Town-Crier Newspaper March 9, 2012

WELLINGTON ELECTION PROFILES BOWEN VS. MARGOLIS, PAGE 7

ROYAL PALM BEACH ELECTION PROFILES MATTIOLI VS. MATULA, PAGE 8

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

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INSIDE Fledgling 10 & Under Tennis Program Is Growing In Wellington

Volume 33, Number 10 March 9 - March 15, 2012

PURIM AT WELLINGTON TEMPLE

With the aim of fostering a lifelong love of tennis in young children in Wellington, members participating in the U.S. Tennis Association’s 10 & Under Program met Monday at the Wellington Tennis Center to discuss the future. Page 3

Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington celebrated the Jewish holiday of Purim with a carnival Saturday, March 4. Families participated in children’s games, raffles and a silent auction, and watched a play by the religious school children. Shown above are Talia Singer and Madilyn Gersten in their Purim costumes. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17 PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Hosts Little League Baseball Opening Day Ceremony

The opening day ceremony for Wellington Little League Baseball was held Saturday, March 3 at Wellington’s Olympia Park fields near Emerald Cove Middle School. The national anthem was sung by 12-year-old Lexi Graves. Page 11

Frames America To Feature Photographs

By Artist Barbara Sloan

For 33 years, well known fine art photographer Barbara Sloan has combined her love of photography and horses. Sloan will be featuring her impressive equestrian-themed photography at Frames America in Wellington on Wednesday, March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. Page 13

OPINION Endorsements For Wellington & RPB

This week, the Town-Crier wraps up our endorsements for the upcoming municipal elections Tuesday, March 13 with a look at the races in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. Whether or not you agree with our suggestions, be sure to go to the polls and make your voice count!

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Wellington Candidates Meet For Final Forum Before Vote

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Candidates for the Wellington Village Council met for the final time Thursday, March 1 to answer questions for voters as part of a forum hosted by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Two Wellington council seats and the mayor’s seat are up for grabs in the Tuesday, March 13 election.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen is seeking re-election and faces a challenge from former Councilman Bob Margolis. Vice Mayor Matt Willhite is also seeking reelection to Seat 4. He has drawn a challenge from former Councilman Al Paglia.

Seat 1, currently held by termlimited Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, is being sought by two political newcomers, John Greene and Shauna Hostetler.

Five of the six candidates attended the March 1 forum. Paglia was ill and unable to attend. Members of the press fielded questions to the candidates, while retired WPTV anchorman Jim Sackett moderated.

In one of the most controversial topics of the night, candidates were questioned about the effect of outside influences on the election.

Hostetler said that a smear campaign has turned the election’s focus onto one issue, the Equestrian Village project.

“There’s so many other things we need to talk about,” she said.

“I think it’s more important to talk about ways we can compromise. I don’t think it’s a good use of time or money.”

Greene said that there were many issues in the campaign that should be addressed. “To focus on one specific issue… is disin-

genuous,” he said. “I certainly will spend a lot of my time focusing on those issues.”

Willhite said that character and respect are always important in an election. “We have a great village here,” he said. “The issues that should be at the forefront are those that affect our village. We have to look out for our residents.

There have been special interests in every election, but it comes down to what’s best for residents.”

Bowen, the primary target of those opposed to the Equestrian Village project, called the campaign against him “despicable” and said it is not how politics should be practiced in Wellington.

“What we have here is one very wealthy man who is determined to buy this election,” Bowen said, referring to wealthy equestrian property owner Jeremy Jacobs.

“He has funded his PAC with more See WELLINGTON, page 18

RPB Council Supports School At Shuttered Albertsons Site

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council unanimously approved an application last week to allow a charter school to open at the old Albertsons grocery store site at the corner of Crestwood and Southern boulevards.

A roomful of parents and store owners, including a Walgreens regional manager, came out March 1 to express support for the school.

Charter Schools USA plans to put a school at the site teaching kindergarten through eighth grade. It will be called the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West, and officials expect to open this upcoming school year.

However, there have been concerns raised about traffic congestion at the site. Last Tuesday, Royal Palm Beach’s Planning & Zoning Commission had voted 3-2 to recommend denying the application over traffic concerns.

Councilman Fred Pinto raised the traffic concerns at last Thursday’s meeting.

Planning & Zoning Administrator Bradford O’Brien said village staff’s recommendation for approval included conditions that the school would monitor traffic and that if traffic started to back up during pick-up and drop-off times, the school would stagger times by grades and possibly install a traffic light on Crestwood Blvd. at the northeast entrance to the shopping plaza.

O’Brien pointed out that a county traffic study had indicated that a traffic light is not warranted now.

The charter school application is a special exception from the parcel’s current zoning as general commercial. The school will have up to 1,145 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, with about six classes per grade. The school’s operating hours will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with preschool care offered from 7 to 8 a.m. and afterschool care from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Cross access will be built to connect the Palms West Hospital campus to the school property, in ac-

cordance with a cross access agreement recorded by the hospital. There would be three other entry points for pick-up and dropoff — at the southwest corner of the property at Southern Blvd., on Crestwood Blvd. between the Wendy’s restaurant and a retail building, and another point farther north where the traffic light might be installed.

Traffic would be routed in three lanes around the north side of the school to a pick-up and drop-off point on the west side. Six rows of the existing parking lot would be converted into a playground.

O’Brien added that the school has received traffic approval from the county with conditions requiring future studies.

Richard Page, vice president of development for Charter Schools USA, explained that charter schools are tuition-free and publicly financed but operated by a private organization.

“The school will be open to all, publicly funded and free with no See CHARTER, page 18

Serving Palms West Since 1980

Two Remaining RPB Seat 1 Candidates Debate The Issues

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Jeff Hmara and Selena Smith — the two remaining candidates seeking the vacant Seat 1 on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council — participated in a candidates forum Wednesday night.

Ken DeLaTorre, the third candidate in the race, withdrew Wednesday morning. He cited an unexpected job opportunity as the reason for his decision.

Incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli, who faces a challenge from Felicia Matula, did not appear at the forum because he was out of town, according to Village Clerk Diane DiSanto.

As a result, Matula, who was at the forum with about a dozen supporters, did not participate. She did, however, make a brief speech introducing herself after the forum was over. (Check out the TownCrier’s RPB Mayoral Race Profiles, page 8.)

The forum, held in the Royal Palm Beach Village Council chambers, was organized by the Cen-

tral Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.

Hmara introduced himself as a retired U.S. Army colonel who now serves as an adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He has been married 42 years and has two grown children.

After retiring from the Army, he worked in administrative positions for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Safety Administration.

Since moving to Royal Palm Beach in 2003, he and his wife, Carolyn, have both been active in the community. He was on the Crestwood Redevelopment Task Force established last year by the council and is currently president of the Madison Green Master Homeowners’ Association, which represents 1,145 homes.

“I have had an opportunity because of those qualities and experiences to really become aware of See ROYAL PALM, page 18

TIME FOR A RIDE

The Wellington Elementary School PTO sponsored the school’s 2012 carnival Saturday, March 3 on the school grounds. It was a family fun day featuring bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, games, music, food and more. Shown here, Ava Francis takes a ride on Thunder. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 21 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Zoners OK School On SR 7

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted Wednesday to recommend approval of two ordinances that would allow for a charter school to be built on 8.35 acres of land south of Stribling Way on the east side of State Road 7.

The ordinances amend the land use map and zoning designation for the property.

The proposed Wellington Charter School would serve 1,200 students and also host a day-care facility.

Agent Jon Schmidt said that the school would have kindergarten through eighth-grade classes.

“There will be staggered pickup times,” he said. “We’ve done a great job of stacking around the

site. You can actually circulate about three-quarters around the perimeter of the site, which is a better job than you’ll get at a public school. I think you’ll see we’re providing a lot of foresight in the plan.”

He noted that the charter school is publicly funded and would bring children from all over Palm Beach County.

Wellington Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum said that the proposed building would be about 90,000 square feet — 75,000 square feet for the school and 15,000 square feet for the day-care facility.

Flinchum noted that, previously, the land had been designated commercial and zoned for a retail furniture sales showroom and deSee PZAB, page 18

Royal Palm Art & Music Festival Returns This Weekend

Street Painting — Vivid images in chalk will be one of the big draws at this weekend’s Royal Palm Art & Music Festival.

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Art & Music Festival is back for its third year Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11. There is no admission charge, and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. will be filled with colorful art, musical entertainment and more.

Festival activities include street painting, two fireworks shows, a chicken-wing-eating contest, musical performances, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food vendors, a business expo, street performers, kayak races and a beer garden.

“It’s free to the public, and everybody can come out and enjoy most of the activities at no cost,” Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce CEO Jaene

Miranda said. “They can look at the street art, listen to the entertainment, or enjoy free face painting for the kids, or a scribble area for them to be able to do their own little chalk painting. It’s a great place for families to come, with activities for both young and old.”

A big draw for the event is the street painting, which will set the boulevard aglow with chalk creations. Nearly 200 street painting artists will be featured, making the southern tip of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. the area’s largest artist canvas.

Stage performances will include a tribute band showcase on the main stage set for Saturday, March 10 beginning at 3:40 p.m. with Turnstiles’ tribute to “the Piano Man,”

Billy Joel. At 5 p.m., the Marshall Brothers Band will perform a tribute to the Allman Brothers, followed by Sigmund Floyd’s tribute to Pink Floyd at 7:30 p.m. and the Storm Riders’ tribute to the Doors at 8:50 p.m.

The chamber works with local volunteers to recruit both amateur and professional bands. “Music provides the energy to any festival — it sets the mood,” Miranda said. “Our musicians will provide jazz, blues, classic rock and country.”

Other bookings include J.D. Danner, a New York girl who likes to rock out Southern style.

In addition to the main stage, the festival includes a community See FESTIVAL, page 18

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NEWS

Fledgling 10 & Under Tennis Program Is Growing In Wellington

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report With the aim of fostering a lifelong love of tennis in young children in Wellington, members participating in the U.S. Tennis Association’s 10 & Under Program met Monday at the Wellington Tennis Center to discuss the future.

Last summer, Wellington received a $100,000 grant from the USTA to bring the program to Wellington’s tennis facilities, schools and other organizations that work with children. Wellington is one of only three Florida communities and just 25 nationally to receive the grant.

“We picked this community be-

cause it had a lot of seeds that just need to be nurtured,” said Andy McFarland of the USTA. “The goal is to build a self-sustaining 10 & Under Tennis Program. Some of these kids will never go on to play college tennis or professional tennis, but they can be recreational players who will love the game and play for the rest of their lives.”

The program is geared toward younger children. Children play on smaller courts, using smaller and lighter racquets as well as slowermoving and lower-bouncing balls.

Additionally, the net is lower to make it easier for them to get the ball across the court.

Wellington children can participate in the program at the Wellington Tennis Center, at school or at several tennis clubs in neighborhoods throughout Wellington.

McFarland said that the grant covers hiring coordinator Debbie Ellsworth as well as investing in the community’s tennis infrastructure.

“We want to see where we can paint permanent lines on hard courts, on school courts, and put semi-permanent lines on clay courts where appropriate,” he said. “We want to make sure we get equipment to the right people and that we reach out to the community so they participate.”

Ellsworth said that the program has grown since its inception.

“Our main goal was to get the schools involved,” she said. “We went to all eight schools, and in October, we had PE teacher training. We went into the Boys & Girls Club and started the program there. We have the Girl Scouts coming once a month.”

The program also had a presence at the South Florida Fair this year, showing off 10 & Under Tennis.

“From all of that,” Ellsworth said, “we now have more than 100 participants. It’s tripled since the beginning.”

The program also fielded its first

10 & Under team at a competition this year. “It was more exciting to watch than the professional players,” Ellsworth said.

To keep kids engaged, Ellsworth and the USTA have planned a number of PlayDays — a noncompetitive opportunity for children to enjoy tennis and tennis-related activities. “You can have kids of all levels play,” she said.

McFarland noted that the PlayDays are ideal for young children with short attention spans.

“We’ll have them out on multiple courts, they’ll play in a roundrobin type event so they’re playing all the time, and there will be music and food,” he said. “It’s a

way to appease parents and children. The parents know they’ll be there for only an hour or two, and the kids can come have fun with their friends and then go home.”

The first PlayDay is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. at the Wellington Tennis Center. Children already enrolled in the 10 & Under Tennis Program play free, and it costs $10 for children not already at a facility.

The next PlayDay will be Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m., and on Saturday, May 19, Ellsworth invites families out for a day of fun.

For more about the events or the program, contact Ellsworth at ellsworth@florida.usta.com.

Lox Town Council Crafts Ordinance Taking Aim At Manure Dumpers

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council passed a preliminary reading of amendments Tuesday designed to beef up its ordinance that regulates dumping of manure and horse bedding.

The council also approved paving missing portions of North Road that were not included in a project underway by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

Attorney Michael Cirullo brought back changes to the manure dumping ordinance requested by council members. Changes included a provision that property owners in residential areas can have manure and bedding dumped on their property if they can show it is being used for landscaping purposes.

Other changes would allow dumping on Saturday, and prohibit dumping within 50 feet of the property line or within 50 feet of a wellhead.

Councilman Tom Goltzené said some residents had told him they were concerned that if they had

just bought property intended for agriculture and did not yet have an agricultural exemption, they would not be able to deposit an adequate amount of manure to set up the property for cultivation.

“This is more for someone who wants to establish a tree field,” he said, noting that the approval process can take more than a year.

Cirullo suggested that the town manager have discretion to allow new property owners setting up their land for cultivation to have manure deliveries, which received consensus from council members.

Goltzené also wanted to change the load criteria in the ordinance from 40 square yards to 20 square yards. “We’re more likely to be using a 20-yard truck,” he said, explaining that 20 yards is the most common size for a dump truck.

Council members also discussed the dumping time limitations, which is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the existing ordinance.

However, Goltzené did not want time restrictions. “I don’t really like having limitations on agricultural,” he said, explaining that he used to deliver hay at midnight in order to

stay on schedule. “If you want to work late, you work late. We shouldn’t over-regulate something.”

Councilman Ryan Liang agreed with Goltzené, but after discussion, council members decided to keep the hauling hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Councilman Ron Jarriel wanted to include Saturdays for deliveries; the amended ordinance would have limited deliveries to Monday through Friday. Jarriel did not agree with night deliveries, however. “Nobody needs to be hauling after dark,” he said.

Homeowners who maintain their own property would want manure delivered on the weekend, Jarriel said.

During public comment, Dennis Lipp said he agreed with Goltzené and Liang about nighttime deliveries, but also with Jarriel in that he did not want haulers to use night deliveries in order to get around the ordinance. “I go for a morning walk, and there are manure trucks at 6:30 a.m.,” he said.

Cirullo reviewed the changes to read that deliveries would be allowed on Saturdays but not on

Sundays, and clarify that delivery hours remain 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Town Manager Mark Kutney suggested there be no charge for haulers for the first 10 loads per day. After discussion, council members agreed that the charge be $40 for each load over 10. The ordinance also sets a $1,000 permit fee for haulers; $2,000 if they have been apprehended dumping manure illegally.

Liang said the rules need a stipulation that the loads must spread within a certain number of days.

He suggested a week.

Jarriel felt that a week was too long. “If they can’t spread it within 72 hours, they don’t need it,” he said. “We have people stockpiling it and hauling it in with 40yard trucks.”

The council agreed with the 72hour time limit.

Councilman Jim Rockett made a motion to approve the ordinance with the amendments. It carried unanimously.

Council members also gave final approval for the North Road OGEM paving project, which will pave gaps on North Road not in-

County Moves Forward With Bridge At Southern & SR 7

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday approved a contract with Russell Engineering for $2,339,762 to widen the State Road 7 bridge over the C-51 Canal south of Southern Blvd.

Approval of the contract and the

subsequent budget transfer will allow the county to issue a notice to proceed for Russell to begin construction of the project, according to a county staff report.

Previously committed state grants are anticipated to cover approximately $1,350,000 of the project’s cost.

In other business: • The commissioners selected a proposal from Pope Farms to lease 750 acres of the Mecca Farms property north of Northlake Blvd. at $150,000 per year for sugarcane production. The land was purchased by the county several years ago for biotech uses.

• The commissioners also gave tentative consent for the Village of Wellington to annex two county-owned parcels totaling approximately 25 acres on the west side of State Road 7 north of Forest Hill Blvd. The parcels are located within the village’s proposed medical arts district.

cluded in the paving project currently underway by the LGWCD. Kutney explained that he and the town attorney had assembled a large packet that contained the necessary documents, including a resolution and a copy of the district contract that the town was piggybacking on to conduct the project.

He said there had been some

unforeseen engineering charges of $14,500 that would have to be added to the $131,000 quote to do the work, plus a $10,000 contingency fee.

Goltzené asked about the possibility of doing similar work off Collecting Canal Road under the same contract, explaining that he had been contacted by property See GROVES, page 18

P.W. Hospital Hires Eric Goldman As CEO Eric Goldman will take over later this month as the new CEO of Palms West Hospital.

Hospital officials announced Goldman’s appointment Tuesday.

He replaces former CEO Bland Eng, who was transferred to Brandon Regional Hospital in January.

Goldman comes to Palms West Hospital from Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, where he has been chief operating officer since 2006.

Goldman has 17 years of healthcare experience with HCA, Palms West Hospital’s parent company.

Prior to moving to Jacksonville, he was chief operating officer at Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach.

Goldman earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and a master’s degree in health finance management at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. “We are pleased that Eric has joined the Palms West family,” said

Eric Goldman Michael Joseph, president of HCA’s East Florida Division. “His extensive healthcare background, drive and enthusiasm make him a perfect fit for the hospital and the community.”

Goldman will start at Palms West Hospital on March 19.

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TOWN-CRIER ENDORSEMENTS

Wellington: Re-Elect Bowen And Willhite, Add Shauna Hostetler Powerful interest groups have tried to turn the Wellington Village Council election from one about the overall direction of the community to one focused on several narrowly defined issues.

The Town-Crier takes a long view and looks at the candidates best suited to govern not only on the issues today, but on all the issues known and unknown that might come up in the future.

Taking a longer view makes these endorsements far more straight-forward, even though two people we have long considered friends of the Town-Crier will be disappointed.

Wellington Mayor — This race pits incumbent Darell Bowen against former Councilman Bob Margolis. Both candidates have received the endorsement of this newspaper in the past. Margolis is a fine public servant, fully able to serve admirably as mayor. Margolis is absolutely correct on the inspector general issue, but we do not agree that Wellington is currently as poorly run as his campaign suggests. Wellington is one of the most financially sound communities in South Florida. Under Bowen’s leadership, it has improved the park system, built a new municipal complex, taken a proactive view battling crime in troubled neighborhoods, dramatically cut the budget and done far more than other places to fight the foreclosure crisis. Yes, we disagree on having Wellington join in the inspector general lawsuit, but in reality, that question will be moot shortly once a new funding system is in place countywide. We are absolutely stunned at the amount of negative campaigning this race has attracted based mostly around the controversial Equestrian Village project. Highjacking an election based on one issue bodes poorly for the process and Wellington’s shared future. Any objective viewpoint shows that Wellington is better off today than when Bowen took over, and in reality, that is all that matters. The Town-Crier endorses the re-election of Darell Bowen as mayor of Wellington.

Wellington Council Seat 1 — This race features two political newcomers, John Greene and Shauna Hostetler, seeking a vacant seat. Both would make fine council members. Greene makes some good points, is well-spoken and extremely intelligent. With roots in the community, he certainly has Wellington’s best interests in mind, and as a resident of the Lake Worth Road corridor, he would bring a different viewpoint. However, we have been more impressed with Hostetler. She offers a sharper vision with more specifics and seems to be a candidate who is not afraid to voice concerns and ask the hard questions. She has deeper roots in the community, and we’re quite impressed with her years of volunteer work, most recently at Binks Forest Elementary School. The Town-Crier endorses the election of Shauna Hostetler to Wellington Village Council Seat 1.

Wellington Council Seat 4 — This race pits Vice Mayor Matt Willhite against former Councilman Al Paglia. The Town-Crier has long been a Paglia fan. We have twice before endorsed him in council bids. He is a good man with a big heart who cares deeply about Wellington. However, he is not the strongest candidate in this race. We did not support Willhite four years ago, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised. While we have disagreed with him on a number of issues, Willhite has turned out to be one of the hardest-working council members Wellington has ever had. His leadership on the Patriot Memorial was spectacular and his principled opposition on certain issues serves an important purpose — offering a minority viewpoint on a council that has often otherwise been in lockstep. He also deserves the same credit Bowen does for all that Wellington has accomplished over the past four years. The Town-Crier endorses the re-election of Matt Willhite to Wellington Village Council Seat 4.

Royal Palm: Re-Elect Mayor Mattioli, Put Jeff Hmara On Council Next week’s election in Royal Palm Beach features four interesting, engaged and extremely different candidates seeking one vacant council seat and the mayor’s post.

• Royal Palm Beach Mayor — In this race, Mayor Matty Mattioli is facing a challenge from Felicia Matula. While we found Matula to be passionate about issues facing Royal Palm Beach with some good ideas for the future, she does not have the experience and local track record to be mayor. Royal Palm Beach is one of the best-run, most financially sound municipalities in South Florida, and that is in large part due to Mattioli’s work over the past two decades. Since he took the gavel two years ago, Mattioli has led the village during a difficult economy and a difficult leadership transition, and has done fairly well. He has been on the council for nearly two decades, and for most of that time has seen the village lower its tax rate every year, even in the current lean years. With that in mind, Mattioli deserves another two years at the helm. The Town-Crier endorses the re-election of Matty Mattioli as mayor of Royal Palm Beach.

• Royal Palm Beach Council Seat 4 — Three challengers initially stepped forward in the race to fill the Royal Palm Beach council seat vacated by David Swift, who resigned last summer: Ken DeLaTorre, Jeff Hmara and Selena Smith. However, DeLaTorre announced this week that he is dropping out. We hope to see DeLaTorre return to local politics sometime in the future when he has more longevity in the community. This leaves voters to choose between Hmara and Smith.

Both are strong, dedicated community servants, each with different areas of expertise. While both would make fine council members, Hmara brings experience that the council does not yet already have. His homeowners’ association work, military budgeting and proven leadership skills, along with a lengthier time spent in the village, make him the better choice among two strong candidates. We would be comfortable with either Smith or Hmara winning, but we feel Hmara is the better choice. The Town-Crier endorses Jeff Hmara in the race for Royal Palm Beach Village Council Seat 4.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU AGREE WITH OUR SUGGESTIONS, BE SURE TO GO TO THE POLLS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 13 TO MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Wellington Needs Al Paglia I have known Al Paglia for 18 years. I worked with him on his TransportationAdvisory Committee and was impressed with his knowledge of the community, honesty, integrity and dedication as our councilman and vice mayor who chaired that committee.

Al was constantly looking for ways to help needy families in our rental districts, balance developer interests with what the residents wanted and could live with, and he was always looking for ways to keep our tax rate low.

I am voting for Al because I believe his platform to support small businesses and our schools, as well as maintain a strong Safe Neighborhoods program and recreation program for all of us, will help us during this challenging economy. I am also voting for Al because he is willing to put in the time that a village council job requires.

Sandra White Wellington

Keep Willhite On The Council Wellington prides itself on being a city with a community feel.

Over the years, Wellington has expanded, seen more residents make the village their home and more businesses putting up their storefronts. Although Wellington has grown, it maintains that smalltown, community feel. Families can enjoy themselves at outdoor events, play at dozens of parks and still enjoy restaurants and stores within a few miles of their front door.

Matt Willhite understands this more than anyone. Growing up in

Palm Beach County, he has seen first-hand the growth we have experienced. Yet he also knows the importance of keeping community and family the priority in our village. As a firefighter and a member of our council, Matt serves the community with the community’s best interest in mind. Re-electing Matt Willhite will help Wellington continue to grow in the right direction.

Terri Cloutier Wellington

Support For Jeff Hmara In RPB There are many reasons I support Jeff Hmara for RPB Village Council Seat 1. Jeff is the candidate that is not a newcomer to Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, having lived here in RPB for nine years. That gives him an excellent grasp of what the residents of Royal Palm Beach need and want, such as supporting the State Road 7 extension, ensuring that the former water treatment facility land is used for what is best for our residents, and many other issues in which Jeff has clearly stated his position.

I know that Martha Webster, an incumbent council member not up for re-election, puts in dozens of hours a week serving us. Jeff is the candidate that is semi-retired, so he too has the ability to devote all of the time that is needed to serve the residents of RPB in the way they deserve. He has spent a lifetime serving our country, first as a U.S. Army colonel, then a former National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration director, and finally as a Federal Aviation Administration senior executive.

He currently works part-time as an adjunct professor of management

and ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Jeff has received the endorsements of the Professional Firefighters & Paramedics of Palm Beach County, the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), and the endorsement of the Palm Beach School Board member for our district, Marcia Andrews. But for me, as important as those endorsements are, the most valued is the endorsement and support Jeff has from Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, the elected official we all recognize as having unquestioned integrity and honesty.

Please vote on Tuesday, March 13.

Steve Feiertag Royal Palm Beach

Super PACS In Wellington Aren’t we the lucky ones? We now have a Super PAC in Wellington, and its catchy title has integrity in it. What’s missing?

Names. In reading their bullets I find some interesting but tainted logic — nothing different from national Super PACs. 1) Add 1.2 million new cars to our roads — Where did that number come from? Let me make a calculated guess. If I were to take the 1,200,000 and divide it by 365 day/ year, I would get 3,287 new cars/ day. Was that the peak projected usage rate for one event. But wait a minute, does the polo or the equestrian competition schedule in Wellington run 365 days/year?

Not according to their published schedules. Would the new venture? Similar ventures do not.

2) Cut city services — Our city government employees work four days/week. The difference is that

availability is not five days/week.

Services were not cut — the schedule for availability has changed — but still 40 hours/ week. That change has lowered our city’s running costs.

3) Taxes — No service cuts, no raised tax, done with decreased revenues. In a Feb. 24 Town-Crier article, Matt Willhite noted “that residents only paid a small portion of their tax bill to Wellington…

We’ve been able to hold a great tax rate and get through this.”

Raised taxes is primarily a county and state problem tied to home assessments. Although home assessment values have decreased, the appraiser’s office is applying a higher taxation percentage rate on them, therefore higher overall taxes. The state allows that rate to go to full assessed value. The city deserves kudos for being innovative in lowering the budget by 40 percent.

4. Increased fees — Fees should be based on amount of effort by the city employees to fulfill requests. If the fulfillment cost of a particular class of requests was or is not cost effective, then fees should be raised.

These past several years have been extremely tough for all levels of governments. For me, the council and our Wellington employees should get kudos for their efforts.

The best use for the circulars is the recycle bin.

Victor (Bob) Kruger Wellington

Lou Jacobs Responds On behalf of my family, I feel compelled to address some of the self-serving charges being leveled at our community by the developer of a project that I oppose. Well-

ington has been an integral part of the Jacobs family for four generations. Owning over 200 acres, our family feels strongly that Wellington’s future is to provide green space for generations to come.

This developer, like all developers, wants the public to be told that part of the story which best suits his purpose of getting the development approved and profiting from the approval. In the interest of setting the record straight, I want to let the residents of Wellington know why I decided to get involved in opposing a development that will result in disproportionate benefits for a few and countless problems for many.

With Gene Mische, my family helped establish the show jumping community in Wellington beginning in 1980. The show grounds were established next to the Polo Stadium and then moved to its present location. Gene and other founders of the equestrian community in Wellington established the Equestrian Preserve to limit traffic and development in the equestrian area. Mische was fond of saying what every equestrian inherently knows: “Horses and cars don’t mix.”

Wellington is a community that we all love, and my involvement in the recent debate surrounding

the proposed Equestrian Village project is based solely on protecting the quality of life in a place that is close to my family’s heart, and has been so for many years.

No other city in Florida has an area of land entirely in its boundaries treated like the Equestrian Preserve, and I believe that this unique protection of our village’s land, and equestrian lifestyle, has resulted in positive economic growth and development for all of its residents and business owners. Radically changing the character of this land, by changing the village’s rules for its development, is what I am concerned about, and that is why I am challenging these misguided changes. Like many of my fellow residents, I believe that the proposed changes, which were not based on a real-world analysis of the potentially damaging impacts of these changes on our village, will result in the reversal forever of our community’s good fortune.

The developer of the Equestrian Village project wants to have our community focus solely on the jobs associated with the development of the project, as opposed to his profits and the real long-term impact on our village’s property values and our residents’ quality of life. He also wants the See LETTERS, page 5

SPECIAL NOTE ON LETTERS

The Town-Crier has received far more letters in recent weeks than we were able to publish before the March 13 election, even with additional space we have set aside. We published as many as possible, but our apologies to those whose letters have been left out. The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. For est Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or e-mail them to letters@goTownCrier.com.

OPINION

Wellington Has Forgotten Promises, But Petition Not The Answer Twenty years ago, Wellington was controlled by a developer and an elected “special district” board. All land use decisions were determined by the Palm Beach County Commission. Wellington residents could only vote for one of seven commissioners.

I chaired a group of local residents drafting Wellington’s first charter. It was defeated in a vote by Wellington’s residents.

Several chamber of commerce leaders and I spent the next year meeting with residents to learn why they opposed incorporation of Wellington, or “Home Rule,” as it was called.

Their concerns were three-fold: 1) Local officials might become too friendly with local developers and overbuild our village.

2) They did not want to pay for developers’ infrastructure costs.

3) They were concerned that another layer of government will cause “run-away taxes.”

POINT OF VIEW

By Ken Adams Former Palm Beach County Commissioner

The charter was rewritten to address these concerns. Mark Miles and I then flew my plane around Florida, meeting with legislators in their hometowns. And in 1995, the State of Florida, despite the aggressive opposition of a minority of Wellington residents, declared its “legislative intent” in a rare unanimous vote: “This charter and incorporation will serve to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of the individual communities within the boundaries of Wellington.”

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1) Any amendment to any zoning as established in the then current county use plan shall only be by an ordinance adapted by the affirmative vote of no fewer than four members of the council.

2) Land development costs for infrastructure improvements associated with new land development shall be paid for by the developer of said land or the ultimate owners of said land.

3) Any 10 Wellington voters may initiate a referendum proceeding in event the council levies a village tax rate above 5 mills.

Based upon these assurances, the voters approved the incorporation of Wellington in 1995.

Six months later, the Wellington council rescinded the super-majority promise for land use changes and repeatedly passed the cost for infrastructure from developers to the village taxpayers in violation of the state charter requirements and the promises made to Wellington voters.

Shortly after incorporation, I chaired a committee of approximately 40 Wellington leaders including Wellington’s first elected council to develop our first comprehensive plan. After nearly a year of deliberations, we unanimously agreed to develop an Equestrian Preserve Master Plan. Twelve years later, it has not begun and development of the preserve is in reaction to a developer’s ambitious plan for his properties, which constitute only approximately 8 percent of the designated Equestrian Preserve. Can anyone believe that this approach can result in a “worldclass” equestrian venue?

It must be said that Mr. [Mark] Bellissimo, his family and his investors are making incredible contributions to the Village of Wellington. What seems to be lacking is government leadership and vision to reap the financial benefits while preserving the quality of life so important to most Wellingtonians.

In my mind, the proposed initiative

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for unanimous votes regarding virtually every land use decision would be counterproductive to the above goals.

While I’m not an attorney, it seems probable that a court could construe it as a “taking of a property owners’ rights.” I have served on 22 boards, committees, districts, etc. in Florida and have never seen a requirement for a unanimous decision.

What voters should demand is compliance with the letter and spirit of the charter (i.e., four of five votes to pass).

Voters should also strive to elect council members who balance quality of life values with a developer’s desire for maximum profit. We should also become more active in attending village meetings on behalf of our neighborhoods or organizations.

Wellington has exceeded most everyone’s expectations. If we cease taking progress for granted, and get involved, the future is limitless.

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 5

OPINION Letters continued from page 4 public to focus on the equestrianbased elements of his project, as opposed to the unprecedented commercial development that comes with it. My problem is with the commercial aspects of the project, and not the equestrian side, and if the developer agrees to re-design the equestrian component to be more sensitive to the needs of his immediate neighbors and drops the commercial part, I will be the first to support him.

I am not ashamed about spending money to protect and defend a place that I love, and I intend on continuing to speak out when I think that our elected officials are making a big mistake about our future. I too would rather spend my hard-earned money on community projects and local charities, but I am not about to rest while our village council makes a mistake that will change the character of our village forever. There are some principles worth fighting for, and I believe that the protection of Wellington’s future is one of them.

Lou Jacobs Deeridge Farms Wellington

Bowen Has A Terrific Record I begin with a disclaimer: I have known Darell Bowen and his family for over 25 years. Darell is a friend and a client, and currently holds the political office of mayor of Wellington. However, he is not a politician. He is a hardworking business man, husband and father.

Several years ago, he decided to offer his talents and abilities to the Village of Wellington and was elected mayor. His stated goals were to improve the quality of life and the property values of village residents. By all objective criteria, he has been extremely successful at meeting and exceeding those goals. Darell now seeks re-election and entered the contest prepared to defend his record, expecting the normal campaign challenges.

However, the campaign has taken an ugly turn and is anything but normal.

I do not live or vote in Wellington. I have friends and clients who hardily support the Equestrian Village development, and others who vehemently oppose it. I respect their positions and know that they are based upon the facts and merits as they are perceived by those

respective groups. The proposed development proceeded through the normal and required legal processes, and included unprecedented council hearings running over the course of three days. I understand that it received majority approvals at the staff and council levels, and must still be reviewed at the state level. I am sure that the proponents and those in opposition will continue to pursue their positions, as they are certainly entitled to do.

Politics has always been a contact sport, and those bold or silly enough to enter the ring may expect to receive, as well as throw, their political punches. What they should not expect, and what we should not accept, are undisclosed participants who throw low-blows from concealed positions. They launch blind, unsupported personal attacks directed at their target and retreat without leaving the chance for response or rebuttal.

Shame on those who are currently using these cowardly tactics against Darell Bowen. He has a record and is running on it. Those who disagree on the merits of his positions and on his objective achievements have every right to campaign and vote against him.

However, no one should have the right to launch a campaign of smears, innuendo and false charges, and conceal their identities while they do so.

John Adams once observed that facts are “stubborn things.” They are not erased by nasty, camouflaged personal attacks, lies or distortions. I urge all village residents to keep your eyes on the facts concerning Darell’s record, and the objective results of his performance as your mayor. If you do, I believe that you will conclude he has done a great job, and more than deserves your support and re-election. If you decide otherwise, based upon the facts, then you should certainly exercise your right to choose another candidate.

What you must not do is permit your decision to be made for you by hidden opponents who have built their case on phony attacks for which they will take no public credit or responsibility.

Ronald Witkowski, Esq. Palm Beach Gardens

Rude People At ‘Beatles’ Concert My husband and I attended Beatlemaniax’s “A Tribute to the Beatles” in Wellington on Satur-

day, Feb. 18. The concert was wonderful. The band was phenomenal. The weather was postcard perfect.

We arrived about 30 minutes early, set up our chairs, met a really nice man who lived in Wellington. Everything was wonderful until three minutes before the band started, when three adults and one child came and spread their blanket next to us. They proceeded to talk through the entire concert.

The louder the music got, the louder they got. One of the men actually had his back to the concert. The couple in front of them left at intermission. We were able to move our chairs over but still not out of earshot.

Why do people insist on going to concerts, movies, etc. and talking through and over the entertainment? If you want to socialize, go to a restaurant, go to a bar or stay at home. Please, don’t ruin the experience for those around you.

Dawn Hamilton The Acreage

Support For Bob Margolis I am an ex-Wellington resident who moved to The Acreage to escape from the over-development of Wellington. Talk about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire! Today, I am writing in support of Bob Margolis for mayor of Wellington.

I have known Bob for a number of years, during which he has proven to be an honest, reliable, experienced person of impeccable integrity. Wellington residents are lucky to have him.

I support Bob for mayor because there is an urgent need for change in Wellington, and electing Bob will go a long way toward achieving that goal. He can and will make a difference. We all know that wonderful Wellington is a great place to live — its very high quality of life, its beauty, serenity, clean, peaceful and diverse neighborhoods sets it apart from any other place in the nation, and is the envy of all.

Many distinguished people from around the world visit Wellington, some owning property.

How many Town-Crier readers remember the frequent visits made to Wellington — the polo capital of the world — by Prince Charles and Lady Di? Why would anyone, especially elected officials, do anything to change Wellington for

the worse? It is crystal clear that is what the three detractors, led by Mayor Darell Bowen, are doing.

The audacity of the mayor to ignore the will of the Wellington people by deciding he did not want oversight by the inspector general’s office — that is a blatant betrayal of the will of the people; 72 percent voted for the IG. What are the three detractors afraid of?

What part do developers’ interests play in all this? And what is the impact on the residents of Wellington? Is the mayor softening his opposition to the IG in a futile attempt to get re-elected? It will not work. Wellington voters are not stupid…

Talk about a slap in the face for the voters whose will was ignored; those actions cannot and should not be tolerated. A change is needed in Wellington. Start at the top, and elect a new mayor. Give Bob the job.

Karl Witter The Acreage

Matty Mattioli Best Candidate Mayor Matty Mattioli has served Royal Palm Beach residents with distinction. He is a person whom I trust, and one who is largely responsible for steering the ship of local government on a safe and fiscally sound course for many years.

Matty is the current experienced mayor, and his opponent is a young mother of three children.

Alluding to Matty’s age and experience, she believes that “it’s time for someone new to represent a different part of the RPB demographic.” Does that mean that seniors like me are not her main concern?

Matty’s opponent reportedly wants to improve the quality of education in the school system.

Perhaps the best way for her to do that is to run for the school board.

The state allocated $8.7 billion and an additional $6.9 billion to come from local support for education in 2011-12. When politicians say they want to improve the educational system, I have found that what they mean is that they want to raise taxes, which is the only thing a mayor can do to control what is happening in the schools. Actually, mayors have little or nothing to do with operating the school system; teachers and administrators do.

Mayor Mattioli has been a fiscal conservative. As a result of his

leadership, Royal Palm Beach has next to the lowest tax rate in Palm Beach County. With age comes experience, and with experience comes knowledge, and with that knowledge, Mayor Mattioli is the most competent leader in the race.

We know what happened to our country since the reign of a young and inexperienced person, who also promised a change in the way government functions. Matty’s opponent Mrs. Matula claims that it’s time for a change. She said: “We need to update the way some of the things are done.” Frankly, that kind of general talk scares me in this economic climate.

Can anyone hope to do better for Royal Palm Beach residents than lowering the tax rate for the past 15 years? Matty’s record of accomplishment on that score warrants his continued leadership as mayor.

I am sure that Matty can do more for Royal Palm Beach residents of every demographic if he is allowed to continue his outstanding leadership as mayor for another term.

Frank Morelli Wellington

In RPB: Felicia No, Selena Yes I ask you, isn’t it about time the Village of Royal Palm Beach saw another female face up on the council? So I set out to find out who our lady candidates really are.

I did the “new” searches like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and have also read the local paper reviews. From there I decided to do a big shout-out to both Felicia Matula, the mayoral candidate, and Selena Smith, the council candidate.

Felicia Matula is an accountant running a grassroots campaign who seems very concerned about her campaign expenses. I note that she supports public safety and security, and adds to that she has a desire to increase communication between the council and the residents. However, I am not sure that I am interested in “skyping” the council meetings. In comparison to the current mayor, although older and wiser and perhaps as many will note, a bit grumpy on issues that he is committed to, she has no comments on the many outstanding projects that have been completed or are nearing completion for the residents.

On her Facebook page, she indicates her support of changing the village code to assist her trea-

surer, the swimming instructor, without considering the overall impact on the full village. Felicia states she opposed the development of the old wastewater treatment plant but then did not come out to be a part of the solution by volunteering to be a member of that group. As a candidate with a dislike for ordinances and no evidence of leadership ability or municipal process, I believe she will have great difficulty in filling even a “part-time” mayoral seat.

I read that Selena Smith has an educational background in business and marketing and shows a strong record of community involvement, and most likely has an understanding of effective partnerships as a member of Rotary, the Palms West Chamber board and Leadership Palm Beach County. She also sits on the education pillar of Six Pillars of Florida, an association very active in bringing about the Inspector General.

Selena indicates a strong general knowledge of current projects, especially the senior housing initiative. Overall, I sense a positive approach and confidence that there is a very good future for the residents of the village, and that she intends to help make that happen. She is starting in the right place by learning and honing her skills in a council seat first.

So in a quick summary: Felicia, try again when you have a better view of the role of government and a track record. Selena, “thumbs up!” I will vote to have you as the next woman on the council.

Jen Weiler Royal Palm Beach

Mason Phelps On Equestrian Village I am a 24-year resident of LaQuinta in Palm Beach Polo, giving me a “front-row” seat to the proposed Equestrian Village project. I, like many other longtime residents, remember fondly watching Sunday afternoon polo matches on the stadium field. It is sad that anyone would refer to the Equestrian Village as a return to those glory days. That is not the case. Instead of lush, green fields and horses, my property will overlook a huge parking lot under the Equestrian Village plan.

I want to make it clear that I absolutely support the return of equestrian activities to the property. As a lifelong equestrian and owner of an equestrian-focused See LETTERS, page 14

Page 6 March 9 - March 15, 2012

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CRIME NEWS

Juveniles Arrested For Shoplifting And Battery At The Mall

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report MARCH 3 — Two juveniles were arrested last Saturday on charges of shoplifting and battery following an incident at the Macy’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a loss prevention officer stopped two female juveniles on suspicion of shoplifting, and one of the girls hit the officer in the neck. The juveniles were stopped, and approximately $220 in stolen merchandise was recovered from their purses. One of the girls was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, where she was charged with battery on a security officer and retail theft. The second was arrested and issued a notice to appear in court.

••• FEB. 29 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to a storage facility on Business Parkway last Wednesday morning regarding vehicle burglaries. According to separate PBSO reports, two victims called to report vehicle burglaries. According to the first PBSO report, sometime between 3 p.m. last Tuesday and 10 a.m. the following morning, someone cut the lock from the victim’s trailer and stole several pieces of lawn equipment. There were signs of forced entry and that the hinge of the rear door had also been cut off. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,475. There were no suspects at the time of the report. According to a second PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Monday and 11 a.m. last Wednesday, someone entered the victim’s boat, cut off the vinyl tarp covering the center console and stole a radio, tack box and binoculars. The stolen items were valued at approximately $950. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MARCH 1 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 79th Court North last Thursday afternoon regarding a theft.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., someone entered the property and stole an air-conditioning compressor from the vacant property. The stolen item was valued at approximately $5,000.

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

MARCH 3 — A resident of the Porto Sol community called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim placed her gold earrings and diamond ring on her kitchen counter and then left her home.

According to the report, the victim came home and discovered that her diamond ring, valued at approximately $20,000, was missing from the counter. The victim said she believed that her husband’s caretaker took it. According to the report, the deputy contacted the caretaker, who said she did not see the ring or earrings during her shift. There was no further information available at the time of the report.

MARCH 4 — A Pennsylvania man contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, someone used the victim’s credit card number to fraudulently purchase a MacBook laptop computer from the Apple store in the Mall at Wellington Green last Friday. According to the report, the victim was alerted by his credit card company and contacted the manager of the store, who confirmed that the purchase had been made with a different name. The purchase totaled $1,270. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MARCH 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched Monday morning to a home on 71st Place North regarding an attempted vehicle theft. According to the report, the victim parked his vehicle outside his home at approximately 11 p.m. last Sunday. At approximately 6:50 a.m. the following morning, he discovered that someone had moved his vehicle back approximately 10 feet, putting it on the grass. There was no damage to the vehicle.

MARCH 5 — A resident of Counterpoint Estates called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach Monday to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim discovered that someone had filed a claim using her Social Security number. The victim said that she is working to dispute the matter with the IRS but does not know who filed her tax returns. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

MARCH 5 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was dispatched Monday to a home on 83rd Place North regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., someone entered the victim’s property and stole aluminum, steel and copper wiring that were hidden behind a shed in the back yard. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MARCH 5 — A resident of Azalea Drive called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Monday evening to report a burglary.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 7:45 p.m., someone entered the victim’s home and stole several pieces of jewelry and electronics. According to a PBSO report, the victim’s rear window was smashed out using a grill brush. The deputy noted bloodstains on the window and inside the home, which were taken for evidence. The stolen items were valued at approximately $4,270. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MARCH 6 — A resident of Grand Isles called the PBSO substation in Wellington to report a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9:30 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. the following morning, someone stole the victim’s silver 2003 Lincoln Town Car from his driveway. The victim has the keys and does not know who could have taken the car. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Thomas Flavin is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 230 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 05/10/ 58. Flavin is wanted for failure to appear on charges of uttering a forgery and grand theft (felony); violation of supervised own recognizance on a charge of grand theft; and failure to appear on charges of reckless driving and operating while driver’s license suspended, cancelled or revoked (traffic). His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Adams Street in Jupiter and 92nd Lane North in The Acreage. Flavin is wanted as of 03/08/12.

• Thomas Hayes, a.k.a. Gregory Pamko, Tony Hayes and James Hayes, is a white male, 6’0” tall and weighing 210 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. His date of birth is 07/05/66. Hayes is wanted for failure to appear on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and driving without a license (felony), failure to appear on a charge of battery (misdemeanor, two counts), failure to appear on a charge of resisting a police officer (misdemeanor), and violation of supervised own recognizance on charges of battery and resisting a police officer. His occupation is unknown.

His last known addresses were 71st Place North in The Acreage and Iron Wedge Drive in Boca Raton. Hayes is wanted as of 03/ 08/12.

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

Thomas Flavin

Thomas Hayes

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

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ELECTION 2012: MAYOR OF WELLINGTON

March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 7

Bowen Touts Visionary Leadership, Record Of Accomplishments

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen hopes voters see him as a leader who has served the community well, brought consensus to the council and led the village well through a difficult period.

Bowen faces a challenge from former Councilman Bob Margolis on Tuesday, March 13. Due to a charter change, this year’s mayoral election will be for a four-year term.

“I want to serve my community,” Bowen said. “I don’t have any higher political aspirations. Once I finish the next four years, I’m done. This is it for me.”

A 27-year resident, Bowen and his wife, Sherry, moved to Wellington in 1984. They have two daughters, who Bowen noted are products of the great public schools in Wellington.

Bowen began serving the community early as a coach, and later held leadership positions with his church, and served as president of the Wellington Rotary Club and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the boards of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, the South Florida Fair and the Palm Beach Zoo. Elected mayor in 2008 and re-elected in 2010, Bowen is a small businessman who owns two Wellington-based companies, Creative Marketing Products and Bodis Realty.

In his time as mayor, Bowen said that he has been able to bring consensus and get things done, pointing to several major projects, such as the new municipal complex and the Wellington Amphitheater, that were approved and built on his watch.

“I’ve been able to forge coalitions and get things done,” he said. “One of the biggest problems with the council before I arrived was that they couldn’t get things done. They couldn’t come to an agreement. We don’t win 5-0 on every issue, but we got things done.”

Another accomplishment, Bowen said, has been putting Wellington on a path for the next 50 years to help the community continue to thrive. He said that if re-elected, he would want to continue to develop a strong road map for Wellington’s future.

“This community became this way, not because three or four guys came out and cornered Mr. Wellington, sprinkled pixie dust over it and it popped out of the ground,” he said. “It didn’t happen by chance;

it happened because they had a great plan and they pretty much followed the plan.”

Bowen said his top goal is to bring sustainable jobs to Wellington. “My opponent said that he thinks Wellington ought to be a bedroom community,” Bowen said. “This hasn’t been a bedroom community since they developed State Road 7.”

Bowen said that having good jobs nearby is crucial to making Wellington a sustainable community.

“People will not drive very far to work when gasoline is $4 a gallon,” he said. “Everyone wants to work closer to where they live, and we need to adapt to that. We need to provide these jobs, so that people can work in a job that will provide them with enough income so they can buy all these homes sitting in foreclosure and make this a sustainable community.”

Bowen said that the medical arts district concept, which he has championed, will be a key part in attracting those employers.

“I’m absolutely convinced that this is the best use for that land,” he said. “This is the best opportunity we have to create jobs. Our medical community is pretty strong here. I think there’s a tremendous opportunity to build on that. The two areas we have the best opportunity to build on are the equestrian industry and the medical industry. So why don’t we build on those?”

Since Bowen took over, Wellington’s budget has dropped by more than a third. He said that he believes Wellington can sustain itself with the budget it has now without making more cuts.

“I think we can live within the budget level we have right now,” he said. “I don’t think property values are going to go any lower. One of the big reasons is because of the equestrian component. Last year, we only lost 1 percent of our property value, which was the best of anywhere in the county.”

Bowen also noted that several large, new businesses, such as NuVista, will add to the tax base.

And to make sure that the tax rate doesn’t go up, Bowen said that Wellington has ample reserve funds in its rate stabilization account to help balance the budget.

“I think we’re going to be able to balance the budget this year with the taxes that are going to be available,” he said. “I’m very optimistic. I believe that the real-estate market is on the move.”

Regarding Wellington’s response to the foreclo-

sure crisis, Bowen said that the travel in the same circles. But he village has been proactive but has been an asset to this comhas been bogged down by munity. I have a relationship banks’ response. with him because I need to. He “I think we’ve done just about is a big player here, and I need all we can,” he said. “The probto be able to work with him.” lem is that as long as the properThough he voted to enter ty is in limbo, until banks take Wellington into a lawsuit against the title, there’s no one to go afthe financing scheme for the ter. The abatement program has Palm Beach County Office of the been very successful and has Inspector General, Bowen refutkept the neighborhoods looking ed claims that he does not supbetter.” port the county’s overall ethics Bowen said that the Safe initiative.

Neighborhoods Initiative has “I’m very much in favor of the been successful in turning inspector general and her misaround some of Wellington’s sion,” he said. “The problem is troubled neighborhoods. that when it was presented, it “I think that every person dewas supposed to be a quarter of serves to go to bed at night and a percent tax on contracts. But feel safe,” he said. “If one perthen they came to us with this son doesn’t, we ought to deal assessment.” with it. Every penny spent on Bowen said that his issue is this program is worthwhile.” that Wellington is being asked One of the most controversial Darell Bowen to pay double what other comissues in the election is the promunities are. “I have a responsiposed Equestrian Village development. Bowen said bility to protect my taxpayers,” he said. “They’re not that he is generally supportive of the idea, but ex- assessing on a fair basis. But we did pay our assesspects that changes will be needed once a specific ment even though we didn’t agree with them. We plan is put forward. have in no way tried to stop their work.”

“I haven’t seen a real plan yet,” he said. “I don’t While Margolis has run a campaign based on his think there’s any stomach on our council for a five- opinion that Wellington needs to be more “transparstory hotel. I don’t think anyone will vote for that. I ent,” Bowen said that Wellington is among the most don’t even know that we’re going to increase the transparent communities in the state. [density]. We might a little bit, but I don’t think it will “Tomorrow morning you can go on our web site be very much.” and see what bills we paid today,” he said. “I don’t He noted that the property has a use-by-right of know what else we can do. Wellington is one of the 260,000 square feet of commercial space. most transparent communities, and with transparen“It was never a question of whether it was going to cy comes increased public scrutiny.” be green space or commercial,” Bowen said. “It was Overall, Bowen said that he has been a leader who whether it would be commercial retail, or a hotel with has navigated Wellington through the tough times. a little bit of commercial. I personally think we’d be He said he wants the chance to see his vision through. better off with a high-end hotel and a bit of retail than “I’m going to keep us moving forward,” he said. we would be with a whole lot of retail.”

“We’re going to continue to move forward while beBowen also refuted claims by some that he is “in ing fiscally responsible. We’re going to finally create the pocket” of developer Mark Bellissimo. jobs so that we can be more sustainable and broaden “It’s just bunk,” he said. “I’ve never been to his our tax base so that your kids and my kids will be able house, I’ve never been to dinner with him. We don’t to come back here, get a job and raise their families.”

Bob Margolis Puts Focus On Experience, Transparency & Ethics

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Former Wellington Councilman Bob Margolis hopes that voters will heed his campaign message of experience, transparency and ethics, and elect him mayor on Tuesday, March 13.

“I believe that the council should listen and respond to residents’ needs,” said Margolis, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Darell Bowen. “I don’t see that happening today. I know I can do a better job running the village with the rest of the council. I have been involved in Wellington for more than 20 years. I understand where it has been and where it needs to go.”

Margolis and his wife, Linda, moved to Wellington in 1983 to raise their family. “I could have moved anywhere,” he said. “I picked Wellington because of its village feel, the lifestyle and the ambiance.”

Early on, he became involved first as a coach, then in running Wellington’s travel basketball league and as part of the Wellington High School Football Boosters. He also chaired Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

Margolis was appointed to the council in April 2003 and resigned as part of an unsuccessful bid to become Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections in 2008. He left office in January 2009.

A retired pharmaceutical representative with Proctor & Gamble, Margolis currently sits on Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board.

During his time in office, Margolis said that the council accomplished many things, including saving residents millions of dollars by purchasing land that became the Wellington Environmental Preserve, purchasing the K-Park land on State Road 7 and saving money in a reserve fund that helped Wellington through the economic downturn.

Margolis said that he believes Wellington has become less transparent in recent years and that current council members do not listen to residents.

If elected, he said that his goals would include an independent audit to help foster transparency, revamping code enforcement and addressing crime issues.

Margolis said that an independent audit would ultimately help the village.

“The awards we get are based on the… information we give them,” he said. “The audit information we give them is not the information that is there. It’s not about finding fault, but about finding recommendations.”

Margolis said he’d also like to readdress code enforcement, which he feels was more stringent years ago.

“I’m a little concerned about the way the village is looking,” he said. “I think code enforcement has been lax. I think there needs to be a revamping of code enforcement that is not selective for a couple of people. I don’t believe it’s just enforcement; I think it’s education.”

Margolis is also concerned about crime.

“We have the Safe Neighborhoods program,” he said, “which one could argue that that’s nothing more than a community policing program. They say crime has declined by 50 percent in some of those areas.

I’m not concerned about those areas. I’m worried about where those people are going in the rest of Wellington. We can argue about statistics, but that’s what people tell me, and that’s what I feel. I would want to sit down with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and develop a plan for all of Wellington, not just the rental areas.”

Margolis is concerned that the Safe Neighborhoods program is not helping. “When I did research on the [program],” he said, “it really concerned me because some of the money was being spent on video games. I don’t understand where the need for video games helps solve crime in the neighborhoods.

I see a disconnect there.”

He also criticized Wellington’s decision to close Goldenrod Road — a measure that proponents said would stop speeding and curb crime in the area.

“You can’t just close down the problem,” he said.

“You have to develop a solution. I don’t know what the answer is, but I know we have to keep working toward an answer. Closing a road does nothing for it.”

Margolis said that smart financial decisions have helped Wellington weather tough economic times.

He said he would look to cut salaries before services.

“Our council built up ample reserves so it could make cuts but not cut many services,” he said. “If I had to cut, I’d look first at senior management salaries. I think they are doing a good job… but if you look at the top 10 senior staff members of Wellington, it’s at least $1.5 to $2 million in salaries and benefits.”

He said that should tax rate increases be necessary, an open and honest discussion with residents is important.

“If we tell them how we are spending their money in a transparent manner,” he said, “and give them

reasons why there should be a and he’s passionate about his tax rate increase, they won’t be community.” against that. If an increase of Regarding the proposed $5 a month is for superior parks medical arts district, Margolis and better schools, they’re not said he does not believe the going to mind that. When resconcept is feasible. idents see we spent $6 million “I’ve known the medical to put pretty trees on Forest community here for years,” he Hill [Blvd.], they are against said. “I’ve talked with doctors that.” in the area who don’t know With Wellington suffering anything about it. They say more than other communities they don’t need more medical from the foreclosure crisis, arts. I think it was sort of a Margolis said that more work bait-and-switch. They said is necessary. they were going to build the “Wellington has done a medical arts district so they good job with education,” he could double the intensity.” said. “My concern is with Margolis also opposes those homes that are not in Wellington’s decision to join foreclosure; those that are in a lawsuit against the inspecdisarray. Wellington has an tor general’s financing. abatement, which we pay a lot “Seventy-two percent of of money for. I don’t see that the people in Wellington and working. My concern also is the county screamed to have Bob Margolis that… there are over 300 squatthe inspector general overters in the Village of Wellinglook the municipalities,” he ton right now that are in homes they aren’t supposed said. “Entering into a lawsuit is almost an insult… to be in. That causes crime issues.”

Sheryl Steckler said that it costs two postage stamps Margolis said that he’d like to see some changes per year per resident. I don’t think that would be in the management of Wellington, notably with the adverse to anybody.” elimination of some senior staffers and possibly a Another controversial issue is the proposed Equeschange to the village attorney. trian Village project, which Margolis voted against “We don’t need two assistant village managers,” when it came before the zoning board. He said he he said. “When I was on the council, we had depart- thought that the process for the project was flawed. ment heads and it worked well. They have too many “The village didn’t question,” he said. “They didn’t senior staff members. They’re good people, but with ask. They approved everything.” benefits, they are probably in the $250,000 range.

Margolis said he supports the dressage element We’re struggling. We’re hiring more senior staff while but feels the commercial aspect is too large. reducing other positions. The mayor and the council “The comprehensive plan says you cannot build will tell you we didn’t fire anyone, but the employees higher than 35 feet in the equestrian preserve,” he who were fired will tell you different.” said. “If you look at the plans, they have pillars going Margolis wants the village attorney’s position put to 100 feet. Nothing else in the Village of Wellington out for bid. is that big.”

“I think we should go out for a competitive interMargolis said he would be a leader with passion view process to see what’s out there,” he said. “I who will fight for transparent government. think [current attorney] Mr. [Jeff] Kurtz should be a “If they like where Wellington has been,” he said, part of that process. What concerns me is the village “and they like the job I’ve done, if they like transparattorney is supposed to advise on legal issues. I ency, honesty and integrity, voters will choose me. I think at times he oversteps his bounds and almost have no agenda. I only want to make Wellington serves as the sixth councilperson and gives his opin- what it was and help Wellington become what I know ion. That’s because he’s passionate. He lives here, it can be.”

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ELECTION 2012: MAYOR OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

Mattioli Offers 18 Years Of Experience, Touts Successful Record

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli is seeking re-election Tuesday, March 13, focusing his campaign on his 18-year record of accomplishments in the community. Mattioli faces a challenge from firsttime candidate Felicia Matula.

As a 30-year resident, Mattioli was first elected to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in 1994. He was elected mayor two years ago. Mattioli believes that things are going well for the village despite difficult economic times and said that dramatic change is not necessary.

“I don’t have a full-time job. This gives me something to do, and the end result is hopefully to make life better and easier for the people in Royal Palm Beach,” he said. “You’re not going to satisfy all 34,000 people, but hopefully we satisfy the vast majority.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mattioli spent his work career as a manager with Corning Glass before he retired to Florida.

Mattioli got involved in management of the condominium where he lived, which led to a position on the Royal Palm Beach Code Enforcement Board, which in turn led to his election to the council.

As his top accomplishments as mayor, Mattioli cited not increasing the tax rate for the 17th consecutive year despite economic challenges, as well as the village’s luring of the grocery chain Aldi to build its regional distribution center in the community.

That’s a project that Mattioli said he worked on for two years with the Palm Beach County Business Development Board.

“I think that’s one of the highlights because of the after-effects of employing at full blast 500 employees,” he said, noting that they’ll be patronizing a variety of businesses and help stabilize Royal Palm Beach’s housing market.

Mattioli is optimistic that the economy is on its way to recovery and that the tax base will start to rise again. “Hopefully, when we get our 2012-13 budget, we’ll have a 2 or 3 percent increase, which isn’t a lot, but it takes the pressure off,” he said.

No matter what happens, though, Mattioli vowed not to raise the village’s property tax rate. “I’ve said it publicly at meetings and I’ll say it again, I am not going to suggest an increase in taxes,” he said. “We have a substantial reserve.”

Mattioli cites progress on plans to extend State

Road 7 all the way to Northlake Blvd. as another top accomplishment, fighting Ibis residents who have objected to the road.

“We’ve been fighting for that for 15 years, and we got part of that done, and on [March 21] we have another meeting, and I’m 99 percent sure that that will be done by 2015 or before,” he said.

The extension of Roebuck Road is a goal that has not quite been reached, but Mattioli said Royal Palm Beach will not give up on it. He noted that Roebuck Road was promised 15 years ago when the three West Palm Beach communities of River Walk, Andros Isle and Baywinds were built.

Improvements to Okeechobee Blvd. and partial completion of SR 7 have temporarily taken pressure off for completion of Roebuck, Mattioli said, but Royal Palm Beach demanded that the county complete the acquisition of the necessary right-of-way for the road.

With the reliever roads still years away, Mattioli said that little can be done to ease existing traffic problems in the short term. “The problem is that we only have one road that we control, Royal Palm Beach Blvd.,” he said. “The rest are county roads.”

He did note that the village recently took action to make traffic run more smoothly on Okeechobee Blvd. when it made speed limit changes on the road.

Mattioli said he is the best person to serve as mayor because of his experience. “I know what’s out there, I know what’s coming in and what we have to do to make ends meet,” he said.

His goals for the next two years are to see projects underway, such as the Aldi distribution center, come closer to fruition. “The timetable doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen in two years, but maybe if I’m successful in getting another two years, it will be three-quarters of the way complete,” Mattioli said.

The amount of revenue the village will derive from the center has not been determined, but he pointed out that the utility franchise tax collected alone from 100,000 square feet of refrigerated space would be large. “We have a 4 percent tax on electricity,” he said, “so that’s going to be a couple of dollars.”

Just as Mattioli was elected mayor two years ago, longtime Village Manager David Farber unexpectedly died, which thrust the village into upheaval. The council had to decide whether to search for a new manager or put Village Engineer Ray Liggins, Farber’s second in command, in charge. “It would have taken at least six months for a new man to find out

where Royal Palm Beach Blvd. is,” Mattioli said. “I felt it was not the right time to do that.”

Mattioli said he highly approves of Liggins’ job performance. “He works harder than three men,” Mattioli said. “He dots every ‘I’ and crosses every ‘T’ and leaves no stone unturned. He’s new on the job, and he wants to prove that he is the manager and he has the answers to most of the questions.”

Asked if there is anything he would like to see done differently, Mattioli did note the personality differences between Liggins and Farber. “There was only one Farber, and his approach and personality [were] altogether different,” he said. “This guy is more like an Army captain.”

Mattioli approves of the council hiring a private contractor to manage its new foreclosure registry, primarily to take pressure off code enforcement. He believes that the program is working well in keeping track of the mortgage holders and whom to hold responsible for the upkeep of abandoned homes.

Regarding future uses for the former wastewater treatment plant site, Mattioli said he would favor single-family homes with a small public park since there are none west of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. “My feeling is it is in the heart of a residential area, and to have any kind of business or industrial construction is impossible,” he said.

As for the top issues in this campaign, Mattioli came back to money and taxes.

Pledging still another year of no tax rate increases, Mattioli said he would take money from the reserves to balance the budget before he would raise taxes.

“When we sold the water works, after we paid our bonds, we netted $60 million,” he said. “Today, that is worth $73 million because interest rates a few years ago were much higher. To make up for [a budget] shortfall, if we had to take a million dollars, it would be taking a million in interest, and our capital hasn’t been touched.”

The mayor said that future tax rate stability depends on the economy. “We get our preliminary statement on June 1 from the county on our valuation, and we get our final number on July 1. If that number doesn’t decrease too much, and I pray that the economy goes up 2 or 3 percent, we will have a little money and the strain will not be on us to deplete the reserves,” he said.

Mattioli’s opponent characterizes him as an ineffective leader and criticizes the way he conducts

Matty Mattioli meetings. He said that is unfair. “I’ve been here a few years, and she came on stream the last six months, if that,” he said. “Her campaign manager is the lady that I led the charge to stop her from having lessons at her swimming pool. I would never support an effort to make an illegal operation legal in a residential area.”

Matula has also criticized the village for a lack of communication with residents. One example she gave was not properly preparing neighbors of the Aldi site as to what was coming. However, Mattioli said the Aldi location was handled largely by the Business Development Board, which necessarily kept information confidential. The land was also clearly zoned for the use, so there were no public hearings.

Mattioli added that newspaper coverage as well as showing all public meetings online and on Channel 18 gives residents more than enough information if they are interested.

Mattioli said he really likes what he is doing and hopes to keep the job for another two years. “I don’t have a full-time job,” he said. “I’ve always liked politics; that’s one thing that drives me.”

Matula Would Bring Council A New Voice And A New Perspective

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Political newcomer Felicia Matula is challenging incumbent Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli in the Tuesday, March 13 election, promising to bring a new perspective to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

“The council should do what it is elected to do, and that is to do what the people want them to do,” she said. “I don’t want my name on a park. I just want to listen to the residents and see what’s important to them.”

Matula is a mother with three children, two in elementary school and one in pre-kindergarten. She holds a bachelor ’s degree in business management from Elmhurst College in Illinois and earned a master’s degree in accounting from Nova Southeastern University.

Having moved to Florida 12 years ago, Matula works as director of finance for Pinnacle Hotel Management, which manages 30 Marriott and Hilton hotels across the United States. Prior to her current post, she was general manager of a Marriott Residence Inn. Matula became involved in Royal Palm Beach politics two years ago in the debate over the future of the former wastewater treatment plant site at the village’s north end. A soccer mom and coach, she was appointed to a spot on the Recreation Advisory Board last year.

Matula believes that she is the best candidate for mayor because she brings something new to the table. “Before I make a decision, I take the time to get everybody’s input,” she said. “Ask my staff. I never say, ‘Here it is, and I’m just going to make the decision no matter what.’ I always get their point of view.”

If elected, her top goal is to restore trust in government. During visits with residents while getting her qualifying petition signed, Matula said she was surprised by the number of people who told her they don’t vote because they don’t trust government.

She aims to close the gap between the council and residents. “I attend a lot of the local events, and sometimes I see our councilmen and sometimes I don’t,” she said. “I’ve thrown it out, ‘Why don’t you guys have a tent at these events, just be there and let the people walk by and talk to you?’”

Matula believes the village also does a poor job using its web site and social media outlets to communicate effectively with residents.

“Not everybody goes out of their way to pick up an agenda and see what’s on the program for the meeting,” she said. “I would really like to get more participation from our residents.”

Matula also believes promoting education is important. “I have three small kids,” she said. “All of our feeder schools in Royal Palm Beach are ‘A’ schools, so I struggle with the fact that our high school has had its ups and downs in the grading.”

She wants the village to do more in working with school officials to support the high school in making a turnaround.

If property values continue to fall, RPB could be forced to choose between a tax increase or further budget cuts next year, but Matula wants to examine other options. “We’ve got $73 million in the kitty,” she said, referring to the village’s reserves from the sale of its water utility. “I know we can’t constantly go to that, but certainly in the interim.”

She would prefer not to cut the parks and recreation budget. “I think they do a fantastic job,” Matula said. “I think you have to start with the little things.”

She would ask the village manager and all department heads what cuts they could propose, if any. “If they say, ‘We’re running as lean as we possibly can,’ then my first thought would be that we have a very large reserve,” Matula said. “Let’s tap into it and hope it gets better.”

Regarding the village’s recent creation of a foreclosure registry, she said hiring a company to aid in the tracking was a good move. “I really think that using the outside firm was the best route to go,” she said, noting the paperwork burden on staff to register the foreclosures.

Matula said that Royal Palm Beach is doing better with foreclosures than other areas. She said she has driven through other parts of the county where evidence abounds that there are vacant homes. “I can’t say that about Royal Palm Beach,” she said. “They have done a good job.”

With Roebuck Road and the final phase of the State Road 7 extension still years away, traffic remains a hot topic in Royal Palm Beach. Matula noted that traffic is not as bad as it used to be before the first phase of the SR 7 extension opened.

“I was driving to West Palm Beach where my office was… and a 17-mile drive was taking me 45 minutes, so it was horrendous,” she said.

Matula is frustrated that West Palm Beach has reneged on support for Roebuck Road and has resist-

ed completion of SR 7. “I don’t really have an answer to traffic,” she said. “Nobody wants to open the La Mancha [connection to State Road 7], and we’ve bermed over that, so my tax dollars I’ve seen spent twice. My tax dollars went to putting the street there, and now it went to building the berm.”

Asked whether she would like the Madrid Street connection open, she said, “I’m not going to spend my money three times.”

If it were open, she would use it because she lives near there, although she said there would be safety issues. “When you allow for easy access and easy getaway, it opens up the crime factor,” she said. “As a general manager of a hotel that was located near I95, I can tell you that the hotels that have the easiest access to I-95 have the highest amount of crime.”

Matula believes that Village Manager Ray Liggins is doing a good job. “Whenever I’ve gone into the village to ask a question, all his employees are extremely responsive,” she said.

One of Matula’s top issues is communication. She said that legal notices in the newspaper are not sufficient. “I don’t necessarily understand what [they’re] about until I go to the meeting that it pertains to, and the light bulb goes on once they start talking about it,” she said. “Sometimes I really just don’t know what is going to be discussed.”

To improve communication with residents, she suggests better use of social media. “I signed up for alerts, so at 7 o’clock I’m at the meeting and my phone vibrates. I’m like, ‘If I wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here, because you’re telling me at 7 o’clock.’”

As for the issue that led to her first foray into village government, Matula said that nothing should be done right now to change land use or zoning at the former wastewater treatment plant site.

“Let’s do the common maintenance, and there is various storage back there,” she said, suggesting paving part of the area to allow “residents to get their boats out of the driveways, get their campers out of their driveways and allow more spaces.”

Asked if she has the necessary experience to be mayor, Matula said, “I have to start somewhere.

You’re either going to be a new council person or a new mayor. I’m starting here.”

Among the issues that brought Matula into this election was last year’s council decision not to change village code to allow infant swimming instructor Sharon Powers to offer lessons in a residential area.

Powers is serving as Matula’s campaign treasurer,

Felicia Matula and Powers’ supporters were very angry at how the incumbent mayor handled that meeting.

“I was spurred on by the wastewater treatment plant, and Sharon Powers’ issues certainly didn’t hinder my thought process,” Matula said of her decision to enter the race. “But even before Sharon’s issue came up, I had already been involved enough that I knew that I wanted to run.”

She said she chose not to run against Richard Valuntas, who won re-election unopposed, because she feels comfortable with him on the council. With several candidates seeking vacant Seat 1, she chose the other available position. “I just felt that the mayor’s seat would be a good opportunity,” Matula said.

Matula believes that residents should vote for her because new isn’t always bad.

“I am a busy person, but I know when to say no,” she said. “Will I be at every single thing? I might not be able to attend 100 percent, but I will do my best to do what the voters vote me in office to do, which is be the face of Royal Palm Beach, run a good meeting and listen to them and try and do what they want.”

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NEWS

WELLINGTON HOSTS OPENING DAY CEREMONY FOR LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL The opening day ceremony for Wellington Little League Baseball was held Saturday, March 3 at Wellington’s Olympia Park fields near Emerald Cove Middle School. Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite threw out the opening pitches, and the national anthem was sung by 12-year-old Lexi Graves, who recently won Wellington Idol for her age division. A check for $500 was presented to the baseball organization, donated by Maroone Chevrolet of Greenacres.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, Maroone’s Rick Gold, Miguel Ortiz and Mayor Darell Bowen with the $500 check.

Mayor Darell Bowen with Alex and Miguel Ortiz of the Blue Jays.

Mayor Darell Bowen winds up for the ceremonial first pitch.

Lexi Graves sings the national anthem.

The White Sox gather for a photo before their game.

The Mets’ Sergio Zarate warms up.

WYCLIFFE GOLF TOURNEY BENEFITS HEALTHCARE, CHILDREN’S ORGANIZATIONS The Wycliffe Charities Foundation held its annual golf tournament Monday, March 5 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. After the tournament, there was an awards presentation with lunch, raffles, a silent auction and speakers. Wycliffe Charities supports local healthcare and children’s organizations in Palm Beach County that are not affiliated with any nationwide organizations.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Quantum House Executive Director Robi Jurney, Wycliffe Charities President Susan Webber, Palm Beach Habilitation Director of Development Roxanne Jacobs, Wycliffe Charities Board Member Marjorie Goldner and Hospice of PBC Foundation’s Lauryn Barry.

Women’s division first-place winners Ronna Bleadon, Susan Miller, Jeanne Goldner and Sue Glovsky.

Men’s division West Course first-place winners Saul Strenger, Howard Kronhaus, Mel Burnstein and Joel Lieberman.

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NEWS

Frames America To Feature Photographs By Barbara Sloan March 28

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report For 33 years, well-known fine art photographer Barbara Sloan has combined her love of photography and horses. Sloan will be featuring her impressive equestrianthemed photography at Frames America in Wellington on Wednesday, March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sloan has had a love for horses from a young age. “I began riding horses when I was 6 years old on my family’s ranch back in Texas,” she recalled.

While studying photography in France, Sloan met well-known photographer Elliott Erwitt. He noticed she had an eye for the art of photography and encouraged her to go into it professionally. Erwitt got Sloan set up with his agent Barbara Fine in New York City. “Barbara took me under her wing and got me started in Manhattan,” Sloan said.

One of Sloan’s first clients was Andy Warhol. “I started off doing portraits for his interview magazine,” she said. “Then I branched off into doing fashion photography.”

After doing a lot of fashion, advertising and editorial photography in New York City, Sloan moved to Europe. “The fashion scene changed in New York, and the European designers became more important,” Sloan explained.

She would travel to countries such as Italy, where she would do fashion photography for top designers such as Armani and Versace. While living in Europe, Sloan received devastating news.

“My mother developed cancer, so I had to move back to Texas and take care of her,” she said.

Back at her family’s ranch in Huntsville, Sloan began photographing the best thing she could find — the horses. “So I got some breeding stock, and bred my own horses, which I trained and ran in Texas and a little bit out of the state,” Sloan said.

When photographing a horse, Sloan likes to focus on the most intimate parts, she said as she pointed to a photo of a horse’s rump. “Most people say, ‘Well, why are you photographing a horse’s back?’” she said. “Well that’s the engine, and that’s what operates and gives power to the horse. And if you’re a real horse person, that’s one of the first things you look at on a horse.”

Sloan enjoys capturing specific expressions unique to that horse.

“I focus in on their face or something that is unusual about the horse, like the Friesians with their interesting hairy little fetlocks and ankles,” she said.

Sloan uses real film when she photographs horses. “I do these prints myself in my darkroom in

Barbara Sloan with one of her framed pieces.

Texas,” she said. “After I do the prints, I use an ancient technique of organically staining them, so they have this golden copper look.”

Many people are intrigued by Sloan’s old camera. “Anytime I’m out at a show taking photos of horses, people come up to me and say, ‘Oh my God, is that a real old Nikon and real film?’” Sloan smiled.

For Sloan, using real film to capture horses is what makes it artwork. “To me, this is the real fine art photography,” she said. “The artist is actually handling it and creating the print instead of a machine doing it.”

While in Huntsville, where a Texas correctional facility has one of the most active death rows in the United States, Sloan was given another interesting opportuni-

Some of Barbara Sloan’s fine art horse photography that will be on display.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

ty for photography. “I was approached by the Huntsville Art Commission to do an exhibit for their museum, on families whose loved ones were murder victims or were the family of the offender being executed,” Sloan recalled.

“It was a pretty heavy-duty project, and I worked on that for five years.”

Twenty pieces of Sloan’s artwork will be showcased along the

walls at Frames America. The March 28 event will be open to the public; refreshments will be served. “We will also have books of loose print where people can choose to have the prints customframed at the print shop,” Sloan said.

Frames America is located at 9308 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, in Kobosko’s Crossing. For more information, call (561) 790-1777.

RPB MAYORAL CANDIDATE FELICIA MATULA VISITS THE CHILDREN AT KINDERCARE

Royal Palm Beach mayoral candidate Felicia Matula visited classes at KinderCare in Royal Palm Beach on Friday, March 2 to celebrate Read Across America and the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Matula read Green Eggs & Ham and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. Matula is challenging incumbent Mayor Matty Mattioli in the Tuesday, March 13 election. For more info., visit www.feliciaformayor.com.

Felicia Matula shares a Dr. Seuss story with Kira Harper, Charles Banian and Connor Grayson.

Felicia Matula reads to the 2-year-olds class.

Felicia Matula with VPK students.

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OPINION Letters continued from page 5 public relations company, I support dressage having a home of its own in Wellington. The property would provide enough space to give dressage a beautiful competition home.

At the same time, I am opposed to the plans for a hotel and retail space on the land, which will greatly diminish the area available for equestrian activities and negatively impact my property. While property values may be enhanced if they are adjacent to an equestrian center, there is no question that they decrease for anyone living adjacent to a huge commercial development. The commercial part of the project is so large that I question whether the developer’s real focus is on bringing dressage to the community or making a profit at the community’s expense.

For this reason, I am supporting Bob Margolis for mayor and Matt Willhite and John Greene for council in the March 13 election.

They, too, support the equestrian part of the project while opposing the commercial part. They believe in protecting Wellington’s unique Equestrian Preserve. I believe Bob Margolis, Matt Willhite and John Greene will take all of Wellington into consideration, supporting existing local businesses as well as the true intent of the Equestrian Preserve in Wellington.

Mason Phelps Wellington

Disappointed In Guillaume In the Feb. 10 Town-Crier (“Attorney Byrnes Guillaume Seeking Lox Council Seat”), Byrnes Guillaume stated, “My campaign is not about being critical of the other guy” and that “he did not enter the race to scrutinize his opponent.”

For any candidate who is running for public office, this is admirable and welcomed by most voters, whether for a local or national campaign. When a candidate is willing to debate the issues with their opponent, the voters are better informed and educated. As a voter, I’ve longed for the day when political opponents could stay focused on the problems and issues affecting me, our community and country, so when I read Byrnes Guillaume’s comments in the Town-Crier, I was hopeful that the issues of Loxahatchee Groves would be at the forefront of our town’s upcoming election.

In the Feb. 24 Town-Crier (“Candidate Guillaume Aims To Listen, Solve Problems”), Mr. Guillaume stated that he had heard from some people that the incumbent “hasn’t been ethical.” This statement was made without any facts or evidence. Mr. Guillaume has slipped into the political void that we are all used to seeing, when candidates feel threatened or are not sure of the issues or concerns, they fall back on accusations and innuendo to throw the negative spotlight to their opponent.

Here are some facts about Byrnes Guillaume: He has attended a few town council meetings and a couple of water control district meetings. At a recent candidates debate, Mr. Guillaume was unclear and at times vague about the issues and questions asked. It took less than two weeks for Mr. Guillaume to go from his position that he is an issues-only candidate to “this is what I’ve heard.”

Vice Mayor Ryan Liang has stayed focused on the issues affecting Loxahatchee Groves, and after talking to Mr. Liang he has stated to me that he will not be drawn into a negative campaign by his opponent, and that he will continue to discuss the issues that affect the town. Ryan Liang has been a dedicated public servant to the residents of Loxahatchee Groves for the last three years, and I will vote to retain him for the next three years.

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

Stop Equestrian Village March 13 I recently engaged in an e-mail exchange with Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen over the Equestrian Village matter. First, I want to thank the mayor for taking time to respond personally. I disagree with his views, but I appreciate his effort to make them known in this way.

In the exchange, I suggested to the mayor that the Equestrian Village question be added as a referendum item to the upcoming March 13 municipal election. It seemed the ideal opportunity for all of Wellington to be heard. He

refused for two reasons: 1) he wrote, matters of greater impact on the community had been decided by the current council process, and 2) that if we decided everything this way, nothing would get done.

Well, I’ll submit that the Equestrian Village project is not “everything.” It’s a radical change in the character and feel of the village, and it has great impact, or it would not be generating such heat.

There’s been a battle of the bucks between millionaire developers and billionaire opponents, but the issue is bigger than dollars. Allowing the project in the preserve is the start of turning our rural haven into just another overdeveloped slice of Florida, like CityPlace, Fort Lauderdale Beach or Disney World.

The mayor has rejected a referendum on the project, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have one.

In fact, the question of the mayor’s re-election and that of his colleagues becomes that referendum.

It comes down to this: If you oppose the Equestrian Village, vote on March 13 for project opponents Bob Margolis, Matt Willhite and John Greene. A vote for these three will go far toward preserving the Wellington we know and love.

Jay Schleifer Wellington

Jarriel Supports IG, State Road 7 As a councilman for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves, I support the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General. While the OIG provides county and municipal government bodies with assistance for the efficient purchasing of goods and services, the independent advisory and audit work of the OIG will improve public confidence in county and local government operations.

We should remember the problems that led to establishing Palm Beach County’s OIG, the Code of Ethics and the Ethics Commission and appreciate the consistent leadership and support such positive reforms provided by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and State Attorney Michael McAuliffe.

Under Sheryl Steckler’s capable leadership, the inspector general will play a significant part of the overall ethics, transparency and accountability of our local government. Her experience and commitment to fulfilling objectives of the OIG are impressive.

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council adopted a resolution supporting the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, the Ethics Commission and an independent Office of Inspector General in July 2009. I’m glad the county is now reverting back to charging our vendors/contractors the onequarter percent fee. Our taxpayers must not be charged.

Also, I fully support the extension of State Road 7 to Northlake Blvd. As a retired firefighter who spent 31 years on the job, most of which was in the western communities, I know how overburdened our road infrastructure currently is. Any help to relieve traffic off Seminole Pratt and Okeechobee is desperately needed, not to mention the need for better evacuation routes in event of an emergency. The extension will improve the response time of both Fire-Rescue and the PBSO. Ron Jarriel, Councilman Loxahatchee Groves

The Facts On Ryan Liang On Feb. 24, the Town-Crier published an interview with Ryan Liang, who is seeking re-election to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council titled “Incumbent Ryan Liang Puts Focus On Experience And Progress.” There were several inaccuracies in Mr. Liang’s statements.

The article mentioned that during the resolution of the CalleryJudge challenge to the comp plan, there were some allegations that Liang had a conflict of interest regarding his family’s relationship with Callery-Judge. Liang said he approached the Commission on Ethics, which found no conflict. “I asked them if there was a conflict, and they told me that there was not a conflict,” he said.

It is interesting that neither the state Commission on Ethics, nor the county Commission on Ethics has any documentation on record advising Ryan Liang about this conflict. Both entities have been contacted and have confirmed they received no such request from Mr. Liang.

Despite this fact, Ryan Liang is on record several times stating that he had such an opinion.

Doreen Baxter Loxahatchee Groves

SPECIAL NOTE ON LETTERS

The Town-Crier has received far more letters in recent weeks than we were able to publish before the March 13 election, even with additional space set aside. We published as many as possible, but our apologies to those whose letters were left out.

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 17

NEWS

PLENTY OF COSTUMES, FUN & GAMES AT TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB PURIM CARNIVAL Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington celebrated the Jewish holiday of Purim with a carnival Saturday, March 4. Families participated in children’s games, raffles and a silent auction, and watched a play by the religious school children. Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., visit www.templebnaijacob.com or call (561) 7934347.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Amber and Jamie Marcus make necklaces.

Marisa Feldman and Jillian O’Leary participate in the Haman’s Hat Hula Hoop Contest.

Amber and Jamie Marcus, Skylar Finkel and Ben Shaevitz.

Ryan Jaffe plays “Pin the Crown on the Haman.”

Donna Goldman signs for a silent auction item.

Wendy Ginsberg watches Ryan Jaffe in the Hamantaschen races.

THE ‘HAHA LADY’ SPEAKS AT WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES MEETING

Women of the Western Communities held its monthly mee ting Thursda y, March 1 at the Madison Green Golf Club. The guest speak er was Janet Lifshin, a.k.a. “the HAHA Lady” of the Humor Alliance for Healthy Attitudes. Also, Wellington Daisy Troop #20511 presented Allyson Samiljan of Harmony House with a $100 check.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Allyson Samiljan (back left) gets a check for Harmony House from Wellington Daisy Troop #20511.

Susan D’Andrea, Mair Armand, Laurie Piel, Stacey Kaufman, Janet Lifshin, Allyson Samiljan, Maureen Gross and Faye Ford.

Carole Anderson, Doris Carroll, Marge Specht, Terri Priore and Anna Moreau.

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NEWS Festival

In RPB This Weekend

continued from page 1 stage that features local performers from area schools, dance studios and after-school programs.

Businesses and community organizations will have booths set up to show what they do in the community.

Other activities include the “King of Wings” contest on Sat-

urday and Sunday. Kids who are into cooking can participate in an edible art kitchen program on Sunday, which is open to children of all of ages.

The young ones can also enter the annual Pirates & Princess Contest scheduled for Sunday at noon.

All contestants will get a prize.

The dog-friendly festival will also have a pet look-alike contest on Sunday. Pets and their owners can compete for prizes awarded for the first three places.

Sunday is the time for people to come see the finished street art.

“On Saturday, the artists are just working on their drawings and generally finish up on Sunday,” Miranda said. “We invite people to come out after their Sunday brunches. It doesn’t cost you a cent to get in and just walk around and get a little exercise.”

Since the event is free, most all of the cost to put on the festival is generated by sponsorships and in-kind donations, Miranda said, although the chamber operates a refreshment stand whose revenue goes toward the festival, and it charges a fee for exhibitor tents. It also receives a small portion of the carnival ride fees. Miranda expects that the event will pay for itself, but is not expected to turn a significant profit.

However, more than 20,000 people are expected over the two days if the weather cooperates. Travel Links will provide three air-conditioned buses for shuttle service from the parking area at Lamstein Lane to the festival.

The festival will open Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and close at

10 p.m. Saturday and at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The carnival rides will be open on Friday night starting at 5 p.m.

The two-day event will close down Royal Palm Beach Blvd. from

Palm Beach Skate Zone will host a Family Fun Day on Saturday, March 10 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

The event will feature activities for the whole family, including ice skating, bounce houses, roller skating, face painting, games, barbecue, raffles and food. Admission

costs $15 for participants and is free for spectators.

Palm Beach Skate Zone is located at 8125 Lake Worth Road, just west of Florida’s Turnpike. For additional information, call (561) 963-5900 or visit www.pbskate zone.com.

On the heels of Wellington’s municipal complex receiving its LEED gold certification, candidates were asked what they would do to keep Wellington “green.”

Hostetler said she would look to preserve existing green space.

“I’d be very careful, for example, about what goes on that K-Park land,” she said. “I would want to continue to support our parks and preserve our green space.”

Willhite noted that Wellington has dedicated 365 acres at the Wellington Environmental Preserve and is growing trees on village-owned property, among other measures. “We’re promoting the idea of the village having clean energy,” he said. “We’re a tree city, and we’re going to continue to promote that.”

Bowen pointed out that the new municipal complex is a green building and is a standard that can be used in future buildings. “I think what’s important is that we’ve adopted a culture that considers the environment in every decision we make,” he said.

Margolis noted that when he was on the council, he approved the purchase of K-Park. “I absolutely support preservation of green space,” he said.

Greene said he would seek a balance between responsible growth and sustainability. “It’s crit-

ically important that we protect the environment,” he said. “I would make sure we are not doing things to overdevelop property or to impede on what is considered protected land.”

Asked about their vision for the new Wellington Community Center, candidates seemed to feel it should be a multi-generational center.

“It should be utilized for programs by seniors as well as everyone else in our village,” Willhite said. “I would also like for it to have some kind of banquet facility that can bring some revenue into the facility and make it cost-efficient.”

Bowen said he hoped it was designed primarily to meet the needs of seniors.

“That is one part of our population that is growing,” he said, “that we may not have put as many resources into. I think we have to keep the seniors’ needs in mind as we build this facility.”

Margolis said it would be a crucial building for the seniors and thought that their input has not been taken into consideration.

“What has been done is that they’ve just asked for their approval,” he said. “They developed plans, and the seniors had a lot of issues with those plans. I always envisioned a separate senior center right next to the tennis courts.

While it’s going to be multi-generational, it needs to meet the needs of seniors.”

Greene said that since the facility is being built with tax dollars, it should meet the needs of a wide variety of residents. “I think that there are ways to get input from the senior community and understand what the other needs are,” he said. “I think we can use it as a multi-use facility.”

Hostetler said that the new community center would be a hub of activity.

“I believe we need to make sure that it’s conducive to our senior residents’ needs,” she said. “I foresee it to be the mecca for seniors, for teens, for all ages. I want to see it be the center of town again.”

The village recently put out a request for proposals regarding the K-Park site on State Road 7.

Candidates were asked what they’d like to see happen with the land.

Bowen said that he was eager to see the proposals but hoped to use the property to bring highwage jobs.

“We’re well beyond the amount of park space that we need,” he said. “What we do need are jobs. I think we have a great opportunity to look at some options that may create some good-paying jobs and broaden our tax base. It will also

give people the opportunity to afford to buy some of these foreclosed homes.”

Margolis said that he envisions the land as a science and technology park, possibly with some form of higher education on it.

“I would like to see if the University of Florida would like to open up a satellite office for its veterinary school,” he said. “I think that we have a lot of opportunities with our equestrian community to bring in an equestrian-type facility so that all of the village would benefit from it.”

Greene noted that whatever decision is made, it should be done carefully. He noted that with the land rented out, the cost of caring for the property is covered. “I wouldn’t rush to sell the land,” he said. “Wellington has to continue to grow and look at its options.”

Hostetler said she would want to see a project that enhances the community but doesn’t put a strain on local business. “It needs to be something different,” she said. “We need to look at unique things, such as a science and technology park.”

Willhite said that the land is an asset to Wellington and said he would only support something that keeps it as an asset to all.

“Whatever it is,” he said, “it has to benefit the village as a whole.”

pacities with the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and is on the board of directors of Women of the Western Communities, which works with the YWCA’s Harmony House, a safe house for battered women and children.

Asked how their backgrounds prepare them for the office, Smith responded that her work with the Rotary and the Economic Development Task Force has given her insight into the needs of small businesses.

Through Women of the Western Communities, she has participated in numerous charity events to help raise awareness for battered and abused women and children, and for the past three years, she has helped the chamber with the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival.

Hmara said he offers years of government service, leadership and organizational skills.

“Also, since we moved down here, for the past nine years I’ve been involved in different activities, not the least of which is the homeowners’ association, which gives a grassroots perspective on what actually the needs are of the

community,” he said.

Hmara added that his experience with the Crestwood Redevelopment Task Force gave him insight into the workings of Royal Palm Beach government.

“It gave me a lot of insight to the land use designation process all the way up through and including permitting, as well as an opportunity to get to know what the residents of the community are seeking in the form of reasonable and balanced development,” he said.

Teaching at Palm Beach Atlantic has also given him perspective on what young adults in the area seek to accomplish, he added.

Candidates were asked what they would do to fill the remaining vacant parcels in the village.

Hmara said that he supported the decision by the Aldi grocery store chain to locate a 500,000square-foot regional distribution center in the village on 70 acres off State Road 7.

“Supporting the implementation of that is a really important thing because while bringing jobs and various other benefits, there’s also likely to be some significant activity in that area,” he said, adding

Florida Department of Transportation funding, or a raised direction median if the funding does not come through.

PZA Board Chairman Carmine Priore III noted that parents would not be able to turn southbound out of the school.

“There would be no left turn coming out of the school?” he asked, and Troutman confirmed it.

Board members asked how the traffic compared to what had been approved previously. “It’s a more intense use than what was approved before,” Troutman said.

Schmidt said his clients agree to all the conditions. “We’re in

agreement to pay our fair share,” he said. “We’d like to bond out so that we can get our building permits and get underway.”

PZA Board Member Bob Margolis, also a candidate for mayor, asked whether the charter school would be affiliated with any of the other schools being built in the area. Flinchum said that the developer would build the school and then turn it over to a company. “It hasn’t been decided which one yet,” he said.

PZA Board Vice Chairman Craig Bachove made a motion to approve the two ordinances, which carried unanimously.

that the center needs to be buffered so the immediate residents aren’t adversely affected.

Hmara added that he would follow through on the Crestwood Redevelopment Task Force recommendation for mixed uses with primarily residential as a land use designation. The project has been tabled by the council indefinitely.

“The intention, I believe, was to make sure that the land was truly compatible with the neighboring areas,” he said.

Smith said filling vacant space must also include filling vacant storefronts. “We do have some vacant parcels if you’re looking for the land that needs to be developed,” she said. “We have quite a few spaces left. Our vacant storefronts — that’s also something that we need to take into consideration. I would like to work with the small business owners and make sure that those parcels that are built are occupied again.”

With the economy still forcing possible budget constraints, the candidates were asked where they would cut.

Hmara said he would go through the budget line by line and review fully what the village’s needs are to find cost-saving opportunities, and also look at what capital projects might be deferred. He also pointed out that the village has a substantial reserve that could be considered to stave off substantial budget cuts.

Smith said she would look at each item separately. “We don’t have a lot of wiggle room,” she said. “We can see how to generate revenues.”

road that had not been covered in the district project.

“I think we’re at the end of the runway on what we can do,” he said. “The manager and attorney had to jump through hoops as to what to do. We’ve got to the point that we can’t expand at this point.

I don’t disagree with Tom, but I think to jeopardize what we’ve got to do, I’m not interested in doing anything else.”

Goltzené said he felt it was just a matter of adding more work with the same contractor.

Mayor Dave Browning said if

he had his way, he would have reduced the North Road project, adding that he was a little perturbed that the engineering was going to cost $14,500.

Jarriel suggested that the issues on Collecting Canal be taken up by the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee and that the current plan should not be delayed since the paving project is ongoing. Rocket made a motion to approve up to $141,000 for the project and up to $15,000 for engineering, Jarriel seconded, and it carried 50.

Teams of four can sign up for kayak races Saturday at Lake Challenger Park.

Wellington

Final Forum

continued from page 1 than $250,000. It’s very clearly a lot of money being thrown at an election, and you have to wonder why.”

Margolis said he has always supported election finance reform for this very reason.

“If it was up to me,” he said, “we’d have debates like this and any money raised would go to charity. We have no control what outside interests do.”

He pointed out, however, that

Carnival rides are popular with all ages.

Bowen once took contributions from the same person who is now attacking him.

“He took campaign funds in his last election,” he said. “It’s interesting to see that [Bowen] doesn’t agree with what he’s doing now, considering he’s taken funds from him before.”

Bowen admitted to receiving donations from the Jacobs family in the past and wondered whether that was the impetus behind the negative campaign.

“I think I know why the smear campaign against me,” he said. “I accepted some campaign contributions from him, but it didn’t buy my vote.”

Candidates par ticipating in the forum were (L-R) John Greene, Shauna Hostetler, Darell Bowen, Matt Willhite and Bob Margolis.

Al Paglia did not attend.

PHOTO COUR TESY LOIS SPATZ

Royal Palm

Two Council Candidates

continued from page 1 the issues that affect us here in Royal Palm Beach,” he said.

Smith grew up in Antigua in the West Indies and went to high school and college in Miami, where she graduated from Barry University with a degree in marketing. She worked with sports teams in South Florida before transferring to Wisconsin for eight years, and moved back to South Florida to help her mother open a small business.

“I was doing some volunteer work out here in the western communities, moved out here and bought our first home,” she said.

“My husband and I have been married almost four years now.”

Smith is vice president and president-elect of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. “We have donated dictionaries to every thirdgrader in Royal Palm Beach,” she said. “We fed over 420 families with our Thanksgiving project. We did a breakfast with Santa for neighborhood kids as well.”

Smith also serves in several ca-

PZAB

School On SR 7

continued from page 1 sign center as well as related storage space.

Wellington traffic consultant Andrea Troutman said that the approval came with some traffic conditions, noting that the applicant must extend the southbound turn lane to the north of the property.

They must also enter into an agreement to pay for a traffic signal at Palomino Drive pending

Groves

North Road Project

continued from page 3 owners there who want the same services.

“On Collecting Canal, we have a similar situation,” Goltzené said.

“We might want to consider addressing that as well.”

Rockett said he thought the issues on Collecting Canal were different than North Road, where there are segments of unpaved

Kayak races will be held Sunday, with heat competitions leading up to the final race of the day.

There will be a fee for carnival rides, which will be set up on the west side of the festival grounds adjacent to the Royal Inn and TD Bank.

Miranda said she is most excited about the addition of a fireworks display. Zambelli Fireworks will present two fireworks shows Saturday night over Lake Challenger.

Viewing times are at 7:10 and 9:50 p.m.

Charter

RPB Council Approval

continued from page 1 tuition,” he said. “Parents choose to come. It’s a school of choice.

It’s an option to provide a highquality education choice to the residents in your community.”

Page said that Charter Schools USA has been in operation for years with a high record of success. “We began operating schools in 1997,” he said. “We are one of the oldest and longest-running charter school organizations in the country. We operate 27 campuses, 31 charters with over 25,000 students in our network in three states. We started in Florida and have grown.”

He pointed out that Charter

Southern to Seminole Palms Drive.

Detours will be posted.

More information about the festival is available at www.royalpalm beachfestival.com or by calling (561) 790-6200.

Benefit Concert For WHS Fine Arts Dept. March 14 The Wellington High School Fine Arts Department will present a benefit concert Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the WHS performing arts theater.

The program will feature performances by the dance, drama, choral music and instrumental music programs, as well as outstanding

art pieces and live art creation from the Visual Arts Program. There is a suggested donation of $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Fine Arts Department. The entire community is invited to this event.

For more information, call the school at (561) 795-4900 or visit www.whsband.com.

Skate Zone Family Fun Day

Candidates Jeff Hmara and Selena Smith Increasing job opportunities would also serve to increase the tax base, she said.

Asked about their position on the possibility of reopening the now bermed-over Madrid Street connection to the State Road 7 extension, Smith said she felt that traffic seems to be moving smoothly right now. She pointed out that Palm Beach County FireRescue has advocated opening it to cut down on response times, which would also increase traffic, but said she might consider it in the future.

Hmara said he would be concerned about more traffic on Madrid if the connection were opened.

Last year, the council split 2-2 in its decision to prevent a woman from giving infant swimming lessons in her home pool, which was a violation of village code. Both candidates said they would have upheld the existing village code.

Smith said she was at that council meeting. “The facts I got was that there was a business being conducted in a residential area,”

she said. “There are some things that become obtrusive to neighbors or to the village itself, and I was glad to see that alternatives were given in order to make that happen.”

Hmara agreed. “I think it was recognized at that meeting that that service was an important service,” he said. “It is unfortunate that the business was in a residential area, and I agree that having options for that individual to continue providing that very critical service was a good thing.”

Asked their goals for the village, Smith said she wanted to promote small business. “Small business is the backbone of the village,” she said, explaining that she would encourage residents to use small businesses for their services.

Hmara said his goal would be to promote open communications.

Referring to the first Crestwood initiative, which was to promote a business park, he said he thought communication could have been better. “Some residents felt the plans were fairly well along without input of residents,” he said.

Schools USA has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. “It’s the gold standard for measurement of quality in schools today,” Page said. “Many public schools are accredited; charter schools are accredited as well, individually. Our organization is the only management organization ever to receive accreditation as a system. This means every school that we have is accredited, including every new school that we open, so this school will receive accreditation the day it opens.”

Page added that his company’s schools have outperformed the state average in proficiency ratings in every category for the past 10 years.

“We have a long track record of success,” he said. “We know how to get results, and we are very ex-

cited about being a part of this community.”

Several members of the public spoke in favor of the school, including Walgreens Regional Manager Jeff Swenson, whose company operates a store adjacent to the site. “As a health provider, we look forward to keeping those 1,100 kids healthy. That store has been there since 2001. It always was one of our most successful stores until a year and a half ago,” Swenson said, referring to when the Albertsons closed.

Swenson added that any traffic inconvenience during drop-off and pick-up times would be more than offset by the benefits.

Councilman Richard Valuntas said he supported the application.

“This group does have a proven track record,” he said. “They have done their due diligence.”

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 21

NEWS

PLENTY OF OUTDOOR FUN AT WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S CARNIVAL The Wellington Elementary School PTO sponsored the school’s 2012 carnival Saturday, March 3 on the school grounds. It was a family PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER fun day featuring bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, games, music, food and more.

Bailey Maher of Bailey’s Bracelets, which benefits Wellington Elementary School’s ESE Department.

Nicole Traynor holds a Madagascar hissing cockroach as Jessica Ezratty looks on.

Ivan Gonzalez swings the mallet as Eileen Gonzales and mom Serendira look on.

Devin Carter goes down the bounce slide.

Stephanie Holloway, Audrey Thompson and Isabella Holloway enjoy some of the cookies that were available.

Arie Morales wedges an apple.

Michelle Martin demonstrates Kangoo Jumps to Fernando Alvarez and Austin Stitt.

Premier Designs Jewelry’s Debra Eddy helps Diane Maher with a necklace.

Hi Touch High Tech Program Director Jessica Ezratty makes slime with Fernando Alvarez, Juliana Santiago, Arie Morales and Greta Siverts.

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 23

POLO & EQUESTRIAN

Valiente I Tops Valiente II In Royal Salute C.V. Whitney Cup Final Rain clouds parted just in time for a beautiful afternoon last Sunday as International Polo Club Palm Beach hosted both the exciting Royal Salute C.V. Whitney Cup final and Polo With Pedro, an annual charity fundraiser to sup-

Torquhil Ian Campbell, the Duke of Argyll.

port the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. Valiente I defeated Valiente II 10-8.

Local business owner Taylor Hughes sang the national anthem prior to the coin toss. Also gracing the polo field to kick off the festivities was Royal Salute brand ambassador, the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Ian Campbell, and Tommy Morrison, nephew of Polo With Pedro namesake Pedro Morrison.

The featured 4 p.m. match pitted father against son as Bob Jornayvaz and his Valiente I team and Robert Jornayvaz and Valiente II squared off for the Royal Salute C.V. Whitney Cup title in the season’s first 26-goal tournament. The action started early with Valiente II’s David Stirling scoring the first goal with less than a minute gone in the first chukker. But soon after, the match’s first of three injuries occurred with a collision between Stirling and Valiente I’s Miguel

Astrada, giving Astrada two penalty conversions and ending the first chukker 2-1. Valiente I managed to maintain the lead until the end fifth chukker, when both teams were tied 8-8. It was Valiente I’s Miguel Astrada, who scored a 40-yard penalty conversion, that gave Valiente I the 10-8 victory over Valiente II. Valiente I’s Polito Pieres was named the MVP of the match, in part to his great defensive skills and aggressiveness.

Tournament play for the 2012 USPA Piaget Gold Cup begins this week and continues through the weekend with Piaget and Lechuza Caracas battling it out for the featured match Sunday, March 11.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach has seven state-of-theart polo fields, a stunning newly renovated pavilion and a variety of entertainment, making it the place to see and be seen every Sunday. Whether it’s enjoying a glass of champagne, the spectac-

Stephanie Anne and Katherine Lande enjoy the afternoon. ular field-side brunch, or partaking in reserved lawn seating, Wellington Kids Zone or general admission seating, IPC has some-

Valiente I defeated Valiente II 10-8 in the featured match.

IMAGES COURTESY LILA PHOTO

thing to offer every level of spectator.

For season information and tickets, visit www.internationalpolo

club.com. Find IPC on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.ipcscore board.com for up-to-date scores, schedules, rosters and more.

O’Shea Wins Hermès Puissance, Tisbo Wins Vitaflex Match Races The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival had an exciting day of competition last Saturday with a full schedule of hunters and jumpers. In the International Arena, the night session hosted two classes that highlighted power and speed.

In the $35,000 Hermès Puissance, Paul O’Shea rode Primo Level, owned by Michael Hayden, to win in four rounds of the high jump competition.

Lauren Tisbo and Welinde were the fastest through four rounds for victory in the $35,000 VitaFlex Match Races. Earlier in the day, Reed Kessler scored an international win in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic, while Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S captured victory in the $25,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Jumper Stake.

The $35,000 Hermès Puissance was a highlight event last Saturday night with O’Shea and Primo Level clearing the wall at 6’8” (2.02m) for the win. Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, N.Y., was the course designer.

D’Ambrosio raised the wall from 5’8” (1.72m) at the start, all the way up to a towering 7’2” (2.17m) through four rounds of competition.

The class began with nine entries jumping vertical, oxer and triple bar obstacles leading up the

wall at a height of 5’8” (1.72m).

Three of the original duos faulted in the first round to tie for fourth place.

Steven Bluman and Percynality had a rail at the triple bar before clearing the wall, knocking him out of the competition. Mark O’Sullivan and Milord De Kergane, owned by Patrick Dwyer, dropped a rail at the first fence and were also unable to continue. Last to go, Alvaro Lozada and Ronan Group’s Urileva knocked a block off of the wall in round one and would also continue no further.

Six other combinations jumped clear to advance to a second round, where the wall moved up to 6’2” (1.87m) in height. All six went clear to also return for a third round.

In the third round, the wall increased in height to 6’8” (2.02m).

David Will and Colorit, owned by Isaak Klaus, Filip De Wandel and Dacha De Toulon, owned by Sophie Laforce, Richard Spooner and Caretol, owned by Molly Ohrstrom, and Charlie Jayne and Balougris SL Z, owned by Pony Lane Farm, all dropped blocks off the top of the wall in the round to tie for third place.

Defending champions Pablo Barrios and Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Quivola returned against O’Shea and Primo Level as the

only entries to clear the 6’8” wall and advance to a fourth and final jump-off round. With the wall set at 7’2” (2.17m) in height for round four, neither pair was able to clear the obstacle. Barrios and G&C Quivola finished in second place after two refusals ended their evening. O’Shea and Primo Level jumped the final wall, but knocked the top blocks, earning their victory with the 6’8” clearance.

O’Shea and Primo Level, a tenyear-old Hanoverian gelding, also competed in last year’s Puissance class and finished in third place after clearing 6’6” (1.95m).

Prior to the Puissance, 16 horseand-rider combinations showed in last Friday night’s $35,000 Vita Flex Match Races with a win for 27year-old Tisbo of Wellington, aboard Tequestrian Farms’s Welinde. The class was held in a bracket-style format with four rounds of head-to-head competition. Entries competed in pairs over identical courses, racing to the finish side by side against the clock.

Tisbo and Welinde jumped clear and fast in the final round against Haylie Jayne and Fly Away, owned

by Alex Jayne, to earn the victory following three rounds of competition. In round one, the pair outjumped Anna Murphy and Caladesi. Moving on to the sec-

ond round, they beat out Mikala Chesler and Ruth Armstrong’s Ilian De Taute. Round three set the duo against Daniel Bluman and Fatalis Fatum to win once again.

In each round, Tisbo and Welinde prevailed.

In order to make it to the final round against Tisbo, Haylie Jayne and her mount Fly Away beat out Kelsey Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm’s Sorina in round one, Amy Millar and Brookstreet Stable’s Victoria in round two, and defending champion, Richard Spooner aboard C&S Partnership’s Pariska 2, in the third round. The final four came down to Tisbo, Bluman, Jayne and Spooner, then Tisbo and Jayne for the final round.

In the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic, 17-year-old Kessler notched yet another win at WEF, this time with Onisha. They sped around the course in 62.24 seconds, more than three seconds faster than second-place finishers, Shane Sweetnam and Little Emir, owned by Spy Coast Farm. Cian O’Connor and KEC Alligator Alley were third in 66.57 seconds.

There were 45 entries in the class and 13 clear rounds.

In the $25,000 Equine Couture/ Tuff Rider Jumper Stake, there were 56 entries. Fifteen were clear in the first round to advance to the jumpoff, and six of those ended up dou-

Paul O’Shea and Primo Level.

PHOTO COURTESY SPORTFOT

ble clear. The fastest in the jumpoff was Wang Chung M2S, ridden

by Lamaze for Morningside Stud and Torrey Pines. They set the winning time at 38.308 seconds.

Kessler nearly came away with her second win of the day but settled for second place in 39.316 seconds on Ligist. Ben Maher and Cloud Nine were third in 39.728 seconds.

In the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Danielle Goldstein sped to the win with Waliba VDL. They were the only double clear in the class. Second place went to Meagan Nusz on Vesuvius, while Jennifer Waxman and

Shakira were third. John Ingram of Nashville, Tenn., captured last week’s Elite Shavings AmateurOwner Hunter Over 35 division atop his mount, Hush. Ingram and Hush finished first, fourth and sixth over fences and topped the under saddle, claiming the championship tricolor with 22.5 points.

The Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition that conclude April 1. For full results, visit www.showgroundslive. com. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington.

For info., visit www.equestrian sport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Golden Grove Students Jump Rope For Heart

Students Of The Month — Principal Robert Hatcher with Matthew Cortes, Courtney Meyer and Alison Palma.

Western Pines Honors Students Of The Month Western Pines Middle School Principal Robert Hatcher has announced the students of the month for February. These students were selected by their elective teachers as exemplary students in and out of the classroom.

Matthew Cortes, this month’s chosen sixth-grader, is considered by his teachers to be a very responsible, well-behaved student who always comes prepared and participates actively in all class activities.

Seventh-grader Alison Palma is a clarinet player in the seventhgrade band. She currently has passed-off more lines out of her

method book than any other seventh-grade student. Palma stays after school several times a week to further develop her playing skills as well as learn the eighth-grade band’s music.

Courtney Meyer, this month’s eighth-grader, is a leader inside and outside the classroom. In class she pushes herself to excel with every activity, and she is always there to help other students when they are struggling.

Outside the classroom, Meyer is a key member of the girls soccer team and also volunteers her time to help the boys soccer team as well.

Golden Grove hosted its eighth annual Jump Rope for Heart event Feb. 14.

The students were jumping at the chance to help fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Heart disease and heart defects has touched the lives of many of Golden Grove students and faculty this year.

It is the school’s goal to promote heart wellness at Golden Grove through educating students on how to maintain a healthy heart.

On Valentine’s Day, students jumped rope to raise funds for the American Heart Association, which funds cardiovascular disease research, as well as public and professional education programs.

Jump Rope for Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart As-

sociation and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Jump Rope for Heart has been teaching kids the importance of a healthy heart for 33 years.

Golden Grove has collected over $79,071 in its years of participation. This year, the school collected $7,811 in donations for the American Heart Association.

Each child at Golden Grove participated in the event. They will receive thank-you gifts from the American Heart Association. The physical education department will receive a gift certificate from U.S. Games.

The top three fundraisers were fifth-grader Cody Sauermann ($315), kindergartener Ethan Wiesen ($311) and fourth-grader Kaitlyn Mannion ($300).

All Golden Grove students participated in Jump Rope for Heart.

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES ELEMENTARY HONORS SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School held its annual science fair last month. The students who did an outstanding job on their science fair projects were honored with ribbons. The students followed the scientific method, conducted at least three trials, controlled their variables and had a topic that was different or unique.

The first- and second-place winners in each category will be displayed and judged in the district science fair held May 7-10 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Shown above are (front row, L-R) Abigail Menelaws, Daniel Austin, Dalal Yaqub, Jordan Ingram, Kyle Taub and Aliya Cheatham; (back row) James Johnson, Kamryn Des Jardin, Sabra Barrs, Troy Sly, Rene Root, Andrea Schiola and Somer Stanley.

NEW HORIZONS AT WEF

Ideal School Stages Flash Mob At CityPlace

New Horizons Elementary School recently participated in the Winter Equestrian Festival. Students, parents, teachers and festival attendees enjoyed New Horizons Night. Student art work, items created by the SECME Club (Science, Engineering, Communication and Mathematics) and photos of school events throughout the year were on display. Per formances b y student flamenco dancers, the Drum Line and Glee Club all captivated evening visitors gathered before the festival began. The Glee Club, under the direction of music teacher Veronica Dillingham, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” to the audience gathered for the main events. Pictured here is the Glee Club singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Students, teachers and administration took over the center plaza at CityPlace Friday, Feb. 24 to the surprise of onlookers and shoppers. At 6:30 p.m. the Ideal Elementary School and Dream Middle School team went bananas flash mob style to the tune “Go Bananas.”

Principal Wendy Soderman came up with the idea for School Spirit Week. “We celebrate Flash Mob Friday every week during entry at school, and we decided to take it out to the community because the students have so much fun with it,” Soderman said.

In addition to students and teachers, many of the parents participated as well. Onlookers were surprised and delighted at

the spontaneous demonstration.

One shopper who was there had never seen a flash mob in person before, and thought it was a lot of fun and a great way to kick off the weekend.

“We hope everyone watching got as much of a kick out of it as we did,” Soderman said.

The Ideal School and Dream Middle School are pioneers in the use of multiple intelligence theory in the classroom. Their expertise in innovative education draws students from preschool through eighth grade throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information about Ideal and Dream schools, visit www.dreamideal.com or call (561) 791-2881.

Ideal and Dream students and teachers astound onlookers at CityPlace with the flash mob they created.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Seminole Ridge High School SECME Team Earns Olympiad Bronze Seminole Ridge High School SECME was the winner of five trophies and ribbons, including the third place overall for Palm Beach County, in the 2012 Olympiad engineering competition.

Teams from 15 high schools countywide participated in the contest held Feb. 25 at Santaluces High School. Students squared off in competition to race their mousetrap-powered model cars, launch their model rockets, build (and break) their model balsa wood bridges, demonstrate their knowledge in the Brain Bowl, and showcase their literary and artistic talents through essays, banners and posters.

The competition of cogitators was fierce, and the Hawks soared high, with their results as follows: honorable mention, Brain Bowl; honorable mention, mousetrap vehicle; second place, rocket; second place, poster; first place, banner; and third place overall in the county. SECME coordinators and coaches Erich Landstrom and Ed Batchelor, as well as Principal James Campbell, congratulate the Hawks on their awesome achievements.

• SECME Visits FAU Expo — Dean Mohammad Ilyas, head of Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, welcomed Hawk SECME members among the many from Palm Beach and Broward counties who were on the Boca campus for National Engineering Week.

The event began with a parade of banners students had created for the expo’s theme, “Engineers Make a World of Difference,” followed by speakers from the U.S. Air Force on new technologies and the Australian outback, and from the U.S. Navy on nuclear energy and submarines. Students toured the campus laboratories, enjoying demonstrations on the different types of engineering classes and research projects conducted at FAU — electrical, civil, mechanical and ocean engineering, and computer science on the cloud.

The day ended with the SECME winning second place in the banner competition, then exploring the exhibits at the Science Explorium in Boca Raton.

• Poetry Slam a ‘Snapping Suc-

cess’ — The National English Honor Society’s third annual poetry slam was “a snapping success,” according to sponsor and slam moderator Peggy Hand. “We more than doubled the number of participants this year, and our judges did a wonderful job of selecting from our 47 contestants,” she said.

The slam winners were as follows: Hillary Hutchings received the society’s Award for Literary Merit; Rachel Coulanges, third place; Jacqueline Campos, second place ($20); and Kenntrice O’Neal was the grand-prize winner, taking home $50 and a Barnes & Noble gift card courtesy of the SRHS English Department.

• Choral Groups Qualify for State — Seminole Ridge congratulates its combined women’s chorus, mixed chorale and chamber ensemble, whose ratings Feb. 24 at the Florida Vocal Association district high school concert music performance assessments qualify them for state assessments in April. The combined women’s group and mixed chorale received straight “Superiors” from all judges. The chamber ensemble received an overall “Excellent” rat-

ing, with all groups receiving “Superior” in sight reading.

• Artists Win at Artigras — At Jupiter’s annual Artigras festival earlier this month, Hawk artist Patricia Serrano won first place for grade 12, receiving a $100 savings bond along with her prize ribbon, and fellow artist Robin Rosier won second place for grade 10. Her art was professionally framed, as was her award. These students earned SRHS $125 for classroom supplies.

Also, the National Art Honor Society entry for the “Recycling is an Art” decorated barrel competition won an honorable mention, and earned Seminole Ridge an additional $50 for classroom supplies.

• Career and Business Hawks Tops in State — “Our diversified career tech (DCT) students preformed incredibly at the Business Professionals of America state competitions in Orlando,” DCT teacher Jeff Heitman said of the Feb. 24-26 event. “Robert Botkin did an outstanding job as state president, exhibiting excellent leadership skills and directing the officer team as they moved through the conference agenda. Nineteen

CRESTWOOD HOLDS PANTHER RUN STUDENTS BARNES & NOBLE NIGHT LEARN DENTAL CARE

Crestwood Middle School recently celebrated its annual spring Barnes & Noble night at the bookstore’s Wellington location. The Crestwood chorus, handbells and many members of the band performed as Crestwood students, parents and friends browsed the store discussing literature and finding new books. The Barnes & Noble event helps all the teams at Crestwood buy new contemporary fiction for their classrooms. Shown above are sixth-grader Anna Basso, Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance, Regal the Eagle and guidance counselor Cora Edwards.

Kindergarten students at Panther Run Elementary School recently received a special visit from Dr. Howard Shullman of Shullman Orthodontics and clinical assistant and marketing coordinator Stacey Miller. Shullman and Miller brought along “Coco the horse,” with great teeth. The three of them helped teach the students to properly brush their teeth as well as the importance of proper dental care. Students asked questions, which Shullman answered with help from Coco. Shown above is Shullman and Coco with Lisa Kenny’s kindergarten class.

Seminole Ridge SECME members with their Olympiad awards. students went to the conference, and all placed in various — sometimes multiple — competitions. In my 30-plus years of taking students to this event, this is the first time every student brought home an award. Seminole Ridge was the top award-winning school in our state organization.”

• Hawk Battalion Honors Ca-

dets — The SRHS Army JROTC held its annual National and Veterans Awards Ceremony Feb. 28 in the Dr. Lynne K. McGee Auditorium, with Major General Wayne P. Jackson as the guest speaker.

Jackson, Principal James Campbell and representatives of the national and veterans organizations presented awards to the cadets.

FUN WITH SCIENCE AT PANTHER RUN

High Touch High Tech scientists recently paid a visit to kindergartners, first- and second-graders at Panther Run Elementary School.

High Touch High Tech provides a fun, interactive approach to science. Scientist Justin Ezvatty (a.k.a. “Mr. Jay”) had all the students enthralled with interesting, hands-on experiments. Christine Salehi’s first-grade class learned about outer space and rockets, along with the earth, sun, moon, day, night and space travel. This particular program was called “Cosmic Capers.” The highlight was launching rockets outside using a bike pump. For more information about the High Touch High Tech program, visit www.science madefunsfl.net. Shown above, Ezvatty lets students take turns launching rockets outside.

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NEWS

FAMILY FUN DAY BASKETBALL CHALLENGE AT SAVON’S ACADEMY IN ROYAL PALM Savon’s Academy and the Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted the Family Fun Day Basketball Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. Children competed in shooting competitions and five-on-five games, and enjoyed pizza and other refreshments. For more info., visit www.savonsacademy.com.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Board members Aubin Robinson, Trishanna Gifford, coach Dale Savon Smith, Nicola Peterson and Jason Pugh.

Coach Dale Savon Smith with wife and board members Chastity Smith, Tandebie Frater and Jason Pugh.

Alec Hatcher, Chad Pierre-Louis and Joseph Chua after a game.

Jenniffer Findley, Jannette James, Aubin Robinson and Trishanna Gifford serve pizza.

Yves Labady, Zion Madison, Noah Katz and Max Kolb.

Nicholas James, Jules Jasmin and Dexter Dixon.

VINTAGE FINDS ABOUND AT THE WPB ANTIQUES FESTIVAL AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

There were plenty of unique finds at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival held Friday through Sunday, March 2-3 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Items ranged from vintage Coca-Cola machines to 19th-century canes and walking sticks, and much more. For more info., visit www.wpbaf.com.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER

Ken and Penny Gustafson look at a Waterford crystal ball from Audrey Kaplan Antiques & Collectibles.

Dorothy Loud of Dorothy’s Antiques models one of the mink stoles she had for sale.

Robert Mejia shows his son Nico a vintage toy.

Greg Biaggi, who has restored vintage Coca-Cola machines and jukeboxes for 34 years, with a 1950s vintage Coke machine.

Page 32 March 9 - March 15, 2012

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Pentz Wins Alcohol Prevention Poster Contest STUDENTS, WELLINGTON

Jesse Pentz (holding his poster) receives his award for being one of six winners of the Alcohol Prevention Poster Contest.

Brian Korte To Run NYC Half Marathon Wellington resident Brian Korte won the lottery, and will be headed to New York to collect.

The lottery is the entry into the prestigious New York City HalfMarathon slated for March 18.

Korte, a partner in Korte & Wortman P.A., is a triathlete who competes in several marathons and triathlons each year.

“The half is such a great event because you get to run a course that’s quite a bit different from a Florida course,” Korte said. “In addition to great views of the city, the course is actually somewhat hilly, which is a great challenge for someone who trains on more level terrain. This is my first time to get in, so it will be a great experience.”

This year’s event is expected to attract 15,000 runners. Participants include world-class athletes and first-time marathoners alike. Entries are limited to avoid congestion.

The 13.1-mile course is a tour of the city, beginning on Central Park’s East Drive with a clockwise loop around the park. It heads along Seventh Avenue toward Times Square, then along 42nd Street and the West Side Highway toward lower Manhat-

Brian Korte tan where it finishes near Battery Park.

Korte has been competing in triathlons for about three years, and trains daily for the grueling swim-bike-run events that combine a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1- mile run. Running the New York City Half-Marathon will be preparation for upcoming triathlons, including the Ironman 70.3 Texas and the Ironman 70.3 Miami, slated for the fall.

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.

The School District of Palm Beach County and its community partners recently held the Project SMART Alcohol Prevention Poster Contest Awards Ceremony, where the six district winners received their awards and were recognized for their talent.

The top six posters — two each from elementary, middle and high school — are being displayed on all district school buses. Winners received $100 each, in addition to Adobe Photoshop software.

Among those are Seminole Ridge High School senior Jesse Pentz.

Local finalists included Seminole Ridge sophomore Casey Davis and Cypress Trails Elementary School fourth-grader Hannah Jutte.

More than 770 Palm Beach County students from 67 schools

submitted entries to the second annual Alcohol Prevention Poster Contest. Their posters promote a clear educational message encouraging an alcohol-free lifestyle for youth. Semifinalists and top posters from each school were featured at the 2012 South Florida Fair in the Bink Glisson Museum at Yesteryear Village and are being displayed in the district headquarters until the end of March.

The contest is sponsored by a collaboration of organizations: the Palm Beach County School District’s Student Intervention Services, Public Affairs and Transportation departments; the Acreage/ Loxahatchee Rotary Club; the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; the Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition; Adobe; and the South Florida Fair.

GARDEN CLUB PLANT BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Burggraaf Publishes New Children’s Book Author and Western Pines Middle School teacher Deborah Burggraaf has announced the release of her fifth book, Hot Wheels for Benny.

Hot Wheels for Benny follows Burggraaf ’s fourth book, Crow No More, which was well received by children, parents and educators, and the same positive response is anticipated for Hot Wheels for Benny.

Burggraaf has teamed up with illustrator Matt Lumsden, a graphic design artist from Delray Beach, to create an inspirational story of the bond between a father, Mr. Bolek, and his 9-year-old son, Benny, and what it means to work hard for what you want in life.

The central characters in the book are the Bolek family and the neighbors on Tarnow Street. Ripp, the owner of the local hardware store, has also been a local friend over the years.

As it nears the holidays, the Bolek family gathers together each year. This year, Benny hopes to open one gift under the tree — a shiny, new blue bicycle. Benny soon learns that there is only one way to have the bike of his dreams; he has to earn it.

Mr. Bolek teaches Benny that with hard work, responsibility is rewarded. Benny completes odd jobs for the local families, saving his quarters in a pink, piggy

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Palm Beach Central High School Environmental Club planted a butterfly garden at the Wellington Environmental Preserve on Flying Cow Road. A group of six students, along with their teacher and two mentors from the Wellington Garden Club, installed 19 different species of native butterfly plants. Each plant is labeled with the common name for easy identification. The garden will be maintained by the environmental club PBC Gone Green, under the leadership of teacher Toni Riebe with help from the Wellington Garden Club. Students involved were Yan Ortiz, Shanice Gordon, Adam Alexander, Asya Owens, Hunter Waters and Amanda Tunno. Linda DeSanti and Lisa Ferrano from the Wellington Garden Club assisted in the planting.

Deborah Burggraaf bank for the bicycle of his dreams.

With its vibrant colors and mastery of the spectrum, Lumsden has once again captivated readers.

Parents, teachers and children will also welcome the learning activities available on Burggraaf’s web site at www.dburgg.com.

Hot Wheels for Benny is published by Protective Hands Communications in Riviera Beach. For more information, call (866) 4571203.

BRENDON REAVY PREPARES TO DEPLOY

U.S. Army Specialist Brendon Reavy is set to deploy to Afghanistan for a ninemonth tour with the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division.

Reavy is assigned to the 3rd Squadron 61st Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Carson, Colo. Reavy is the son of Scott and Patricia Reavy of The Acreage and a 2009 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School.

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NEWS BRIEFS PWCF College Scholarships Now Available The Palms West Community Foundation has announced that eight scholarships will be awarded in April to graduating seniors from high schools in the western communities.

There will be one scholarship awarded to one student from each of the following schools: Royal Palm Beach High School, Wellington High School, Seminole Ridge High School, John I. Leonard High School, Palm Beach Central High School and Pahokee High School.

Then, there will be two scholarships awarded at large, which will cover students who live in the western communities but attend a high school outside the geographic area; this includes students attending magnet schools, private schools or those who are homeschooled.

The application and criteria information for applying for one of these scholarships can be found at www.palmswest.com by clicking “Scholarship Program” under “Your Chamber.” The deadline for submission of an application is Monday, March 26.

All applicants must be available for an interview with the education committee on Monday, April 2 between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce office, formerly known as the Palms West Chamber office, located at 13901 Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves.

The eight scholarships will be awarded to the winners at the

chamber luncheon Monday, April 16.

All students are encouraged to apply. For more information, call Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail maureen@palmswest. com.

Wellington Garden Club Summer Camp Scholarships Wekiva Youth Camp, located north of Orlando in Wekiwa Springs State Park, offers six oneweek resident camping sessions during June and July for students who have completed grades three through eight. The camp, managed by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) and the Florida Park Service, is nonprofit and is accredited by the American Camp Association.

The Wellington Garden Club, an FFGC club, offers partial scholarships that cover more than half the tuition. The total tuition for one week at Camp Wekiva for students sponsored by the club is $240. The Wellington Garden Club scholarship program provides $144 or 60 percent of the total cost. The family of the camper pays the remaining $96. Opportunities are also available for a parent to accompany a child in exchange for the parents’ volunteer assistance at camp for the week. In exchange, a substantial tuition discount is given for the child and the parents’ room and board is free.

Wekiva Youth Camp provides an unforgettable experience en-

joying nature, crafts and the beauty of the natural world in a beautiful and pristine setting. Campers enjoy a unique outdoor living and learning experience with close supervision. They explore the beauty of Florida, enjoy the plants and animals of Wekiva and discover the importance of conservation.

Details on Wekiva Youth Camp and its programs can be found at www.ffgc.org/youth. For Wellington Garden Club scholarship information, call Twig Morris at (561) 434-6629 before April 1.

Wellington To Offer Youth Lifeguarding Class In March Wellington will offer a junior lifeguarding class Monday, March 19 through Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. The program is for strong swimmers ages 10 to 14 and costs $75.

During spring break, the Wellington Aquatics Complex will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 17, and Monday, March 19 through Saturday, March 24. It will be closed Sunday, March 18 and open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 25.

To pre-register for the program, visit the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) or Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). For more information about junior lifeguarding, contact Aquatics Supervisor Eric Juckett at (561) 753-2497.

Keep PBC Beautiful This Earth Day Looking to make Palm Beach County a cleaner, greener, more livable place? Local nonprofit Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful and the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County encourage you to get involved in the 2012 Great American Cleanup, a national campaign organized by Keep America Beautiful.

To usher in Earth Day 2012, the Great American Cleanup will take place in Palm Beach County officially Saturday, April 21, with some programs on additional dates. As part of the nation’s largest grassroots community improvement program, Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful volunteers will clean up litter and debris from public spaces, neighborhoods, roadways, waterways, parks and schools. Additional community improvement activities include tree and landscape plantings, and other beautification projects. The cleanup is a significant opportunity for local organizations to coordinate activities that encourage civic engagement and action.

Volunteers can visit www . keeppbcbeautiful.org for further details and sites, or call (561) 6866646 for more information. Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by contacting the volunteer coordinator at their chosen location. All supplies will be provided and commemorative T-shirts will be given away to volunteers while supplies last. Community service hours will be given.

March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 33

Cornelia Guest To Speak At Women In Business Luncheon On March 15 The Palms West Community Foundation has announced that the fashion icon Cornelia Guest will be the speaker at the Women in Business luncheon Thursday, March 15 at noon at the Players Club (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington).

“Through our trustee member, Mason Phelps Jr., we learned that Guest was going to be in town to promote her new line of must-have cruelty-free bags, and she has graciously agreed to join us to be a part of our Women in Business Luncheon series,” said Maureen Gross, director of development of the Palms West Community Foundation.

Guest is the daughter of Winston F.C. Guest, a polo champion and cousin of Winston Churchill, and Lucy “C.Z.” Cochrane Guest.

Guest is also the goddaughter of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. In 1982, she was named “Deb of the Year” and in 1986 was named “Deb of the Decade.”

Guest then authored the book The Debutante’s Guide to Life, a lifestyle she was well qualified to write about.

Guest has been passionate about animals and nature since she was a child, and her passion is reflected in every aspect of her life, including her philanthropy, animal activism and business enterprises. She has been able to utilize her notoriety, media attention and pro-

Cornelia Guest with some of her animal friends.

PHOTO COURTESY BRUCE WEBER

fessional contacts to support causes she believes in, such as the Humane Society of New York. In 2009, she founded Cornelia Guest Cookies, which offers vegan cookies, reflecting her mission to encourage and inspire people to be conscious of diet choices.

The 2012 Women in Business Luncheon series is sponsored by Iberia Bank, and the “Lunch with Cornelia” event is made possible

by Phelps Media Group International and the Players Club. Make your reservations early for this prepaid event, which is likely will sell out. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $35 for nonmembers.

For reservations, visit www.palms west.com and click on the Women in Business icon, or call Gross at (561) 790-6200, or e-mail maureen @palmswest.com.

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NEWS

German Team Wins FEI Nations Cup At Winter Equestrian Festival Germany claimed victory in last Friday night’s 10th annual $75,000 FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

Teams representing 10 different countries participated in the competition, and this was Germany’s first time winning the class. Ireland finished second, and Canada was third.

Last Friday night’s competition consisted of two rounds shown over a challenging course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of Red Hook, N.Y. Teams of four represented the countries of Colombia, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico, Germany, the United States, Venezuela and France.

After the first round, each team dropped their highest score. In the second round, six teams returned in order of highest to lowest total faults. The winner was determined by the lowest total of each team’s top three riders from each round.

The top six teams were Germany, Ireland, Canada, Great Britain, the United States and France.

The German team was made up of Jorg Oppermann and Heinz Eufinger’s Che Guevara 17, David Will and Deitmar Gulder Reitsport’s Don Cesar, Johannes Ehning and Nybor Pferde GMBH & Co. KG’s Salvador V, and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Octavia Farms’s Checkmate 4. A four-fault

score from Ehning and Salvador V was dropped from round one, and the team returned for the second round with a faultless score.

Opperman and Che Guevara 17 incurred four faults in round two, followed by clear rounds from Will and Don Cesar and Ehning and Salvador V. Meredith MichaelsBeerbaum and Checkmate 4 jumped clear in round one and were not needed to return for the second round when it was determined that the team could not be surpassed in the end. They finished with four faults total to take the win.

Ireland completed the class with an eight-fault total for second place, finishing with four faults in each round. The team included Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm’s Amaretto D’Arco, Richie Moloney and Equinimity’s Slieveanorra, Darragh Kerins and Kevin Babington’s Lisona, and Cian O’Connor and Ashkirk Ltd. and O’Connor’s Blue Loyd 12.

Moloney and Kerins each had a single rail in the first round, and one score was dropped. In the second round, Sweetnam and Kerins each had single rails, and O’Connor and Moloney jumped clear. A single score was dropped to leave the team with eight faults overall.

The Canadian team consisted of Ian Millar and Team Works’ Star Power, Tiffany Foster and Torrey

Pines and Artisan Farm’s Victor, Yann Candele and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Lansdowne, and Eric Lamaze and Ashland Stables and Torrey Pines’ Derly Chin De Muze.

Canada came into round two with zero faults after dropping Yann Candele and Lansdowne’s score of eight from round one. Lamaze and Derly Chin De Muze were the only Canadian pair to jump both rounds without fault. Ian Milllar and Star Power had one time fault in round two.

Great Britain and the United States tied for fourth place with 22 faults each. The United States completed round one with eight faults and incurred 14 faults in round two for a 22-fault total. Great Britain entered the second round with 17 faults carried over from round one. A five-fault total in round two gave them 22 faults as well. Nick Skelton and Beverley Widdowson’s Big Star were the only British pair to jump double clear for their country.

France just made the cut for round two, returning with a 28-fault total. The team then earned 16 faults in round two for a total of 44 faults overall to finish sixth.

Mexico placed seventh with a 29-fault total in round one. Colombia incurred 31 faults to finish in eighth place. Venezuela placed ninth with 35 faults in the first round, and Australia finished tenth with a 37-fault total.

Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin continued their reign at the top in last Friday afternoon’s $10,000 G&C Farm Speed Stake. It was the pair’s second trip to the winner’s circle that week after also winning the day session of the $5,000 Welcome Stake last Wednesday.

In the field of 28 international starters, Pessoa and Palouchin completed the fastest of six clear rounds in 63.76 seconds. Reed Kessler and Onisha finished second in 65.36 seconds. Nicholas Dello Joio and Geledimar placed third in 68.15 seconds. Darragh Kerins and Hot Wheels stopped the clock in 68.53 seconds to finish fourth. Darragh Kenny and Lipton De L’Othain, owned by Windward Farm, placed fifth in 69.08 seconds, and Paulo Santana and Santana Stables’ Athena jumped clear in 76.80 seconds to finish sixth.

HH Palouchin is a 1999 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Double H Farm. In addition their two victories this week, Palouchin and Pessoa also won week seven’s $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic, week four’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge, and week two’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class.

Also showing in the International Arena, Laura Chapot and Zealous earned a victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Chal-

Jorg Oppermann and Che Guevara 17.

PHOTO COURTESY SPORTFOT

lenge. Hardin Towell and Nolde triumphed in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class.

Mary Katherine Shaughnessy of Wellington surpassed a field of 22 competitors last week, claiming the championship tricolor in the Camping World Adult Hunter 51 & Older division on her mount, King Lear. The pair scored a first, second and two sixths over fences to top the division with 17 points. Reserve champion honors went to Quality Control, a 9-yearold Westphalian ridden by Margaret Taylor of Earlysville, Va. Taylor and Quality Control scored a

first and fourth over fences and finished third in the under saddle to secure the reserve tricolor with 16 points.

In the coming weeks, Shaughnessy will continue to rotate all three mounts in order to show consistently while preserving the health of her horses. With four weeks left in the festival, Shaughnessy will continue to pursue victory in the Adult Hunter ring.

For more information about the Winter Equestrian Festival, visit www.showgroundslive.com, www.equestriansport.com or call (561) 793-5867.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB HOSTS ST. PATRICK’S DAY-THEMED EVENT IN ROYAL PALM Members and guests of the Royal Palm Beach Young at Hear t Club celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at their monthly meeting Friday, March 2 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Hilary’s Restaurant cooked up a traditional Irish dinner consisting of corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots, and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Kay Paetow, Joy Maale and Anne Marie Mattozzo.

Charlotte Doran, Phyllis Katz and Iris Levin.

YAH Club board members Gloria Ferrara, Iris Levin, Mary Ann Robinson, Margie Bonner, Roberta Hennessy and Berit Hogan.

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 35

©Sportfot

©Anne Gittins

Don’t miss the $200,000 FEI World CupTM Grand Prix presented by The Bainbridge Companies Saturday, March 10 6:00 PM

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

Many public hospitality pavilions,

Free General Admission. Parking $20 per carload.

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

561.793.5867

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • Wellington, Florida

Page 36 March 9 - March 15, 2012

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PALM BEACH POLO SEASON AT INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB

JANUARY 8TH-APRIL 22ND

LILA PHOTO

Discover Sunday Polo th

Sunday, March 11 USPA Piaget Gold Cup • • • • • •

4:00 pm Featured Match Field Side Champagne Brunch General Admission Seating & Concessions in Wellington Zone Kids Zone Half Time Divot Stomp Polo Player Autographs Following Match

View Schedule | Purchase Tickets | General Information Internationalpoloclub.com | Box Office: 561.282.5334 Club Line: 561.204.5687

3667 120TH AVENUE SOUTH | WELLINGTON, FLORIDA 33414

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English Expressions ‘Straight From The Horse’s Mouth’

Have you ever stopped to think about all the expressions and idioms we use that have their basis in something equine? From “horsepower” to “hold your horses,” there is a horse-related saying for almost every situation. This week, we take a look at a few.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 39

March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 37

Wellington Baseball Falls To Woodward Academy 3-2

The Wellington High School varsity baseball team fell to Woodward Academy 3-2 at a home game Monday, March 5. Early on, neither team was willing to give up a run, and neither could break through the other’s defense. But at the top of the sixth inning, Woodward took control of the game. Page 53

Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business Wellington’s Ventura Construction Specializes In Equestrian Properties

Specializing in building equestrian homes and custom barns, Ventura Construction can build the property of your dreams. With a combined experience of more than 40 years, owners Rob Wilson and Brian Smiley partnered up four years ago and started Ventura Construction. The firm specializes in residential construction and remodeling, as well as equestrian construction from custom barns to riding rings.

Page 41

Sports Bronco Baseball Team Shuts Out Seminole Ridge Hawks 10-0

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity baseball team traveled to Seminole Ridge on Thursday, March 1 and shut out the Hawks 10-0. The Broncos jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning of play. The Palm Beach Central defense provided solid play to earn the shutout. Page 53

THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................39-40 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 41-43 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 48 SPORTS & RECREATION........................53-56 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ......................58-59 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................60-64

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FEATURES

English Expressions ‘Straight From The Horse’s Mouth’ So a horse walks into a bar. The bartender looks at him and asks, “Why the long face?”

That’s one of my favorite jokes (yes, I know, let’s not go there), and I frequently ask my horses, “Why the long face?” They never get it, but it makes me smile. Which brings me to this week’s topic. Have you ever stopped to think about all the expressions and idioms we use that have their basis in something equine?

The most obvious place to start is with transportation, which logically often was the literal use of “horsepower.” We have “putting the cart before the horse,” “hoofing it” and “horseless carriages,” which is what cars used to be called. Speaking of cars, there’s the Dodge Charger and Ford’s stable of Mustangs, Broncos and the ill-fated Pinto, which had an unhealthy habit of bursting into flame if it got rear-ended. (I used to own one of those.)

When you “ride roughshod” over someone, you’re not treating them nicely; even thinking about that one hurts. We’ve all passed through “one-horse towns” and have occasionally “locked the barn door after the horse got out.” I’ve known more than a few “old gray mares,” some of them “turned out to pasture,” others still feeling coltish and stubborn as mules.

I’ve known “clotheshorses,” “one-trick ponies,” people “without a lick of horse sense” Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg who needed to “get off their high horses.”

I’ve dealt with “horse traders” and occasionally “looked a gift horse in the mouth.” I’ve shaken my head at various “dog-and-pony shows,” noticed many “a horse of a different color,” and avoided accepting “Trojan horses.”

I’ve been told, or told others, to “quit horsing around” or to “hold your horses,” been “hungry as a horse” and worn my hair in a ponytail. I’ve voted for “dark horses” and occasionally backed the wrong horse in a race.

Speaking of racing, there are quite a few expressions off the track. No one likes wearing “blinders.” We’ve been “off to the races” on occasion, and at work, some stories on deadline come “right down to the wire.” They were “off and running,” because they had “a horse in the race.” Of course, we knew the ideas were going to be successful “right out of the starting gate.” Two employees might vie for a promotion “neck and neck,” and one might get it “by a nose.”

Injured and dead horses tend to show up in idioms as well. If someone’s “ready for the

glue factory,” he is not doing too well. Being “hobbled” isn’t fun. No one likes getting “reined in,” “spurred on” or “pulled up.” “Beating a dead horse” is a really useless occupation. And “changing horses in midstream” never seems to end up well. Speaking of streams, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

And if you’re stuck in the “horse latitudes,” you’re going nowhere anytime soon.

This term may have an historical origin. It’s believed that when the Spanish conquistadores traveled to the Americas, they’d hit the calm doldrums in the mid-Atlantic, where the trade winds Why the long face? I’m glad you asked! didn’t blow, resulting in a shortage of water. It became a choice of who “work like a team.” Others who are “feeling got to drink and stay alive: the sailors or the their oats” may enjoy “throwing around the horses. Dead or dying horses got thrown over- old horsehide,” which might result in a board, hence, the “horse latitudes.” “charley horse.” Old generals are “warhorsSome people “champ at the bit” to “get es,” some politicians are “straw horses,” hitched.” Others love watching an “oater” and then there are “stalking horses.” If wishor a horse opera. I’ve known people who es were horses, beggars would ride, to “curry favor” with others, and some who which I say, “horse feathers!”

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FEATURES

I’d Study History, But It Makes Me Worry About Tomorrow!

I admit it — I’m still upset about having to take history in high school. I didn’t like the subject and couldn’t see the necessity of taking it. I might have been able to relate if it had talked about women a little bit, but back then, it didn’t. It was all about war and weapons, which I considered guy stuff. There was not a single mention of how many gallons of water actually had to be dragged from the river in leaky wooden pails in order for the women to get their work done. So I protested but was told, “You must learn history or it will repeat itself.”

I asked how we got involved in World War II then, but, haha, I’m so silly.

Yet there will never be a World War III, and you know how I know? Because now we have Get your Sonic Boomer humor every day!

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

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER spin doctors. We’ll definitely be involved in World War III, but they’ll call it something else, something like “The Last War.” That would put a positive spin on it.

Eligible Draftee A: “I can’t believe we’re getting involved in another war.”

Eligible Draftee B: “Yeah, but it’s going to be the last one, so I think I’ll sign up.”

And this war isn’t far off, either. I know this because I studied history — specifically, the Civil War. The North won the Civil War for several reasons. They had more manpower, more re-

sources, more industrialization, more transportation and, once they withheld those things from the South, it was only a matter of time.

So these days I’m assessing China.

Hmm. Not only do they have more manpower, they also have a different mentality toward using it. Their collective philosophy of life is somewhat along the lines of, “There’s a new one born every minute.”

The United States has a lot of resources, but China conserves theirs. I believe they’re shipping us things in boxes made of cardboard that has been recycled over and over since 1951. They probably even send our country the cardboard that’s on its last legs because they know America is the end of the road. When it gets here, we just toss it.

Industrialization? Don’t make me laugh. I defy you to find one 6-foot cubic area in your home, garage, office or car devoid of something “Made in China.” And don’t you complain about it, either — you bought it. So even if we have the know-how, we no longer have

the machinery. And if we had the machinery, we’d need to up our consumption of oil, yet even our neighbor to the north, Canada, is considering sending its oil to China.

So in order to move both people and supplies with the efficiency of the 1860s Yankees, but without using oil, we need to hurry up and get that teleportation device off the drawing board and the patent office.

See how my humor column writes itself? By the time that device lumbers its way through our country’s patent process, the Chinese will have built a cheaper version that fits in one’s pocket.

But here’s a way we can win the war. I think one of the South’s secret weapons, perhaps underutilized, was that the Yankees couldn’t understand a word the Confederates were saying. Their heavy dialect made it almost like they were speaking a foreign language.

It was almost as if they were speaking...

Chinese.

Responses To ‘Act Of Valor’ Say Much About Our Society I did not go to Act of Valor, the new movie about U.S. Navy Seals, the first week because I saw several bad reviews about it. Then I heard from my friends as well as from a few people I know who have served, and all of them liked it. So I decided to check it out.

It has been described as a faked documentary… sort of like reality television. Of course, the problem with that is that a large portion of the officially labeled documentary films are no more real than this film. Not surprising; real life can be very boring.

In many ways, the film symbolizes an important disconnect in American society, between one group, the one that dominates the media, and all the rest of us. The people portrayed are not the type who show up in most of our films: people who willingly serve as a means of protecting their country.

It is a shame; we used to have good patriotic movies. Our soldiers were considered important. There are a few recent movies that did treat them well: Red Tails this year and The Hurt Locker a couple of years ago. But they are few and far between.

Bandido Company of Seal Team 7, the one

Binks Forest To Host Bridal Expo March 11 To help make every bride’s wedding planning experience fun and unforgettable, Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington will host the inaugural Binks Bridal Expo this weekend.

Binks Forest invites all brides Sunday, March 11 from noon to 4 p.m. to meet vendors seeking to help make each bride’s dream wedding a reality.

Vendors will showcase products and services that appeal to all tastes and budgets.

From décor and DJs to bridal gowns and formal wear, from wedding favors to bridal gifts, brides will find everyone and everything they need to bring their wedding day together with ease. It will be every bride’s opportunity to meet and discuss their ideas face to face with vendors.

Brides, as well as their family and friends,

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler featured in the movie, is first sent to rescue a Mexican-American female CIA agent who has been kidnapped by a smuggler. We get to see the agent first being sweet and nice and then horribly tortured, a good way to make sure people choose the correct side. From the evidence gained at the attack site, they discover that the smuggler is connected to a terrorist who wants to smuggle suicide bombers into the United States who will wear special vests with ceramic ball bearings imbedded in explosives. One explosion could kill hundreds of people. “This will destroy the American people,” one of the bad guys says with glee.

We see (and hear, as this is a movie filled with shooting and explosions) a lot of vioare offered free admission to come and enjoy music, food and many giveaways. Whether looking to gain new ideas or make your dreams into a reality, the Binks Bridal Expo will be the perfect place to plan a wedding. A grand-prize weekend stay at the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach will be given away during the event. It will be the perfect place to relax before the wedding day or to unwind after the busy weekend.

For more information, contact Director of Catering Whitney Buchanan at (561) 578-8206 or wbuchanan@binksforestgc.com.

YWCA Exhibit Focuses On Needs Of Children The YWCA of Palm Beach County, in conjunction with the Every Child Matters Education Fund and the Colors of Life Foundation, is presenting a national photography and banner exhibition as part of a non-partisan public

lence as the team uses all kinds of dandy toys in their struggle against overwhelming numbers of bad guys, most of whom are cannon fodder. But members of the team get wounded and in the end die.

The action seldom stops. There are occasional scenes to develop the plot a bit, but the bad guys with only a couple of exceptions are essentially just targets. One major exception is a brief appearance by a young woman who is told by the leader of the jihadists (who, as expected, does not wear one of the suicide bomb vests) that she will meet her husband in heaven (a minor point: Muslims believe in paradise and use that word) after she kills the Americans following him. Her facial expressions as she stood waiting to die were exceptional.

The acting is not particularly good, something to be expected from non-actors. Of course, having seen films like The Expendables over the past few years, I no longer particularly assume that actors have to be all that good. I assume at least some critics were put off by the nature of the dialogue, in which the team members talk about things like honor and

duty and comradeship. This is something about which many critics have no personal knowledge. They are far better at applauding movies where Americans spend most of their time wondering what they have done to have other peoples hate them.

Is this a recruiting movie? And if it is, does it really matter? There have been movies basically recruiting people into jihad. There are other films recruiting people to work for noble causes that do not involve killing a lot of innocent people.

I spoke to people in the theater as we left. I might add that there was applause at the end of the film. Many in the audience told me that they seldom go to the movies; they find very little there they actually like. But they came for this film based on word of mouth.

Many critics found little to like in the film.

Most of the audience found very little to like in the critics’ words and dislike the movies that the critics prefer. That might explain why fewer people go to the movies each year, and why the biggest movies often tend to be based on comic strips since they seem to offend no one. Which says a lot about our society.

education campaign to spotlight the needs of children in 2012.

Children from around the world are the subjects of a photography exhibit; and Presidents Helping Children, including a booklet and factfilled banners designed to inform the public about how earlier presidents and congresses steadily advanced child well-being over the last century in areas of nutrition, health, education and child safety, completes the exhibit.

“Every Child Matters has outlined clearly the support that today’s families want and need to help them raise their children to be healthy, safe and strong — accesses to affordable quality child care, early care and education, healthcare, early identification and intervention for developmentally delayed and disabilities, programs to prevent child neglect and abuse, and strategies to reduce poverty,” said Tana Ebbole, executive director of the Children’s Services Council.

The exhibit will be on display during the month of March at the Children’s Home Society (3333 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach) and the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum (129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach). Openings were held Monday, March 5 at the Children’s Home Society and Thursday, March 8 at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum.

In addition to Children’s Home Society and the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, supporting agencies are Adopt-a-Family, the Arc of Palm Beach County, the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Families First and the Lord’s Place. These agencies will be working with parents and advocates to better understand federal issues that directly affect how children will be treated and cared for in the future and the environment in which they will become adults. For more information, call (561) 640-0050 or visit www.ywcapbc. org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Ventura Construction owners Brian Smiley and Rob Wilson inside one of the barns their company constructed.

Wellington’s Ventura Construction Specializes In Equestrian Properties

By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report Specializing in building equestrian homes and custom barns, Ventura Construction can build the property of your dreams. With a combined experience of more than 40 years, owners Rob Wilson and Brian Smiley partnered up four years ago and started Ventura Construction.

Both owners have a passion for construction, and were general contractors at major firms before starting their own business. Ventura Construction specializes in residential construction and remodeling, and equestrian construction from custom barns to riding rings.

“We are experts in new construction but we have also found a niche in equestrian construction,” Wilson said.

Wilson and Smiley did not expect to become specialists in equestrian construction.

“It kind of happened almost by accident, when we were building houses for people and they were asking us to build them barns as well,” Wilson recalled. “Things took off from there.”

The owners were hesitant about building barns at first. “We did not know anything about building barns,” Wilson said. “But before you know it, we were building as many barns as we were houses, and in 2011, we actually built more barns than houses.”

Ventura Construction moved from its former location in Palm Beach Gardens to 12160 South Shore Blvd., Suite 106, in Wellington a few months ago. The move was prompted by the equestrian clientele in the Wellington area.

“Equestrian construction here in Wellington is not really like any other area,” Wilson said.

Because Wellington is the winter equestrian capital of the world, its barns are like no other. “When most people think of barns, they think of a big red barn out in the middle of the corn field,” Wilson said. “In Wellington, that’s

not the case. We are talking about very specific and detailed construction for high-caliber riders and horses, and that’s a whole different level of construction.”

Ventura Construction puts the same amount of detail in the houses it builds as in the barns, and that has been recognized by many clients. “It has taken on a life of its own,” Wilson said. “People are noticing the difference in our buildings.”

Building equestrian barns is an intricate process that takes time and accuracy, Wilson said. “Barns are just as detailed as a house,” he said. “People know exactly how much space they need for their horses, how they want things laid out, where they want storage or feed rooms, and how much room they need in the aisle and tack room.”

Wilson meets with clients in the company’s office, and assists them in the design and layout of the property. It’s his job to ensure all the clients’ needs and wants are expressed in the design in order to give them a barn that is specific and individual to them.

“I’m able to remain accessible to clients here at the office,” Wilson said. “This way, I’m able to talk about the projects in the development phase, as well as take care of the financial side of the business.”

At the office, Wilson has a wide-screen monitor on which he’s able to show clients samples of their work or blueprints of projects.

“A lot of what we do has become much more virtual and easier for clients to understand,” he said.

Smiley does the fieldwork by managing the construction sites to ensure everything is done accurately. “Brian makes sure the quality is there in everything we do,” Wilson said.

“It has worked out to be a great partnership.”

For additional information, visit www. venturacompanies.com or call (561) 204-2226.

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SFS TO HELP DISTRIBUTE TEDDY BEARS TO LOCAL CHILDREN IN NEED

SFS Tax, Accounting & College Planning Services has partnered with Teddy bEArs for Kids LLC to put a smile on the face of as many of the sick and needy children in the community as possible. All donations will be distributed locally to children’s hospitals and rehab centers all year round. Drop off your donation to Enrolled Agent Jeffrey Schneider at SFS Tax, Accounting & College Planning Services (1402 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite 109, Royal Palm Beach). For more information, call (561) 868-1868 or visit www.sfstaxacct.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Wellington Attains Green Government Certification

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) — a membership-based nonprofit organization that administers certification standards and provides education to promote sustainable building, development and business practices — has designated the Village of Wellington a certified Florida Green Local Government after it successfully met the sustainability standards established in the FGBC Green Local Government Certification program. Wellington achieved 42 percent of its 303 applicable points, earning it a gold-level designation.

FGBC Executive Director Suzanne Cook said the designation demonstrates exemplary leadership by Mayor Darell Bowen and other elected officials who provided the framework and support to move forward with the process that helps to better manage the cost of government.

“Their leadership in this effort will help protect and conserve the community’s natural resources, enhance the efficiency of government thus reducing the cost to taxpayers, and raise public awareness about the benefits of environmental stewardship,” Cook said. “Our membership

applauds the municipality’s dedication and commitment to the important ideals outlined in this program.”

In order to achieve the FGBC Green Local Government Certification, Wellington staff, led by Principal Planner Bill Nemser, undertook an extensive audit of the functions performed by every department within their government. The criteria included evaluations of energy and water usage, air quality, health issues, land use, recycling and waste disposal, maintenance policies, educational programs, purchasing practices, regulatory policies and many others. From there, teams used FGBC’s program tools to identify methods to improve the sustainability of their business practices and operations.

Cook said that there were significant and tangible accomplishments that will benefit taxpayers and the environment. “Through these efforts, there were reductions in operating costs and capital outlays, improvements in departmental communication, cooperation, and risk and asset management, a wealth of environmental benefits, including measurable CO2 reductions, and identi-

fication of programs that will improve community involvement and enhance sustainability throughout Wellington,” Cook noted.

FGBC’s Green Local Government Certification program is the only one of its type in Florida and is endorsed by the Florida Legislature, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida League of Mayors.

Cook emphasized that this level of support emanates from the fact that there is a sizeable and compelling return on investment for any municipality that chooses to initiate the process.

“Depending upon the population of the community, the cost of this program is between $2,000 and $6,000,” she said. “The cost savings and environmental benefits that can be achieved dwarf the initial expenditure.”

A presentation of the award to Wellington officials will be held on March 13 during the village council meeting at the municipal complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

For more information about the FGBC Green Local Governments designation, visit www.floridagreen building.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Hospice Honors Volunteers At ‘Paris Dreams’ Luncheon In appreciation of its volunteers, Hospice of Palm Beach County hosted “Paris Dreams 2012” at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The annual event honored hundreds of volunteers from teens to 90s who generously and unselfishly devote their service, helping people who are facing the end of life.

Each year, more than 600 volunteers donate over 50,000 hours to Hospice of Palm Beach County patients, their families and the overall organization in a variety of ways: patient and family visitors, administrative support, pet therapy visitors, resale shops, special events, as well as in a multitude of professional capacities.

“Our volunteers make it possible for Hospice of Palm Beach County to provide the services we do in our community,” Chief Operating Officer Barbara Ivanko said. “The purpose of this event is to shine a light on their important work and say thank you for their commitment and support. And in the spirit of our Paris Dreams, Merci beaucoup!”

Volunteers were honored for their years of service, ranging from 15 to more than 30 years, with special recognition given to Sarita Armstrong, who has been a volunteer for 33

Hospice of Palm Beach County Chief Operating Officer Barbara Ivanko with Chairman John Marino. years. Armstrong, who volunteered at Hospice of Palm Beach County shortly after moving to the United States from England, reminisced about the many times she and a group of volunteers sing next to the bedside of a hospice patient, sharing their gift of music and joy.

More than 450 volunteers and guests gathered to celebrate, enjoying the Paris theme and the dozens of tiny, illuminated Eiffel Towers

throughout the room with lively music that attracted guests to dance everything from the CanCan to Conga lines.

The event gave well-deserved recognition to Hospice of Palm Beach County volunteers who often say they get much more from their service than they could ever give.

Hospice of Palm Beach County is the leading provider of hospice care

Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteer Services staff members. in the community. Since 1978, its expert staff has cared for nearly 70,000 patients nearing end of life. When a cure is no longer an option, Hospice put the needs of patients and families first and is committed to doing whatever it takes to provide compassionate care and ensure the highest possible quality of life.

As a nonprofit organization, Hospice cares for all who want and qualify for its services, regardless of abil-

ity to pay. It offers the physical, emotional and spiritual care that brings comfort and dignity to those with terminal illness and their loved ones. Its multicultural staff respects all religions and cultural traditions.

For families who need emotional support, it offers bereavement services including individual and group counseling.

For more information, visit www. hpbc.com.

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Academy for Child Enrichment — Spring Break Camp runs from March 19 through March 26. Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is being accepted for both Spring Break and Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Visit the Academy for Child Enrichment at 700 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach.

For more info., call (561) 798-3458 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com.

Armory Art Center Summer Art Camp — The Armory Art Center is excited to bring a series of theme-based sessions to elementary school through high school aged children for this year’s summer camp. Experienced instructors have developed projects relating to the themes of each week. Activities are age-appropriate and focus on a child’s artistic and creative development. Students age 4.5 to 7 years old will rotate among several studio areas daily in ceramic sculpture, drawing, painting and other creative mediums. Teen workshops include wheel throwing, photography, drawing, sculpture, mixed-media, fashion illustration, printmaking, papermaking, glass fusing, collage and more! All art materials are included in the cost of tuition. The Armory Art Center is located at 1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.

Camp Cambridge — Camp Cambridge, serving age two through second grade, combines academic excellence, summertime fun and a safe environment to create an unforgettable summer experience. Theme-based curriculum and in-house field trips complement the concepts explored by all. Year-round, e xperienced staff continues to nurture. There are nine weeks of camp offered at Cambridge Schools, located at 1920 Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. Activities include: swimming, art, math, computers, sports, science and cooking. A certified swim instructor provides instruction to children ages 3 and up, Mommy & Me classes, private/group lessons and team swim programs.

Bilingual classes, kindergarten readiness and enrichment classes available as well. For more info., visit www.cambridgepreschools.com.

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

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

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

Casperey Stables Horse Camp — Casperey Stables is a small, fun-filled day camp for children ages 7 to 14. With four riding opportunities each day, arts & crafts and outdoor games, campers find little time to be bored. The low counselor-child ratio ensures your child will receive individual attention. There are camp sessions for spring and winter school breaks, and during the summer, each two-week session has a theme, such as Indian Days, Circus Days and Medieval Days. Casperey Stables has a weekly swim party and ends each session with a horse show and family BBQ. Call soon: this small, quality program fills quickly! To learn more about the camp, located at 2330 D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, call (561) 792-4990 or visit www.caspereystables.com.

Foxtail Farm — Foxtail Farm has been doing business for approximately 25 years in Palm Beach County. Disciplines are in huntseat equitation. Camps focus on horse health, barn care, safety, and also correct seat and balance. Ages are from 5 to 14 years old. Lessons are taught every day at camp, as well as all year long. Horse showing is available as students advance. There is also a focus on training students to become trainers in the future themselves. It is a breakthrough into the world of horses for pleasure, pet or showing, if desired. Foxtail Farm is licensed and insured. For more information, call Patti Morin (561) 255-4037 or visit www.foxtailfarmstables.com.

Golden Grove Gator Camp — Gator Camp is back and ready to explore the world! The camp will run for eight one-week sessions starting June 11 and continuing through Aug. 3. Campers range in age from entering kindergarten through entering ninth grade.

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Campers enjoy field trips, on campus programming, group activities, cooking, arts & crafts and the opportunity to spend time with old and new friends. Campers will visit eight different countries this summer and will learn about their cultures, food, games and people. Call Pat Packard at (561) 904-9730 for more information.

High Touch High Tech/The Lab — The Lab is happy to announce that it is expanding into a larger facility conveniently located off State Road 7 and Lantana Road. Science is presented by High Touch High Tech, the leader in hands-on science education for the last 17 years. Each day will be a new adventure from interacting with “lab critters” to launching rockets and panning for gems. The program offers affordable pricing, experiments with lots of cool science take-homes, art, physical activities and more. The Lab taps into children’s natural curiosity and provides them with safe and fun activities that help them learn about the world around them. Expect awesome fun as kids make slime, erupt volcanoes, make ice cream, tie dye t-shirts and more! The registration fee is waived if you sign up by April 1. Call (561) 792-3785 today.

Home Away From Home Summer Camp — If your kids want a great summer camp experience, come to any of Home Away From Home’s four Palm Beach locations now enrolling summer camp programs for children ages 4-10 (limited space is available).

The program offers daily indoor and outdoor field trips. Free meals and webcam services are included. It has been rated the “Best Summer Camp Ever!” For more information, visit www.homeawayfromhomechildcare.com or call Wellington at (561) 7918558, Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 627-6170, Jupiter at (561) 747-6916 or West Palm Beach at (561) 802-9090.

Noah’s Ark — Spring Break Camp runs from March 19 through March 26. Children will enjoy field trips and activities such as swimming, bowling, skating, science museum, movies and picnics. Tuition includes camera surveillance, creative curriculum, computers and all meals. Registration is being accepted for both Spring Break and Summer Camp. Registration is free for new customers only. Se habla Español. Noah’s Ark is located at 14563 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call (561) 753-6624 or visit www.smallworldpbc.com.

Royal Palm Covenant Tutoring Summer Camp 2012 — Children ages 5 to 14 will enjoy field trips to Lion Country Safari, museums, parks, bowling, movies, the zoo and activities such as sports, arts & crafts, cooking and more fun. Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open enrollment for the camp begins March 2. A one-time registration fee of $25 per child includes a T-Shirt. The camp is located at 660 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal P alm Beach. Call (561) 793-1077 to register.

Spotlight of Wellington — Truly enhance your child’s per forming arts level with Spotlight of Wellington’s summer intensive workshops. Spotlight welcomes students currently studying the performing arts and those with an undeveloped drive and passion. Sessions are offered according to level and age. Programs stimulate students through challenging, yet fun, experiences in a warm, positive environment. Students train in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, theatre, vocal and hip hop in an intimate and exclusive environment. Student performance levels greatly increase through Spotlight’s intensive experience. Several students have promoted to area schools of the arts. Call (561) 790-7758 today for proper placement, or visit www.spotlightofwellington.com.

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

Villari’s of Wellington — Villari’s is pleased to invite your child to summer camp this year. Due t o the rising demand for summer camps in the western communities, book your spot early. Villari’s is offering four-week sessions of self defense camp this year.

Call (561) 792-1100 for more information and to reserve your space, or visit www. villarisofwellington.com.

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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

March 17-18 Auction Features An Array Of Asian Antiques An antique Chinese carved rhinoceros horn libation cup expected to fetch $150,000 to $250,000, a dozen stunning Chinese carved coral group figures and an extremely rare Chinese bronze wine container that could top out at $200,000 to $300,000 are a few of the items bidders will be vying for at an auction slated for March 17-18.

The sale will be conducted by Elite Decorative Arts, at the firm’s spacious gallery facility located in the Quantum Town Center at 1034 Gateway Blvd. (Suite 106-108) in Boynton Beach. Over 800 lots of Asian antiques — including ivory, jade, coral, stone carvings, porcelain, bronze, silver, art glass, artwork

An early Western Han to Eastern Han Dynasty lacquered wooden horse.

and furniture — will be sold, starting both days at 6 p.m.

The rhino horn libation cup (circa 18th/19th century) has been masterfully relief carved throughout and depicts trees, people, pagodas, clouds and rock formations. The piece measures 4 inches in height, weighs 333 grams and includes a fitted reticulated teakwood base. It is difficult to overstate the desirability of such cups to collectors, who will pay fantastic sums to own one.

The Imperial quality Chinese hand-carved red coral group figures are truly stunning in their attention to detail. Dating back to the late Ch’ing Dynasty, the beautifully carved figures vary from 7 to about 17 inches in height, and are perched on fitted wooden bases, some with handsome silver inlay. The best of the groupings are expected to sell for $30,000 to $60,000 each.

The rare Chinese bronze wine container (Warring States period, 475-221 BC) is bird-shaped and inlaid with silver, gold and copper. The surface is covered with cupric oxides, due to its extended burial. The back and sides of the object depict coiled serpents and archaic birds, and the chest shows a mythical horned animal. The removable head is inlaid with gold and silver.

Another lot that could easily sail past the $100,000 mark is a pair of very large elephant ivory tusks on stands (estimated value $100,000 to $150,000). The tusks are quite literally mammoth: One is 81 and threequarters inches in length and 21

inches in girth, while the other is 75 inches in length and 20 and threequarters inches in girth. These figures include the bases; by themselves, the tusks are 66 and 60 and a half inches long.

A pair of smaller (but still large) hand-carved Chinese ivory elephant tusks, each one depicting an emperor and an empress, carries a pre-sale estimate of $15,000 to $20,000. Both 19th-century tusks are signed to the base and measure about 24 and three-quarters inches tall (and weigh 14.2 pounds). The emperor and empress are both fully relief carved with fine detail. Each wears a layered robe.

An 18th-century milky white jade Chinese covered urn (or vase), having a breathtaking translucence, perfectly carved and rounded by a master craftsman with Imperial quality, 10 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter, finely hollowed, should realize $40,000 to $60,000. Also, a striking, large Japanese bronze figure depicting a standing archer, signed to a bronze plaque on the back of the archer’s left thigh, finely crafted, 28 inches tall, should bring $20,000 to $30,000.

An early Western Han (206 BC-8 AD) to Eastern Han (25-220 AD) Dynasty lacquered wooden horse, carved entirely out of a single block of wood, is expected to change hands for a reasonably modest $40,000 to $50,000 — considering a similar example sold at Christie’s in 2006 for $419,000. The horse was produced for burial purposes, for a powerful noble person or leader.

One of the Imperial quality hand-carved red coral figural groups.

A 14-karat yellow gold emerald green gem jadeite ring should slip on a new and lucky finger for $30,000 to $50,000. The ring features a stunning, glowing translucent apple green gem jadeite oval cabochon prong-set stone. The two-tone mount is set with 12 round-cut white diamonds, about .02 carats each.

The size 9 and a half ring has a total diamond weight of 5.0 grams (or 7.8 grams).

Rounding out the short list of expected top lots is a large, 18th-century Chinese five-panel throne screen made from Zitan wood (estimated value $20,000 to $30,000). The 133-inch-long by 108-inch-tall

throne was possibly given as a wedding present for someone of high Imperial status.

Previews for the auction will be held Friday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, March 17 from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Internet bidding will be available, and telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted.

Elite Decorative Arts is currently accepting quality consignments for its upcoming March 31 Fine Decorative Arts & Estate Jewelry Auction. To consign an item, estate or collection, call (800) 991-3340 or email info@eliteauction.com. Visit www.eliteauction.com for more info.

The Phantom Recommends ‘Hello, Dolly’ At Maltz Theatre The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is heading into the final show of its 2011-12 season with the most dazzling, joyful musical its stage has seen!

The beloved, classic musical Hello, Dolly! bursts onto the theater’s stage March 13 through April 1, directed by Tony-nominated director and choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge and starring Broadway veteran Vicki Lewis and Tony winner Gary Beach.

Complete with a stunning set, large orchestra and cast of 22 performers, Hello, Dolly! is packed with memorable Jerry Herman songs, including “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By” and “It Only Takes a Moment.”

This Broadway hit is sure to make everyone fall in love with America’s most beloved matchmaker, Dolly Levi.

“We are ecstatic to welcome both Vicki Lewis and Gary Beach onto the Maltz Jupiter Theatre stage,” said

Andrew Kato, the theater’s artistic director. “Along with Marcia Milgrom Dodge — who last directed the favorite Anything Goes at our theatre — I can’t think of anyone better to take our audiences on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the 20th century. This spectacular musical adventure is a true treasure and will be sure to warm your heart.”

Based on the book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and Thornton Wilder’s 1955 play The Matchmaker, Hello, Dolly! became an award-winning hit musical that broke box office records and has attracted such stars as Carol Channing, Mary Martin, Pearl Bailey and Ginger Rogers in the title role.

When it first hit Broadway in 1964, Hello Dolly! dominated the Tony Awards in 10 categories, including Best Musical. The show received rave reviews and became the longest-running musical in Broadway history up to that time, running for

2,844 performances. It enjoyed three more Broadway revivals over the years, and its 1969 film was nominated for seven Academy Awards.

Its musical score is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The New York Times wrote that the show has “qualities of freshness and imagination that are rare in the run of our machine-made musicals,” and the New York Post predicted that the show would be “an enormous popular success.”

The show has local ties, too. Its original Broadway costumes were designed by former Tequesta resident Freddy Wittop, with many that can still be seen in the permanent collection of the Costume World Broadway Collection, a theatrical museum dedicated to Broadway costuming in Pompano Beach.

“We are ecstatic to be ending our season with a large-scale, song-anddance extravaganza that will truly excite our audiences, and hopefully whet their appetites to renew their

subscriptions for our upcoming 10th anniversary season,” Kato said.

“People of all ages will love this show.”

The show will also feature other recognizable stars, including Matt Loehr — who received rave reviews for the starring role in theater’s 2011 production of Crazy for You — and Aaron Bower, who also appeared in Crazy for You and received critical acclaim in the theater ’s January production of Cabaret.

As a preview to the live stage production, the theater is offering a free night at the movies on Monday, Feb. 27, with the full-length movie version of Hello, Dolly!, starring Barbra Streisand. Showtime is 7 p.m.

The movie is free, but advanced tickets are required. To purchase tickets, call (561) 575-2223.

Tickets to the production of Hello, Dolly! start at $43 and may be purchased by calling (561) 575-2223 or by visiting www.jupitertheatre. org. Hello, Dolly! is sponsored by Admiral’s Cove Cares Foundation.

Season subscriptions are also currently on sale for the theater’s 2012-13 10th anniversary season, with subscriptions that start at $183.

The shows featured in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s 2012-13 season include Amadeus, The Music Man, Singin’ in the Rain, Doubt and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Joe Nasuti, the Phantom, is a featured writer for the Town-Crier, Forever Young and www.yournews.com. Comments & recommendations are welcome at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

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This Week at The Four Arts Exhibit Extended! Now On Display Through Sunday, April 29 Recapturing the Real West:The Collections of William I. Koch $5 • (561) 655-7226 On Display All Season Florida’s Wetlands • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Ongoing Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.

Campus on the Lake Class:Yogalates with Rassika Sabine Bourgi $15 per session • (561) 805-8562 Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m.

Concert: Jerusalem String Quartet • $15 • (561) 655-7226 Monday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Story Time: Color Day • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Monday, March 12 at 6 p.m.

Italian Wine Tasting:The Passionate Kitchen with Roberta Sabban $75 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Wednesday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m.

Lecture and Book Signing:The Prizefighter and the Playwright: Gene Tunney and George Bernard Shaw by Jay R.Tunney No Charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562

Thursday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. (Preschool); 2:30 p.m. (Family) Story Time: St. Patrick’s Day • No charge • (561) 655-2776 Thursday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Lecture: Is Venice Sinking? with Prof. Randolph H. Guthrie Part of the Splendors of Italy series • $20 • (561) 805-8562 Friday, March 16 at 2:30, 5:15 and 8 p.m.

Film:The Princess of Montpensier (Not rated) • $5 • (561) 655-7226 Saturday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. SOLD OUT Workshop: Living with Flowers with John Klingel: The Return of Viva Las Tropicales! $60 • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m.

Lecture: Style Icons:Timeless Lessons in Good Taste with Cynthia Postula No charge • Reservations required • (561) 805-8562 Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m.

Gallery Tour for the Exhibit Recapturing the Real West:The Collections of William I. Koch • Free with $5 gallery admission Reservations required • (561) 655-7226 Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m.

Concert: Modigliani Quartet • $15 • (561) 655-7226

FOUR ARTS. FOR EVERYONE.

2 F o u r A r t s P l a z a • P a l m B e a c h , F L 3 3 4 8 0 • ( 5 6 1 ) 6 5 5 - 7 2 2 7 • www.fo u ra r t s .o rg

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March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 53

SPORTS & RECREATION

Bronco Baseball Team Shuts Out Seminole Ridge 10-0

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School varsity baseball team traveled to Seminole Ridge on Thursday, March 1 and shut out the Hawks 10-0.

The Broncos jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning of play. Palm Beach Central grabbed four more runs in the fourth inning.

Seminole Ridge managed to battle back, with Hawk senior Tyler Farjad smacking a ball deep into center

field, gaining a triple, and again knocking one out, getting a double.

The brief attack fell short, as the Hawks were unable to turn their hits into runs. The Palm Beach Central defense provided solid play to earn the shutout.

The Broncos were able to turn in four more runs by game’s end, taking the win 10-0. Palm Beach Central had eight hits to the Hawks’ four.

Seminole Ridge had two errors. Palm Beach Central’s top performers were senior pitcher Shawn Murray (2-1),

and senior Brady Roberson and junior Ian Hagenmiller, who both had doubles.

Seminole Ridge lost at home game to Park Vista last Friday 9-1. They hosted Royal Palm Beach on Wednesday, but the score was not available by press time.

Palm Beach Central traveled to Park Vista last Saturday and came away with a 12-3 win. They traveled to West Boca on Wednesday night, but the score was not available by press time.

Palm Beach Central’s Danny Hernandez connects with the ball.

Hawk Alex Aristy throws a pitch in the second inning.

Bronco Ian Hagenmiller rounds second base.

Seminole Ridge pitcher Alex Aristy throws to first baseman Tyler Glover as Bronco Joe Shue dives back to avoid the tag.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Baseball Team Falls To Woodward Academy 3-2

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington High School varsity baseball team fell to Woodward Academy 3-2 at a home game Monday, March 5.

Both teams were equally matched and struggled to get the upper hand.

Neither team was willing to give up a run, and neither could break through the other’s defense. Late into the evening, the game continued to be a scoreless tie.

But at the top of the sixth inning, Woodward took control of

the game. With two runners on base, the War Eagles’ Kevin Cosper hit a triple to bring in two of his teammates before scoring a home-run himself.

With only one inning to go, the Wolverines were down 3-0.

Though the team was unable to score in the bottom of the sixth, they rallied at the bottom of the seventh inning to narrow Woodward’s lead.

Jared Tosner hit a single to get on first base. He was driven to second

by Peter Rivera. With one out, Alex Maxson stepped up to the plate and

Wellington’s David Koos takes a crack at the ball.

hit the ball into left field to bring home Tosner and Rivera, making the score 3-2.

It seemed as if the Wolverines would tie up the score when the War Eagles’ pitcher walked Kaelan Jacobs, setting up the stage for another double-score. But the Wolverines suffered their final out, losing the game 3-2.

The Wolverines hosted William T. Dwyer High School on Tuesday, March 6 and lost 1-0. They host Jupiter High School on Friday, March 9 for a 7 p.m. game.

Wolverine Michael Rodriguez winds up for a pitch.

Wolverine Kaelan Jacobs tries to tag out a runner at first base.

Wellington’s Peter Rivera stays low for a ground ball.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

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SPORTS & RECREATION

ROYAL PALM STRIKERS U-18 TEAM REMEMBERS CONNELLY BROYER

On Saturday, March 2, the Royal Palm Beach Strikers U-18 soccer team members all wore black arm bands, took a knee and held a moment of silence for Connelly Broyer, who passed away Sunday, Feb. 26 at the age of 15. He was a student at Royal Palm Beach High School. Pictured above are the Strikers players and coaches during their moment of silence.

IMAGE COURTESY TAMMY WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

Sem Ridge Lifters Take Gold At Tarpon Tourney

The Seminole Ridge High School boys weightlifting team took first place for the second year in a row at the Charlotte High School Tarpon Tournament. SRHS won against silver winner Charlotte High School (66-63) with six other schools far behind.

“It was our closest meet since our inaugural season,” coach Justin Hilliker said. “All lifters who place first through sixth in their weight class earn points for the team total, and we had the most place winners, with 17 lifters in the top six place. It took the whole team to bring the trophy home.

We have a lot of first-time lifters, and this was a good learning experience for them.”

The following Hawks brought home gold: first place – Dominic De Cesare, with a 470-pound total (260 bench press and 210 clean and jerk); second place (bench press plus clean and jerk totals) – Brandon Maitland (570 total), Jordan Diaz (395), Austin Geck (590), Jeoy Melendez

Hawk weightlifters with their new gold.

(550) Abyu Perez (345) and Alex Santacroce (610); third place – Roman Fernandez (585), Alberto Hidalgo (595) and John Massarda (395); fourth place – Ben Benami (550), Michael Fracalossi (395), Aaron Martin (480), Zach Shepard (525) and Tanner Zaskey (530); and sixth place – Danny Reyes (445) and Jason Twigger (345).

In other SRHS sports news, the Hawks advanced in tennis rankings. In recent boys singles tennis play versus Royal Palm Beach High

School, Victor Valcarcel continued his winning streak with a tie-breaking 9-8.

Valcarcel, ranked second on the team, is 5-1 for the season. Brandon Phan, ranked fifth, is now 4-2 for the season with his 8-4 win. And the girls team swept Royal Palm Beach 4-0. Shannon Makus, ranked first among the lady Hawks, won 8-4; Savannah Brovero, ranked second, won 8-1; Emma Pow, ranked third, won 9-8 with a tie-breaking 11-9; Sabrina Whirlow, ranked fourth, won 8-3.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

RPB Dancers Win At ‘I Love Dance’ Competition In Orlando The RPB Dancers from Royal Palm Beach High School attended the “I Love Dance Competition” held Feb. 24-26 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.

The RPB Dancers consist of three dance teams: the Wildcat Dancers, Tapazz Dance Troupe and Liquid Gold. The dancers, along with parent chaperones and their coach/choreographer, Master Teacher Michele Blecher, competed with 16 dance routines. The Senior Level competition at I Love Dance was extremely large, comprising 80 Senior Level dance routines.

The dancers were thrilled and honored to bring back to their home school seven first-place, six secondplace and three third-place trophies.

The dancers represented their Wildcat best at the I Love Dance Competition.

Loren Estebanez, Andres Cazares, Chary Baez and Bryce Blecher competed in Jazz Small Group with “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”

Zenia Fermin, Chary Baez, Stephanie Ligorria, Andres Cazares, Kim Benvante, Delaney Brown, Monquie Johnson, Loren Estebanez and Br yce Blecher competed in Variety Arts Group with “Next to You.”

Pop Warner Seeks Youth For Football, Cheer & Dance Programs The Pop Warner Palms West Wildcats are looking for kids ages 5 to 15 (as of July 31). Pop Warner is a national youth sports program for football, cheer and dance.

“Little Scholars” Pop Warner is the only youth sports program in America that rewards its athletes for

their outstanding performance in the classroom with All-American Scholar status.

The Palms West Wildcats are the official youth football provider for the Village of Royal Palm Beach. The Wildcats also represent the provider for Pop Warner football for Royal

Palm Beach, Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves and portions of The Acreage.

March and April registration dates are as follows: • Saturdays, March 24 and April 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100

Sweet Bay Lane, Royal Palm Beach).

• Saturdays, March 10 and April 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Katz soccer field in Royal Palm Beach.

• Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.

Players can also register online at www.rpbwildcats.com. For questions about registration, contact Jessi Sleek at jsleek@hotmail.com. For more information, call Director of Football Dominic Fusca at (561) 6622125 or Director of Cheer Raquel Lumia at (561) 502-1500.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Saturday, March 10 • The Royal Palm Art & Music Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11 on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. near Southern Blvd. For info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.royalpalmbeachfestival.com.

• Champions and puppies alike will return to the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) on Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11 for the Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers Association’s annual All Breed Dog Shows. The events will include two AKCsanctioned dog shows. For more info., visit www.pbcdfa.org.

• Wellington will host a Green Market & Songwriters Showcase on Saturday, March 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Eau Spa will offer Free Massage Demos on Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arenus booth at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Sign up at the booth or call Raquel at (314) 453-7727 for more info.

• Nature’s Center (5301 State Road 7, Lake Worth) will host a class on recognizing invasive plants in your home garden on Saturday, March 10 at 2 p.m. The class is free; walk-ins are welcome. Call (561) 434-5777 to register. Visit www.thenaturescenter.com for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Parmigiano Reggiano Wheel Cracking” on Saturday, March 10 at 3 p.m. Witness the traditional method of cracking open the one and only Parmigiano Reggiano straight from Italy. Enjoy samples as well as a wine tasting. Call (561) 904-4000 for more info.

• The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation will host its annual Sunset Safari to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 10. The event will feature guided airboat and canoe tours, nature walks, music, storytelling interactive exhibits, and dinner, wine and cocktails at sunset. Tickets start at $75 per person and may be purchased at www.artmarshall.org.

• A Breast Cancer Benefit for Isa Kramer will be held Saturday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club. There will be dancing, auctions, food and drinks, along with a no-limit Texas hold ’em tournament.

Money raised will help Kramer, a single mom who has survived lymphoma cancer and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Contact Stacy Somers at (561) 317-5030 to donate auction items or sponsorship info.

• Wellington will present a free concert featuring Long Run’s Tribute to the Eagles on Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Monday, March 12 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Simple Seasonal Origami” for age 8 and up Monday, March 12 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at some simple paper folding fun. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association will meet Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Improvement District office (13476 61st St. North). For more info., visit www.acreagelandowners.org.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors will meet Monday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-0884 for more info.

• The Begonia Society of the Palm Beaches will present its monthly program featuring horticulturist Craig Morell on Monday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mounts auditorium (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). For info., call Sandy Sklar at (561) 798-1307.

Tuesday, March 13 • Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13 for Municipal Elections in Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “The Hunger Games” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, March 13 at 5 p.m. Get ready for the new movie based on this book by playing games, chowing down, and showing that the odds are forever in your favor.

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

• The Kevin Perkins Golf Academy will conduct its junior after-school spring golf program on Tuesdays starting March 13 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Palm Beach Polo & Hunt Club (off South Shore Blvd. in Wellington). The program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 17. For more info., visit www.kevin perkinsgolfacademy.com or call (561) 3013783.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Block Party to Benefit the Whole Planet Foundation with free samples around the store Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Each department will have an international dish. Donations in any amount will be accepted. Call (561) 9044000 for more info.

See CALENDAR, page 59

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 58 • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

For more info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Wednesday, March 14 • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Tropical Fruits in South Florida” for adults Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. Charlotte Gomes of the Rare Fruit Council of Palm Beach County will introduce a vast array of tropical and sub-tropical fruits that can be grown in your home landscape. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will feature “Wholesome Cooking With Sherri” on Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. This free event features Lifestyle Specialist Sherri Mraz demonstrating a healthful approach to a balanced lifestyle designed for optimal nutrition and convenience. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

Thursday, March 15 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “All Hands On: Enchanting Terrariums” for adults Thursday, March 15 at 11 a.m. Make a terrarium, a magical, miniature world with beautiful natural elements. Materials will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “When I Grow Up” story time for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Audubon Society of the Everglades will host a beginning bird walk at Peaceful Waters Park (11700 Pierson Road, Wellington) on Thursday, March 15 at 5 p.m. Meet at the beginning of the boardwalk. For more info., visit www.auduboneverglades.org or call Valleri Brauer at (561) 969-0908.

• The Nor ton Museum of Art (1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach) will host a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Celtic roots band Uproot Hootenanny and an acoustic performance by Sean Hanley on Thursday, March 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more info., call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host an After-Hours Networking Event

on Thursday, March 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gypsy’s Horse restaurant. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For more info., call (561) 792-6525.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.).

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

• American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will meet Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Station 30 (9610 Stribling Way, Wellington). All veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend. For info., e-mail wellington legion390 @gmail.com or call (561) 301-2961.

• Dr. Matthew Symons of Symons Family Chiropractic (1011 N. State Rd. 7, Suite D., Royal Palm Beach) will present a free workshop “Nutrition: Shopping Smart” on Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Learn how to perfect the shopping process so that nutrition is second nature and health is a priority. Learn how to read labels and avoid toxic foods.

Call (561) 333-8353 to RSVP or for info.

Friday, March 16 • The International Polo Club Palm Beach will host its second annual International Weekend March 16-18. Held over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the event will showcase some of the world’s best athletes from sports such as croq uet, rugby, cricket, golf, tennis and of course polo. Given the time of year, Ireland will be the celebrated nation.

For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Vision Boards” for ages 7 to 11 on Friday, March 16 at 4:30 p.m. What are your dreams? Learn to make an inspirational collage to keep you motivated. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host a Wine Tasting benefiting the Whole Planet Foundation on Friday, March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy unique wines from around the world. A $5 donation to the Whole Planet Foundation is suggested. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will present a free screening of the movie In Time on Friday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

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

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WE BUY YOUR OLD & BROKEN GOLD — diamond, & silver jewelry, coins, silverware, flat-ware, etc. Wellington Green Mall. CR Jewelers (outside Aeropost ale) 561-753-1313

GARAGE SALE/BAKE SALE PALMS WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13685 Okeechobee Blvd.

Loxahatchee, Saturday, March 10th 7:30 to Noon.

Electronics, Household Items, Toys, Books, Bedding, Knick-Knacks, Luggage, Bicycles, Furniture, Jewelry and More.

MAKE $100 - $300 PER DAY— Daily pay! START FREE! For info call Richard at 1-800-729-9268

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Preparation T utors.

Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English.

Be available to tutor on Saturdays.

Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — 14 years and over for community service. Have fun with animals & kids 792-2666 CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576 DRIVERS! DRIVERS! DRIVERS! Drivers wanted for Wellington Cab. Retirees welcome. Cleaning Driving Record. Call 561-333-0181 ENTRY LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680 WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490 NAIL TECHS — Experienced clients waiting - full-time & part-time. Apply at Permanent Elegance7070 Seminole Pratt,Loxahatchee 561-7905777 FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHATCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 SMALL COMMERCIAL RE/ASSET MGMT FIRM SEEKS FULL TIME EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER — Must be exceptional at Microsoft Office with the ability to fully utilize all aspects of Outlook, Microsoft Word, and excel. Must have superb organizational skills and the ability to maintain, track and diary litigaton files. Must be efficient with all office equipment (digital phone, printer, scanner, copier and mailing machine. Must be willing to commute 35 miles west of Wellington Daily. Email resume to: Steve.Royal@theroyalcompanies.com

2001 20ft PROLINE WALK AROUND — 150XL Mercury saltwater series outboard, Depth/fish finder, vhf, stereo/ cd/ipod player. Bimini top, fish rigged, porta poddy, cover.

Boat in great shape. 2008 continental trailer. $14,500 561-762-7000

Available for immediate occupancy.

Three-bedroom, two-bath villa-style home in desirable River Bridge gated community. Newly renovated, modern kitchen with granite and stainless appliances. Tile floor throughout. Two-car garage. Movein ready. Steps from community pool. Access to private rec facilities.

Cable TV, lawn maintenance and 24-hour security included. Available for rent, $1,550/month. Call Josh at (561) 315-6727 for more info.

ARTWORK FOR SALE Framed Milnar Original Works, Island Brie, 46x45, $20,000.00 Serenity, 35x34, $22,000.00 Signed Tony Bennett, Central Park, $10,000.00.

For more information Please call Pat at 561-795-3337 SACRIFICE SALE — Brand new microfiber light beige couch $300; Dining room set $250; Wall unit $200; convertible couch $180; chrome end tables (2) $50; King Size bed set; T.V.’s lamps and more. 561-623-0368

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

Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

AVAILABLE LICENSED CHRISTIAN CAREGIVER — with speciality in Dementia and Alzheimer’s clients will provide quality and compassionate care for your loved ones, in Wellington and surrounding Western Communities. Clean Background check, CPR FL Licensed, experienced and trustworthy. 561-602-4833

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STOP SCRATCHING AND GNAWING — Promote healing & hair growth.StampoutITCHAMCALLITTS! Shampoo with HAPPY JACK Itch No More. Apply Skin Balm add Tonekote to diet. Goldcoast Feed 793-4607 visit our website www.kennelvax.com

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

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

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

HAPPY JACK LIQUIVIC — Recognized safe & effective against hook & roundworms by US Center for Veterinary Medicine. Grand Prix Call 561-792-2853 or visit our website at www.happyjackinc.com

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craf tman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back!

Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561572-1782

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffit s, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777 TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS 7933576

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh

TNT LAWN CARE — Hedges & yard clean-up, Quality & Dependable Service. 561-644-8683

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est.

Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident \ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured.

CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 793-3576 TO PLACE YOUR AD

March 9 - March 15, 2012 Page 61

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable.

Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening.

Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed!

CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985.

U-17189 561-791-9777

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

SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980.

Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258

TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal.

Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

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©Sportfot ©ManciniPhotos

©Randi Muster

©ManciniPhotos

©Sportfot

Don’t miss the $200,000 FEI World CupTM Grand Prix presented by The Bainbridge Companies Saturday, March 10 6:00 PM

the Gallery (a South Beach-themed spectator pavilion), the Tiki Hut (Polynesian beach bar), Tito'sTacos (Mexican food/margaritas),

Many public hospitality pavilions,

Free General Admission. Parking $20 per carload.

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

561.793.5867

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center • Wellington, Florida

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