Despite rain delays, Wellington and Palm Beach Central high schools managed to carry on with their respective homecoming activities last weekend. Both schools held football games Friday night, which were completed the following morning. (Left) WHS crowned Homecoming Queen Lauren Finley and King Phil Marfisi a day late on Saturday. (Right) Palm Beach Central crowned its Homecoming King Cody Johns and Queen Kelli-Anne Scharschmidt at its dance Saturday.
MORE PHOTOS, PAGES 8A & 9A
TRAIL RIDE THROUGH THE GROVES
The Sunshine Paso Fino Horse Club held its inaugural trail ride in Loxahatchee Groves on Saturday, Oct. 20. The ride started at Ruth Phillips’ house on Hyde Park Road and ended at G.A. Guzman Paso Fino Farm on Collecting Canal Road where refreshments were served along with music and dancing. Pictured above are Miriam Evans with Celina, Steve Lusader with Rider and Steven Lusader with Maximus, a.k.a. Sugar.
MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 19A
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
Retired New York City firefighter David C. Dangerfield told the Town-Crier Wednesday he would file to run as a candidate for the vacant seat on the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in the Jan. 29, 2008 election when the filing period opened Friday. The filing period ends at noon on Nov. 9.
The seat Dangerfield is eyeing has been empty since former councilwoman Barbara Isenberg resigned in July. Isenberg
was elected to a two-year term last March, and her successor will fill out the remainder of that term.
Dangerfield, 49, moved with his wife and four sons to Royal Palm Beach two and a half years ago and has been active in local politics since he came to the western communities. He is an alternate member of the Republican Executive Committee of Palm Beach County and chairs the Black Republican Caucus of Palm Beach County. “I’ve always been involved in
community organizations and mentor programs,” Dangerfield said. “I want to give young men and women an opportunity to see that there is a difference and have a positive role model.”
Dangerfield’s involvement in the local community includes serving on the School Advisory Committee for Royal Palm Beach High School. As his oldest son Anthony is the coach of the girls varsity basketball team at RPBHS, Dangerfield operates the clock for their games.
Dangerfield’s sons Jordan and Jared are students at RPBHS. “Working with the school and with my sons on the football
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Village of Wellington is moving forward in more ways than one toward development of a parcel on its western reaches as a filtration marsh and environmental center.
On Tuesday the Wellington Village Council welcomed the responsibility of designing and building water control structures at the site, and authorized a fundraising effort for an environmental education and conference center there.
The parcel, known as Section 24, is actually a 420-acre portion of a square-mile surveyed section west of Flying Cow Road on the south side of the Rustic Ranches community.
The portion south of Rustic Ranches has been designated for development both as a passive park and a filtration marsh to cleanse phosphorus-laden waters that will flow into the Everglades.
The council approved an amendment Tuesday to an agreement with the South Florida Water Management District that gives the village control of the design and construction of the water control structures on the site.
Consultants Jim Harvey and Bob Higgins told the council that the water managers were pleased to see the village complete the construction of Pump Station 7 on time and under budget, and deemed it appropriate that the village undertake the components of the Section 24 project as well.
Under the amended agreement, the SFWMD will reimburse the village up to $21.5 million for the design and con-
team, people already know me in the community,” he said. “I want to give young people some focus and show them the values that we have as a family and my ideals.”
As a village councilman, Dangerfield said he would like to make Royal Palm Beach a more cohesive community.
“We’re so well diversified,” Dangerfield said. “Royal Palm Beach’s logo says ‘Village of Tranquility.’ I’d like to maintain that and educate the kids on the family values I was raised with. We need to get more parents involved in the school system.
A lot of kids get in trouble be-
struction of Section 24.
“The village completed one of the pump stations that was originally designed and built by the South Florida Water Management District,” Harvey said.
“We know of no one that is not pleased with it, so the district has decided that given your leadership and track record at getting things done on time and under budget, you can complete the Section 24 project which is a combination of pumps and dams and dikes.”
Higgins noted that the components of Section 24 are the tail end of a project to redirect water flow in Wellington’s Basin B drainage area. As a passive park, Section 24 would also contribute to the village’s open space level-of-service requirements, he noted.
“It will be a storage reservoir,” Higgins said. “It will be a pump station and have a structure that will come back into the flood system. The second component will be a passive park. It will also count towards the village’s comprehensive plan requirements. We are planning a horse trail around the perimeter to be tied into the Village of Wellington’s trail system. We will allow picnicking and other passive uses. It is anticipated to be completed by early 2010.”
Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore thanked both Harvey and Higgins for their hard work, and also SFWMD representative Jorge Jaramillo.
“I appreciate Mr. Harvey’s and Mr. Higgins’ help in bringing this to fruition,” Priore said. “I also want to recognize Jorge Jaramillo, who is a Wellington resident. We are happy to have him as a part of the program,
See
cause their parents aren’t that involved in the community.” Dangerfield attended Southeast Community College in Fairbury, Neb., and John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City before serving 21 years with the Fire Department of New York City as a firefighter and fire-rescue specialist. From 2002-05, Dangerfield was the FDNY’s bio-terrorism/public health emergency coordinator, managing the New York State Department of Health’s bio-terrorism disease surveillance program and response planning for the New York City
Bellissimo: Permits In Place For Winter Equestrian Festival
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Developer Mark Bellissimo received a round of applause from members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday when he announced he had signed off on a special-use permit needed by horse show promoter Stadium Jumping for the 2008 Winter Equestrian Festival.
Stadium Jumping had been at odds with Bellissimo, its new landlord at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, on cosigning the request for the permit, which would allow the promoter to erect tents on the show grounds for temporary stables and other uses for both the 2008 WEF and the National Horse Show this December.
While Bellissimo agreed last week to a permit covering the National, the permit for the eight weeks of the WEF was still in question until Wednesday.
“This morning, we did sign the special use permit for the Winter Equestrian Festival, which would allow the conditional use of the show grounds for the Winter Equestrian Festival,” Bellissimo said. “We’re excited about the cooperation made there, and the mutual respect that was garnered. Obviously, there was a lot of activity going on over the last 12 to 18 months. We hope that chapter in our history will be over.”
Stadium Jumping was once a member of Bellissimo’s consortium Wellington Equestrian Partners, with plans to build a massive new horse show complex around the present show ground, but company founder Gene Mische and Bellissimo had a falling out late last year.
Since then, Stadium Jumping has moved forward on plans to build a new facility in southern Wellington, while Bellissimo and company have purchased the current show grounds and surround-
ing properties from Palm Beach Polo CEO Glenn Straub, with plans to develop them further.
On Wednesday, Bellissimo told Wellington Chamber members that his partners and Stadium Jumping share a common goal of capturing the passion of equestrian sport in the community, but each is taking a different approach to reaching that goal.
Bellissimo cited Mische and polo enthusiasts Bill Ylvisaker and John Goodman as individuals who have shaped the equestrian environment in Wellington. He singled out Goodman particularly for building a successful new polo complex in the village when local interest in the sport was ebbing.
“Our vision is making a transition,” Bellissimo said. “It’s more of evolution versus revolution. In many ways, Wellington has evolved in a way based on the visions of Bill Ylvisaker, Gene Mische, John Goodman and so many others. John Goodman created a destination for polo. He saw a problem, and he jumped on it. He created a model for a great polo destination in the world. The vision of Wellington Equestrian Partners is not that dissimilar.”
Bellissimo said the vision of Wellington Equestrian Partners is to transform Wellington into a premier international equestrian lifestyle destination, and at the same time invite more Wellington residents from all walks of life to become involved in the village’s equestrian world. He said he himself was drawn into that world as a father and husband of horse enthusiasts.
“My focus and orientation in Wellington started in 2000, when I brought my wife and daughters here for the pony rings,” Bellissimo said. “It was amazing. Every year, the number of participants grew. In 2007, there were 90 participants in that pony ring. It’s amazing to
me the passion that people had for the sport.”
It is that groundwork that Bellissimo said he wants to build upon.
“Our vision for Wellington is to transform Wellington into the premier equestrian lifestyle destination of the world. We want kids all the way from beginners to Olympic hopefuls to come and enjoy Wellington as an environment,” he said. “People with limited or unlimited resources can enjoy this environment. Our vision is that everyone in the community can experience a part of creating this fantastic environment.”
Another component of the vision, Bellissimo said, is extending the current
winter show season to seven months. The involvement of the greater community will be necessary, he said, but the community would also benefit immensely.
“We need to figure out how to get the vendors in this community and in this town to be on the show grounds,” Bellissimo said. “We need to get the people who live here to come and see events. It’s incumbent upon us to create events that are exciting and interesting. If you are a seven-month venue, you want to create permanency. A lot of the employees should be residents in the community. We need to take some of the local
BELLISSIMO, page 42A
Developer Mark Bellissimo speaking at Wednesday’s Wellington Chamber of Commerce luncheon. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER See
Our Opinion
Halloween Safety: Avoid Real-Life Nightmares With Precautions
Daylight Saving Time extends into November this year, and that’s good news for parents. That means an extra hour of daylight on Halloween. However, while that gives trick-or-treaters more time to fill their bags and be home before dark, there are still a number of potential hazards to watch out for.
Parents should teach their children to practice proper safety from head to toe, literally, and that starts with deciding on the right costume. It’s a good idea to choose one that isn’t too baggy or over-accessorized, qualities that can easily result in a nasty fall, especially when the child’s vision is obscured by a clunky mask. Another essential aspect of ensuring a safe costume is the material. With the prospect of uncovered candles placed on porches, flame-retardant costumes are essential for Halloween safety. Of course, there’s more to costume safety than size and material; color is just as significant. But just because a store-bought costume has no bright colors doesn’t mean reflective tape can’t be added later. When your child is crossing the street, that tape might be the only thing a driver sees. And it never hurts to carry a flashlight.
Once trick-or-treating begins, parental supervision is key. Younger children should be accompanied by at least one adult. Older children should be encouraged to use the buddy system — no child should be out alone, regardless of age. Children should use sidewalks where available; when that’s not possible, be sure to walk in the direction facing traffic. Every time a child crosses the street, there should be an adult on hand to make sure he or she never enters harm’s way. It only takes a
Wellington Ignores Public Input
Every public Wellington Village Council meeting is required by law to make time to take public comment. Whenever it occurs, public comment is an important time in the life of the council. It is the one opportunity that members of the public have to speak openly about our concerns.
In the past, the council has
few seconds for tragedy to strike, whether it’s an out-of-control vehicle or even an unrestrained, agitated dog. Houses with no outside lights on should be avoided altogether — trouble could be waiting in the darkness. Still, even if some homeowners are not participating in the night’s festivities, they would do well to clear their sidewalks and yards of obstacles.
Though young trick-or-treaters may want to look scary, they should understand that it’s only for appearance. Greetings of “trick or treat” should be delivered with respect, regardless of whether a child receives his or her favorite candy or toy. And it should probably go without mention that all edible treats should be examined before a child is allowed to eat them. While it is repugnant to think that anyone would deliberately hand out something that could cause harm, it can and has happened. It takes only a few minutes to err on the side of caution — and much longer to deal with a worst-case scenario.
For children who didn’t receive the treats they wanted, it is important to make sure they know that certain “tricks” are not allowed. It’s certainly easier than explaining to your neighbors where all that toilet paper came from.
Keep in mind that traditional trick-or-treating is only one option for enjoying Halloween. There are plenty of other holiday festivities planned throughout the western communities. However you choose to spend the evening, take the necessary precautions and there will be nothing to fear. Well, except that thing hiding under your bed…
Letters To The Editor
adopted reasonable rules and regulations which ensure the orderly conduct of public meetings and which require orderly behavior on the part of the public attending.
It appears that the Wellington Village Council has recently adopted extreme restrictions. Citizens are not allowed to comment on consent agenda items prior to a vote; only after the council has already voted on the issues!
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The Wellington Village Council has found yet another way of ignoring dissent. I have sent two letters on this topic to the mayor and the council and have not even gotten a courtesy acknowledgement or promise of response other than the automatic “read confirmation” provided by the Internet upon receipt of e-mails.
For much of the country’s history, the symbol of free speech has been the soapbox in the park with someone standing on it giving a point of view.
Today, that soapbox is still here, but not at council meetings. It’s found in the pages of our local newspapers. The letter to the editor is the most everpresent method of free speech ever conceived. It is a method for all people; from students, to the elderly, rich and poor to speak out. It is the most primal of our entire God-given rights that our founders had the foresight to see, freedom of speech and the right to be heard.
Return To The Sector Plan’s Original Goals
Yeah, those of you who remember might recall it was pre-Masilotti corruption to the extreme degree.
While I did not attend the meeting last week (and wow what a surprise hearing Ms. Petrick’s voice on my recorder), you can be assured I watched the meeting later on that evening. I watched [County Commissioner Burt] Aaronson in particular, and his questioning of [County Administrator Robert] Weisman concerning Mecca Farms. You all remember the Mecca Farms details that screwed up the Sector Plan, that threw years of work on behalf of even giving away some of what the comp plan offered in the rural and exurban areas to the developers and large landowners?
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor RON BUKLEY Managing Editor
Julio Galvez Wellington
While I know you considered this process an incredible waste of time, please be assured that I feel some sympathy, but no remorse. As [Assistant County Attorney] Amy Petrick brought this matter back before the board, I saw the last county commissioner who truly cares about the environment and our rural areas offer one last salvo on the part of our exurban and rural areas. It was [County Commissioner] Karen Marcus once again who recognized that the public (i.e., the residents of the western communities) never desired the Sector Plan as offered in 2005 by [former county commissioner] Tony Masilotti, and as modified by the board in 2007 (with increased density and intensity over even what Masilotti offered). Karen Marcus suggested the Sector Plan be brought back to the 2004 plan, the plan the residents actually somewhat supported.
JASON BUDJINSKI Community Editor MARK LIOI News Editor
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The intricate details still nag us today, and I never fail in finding interest in Mr. Aaronson, and his apparent joy in finding ways to build in rural areas, agricultural areas, and even his complicity in running roads
See LETTERS, page 5A
The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address, and telephone number (anonymously sent letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to 793-6090; or you can e-mail them to letters@ goTownCrier.com.
Remembering Olympian Al Oerter
They say fame is fleeting, and few real, spectacular, Olympic champions knew that better than discus thrower Al Oerter. This giant of a man, who was one of only two athletes in Olympic history to win four consecutive gold medals in the same event (long jumper Carl Lewis is the other) passed away in Florida recently at age 71. The world of sports lost one of its best ever, an incredible performer… an incredible gentleman... and if an athlete was ever a role model, he was the one.
Oerter, the remarkable athlete, was the Olympic gold medalist in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1968. In each victory he broke the Olympic record, beat the world record holder, overcame an injury and was never the event’s favorite. For example, six days before the 1964 Olympic competition
Footloose and...
By Jules W. Rabin
was to begin, Oerter slipped while practicing on a wet concrete discus circle and tore rib cartilage on his right (throwing) side.
In addition to the severe pain, there was internal bleeding. Doctors cautioned against throwing for at least six weeks, yet his Olympic record, gold medal throw in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was 200 feet and one inch.
Oerter started his track career at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, as a sprinter and later a mile runner. He attended the University of Kansas where, as a classmate of basketball’s
Wilt Chamberlain, Oerter captured two NCAA titles and earned a degree in business. Later, competing as an amateur for the New York Athletic Club, Big Al won six national championships while breaking the world record in the discus six times. Oerter’s last shot at the Olympics, at age 47, put him in the finals of the Olympic trials. Fate intervened, however, and he tore a calf muscle jogging before his last three throws and was forced to retire.
Al helped found Art of the Olympians, a program to help fellow Olympians promote their artwork. He also was a motivational speaker for several national corporations. Guaranteed, he surely did motivate this old sports writer, who was fortunate enough to see him perform in the Olympic arena.
We’ve Lost A Giant Of A Man... Rest In Peace, Gary Brown
My brother Gary died Monday. While that may not be big news to anyone here but me, it will undoubtedly make a headline in the panhandle’s Okaloosa County, where he lived for more than 40 years.
Gary, the second oldest of five boys and a girl, was 69. He was also the first of my siblings to die, which has caused me some mixed feelings because I thought I would be the first when I was diagnosed last March with AML leukemia and given two months to live. (I’ve since gone into a miraculous remission.) For more than a decade he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, that insidious illness that takes one memory after another until none are left.
You would have liked my brother. Everyone did. He had the size of my father (both were tall, huge men) and the gentleness of my mother. We use to say he inherited the body of a bear from my father and the demeanor of a lamb from my mother. He was, without doubt, the finest man I have ever known. Although he was a mathematics major in college, he had the wit of a clever poet.
Politicians no doubt learned much from him, too, because he was hardly
ever challenged for the Niceville City Council seat he held for more than 20 years.
Gary was into his disease while still sitting on the council because no one wanted him to leave. Anita, his wife of nearly 50 years, would go to council meetings with him and help him vote because she knew what was in his head. No one ever complained as far as I know.
Gary, like all the Brown boys, was a veteran, and the Air Force sent him to the University of West Florida, where he earned his degree. He told me this story about his final exam in which he was required to complete a complex formula: He got his paper back with an F on it. He went to see the professor to protest the grade, insisting that his answer was correct. It turns out that he was able to arrive at the answer to the problem with a shorter solution than even the professor knew. He graduated summa cum laude
His class ring ended many debates we had in subsequent years. He would always end our various arguments by tapping his honors ring over and over on the table, and I would finally succumb. But he always did it with a grin. He did everything with a grin.
You would have liked my brother. Everyone did. He had the size of my father (both were tall, huge men) and the gentleness of my mother. We use to say he inherited the body of a bear from my father and the demeanor of a lamb from my mother. He was, without doubt, the finest man I have ever known. Although he was a mathematics major in college, he had the wit of a clever poet.
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Gary earned his place in the national spotlight when, as a Niceville city councilman, he led a battle against the country’s largest cable company over a rate increase. After a straw vote in his community registered overwhelming support to allow the city’s cable company to compete, the existing provider filed a lawsuit to stop the city. The state sided with Niceville and the case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which also ruled in favor of the city. The ruling gave him a guest spot on NBC’s Today. The city never started the cable company, but Niceville had the nation’s lowest cable television rates for many years — and terrific cooperation from the cable company.
One of my favorite stories about my brother involved a chance encounter on an airplane many years ago with the former football coach of the high school my brother and I attended. He recognized me and began talking about those high school days. He said when he saw my giant brother, he recruited him for the football team, imagining he would likely be his best player. After a few games, the coach realized that as menacing as Gary looked, he didn’t like hurting any of the other players — even if they were on the opposing team. That was the end of his gridiron career, but it didn’t bother Gary in the least.
My brother’s real sports career began when his own two sons, Allen and Brian, took up sports as youngsters. Gary became one of the most popular coaches in Niceville and many of those kids — including his own sons — can thank him for helping them become the fine men they are.
But my brother is my hero for another reason. He was a champion of family values long before they became
Letters
continued from page 4A through the same, in aiding and abetting building, development, parks, golf courses, and sucking up ever-evaporating water resources.
What scheme are Aaronson and Weisman drawing up now as it relates toward Mecca Farms? This as the county attorney’s office assures the public they are returning our comp plan back toward what it was pre-Scripps?
Some will lament the loss of the Sector Plan Masilotti maneuvered with lots of help, but I will not. For the western communities, for my community, it all went wrong with Mecca Farms, and it all went wrong with Scripps. While greed was readily apparent prior to that time,
By Don Brown
political issues. He loved his family — and everyone else for that matter — unconditionally and with great zest. He and his wife were devoted to each other and I never personally heard a discouraging word between them. Their entire marriage was like one long honeymoon.
During his last couple of years, Gary’s disease had reached its further limits. When it was suggested to Anita that perhaps she should place him in hospice or some other institution, she recoiled. Not only did she remain his faithful servant to the very end, the local hospice would often send nurses to their home to learn from the care Anita provided for my brother. Not only was she an example of love, she was also a mentor for nurses treating Alzheimer’s patients.
I paid a visit to my brother about four months ago during a break from my own chemo treatment. He was bedridden and no longer the giant I remembered throughout my life. He still wore the gray beard he had for much of his life — Anita had not shaved it off. Even while alone in his private thoughts, he still wore that grin I always remembered. I prayed that the man who made his living with his mind didn’t realize it was gone.
I also swear, although I can’t prove it, that he recognized me. That alone was worth the trip. So long, Gary.
the greed grew larger than the hunger of landowners, elected officials and the underlings could avoid at that point.
Taking a step back is now the best move. Yes, I know GL Homes is moving forward. Yes, I know Callery-Judge is moving forward with their ag enclave. But the real test is now. If those two entities really care about people, they will wait until the people have really been heard and their desires put into place. If GL and Callery don’t care about the people, well, the question of good government will once again be on the plate. We have a comp plan and we have a tier system — anyone in government willing to stick by it?
Patricia Curry The Acreage
For The Record
In the Town-Crier article “Golf Expert Questions RPB Course” published last week, former Tradition Golf Club general manager Ritt Dunham’s name was misspelled. The Town-Crier regrets any confusion this might have caused.
Driver Arrested With Marijuana, Prescription Drugs In RPB
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
OCT. 15 — A be-on-thelookout alert for a reckless driver on Okeechobee Blvd. led to the arrest of a Palm Beach Gardens man on DUI charges last Monday. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach observed a vehicle driven by 33year-old Jonathan Ingles traveling at a high rate of speed on Okeechobee Blvd. at approxi-
CRIME NEWS CRIME NEWS
mately 11:30 p.m. Upon contact with Ingles at Okeechobee Blvd. and Crestwood Blvd., the deputy noticed Ingles’ eyes were bloodshot, according to the report. The deputy also could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from Ingles. The deputy noted that Ingles failed a battery of field sobriety tests. He was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail.
OCT. 17 — A deputy from
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:
• Thomas Anthony Jr. is a white male, 5’9” tall and weighing 170 lbs. with brown hair and blue eyes. His date of birth is 09/04/87. Anthony is wanted for failure to appear in court on the charge of possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were Orange Grove Blvd. in Loxahatchee and S.W. Lindsay Street in Port St. Lucie. Anthony is wanted as of 10/25/07.
• Luis Miguel is a white male, 4’11” tall and weighing 104 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 10/04/88. Miguel is wanted for failure to appear in court and violation of supervised own recognizance on the charge of presenting false information of identity. His occupation is unknown. His last known address was 28th Lane North in Loxahatchee. Miguel is wanted as of 10/25/07. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crime stopperspbc.com.
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, WHICH IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS CONTENT.
the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach arrested an Okeechobee man on drug charges while on routine patrol on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. last Wednesday. According to a PBSO report, the deputy observed a vehicle driven by 38year-old Clint Griffin traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed on Okeechobee Blvd. at approximately 7:30 p.m. In addition, the deputy noticed the car’s tag was displayed improperly. Upon contact with the deputy, Griffin admitted to having a small
Bill T yson’s
amount of marijuana in his possession, according to the report. A search of the vehicle revealed a bottle that contained two oxycodone pills for which there was no prescription. The deputy also found a prescription bottle of Lexapro that contained nine pills of generic Valium. A third bottle with no prescription contained 28 oxycodone pills. According to the report, Griffin told the deputy he was holding the pills for a client. In addition to the pills, the deputy also found a marijuana pipe with residue. Griffin was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and three counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He was transported to the county jail.
OCT. 17 — A man was arrested last Wednesday on drug charges on Ponce de Leon Street in Royal Palm Beach. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the substation in Royal Palm Beach observed a car turn into oncoming traffic on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at approximately 5 p.m. Upon making contact with the vehicle’s occupants, the deputy smelled an odor of marijuana. A passenger in the vehicle, 21year-old Ryan Dash of Wellington, admitted he put a baggie of marijuana in the trunk when the car was pulled over, according to the report. The deputy noted that the rear seat next to Dash had a strap attached that gave the occupant access to the trunk from inside the passenger area. The marijuana was located behind the rear seat, according to
the report. Dash was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana under 20 grams. He was given a notice to appear in court.
OCT. 17 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach arrested an Acreage man last Wednesday on shoplifting charges at the Lowe’s home improvement store on State Road 7. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 4 p.m. the deputy made contact with a store security officer who said he observed 51-year-old Vetaley Stashenko attempt to conceal a drill bit and angle ruler in the front pocket of his jeans and exit the store. Security officers brought Stashenko back into the store and recovered the items, which totaled $31.50. A search of Stashenko’s vehicle turned up a loaded semiautomatic pistol with one round in the chamber ready to be fired, according to the report. The deputy also found two magazines with the gun. Stashenko was transported to the county jail.
OCT. 20 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington arrested a West Palm Beach man on retail theft charges at the Hollister store in the Mall at Wellington Green last Friday. According to a PBSO report, a witness observed 21-year-old Dwayne Williamson Jr. take five bottles of perfume from the store without paying. The total value of the merchandise was $177.50. Williamson was arrested and transported to the county jail.
Luis Miguel
Thomas Anthony Jr.
RPB Incumbents Lodwick, Swift And Mattioli To Seek Re-Election
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
Three incumbent members of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council each hope the level of satisfaction they believe they’ve delivered to residents will carry them through for another two years.
Royal Palm Beach Mayor
David Lodwick, Vice Mayor
David Swift and Councilman Matty Mattioli each told the Town-Crier they expected to file as candidates for re-election on Friday, the first day qualified candidates can submit their names to Village Clerk Diane DiSanto’s office for the municipal election scheduled for Jan. 29, 2008. The deadline for filing is Nov. 9 at noon.
Lodwick was first elected to the council in 1994 and became mayor in November 1998. Swift was first elected to the council in 1988, while Mattioli has served since 1994.
A fourth seat, vacated by the resignation of councilwoman Barbara Isenberg in July and currently unoccupied, also is up
Candidate Dangerfield To Run In Royal Palm
continued from page 1A metropolitan area. Dangerfield also served as emergency liaison between the New York State Emergency Management Office and the state health department’s regional office.
Dangerfield’s wife Erica is a former New York City police detective currently employed as an investigator with the Florida State Attorney General’s office.
“She was a CSI before the TV show came out,” Dangerfield said with a laugh.
The couple were among the first responders to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.
“Actually I was at the first [WTC] bombing in 1993,” Dangerfield said. “After that I was assigned to the Special Operations Command, which is like
for election (see related story, page 1A).
Each candidate cited the wish to see projects such as Village Commons Park and the extension of Roebuck Road to completion as reasons to seek another two-year term.
Swift, an environmental scientist and project manager for the South Florida Water Management District, touted the current council’s record on taxes.
“We’ve been able to reduce taxes for 13 years and still provide good services for the village residents,” he said. “Overall I think we’ve saved taxpayers about $25 million.”
Mattioli, a retired Corning Glass executive, said he feels village residents are satisfied with the record of his fellow council members and himself.
“I think people like what we’re doing,” he said. “One of our biggest accomplishments has been Village Commons Park. It’s going to be the crown jewel of the village. And we keep reducing taxes. I’m of the opinion that if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
Lodwick, a senior vice president in a commercial insurance agency, shares that same belief, and cited the village’s transfer of law enforcement and utility services to Palm Beach County in 2006 as wise moves.
“We’ve re-invested back in the community,” he said. “The merger with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has proven to be the absolute right move to make. We’ve given our residents a higher level of service, and everything is going extremely well with them. With the utility issues other communities are facing, I think our decision on the utilities company was the right decision.”
The village is using the proceeds it received from its sale of the utility to fund much of the $20 million park project on the site of the old Tradition Golf Club.
“Our village is really on the right track now,” Lodwick added. “We run a very open operation. There’s not a lot of surprise with us — not a lot of hidden things. We’re just trying to make our community better.”
Palm
heavy rescue, in The Bronx. We covered all The Bronx and the Washington Heights area. With all the special training we acquired, we knew that after ’93 it was going to happen again.
We prepared different scenarios and drilled. It was just a matter of time. We lost 343 firefighters [on 9/11], and about 100 of them I knew personally. It hit hard.”
Wellington Council Green-Lights New ‘Park Player Pass’ System
The Wellington Village Council approved the provisions of a new “Park Player Pass” system and fee schedule for village leisure programs Tuesday, set to take effect in less than two weeks.
With revenues dwindling because of state-mandated tax cuts, the village has spent months seeking ways of maintaining its diverse array of recreational programs — of its $7 million budget shortfall this year, $2.5 million was designated for the parks and recreation budget.
After a proposal for a $100 annual “passport” for resident households met with public opposition, village staff crafted an alternative proposal that combines a less-expensive annual pass with increased user fees for village programs.
The new “Park Player Pass”
is an annual fee collected from each registered household (resident and non-resident), based on the calendar year, one year from the first date of purchase.
From Nov. 5, the pass will be required for any person wishing to register for programs offered by Wellington’s Leisure Services, excluding the nonprofit Wellington Seniors Club. The pass will not be required for daily entrance fees or annual passes to the Aquatics Complex or Tennis Center.
The pass will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 5 at the Wellington Community Center and Village Park. Prices for the pass are $25 for resident households, $60 for non-resident households, $15 for senior households and $30 for senior non-resident households.
In addition to the Park Player
C-PAL Plans November Fundraising Events
The Crestwood Performing Arts League (C-PAL) has two fundraising events planned for November. On Monday, Nov. 5, a “FUN-draiser” will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. at Fuddruckers restaurant near the Mall at Wellington Green. To participate, present a C-PAL coupon when purchasing your meal. Twenty percent of each purchase during those hours will be donated to C-PAL. Coupons will be available at Fuddruckers. A pancake breakfast will be held Saturday, Nov. 10 at Beef O’Brady’s family sports pub in Royal Palm Beach (1179 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). The event will take place from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and include raffle prizes and coffee. The cost is a $5 donation for adults, and $4 for seniors and children ages three to 12. For more information on these events, call George at (561) 7936897.
Pumpkin Patch In The Groves
Community of Hope Church in Loxahatchee Groves will host an evening of free family fun at its pumpkin patch on Saturday, Oct. 27. Come dressed in a costume and enjoy a double feature under the stars, hay rides, games, face painting and a petting zoo. The church is at the corner of E Road and Okeechobee Blvd. For more info., call (561) 753-8883 or visit www. communityofhope.org.
Wellington Garden Club To Meet
The Wellington Garden Club will meet at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 at Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will begin with a light lunch provided by the members, followed by the business meeting and featured speaker. November’s speaker is Carol Hall, first vice president of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, former District X director and past president of the West Palm Beach Garden Club. Guests are welcome at no charge. For more information, call Deborah Russell at (561) 793-7360.
Greenview Shores Traffic Change
Palm Beach County is currently reconstructing Greenview Shores Blvd. in Wellington. The project began in late March and is scheduled to be completed in June 2008. The newly constructed northbound lanes are nearing completion. On or about Oct. 30, weather permitting, traffic flow will be diverted to the east-side lanes to allow for final reconstruction of the existing southbound lanes. Message boards have been erected alerting travelers to the upcoming change. There is likely to be continuing intermittent lane closures or diversions during the remainder of the project, and residents and motorists are asked to take particular care when traveling in the area.
Pass, a non-resident surcharge will continue to be collected from outside programs using village facilities, proposed at 25 percent. Non-residents in sports provider programs will continue to contribute $10, $15 or $30 above resident rates depending on the cost and length of the program season. Sports providers will also be charged a facility maintenance fee of $25 per participant to help defray the cost of maintaining and painting the fields.
For information on the Park Player Pass, call Assistant Leisure Services Director Ivy Kennedy at (561) 791-4720. More information on other village programs, events and activities is available on the village web site at www.ci. wellington.fl.us and municipal broadcasts on cable channel 18 in Wellington.
Royal
Beach Council Candidate David Dangerfield
HOMECOMING FUN AT WELLINGTON, P.B. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLS
Despite rain delays, Wellington and Palm Beach Central high schools managed to carry on with their respective homecoming activities last weekend. Both schools held football games on Friday night, which were completed the following morning. (This page) Wellington High School’s fun featured a pep rally Friday and the crowning of Homecoming Queen Lauren Finley and King Phil Marfisi a day late on Saturday. (Facing page) Palm Beach Central crowned its Homecoming King Cody Johns and Queen Kelli-Anne Scharschmidt a day late at its dance Saturday.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN AND PAUL GABA OF THE TOWN-CRIER AND COURTESY WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
WHS Homecoming Court representatives Corey Enos, Tawnee Sparling, Nikolina Kvist and Matthew Szafaryn.
Homecoming court members Ricky Odeig and Anamique Pollock (above left) and Noah Oliver, Kacey Mahoney, Amanda Beem and Antonio Brandon (above right).
Wellington High School Homecoming Queen Lauren Finley and King Phil Marfisi.
The WHS cheerleading squad at Friday’s pep rally.
P.J. Woodard, Amanda Vazquez, Andre Fantalo, Jordan Wry and Xander Tabloff at Wellington’s football game.
PBCHS Homecoming King Cody Johns and Queen Kelli-Anne Scharschmidt. Homecoming Court representatives Joshua Adler and Shenise Nunez.
Palm Beach Central’s Homecoming Court in front of an “Emerald City” backdrop. The theme was “There’s No Place Like Homecoming 2007.”
Mauricio Escobar escorts Amanda Collins and Stephanie Tinoco.Ashley Stechman, Melissa Silverman and Brittany Freeda at the dance.
WHS Students Chide Wellington Council For Losing Pride
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Local high school students took the Wellington Village Council to task Tuesday for forcing the cancellation of a charity tournament that benefits the hearing-impaired.
Wellington resident Curtis Pride, a former Major League Baseball player who was born deaf, has previously organized the Wiffle Ball World Series to benefit-hearing impaired children at Village Park on Pierson Road. Pride said he was forced to cancel the fifth annual event, scheduled for mid-November, because of an unanticipated hike in village fees for field usage from $2,400 to $8,000.
The students told the council Pride was caught in the middle of a change in policy, and pleaded with them to lower the fee amount to a level they could raise in advance of this year’s tournament, and said they would be better able to deal with the situation next year.
Wellingon High School students Michael Boland and Jonathan Martelli said they understood the concept of user fees to ease the financial burdens on the village, but said the amount being charged was too much to deal with at short notice.
“I have brought a petition signed by hundreds of community members who are outraged,” Boland said. “We ask you to rethink your decision and ask for your support.”
WHS senior Jacquelyn Vassallo said she had directly benefited from the tournament by receiving two of the Together With Pride organization’s scholarships.
“I am a recipient of the scholarships that Pride had to offer,” Vassallo said. “He helps locally impaired children. He does provide scholarships to future educators who work in the field of deaf education. I did receive two of his scholarships. I am back in Wellington teaching American Sign Language. I have many students who participate in our American Sign Language Club. It brings the hearing and the deaf world together. I would hate for this not to be a benefit for other students who wish to enter this field.”
Club president Melanie Reiss, another WHS senior, asked the council to lower the fee to $4,000.
“We have worked closely with Curtis and Lisa Pride,” she said. “I am here speaking on behalf of the entire club. We are looking forward to working with him this year. We ask that you lower the price for the use of the park. We are working on establishing an American Sign Language honor society, which will require community service hours that can be gained by working at the tournament.”
Reiss, also a beneficiary of a Pride scholarship, said she has been accepted at the University of South Florida as a deaf education major. The scholarships will continue to benefit the com-
munity only if Pride continues to host his tournament here, she said. “The only way this scholarship will continue is if he can come and use our park and raise the money that goes into his foundation,” Reiss said. “Our entire club is hoping you guys will lower the price of the $4,000.”
In response, Community Services Director Paul Schofield said it is an unpleasant decision, but the council changing its decision would open the door for every charitable organization to plead with them to change their minds.
“This is one of those days that I don’t like my job very much,” Schofield said. “It’s commendable that these young people came out and expressed their opinion. I believe that every charity is individually deserving. If there were a way to do this, we would. We have cut dollars this year. Next year, we will be cutting more dollars. We have to draw the line somewhere.”
Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto asked where the $8,000 is spent, and Schofield said much of the money goes toward setting up and restoring the fields. He also said the fee had not been sprung on the organizers at the last minute.
“We have been having these discussions with Mr. Pride all summer long,” Schofield said. “I wish it were possible to support every charity that asked. We have not completed all the layoffs we may be doing. It’s hard for me to recommend
‘If there were a way to do this, we would. We have cut dollars this year. Next year, we will be cutting more dollars. We have to draw the line somewhere.’
— Community Services Director Paul Schofield
spending that kind of money.”
Vice Mayor Bob Margolis said he was saddened to see that the Pride tournament had fallen victim to the village’s budget shortfalls and policy changes. He commended the students for coming out and speaking, but he said he did not feel comfortable changing his mind as it would be the start of a slippery slope for the village. If the council changed its mind for this tournament, other folks in worthwhile organizations would be knocking at the doors of the village asking for money.
“I would like to commend the high school students for speaking,” Margolis said. “It’s an important program and an important charity in the Village of Wellington. Mr. Pride is the recipient of a difficult decision in the village. I wish there was some way he would not feel the pain of being the first recipient of our new policy. The policy is being directed from Tallahassee as a part of the proposed cuts we have to initiate. I wish we could work out something with Mr. Pride.”
Councilwoman Laurie Cohen also thanked the students for speaking out about something they cared so much about. Co-
Why leadership education?
hen predicted it would not be the last cut due to budget shortfalls.
Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore said more organizations would have to step up to pay their way in the future as budget cuts get worse.
“We knew this day would come, and we knew it would happen,” Priore said. “We had a discussion last night of the possibility of creating charitable organizations to fund these events. The legislature is sitting there considering additional restrictions to impact the budget. It’s a real problem, and it’s not an easy one to solve. Requiring organizations to pay to do it is hurtful. But it had to happen.”
As someone who participated in the Pride event every year, Mayor Tom Wenham agreed the decision is a painful one.
“It’s very difficult to make these decisions,” Wenham said. “We are doing what we feel is in the best interest of our community. We get all kinds of requests from the charities and the schools for bands and everything else that is going on. I have been involved with the Pride tournaments. We have made a decision budget-wise, and it does hurt. It hurts us personally.”
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Indian Trail Taps John King To Be New District Administrator
By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report
In a surprise decision on Wednesday, the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors selected former Tamarac official John Christopher King as the district’s new administrator.
ITID has been without a top administrative official since the resignation of Bob Mearns in August. Since then, ITID Finance Director Margie Perez has served as interim administrator.
King was a late addition to a short list of candidates for the position Monday, which until then included former ITID president and construction company owner Bill Gotthelf, current Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Administrator Clete Saunier, former North Bay city manager James Vardalis and environmental specialist T. Michael Self. On Monday, King demonstrated to the supervisors that he had filed an application for the job by the deadline for submission.
According to his résumé, King has extensive experience working for local governments. He began as an assistant planner in South Carolina, but moved to Palm Beach County in 1988 and worked as a zoning technician for the county before becoming a planner in Jupiter for a year. He then worked in Coconut Creek,0 first as supervisor of the city’s code enforcement staff and then as planning manager. In 1995, he began working at the City of Tamarac’s Community Development Department, becoming its director in 1999. He moved to Virginia in 2006 because of a family heath crisis, but returned to Palm Beach County this year.
The ITID supervisors heard presentations from all candidates for the job in a daylong interview process Wednesday. In his presentation, King described his
work in creating a mixed-use district in Tamarac as well as leading the development of a 500-acre community park.
Some supervisors were impressed when he mentioned he had written a $3.2 million federal grant for trails.
King also said he is an expert at using geographic information system or GIS technology, which tracks information on land in a particular area. ITID recently purchased such a system.
“We’ve saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in engineering fees so far in Tamarac,” King said. “It’s wonderful when the engineers can move forward without hassles to solve our problems because they know where everything is located.”
King said he is a strong believer in teamwork. “I believe people want to do better, and it will be my job to help them get there,” he said. “When we have formal evaluations, I generally ask people what they have done, what they have not accomplished, and what they can do next. Then we look to see how well they have done and how well they can reach new goals.”
In a meeting that followed the interview sessions, Supervisor Sandra Love Semande nominated King as first choice for the position, with Gotthelf as an alternate. Supervisor Ralph Bair seconded the motion for discussion.
Bair said he felt Gotthelf was the better choice. “He is better qualified,” said Bair, who served alongside Gotthelf on the ITID board. “He knows everything about the district. Those of us who know him go to him for advice about things that happened years ago. King lacks special district knowledge. We have a lot of problems to be addressed. Both men could handle them, but King would have a longer learning curve.”
The other four supervisors disagreed. “He knocked my socks off,”
ITID President Michelle Damone said of King. “I came in this morning after praying that we would find someone who ran the district. At lunch, I was wondering if we could just put the best parts of the other candidates together in one person. And then Mr. King walked in, the last candidate, and I realized he is the real deal. The only thing he needs is to learn more about special districts. But he’ll be up to speed on that right away.”
Damone also expressed high regard for Gotthelf, but said King would be a better administrator because he would be focused on what the district needs for the future.
Vice President Mike Erickson agreed. “He had all the right answers and a great presentation,” he said of King. “We need a professional running the district, someone with a go-get-’em attitude. All of the candidates look good on paper, but he’s the really impressive one. He’s qualified for the job; he’s the kind of person we want.”
Erickson was also interested in looking forward, not back. “With Bill Gotthelf we have the past; we need to look to the future. We’re going to be less concerned with maintenance and operations in the future and more concerned with the impact of outside forces,” he said. “We need to be able to deal with the county and all the different agencies. I would love to go to functions with Mr. King and let him make the presentations while I stand by and just say that I agree with him.”
Semande was conflicted to some degree.
“Everyone knows I love Bill Gotthelf, but I was so impressed by King,” she said. “I loved that he will include our employees, the staff, in decision-making. I like his system for self-evaluation and his ideas for the treatment of em-
ployees. He’s got fresh, new ideas, and his attitude will build support. With Mr. King, we’ve got a clean slate. None of us here knew him before he walked in. Bill and Clete know the district and have a history here. With Mr. King, we can look to the future.”
Supervisor Carol Jacobs agreed that the district must start anew.
“What he said was great,” she enthused. “He listens well and he comes across really well. He’ll be a great representative for us everywhere. He’ll build a lot of respect.”
After the supervisors approved the selection of King, Perez called King to say she would contact him Thursday morning to begin contract negotiations and background checks.
John King
MARGOLIS SPEAKS AT DEM CLUB
The Mid-County Democratic Club held its monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 22 at Tree’s Wings & Ribs in Royal Palm Beach. The speakers for the evening were Wellington Vice Mayor Bob Margolis and State Sen. Ted Deutch (DDistrict 30). (Above) Margolis discussed Wellington’s election in March 2008 and encouraged Wellington residents who were present to consider running for office. (Below) Deutch focused on the Florida Legislature’s special session and how Democrats are faring in a Republican-controlled legislature.
County Postpones Shooting Range
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Commission postponed a decision Tuesday on matching $5 million for a shooting range until it sees if the state legislature gets the socalled “homestead super exemption” referendum on the ballot.
At a commission workshop, Commissioner Karen Marcus made a motion to review the proposed shooting range near 20-Mile Bend and other capital projects in May after the 2008 legislative session and also see if the state will fund this range, as it has done for others. “The Jan. 29 referendum, if there is one, will be beyond us,” she said.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Burt Aaronson and approved 5-1 with Commissioner Jeff Koonz opposed and Commissioner Jess Santamaria absent.
The Wildlife Foundation of Florida had asked for the right to name the park and selected features within the park in exchange for raising a minimum of $5 million by the end of 2010.
Commissioner Burt Aaronson said he did not want to invest any money yet. “I don’t know how we go ahead and make a pledge for the year 2011 for $5 million until after Jan. 29,” he said, “and I certainly believe I would not entertain a lot of things until I know what our finances are. I want to see what our finances are before we say ‘go out and raise $5 million and we’ll match it.’ What happens if we give that commitment and they don’t raise it?”
Aaronson added that the county government is being forced to cut back in many ways.
“Come 2011 and you ask would you rather spend $2 million on a shooting range or a library, I imagine most of the population would say a library,” he said. “I imagine most of the popula-
tion would say give it to the sheriff’s department or fire-rescue, or most of the population would say parks.”
Commissioner Mary McCarty said she is nervous about funding expensive specialty recreation projects given the current attitude of the state legislature.
“We have been lectured by our legislature and our governor that we spend money like drunken sailors,” McCarty said. “These are the types of things they are referring to, the things that are nice to have but we do not need to have.”
She entreated members of the Wildlife Foundation of Florida to go to Tallahassee with their request.
“Tallahassee wants control over what is provided for its citizens,” she said. “We promised the shooting range five years ago, but we are not operating under the same set of rules.”
McCarty added that she is also nervous about setting aside money for matching funds not yet raised, referring to shortfalls in fundraising efforts to benefit the Mounts Botanical Garden, the South Florida Science Museum and the old courthouse.
“You would be in a much stronger position if you had raised the money,” she said.
McCarthy said the prevailing wind from Tallahassee suggests that counties should not provide more than basic services.
“I don’t want to make the state mad at us,” she said. “I don’t mind looking at it, but unless the state decides they’re going to leave local government to do what local government needs to do, I’m not going to put us in further jeopardy. And I just think with all you lobbying groups out there, you need to let them know how you feel about the new philosophy in Tallahassee, which is, they run the show, we don’t.”
Golf Balls Fly Once Again As Revamped Binks Forest Opens
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
With Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham hitting the ceremonial first tee shot, the Binks Forest Golf Club officially opened nine holes on Monday, making it the newest golf course in the western communities and one of the few high-end daily fee facilities in South Florida.
Binks Forest Head Golf Professional Wheeler Stewart said Thursday the course has averaged approximately 60 golfers per day.
“It has been mostly member play,” Stewart said. “We realize that’s going to happen with only nine holes open. We haven’t had any complaints as far as condition of the course. That’s pretty rare for a new course.”
Golfers can play the back nine twice — a total of 18 holes — for $60 before noon and $55 after noon. The nine-hole fee is $40.
Binks Forest’s front nine is scheduled to open Nov. 17 with the Wellington Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic. A temporary “19th hole” operates out of the clubhouse, which Aquila officials expect to be fully operational late next year.
“All the pieces of the puzzle are moving along,” Binks Forest General Manager Paul Makris said Thursday. “We’re working on getting out whatever kinks are left, but things have been going well. The golf course is great. Tim Haines, our superintendent, really did a great job.”
Kevan Carpenter made the
drive from Delray Beach to play Binks Forest on Wednesday. “It’s a good experience,” he said. “I don’t mind driving a few extra miles to play a good golf course. I think that’s the way a lot of golfers are. Hopefully it will get even better when the 18 holes are open.”
Wellington Vice Mayor Bob Margolis and Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore joined Wenham at Monday’s opening ceremonies. Also on hand were longtime Binks Forest resident Morley Alperstein, the club’s first official member, Binks Forest’s original owner Mary La Medica and Aquila Property Co. partners Jordan Paul, Tom Weber and Terry Strongin.
Aquila Property Co. acquired the course from Peninsula Bank last April for a price believed to be between $8 million and $9 million and worked with original course architect Gene Bates and KemperSports Management to get the course ready for play. The course had been closed and overgrown since the previous owner shut its doors in spring 2002. Mortgage holder Peninsula Bank later took over the property.
Aquila Property plans to build 90 town houses on the site of the old driving range after the 18 holes and clubhouse are open.
Throughout the 1990s, Binks Forest drew rave reviews and was named one of the top 75 daily fee courses in the country by Golf Digest magazine.
La Medica and her late husband Mike brought the PGA Tour’s Sazale Classic, a best-
ball team event, to Binks Forest. Players who participated in the tournament included Jack Nicklaus, Fuzzy Zoeller, Johnny Miller (who worked with Bates on the course’s original design) and Fred Couples, then a resident of nearby Palm Beach Polo. At more than 7,000 yards when completely open, the par72 course can hold its own against any public — and some private — courses in South Florida. Binks Forest is unusual among South Florida courses in that many of its holes play through tall pine trees that give it a North Carolina look. The course sits on property that was once the private hunting ground of A.W. “Bink” Glisson, who oversaw much of what is now the Village of Wellington for C. Oliver Wellington and the Wellington family.
Binks Forest Back To Life — (Above) Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham takes the inaugural tee shot Monday at the Binks Forest Golf Club. (Below) Lou DiPaolo (left) and Ron Curcio (right) practice rolling some putts before teeing off. (Left) Aquila Property Co. Chief Executive Officer Jordan Paul with wife Valarie and sons Harrison (left) and Ben (right) inside the Binks Forest golf shop.
PHOTOS BY STEVE
Erickson Expresses Concerns Over ‘Water War’ Settlement
By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report
An Indian Trail Improvement District supervisor expressed great mistrust over a proposed “water war” settlement agreement with Palm Beach County at the Acreage Landowners’ Association meeting last week.
Last month both ITID and county officials said they were close to an agreement that would have settled litigation over water rights between the two entities. “We had a great presentation from them in September,” ITID Vice President Mike Erickson told ALA members Oct. 16.
“Bevin Beaudet, the head of the utility, was at ITID headquarters, came in and spoke about an agreement to settle the water wars here. It’s a month later and they’ve already violated the agreement — twice.”
Erickson said that while ITID and Palm Beach County had agreed not to pursue any further legal action while the agreement was being discussed, the county had been pushing its litigation in the courts. “They also promised that no residential customers in ITID would be connected to their system until an agreement was reached,” he said. “But we found out they’ve already hooked up 13 homes in our district without asking our permission.”
Erickson also said the county is not willing to actually state a price for water that residents could purchase in the agreement. “The reason for that is that there are two separate agreements made with Royal
Palm Beach that will guarantee ten percent of everything they take in here will go to that village. That means ten percent of all our fees go there.”
Erickson said the county’s deal with Royal Palm Beach guarantees that Acreage residents will not be able to get county water for a lower price than village residents. “So we will not only pay Royal Palm Beach ten percent of everything we pay,” he said, “we have to pay more for our water than anyone else.”
Erickson said the county, in settling lawsuits with neighboring entities, had gone out of its way to leave few options for ITID. “The Seminole Improvement District will not be allowed to sell us any more water no matter how much we need it,” he said. “West Palm Beach is also limited, particularly to the area it can sell to — north of 60th Street and east of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. And, of course, Royal Palm Beach would be in great financial shape living off us.”
In any future litigation, Erickson said, it may figure heavily that “the agreements made with Royal Palm Beach are unprecedented in American law.”
Erickson also said the $8.5 million the county promised ITID in the agreement is hardly a gift. “They are paying for a lot of damages done,” he said. “$1.4 million goes to us to fix the damage they did to our roads when they put in the water pipes for Scripps and GL Homes. $1.3 million is to fix the damage done to our streets when other utility
lines were put in. And there’s about $338,000 to pay for our pipeline to nowhere. It cost a lot more than that for land rights and other things, but they are just paying for the pipes. That means they would pay us $3.1 million for 110 square miles of service area. Under their own system for estimating valuation, the same one they used to pay Callery-Judge, our lines are worth at least $9.8 million. And, of course, there is no doubt that they would have to pay the mil-
lions required to fix our streets on top of that. Any judge in the country would give us money; the only question is how much.”
Former ALA President Robert Trepp asked if incorporation would prevent the bad treatment the district is receiving. “If we incorporate, minimally we could collect franchise fees,” Erickson replied. “If we haven’t already signed a water agreement, it would give us the authority to do things here.”
Trepp said incorporation
would be a viable option. “This isn’t about bringing in the city to a rural area,” he said. “It’s allowing us to take control of our own environment. The only thing we’re not doing is code enforcement and planning and zoning. And we could use those to make sure decisions made will not hurt the people out here.”
ALA member Gary Dunkley agreed. “We should take the lead on this,” he said. “We should have been moving in this direction even earlier.”
Coordination Needed On Trail Network
By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report
The Acreage sits astride two trail routes that have potential for a regional network, members of the Indian Trail Improvement District Trailways Advisory Committee learned Monday.
Three members of the ITID board — President Michelle Damone, Vice President Mike Erickson and Supervisor Carol Jacobs — were present for the meeting, with special guest Brett Baronak, who coordinates the development of roads and trails for non-motorized travel for the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Baronak told the committee he had recently met with ITID officials about the importance of coordination. He said two main regional trail routes run through the district: the first is along the M Canal and connects the Grassy Waters Preserve to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Man-
agement Area and continues to Lake Okeechobee. The second, further north, includes the district’s Eastern Trail, which leads to Corbett and continues to the DuPuis Reserve in Martin County.
Baronak said that while there are still a few problem spots, a ride to Jupiter Farms along the Loxahatchee Slough might be possible in the future.
“We could restore the old ocean-to-the-lake pathway,” Damone added. “Right now Corbett has the only gate that is a problem on the whole route.”
The committee also discussed problems with use of the Acreage Pines Natural Area. Erickson said Palm Beach County representatives had said the equestrian trail through the site would not open until the Acreage Community Park expansion is completed. “I don’t think they even have a timetable over there,” he said. “Even though we have built up the park,
they’re talking about our doing everything on our part even when it has nothing at all to do with the riders.”
Damone said although the equestrian community and county agencies have been at odds over the years, equestrians should work diligently to improve relations. “We should invite Dennis Eshleman, the head of the parks department, out here again to show him what we’ve done and see if we can negotiate what can be done,” she said. “This sounds more like just getting a group of people together to talk than a major problem.”
Also Monday, the committee approved a draft manual for operations, maintenance and management of district trails. Fellow members praised Committee Member Brenda Riol for her work on the manual, which will be presented to the ITID Board of Supervisors after staff review.
Acreage Community Fall Festival Oct. 28
The Acreage Landowners’Association will host the Acreage Community Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 28 at Acreage Community Park. The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and features music, candy, games, a bounce house, a kids costume contest, table decorating contest, face painting and a pumpkin patch. Acreage Community Park is located at 6701 140th Avenue North. For more information, call Carlos Enriquez at (561) 714-8515, email enriquezlox@aol.com or visit www. acreagelandowners.org.
Upcoming Events At Palms West Presbyterian
A children’s Halloween party will be held at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. All children from little ones through fifth grade are invited. Activities will include games, slide, bounce house, crafts and snacks.
On Saturday, Nov. 10, the church will
Palms West Hospital Names Bland Eng New CEO
Palms West Hospital recently announced that Bland Eng has joined the hospital as chief executive officer. Bland comes to Palms West Hospital from an affiliate HCA facility, Lake City Medical Center in northern Florida, where he has been the chief executive officer since 2005. Bland has more than 16 years of healthcare experience and has been with HCA for the past 12 years.
Prior to moving to Lake City, Bland was chief operating officer at Central Florida Regional Hospital and served in various positions at Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center.
Bland received his bachelor’s degree
host a western square dance from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring a professional square dance caller. All ages are welcome. Even if you can’t dance, you’re still welcome to join in the celebration.
For more information about either event, e-mail Candi at rgm427bb@aol. com or call (561) 795-6292.
Buckler Holiday Craft Fair At Fairgrounds
Buckler’s Craft Fairs will feature its 17th Annual Holiday Craft Fair Oct. 2628 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Come browse through two buildings of creative gifts and home accessories, sample delicious fudge and gourmet delights, try on awesome gold and silver jewelry, cuddle up with cozy quilts, smell the fragrant potpourri and candles, or find that perfect piece of handcrafted furniture. You are sure to find some unique treasures for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.
Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28. The cost is $6 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Admis-
at the University of Miami and his master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Florida. He is looking forward to returning to South Florida with his family.
“We are pleased that Bland has joined the Palms West family,” HCA East Florida Division President Michael Joseph said. “His extensive healthcare background, drive and enthusiasm make him a perfect fit for this hospital and the community.”
Bland will start at Palms West Hospital on Monday, Oct. 29. He replaces former CEO Ron Lavater, who announced his resignation on Sept. 10.
sion is good all three days with a hand stamp. Parking is free and there will be hourly door prizes.
For more information, call the South Florida Fairgrounds at (561) 793-0333 or visit www.bucklerpromotions.com.
Spookyville Arrives At Yesteryear Village
Spookyville is the newest family attraction at historic Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. It’s Halloween presented the safe and old-fashioned way, with costumes and candy, tricks and treats.
Spookyville will take place over three separate and unique days: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and early Halloween on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. Candy treats, as well as costume and pumpkincarving contests will be offered on Halloween night. A Halloween costume parade along with children’s games and activities will be available all three days. Whether it’s a milk-bottle throw, mummy wrap and tombstone rubbing
Palms West Hospital Chief Financial Officer Robert Preato had been filling in for Lavater on a temporary basis while the hospital searched for a replacement.
Palms West Hospital is a 175-bed acute care medical and surgical, adult and pediatric facility committed to providing the western communities of Palm Beach County with the highest quality healthcare services.
The hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 7983300 or visit the hospital’s web site at www.palmswesthospital.com.
or hay field, pie-eating contests and pony rides, Spookyville is the family haunt you don’t want to miss.
Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds is located on Southern Blvd. one mile west of Florida’s Turnpike. Admission is $5 per person. Children ages two and under are admitted free. Parking is free.
For more information, visit www. southfloridafair.com or call (561) 7930333.
Gift-Gathering Party At Palm Beach Zoo
The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation’s River of Grass Gala Gift-Gathering Party will take place Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palm Beach Zoo. The evening will feature live entertainment, a twilight stroll with the animals and cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dessert at the zoo’s Tropics Café
Admission to this exclusive event is $50 per person or a donation for the River of Grass Gala silent auction. For more information, visit www.art marshall.com.
Bland Eng
Fifth Annual Howl At The Moon
This Saturday Wellington’s pampered canines will strut their stuff on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the fifth annual “Howl at the Moon” event at Wellington Dog Park. Come out with your canine best friends; show them off and let them know how special they are. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will offer a wide variety of dog activities for all to enjoy.
The day will kick off with a dog costume contest from 9:30 to 10 a.m., Silly Pet Tricks by Elite Greyhound Adoptions from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and Canine Good Citizen Testing by Marc Street from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Other activities include: pictures with your pet, pet adoptions by Pet Haven Rescue, microchip implantations for $15, portraits painted by your pet, face painting, trick-or-treat bags for the dogs, nail trimming by Kim Barker and refreshments for all who attend.
For more information, call Dr. Marc Pinkwasser of Courtyard Animal Hospital at (561) 784-PETS. The Wellington Dog Park is located at 2975 Greenbriar Blvd.
Benefit Concert For Laura Brooke Music Foundation
A benefit concert for the Laura Brooke Music Foundation will be held Saturday, Nov. 10 the Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. The Laura Brooke Music Foundation is a non-profit group established in the memory of 14year-old Laura Brooke Buonpastore, a 2007 Bak graduate who was tragically killed in a car accident June 30. Buonpastore had been accepted to Dreyfoos School of the Arts and was planning to start this fall. She was a seven-year music student of Melody Stuart, owner of Boomer’s Music in Wellington. Buonpastore started taking vocal lessons, followed by piano lessons. Two years ago, she fell in love with the
guitar. Since then, playing guitar and singing had been Buonpastore’s passion.
By February 2007 Buonpastore was laying down the vocal tracks to several of her original songs. Buonpastore was able to record just 10 of her original songs before she was killed. Stuart, along with Cindy and Nick Buonpastore, Laura’s parents, vowed to complete her CD. With the help of Tempo Key Studio owner Cooper Getschal, the project was completed.
Buonpastore’s CD will be formally released at the benefit, in addition to performances by Buonpastore’s friends and schoolmates. T-shirts and jewelry made in Laura’s memory will be for sale, with all proceeds going to the foundation. There will be items raffled including a Black Panther snare drum donated by Mapex Drums (valued at $499), a month of music lessons and a few other items donated by Boomer’s Music as well as others.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased at Boomer’s Music or by mail. Monetary
donations and/or ticket sale requests can be mailed or dropped off to the Laura Brooke Music Foundation c/o Boomer’s Music, 12789 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite C, Wellington, FL 33414, or to the Laura Brooke Music Foundation, P.O. Box 117, Loxahatchee, FL 33470. The foundation will also accept musical instrument donations. Boomer’s Music will repair and refurbish instruments for the foundation at no charge.
The foundation is still accepting items or services to be donated for raffles at the benefit. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, call Boomer’s Music at (561) 656-1259 or visit www. passthedream.net.
Wellington Awarded For Financial Reporting
For the tenth consecutive year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Finance Department of the Village of Wellington with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Wellington is in the top five percent and one of 1,750 governmental entities in the nation to have received this award.
The village stands out in the financial management arena because of its commitment to the highest levels of accountability and reporting standards, said Wellington Village Manager Charlie Lynn. Lynn added that it is very important for the village to apply for these awards as a matter of financial stewardship.
The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
“We are extremely fortunate to have outstanding professionals on our staff,”
Director of Administrative and Financial Services Francine Ramaglia said. “They take great pride in the fairness and accuracy of the accounting records. Their commitment to excellence and teamwork is what allows our reporting process to consistently attain this prestigious award each year.”
The annual financial statements provide council, management, residents and the financial community with a snapshot of the village’s financial well-being. It also provides a summary of information on the financial operations of the village over the course of the fiscal year.
The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
Lynn also shared how proud he is of the staff’s accomplishments. “In all my years in government, I have not seen a more professional or more talented group,” he said. “Although we expect nothing less, Ramaglia and her staff continue to excel in the presentation and accuracy of our financial reporting.”
‘Build A Burger’ For Animal Rescue
Make plans to have lunch at the Counter in Royal Palm Beach on Saturday, Oct. 27 and part of your purchase will benefit the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Lunch takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Counter offers specialty burgers, custom-made creations, sandwiches, salads and milkshakes. Because this is a special event for the Counter’s soft opening, seating is limited and reservations are necessary. RSVP to (561) 792-7577. The Counter is located at 11071 Southern Blvd. in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza.
Laura Brooke Buonpastore
Antique & Collectibles Show Nov. 2-4 At The Fairgrounds
The West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center Friday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4.
One of Florida’s biggest and best antique shows, it offers hundreds of exhibitors featuring decorative accessories and collectibles including furniture, lighting, garden accents, architectural ceramics, pottery, glass, silver, rugs, linens, books, fine art and more.
The show also offers on-site services including jewelry repair, porcelain and glass repair, doll restoration, clock repair, and silver and gold plating.
“Alert,” an exhibit of reproductions, fakes and fantasies sponsored by AntiqueWeek, contains 70 items including
furniture, pottery, porcelain, glass, paper items, advertising, toys, mechanical banks and lamps.
There will also be a silent auction and special sale to benefit the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society hosted by Team in Training. Team members will sell handmade items such as quilts and homemade spaghetti sauce with all proceeds and any donations given to the society.
Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, free for children under 12 and $11 for a multi-day pass, available Friday and Saturday.
For more information about the West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show, call (561) 640-3433 or visit www.wpb antiques.com.
Palm Beach Zoo’s 12th Annual ‘Boo At The Zoo’ This Weekend
The Palm Beach Zoo’s 12th annual “Boo at the Zoo” will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27 and 28. This weekend’s activities include a unique overnight adventure called “Spooky Snooze” and the namesake event, two days of Halloween fun and trick-or-treating for kids of all ages.
Zoo visitors are encouraged to wear costumes as they trick-or-treat through the zoo’s 23 acres of lush tropical habitats, which are home to 1,500 amazing animals. From tigers to toucans, monkeys to macaws, kangaroos to cockatoos, the animals will delight and educate children of all ages.
During “Boo at the Zoo,” children will enjoy not-so-scary animal encounters, crazy costume contests, live music,
spine-chilling storytelling, frightening face painting, and the largest haunted house in the Palm Beach Zoo’s history.
“Boo at the Zoo” hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. “Spooky Snooze” will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and end at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Blvd., just east of I-95 between Southern and Forest Hill boulevards.
Regular admission is $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors, $8.95 for children three to 12, and free for children under three and zoo members.
The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the zoo’s web site at www.palmbeachzoo. org.
PETSMART HOWL-O-WEEN
PetsMart on State Road 7 held its Howl-o-Ween pet costume contest and photo event for doting pet parents on Tuesday, Oct. 23. Refreshments were provided as well as doggie bones. Pet parents lined up and paraded around the aisles while the winners were determined. Sassy the pup star owned by Ingrid Martin of Royal Palm Beach won third place. Roxy the purple witch, owned by Lauren Freisch, placed second. Finn McCool, a one-and-a-halfyear-old chocolate Labrador retriever dressed as Capt. Jack Sparrow, placed first. Finn is owned by Kate Kilpatrick of Loxahatchee.
(Above) Bumble bees Stacey Saunders and Spike of RPB. (Right) Pierre and Jenny Lacasse of The Acreage with Pembroke Welsh corgies Baylee, Furby and Nellie.
SUNSHINE PASO FINO CLUB TRAIL RIDE THROUGH THE GROVES
The Sunshine Paso Fino Horse Club held its inaugural trail ride in Loxahatchee Groves on Saturday, Oct. 20. The ride started at Ruth Phillips’ house on Hyde Park Road and continued down several streets throughout the Groves, including a trek through Loxahatchee Groves Park on Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee Groves Mayor David Browning and his wife Sharon rode in an antique Amish buggy owned by Rev. Roger Evans pulled by Nuclear Electric. The ride ended at G.A. Guzman Paso Fino Farm on Collecting Canal Road where refreshments were served along with music and dancing.
G.A. Paso Fino Farm’s Orlando and Raquel Guzman, daughter Raquel Guzman Almodovar and her daughter Kelly Mar.
PHOTOS
Steven Lusader riding Maximus, a.k.a. Sugar.
Sunshine Paso Fino Club President Edgar Torres Sr. with wife Janet, sons Nicholas and Edgar Jr., and daughter Mikaella.
Debbie Knapp on Pico and Linda Renna on Chip.
Andrew Evans and horse Nuclear Electric (and the Amish buggy) with Loxahatchee Groves Mayor David Browning and wife Sharon.
Marilene and Harry O’Keefe with son William.
David and Angus Milian aboard Sunday with Isabella Milian with uncle Humberto De la Cruz aboard Fire.
Victor Perez aboard Graino Oro (taking a bow).
I Went
A Bit Too Far At My Daughter’s ‘Destination Wedding’
It has been a month since my daughter’s “destination wedding” and I’ve just now gotten everything put away. That’s what they don’t tell you about destination weddings — you’re going to be hauling a lot of stuff back and forth.
When I got married back in the 1800s, I got dressed at home, went over to the church, back home for a family lunch and then to a local restaurant for the reception. Total distance traveled: 18 miles. Total time spent loading up the car and traveling: 35 minutes.
When Jen got married, it was on a horse farm an hour and a half from the Atlanta airport. Scenic, centrally located, but distant. One of her bridesmaids traveled from Germany, which was commitment enough, but she was also five months pregnant. What a friend! She did it without grousing, too, which is more than I can say for myself. The cost of gas, the wrinkling of clothes, the extended opportunity for things to get lost or broken — grouse, grouse, grouse.
The wedding itself — have I mentioned this? — was beautiful. Ten bridesmaids (some of them men), ten groomsmen (some of them women), a canine ringbearer in a little tuxedo, organicallygrown, free-range food, twinkle lights all over the place and (my favorite) little fluted cups made out of chocolate and filled with brandy.
That’s another thing about destination weddings. You have to get home. I blame those cordial cups for the need to be driven home by the mother of the groom, who may or may not still like me. I had vowed not to drink at all because, as my father succinctly put it, “No one likes a drunk mother-in-law.” He was telling me this months before the wedding, and I was agreeing with him.
But then the big night came and I danced with my husband Mark, my brother Dave and the best man, Ryan. I got thirsty. Up until then, I had been very, very good. Even after I got thirsty, I was careful to only have one glass of wine
every hour. But then they brought out those cordial cups and I was like a raccoon spotting the first strawberry of spring. I only had two (in rapid succession) but the infusion of high-density sugar into alcohol already lingering dangerously on the periphery of the bloodstream threw me into overdrive. Call it an “adverse chemical reaction” if you will.
At any rate, it was soon 2 a.m., Mark had gone home hours before, and I was standing in a nearly empty pavilion asking, “Have I just been left here?” That’s when the mother of the groom gathered me up and took me, the programs, the easel, 24 candles and the cake topper back to the hotel. Mark met me in the lobby and that’s how I found my way to my room.
Thankfully, Jen and Greg had already left for their honeymoon and were spared this scene. I had pledged Greg’s mother to secrecy and thought I was home free until last week when Jen pointed out
what I’d written in the guest book. “What does this say?” she asked. “It looks like a bunch of scribbles but it ends with ‘Mom.’” I squinted at it with my head cocked at different angles but I couldn’t tell her. Lesson learned: sign the guest book early. Then she brought out a photo everyone had signed. On that one, I gave advice to her new husband — fortunately, it was also unreadable. The only parental advice one really needs on their wedding night is “no one likes a drunk mother-inlaw,” and even then, not everybody listens. My new destination: sobriety.
‘Pushing Daisies’ A Refreshing Alternative For New TV Season
Most television series look alike. However, one new show does follow its own very unique path and is a delight.
Pushing Daisies on ABC is a modern fairy tale and is told like one by the ohso-British narrator Jim Dale. Using the same tones he used in reading the Harry Potter audio books, he tells the story of pie maker Ned (Lee Pace), who has as unique a talent as any fairytale character: he can wake the dead. However, to balance that seemingly wondrous gift Ned must touch them again, which kills them permanently. If the person touched lives longer than a minute, someone else in the near vicinity dies in his or her place.
Ned and his sidekick Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), a private eye who takes cynicism and knitting to new heights, have found a wonderful way to earn
extra money. Ned goes to murder victims, wakes them, finds out who killed them, touches them again, and collects the rewards. In the meantime, Ned runs his pie shop, the Pie Hole, and avoids Olive (the wonderful Kristin Chenoweth), who works there and who has a huge crush on him.
Then one day Ned goes to a victim that he once knew, the young woman who had been his first love as a little boy, Charlotte Charles (Ann Friel), known as “Chuck.” Since she’s adorable as a kitten, he forgets about touching her the second time and the local, very crooked funeral director passes away instead.
Chuck has problems of her own, including a pair of ditsy aunts (Ellen Green and Swoozie Kurtz) former precision “mermaid” swimmers who are agora-
phobic. Whenever they appear, they show why really good comic actresses never seem to disappear. They just take over the screen.
Not everyone will love the show, although it already has a strong fan base. Watching the characters deal with moral issues of life and death and their consequences is both fun and fascinating. Ned and Chuck have a particular problem: they want to touch, boy, do they want to touch! But if he touches her in any way, much less kisses her or whatever else might logically follow, she will die permanently. In a TV world where just about everyone sleeps with everyone else, a show with no touching, just a host of amusing substitutes, is a pleasant change.
Wonderful extra details help to make
On My Mind...
By Leonard Wechsler
the show seem to float on air. Olive, distressed by Ned’s interest in Chuck, suddenly breaks into “Totally Devoted to You” from Grease. Since she has a gorgeous voice and theatrical presence, the unexpected moment is just marvelous. Then there is the descendent of a Civil War hero who happens to be Chinese (his ancestor ran away from the railroad
See WECHSLER, page 42A
‘PHIL-ANT-TROPHY’ PROGRAM KICKS OFF AT BRUSTER’S ICE CREAM
The Cultural Trust of the Palm Beaches and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream kicked off the “Phil-Ant-Trophy” program partnership event on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Bruster’s Wellington location (10680 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Green Square). Adults and children enjoyed the ice cream — especially the children, who were given free helpings. For more information about Bruster’s, call (561) 793-7511. For more information about the Cultural Trust, call (561) 333-4948.
Wellington Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore, Janixx Parisi, Bruster’s Joan Smith, and Linda and Councilman Bob Margolis.
Marlene Milord and her children Joelle and Kyle.
Dr. Farokh Jiveh at the order window.Laura Jaffe takes a spoonful.
PHOTOS BY CAROL
Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto enjoys some ice cream with her children Austin and Gabriella.
Nadine Peacock and her daughter Olivia say hi to Bruster’s local owner Joan Smith.
Marissa and Angela Priore.
TAILWAGGERS HOSTS AGILITY TRIALS AT JIM BRANDON CENTER
The Tailwaggers Learning Center hosted USDAA Agility Trials Oct. 20-21 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Forest Hill Blvd. The competition featured an agility course with a set pattern of obstacles — tunnels, jumps, weave poles, etc. Dogs followed their owners’ direction as they went through the obstacle course. For more information about the Tailwaggers Learning Center, call (561) 804-WAGS or visit www.tailwaggers.org.
Owners walk the course before the competition.
Marie Skinner with Lukee.Cecelia Sumner takes Messy Jesse through the course.
Fifteen-year-old Melanie Carle waits to complete with her dog Patches.
Got Moxie and Jade with their winning ribbons.
Lynne Schaeffer runs to keep up with Piper, a three-year-old poodle who sailed over a high jump.
Central Falls To Seminole Ridge 24-8 After Overnight Delay
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report FOOTBALL FOOTBALL
The overnight delay between the first and second quarters didn’t faze Seminole Ridge High School in its game against Palm Beach Central High School. The Hawks led 14-0 last Friday night when the game was postponed at the end of the first quarter due to lightning. When played resumed Saturday morning in Wellington, fullback Curtis Griswold ran 64 yards for a touchdown on Seminole Ridge’s third play from scrimmage as the Hawks went on to defeat the Broncos 24-8.
Griswold, a 210-pound senior, scored all three Seminole Ridge touchdowns — two on the ground and one in the air — as the Hawks improved to 4-3.
Seminole Ridge also got a 27yard field goal from Justin Falk in the third quarter that put the Hawks up 24-0.
Palm Beach Central (2-5)
scored its lone touchdown on senior fullback Jon Bostic’s 52yard run with eight minutes, 52 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Broncos senior running back David Ahola, who set a school rushing record with 347yard run against John I. Leonard on Oct. 12, gained 132 yards on 23 carries. Ahola, however, never broke a run longer than 19 yards.
Seminole Ridge coach Matt Dickmann said his players were ready to face Ahola. “The kids were fired up,” he said. “They read the papers. They knew he had a super game against John I. Leonard, and they were determined that wasn’t going to happen to them. We came out fast on offense, defense and special teams. Everything we were doing worked.”
Everything worked except the weather. “That’s why you
really didn’t want the game to end,” Dickmann said. “That really worries you, but the kids came and played well. They were focused and ready to go.”
The Hawks’ defense, which consistently beat the Broncos off the ball, stopped PBCHS on three fourth-down attempts in the second half. Despite amassing 301 yards total offense, Palm Beach Central couldn’t get into a rhythm offensively. The Broncos lost one fumble and missed a 34-yard field goal. Palm Beach Central quarterback Travis Simmons completed only 10 of 23 passes for 112 yards.
“Their defense did a great job,” Broncos coach John Timmins said of the Hawks. “They played with eight guys up front and we had to throw the ball. We had to make some catches, and we didn’t do that.”
Griswold finished with 112 yards on eight carries. He scored the Hawks’ first touchdown on a two-yard run with 8:47 left in
the first quarter. An attempt at a two-point conversion, following a Broncos penalty, failed and the Hawks led 6-0. Griswold scored again with 2:18 remaining in the quarter on an eightyard pass from quarterback Josh Jackson. Jon Coulter’s run for the two-point conversion, with the aid of a block from Griswold, made it 14-0.
With his 132 yards, Ahola set a Palm Beach Central single-season record with 982 yards, surpassing the record of 919 yards he set last season. Ahola has eight rushing touchdowns this season, two shy of the school-record 10 he set last season.
Seminole Ridge travels to Vero Beach on Friday, while Palm Beach Central hosts Wellington High School.
In another game completed Saturday because of Friday’s lightning, the WHS Wolverines (0-8) lost 35-10 to area powerhouse Park Vista. The Co-
bras (7-0) led 21-7 at halftime before the game was stopped and went on to add two more touchdowns when play resumed.
Wellington got a nine-yard touchdown run from running back D.J. Law. WHS’s 10 points were its one-game highest point total of the season. It’s Royal Palm Beach’s chance at Park Vista this Friday night at Palms West Stadium. The Wildcats (4-3) lost by a heartbreaking 20-19 at Lake Worth last Friday night in a game delayed not only by lightning but also by gunshots across the street. The loss was Royal Palm Beach’s first in district play in two seasons. Behind a pair of third-quarter touchdown runs by senior fullback Ernest Ferguson, the Wildcats took a 19-14 lead, but the Trojans responded with a 21-yard touchdown run by Valiant Sherrod with 10:32 left in the game.
Seminole Ridge senior Curtis Griswold outruns Bronco Willie Johnson to score a touchdown in the third quarter.
Wolverine Greg Nowak kicks off during Wellington’s game against Park Vista.
Bronco Scott Thomas hands the ball off to David Ahola.
Palm Beach Central’s Jon Bostic wards off Hawk Jared Driggers on his way to score his team’s only touchdown.
WHS quarterback Winter Cullen holds the ball as he is sacked.
Wolverine Brandon Jackson with the tackle.
WHS’s D.J. Law dives across the goal line to score the Wolverines’ lone touchdown.
Palm Beach Central’s Joe Galioto (22) strips the ball away from Hawk Curtis Griswold as he is tackled by Marquel Edmonds and Jason Villafane.
Wellington junior DJ Law handles the punt return.
Wellington Cross-Country Teams Take Western Conference Titles
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
Ashley Brasovan is the undisputed star of the Wellington High School girls crosscountry team, but the Lady Wolverines have proven to be more than a one-woman show.
Wellington placed four runners in the top six at the Western Conference cross-country meet last Thursday at Freedom Park in Greenacres and won, going away with 24 points.
Palm Beach Central was second with 45 points, followed by Royal Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge, Pahokee and Glades Central.
Brasovan, the state’s top female high school distance runner, won the 3.1-mile race with a time of 21 minutes, 24 seconds — slow by her standards — but good enough to beat Royal Palm Beach’s Kesia Darilus by eight seconds.
Palm Beach Central’s Jenny Farnung was third at 21:48, followed by Wellington’s Star Bollinger (22:49), Megan O’Boyle (23:01) and Emily Hoskens (23:08).
“I run with them a lot and stress to them about the importance of running together,” Wellington coach Kara WeberFleming said. “I think they like running as a pack.”
X-COUNTRY X-COUNTRY
Palm Beach Central senior Dan Mosier won the race with a time of 18:34. Wellington’s John Best was second at 18:46, followed by Royal Palm Beach’s Travis Duffy (19:01), Wellington’s Edward Adams (19:58) and Julian Foreo (20:00).
The teams were scheduled to be back in action on Friday for the county meet at Okeeheelee Park, where the Wellington girls have won two of three meets this season.
Weber-Fleming has held Brasovan out of most of the team’s meets this season in order to keep the diminutive junior strong and healthy for the district, regional and state meets in coming weeks.
Brasovan has won the past two state cross-country championships. Her winning time last year of 17:01.25 is the second-fastest in state history. Jennifer Barringer of Oviedo High School in Seminole County set the state record of 16:55 in 2003.
Brasovan, who earlier this month won the Race of Champions at the Ninth Annual Great American Cross-Country Festival in Hoover, Ala. with a new course record time of 17:06, has worked hard on getting stronger as she preps for another run at Barringer’s state record.
The WHS boys cross-country team also took the Western Conference title with 27 points, followed by Palm Beach Central’s 50 points. Seminole Ridge was third, followed by Royal Palm Beach, Glades Central and Pahokee.
“I do a lot of stretching,” said Brasovan, who works out at a local gym as well as with her teammates. “I try to eat healthy and get enough rest. And I try not to over-train.”
Brasovan also joins her teammates for a weekly ice bath of their legs in the WHS training room.
“Your legs feel so good the next day,” she said.
Cross-Country Star — (Right) Wellington High School's Ashley Brasovan stretches after a recent practice. Brasovan is a two-time state cross country champion for the Lady Wolverines.
PHOTO BY STEVE PIKE/TOWN-CRIER
Wellington’s Ferranolo A Medalist At Regional Golf Tournament
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington High School’s Michael Ferranolo birdied the first playoff hole to win medalist honors at the Region 62A boys golf tournament Tuesday at the Majors Golf Club in Palm Bay.
Ferranolo and South Fork’s Greg Pietra each shot a twoover-par 74, one shot ahead of Titusville’s Christian Westhorpe. Ferranolo, a senior, advances to the state tournament Oct. 30-31 at the Golf Club at BridgeWater in Lakeland.
“He played really well,”
WHS Coach Kent Mauney said. “He played well in the district tournament, too. He’s played well all year. Mike always shoots in the 70s when we play an 18-hole tournament and in the 30s when we play nine holes. He’s been medalist in almost every match we’ve had this year.”
Wellington senior Aaron Tay-
lor, the district medalist, finished seventh with a 77.
WHS, which has won its district championship three consecutive years, tied as a team with Rockledge for third in the tournament, each at 327, and missed out on the state tournament.
Only the top two teams from each region advance to Lakeland. Martin County won the team event at 308. Titusville placed second at 321.
Send sports news items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
GOLF GOLF
By Lisa Keeney Town-Crier Staff Report
Seminole Ridge Overpowers Wellington In District Semifinals VOLLEYBALL
Royal Palm Beach High School hosted the semifinal round of District 9-6A volleyball tournament action Tuesday evening.
In the 5 p.m. matchup, Palm Beach Central fell to Palm Beach Gardens 25-14, 24-26, 23-25, 25-9 and 15-12.
At 7 p.m., Seminole Ridge defeated Wellington High School in three straight games 25-20, 25-20 and 25-23.
Royal Palm Beach and Jupiter advanced to the finals after playing Monday evening in the quarterfinals. Seminole Ridge took on Jupiter in the finals Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Wildcats faced Gardens Wednesday at 7 p.m. Results from both games were not available at presstime. The winners faced each other in the district championship game Thursday at 7 p.m.
Seminole Ridge’s Paige Mitchell sets the ball.
Kayla Foster of WHS gets ready to hit the ball over the net as Casey Salicco defends.
Hawk teammates Tiffany Rich, Brianna Lauer and Jessica Hamilton celebrate their win Tuesday night.
Hawk Tiffany Rich hits the ball over the arms of Bethany Neal and Amanda Carmel.
Seminole Ridge’s Paige Mitchell and Ana Morris jump to defend against the hit by WHS captain Lindsey Schmidt.
Hawk Jordan Fritts gets a hand on the ball as WHS’s Bethany Neal defends.
Bassmasters Fish Lake Kissimmee
The Royal Palm Beach Bassmasters held its monthly tournament Oct. 13 and 14 out of Camp Mack on Lake Kissimmee.
First place was awarded to the team of Randy Houck (boater) with six fish weighing 7 lbs., 13 oz. and partner Dan Carr (non-boater/guest) with four fish weighing 6 lbs., 4 oz. for a total team weight of 14 lbs., 1 oz. Second place went to Walt Zajkowski (boater) with three fish weighing 4 lbs., 14 oz. and partner Tone Young (non-boater) with five fish weighing 6 lbs., 7 oz. for a total team weight of 11 lbs., 5 oz. Third place was awarded to Stu Shoemaker (boater) with three fish weighing 3 lbs., 4 oz. and partner Maria Shoemaker (nonboater) with five fish weighing 5 lbs., 12 oz. for a total team weight of 9 lbs.
The big fish on Saturday, weighing 2 lbs., 3 oz., was caught by Randy Houck. The big fish on Sunday, weighing 2 lbs., 7 oz., was caught by Tone Young.
Royal Palm Beach Bassmasters meetings are held on the second Thursday of
each month at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. Tournaments are held the following Sunday. Dues are $25 a year and tournament entry fees are $25. For more information, call Irene at (561)793-7081.
Golf Programs In RPB
Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation is currently accepting registration for its beginner golf league. The four-week instructional clinic will be held at the Village Golf Club (122 Country Club Drive) Sundays Nov. 11 and 18, and Dec. 2 and 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. The clinic is for youths ages seven to 17 and adults age 18 and up. The cost is $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 8. Previous experience is preferred. Players do not need to bring their own clubs.
RPB Parks & Recreation is also accepting registration for its Junior Golf Challenge program. The four-session program will be held at the Village Golf Club Saturdays, Nov. 3 and 10 at 2:30 p.m., and Thursdays, Nov. 8 and 15 at 4 p.m. for youths ages seven to 17. The cost is $40 for residents and $50 for nonresidents. The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 1. Previous experience is required; players must bring their own clubs.
For more information about either of these golf programs, call (561) 7905124.
Good Shot — Young golfer Ella Woods recently participated in the Okee-Gold Cup team tournament on Oct. 20 in which members of the Junior Golf Foundation of America play against a team from the Gold Coast Junior Foundation. In addition, Woods qualified for the World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in July 2008 and has been invited to play at the Jekyll Island Cup in Jekyll Island, Georgia in February. Woods participates in the U.S. Kids Golf program in West Palm Beach, chaired by Don Law. For more information, visit www.uskidsgolf.com. (Right) Pictured here is Woods with golf instructor Mark Mayette of the John Prince Golf Learning Center.
Lockwood Named To National Travel Team
USA Baseball recently named Dean Lockwood of Royal Palm Beach one of 26 invitees to the 14-U National Team trials. Lockwood will travel to Orlando and then possibly to Salinas, Puerto Rico to represent the United States in the Confederation of Pan American Baseball “A” Pan Am Championship, which will take place Nov. 23 to Dec. 2.
A native of Palm Beach County, Lockwood currently attends Crestwood Middle School. He is a member of the Crestwood baseball team and plays on the Wellington Warriors travel team as well. For more information about USA Baseball, visit www.usabaseball.com.
Royal Palm Beach Rec Adult Flag Football Standings as of 10/25/07
Tone Young
Randy Houck
Walt Zajkowski
Saturday, Oct. 27
• Lake Worth Hugs Not Drugs will continue its fifth annual haunted house Haunted Halls of Horror Oct. 27-28 at the YMCA (2085 South Congress Avenue, Palm Springs). Doors open at 6 p.m. each evening. Tickets cost $10; $2 discounts are available at www.haunted hallsofhorror.com.
• Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds will host Spookyville Oct. 27, 28 and 31. A Halloween costume parade along with children’s games and activities will be available all three days. Admission is $5 per person. Children ages two and under are admitted free. Parking is free. For more info., visit www.south floridafair.com or call (561) 7930333.
• Epiphany Lutheran Church (4660 Lyons Road, Lake Worth) will continue its Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser through Oct. 30 from noon to 8 p.m. Pumpkins will be for sale the entire time and there will be face painting, hayrides and games on weekends. For more info., call Teri Bernhardt at (561) 9683627.
• Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds will continue through Wednesday, Oct. 31 starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, concluding on Halloween night. Tickets cost $10 general admission in advance ($15 at the gate) and $20 for unlimited access ($25 at the gate). For more info., call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair. com.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother in the Rinker Playhouse through Sunday, Nov. 4. Describing her experiences both as a gay mother of two sons and as the daughter of a quintessential Jewish mother, Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian Judy Gold mixes autobiographical commentary with snippets based on more than 50 interviews with Jewish women across the U.S. Tickets are $28. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis. org.
• The St. Rita Council of Catholic Women will hold a White Elephant Sale on Saturday, Oct 27 under the pavilion in the St. Rita parking lot. Participants may rent a parking space for $20 (bring your own table). The CCW will operate a snack bar. For info., call (561) 798-2853.
• Courtyard Animal Hospital will hold its fifth annual Howl at the Moon Dog Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Wellington Dog Park on Greenbriar Blvd. All proceeds will benefit the dog park. For info., call (561) 784-PETS.
• A children’s Halloween party will be held at Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 6 p.m. All children from little ones through fifth grade are invited. Activities will include games, slide, bounce house, crafts and snacks. For more info., e-mail Candi at rgm427bb@aol.com or call (561) 795-6292.
• Wellington Presbyterian Church (1000 Wellington Trace) will hold a free fall festival Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be games, candy, prizes and a bounce house. Hot dogs and barbecue lunches will be available for pur-
chase. For more info., call (561) 793-1007.
• The Wellington Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Village Park Gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). The howling fun begins at 5 p.m. with the Old Gym Haunted Hallways, a hauntingly happy hour until 6 p.m. for children ages eight and under. The evening continues with a parade of costumes. Festivities will continue throughout the evening. All activities require the purchase of coupon tickets (prices vary per activity) or the purchase of an all-access bracelet for $15. For more information, call (561) 753-2484.
• The annual Halloweenthemed street party Moonfest returns to Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The costume contest will offer $1,000 in cash and prizes. Local bands will perform on two stages, in addition to DJs, a laser light show, spooky rides, freaky vendors and plenty of food. For more info., call Maurice Costigan at (561) 667-1030.
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will present the Gregorian Masters of Chant in Dreyfoos Hall on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. Dressed in robes and backed by musicians and guest vocalist Amelia Brightman, the choir’s chants bring an agesold sound into the modern musical landscape. Tickets are available by calling (561) 8327469 or visiting www.kravis.org.
• Nicole’s Village Tavern will host its annual Halloween costume party for adults on Saturday, Oct. 27. The night will include “spooktacular” dinner specialties, thirst-quenching “spirits,” costume contests and dancing. Nicole’s is located at 12300 South Shore Blvd. in the Mizner shopping plaza. For more information, call (561) 793-3456.
Sunday, Oct. 28
• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will provide an opportunity to walk of part of the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail on Sunday, Oct. 28. Walkers will meet at the entrance to the North County Airport on Beeline Highway at 7:30 a.m. Call Alan (561) 586-0486 for more info.
• Okeeheelee Park Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will hold “Dipnetting Daze” for ages seven and older on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person. RSVP to (561) 233-1400.
• The Grammy Award-winning reggae group Inner Circle will perform a free concert Sunday, Oct. 28 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org.
• First Baptist Church of Royal Palm Beach (10701 Okeechobee Blvd.) will host Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 28 with free food, games, bounce houses, loads of candy and a petting zoo. Fire-rescue trucks will be on hand from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plenty of parking will be available. For more info., call Dan Long at (561) 793-2475 or visit www.trunkortreat.tv.
• The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Israel Center will host a movie screening as part of its Israeli Film Club on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tradition of the
Palm Beaches (4696 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach). The film Three Mothers is based on a true story concerning Sephardic triplets born in Alexandria in 1943. Admission is $5 and includes refreshments. For info., contact Patrice Gilbert at (561) 242-6677 or patrice. gilbert@jewishpalmbeach.org.
Tuesday, Oct. 30
• The Royal Palm Beach Community Band will present a “Spooktacular Halloween Concert” on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Be sure to wear a costume. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.
Wednesday, Oct. 31
• Loxahatchee Baptist Mission Church (corner of Orange Blvd. and 140th Avenue North in The Acreage) will host Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring tricks, treats, games and fun. Bring your family to a safe Halloween alternative. To volunteer or participate, call (561) 7902968.
Thursday, Nov. 1
• The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation will host its River of Grass Gala Gift-Gathering Party on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Palm Beach Zoo (1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach). The party will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, a twilight stroll with the animals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dessert. Admission is $50 per person or a similarly valuted donation for the River of Grass Gala silent auction. For info., visit www.artmarshall.com.
Friday, Nov. 2
• The West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show will be held Friday through Sunday, Nov. 2-4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. For more info., call (561) 793-0333.
• The Studio Theatre of Wellington will present its Second Annual Festival of Short Plays starting Friday, Nov. 2. The festival features a staged reading of nine ten-minute plays submitted by local playwrights. Show times are 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, 3, 9 and 10. Admission costs $10. The theater is located at 11320 Fortune Circle in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 204-4100.
• Ballet Florida will present a mixed bill company performance Nov. 2-4 at Palm Beach Community College’s Eissey Campus Theatre. For more info., call (561) 659-2000 or visit www.balletflorida.com.
Saturday, Nov. 3
• The Community Fitness Run in Wellington benefiting Hospice of Palm Beach County will take place Saturday, Nov. 3 starting and ending at Wellington Plaza (corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace). Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., and the event will start at 7:30 a.m. The entry fee is $25 for adults prior to Saturday Nov. 3, $30 on race day. Youngsters under 18 may enter before Nov. 3 for just $20; $25 race day. For more info., call Lauryn Barry at (561) 227-5157. Register in advance at www.hpbc.com. Send calendar items to: TownCrier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@gotowncrier. com.
PANTHER RUN LITERACY DAY
Panther Run Elementary School was invaded by storybook characters on Oct. 19. Teachers Kim McPherson, Tracy Silber and Michelle Hollingsworth celebrated Literacy Day with a parade of characters from nursery rhymes, fairy tales and fables. The kindergarten students dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters, first-graders dressed as their favorite fairy tale characters and the second-graders dressed as their favorite fable or tall tale characters. The children also had to tell about their character or recite their nursery rhymes.
WHS To Receive Family Literacy Award
Wellington High School will be among 11 schools and organizations honored for family literacy programs on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Airport Hilton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Department of Adult and Community Education is hosting this event with the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition.
Family literacy programs teach children and parents together, reinforcing literacy skills and parenting skills. There is evidence that the education levels of the parents is a predictor of the child’s educational attainment.
About 350 children and their parents, along with teachers and administrators, will be in attendance at this event. The event is part of the national celebration
on Nov. 1. For more information, call Trish Rowland at (561) 963-3836.
Wear Your Cap To School Day At Binks Forest
Binks Forest Elementary School recently participated in Wear Your Cap to School Day. In order to raise awareness of pediatric cancer in the community, students signed up by donating $1 to Caps for Kids. For their donations, the students were allowed to wear their favorite baseball caps to school on that day. The students raised a total of $875 in honor of their peers who are affected by pediatric cancer. Caps for Kids is an international nonprofit organization that gives caps and scarves signed by athletes, entertainers and other notable celebrities to pediatric cancer patients.
SHOWCASE OF SCHOOLS
The Palm Beach County School District hosted the Showcase of Schools on Tuesday at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. The event showcased 63 choice public schools, career academies, magnet and charter schools that offer special programs such as the International Baccalaureate, Montessori and the arts. (Above) Royal Palm Beach High School students Diamond Stone, Jessica Huber, Amanda Donegan and Keinry Joseph at their booth. (Right) Panther Run student Ben Grabner with grandmother Roberta.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
SEMINOLE RIDGE HOMECOMING
Seminole Ridge High School crowned Casey Soos and Brianna Lauer as Homecoming king and queen at halftime ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 12. The Hawks defeated visiting Suncoast High School 38-7 during a homecoming football game. The theme for the week was “Ethnicities of the World,” with the freshmen as Native Americans, sophmores as Egyptians, juniors as Latin Americans and seniors as Asians. Activities during the week included Wacky Tacky Clothing, Sports Jerseys Day, Superhero Day and Spirit Day with everyone wearing school colors of red, silver and black. A carnival took place the first day of homecoming week. Students enjoyed boxing with oversize gloves, sending their friends to “jail,” rock climbing, dunk-a-teacher, relay races and a dance and lip-synching competition won by the juniors. The homecoming dance was held Oct. 13 in the cafeteria.
Pierce Hammock Students Meet A Firefighter
Kindergarten students at Pierce Hammock Elementary School recently studied various occupations. On Friday, Oct. 12, the students met Capt. Michael Posner of the Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Department.
Posner greeted the children as they entered the cafeteria. Posner’s presentation included displaying and identifying the tools he uses on the job, such as an ax and, as the students said, “the thing he uses to cut open a car.” Posner also explained the responsibilities of his job and how firefighters serve the community.
Next, Posner put on his uniform, explaining the reasons for all the protective gear. Because some children become frightened when seeing a firefighter in full gear, Posner got down on the floor and sat with the students to show them
that they do not have to be afraid. The following week, Pierce Hammock students brought in projects to show what they want to be when they grow up.
Homecoming King Casey Soos and Queen Brianna Lauer.
The Homecoming Court gathers for a photograph.
Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Capt. Michael Posner with Mrs. Kim Harris’ kindergarten class at Pierce Hammock Elementary School.
Arlen Bennetti and Kory Plunkett.
BUSINESS PARTNERS IN ACTION AT SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Seminole Ridge High School hosted Business Partners in Action on Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the school’s gym and auditorium to thank the business partners and students for their participation in school programs. Business Partners in Action invites business people to partner with the high school through speaking to students, internships, job shadowing, job opportunities, field trip opportunities or adopting clubs, classes or sports. Plenty of student clubs and activities were profiled in the gym, and students from various disciplines showcased their talents. The main event included performances by the band, chorus and drama department, and presentations by several academies. The two-hour event also included tours of the school and speeches by Principal Dr. Lynne McGee, Academies Director John Walker, Band Director Tim Skinner and others.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Business Partners Howard Sohn and Robert Trepp.
Principal Dr. Lynne McGee.
Kim Pyron, Debi Leed, Nat Roberts and Kathy Engel.
Members of the Seminole Ridge Interact Club.
Members of the National Honor Society.
Principal Dr. Lynne McGee, Mike Chronicle and John Walker.
POLO PARK MARKS RED RIBBON WEEK
During the week of Oct. 15-19, Polo Park Middle School celebrated Red Ribbon Week, dedicated to providing drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse awareness to students and encouraging abstinence from these substances. Each day there was a different theme for dressing up such as “sock it to drugs” and wearing patriotic and school colors. The slogan for the week was “look at me — I’m drug free.” The week ended with a pep rally. There were performances by school clubs, skits and entertainment featuring the band and chorus. The pep rally ended with teachers and Principal Marcia Andrews getting pied by the student who won the raffle. (Above) Students pledge not to indulge in drugs, alcohol or tobacco. (Left) Raffle-winning students prepare to pie Principal Andrews.
Grants For RPBES — The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and Citibank recently awarded a grant to Theresa Wolfe, a fourth grade teacher at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School, to help implement her program Brain Gymnasts. The grant will enable her to purchase DVDs, CDs and other materials recommended by Brain Gym, a program that uses movement to coordinate both hemispheres of the brain with the action of the eyes, ears and body to work together in the midfield. In addition, RPBES fourth-grade teachers Elaine Guelli and Melissa Herring were awarded a $750 grant for PETALS (Parents Engaged To Assist Learning Styles). PETALS is designed to involve parents and children in the learning process by providing them with learning activities to work on designated skills in reading and math at home. (Above) Wolfe (center) with Citibank representatives. (Below) Herring (center) and Guelli (right) pick up their check.
The King’s Academy Presents Neil Simon’s ‘God’s Favorite’
Student Actors — Pictured here members of the King’s Academy’s production of the Neil Simon play God’s Favorite: (front row, L-R) Hannah Meckstroth, Nick Saverese, Jennifer Wysong and Abby Westmark; (back row) Christian Salmonson, Jonathan Lockmiller, Joey Lopez and Brooklyn Cravens.
Frontier Elementary School yearbook coordinator Jennifer Eddy recently selected yearbook photographers. The 2007-08 yearbook staff of fourth graders were placed into groups that will be responsible for taking pictures throughout the school. Eddy said she will be responsible for the final selection of pictures that will go into the memory book. Shown here are the yearbook photographers.
The King’s Academy Fine Arts Department will perform the Neil Simon comedy God’s Favorite Nov. 8-10 at the school’s Sports and Fine Arts Center on Belvedere Road.
The play is a modern-day adaptation of the story of Job, featuring an eccentric Long Island mansion-dwelling family named the Benjamins.
The father, Joe, is a pious, God-fearing tycoon married to Rose, his long-suffering wife. They are the parents of David, a prodigal son, and Ben and Sarah, a pair of kooky twins.
During the play, a mysterious messenger arrives offering all manner of temptations for Joe Benjamin.
When Joe resists, afflictions of the humorous variety follow. Come see whether the tycoon will stand firm or crack up.
Tickets for God’s Favorite are on sale now and cost $12 for center seating, $10 reserved seating and $8 for students.
The play will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. To order tickets call the Fine Arts Department at King’s Academy at (561) 686-4244, ext. 353.
In addition to the play, which is being produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc., the King’s Academy Dance Ensemble will perform.
Under the direction of Jacquie
Lopez, the ensemble will provide a show-stopping rendition of “We’re in the Money” from 42nd Street, as well as a contemporary piece. God’s Favorite is directed by Heidi Martin, with Adam Geuder as the assistant director.
The cast includes Joey Lopez as Joe Benjamin, Hannah Meckstroth as Rose Benjamin, Jonathan Lockmiller as David Benjamin, Nick Savarese as Ben Benjamin, Jenny Wysong as Sarah Benjamin, Brooklyn Cravens as Sidney Lipton, Christian Salmonson as Morris the Butler and Abby Westmark as Mady the Maid. Tay Mazzola is the stage manager of the production.
Osceola Creek Students Recognized
Two Osceola Creek Middle School students were recognized in the Palm Beach County Bar Association’s third annual Mediation Poster Contest.
Eighth-grader Katrina Niemi was second and Amy Michels received an honorable mention.
Students were required to research the meaning or benefits of mediation and design a poster.
Other poster winners were Congress Middle School seventh graders Michael Rodrigues, first place, and Sara Vogel, third place.
Winners of the contest each received a cash award. The art teachers whose students participated in the program were also given money for their support.
The Palm Beach County Bar Association provides monthly small claims and mediation programs throughout Palm Beach County. These programs are
presented by lawyers of the association and are free. For the next program date, time and location, visit the Bar’s web site at www.palmbeachbar.org.
Lawyers Catherine Eaton and Meenu Sasser congratulate poster contest winners Michael Rodrigues (first place), Sara Vogel (third place), Katrina Niemi (second place) and Amy Michels (honorable mention).
Wellington Chamber Names Social Director
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has named Dawn Dallin its new retention and social director. Dallin comes to the chamber with a wealth of sales and marketing, event planning and fundraising experience. Her main role with the chamber will be to retain current members as well as plan and execute member mixers and member networking events.
Dallin is the current director for marketing at the Links at Madison Green. She resides in Wellington with her children Tyler, 14, and Erica, 10. Dallin has been a Wellington resident since 1999 and enjoys spending time with her kids, her animals, and creating everything from theme parties to gourmet meals and cake decorating.
“Dawn will be an excellent addition to the chamber team,” Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green said. “Her sales skills and flair for the creative will no doubt enhance our existing growing team of consummate professionals.”
For more information about the Wellington Chamber or to attend an upcoming event, call (561) 792-6525.
Local Special Education Teachers Recognized
Special education teachers Renee D’Angelo and Linda Mueller were among four honored at the Council for Exceptional Children at the Palm Beach County School Board meeting on Oct. 17.
D’Angelo, who teaches at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School, was a mini grant recipient.
She will be taking pictures with her digital camera to be used in creating books that depict real life classroom and community routines. This project will promote pre-reading skills and develop skills necessary to perform daily classroom tasks.
Mueller, who teaches at Western Pines Middle School in The Acreage, was awarded Regular Education Teacher of the Year. Mueller has taught for 30 years and has worked with ESE students the entire time. She said she believes in the extraordinary skills and talents that all students possess. It is Mueller’s belief that the ESE students have contributed as much to her classroom and goals as any student. Mueller teaches family and consumer science.
The other award recipients were Paraprofessional of the Year Jacqueline Barrrett, who has been at the Royal Palm School since 1984, and Gayle Zavala of Gove Elementary School for Exceptional Student Education Teacher of the Year; she has been in ESE for 23 years.
The Council for Exceptional Children is the professional organization for persons in the field of special education.
The 2007-08 officers are Karen Woods of Western Pines Middle School, president; D’Angelo, secretary; Laurie Minns of Homebound Hospital, treasurer; Linda Boyd of Royal Palm School, newsletter coordinator; Zavala, representative; and Lynn Nagata of Elbridge Gale Elementary School, outgoing president.
For more information about the Council for Exceptional Children, visit www.cec.sped.org.
(Above) Jacqueline Barrett, Director of Exceptional Student Education Russ Feldman, Linda Mueller and Renee D’Angelo. The Council for Exceptional Children 2007-08 officers: (L-R) Lynn Nagata, Karen Woods, Gayle Zavala, Renee D’Angelo, Linda Boyd and Laurie Binns.
Dawn Dallin
Fall Fling 2007 Contest
Winners Announced “Cool Summer,” a mixed-media piece by local artist Judy Eisinger, won the Wellington Art Society’s Fall Fling 2007 Poster Contest held recently to select the art for this year’s commemorative poster. The theme of the contest was “Paradise Dreams.” The commemorative posters will be available at Fall Fling 2007, the art society’s outdoor fine art and fine craft festival set for Nov. 10 and 11 at
Bryson Raymon Cabrera — son of Hope Suggs Waltersdorff and Jose Cabrera of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 27.
Jordan Javon McKenzie — son of Wymona and Norman McKenzie of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 28.
Amani Nicole Hayward — daughter of Nicole D. Hayward of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sept. 29.
Danielle Alexa Weathers — daughter of Cynthia and Bill Weathers of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 1.
Sophia Amelia Santoro — daughter of Jenny Apple-Santoro and Michael Santoro of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 1.
Riley Vegas McKesson — daughter of Staci Rosner-McKesson and Paul McKesson of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 2.
Emma Rose Hill — daughter of Kristin and George Hill of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 3.
Fabiolar Chayetac Joseph — daughter of Camille Clark and Faublar Joseph
the grounds of the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).
The second-place award went to Penny Thorsen for a watercolor titled “Red Poppies.” “Twilight Sail,” an acrylic painting by Barbara Bailey, won third place.
Honorable mention awards were given to Adrianne Hetherington, Penny Thorsen and Jean Talbott.
For information on Fall Fling 2007, call Adrianne at (561) 784-7561 or Karen at (561) 798-3240. For general and mem-
of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 3.
Anthony James Zembrzuski — son of Danielle and Michael Zembrzuski of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 4.
Kali Reese Burton — daughter of Keely and Robert Burton of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 9.
Addison Elaine Martinez — daughter of Jamie Allbritton and Luis Martinez of Loxahatchee was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 9.
Amarion DeJuan Foster — son of Arleen Sproul Foster and John Lloyd Foster of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 10.
Zachery Xavier Thomas — son of Juliet Jennifer Gordon and Tony Toreal Thomas of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 10.
Cristian Norberto Labrador — son of Julie Curiel and Norberto Labrador Jr. of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 11.
Afton Rose Staudt — daughter of Kelly Green and Richard Staudt of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 11.
bership information about the Wellington Art Society, call (561) 795-1691 or visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
Kyle Gaub Completes Coast Guard Training
Coast Guard Seaman Kyle Gaub, son of Linda Gaub and stepson of Carl Wolitrky of Lake Worth, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.
Axel Charles Pilorge — son of Marjorie and Axel Pilorge of Royal Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 11.
Daniel Matthew Reyes — son of Christina and Francis Reyes of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 11.
Cheyanne Morgan Drane — daughter of Lauren and Ronald Drane Sr. of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 12.
Samantha Grace Ellis — daughter of Kimberly and Mark Ellis of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 12.
Sean Warren Close — son of Staci and Robert Close of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 12.
Andrea Hien Tran — daughter of Quynh and Andrew Tran of Wellington was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 13.
Taylor Monet Prescod and Tiffany Meagan Prescod — daughters of Samantha and Terry Prescod of Wellington were born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 13.
Hailee Simone Lawson and Sebastian Micah Lawson — daughter and son of Erica Watson-Lawson and Jerry Lawson of Wellington were born at Welling-
During the eight-week training program, Gaub completed a vigorous training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship. A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.
Gaub is a 2006 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington.
ton Regional Medical Center on Oct. 13.
Kerryana Jean-Louis — daughter of Marie and Garry Jean-Louis of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 15.
Ava Michelle Wellenbusher daughter of Michelle and Jeffrey Wellenbusher of Loxahatchee was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 15.
Sydney Dylan Axler — daughter of Lori and Adam Axler of Royal Palm Beach was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 15.
Tyler John Colburn — son of Joely and Scott Colburn of Lake Worth was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 16.
Mia Cables — daughter of Beatriz and Iran Cables of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 16.
Jonathan Joseph Schnick Baker — son of Emily Taylor and Paul Schnick Baker of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 17.
Logan David Walton — son of Stace and Joseph Walton of West Palm Beach was born at Palms West Hospital on Oct. 17.
Kenneth James Williams — son of Elizabeth and Tab Williams of Wellington was born at Wellington Regional Medical Center on Oct. 20.
Wellington Elementary Student Joins Palm Beach Young Singers
Ten-year-old Wellington Elementary School student Cara Young was selected recently to join the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s premier communitybased children’s choir. The arts education organization is composed of about 200 singers in grades 3 through 12 from diverse parts of Palm Beach County. Cara also successfully auditioned for the Florida Music Educators Association All State Elementary Chorus in Tampa on Jan. 11.
The fifth-grader was encouraged to try out by her music teacher Elizabeth Smalling and by her personal music coach
Tammy Locke-Ross, a music instructor at the Bak Middle School of the Arts, which Cara is hoping to attend in 2008. Cara was placed in the Treble Choir group in the Young Singers and will sing in numerous upcoming Young Singers events including the CityPlace tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 23 at 5:15 p.m. and the 2007 Holiday Concert Sing for Peace at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Park Vista High School in Lake Worth, an annual event that always sells out in advance. Other upcoming performances include Beyond the Stage on Dec. 12 at the Kravis Center’s Dreyfoos Hall, and the Children in Harmo-
ny Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando May 22-25.
In addition to the Young Singers events, Cara will sing a duet at a voice recital on Sunday, Nov. 4, 3 p.m. at North Palm Beach Presbyterian Church. She is also auditioning for the American Choral Directors Association Honor Choir Convention in Louisville, Ky. in March 2008.
In addition to her singing talents, Cara is an all-star goalkeeper for the AYSO youth soccer organization at Okeeheelee Park. She is looking forward to her third Florida State Games tournament in January at Village Park in Well-
ington. Cara also is a volunteer referee for the four- and five-year-old players in the U6 division. She is a blue belt with a green stripe at Villari’s Shaolin Kempo Karate in Wellington.
Cara lives in Wellington with mom Connie Ficarra, an RN/ healthcare consultant, and father Jody Young, an entertainment marketing consultant. Her brother Christopher is a senior at Florida Atlantic University pursuing law enforcement; her sister Shelby Young is an actress and model living in Los Angeles with several television and film roles to her credit.
The Sylvia & Hyman L. Solomon Post 684 Jewish War Veterans of Royal Palm Beach recently presented a check for $2,000 to Douglas Tuttle, supervisor of the VA Hospital Therapy Department. The money will enable two disabled vets to attend the Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen, Colo. (Above) Commander AI Weissman, Douglas Tuttle and Senior Vice Commander Elliot Belt.
Cara Young
Members of the Palms West Republican Club recently attended the GOP Presidency IV Conference in Orlando where they heard speeches and debates by prominent Republican candidates before 3,000 Republicans who attended the conference. Pictured here are Palms West Republican Club President Charlie Fetscher and Vice President Bob Harvey.
Section 24
Money Needed For A Planned Education Center
continued from page 1A and all the other individuals, and to have this happen. It is fantastic for us to see it. It has been a long time in coming.”
Councilwoman Laurie Cohen thanked
fellow Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto for her work on the Section 24 educational building, and the design of the park.
“She has really dedicated a lot of time to this,” Cohen said. “The community really ought to appreciate those efforts.”
Priore made a motion to approve the amendment to the memo of understanding, seconded by Vice Mayor Bob Margolis. It passed unanimously.
The council also reviewed conceptual plans for the environmental education and conference center to be built on eight acres of the Section 24 property, and approved a resolution to create a marketing strategy to attract funding for the project.
The multi-story building, to overlook the passive park and adjacent to the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, has been envisioned as an environmentally friendly construction project, incorporating renewable energy systems, recycled natural materials and water conservation. Planned components of the building included sky dome light-
(Left) Consultant Bob Higgins updates council members on the Section 24 project. (Below) A South Florida Water Management District overview rendering of the project.
ing and a cypress dome exhibit, education and exhibit spaces and viewing terraces.
Design firm CH2MHill presented the council with two conceptual plans: a more elaborate but expensive center with a $20.1 million price tag, and a more modest design with similar features estimated at $11.3 million to build.
Environmental Services Director Gary Clough and Steve Gong of CH2MHill told the council it is possible to have the educational facility constructed by 2010, but that would depend on financial support and sponsors for the building’s construction. The project has been moved back a year in the village’s capital improvements plan, although there is a possibility it could be moved forward depending on funding and sponsorships.
Potential funding partners include the South Florida Water Management District, the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, the Palm Beach County School Board, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, and others. Possible funding sources include grant programs, legislative allocations and philanthropic donors.
Benacquisto, a key supporter of the project, said she is thrilled to see the conceptual plans but noted that it will likely be a long time before the project is constructed because of funding issues. She said she supported the $11.3 million design as an attainable goal, and said she would take care to avoid potential con-
flicts of interest while trying to raise interest from funding sources.
“Thank you for your work on this project,” Benacquisto said. “It has been a long time being designed, and it will be a long time before we can build it given the funding involved and the dwindling of resources. I personally want to see us pursue the project that is attainable. I think with some time and marketing, the $12 million project would be doable at some point. I will continue to work on the project and be as helpful as I can within the confines of asking donors for money.”
Benacquisto also asked fellow council members to consider some names for the park, and said she hoped local schools would get involved. “We talked at some point about naming the park,” she said. “It would be helpful to name it. Would we want to have a committee of high schoolers or teachers? I’m not sure we have to decide this evening. It would be nice to involve the community. Everyone could give some thought as to how it should be named.”
Benacquisto made a motion to approve the less expensive design option, seconded by Cohen. It passed unanimously.
Margolis also made companion motions to authorize the start of village staff negotiations with CH2MHill on a marketing program, and the use of the visioning slogan “an inspiring partnership between Florida’s Everglades and its people.” Those motions passed unanimously.
BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Bellissimo Long-Range Plans
continued from page 3A restaurants and bring them onto the facilities to see that they can secure the energy and commerce in the horse show. There are vendors from all over the country. We are missing an opportunity in this community.”
BEAUTY QUEEN
The Wellington Village Council had the pleasure of recognizing Wellington resident Ashley Maguire on Tuesday for winning the title of Mrs. Florida International 2008, a top competition for married women, last month in Miami. Maguire was accompanied by her husband Joe, mother Kathryn and daughter Kathryn.
(Above) Council members with Ashley Maguire and her husband Joe.
(Left) Ashley with daughter Kathryn.
PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Bellissimo said he also plans to broaden the range of equestrian activities in Wellington, by introducing events such as steeplechase in coming years. He said he also hopes Stadium Jumping would work with WEP on its plans in the future. “In the end, if we can all come together, this will be by far one of the most unique specialty lifestyles in the world,” Bellissimo said. “I am excited about it. The future is very bright for each and every one of us.”
Wednesday’s chamber luncheon,
Wechsler
‘Pushing Daisies’
continued from page 20A he was working on, but went the wrong way) and wants to kill Ned, believing he stole Civil War relics. Then there is the car that runs on dandelions. This is a fun show. It may be the only time during the week that I can kick back and just enjoy a show. Yes, people die. Actually, a lot of people die. And only some of them deserve to die as they have. So it is sort of good, gory fun. But it also gives viewers a chance to dwell
which took place at the Players Club, was sponsored by custom equestrian stable contractor Wellington Equestrian Development. The company’s Executive Operations Director Jerry Paolucci said Wellington Equestrian Development has more than 20 years experience in the Wellington area, performs commercial and residential construction, has design/ build experience and both state and nationwide construction experience. While the firm has a lot of experience building stables, tack rooms and other equestrian amenities in Florida and other states, Paolucci also noted that its sister company Build-Tec builds medical imaging centers.
For more information about upcoming Wellington Chamber events, call (561) 792-6525 or visit the chamber’s web site at www.wellingtonchamber. com.
on their own mortality in perhaps a more lighthearted way. The sets and costumes as well as the extreme situations provide a form of protection so that we can relax. All of us who got scared at the witches in The Wizard of Oz or Snow White understand that these are symbols that teach us and our children about life. This new fairy tale is the same. If it draws enough audience to stay on the air, someday it may have the same kind of impact. So give it a try. If you like it, you probably will return for another helping of that really good pie.
Wellington Chamber Luncheon — (L-R) Darell Bowen, Jerry Paolucci, Ken Aussiker, Mark Bellissimo, Michela Perillo-Green and Todd Schutz.
PHOTO
Short Play Festival At Studio Theatre
The Studio Theatre of Wellington will present its Second Annual Festival of Short Plays starting Friday, Nov. 2. The festival features a staged reading of ten ten-minute plays submitted by local playwrights.
A pool of six talented actors will perform the plays in a staged reading format. A question and answer “talk-back” with the actors and playwrights will follow each performance. This year’s plays are diverse and include:
• Sweet Talk by Todd Caster — A woman pays her therapist a final visit and leaves him with a parting gift.
• Family History by Elaina Dunson — Be careful how deeply you delve into your family history. What you find could place you on the nightly news.
• Encounter by Barbara Fox — Two very different people find they have a lot in common when they meet in a hot tub at a Colorado ski resort.
• Pick-Up Sticks by Robert Harless — A chance meeting in a bar proves that strangers “passing in the night” have very few conversational inhibitions.
• Without the Weasel by Dennis Jones — After their cable service goes out, a TV-addicted couple awkwardly become reaquainted.
• Hiccup by Stacey Lane — An over-confident teenager waits for her turn in a speech contest when she develops a bad case of hiccups. Her brother and the contest facilitator work to find ways to cure her before time runs out.
• This Seat Occupied by Susan Shafer and Ron Frankel — Will the boorish Amtrak conductor help the frantic passenger out of the locked bathroom?
• Table Talk by Manny Sternfeld — A lonely widower begins to face life.
• A Woman of a Certain Age by Carol White — A widow discovers a treasure from her late husband at an art gallery.
Actors include Kevin Johnson, Erin Alexander, Robert Harless, Larry Clausius and Jeanne O’Connor.
Show times are 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, 3, 9 and 10. Admission costs $10. Proceeds will benefit the Studio Theatre of Wellington Operating Fund. The theater is located at 11320 Fortune Circle. For more information, call (561) 204-4100.
Vinceremos Hosts Fall Trail Rides
The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will host a Trickor-Treat Trail Ride on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Forest Hill Blvd.
Each fall, students and supporters of Vinceremos raise pledges to compete in a spooky and fun obstacle course on horseback; it is the highlight of the season. What makes it even more challenging are the obstacles many of the riders have had to overcome to gain the skills to compete, includ-
• Mother and Child Reunion by Pat Mackin — This play examines Socrates’ teaching of “know thyself” when it questions a parent’s attempts to guide her child along the best pathway for her life.
ing cerebral palsy, autism and multiple sclerosis just to name a few. While students will be riding Vinceremos horses, the general public is invited to bring their horses to the event. Call the Vinceremos office for pledge forms and more information. Pony rides will also be available for children, and there will be plenty of old-fashioned fall fun including face painting, a pumpkin patch, games and more.
The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center has been providing recreational and therapeutic horseback riding to those with disabilities in Palm Beach County since 1982. Vinceremos, an accredited center for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and a not-forprofit corporation, currently provides services to over 350 clients per year.
Vinceremos’ cutting-edge
And, to the couple of people who didn’t make it, we’d like to give you this coupon for a FREE chips & queso. Even if you were at the Opening, bring in the coupon too!
programs, including hippotherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy, help students improve their communication and concentration abilities, their social interaction with family and peers, and give them greater independence with the activities of daily living. For more information, call Ruth Menor at (561) 315-0817 or visit www.vinceremos. com.
CALIFORNIA TORTILLA WELLINGTON
PALMS WEST
A TOWN-CRIER Publication
Picasso’ Picasso’s Playhouse: sPlayhouse: A Fun W Way ay T To Learn oLearn Ar Arts ts And Crafts AndCrafts
By Leonard Wechsler Town-Crier Staff Report
It is easy to see why some customers call Picasso’s Playhouse, a pottery and crafts studio in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping center, “the happiest place in Wellington.”
Wellington mom Valerie Gardner said she loves the place. “This is like a fun art class taught at any good school,” she said. “The kids have a ball. And when the kids are happy, mom’s happy.”
Gardner waved her hand around the large studio. “Look at the size of the place,” she said. “The kids have plenty of room here. They do their work, and they can also run around.”
Picasso’s Playhouse, owned and operated by Jackie and John Aufiero, is a space for regular crafts classes as well as craft-themed parties and special events for families, children and adults.
“We’ve been operating for only five months,” John said. “We came in here, and before we even knew what was going on, we were filled up with kids from summer camps. Thing are always busy here. Kids love to come, and their parents like being here. But we also have a lot of adults who come in. They like to paint the bisqueware and also do some beading.”
John credits his wife Jackie with providing the spark for the studio. “She’s the really artistic one,” he said. “She is the person who works most closely with the children. She has also come up with
many of our special events. We have a six-week after-school class that a lot of children like, as well as individual miniPicasso events. We have birthday parties, ladies’ night out and weekend events.”
One occasional event that has proven popular, John said, is the “Parents’ Night Off,” in which parents leave their children at Picasso’s between 6 and 9 p.m., enough time for a quiet dinner. “They know their kids are safe and supervised,” he said.
“The kids start off with a project,” Jackie said, “then we bring in pizza, and the children eat and have fun dancing for a while. One time we had an all-girls group for a birthday party and we did dress-up. All the girls had fun things in their hair. Then we do a second project. The kids love it.”
Ody Ramil of Wellington, at Picasso’s with her two children, enjoys her visits.
“At first I thought it would just be nice for the children, but this has become a real family thing,” she said. “We like having such a warm, safe environment. The people here are really nice.”
John said Picasso’s Playhouse has a very clear pricing policy. “We don’t have studio fees like other places, where you pay money up front to get a few paints and then you choose a statue,” he said. “All you pay for is the price of the bisqueware, and that’s on the bottom of each one. If you want an extra color, that’s free. You just come in and paint.
We also have complimentary coffee and snacks.”
Marie Matisky, another Wellington parent, was also enthusiastic about the studio. “There’s nothing else like this around,” she said. “You can come in and have your child pick out a $15 statue, and she’ll be happy with it for hours. Kids can really be kids here.”
The studio is currently offering Christmas family workshops so children can make gifts for family members. “It means so much more for grandparents when they get a handmade gift than when they get something bought in the name
of a grandchild,” Jackie said. “We like the feelings that people have from actually making special gifts for each other.” Picasso’s Playhouse is located in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza at 9120 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington and is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information, or to make reservations for groups, special classes or parties, call (561) 296-0488. The studio also has a web site at www.picassoplay house.com.
Creative Learning — Picasso’s Playhouse co-owner Jackie Aufiero (back) with students and parents inside the Wellington studio.
‘World Dance’ Courses Coming To Movement Arts Dance Academy
By Steve Pike Town-Crier Staff Report
Kelly Todd wants to bring more than just the same old song and dance to the western communities. Beginning Nov. 7, Todd’s Movement Arts Dance Academy in Royal Palm Beach will offer a six-week course in Irish stepdance.
Irish dance is part of the academy’s world dance curriculum, introducing students to a variety of dances from around the world including flamenco and African dancing. Todd’s students recently completed a course in belly dancing.
“My idea for world dance comes from when I went to Florida International University,” said Todd, who earned her degree in dance education there. “They made us take African, flamenco and Caribbean dance. Being in Miami, they wanted us to get a well-rounded view on dance and not just focus on ballet.”
Todd said she opened Movement Arts because she believed local students would appreciate the variety.
“I thought it would be good to start it here since nobody else offers anything beyond ballet, tap and jazz,” she said. “Some people have signed up to take the courses all year long because they know they’re going to get all the different dances.”
Todd said African, flamenco and salsa or hula dancing classes will follow the Irish dance class, which will be taught by
prizewinning local instructor Becca Smythe.
“For some of the things I can’t teach, I’d bring in guest teachers,” Todd explained.
Todd said she already has four teenage students signed up for the Irish dance class. All told, she said, the academy has enrolled approximately 60 students since it opened in August.
“We’re hoping each month to get more kids and add new classes,” she said. “I’m also trying to get more adults involved. I have a woman who comes in with her mother who is 72. So I have students in age from two years old to 72.”
Todd, who operates the academy with her mother Ellie, also teaches in the Dreyfoos School of the Arts’After School Enrichment Program, which prepares middle school students with the necessary skills to audition for admission to Dreyfoos.
Movement Arts will hold audition workshops in November and December for students auditioning for Dreyfoos and the Bak Middle School of the Arts.
Dance has been a major part of Todd’s life since she was a young girl growing up in West Palm Beach. A graduate of John I. Leonard High School, she attended the University of Florida to learn to teach dance, but left after three years.
“I really didn’t like the dance program there because it was very performance-oriented,”
Todd said. “I wanted to be a teacher.”
Todd graduated from FIU in 2005 and took an internship at
New York City’s Broadway Dance Center, a mecca for aspiring dancers founded by legendary tap and jazz dancer Maurice Hines.
“It was hard, but I loved it,” Todd said. “You were required to take ten classes a week and work. A lot of the students stayed with one teacher and one style, but I tried to take as many different styles of dance as possible. That’s really what I want-
ed to do — learn a lot more than I would at a normal dance school.”
Following the internship, Todd was hired as a choreographer at Club Med in Port St. Lucie, which she said is an entry-level location for the resort company. “They pretty much start everybody there,” she said. “But at the last minute I changed my mind. I didn’t want to work for such a big corporation.”
After a year substitute-teaching in the Palm Beach County school system, Todd made the decision to open Movement Arts Dance Academy. “This is really where I want to be,” she said. Movement Arts Dance Academy is located in the Village Shoppes at 1241 N. State Road 7, Suite 11. For more information call (561) 792-9757 or visit www.movementartsdance academy.com.
It’s All In The Movement — Movement Arts Dance Academy owner Kelly Todd (left) goes through a dance routine with students at the studio in Royal Palm Beach.
Centanni Offers Italian Cuisine With An Emphasis On Seafood
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Fidel Alvarez moved to Florida from Arlingon, N.J. almost three years ago to open Centanni Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach.
Fidel was welcomed by three hurricanes and construction on Southern Blvd., but survived, thanks to what he describes as “the best Italian cuisine in town.” The stream of customers that have picked their way around detours and traffic delays on Southern Blvd. attest to that.
Business has been good enough that Centanni is now opening Mondays for lunch and dinner for the season.
“We cook everything to order,” said Fidel, who has been in the restaurant business for 25 years. “We try to use the best ingredients possible for a good end product. All the ingredients are fresh and nothing is precooked.”
Fidel said he chose Centanni as the name of his restaurant because it implies permanence. Centanni in Italian means 100 years.
“Basically, when people say centanni, it means 100 years of good health,” he said.
Fidel, 37, opened a Centanni restaurant in North Arlington, N.J. in 1999. He and his cousin Omar, 32, moved to Florida for better weather, he said, chuckling at the irony of being welcomed to the Sunshine State by three hurricanes.
“I didn’t have the experience to deal with a hurricane,” he
said. “That was kind of a setback, but we’re still here to bring good food to the Wellington/ Royal Palm Beach area.”
And good food includes all the traditional Italian dishes, with special emphasis on fresh seafood dishes.
“We get a lot of compliments on the seafood — grilled salmon, red snapper,” Fidel said. “We also have veal dishes like veal Tuscany and a New York strip steak marsala — people like that. We fix it the way the customer prefers. We give them what they want.”
Centanni offers the salmon grilled and served in a white wine sauce with vegetables or blackened and served with vegetables.
Other seafood preparations include Francese, filet of sole, red snapper or shrimp prepared with white wine, lemon, butter and fresh mushrooms. Sole Milanese is served with tomato, roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella. The zuppa de pesce includes calamari, clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp served with linguini and marinara or fradiavolo sauce.
Specialties include capellini chicken and shrimp served with broccoli, fresh tomato, garlic and oil; and gnocchi chicken cacciatore served with peppers, mushrooms and onions in a light marinara sauce. Penne primavera includes broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, garlic and oil. The veal Francese is egg-battered, breaded and fried, served with white wine, lemon, butter and mushrooms. Veal di Tuscany is pounded out with
proscuitto, served with mushrooms and marsala wine, and topped with mozzarella.
For starters try the hot antipasto with fried calamari, eggplant rollatini and mozzarella sticks or any of 15 other items.
The kids’ menu features cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, penne with butter, and chicken fingers and fries. Centanni also has an extensive lunch menu, with specials starting at $5.99.
The restaurant is partitioned so it can host private parties and
remain open for walk-in clientele. “We’re the best Italian restaurant in town. There’s nothing else that can compare,” Fidel said.
Centanni can also prepare anything on the menu for takeout. The restaurant sells most of its sauces in pints and quarts, and also caters, offering almost three dozen selections. “Catering is a big part of our business,” Fidel said.
Fidel said he’s glad to see construction on Southern Blvd. coming to an end because he
feels people tended to avoid the intersection because of the traffic delays. “It takes forever, but I think once the construction is over, it will be much better for everybody,” he said.
Centanni is located in the Southern (Kmart) shopping plaza at 10107 Southern Blvd. near Tires Plus. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m. For more information, call (561) 792-7677.
PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
They Know Italian — Centanni co-owners Omar and Fidel Alvarez inside their restaurant in Royal Palm Beach.
PALMS WEST CHAMBER HOLDS MEMBER MIXER AT PRINT-IT PLUS
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its monthly after-hours mixer on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Print-It Plus in Royal Palm Beach. In addition to learning more about the business, members got a look at the chamber’s new line of merchandise. Print-It Plus offers copy, design, printing and finishing services. The store is located at 11420-D Okeechobee Blvd. For more info., call (561) 790-0884 or visit www.print-itplus.com.
Robert Trepp, Tom Neumann and Jaene Miranda model Palms West Chamber of Commerce merchandise for sale.
Kayla Leland of Shalloway & Shalloway and Chris Pragid of Keystone Automotive. Erica Blatte and Eric Gordon.
Palms West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jaene Miranda and President Joanna Boynton with Print-It Plus owners Kimberly and David Leland.
The Print-It Plus family and staff gather for a group shot.
Cline Named CFO At Global Group
Global Group Investment Inc., a South Florida-based commercial real estate development company, recently announced that James Cline, a senior financial executive with more than two decades of financial leadership experience, has joined the company as chief financial officer, a newly created position. Cline will be responsible for raising the necessary capital to support Global’s expanding commercial real estate developments and directing all aspects of finance and administration.
Global Group Investment is the developer of the new Professional Center at Wellington.
Cline was most recently CFO of a commercial provider of purified drinking water in Boca Raton. From 1995 to 2004 Cline served as vice president finance for SportsLine.com Inc., a leading sports media company and publisher of CBS.Sports Line.com (now CBSSports. com).
SportsLine.com was a publicly traded company from 1997 until it was purchased by CBS in 2004. While at SportsLine. com, Cline was involved with the company’s initial and secondary public offerings and merger and acquisition transactions. He also managed Sports Line.com’s real estate department.
Prior to SportsLine.com, Cline was CFO and shareholder of a large, privately held commercial printing firm in Miami. His experience includes substantial expertise in the development of management information sys-
tems for growing companies. Cline began his career in public accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co., where he spent four years in the Houston and Chicago offices.
Based in Weston, Global Group Investment specializes in build-to-suit office condominium developments offering ownership opportunity to business and medical professionals.
“Having James as Global’s new CFO is an important step in our growth,” Global Group Investment President and CEO David Ortiz said. “His experience and achievements make him a great addition to GGI’s talented management team, in a critical role for the next phase of our development and our plans to expand Global’s successful office condominium product beyond Florida into neighboring states.”
Cline’s experience in the real estate industry includes managing the real estate department of a publicly held company with responsibility for design, construction, leasing and insurance. He has assisted public and pri-
vate enterprises in raising $300 million in capital in public and private transactions, and has directed several M&A transactions. A graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, Cline holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
For more information about Global Group Investment, visit www.ggius.com.
Women’s Chamber Luncheon Oct. 31
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County will host a luncheon forum on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Crowne Plaza in West Palm Beach. The forum is part of the chamber’s “Phenomenal Women Series” and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Kristen Murtaugh, vice president of Florida Atlantic University’s MacArthur Campus.
The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Crowne Plaza is located at 1601 Belvedere Road. The cost is $30 for chamber members and $50 for guests. Seating is limited so make reservations early. To RSVP, call (561) 253-0236 or register online at www.womenschamber.biz.
Hair Stylist Claudia Diesti Receives Training In Taiwan
Stylist Claudia Diesti recently returned from Taiwan where she continued training with the fashion industry’s best. She became one of just a handful of American stylists to become certified in the unique VERN Cutting System.
“I’ve trained with the VERN Cutting System for about two years, but knew that for this system to become second nature, I needed to go to the source,” Diesti said.
That source is Taipei City. “First seeing the VERN Cutting System in action usually stops people in their tracks!” Diesti said. “Its ambidextrous techniques and fluid movements are amazing. It’s not just in its complexity, but its ability to produce fast beautiful cuts and angles with no visible transition marks that makes this system visible different.”
To make an appointment with Diesti, call the Spa at Wellington Green at (561) 9649266.
Diesti (right) learns a left-handed technique.
James Cline
PALMS WEST CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONIES
Crafty Kidz ’n More — Crafty Kidz ’n More in Wellington offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Coupled with entertaining games, music and dancing, Crafty Kidz ’n More offers private, one-of-a-kind creative activities which provide a fun-filled experience for all. The store also has a large selection of personalized favors and gifts. Choose from a variety of creative walk-in arts and craft activities: paintable plastercrafts, sand art and fabric art for children of all ages. Crafty Kidz ’n More is located at 12773 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 1203. For more info., call owner Adrienne Sasko at (561) 795-4500. Pictured here is Sasko, along with family and friends, and Palms West Chamber of Commerce ambassadors.
Century 21 Skyline Realty — Century 21 Skyline Realty in Royal Palm Beach recently celebrated the grand opening of its new office, located at 9100 Belvedere Road. In addition to residential and commercial real estate and mortgage insurance, the office will now offer life, health, auto, commercial, homeowners and home protection insurance. Century 21 Skyline Realty also offers legal counsel and representation with attorney Pierre Andre St. Jean. For more info., call (561) 656-1111 or e-mail wismick@c21skylinerealty.com. Pictured here are Century 21 Skyline Realty staff with Palms West Chamber ambassadors.
Foreclosure Doesn’t Have To Mean Losing A Home
There is an alternative to the foreclosure process that can provide a way to break even, rather than just losing your home and having a bleak credit outlook for the next several years, according to Wellington Realtor Alan Moffatt.
Moffatt, a Keller Williams-certified short sale specialist and situational consultant, defines foreclosure as a process that allows a lender to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by selling or taking ownership (repossession) of the property securing the loan. In other words, you lose your home and your credit standing.
Nationally, foreclosures doubled from August 2006 to August 2007. The national rate of foreclosures, as recently as last month, was one filing for every 510 households. Florida currently stands second only to Nevada in this statistic, with an estimated 34,000 properties in some form of foreclosure. Palm Beach County statistics are even more disheartening, with one in every 243 households facing foreclosure, tripling the number of foreclosures filed since August 2006.
These statistics are cause for concern, not only for those facing a potential foreclosure, but for all Palm Beach County homeowners. That concern is loss of value in your home. There is, however, a process available to those who are facing the loss of their home and the negative impact on their credit that foreclosure can bring. It is a short sale of the property.
Moffatt said a short sale occurs when a lender is willing to accept a contract for the sale of a property priced below the existing mortgage owed. This involves a lot of T crossing and I dotting, and a good bit of negotiation on behalf of the seller, with the lender and a potential buyer. That is where a certified short sale specialist can help.
Dealing with loss mitigation in the lending industry is an emotionally daunting process for anyone faced with the loss of their home. A short sale specialist helps make this emotionally charged issue easier to work through. Moffatt said that it is his job to negotiate with the lender and the buyer on behalf of his clients and to see that all of the Is are dotted and Ts crossed. It is his goal to insure that when the circumstances permit, a homeowner faced with a looming foreclosure will receive the best possible care and attention in resolving their situation. This involves insuring the least amount of financial and emotional trauma to the seller.
There is no cost for the initial consultation, and the personal savings in time, money and emotion may exceed your expectations. Call Moffatt at (561) 3106270 or call the Keller Williams Wellington office at (561) 472-1236 to schedule an appointment.
Open Enrollment For Florida Prepaid College
The Florida Prepaid College Board recently announced the opening of its 20th annual enrollment, according to Chairman Ted Hoepner. The Florida Prepaid College Board sold its first prepaid plan in 1988. Since then, about 184,000 students have used their Florida Prepaid College Plan benefits at universities and colleges. One out of 10 young Floridians, from babies to high school students, are currently enrolled in the Florida Prepaid College Plan.
“A whole generation of children has grown up with the security and promise of having a Florida Prepaid College Plan,” Gov. Charlie Crist said. “The opportunity to send a child to college is a wonderful part of the American dream. By planning ahead, college is affordable.”
The new 2007-08 Florida Prepaid
College Plan prices, posted at www. florida529plans.com, are available now until the sign-up deadline of Jan. 31, 2008. The price of a four-year university tuition plan starts at about $3 a day for a newborn. The two-year community college tuition plan begins at about $1 a day.
“My parents enrolled me in the Florida Prepaid program when it was in its infancy in 1988. It was one of the best investments they ever made. Neither my parents nor I incurred any college debt,” said Sharon Halverson, a 32-year-old neonatal nurse who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida. “By not having to dig myself out of debt, I was able to save money and was able to build a stable financial foundation. This has allowed me the freedom of being able to stay home and raise my son. Because of my appreciation and adoration of the prepaid program, one of the first things I did after my son was born was to enroll him in the program.”
Having a Florida Prepaid College Plan helps students avoid debt at a time when two-thirds of college graduates are burdened with loan debts averaging $19,202, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s latest data.
Since 1988, families have purchased more than 1.2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans, making it the largest and most successful prepaid plan in the nation.
A freshman who entered a Florida public university this fall, whose family bought the Florida Prepaid College fouryear university tuition plan when that student was a baby, paid $3,844 for four years of tuition that costs $11,373 today. That is a savings of more than $7,500.
“With college costs rising faster than inflation, it’s smart for families to start saving early by prepaying for college,” Florida Prepaid College Board Executive
Director Tom Wallace said. “The Florida Prepaid College Plan gives families ways to save for college that fit their budgets and fulfill their dreams of giving their child a college education.”
The Florida Prepaid College Plan allows families to prepay for tuition, local fees, a new tuition differential fee and dormitory housing at today’s plan prices. The new tuition differential fee plan covers the cost of this fee that eventually may add up to as much as 30 to 40 percent of regular tuition at research-level state universities.
The Florida Prepaid College Plan is financially guaranteed by the State of Florida, so it is a safe way to save. Families don’t have to worry about the stock market or remembering to put money aside for college. Once a child is enrolled in the Florida Prepaid College Plan, payments do not increase.
When a child is ready for college, the Florida Prepaid College Plan covers the actual cost at any Florida public university or community college. If the student decides to attend a private college, an out-of-state college or a vocational/ technical school, the value of the plan may be transferred to any eligible institution. To qualify for a plan, the child or the child’s parent/guardian must be a Florida resident. Parents, grandparents, friends and even businesses can purchase a plan.
Families can sign up online for the Florida Prepaid College Plan at www. florida529plans.com or call (800) 552GRAD (4723) to request an enrollment kit and paper application in English or Spanish and to speak with a customer representative.
Families that enroll after Jan. 31, 2008, will be subject to plan prices that go into effect as of October 2008.
For more information, call Diane Hirth of the Florida Prepaid College Board at (850) 488-8514 or e-mail diane.murdock @myfloridaprepaid.com.
WEST PALM BEACH HOME & GARDEN SHOW AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
The West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show was held Oct. 19-21 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. The event included appearances by HGTV’s 24-Hour Design host Angelo Surmelis and comedic grilling duo Mad Dog and Merrill, as well as new features like the new Garden Stage & Pavilion and the Florida Public Utilities’ Energy for Life Pavilion. For more info., visit www.floridahomeshows.com or call (888) 254-0882.
Angelo Surmelis of HGTV’s 24-Hour Design
Oronzo Coppola and Dan Menta of the Pond Pros Inc., Mo Foster and Sally Sevareid of KOOL 105.5, and Sydnea and Lesbon Peart of Loxahatchee.
Sonia Stratemann and Jean Stanton of Elite Greyhound Adoptions with Tess, Otis and Boston.Tricia Benton of ASAP Safes.
Joe Costa of Above & Beyond Custom Design.
Heather Lockett and Dawn Dodenhoff of Sprouts, which sells greeting cards impregnated with flower seeds.
PHOTOS BY DENISE
Dealing With Vultures Lately Has Been Quite An Education
If I knew how to write, I could write a best-selling book about the folks who are ripping off our senior citizens. I have always heard about scams from news reports and from folks who have been ripped off. But now I have seen it up close and personal.
I now consider myself an expert on how to deal with these scam artists who appear out of the woodwork in difficult times. In the last month I have had to deal with rehab places, nursing homes, hospitals, insurance companies, nursing agencies, funeral homes, and don’t forget credit card companies. I have also had to deal with all sorts of utility companies. If I may say so, they were the nicest people I had to deal with.
I am now starting to learn how to deal with lawyers, pension plans and also condo boards. I have already seen firsthand why I don’t want to live in a condo. While we were attempting to clean out my mother-inlaw’s condo, we were informed by “concerned residents” that we were throwing too much trash into the community dumpster. (Of course, while alive how much garbage could my mother-in-law have thrown
Wondering And Wandering
With Ernie Zimmerman
out? Not one of these “concerned residents” complained about her throwing away too little garbage.) A tip of the hat to my wife for bringing this situation to my attention. If anyone wants to buy a two-bedroom, twobath condo (I will throw in the concerned residents free of charge), do I have a condo for you!
If anyone needs help in dealing with some of the situations I have described to you, I am offering my services and knowledge free of charge. I don’t want to see anyone ripped off during trying times. These folks do it everyday for a living, we hopefully only do
it once or twice in a lifetime. If they don’t sell us stuff we really don’t need, they don’t get a paycheck. So as the saying goes, “let the buyer beware.”
You have to be aware when you deal with a hospital, nursing home and a funeral parlor. If you aren’t aware, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
They say things happen in threes, and that is exactly what happened in my family. The same day my mother-in-law died, my son had to put down his dog, and a fox or a raccoon killed and ate his two egg-laying chickens but was nice enough to leave the eggs.
On a personal note, my family and myself would like to thank everyone for their support during these hard times. Your support has made our healing process much easier. I can’t begin to tell you the amount of cards that have arrived at our mailbox, and our phone has not stopped ringing. I finally found out how cell phones can really come in handy. And thank you to all who offered kind words to us upon meeting us as we made our rounds through the western communities. You guys are the greatest!
Dry, Cool Weather Approaches, So It’s Time To Feed The Lawn
This time of year, many people breathe a sigh of relief because we start to get well entrenched in our dry season. Without the extra-heavy rains, lawns will slow their growth so you may not have to mow as frequently as you did in August and September. But this time of year there are some other practices that you should be doing in the landscape, and one of the most important is your fall fertilization. Lawns need feeding three to four times a year, and October or the first week in November is time for the fall feeding.
There are many turf fertilizers available at retail garden outlets, and these do a good job if directions are followed carefully. Make sure dry granular fertilizers are applied evenly, especially if you’re using drop-down type spreaders, so you don’t get streaks. After fertilizing, the lawn should be irrigated to get the fertilizer down into the soil and make sure it’s not going to burn the grass blades.
This time of year you may also start to see increases in cool-season weeds. If you have a weed problem, this month and next month are ideal times to put out selective weed killers. Often these are sold combined with fertilizer so you can do two jobs at once.
Remember, none of these products control every weed. Unfortunately there are so many different species of weeds, there’s no one chemical that can safely kill all of them without injuring your good grass. Most are broadleaf-type weed killers and will control those types of weeds and a few of the grassy types.
Many persistent weeds can’t be controlled effectively without damaging desirable turfgrass, though. In those cases you have to kill out the entire spot and then re-sod it, or if it’s a small area, wait for the grass to grow back into it from the surrounding area.
Insects such as grubs and mole crickets can also do a lot of damage this time
of year. These pests feed on the roots and do a pretty good job of pruning root areas if left uncontrolled. Products for these pests are available through local garden outlets or you can have it sprayed professionally.
If you want a nice dark green lawn for the upcoming winter season, you can put in ryegrass as a winter temporary lawn. Ryegrass seed can be purchased and applied over your existing lawn at the rate of 10 to 15 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Ryegrass germinates in about three or four days and forms a nice dense dark green lawn which will last until mid-April, when it burns out from the spring heat. Because of its rapid growth, ryegrass will require you to continue regular mowing throughout the winter. If you don’t have ryegrass, you probably can get away with only mowing once a month. Ryegrass is very shade tolerant and can fill in any areas shaded by buildings or large trees with a very
Gardening With Gene By
attractive temporary lawn. In the spring, when it dies out from the heat, you’re left with what was there before you put the ryegrass in.
If you have questions about care of your lawn at this time of year, you can get some free pamphlets on lawn care from the Palm Beach County Extension office. You can also take a sample of problem to their office for a free diagnosis during normal business hours. If it’s a problem that can be described well over the phone, call the Extension Service for valuable free advice at (561) 233-1750.
$18-$25/HR — Teachers/Tutors P/T. All subjects PreK to Adult. Certification/Experience required. Palm Beach County Areas Fax 561-828-8128 or E-mail Tutorking@WPB3331980.COM
HELP WANTED/BOOKKEEPER EXPERIENCED; Familiar with QUICKBOOKS - Full-Time position. Pay commensurate with experience. Fax resume to A. Silver - 561-432-2825
CLEANERS RESIDENTIAL FT — Car required, Pd. Training. North and West Palm Beach Cty. Up to $10/hr Start. 561-756-2282
OVER 62?? — Minimum $1,000 after training. Fund your own reverse mortgage and get paid to teach others. MadelynPage@BellSouth.Net
561-422-2910
PEST CONTROL TECH NEEDED — salary plus commission, paid holidays/ benefits/FT. Experience preferred/will train 561-791-0263 or apply in person at 11360 Fortune Circle. E-13, Wellington ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT — computer & telephone skills required. Flexible hours FT/PT 561-784-9613
MANAGEMENT LEVEL PERSON — for Dental Practice with customer service experience. Good Salary. Fax resume to 561-969-1668
HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED FOR WELLINGTON - Resident must be experienced, honest & dependable. Flexible hours; Non-smoker, must speak English. 561-790-4941
MATURE LADY NEEDED - For thorough weekly housecleaning. Mornings in single family home. Experienced and references required. 561-795-7552.
132-B SPARROW DR. 3/2/2CG Duplex
1550 Sq. Ft. W/D, hurricane shutters, fenced yard on waterway, new paint & carpet, pest control & lawn care included. Kids OK/NO PETS Rent, $1,400/Mo Sec. Deposit $2,800 Total to Move In- $4,200. 561-790-4109
GREENWAY VILLAGE SOUTH 55+
COMMUNITY — 2/2 enclosed porch, tile, accordian shutters, ceiling fans, (water, cable & pest control included) $900/ mo. Call Maria 379-3685 or 310-2904
2/2 CONDO IN THE TRAILS - $1,250/ mo unfurnished $1,350/mo furnished. Beautifully decorated and redone. Phone service included. 561-422-2910
2/2 CONDO IN THE TRAILS - Minimum 6 Month Rental. $1,500/Mo furnished. Beautifully decorated and redone. Phone service included 561-422-2910 FULLY FURNISHED SPACIOUS EFFICIENCY APT. - Kitchenette, heated pool, jacuzzi, gated community, $675/Mo. includes cable & water. 561-798-5410 or 561-281-0632 ROOM FOR RENT:
LOWEST PRICES! — Nobody beats our Price! Free Est. Complete A/C units from $1,150. Repair Specialists. Lic./ins. 561-795-1130 toll free 888-981-9815
RANDY POULETTE AIR CONDITIONING, LLC — Quality workmanship, Reliable Service, Honest Results, A personal touch, all for exceptional prices. I service all makes and models. Lic. #CAC1815549 and Insured. 561-7903275.
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. - Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996.
The only non-profit petting zoo in the area. - featuring parrots, mini horses, ponies, pony rides, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and Llamas and more and farm club. 561-792-2666
HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE — Over 13 yrs. experience. Great references. Very Dependable. Karen. 561-632-2271
HOT WYRE ELECTRIC — For all your electrical needs. Panel upgrades, installations, repairs, lightening protection, troubleshooting. Licensed, Insured, Free Estimates. 561-313-0134
HIGH QUALITY LAMINATE FLOORING
— at affordable prices. Hardwood floors. No deposit until delivery. Contractors welcome. Western Communities resident. Family owned and Operated. Licensed and Insured. Se Habla Español 561-568-6099
GUARDSMAN FURNITURE PRO —
For all your furniture repair needs including finish repairs, structural repairs, upholstery services, chair regluing, antique repairs, kitchen cabinet refurbishing. 753-8689
HOME STANDBY GENERATORS — Complete packages including fueled system - Best Prices & reliable new Generator systems installed from 15 to 200KW “More Practical and much quieter” Maintenance & Service for all types of generators. Factory Authorized Dealer. 561-707-0575 Palm Beach. Tropical Power Systems, Inc.
LOW COST REPAIR OF GENERATOR SYSTEMS - 561-795-0916
NEED CROWNMOLDING? — Repairs? Remodeling? New construction? or Just about anything. SHORE COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION. Doug 254-6503 #CGC032864
CAN FIX IT — build it, move it, plant it, and more. Call Bruce, 793-2494. TFN BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall, kitchens/cabinets/countertops, remodeling, wood flooring. Bonded/Insured U#19699. 561-791-9900
D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-333-9433 or Cell 561252-1186 Lic’d- Well. & Palm Beach COMPUTER REPAIR - We come to you! After hours and weekends services available. Spyware/Adware/Virus Removal, Networking, Wireless, Backup Data, Upgrades. Call Anytime. 561-713-5276
ROCKANDRECORD.COM - A professional DJ and Videography Service. Disc Jockey • Music • Entertainment • Professional MC's • Weddings • Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Sweet 16/Birthday Parties • Anniversaries • Private & Corporate Events • Holiday Parties 561-422-4336
THE HANDYMAN CAN! — Craftsman with years of experience. Repairs, water damage, painting, wall/ceiling, texturing, moldings, flooring, organizers, plumbing, tile. Remodeling bath/kitchens. Big Savings on outdoor kitchen & bar using your grill or just hang a fan. Make your repair HONEY DO LIST. I show up & want your return business. References. Hourly/job. Call Greg 561531-3141
ANMAR CO. –James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561248-8528
*TOP RATED* by www.AngieList.com Atlantic Shore Home Improvement. Call Anthony Palermo 561-756-0428
MCA CUSTOM WOODWORKING, INC.
— “Make your home standout from the rest” Call us for all your home improvement needs. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling, custom wall units, design your home office, cabinetry, tile & drywall repair. Lic. #U-19564. Bonded & Ins. 561723-5836
COMPLETE IRRIGATION — PVC/PIPE supplies.Citrus ,Vegetables, Power units. Water Wheels, design services, Fairways Polo fields, Pumps/Engines mowing of all types. 1-863-675-6333.
AFFORDABLE LANDSCAPING — Brick pavers/patio/driveway. Basic landscaping services. Offered 3D Landscape Design. Including water features, and outdoorkitchens. for more information : www.affordablelandscapingflorida.com Lic. & Ins. 561-459-6166
Painting • Residential • Commercial • Historical Restoration • Faux Finishing • Stucco Repair • Roof Painting • and Pressure Cleaning • Sand Blasting • Mold Removal. FLEISCHER’S PAINTING • 561833-6661. LET US AD A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR LIFE — Residential/Commercial. Licensed • Bonded • Insured. Owner/Operator. Ask for Paul 561-309-8290. COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/ Exterior, residential painting, over 20 years exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free estimates - Insured. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident. RJA PAINTING & DECORATING — interior, exterior, custom colors, faux artwork, all work guaranteed. Lic. Bonded & Insured. 561-616-2255
BOB NICHOLS PAINTING — Serving the Palm Beaches for 19 years. Quality interior & exterior finishes. 561-248-6070. Lic. #16555
PAINTING — HOME PAINTING Interior – Exterior. $1290 +tax up to 2500 sq. ft. (walls area) 561-674-HOME(4663) J&C’s Faux Painting Service, Inc. Lic./Ins. U14092
AT YOUR SERVICE PET CONCIERGE
- pet sitting, play dates, sleep overs, arrange pet grooming, vet visits, flea & tick products, Holistic/Natural pet foods. Come home to a well stocked fridge & your plants alive. Upscale services for all your beloved four legged friends. Bonded & insured. 561-791-2086
“You dealt with the rest now deal with the best” maintenance and repairs. Inquire about 1 months FREE service. 561-7915073 ELITE POOL CLEANING
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.Call Butch 561-309-6975 BD
PRIMROSE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC — Full Service. Residential Home Care for full or part time residents. Weekly inspections, repairs, Monthly reports. Reasonable rates. 561-602-6857 or email: primrosepm123@aol.com
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS – Roof painting. Carpentry. License #U9 865. 9675580. BD SHAKE ROOF SPECIALISTS –– New roofs, repairs, preservation. License #CC025465. Shake Masters, Shake Chem. Members of Shake Bureau. 4396668 BD
ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING ––Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded, insured. Lic. #CCC-058317 790-0763. BD
ROLL DOWN SHUTTERS — Accordion shutters, storm panels and rolling shutters...prices that can’t be beat. All shutters Systems, Inc. 863-0955
AFFORDABLE HURRICANE PROTECTION — 2 - 4 wks. Installed Guaranteed! 10% deposit . Will get you started. All products, Dade County approved. We manufacture our own product. 561-5686099, 772-342-8705
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 BD JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! Lic.#9001390. 798-3132.
