Town-Crier Newspaper November 21, 2008

AGAIN

FALL FESTIVAL FUN IN THE ACREAGE

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Hawks Finish Their Season With 24-14 Win Over Park Vista Despite achieving its bestever record on the field, the Seminole Ridge High School football team is on the outside looking in for the postseason. Nevertheless, the Hawks defeated playoffbound Park Vista 24-14 on Friday, Nov. 14. Page 27

Business

Country Auto Parts: Customer Service Is The Number-One Goal Dan Eggen and Kevin Hamel, co-managers of Country Auto Parts in Loxahatchee Groves, each draw on more than 25 years experience in the parts business to provide the parts, accessories, tools and other supplies customers need to keep their vehicles running. Page 32

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

A draft lease agreement for the village’s K-Park site is in the hands of Palm Beach Community College staff for review and will come back to Wellington officials in a week or two, Mayor Darell Bowen said Thursday. Among the changes will be deletion of a clause for the village to charge $1 million a year starting with the 25th year of the 50-year lease, Bowen told the Town-Crier

“They’re not going to agree to that. They can’t agree to that,” Bowen said. “It won’t work in their scheme of financing. I’m not even sure how that got there. It certainly was not a suggestion

of me or anybody on the council. I believe somewhere along the line either [Village Attorney] Jeff Kurtz or somebody on staff said, ‘let’s see if we can get them to pay some rent at some point,’ and they stuck it in there.”

The draft lease requires the college to pay $10 annually for the 63-acre site, which is on the west side of State Road 7 south of the Mall at Wellington Green, for the first 25 years.

Bowen said he has talked to college officials in the past week about the lease and said both sides are near agreement.

“They seemed to think it was pretty close, too,” Bowen said. “I would think it will get back to the village maybe next week,

but maybe not because it’s Thanksgiving week. Their board was going to go over it and include whatever comments the board had. Then, of course, it would go to their attorney and make whatever changes that they saw, but nobody I talked to felt that there were any major things to be done with it.”

The draft lease has yet to include assurances that PBCC would bring the programs of other colleges to the campus, Bowen said. “That was one of the items that wasn’t in the draft yet,” he said. “That was the only item not in there that I recall that needs to be addressed somewhere.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto has insisted on a cooperative effort involving other colleges, Bowen noted.

Benacquisto previously outlined her vision for a comprehensive Wellington college campus in a letter published in Town-Crier last month.

“Since being elected to council in 2002, I have been a strong advocate for bringing opportunities for higher education to Wellington and the entire western communities,” Benacquisto wrote. “This dream took clear shape a few years ago after a visit to St. Petersburg College and their University Partnership Center. At St. Petersburg College, 16 college partners offer 55 different bachelor’s degrees and 42 different master’s degrees.”

Benacquisto went on to write that she would like to see a similar concept at the new PBCC campus.

Bowen said he anticipates that PBCC would dedicate a building or a portion of a building for use by other colleges and universities for four-year programs. “They would just facilitate it and

Royal Palm Beach Council Supports Red Light Cameras Despite Objections

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council gave final approval Thursday to the installation of cameras to monitor intersections for red-light runners, despite complaints from some residents.

One resident complained that the system was just a method to make more money for the village and another said he felt the fines were excessively high, but council members and village staff said the intention is to increase traffic safety in the village and free deputies to attend to other law enforcement duties.

Village Manager David Farber said other municipalities that have opted to use the cameras have seen traffic signal violations drop 40 percent at intersections where they have been installed. The village’s action follows the lead of the county, which is in the process of installing traffic light monitors, he said.

“Given the financial tenor of the times, as our budgets, particularly our law enforcement budgets, are strained, and Palm Beach County decided to adopt an ordinance for this, we decided to look at it,” Farber said. “We’re bringing this to you for a variety of reasons. Obviously the principal one is safety, but it extends the use of all our police officers, who can be on the road doing other things than managing traffic at any particular intersection.”

Violations will be processed through the village’s code enforcement system. Mayor David Lodwick said he would prefer that the violations go through the legal system so points would be assigned to violators’ driver licenses, but Florida law prohibits that.

“My concern is really about safety,” Lodwick said. “The intersection that always gets my attention is at Crestwood and Southern [boulevards] with dump trucks going to and from the aggregate pits at high rates of speed and just not stopping for red lights. Yes, there is a learning curve, yes there will be implementation and there will be issues of staff going out and selecting the proper firm for this and the bid process, but the biggest thing to me is to improve intersection safety. Given the amount of flow-through traffic in our community, I think it behooves us to look into it.”

Farber said the Crestwood/ Southern intersection has been found to have the highest rate of traffic violations in the village, but it and the second highest, State Road 7 and Southern Blvd., are both under jurisdiction of the state, which he said has not shown support for unmanned camera monitors.

Councilman Matty Mattioli asked if the village or the contractor will control where cameras are placed. Farber said the village will have a say, but the contractor will have the option of turning down a request where traffic analysis indicates it would not be economically feasible.

“Their position may be they are not willing to invest in a particular intersection,” Farber said. During public comment, resident Pat Lynch objected to the use of the cameras.

“Everybody talks about safety, but it seems to be a big moneymaker, and I read that Virginia had the cameras and after a few years they stopped them because of rear-end accidents,” he said.

“People saw the yellow light, they were afraid they were going to get their picture taken by a camera and they slam on their brakes when they should have gone through the intersection, and they wind up getting rear-ended. I have a lot of problems with this, if it is just going to be a code enforcement moneymaker.”

Farber said the object is safety and that red light violators put peoples’ lives in jeopardy. Liggins added that Lynch was correct in that there might be a slight increase in rear-end collisions, which usually render no more than minor injuries, but the cameras reduce the number of front-to-side collisions typical of traffic signal violations, which have a high number of fatalities. Lodwick added that a far greater number of drivers hit the gas than hit the brakes when they see a yellow light.

Resident Mark Pescatore, editor of Government Video magazine said he favors intersection camera monitors, but felt the fine schedule of $125 for the first violation, $250 for the second and $500 for every one thereafter is excessive.

“First of all, I know that these work,” Pescatore said. “They’re successful, they’re good and safety is your primary reason, but there has been a good point brought up, and that is the subject of fees. That’s where you’re going to get most people annoyed at this, not the actual ideas of safety. They’re going to be annoyed by fees.”

Farber said the objective is to change behavior.

“Ten dollars might be an inconvenience,” Farber said. “A hundred and twenty-five, you start getting people’s attention, and presumably you will change behavior. If it gets to the second part and they’re paying $250 and they haven’t figured it out by then, I’ll tell you, I’ve never gotten a ticket for running a red light.”

“Neither have I, but I think the fee is excessive,” Pescatore said.

“Somebody who gets three violations deserves a $500 fine,” Mattioli said. “In baseball, three strikes, you’re out.” Farber said the fine given by a deputy would be at least $125 and the violator would get points on his license. He added that fines for a traffic violation are actually less progressive than the fine for a resident leaving his garbage can out. Mattioli made a motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilwoman Martha Webster. It passed unanimously.

Season Brings New Equestrian Sport To Wellington

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington Chamber of Commerce members were treated Wednesday to a luncheon presentation on highlights of the upcoming polo and equestrian seasons.

The equestrian season kicks off Nov. 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, with the inaugural Palm Beach Steeplechase. Hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, it will offer local residents a chance to witness a form of horseracing that involves fences or hurdles on the track to simulate the conditions of a cross-country race. Retired steeplechase jockey

Tommy Skiffington gave chamber members an introduction to the sport.

“Does anyone have an idea of why steeplechase is called steeplechase? It originated in England with fox hunting,” he explained. “When some fellows came out of a pub, they said let’s have a race. They looked around and around, and about four miles down the road was a church steeple. That’s where it came from.”

Skiffington described steeplechase as the “NASCAR of horseracing.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a lot of entertainment. You will see some fantastic horses and riders. I was lucky enough to ride in England, Ireland and It-

aly. I got to travel quite a bit for my job.”

Skiffington showed chamber members footage of a steeplechase race at New York’s Belmont Park in which he rode the winning horse. Steeplechase jockeys are a bit heavier than regular jockeys, he said, but he still had to keep his weight down in order to ride.

“One of the problems in America is we have eaten our way out of a great job,” he said.

“When I got out of high school, I weighed 145. I had to lose 25 pounds to ride. I starved myself. In England and Ireland, where we have more races, it’s more of a winter sport. When I was in England, I was a small guy. It’s a different style of racing.”

Elaborating further on the season’s offerings at the PBIEC, Equestrian Sport Productions

Executive Director Michael Stone said “Holiday and Horses” runs from Dec. 3 through 7 with hunter/jumper and dressage competition, and family activities the weekend of Dec. 6-7 including a Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 6 as well as the Wellington Chamber’s business expo.

Stone said many events during the festival will be free, and show promoters are encouraging the public to attend in order to showcase the latest improvements to the facility.

“There will be the petting zoos, bounce houses and face painting for the kids,” Stone

said. “We want to show people what we have done to this facility. For those of you who were not there last year, I don’t think you will recognize it. We have permanent box seats. The whole layout has been re-landscaped. We have improved the parking.” With 12 weeks of the Winter Equestrian Festival scheduled to begin Jan. 7, Stone said Wellington can look forward to a very exciting season, and that the equestrian industry is well set to weather the rough economic times.

“We have all heard the doom and gloom about the economy,” Stone said. “We are more recession-proof than a lot of other industries. Our sponsors have

The Acreage Fall Festival was held Saturday, Nov. 15 at Acreage Community Park. The event featured two stages for both local entertainment and national acts. Other attractions included a classic car show, a custom bike display and a baby back rib cookoff. Shown here are Natalia DelGado, Gabby Hanks, Christine Schergan and Autumn Hanan in their firehats. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 21

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Acreage Projects Remain On Hold In County Road Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Although officials and residents from the western communities complained of postponed road improvements, the Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday stuck to their plan to divert funding from area road projects to benefit mass transit instead.

The commissioners are set to approve an update to the county’s five-year road plan in early December that deletes funding of about $10 million for the widening of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, among other projects.

Money to fund the extension of Roebuck Road from Jog Road west to Royal Palm Beach, however, remains in the plan.

County Engineer George Webb told the commissioners the county will be allocating an unusually large proportion of revenues from gasoline taxes, which customarily fund road projects, to Tri Rail and the Palm Tran bus network.

“It’s a much higher concentration of funds associated with mass transit coming out of the road program side of the gas tax than has historically happened,” he said.

Webb said the deleted projects from the county’s road plan means they will be delayed and later restored as future development generates impact fee revenues. None of the deleted money would have paid for actual construction, he said.

During public comment, a memo from Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Dennis Lipp asked the commissioners to maintain funding for Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

Indian Trail Improvement

District President Mike Erickson said funding the construction would be one way to spur the economy.

“I concur with Dennis Lipp,” Erickson said. “I stood here two months ago complaining, looking for better results, thinking we could think outside the box to find ways to continue to invest into our infrastructure. You hear it at a national level and at a state level. One way to spur economy is to consider infrastructure acceleration. What I see is an extreme deceleration.”

Erickson said the county should find a better balance between mass transit needs and road needs.

“Supporting mass transit is always necessary, but finding the priorities for where we’re spending our money is what this is all about,” he said. “It’s not crying poor that there is no money. You’re getting $2 million less, and yet I’ve seen $60 million removed from our community over the last two years from road construction.”

Erickson said funding mass transit with Acreage tax dollars would not be fair. “The community pays taxes into Palm Beach County,” he said. “We have yet to have a bus route, and if you had a bus route, it wouldn’t be effective, because somebody would have to walk a mile to get to the bus stop.”

Erickson questioned the wisdom of funding the westward extension of Roebuck Road to Royal Palm Beach. “The City of West Palm Beach doesn’t want it,” he said. “Royal Palm Beach

wants it. The Acreage isn’t sure because we, honestly, can’t see where the support is to provide $60 million of infrastructure for a three-mile road. Use that infrastructure to provide the better arterial roads that are needed to support the communities that are already there.”

Royal Palm Beach Village Engineer Ray Liggins thanked the commission for its support of Roebuck Road, which will connect Jog Road to the State Road 7 extension in an effort to ease traffic on Okeechobee Blvd.

“Roebuck Road is a needed addition to the ingress and egress for the western communities,” he said.

Acreage resident Alex Larson said she favors supporting mass transit but asked why funding was not allocated for sidewalks in front of Seminole Ridge High School.

Acreage resident Sharon Waite added that SRHS students walk along a stretch of road with no sidewalk. “They walk in weeds; they walk close to the road, and they often walk in the dark with people traveling to work in the dark,” she said. “It’s really, really dangerous.”

Webb said there is a substantial distance to the first house north of the school, but some students who do not have campus parking passes park in nearby shopping centers and walk down the road to school. He said the county is working on design work for the sidewalks.

“Our roadway director is saying we are about 30 to 40 percent completed with the design,” Webb said. “We are trying to expedite that with our consultant to try and get a pathway on the east side of Seminole Pratt, and as soon as we can get the design and get our permits, we will be out there building that pathway.”

Webb said Erickson was correct in his assertion that postponed projects in the new road plan include improvements to sections of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Northlake Blvd.

“We are taking advantage of the slowdown in the economy,” Webb said. “We’ve done an analysis. Traffic has actually dropped on those roadways in the last two years. When we do our counts again in the early parts of 2009, I wouldn’t be surprised if traffic continues to drop, so we’re buying ourselves time. We do not believe those roads will be over capacity for the next five years, but the work on those roads is still in here. You will still find some right-ofway money, some mitigation money and so forth.”

Webb noted that Commissioner Addie Greene sent a letter to elected officials asking for federal road funding. If money is forthcoming from that request, the segments of Northlake and Seminole Pratt will be the first to be put back in, he said.

Webb added that plans for the projects are complete. “This will be the first time we have finished plans and put them on the shelf,” he said. “Typically, when we finish plans, we follow with construction.”

The county commission is set to review the update to the fiveyear road plan on Dec. 2.

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will host the fundraiser “Party in the Park” on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Veterans Park to assist hurricane victims in Texas and Haiti.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and feature music by DJ Tony the Tiger, live performances by Rumor Hazit, Whisky Creek, Desoto Road, the Fat Daddies and Chardonnay, as well as appearances by the Palm Beach County Youth Football League cheerleaders and dancers from Donna Tucci’s School of Dance.

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club is twinned with a Rotary club in Haiti (St. Michel D’Attayale). This fellow club is in dire need of immediate financial help. When contacted two weeks ago, the past president of the St. Michel Rotary Club, Father Antoine Jean Eveneau, informed Disaster Response Committee Chairman Dr. Ron

Peterson that “over 200 homes in that area were still under water.” Many people and organizations have come forward to assist the Rotary Club with the Party in the Park. They are giving their time free of charge for this worthy event.

“It is time for us to step up to the plate,” Peterson said. “We need to have

Wellington Council May Scale Back Village Committee Structure

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council pondered the possibility of trimming some of its advisory committees or changing the way they operate during a Tuesday workshop.

The council relies on a range of boards and committees for advice and recommendations on the matters it reviews. These include the Architectural Review Board, the Education Committee, the Equestrian Committee, the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, the Public Safety Committee and the Tree Board.

Village Manager Paul Schofield noted that only one of these groups, the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, is required by state law. Even then, he said, the council itself could assume its duties as the local planning agency.

Council members said they did not want to sit as the PZA Board and felt that the board was doing a fine job. But Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore requested more information on the operating costs of the boards and committees.

“I would like to get numbers on what it costs us to run them on a monthly and annual basis,” he said, “and how we provide staff and other materials to operate the committees.”

Priore said he was concerned that some of the committees might not be productive enough

to justify their operating costs.

“If in fact they are not meeting with a task, I see no purpose for them meeting unless there are tasks for them to do,” he said.

“We might want to create a taskoriented committee, or a task force, to address an issue that we may want to see addressed.”

Councilman Bob Margolis, who previously sat on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, said committee members should be more proactive in how they set their agendas but also noted that sitting on a committee gave him invaluable experience that still serves him as a council member. He said such opportunities should remain in place so other people can gain experience should they ever look to rise higher in government.

Margolis also noted that more frequent joint meetings of the council and its committees would give the committees a better sense of direction.

“I remember in the olden days we spent many hours in front of the council, keeping them informed,” Margolis said. “I don’t see that happening now. My decision based on task forces versus the boards is getting the boards more involved and have more interaction and communication with the council.”

Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto said the council itself is at fault for not providing enough clear direction. “I am not willing to say to the Education Committee that you should meet once a quarter,” she said. “I want

to give them an action plan for the year. I think that’s what we should do as a council, and then maybe we could talk about a quarterly meeting. I feel they have a lot more work to do.”

Councilman Matt Willhite said he also was a product of the committee process, and some committee members have noted that they had not met with the council for quite some time.

“We can have boards, committees and task forces,” Willhite said. “Let’s call them one thing to begin with. Let’s give them a goal, an idea, a description of what they should do. We need to streamline it a bit more. They meet when they have items to talk about. They are supposed to be an extension of our eyes and ears in the community. If we don’t utilize them, are we really hearing the needs of the community and other people out there?”

Willhite added that the council could even consider the usefulness of further committees. “There is a group of seniors who meet in Wellington regularly,” he said. “There are potentially some other boards we could use.”

Mayor Darell Bowen said some of the boards should definitely be retained, but their operations should be examined.

“I do think we have a number of them meeting far too often,” he said. “We need to fix it or get rid of some of them or change the structure of them. Something

needs to be done. I would like more information.”

Village Manager Paul Schofield said he would gather information including a cost analysis of the committees and their sunset provisions before the council’s Dec. 9 meeting.

In other business, the council discussed a variety of options staff presented on municipal office space, which at present is scattered across the village in a variety of structures.

The council has aired the idea of building a village hall near the Wellington Community Center on Forest Hill Blvd. without raising taxes or borrowing money, and with it a public amphitheater for which the county has

agreed to provide nearly $1 million as well as a playground that would be funded by a private donor. The municipal complex would cost some $15 million.

Other options the staff presented include expanding the existing Greenbriar Blvd. office complex, built in 1981 for the Acme Improvement District, which would be cheaper to build but would generate operational expenses; buying the original Wellington Mall at a price of $11 million; a consolidated lease in the Wellington Commerce Park; and a public/private partnership opportunity with no specific site identified.

Given the recent downturn in the economy, Priore said build-

ing a municipal complex would create jobs. “It serves as a stimulus package,” he said. “We’re trying to stimulate the economy by putting people back to work.” Priore also said the original Wellington Mall might need too many repairs.

“From very early on, given the age of the facility, engineers have indicated that it would be best served by razing it and starting anew,” he said. “I think that it’s important from looking at it structurally, if in fact the structural repairs have to be done, to what it would take to remodel or revise the facility.”

The council is expected to further discuss its options in December or January.

Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic Returns To Wellington On Dec. 20

The 18th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Wellington Community Center dock (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). It promises to be the biggest and best tournament yet. Families and friends are invited to come and see this free children’s fishing bonanza. The tournament

OUR OPINION

Thanksgiving Holds Special Meaning During Tough Economic Times

Year after year, we Americans look to the Thanksgiving holiday as a time to count our blessings, to focus on what we have rather than what we wish we had. It’s a reminder that despite the idealized life we’d like to see for ourselves, there’s plenty to be thankful for in the life we do have. Of course, sometimes it’s not so easy to see our circumstances in a positive light. This Thanksgiving will be especially hard on the many Americans who have lost their jobs — or even their homes — as a result of the current economic crisis. For those who haven’t personally felt the effects of the market woes, many think it’s only a matter of time before the crisis comes to their front door. All in all, Americans have more reason than ever to appreciate the little joys of life.

What makes the Thanksgiving holiday such a special time is not the bountiful feasts and festive celebration — although, those are the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday. The true importance lies in the time spent giving thanks and reflecting. If we as Americans didn’t take for granted the good things in life, such a day might not be so necessary. But let’s face it, the daily grind of the working life has a tendency to throw us off balance. Holidays such as Thanksgiving are a way to help get us back on the level, allowing us a time-out to step back and look at the bigger picture to see what really matters in the greater

Mentoring Brings Many Rewards

I know that we are all so, so proud of our country today and thrilled that change really has a chance. We need to continue to pay attention to the battles that President-elect Barack Obama has ahead of him, and continue to support him so his presidency is successful.

Here’s another way to work for a brighter future for our country, our children and grandchildren:

For the past 15 years, I have been a volunteer mentor to foster children, children with incarcerated parents and teen mothers who are on their own. Other than raising my own four children, this has been the most rewarding experience of my life. These kids just need to know there is an adult in their lives who cares how their futures turn out. This only requires an hour or two a week of your time. But

when you close your eyes at night, you will sleep better knowing you are leaving the world a better place than you found it.

Men are especially needed, for there are so many young boys who need a role model in their lives. The girls I have mentored are lifelong friends who genuinely appreciate the time spent I’ve spent with them. Please help change a child’s life!

If you can sacrifice just a little of your time to a child who really needs you, call me at (561) 784-9973. Gwynne Chesher Wellington

PBCC Survey

Misleading

You may not be aware that the Village of Wellington conducted a survey, which cost $10,000, to determine if the residents of the village wanted a branch of Palm Beach Community College in Wellington. The survey asked the following questions:

scheme of things. Not only does this force us to look past trivialities (you’ll get over the latest loss by your favorite sports team), but it can point out areas in our life that need change. There’s an opportunity for real personal growth on Thanksgiving, and it’s not just the result of too much pumpkin pie.

Most Americans will celebrate their Thanksgiving dinner with family members, both immediate and extended. However, not everyone is equally fortunate, and it’s important to think of those who may not have a place to spend the day, or the means to afford a nice home-cooked meal. So if you have an extra chair at the table and know someone who needs the help, be sure to invite them over for Thanksgiving. There’s no reason anyone should spend the Thanksgiving holiday alone.

Also in the spirit of giving, Bank of America, Giving Back of Palm Beach County and Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches are taking part in “Feast for 500,” a joint initiative to collect food and donations, now through Saturday, Nov. 29. The goal is to provide a full Thanksgiving meal for 500 families in Palm Beach County and fill emergency food banks of local agencies. For more information, visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org and click on the Feast for 500 link.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1) Are you aware of the PBCC proposal to locate in Wellington?

2) How interested are you about the college’s proposal?

3) Tell us if you would support or oppose having the college located in Wellington?

4) Would you say having a college in Wellington is positive or negative?

I would have answered, as 80 percent of the 400 residents did, “yes, or positive” to all these questions, yet I am strongly opposed to this giveaway happening. How can that be? I will tell you why. It is because the questions asked did not convey the total picture. They did not tell the residents that PBCC will get the 63-acre, $40-million property for free. They did not say that PBCC will not pay any impact fees when they build their infrastructure over the next 25 years. They did not say that PBCC will never pay any property taxes. They did not say that PBCC will not pay for police or fire-rescue services; the resi-

JOIN IN A TOWN-CRIER ONLINE POLL!

Should the federal government bail out the automobile industry?

A. Yes, the repercussions of the “Big Three” automakers failing would be far too great.

B. Yes, but only the government gains enough control to force a needed restructuring of the industry.

C. No, the companies have put themselves in this position and the free market should determine what happens.

Cast your vote by visiting www.goTownCrier.com and scrolling down to the poll question at the bottom left of the web page. It’s as easy as that!

Previous Question: Do you think President-Elect Barack Obama will be able to improve the nation’s current economic crisis? A. Yes, he has good ideas and has demonstrated that the economy is his top priority: 52 percent; B. No, I disagree with his fiscal policies and believe he will make the problem worse: 30 percent; C. No, the president has very little influence on the economy. The market needs to correct itself: 18 percent.

dents of Wellington will. They did not say that PBCC will not pay Wellington the $1 million lease fee after 25 years as outlined in the village’s lease agreement. For all of these reasons I would have said, “I would love to have a college in Wellington, but not under the conditions that PBCC has demanded.”

So I intend to walk my neighborhood with a brochure to make sure my neighbors are aware of all the facts. Then I hope my neighbors will express their feelings and e-mail the three council members who are currently supporting this giveaway and tell them what they think. If you want to express your opinion, e-mail the council members who support this giveaway: Mayor Darell Bowen (dbowen@ci.wellington.fl.us), Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priorie (cpriore@ci.wellington.fl.us) and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto (lbenacquisto@ci. wellington.fl.us).

Linda Curcio Wellington

Rosen: No More Party Politics

Again I feel the need to respond to one of Mr. Phil Sexton’s letters (“Sexton Responds To Rosen,” published in last week’s Town-Crier). First, just let me say that I don’t blame everything on “Dubya.” I also blame Cheney, Ashcroft, Rumsfeld, Rove and a host of others. I agree with Mr. Sexton that the Democrats are not faultless in the disaster of the past eight years. But the Republicans have held the reigns of government tightly for six of those years, and slightly less tightly for the remaining two, so they must be held accountable for most of the problems we now face.

I have never actually seen a

OPINION

MoveOn.org ad or campaign nor have I been to their web site. However, while an independent, I do have liberal leanings. I would love to support our government no matter who is in power, and hope they would make us all proud and work together for the good of America. I hope that President-elect Barack Obama will do this and will reach across the aisle to bring this country back to greatness.

All this being said, is my opinion and that of most of the country (if you follow polls, approval ratings and the last election), that this last governmental administration was a disaster. And while I don’t blame the Republicans 100 percent, I would have to say that history will rate this president as the worst ever. In closing though, I would like to call on all the right-wing Republicans and the left-wing Democrats to put aside as many of their differences as possible and their knee-jerk opposing reactions to each other’s policies and see that this country is in need of fixing to make it what it once was — a place where hopes and dreams can come true through hard work, a place that the world looks to for moral support and guidance, and a place that can lead the world to a better 21st century. Andrew Rosen Wellington

Obama Must Deliver On Promises

It took me the very last minute to vote for President-elect Barack Obama on the premise that he must be given a chance to prove his worth as future head of state. He has talked the talk, drawing a multitude in his campaign rallies. But in no uncertain terms, our nation needs leaders bigger than their speeches. Now is the time for Mr. Obama to step up to the plate and deliver his battle cry, “change we need.” Not only thousands of political rally fanatics but more than 300 million American citizens now depend upon his leadership to get this country out of the quagmire in which we wallow. We’re at a crossroads of our history, beset by problems the likes of which we’ve never seen, ranging from nationwide home foreclosures to a stock market meltdown, auto industries on the brink of bankruptcy, financial institutions insolvent, giant insurance companies getting bailed out and unemployment at record highs.

Mr. Obama’s grandiose speeches are behind us and merely adding the phrase “United States president” to his resume won’t hit a home run. It’s

See LETTERS, page 18

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Once Again, Acreage Needs Get Shortchanged By The County

Residents of The Acreage are probably wondering — as I am — whether the rest of Palm Beach County has abandoned them. Judging from Tuesday’s county commission meeting, there is plenty of evidence to support that conclusion.

For the second time in six months, county commissioners tentatively yanked some $28 million from the current five-year road plan, meaning that much-needed road projects planned in The Acreage will be delayed even longer. The commission will schedule a public hearing before making the delays official. And judging from the economic gloom and doom comments by commissioners, it is anyone’s guess when the roads will ever be improved. The major projects include the widening of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and improvements to Northlake Blvd.

It was such a bad day for Acreage residents that Indian Trail Improvement District President Mike Erickson couldn’t even get a commitment to complete sidewalks to Seminole Ridge High School and Acreage Community Park, which the county built, for the thousands of children who need them for their own safety. “We can’t get sidewalks at the park you built,” he told commissioners, pointing out that The Acreage built sidewalks up to a quarter-mile from the park. “Not having a pathway to a regional park is ridiculous,” he lamented. Newly named County Commission Chairman Jeff Koons then asked County Engineer George Webb what would be needed to get the job done. “Money,” Mr. Webb responded. “Our priority is around schools.”

Mr. Erickson also reminded the commission that ITID agreed to provide easements along Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to widen the road in order to build the sidewalks. “We have seven bus stops along that road,” he said. “We want those sidewalks built. We would expect at least that the transportation issue be addressed.”

Let me remind you that the reason The Acreage is being shortchanged on roads is because the

By Don Brown

county wants to send that money to Palm Tran. I would ask my Acreage friends if they have ever seen a Palm Tran bus in their community. In fact, there is not a single Palm Tran bus stop in The Acreage. Mr. Webb cites the road funds diversion to Palm Tran as an example of dwindling tax revenues that are forcing the county to choose between tax increases and service cuts. Mr. Erickson would beg to differ. Had he been afforded more than his allotted three minutes of face time at Tuesday’s commission meeting, he would have pulled a lighted ballpoint pen with a county logo, a pencil with a county logo, a mouse pad with a county logo and a calculator with a county logo out of his pocket to show some examples of county budget cut possibilities.

many Acreage drivers using the roads as there have been for the past several years. Those commuters who have lost their jobs because of the economy are out there plying the same roads looking for new jobs to help pay for all the fat in the county budget and because of the fear they are experiencing as a result of home values that have dropped by 40 percent or more.

Mr. Erickson correctly pointed out that the 50,000 residents he represents in The Acreage “have got to have the roads to get somewhere. We pay these [gas] taxes, but we don’t get a fair amount back.” He told me that more than $60 million has been deleted from the five-year road plan in just the past 18 months. In an obvious departure from ITID’s previous position, he backed away from support of the controversial extension of Roebuck Road, which is strongly backed by neighboring Royal Palm Beach but vigorously opposed by West Palm Beach. “The Point of

I know you have heard this from me before, but I’ll repeat that this is just another blatant example of coastal interests neglecting the western communities. Who is the culprit behind it all? It is easy to point the finger at eastern county commissioners who dominate the vote on these decisions. However, I point the finger squarely at county road czar Mr. Webb, from whom the commissioners get their advice and counsel on such matters. Here is just a taste:

Fewer drivers are using the roads because of the economic slowdown; therefore the roads will be adequate for the next five years. Huh? I seem to recall that Mr. Webb lives in the western communities, but is he just back from a long trip to another planet?

Here’s an earthly newsflash for him: I would bet a dollar to a doughnut that there are just as

TOWN-CRIER

county wants to spend $60 million for just three miles to extend Roebuck Road,” he said. “We’ve lost $60 million in road improvements that would have benefited our entire community and nobody seems to care.”

Mr. Erickson, his colleagues on the ITID board and residents all have a reason to be concerned about the lack of interest in the large unincorporated community of The Acreage. The area is larger than Wellington and Royal Palm Beach combined and the population is larger than that of Wellington. After build-out, The Acreage is destined to have a population larger than Wellington and Royal Palm Beach combined. The problem is that The Acreage has no seat at the county table because it is not a municipality. The community relies solely on the kindness of the county.

Where is the push for incorporating The Acreage? The community is a sleeping giant.

Airline Executives Just Don’t Get It

Happily, as you and I pull into a local gas station, the price of gas has dropped significantly, from over $4 a gallon to under $2.50. And jet fuel is back from the stratosphere as well. What about airline passenger prices in relation to today’s fuel prices? In many cases they have gone up, not down. For example, in October 2007 when the average jet fuel cost was $2.40 per gallon, the average surcharges on international roundtrips was about $125. Today, when the recent average cost is $2.16 per gallon, the average surcharge is $300! On some Pacific flights, that onerous surcharge is over $500. On

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

certain domestic flights some carriers publicized they have greatly reduced or cancelled certain surcharges. Guess what? Functionally, the previous surcharge has quietly been stuck into a higher price for the basic ticket… Hello! I’ve often preached that airline executives in general are lacking in common sense and good judgment. Imagine, for

example, the Harvard Business School nabob who invented the $1 charge for a pillow, or the fee for making a reservation via the phone rather than on the Internet. These head honchos of the not-so-friendly skies seem to spend the bulk of their time trying to extort various fees and surcharges from their dwindling customers rather than developing marketing strategies for encouraging business and personal travelers back to the runway. Certainly hiding fees and surcharges in ticket prices while trumpeting about ending those charges is not the way to build consumer confidence.

Groundbreaking Former Governor Speaks At JCC Luncheon

Equestrian

Preview

continued from page 1 increased this year. With that success, Wellington will be more successful.” For more information about the Palm Beach Steeplechase or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.palmbeachsteeple chase.com. For more information on the upcoming PBIEC season, visit www.equestrian sport.com.

John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach said crowds are drawn to polo matches not only for the thrill of watching riders swinging their mallets while coming down the field at 30 to 35 miles an hour, but to see who else shows up. “They are there to watch polo or they are there to peoplewatch,” he said. Wash said the rich and famous have always been associated with the “sport of kings” in its history of well over 2,000 years, and America, where there are 20,000 players at different levels, is no exception. “We’ve

It’s

You

looked at celebrities in the game,” he said. “Everyone is familiar with Tommy Lee Jones, Mickey Dolan of the Monkees and others. I look back at Spencer Tracy and Will Rogers as well.”

Wash said many people think the International Polo Club is just for polo, but it also serves as a private club.

“We are faced with the challenges of operating a private club, yet being open to the public seven days a week,” Wash said. “On some of the back fields, we have private clubs. We have the full service spa and fitness center. We can do croquet and tennis. Sunday is the traditional 3 p.m. polo match.”

Wash noted that croquet has caught on at the club. “We just finished hosting a second international croquet tournament,” he said. “We’ve had some of the best players from the United States, Britain and Canada. I’ve had to learn the game from just overseeing it. It’s quite interesting to watch.”

Wash said pre-game festivities for a polo match include tailgate parties, and the club fea-

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

Former Vermont governor Madeleine Kunin was the featured speaker at the second and final luncheon of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches Annual Book Festival, which took place Tuesday at the Bonefish Grill restaurant on Lake Worth Road. Kunin, who served as Vermont’s first female governor from 1985 to 1991, was born in Switzerland and came to the U.S. in 1940 when her family fled Europe. She also served in the Clinton Administration as Deputy Secretary of Education, and U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, where she played a prominent role in the return of Jewish banking assets to Holocaust survivors. Her new book, Pearls, Politics and Power , is subtitled “How Women Can Win and Lead.” Kunin told attendees at the festival luncheon that she wrote it after realizing that most women are more interested in

tures different surprises every week. The halftime favorite is the champagne divot stop, but this year there will also be ice cream for the kids. The club has been doing more to connect with the local community, he said, with sponsorship of the Wellington Fall Festival and participation in the Palms West Chamber’s Annual Holiday Parade in December. “We try to support all the local activities,” he said.

Wash also said polo is alive and well locally despite recent economic trends, and the club has 20 high-goal teams signed up to play in the 2009 season. He also stressed the local economic importance of polo and equestrian sports in general.

“Polo and the equestrian world are very, very important in Wellington,” he said. “I would like to go over the economic impact of the industry in Palm Beach. It went from $264 million in 2001 to $732 million in 2007. It’s big business for Wellington and Palm Beach.”

Wednesday’s luncheon, which took place at the Binks Forest Golf Club, was sponsored by attorney Philip Ridolfo

social issues than politics.

“I’ve been teaching at the University of Vermont,” she said. “I’ve been teaching a seminar on women, politics and power. I found out that the young women in my classes are very interested about social issues, but when you mention politics, their eyes sort of glaze over.”

While the recent candidacies of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin demonstrates that the highest political offices in the country are in closer reach of women today, Kunin noted that the United States lags back in 72nd place among nations in terms of female public officeholders. In Latin American countries, with their perceptibly more macho culture, women make up 40 percent of officeholders, she noted. Kunin said American women, despite being educated, tend to underestimate their own abilities. “It takes a certain amount of chutzpah to be able to put yourself forward and believe in

yourself,” she said. “A man will wake up, look in the mirror and say, ‘I think I can run for the United States Senate.’ A woman will look in the mirror and be combing her hair and say, ‘before I run for school board, I have to take two more courses.’”

Unlike many men, women often have family responsibilities, Kunin said. “My first position was in the state legislature,” she said. “I had four children who were quite young at the time. I could get home for dinner. I felt I could do the juggling act fairly well. I had a husband who supported us. Someone has to support the family. He also learned how to cook. You do need a supportive family in order to get involved in anything very demanding whether it’s a job or politics.”

Kunin noted that Clinton stands out from many other female politicians in that she launched her own bid to become president. “One of the criticisms launched against her is that she is ambitious,” Kunin said. “‘She

will say anything to get elected.’ Tell me the name of a person who runs for president who is not ambitious. Compare that to Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin was asked to run by John McCain. It was almost like being asked out on a date. Ambition in a woman, whether a Democrat or a Republican, is not considered an attractive quality. We still have gender stereotypes.”

But women have brought their life experiences and concerns with them as they have assumed higher offices in the past few decades, Kunin said, which has brought about real progress.

“There is still a unique experience that women share, which is walking into a parking lot late at night and looking for your car keys and having that fear,” she said. “That is why we have rape crisis centers. That is not only because of women inside the system but those outside the system. We didn’t have breast cancer research before women were in positions of authority.”

of Fowler White Burnett in West Palm Beach. Ridolfo, the newest member of the chamber’s President’s Circle, focuses his practice on general corporate law, litigation and criminal defense. “I would like to speak to you about any matters that you need any assistance with,” Ridolfo said, “so feel free to contact me in the future if you need to.”

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

at 901 Phillips Point West. For more information, call (561) 802-9044 or e-mail pridolfo@ fowler-white.com.

Pearls, Politics and Power — Author Madeleine Kunin, former governor of Vermont, spoke at the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches Book Festival Luncheon at Bonefish Grill on Lake Worth Road Tuesday. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER Chamber

Chamber Luncheon — (L-R) Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach

Equine Clinic, retired steeplechase jockey Tommy Skiffington, Equestrian Sport Productions

Executive Director Michael Stone, attorney Philip Ridolfo of Fowler White Burnett, Wellington

Chamber President Mike Nelson and John Wash of the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

PBSO Arrests Bank Robber At Home In Royal Palm Beach

By Jason Budjinski Town-Crier Staff Report

NOV. 18 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested Tuesday after he robbed the Regions Bank branch on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 49-year-old Howard Cohen entered the bank at approximately 1:10 p.m. He approached one of the tellers and demanded she give him $100 bills and $50 bills. The teller complied, giving Cohen all the money in her drawer, which was approximately $1,660. Cohen then took the money, placed it in his pocket and fled the bank. He was seen leaving the parking lot driving a white Chevy, and a witness followed Cohen to his home. PBSO deputies were dispatched to Cohen’s home, and a standoff occurred before Cohen ultimately surrendered. Two bank employees identified Cohen as the suspect. Deputies obtained a search warrant for Cohen’s home and vehicle. A sawed-off shotgun was found, along with the clothing Cohen wore during the robbery and $1,760. Cohen was also identified as the suspect who robbed the same bank on Oct. 16. He was arrested and charged with two counts of bank robbery.

• • • NOV. 8 — A Loxahatchee man was arrested for drunk driving on Saturday, Nov. 8 following a traffic stop on Southern Blvd. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 1:20 a.m. a deputy from the RPB substation observed a Chevy S-10 pickup truck driven by 37-yearold Timothy Dochniak traveling at a high rate of speed and swerving from side to side. The deputy made a traffic stop and conducted a DUI investigation. Dochniak was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail.

NOV. 10 — An employee of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Belvedere Road called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Monday regarding a shoplifter. According to a PBSO report, the employee observed 32-year-old Alesha Kingsmill of Royal Palm Beach enter the cosmetics department and select several items, which she placed in her purse. Kingsmill then at-

tempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. She was apprehended without incident, and the items (valued at $70.22) were returned to the store. Kingsmill was arrested and taken to the county jail.

NOV. 13 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested last Thursday night following a traffic stop in the Victoria Groves neighborhood. According to a PBSO report, 44-year-old Glenroy Craig was pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Shoma and Victoria Groves drives. After checking Craig’s license, the deputy learned it was suspended and there was an active warrant for Craig’s arrest for delinquent child support. Craig was cited for the traffic violation and suspended license, and arrested for the warrant. He was taken to the county jail. NOV. 13 — A resident of Westport Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday in reference to a home burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Wednesday and 8:30 p.m. the following evening, someone entered the back patio and stole a TV, VCR and speakers that were mounted on the wall.

NOV. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded last Thursday to a home on Staghorn Street regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left for work at approximately 8 a.m. and her son left for school at approximately 10 a.m. When the victim returned at approximately 7 p.m. she discovered a window screen had been removed and cut. The victim further discovered all her window screens lying on the ground by the west side of the house. According to the report, there was no other damage to the windows. There was no suspect information at the time of the report.

NOV. 14 — A business owner called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Friday regarding the theft of a trailer. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:30 and 6 a.m. last Thursday the victim’s trailer was stolen from his parents’ house on Halter Road. In addition to the trailer (valued at $6,719), a

See BLOTTER, page 18

Motorcyclist Injured In Royal Palm Crash

NOV. 19 — An Acreage man was listed in critical condition Wednesday evening following a traffic collision in Royal Palm Beach. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, 30-year-old James Wysocki was on his motorcycle traveling westbound in the center lane of Okeechobee Blvd., approaching Ponce de Leon Street. Meanwhile, a vehicle driven by 21year-old Jade Gonzalez of The Acreage was traveling eastbound on Okeechobee Blvd., in the left lane approaching Ponce de Leon. The traffic signal was green for each vehicle. Gonzalez turned left in front of Wysocki, whose motorcycle struck the passenger door of Gonzalez’ vehicle. According to the report, Wysocki was ejected from his bike, striking the windshield of Gonzalez’ vehicle and coming to a rest on the pavement.

Wysocki was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe head trauma. He was transported via Trauma Hawk to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, where he was last listed in critical condition. Gonzalez suffered no injuries in the collision.

Royal Palm Beach. Turney is wanted as of 11/20/08. 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.

Yvette Dickson

Djinnee Turney

Newly Elected County Officials Speak At Santamaria Forum

By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report

County Commissioner Jess Santamaria’s community forum

Wednesday offered newly elected and re-elected officials a chance to speak their minds about the prospects of their coming terms in office.

The monthly forum, held at the Original Wellington Mall, featured State Sen. Dave Aronberg, State Attorney-elect Mike McAuliffe, County Commissioner Shelley Vana and Supervisor of Elections-elect Susan Bucher.

Setting the stage for his guests, Santamaria credited Assistant County Administrator Brad Merriman for doing a great job of managing the November general election in the absence of ailing Supervisor of Elections Dr. Arthur Anderson.

“Brad did a great job,” Santamaria said. “We no longer have to worry about being the butt of jokes by the late-night talk shows. He did an outstanding job. We have four outstanding candidates who are now elected officials here before you to explain how they are going to improve on Palm Beach County in the years to come.”

Even though, he would not begin serving his constituents until January, McAuliffe said he had been getting to know the prosecutors and office staff, and getting some on-the-job training before he takes over the State Attorney’s office. McAuliffe said he would be taking over in a challenging time.

“As you know, we are in a troubling and serious budget crisis throughout the state,” McAu-

liffe said. “Public safety and law enforcement agencies are no exception to that. I take office with these challenges first and foremost. How do you take office and keep people safe in the community in this environment of budget cuts and fiscal crisis? That to me is the number one challenge that I face. I need to rally the troops and motivate them so they will be happy to go to work every day.”

To help his effort to create a leaner and more muscular state attorney’s office, McAuliffe said outgoing State Attorney Barry Krischer gave him open access to the office and his staff during the transition period.

“I am using the next six or seven weeks to methodically and effectively take a look at the operation and the priorities of the office to try to figure out what works and what doesn’t work,” he said. “What doesn’t work we will change and make better.”

McAuliffe promised that residents in the western communities and elsewhere would note the changes in coming months.

“I will regularly meet with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw,” he said. “That will translate to benefits in the community — to Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and throughout the county. Look for change. Look for it to be thoughtful and assertive. You will see a re-energized State Attorney’s Office that is more visible in the community.”

Bucher, a state representative before winning the elections post this month, also praised Merriman and the office’s staff for their hard work, and said she

would build on their efforts.

“We didn’t have a recount,” Bucher said. “We didn’t lose ballots. We got some very positive press not only here in Palm Beach County, but throughout the nation.”

Bucher said one of the goals she would like to achieve in office is better voter education to make sure voters understand what is on the ballot, especially regarding local issues.

“Many people came out to vote and they voted for the presidential election,” Bucher said. “They did not vote for the local races and the amendments. The amendments were very confusing. I am hopeful that I will be able to come out to the communities and talk about this. It appears that there is not enough information that goes out to the voters in a timely manner.”

Vana, who represented Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves as a state representative before being sworn in as a county commission Tuesday, said she has a special fondness for the people of Loxahatchee Groves, even though they reside outside her current county commission constituency, because she helped sponsor their incorporation effort as a state representative.

“We worked together on making the incorporation happen,” she said. It was an adventure for us for two years. It ended happily.”

Vana said all hands need to be on deck in the days ahead as the state and the county face serious and difficult financial times.

“We need to be working together and communicating together,” she said. “There is going to

be a greater good if we hang together. Palm Beach County is a beautiful place, but it has tremendous challenges. How many of you have thought of the rise in crime? You can’t read the paper and look at the news without thinking about it. We have to support the sheriff.”

Vana said the county commission will be making some tough choices in coming years, and she called for public comment to help her choose the right direction.

“I don’t want to make a decision alone. My staff is setting up an office. This office is a place I would like you to come and talk. We want to make sure that if you call and you have an issue, that we will get back to you in 24 hours,” Vana said. “My other goal is to get out into the community and figure out what works and doesn’t work. I will be out and about. Hands-on training is really good. The only way to find out about things is to get out there and look for yourself.”

Aronberg, who easily won reelection this month, called the state budget the number-one overarching issue in Tallahas-

Lease On January Agenda

continued from page 1 work with them in a cooperative way in order to be able to provide those kinds of programs,” he said.

see, and like previous speakers did not mince words about the bleak outlook.

“We’re facing another $4 billion in a budget hole,” he said. “There are no easy cuts anymore. I did not vote for the budget last year. I could not vote for a budget that could cut public education. We need to hold education harmless.”

Aronberg also spoke out against a recent state move to

The lease might be on the council agenda for a vote by January, Bowen said. He expects it will be approved, anticipating positive votes by himself, Benacquisto and Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore.

CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER lease “Alligator Alley” to one or another group of mostly foreign investors. “You are selling a road that was paid for us and built by us,” he said. “It will be owned by a foreign-owned company. Tolls will go up and maintenance will increase. That private company gets to collect money from the state.” After a December hiatus, Santamaria’s next community forum will take place in January.

Councilmen Matt Willhite and Bob Margolis have voiced opposition to the PBCC deal, but Margolis will not be on the council after the start of 2009. His resignation was a requirement of his unsuccessful run for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. The lease calls for the first phase of campus construction to begin within five years of its effective date, with the second phase to begin within ten years. If either of these conditions are not met, the land could revert back to the village.

State Attorney-elect Mike McAuliffe, County Commissioner Shelley Vana and Supervisor of Elections-elect Susan Bucher with host County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.

PHOTO BY

Lox Council Limits Access For Southern Commercial Project

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved the rezoning of a property on Southern Blvd. Tuesday to make way for a mixed-use commercial project, but on condition that the development not create traffic access from adjacent cross streets. The 9.13-acre property on Southern Blvd. from E Road to Loxahatchee Avenue would contain two banks and five medical office buildings.

The council reluctantly approved a first reading of the rezoning on Nov. 4 after raising concerns about several issues, including the traffic access points to the site. The main access in the development plans is from Southern Blvd., with entrances also on E Road and Loxahatchee Avenue.

At that meeting, the developer offered the council an alternative entranceway plan that would reconfigure the E Road entrance to allow right turns for traffic entering the site from the southbound lane on the street, while forcing exiting traffic to

continue southbound, away from the town.

On Tuesday, attorney Martin Perry, representing the developer, said that a subsequent suggestion from the town to reorient the project away from Southern Blvd. toward Tangerine Blvd. at the rear of the property was unacceptable to his client. “My client was unwilling to reconsider anything of that nature that is so different,” he said. “We have been attempting to limit vehicular access onto those streets.”

Planner Brad Miller, also representing the developer, said planning and approvals for the project have dragged on too long. “This has been going on in excess of four years,” he said. “We have had five different plans since the project evolved. We had a whole series of meetings with Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association, which is the plan used as part of the zoning application.”

After hearing complaints Tuesday from residents about dust and speeders, council members asked for the removal of the E Road and Loxahatchee Ave-

nue entrances, leaving only the Southern Blvd. entrance.

Miller pointed out that having access only on Southern Blvd. would force eastbound drivers exiting the project to turn right and make a U-turn back east, but Councilman Dave Autrey said that was the only way he would approve the plan.

Miller said the Florida Department of Transportation might approve a single entrance on Southern with full support of residents and the council, but the town should be prepared to put the E Road and Loxahatchee entrances back in if FDOT balks.

Miller said the county had found the plan to be compatible with the area, to which Autrey commented that he felt it was a stretch to say a commercial project is compatible with a county park to the east, a residential area to the north and vacant agricultural-residential land to the west.

Perry said the project received the approval of county planners and that they had gone through visioning sessions with residents to come up with a design

scheme compatible with a rural neighborhood. The developer plans a 50-foot buffer on all sides and has designated a 1.5acre park area on the east side of the property to assure compatibility with the county park.

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda said he did not sense a lot of “visioning” had gone into the project, but agreed that planning had consumed a lot of time. Vice Mayor Marge Herzog also sympathized with the developer. “I was in the LGLA when you presented the concepts,” she said. “You worked with us and were very willing to cooperate with us. For us to expect you to change at this late time would be inconsiderate.”

E Road resident Chris Gilman, who owns horse farms in Loxahatchee Groves and Wellington, complimented the developers on their plan, but said the traffic on dirt roads in the area is already insufferable and that he had serious reservations even about a limited access on E Road.

“I live and work on that road, and it gets more and more problematic because of the surface

of the road,” he said. “Any more traffic will force me out. It’s going to be so bad I’m going to have to leave.”

Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor Ron Jarriel suggested having the developer pave the roads surrounding the project and install traffic-calming measures. “It’s a beautiful project,” Jarriel said. “Most people will use Southern. But this is an opportunity for the developer to put something back into the community.”

Autrey made a motion to approve the site plan with ingress and egress on Southern Blvd. only. Louda seconded the motion, which passed 4-1 with Councilman Dennis Lipp opposed.

In other business, the council appointed Herzog to serve as the first council representative on a committee to resolve issues between the town and the LGWCD. The committee would include one council member and one district supervisor, as well as an administrative official from each entity.

The committee was suggested by a consultant hired by the

town to study the costs and effects of making the independent LGWCD, which has road maintenance responsibilities in Loxahatchee Groves, a dependent district of the town. The two agencies have been at odds regarding allocation of the town’s share of gas tax revenues, which must be spent on transportation projects. The LGWCD approved creation of the committee at its Nov. 10 meeting. “I think we can work together with an attitude of cooperation and get rid of the poison pen attitude,” Lipp said. Mayor Dave Browning suggested allowing the town’s council representative to serve a four-month period, and that the committee meet at least monthly. “Each group will come back to council and reflect what was talked about,” he said. Alternating council members more frequently would put too much pressure on the town clerk and the district administrator, Browning said. Louda made the motion to approve the designation of Herzog. It was seconded by Autrey and passed unanimously.

Workshops On Four OGEM Paving Projects Underway At Groves District

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Resident workshops are underway to explore the paving of North A, South B, North C and North D roads by the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.

The LGWCD supervisors set up the workshops last month after receiving survey results that indicated a majority of property owners on those roads would be willing to pay an annual assessment for ten years in return for having their roads resurfaced with open graded emulsified mix (OGEM), a pervious, asphalt-like substance.

Workshops for North A Road and South B Road took place Nov. 14. A workshop for North C Road is set for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. A workshop for North D Road is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the same day at the district on D Road.

The workshops are intended to allow the public to provide input and hear staff presenta-

tions about roadway design and cost estimates on resurfacing and maintaining a road stabilized with OGEM compared to keeping the roads unpaved. Residents also receive an overview of the referendum process required to authorize the paving and associated assessments.

Supervisor John Ryan said it would be important for the district to track the maintenance costs and savings of roads where residents approve the resurfacing work. “I think it has been in the back of my mind that the maintenance of dirt roads is very costly and inefficient,” he said. “It’s an overwhelming part of our budget.”

Ryan said he would be interested in paving more roads if the savings of a paved road are documented.

District Administrator Clete Saunier said that while residents would be paying thousands of dollars for the improvements at the outset, in time the overall cost of maintaining district roads would decline.

Ryan said the cost of maintaining dirt roads currently commands more than 60 percent of the district’s budget, and the high initial cost of paving would eventually be absorbed.

Saunier pointed out that the paving would also improve property values and quality of life for those residents who put a higher value on dust abatement than unpaved roads.

In other business, the board approved the creation of a committee to resolve issues that involve coordination between the district and the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

After a contentious summer in which the town and district were at odds on decisions concerning the disbursement of the town’s gas tax revenues, which must be spent on road projects, the town authorized a study on making the LGWCD a dependent entity. The consultant who produced the study, which recommended against curtailing the district’s independence, suggested the

two governments form a committee to resolve any future issues. The committee would be made up of a town council member, a district supervisor and one administrative official from each entity.

Saunier said the committee would meet on a regular basis to discuss road issues, including the use of gas tax revenues. He asked for board consensus to develop a policy.

Ryan suggested rotating supervisors to the committee rather than having just one permanent appointee. “Maybe one for three months, so all would be involved,” he said. “As result, the town representative and council member would make presentations, and alternatively, Clete and the board supervisor. My sense was that that was the recommendation of the consultant. I think it was supported by some council members, but accepted by others with questions as to whether it would work.”

Supervisor Don Widing said he favored the committee idea

and suggested the district wait and see what the town comes up with for organization. “I’m encouraged,” he said. “I will support this option.”

Supervisor Ron Jarriel said he liked Ryan’s idea of rotating supervisors, but not if it disrupts the resolution of an issue.

“I like rotation, but if they have subject matter, they need to finish the job,” he said. “I

don’t like the idea of moving off in the middle of a discussion.” Saunier said he would come up with a policy that incorporates the board’s recommendations. Ryan made a motion to try and fully cooperate with the town and implement the committee so issues can be discussed, which was seconded by Widing and passed unanimously.

Holiday Party For New Veterans

Vietnam veteran Mike Carroll invites new veterans and families on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. to his G&M Ranch (13522 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves), where they can relax with friends and enjoy music, good food and see their children frolic with others in an enjoyable afternoon of good clean fun. Chief John Maidstone will bring his fire engine out and the children can shoot water targets. Face painting will be available by Patrice Bowes, and music

will be provided by Lee Qualls of the American Legion. A yellow helicopter will be flown in by Debbie Sparks of Palm Beach Helicopters out of the Lantana Airport. The Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Pipe & Drum Corps and Color Guard will kick off the program, with Master of Ceremonies Dennis Koehler offering a short but poignant program. Service organizations are expected to be on hand to assist with information. For more information about the event, call (561) 586-3592.

Plenty Of Fun With Floats At Inaugural Acreage Holiday Parade

By Don Brown Town-Crier Staff Report

The Acreage Holiday Parade went off without a hitch last Saturday, and Indian Trail Improvement District officials hope the event will become an annual tradition.

The parade, which included Santa and Mrs. Claus waving at spectators from a fire truck, kicked off a fun-filled Saturday that also included the first-ever Acreage Fall Festival. Officials said there were 33 participants in the parade that rolled along a 1.8-mile route along Avocado Blvd., Tangerine Blvd., 140th Street and Orange Blvd.

Judges selected float winners in three categories. The Most Original was the Acreage Ath-

letic League Girls Flag Football float that honored the Susan G. Komen Foundation and featured footballs thrown by spectators attempting to toss them into “hoops” on the float.

The Most Comical Float was the Indian Trail Improvement District’s, which had a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme.

The Acreage Landowners’ Association won the Most Festive honors with a float featuring an elaborate turkey to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving Day. While not winning a category, a crowd-pleasing CalleryJudge Grove float featured a hayride with the Chili Chicks, the popular performance group of Acreage ladies.

PHOTOS BY DON BROWN/TOWN-CRIER

The Acreage Horseman’s Association horse and carriage — minus the surrey with a fringe on top.

The Acreage Landowners’ Association won Most Festive.

Acreage Girls Flag Football put the spotlight on the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Santa Claus rides aboard a Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue truck with Mrs. Claus and one of the elves.

Keith Henn, inside this vintage Chevy, reminds spectators to buy Relay for Life luminaries for cancer research.

Indian Trail Improvement District Engineer Lisa Tropepe of Engenuity Group with a 1948 Model A John Deere tractor.

ITID’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” float, promoting the annual Relay for Life event, won Most Comical category.

The Chili Chicks are crowd pleasers aboard this Callery-Judge Grove float.

‘NEVERENDING NECKLACE’ DEBUTS AT THE ART OF LIFE IN WELLINGTON

Kathleen Lannaman and Helga Lurtz at one of the tables. Jean Meserlian with some crafts.

Cindy Hernandez shows off a necklace to her mother Grace Hadicke and her daughter Ashley Hernandez.

Ingrid Webster presents sponsors Diane and Nelson Medina with a certificate. Guests examine beads on sale.

Nelson Medina and Troy Webster.

Gio Sousa checks out some of the panels.

Sandee Fleming, Art of Life owner Dave Friedman, and Diane and Bill Tremer.

Art of Life owner Dave Friedman next to one of the panels.

Sylvan Learning Center Offers Academic Assistance For All Ages

By Doreen Marcial Poreba Special to the Town-Crier

Despite economically challenging times, many parents continue to place a high value on their children’s education and will do what it takes to help their kids succeed. But success comes in many different forms and goes beyond just helping students to improve their grades.

Larry Sugar, who has owned and operated three Sylvan Learning centers in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth and Jupiter for the past 12 years, recalls several memorable cases.

“One young man named David wasn’t going to get promoted from second to third grade but his twin brother was,” Sugar said. “So David came to Sylvan over the summer, and we were able to help him advance to the third grade. This is memorable because of the family dynamics with twin brothers, which caused an extra amount of stress for the family.”

Sugar went on to cite more examples of life-changing experiences. Alyssa, who was failing math through the seventh grade, went to Sylvan in an extended program to catch up and concentrate on her math skills. She went from “worst to first,” reaching the top of her algebra class. She is continuing to receive help at Sylvan for geometry.

Sugar also recalls a young boy named Trevor who had

gone to school in the Caribbean. When his family moved to the U.S., he was way behind in reading. He went to Sylvan, and by the end of his tutoring sessions he was reading at grade level, Sugar said. Sauleh Ahmed of Wellington, a fifth grader at Panther Run Elementary School, faces a similar situation today. His parents, Dr. Farooq and Sarah Ahmed, noticed that their son needed writing improvement because English was a second language. They enrolled Sauleh last June. “Sauleh was always very good in school,” Dr. Farooq Ahmed said. “He had a better than average score in writing, but compared to other parts of the syllabus, writing was weaker than science, reading and math. I now see improvement in his writing skills. He is writing in more complete sentences, and his grades have improved.”

Ahmed said he definitely recommends Sylvan to other parents. “I like the structure of the program,” he said. “It’s not too stressful for the kids. The main focus is to do everything while in the Sylvan session with little homework. I also like the organized, systematic evaluation. The program is making a difference.”

Nine-year-old Elijah Wagmeister is in the third grade at Cypress Trails Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach. He

enrolled at Sylvan in April to improve his math skills. Not only has his math ability improved, he also has a newfound confidence, his mother Helen Wagmeister said. “His grade has improved along with his confidence,” she said. “I have recommended Sylvan to other parents for positive reinforcement, and as long as I see improvement, I need to invest in the additional skills offered by Sylvan.”

Elijah said going to Sylvan is easier now because math makes more sense. He also enjoys earning reward tokens.

Sylvan also caters to older students. Sugar recalls a tenth grade student named Elvia who could not pass the FCAT and was worried about not receiving a diploma upon graduation. “She was from Central America,” he said. “She spoke good English but her reading skills were at a thirdgrade level. Her mom couldn’t afford Sylvan but her employer sponsored her, and after we worked with her, she passed the FCAT.”

Sylvan has also helped many college-bound students with enrichment and the all-important college essay. “I remember helping a girl named Chloe who was having difficulty with her college application essay,” Sugar recalled. “She struggled with writing the essay so she came to us for our college prep program. After working with us for two

months on her writing skills, she submitted her application essay and ended up getting into the college of her choice.”

Sylvan routinely helps families, but Sugar said these situations stand out because they had some fairly unusual circumstances. “It feels good knowing that Sylvan often changes family dynamics for the better,” he said. “We remove the parental pressure and the prodding by taking the struggle out of homework and eliminating the arguments over grades. We foster successful students, bolstering their confidence in themselves, which goes beyond grades.”

Sylvan Learning, a leading pre-K-12 education services company, has been coaching students toward academic success for more than 25 years. Services include the Sylvan Skills Assessment, a unique diagnostic test that identifies a child’s unique needs and strengths and pinpoints the exact areas requiring strengthening or enrichment. It serves as the blueprint for the student’s personalized tutoring program. Additional offerings include tutoring in reading, math and writing, study skills for schoolwork and homework, SAT/ACT prep and more.

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

Panther Run Students Study ‘Raptor Mania’ At Okeeheelee

Fifth-grade classes from Panther Run Elementary School recently had a great learning experience at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, where they attended a class called “Raptor Mania” on Nov.

7. Students walked through the pine flatwood forest and wetland areas to observe raptor habitats. They got to see some birds of prey circling above in their natural habitats. Students also got to meet a couple of live raptor species up close while learning about their adaptations, behavior, ecological importance and natural history. However, the highlight was dissecting owl pellets and finding skeletons inside. Owl pellets are owl regurgitation. The

pellets were baked and sterilized before the students dissected them.

The pellets were mostly dried fur wrapped around little bones. Students were provided with a paper that had a key as to what bones they found in the pellets. The most common thing found was rodent skulls and miscellaneous bones.

Once students started dissecting, it wasn’t as gross as they thought it would be. Even those who were really apprehensive found it quite interesting. The Okeeheelee Nature Center is located at Okeeheelee Park on Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 233-1400. Anthony

WHS Marching Band Concert

Sunday, Dec. 7

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Elijah Wagmeister gets help with third-grade math from Sylvan Learning Center Director Sue Campbell.

Sherry Friedman helps Sauleh Ahmed with writing.

Brewster and Brant August dissect an owl pellet.

Joshua Kuehner stops to examine the owl pellet.

Osceola Creek Middle School Honors Scholar-Athletes For October

Osceola Creek Middle School recently announced recipients of the 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. This month’s honorees all carry high grade point averages as well as play varsity sports. Both of October’s honorees are eighth graders and both also sport a perfect attendance for the year.

Baseball honored Jake Rhemer. “Jake has been a fixture of the Osceola Creek baseball team for the last three years,” Coach Jay Mermelstein said. “As the starting second baseman and a

starting pitcher, he has proven to be a leader of the team. He has also excelled in the classroom, earning a 3.5 GPA in the first quarter.” Jake, who also runs track at Osceola Creek, wants to follow in the footsteps of both his grandfathers and become a firefighter. Jake wants to attend the University of Florida as a fire science major.

Heather Shapiro was honored in softball. “Heather has been contributing to the team’s success for the past three years,” Coach Deb Galavan said. “Heather is extremely versatile — not just in her ability to play many different positions, but her willingness to do so. Her athlet-

ic abilities allow her to play third base, catch, pitch or even outfield, just to name a few. She is a true team player. She does what the team ‘needs’ her to do, which is not always the same as what she ‘wants’ to do. She is always very supportive of her teammates. She plays hard and always gives 100 percent. Heather had an awesome year at the plate and behind the plate. She came through for the team many times this season. Heather is a wonderful athlete, a lovely young lady and a pleasure to have on the team. Her dedication, determination and sportsmanship make her the perfect candidate for this award. We will surely miss her on the team next

year when she moves up to high school.”

Heather, who has a 4.16 GPA, is also a member of Osceola Creek’s volleyball, basketball and track teams. She hasn’t decided on a college yet, but does want to major in marine biology, followed by a career in that field.

Supporting Osceola Creek’s Scholar-Athlete Award program are Moroso Motorsports, which donated free passes to the honorees, Subway and Burger King (located at Seminole-Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.) and Dairy Queen (Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.

Seminole Ridge Winged Regiment Earns Silver At Santaluces

Last weekend at the Santaluces Marching Chiefs Invitational, the Seminole Ridge High School band’s Winged Regiment, under the direction of Mr. Tim Skinner, brought home the silver. Plagued by technical difficulties, John I. Leonard’s Lancer Band squeaked by, winning the gold in Class 2A, and Jupiter High School took the bronze.

Seminole Ridge would like to congratulate the members of the Winged Regiment for their per-

formance: freshmen Samantha Blair, Ally Bobinchuck, Michelle Bohl, Shelby Burton, Jacob Georginow, Mackenzie Nezbed, Eric Reeder and Taylor Wesley; sophomores Emigdio Abac-Ordonez, Jackie Bryant, Sean Caputo, Katie Easterling, Briana Febles, Brandon Fuentes, Breanna Garcia, Leelah Greenspan, Nick Hofmann, Erin Holtz, Ronnie Jarriel, Samantha Jordan, Lydia Keller, Michael Lerer, Tommy Mitchell, Angellique Phillips,

Alex Rochelin, Cory Schmidt, Jared Schorr, Trevor Smith, Tori Thomas, Jason Waddington, Tiffany Welsh and Megan Wright; juniors Cierra Allen, Eddie Batchelor, Chauncer Baughman, Zach Brown, Dominique Cinilia, Crystal Corona, Alex Davis, Victoria DiRaimondo, Kareem Graham, Sean Joyce, Tyler Justin, Sara Madiedo, Mary Mathews, Gabby Palevoda, Richard Schwartz, Allison Yerkes and Cassidy Yerkes; and seniors Courtney Baker, Kristi

Butler, Paige Carmean, Brian Clark, Kellie Cochrane, Holly Coombs, Daniel Georginow, Alyssa Gilliam, Brittany Glenn, Bobby Glenn, Leland Hall, Liz Hautamaki, Jordan Hoke, Mark James, Jerry Jolly, Christina Karimi, Jack Kazee, Amelia Kepler, Chris Lauterbach, Tiffany Massey, Matt Murray, Michael Paige, Tena Perez, J’nae Poe, Gordon Polson, Tyler Schneider, Nathan Williams and Chris Villar.

• JV Football Finishes Un-

defeated — The SRHS junior varsity football team finished the season undefeated for the first time in the school’s history. They finished the season 7-0 by defeating rivals Royal Palm Beach 29-12. Congratulations to coaches Camp, DeCosta, Hosford, Vanderberg and the JV football players.

• Blood Drive Breaks Records Again — “We just keep breaking records at the Ridge!” National Honor Society sponsor Mrs. Shawna Ahmad said re-

garding the school’s latest blood drive, held Nov. 5. Results from last week are 189 registered donors and 160 collected units. The next SRHS blood drive will be held in January. • Critchlow, Quammie Finish at State — In state competition this week in Orlando, Hawk bowler Eric Critchlow finished 23rd out of 40 in the individual statewide competition bracket. Hawk diver Ptah Quammie placed 13th in the state for the class 3A diving championships.

ROYAL PALM BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SALUTE VETERANS

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School held a Veterans Day event on Tuesday, Nov. 11. More than a dozen veterans were treated to a reception and honored by the students. The students also learned what it means to be a veteran, as well as their accomplishments and sacrifices. The Seminole Ridge High School ROTC presented the colors. Music was performed by Greg Spence, and the national anthem was sung by second grader Jade Master. The veterans were proud, grateful and very thankful for this event, as were the students and staff.

Scholar-Athletes — Principal Dave Alfonso, Jake Rhemer, Heather Shapiro and Officer Sandy Molenda.

Some of the veterans during the ceremony.RPBES students learn the meaning of Veterans Day.The Seminole Ridge High School ROTC presents the colors.

Palm Beach Central Students Celebrate National French Week

The Palm Beach Central High School French National Honor Society participated in several activities over the past two weeks in honor of National French Week, which was celebrated Nov. 5-11.

The society showcased several of the themes of the week that makes France and the French culture unique. The FHS participated in the following events: “Cuisine,” a presentation on some of the food from France; “Science, Technology and Careers,” a presentation on Louis Pasteur; “Arts and Crafts,” a display of some French artwork, “Sports, Games, Traditions,” a showcase of French soccer; and “Music and Dance,” which includes

contemporary French music and dance. In addition to National French Week, the society has finished its annual election of officers. The officers for the 2008-09 term are as follows: President Ron DeLuca, Vice President Karen Pinzon, Secretary Cristina Gonzalez and Treasurer Francisco Rivera.

• Band News — Congratulations to Jennifer Cephus, who was selected on Monday, Nov. 10 to the Music Educators National Conference/U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Cephus was chosen through audition from thousands of applicants for the 97-member band. She is one of only three musicians from Florida chosen. She

will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas to perform with the band at the nationally televised U.S. Army All-American football game on Jan. 3. Cephus is currently the band’s drum major.

• Graduation Information — A PBCHS senior meeting was held on Friday, Nov. 7 during second period. Students received important information regarding senior dates and brochures to order their cap and gown. Graduation will be held on May 22 at 8 a.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Mandatory rehearsal for seniors will be on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m., also at the convention center. If you have any questions re-

garding graduation, call Graduation Coordinator Anita Foster at (561) 304-1057.

• Academy News — On Thursday, Nov. 13, PBCHS hosted its annual Academy Open House for parents and eighth-grade students who are interested in applying to one of the school’s three academies: Culinary Arts, Information Technology and Engineering. The deadline to apply to one of these programs is Dec. 19. Application and teacher recommendation forms can be found on the school district’s web site at www.palmbeach. k12.fl.us. For more information regarding academy programs, call Foster at (561) 304-1057.

New Horizons Learn To ‘Just Say Yes’ To Literacy

Students at New Horizons Elementary School in Wellington recently celebrated Literacy Day. Students and teachers dressed as their favorite book characters and participated in special activities in their classrooms. Guest readers shared their favorite stories with each grade level. The day concluded with an evening of Literacy events that students enjoyed with their families. The event was tied into Red Ribbon Week, which teaches students to “just say no” to drugs and “yes” to healthy liv-

ing. On Literacy Day they learned to “just say yes” to books! The school would like to thank guest readers Kathy Foster of K. Foster Designs, Roxanne Stein of WPTV NewsChannel 5, Julie Pickens of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Elizabeth Mariaca of BB&T, Mike Nelson of Effective Solutions, Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen, Mark Bellissimo of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and Robert Green of Chili’s restaurant in Wellington.

Binks Forest Elementary School students recently visited the Starbucks café in Wellington Plaza, where they enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies while third-grade teacher Lisa Gifford read stories about the Thanksgiving holiday. The event was held to promote literacy in the school and within the community. Pictured above and below, Gifford reads to the students.

Parlez-Vous Français — Palm Beach Central students get into the French spirit during National French Week.

New Horizons Principal Betsy Cardozo dressed as Snow White, Assistant Principal Mickey Cardozo as the queen and the office staff as the seven dwarfs.

Jacqueline Barrett’s class dressed as the dogs from the movie 101 Dalmatians

Guest reader Kathy Foster with the kindergarten teachers.

Kelly Todd, Kyle Grandusky Tie The Knot

Kelly Elizabeth Todd and Kyle Dunn Grandusky were married on Saturday, Aug. 2. The wedding ceremony was performed at the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach by the Rev. Dr. Robert S. Norris. A reception at the Town of Palm Beach Shores Community Center followed.

The bride’s sister, Stacey Todd, served as the maid of honor, with Sarah Grandusky and Katie Brady serving as bridesmaids. The groom’s brother, Mark Grandusky, served as the best man, with Scott Mullins and Clark Wright serving as groomsmen. Natalie Nicholson served as flower girl.

The bride is the daughter of Ken and Ellie Todd of West Palm Beach. She is a 1998 graduate of John I. Leonard

High School and graduated cum laude in 2005 from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in dance education. Kelly Todd is the owner and artistic director of Movement Arts Dance Academy in Royal Palm Beach.

The groom is the son of Mark and Jane Grandusky of West Palm Beach. He is a 1998 graduate of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and is employed as a professional engineer at the Engenuity Group in West Palm Beach. The couple spent their honeymoon on a western Caribbean cruise and now reside in West Palm Beach.

GOLDEN CORRAL HONORS VETS WITH FREE MEAL

COOK

Wellington High School student Kerry Cook has done community service projects in the past, but recently he went above and beyond, donating his hair to Locks of Love. Because Kerry is a drummer, long hair was his look. But he gladly parted with it to support a good

Penry, Clutter Wed

Kelly Elizabeth Todd and Kyle Dunn Grandusky

Scott Clutter, Kendra Penry, Allen Clutter and Kathy Clutter.

Roberta and Dick Franklin, Marty Goffe, and Arnold and Ruth Burkwitt.

Jerry and Tom Hardy with Betty and Walt Peace.

Mike Carroll, Curt Rich and Ray Branch with a restored Huey helicopter.

John Howell, Patricia Cocilovo, Frank Plescia and Bob Wigersma of Disabled American Veterans accept donations for the VA Hospital in Riviera Beach.

Parssi Artwork On Display At Wellington Whole Foods Market

Shoppers at the newly opened Whole Foods Market in Wellington will be treated to beautiful artwork in the store’s café, thanks to an outreach effort on the part of the store’s management team.

“We recognize our responsibility to be active participants in our local communities,” Whole Foods Market Community Relations Specialist Lauren Belinsky said. “It’s part of our core values, and creates a win-win for Whole Foods Market and the neighborhoods we serve.”

The store will feature the work of area artists in the café on a rotating basis, with each artist’s work on display for three months.

“It really adds to the beauty of the stores and provides good exposure for the artists,” Belinsky said.

Wellington artist Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi’s work was installed just in time for the store’s pre-opening tours on Monday, Nov. 3. “It looks great in the café,” Belinsky said. “We really appreciate Jeannette’s talent and community spirit.”

As part of its outreach efforts, Whole Foods Market will host a “meet the artist” reception for each installation. “The reception will include a wine tasting and a sampling of some of our great food, with proceeds benefiting the charity of the artist’s choosing,” Belinsky said.

The first such reception will take place Friday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and will benefit ArtStart, a non-profit founded by Parssi in 2004 to provide educational opportunities in the arts. The reception will be open to the public with a $10 suggested donation for ArtStart.

“I can’t thank Whole Foods enough for their generosity,” Parssi said. “They really are a wonderful organization to work with, and I am honored to have my work on display at their Wellington store.”

Parssi’s work is available for purchase, and she will donate a portion of the proceeds from any sale to ArtStart.

ArtStart works with at-risk

students in summer and afterschool programs, partnering with such organizations as the Mental Health Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts and LAIRO, the Latin American Immigrant Resource Organization. ArtStart also provides scholarships annually to students who wish to pursue an arts education.

For more information, visit www.artstartinc.org.

Local Residents Recognized In Bank Awards

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently announced two Palm Beach County area non-profits, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers and Housing Partnership, as recipients of the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) Neighborhood Builder awards. Five community leaders and five local high school students were also recognized for making a difference in the Palm Beach County community. Neighborhood Builder winners receive $200,000 in unrestricted grants. Bank of America has committed more than $1.8 million in NEI awards in Palm Beach County in the past four years.

“Bank of America has long held the belief that a healthy community is a healthy place to

do business, and we are committed to creating real impact in the Palm Beach County community,” Bank of America Palm Beach County Market President Fabiola Brumley said. “The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative underscores our belief that investing in leadership is a sound practice, whether building the capacity of our nonprofit organizations, developing current and emerging community leaders, or preparing our youth for the future.”

Categories include: Neighborhood Builders, local nonprofit organizations working to promote vibrant communities; Local Heroes, community leaders who contribute significantly to the health of our neighborhoods; and Student Leaders, exemplary high school junior and

seniors with a passion for improving our communities.

Palm Beach County’s 2008 NEI award recipients are as follows:

• Local Heroes — Each directs a $5,000 donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to an eligible nonprofit of their choice. Richard Abedon of Wellington will donate to the Urban League of Palm Beach County.

• Student Leaders — Each participated in an eight-week paid internship with a local nonprofit organization and in a weeklong leadership summit in Washington, D.C., designed to increase their understanding of how nonprofits, businesses and government partner to create positive change and to encourage them as future leaders. Program participants include Michelle Almeida of Wellington, who attends Palm Beach Central High School; Jasmine Morton of Wellington, who attended Inlet Grove High School; and Jelina Ramirez of Royal

Palm Beach, who attended the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Bank of America is one of the few corporations in the U.S. that provides unrestricted grant funding to nonprofit organizations. This practice is based on Bank of America’s belief that corporate philanthropy works best when it sustains community efforts that are based on partnership, leadership development and flexible funding. Including this year’s awardees, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative has recognized, nurtured and rewarded more than 400 organizations and over 2,000 individuals.

In 2008, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will commit $20 million globally to the initiative, which operates in 45 of the bank’s major markets, bringing the total commitment under the program to more than $90 million by the end of this year. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, visit www. bankofamerica.com/foundation.

Carbocci Completes Basic Training

Airman Tatiana Carbocci has graduated from U.S. Air Force basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, Carbocci studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values and military customs and courtesies; performed drill

WELLINGTON GIRL RECEIVES SCHOOL COURAGE AWARD

and ceremony marches and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field-training exercises and special training in human relations.

Carbocci is the daughter of Nildy and Corey Carbocci of Royal Palm Beach. She is a 2007 graduate of Wellington High School.

Last spring, second grader Aihber Waseem Khan of Wellington was the winner of the Young Writers & Illustrators Contest for 2008. Once again she is making news in her new school, the Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, where she is in the gifted program. Khan recently won the Good Citizen Award for courage. Her teachers Stacey Carroll and Kate Buettin presented Khan with the award for showing her courage in a new school by her performances, confidence, sociability and by participation in the Computer Club, Poetry Club and also in the school’s variety show in drama and the father-daughter dance show.

(Right) Jeannette Pomeroy

Parssi’s Red Hibiscus is one of six paintings on display and available for purchase at the new Whole Foods Market in Wellington.

Doug Paton of Florence Fuller Child Development Centers with Bank of America Market President Fabiola Brumley.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, representatives of LifeCare Solutions along with family and friends took part in a national commemorative candle lighting ceremony for Alzheimer’s awareness and remembrance. LifeCare Solutions nursing director Kristine Coates began the ceremony by telling the story of Frieda Levine, a woman who in her later years of life suffered from Alzheimer’s so much so that she forgot her own daughter. The ceremony included a reading of names, a candle lighting, a poem reading and a closing prayer. (Above) Alzheimer’s Foundation volunteer Thomas Coates III, Kristine Coates and home health nurse Erica Reynolds. (Below) Daisy Coates and Kassidy Stubblefield of LifeCare Solutions conduct the candlelighting ceremony.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Letters

continued from page 4 time for him to walk the walk. I hope he’ll do everything in his power to put our economy back on track and keep America not only a beacon on the hill, but the greatest empire the world has ever seen!

Mario Casuga

Royal Palm Beach

Dissolution

A Huge Step Backward

Editor’s note: The following is a response to the letter from Eric Marple published in the Nov. 7 issue of the Town-Crier The idea that residents of the Town of Loxahatchee Groves would be better served if we again became a subservient unincorporated responsibility of Palm Beach County is anchored in the false adage “ignorance is bliss.” The remembrance of our blissful ignorance in years gone by is what a small contingent of malcontents wishes to use to unravel the progress in protecting both our lifestyles and pocketbooks. Spewing calculated untruths and twisted logic while motivated by ties to the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, the pro-development contingent again moves forward with selfserving goals. At the head of the latest misinformation campaign is a resident who cares nothing about what our community stands for, had his road paved for free and is promised that all future repairs and re-paving will be a burden of the entire community.

His “simple” assertion that the taxpayer will pay less out of pocket if there is no town versus having a town is a simpleminded analogy that entirely misses the mark. Fortunately, most residents realize that expecting government to be all good things to all good people within 24 months of operation is a childish whim. If there was a meaningful resident response to the “Marple Dissolution Survey” we would have heard about it in his letter to the editor.

The town’s 1.5 millage tax rate is a small price to pay for the many savings it brings to the table. We incorporated to save our lifestyle, not be dictated to by Palm Beach County and not be annexed by Royal Palm Beach. The four-lane north/ south highway that Palm Beach County wanted to bisect our town and force the condemnation of many properties between E and F roads is now off the books — a goal we were never able to accomplish prior to becoming a town. The threat of annexation by Royal Palm Beach, that fought our incorporation tooth and nail, is also gone along with the high taxes and commercial development that

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office 2008 Annual Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony included an introduction by Capt. Edward Jablonski, the presentation of colors by the PBSO Honor Guard, the singing of the national anthem by Sharon Leonard, the invocation by volunteer chaplain Dan West and remarks by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. (Above) Royal Palm Beach village officials honor Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year James Fortwangler. (Below) Col. Mike Gauger and with retired PBSO Lt. John Rondone, now with the School Police.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

would have come with it. That is, of course, only if Marple’s and the water district’s anti-town initiatives continue to fail. Lawyers, lobbyists and comprehensive planning are necessary components in the initial construction of a town so it can give the residents what they want and need — expenses that will be lowered drastically once we pass through the formative stages. In the meantime, the town has already chipped away $52 from what the county would have charged per resident for trash pickup. They also arranged the acquisition of almost $400,000 in county taxes for road improvements, which short-circuited the LGWCD’s desire to increase the assessment on ten-acre parcels by $138 per year. That puts a $190 dent in the $450 lifestyle-protecting tax increase that Marple cries about. The results of the consolidation study, now being applauded by those who wish to move against the town, are clear. The part they ignore calls for the town to meet its fiduciary responsibility by taking a superior position concerning road improvements. That is something the independent water control district refuses to allow and is the heart of our problems.

Marple and his water control district cohorts also accuse three council members, who have a clear understanding of how the English language is written, of “doublespeak.” Basic high school English punctuation shows this is untrue.

Yes, there is a phrase in the town charter that states, “Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, an independent special district created pursuant to the laws of the state, is authorized to continue in existence.” However, the wording in the middle of the sentence that’s set apart by the commas is a descriptive phrase of what existed at that time the charter was written. It is not the subject of the sentence. Although this phrase does authorize the continued existence of the water control district, it by no means guarantees they will always remain independent. If a government entity were to state that “Eric’s house, a pink house on F Road, is authorized to continue in existence,” I’m sure this would not be interpreted as prohibiting him from choosing or being forced to paint the house a different color. We all applaud the backbone, intelligent foresight and integrity that Dave Autrey, Marge Herzog and Dr. Bill Louda have displayed in standing up to special interests and the water control district’s antics. They have taken difficult action for the long-term benefit of the town and its residents.

Howard Voren Loxahatchee Groves

Incorporation Does Not Mean High Taxes

In response to the letter from Mr. Eric Marple in the TownCrier on Nov. 7 (“Town Should Be Dissolved”), I offer the following: I invite the readers, especially the citizens of Loxahatchee Groves, to visit the town’s web site (www.loxa hatcheegroves.org), click on “Meetings,” go to Oct. 7, 2008, and open the PDF file of the minutes. On pages seven through nine of those minutes is my letter to Mr. Marple in its entirety. Read the letter. Nowhere do I state that the community’s taxes would not be lower if we were not a town. What I do state is that as a town, we have direct influx of other monies that would not come into Loxahatchee Groves were we still in the county.

Of course our 1.5-mil town tax adds to the total. However, the main point of incorporation, as given in that letter as well, is self-direction and protection from encroachment. The gas-tax monies that came from the county a few years ago to pave Mr. Marple’s road (F) would certainly not be available from the county in the present and future economic environments. Those monies, on an annual recurring basis in perpetuity, will come to the town by law. As soon as the expenses of the comprehensive plan and the studies associated with it are no longer needed, I anticipate a rollback in the small ad valorem taxes (1.5 to 1.0 or 0.75 mil?) the town now assesses. Comparing taxes — I pay annually $689 to the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District and only $167.57 to the town. Hmm?

Of course it costs a bit more overall to be a town, but the future is in Loxahatchee Groves’ hands, and not a commissioner block from the coast or south county. We have only ever had two allies [at a time] on the county commission, Karen Marcus and Tony Masilotti (presently in jail) and our present commissioner and strong advocate Jess Sanatamaria. Two out of seven is not a majority in the fight to keep the Groves as near to “as is” as possible.

Councilman Dr. Bill Louda Loxahatchee Groves

Garbage Pact

Smells Bad

As of Oct. 1 of this year, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves entered into a new contract with a local garbage company. This is a first for this fledgling town, and as they spread their wings and attempt to fly, they are finding it’s not as easy as it looks. The contract and the garbage company are the same as that of

our neighbors in The Acreage, Fox Trail and Deer Run with one notable exception — their household garbage and yard and tree trimmings (trash) as well as their old fenceposts and plywood (in the business known as construction and demolition or C&D) are removed from their properties to the landfill. In Loxahatchee Groves, this is not the case. The trash piles are growing as the trash trucks seem to miss some piles while removing others.

On Nov. 10, I asked the town via a public records request for the amount of complaints and the resolutions to these complaints since Oct. 1 of this year. Since town staff had stated that the complaints were minimal and sanitation service was acceptable, this should have been an easy request to complete. As of Nov. 19, I am still waiting for the information. Since the beginning of the sanitation contract, my cell phone has been very active with residents of the town asking for my help in resolving their garbage, trash and C&D problems. I have reluctantly told them to call the town offices to file a complaint knowing that the town’s protocol is pick up the phone and ask the sanitation company to please pick up the trash.

There is no investigation into why this taxpayer was missed or if the problem was resolved. The town, unlike all of the other cities and the county, does not employ a customer-service representative to address these issues; instead the sanitation company has the responsibility of customer service. This is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse, and the outcome usually does not benefit the chicken. At the request of town management, I have met with the sanitation contractor with little success. The task for the sanitation company is simple, remove the trash and garbage as quickly as possible and return to the company yard, thus more money in the pocket of the company.

Town council members Bill Louda and Marge Herzog have stated proudly at town council meetings that they have saved the taxpaying residents money from last year’s bill, but is this truly saving money at the expense of health and safety? Should the sanitation company control the town or should the town administer the contract ensuring that the contract is followed with customer service oversight in the field? The solution: the town needs to hire a customer-service representative to represent the best interests of the town and, more importantly, the taxpaying residents of Loxahatchee Groves.

Frank Schiola Loxahatchee Groves

MID-COUNTY DEMS CELEBRATE ELECTION

RPB Temple To Host Interfaith Service Nov. 23

Temple Beth Zion in Royal Palm Beach will host the 2008 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.

This non-denominational service will be co-officiated by Pastor Marjorie Weiss of St. Michael Lutheran Church, Pastor Calvin Lyerla of Acts 2 Worship Center, Rabbi Stephen Pinsky of Temple Beth Torah, Rev. Gary Cecil of Palms West Presbyterian, Pastor Michael Rose of Royal Palm Covenant Church and Rabbi Bertram Kieffer of Temple Beth Zion. The community is invited to join in the service. Temple Beth Zion is located at 129 Sparrow Drive, just north of Veterans Park. For more information, call (561) 798-8888. There is no charge to attend this service, but the community is encouraged to bring non-perishable food to be donated to the food bank.

‘Big O Hike’

Starts Nov. 22

On Saturday, Nov. 22, hikers

Blotter

continued from page 6 pump (valued at $1,399) and a cart (valued at $3,199) were also stolen. NOV. 15 — A Wellington man was arrested last Saturday for shoplifting at the Sunglass Hut store in the Mall at Wellington Green. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 7:40 p.m. 20-year-old Mohamed Abed was apprehended after he was caught concealing a pair of Mosley Tribes Enforcer sunglasses in a bag and exiting the store without paying for them. The glasses were valued at ap-

from the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will gather at the Pahokee Marina to kick off the 17th Annual Big O Hike. Since 1992, the 109-mile Florida Trail circuit walk known as the Big O Hike has pumped tourism dollars into small towns around the lake while encouraging hiking for fitness, drawing visitors from as far away as Ontario and California. For nine days the participants walk from 9.3 to 14.7 miles, starting at sunrise and ending at their leisure, usually before noon. Although flat and open, the trail offers outstanding scenic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The hike passes through five counties around Lake Okeechobee, where hikers experience the quiet side of South Florida. As one of the Florida Trail gateway communities, Pahokee is an ideal kickoff point for the Big O Hike. Anyone interested in hiking should meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Pahokee Marina, or at any point along the hike for an interesting and educational walk. For more information, including details of stops along the way, visit www.lox.florida trail.org/bigo.

proximately $235. Abed was arrested and taken to the county jail. NOV. 16 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a dock on Lake Wellington last Sunday regarding a stolen kayak. According to a PBSO report, the victim was walking his dogs at approximately 8 a.m. when he discovered his 12-foot teal kayak was missing from his back yard, which faces Lake Wellington. The victim did not give anyone permission to use or remove it. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

The Mid-County Democratic Club met on Monday, Nov. 17 at Tree’s Wings in Royal Palm Beach. Shown here, club president Allen Mergaman and treasurer Matt Kurit celebrate the outcome of the 2008 election with a cake.

PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

Crossing Guard Maureen Fine is recognized.

The Rondones with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

The PBSO Honor Guard enters.

ACREAGE FALL FESTIVAL BRINGS PLENTY OF FUN TO COMMUNITY PARK

The Acreage Fall Festival was held Saturday, Nov. 15 at Acreage Community Park. The event featured two stages for both local entertainment and national acts. Other attractions included a classic car show, a custom bike display and a baby back rib cookoff. For more info., visit www. acreagefallfest.com.

Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor-elect Carlos Enriquez, Supervisor Sandra Love-Semande, President Mike Erickson, Carol Jacobs and Supervisor Michelle Damone judge the rib contest.

Katy Roberts sings the national anthem.

Singer Cecelia Lauren with her mother Donna Alfonso.

Event organizer Robert Trepp welcomes the crowd with Miss South Florida Sweetheart 2009 Chelsea Cai Chilcutt, Junior Miss South Florida Sweetheart 2009 Samantha Williams, Mrs. Florida U.S. Beauties 2008-09 Kelly Fason and Sofia Rossi of Tromsi Inc.

The Chili Chicks present a plaque to the Backyard Baby Back Rib Cookoff winners Sal Calabrese (first place), David Entinger (second place) and Ginnie Sayre (third place).

Laura Bryna sings “Hometown Heroes” to the junior ROTC from Seminole Ridge High School.

Members of the Junior ROTC from Seminole Ridge High School.

The Phantoms Review

‘Noises Off’ At Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Noises Off kicks off the Maltz season with a laugh a minute through Nov. 23!

What a fun way to start the 2008-09 season at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Besides the joy of the play, Noises Off provides the audience a true look at what goes on backstage during a highly dysfunctional theater production, which is Murphy’s Law at its best.

Noises Off presents the story of a hapless English acting troupe touring with a production of a farce called Nothing On There are lots of doors slamming, sexual dalliances, confusion and constant missing plates of sardines. The story concerns a fifth-rate acting troupe whose

personal problems interfere with their meager acting abilities… all adding up to an evening of nonstop enjoyment. In summary, the first act of Noises Off presents the dress rehearsal of the troupe’s production, and none of the cast members know their lines or entrance cues. The second act is months later where love triangles have everybody trying to kill one another backstage, and third act is set is when the show is falling apart and is about to close. Although Noises Off is about a cast of misfits, this cast is excellent! Besides giving credit to the cast, the backstage crew also become participants of this talented production with their set

changes, providing more audience entertainment. This by far has to be one of the most physically exhausting shows ever conceived. In fact, on opening day one of the cast members was injured during the matinee and the opening evening performance was cancelled.

If you like slapstick comedy, laugh when actors forget their lines, miss cues or fall down, enjoy clothing falling off, props getting misplaced and stuck, and relish the thought of everything that can go wrong onstage and off, then you will love Noises Off at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre… even if you don’t like sardines! Other shows for the Maltz 2008-09 season are: Sleuth Dec.

2-14, Barnum Jan. 6-25, Beehive Feb. 3-22, and Evita closing out the season March 17April 5. We plan to attend every show as well as other productions at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. We hope to see you at this wonderful venue. Maltz Jupiter Theatre is located at 1001 Indiantown Road in Jupiter. For more info., visit www.jupitertheatre.org. For tickets call (561) 743-2666, and please tell them that Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, highly recommended you call!

Joe & Kathryn, the Phantoms, are featured writers for the Town-Crier newspaper. Comments are welcome via e-mail at thephantomdiners@aol.com.

OUR LADY QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES FALL FESTIVAL

MONSTER TRUCK FUN AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

The Extreme Monster Truck Nationals were held Nov. 14-16 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event featured three types of competition: wheelies, side-by-side and freestyle. In addition, the “Tuff Truck Contest” allowed local racers a chance to run over a dirt course and compete for cash. Monster truck drivers were on hand to sign autographs and chat with fans.

Big Foot, driven by Lightning Larry Swim of DeSoto, Mo.

Equalizer driver Mike Hawkins signs autographs for Daniel, Nicholas, Sean and Michael Heise.

Dad Richard Parish (with baby Ryan), Amber, Thomas and mom Ella Griffiths.

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles’ 18th Annual Fall Festival was held Nov. 13-16 at the church grounds (100 Crestwood Blvd., Royal Palm Beach). The event featured games, rides, karaoke, raffle drawings and live entertainment.

Aaryn Taylor goes fishing.Sheila Samaritano and Angelo Guida cook up a storm.

Luke Carey takes a spin on one of the carnival rides.

Adriana Portela earns her wings.

How A Sledgehammer Fits In With My Plans For The Holidays

To make a little extra money for the holidays, I asked my builder husband Mark if he could use my help on any of his job sites. He said sure, and immediately sent me down for a random drug test. (Evidently he loves me, but not enough to risk losing his insurance.)

The next day, I was officially on staff with a plaque on my desk that read “unskilled laborer.” Just kidding. I didn’t get a desk. Here’s what I got: a shovel. “I need these trenches dug out, those trenches filled in and that pile of dirt moved from here to there,” Mark said.

By 5 p.m., I was an expert with the shovel.

The next day, I was wielding a razor knife to cut the carpeting out of three bedrooms. Here’s what I learned: making fewer cuts is faster, but then it’s a struggle to get the pieces down the stairs.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

Also, the nails on tack strips are really, really sharp.

The following day, I actually got to tear the walls out of a person’s home. This is the kind of fun I’d only seen on television shows like Flip This House. In case there’s a wall in your house that’s been annoying you, here’s how to do it:

1. Call a general contractor, hah hah. No, real-

ly. If the wall you’re annoyed with turns out to be holding up the second floor or sporting the electrical panel or hiding numerous tubes filled with water, electricity, phone lines or the cable for your TV, you’re probably going to want an expert to move those things first. You might also want him to get you a permit.

2. Grab a sledgehammer. Actually, you need more than a sledgehammer. First, you need a pry bar to get the baseboard off. If you do this neatly, it can be re-used. The nails should be pulled out of it and the caulking trimmed off before storing it in a safe place. (I suggest the same room or you’re going to have one heck of a jigsaw puzzle on your hands when you’re putting these rooms back together.) Second, you need to remove all the outlet covers. (Those get stored in the right-

hand kitchen drawer across from the sink.)

3. Use your razor knife to score along the edges of the wall. This will just make things easier later.

4. Choose a spot and bash away. Once you’ve got a couple nice holes in the wall, you can tear off the plasterboard with your bare hands (although gloves are better), use your screw gun to remove the screws and vacuum up all the dust with your shop vac. Then comes the hard part: carry all those pieces of wall out to the dumpster and toss them in. At the end of the day, I suggest a hot bath with a relaxing glass of wine and some of those scented candles perfuming up the place. Because tomorrow you get to chip out a window where the French door is going to go.

Latest James Bond Film Has Maximum Action But Little Else

The new James Bond movie Quantum of Solace just arrived, and it marks an even further departure from the typical Bond flick than Casino Royale. There is little wit or charm; simply one action scene after another. While almost all of the sequences are well done, Daniel Craig is a very humorless Bond.

The new villain, Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), seems a rather minor villain. Where have the all Goldfingers gone? Greene heads up an environmental group out to save the planet from devastation by evil big business. I was shocked, of course. Who ever heard of environmentalist villains? After a few minutes, however, I was able to relax as it was revealed that the environmentalist was working with the CIA, which, as we all know from recent films, is the only acceptable villain for moviemakers. Ironically, Bond creator Ian Fleming worked closely with the OSS and was a friend of the CIA, but times have really changed.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Craig, depressed from the loss of the woman he loved in the previous film, has little time for romance. Bond does one bedroom scene, a rather joyless one, with a character named Strawberry Fields (Gemma Arterton), as a salute to the tradition of whimsically named females. She dies rather quickly in a salute of sorts to Goldfinger.

The major femme fatale of the film Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko) is a young woman who wants revenge on a Bolivian general who murdered her father, raped and killed her mother and

older sister, and left her to die.

The one important female character in the film, Secret Service chief M (Judi Dench), is the only person to whom Bond can relate. So, of course, she doubts him and to a degree even betrays him. Their relationship, brilliantly played, particularly by Dench, is one of the few bits of real humanity in the film.

Former Bond actor Roger Moore has complained that while his 007 was a lover, Craig’s is a killer — and he is quite right. The hero’s kill count has generally been quite low in a lot of Bond movies unless he obviously has no choice. But Craig’s Bond simply shoots any possible bad guy that gets in his way. Like most of the genre, the plot has major inconsistencies. Short bits of dialogue lead immediately into the next chase and action sequence. The opening, a harrowing car chase in Italy, ends as Bond dumps the villain of the last picture out of the trunk of the car. Two minutes later, M’s

bodyguard shoots the man after he tells our heroes that his people are everywhere and Bond chases him over the roofs of Siena in an extended chase not quite as good as the one I saw in Blood Diamond. Some of the action sequences like the ones I just mentioned were riveting; others rehashed those in other movies. There is a lovely bit of business at an Austrian opera house that seems to be beautiful but rather pointless. The final sequence in a desolate hotel in the Bolivian desert was a disappointment. Bond quickly finished off any villain who could really fight and the ones left were rather pathetic.

But it was an entertaining movie, and at a time when there haven’t been too many good ones, it will do as entertainment. But please, it would be so much nicer if the producers would work on making the next film a bit more fun. Perhaps Bond could meet a nice girl who does not remind him of his mother.

Soon I May Be Forced To Turn To Rabbits For Companionship

Previously, you learned about the visit to my doctor’s office on my birthday. It was during this visit my doctor told me my blood pressure was high and I would have to start taking medication. I objected to having to take pills. I am not a pillpopper, and I hate putting any type of pill in my mouth. Yes, even pills that might save my life. I also noted that my doctor gave me a month to get my blood pressure down on my own or the pill popping would begin.

I am happy to report that yesterday I went back to have my blood pressure checked. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was hoping for the best. I knew I had lost at least 15 pounds. I was only eating healthy food, and I was walking at least a couple of miles every day.

I also got rid of what I thought was the major cause of my high blood pressure. Yes, I got rid of my wife Sharon. (OK, that part is just me trying to be funny. When I asked my wife to leave, she refused. So after 36 years, we are still happily married.) My diet for the last five weeks was really bor-

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

ing. The only thing I would eat was salad, turkey and/or chicken every night. I would have fresh fruit for dessert. My drinks of choice were grape juice and water. I have not had a sip of soda in more than a month. My lunch consisted of a cup of low-fat yogurt. For breakfast on weekdays I only had a cup of strong black coffee and a mint. On most weekends I allowed myself a couple of eggs, two pieces of whole-wheat toast and a cup of grits or oatmeal. I find it amazing that I now find myself wanting foods I really use to hate. I love my salad. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about the kind of dress-

ing I use. I put only balsamic vinegar from Italy on my salad.

When the nurse came into the room to check my blood pressure, I really didn’t know what to expect. I started to get a little nervous, so I figured my blood pressure would be high, very high. But when all was said and done, the numbers the nurse gave me were very good. I lowered my top number by over 20 and the bottom number was lowered by 15. At this point I was very happy, no pills for me.

About five minutes later my doctor came into the room. She wanted to take my blood pressure again. When I asked her why, she said she just wanted to make sure the numbers were right. I was not a happy camper. I have learned over the years that the numbers change every time my blood pressure is taken.

While she was taking my blood pressure my doctor engaged me in conversation. I felt for sure my numbers would be higher than when the nurse took my blood pressure. When my doctor was done, I was pleasantly surprised. She got the same

exact reading as the nurse got five minutes earlier. My doctor then asked me when I would be coming back to her office. I told her my next appointment was in April. She told me I was wrong. She told me to come back in January to have my blood pressure taken again. I was almost speechless. This meant I would have to stay on my rabbit diet and continue my walking program until at least then. In my mind, this diet was done until about a month before my next appointment in April. With the holidays just around the corner, I thought I would be able to come off my diet for a couple of months. But as usual, I was wrong. My doctor, to her credit, found away to keep me on it. The salad is here to stay for a while. I am going to look into getting a rabbit for a pet — this way I will be able to have dinner with a companion that enjoys eating the same things as me. We both love our greens. And at the end of our meals, I can almost hear my ears ringing when my newfound friend asks me, “what’s up, Doc?” I can hardly wait.

TOWN-CRIER SPORTS & RECREATION

Hawks End Their Season With 24-14 Victory Over Park Vista

By Paul Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School football team saved its best for last. Unfortunately for the Hawks faithful, that’s as good as the storyline will get for 2008. That’s because despite achieving its best-ever record on the field, “the Ridge” is on the outside looking in for the post-season, despite having defeated playoff-bound Park Vista 24-14 on Friday, Nov. 14.

The Hawks (7-3) used two fourthquarter touchdowns to take down the Cobras under a moonlit, cloudless night where even the folks at NASA gave the home crowd something to cheer about, with the launching of the Endeavour — the final nighttime shuttle launch. However, after the final gun had sounded, it was a somber Coach Matt Dickmann who addressed his charges.

“This was the first freshman class we had here,” Dickmann said, referring to his seniors. “They bought into the program and what we were doing. I’m just sorry that they didn’t make it into the playoffs.”

The Hawks finished third in District 7-6A, with only the top two teams advancing to the post-season. “The thing about these guys is, they handled adversity all year, and they persevered at the end of the year,” Dickmann said. “They gutted it out, because deep down we felt we were a great team, and they knew when we came out at halftime

that, if they quit making mistakes, they would be fine.”

Seminole Ridge took its second lead of the game with 8:42 left in the final quarter on a one-yard run by Jeff Moise. Exactly three minutes later, the Hawks put the proverbial icing on the metaphorical cake when Matt Collado crossed into the promised land from two yards out to give the home team the final 24-14 margin of victory.

Collado’s score came two plays after a sensational punt return by Jordan Schumacher. The senior took in a Kyle Stuber punt at his own 44 yard line, then juked three defenders during a 52-yard return to the Park Vista four yard line. The Cobras (8-2) were penalized for a late hit out of bounds on Schumacher, giving Seminole Ridge the ball only two yards from the end zone. The punt return was actually a “bookend” for Schumacher, who had returned a Park Vista kickoff 52 yards earlier in the contest.

Park Vista took control early, putting together a four-play, 50-yard scoring drive on its first possession to take a 7-0 first-quarter lead. Trence Mason’s one-yard score was set up by a failed fourth-and-one attempt by the Hawks, when Schumacher was stuffed at the midfield line of scrimmage.

Seminole Ridge’s Matt Johnson nailed a 24-yard field goal with 38 seconds left in the first quarter to make the score 7-3. The Hawks took

their first lead of the game with 3:24 remaining in the first half, when Schumacher scored on a one-yard run. The touchdown drive was set up by Seminole Ridge recovering the first of three fumbles Park Vista would cough up during the game.

The second Cobras turnover happened with 1:34 left in the half, but Seminole Ridge was unable to put points on the board. First, a 13-yard Tyler Wilhelm sweep to the end zone was called back by a holding penalty; moments later, Johnson’s 45-yard half-ending field goal attempt was unsuccessful.

Park Vista regained the lead on its opening drive of the second half, putting together an 87-yard drive that was capped by Mason’s second score of the game, a 25-yard run. The drive was a complete ground attack, and included a fake punt attempt at midfield.

The turnover disparity was a unique situation for Seminole Ridge, which more often than not seemed to end up on the wrong end of the ratio during the year.

“We can play with anybody, we just make a lot of mistakes sometimes and like to keep it close,” Dickmann said. “Our problem this season is that we haven’t won the turnover battle, and it would end up costing us the close games. We were only 15 points from being undefeated this year. It’s nice tonight to be on the other side.”

For Billy Velix, Training Horses And Saving Horses Are One In The Same

Phyllis Droussard of Loxahatchee fell in love. Yes, the mare was “pathetic, viciously unrideable, really a mess, with long feet and in rough shape.” But also, somehow, loveable. Droussard adopted Dakota, a four-year-old white Paint with blue eyes that been through some hard times. The mare had been rescued as a young PMU foal, had a lot of rough handling, and, after being accidentally turned out with a young stallion, had given birth at three years. The first thing Droussard did when she got Dakota home was call Billy Velix.

“He came right over and just stood at the stall gate and looked at her,” Droussard said. “He told me she wasn’t really mean, she was just in a lot of pain. Her hips weren’t right, her spine was out of alignment, and her right shoulder was off. He told me he wouldn’t be able to work with her until he got all the physical problems fixed.” Velix had Dakota acupunctured twice, had her feet trimmed and fitted with special shoes, then took her for training to his farm, the V3

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

Ranch in Loxahatchee. Three months later, Dakota was calm, rideable, muscled up and pain-free.

“I had a brand-new horse,” Droussard recalled. “Dakota’s come a long way. She’s taught me a lot about horses, and it was all thanks to Billy. He’s a great trainer. He has a soft hand and great patience.”

A native of West Palm Beach, Velix has always been attracted to horses. He rode the rodeo circuit for 15 years before getting into training problem horses. “Every horse I train is a life saved,” Velix

said. “I can take the most rank, wild horse and make him understand that people won’t hurt him. I show him how to use his brain and make a good decision. It takes a little time, but you get a horse with a lot of character.”

Velix uses a lot of natural horsemanship techniques and communicates through body language. He’s briefly worked with Chris Cox and Clinton Anderson, and uses some of their methods. He said that every horse is different and has different problems.

His toughest horse came from a PMU farm, a four-year-old Paint-Percheron cross slated to go to auction that had hurt a couple of trainers who’d tried to work with him. Velix roped it out of the pasture, but even his wife, Liza, thought this one might be too much. The horse had every dangerous behavior: it would kick, strike out with its front hooves, bite, pin you in the stall and try to kill you. When Velix brought it home, the horse flipped backward out of the trailer and split its head open.

“He was wild,” Velix recalled. “But I could

read in his eye that there was something there. It took a few days to get this horse to give me his eye, but then I had him.”

Within a month and a half, Velix was able to ride the horse out on trails. The owner cried when she brought it home.

Loxahatchee resident Carrie Bruffey has known Velix for about 13 years. They became friendly while going to the Davie rodeo together — she to watch, he to ride bulls.

“Billy broke a colt for me,” Carrie said. “He did an awesome job. He’s very mild-mannered and soft-spoken. Horses really relate to him. I trust everything he’s done. He’s terrific.”

“Horses speak to me. I’ve been passed a gift. My mom always said I could talk to them,” Velix said. “Trainers send me horses they can’t work with, everything from top show horses in all disciplines of riding to backyard pets. I’ve worked with a couple of hundred, and haven’t yet met one I couldn’t reach. Saving horses is what I’m about.” For more info., call Velix at (561) 723-4425.

PHOTOS BY PAUL GABA/TOWN-CRIER

SRHS kicker Matt Johnson connects on a 24-yard field goal.

The Hawk cheerleading squad raises the enthusiasm level.

Seminole Ridge band members put on a show for the audience.

Jeacky Charles pulls in a Tyler Wilhelm pass.

Hawk seniors Leo Pena, Kyle Irish, Matt Collado and Tyler Wilhelm.

Jordan Schumacher scores the first SRHS touchdown.

SRHS Head Coach Matt Dickmann watches the action.

A view of the game from the sidelines.

Seminole Ridge’s Jeff Moise looks for daylight.

Park Vista defenders try to bring down Jeff Moise.

Seminole Ridge players make their way onto the field.

Unique Rivalry Takes To The Basketball Court For WCS-TKA Game

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

Varsity boys basketball teams from Wellington Christian School and the King’s Academy each kick off their season on Monday, Nov. 24 by competing against each other for the first time in their programs’ histories. Although the teams are in different districts and classes, the schedule allows them to play several games with chosen teams. This choice match-up came about in the spirit of friendly rivalry. Not only will longtime friends coach Flip Peavler from the King’s Academy, coach Chuck Jackson from Wellington Christian and assistant coach Fred Brown from Wellington Christian face off on the court, but the athletic directors from both schools — broth-

ers Adam (TKA) and Matt (WCS) Winters — go toe to toe as well. “It’ll be interesting and very competitive,” Peavler said. Peavler and Jackson built a friendship that started when Jackson’s son David played basketball for Peavler at Wellington High School, where Jackson was an involved member of the booster club. They talk several times a week. “Chuck’s a great guy, but don’t write that,” Peavler laughed. Indeed, there’s a level of fun between the two that involves talk of fictional jail time and shenanigans, but the mutual admiration is clear.

As for Brown, Peavler tried to recruit him out of high school to play for Palm Beach Community College when Peavler was assistant coach there. Instead,

Brown starred as a guard for Iowa State University and was named a JuCo (junior college) All-American. Born and raised in Riviera Beach, Brown returned to the area in 1998. He crossed paths again with Peavler and met Jackson in the small coaching community.

The three coaches are relatively new to their programs. Peavler is in his third year with the King’s Academy; Jackson and Brown each are in their second season with Wellington Christian. However, Matt Winters is in his tenth year at Wellington Christian. He welcomed brother Adam to the area this past July.

The brothers hail from a family of four boys in the Philadelphia suburbs. They view their upcoming competitions as a continuation of the backyard whiffle ball games they used to play. “Our relationship isn’t adversarial,” said Matt Winters, adding that the two lean on each other for ideas, wisdom and advice.

“Competing is a way for our two schools to grow closer together and challenge each other,” Adam Winters said.

At first appearance, the challenge leans in favor of the WCS Eagles. Six of the 12 players on the team are seniors, giving the Eagles the advantage of maturity and leadership. Experience and versatility comes with three transfers to the school, two former WHS players and a 6’6” newcomer from Virginia. “Our team is very quick,” Jackson

said. “They know the game well as a group, and with the advent of some transfers, we bring in a new skill set, particularly at the forward position.”

Matt Winters said that the team’s strength is the team itself. “There’s not really one standout, stellar player,” he said. “We have a deep bench where we could pull off anybody up to a certain number, and we’d be fine.”

Last year, the Eagles’ first year of district competition, the team finished fourth with a final record of 18-9. Seven players returned this season. “I would be disappointed if we weren’t in our district championship game,” Winters said.

For the TKA Lions, the small team of nine means plenty of floor time for each player.

“I think these guys will be fun to watch. They’re quick and disciplined,” said Peavler, whose son Austin is the team’s biggest player at 6’4” and 250 pounds.

Peavler aims to continue the team’s uphill journey, coming off his first season record of four wins, 22 losses and last year’s 12 wins, 12 losses.

Adam Winters expects the same progress. “[The team] is disciplined. They’ll protect the ball,” he said, noting that Peavler’s 15 years experience coaching at the varsity level bodes well with building a strong TKA basketball program.

The King’s Academy Lions play at Wellington Christian School in their season opener on Monday, Nov. 24 at 6 p.m.

Falcons Defeat Steelers In WCFL Super Bowl

The Pro Division Falcons capped off an undefeated season last Saturday by winning the Western Communities Football League Super Bowl against the Pro Steelers 30-0. The game was highlighted by Deontre Burney’s electrifying 70-yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Falcons took a 24-0 lead into halftime, but their offense was dealt a blow when Burney suffered a broken collar bone near the end of the second quarter. The Falcons didn’t miss a beat, thanks to running backs Chris Nieves, Max Dunn and quarterback Brett Dorminey. The Falcon defense, which was

led by Alex “Sunshine” Molina, Cris Askervold, Howard Hill and K.C. McDermott, recorded their eighth shutout of the season, and stopped the Steelers on a fourth and goal inside the five yard line.

After their goal line stand, the Falcons went on a 94-yard touchdown drive to win the game. Austin Petty, Tevin Wilson, Joakim Keskinen, Adam Blum, Chase Castano, Ryan Turner, Jamie Saah, Joshua Santiago and Matt Suhyda also had an outstanding game. After the award ceremony, the Falcon players went to the hospital to award Burney his trophy.

WHS Wrestling Teams Defeat Royal Palm

The Wellington High School Wolverine wrestlers got off to a great start last Wednesday night with wins by both the junior varsity and varsity teams over Royal Palm Beach High School.

The WHS junior varsity team defeated RPBHS 52-30 and were led with wins by Ryan Nilsson, Jeff Mazza, Jared Goldstein and sophomore Josh Gamble, who pinned his opponent in 48 seconds. The WHS varsity team defeated RPBHS 50-29 and were led by Mikolaj Wilga, Kevin Pascal, Brian Nelson, Jake Ferrara, Matt Schiliro, Benson Daniels, Zach Coulter, Zach Pincus, Reise Lawson and freshman Kevin Pascal, who pinned his opponent in 41 seconds.

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

Sibling Rivalry — Brothers Adam and Matt Winters, athletic directors at the King’s Academy and Wellington Christian School respectively. PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER/TOWN-CRIER

The Wellington Christian School boys varsity basketball team (front row, L-R): assistant coach Fred Brown, Joe Dubois, Robert Giarla, Jensen Peters, Emmanuel Mourra, Daniel Paez and coach Chuck Jackson; (back row) Jon Reed, Graham Russ, Andres Hortet, David Manoharan, Camillo Hortet and Gabriel Lopez. Not pictured: David Witwer.

The King’s Academy boys varsity basketball team (front row, L-R): Coach Flip Peavler, Ricky Roy, A.J. Titus and Retlaw Dunn; (back row) Andrew Albert, Caleb Evans, Jonathan Dolphus and Andrew Milian. Not pictured: Jason Kolar, Austin Peavler and assistant coach Scott Sentgeorge.

Members of the Pro Division Falcons.

Wellington Basketball Teams Aim To Play Up Their Strengths

Hard work and devotion is what this year’s boys varsity basketball team at Wellington High School is all about. Hard work on the court and devotion to the weight room off the court has brought a presence of hope to the hardwood this season.

Yet another WHS team with a first-year head coach, the boys will look to get through the season with a unique urgency for success. Having the trait of determination is great, but not even a team full of hard-nosed players can be triumphant in everything they set their mind to.

Another positive feature the boys bring to the court is their communication skills.

Two months of conditioning before the Wolverine basketball team’s tryouts even began has helped to already bond teammates together.

To boost team play, Head Coach Matt Colin invented a practice achievement called “earning a Wolverine.” Every time a player dives for a loose ball, causes a charge in a scrimmage, or makes an above-average play, he “earns a Wolverine.” A “Wolverine” can help a player avoid running sprints at the end of practice.

“He has been working us very hard and been working on our defense,” sophomore guard Scott Witkowski said. With guard Brandon Ganesh and forward Ricky Odige trans-

Wolverine Watch

By Josh Hyber

ferred to American Heritage, along with several players not returning to the team for a variety of reasons, Colin has been presented with big holes to fill in the starting lineup.

Quickness and athleticism are the team’s best qualities, but height may cause a problem.

“Although we aren’t very tall, we’ve been working hard in practice to be faster and more conditioned than other teams,” Witkowski continued. “We’ve also been working on boxing out and keeping the other teams big men off the boards.”

Two of the Wolverines’ taller players, Davis Martin and Alex Alba, are fighting it out for the ever-so-important center position. Also on the front line is senior Rachiem Smalls. Smalls, the Wolverines’ team leader, is probably its most polished player, able to play either of the forward positions. Junior Ricardo Gutierrez rounds out the front line.

If he’s back from injury in time, senior Mike Randell will start at the shooting guard position. If not, the team will rely

on junior Javel Williams to play alongside Witkowski in the back court. The undersized team with an oversized heart will open their season on Monday, Nov. 24 at Palm Beach Lakes and will travel to Spanish River on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

If chemistry is the main question, then it’s so far so good for the WHS girls varsity basketball team. The Wolverines edged out the Seminole Ridge Hawks 60-55 on Nov. 17 in Loxahatchee, in a game that had a closer final score than it should have.

For the first half of the game, the Wolverines played terrific team basketball, passing well and taking quality shots. “We made good decisions with the ball,” Coach Victor Navarro said.

At the end of the second quarter, the scoreboard read: Wolverines 35, Hawks 24. “We had tremendous teamwork,” sophomore guard Mercedes Queen said.

In the third quarter, however, bad decision making, especially in the team’s passing, led to the Hawks making an unexpected comeback. In addition, a few easy jump-shots and some “easy lay-ups” didn’t fall for Wellington during the period.

Seminole Ridge’s shots, on the other hand, did fall. Scoring 23 points to the Wolverines’ nine, the Hawks rallied back to

take a 45-44 lead. “We were erratic,” Navarro said of his players’ third quarter struggle. Despite the scoreboard, the players stayed strong. Navarro rallied the troops while freshman Katelyn Rawls provided a clutch rebounding performance down the stretch. Sixteen points in an intense final period was more than enough as the Wolverines grinded out the victory. Youth and first-game jitters never showed as four players finished in double figures. The team’s leading scorer in the game was junior Katey Applegate with 12, followed by 11 point games from junior Stephanie Weiss and freshman Gabby Sehres.

Junior Samantha Margiotta had a solid ten-point game, while Katelyn Rawls made a lasting impression on the boards, scoring seven points and racking up 12 rebounds.

“I was quite happy with the way the team didn’t lose focus,” Navarro said. “It was a good victory over a much improved Seminole Ridge team.”

The Wolverine girls narrowly lost to Lake Worth 56-50 on Tuesday, Nov. 18. They hosted Palm Beach Gardens on Thursday, Nov. 20, but results were not available at presstime. The team is back in action on Monday, Nov. 24 hosting Jupiter. They return from the holiday break to host Royal Palm Beach on Dec. 1.

is looking for student columnists to cover sports news at Palm Beach Central, Royal Palm Beach and

schools. Interested? Call (561) 793-7606 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com to arrange an interview.

CATS Gymasts Bring Home The Medals At Harvest Challenge

CATS Gymnastics of Wellington’s competitive team levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 recently participated in the annual Harvest Challenge at YMCA Sports World in Stuart.

For the Level 2 team, Faith Campagnuola brought home a second-place medal on floor with a 9.5, Sidney Glaubrecht placed third on floor with a 9.25, Jordyn Maybrown scored a 9.15 on vault, Chelsea Keough earned a 9.0 on vault, and Carlene Powers scored 8.9 on vault. All brought home allaround medals.

For the Level 3 team, Isabella Pidalla won first place on floor with a 9.5, Renae Rovn-

yak placed third on bars with a 9.3, Angelina Frankle won fifth on vault with a 9.05, and Alexia Moraes, Amber Brit, Mia Frozini and Gabby Tencher brought home all-around medals and helped win the team a fourth place team trophy.

For the Level 4 AAU team, Michela Arbocca medaled second on floor, third on beam, fourth on vault and an impressive third all-around. Rayven Glaubrecht won third on beam, Caitlin Flaherty won fourth on beam, and Angela Chandler won seventh on vault with an incredible 9.2. These teammates together brought home

the second-place team trophy.

For the Level 4 USAG team, Nicole Rosenthal brought home an amazing secondplace medal on floor, second place on bars and a fourth place on vault. Lea Schwartz won fifth place on beam with a 9.125. Taylor Michie scored a 9.25 on vault, Alina Perez scored a 9.325 on floor, and Sara Tencher scored a 9.2 on floor. Together, these girls brought home a fifth-place team trophy.

For the Level 5 team, Alissa Sanchez and Jessica Bayani brought home all-round medals. The girls are coached by

Margirita Martinez and Felipe Restrepo. For more information about CATS Gymnastics, call (561) 795-3393 or visit www.catsgymnastics.com.

Medal Winners — (Front row, L-R) Nicole Rosenthal, Angelina Frankle, Alexia Moraes, Amber Brit, Michela Arbocco and Gabriella Tencher; (second row) Isabella Padilla, Mia Frozini, Renae Rovnyak and Rayven Glaubrecht; (third row) Caitlin Flaherty, Chelsea Keough, Faith Campagnuolo, Sidney Glaubrecht. Jordyn Maybrown and Sarah Tencher; (back) Coach Margirita Martinez.

The Town-Crier

Seminole Ridge high

The Wellington High School boys varsity basketball team.

The Wellington High School girls varsity basketball team. PHOTOS BY PAUL GABA/TOWN-CRIER

RPB, AAL Softball Leagues Hold Closing-Day Championship Games

The Royal Palm Beach Youth Softball Association and the Acreage Athletic League Softball Association celebrated their closing day on Nov. 8 at Vivian Ferrin Memorial Field in Royal Palm Beach. The last championship games were played, the leagues had a combined picnic, and the winners received congratulations and trophies.

In the senior division, the RPB Black Ice defeated the RPB Heat 6-3 to take first place. The Acreage Slammers defeat-

ed RPB’s Infernos to take the 12-and-under division title. Royal Palm’s Lightning took first place in the 10-U division by defeating the Royal Palm’s Hurricanes 10 to 8. Finally, the Acreage Storm (ranked fourth in regular-season play) defeated RPB’s Lightning to finish as the 8-U Division champions. Royal Palm Beach will start signups for the spring season in January. For more information, visit www.eteamz.com/rpbysa.

Wellington Roller Hockey Player Of The Week: Zach Hanchuk

The Wellington Roller Hockey League’s Player of the Week is six-year-old Zach Hanchuk, a member of the Training Division Lightning.

Zach’s favorite professional hockey team is the Anaheim Ducks, and his favorite player is Wayne Gretzky. Other favorites include video games (SpongeBob, Cars, Club Penguin) and food (ice cream sundae).

Although he is one of the youngest players on his team, Zack is well respected and well liked by his teammates. He is a hardworking competitor who excels on defense. He has the ability to predict the opposition’s next move and prevent scoring opportunities. Zack is multi-tal-

Zach Hanchuk

ented, making for an excellent goalie as well. He is a natural when it comes to covering his angles in the crease and leaving little room for the opposing team to score goals.

HALLOWEEN AT THE TENNIS CENTER

The Wellington Tennis Center held a Halloween festival Thursday, Oct. 30 for junior players. The event had prize courts, hit-the-target courts, serve court and game court. Many of the players attend the Village of Wellington’s after-school

PHOTO COURTESY TSS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Acreage Slammers, 12-U division champs.

The Royal Palm Beach Lightning, 10-U division champs.

The 8-U teams congratulate each other at the end of the championship game.

The Acreage Storm, 8-U division champs.Senior division champs Royal Palm Beach Black Ice.

COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR

Saturday, Nov. 22

• The Wellington Art Society’s fourth annual outdoor fine arts and crafts exhibition and sale Fall Fling 2008 will take place

Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and 23 on the east field of the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The show will feature paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewelry and other fine crafts, as well as food vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For more information, call Susan Rose at (561) 795-1691, e-mail sar512@bell south.net or visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

• The Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach) will offer woodcarving for all levels in workshops held Nov. 22 and 23, and Dec. 13 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day for both sessions. The workshop will include demonstrations and personal instruction in tool technique, form and the qualities of wood. The instructor will be Jesse Walp. Tuition is $85 plus a $10 lab fee. To register, call (561) 8321776, ext. 33.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present SalsaFest on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Greenacres Community Park (2095 Jog Road, Greenacres) featuring nationally recognized performers, dance, food, a children’s play area, competitions and a business expo. Tickets cost $10 for adults; children under seven are admitted free. For more info., call (561) 7906200 or visit www.palmswest. com.

• The School Time at the Duncan/Saturday Family Fun Series will present Leo Lionni’s Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch performed by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia at the Palm Beach Community College Duncan Theatre (4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth) on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. All seats are $7. To order tickets or for more info., call (561) 868-3309.

• Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do (12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) is raising money to benefit My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust. The fundraiser will continue until Saturday, Nov. 22. On that day there will be a kickathon starting at 11:30 a.m. Group fitness classes are requiring either a food or monetary donation to take classes that day. County Commissioner Jess Santamaria, who founded the charitable trust, will be on hand. For more info., call (561) 795-2823.

• Free Menstrual Migraine Screenings with a physician will be provided as the LPGA ADT Championship continues Nov. 22 and 23 at Trump International Golf Club (3505 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). LPGA Tour Professional Diana D’Alessio will appear at the PARtnering Against Menstrual Migraine exhibit booth to share her personal experience and encourage women to learn more about potential treatment options. Visit www. partneringagainstmenstrual migraine.com or www.parmm. com for info.

Sunday, Nov. 23

• The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will teach a one-day boating safety program on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Palm Beach Shores Town Hall, 247 Edwards Lane, off of Lake Drive. The course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to get a Florida boater ID card. To register, send a check for $36 to U.S.C.G. Auxiliary FL51, c/o Chris Abernethy, 3860 Wendy Ann Circle, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. For more info., call (561) 684-6914.

• Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) invites the public to a special celebration of Thanksgiving at the church’s annual Bountiful Harvest on Sunday, Nov. 23. There will be a worship service at 10 a.m., followed by a picnic fellowship lunch. Bring your family, a friend, and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on; chairs will be provided for anyone needing assistance. Food and drink will be provided by the congregation. However, if you would like to bring a dish to share, you are welcome to do so. For more info., call (561) 753-6485.

• The West Palm Beach Main Post Office passport acceptance site (3200 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach) will hold a Passport Fair on Sunday, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. to accommodate customers who have been unable apply for a passport during normal passport hours of operation. Appointments are not required.

The cost is $100 for applicants ages 16 and up, and $85 for applicants under 16. For more info., call (877) 487-2778 or visit www.travel.state.gov.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

• A Senior Singles Group for ages 59 and up will meet at the Wellington branch of the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches (13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-15) on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $3. A facilitator will lead exciting discussions and leave time for mingling with friends. Enjoy the living room at the Wellington branch and have fun in a relaxed setting. For more information, call Elizabeth at (561) 253-6030.

• Palm Beach Community College (4200 Congress Avenue, Lake Worth) will present the Tuesday Nite Big Band on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. in the Duncan Theatre. The Tuesday Nite Big Band, under the direction of David Gibble, will present an evening that highlights PBCC’s high-energy, 17piece big band. Tickets are $6 for PBCC students and staff, and $10 general admission. For more info., call (561) 8683309.

Saturday, Nov. 29

• The inaugural Palm Beach Steeplechase planned for Thanksgiving weekend will offer a mix of exciting horse racing over fences, gourmet food, wine tasting, boutique shopping and tailgating along the rail of the newly created course at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is $20 in advance purchased online; $25 on the day of the event. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more info., visit www.palmbeachsteeple chase.com.

Monday, Dec. 1

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Baby Story Time on Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Your baby will love the rhymes, finger plays, songs, books and toys. Times are 9:30 a.m. for babies under nine months and 11:15 a.m. for 10 to 18 months. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host an English Exchange on Monday, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 1 p.m. for adults. Practice English conversation skills with Paula Alexander. Basic English speaking skills are required. Call (561) 649-5495 to preregister.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the Palm Beach Pops performing “On Broadway!” in the Dreyfoos concert hall on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 1-2 at 8 p.m. for both performances. Call (561) 832SHOW or visit www.kravis.org for tickets.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Candle-Making Class for ages nine and up on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 4:15 p.m. Make different styles of candles for the holidays. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 • The Rolex/USEF National Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motor Coach is the featured event of Holiday & Horses at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (14440 Pierson Road, Wellington) Dec. 3-7. For more info., call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestriansport.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Flick Lit: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ” on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 4:15 p.m. for ages eight and up. Copies will be available at the children’s desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Discover the World Book Discussion Series on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Sign up and check out the book by calling (561) 790-6070.

• On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present Dave Koz and friends in A Smooth Jazz Christmas The show starts at 8 p.m. Call (561) 832-SHOW or visit www. kravis.org for tickets.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 7936090. E-mail: news@gotown crier.com.

At Country Auto Parts, Customer Service Is The Number-One Goal

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Country Auto Parts co-managers Dan Eggen and Kevin Hamel in Loxahatchee Groves each draw on more than 25 years experience in the parts business to provide the parts, accessories, tools and other supplies customers need to keep their vehicles running.

Country Auto Parts itself has been in the same location, in the Palms West Plaza on Southern Blvd. near Loxahatchee Bait & Tackle, for more than 20 years.

“A lot of people don’t know we’re here, but we’ve been here for 20 years,” Eggen said. “I’ve been at this location for 11 years, and Kevin’s been here 10.” Hamel is from upstate New York and now lives in Palm Springs. “Dan’s a native, and I moved here in 1991 and went to work for his brother, and we’ve been pretty much been affiliated ever since,” he said.

“Danny and his brother have had four auto parts stores, Joe’s Auto Parts.” Eggen comes from a family of auto parts and service people.

“Joe’s my brother, so that’s where I started out selling auto parts, in 1980 in Lake Worth,” he said. “I went to Lake Worth High School. I’ve lived in Lake Worth all my life. My brother Mark has Supercool, an air-conditioning supplier for auto parts stores, NAPAs and everywhere.” Country Auto Parts is one of a chain of stores owned by the Original Equipment Company, an ACDelco (GM) auto and truck parts distributor based in Belle Glade. The company, which has stores there and also in Clewiston, Pahokee and Okeechobee, also stocks or has access to parts for almost any make or model, said Eggen, who added that his store is served by a daily shuttle from the company’s Belle Glade warehouse location.

“We have a lot of commercial accounts,” Eggen said. “Service is our number-one thing, and we can get parts the same day, usually; if not, the next day.” Hamel and Eggen said they have developed many contacts in their years in the business and are not bound to one source in their search for the right part. Besides a complete line of

parts, the Original Equipment Company has a machine shop, a starter and alternator rebuilding shop, and hydraulic hose assembly equipment in Belle Glade.

The chain also takes pride in fast delivery, Hamel said. “We deliver to businesses from Boynton to Riviera,” Eggen said.

The store stocks a full line of ACDelco batteries. “We sell a lot of batteries,” Eggen said. “We sell the large tractor batteries, lawn mower batteries, as well as Mercedes and whatever else, because Wellington is right here. From Mercedes to tractors, we’ve got them in batteries.”

The company stocks an extensive line of new and remanufactured engine parts, as well as exhaust pipes, hoses and belts.

“We also sell clutches for all vehicles,” Eggen said. “We get them brand-new from Mack trucks to Porsches. Any kind of clutches we handle, usually on the next day.”

Eggen can also supply whatever oil, tune-up kit or parts to facilitate do-it-yourselfer’s project. “If they want to do it themselves, we can accommodate anybody,” he said. “Everything: spark plugs, brakes are huge for do-it-yourselfers, calipers, all that stuff. We sell the Lucas products for the big truck guys. We have that in the store. Any kind of tools you want, we usually can acquire in a day. We have a lot of them in stock. What we don’t have in stock, we usually have in our warehouse. We get back a lot of stuff on the exact same day.”

Hamel said Country Auto Parts will be glad to make the calls to dealers and have requested parts delivered to their store for pickup. “Many people don’t like to deal with dealerships, so as a convenience, we do it for them,” he said. “We have a good working relationship with Delray Lincoln-Mercury, where they deliver to us at least two or three times a day. Whatever peo-

ple want, we can handle them. We deal with Roger Dean Chevrolet and Arrigo Dodge. If you need it and want it, we’ll get it. If you want body parts, we can get them also. If you need something, we should be able to find it.”

The store also stocks parts for heavy equipment such as dump trucks and tractors, including tractor seats, air suspension bags, dump truck brake shoes and spring hardware kits.

“For all the Ford diesels, we carry the Motorcraft filters, which is original equipment,” Hamel said.

Country Auto Parts also has oils, tractor fluids and hydraulic oil available in bulk five-gallon containers, as well as large fuel tanks for trucks and residences. “We have the gas tanks, the pumps that go on them and the filtration setup for them,” Eggen said.

Eggen and Hamel both have sons in the military.

Eggen’s son, 19-year-old Justin Eggen is a private first class in the United States Marine Corps and expects to be deployed to Afghanistan in February. He has been in the Marines for six months. His other son, 20-year-old Preston, works next door to Country Auto Parts at Loxahatchee Bait & Tackle.

Eggen’s daughter Chelsea, 15, attends Forest Hill High School.

Hamel’s son, 21-year-old Kevin Jr., is a petty officer third class in the Navy starting his third year and stationed in Norfolk, Va. He will be stationed on the USS Alaska ballistic missile submarine in January. He also has a 12-year-old daughter Tori, who is a seventh grader at St. Luke’s Catholic School in Palm Springs.

Country Auto Parts is located at 14573 Southern Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (561) 790-0864. The Original Equipment Company web site is www.oeprts.com.

‘Service is our number-one thing, and we can get parts the same day, usually; if not, the next day.’

— Dan Eggen of Country Auto Parts

Auto Parts Professionals— (Above, L-R) Country Auto Parts co-managers Dan Eggen and

Kevin Hamel. (Below) Hamel and Eggen with driver Gary Treanor, who makes daily deliveries from the store’s Belle Glade warehouse. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER

Phelps Media Group — Phelps Media Group International is one of the foremost public relations firms in the world. Founded by Olympian Mason Phelps Jr., PMG is headquartered at 12230 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Lake Wellington Professional Centre. For more info., call (561) 753-3389 or visit www.phelpsmediagroup.com. Pictured above is Phelps with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

or visit www.pbcfi.com. Pictured above is Paglia with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Ink & Toner USA — Ink & Toner USA was established in 2004 by longtime Wellington residents Jane and Bob Bloom as the first discount ink and toner store in Palm Beach County. Call 561-296-4INK (4465) or e-mail to info@inkandtonerusa.com for free delivery, or visit their new location at 1375 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. Shown above are the Blooms with Wellington Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.

Wycliffe Celebrates Clubhouse Expansion

The Wycliffe Golf & Country Club recently completed phase I of its greatly anticipated $23 million capital improvement project focusing on its prominent clubhouse. The expanded clubhouse was overflowing with excited members on Saturday, Nov. 8 for the first time in eight weeks to celebrate the new facility. Phase I of the master plan specifically addressed the spatial and aesthetic inadequacies of the old clubhouse. The 25,000square-foot building expansion includes a state-of-the-art grille room, sports and fitness complex, spa, tennis stadium and pro shop facilities with dark wooden furnishings and stunning finishes that will enhance member standard of living and secure property values for years to come. Specifically, the modern grille room incorporates a display kitchen and bar area designed to serve 180 members and guests. An additional 150 seats are provided under the covered balcony overlooking the sparkling pool and water fountain amid the spacious greens. In addition to the added dining resource, the sports and fitness complex features a junior Olympic pool and separate spa with vast aerobics, Pilates and physical therapy facilities.

The new tennis pro shop and covered stadium viewing area,

seating 132 overlooking the exhibition court, will further maximize the member experience.

“The members love the new facility, unique food choices and casual dining atmosphere,” Wycliffe Golf & Country Club Manager Tom Deni said. “It has and will add another dimension to Wycliffe’s dining experience.”

The same sentiments were echoed by Wycliffe Fitness and Spa Director Lynn Mandigo.

“The appreciation of the new and improved facility spreads across staff, members and contractual employees,” she said. “The difference is amazing. We have specific rooms for Pilates, aerobics and physical therapy. And that is not even starting on the spa… it is beautiful, relaxing and exactly what we needed to enhance the fitness facility. Since the doors opened, the staff have been nonstop… the members can’t get enough, which is a great sign.”

Ultimately, the clubhouse improvement venture will transform the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club into an enduring and predictable investment as one of South Florida’s most desirable and fashionable golf and country club facilities.

For more information, call (561) 964-9200 or visit www. wycliffecountryclub.com.

Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille — Located at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 170, in the Pointe at Wellington Green, Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille boasts an offering of the freshest seafood available,

The new junior Olympic pool. PHOTO COURTESY CHERYL LODER

WINESTYLES EVENT BENEFITS DIABETES RESEARCH

WineStyles

Musician Gerry Helta performed for the crowd. All tickets and raffle fees were donated to the JDRF, and WineStyles donated ten percent of its sales for the evening.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Chef Chris Paul, Lora Hazelwood and Anne Noble of the JDRF, WineStyles owners Tanya and Gary Meade, Don Kelly, and Kerry Blaney of the JDRF. Jackie and John Moore.

Gerry Helta plays guitar for the crowd.

Chef Chris Paul offers Tina Bunchuk a sample while Tony Quairoli looks on.

Opici Wines representative Krista Francis pours a glass of Killer Bee wine for Jessa Kovtun.

Miriam and Steven Silvermintz with Roberta O’Reilly and Jill Putzer.

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