Town-Crier Newspaper October 16, 2009

GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE

Darell Bowen Announces Mayoral Re-Election Bid

By Lauren Miro Town-Crier Staff Report

With the end of his first term on the Wellington Village Council approaching, Mayor Darell Bowen announced Tuesday that he intends to seek re-election in March 2010.

in a messy chickenwing-eating contest at the Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant to benefit 13year-old Courtney Wolfe of The Acreage, who is battling leukemia. Page 7

“It’s a little early, but I wanted to get a jump on things,” Bowen told the Town-Crier Tuesday, adding that he hopes to have the opportunity to continue serving village residents.

Although he has only served for one term, Bowen said he has risen to the challenge of being mayor during a major economic downturn. He said his greatest challenge over the past two years has been balancing the village’s budget and decreasing spending without sacrificing crucial services.

“The budget was cut from $119 million down to $85 million over four years,” Bowen said. “I consider that quite an accomplishment.”

money in the future. One such project is a planned new municipal complex, which Bowen said would save approximately $500,000 a year in operating costs.

The new municipal complex is part of an economic development initiative that Bowen hopes will help bring businesses and employers to Wellington. “We have to move toward being self-sustainable,” he said.

Part of this plan is to bring additional higher education opportunities to Wellington, Bowen said.

Although a high-profile attempt to bring a Palm Beach Community College campus to Wellington was not successful, Bowen said many people have come to him asking what they can do to help bring higher education to the village, showing a clear interest from the community. “We have to put the dialogue on the table with community colleges and universities,” he said.

have to address the seniors.

Their population is growing.” Bowen said that once the municipal complex has been built, one option would be to turn the Wellington Community Center into a facility for seniors. “It’s something we’re considering,” he said.

Village Officials Concerned Over RPBHS Statistics

By Ron Bukley

Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach High School attendance boundaries, which have expanded in recent years into economically challenged communities, could be a large part of the school’s D grade in the last round of state evaluations, according to a report by an ad hoc committee led by Royal Palm Beach Councilman David Swift.

Swift made a presentation on the results of the committee’s study at Thursday evening’s Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting. He pointed out that since 2005, after Seminole Ridge High School opened, the RPBHS boundary has extended eastward between Okeechobee and Southern boulevards east of Florida’s Turnpike. Bus

routes were also added in areas far outside the boundary lines, including parts of Riviera Beach, South Bay and Belle Glade.

“I don’t understand,” Swift said. “We have bus routes that go way into West Palm Beach outside of our school boundary. We have bus routes that go clear up to Riviera Beach. We have bus routes that go all the way out to the Glades. It says on the sign that this is a community school. It looks like this is a Royal Palm Beach regional school. It takes students from all areas. I don’t know how that’s happened and why we don’t know about it.” Since the boundary shift, the number of students who qualify for free or reducedcost lunches — a statistic

See RPBHS, page 19

Wellington Ponders Future Projects For Village Foundation

By Mark Lioi

Town-Crier Staff Report

With construction on a central public playground slated to begin shortly, the Wellington Village Council is seeking to broaden the role of a foundation set up to fund the project.

The council established the non-profit Wellington Community Foundation (WCF) after Wellington residents Barbara and Dell Williamson offered last year to provide funding for a “barrier-free” playground accessible by special-needs children in the village. The foundation provided a tax-deductible way for the couple to finance a village project.

The couple initially donated $200,000 for the village to begin planning the playground, dubbed Scott’s Place and intended to accompany an amphitheater along Forest Hill Blvd. near the Welling-

ton Community Center. With council approval of a bid for construction of the playground Tuesday, the foundation is set to receive further funding for it, but has no other projects in the works.

On Tuesday, Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz called on the council, which also serves as the foundation’s board of directors, to determine what other projects the foundation might fund.

“Since the WCF was created to supplement the needs of the village,” Kurtz said, “you should sit as the village council and discuss what projects might be appropriate to bring to the WCF.” Kurtz said village staff had identified four areas where the foundation might get involved: funding for the amphitheater, supporting further phases of the playground, working with the village’s Art

Spor ts Seminole Ridge Grabs 23-10 Win Over Broncos The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated the Palm Beach Central High School Broncos 23-10 last Friday night, bringing their record to 4-1. Page 17

Bowen said that he is committed to maintaining village services in the future because it’s important to the community.

“We are a community with a high level of services,” he said. “We have to continue to do everything we can to maintain them and to continue to improve them.”

Bowen said the Wellington Village Council has been able to decrease spending with minimal effect on services by “using good business practices in making fiscally responsible decisions.” This includes choosing projects that will help the village save

But Bowen feels that it is important that any college or university in Wellington should be a public institution so that the community can have higher education opportunities at an affordable price.

“We have some of the top secondary schools in South Florida,” he said. “We need a local public institution that can provide education to everyone.”

Bowen also plans to focus on Wellington’s senior population. “We have some of the greatest facilities and programs in the state available for our youth,” he said. “We

Another top goal for Bowen is to clean up neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Although he stressed that Wellington’s crime rate is relatively low, it is important to focus on problem areas for improvement.

According to the Village Clerk’s Office, as of press time no one else had filed paperwork to run for mayor.

Aside from the mayor’s job, two council seats will be up for grabs next year: Seat 2 held by term-limited Lizbeth Benacquisto and Seat 3 held by Howard Coates.

Qualifying runs from noon Jan. 26 to noon Feb. 9, 2010. The election will be held Tuesday, March 9.

Pipe Work Will Bring Lane Closures To Forest Hill

By Lauren Miro Town-Crier Staff Report

The western-most lane of a section of Forest Hill Blvd. will be closed for five months starting Monday while the Village of Wellington replaces a water main pipe.

“It’s an asbestos cement pipe that was installed years ago and has reached its useful life,” Wellington Utilities Engineer Bill Riebe said. “We need to replace it long before anything catastrophic happens.”

According to Deputy Village Manager John Bonde, when the pipe was put in, as-

bestos was a material that was considered acceptable. However, further research has shown the material may not hold up in the long run, and the health risks should it break down are a deep concern.

“It’s not an immediate health concern,” Bonde said. “But the fear is that as the pipe deteriorates, it could release some of the material. In 10 or 20 years, it could break down and be a cause for concern. We’re being proactive by removing it before it does.”

The pipe is the only one of

its kind made from asbestos in the entire village, according to Bonde. It runs along the western edge of the south/east bound lanes of Forest Hill Blvd., which necessitates the lane closure while it is replaced.

The western-most lane will be closed between Guilford Circle and South Shore Blvd. from Oct. 19 to March 15, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. It will be open all weekends and holidays. Riebe said the five-month closure would be mostly due to testing after the work is

complete. “The actual installation will be two and a half to three months,” he said. “The rest of the time is spent testing and doing other odds and ends to make sure everything is safe and secure.”

The lane will not be closed for the entire distance, Riebe said, but sections of the lane will be closed each day and change as work progresses. Additionally, all side roads and subdivisions will continue to have access to Forest Hill Blvd., but some days, workers will have to cross the road and close off one side to all traffic.

“There will be workers with flags to guide the cars through,” Riebe said. “You’ll always have ingress and egress of traffic to keep things moving.” The village recommends taking alternative routes around the area to minimize travel time. Alternative southbound routes include State Road 7, Big Blue Trace, Wellington Trace/ Birkdale Drive and Greenview Shores Blvd. For more information, call Milena Meehan or

Mayor Darell Bowen

The 12th Annual Hidden Treasures of Grassy Waters Golf Classic presented by the B&W Waste-to-Energy Team was held last Saturday at Ibis Golf & Country Club. Grassy Waters Preserve is the natural water catchment area for West Palm Beach and provides environmental education and recreation programs for the community. Shown here is Grassy Waters Preserve CEO Bob Nichols (right) with son Bobby and wife Annette. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 3

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Hajjar gave

Land Swap Pact Clears Way For Acreage Library

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

The prospect of a library in The Acreage took a giant step toward reality Wednesday when the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors agreed to move ahead with negotiations for a land swap with Palm Beach County.

Supervisors agreed in concept to lease a seven-acre civic site east of the Publix shopping plaza at Orange Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the county in return for a package of about 46 acres of property that would be leased to the district for the expansion of Acreage Community Park.

ITID and the county had been discussing an outright transfer of ownership, but County Director of Property & Real Estate Management Ross Hering explained that about 28 acres of the land on the south end of the park expansion site had been obtained through funding from the Florida Community Trust, whose regulations only allow conveyance to a municipality, not a special district like ITID.

“The last time I was here, I proposed the trade of park expansion property in exchange for the civic site,” Hering said. “Originally, we said it sounds like a good idea. We took our best shot at conveying the park site, which is funded in large part with Florida Community Trust funds. Indian Trail is not an eligible grant recipient from FCP. Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer the property, so we tried to come up with a concept that would clean up the issues with respect to the park.”

The county proposes to exchange a 50-year lease of the Acreage Community Park expansion property for a 50year lease of ITID’s civic site for library development. It also proposes that ITID return to the county a parcel of preserve area near the park baseball fields, with ITID paying the county $30,000 to clean up the area, which Hering said has a lot of exotic plants, after which the county would assume maintenance. ITID would also remain responsible for about $11,000 in fines assessed against ITID for filling wet-

lands on the civic site. However, Hering said the county would assume all the mitigation costs of the civic site wetland.

Supervisor Carlos Enriquez asked that if The Acreage were to incorporate at some point, whether it would be able to assume outright ownership of the Acreage Community Park property, and Hering said it probably could. “At that time, the county would be legally able to transfer the property,” Hering said. “We could move the property to the new municipality.”

Supervisor Mike Erickson said he was reluctant to put a lot of investment into land the district does not own, but Hering said several municipalities have developed land they have leased from the county with no complications.

ITID President Michelle Damone said she liked the concept that if ITID were to become a municipality, it could gain ownership of the land. Enriquez said that after years of discussion, he is ready to close on a deal. Erickson agreed. “I want to move forward,” he said, asking that if they proceed with discussion, would the county consider paying the $11,000 in fines. Hering said he had taken the issue of the fines as far as he could. “This seems like a small amount of money,” he said, adding that paying someone else’s fines is disagreeable with county staff. “We had originally estimated the fines at over $500,000. We invested time to bring this down. I would say we already have brought much more than $11,000 to the table.” Erickson made a motion to pay the $11,000 in fines, which was seconded by Supervisor Ralph Bair and passed unanimously.

Erickson asked about the time frame for library construction, and Hering said it is fully funded and ready to go. “We have to finalize the plans; it will take four to six months to totally wrap up the design,” Hering said. “We should start in mid-2010.” Erickson made a motion to give conceptual approval and enter into final negotiations with the county for the longterm leases. The motion carried unanimously.

PBSO’s District 15 Is Up And Running

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report

Though a permanent facility has yet to be built, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office now has a specific substation serving the Acreage/Loxahatchee area. On Monday, the PBSO’s new District 15 became operational, temporarily sharing an office with the District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach.

District Commander Lt. Jay Hart told the Town-Crier on Tuesday that he and his staff will move into a more permanent facility at the Midwestern Communities Service Center at 200 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach before the end of the year.

“We feel that we have a great team put together,” Hart said, “and under the supervision and guidance of the sergeants, our deputies will continue to step up to the plate and do the right thing for the residents and make the area a safer place to live.”

The goal is to eventually move District 15 into a building off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. That building, however, is not yet even in the design phase. The PBSO will likely share such a facility with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, Hart said, explaining that the location is currently under discussion with Indian Trail Improvement District and county officials.

District 15 covers the Beeline Highway south to Southern Blvd., west to 20-Mile Bend and east to 110th Avenue, excluding the Village of Royal Palm Beach. The area was previously covered out of PBSO District 3 in Palm Beach Gardens, Hart said.

The district was created due to the increasing number

of calls for service in the area, Hart said. Last year, the PBSO handled 24,224 calls in the area. Of those, 86 percent were citizen generated and 14 percent were crime related. Domestic incidents led the list with 988, followed with 475 residential burglaries and 394 vehicle burglaries.

Hart is no stranger to the western communities. He was in Wellington’s District 8 from 2006 to 2009 and was District 3 commander and executive officer from 2001 to 2004, where The Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves were under his watch. Hart started with PBSO in 1987 on road patrol. His assignments have included the PBSO Mounted Unit from 1991 to 1993 and the Narcotics Unit from 1996 to 2001. He has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in business administration.

Hart said the Acreage/ Loxahatchee area is unique in that people from every walk of life live there, including professionals, blue-collar workers, naturists and laborers. “The one common denominator is they live in a rural area because they like the vastness of space,” he said. “They kind of do their own thing.”

He said the residents’ love of independence sometimes puts law enforcement officers in a precarious position. Nevertheless, Hart said he is confident that the PBSO’s belief in getting residents involved will serve the community well.

“We want to partner with those 47,000 people, and sometimes we

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Traditions course first-place winners Michael Mulach, Sharon Quercioli and Richard Alkher.

Syd Kitson, Glenn Geiger and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Gary Carter.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Grassy Waters Preserve Chair Sharon Merchant and County Commissioner Jeff Koons.

Patrick Whitehead, Bill Riddick, Jack Lansing, Byron Dennis and Clay Williams at the 16th hole.

Dennis Meadows, Brett Madison, Ed Armstrong and Austin Terico.

Jerry Hanrahan, Lynne Crum and Francis Olomanno.

OUR OPINION

Support Live Arts Florida As It Brings Culture To The Area

This Saturday marks the beginning of a new era for the local performing arts scene as the inaugural Western Communities Concert Series season kicks off in Wellington. For the first event, the Brass Evolution will perform at Wellington High School’s new performing arts theater.

The concert series is presented by Live Arts Florida, a Wellington-based non-profit performing arts organization, and will feature diverse musicians from all over the world. Founder Win Blodgett has put forth a tremendous effort to bring live arts to the area at an affordable price, and we recommend that everyone who cares about culture in the western communities make an effort to support his endeavors.

There isn’t much opportunity to experience live music in an intimate setting here in the western communities. Although the Cruzan Amphitheatre attracts large bands to the region, it also attracts large crowds and usually requires expensive tickets. Not to mention that large concert venues aren’t suited for families, who can be easily separated.

Live Arts Florida is providing our community with something different: world-renowned bands in a local and family-friendly environment. Wellington’s 800-seat theater is the perfect setting to feature phenomenal bands such as the Wailers (Nov. 7) and Bio Ritmo (Dec. 12) for under $30 a ticket. By buying a ticket, not only are you getting a great night of entertainment, but you’re also helping to bring live arts to the community.

Many Reasons To Consider Connection

This certainly is the dilemma for some La Mancha residents who told their story to the Palm Beach Post and the Town-Crier. They leave each morning and travel northward to go south on State Road 7 in The Acreage. This route helps them to avoid the congestion that continues to back up at Ponce de Leon and Okeechobee and into the intersection, but increases the distance of their commute and sends traffic back up into The Acreage residential area.

There are many reasons for the Village of Royal Palm Beach to complete the connection from Madrid Street to SR 7. The community service and safety of the Madrid connection: Emergency service vehicles serving the neighborhoods will have quicker access to residents to and from emergency services such as fire and hospitals. Traffic-calming devices will serve to maintain posted traffic speeds ensuring the safety of residents along the road. It has been stated by traffic engineers that an increase in traffic onto the neighborhood roads to access SR 7 will not occur due to the traffic devices that have been installed and the accessibility to more desirable alternatives. Within the first week of the opening of the road, the traffic count on the SR 7 extension was 9,300. These are trips that were removed from Royal Palm Beach Blvd. There are the economics of the Madrid connection: In addition to the total cost of the construction of SR 7 with state and county funds, the Village of Royal Palm Beach has paid more than $300,000 in traffic-calming devices to prepare the La Mancha subdivision for the connection between Madrid Street and SR 7 as confirmed by Councilman David Swift in a recent Post article. The added cost to connect Madrid to SR 7 by the village will be $15,000. The burden of paying for the costs of the road-

ways has been carried by all residents from the village, the county and statewide.

There are the ethics of the Madrid connection: During the early planning and construction process of SR 7, a.k.a. the Western Parkway, and the supporting roads, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed with its surrounding neighbors to include Madrid Street as one of the limited connections. Very importantly, the Village of Royal Palm Beach currently finds itself in a frustrating and costly battle to convince the Palm Beach County commissioners to keep the Roebuck Road extension from SR 7 to Jog Road in the five-year road plan and to act on it by actually completing the road. However, a relatively small portion of West Palm Beach residents along Okeechobee Blvd. have acted to stop this construction with the very same argument of the Madrid Street residents — not in my back yard, and with no regard for the honor of the initial agreement.

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council has scheduled a special village forum for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. This special meeting will be for the specific purpose of offering all interested residents the opportunity to express their position: Should the intersection of Madrid Street be opened for traffic to enter onto SR 7 or remain closed? This will also allow inclusive discussion of suggestions and even compromises which may take the form of opening bike and pedestrian trails or limited turning directions. Unless a comprehensive reasonable approach is taken, Royal Palm Beach may be missing an opportunity to create a major contribution to traffic flow and inter-government cooperation in resolving issues that can only serve to benefit the village in the future.

I urge all who wish to share their position to attend and be heard.

Martha Webster, Councilwoman Royal Palm Beach

OPINION

Blodgett envisions a future where his organization can give back to the community not only by bringing great live concerts, but also by supporting the arts in local schools. This is something that is desperately needed in times where arts programs are the first to be cut to save money. His passion for live music benefits all of us, be it in exposure to new music or by bringing more prestige to our community.

There is a cultural void in the western communities that Live Arts Florida has the opportunity to fill. We don’t have similar opportunities as other communities do to see concerts, plays and other demonstrations of art on a smallscale. If the organization sees success with live music, Blodgett said it could expand to include theater and other forms of live art.

But success comes only with support of the community, so it is important that we lend our support and help to infuse culture into the western communities.

The 2009-10 Western Communities Concert Series kicks off with the Brass Evolution at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Wellington High School Theater (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.).

For more information on Live Arts Florida, visit www.liveartsfl.org or call (561) 346-ARTS. For concert tickets, visit http://tickets.liveartsfl.org or contact the Live Arts ticketing call center at (888) 841-ARTS from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A Canadian Point Of View On Healthcare

Editor’s note: The following letter, written by Jane Mades, is in response to Tom Euell’s letter in last week’s Town-Crier (“Change Yes, Socialism No”). Mades has served on the boards of several health-related agencies in Canada, including the British Columbia Health Care Association and the Vancouver Health Sciences Center.

I became an American citizen on Jan. 23, 2004. I carry dual citizenship with Canada. There are problems in healthcare delivery all over the world. No system is perfect. Canadians are covered, period. No pre-existing conditions disqualify them, no bankruptcy because they fall ill. That cannot happen in Canada. Is it free? Of course not — everyone pays taxes to support the system. I am not sure where Mr. Euell got his 54 percent from. That is totally false, and with respect, sir, ridiculous. For example, an $80,000 a year salary is taxed at 31 percent. That represents both federal and provincial taxes; six percent of that goes to healthcare. Canadians choose their own doctors. Canadians value second, third and fourth opinions, particularly if they are frightened. Guess what? It is free. Why? They have already paid for it and continue to do so every day of their lives. Remember, six percent on an $80,000 income. Do some Canadians wait for service? You bet. The word is triage. The neediest get treatment first, regardless of age. Get that? Regardless of age. Who makes the decision? Ultimately, the government. The reality is, whatever the Canadians pay for their healthcare delivery system is determined by the taxes they pay and how much of those taxes the government is prepared to set aside for healthcare. Canadians, passionate about their healthcare system, make loud noises when things are not to their liking. Canadians go out to vote. Not

Want To Know Top Car Colors? Depends On Where You Live!

So you think you know a lot about cars? OK, what is the favorite car color in San Francisco? If you answered silver, you were right. But hey, what’s the big deal? Silver happens to be the most popular car color in the United States for the ninth straight year. Does silver rule the roost in New York and Miami as well? Nope. Black tops the New York market with gray right behind it. Sun-loving Floridians in Miami also like black, plus they choose gold with regularity. Phila-

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

delphia is a “blue town” while red appeals most in Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Up in Beantown, brown and green share the spotlight, but blue makes solid inroads at the moment of decision. How about white, you ask? It tops the bill in

hot areas like Dallas and Phoenix. And it also has strong backing in Memphis and Denver. Does all of this statistical folderol have importance? You bet, says Ford Motor Company. It claims to analyze the data “carefully” to help select which vehicle configurations will be the top sellers across the country.

P.S. Twenty percent of American cars are silver. White rolls across the finish line in second place, while black is third.

all of them are for reasons of their own — illegal aliens, draft dodgers, drug dealers, prostitutes, etc. If anyone of the above is present at a hospital needing treatment, they get it. By law; the hospital is required to treat them, as is every hospital in the U.S. Anyone who presents with an illness, regardless of whether they have coverage or not, must be treated. No one comes between the doctor and the patient in Canada. Decisions about how to use dollars allocated to each province are made by committees that include the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Provincial Association of Physicians, the Nurses Association, the unions — but most importantly, the consumer. There is always someone who can honestly represent the homeless, the senior and the consumer. Consumers usually are more represented than the medical people, and of course there are bureaucrats who have power. But it’s nothing like the power they have in the U.S. Hospitals are not-for-profit organizations. The very idea of profiting off the backs of seriously ill people does not fly. Canada will not overstock equipment. I now live in a community where duplicated technological machines are normal; these hospitals are competing with each other. Canada avoids this by careful allocation of funds to purchase state-of-the-art machines and position them logically. Once in a while, they will be overwhelmed by demand for service, even though they operate 24 hours a day. If a patient presents with a serious problem that available machines cannot handle, the Canadian government will transport the patient to the U.S. for whatever is needed, at no cost to the patient.

Bottom line: no one in Canada is refused treatment, no one is put into bankruptcy because they were foolish enough to become ill and no one is turned away for the lack of means to pay; it has been paid for. Canada puts approximately seven percent of its gross national product into healthcare; the U. S. is running at about nine percent. Research and development takes a huge chunk out of the American health budget. Canada funds little research and surely benefits from the U.S. effort, as do many other countries.

Thirty years ago, both Canada and the United States recognized that we were going to have to deal with the Baby Boomers — a one-time, notto-be-repeated glitch. Despite

the warnings, few precautions were taken. When the Baby Boomers are dead — a one-time huge hit on both systems which will cost big time — our children and grandchildren will be able to breathe again. Do not be afraid of the things being said about the single-payer system in Canada. I hope that in our lifetime the U.S. will find a way to make sure that all have healthcare coverage. I hope that no one is punished for becoming ill. I pray for legislation to achieve this, with careful consideration, patience and consultation with people in the field, most particularly, the consumer.

Above all, we desperately need serious tort reform in both countries, actually. Doctors and nurses cannot function properly with staggering bills for malpractice insurance. Calm, cool, soberminded people from all walks of life need to come together to work out a plan that will achieve the above. Nine months is not enough time to change the healthcare delivery system for more than 300 million people with an appalling amount of debt already on their backs.

Slow down, my American brothers and sisters. Take a deep breath and do not rush into anything new that has not been thoroughly researched by people whose credentials are well known. I want to see the consumer very well-represented in all decision making committees. There is not a whole lot wrong with the healthcare delivery system in the United States that cannot be adjusted by cool calm heads.

Jane Mades Wellington

Nielsen Responds To Euell

In response to Tom Euell’s letter in last week’s TownCrier, let me begin with saying that my comments about the mortality rate and infant survival being better in Cuba than in the United States comes not from me as an opinion, nor is it in any way an endorsement of the Cuban government. But those are the statistics from the World Health Organization, which monitors healthcare throughout the world. The World Health Organization also lists the United States as 37th in overall outcome, though we spend 2.5 times as much on healthcare.

The Cuban people have been living poor for many years, thanks to the embargo

put in place by the United States, and were living equally poor under the previous Batista regime. I do not recommend the Canadian healthcare plan because we can do better. Suffice it to say, in Canada taxes are high, but they pay for more than healthcare; they also pay for quality education from elementary through such prestigious universities as McGill. If you ask Canadians to give up their present system and return to their former U.S.style plan, you would get a resounding no! And finally, there are not “droves of Canadians” seeking healthcare in the United States — that’s poppycock and hearsay. But there are many Americans buying drugs manufactured in the United States but purchased in Canada. Incidentally, unlike resorting to the deficit spending of the previous administration, the healthcare reform bill is fully funded and no tax increase will be needed. Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach Healthcare Bait And Switch

The healthcare reform baitand-switch is well on its way. The most recent switch has been the “no public option” claim. At first, the health reform plans were to include a public option, which translated means that the federal government will become an insurer of health. But when that idea proved unpopular, it was removed from Sen. Max Baucus’ bill (the one that most recently passed in committee). But now it appears that the public option is alive and well, and will be pursued by Democrats in the House and Senate, and President Barack Obama. As another interesting development, one might note that the myth of the “death panels” may not be so mythological. According to reports in the New England Journal of Medicine there is too much care being given to folks near life’s end. The burgeoning recommendation is going to be just putting the old folks into hospice instead of treating their illnesses. By coincidence, I suppose the studies that led to the NEJM reports were funded by the National Institutes of Health. Yes, the NIH that is an arm of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Yes, the HHS that is pushing health reform. Phil Sexton Wellington

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS

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

Juliet Fern, Carly Trent and Brianna Soriero have a sword balloon fight.

Thomas Bouhamdan gets a thermal infrared neck scan by Dr. Matthew Symons of Symons Family Chiropractic in Royal Palm Beach.

Panama D’Avila, Rosanna Bazaldua, Jorge Contreras and Ashley Eaiazzo of Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach and Aesthetics at Spa Zen of Wellington.

Comedians Evan Jacobs, Laurie Fondiler and Steven Pickle.

Volunteers Joseph Nuñez, Michelle Sossa, Megan Hull, Robyn Mucci and Ben Ross.

Will Help for Food founder and President Daniel Lehrman.

Susan Odell and Judy Tannehill enjoy the evening.

A group performs “YMCA.”

The Event Committee: Suellen Mucci, Mary Lehrman, Eileen Norbeck, Connie Donofrio and Peggie Barten.

PBSO Responds To A Pair Of Versailles Vehicle Burglaries

By Lauren Miro Town-Crier Staff Report

OCT. 9 — Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington responded early last Friday morning to two separate homes in Wellington’s Versailles community off State Road 7 regarding vehicle burglaries. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10:30 p.m. last Thursday and 9 a.m. last Friday, someone entered the first victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole a radar detector valued at approximately $400. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects at the time of the report. In a second PBSO report, two white teenage males were caught on the second victim’s security camera entering a vehicle and taking a pair of prescription glasses valued at $1,000. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

OCT. 9 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a home in Little Ranches last Friday evening regarding a vehicle theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5 a.m. on Sept. 23 and 5 p.m. last Thursday, someone entered the victim’s property and removed a 2003 E-Z-GO cart. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

OCT. 13 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to Tiger

Shark Cove Park on Tuesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked and locked her SUV while she was in the park. Sometime between 11 a.m. and noon, someone broke the driver’s side window and took a cloth diaper bag, a leather purse, a brown leather wallet, $200 in cash, a debit bank card, a checkbook, the victim’s driver’s license and a Nextel Boost cell phone. The stolen items were valued at approximately $485. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.

OCT. 13 — An Orlando man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop late Tuesday night in Wellington. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Wellington substation observed a vehicle with no tag light driving down State Road 7 and initiated a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the driver, 20-year-old Tyler Roman, the deputy found that his license was suspended and asked him to exit the vehicle. When the deputy asked Roman if there was anything illegal in the car, he responded that there wasn’t. According to the report, the deputy looked through the windshield on the driver’s side and saw a gun under the driver’s seat. The deputy found that the gun was loaded and placed Roman under arrest for posses-

Suspect Sought For Credit Card Fraud

SEPT. 16 — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a person wanted for fraudulently using stolen credit cards.

According to a PBSO report, on Sept. 15, at approximately 10:15 p.m., an armed robbery was committed by two black males on N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. During the armed robbery, the victim’s credit cards were stolen.

The next day, Sept. 16 at approximately 10:50 p.m., a black female (shown in the image above) was captured on store video surveillance using several credit cards belonging to the victim of the

armed robbery. The female used the stolen credit cards at the following locations: the Wal-Mart supercenter (9990 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach), McDonald’s (1775 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) and Wal-Mart (4375 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach). The suspect is a black female, approximately 5’5” to 5’8,” weighing 220 to 230 pounds and 35 to 45 years of age. Anyone who can identify this female or the three children walking behind her is asked to contact Detective McMichael at (561) 6884739 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.

sion and use of paraphernalia. His occupation is aluminum installer. His last known addresses were Selberg Lane in Lake Worth and Jackson Avenue in Greenacres. Salgado is wanted as of 10/15/09. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to

Tiffani Brown

Salgado

The woman pictured above is wanted by the PBSO for fraudulently using stolen credit cards.

Gypsy’s Horse Benefit For Sick Acreage Girl A Big Success

More than $14,000 was raised in a messy chickenwing-eating contest at the Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant to benefit 13-yearold Courtney Wolfe of The Acreage, who is battling leukemia.

Artie “the Drum Stick” Werkle won the event by consuming 27 wings in three minutes. Richard “the Chicken Wing” Kingston finished second with 24 wings and Doc “No Sauce Too Hot” Fortnash placed third with 22 wings.

Courtney’s father Larry, a captain with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, spoke emotionally before the contest. Courtney was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in early August. ALL is a form of leukemia affecting mainly children, characterized by anemia, weight loss, bone pain and fatigue.

Tony and Cherie Andrew-

son of Wellington and Bob Cresswell were the co-chairs. More than 400 spectators attended the event, which included an appearance by former Miami Dolphin Mark Duper, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and live music. The event was hosted by the Palm Beach County FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society), a group of area firefighters dedicated to helping family and friends in need.

The not-for-profit Palm Beach County FOOLS and its Firefighter Fund honors local firefighters who have been killed, injured or become sick while serving their communities. This event helps firefighters who spend their lives and careers helping others as well as their families.

For more information about the Palm Beach County FOOLS, visit www.pbc fools.com.

Helen Hajjar Leads Wellington Art Society Demonstration

By Lauren Miro

Town-Crier Staff Report

At the Wellington Art Society’s meeting Tuesday night, local artist Helen Hajjar gave a demonstration on encaustic wax painting at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Hajjar was the featured guest and demonstrated how she works with wax and an iron to create her award-winning paintings. The society also honored its artist of the month, Joanne MacLeod, who has won many awards for her oil

paintings of people, animals and landscapes. The society is raffling off a 42-inch flat-screen television to raise funds. Tickets are $5 and give each person three chances to win. The drawing will be on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the cultural center (151 Civic Center Way), but the winner need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (561) 632-3677 or visit the Wellington Art Society’s web site at www.wellingtonart society.org.

INAUGURAL LUNCH BOUQUET EVENT TAKES PLACE AT PIZZA FUSION

The first gathering of the Lunch Bouquet took place Wednesday at the Pizza Fusion restaurant in the Pointe at Wellington Green. The purpose of the luncheon is for professional women to meet, network and have an all-around good time in a relaxed setting. Guest speaker Sandy Koffman talked about the benefits of being self-employed, having worked for 24 years for the cosmetics company Mary Kay. Ladies got to sample hand creams. For more information about the Lunch Bouquet, call (561) 793-5509.

ANNUAL FRIGHT NIGHTS RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

Fright Nights returned to the South Florida Fairgrounds this week with three all-new terrifying attractions: “Next of Kin,” “Origins” and “Malpractice.” The annual event runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Oct. 31. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.frightnights.net.

Event co-chair Bob Cresswell digs into chicken wings.

The crowd looks on as contestants chow down.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRO/TOWN-CRIER

Hajjar dips her iron in wax during the demonstration.

Artist of the month Joanne MacLeod with her artwork.

Lunch Bouquet co-founders Sandy Koffman and Ingrid Webster.

Sandy Koffman lets Natalie Cwick and Nancy Pena-Brink sample Mary Kay hand cream.

(L-R) Candace Clyne, Sandy Koffman, Pat Stevenson, Ingrid Webster and Krista Blaustein.

PHOTOS

Fright Night actors are ready for some scary fun.

House Supervisor Alex Rodriguez takes a break.

David Griffey drags Angel Vizzard.

Dawn Richard from the “Next of Kin” haunt.

CROWING CEREMONY FOR KELLY FASON

During “Crowning for a Cure” held Saturday, Oct. 3 at the American Cancer Society office in downtown West Palm Beach, Kelly Fason was officially crowned Mrs. Florida U.S. Beauties 2010. Attendees were asked to bring items that ACS can auction off at the annual Cancer Ball this year. Fason collected 12 auction items and raised money for her Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team. For more info., visit www.crowningkelly.com.

(Above) Marissa Damone, Fason and Michelle Damone. (Below) Jessica Wittenbrink says a few words while Fason looks on. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER

WHS To Present ‘Rough Magic’

The Wellington High School Drama Club will present Rough Magic by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa on Oct. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the new WHS performing arts theater.

Transplanting characters from The Tempest to presentday New York, Rough Magic is a Shakespearean actionadventure-fantasy in the tradition of Harry Potter and The X-Men that conjures a mythical, magical meta-universe in which the evil sorcerer Prospero is willing to do anything to recover his stolen book of magic — even if it means Manhattan’s destruction.

Fortunately, New York’s defenders include a quartet of unlikely heroes: a plucky, raven-haired dramaturg named Melanie Porter, who has the ability to free characters from plays; Prospero’s hunky (though not-toobright) son Caliban; a revenge-seeking Fury from Ancient Greece named Tisiphone; and a 17-year-old lifeguard from Coney Island named Chet Baxter.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students. They can be purchased at the door on the night of performance.

For more information about the performance, call the WHS main office at (561) 795-4900.

Breast Cancer Program In Wellington

The Shulamit chapter of Hadassah will host a special program featuring a breast cancer survivor registered nurse educator on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the community room at Fire Station 30 (9910 Stribling Way, Wellington). Each donation of $5 will go toward breast cancer research. Nonperishable foods will also be collected for local food pantries. For more information, call (561) 798-1187.

Domino Forum On Cancer Investigation

State Rep. Carl Domino (R-District 83) will host a public information forum for residents of The Acreage on Monday, Oct. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hutcheson Agriculture Center (559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). This forum is specifically designed to encourage the public to personally address their concerns and issues from the Level 1: Primary Cancer Cluster Assessment released in August.

Dr. Sharon Watkins, a senior environmental epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health, will be available to present her report and its conclusion.

Dr. Alina Alonso of the

Palm Beach County Health Department will answer questions regarding the next investigative phase, a Level 2 study. For more information, call Domino’s district office at (561) 625-5176.

SRHS Baseball Fundraiser At Beef O’Brady’s

The Seminole Ridge High School baseball team will host its first fundraiser of the year at Beef O’Brady’s in Royal Palm Beach on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Beef O’Brady’s will donate 10 percent of all food and fountain drink purchases that night to the team. Just mention the Seminole Ridge baseball team when ordering.

Beef O’Brady’s is located at 1179 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 795-8500.

Dog Wash To Benefit Vinceremos

Canines of all shapes and sizes are invited to soak up some suds and shake them out on Sunday, Oct. 25. Planco Veterinary Care in Wellington will host a dog wash to benefit the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides equine-assisted therapy to people with special needs.

Planco Veterinary Care owner Dr. Mark Planco began offering the dog washes in July as a way to introduce his children to the benefits and rewards of community service. So far, the clinic has raised approximately $1,000, and Planco decided to make it a monthly event. “We are thrilled to be able to support Vinceremos in its efforts to provide special services to some deserving members of our community,” Planco said. To schedule an appointment for the Oct. 25 dog wash, call (561) 795-9507. Planco Veterinary Care is located at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 9. Visit www. plancovetcare.com for more information.

New Internet Home For

Wellington

Wellington is changing its electronic address. Wellington will no longer use ci.wellington.fl.us and will instead use wellingtonfl.gov. This change will replace all village Internet and e-mail addresses. The village’s home page can now be found at www.wellingtonfl.gov and staff members can be emailed using @wellingtonfl. gov as the domain name. The address change became official on Oct. 9, but Wellington will continue to accept e-mails and web traffic from both domain names until Jan. 1, 2010.

WELLINGTON’S ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH HOSTS PET BLESSING

St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wellington held its inaugural blessing of the animals “Paws for a Blessing” last Sunday. After a brief service, blessings were conducted by Pastor Marjorie Weiss with assistance from Rhonda Beitmen, Jackie Tedamonson and Dawn Favata. The event was also a fundraiser for Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, whose Petmobile was on-site with adoptable pets. More than 800 cans of pet food were donated along with several bags of dry food and some cash donations.

furry friends.

The Young at Heart Club in Royal Palm Beach kicked off a new season with a luncheon on Friday, Oct. 2. The luncheon was catered by Butterfields Southern Café and included meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, with green beans and Caesar salad with apple crisp for dessert. Entertainment included the island sounds of Rick Nelson playing to the crowd of more than 165 Young at Heart members dressed up for the occasion with Hawaiian shirts and island attire. The Young at Heart Club is a group of seniors who gather once a month from October through May to enjoy a great meal with entertainment. The luncheon takes place the first Friday of every month at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. For more information about the Young at Heart Club, call the cultural center at (561) 790-5149. (Left) Young at Heart Club members gather for a group photo. (Right) Rick Nelson performs.

of the Arthritis Foundation

Pastor Marjorie Weiss blesses two

Jannsen Wolfe and Woof-Woof.

(L-R) Rhonda Beitman, Tim Warner, Pastor Marjorie Weiss, Donna Tagg and Kay McCants with donations.

Arthritis walk co-chairs Aimee Shaughnessey and Keri Taylor with Ric Blackwell and Glenn Glazer.Ryan

Whole Foods Market To Host Benefit For African Orphans

On Saturday, Nov. 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Whole Foods Market café in Wellington will come alive with vibrant music, delightful aromas and the colorful crafts of Africa as part of “Giving Thanks... for a Dream.” The event will benefit the mission of Dream Sponsors, a locally based non-profit that provides food, basic needs and school fees to needy orphans in Kenya. This unique cultural experience will be part of the store’s anniversary weekend celebration, while kicking off the month of Thanksgiving. The event will feature a live performance by Positively Africa, a popular Kenyan band now based in Lake Worth, fusing African rhythms with jazz and contemporary music. Due to popular demand and following her unforgettable performance with Positively Africa in August, Kenyan singer Karen “Kaz” Lucas has been invited back to West Palm Beach to perform one more time at this special event before returning to Kenya. Her appearance at the event will be confirmed and formally announced closer to the end of October, as she wraps up her U.S. performance tour. Attendees may also learn some traditional dance steps from a talented African dancer who will share her fancy

footwork with willing participants. Whole Foods Market will feature some traditional African food samples, wine, coffee and tea for tasting. Professional framed photography showcasing African wildlife will be offered for silent auction and some for sale. Other highlights include great raffle prizes, crafts, African paintings and jewelry. The grand prize is a weeklong stay at a beautiful mountain home in North Carolina for up to 10 people. Tickets for the raffle are currently on sale, and the winner will be drawn during the event. Raffle entries are $25 each or five entries for $100. Only 400 tickets will be sold; supply is

limited, and certain restrictions apply. For more info., visit www.dreamsponsors inc.org or call (561) 7952223. The organization hopes to raise enough money to support eight needy orphans currently waiting for help. RSVPs are necessary and can be made by e-mailing lexy@dreamsponsorsinc.org or by calling Carla Neumann at (561) 795-2223 by Nov. 4. A $10 admission donation will be collected upon entry. All proceeds will directly benefit sponsored orphans in the care of Dream Sponsors, which strives to distribute 100 percent of contributions in direct support of identified orphans served by the project.

Dillard’s To Host Breast Cancer Benefit

Intimate apparel manufacturer Wacoal will continue its battle against breast cancer with its annual Fi(GH)t for the Cure on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 10 to 4 p.m. at the Dillard’s department store in the Mall at Wellington Green. Show up at Dillard’s and receive your complimentary fitting in a Wacoal or B.tempt’d bra from a Wacoal fit specialist. Women can also sign up to receive a monthly

e-mail reminder to do a self breast exam.

For every woman who participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or B.tempt’d bra purchased at the event.

Research shows that eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong-sized bra.

Women should be professionally fitted for a bra once a year to ensure their bra size has not changed as a result of fluctuations in their body.

Through its landmark Fit for the Cure program, Wacoal has surpassed $2 million in donations over the past ten years to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for research and outreach programs. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American women and ac-

counts for 26 percent of all cancers among women.

By keeping women on track through monthly breast exam reminders, the “Wacoal promise” helps women stay committed to their health. For more information, visit www. wacoal-america.com.

To contact Dillard’s in the Mall at Wellington Green, call (561) 227-5470. For more about the mall, visit www.shopwellingtongreen. com.

The Northern Palm Beach chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens. Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with dinner and the program starting at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be author and photographer Jan Hice, owner of Heart’s Joy LLC.

Tips To Follow During National Protect Your Identity Week

Identity theft touched the lives of more than ten million consumers last year, with thefts totaling more than $50 billion. According to the Federal Trade Commission, ID theft has been the top consumer complaint for seven consecutive years. As part of National Protect Your Identity Week (Oct. 17-24), the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast (CCCS) offers the following tips to help consumers protect their identity:

• Empty Your Wallet Your wallet is a great resource for identity thieves. Knowing what you have in there can make you less like-

ly to become a victim and can help you recover more quickly if your identity is compromised. Take out credit cards that you don’t use regularly. Remove Social Security cards or other cards that may contain your Social Security number, such as insurance cards. Once you minimize what you’re keeping in your wallet, photocopy both sides of everything and keep in a secure location for easy access in case your wallet is lost or stolen.

• Shred Everything Containing Personal Information — Tossed credit card applications can be used by thieves to open accounts in your name. Old bank statements and medical bills have

personal information about you that might be just the information needed to ruin your good credit. Invest in a small personal shredder and shred anything away that contains your personal information before tossing it in the garbage.

• Don’t Let Your Mailbox Be a Target — Raising the flag on your mailbox signals identity thieves that there might be information to steal in the box. Checks provide thieves with your name, address and bank account information. Drop outgoing mail into a U.S. mailbox or at the post office. Don’t let incoming mail stay in your mailbox overnight. Empty it each day, and if you are traveling, ask

a neighbor or friend to collect it for you.

• Protect Your Computer — Just because your computer is in your home, it isn’t safe from thieves that prowl the Internet looking for victims. Using anti-virus software and spam filters for e-mail can help minimize the risk of someone else accessing your personal information. Do not respond to e-mails or links that ask you to “verify” personal information or passwords. Your financial institution will never ask for this information. Keep a written record of user names and passwords somewhere safe, but do not save them on your computer. Some software programs can scan your com-

puter for saved passwords, giving a thief all the information they need to log into your accounts.

• Monitor Your Accounts and Your Credit Report

Knowing what’s in your accounts and on your credit report can help you quickly identify if you have been the victim of an identity thief. Review bank accounts regularly, monitor charges on your credit card, and take advantage of your right to receive a free credit report annually. Since the three reporting agencies typically have similar information, and you can get one free report from each bureau each year, spread your requests out, getting one every four months. Visit

www.annualcreditreport.com to get your report. If you suspect anything on your report is a sign that someone has used your name to access credit, notify the reporting agency immediately. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast is a nonprofit community-service agency that provides confidential budget counseling, money management education, debt management programs, bankruptcy counseling and education, and comprehensive housing counseling. For more information, call (800) 330-CCCS or visit the CCCS web site at www. cccsinc.org.

‘Kaz’ Lucas (center) performs with Positively Africa.

Seminole Ridge Student Honored For Her Good Grades

As a participant in the Making A’s Pay program, Seminole Ridge High School student Precious Johnson earned recognition for outstanding academic achievements. She had to maintain at least five A grades and score no lower than a 3 in conduct each grading period for a full school year.

Last month, an award ceremony was held in the principal’s conference room to recognize Johnson for what she was able to accomplish above and beyond her afterschool activities. “I’m ecstatic and blissful that I got this honor, and I would like to be a spokesperson to let kids know how important education is,” she said. At the ceremony, her achievements were celebrated by Shahid Freeman, senior CEO of the DOT Success Academy; Dorothy McKinnon, DOT Success Academy principal; Zar Roger of Wachovia/Wells Fargo; Lt. Dave Kronsperger of the

ANNUAL

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; her parents Elizabeth and Robert Lee Johnson; SRHS Assistant Principal John Hay; guidance counselor Girselda Wallace; and SRHS Principal Dr. Lynne McGee.

Johnson received $500 for her academic grades, $250 for her conduct grades and $100 worth of additional awards. She also received a photo collage of President Barack Obama.

Freeman hopes to have Johnson become an ambassador for Making A’s Pay, helping to motivate others. The goal of the program is to motivate kids to recognize that education equals economics. The program is open to all students, but they must be recommended for it.

Johnson’s parents are proud to have raised a hardworking daughter, and they hope she continues her successful progress through life

Taryn Kerber

WALK-ATHON AT NEW HORIZONS

Students from New Horizons Elementary School recently participated in the annual PTA-sponsored walk-athon. Students, parents, teachers and staff members had a great time walking to the music of parent DJ Mr. Krolich. Students raised money for the PTA by walking laps. Pictured above is Nanakow Thompson with his parents.

• Future Business Leaders — Seminole Ridge has a new Future Business Leaders of America chapter. Chapter officers Grethel Bot, Chelsea Diller, Herman Castro and Christina Persaud attended the district FBLA fall rally Oct. 6 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. They took part in sessions on financial responsibility and business entrepreneurship, mingling with other students from across the district.

FBLA provides opportunities for scholarships, community service, help with public speaking and practicing the important skills needed in the workplace. Entrepreneurial students interact with others around the state and nation, forming long-term, rewarding friendships. For more info., see sponsor Ms. Sharon Gintz in Room 6-201.

• TV Production News

Seminole Ridge’s TV production program, under the instruction of Mr. Earle Wright, walked away with

Dress Code

And More

At RPBHS

When you walk onto the campus of Royal Palm Beach High School, one of the first things you notice is lots of khaki — as in pants, shorts and skirts. The school has implemented a uniform dress code for the first time this year, and it seems to be a great start to a new look and feel at the school.

The school has seen more changes than just in the dress code. Additional classes and an eighth period were added to support extra writing, reading and science classes. All teachers are integrating reading into the content of the classes to give added support. Also included to those additions were a credit recovery lab and extra AP class assistance for students. Now in its third year of new academic academies, the school is looking to add more AP classes for higher-achieving students. Both the Medical/Science Academy and the Inter-

Hometown Banking

We've been helping friends and neighbors with our hometown style of banking --friendly service, helpful solutions, and supporting the local community. You might say we put the "community" in community banking. We invite you to come experience the hometown banking difference so many people have come to enjoy.

several contest wins recently.

On Oct. 1, at the statewide Florida Association for Media in Education Jim Harbin Student Media Festival, the Hawks received awards in several categories, while Justin Kelsey and Michael Schwartzberg placed second in an on-the-spot contest demanding them to shoot, write and edit a 30-second commercial in five hours.

On Oct. 3, TV production students traveled to the Florida Scholastic Press Association district convention in Deerfield Beach. Hawks competed in “carry-ins,” bringing videos to be judged at the competition, and in “on-the-spots,” requiring them to write, shoot or perform at the convention during a two-hour timeframe. SRHS students placed in four of the six events they entered. Seminole Ridge students are now eligible to compete at the state FSPA convention in Orlando this spring.

national Global Business Academy have doubled in enrollment since the first year. Third-year students in the medical program will start their clinical sessions at Palms West Hospital next semester, which will be a first for the program.

The HVAC academy, which has been with the school since it opened, is also working hard, turning out students who are ready to go into the workforce with certifications in hand.

Academics isn’t the only area in which RPBHS shines. Last year, the debate team sent several students to the state tournament. In athletics, the school was awarded “Most Improved Athletic Program” by the Sun-Sentinel, with several district titles and a state appearance by the girls volleyball team, members of the bowling team, girls weightlifting and the track team. The band program is increasing in numbers, and several members of the chorus have been invited to perform in November at Carnegie Hall.

• Interact To Benefit Little Smiles — The SRHS Interact Club is collecting children’s Halloween costumes through Friday, Oct. 30 and offering up to 10 community service hours in return. Bring your purchased or donated costumes (complete and “like new”) to rooms 3-209, 4-202 or 6-103. Students earn two community service hours for each costume, up to a maxi-

RPBHS is also promoting www.collegeweeklife.com, where students can get information on colleges without having to visit. There are also tips on exam preparation and scholarship opportunities. There will be a live chat session Nov. 4-7.

On Oct. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m., the school will participate in the county showcase for academies at the South Florida Fair.

WHS Debate Recognized

The Wellington High School debate program has earned significant recognition by the National Forensic League. The chapter achieved 200 degrees or more last year, which placed it in the top five percent of NFL chapters nationwide and qualified it for the NFL 200 Club.

mum of five. All costumes will be donated to Little Smiles, a non-profit organization fulfilling the dreams of children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters.

• Hawk Artist on the Web — SRHS artist Katie Aucoin has been chosen as one of My Artspace’s featured artists this month. The Internet gallery features her tempera work Still Life #1

NCTE Awards

WHS

Senior

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) honored 544 high school seniors as outstanding writers in the 2009 NCTE Achievement Awards in writing. Matthew Remz of Wellington High School was chosen from 1,783 students nominated in their junior year by their teachers. Remz will receive certificates recognizing his accomplishment; his name and WHS will be posted on the NCTE web site. Matt will also receive a card highlighting his achievement to attach to his college application forms. Chief state school officers are sent letters notifying them of Remz’s accomplishment as a WHS student.

This award demonstrates the program’s commitment to teaching essential life skills — communication, research, listening, writing and organization — to a large number of students. WHS commends debate coach Paul Gaba for his leadership of such an active forensics program. The attainment of 200 degrees is an outstanding accomplishment.

SRHS student Precious Johnson with her parents Elizabeth and Robert Lee.

Fernández Begins Marketing Internship

Amelia Fernández

The John. F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts has selected Amelia Fernández of Wellington for its prestigious internship program this fall as part of the Kennedy Center Institute for Arts Management.

Amelia, the daughter of Emiliano and Jane Fernández, graduated from Suncoast High School, where she received an International Baccalaureate certificate and was consistently on the principal’s list. In May 2009, Amelia graduated from Duke University in Durham, N.C. with a

bachelor’s degree in sociology and a certificate in markets and management. While at Duke, Amelia served as vice president of the winter production for Duke’s musical theater organization Hoof ’n’ Horn and served as program director (2008-09) and marketing director (2006-07) for Broadway at Duke/Live Entertainment. She also spent a summer volunteering in the marketing department of the Kravis Center.

While at the Kennedy Center, Amelia is an intern in the Marketing-Communications

Department. Her duties will include aiding in the development of print ads, brochures, direct mail materials, web content and commercials for radio and television. She also performs research on artists and performances, helps plan promotional campaigns and events, and participates in marketing meetings.

For more about internships and/or fellowships, call the Kennedy Center Education Department at (202) 4168800 or visit www.kennedycenter.org/education/arts management.

Hoilett Graduates From USMC Boot Camp

By Candace Marchsteiner Town-Crier Staff Report

PFC Collin J. Hoilett graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. on Sept. 11. Assigned to Hotel Company 2nd Battalion Platoon 2058, Hoilett earned an expert rifleman award. He is currently completing Marine combat training at the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, N.C., followed by field-artillery training at Fort Sills, Okla. and Coronado, Calif.

After training, Hoilett assumes reserve status with the 4th Anglico, West Palm Beach. He plans to finish college then consider officer candidate school and active duty service, or a career as a firefighter/paramedic.

A 2007 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, Hoilett works as a “genius”

at the Apple store in the Mall at Wellington Green. He is the son of Cordell Hoilett and Nanci Willson of Wellington. Hoilett’s parents enjoyed family day with him on the base in September, including observing a 7 a.m. motivational run, flag-raising at dawn, marching and a ceremony on the parade deck, and the drill instructor’s final order to dismiss.

Joining his parents were Hoilett’s brother Chris Miller, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and currently a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Hoilett’s uncle Robert Miles, a Marine recruit at Parris Island 50 years ago, along with his wife Pat Miles; and Hoilett’s uncle Walter Miles, a U.S. Army veteran.

Hoilett’s participation on the Palm Beach Central basketball team and coaching by

Tom Atkins both at Polo Park Middle School and at PBCHS were big factors in his self-discipline and concern with being physically and mentally fit, Willson said.

“Collin said that the demands of boot camp were not as challenging as those

Life On The Road — Members of the WunWunWun Good Sam Chapter RV Club.

RV Club Looking For New Members

Got a home on wheels? New or a pro at RVing? Want to check out local campgrounds but don’t want to go alone? Then you might want to travel with the WunWunWun Good Sam Chapter RV Club, which has about 24 members from Boca Raton to Belle Glade to Fort Pierce.

It’s a part of the national Good Sam Club for RV owners, and the $19 annual membership includes the monthly magazine Highways , with tips for RVing and discounts at Good Sam parks and campgrounds across the country.

of Coach Atkins!” she added. A Wellington resident for 20 years, Hoilett also attended New Horizons Elementary School, served as a Cub Scout in Wellington and played basketball on Wellington travel teams.

Area Women Author Book On Christmas

Ever wanted more from the Christmas season? From local authors Linda Coates and Leslie Kelly, The Twelve Days of Christmas is more than just another Christmas book. It is a way to recapture what has been lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas so that this year can be different. The book helps families rediscover that Christmas Day is the kickoff for the real celebration, not the final af-

fair. The 12-day adventure begins on Dec. 26. Learn more about the tenants of the Christian faith through wonderful stories and meaningful activities, and create new traditions to last a lifetime. The Twelve Days of Christmas is a beautiful way to finish one year and begin the next as Coates and Kelly shed new light on the hidden meanings in the old classic Christmas song.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at bookstores nationwide or can be ordered through the book’s publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/ bookstore or by visiting www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com or www. target.com.

Linda Coates has been married to her husband Michael for 17 years. For the past eight years, she has been

home-schooling their four children. She has led many women’s bible studies in her home.

Leslie Kelly has been married to her husband Don for 25 years. She is the mother of five children and has been home-schooling for 18 years. She is an active member of Grace Fellowship Church, where she loves serving in women’s ministry.

Club members take a trip together on the fourth weekend of each month from September to May, with a holiday party in December. They

stay close to home (150 miles is the limit) and have fun socializing and keeping their rigs in shape. The unusual name comes form the club’s chapter number — 111. Members must have an RV, travel trailer or motor home to join. The club has members of every generation. Once the WunWunWun gang arrives at a destination — Lake Okeechobee is a favorite — some folks go out to dinner, some make dinner at their rigs and some hit the local attractions. But on Saturday night, it’s time for a big potluck dinner and card games. For more information about the club, call (561) 3792551 or e-mail goodsam111 @gmail.com.

WHO’S NEW!

Allan Rufino Taylor son of Laura and Steve Taylor of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 25. Ma’Kayla Jimae Robinson — daughter of India and Corey Robinson of Port St. Lucie was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 25. Jocelyn Aida Cintron — daughter of Jessica and Jason Cintron of Lantana was born at Palms West Hospital on Sept. 27. Giana Leslie Spector — daughter of Bonnie and Brian Spector of Port St. Lucie was

born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 2. Everardo Aguilera Jr. — son of Bibiana and Everardo Aguilera of Canal Point was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 2. Travis Iziah Courtney — son of Shelly Bravo and Antwon Courtney of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 2. Alex Michael Massey son of Scott Massey and Tiffany Garrigus of Moore Haven was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 3.

PFC Collin Hoilett with his parents Nanci Willson and Cordell Hoilett.

Saturday, Oct. 17

• The Palm Beach County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Okeeheelee Park. For more info., contact Dorothy Bradshaw at (561) 3465910 or Jeremy Morse at jeremy.morse@cancer.org.

• Western Academy Charter School (650 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite 300A, Royal Palm Beach) will hold a dedication ceremony for its new building on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be served. Call (561) 7924123 for more info.

• Visit the first Pumpkin Patch event at Grace Fellowship Church in The Acreage Saturday, Oct. 17 from noon to 10 p.m. There will be pumpkins of all sizes, baked goods, recipes, storytime, crafts and games. The church is located at 75th Road North and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road (just north of Publix). For more info., call Arlene Stabley at (561) 253-4157.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will hold a free Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. Join Whole Foods staff to learn easy and fun ways to make Halloween parties a hit. To pre-register, call (561) 9044000.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a meeting of its Chess Club on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Basic chess knowledge is required. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

• Live Arts Florida will present Brass Evolution on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at Wellington High School’s performing arts theater. Get ready to reconnect with the timeless music of Chicago, Steely Dan and Blood, Sweat & Tears. To purchase tickets, call (888) 841ARTS.

• The Cruzan Amphitheatre (601-7 Sansbury’s Way) will feature the American Saturday Night Tour on Saturday, Oct. 17. The tour includes popular country vocalist Brad Paisley along with special guests Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne. For more info., call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.live nation.com.

Sunday, Oct. 18

• Life Long Learning will host a Book Sale on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Torah (900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington). Call (561) 7932700 or visit www.temple bethtorah.net for more info.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (990 Big Blue Trace, Wellington) will hold the free children’s sacrament program “My Eternal Family” on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. The children will share through words and music what they have learned about the Eternal Family. Call (561) 7989906 for more info.

• Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) and ArtStart will hold a Samoan Bark Painting Class for children five and up to benefit Samoan tsunami victims Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. The cost will be a $10 donation to benefit tsunami victims. Call (561) 904-4000 to pre-register. Monday, Oct. 19

een theme. State Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-District 27) will give an update on the most recent legislative session. For more info., call (561) 255-0724. Tuesday, Oct. 20

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Open Mic Night” on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Pick up a copy of the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

• The Palms West Republican Club will host “A Night with Sharon Merchant” on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Players Club restaurant in Wellington. Merchant, a former state representative, is a candidate for State Senate District 27. Also attending will be State Senate District 25 candidate Carl Domino and State House District 85 candidates Tami Donnally and D.J. DeRenzo. For more info., call (561) 753-0084 or e-mail cfetscher@bell south.net.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Socrates Café” on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion led by Marji Chapman. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will host a special meeting to hear public input on the possibility of opening a connection from Madrid Street to the State Road 7 extension Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The meeting is open to public, but residents of the La Mancha neighborhood are specifically invited. For more info., call (561) 790-5100.

Thursday, Oct. 22 • Wellington’s Polo Park Middle School will host an open house Thursday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This will give parents and other interested parties an opportunity to visit the after-school program. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Polo Park at (561) 333-5500.

• Pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Middey Damian will present the lecture “Living with Juvenile Diabetes” on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. inside Classroom 2 at Palms West Hospital. Damian will discuss insulin pumps, proper nutrition and dealing with diabetes during school. RSVP to (888) 256-7723.

• A Creative Pumpkin Carving class will be taught at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach) on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own pumpkin and learn how to carve more than your average jack-o’-lantern this Halloween. Armory artists will help participants create an unusual theme for their pumpkin this year and give tips on bringing designs to life. For more info., call the Armory at (561) 832.1776 or visit www.armoryart.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Board Games Spectacular” on Monday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. for ages six and up. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Enjoy an evening of great Dance Instruction learning various techniques, basic dance steps and different styles of dances on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Classes begin with salsa lessons on Monday, Oct. 19 and are for ages 18 and over. Participants are required to wear non-marring dance shoes. To register, call (561) 790-5149.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Teens Start Smart: College Can Be in My Future” on Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. for high school sophomores and juniors. Alberto Howe of Affordable College Solutions will lead the program. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Mid-County Democratic Club will meet on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Tree’s Wings & Ribs in Royal Palm Beach. The meeting will have a Hallow-

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Introduction to Irish Dancing” on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Marie Marzi will guide participants in beginner steps. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Fall Community Band Concert Series will continue on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Refreshments will be served during intermission. Call (561) 7905149 for more info. Friday, Oct. 23

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Express Yourself: Book Discussion Series” on Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. Barbara Harnick will lead a discussion of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Science Club: What’s Underground?” on Fridays, Oct. 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. for ages eight and up. See examples of different types of soils. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier.com.

Seminole Ridge Grabs 23-10 Win Over Palm Beach Central

By Lauren Miro Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School varsity football team defeated the Palm Beach Central High School Broncos 23-10 last Friday night, bringing their record to 4-1.

The first quarter saw no score, but an interception by the Hawks’ Tacius PierreLouis in the second quarter set the tone for the Seminole Ridge domination on the Broncos’ home turf.

With about 6:40 left in the first half, PBCHS quarterback Torrance Kearney threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Angelo Jean-Louis that was called back for a blocking penalty. On the next play, Pierre-Louis intercepted Kearney’s pass and ran a 73yard touchdown, putting the Hawks in the lead 6-0.

A second touchdown on a 53-yard pass by Jeacky Charles and a successful kick by Matt Johnson brought the score to 13-0 with only a few minutes left in the half.

At the end of the first half, the Broncos struggled against the Hawks’ defensive line to advance for a touchdown, resulting in a 33-yard field goal kick by Jeff Hoover that brought the score to 13-3 in favor of the Hawks at halftime.

In the second half, both teams made mistakes that cost them possession of the ball.

Early on, a clear pass to Jean-Louis was nearly fumbled by the receiver, which brought up a fourth down and turned the ball back over to Seminole Ridge. However, on the punt, the football

bounced off a Seminole Ridge player, resulting in a fumble recovered by Palm Beach Central.

But the Broncos were unable to capitalize on the Hawks’ mistakes and turned the ball back over to Seminole Ridge after an unsuccessful fourth down attempt.

With just under three minutes left in the third quarter, Hayden Collier threw a pass to Charles that put the Hawks at first and goal. But a holding penalty pushed them back, and with 2:23 left, they sat at fourth and goal. A field goal by Johnson brought the score to 16-3 Hawks at the end of the third.

The fourth quarter saw both teams fighting to advance early on, with neither letting the other through.

With about six minutes left in the game, the Hawks managed to advance to their own two yard line. Their first touchdown attempt was unsuccessful, but a second pass to receiver Javian Wrisper was successful, and Wrisper ran in a two-yard touchdown. A kick by Johnson brought the score to 23-3.

The Broncos made their first touchdown of the evening with 4:10 left in the game when Jean-Louis slipped through the Hawks’ defensive line and ran 82 yards. A successful kick by Hoover brought the score to 23-10 to end the scoring.

Seminole Ridge hosts Palm Beach Gardens on Oct. 16 and Atlantic on Oct. 23, while Palm Beach Central is off this week and hosts Boca Raton on Oct. 23.

Annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic Nov. 7

The 28th Annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic, presented by Builtx Land Development, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The event is the longest-running golf tournament supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Proceeds will go directly to help provide programming for more than 750 children served at the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. Also celebrating 28 years is returning tournament chair-

man Ed Portman, who has been organizing the event since its inception. Joining Portman as tournament cochairs are Pat Evans and Gary Thomas, and committee members Jim Bomar, Fernando Gonzalez, “J.R.” Reid, Woody White and Dennis Witkowski. The committee invites golfers to join them at 7:30 a.m. for registration, breakfast provided by Strathmore Bagels and 3G’s Deli, a putting contest, and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. There will be nu-

merous activities on the course including hole-in-one prizes such as a brand new Audi from Braman Motorcars, a set of clubs from the Palm Beach Golf Center and a trip to the Masters courtesy of Ameriprise Financial. The Masters Package includes a six-day, five-night trip for two, entrance badges for Thursday through Sunday, airfare and hotel. Immediately following the tournament will be an awards ceremony, buffet luncheon and a fantastic silent auction.

Entry fees are $150 per golfer until Oct. 16, then the price increases to $175 per golfer. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The tournament committee is excited about the milestones they have reached and look forward to this year being their most successful ever.

For more information about this year’s tournament, call the Boys & Girls Clubs Special Events Department at (561) 683-3287 or visit www. bgcpbc.org.

Big Changes Ahead For Wellington Roller Hockey

The Wellington Roller Hockey Association has decided that it is time for a change — changes that will hopefully increase enrollment, improve on the existing schedule and include new programs that will benefit the enjoyment level of the game.

For starters, new programs such as tournaments and clinics will be implemented into the upcoming season. Tournaments throughout the season will be played against local roller hockey leagues such as Stuart, Abacoa, Jupiter and Weston. WRHA Board Member Ted Miloch envisions weekend tournaments “that will give the kids an opportunity to play at a competitive level and still enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the league.”

Pro Giants

Defeat The Falcons 29-6

Schnyder Rosier rushed for a season-best 125 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Gutierrez added two rushing touchdowns as the undefeated Giants rolled up 284 yards of offense in a 296 victory over the Falcons in a Western Communities Football League Pro Division game last Saturday.

The Giants (7-0) grounded out 190 yards rushing on 29 carries, but also got a season-best 94 yards passing from quarterback A.J. Pasquale. Cody Sparling hauled in two passes for 65 yards. The 284 yards of total offense represented a season high for the Giants, who average 180 yards a game rushing.

To complete the Giants’ balance, the defense held the Falcons to 39 yards of total offense and intercepted three passes — two coming from defensive back Carrington Henderson. But the day belonged to Rosier, who carried the load for the Giants with 11 of his 15 carries coming in a 23-point first half. Rosier finished the opening half with 95 yards and two touchdowns.

On the Giants’ opening possession, the Falcons’ Aaron Wiltshire picked up a fumbled snap and raced 42 yards for a 6-0 Falcons’ lead. That score lasted only five plays, as Rosier carried the ball four times for 53 yards, capped by a 22-yard scoring scamper to tie the game with

Previously, interleague play was almost exclusive.

“Giving the players a chance to play against other teams from other areas will freshen the experience and allow the players to make new friends,” Miloch said.

Camaraderie with opposing players has always been a focus for the WRHA. Postgame barbecues from past seasons allowed the players to mingle with each other and talk about the game they love. This concept will continue in seasons to come.

In addition to tournaments, the league is planning two roller hockey clinics hosted by the University of Central Florida Golden Knights and the University of Florida Gators roller hockey teams. The clinics will be held during

3:27 left in the first quarter. Gutierrez then gave the Giants the lead for good, when he followed runs of 14 and seven yards by Rosier with a 16-yard touchdown run.

Defensive end Austin Tolley hit the passer as he released the ball, which set up the Giants’ next score. Two Rosier runs pushed the Giants’ lead to 20-6. On the Falcons’ ensuing possession, Henderson intercepted a firstdown pass and returned it to the Falcons’ 32. That led to Sparling’s 20-yard field goal on the final play of the first half for a 23-6 margin. Gutierrez scored from 22 yards for a 29-6 Giants’ lead. The defense was led by Tristan Poston’s eight tackles, followed by Kevin Gibbons’ six and Trevor Garnish’s five. Gutierrez and Rosier added four tackles each, and Tolley had three tackles, including two in the backfield. Sparling also recorded three tackles. Sean Christensen had a pair of tackles, while Malik Lansiquot, Kyle Maschi and Adam Blum each recorded a tackle in the victory.

Prep Chargers Shut Out Giants 21-0

The Western Communities Football League Prep Chargers recorded their sixth shutout of the season last weekend, defeating the Giants 210. This improves the Chargers’ record to 8-0 for the season. The defense was led by linebacker Sammy Eagen,

Christmas break and the spring break.

“That it is a great opportunity for the kids to learn from some of the best collegiate roller hockey players in the country,” WRHA Board Member Jason Hanchuk said. “Hopefully they will see that if they work hard, there is always opportunity for roller hockey scholarships.”

The schedule change will make for one long season that will mirror the National Hockey League season with a skills competition on the same weekend as the NHL all-star break. The league will also host a Night Out With the Panthers. All WRHA members and their families will have the opportunity to go to an NHL game in the lower bowl at an extremely low

defensive lineman John Smith and linebacker Jonathan Mogbo to keep the Giants out of the end zone. Also contributing on defense were Bryan Zuver, Jahcobi Neath, Tre Jackson, Josh Rayfield, Reggie Williams, Jayson Martin, Justin Kolnick and Andrew Szrejter. The offensive line was able to control the line of scrimmage throughout the game. The offensive line is led by Hunter Wagner, Jacson Herrod, Josh Rayfield, Connor Worontsoff, Nick Shibley, Brandon Schloss and Alex Lawson. Quarterback Justin Kolnick scored on a 30-yard touchdown run, and running back Cole Martin scored on a 29-yard touchdown run. Tre Jackson ran back a Giants punt 53 yards for a touchdown.

Varsity Falcons Top Colts 19-6

Led by the outstanding play on both sides of the ball from Logan Rogers, the Western Communities Football League Varsity Falcons defeated the Colts 19-6 last week to improve its record to 5-3 for the season. Rogers intercepted two Colts passes and recorded nine tackles to lead the Falcons defense. He also caught a touchdown pass on offense from quarterback Ben Schmickle and kicked an extra point. The Falcons were led in rushing by its trio of standout running backs. Sterling

rate. The Florida Panthers will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 16, 2010. During the game, the players will be visited by Stanley C. Panther and their attendance will be announced and spotlighted on the Jumbo-Tron.

Registration for the new season, which begins on Nov. 14, is currently being accepted online at http://rec.ci. wellington.fl.us, by calling (561) 791-4005, by faxing (561) 791-4009 or by visiting Village Park on Pierson Road in Wellington. The following rates apply: $75 for Mighty Tykes (ages four to seven), $90 for Training (ages five to eight), $105 for Prep (ages eight to 11), $105 for Junior (ages 11 to 14) and $105 for Senior (ages 14 to 17).

Valentine, Anthony McAfee and Ricky Sherrod all had great games. Valentine opened the scoring in the first quarter for the Falcons on a 22-yard run and dive into the end zone behind the strong blocking of Jordan Himelfarb, Matias Gonzalez and Brandon Guyn. In the second quarter, Sherrod scored on a 29-yard touchdown blast following great blocks from Luke Ferraro, Carson Hutchins and Nikolas LaFountain. The Colts were led on offense by exceptional running back Grayson Smith and the athletic Caleb Blazer. The offensive unit of Paul Holpit, Stephen Owen, Justin Tibbetts, Zane Argott, Devonte West, Steven Elice and Austin Anderson played well for the Colts throughout the contest. With time winding down in the second quarter, Holpit took the shotgun snap from center and found Smith open behind the Falcons’ secondary for a 21-yard scoring pass to cut the Falcons’ lead to 196 at halftime. The scoreless second half was dominated by both defenses. Falcons’ linemen Jacob Guelli and Ian Posada each made several key tackles, and safety Jermaine Griffin played well against a dangerous Colts passing attack. The Falcons front line of Connor Rogers, Jesse Schietz, Griffin West and Nathan Winters contributed on defense. The Colts were led on defense by Mark Lopez, Justo Elortondo, Jack Smith, Kristopher San Lucas, Matthew Liermann, D.J. Dobkins and Austin Gilman.

RPBHS GIRLS GOLF TEAM THANKS VILLAGE GOLF CLUB OWNERS

The girls golf team from Royal Palm Beach High School would like to thank Village Golf Club General Manager Dan Pesant and his son Carl for allowing the team to use their club’s

B&G Club Golf Tournament — (L-R) Fernando Gonzalez, Ed Portman, Pat Evans, Gary Thomas, Woody White, Greg Schroeder, Tim Haines and Wheeler Stewart.

The Hawks and Broncos square off.

Hawk Javian Wrisper dodges the Bronco defense.

Bronco Spencer Foley punts the ball.

Hawk Jeacky Charles jumps in celebration as the referee declares a touchdown.

Warning, I’m A

Have you ever harked back to the days of your youth?

Harking is fun, especially because the human brain has an amazing capacity to remember only the highlights and none of the pain. I am speaking, of course, about riding the laundry basket down the stairs.

What? You never did this? Well, it’s a good thing I’m here, because it’s never too late to start.

First of all, look for a rectangular basket. A round basket shares many qualities with the tilt-a-whirl carnival ride, and that can have dire consequences.

But if you have a rectangular, tobogganlike basket with a shiny smooth plastic bottom, you’ve got it made. I also think wooden, uncarpeted stairs work best... unless, of course, you’re tossed. If you’re tossed, carpet is better for softening the blow. It can also

Professional...

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

sop up any blood that spurts out when your head hits the wall. But never mind that.

OK, climb into the basket, get ready to push off and — wait! Did you remember to open the door at the bottom of the stairs? You didn’t? Well, that’s a must. Also, if you have a little sister, it’s good to station her down there to stop clueless parents from accidentally closing it or, worse, crossing your flight path.

Don’t Try This Stunt At Home

All right. You’re back in the basket. Now when I say “go,” have your younger brother give you a shove just as you push off using the handrail.

“One... two... three... GO!”

Clatter, clatter, clatter, bump! Now, wasn’t that fun?

OK, take the basket back up, it’s your brother’s turn. Yes, I know you don’t want to. You want to go again. Well, there’s only one solution to that. You must tell your brother how you think you could’ve gone faster if only there had been two people in the basket.

OK, now both of you climb in.

Hey, I’ve got an idea! Why don’t you get your little sister to open the front door so you can keep going, right outside and onto the lawn? (This is where your brother may argue that the foot of the stairs doesn’t exactly line up with the front door, but tell him not to wor-

ry, you’ll both lean to the right. Then he may argue that there’s a concrete stoop outside, but just give him a superior look and tell him to quit being such an idiot — you’ll both be going so fast you’ll easily clear it. Then he’ll start to whine about something else, and while he’s whining, you shove off.)

Whee-ee-ee-eeeeeee! Smash!

This is where your stupid brother will start crying, and you will shout, “I told you to lean!” Your mother will come flying around the corner and ask your little sister what happened, and your sister will keep sucking her stupid thumb while she points her other stupid finger at you, and you will be sent to your stupid room.

Man. Well, that’s all the harking I feel like doing today. (I don’t know why I get blamed for everything around here. I told him to lean.)

Why Call It ‘Reality TV’ When Nothing About It Is Real?

Why do people call it “reality” TV? There is nothing real about it. And to make matters worse, it has turned many Americans into nothing more than voyeurs. Voyeurs of the worst kind of trash.

If I wanted to look into anyone’s life, I would prefer it to be of someone I respect and admire. Someone I could learn from. So where are the reality shows about the Dalai Lama? Or Nobel prizewinners in science?

What we get is a look at the seamy, though generally over-waxed, underbelly of our species. The first reality show I ever heard of focused on Anna Nicole Smith, a blowsy woman best known for posing naked in Playboy and marrying a rich old man. I actually watched one episode, waiting for something interesting to happen — I was gravely disappointed. Aside from seeing some lowlifes who treated her as if everything she said should be engraved in stone for the ages, I saw a selfcentered, boring woman.

And the trend has continued, even though that pioneer has fallen. We have The Girls Next Door, which focuses on three paid com-

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

panions to an elderly walking advertisement for Viagra. The show calls the women his “girl friends” and a variety of other pleasant names, and certainly implies they have an intimate relationship. I guess an elderly, poor, oversexed man is a dirty old man, while a wealthy, oversexed celebrity gets a reality show. Although I am not a member of its audience, the media has been filled with accounts of how his former “squeezes” left him, and somehow young, beautiful women keeping filling the gap. When I was a bit younger, there were a lot of names far nastier than “girl friend” and “squeeze” for women like that. I remember my wife identifying a particu-

larly well-rounded young woman on a television show. “That’s Kim Kardashian,” she said. “Who is she? What does she do?” I responded. “She appears on television” was the reply. That has been followed by a new show featuring her sisters, neither of whom seems to do very much at all. I take that back; they spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about their nails and their complexions. The cable channel TLC did a show about a family with eight children. I not only had never watched it, I had never heard of it until it was suddenly revealed that the parents were going through a nasty divorce. Suddenly, “Jon and Kate” were on the cover of magazines, being perused by many times the number of people who have ever actually watched the show. One of the details revealed, however, was that the couple has been battling for years, a fact kept from viewers. Showing the fighting probably would have been more realistic, more entertaining and certainly more accurate.

It is a shame that those who create shows seem to look for people with flaws. There are

many fascinating people we can hear from. One of my favorite refuges from the pap shown on television is a computer site called www.ted.com. “TED” stands for “technology, education, development.” The lectures given there are often esoteric but almost always fascinating. Currently, there are lectures on how cities feed themselves, the ecological value of urbanization, kinds of tribalism in modern society, the physical and chemical makeup of stars and a plea to return to the Golden Rule. Generally, no one has heard of the speakers, although there have been some scientific Nobel prizewinners. Check it out for a better view of reality.

I am an idealist, which means I will pay no attention to most of the reality shows. If they do Real Housewives of Palm Beach, I am certain that the many interesting women I have met through interviews will not be included. Why bother people with people fighting a possible cancer cluster or helping autistic children or trying to create caring neighborhoods? That is reality-reality, a concept TV has not yet found.

The Wellington Veterans Memorial Needs Its Own Parking

Next month, on Veterans Day, Wellington will hold its annual celebration. It starts with a parade from the Wellington Community Center to the Wellington Veterans Memorial. Hundreds of people will be waiting at the memorial for the marchers to arrive. When the marchers arrive, there will be speeches and a roll call of Wellington veterans. The celebration at this beautiful site is always great. Never have I heard a complaint — until now.

Folks are starting to bring to my attention the location of the Wellington Veterans Memorial. As they say in real estate, “location, location, location.” I thought the location for the memorial (at one time it was called a park) was a great one. After all, it is in the heart of Wellington. It’s located on the corner of For-

Wondering & Wandering

By Ernie Zimmerman

est Hill and South Shore boulevards. You couldn’t ask for a better location (or so I thought).

The folks then asked me if, other than on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, had I ever seen anyone (other than workers) at the site.

I didn’t have to think long. I didn’t like where this was going, but truthfully, the an-

swer was no. I have never seen anyone at this memorial other than on the two holidays I mentioned. Most days I drive by the memorial six times or more, and other than village workers, I have never seen anyone there.

One of the main reasons for the lack of visitors is simple, I was told. There is not one legal parking spot at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. And if there’s no legal parking, there’s certainly no handicapped parking. On my visit last week to the VA hospital, I saw hundreds of vets in wheelchairs, missing limbs, walking with walkers, riding on scooters and walking with canes or crutches. In other words, there is no shortage of vets who need handicapped parking spaces. Those people who were complaining to me told me about the beautiful Veterans Park in

Royal Palm Beach, which features plenty of parking places (including handicapped). It’s a much larger park, always in use by young and old alike. I know this to be true, because every time I visit, people are there. The folks talking to me are all animal lovers. They reminded how beautiful the Wellington Dog Park is. They did find ironic that they’re at the dog park far more often than at the Wellington Veterans Memorial.

The folks talking to me want to know how a former Wellington Village Council (not the present council) could approve this great memorial and leave out legal parking. They also want to know why veterans can’t have a park as nice as the Wellington Dog Park or Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach. Yeah, I am starting to wonder about that myself.

FEATURES

Area Farm Hosts Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team

Despite the sluggish economy, Heidi and Stephen Lengyel decided to open Wall Street Farm in Wellington in July.

“We love this area,” said Stephen, head trainer, rider and a USEF judge. “Wellington has an excellent horsey population base, and there’s a real need to supply the community with affordable lessons and boarding.”

“We’ve been really busy with our lesson program,” Heidi added. “We give about ten a day right now, and all 31 stalls are full.”

Some of the students are boarders on their own horses, and some are students riding one of the farm’s 13 horses. Heidi noted that their horses are all nationally ranked, seasoned show horses able to win on the circuit. Opening the farm allowed the Lengyels to offer children the opportunity to compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA).

The IEA was formed and organized in 2002 to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and high school students. It’s an affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Hunter Jumper Association and the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.

The mission of the IEA is to introduce students in grades six through 12 to equestrian sports, providing students with organized competitive events and additional equine educational opportunities. Through the IEA, students may have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward their college education.

There are currently 63 teams in Zone 4, which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama,

RPBHS School Concerns

continued from page 1 commonly used to detect economically disadvantaged students — has increased from about 13 percent in the 2005 school year to about 46 percent in 2010, Swift said. In the 2008 school year, RPBHS had the second-highest number of incidents in-

WCF Seeking Projects

continued from page 1 in Public Places program and supporting wayfinding signage for equestrian events. That last suggestion referred to a small billboard equestrian promoters set up with permission in a village right of way at Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd. While the village controls the land the sign stands on, the promoters benefiting from it might be willing to fund it through the WCF, Kurtz said.

But council members Lizbeth Benacquisto, Matt Willhite and Howard Coates expressed reluctance to involve the foundation in any project that would benefit a commercial enterprise and noted that such an arrangement could raise questions of preferential treatment.

Benacquisto called for a “clear-cut protocol” on fundraising procedures and selection of projects for the foundation, with residents invited to offer suggestions. “You certainly want to have a process by which you proceed with any sort of project you undertake, so that people see that the process is fair,” she said.

Another issue is whether to use the foundation, which was set up to handle funds for a specific project, as a recipient of general contributions.

Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore said that in any case, the village should retain complete control of approving projects to be funded by the foundation.

“I’m willing to say anybody who wants to make a bequeathment or a donation on the part of a family to the community in a philanthropic manner, I’m all in favor of that,” Priore said. “But we cannot, I believe, give up the authority to determine what those projects are going to be. I think that’s essential in the

Blotter

continued from page 6 sion of a concealed firearm. Further search of the vehicle found a glass jar containing 11 grams of marijuana in the pocket of the passenger seat. In the trunk, the deputy found a black ski mask, a shoebox containing 234.5 grams of cocaine, a digital scale and small plastic bags used to package drugs. Roman was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana and carrying a concealed firearm.

OCT. 14 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation responded to a home on 126th Drive North early Wednesday

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg

South Carolina, Mississippi and Tennessee. Zone finals are held in April, and winners then advance to nationals.

Each team has a home stable where the members regularly ride and train together. Shows are hosted by the stables, and other teams come to compete. Everyone rides the school horses, so most of the children are riding horses they’ve never seen before.

“Many kids want to ride and show but can’t afford to,” Heidi said. “The IEA is a great way for kids to have that opportunity and to do so with their friends. We knew we really wanted to get involved in this program.”

Just through word of mouth, 348 people expressed an interest. Children were invited to come for an evaluation, which included a half-hour lesson to determine their riding ability. Heidi wanted riders of all abilities, beginners through advanced. She was looking for children who would fit in well with a team, be willing to cooperate, and be able to progress.

Siobhan Gallagher is the team coach. Originally from Massachusetts, she has been teaching riding in Wellington for four years.

cluding alcohol, battery, burglary, bullying, drugs, fighting, robbery and sexual offenses, behind only Pahokee Middle/High School. Swift also questioned the loss of RPB’s “best and brightest” students to magnet schools outside the village. He pointed out that the number of RPB students attending other high schools has increased since the boundary change, from 841 in 2005 to 1,032 in 2010.

creation of this foundation.”

Coates and Mayor Darell Bowen agreed that allowing general contributions would maximize the fundraising potential of the foundation. Bowen suggested creating categories so donors could indicate what general direction they wish their money to go.

“I think it would be wise for us to have maybe four or five categories to help people like, say, equestrian-related or arts-related or whatever, but those funds again would be designated to that area but not to a specific project,” Bowen said.

Donors with a specific project in mind should be required to come up with a plan to get funding for it completed, Bowen added. Kurtz cautioned the council that while the village has a staff and resources to create conceptual plans, budgets and other administrative details for its own projects, the foundation itself is unstaffed.

“If you leave [projects] in the WCF, the first thing you are going to have to do is raise money for a staff to accomplish whatever you want,” he said.

Benacquisto said the council should at least approve changes to the foundation’s documentation to expand its ability to fund further projects, and also establish protocols for project identification, nomination and selection. Bowen added that the changes should also address general contributions.

Village Manager Paul Schofield suggested the council’s direction to staff might be to have amendments to the foundation’s operating guidelines ready for council approval by early next year, to allow council review of contributions and projects, and to allow village staff members to meet with potential stakeholders to discuss project possibilities.

Benacquisto said that committing staff to discuss poten-

morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 5:15 p.m. Tuesday and 5:15 a.m. the following morning, someone smashed the back window of the victim’s car and stole computer equipment. The victim said she was walking her dogs Wednesday morning when she discovered that her back window had been smashed and the suspects had removed an LCD projector, black cart and a speaker from her vehicle. The stolen items were valued at $1,350. There were no suspects at the time of the report and fingerprints could not be taken due to condensation on the vehicle.

OCT. 14 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/

“This is a great idea,” Gallagher said. “I used to ride with an intercollegiate team, so I know how wonderful this opportunity is for kids. It’s really affordable, and the kids enjoy helping each other out and riding as a team, supporting one another. It also levels the playing field, because everyone’s riding a strange horse. They’re being judged on their ability and equitation, not on who’s got the most expensive horse or the fanciest tack.”

Gallagher pointed out that being a member promotes responsibility, as older, more experienced riders help younger, less knowledgeable ones. It also looks great on a resume or a college application, and opens the door to academic scholarships. Many colleges have scouts at nationals to fill spots on intercollegiate teams.

Emilee Smigel, 12, and Olivia Rossnan, 13, both of Lake Worth, joined the team together. They love getting to ride with their friends. Rossnan points out that equestrian sports are usually individual, but this way they get to work together as a team, which is fun. Jackie Taylor, 15, of Boynton Beach, joined to learn how to jump.

“This is a great opportunity for these girls,” said Sarah Rossnan, Olivia’s mother. “The girls ride a variety of horses, and the group lessons offer individual support. They learn to work together, share their love of horses, and really support each other and cheer on their friends. That’s really a different experience from what you see in a lot of the horse show world.”

The team holds fundraisers to help defray

Siobhan Gallagher, Emilee Smigel, Olivia Rossnan and Jackie Taylor with Ditto. the costs of showing, and they are looking for sponsors. They’ve been lucky enough to find one special sponsor, a well-known and successful grand prix rider.

“We’re thrilled that Georgina Bloomberg has offered to help sponsor our team,” Heidi said. “If we have riders who don’t have show clothes, she’ll donate the needed items.”

Right now, the team is showing against teams in South Florida. “The show season runs September through April, and each member can only participate in five shows per season,” Gallagher explained. “We hope to host a show this year here at Wall Street Farm. We’re all really excited. We have a very enjoyable program, wonderfully supportive parents, and a great group of kids.”

For more information, call Wall Street Farm at (561) 628-0973. For more information about the IEA, visit www.rideiea.com, and for Zone 4, visit www.ridezone4.com.

Further, Swift noted that the “feeder” middle schools that should feed RPBHS — Crestwood, Western Pines, Osceola Creek and Jeaga — are all A schools. “This is a question I have always had,” Swift said. “I don’t get it. Where do the students come from who are not performing well?”

Crestwood, the high school’s biggest feeder, had 59 percent of students scoring at or above grade level in

tial projects would be going too far too soon, giving the community false expectations. Coates, on the other hand, said the village should go ahead and start hearing ideas on projects.

“We need to have two avenues of contributions — unrestricted that can be used for any purpose that the WCF decides it wants to do, and also restricted that goes for any project that has been approved by the WCF,” Coates said, “so you get to the point where they can make an unrestricted contribution until the WCF has decided on a project. I think we should move forward and get ideas, and if we like an idea we’ve received from the community, we can open it up for contributions. There are no guarantees, but you can’t make that restricted gift until we’ve approved the project.”

Schofield offered a revised version of what he saw as the council’s direction, to propose revisions to the WCF documentation to allow projects beyond Scott’s Place, keeping control with the council and the foundation, and to start working on a list of projects with no commitments prior to funding being in place.

Construction of the playground and amphitheater project is slated to begin Oct. 26. The bid unanimously accepted by the council on Tuesday, from Hollywoodbased Coastal Contracting & Development, puts a total price tag of $1.7 million on the project.

Besides the 3,200-squarefoot amphitheater and playground, the site will also include a restroom building to serve both facilities, a parking lot, landscaping and lighting.

The village has requested a Jan. 31 opening date for the playground, with amphitheater work to be completed by June 15 in time for the village’s Independence Day festivities.

Loxahatchee substation responded Wednesday afternoon to a home on 52nd Court North regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone broke the right side window of the victim’s Ford Mustang and stole a black wallet containing three credit cards, a driver’s license and a school ID card. The victim said that she was awakened at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday by her barking dog and saw an unknown white male running west in the roadway past her home. The deputy found human bare footprints in the dirt road leading in the direction of the neighbor’s house. There were no suspects at the time of the report.

reading in 2009, compared to 39 percent at RPBHS. Crestwood had 72 percent at grade level in math, compared to 65 percent at the high school.

“This was the slide that disturbed me the most,” Swift said. “That’s the feeder school for Royal Palm Beach. I don’t understand that. All I can assume is that these aren’t the same students.”

Swift said the committee compared graduation rates, student performance, student demographics and high school program choices. Royal Palm Beach has a 75.6 percent graduation rate, compared to Wellington with 91.1 percent, Palm Beach Central with 88.9 and Seminole Ridge with 86.7.

Swift pointed out that the racial balance at the school has shifted from 61 percent white, 18 percent black and 14 percent Hispanic in 2005 before the boundary change was made to 33 percent white, 34 percent black and 26 percent Hispanic in 2010.

“This council was not aware that these boundary changes had been made,” Swift said.

Swift did credit the RPBHS leadership in some areas, specifically for a number of changes made this year. For example, this year the school implemented a new dress code; added an eighth period to give additional time for reading, writing and sci-

ence to address FCAT performance; and added more Advanced Placement courses. He also pointed out that enrollment has increased at the school’s international business and medical science academies. But he pointed out the magnet programs at other schools seem to be attracting the brighter students in the village.

“Suncoast and Dreyfoos have some great programs that attract our students to their areas,” Swift said. “We have the heating and air conditioning school. We have an international business academy and a medical sciences magnet that is really focused on emergency technicians and nurses rather than doctors.”

In attendance at the council meeting were Palm Beach County School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond, School District Chief of Staff Ann Killets and West Area Director Camille Coleman, who will be members of a special task force to investigate the issues at the high school, according to Swift. Also attending the meeting was RPBHS Principal Guarn Sims.

Swift had noted his concerns about the high school at a council meeting on July 9 where the council approved the formation of the ad hoc committee to provide information back to the council.

Mayor David Lodwick said it appears to him that the high school has a disproportionate number of economically disadvantaged students. “I understand that kids need to go to high school, but we’ve gotten hammered with a whole lot of kids with a lot of challenges,” he said.

Councilman Fred Pinto said he is looking for a commitment from the school district to fix the problem. “We’ve got a problem with the image of this school,” he said, “and it has to be turned around so that the parents of these students coming out of middle school will say, ‘I want you to stay right here in town.’”

Councilwoman Martha Webster asked school representatives there if they could share any ideas they might have to improve the school.

Richmond said they were there to gather ideas and that was why they were forming the task force. “What we are looking at is bringing together the best we’ve got in the school district to give support to one of the best principals in our entire district,” she said.

PBSO New District

continued from page 2 times they have to do it under our terms,” Hart said. “But our goal is to partner with them and let them know that we’re there to help them.”

Community policing is a philosophy the PBSO has developed in recent years, reaching out successfully to members of the community and working with residents to resolve issues, Hart said.

Four deputies plus a sergeant will always be on duty, Hart said. While four deputies covering 153 square miles may seem like a daunting task, district protocol keeps everything covered all the time, including community meetings.

“If there is a meeting, they will just break away from their normal duties of patrolling or handling calls, and another unit will pick up where they left off,” Hart said. “If there is a call in their zone, another deputy will handle that call, but for the most part, they’re always out

there. Because we have a supervisor out there, he will act as a patrolman and assist with any calls that are out there as well.” Hart said one of the issues in The Acreage is a perception of the lack of police presence. “A lot of these people have moved to The Acreage from Broward County, where they were used to urban policing, where they saw a cop on every street corner,” he said. “Rural policing is different in that you don’t have a cop on every street corner, but 153 miles divided by four deputies.”

Because the area is so spread out, the PBSO needs strong cooperation from residents, Hart said, noting that he depends on the community to bring information about wrongdoing. “If they know someone broke into someone’s house, we would like for them to pick up the phone and call us,” he said. “It’s a two-way street when it comes to community policing. We really don’t want people to hesitate to call us if they feel that a police officer is necessary.” For emergencies, people should call 911. For non-

emergencies, the PBSO main number is (561) 688-3000. Anyone wishing to speak to the District 15 supervisor can call the temporary number at (561) 904-8287. Hart said District 15 is being outfitted with equipment especially suited to address problems specific to the area. A big issue is speeding, Hart said, and he has supplied his 17 deputies with laser or radar speed detectors. Five of the deputies will be outfitted with new four-wheel-drive trucks. Deputies will also have access to two ATVs. “When we have incidents out in the woods, we want to be able to get wherever we need to if somebody needs help,” Hart said. “The only way we can do that is to have the right equipment.” Hart said he plans to be out in the community himself meeting with community groups and going out on calls. On Nov. 19, the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association will host PBSO representatives at 7 p.m. at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd.). Different PBSO components will be on display.

Members of the committee include Swift, Village Manager David Farber, former councilman Larry Zabik, PBSO Capt. Eric Coleman and high school parent Tamara Cook.

District Officials — Palm Beach County School District West Area Director Camille Coleman, Royal Palm Beach High School Principal Guarn Sims, Palm Beach County School Board Member Dr. Sandra Richmond and School District Chief of Staff Ann Killets listen to the presentation at Thursday’s Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting.

PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER