Town-Crier Newspaper November 12, 2010

Razor-Thin School Race Keeps Andrews, Grossman Waiting

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Three days into a recount, Palm Beach County School Board District 6 hopeful Marcia Andrews, a retired educator, is maintaining a razor-thin margin over businessman Dean Grossman. A final result had not been reached by the time the Town-Crier went to press. Andrews and Grossman are vying to replace retiring School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond. On election night, Grossman was narrowly ahead, but once additional ballots were counted by hand later in the week, Andrews pulled in front.

On Tuesday of this week, the Supervisor of Elections Office discovered an uncounted box of absentee ballots that changed the margin once again. At that point, Andrews was holding a 46-vote lead out of more than 49,000 votes cast.

Andrews, who lives in Royal Palm Beach, said the new box of ballots turned out to be the major surprise of the recount process.

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

To ensure that all of Wellington’s residents have a bright and happy Thanksgiving, the Village of Wellington has partnered with local organizations in its Holiday Food Drive and is hoping to help 250 needy families and residents. The food drive, which ends Friday, Nov. 19, will benefit needy families and individuals in Wellington by providing all the ingredients for a hot meal this holiday season.

Wellington has joined together with several local faith-based organizations, the Citizens Volunteer Organization, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Western Communities Football League, Publix and Walgreens to give those less fortunate something to be thankful for come Thanksgiving.

Last year, the village served meals to more than 100 families, and this year organizers are rais-

“They found 500 additional ballots that had not been accounted for,” Andrews told the TownCrier on Wednesday. “There were 230 of them in District 6, so they had to go through each one of those ballots and count them… Right now, I hold an unofficial lead of 46 votes.”

Andrews said she appreciates the thoroughness of Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher and her staff.

“I’m thankful that her people found the box while we were here and got it straightened out, even though it took all day and it was a lot of work for them to go back and make sure that every vote was counted,” Andrews said. “It was a long process, and people were under a lot of anxiety. They didn’t know where the ballots had come from. They didn’t know what precincts, so they had to find out all of that.”

Andrews said she and her supporters have been at the elections office since the day after the election. “This is our seventh day here.

We had been through all of the early votes. We had been through the voting on Election Day and the absentee ballots,” she said.

While many people have lashed out at Bucher, Andrews urged her supporters to remain calm and let the process work.

“I really feel strongly that the people from the Supervisor of Elections are beyond reproach,” she said. “They really work hard. They worked night and day; we’ve been here with them. Susan Bucher does not tolerate not making sure the job is done correctly, even if it means we have to go back and redo it. She believes in transparency and accuracy.”

Grossman, who lives in Delray Beach, explained that ribbons are tied to the boxes after they are counted, and that one had been mistakenly tagged as counted.

After the initial count last week, he was ahead of Andrews, but he said he is dealing with the apparent switch in frontrunners.

“As I said all the whole time,

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The decision Tuesday to create a new zoning district to attract developers to reinvest in aging neighborhoods divided the Wellington Village Council.

The Neighborhood Residential Renaissance Overlay Zoning District (NRROZD) could change land-use designations to attract potential investors to build in several neighborhoods, Strategic Planning & Economic Development Director Martin Hodgkins said.

Under the new zoning, developers could buy adjacent properties in one of several transitional neighborhoods to knock down and rebuild homes. In return, the developers could receive a density bonus of up to 20 percent and possibly include neighborhoodserving commercial space.

Developers would need two adjacent acres of land for a residential project, and a minimum of five acres to build up to 10,000 square feet of commercial space.

The measure is part of Wellington’s Economic Development Initiative. The zoning would be limited to the planned unit development district and would require a master plan to be adopted as well as a permanent form of governance such as a property owner’s association.

The zoning could apply to as many as 14 Wellington neighborhoods.

The areas listed in the staff report that could qualify for the new zoning district include: 12th Fairway/White Pine, Folkstone Circle, Goldenrod Road/Hyacinth Place, Hawthorne Place, Periwinkle Place/Lily Court and Yarmouth Circle, among others. Hodgkins stressed that passing the ordinance would not automatically rezone any of these neighborhoods but would give property owners the option to apply for rezoning under the NRROZD.

“The ordinance only creates the potential for use of the overlay zoning district,” he said. “There is no property rezoning with this. Whoever wants this to apply to their property would have to go through the normal rezoning process.”

But the provision that would allow neighborhood-serving businesses to be built alongside residential developments worried several members of the council, prompting more than an hour of debate.

The commercial space would be limited to a maximum 10,000 square feet, with each business limited to 1,500 square feet, Hodgkins

Councilman

Indian Trail Bids Farewell To Erickson

bull by the horns and have passion and drive and energy to do what Mike has done the past four years.” Damone said she and Erickson have not agreed all the time. “It doesn’t matter what the issue is,” she said. “I have tremendous respect for Supervisor Erickson, and I am going to miss him terribly on this board. Each of you as taxpayers should appreciate the work he has done for this district.”

“We

ing the bar. “We want to help 250 families this year,” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said. “I absolutely think we can do it.”

But they need the help of the community to make it happen.

Wellington is collecting all of the food items that make for a great Thanksgiving meal: instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables (green beans, peas, corn and sweet potatoes), packaged stuffing (stuffing mix), turkey gravy and corn bread or muffin mix.

“I think that we do have a lot to give back,” Gerwig said. “We also have needy people. I think if we can meet our own needs within our community, then that’s what we ought to do.”

The items can be dropped off at any Wellington Walgreens as well as various village offices until Friday, Nov. 19. Village offices accepting donations are: the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill

Blvd.); the Safe Neighborhoods Office (1100 Wellington Trace); the Administration Office (14000 Greenbriar Blvd.); the Planning, Zoning, Building & Customer Service Office (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.); and the Parks & Recreation Office (11700 Pierson Road).

The Thanksgiving turkeys will be purchased from Publix with donations from the faith-based organizations, the PBSO and other local businesses. Additionally, Whole Foods Market and Christy’s NY Cheesecake are donating pumpkin pies.

For those residents who may not want or need an entire turkey and all its trimmings, Christ Fellowship will provide individual meals as part of its Heart Brigade project. Any leftover food items will go to St. Rita Catholic Church for its food pantry that gives to local residents in need. The food

gone through a

Damone said. “We

needed someone on the board who was going to take the

ITID Vice President Carol Jacobs agreed. “You really bring a lot to this board,” Jacobs said, addressing Erickson. Supervisor Ralph Bair thanked Erickson for his numerous detailed reports on various issues in

Acreage Cancer Info Center Closes; ‘Newsletter’ Heads To Residents

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Acreage Neighborhood Information Center that fielded residents’ inquiries about a possible cancer concentration closed Nov. 5 after a continuing decline in visitors.

“Part of the reason for that is the lease is expiring,” explained Tim O’Connor, spokesman for the Palm Beach County Health Department, which operated the office located in the Acreage Publix shopping center. “We had to turn over the keys by Nov. 12, so to give us ample time to clean out the facility, we elected to close it last Friday.”

O’Connor said that the health department would have renewed the lease had there been more interest in maintaining the facility.

“We would have continued to operate it, but the attendance and even the phone calls had diminished,” he said.

On eight of the last 30 days, the office had no visitors or phone calls, and on the other days there were one to three visitors or calls.

“The phone lines are still in effect, and they are transferred to my office at the health department,” he said. “People can still get their questions answered, and we can get them information or to the appropriate person if they need a subject expert.”

The information number is (561) 798-7082. All the literature is still posted on the health department web site at www.pbchd.com.

“We will maintain a separate area for the whole Acreage investigation,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said a letter of con-

currence dated Oct. 27 is also posted on the web site from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that the CDC reviewed the steps the health department took over the past year and had no recommendation for further testing.

The health department also received a letter of concurrence from the Environmental Protection Agency earlier in October that is also posted on the web site.

A general information newsletter containing the most recent information is being mailed to residents of The Acreage and is also online. O’Connor said the information includes updates on the overall findings from the past two years of investigations.

Indian Trail Improvement District President Michelle Damone

said she is happy to see the cancer concerns being put to rest. “The newsletter that all the residents of The Acreage will be receiving is confirmation from all the government agencies who have all independently reviewed the testing that was done here in The Acreage,” Damone told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “Each of them concurred there is no widespread environmental contamination.”

Damone said the informational packets should also be useful for residents in other ways.

“The information that residents are receiving is extremely valuable because anyone who has any issues with homeowners’ insurance or refinancing their home, or anyone who is trying to sell their home, I personally would keep that information and provide it to anyone who has questions about

the integrity of the community,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s a document that will allow the community to move forward.”

Acreage resident Tracy Newfield, whose 16-year-old daughter had surgery five years ago for a brain tumor, said she did not have an issue with the local office closing, but feels that the testing is not complete.

“As for the actual study, I’m not happy with it being closed so abruptly,” Newfield told the TownCrier on Wednesday. “I think we’re going by a false sense of security. I think the air and canals still need to be tested. I think those are two important pathways into our community, and they need to make sure that those are safe.”

Newfield, who sat on the Acreage Community Focus Group that investigated cancer concerns in

the neighborhood, said the time of year is coming up when the wind is going to be blowing off the sugar cane fields.

“I think that needs to be tested when it’s occurring,” she said, adding that the study also needs to be expanded to cancer cases in other years. “They only focus on 2005 through 2007, and they acknowledge that there’s one in 2009, but what about the four just in 2008?” Newfield said she is aware that there is a newsletter being mailed out.

“I hope that touches on all the issues that I’m talking about, and I’m hoping that the new eyes and ears in government who were just elected see that this is an important issue, reopen it and decide if more testing should be done,” she said.

Lox District, Town Council Close To An Agreement On Road Grading

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

An agreement for courtesy grading of non-district roads is nearing completion between the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

At Monday’s meeting of the LGWCD Board of Supervisors, District Administrator Clete Saunier said that he had been informed by Town Manager Frank Spence that a draft of the interlocal agreement will be on the Loxa-

hatchee Groves Town Council’s agenda for consideration Nov. 16.

“The agreement will entail all the requirements for the district providing what we consider courtesy grading on what they are going to call town roads,” Saunier said.

The non-district or town roads are side roads that the district maintains as a courtesy. Saunier estimated that the cost for grading only is $160 per graded mile of roadway. The estimate does not include watering or hauling and

material costs for additional base rock. These items would need to be considered separately as needed. Saunier said that about 15 miles of roads are not maintained at all.

Grading an average of 1.5 times a month for about 16 miles of nondistrict roads would cost about $50,000 a year, Saunier said.

The additional costs associated with additional repair work will be included in the agreement, with such work to be done should both agencies come to a

consensus on a specific project, Saunier added.

The council had agreed to review and modify the district’s courtesy grading policy for consideration at its Oct. 11 meeting.

Town staff prepared a draft policy and presented it at the Nov. 3 intergovernmental committee meeting.

Supervisor John Ryan said the non-district roads consist largely of those for which residents had a prior arrangement with the district for courtesy grading.

In other business: • Saunier gave an update on the numeric water quality criteria being mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency, which would set what opponents have described as unreasonable standards on limits of phosphorus and nitrogen in lake, stream and canal water.

Saunier said the EPA has received more than 22,000 comments on the water quality criteria as a result of public hearings, including a letter to EPA Admin-

Lisa Jackson from former Florida Secretary of Environmental Protection Victoria Tschinkel regarding the potential devastating impact that the new standards would have on Florida’s ecosystem. The EPA recently extended the

OUR OPINION

Get The Thanksgiving Spirit And Help Out Your Needy Neighbors

One of the harsh realities Americans have had to come to terms with over the past few years is that the holiday season has increasingly become a bittersweet time. While many still look at it as a time for family get-togethers and bountiful feasts, others have joined the growing ranks of the less fortunate. So as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, now more than ever it’s important to think about the families and individuals who won’t be sitting down to enjoy a home-cooked turkey dinner. Better yet, think of those who could be enjoying that same luxury with your help.

Every year there are numerous organizations lending a helping hand to the needy in our community, and this year many of them have joined forces in an effort to serve as many families as possible.

After serving meals to more than 100 families last year, Wellington is hoping to more than double that number with a target goal of 250 families. To do this, the village is partnering with local organizations and businesses to handle the donation and distribution, and has a plan for dealing with any extras. Food items can be dropped off at any Walgreens in Wellington or at several village offices (see the story on page 1 for a complete list). Donations from local faith-based organizations and other groups will go to-

Why The Constitutional Conservatives Won In 2010

A friend asked me how Col. Allen West won the [District 22 Congressional] election and who voted for him. My friend served this country in battle, and I have great respect for our veterans, but I would not be surprised if party affiliation might have stood between brothers-in-arms. I wonder how many war veterans turned out to vote for [Congressman Ron] Klein just because he was the Democrat in the race. The nonsense that put a Democratic governor in office in New York was disgraceful. Maybe voters didn’t believe that the rent is too damn high in New York, but the voters did send a message that the federal government is “too

damn big.” Those who voted for West for Congress know he will fight for the State of Florida by fighting the jurisdictional war between the states and the federal government.

Just one example of how the encroaching federal bureaucracy is costing Florida taxpayers billions is the land deal recently made by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). In order to comply with a federal mandate, it just purchased 26,800 more acres of land which has cost Florida taxpayers $194 million. This is 42 square miles of land that will be taken out of production, and how many more jobs will be lost?

Given that the federal government under the Commerce Clause should have jurisdiction only over navigable waterways, how is it that grasslands now come under federal authority? The SFWMD

ward purchasing turkeys from Publix, and Whole Foods Market and Christy’s NY Cheesecake are donating pumpkin pies. Any leftover donations will go to the St. Rita Catholic Church food pantry, which will in turn go to local families in need. To get involved in this worthy cause, call the Safe Neighborhoods office at (561) 791-4796.

In Royal Palm Beach, a unified local food drive is being held now through Nov. 19. Food items needed include stuffing, canned vegetables and fruits, boxed potatoes, soups and frozen turkeys. There are three drop-off locations: First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach (the main location), the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation and the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. For more information, call the PBSO’s Diane Smith at (561) 904-8241.

The western communities may not be thought of as having many needy families, but unfortunately that perception just isn’t true; this area was especially hit hard by the mortgage crisis, and scores of homeowners were left struggling to make ends meet. It has been a rough time for nearly everyone. There’s a chance to make a difference in the community this Thanksgiving by giving more than just thanks, and we encourage anyone with the means to do so.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

has written to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to object to the federal agencies’ encroachment on Florida’s state’s rights, but we need Florida congressmen to enter the fight if we intend to win the battle.

In addition to the 26,800 acres of sugar fields that will be taken out of production, the SFWMD has also retired 17,900 citrus acres in Hendry County, 8,900 acres in Loxahatchee, and has options on an additional 153,000 acres of productive land at a cost of $7,400 per acre, which is more than $1.1 billion.

Why did voters send Mr. West to Washington? Because Col. West is a constitutional conservative. Florida has had compromisers; look where it has gotten us. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, not to mention the 40 percent unemployment in the Glades.

We now need men of virtue and conviction to lead us. We voted in a man we can all believe in, a man who has put his life on the line for his country. Go West! We are counting on you, brother. Frank Morelli Wellington

Get Tough, Don’t Compromise

Remember all of the “blue dog” Democrats? Well, they were voted out of office, not because of the economy or because of President Obama’s agenda, not even because of the Republican and Tea Party swift-boaters, but because they were not loyal to the president or to their party or to the agenda for which they were voted into office. The Democrats and the president need to stay true to the people who had and still have so much hope in him.

Get tough; don’t compromise. You can’t compromise with crazy people, or with greedy people, or with people who have their own agenda from day one, which is “bringing down the president” and thereby bringing down our government. [Sen.

Mitch] McConnell’s vow to “bring down the president” and “make him a one-term president” is tantamount to treason. They don’t speak for the American people.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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 letters@goTown Crier.com

Jordan Culbreath: A Star Athlete With Lots Of Heart... And Smarts!

There are good athletes, and there are great athletes — and there is Jordan Culbreath, a terrific football player at Princeton who is a great athlete with a fabulous gridiron talent, a sharp brain and a huge heart. Culbreath has aplastic anemia, a rare disease in which bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

Culbreath, a running back, walk-on at Princeton and team

captain this season, was a unanimous, all-Ivy League selection in 2009. He joined only seven others to have gained over 1,000 yards for the Tigers in a single season. In the second game last year he twisted an ankle, but as he came out of the game with blood dripping from his mouth, he finally fessed up to the team doctor how

many symptoms he had been hiding and how terrible he had been feeling. Ordered to take an immediate blood test, the results were startling. “Hemoglobin, platelets and white blood counts were at panic levels,” Dr. Margot Pulerkiam said. What followed were six months of treatments and hospital time to

NEWS

renew and regenerate a body that was teetering on a most serious precipice. The senior from Falls Church, Va. recently scored the winning touchdown in a 36-33, double-overtime victory over Lafayette.

What about the brains part of the tale? Culbreath, who is a mechanical and aerospace engineer-

ing major, invented, with a friend, a cold-water treatment tub with a refrigeration and filtration system that has already saved Princeton University thousands of dollars in ice. Jordan Culbreath may be one of 500,000 people in the United States who have aplastic anemia, but he sure is a special one.

Votes Are In: New County Ethics Rules Extend To All Municipalities

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The county charter amendment establishing a Code of Ethics, Commission on Ethics and Office of the Inspector General passed Nov. 2 in all county municipalities, meaning the stricter ethics rules and oversight will soon apply to elected officials and staff in all 38 incorporated communities.

Commission on Ethics Executive Director Alan Johnson said implementation committees are being formed to write the appropriate charter amendments.

“Just as in any other election, this does not immediately take effect,” Johnson said. “The referendum goes into effect on Jan. 1, then it provides for a drafting committee.”

Those members will be two appointees from the county com-

NRROZD

New Zoning Category

continued from page 1 could buy in one of several communities along Forest Hill Blvd. and then place the commercial space near the road, essentially giving the businesses visibility and accessibility by the greater community.

Hodgkins noted that the council would have to approve a master plan, which would include the location of any commercial space.

“Certainly the intent is for it to be neighborhood-serving commercial,” he said. “It’s not for any commercial uses to have access to arterial roads like Forest Hill Blvd. or Wellington Trace.”

Coates was also concerned that developers might build businesses to serve the entire Wellington community, not just the neighborhoods as required in the ordinance.

mission, two from the Palm Beach County League of Cities, an appointee from the county attorney’s office and an appointee of the executive director of the League of Cities. Where applicable, Johnson and Inspector General Sheryl Steckler will also sit on the drafting committee.

“At that point, the referendum gives the drafting committee 90 days from Jan. 1 to have a completed series of codes that can be adopted by the county commission for all 38 municipalities into the county code,” Johnson said.

The county ordinance creating the Code of Ethics, Commission on Ethics and Office of the Inspector General adopted in July will serve as a starting point for the charter language, Johnson said.

“A certain amount of massaging has to go on in order to change

But Mayor Darell Bowen noted that a business would have a hard time serving the entire community out of such a limited space. “At 1,500 square feet, it’s not going to make much difference,” he said. “Because no one can build anything big enough to serve much more than a very small community in 1,500 square feet.”

Coates said that although he was generally supportive of the measure, he worried about developers taking advantage of the ordinance to get commercial frontage along congested roads.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore wondered what changes would have to be made to keep the commercial services internal to the neighborhoods rather than having developers seeking out real estate along major roads.

“The obvious attempt that I would see here… is that someone is going to want to get a two-acre parcel that’s right up against Forest Hill Blvd.,” he said.

the wording where it says ‘county’ to county or municipal entities,’” he said.

The ethics ordinance will not be as problematic as the lobbyist registration ordinance, for example, where the committee will have to figure out how to do registrations.

“Now it’s going to be 38 municipalities,” Johnson said. “Are you going to have a centralized database? Is it going to be one fee for everybody or one per municipality? Will the application process be online? Those kinds of things need to be worked out.”

However, Johnson does not anticipate substantive changes to the codes.

“There are always ideas that may make the process work better, may make it more transparent, may make it a fairer process, and

Priore said that he understood the reason behind the ordinance but agreed with Coates that developers could see it as an opportunity to buy prime commercial space. He pointed to Guilford Way, which has two plots right along Forest Hill Blvd., which could give developers desired frontage.

“I think the intention here is to do something good and improve these areas,” he said. “But I don’t want to see, consequentially, an opportunity for us to all of a sudden have this spread of development.”

Priore said he would support language that required any commercial services to be internal to the neighborhood.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig suggested that the ordinance specify what a neighborhood-servicing commercial business is to eliminate confusion.

Hodgkins noted that the council could set easement or setback

so the drafting committee and the Commission on Ethics will be listening to ideas,” he said. “I don’t anticipate more than procedural changes, but there will be discussions about the application of some of the codes.”

The work by the implementation committee will be an open and transparent process through which members of the public can also provide input, Johnson said.

He pointed out that the Commission on Ethics is reviewing the possibility of extending misuse of office infractions to include nonfinancial abuses of office. “The code only prohibits financial gain,” he said. “A misuse of office complaint can only be processed if it involved financial benefit.”

The commission is also considering a flat fee option for inspec-

requirements, as well as ensure that the commercial space is not located on a major road.

Village Manager Paul Schofield reminded council members that only they could approve a new point of entry into a neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said that he was concerned, too, about a business having frontage on a major road.

“All you need is that frontage and signage, and you have advertising,” he said, noting that because the new zoning allowed for commercial space, businesses would have certain rights, including signs.

Kurtz suggested that the council specifically limit signs within the new zoning district. “Some signs would be appropriate,” he said, “but it would be a very limited sign.”

Willhite summed up his feelings, noting that he wanted the “neighborhood” portion of the new district’s name to remain true,

tor general services for municipalities that might find the bookkeeping for a 0.25-percent charge for individual contracts unwieldy.

“Right now, the county does it at 0.25 percent of all their contracts,” Johnson said. “Some of the communities, small communities especially, may rather just cut a check. Some fair and equal matrix would have to be put in place for that. It could be a situation where it costs more to figure it out.”

Johnson said he has been getting calls from municipalities, and he has been stressing that the implementation will be transparent.

“They need to know this will be done in the sunshine,” he said.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen said he is concerned about the effectiveness of the charter

and asked staff to make changes necessary to the ordinance to ensure that. “We’re already having problems with commercial,” he said, “and now you want to push it into the neighborhoods. Commercial and residential don’t mix.”

Another concern for Willhite was possible displacement of Wellington’s lower-income residents.

“We recognize the problems that we’ve had in these neighborhoods,” he said. “But my real concern is that we’re trying to kick these people out of the neighborhoods, come in, redevelop and put in bigger and more expensive houses. Where are the people who live in these neighborhoods going to go? If they can’t afford some of their mortgages now, they certainly can’t buy something new, and you know new is going to mean more expensive. We’re not building low-income housing.”

But Gerwig said that the zoning changes would be an oppor-

amendment as well as implementation by municipalities. “I don’t think there’s any way to legislate ethics,” Bowen said. “I don’t think anyone understood what it would cost, as much as $100,000 a year for Wellington. I don’t think it’s fair.” Bowen is worried that what starts out small could grow into a huge government bureaucracy.

“I’m not condoning in any way what has happened in Palm Beach County,” he said. “But we don’t know what the scope is going to be or what kind of rules they are going to try to impose. I don’t know how you’re going to make a dishonest person honest.” Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli said he is glad the referendum passed. “I’m happy it went through, and I supported it,” he said.

tunity for an owner to sell to a developer if they choose, but it would not be required.

“The reason we’re doing this is to make it desirable for someone to come in and relieve these residents,” she said. “The residents here aren’t being forced out. There’s no mechanism here for us to induce them to leave. It’s for people who want to sell their properties.”

The measure passed 3-2, with Coates and Willhite opposed. In other business, the council unanimously passed the final reading of an ordinance designed to crack down on lobbyists within the village. The ordinance, which passed without discussion, would require lobbyists to identify themselves and their clients before meeting with any Wellington employee, elected official or board member. Lobbyists also would be required to identify themselves as such when speaking at public meetings.

Shirley Bass Wellington

Youngsters from Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do livened up the morning.

Runners from Wellington High School gather after the race.

Ben Boynton and Maureen Gross recognize Marsha Israel of Wellington Regional Medical Center.Lisa Gardi of Palms West Hospital is recognized.

Kayla Bruise pets a pig.Youngsters at the thinkPINKkids booth.Spencer and Lacy Turner have

Runners take off from the

PBSO Responds To Minor Plane Crash In

The Aero Club

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

NOV. 5 — A deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Aero Club last Friday following a plane crash at the club’s private landing strip. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 5 p.m., the operator of a Baron 58 TC aircraft was attempting to land on the runway when his right-side landing gear gave way as the plane was slowing down. The victim said that the left-side landing gear then gave way and the plane slid to a stop, damaging both props. According to the report, there were no injuries in the crash, and the fuel lines did not appear to be damaged. The deputy contacted Palm Beach International Airport to have all other planes diverted from the runway. The plane was towed from the airstrip, and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an investigation.

•

•

•

NOV. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Super Target store on Okeechobee Blvd. last Thursday in response to a theft. According to a PBSO report, a loss prevention officer from the store contacted the substation to report that at approximately 1:50 a.m., the store’s video cameras captured a rental truck pull up to the rear of the store. An unknown suspect then exited the vehicle and loaded five bales of compressed cardboard boxes into the truck. The bales are valued at approximately $60 each, for a total stolen value of $300. The deputy entered the tape of the incident into evidence. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

NOV. 4 — A resident of the Eastwood community called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday to report a delayed vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. last Monday and 7 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s two unlocked vehicles and stole an unknown amount of change and a black laptop case with miscellaneous paperwork inside. The victim said she waited to report the incident because she didn’t think it was serious, but she made the report in case any of the paperwork leads to an identity theft. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

NOV. 4 — An employee of Applebee’s restaurant on State Road 7 called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Thursday morning to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 1 and 7 a.m. last Wednesday, someone stole seven empty beer kegs from the rear of the restaurant. The kegs are valued at approximately $245. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. NOV. 6 — An Acreage resident called the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation last Saturday to report an incident of illegal dumping. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a witness saw three white males dumping trash into a canal on 62nd Road North. The witness said that the men were in a gray Ford truck, which he followed to an abandoned house on 61st Place North. He was able to get a license

plate number. According to the report, the witnesses said that the truck left the home at a high rate of speed traveling north on Banyan Blvd. A second witness also reported seeing three white males dump trash into the canal on 62nd Road North. According to the report, the deputy observed the trash in the canal and tried to make contact with the owner of the tag that was reported by the witness. NOV. 6 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to a restaurant on Southern Blvd. last Saturday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim was delivering bread to the restaurant at approximately 12:40 p.m. The victim parked and locked her van and entered the business. When she returned, she discovered that the left driver’s-side window was broken and her was purse missing. The victim’s purse contained her credit cards, $85 in currency and a blue steel revolver. As the deputy was taking the report, at 1:15 p.m., the suspect(s) attempted to remove money from the victim’s bank with her debit card, but was unsuccessful. A second deputy was dispatched to the bank, but discovered the suspect was already gone. The deputy requested surveillance video footage from the bank. NOV. 6 — Several vehicles in the parking lot of Tiger Shark Cove Park were burglarized last Saturday afternoon while their owners were in the park. According to separate PBSO

Canon camera. The stolen items were valued at approximately $690. The victim’s phone was found and turned into an employee at a gym on State Road 7. In a second PBSO report, the victim was attending a party at the park and returned to her car at approximately 2:20 p.m. to find her front passenger window smashed out. The suspect(s) stole her purse containing credit cards, $300 in checks, her driver’s license and miscellaneous papers. A witness saw an unknown black male in a red or maroon-colored Nissan leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed and turn south on South Shore Blvd. The witness was only able to see that the tag was a specialty yellow child abuse tag with a blue handprint. A search of the area yielded no results. NOV. 6 — A resident of Royal Palm Beach contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Saturday to report a theft. According to the report, the victim was in a store on State Road 7 at approximately 3:30 p.m. when an Hispanic male in a dark sweater approached her and began asking her opinion on clothing items. Upon approaching the register, the victim realized her purse was open and her wallet was missing. The victim said that the man had a female with him who had long brown hair wearing a white blouse and a long-sleeved sweater. The victim said she contacted her credit card companies to inform them about the theft, and discovered that

See BLOTTER, page 20

His date of

is

and

Nelson is wanted for unemployment compensation fraud. His occupation is teller. His last known addresses were 32nd Lane North in The Acreage and Victoria Drive in West Palm Beach. Nelson is wanted as of 11/11/10. 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.

James Mathis

Thomas Nelson

P.W. Chamber Luncheon Previews Upcoming Equestrian Season

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Monday’s Palms West Chamber of Commerce luncheon celebrated the coming equestrian season. It was held at the White Horse Tavern, overlooking the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds.

“This is an exciting luncheon,” said Jaene Miranda, CEO of the chamber. “This is the start of a season we truly enjoy as business people.”

Miranda then introduced the luncheon’s speakers, including John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach and Mark Bellissimo of Equestrian Sport Productions.

Wash, president of club operations at IPC, invited chamber members to stop by and enjoy the polo spirit in 2011.

“Only one other place in the world, and that is Buenos Aires, Argentina, presents a season of international competition like that presented to you each and every year at the International Polo Club,” Wash said. “An afternoon of polo is more than just a presentation of top players in the game, as the sidelines are crowded with tailgaters, a petting zoo, pony rides for the kids and amenities offered to the younger generation of spectators.” Wash added that IPC tries its best to reach out to Wellington’s non-equestrian community.

“We make a strong effort to embrace the Wellington community each year with Wellington Day and invite people and locals to be our guests,” he said. “Many of you may also know that we work through the Palm Beach County schools for fourth-grade polo day. Over 1,800 students

come out, and we have some of the best polo players playing a match for the fourth-graders.”

New this year, the special event tent is being replaced by a permanent grand pavilion ready to host special events, charity events, weddings and other receptions.

“We will begin the 33rd year of high-goal polo in Wellington this season,” Wash said. “We will play over 190 games of polo during our season. That’s an average of 12 games per week that are free of charge to the public. The only time we charge is on Sunday.”

Wash introduced polo player Julio Arellano to speak about playing the sport he loved. Arellano, who grew up in Wellington, moved here from Nicaragua as a child in 1979 and felt fortunate to have been raised in the community where he was free to play polo year round.

“It has been a pleasure for me and an honor,” Arellano said. “It’s what I do for a living. To be able to do it here in the winter months makes it extra special. My kids are now trying to play polo. Hopefully, they will be able to continue the tradition.”

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, the company that produces the Winter Equestrian Festival, also focused on outreach his company does to the non-equestrian members of the community.

“We have these great assets,” Bellissimo said. “Throughout the world, people know where Wellington is and where the facility is. People right around the corner often don’t. That’s one of the biggest challenges we face. One way we are trying to do this is to change the character of what we

do. Most people think of this as a high-end sport. I think the challenge of this is to broaden it.”

One way to expand the community is to hold events on the weekend with low or no cost so people and their children can see the horses and riders and embrace them, Bellissimo said.

Bellissimo is also working to increase the timing and visibility of the shows.

“We are going to start aggressively promoting November and December as well as April, so people don’t feel like it’s this group that comes to town and disappears,” he said. “We think there is a lot of opportunity there… We are trying to make this an equestrian lifestyle destination that fits in with everyone.”

Bellissimo noted that he and his wife Katherine are actively trying to increase accessibility to the sport by supporting young riders without the resources or access to pursue their dreams.

After a successful inaugural year, the Great Charity Challenge also returns in 2011, Bellissimo said. The event matches deserving charities up with different sponsors.

“We ended up raising $560,000 in three weeks [last year],” Bellissimo said. “The competition will be on Feb. 19 this coming year, and it looks like we will raise a million dollars and extend it to 30 charities. On Dec. 12, we will have a jumping event in downtown West Palm Beach at the Meyer Amphitheatre. This will be a great opportunity for the equestrian community to give back to the grassroots community and to charities that are struggling.”

Also speaking Monday was Faustino Gonzalez, representing

the luncheon’s sponsor Hospice of Palm Beach County. Hospice is designed for people and their families to accept the end of their lives with as much comfort as possible, surrounded by their loved ones.

“Unfortunately, certain illnesses will win,” Gonzalez said. “At the time, there are those who feel that rather than continue to take medications that may or may not improve the quality of their life, they would rather just let go. That’s what hospice was originally intended for. Those people with six months or less left to live who would rather live in comfort and reach the end of their lives in their homes surrounded by their loved ones and supportive care… That’s what our institution can offer you. I hope you never need us, but if you do, we are there for you.”

For more information about Hospice of Palm Beach County, visit www.hpbc.com

For more information about the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.

Cancer Society Seeks Volunteers, Teams For Three Area Relays

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

Every year, communities all over the world come together for one night in an effort to fight back against cancer by hosting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Things are already heating up for this year’s events in the western communities — and now is the time to get involved.

This spring, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage/ Loxahatchee will host their respective relays.

Wellington’s relay will be held May 14-15 at Village Park, while the Acreage/Loxahatchee relay will be April 2-3 at Acreage Community Park. Royal Palm Beach’s relay date is still to be determined.

“The relay gives people a way to be proactive in the fight against cancer,” American Cancer Soci-

ety community representative Teri Lane said. “It brings awareness and gives people a way to band together. It’s like a support group, in a way.”

The relay’s history dates to 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon from Tacoma, Wash., walked a track for 24 hours straight to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The event has grown from one man and one mission to more than 3 million people in 20 countries who come together each year in the fight against cancer.

Today, it is a volunteer, community-driven event that aims to support survivors, remember those lost and come together in support of cancer research and a brighter tomorrow.

“Our volunteers truly are the shining stars of this event,” Lane

American Cancer Society community representative Teri Lane with Wellington event chair Bill Smith. PHOTO BY

said. “They give of themselves, they give of their time and they give anything they can.”

Lane, who is the community representative for each of the three area relays, said that the event is deeply personal to her because her stepfather is battling cancer.

And though each person who participates does so for a personal reason, she said that the Relay for Life is about the community coming together in support of every individual who has been affected by the disease.

“It’s 18 hours full of entertainment, camaraderie, laughing and crying,” Lane said of the event. “Cancer affects one in three people. If it’s not you, it’s probably someone in your family; and if it’s not in your family, you’re lucky, but it could be affecting a friend or neighbor.”

To get involved, community members form teams that raise money throughout the year to be given to the ACS to fund cancer research and programs.

“The American Cancer Society has funded researchers since 1946 and contributed to every major cancer discovery since,” Lane said.

The ACS also advocates for cancer awareness, prevention and laws to help prevent and treat cancer. Due to its efforts, mammograms are guaranteed to women in 49 states.

Acreage/Loxahatchee event cochair Pam Taylor noted that the money also goes to help those currently suffering from the disease, be it in the form of wigs for chemotherapy patients or for provid-

ing families a place to stay while their child is in the hospital.

“The money helps those who are going through the process still,” she said. “So many positive things come out of the funds we raise.”

Last year, the Acreage/Loxahatchee event raised $35,500, which is a testament to the close-knit community, Taylor said. This year, event organizers hope to raise $40,000.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer somehow,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how little you have or what color you are.”

Anyone can start a team, and there is no minimum fundraising requirement, but Lane said it is recommended that each person raise at least $100 — which nets them an official shirt to wear at the relay.

Last year, Wellington raised $28,000 and had 24 teams, but this year event chair Bill Smith said he hopes to top that with $35,000 and 35 teams. This year’s event will be sports themed.

“What we’re trying to do with the American Cancer Society in the community is to be sure that if anyone in Wellington has been diagnosed with cancer, they know that they have the support of the community,” he said.

Smith noted that the event is overnight in order to represent one day in the life of a cancer patient. The event generally starts in the afternoon to represent the time before they are diagnosed, and as the night grows dark it represents their time battling the disease.

‘Cancer affects one in three people. If it’s not you, it’s probably someone in your family; and if it’s not in your family, you’re lucky, but it could be affecting a friend or neighbor.”

ACS Community Representative Teri Lane

“And then the sun comes up the next morning, bringing a renewed hope,” he said. “We want to remind people that cancer never sleeps.”

The event, though serious in nature, often has fun activities, games and entertainment for people of all ages. Last year’s event in Wellington featured a chili cookoff, belly dancers and an assortment of games.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Smith said. “It’s not your typical walk-athon. There’s a lot of fun, with games going the entire time.”

Smith said he is seeking volunteers, who can contact him at (561) 654-6644 for more information.

In addition to the fun and games, Lane noted that the relay begins with a survivors lap, exclusively for those who have survived cancer. At sunset, there is a luminaria — a ceremony to remember those who have lost their battle. The event ends with a “fight back” ceremony to remind participants that, no matter how weary they are, they must continue to fight.

For Taylor, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer, honoring cancer survivors is particularly important. “We want to recognize them and make a difference in their lives,” she said.

The Acreage/Loxahatchee event’s theme, which is to create a world with more birthdays, is a testament to those who have battled cancer and lived to see another day, another month or another year.

“We hope that by doing this we can create a world with more birthdays,” Taylor said. “We just want it to be a big celebration. We are looking for all our cancer survivors to come out to the event so we can honor and celebrate them.” Each community is hosting its own set of events leading up to the relay. Anyone interested in starting a team or joining an existing one can visit their community’s web site or contact Teri Lane at (561) 650-0134 for more information.

For more information about the Acreage/Loxahatchee relay, or to join as a team, visit www.Relay ForLife.org/AcreageFL. Royal Palm Beach will host its kickoff party Monday, Nov. 15 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center from 6 to 7 p.m. For more info., visit www.RelayForLife. org/RoyalPalmBeachFL. Wellington’s kickoff party will be Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Binks Forest Golf Club from 6 to 8 p.m. For more info., visit www.Relay ForLife.org/WellingtonFL.

Royal Palm Beach Council To Explore More Senior-Living Options

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council heard a presentation on senior housing last week by a representative from a firm that recently built a senior housing facility in Belle Glade. Mayor Matty Mattioli explained at the Nov. 4 meeting that Quiet Waters Executive Director Joe Glucksman was there at his request because Mattioli feels that the village needs more options for seniors in need of an assisted-living facility.

Glucksman’s facility was recommended, which led to a meeting between him, Mattioli and Village Manager Ray Liggins. “We visited his new facility out in Belle Glade, and I think it has a lot of possibilities,” Mattioli said. Liggins said the design of Commons Park under construction on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. reserves space for a non-profit facility. He said there is an acre on the north side of the entrance road and 10 acres on the side. “One of the activities that we’re looking at is senior housing,” Liggins said. “We did have the opportunity to visit a senior housing community. It is a very nice complex.” Glucksman said there are several different types of senior-liv-

ing facilities, depending on the dwelling type, including singlefamily homes, adult-care facilities, assisted living, nursing homes and group homes. The facility can also be defined by the level of care the residents receive — independent living, assisted living or skilled care. “You can even define it by the cost it is to live there,” he said. Belle Glade was chosen by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for a senior housing demonstration project. “If you can do it in Belle Glade, you can do it anywhere,” Glucksman said. Glucksman gave council members a primer on the different modes of senior housing.

Many single-family homes are being retrofitted to accommodate the needs of seniors. These become group homes that are congregate living settings where the residents are fairly independent and share a few amenities such as meals. “There are no personal care services provided in group homes,” he said. Adult family care homes are licensed by the state for up to five unrelated adults where care services are provided. Assisted-living facilities can provide care for anywhere from six to hundreds of people. “The big thing that separates

assisted living from all other dwelling types for senior housing is that it provides personal care services and usually includes medications management in a social setting,” Glucksman said. “There is a wide range of services that can be offered.” Nursing homes, skilled facilities and residential rehabilitation facilities provide 24-hour skilled care in a medical setting. There are also continuing care retirement communities. “CCRCs offer step-up housing by providing independent assisted living and skilled care all on one campus,” Glucksman explained. “Your care steps up as your needs dictate, and so do your fees. You usually have to buy into those communities. It’s not for the 80 percent of the people you may want to serve in your community.”

Glucksman said Florida is a bellwether state for different varieties and blends of senior and assisted living.

The cost for senior living and assisted care roughly follows what the market can bear, he said. The costs range from “affordable” on the lower end of the scale to “moderate” or “market rate” in the middle, to “high end” as the most expensive. There is usually a direct relationship between the cost and

the amenities package. “The more you pay, the fancier the place you live in,” Glucksman said, although paying more doesn’t necessarily equate to better care services.

If the village is interested in trying to stimulate interest in senior housing, Glucksman suggested weighing the needs vs. the wants, the demographics, community profiles, and shifts and trends in the community.

“A lot of communities want a fairly upscale assisted living facility in their community because they feel it adds something to their community profile,” he said. “It may not serve the people you’re charged with serving, but it certainly gives the community a higher profile.”

But most people are on a much lower fixed income. “The average monthly Social Security check for Palm Beach County residents this past year for those over 65 years of age is only $1,241,” he said. “This figure is below HUD’s definition of extremely low income, which in Palm Beach County is $15,420 a year.”

Low income is $25,700 a year, and moderate income is $41,120 a year, he said. “The average assisted-living facility cost in Palm Beach County is about $1,850 a month, so the average senior 65

and older must rely on subsidies to live in an average assisted living facility,” he said.

Right now, there is not a market for additional high-end senior care, but there is for affordable living, Glucksman said. “Affordable housing is on the table,” he said.

“The State of Florida Housing Finance Corporation and other entities provide all sorts of different funding opportunities for developers of affordable housing.”

Ways to attract a developer can include the offer of land, Glucksman said. “You don’t need to sell the land. You don’t need to give or grant the land. You just simply need to lease the land to a prospective development. That keeps the village in the mix,” he said.

Further, the village can offer density increases and expedited site plan approval as incentives.

Glucksman suggested that the village decide what type of housing it wants, possibly with the help of a feasibility study with the location specifically identified. “Applications live or die on that specific location,” he said.

Glucksman said Quiet Waters is an independent senior community that can provide full services as the residents needs increase. It took seven years to open at a development cost of $15.1 million.

“It’s an affordable community,” he said. “It’s a study in partnerships at all levels because it is a brand new concept and required literally the revamping of criteria for even such things as the construction technique that we used.” Vice Mayor Martha Webster said senior living has been determined through previous studies to be a missing part of services for Royal Palm Beach. “Hopefully, you have given us some ideas that we can move forward on,” Webster said.

Councilman David Swift commented on numerous sources of money that Glucksman showed them during his presentation, most of them federal and state, which concerned him that the village would not be able to restrict occupancy to residents only.

Glucksman said there is an ability to set a preference for village residents first. “Most of the funds you saw there were from the state, and that actually tells a story,” he said. “Less than 10 percent of the funds came from local government.” Mattioli suggested following Glucksman’s recommendation to initiate a feasibility study as the next step, and the council agreed by consensus for staff to move ahead.

Mark Bellissimo of Equestrian Sport Productions.

Palms West Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda (center) presents certificates of appreciation to speakers John Wash, Dr. Faustino Gonzalez and Mark Bellissimo (with his wife Katherine).

John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach previews the 2011 polo season.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

OKEEHEELEE HOSTS WAKEBOARD CONTEST

The South Florida Wakeboarding Association held its fourth annual Pros ’n’ Joes contest Saturday, Nov. 6 at Okeeheelee Park. Eleven teams comprising one pro and three amateurs competed, and there were vendors on hand selling jet skis, boats and more. For more info., visit www.sfwake.com. (Above) Troy Wynne, Robby Houlihan, pro J.D. Webb and Jake Baynham. (Below left) Pro wakeboarder Josh Palma. (Below right) Wakeskater Cristobal Mendez.

Wellington Chamber To Kick Off Season At Luncheon

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host its themed luncheon “Kick Off to the Equestrian and Polo Season” next week.

The event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Wanderers Club at Wellington. Speaking about their respective venues and events will be John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Mark Bellissimo and Michael Stone of Equestrian Sport Productions, Mason Phelps of Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com, and Noreen O’Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage.

Phelps is sponsoring the event.

As a rider, trainer, event manager, governance leader and charity organizer, Phelps has spent four decades helping to shape the equestrian industry. With the founding of Phelps Media Group in 2004, Phelps carved a niche into the world of public relations — equestrian promotions by people who

understand the sport, the industry and the lifestyle.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in America today. It is a 500-acre equestrian lifestyle destination nestled in the heart of an 8,000-acre equestrian paradise.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is a private club and home to the Palm Beach polo season. Fans flock to IPC for the highest goal tournaments played in the United States, including such prestigious competitions as the USPA Piaget Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. The 2011 polo season runs from Jan. 2 through April 17 and offers a variety or ticket and hospitality options. Visit www.international poloclub.com for more info.

Noreen O’Sullivan is the force behind Wellington Classic Dressage at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and International Horse Sport Palm Beach at the Equestrian Estates in White Fences. As manager of what has become Florida’s biggest and most popular dressage series, O’Sullivan brings more than 15 years of show management experience to Wellington Classic Dressage.

The luncheon will begin at noon. The cost is $20 for chamber members with an RSVP, $25 for members with no RSVP and $30 for nonmembers. VIP tables start at $250. Call (561) 792-6525 for reservations.

TBT Preschool Thanksgiving Feast Nov. 22

The children at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool will come together on Monday, Nov. 22 at 11:45 a.m. for a Thanksgiving sing-along and feast. Children will dress in costumes created in their classrooms depicting the Thanksgiving story. Some of the children will be dressed as Native Americans, others as Pilgrims, and the very youngest children will dress as turkeys. A schoolwide Thanksgiving feast will follow. The children will dine on food to be prepared by the preschool’s Volunteer Parent Organization as well as food they will prepare themselves as part of their classroom curriculum. Families of the preschool children are invited to attend. Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool is located at 900 Big Blue Trace in Wellington. For more information, call the preschool office at (561) 793-2649.

RPB Seeks Volunteers For Steering Committee

The Village of Royal Palm Beach is currently seeking volunteers to serve on the Decommissioned Waste Water Treatment Plant Property Steering Committee. The purpose of the committee will be to recommend an acceptable land use for the decommissioned plant property. The committee will meet at various times over the next six months. The committee will be composed of community representatives from all parts of the village, a council member and a member of village staff. If you would like to volunteer, pick up an application at the village clerk’s office or download it from www.royalpalmbeach. com. The village clerk’s office will be

accepting applications through Dec. 3. For more information, call (561) 790-5100.

St. Peter’s Running Coat Drive All Month

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is holding a coat drive, collecting coats and jackets for families in Belle Glade who might not have a jacket this winter without your generosity. The church is looking for child or adult jackets, coats or sweaters, new or used but in good condition. Donations are being accepted through Nov. 30. All donations should be laundered before being dropped off. They will be distributed through a Belle Glade elementary school. If you have a coat, jacket or sweater you would like to donate, drop it off at St. Peters’s United Methodist Church, 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Clean out your closet and make a difference. For more info., contact John Sullivan at (561) 793-5712, ext. 29 or jsullivan@stpeters-umc.org.

Mattress Sale Fundraiser At RPBHS

The Royal Palm Beach High School boys basketball and girls soccer teams will host their inaugural Mattress Fundraiser Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 in the school cafeteria. Save 30 to 60 percent off retail prices. All sizes are available (twin through king), as well as pillow tops, orthopedics and memory foams; all are brand-new with factory warranties; name brands include Simmons Beautyrest, Restonic, Southerland and more; free layaway and delivery will be available.

Profits will go directly to the teams. For more info., call the school at (561) 753-4000.

Local Governments Reach Out To Help Area Businesses

From issuing permits to dictating the size of signs; from setting tax rates to deciding occupational license fees. No matter how big or small, business and government are extensively intertwined. Governments in central Palm Beach County have been working to make that link a positive one — a move officials believe will benefit the communities as well as the businesses.

In concert with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force, the local governments within the chamber’s service area have taken a variety of steps to become more business friendly. Each is looking for creative ways to help its local business community.

All four of the municipalities — Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Greenacres — are participating in the task force. And Wellington and Royal Palm Beach have co-hosted business forums along with the chamber, with Greenacres slated to hold one in early 2011.

The local governments also are supporting the task force’s Buy Local campaign, which offers incentive coupons to encourage residents to spend their money within the community. The first phase of the campaign features 13 local restaurants offering discounts through a coupon book that is available for $1 at more than 60 local outlets.

said. “I hope in the long range that it will become a well-used resource. If you want to look for a business, we’ll hope you look on our web site, and it might end up being your neighbor.”

“We’ve got the coupon books in our offices for sale,” Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins said.

In some cases, the governments have gone much further, finding creative ways to lend a hand to existing or incoming businesses.

Wellington and Royal Palm Beach have loosened their sign ordinances to allow businesses greater exposure, and Greenacres is looking at allowing banners more frequently. Royal Palm Beach is allowing companies to get permits for special event banners in just 30 days and allowing A-frame signs now on walkways in front of businesses.

Both municipalities also have adopted an expedited permitting process as recommended by the Business Development Board.

Royal Palm Beach is creating its own business directory, which will be linked to the village’s web site, Village Manager Ray Liggins said.

“We’ve modified the application of our business tax receipts — formerly occupational licenses — to include web pages and phone numbers, and we’ll publish all of them on our web site,” he

Wellington has taken several steps to bring in new businesses, including reclassifying almost all of its industrial areas to allow for greater flexibility of businesses wanting to rent space. It also is working to create a medical arts district around Wellington Regional Medical Center on State Road 7, a move designed to create more high-paying local jobs that simultaneously support surrounding retail and service businesses. Unlike some municipalities with greater wealth, none of the local governments have been able to offer dollars to businesses looking to relocate, but Greenacres offers an equivalent.

“We’ve waived fees such as for land use changes,” Mayor Sam Ferreri said. “We’ve done some partnering with the Business Development Board in terms of identifying locations and buildings, and had success with some startups.” Their partnership with the chamber’s Economic Development Task Force may open doors to greater opportunities in the future, Ferreri said. The three cities, through the chamber, are part of a regional partnership that won a $4.25 million economic development grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The money will be distributed throughout the South Florida region over the next three years.

“Hopefully, once we get a program that’s more regional, there may be grant money that we can go after that can serve as this incentive money,” Ferreri said.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Greenacres Mayor Sam Ferreri

(L-R) Mark Bellissimo, Noreen O’Sullivan, Mason Phelps and John Wash.

SalsaFest Returns Nov. 19-21 To Greenacres Community Park

“We are developing activities to take place during the festival that help to engage our attendees,” Palms West Chamber of Commerce CEO Jaene Miranda said. “We believe that our typical event guests and residents of our communities really enjoy getting involved, so our programming is providing opportunities for them to do just that throughout the event.”

If you or members of your family have a Chihuahua, you may want to enter the fourth annual Chihuahua Race, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.

brought to you by the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Festival organizers will convert a shuffleboard court into race lanes that star little four-legged friends. Free admission to the festival is provided to any owner of a Chihuahua registered for the race (a savings of $10). Don’t think that your Chihuahua is up for the race challenge? Then sign him/her up for the Chihuahua costume contest scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. Free admission is also provided to the owner. Is your competition trembling in their boots as you approach the domino table? If so, grab your partner and sign up for the domino competition, which boasts a grand prize of $1,000 to be shared by the winning team. Cost for entry into the tour-

nament is $20 per person. Prizes are awarded along the way as you progress through the rounds of play. All tournament players receive free entry into SalsaFest. So you think you can salsa dance? If your dance moves are good enough, then you might want to consider signing yourself up for the salsa dance competition sponsored by Club Ibiza. Dancers will compete under the night sky on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded for the best dancers. Community groups, dance studios and fitness clubs are all invited to be part of the festival. The community stage is geared up to host an array of perfor-

mances by local area stars. Do you want your group showcased? Call Marc Schlags at the Palms West Chamber at (561) 790-6200. Are your kids into cooking? Dianne Morin’s Home Cooking for Kids Co. will be presenting a cooking program for kids on both Saturday and Sunday, open to kids of all ages who pre-register. Morin’s program is part of the special offerings provided in the Sizzling Salsa Cooking lineup sponsored by Republic Services of Palm Beach. Information and applications for all of these opportunities at the festival are available on the official event web site at www.salsafest.net. For more information, call the chamber office at (561) 790-6200.

Greenacres Mayor Sam Ferreri buys raffle tickets from Michelle Haines.Valeria Antanenka, Andie Kalina and Susan Odell.

Ed Westfield, Mary Lou Bedford and Andrew Burr.

Mary Fisher gets food from Havana Restaurant owner Martha Reyes and Natanael Gonzalez.

Andie Kalina, Eric Gordon and Anna Lee.

Amy Papetti, Jathynia Garcia, Tensy Caine, Dr. Jolene Reiter and Silvia Garcia.

PBSO HOLDS CLASSIC CAR SHOW TO BENEFIT

St. Therese Catholic Church Annual Fall Festival Set For Nov. 18-21

By Candace Marchsteiner

Town-Crier Staff Report

St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church is set to kick off the holiday season with its annual fall festival and carnival that promises to be bigger and better than ever. The event runs Thursday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 21. “[Previous carnivals] were nice, but nothing to really talk about. This year we hope to make it memorable so that people look forward to coming again next year,” Father Brian Lehnert said. Parking and admission are free. Tickets used for rides, games and food cost $1 each. Advanced tickets sales are half price and may be purchased at the parish office from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays prior to Nov. 18 and after Mass on Saturdays and Sundays. Evening entertainment includes

the soulful rock band the Matt Farr Experience on Thursday, the southern blues and rock band Iko Iko on Saturday, and some rock, jam and funk from Vanilla Monk on Sunday. For Sunday’s afternoon family day entertainment, the local band Whitestone will perform hits from the past five decades, while children can enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides. Big money can be won at Friday night’s “Got Talent” show. Open to teens and college-aged students throughout the community, the talent show offers cash prizes of $500 for first place and $200 for second place. Registration begins at 5 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. and hosted by popular local piano man Larry Brendler.

Lehnert expects a large, young crowd. “Hopefully the kids will

bring a lot of their friends. Audience participation will help determine the winners,” he said.

Rather than catered picnic fare of years past, the parish’s Council of Catholic Women will prepare food in the parish’s new, full-service kitchen. Besides an all-American menu, two special food theme nights include Argentinean food on Friday and Italian food on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, anyone is invited to bring a crockpot of homemade chili to enter in the 3 p.m. chili cookoff. The entry fee is $20, and every entrant receives a coupon for a free meal. Cash prizes of $250 for first place and $75 for second place will be awarded.

Lehnert said the timing for the event is ideal.

“People are getting ready to relax, getting ready for the long

Thanksgiving weekend, and they’re still in town,” he said. “The uniqueness of this year is that we have a new building, and it’s a good chance for people in the community who have heard about it to come out and see it.”

The fall festival and carnival will benefit a variety of the parish’s religious ministries and outreach efforts. It is one of the few fundraisers the men’s Knights of Columbus, the women’s Council of Catholic Women and the youth groups within the parish get to do together.

St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church is located at 11800 Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For more information on the talent show, chili cookoff or ticket sales, call the parish office at (561) 7840689 or e-mail thereseroses@ gmail.com.

Don Lipscomb with his 1934 Ford Hot Rod.

Harold Murphy won the Jeanette Staluppi Award for his 1940 Ford El Matador.

Michael Fox entered his 2006 Harley in the motorcycle contest.

Linda Martin, PBSO Deputy Rodney Hudson, Pat Frey and Barbara Hudson.

Greater West Palm Beach Women’s Club members Phyllis Gauger, Jeff Anne Pike, Linda Ferris, President Mary Evelyn Mitchell, Liz Bloeser, Gay Alexin and Suzanne Valentage.

PBSO Major Dan Smith, Cars of Dreams owner John Staluppi, Carol Verdigi and Chief Deputy Mike Gauger.

The

PHOTO BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

As the sign indicates, St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church’s fall festival is free and open to the public.

Bobbie Briggs tries on a necklace with help from Marilyn Miller.

Sensaria’s Celeste Romagnoli gives Stormi Bivin a hand massage with body butter.

Shannon Lauer tries on jewelry by Marialena Hall at the Lavish Me table.

Maria Licata tries on a ruffled scarf made by Crochet with Me’s Carol Bartlebaugh.

Wellington Women’s Club board members dressed to promote the Diamonds and Denim event on Nov. 12.

Five-year-old Rohan Stanbury gets a visit from Darth Vader.

Five-month-old Joshua Martinez and his mom Ana get a visit from the Star Wars group.Members of the group gather before delivering presents.

Allyson Samiljan, Jo Cudnik and Pauline Parlato.

The Wellington Women’s Club hosted the “Shop ’Til You Drop”

purses, Avon,

shopping.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

SRHS Guidance Department Offering Dual Enrollment Orientation

Seminole Ridge High School students interested in early admission or dual enrollment at Palm Beach State College during the spring 2011 semester should attend the guidance department’s informational orientation session at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 in the auditorium.

Dual enrollment offers students the opportunity to take challenging courses, accelerate their education, and save time and money.

Dual enrollment credits count toward both high school and postsecondary diplomas. Early admission is a form of dual enrollment that allows high school seniors to attend PBSC full time, earning credits toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Dual enrollment students must

be in grades 10, 11 or 12; must have earned a 3.0 GPA or HPA (seniors with a 2.5 GPA may take “Strategies for College Success”); and must have passed the required sections of either the SAT, ACT or CPT standardized assessments.

Dual enrollment registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 23. Current dual enrollment and early admission students should schedule an appointment now with their guidance counselors to obtain spring 2011 enrollment permission and book voucher forms. For more information, call the guidance department at (561) 422-2610.

• Student Writers Honored for Lit Mag Entries — Among the honorees of the 2010 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Awards are two Hawk stu-

dents whose work appeared in the Mirage literary magazine last spring. Senior Jessie Morales received a certificate of merit in the category of “Fiction: Essays for Magazines” for her essay “What a Freak of Nature.” Hawk senior Taylor Sapp also received a certificate of merit in the category of “Fiction: Experimental for Magazines” for her story “Pain.” Morales and Sapp were chosen from among 9,460 newspaper and magazine entries submitted from colleges, universities and secondary schools throughout the U.S.

• Construction Academy Hosts KBR — Representatives of KBR Construction spoke to Seminole Ridge Construction Academy students Oct. 21 about the wide variety of career opportunities avail-

able in construction and its related fields.

Mittie Cannon, a training manager for KBR, reviewed the necessary entry skills and those needed to be successful in any chosen career. KBR electricians Lisa Carlin and Brett Painter accompanied Cannon. They spoke with students about what their jobs are like, what they liked about those jobs, and what they had to do to get and keep them — show up on time, dress appropriately and be prepared to put in a good day’s work.

“It was great to hear these people tell the kids how important attendance, appearance and attitude are,” Construction Academy teacher Rick Terkovich said. “When people from the real world tell them they’ll be fired if they

New Horizons Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

New Horizons Elementary School students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a schoolwide assembly put on by the dual language classes.

First-grade dual language students presented a mixture of traditional Spanish songs taught by their teachers Maureen Rane and Eva Vesga.

Flamenco dancers, a mixture of first- through fifth-grade dual language students, performed several traditional dance routines.

The New Horizons Flamenco dancers practice weekly under

the direction of a dedicated parent volunteer Maria Matute, teachers Betty Baez and Erin Santiago.

Matute is an accomplished musician and dancer. She choreographs the dances, travels to her native country of Spain to purchase the traditional costumes, and works with all willing students, making them each feel a very important part of the group.

New Horizons students are enriched by the by dual language program presentations throughout the school year.

behave a certain way, students listen.”

Academy student Ryan Freeman agreed. “I didn’t know you could earn so much money,” he said. “Yeah, you have to keep learning by going to school, but the more education you have, the more you get paid.”

The KBR reps also spoke about what it’s like being a woman in the construction industry and how women are more frequently rising in their construction careers.

• Forensics Team Earns Wins at Lake Worth, UF Blue Key

The SRHS speech and debate team had consecutive winning weekends in the National Forensic League Tournament at Lake Worth High School and in the Blue Key National Invitational

tournament at the University of Florida. The following students placed in the NFL tournament: Duo Interpretation - Giana Abrams and Dominic Anaya, second place; Student Congress - Wayne Selogy, second place, Samantha Davis, fourth place, and Matt Oates, fourth place and best presiding officer; and Lincoln-Douglas Debate - Marlee Arnold, seventh place. The following students placed at Blue Key: Duo InterpretationAbrams and Anaya, semi-finalists; Spontaneous Argumentation, Selogy semi-finalist; Extemporaneous Duo - Devin Nadeau and Oates, quarter-finalists; and Foreign Extemporaneous SpeakingCash Galko, quarter-finalist.

Flamenco dancers with teacher Betty Baez, parent volunteer Maria Matute and teacher Erin Santiago.

First-grade dual language students with teachers Maureen Rane and Eva Vesga.

BINKS FOREST STUDENTS VISIT NURSING HOME

Binks Forest Elementary School’s Helping Hands Committee visited Royal Manor Nursing Home in Royal Palm Beach on Thursday, Oct. 28. The residents enjoyed many different acts during the Halloween-themed visit. Carley Anderson, Madison Russo and Francesca Herman from the Susan Lyle Dance Studio performed two dances. Chirsten sang a solo performance of “Over the Rainbow.” Lucas and Maximo Roldan performed a humorous version of “All Star.” Max Goldman and Amanda Shenkman entertained the residents with their piano playing. The Binks Forest cheerleaders (shown above) performed six cheers between the two squads. Residents, parents and children enjoyed the visit to the nursing home.

AUTHORS CELEBRATION AT EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

Students in Jessica Maffetone and Catherine Mariacher’s firstgrade classes at Equestrian Trails Elementary School recently held their first authors celebration. Approximately 40 emerging authors came together to read their stories to each other and celebrate their accomplishments. The school also held its annual PTA-sponsored “Boo Bingo” the Friday before Halloween. More than 300 students participated by wearing costumes, eating petrified popcorn and cryptic cookies, having chilling drinks and playing bingo. Many teachers and some parents also joined in by wearing costumes. While not everyone could win at bingo, everyone did have fun to begin the Halloween weekend. Shown above are students during the authors celebration.

Panther Run Hosts Third Annual Boo Bingo

imaginative costumes at this year’s event. Kindergarten teacher Lisa Kenny, first-grade teacher Sherrie Miller, third-grade teacher Karen McMichael and guidance counselor Joe Loverso took turns calling out the bingo numbers.

Computer technician Urbano Soler operated all the computerrelated functions so the bingo game would project onto the screen in the front of the cafeteria. Winners were given the opportunity to select prizes at the prize table.

The pizza and salad were donated by Basilico’s Italian Restaurant owner Sal Basile, and popcorn, drinks and cupcakes were sold by the PTA volunteers and Panther Run Elementary School alumni now in middle school.

Literacy Night At Royal Palm Beach Elementary School

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School held its seventh annual Literacy Night for Bobcat students and parents Thursday, Oct. 21.

Literacy Night is an event that promotes literacy and reading at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. This was the best year ever, with more than 500 students and their families showing their support by attending. Some lucky students were even given free books as they entered. There were silent auctions and raffles sponsored by PTO, and plenty of food for sale, all in an effort to raise money for books.

Generous community sponsors contributed for this very special night. During the evening, there was a thrilling performance by Miss Dull and Mr. Sharpie. These characters with rock star status promote reading and writing in the school.

Students had a chance to hear celebrity readers. WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Jim Sackett, NBA player Richard Relford, Baldo comic strip creator Carlos Castellanos, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team member Michael Kennedy and Army veteran Jonathan Frenz read their favorite books. The event was coordinated by teacher Alison Miller along with the RPBES faculty,

Principal Suzanne Watson and Assistant Principal Tracy Gaugler. Due to the overwhelming response and support of the students, their families and the faculty, more than $4,000 was raised.

Assistant Principal Pamela Strachan and Principal Scott Blake.

The Panther Run Elementary School PTA held its third annual Boo Bingo event Thursday, Oct. 28. It is the most popular fundraising event of the year, and more than 120 families and staff were in attendance. There were many colorful,

Third-graders Jonathan Levy and Ryan Fallmann.

Army veteran Jonathan Frenz reads to the students.

Miss Dull (Alison Miller), scooter winner Tyneisha Herring and Mr. Sharpie (Bruce Saulter).

THREE RECEIVE CONFIRMATION AT ST. MICHAEL CHURCH

Halloween Candy Trade To Go To U.S. Troops

Every year after Halloween, there is a significant rise in the number of children going to the dentist due to toothaches. Most parents tend to struggle with the issue of what to do with all that candy and how to explain to their child that he or she should not eat all of it. For the past three years, Wellington dentist Dr. Tomer Haik’s office has brainstormed with different ideas on how to encourage local children to give their candy away.

This year seems to have been most successful. Haik offered children to bring their candy to their office and trade it in for cash. One pound of candy equals $1 and a toothbrush with each trade, and Haik also committed to match all dollar amounts to the school to which each child attends.

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, area children came to Haik’s office with bags of candy and big smiles. A total of 21 schools were represented throughout the evening, and the room was filled with excitement, smiles and laughter. Elmo and Toothy dropped by to say hello, and Haik simply kept clowning around. A total of 417.5 pounds of candy were collected in three hours. The two top schools with the most collected candy by weight were: Equestrian Trails Elementary School (179.75 lbs.) and Panther Run Elementary School (79 lbs.).

All candy will be arranged to be shipped to U.S. troops serving overseas. Visit www.youngsmiles.com for a breakdown of all the pounds of candy collected from each school.

Jake Roaf, Kevin Murphy and Vinnie Gasso affirmed their baptism through confirmation on Sunday, Nov. 7 at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington. The church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive. For more info., call (561) 793-4999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com. Pictured above are (L-R) Roaf, Murphy, Pastor Marjorie Weiss and Gasso.

Neighbors living on Locust Lane in Royal Palm Beach spent a recent weekend repainting a huge American flag on the cul-desac. The 10 families involved in the project were Tom and Joyce Parker, Jim and Teri Painter, Chuck and Vicki Wasson, Jay and Karen Johnson, Dave and

Maria Bennett Wins Grand Prize In National Songwriting Contest

NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, spokesperson for the Sounds of Pertussis Campaign, recently announced that Acreage resident Maria Bennett is the grand prize winner of the campaign’s song contest, “Sound Off About Pertussis.” Pertussis is commonly known as whooping cough. With cases of the illness increasing across the country, Gordon announced the contest in August and challenged adults to help educate others about the disease and how they can help protect their families by creating an original song and video. Bennett and others nationwide submitted creative entries, and people logged on to watch and vote for their favorite finalist entry. Bennett’s motivational song received the most votes, besting top contenders from Ohio and Oklahoma by a very close margin. You can watch her winning video and the runner-up videos at www.sounds ofpertussis.com/songcontest.

“I’m a big fan of Jeff Gordon and was excited to learn about his involvement with the contest, and the opportunity to join him in the fight against pertussis,” Bennett

said. “As a mother, I hope that my song will help parents everywhere to understand how they can help protect themselves and their families from this contagious disease.” Bennett, who has been a longtime NASCAR and Gordon fan, has sung and written music as a hobby for many years. The birth of Gordon’s first child, Ella, inspired Bennett to compose a song in her honor, titled “Overwhelmed.”

Bennett found out about the Sound Off About Pertussis contest through Gordon’s web site right around the time of the birth of Gordon’s son, Leo Benjamin, and decided to enter. Bennett also penned a book in 2007, Lyrical Laps and Laughs, a humorous recap of each of the 2007 Sprint Cup season NASCAR races as seen through the eyes of a Jeff Gordon fan.

Bennett has long dreamed of singing the National Anthem at a NASCAR race. As part of the contest grand prize, while she won’t get the chance to sing the Star Spangled Banner, she will be performing her winning song, “Give Pertussis a Whooping,” for a live

audience on the Performance Racing Network’s “Up to Speed Stage.”

“It’s an honor for me to have such amazing and talented fans like Maria,” Gordon said. “I can’t thank her enough for helping to spread the word about whooping cough.”

Pertussis is often perceived to be a disease of the past, but is making a deadly comeback across the United States. The annual number of cases reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recent years is dramatically higher than in the past. From 2000 to 2009, the total number of pertussis cases reported to the CDC was approximately 150 percent higher than the total number of cases reported during the 1990s.

Pertussis is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that can last for weeks. The disease is usually milder in adults and adolescents, but can be potentially fatal in infants. Infants and young children with pertussis will often experience severe coughing that is followed by a whooping sound as they gasp for breath and, some-

Wellington Resident Todd Higley Passes Away At 45

Wellington resident Todd Higley died Thursday, Oct. 28 at the age of 45.

Higley is survived by his wife Regi, mother Judy Higley, father Doug Higley and half-sister Rachael Higley. Higley now lives in heaven with his brother Rob, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

Higley was born in Pipestone, Minn. An avid football fan, he attended and played football with Louisiana State University. Higley was the vice president of sales for FARA Insurance Services and served on the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Through the chamber, Higley became a founding member of the Equestrian Committee and the Business and Economic Development Committee. With his wife Regi, Higley helped provide the planning for many regional American Diabetes Association balls.

Higley’s faith in Christ led many to a closer relationship with the Lord. Seeking understanding of both sides of an issue, Higley’s empathy and leadership set a positive example as he strived for resolutions. Higley enjoyed sharing his days with wife and his friends, and truly loved community service, college football and classic rock ’n’ roll. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

times vomiting following a coughing episode. Pertussis is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, which are found in the mouth, nose and throat of the person with the disease. It is spread through contact with respiratory droplets generated when that person coughs or sneezes. California declared a pertussis epidemic in June 2010. As of Oct. 19, nearly 6,000 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of pertussis have been reported statewide by the California Department of Health. Moreover, 10 infants in California have died from pertussis so far this year, compared to just three in all of 2009. In Texas, pertussis has been an ongoing problem. According to the CDC, Texas has reported more than 2,000 provisional cases of pertussis so far this year, and 2,326 cases in 2009. Other states, such as Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin have reported outbreaks and a rise in cases this year, too.

“The need for pertussis education and awareness is clear and urgent, and we hope the universal power of music will motivate peo-

ple to take action and get an adult pertussis booster vaccination,” Gordon said. “Many parents don’t realize that the pertussis immunizations they received as children wear off over time and that they

Accident Claims

Acreage resident James Gallo passed away Friday, Oct. 8 following a motorcycle accident on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. He was 21.

As a young child, Gallo had a good arm for throwing a baseball. This led to his years of playing ball in the Acreage Athletic League, creating lasting friendships with teammates and their families. When he finished playing, Gallo volunteered as an umpire for the league. He also had many years of playing football both in the AAL and during his time at Seminole Ridge High School, from which he graduated in 2008. Gallo was an all-around good guy involved in surfing, skimboarding, golfing and fishing. During that time, Gallo worked at the Publix on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and part time as a lifeguard at the Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach. He built

friendships with his co-workers and customers alike. Gallo was always able to offer a helping hand and a smile to brighten everyone’s day.

After high school, Gallo followed his dream and enrolled at Palm Beach State College where he studied to become an EMT.

During his college break, Gallo worked in Panama City, helping with the cleanup after the BP oil spill. Gallo died on Oct. 8, exactly one month after his 21st birthday. His service was held at Christ Fellowship Church, where 1,400 people gathered for the service. The celebration of life reception was held at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park on Hamlin Blvd. in The Acreage. The people of the community joined together to share their love for Gallo and the many ways he touched their lives. Gallo is survived by Mark, Kelly and Anthony Gallo. They

would like to thank the community for all the prayers, donations and condolences. They sincerely appreciate everyone who attended the service and celebration of life ceremony.

PHOTO BY WALTER G. ARCE

Maria Bennett with NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon

Todd Higley

James Gallo

SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC AT TRUMP COURSE

Wellington Travel Basketball Tryouts

Wellington Travel Basketball will hold tryouts for elementary and middle school students Sundays, Nov. 14 and 21 at the Wellington Village Park gym.

Tryouts are open to all student athletes in the area. Tryout times for elementary and middle school students are as follows: third- and fourth-grade boys, 2 to 3 p.m. in gym 2; fifth-grade boys, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in gym 2; sixth-grade boys, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in gym 2; seventh-grade boys, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in gym 1; eighth-grade boys, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in gym 1; and sixth- to eighth-grade girls, 2 to 3 p.m. in gym 1.

Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tryout time. There is a short form that needs to be filled out and signed. Once a tryout session has started, it will be closed to any

players arriving late. The tryout process is a two-step process. The first tryout on Sunday, Nov. 14 will be a mass tryout; any players interested in trying out for Wellington Travel Basketball will attend. After this tryout is completed, the coaching staff will make the first set of player cuts. The coaching staff will invite back the players that impressed them to the Sunday, Nov. 21 tryout. The core teams will be decided after the Sunday, Nov. 21 tryout. All players and parents will need to stay after the tryout to fill out all of registration forms, and players will be fitted for their uniforms.

The tryouts are open to the public and are free of charge. For more information, call Chris Fratalia at (561) 252-9530 or visit www. wellingtonwolves.com.

Next LGLA Meeting Nov. 18

The Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will meet Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.).

The speaker for the evening will be a representative from Florida Power & Light who has been asked to explain the status of the construction of the West County Energy Center. The representative has also been asked to discuss the timetable for replacing the plant on 45th Street in Riviera Beach. If time allows, the representative will show how some of the various charges on your bill may be coming back to the town in the form of municipal revenue. For more information about the meeting, call LGLA President Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

School Race Andrews vs. Grossman

continued from page 1 there is no loser,” he told the Town-Crier on Wednesday night. “Marcia and I tonight gave each other a hug. We both fought a very hard race… I think we both knew it was going to be close, but I don’t think either one of us would have guessed this in a million years.” Grossman commended Andrews on the race she ran. “It’s not over yet,” he said. “Obviously they’re still counting all the ballots, but the bottom line is this is not about Marcia, it’s not about Dean. This is about the kids of

Arch North End Objection

continued from page 1 can revisit the ones that were constructed down on Southern Blvd. and incorporate some of the latest thinking in design and style to create a village identity,” architect Donaldson Hearing said. There are now two small entry signs at the northern end of the village near 40th Street. Hearing said he was challenged to come up with a design that was complementary to the existing arches at Southern. “They are very monumental, but they are a little out of scale,” Hearing said, explaining that the village wants to incorporate coordinated design elements that projected a unified image of the community. Although four concepts were presented, Hearing said he pre-

LGWCD EPA Water Standards

continued from page 3

We do have representation from the Florida Association of Special Districts, among other very large organizations.” Ryan commented on the letter written by Tschinkel to the EPA, which calls for the EPA to defer to Florida scientists on the subject.

“I don’t know how many people would have the background and gumption to tell the EPA they don’t know what they’re doing,” Ryan said. “In a technical way, that’s essentially what she said.”

Palm Beach County. It’s about our schools. This is about our kids, it’s about our teachers, and Marcia and I are going to work together. We’re going to work together to make a difference.” Grossman said the election was a great lesson on the importance of voting.

“This is a testament that every vote counts,” he said. “Not only is it important to vote, but to vote correctly. You have no idea how many ballots they went through that were tossed out because the consistency was not on the ballot. You could have a line through one, a checkmark on another and a circle through another… There were dozens upon dozens of ballots, if not hundreds, tossed out because they did not vote correctly.”

ferred one that utilized native coquina stone at the base and would pick up design elements such as tapered columns, metal roofs and trellises that will be used at Commons Park. “We’re departing from the existing structure [at Southern Blvd.], which appears to be very massive and not necessarily to a scale,” he said. “We’re making it a little skinnier, putting a hat on it and making it a little wider at the base.”

Hearing said the coquina stone would age well and require little maintenance.

Hearing noted that there is not as much space to work with at 40th Street. “What we wanted to do was try to break down the scale of those existing monumental elements and add some textures to the existing entry gates,” he said. “The main architectural element, which is the steel, remains in place.”

Hearing said whatever design is

LGWCD Attorney Charlie Schoech said the technical data that has been submitted, especially by the Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District through a team of international scientists, shows that the EPA formula is flawed.

“I think they’re going to have a tough time overcoming the data, unless they simply ignore it,” Schoech said, explaining that it is a scientific rather than legal difference of opinion. “They have put together some really well-documented papers to show that you cannot compare a stagnant canal to a running stream or river.”

• The board also reviewed a draft of a local bill that would re-

Erickson Leaves ITID Board

continued from page 1

The Acreage. “There’s stuff that we don’t pick up in the paper or anywhere else, and I really appreciate that, and I think the rest of the board does as well,” Bair said.

Supervisor Carlos Enriquez recalled meeting Erickson in 2006 when they ran against one another for Seat 1. “I want you to know I let you win,” Enriquez joked. “We forged a friendship, and we’ve done some good things.”

Erickson said the past four years have been interesting.

“It has been sort of an eye-opener in some respects,” he said. “I come from private business, and this was my first experience in government. There are pluses and minuses to the experience. I’ll leave it at that.”

Recalling the last four years, he said the board had dealt with many serious issues.

“We had Callery-Judge proposing an awful lot of houses out here,” he said. “We had transportation backlog issues. We had I don’t know how many lawsuits going on with the county; $2 million in taxes were going to lawsuits and paying lawyers. We had no relationship whatsoever with our neighbors. We seemed to be the joke of the county, to be honest with you.”

Erickson said he got involved

Food Drive Helping For Thanksgiving

continued from page 1 cause Wellington has brought together several faith-based organizations to contribute and consolidate the effort.

“They are helping us to figure out who has a need,” Gerwig said. “It’s a natural thing for the faithbased organizations to get behind. It’s helping us to pull together as a community, and I’m very proud of the way the organizations have been working together. They’ve really come to the table, and they all want to be a part of it.”

In addition to a monetary donation by several organizations, church groups will provide volun-

incorporated can serve as an iconic element that identifies the village. “When people see that, they will know they are in Royal Palm Beach,” he said. “It could be small-scale, something as small as eight feet, or something larger… Our idea is to try to be timeless, utilize proper elements and utilize proportion and scale.”

Resident Felicia Matula asked what the costs are for the structures, and Village Manager Ray Liggins said the village did not pay anything for the existing structures at Southern Blvd.

“It was part of a larger deal with the Department of Transportation to do all the beautification and the decorative lighting and landscaping on State Road 80,” Liggins said.

Liggins said the design for the north end would be smaller but still large enough to support an archway over the street. Hearing said that if the village chooses not

solve easement issues that have been hampering the district’s ability to proceed with previously approved paving projects on A, B, C and D roads.

The board has been trying to resolve a number of easement acquisition issues for North D and South C roads that could delay the projects, including foreclosure, divorce proceedings and deceased trustees, as well as a general lack of response to requests by the district for easement access.

The board received an unfavorable opinion from the state attorney general in June as to whether the district has the right of “statutorily presumptive dedication” enjoyed by municipal entities to

not because of any of those issues

but, rather, because the county was about to approve a large amount of strip mall shopping on Northlake Blvd. not far from his home.

“You find a subject that gets you passionate. The proposal wasn’t just for a shopping center on the corner. It was for a two-and-ahalf-mile-long shopping center at the entrance to The Acreage,” he recalled.

The county commission at the time approved transmittal of a land-use amendment, he said.

“It was a corridor that needed to be protected, and I got involved as a resident,” Erickson said, making PowerPoint presentations for the public and attending a county commission meeting to object to the transmittal, accompanied by a handful of Acreage residents.

“Who can take off in the middle of the day or the morning? In fact, I think it was 9:30 a.m. the meeting started, and I got up in front of the commission at 3:30 in the afternoon,” he said. “Of course, the commission unanimously passed it, it went on to the state, but then something happened in Palm Beach County. They started charging people with things that were illegal… and soon after that we became ‘Corruption County.’”

Erickson said that two days after that commission meeting, he decided to run for the ITID seat.

“I decided because I didn’t have any community leadership talking about what the community needs.

teers to sort through the donated items and pack and deliver the Thanksgiving meals.

For Pastor Terry Townsend of the First Baptist Church of Wellington, the food drive was an opportunity for his congregation and him to give back. “When I heard about it, I thought, ‘What a great way to help the community in which we live,’” he said.

Townsend said that although the church typically has a similar food drive around the holidays, he was excited for the opportunity to come together as a community to help.

“Giving is at the heart of what we are called to do biblically,” he said. “In this day and age, everyone talks about the separation of church and state. This has provided us a wonderful opportunity to

to utilize the archway design, it could go considerably smaller. Johnson said he did not see a pressing need for a northern entryway to the magnitude of the south end’s. “You’re not really making that much of a change,” he said. “You’re coming out of The Acreage, now you’re in Royal Palm Beach. There is more traffic on the south end than there is on the north end. I’m kind of shying away from the arch concept at the north end.”

Councilman David Swift asked how much the village would save if it did not build the entryway, and Liggins said $250,000 is budgeted. “It seems like if the residents don’t want it, it would be a big savings for next year’s budget,” Swift said. “Do you want to reduce taxes for another year, or do you want to raise taxes? This is a significant purchase.”

Councilman Fred Pinto agreed. “I’m along the same lines of

maintain roads. Under Florida Statutes, when a road has been maintained or repaired continuously for four years by a county, municipality or the state, the road is deemed to be dedicated to the public. The attorney general’s opinion did not extend that privilege to special districts.

The Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation has set its review of local bills for Jan. 6, Saunier said. He asked for board approval to forward the district’s draft bill to the town for its approval in the form of a resolution.

Supervisor Robert Snowball made a motion to forward the request to the town council, which carried 5-0.

I was going to step up to the plate, and I was upset, to say the least,” he said. “I got in it for the wrong reasons, but once you get in it, you realize there’s a lot of things going on in the community and there’s a lot of things you can do to better this community. I’ve spent four years trying to do that. I think I’ve done a halfway decent job.”

The board’s accomplishments, Erickson said, include putting in several miles of sidewalks and improving many miles of roads and generally improving the safety of the community. He also pointed out that the county commission ultimately voted down the worst parts of the Northlake project.

“I actually accomplished what I started out to do, but then you kind of get hooked, so today I think Indian Trail does a lot more planning than it used to, and I think the organization has come a long way due to this board and, I hope, some of my contributions,” he said.

work together with our local government.”

Lifechurch.tv Lifegroups/Missions Pastor Jim Meldrim agreed, noting that the food drive also provides a unique opportunity for his organization to reach out to those in need.

“This is terrific,” he said. “It’s what should happen. It’s a great example of the fact that there can be a partnership where a faithbased organization can work hand-in-hand with the government. We can accomplish some good and see that people’s needs are met.”

Meldrim said that he has given away 100 boxes to members of his congregation to return filled. The items will be delivered Nov. 23, with individual meals to be delivered on Nov. 24.

thought — $250,000. There are a lot of other things I would like to spend that money on,” he said.

Pinto said he has not been getting calls from residents telling him there is a pressing need for entry signs on the north end of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. “Something scaled-down might be more appropriate to this area,” he said. “I think the cost could be scaled down as well.”

Vice Mayor Martha Webster said she also would prefer something smaller.

“If we’re going to do something, I would like some continuity,” Webster said. “I don’t think it needs to be massive. I think understated looks a little bit better.”

She said she favored changes at Southern Blvd., as they would be cosmetic and cost less.

Hearing said the design could easily be scaled down, without the use of the arches. “The comments of the residents are certainly well

Blotter

Though many might not see Wellington as a community in need, Townsend is quick to dispel that myth. “There’s absolutely a need here,” he said. “With 1,876 homes foreclosed, Wellington definitely has a need.”

This is why, Meldrim noted, it is so important for the community to fill that need. “It’s important for the community to recognize that there is a need here,” he said. “In part, that’s what a community is supposed to do when times are tough. We’re supposed to come together.” Gerwig agreed. “We do have needy people,” she said. “It’s something that we don’t always want to admit, but we do.” For more information, call the Safe Neighborhoods Office at (561) 791-4796.

taken, and you could do much smaller elements without the arch that could still be iconic and still be somewhat of a gateway as you go through there, at much less of a cost,” he said. Webster said that if the village is going to do something, now is the best time because of lower building costs. “It would cost us more in the future to be doing this,” she said.

Mayor Matty Mattioli said he’s fine with the scaled-back idea, but only if the residents like the final idea. “I’m OK, but if the residents don’t want it, why do it?” he asked.

Mattioli asked for council consensus to scale down the entryways and remove the arches, but if residents do not favor the idea to drop it. Council members agreed to review the scaled-down plans with public input at their next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18.

The purse contained $90 cash, an iPod Touch, credit cards and her driver’s license. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. NOV. 9 — A resident of Olympia called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:31 p.m. last Sunday and 9:58 p.m. Tuesday, someone stole a package from the residence containing the victim’s Blackberry 8700 cell phone. The phone was valued at approximately $299. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

The winning team of Al Young, Greg Snowden, Roger Young and Sam Rairgh.

Mark Coplon, South Florida Fair COO Vicki Chouris, caddy Pete Smith, Rita Demier and Harry Brock playing for the fair.

Ray Christian, Sean Burnett, Tim Munsey and Rich Burnett.

Supervisor Mike Erickson is presented with a farewell cookie. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN WELLINGTON HOSTS

Jim Farrell and Manny Antonacci with 50/50 raffle tickets.Cameryn Garrison shows off his skateboard.Allyson Farrell and Grace Daher.

First-place car show winner Don Neely with his 1939 Buick.

Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen pies himself as part of the event.

John Hiskock and Patrick Quirk with a vintage fire truck.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Breakers Rees Jones®

caters

Pinehurst Stables To Host Clinic With George Morris

On Nov. 20-21, Pinehurst Stables in Jupiter will host a clinic featuring world-famous trainer George Morris, one of the best judges and trainers of hunters and jumpers in the country, considered to be a “founding father” of hunt seat equitation.

Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 27

Loss To Santaluces Ends RPB’s District Title Hopes

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team’s district dreams ended Monday when they lost 3-0 to Santaluces High School in the District 12-5A tiebreaker. The two teams competed in a mini-game to determine who would play the Lancers for a spot in the regional quarterfinals. Page 42

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

Business

Busy First Year Offers Opportunities For Belle Glade’s Lakeside Medical Center Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade celebrated its one-year anniversary on Oct. 15. The 70-bed, allprivate-room hospital, owned and operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, was completed in October 2009. The hospital serves nearly 40,000 residents in the western Palm Beach County communities bordering Lake Okeechobee and surrounding towns. Page 35

Spor ts

Broncos’ District

Chances End With 29-0 Loss To Atlantic

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team was eliminated from the District 8-6A playoffs after a 29-0 loss to the Atlantic High School Eagles on Friday, Nov. 5. Bronco quarterback Ryan McGovern was taken out of the game after a fourth-quarter injury. Page 41

Pinehurst Stables To Host Clinic With George Morris Nov. 20-21

Christina Jones is excited. She and her husband Sean own and run Pinehurst Stables in Jupiter, and next weekend, they’ll be hosting a clinic featuring world-famous trainer George Morris. They hosted one last fall and are hoping to make it an annual event.

“Last year’s clinic was fantastic,” Christina said. “It really exceeded everyone’s expectations. All of the riders who participated were well-prepared and worked hard. We saw a lot of growth, even in just those two days.”

George Morris is one of the best judges and trainers of hunters and jumpers in the country. He is considered to be a “founding father” of hunt seat equitation. He is also the current chef d’equipe for the United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Team.

Morris has represented the United States in many international competitions as both a rider and coach. He rode on eight winning Nations Cup teams between 1958 and 1960. At the young age of 21, his team won the gold medal in the Pan American Games, and he won a team silver medal the following year at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Students under his training have brought home medals from the 1984, 1992, 1996 and 2004 Olympic Games. Morris has acted as chef d’equipe for numerous winning teams, including the 2005 champions of the Samsung Super League. Additionally, Morris serves on the USEF National Jumper Committee and Planning Committee and is the president of the U.S. Show Jumping Hall of Fame.

“Everyone looks up to George Morris,”

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Christina said. “He is someone you want to emulate. We were just so thrilled when he accepted our invitation and agreed to hold the clinic.”

Christina characterizes Morris’s teaching style as strict and regimented, but said that’s how he sets riders up for success. He has a great sense of humor and really works with each individual rider.

“Last year, we had 18 or 20 riders take part in the clinic. They were divided up by ability into three sections. Beginners had the lowest jumps at 2’6”. Intermediates were at three feet, and the advanced riders were 3’6” and higher. Not everyone was perfect. It’s not about that,” she said. “We had some green horses and some less accomplished riders, along with knowledgeable horses and veteran riders. It didn’t matter, so long as every participant took it seriously and tried their best.”

Morris even rode some of the horses in order to demonstrate a particular point or illustrate a technique. Christina said it was great to watch him ride — a real education in how to do something just so.

Auditors are also welcome to attend, and Christina said that just watching a clinic like this is highly beneficial. She noted that many people who observed last year said they took home some valuable ideas to try with their horses. Participants also can take part in the catered lunch.

Christina advises riders to prepare for the clinic by schooling their horse in a consistent program for several weeks prior to the clinic, with the focus being on practicing and perfecting the basics. Make sure the horse is comfortable loading into a trailer and has up-to-date vaccinations and a current Coggins.

During the clinic, riders should use standard show-type tack and be mounted and warming up their horses on the flat 15 minutes before the start of their riding time. Riders should wear tucked-in, collared shirts with short or long sleeves, a belt, breeches, spurs (if necessary) and boots. All riders should carry a short crop and must wear a buckled, ASTM-approved helmet at all times.

The clinic, which runs Nov. 20-21, costs $650 for both days. Auditing costs $75 per day. Stalls are available Nov. 19-21 for $100. Riders are responsible for their own feed and hay.

Gates open at 7 a.m., and the schedule is as follows: 8 a.m., open course; 9 a.m., 2’6” equitation/hunter class; 11 a.m., 3’ hunter/equitation class; 1 p.m., catered lunch break; 1:30 p.m., 3’6” equitation/jumper class.

Christina advised everyone to listen care-

fully, even when Morris is talking to another rider, to learn from what’s being said. As is advised in the frequently asked questions section: “Complaining, talking back or talking to others during the clinic will not be tolerated. If you’re uncertain how to complete an assigned task, politely ask for clarification when the appropriate time arises. Understand that any criticism is meant to better your skill set and to push you to become a more effective rider. Remain positive, be patient with your horse, and put forth your best effort. Most importantly, have fun.”

Christina said that the response so far this year has been fantastic and that most of the 21 rider spots are filled. There’s no limit to auditors. Last year, she rode in the clinic and really appreciated the attention given to each individual rider. She said Morris was very accessible, patient and friendly, and always willing to answer questions, even during lunch. He even autographed copies of his books.

“The best thing I got out of last year’s clinic was additional insight into my skills as a rider,” Christina said. “He came with a fresh pair of eyes and told me what to focus on and what to work on to develop into a better rider. He made me and my horse, who’s a veteran show horse, much more confident. I’m looking forward to another fantastic event this year.”

For more information, call Pinehurst Stables at (561) 758-1664 or visit www. pinehurststables.com.

Organizing A Fall Antiques Show Seemed Easy... Back In May!

I think there’s a college class called Logistics, and I think I should’ve taken that class. Maybe instead of Creative Writing. Because while the writing is no problem, the logistics are beating me up.

Let me explain.

When the heat of summer set in (around May 1 here in sunny Florida), I decided it would be fun to organize a fall antiques show. I’d done it before, with moderate success, and I was tired of sitting around the house.

A lot of people venture outside in the summer to go swimming, diving, fishing or boating, but not me. I go into reverse hibernation where I burrow into the coolest corner with my TV set and a case of Cheetos. I settle in until the temperature dips below 90, or if I’m lucky and a hurricane threatens. South Florida has some of its nicest breezy weather during tropical depressions.

But this year, I wanted to be more produc-

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

tive. So I teamed up with a historical society, and off I went, writing letters and bragging about how organized and experienced I was. The historical society bought it and hired me on. The fact that they wanted the show produced 250 miles north of here didn’t faze me in the least.

That was then.

This is now.

Now, with the show taking place this coming weekend, I’m considering logistics for the very first time. Tables and display stands and

rugs and crates and baskets must be gathered up by dealers from throughout the state — including me. Hundreds of valuable and eminently breakable antiques must be wrapped securely and put into boxes. And lots of heavy, heavy furniture has to be loaded and hauled and unloaded and hauled and then, if remaining unsold, loaded and hauled again.

And then unloaded.

And put back into the store. Nicely.

“I don’t see why you have to have a booth at the show,” my practical-minded husband Mark complained. “Isn’t organizing it enough?”

“But it’s going to be a great show!” I whined. “I want to be part of it!”

“You are part of it,” Mark countered. Then he mumbled, “and so am I.”

“What was that?”

“I said I love you very much.”

“I know you do, sweetie. Hey, can you help me lift this box?”

I thought I heard a sigh just then, but I could’ve been mistaken.

Also, because it’s the last week before the show, my phone is ringing off the hook. Dealers want more space, less space, 8-foot tables instead of 6-foot tables, three electrical outlets each and an absolute guarantee that they will sell everything they’re bringing. If I could just sign an affidavit in blood and fax it over, that would be fine.

My daughter called just as I hung up with a man who won’t be able to give me a deposit until Saturday morning but wants to be sure he gets the best booth in the house.

“Why... why.... why do I do this?” I complained.

“I seem to remember the word ‘bored’ being spoken,” she answered. “Of course, that was back in May.”

Back in May. I wish I were there now — in some cool corner with a bag of Cheetos.

And logistics on my side.

Teaching For The Test Is Not Healthy For Teachers Or Students

Remember the battle over school testing last year? How could we forget? According to one of the country’s top educational reformers, the battle was a nationwide one. And she even picked out the cause: the creation of high-stakes testing.

Diane Ravitch, a former assistant secretary of education (under the first President Bush) and a professor at New York University, has written an excellent book titled The Death and Life of the Great American School System, which describes how testing is destroying American education.

Ravitch notes that stressing test scores because of the No Child Left Behind law has led to a focus on teaching students to perform well on those tests, to the detriment of almost every traditional subject. After all, how well students do on the test is how teachers and principals are evaluated, as well as whole school systems.

A teacher can be brilliant, filling her students with a love of reading and learning, teaching them to write and question, but if they do not show adequate improvement on the specific tests, goodbye. The same goes for principals. And school superintendents. More people have left education this past

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

decade because of poor test performance than poor teaching.

As a result, Ravitch contends, schools have changed the ways they teach, and not for the better. In many schools, teachers spend months teaching only toward the tests. And the tests almost always are the “fill in the bubbles” kind, the ones requiring the least actual knowledge. As a result, class hours are spent on gaming the tests. How do students eliminate some of the answers so that, at worst, they can guess from two instead of four possible answers? What key words have to be spotted so that you can “game” the test?

Who needs literature? Is Shakespeare on the tests? Why cover social studies? Science can’t really be important. No, the schools are busy going over test questions, and only in

reading and math. And that kind of teaching is prevalent, which is not surprising since educators are evaluated mainly on test results. My older daughter, who teaches at an exceptional small college in the northwest, tells me her students no longer know how to write well but that they were generally the best students in their high schools.

Compared with what has happened in some cities, we in Palm Beach County got off easily. San Diego became a battleground 10 years ago. Reformers came in and had their own agenda, which blended with the testing. Teachers and administrators learned the correct jargon, and students wound up chanting slogans. The head of the system, against teachers’ and parents’ opposition, simply said that the system needed a jolt, and he gave it. Most principals lost their jobs unless they mindlessly heeded the program. Entire teaching staffs turned over. The teachers hated the program. Several battles for control of the school board ensued. And in the end, the students did not do particularly better than other students who had not been forced into the program. That has happened in most places where new programs were forced on systems.

Ravitch argues that by making high-stakes

tests, we have forgotten the most important element of education — a strong curriculum. Filling in bubbles is not exciting. Learning to game a reading test is not the same as learning reading skills, and certainly not the same as learning to love to read. It certainly is not as valuable as using reading to learn social studies or science. What we need is a focus on deciding what our students need to learn and working as hard as possible to make certain that all our children learn that.

We were lucky here in Palm Beach County. Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson, when faced with adamant opposition, allowed a real choice to be made by schools. Some teachers may have done very well with the new system. If they can use it to improve learning, then it should be encouraged. If other methods work better, they should be used.

We all want the same thing: a strong, efficient school system that serves the needs of all the children. And our teachers are the jewels of the system. When they believe in something, they use it well. And perhaps our lawmakers could reconsider judging systems based on single-use tests. There has to be something better.

FALL WPB HOME SHOW RETURNS TO THE AMERICRAFT EXPO CENTER

MaryAnne Blumhardt of All Stars Dips with John and Rhonda Cobb.

Hawaiian Moon representative Dusti Woodbury applies hand cream to Dr. Shelley Plumb’s hand. Grill It! sales reps Paul and Barbara Niemi.

Tickets On Sale For ‘Beauty And The Beast’ At Kravis Center

Vintage Show Set

For Nov. 20-21 At Convention Center

The Palm Beach County Convention Center will host “Modernism20th Century - Vintage Show” on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21. The show will be dazzled with an eclectic mix from diamonds to glass including furniture, home furnishings, art deco, jewelry and fashions. Much more informal than the strictly antiques show, this new display will be identified with fun. Take a trip back in time and enjoy jewelry, clothing, home furnishings, lifestyle items and more from the 20th century. Representing all things of the period, the show will

feature an eclectic mix from diamonds to glass. Special events include loan exhibits, fashion shows, guest lectures and book signings by celebrity authors, all of which are relevant to the 20th century.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. General Admission is $12. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art Deco Society of Palm Beach.

For more information on “Modernism - 20th Century - Vintage Show,” call (561) 483-4047 or visit www.vintageshowandsale.com.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash-hit Broadway musical, is coming to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Kravis Center on Jan. 4-9, 2011.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the animated film’s Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton. The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production. The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with costume design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award winner for her work on the musical), lighting design by Natasha Katz, scenic design by Stanley Meyer, sound design by John Petrafesa Jr. and music supervision by Michael Kosarin.

“It has been wonderful to bring the entire original design team back together to work on this new production of Beauty and the Beast,” Director Rob Roth said. “As a director, it is rare to have the opportunity to revisit your work 15 years later. Hopefully I’ve grown and developed as an artist, along with my collaborators, and we can bring 15 years of experience to this new production. We have remained very close as a team over the years of producing the show around the world, and it has been so much fun getting together to re-explore and reinvent the show for this new NETworks tour. The theme of Beauty is about seeing past the exterior into the heart of someone, and this is reflected in the design for the show, which is about transparency and layers, seeing past one thing and into another.”

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to

love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 21 countries.

Performances run Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

Tickets are on sale to the public at the Kravis Center box office at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org/beauty for more information.

Group sales are underway for groups of 20 or more by calling (561) 651-4438. For additional information, visit www.beautyandthebeastontour.com.

Nov. 19 Grand Opening For Art Gallery Modern In West Palm

Art Gallery Modern in West Palm Beach will host a grand-opening reception Friday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Having opened in September, Art Gallery Modern joins the growing hub of galleries along South Dixie Highway. Owner Jeffrey Ciociola is a private collector and art consultant whose gallery features an inventory of over 300 works of modern, contemporary, abstract, pop culture and outsider art.

Art Gallery Modern offers 20thcentury art for both private and corporate collections. The collection includes important pieces from Hunt Slonem, Orlando Botero, Pur-

vis Young and Dale Chihuly, as well as many well-known local and emerging artists.

The gallery also offers in-home consultation, private previews and a corporate loan program. Ciociola will work with every budget to develop or enhance your collection. The gallery also accepts exceptional work on consignment.

For the grand-opening reception, Ciociola will open his doors to the public to view this colorful and exciting inventory of contemporary art. There will be a silent auction with a portion of the sales going to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Wine and light

hors d’oeuvres will be served, and ample parking will be available.

Art Gallery Modern is located in the Remi-Danielle Design Center building at 5505 South Dixie, Suite 2, on the corner of S. Dixie Highway and Bunker Road in West Palm Beach. The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. Designers, decorators, dealers and collectors are invited to visit this exciting new space and will find a friendly and knowledgeable staff. For more info., call Ciociola at (561) 822-3882 or (561) 317-1230, or e-mail artgallery modern@gmail.com.

The Phantoms Recommend The Great Chefs Tasting Party

The 22nd annual United Cerebral Palsy Great Chefs Tasting Party will take place Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Colony Palm Beach. This is one of our favorite charity events, and we have supported this tasty special for the past five years. Each year the participating restaurants go all out to “out do” each other, and that is good for everyone in attendance.

This year’s participating restaurants are Palm Beach Steakhouse, Palm Beach Convention Center, Havana Hideout, Talay Thai, Someone’s in the Kitchen, Field of Greens, Kubo, A Matter of Taste, Chef John’s Bistro and Blues Bar, the Polo Steakhouse, Leila

Restaurant, Don Ramon Restaurant, Big Daddy’z BBQ and more.

Honorary chairpersons are Dick and Sally Robinson, along with our favorite master of ceremonies Rob Russell and the Switzer Trio of the Colony Palm Beach. Tickets are only $85 in advance and $100 at the door. VIP tickets cost $200 (sold in advance only), with all proceeds benefiting the Palm Beach County Chapter of United Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usu-

ally occurring during fetal development; before, during or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain’s ability to adequately control movement and posture. It is estimated that some 764,000 children and adults in the United States manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Currently, about 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 to 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy.

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier and www.yournews.com... Comments and recommendations

Sponsors include Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart and Shipley, PA, Attorneys at Law; South Florida Dines; Eppy Financial Group Inc.; Bainbridge; The Palm Beach Post; Sunny 104.3 FM; South Florida’s Hottest Chefs; Republic National Distributing Company; and Body Well.

The party will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. The Colony Hotel is located at 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach.

For more information on how to become a corporate sponsor or to participate in this event, call (561) 357-7779, ext. 15... and please tell them that Joe and Kathryn, the Phantoms, recommended you call!

Justin Glaser as Beast and Liz Shivener as Belle.

PHOTO BY PETER COOMBS

Glades Rural Area Support Board — (Front row, L-R) Chair Dr. James Howell, Vice Chair Juan Cocuy and Secretary/Treasurer Effie Grear; (back row) Stephen Coffman, Angela Pope, Gilbert Alvarez, Donia Roberts, Janet Moreland and Hospital Administrator Brian Gibbons Jr.

Busy First Year Offers New Opportunities For Lakeside Medical Center

Palm Beach County’s newest hospital, Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade, celebrated its one-year anniversary on Oct. 15. The 70-bed, all-private-room hospital, owned and operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, was completed in October 2009, four months ahead of schedule and $10 million under budget. The hospital serves nearly 40,000 residents in the western Palm Beach County communities bordering Lake Okeechobee and surrounding towns.

Over the past year, Lakeside Medical Center served an increasing number of patients. The hospital handled nearly 23,000 emergency room visits, performed more than 1,400 surgeries and cared for more than 14,000 outpatients. More than 550 babies came into the world at the hospital. “We are pleased that the community is utilizing its new hospital,” Hospital Administrator Brian Gibbons Jr. said. “Our residents recognize the benefits of Lakeside Medical Center’s skilled, compassionate staff, our advanced technology and our conveniently located medical campus.”

“Now we see patients staying close to home and no longer traveling to receive the quality care and healing they need to stay healthy,” added Effie Grear, secretary/treasurer of the Glades Rural Area Support Board, which governs the hospital. “It is rewarding that every day more residents are calling Lakeside Medical Center their medical home.”

Over the past year, significant grant funding enabled the hospital to launch initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the community.

A recent grant from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration will bring $900,000 to the hospital for a graduate resident training program, allowing the hospital to train 15 family medicine residents over the next four years.

Through a $237,000 grant from the Florida Department of Health, Lakeside Medical Center now offers a comprehensive tobaccocessation program, which includes free inhouse classes, counseling and staff to give tobacco users the resources they need to quit.

This year, a $16,000 grant awarded by the South Florida affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure allows the hospital to provide free, potentially lifesaving mammograms to underinsured and uninsured Palm Beach County residents who qualify. Lakeside Medical Center offers technologically advanced digital mammography screenings as part of its focus on women’s health services.

This past September, the hospital marked the opening of its re-located outpatient physical therapy center, Lakeside Medical Center Physical Therapy, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More than 50 members of the community, business leaders and elected officials attended the special event. The new outpatient facility, located at 942 S. Main Street in Belle Glade, serves more than 8,000 patients a year and provides therapy services to help relieve patients’ pain and restore function after an injury.

In March, the hospital earned a successful accreditation from the Joint Commission, the predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. The effort required months of preparation in advance of the commission’s survey, much of it occurring right after the facility opened in October 2009.

Earlier this year, four local community leaders were appointed to the eight-member Glades Rural Area Support Board, which governs Lakeside Medical Center. Donia Roberts, Angela Pope, Gilbert Alvarez and Janet Moreland join Chair Dr. James Howell, Vice Chair Juan Cocuy, Secretary/Treasurer Effie Grear, Dr. Rahat Abbas and Stephen Coffman.

“We are proud of the quality of care that is delivered at Lakeside Medical Center, and we celebrate the success of the hospital’s first year,” Health Care District of Palm Beach County CEO Dwight Chenette said. “By operating Palm Beach County’s only public hospital, the health care district advances its mission of enhancing the healthcare delivery system for all county residents.”

For more information about Lakeside Medical Center, visit www.lakesidemedical.org.

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN RICKSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

RPB’S TOP SHELF PUPPIES SUPPORTS TOYS FOR TOTS BJ’s Partnering With Area Schools

Top Shelf Puppies & Boutique in Royal Palm Beach will be donating $50 to Toys for Tots for every puppy sold during November. The boutique is located at 11081 Southern Blvd., Suite 150. For more info., call (561) 792-9191 or visit www.topshelfpuppies.com. Pictured above is Top Shelf owner Debi Van Oort (holding Binky) with Marines Carter Allen and Anthony Bechtel of the 4th ANGLICO Marine Corps Unit in West Palm Beach.

BJ’s Wholesale Clubs in Royal Palm Beach and Boynton Beach have announced that through the company’s Adopt-a-School program, it will partner with two local elementary schools to help enhance existing curriculum that best meet the educational needs of local children and families.

“BJ’s Wholesale Club takes great pride in supporting educational programs, and we look forward to this year’s partnership with Golden Grove Elementary and Sunset Palms Elementary,” said Lesa Cardin, community relations specialist for BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Throughout the school year, BJ’s will provide students with opportunities that help them grow into active citizens throughout their community.”

The Royal Palm Beach location will partner with Golden Grove Elementary School and the Boynton Beach club will work with Sunset Palms Elementary School.

BJ’s offers two versions of its Adopt-a-School program: “Giving” and “Grades.” Golden Grove and Sunset Palms will participate in the “Grades” program, receiving donations to use toward discretionary programs such as field trips and special events, reading enhancement programs or other educational

needs. The program also provides a complimentary BJ’s membership and invitations to BJ’s-sponsored events that promote good citizenship or build learning skills. Additionally, the school will work with BJ’s community relations specialists to develop customized partnership plans focused on curriculum enhancement, community involvement and fundraising. Schools then work with their local BJ’s Clubs to implement these plans.

“We certainly are fortunate to have BJ’s as a business partner this year,” Golden Grove Principal Kathryn Koerner said. “BJ’s and its vendor partner Frito-Lay even assisted with getting technology into schools by donating a Dell laptop.”

Both BJ’s locations will host a “Holiday Shopping Night” in December for the schools. The in-club event will include activities for the students, choir performances, pictures with Santa Claus and a fundraiser where all proceeds will be donated to the schools.

“BJ’s is a wonderful business partner to adopt Sunset Palms Elementary for the 2010-11 school year,” Sunset Palms Principal Karen Riddle said.

For a full list of this year’s recipient schools throughout BJ’s 15state footprint, visit www.bjs.com/ about/press.shtml and to learn more about BJ’s Adopt-a-School program, visit www.bjs.com/about/ community/adopt_school.shtml.

Wellington Chamber YPO Networking Mixer Nov. 18

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization will host an afterhours networking reception Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club (12795 W. Forest Hill Blvd., in the Wellington Plaza). It will be an evening of wine and

beer tasting as well as fantastic food pairings. Admission costs $20, and advanced reservations are encouraged. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

For more information about the networking reception, or to RSVP, call the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at (561) 792-6525.

CredAbility Offers Tips For Smart Holiday Shopping

The holidays are just around the corner and shopping is already beginning to heat up. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers have a reason to be joyous this season — consumer spending on holiday related items is expected to rise slightly this year, to $688.87.

CredAbility, a nonprofit consumer credit counseling agency, recommends that consumers continue to use caution when shopping this holiday season. CredAbility offers the following tips to help shoppers:

• Stick with your list

Having a list of the people you need to buy for and a budget for each person is a great way to make sure you don’t overspend.

• Plan your shopping — Use newspaper circulars and the Internet to plan a shopping trip. If you know where you are going and what you plan to buy while you are there, you are less likely to

deviate from your plan.

• Shop before big sales —

Avoid the Black Friday mall crowds by shopping a day or two earlier. Many stores will refund the price difference if the item goes on sale within days of purchase.

• Shop online — You can take advantage of sale prices and free shipping offers and never have to leave the house.

• Shop on ‘Cyber Monday’ — The Monday after Thanksgiving is expected to be a busy shopping day for online retailers. Visit www. cybermonday.com for online deals.

• Compare prices — Compare the price your retailer is offering by using sites such as www.pricegrabber.com, www.bizrate.com and www. nextag.com. For information on available rebates, visit www.rebateplace.com. And sites such as www.coupon cabin.com or www.deal catcher.com can help you find deals for dollars or a percentage off, or free shipping

that can add up to big savings.

• Don’t window shop — If you go to a store for a particular item, get it and leave instead of strolling through all of the aisles.

• Don’t bring credit cards — Studies have shown that people who use credit cards to buy gifts spend an average of 30 percent more than people who use cash.

• Don’t make impulse purchases — Research the items you are considering, compare prices at several retailers and be sure it is a deal before making the purchase.

• Don’t throw away receipts — Make sure you know the return policy for all of your purchases, and store your receipts in an easy-tofind place.

• Don’t make unnecessary purchases — While your original gift list might have everyone you ever met, you’ll need to be realistic in order to stick to your budget. Visit www.credability.org for more information.

Seagull To Honor Eisinger

Seagull Industries for the Disabled Inc., a social service agency providing programs for persons with developmental disabilities, is launching a giving campaign in honor of Executive Director Fred Eisinger’s 25 years of service. Seagull will host a reception to kick off the campaign on Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Store in Palm Beach Gardens (11010 N. Military Trail).

Money raised from the campaign will be used to establish the Harry and Frieda Eisinger Fund, named for Fred’s parents. Eisinger is a resident of Wellington.

During the past 25 years, under Eisinger’s direction, Seagull Industries has grown from a small program that mostly offered “babysitting services” for adults with developmental disabilities to a social service agency that provides educational, residential and vocational programs for 200 students and clients. Believing that per-

sons with developmental disabilities can learn, work and live independently, Eisinger has shaped services that give teens and adults the opportunities to achieve fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Responding to community needs, Eisinger has helped Seagull develop a 16,000square-foot employment facility (the Achievement Cen-

ter); two residential facilities (Seagull Place, within walking distance of the beach on Singer Island, and Seagull Ranch, a 20-acre ranch in Indiantown) and a charter high school (Seagull Academy for Independent Living), which is about to expand into a larger, newly renovated facility and launch a middle school. Seagull also operates a thrift store in Greenacres.

Under Eisinger’s leadership, Seagull has grown to a $3.5 million organization, proud to be financially solvent and to have been recognized as the 2010 Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.

For more information, visit www.seagull.org.

There is no admission to the Dec. 2 event, but reservations are required and can be made by calling (561) 842-5814, ext. 111 or e-mailing adichele@seagull.org.

Fred Eisinger

Broncos’ District Chances End With 29-0 Loss To Atlantic

By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team was eliminated from the District 8-6A playoffs after a 29-0 loss to the Atlantic High School Eagles on Friday, Nov. 5. Neither team was successful in their early possessions. Nothing changed until late in the first quarter when the Broncos gave the Eagles an opportunity after a fumble. The Eagles almost lost possession after a third and five fumble and had to settle for a field goal. With the Broncos’ offense unable to move the ball, the Eagles took advantage in

the second quarter and scored a touchdown. With a successful extra-point attempt, Atlantic’s lead increased to 10-0.

Possession went back and forth for the remainder of the quarter, ending in several penalties by the Broncos that the Eagles were unable to capitalize on. In the third quarter, it looked like the Broncos were going to make it a contest when an Eagles’ fumble gave the Broncos possession. Palm Beach Central brought it all the way down to the six yard line, but on the ensuing play, a pass by Bronco quarterback Ryan McGovern was intercepted by Atlantic defensive back Kevie De-

franc, who returned it 99 yards for a touchdown.

Late in the third quarter, the Eagles scored again, but the extra point was unsuccessful, making the score 23-0. After another Bronco pass was intercepted, the Eagles scored their fourth touchdown, but the extra point was blocked, bringing the score to 29-0.

Early in the fourth quarter, McGovern was injured and taken out of the game. Palm Beach Central’s Torrance Kearney came out as backup quarterback but was unable to recharge the battered offense. The game ended, denying Palm Beach Central a playoff berth.

Exciting Fourth Quarter Ends With 18-11 SRHS Win Over WHS

By Josh Hyber Town-Crier Staff Report

A fast-paced fourth quarter saw the Wellington High School varsity football team overtake visiting Seminole Ridge High School, before the Hawks managed to seal an 18-11 victory on Friday, Nov. 5.

The Wolverines trailed the Hawks 10-3 with 5:20 remaining in the fourth quarter. With the ball just inside Hawks’ territory, Wellington’s Andy LeMay broke a 40-yard run. On the ensuing play, LeMay ran the ball into the end zone to cut the lead to 10-9.

“I knew after Andy’s long run that we were going to go for it,” Wellington Head Coach Chris Romano said. “Coach [Pete] Callovi also hinted we could.”

Senior running back Alex Dinardo took a direct snap from center Corey Ayres, and instead of running, threw a pass to Chris Thomas, who

jumped high into the air and secured the ball, putting Wellington ahead 11-10.

“It’s definitely the best feeling and moment through all my years of playing football,” Thomas said.

However, Hawks running back Gary Holmes and quarterback Trevor Vanscoy broke two huge runs on the ensuing drive. Holmes’ four-yard rushing touchdown with 1:16 remaining in the game regained the lead for the Hawks.

After an unsuccessful botch kick and a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Wellington received the ball just inside Seminole Ridge territory with one minute remaining.

But Wolverine quarterback Cole Smallridge, who started for the first time in his high school career, threw an interception on the drive’s first play.

Vanscoy took three straight knees to end the game, an 18-11 thriller.

“They always play hard,” Seminole Ridge Head Coach Matt Dickmann said of Wellington. “Chris [Romano] has given their program stability.”

On the opening drive of the game, Dinardo, who plays both offense and defense for Wellington, forced a fumble that was recovered by fellow Wolverine Indiana Neary. On the Hawks’ next offensive possession, Wellington cornerback Mike Perez intercepted a pass.

“When you turn the ball over, it’s hard,” Dickmann said. “We equaled the amount of offensive turnovers we had all season.”

On Wellington’s drive, Smallridge connected with Dinardo for a 19-yard completion to put the Wolverines at first and goal from the four yard line. The Wolverines, however, fumbled the snap on a 23yard field-goal attempt and came away with no points.

At 10:45 of the second quarter, Seminole Ridge’s Jarryd Klaffka intercepted his first pass of the night (the second of which was the game clincher).

“He’s the heart and soul of our team, in my opinion,” Dickmann said. “His motor never stops going.”

The Wellington defense, though, forced a three and out. Seminole Ridge scored on its next possession, a one-yard run from Jerry Butler, to take the Hawks’ first lead of the night at 7-3.

With 1:26 remaining in the half, a Vanscoy quarterback sneak on fourth and one prolonged a Seminole Ridge drive. With two seconds left in the half, the Hawks kicked a field goal to go ahead 10-3. The Hawks were in the same situation with nine seconds remaining in the third quarter, but missed the field goal.

In the fourth quarter, the Wolver-

ines used multiple “Wildcat” formations, with Dinardo and senior Amir Pollack at quarterback. Wellington also used the linebacker Thomas in a role he played last year, fullback.

On a third and eight from midfield, Dinardo took the snap, handed the ball to LeMay, who proceeded to turn around and pitch it to Thomas, who was unable to pick up the first down. A penalty flag, though, gave the Wolverines the needed yards.

With 8:33 remaining, Smallridge found Dinardo (using the same play they completed earlier in the game) for a 16-yard hookup. Dinardo then ran the ball on a third and seven for a key first down, followed by LeMay’s 40-yard run.

The Wolverines travel to Suncoast High School for their final regular season game on Friday, Nov. 12. Also next Friday, the Hawks host Royal Palm Beach High School.

The Bronco defense hurries the Eagles’ quarterback.

Running back Daunte Smith takes the hand-off.

Bronco Michael D’Avanzo calls for first down after an Eagles fumble.

Torrance Kearney looks to hand off the ball.

The Bronco defense brings down Eagle fullback Freddie Morris. PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER

Loss To Santaluces Ends Royal Palm’s District Title Hopes

By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team’s district dreams ended Monday when they lost 3-0 to Santaluces High School in the District 12-5A tiebreaker.

The two teams competed in a onequarter, 12-minute mini-game at John I. Leonard High School to de-

termine who would play the Lancers for a spot in the regional quarterfinals. All three teams were tied for second place in the district competition, which was won by Lake Worth High School.

Early in the game, the Chiefs advanced to the Wildcats’ 25 yard line where they were held back by Royal Palm Beach’s defensive line. On their last possession, Santaluces

made a failed field-goal attempt that put the ball back in the hands of the Wildcats.

But despite quarterback T.J. Abrams’ efforts to get the ball into the hands of wide receiver Tremaine McCullough, the Wildcats were only able to advance a few yards before they turned the ball back over. While Santaluces threw several long passes that got them into RPBHS territory, the Wildcats struggled to keep the Chiefs out of field-goal range.

Midway through the quarter, the Wildcats got a break when they recovered a fumbled pass from the Chiefs. But despite their best efforts, they were unable to capitalize on the mistake. The two teams battled the remainder of the game to advance and score, while holding the other team back. It wasn’t until the very end of the game that the Chiefs were able to break through the Wildcats’ defense. A pass fell into the hands of the Chiefs’ Jordan St. Louis, putting them in field-goal territory with two seconds left on the clock. Despite the Wildcats’ attempt to block, the Chiefs kicked a successful field goal for 3 points and the win. Santaluces lost 14-0 to John I. Leonard later that night.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER

Santaluces’ Terrance Floyd is stopped by Wildcat Nicholas Reid.Everett McPherson takes down Santaluces’ Terrance Floyd.

Wildcats Everett McPherson, Dominic Murray and Tremaine McCullough chase down Terrance Floyd.

Caroline Roffman Honored At FEI Awards Ceremony In Taipei

Although she just turned 22, Wellington dressage rider Caroline Roffman has already had many memorable moments in her career.

Roffman can now add winning the 2010 FEI Rising Star Award to that list, along with flying to Taipei for a dazzling awards ceremony and accepting her award from Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, FEI president.

Roffman was named the 2010 Rising Star by the International Equestrian Federation and received her award at the 2010 FEI Awards ceremony in Taipei. “I was both honored and astounded to win the Rising Star Award,” Roffman said.

Roffman said that being able to see Taipei and experience the culture in a different part of the world was an unforgettable experience.

“The most amazing part of winning the award was getting to meet Princess Haya. I also enjoyed meeting the other winners and hearing their experiences,” Roffman said, adding that she also was honored to meet USEF President David O’Connor and Frank Kemperman, managing director of the Aachen Horse Show. Roffman’s award places her in a unique position in the equestrian community, as the winners were selected from riders from around the

world by an international panel. Roffman and four other equestrians were honored at the ceremony, including Dutch dressage rider Edward Gal, who won three gold medals at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games aboard Moorlands Totilas. Gal won the Reem Acra Best Athlete Award. The other winners included Ros Spearing, founder of the Ebony Horse Club, who won the Alltech Development Award; British freelance groom Michelle Tipper, who won the Best Groom Award; and German paradressage rider Angelika Trabert, who won the Against All Odds Award.

“Winning this award really was a great moment in my career,” Roffman said, adding that she is back at her home base in Wellington, preparing her horses for the show ring. “I am hoping to compete Pie in the Developing Horse Prix St. Georges, Bulgari in the small tour, Lux in the Brentina Cup, Bon Chance in the Six-Year-Olds and Hannah in the lower levels.”

The FEI noted that all five winners were considered heroes in the equestrian community, adding that Roffman is considered one of the brightest hopes of the U.S. dressage community. They quoted Roffman’s

accomplishments as: “The 21-yearold who trains with Olympian Lars Petersen, won the Five-Year-Old Championships at the USEF National Dressage Championships this year on a horse she trained herself and was the youngest competitor in the Intermediaire I National Championship at the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions at Gladstone.”

While Roffman has successfully made the transition into the professional arena, her Young Rider career was equally impressive. She exploded onto the scene her first year as a Young Rider and qualified and competed at NAJYRC, winning three bronze medals and the Fiona Baan Memorial Trophy for the highest placed rider throughout the competition. She competed at the Dressage Festival of Champions on Rigaudon and Accent Agiu FRH, placing third nationally in 2009 and fourth nationally in 2008. Roffman also rode Bon Chance to the Reserve Championship at the 2009 Young Horse Championships in the Four-Year-Old class.

“Now my goal is keep my horses in top form as we prepare for 2011 and also to live as a role model for the award the FEI has bestowed upon me,” Roffman said.

PHOTO COURTESY WILLIAM TZENG/FEI

U.S. dressage rider Caroline Roffman (right) receives the 2010 Rising Star Award by FEI President Her Royal Highness Princess Haya at the 2010 FEI Awards ceremony in Taipei.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Nov. 13

• The Episcopal Church Women of St. David’s-in-the-Pines in Wellington will hold a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14 following the 10 a.m. service until 1 p.m. There will be handmade items, baked goods, jewelry, a white elephant table, hotdogs, chips and soda. For more info., call the church at (561) 793-1976.

• The Wellington Art Society will host the “Fall Fling Fine Art Exhibition” on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater on Forest Hill Blvd. More than 30 artists will showcase their paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry and other fine crafts. There will also be food vendors and a student art show. Admission is free. Call (561) 7912194 or visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org for more info.

• The Diabetic Support Program will hold the Western Communities Diabetes & Health Day on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Richard Egan at (561) 373-8699 for more info., or to reserve a free vendor table.

• The Elbridge Gale Elementary School PTO will sponsor the school’s Fall Carnival on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the school grounds (1915 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington). Proceeds are used to improve learning experiences for Elbridge Gale students. The carnival will include rides and carnival games for children of all ages. Admission costs $15 per child. For more info., call Sarah Gandrey at (917) 2139556.

• The annual Acreage Fall Festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 13 from noon to 10 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. N.). Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 10; admission is free for children 3 or younger and service people on active duty. For more info., visit www.acreagefallfest.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Chess Club meeting for age 8 and up on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. Basic chess knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a meeting of the “Teen Advisory Posse” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. Find out what’s coming and share your ideas for fu-

ture teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “National Gaming Day!” for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. Participants will celebrate the day by playing Wii games. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

Sunday, Nov. 14

• Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will feature its annual Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be something for everyone, including food, raffles, shopping and plenty of bargains. It will feature new items only, and vendors are wanted. Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive near Veterans Park. For more info., call Liz at (561) 798-8888 or visit www. templebethzion.net.

• The public is invited to the 2010 primary children’s sacrament meeting presentation “I Know My Savior Lives!” on Sunday, Nov. 14 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (990 Big Blue Trace, Wellington). The children will share through words and music what they have learned during the year. Call (561) 798-8971 for more info.

• Seagull Industries for the Disabled will launch its Celebrity Lunch Series on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Brazilian Court Hotel (301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach). The event will feature well-known chefs demonstrating their craft to raise money for high school students at Seagull Academy for Independent Living. The cost is $125 per person or $800 per table and includes the chef demonstrations, lunch, autographed recipes and valet parking. For more info., visit www.seagull.org.

• South Florida piano sensation Copeland Davis will perform with the Indian River Pops on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at Palm Beach State College’s Eissey Campus Theatre (11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens). Call (561) 207-5900 for more info. • TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Night Shul with Matt Auerbach at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV station at www. tcin.tv.

Monday, Nov. 15

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Gobble It Up!” for ages 2 to 5 on Monday, Nov. 15 at 11:15 a.m.

See CALENDAR, page 47

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

CALENDAR, continued from page 47 Gobble and strut for funny stories about turkeys. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Families Reading Together: Patrick Ball Storytelling & Celtic Harp” for age 3 and up Monday, Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m. Ball offers children an introduction to this rare, legendary instrument and shares stories filled with flights of imagination. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• A kickoff party for the American Cancer Society’s Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life will take place Monday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, Room C. RSVP to Teri Lane at (561) 650-0134.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Socrates Café” for adults on Monday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register and find out this month’s thought-provoking topic.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Families Reading Together: Let’s Recycle!” for age 5 and up Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. Join the Resource Depot to find art in discarded materials. Create your own masterpiece in this hands-on presentation. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register.

• A volunteer kickoff meeting for the American Cancer Society’s Wellington Relay for Life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive). Survivors, community leaders, team captains and others interested in volunteering will begin planning the May 14-15 event. For more info., call (561) 654-6644.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a “Zombie Party” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Feeling a little undead? Rest your rotting limbs and take a break before finals for a party. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-2418 or visit www.loxahatcheegroves. org for more info.

Wednesday, Nov. 17

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host its “Kickoff to the Equestrian and Polo Season” luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at the Wanderers Club at Welling-

ton. The luncheon begins at noon. Call (561) 792-6525 to RSVP.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Thanksgiving Origami” for ages 9 to 12 on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. Brighten your holiday with origami ornaments. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Introduction to Irish Dancing” for adults Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Marie Marzi of the Drake School of Irish Dance will guide you through beginner steps based on traditional Irish dance forms. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Nov. 18

• The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization will host a mixer at Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. Call Chris Zeller at (561) 281-3727 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Master the Art of Reading: Book Discussion Series” for adults Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of The Hours by Michael Cunningham. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Village Meeting Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com for more info.

• Community of Hope Church will host “GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays” Thursday, Nov. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at a home in Royal Palm Beach. The free faithbased seminar is designed to help people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. For more info., call (561) 753-8883 or e-mail info@gocoh.com.

• TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Eye On Your Money, a financial talk show, Thursday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m., followed by the alternative health show Health Unplugged at 9 p.m. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV show at www.tcin.tv.

Friday, Nov. 19

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present SalsaFest from Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 21 at Greenacres Community Park. Call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.salsafest.net for more info.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.

DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT

MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.

NAIL TECH WITH EXPERIENCE

— must do acrylic, to take over full clientele F/T and P/T. Hair Stylist with experience. Must be professional and creative F/T. 561-7905777

LIVE IN NEEDED FOR SENIOR WOMEN — CNA/HHA required. Room & Board provided in Wellington home, plus excellent pay. Drivers License, non-smoker & references a must. 561-790-4941

EXPERIENCED CONCRETE

FORM CARPENTER - Must be local, have ss card, drivers license and own vehicle. Call Earl 561-3295822 or 561-790-0178.

HAIRSTYLIST & BARBER

WANTED — with or without clientele for friendly Royal Palm Salon. Rent a chair or get paid commission located in busy plaza with plenty of walk-ins. Contact us at 561-3171579

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

SEEKING — P/T Stone Paver Estimator. Experience required, computer knowledge including Microsoft Word. Fax resume 791-3942

HIRING FIRE EXTINGUISHER

TECHNICIAN — Needed F/T, will train. Benefits include, paid vacation, holidays & sick time. Must be 18 & older. Employee Health Insurance is available. Clean Driver License. 683-1333 Mon.- Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Whole Food Nutrition - Build your own business. Experience not necessary excellent opportunity. Earn while you learn, Minimal investment. Call 561-707-1930 or visit http://www.dnelsonjuiceplus.com

DRIVERS WANTED — Full/Part Time for Wellington Cab/Wellington TownCar - Retiree Welcome. Call 561-333-0181

CHRISTY’S BAKERY NEEDS — Full time counter help. 2 shifts 5:30am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Drop of resume. The Pointe@Wellington Green. 10160 Forest Hilll Blvd.

3 BED, 2 BATH — 1,104 sq. ft. 1.14 acres offered at $99,000 OBO. Seller financing available. 17845 38 Lane N. Call 954-561-2600

TOWNHOME FOR RENT —2/2

2 car garage. Lakefront seasonal or annual lease. No Pets 561-6442019

SHOMA TOWNHOME — 3804 Shoma Drive 3/3 Near Wellington Green Mall & Shopping Amenities included. 561-845-1323 or 646623-1933

Spacious 3 bedroom featuring screened covered patio with nice waterfront and golf view. Close to neighborhood park. Lawn maintenance included. $1800/month For additional information visit www.GreenviewShores2.com or call Coldwell Banker Kathy Jones at 561-707-2979

4 bedroom with screened pool/patio on canal leading to lake. Large kitchen with cook island, wall oven, breakfast nook and snack bar. New wood floors and freshly painted. Lawn and pool maintenance included. $2450/month For instant photos and info direct to your cell phone call 866-600-6008, property code 42750

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

A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388

J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635

CHILDCARE - Wellington Home Daycare has opening for child of any age. Loving environment. License 50-51-03893. Call Jacque Lauzerique 798-9257 Daytime only.

HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782

CLEANING IN WESTERN COMMUNITIES — for over 25 years. GREAT REFERENCES. Call Brenda 561-460-8380.

BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215

ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528

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

HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION

SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777

BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE

Auto • Home • Life • Renters

• Motorcycle • RV • Golfcart

• Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh

GREENTEAM LANDSCAPING — We make your grass look greener than the other side Call now 561337-0658. www.greenteamllc.com

TSR PEST MANAGEMENT — Total Pest Solutions – 25 years experience. Professional Guaranteed Service for less than $25 per month. (Average Size home) Call for details. 561-324-2557

JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING - Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded and Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975

PSYCHIC READINGS — Ms. Lola Psychic Readings. Tells past, present and future. One FREE question by phone. 561-355-0036

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

HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN LOXAHATCHEE — Includes utilities & satellite. Rent $700/month with $700 Deposit references required. 561-985-1349 THIS WEEKEND FRIDAY & SATURDAY - NOV 12 & 13 AND FRIDAY, NOV. 18, & SAT. NOV. 19TH from 7am - 1pm between Jog & Haverhill off of Forest Hill Blvd. 1959 Baythorne Rd. West Palm Beach 329-0166 - Appliances, Generator, furniture and More.

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

TIRED OF CUTTING GRASS — in 100 degree south Florida weather? Can't stand the humidity? Let us take care of it for you. Call for a free estimate. We do more than Mow, Blow n Go. 561-723-1368 561-6446250

Memorial Garden Niche for cremated ashes - $1,000 Contact Father Thomas at St. David's in the Pines Episcopal Church call 561-793-1976 or e-mail fatherthomas@comcast.net

POOL FOR SALE — ABOVE GROUND 18 x 33 - 4’ deep, 2 years old, new at Recwarehouse, $11,000 you take down & move $4,495 or best offer. Call Alan 8461441 for more information.

FURNITURE FOR SALE — Conservative Green Sectional w/sofa bed, 2 recliners, and phone line, compartment, sturdy plush cushions. $1,000 OBO 561-753-6443

D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.

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

DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

ALL NATURAL EQUINE DENTISTRY AND FARRIER SERVICES — Located in Wellington, Florida, but willing to travel. Please call or email for a quote or any additional information/references. Call Joe Mastroianni, 561-951-8128 or email to TheFarrierDentist@yahool.com

DIABETIC TEST STRIPS — I buy your sealed, unexpired boxes. Call Mike (561) 463-3876

THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.

TNT LAWN CARE - Quality Work & Dependable Service. In Business Since 1989 Monthly Lawn service, yard clean-up & mulching. Expert hedge & tree trimming. 561-6448683

MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS

Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811

RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102

J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975

JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473

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

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

ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207

SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

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

LUNDY’S LOW COST SCREEN ROOMS — This month special $125 Off Rescreening with this ad 561-310-9466Lic. U-20539

ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities.

2008 BMW 3 Series 328i — Exterior: Titanium Silver Metallic Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 0845 / Stock: 11GC7134A 45,649 mi. $22,409 Internet Price

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited — Exterior: Beige Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: PTCS44 / Stock: 11GC7427A 52,256 mi. $7,895 Internet Price

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring — Exterior: Light Sandstone Metallic Interior: Pebble Beige/Cream Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RTYP53 / Stock: P2673 30,715 mi. $19,225 Internet Price

2005 Dodge Caravan SXT — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RSKH53 / Stock: 10SF5438B 78,948 mi. $8,215 Internet Price

2008 Honda Accord Sdn 2.4 LX Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: CP2638EW / Stock: 11S9036A 24,038 mi. $16,678 Internet Price

2009 Honda Accord Sdn EX-L — Exterior: Basque Red Pearl Interior: Ivory Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: P2665A $22,985 Internet Price

2008 Honda Civic Sdn LX — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: FA1658EW / Stock: 11S8940A 28,234 mi. $16,349 Internet Price

2008 Honda Odyssey Touring — w/ RES/ Navigation Exterior: Taffeta White Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: RL3888KW / Stock: 10G4618A 47,163 mi. $26,958 Internet Price

2010 Hyundai Accent GLS — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Manual Stock: 11T1362A 7,183 mi. $12,455 Internet Price

2005 Hyundai Elantra — Exterior: Red Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 10E9727A51,038 mi. $7,985 Internet Price

2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: B0422 / Stock: 10G6166A 22,415 mi. $28,956 Internet Price

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 10G8527A 20,915 mi. $25,986 Internet Price

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 60552 / Stock: 11S0482A 69,311 mi. $6,985 Internet Price

2007 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS — Exterior: Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11T8068A 53,431 mi. $14,256 Internet Price

2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11S4001B 67,045 mi. $9,883 Internet Price

2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X — Exterior: Green Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: JKJM74 / Stock: 11S0695A 40,731 mi. $23,019 Internet Price

2000 Lexus LS 400 — Exterior: Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 8 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 9100 / Stock: 11G4544B 54,664 mi. $14,523 Internet Price

2010 Mazda MAZDA3 — Exterior: White Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11T4251A 11,386 mi. $19,658 Internet Price

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS — Exterior: Gold Interior: Other Drivetrain: 8 cylinder Automatic Model Code: M75 / Stock: 11G3763B 77,455 mi. $6,325 Internet Price

2004 Saturn Ion 2 — Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: Automatic Model Code: ZAJ69 / Stock: 11S9484B 60,578 mi. $7,865 Internet Price

2005 Scion tC BASE — Exterior: Maroon Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Manual Stock: 10SF2780A 101,443 mi. $6,995 Internet Price

2004 Volvo C70 LPT — Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 5 cylinder Automatic Model Code: C70LTACV / Stock: 11S3630A 58,730 mi. $12,991 Internet Price

SELL YOUR AUTOMOBILE HERE CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACEYOUR AD