The annual “Spookyville” has returned to historic Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. This year’s event features a trick-or-treat trail as well as carnival rides, children’s games, food and entertainment. A costume contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 30.
Rep. Tom Rooney Challenged By Palm City Businessman Jim Horn
By Ron Bukley
Town-Crier Staff Report
After two years in office, freshman Congressman Tom Rooney (R-Stuart) is being challenged in his re-election bid by Democrat Jim Horn of Palm City. Rooney, 35, was elected to represent Florida’s 16th Congressional District in 2008. District 16 takes in large portions of the western communities and northern areas of Palm Beach County before heading north to the Treasure Coast and swinging across the state to Port Charlotte.
Rooney grew up in Palm Beach County, graduating from the Benjamin School. He played football at Syracuse University and then Washington & Jefferson College. He earned a master’s degree at the University of Florida and his law degree at the University of Miami Law School, where he met his wife Tara, who was also a law student.
After receiving their degrees, both served four and a half years with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. Rooney then worked for then-Attorney General Charlie Crist as a prosecutor. Before his election, Rooney served as CEO of the Children’s Place at Home Safe — a local charity that serves
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Former Wellington Councilwoman Laurie Cohen will face off against Assistant Attorney General Marni Bryson in a bid to replace retiring County Court Judge Paul Moyle in the Nov. 2 general election.
Cohen and Bryson emerged as the top vote-getters in the fourway primary election for County Court Group 7 on Aug. 24. Candidates Jane Francis Sullivan and Lloyd Comiter were eliminated. Cohen drew 30.77 percent of the vote while Bryson took 29.06 percent. County court judges preside over civil lawsuits of less than $15,000, misdemeanor criminal charges and other cases such as traffic violations and landlord-tenant disputes. The maximum sentence in county criminal court is one year in the county jail. The county court is often called the “people’s court” and often sees litigants who represent themselves. Cohen, 48, of Wellington, was born in Maryland and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. In 1991, she moved to Florida and began law school at Nova Southeastern University.
Cohen has been admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the U.S. District Court, Middle
abused, neglected and abandoned children.
In the House, Rooney has served on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Agriculture committees. He considers his top accomplishments first and foremost to have been able to help constituents with veteran-related issues, as well as passport or immigration problems.
“I think our staff has done a really good job with the walk-in cases that we deal with at the local level for our constituents,” Rooney said. “I was able to successfully reach across the aisle on various issues, specifically on soldiers’ mental health [and] post-traumatic stress disorder, to get increased funding for the idea that we need to take mental health in the military a lot more seriously than we have in the past.”
Rooney also secured financing to combat citrus canker and for projects related to the Herbert Hoover Dike and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program. While Rooney does not favor traditional earmarks, he does support projects that come up through the proper channels, requested by local and regional governments.
Rooney noted that he has also worked on issues related to Guan-
tanamo Bay and the Fort Hood shootings. He said that the Guantanamo detainees deserve due process. “I think that’s in the spirit of who we are as Americans. I believe in due process, but I think it should be by military commission because the procedure that we use would protect intelligence sources,” he said.
As for the future of Guantanamo, Rooney believes it should be turned into a military jail and opened to Amnesty International, the Red Cross and any other in-
See DISTRICT 16, page 7
and Southern Districts of Florida. She lives with her husband Irwin and sons Stuart, 13, and Eric, 10.
After law school, Cohen worked for the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor before opening her own firm in 1996.
She has worked in commercial litigation for 14 years and is currently with the Rutherford Mulhall law firm. Cohen served on the Wellington Village Council from 2003 to 2008.
Her commitment to public service is what Cohen said drove her to run for the seat. Aside from her time on the council, Cohen said that she has been an active volun-
Wellington Scores County Approval For Medical Arts District
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palm Beach County Commission granted Wellington approval Tuesday to develop a medical arts district around Wellington Regional Medical Center, despite concerns that the plan may snarl traffic on several busy roads in the area.
Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen told commissioners that the village’s objective is to create jobs. “We need to replace jobs that have been lost in this recent recession,” he said, adding that many of the lost jobs may not return and must be replaced with new ideas.
Wellington has estimated that the completed medical arts district would bring an additional 6,000 high-paying jobs. County planners agreed that jobs would be a benefit, but were not happy with the current version of the village’s proposal.
Commissioners previously agreed to send the concept to Tallahassee for review. The Florida Department of Transportation made several objections, but the Department of Community Affairs had no objections or concerns
during transmittal hearings, according to county staff. Wellington has been working with county staff and has agreed to several conditions. According to a memo to commissioners dated Oct. 18 from County Engineer George Webb, county staff identified three remaining unresolved issues:
• Wellington declined to delete its request for a Constrained Roadway at Lower Level of Service (CRALLS) designation for two road segments that could be widened, State Road 80 from Big Blue Trace to Forest Hill Blvd. and Lyons Road from Lantana Road to Lake Worth Road. Instead, Wellington proposed to have the medical arts district pay a proportionate share of the cost to improve those roads in addition to road impact fees and an additional mitigation fee payment.
• Wellington also declined to include an affordable housing provision in the CRALLS mitigation measures. The current plan calls for about 210 apartment/dormitories in the medical arts district. “This is a project which identifies
teer and participant in several civic and religious organizations, and has also served on several committees and subcommittees for the Palm Beach Bar Association. “I have always had a commitment to public service,” she said. “I believe that we have a responsibility to give back to our community.” Cohen said that she is the more qualified candidate because of her experience, which spans criminal cases, a variety of civil cases, including small claims, and other county court matters, as well as complex commercial cases such as condominium, business, con-
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington’s intersections will remain free of red-light cameras for now, following a decision Tuesday by the Wellington Village Council to withdraw an ordinance that would have implemented the program. The decision comes on the heels of Royal Palm Beach’s decision to remove its red-light cameras entirely, and other municipalities’ choice to wait for clearer state regulations.
At its introduction, Village Manager Paul Schofield told the council that village staff recommended the ordinance’s withdrawal until the State Legislature finalizes its laws regarding the traffic cameras.
Schofield noted that the village would then have to find a vendor who could meet the state’s requirements before it would be brought back before the council.
Councilwoman Anne Gerwig noted that the withdrawal was not because the council felt the ordi-
nance was unnecessary but because the village wants to be sure it complies with state law.
“It’s not because we don’t accept this as something we may have to do,” she said. “It’s the fact that we don’t want to move forward and have to undo everything. We want a clear direction when we establish this.” The red-light cameras were meant to curb red-light running and make Wellington’s intersections safer. Schofield noted that one particular intersection that needs addressing is that of Wellington Trace and Big Blue Trace.
“We would like direction to move forward and address safety issues at that intersection,” he said. Safety measures would include extra policing and radar in the area. Gerwig noted that she was concerned with safety at that intersection in particular, as well as others in the village. “Safety is our main concern,” she said of the redlight cameras. “We want that to be
See COUNCIL, page 4
Tom Rooney
Marni Bryson
Laurie Cohen
Spookyville ends Sunday, Oct.
Injunction Puts Aero Club Paving In Limbo
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
A 90-day injunction has halted the paving of a 60-foot runway within Wellington’s Aero Club, giving the community time to resolve issues surrounding its leadership. After a decision last month by the Aero Club’s board of directors to pave the community’s iconic grass runway, a group of residents calling themselves the Wellington Fair Play Group filed for an injunction to hold off construction while the community sorts out the legitimacy of its board.
Earlier this month, a petition by the group to get several members of the current board removed was cause for the resignation of four of five board members.
The resigning board appointed like-minded members, including two spouses of board members, to lead the community, which opponents allege is against community bylaws. Because the old board did not certify the results of the petition before leaving office, members of the Fair Play Group contend that they are the rightful leaders of the community.
The Aero Club is a western Wellington community of about 250 homes clustered around a 3,900-foot grass runway.
In August, the board notified residents it would study paving a strip of the runway, prompting outcry in the community from those who believe the runway should remain grass. When the two sides couldn’t agree on a compromise to pave half of the runway, the board decided to go ahead and pave it entirely, citing reasons of safety.
The Fair Play Group neither supports nor opposes the paving plan but believes that residents should have a voice in the decision, no matter the outcome.
A decision issued last Thursday by Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Barkdull granted the Fair Play Group a 90day injunction on construction of the runway, giving the group time to challenge the board.
“We were given 90 days, which is what we were asking for,” Gary Kozan, leader of the Wellington Fair Play Group, told the TownCrier Wednesday. “That will give us enough time to figure out who the real board is.”
If it’s decided that the Fair Play
Group is the community leader, Kozan noted that the issue of paving the runway would be put to a community vote.
“It’s always a highly contested issue,” he said. “But the only way to resolve it and have everyone get their heads right is to have a vote on it. Then we’ll see where the community wants to go.”
Last Saturday, Kozan said the community held a recall election that required two-thirds of the voting homeowners to oust the original board. Kozan said that about 75 percent of voting residents chose to remove the board, with a result of about 126 votes to 40.
“It was a pretty decisive victory,” Kozan said, noting that the results would need to be certified at the next board meeting, which was scheduled for Friday. If the board does not certify the results, the matter would go to arbitration.
Though the outcome of the meeting was not available at press time, resigned board president Larry Smith said he expected that the issue would go to arbitration.
“I don’t know what will happen,” Smith said. “The new board is working on that with the attorneys. I’m guessing that they will probably challenge [the election results].”
Smith stressed that the decision was not up to him but noted that he didn’t think the new board would step down. “The results of the arbitration will be the biggest news,” he said.
In the meantime, construction on the runway could remain in limbo for months.
“We put the injunction in place to make sure no contract got signed and the runway didn’t get chopped up,” Kozan said.
But the delay could cause higher expenses should the decision to pave the runway stand, Smith said.
“We felt it was the best time to do this because the price of construction is low,” he said. “This could cost the community a lot more in the long run.”
Another cause for concern are permits from the South Florida Water Management District and the Village of Wellington that could expire by the time a decision is made.
“[The injunction] hurts the project,” Smith said. “It delays the project and could potentially drive expenses up.”
Meeting Focuses On State And Local Ballot Questions
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Palm Beach County Legislative Affairs Director Todd Bonlarron reviewed amendments that are to appear on the Nov. 2 ballot at the monthly public forum meeting sponsored by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria on Wednesday, Oct 20. Bonlarron explained that as a government employee, he is obligated to present a neutral, unbiased view of the amendments.
“I’m here tonight in my official capacity as a county employee, and for me to express my opinion for or against any of these amendments is actually illegal,” he said. “We are here to create balance in getting educated.” Amendment 1 on the ballot proposes to repeal the campaign fi-
nancing rules that require public financing of campaigns of candidates for state office who agree to campaign spending limits. “Decades ago, the State of Florida decided it wanted to allow for the public funding of certain statewide campaigns using your tax dollars to do that,” Bonlarron said. Currently those offices include governor, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture and chief financial officer. Those in favor of the amendment argue that campaign financing is not the best way to spend public money now. The other side argues that some candidates are so well-financed that challengers need a boost to have a chance.
Amendment 2 is a homestead ad valorem tax credit for deployed
See AMENDMENTS, page 22
Acreage Roadside TrickOr-Treat Party To Be Held On Saturday, Not Sunday
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
An annual Acreage trick-ortreating tradition on Citrus Grove Blvd. will go on this year with a slight twist. It’s not going to be held Halloween night, but rather the day before.
The popular event will be held on a more kid-friendly evening of Saturday, Oct. 30, rather than Sunday, which is a school night.
Almost a decade ago, residents in the Citrus Grove Blvd. area decided to hold a Halloween trickor-treat celebration together along a stretch of the roadway due to the distance between homes in The Acreage.
This year, Citrus Grove Blvd. residents thought it might be a good idea to move the day back to Saturday so the kids can rest up for school on Sunday night.
“Every year, we have Halloween out on Citrus Grove Blvd.,” resident Rick Vale said. “This year, the majority of the residents on Citrus Grove Blvd. voted, and instead of doing it on Sunday because the kids have school the next day, we decided to do it Saturday.” Residents start gathering on the road with vehicles full of candy
around 5 p.m. The event runs throughout Citrus Grove Blvd., but is centered in the area of Citrus Grove Park at Avocado Blvd.
“They park along the side of the road,” Vale explained. “Some people put chairs out and give out candy from there. It’s a big event every year. People from the whole Acreage come to it.”
Vale said the arrangement is a boon for residents who all own large lots with little street lighting. “It’s so spread out that for the kids to get candy, it’s really hard,” he said. “Plus, it’s mostly dirt roads, which are unsafe for the kids at nighttime.”
Vale said there have been some complaints about changing trick-or-treat night, but Vale said the majority of Citrus Grove residents agreed it would be a good idea.
“Halloween is a day just like Valentine’s Day,” he said. “By changing it to Saturday, you’re making it convenient for the children who go to school the next day and for the people on Citrus Grove Blvd. who have to prepare for this event and clean up afterward. The majority of people I ask think it’s great that we changed it.”
TOWN-CRIER ENDORSEMENTS
Keep Tom Rooney And Ron Klein In
Congress; Elect Skidmore
And Benacquisto To State Senate; Put Cohen On County Court
With early voting now underway, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2 for the general election. This week, the Town-Crier concludes our endorsement series leading up to the general election. In this issue, we offer opinions on local races for U.S. Congress, Florida State Senate and Palm Beach County Court.
TOP OF THE TICKET — Traditionally, the Town-Crier does not issue endorsements on statewide races, but before the August primary election, we included some top-of-the-ticket ballot thoughts that we’d like to update for the general election. One thing we must reiterate is our strong belief in choosing candidates for high state office with a history of public service — having held public office in some capacity — over those with big bank accounts who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for such eminent positions. In the race for Florida governor, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is facing Republican Rick Scott, a political newcomer who wants voters to trust that his controversial business experience somehow qualifies him for the state’s highest office. However, Sink has that private-sector experience, too, along with her time as CFO. Her knowledge of fiscal matters is what our cash-strapped state needs. And while on the topic of the state CFO, Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach) is facing Loranne Ausley, a former Democratic state legislator from Tallahassee. We’d be remiss if we didn’t point out all that Atwater has done for this community. It would be nice to have a local perspective in the executive branch.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 16 — In two short years, Congressman Tom Rooney has proven himself a sufficiently qualified and worthy member of Congress. Just as he has crossed party lines to work on legislation, so too has he crossed county lines to reach out to his constituents. His challenger, Democrat Jim Horn, hasn’t shown any reason for voters to choose him over Rooney. Republicans might see some appeal in Horn’s conservative leanings, but Rooney has done a good job representing that point of view. And where Rooney makes an effort to be accessible to his constituents, traveling to all parts of the district, we’re not convinced Horn would do the same. We noted in our August primary endorsement that of all the candidates invited for a face-to-face interview with the Town-Crier’s editorial board, Horn was the only one to not make himself available. He also did not make himself available for an editorial board interview for the general election. In our estimation, that speaks volumes about his priorities. Rooney is the far superior choice. The Town-Crier strongly endorses the re-election of Tom Rooney in Congressional District 16.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 22 — Ron Klein has a long history of serving in a legislative capacity, first in the Florida Legislature, where he served for 14 years, and now in the United States Congress, making his entrance by defeating longtime Republican Congressman Clay Shaw in 2006. Klein has worked to address Florida’s property insurance woes and was an early proponent of a national catastrophe fund, both very important for Floridians. He is a member of the Financial Services and House Foreign Affairs committees, where he has shown admirable service. However, if you ask Republican challenger Allen West, Klein is bent on bankrupting the country and handing it over to the terrorists. While there is justifiable criticism to be made of the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats, West is a polarizing figure that will not move our nation forward. We need compromise, not grandstanding. Further, West also did not make himself available for a discussion with the Town-Crier’s editorial board. This is projected to be a difficult year for Democrats, but losing a public servant like Klein would be a shame for Florida. The Town-Crier strongly endorses the re-election of Ron Klein in Congressional District 22.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 25 — In the race to replace Senate President Jeff Atwater, state representatives Ellyn Bogdanoff and Kelly Skidmore, as well as independent candidate Miranda Rosenberg are more than aware of the high stakes — a Republican win in this seat could mean a veto-proof State Senate.
Jess Clarifies
The Record
It is quite unfortunate that you assigned your relatively new reporter, Lauren Miró, to do the write-up of the very important county commission candidates’ interview. Obviously she did not have much knowledge of my background in the western communities and District 6. I doubt if she realized:
1) I was a co-founder of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce 27 years ago.
2) I was the recipient of the “Hall of Fame” award by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, one of only four such awards in 27 years, for my numerous contributions to the betterment of this chamber year after year.
3) The PWCC asked me to serve as their centennial president in the year 2000.
4) Last year (2009), the PWCC presented the “Legend Award” once in recognition for my ongoing services to the chamber.
Had Ms. Miró been familiar with the above, she may not have inadvertently structured her words in such a manner that they could easily be taken out of context by some readers, making it appear as if I was critical of the PWCC as a total failure. The fact is I am very proud of how much both chambers of commerce have accomplished. I was merely suggesting that there was one important area that they had neglected — doing
Council Amendment
4 Resolution
continued from page 1 clear. It’s not a revenue issue for us.”
Councilman Howard Coates made a motion to withdraw the ordinance, which passed unanimously.
In other business, the council passed a resolution opposing Amendment 4 — dubbed “Hometown Democracy” — and encouraging voters statewide to vote “no” on Nov. 2. The amendment would require public referendums on comprehensive plan changes.
Vice Mayor Matt Willhite said that while he would not share his personal position on Amendment 4, he did not feel it is appropriate for the council to take a position on the issue.
“I don’t like the fact that we are, in my opinion, to some extent, spending public dollars to take a position on this,” he said.
a study on what businesses we currently already have too much of (such as certain types of restaurants), and therefore, they should discourage opening anymore new ones of the same, and instead encourage businesses that are still needed in our area. I do not believe this is being done; that is why so many restaurants are failing. It’s as simple as that. With respect to the “medical arts district,” as originally submitted, [it] was a farce, as far as I was concerned. This is because the original application for 2,300,000 square feet of commercial buildings (the equivalent of adding another mall as huge as the Mall at Wellington Green) directly across the street, with not a single interested medical-related entity, was absurd. If approved as originally submitted, all the new buildings could have been retail and/or office and/or warehouses, without a single additional “medical-related new business,” all under the guise of bringing in 6,000 new highpaying jobs. Please sell me the Brooklyn Bridge instead!
I would appreciate it if you would assign an experienced knowledgeable reporter to write about me next time.
Jess Santamaria County Commissioner, Dist. 6
Publisher’s note — From time to time a reporter will work so diligently to get the wording of a quoted passage correct that it actually obscures the intent of the
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine
Priore stressed that the council had a legal right to draft and pass a resolution opposing the issue.
“We are not in violation of any law that has been put on the books,” Priore said.
Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz noted that the law prohibits a government from paying for a political advertisement to broadcast its opinion.
“This is not a political advertisement,” he said. “A political advertisement, under the law, is what we would typically think of. If you went to the newspapers or a TV station… and spent public funds to express an opinion of council rather than the fact about an issue, that would be prohibited.”
But Willhite noted that he felt that spending dollars just to draft the resolution, discuss it and pass it was spending tax dollars, and that by doing so at a public meeting they are taking a position publicly rather than personally.
Gerwig noted that many residents look toward community
Though relatively unknown, Rosenberg is a bright young woman with a good future ahead of her in politics. She is knowledgeable on the issues and brings a unique perspective and good solutions. Bogdanoff brings to the table more experience and an impressive resume that shows she would be a good senator for the district. We appreciate her dedication to education and children’s rights and believe that she will serve District 25 well should she win. While each candidate is uniquely qualified for the position and brings good ideas to the table, we were most impressed by Skidmore. She is a Democrat who has proven she can work across the aisle to get things done. Although she is in the minority party, she was able to pass a key piece of legislation placing restrictions on pill mills, a problem that greatly affected her district. We believe she will show the same dedication in supporting her constituents if elected to the State Senate. The Town-Crier endorses Kelly Skidmore for State Senate in District 25.
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 27 — Former Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and State Rep. Kevin Rader are looking to win the seat being vacated by Dave Aronberg. Rader brings to the table some very good ideas on how to help Florida moving into the future. Coupled with a strong record in Tallahassee, we are confident that should he win, the district will be well represented. That said, over the years, Benacquisto has proven herself to be a hard worker who is able to get things done for her community. One can point to several initiatives in the village started due to her service, from Wellington’s Safe Neighborhoods initiative to Scott’s Place playground, and all the way back to the construction of Tiger Shark Cove Park. We expect that Benacquisto will bring the same dedication and drive to the state legislature and will serve her constituents well in Tallahassee. The Town-Crier endorses Lizbeth Benacquisto in the District 27 State Senate race.
PALM BEACH COUNTY COURT, GROUP 7 — In the County Court Group 7 race, Laurie Cohen and Marni Bryson are hoping to win the seat of retiring Judge Paul Moyle. Both candidates have made clear that they are highly qualified for the position, and Palm Beach County voters will be well served no matter who wins. With that said, we are most familiar with Cohen, who has shown herself to be a fair-minded and rational leader in dealing with local matters during her time on the Wellington Village Council. There is no doubt in our minds that she will bring the same demeanor and rational approach if elected to county court. Moreover, many of the issues that came before her on the council have similarities to the disputes she may hear in court. Combined with her business, legal and leadership experiences, we believe Cohen has the right qualifications, temperament and community dedication to be an even-handed county court judge. The Town-Crier endorses Laurie Cohen for Palm Beach County Court, Group 7.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
message. In the interview with Commissioner Santamaria last week it was understood that he was speaking analogously when discussing several different ideas that would bring potential new successful businesses to the District 6 communities. Unfortunately, it is easy to misinterpret the message when one focuses too closely on the analogy.
— Barry Manning
Don’t Put GOP Back In Charge
The Republicans have now told you what they will do if and when they take over our national government. Let’s see what it is...
First, if you are able to buy health insurance now that you weren’t able to before the new healthcare law the Democrats passed, they will take that privilege away from you. Too hard on the insurance companies!
Second, if you have been out of a job longer than unemployment compensation used to pay but are still drawing it, forget it! It will be gone, too. If you weren’t so lazy, you would have taken a job (even if there aren’t any available).
Third, the Bush tax cuts have to be extended to the wealthy or not at all. If the wealthy have to pay more taxes, you do, too! The reasoning for this is ostensibly that reducing available money the wealthy have will reduce jobs. Look, the wealthy and the big corporations are already sitting on
leaders, such as council members, for their opinions.
“This is serious,” she said. “I think that it’s important that we are able to clearly express what effects this could have.”
Priore said that encouraging a “no” vote is important in order to preserve government in its current form.
“This is a very important [message] that we need to send to our residents,” he said. “Amendment 4 would take away what is fundamentally a right, which is a representative government. We are not a pure democracy, we are a constitutional representative government.”
Priore worried that it would be a slippery slope in changing government away from its current, representative form.
“This is the first step, if it were to pass, in the complete elimination of government as we now know it,” he said. “I strongly feel that we are doing the right thing in supporting the ‘no’ vote.”
The resolution passed 4-1, with Willhite opposed.
piles of cash. If they aren’t using it to create jobs, why do they need more to sit on?
So far we’re talking regular Republicans. If the Tea Party branch takes over, you’re going to have a major catastrophe. Regular Republicans just want to gradually disable Social Security and Medicare. Tea Party people want to outright destroy them. A hundred million people or more depend on them for their survival. Are these the kind of people you want running our government? I’m not happy with everything the Obama administration has done, but they’re really trying hard and have accomplished much. They are so much better than the alternative that there really is no choice. If you were thinking of not voting or voting Republican, please reconsider. It’s vital!
Dan Newby Wellington
End The Out-OfControl Spending
Before you cast your ballot on Tuesday, think! Claims from the left that our economy is improving are pathetic! The Treasury Department announced last week that the Obama administration has officially borrowed and printed more money than the republic has spent from its birth in 1776 to 1990 — a grand total of $3 trillion, in less than two years! Yet, unemployment has officially reached 10 percent nationally. Remember, out-of-control spending and the reality that the stimulus didn’t keep unemployment below 8 percent, as promised, can’t be ignored. Extended unemployment compensation using more borrowed money has only exacerbated the problem. Change? This administration’s unAmerican policies have caused economic ruin to America, ultimately affecting the entire world. Bailouts and ObamaCare have put the U.S. on the road to Socialism. This president and his regime want to grow government, to control everything, giving him the power to spread the wealth. Entitlements are consuming us; government aid should be temporary, but welfare has become an occupation for some. We are on the road to becoming another Cuba if we don’t wake up now!
I would also like to clarify Col. Allen West’s comparison of his own security clearance to that of the president [with] this quote from a “PolitiFact” article: “As a career military officer, West went through a rigorous screening and investigatory process in order to receive his TS/SCI clearance. President Barack
Obama got his authority by virtue of a popular vote. There is no security process required before one becomes president. If, in theory, Obama was not president and decided to apply for a security clearance, there’s no guarantee he’d qualify for one. He’d have to go through a painstaking process, and investigators may raise any number of questions. ‘The fact that (Obama) admitted to cocaine use, travel to unauthorized countries years before, and his associations with (black nationalist) Louis Farrakhan and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, he probably would not have been granted a security clearance,’ said Josh Grodin, West’s campaign manager.” Col. West is an American patriot who will serve us honorably in D.C. Ron Klein is a career politician who has contributed to America’s problems! Marge Fitzgerald Wellington
Don’t Change
Halloween Date
Approximately nine years ago, Acreage residents got together to discuss Halloween (Oct. 31). Since our community is too large to go door to door, it was agreed by the residents to have Halloween (Oct. 31) on one street in The Acreage. The residents of Citrus Grove Blvd. decided their block would be a great place to start. I think this was a great idea by the residents to allow our own children, from our community, to trick-or-treat in our own backyard. I, as well as many others, thank the residents of Citrus Grove Blvd. for hosting this wonderful event. Our Halloween (Oct. 31) trick-ortreat event has grown larger and larger over the past nine years. The kids are able to trick-or-treat on Halloween (Oct. 31) from Seminole Pratt to Coconut Blvd. (possibly even to 120th).
We have a resident who decided he wanted to change the date of our annual Halloween event that we have had the past nine years. He said he will change the date every year. This will only create havoc in our community. We already have a cluster mess, and we don’t want another one. You are only going to confuse and hurt the kids. It is my understanding he went to some of the residents on Citrus Grove Blvd. and asked if they minded if he changed the date.
What gives the residents the right to decide to change a date of an event on their own? What needs to be addressed is that it is not only the Citrus Grove residents who pass out candy. There are hundreds of other Acreage resi-
dents who participate and others who come from outside our community. They set up tents, grills and pass out candy. This is an annual event for all of the residents. If this resident doesn’t want to be a part of Halloween (Oct. 31) then do not participate, and that goes for other residents on the block. Please do not partake in this change of date. Let our children trick-or-treat on Halloween (Oct. 31). Do not allow this change to happen. Halloween is on Sunday, Oct. 31 this year. What date is he going to change next, Christmas? Gina Parrish The Acreage
Vote For Santamaria
Jess Santamaria is simply the best of the three candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission District 6 seat. His record of achievements during his first term in office, not to mention his philanthropy, should be applauded by us all. You won’t find a more indefatigable commissioner. Not only has he worked tirelessly for all of us in the western communities, he does so for free, donating his salary to charity. I find that quite remarkable. He has raised the bar so high his act will be a tough one to follow. His suggestion that the commissioners vote to cut the car allowance perk for themselves and other county officials in half fell on deaf ears. You don’t need a degree in economics to know that you simply just don’t raise taxes during a recession, which was exactly what the board did; only Santamaria and one other commissioner voted no. He crosses swords with his fellow commissioners frequently on various issues, always taking the high moral ground. With so much work still to be done, why would we vote for anyone else?
To his challengers I say, “your day will come,” but not on Nov. 2. Your challenge is an exercise in futility. I was asked recently if this was the end for Santamaria. I replied, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is perhaps the end of the beginning. Palm Beach County would be an even better place if we had more commissioners like Santamaria serving. Christmas will come early when we return “Santa” to office. Let’s show him our appreciation for all he has done and return him to office with a large majority. Voter apathy is not an option. Do the right thing — vote for Santamaria. You will be glad you did. Karl Witter The Acreage
PALMS WEST CHAMBER EVENT MARKS THE OPENING OF NEW HEADQUARTERS
RPB Vice Mayor Martha Webster with Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Dave Browning and Councilman Ryan Liang.
Eric Gordon, Silvia Garcia, Scott and Mair Armand, Ron and Elaine Tomchin, and Lynne Keane.
Dale Pickford, Peter Wein, Staci Di Raimondo, Eric Gordon and Candace Morrow.Scott Hyber, Dick Philpott and John Davis.
Dale Pickford, James DuBois, Jeff Leed, Bob Bloom and Neil Shpritz.
Gina Sauber is the good witch of the Corbett House.Joey and Michael Schmidt in the pumpkin patch.
Jamie Ricksegrini, Gianna Ormstead and Jordan Ricksegrini make Halloween bookmarks.
Royal Palm Beach Mayor Matty Mattioli, Wally Sanger, Ken Adams and Eric Gordon.
Vehicle Burglaries, DUIs In Wellington And Royal Palm
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
OCT. 22 — A Lake Worth man was arrested on drunken driving charges late last Friday night following a traffic stop near the intersection of State Road 7 and Stribling Way in Wellington. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy was on patrol when he observed a white Infiniti traveling southbound on SR 7 at a high rate of speed. The deputy’s radar displayed that the car was traveling at 101 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone. According to the report, the deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 40year-old Jared Owens. After the deputy administered roadside tasks, Owens was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail where tests revealed he had a blood-alcohol level of .171. Owens was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving.
• • •
OCT. 21 — A resident of Greenbriar Circle called the PBSO substation in Wellington last Thursday morning to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2:30 and 6:45 a.m., someone entered two of the victim’s unlocked vehicles and stole an iPod Nano from each one. The stolen items were valued at approximately $320. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
OCT. 22 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a home in the Pinewood East community last Friday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 2 p.m. last Thursday and noon the following day, someone entered the victim’s vehicle and stole a TomTom navigation system, valued at approximately $100, $16 cash and the victim’s driver’s license. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
OCT. 22 — A Greenacres man was arrested last Friday on charges of drunken driving following an accident at the intersection of State Road 7 and Victoria Grove Blvd. According to a PBSO report, a vehicle driven by 57-year-old Howard Larrabee struck the rear of a vehicle waiting at the light at SR 7 and Victoria Grove Blvd., causing that car to hit a second
vehicle. Both victims were transported to the hospital. After an investigation, the deputy determined that Larrabee was impaired. He was arrested and taken to the county jail where breath tests revealed he had a blood-alcohol level of .327. He was charged with driving under the influence. OCT. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to a business on South Shore Blvd. last Saturday morning regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6 p.m. last Friday and 6 a.m. the following morning, someone cut the chain on the rear gate of the property and entered the business. The deputy observed vehicle tracks leading up to the gate and near the company’s gas pumps. According to the report, this is the third reported incident in the past three weeks. It is unknown if the suspect(s) took gas from the pump because it was not locked. Nothing else was missing. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 24 — A resident of Strathmore Gate East called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach last Sunday to report a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Thursday and 9 a.m. last Sunday, someone entered the victim’s vehicle and stole a TomTom GPS unit valued at approximately $150. There was no damage to the exterior or interior of the vehicle, and the victim said she might have left a window partially open. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
OCT. 24 — Several vehicles parked outside the Golden Corral restaurant on Okeechobee Blvd. near State Road 7 were burglarized last Sunday. According to separate PBSO reports, residents called the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach after discovering their vehicles had been broken into. According to one PBSO report, sometime between 2 and 8:30 p.m., someone smashed the victim’s front passenger window and stole her purse containing her wallet, credit cards, ID and Social Security card, along with a second Coach bag. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. In a second PBSO report, the victim parked her car in the parking lot at approximately 3 p.m. and when she got out of work at approximately
Seminole Ridge Student Hit By Bus While Crossing Road
OCT. 27 — A 17-year-old Seminole Ridge High School student was struck by a school bus Wednesday morning while crossing Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, Ryan Garcia of Loxahatchee was crossing the road, within the cross walk, on his way to school at approximately 7:04 a.m. when a school bus making a left-hand turn hit him. The bus driver, 54-year-
old Johnny Burroughs Sr., of Belle Glade, did not see Garcia. Garcia was flown by Trauma Hawk to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach where his injuries were deemed non-life threatening. According to the report, lighting, Garcia’s dark clothing and fog in the area are all considered contributing factors. Use of the pedestrian crossing signal was undetermined. See BLOTTER, page 22
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives:
• Scott Desane is a white male, 5’10” tall and weighing 175 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms. His date of birth is 04/22/ 59. Desane is wanted for fraudulent use of personal identification information and grand theft of a motor vehicle. His occupation is mechanic. His last known addresses were 143rd Street North in The Acreage and Westhampton Circle in Wellington. Desane is wanted as of 10/28/10. • Barahona Rossel is a white male, 5’8” tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 02/13/78. Rossel is wanted for uttering forged bills, checks, drafts or notes. His occupation is laborer. His last known address was at large. Rossel is wanted as of 10/28/10. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppers pbc.com.
Scott Desane
Barahona Rossel
Klein Versus West Rematch Has All Eyes On South Florida Seat
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
A rematch has been set in the battle for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, once again pitting incumbent Democrat Ron Klein against Republican challenger Allen West.
Klein narrowly defeated West in the 2008 general election.
Starting at the Martin County line, District 22 includes parts of the western communities, suburban West Palm Beach and central Palm Beach County, continuing through the south county area and into Fort Lauderdale.
Klein, 53, was born in Ohio. He attended Ohio State University and, after graduation in 1979, attended law school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Klein and his wife Dori moved to Boca Raton in 1985. They have two children, Brian and Lauren.
In 1992, Klein was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. From 1996 to 2006, he served in the Florida State Senate, where he was the minority leader. In 2006, Klein defeated 13-term incumbent Republican Congressman Clay Shaw to take the District 22 seat.
Klein told the Town-Crier that he first ran for office because of education. His mother was a public school teacher, which gave Klein an insight into the school system from a young age.
Though he noted that education is a state-level issue, he pointed to his support of expanding Pell grants for post-secondary students as a continued commitment to education at the federal level.
“It is the largest expansion of Pell grants in the history of the U.S.,” he said. “The ability for every student who wants to go to school to be able to go, and to be able to get a need-based scholarship, for me that is a very important principle in the preparation of our workforce.”
Klein explained that the expansion changed the system from bank-oriented to a direct loan, effectively cutting out the middleman and providing more money for more students and a lower interest rate.
Klein said that one of his top accomplishments was passing the Homeowners’ Defense Act in the House. The bill,
which he called a “product of the local community,” would ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance coverage for catastrophic events.
It would create a regulatory consortium to oversee state insurance companies.
Klein noted that insurers have increasingly been isolating their risk to avoid covering damages for natural disasters and other events. This is not just a problem in Florida, he said, but has become a growing trend nationally. “Insurers have been able to narrow their coverage, charge more and sell to whom they want to sell,” he said. “It’s a joke, and it doesn’t work for Floridians as consumers.”
If re-elected, Klein hopes to continue working on the property insurance issue until a solution benefiting Floridians becomes law.
Other key goals are to create jobs and help spur local business.
“I’m not going to stop until every single person who wants a job can get a job,” he said, noting that he visits multiple small businesses each week to seek answers for what will most help them create jobs.
Klein said that most business owners want to see cuts in taxes and unfair regulations. Klein noted, however, that he would support tax cuts only for businesses that create jobs.
“If you create a job, you get a tax cut,” he said. “Whereas right now, the system is set up that for all these companies that send jobs overseas, they get tax benefits. There’s actually an economic benefit for doing that, which is so outrageous it should offend everybody.”
Regarding cuts in regulations, Klein acknowledged that while most were there for safety and other important purposes, some placed an unnecessary cost on businesses. He pointed to the marine industry, in which employers had to buy longshoreman insurance for their workers as well as workers’ compensation.
“We fixed it,” he said. “I got the law changed, working with Democrats and Republicans. And now that’s $10,000 to $150,000 right to their bottom line that they can use to hire people, buy new equipment or expand the business.”
Another top issue for Klein is bank financing and getting loans to small busi-
nesses that have been denied in the past. He noted that he helped to pass a bill that would give an incentive to small community banks to lend by offering them a discount on interest rates.
Klein applauded the recently passed financial regulatory reform, noting that it was important to make sure that no business becomes so integrated in the financial system that it can cause another economic crisis if it fails. He noted that the bill would provide oversight but would not prevent businesses from operating, merging or expanding.
“It’s not a question necessarily of them being too large,” he said. “It’s the structure of the businesses. They’re so integrated into the system… that if they fail, they drag everything down with them. That’s unacceptable. It’s not unacceptable for businesses to fail… but it’s unacceptable for there to be a system in place which allows a business to get so integrated into the system. Where are our basic antitrust laws?”
Klein said that, as a small businessman who had to fight with insurance companies, he supported the recent healthcare reform legislation. He noted that small businesses would benefit from being able to pool their insurance when the law comes into effect in two years.
“I was the one who had to fight with health insurance companies every year,” he said. “It was miserable. The end result, as far as pre-existing condition elimination, stopping companies from canceling you if you get sick — all these things are long overdue.”
Klein said he would have liked for the bill to include the ability to sell insurance across state lines, as well as a measure regarding litigation to eliminate frivolous lawsuits.
Further, Klein thinks healthcare reform could have been done better by breaking it up into a series of smaller bills covering individual issues. He noted that much of the concern over the current bill came because the bill was too large for the average voter to read, leading to a spread of misinformation.
“If it’s nice and simple, people understand it,” he said. “And then you force the elected officials to vote yes or no.
Because there were a lot of people who, in the healthcare bill, said, ‘I support this or this. But I don’t support this.’ Well, this way, you put one issue in front of them.”
Klein said he differs from his opponent because he is willing to work across the aisle to be effective and pass legislation, whereas he said West has said he does not believe in inclusiveness. “You have to work with people in order to get things done,” he said. “This community needs support; this community needs someone who will advocate for them.”
He said voters should choose him because of his experience working with small businesses, with seniors and in protecting Medicare and Social Security, as well as for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle.
“I get things done,” he said. “After the election, you’re not a Republican, Democrat or an independent. You’re an American first, and every problem has a solution.”
West did not respond to several phone calls and e-mails for comment. He was born and raised in Atlanta to a military family. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and master’s degree from Kansas State Uni-
versity, both in political science.
West also holds a master of military arts and sciences degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer College in political theory and military operations. While in the Army, West was in Operation Desert Storm and in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He received numerous honors during his service. In 2004, he retired with his wife and two daughters to Broward County. He spent one year as a teacher before returning to Afghanistan as an adviser to the Afghan army, a stint he finished in 2007. In August, West told the Town-Crier that he is a candidate who will stand up for what is right. “I think it’s important to restore honor, integrity and character in the government,” he said. “The local people of District 22 are looking for someone with principle.” If elected, his top three goals would be to focus on revising the tax code, fixing illegal immigration and protecting the American people.
West said that voters should choose him so he can make their voices heard. “I will be their voice,” he said, “and I look forward to being their representative in Congress.”
Incumbents Deutch, Hastings Face Challengers In Re-Election Bids
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
Newly elected District 19 Congressman Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) is being challenged on Nov. 2 by Republican Joe Budd. District 19 runs from Tamarac up the edge of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, covering a small portion of eastern Wellington.
Deutch, 44, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election in April to replace Robert Wexler, who resigned earlier this year. Deutch said his campaign then was to work to rebuild the economy and help improve important programs such as Social Security. “That’s exactly what I hope to be doing if re-elected,” he told the Town-Crier on Wednesday.
Deutch said his campaign has been going well. “I’ve been busy traveling from West Palm Beach to Tamarac, stopping in diners and talking to voters asking them for their support,” he said. He considers the most pressing issue of the campaign to be creating jobs and restarting the economy.
District 16
Rooney Vs. Horn
continued from page 1 ternational organization that wants to monitor the facility.
“I was at Guantanamo Bay, and I was very impressed about the way that it is currently run,” he said. “It’s not what you think in your mind anymore. There’s various camps and various levels of security.” The situation in Afghanistan is among issues he worries about a lot. “When I was in Afghanistan, I met with [President Hamid] Karzai; I met with a lot of officials there,” he said. “The situation in Afghanistan is extremely dire. His administration is completely and utterly corrupt.”
Rooney said the U.S. must win the hearts and minds of the people, which will not be easy because the U.S. has said it is going to begin pulling out in July 2011. Managing the war in Afghanistan will be a key issue in the next Congress, he predicted.
On financial issues, Rooney said he believes in the Milton Friedman philosophy regarding the benefits of low taxes. That means that significant cuts will be necessary to make the federal government live within its means.
“We have to make some strong decisions about what to get rid of,” he said. Regarding recent industry bailouts, Rooney said that supporting free markets means accepting the judgment of the market even if the
Before his election to Congress, Deutch served in the Florida State Senate. His priorities have included strengthening the health and financial security of retirees, creating economic opportunity for small businesses and young families in South Florida and protecting the national security interests of the United States, Israel and international allies. As a state senator, Deutch passed legislation in Florida making it the first state to put economic pressure on Iran to thwart its nuclear weapons program. Also as a state senator, Deutch passed legislation that reduced smoking in Florida and financed healthcare programs, including cancer research.
Deutch was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pa. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and his law degree at the University of Michigan Law School. He and his wife Jill moved to South Florida in 1997. They have twin 14-year-old daughters and an 11-year-old son. For more information about Deutch, visit www.tedforcongress.com.
Budd is a financial adviser who
outcome is not popular. “If there is a bank out there that is going to collapse, you should let it collapse without having to be propped up by the federal government,” he said. “Same with the auto industry, same with everything else that works in a capitalist society.”
While he supports a strong national defense, Rooney does want to look at big items in the defense budget that could be wasteful.
“Defense spending is too low, but we have items in there that are wasteful,” he said.
Other areas he wants to explore include Medicare fraud and entitlement reform. The current entitlement system is not sustainable, he warned.
“Generations that are under 50, or generation X or Y or Z, if they have any inclination that they are getting Social Security, they are sorely mistaken,” he said. Rooney’s top goals if re-elected include finding ways to create more jobs in the district. “One of the key differences that I have with some of the people on the other side of the aisle is the function of government in job creation,” he said. “I like to say it’s not government’s job to create jobs, it’s small business’s.”
Rooney noted that he is cosponsor of the Economic Freedom Act, which would reduce tax levels to create an attractive business environment.
“We also have the new farm bill coming out this next Congress, so that will be obviously another priority of mine,” he added.
Rooney said he also wants to look at whether the recent health-
moved to Boca Raton in 1993, where he joined his father’s financial planning practice, according to his web site. In 1998, he formed his own firm, which now has 10 representatives in his Coral Springs office.
Budd was born in Phillipsburg, N.J., and grew up in a blue-collar family; his father was a police officer and his mother worked in a factory. He attended Churchman’s Business School, where he majored in accounting. He worked as a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza and, at the age of 24, purchased a Domino’s franchise in Massachusetts.
Budd pledges to make creating jobs his top priority. Recalling one of several businesses that he had that didn’t survive the recession of the early 1990s, Budd recalls the struggle and empathizes with people who are suffering through the current economic woes. Florida is burdened with unemployment and foreclosure rates higher than the national average, and the creation of jobs must be a priority, Budd said, asserting that the current leaders in Washington have failed in that regard.
care reform law is constitutional in that the federal government is telling individuals that they have to purchase something from a private company. “That is something that has never been asked of the courts,” he said.
He said he met recently with doctors at Wellington Regional Medical Center who told him they are having problems already with increased costs related to healthcare reform. They also pointed out that there is no medical malpractice reform in the legislation, which Rooney said is a crucial factor in containing costs.
Rooney said he feels there is a mood in the country that the federal government is doing too many things that should be done at the state level.
Rooney said he is the best candidate in this race because he believes there is an opportunity to get government right through fiscal conservatism or face the alternative of government getting bigger and bigger. “I think that I have the best ideas when it comes to getting this country moving forward in the right direction,” he said.
He said voters should vote for him because they will have a congressman they can trust for two more years. “They might not necessarily agree with me, but I will do what I believe is best for this district,” Rooney said. “I am going to do not necessarily what I think is popular, but what I think is right.”
Rooney’s challenger Jim Horn, 56, is the father of five children. He is a business consultant who
Budd and his wife Sherry have three college-age children. They are both active members of their church. For more information about Budd, visit www.joebudd forcongress.com.
• • • In the race for District 23, incumbent Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-Fort Lauderdale) is being challenged by Republican Bernard Sansaricq of Pembroke Pines.
District 23 covers portions of Broward, Hendry, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, and includes a band that extends into small portions of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee.
Hastings, 74, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and has held office since then, according to his web page. He lists his accomplishments as being an outspoken leader to make the country safer and more secure. He has fought to make election systems easier and more fair, create tax incentives for small businesses, expand the earned income tax credit, job training for displaced workers, ban assault weap-
owns a marketing, advertising and consulting firm with a focus on the Internet. He specializes in return on investment growth models to show businesses where they can go with a certain amount of investment.
Horn said he has developed more than 100 different products but is best known for his American Body Building Products company, where he pioneered numerous sports nutrition products. He has also been involved in boat racing and restaurant businesses.
Horn said he is running because of his dissatisfaction in the way the country is being run. “I’m running for my children, your children, I have a grandchild also, and all of those who come after us, because I feel the country has been going in a bad direction,” he said. “I don’t like the quality and the reasons for the politicians in office today. I don’t think many of them truly understand the business of America or the reasons for the greatness of America.”
Horn said he wants to share the experiences he has had in life and the upbringing he had by World War I and II heroes and veterans.
“My son is over in Afghanistan,” he said. “He’s a Marine Corps officer; he’s a major at 32… I come from a family that contributed a lot to make the country what it is, and I woke up one morning to see my four young children in my new life and saw what was happening all around me.”
In St. Lucie County, Horn said he has seen some of the worst of the economic crisis. “Port St. Lucie has just been devastated,” he
ons, finance Head Start and other educational programs, make Social Security an independent agency, advocate for environmental justice, and provide family and medical leave to all workers.
Hastings is also known as a strong voice in international affairs and an expert in foreign policy. He has held numerous committee and commission memberships and chairmanships. In 2007, he was the first African-American to chair the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, which focuses on human rights, economic development and parliamentary diplomacy.
Born in Altamonte Springs, Hastings graduated from Fisk University in 1958 and went on to get his law degree from Florida A&M University in 1963. In 1979, he became the first AfricanAmerican judge in Florida, appointed by President Jimmy Carter. As a judge, Hastings was impeached in 1988 on bribery charges but received a full pardon from President Bill Clinton. For more info, visit www.alceeforcongress. com.
said. “It has been devastated by the economic situation and the mismanagement of the banking industry by lawyers and politicians who take so much specialinterest money that they could never, ever represent us. They represent the money that they take.”
Horn was sharply critical of Rooney and the financial interests that have backed him.
“I was shocked that a young guy who had just come into office from a wealthy family — one of the wealthiest families in America — had to take money from companies like big sugar and big citrus, not that there’s anything wrong with those companies, but in order to legislate fairly for the people he represents, and for businesses to continue to grow, you need to be impartial as a legislator. How can you be impartial when your pockets are full of the money from these different groups?”
Horn asserted that Rooney talks about redrafting healthcare legislation but noted that the incumbent has accepted money from numerous hospitals and drug companies. Horn said politicians claim that the contributions don’t affect the way they vote, but he does not believe that.
“The proof is in the pudding,” he said. “Look around, you’re wading in the pudding. These special interests have created a situation where our industry is gone.
Manufacturing is leaving the United States. The last light bulb was made about two months ago by General Electric. No more light bulbs will be made in the United
Challenger Sansaricq pledges that he will fight to lower taxes, reward corporations with tax cuts and give them incentives to keep jobs in America. He also pledges to cut government waste, prevent appropriations bills from including unrelated projects and discontinue the practice of earmarks. Sansaricq further promises to simplify the tax code to a one-page tax return, abolish the death tax and alternative minimum taxes. He will also protect the environment and vote to eliminate caps on domestic oil production. According to his web site, Sansaricq also supports term limits for senators and congressmen. While a resident of Haiti, Sansaricq rose to become president of the Senate in that Caribbean nation, surviving an assassination attempt in 1987. Sansaricq is married and the father of four grown children. They have lived in South Florida for 25 years, where he works in residential real estate. He is fluent in French, English, Creole and Spanish. For more info, visit www.sansaricq4congress. org.
States. It was invented here, yet not another light bulb will be made here.”
Horn said he feels that the nation is in poor condition because people cannot see the big picture.
“I see the country from a patriotic and yet business standpoint,” he said. “My experiences in business are relatively extensive, giving me an idea of what works and what doesn’t work. At the moment, all the politicians are talking about is the economy, the economy and jobs. Personally, I don’t believe any of them know how to make a job. As far as business goes, I’m one of the most qualified candidates.”
Congressman Ron KleinChallenger Allen West
Jim Horn
PBSO PROVIDES VIN ETCHING IN ROYAL PALM
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the multi-agency Auto Theft Task Force offered free VIN (vehicle identification number) etching Oct. 16 at the PBSO District 9 substation in Royal Palm Beach. In addition to offering VIN etching into vehicle windows to deter theft, 100 Club anti-theft devices were given to Royal Palm Beach residents. (Above) Albert Lorenzo looks on as Cheryl Mathews locates the VIN to make a stencil. (Below) Deputy Steve Tzirtziropoulos gives Muriel McConnon a Club lock while Mike Carhart and PBSO volunteer Everald Thomas look on.
Safe Trick-OrTreating Events
In Wellington
Wellington is partnering with several organizations to offer free and safe trick or treating events for youth in the community. Both of the events will be held Saturday, Oct. 30.
The first is a partnership with Wellington Presbyterian Church, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Walgreens and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. It will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Wellington Presbyterian Church (1000 Wellington Trace). There will be games, music, refreshments and a costume contest.
The second event is a partnership with Wellington High School, the PBSO, PBCFR, LifeChurch. TV and Walgreens. This event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wellington High School’s bus loop (2101 Greenview Shores Blvd.). There will be music, refreshments and a car decoration contest with gift cards for the winners. Immediately following is a showing of the movie Ghostbusters, so be sure to bring a lawn chair for a spooktacular time.
For more info., call Meridith Tuckwood at (561) 753-2476.
Anniversary Celebration At Whole Foods
Open two years this November, Whole Foods Market in Wellington will celebrate its success with
a three-day lineup of events Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7.
On Friday, Nov. 5 there will be a wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. in the specialty department, featuring live music and a silent auction to benefit Palm Beach Harvest. On Saturday, Nov. 6 there will be a competition and vendor fair starting at noon with the “Ready, Set, Cook Anniversary Throw Down,” followed by a cookout at 1 p.m. and cake cutting at 3 p.m.; the vendor fair will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 7, “Kids Cooking With Pumpkin” will start at noon, followed by a seminar on “Why Eat Organic and Local,” presented by Noel Ramos of Slow Food Glades to Coast.
Whole Foods Market Wellington is located at 2635 State Road 7. For more information, call (561) 904-4000.
LGES To Host Annual Fall Carnival Nov. 12
Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School will hold its fall carnival Friday, Nov. 12 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the school grounds. Admission is free, and there will be games, bounce houses, food, dancing, entertainment, a silent auction, arts and crafts, and a plant sale. Vendors are still being accepted, and there is no charge for volunteer entertainers. For more information, contact the PTO office at (561) 904-9238 or e-mail loxpto@yahoo.com.
Wellington Relay For Life Kickoff Meeting Nov. 16
The volunteer kickoff meeting for the American Cancer Society’s Wellington Relay for Life will be held on Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive).
Survivors, community leaders, team captains and others interested in volunteering will begin planning the event, which will take place May 14-15 at Wellington Village Park. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, seek community support, underwrite and coordinate logistics, find refreshments and prizes, plan entertainment, and lend their support in any way. “Relay for Life is as much an awareness-raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” Event Chair Bill Smith said.
Volunteers from the Wellington community are needed to begin planning now for this event. Anyone interested in joining the Relay for Life in Wellington as a volunteer or team participant should call Smith at (561) 654-6644.
ITID Offering Questionnaire On Park Expansion
From Nov. 1 through Nov. 22, the Indian Trail Improvement District and REG Architects Inc. will be accepting charrette question-
naire/survey responses about the future design of the south expansion of Acreage Community Park. The charrette questionnaire/survey includes a brief history of Indian Trail and summary of the proposed new park expansion and includes 32 questions. With this survey, ITID is reaching out to the community to quantify and qualify opinions on the design, function, form and ultimately, the future of the park. Community participation in the survey will be greatly appreciated and assist immensely in the plans for the south expansion of the park. The survey is available on the ITID web site at www.indiantrail. com. A paper copy can be obtained from the district office or at the following parks: Downer’s Park, Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, Citrus Grove Park and Acreage Community Park.
Trunk
Or Treat
Saturday At P.W.
Presbyterian
Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will host a “trunk or treat” children’s Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 30 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will be crafts, games, a haunted trail and decorated trunks (of cars) with goodies, candies, prizes and more. The event is free. For more information, or if you want to decorate your car or make donations of candies and prizes, call Candi McLeod at (561) 753-0740 or e-mail rgm427bb@aol.com.
Buying Coupon Book Will Support The Boys & Girls Club
If you buy a Palms West Chamber of Commerce Buy Local coupon book, your purchase will benefit one of the longstanding charitable institutions of the central western communities — the Wellington Boys & Girls Club.
And every little bit helps as the club looks to break ground early next year on an expanded building.
Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng, a chamber trustee and Economic Development Task Force member, sponsored the printing of the books in order to support the Wellington Boys & Girls Club. “Despite the recent economy and additional challenges placed on families, the Wellington Boys & Girls Club continues to fulfill its mission, which is, ‘to inspire and assist all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,’” Eng noted.
Eng and his wife Erika are cochairs along with Dr. Lawrence and Amy Bergman of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club Annual Dinner Dance, slated for Dec. 4 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.
The Wellington Boys & Girls Club has been serving kids in the community since 1988. It was the first source for recreation in Wellington, running baseball and soccer programs before Wellington had any other place for kids to play. And the club, run from a tiny building off South Shore Blvd., is constantly crowded.
“We turn away more kids in Wellington than any other site in the county because that building is so small and has been reaching its capacity for years,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
That’s expected to change once the new building is constructed.
While the club has been raising money for the new structure for nearly a decade, getting the building out of the ground is happening in part because of an agreement with Wellington. Wellington will give the club space on its property adjacent to its Safe Neighborhoods office on Wellington Trace, effectively moving it closer to many of the kids it serves. “It’s a phenomenal building with 23,500 square feet,” O’Connor said. “It will have everything — a junior and senior game room, a cafeteria and canteen, an arts and crafts room, music room, sound studio, dance studio, gym, science lab and computer lab.” The club was able to add the sound studio and science lab because the building is larger than the one that would have been built at its existing location on South Shore Blvd. In addition to providing great discounts at 13 participating restaurants and supporting the local economy, purchasing the $1 coupon book will help the Wellington Boys & Girls Club fulfill its mission and get its new building opened, Eng said.
PHOTOS
Mary O’Connor
(Above & Below) Students have fun at the Boys & Girls Club.
RPB Board OKs Commercial Zoning For Land At Okee And SR 7
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report
The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission recommended preliminary zoning approval Tuesday for a commercial development on 50 acres at the southeast corner of State Road 7 and Okeechobee Blvd. Approval would change the zoning of what were previously two parcels from single family and multifamily to general commercial. Adjacent to the Breakers West community, the parcels were annexed into the village in November 2006.
The first parcel, formerly known as the Heron Cove property, is 40 acres that had been zoned single-family residential. It has a development order from the
county for 110 homes. The second tract, known as the Heritage Oaks property, had been zoned multifamily.
The Royal Palm Beach Village Council last week granted final approval for a land-use amendment to general commercial for both parcels.
Attorney Ellie Halperin, representing the property owners, said approval of the ordinance would make the zoning consistent with the land use so that there would be commercial on all four corners of the intersection. Development Review Coordinator Kevin Erwin said village staff recommended approval because the proposal fits with the surrounding area. However, Commission Alternate Janet Ellis said she feels there
is already too much commercial use in the village. “I think we have enough commercial and strip malls on all these different corners of town,” Ellis said, adding that she was surprised that Breakers West residents were not there to object.
Halperin said the developers have reached an agreement with Breakers West to give them a 200foot buffer and landscaping on the south and an 80-foot buffer and landscaping on the east.
“There is over 100 feet before you even reach the property line from the westernmost property line of the Breakers West home,” Halperin said. “In addition, there is promised an 80-foot vegetative buffer.”
Ellis asked how much and what
type of building will be allowed. Erwin said a note attached to the land-use plan limits the development to 445,000 square feet of commercial space or the equivalent. “Anything that is allowed by general commercial would be allowed as long as it doesn’t exceed the traffic generated by 445,000 square feet of commercial,” Erwin said.
Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said the details were negotiated to the satisfaction of both parties. “The comprehensive plan implements an idea of what’s going to be on that piece of property, and then our zoning comes in and puts in the rules and regulations,” O’Brien explained. “Rules and regulations include things like setbacks, height, which is 32 feet
in this zoning district, and allowable uses.”
Ellis, who was sitting for the first time as a commissioner, said she was asking about the approval in order to learn more about the process. Chairman Darrell Lange said the commission strives to balance the wishes of the developer with the rights of neighboring property owners. “We have tough statutes on how we allow property owners or prohibit property owners to use their land,” he said. Lange also pointed out that the Planning & Zoning Commission passes its recommendations to the council, which makes the final decision. “We try to protect everybody’s rights, both neighbors’ and property owners’,” Lange said.
Commissioner Jackie Larson reiterated that the developer had reached complete agreement with Breakers West.
“To be quite blunt, nobody in their right mind would try to build that property if they weren’t in complete agreement with Breakers West to begin with,” she said. “It is a large piece of property to build commercial when you see it on a map. When you get into the site approval, I think you’ll see a lot of negotiations. I think you’ll see the most magnificent piece of landscape buffer you’ve ever seen.”
Commissioner Barbara Powell made a motion to recommend approval of the zoning change, which carried 4-1, with Ellis opposed.
Palms West GOP Meeting Focuses On Nov. 2 Ballot Initiatives
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
Leaders of the Palms West Republican Club last week urged members to vote against several amendments on the Nov. 2 ballot.
Speakers at the Wednesday, Oct. 20 meeting held at the Players Club included Aimee Craig Carlson, regional director for Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, who advocated against “Hometown Democracy” Amendment 4, and Republican activist Jack Furnari speaking against “Fair Districts” amendments 5 and 6. Palm Beach County School Board hopeful Karen Brill also addressed club members. Carlson urged against supporting Amendment 4. While called “Hometown Democracy,” Carlson said that if passed, it would be an expensive albatross that would make it more expensive to live in Florida. The amendment would require public referendums for comprehensive plan changes.
“If you like the recession, you will love Amendment 4,” Carlson said. “One of the most important questions is, ‘What will this amendment do?’ It’s a vote on everything. Every change to a local government comprehensive plan would require a taxpayerfunded referendum. It does not matter if it’s a small change or a large change, a private change or a public change, a change for an important community service, or
for a new Super Wal-Mart. All of these things will require a vote.”
Carlson pointed to the experience of St. Pete Beach — a Tampa-area community that tried a version of Amendment 4 starting in 2006.
“St. Pete Beach had some pretty neat revitalization and redevelopment projects in the planning stages,” Carlson noted. “The companies that were going to come to town to renovate the dilapidated structures said, ‘No, thank you.’ They were going to have to go through a process that could take 18 to 24 months. They were going to have to run a political campaign. They were going to have to hire political consultants and make television ads. They just said no. They could not deal with the uncertainty.”
Two years later, voters in St. Pete Beach returned to the polls to change the referendum requirements, but even that process became mired in legal battles.
“Amendment Four is going to mean endless litigation at taxpayer expense,” Carlson predicted. “It will mean a major deterrent for job creation and job protection.”
Furnari urged club members to support Republicans and other like-minded candidates, handing out a voters guide. He said voters should study up on the candidates, especially the judges on the ballot, and make an informed decision.
Furnari also said that he did not
support the two amendments that would change the way Florida’s redistricting process works because he wants the State Legislature to have the final say. Given the language in amendments 5 and 6, Furnari predicted that judges would have the final say.
Furnari suggested that the amendments amount to “sour grapes” from Democrats, who once had a stronghold on the State Legislature. Furnari also noted that the districts drawn the way they are now support the election of minority candidates, and said that might not be possible under the proposed system. He predicted that the whole redistricting process would devolve into lawsuits should amendments 5 and 6 pass.
“There are whole parts of Florida that have civil rights injunctions and civil rights ordinances,” he said. “We were not desegregated easily. One of the reasons we have all these gerrymandered districts is to create minority districts. Otherwise there would not be any minority representation.”
Brill is running against incumbent School Board Member Bill Graham in District 3, which includes the eastern portions of Wellington.
Brill said that Graham, who has been in office for 20 years, has not been active as a check against the superintendent, and that she wants to be a better control on Dr. Art Johnson’s authority. School board members should give direction to
the superintendent, not the other way around, she said.
“I have four children, aged 19 to 26 years,” Brill said. “They ranged from gifted to regular education. I have lobbied and advocated the entire spectrum. I am running because all of you know that the last few years have been difficult. We have allowed the superintendent to run the school board, and it has put us in a very poor situation.”
Brill described herself as “a fiscal conservative” who will work to cut the budget while steering more money into classrooms. “We need to have a school board that recognizes that we need to go beyond our state to look at best prac-
tices and assessments,” she said.
“I plan to lobby with other school boards to get rid of the FCAT, and I think that we will get rid of the test. We need to start individualizing what we are doing.” Brill said she would like to see teachers evaluate students at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year to see how they have done since the beginning of the year.
“I don’t have all the answers on what the best thing is,” she said.
“But when our kids are up against kids from outside Florida, they really struggle. It’s time we make a change and do something to help them. I want my grandkids to be able to go to school here. I don’t
want them to have to move away.”
Asked about charter schools, Brill said she supports them because not every student is destined to be a scholar or gifted student. Brill pledged to be a school board member representing everyone. “My first priority will be to visit all the schools in my district,” she said. “I will be making decisions for all the students in Palm Beach County. I want to be your voice. We don’t have anyone out in the community talking to teachers and talking to parents, and talking to taxpayers and reflecting on what they need.” For more information about the Palms West Republican Club, visit www.wellingtongop.com.
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy Regional Director Aimee Craig Carlson Republican activist Jack Furnari
Chamber Lunch Lays Out Differing Views On Healthcare Reform
By Carol Porter Town-Crier Staff Report
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion of the issues surrounding healthcare reform at its Monday, Oct. 18 luncheon held at the Wellington Community Center. Reviews were decidedly mixed, reflecting the national divide over the recently passed reforms.
Panelists included three doctors, including the chief medical officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center; a small business owner; a representative of an insurance agency; and the president of a statewide citizens’ healthcare advocacy group.
WRMC’s Dr. Jeffrey Bishop lauded the purpose behind the reforms by saying, “The idea that everyone should have insurance is a good one.” However, he added, “This plan has a lot of flaws in it. There is a lot of collaboration, and working together with everyone is needed.” Bishop said that hospitals are trying to deal with the legislation by lowering their operating expenses and that many businesses affiliated with hospitals are aligning themselves with physicians. To keep up with rising costs, courses of treatment are being
curtailed, he noted. “It’s something that’s taking place throughout the country right now,” Bishop said. “Private physicians and hospitals are joining together in sharing the pot the best way they can. Hospitals are cooperating with vendors to keep the costs down, and picking and choosing the least expensive items to survive.”
More people joining the ranks of the insured is good, but will cause issues, he said.
“Forty million uninsured will soon be flooding the market,” Bishop said. “This is one of the reasons that everyone needs to work together and collaborate on the healthcare system. Insurance companies are controlling the utilization of what physicians order and what hospitals can do. The insurance companies are making the patients pay out of pocket with large co-payments. Doctors are shortening the course of their treatments.”
Dr. James DeGerome, president of the Digestive Diseases National Coalition, a member of the executive board of the Florida Gastroenterologic Society and CEO of Endovest LLC, spoke vehemently in opposition to the program and said he thinks everyone
should work toward having it repealed.
“This is something we need to discuss as chamber members and businesspeople,” DeGerome said.
“In March of this year, President Obama signed this legislation into law. This reconciliation bill will institute radical reforms impacting Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance markets. It will impose huge new taxes on businesses, individuals and families. I believe this bill will transform the United States of America into a socialist country.”
DeGerome said that a law similar to the new federal program is already in place in Massachusetts and that many healthcare economists have said that state has the highest health-insurance premiums in the country. All five major healthcare providers in that state are in the red, he noted.
“The effect of ‘Obamacare’ will result in a $2 trillion deficit,” DeGerome asserted. “By 2020, it will reach $18 trillion. We are going to see employees dumped into the private healthcare market. Small business employers must lay off employees or provide employment-provided healthcare. Fiftyone percent of people will not be able to keep their current health-
care policy or current physician. The elderly will be particularly affected. The old will pay for the young, and not the reverse.”
Dr. Alan Pillersdorf, chairman of the Department of Surgery at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis and speaker of the Florida Medical Association, also opposed the plan. He noted that the American Medical Association lobbied against it and suggested that the president had “won the first round.”
Pillersdorf said that it was a tragedy that one prime proponent of healthcare reform, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), had died before the bill’s final form was put together because “he would have gone for bipartisan support.”
“We are going to have rationing,” Pillersdorf predicted. “The number-one employer in Palm Beach County is healthcare. Hospitals are cutting back. The government is going to be ‘Big Brother’ watching you. I think what will happen is that the bill will not be overturned. There are two hospitals in Palm Beach County that will be forced to close, and the recession will continue for another two to three years.”
Bob Bloom, chief operating officer of Ink and Toner USA, said he is not a Democrat or Republican but considers himself a social liberal. He said that he believes access to healthcare is everyone’s right. His business offers insurance to everyone, Bloom said, and he thinks that option makes them better able to go about their work duties without worrying about becoming sick and whether they
would have coverage. Healthcare “should not be based on whether or not you can afford it,” he said.
“I truly was hoping that there would be a government plan included in this bill,” Bloom lamented. “I am here representing small businesses. We’re the only group at this table not represented by lobbyists. I’m fortunate that I am able to afford my health insurance. Many people cannot. About half of bankruptcies are due to medical reasons. Something is very, very wrong. I don’t know if this bill was a good one or not. My gut feeling was that it was catering to special interests. Anyone who favors keeping things the way they are is kidding himself or herself.”
Julian Lago of the Plastridge Agency, a general insurance agency in Palm Beach Gardens, said that many provisions in the law move people from a Chevy model of insurance to a Cadillac model. Florida had to decide whether it wants to create its own high-risk pool or tie into the federal government’s, he said, and the state opted to join the federal government’s.
Lago criticized portions of the bill mandating employers over a certain size to provide coverage.
“You have to as an employer provide for them or take the penalty. Some employers say they will pay it. You have to be careful. This could be penalizing and discouraging businesses from providing coverage,” he said. “Portions of this bill are counterproductive for employees and their dependents. That’s why the larger firm may be better off to go without coverage.”
Rick Ford, president of Floridians for Health Care, concurred with a lot of what Bloom had said but added that for all the benefits of the healthcare reform law, he still compared it to “prescribing an aspirin to cure cancer.” The cancer, he explained, is the private, for-profit health insurance industry that is standing in the way of people who are trying to obtain healthcare.
“The private insurance industry is woefully inefficient,” Ford said. “The insurance companies are not driven by a desire to provide healthcare but a desire to increase the profits for shareholders. Healthcare should not be a product that is sold like other products.” Ford favored a system that eliminated private insurance and provides coverage for all by spreading the risk.
“Every other industrialized country in the world has done it,” he said. “This also is not socialized medicine. Socialized medicine is when the government owns the hospitals. England has socialized medicine. There will be free choice.”
The luncheon’s sponsors were the Cleveland Clinic and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Maureen Whelihan, past president of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and a member of the chamber’s medical committee. For more information about Palms West Chamber of Commerce events, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.
Rick Ford
Dr. Maureen WhelihanDr. Alan Pillersdorf
The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) held a meeting Oct. 15 at the original Wellington Mall to make election endorsements, including Alex Sink for governor and Rod Smith for lieutenant governor. State Rep. Kevin Rader was also endorsed in the State Senate District 27 race. Shown above is Smith with FLARA President Tony Fransetta. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER/TOWN-CRIER
Volunteers Ariel Harrypersad and Mariam Chahine.
Jasmine Hoffman, Justin Hayes and Talia Fradkin win the costume contest for their respective categories.
Taylor McNevin entertains the
Smith
and Dylan Belanger.
The National Canine Cancer Foundation’s Helga Mcaneney and Nathalie Routhier sell items to benefit canine cancer research. Hollis, Michel and Bob Brady with dogs Cooper, Harley and Baxter. Committee members and volunteers gather in front of the clinic.
Mary Dickey with Cycler, Waste Management’s recycled robot.
haunted hallways,
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Students with Villari’s Studios of Self Defense strike a pose.
Parris Polzer and her dad Simon check out one of the games.
Sarah Banks and her daughter Mackenzie try some spin
Olivia Millien paints a small pumpkin.
Capt. Gina DiPace of Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control with Branden Kemp and Branden’s new friend Buddy.
PHOTOS BY CAROL
Western Pines Honors Students Of The Month
Western Pines Middle School Principal Robert Hatcher is once again proud to present the students of the month for October. These students have been chosen by their math teachers as outstanding young men and women of character.
From the sixth grade is Sadiki Brown, a great student who excels in and out of the classroom setting. He is always willing to tackle any challenge with a smile on his face. Brown never hesitates to help others. His teachers are all very proud of this young man.
Seventh-grader Toni Smith is also a very hardworking student who puts her best effort forward in everything she does. She shows a great sense of pride, maturity and
sophistication in her work and personal conduct. Smith embodies all of the characteristics that lead to success. She is analytical, reflective, sensitive, respectful and ready to do what is asked of her to her utmost ability whatever the job may entail.
Finally, from the eighth grade comes Sarah Persson. She is a wonderful student who asks many thoughtful questions. Persson works very hard in class and often is seen helping others. Whenever she is absent, she immediately gets the missing work and turns it in the next day. Persson is involved in many activities in and out of school, including the school band and National Junior Honor Society.
RPBES Enjoys ‘Family Math Night’ At Target
Royal Palm Beach Elementary School held its third annual Family Math Night on Thursday, Oct. 7 at Target.
There were more than 200 Bobcat students and their families plus 30 faculty members. The program supported families in their efforts to strengthen their child’s critical math skills. Parents and their children had the opportunity to interact and use practical math applications in real-life situations. Each grade received questions to answer in a “treasure hunt” format making it fun for the students. The questions reflected the curriculum and next generation math standards. Students searched for answers throughout the store finding patterns, looked for shapes, rounded numbers, used their measuring skills and figured out change. One hundred math-related literature books were given out to the first attendees. At the end
of the evening, children were given a “no homework” pass for the next day and delicious cookies were given out compliments of Target.
Teachers and parents alike were thrilled to see how eager and excited the students were about “doing the math.” This was a huge success for the school and a great opportunity for our students.
“I loved Math Night. It was superb,” student Marie Aramouni said. “We had a great time.” Student Esha Mavani also enjoyed the event. “I was so excited to get there and get a free book,” Mavani said. “My family helped me figure out the answers.”
Target managers Brian Howley and Ben Sirof contributed in making Math Night a success. Math Night was originated by national board-certified teachers and continues to promote and excite students about math.
This program was arranged by Sarah Jackson, Donna Murphy and Debra Wilhelm, teachers at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School. Principal Suzanne Watson
and Assistant Principal Tracy Gaugler assisted with their time along with many other faculty members to make the event a tremendous success.
Seminole & Choctaw Reps Visit Ideal School
Third- and fourth-grade students at the Ideal Elementary School have been studying Native-American history as part of their social studies unit this semester. As a special treat, two representatives of the Seminole and Choctaw tribes came to the school recently to give the children a more personalized perspective of their cultures and ways of life.
Everret Osceola of the Seminole tribe shared stories passed
down to him by his ancestors as did Van Samuels from the Choctaw tribe. They also shared stories about their tribes’ practices and beliefs.
Sophie De La Paz, a fourthgrade teacher at Ideal, said the students initially had preconceived ideas about what Native-American life was like hundreds of years ago. Some children were even surprised to learn that the lifestyles of today’s American Indians are
very similar to their own.
“As we progressed through the social studies unit, we held classroom discussions about the evolution of the lives of the American natives, and I began to see a shift in their thinking and perceptions,” De La Paz said. “What began for them as an obscure idea of a people based on stereotypes, developed into a deeper understanding of the beauty of their culture as well as an appreciation for
all that our ancestors learned from them.”
The Ideal Elementary School and Dream Middle School are pioneers in the use of multiple intelligence theory in the classroom. Their expertise in innovative education draws students from preschool through eighth grade throughout Palm Beach County. To find out more about the school, visit www.idealschoolflorida.com or call (561) 791-2881.
CRESTWOOD STUDENTS STUDY GERMAN CULTURE
WHS Debate Team Competes In Davie
continued
the 2010 Titan Invita-
at Nova High School in Davie on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16. Sophomore Michael Reynolds advanced past preliminary rounds in two events at the tournament, making it to semifinal rounds in both Humorous Interpretation and Duo Interpretation. It was Reynolds and sophomore partner Valentina Ferreira’s first duo tournament together.
Freshman Jazmon Morgan broke to semifinals in Novice Oral Interpretation at her second-ever tournament. In Public Forum Debate, senior John Cassel and sophomore Rachel Ganon went 4-1 in preliminary rounds and advanced to the tournament’s octofinal bracket as one of the top 16 teams. In Student Congress, where varsity and novice students competed together, freshmen David Levitt and Ross Lustgarten each received trophies as their respective chamber’s top novice legislator. Four debaters earned their National Forensic League membership that weekend: Madison Dalton, Vincent Gasso, C.J. Lewis and Levitt. Each surpassed the 25point plateau and will receive their Degree of Merit certificates around Oct. 28. The Wellington High School debate team is coached by Paul L. Gaba. More information about the program can be found at www. wellingtondebate.com.
Sarah Jackson, Principal Suzanne Watson, Debra Wilhelm and Donna Murphy during Family Math Night at Target.
Freshmen legislators Ross Lustgarten and David Levitt.
The Wellington High School debate team
its stellar season at
tional
WPMS Students Of The Month — (L-R) Sarah Persson, Toni Smith and Sadiki Brown with Principal Robert Hatcher.
The Pirates Team at Crestwood Middle School received a taste of the German Oktoberfest tradition at an assembly to reward students for outstanding behavior at the end of the quarter. The students learned about the history of Germany as they watched and participated in traditional dances. Shown above, teacher Johanna Jurado awards Nicole Vieda a bag of candy corn for having the closest estimation of how many corns were in the bag.
Barnes & Noble in Wellington recently hosted students from Equestrian Trails Elementary School to help raise funds to benefit the school’s elementary literacy programs. More than 100 students and their parents participated. The students were treated to readings by their favorite teachers and Principal Sandra Gero, as well as student performances. Pictured above, the prekindergarten students perform for their audience.
Osceola Creek Scholar-Athletes Of The Month
Osceola Creek Middle School has announced the recipients of its Scholar-Athlete Award for September. The award is sponsored by the school police and honors varsity athletes who also excel in academics, effort, behavior and school spirit, and serve as role models for others. September’s honorees carry high grade point averages and play varsity sports.
Boys baseball honored eighthgrader Eric Czmyr. “Eric is a key figure on the Osceola Creek baseball team,” coach Jay Mermelstein said. “He not only excels on the field, he exhibits great talents in the classroom. Eric is on pace for all As and Bs, and serves as a pitcher and center fielder for the team.”
Czmyr, 14, is carrying a 4.00
GPA and is also a member of the boys basketball team. He would like to attend the University of Miami as a prelude to a career with the FBI.
Seventh-grader Tori Jenkins was honored in girls softball. “Tori has worked hard to make a positive impact in her academics and on the softball field during her seventh-grade experience,” coach Deb Foreman said. “She is a dedicated and respectful student, and is a great role model for her peers. Tori will continue to be successful in the future.”
Jenkins, 14, carries a 3.14 GPA, also runs track at Osceola Creek and is a member of the Honor Society. She is undecided on a college; however, she wants to be a veterinary medicine major, fol-
lowed by a career in veterinary medicine.
Supporting the program are Subway, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King (located at Seminole
‘Careers In Construction’ Week At Sem Ridge
As part of Careers in Construc-
and opportunities the field presents.
Careers in Construction week took place Oct. 18-22. Students learned about specific job duties as well as safety and craft training.
BE&K, a subsidiary of Houston-based KBR, is based in Birmingham, Ala. and is currently refurbishing and replacing equipment and infrastructure at the Sol-
Scholar-Athletes Of The Month — (L-R) Principal Dave Alfonso, Tori Jenkins, Eric Czmyr and School Police Officer Sandy Molenda.
Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.) and Dairy Queen (at Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards), which donated free food coupons.
Lisa Carlin talks to students about the construction industry.
Junior First Lego League Visits Mahoney Pediatrics
The MARS (Military, Art, Robots, Star Wars) Junior First Lego League — a group of seven- and eight-year-old home-schoolers from the western communities — are exploring the cutting-edge world of biomedical engineering. Over the next seven to eight months, the group will research the various tools used in the medical field. Once the research is completed, they will pick one area of focus and work together to build a model of a machine or tool they have researched. The model will be made strictly out of Legos, have at least one moving part and
should include at least one simple machine.
After building the model, they will create a poster outlining their research techniques, field trips, how they came up with their design and how it is used. It is a fun way to take a complex subject and break it down into simple terms.
The first research field trip was to Mahoney Pediatrics at the Palms West Hospital campus. The children came prepared with questions and were able to explore the various tools used in a pediatrician’s office.
Interact Club Members Support Kenyan Orphan
More than 25 members of Palm Beach Central High School’s Interact Club worked hard washing cars on Oct. 16, while raising over $700 to support Elizabeth, their chosen orphan through Dream Sponsors Inc.
This is the third year that the club has raised the child’s support, which provides basic needs including food, mosquito nets, bedding, shoes, school uniforms, clothes and school fees, so she can thrive in her small rural Kenyan village.
“After seeing the impact that we have made in her life, we feel that we have a responsibility to keep bettering her life,” Club President Deidre Krzanowski said. “But it is one that we are more than happy to fulfill. It’s reassurance for us that we can make a difference in the world, even if it’s a difference in one person’s life.”
The Palm Beach Central High School Interact Club is a youthdriven extension of the Wellington Rotary Club.
Based in Wellington, Dream Sponsors Inc. believes that providing orphans with basic needs support enables them to live with an extended family member, thrive in school and eventually find their way to a successful career and out of a pervasive cycle of poverty inherent in the region.
“We believe in helping these very special children realize their dreams and eventually advance their quality of life while making a difference in their community,” the organization’s founder and
president Carla Neumann explained. “We have seen tremendous growth and progress with Elizabeth in both home and school over the past three years due to the compassion, hard work and dedication of the Interact Club members. They really convey a true sense of care and responsibility for her, which is very impressive!”
The Dream Sponsors volunteer
team recently returned from a sitemonitoring visit to the region and personally hand-delivered a Build-A-Bear created by the Interact Club members to Elizabeth.
The child was thrilled with the gift and became the envy of all her peers. “She kept the bear tucked safely in her arms throughout our visit with her,” Neumann said. “I never saw such a smile on a child’s face. These seemingly little things mean so very much to a child who has lost her parents and subsequently her way of life. It brings hope just knowing someone really cares about them.” For more information on Dream Sponsors Inc. and how you can help an orphan in need, visit www.dreamsponsorsinc.org or call
Brayden Reece, Kelsie Barnett, Samuel Wilson, and Levi and Nathan Rushing with Dr. JoNell Mahoney and Karen Fritz.
Palm Beach Central High School Interact Club members.
COMMUNITY OF HOPE CHURCH’S PUMPKIN PATCH IS OPEN THROUGH SUNDAY
PACK 120 CUB SCOUTS ENJOY THE ANNUAL ‘BIG EVENT’ CAMPOUT IN TEQUESTA
Scouts (fourth- and fifth-graders) are looking forward to another camping trip in November.
Cindy Bovay, Laura Hanchuk Take On New Roles At Wellington Chamber
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Cindy Bovay as membership director and Laura Hanchuk as social and membership retention director. As membership director, Bovay will be responsible for the acquisition of all new chamber memberships and member recognition programming. In addition, she will be working with the chamber executive staff and volunteer committees on special events, small business programming and cultivating new business liaisons.
Bovay was born in Dubuque, Iowa. She moved to Wellington with her two children in 2008 from Lausanne, Switzerland after living in Europe for 18 years. She speaks French fluently and enjoys the many cultures, food and people of Europe.
Bovay attended the University of Iowa and moved to Switzerland in 1990 to continue her studies, where she worked for the International Swimming Federation. She then joined Medtronic, the global medical supplies company, at their European headquarters in
Tolochenaz, Switzerland. At Medtronic, Bovay was responsible for their International Conference and Education program, organizing seminars for cardiologists and neurologists in Europe and the Middle Eastern countries. Since arriving in Wellington, Bovay has established her two children, Sabrina and Gabrielle, in Polo Park Middle School and Wellington High School, respectively. As social and membership retention director, Hanchuk will be responsible for leading, planning
and coordinating efforts for retention of existing members while maintaining the social calendar for the chamber.
Hanchuk brings with her over 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations as well as customer retention, working with companies large and small.
A former Louisvillian graduating from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, Hanchuk and her husband Jason have lived in Wellington since 1999. They have two children, Zach and Luc. In her free time, Hanchuk en-
joys spending time with her family and friends, reading, shopping and being outdoors in the Florida sunshine.
“Cindy and Laura will be incredible assets to our chamber,” Wellington Chamber Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green said. “Each have many outstanding qualities and talents that will enhance our membership team and our chamber overall. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with both of these accomplished professionals.”
For more information about the
Brenda and Randy Coleman with their grandchildren Sophia and Levi Coleman.
Justin and Daniela Keeling choose a pumpkin.
Cory Freitas, Brittany Labola and Dan Darville with some pumpkin-made treats.
Joshua Minear at the archery range.
Scouts prepare to learn BB shooting.
Scouts participate in a “doom buggy” race.
Cindy Bovay
Laura Hanchuk PHOTOS BY MARCELLA MIRANDE-KETCHUM
POPULAR ‘HOWL AT THE MOON’ FESTIVAL HELD AT WELLINGTON’S DOG PARK
Enclave Land Use
continued from page 1
O’Brien said the multifamily residential density is consistent with the adjoining neighborhoods and would serve as a transition from commercial uses to the east and the residential development to the west.
The state Department of Community Affairs and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council had no objections, and it meets all concurrency standards, O’Brien said. The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission approved the change but urged additional buffering.
Attorney Michael Weiner, representing the 600-home Victoria Groves neighborhood, raised several arguments, including a letter from the Village of Wellington (which would provide water utility service to the area) indicating that 4 acres of the parcel are not included in the service agreement.
Weiner also stated that under concurrency requirements, the development is approved for 222 units, not 269, which is what it would be if it were built at the maximum allowable density.
Further, Weiner said that the developer’s application includes a needs report dating back to before 2007, showing a sharp rise in employment, which is no longer the case.
“The project is based on assumptions that are just no longer true and accurate,” Weiner said.
Weiner also asserted that the village’s failure to look at lowerintensity land uses was a violation of state law and pointed out that the more than 600 homeowners in Victoria Groves pay about 60 times as much in ad valorem taxes as the eight property owners desiring the density change.
O’Brien said that Weiner was correct that two parcels totaling 4 acres were not included in the service agreement because they are not part of the Enclave plans but designated open space instead.
O’Brien also said that Weiner
Amendments On The Ballot
continued from page 3 military personnel. “This was proposed by the legislature and will create a formula to reduce property taxes based on the number of days the service person is deployed,” Bonlarron said, adding that there are about 25,500 service people from Florida currently deployed. The impact would be about $13 million for the entire state, primarily on local governments that levy ad valorem taxes, he said.
Amendment 4 would require a referendum for adoption and amendment of local government
Court Race Cohen
Vs. Bryson
continued from page 1 tract, employment, copyright and patent lawsuits. She pointed to her 10 years of business experience, which led to her position as second vice president for Chase Automotive Finance, along with 15 years of legal experience and her time spent as a public servant as what sets her apart from her opponent.
“My service adds dimension to my background,” she said, noting that she also has a “broad knowledge” of legal issues along with a level of maturity and experience that make her better qualified. From that experience, Cohen said she has gained perspective that would make her a fair and impartial judge whether she’s assigned to the criminal or civil bench. Cohen noted that she would protect the due process rights of
Four-footed furry friends and their owners turned out for the annual Howl at the Moon Festival on Oct. 23 at the Wellington Dog Park. Sponsored by the Courtyard Animal Hospital, the event included a dog costume contest, face painting, games for the kids, pet adoptions, microchip implantation, a raffle for great prizes, trick-or-treat bags for the dogs and more.
is correct in his concurrency statement, but 269 units is the projected maximum number of units allowable for zoning if the developer is actually granted that much, except that the ordinance under consideration that evening was for a land-use change, not zoning.
Village officials also dismissed concerns regarding traffic performance standards and use of Victoria Groves Road.
Village Attorney Brad Biggs clarified that Victoria Groves Road is not actually privately owned but a deeded right of way.
O’Brien said the intention of the roadway has always been for interconnectivity.
Biggs also commented on Weiner’s objection that the approval was based partially on zoning changes that had not actually been approved yet.
“I have a basic disagreement with Mr. Weiner on that,” Biggs said. “We are not going backward; we are doing it exactly correctly. Mr. Weiner has taken over from another attorney, and maybe he is not up to date.”
Biggs added that although there is no job growth currently, there will be. “Wellington wants a medical arts district,” he said. “Somebody believes there is going to be something there in the next 10 years.”
Councilman David Swift asked Biggs whether, if the council passed the ordinance, it would be violating state law, and Biggs said it would not. Swift also pointed out that the application met South Florida Water Management District requirements.
Vice Mayor Martha Webster commented that the village had not received Weiner’s long report until the afternoon before the meeting. “For all the time and effort put into this report, I find it a little disingenuous that we did not receive this until just before the meeting,” Webster said.
Mayor Matty Mattioli also objected to the late hour of the report submission. “I personally take great umbrage with this meet-
comprehensive land-use plans. Commonly referred to as “Hometown Democracy,” it establishes that before a local government may adopt or amend a comprehensive land-use plan, it will be subject to a referendum vote. It stipulates that local governments will be responsible for the costs of those referenda. Bonlarron said that such amendments are made thousands of times each year across the state. “This initiative was started right here in Palm Beach County by a citizen-led petition drive known as Hometown Democracy, and the individuals who are moving forward with this said, ‘Hey, look, we believe that local governments are using their authority to amend these comprehensive plans and taking
those who come before her. “I think that when you are looking at [the cases],” she said, “you are making decisions that impact their day-to-day life.”
Cohen said voters should choose her because of her depth of knowledge of the law and expertise, as well as her even-handed approach to looking at the issues before her.
“When you’re a judge, you have to know not just when to exercise that power,” she said, “but when to withhold that power as well. With experience comes the wisdom of when and how to use the power given to you as a judge.”
For more about Cohen, visit www.lauriecohen.com. Bryson, 36, was born and raised in Miami. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Florida and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University.
After graduation, Bryson worked as an assistant attorney general in the Florida Attorney
ing tonight,” Mattioli said. “Never did I expect this one hour before this meeting.”
Bob Connor, president of the Victoria Groves Homeowners’ Association, said the group had been meeting with the developer to work through their issues and things changed. They had been struggling the past few weeks since the previous attorney recused herself, he said.
“We’ve spent the last two weeks trying to hire a new attorney to review the documents,” Connor said, reiterating his HOA’s objection to the development.
Enclave property owner David Lueke pointed out that the landowners had been assured a landuse change if they annexed into the village. “We have been living in the western communities for over 20 years,” Lueke said. “We were promised a land-use designation far greater than what we’re asking now. Please give us the land-use designation.”
Property owner Patricia Dailey said they had been patient in the face of extended protests. “We didn’t protest Victoria Groves going in,” Dailey said. “I do regret that now; the orange groves were much more compatible. We were promised when we joined Royal Palm Beach certain concessions that never came. We want a landuse designation so we can go on, not just for us, for Royal Palm Beach.”
Victoria Groves resident Aaron Shelby said the big problem residents face is spillover into their community recreation areas from residents of the Shoma Homes community north of Victoria Groves, which has a density of 14 units per acre. “Shoma has turned into a temporary rental community, and our recreation area is unusable because of Shoma residents,” Shelby said.
Swift said that he appreciated Shelby’s concerns, and although he intended to support the landuse change, he wanted to see that the Victoria Groves recreation areas are secured. “Somehow we
it too far too often, and making too many changes,” Bonlarron said. On the other side is a group led by chambers of commerce, Realtors and builders who say the backbone of Florida business is development and that creating that additional layer of bureaucracy will slow down job growth, he said. Amendments 5 and 6 set standards for the State Legislature to follow in legislative and congressional redistricting. They mandate that districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts may not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Districts must be as compact and equal in population as feasible and make
General’s Office in the criminal appellate division. She then spent more than two years as an assistant public defender before going into private practice. Now, she is an assistant attorney general in the Medicaid fraud control unit.
Bryson said that she is the better-qualified candidate because of her “significant courtroom experience” that includes more than 45 jury trials and numerous non-jury trials.
Additionally, Bryson noted that she has extensive appellate experience up to the Florida Supreme Court. “I’ve spent a significant amount of time in our county court,” she said.
If elected, Bryson said that she would be primed to serve right away due to her extensive experience in the courts and in trying jury trials — something she says can save taxpayers money by moving cases along quickly.
“I’m ready to serve,” she said.
“I will be able to enter the criminal or civil courts without delay. A judge might be able to learn on
need to get together and address that issue,” Swift said. “That is really a serious problem.”
Attorney Ron Kolins, representing Futura Acquisitions Group, developer of the Enclave, asked that the council put the question to rest that evening. “I’ve been a lawyer in this business a long time and seen every tactic,”
Med Arts County OK
continued from page 1 many jobs, and in the future, there should be an opportunity for people who work on site to be able to live on site, too,” Principal Planner Khurshid Mohyuddin said. “This should reduce some of the traffic on site. People should be able to walk, so this is a very important topic.”
• Finally, Wellington declined to reduce the development potential for the medical arts district and seeks to establish capacity for more than 2.3 million square feet, along with ancillary uses such as a medical or technical college and a hotel. “The medical arts district currently has about 1.2 million [square feet in] existing and approved developments,” Mohyuddin said, explaining that the request for an additional million square feet could hinder other nearby developments from receiving concurrency approval.
“We acknowledge that this is a much-improved request than previously, but due to these three unresolved issues, staff will still recommend denial,” he said.
Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield said the village is working to resolve the remaining three issues. He said his staff has agreed to a 10 percent minimum affordable housing and to improvements of State Road 7. “We’re still hesitant about an urban flyover,” Schofield said. “We question a need for it in that location. Where we are apart is the density/intensity issue.”
Schofield noted that there is still
use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries where feasible. Bonlarron said the people who put the amendments on the ballot feel that legislative districts are badly gerrymandered in Florida. The districts are redrawn every 10 years, after the census. “It’s a very political and very contentious process,” Bonlarron said. “The criteria [are] very loose on how they do it.” Amendment 8 would revise the class-size requirements for public schools. Bonlarron said the constitution puts literal limits on the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms. The amendment would be based on the average number of students assigned to each classroom rather than a lit-
the bench, but we need to make sure we conserve those resources.”
Bryson noted that in this race, voters will be able to see the difference in qualifications between her and her opponent better than in the primary.
“I think now that it’s down to two of us, it’s easier to see the difference in our qualifications,” she said. “It makes it easier for voters to choose. Four candidates makes it harder for people to get a clear view.”
Bryson said that her varied experience gives her a unique advantage, which is why voters should choose her.
“As an assistant public defender, I’ve safeguarded the constitutional rights of my clients as well as protecting my community,” she said. “I’m the only candidate who has tried a jury trial in court. I have extensive experience and knowledge of the law.”
For more information about Bryson, visit www.marnibryson. com.
Kolins said. “Vice Mayor Webster put her finger on it, the last-minute deluge of paper, throwing everything against the wall and hoping something sticks.”
Kolins said they had worked hard to cooperate with the residents.
“I cannot conceive of a development plan better designed to
plenty of time to refine the plan, since there remains the comprehensive plan amendment process to go through.
Webb said that DOT’s concerns with the request rest primarily on how it would affect SR 80 and how an approval would affect other property owners.
“The issue is going to be, is the county commission going to support any increase in those land uses that would generate more traffic as we sit here in 2010 than we are entitled to today?” Webb asked. “That could be a good thing for jobs to be in close proximity to this, rather than spread them out along the whole corridor. That’s a policy and planning perspective.”
Commissioner Jess Santamaria asked about the implications for other area property owners, and Webb replied that the effects will be felt more on Southern Blvd. “Property owners on Southern should be more concerned than those on State Road 7,” Webb said.
Santamaria pointed out that he had required a condition that 65 percent of the uses in the proposed district be medical-related. He added that the estimate of 6,000 high-paying jobs is not realistic.
“Let’s take everything into consideration and not add more vacant retail stores in the community, because everybody knows that the surrounding area is already suffering from not enough business for the existing retail businesses,” he said.
Wellington Strategic Planning & Economic Development Director Marty Hodgkins said village planners had a study done that showed between 5,000 and 6,000
eral number. It also assigns a maximum number of students allowable per teacher. Bonlarron said the original class-size amendment was approved by a 52 percent vote in 2002. “Now, it’s 60 percent today if you want to make a change to that,” he said. “The legislature, since 2002, has put about $16 billion into funding classroom size in new construction and hiring of teachers.”
Also on the ballot, a non-binding statewide advisory referendum calls for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require a balanced budget without raising taxes. “There are some folks in the legislature in Tallahassee who believe that spending in Washington, D.C. is a little bit out of control and has been for quite some time,” Bonlarron said. While the previous items are on the ballot statewide, two countywide questions are on the ballot — one placed the by Palm Beach County Commission and one placed by the Palm Beach County School Board.
The Palm Beach County question would add a charter amendment requiring that a county Code of Ethics, independent ethics commission and independent inspector general be established that would apply to the county and all municipalities approving the
Blotter
continued from page 6 10:38 p.m., she discovered her front passenger window broken and several items missing. The suspect(s) stole three gold rings, the victim’s bank card and credit card, her driver’s license and two Jansport backpacks with school papers. The stolen items were valued at approximately $150. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. OCT. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm
protect the Victoria Groves people,” he said, pointing out that they have everything promised them in writing. “We have been as transparent as we can be.” Swift made a motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Webster. It carried 4-0 with Councilman Fred Pinto recusing himself.
jobs would be created, most of them paying more than $50,000 a year. “There are a large number of jobs to propose that would be created,” Hodgkins said. “We do have the ability to hope that a number of those jobs will be familysustaining, which really is the basis for our request.” Bowen added that jobs are needed to draw people back to fill the many vacant homes in the area. He also pointed out that there are vacant affordable homes nearby.
Schofield said the driving need for a medical arts center is the existing medical uses and a housing vacancy rate approaching 20 percent in Wellington that will not be replenished by construction jobs. “What we looked for in our community that is a long-term, sustainable opportunity, and there are hospitals that anchor Forest Hill at either end,” he said. “The medical profession has a shortage today, and that shortage is going to grow.”
Royal Palm Beach Senior Planner Bradford O’Brien said his village supports the medical arts district with some conditions, including reducing the density to a square footage that would not require a CRALLS designation on Okeechobee Blvd. or coming up with a more meaningful mitigation for Okeechobee.
Commissioner Karen Marcus said she thought the medical arts district is a good idea, but she would not support it now. “I don’t think you’re close enough in terms of being more specific as it relates to CRALLS,” she said. The motion to approve carried 5-1, with Marcus opposed.
amendment. “For those of you who have been following the news over the past five years or so, you might have seen in Palm Beach County there have been some ethical issues,” Bonlarron said. “To the credit of the Board of County Commissioners and also to a strong faction in the private sector, they got together and agreed to what is being called a model ethics ordinance, not just in the State of Florida, but throughout the country for local governments to use.”
The school district referendum is asking voters to continue an ad valorem levy for school operational needs. The referendum would authorize the school board to continue the levy of ad valorem millage to finance teachers, as well as arts, music and physical education, career and academic programs through July 2015. Bonlarron said the levy goes back to the early 1980s when school boards around the state asked for money to build schools and the legislature granted them 2 mills. It has been amended over time to include salaries. The legislature has authorized school boards to levy the 0.25 mill tax with the approval of voters, he said. Countywide, the 0.25 mill means about $32 million in additional revenue for the school district, Bonlarron said.
Beach was dispatched Tuesday to a business on Business Parkway regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. the following morning, someone stole three rolls of copper from one of the company trucks parked inside the property. There was no sign of forced entry to the electric front gate or the fence. The copper rolls were valued at approximately $600. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
Romy Jackson of So So Dog Boutique.The costume contest winners gather for a group shot.
Charlie Haughn and his owner Linda.
Lou Scalia, Ronnie Belletieri, Bill Ritter and John Nenezian.
Eric Kaplan with his mother Linda, father Walter, sister Alexandra and her friend Neil Brodie.
Rick Trenary, Anthony Schelfhout, Glenn Hasell and Mark Grosshanten.Eric
Sandstrom, Ray Lee and Charlie Levy.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery representative David Suraci, Laney Webb, Janet Martin and Blake Martin.
Michial Rachaner, Ibis Golf Director Brad McCollum, Ibis General Manager Steve Logiudice and John Grippa.
Toubail, Bobby Nichols, Grassy Waters CEO Bob Nichols, County Film Commissioner Chuck Elderd and Vince Noel.
John Flanagan, Pete Sorrentino and Ken Cannon. The Swing for PD Golf Gala took
Kaplan was five years old when his father was
It’s
It’s
You
I am Andy Schaller
Democrat and Republican Elected Officials, Libertarian Party of Palm Beach, BIZPAC, Realtors Association of Palm Beach, Gold Coast Builders, Farm Bureau, Medical Professionals, Friends, Neighbors and Many Others! And
Jess Santamaria says:
I believe in our right to choose what kind of business we want to own. A Commerce Czar or Business Dictator is Un-American! This ideology is a form of Socialism, Fascism, Communism, Leninism or anti-American Dictatorship . Jess is exposing his thoughts of a government that is contrary to American beliefs. -paying jobs I support the medical arts district, the businesses and citizens who are working towards job creation and prosperity. with each other. All they want is more new members to pay their fees. But they are not really givI am a chamber member and value their efforts in our community. We would not be better off without them!
Oct. 30 Clinic For Horses That Spook Easily
Horses often perceive everyday objects as horse-eating creatures. Emily Abbate of Loxahatchee is a trainer familiar with such tendencies and is offering a one-day clinic designed to help horses and riders overcome them, on Saturday, Oct. 30. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 29
Wildcat Football Squad Bests Leonard 26-18
The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team won their first game of the season Friday, Oct. 22, defeating visiting John I. Leonard 26-18. In a game with several penalties on both sides, the Lancers were surprisingly held back until the second half. Page 43
A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
Business
Chris Zeller, Tom Leinwol To Co-Chair
The Wellington Chamber’s YPO Group
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Chris Zeller and Tom Leinwol have been chosen to chair the chamber’s Young Professionals Organization (YPO). The YPO was developed to provide social and business networking opportunities to its up-and-coming younger demographic of professionals. It strives to attract motivated, energetic young professionals who will eventually become Wellington’s future leaders. Page 37
Spor ts
Strong Showing For Area High Schools At Western Conference Wellington, Palm Beach Central and Seminole Ridge high schools dominated in the Western Conference Meet held Oct. 21 at Seminole Ridge. In the girls race, Palm Beach Central finished first as a team. In the boys race, Wellington took first place. Page 43
Emily Abbate’s Oct. 30 Clinic For Horses That Spook Easily
Riding a horse is not like driving a car. Cars generally respond when you turn the wheel or step on the brake. Horses have minds of their own and are liable to turn, stop or gallop off unexpectedly if they get spooked. And not necessarily just when it’s Halloween.
To you, a pile of garbage looks like a pile of garbage, but your horse knows it inexplicably houses a horse-eating creature and either refuses to pass it or takes off in flight.
Emily Abbate of Loxahatchee is a trainer familiar with such tendencies and is offering a one-day clinic designed to help horses and riders overcome them, on Saturday, Oct. 30.
Originally from Chicago, Emily has been coming to Wellington for the show season for 10 years. Last year, she decided to become a permanent resident and bought a lovely small farm at 2454 E Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Emily currently works only with horse owners, but she hopes to have a school horse for lessons in the spring. She specializes in starting young or green horses and retraining problem horses. She stresses building confidence.
“There are so many top trainers in the area,” Emily said. “I’m geared to help anyone, especially the average owner who may not be aiming for the big shows. I don’t care what sort of horse it is or how well they ride. I love matching people with horses. I want to help them reach their goals.”
Emily said there are necessary baby steps to providing a young horse with a solid base from which to build toward a mature, welltrained mount. She does lots of groundwork
Tales From The Trails
By Ellen Rosenberg
exercises so the horse becomes comfortable with yielding to pressure and having people in his space. She also makes sure the horse is used to seeing people working around every part of him: in front, behind and on both sides.
Horses need to learn to be brave around spooky objects such as tarps, umbrellas and flags. These objects move, flap and make noise, in addition to looking suspicious. Emily teaches them to think through these potential problems so they can handle them calmly when they occur unexpectedly.
“Horses are incredibly intelligent,” she said. “If taught calmly and in a non-stressful way, they will figure out how to manage the situation safely, for both themselves and the people around them.”
Emily shows a horse the new object and gives him time to think about it. It’s important for the horse to touch it with his nose. She teaches a horse to lower his head when she puts a hand on his poll, the top part of the neck, so she can encourage him to reach down and nose the object.
It’s also good for horses to learn from ob-
serving other horses. Watching another horse get ridden helps a horse relax and accept it when it’s his turn. She leaves young horses turned out in pastures next to the ring when she rides so they can observe.
Getting a horse used to equipment like a
saddle or bridle is fairly easy and straightforward and takes about a week. Backing a horse — sitting on it for the first time — is usually uneventful if all the prior work has been done quietly and consistently. Depending on the See ROSENBERG, page 30
Trainer Emily Abbate works with a horse.
I’m Waiting For Edgar To Make His Halloween Appearance
It’s Halloween weekend, so I guess I can say this — my job scares me.
Not my writing job. Writing is only scary when you’ve got a deadline and a blank stare. My head is so full of happy, useless fluff that I could I babble on forever. I’m talking about my other job — that of antiques store owner. I don’t know how many of you watch my Internet TV show Elsie Bell’s Secrets on Sunday nights, but last week I made the mistake of inviting Gene and Judy, the couple who sold me the building, to come on as my guests. I thought we’d talk about how the building used to be a funeral home and ponder rumors claiming that the funeral director, this guy named Edgar (now deceased), is still roaming the place, refusing to leave.
I’ve had clerks who say they’ve seen shadows or felt they were being watched.
The former owners had tales that would curl your hair — even my hair, which is notoriously, stubbornly straight.
Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER
Gene had tools go missing. He felt a cold draft under the stairs. His dealers would complain of being pinched when no one had been near them. Judy told of Edgar’s granddaughter, who was afraid to go to her new school until, “Grandpa stood by the door today and told me it was OK to go in.”
For those of you still wondering if dogs go to heaven, there was another story of Edgar and his dog playing in the front yard. There was a motion detector detecting motion when nothing had moved.
Two brothers who had rented space from Gene stumbled upon a man in a blue suit (with dapper matching shirt and pocket handkerchief!) prowling around the back room. Without speaking, the man demanded to know who they were and what they were doing there. They didn’t answer, but they never went into the back room again, either. When Gene told this story to Edgar’s widow several weeks later, she said, “Oh, it might have been him” — Edgar had been buried in a blue suit with dapper matching shirt and pocket handkerchief.
Things took another turn for the worse when one of my clerks called in to the show to tell me she’d seen a figure in a top hat staring at a wall until one of the pictures fell down. She has since quit.
Judy confirmed that twice she watched a dealer nail up her pictures, only to have them neatly placed on the floor in the morning. The dealer had known Edgar and said,
“He was always a practical joker.” Everybody I talk to seems fine with this! All the whispering, the spying, the moving things about. I, however, am a little — shall we say — edgy!
Fortunately for me, a paranormal research team has agreed to drag all their camera and recording equipment to Palatka and spend a night in the place to see what’s up. If they find anything, they will share their results on a show called Local Haunts, broadcast on WCWJ-Channel 17 out of Jacksonville. If they don’t find anything, I will probably be committed.
In the meantime, if you want to see what Gene and Judy have to say, we’re all dressed up in our Halloween garb on www.tcin.tv and you can catch the show on demand anytime. Just click on Elsie Bell’s Secrets, Episode 13. That’s right, 13.
You will come visit me in the sanatorium, won’t you?
Eastwood’s ‘Hereafter’ An Interesting, But Not Great, Film
There are a lot of things to like in the new Clint Eastwood movie Hereafter, but, ultimately, it does not quite work. That might be because I have such high expectations; he is a superb director who always does interesting work. And the movie is certainly thought provoking. But it also seems a bit too planned out, sort of a jigsaw puzzle that is interesting but does not enchant.
A major reason, of course, is that this is another of those “what happens when you die” movies that generally are a bore. It’s a lot more fun to simply imagine angels and demons, or people allowed back from the grave because their life’s work has not been finished, than to try to deal with life’s ultimate mystery. Keep in mind that the actual meaning of “ultimate” is final. We all die, and knowing what comes afterward is only for those who truly believe. Based on the film, I think Eastwood wants to believe but simply is not able to take the final leap of faith. The film centers on three different people who have experiences involving death. Marie (Cécile de France), a French news anchor, drowns in an Asian tsunami and is miraculously resuscitated. For those who have seen
Rosenberg Emily Abbate Clinic Oct. 30
continued from page 29 horse, it only takes a month or two to teach the basics and have a horse quietly going under saddle. Emily said the three most important things for a young horse to know are how to stop, turn and go forward.
“The biggest problem I typically see is people have asked a horse to do too much too soon,” she said. “Having a rider on your back is like walking downhill with a 50-pound backpack. They have to find their balance. Young horses need lots of short rest breaks to stand or walk relaxed. They need to have confidence that the rider won’t scare them or push them past their ability. Horses tell you when they’re comfortable and when they’re ner-
‘I’ On CULTURE
By Leonard Wechsler
the ads for the film, it’s all over in the first 10 minutes. This is not a disaster movie! But back in France, she cannot concentrate, begins to obsess about the nature of death and leaves her job to write a book, which will force her to travel to promote it.
Matt Damon plays George, a psychic who can speak to the dead but has no idea of how to speak to the living. Although he had made a lot of money as a psychic speaking to dead relatives, he has given it up to try to live a modern life. His almost total lack of social skills, however, gets in the way. At one point, a gorgeous woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) who joins his cooking class comes on to him, finds out about his powers and asks for a reading. Howard is gorgeous; if George had a
vous, and you have to listen and be willing to revise your plans. A confident horse will be willing to try something new if he trusts his rider. We have to support horses physically, mentally and emotionally to have a successful partnership.”
Emily noted that horses spook for two main reasons: too much pressure and inattention. Both problems can be easily worked through with the use of transitions, discipline and positive reinforcement. Rewards can be a light pat, a kind word, scratching an itchy spot or massaging a tense muscle, softening the contact on the bit or releasing leg pressure, even dismounting and ending the session. It all depends on the horse and the situation.
The Oct. 30 clinic is all about desensitizing and building confidence. The morning session will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Unmounted riders will work their horses in-hand through a series of pressure exercises and
brain he would not have mentioned the fact that her father had abused her. She runs out, breaking out in tears and leaves him alone. When he loses his job, he decides to travel.
The third main character, Marcus (Frankie McLaren), loses his twin brother, has his mother, an addict, go into rehab, and spins into depression. The three main characters all eventually wind up in the same place and, well… this is the movies.
The cast is pretty good, particularly McLaren, who is paired with his actual twin brother. He seems just about the saddest kid you’ve ever seen, and you actually feel terrible for him. The pain of separation really hurts.
De France is an attractive actress, but because she’s already survived being dead early on in the movie, everything else afterward seems mostly just indulgent. It’s not that she is a bad actress, it’s simply that there is not much of a part there except for the chance to describe what it is like after death as well as a plea to understand those who want to speak of death experiences.
Damon, an excellent actor, is really miscast. Although probably necessary in order
spooky obstacles. After a lunch break, the afternoon session from noon to 2 p.m. will repeat many of the morning’s exercises plus some new ones, but this time with riders mounted. The cost is $80 for the day, or $55 for just one session. Spectators are admitted free and welcome to come and observe. Paddocks and stalls are available. Up to 10 horses can participate.
“I hope everyone can come and watch, even if they don’t participate this time,” Emily said.
to get financing for the picture, he is a bit too movie star good-looking to play the part really well. His enforced objectivity, apologizing during readings in a monotone when he finds out about people, creates a wall between him and the audience.
It is an interesting picture, and we all discussed it a lot afterward, but I think the real problem is that most of us prefer not to deal with what happens after we die, one of only two universal experiences. That may be why movies about vampires, ghosts and all sorts of ghoulies bring in such audiences. On the other hand, a lot of people also like slasher films.
The film bounces neatly between the three stories, with Damon in California, de France in Thailand (actually filmed in Hawaii) and France, and McLaren in London. Eventually, Marie goes to London to publicize her book, and George goes to visit the home of his idol, Charles Dickens.
It’s not a bad movie to see. You’ll think about it afterward. You’ll admire it. But you won’t love it. I hope the film will inspire Eastwood to do at least one more movie — one that’s spectacular.
“Watching people learn how to handle and defuse potentially dangerous situations is awesome. These are really important skills that any rider can use. They can even bring whatever it is that particularly scares their horse so we can work with it. I’m really looking forward to it.”
If you’re unable to attend this clinic, don’t worry. Emily’s planning another one in November. For more info., call her at (561) 6325291, or visit www.emilyabbate.com.
‘The biggest problem I typically see is people have asked a horse to do too much too soon. Having a rider on your back is like walking downhill with a 50-pound backpack. They have to find their balance. Young horses need lots of short rest breaks.’
— Trainer Emily Abbate
‘Noises Off’ Opens Oct. 29 At Dreyfoos School Of The Arts
Doors are flying open and slamming shut as fast as the comic punch lines are being delivered by the high school cast of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County’s premier arts high school begins its 20th anniversary season by presenting the play the New York Times bills as the “funniest play ever written” from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7 in Meyer Hall at the school’s downtown West Palm Beach campus.
Noises Off is the quintessential play-within-a-play that has kept audiences across the globe laughing for nearly 30 years. As the play opens, we join a cast of misfit actors during the final dress rehearsal of the ill-prepared (and ill-fated) fictional play Nothing On. Lines are tenuous, cues are missed, and the show may never be ready for public performance.
The hilarious relationships between actors develop and disinte-
grate before the crowd’s eyes as they later witness snippets of two wretched Nothing On performances. Pandemonium and farcical shenanigans reign supreme throughout two hours that will leave you bursting with laughter.
Nick Ciavarella, 25 of New York City, returns to his high school alma mater to direct. After graduating from Dreyfoos in 2003, Ciavarella earned a bachelor’s degree in acting from the Florida State University School of Theatre before crossing the pond to attend the internationally recognized Central School of Speech and Drama in London where he earned a master’s degree in classical acting. Recent performances in New York include a new play titled Soul of a Poet, nominated for Best Play at the Strawberry Festival; a new play premiere of America, Amerique; and Much Ado About Nothing with the Frog and Peach Company.
“The caliber of students at Drey-
foos today is much stronger than when I began to study at the school 11 years ago,” Ciavarella said. “I spend my time in rehearsal in awe of the students. I feel like I’m rehearsing with a company of professionals.”
In addition to his duties related to directing Noises Off, Ciavarella has also provided master classes to students in the performance of both contemporary selections and Shakespeare.
Ciavarella’s residency at Dreyfoos has been funded by a guest artist grant received by the School of the Arts Foundation Inc. from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
Performances of Noises Off will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, and Nov. 5 and 6; and at 2 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 7. Tickets cost $15 and are available in advance by calling (561) 802-6052 or at the door one hour prior to the performance; for group rates, call (561) 802-6052.
FAU Gallery To Feature The Works Of Raymond Pettibon
Florida Atlantic University’s University Galleries in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters presents “Raymond Pettibon: The Punk Years, 1978-86” Saturday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Jan. 22 in the Schmidt Gallery on FAU’s Boca Raton campus (777 Glades Road).
The exhibition will include a selection of museum-quality works by the artist, as well as a program of screenings, music and lectures that celebrates the legacy of the California punk culture. There will be an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Schmidt Center Gallery. University Galleries exhibitions, programs and events are free and open to the public.
“Raymond Pettibon: The Punk Years, 1978-86” is a traveling exhibition organized by Independent
Curators International (ICI), New York, and assembled by New Yorkbased curator and dealer David Platzker. The exhibition features Pettibon’s early graphic works from the California punk rock era and includes more than 200 examples of Pettibon’s aggressively powerful designs created for the band Black Flag (whose lead vocalists included Henry Rollins) and other wellknown punk bands, including Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü, Circle Jerks and the Dead Kennedys. In the past 20 years, Pettibon has developed an international reputation as a leading contemporary artist who offers piercing commentary on diverse aspects of American culture through his characteristic comic book style. A synthesis of music and the visual arts, this multimedia exhibition includes posters, gig fliers, zines, al-
bum covers, T-shirts, skateboard decks, CDs and videos.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the University Galleries will present a selection of more recent drawings and a video work by Pettibon culled from South Florida private collections. This display of works demonstrates a development of the artist’s style and showcases the high quality of art in local collections. The gallery will also contain an environment created for video projections and musical performances. A selection of rarely seen punk-era film and video works, curated by Shane Eason of FAU’s School of Communication and Multimedia Studies, will be screened daily during gallery hours throughout the entire exhibition.
Also in conjunction with the exhibition, a program of screenings,
music and lectures collectively called “From the Gutter” will be presented throughout the duration of the exhibition. This will include several musical performances and lectures such as a musical performance by FAU’s U Punk Köllektiv on Friday, Nov. 12; a lecture on “Reagan Youth: Black Flag in 1980s Southern California” on Wednesday, Nov. 17. In December, “From the Gutter” will continue with rarely seen punk-era videos and films. There will be additional events in January as well.
Florida Atlantic University Galleries are open 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Unless otherwise indicated, all events will take place in the Schmidt Center Gallery at FAU. For more information, visit www.fau. edu/galleries or call (561) 297-2966. The Navigator’s Wives, 1985.
The Phantoms Recommend ‘Voices For Judith’ At L.W. Playhouse
The Lake Worth Playhouse will present the benefit event “Voices for Judith” on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Lake Worth Playhouse in downtown Lake Worth.
The 1970s-themed event is a benefit and silent auction to raise money for box office manager Judith Johnson, who has been hospitalized for several weeks after a car accident on I-95 left her seriously injured. The silent auction will open at 7:30 p.m. with the main event at 8 p.m.
Johnson, a Boynton Beach resident, has served as the playhouse
box office and group sales manager since February 2005. She is a longtime member of the playhouse community and a familiar face to hundreds of patrons, community volunteers and local business owners. She is best known as manager and friend to the playhouse volunteer usher staff and as a well-loved figure among local children’s camps and school groups that participate in youth performances at the playhouse.
“We at the playhouse have been profoundly impacted by Judith’s absence, not only because she is an
integral part of our operations, but more importantly because we care so deeply for her as our friend,” Lake Worth Playhouse Executive Director and General Manager Stephanie Smith said. “Her recovery will be long and difficult and will come at a very steep financial cost. We want to do all we can to help her.”
For the Nov. 6 Voices for Judith event, playhouse talent will raise their voices in song and raise their talents to the stage with the goal of raising funds for Judith Johnson’s recovery. Performances will include
vocalists, dancers and comedians as well as a sneak preview of the upcoming playhouse production of Steel Magnolias. Guests are encouraged to wear 1970s attire and take part in ’70s-themed activities, including retro prom photos and festive interaction with 1970s pop culture characters.
An array of items and services will be up for bid in the Voices for Judith silent auction, which will remain open throughout the evening. Community members are invited to make donations to the auction or contribute monetary donations to
the Voices for Judith Fund by contacting the box office or stopping by in person.
The Lake Worth Playhouse’s 58th season continues with Steel Magnolias (Nov. 19 to Dec. 5), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Jan. 21 to Feb. 6, 2011), Biloxi Blues (March 4-20, 2011) and Annie (April 15 to May 1). The playhouse is located at 713 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth. Tickets to Voices for Judith cost $25 per person and can be purchased through the playhouse box office at (561) 586-6410 or at www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.
Philip Labes and Isabella Werber in Noises Off.
Chris Zeller, Tom Leinwol To Co-Chair The Wellington Chamber’s New YPO Group
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Chris Zeller and Tom Leinwol have been chosen to chair the chamber’s Young Professionals Organization (YPO). The YPO was developed to provide social and business networking opportunities to its up-and-coming younger demographic of professionals.
Originally dubbed the “40 under 40,” the YPO strives to attract motivated, energetic young professionals who will eventually become Wellington’s future leaders.
The Wellington Chamber YPO is currently seeking out ways for young professionals to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional, charitable and social aspects of the Wellington Chamber.
Future goals of the YPO include but are not limited to: career advancement, developing leadership capabilities, working with local educational institutions in helping bring up future leaders, private YPO events, fundraising for local charitable organizations and implementing countywide networking events.
“Chris and Tom were chosen to chair this committee due to their leadership qualities already exhibited within the chamber in a very short time,” Wellington Chamber Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green said. “I have no doubt we will be seeing exceptional accomplishments from this committee with these gentlemen at the helm, I am thrilled and honored they have accepted this role.”
Zeller is the account executive at Evergreen Insurance. Evergreen is a private, familyowned business located in Royal Palm Beach. Evergreen was founded on the idea that each and every customer deserves the same quality of service regardless of size. The main goal at Evergreen is to build long-lasting relationships with the company’s clients. Evergreen is committed to the highest standards of customer service.
Zeller began his career as a professional golfer after graduating from the University of Florida in 2002. He began working as a financial advisor in 2006 at a private firm in Boca Raton. In 2008, he focused 100 percent of his time toward insurance products. Zeller works with individuals and business owners on all lines of insurance. As an independent agent, Zeller can work with every insurance company in the business. This allows him to find the best product at the best price for all of his clients.
Zeller is an active member of local chambers of commerce and the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. Aside from being named chairman of the Wellington Young Professional Organization, he is also the vice president of Elite
Networking Professionals. Zeller works with many local charities and loves to volunteer whenever possible.
“I wanted to connect the dynamic young professionals in Wellington with the already existing chamber membership,” Zeller said.
“After researching many young professional groups, I was confident I would be able to lead a successful division for the chamber and approached them with my ideas.”
Leinwol is vice president of investments at the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney office in Stuart. His services include helping clients, both individuals and business entities, determine financial goals and objectives and develop comprehensive investment plans to help pursue them. Leinwol specializes in working with pre-retirees and retirees to help secure a comfortable retirement.
Leinwol has been licensed and in the investment business since 1991. He is a chartered retirement planning counselor and a registered representative with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Leinwol currently is an active board member with the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida and is a member of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club. Leinwol lives in Royal Palm Beach with his wife Gina and their two children.
There are several reasons Leinwol decided to get involved with the Wellington Chamber YPO. To start with, there is a need to have a platform in which the future business leaders in the western communities can come together and share ideas to help grow their respective businesses. Current business owners now have a way for their younger employees to get out there and network and bring in a new demographic of clients/customers to their respective business.
The committee has held regular networking events at local venues and will be hosting a networking reception on Thursday, Nov. 18 at Beef Wellington Steakhouse & Social Club beginning at 6 p.m. This event will offer wine and beer tastings as well as exceptional food pairings.
For more information on the Wellington Chamber YPO, call (561) 792-6525.
Wellington Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Chair Alec Domb, YPO co-chair Chris Zeller, Chamber President Bill Tavernise and YPO co-chair Thomas Leinwol.
High-Tech Upgrade For Links At Madison Green Golf Course
The Links at Madison Green recently announced its new list of offerings and services for the 201011 season with amenities that include a multi-million-dollar investment toward new construction of a full locker room that provides his/ hers steam rooms, shoe drop-off and private lockers, a swing analyzer room, new banquet facilities and the Hole 9 Sports Bar.
In addition, the club has invested brand new Club Car golf carts that provide the first Visage GPSi system to be utilized in Palm Beach County. This innovative technology provides intuitive, touch-screen technology, a 10.2-inch screen, three-D flyovers with audio and real-time positioning to keep the golf shop aware of each group’s exact location, thus making marshals more effective and improving pace of play.
Known as an upscale public course with private amenities and service, the club is currently offering full and premium full membership, which includes unlimited
green fees, range privileges, handicap services and private club amenities. The John Sanford-designed, 18-hole, 7,051-yard eco-friendly championship golf course features undulating fairways bordered by the natural backdrop of Royal Palms, accent plants, and grasses found in preserved areas of southeast Florida. The course also features a total of 42 acres of water that exist on every hole and an aqua driving range completely unique to Palm Beach County.
Ranked number 13 among more than 1,400 golf courses in Florida for service, value and course conditions, the Links at Madison Green has also been voted among the best places to play in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by Golf Digest, and has a course ranking of 4.5 out of five stars by Golf magazine.
To learn more about golf and membership opportunities at the Links at Madison Green, or for additional information on banquet facilities, call (561) 784-5225 or visit www.madisongreengolf.com.
Cheryl Alker Named Fitech’s North American Distributor
The global fitness technology company Fitech recently appointed Wellington resident Cheryl Alker to head up its expansion into North America. Alker has more than 20 years experience in the health and wellness sector both in the United Kingdom and the United States.
The company was founded more than 25 years ago in the U.K. to measure police and uniform service fitness levels. Today, it is a leader in measuring health and wellness in 38 countries across the globe. Fitech’s products support the fitness, leisure, occupational health, educational and private medical sectors, providing invaluable fitness testing information and education for consumers and corporations.
Fitech V5 is a web-based tool that is globally and nationally accredited for benchmarking physical, lifestyle, emotional, nutritional and exercise performance. The tool highlights areas of health and wellness concern in easy to read reports, enabling users to track progress.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Fitech’s growth in such a major market as North America,” Alker said. “We have started the recruitment process and intend to have more than 20 regional distributors in place, across Canada and the USA, before the end of the year. The key task is to introduce our very affordable and industry-leading technology to personal trainers, gyms, chiropractors, physical therapists and corporate offices all over the continent, giving consumers from all walks of life easy access to all manner of data about their fitness and well-being, including cholesterol, aerobic capacity, body fat, flexibility, strength and so much more. All the testing is 100-percent scientific and consumers receive easy-to-understand reports that use traffic signal indicators of green, amber and red to highlight existing levels and areas of concern.”
Locally, Fitech is offering fitness and cholesterol testing from as little as $35 at select locations. Call
(561) 889-3738 or e-mail c.alker @fitech.us for more information. To learn more about Fitech, visit www.fitech.us.
Send business news items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794
Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
Cheryl Alker
Mirande-Ketcham Named Chamber’s Official Photographer
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Marcella Mirande-Ketcham as its official photographer. In this role, Mirande-Ketcham will be responsible for capturing photos of all VIPs, chamber events, networking receptions, luncheons and committee photos.
Mirande-Ketcham has been a freelance photographer for more than 15 years. Her specialties include children, families, equestrian in addition to wild and domestic
animals. She was a publicity photographer for Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association and still photography director for a film shot in Fort Lauderdale. Mirande-Ketcham also has photographed NASCAR and worked for several drivers.
A graduate of the New York Institute of Photography, MirandeKetcham has received the following awards and recognition: induction into International Freelance Photography Society’s
Hall of Fame in 2008, the International Library of Photography Editor’s Choice Published Photographer Ribbon Award, the Outstanding Achievement in Photography Silver Bowl Award and the Lifetime Distinction of Honour Award for Photographic Achievement from International Freelance Photography Association.
In addition to being published several times in Photographer’s Forum magazine and other publications, Mirande-Ketcham has
written and published two books, The Silent Victims and Botswana and Beyond , available on Amazon.com.
For additional information about Mirande-Ketcham, contact her at Wild Eyes Photography at (561) 866-5522 or visit her on the web at www.wildeyesgallery.com.
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosts several events monthly. For more info., call the chamber at (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
Free Networking International Business Expo Nov. 9 In WPB
The Central Palm Beach County division of Free Networking International’s Business Expo also will serve as a fundraiser for a pair of nonprofit organizations, the Kosher Food Pantry and the National Single Parent Resource Center.
The business expo will take place Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in West Palm Beach and will display vendors in fields that are geared toward helping the entrepreneur and small businesses as well as speakers on topics such as “Don’t Price Yourself Out of Business” and “Financial Empow-
erment” that will appeal to a wide audience.
The Kosher Food Pantry is operated by the Alpert Jewish Family & Children’s Service in West Palm Beach, and supported by the Ross Jewish Community Center in Boynton Beach. The JCC will be collecting canned goods for the pantry’s annual Thanksgiving food drive, especially cranberry sauce and string beans, although all canned goods and donations are appreciated.
For more information about the food drive, contact Andrea Peleg at the Ross JCC at (561) 736-4753 or
andreap@jcconline.com.
“Coach Judy” Romanoff, the founder the Boynton Beach-based National Single Parent Resource Center, will be broadcasting her radio show Coach Judy Live from the business expo. The award-winning organization’s mission is to reduce the risks of abuse that parents and children can face by offering educational and support programs for single parent families.
For a donation, vendors can appear on the broadcast and give a short infomercial about their business. Romanoff can be reached at (561) 441-8557. For more informa-
tion, visit www.coachjudy.info and www.nationalsingleparent.org.
Speakers will also be presenting on topics to help the not only the entrepreneur but the general public as well, such as Darien Dority on “How to Price Yourself Out of Business,” Tashia Gilmore on “Financial Empowerment.”
Dan Singleton will be speaking about “Social Media” and why you need it in and out of business. Barbara Socher will speak about “The Future: Strategies for Success.”
Each vendor will be holding a raffle enabling guests, as well as other vendors, to win goods and
services. Vendor spaces cost $125, which can be paid with a check or credit card, and guests cost $10 at the door.
For additional information about the business expo on Tuesday, Nov. 9, call Helen Gottesman at (561) 676-2078 or e-mail her at helen gottesman2001@yahoo.com.
For more information about Free Networking International, visit www.freenetworkinginternational. com. Sponsorships are available starting at just $300, which will include prominent mention with logo on all displayed fliers and the web site.
Marcella Mirande-Ketcham
Wildcat Football Squad Overcomes John I. Leonard 26-18
By Bryan Gayoso Town-Crier Staff Report
The Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team won their first game of the season Friday, Oct. 22, defeating visiting John I. Leonard 26-18.
In a game with several penalties that resulted in the referee calling both teams together to tell them to settle down, the John I. Leonard Lancers were surprisingly held back until the second half.
The Wildcats won the toss but elected to kick. Despite controlling the clock for the first six minutes, the Lancers were forced to punt. The Wildcat offense responded with a plan of their own, controlling the ball until 1:25 to go in the first quarter. With a penalty on the Lancers, the Wildcats retained possession into the second quarter and made a field goal with 10:48 on the clock.
The Lancer offense again controlled the ball, aided by penalties against the Wildcats, but could not take advantage and had to punt late in the second quarter. The Wildcats scored their second field goal with just 20 second left in the first half.
The Wildcats exploded in the beginning of the second half, when Florisson Dieujuste returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The Wildcats attempted a two-point conversion but failed, making the score 120. The Lancers were unable to respond, and the Wildcats took over.
The Wildcats wore down the clock, and with third and inches, a personal foul penalty was called on the Lancer defense. Tempers flared on both sides, resulting in the referee warning. The Wildcats punted with 4:27 left in the third quarter.
The Lancers drove the ball down, and with fourth and two, the Wildcats were called for off-sides. The Lancers took advantage on a second off-sides call against the Wildcats in the beginning of the fourth quarter and scored with a run by senior quarterback Travis Lee. The Wildcat defense blocked the extrapoint attempt, making the score 126.
A facemask penalty on the Lancers helped the Wildcats maintain possession. On the ensuing play, RPBHS quarterback Brock Bukowski was sacked and injured.
His replacement Tremaine McCullough ran in for a touchdown on the next play, bringing the score to 19-6. With 8:47 left in the game, the Lancers were getting desperate and threw a flee-flicker pass from their own 43 yard line and got a first down on the one yard line. They scored on the ensuing play. The twopoint conversion behind big running back Marlin Joseph failed, making the score 19-12.
The Wildcats were unable to make anything happen on the next drive, but the Lancers kept the momentum going. The team scored, but left the Lancer fans scratching their heads when they attempted a two-point conversion instead of going for the game-tying field goal. The conversion attempt failed, making the score 19-18.
With 2:30 left in game, McCullough ran in his second touchdown. The extra-point attempt was good, making it 26-18. With just six seconds left in the game, the Lancers threw a hail marry pass intercepted by McCullough, ending the game and giving Royal Palm Beach its first win.
Strong Showing For Area Schools At Western Conference Meet
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report
Wellington, Palm Beach Central and Seminole Ridge high schools dominated in the Western Conference Meet held Thursday, Oct. 21 at Seminole Ridge. In the girls race, Palm Beach Central finished first as a team with 26 points. Morgan Hull came in first individually with a time of 19:11 for the team. Lauren Castillo finished fourth with a time of 22:23, and Isabella DeRosa finished three second later, rounding out the top five and helping Palm Beach Central to a win.
Wellington took second place with 47 points. Caitlin McNally finished third individually with a time of 21:35. Seminole Ridge finished third as a team with 68 points. Michelle Howell took second place individually with a time of 21:28. Other teams participating included Royal Palm Beach, Pahokee and Glades Central high schools.
In the boys race, Wellington took first place as a team with a score of 33. Tyler Heath finished second individually with a time of 17:31, and Maxwell Vateshalter took fourth place with a time of 18:10 to add to The
first place for the
Hawks’ Arnold Banner takes
boys.
Cassie Barrett and Amanda Nardi in a dead heat for the finish.
PHOTOS BY BRYAN GAYOSO/TOWN-CRIER
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Wide receiver Brandon Everett avoids a Lancer defender.
Tremaine McCullough tries to evade a defender.
Wildcat defenders Darrell Felder and William Matthews tackle the Lancers’ running back.
Wildcat William Matthews takes down Lancer Anthony Pazos.
Conference Results
continued from page 43 the win. Palm Beach Central finished second as a team with 41 points. Tim Smale finished third individually with a time of 17:52. James Stofel took sixth place with a time of
18:22, and Travis Morrison finished seventh with a time of 18:27.
Seminole Ridge finished third with 52 points. Arnold Banner ran in first with a time of 17:20 for an individual first place. Blake Kanarek added to the win with a time of 18:16, giving him a fifthplace finish.
SRHS Golfers Take Fourth In District Play
Seminole Ridge High School golfers Austin Davenport, Jonathon Moore, Justin Moore, Matt Oates and Jonathon Parra represented Seminole Ridge at the district golf tournament Oct. 18, finishing fourth out of 12 teams and missing regional qualifying by only 10 strokes.
Davenport shot a 76 to qualify for regionals; Oates shot an 80 but lost in a playoff for the final individual qualifying spot.
In other Hawk sports news, Seminole Ridge swimmers and divers competed in the county championships Oct. 15-16.
“The kids did a fantastic job and placed 12th overall out of 25 schools,” coach Marie Pelfrey said. “This is a tough feat; the competition is fierce.”
Several Hawks finished in scoring positions in the Oct. 16 Division I meet. Swimmer
Victoria Ho, ranked first countywide, placed fourth overall in the 500 freestyle. Austin Coleman finished a strong seventh in the 100 breaststroke, David Freund placed 12th in diving, and the girls 400 free relay team of Danielle Davis, Brittany Godfrey, Taylor Godfrey and Victoria Ho finished with an eighth place ribbon.
In the Division II meet Oct. 15, ribbon winners included: Savannah Kowalski, sixth in the 100 butterfly; Ethan Dennis, seventh in the 100 backstroke; and the girls 200 freestyle relay of Juliana DaSilva, Lindsey Hanrahan, Savannah Kowalski and Anita Lorand (sixth place).
Other top-ten finishers included Levi Coleman and Anita Lorand in the 100 butterfly and the boys 200 medley relay of Robert Botkin, Levi Coleman, Ethan Dennis and Tommy Mitchell.
PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
Palm Beach Central’s Morgan Hull crosses the finish line to take first place.
Lauren Castillo celebrates as she crosses the finish.
Seminole Ridge’s Dustin Enus and Wellington’s Danny Farias race for the finish.
Hawk Michelle Howell takes second place.
Evans Among Sports Commission’s Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission has announced its 2011 Sports Hall of Fame inductees. They include homegrown football players Heath Evans of the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV
championship team and Cardinal Newman High School standout wide receiver Chris T. Jones, along with LPGA Tour Championship and two-time U.S. Women’s Open winner Meg Mallon.
Ten members will join a legendary list, dating back to 1977, of those who have achieved excellence in the world of sports. The induction ceremony will take place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on March 27, 2011.
“The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees represent an elite class of athletes and individuals who have a passion and commitment for sports. Each person represents the diversity of talent prevalent in Palm Beach County,” Hall of Fame Committee Chair Joe Ceravolo said. “We are proud to have them as part of our community and honored to have them join the other 228 accomplished athletes and professionals who are members of Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame.”
Evans is a two-time All-State tailback for the King’s Academy in West Palm Beach and the first NCAA Division 1 football player from TKA. After graduating in 1997, Evans received a scholarship
to play for Auburn University, where he started for three years. Evans was drafted in the third round (82nd overall pick) by the Seattle Seahawks in 2001. His tenure in the NFL has allowed him to play fullback for the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins and currently the New Orleans Saints. He also has been team captain for the Dolphins, Patriots and Saints. Evans has played on two Super Bowl teams (Patriots and Saints), winning the XLIV Super Bowl with the Saints. Through the Heath Evans Foundation, Evans contributes his time to many causes in Palm Beach County, giving back to his local community.
Mallon is an accomplished women’s professional golfer with a career that includes 18 LPGA career victories. She was an eight-time member of the U.S. Solheim Cup (women’s equivalent to the men’s Ryder Cup) team, representing the U.S. in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005. Her career consists of two U.S. Women’s Open victories taking place in 1991 and 2004. In 1990, Mallon had five top 10 finishes and concluded the year as 27th on the money list. The fol-
lowing year, Mallon had a breakout performance and posted four wins, including the LPGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open — one of six women to win the LPGA Championship and U.S. Women’s Open in the same year. Mallon shot a final-round 65 in her second U.S. Women’s Open victory, tied for the lowest final round in Open history.
Born in West Palm Beach, Jones was a standout wide receiver at Cardinal Newman High School. He attended the University of Miami where he had 106 catches for 1,640 yards. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995 and played with the team up through the 1997
season. During his three-year career with the Eagles, Jones caught a total of 80 passes for 993 yards as wide receiver. He is one of only six Cardinal Newman graduates to play in the NFL, and he is a member of the All-Newman 50-Year Football Team.
Other inductees include Ken Green, Remuise Johnson, Thomas Mullins, Barbara Gillespie Nicklaus, Kevin Patrick, Tom Twyford and Jack Wullkotte.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information on the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s 35th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, call the PBCSC at (561) 233-3180.
Colts Travel Baseball Seeks Team Managers For Spring
Colts Travel Baseball Inc., the official provider of travel baseball for the Village of Wellington, is seeking qualified applicants to manage teams for the upcoming spring season. Managers for the following age groups are needed: 8-U, 10-U, 11U, 12-U and 13-U.
Interested applicants can contact the league via e-mail at coltstravel baseball@gmail.com. Be sure to include contact information, along with the age group interested in managing. All applicants must live within the Wellington Little League boundary.
Send sports news items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
Heath Evans
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
Saturday, Oct. 30
• The 29th annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Links at Madison Green. Registration, breakfast and a putting contest will be at 7 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. start. Entry fees are $125 per golfer or $500 for a foursome. For more info., call (561) 6833287 or visit www.bgcpbc.org.
• The 10th annual Cypress Seed Harvest will take place Saturday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. Volunteers should wear closedtoe shoes, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. The Marshall Foundation will provide collection bags, harvesting tools and drinking water. For more info., call (561) 805-8733 or e-mail plantcypress@aol.com.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Costume Parade Story Time” for age 2 and up on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Show off your Halloween costumes at story time and then walk in a parade around the library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
• The Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature “Raptor Chapter” on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. for all ages. The cost is $3 per person. See birds of prey up close. Call (561) 233-1400 to RSVP.
on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd., will hold its annual Wag-OWeen, a Halloween costume contest and parade for all four-legged friends, on Saturday, Oct. 30. Animal Supply Warehouse will have special treat bags for four-legged friends and there will be trick-or-treating for children store to store and inside Publix. Pets can be registered at the Postal Center or Animal Supply Warehouse. E-mail registrations to loxpostalcenter@hotmail.com. The pet parade begins promptly at 3 p.m. followed by trick or treating until 5:30 p.m.
• St. Rita Catholic Church (13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington) will host “St. Rita Rockin’ the Nite Away” on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the parish center. Sponsored by the St. Rita Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus, the event will feature ’50s music, food and plenty of prizes. The cost is $23 per person or $45 per couple. For more info., call Nancy Wall at (561) 798-3929.
• Because Halloween falls on a Sunday and there is school the next morning, residents of Citrus Grove Blvd. in The Acreage are coordinating a Halloween Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 30. For more info., contact Rick Vale at rv1954@hotmail.com.
Sunday, Oct. 31
• Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do (12799 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) will hold its annual Fundraising Kick-Athon on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. For more info., call (561) 795-2823 or visit www.ultima fitness.com.
• The annual Briana Marie Cox Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club (7500 St. Andrews Road, Lake Worth). Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome and includes range balls, dinner, raffle and auction. Separate dinner/ auction tickets are also available. For more info., contact Tournament Chair Danny Boivin at (561) 502-2187, via e-mail at irrm16@aol.com, or visit www.brianamarie coxfoundation.org.
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Postal Center in Loxahatchee, along with all the merchants in the Publix Plaza
• Author Cary Bayer will teach a Workshop on “The Inner Journey” on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. at Yoga Inner Peace (3964 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth). Bayer will use The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor. The cost for the class is $20. Call (561) 6418888 for more info.
Monday, Nov. 1
• The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 in Royal Palm Beach will meet Monday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. at the Palms West Presbyterian Church on Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves. For more info., call Marge Herzog (561) 791-9875.
• The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Nov. 1 at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The luncheon and business meeting will start at 11:30 a.m., with the program following at 1 p.m. The program will feature “French Spiral Bouquet,” a presentation by Hector Lopez, a journeyman design artist and instructor at the School of Flowers in Boca Raton. RSVP to (561) 793-6013 or (561) 798-9217.
• Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops will present “Let It Be... The Beatles” Nov.
COMMUNIT Y CALENDAR
CALENDAR, continued from page 48 1-7 at various venues in Palm Beach County. Call (561) 832-7677 or visit www.palm beachpops.org/beatles for more info.
Tuesday, Nov. 2
• Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the 2010 General Election. Consult the Supervisor of Elections Office at (561) 6566200 for voting questions.
• Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present a screening of Twelve Angry Men Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 14. Call (561) 7432666 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more info.
Wednesday, Nov. 3
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Stories from the Far East” on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 3:30 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. Listen to stories from Asia and make an Asian-inspired craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Royal Palm Beach High School Drama Department will present its “Evening of One-Acts” Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at RPBHS. There will be six plays on assorted subjects. Advance tickets for students cost $5 and will be sold on Nov. 2-4, available in Room 4112. Tickets at the door cost $5 for students and $7 for adults. For more info., e-mail amado@palmbeach.k12.fl.us.
Thursday, Nov. 4
• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will present “Families Reading Together: I Love Flowers” for ages 3 to 5 on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. Celebrate the featured book I Love Our Earth, enjoy stories about flowers, sing and make a craft. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Writers’ Critique Workshop” for adults Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Share, offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere. Call (561) 790-6070 to RSVP.
• The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Village Meeting Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 7905100 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.
• TCIN.TV will feature a live broadcast of Eye On Your Money, a financial talk show, Thursday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m., followed by the alternative health show Health Unplugged at 9 p.m. Watch this new Wellington-based Internet TV show at www.tcin.tv.
Friday, Nov. 5
• Binks Forest Elementary School will host its Hometown Harvest Carnival on Friday, Nov. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be attractions, games, great food, entertainment and wonderful shopping from local vendors. Wristbands, which include use of all attractions and games, can be ordered in advance at the school for $15 or purchased the day of the event for $20. For more info., call Shauna Hostetler at (561) 685-5600.
• Unity of the Palm Beaches (1957 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach) will feature Come As You Went on Friday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 833-6483.
Saturday, Nov. 6
• The Palms West Community Foundation will host the 2010 Wellington Community Fitness 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, Nov. 6. Registration begins at 6 a.m. with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. Proceeds will benefit Scott’s Place, a playground for all abilities. To register, or for sponsorship information, visit www.communityfitness run.com or contact Maureen Gross at (561) 790-6200 or maureen@palmswest.com.
• The Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Division will host an outdoor yard sale Saturday, Nov. 6 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Burns Road Recreation Center (4404 Burns Road). Pre-registration is required to sell and spaces are limited. For more info., call (561) 630-1100 or visit www.pbgfl.com.
• St. Michael Lutheran Church (1925 Birkdale Drive, Wellington) will host its annual Family Fun Fair on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a classic car show, a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, a vintage fire truck, Christmas and assorted handmade crafts, a plant sale, a silent auction, raffle baskets, a bake sale, crafts for kids, a bounce house and slide, as well as plenty of food and drinks. For more info., call the church office at (561) 793-4999 or visit www.stmichaelelc.com.
• Flip Flop Farm and Ravine Ranch Sport Horses will host a Sport Horse Foal Sale on Saturday, Nov. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. at the farm (15130 Southern Palm Way). Doug and Deb King will showcase their top foals of the year to equestrians looking to add to their own program. Call (561) 254-4640 or e-mail flipflopfarm@hotmail.com for info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC. —Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
A/C SALES & SERVICE — New, used, scratch & dent. If you used anyone but Glover’s A/C, you probably paid too much! U10163. 7937388
J.C. TEETS & CO. — Concierge Accounting. discreet, confidential, individualized service to manage all of your personalized financial needs.Visit us at www.jcteets.com or call 561-632-0635
CHILDCARE - Wellington Home Daycare has opening for child of any age. Loving environment. License 50-51-03893. Call Jacque Lauzerique 798-9257 Daytime only.
HOUSECLEANING —Reliable with long term clients. Over 12 yesr experience. Ref. available. Karen 561632-2271
CLEANING IN WESTERN COMMUNITIES — for over 25 years. GREAT REFERENCES. Call Brenda 561-460-8380.
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/Software setup, support &troubleshooting www .mobiletec.net. 561-248-2611
D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3339433 or Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates. A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
ALL NATURAL EQUINE DENTISTRY AND FARRIER SERVICES — Located in Wellington, Florida, but willing to travel. Please call or email for a quote or any additional information/references. Call Joe Mastroianni, 561-951-8128 or email to TheFarrierDentist@yahool.com CLASSIFIEDS 793-3576
THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS, INC. — REMODEL & REPAIRS Interior Trim, crown molding, rotttenwood repair, door installation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets/ countertops,wood flooring. Bonded Ins.U#19699 791-9900 628-9215
ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
HOME INSPECTIONS — Mold inpections, air quality testing, US Building Inspectors mention this ad $20.00 Off. 561-784-8811
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACTORS — ACCORDION
SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH
ALLSTATE INSURANCE
Auto • Home • Life • Renters
Motorcycle
RV
Golfcart
Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years
Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/rCavanagh
GREENTEAM LANDSCAPING —
We make your grass look greener than the other side Call now 561337-0658. www.greenteamllc.com
TIRED OF CUTTING GRASS — in 100 degree south Florida weather? Can't stand the humidity? Let us take care of it for you. Call for a free estimate. We do more than Mow, Blow n Go. 561-723-1368 561-6446250
TNT LAWN CARE - Quality Work & Dependable Service. In Business Since 1989 Monthly Lawn service, yard clean-up & mulching. Expert hedge & tree trimming. 561-6448683
MOLD & MILDEW INSPECTIONS
Air Quality Testing, leak detection. US building inspectors, mention this ad for discount. 561-784-8811
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior, Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473
COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Interior/Exterior, residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident
TSR PEST MANAGEMENT — Total Pest Solutions – 25 years experience. Professional Guaranteed Service for less than $25 per month. (Average Size home) Call for details. 561-324-2557
JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING - Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded and Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458
ELITE POOL SERVICE — You dealt with the rest now deal with the best.” All maintenance & repairs, salt chlorinators, heaters, leak detection. 561-791-5073
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established in 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975
PSYCHIC READINGS — Ms. Lola Psychic Readings. Tells past, present and future. One FREE question by phone. 561-355-0036
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS — Roof painting.Carpentry.Lic. #U13677.967-5580.
HORIZON ROOFING QUALITY
WORK & SERVICE — Free estimates, No Deposits. Pay upon completion, res/comm.reroofing, repairs, credit cards accepted. 561-842-6120 or 561-784-8072 Lic.#CCC1328598
ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.
ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING
ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. License, bonded and insured. U21006 561-662-9258
ClubZ! In-Home TUTORING
All Subjects: PreK- Adult 561 •333 •1980 CLUBZ.COM America’s Largest In-HomeTutoring Co.
TUTORING - Tutoring & Behavioral Services in your home or RPB & Wellington Libraries. Specialize in Elementary Education & Special Education. Over 10 years experience. References available. 561383-7373
PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263
WE DO WINDOWS — 20 years professional window cleaning. Residential/Commercial references available. Lic. & Ins. 561-313-7098
Memorial Garden Niche for cremated ashes - $1,000 Contact Father Thomas at St. David's in the Pines Episcopal Church call 561-793-1976 or e-mail fatherthomas@comcast.net
POOL FOR SALE — ABOVE GROUND 18 x 33 - 4’ deep, 2 years old, new at Recwarehouse, $11,000 you take down & move $4,495 or best offer. Call Alan 8461441 for more information.
FURNITURE FOR SALE — Iron & Stone table & 2 chairs lighted curio, 2 iron bar stools, desk, chair, 2 Iron & Glass end tables. Call for details. 793-1341.
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 798-3132.
LUNDY’S LOW COST SCREEN ROOMS — This month special $125 Off Rescreening with this ad 561-310-9466Lic. U-20539
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
DIABETIC TEST STRIPS — I buy your sealed, unexpired boxes. Call Mike (561) 463-3876
DENTAL ASSISTANT - Wellington upscale dental office, 2 Saturdays per month a requirement, must have experience and expanded duties certificate, excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
DENTAL OFFICE ASSISTANT MANAGER — Minimum two years dental experience, two Saturdays per month required, must have knowledge of PPO dental insurance, breakdowns and verification. Excellent pay and benefits. Please call 561 204 4494 and fax resume to 561 204 2840.
NAIL TECH WITH EXPERIENCE — must do acrylic, to take over full clientele F/T and P/T. Hair Stylist with experience. Must be professional and creative F/T. 561-7905777
MATURE LOVING WOMAN COMPANION NEEDED — for handicapped adult girl, light housekeeping, errands. Own car and references. Mon. - Fri. 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. and ability to work flexible hours. 561-422-6042
LIVE IN NEEDED FOR SENIOR WOMEN — CNA/HHA required. Room & Board provided in Wellington home, plus excellent pay. Drivers License, non-smoker & references a must. 561-790-4941
PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 793-3576 TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXPERIENCED CONCRETE
FORM CARPENTER - Must be local, have ss card, drivers license and own vehicle. Call Earl 561-3295822 or 561-790-0178.
NEED OF A HOUSEKEEPER?
HOUSEKEEPER —- Private home in Wellington. 11:30am - 8pm, 5days/week. Oct.-May.Cleaning, formal table service, pets. Requires drivers license, excellent English, able to lift, carry. Energetic. Send Resume to WPBjob@gmail.com
HAIRSTYLIST & BARBER WANTED — with or without clientele for friendly Royal Palm Salon. Rent a chair or get paid commission located in busy plaza with plenty of walk-ins. Contact us at 561-317-1579
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SEEKING — P/T Stone Paver Estimator. Experience required, computer knowledge including Microsoft Word. Fax resume 791-3942
THE LITTLE PLACE — teacher need for 3 year old class. Full time CDA required 561-793-5860
HIRING FIRE EXTINGUISHER
TECHNICIAN — Needed F/T, will train. Benefits include, paid vacation, holidays & sick time. Must be 18 & older. Employee Health Insurance is available. Clean Driver License. 683-1333 Mon.- Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
PART-TIME
CINDERELLA NEEDED for staff assistant, organizing records, action E-mails, schedule appointments, discount shopping (NET), some paid travel. Planning mischief, and merriment, granting wishes. Tinker Bell with Tattoos, we got your job! Boca, Wellington, West Palm Beach Area. You supply the wand, we supply the magic. Energetic, sunny personality a plus $10 per hour. EMAIL: Resume girlsrepublic@yahoo.com
HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY — build your own franchise in Whole Food nutrition based business. Excellent opportunity for stay-at-home moms. Experience not necessary. Earn while you learn. Minimal investment. Call 561-7071930
1997
BUICK LESABRE CUSTOM
— Exterior: Bordeaux Red (Pearl) Interior: Medium Gray Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11S1511B 67,547 mi. $4,966 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2003 BUICK LESABRE LIMITED
Exterior: White Interior: Medium Gray Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 4HR69 / Stock: 11S8883A 49,863 mi. $10,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2006 BUICK LUCERNE CXL —
Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 4HD69 / Stock: 11S7685A 46,845 mi. $18,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2004 BUICK REGAL LS — Exte-
rior: Tan Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 4WB69 / Stock: 11S9781A 53,292 mi. $7,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2000 CHEVROLET BLAZER — Drivetrain: 6 cyl.Auto Model Code: CS10506 / Stock: 10SF9167A 87,508 mi. $7,436 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2005 CHEVROLET COBALT — 4 cyl. Auto. Model Code: 1AK69 / Stock: 10A7487A 39,987 mi. $7,987 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2006 FORD SUPER DUTY F-250 — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 8 cylinder Automatic Model Code: W21 / Stock: 10SF9447A 55,948 mi. $28,987 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2009 HONDA ACCORD SDN EX-L
— Exterior: Basque Red Pearl Interior: Ivory Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Stock: P2665A $27,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS — 3.8 Exterior: Champagne Beige Metallic Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: B0422 / Stock: 11S0358A 15,136 mi. $29,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2010 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE — 3.8 Exterior: Blue Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Manual Stock: 10G8527A 20,915 mi. $29,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2007 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS — Exterior: White Interior: Gray Drivetrain: 6 cylinder manual Stock: 11S1401A 44,932 mi. 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2002 HYUNDAI SONATA —Exterior: Nordic White Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Manual Stock: 10E6727A 71,601 mi. $9,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA — Exterior: Powder White Pearl Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: 11S7217A 20,265 mi. $19,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2010 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ
Exterior: Ultra Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: P2676 6,152 mi. $28,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2010 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT —
Exterior: Green Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: MKTE74 / Stock: 10GC0444A 2,733 mi. $20,987 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2008 LEXUS ES 350 —Exterior: Gray Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 9000 / Stock: 11S8979A 30,600 mi. $29,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2008 LEXUS RX 350 — Exterior: Black Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 9420 / Stock: 10G6246A 23,506 mi. $30,991 Internet Price 888-7038284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2008 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN
Exterior: Blue Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 4 cylinder Automatic Model Code: 0816 / Stock: 10G2439A 20,802 mi. $24,991 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2008 NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SE —
Exterior: Silver Interior: Other Drivetrain: 6 cylinder Automatic Stock: P2674 59,963 mi. $22,469 Internet Price 888-703-8284 www.wpbhyundai.com
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY — Exterior: Phantom Gray Pearl 4 cyl Manual Stock: 11S9484A 69,377 mi. $10,991 Internet Price 888-7038284’www.wpbhyundai.com
