With Council Leaving, Community Center’s Fate Remains Uncertain
The Diabetic Support Program hosted the Western Communities Diabetes & Health Day on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Wellington Community Center.
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By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Next week, the Wellington Village Council will bid a fond farewell to the Wellington Community Center, home to its chambers for a decade, as the council prepares to move into its new digs at the nearly complete village hall building.
While the council prepares its goodbyes, the question of the old building’s future has Wellington staff debating whether to remodel the community center or tear it down and build something better suited to serving the community, Deputy Village Manager John Bonde told the Town-Crier Tuesday.
“That’s something we’re currently working on,” he said. “We are looking at the cost estimates to rehab the building and bring it up to current standards.” Tuesday, Nov. 23, will be the last time the council meets in the community center. The Dec. 14
meeting will be held at the old municipal complex on Greenbriar Blvd. The council will open the New Year in its new chambers.
The Wellington Community Center, known then as the Wellington Club East, was built more than 30 years ago as a country club. In October 1998, the village inked a deal to purchase the club and turn it into the community center.
“I was mayor at the time,” Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore said. “We had the opportunity to buy it and the five acres adjacent to it, where the new municipal center now stands. [The purchase price] was a song for what it’s come to be worth today.”
In its time as a civic building, the Wellington Community Center has been home not only to the council but also to many popular activities for children, adults and seniors. Over the years, it has been remodeled to suit the needs of the community.
“It was a clubhouse at one time,” Bonde said. “It was not designed for a community center. We converted it the best we could, and it worked for many years.”
But now, as the village looks to remodel the building again, it may be more cost-effective to tear it down and start fresh.
“We’ve had estimates done, and it’s pretty evident that the cost to remodel the building will be close to the cost of replacement,” Bonde noted. “Repairing and remodeling the building doesn’t guarantee us 20 or even 10 more years of useful life. In the long run, rebuilding it could give us another 30 to 40 years.”
Bonde didn’t cite specific numbers but estimated that remodeling would cost more than half of what it would cost to rebuild.
Mayor Darell Bowen said that for him, the decision would be one of cost.
“Whether or not we rebuild it
Catch The Latin Rhythm At SalsaFest This Weekend
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Three major Latin American musical acts will highlight the fourth annual SalsaFest Friday through Sunday, Nov. 19-21, at Greenacres Community Park, located on Jog Road just north of 10th Avenue.
The musical acts performing on stage Saturday night include Puerto Rican Power at 8:30 p.m., Ray Castro y el Conjunto Clásico at 6:30 p.m., and Hansel y Raul at 4:30 p.m. A full schedule of music is planned for the entire twoand-a-half-day event.
“There’s definitely a different energy to this event with salsa music in the background and people dancing all over the place and really getting into the flavor of the
sounds,” Palms West Chamber of Commerce CEO Jaene Miranda said. “The artists have all had some major hits that either won them Grammys or nominations.”
The tropical orchestra Puerto Rican Power was formed by bassist Jesús Castro in the early 1970s; he soon granted its leadership to trumpeter Luisito Ayala. In 1983, singer Tito Rojas joined the orchestra, starting a new stage in the Puerto Rican salsa history. Puerto Rican Power recorded Canta Tito Rojas, Con Más Poder and the successful Con Todo El Poder released in 1992, featuring the hit single “A Donde Iras.”
“That’s the band that launched one of Puerto Rico’s biggest artists, Tito Rojas, who we had two years ago,” Miranda said. “They
are flying in from Puerto Rico. We also have a group flying in from New York called Conjunto Clásico, which launched Tito Nieves, who is another major Hispanic salsa singer.”
Conjunto Clásico has maintained the traditions of its Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban roots. The Conjunto sound goes back to Cuba, based on the Arsenio Rodríguez Conjunto style that included trumpets and tres, an instrument similar to a 12-string guitar, piano, bass and rhythm sections. Under the leadership of Ramón Castro, Conjunto Clásico expands on that sound by maintaining the traditions of Puerto Rican influences and aggressive New York-style harmony vocals led by Tito
See
RPB’s Tower Move Annoys Indian Trail
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Indian Trail Improvement Dis-
trict President Michelle Damone has raised objections to Royal Palm Beach’s moving of a cell tower to the edge of the Royal Palm Beach-Acreage border.
The tower used to be located in the center of the village’s 150-acre shuttered wastewater treatment plant site off Crestwood Blvd. The tower was recently relocated to the northern end of the property near The Acreage.
Royal Palm Beach Village
Manager Ray Liggins said the tower had been moved to the north end to make the property more marketable or usable, but Damone said residents along 40th Street North have complained about the relocation.
“They moved it to the north end of that property along the Acreage border near our 40th Street residents without any public notification and without receiving any input from our Acreage residents,” Damone said, explaining that the village erected the 100-foot tower without going so far as to ask if the residents wanted options such as a fake pine tree or flagpole that companies are willing to provide in order to ease the visual impact.
“They didn’t ask for a permit to access our roads for construction, so they chose a two-mile route that did impact our roads because our residents came in to complain, when they could have come in and applied for a special permit and accessed only a half-mile of our
roads,” Damone said. “They could have come down Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and headed west on 40th Street. We could have moved our fencing, and it would have been maybe a half-mile of impact.”
Instead, the village chose to go north to Persimmon Blvd. west to 121st Terrace and back south to the plant site, she said, adding that the village also did not notify the county about the project, although it was not legally required to do so.
“It’s just common courtesy,” Damone said. “The village has a 300-foot notification requirement, and the county has a 500-foot requirement. I really believe they used this to their advantage because there is a canal and an easement.”
Damone characterized the relocated tower as an “eyesore.”
“It’s 100 feet up in the air. It’s an eyesore at least a mile around,” she said. “Their own residents were impacted and upset by it, too.”
Liggins said the village did all that was legally required of it while relocating the cell tower, including taking legal ads in newspapers. No direct mailings were made because there were no homes within 300 feet, including in Royal Palm Beach, he said. “The closest home was 400 feet,” Liggins told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. He added that the village did not apply for a permit to use the roads
Andrews Takes Seat On School Board
By Ron Bukley
in
drews
as the
representative on the
Beach County School Board. She joined the seven-member board along with three other
elected members. Andrews, a Royal Palm Beach resident, claimed the seat after an agonizingly slow four-day recount, which ended last Thursday. While businessman Dean Grossman of Delray Beach was narrowly ahead after election day returns, Andrews pulled ahead on late returns and held a slim lead throughout the recount process.
According to official results posted this week by Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, Andrews
won the seat by a 56-vote margin out of 49,590 votes cast. She took 24,823 votes to Grossman’s 24,767 votes. In other elections, Karen Brill defeated incumbent Bill Graham in District 3, and Jenny Prior Brown beat Anne Kanjian in District 4. Chuck Shaw won the District 2 seat by defeating Jean Dowling in the August primary. District 7 incumbent Dr. Deborah Robinson topped two challengers in the primary to win re-election. Andrews, Brill, Brown, Shaw and Robinson all took the oath of office Tuesday, dramatically changing the makeup of the board. “You have different styles of people with different backgrounds, and they bring their ex-
Wellington Celebrates Opening Of Section 24 Preserve
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
On Friday, Nov. 12, Wellington unveiled its new, 365-acre environmental preserve that will serve as a park, a natural water filtration system and an integral part in Wellington’s effort to help restore the Everglades.
“It’s a great project to help cleanse our water before it goes back into the Everglades,” Mayor Darell Bowen said. “It’s a twopronged project that has been in the works for a long time.”
The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat — more commonly known as the Section 24 project — is a result of the 1994 Everglades Forever Act that aimed to lower the amount of
phosphorus flowing into the Everglades, Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said.
“Today we’re here to celebrate what has really become a testament to a consciousness about… how important it is to preserve what we can of the Everglades and to understand the management of water,” he told the crowd last Friday. When the act passed, Bonde said, Wellington was required to restructure its plumbing to keep phosphorus-laden water from flowing into the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, which is considered the northern edge of the Everglades. The changes cost the village almost $4 million.
“More than 10 years ago, we began a project to help the Ever-
glades,” he said. “The Florida legislation to save our Everglades had wide-ranging impacts on South Florida, and one of them you’re seeing here today.”
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore noted that although the village was initially concerned about cost, the resulting preserve is another asset for Wellington. “It came as a shock to us, in particular, the potential cost that was going to be $20 million,” he said. However, smart planning and partnering with other agencies, such as the South Florida Water Management District, dramatically curtailed the village’s share of the costs. “Over the 15 or 16 years,
Section 24 Opening — Wellington officials at the ribbon cutting: (L-R) Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, State Senator and former councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, Mayor Darell Bowen, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore and Councilman Howard Coates. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
The Mall at Wellington Green kicked off the holiday season Friday, Nov. 12 with a sneak peek at the new movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and the arrival of Santa Claus at the Ice Palace. Two young stars from Narnia appeared via satellite to give a sneak peek at the movie and start the Ice Palace countdown. Shown here, Kayla Reese meets Santa. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Veterans Day Observance on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Park. Shown here are Marge Herzog of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria with some of the veterans in attendance. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 2 PHOTO BY DENISE
ROYAL PALM
BEACH HOSTS
VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE AT VETERANS PARK
The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Veterans Day Observance on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Park. The Jewish War Veterans Post 684, ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367, Mayor Matty Mattioli and the PBSO Honor Guard led the ceremony, followed by refreshments prepared by Butterfields Southern Cafe and served by Young At Heart Club volunteers.
Joseph Bellopede and Sally Gross.Ron and Sharon Jarriel.Jewish War veterans George Peltzmacher and Lou Silbermann.
Miss Palm Beach County Jessica Wittenbrink sings the national anthem.
Army Sgt. Michael Nieves addresses the assembled crowd.
Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli and County Commissioner Jess Santamaria with Kya Jefferson, Grace Kercheville, and Jasmine and Roger Newmon.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Burdick take the oath of office Tuesday from Shannon Ramsey-Chessman of the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.
Santamaria, Three Others Begin New Commission Terms
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
One new member joined the Palm Beach County Commission and three incumbents were sworn in for new terms on Tuesday.
District 2 Commissioner Paulette Burdick replaced Jeff Koons, who resigned in August. District 6 Commissioner Jess Santamaria and District 7 Commissioner Priscilla Taylor returned to the board after winning re-election, while District 4 Commissioner Steven Abrams earned his new term unopposed.
Burdick said she was honored and humbled to be elected. “I have been bestowed an honor, and I look at this as a tremendous obligation to represent you well,” she said. “We have an opportunity now to turn the page on an unfortunate history in our community, and I pledge that I will strive to remain a trusted public servant. I define that as an individual who looks beyond egos and political expediency to support and look at the long-term interests of the citizens in our community.”
Commissioner Karen Marcus was elected to chair the commission, replacing Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who thanked fellow commissioners for their support in difficult times.
“Sometimes you may agree with me. Sometimes you may disagree. That’s every citizen’s right, but I want to thank every person here today,” Aaronson said. “Once again, I would like to thank this county commission. In this past year, we have tackled the most difficult things in a most difficult time, and I wish you all the best
of luck, the best of health and let’s continue the good work that we’ve done for the coming years.”
Commissioner Shelley Vana, who was chosen as vice chair, said that coming from the polarized atmosphere of the Florida House of Representatives, the past two years have been a pleasure working on the county commission.
“Under your leadership, we have had the most civilized discourse that I think helps us get to where we want to go,” Vana said in thanking Aaronson. “I don’t think anyone has ever been afraid to say what they think, and yet we all remain deeply respectful of each other.”
Taylor, who was appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist in July 2009 to fill a commission vacancy, thanked Aaronson for helping her with the transition.
“It was all new for all of us because we didn’t have that orientation that some might go through,” she said, also thanking County Administrator Bob Weisman and County Attorney Denise Nieman. “We have a tremendous staff here in Palm Beach County. Regardless of what we hear or what is said, I feel we are really lucky to have our staff. This has been a very interesting year, and there are challenges we still face. It’s going to be incumbent on commissioners to work together and focus on the common good.”
Santamaria, beginning his second four-year term, said that it seemed like only yesterday he was first sworn in. “One of the best things of my first year was how you welcomed me, and I really
The Royal Palm Beach soccer and girls softball programs are both doing well, with sharp increases in participation, representatives reported Monday at a meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Board.
Shenoy Raghuraj, president of the Royal Palm Beach Soccer League, said enrollment surpassed last year’s numbers and that it’s an excellent program for the village and surrounding areas. The league has 487 players, which is a 50-percent increase in participation. Approximately half are Royal Palm Beach residents. The league provides recreational and travel programs. “The recreational program is an opportunity for kids to have fun and develop their skills,” Raghuraj said. “Every child is guaranteed playing time for at least 50 percent of the game.” Divisions are available from ages 4 to 17; most divisions are coed. “At the end of the season, each child receives a trophy,” he said.
The recreational league is also a sort of farm system for the more competitive travel program, which provides maximum skill development at a higher level of competition.
“Several players in the league have been accepted to the Olympic development program, which is the road to the Olympics,” Raghuraj said. “Some were given scholarships, and many of the teams were nationally ranked in the top 20.”
Of the 487 participants, 165 are in the travel program.
Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Joseph Zexter complimented Raghuraj on his presentation. “I see that you have the program pretty well organized,” Zexter said.
Raghuraj said the league has two seasons, fall and spring, and the fall season wraps up Saturday. The program has been in existence for seven years. It costs
$20,000 to $23,000 per season to run.
For more info., visit www.rpb strikers.com, which allows online registration.
Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio said the economy is making it difficult, especially with the recent increase in the non-resident rate, yet the soccer program has had a substantial increase in participation. “It seems like a lot of programs have a reduction,” Recchio noted.
Raghuraj said the league has revamped its organizational structure and lowered the registration cost slightly by drawing down the reserve account. “We’re trying to minimize the impact of the economy,” he said. “I’ve been here six years, and this is the best season by far that we’ve had.” Recchio also commented on the amount of participation by volunteers. “You’ve got to have the volunteers,” he said. “Obviously, you’re doing something right. The way the economy is, my hat’s off to you.”
Raghuraj credited a lot of the league’s success to the help of village recreational and grounds maintenance staff members, who have been very supportive.
Jerry Lamm, president of Royal Palm Beach Softball, said his program has increased from 60 girls last year to 120 this year. The league takes girls as young as age 4.
The league has three travel teams, and all of the travel players must also play recreational ball one out of the two seasons.
“We don’t allow more than two travel players on each recreational team,” Lamm said, explaining that the league uses computer modeling to generate teams. “All the teams are about equal.”
Recreation Advisory Board Member John Ruffa said he was glad to see the numbers back up. “The Acreage and Wellington are both down,” he noted. Lamm said the program increased fees by 15 percent and no one complained about it.
Commissioners Steven Abrams, Priscilla Taylor, Jess Santamaria and Paulette
OUR OPINION
School Board Must Focus On Future, Not Get Distracted By Past
The Palm Beach County School Board got a huge makeover this month. With four new members on the seven-member panel, county voters made it pretty clear they want a clean break from the past.
Unfortunately, the school district’s past has a way of coming back to haunt it. Most recently are the troubling allegations that former Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez did consulting work for the school system in Memphis, Tenn. while on the clock for Palm Beach County. So when the school board met this week to swear in its new members, among its first orders of business was voting unanimously to hire an auditing firm to look into the claims against Hernandez.
It is good that there’s new blood on the board. Clearly, this is a board that was largely elected due to mistakes in judgment by the previous board. It must certainly be tempting to spend time focused on these past mistakes. However, the board must keep its main focus on looking forward, not trying to re-argue yesterday. If the new board is going to be talking about the troubles of the past year regarding Hernandez, make it quick and move on. The mandate of the voters having put four new people on the
Let’s Get Behind Jess
First, let me congratulate the Town-Crier’s editors and staff for your excellent, fair and unbiased coverage of all aspects of the Nov. 2 elections. Secondly, I’d like to express my heartfelt congratulations to County Commissioner Jess Santamaria for his resounding victory. Way to go, Jess; you are the epitome of what all decent, honest, fair-minded Americans should be. Last but not least, I would like to congratulate all the citizens of the western communities who exercised their rights and voted. I am proud of all of you regardless of political persuasion. To those who did not vote, shame on you. As for Santamaria’s opponents, regardless of your hidden agenda, special interests, etc., in the end you acted dignified, and I applaud you for that. I also implore you and your supporters for the good of our community to accept the fact that the people have spoken and let’s all get behind Jess. Show up at county meetings whenever you can let your voices be heard and
stop the ridiculous one-sided votes. Jess has fought corruption and wasteful county spending. To try to do this alone is like standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. We all should rise above petty party politics and stand behind Santamaria. We gave him the mandate to continue, so let’s keep the faith in him, and all of Palm Beach County will be watching and history will judge us by our actions. We can all get along, so please let’s get it on.
Karl Witter The Acreage
Stop Rewriting History
A recent letter by a Mr. Frank Morelli to the Town-Crier stated, “The nonsense that put a Democratic governor in office in New York was disgraceful.” I humbly ask, what was the disgraceful part? Was it the 62-34 tally with 97 percent of the votes recorded? Was it the favorite son winning? Was it Republicans leaving [Carl] Palladino because they were embarrassed by his homophobic speech
board is a mandate for forward thinking to bring new ideas and new leadership to the school district, not to go back to settle old scores.
There is little disagreement that the Hernandez affair was handled poorly. Even if there were good parts to his curriculum changes, had Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson known then what he knows now, he probably would have steered clear of Hernandez. If the audit turns up proof of wrongdoing by Hernandez — with Johnson possibly complicit — action will need to be taken. However, in the context of the current state of the Palm Beach County school system, facing a growing budget deficit and numerous academic problems, it could be an easy way to get sidetracked from what’s really essential to the long-term success of the county’s public school system. It might be a way to score political points, but in the end, the district’s core problems remain. Students in Palm Beach County aren’t getting any younger. The road ahead points only in one direction, and with the new school board, Palm Beach County has already taken the first step. We hope the board doesn’t get too distracted by the past along the way to the future.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
(which he later had to apologize for)?
[Congressman-elect Allen] West won his election here, but Mr. Morelli attributes it to Constitutional law, etc., conveniently forgetting the imbalance of election funds and about a quarter of a million from a Karl Rove PAC. I’ll not get into our new Congressman West’s forced resignation from the armed services and torture investigations.
On Florida issues, because the Republicans controlled the presidency and both chambers of Congress in Washington (for six years), and the governorship and both chambers in Tallahassee for about a dozen years, surely any non-addled person might blame our failing education system, the systemic ruination of the Everglades, the failing healthcare and insurance industries, and a host of issues that affect Florida on the party in power. I cannot with any degree of certainty embrace our new governor with a history of $1.3 billion (yes, billion, the highest fine in American history) attributed to [Governor-elect Rick] Scott’s leadership
of his healthcare companies, nor the 75 times he pled the fifth amendment to avoid self incrimination. Is this the morality Mr. Morelli embraces and speaks so highly of?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t this group start our last two wars that we are losing and didn’t our financial and housing market collapse after almost six years of their control? Mr. Morelli, please stop rewriting history!
George Unger Wellington
Help Students And Get Your Tree At RPBHS
It’s hard to believe the holidays are quickly approaching. For many of us, it will be time to decorate our homes and purchase a Christmas tree. For many years our family was able to cut our own tree down when we lived in Tennessee. But of course, moving to South Florida, the option then became purchasing an artificial tree or purchasing a tree from one of the big chain stores.
OPINION
That was until last year. Quite by accident, when driving past Royal Palm Beach High School, I noticed that they were selling Christmas trees. Since my youngest son attends the high school and my daughter graduated from there, I thought I would take a look.
To my surprise, the trees were beautiful and fresh. So, to support the student council of Royal Palm Beach High School, my kids and I purchased a nine-foot tree. It was money well spent. It dropped very few needles and stayed fresh through the holiday until after New Year’s Day. So this Christmas, I’m wanting to let the community know of another option to purchasing a Christmas tree from one of the large store chains. I will support my local student council at Royal Palm Beach High School and hope other families will consider this a choice as well. Happy holidays!
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
Workouts Need Plenty Of Fuel Before, During And Afterward
Footloose and...
By Jules W. Rabin
It used to be when your brain decided it was time for a physical workout it would pass on the instruction, and soon you would be sweating away. Not in the 21st century; now the physical experts and pundits have declared that a fueling regimen is a must for today’s smart exercisers. OK, let’s talk about before you start...
First, make sure that your last full meal was three to four hours earlier, then eat a small snack (100 to 200 calories) that is basically carbohydrates. Suggestion: half of a banana, a handful of grapes or a slice of toast with jam. If your scheduled workout is one hour or less, you generally do not need to eat during the program.
However, if the schedule calls for a longer workout, and you feel a bit weary, sneak in a 100-calorie, high-carb snack like half of an energy bar. According to the professional types, when you have finished sweating for the day, you need an additional 100 to 150 calories, including protein, for muscle repair.
NEWS
The recommended ratio of carbohydrates to protein is about three to one. Workable after-snacks could include apple slices, low-fat yogurt with fruit or half of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread.
And don’t forget the water. Prior to the workout, drink eight to 16 ounces of water and during, chug-a-lug a sports drink like Gatorade. Afterward, drink at least 16 to 24 ounces of water. Then you should be rehydrated in a hour. Also, on the subject of water in general, eight to 12 ounces every day surely helps to keep you at play.
RPB Forming Task Force To Decide Fate Of Old Wastewater Plant
By Ron Bukley
Town-Crier Staff Report
After neighbors protested proposed land-use changes for Royal Palm Beach’s former wastewater treatment plant site, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council is forming a task force to decide the fate of the 150-acre site. The Decommissioned Wastewater Treatment Plant Property Steering Committee will recommend an acceptable land use for the property. The committee — composed of community representatives, a council member and a member of village staff — will meet over the next six months.
“We’re sending letters this month to all of the homeowners’ associations, and we’re asking either the president or a representative to submit a name,” said Vice Mayor Martha Webster, who is heading up the task force. The group will meet first in January for an orientation to be led by Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien, who will brief them on the process, and Village Attorney Brad Biggs, who will inform members about the Sunshine Law.
After the village sold its water utility to the county five years ago, Royal Palm Beach was left with the decommissioned wastewater plant site off Crestwood Blvd. on the village’s north end. It still carries a public use land designation. Since the village has no pressing need for that much property, officials have been trying to de-
cide upon a more appropriate designation, possibly to try to sell the site in order to further increase revenue and lower taxes.
An attempt last winter to explore the feasibility of a large-scale employment center there was poorly received by residents, who said they did not want a commercial use in the midst of residential neighborhoods.
The second attempt last month suggested a low-density residential designation, which also got a cold shoulder from residents, who asserted that they wanted a say in the disposition of the property. Webster volunteered to lead a task force to foster citizen involvement.
“The idea was to put a timeline together to set the objectives and come up with the options for land use,” Webster said. “What we’re really trying to do is twofold. We want to meet our objective of getting a good land use, but one that is representative of all the interests of the community in the best way that we can. Secondly, it’s also an opportunity to help the citizens that are participating on that task force to understand the process.”
In talking with various residents, Webster said she grew to realize that the parameters of discussion had to be narrowed somewhat before proceeding to public workshops — the step after the task force makes recommendations.
“If we left it really wide open, we weren’t going to get anywhere,” she said. “With so many options on the table, it was better to get some facts and narrow it down to maybe three or four options for a land use.”
Webster said the objective is to find the best use for the property that will bring more revenue for the village and further ease taxes for residents. “This is our piece of property,” she said. “We own it, and it’s an asset that needs to be used or maximized however we can.”
The council gave the go-ahead for the task force at its Oct. 21 meeting.
Resident Joe Boyle of Saratoga said that he was happy to see the task force starting to take shape and that it would be made up of a cross-section of the community.
“The task force needs a focus, and it needs to set definitive goals and objectives,” he said.
Councilman Fred Pinto suggested creating a timeline. He also asked for clarification about the objective of the task force. “If I understand what is written here, the fundamental mission of the task force is to make recommendations on land use only,” Pinto said. He pointed out that the council has been able to successfully reach out to the community in the past through the process of citizen workshops. “We have used that process in the past where the coun-
cil came up with a fairly in-depth and expansive planning process that takes in input from the entire community,” Pinto said.
Councilman David Swift said he felt it important to clearly explain the goals of the task force. “My major concern is people will
think, ‘I want to have my pet project on this land,’” Swift said. “That’s got to be really clear. We’re looking for something that’s going to be a positive benefit for the village, both economically and sustainably.” If you would like to volunteer
office will be accepting applications through Dec. 3. For more information, call (561) 7905100.
The Royal Palm Beach Relay for Life held its kickoff party Monday, Nov. 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center on Sweet Bay Lane. Attendees were able to sign up teams, learn about the event and meet other participants. The RPB relay will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 2122 at Crestwood Middle School. For more info., or to join, visit www.RelayForLife.org/ RoyalPalmBeachFL or call Teri Lane at (561) 650-0134. Shown here are members of the RPB Relay Committee. PHOTO BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Connie Guzik Royal Palm Beach
Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen addresses the crowd.Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig lays one of the wreaths.
Veteran Bob Wakefield bikes during the parade.Veterans gather for a photo at
Beach
Fire-Rescue Pipes and Drums.
Carolers Cassandra Fernandez, Tony Fernandez and Joni Guerra entertain the people in the line.Mia and Jackson Eubanks sit on the ice throne.Anita Copple makes a snow angel.
Tom Wenham, a Korean War veteran, with Kim Reyka.
The Village of Wellington held its annual Veterans Day ceremony
Nov. 11. The morning began with a parade leading
the Wellington Community Center and ending at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. Speakers included Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 Commander Tom Wenham and Kim Reyka. Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lou Galterio sang the national anthem.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Vehicle Burglars Strike Wellington Neighborhood
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
NOV. 13 — Vehicles at several homes in the Wellington Lakes neighborhood were burglarized last weekend. According to separate Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reports, three residents called the Wellington substation to report that someone had entered their unlocked vehicles. According to the first PBSO report, sometime between 11:30 p.m. last Friday and 11:50 a.m. the following morning, someone entered the victim’s open trunk and stole a laptop computer, a USB Internet adapter and a black backpack. The stolen items were valued at approximately $350. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a second PBSO report, the victim left his car doors unlocked and sometime between 4 a.m. and noon last Saturday, someone entered his vehicle and stole an iPod touch, a digital camera and a pack of cigarettes. The stolen items were valued at approximately $505. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a third PBSO report, the victim reported hearing a car door shut around 10 p.m. last Saturday. The victim said he thought it was his wife coming home, and when he looked outside, he didn’t see anything. Last Sunday around noon, the victim went to run errands and noticed that the center console and glove compartment of his car were open with the contents thrown all over the passenger seat and floorboard. The victim said he accidentally left his vehicle unlocked, but did not find anything missing. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
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NOV. 11 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach was dispatched to the Royal Palm Town Center last Thursday night regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her car in the Arby’s parking lot at approximately 4 p.m., when she returned at approximately 9:50 p.m., she discovered her driver’s-side window broken. The suspect(s) stole her iPod, cleaning supplies and her purse containing her driver’s license, student ID, debit card and eyeglasses. According to the report, the victim discovered her debit card had been used at several gas stations around 8:43 p.m. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
NOV. 14 — A West Palm Beach man was arrested last Sunday on shoplifting charges for stealing from the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the store after 52year-old Joel R. Johnson was caught shoplifting. According to the report, a loss prevention officer observed Johnson enter the grocery department and select three packs of lobster tails and a sixpack of beer. He then went to the sporting goods section and selected three packs of fishing line. Johnson then moved to the stationery section where he removed used Wal-Mart bags from his pocket and concealed the selected items in the bags. Johnson then proceeded to the front of the store,
passing all points of purchase and making no attempt to pay for the items. The loss prevention officer stopped Johnson and retrieved the stolen items, which were valued at $157.61. Johnson was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where he was charged with retail theft.
NOV. 14 A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Sunday to Wellington Christian School regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:30 p.m. last Friday and 10 a.m. last Sunday, someone broke into the principal’s office through the window on the office door and stole a computer tower and hard drive. The deputy canvassed the school and found two patio chairs against a gate on the west end of the school. The deputy also discovered that four classrooms were missing LCD projectors. Two of the rooms were unlocked, while the suspect(s) forced entry into the other two rooms. Some computers were also missing, but it was unknown if they were stolen or removed by staff. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2,400. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. NOV. 15 — An employee of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road was arrested Monday and charged with grand theft for stealing from the store. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was dispatched to the store after a computer system flagged cashier Keyuana Anderson, 18 of Lake Park, for voiding multiple items during a single transaction. A loss prevention officer reviewed security footage and discovered that Anderson was responsible for giving a friend at least $325.92 in merchandise without collecting payment. The video showed that Anderson failed to scan several items and voided other items. Anderson was arrested and taken to the county jail where she was arrested for grand theft. NOV. 15 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched Monday night to the Whole Foods plaza on State Road 7 regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her car at approximately 2:20 p.m. and went to work. When she returned at approximately 10:25 p.m., she discovered her driver’s side window had been pried open. The suspect(s) reached through and unlocked the door and stole the victim’s car radio and two brown purses. The stolen items were valued at approximately $110. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
NOV. 15 — A resident of Greenview Shores called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Monday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 p.m. last Sunday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone gained access to the victim’s car by punching out the door lock. Once the suspect(s) were inside, someone punched the vehicle ignition out. Although there was a wallet in plain view on the center of the seat, it was not disturbed and nothing else was taken from the vehicle. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Fantasia Cook is a black female, 5’3” tall and weighing 215 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Her date of birth is 01/ 01/88. Cook is wanted for violation of probation on a charge of grand theft and failure to appear on charges of no, improper or expired driver’s license, and failure to maintain proof of insurance. Her occupation is cashier. Her last known address was Shaker Circle in Wellington. Cook is wanted as of 11/18/10. • Tommy Padget is a black male, 6’1” tall and weighing 155 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 08/ 29/91. Padget is wanted for failure to appear on a charge of burglary of an occupied dwelling. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was at large. Padget is wanted as of 11/18/10. 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.
Fantasia Cook
Tommy Padget
Lox Council Decides To Keep Lipp As Task Force Representative
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council decided Tuesday to keep Vice Mayor Dennis Lipp as the town’s representative on the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force, despite concerns from at least one task force member that Lipp’s employment with County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s office poses a conflict of interest. According to Town Manager Frank Spence, it started at a task force meeting when Wellington representatives asked for an endorsement of its proposed medical arts complex on State Road 7, and Lipp abstained. At the time, Santamaria was opposed to the project. However, the commissioner has since agreed to support the project once he received assurances from Wellington limiting the scope of non-medical portions of the plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore, Wellington’s representative, questioned Lipp on the vote. “Carmine stated at the meeting he felt that Dennis had a conflict of interest being an employee of Jess Santamaria,” Spence recalled. Priore repeated the sentiment to Spence at the Palms West Chamber luncheon on Nov. 8, adding that Lipp should resign from the task force, and that if he didn’t resign on his own, Priore would ask Mayor David Browning to have him replaced. Lipp said that he abstained not because of Santamaria, but because he had personal concerns about the medical arts district. Yet he did not want to vote no without getting input from the council.
“I felt I needed the whole council’s input, not me saying no,” Lipp told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.
Lipp said he has a number of
concerns, including the creation of Constrained Roadway at Lower Levels of Service (CRALLS) designations on several different roadways. “They are asking for a CRALLS designation on our street out here [Southern Blvd.], as well as 12 or 13 different road sections throughout western Palm Beach County,” Lipp said at Tuesday’s meeting.
The medical arts district is slated to include two million square feet of office and retail space. “Just to put it in context, that’s bigger than the Mall at Wellington Green sitting across the street,” Lipp said.
Wellington has since agreed to a condition that 65 percent of the space be for medical uses and the remainder be only uses that serve the medical industry.
“I think some people don’t really want to hear a lot of opposition to anything they want to do,” Lipp said. “I think they want somebody who’s going to go
along. I don’t mind going along, but I want to go along for the right thing.”
While he likes the prospects for high-paying jobs and high-tech industries, Lipp is worried about the medical arts district’s impact on other projects. “What this CRALLS does is all the businesses up and down State Road 7 couldn’t be built because all of the road capacity has been taken out by this one organization,” he said. Lipp said he would gladly step down if another council member wanted to volunteer to sit on the task force.
“I’ll leave it up to the mayor and council, and if they want to appoint someone else to be on this task force, I’m fine with that, or if you want to have me stay on it, I’ll be happy to stay on it and be a pain in somebody’s butt,” he said.
“That sounds a lot like Loxahatchee Groves,” said Browning, who asked council members if
there were any volunteers. There were none.
Browning said he felt they should keep Lipp as a representative. “I think we should just stay with what we have,” he said. “I think you’re doing a great job, and it’s alright with me.”
Councilman Ryan Liang asked if any ethics violation complaints had been filed, and Lipp said there had not. “Then I don’t care,” Liang said.
Lipp said his employment with Santamaria does not affect his ability to think freely on issues.
Priore told the Town-Crier he became concerned when Lipp abstained from voting on sending a letter of endorsement for the medical arts district.
“My feeling is that if we are going to be on the Economic Development Task Force, we need to have individuals who do not have a position to where they feel it would be difficult for them to vote
in any way, up or down,” he said. Priore said he has not actually called for Lipp’s resignation but he plans to at the task force meeting in December. “It’s a problem since he does work now for the commissioner, so I think the Town of Loxahatchee Groves would probably be best served by someone else from their council to sit on that committee,” he said. Priore questioned why a council would want to have their representative on a board have to abstain, rather than vote one way or another.
“It’s a project that the whole of the communities have supported,” Priore said. “Having sat on many, many boards, even on a city council, you don’t have a right to abstain. The attorney will tell you, you can’t do that unless you have a conflict of interest. If he has a conflict of interest, then he’s expressed the conflict of interest by abstaining.”
Wellington Chamber Kicks Off Equestrian Season At Luncheon
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce kicked off the winter equestrian season Wednesday with a luncheon at the Wanderers Club at Wellington Keynote speakers included John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Mark Bellissimo of Equestrian Sport Productions, Mason Phelps of the Phelps Media Group and Phelps Sports.com, and Noreen O’Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage.
Phelps projected that the upcoming season would be prosperous for both the community and equestrians alike.
“I have been in Wellington since the beginning of Palm Beach Polo,” he said. “I have been a fulltime resident since 1988, and I’ve watched the equestrian industry grow over the years.”
Phelps recounted how he started his Wellington-based public relations firm and how it has since grown into a worldwide venture.
“The equestrian community provided a good foundation for an international public relations firm,” he said. “We in our company will do all we can to attract attention to what is happening in this sport of ours and help promote the Village of Wellington.”
While he urged the community to support the large venues and events, Phelps also asked chamber members to get involved with other equestrian organizations and events, such as the Vinceremos
Therapeutic Riding Center and the second annual International Gay Polo Tournament returning to Wellington this spring. Both are groups that Phelps works closely with.
IPC’s Wash noted that the polo community makes Wellington unique.
“With 60 polo fields located less than 20 minutes from where we sit, that’s an impressive number,” he said. “When you consider that each field encompasses between 11 and 15 acres, and the players and horses that come with them, that’s an impressive number, and it has a profound effect on this community.”
Polo acts as an economic engine that has long been the community’s backbone, Wash said. He noted his organization’s efforts to reach out to the overall Wellington community, including IPC’s Wellington Appreciation Day and also bringing students into the polo stadium to watch the games and learn about the sport.
“We try to do that every year with Wellington Appreciation Day as well as reaching out to the students in Palm Beach County by bringing them to the games,” Wash said. “We hope you will join us in January as Wellington begins its 33rd season of high-goal polo.”
Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, the company that produces the Winter Equestrian Festival, said he felt that one of the greatest challenges for the equestrian industry is making itself relevant to the greater com-
munity. “Our businesses are doing well, but we want to figure out a way to connect to other people,” he said.
Bellissimo said there remains a perception among people that equestrian sports are for the rich and famous. But he wants to change that perception with a multi-pronged approach, which includes expanding the season and making it more accessible.
“A part of that challenge is to bring more and more people into this event,” Bellissimo said. “We are also trying to increase the exposure. We are aggressively trying to take this out into the community. We created the Great Charity Challenge… We picked 24 charities, and every charity that got picked got at least $10,000. This year, it’s going to be 30 charities.”
Bellissimo also wants to undertake a concerted effort in schools to introduce the love of horses to youngsters at an early age. He said it is important to create an interscholastic program and make it relevant to children who might then pursue riding as a career.
“What we want to try to do is to take it into a middle school program, and create an interscholastic program at the public school level,” Bellissimo said.
Bellissimo asked that everyone in the room reach out to their friends and become involved, to get more people to come to equestrian events.
“Everyone in the business world needs to reach out to their
friends and become involved,” he said. “We will create a partnership in this community.”
O’Sullivan introduced attendees to the discipline of dressage. She said that the sport generates a range of riders, ranging from amateur to professional to international competitors, and much of the local activity takes place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center facility off Forest Hill Blvd. O’Sullivan detailed upcoming shows and explained how dressage has a huge financial impact on the community.
“The annual income for many of these people is over $150,000,” O’Sullivan said. “They are well educated and financially secure. They spend $1.4 billion annually on horse-related products. They spend 30 nights per year in a hotel. They rent vehicles four times
a year. Most horse owners average four horses. What would Palm Beach be without horse shows, shopping and international competitions? We would like to encourage you as business owners and business members to support our different equestrian disciplines.”
In other business:
• Chris Zeller and Thomas Leinwol of the chamber’s Young Professionals Organization updated members about activities and encouraged younger members of the community to get involved. “The chamber will be having our Christmas holiday event at the White Horse Tavern,” Zeller said.
“In January, we will be having a membership drive. We have YPs sitting at different tables. Anyone else out there who has suggestions or ideas or would like to be on our
LOXAHATCHEE’S VINCEREMOS CENTER HOSTS ANNUAL
The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center hosted its annual Holiday Horse Show and Picnic on Saturday, Nov. 13 for its riders to show their stuff. About 45 riders competed in several classes including pole bending, equitation, trail ride and dressage. Competitors and spectators also watched a special performance by Charlie Brown, a trick horse. For more info., visit www.vinceremos.com.
SalsaFest This Weekend
continued from page 1 Nieves, with compositions written by Ramón Rodríguez. Conjunto Clásico is about to release its 18th CD, titled Si Ella Estuviera
“The final group is Hansel y Raul. They are coming up from Miami,” Miranda said. “They are Grammy winners who have been around forever. They are Cuban where the other groups are more Puerto Rican.” Hansel Enrique Martinez and Raul Alfonso were born in Cuba. Their professional musical careers began in 1976 with the group Charanga ’76 as vocalists and cofounders. Their music was based on a version of tropical dance music that emphasizes strings and woodwinds rather than brass.
In 1980, Hansel and Raul left the band and moved to Miami where Hansel y Raul was born, integrating a brass section to the already popular Charanga sound. In 1985, they signed a three-year record deal with RCA Records. Their hits “Maria Teresa y Danilo” and “Con la Lengua Afuera” became anthems and made them international recording stars. In
1987, they received three Grammy nominations for their album La Magia and won the award for “Best Tropical Album.”
In 2009, in celebration of their 33 years in the music industry, Hansel y Raul released 33, which was also their 33rd CD. The first single, “El Muñequito,” reached the No. 1 spot in music charts in Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador and has been certified gold in Colombia. The CD was released in the United States and Europe last summer.
“It’s a great combination of artists,” Miranda said. “We also have a great representation of Hispanic food, including Havana Restaurant, which is one of our sponsors.”
New this year are mechanical carnival rides. “With the carnival rides, we really wanted to cement ourselves as a family-oriented festival,” Miranda said. “We have domino competition on Sunday where the prize money is $1,000 for the winning team. We have Chihuahua races on Saturday and a Chihuahua costume contest on Sunday. We have dance competition Saturday night at six o’clock.”
Back for the third straight year is the Sizzling Salsa Cooking lineup that includes La Cucina de Niños (the Kids Kitchen) compe-
titions by young chefs from the Palm Beach County School District and salsa cooking demonstrations. The competition features mayors and officials from Greenacres, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves and the Indian Trail Improvement District in the Sizzling Salsa Caliente Showdown.
Friday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 10 p.m. is preview night. As the festival vendors prepare for the grand opening on Saturday morning, visitors will be able to enter the festival at no cost and enjoy the carnival rides and food. The weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
This year’s event was made possible by the support of presenting sponsors Royal Palm Toyota, Optimal Wellness Institute, El Bodegon Grocery and Independent Imaging.
“Not only do we have Grammy-winning acts, this Hispanic targeted festival provides an opportunity for business owners who are searching for creative ways to reach into the community we all serve,” said Dr. Harvey Montijo, founder of Optimal Wellness Institute.
Ira Greenbaum, general manager for Royal Palm Toyota, agreed.
“SalsaFest puts us face-to-face with our customers and allows us to give back to the community,” he said.
Miranda said the Palms West Chamber is proud to be producing this unique event.
“Everywhere you turn, there will be something. We have stilt walkers who do acrobatic things on their stilts, but they also do balloon animals. We have face painters for the kids. If somebody is afraid of mechanical rides, they have the bounce house alternative. We have a lot of merchandise booths where people can buy crafty things or resold items like jewelry. Of course, we have the business expo,” Miranda said. She invited people to visit www.salsafest.net for a full listing of the entertainers. The web site also provides a complete schedule of other activities at the event.
Admission to SalsaFest is free on Friday night and $10 on both Saturday and Sunday. Children 7 or younger get in free throughout the event. Families can purchase a four-pack for $30. Advance tickets are available for purchase for $8, a savings of $2 per individual ticket, online at www.salsafest.net and at Havana Restaurant and El Bodegon. For more information, call (561) 790-6200.
committee, please come talk to me.”
• Dr. Randy Laurich, a committee member for the Wellington Winter Festival, spoke about the event set for Dec. 4 at the new Wellington Amphitheater in front of the Wellington Community Center. Sponsors include the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Wellington and the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The event will include appearances from singer Vanilla Ice, WPTV-Channel 5’s Roxanne Stein, local dance troupes and more. “I would like each and every one of you to consider coming out and having a booth at the event,” he said. For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
HOLIDAY HORSE SHOW
Gary Garber and Tommy trot for the judge.
Lake Worth Fishing Tournament members present a check to Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor (right front).
Timothy Holmes drops his package into the bucket for the trail class.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Chamber officials present certificates of appreciation to keynote speakers Noreen O’Sullivan, Mason Phelps, Mark Bellissimo and John Wash. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Mason Phelps of the Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com Hansel
HAIL, BRONCO ROYALTY!
Boy Scouts Tree Sale In Wellington
Wellington Boy Scout Troop 125 will hold its 22nd annual Christmas tree sale from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.
Trees will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26. Normal tree sale hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This is the main fundraiser for the troop, with all proceeds going toward the scouts’ one-week summer camp to be held this June in northern Georgia. St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is located at 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., just north of the Wellington Community Center. For more information, call Scoutmaster John Schook at (561) 5681389.
Acreage/Lox Rotary Holding Food Drive
The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching, and the Acreage/ Loxahatchee Rotary Club will be donating food items to many families in the community who might otherwise go without.
The club will be collecting nonperishable goods to go with turkey until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22. Non-perishables and monetary donations are being accepted (not turkeys). Items should be dropped off at Sneaky Pete’s Restaurant (5088 Seminole Pratt Whitney
Road, located across the street from Seminole Ridge High School).
The Acreage/Loxahatchee Rotary Club is a service organization committed to helping the local community with donations, scholarships and a helping hand. For more information, e-mail acreage information@bellsouth.net.
Chanukafest Dec. 5 In RPB
Temple Beth Zion invites the community to “Chanukafest” on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event will feature booths, children’s games, traditional Chanukah foods and a full show featuring local performers. From 5 to 6 p.m., attendees will enjoy arts and crafts, Chanukah games for the children, and a strolling magician. The audience will be treated to the piano stylings of Gary Lawrence, and there will be a “Jewish expo” featuring guest participants including JAFCO, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Mentoring4Kids, Temple Beth Zion, Sabbaba, Hadassah, Na’amat, Jewish War Veterans and many more.
At 6 p.m., guests will be able to participate in a Chanukah candlelighting ceremony featuring children from Temple Beth Torah’s religious school joined by community leaders.
At 6:15 p.m., relax and enjoy the show featuring master magician Gary Midnight, a dance presentation by members of the Donna Tucci Dance School, and a rousing musical performance by
the 65-member Crestwood Middle School chorus under the direction of Veronica Johnson.
Enjoy shopping at “the Shuk” for last-minute Chanukah gifts and dining on delicious Chanukah delicacies including potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), as well as kosher hot dogs and sodas at the “Kosher Kafe.”
The Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center is located at 151 Civic Center Way. This event is Temple Beth Zion’s Chanukah gift to the community. For additional information, call (561) 798-8888 or visit the temple’s web site at www. templebethzion.net.
Anti-Aging Show & Expo Nov. 20 In West Palm
For the first time in South Florida, leading world-renowned physicians are coming to Palm Beach County for the 2010 Anti-Aging Show & Expo, a one-day public event taking place Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach).
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a wide variety of presentations throughout the day, as well as a cutting-edge expo open all day with more than 50 exhibitors from around South Florida and the United States.
Discussion topics will include bio-identical hormone replacement, health and fitness breakthroughs, aesthetics, HCG weightloss solutions, nutrition and supplements, new age body contouring, the latest skincare products and techniques and much more. Tickets are on sale now for $16 and will be available at the door for $25. A ticket gives you access to the expo and show/lectures all day. For more information, call (866) 826-8631 or visit www. healthyagingfl.com.
Temple B’nai Jacob Chanukah
Party Dec. 5
Temple B’nai Jacob of Wellington will host a community-wide Chanukah celebration Sunday, Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The event will include activities and entertainment for all ages.
Special Chanukah-related crafts will be available for children, including making their own beautiful Chanukah candles. Families can come and enjoy fun Chanukah games, a professional storyteller, bingo and delicious traditional Chanukah treats. The cost for this event is $10 for individuals, $18 for couples and $36 for families.
B’nai Jacob of Wellington is a dynamic, diverse religious community committed to traditional Judaism as interpreted by the Conservative movement and is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The temple is located in the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.,
Beach County, the annual South Florida Fair, is just weeks away. Deeply discounted advance admission and ride tickets are now on sale at your neighborhood Publix store. Save up to 30 percent on advance ticket purchases now through Jan. 13. The fair official-
or visit www. southfloridafair.com.
BDB: Attracting New Businesses Helps Existing Businesses
A new business moves into town. What does that mean to you, the local business?
According to Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board, it should mean more cash in your register.
It’s the same sort of symbiotic relationship that the Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Task Force is striving for in attracting new businesses to the area while working toward a more friendly business environment for existing ones. The Economic Development Task Force’s Buy Local campaign is one effort at fostering that healthy environment.
And buying local is a part of every negotiation of a new business to Palm Beach County, Smallridge said.
“The Business Development Board is a countywide organization whose main role is to bring new jobs to Palm Beach County,” she explained. “The creation of new jobs takes place through our assistance in relocating companies outside Palm Beach County, expanding businesses inside Palm Beach County, and retaining the jobs that are already here.”
However, encouraging local buying is also a component of the group’s mission.
“As we nurture these companies to grow in Palm Beach County, it’s our goal to always encourage them to buy local,” Smallridge said. “There is a conscious effort made within the contractual agreement that encourages them to buy and hire locally.”
Almost anything a company needs to settle into a new Palm Beach County location can be found locally.
said. “We rely on the chambers to make those introductions,” Smallridge said. The ongoing Buy Local campaign is a miniature version of the same philosophy, said Palms West Chamber Chairman Carmine Priore III.
“When they’re constructing a new building or building out an existing facility, we always provide them with names of companies in Palm Beach County,” Smallridge said. “Regardless of what product or service they are looking for, it’s available — from high-end banks, attorneys or accountants, all the way down to services a small business would need. Companies are always able to buy local.”
The chambers of commerce play critical roles in linking new businesses with local vendors, she
“The idea behind our program is to create a healthy business environment for all our businesses by supporting one another,” Priore said. It can be tempting to look on the Internet or turn to larger, outof-area merchants for some products, but studies show there are greater economic benefits of buying locally, Priore noted. The first businesses to become part of the task force’s Buy Local campaign supply goods that everyone can take advantage of — food! The first 13 are local restaurants that signed on by offering discounts through a coupon book available for sale for just $1. The dollars get donated to another local organization, the Wellington Boys & Girls Club. Already, many of the restaurants have received piles of the coupons as locals take advantage of the discounts while supporting the local economy at the same time — and that makes for a more attractive business climate for newcomers as well. “The healthier the local climate is, the bigger the benefit all around from bringing in these national and international companies,” Smallridge said. “We want them to establish their buying power in Palm Beach County.”
Palm Beach Central High School held its homecoming activities
Friday, Nov. 12 during halftime of the Broncos’ football game against Spanish River High School. Denzel Brown and Taylor Addison were crowned homecoming king and queen. (Above) Addison and Brown with Principal Dr. Matthew Shoemaker. (Below) Palm Beach Central’s Bronco mascot with 2009 Homecoming Queen Anne Marie Van Casteren.
Linda Rovolis “upcycles” old canvases to make unique purses.
Nancy Tilles paints a portrait of her daughter from
Gislenne Delgato makes earth-friendly jewelry.
Crafts by Judy wood birdhouses and reindeer by Judy Karwoski.Pampered Chef representative Cary Morales. Nancy Tobin looks at
Stein.
Artist Tito Mangiola guides Sara Han with her painting.
Girl Scout Junior Troop 867 members Elyssa Beresford, Claudia Province and Savannah Velazquez.
Kid KJ, the world’s youngest monster truck driver, poses with his truck.
Reigning champs the Hoggie Style BBQ Team gear up for the competition.
and fosters from A Second Chance Puppies & Kittens Rescue show off some adoptable pups.
Teri Lane and Pam Taylor promote the Acreage/Loxahatche Relay for Life.
Students from Western Pines at one of the nursing stations.RPBHS students take a tour of the facility.NICU nurse Tania Rice.
Emily Brooke performs on the main stage.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
CHARACTER COUNTS
AT CRESTWOOD MIDDLE
Crestwood Middle School has announced its Character Counts winners for November. They are as follows: (front row, L-R) Skylar Kemph for caring, Lillie Benjamin for citizenship, Neila Millien for trustworthiness, Kayla Dorish for responsibility, Carl Mohr for respect and Morgan Messineo for fairness; (second row) Principal Stephanie Nance, Michael Bycheck for respect, Jean-Luders Pierre for trustworthiness, Nadia Perez for responsibility, Evan Sager for respect, Justin Kania for responsibility, Gage Mallek for caring and guidance counselor Joseph Suhrbur.
STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT RADIO AT GOLDEN GROVE
On Tuesday Oct. 26, Evan Cohen of ESPN 760/WPTV Sports News, John Martin of ESPN 760 Sports Radio and John Keller of the Palm Beach Gardens High School Television and Radio Magnet came to talk to the morning news crew at Golden Grove Elementary School. The purpose was so the students could hear what it was like to work in the news and radio business, and learn what kind of education it took to get into the business. Keller talked about his high school classes and the fact that he was an intern at ESPN 560 during his magnet program. Cohen and Martin practiced the morning news with the kids, gave them pointers on what they were doing well and how to improve. Shown above are Golden Grove news anchor John Arnold and Martin.
RPBHS Recognizes Pathfinders Nominees
Royal Palm Beach High School recently announced its Pathfinder nominees during a reception breakfast that took place at the school. The Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards are presented each year to high school seniors in Palm Beach and Martin counties who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in 18 academic, vocational and athletic categories.
During the ceremony, the students were recognized for their talents and efforts. “You have proven to be excellent students and will represent Royal Palm Beach High School extraordinarily,” Principal Jesus Armas said. “This world is rapidly changing, and a good education is the best way to ensure a good future.”
The Pathfinder Awards are sponsored by Palm Beach Newspapers Inc., publisher of The Palm Beach Post and Palm Beach Daily News. It grants college scholar-
ships of $3,000 for the first-place winner, $2,000 for the secondplace winner, $1,500 for the thirdplace winner and $1,000 to the fourth-place winner.
Guidance counselor Tiffany Wilkes and Jan Shoobridge will guide the students during their preparation process and help them understand the criteria for each category. “We are ready to help them understand the process,” Wilkes said. “These students have shown that they have excellent skills not only as individuals but as members of the community. We are very proud of them!”
The Royal Palm Beach High School Pathfinder nominees are as follows: Academic Excellence, Jessica Huber; Art, Rashaa Fletcher; Business, Kelvin Jean-Jacques; Communications, Julienne Somera; Community Involvement, Sherell Wood; Drama, Abigail Green; Foreign Language, Michelle Ramnanan; Forensics/
Speech, Jordan Roe; History/Political Science, Katelyn Webster; Literature, Rachel Carlini; Mathematics, Mir Haque; Music/Instrumental, Shairah Khan; Music/
Veterans Day Celebration At New Horizons
New Horizons Elementary School celebrated Veterans Day with a school-wide assembly to learn why we have Veterans Day and to honor veterans who have served and those who presently serve in the armed forces.
The assembly began as Cub Scout Troop 118 presented the flag and led students in the pledge to the flag. Music teacher Veronica Dillingham directed students in singing the national anthem with student Tinquisha Shaw singing a solo.
Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen spoke about why we celebrate Veterans Day. Guidance counselor Lynne Bray, who planned the event, honored veterans Marine Capt. William H. Pruitt, grandfather of student Christopher Conlin; Coast Guard Bruce Blauvelt, father of students Todd and Lucas Blauvelt;
active Air Force Sergeant Kalvin Williams, father of Isaac and Isaiah Williams; active Army First Sergeant Carl Miller, father of Zachary and Sebastian; and parent Judith Buckland, representing her children, active deployed Coast Guard Brielle Buckland, and active deployed Air Force Brandon Wehby, siblings of students Jaden and Jason Wehby. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, Pruitt spoke about his experiences in Korea and challenged students to become future leaders who will serve their country. Sgt. Miller spoke to the students about how he felt honored to protect the country.
The Veterans Day celebration was a wonderful experience for New Horizons students as they stood and gave a standing ovation thanking those who serve.
Hawk JROTC Marches In Veterans Day Parade
The Seminole Ridge High School Army JROTC Hawk Battalion participated in the West Palm Beach Veterans Day parade this month. The Hawks marched nearly a mile on Clematis Street with 124 cadets from Dwyer, Forest Hill and Atlantic high schools.
At the end of the parade, the cadet units gathered at the Clematis pavilion, where each school competed in a drill event judged on precision and accuracy. With the commanding creativity and synchronization of Cadet Major Ian Banks and the excellent drill
skills of Cadet Lieutenant Col. Alexander Martinez, Cadet Command Sergeant Major Eddy Perez, Cadet Major Tyler Freece, Cadet Staff Sergeant Julia Bunting, Cadet Capt. Jeremy Aponte and Cadet Capt. Michael Beagle, the Hawk Battalion placed first.
“It was an honor for our cadet corps to represent Seminole Ridge High School, paying tribute to our veterans who have served our country in the preservation of liberty, justice and peace,” JROTC commander, retired Lieutenant Col. Hans Hunt said.
Vocal, Shanelia Buckle; Reach for Excellence, Emily Mille; Science, Mariel Manuel; Sports, Jillian Collins; and Technical/Vocational/Agricultural, Michelle Kautz.
Royal Palm Beach High School Pathfinder nominees.
(L-R) Guidance counselor Lynne Bray, Cub Scout Juan SalinasBentley, Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel, Army Sergeant Carl Miller, veteran William H. Pruitt, Cub Scout Christopher Conlin, Air Force Sergeant Kalvin Williams, veteran Bruce Blauvelt, Principal Betsy Cardozo and Cub Scout Robert Reyers.
A HANDS-ON LESSON FOR PANTHER RUN STUDENTS
Students in Shoshana Woesnner’s fourth-grade class, Joy Sosler’s third-grade class and Jackie Brennan’s fifth-grade class at Panther Run Elementary School recently took part in a ghoulish activity as part of a lesson on internal organs. The students used their sense of touch to identify mock body parts by reaching into a large garbage bag (the “patient”). The heart was a squishy tomato, the stomach was a balloon, intestines were noodles, etc. (Above) Ashleigh Altfest, Madison Fallman and Damaris Munoz “operate.” (Below) Volunteer Stephanie Anderson assists Michael Patalano, Nicholas Cardona and Blaine Anderson.
Osceola Honors Scholar-Athletes Of The Month
Osceola Creek Middle School has announced the recipients of its Scholar-Athlete Award for October. The award is sponsored by the school police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others.
October’s honorees carry high grade point averages and play varsity sports.
Boys baseball honored 14year-old Chris Dutil, an eighthgrader.
“Chris Dutil is a power-hitting, multi-purpose player for the Osceola Creek Bears,” coach Jay Mermelstein said. “He is the definition of a team player. Plus, not only does he excel on the field, but in the classroom as well. Chris has started the 2010-11 school year with a 3.50 GPA. Congratulations, Chris!”
Dutil, who also has perfect attendance for the year, wants to become a firefighter when he graduates from college.
Seventh-grader Cierra Rodriguez was honored by girls softball. “C.C. has very positive attitude toward school and softball,” coach Deb Foreman said. “She is flexible on the field and supportive of her teammates. In the future, she will be motivated leader.”
Rodriguez wants to attend Harvard Law School and eventually become a judge. The 12year-old Rodriguez is carrying a 3.67 GPA.
Supporting the program are Subway, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King (located at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.) and Dairy Queen (at Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.
PIERCE HAMMOCK ‘GOES PINK’ FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
Pierce Hammock Elementary School “went pink” Friday, Oct. 22 to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Students and staff stepped out of uniform to be creative with their use of pink. Donations were recommended but not mandatory. The school raised more than $665. Pink lemonade and pink ribbon cookies were donated for staff members by Howard Bubis. Assistant Principal Christie Schwab organizes the event each school year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in honor of her mother. For more information about Komen for the Cure, visit www.komen. org. Pictured here are Emily Schwab, R.J. Abiusi and Taylor Nelson.
Scholar-Athletes Of The Month — Principal Dave Alfonso, Chris Dutil, Cierra Rodriguez and School Police Officer Sandy Molenda.
PACK 123 HOSTS FOOD DRIVE
were collected, which will be donated to local food banks. (Above) Everyone gathers for a group photo with the collected donations. (Below) Some of the scouts are hard at work collecting food.
Mounts Honors
Mounts Botanical Garden Director Allen Sistrunk presented a special plaque of appreciation to Palm Beach horticultural philanthropist Bob Eigelberger during the annual fall plant sale. At the same time, Sistrunk and Michael Zimmerman, president of the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden, dedicated the colorful new Eigelberger/Gentlemen of the Garden Border, which was originally designed and implemented by Eigelberger, a Mounts board member, in the summer of 2005.
“After a great deal of tweaking and nurturing, the lush tropical border has matured into a real fo-
Philanthropist Bob Eigelberger
cal point at Mounts Botanical Garden,” Sistrunk said. “It was an honor to present a special plaque of appreciation to Bob Eigelberger for the leadership role he assumed to make this colorful addition to the Mounts landscape a reality.”
Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden. Mounts displays tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit, herbs, citrus, palms and more.
As a component of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service, and through its af-
filiation with the University of Florida, Mounts is the place to connect with Extension Horticulturists, Master Gardeners, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, and professional horticultural advisors. Mounts also offers a variety of horticultural classes, and garden-related events and workshops. Located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The suggested donation for entry to the garden is $5 per person. For more information, call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org. Bob Eigelberger with his plaque of appreciation.
Workman Awarded For Community Service
Wellington High School senior Christie Workman was one of 70 students in Florida (and five from Palm Beach County) to be awarded the sixth annual Neighborhood Excellence Initiative sponsored by Bank of America.
Workman applied for this prestigious award based on the recommendation of WHS teacher Flora Rigolo. The award is based on leadership, community service and involvement to make Palm Beach County a better place for all of us to live and work. In recognition of her dedication to serving Pam Beach County neighborhoods, Workman had the opportunity to direct a $5,000 grant from the
Bank of America Charitable Foundation to an eligible nonprofit organization of her choice. Workman was awarded a paid, summer internship in five outstanding organizations helping people. She worked one day a week for an entire summer in each of the following areas. Workman worked at the Hispanic Human Resources in pre-school assisting teachers. Her ability to speak fluent Spanish was very helpful assisting the students. She worked at the South Florida Science Museum with summer camps, helping students with science-related crafts and projects. At the Caring Kitchen, Workman not only prepared but served food to the needy.
Cub Scout Pack 222 Visits PBSO Station
ing cells), were given a brief explanation and tour of communications, and then training in the lineup room
Deputies Doug Carranza, Steve Tzirtziropolous, Darren Curci, Butch Waller and Sgt. Eli Shavitz were patient, kind and informative to all the children and their parents answering their many questions.
Workman worked at the YMCA summer camp organizing studentdirected activities. She also enjoyed the opportunity to work at Locks of Love, sorting hair for children with cancer, as well as sending letters of appreciation to the donators.
For a week at the end of the summer, Workman joined 250 student leader awardees from all over the United States meeting with Florida representatives and participating in a Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. The aim was to help develop understanding of how government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector partner to create positive change.
VACCARELLO DELIVERS NEW PICNIC TABLES TO GOLDEN GROVE
Christie Workman
Cub Scouts from Pack 222 in Royal Palm Beach visited the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 substation on Nov.
2 for crime-prevention training.
The boys started off with a static display in the back of the station featuring ATVs, a Segway, marked unit, motorcycle and the mule. The scouts then took a tour of the district (they loved the hold-
Deputy Steve Tzirtziropoulos with some of the scouts.
Deputy Doug Carranza explains the function of the Segway.
Scouts and their parents talk with PBSO deputies.
Polly and Bedonna Flesher of Nature’s Table Cafe.
Alan Kravet, Joel Belle and Mariela Radu of Prescriptions Plus.
John Mercer and Clare Morris of MetLife.Karen Cavanagh and Phyllis Manning.
Bob Cavanagh and Mark Plaxen raise money for the Diabetes Research Institute.
Acreage/Loxahatchee Relay for Life volunteers promote the event. Music Teacher Laurie Brisson.Ariana Payne and Mackenzie Talerico
Frank Suess, Tania Madorma and Jesus Lesmes with Pharma Supplies.
Jamie Martin, Richard Egan and Beverly Taylor of Home Health Advisors.
PROFESSIONAL COWBOYS ASSOCIATION
Writer And Musician To Perform At St. Michael
St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington will host columnist and humorist Jonathan Richard Cring and master musician Janet Clazzy on Sunday, Dec. 5. The performances are at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. It will be a morning of music and monologue, including readings from Cring’s book Digging for Gold (In the Rule) with original musical tunes performed by Clazzy on the oboe and WX-5 wind machine.
Cring is the author of 11 books, winner of a Billboard Music Award, recent recipient of the Best Screenplay Award at the Top Ten Films in America, and has a daily column at www.jonathots.com.
His books include I’m: The Legend of the Son of Man, 20 Other Reasons to Kiss a Frog, Jesonian and Living a Legendary Life
“Thirty-nine minutes is all we have to give you music, humor, dialogue and some fresh insights about bringing creativity into our practical lives,” Cring said from his home in Hendersonville, Tenn.
“The presentation is a delicate and
Andrews On The School Board
continued from page 1 pertise to the board,” Andrews told the Town-Crier on Tuesday. “As you’re looking at all the different expertise that’s coming to the board, they should blend in well with the members that are already there so that we can do what’s best for the children.” Andrews said that she will work to keep the focus on the classroom and make sure decisions are made transparently. “Being transparent and open to the public is very, very important,” she said.
Andrews said she was happy to see that the quarter-mill school district property tax supplement was approved by voters, because it will help retain arts and physical education programs in difficult economic times.
“We need the extra dollars,” she said. “With the stimulus money gone, money is going to be a big issue next year, and we really have to focus on the classroom within the school center. My main objective has always been to give the children and the school centers what they need first, and the rest of us will do what’s necessary.”
Andrews’ goals include improving the graduation rate. “A lot of children aren’t making it in Palm Beach County,” she said. “We need to zero in on why that’s happening and try to put more money into areas of the curriculum that are going to help in that area.” Andrews believes that putting more emphasis on preschools will eventually help the graduation rate.
County Oath Of Office
continued from page 3 appreciate that,” he said to Aaronson. “You made it very easy for me to be part of the commission the first year because you certainly gave me the welcome mat and offered your entire staff to assist in my orientation.” Vana was elected vice chair, and Aaronson said he looked forward to the coming year under the leadership of Marcus and Vana. “I think the county is going to progress, and I want to thank you both for being here,” he said. “I look forward to great things for the coming year.” Abrams felt the board has really come together and that, although they disagree on some is-
delicious blending of spirit and humor that produces the wonderful by-product of good cheer.”
Clazzy has played oboe in orchestras for 30 years from coast to coast, including San Jose, Chicago, Shreveport and Houston. “I have this fabulous instrument called the WX-5 wind machine which gives me 250 sounds,” she said. “When you add some of the beautiful music and inspiring melodies, it just lends itself to an occasion to enrich the heart and exalt the spirit.”
St. Michael Evangelical Church Pastor Marjorie Weiss noted that a free will offering will be taken, and copies of books, CDs and DVDs of the movies will be available for purchase.
The church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive, on the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington, approximately half a mile west of the Mall at Wellington Green and just east of the Wellington library. For more information, call the church at (561) 793-4999.
“I want to look at those programs on the back end, but we’ve got to look at those programs on the front end in elementary and preschool so that we can take charge and get these kids ready so that we’re not going to have the kind of issues we’re having right now.”
Keeping music and physical education, as well as expanding vocational courses, will help children at risk for dropout.
“We need art, music and PE, because with all this testing, many of the kids are not looking at the excitement of what the school center brings,” Andrews said. “We definitely want them to have their academics in order because they must learn first and the teachers must be able to teach, but we want to have some other things for them of interest as they move through their academic careers.”
Andrews said she plans to meet soon with principals, teachers, parents and students in her district.
“We all have to collaborate and have a dialogue on the kinds of things we need to make the schools the best that they can be for our children,” she said.
A frequent critic of Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson before her election, Andrews said she wants the district’s hierarchy to be less top-down and offer more input from stakeholders so everyone is working together.
“We are in a budget crunch this year with a lot of issues related to education, so we’ve got to listen to the voices of the people as we move forward,” she said. “The parents, the students, the community, the teachers, the unions, everybody, we all have to begin to work together and know it’s not the school board against anybody. It’s all a collaboration.”
sues, they still have productive and respectful debates. “I think we have made a lot of progress in tackling the major issues we’ve been confronting in terms of making progress restoring public trust and economic prosperity once again to Palm Beach County,” he said.
Santamaria said he intends to keep his promises to the public to protect the quality of life for all residents of the county, to be honest and truthful and to base all his decisions on what is best for the majority of residents. He thanked his family for their support, although he said they were reluctant for him to run again. “I thank you for your support the next four years,” Santamaria said. “Of course, I have to thank all my friends and supporters, many of whom are here today. You have stood by me over
RODEO HELD AT THE S.F. FAIRGROUNDS
Innovative Resorts International presented the inaugural South Florida PCA (Professional Cowboys Association) Rodeo Nov. 12 and 13 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event featured mechanical bull riding, a calf scramble, live music, vendors, games and more. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Patriots Hero Fund.
Children’s Hospital At Palms West Promotes ‘Medical Homes’
The Children’s Hospital at Palms West wants to stress the importance of a “medical home” for your child.
A medical home is not a place, a house or a building. A medical home is having a “home base” for your child’s healthcare needs. Continuity of care by a healthcare provider is extremely important with all patients, especially with children. There are many advantages of having a medical home. These include:
Section 24 Opens
continued from page 1 though, … it has grown to what we have here today, which is probably the finest solution that we could have achieved,” Priore said.
The environmental preserve not only will help to restore the Everglades by preserving the land but also will control flooding and clean storm water before it makes its way to the wildlife refuge. The 365-acre site can store and clean 770 acre-feet (or 250,905,600 gallons) of storm water, Bonde said.
The project, as Councilwoman Anne Gerwig noted, netted the village an award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said that residents are already eager to come out and visit the site. “This is an exciting day for us,” he said.
“The most exciting part, to me, is that I’ve already had residents calling me and asking when this is going to be open. It’s awesome that residents already want to get out here, start looking at preserv-
• A “medical home” is the best place to discuss and track your child’s development and possible concerns with their behavior.
• Your pediatrician is the best person to decide which immunizations your child needs and the appropriate age at which to administer them.
• Access to your pediatrician can catch problems early on, to reduce visits to the emergency room and prevent hospitalizations. This lowers family stress,
healthcare costs, and the number of days missed from school and work.
• A “medical home” can coordinate care with medical specialists and keep track of your child’s complete healthcare needs.
In a medical home, you have a doctor who helps you keep your child healthy. When your child gets sick, the doctor and staff may bring in other team members who can best help your child.
“Continuity of care is extremely important, and this is what is provided in a ‘medical home.’ By keeping your child’s healthcare centralized, necessary checkups, screenings, or immunizations will not be missed,” said Dr. Lawrence Bergman, pediatrician and chief of staff at Palms West Hospital. If you do not currently have a pediatrician, call Palms West Hospital’s toll free Consult-a-Nurse line at (888) 256-7723 for a physician recommendation.
ing and taking care of our environment, and enjoying the amenities that we offer.”
The preserve has the added bonus of being a park where residents can enjoy miles of trails while looking out over the beautiful, natural scenery. There are three miles of equestrian trails on the preserve’s perimeter, Bonde said, as well as more than two miles of hiking trails in the interior.
The focal point of the park is a six-story observation tower from which you can see for miles in all directions. There is much to be seen, too, with native plants and wildlife such as birds and alligators.
Councilman Howard Coates noted that past council members, and their visions for the future of Wellington, made the project possible.
“This project started long before I came onto the council,” he said. “And it really does represent the vision of past council members — people who took something as simple as saying, ‘We’ve got to clean our water and to make sure that the water that goes back into
Tower
ITID Irked
At RPB
continued from page 1 because it was not legally obligated to do so.
But Damone said she feels the village could have done more than is legally required.
“My job is to advocate on behalf of my residents,” she said.
“We’re supposed to be neighbors, and it wasn’t being a good
the years, not just these past four years. Many of you have been with me 10, 15, 20 years. I do thank you for standing not behind me, but with me all these years. I know I’m going to depend on you to be with me at least for the next four years and continue working for the benefit of all residents of Palm Beach County.”
During comments from the public, Ruth Keen, a retired teacher and longtime Wellington resident, said she was glad to be a Santamaria supporter. “He’s honest and he has integrity, and you know that he’s been working hard for the past four years,” Keen said.
“I think his biggest accomplishment to date has been the work in forming our new inspector general [position], and I am pleased to see that more and more groups are coming under that jurisdiction… I wonder about any group that
neighbor. The village manager could have picked up the phone and talked with our district administrator or notified our board. They could have at least asked for some input from our residents.”
The ITID board has directed district staff to compose a letter to be sent to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council expressing their displeasure on the way the relocation was conducted.
“It hasn’t gone out yet, but it’s in the process,” Damone said.
doesn’t want this oversight. I believe in an ounce of prevention to see that monkey business doesn’t occur.”
Former County Commissioner Ken Adams said he felt the public is fortunate to have the membership it does on the current panel.
“I don’t think there is a person on this board who doesn’t put the best interests of Palm Beach County ahead of their own, ahead of their family day after day in the decisions you make,” Adams said. “There are very few of them that are easy. There are very few that please everybody. Most people have no idea of the sacrifice it takes to serve in public office. I believe the closer you are to the people, the more difficult it is, and you got real close to the people in Palm Beach County these last few years.” Preserve
the system is as clean as what came in,’ and combined that with making a park and a nature preserve for the public.”
And that vision, he said, will continue to benefit Wellington for generations to come.
“It’s just a great combination of ideas that has really come to result in such a fantastic facility here,” Coates said. “Every time I come through this, I think just how expansive and how large it is, and it’s going to be a great asset to Wellington and to the surrounding communities.”
For Gerwig, who grew up in
Palm Beach County, the preserve represents a change in the mindset from conservation to sustainability. “I’ve seen the environmental considerations change from conservation to restoration and now to sustainability,” she said. “And I think this is the [project] that is going to make the largest impact on sustainability itself, and I’m so proud to be a part of what’s happening here.” The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat is located at 3499 Flying Cow Road. For info., call (561) 791-4000.
Building Remodel Or Rebuild?
continued from page 1 is all in the numbers,” he said. “If it’s economically feasible to rebuild it, then I would support it.
The building’s present configuration is not very good for what we use it for. It probably makes more sense to tear it down and build a new building.”
Bonde also noted that, as it was not designed for a community center, there were many issues with the building’s design. One he pointed to was the raised entranceway that requires guests to walk up a large hill.
Because the building was built before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was in effect, better access wasn’t required. Although the building has been modified, the hill still poses a problem for some.
“We have a lot of people complain that they have problems walking up the hill,” Bonde said. “There are a number of issues we have to look at for present and future needs.”
Another issue Bonde pointed out was the size of the rooms available for rent. The Grand Cypress Room, which is the main room and council chambers, is sometimes too small for events. Additionally, he noted that some parts of the building — such as the old showers downstairs — are unused and therefore wasted space.
“If we remodel, we can’t address some of the issues we have,” he said. “If we rebuild it, we can design the building on terms of our use. We won’t be able to build something with much more square footage, but it will be better allocated.”
Priore agreed, noting that the building served the purpose it was intended for.
“The community center has reached its useful lifespan,” he said. “If we try to patch it up, we
might get 10 years out of it, but it still won’t be functional because of the drive-up entrance.” Though he noted that some might be concerned about spending to rebuild it during an economic downturn, Priore said that it is actually a good time to build.
“The municipal center costs were originally estimated at $15 million,” he said. “We got it for under $10 million.”
Bonde said that initially there will be some adjustments made to the building, including removing the council’s dais from the Grand Cypress Room so there will be more room for events to be staged. But no matter what becomes of the building itself, Bonde said that the space would remain a community center.
“We will look to focus on senior activities,” he said. “But it will still remain a community center with the many programs we offer today. It will be a multi-generational center for children, adults and seniors to use.” Bowen said he’d like to see an emphasis placed on senior activities in the center, which he called an “integral part of the new Town Center.”
“I want it to be a multipurpose center,” he said. “But I want to make sure it’s designed in a way to meet the needs of seniors. I don’t think we do as much programming for them as we do for some of our other residents.” Bonde said that, so far, Wellington staff agrees that a new building may be the best option for the village in the long run. “I think the collective staff position, based on numbers, will be to rebuild,” he said. “But that’s presupposing that we have the funding.” The issue is likely to come before the council in the early part of next year.
“It’s going to be a business decision,” Bonde said. “It’s a popular place with many popular programs offered. If we rebuild it, we want to include all of those things and more.”
A bullrider struggles to stay on.Tom Jackson performs with his band.Barrel racer Lissette Rodriguez from Loxahatchee.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
The observatory tower at the preserve.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington officials unveil a site overview depicting the project from start to finish.
Palm Beach Pops
Present
‘The
Best
Of Broadway’ Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops, known for their solid musicianship, polished performers and first-class arrangements, are setting the stage for their annual tribute to Broadway titled “The Best of Broadway.” Performances will run Nov. 29 through Dec. 6 at several Palm Beach County venues. Page 30
WHS Eyes Playoffs After 25-0 Win Over Suncoast
The Wellington High School varsity football team held the Suncoast Chargers scoreless Nov. 12, claiming a 25-0 victory at Suncoast. Momentum shifted to the Wolverines when Suncoast fumbled late in the first quarter. Wellington will host Boyd Anderson in the Class 5A playoffs on Nov. 19. Page 39
A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
Business
Kutikoff Health & Wellness Practice
Shifts To A Concierge/VIP Model
Dr. Karen Kutikoff has announced the conversion of her Kutikoff Health & Wellness practice in Loxahatchee to a retainer-based concierge/VIP model, and the addition to her staff of a new nurse practitioner, Jacqualyne Worters. Kutikoff’s present patients need not worry, however; the doctor put them first on her list when she made the change in September. Page 33
Spor ts
Seminole Ridge Tops
Royal Palm, Faces Vero Beach This Friday
The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated rival Royal Palm Beach High School 35-7 on Friday, Nov. 12 in front of a packed crowd at Callery-Judge Stadium. The Hawks host Vero Beach High School on Friday, Nov. 19 for a 7:30 p.m. game. Page 39
Flip Flop Farm Foal Sale And Silent Auction Helps Charities
The weather simply couldn’t have been better. Saturday, Nov. 6 was bright and cool, and Stephanie Fountain, owner of Flip Flop Farm in Loxahatchee Groves, was ready. She had organized the foal sale after she bought a foal from Ravine Ranch Sport Horses, owned and operated by Doug and Deb King in Manitoba, Canada.
Stephanie had lost her own horse shockingly last year. Ringo was a Swedish Warmblood she had owned since he was a weanling. Only six years old, he was fine one day, then suddenly died from an unknown disorder. “The vet said maybe it was an aneurysm,” Stephanie recalled. “We just found him dead one morning last August. And this was two weeks before I gave birth to my son. It was a really tough time.”
Stephanie decided to try starting over again with another young horse. She searched around and found Ravine Ranch online. The owners seemed quite friendly and personable. Stephanie liked that it was a real family business. It was late in the season, and they’d already sold all of their foals, so Stephanie agreed to wait until this spring.
“Then we got the idea of bringing down more youngsters to sell, and supporting the charities,” Stephanie said. “The Kings very kindly agreed to donate one foal, which we sold at a silent auction.”
The proceeds were split between the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center and Little Smiles, which supports children in hospitals, hospices and shelters.
Tales From The Trails
By Ellen Rosenberg
The foals, six weanlings a few months old and two yearlings, are all registered Canadian Sport Horses, a mix of Thoroughbred, Hanoverian and draft horse bloodlines. The weanlings were priced at $2,000, and the yearlings at $2,500.
Stephanie and all of her friends and volunteers were ready and excited the day of the sale. There were snacks and cupcakes, raffle tickets for donated items such as riding equipment and riding lessons, and, of course, the foals.
The sale started at noon, and people arrived, a few at a time. The two yearlings were housed in stalls of their owns. The six weanlings were hanging out in two groups of three in two other stalls. You could tell they were tired from their 3,000-mile trip. Most of them were laying down, resting.
“All of our babies are well bred and friendly, easy to handle,” Doug King said. “This is the first time we’ve tried to bring them to a sale in Florida. We’ve done this before, with interested clients, in New Jersey, Kentucky, Virginia and California. Wellington and this
Three of the weanlings resting in a stall.
area has such a great horse population, we were thrilled to be invited.”
Doug said his farm raises about 60 foals each year, and many go on to have successful careers as hunters, jumpers and in the dressage ring. He said many people are surprised at how good his horses really are. These horses, though, were more interested in catching up on their sleep than in meeting prospective new owners.
“It was a really long trip,” Doug laughed.
“We left Canada Tuesday morning and didn’t get here until Friday afternoon. We stopped every four hours to give them water and hay, and we unloaded them and let them walk around a little. They got here feeling fine.” They really were cute and friendly. Diane from Loxahatchee stopped by with her daughter Victoria, and Luna, Victoria’s friend.
“I just had to come and look,” Diane said. “I already have two horses, and I don’t dare
See ROSENBERG, page 26
I Can’t Worry About Thanksgiving... My Mind’s On Christmas!
Next Thursday is Thanksgiving, and I have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing. It’s kind of nice.
My kids are scattered hither and yon... I hate to cook... and nobody schedules a special event on Turkey Day.
I might actually sit down for a minute. While I’m sitting there, I can clip some coupons for Black Friday. My store is already in the black (against all odds), so I don’t have to worry about that. Without anything to worry about, I may plan a day-after-Thanksgiving shopping route instead of letting my attention deficit disorder take hold and hopscotching like a madwoman from one sale to another.
After I have Friday scheduled, I can make out my list of Good Little Boys & Girls. That’s fun to do. And I’ll take a look at all those
Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER
catalogs that have been piling up, maybe order some Christmas presents online. My relatives have been begging me for years to stop sending them stuff. They like the presents, but for them, reciprocating has become a big post office hassle.
Not for me. Standing in line at the post office with a stack of gifts as tall as I am is part of the holiday experience. I don’t care if they
reciprocate or not. I just like my people to be reminded — once a year — that I like them. They’re good people and we’ve always had fun together, and I wouldn’t trade them for anybody. But I’m going to try to honor their wishes and just send cards.
This is just about going to kill me.
My plan is to adopt random strangers, especially little strangers, and find a way to give them presents without their parents feeling they have to reciprocate. Toys for Tots is a good way to do this. You don’t get to see their faces when they open their gifts, but I haven’t seen my brother’s face in ages and that hasn’t stopped me.
My own children — one boy and one girl or, if you must be technical, one man and one woman — are still accepting gifts but, like most offspring, have very specific ideas about
what I should get them. I try to comply, but when it gets to software, I am out of my element. So they usually end up with a tiny little gift card which I wrap up in an enormous box (with a jinglebell, rock or other interesting noisemaker inside), and then I go nuts on everything else. “What On Earth” catalog is good for finding the offbeat quirky stuff I like.
Eventually I will be jolted from my Christmastime reverie by my husband, who will cautiously ask if there’s a turkey in the oven. I’ll go over and look.
The answer will be no.
That is unacceptable, even for me, so maybe I’d better quit writing and get myself down to the grocery store. While I’m there, I’ll pick up a few of those plastic onion-shaped onion keepers.
They make excellent stocking stuffers.
‘Morning Glory’ Has Been Done Before, But Good For Laughs
What a great story idea! Spunky young woman comes to the big city to be producer of the lowest-rated TV news show around. She has to deal with a cynical boss who likes her attitude even while having his doubts and butts heads with a conceited anchor. All that’s missing from the new film Morning Glory is having the gal throw her red beret in the air. OK, so the movie is in many ways a rip-off of the old Mary Tyler Moore show. Still, it is good for a lot of laughs. Back 40 years ago, the idea of most TV news people being morons was a joke. It somehow is not nearly as funny today. On the other hand, there are far fewer comedies around today, and a large percentage of those have no laughs except for people with the mental outlook of a 14year-old boy.
Morning Glory actually does have good laughs, and if it follows a formula, at least it is a good one. Even better, it has an exceptional cast that can carry off the humor with more than a bit of élan.
Rachel McAdams is a charming Mary, oops, Becky. She plays the character as an awkward workaholic, fired from a lousy job because of budget cuts, who goes to an even
Rosenberg Visit To Foal Sale
continued from page 25 come home with another one. I really like that black yearling, but looking is such a dangerous thing to do!”
Nancy Sciaretta came not to buy but to support Stephanie and her endeavors. Nancy no longer owns horses, but she likes how Stephanie gives kids a way to find out about horses and experience all the components of horsemanship, not just riding or showing. Christine Jones from Jupiter also just stopped by to look but not buy. “They look very friendly,” she said, “but I don’t need any babies.”
Susan Lozano of Palm Beach Gardens was quite interested, especially in the auction foal. She was the first one to bid. She runs a stable in Palm Beach Gardens and owns five horses.
“I raise and train a lot of babies,” she said. “They take a lot of time and patience, but they’re a lot of fun. I liked the way these foals
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
worse job. But she’s, well, spunky, so you know things will work out right. She gets the job, demonstrates competence, meets a really hunky guy (Patrick Wilson), and you know she’ll somehow work everything out. But she’s as charming as Mary Tyler Moore, albeit klutzier, and she manages not only to be the center of the film but to play well with her very talented elders.
Harrison Ford plays Mike Pomeroy, an acerbic newsman whom she hijacks to become the lead anchor of the extraordinarily bad morning show. Ford, who with this film seems to be slipping into the kind of great supporting roles that Jack Nicholson generally did, manages to be both difficult — no, impossible — to handle, and honorable. He
are built, and they’re nice movers. Plus, I’m partial to dun-colored horses.”
The auction foal was a filly named Lady Gaga because of all the black accents on her face: She looked as if she was wearing makeup. And Susan got lucky — she ended up the proud new owner. “It’s crazy,” she chortled. “The day after the sale was my birthday, and I’d told my husband I wanted another horse, and then I won her.”
Overall, Stephanie was happy with the sale. Both yearlings and three of the weanlings got homes, including Lady Gaga. She said it was worthwhile. “I like trying to do different things, and also giving back to the community,” Stephanie said. “I hope we can do this again next year, perhaps also include some older horses already working under saddle, maybe make it an annual event.”
For more information, call Stephanie Fountain at (561) 254-4640 or visit flipflopfarm. tripod.com. Contact Ravine Ranch Sport Horses at (204) 838-2328 or visit www.ravine ranchsporthorses.com.
believes news shows should do news. She points out to him that there has been a running battle between fluff and news, and “your side lost.” That might be one of the best lines in any movie this year.
Ford does a solid job in the role, managing to mix his crabbiness with an occasional act of gentleness. In many ways, the main plot element of the movie is Becky’s efforts to get Pomeroy to “play nice” with the other crazies on the show.
Diane Keaton is a lot of fun to watch as Colleen, the show’s longtime co-anchor. She manages to change a part that often had her in embarrassing situations into one where she not only got laughs but was likeable. Jeff Goldblum as the boss does not appear on screen much but manages to convey an appropriate cynicism, almost worthy of Lou Grant.
The rest of the cast manages to create a zany atmosphere of bumbling journalists ready to do anything to get ratings. The writer might have thought that she was going too far in her suggested bits but, aside from having one reporter getting his butt tattooed onscreen, I
think I have seen the other “wild events.”
Of course, since it comes 40 years after the old television show, lines are racier and the cynicism piles up quicker. But the movie was funny. I laughed a lot, and my wife laughed even more. The audience was made up of couples; this is a nice movie for people who enjoy being together and holding hands as the movie goes on.
We chose the movie over Unstoppable because I was reasonably certain that Denzel Washington and Captain Kirk should be able to stop a train, no matter how fast it was moving. And, again, we all need a few good laughs. We are coming up to one of the two big movie seasons; the one in the summer has the special effects, and now we should be seeing the movies the producers think are the best. We, of course, will be the judge of at least some of that.
Morning Glory will never be considered one of those really good movies. It is formulaic, and the cast is not required to do all that much. On the other hand, it is good for a few laughs, and it’s always nice to see a good romantic comedy. We need more of them.
DAVID KNAPP RECOGNIZED AS ‘PBC VETERAN OF THE YEAR’
The United States Marine Corps League and the American Health Society recognized former Wellington resident David Knapp as the Palm Beach County “Veteran of the Year,” honoring him at the county’s Veterans Day luncheon held Thursday, Nov. 11 at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. Other honorees from the community were recognized as well. The keynote speaker at the event was U.S. Congressman-elect Allen West (R-District 22). Pictured here, Knapp addresses the audience after receiving his award.
Two New Exhibits On Display At Lighthouse ArtCenter
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with the Lighthouse ArtCenter. That is the theme of the ArtCenter’s next exhibition, “Peace on Earth,” presented by Kathryn W. Davis.
The exhibition, which is open now through Dec. 30, will feature artists’ visions for world peace. The juried exhibition will include cash and purchase awards. A highlight of the exhibition is a Picasso owned by Davis.
At the same time, the ArtCenter also will hold its annual faculty exhibition, with works in many styles and media by faculty of the School of Art.
“Is there no better time than the end of the year to reflect on how we might eliminate conflict in the coming year?” asked Katie Deits, executive director of the Lighthouse ArtCenter. “And there is much we can learn from Mrs. Davis’ century of experience.”
Davis, who turns 104 in February, has presented exhibitions featuring Rockwell Kent and the Women of Peconic Bay. “My many years have taught me that there always will be conflict,” she said. “But I’ll remind you that love, kindness and support are also part of human nature. My challenge to you is to bring about a mindset of preparing for
peace instead of preparing for war.”
Davis, who has homes in Maine and Hobe Sound, is a lifelong philanthropist who focuses all of her largest giving in the areas of world peace. Although she is highly interested in the arts, she already claims significant success in supporting larger arts organizations, such as the Kathryn W. Davis Museum of Art on the Wellesley Campus. Her primary motivation is promoting peace projects. Davis’ former foundation, of which she is still president/CEO, is now under her daughter’s name, and is a private granting agency.
Her current major gift of $1 million annually funds the Kathryn W. Davis Projects for Peace, in which she provides 100 university students with a grant of $10,000 each. To qualify for the grant, they must submit a proposal for a peace project anywhere in the world, provide a budget and report the expected outcome. These students create substantial change and education in communities by going on-site around the globe and doing handson work — all on $10,000.
Davis earned a PhD in international studies in Switzerland, and her husband was a diplomat. She also is an artist who began painting
at the age of 96 and who exhibits her works.
The Lighthouse ArtCenter is located in Gallery Square North, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, one-half mile west of U.S. 1. Museum hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with admission free for members and $5 for non-members age 12 and up. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission.
The Lighthouse ArtCenter is a member-supported not-for-profit
community arts organization providing excellence in art exhibitions, instruction, education and outreach for all ages. Programs are funded in part by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. For more information on the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum, School of Art, exhibitions, programs and events, call (561) 746-3101 or visit www.lighthousearts.org.
The Phantoms Recommend P.B. Pops’ ‘Best Of Broadway’
Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops, known for their solid musicianship, polished performers and first-class arrangements, are setting the stage for their annual tribute to Broadway titled “The Best of Broadway.” Performances will run Nov. 29 through Dec. 6 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Kaye Auditorium at Florida Atlantic University and the Eissey Campus Theatre at Palm Beach State College.
Accomplished Broadway singing stars David Burnham of the musical Wicked and Christine Andreas, who is currently performing in La Cage Aux Folles, will team up together with the Palm Beach Pops for an inspired evening of world-class entertainment. The Best of Broadway concerts will feature a buffet of favorites from musicals Fiddler on the Roof, Jekyll & Hyde, La Cage Aux Folles and others.
The show schedule is as follows: Nov. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach); Dec. 1, 3 and 5 at 8 p.m. at FAU’s Kaye Auditorium (777 Glades Road, Boca Raton); and Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at PBSC’s Eissey Campus Theatre (3160 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens).
Burnham recently returned from New York where he played Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked, having created the role in the original Los Angeles workshop productions. Burnham was a member of the original Broadway cast of the six-time Tony Awardwinning musical The Light in the Piazza, performing on both the Tony Awards and the PBS
telecast Live From Lincoln Center. Burnham was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor as well as the 2007 Garland Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Fabrizio Nacarelli in the national tour of The Light in the Piazza. In New York City, he lent his talent to the Actor’s Fund production of On the 20th Century at the New Amsterdam Theatre and performed his solo concert at the famed New York jazz club Birdland and the Metropolitan Room.
Burnham first gained critical acclaim when, after a two-year search, he was chosen to replace Donny Osmond in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dramalogue Award), a role that he has subsequently played four more times in productions all over the country.
Andreas returned to Broadway in April 2010 and is currently starring nightly as Jacqueline in the Tony Award-winning production of La Cage Aux Folles with Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge. Prior to La Cage, she received nationwide raves starring as Margaret Johnson in the 55-week national tour of The Light in the Piazza
Best known for her work on Broadway, Andreas burst onto the New York theater scene starring as Eliza Doolittle in the 20th anniversary production of My Fair Lady of the Royal Shakespeare Company and garnering the Theatre World Award. Andreas received two Tony nominations re-creating Laurey in Oklahoma! and as Frankie Frayne
in On Your Toes. Andreas created the role of Marguerite St. Just on Broadway in the original production of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Engagements in New York at the Café Carlyle and the Algonquin’s Oak Room prompted the New York Times to extol, “She delicately kills with the sheer beauty of her voice… She finds a blend of lyricism and
sweet sensuality that only the finest Broadway voices can conjure.” Her Carnegie Hall debut was hailed as “brilliant,” “delicious” and “sexy” in Variety. The L.A. Times called her “a mesmerizing musical presence.” Tickets cost $29 to $89. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (561) 8327677 or visit www.palmbeachpops.org/ broadway.
I Am You by Ahni Sallaway.
The logo for the exhibit “Peace on Earth.”
David Burnham
Christine Andreas
BUSINESS NEWS
Dr. Kutikoff Shifts Practice To Concierge/VIP Model
Dr. Karen Kutikoff has announced the conversion of her Kutikoff Health & Wellness practice in Loxahatchee to a retainer-based concierge/VIP model, and the addition to her staff of a new nurse practitioner, Jacqualyne Worters.
Kutikoff’s present patients need not worry, however; the doctor put them first on her list when she made the change in September. But now she’s reaching out to the community with a special initial offer: $795 per year, with flexible payment options available. Kutikoff noted that this price is significantly less than those of her colleagues with similar practices.
Kutikoff said she worked hard to smooth the transition from her former general internal medicine practice. “I feel as if I am doing a service for all my patients as well as myself,” she said. “The concierge patients are happy because they are receiving what they paid for. The non-concierge patients are happy with my clone Jacqualyne, whom I am overseeing and mentoring.”
Kutikoff noted that she has been practicing in the western communities for more than 15 years, and for 10 of those, she “had the reputation of being the only doc in the community who ran on time, as well as the doc with the cool and eclectic wardrobe.”
But then things began to change. “As my practice volume increased and I began to acquire more complicated patients due to my thoroughness, I was no longer able to sustain this momentum,” Kutikoff said. “So, I began to run behind in the office, the phones would ring non-stop (which is a good thing), but patients had difficulty getting through. I began to receive a lot of complaints.”
She began to feel “like a little mouse running in a wheel yet getting nowhere.”
Fast-forward to 2010, and she said that with the recent passage of national healthcare reform, estimates are that primary-care doctors’ patient loads will start skyrocketing, she felt the timing was right to change her business practices. Kutikoff also cited declining reimbursements for all practitioners coupled with increasing overhead costs. “I love my patients and have such compassion for people and did not want to abandon them, so I chose to hire a very experienced nurse practitioner, Jacqualyne Worters, whom I’ve had my eye on a while and just happened to become available,” Kutikoff said. “They say timing is everything. This way, my patients can have complete continuity of care in the office that they are accustomed to, still under my supervision.”
Kutikoff said healthcare industry changes mean reduced accessibility to doctors. “This is not what I signed up for when I attended medical school and residency,” she said. “My patients know I will not and cannot play the numbers game without losing my sanity.”
So her clinic offers “a very personal, oneon-one relationship where they can see me almost at a moment’s notice and be able to reach the office or myself immediately.” In the concierge practice, “when a patient calls, they reach a live person immediately via a private, designated phone line; and there is no answering machine unless it is after hours, for which patients have my cell number.”
Kutikoff’s office offers blood draws on site, extended office visits, scheduling of appointments for specialists and for diagnostic tests, a private VIP waiting room and a complimentary gym membership to Club Fitnessworks in Wellington that includes three personal training sessions. She also allows more time to discuss preventive healthcare.
Explaining her low price, Kutikoff said that “first of all, I am doing my own marketing and administration; there is no corporation between myself and the patient, thus in keeping with the personal touch. In addition, I am trying to keep my prices modest in these tumultuous economic times and make this personal, one-on-one type of care feasible for everyone.”
Karen Kutikoff, M.D., and Jacqualyne Worters, ARNP, see patients on the Palms West Hospital campus at 12957 Palms West Drive, Bldg. 9, Suite 101, Loxahatchee. The practice sees patients age 15 and up and honors a number of major insurance plans. “We look forward to meeting you,” Kutikoff said. For more info., call (561) 790-3750.
Dr. Karen Kutikoff
Jacqualyne Worters, ARNP
PALMS WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS RIBBON CUTTINGS
Taylor Made Café — The Palms West Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Taylor Made Café in Wellington. Located at 12160 South Shore Blvd., Suite 105, Taylor Made Café offers wraps, salads, sandwiches, snacks, coffee, tea, cookies made with apple sauce, chicken salads made with yogurt instead of mayo, homemade protein bars, protein shakes and daily specials. Dine in, take out or allow Taylor Made Café to cater your next breakfast, lunch or dinner party of any size. Don’t have time to cook a Thanksgiving meal? Order the whole turkey dinner or just sides for a unique, healthful and flavorful Thanksgiving. The current hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 1, the café’s hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more info., call (561) 729-0441. Pictured above are Taylor Made Café staff members with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
Palm Beach Brain & Spine — Palm Beach Brain & Spine celebrated the grand opening of its new office in Wellington honoring Your Bosom Buddies II, a non-profit local support group whose mission is to provide emotional support, community awareness and to help find a cure for breast cancer. On behalf of their family foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Amos Dare presented a check for $5,000 to Your Bosom Buddies II. Several hundred physicians and community members attended the ribboncutting ceremony and enjoyed the evening festivities. Palm Beach Brain & Spine is located at 1447 Medical Park Blvd., Suite 101, on the campus of Wellington Regional Medical Center. The new state-of-the-art facility was designed for the complete patient care experience and boasts an aquatic therapy and physical therapy suite. For more info., call (561) 844-0120 or visit www.dramosdare.com. Shown above are Dare and staff with Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
Tails Pet Spa & Resort — Happy Tails recently opened at 157 S. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach near next to Rooms-To-Go. The professional staff uses all-natural shampoo and can accommodate small and large dogs. For more information, or to make an appointment for grooming, call (561) 798-7374.
Palms West Chamber SalsaFest Nov. 19-21
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce’s annual SalsaFest will return Nov. 19-21 to Greenacres Community Park. Friday, Nov. 19 is preview night (5 to 10 p.m.). As the festival vendors prepare for the grand opening on Saturday morning, visitors will be able to enter the festival at
no cost and enjoy the carnival rides and food. In addition to the main entertainers featured on Saturday night, the weekend offers something for everyone searching to add a little spice to their life. For more info., visit www.salsafest.net or call (561) 790-6200.
Happy
Vanilla Ice The Celebrity Emcee At Wellington Winterfest
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington have announced that Rob Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, will serve as the celebrity emcee and headline performer for Wellington WinterFest 2010. The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater.
As Vanilla Ice, Van Winkle sold 11 million copies of his debut album To the Extreme, which featured the hit “Ice, Ice Baby.” Although he’s best known for his mu-
sic career, Van Winkle is also a successful real estate entrepreneur and remodeling expert with more than 15 years of hands-on home improvement experience. He began in his late teens with a series of smart property purchases, including his first remodeling project — his very own 15,000-square-foot mansion on Star Island in Miami Beach — and continued over the years. For two decades, he’s been flipping houses, buying at low cost, fixing up the property and selling for a worthwhile profit.
On DIY Network’s new series The Vanilla Ice Project, Van Winkle and his crew of talented contractors get down to business and renovate every room of a 7,000-square-foot Palm Beach mansion. This latest project, which he said will be his proudest moment yet, will showcase the latest in modern home features and the hottest in state-of-the-art technology.
Wellington WinterFest 2010 will feature a business expo, the annual tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus, sa-
lute to the troops, a reading from “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, musical and dance performances by local talent, an antique car show, crafts and shopping, food and refreshments, and much more. Auditions are now underway for local performers.
For information on auditioning, becoming a vendor, or sponsor/general event information, call the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at (561) 792-6525 or visit www. wellingtonchamber.com.
Bethany Peslar To Help Sponsor Winter Dressage Circuit
Accomplished dressage rider and trainer Bethany Peslar, who operates a training and competition facility at her Everglades Dressage Farm in Wellington, will help sponsor the Florida winter dressage circuit.
Peslar is dedicated to teaching and training up-andcoming horses and riders, as well as supporting the eques-
trian community, and will sponsor classes at the Gold Coast Dressage Association and the Wellington Classic Dressage shows.
Peslar will sponsor the Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award at select shows during the winter dressage season.
The winner of the award will receive a beautiful em-
broidered saddle pad, a leather sugar pouch and a gift certificate for a free lesson with Peslar at her Everglades Dressage facility in the exclusive Grand Prix Village of Wellington.
“I am thrilled to be sponsoring the Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award,” Peslar said. “I believe that when awards are
sponsored in these divisions it really gives the riders more to strive for and a nice chance for recognition.”
Peslar is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medallist, a two-time NAYRC silver medallist and in 2006 she was reserve champion in the National Young Adult Grand Prix Championship “Brentina Cup” at Gladstone.
More recently, she came in second in the highly competitive Grand Prix Special at the CDI Palm Beach Dressage Derby.
The Wellington dressage shows are held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The shows, which are USEF/ USDF recognized, are highly competitive, well respected and attract top competitors
from around the world.
For more information on Peslar, visit www.everglades dressage.com.
For more information on the Gold Coast Dressage Association, visit www.gcdafl. org, and for information on the Wellington Classic Dressage Association, visit www. wellingtonclassicdressage. com.
Rob Van Winkle, a.k.a. Vanilla Ice.
Sem Ridge Defeats Royal Palm, Faces Vero Beach Friday
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated rival Royal Palm Beach High School 357 on Friday, Nov. 12 in front of a packed crowd at Callery-Judge Stadium.
For Seminole Ridge head coach Matt Dickmann, the win was an added bonus he hoped would gear his players up for their playoff match Friday, Nov. 19.
“It’s great,” he said. “It’s great more than anything that we’re in the playoffs and we played well tonight. We didn’t want to have a letdown. Tonight we talked about maintaining focus and having this game be a stepping stone to the playoffs.”
The Hawks dominated the first half of the game, scoring first only a few minutes into the quarter when a pass found Gary Holmes on the five yard line. On the next attempt, Holmes pushed through the Wildcats’ defense for a touchdown. A successful extra-point kick made the score 7-0.
Royal Palm Beach advanced next to the 25 yard line before fumbling the ball, which was picked up by Seminole Ridge. The Hawks ran the ball up-field in a series of first downs, which eventually landed them on the eight yard line. Holmes took possession of the ball and was tackled into the end zone, scoring another touchdown. A successful extra-point kick made the score 14-0 with 2:15 left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats struggled to maintain control of the ball, facing setbacks with penalties, failed pass attempts and a strong Hawk defense. With 7:42 left in the half, the Hawks scored their third touchdown. After advancing to the 12 yard line, Tyler Butler carried the ball into the end zone. A successful extra-point kick brought the score to 21-0.
Royal Palm Beach gave up yet another chance at a comeback when Raymond Collet caught an interception on the 13 yard line, giving Seminole Ridge another opportunity to score.
Holmes, who ran a total of 133 yards Friday, advanced the ball to the one yard line. On the next attempt, he dove over the Wildcats’ defense for a fourth touchdown. A successful extra-point kick made the score 28-0 going into halftime.
Royal Palm Beach players came out of the locker room determined not to be shut out. They took first possession of the ball and advanced down the field. With 7:33 left in the third quarter, the Wildcats finally got on the board. The extra-point kick brought the score to 28-7.
Despite Royal Palm’s efforts to hold the Hawks back, a series of penalties, coupled with the strong offense, let the Hawks continue to dominate. The final touchdown came at the end of the third quarter when Andrew Perkins ran the ball in from the two yard line. A successful extra-point kick made the final score 35-7.
Dickmann said the Hawks now will look to defeat Vero Beach in the first round of the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs. “Vero is a well-coached team,” he said. “[They have] good ball control, good defense, good special teams. They’re one of the more traditional teams in the area that has had more success. But we needed to play well going into the playoffs, and that’s what we accomplished tonight.”
The Hawks host Vero Beach High School on Friday, Nov. 19 for a 7:30 p.m. game.
Wolverines Eye Playoffs After 25-0 Victory Over Suncoast
By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report
The Wellington High School varsity football team held the Suncoast Chargers scoreless Friday, Nov. 12, claiming a 25-0 victory at Suncoast.
After a slow start, momentum shifted to the Wolverines when Suncoast fumbled with 4:21 left in the first quarter. The Wolverines scored on the ensuing possession on an Andy LeMay run. With a successful extra point, Wellington took the lead 7-0. The Wolverine offense controlled the ball on the ground and the defense would not give up any real estate the entire night.
The Chargers struggled on their own turf. A Charger punt into a heavy wind carried the punt back to their own 20 yard line. The Wolverines pounced and scored on another LeMay run, increasing the lead to 14-0. Troubles continued for the Chargers when the Wolverines intercepted a Conner Johnson pass
from the Wellington 34 yard line. The Chargers lost an opportunity when Wolverine quarterback Cole Smallridge fumbled but was able to recover the ball after the Chargers had first recovered it. The Wolverines quickly moved down field but had to settle for a field goal at fourth and four, making it 17-0 with 4:59 left in the second quarter.
The Chargers finished the half not being allowed any first downs by the Wolverine defense. The Wolverines continued their rout of the Charger defense with yet another LeMay touchdown run. A Wolverine two-point conversion was successful, bringing the score to 25-0. The Chargers made one last drive that brought them to the Wolverine one yard line. On the next play, the Chargers were stripped of the ball by senior Derek May, ending any chance of a score. Wellington will host Boyd Anderson in the Class 5A playoffs on Nov. 19.
PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER
WHS tackle Lucas Riebe blocks for the run.
Cole Smallridge looks for an open receiver.
Gary Holmes takes the ball downfield.
Tyler Butler scores a touchdown for the Hawks.
Hawk Daniel Reyes and Wildcat Tremaine McCullough jump for a ball in the end zone.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
WHS BALL PLAYERS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT
Wellington seniors Mitch Morales and Andrew Istler signed national letters of intent last Wednesday, Nov. 10 to play college baseball next year. Morales, a shortstop for the Wolverines, signed to play with Florida Atlantic University. Islter, a pitcher and center fielder, will head to Duke University in Raleigh, N.C. (Above left) Morales and Istler with coach Fred Manriquez, head coach Scott Riddle, WHS Principal Mario Crocetti and coach Bob Bradley. (Above right) Morales and Istler with their families.
WHS Wrestling Team Off To A Good Start
The Wellington High School wrestling team kicked off its season Thursday, Nov. 11 with two convincing wins at their preseason classic triangular match.
The Wolverines first defeated West Boca by a score of 68-12 and then followed that up by defeating Olympic Heights 60-21. Olympic Heights also defeated West
Boca by a score of 42-34. Undefeated (2-0) wrestlers for the night included: Johnny Freia, Olympic Heights, 103 lbs.; Nik Bonadies, Wellington, 112 lbs.; Eric Melamed, Wellington, 119 lbs.; Austin Schnaderbeck, Wellington, 125 lbs.; Tim Skaryd, Wellington, 130 lbs.; Jid Gutty, Olympic Heights, 135 lbs.;
Zach Katz, Wellington, 140 lbs.; Collin Bachi, Wellington, 145 lbs.; Jake Ferrara, Wellington, 152 lbs.; Ricardo Kos, West Boca, 160 lbs.; Dylan Arias, Olympic Heights, 171 lbs.; Korey Maguire, Wellington, 189 lbs.; Brandon Lustgarten, Wellington, 215 lbs.; and Matthew Levey, West Boca, 285 lbs.
The Wellington Wrestling Team next hosts the 10-team Wellington Duals III tournament Saturday, Nov. 20 with action starting at 9:30 a.m. The tournament includes Wellington, Cooper City, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Central, Seminole Ridge, Royal Palm Beach, Chaminade Madonna, Suncoast, St. Andrews and Glades Central.
BRONCOS’ POYNER SIGNS ON WITH UF
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, Palm Beach Central High School’s Bobby Poyner signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the University of Florida. Poyner, a pitcher and first baseman, posted a record of 9-3 as a junior. His ERA was 1.86, and he was named first team AllCounty and All-Area. (Above) Poyner with baseball coach Scott Benedict. (Below) Poyner signs the letter.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
RPB’S CHILI PEPPERS U-8 TEAM UNDEFEATED
SRHS Wrestlers Ready For New Season
By Michael Lavery Town-Crier Staff Report
With the season just a week away, the Seminole Ridge High School varsity wrestling team has been preparing for competitions. Before the regular-season opener, the Hawks headed to Lake Worth for a pre-season match Nov. 13.
The team finished 24-10 last season with several wrestlers standing out. “Brandon Short qualified for states, and he came within one match of placing,” coach Frank Lasagna said. “In essence, he placed seventh, but they only give medals for six.”
Short and Sam Hargesheimer placed first and second, respectively, in county competitions last year. Lasagna noted that this year’s team is a mix of older, more experienced grapplers as well as some younger ones.
“We’ve got a lot of kids back with experience, but then we also have a lot of young kids in the lineup,” he said. “It looks like we may be starting three freshmen, so it’s just hard to tell at this point.”
Freshmen Nick Keller, Brad Hargesheimer and Robert Lapeter will be starting in the varsity lineup. “It depends on how well they come around between now and the
start of the season for how well they do,” Lasagna said.
Experienced wrestlers should provide some consistency for the team.
Wrestlers Scott Watson, Logan Broberg, Joe Brow, Sam Hargesheimer, Trace Thome and Cody Lasagna will all be returning. Hargesheimer hopes to build on his second-
place finish in county competitions last year.
Judging by Seminole Ridge’s history, Lasagna said he believes the lighter weight classes are the team’s strength. “It remains to be seen how well we do,” Lasagna said.
The season begins Saturday, Nov. 20 at 9:30 a.m. with dual meets at Wellington High School.
The Royal Palm Beach Strikers U-8 boys soccer team the Chili Peppers are currently undefeated. Pictured above are the players and coaches with their trophies. (Front row, L-R) Caleb Walker, Andres Iniquez, Christian Morgado, James Reynolds and Kevin Laverde; (back row) coach Mal Hasan, Taki Hasan, Justin Beauchesne, Damien Ruiz, Adam Morales and Don Beauchesne.
Hawk varsity wrestlers practice before the start of the season.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL LAVERY/TOWN-CRIER
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
Saturday, Nov. 20
• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host SalsaFest on Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 21 at Greenacres Community Park. Call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.salsafest.net for more info.
• The Wellington Tennis Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a Ladies and Men’s Doubles Championship on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21. Call the Pro Shop at (561) 791-4775, Tournament Director Joanne Smith at (561) 798-0474 or e-mail msbaseline@bellsouth.net for more info.
• 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. Profits will go directly to the teams. For more info., call the school at (561) 753-4000.
• The fifth annual “Art in the Gardens” will he held at Midtown (4801 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens) on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, featuring original art from more than 70 local artists, musical entertainment and food from the area’s most popular restaurants. The family-friendly festival will also introduce a new ArtiKids area where children of all ages can showcase their talents. Admission is free. Call (561) 748-3946 or visit www.artigras.org for more info.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Writing for Children and Teens” for adults on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Are you an adult who writes picture books, middle grade fiction or young adult fiction? Improve your craft and learn a little bit about publication. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• Okeeheelee BMX (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host an Open House/New Rider Signup on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music, a bounce house for the kids, BMX demos and a race. For more info., call (561) 642-6774.
• The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats will perform Saturday, Nov. 20 at noon and 2 p.m. at Palm Beach State College’s Duncan Theatre (4200 South Congress Ave., Lake Worth). This multi-faceted and multicultural production features acrobatic displays, feats of daring and balance, explosive energy and brilliant costumes with a touch of Chinese comedy. Call (561) 868-
3309 or visit www.duncantheatre.org for more info.
• Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do (12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will host an Xtreme Karate Open House on Saturday, Nov. 20. The event will be run by Sensei Tom Floyd of Andrew’s Karate Institute. His demonstration team will showcase their techniques. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. and will end at 3:15 p.m. All forms of martial artists are encouraged to attend. The event is free and open to the public. Call (561) 795-2823 for directions or more information.
• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) Kids Korner Series will present The Ugly Duckling on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. This high-energy production features giant puppets singing and dancing to tell the story of finding your true self and being happy with who you are. Call (561) 743-2666 or visit jupitertheatre. org for more info.
• “A Night of Thanksgiving” will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Alliance Church (16401 Southern Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). Enjoy music, worship and testimonies. Haitian Christian band Alabanza will be leading the worship time. A special love offering will be taken to fund a trip to Haiti for Alabanza. Call the church office at (561) 791-0524 for more info.
• Loggia Michelangelo #2864 will host its inaugural Golf Outing to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club (St. Andrews Road, Lake Worth). Call (562) 249-1298 for more info.
• The Gem & Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches will host its 44th Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, Bead & Fossil Show on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21 at the Americraft Expocenter East at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). Visit www.gemandmineral.cc/show for more info.
• The Palm Beach County Convention Center will host “Modernism - 20th Century - Vintage Show” Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21. The show will feature an eclectic mix from diamonds to glass, including furniture, home furnishings, art deco, jewelry and fashions. General admission is $12. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art Deco Society of Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 483-4047 or visit www.vintageshowandsale.com.
See CALENDAR, page 45
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
CALENDAR, continued from page 44
Sunday, Nov. 21
• The Sisterhood of Temple Beth Tikvah (4550 S. Jog Road, Greenacres) will hold its “High Fashion Holiday Vendors’ Bazaar” on Sunday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Harriet Cramer at (561) 969-0906 for more info.
• Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will hold its annual “Bountiful Harvest” worship service on Sunday Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. It will be held outside on the lawn, so attendees should bring blankets and lawn chairs and dress casually. The Southern Cross Quartet will perform, and there will be a pot luck lunch afterward. For more info., call the church at (561) 795-6292.
• Entertainer Roy Michaels will present “The Music of Our Lives” on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach). Michaels’ repertoire includes songs from Billie Holiday to Kid Rock. Call (561) 798-8888 for info.
• TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Elsie Bell’s Secrets with Deb Welky Miles at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV station at www.tcin.tv.
Monday, Nov. 22
• The children at Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool (900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington) will host a Thanksgiving Sing-along and Feast on Monday, Nov. 22 at 11:45 a.m. Children will dress in costumes created in their classrooms depicting the Thanksgiving story. A school-wide feast will follow. The children will dine on food 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. For more info., call (561) 793-2649.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Meet the Author: David Holmberg” for adults on Monday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Meet the author of The Hurricane Murders. A former reporter, Holmberg drew on his experience to produce this thriller. A book signing will follow. Call (61) 7906070 to pre-register.
• The DeSantis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University (300 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present “Belles and Bells” on Monday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Women’s Chorale and Handbell Ensemble directed by Bryon
Grohman and Patricia Holland. Call (561) 803-2970 or visit www.pba.edu for info. Tuesday, Nov. 23
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Open Mic Night” for adults on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Perform poetry, short prose, an essay, a dance, play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Pick up the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for info.
• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. Wednesday, Nov. 24
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host an Anime Club Meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 3:30 p.m. Watch anime, eat Pocky and check out the newest manga titles. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• Savons Academy will host the fundraiser “It’s All About the Kids” with a live performance by Kriyss Grant on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Rumbass (106 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). Donations of $15 in advance and $20 at the door will benefit children at the academy. Call (561) 215-5958 for more info.
Friday, Nov. 26
• Florida Classical Ballet Theatre will present The Nutcracker Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27 at the Florida Atlantic University Eissey Campus Theatre (11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens). Call (561) 207-5900 or visit www.fcbt.org.
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center at Loggerhead Oceanfront Park (14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach) will hold its second annual “Blue Friday” on Friday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marine conservation presentations make this a special “Blue” shopping and fun day for the whole family, gift shop promotions and coupons. Admission is free. Call (561) 627-8280, ext.107 or visit www.marinelife.org for more info.
Saturday, Nov. 27
• The Wanderers Club at Wellington will sponsor “Yappy Hour” Saturday, Nov. 27 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Wellington Dog Park. Come out for some homemade doggie treats and human snacks. For more info., call (561) 204-5687, ext. 124. 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
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.
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. $2400/month For instant photos and info direct to your cell phone call 866-600-6008, property code 42750
1 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN LOXAHATCHEE — Includes utilities & satellite. Rent $700/month with $700 Deposit references required. 561-985-1349
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
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.
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support &troubleshooting www.mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611
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.
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
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
OCTANE ELLYPTICAL EXERCISE MACHINE — 3 years old comes with heart monitor excellent condition. $425 OBO 561-7934130
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
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. CALL 793-3576
TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD
BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC.
REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 791-9900 or 628-9215
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
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
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
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
ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207
ROBERT CHERRY ROOFING INC Reroofing - Repair - Waterproofing 561-791-2612 or 954-741-4580 State Lic.& Ins. #CCC-1326048
DIABETIC TEST STRIPS — I buy your sealed, unexpired boxes. Call Mike (561) 463-3876
CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL 793-3576 TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
ANMAR CO .—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811
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
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. www.poolscreenrepair.com
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. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
25 years experience — 1 on 1 instruction. Group lessons, Adults- Kids, Top Juniors. A fun way to exercise. Private/ recently resurfaced court. timebombmanagement@hotmail.com. 561-236-4998.
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. License, bonded and insured. U21006 561-662-9258 ClubZ! In-Home
IN NEED OF A HOUSEKEEPER? — Over 10 years experience for private home in Palm Beach. Excellent references. Please call Amy at 561-371-6367
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
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
