money-saving steps could be implemented. I would also work for a restructuring of our management system, including salary cuts for executives. We can provide our citizens with adequate and expected levels of service and reduce taxes and fees for village services by exercising greater fiscal restraint and responsibility. A more practical approach to running our government is long overdue. Pitch to Voters — On March 9, our residents have a unique opportunity to speak out against the way our village has been run for far too long. There is a clear choice between myself and my opponent. I possess the skill, ability and knowledge to help bring about

change that my opponent lacks. I am not afraid to stand up and speak out against injustice. I have worked within the system and have seen the problems. The waste, abuse, arrogance and mismanagement must stop. The dirty politics and mistreatment of our residents must stop. Our residents deserve better.

COUNCIL SEAT 3 CANDIDATES

TINU

PEÑA

Village Management — The current management/operation of the village of Royal Palm Beach has been operated and I envision will continue to run in an efficient and effective manner. It will be naïve of me to say the management team is perfect, but I can say that they ensure that the community stays safe and secure, and that the needs of the citizens of Royal Palm Beach are addressed. I would like to see the current management bring more awareness to the people as to what it offers in the form of community organizations and programs, and with the installation of the electronic message board, I foresee that being possible. These organizations allow us to identify ourselves as part of the community and can provide a niche for residents to get a sense of the community. For instance, the C-PAL (Crestwood Performing Arts League, a non-profit organization) concert held in February was a well-attended show. However, all

the demographics in our community were not present. Such events lend themselves to the culture of our community, and I believe that the village’s should not be the only events that are highly publicized. Also, continuing to inform the citizens of the village that the council members are available to listen to their issues will get rid of any misconceptions regarding accessibility to council members. I commend the operation team for its continued dedication to maintaining our neighborhoods and quality of life, the PBSO and firefighters for their quick response. Overall, I believe the current management/operation of the village is performing well in ensuring that the quality of life that brought us to Royal Palm Beach is maintained.

Pitch to Voters — While no one can predict what the future holds, my belief in giving back has always kept me paying it forward; it is this spirit of giving that has allowed me to run an ethically sound campaign, one that is built on ingenuity, integrity and dedication. Even before my first run for office in 2008, I was actively involved within the community at large, since that time I have gotten to know you, the citizens of Royal Palm Beach on a personal level. I have been inside of your living rooms, discussed home foreclosures, education issues and advocated for the issues that are most important to you. On March 9, you, the citizens of Royal Palm Beach, will have a choice to make, voting for me, Tinu Peña, will en-

Wellington Candidates For Mayor And Village Council Seat 2...

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

DARELL BOWEN

Village Management — Just before I was elected, the village had hired a new village manager, so we both were starting with a clean slate. I think that was a great opportunity for both of us, and we used it to develop our plans and ideas together. I am very happy with the outcome. Without the support of management, we could never have balanced the last two budgets and got so many capital projects off the ground. Staff has been reduced by more than 50 people over the last two years, and we have been able to do it with respect and dignity. We did it by attrition, eliminating some underperforming employees and by using an early retirement buyout for some. None were laid off. I applaud our management for that. At the end of the day, we had a leaner and meaner staff that has taken on the tough decisions and made them work. We not only balanced some tough budgets, but we have broken the logjam of capital projects. We are building a new village complex that will save us over $500,000 per year in operating costs. Also, it is being built with impact fees that if we didn’t use them for municipal purposes, that money would have to be returned to the builders. We are building a new amphitheater and playground all with county and private money. We have secured over $5 million in federal stimulus money for the revitalization of Forest Hill Blvd. Again, none of the above projects are being done with village money. I don’t want to make any changes. I just want to keep them moving full speed ahead in the direction we are now going. Pitch to Voters — Wellington, like many municipalities throughout the state, faces challenges in this economy. Even in this tough economy, I have had a proven track record of success, and you can count on that to continue if I am re-elected. I fully intend to continue making decisions based on sound business practices, and I am committed to continue to develop relationships with federal, state and county leaders that can help us with some of the pro-

jects we need to improve our community. I have lived here for more than 25 years and was active in many community projects before I ran for office. I love this community, and I am willing to make the personal sacrifices to make it even better.

CAROL COLEMAN

Village Management — Wellington is transitioning from a growing municipality to one that is built out, and gone are the days of easy revenue driven by growth. We must deal with this challenge by reinventing the way we manage the village rather than kick the can down the road by building on our precious open, green space. I believe that maintaining home values is mission-critical to the operation and funding of village government. We must preserve the amenities that “define” Wellington in order to preserve our desirable way of life. I am generally happy with the management staff at village hall. We have some very dedicated and talented people working for us. To their credit, they have made very tough decisions in extremely difficult financial times and brought the budget from $113 million to a projected $75 million next year. I would argue that while some of those changes did little to save money, many targeted cuts were both warranted and necessary. I would also remind you that a balanced budget was achieved not just through cuts, but also via a rise in taxes that my opponent supported. I would post the schedules of both elected officials and high-

ranking staff members on the village web site. I believe it would be valuable to know exactly who’s meeting with whom and what bearing those meetings have on village business. Perhaps if such transparency had been in place, we might have saved at least some of the $200,000 we spent trying to give K-Park away to Palm Beach State College. I would bring Wellington’s legal work in-house, reducing the $400,000 to $500,000 we currently spend for a part-time attorney. I would also advocate for a truly independent and open budgetary audit, conducted by an outside firm and not limited in scope by staff. Pitch to Voters — Our current mayor’s biggest push on council was his effort to give away millions of dollars in K-Park land. In fact, he spent $200,000 of our tax dollars trying to push his plan through. I’m running for mayor because Wellington can do better. I want to address our most pressing issue — home foreclosures and restore our core values — safe neighborhoods, great sports programs and a commitment to our seniors and open land. We need a new mayor with new ideas. I offer new leadership, I’m bringing new ideas to the table, and I ask for your vote for mayor.

COUNCIL SEAT 2 CANDIDATES

ANNE GERWIG

Village Management — I think the village is well managed at this point. I am impressed that Mr.

sure that you get a leader who understands the bigger picture, thinks progressively and will be the voice for the vested interest of our great community. These attributes make me the viable candidate and the best choice to serve you, the citizens of Royal Palm Beach.

RICHARD VALUNTAS

Village Management — Overall, I am happy with the current management/operation of the village. Most of the residents I have met during my campaign have made positive comments about the village and the way our government is run. Several business owners have even told me that Royal Palm Beach is one of the best-run municipalities they have ever encountered. Based upon my own years of positive experiences with the village staff, particularly the clerk’s office, I must agree that we have a well-run village.

In my opinion, the village manager has done an excellent job in helping keep our village fiscally sound. For example, the village netted $60 million from the sale of its water utility. The proceeds from that transaction were invested wisely and are now worth approximately $68 million. In addition, the village will also continue receiving ten percent of the gross revenues generated from the water utility. The village manager has also been instrumental in drafting budgets that have allowed the village to reduce its millage rate for 15 consecutive years. I pray that Mr. Farber has a full and swift re-

Schofield has been able to assemble a team that works well together. I support the manager’s ability to hire highly capable personnel who are available now because of the downturn. Mr. Schofield’s knowledge of engineering is a clear advantage in his administration of the village. I think that the management is continuing to look at the current situation but is still planning for the long term instead of being simply reactionary. I encourage them to continue to seek creative ways to fund the needs of the community without raising taxes: federal and state grants, public/private partnerships and innovative ways to do more with less. As a council member, I would bring my own perspective as a businesswoman and a mother to all decisions that come before the council. Pitch to Voters — I have demonstrated a knowledge about this community that neither one of my opponents has. I have also served this community in countless ways. I have not been a paid employee of the village or had my own agenda in the process. I have been actively involved in traffic-calming measures and the Safe Neighborhoods initiative, because safety is my number-one concern. I have been an executive board member of the Binks Forest Elementary PTA and a business partner on the School Advisory Council. Education is a critical part of our community, and I have shown dedication to that also. I am vested in the business community and am a member of both chambers of commerce. My activities within the Palms West Chamber have been

covery from his recent illness. Even though our village operates quite well, there is always room for improvement. For example, I would like to change how the county’s alarm ordinance is currently being enforced within the village. Under the county’s alarm ordinance, law enforcement is not required to respond to all burglar alarm calls. I believe this is unacceptable, and I would like to have the village enact its own alarm ordinance that would (1) require law enforcement to respond to all burglar alarm calls, and (2) hold those responsible for “false alarms” to bear their fair share for the unnecessary expenditure of our resources. Such an ordinance would help increase the safety of our residents. Pitch to Voters — Voters should choose me based upon my experience and history of community service, which by far exceeds that of my opponent. I am a tireless worker with a proven track record of success. As an attorney, I have kept murderers in prison and helped secure multi-million-dollar verdicts for my condominium clients. I am the chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board, a board I have been on since 2002. I support our local youth athletic programs, and I have even provided free legal services to some members of our community. I truly care about the quality of life in our community, and I hope you will “vote Valuntas” on March 9 so that I can help provide our citizens with the quality of representation we deserve.

evident, through my participation in Leadership West 2009 and the development of the Young Professionals group. One of my employees was instrumental in starting that group, and even though I am too old to be a member, it is something that I have supported. I am also a supporter of the Economic Development Task Force because we need to bring the right kind of businesses to the State Road 7 corridor. I am committed to the seniors in the community and will work through the Citizens Volunteer Organization to ensure that they receive the help that they need to stay here. The seniors in this community are an active and vital part of this community and also bring years of experience that I value. I understand the role of a councilperson. It is primarily to set policy and direct the village manager, and I am willing to work with everyone in making sure we maintain our Wellington way of life.

WISMICK ST. JEAN

Village Management — The question is not about whether I am happy or not with the current village administration but rather whether the community needs are being met. There are obvious issues that will point to the fact that certain segments of the community are being ignored, and those are the issues I want to address. The Senior Citizen Task Force was given the mission to conduct a survey to find out what their needs are. The result of the survey addressed specific needs for the seniors, such as a senior center, transportation, affordable housing and an assisted-living fa-

cility; to this day, none of these requests has been addressed properly. When I get elected, I will fight for the seniors’ needs to be met. If our goal is to keep this community safe, then we must continue to invest in education; as studies have shown, there is a direct correlation between your level of education, crime and poverty. I feel that the current and past administrations have closed their eyes on certain known neighborhoods with safety issues until the problem became too big to ignore. Those areas mostly include underprivileged children who are being raised by single parents who need a good role model. I am that role model, and as your councilman, I will work hard to reverse the transitional trend of our neighborhoods.

Pitch to Voters — Voters should choose me over my opponents because I am the best candidate. I bring a strong educational background in business as well as community involvement. My opponents do not offer such parallel! I talked about the issues and offer solutions; my opponents are talking about themselves and merely mention the issues. On the issue of property taxes, my opponents agree with me that they will not raise your taxes; however, I am the only candidate who has been advocating for lower property taxes. My opponents also agree with me that we need to find meaningful ways to keep our community safer; however, I am the only candidate with a proven track record of working with

Tinu Peña

Richard Valuntas

Matty MattioliSteve Petrone

Ernie Zimmerman

Wismick St. Jean

Anne Gerwig

Darell BowenCarol Coleman

Bowen Focuses On Accomplishments Despite Difficult Economy

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

After two difficult years on the job, incumbent Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen hopes voters will grant him a second term on Tuesday, March 9.

“I’m going to continue the leadership that I started in the past two years and will continue to run the village in a businesslike way,” he said.

Bowen, 61, faces challenger Carol Coleman, a community activist best known locally for her work in the equestrian industry.

Bowen was elected mayor two years ago, but he has been an active member of the community for much of his 25 years in Wellington, including serving as president of the Wellington Rotary Club and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He is active in the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, the Boy Scouts of America and is a director of the South Florida Fair.

“I’m very involved because I love this community,” he said. “I think it’s a great place to live and a great place to raise your kids. That’s what led me to run for may-

or. I’d done so many things in the community, I thought, ‘I’d like to tackle that now.’”

If re-elected, he will continue to tackle a shrinking budget, foreclosure woes and crime problems in a handful of neighborhoods.

“It’s really about balancing the budget without cutting services,” Bowen said. “It’s going to be tough for two more years; it may be even tougher. We can carve away all the fat, but now we’re getting to the muscle. Budgeting needs to be done with a scalpel, not a broad swish of the knife.”

Bowen hopes he can keep crucial services intact without raising taxes.

“Services and taxes are a real balancing act,” he said. “If you cut services, that could hurt your property values. I don’t think this council, as it stands right now, has the stomach to raise taxes. That’s

not to say they may not raise the rate a bit.”

Bowen believes village programs have helped residents facing foreclosure but knows there is more work ahead.

“Dealing with the foreclosure issue is very important,” he said. “We need to do something to lessen that impact. But ultimately, it’s a temporary issue that the free market will fix. Until then, we need to do what we can.”

He believes that the village’s partnership with the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) and their preparation of more than 100 Wellington residents for NACA’s event last week in downtown West Palm Beach was successful. He wants to do more programs of that nature, but not add more levels of government.

“To add more fees or more bureaucracy to people who are al-

ready hurting is not going to do any good,” he said. “I think we need to try to help the properties that are a mess to help the community, and we need to try to work with the banks and residents to keep people in their houses.”

And with commercial foreclosures on the rise, Bowen worries that could be a crisis as bad as the housing market.

“Again, all we can do is help them however we can to hold on and stay in business,” he said. “I think it’s bad, I think it’s critical. I’m concerned about it. We have to work with lenders and owners to maintain the property until the economy picks up.”

One way he attempted to help businesses was by loosening the village’s strict sign code, something that has been criticized as a pro-business decision.

“Today you can buy anything you want on State Road 7,” he said. “Those shopping centers [in the center of town] are at a real disadvantage. On SR 7, they have big signs. We needed to give local businesses in Wellington a fair shot to be found.”

To curb crime, Bowen plans to continue the Safe Neighborhoods initiative.

“From 2007 to 2008, there were about 35 to 45 serious crimes a quarter — robberies, burglaries and vandalism — [in the target neighborhoods],” he said. “Last quarter it was down to seven. It is working. But I won’t be happy until we get rid of all of them.”

For him, the entire program has been a success. “It’s tremendous; the numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “I was as skeptical as anyone when we started, but it works. I think everyone deserves to live in a neighborhood that is safe.”

Overall, Bowen feels he has a strong vision for a future in which Wellington can be a more sustainable community. “I have a vision for future,” he said. “We have to broaden our tax base; we have to be a more sustainable community.”

He fully supports bringing new business to the area and has put in measures to make it easier for jobproducing professional companies to find property in Wellington.

Bowen also stressed his belief that higher education is a key element to creating a sustainable community.

“Higher education has got to be a component to whatever we do with our economic development,” he said. “I also think it will help with long-range crime issues. It has been proven that where you have more education, you have less crime.”

One of the first issues to come before the council when Bowen was elected was a request from Palm Beach Community College (now Palm Beach State College) for the village’s K-Park land on SR 7 for a new campus. The council — Bowen in particular — has been criticized by some for trying to “give away” the property. The village and the college were not able to come to terms and dropped negotiations last year.

“That whole thing got dropped in my lap when I was elected, and I didn’t do the best job with it,” Bowen said. “Part of it is my fault. Sometimes I was too strong. Sometimes you have to play some

Innovation, Transparency Key Themes For Challenger Coleman

By Lauren Miró

Wellington mayoral candidate

Carol Coleman hopes her ideas, good business sense and community involvement will sway voters on Tuesday, March 9.

“I think I can bring change. I think I can bring innovation,” she said. “I have new ideas. I visualize a Village of Wellington that I think I can bring to fruition and make it as beautiful as it was in the past.” Coleman, who faces incumbent Mayor Darell Bowen in next week’s election, was born in Pennsylvania and attended Quaker schools because her English-born mother wanted her to have “a proper upbringing.” She also attended school in Great Britain for some time while visiting family. It was there she discovered her love of horses. Her uncle was a steeplechase trainer and her cousin rode show jumpers. In 1971, she attended Temple University and graduated in three years. She then went on to graduate school at Montclair (N.J.) State University, where she earned mas-

ter’s degrees in speech pathology, audiology and learning disabilities.

Coleman worked in the public school system and in private practice for a while, but wasn’t satisfied with her job. “I didn’t want to be inside all the time,” she said. “I liked being outside.”

She began teaching riding lessons at the Overpeck Riding Center (now the Bergen Equestrian Center), where she met her husband Harvey, who was taking lessons. A few years later, they were married and had two children, Samantha and Jessica. Coleman broke into the business world in 1985 after competing in ballroom dance. “I have a little bit of a shoe fetish,” she said. “I hate ugly shoes. I decided that [ballroom dancing] shoes were the ugliest shoes I’d ever seen.”

In competition, she noticed a new dancer wearing more stylish shoes and contacted the manufacturer in England. She obtained an exclusive contract with the company, and in eight years established 172 franchise stores across the U.S., which she later sold to

Throughout her life, Coleman continued to ride. Thirty years ago she became a judge for the United States Equestrian Federation and the Canadian Equestrian Federation, and split her time between New Jersey and Wellington. Eleven years ago, she moved to Wellington permanently.

“I don’t like cold weather,” she said. “I told Harvey I was going to Wellington to judge a horse show and he said, ‘Why don’t you buy a house?’”

Since then she has become involved with the community. She is president of the R.W. Mutch Educational Foundation, which gives gifted riders with financial issues a chance to ride and compete at top levels. She also is a supporter of Beverly Perham’s Back to Basics program and the Equus Foundation, and serves as an executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Coleman thinks that her new ideas and business sense makes her the better candidate for mayor. “I think I’m imaginative,” she

said. “I think that there are so many things here that need to be addressed.”

She is critical of Bowen’s support of efforts to donate Wellington’s K-Park land on State Road 7 for a community college campus.

“I don’t agree with giving away our precious parkland. The State of Florida is in a terrible position financially. They don’t have the money to give them [Palm Beach State College] to build, and we’d only get $10 a month.”

She also is skeptical about the savings boasted by Bowen for the new municipal complex under construction.

“I have mixed feelings about the Town Center,” she said. “It certainly is a better thing to have all the items in one place, but I refute that we’ll save $500,000 a year. Although we have $10 million or more to build the Town Center, what about the cost of the land?

It’s 17 acres of land that, at the cheap price of $300,000 an acre, is $5.1 million that we’re not putting into the bank.”

Dealing with the foreclosure crisis, lowering the budget and improving senior services are three goals she aims to complete if elected.

While she applauds the village’s Foreclosure 911 program, Coleman thinks more can be done.

“I don’t think our mayor has gone outside the box,” she said.

“I’ve investigated SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds. Jacksonville brought in federal money to help people in foreclosure. Families were given $5,000 for their mortgage, which helped them pay for a number of months. It was so successful from 2006-08 that they raised the amount to $8,500. And it’s a micro-loan, which means if you continue to pay your mortgage on

time over a five-year period, the micro-loan is erased.”

She also thinks that the village could try to bring federal Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to the area and start a blight prevention program similar to one in Collier County.

“We need to get the banks to do some adjustments so we as the village are not paying for the maintenance of those houses that are left abandoned,” she said. To lower the budget, Coleman would save money by cutting salaries and raising facility fees for outside residents.

“In the 2009-10 budget year, we’re paying $500,000 for a parttime attorney,” she said. “I’m really upset with that. It’s $500,000 versus $150,000 — that’s what you could probably get for an inhouse attorney. But you have to make sure you have someone, not on retainer, who is multidiversified. Then you have an established hourly rate for issues over and beyond the attorney’s expertise. We’d be saving $350,000.” Additionally, she believes the

Town-Crier Staff Report

Fred Astaire International.

Carol Coleman

Darell Bowen

Peña Hopes To Bring Work Ethic, Engineering Expertise To Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Tinu Peña is seeking Seat 3 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. That’s the seat held for the past 16 years by Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli, who is vacating the seat due to his bid for mayor. Peña faces attorney Richard Valuntas in the Tuesday, March 9 election.

Peña ran unsuccessfully for a council seat in 2008. A Royal Palm Beach resident for 10 years, she is a U.S. Army veteran and a civil engineer who recently started her own business. Peña volunteers as an alternate on the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission and is active in Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI).

Peña also is a member of the Florida Engineering Society and the Society of Women Engineers, which encourages young women to become engineers. The organization recently held an event at Dreher Park to give children hands-on activities that relate to civil engineering.

“It gives me great delight, especially when I’m working with younger kids, to see how interested they are in learning about engineering and realizing what engineering is all about, and how we actually use it in day-to-day life,” she said.

Peña was born in Washington, D.C., and moved with her family to Nigeria as a child. She returned to the United States in 1992 to at-

tend college. Peña enlisted in the Army in 1993, eventually becoming a sergeant. She moved to Florida in 1999 with her family. As her top accomplishments, Peña noted her two children. Ezekial, 12, attends Crestwood Middle School, while Ellie, 8, is a student at H.L. Johnson Elementary School. “I’m very proud of them,” Peña said. “Academically, they are doing very well. I am a very hard mom. My expectations are very high.”

Peña said that running a business in a male-dominated field is challenging, and she lists it as another accomplishment. “Starting my own green design engineering business has been my professional top accomplishment,” she said. Peña was motivated to run due to her deep desire to give back to the community she loves.

“What makes me the best candidate is that I actually understand what a lot of the people are going through, being that I’m a mom, I’m a homeowner, I’m a small business owner,” she said. “With what the economy is going through right now, it has really brought out a lot of frustration in many people, so I’m able to identify with that.”

Peña recently applied to graduate school at Florida Atlantic University to earn a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, which she said will add to her knowledge of how to run a community. As an engineer, Peña said she

has learned to evaluate a problem and look for solutions. “Being able to think in a broad sense and understand what the big picture is separates me from my opponent,” she said. “I’m looking to solve the small issues as well as prepare Royal Palm Beach for the future.”

If elected, Peña wants to focus on economic development. “The economy is bad, and we’re all feeling the pinch,” she said. She would work toward her goal of making the village more friendly to small business by inviting business startup programs to the village to conduct seminars.

Peña commended the Palms West Chamber of Commerce on forming its new Economic Development Task Force. “They are thinking what I’m thinking,” she said. “Where are we looking for our community to go over the next few years?”

Peña also wants to pursue improved security and safety in the village. “They have done a very good job. However, there’s always room for improvement,” Peña said of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, explaining that she would like to investigate the PBSO’s burglar alarm registration fee.

In a topic near and dear to her heart, Peña also would like to see a green initiative in the village. “The government is pushing for people to go green,” she said. “How can we bring that into our community? There are a lot of programs out there.”

Peña sees the top issues as finding more revenue sources for the village and dealing with traffic issues.

This year, Royal Palm Beach could be forced to raise its tax rate for the first time in more than a decade because of falling real estate values. Peña said she would not agree to a tax rate increase because Royal Palm Beach has been able to manage the community on a stringent budget in the past. “If they can do it in the past, they can figure out a way to do it now,” she said.

She added that she would be very careful when cutting village services. “I don’t want to cut anything that would affect the residents because we all came to Royal Palm Beach for a certain quality of life,” Peña said.

Traffic has long been a problem, Peña noted. “It’s on the table again because of Roebuck Road,” she said.

To ease traffic, Peña said she would like to see Roebuck Road completed, but since that could be years off, she also wants to examine signal timing at intersections throughout the village in order to help traffic move more smoothly.

Peña said being a homeowner herself, she has noticed the impact

the foreclosure crisis has had on the community.

“There are programs out there that actually provide assistance to individuals who need assistance so their homes are not foreclosed,” she said, supporting efforts to bring such programs to Royal Palm Beach.

Issues with violence at Royal Palm Beach High School and its “D” grade from the state are technically out of the village’s hands because the village does not run the school, Peña said. However, because the school carries the village’s name, she said the village should show support by having a presence there.

Councilman David Swift has taken a good stance in the formation of a task force made up of himself and school officials to try to address the problems, she said.

“Were they asleep somewhere along the line when the high school came to be where it is right now? Definitely,” Peña said.

“They are taking steps to fix the problem, and hopefully the task force can come up with a very good solution to help the high school. I’m a parent, I’m concerned, and a lot of parents in the community are concerned, not just for the high school, but the mid-

dle school as well. I’ve been hearing people say we’re having issues with the middle school, too.”

As an unsuccessful candidate two years ago, Peña said she is running a more aggressive campaign this time.

“Two years ago when I ran, my focus was on pretty much the same thing I’m focusing on now. However, my voice was not heard,” she said. “How have I changed that? I’ve actually been walking the neighborhoods talking to people, giving them information about me, opening dialogues to find out what is affecting them, and what I realize are the things that I thought were isolated to myself are not really isolated.”

Peña characterizes her top strengths as being a go-getter and believing in working hard. “I’m very much an advocate for issues that affect not just me but my community,” she said. She said her weakness is wanting to please too many people. In summary, Peña said people should vote for her because she will work hard to be the voice of all residents.

“I understand the issues. I step up when things are affecting the community. I walk the neighborhood to get people to sign petitions, not just at the local level, at the county level, too,” she said.

“I’m not scared to get down in the trenches and do the work. I’m a very open, accessible person. Am I going to please everyone? No, but I’ll work hard.”

Attorney Valuntas Stresses His Long Record Of Community Service

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Attorney Richard Valuntas is running for Seat 3 on the Royal Palm Beach Village council in the Tuesday, March 9 election. He decided to run for the seat last year, before incumbent Vice Mayor Matty Mattioli decided to relinquish the seat in his bid for mayor. Instead of Mattioli, Valuntas faces engineer Tinu Peña. Valuntas, 38, moved to Broward County from the Philadelphia area as a young child. “South Florida is pretty much all I know,” he said. After graduating in 1988 from Miramar High School, Valuntas received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology from Florida State University, later earning his law degree from FSU in 1998.

After passing the bar exam, he and wife Lori moved to Palm Beach County, where Valuntas went to work as an appellate court law clerk from 1998-2000 in West Palm Beach. He then worked briefly in commercial litigation before going to work for the Florida attorney general’s office as an assistant attorney general for six years focused on criminal appellate work.

While he was at the attorney general’s office, Valuntas received a master’s degree in public administration from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in criminal justice online from the

University of South Florida.

“Unfortunately, the state doesn’t pay much,” he said. “In 2006, Lori and I had two young children in daycare, and both of us worked for the state. I had to go into private practice.”

Valuntas has three children: six-yearold C.J., four-yearold Riley and 22month-old Christina. He currently works with the firm Katzman Garfinkel Rosenbaum representing condominium and homeowners’ associations.

2002 and is now chairman of that board. He is a supporter of youth baseball. “My sons are now old enough to be in the sports league,” he said. “I don’t have the opportunity to coach, but I help out, bring snacks, help the coaches during practices.”

Valuntas said he is the best person to serve on the council due to his long record of community service.

Valuntas also cites his experience dealing with governmental entities as qualifications for the post.

“I think that separates me from my opponent,” he said. “I’ve managed a caseload. I’ve managed a courtroom. I’ve managed an enormous caseload of child-support enforcement cases, which was something very important to me. I did that for about a year and a half, and I was very happy to be able to do it, because as a child growing up, I never got child support. I saw my mom working two or three jobs to provide for my brother and me.”

ment center at the former water treatment plant site on the north end of town.

As a councilman, he would search for solutions to Royal Palm Beach’s traffic woes.

crisis would include an education campaign, such as the one held recently at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for residential owners to help them modify their mortgages.

Listed among his top professional accomplishments, Valuntas recalled a case where he argued appeals allowing the prosecution of a person accused of molesting a mentally challenged adult. “I have a handicapped brother, so that really hit home to me,” Valuntas said.

A more recent case involved a condominium association that sued an insurance company that was not paying for hurricane damage. “Luckily, this client had a little money and could afford lawyers,” he said. “We took them all the way to trial and got an $8 million verdict for them to repair their property.”

Moving to Royal Palm Beach in 2001, Valuntas volunteered for the Recreation Advisory Board in

“Ever since I moved here, I think it was three or four months after, I became a member of the Rec Advisory Board,” he noted.

Aside from his work with the board, he has attended numerous community meetings on important issues, including the public meetings on the new Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, which he considers a great opportunity for the village. He also regularly follows and comments on the passage of village ordinances, including recent regulations on hurricane shutters. In that case, he said he felt the council was receptive to his suggestions for modifications, deleting a requirement that homes with hurricane shutters should be required to paint the frames and hardware for hurricane shutters the same color as the home.

His top goals if elected include helping improve the situation at Royal Palm Beach High School. “I went to public schools,” he said, noting that he wants to be able to send his children to the local high school.

Valuntas also wants to eliminate the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office requirement that owners of home burglar alarm systems pay a $25 registration fee before officers will respond to the alarms.

“I don’t think it’s right for the PBSO not to respond to burglar alarms,” he said. “If you have a monitored alarm and someone’s calling saying someone could be getting killed, the PBSO isn’t going because someone didn’t pay $25? That’s offensive to me.”

Another goal is to promote employment locally by looking into the establishment of an employ-

“Traffic has always been a problem out here,” he said. “I will fight to keep Roebuck Road on the fiveyear plan and make sure it gets developed. I know there has been some back and forth regarding Madrid Street [and its connection to the State Road 7 extension]. I went to the meeting, and I thought what the council did was entirely proper with the information they had, because that’s what most of the people wanted.”

However, he criticized the council for making the Madrid connection decision without having a traffic study done first.

Valuntas said other measures the village might take to ease traffic issues include more law enforcement. “There are people apparently speeding all hours of the night,” he said.

With the village facing a difficult budget situation next year, Valuntas said he would agree to a rate increase if the village cannot provide the proper levels of service to citizens otherwise. He said he does not like the idea of increasing user fees for parks and recreation. “It’s just kind of shifting the tax base to say you’re not increasing taxes,” he said. Action he would take to help resolve the village’s foreclosure

Valuntas has a history of sparring with the council, specifically when the owners of Cypress Key commercial property on Southern Blvd. near his home applied for increased density, which has led some people to think he would be disruptive to a council that strives for consensus.

“I don’t think that would be a problem at all,” he said. “In fact, the most recent interactions with the council have been nothing but good, particularly when I went and talked about the village adopting the alarm ordinance for the county. My position was it’s not a good idea and they said, ‘You’re right.’”

As his top weakness, Valuntas said he eats too much and needs to exercise more. He said his strengths are that he is tenacious and a hard, effective worker who has gotten results at every job and position he has held.

Valuntas said voters should vote for him because he has been a Royal Palm Beach community leader for years.

“I have a proven record of accomplishment,” he said. “I have a significant amount of government experience that I think will translate well into serving the residents of Royal Palm Beach.” Coleman

continued from page 8 village can save money by cutting out consultants and miscellaneous fees.

“We paid over $200,000 to work on the issue of Palm Beach State College,” she said. “Why did we pay so much for something we were just going to give them?” Another idea is to renegotiate

“middle and upper echelon” employee contracts at lower salaries. Lastly, she would consider higher fees for nonresidents who use Wellington facilities. “We have a terrific sports program and our fees are set at a certain rate,” Coleman said. “We have different rates for village residents versus outside residents, but it is a very minimal difference, like $5 or $10. We could increase fees for outside residents, but I think you need to have a sliding scale for parents who have multiple children.”

She strongly disagrees with the switch to a four-day workweek and believes that governmental transparency and lower taxes are major issues in the campaign.

Coleman approves of the Safe Neighborhoods initiative started by the village last year, but thinks more can be done to help.

Although she is known mostly as an equestrian, Coleman said she is not running as an “equestrian candidate.”

“In my platform, I haven’t made one comment about the equestri-

an community,” she said. “But all of this has to do with equestrian industry because we depend on it for tax money.”

She also addressed rumors that there is bad blood between her and Winter Equestrian Festival owner Mark Bellissimo.

“It would be a lie to say there’s no problems,” she said. “I don’t know Mr. Bellissimo. Well, I know he’s not an equestrian. He is a developer, and I think four years ago he tried to make people think he was the messiah of the

equestrian business. He was wrong; the only thing equestrian about his business was the name.

Did he do a good job changing the image and look of the show? Yes, but he is a micromanager. He’s done things that another person in the village wouldn’t get away with.”

Coleman said that as mayor, she would make sure that Bellissimo, and other business owners, follow all village rules and regulations.

“You get a permit to build

something; you don’t build it then get a permit,” she said. “When you say we have a stormy relationship, it’s that the man is concerned because I speak up. He doesn’t like me. But I have no complaint with the man as an individual.”

Ultimately, Coleman feels residents should vote for her because she has what it takes to run Wellington.

“I have leadership, business sense and common sense,” she said. “Plus I have a plethora of interesting and new ideas.”

Tinu Peña

Richard Valuntas

KWPN-NA

Meeting

March 11-13

The Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook of North America (KWPN-NA) has announced the lineup of speakers at its 22nd annual meeting to be held March 1113 in Wellington. The event will include a variety of rare educational opportunities from top industry experts. Attendees will have the chance to complete a Grand Prix course walk with Olympic gold medallist Laura Kraut and a dressage lesson with Michael Barisone. Panel discussions with equine talent scout and breeder Paul Hendrix, KWPN public relations guru Irene Wolfs, veterinarian and speaker Dr. Deborah Harrison and KWPN

inspector Bart Henstra offer attendees a comprehensive view of the state of the industry. Interactive workshops are supplemented with field trips to the farms of both Barisone and Julia Harrison-Lee. A trip to the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival completes the weekend. A welcome reception on the evening of Thursday, March 11 will initiate the annual meeting. After short reports by the board of directors, Friday, March 12 will be devoted to the evaluation of jumpers. The workshop will include video footage and a freejumping analysis.

Saturday is dressage day, but will include several other workshops, such as Harrison providing veterinary insights from the 2009 annual AAEP convention. Harrison has presented lively discus-

sions at past meetings about veterinary news and updates; her programs elicit numerous questions and answers, and all attendees are encouraged to participate. Morning workshops will be followed by a visit to CDI Grand Prix winner Barisone’s farm for a hands-on look at dressage and evaluating dressage horses. He will also offer a dressage lesson.

Barisone has had an illustrious USDF career, winning bronze, silver and gold medals. In 2008, he was a reserve rider on the United States Olympic team in Hong Kong. Elisabeth Austin and her licensed KWPN stallion Olivier (Idocus x Porter) will ride with Barisone.

Saturday’s festivities conclude with a cocktail hour, annual awards dinner and silent auction. Awards include Member of the

Year, Breeder of the Year and FEI

Horse of the Year. This year’s silent auction will include some very special offerings to help support the organization. Dressage lessons with Olympians Steffen Peters and Debbie McDonald will be on the block for a few special winning bidders.

Members and non-members are welcome for all events. The cost is $200 for pre-registered members, and $250 for non-members and walk-ins. A full schedule and sign-up forms are available at www.kwpn-na.org.

Wellington Neighborhood Cleanup March 7

Approximately 250 volunteers will be participating in Mitzvah

“Good Deed” Day on Sunday, March 7 in Wellington. Organized by Temple Beth Torah, the volunteer project will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the temple (900 Big Blue Trace) for a pre-event pep rally and will then disperse into the community for area cleanups. Volunteers will spend the morning working with Village of Wellington staff on debris pickup, landscape renovation and mulching in four Wellington community parks.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with Wellington on this project,” said Jodi Kaufman, Director of Education at Temple Beth Torah. “Mitzvah Day brings our congregation together. Congregants are able to choose from a variety of projects

that cater to diverse interests, capabilities and ages. We are committed to showing our dedication to our community and look forward to working together with Wellington on this event.” For more information, call Kaufman at (561) 793-2700.

Acreage Garage

Sale March 6

A multi-family garage sale will be held in The Acreage on Saturday, March 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. The address is 4600 130th Ave. North (at the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and 130th Avenue). Items for sale will include a sleep sofa, queensize bed, clothes, household miscellaneous and more. For more information, call (561) 3704170.

WYCLIFFE MEMBERS HOLD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES

Playground Scott’s Place

continued from page 3 money in honor of their son Scott, who was born in 1968 and suffered from cerebral palsy. He spent much of his life in a wheelchair and died at age six. The Williamsons wanted to help children with disabilities and their families to enjoy a playground where all children could play together.

“My thanks truly go to Del and Barbara for their dedication to the memory of their son,” Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said. “And as a mother, I know what it’s like to truly love a child. In that

loss, we realize that their life was a gift that could be given to other children. In this moment, this is really about Barbara and the unending mother’s love to realize a dream for other moms; to have a place for their children to come and play and to never feel a difference between their family and another.”

The playground features wheelchair-accessible ramps, extrawide sidewalks and equipment designed to stimulate the senses.

“It’s truly a jewel as part of our parks and recreation system,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “This is the type of thing, and these are the kind of folks that make Wellington what it is. It’s what sets us apart from other communities.”

Courtney, Sarah & Loren Santiago-Hillard enjoy the park.

Children and families explore the playground.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Barbara Klineman, Lenore Nass, Alaine Gorfinkle and Kathryn Cooperman.

Marge and Norman Goldner.

Harold Schuyler, Neil Grossman, Steve Goldberg and Stewart Schulein.

HANLEY CENTER FOUNDATION HOSTS 15TH

Chris Johnston of Smart Living shows Sue Colombo a steam mop.

The Hanley Center’s Executive Vice President of Development Terry Lehman honors Yardley Manfuso.

Event co-chairs Nancy Hooker and Kelly Moore.

Dave and Susan Myers with Terry Lehman.

Frank Spitzmiller, Alastair Kennedy and Mike Hanley.

Amanda Bellerose, Kelly Christiansen, Stephanie Selz and Karley Myers enjoy lunch.

Rachel Berkman and Steve Bloom.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Gerard’s Dream: Wellington Siblings Raise Money For Autism Research

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The dream of a better life for their autistic brother has inspired Kristina and Brian Cooney to join millions of families in the search for a cure. The siblings have raised $1,370 for Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Sunday, March 7.

“I want my brother to learn how to do the things we’ll do when we’re older,” Brian said. “Like drive a car and make new friends.”

When Gerard Cooney, 8, was diagnosed with autism, parents Laura and Brian Cooney didn’t want to force their children to be involved. But Kristina, 13, and Brian, 11, wanted to spend their time with their brother.

“We do everything with him,” Kristina said. “We like to involve him in everything we do. We treat him like he’s a normal kid.”

The kids go out of their way to spend time with him.

Kristina and Brian attend Em-

erald Cove Middle School in Wellington, where they are straight-A students. But each morning before they go to their own classes, they volunteer in an autism class at Discovery Key Elementary School, where their brother attends.

“They did it on their own,” mother Laura Cooney said. “They got involved, and sometimes I feel like they don’t have to because they live it every day. But they love it. They love the kids.”

For Kristina, the experience is invaluable for her future career as a speech/language pathologist. “I like it because it’s what I want to do when I get older,” she said. “I want to work with autistic children.”

Their dream for their brother led them to start a team for Walk Now for Autism Speaks called Gerard’s Dream. On their team page, the Cooneys posted a video of the three siblings to promote aware-

ness for the cause. The video and other fundraising events have helped them raise more than $1,000.

“I want to raise awareness for my friends and family,” Kristina said. “Some people don’t understand what autism is.”

Awareness is important to the family, which has encountered prejudice and judgment while out with Gerard. “When you look at him, he looks like a normal child,” Laura said. “People think he’s just being a bad child, when really he just doesn’t understand what we’re asking him to do.”

Kristina said that she supports Autism Speaks in hopes of finding a cure and make people more aware of the condition so they don’t jump to conclusions about her brother, or any other child.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the disability. It’s very important,” she said. “We want to find a cure, and we need to raise mon-

‘We want to find a cure, and we need to raise money to pay the scientists.’

Kristina Cooney

ey to pay the scientists.”

The Cooneys are optimistic that a cure will be found, and they plan to continue to walk and raise money for the event.

“They love him with autism,” Laura said. “But they’d like to see him without it too.”

Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held at Centennial Square in downtown West Palm Beach on Sunday, March 7. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10.

For more information about the Cooneys, or to donate, visit www. walknowforautismspeaks.org/ palmbeach/gerardsdream.

Autism Walk Supporters — Kristina, Gerard and Brian Cooney pose outside their home in Wellington. Kristina and Brian have raised over $1,370 in support of their brother, who has autism.

PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Adolfo Cambiaso Lifts Crab Orchard To C.V. Whitney Cup Victory

Polo superstar Adolfo Cambiaso scored seven goals and Crab Orchard won the 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup title with an 11-9 victory over Valiente on Sunday, Feb. 28 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

Cambiaso gave Crab Orchard a 9-8 lead when he scored with 5:28 left in the sixth chukker. Julio Arellano scored on a breakaway with 4:46 left to make it 10-8 and seal Crab Orchard’s first Whitney Cup championship.

Cambiaso, a 10-goal player from Argentina who is ranked No. 3 in the world, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Montera, the mount for Magoo Laprida of Valiente, won the award for the Best Playing Pony. In last Sunday’s first game, Las Monjitas defeated Zacara 14-9 to win the 20-goal Herbie Pennell Cup. Pablo Pieres led Las Monjitas with nine goals.

Lechuza Caracas opens defense of its USPA Piaget Gold Cup title against Valiente at 3 p.m. Saturday. Crab Orchard plays Audi at 11 a.m. in the first game of the 26goal tournament, and Pony Express faces Orchard Hill at 1

Trials For The World Equestrian Games Take Center Stage At WEF

Games Trial #2, Kraut and Cedric were tied for first place with Lauren Hough of Wellington on Quick Study. Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, N.J., was third.

There were 14 numbered obstacles and 17 jumping efforts on the course. Of the 49 entries in the class, eight were clear in the first round. Pessoa and Champ 163 posted a time of 39.41 seconds for their first Grand Prix win together.

“He’s a larger horse than what I’m used to,” Pessoa said. “The last couple of weeks here, we changed his way of going a little bit, and it seems to be working. We give him more room to take off. I was coming too close (to the jump), and now I ride him a little bit different, and he seems to like it.”

Kraut and Cedric, who won the Olympic trials at WEF in 2008, are getting their season off to a good start. Kraut said she did not fully extend Cedric in their clear round of 42.16 seconds.

“My goal was to jump a nice double clear,” Kraut said. “I made the turn from one to two, but I did it much slower than Rodrigo. I wanted him to get back in the ring. It’s the beginning of the year for us, and there’s a lot of work to do. We had to get the rust out.”

Hough and Quick Study also rode a clear first round.

“For me personally, the horse jumped the first round as good as he could jump,” Hough said. “He’s a horse with a lot of energy... He’s a horse where the more rounds he jumps, the better he is,” Hough explained. “I’m very pleased with where we’re sitting at the moment.”

The seventh week of the festival also featured competition in jumper, hunter and equitation classes.

Richard Spooner of California and his mount Lady Like won the $8,000 Sentient Jet 1.45m Jumper Time First Round class on Wednesday, Feb. 24. Second place went to McLain Ward on Miss Liberty 7, and Kraut and Tortola finished third.

The USEF World Equestrian Games Trials began on Thursday, Feb. 25 for the U.S. show-jumping team. Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee and Pavarotti took the early lead by winning the $40,000 USEF WEG Trial 1 over Wellington’s Margie Engle on Hidden Creek’s Campella. Rich Fellers of Wilsonville, Ore. and Flexible finished third.

Thirteen of the 44 entries had a clear round.

“I think you saw a lot of good jumping,” Engle said. “It shows that we have a lot of good horse/ rider combinations in this country, maybe even more so this year

than previous years. I think that’s a good sign.” Minikus and Pavarotti finished the course in 83.24 seconds. Engle and Campella crossed the times in 84.03 seconds, and Fellers and Flexible finished in 87.30 seconds.

Fifteen horse and rider combinations will make up this year’s WEG team.

“It’s a good start,” Minikus said. “This is a long process and there is a lot of jumping that has to go on. It’s a good confidence builder that all of your wheels are working together, and it’s always a team effort. Things were organized, and hopefully it stays together through the whole process.”

In the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round Seven, Yann Candele of Canada and Pitareusa finished first in 32.41 seconds in the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round Seven. It was Candele’s first grand prix victory at the festival.

“I’ve been second, third, whatever you want before, but it is extremely difficult here,” he said. “It doesn’t matter, any level, every jump-off is so fast. Things need to go a little bit your way. I like the win; we all do!”

Show jumping competition continued on Friday, with Darragh Kenny of Ireland and Perle JRF winning the $6,000 Spy

Coast 1.40m Speed Challenge over McLain Ward on Miss Liberty 7. On Saturday morning, Marley Goodman continued her dominance in the High AmateurOwner Jumpers. Goodman and Ronja won the $15,000 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, which secured the division championship for them. Goodman has won the division championship the past three weeks.

Peter Charles of Great Britain rode Pom D’Ami to a first-place finish

Nicolas Pizarro of Mexico and Crossing Jordan were second, and Laura Kraut rode Cedric to a thirdplace finish. In the USEF World Equestrian

(Above) Crab Orchard’s Hilario Ulloa chases Valiente’s Magoo Laprida. (Left) Crab Orchard’s Adolfo Cambiaso surrounded by Valiente team members. PHOTOS COURTESY ALEX PACHECO

Rodrigo Pessoa rides Champ 163

Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, riding Champ 163, won the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix,

2* on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

King’s Academy Cheerleaders Claim The State Title In Kissimmee

On Saturday, Feb. 6, the King’s Academy competition cheer team battled for the state title at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Fifty-seven teams competed in a semifinals round to earn a spot in the finals. The top 14 teams then competed for a 2010 FHSAA state title. Head coach Jenn Allen led TKA cheer team, and the school hired Allen’s “Gym Like This!” to run its cheerleading program in 2007. Allen and her coaching staff have worked hard to improve year to year. In 2008, TKA placed 11th against 39 teams in the large varsity tumbling division (1A-6A schools). In 2009, the team was state runner-up, placing second out of 49 teams in the non-tum-

NEW TREES AT NEW HORIZONS

Two live oak trees were recently donated to the New Horizons Elementary School kindergarten playground, courtesy of the Nottingham family of Groundworks Inc. The kindergarten classes participated in a treeplanting ceremony on Feb. 18, which included singing and an explanation of the type of trees they are and the care they require. The school thanks the Nottingham family for once again beautifying the campus.

bling division (1A-6A). And in 2010, TKA cheerleaders are the FHSAA state champions, defeating 56 teams in 1A-6A head to head competition divisions. The non-tumbling finals results were: first place, the King’s Academy (1A); second place, West Broward (6A); and third place, Rickarts (2A).

The King’s Academy cheerleaders are extremely proud of their accomplishment. In order to win a state title for cheerleading, the teams are given just one drill that is two and a half minutes in length. In this short amount of time, they must be flawless and stunning to prove to the judges that their routine or drill is worthy of the first-place title. The King’s

Academy cheer team practiced for six months, competed against 1A6A teams throughout the entire state and came out on top.

“During devotional time post morning of the state championship, the girls, their coaches and their parents spent time discussing why they felt their season was so successful,” Allen said. “Personal investment was the common denominator. Without our strong support team of coaches, parents and the school, our cheerleaders could not have earned the 2010 FHSAA state title.”

The King’s Academy competition cheer team members are: seniors Montana Lowe (captain), Jordan Bates (captain), Samantha Gaffney, Lauren Criser and Pa-

trice Biggs; juniors Lauren Neidrauer, Jessie Kinball, Brennen Thaney and Taylor Rosander; sophomores Katie Stinson, Jamie Clement, Megan Kintz, Lauren Bender, Cecilia Breland, Chelsea Martin, Mandy Pelletier and Brittany Luiz; and freshmen Brooke Begnoche, Lexi Rowe and Avery Eddlemon.

The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. For more information about the King’s Academy, visit www.tka.net.

Owlet Rescued At Wellington El

The owlet found at the school.

Recently, a fledgling great horned owlet was discovered at Wellington Elementary School. It remained on campus for three days showing no signs of being able to fly. The parent owls have nested in the Milo Mosser Memorial Nature Trail on the school campus for several years and are often visible to the children and staff. Mark McCarthy of McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary in The Acreage was called. He immediately came out to the school and skillfully captured the owlet. McCarthy said that the owlet appeared healthy but very hungry. He told the students that as soon as the owlet is old

enough to fly and hunt for itself, it will be released.

According to a recent inquiry, the owlet is doing just fine at the sanctuary. This year, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary has treated hundreds of native animals that were sick or injured. Everything from foxes to bobcats, sandhill cranes to pelicans, hawks and owls have received veterinarian care by McCarthy’s staff before being released back into the wild. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 12943 61st Street North. For more info., call (561) 790-2116 or visit the sanctuary’s web site at www.mccarthys wildlife.com.

The King’s Academy varsity competition cheerleaders with coaching staff.

Seminole Ridge SECME Students Visit Florida Atlantic University

The Seminole Ridge High School science club SECME attended Florida Atlantic University’s Engineering Week presentation Feb. 18 to hear Owl alumnus and NASA astronaut Steve Swanson speak about his most recent space mission, STS-119, to the International Space Station. SECME students also took time to showcase their VEX robot, playing Clean Sweep during a robotic demonstration.

• SECME Competes in National Science Bowl — Seminole Ridge congratulates its inaugural National Science Bowl team of Robert Botkin, Kayleigh Previte, Ralph Regis and Zack Wiggin, who competed in Miami recently at the regional match of the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl. In the first match, the Hawks lost in overtime on a technical foul.

“Our team’s captain buzzed in fastest on the tossup question but responded to it without first being recognized by the judge,” SECME sponsor Erich Landstrom said. “So Evangelical Christian in Fort Myers got the win from penalty points.”

In the next match, the team from Plantation had “ninja-fast reflexes,” Wiggin said. “We knew the answers, but the other team beat us to the buzzer.”

The National Science Bowl is a

multiple-choice and short-answer competition on scientific topics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics as well as earth, computer and general sciences. The competition consists of a round robin followed by a double elimination final. SECME coaches thank their team for a great effort.

• ASL Announcements Come to Ridge TV — To provide equal accessibility, the TV production program has teamed with American Sign Language (ASL) students to put interpretation for the deaf on the SRHS daily morning announcements.

The project developed when ASL students came up with the idea as a way to bring deaf awareness to Seminole Ridge. Many students not in ASL classes didn’t realize the school has a deaf teacher, Rose Adams. She spoke with TV production teacher Earle Wright, who was more than willing to include a student interpreter box on the bottom right of the announcement screen.

Seminole Ridge is the first school in Palm Beach County to have an ASL interpreter on the daily news. “This is a fantastic exposure to deaf culture, and a wonderful opportunity to introduce its beauty to students who may be unaware of it,” Adams said.

LGES ‘SUBSATIONAL’ STUDENT HONORED

Kyla Campbell was recently named the “Subsational Student of the Week” at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School. Jon Smith Subs sponsored this contest and treated Campbell’s class to a six-foot sub in her honor. Campbell’s hard work, commitment to her academics and responsibility earned her this award. Shown above are Campbell with teacher Sharyn Levitt and Principal Rich Myerson.

ASL student Natasha Thomas was first to interpret on screen. She read the news script prior to signing but found that she “had to deal with the difficulty of listening to the reporters and interpreting their words at the same time.”

TV production and ASL students are working together to im-

prove the program, speaking more slowly, giving a script to the signer and including the interpreter for the full length of the announcements.

“I hope our school becomes more aware of the deaf community and this can continue,” Thomas said.

Adams agreed. “This is a great first-hand experience for my ASL students,” she said, “and I hope deaf awareness keeps spreading.”

Taryn Kerber Interact Club Says It with Flowers — The Seminole Ridge Interact Club turned silk flowers into corsages for their Valentine’s

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE AT NEW HORIZONS FCAT MATH NIGHT AT

Students from New Horizons Elementary School in Wellington put on their thinking caps and came out to the third annual New Horizons Target FCAT Math night, which was held recently at the Super Target store in Royal Palm Beach. The event was the idea of fourth-grade teacher Cheryl Lay. The students were given questions according to their grade level, a pencil and a clipboard. Students went all over Target answering real-world math questions. When students finished, they were given a certificate and a delicious cookie. Mrs. Lay had some wonderful volunteers from New Horizons including Principal Betsy Cardozo, guidance counselor Lynne Bray and teachers Maureen Rane, Jennifer Schuler and Jude Valdov. Pictured here are parent Chris Taliercio and his daughter Samantha, Shannon Maisano and her daughters Breana, Baily and Brenan, and Laura Penta and her children Jake and Brady.

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

Day visit to the assisted-living facility Cresthaven East in Greenacres. Members Liz Garrity, Nicole Hulen and Laurenis Lopez met club sponsor Katie Wright at Cresthaven, handing corsages to the residents, and receiving happy tears and joyful smiles in return.

The Seminole Ridge SECME club at Florida Atlantic University.

Interact members Hannah Johnson and Adrienne Pearson make corsages.

Doreen Moore Named PBC School-Related Employee Of The Year

Doreen Moore, school treasurer at North Grade Elementary School, is the 2010 Palm Beach County School-Related Employee of the Year.

Schools Superintendent Art Johnson surprised Moore with the announcement on Thursday, Feb.

25. Moore, a resident of Wellington, has worked at North Grade Elementary for five of the 16 years that she has been a district employee. As school treasurer, Moore extends her services far beyond her excellent technical skills. To enhance student learning, she has given up her Saturdays to tutor at North Grade, where she has be-

come a mentor to several of the students needing the guidance of a good role model.

North Grade has an amazing group of ESE high achievers who are involved in the Special Olympics and compete on many occasions at different locations.

Moore attends to encourage and support them. “The students love seeing her and so very much appreciate her presence,” secondgrade teacher Peter Corsentino said.

North Grade Principal Debbie Battles said Moore made significant contributions to the school’s positive environment by taking the initiative to create beautiful meeting areas for students and

staff. “She was responsible for designing and setting up our staff lounge, main office, principal’s office and the students’ Starlight Café,” Battles said. North Grade’s School-Related Employee of the Year nominating committee noted that Moore is also a guardian ad litem volunteer. The nominating statement read, “In this role, Doreen Moore’s goal is to look at all aspects of a child’s life: the intellectual, the spiritual, the physical and the emotional; and to identify what makes for a happy, well-adjusted child.”

A check in the amount of $1,000, provided by local business partners, will be presented to Moore at the Employee of the Year

breakfast celebration scheduled in May. As Palm Beach County’s winner, Moore will represent the county at the state level. In late March or April, the Commissioner of Education will announce the 2010 Florida SchoolRelated Employee of the Year. For more information, contact Sue Walters with the Palm Beach County School District at (561) 649-6809.

Players Club To Host Elliott’s Stars Benefit

This year’s Elliott’s Stars fundraising event will be held on Thursday, March 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Players Club in Wellington. The event will feature a cocktail hour and benefit auction, dinner and music.

Some of the auction items include a Hermes scarf, a stay at the Four Seasons and a much-soughtafter polo lesson from Nacho Figueras. In addition, there will be some exciting guest appearances as well. Last year’s event was held at Bice in Palm Beach. It raised more than $10,000.

Elliott’s Stars is a non-profit organization helping children with emotional and financial needs through horseback riding and horsemanship, empowering them to live productive, meaningful lives. Since the inception of Elliott’s Stars in 2007, more than 25 children in the program have had

life-changing experiences.

These children come to Elliott’s Stars with various emotional issues and benefit from equestrian interaction that gives them more confidence and joy. They are referred by established professional organizations in the community, such as mental health organizations and Child Life, a pediatric oncology support team based at the St. Mary’s Medical Center Children’s Hospital. The organization’s board members include Drs. Laura DeLuca, Mark DeLuca and Aron Tendler as well as Marie Armstrong, Andrew Lustig, Zachary Cherry and Dee Lavalle. Tickets for the 2010 benefit auction dinner and dance cost $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.elliotts stars.com or by calling (561) 8669099. For more information, email ileneadams@hotmail.com.

Equestrian Artist Procaccio Featured At WEF

Danielle Procaccio, a New York-born artist specializing in life-sized equestrian oil paintings, has announced the availability of her work at the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. Procaccio’s paintings are currently on display and showing until March 28.

Rahman Graduates Army Basic Training

Army Pvt. Rabshan Rahman has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, Rahman studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training,

and ceremony,

marksmanship,

field

the

sic

and un-

combat,

and field-training exercises. Rahman is a 2007 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School in Loxahatchee.

WHO’S NEW!

Dylan Edward Bell — son of Megan and Steven Bell of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Jan. 6.

Addison Elizabeth Barger — daughter of Crystal and Jonathan Barger of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Jan. 7.

Ferguson of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Feb. 5. Amanda Alexis Daher daughter of Sal and Rebecca Daher of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Feb. 8.

With visually stunning paintings such as Faith Calm and Vision, Procaccio incorporates a laborious process that creates unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for equestrian and art enthusiasts. Since 1995, her specialized paintings have been featured in galler-

“The WEF is an ideal venue for these unique pieces,” said Procaccio, who currently alternates her time between Colorado and Florida. “The initial response to our showing there has been overwhelmingly positive.”

ies around the world, including New York, London, Italy and Los Angeles. Procaccio uses a combination of different mediums. Her multi-layered composition gives canvas texture and movement, fusing the indigenous with the sophisticated. Procaccio’s work has been exhibited in galleries and shows around the world. Her art can also be found in various corporate and

private collections. Procaccio’s Wellington exhibition is one of many planned for 2010. For more information about Procaccio, including an online gallery of her artwork, visit the artist’s web site at www.danielle procaccio.com.

The Winter Equestrian Festival is taking place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian center, located at 14440 Pierson Road.

Patrick Michael Flint Jr. — son of Jennifer Wyrosdick and Patrick Michael Flint Sr. of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center Jan. 7. Cody Michael Cohen — son of Carrie and Paul Cohen of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Jan.

13.

Paige Frances Ferguson — daughter of Alicia and Malcolm

Livia Rose Nelson — daughter of Tracy and Brian Nelson of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Feb. 17. Michael Thomas Keehan III — son of Christine and Michael Keehan was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Feb. 17. Kaylee Jillian Kendall daughter of Jill and Blake Kendall of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Feb. 16.

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

District Employee Of The Year

— Doreen Moore (center) with North Grade Principal Debbie Battles and Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson.

Two of the children in the Elliot’s Stars program.

drill

marching, rifle

armed

armed

map reading,

tactics, military courtesy,

military justice system, ba-

first aid, foot marches,

Local Musicians Support Leukemia Society

The Tommy Mitchell Band recently performed the “Just a Dream” debut concert Jan. 22 at the Palm Beach State College Eissey Theater in Palm Beach Gardens in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Mitchell and the band performed 17 songs of jazz, blues and rock ’n’ roll before a packed house at Eissey. Close to 700 people attended. It was a smashing success and rave reviews are still coming in from attendees. It has been a long-time dream for Mitchell to put this event together, and he dedicated many hours to forming the band, writing the music and designing every aspect of the performance.

VOW Forum Candidates Debate

continued from page 1

ers decide what to do with it and was concerned with the money the village has wasted by doing nothing. “We pay $40,000 a month to maintain it,” she said. “But we also paid $200,000 in legal battles to deal with the community college.

I’m in favor of higher education, and I’d like to send out an RFP.

I’d like to sell it, even if it’s just a portion.” When asked what the most important issue besides the budget and K-Park were, Gerwig and St. Jean focused on safety issues, while Coleman and Zimmerman said they would fight for the needs

Mitchell and committee members John Cinquino, Jerry Gruber and Jim Luddy worked to help support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society achieve their dream of finding a cure in the fight against these blood diseases. The Tommy Mitchell Band and the committee wanted to contribute to this great cause by donating a percentage of the proceeds from the concert to the society. A check for $1,500 was presented to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Executive Director Pamela Payne on Feb. 8. For more information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit the organization’s web site at www.lls.org.

of seniors. Bowen said capital improvement projects and developing a broader tax base were high on his list.

When it came to raising taxes or cutting services, all the candidates agreed that they would cut services before raising taxes, but several felt there were other alternatives.

“Everyone I’ve talked to says they’d rather see service cuts. No one can afford a tax increase,” Zimmerman said. “But we’re paying over $500,000 a year for a lawyer.”

St. Jean wondered why it had to be one or the other.

“I think we can have both low taxes and maintain services,” he said. “We have to look at the budget and see if we are allocating money to areas that don’t need it.”

For Gerwig, innovation and line-by-line budgeting will be keys to maintaining a balance between low taxes and high services. “It’s no time for residents to pay more,” she said. “We’re going to have to be innovative if we’re going to do this.”

Bowen refuted comments that the four-day workweek was considered a cut in services, and that the village had raised taxes.

“When the assessed values are down 18 percent and we raise the rate seven percent, that’s a decrease,” he said. “Our tax revenue has gone down.”

Coleman agreed with Zimmerman about cutting legal costs. She was also concerned about the money being spent on a new building for the Wellington Boys & Girls Club. “We’re paying

$700,000 for them to move to a new building when there’s already a building for them,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s a good time to do a $700,000 deal.”

While all candidates support the equestrian community in Wellington, they were divided on whether the equestrian community does enough to support local business.

“It’s very expensive to have a booth at the horse show,” Coleman said. “I think Wellington businesses should be on display, not businesses from everywhere else.”

St. Jean felt that there is a disconnect between non-equestrians in the community and the seasonal community. “We need to have all our residents involved in the community,” he said. “And we need to continue to work with the

Glenn Dayton Graduates Basic Marine Training

Marine Corps Pvt. Glenn Dayton recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits physically and mentally.

Recruits began their training at 5 a.m. by running three miles and performing calisthenics. In addition, Dayton spent numerous hours in classroom and field assignments, which included learning first aid, uniform regulations, combat water survival, marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat and assorted weapons training. They performed close order drills and operated as a small infantry unit during field training. Recruits also received instruction on the Marine Corps’ core values — honor, courage and commitment — and what the core values mean in guiding personal and professional conduct. The training phase ended with the Crucible, a 54-hour, team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits are presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and addressed as Marines for the first time. Dayton is a 2009 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington.

equestrian community to see what they need.”

Senior issues also were addressed, with several of the candidates feeling the senior population has been largely ignored.

Bowen said the council will institute a trial program with transportation vouchers to help seniors get around, but Coleman said the program will only help certain seniors, which Bowen said was untrue.

“The voucher program is a good beginning, but it doesn’t help seniors who make more than a certain amount of money,” Coleman said. “I think we need more programs for seniors. I know we don’t have the money right now, but I’d like to look toward the future and having an assisted-living facility.”

Gerwig said that the voucher

program was on a first-come, firstserved basis, but that she was empathetic for the senior population.

“I’m not comfortable taking a cab anywhere,” she said. “I feel vulnerable, and I’m sure if I were older, I would be even less comfortable. I’d like to see a volunteer program for residents to volunteer to help seniors get around.” Zimmerman said the village has had the resources to help seniors, but hasn’t.

“We have a bus sitting in the garage that has been there since [former councilman] Al Paglia was in office,” he said. “We need viable transportation. I met a grandfather who said he had to walk two miles, twice a day, to pick up his granddaughter because he can’t drive. He was in pretty good shape; some seniors aren’t.”

Supporting The Cause — Tommy Mitchell presents a check for event proceeds to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Executive Director Pam Payne and event organizer Jerry Gruber.

Fish Farmer And Farmer’s Market Expert Visit February LGLA Meeting

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Fish farmer Michael Breen of Breen Acres Aquatics in Loxahatchee Groves and farmers’ market expert Vance Corum were the guest speakers at the Thursday, Feb. 25 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association. Breen, who purchased the farm on A Road in 1997, said this winter’s cold weather is just the latest problem to confront area fish farmers. “Florida has been very challenging to our fish farmers as far as hurricanes, floods, rains and colds,” Breen said. “We were recently devastated again.”

RPB Forum Peña Vs. Valuntas

continued from page 1

sures, Peña wants to partner with organizations that will help residents and commercial property owners deal with foreclosure, possibly holding seminars locally.

As an attorney who represents condos and HOAs, Valuntas said he is sensitive to the foreclosure crisis, particularly with the issue of remaining homeowners having to cover the same bills even though there are fewer residents.

“The goal to me is to keep prop-

DiLallo

Leaving WRMC

continued from page 1 outstanding and significantly appreciated by all,” Bishop said. Bishop noted that DiLallo has been active in the community at many different levels.

Professionally, Bishop recalled working together on projects that improved the hospital and its reputation, including recognition by Solucient as one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals for four consecutive years.

DiLallo will also be missed at the Palms West Chamber. His departure dovetails neatly with the end of his term as the chamber’s chairman.

“He has a perspective on most issues that in many instances is different than others, and he has a way of moving people in that direction,” chamber CEO Jaene Miranda said. “That’s a true sign of leadership, when you can look at things differently and be able to explain yourself in a manner that really gets people on board.”

Miranda hopes DiLallo’s vision for the area’s medical community and desire to bring a medical school to the area will be carried forward by others. It is a key part of the chamber’s Economic Development Task Force, she noted.

Manatee and WRMC are owned and operated by Universal Health Services. The Manatee Memorial Health System includes

Task Force Inaugural Meeting

continued from page 3 force, we’ve got affordable housing, we’re closer to some of the mass transit.”

While Wellington has implemented an expedited permit process and has available land, traffic has become an issue, Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said. “The biggest problem is traffic and traffic concurrency,” he said. “We are not going to be able to succeed at doing this unless we have our proponents come together and support the entire process of us coming together and moving forward.”

The stakeholders agreed that the

Bowen Seeking

Re-Election

continued from page 8 of those games to get where you need to get, and I didn’t do a very good job in the beginning.”

He has put K-Park to rest for now, although he knows it is likely to come up again. Bowen would not support selling the land for commercial use, but still believes that the land can be part of a village-school partnership for the right educational institution. He would support issuing a request for proposals, inviting all groups to submit plans for consideration.

“People need to know that UF doesn’t want to come here and build a campus, FAU does not want to come here and build a campus — or if they do, they want buildings and land,” he said. “The community college has never paid for land. We wouldn’t have any public schools out here if land hadn’t been donated.”

One cost-saving measure that has led to criticism from some

Nevertheless, Breen believes in the fish farming industry.

“We’re the only region in the United States where tropical fish can be produced in quantity enough to support an industry. The tropical fish industry in the state of Florida is about $45 million a year. It’s a pretty decent industry, predominantly run by small family fish farmers.”

Breen’s experience recently helped him solve a problem for Wellington.

Through his travels, Breen ran into a code enforcer in Wellington, who told Breen of the problems they were having keeping swimming pools clean.

erty from going into foreclosure,” Valuntas said.

Peña said strategies she would propose to support economic development would be to change the village’s perception as a bedroom community. “We need to be looked at as a viable community with business,” she said, adding that she would support enticing large companies by working with neighboring communities to provide incentives.

Valuntas said he would employ two specific strategies to help stimulate the economy. “One issue is a parcel at the north end of town that we could develop into a small business park to create em-

Manatee Memorial Hospital, a 319-bed acute-care hospital, and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, a 120-bed acute-care facility.

DiLallo served two years as WRMC’s chief operating officer before he was promoted to CEO and managing director in 2000. He has received Universal Health Services’ Chairman’s Council Award three times, as well as the Chairman’s Eagle Award, the highest level of achievement in the corporation.

Under DiLallo’s leadership, Wellington Regional Medical Center received several awards and was selected as the 2008 Business of the Year by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce.

DiLallo himself was named the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s 2004 Man of the Year, the Gulf Stream Council Boy Scouts of America 2009 Distinguished Citizen and the South Florida Business Journal 2009 Ultimate CEO.

DiLallo said he will have fond memories of Wellington.

“Everywhere I see faces that I’ve been involved with in their professional lives and personal lives,” he said. “It’s not the experience that you necessarily remember, it’s the people you did it with, and I think that is probably the more important part that I’ll remember about Wellington… It’s a very special place, and I’m going to hate leaving it, but all people move on, and it’s hard to say no at this point in your career.”

DiLallo served six years as

task force is a good idea, especially because it can help businesses get through a frustrating permitting process with more ease, Callery-Judge Grove managing partner Nat Roberts said.

“We’ve been on a lot of sides of this discussion, as a company trying to bring jobs here and get permits for construction when we were building our packing house,” he said. “I was so frustrated that I have a lake on the property that’s about two acres that’s a finger pointing downtown. I swore I would never invest another dollar in this county because of that process. That’s not the attitude you want to have businesses tell other businesses.”

Giddings cautioned task force members and community members in the audience that change

quarters is the move to a four-day workweek. Although it is expected to save the village $300,000 a year, critics feel that closing on Fridays lowers the village’s service level.

“Well, short term, do you want to do a four-day workweek or do you want to cut one of our sports programs?” he asked. “I don’t have a problem with a five-day workweek. But the $300,000 we’re going to save, what do you want to cut to get that? In my opinion, the four-day workweek has far lesser impact on people than if we cut our park programs or didn’t fix our roads. It’s one or the other. You can’t have both.” Bowen said he is happy with the way the village is running and feels that the council has come together under his leadership.

“We’ve obviously been successful in budgeting and capital improvement projects,” he said. “I think the council members were already primed and looking for someone to lead them through the issues. I think a majority of the council wanted to move some of these things forward, and it was

Breen and his family found a combination of chemicals to clean out the pools, and as a result, Wellington personnel recently filled out paperwork designating Breen as the sole contractor on such projects. “We got a call the other day,” he said, “and they said they are filling out the paperwork.”

Breen said he hopes to open a garden center on his property so children can see the farm’s fish, which include mostly native and tropical species.

“It’s actually an aquatic nursery,” he said. “You will be able to find any plant or fish that’s legal in the State of Florida. If we don’t have it, we can get it. We’re set-

ployment but not so intense as to overwhelm the neighborhood,” he said.

He would also like to promote large youth sporting tournaments in the village. “We have a phenomenal sports program,” Valuntas said. “I would look to promote more tournaments.”

Both candidates said they would support an open dialogue with the surrounding communities and the school district to resolve boundary issues at the high school.

Valuntas warned against painting a direct line from poor students to problem students. “I was one of those kids who got free lunches,” he said, referring to the use of

president of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club and still is a member of its board of directors. “I enjoyed helping out the Boys & Girls Club and raising money for them and hopefully providing some leadership for them,” he said.

Last year, DiLallo took a leadership role with a countywide organization called the Emergency Department Management Group, which was organized to address the rising cost and increased use of emergency rooms by people who cannot afford to pay.

“It was a group of 15 people,” he said. “Five were members of the healthcare district, five were physicians and five were hospital CEOs. I was chosen on that group to try and come up with solutions on emergency room calls and call coverages in our community.”

That led DiLallo to take the lead in explaining the problem to community leaders.

“We felt it was important to get the county involved, at least to tell them what some of the issues were,” he said. “It’s hard to make changes when the leaders in the community don’t really understand the issues.”

County leaders have since created a healthcare subcommittee, which has met several times trying to deal with some of the healthcare issues in the county, DiLallo noted. “It did get their attention and it did serve a purpose, and hopefully it will improve some of the healthcare in our community,” he said.

was coming, but it wouldn’t come quickly.

“We’re not going to see results in six months or a year,” she said. “This first year is going to be an information gathering time. It will seem slow, and you won’t see many results, but once we get through this year, I think we will be able to take many strong steps.”

The task force itself might end one day, but its mission will be eternal, Giddings said.

“Economic development never ends,” she said. “Although maybe in five years the task force will not exist in the form you see it, the economic development initiative cannot ever stop. Things are constantly changing, and we need to change with the times.”

easy with me because I was willing to stand up and support the issues I believe in.”

Overall, Bowen feels that he had a good first term, even if the job wasn’t exactly what he expected.

“I don’t know if anything was exactly as expected,” he said. “I was pretty green, but not as green as my opponent would be. I’d served in many community facets. I was surprised that it is as political as it is. I probably said, ‘this is just a little service job, why would politics play a role in that?’

When you’re a leader, you have to find a way to work around that.”

Bowen hopes residents will see the leadership he has exhibited the past two years and return him to office.

“I’m not afraid to evaluate a situation and step up and lead the charge,” he said. “I’m not afraid of making decisions, and I’m not afraid of defending decisions. I appreciate a good, honest debate, and sometimes I change my mind. We need someone who is a strong leader who can keep things moving, and I can do that.”

ting it up so the children can come and look at them.”

Corum is an environmentalist, author and farmers’ market advocate from Vancouver, Wash. He was in South Florida to conduct a farmers’ market feasibility study for the Northwood neighborhood for the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Corum said there is a need for farmers’ markets because of food shortages and the lack of healthy food in many communities.

Corum showed LGLA members zoning maps and plans for Northwood, with the hopes that a farmers’ market would help revitalize the community. He was a

free lunch recipients to determine a correlation with low income and poor grades. “I didn’t consider myself part of the problem.”

Peña said communication is the key to resolving any issue. “I will favor opening a dialogue,” she said. “Not having open dialogue was part of the problem with the high school.”

To help the high school improve its D rating, Peña said the village must press school officials to have more magnet programs to retain high achievement students.

Valuntas said when he was in high school, the schools did not have ratings. “But I think I was well-educated,” he said. “They had AP and advanced courses, since I was motivated to that end, that’s where I was. Just because it is rated D doesn’t mean it can’t serve students well.”

Both candidates support plans for the development of Royal Palm Beach Commons Park.

Groves Foreclosures

continued from page 1 and mortgagees through liens. “I think the answer is to start piling up code violations and liens, because ultimately a mortgagee is going to want some value out of the property, and you can’t get that value unless the liens are satisfied.”

Town Attorney Mike Cirullo said the town’s code enforcement laws address health and safety concerns, and the town can place liens on homes where cited violations are not corrected.

“When there’s a finding made

Campus South University

continued from page 1 elor’s degrees in business administration, health science and criminal justice, along with master’s and doctoral degrees. It has a nursing program with state-of-the-art equipment such as a dummy that breathes, coughs and bleeds, giving nurses on-the-job training scenarios in the classroom.

With a new medical magnet program at Royal Palm Beach High School, Lodwick said the timing couldn’t have been better.

“Sometimes in life, doors open for a reason,” he said. “With the medical programs and facilities here, the interaction between this university and the high school will help raise our school to a higher level.”

South University has been in Palm Beach County for 27 years.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this campus,” Chancellor John T. South III said. “I promised them we’d have this building 25 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago and even two years ago. Today, students can attend class and learn on a campus that was designed for them and built for them.”

Candidates Wellington Answers

continued from page 7 the sheriff’s office tirelessly in Palm Beach County to keep our community safe. In the matter of foreclosures and unemployment, as a Realtor and business owner, I am the only candidate who offers meaningful solutions on how we can go about solving those issues. We must quickly implement a strategy to combat our growing foreclosures and unemployment rates. In order to make this happen, we must offer tax cuts and other incentives to maintain and attract new businesses. I will bring fair, balanced and common-sense business principals to the council, my opponents will not. So on March 9, I am humbly asking for your vote. I will be an independent voice on the council without any conflicts or obligations to anyone except you, the voters!

ERNIE ZIMMERMAN Village Management — Paul

consultant on the project and said he was visiting the LGLA to see whether Loxahatchee Groves businesses have an interest in selling their products in that area of West Palm Beach.

“It’s what we now call the foodaccess question,” Corum said. “There are poor people not having access to fresh fruits and vegetables. They can only get this stuff from the local convenience store, and what’s most convenient comes in a 12-ounce can. We need to get back to feeding people and teaching our kids about vegetables rather than letting them think that vegetables are the relish on top of hamburgers.”

“They originally had a golf course, which I wasn’t particularly fond of,” Valuntas said. “I understand that is now off the table.

I support keeping a vast majority of the park open green space.”

Valuntas said he also supports the water elements, which will offer canoeing and kayaking.

Peña said she took a tour of the park and as a civil engineer was impressed by the newly sculpted land and lakes.

“I’ve seen the plan,” she said. “There are a lot of amenities, and what keeps me excited is it will develop a sense of community.”

The candidates’ views differed on Amendment 4, the “Hometown Democracy” amendment on the November ballot that would require comprehensive plan changes to win voter approval. Peña said she feels the amendment is deceiving because it takes power from the experts. “I encourage participation in government,

that is a health and safety concern, the local government is authorized to go in and secure the property and recover the cost from the owner,” he said. “When you do it pursuant to a code enforcement order, you are protected against liabilities that may occur when you go on the property.”

Cirullo said the problem with liens is that they must be filed against the owner, who would still have title until the bank’s or mortgage company’s foreclosure goes into effect, which can take a year or more.

Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp said he did not realize the increase in theft from foreclosed homes, as

Corum pointed out that Type 2 diabetes is increasing in children. “If we think we have a healthcare crisis now, let’s just wait another 20 or 30 years.”

Corum said that farmers’ markets are the best places to buy produce because there is more competition than in supermarkets. “In some markets, I will see nine different tomatoes,” he said. “I will never see the same type of tomato from more than one source. That’s what we can do in farmers’ markets… How many of you might have a product that is of interest to consumers in West Palm Beach? I like starting markets where growers are the focus.”

but when you take out expert opinion and put it in laymen’s hands, the structure would have haphazard development. You should continue to have experts.”

Valuntas said he feels the influx of the experts has caused the “Browardization” problem. “I support Amendment 4 because people should have a say,” he said. “As a trial attorney and as an expert, we put decisions of whether people live or die in the hands of the people.” On balancing the budget, Valuntas said he wants to keep tax rates low, but the village has to operate within its means. “We have to learn how to do more with less,” he said, suggesting help from a corps of volunteers. Peña said she would look for areas to consolidate services. “My approach would be to consolidate and assure that village workers have a sense of ownership so their jobs are done,” she said.

reported by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “I would really like to find out a process in which we could short-circuit that,” Lipp said.

Lipp received consensus from the council to have town staff to work with Hammond to find all the abandoned properties in town and work toward resolving issues. Councilman Ron Jarriel encouraged town staff to work with the PBSO on the issue. “If we find a house that’s vacant, or if we get any information, if we can relay it on to them, supposedly they’re in the process of finding out who owns the home,” Jarriel said.

The university focuses on giving students the tools to get jobs, even in a down economy.

“Students are facing serious competition in the workforce today,” campus president David McGuire said. “We have to prepare South University graduates for brighter futures. The new campus reflects our commitment to deliver quality and be an active member of the community for a long time.”

The new campus of South University offers the following degree programs: business administration (AS), information technology (AS and BS), business administration (BBA and MBA), healthcare management (BS), healthcare administration (MBA), physical therapist assisting (AS), health science (BS), paralegal studies (AS), criminal justice (BS), legal studies (BS), psychology (BA), professional counseling (MA), nursing (BS) and nursing RN to BSN degree. For more information, visit www.southuniversity.edu.

Schofield, the village manager, has been doing as good a job as possible under the present conditions. Two years ago the village budget was over $120 million. This year, the budget will be $85 million. In two years, the budget will be $75 million. Even though we have $35 million less in the budget this year compared to two years ago, very few residents, if any, will notice any difference in village services. Even though the budget has been cut, we still have about 248 employees working for the village. That is about the same number of employees we had six months ago.

I would like to see the village apply for more grants. There is a lot of grant money that is available. We need to have good grant writers working for the village, who can aggressively go out and court whatever grant money is available for the village. A good grant writer is worth his or her weight in gold. We also need to enforce the laws we already have on the books. We have the best codes in the state, we just need to enforce them. Pitch to Voters — I think I am the best candidate for the Welling-

ton Village Council, because of my knowledge of the village. For the last 19 years, I have worked for the master HOA, Acme and the Village of Wellington. Nobody knows this village from the inside and the outside as well as I do. My police (retired NYPD) and my military (Vietnam veteran) experience has taught me how to be a leader. My entire adult working life has been dedicated to public service. I have always served my fellow man, and as your councilman I will continue to serve my fellow man. For a part-time job, I will be your full-time councilman. I am not owned by any special interest groups. I will never give away the K-Park land to Palm Beach State College for free, and I will never seek higher office. I am a 27-year resident of the village, three generations of my family live here. My grandchildren go to Wellington schools, my wife Sharon has worked at Wellington Elementary for over 20 years. So as you can see, I am very committed to the Village of Wellington. So please vote for me on March 9, I am the “EZ” choice, and I will be working for everyone in the village, not just a few.

South University’s John T. South III with RPB Mayor David Lodwick. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Letters continued from page 4 opponent, Tinu Peña, and yet during her time of interacting with the community she still cannot distinguish any policy or position. What I see is that Richard Valuntas is ready to lead as a member of the council, and that his opponent is still trying to figure it out.

Thank you, Town-Crier, for helping us get down to making a good decision on March 9.

Genevieve Weiler Royal Palm Beach

Neighbor Supports Richard Valuntas

I have resided in Royal Palm for the last eight years. I am 79 years old, and this is the first letter to the editor that I have ever written. I am writing to encourage the citizens of Royal Palm Beach to vote for Mr. Richard Valuntas in the coming election on March 9.

I have known Richard and his wife Lori since I moved to Royal Palm Beach from Lake Worth. Over the years, I have seen Rich and Lori’s family grow from a happily married couple to a family with three beautiful and well-mannered young children. My wife and I are blessed to have friends and neighbors like Rich, Lori and their family.

I support and urge other residents of Royal Palm Beach to support Richard because he is a dedicated family man, a hardworking attorney and he has been an active member of our community for many years. Rich is always willing to lend a hand, and he is one of the best neighbors I have ever had. I have observed Rich’s dedication to our community. When I was preparing my house for a hurricane in 2004, and while I was putting up my hurricane shutters, Rich came over and without being asked for help, Rich helped me complete the job. Richard also helped shutter the entire house of another neighbor, a policeman who was on duty and unable to take care of his own house with the storm fast approaching.

These acts say volumes about Rich’s character and the type of person that he is. I believe that Rich’s honesty, integrity and experience will make him an excellent councilman. I hope that all of you who read this will join me March 9 and vote Valuntas for Village Council Seat 3.

William A. Brady

Royal Palm Beach

Bowen Smart On Fiscal Decisions

In this year’s Wellington election campaign, opponents of Mayor Darell Bowen want to rehash the debate over donating the K-Park land to bring Palm Beach Community College, now Palm Beach State College, here. They use this issue to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

imply — with the delicacy of a sledgehammer — that Mayor Bowen has not been smart on fiscal decisions. I want to set the record straight.

Yes, it’s true that when this issue was before the council, Mayor Bowen supported donating the K-Park land to get the college here. But was that radical, an outrageous, unprecedented “giveaway” of land by a public official, as the critics claim? Well, the fact is, it is not in the least out of the ordinary to consider providing land to attract a college. In fact, all the other locations of Palm Beach State College are built on donated land, most of it from government entities.

Remember, too, that public high schools, middle schools and elementary schools do not pay for land. Would we want our children to do without their education at these levels because these schools could not pay for land? Today, higher education at the community level has become just as necessary. Remember, too, that it sounds good politically to say that Palm Beach State should bring money to the table. But, of course, whatever money they would bring would still be tax dollars collected by the state.

While the critics assert that they also strongly support higher education in Wellington, I ask: What would they be willing to do to bring it here? In the real world, it often takes incentives to attract an institution of higher learning to a community. And some critics say, the mayor should have sold this land to bring in revenue. But I ask: Do we really want another strip mall? And even though everyone claims they want higher education here, where would we put a college if the K-Park land is sold?

Finally, critics conveniently ignore what we would have gotten if K-Park had been donated to Palm Beach State, namely: affordable, convenient higher education, retraining facilities, lifelong learning for seniors, an auditorium with first rate cultural events open to everyone, ball fields for use by Wellington residents, etc. Anyway, at this point the issue is moot. It is not before the council, and Mayor Bowen has made clear that he will put out a request for proposals (RFPs) to invite all entities that want to use the KPark land for a civic purpose to come forward with their proposals and offers. Although the issue is moot, opponents in this election are using it to imply loudly that the mayor has not been fiscally responsible. What a smear campaign!

This mayor has used his impressive business acumen to achieve amazing fiscal feats. For example:

• He reduced spending from $113 million to $83 million. That’s a whopping reduction of more than 25 percent, without reducing essential services.

• He got $5 million of federal stimulus money for Wellington.

• Without using taxpayer dollars, he got construction underway on a new munic-

ipal complex. It is funded by fees that were collected from builders during the boom and would have had to be returned to them otherwise. The consolidation of village offices will save $500,000 a year.

• He began construction of an amphitheater paid for entirely with county funds.

• He secured $18 million of funding for the Section 24 runoff water filtration project from the South Florida Water Management District.

Mayor Bowen has been a champion of fiscal responsibility. And because of this, Wellington has continued to move forward despite the terrible economic times.

Darell Bowen deserves your recognition of his achievements as mayor with your vote to re-elect him on March 9.

Ruth Kurtz

Wellington

P.S.: I also support Anne Gerwig for Council Seat 2. She is very knowledgeable on Wellington issues. She exudes common sense and would be a constructive voice in council deliberations.

A Poem In Support Of Matty Mattioli

To run this village is quite a task

Growing as it has

It takes a man with knowledge and foresight

Who does not wear a mask.

The way he thinks about all people

Is shown by his many good deeds

His principles are solid as steel

He stands up for what he believes.

This man does not conspire against opponents

His campaign is run with no nonsense

He has many, many proponents

Who know that what he says makes sense.

Matty Mattioli is his name

His position as mayor of Royal Palm Beach will bring us fame

As a village of quality and equality for all

So get on the bandwagon and answer the call.

Vote March 9, Matty Mattioli for mayor.

Florence Alpert

Royal Palm Beach

Sexton Supports Coleman, Zimmerman

Barring very damaging revelations (which are always possible in politics) I will vote for Carol Coleman for mayor and Ernie Zimmerman for the open council seat. I do not agree with all of the positions of either of those candidates. For example, I do not believe that senior citizens of the village “deserve” any more than any other citizen. (I’m almost 76 years

old.) I am dubious about claims that the village can get an extra $500,000 a year from presently unenforced occupational licenses. I believe that the village’s recreation programs are overly generous already. And I do not think that the village should sell K-Park to a commercial firm. All that having been said, here is why I will vote for Coleman and Zimmerman: the other candidates are far too closely tied to the chamber of commerce. And two of them are endorsed by the professional firefighters, who are just another special interest group. There is already an abundance of representation for those folks. The current mayor is so tied to the chamber that he voted against his own pet village municipal complex following the announcement by the chamber’s board that they opposed the particular choice of contractor. And the current mayor showed utter disregard for ordinary citizens in promoting the request of two golf courses that they be given some exemptions from the (already pretty lax) village noise ordinance.

Please study the issues and make up your own mind. But do not forget that the chamber and the professional firefighters will be certain to have their members vote. If ordinary citizens do not vote, the special interests will prevail.

Phil Sexton Wellington

Mattioli Needs To Be Retired

Luckily, the voters of Royal Palm Beach have a choice for mayor. Why? There is also the Dominic (Matty) A. Mattioli that I know of who lives in a Greenway Village South condo. Greenway Village South is five corporations, each with its own board. Greenway Village South Management Inc. has been turned into possibly the most dysfunctional business operation in Royal Palm Beach. This comes from years of administrative and financial mismanagement. Mr. Mattioli is now a past condo board director, president and chairman, and his city position has made and still makes him a strong influence with some directors.

Administrative: Palm Beach County records has on file a document that attempted without legal input to dictate changes for Greenway Village South. Mr. Mattioli helped put it together. The problem is that it refers to a nonexistent organization and has been found illegal and unenforceable. Also, there remain unanswered questions on Wilma repair work, and lost and missing paperwork where he was heavily involved.

Financially: until this year, there were no budgets or year-end financial statements for the management operations. I paid fees, and the business handling and spending of money was not available to review. Then Mr. Mattioli comments on

the city budget. For the city it’s important, but it wasn’t important for the business operations of Greenway Village South...

In my opinion, Mr. Mattioli should not be mayor, but should be retired. He has demonstrated a continuing lack of business fundamentals that are equally important to a mayor. Come ask condo owners along south Poinciana Blvd. about the real Mattioli, and see how many say “retire him.”

David Kline Royal Palm Beach

RPB Should Do More To Promote Election

As a citizen of Royal Palm Beach, I believe that the village has done its residents a disservice. There is an election coming up which I knew nothing about. I did not know the date, how to get an absentee ballot or anything about the candidates running for office, and I know I am not the only clueless resident. Granted, I have noticed a couple of signs, but it was not until recently when a young lady knocked on my door distributing material for a Tinu Peña that I learned of the upcoming municipal election. If not for that knock, I would have never known anything about this Tinu Peña person, and I still have no real information about Richard Valuntas. It’s not right. I need to know more about every candidate in order to make an informed decision. I was cheated of that right. This disappoints me because as a resident, I know that these people will impact my life here in Royal Palm Beach.

Along Okeechobee Blvd. there is a big electronic message board advertising for the census; why is that not also advertising about the upcoming municipal election? Listing the names of each candidate and their respective positions? Voting is one of the privileges we enjoy as Americans, and I know the Village of Royal Palm Beach can do a better job at enabling its residents to get to know the candidates.

At this late date, that opportunity is now gone and yet I am still being asked to make a choice on Election Day; I take exception to that. How can the village put together an election and deny its local taxpayers this basic right of knowing who they are voting for? It’s ludicrous! The Village of Royal Palm Beach needs to do better.

Paula Domercant

Royal Palm Beach Editor’s note: We invite Ms. Domercant to peruse this issue of the Town-Crier for several articles on the Royal Palm Beach election. Further, a visit to our web site at www.gotowncrier.com provides an archive of Town-Crier coverage, which has been extensive. To see the candidates speak, click on the “News Videos” button where each candidate was allowed to make a direct pitch to voters.

Lusitano Horse Auction Makes For An Exciting Evening

Fur coats were more than just a fashion statement in the cold evening air at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Saturday, Feb. 27 when approximately 250 people gathered in a tent erected under the covered arena to be wined, dined and entertained, and then invited to bid on 30 Lusitano horses imported from Brazil. Page 29

Florida BMX Qualifier Held At Okeeheelee

The Florida BMX State Qualifier took place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28 at the Okeeheelee Park BMX track. The competition included riders from throughout Florida. For info., visit www.okeeheelee bmx.com. Page 45

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

DiSalvo Financial Services Offers

More Than The Typical Accounting Firm

DiSalvo Financial Services knows that there are many accountants who do a great job of crunching numbers and preparing tax returns. However, not all accountants are business consultants. DiSalvo Financial Services adds value to the relationship with its clients because it provides consulting and strategic planning services for individuals and businesses. Page 37

Spor ts

WHS Baseball Optimistic About Season

After years of finishing as one of the top teams in the country, the Wellington High School varsity baseball team has taken steps back in recent seasons. But with a strong mixture of players this year, the Wolverines have high hopes for a return to the glory days. The 2010 team is well on its way, off to a 7-0 record. Page 43

Lusitano Horse Auction Makes For An Exciting Evening

Diamonds glittered from wrists and earlobes. Bubbly flowed freely. Fur coats were more than just a fashion statement in the cold evening air (wind chills in the mid-30s) at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 27.

Approximately 250 people gathered in a tent erected under the covered arena to be wined and dined and entertained, and then invited to bid upon the 30 Lusitano horses, specially imported from Brazil for this event.

This year marked the fifth anniversary of the Lusitano Collection International Horse Auction, and the third time these horses were offered for sale in the U.S. Interested buyers were invited to test ride, preview and inspect the horses, their pedigrees and complete medical records, including X-rays, from Feb. 2427.

Lusitanos are an Iberian breed, domesticated in approximately 5000 B.C. They’re characterized as being noble and easy to ride, willing to work and highly intelligent. They excel in dressage, equitation and driving. Because they are relatively smaller horses, and are light and responsive, many women and amateurs find them easier to ride than the relatively larger Warmbloods.

These horses were bred at two exclusive Brazilian farms. Interagro Farms in Itapira, Brazil was founded by Dr. Paulo Gonzaga in 1975 and is the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitanos in the world. Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga, founded in 1994, is one of the most important breeders in Brazil, gaining worldwide respect for its horses’ quality and out-

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

standing competition results. The 25 stallions and five mares were carefully selected to be included in this year’s auction.

There were drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a catered dinner at intimate tables set with maroon tablecloths and white rosebud centerpieces, tall gas heaters spaced throughout the tent, metal chandeliers, drummers and dancers a la Carnivale (how in the world did those five nearly naked women stay warm?), and many in the audience were persuaded to follow the dancers snaking through the tent in a conga line. The auction finally began about 8:30 p.m. As each horse was ridden into the arena, the lights dimmed and the horse’s pedigree was read, along with some notes about its age and disposition. The riders were identically attired in white breeches, black boots, white long-sleeved shirts, maroon quilted vests and black helmets. Each horse had his hip (auction) number on his saddle pad. The horses, all lovely and for the most part calm but lively, gave an occasional start or small dip and hop as they were trotted and cantered about. The guests watched, consulted their catalogs and bid.

The first four stallions went for between $30,000 and $42,000 each. Then came hip No. 22, Beato Interagro, a five-year-old bay stallion, and everyone seemed to sit up straighter. Bids came fast and furious, and when it was over, he had been sold for $145,000.

The rest of the horses sold for between $18,000 and $61,000, and nine horses didn’t reach their (unstated) reserve and were passed over, even though one was bid as high as $32,000.

The auctioneer was having a good time with

See LUSITANO, page 30

(Above) Interagro Farms owner Dr. Paulo Gonzaga with his daughter Cecilia Gonzaga. (Right) A Carnivale dancer leads the crowd in a conga line.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Just In Case You Were Wondering... I Love Both My Jobs

I’m going to say something most people can’t — I love my job. It’s not because of the hours or benefits or pay or anything like that because, let’s face it, hours and benefits and pay can always be improved upon. I love my job because it gives me the freedom to be me.

Once a week, I can spout off about any little thing for 500 words or so and they pay me for it. Not much, but it’s still amazing.

Not only that, I’ve been spouting off once a week since 1981. That’s more than 1,500 spouts. I don’t even have to corner people in the hallway at work or blab their ears off on airplanes. I just tappity-tap-tap my observations into a computer, press “send” and off they go — little half-baked opinions electronically flying through the air and onto the pages of your newspaper. Cool.

Plus, after 1,500 attempts, I know the terri-

is The Sonic BOOMER

tory. I’ve learned from my mistakes. For instance, I know not to use the word “schmuck” in a column anymore because it means something in Florida that it does not mean in Wisconsin. Trust me on this.

When I’m out and about, the No. 1 question I get from people is, “Where do you get your ideas?”

Same place as you, out of my head. Or the kids will do something so funny it must be

documented. Or my pet, if I had a pet. But, mostly, there are two places where I get more inspiration than anywhere else — behind the wheel of my car and behind my lawn mower. I know it sounds odd but, behind the wheel of my car, I am mightily inspired to write my opinions. The trouble is, most of these opinions are the same — other drivers are lunatics. I’m sure you can relate.

Behind the mower, I’m walking, and evidently walking is a good way to get blood to the brain. All kinds of stuff occurs to me while I’m mowing the lawn and very little of it is landscape-related. I have solved most of the world’s problems behind my lawn mower, as I’m sure you’ve read. Washington is going to call me any day now.

In addition to my job as a columnist, I also own an antiques store.

I love this job also... and it pays more.

I love hunting and gathering at estate sales, auctions and other shops. I love getting a bargain on something I know I can sell at a profit. I love entering those somethings into my computer inventory and making little price tags for them. I love going into my shop in the middle of the night and rearranging everything to make room for the new stuff. I love seeing shoppers that have been coming in for seven years because they love the place as much as I do.

And, sure, it was a funeral home... and sure, the deceased director will not leave... and sure, the electric bill is $400 a month in the summer, but I don’t care. If you told me I had to choose from my column, my shop or Disney World — that one of the three had to go — it may well be goodbye, Mr. Mouse.

I’m already living in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Yes, I Watched The Olympics, But Are Those Really Sports?

I know people watched the Winter Olympics, especially the U.S.-Canada gold medal hockey game Sunday afternoon, since NBC reported its best ratings in years for the recently completed games.

Of course, the bad news for NBC is that the next Olympics will not be until 2012. Can we wait until then? Can NBC wait until then?

The problem with the Winter Games is that most of us have no idea what the competitors are doing. Watching the intense sport of curling for an afternoon, with its players doing slow-motion knock-hockey on ice, gave me the funny feeling that I was sitting through the slow part of a Mel Brooks movie. Oh, the intensity of those people scraping the ice in front of those whatever you call them.

Well, we all know about skiing and sledding. A few of us have actually done some of

Lusitano

Rosenberg

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continued from page 29 the crowd, cajoling them into bidding just another thousand here or there.

“Don’t stop at $30,000,” he said. “Someone’s going to steal this horse here tonight, go home with an absolute bargain.” In the background, music played: the William Tell Overture, Bolero, a disco beat. The auctioneer looked around and smiled.

“For this kind of money, we’re practically giving these horses away. Don’t forget that it costs $10,000 to import each horse and put it through quarantine. All you have to do is buy him and take him home. Everything else has already been done for you.”

The auction moved along, the four spotters signaling a pass with a low side-to-side hand movement or the next high bid with a raised fist

By Leonard Wechsler Deborah Welky

‘I’ On CULTURE

it. But watching small stick figures moving down a white background for hours makes baseball seem like a wild, breathtaking sport. We generally can only identify competitors by the color of their uniforms. There also was the obligatory fight over the figure skating. An American of whom I have never heard was criticized by the Russian of whom I have never heard who came

pumped in the air. Waiters flitted about with refills, and plates arrived with delicious chocolate-dipped strawberries.

“Come on, folks, there aren’t too many horses left,” the auctioneer warned.

“You’ve been looking at these horses and riding them for the past three days. You know their quality. If you end up going home without one, you’re going to have to explain it to someone.”

Of the last four horses, three were passed, and the last one sold for $18,000, the lowest price paid for any horse. It was nearly 11 p.m. Some people had won their horse or horses, some hadn’t. It was time to pay for your horse or go home.

Gary Lane of Boynton Beach attended with his sponsor. It was his first auction, and he was thrilled.

“We had a super time,” he said. “It was quite well run, very exciting.”

Lane’s sponsor was one of

the people bidding on Beato.

“We got involved in the bidding war,” Lane said. “He was just a lovely, lovely horse. A larger size, which would really work well for me, and tons of presence. Your eye goes right to him. He had a lovely feel when you rode him, very responsive and uncomplicated. We had a figure in mind when we started bidding, and we even exceeded it, trying to stay in.

In the end, the people from Canada wanted him more.”

Lane wasn’t too disappointed. He, his partner and his sponsor came away with three horses, all first, second or third choices, which they plan to show in dressage. He had only the highest praise for the auction, the horses and the farms involved.

“All of the people involved with Interagro are completely honest and up-front about everything,” he said. “They are wonderful hosts, and they truly care about their horses. They stay in contact with the

in second for not performing one of the fancy moves that might have been done. Aside from the fact that I still have no idea why figure skating or ice dancing are even considered sports instead of artistic endeavors, who needs to have people arguing over that kind of subjective thing? If you are the fastest, that can be measured by a clock. If you jump farthest, that also can be measured. But how do we measure the grace of a spin?

As usual, most watchers simply rooted for the teams of their own countries. Since no one who was not a fan had any idea of exactly who the competitors were, and since the cold forced the participants to bundle up, the flag on the outfits was about the only recognizable thing.

We are supposed to look on the games as a wonderful example of people cooperating, of

new owners to find out how the horses are doing. We visited their farm in Brazil this past November and bought three horses, and now we’ve bought three more. These are wonderful, genuine people, and it’s a real pleasure knowing them.”

For more about the horse auction, visit www.lusitano collection.com.

breaking down boundaries. Instead, we have cities and countries competing for the chance to go bankrupt (Vancouver will be more than $1 billion in debt, and a major reason for the possible bankruptcy of Greece was its hosting of Olympic Games a few years back), people supporting competitors based mostly on nationalism, and people who will watch something like curling when there is nothing else on.

My major complaint was that competing networks essentially ran reruns so as not to compete with the games, giving me a chance to catch up on my reading.

Well, at least training camps are opening for baseball. Hearing about steroids and human growth hormone and screaming at umpires will be a serious upgrade from the Winter Olympics.

Equestrian Aid Foundation board members Marc Ulanowski, Lisa and Charles Tota, and Michael Kohl.

(Above) Agamemnon Interagro is displayed for the bidders. (Right) The top bid of the night was $145,000 for Beato Interagro.

Enjoy the summer of a lifetime! Breakers West Summer Camp offers something for everyone. Campers, ages five to 14, are invited to join the Breakers West counselors for daily swimming instruction, as well golf, tennis, basketball and soccer play. Campers will also enjoy arts and crafts, cooking classes, wildlife demonstrations, science experiments, magic shows and much more! Breakers West Summer Camp is available Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting June 7 through Aug. 13 (excluding July 5-9). Weekly sessions are $300 per camper, per week, with a one-time registration fee of $35, which includes a camp essentials gift bag. Discounts are available to families registering multiple children and/or for multiple sessions. This summer, Breakers West is also pleased to offer sessions for professional golf and tennis instruction and after care. Space is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your place at Breakers West Summer Camp 2010. For more information, or to register, call (561) 653-6333.

Breakers West Summer Camp 2010

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

Weekly sessions available June 7 through August 13, 2010. 8:45 a.m. –3:00 p.m. • Ages 5 –14

Daily Golf, Tennis, Basketball & Soccer Play Daily Swimming Instruction • Arts & Crafts • Magic Shows Cooking Classes • Wildlife Demonstrations • Science Projects Friday's Famous Family Cookout And Much More...

This summer we are pleased to also offer sessions for Professional Golf & Tennis Instruction and After Care.

Academy for Child Enrichment — In the heart of Royal Palm Beach, the Academy for Child Enrichment offers free all day VPK. Infants through after-school day and night care, 6:30 a.m. to midnight (Monday through Friday), meals included. Qualified staff. Se habla Espanol. Special rates for all registration. The Academy for Child Enrichment is located at 700 Camellia Drive in Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 798-3452 or visit www.small worldpbc.com for more info.

Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages seven to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon — this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

Everglades Youth Conservation Camp — Make the Florida Everglades your child’s backyard this summer. The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp (EYCC) is located in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in western Palm Beach County. The residential summer camp program is for campers eight to 14 years old. The EYCC also offers a junior counselor program. Also, the FAU/Pine Jog Summer Day Camp is the perfect balance of environmental education, arts, culture, sports and outdoor fun. Pine Jog will be offering a full summer program for children who have completed grades K-5. Visit www.pinejog.fau.edu for more information on either program.

Loxahatchee Country Preschool — The Loxahatchee Country Preschool has been here for 20 years and provides a safe environment with small ratios for summer campers, which means children are well supervised. Throughout the summer, the camp program offers arts and crafts, field trips (which the management team attends), swimming lessons in the school’s swimming pool, Spanish lessons, movies, a bounce house, golf, bowling and more in-house activities. A free pizza lunch will be provided on Fridays. It’s a safe environment while providing an excellent educational program! In a letter sent to the school, the Kings Academy wrote, “What preschools are better prepared for Kings? Loxahatchee Country Preschool was mentioned with enthusiasm!” Call (561) 790-1780 for more information.

Movement Arts Dance Academy Movement Arts will be holding seven weeks of funfilled summer camp. Weekly themed mini camps for ages three to five will run the weeks of June 14, July 19 and July 26. Students will have fun with arts & crafts and games in addition to learning several styles of dance. Full day camps for ages six to 11 will be held from June 21 through July 16. Classes will include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and more. A performance will be held at the end of each two-week session. The studio is conveniently located on State Road 7 just south of Okeechobee Blvd. For more information, call (561) 792-9757 or visit www.movementartsdanceacademy.com.

Noah’s Ark — Noah’s Ark is located on Okeechobee Blvd in Loxahatchee Groves. They offer free all-day VPK. Lower rates and special registration for fall. Meals are included. Noah’s Ark offers care for infants and preschool children as well as after-school care. Se habla Espanol. Conveniently located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd. between Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves elementary schools. Call (561) 753-6624 for more info.

Scuba Works — This summer, your child (ages eight to 16) can spend a week with Scuba Works and earn a PADI Jr. Open Water Certification, a PADI Jr. Advanced Open Water Certification or a PADI Master Seal Team Certification. Student divers will attend classes on SCUBA diving and Reef Check, an underwater environmentalist course, spend time in the pool and dive two days in the ocean! The courses run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The courses are taught by PADI five-star certified instructors and are limited to 12 student divers per session. Student divers will need a mask, fins and snorkel. For more info., call (561) 575-DIVE or visit www.scubaworks.com.

Temple Beth Zion Preschool — Temple Beth Zion is where children of all faiths learn and play together. The preschool offers a fun-filled summer program in a safe, loving environment. The ratios are small and the staff is dedicated and caring. TBZ has a strong academic program with small classes during the school year. Registration is now open for the summer and for fall sessions of preschool and religious school. The school is APPLE accredited and offers free VPK pre-kindergarten with no hidden fees. Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive in Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 798-3737 for more information.

The Camp at St. David’s — The Camp at St. David’s is designed for young children ages three to eight and summer VPK is also available. This year’s theme is “Under the Sea” and each week, campers will investigate creatures that live in God’s oceans. Activities include Bible stories, crafts, water play, music and movie day. Camp runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Sign up for two days or five days, one week or the whole summer. For more info., call (561) 793-1272.

Palm Beach International Boat Show Returns March 25-28

The 25th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show will take place Thursday through Sunday, March 25-28 on Flagler Drive along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s event will cover one million square feet of space, both inwater and on land, featuring an international collection of marine products and services. More than $350 million worth of boats, superyachts and accessories from every major marine manufacturer worldwide will be presented.

Boat show exhibitors understand the economy as well as anyone. That’s why they’re doing their part to get everyone on the water and having fun. Look for extreme show discounts and better-than-ever deals this year. From eight-foot inflatables to 138-foot superyachts, the boat show offers a truly varied assortment all in one location.

There will be a category for every facet of boating, including sport fishing boats, trawlers, inboards/ outboards, ski boats, personal watercraft, inflatables, folding boats, runabouts, cruisers, superyachts (80 feet and up), electronics, electric systems, lights, lighting, deck hardware, decking, engines, fishing tackle and accessories, finance companies, insurance companies, destinations and resorts, propellers, trailers, sailboat accessories and hardware, sailmakers, security systems, tuna towers, nautical gifts, jewelry, clothing and much more.

A portion of the show site will be transformed into a fully working studio equipped with sets, cameras and bleachers for a live studio audience when Ship Shape TV films at the show. Host John Greviskis will be filming episodes on a wide range of topics and boat show attendees can be part of the spectators. Admission to the tapings will

be on a first-come, first-served basis. Prizes will be given to lucky audience members, including a chance to be on the show.

Admission to the show also includes the following activities:

• The free Kids’ Fishing Clinics on Saturday and Sunday

• The Exotic Car Showcase featuring high-end and vintage models from area dealers

• Access to the cocktail barges and the Meyer Amphitheater with live entertainment, food, drinks and fun

People arriving by boat can use the docks located south of the inwater displays. Admission for adults is $12 online and $14 at the gate. For children six to 15, the cost is $3 online and $5 at the gate. All children under six will be admitted free. Discounted tickets ($2) will be available in advance on the show’s web site at www.showmanagement. com. For more information, call (954) 764-7642 or (800) 940-7642.

‘The Old Man And The Sea’ Now At The Caldwell Theatre

The dramatic emotion of Ernest Hemingway has come to the new Caldwell Theatre in the form of a new stage adaptation of the Hemingway classic The Old Man and the Sea . The production runs now through March 28 at the theater, located at 7901 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton.

Originally produced at the Long Wharf Theatre, Caldwell will produce only the second production worldwide.

“Like many people, my initial exposure to the novel was as assigned reading in school,” said Clive Cholerton, Caldwell Theatre artistic director and director of The Old Man and the Sea. “I loved it then. However, coming back to it now, with the incredible struggles that we are all facing, makes the story that much more relevant and immediate. The writers, Eric Ting and Craig Seibels, have done an exceptional job of adapting the book in that they have stayed true to the original. However, they have expanded the relationship between the Man and the Boy, enhancing the dramatic storyline. Additionally, they have added music composed by John Gromada, further raising the emotional stakes.”

The show stars David Pendleton in the titular role of the Old Man, Santiago. Pendleton is joined by recent New York University graduate Ismael Cruz Cordova, and the cast is rounded out by Leajato Robinson returning to Caldwell Theatre after his show-stopping performance in the summer’s hit show

Vices: A Love Story. “This cast literally just fell together for me,” Cholerton said. “It began with Leajato, who of course had done the original, and then David walked in and just seemed to embody every sensibility needed from the Old Man, including the combination of sensitivity melded with incredible inner strength. Finally, we locked down Ismael, who I am convinced is headed to major stardom. His is a unique talent and spark.”

The design team is familiar to Caldwell audiences. Tim Bennett has designed a stylized set that represents both the sea and the ramshackle shack of the Old Man. Alberto Arroyo designs vintage 1950s costumes, while Tom Salzman evokes the mood of Hemingway through his expressive lighting design. Property design is handled by

Deborah Veres, with Sean Lawson rounding out the design team with his sound design.

“Initially, we looked at just buying a boat and modifying it for the stage,” Bennett said. “But what we quickly found was that boats designed to float in the water don’t allow people to walk in them onstage. So we got a very quick lesson in boat building and built it from scratch.”

Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $34 to $55 general admission and $10 for students.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the box office at (561) 241-7432 or (877) 247-7432, or visit the Caldwell Theatre Company’s web site at www.caldwell theatre.com.

Keeney To Be Featured At Art Fest By The

Award-winning photographer Lisa Keeney, best known locally for her work with the Town-Crier newspaper and Wellington The Magazine, will be featured as part of the 22nd annual Art Fest by the Sea in Juno Beach on Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14.

The festival is a springtime tradition, bringing together favorite artists as well the newest names on the contemporary art scene. Guests will be able to view Keeney’s photography as well as life-size sculptures,

Sea

spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and ceramics. Admission is free. Visit Keeney’s online gallery at www.lisakeeney.com for a preview of her nature- and destination-related works. Keeney also uses her artistic vision to capture the true spirit of weddings and special events. For more info., call Keeney at (561) 254-8564. Art Fest by the Sea will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Highway A1A between Donald Ross and Marcinski roads.

An aerial view of a previous year’s boat show.

PHOTO BY FOREST JOHNSON

David Pendleton in the titular role of the Old Man, Santiago.

DiSalvo Financial Services Offers More Than The Typical Accounting Firm

DiSalvo Financial Services is a full-service accounting and tax preparation firm committed to providing excellent customer service to its clients. The firm provides the following services: individual and business tax preparation, IRS representation, tax planning, bookkeeping and payroll services, business plan preparation, business consulting, non-resident tax returns, and preparation of loan request packages.

DiSalvo Financial Services knows that there are many accountants who do a great job of crunching numbers and preparing tax returns. However, not all accountants are business consultants. DiSalvo Financial Services adds value to the relationship with its clients because it provides consulting and strategic planning services for individuals and businesses. The firm understands the importance of meeting with its clients on a regular basis to gain an understanding of their needs and customize the necessary level of service. DiSalvo Financial Services realizes that most business owners are engaged in their day-today business operations and do not have time to address financial issues. That is where the firm steps in.

As former business owners, the staff at DiSalvo Financial Services take a business approach to tax planning and tax savings. They understand the issues that business owners face and are solutions-oriented. DiSalvo Financial Services is a family-owned and operated business with more than 35 years of professional experience.

Founder and Managing Director Patrick J. DiSalvo began his accounting career in the mid-1970s with an international public accounting firm. Throughout his career, he has owned three accounting firms and has also held executive positions in various businesses, including real estate development, general contracting, mortgage banking, property management and title insurance. This executive experience is what sets DiSalvo Financial Services apart from other firms.

two children, Scott

and Jill

Fasel, have joined the firm and bring additional experience to the team.

Scott is a graduate of Florida State University with bachelor’s degrees in finance and real estate. Scott spent five years in various facets of the real estate business prior to joining the firm, and he is in the process of fulfilling the education requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

Jill is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in business administration. She worked in the banking business for six years as a vice president of residential lending and a private banker before joining the firm. Jill recently completed the professional coursework to become a certified financial planner and is in the process of completing the coursework to take the CPA exam.

The DiSalvo Financial Services team believes in supporting the local community.

Patrick DiSalvo is a governor-appointed commissioner of the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County and is chair of the Finance Committee and Construction Oversight Committee for the new Lakeside Regional Medical Center, a new 70-bed hospital in Belle Glade. He is currently on the board of directors of Kids’ Dreams, a public charity dedicated to helping underprivileged children achieve their dreams. He has also served on the boards of the Kiwanis Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

As part of its commitment to the community, DiSalvo Financial Services offers a 20percent discount on income tax preparation to all individuals employed by Palm Beach County and local municipalities, including teachers, firefighters, law enforcement and healthcare district personnel. DiSalvo Financial Services is located at 1760 N. Jog Road, Suite 150, West Palm Beach. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 659-1177.

Patrick DiSalvo, Jill DiSalvo Fasel and Scott DiSalvo.

DiSalvo’s

DiSalvo

DiSalvo

Palm Beach National Chapel Funeral Home Opens Near VA Cemetary

Local attorney and philanthropist Joseph Farish has announced the opening of the Palm Beach National Chapel, a funeral home on six acres adjacent to the South Florida VA National Cemetery on the northwest corner of Hypoluxo Road and State Road 7. The multi-faith funeral home serves all families and the more than 400,000 veterans in South Florida. It is estimated that there are 65,000 veterans over the age of 65 who reside in Palm Beach County alone.

“It just seemed the right thing to do, to put a chapel next to the South Florida National VA Cemetery,” Farish said. “This is one way to give back — to serve families here in the Palm Beach County and western communities, and honoring Palm Beach County veterans.

Family owned and operated by Farish, a World War II combat veteran, the funeral home represents a longtime dream of his to help families and veterans in their time of need. Comprising more than 8,500 square feet, the funeral home offers serene chapels, peaceful services, viewings and family receptions. Traditional funeral services, both on-site and at your church or temple, are available. Cremation arrangements, transportation, burial

arrangements and graveside services are also available. Special tribute and celebration-of-memorials are also offered by the staff, which works closely with families.

Farish noted that he was fortunate to secure the services of Mike Meadows, who has more than 24 years as a licensed home funeral director/manager, to oversee the chapel. According to Meadows, many people assume the VA handles burial and funeral needs. “The VA handles burials but does not provide funeral home services,” he said. “We can assist in making complete arrangements from funeral services, to cremation arrangements, to burial arrangements for families and veterans no matter what the faith.”

Veterans benefits include cash

burial allowances for honorably discharged veterans and burials for veterans killed in the line of duty. An honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a U.S. flag provided by the Veterans Administration, a headstone/marker in the national cemetery for veterans and their spouses, and a free headstone marker for veterans only should the family choose a private burial. Complete details regarding veteran benefits are available and are discussed fully by the funeral director and staff when meeting with the family.

For more information about preplanning, funeral, cremation and burial services, call Palm Beach National Chapel Funeral Home (10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth) at (561) 967-1200.

Clerk Honors 15 Area Nonprofits For ‘Best Practices’

Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock is proud to announce the 15 nonprofit organizations nominated for the Clerk & Comptroller’s 2010 Best Practices Award.

Congratulations to these award nominees: Alzheimer’s Community Care, Breakthrough Prayer Ministries, Caribbean-Americans

for Community Involvement in Florida (CAFCI), the Caridad Center, ChildNet, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, FAU Pine-Jog Environmental Education Center, the Florida Fishing Academy, Hospice of Palm Beach County, Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches, the Lake Worth West

Resident Planning Group, the National Women Business Owners Corporation, the Norton Museum of Art, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church & School and the Lord’s Place.

The award, recognizing a nonprofit organization for best practices in innovation, will be presented by Bock at the Florida Non-

profit Conference, hosted by Nonprofits First.

The conference, scheduled for March 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, will feature keynote speaker W. Hodding Carter III, former president of the Knight Foundation, and plenary speaker Cathy Trower of Harvard University.

Joseph FarishMike Meadows

P.W. Hospital Welcomes New Medical Executive Committee

Palms West Hospital has announced its incoming 2010 Medical Executive Committee members. They are as follows: Dr. Lawrence Bergman, chief of staff; Dr. Ramprasad Gopalan, vice chief of staff; Dr. Jack Newcomer, chief of family practice department; and Dr. Steven Pliskow, chief of the ob/gyn department.

The Medical Executive Committee acts as the orga-

nizational body overseeing the functions and duties of the medical staff. It is empowered to act for the medical staff and to coordinate all activities and policies of its departments and committees.

Palms West Hospital looks forward to the leadership and guidance of these excellent physicians. The hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. For more info., visit www.palmswesthospital.com.

CCCS: Tax Time Is A Great Time To Get Finances Organized

Preparing to file your taxes provides a great opportunity to get your financial life organized. Not only will it help you save time, it can reduce stress, help you stay on track to meet your financial goals and improve your longterm financial outlook.

“While you’re pulling together information to file last year’s taxes, note which categories have the most activity,” suggested Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. “Make

specific folders for such items as out-of-pocket medical and drug costs, work-related expenses such as mileage costs that are not reimbursed and educational costs.”

Consider these tips:

• Consolidate credit card receipts — A box or file folder is a great place to store this month’s credit card receipts and will give you quick access to compare them to your statement when it arrives. You should keep all receipts at least until you have verified that the charges are correct on your bill.

• Organize your bill paying — Set up a regular time and place to pay bills each month. A good rule of thumb is to coordinate it with your pay schedule. If you are paid on the 15th and 30th, make plans to pay bills at those same times each month.

• Pay bills online — Whether you use your own financial institution or pay through the vendor’s web site, you can often schedule the payments to occur on the day of your choosing. Be sure to jot down the confirmation number as proof of payment.

• Pay off credit cards — Make a log with each of your credit card and credit accounts, and list the outstanding balance for each. Set up a schedule to pay them off. When one is paid off, apply that money to the next card until all balances are paid.

• Balance your checking account — At least twice a month, reconcile your bank statement to the bank’s records. This can be done in just a few minutes online, checking off what has cleared your account and making

sure you have accounted for any debit card purchases or ATM transactions.

• Review insurance policies — Review all insurance policies to make sure you’re covered properly. Review your life insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage for your family. You can save money by raising your deductibles on auto and homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

• Shredding — Purge old files and shred the contents to protect yourself from identity theft. Keep a shredder

near your desk and deal with incoming mail immediately. While you should check with your accountant about how long financial records should be retained. Learn more at www.irs.gov.

• Check your credit report — Consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from each of the three bureaus each year. Set up a regular schedule to get reports from www.annual creditreport.com.

For more information, call CCCS at (800) 251-2227 or visit www.cccsinc.org.

Dr. Ramprasad Gopalan

Dr. Lawrence BergmanDr. Steven Pliskow

Dr. Jack Newcomer

A Successful Exercise Routine Should Have A Social Component

By Judy Duany Special to the Town-Crier

What’s the basic difference between working out at home and working out at a local fitness club? The difference is simple — human contact. For many people, the idea of exercising at home alone is what makes a regular fitness plan unappealing.

Like unseasoned food, exercise becomes a boring chore — something that’s good for the body but boring for the psyche. We all know what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle: eating right, exercising and keeping our indulgences to a minimum. The reason many of us don’t actually live a healthy lifestyle is due to lack of motivation.

If you think exercising alone is boring and are lacking in motivation, perhaps it’s time you visited Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do.

At Ultima Fitness, we understand that physical fitness can be achieved through a wide

variety of activities. Personal goals and social influences are important in starting and maintaining such activities. Social environments can also help influence one’s motivation level. If you lack confidence, it helps to reach out to other people and make friends. A fitness class would be a great place to start breaking out of your shell. It’s often easier accomplishing your goals when you surround yourself with other people who have similar goals.

Ultima Fitness is more than just a fitness center. We are a family-owned and operated fitness center that has been serving the western communities for more than 19 years. This year we have added “social fitness” as one of the key elements in achieving one’s fitness goal.

By social fitness, we mean we have added a monthly event to bring our members together outside of the club. Over the past few months, our events have included Family

Movie Night at a local cinema, Christmas caroling, attending the Saturday Night Lights equestrian event, etc. What a great way to meet other active people, such as yourself, and enjoy a night out!

For more information on upcoming social fitness events, feel free to call us at (561) 7952823 or visit us online at www.ultima fitness.com.

Whether you take advantage of what we have to offer or find it in some other way, we are certain that you too will reap the rewards in your life from this form of fitness.

Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do is located in the Wellington Plaza at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 795-2823 or visit Ultima’s web site at www.ultimafitness.com.

Judy Duany is an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America-certified instructor. She has a bachelor’s degree in health education/exercise science.

Health & Fitness Spotlight Sponsored By Ultima Fitness Of Wellington

Certified Instructor Judy Duany

New Wildcats Softball Coach: Communication Is The Key

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach High School girls varsity softball team and new coach Diane Gibbs are optimistic as they look ahead to the district tournament.

“If we can play like we played Saturday morning, there’s going to be nothing stopping us from going all the way,” Gibbs said of the 5-1 victory over Grandview Preparatory School at the Park Vista Invitational.

Gibbs coached at Crestwood Middle School before coming to Royal Palm Beach High School.

The Lady Wildcats, who finished 11-14 in 2009, are 2-5 so far this season, but Gibbs believes they will be competitive in the district against Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Central, Seminole Ridge, Boca Ra-

ton, Santaluces, Atlantic and Jupiter high schools.

“It’s a really tough district,” Gibbs said. “We’re working on the fundamentals of the game, and knowing what the play is and where the ball will go. We played a phenomenal game against Grandview Prep, who beat Palm Beach Central.”

Gibbs is working on chemistry, team-building skills and communication. “We’re together for practice every day,” she said. “The girls come and hang out in my room before practice. Some of them stay after practice. I try to give them team-building activities as well.”

The camaraderie is important to Gibbs, who knows that communication, on and off the field, is important to playing a good game.

“We’re really good at communication and working together on the

field,” she said. “We are able to pick each other up and get where we need to be.”

The Lady Wildcats have 11 players, with nine returning from last season.

Senior right fielder Brandy Peterson returns along with junior cocaptains Tarin Knott and Alex Marionakis, who play shortstop and catcher. Also returning are juniors Cara Veclotch, a pitcher, and Gloria Carrion, who plays center field, along with sophomores Jenna Bellach, who plays third base, Brianna Alex, a second baseman, and Lauren Nickerson, an outfielder.

New to the team are freshmen Kelley Roberson, a pitcher, and Erica Lloyd, a first baseman. The team’s strength this year will be in its ability to score runs, Gibbs said. Lloyd has hit three home runs, including a grand slam. “We’ve really just started getting our bats hitting,” Gibbs said. “Hitting is going to be a really strong part of our game. It’s really coming around.”

And although their defense needs a little work, Gibbs is confident the team’s communication skills will help solve that problem. “We’re working on making sure that we’re there and focused for each play,” she said. “And not being quiet on the field, that’s important.”

Overall, Gibbs feels like she’s building a good team that can only get better. “We’re really coming together as a group, and we’re going to start to grow,” she said. “I think we can go all the way this year.”

Wolverine Baseball Team Optimistic About The New Season

It is no secret that Wellington High School baseball is not what it once was. After years of finishing as one of the top teams in the country, the team has taken steps back. But with a strong mixture of players this season, the Wolverines have high hopes.

The leader of the group is coach Scott Riddle. After being spoiled with star pitchers Bobby Bradley, Sean Burnett and Tyler Herron, the team’s pitching depth has been called into question in recent years.

This season the team looks at pitching as one of its main attributes. Seniors Travis Holloway and Joe Barbera, along with junior Andrew Istler, are the team’s top starters. Istler was a front-of-the-rotation starter last year, and Holloway was the main closer. Seniors Evan White and Julian Ovalle also will see time on the mound.

The highlight of the season so far came from the closer-turned-starter Holloway. Evoking memory of when Wellington’s pitching was among the best in the country, Holloway threw a no-hitter against Forest Hill. It was the school’s first no-hitter in 10 years. “I didn’t really know what was going on,” Holloway said. “I found out about it in the huddle after the game.”

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

Alex Tannone commands the pitchers as the starting catcher. The second-year starter is also a threat at the plate. A junior, Tannone hits fourth in the batting order behind senior Sean Murrell. Tannone’s power was on display at a March 2 practice when he hit a home run over the left-field fence.

The team also prides itself on its defense. Mitch Morales, a junior who is an aboveaverage defender, has changed position this season. Morales made several highlight plays at second base last year and now is playing shortstop. Murrell is at third base. As one of the top players in the district, Murrell is the team’s leader and a key to the offense as well.

Two juniors in the team’s starting lineup are Thomas Kirchner, who can play almost

anywhere on the field, and Jordan Hernandez. Kirchner is a player who brings the ability to hit for average and power, while Hernandez’s game relies on pure speed.

Outfielders Paul Conti and Mike Fields are two seniors who bring more leadership to the team. Although the two hit sixth and seventh, respectively, they are more than just bottomof-the-order fillers. Both have been involved in WHS baseball for many years and know the program well. T.J. Malone, a reserve first baseman, is another senior of note.

Jared Tosner is the lone sophomore starter. Tosner’s arrival at second base shifts Morales to shortstop. The sophomore steps right into the heart of the Wolverines batting order in the fifth slot.

As baseball at Wellington continues to reestablish itself, one new aspect of the team is in the forefront: new uniforms. Ditching the old navy blue and red jerseys, the team is wearing white and bright blue jerseys, giving them a fresh look.

With an experienced team with a few key additions, the Wolverines could regain the national recognition they once had. The team looks past the district playoffs as its ultimate goal. Mike Fields even went as far as, “win-

ning states.” If the team does fall short of this lofty goal, pitching will not be the area to be blamed this time around.

Wellington is off to a fast start with a 7-0 record, routing Lake Worth 25-0 on Tuesday, March 2. The team continued its play on Thursday, March 4 at home against Royal Palm Beach High School and is back in action at Palm Beach Lakes High School on Friday, March 5.

Seniors Julian Ovalle, Sean Murrell, Joe Barbera, T.J. Malone, Evan White, Travis Holloway, Mike Fields and Paul Conti.

PHOTO BY JOSH HYBER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Jenna Bellach goes after a hit to third.

Tarin Knott throws to first base.

Co-captains Tarin Knott and Alex Marionakis with RPBHS Head Coach Diane Gibbs (center).

SPORTS & RECREATION

FLORIDA BMX STATE QUALIFIER HELD AT OKEEHEELEE BMX TRACK

The Florida BMX State Qualifier took place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27-28 at the Okeeheelee Park BMX track. The competition included riders from throughout Florida. For more info., visit www.okeeheeleebmx.com.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Muay Thai Fighter Asa Tenpow Wins State Title In Tampa

Bowon Muay Thai Academy is a new, authentic Muay Thai (Thai boxing) training facility in Wellington. It was established by Kru Alan Bowonthamachakr, an authentic Muay Thai fighter. He has more than 17 years of experience training and fighting under Ajarn Theparit Lukpanjama, who is a three-time Thai Army Muay Thai champion with first-hand experience in 20 professional Muay

Thai competitions, earning 17 wins by K.O. Muay Thai is known for developing the most powerful kicks used in standup game today. It is also an art form that uses eight limbs of the body: fist, elbow, knee and shin. Bowonthamachakr is dedicated to training amateur and potential pro Muay Thai fighters.

Team Bowon Muay Thai has already participated in

several competitions on the amateur level, with future plans of professional venues. Fighters include Tonya Reyes, currently the Thai Boxing Association middle weight amateur champion who stands undefeated with a 5-0 record. Reyes has participated in professional MMA and earned the pro MMA women’s title for the middle weight class. M.J. Holland is an IKF amateur ti-

tle belt holder and is training for another IKF title belt in the 145-pound weight division on March 12.

Bowon Muay Thai Academy earned two big victories in the sixth Warrior Classic on Feb. 20 in Tampa Bay. One of the fighters, Stephen James, made his amateur debut earning a victory for the heavyweight class after only three short months of training.

For the venue’s main event, Asa Tenpow won the ISKA Florida State Title in the light welter weight class by unanimous decision. The Bowon Muay Thai Academy is currently training four fighters: M.J. Holland, Danielle Trembley, Ken Turner and Henrik Zsabados for an amateur Muay Thai competition on March 12.

For more information, visit www.bowonmuaythai.com.

Asa Tenpow and Kru Alan Bowonthamachakr.

Richie Day rides down the final stretch.

Rileigh and Dylan Anderson and Preston and Zachary Hare represent Team Force.

Aaron Algermission jumps the track.

Royal Palm Bassmasters Host Fishing Tourney In Clewiston

The Royal Palm Bassmasters held their monthly fishing tournament on Feb. 21 out of Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee.

First place was awarded to the team of Mike O’Connor (boater) with four fish weighing 5 lbs., 4 oz. and partner Hoot Decker (non-boater) with four fish weighing 5 lbs., 11 oz. for a team weight of 10 lbs., 15 oz.

Second place was awarded to the team of Darrell

Waite (boater) with three fish weighing 3 lbs., 12 oz. and partner Dan Washington (non-boater) with five fish weighing 6 lbs., 12 oz. for a team weight of 10 lbs., 8 oz.

Third place was awarded to the team of Robbie Thompson (boater) with five fish weighing 4 lbs., 14 oz. and partner Anita Kane (nonboater) with five fish weighing 5 lbs., 9 oz. for a team weight of 10 lbs., 7 oz.

The Big Fish was awarded

to Phil Northrop with a bass weighing 3 lbs., 11 oz. Bassmasters meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The club is now accepting new boater and nonboater members. Come and check out the fun you’ve been missing. For more about the Royal Palm Bassmasters, e-mail Gershberg at doctor rehab@aol.com.

Wellington Jaguars Cheerleading Squads Win Big At Disney

The Wellington All-Star Jaguars competitive cheerleading squads competed at the Contest of Champions on Feb. 27 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

The Jaguars Mini Level 2 and Senior Level 3 teams won first place and came home as national champions. Both teams were awarded a huge team trophy, a national championship banner, and each cheerleader was awarded a stuffed Mickey Mouse,

Minnie Mouse, Goofy or Donald Duck toy.

The Mini Level 1 and Junior Level 2 teams both performed brilliantly and placed second in their divisions.

The Jaguars are coached by Lyne Ronk, Jennifer Martin, Kristie Ziegler and Kristi Lawson.

“I am so proud of the girls on our teams,” Martin said. “They have all worked so hard this season, and it really paid off this weekend. Cheer-

leading really brings out something special in children, and it is so inspiring to see them shine.”

The Jaguars are looking forward to their next competition on March 20 in Orlando where their Parent Team will also perform.

The Jaguars’ annual free cheerleading clinic will be held Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to any girls between the ages of five and 12. Participants

should bring a bag lunch and wear shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers. The girls will perform for their parents at 2 p.m.

The Wellington All Star Jaguars competitive cheerleading squad’s headquarters is located at 3125 Fortune Way in Wellington. For more information, call Martin at (561) 723-7621 or visit the Wellington All-Star Jaguars web site at www. wellingtonallstarjags.com.

Mike O'ConnorPhil Northrop Hoot Decker

The Wellington Jaguars Mini Level 2 team.

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COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, March 6

• Pierce Hammock Elementary School will continue its annual Western Communities Fair on March 6 and 7. Money raised from the event will go toward school improvements and classroom supplies. For more info., call the main office at (561) 6334500.

• The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will continue Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Daily admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors. Anyone under 16 is admitted free. For more info., call (941) 697-7475, e-mail info@wpbaf.com or visit www.wpbaf.com.

• The fourth annual Jenna McCann Memorial Golf Tournament and Jenna’s Gala to benefit the Kids Cancer Foundation will take place on Saturday, March 6 at Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). The tournament will begin with a 7 a.m. registration and an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Jenna’s Gala will start at 6 p.m. For more info., call Dr. Steven Pliskow at (561) 389-0354 or spmlc@comcast.net or Sandy Erb at (561) 801-3420 or ske@ bellsouth.net.

• HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab (125 S. State Road 7, Suite 103) will host Community/Patient Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include tours of the facility, educational programs and festive activities for all ages. It is open to the public. For more info., call (561) 792-4016.

• The Fresh Market (10640 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will host a Fresh Flavors Cooking Demonstration on Saturday, March 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. Chef Christine Matotek will lead a free presentation. Guests are invited to drop in any time during the event and learn how to prepare seared lamb with creamy cabbage. For more info., call (561) 753-9861 or visit www.thefreshmarket.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a “Mad Tea Party” on Saturday, March 6 at 3 p.m. for ages 1217. Do you love Alice in Wonderland? Dress as your favorite character and come for trivia, a costume contest and more. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6030.

• The Atlantic Theater (6743 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will feature the Irish Comedy Tour on Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased online at the the-

ater’s web site at www.theatlantictheater. com or by calling (561) 575-4942.

• Kultur Festival 2010 will take place Saturday through Thursday, March 6-11 at Florida Atlantic University (777 Glades Road, Boca Raton). The six-day celebration of Jewish music and arts will feature 12 events. For info., call (800) 564-9539 or visit www. library.fau.edu/news/kultur.htm.

Monday, March 8

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a “Meet the Candidates” Luncheon on Monday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Rooney’s All-In Sports Bar & Grill (6901 Okeechobee Blvd., WPB). RSVP to (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Way) will host a Swing Dance Class on Mondays, March 8 through April 12 at 6 p.m. with teacher Syrus Partian. Come alone or bring a partner. Call (561) 790-5149 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District will meet Monday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the LGWCD office (101 West D Road). For more info., call (561) 7930884.

Tuesday, March 9

• A Municipal Election will be held in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday, March 9. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Women’s History Month Story Time” on Tuesday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. for ages four to six. Celebrate famous female children’s authors with stories and a craft. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6030.

Wednesday, March 10

• The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Way) will offer classes on painting flowers, leaves and animals on glass, photo albums, boxes, etc. on Wednesdays, March 10 through March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. Decorate your home with this easyto-learn technique. For more info., call Lori Shankman at (561) 793-4768 or call (561) 790-5149 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature the harmonica band Hohner’s Heroes on Wednesday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m. for adults. To pre-register, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Associ-

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 48 ation will meet Wednesday, March 10 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel (4431 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be Tammy Saltzman, the “Achievement Avatar.” The cost is $35. Guests are welcome. RSVP to Sharon Maupin at (561) 624-3816.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer a Writers’ Critique Workshop led by Florida Writers Association member Mark Adduci on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. To preregister, call (561) 790-6070.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Family Bilingual Story Time” on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. for ages three to five. A fun family story time in English and Spanish includes reading, singing and creating a delightful craft. To pre-register, call (561) 7906030.

• The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority and Design Style will host Fashion Rocks Palm Beach, a runway fashion show under the stars along the new waterfront on Flagler Drive on Wednesday, March 10 from 7 p.m. to midnight. The event is free and open to the public. For more info., call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

Thursday, March 11

• Lake Worth Christian School (7592 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach) will hold a School Carnival from March 11 through March 13. Additional parking will be available off-site with shuttles. Call Tamara at (561) 586-8216, ext. 22 to purchase wristbands or stop by the elementary or high school offices.

Friday, March 12

• A Support Group for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer in The Acreage will meet Friday, March 12 at 6 p.m. at South Florida Radiation Oncology (3343 S. State Road 7, Wellington). For more info., call (561) 795-9845.

• The band Odyssey Road will celebrate its first-year anniversary on Friday, March 12 with its two-hour “Tribute to Journey” at the I Rock Bar Live (2650 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $5 to $10. Advance tickets may be purchased at the venue or online at www.odysseyroadband.com/tickets. For more info., call (561) 434-9917 or visit www.irockbar.com.

Saturday, March 13

• Wellington Landings Middle School will host its inaugural Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. Tickets cost $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Silent auction items include Broadway tickets, fishing trips and gift cards. Enjoy pancakes with friends while listening to the middle school band play. All proceeds will help the WLMS Band Department. E-mail loisinfla@aol.com for more info.

• The ninth annual Challenge of the Americas competition and gala will take place on Saturday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. The event will feature top equestrian riders and benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. VIP Challenge Gala tickets are available for $250 per person; general admission Challenge of the Americas tickets will be $20 at the gate. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more info., visit www.challengeofthe americas.com or call Mary Ross at (561) 852-2591.

Sunday, March 14

• The 12th Annual Spring Benefit & Auction “Enchanted Garden” will be held Sunday, March 14 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). Guests will enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction of beautiful plants, garden art, and more. Tickets cost $75 per person and are available by calling Mounts at (561) 2331757. For more info., visit www.mounts.org.

Monday, March 15

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Board Games Spectacular on Monday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m. for ages six and up. To pre-register, call (561) 7906070.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold a Palm Beach County general meeting on Monday, March 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the main county library (3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). The program will be “Sadowski Housing Trust Fund: What Happened to the Fund and What Can We Do to Secure These Funds?” by Patrick McNamara, CEO and president of Housing Partnership. For more info., call (561) 5883477.

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

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SHARE HOME IN ROYAL PALM BEACH — With retired female$120 weekly. Utility, cable & Internet + private bath. Security required. 561-422-6197

EQUIPMENT FOR MANUFACTURING OF "SHOES - BOOTS" (Cowboy Boots) or "SHOE REPAIR SHOP" Two complete sets! Inventory: Sewing Machine, Stitcher, Skiving Machine, Embossing Press, Shoe Stretcher, Shoe Boot Jack's all size, Shoe molds "Last” 200 + Pairs. Lots of Hand tools and supplies! Etc. too many items to list! Call for more info at 586-719-3599

DINING ROOM table with 6 chairs; like new - originally $1,500 modern glass top 54" with off white base, must sell $500 OBO; 561-662-4757

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3,300 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422 2000 RED FIREBIRD - V6,5 speed manual, glass T-TOP,excellent condition, one owner, asking $5,000. Call Jay at 561-309-6333

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE -3 bedroom, 2 baths, single wide 3 car parking. $8,500 OBO. (561) 2018805

BOCACCIO 150 SCOOTER — 6 months old. Blue & White. Body in excellent condition needs new motor. $500 or best offer. . 561-3151508 (paid $1,600).

AIDE — CNA SEEK PT/FT, exp. all areas. top local references. 561-632-0464