Town-Crier Newspaper May 15, 2009

HIGH SCHOOL KIDS ‘THINK PINK’

Opinion

Kudos To Wellington For Addressing Foreclosure Woes

With its series of Foreclosures 911 workshops, the Village of Wellington is grabbing the foreclosure bull by its horns and truly tackling an issue that is plaguing so many residents. By providing experts to answer questions oneon-one with besieged homeowners, Wellington is not only helping those who are already in trouble, but also working to stem an economic crisis in the village. Page 4

News

Bill On Gov. Crist’s Desk Would Curtail ‘Doctor-Shopping’

The Florida Legislature approved a bill last month cosponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) that would require electronic tracking of certain prescription drug sales. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Charlie Crist. Page 2

Fred Dart Bows Out As RPB Band’s Longtime Conductor

The Royal Palm Beach Community Concert Band performed its annual Mother’s Day concert last Sunday at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. It was the last concert for conductor Fred Dart, who is moving to Idaho to be near his family. Dart was given some parting gifts, including a giant card signed by all his fans and an appreciation plaque from Royal Palm Beach Mayor David Lodwick. Page 3

‘Blessing Of The Hands’ Ceremony At Wellington Regional In honor of National Nurses Week, Wellington Regional Medical Center hosted a “blessing of the hands” ceremony on Tuesday in the hospital lobby. Page 8

SPORTS

Another Eventful Year For Sports

At Wellington High

As the cliché goes, as one door opens, another must close. One door that has closed locally is the 200809 Wellington High School athletic season. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, Town-Crier columnist Josh Hyber has seen it all. He wraps up the WHS sporting year this issue. Page 17

A SWEET TREAT AT ‘FLAVORS’

PBSO Urges Communities To ‘Link Up’ For Safety

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has announced a partnership with an interactive web site where neighborhoods can create their own sites to stay connected regarding issues such as crime and activities in their communities.

Linkingcommunities.com is a powerful but easy-to-use portal that allows any community to have its own public web site, Deputy Karl Martin said Wednesday during a press conference at PBSO headquarters.

“Each community has available to them a free web site,” Martin said. “They can put community events on the calendar. They can put up messages. They can send out publications.”

Linkingcommunities.com is a way for communities and organizations such as neighborhood crime watches to connect their members, Martin said. It’s also a way for the PBSO to send out quick information to specific neigh-

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier

Staff Report

Guerry Stribling, a pioneer developer of Wellington, passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. Stribling, who was 75, died at his home in Hawkinsville, Ga. on May 8. Memorial services were held Monday. In recognition of his role in laying out the community, in January the Village of Wellington honored Stribling by renaming portions of Fairlane Farms and Pierson roads as Stribling Way.

Former Wellington councilman Mark Miles, a close friend of Stribling and one of his employees in Welling-

borhoods, general information to all members and hold neighborhood web chats.

“Traditionally neighborhood crime-watch groups hold monthly or quarterly meetings to share information,” Martin said. “Unfortunately, there is crime that occurs in those neighborhoods daily, and if you wait 30 or 90 days to pass that information out to neighbors, it’s too late.”

With Linkingcommunities. com, neighborhoods can create their own web sites that can be customized to fit their special needs. The company that runs the site will provide setup assistance if necessary, Linkingcommunities.com

Regional Manager Hank Fredette said.

The web site partners with the Violent Crimes Task Force in posting surveillance videos where members can view crimes and report information to Crime Stoppers if they recognize a suspect, Martin explained. He also noted that the PBSO would make its newsletter and

ton’s early days, said no one person likely deserves as much credit for shaping Wellington into the community it is today. “He had the vision,” Miles said of Stribling. “He had the picture in his head of what the community should be, and actually it turned out just about like he envisioned it.”

Stribling was born in Macon, Ga. and graduated from Georgia Tech. He worked briefly for the Georgia State Chamber of Commerce before becoming a private developer and was instrumental in the development of several communities, including Martin’s Landing in Atlanta

RPB Supporting Indian Trail On Road Extensions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach officials voiced support last week for an Indian Trail Improvement District campaign for a county commitment to northward extensions of State Road 7 and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

Palm Beach County, which is in the process of revising its long-term road building plans, has set forth plans to extend State Road 7 to Northlake Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the Beeline Highway, but neither project is scheduled to receive funding.

At the council’s May 7 meeting, Councilwoman Martha Webster said she had attended a meeting of the Western Communities Council the previous day, in which ITID Supervisor Mike Erickson voiced concerns about the status of the extensions on the county’s 2035 long-range transportation plan.

Webster made a motion to have staff draft a resolution supporting the extension of both roads. Councilman David Swift seconded, saying a number of Royal Palm Beach residents traveling north to work would benefit from the extensions.

“There’s not a lot, but there’s a number of them, and they have real difficulty north and south. I think that would help them tremendously,” Swift said. “That’s why I’m interested in it.” The motion carried 4-0 with Mayor David Lodwick absent.

On Thursday, Erickson told the Town-Crier that each road faces slightly different issues. Neither is currently funded in the county’s plan. He noted that the county withdrew the Seminole Pratt extension funding in favor of mass transit projects and removed it from the “cost feasible” category due to the relocation of a planned Scripps Research Institute from Mecca Farms, just north of The Acreage, to Abacoa in Jupiter. SR 7 was recently extended to Persimmon Blvd. with plans in the works for a further extension to 60th Street North. Before allowing the connection to Persimmon, ITID received assurances from the county that the roadway would eventually be extended to Northlake. Erickson said that extension is not currently funded, but remains in the “cost fea-

See ROADS, page 7

Wellington Ponders Sign Rule Changes

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Village Council members debated the merits of various types of signs at their Tuesday meeting, including the public notice signs frequently seen in median strips on village thoroughfares.

events calendar available.

People maintaining the community web sites can also receive brochures and fliers to print out or e-mail to their residents. Management tools will be available to them around the clock, Martin said.

Martin said it has become difficult to have a deputy at all the 80-something Neighborhood Crime Watch meetings. Through Linking communities.com, the PBSO will be able to stay in touch with those organizations, Martin said.

“We can answer questions and supply them with material. Through the community liaison, we can quickly retrieve contact information and store it by ZIP code and e-mail the groups,” he said.

“We can also send out county, state and nationwide alerts,” Martin added. “The most exciting part about this whole program of linking communities is the alert feature.”

Types of alerts can include weather, missing persons, See PBSO LINK, page 18

and on Great Exuma in the Bahamas.

In an interview with the Town-Crier last November, Stribling recalled how he was working in Atlanta in 1971 when Investment Corporation of Florida hired him after optioning the first 7,000 acres from the C. Oliver Wellington family. Stribling was named president of a joint venture between Investment Corporation of Florida and the aluminum company

ALCOA called Breakwater Housing, which soon was renamed Gould Florida. In March 1972, they received zoning for a planned unit development called Wellington.

Wellington has some of the strictest signage regulations in Palm Beach County, but the village is working on a revision of its signage code, and some changes will relax those standards somewhat in order to benefit businesses in the village.

The council watched a slide presentation of the various styles of signage while Planning, Zoning & Building Director Marty Hodgkins detailed their status and any proposed changes to village codes.

While the village allows electronic sign boards in civic-oriented locations, such as the one in front of Wellington High School, it prohibits digital signs, which project full-color moving images on a screen similar to a large television monitor.

Mayor Darell Bowen questioned the wisdom of allowing electronic signs in some locations such as schools and hospitals, while the digital signs are prohibited. “That one looks like it could be even cleaner and neater than the electronic,” he said.

Hodgkins said the village takes the view that the digital signs would present more of

“We started development with one little subdivision as part of Wellington, South Shore No. 1, which they still call the South Shore area,” Stribling said. “We recruited a bunch of builders and went on from there.”

Stribling noted that several thousand homes had been built in Wellington by the time he retired in 1986.

Stribling served on the Acme Improvement District Board of Supervisors, the only local government entity before the village incorporated, for 17 years. He was also a member of the Aviation and Airport Advisory Board and served on the Economic De-

a distraction, especially to drivers.

While not appropriate for the interior areas of the village, Councilman Howard Coates asked if the digital signs might be suited to the commercialized State Road 7 corridor.

“I wouldn’t like to see that,” Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said. “That’s just a personal aesthetic opinion, but I think our community is very beautiful, and if you start allowing these digital signs all up and down [SR 7], unless business owners can make a compelling case that this saves their business or puts them over the top, I have to say I don’t agree with it.” Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore agreed, noting that while there are certain differences between the corridors on the village’s borders and its interior, all should be held to tight standards.

“The slippery slope there is that we have areas inside the community — the original mall, the other shopping centers — that could make a case for the fact that they should be treated similarly,” he said.

Bowen said that there would come a day when the schools would seek the more updated, digital signs, but that he was OK with the current prohibition.

Hodgkins showed a slide of the message board monument sign installed in the Forest Hill Blvd. median near

See SIGNS, page 4

velopment Council of Palm Beach County, and was also a founding member of St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington. Miles recalls playing polo with Stribling and also noted that he was a good pilot who enjoyed flying with another of Wellington’s founders, A.W. “Bink” Glisson. The distinctive aeronautical subdivision called the Aero Club was one of the components Stribling envisioned for the community.

“Everything he touched just turned out right,” said Miles, a general contractor. “He didn’t have a Midas

See STRIBLING, page 18

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2009 last Friday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. More than 20 of Wellington’s finest dining establishments were on hand to offer up their most tasty samplings. Shown here is Christina Waters of Christy’s N.Y. Cheesecake. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Bill On Gov. Crist’s Desk Would Curtail ‘Doctor-Shopping’

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Florida Legislature approved a bill last month cosponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) that would require electronic tracking of certain prescription drug sales. The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Charlie Crist.

The bill, SB 462, is intended to eliminate “pill mills” and “pain clinics” by giving doctors and pharmacists a database to monitor and track the prescribing and dispensing of commonly abused drugs including morphine, steroids, codeine and valium.

Aronberg said the effort to pass the bill has been long and difficult, spanning several years.

“In the past, there has been concern about privacy,” Aronberg told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “Thousands of Florida deaths later, the legislature decided that public safety was too important to hold up the bill any longer.”

Privacy issues were quelled because of stiff laws protecting confidential information and limitations on the number of people who can view it, Aronberg said. “The information is limited to pharmacists and doctors who already have this kind of information,” he said.

Aronberg noted that pill mills and pain clinics have been criticized as contributing to a high number of prescription drug overdoses in the state, especially in South Florida. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office officials have said that pharmaceutical overdoses now exceed the number of street drug overdoses.

The issue hit home recent-

ly in Royal Palm Beach when the PBSO arrested 15 people suspected of “doctor-shopping” — going to various doctors to get drug prescriptions filled, typically for painkillers.

The suspects are estimated to have gained access to more than 73,000 prescription pills worth an estimated $1.2 million according to investigators, who also cited a need for prescription drug tracking measures similar to those adopted in other states.

Officials involved in the investigation noted that stiff laws in other states have driven those in the illegal pharmaceutical trade to Florida, where their activities are not as easily tracked.

Aronberg said he originally sponsored a bill he felt would have tracked drug sales faster through fingerprint-reading technology, but threw his support behind a similar bill sponsored by State Sen. Mike Fasano (RDistrict 7) of New Port Richey after he saw that it was garnering more support.

“My bill was using the latest technology of biometrics,” he said. “This was the bill that was passing, and I cosponsored it.”

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Martha Webster said her council recently passed a resolution supporting Aronberg’s bill following the drug arrests in the village. “We took that action after the arrests of those individuals who were arrested for prescription drug shopping here,” she said. Aronberg said he felt his own bill was the better of the two, but he wanted to be sure something was in place. Fasano’s bill calls for a da-

See PILL MILL, page 18

Municipalities Hit Hard, But Coping

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The “State of the Cities” was the theme of a panel discussion Tuesday for members of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, as managers from the chamber’s member communities of Greenacres, Loxahatchee Groves, The Acreage, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington offered some perspective on how they are facing the challenges of the current economy.

Greenacres City Manager Wadie Atallah said his city provides its 32,000 residents and about 700 businesses a complement of services including police, fire, medical services, and parks and recreation.

“Our annual operating budget for the fiscal year is $22 million,” he said. “It was reduced from last year. We derive approximately 52 percent of our revenue from property taxes. We spend about $11 million on public safety. In most cities, the rallying cry has been, ‘we need lower taxes, we need lower taxes.’ Our city has been a model of fiscal responsibility for the past few years.” Atallah was the first of several officials who took swipes at the Florida Legislature for enacting tax reform measures and accusing municipalities of overspending. “They decided to tell us how much revenue we can deliver and what type of services we can provide, and how much people should be paying,” he said. Due to state tax-reform legislation passed in 2007, Greenacres had to reduce its property tax rate by nine percent, resulted in a loss of $767,689 in revenue for the following fiscal year. The passage of Amendment 1 and the first wave of property value declines further reduced the tax base by 12 percent.

Preliminary projections indicate a further property value decline of about 21 percent for the coming year, he said, a loss of some $1.96 million.

In response, the city would trim its budget from last year’s $22 million to about $20 million this year.

“I think these are challenging times,” Atallah said. “But we will be successful in what we are trying to do. We are trying to look at different, innovative approaches.” Royal Palm Beach Village

Manager David Farber said the greatest asset the village has is its elected officials. As in Greenacres, a significant decrease in revenues has a huge impact on how the government provides services, but officials and staff have stepped up to meet the challenge. “In the entire Village of Royal Palm Beach, we have lost over $500 million of value,” Farber said. “We have grown since 1995, but we have shrunk since 2005. We have one-third employees less than we did in 1995. We made these business decisions over the last 16 years to outsource. We outsource such services as fire-rescue and police. We sold our water utility and will enjoy no rate increases for a minimum of ten years.”

Farber said he is pleased he can offer the Royal Palm Beach Village Council a budget this year with a tax decrease for the fifteenth year in a row. At the same time, he said he is troubled by the economic downturn and the future for the municipalities in Palm Beach County.

“I suggest those same legislators who tell you how we should do our business would tell you they don’t want one more policeman or fireman off the street,” Farber said. “My elected officials have to look the taxpayers in the eye every day, and make those type of decisions.”

To meet the challenges presented by falling revenues, Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield said his staff and council must think creatively, and that would be reflected in upcoming budget discussions.

“Our budget really calls for some investing in things that give us value, and look for things that maintain value of our existing infrastructure,” Schofield said. “We want to make sure the water, sewer systems and building systems stay healthy and profitable. We are looking at ways to create jobs.” Crucial to Wellington’s budget will be its new economic development initiative, Schofield said.

“You had an opportunity to listen to our economic development initiative,” he said. “We want to invest a significant amount of dollars in For-

See CHAMBER, page 18

Sandra Beck gives conductor Fred Dart a gift.

Myrna Taubenslag, Nellie Litevsky, Winnie Convertini, Rona Schwartz and Arline Rose.Kay Rosenberg signs a farewell card for Fred Dart.

Ross Reinhart and Alie Dayan go bananas.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen at the microphone. Wellington High School dancers think pinkWalkers make their way around the WHS track.

OUR OPINION

Kudos To Wellington For Addressing Foreclosure Woes

When the Village of Wellington holds its third Foreclosures 911 seminar on Thursday, May 21, real estate lawyers and consumer advocates will be among those available to lend a helping hand to homeowners who fear they may lose their property. The series of workshops, which began in March, are much-needed additions to the usual Wellington-sponsored fare of recreation programs and community celebrations.

Communities across the nation rode a tidal wave of growth over the past decade, Wellington among them. However, now that the wave has rolled back, most of those same communities have been hiding their heads in the sand, hoping for the storm to pass. However, Wellington is doing something extraordinary by grabbing the foreclosure bull by its horns and truly tackling an issue that is plaguing so many residents of the western communities, Palm Beach County and the entire South Florida region. By providing experts to answer questions one-on-one with besieged homeowners, Wellington is not only helping those who are already in trouble, but also working to stem an economic crisis in the village.

As more homes are taken by lenders and more residents are forced to move away, the impact to this area is far more than vacant homes. It translates to vacant storefronts, falling property values and municipalities forced to choose between higher taxes or cutting necessary programs. President Barack Obama has noted that the economy is “a big problem, and it’s going to get worse.” However, he has stressed that keeping people in their homes is the first crucial step in righting the

Don’t Cut Pay For State Employees

Two years ago I begrudgingly resigned my position as an assistant attorney general. Although I thoroughly enjoyed representing the State of Florida in criminal appeals for nearly six years, I was compelled to seek another job because my family could not make ends meet on the salaries of two State of Florida employees. The financial pressures caused by increasing daycare expenses, insurance premiums, property taxes, student loans and a mortgage payment forced me back into the private sector. Unfortunately, the plight of state employees has gotten progressively worse over the past two years. State of Florida employees have not received a cost of living increase since I left the Attorney General’s Office. Due to the recent budget crunch, some state offices have even required employees to take unpaid furloughs. Now the Florida Legislature wants to reward all of Florida’s dedicated state employees who earn more than $45,000 per year with a two-percent pay cut. This may not seem like such a drastic measure to our legislators. However, a twopercent pay cut could be devastating for a single parent who earns $50,000 per year and is counting on that $1,000 to pay for more than a month’s worth of child care expenses.

I pray that Gov. Crist sees the error of the legislature’s ways and grants our hardworking state employees a “stay of execution.” Our state employees have suffered enough already, and morale is at an all-time low. The last thing Florida needs while trying to take a step forward in this economy is to force its employees to take a leap backward in salary.

Richard Valuntas

Royal Palm Beach

Hurrah For Santamaria!

I could easily be depressed that we have county commissioners in jail and/or going there, but I’m not. Instead, I’m jubilant that we have Jess Santamaria representing us and watching the store. He seems to have an uncommon value: common sense, which I might add, is altogether uncommon in our county.

Signs Reviewing

The Rules

continued from page 1 Southern Blvd., which he said is the prototype intended to replace the temporary A-frame signs the village uses to publicize water restriction updates, special events, sports tryouts and other news to drivers on main thoroughfares. The signs would be available to non-municipal users through a permitting and fee process, he said.

He is addicted to helping the less fortunate, and has dedicated himself to assisting the economically depressed far-western communities (Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay). A long time ago someone wrote that “you can judge a country by the way it treats its less fortunate,” and here our county commissioner shines like no other!

Recently we learned that an appraised amount for a parcel for a new landfill was about $15 million, but the owner — used to “business as usual” — wants over 200 percent more than the value (translated: over $45 million). Enter an unhappy Jess Santamaria, and now it appears negotiations are underway. He appears to be a lone voice in the wilderness, a person who not only shows his humanity in helping those less fortunate, but also in dealing with the expenditure of our hard-earned tax dollars.

Just as we need a new mindset in Washington, so too do we need it here. Jess Santamaria is an example for and to us all. He came here as an immigrant, worked hard and studied, and the result is a wonderful family. Their creed is an old American one: “humanity and sacrifice.”

I can only hope that one day we will be visited by his son and/or his daughter in the political arena. Our western communities, as well as our nation, need this kind of leadership long forgotten by most Americans.

I might add here that I have yet to hear anybody say anything bad about this man, and in today’s world that is the greatest of all compliments. Jess, thanks for your representation, thanks for the endless hours on our behalf and thanks to your wife for allowing you to share her precious time with you with us instead. George Unger Wellington

Golf Club Still Breaking The Rules

As I write this, it is Mother’s Day morning. As with the last umpteen consecutive Sunday mornings (including Easter), the maintenance crews at the Wanderers Club have been using their megahorsepower trash blower and other similarly annoying noise-makers since 7 a.m. or earlier. The Village of Wellington has a noise ordinance that forbids such activity be-

Bowen said he was not impressed with the sign’s appearance and function. “This sign is the least attractive sign in the whole package,” he said. “And the information on that sign, not to be critical, is worthless. I drive that street every day, and there is no way you can read what’s on that sign unless there’s a traffic jam somewhere and you’re forced to stop.”

Bowen also said too much information was printed too small on the sign. “Why not make this an electronic sign where you can actually read it,” he suggest-

nation’s economic engine. Wellington’s effort to mitigate the foreclosure problem and keep as many homeowners as possible in their homes is an important part of a greater national effort.

It is important to keep in mind that this is not just Wellington’s issue. A nationwide survey released this week by RealtyTrac found that Florida ranked second in the nation with 64,588 foreclosure filings in April — that means one out of every 135 homes in Florida is facing a possible foreclosure. In Palm Beach County, 2,846 homes were in some stage of foreclosure last month. When Wellington began its Foreclosures 911 seminars in March, village officials reported that more than 800 Wellington properties were facing possible foreclosure; one of the highest concentrations in the county.

A silver lining has appeared during the housing crisis, as homebuyers who were once priced out of Wellington can now afford the home of their dreams. But for those who are still struggling to hold on to the homes they love, Wellington’s workshop series offers both hope and a helping hand. If you are facing the prospect of losing your home, the worst thing you can do is nothing — explore your options and take action! So far, the response to the Foreclosures 911 seminars has been outstanding, with more than 150 people attending the first and 50 attending the second. The next workshop will take place on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Wellington Community Center, located at 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For information, call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.ci.wellington.fl.us.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

fore 9 a.m. on Sundays, and prior to 7 a.m. other days.

The Village of Wellington knows that this has been going on. The Village Manager [Paul Schofield] has assured me there is no moratorium on the noise ordinance. However, the only citation of Wanderers that has appeared on the special magistrate’s agenda (for April 16) was pulled. Village code enforcement gave me a reason for their removing the agenda item, but it was unfathomable to me. A tentative magistrate’s agenda for May that I was able to find on the village web site contained no Wanderers Club issue.

The noise ordinance is reasonable. Wanderers Club owners bought the old Wellington Country Club with full knowledge that the ordinance was in place. There were complaints and meetings going back to at least last December. Those residents of Lakefield North, Lakefield South, Lakefield West and Meadow Wood who are affected by Wanderers Club maintenance noises are being stonewalled. The village has a duty to tell the public (not just Lakefield residents) why they are not enforcing the rules. If there is some quid pro quo arrangement with Wanderers that the village believes is valuable, then we should be told. If there is some other explanation for allowing the noise-making to continue, then it should be announced at a public meeting. A change to the noise ordinance, proposed at the Jan. 13 meeting, should be put on the agenda and dealt with one way or the other. For those unfamiliar with the proposed change, it would relieve golf courses in Wellington from all noise ordinance limits between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day of the week. My opinion is that such action is harmful to residents. It is also unnecessary since the golf courses can meet currently written noise limits with no harm to their operations.

Phil Sexton Wellington

Pafford To Crist: Veto Budget

Editor’s note: The following letter, addressed to Gov. Charlie Crist, was sent to the Town-Crier for publication. Dear Gov. Crist: I write to express my grave

ed. “Even if it is scrolling, you can at least read something.”

While the village considers that sign’s placement, Councilman Matt Willhite noted the presence of another village announcement sign on that stretch of Forest Hill, suggesting that road work and a new traffic signal in the area must be taken into account.

“Add this is three lanes, it’s becoming a busier area with a traffic light through a couple of curves, and multiple signs,” he said. “Drivers are going to look like an owl trying to read these signs, going

concerns about proposed severe cuts to the Department of Elder Affairs budget. As I have previously mentioned to you, I would hope that you veto the General Appropriations Act, as it will adversely affect more than 29,000 frail and low-income elders throughout Florida.

Unless you take action, vulnerable Floridians will continue to be neglected and some will be left alone to suffer and die while on waiting lists for services.

As a member of the Healthy Seniors Appropriations Committee and the Full Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care in the Florida House of Representatives, I was disturbed to learn that such severe cuts made it into the Conference Report on Senate Bill 2600 — the General Appropriations Act.

During the 2009 legislative session, I made repeated attempts to notify leadership in both chambers that the proposed cuts would hurt vulnerable seniors statewide. Further, on April 17 and May 7, I argued on the House floor that seniors will be left in peril and without care if these cuts are imposed.

The spending cuts of greatest concern to me affect local service programs, home care for the elderly, community care for the elderly, contracted services and Alzheimer’s disease initiative programs. Cuts in these programmatic areas would endanger seniors and their caregivers and force seniors into nursing homes unnecessarily.

These cuts of $2.5 million are an assault on our seniors — and I believe they could have been avoided. Approximately $2.5 million would have kept the budget for the Department of Elder Affairs at the current 2008-09 spending level. In addition, I am told that for $20 million, Florida could entirely eliminate its waiting lists for these services.

During my debate on the House floor, I described a constituent of mine from Royal Palm Beach who has been on a state waiting list from services for more than two years. This woman will be 103 on May 22. I am wondering how long she will have to wait for services, and what will happen to seniors like her under cuts in the proposed state budget for fiscal year 2009-10. We cannot wait another year to fix what has been left undone.

back and forth to try and read these, they can’t stay in their lanes.”

Priore said he had a bigger problem. “I don’t like these signs at all, all the way up and down, except for the signs that say ‘Welcome to Wellington,’ because I just think they’re inappropriate,” he said. “You can’t read them passing by, and if you’re at all reading them, you’re not paying attention to traffic.”

Priore said he appreciates the intent in using the signs, but warned that the village is setting up conditions for accidents to happen. “I think

Since one in every five Floridians is a senior and given the importance of retirees to our state’s economy, I remind you that our elders are an economic engine that should be respected. Our seniors have made great contributions to our democracy.

On behalf of Florida’s seniors, I urge you to veto this harmful budget and call a special session for the legislature to pass an appropriate spending plan for our state.

As you might imagine, many seniors on waiting lists for services cannot wait another 14 months for the care that they need today.

State Rep. Mark Pafford District 88 Royal Palm Beach

We Need More Speed Bumps

If it is possible to do so, put speed bumps in the areas where there are schools (Seminole Ridge High School) and/or danger zones. Signs can be ignored. Speed bumps can’t! They would certainly be cheaper to install than widening the road or building overpasses.

Ruth Keen Wellington

Remembering Dom DeLuise

Sometimes when you least expect it, fate brings you face to face with someone you never dreamed of meeting.

On Memorial Day about ten years ago we spent the day at a picnic at Carlin Park in Jupiter. Surprisingly, Dom DeLuise, the actor, comedian and chef who died May 4 at age 75, was sitting not far from our picnic table. Once we struck a conversation, there was no stopping on his part. He was pleasant, charming, friendly and jovial.

Liliane Grossman Royal Palm Beach

Why Do We Need A PBCC Campus?

This is meant as a question more than a criticism of your [May 1] editorial regarding Palm Beach Community College. I like PBCC and feel it is good for the community. I have also taught both continuing education and regular courses there. With respect to the recent proposal, most people I spoke to had reservations about essentially giving valuable land away to form another campus. What I am wondering is why we “need a campus in the western communities” at all. We have a campus nearby about eight or nine miles from the proposed land for the campus. Having a college nearby within easy commuting distance for use of regular students and adults taking advantage of what it offers is already a reality, and we don’t have the traffic, large parking lots, etc. we would have with it directly in town. We have a small Palm Beach Atlantic University campus already here and college courses offered at the high school. In addition, the high school has a new theater that can be used for outside performances. Selling some of the land to a commercial interest for good money and using those funds to build a park on the rest of the land might make sense. Again, I am not against the college, but I am not sure why we should give millions of dollars worth of land away to have it here when it is already easily accessible. I am not sure why we need many PBCC campuses close together and give away valuable resources to get it. An explanation of why you think it is needed would be helpful. I am not for or against a western campus, but I do not understand the rationale. Dr. Harvey A. Klein Wellington

Dom DeLuise took great interest in getting to know us. When it was time to part, he graciously autographed his name on a paper plate since we had no paper available. In that short interlude we encountered a warm and humble man who made a lasting impression on us.

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090 ; or you can e-mail them to letters@goTown Crier.com

that if we’re going to go back and take a look at this, we need to go back and take a look at the whole idea of monument signs and A-frame signs in the medians of our roadways, and find if there is another way that information can be disseminated to our community,” he said.

Coates asked whether staff had considered the feasibility of Bowen’s suggestion of making the signs electronic, and Village Manager Paul Schofield said it had not been discussed. Bowen said the idea poses some advantages. “It sure

would be a lot easier for staff to be sitting in an office changing them without having the business of making a sign and going out there to put them up and take them down,” he said. Electronic signs changed by remote control might present a cost savings too, Bowen said. “I think we ought to look at that and see what the cost is and how much it would save in manhours in being able to program that in versus making signs, all these signs, and then sending people out there to change them,” he said.

Nature's Table Cafe co-owner Bedonna Flesher, Jon Jackson and Manager Marsha Sloyer.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Ingrid and Troy Webster.

Judges Alison Bowen, Carmine Priore III and Diane Brockway.

Julie Pickens and Roxanne Stein get ready to sample a bite from Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

Representatives from Kontiki pick up the award for Best Taste.

Wellington Rotary members gather at a table. Wellington Chamber of Commerce board members.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen presents Don Gross with his share of raffle money.

White Horse Tavern’s Meg Krueger and Chef Kaleb Rodgers.

Several Burglaries In Wellington And Royal Palm Beach

By Jason Budjinski and Kristina Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

MAY 7 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched last Thursday to the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his 2004 Dodge Ram in the southwest section of the parking lot at approximately 10:30 a.m. When he returned a half-hour later, the victim discovered that the driverside door was open. Stolen from inside was a chainsaw valued at approximately $830. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 8 — A resident of Cabot Lane called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday regarding a vandalism complaint. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 6:20 a.m. the victim was awakened by the sound of glass breaking in his bathroom. The victim discovered that the bathroom window had been broken by what appeared to be a pellet. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

MAY 8 — An Acreage man was arrested on drug charges last Friday following a traffic stop in Royal Palm Beach. According a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation pulled over a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Macdonald Thompson at the intersection of 40th Street and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The deputy noticed a heavy odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and Thompson admitted to being in possession of the substance. He was placed under arrest and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

MAY 8 — A resident of Grand Isles called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday regarding the theft of auto parts. According a PBSO report, sometime between 12:30 and 6:30 a.m. the victim looked outside and saw that her 2007 Cadillac Escalade was resting on blocks with all four factory tires and rims missing. Neither the victim nor any of her family members heard anything. DNA evidence was recovered and sent for processing. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

MAY 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched last Saturday to a salon on Okeechobee Blvd. regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 p.m. last Friday and 6:30 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the business by smashing the front glass door. Several items were missing, including a case of Vivitone hair color valued at $120, a pair of cutting shears worth $325, three bottles of Glare shampoo valued at $45 and $225 in cash. No latent prints were recovered, and there was no suspect information at the time of the report.

MAY 10 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded early last Sunday morning to a home on Primrose Lane regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked his black 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab in front of the house at approximately 10:30 p.m. last Saturday. When he returned at approximately 4:15 a.m. Sunday, he discovered that the vehicle was missing. The victim was in possession of the keys, and deputies did not find any broken glass in the area where the truck had been parked, so it is not known how the vehicle was entered or stolen. There were no witnesses or suspects at the time of the report.

MAY 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded Monday to a home on Mystic Way regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 10:30 a.m. and returned around 4 p.m. to find her bedroom window smashed and $1,000 missing from a dresser drawer. Although the bedroom had been ransacked, no other room in the house was disturbed. According to the report, the suspect exited through the front door, which was found unlocked. Latent prints and DNA evidence were found and placed into evidence.

MAY 11 — A West Palm Beach woman was arrested Monday for shoplifting at the Dillard’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, a store security officer observed 18-year-old Kaycee Geither take miscellaneous items into a fitting room. Geither then left the fitting room and returned all items except an Ed Hardy belt valued at $88 and an Ed Hardy purse valued at $360, which she concealed in her brown purse. After passing several cashiers and making no attempt to pay for the items, Geither exited the store and was apprehended. She was transported to the county jail.

MAY 11 — A Seminole Lakes Drive resident called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach Monday night regarding a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim returned home from vacation at approximately 10 p.m. and discovered that the living room window was open. A flat-screen TV had been stolen and a bedroom had been ransacked, but nothing else was missing. DNA swabs were taken and placed into evidence. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

MAY 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded Monday morning to the intersection of Belvedere Road and Mayacoo Lakes Blvd. regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the deputy met with an employee of the company responsible for installing traffic lights at the intersection, who said at sometime between 5 p.m. on See BLOTTER, page 18

Her last known address was Mil-Lake Circle in Greenacres. Thorpe is wanted as of 05/14/09. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Laszlo Kirsch

Natalie Thorpe

Vivar, Richartz To Lead The Way At RPBHS Graduation May 18

By Kristina Webb Town-Crier Staff Report

When members of Royal Palm Beach High School’s Class of 2009 receive their diplomas at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Monday, May 18, valedictorian Lauren Vivar and salutatorian Jamie-Lyn Richartz will lead the way.

Roads Lobbying

The County

continued from page 1

sible” category on the 2035 plan. He said he anticipates that it will face increasing challenges from Ibis Golf & Country Club residents who do not want the extension running near it. He noted that Ibis has joined the Andros Isle, Baywinds and River Walk communities on Okeechobee Blvd. in opposing the Roebuck Road extension on environmental grounds.

“This is a strategy that had been used on Roebuck so far,” Erickson said. “It’s going to be used on the State Road 7 extension to Northlake. The strategy is to either run up those costs of the actual design of the road because of environmental issues and challenges or the mitigation costs for those environmental issues and challenges.”

Roebuck Road, which started out at a cost of about $20 million, now has a price tag of about $50 million after mitigation challenges, Erickson said.

Webster told the Town-Crier on Wednesday that RPB staff members are working on details of the resolution supporting the extensions, which will probably be on the council’s May 21 agenda. “We need to work together to keep those roads on the plan,” Webster said.

At ITID’s regular business meeting Wednesday, ITID President Michelle Damone said that she had received an e-mail from Webster indicating that the Royal Palm Beach council plans to pass the resolution. Damone and other ITID supervisors also acknowl-

Vivar, an 18-year-old who has lived in Royal Palm Beach her entire life, has been very involved in the school since her freshman year. She participates in many extracurricular activities, including her positions as secretary of the National Honor Society; president of Students Against Destructive Decisions; histo-

edged a comment by Webster that the construction of Roebuck Road would further relieve traffic in the western communities.

Damone added that she felt Royal Palm Beach should reconsider its opposition to the opening of the Madrid Street connection in the La Mancha neighborhood to the State Road 7 extension, which Damone said has come to be called the “Western Parkway.”

“The Western Parkway — it should not be called the Acreage Reliever Road — is called that because it was never meant to relieve just The Acreage,” Damone said. “It was meant to relieve Ibis and The Acreage, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington and those people who live in Lake Worth who drive through our community to get to Palm Beach Gardens to get to work. I really feel we need to put some pressure on the Village of Royal Palm Beach to connect to La Mancha.”

Damone also pointed out that County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, who lives in Royal Palm Beach, has said he supports the opening of the Madrid connection.

“At some point the board needs to consider challenging the Village of Royal Palm Beach to do that, and we need to challenge the county to put some pressure on Royal Palm Beach,” Damone said. Erickson said the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization would further discuss the county’s 2035 transportation plan at its May 21 meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. on the 12th floor of the Governmental Center at 301 North Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach. He encouraged western communities residents to attend and support local transportation issues.

rian of Science, Engineering, Computers and Mathematics Enrichment (SECME) Club; and a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

“I know how to lead people; I know how to take initiative,” Vivar said in describing some of the benefits of her many activities. “I know that sometimes when things aren’t getting done, I may just have to take charge and do it myself. But I’ve also learned teamwork, and using teamwork to get things done, because I know a lot of times you can’t just get things done by yourself.”

After graduating, Vivar said she will attend the University of Florida, where she will major in elementary education and build on what she has learned at RPBHS.

“I’m enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program here,” Vivar said, “and that really made me interested, but I’ve loved kids for my entire life, and I love working with kids.”

Vivar received a Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars award, which pays 100 percent of her in-state tuition at any Florida public university. Vivar also placed

fourth in the Pathfinder Awards Technical/Vocational/Agricultural category, receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

The 17-year-old Richartz has chosen to attend Florida State University and will be majoring in psychology. “I want to get my doctorate, and then I want to become a child and preteen psychologist,” she said.

The salutatorian received several scholarships: a Bright Futures Academic Scholars award; the University Freshman Scholars award from FSU for $9,600 over four years; a $900 per semester grant from FSU; a Rotary Club of Royal Palm Beach scholarship of $1,000; and a $4,000 Florida Blood Centers and National Honor Society award for donating blood.

Membership in Students Against Destructive Decisions and the position of social director in the school’s National Honor Society chapter are among Richartz’s many extracurricular activities on campus.

“They’re great,” Richartz said. “They really teach you time organization and management, all the skills you really need to succeed. It’s

also great to make friends, and those are the friendships that last forever.”

Aside from her scholastic achievements, Richartz actively participates in both the symphonic and marching bands at the school. She was the first junior at RPBHS ever nominated as marching band captain, an honor that previously only went to seniors, and served as band librarian and a section leader as well.

Both girls said they have enjoyed their time at Royal Palm Beach High School. “It has been a lot of fun,” Vivar

said. “It’s what you make of it. If you want it to be fun, you make it fun.” The two have been close friends since their junior year and say they plan to stay in touch while attending college.

Royal Palm Beach High School commencement ceremonies are scheduled for 8 a.m. on Monday, May 18 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. For more information, call the school at (561) 7534000.

Santalo, Schlein Tops In WHS Class Of ’09

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School’s 2009 valedictorian Andrei Santalo and salutatorian Sarah Schlein will lead the way on May 19 as the graduating class takes the stage at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

With their high school lives soon behind them, Santalo and Schlein are focusing on the next step. Santalo has plans to attend Duke University. “I am majoring in neuroscience and pre-med,” Santalo said, “so I want to try to pursue a career in the medical field.”

Schlein plans on attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she will major in communications and minor in psychology. Although Schlein’s plans for college are tentative, she said she would like to pursue a career in writ-

ing, possibly in New York or perhaps somewhere locally.

“I would love to work for a publication after school,” Schlein said.

Santalo and Schlein share a lot of the same interests and are members of the National Honor Society; Santalo is a member of the Chemistry Honor Society and Schlein is a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

In addition to their studies, both students have been involved in WHS athletic programs as well. Schlein played on the varsity soccer team, and Santalo played on the varsity baseball team.

With an uncertain future ahead of them, Santalo and Schlein plan on keeping their options open and remaining flexible. “We need to work hard, play hard and be responsible,” Santalo said.

Wellington High School

P.W. CHAMBER HOSTS TEACHER APPRECIATION

and

the

&

PHOTOS

PHOTO BY KRISTINA WEBB/TOWN-CRIER

Head Of The Class — RPBHS salutatorian Jamie-Lyn Richartz and valedictorian Lauren Vivar.

The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its annual tribute to the hard-working teachers in the western communities last Thursday at the original Wellington Mall. Two hundred teachers were in attendance. Gifts donated by chamber members were raffled off. Food was provided by

Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub

Restaurant,

music was provided by Tony “The Tiger” Armour.

Palms West Chamber of Commerce Education Committee members help with the refreshments.

Marianne O’Mara, Kim Harris and Sharon Wedgworth.

Guy Grass of the Gypsy’s Horse accepts a plaque from Jaene Miranda and Anita Foster.

Jaime Baker and Pat Walker of Gold Coast Federal Credit Union, Cheryl Dely of Hospice of Palm Beach County, Tony Armour, Bonnie Douglas of Bencor Retirement, Kim Daughtry of Hospice of Palm Beach County and Kim Freedman of MedExpress Urgent Care.

Ed Robinson, Beth Penska and Kurt Scheffler of Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School. Teachers from Royal Palm Beach Elementary School.

The Wellington Art Society awarded its annual scholarships to three promising young artists on May 5 at the original Wellington Mall. President Adrianne Hetherington presided over the event with assistance from the Scholarship Committee chairs Susan Rose and Judi Bludworth. The three winners, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship, were Sara Haley of Delray Beach, who will attend Cooper Union in New York; Carina Giacomelli of Lake Worth, who will attend the Parsons School of Design in New York City; and John Ugowski of North Palm Beach, who will attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Adrianne Hetherington and Susan Rose with students Sara Haley, Carina Giacomelli and John Ugowski.

Carina Giacomelli with her artwork.

Sara Haley (left) and John Ugowski (right) with their art.

Wellington High School valedictorian Andrei Santalo and salutatorian Sarah Schlein. commencement ceremonies are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Palm Beach County Conven-

Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

more information, call the school at (561) 795-4900.

Ideal, Dream Schools Present ‘Charlie Brown’ This Weekend

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Charlie Brown and fellow Peanuts characters will come to life this weekend in a production of Charles Schultz’ You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! in Royal Palm Beach.

The musical, performed by the drama club at Ideal Elementary School and Dream Middle School, features a cast of second- through sixthgrade students and is directed by professional actress, theater coach and school drama teacher Earleen “Lee”

Carey-Marlow. The conductor and pianist is Angela Shaw. Marlow split the two-act show into two casts. “It gives more opportunity for the learning process and to be onstage,” she said, noting that several students were surprised to discover their talent, such as Andrew Borell, Act II’s Charlie Brown character. “For instance, Andrew didn’t know he could sing, but he’s unbelievable!”

The show is the same as performed on Broadway,

with the book, music and lyrics written by Clark Gesner. Performances are Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the school office in advance for $2 or at the door for $5. All proceeds benefit new acoustics and sound solutions for the schools’ cafetorium. The Ideal and Dream schools are located at 400 Royal Commerce Road in Royal Palm Beach. Call (561) 791-2881 for more information.

‘BLESSING OF THE HANDS’ CEREMONY AT WELLINGTON REGIONAL

ceremony

hosted a “blessing of the

and

Ransey Rothenberg and Bryce Brandfon.

Participating students gather for a cast photo. PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

In honor of National Nurses Week, Wellington Regional Medical Center

hands”

on Tuesday in the hospital lobby. Clerics participating in the blessing of nurses

other staff members included Rabbi Bertram Kieffer of Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach, Father Don Munro of St. Rita Catholic Church, Rev. Jacqueline Leveron of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in West Palm Beach and Madaline Lawrence, a licensed teacher at Unity Church of Delray Beach and chaplain at WRMC.

Madaline Lawrence, Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, Rev. Jacquie Leveron and Father Don Munro.

Rev. Jacquie Leveron blesses Marketing Director Marcia Israel while Minister Sandy Stegall looks on.

Dr. Carmen Marrero gets her hands blessed by St. Rita’s Father Don Munro.

Elbridge Gale Students Learn About Careers, Salute

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

A world of opportunities was opened up to Elbridge Gale Elementary School students on Wednesday, May 6 as local professionals and parents shared their careers.

While Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, dental hygienist Adrienne Bernstein, environmental scientist

Monique Pass, music teacher Jeannine Krieger and others spoke in the classrooms, firefighters, police officers and utility workers wowed the kids with their vehicles

and equipment outside. In the art room, Tammy Logan, mother of fourth grader Stephen, helped kids decorate Mother’s Day cakes from the Publix bakery where she works. Proceeds from the pre-purchased cakes benefited PTA programs such as bike safety day and family fun nights.

Organized by guidance counselor Stacy Fill, the day’s events included a karate demonstration by Palm Beach Super Tae Kwon Do in Wellington.

Yousef Atiyeh breaks boards during a karate demonstration.

Chuck Gardner teaches students how the EKG monitor works.

Fifth graders Taylor Jimenez and Briana Smalley decorate cakes.

Tammy Long with first graders Skyler Elkin and Hunter Brown. First grader Mason Powell shows off his cake.

Four-year-old Rachel Zacharia takes her turn at the rope.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

Ethan Stephens (left) and Benjamin Helbling (right) jump.

Volunteer David Whitaker and Parent of Preschoolers Chair Ellen Zacharia take a break with Logan Waters, Charleigh Hoffman, Jordan Pritz and Stewart Parrish.

PBCHS Bronco Players Present ‘And A Child Shall Lead’

By Michael Slade Special To The Town-Crier

The Palm Beach Central High School Bronco Players presented the play And A Child Shall Lead last Thursday and Friday.

Thirty miles outside Prague lies a town called Terezin. It was built in 1790 as a fortress and troop garrison. Every room, attic and cellar became living quarters in what the Nazis called the Jewish Ghetto. Adult prisoners set up school for the children, and encouraged them to express themselves artistically. The children secretly cre-

ated hundreds of journals, poems, stories and drawings. Fewer than 100 of the children sent to Terezin survived the war. And A Child Shall Lead contains poems and stories written by some of the young prisoners. It is the result of interviews with survivors and from research in archives and museum collections in the Czech Republic. The play was conceived to be performed by a multi-racial, multi-ethnic cast as a reminder of the political atrocities children have fallen and continue to fall victim to throughout the world.

Panther Run Celebrates ‘Sport Week’

Physical education teacher Coach Christopher Cain and the students of Panther Run Elementary School participated in National Physical Education & Sport Week held May 1-7.

Based on a participation points scale, the top five schools across the country will earn a Polar heart rate monitor starter set for their school. The participants scored 8,325 points in the Physical Education Fun for Everyone contest, leading the school to be placed in the top five.

The school was eligible to receive an unlimited amount of points for parent participation, with 20 points awarded per parent. Throughout the week, parents also joined their children during physical education classes at Panther Run.

To make the week more interesting and motivating, Cain invited some special guests to classes.

On the first day, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen joined in for a game of basketball with Cain and Principal P.J. D’Aoust. Bowen also spoke about how important physical education and exercise are, and told the children that he works out at 5 a.m. every morning.

Other special guests included international boxing champion William Guthrie, Billy the Marlin (the Florida Marlins’ mascot), Palm Beach County School Board Member Monroe Benaim, professional heavyweight boxer Jameel McCline and 1976 Olympic gold medalwinner in the lightweight boxing division Howard Davis Jr.

Cypress Trails Exceeds Reading Challenge Goals

Cypress Trails Elementary School completed the Million Minute Reading Challenge by exceeding the initial goal of challenging students to read one million minutes. The reading challenge organized and supported by the Parent Teacher Organization and community volunteers totaled 2,600,000 reading minutes. Each month since October 2008, students participated in themed literacy activities sup-

ported by community volunteers and very important guests who donated their time to read to students. Events such as Guest Readers, Winter Reading Luau and Family Read Night provided students with unique opportunities to appreciate reading. The Million Minute Reading Challenge grand finale celebrated May 1 was animated with performances by the Cypress Trails jump-rope

team, the school’s chorus, and the presentation of Koko the Clown.

Students also witnessed the opening of a mystery box that had been displayed in the school courtyard during the past months. The mystery box contained gifts donated by the school’s business partners for all Cypress Trails students.

Cypress Trails would like to thank all parents, volunteers, teachers and staff, as

well as, National Deli, Home Depot, Riverside Bank, the Pol family, Connolly’s Bar & Grill, Dr. Petrova, Colonial Bank, Chick-fil-A, Rita’s Italian Ice and Nestle’s Toll House for helping with and making the reading challenge possible.

For additional information, contact Library Media Specialist Tasha Burke-Peart at (561) 904-9000 or via e-mail at peart@palmbeach.k12.fl. us.

Hayleigh Hansen Wins Character Counts Award

New Horizons Elementary School student Hayleigh Hansen was recently awarded the District 2009 Character Counts in Palm Beach County Award. Hansen was nominated by her teachers for choosing to “Do the Right Thing” even when no one is looking. Hansen was nominated for showing caring by putting others’ feelings before her own, giving up a center stage position in a school program to another student, always looking out for the underdog, and for raising money at a lemonade stand for needy

children. Hansen was nominated for demonstrating responsibility by going above and beyond in fulfilling her duties as a safety patrol, through student council initiatives to help needy families, welcoming new students as a New Horizons ambassador, and as a member of the school’s drum and Orff and handbell ensembles. Hansen sets high standards for herself by achieving honor roll on her report card. She shows citizenship by working together to make the community a better place to live, work, play and learn.

Careful

Jameel McCline signs autographs for fifth graders.

Character Counts Winner — Hayleigh Hansen (second from left) with her mom (and New Horizons teacher) Deb, brother Andrew and dad Robert.

Children listen as an older female prisoner (Jamison Hudson) secretly recites her poem.

Sylvan Honors Students Of The Month

Sylvan Learning Center in Royal Palm Beach has announced its students of the month for May: Tarik Latchmansingh and Adam Smith.

Tarik Latchmansingh is in the fourth grade at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. He started at Sylvan almost six months ago. His father Chris said Tarik has shown a tremendous improvement in his reading and math.

“He has improved in both subjects thanks to Sylvan. He doesn’t get as frustrated. His confidence is also higher,” Mr. Latchmansingh said. “Before he started at Sylvan he would get very flustered, now he’ll pick up and read books all by himself. I don’t need to force him anymore.”

Tarik’s favorite subjects are math, science and physical education. When he’s not in school he enjoys baseball, where he enjoys all-star sta-

tus and holds the home run record for Royal Palm Beach for his age group. His favorite positions are pitcher and first base. His favorite sports teams are the Mets and the Giants. His favorite food is spaghetti.

“When I get older, I want to be a Major League baseball player,” Tarik said. Adam is a first-grade student at Binks Forest Elementary School. He has been attending Sylvan for a year. His mother Tammy Smith is pleased with his progress and increased confidence.

“I enrolled Adam because of concerns I had about his reading level,” she said. “He was not developing as quickly as other children. He was feeling down because he felt he wasn’t smart, although he has a very high IQ. His confidence level was also down. Sylvan has been wonderful. They taught him how to read

phonetically. My other two children never learned this technique. Now even his confidence level is much higher. He’s a completely different child — he’s himself again!” Adam’s favorite subjects are science and math and he likes working on computers. His hobbies include playing outside with squirt guns and playing cards with his

friends. His favorite sport is watching race cars on television. His favorite foods include pizza, spaghetti, salad and lasagna. When he grows up he wants to be a doctor like his father.

Sylvan Learning Center is located at 1169-B Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more information, call (561) 422-6176 or visit www.sylvanpbc.com.

CAREER DAY AT CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach held its second annual Career Day on Thursday, May 7. The purpose of the event was to foster career awareness and familiarize the students with the world of work. Presenters volunteered to discuss their job responsibilities, likes and dislikes about their chosen career, types of training or education required, the future outlook for the profession and what is involved in a typical day on the job. More than 75 speakers gave presentations for Career Day, which was organized by guidance counselor Cora Edwards and her committee. Shown right are some of the Career Day speakers.

Panther Run Elementary School helds its Kindergarten Roundup on Tuesday, May 5 for all incoming kindergarten students. Parents were able register their children while enjoying Three Piggy Opera. Music teacher Dwane Earnhardt organized Three Piggy Opera , a tradition at every roundup. Earnhardt worked with the current kindergartners for their performance, which included students from the classes of kindergarten teachers Kim McPherson, Amy Evans, Beth Spruce and Carolyn Archambault. Pictured above are Mama Pig (Orianna Soublette) and the Big Bad Wolf (Sean Cabrera).

PHOTO FINISH

Wellington High School freshman Hailey Garrett competed in the 39th Annual K-12 Community Student Exhibition May 7 at the Lighthouse Center for the Arts in Tequesta. Garrett, shown here, won first place in photography.

Tarik LatchmansinghAdam Smith

Mazza Graduates Marine Boot Camp

Anthony Michael Mazza recently graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp, 3rd Battalion, Mike Company at Parris Island, S.C. The intensive 13-week program included training in military discipline, Marine Corps values, survival skills for combat readiness and physical aptitude.

At the end of his training, Mazza and his platoon had to enter and pass “the Crucible,” a 54-hour warlike arena where his spiritual, mental and physical abilities were put to the test. With little sleep or food, he entered as a recruit and finished a Marine. Mazza also earned a rifleman medal. Mazza, a 2006 graduate of Wellington High School, is the son of proud parents Scott and Linda Mazza of Wellington.

Army National Guard Pvt.

Eric S. Alapont has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, Alapont studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy,

armed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics. He is the son of Ramon Alapont of Royal Palm Beach and a 2003 graduate of Piper High School in Sunrise.

Area Fitness Guru Offering Seminars At Ultima

A world-class athlete and a natural motivator, Sonja Friend-Uhl has helped people of all ages and abilities improve their well-being and fitness for more than 12 years. The skilled fitness programmer holds personal training certifications with ACSM and AFAA as well as AFAA specialty certifications in youth, senior and pre-natal fitness. She is a USATF Level I certified running coach and the president/ founder of RunFast Promotions.

Beginning in May, Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do in Wellington has exclusive rights to offer FriendUhl’s nutrition consulting and metabolic testing services. Two seminars will be held at the gym on the following dates: Tuesday, May 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, May 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.

The cost is $10, and space is limited.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of Friend-Uhl’s fitness consulting background. In 2008 she secured a certification as a nutrition consultant through Lifestyle Technologies, creators of the Diet Master Pro Software. Recognizing the value and importance of basing results on physiology, she also invested in the technology to test resting metabolic rates. Friend-Uhl has already helped dozens of people realize incredible results by using these proven and scientific body transformation techniques.

Friend-Uhl has a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary. She has published fitness and running articles in Runner’s World magazine and Health & Fitness News . A natural and motivating public speaker,

Friend-Uhl has served as the keynote speaker for race expos, athletic banquets, Rotary Club functions and national TV affiliates. A state champion in high school and a scholarship, record-setting runner at Wil-

liam and Mary, success has continued to follow FriendUhl through her transition into professional racing. She has been a member of six U.S. world teams, a 2000 Olympic Trials competitor in the 1500m, and currently is ranked among the top women in the country for distances from the 1500m to the marathon.

A prime example of maintaining a good balance in one’s life, Friend-Uhl prioritizes her roles as a wife and mother in addition to her fitness career and competitive endeavors. Friend-Uhl’s husband Brad and daughters Brianna and Alexa are her true joy and inspiration. Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do is located at 12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza. For more information about the seminars, call (561) 795-2823.

& Cough

& Flu

& Bronchitis

Cuts & Scrapes Strains & Sprains Ear & Sinus Infection

Michael Mazza

Sonja Friend-Uhl

Alex Pantone Receives Vivian Ferrin Memorial Scholarship

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement

(CAFCI) recently launched its inaugural Eagle Scout scholarship through the Vivian Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The late Ferrin, a former Royal Palm Beach councilman, was a huge proponent of the scouting movement. He was also a strong advocate of helping and encouraging youth to achieve excellence in higher educa-

tion. As a tribute to his honor, CAFCI’s Vivian Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund will annually honor one graduating Eagle Scout who has not only achieved high excellence in scouting but also high excellence academically.

The first recipient of the award is Eagle Scout Alex Pantone of Troop 111 in Royal Palm Beach. Pantone’s scouting career is very impressive with over

350 community service hours, numerous humanitarian, community and environmental clean-up projects, along with his willingness to lend a helping hand and giving back to his troop and fellow scouts.

Academically, Pantone carries a heavy load of honors and Advanced Placement classes and a 3.7 GPA. He was National Merit commended, a member of several honor societies and the

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE IN RPB

Xenya Lopez — daughter of Carolina and Amadeo Lopez of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 18.

Lauren O’Reena Conway — daughter of Katherine Dorsey and John Brown of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on April 20. Elizabeth Kate Matrafajlo — daughter of Brianna and Robert Matrafajlo of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on April 20.

Eisley Olivia Most — daughter of Alexandra and Daniel Most of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on April 20.

Gerardo Monroy Jr. — son of Belinda Medrano and Gerardo Monroy of West

Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 21.

Emily Rae Daniels daughter of Allison Lingerfelt and Cortney Daniels of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 22.

Gianni Michel Aupont — son of Donna and Michel Aupont of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on April 23.

Jeremiah Olalekan Aboderin — son of Jennifer and Olalekan Aboderin of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 23.

Timothy Livingston Tanner — son of Lori and Timothy Tanner of LakeWorth was born at Palms West Hospital on April 24.

recipient of numerous academic achievement awards. Pantone has a long list of volunteer efforts, including work with the Palm Beach County Library System, the American Cancer Society and Scouting for Food. Pantone will attend the University of Florida in the fall, where he has been accepted into the honors program and will major in communications and graphic arts.

AREA PARISHIONERS ON MISSION

Al Paglia, Theresa Cecil and Mary Andersen — parishioners from St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington — are sponsoring a mission director from Kingston, Jamaica this August as a means to raise money for Kingston’s poor. In February, the Wellington parishioners visited Kingston to work with the poor and indigent. Pictured right are Paglia, Cecil and Andersen after Sunday mass at Missionaries of the Poor Sacred Heart Church in Kingston. With them are Father Bryan and Alva Foster and her three children and mother.

WHO’S NEW

Dominic Vincent Apicella — son of Mariaclara and Vincent Apicella of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on April 24.

Dwayne Francis Anderson Jr. — son of Fawn and Dwayne Anderson of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 25.

Kaylah Gabrielle Cinevert — daughter of Sandy Jean-Baptiste and Kenne Cinevert of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 25.

Avery Marie Butler — daughter of Christie Brauchle and Christopher Butler of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on April 25.

Brandon Paul Mason

son of Dana and Daniel Mason of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on April 26.

Yago Gabriel Rodriguez — son of Jana Luniga and Gabriel Rodriguez of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 1.

Jose Luis Leon-Pena — son of Mara Pena-Vega and Anthony Leon of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 1.

Sienna LaRocque daughter of Cindy and Geoffrey LaRocque of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 1.

Alexander Lawrence Altman — son of Beth and Ken Altman of Royal Palm Beach

was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 4.

Preston Tucker Breen son of Christine Lee Proctor Breen and Matthew Jeremy Breen of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 5.

Ryder Harrison Chandley — son of Kelly Ann and Ryan Samuel Chandley of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 5.

Landon Alexander La Manno — son of Beatrice and Anthony La Manno of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 5. Ivan Gregory Neuhart — son of Katarina and Gregory Neuhart of Loxahatchee

was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 5.

Sophia Brielle Tedesco daughter of Tiffany Hafer and Joseph Tedesco Jr. of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 6.

Lucy Ann Schwartz — daughter of Shayna Schwartz of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 7.

Aidan William Olson son of Andrea and Erik Olson of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 8. Savannah Francoise Hababou — daughter of Virginie and Gilles Hababou of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on May 8.

Scholarship — (L-R) Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Lisa Harrison, Alex Pantone, Larry LaRosa and Elam Patterson.

Temple Beth Zion held its Huge Rummage Sale May 3-10 at the H&R Block office, located in the Crossroads Plaza in Royal Palm Beach. The sale featured like-new merchandise, including books, toys, clothes, electronic devices and furnishings. Proceeds from the sale will benefit temple programs. (Above left) Temple Beth Zion members Laurie Gladstone, Thelma Shuster, Bella Rosenstock, Ruth Baraoidan and Roz Jacobs work the rummage sale. (Above right) Ruth Baraoidan folds some clothing.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, May 16

• The Florida Trail Association will hold an Okeeheelee Park Stroll on Saturday, May 16. Strollers will meet at 7:30 a.m. Enter the park at the west entrance and head to the first parking lot on the right. Call Daisy Palmer at (561) 4395780 for more info.

• Pastors Glenn and JoAnn Graves invite you to attend the Deborah Company 2009 Women’s Conference with special guest speakers Barbie Breathitt, Cyndie DiBucci and Ben Smith. The conference will take place at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more info., call (561) 793-5232 or e-mail deborahcompany tph@yahoo.com.

• A free seminar on Home Buying & Selling will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the Wellington Community Center. For more info., call Laura Jaffe at (561) 252-4426.

• The United States Coast Guard Station at the Lake Worth Inlet will hold an open house on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in recognition of National Safe Boating Week. The event is free. The Coast Guard Station is at 3300 Lakeshore Dr., Riviera Beach. Call (561) 8444470, ext. 0 for more info.

• Loxahatchee Groves Garden Club members will meet Saturday, May 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). After a short business meeting and the installation of the 2009-10 board of officers, club members will visit the Excalibur Fruit Tree nursery in Lake Worth. For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 818-9114.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “ Meet the Author: Michael Sheetz” on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. for adults. Meet Kill for Thrill author Michael Sheetz and get the scoop on his book about a crime spree that rocked Pennsylvania. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

cussion of several published poems. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Anime Grab Bag” on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12-17. Snacks provided by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association will meet Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Indian Trail Improvement District office (13476 61st Street North). Representatives from Jon E. Schmidt & Associates Inc. will attend the meeting to present details of a proposed daycare facility on a 3.7-acre parcel on the south side of Northlake Blvd. just east of Hall Blvd. For more info., call Winston Crosbie at (561) 790-4935.

Wednesday, May 20

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Flick Lit: Jumanji” on Wednesday, May 20, 4:15 p.m. for ages six and up. When Judy and Peter find a board game under a tree, it becomes a jungle adventure they hadn’t bargained for. Jungle games and activities await. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Socrates Café” on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Find out what this month’s thoughtprovoking topic is by calling (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, May 21

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an “Everyone Is Special!” workshop on Thursday, May 21 at 11 a.m. Preschoolers ages three to five and adult family members will work together through interactive play to recognize and respect differences in themselves and others. Space is limited. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After Hours Networking Mixer on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington). For more info., call (561) 790-6200.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Chess Club on Saturday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The after school drama club at the Ideal School (400 Royal Commerce Road, Royal Palm Beach) will present Charles Schultz’ You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. The musical is about a day in the lives of the famous characters from the comic strip Peanuts. The cast is composed of actors from second to sixth grade. The show is directed by Earleen CareyMarlow, with musical direction by Angela Shaw. Proceeds will go to acoustic and sound improvements in the cafetorium. For more info., call (561) 791-2881.

Sunday, May 17

• A one-day Boating Safety Program will be taught by the Coast Guard auxiliary at Palm Beach Shores Town Hall (247 Edwards Lane, Singer Island) on Sunday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This program is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for participants to receive their Florida Boater ID card. The fee is $36. Call (561) 684-6914 for info.

• The Acreage Landowners’ Association will hold Huck Finn Day on Sunday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Everglades Youth Camp in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. Activities will include games, music by DJ Mark Thomas, a performance by the Chili Chicks, a wildlife exhibit, canoeing, fishing, a petting zoo, fence painting, swamp buggy rides and food. Call Maria Enriquez at (561) 714-8436 for more info.

• Kids eat free on Sundays at deVine Bistro & Bar (2465 State Road 7, Suite 300, Wellington) starting at 5 p.m. For more info., call Sara Palmateer at (561) 204-5432.

Tuesday, May 19

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its “Poetry Discussion Series” on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Engage in a provocative dis-

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Teen Game Night” on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12-17. Join in for Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and board games. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• The Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly business networking event on Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille in the Pointe at Wellington Green. The special guest speaker will be First American Mortgage Company President David Lopez. For info., call (561) 889-6527 or visit www. prhchamberonline.com.

• Epiphany Lutheran Church & School (4660 Lyons Road, Lake Worth) will hold its second annual charity car show/barbecue Saturday, May 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The PBSO’s Beat the Heat truck will be on display, and there will be a water slide, crafts and music. Call Carolyn Einsteder at (561) 968-3627 for info.

• The Cancer Caregivers Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m., center court in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 798-4110 or e-mail palmbeachcancer foundationinc@yahoo.com. Friday, May 22

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Science Club: Airplanes” on Friday, May 22 at 3 p.m. for ages eight and up. Participants will make paper airplanes and watch them fly. Call (561) 7906070 for info.

• A Health and Safety Fair will be held at the My Gym location in Royal Palm Beach on Friday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a cash and toy donation drive and a charity raffle to benefit the Children’s Coalition. Activities will include a bounce house, car seat safety checks and health vendors. Call Tom Copeland at (561) 8603231 or e-mail tommy copeland@aol.com for info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

Phelps Named To Wellington Chamber’s Equestrian Committee

Phelps Media Group Inc. recently announced that Mason Phelps Jr. has been selected to serve on the board of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Equestrian Committee. The Equestrian Committee includes a diverse group of dynamic individuals who have experience in various equestrian-related businesses and non-profit organizations, and Phelps will bring an extensive equestrian knowledge to assist in furthering the committee’s goals.

Phelps is a lifelong horseman who has participated in many aspects of the equestrian world including as a rider/trainer, event manager, governance leader, charity organizer and multimedia

executive. Phelps is the president and founder of Phelps Media Group, one of the foremost equestrian public relations firms in the world, and has been instrumental in the industry through his philanthropy and service on many boards and councils.

“The equestrian community and Mason Phelps are synonymous,” Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Diana Tashman said. “We are delighted to have Mason on the Equestrian Committee, and I think that his expertise in the equestrian community, not just in Wellington but nationally, will be a great asset to the Wellington Chamber as our membership grows. Because of the major impact that the

equestrian industry has on the Wellington economy, Mason is the perfect catalyst to assist the Wellington Chamber’s efforts with this group. We really want to give more exposure to the equestrian community, and that is where his expertise will come in.”

The Equestrian Committee’s goals include developing interest and participation in the equestrian sport in Wellington, providing events and seminars for business and equestrians to meet and play, thus increasing business opportunities between the two groups, establishing interactive relationships with equestrian organizations (for-profit and non-profit), increasing membership of equestrianrelated businesses, updating

the committee’s web site so it may be used as a resource, providing effective and timely communication to the board of directors, committee members, chamber members and community members when required, and improving community lifestyle and prosperity by implementing these goals.

Phelps will use his expertise to assist the committee in realizing those goals and is looking forward to putting his knowledge to good use for the Wellington community.

Phelps fully supports the goals of the Equestrian Committee. Because of the extensive traveling that the equestrian sport involves, Phelps has selected Julie Tannehill to serve as his alternate in the

Mason Phelps Jr.Julie Tannehill

event that he is away on business at any time during his service on the committee. Additional information on equestrian committee events can be found online at www. wellingtonchamber.com. Questions or comments can

be directed to Equestrian Committee Chairwoman Nan Martin at nan@nemhj.com or Wellington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michela Perillo Green at info@wellingtonchamber. com.

WRMC Auxiliary Presents $24,000 In College Scholarships

The Friends of Wellington Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Inc., along with the WRMC medical staff, presented $24,000 in college scholarships to 12 local high school seniors pursuing careers in the healthcare field. Each of the students will receive a $2,000 Camilla Combs Memorial Scholarship Award to be used toward their college education.

This year’s Auxiliary Scholarship Committee of Barbara Buchman, Dolly Friedman, Chris Fries and Bea Fries interviewed nearly 40 deserving high school se-

Whole Foods Benefits FoundCare

Shoppers at the Whole Foods Market in Wellington recently shopped to support community health when the specialty market donated five percent of its net sales to FoundCare, Palm Beach County’s new non-profit community health center for uninsured and underinsured children and adults. The nonprofit received a check from Whole Foods for $2,208.

“We’re grateful for Whole Foods’ generosity,” said

Steven Stolman, director of development for FoundCare.

“The new community health center just opened to patients five days a week, and the need from Palm Beach County residents has been staggering. At our new 29,000square-foot facility at 2330 South Congress Avenue, those who would normally have no place else to turn but overcrowded hospital emergency rooms will be seen with dignity and compassion

at nominal fees, based on their ability to pay. No one will ever be turned away.”

FoundCare representatives were on hand at the Whole Foods location to answer questions and to distribute information. To learn more, visit www.foundcare.org. To schedule an appointment at the community health center, call (561) HEALTHY.

Whole Foods Market is located at 2635 State Road 7 in Wellington.

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

RPB Flea Market Set

For May 20

The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a flea market on Wednesday, May 20 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center auditorium. For more information, call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149.

Pet Adoption

Event In RPB

A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue and Luv A Pet Puppy & Kitten Rescue will join forces on Saturday, May 16 to celebrate their first pet-related event in Royal Palm Beach.

Luv-A-Pet, a non-profit animal rescue group founded in 2004, is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. The group’s network of “foster families” take homeless kittens and puppies into their homes and provide love, medical care and socialization. They are also spayed/ neutered and microchipped prior to being placed in their permanent homes.

A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue, a nonprofit, all-volunteer, animal rescue group, is one of the largest foster-based animal rescue groups in Palm Beach County. Currently with over 30 foster homes and over 350 volunteers, A Second Chance continues its commitment to save pregnant and nursing dogs, cats and their offspring, keeping them in a safe, healthy foster environment and finding them loving families. Both groups, together with several vendors, sponsors, volunteers and past adopters, will be celebrating responsible pet ownership and lives saved through adoptions on Saturday, May 16 at the Village Royale Shopping Center at the corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. Pets will also be available for adoption. Guests attending the event, which begins at 10 a.m., will receive dog and cat products from various vendors. For additional information on the event, and a chihua-

NEWS BRIEFS

hua races schedule, visit www.asecondchancerescue. org.

Tiger Shark Cove Closing For Repairs

Wellington’s Tiger Shark Cove Park playground will be closed May 18, through May 22 for annual maintenance. During this time, scheduled maintenance will be performed on the park structures. The park will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 23. For more information, call Wellington Director of Operations Jim Barnes at (561) 753-2504.

Wellington Memorial Day Observance

The Village of Wellington will honor all veterans at a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at the Wellington Community Center at 8:45 a.m. and end at the Wellington Veterans Memorial located on the corner of Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. If you would like to honor a veteran by having their name and service branch listed in the program, call (561) 791-4733 e-mail nicolee@ci. wellington.fl.us.

Memorial Day Observance In Royal Palm

The Village of Royal Palm Beach will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 25 at 9 a.m. in Veterans Park.

The morning ceremony will feature the honor guard from American Legion Post 367, members of the Jewish War Veterans Post 684, a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Jessica Stiles, the Pledge of Allegiance by Tyler Retzler and the Royal Palm Beach Early Childhood Activity Program participants, Boy Scout Troop 111, Brownie Troop 515 and various local digni-

taries. Refreshments prepared at the Wild Orchid Café and served by Young at Heart volunteers will be available following a 21-gun salute.

For more information, call the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center at (561) 7905149.

Wellington Art Society Exhibit May 23 In RPB

The Wellington Art Society will present “Hot Art… Cool Place,” a free indoor fine art and craft exhibit and sale celebrating all things spring on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

More than 30 artists from around the area will be showcasing their work, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry and other fine crafts. Students from Jan Levi’s watercolor class will also be exhibiting at the event.

Besides the diverse works of the participating artists, “Hot Art… Cool Place” will also feature baked goods, beverages and other refreshments for sale in the Arte Café, along with live music by area songwriters and performers, an art raffle and a plant boutique sponsored by the Wellington Garden Club.

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

The family-friendly event will be held rain or shine at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, 151 Civic Center Way, near the southwest corner of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards.

For more information, call event chairs Jean Talbott at (561) 963-9755, Linda Rovolis at (561) 753-7840 or President Adrianne Hetherington at (561) 784-7561. For more information, visit the society’s web site, www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

niors from ten Palm Beach County high schools with an understanding of the special needs and qualifications required of individuals entering the medical field. Criteria for scholarship selection included academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service, financial need, character, maturity, motivation and goals.

The top 12 ranked students selected to receive a $2,000 Camilla Combs Memorial Scholarship Award are: Ukwen Akpoji, American Heritage School; Christopher Ceresa, Park Vista High

School; Stephanie Gopie, Park Vista High School; Whitney Joseph, Lake Worth High School; Jason Lesnick, Palm Beach Central High School; Whitney Pittman, John I. Leonard High School; Andrei Santalo, Wellington High School; Priscille Schettini, Park Vista High School; Olivia Tighe, John I. Leonard High School; Andrew Tuccinardi, Wellington High School; Charissa Urso, the King’s Academy; and Julia White, Palm Beach Central High School. A recognition ceremony and ice cream social were

held at the hospital on Thursday, May 7. Students, family members, physicians, auxiliary members and administrators were on hand to congratulate the students.

“I am proud of the work of the hospital’s auxiliary for their fundraising efforts throughout the year that made these scholarships possible,” WRMC CEO Kevin DiLallo said. “My appreciation to Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, our chief medical director, and our medical staff for their support and generosity which allowed additional students to receive awards this year.”

Late Property Taxes Due May 29

If you have not paid your 2008 property taxes, you should pay them by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29 if at all possible. Payments sent by mail must be received by the Office of the Palm Beach County Tax Collector no later than that time. A postmark of payment does not apply to delinquent taxes. Delinquent taxes must be paid by cash, money order, certified check, bank draft, U.S. postal order or cashier’s check. Online payments are not accepted for late taxes.

• Real Estate Property Taxes — All real estate taxes not paid by that date will have tax certificates sold on the property. On June 1, the amount due will increase by at least ten percent (for advertising costs and interest) or more depending on the interest rate bid and redemption date. Tax certificates for the unpaid taxes are sold at a public auction via the Internet to replace budgeted, but uncollected, tax dollars for various governmental agencies in the county.

• Tangible Personal Prop-

erty Taxes — Delinquent 2008 tangible personal property taxes must be paid by May 29 to prevent tax warrants from being issued. The tax collector’s office prepares and mails warrants to persons still delinquent on their 2008 tangible personal property tax obligation starting June 1. The warrants are then filed with the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller’s Office in July. Interest and other costs will be added to the tax due. For more info., visit www. co.palm-beach.fl.us/tax.

Scholarships — Dr. Jeffrey Bishop address the students while Auxiliary President Nancy Tuccinardi looks on.

Another Eventful Year For Sports At Wellington High School

As the cliché goes, as one door opens, another must close. The recent 2009 NFL draft created opportunities for 256 college football stars, including University of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez with my beloved New York Jets. But this also means doors are closing, and one door that has closed locally is the 2008-09 Wellington High School athletic season.

From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, I’ve seen it all this year as a frequent spectator at WHS sporting events. From blown calls to fans screaming — in cheer and distress — each individual game had its own unique features. From empty gymnasiums to jam-packed bleachers, WHS teams have competed through all atmospheres imaginable.

In the late ’90s and the early ’00s, baseball was the trendy sport at WHS. Lately though, the soccer program has been the cause for discussion around campus. Seniors Andrew DiLallo (signed with Davidson) and Kojo Thompson (signed to Appalachian State) led the boys varsity team this year to a nationally recognized season. On several occasions, the team was ranked first or second in the country, according to Adidas. The boys ended the year with a 23-1-2 record only to lose in the regional semifinals.

Seniors Sarah Lenhart, Genny Rigg and Nicole Lichtenwalner led the girls soccer team

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

deep into the state playoffs. The highlight moment of the year had to be a goal scored by Lenhart against Stoneman Douglas High School, which proved to be the deciding factor in a 1-0 win. It was the first time the Wolverines had beaten Douglas in ten years, breaking a dreaded Wolverine curse. The girls broke another team curse — losing the first game of every new coach’s tenure. Coach Fern Brewer put that burden to rest and won her first game against rival West Boca High School.

Sophomore forward Natalie Puñal was awarded for her stellar play by being selected as a member of the Class 6A First Team All-Florida. The forward scored a staggering 20 goals and is on pace to maybe breaking Lindsey Wilkinson’s franchise record. The team’s outlook is incredible, with Puñal, goalkeeper Sam Bandremer and sophomores Kaelin Ferreira and Melissa Welch returning. Sophomore Brittany Wall-

rath will also return as an important asset to the team’s defense, and also chipped in two goals as well.

On the hardwood, the boys varsity basketball had its best season in seven years. Senior forward Rahiem Smalls led the team, averaging 17 points and ten rebounds on his way to the Palm Beach County All-Star Game. Smalls was joined in a dominant front court with Rex Kirby, who always energized the team with his endless hustle, and Milton Cook. Guard Mike Randell gave the team a spark with his outside shooting, while sophomore Scott Witkowski “captained the ship” as the point guard. The team finished 15-13.

Coach Vic Navarro’s Lady Wolverines had an up-and-down season, finishing the year with a 10-12 record. Junior Katey Applegate led the team in scoring, while junior Stephanie Weiss and sophomore Mercedes Queen ran the backcourt. Senior forward Ashley Corradino was a huge feature for the team’s inside game.

One team at WHS went its entire regular season undefeated — the boys tennis team. Seniors Steven Bender and sophomore Travis Michaud led the boys team to the regional playoffs. Senior Sean Dargan and sophomores Ben Montoya and Ben Aqua played excellent in singles matches as well.

One team, however, almost went its entire season “defeated,” as the student body at

WCFL Prep Seminoles Finish Undefeated

The message from the Hall-of-Famer was simple, better yet, simply perfect: create history, but more important, create some memories to last a lifetime. The Prep Seminoles did both.

The Florida State Seminoles finished off the Western Communities Football League’s first flag football season as the league’s only undefeated team, rolling through the playoffs and championship as they had all season. The Seminoles’ perfect season was underlined by a 26-6 win over Tennessee in Saturday’s championship game at Village Park in Wellington.

Earlier Saturday, the Seminoles shut out Auburn 19-0 in the semifinals. It was their 11th shutout in 14 games, and their second in the playoffs.

The Seminoles played inspired football in the playoffs. Letter perfect, you might say.

Prior to Saturday’s semifinal matchup with Auburn, a letter was read to the team sent by Nick Buoniconti, the Hallof-Fame linebacker and one of the prominent members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, which became the first — and remain the only — team in NFL history to go undefeated the entire season.

Now the WCFL has its own perfect team. Florida State, under the guidance of coaches Chris Fratalia, Dwight McDonald and Tim Winn, finished the Prep Division (grades three to five) regular season at 11-0. When you combine the regular and postseason, the Seminoles outscored opponents 368-18 and never gave up more than six points in any one game.

“I am so proud of this team,” Fratalia said. “They played all season long with the aura of an undefeated season lurking over them all, and everyone handled the pressure extremely well.”

The Seminoles opened the playoffs last Thursday with a 33-0 victory over Penn State, a performance that came without two-way star Derek McDonald but turned into a total team effort. The win was punctuated by a 10-yard touchdown catch on fourth down from Emily Anderson and an interception returned for a score on the game’s final play by Robert Lamelas, who had opened the playoff contest by catching a pair of Kyle Cartales passes for touchdowns. Max Fratalia added a touchdown catch before halftime, as seven different Seminoles — the others being Lamelas, Anderson, Miles Forbes, Casey Ohman, Dylan Tolley and Tyler Winn — caught at least one pass in the victory.

“I feel the main key to our offensive success of 368 combined points in 14 games was the fact that we didn’t key on any one receiver,” Fratalia said. “We spread the ball around to everyone, so when you have to match up against us defensively, nobody on the opposition knew who to cover. We threw the ball 95 percent of the time to eight different receivers. It was fun to hear the opposing coaches argue with each other as to how to defend us. There is truly no cure for diversification on the football field. Our offense was lethal.”

The defense, led by coaches McDonald and Winn, made its own season-long statement. Against Penn State, every player took a defensive snap. The shutout was led by Kai Rosado’s multiple flag pulls and relentless pressure from the line, including rusher Tanner Winn.

The Penn State win set up the semifinal Saturday against Auburn and the message from Buoniconti. He congratulated the team, but also challenged them to fin-

Michele Blecher and the Royal Palm Beach High School dancers — five classes and one team — presented their spring show “Green Light: Ready, Set, Dance!” on May 7 in the auditorium. The performance was a stellar production! All 160 dancers did an excellent job in their 23 routines. The dances, choreographed by Blecher, included lyrical, jazz and hip-hop. For the past 12 years, RPBHS graduating seniors got a special chance to shine in the spring performance. The seniors were cast in a large senior group production “Take it to the Floor,” in which the seniors performed their own solo or duet dance routines. For the past two years, Blecher has incorporated several special-needs students into her dance classes and program. But this year was a very special year. Shining in Period 3’s dance routines was a young man named Jorge Coronel. Jorge has Down syndrome along with other challenges. Yet this never stopped him from dancing or performing. Jorge’s mother was a professional dancer in her day and was looking down from heaven watching Jorge dance as his grandpar-

ish what they started. Buoniconti warned them about the complacency that often comes with success, and encouraged them to play as a team, and to push each other to higher levels. Most important, he asked them to have fun. “You will always remember this year and this team,” Buoniconti wrote.

“My fellow Dolphins from 1972 are among the closest and most cherished friends in my life. Like we did more than 36 years ago, you have an opportunity to finish off something special and remember it for the rest of your life… so go finish it!”

The Seminoles wasted no time in doing so, as quarterback Kyle Cartales rushed for three touchdowns, including a 35-yard scamper down the right sideline on the game’s opening possession. Cartales, keeping cool under gametime temperatures of 90 degrees, then avoided a sack on third down deep in Auburn territory, slipped outside and raced in for another score. Mixing in passes to Lamelas, Fratalia and Anderson, Cartales continued to drive the Seminoles in the second half. Then, in the final seconds, Cartales took a quarterback

sneak from the Auburn 38 and raced in for the final score and a 19-0 victory. In the championship game against Tennessee, the Seminoles’ high-powered offense sent a message on its opening drive, as Cartales scrambled in from 29 yards for the first score. Fratalia caught a quick slant across the middle for a 7-0 lead. Completions of 30 yards to Robert Lamelas and 20 yards to Tyler Winn — the latter coming on a double pass from Fratalia — set up Cartales’ 10-yard touchdown run for a 13-0 advantage.

A completion to Miles Forbes, followed by a long run down the left sideline from Lamelas, led to a 17yard scramble and touchdown by Cartales for a 19-0 margin. The Seminoles then gave up their only score of the post-season on a 46-yard touchdown pass late in the first half, but they responded in the closing half with a 15yard touchdown on a diving catch in the left end zone by Casey Ohman — his first touchdown of the season. Fittingly, Cartales raced in on a quarterback keeper to the left side for the point-after and the 26-6 final.

ents watched him from the audience.

This year’s show also included several RPBHS district champion varsity football players, proving that football players can dance! As the crowd roared with cheers at the grand finale, each of Blecher’s classes took their grand bow. Before the closing curtain fell, Blecher gave a personal tribute to each of the 30

WHS has begun to call it. A Homecoming Night victory over Lake Worth 27-21 was the lone win for the Wolverine varsity football team this year. Junior quarterback Winter Cullen split snaps with fellow junior Brett Alfredson and also sophomore Tyler Bergman during the season, but nothing clicked for the team throughout the year. As for the two sports that are played on a diamond, each had a respectable season. The varsity baseball team may have fallen short of “Wellington standards” but had a good season nonetheless. Some finer points during the season were high RBI nights from seniors Nick Ferraresi and Bryan Adametz, and great pitching duels with Dusty Wilson and Matt Solomon on the mound. Catcher Alex Tannone summed up his view of the season as “playing in the tightest and most intense games in varsity baseball.”

The softball team had a “learning” year. The team’s roster was loaded with eight freshmen, but they gained experience while having fun along the way. Junior Ali Lowe and freshman Alyssa Cheatham led the offense for the girls, while the tandem of senior catcher Lauren Mullins and freshman pitcher Mariah Gonzales controlled the defense.

With seniors gone from the WHS campus, summer vacation has never seemed so far away. But hey, at least the football team is practicing for next year. See you then!

Mother’s Day weekend was fantastic for the 11th graders on the Wellington Wolves 16-U girls travel basketball team. The girls gave their moms a great Mother’s Day gift by winning the Division I Spring Fling II AAU Championship held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. This is the first time any team from Wellington won an AAU Division I Tournament. The girls already qualified for the AAU Nationals in Spring Fling I back in April by finishing up in second place. They played their hearts out, stepping up their game on both sides of the ball and defeating all their opponents by double digits for the entire tournament. The Wolves’ next big tournament, the USSSA States, will take place May 29-31 in Gainesville. The team would like to thank its local sponsors for their support. Shown above are: (front row L-R) Antonella Marino, Amanda Collins, Diamond Jomes, Stephanie Weiss and Dominique Morgan; (back row) Coach Michael Weiss, Chantol Edwards, Nicki Shaffer, Porsche Shakes, Coach Dennis Miles, Christina Alessi, Brooke Garmon and Coach Joe Collins.

WINNING SEASON FOR PRO DIVISION VIKINGS

graduating seniors. Blecher said she is extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of all her dancers and it is an honor to be the RPBHS dance director. “I also want to give a special thank you to my third period class, who accepted Jorge into the class and watched over him as he performed in our spring show,” Blecher said.

Of The Week: Jared Ingram

On Saturday, May 2, the Acreage Girls Flag Football League held its Super Bowl Saturday. Championship games were held in all five divisions. The Pro Division Vikings had an undefeated, untied championship season with a 13-6 win over the East Division champions the Patriots. The Viking defense, led by Kim Kelly and Brittney Walker, held their opponents to a total of three touchdowns and 15 shutouts during the entire season, while the offense scored over 335 points, led by Brooke Kelly’s 48 touchdown passes and 20 receiving touchdowns by Brandy Johnson. The Vikings finished their season with an unprecedented 18-0 record. Pictured above are: (front row, L-R) Brittney Walker, Ashley Mucinski, Head Coach Brian Kelly, Amber Potter and Selena Casares; (second row) Tory Gugliotta, Candace Lynch, assistant coach Hunter Smith, Brooke Kelly, Brandy Johnson, Kim Kelly, Amanda Velasquez and assistant coach Ron Last.

The RPBHS dancers with Dance Director Michele Blecher.

For Farrier James Morgan, Horseshoes Are A Family Tradition

He’s a solid, square-standing man with a friendly grin and an easy way about him that said he knows about horses. The voice is unmistakable, a Texas twang that complements first impressions. James Morgan is a farrier who knows what he’s doing.

Born in Lubbock, Morgan grew up “all over Texas” and horses were always in the picture. His grandfather was in the horse business, his father worked with horses, and Morgan started shoeing horses out of necessity.

“I was working on a ranch that was pretty far from anywhere,” Morgan said. “When you’re out in the middle of nowhere and a horse needs a new shoe, you learn fast.”

Morgan said he learned from both his father and grandfather, and also trained under a couple of other farriers and attended seminars. Eventually, he became a journeyman farrier.

“That’s old terminology,” he explained. “Originally, it meant you were able to travel around and earn your living because you knew the trade. You didn’t have to stay and be an apprentice and study under someone else anymore.”

Eventually he moved to Loxahatchee and kept on shoeing horses. Horse hoofs, which grow continuously, typically have to be trimmed every six to eight weeks. Farriers correctly balance horses’ feet, adjusting the hoof angles and making sure they’re even. They correct problems and alleviate painful conditions.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Some horses can remain barefoot without encountering problems. Most horses require front shoes, as most of their weight balances over the front legs, so those feet require more support and protection. Some horses need back shoes as well.

Horseshoes can be reused a few times before being replaced. The shoes are pulled, the feet trimmed, and the shoes are nailed back on. Even though shoes come in standard sizes, farriers hammer each shoe, shaping it to a custom fit on each hoof.

South Florida presents some unique problems to horse owners and farriers. Morgan said the footing, usually soft sand and often wet, makes it hard for horses to remain sound (not lame). Hoofs absorb water through osmosis, which make them deteriorate. They get crumbly.

“The soft sand puts a constant pressure on the bottom of the foot,” Morgan said. “Hoofs tend to expand and drop. In South Florida, you see a lot of wide feet at a low angle, and no heel. It’s not like up north,

where feet tend to be straighter up and down and have a good heel. This country’s real hard on a horse’s feet. You can bring a horse down here, and within a year you’ll see his feet change completely. It’s from the constant pressure of the sand.”

Like most farriers, Morgan encounters his greatest problems when trying to shoe horses that won’t stand still. Yet somehow he manages to get the job done. In 1992, he won the Two-Man Blacksmith World Championship in Calgary, Canada, by building four draft horseshoes in 45 minutes.

Morgan also trains horses, working with problem horses whose owners can’t deal with them: horses that don’t respect humans. Typically, he keeps a horse for 90 days.

“Most horses are overfed and not exercised enough,” he said. “They’re kept in small houses, stalls and maybe turned out in a small paddock for 20 minutes a day. Then the owner shows up on the weekend wanting to go for a ride. The horse has so much pent-up energy, all it wants to do is play.”

Morgan said each horse is different. “I figure out what each horse needs,” he said. “I believe that oxygen deprivation helps the brain think differently. I’ll work a horse in a round pen until he’s breathing hard, looking for air. That’s about the time they’re ready to listen to what you ask them to learn. They stop and turn toward me. Then they’re ready to join up and listen, and we can get a lot done. That technique has worked pretty well.”

The most interesting horse Morgan ever worked with was a seven-year-old Warmblood that went blind as a result of a drug reaction. The horse shied at every unexpected noise. Morgan desensitized it to noise, and the horse ended up having a nice life. The owner was able to keep the horse in training and ride it around.

“That horse was really intriguing,” Morgan said. “His senses were so heightened, he was so responsive, he could feel your mood. He wasn’t afraid to go forward, but he reacted to every sound. So I kept watch of his ears. If he listened hard to one side, you put the opposite leg on him, and that kept him straight.”

The hardest horse Morgan ever worked with was a five-year-old Quarter Horse named Sky.

“He started out as an outlaw,” Morgan recalls. “The owner tried to cowboy him, and mistreated him. He’d bite you, stomp you, buck you off, run you over, then come back and try to get you. I ended up buying him, and he turned out to be a good horse. I won a lot of money on him in Team Roping all over the southeast. Even qualified six times for the World Championship in Oklahoma. I ended up selling him to a ten-year-old who could ride him.”

Like a lot of things Morgan turns his hand to, it ended well for the horse.

For more information, call Morgan at (561) 307-4208.

BINKS FOREST HOSTS JENNA MCCANN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

92 people played 18 holes of golf before enjoying the rest of the day at the awards ceremony. For more info., visit www.kidscancer.org.

continued from page 1 crime and special events. “Crime alerts, missing persons, wanted persons — I can

Chamber Officials Speak

continued from page 2 est Hill Blvd. and other ways of redevelopment. We are also looking at creating a medical arts district, as Wellington Regional Medical Center is a major job-generator in this community.”

Indian Trail Improvement District Administrator Chris King said he probably will be the only area official bearing good news, because ITID, with no ad valorem taxes, has not been hit by state mandates or falling property values. The ITID budget is about $10 million, he said, and the district is not looking at rate increase of any kind.

“We continue to look at ways to be more effective in business and provide our residents with as many services as we can,” he said. “We have taken on a very aggressive

really see weather alerts with the hurricane season coming,” Martin said. “If the sheriff’s office has a National Night Out, we can put that on our calendar.” Martin said he can narrow

capital improvements campaign for this year, and with that we are looking at park improvements and roadway improvements.”

Loxahatchee Groves Town Clerk Matt Lippman said he has worked with state legislators for many years and stressed the necessity of a team approach in getting things done. Although a government should be held accountable by its residents, he said, their need for services cannot be the entire responsibility of the local government.

“You give them what they want sometimes, but they don’t want to pay for it,” Lippman said. “On top of that, we have the property tax reduction, and we have the economic downturn. We could run the other way or we could just face it head-on.”

The panel discussion took place in the in the Patio Verde food court at the Mall at Wellington Green with food

the alerts to specific areas of the county by city, ZIP code or PBSO district. The service also has a national scam site that allows residents to look up current and previous scams.

provided by Chick-fil-A. It was sponsored by O’Dell Land Development Consultants.

Firm principal Mike O’Dell told chamber members that most people usually don’t have a clear idea of what a land planning and development business does.

“We conceptualize an overall plan and put a schedule together so we have a general idea of where we are going, dollars-and-cents point of view and schedule-wise, and the general components of it,” he said.

Through his staff’s experience and contacts, the firm guides a development project through to completion on time and on budget, O’Dell said.

The Palms West Chamber’s next business luncheon, featuring the Business of the Year, is scheduled for June 8. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palms west.com.

The local address is www. linkingcommunities.com/ pbso. No membership is required to get on the general link, but residents can easily find local groups through that site, or they can set up their own web site.

Fredette said the sites can be as small as a block of residents who want to share in-

Stribling Wellington Developer

continued from page 1 touch per se, but he knew how to get the job done, and he had the ability to engage people, to make you want to be part of the game. Everybody who worked for him just respected him, but it was a respect borne out of his abilities.”

An exemplary husband and father, Stribling also had a deserved reputation for honesty, Miles said.

“He was a brilliant man,

Pill Mill

‘DoctorShopping’

continued from page 2 tabase on certain controlled substances to monitor and track doctor-shopping so the pharmacist and the Department of Health can take action against the prescribing doctor, Aronberg said. The bill would also clamp down on pain clinics with more stringent licensing. The disadvantage, Aronberg said, is that the results are slower in coming.

“My bill would have given real-time data where you put a finger in the machine and it would give better confidentiality and real-time information to know when doctor-shopping and patient abuse is occurring on the

formation. “Linkingcommunities is a social networking company that provides these web sites for communities for no charge at all,” he said.

The service is sponsored by Security Networks, based in West Palm Beach, which provided $15,000 the first year to fund the service, according to Security Networks

but you always felt like he was laid back,” he said. “He had that southern charm about him, and he had the knack of making you want to get something done, and you smiled all the way through it… I’ve never heard anybody speak badly of Guerry, ever.”

President and CEO Rich Perry.

“Without their donation, this program probably would not be available to us,” Martin said. For more information about Linkingcommunities. com, e-mail Fredette at fredettelc@aol.com or call (561) 735-9666.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years Sandra Thompson Stribling, daughters Lisa White of Wellington and Lu Kantlehner (Tom) of New Orleans, sons Boone Stribling (Bobbie) of Wellington and Tom Stribling (Kelly) of Cullowhee, N.C., and seven grandchildren. Guerry Stribling at a January street dedication

spot,” he said. “It would not require sending information to the Department of Health. The pharmacist would be able to see if this person has local prescriptions of the same drug. Under the bill that passed, there is a lag. It could be up to 15 days before the Department of Health is alerted to doctor-shopping.”

Aronberg said his bill would have offered better privacy protection because no one’s name would have gone into the database.

“I did not want the perfect to be the enemy of the good, so I co-sponsored the one that eventually passed,” he said.

Versions of both bills had been filed over the past five years before passing this year, Aronberg said. The bill passed in the Senate 39-0 on April 24 and 103-10 in the House on April 30.

Blotter continued from page 6 May 2 and 8:52 a.m. on Monday, someone took approximately 700 feet of wire that was supposed to be used for the traffic signal. The deputy met with security guards from nearby Breakers West, but they didn’t see anything unusual, according to the report. MAY 12 — A resident of Meadow Wood Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday morning to report the theft of auto parts. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 12:30 and 7 a.m. someone stole the tailgate from the

Kid’s Cancer Foundation President Michelle O’Boyle, Event Chair Dr. Steven Pliskow, Kaye McCann, Treasurer Sandy Erb and Pam Verdolino.

Kids Cancer Foundation Treasurer Sandy Erb, singer Morgan Hayes and Dr. Steve Pliskow.

Kaye McCann, Dr. Ronald Ackerman and David McCann.

Second-place winners Team Gauger: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Todd Ostuni, Dep. Rusty Lamm, Det. Larry Wood and Col. Mike Gauger.

Steve Walsh, Adam Doner, Rick Freedman and Dr. Damien Joy.

Dr. Krishna Tripuraneni and his daughter Ramya, Dr. Kishore Dass and his wife Seema, Ranjita and Dr. Shekhar Sharma and Dr. Ramin Abdolvahabi.

“State of the Cities” — Palms West Chamber of Commerce Chairman Kevin DiLallo with speakers Paul Schofield, Wadie Atallah, Matt Lippman and Chris King.

ceremony in his honor.

Drunken Raisins and Voodoo: Wisconsin’s Arthritis Cures

My Dad’s feeling a lot better, thanks. When I was up there for his birthday last month, the long Wisconsin winter was taking its annual toll on his mood — and his arthritis.

“In January the doctor told me I’ll be better in six months,” he assured me.

“I’m sure you will, Dad. That’s when the sun comes out again.”

When I called on Monday, he bragged that he hadn’t had to take any arthritis medication for five whole days.

“That’s great, Dad! And it hasn’t even been six months! How did you do it?”

(A note of caution here to any reader who suffers from arthritis and is looking for relief: Do not try this at home. This is my father talking, the same man who got his arm stuck inside the basement wall when I was a kid.)

“I did the raisin thing and the doll thing.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

They work!”

Let me explain. When Dad was so miserable last month, scores of people jumped in with suggestions for remedies. In desperation, he decided to give the least heinous ideas a try. A guy at the church where Dad is an usher told him to take a handful of yellow raisins and soak them in gin for a week. On the eighth day, Dad was to take out nine of the raisins

and eat them (“not eight, not ten, nine!”). He was to do this every single day. Naturally, Dad liked the sound of this remedy.

“Maybe it doesn’t really help the arthritis, you just don’t care anymore,” I suggested.

But when I was up there, Dad proudly showed me his Mason jar filled with saturated raisins. He was only on day one of “the cure” at that point, but now he swears by it. That, and the voodoo doll.

Oh, yeah. On his birthday, my mother’s best friend Pat gave him a stuffed doll with ailments printed all over its body and a package of pins. If you had a bad knee, you stuck a pin in the doll’s knee. If you had a pot belly, you stuck a pin in the doll’s belly. It was supposed to chase away everything from wrinkles to, well, to arthritis.

We “kids” looked at the doll suspiciously

but Mom and Dad and Pat were laughing like loons.

“Where did you get this?” I asked, noticing the amateur craftsmanship, the questionable gender and the mop of yellow yarn hair.

“The nuns,” Pat answered. “There’s a Catholic church near my house and the nuns sell these voodoo dolls to raise money for the church.”

“What?!” I replied, outraged. “That is wrong on so many levels!”

“Maybe so, but they’re making a killing on these dolls. Everyone I know has one. Those that don’t have one want one.” I was spluttering, but when I looked over at Dad, he was smiling for the first time in weeks, and now he swears he’s cured. I know some nuns who are going to heaven. Hope they like gin.

Newest ‘Star Trek’ Goes Where None Had Gone Before

It is not difficult to define Star Trek for most of us. After five different television series and ten movies, fans expect a strong captain, devoted crew, interesting aliens and a plot that features a really evil villain and tends to drag in places. The new movie, a prequel to the original series, is different. The crewmembers are all new to space, the captain is a wild and crazy kid, and the action is nonstop. There is more action in this single movie than in any three previous franchise entries combined.

Star Trek is an important part of science fiction. It presents a world where excellence is necessary, a crew of mixed social and racial origins in a future where toleration of others is accepted as the norm (the kiss between Kirk and Uhura in the original series was the first interracial kiss on a scripted TV show) and where the notion of the future as good became firmly planted in the minds of the audience. The Enterprise goes on missions of exploration “to boldly go where no man

I

Was

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

[or subsequently, no one] has gone before.”

Director J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III, TV’s Lost) and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman bring back the original crew but in a new way. They are young, learning how to become the characters they were when we first met them. James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) — and they actually explain how he got that middle name — is trying to live up to the legend of his father. The opening of the movie is an exciting set piece that shows Kirk being born and his father dying in the same

minute. It is fast-paced yet filled with excruciating personal detail. This is clearly not the Star Trek I have watched over the years.

As important as Kirk in this movie, Spock is a major focus. Zachary Quinto portrays him, trying to be both Vulcan and human.

Leonard Nimoy joins the cast as the aged Spock, included in the story through timewarp physics. Seeing him as the person he has become, someone who understands clearly the importance of self-knowledge, helps the movie transcend the usual offerings of the franchise. The real point of the movie is selfknowledge, not simply beating the bad guy.

The movie includes details that are contrary to what fans generally consider canonical, so purists should beware. Among other anomalies, all of the officers are young and of about the same age, while the original series cast was presented as a group of varying ages. But it certainly is fun, with constant action and special effects that are central to the story, and

new portrayals of familiar characters who remain recognizable.

It is fun to watch Kirk meet the young engineer Scotty (Simon Pegg), with a minor homage to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home built in. Dr. “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban) clearly demonstrates the attitude we have all learned to love. Zoe Saldana is a very sexy Uhura and all the other original crew are on hand, the new actors getting chances to reel off their characters’ trademark phrases.

J.J. Abrams has done fans a marvelous favor. He has brought the ideals that many of us loved to a new generation. And he has done it in a way that is exciting and modern. In the new Star Trek, even the villain is more than a simple representation of evil. He has a grievance. We see a crew with a lot of imperfections but with hope for a future that we all know will come. It is an exciting movie, one that will undoubtedly spawn sequels. And the ideals will live on. Live long and prosper!

Satisfied To See Tri Rail Go Away Empty-Handed

Last week our state legislators passed a budget that does not include a bailout for Tri Rail. The Tri Rail folks went to the legislators with their tin cup in hand asking for taxpayer money to help their failing operation. And to the legislators’ credit, they told the Tri Rail folks to take their cup and go home. The Tri Rail people claim they can operate for the next two years without state help. So for the next two years we will have to keep a close eye on our legislators and make sure they don’t give Tri Rail any taxpayer money.

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

I think Tri Rail should be run on a user fee, and not on a taxpayer bailout. If you want to use Tri Rail, you should be willing to pay for whatever that ride will cost. You should not expect me or any other taxpayer to help pay for your ride. If you want to ride on the Turnpike instead of I-95, you pay a user fee (toll). You pay a user fee if you want a special license plate for your car. Tri Rail should be run the same way. More than 100,000 people live in the western communities. If I was a betting man (which I am not) I would bet I have more fingers and toes than Tri Rail has western communities residents as daily users. When a public transportation system is supposed to serve a region, you can’t leave 100,000 people out of its service area.

We who live in the west already give plen-

ty to Tri Rail. Whenever we put gas in our cars (thanks to our county lawmakers) we pay an extra six cents on each gallon for Tri Rail. I can honestly say I only rode Tri Rail once, and that was enough for me. I don’t know if it was the armed guards walking through the train, or the time it took me to get to my destination, but I was never interested in riding Tri Rail again.

Of course my mind is open (some say too open), and it would be changed if Tri Rail came to my town. A few short years ago, I was the lone voice in the woods calling for Tri Rail to lay some track along Southern Blvd. Of course and as usual, no one listened to me. For years we in the western communities suffered with the rebuilding of Southern Blvd. Why, I ask, didn’t the government just add a

couple of million dollars more to the project and lay down tracks? They could’ve built a very nice train station at Forest Hill and Southern boulevards. I am sure a lot of western commuters would have been very happy to get aboard an express ride to West Palm Beach and points south. But, of course, no one listened to my great idea. Why, you ask? Because it made too much sense. For years the folks on the coast have been ripping us off in the west. They even do it with a smile. We in the west are known as “donor” communities. This means we pay more in tax dollars than we receive in return. In other words, we help the rest of the county run. And that is why I am asking Tri Rail to either come out west or stop operating on my dime. I am tired of giving (I wonder if I can claim these donations on my income tax) and receiving nothing in return.

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

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

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

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

Junior Golf Foundation — Attention, kids! Join us this summer for golfing fun featuring camps, tournaments and leagues. The Junior Golf Foundation is proud of the quality and attention that each individual receives during camps.. The foundation has hired a strong team of professionals to enhance the on and off course skills of junior players. Becoming a better player is a process through experience, good mental preparation and self discipline. The camp environment will be fun and challenging. Each student will walk away from the camp with improved skills and golf knowledge. Jun-

ior tournaments are held monthly, May through October, for kids ages four to 18 years old. For more information, call (561) 964-4653, ext. 107.

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

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

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

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

Palm Beach Riding Academy — Palm Beach Riding Academy will be offering spring and summer camps for 2009. We are proud to offer a unique equestrian experience including riding lessons and instruction in horse care, as well as games for children. There will be trips to the horse show and polo grounds. We will also be able to offer adult sessions. The academy is located at the corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. Recently featured events have included the Palm Beach Steeplechase and the Palm Beach Jump-

er Derby. Times and dates to be announced to accommodate school schedules. For more information, Call Kate Turner at (561) 644-7179.

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

St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center (CEC) Summer Camp & VPK — Enroll your child, age three through entering first grade, child in our fun summer camp with all on-site activities — no buses and no additional activity fees! We offer multiple daytime schedules and sessions to meet your time and budget needs. You can enroll in camp for as little as $40 per week. The camp is conveniently located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. Campers remain on-site for all activities, which include themed week events with arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, videos, creative play and more. Four two-week sessions are available. Two, three and five-day options are available, with a choice of 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The first two-week camp session starts June 8, so register today! For a registration form, pricing and more information, visit www.stpeterscec.com or call (561) 798-3286. Mention this listing to get half off the registration fee per camp session if you enroll before June 3 — you’ll save up to $10 per camp session! NEW... we are now offering VPK this summer. Space is limited, and the program starts June 8 and ends Aug. 14. For VPK information, call school director Pat Banks at (561) 798-3286.

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

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

THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Get Prepared For Storm Season With A Generator

Given the lack of rain we’ve been having, you just might forget that hurricane season starts June 1.

But Jon Andio and the folks at 1 Stop Generator Shop are very much aware of the upcoming season.

Colorado State University forecasters Philip Klotzback and William Gray are predicting 14 named storms in the Atlantic Ocean this year, with seven of them becoming hurricanes — it’s a forecast for an “above average” 2009 hurricane season.

“Business is up about 60 percent over last year,” Andio said. “With the changes in the economy, people are spending more time at home. They are more aware of their homes, and they want them protected, not just from hurricane power outages, but the outages we experience all year long.”

Generator companies are aware of the demand for power as well. In an effort to ease consumer confusion, the Generac Corporation is eliminating the “Guardian” name and branding everything under the “Generac” logo.

“We just started selling a new line of General Electric automatic standby generators,” Andio said. “This is the first time GE has gone into the residential backup power market. It is a great product with excellent options. I am very excited about it.”

If you are thinking about purchasing a generator, Andio said now is the time to make the decision, not later.

“Although we complete our installation within two weeks of getting a permit ap-

proved, it can take several weeks to get the permits through the building department — especially if you live in an HOA, which requires their approval,” he said.

If you already own an automatic standby generator, make sure it is in good condition. “If you do not have a maintenance contract, you might not know your generator has a bad battery, low oil or low coolant until it is too late,” Andio noted. “We offer several levels of affordable maintenance plans for every owner. It is the best way to ensure you have power when you need it.”

Very often, people invest in generators and do not do the necessary maintenance to keep them operational.

“Portable generators are especially vulnerable to failure,” Andio explained. “People put them in the garage and forget about them until a storm warning is announced. By then, the fuel has gone bad, batteries are dead and any gas left in the carburetor has ruined it. We serviced over 25 generators in one week when a storm warning was announced last year, and who knows how many more would not have started if the storm had hit and we had lost power.”

A family-owned business, 1 Stop Generator Shop sells a full line of automatic home standby and portable generators. They can be reached at (561) 624-3545. They will gladly send a representative to conduct a free onsite estimate and explain the various options available to your specific home. References are always available. You can also visit them at www.1stopgeneratorshop.com.

Jon Andio of 1 Stop Generator Shop prepares for the installation of a new generator.

Sunday At The Meyer Series 2009 Season Begins May 24

The City of West Palm Beach recently announced the entertainment schedule for the coming 2009 season of the Sunday at the Meyer series. The schedule is as follows:

• May 24: “The Legends of DooWop” (www.thelegendsofdoowop. net) — Their names are legendary and their music is timeless. Three former lead singers and one essential “Mr. Bass Man” make up a veritable “who’s who” of legendary rock ’n’ rollers. The members of the Legends of Doo-Wop have an amazing four songs in the Top 100 All Time Greatest Hits, released by WCBS radio in New York City. Some of their legendary hits include “Just to Be With You,” “Gloria,” “16 Candles” and “Stormy Weather.” The Legends of Doo-Wop play to sold-out venues across the country. The fabulous foursome brings tight harmonies, smooth vocals and some of the best sounds heard since the early days of rock ’n’ roll.

• June 28: The Fabulons (www.fabulons.com) — Now celebrating their 24th anniversary, the Fabulons continue to be Florida’s favorite party band. This show/dance/variety/band performs a wide variety of music, including Motown, 1950s doowop and a capella, classic rock, disco, R&B, Beach Boys, Beatles, best of the girl groups, “Grease,” standards and anything else the audience requests. They have opened for numerous legends including the Temptations and Blood, Sweat & Tears, and have even appeared in the hit movie The Boynton Beach Club

• July 26: Ambrosia (www. ambrosialive.net) — This ’70s and ’80s pop band created a new invigorating style of music and pioneered the progressive rock sounds of this time. In addition to sold-out concerts around the world, Ambrosia garnered five Grammy nominations, tons of FM airplay and a number of hit singles including “You’re the Only Woman,” “Biggest Part of Me” and “How Much I Feel.” Known for their inventive musicianship and skillful arranging, Ambrosia’s smooth pop sounds have captivated audiences everywhere.

• Aug. 23: Firefall (www.firefall. com) — Firefall was one of the most successful recording artists of the ’70s with a wealth of hits including “You Are the Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You” and “Strange Way.” Firefall burned brightly in the ’70s as one of the pioneers of country flavored rock ’n’ roll with eight albums and 11 singles on the charts. Sparks will fly and the stage will sizzle as Firefall blazes through West Palm Beach, bringing their mellow country-rock sounds along with their dynamic stage performance.

• Sept. 27: The Tokens (www.the tokens.com) — The Tokens are an all-American doo-wop group from Brooklyn that brings back the magic of the golden oldies era. Best known for their chart-topping 1961 single “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” the style and sound of the Tokens is defined by the tenor lead and trademark falsetto that have characterized their music. Also known for hits such as “Tonight I Fell in Love,” “Portrait

of My Love,” and “I Hear Trumpets Blow,” the Tokens made it all the way to the American Bandstand stage.

• Oct. 25: Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players (www.myspace.com/sugarfootop) — Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players are a funky pop/R&B blend of master musicians surrounding the exuberant and soulful “Sugarfoot,” the signature voice and personification of the original Ohio Players. Their signature sounds and horn-powered grooves topped the Pop and R&B charts in the ’70s with smash hits such as “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster.” Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players meld together elements of jazz, soul, funk and pop to bring their fans a “street funk” party.

West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel will continue her tradition of passing out cookies to the crowd during the band breaks. This crowdpleaser allows guests to introduce themselves and become familiar with the mayor in a casual and friendly atmosphere. Guests are invited to come and meet the mayor, say hello or just indulge in a Sunday afternoon cookie sponsored by National City.

There will also be lots of fun, interactive games and activities for children at each concert including hoola hoops, sidewalk chalk, limbo contests, coloring books, and bubbles — all for free.

The Sunday at the Meyer series brings fab tunes, a cool scene and good vibes to downtown West Palm Beach. This free family-friendly concert series is held from May through October on the fourth Sun-

day of each month and features a variety of national and regional recording artists. Located along the picturesque Flagler Drive waterfront in the Meyer Amphitheater, Sunday at the Meyer provides an ideal setting for good times and great entertainment. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to the concerts, and food and beverages are available for purchase at the concerts.

Sunday at the Meyer is produced by the City of West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office Division of Community Events and sponsored by the Palm Beach Post, National City, the Palm Beach Daily News, Southern Waste Systems, KOOL 105.5 FM, Newsradio 1290 WJNO, Coca-Cola and the West Palm Beach Marriott. For more information, call (561) 822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org.

Two Edgy Exhibits Open May 22 At The Armory Art Center

Friday, May 22 promises to be a night of intriguing and cutting-edge art as two exhibitions open at the Armory Art Center. “The Bridging Principle” is an exhibition by Florida Atlantic University master’s degree candidates that explores the relationship between art and science.

The group has studied the relevance of science in contemporary art, and as a result, each artist has created work that demonstrates his or her personal connection to science. The artists exhibiting are Joshua Davis, Judith Gehrmann,

AdrienneRose Gionta, Mark MacDonald, Christina Major, Sofia Matsi, Kim Spivey, Jillian Taylor and Jessica Weber. This exhibit will be in the Colaciello Gallery through June 5.

“A Trump in the Dark” also opens on May 22 and will be in Greenfield Gallery and Montgomery Hall through June 5. Seven cutting-edge and emerging artists were released into Trump International on April 29, while Vita Nova hosted a fundraiser for homeless youth. The parody and irony of the event was explored through the historical signif-

icance of the space, what it now represents, and how art can interpret perceptions. This exhibition has been expanded and will be installed at the Armory on a much larger scale with the reinstallation of the artworks in conjunction with the FAU student show coordinated by Carol Prusa.

The installations include art created by Bethany Krull, Nicole Seisler, Carolyn Sickles, Sue Stevens, Dennis Svoronos, Ryan Toth and Jesse Walp. The show is curated by Sickles and Toth. Many of the artists from both shows were

featured with room installations at the recent Showtel event at Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach.

The opening reception is May 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Armory Art Center and will feature musical performance by Zombies! Organize!! at 7 p.m.

Celebrating its 22nd season, the Armory Art Center is a not-for-profit, community-based visual arts education and exhibition center providing opportunities for individual growth, self-expression, increased awareness and appreciation of the arts through participation in studio,

exhibition, lecture and other educational programs. The Armory Art Center seeks to educate, enrich and engage a diverse population through the “experience of art.” With more than a dozen stateof-the-art studios, more than 100 course offerings and an annual student population of nearly 3,000, the Armory Art Center is West Palm Beach’s only community art center.

For more information on the Armory Art Center, or to sign up for classes, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776.

The Fabulons will perform June 28 at Sunday at the Meyer.

IRONING - in your home. I also do Housekeeping/Childcare & Pet Sitting.Experienced with references. 561-379-8357

HOME LITE TRIMMER GAS — $30 OBO 433-2751

2000 HONDA ELITE SCOOTERRequires to be tagged & titled. Insurance not required. Call Bret for info. 714-9942 $550.00

4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME - For rent, $1,900 per month. Available March 1st. For more information call (561) 385-3605

Estates of Royal Palm Beach - 4BR/ 2.5BA/2CGAR,335,000Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561-7917434

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1982 22' CLASSIC DONZI - w/ Bimini TOP & TRAILER. 454 Engine. Good condition. Ready for Inland Waterways on the ocean. Top speed approximately 70 MPH. Asking $7,500 Call Bob 561-758-9938

P.B. Plantation—5BR/3BA/3CGAR, $2,150 Call Yolanda Ulibarri, P.A. Keller Williams, Realty Wellington 561-791-7434

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FORECLOSURE - 5 + Acres. 2 Story, 3/3 Unique house. $189K. Call Bret Balsara, Nautica Realty, Many foreclosures in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee. FORECLOSURES! It’s all we DO! 561-714-9942

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

CABINS, LODGES,LAKE FRONT, TRADITIONAL HOMES - Land for sale in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Serving, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and Hiawassee, Georgia. Great time to invest in your 2nd home. Pat Macey. 706-455-6294 cell RE/MAX AROUND THE MOUNTAINS ENOTAH REALTY. 1800-346-0455.

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

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

JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation

FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

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

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

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

The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. — featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-7922666

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

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

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

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

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

MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COM-

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

CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE.

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

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

HIGH QUALITY LAMINATE

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

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

CAN FIX IT — build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 791-9900 Cell: 370-5293 CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 561-793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE.

ANMAR CO. —James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-2488528

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

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

HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inspections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811

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

ANIMAL PALACE — “Where Your Pets are Treated Like Royalty” — Pet sitting, dry baths/specialty shampoos. de-shedding treatments. All sizes/cats too! 561-3835000 or visit our website at www.animalpalacepetgrooming.com

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

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

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING

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

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

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

Waterheaters, garbage disposals, faucet repair & replacement service. New construction. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Wellington Resident 25 years. 561-601-6458. Jeremy James Plumbing, Inc. PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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

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

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

MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U13677.967-5580.

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC0067207

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

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY

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

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

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

1997 GREY SEBRING JXI CONVERTIBLE — new a/c, clean & well maintained. Engine & transmission in excellent condition and new top. Feel free to take it to a mechanic & check it out. Mint condition. $3500 (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422 1990 RED MAZDA MIATA CONVERTIBLE — mint condition incl. hard top. New clutch, tune-up in excellent condition. Great on gas. (561) 793-5569 (917) 494-3422 $2,500 1976 Mercedes 450 SL -

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

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

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

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

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

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

OFFICE FOR RENT — $450 A MONTH. Jog & Forest Hill. 126 SF,Professional setting. Unfurnished. DSL, Local phone line. Utilities. Waiting room, Additional services available. 561-967-2566