Town-Crier Newspaper October 2, 2015

FOOD & WINE FEST WILL RETURN DEC. 5 SEE STORY, PAGE 3

HELP BILL LERNER IN HIS FIGHT FOR LIFE SEE STORY, PAGE 7

THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Your Community Newspaper

INSIDE

Wellington OKs Legal Fee Policy For Officials Cleared In Ethics Probes

Volume 36, Number 38 October 2 - October 8, 2015

Serving Palms West Since 1980

RPB ‘BARK PARK’ GRAND OPENING

The Wellington Village Council adopted a policy last week to reimburse legal fees to village officials, advisory board members and employees who successfully defend against ethics complaints. At a meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said that the policy was proposed by staff because insurance coverage has been reduced. Page 3

KCF Marks National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The Kids Cancer Foundation in Royal Palm Beach held a carnival for local children and families touched by childhood cancer Saturday, Sept. 26.

The carnival featured bounce houses, carnival games and prizes, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, crafts, face painting and more. It helped the foundation to observe National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Page 5

Brighton Collectibles Partners With Your Bosom Buddies Group

Brighton Collectibles in the Mall at Wellington Green held a Power of Pink kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 25. The store has once again partnered with Your Bosom Buddies II on its Power of Pink bracelet. From Sept. 25 through Nov. 15, Brighton will donate $10 from each bracelet to support breast cancer research and awareness. Page 9

OPINION

Because You Read It On The Internet, Doesn’t Make It True

Leave it to the Internet to put words into the mouths of longlost leaders. For example: “The problem with Internet quotes is that you can’t always depend on their accuracy.” — Abraham Lincoln, 1864. This obviously facetious comment has been floating around cyberspace for years now. And yet, with every passing day, it seems to be an even more reliable indicator of where we are as a technologydriven communications society.

Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS................................. 3 - 9 OPINION.................................. 4 CRIME NEWS.......................... 6 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 PEOPLE................................. 11 SCHOOLS...................... 12 - 13 COLUMNS.......................14, 21 BUSINESS..................... 22 - 23 SPORTS..........................27 - 29 CALENDAR............................ 30 CLASSIFIEDS.................31 - 34 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

A grand opening ceremony for the new Royal Palm Beach “Bark Park” was held Saturday, Sept.

26. The new dog park is located inside Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Shown here at the grand opening are Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Mayor Matty Mattioli, Kelley Burke representing County Commissioner Melissa McKinley with Sweetie, and councilmen Jeff Hmara and David Swift. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Council Gives Final Approval To Budget For 2016

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council gave final approval to an $85.5 million budget last Thursday, up $8.5 million or 11 percent from last year’s $77 million spending plan.

The council also followed its staff’s recommendation to keep village reserves at 31 percent in order to stave off anticipated future shortfalls in the Acme Improvement District budget.

An extra $3.2 million in reserves has already been freed up. That money, from the village’s rate stabilization program, was deemed no longer necessary in light of an improving economy.

The property tax rate of 2.45 mills is the same as last year and will produce $16.16 million in revenue, which is about $1.5 million more than last year due to rising property values. Total taxable property value in Wellington now stands at almost $7 billion, which is up 11 percent from last year.

The council continued to debate how the $3.2 million gleaned from

reserve funds should be used.

A decision was made to approve funding of $1.2 million to pave 120th Avenue South, although that left some council members concerned that paving it will leave residents without a bridle path along the road. A dirt road is technically considered a bridle path in the village charter, although 120th Avenue now has heavy vehicular use.

Isles of Wellington HOA President Michael Mishkin thanked council members for approving the money to pave the road. Several of the neighborhood’s residents had shown up at previous hearings complaining that increased traffic had made 120th Avenue a dusty nuisance.

The council also approved several intersection and crosswalk improvements considered necessary for safety.

The total governmental operating budget is $49.5 million, up $4.7 million or just under 11 percent.

The capital projects budget sits

at $9.8 million, about $2 million more than 2015. Transfers stand at $11.7 million, up $2.5 million.

The Acme Improvement District budget was approved Aug. 25. The Acme assessment remains unchanged at $230 per unit. The solid waste assessment decreased $20 per customer as a result of contract renegotiations by the council earlier in the year.

Revenue to Wellington is about 17 percent of what residents pay on their total ad valorem tax bill.

Residents pay more to the Palm Beach County School District (34 percent) and Palm Beach County itself (22 percent). Next in line is Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue (14 percent) and a number of smaller taxing authorities.

Village staff revised capital planning from the previous meeting to reflect changes directed by the council. The biggest changes are the addition of road and pathway improvements for $2.4 million. Turn lanes and traffic engineering were retained at $300,000 See WELLINGTON, page 4

Divided Lox Council Passes Final Town Budget For 2016

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council gave final approval Tuesday to a budget for fiscal year 2016 of just over $3 million, financed by a property tax rate of 1.4718 mills — above last year’s tax rate of 1.2 mills.

With the extra money, the town plans to give residents a break on their solid waste collection rate.

Increases in property values mean that the tax rate for the new fiscal year is well above the socalled “rollback rate” of 1.0759 mills. That is the figure at which town property taxes in 2016 would bring in the same amount as 2015.

The increase will be offset by a reduction of solid waste assessments for most residents through a transfer of funds from the town’s general revenue, with the strategy being to ease the overall amount

paid to the town by homesteaded residents.

Councilman Jim Rockett reiterated his objections from the preliminary approval of the tax rate and budget, saying that he thought it was giving selective breaks to property owners at the expense of commercial properties and property owners who do not have a home on their land or get solid waste pickup service.

“I’m not in favor of the increase,” Rockett said. “I’d like to leave it at 1.2, which is an increase of under 10 percent due to property values. I don’t see a reason to raise taxes at all. I don’t see what it provides us that we don’t already have in the bank.”

Rockett said that the council could give back money as it did previously on the garbage assessment using funds that the town had accumulated.

“I just don’t get it, and I know I’m not going to convince anybody on this dais,” he said. “I know what your perspective is because I’ve heard it a couple of times. I just don’t see doing this.”

Rockett also reiterated his opinion that if the council wants commercial properties to pay more, it should create a special taxing district.

Vice Mayor Ron Jarriel said his priority has always been for the residents.

“I’ve got friends who live in Loxahatchee Groves; some of them use that property, some of them are farmers, some of them are nursery owners, but I’ve got them on all sides,” he said. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, to the commercial and to the developers of Loxahatchee Groves, I want you to pay taxes. I want the businesses See LOX BUDGET, page 16

RPB Rec Board Rejects Parking Fee At Big Events

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Board rejected an idea Monday to collect parking fees at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park special events to help offset operating expenses.

Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio said that he has been mulling over ways to reduce the operating expenses at the park’s special events.

“We have the strategic plan every year where we go over what the village would like to do over the next five, 10 and 15 years, and one of the issues on my plate was the community events that we run,” he said.

Recchio said that some staff members suggested charging parking fees to reduce the losses to the village in running its major holiday events.

“It’s not the parking issue per se,” he said. “We’re looking at ways to offset our expenses.”

Running four major events at

Commons Park each year costs the village about $300,000, he said.

“We try to offset that with various revenues, such as from concessions and the carnivals that we bring in, along with corporate sponsorships,” Recchio said.

“We’re hoping to get $150,000 this coming year from those various revenues, so we have a $150,000 shortfall.”

Recchio has been collecting information from other municipalities on how they find revenue.

He noted that the Royal Palm Beach Village Council has been adamant about not charging a gate fee, but a per-car parking fee could offset the cost.

“We can park about 2,000 cars in the park at one time,” Recchio said. “At $5 a car, that’s $10,000 for an event. We can realistically bring in an additional $40,000 to $50,000 in revenues, and I don’t think $5 to come in would break the bank.”

Board Member John Riordan See PARKING FEE, page 16

WIFFLE BALL TOURNEY

Noelle Cares for Kids, the Together With Pride Foundation and the Village of Wellington held a Wiffle Ball Tournament for Kids on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Village Park in Wellington to raise money to help children who need cochlear implants and auditory-verbal therapy. Shown here, Tyler Brodnicki and Noelle Pride work at the concession area selling tickets.

SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 15 PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Royal Palm Zoners OK Acme Ranches Land Use Changes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission last week approved several large-scale comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings for two parcels of land south of Southern Blvd. behind the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in the area known as Acme Ranches.

An almost 30-acre tract was approved for multifamily residential housing, and an almost 60-acre tract was approved for singlefamily homes. Both applications were brought by Southern Boulevard Properties represented by the Wantman Group.

At the Sept. 24 meeting, Site

Plan Coordinator Kevin Erwin said the 30-acre parcel currently contains single-family homes and the Big Dog Ranch Rescue facility, which were annexed into the village recently.

The 60-acre tract, planned for single-family development, was in a separate application because it is under different ownership.

Staff recommended approval of the request.

Jeff Brophy of the Wantman Group said that the 30-acre tract planned for multifamily homes is one phase of an overall 200-acre area.

“I’m going to split them up because we are talking about separate See RPB ZONING, page 16

New Alzheimer’s Care Center Opens In Wellington

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Alzheimer’s Care & Service Center in Wellington took place Thursday, Sept. 24 at St. Michael Lutheran Church.

“We, as a board and as an organization, are dedicated to having a service center for our Alzheimer’s patients, within 15 minutes’ driving distance of their homes,” said Judith Rappaport, board chair of Alzheimer’s Community Care, the nonprofit behind the new facility.

“That makes this community particularly special to us because it is the first one in this neighborhood, and it is our 10th day center.”

Pastor Marjorie Weiss of St. Michael, which is hosting the new

care center, said that her congregation’s focus is more about right practice than right belief.

“That has guided our congregation to be welcoming to six different Alcoholics Anonymous groups and a Narcotics Anonymous group,” she said. “And, therefore, it was very natural when Alzheimer’s Community Care approached us. It fits our mission statement.”

Ben Durgan, representing State Sen. Joseph Abruzzo (D-District 25), explained that even in difficult budget years, there are bright sides.

“With the hard work of Sen. Abruzzo and our staff, we were able to come back with $500,000 for Alzheimer’s Community Care,” he said.

Both Durgan and Abruzzo have

a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, he said.

“Having a family member with Alzheimer’s can be quite a scary thing,” Durgan said. “Having that quality of care, compassion and empathy from caretakers is essential, and it makes us, as family members, feel at peace.”

Kelley Burke, aide to County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, explained the importance of public-private opportunities, noting that there are 80,000 families in Palm Beach County dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Anytime that the caregivers or the patients can go to a facility like this, especially in the western communities, it is great, and we appreciate the hard work of everySee ALZHEIMER’S, page 7

Kris Riedell, Christiane Previlma, Kelley Burke, Thorton “Tim” Henry, Pastor Marjorie Weiss, Gene Pranzo, Mary Barnes, Judith Rappaport, Mayor Bob Margolis, Ben Durgan and Maggie Garms cut the ribbon to open the new Alzheimer’s care facility in Wellington.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Page 2

October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The following re-print of the “Prayer of Saint Francis� is in recognition of the inspiring and thought-provoking words and actions of Pope Francis during his recent visit to the United States:

PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatered, let me sow love; where there is injury; pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

- Compliments of Jess Santamaria -

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 3

NEWS

Wellington OKs Legal Fee Policy For Officials In Ethics Probes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council adopted a policy last week to reimburse legal fees to village officials, advisory board members and employees who successfully defend against ethics complaints.

At a meeting Thursday, Sept.

24, Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said that the policy was proposed by staff because insurance coverage has been reduced to a reimbursement of 50 percent of the fees incurred upon the successful defense of an ethics claim.

“It would permit you to select your own attorney if you felt that you need to retain an attorney,” Cohen said. “It would require that you successfully defend or prevail in the ethics case.”

It would also require that the defendant provide notice to the

village and exhaust any insurance that was available, plus provide coverage in the event that the official was exonerated on most of the charges but not all, she said.

“For example, if there were 10 charges levied and the official prevailed on eight of them, then the council would be authorized to reimburse at the level of 80 percent after exhaustion of any available insurance,” she said, explaining that she believed this was a good supplement to insurance in light of the reduction of the coverage.

“We also feel that, given the experience that some of our appointed and elected officials have had in defending these complaints, this would be of benefit,” she said. “We don’t want to chill the desire of people to serve in those positions, and we believe that it’s reasonable.”

The policy does not contain a limitation on the hourly rate.

“There are only a few attorneys around who do this type of work, and typically their rates are around $300 per hour,” she said, pointing out that the Leon County policy, which was a model for the village’s, caps the coverage at $250 per hour.

Councilman Matt Willhite asked whether the policy was retroactive and if there were any cases open currently, and Cohen answered no to both queries.

Willhite said that he did not want to stifle legitimate ethics complaints, but he did not think that it was fair to officials who are found not guilty to be financially obligated out of their own pocket for something that happened in the course of performing their duties.

“There was a change in the in-

surance last year,” he said. “They only cover 50 percent up to the maximum amount. I understand that, but it is incumbent upon the village to make sure that the people who are governing [can serve] without the fear of financial retaliation.”

Willhite said he hoped that the policy would discourage people from filing frivolous complaints if the reimbursement came out of tax money.

“I think this is a good policy,” he said. “I think that it’s equitable. I think it follows what other municipalities are doing in places, so I’m happy to support it.”

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that she would feel more comfortable if it had a rate limit or ceiling. “A long case could be a major difference,” Gerwig said, asking whether there was a

government rate that an attorney could be limited to.

Cohen said attorneys have different prices that they call government rates, so it really has no meaning.

“I just have a problem with it being an unlimited amount of money,” Gerwig said. “This could really change the cost significantly, depending on if somebody wanted to hire [celebrity attorney] Roy Black… it could change the cost to residents significantly. I’d like to see us have some kind of limitation.”

Councilman John McGovern asked whether fee limits are addressed, and Cohen said the policy does define reasonable attorneys’ rates as the customary rate charged in Palm Beach County for private, non-appointed attorneys.

“If you felt more comfortable,

there is certainly nothing wrong with you putting an hourly cap on it,” Cohen said.

Gerwig said that could be problematic because an official could be left without an attorney if none are willing to work at that rate.

Cohen added that, ultimately, it is the council’s decision to authorize reimbursement. “There is nothing in here that mandates reimbursement,” she said. “It just permits reimbursement. The intent is that it will be reimbursed if there are reasonable fees.”

Mayor Bob Margolis asked Cohen to take a survey of attorneys that defend ethics complaints in the area. “There are not many attorneys in the State of Florida who will do this type of work,” he said.

Willhite made a motion to approve the policy, which carried 5-0.

Wellington Rotary Has Big Plans For Dec. 5 Food & Wine Fest

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Rotary Club’s second annual Wellington Wine & Food Fest is gearing up to be bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, showcasing fine dining favorites from select Wellington restaurants, a charity auction, live entertainment and more.

“It’s our big annual event to raise funds for the Wellington Rotary Foundation,” Event Chair Andrew Burr said, adding that the foundation funds the club’s scholarship program and donations that support local charities, such as Back to Basics and the Lord’s Place.

The Wellington Wine & Food Fest will take place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

“It is essentially a kickoff to the equestrian season,” he said.

“We have wine, liquor and beer.

We have Tito’s Vodka sponsoring the event. As soon as you come in the door, you’ll be handed a Tito’s Vodka welcoming cocktail, then you’ll go into the event and past our local food partners that are coming out and offering small plates.”

Many of the restaurants from last year are expected to return, offering guests tasty treats. South African wines will be featured, and there will also be a cigar bar for those who are interested.

For entertainment, Flashback, a local five-piece band, will perform, and there will be a magician and other surprise entertainment acts to delight guests, Burr said.

The live auction will feature stays in exotic locales such as Cancun and Tortola, plus favorites Disney World and Sea World. Also on offer will be a bicycle from Wheels of Wellington, a dining round, a “restock your bar” gift basket from Star Liquors, artwork and other items. “There are some great items to bid on,” Burr said.

Sponsorships, some of which are tax-deductible, include private seating and a private tent on the field. VIP presenting, gold and silver sponsorship packages include tickets to the event, premium champagne and wine, all you can eat and drink throughout the event, a private tent on the polo field and more. A valet sponsorship and entertainment sponsorships are also available.

“It’s a great place to come out

and have your holiday event with your company,” Burr said. “If you’re a company that has 10, 15 employees, you can come out and do the entire night for $2,500, possibly even less, and have all you can eat, all you can drink, a great venue and great entertainment.

What better way to do it? If it’s a smaller group, let me know and we’ll see what we can work out.”

Last year, the Wellington Rotary Club raised approximately $20,000, and aims to raise $30,000 this year to help local charities.

Tickets sold out quickly last year, with only 250 available.

“Last year was a great success,” Burr said. “Everyone who went had a great time. The majority of the sponsors are coming back, so we are building on it this year.”

The Wellington Wine & Food Fest is expected to be an outside event, with a resort casual dress code. If there is inclement weather, it will be moved inside.

“I’m very excited,” Burr said.

“It was a great event last year.

Everybody had a great time. We raised a lot of money for the charities, and that’s really what it’s all about. It’s a good time, it’s a party and it’s time to kick off the season out here in Wellington.”

“Last year was a great success,” Event Chair Andrew Burr said.

“Everyone who went had a great time. The majority of the sponsors are coming back, so we are building on it this year.”

In order to accommodate interest, approximately 300 tickets, at $125 each, are available for this year’s event.

“A large portion of the funds goes toward scholarships for local high school kids,” Burr said.

“They’re based on merit and need.

Pretty much all of the money that gets raised at this event stays in the local community.”

Contact Burr at (561) 3248914 or realtorandrew1@yahoo. com for more information about

sponsorship and group packages.

To order tickets to the event, visit www.wellingtonwineandfoodfest. com.

The Wellington Rotary Club meets every Thursday at noon at the Wanderers Club.

Jasmine Velez receives a plate of food from International Polo Club Palm Beach Executive Chef William Sellner at last year’s event.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Page 4

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

OUR OPINION

Just Because You Read It On The Internet, Doesn’t Make It True Leave it to the Internet to put words into the mouths of long-lost leaders. For example: “The problem with Internet quotes is that you can’t always depend on their accuracy.”

— Abraham Lincoln, 1864.

This obviously facetious comment has been floating around cyberspace for years now.

And yet, with each passing day, it seems to be an even more reliable indicator of where we are as a technology-driven communications society.

Today, we see this happening in many high-profile situations, of which we’ll point out just two: on social media like Facebook, where a variety of hoaxes are posted and accepted as the truth by thousands, if not millions, of users; and the 2016 presidential campaign, where despite the media’s ability to respond to less-than-factual comments more quickly than in years past, half-truths and outright lies are again and again repeated as gospel.

One variation of this year’s Facebook hoax — yes, it seems to be an annual tradition — reads, in part: “Better safe than sorry! Now it’s official! It has been published in the media. Facebook has just released the entry price: $5.99 to keep the subscription of your status to be set to private.” The hoax includes a fictitious news report from a “Channel 13 News,” as well as various purported federal laws and statutes as further “proof.” In the first wave of this and similar hoaxes, gullible Facebook users share the hot new information with friends. Later, more savvy Facebook users end up posting status updates mocking the hoax, but it still happens like clockwork.

Then there’s the political arena. Despite fact-checking sites like PolitiFact (www. politifact.com), which do their best to determine which political comments are “True”

(for example, Mike Huckabee’s claim that six of the 10 wealthiest U.S. counties surround Washington, D.C.) and which achieve “Pants on Fire” status (for example: Donald Trump’s claim this week that unemployment has hit 42 percent), too often once lessthan-honest comments are made, it is impossible to fully reverse the damage. Individuals on either side of the political aisle accept their chosen (or, at least, preferred) leader’s words as the truth and are reluctant to admit that anything inaccurate was stated. And while individuals with opposing viewpoints howl at the moon about the situation, rarely does it impact what has transpired.

Take any “hot button” topic these days — Benghazi, abortion issues, gay rights, immigration reform, public education, the national debt, the legalization of drugs, Syrian refugees — and this phenomenon will occur.

Fans of The Colbert Report can point to the Oct. 17, 2005 pilot episode, where the host Stephen Colbert (who has since “gone legit” and can be found nightly on a major broadcast network) coined the word “truthiness,” described as a quality characterizing a “truth” that a person making an argument or assertion claims to know intuitively “from the gut” or because it “feels right” without regard to evidence, logic, intellectual examination or facts. The idea gained so much notoriety that it has been adopted into the dictionary.

Nearly 10 years later, truthiness, along with Colbert’s definition, still stand as a modern conveyance of the phrase “don’t let your facts get in the way of my opinion.” Honest Abe would be proud to know that his Internet quote is more honest than many of the comments it describes.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Council And Staff Are Right On K-Park

While on vacation this month, I was able to view some blogs from some Wellington bloggers. They were castigating the Wellington Village Council for decisions previously made on the K-Park property. It turns out that following the recent town meetings on the subject, the council was right on the money. The last thing Wellington residents want is residential, rentals, condominiums or apartment complexes. I thank you, Mr. Mayor and the council.

The K-Park town hall meetings that took place were well-organized, well-run, open and informative. The options given to the participants covered the gamut of opportunities available at this time for Wellington’s future. The ability to speak or comment was available to all.

What seems to have come out of the meetings is that two concepts are desired by the residents for the site: a passive-style park with walking and bike paths, open space with benches and tables, playgrounds and small pavilions; and a destination park that has something for the kids, parents

and empty nesters. Also, a large percentage of residents are looking for a destination dining and entertainment center, so that evening trips to Delray Beach and Palm Beach Gardens are not necessary, and the residents can keep their dollars and business in Wellington.

Both of these concepts are a necessary element of a successful and desirable community. I hope that the supporters of both of these concepts do not take an all-or-nothing approach, similar to our situation today in Washington, D.C. Having just returned from Bar Harbour (Maine), Quebec City and Fernadina Beach on a well-deserved vacation, I found that these communities have seemed to combine both of these concepts successfully. The dining and entertainment section of Bar Harbour was not much more than 25 acres, as was Fernadina Beach. That leaves 40 acres for use and design of a passive park. A well-designed site plan could integrate the two concepts and create a win-win for Wellington and its residents.

The key I found in all my travels was to get people out of their cars and walk, which opened up a lot more land and made the site much more appealing. My wish is that Mayor Bob Margolis and the council make K-Park a jewel for

Wellington residents to enjoy for years to come.

Steve Haughn Wellington

Recapping The Sorry History Of The Binks Course

As I read the open letter from Morley Alperstein calling on the Village of Wellington to purchase the Binks Forest golf course (Letters, Sept. 18), I recalled those days many years ago when Mr. Alperstein championed the effort to allow for the rezoning of the course’s driving range.

Longtime Wellington residents will recall that the course had become a snake-and-rat-infested hazard eyesore. The only remedy, claimed the course’s new owner, was to allow townhomes to be built on the driving range land. The profit from building and selling these townhomes, he claimed, was the only way the company could afford to bring the course back to its former glory. The other option, he hinted, was to let the course languish forever, with knee-high weeds, vermin and all of the other things that the residents of Binks Forest had been forced to live with for years.

I was skeptical and spoke up, only to have the index finger of one Mrs. Morley Alperstein jabbed into my face while she called me a “jerk.” What had I done or said to elicit such a response? I wanted some assurance from the course owner that if the village did, indeed, allow the rezoning to happen, that we, the residents, would be assured that the course would remain viable. “I can offer no such assurance,” was the reply from the attorney representing the new owners. Undeterred, and sure that his was the only way, Mr. Alperstein led a petition drive, securing enough support from the communities surrounding the course to give the council cover.

The rezoning was approved, with no assurance that the course would be viable, for even one day.

So, the course’s owners got what they wanted. Mr. Alperstein, it seemed, got what he wanted. I understand that he was even one of the first in line to purchase a lifetime membership. And the village got to close the books (at least for a while) on a very sore topic.

What did the rest of us get? A “cow pasture” that bears a slight resemblance to a golf course, now on the brink of demise once again.

What about that profit from the sale of townhomes, which was

so vital to the revitalization of the golf course?

The land that was once a driving range was broken off from the rest of the course and sold to a new developer; one who, it seems, has no interest in bringing the golf course back to its heyday. So much for the entire stated purpose of rezoning the driving range — to save the course.

Let’s recap, shall we? The course’s owner tricked the village into rezoning the driving range (but not really, since their lawyer was very upfront about “no promises”) by making what sounded like a promise to use the profit from the rezoning to bring the golf course back to its former glory. Mr. Alperstein, thanks to his petition drive, was the temporary hero... A new developer gets to build townhomes on the property. (They’re smaller, and not quite as nice as they promised to win the rezoning approval; but

who’s keeping track of all of the half-truths at this point?) The golf course owners now have a playbook about how to coerce the council into abandoning its long-term PUD, which may come in handy when the next round of what might be called “extortion” begins.

And what did the residents who live around the golf course get out of this deal? We got nothing, except a change in our PUD allowing our single-family neighborhood to become a mixed-use community.

Now Mr. Alperstein is leading the charge to have the village purchase the course so it won’t close and his property value won’t be hurt. I guess his original plan did not pan out. It seems he never saw this double-cross coming. I won’t say I told you so, Mr. Alperstein.

That might make me sound like a “jerk.”

Bill Underwood Wellington

The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words suggested). Submit letters, with contact name, address and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.

OPINION

Record-Breaking Roller Coaster Travels Way Faster Than I Plan To If you’re looking to ride a record-breaking roller coaster, you’d better break out your passport.

If you thought the renowned Kingda Ka roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is the world’s fastest, you were right a couple of years ago...

Footloose and...

By Jules W. Rabin

but you’re wrong today.

Yes, the Kingda Ka coaster records a top speed of 128 miles per hour. But, in today’s world, that is many miles per hour less than the current champ.

To locate the 2015 speed leader, you will have to travel to Abu

Dhabi, of all places. There, in “Ferrari World,” you can see — or ride — “Formula Rossa,” which clocks out at 149 mph. It starts at zero and shoots to 60 miles an hour in two seconds!

In keeping with the park’s Formula One theme, passengers on

Formula Rossa are required to wear goggles. Sure, it looks cool, but that’s not why. Here’s the scientific scoop: Alberto Minetti, a professor of physiology in Milan, Italy, pontificates that at 150 miles per hour “even dust that is not normally

harmful, is. Even dust like when you may be sitting at a desk… it’s like a bullet, in a way,” he explains.

So, if you’re going to shoot around a track at 150 mph, goggles are a must. What is that like?

Honestly... I don’t intend to find out!

left in the rate stabilization fund.

We put that in place several years ago… We didn’t use it, and it is time to either use it or give it back.

My recommendation is to spend the $3.2 million.”

Schofield said that there is some leeway because property values had gone up more than anticipated.

Mayor Bob Margolis thanked village staff for making this the easiest budget season that he has been through.

“I’ve always been a believer that our reserves are really healthy,” Margolis said. “I’m thinking that there’s going to be additional funds

coming back from projects that have been overfunded. For me, this is really simple, almost a gift that was waiting to be given.”

He said that he would like to fund the items higher on the spreadsheet, including the Aero Club multiuse path, and to find money for the Paddock Park pathway. He also favored using bond money should the village choose to purchase the golf course.

After more discussion regarding the likelihood of mid-year budget changes, the council approved the budget as presented 3-2, with Gerwig and McGovern opposed.

NEWS Wellington

Budget For 2016

continued from page 1 for Big Blue Trace at Barberry Drive and Big Blue Trace at Wiltshire Village Drive, which also include drainage improvements.

To balance the budget, the village is using almost $3.2 million from the unrestricted fund balance, including $658,000 from the building fund, almost $1.3 million from the adopted Acme fund, $791,000 from the road impact fund and $440,492 from the adopted water and wastewater fund. It will also use revenue of $175,344 from the Lake Wellington Professional Centre and almost $3 million from the adopted water and wastewater fund.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the adopted $3 million water and wastewater rate income reflects a long-range plan for improvements to the system.

“What is happening here is that the money required to do the planned improvements over the next 20 years has been built into the rate structure so that we do not have to borrow money for those improvements,” Schofield said, adding that they had recently

replaced water mains in the Montauk community. “Those were pay-as-you-go. We do not do like most municipalities and borrow the money to do that.”

Councilman Matt Willhite pointed out that the village has only $7 million in total debt.

“Everything that we’ve done in this village is on a pay-as-you-go basis,” he said. “We have to have a little debt because your credit rating is based on having a little bit of credit. We have something that other municipalities don’t have, and that’s reserve accounts, and we hold them to have the best possible municipal bond rating there is.”

Willhite added that if the village decides to purchase the Binks Forest Golf Course, which has been discussed in workshops, he would like to consider a bond issue to make the purchase.

Regarding the paving of 120th Avenue, Willhite noted that there are intricacies that have not been resolved, including approval by only eight of 15 adjacent residents.

“We’ve also told residents and approved by the council collectively a bridle trail map, which we’ve put into our comp plan, that shows 120th Avenue with a bridle trail,” he said. “If we pave it, it’s not a bridle trail.”

THE

TOWN-CRIER Your Community Newspaper Serving The Palms West Communities For 35 Years Published Weekly By Newspaper Publishers, Inc.

12794 West Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 The Original Wellington Mall

Wellington, Florida 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Classified Ads: (561) 793-3576 • Fax: (561) 793-6090 World Wide Web: http://www.goTownCrier.com E-Mail Address: news@goTownCrier.com

Willhite said that on his spreadsheet for capital improvements, he had funded 120th Avenue at $1.8 million, which is about the same amount as the comparable Saddle Trail Park paving funded by assessments to residents at their request, which includes a bridle trail.

Willhite also pointed out that he had funded 11 out of about 20 projects on the spreadsheet with the $3.2 million gleaned from reserves.

He also advocated bringing the reserve from 31 percent to 29 percent, which would add about $750,000 in revenue. “We are obligated to balance the budget, but that does not mean putting more and more money in reserves,” he said.

Willhite also favored funding a multiuse path in the Aero Club in response to residents who said the street is not safe to walk on, but Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said the sidewalks in the village were paid for by the people who bought homes there.

“The sidewalks that were built in this community were from impact fees,” she said. “If people are walking on roadways, children are riding bikes on roadways, it is not safe; but the funding mechanism that has been done BARRY S. MANNING Publisher JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher

for everyone else has been for the impact to be paid by the person who borders it.”

Gerwig pointed out that Willhite had put a sidewalk for Paddock Park at 21 on his list. “The Paddock sidewalk would be one that would take the children from across the street and all throughout Paddock and get them off of a roadway,” she said.

Councilman John McGovern asked about the consequences of reducing the reserve to 29 percent, and Director of Administrative & Financial Services Tanya Quickel said that it would result in having to balance Acme from the general fund in the 2017 budget cycle or raise the assessment, and by 2019 or 2020, the building department would need support from the general fund due to decreasing impact and permit fees.

Schofield said the recommendation has always been to maintain a 25 to 29 percent reserve in order to maintain the bond rating.

“We have been above that because previous councils decided to set aside a reserve fund,” he said. “The biggest ones were the $3 million for the rate stabilization fund and $3 million for the disaster relief fund. The largest percentage of what has been used in transfers this year is the $2.5 million that’s JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor

DAWN RIVERA General Manager

RON BUKLEY Managing Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman • Paul Gaba • Julie Unger CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Jacqueline Corrado • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Geri O’Neil

Two Nabbed For Spree Of Wellington Car Burglaries

A months-long investigation led to the arrests of two suspects this week who have been terrorizing the Village of Wellington with vehicle burglaries.

Nigel Campbell and a 15-yearold juvenile were arrested Wednesday by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for multiple vehicle burglaries that have occurred in Wellington neighborhoods, including Grand Isles, the Equestrian Club, Castellina, Olympia, Village Walk and Wellington Shores.

At the time of their arrest, Campbell was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm, and the juvenile was found to be in possession of a stolen knife.

Property was also discovered that had not been reported yet.

PBSO detectives estimate that these suspects were involved in at least 40 vehicle burglaries over a 5-month period. Items stolen were guns, credit cards, cash, iPhones, bicycles and more. The investigation is ongoing.

POSTAL STATEMENT The Town-Crier (USPS #021547) is published weekly

by Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758. Periodicals Postage Paid at West Palm Beach, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Town-Crier, c/o Newspaper Publishers Inc., 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414-4758.

Founded In 1980 By Bob Markey Sr. Copyright 2015, Newspaper Publishers Inc. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising.

MEMBER OF

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce The Wellington Chamber of Commerce The Western Business Alliance

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 5

NEWS

KCF’S NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH CARNIVAL IN RPB

The Kids Cancer Foundation in Royal Palm Beach held a carnival for local children and families touched by childhood cancer Saturday, Sept. 26. The carnival featured bounce houses, carnival games and prizes, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, crafts, face painting and more. It helped the foundation to observe National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about the Kids Cancer Foundation, visit www.kidscancersf.org or call Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle at (561) 371-1298.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Collin Cash, Kinleigh Apfel, Ainsley Erb, Michelle O’Boyle and Piper Apfel.

Johnny and Jennifer Cash with kids Collin and Kendall.

Kim Zakarian with Andrew and Jake.

Ashlyn Guererri shows off her Frozen-inspired face paint.

Lucas Dawson has fun in the bounce house.

Piper Apfel, Mackenzie Collins, Savannah Guererri, Abigail and Jeilany Mayorga, and Casey Gibbons enjoy dressing up.

Tera Young helps Roman Artero pick his face painting.

Dr. Melissa Singer from Palms West Hospital and Michelle O’Boyle with some of the children the foundation has helped.

ULTIMA FITNESS AND WELLINGTON DONATE SUPPLIES TO WLMS TEACHERS

Jill and Jessica Merrell from Ultima Fitness in Wellington joined Wellington’s Community Services Director James Poag to deliver school supplies to teachers at Wellington Landings Middle School on Monday, Sept. 28. The supplies, along with $140 gift cards for each teacher, were given to those who attended August’s Wellington Fitness & Wellness Education Day. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Jill and Jessica Merrell with James Poag and the school supplies.

Teacher Renie Davisson hugs Jessica Merrell.

WLMS Principal Blake Bennett with teacher Renie Davisson.

WLMS Principal Blake Bennett, Jill Merrell, teacher Karen Epstein, teacher Renie Davisson and Jessica Merrell with (back row) James Poag and teacher Carter McMasters.

Prettelt Center for Family Health

Now Accepting New Patients • Primary Care and Senior Care Services • Chronic Disease Management • Adult and Adolescent Physicals • DOT Physicals • General Health

Senior Care Program • Easy Referrals • Same Day Appointments • Courtesy Lab Draw

Javier Prettelt, MD

Dr. Ricardo Aleman-Chinea, MD

• Immunizations • Monthly Diabetes Education Classes • On-site Minor Procedure Room

• Senior Care Coordinator dedicated

to answering your insurance and health questions; and providing you with information and resources to ensure your health decisions are right for you.

STOP BY ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH for HALLOWEEN TREATS!

Kimberly Gunn, DNP, ARNP, NP-C

Groves Medical Plaza 13475 Southern Blvd. Suite 100

Loxahatchee, Florida 33470 Just west of Palms West Hospital on the NE corner of Southern & Big Blue Trace

www.PretteltFamilyHealth.com

561-333-5022

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

Clinic Hours

Monday 8:30 – 5:00 Tuesday 8:30 – 7:30 Wednesday 8:30 – Noon Thursday 8:30 – 7:30 Friday 8:30 – 5:00

Express Care

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 8:00 – 6:00 Wed 8:00 – Noon Saturday hours starting in November

Page 6

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

CRIME NEWS

4,000 Cases Of Energy Drink Stolen From RPB Business

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report SEPT. 27 — A deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was called to a business location Sunday morning regarding a burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3:30 p.m. last Saturday and 11 a.m.

Sunday, someone deactivated the alarm, destroyed the security system, removed the video surveillance and stole approximately 4,000 cases of Red Bull energy drink, valued at approximately $100,000. According to the report, the perpetrator cut a hole in the roof of the business and stole a trailer from the parking lot, causing at least $15,000 in damage.

••• SEPT. 23 — The property manager for the Nautica Lakes community contacted the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation last Wednesday to report a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, when the property manager reviewed security footage from July 29, he discovered that at 6:01 a.m., someone in a dark-colored Toyota Camry damaged a security sign valued at $100.

SEPT. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to 140th Avenue North in The Acreage last Wednesday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4 p.m. last Tuesday and 7:50 a.m. last Wednesday, someone removed a windshield and frame, valued at $4,000, from the victim’s Komatsu backhoe.

SEPT. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Galiano Street in the La Mancha neighborhood last Wednesday regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 10 a.m., someone entered the victim’s 2015 Nissan Altima and stole a green purse.

The vehicle might have been left unlocked. Fingerprint evidence was gathered from the scene.

SEPT. 23 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to the Buy Buy Baby store on State Road 7 last Wednesday evening regarding a shoplifting incident. According to a PBSO report, sometime

between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday, a store employee noticed an unknown white male enter the store and shortly after run out, stealing two Dyson humidifiers, together valued at $999.98, and fleeing in a red vehicle. According to the report, there was another male standing by the vehicle and a female driver. All three match the description of a previous shoplifting incident regarding the same items at the same store.

SEPT. 24 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Peconic Court in the South Shore neighborhood last Thursday afternoon regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4:50 and 5:45 p.m. last Thursday, someone shattered a bathroom window next to the victim’s front door.

SEPT. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to a property on A Road in Loxahatchee Groves last Friday regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight last Tuesday and 8 a.m. last Wednesday, someone cut and removed 300 feet of 28-inch mesh horse fence, valued at $600, from the victim’s property.

SEPT. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was called to East Citrus Drive in Loxahatchee Groves last Friday regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. last Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. last Friday, someone knocked over the victim’s mailbox, causing $100 in damage.

SEPT. 25 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to Peppergrass Run in the Nautica Lakes community last Friday afternoon regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim was expecting his Apple iPhone 6S Plus to be delivered by UPS. According to the report, the victim received a confirmation of delivery notice at 11:50 a.m., but the package was not at the victim’s home when he returned home from work at 5:45 p.m.

SEPT. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Bobwhite Road last Saturday morning regarding the delayed report of a See BLOTTER, page 16

PBSO SEEKS INFO ON GOLF CART THEFT

On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5:37 p.m., two male suspects were caught on video cutting the security cable of a patriot blue E-Z-GO Express golf cart sitting unattended in a parking lot on South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. They then drove the golf cart off the property. The cart is valued at $9,000. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Justin Ortega is a white male, 6’0’’ tall and weighing 170 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. His date of birth is 12/09/91.

Ortega is wanted for failing to appear in court on felony charges of dealing in stolen property, false verification of ownership, grand theft and criminal mischief. His last known addresses were Lake Arjaro Drive in West Palm Beach and South 61st Drive in Greenacres. He is wanted as of 09/24/15.

• Ramon Zarate, alias Ramon Zarate-Martinez, is a white male, 5’3’’ tall and weighing 210 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 01/09/77. Zarate is wanted for failure to appear in court on felony charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and for violating probation for aggravated battery on a pregnant victim. His last known addresses were Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington and Viola Drive in Lake Worth. His occupation is horse handler. He is wanted as of 09/24/15.

Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.

Justin Ortega

Ramon Zarate

THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIME STOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 7

NEWS

Wellington Man Seeks Community’s Help In Fight For His Life

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report For 62-year-old Wellington resident Bill Lerner, the last few years have been difficult, to say the least. Bill and his wife Andrea moved to the area eight years ago from White Plains, N.Y., when their lives took a drastic turn.

“A week before we left New York, if not sooner, we were told by the doctor about the liver problem,” he said.

They had just moved to Florida, and didn’t have local doctors chosen, so they flew back and forth a few times to New York before they settled in and were referred to doctors at the University of Florida.

“At the end of 2013,” Lerner said, “I was sent to the hospital by my cardiologist. He said, ‘You’re having problems with your heart, but I think it’s due to something else.’”

The cardiologist was correct, and devastating news was in store.

“The nephrologist came in and he said: ‘Your kidneys are failing.

You’ll have to go on dialysis at one point and you do need a transplant,

Alzheimer’s

New Center Opens

continued from page 1 body. Congratulations on this wonderful facility,” Burke said.

Rappaport built on that, explaining that research has found that each person with Alzheimer’s disease affects the lives of between four and 10 other people, meaning 320,000 at the low end of the spectrum or millions at the high end.

Attorney Mark Shalloway has worked with Alzheimer’s Community Care since 1996.

“I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board, and as its chair in the past, and there are certain moments in the life of Alzheimer’s Community Care that really bring so much joy,” he said. “This is another benchmark, another jewel in the crown, to serve the western communities, and I know it takes a community to put a project like this together.”

Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis was very supportive of the new facility. “This is such a blessing for me to be here today,” he said, noting his personal connection with Alzheimer’s disease.

Margolis’ mother-in-law had Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

His father-in-law hid it from them for years. He recalled hearing that a startling number of caregivers suffer the most and actually pass away before the Alzheimer’s patients, due to the stress of the situation.

“I have to tell you something,” Margolis said. “My father-in-law was one of those statistics. He never said anything, and I remember, one day, getting a phone call from fire-rescue.”

That phone call forever altered their lives. “Fire-rescue called, and said to my wife, ‘Your dad had a stroke, and we don’t know if we can save him,’” Margolis recalled.

All his father-in-law really needed, Margolis said, would have been a few hours of the day to himself.

“My father-in-law was a statistic. But, if we had this today, I don’t think he would have been, because this would have given him the opportunity just to catch his breath,” Margolis said. “Thank goodness and thank God for this today. Wellington should be proud that you’re here.”

A diagnosis, rather than just writing forgetfulness off as something that comes with age, is imperative, Rappaport said.

“My mother and two of her sisters had Alzheimer’s, and there

otherwise your long-term prospects are low,’” Lerner said.

Lerner was quickly set up with a medical schedule, including traveling to UF facilities in Gainesville four to six times a year, depending on what procedures and scans need to be done. “It becomes expensive,” he explained. “You’re constantly driving up, you’re staying over; my wife has to take the days off from work. That’s why we got with this organization called HelpHOPELive.”

The organization does fundraising for medical needs. The Lerners were able to create two online campaigns through HelpHOPELive (https://helphopelive. org/campaign/2218) and GiveForward (https://giveforward. com/fundraiser/0w29/bill-lerner-s-dialysis-amp-transplant-expenses-fundraiser) for friends and family to help them with expenses.

“It’s an easier way for people to donate to the transplant fund,” Lerner said. “A lot of people don’t know that the wait can be years to get a transplant, and your insurance doesn’t cover everything.”

was no help at all,” she said. “None of the really close people to any of those three women survived without damage — none of them.

If you suspect, if you think, if you wonder, go find out. In the end, it’s better to know.”

Wellington Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, who serves on Palm Beach County’s Citizens Advisory Committee on Health & Human Services, was excited to hear that Alzheimer’s Community Care would be opening a service center in Wellington.

“I knew of the need out here,” she said. “We’re so happy to have you here and happy to be able to serve people closer to home, making it more convenient for families.”

Wellington Councilman John McGovern also expressed his admiration. “I am so excited to see it come to fruition,” he said, thanking the church for engaging in a partnership with Alzheimer’s Community Care, as well as the donors for making it possible.

Wellington Vice Mayor John Greene also thanked Alzheimer’s Community Care and its supporters. “This is about the people who are spending their days and hours impacting the families in a positive way,” Greene said. “The people who deserve the real thanks are the people who have the resources to make this possible; to the board who gives countless hours of time and dedication to make sure that the mission is followed through; to everybody who works there, and their families.”

The missing link for Wellington, he explained, has been taking care of its seniors. Institutions like Alzheimer’s Community Care, he said, bridge the gap and make a difference.

Margolis took to the microphone to thank Shalloway, who led a presentation on elder care and Alzheimer’s disease that the Margolis family attended when they took over caring for his mother-in-law.

“I will tell you, without this gentleman, things were difficult enough, but he was absolutely a Godsend,” Margolis said. “I wanted to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Gene Pranzo, trustee for the Leo & Anne Albert Charitable Trust, whose mother-in-law suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, believes if they had known about Alzheimer’s Community Care, his mother-in-law would have had a better end to her life. “You’ve done a remarkable job, and I just hope that all of the people who come here enjoy it,” he said.

Insurance only partially covers anti-rejection medicines, which are expensive, he noted.

In addition to the campaigns, a fundraiser will be held at Buffalo Wild Wings in Wellington on Saturday, Nov. 7. To help, all attendees need to do is show a flier — which will be available on the fundraising campaigns — and a portion of the proceeds for the day will help the Lerners with medical expenses.

For now, his wife, who used to work at a veterinarian’s office, is tutoring at the Huntington Learning Center when she isn’t taking care of Bill.

“We do dialysis at home,” he said. “We don’t go to the center.

They set us up with a machine here. That’s one of the things that Andrea does — that’s the reason she left the vet. It just wasn’t a good fit, trying to work 40 hours a week, then dealing with this for five hours.”

For Lerner, being hooked up to machines waiting for a liver and kidney transplant is a harsh change from his formerly active lifestyle.

“My mind is 25; my body is 92,” he said. “The kidney takes a lot out of you.”

When he was in college, Lerner was the student manager of his college hockey team, and then he trained racehorses in his 20s. For the last 30 years, he worked in the information technology industry, offering installation and support assessment for a few companies before going out on his own.

“It’s a different world for me,” he said. “I used to be able to get up at 5:30 a.m. and work away.”

Now, he has less energy and isn’t able to do what he used to.

Bill and Andrea would travel, and even adopted Connie, a border collie who is almost 6 years old.

“She was on death row when we got her,” he said.

Now, Connie is able to watch over Lerner and keep an eye on him while Andrea is at work. “She recognizes when you don’t feel good,” he said.

Good days, now, are days when he goes to the dog park with Connie and isn’t exhausted upon return.

Andrea and Bill Lerner during their travels, before his current health problems slowed them down.

Even with long, tedious days, honor dogs who are caregivers Lerner is focused on remaining to cancer patients,” Lerner said. a driving force for the American “This season’s event will be on Cancer Society.

Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our volunteer team will host at the South Florida Fairgrounds ‘Bark For Life,’ which is open Agriplex.” to the dogs and their owners to To help Lerner, donate to his raise funds for human cancer online campaigns, or contact him support and research, and to directly at blcs2000@gmail.com.

Thorton “Tim” Henry, Alzheimer’s Community Care President & CEO Mary Barnes, Pastor Marjorie Weiss and Gene Pranzo.

Attorney Mark Shalloway with Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis.

Wellington Vice Mayor John Greene.

Pastor Marjorie Weiss with Sue Maggio, Mary McCarthy and Steven Rizzo.

(L-R) St. Michael Church Council President Mary McCarthy, Alzheimer’s caregiver Maria Hijos and Alzheimer’s Community Care Board Chair Judith Rappaport.

Mary McCarthy, church council president at St. Michael, moved to Florida from Nebraska. Her pastor in Nebraska passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, and she explained that he would have benefited from a program like the one now offered by Alzheimer’s Community Care in Wellington.

“To watch this transformation turn into fruition is very heartwarming to me and to the church

council at St. Michael,” she said.

Caregiver Maria Hijos has been taking care of her mother for the last eight years. “This center has been a lifesaver,” she said. “I see life in her eyes again. She plays games, she sings — which she wasn’t doing before.”

Thorton “Tim” Henry, trustee of the James and Claudine Kirkwood Fund and an Alzheimer’s Community Care board member,

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

told the audience that his mother has Alzheimer’s disease and no longer remembers him or other family members.

The Kirkwoods, he said, invested in the first two ambulances in the North County area. When they died, without any family, they decided to leave their money to the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

“Animals and healthcare, that’s

what they loved,” he added. “They left their entire estate so that we could do things like this. They’d be proud.”

St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington. The new Alzheimer’s Community Care facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more info., call (561) 331-6576 or visit www. alzcare.org.

Carnival At Sem Ridge Oct. 14

The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts. For more info., visit www.wellingtonartsociety. org.

NEWS BRIEFS Collection For Stroke Victim

On Sunday, Oct. 4, the Acreage Green Market will be supporting resident Debbie Murphy who had a stroke while vacationing in Las Vegas. She is currently in the hospital and unable to travel home.

The stroke attacked the right hemisphere of her brain, which has left her partially paralyzed.

Her recovery will be a long and difficult road. Murphy is a single mother to five children, ranging in age from 4 to 22. The Acreage Green Market, which takes place at Acreage Community Park, will be collecting Publix gift card donations to help feed the children.

The collection will take place Sunday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A GoFundMe account was created to help the family. It can be found at www.gofundme.com/ debbiemurphystroke.

Trail Association Meeting Oct. 5

The Loxahatchee Chapter of

the Florida Trail Association will feature a show of its annual Thanksgiving hikes on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST). The program is open to the public and will occur on Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

The hike is called the Big “O.” It is held over several days and done on parts of the FNST around Lake Okeechobee. Chapter President Roy Moore will lead a pictorial review with a brief look at what’s coming for the 2015 hike.

This year’s hike runs from Nov 22 to Nov. 27. The daily hikes are open to the public. Participants can take part in one or more days.

Learn more at the FTA’s Oct. 5 meeting. For more info., visit www.loxfltrail.org.

FLARA To Meet On Oct. 5

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Western Communities Chapter, invites the public to join them Monday, Oct. 5 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington).

The business meeting will take place from noon to 1 p.m., and new members are welcome.

The program, free and open to the public, takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. Betty Ann Badger will present “Multicultural Mental Health” followed by an open discussion. For more info., call Nancy Tanner at (561) 793-9677.

Help Local Fire Victims

Recently, Acreage residents Jesse and Jennifer Smith’s home had a fire that started in the laundry room and quickly expanded. Friend Jessica Peterson is working to collect supplies for them. Their washer and dryer are both destroyed, along with most of their clothing, blankets and linens.

Right now, the family — which includes three children who attend Golden Grove Elementary School — is unable to stay in their home, and food and lodging costs, in addition to repair and replacement costs, are adding up. If you would like to help, call (561) 827-1953.

Night Of Science At Polo Park

Polo Park Middle School will host its third annual Night of Science on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This free event is open to Polo Park Middle School students and their families, as well as students and families from all Wellington elementary schools.

The evening’s activities include many interactive/hands-on exhibits provided by the South Florida Science Museum, student science fair displays, souvenirs, a live broadcast by Wild 95.5 and four food trucks. Call (561) 333-5500 for more info.

Yizkor Service Oct. 5 At Temple Beth Tikvah

Temple Beth Tikvah invites the community to a free Shemini Atzeret Yizkor service on Monday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. Temple Beth Tikvah is located at 4550 Jog Road in Greenacres. For more info., call (561) 967-3600.

Seminole Ridge High School (4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road) will host a community carnival and food truck night Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the school parking lot.

Admission is free. There will be games and booths, as well as food trucks on site. For more info., call (561) 422-2600.

Wellington Art Society Reception

The Wellington Art Society will host a reception on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to showcase its exciting new exhibit in its gallery in the Wellington Municipal Complex. The reception is free to the public, and there will be fun door prizes and light refreshments.

The exhibit features 36 paintings and photographs by 13 of the Wellington Art Society’s artists.

The evening will be a chance to meet the artists.

Volunteer At The Fall Festival

The Village of Wellington is seeking energetic volunteers for its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Village Park on Pierson Road.

Volunteer opportunities include acting in the Haunted Hallways and assisting with bounce houses, face painting, the costume contest, the petting zoo and more.

There will be informational meetings on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Village Park Gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road).

Volunteers only need to attend one pre-event meeting. Students can earn community service hours for this event.

For more information, call Meridith Tuckwood at (561) 7532476 to sign up.

Page 8

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SuperheroeS Wanted

earn up to $340 this month & $120 this week!

Donate life saving plasma.

You have the power to save lives!

Schedule an appointment at biotestplasma.com Royal Palm Beach • Biotest Plasma Center 100 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 (561) 791-9122 087TC

BrInG In thIS Coupon For an eXtra

$10 BonuS! New donors only. Not valid in conjunction with any other referral fees or bonuses.

BiotestPlasmaCenterRoyalPalmBeach @BPCRoyalPalm

Give and get back more!

087SH_5_667x10_25_4cFA.indd 1

Wellington

AMPHITHEATER

OCTOBER

8 8 9 10

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

22 22 23 24

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

29 29

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

JD DANNER BAND 6:30 pm

NOVEMBER

5 5

CARS (G)

7:30 pm

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL TRIBUTE

7:30 pm

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

WHITESTONE BAND

6:30 pm

FANTASTIC FOUR (PG-13, 2015)

7:30 pm

ZZ TOP TRIBUTE

by ZZ’s Best 7:30 pm

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

CHAIN REACTION BAND

6:30 pm

7 12 12 13 14 19 19

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

6:30 pm

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

7:30 pm

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

THE CUBAN LATIN SHOW BAND

6:30 pm

JURASSIC WORLD (PG-13) 7:30 pm

TRAVEL

1/27/15 2:34 PM

EXPECT SOMETHING MORE TM

JOIN AAA TRAVEL FOR

On Stage Alaska featuring Holland America Line

AAA Travel invites you to preview the wonders of an Alaskan vacation during our On Stage Alaska® multi-media presentation.

Capture the history, hospitality and scenic grandeur of this remote frontier – both on land and sea – as experts from AAA Travel and Holland America Line share tips and advice on where to go, what to see and what to bring. Plus, learn about exclusive benefits available to AAA Members.

Friday, October 9, 2015  2 pm Palm Beach Gardens Marriott 4000 RCA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

MOTOWN MAGIC 7:30 pm

FOOD TRUCK INVASION

5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

WHAT A RUSH

6:30 pm

Space is limited.

Please RSVP online at AAA.com/TravelEvents or call: Palm Beach Gardens 561-694-9090, opt. 5; Wellington 561-793-1281, opt. 5 Delray Beach 561-865-1400, opt. 5; Stuart 772-287-5300, opt. 5

Bracelets on sale now! Visit Wellingtonfl.gov for more info!

15-TR-0542C_SRwpalmbch

12100 Forest Hill Blvd | (561) 753-2484 Events are FREE to attend. Dates and times subject to change. Bring seating!

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 9

NEWS

GRAND OPENING OF LONG-AWAITED ‘BARK PARK’ AT RPB COMMONS PARK

A grand opening ceremony for the new Royal Palm Beach “Bark Park” was held Saturday, Sept. 26. The new dog park is located inside Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. There are three separate playing spaces for small, medium and large dogs to run and make new friends.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Mayor Matty Mattioli and Commissioner Melissa McKinley’s aide Kelley Burke cut the ribbon to open the new dog park.

Amber Nelson with Cuddles, Michelle Holsinger with Jackpot and Cody Collin with Moochie at the Amber’s Animal Outreach booth.

Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio with Simba, Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins with Polo and Village Clerk Diane DiSanto with Leelee and Sampson.

Special Events Coordinator Jalissa Sutton presents raffle prizes to winners Louise Stomge (left) and Christy Davis (right).

MaryLou Arnold with Medusa and Kerry Friedman with Tyson at the Forever Greyhounds booth.

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue volunteers Debbie Winters with Bronco, Debbie Mammino with Gayla and Gatsby, and Ana Vargas with Gypsy.

BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES PARTNERS WITH YOUR BOSOM BUDDIES GROUP

Brighton Collectibles in the Mall at Wellington Green held a Power of Pink kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 25. The store has once again partnered with Your Bosom Buddies II, a local breast cancer support group. Through the sale of Brighton’s Power of Pink bracelet, and other pink merchandise, from Sept. 25 through Nov. 15, Brighton will donate $10 from each bracelet to support breast cancer research and awareness.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Brighton Collectibles sales partner Katie Richter, store manager Julie Brophy and assistant manager Marcie Valenziano at the Power of Pink display.

Marcie Valenziano of Brighton Collectibles with breast cancer survivor Maxine Jausmann.

Store Manager Julie Brophy offers refreshments.

YBBII members with their purchases: (L-R) Pat Linton, Marie Phillips, Linda Ireland, Theresa Vidal, Abbe Felton, Andrea Mattes, Lorna Johnson, Linda Vaillancourt and Tee Franzoso.

Page 10

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Not feeling well? No Appointment Needed!

Ideal Family Practice & Walk-In Express Care

Tina Dochniak, DNP, ARNP

Stephanie Wise, ARNP

A MINOR EMERGENCY WALK-IN CLINIC FOR KIDS & ADULTS Colds • Flu • Physicals - DOT, Work & School • Rashes • Minor Burns • UTI • & More

FAMILY PRACTICE MEDICINE General Health & Annual Physicals • Prevention & Wellness • Chronic Disease Management • Women’s Health and Annual Exams • Flu & Pneumonia Immunizations

DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy relieves pain and inflammation associated with: Neck • Knee • Ankle • Low Back Pain • Sciatica • Arthritic Conditions • Diabetic Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Toe Nail Fungus & More!

Complimentary Evaluation & First Laser Treatment Coupon Offers ends October 31, 2015

Walk-Ins Always Welcome!

561-231-5200

13475 Southern Blvd. Suite 100, Loxahatchee Just west of Palms West Hospital on the NE corner of Southern & Big Blue Trace

www.idealFamilyPractice.com

8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

8 a.m. - Noon Wednesday

Saturday

Starting in November Check website for hours

A FIVE STAR INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Isn’t it time you traded in the hassles of maintaining a home for a little fun in the sun? At Fountainview, you’ll be surrounded by fun-loving folks who enjoy all the things you love to do – from happy hours and karaoke nights to clay classes and computer learning.

Best of all, your moment in the sun is very affordable, with no buy-in or endowment required.

Discover Your Place in the Sun! • Daily chef-prepared meals • Weekly live entertainment • Clubhouse, heated pool, hot tub and gazebo • On-site pharmacy services, groceries and personal shopping • Fitness and aquatic programs • Spacious rental apartments (furnished short-term units available) • Large theatre/auditorium • Weekly housekeeping • On-site healthcare services

Fun in the Sun 111 Executive Center Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561-697-5500 • www.FountainviewRetirement.com

Assisted Living Facility #7827

Join us for lunch and a tour.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Benjamin’s Buddies Top Fundraiser For Gold Coast Down Syndrome Buddy Walk

The top fundraising team for the 21st annual Buddy Walk is Benjamin’s Buddies. Wellington residents Joe and Chari Sassin have already raised more than $19,000 for this year’s walk to celebrate their 6-year-old son Ben and support the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization.

Ben attends Panther Run Elementary School, which he loves, but his true passion is cars — his favorite is a Chevy Camaro Convertible SS. This year’s Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 18 will be Ben’s seventh; he was three months old for his first one.

His parents have raised nearly $100,000 for the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization.

“We are committed to raising this money because Gold Coast is such an amazing resource for us and for all families of children with Down syndrome in Palm

Beach County,” said Chari Sassin, currently vice president of the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization. “They were there for us within days of Ben’s diagnosis, and have never stopped being there for us. Gold Coast has become like a second family for Joe and me, and we couldn’t imagine our lives without them. Ben is thriving and achieving so much because of their support.”

Wellington residents Kate Gross and Toby Brodtman are also Buddy Walk major fundraisers.

Allergy and Asthma Specialists of South Florida and Estate Properties of Palm Beach are sponsors. Toby Brodtman serves on the Buddy Walk committee along with Todd and Kate Ballard.

Royal Palm Beach residents Cyndi Pampena and Tina Trujillo are also committee members.

The 21st annual Buddy Walk

Benjamin Sassin, 6, is the inspiration for Benjamin’s Buddies, the top fundraiser for the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Buddy Walk. will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18 at John Prince Park (4759 S. Congress Ave., Lake Worth). Check-in is at 8 a.m. with the opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m. and the walk starting at 9:15 a.m. All activities

are open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit http://gcdso.donordrive. com/bw2015 to register online, or contact Anne at ad.gcdso@ bellsouth.net or (561) 752-3383 for details.

WELLINGTON COUNCIL CANDIDATE MICHAEL DRAHOS HOSTS CAMPAIGN KICKOFF PARTY

Candidate Michael Drahos held his campaign kickoff at the Wanderers Club on Sept. 24, with more than 70 guests in attendance.

Drahos is running for the Wellington Village Council Seat 1, currently held by Vice Mayor John Greene. Clockwise from right: Michael Drahos (center) with Sal Van Casteren and Bill Flack; Drahos with Beau Marburger, Laura and Jay Henley and Joe Maguire; and Drahos with his wife Nathalie and daughters Sophia and Julia.

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 11

National Honor For RPBHS Student Brett Petersen Royal Palm Beach High School student Brett A. Petersen was recently selected to become a member of the National Society of High School Scholars for superior academic achievement.

The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.

The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel prizes.

“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Brett has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” Nobel said. “Brett is now a member of a unique community of scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” NSHSS President James W. Lewis said. “We aim to help students like Brett build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning

Brett A. Petersen experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”

NSHSS members become lifetime members. At each step along the way, from high school to college to career, NSHSS connects outstanding youth scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.

For more information about NSHSS, visit www.nshss.org.

Liz Nunez New Wellington Public Information Officer The Village of Wellington recently announced the promotion of Liz Nunez to public information officer. Nunez will head the Communications Department and be the primary source of information distribution throughout the village.

With more than six years of experience as a multimedia journalist, writer/producer, and marketing and communications specialist, Nunez comes to Wellington from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and WPTV News Channel 5.

“The Village of Wellington is focused on branding its hometown image as part of its overall strategic plan to encourage growth and address challenges,” Nunez said.

“This great hometown is full of stories that people need to hear, and I am honored for this opportunity to share them.”

Liz Nunez As public information officer, Nunez will be responsible for overseeing the coordination and preparation of communications, outreach and marketing for the village, along with the rest of the Communications Department.

Page 12

October 2 - October 8, 2015

WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY SHOWS ITS COLORS FOR 9/11

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

SRHS Hosts Human Trafficking Program

‘Hope for Freedom’ — At the end of last school year, Seminole Ridge High School offered female students an hour-long awareness training on the topic of domestic minor sex trafficking, a form of human trafficking that is happening within the South Florida community.

The Hope for Freedom team, which hosted the event, has been involved in the fight against human trafficking for several years.

Their presentation included video interviews with sex trafficking survivors, including the true story of a Florida teen who left home to meet someone she first met online.

Hawks gained a better understanding of domestic minor sex trafficking, and learned how to avoid it by making better choices to keep them safe. “Hope for Freedom” left female students empowered to make a difference

ASL Honor Society new members (L-R) Arianna Floyd, Kayleigh Gordon, Morgan Hamilton, Jessica Hammett, Destiny Luker, Kelly Mathews, Amber Pellicone and instructor Rose Adams. within their community in regard members at an induction ceremo- All Palm Beach County sophoto human trafficking. ny Sept. 10. Inductees must have mores have the opportunity to take ASL Honor Society — The an overall GPA of 3.0, and during the practice SAT (PSAT) during SRHS American Sign Language their two years of ASL studies the school day Wednesday, Oct. Honor Society has chosen its offi- must have an overall GPA of 3.5. 14. Juniors who wish to retake cers for this school year: President Their character, behavior and the PSAT can register with the Alyssa Williams, Vice President motivation to master American guidance department during lunch.

Sierra Weiner, Secretary Grace Sign Language are also factors in The registration fee of $15 can be Marks and Treasurer Arianna Hi- being chosen. paid in cash or with a check made erro. The new officers joined new School Day PSAT Oct. 14 — payable to SRHS.

WES PARTICIPATES IN HEART WALK On Friday, Sept. 11, Wellington Elementary School wore patriotic colors in honor of Sept. 11, 2001. Teachers and students participated in various projects in observance of the day. At 9 a.m., the school, along with the School District of Palm Beach County, observed a collective moment of silence. All schools in the county also had their flags flown at half-staff. Many of the classes tuned in at 1 p.m. to sing the national anthem together. Shown above in red, white and blue is fifth grader Javier Gonzalez, physical/ behavioral needs assistant Diane Belletti, fourth grader Tina Tran and physical education coach Lui Echerri.

by the end of the course to enroll and must pass the 3rd Class FAA Medical Exam. Students will be expected to complete an online ground training course and pass a 60 question FAA exam by an FAA designated flight examiner within the semester.

“We are excited to partner with two reputable, local aviation schools to provide an opportunity for our students to earn a private pilot’s license and perhaps launch a passion within students to pursue future careers in aviation,” TKA High School Principal Sonya Jones said.

RPBES VOLUNTEERS, PTO OFF AND RUNNING

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School in Royal Palm Beach is off to a great start to the school year. The school’s PTO and volunteers have hit the ground running with special activities, including making and selling popcorn, working in the resource room, preparing supplies, selling spirit items and coordinating volunteers. The school is collecting Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s labels and bottle caps. (Above) Volunteers prepare popcorn to sell. (Below) Volunteers sign in.

The King’s Academy To Offer Aviation Program

The King’s Academy recently announced that it will offer a new semester-based Aviation 101 Honors course for students in 11th and 12th grade beginning next spring.

Studies show that in the coming decade, thousands of new pilots will be needed each year because of attrition and retirement. The school is partnering with two highly regarded Cessna pilot centers to enable students to work toward their private pilot license: Platinum Aviation at the North County Airport and Palm Beach Flight Training at the Lantana Airport.

Students must be 17 years old

The Town-Crier

On Saturday, Sept. 26, Wellington Elementary School participated in the Palm Beach Heart Walk. The walk took place in downtown West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive. Many Wildcats showed up to support the cause. The American Heart Association is an organization dedicated to reducing death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Shown here are (front row) Marjorie Condon and Eli Wilson; (middle row) Alex Bayer, McKenna Tosner and Caroline Wilson; and (back row) Katie Kerezman, Cori Kerezman, Sonia Wilson, Katie Callahan, Olivia Ruchti, Caleigh Tosner, Cathy Eckstein, Lisa Condon and Sarah Condon.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SCHOOL NEWS

Cellular Neurophysiologist Talk Wows STEAM Students At Western Academy Eager middle school STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math) students at Western Academy Charter School recently welcomed cellular neurophysiologist Dr. Matthew Rowan into their science classroom.

The visit was part of the school’s new STEAM program. Rowan, a post-doctoral fellow at Max Planck, has a degree in integrative biology and neuroscience. He shared his personal educational and career choices, and possible trajectories that the students should consider in pursuit of their own career goals.

“His presentation brought real-world knowledge and experience to the students, as they learned about cutting-edge research and advanced techniques, including brain imaging and the latest neuronal signaling discov-

eries,” said Kim Stryker, STEAM science teacher at the school.

“Dr. Rowan’s cutting-edge discoveries really impressed the students. They were able to see an example of axonal voltage imaging in a neuron, a signal that Dr. Rowan was one of the first to ever see. With this better understanding of signaling in neural circuits, scientists will have a better understanding of neurological disorders.”

Scientists such as Rowan often inspire and motivate students to choose careers in science, math and engineering fields. While he gave students a realistic look at scientific research as a career, he also explained various pathways and educational routes that could lead them to obtaining a job in the field of science. He explained the importance of obtaining experi-

Dr. Matthew Rowan with sixth grade STEAM students. ence through student internships, having good technology skills, using creativity and good communication skills, along with an excellent math and science resume.

For more information about Western Academy Charter School and the STEAM program, call (561) 792-4123 or visit www. westernacademycharter.com.

RPBHS Receives STEM Grant From Pew Fund The Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund has awarded its Galvanizing Change in STEM Education Grant to Royal Palm Beach High School. The grant awards $7,500 for various resources including materials, field trips and guest speakers.

A Polycom video conferencing system will be provided to implement project-based learning experiences to increase student interest in STEM education and to improve student achievement in math and science.

“We are very excited to be able

to utilize these amazing resources to enhance our student’s educational experience and positively impact achievement,” said Jennifer Murphy, assistant principal for curriculum at RPBHS. Several business partners, such as PBSC, FPL, Lockheed Martin,

NASA, FAU and others, will collaborate with students on projects, as well as serve as field trip destinations.

Crestwood Middle School was a partner in writing the grant proposal and will also receive the grant’s resources.

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 13

LOX GROVES CLASS TO BE ON NAT GEO WILD

Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School was happy to welcome veterinarian Dr. Susan Kelleher to Jenna Saunders’ first grade class. Kelleher demonstrated how an egg incubator works and left two dozen eggs with the class. The eggs were placed in the incubator, and she will return with her film crew in 21 days to see the eggs hatch. The class activity was filmed by Spectrum Productions and will appear this January on Kelleher’s TV show, Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, which airs on Nat Geo Wild on Saturdays at 9 p.m.

Shown above is Jenna Sanders’ first grade class during taping.

NEW HORIZONS SALUTES 84-YEAR-OLD AFTERCARE COUNSELOR

Crichanni Watson Participates In SADD Institute Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the nation’s premier school-based, peer-to-peer prevention, education and activism organization, hosted its fourth annual youth advocacy institute in July, and Crichanni Watson of Royal Palm Beach High School was one of the 14 students selected to attend.

The SADD SPEAKs (Students for Policy, Education, Advocacy and Knowledge) Institute was held in Washington, D.C., and SADD’s partners at State Farm and the National Road Safety Foundation sponsored the program.

Car crashes are the top killer of teens, and teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes at three times the rate of older drivers. In response to these statistics, Congress passed a highway bill in 2012, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century or MAP-21, which for the first time ever includes “teen

traffic safety” as a specific focus of highway safety dollars provided to each state.

“Teens across the nation are directly affected by the policies that our elected officials enact.

Our voices are a necessary piece in the fight for traffic safety,” Watson said. “It is our responsibility to speak up, at all levels of government, to ensure that the safety of our peers is a priority.”

As a participant in SADD SPEAKs, Watson and 13 other youth leaders received online training in transportation policy, basic advocacy and media skills, and the legislative process, particularly as it affects teen traffic safety.

This training served as preparation for a unique four-day trip to Washington, D.C., July 20-23. In D.C., the SADD ambassadors met with congressional staff focused on transportation policy and par-

14569 Southern Blvd. • Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 561-793-1370 • www.arthurmurrayre.com 10 ACRES LAND — beautiful high and dry, cleared 4/2.5, CBS, fenced.

Loxahatchee Groves $749,000 15 ACRES LAND — electric, well, mostly cleared, paved road, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $595,000 10 ACRES LAND — cleared, fenced, high and dry, paved road.

Loxahatchee Groves $395,000 10 ACRES LAND — South of Okeechobee, fenced, cleared, electric, water subdivided into two 5 acre lots. $739,000 5 ACRES LAND — 1/4 mile north of Southern Blvd. and Wellington high and dry, fenced partially cleared. $450,000 20 ACRES LAND — Okeechobee Rd. frontage Great Commercial potential, cleared, fenced, water, electric. $2,200,000 5 ACRES LAND — with cabin, paved road, fenced, electric, water, septic, clear, high and dry.

Loxahatchee Groves $324,999 OKEECHOBEE RD. FRONTAGE — Commercial potential, electrical, high and dry, fenced.

Loxahatchee Groves $995,000 5 ACRES LAND — House pad, well, electric, high and dry, fenced, 900 feet from pavement.

Loxahatchee Groves $299,000

5 ACRES LAND — High, dry, electric, well, paved road.

Loxahatchee Groves $199,000 5 ACRES LAND — 3 bedroom, 2 bath, South of Okeechobee, 1 mile to Wellington CBS High, Dry. Call for price.

1.25 ACRES — hi, dry, close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $68,000 1/2 ACRE 3-2 fantastic location 200 Ft. From Southern Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves. $225,000 5 ACRES — private, Delwood, close to White Fences. $149,000 1 ACRE 3-2 HOUSE — W/1-1 guest house, four stall barn, fenced, 200 feet from Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee Groves. $345,000 1.15 ACRES 3-2 w/garage Close to schools and shopping.

The Acreage $224,900 1.25 ACRES 5-3 CBS HOME — plus 1000 Sq.Ft. Guesthouse, 25X40 detached garage.

The Acreage $282,900

ticipated in a briefing on Capitol Hill for congressional staff, federal agencies, national partners and other interested parties.

“Teen voices are critical in solving the issues that young people face on a daily basis, especially teen traffic safety. SADD SPEAKs equips students to advocate on behalf of themselves and their peers, a lifelong skill that will ensure that teen health and safety remains a national priority,” SADD National President & CEO Dawn Teixeira said. “If we want to bring about real change, teens must be part of the solution.”

Watson and other teen advocates now plan to put their new skills into practice by working to influence state and federal policy at the local level. They will also lead SADD’s efforts to mobilize students across the country to become effective advocates for teen traffic safety programs by hosting

Crichanni Watson at the SADD SPEAKs Youth Advocacy Institute. a series of webinars, teaching SADD students from across the nation basic advocacy skills.

New Horizons Elementary School salutes staff member Caterina Evangelista, a longtime counselor with the after-school program.

She recently celebrated her 84th birthday. Evangelista has been in education since 1968, working at New Horizons for the past 14 years. New Horizons is privileged to have her on staff sharing her experience and expertise while working with students after school. Shown above is Evangelista.

Page 14

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

Sunday’s ‘Blood Moon’ Eclipse Got Me To Plan For The Future

It’s old news by now, but last Sunday evening, there was an eclipse. It took about half an hour for the shadow of the earth to cover the moon, which, in Debbie time, is 25 minutes too long. So I went inside and watched 30 Rock on Netflix as I waited for the earth to move, then went back out to see this “blood moon.” Unfortunately, the moon was not dripping blood in a Transylvanian type way as I had hoped. It merely had an unusual reddish glow, which I’m told it will not have again for 17 years.

Yawn.

If I had been born a couple thousand years ago, however, before there were satellites buzzing around in space that

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER could beam valuable information back to us — (“It’s not real blood, Houston.” “Aw, nuts. Well, over and out.”) — I would’ve been terrified. All of us sheepherders would have been.

We would have gathered in our huts,

clutching our most valuable sheep to our breasts, and waited for the end of the world. As the moon got darker, we would have fallen to our knees and started to repent — until some know-it-all pointed out that the moon was getting bright again.

Then we would’ve brushed off our knees, mumbled something about not giving up chewing coca leaves after all, and went on about our business.

But last Sunday, hugging my husband as if it was New Year’s Eve, I was one of the enlightened ones. I suffered none of the fear and all of the beauty of the lunar eclipse. That’s one of the advantages of living in an age where the polar ice caps

are melting and the ocean is slowly being covered with floating plastic garbage.

Then Mark blew it all by asking, “Do you think we’ll be alive when this happens again?”

I shoved him away and huffed, “I will.”

Does he not realize that I plan to live forever? My gosh, I still haven’t climbed Mount Everest or seen Wyoming. There’s so much to do! (Not that I would ever waste my time on Everest and Wyoming.

I mean, there are unexplored theme parks out there! Plus, I hear the shopping is good in the Czech Republic.)

But it sounds as if the end result of seeing this marvel of the “blood moon”

has the same effect on us today as it did on the tribes of long ago. We both suddenly feel a need to accomplish something. The primitives spent the next few decades rolling boulders into place for Stonehenge or carving massive rocks into heads at Easter Island, whereas I feel a burning need to ride Kingda Ka, the world’s tallest roller coaster (456 feet!). There will be pain and suffering for both of us — they will have to push heavy rocks for miles, and I will have to drive on the New Jersey Turnpike.

But the sense of accomplishment when we’re done!

To me, that’s the real miracle of an eclipse.

Man Vs. Mountain: Disaster Movie ‘Everest’ Is Worth Seeing ‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler person. He is so successful that a whole passel of climbers and climb groups crowd Everest in May 1996. Included in Hall’s group are Texan Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin), magazine writer Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly) and Doug Hansen (John Hawkes). There is also a more free-wheeling group led by Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal).

The opening part of the film, getting to know characters and watching the logistics of creating a base 17,000 feet up the mountainside, is fascinating. The prepa-

ration is extensive, pushing audiences to understand how difficult it is for humans to reach the 29,000-foot-high summit, so high that helicopters and planes cannot get there for a rescue. The climbers are on their own. The middle of the film is a grueling account of the ascent, and then comes an enormous storm and everything goes wrong.

The characters constantly speak about the fact they are not competing with each other but with the mountain itself. And once the climbers discover that they are cut off with not nearly enough oxygen, this turns into a gripping, very tight movie of survival. Many of the climbers will die; the mountain is unforgiving.

Finally, when the survivors arrive, there is a quick rolling of the credits… no time to mourn.

The cast is OK. Most of the parts are pretty standard, and, once the climbing and disaster begin, it is difficult to tell

which character is which. Remember that it is very, very cold, and so everyone is bundled up and often wearing oxygen masks. Several of the stars prominently mentioned in trailers have very short parts.

Gyllenhaal is definitely a supporting actor and not on film for a very long period of time. The women appear mostly as support for them early on or in typical waiting-wives fashion later. Some good actresses were really wasted. The leading men were pretty good, although, as mentioned above, it was often difficult to tell them apart.

The real main character is the mountain itself. The cinematography is spectacular, although large parts were done either in Europe or through computer imagery rather than on location. As someone who gets nervous going above the third rung of a ladder, I chose the “regular” version. I have been told that it is far more spectacular in 3D, and overwhelming in the 3D

IMAX version, but you will have to see for yourself.

It is a very good movie of its type. It has been compared to the film of two years ago, Gravity, in terms of the battle for survival. However, that film was a nonstop battle almost from the beginning and focused on one character. Here, we have a far longer background, which was a good thing. I never realized how complicated and difficult something like this would be, so it was a good setup for the whole film.

I liked the film. I was enthralled by the last half as the men battled the elements in their struggle. The fact that there were losses, that climbers died, made the whole thing seem far more realistic.

We are beginning to get into the season when new films start to move away from spectacle and toward more intense characterizations. This film was still very focused on the first, but it did it very well.

Everest is very much worth seeing.

FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD HANDS ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SM

J UST FO R C ALLI N G Never get stranded again.

With Good HandsSM Roadside Assistance, you get low, flat rates on everything from tows to tire changes. Pay only if you use it. So before you hit the road, get free peace of mind. Call me today!

MICHAEL REYNOLDS 561-790-5906

13873 WELLINGTON TRACE STE #B13 WELLINGTON a0a6894@allstate.com

Pay only when roadside services provided. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Northbrook, Illinois © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.

121143

Everest is not one of those feel-good movies where people conquer seemingly impossible tasks. It is far closer to a standard disaster movie. Things go terribly wrong and people die. But it is an exciting film focusing on how well some people manage to survive in the worst of situations.

Extreme vacationing was a fad, for what reason I will never figure out, in the 1990s.

The idea was to take regular people and put them through all sorts of challenges as a way of “relaxing” from tough jobs. So it was with the groups that decided to climb Mount Everest in 1996. And instead of a nice challenge, the climbers turned it into the bloodiest day Everest ever had up to that point.

The opening part of the movie focuses on the different characters. Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) is a New Zealand professional guide who wanted to turn Everest into a tourist destination at a rate of $65,000 per

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 15

NEWS

WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT FOR KIDS HELD AT VILLAGE PARK IN WELLINGTON

Noelle Cares for Kids, the Together With Pride Foundation and the Village of Wellington held a Wiffle Ball Tournament for Kids on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Village Park in Wellington to raise money to help children who need cochlear implants and auditory-verbal therapy.

For more information, visit www.togetherwithpride.org.

PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

Girl Scout Troop 21059 members Jocelyn Spellman, Lexi O’Halloran, Noelle Pride, Hailey Guzik and Regan Maxwell.

Curtis, Lisa, Colten and Noelle Pride.

Zachary Fleisch, Connor Gormley, Shawn O’Sullivan and Nicholas Webber of the ZiNCS, who took first in the Major League.

Brady Benevides, Foster Solomon, A.J. Dicks and Sebastian Burnett of the Bomb Squad, who took first in the Minor League.

Event volunteers with some of the kids.

Parks & Recreation Director Bruce DeLaney, Noelle Pride and Mayor Bob Margolis.

Fiona Ake, Noelle Pride, Raquel Renda and Hamilton Hammerhead.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER WOMEN MEET WITH LOCAL NONPROFIT LEADERS

The Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce held a “cocktails and conversation” event on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the White Elephant Restaurant in the original Wellington Mall. Information about the group’s “30 Women/30 Nights” campaign was explained.

Participating nonprofits include Place of Hope, the Women’s Foundation, Ella’s Closet and the Wellington Toy Drive. For more info., visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Art Cellar owner Jen Hernandez, Women of the Wellington Chamber President Debbie Crompton, Place of Hope Advancement Associate Rachel Gaydosh and Women of the Wellington Chamber Vice President Kathleen Williams.

Women’s Foundation Marketing Consultant Kate Volman talks to group members.

Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce members.

Are You Selling ?

We are BUYING !

GOLD - SILVER - PLATINUM DIAMONDS - FINE WATCHES DESIGNER JEWELRY & PURSES

ANTIQUES - COLLECTIBLES COINS & PAPER MONEY

8100 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, FL 33467

561-729-0094

5% BONUS

LakeWorthGoldMine.com

with Coupon - not valid on Coins

THE WESTERN BUSINESS ALLIANCE

The Western Business Alliance, Inc. A new era in building business relationships.

The Western Business Alliance is an alliance of businesses committed to strengthening and supporting our members through economic growth, education, and community awareness.

Join now and see for yourself. www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com 561.600.3820

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Mario the Baker Having served you since 1969 in North Miami and since 1975 in Sunrise, my Family and I hope you'll continue to enjoy our traditional Neapolitan Dishes and Pizza. Our Goal as Usual, is to be "what we have always been”; a friendly, bright, often loud, pizza restaurant catering to family & friends. As Always, we hope you'll enjoy your dining experience with us!

UPCOMING EVENT TWBA invites its members, their family and their guests to spend Sunday, October 18th on safari with over 900 animals at our TWBA Family Fun Safari. Along with animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, 9 rides, water sprayground, food, shopping and more – you are sure to have a memorable experience with TWBA at Lion Country Safari.

BBQ lunch, parking and all day admission is included with TWBA’s deeply discounted admission ticket.

Read more at www.theoriginalmariothebaker.com.

Log onto www.TheWesternBusinessAlliance.com to purchase your tickets.

Welcome New and Renewing TWBA Members

Bootz Culture Camp .................................................. Jeanne Bootz Brown Card Solutions International ..................................... Jay Broder Dale W. Grimm & Co., P.A. ........................................ Dale Grimm Dog Training by Kelly ................................................ Kelly Shwiner K&E Travel ................................................................ Mark Elie LEAP3 Technologies, LLC ........................................... Ray Wordsman

Miguelito’s Cancun Grille .................................................. Miguel Lopez Organo Gold - Michael S. Rose Sr., Distributor ......................... Pastor Michael Rose PBC School District Choice and Career Options ................ Dr. Peter Licata Richard’s Lawn Service .................................................... Richard Velten Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club ......................................... Bruce Elkind Sanda Gane European Day Spa ........................................ Maxine Turner

Security Self Storage – Mindful Storage .......................... Julie Sinclair The Town-Crier ............................................................... Barry Manning Tindall Company, PA ....................................................... Greg Tindall Wellington Collegiate Academy ...................................... Anna Oaks Wellington The Magazine ............................................... Dawn Rivera Thomas M. Wenham, Inc., FCPM .................................... Thomas Wenham

Page 16

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

NEWS

Hi-Tech Plumbing Continues To Support Fight Against Breast Cancer Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air, one of the few woman-owned plumbing and HVAC companies in the country, will once again support the fight against breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The company will donate five percent of the entire month’s sales to Your Bosom Buddies II, a local breast cancer support group.

As a two-year cancer survivor, the fight is personal for co-owner Jathynia Garcia.

“This group was a blessing

when I was diagnosed,” Garcia said. “They provided an outlet of information, as well as providing laughter, support and a listening ear throughout the entire process from being diagnosed to chemo. I will always be forever grateful to these fabulous ladies.”

Garcia chose Your Bosom Buddies II because of the personal support and peace of mind given to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“That is why I take pride in supporting Your Bosom Buddies

II and advocating to young women the importance of prevention and early detection,” she said.

The organization provides 100 percent of the proceeds to help others, and many serve as volunteers to provide emotional support to those who need it, as well as direct support to assist those diagnosed with cancer with basic treatment needs.

Providing personal service and best practices are core values that Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air brings to each of its jobs. Watch for pink rib-

Boys & Girls Club Golf Tourney At The Wanderers Club Oct. 10

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington will host its annual golf tournament this month.

Thirty-four years old, the exciting event will include the golf tournament, a raffle, a silent auction and an awards luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Wanderers Club (1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington).

Both registration and the raffle will begin at 7 a.m., followed by a 7:30 a.m. putting contest. The tournament kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and will culminate with the silent auction and awards luncheon.

Co-chairs of the tournament include Todd Barron, Elliot Bonner, Ray Mooney and Mickey Smith.

This year’s honorary chairman will be Ed Portman. Portman has been involved with the tournament since its inception. Joining the co-chairs in their efforts are committee members Jim Bomar, Shelley Goodman and Julie Kime.

RPB Zoning

Acme Ranches

continued from page 1 applications tonight with the understanding that not only are we here talking about this phase one of the 88 acres, but also what will happen here in the future with additional annexations as they come in,” Brophy said, explaining that the 30-acre site is west of another parcel that was annexed by the village last month.

He said many details remain about where the access points will be, tentatively planned at Southern Blvd. within the most recently annexed property. “A lot of that is going to come up in the site plan review,” he said.

Lox Budget

Council Divided

continued from page 1 you’re bringing into town, and I want it put back into paved roads and better drainage — anything that we can do to make life better for the residents.”

Jarriel said that he had also changed his opinion on debt, and that the current charter provision prohibiting the issuance of longterm bonds should be changed to enable financing more of the projects on the town’s capital improvements list.

Mayor Dave Browning said that he found it interesting that a recent survey conducted by the town showed that 70 percent of residents said they wanted roads paved, but 70 percent also did not want to pay for paving. He said that the town needs road improvements and that it shouldn’t rely solely on

Blotter

continued from page 6 vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between last Tuesday and last Saturday, someone entered the victim’s 2005 Nissan Altima and stole a $300 Apple iPad and a $500 Rockford sound amplifier from the vehicle.

SEPT. 26 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Crestwood Court South in the Grandview at Crestwood complex last Saturday evening regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 3 and 9 p.m. last Saturday, someone entered the victim’s home through a sliding glass door. The perpetrator stole the victim’s Microsoft Xbox One and DVD player, along with numerous video games and DVDs. DNA and fingerprint evidence were gathered from the home.

SEPT. 27 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Shaughnessy Drive in the Olympia neighborhood Sunday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 10 p.m. last Saturday and 11:15 a.m.

Sunday, two people were caught on video surveillance, with one of them entering the victim’s 2014 Mercedes Benz and removing the victim’s Apple iPod Classic, valued at $200.

bons on Hi-Tech Plumbing’s truck fleet and real plumbers proudly wearing pink pins in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For more info., call Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air at (561) 7906966, e-mail service@hi-techplumbingandair.com or visit www. hi-techplumbingandair.com.

(Right) Jathynia Garcia (far left) at last year’s Making Strides Walk in downtown West Palm Beach with sur vivors and friends.

Kravis Center’s Annual Public Ticket Sale Day Saturday, Oct. 3

The Wellington Golf Tournament is supported by Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC and the International Polo Club Palm Beach as gold sponsors.

Silver sponsors include Florida Power & Light, the Barron Group at UBS Financial, B/E Aerospace, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLC, Deloitte Tax LLP, Ernst & Young and Whole Foods Market Wellington. Longhorn Steakhouse is the awards sponsor.

Proceeds from the day’s events will support the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, one of 13 clubs operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for profit youth development organization. The clubs provide more than a safe, fun and constructive alternative to being home alone — they offer a variety of award-winning devel-

opmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth.

The clubs provide services during non-school hours, as well as summer camp opportunities, to nearly 6,000 boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 18. The clubs emphasize educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership and character-building skills in a positive and safe atmosphere. Through quality programs, the club experience provides children with the guidance they need to make a healthy transition from childhood to young adulthood.

Sponsorships and foursomes for the Oct. 10 golf tournament are still available. For more information, contact Kristen Cummins at (561) 683-3287 or kcummins@ bgcpbc.org.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, visit www.bgcpbc.org.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will hold its Public Ticket Sale Day for most shows and concerts during the 2015-16 season starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The Dreyfoos Hall lobby will open at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 with breakfast treats and coffee. Starting at 8 a.m., join Jill and Rich Switzer from Legends Radio as they bring their sparkling banter and contest give-aways live to the Dreyfoos Hall lobby. The outside box office windows will open at 9 a.m.

At that time, entertainment fans can purchase tickets either at the Kravis Center Box Office at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach or order tickets online at www.kravis.org. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471.

Among the shows and concerts for which individual tickets can be purchased as of Oct. 3 are Sophia

Loren, Yo-Yo Ma, MOMIX, the Cleveland Orchestra, Cameron Carpenter, Kansas, Patti LaBelle, Johnny Mathis, the Joffrey Ballet, Kristin Chenoweth, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Mavis Staples, William Shatner, A Night With Janis Joplin, The Producers, Tony Bennett, Neil Sedaka, The Best of Forbidden Broadway, Paul Anka, Jackie Mason, Blue Man Group, 42nd Street and more.

Individual tickets for the Kravis Center’s Adults at Leisure Series and the Young Artist Series will go on sale on Nov. 13, and on Dec. 18 for the three concerts under the banner of “Michael Feinstein Conducts the Kravis Center Pops Orchestra.” The public sale dates for tickets to certain Kravis On Broadway productions will be announced later.

The Kravis Center offers priority seating to donors according to their level of giving. For more

information about becoming a donor, call (561) 651-4320 or visit www.kravis.org/membership.

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality.

The facility also offers comprehensive arts education programs and provides a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work, while also providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County.

The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in downtown West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

Brophy said that the multifamily use is appropriate next to the Southern Blvd. corridor.

“The idea was that on the north side of Southern Blvd. and along State Road 7 is a pretty intensive commercial and industrial corridor,” he said, explaining that the single-family use is to the south, farther away from Southern Blvd., and compatible with the Victoria Grove neighborhood to the south.

The zoning request is for 18 units per acre, although Brophy said that it will be closer to 13 units per acre, which is still under site plan review but has been approved by village staff. The plan has received traffic approval from Palm Beach County.

The builder is the Miami-based Related Group, which was the

developer of CityPlace in West Palm Beach, as well as high-end rental properties in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

“I think it will be an asset of the highest quality and something you don’t often see here in the western communities,” he said.

Brophy added that his firm also represents Big Dog Ranch Rescue within the overall site, which recently received approval to move to a site in Loxahatchee Groves.

“They are an inch away from getting their land development permit, and are excited to start development on their new facility,” he said, explaining that the projects are expected to coincide.

Commissioner Michael Axelberd asked about the density for studies that were done for water, sewer, school and traffic approv-

al, and Erwin said that it is based on 392 units for the multifamily portion and 131 units for the single-family portion.

Commissioner Jackie Larson agreed that high density was preferable for the location of the land, but was apprehensive at approving 18 units per acre, the highest density allowable in the village.

Brophy said that they intend to stick with the 13.1 units indicated in the site plan.

Commissioner Richard Becher said that he appreciated that the plan is for high-end units, but was concerned about wetland tracts that had been identified on the property.

Brophy said that they will have to mitigate them through the South Florida Water Management District.

gas tax revenue for road repairs and paving.

“The amount of gas that’s sold might go down, and some of the other [revenue] that we get from municipal sharing, those are not always guaranteed,” he said. “This is still less than the 1.5 [millage rate] that we started out with as a town.”

He pointed out that the town is responsible for culverts under the roads, and the edges of some roads are wearing away, which are among the items on the council’s capital improvements list. “We’ve got to get those roads fixed or we’re going to lose them,” Browning said.

Councilman Ryan Liang agreed with Jarriel on debt issues.

“If we do want to do a lot of these projects sooner rather than later, we need to possibly consider working out something with debt, either with bonds or loans,” Liang said. “It’s all [about] how soon you want these projects to be done.”

During public comment, resident Doreen Baxter said she agreed with Rockett in his reasons for opposing the tax increase.

“And then we find out that we have $3 million-plus in the bank,” Baxter said. “I’m wondering why we haven’t spent any of that.

Hopefully that will get done, and we’ll get a few things taken care of.”

She added that the town has had a tax rate of 1.2 mills since 2011.

“It has always provided the town with more than enough revenue to operate,” Baxter said.

Former Councilman Dennis Lipp said that he was aware that the budget process is always difficult, but was concerned that the town’s increase would probably be the highest in the county.

“We don’t want to be there,” Lipp said. “That’s not us. We want to make things reasonable, and we want to pay for what we’re doing.

We have a wish list, but what are we doing? We had a wish list when

I was on the council. Things hardly ever got done.”

Lipp said he favored remaining at the 1.2 rate, at least for the next year.

Councilman Tom Goltzené said that he could go with no increase but also wanted to respond to residents who want better services.

“People come here week after week demanding things,” Goltzené said. “As administrators, [we are] the folks who have to decide how this is going to be done.”

Holding up a page with a list of capital improvements that the council would discuss later, amounting to an estimated $10.3 million, he pointed out that it would be more than 10 years before the town could get them done at the current rate that the town is collecting revenue.

Jarriel made a motion to approve the budget with a tax rate of 1.4718 mills, and it carried 3-2, with Rockett and Liang opposed.

Erwin added that the wetland areas are isolated, and they will also have to get approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the village, which is typically a buyout based on the value of the land.

Becher made motions to approve the comp plan amendments and rezoning for the 30-acre tract, which carried 5-0.

The 60-acre tract comprises eight separate single-family tracts, and the applicant sought a future land use amendment and rezoning from the county’s to the village’s single-family residential designations.

Commission Chair Joseph Boyle read three comment cards opposing the development over security and traffic concerns.

Steve Hainline, a member of the Palm Beach Little Ranches Homeowners’ Association in Wellington to the west, said that he and other property owners had concerns about security in their community, and thought that there could be an impact on their water supply.

“We’re really concerned with the development that’s going in that it’s going to affect our water levels,” Hainline said, also raising concerns about increased traffic on Southern Blvd.

Larson again complimented the

applicant for a thorough package, but questioned plans for zero-lotline homes. “With all that property, why not go for a mix?” she asked.

“Why just zero lot lines?”

That would be a question for site plan approval, Erwin replied.

Larson also questioned whether the Big Dog property, formerly the Folke Peterson Wildlife Center, should have remained a wildlife sanctuary. Brophy said that they had received approval for development from the owners, and Village Attorney Jennifer Ashton said that she and Planning Director Bradford O’Brien had reviewed the records and found no restrictive covenants.

Becher asked if there would be any conversation with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office about security, and Erwin said that each year the village updates its contract with the PBSO. Ashton added that questions about security would come under site plan review. Brophy said he would get more information on security concerns when they get to that stage.

Axelberd made a motion to approve the comp plan amendment, which carried 4-1, with Larson opposed. Becher made a motion to approve the rezoning, which carried 4-1, again with Larson opposed.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called Monday to a business on 103rd Avenue North regarding a stolen vehicle. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 9 a.m. last Friday and 4 a.m. Sunday, someone stole a 2015 Volvo semi-tractor from the loading dock of the business.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called Monday morning to Manatee Bay Lane in the Isles at Wellington regarding a theft.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 6:45 and 7:25 a.m., someone stole a Mongoose bicycle, valued at $200, from the victim’s porch.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called Monday morning to Polo Lake Drive East regarding a case of vandalism. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. on Sunday and 7 a.m. on Monday, someone sprayed the victim’s 2013 Chevy Cobalt with a fire extinguisher. According to the report, this is the sixth time someone has sprayed her vehicle.

While the vehicle was not damaged, cleaning it costs $75.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called to a home on Pinafore Lane in the Counterpoint Estates community Monday

morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 8:45 a.m., someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole approximately $8 from the center console. DNA evidence was gathered from the vehicle.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Old Lighthouse Circle in the Grand Isles community Monday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, someone entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and removed $100 from an open cubby hole.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called Monday morning to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road regarding a case of shoplifting. According to a PBSO report, at 11:45 a.m., Eric Harvey was observed using a razor blade to steal a Umarex BB air pistol, concealing it in his waistband. According to the report, Harvey left the store and ran when the PBSO deputy asked him to stop. According to the report, Harvey was caught and charged with theft, resisting arrest and violating probation.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Acreage/Loxahatchee substation was contacted by a resident of 57th Place North in The

Acreage on Monday afternoon regarding a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim discovered a fraudulent charge on his Velocity Credit Union account. According to the report, on Friday, Sept. 25, someone made a fraudulent purchase for $329.99 at a Publix store in West Palm Beach using the victim’s debit card information.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Wellington substation was called to Waterbend Court in the Grand Isles community Monday afternoon regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Monday, someone entered the victim’s unlocked Dodge pickup truck and removed approximately $8 in change. Fingerprint evidence was collected from the vehicle.

SEPT. 28 — A deputy from the PBSO’s Royal Palm Beach substation was called Monday evening to the Walmart store on Belvedere Road regarding a theft.

According to a PBSO report, sometime between 7 and 7:30 p.m., the victim was speaking to a man who approached her and asked her a question, turning away from her cart briefly. When she turned back around, her Louis Vuitton brown wallet, valued at $300, containing credit cards and $150, had been stolen.

Parking Fee

Commons Park Events

continued from page 1 said the net revenue would be less due to paying people to collect the parking fees, and Board Member John Ruffa suggested using youth athletic league members, who could get a small percentage.

Recchio added that the $300,000 to run the events does not include the cost of village employees helping run the events, which is built into the budget.

He asked board members for their opinions about the concept of charging for parking and whether to move in that direction.

Board Member Shenoy Raghuraj said the large events make a bottleneck on Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

“Adding someone stopping people there, it doesn’t seem worth it,” Raghuraj said. “If you want to charge somebody for something, charge them for an expressway to get in and out. They’ll pay you a hundred bucks.”

Recchio said the big bottleneck is primarily on the Fourth of July.

“Everybody is trying to get in there to see the fireworks, and everybody is trying to get out at the same time, but I think if you see these other events, it’s a steady flow,” he said.

Raghuraj suggested having special events for the vendors, who pay fees to participate, and using that revenue to offset the cost of major events.

Recchio said corporate sponsorships are getting tougher and tougher.

“The goal is to get $100,000 just from sponsorships,” he said.

“Can we get it? We had one of our major sponsors cut its sponsorship in half.

Recchio said the parking fee was

just an idea to see if it’s feasible.

“It may not be worth it,” he said.

“Bringing in $40,000 or $50,000 just in parking, that doesn’t pay for the fireworks.”

Board Member Sean Fitzpatrick agreed with Raghuraj on the bottleneck at Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

“The net morale impact to our community would be pretty bad,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that at the last holiday festival, it took him 45 minutes to get from Okeechobee Blvd. to the park. “It’s not just the Fourth of July, it’s those big four events, which are fantastic events.”

Recchio said that he shared the concern about the impact to residents. “That’s why we’re bringing it up,” he said. “Is it something we even want to address? Will it have a negative impact?”

Recchio added that the village had always prided itself in having no entry free, although vendors charge for their offerings.

Board Member Phyllis Katz said that she would rather charge a higher vendor fee than for parking.

Board Member Ray Nazareth asked about other municipalities, and Recchio said that Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Greenacres and Wellington do not collect parking fees for special events.

Nazareth said that he didn’t want to set a precedent.

“I don’t want to be the community that sets this precedent,” Nazareth said. “We want to look at some revenue streams that are successful in other municipalities.”

Board Chair Marcus Williams agreed with Katz’s suggestion of charging the vendors a higher fee.

“Once they get in the event, that’s their decision to purchase these items,” he said.

Fitzpatrick suggested giving board members a month to consider concepts to increase revenue, and Recchio agreed.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 17

NEWS

AMERICAN LEGION HOSTS CHARITY GOLF EVENT AT THE WANDERERS CLUB

The Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 hosted its fifth annual Future Heroes Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Wanderers Club. Following the tournament, there was a buffet meal, awards ceremony and raffles. Proceeds will benefit the Future Heroes Scholarship Fund and other local youth, patriotic and veterans programs.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Bob Dugre, Vice Commander Jim Napuli, Commander Al Ziker, John Isola and Past Commander Mike Pancia.

Chris Cole takes some practice swings before the tournament.

Head Golf Professional Jeff Fraim starts the tournament.

John Isola thanks the golfers for their support.

The Learning Express team of David Richards, Carlos Garcia, Marc Monroe and Bill Moore.

Tom and Regis Wenham with tournament co-chair Ed Portman at the check-in desk.

Johnny Meier, Roger DiGregorio, Ray Vazquez, Jason Heatherly, Chris Cole, Hector Mena, Eric Depp and Walter Blum.

ROYAL PALM SENIOR ACTIVITIES GROUP HOSTS INFORMATIONAL BREAKFAST

The Royal Palm Beach Senior Activities Group gathered at Hilary’s Restaurant on Wednesday, Sept. 23 for an informational senior breakfast. Senior Activities Coordinator Dolly Hughes spoke about all the fun things that the village offers for seniors, such as crafts, exercise, art, knitting, trips, events and more. PNC Bank answered questions about finances and gave out gifts. Pastor Ronald McFarlane from Sonshine Family Worship Center brought raffle prizes. Congregate Meal Site Manager John Larsen spoke about nutritional meals provided to eligible seniors.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Raffle prize winners Alexis Coates and Attis Solomon with jewelry donated by Van Dell Jewelers.

Kedisha McFarlane presents PNC Bank Financial Specialist Amelia Biney with flowers.

John Larsen discusses the senior meal program.

Dionne and Pastor Ronald McFarlane present Hilary’s owner Mary Rakoff with flowers.

Page 18

October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

Where friends meet and play.

Marc Anderson and Vernon Thornton, members of The Wanderers Club.

Dues-Only Membership – No Initiation Fee Required – Limited Availability Full Golf Memberships* Traditional golf with no tee times.

Casual dining at The Duke’s Bar, Veranda, and poolside • Fine dining at Stables Restaurant Tennis, fitness, a junior Olympic-size pool, kiddie pool, and play area • Year-round social calendar and child-friendly programs

The Wanderers Club is The Equestrian’s Golf Club For membership information, call Anna Grzebien at 561.795.3501, ext. 225. membership@wanderersclubwellington.com • wanderersclubwellington.com 1900 Aero Club Drive • Wellington, FL 33414 *Waiting list for Social Memberships.

Dues-Only Membership may be recalled once the Club Membership reaches its full complement, beginning with the last in, unless the then established membership deposit is paid. All memberships are prorated as of initiation date.

58519_TWC_Town_Crier_Member_Ad.indd 1

9/24/15 3:19 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Vinceremos Hosts Victory Party For Christina Cooney

On Sunday, Sept. 13, approximately 200 friends, family members, fellow equestrians and supporters gathered under the covered arena at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves to celebrate the accomplishments of Special Olympics athlete Christina Cooney. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 21

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 19

RPBHS Wildcats Defeat SRHS Hawks 24-14

The Royal Palm Beach High School football squad hosted Seminole Ridge High School on Friday, Sept. 25 for the annual Rivals Cup. The Wildcats held on to defeat the Hawks 24-14. The win marks the third-straight year that the Wildcats have retained the cup. Page 27

Shopping Spree

A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Business

Seagull Services Bringing Craft Beer Tasting Event To Wellington Nov. 17

Seagull Services is bringing the western communities its first craft beer tasting event. Beer & Bites will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Wellington Amphitheater from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will benefit the programs of Seagull, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those with significant intellectual disabilities through education, vocational and life-skills training, employment and other services. Page 23

Sports Wolverines Fall To State-Ranked Fort Pierce Central

On Friday, Sept. 25, the Wellington High School football team hosted perennial state powerhouse Fort Pierce Central High School and fell short to the Cobras 4124. The damp conditions did not deter Wellington football fans from coming out to the game.

Page 27

THIS WEEK’S INDEX TAILS FROM THE TRAILS............................. 21 BUSINESS NEWS................................... 22-23 SPORTS & RECREATION.........................27-29 COMMUNITY CALENDAR............................. 30 CLASSIFIEDS..........................................31-34

Providing Peace of Mind Since 1960

Visit Us at Our New Wellington Location!

We are located in the Courtyard Shops at Wellington next to State Farm

13860 Wellington Trace #6, Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 732-9418 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

10% OFF Serivce Call

When you come in and make an appointment.

With this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Wellington Store only. 10/1/2015-10/31/15

SAFETY FIRST!!

VERIFY THAT YOUR LOCKSMITH HAS STOREFRONT LOCATIONS!

• Keys • Locks • Safes • Decorative/Commercial Hardware • • Access Control Systems/Card & Key Fobs • • Medeco High Security Locks • Alarms/Monitoring • • Surveillance Camera Systems • Two Additional Locations to Serve You! Boynton Beach

301 S.E. 4th St., Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Phone: (561) 732-9418 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

Delray Beach

1642 S. Federal Hwy., Delray Beach, FL 33483

Phone: (561) 265-1101 • Fax: (561) 737-1347

www.cksecurity.com

Check Out Our Mobile App!

Page 20

October 2 - October 8, 2015

EquestrianSportProd_WTMSEP.indd 1

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

8/21/15 4:34 PM

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

FEATURES

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 21

Vinceremos Hosts A Victory Party For Christina Cooney

On Sunday, Sept. 13, approximately 200 friends, family members, fellow equestrians and supporters gathered under the covered arena at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves to celebrate the accomplishments of Christina Cooney. At a place where special events happen frequently, this gathering was a bit more special than most.

Despite being legally blind, hearingimpaired and mentally challenged, Christina, 37, was one of only eight U.S. equestrians, and the only one from Florida, to compete at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, which ran from July 25 through Aug. 2.

Christina, who doesn’t speak and has trouble with complicated concepts, began riding at Vinceremos when she was 11. She competed in local, regional and state shows to qualify for the World Games, one of 16 athletes representing Florida among nearly 7,000 athletes from 177 nations. She earned a silver medal in English Equitation, a bronze medal in Level A Dressage, and placed fourth in Trail.

At the victory party, there were refreshments, balloons and a cake featuring a rainbow with a horse and rider. Beaming well-wishers mingled and chatted. Mark Elie helped raise money so Christina’s parents and coaches could attend the World Games.

Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/Horse TalkFL.

Tales From The Trails

By Ellen Rosenberg “I got involved through my wife, Kim, who’s one of Christina’s coaches,” Mark said.

“The GoFundMe account we started raised more than $15,000, including the fundraiser we held at Lindburgers Restaurant in Wellington on July 16. Everyone’s hard work came to fruition. Today we’re here to show our appreciation.”

Ruth Menor, founder of Vinceremos, was all smiles. This is only the second time that she has sent a rider to the World Games. “Having Christina chosen was pretty amazing,” she said. “And then coming home with a silver and bronze was even more amazing.”

Christina had some issues with the translators in L.A., and she couldn’t understand their coaches, since they didn’t sign.

“But she was thoroughly prepared and had done all her work here, so she managed very well,” Menor said. “She has been riding with us for 23 years, and she also works here.

She cares for the horses, volunteers to help other riders, and is fully involved in every aspect of our program. She really rose to the challenge of riding new horses in a different

(Above) Kim Elie, Sarah Menor, Christina Cooney, Ruth Menor, Deb Levinsky and Mark Elie show a big check displaying the $15,710 raised to send Cooney and her team to California. (Inset) Christina’s mother Madeline with the plaque from U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings. venue without her usual interpreter. We’re all so proud of her.”

Her achievement even drew attention in Congress, where Florida U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings read a letter into the Congressional Record recognizing her performances at the World Games and praising her as being uniquely “able to communicate with the horses

she rides and cares for in a way few individuals are able.”

Kim Elie, Christina’s main coach for the event, started working with her in April.

“I used to volunteer at Vinceremos some years ago, then I had to step away,” Kim said.

“I came back just for this. Because of ChrisSee ROSENBERG, page 29

Page 22

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

IDA Farm Of Wellington Unveils Enhanced Web Site

The International Dressage Academy (IDA Farm), a top choice for riders in the Wellington area, has reached the next stage in owner Harry Knopp’s plans for improvement.

IDA Farm has revamped its online presence at www.idafarm.com.

Knopp is the relatively new owner of the 16-year-old IDA Farm, which was refurbished and expanded last year under his guidance. Despite the enhancements and additions to the renowned facility, Knopp is committed to maintaining its welcoming reputation and collaborative equestrian atmosphere.

At IDA Farm, dressage riders of all levels — from training-level adult amateurs to Grand Prix riders — and their fellow jumper riders can continue to improve their skills in the high-quality facility with superb arenas and amenities located just a few miles from the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds.

Knopp is confident that he can bring something new to the table.

“Being an executive vice president of an industrial field service company in Chicago, I bring technology and business principles to the dayto-day operation of the farm to ensure that the visitors and clients have a long-lasting positive experience at IDA Farm,” he said.

Knopp purchased the facility with the intent of transforming the already prominent farm and creating a remarkable experience for all of its clients. One year later, the facility can boast two covered arenas, an outdoor arena, a jumping field, a TheraPlate, a Horse Gym USA Walk treadmill and many other state-ofthe-art amenities.

With the newly transformed web site, IDA Farm is fully able to show off the revolutionary facility; guests can take a virtual tour of the unique and expansive grounds. “The web site was designed to feature the amenities at IDA’s training facility in video format, which gives the viewer a real sense of the feel and culture here at IDA Farm,” Knopp explained.

The site is powered by Afflux Studios in Wellington, a company with an extensive portfolio of web site, promotion and music video work, which produces streamlined multimedia with the implementation of videos.

Through the new web site, visitors can find a lineup of accomplished trainers based at IDA Farm. Knopp’s daughter, Lauren Knopp, a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist, manages the facility and provides teaching and training services. She

IDA Farm of Wellington’s newly redesigned web site allows visitors to take a virtual tour.

PHOTO COURTESY AFFLUX STUDIOS

is joined by trainer and professional handler King Santacruz of Mexico, as well as skilled trainer Werner Van Den Brande of Belgium.

Central American Games gold medalist Patrick Burssens, with his daughter Monica, also provide training at IDA Farm. Grand Prix show jumper Manuel Lecuona, a member of multiple Mexican Nations Cup teams, offers training for jumper riders at IDA Farm. Recently joining the prestigious lineup is internationally acclaimed dressage rider Jaime

Amian, who has studied under many dressage masters.

IDA Farm has also formed meaningful partnerships with some of the most prevalent companies in the equine circuit, including fence maker EquiSafe; Discount Dirtworks, whose all-weather German Geo Textile (GGT) Footing is used in the riding arenas; saddle-maker Custom Saddlery; and USEF partner TheraPlate.

Clients can complete a stall rental agreement and IDA Farm policy

form at www.idafarm.com. Soon, a unique feature to be exclusively found on the IDA web site will arrive — the site will give clients the ability to reserve stalls. “It’s like booking a hotel or airline ticket,” Knopp said.

Clients will be able to book stalls for their horses for a long-term or short stay at IDA, and can customize their horses’ care.

The savvy new web site has something to interest any rider. Check it out at www.idafarm.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

BUSINESS NEWS

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 23

CJR Fine Arts To Open New RPB Gallery With Fundraiser

CJR Fine Arts & Frame has a plan to raise more than $25,000 in the fight against diabetes, $25 at a time. The gallery has produced two limited-edition offset lithographs by well-known contemporary artists. The lithographs cost $25 each, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to the American Diabetes Association or the Juve-

nile Diabetes Research Foundation.

CJR Fine Arts & Frame is conducting a big event the evening of Thursday, Nov. 19 in conjunction with the grand opening of its new art gallery in Royal Palm Beach.

Do you know anyone affected by diabetes? Most everyone does, including the owners of the gallery.

Today, diabetes is epidemic, ac-

cording to the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the American Diabetes Association and other national healthcare leaders.

For this reason, November is Diabetes Awareness month, and CJR has chosen this great cause to help announce the new gallery.

With each lithograph sold, the

Seagull Services Bringing Craft Beer Tasting Event To Wellington Nov. 17

Seagull Services is bringing the western communities its first craft beer tasting event. Beer & Bites will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Wellington Amphitheater from 5 to 9 p.m.

The event will benefit the programs of Seagull, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those with significant intellectual and other disabilities through education, vocational and life-skills training, employment and residential services.

Beer & Bites promises to be an exciting event with fine craft beer, food trucks, and live entertainment on the amphitheater stage. Craft breweries from near and far will pour their distinctive flavors for

guests to sample. There will be more than 100 craft beers offered at the event, including selections from several popular local breweries.

“We’re very excited to bring Beer & Bites to Wellington,” Seagull Services CEO Barbara Nurenberg said. “We’re looking forward to bringing the community together for a great day of fun on behalf of a great cause.”

The event is paired with Wellington’s popular free concert series.

Motown Magic will play on the amphitheater stage at 7:30 p.m.

Food trucks will offer a variety of both gourmet and comfort foods for purchase. Beer & Bites opens at 4 p.m. with an exclusive hour for VIP ticketholders, who also receive

a larger glass souvenir tasting mug, event T-shirt and private a covered VIP area with food and unobstructed views of the concert. General admission begins at 5 p.m.

VIP tickets are $75 in advance or $100 at the event, and are expected to sell out. General admission tickets are $44 in advance or $55 at the event. VIP designated driver tickets also are available for $20, and designated drivers are free for general admission participants. There are sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available as well.

For more information about sponsorships, volunteering or to buy tickets, visit www.seagull.org or call Elizabeth McDermott at (561) 842-5814.

buyer will be entered into a drawing for an original painting worth $6,500. At the Nov. 19 event, there will be an opportunity to meet and take a photo with the artists, and to have your lithograph signed.

It won’t be your typical fundraiser. It will be a fun evening with plenty of healthy hors d’oeuvres and wine, plus plenty of giveaways.

There will be plenty of top artists there, as well as many dignitaries.

Join the event at CJR Fine Arts & Frame from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 19 at 514B N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach, just north of Southern Blvd. on the east side.

For more information, call (561) 333-9472 or visit www.cjrfinearts. com.

Schools Prepare To Host FPL Conservation Show

Elementary schools throughout Florida will be able to educate their students about electricity and energy conservation via unique live theater performances this fall. Men in Plaid: The Kilowatt Connection, a collaboration between Florida Power & Light (FPL) and the National Theatre for Children (NTC) will tour schools this fall.

The comedic play focuses on the following educational points: how electricity and energy are made, the uses of energy, ways energy is wasted and how to conserve energy.

“We’ve brought programs like Men in Plaid into schools for several years, and it’s always a huge success,” said Maureen Wilt, education program manager for FPL.

“Energy conservation is becoming increasingly important, and reaching students while they’re young, excited and eager to learn is a precious opportunity.”

Educators also receive access to digital workbooks, teacher guides and digital classroom games and activities that are keyed to the important concepts outlined in the live show. FPL sponsors the performance at each school, making it a cost-free supplement to lessons in science as well as the arts.

During the tour, the professional acting troupe will visit 80 schools, including Elbridge Gale, Equestrian Trails and Wellington elementary schools, and Western Academy Charter School.

Page 24

October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

Large pepperoni, CHeese or iTaLian saUsage

HoT-n-reaDY aLL DaY, everY DaY! ®

ROYAL PALM BEACH • 11328 OKEECHOBEE BLVD. #4 • 561-204-5252 (Corner of Ponce DeLeon & Okeechobee Blvd. in the Royal Plaza)

4

5

Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. ©2015 LCE, Inc. 50670

$

09

iTaLian CHeese BreaD 10-pieCe orDer

oFFer eXpires: 10/31/15

valid only at participating Little Caesars® locations. not good with any other offers. Plus tax where applicable.

50670_pd_Classic_4-9x5-575_SMcCa_4c.indd 1

$

50

Caesar Wings

®

LEmOn PEPPER, GARLIC PARmEsAn, BuffALO, BACOn HOnEy mustARD, tERIyAkI, sPICy BBQ, BBQ OR OvEn-ROAstED

8-pieCe orDer

oFFer eXpires: 10/31/15

valid only at participating Little Caesars® locations. not good with any other offers. Plus tax where applicable.

8/13/15 3:48 PM

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 25

EARLY MENU $13.95

If you liked Campagnolo’s...

You’ll love Arrabiatas!

must be seated by 5:30 p.m.

APPETIZERS (SELECT ONE) Caesar Salad, Mixed Greens, Pasta Fagioli, or Minestrone ENTRÉES (SELECT ONE) Chicken Marsala/Chicken Francese Eggplant Parmigiana/Eggplant Rollatini Chicken Parmigiana/Sausage & Peppers Pork Chop/Veal Parmigiana Zuppa Di Mussels/Sole/Tilapia

Chef Jimmy & Chef Brian (formerly from Campagnolo) still bringing you the authentic flavor of Italy You’ll recognize the great taste... like back in the old neighborhood.

~ Fish may be prepared either Oreganata, Luciano, Francese, or Grilled ~

Cannoli or Chocolate Cake Hot Coffee or Hot Tea with Dessert LUNCH SPECIALS 11 am - 4 pm Daily $5.50 and Up

PLEASE NO SUBSTITUTIONS/NO COUPONS

Happy Hour Daily Everyday Until 7 pm

Aberdeen Plaza

8260 Jog Road, Boynton Beach, FL (on Jog Road South of LeChalet on the east side of the road)

arrabiatas.net •

Tel: 561.336.3862 Fax: 561.336.3865

/Arrabiatas Restaurant Of Boynton Beach

HOURS

Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 10 pm Friday & Saturday: 11 am - 11 pm

Ask about our Homemade & Specialty Desserts

Page 26

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Call Today!

FOR ALL YOUR MARKETING NEEDS!

PRINTING

SILK SCREEN

GRAPHICS

PRODUCTS

561-798-2424

EMBROIDERY

BANNERS

www.CreativeMarketingProducts.com

3460 Fairlane Farms Rd. Suite 13 • Wellington, FL 33414

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

SPORTS & RECREATION

Page 27

Wildcats Defeat Hawks 24-14 For Third-Straight Cup

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach High School football squad hosted Seminole Ridge High School on Friday, Sept. 25 for the annual Rivals Cup. The Wildcats held on to defeat the Hawks 24-14.

The win marks the third-straight year that the Wildcats have retained the cup. The game was tied 7-7 at the half. Royal Palm Beach (2-3) relied on a balanced attack to rally in the second half.

Quarterback Josh Carr set a new school record with a 97-yard touchdown strike to receiver Lamar

Phillips in the first half to answer the Hawks’ touchdown on the opening possession. Seminole Ridge chewed up yard after yard on the ground with runs by Joseph Schergen and Sean Edwards. Edwards broke the ice with an 18-yard rush for the end zone to give the Hawks a brief 7-0 lead after Daniel Freire’s kick sailed through the uprights.

It was on the next possession that Carr struck to Phillips for the equalizer on the 97-yard score to tie it up.

The two teams went head-to-head battling for momentum until the half came to a close.

The Hawks wasted little time

getting things rolling in the second half. With just three minutes having ticked off the game clock, running back Schergen trekked into a 48-yard touchdown run. Schergen broke through off the left tackle, then shook off two defenders and darted off to the goal line for the touchdown. Freire’s kick gave Seminole Ridge a 14-7 lead minutes into the second half.

The Hawk score did nothing to See RPBHS VS SRHS, page 29

The Wildcats celebrate their Rivals Cup win.

Hawk receiver Ty Smith tries to hold on to a pass deep down field.

Receiver Da’Von Brown makes an acrobatic catch deep down field for the Wildcats.

Telvis Lawler runs through the Hawks’ defense for a big gain.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Wolverines Fall To State-Ranked Fort Pierce Central

By Gene Nardi Town-Crier Staff Report On Friday, Sept. 25, the Wellington High School football team hosted perennial state powerhouse Fort Pierce Central High School and fell short to the Cobras 41-24. The damp conditions did not deter football fans from coming out to the game.

No. 7 Wellington took advantage of the first possession and capped

a 70-yard, six-play drive with a 55-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Blake Dever to receiver Ahmmon Richards. Logan Robinson’s kick gave the Wolverines (3-2, 1-0) an early 7-0 lead. The Cobras struck back but missed their extra point, and Wellington maintained a tight 7-6 lead.

With five minutes left in the first quarter, Dever connected with

Receiver Ahmmon Richards makes a big gain after a catch for the Wolverines.

receiver Austin Gilman for a 30yard gain into Cobra territory, but a fumble gave Fort Pierce the break it needed. The Cobras drove down the field easily and took at 12-7 lead. Both teams showed no fear, attempting to convert on fourth down situations, both converting on occasion.

Fort Pierce initiated another drive in the second quarter but was halted

by a Sage Chen-Young interception, giving Wellington possession on its own 30-yard line. But another costly miscue proved catastrophic for the Wolverines. On Wellington’s first play, Dever threw to his right and into the hands of the Cobra cornerback. The interception was returned 42 yards for a score. A two-point conversion gave the Cobras a 20-7 second-quarter lead.

Wellington running back Matt Mazzatti stiff-arms a Fort Pierce defender to gain a few extra yards.

Defensive end Patrick Mark came up big for the Wellington defense with a fourth-and-short sack on Wellington’s 20-yard line, giving the Wolverines possession. Dever led his offense down to the Fort Pierce See WOLVERINES, page 29

Wellington quarterback Blake Dever throws down field.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI/TOWN-CRIER

Page 28

October 2 - October 8, 2015

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

WORLD TKA TAKES HOME Strong Showing For Two Area Wrestlers The Wellington Wrestling Club to Cypress Bay High MEDALS FROM SARASOTA traveled School last Saturday to compete in the Hercules Tire Challenge, and two local kids brought home medals.

The Wellington Warriors were led by Jesse Weinberg (8th grade, 85 pounds), who not only won his bracket, but was not scored on and took home the Hercules Iron Man award for being the top wrestler in the youth division. Seth Rhodes (6th grade, 105 pounds) also captured a third place medal in his division.

“This was the first travel tournament for Seth Rhodes, and it was great to see him make the podium, and we look forward to watching him grow this year,” coach Travis Gray said. “Jesse Weinberg has grown so much in the past year wrestling and training year round.

We have seen him beat kids who he The sparring tournament team from the World Tae Kwon Do Center in Lake Worth competed at the Red Tiger Martial Arts 2015 Tae Kwon Do Grand Prix VIII, held Sept. 26. Under the coaching leadership of Master Luciano Cesario, six students ages 6 to 11 were among the 150 amateur athletes at the Robarts Arena in Sarasota. The tournament featured competitive martial arts and demonstrations in a variety of categories, from full-contact sparring matches to weapons.

The sparring team won a total of six medals, three gold and three silver, during fierce fighting. Shown here are: (front row) Aidan Monath, Carlos Villa, Will Moffett and Nick Miller; and (back row) Nico Maldonado, Master Luciano Cesario and Lily Landstrom.

Wellington wrestler Jessie Weinberg claims his medal. has previously lost to and can really evenings at the Village Park on Piersee his hard work paying off.” son Road. For more info., contact The Wellington Wrestling Club Gray at (561) 827-8595 or travis. practices on Tuesday and Thursday gray@palmbeachschools.org.

Sem Ridge Swimmers Champs In Three-School Meet

The boys and girls swim teams from Seminole Ridge High School defeated teams from Royal Palm Beach and Santaluces high school in competition Sept. 16. Top finishers for SRHS included: Girls Team — Charley Adams: 200 medley relay, 50 free, 500 free and 400 free relay; Chabella Diaz: 200 free, 100 free and 200 free relay; Jessica Hammett: 200 free

relay; Taylor Little: 200 medley relay, 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke and 400 free relay; Kylie Parrish: 200 free relay; Bridget Riddle: 200 medley relay, 100 butterfly, 200 free relay and 400 free relay; and Julissa Valiente: 200 medley relay, 100 backstroke and 400 free relay.

Boys Team — Alex Cabrera: 200 medley relay, 100 free and 400 free

relay; Christian Cioffi: 200 medley relay, 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly and 400 free relay; Patrick Goolsby: diving; Ryan Hammett: 500 free and 100 breaststroke; Joe Rizzo: 200 medley relay, 50 free, 200 free relay and 400 free relay; Nik Traver: 200 free, 200 free relay and 400 free relay; and Jacob Wootton: 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 100 backstroke.

The Town-Crier

Rosenberg

Christina Cooney

continued from page 21 tina’s communication challenges, we created special signs for walk, trot, canter, halt, circle and reverse.

We also used a vibrating bracelet.

Because of her visual and hearing impairments, it’s hard to get her attention, especially if she’s not facing us. So she learned to look for us if the bracelet buzzed.”

Her team also created 3D models of the dressage test and trail class, along with a sand tray so she could trace the tests and practice. “That

Wolverines

Loss To Fort Pierce

continued from page 27 20, but fumbled a mishandled snap, turning the ball over to Fort Pierce.

Wellington’s defense again held Fort Pierce out of the end zone, and managed to end the first half on a 37-yard Robinson field goal to close the margin to 20-10.

The Cobras were much bigger up front, and it seemed to wear the Wolverines down, until they sparked a fourth-quarter rally. Down 34-10,

www.gotowncrier.com

SPORTS & RECREATION really helped her learn and retain the information. It has been a rewarding, fun and interesting journey for all of us,” Kim said. “Christina is one of the hardest-working riders I’ve ever seen. She’s truly dedicated.”

Christina’s parents, Mike and Madeline, were bowled over by the love and support. “I’m overwhelmed; this is so over the top,” Madeline said, reading a congratulatory letter she had received from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. “We’re proud of Christina and how far she has come.

She is not a big talker, more of a gowith-the-flow type, but I can that tell she is happy. She loves the attention, but it’ll never go to her head. We’ll go home later, and she’ll be the same,

as if nothing special happened. Her goal is to make everyone around her happy. I’m not sure if she is aware of exactly what happened, but she knows the World Games were a very special competition. It has been a great journey for all of us.”

The official ceremony got under way at 5 p.m. Ruth spoke first. “It took a community to make this happen,” she said, and described Christina’s hard work and preparation.

Dan Liftman, a staff assistant to Hastings, added a personal note of congratulations from him. “Christina is a Hastings Hero, and her accomplishments have been entered into the Congressional Record,” he said, reading a copy of the citation,

Gilman intercepted a Cobra pass and returned it for 41 yards, setting up Wellington’s next score. Dever found Richards for his second touchdown of the game, this time for 9 yards, to close the gap to 34-18.

The Cobras would not falter, though, answering with a score to extend the lead to 41-18. Wellington would continue to claw back. Quarterback Ben Schmickle powered in for a 1-yard score to keep Wellington alive at 41-24, but time was running out. Wellington would deny another score by the Cobras but failed to capitalize on reaching the red zone twice more, coming up empty.

Miscues and turnovers dampened the Wolverines chances, like the rain that fell to the field all night.

“We have to execute better,” Wellington coach Tom Abel said. “We need to have guys in the right area to stop the run.”

Dever completed 20 of 35 passes for 258 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Richards had nine receptions for 123 yards and two scores. Gilman tallied seven catches for 92 yards and had an interception.

The Wolverines will travel to play district rival Seminole Ridge High School on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

October 2 - October 8, 2015

engraved on a plaque, which he then handed to Madeline.

“Everyone who helped deserves medals, too,” said Madeline, looking down at the plaque. “This makes me

RPBHS VS SRHS

Victory For Wildcats

continued from page 27 the Wildcats’ morale, other than motivate them. Carr connected with Da’Von Brown on a 33-yard grab. Carr threw a high pass, forcing Brown to make an acrobatic catch in the air. The reception set up Brown’s 5-yard touchdown run to the outside to tie the game at 14.

Seminole Ridge continued to move the ball with confidence, but fell victim to four fumbles in the second half. The Hawks drove to the Royal Palm Beach red zone twice, only to cough up possession to the Wildcats.

“We had one touchdown called back in the first half,” Hawks coach Scott Barnwell noted. “We moved the ball but we had five fumbles, and you can’t win football like that.”

Carr found Brown again in the fourth quarter, this time on a 65-yard touchdown pass. Brown ran a slant, and Carr timed the pass perfectly as Brown raced off to the end zone. Ro-

Page 29

want to cry even more.”

For more information about Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, call (561) 792-9900, or visit www.vinceremos.org. land Tyson’s kick gave the Wildcats a 21-14 lead.

Seminole Ridge threatened to tie as they put a solid drive together, but a fumble recovered by Royal Palm Beach linebacker Davonte Gillins put a stop to the Hawk rally.

Telvis Lawler went to work for the Wildcats. The running back scampered off for a 45-yard gain that set up a 37-yard Tyson field goal to extend the Wildcats lead to 24-14.

The addition on the scoreboard for the Wildcats made it difficult for the Hawks to assemble a late rally with only two minutes remaining.

Royal Palm Beach held on for the win and retains the Rivals Cup for another year. “We did a better job in the second half of not self-inflicting any wounds,” Wildcats coach Willie Bueno said. “Our defense did a great job keeping us in it. I’m proud of our team.”

Royal Palm Beach is 2-3 on the season and will host Palm Beach Lakes High School on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. for homecoming. Seminole Ridge is 1-3 and will host Wellington High School in a key district game, also on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.

Page 30

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Saturday, Oct. 3 • The West Palm Beach Antiques & Collectibles Show will return to the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4. For more info., visit www. wpbaf.com.

• Audubon Society of the Everglades will hold a Car Pool Tour around Storm Water Treatment Area 1E on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 a.m. The tour drives around the water impound areas viewing the large number of birds that accumulate there.

E-mail asetripinfo@gmail.com or call Linda at (586) 854-0145 to pre-register.

• The annual pumpkin patch at Community of Hope Church (14055 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves) will be open Saturday, Oct. 3 through the end of the month, selling a variety of pumpkins, mini pumpkins and gourds, as well as baked goods. The pumpkin patch will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more info., call (561) 753-8883.

• Palm Beach Combat Hapkido, in cooperation with the Village of Wellington’s recreation Hapkido program, will host a seminar with Grandmaster John Pellegrini on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). For more information, visit www. palmbeachcombathapkido.com or call Master Gil Levin at (561) 818-5537.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Farewell to Downton Abbey for ages 16 and up on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. The sixth and final season of the popular PBS series Downton Abbey will air in January 2016. Come see season five and remember the most memorable moments, characters, best quotes and look ahead to the new season. Tea and biscuits will be served. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Become the Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe for ages 6 and up Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10:30 a.m. Learn about the groundbreaking life of the famous modernist painter and practice her techniques to make your own amazing artwork. Dress to get messy. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Acoustic Java Jam for adults on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Experience a caffeinated collection of local talent or bring your acoustic instruments and jam out while enjoying a hot cup of java. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Lip Sync Battles for ages 12 to 17 on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Show off your showmanship and pretend to sing along to your favorite song while enjoying snacks. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Banned Books Week Bingo for ages 10 and up on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Test your knowledge and learn about the reasons why some of your favorite books have been challenged or banned. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

www.gotowncrier.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

• The Wellington Amphitheater will host a free concert featuring “The Great American Divas” on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Sunday, Oct. 4 • The Good Earth Farm (2141 B Road, Loxahatchee Groves) will hold its season opener on Sunday, Oct. 4. Good Earth Farm is both a petting zoo and a nonprofit animal sanctuary.

For more info., call (561) 792-2666 or visit www. goodearthfarm.info.

• The Acreage Green Market will take place Sunday, Oct 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acreage Community Park (6701 140th Ave. North). For more info., visit www.acreagegreenmarket.com or call (561) 723-3898.

Monday, Oct. 5 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Writer’s Therapy for adults on Monday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. Join in an informal discussion where participants improve their craft by reading and discussing their works in progress.

Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Oct. 5 at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road).

A business meeting will start at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., and a program on “Understanding and Enjoying a Flower Show” at 12:15 p.m. presented by Mary Ellen Chestnut.

Guests are welcome, but seating is limited. RSVP to Jim Wenham at hammerx48@me.com. For more info., visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Art Club for ages 6 and up on Monday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. Live through your art by exploring different mediums. Dress to get messy.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association will feature a show of its annual Thanksgiving hikes on the Florida National Scenic Trail on Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center. Visit www.loxfltrail. org for more info.

Tuesday, Oct. 6 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Art for Adults: Figure Drawing on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2:15 p.m. Learn the basic techniques for drawing the human figure and the principles of composition. Charcoal and other media will be provided. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Medicare 101 on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Are you having difficulty understanding Medicare options and benefits? Desirae Carter of SHINE will lead a free Medicare presentation to get you prepared for the upcoming open enrollment period. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Tween Crafternoon for ages 9 to 17 on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Take a homework break and work out your creative side with this fun session featuring Rubber Band Creations, Zentangle and Paper Bead Necklaces. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• Wellington will hold a Walk & Talk in the Goldenrod Community on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Neighborhood advocates, code compliance officers and PBSO deputies will visit with residents to hear concerns and discuss neighborhood issues. Call (561) 7914796 for more info.

• Wellington will host a Drug Prevention Informational Session on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info.

Wednesday, Oct. 7 • Elbridge Gale Elementary School will participate in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7. School staff will meet students at Rotary Peace Park at 7:30 a.m. and walk with families. The school mascot will be in attendance, and music will be provided. E-mail chad.phillips@palmbeachschools.org or call (561) 422-9307, ext. 59307 for more info.

• American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367 of Royal Palm Beach will meet Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Palms West Presbyterian Church (13689 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves). For more info., call Marge Herzog at (561) 791-9875.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Not Your Grandma’s Bingo for ages 5 to 12 on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Create a card and see if luck is on your side. Join the fun and win a prize. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host American Girl: Josefina for ages 6 to 12 on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. This Hispanic Heritage Month, meet Josefina, a girl who loves to take care of the animals on her family’s ranch, work in her flower garden and make others feel better. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Pizza Chat for ages 12 to 17 on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. Bring a book, comic, short story, magazine, fanfic or manga. Chat with the group about it while enjoying pizza and drinks.

Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Landlord-Tenant Program on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The program will cover drafting a lease, the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, and court procedures in a landlord-tenant lawsuit. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Finger Painting Fun for ages 18 and up on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. Bring an old apron or wear old clothes. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

Thursday, Oct. 8 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Researching Your Family Tree Online for adults on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. Library staff will demonstrate genealogical databases and web sites of interest to family history researchers.

Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

The Town-Crier • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks with music by the J.D. Danner Band on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• The Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will enjoy a private tour of the Riddle House in Yesteryear Village on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are $20 per person. All reservations must be made by Oct. 6.

Call (561) 792-6525 to RSVP. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host Gamerz Nite for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Join a video game, or try a new board game or card game. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Scrabble for Adults on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Join other Scrabble fans and enjoy a fun evening of word play. Basic game knowledge is required. Bring your own board if you have one.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Your Bosom Buddies II breast cancer support group will meet Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at Palms West Hospital. Call (561) 793-9802 for more info.

Friday, Oct. 9 • Dillard’s in the Mall at Wellington Green (10304 Forest Hill Blvd.) will host free bra fittings to benefit breast cancer research on Friday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For every woman who participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research and community health programs. Call (561) 2275470 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host My First Movie on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10:15 a.m. featuring A Bug’s Life. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Village of Royal Palm Beach will host its seventh annual Fashion Show on Friday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info., visit www.royalpalmbeach.com, or call (561) 790-5149 or (561) 352-9236.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host The “Under Construction” Lego Crew for ages 7 to 12 on Friday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Use Lego bricks to make your own fantastic creations. Work by yourself or as a team to bring our building challenges to life. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host a free screening of the movie Cars on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Fright Nights is back at the South Florida Fairgrounds from Friday, Oct 9 through Saturday, Oct. 31 with four haunted houses, three scare zones, a magic show, sideshow performers, live music and more. For more info., visit www. myfrightnights.com.

Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

EMPLOYMENT A S S I S TA N T N E E D E D — P a r t T i m e M o n d a y - F r i d a y, 2 : 0 0 p . m .

- 6:00 p.m. please call 561-790-0808.

TEACHER NEEDED — Full Time MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. experienced preferred please call 561-790-0808.

BOOKKEEPER NEEDED — part-time, experienced in QuickBooks, flexible hours.

Please fax resume to 561-791-0952 HELP WANTED STYLIST OR BARBER — booth rental or commission Great atmosphere - Busy Plaza - Clientele a must.

Royal Palm. Call Angela 561-317-1579.

Drivers: New Pay! $2,500 Sign-On Bonus!

Consistent Freight, Great MIles on This Regional Account, Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2488

FOR SALE SOLO F80 TREADMILL FOR $500 — and TVC bar stools $25 each. Contact 561-868-5800.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT - GREENACRES ROOMMATE TO SHARE — 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment - Purdy & Jog Road. $550 per month.

Looking for under 35 years old. 954-296-3748

GARAGE / YARD SALE ROYAL PALM BEACH GARAGE SALE FOR CHARITY — 103 Mill Pond, Off Southern Blvd. all proceeds go to The Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Furniture, clothing, toys, misc. items Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 31

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A/C AND REFRIGERATION

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

ROOFING

NEW FLOORING

ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

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

BUY IT HERE FLOORING — Kitchen and Bath. Now available. Complete one stop shopping. Stop on By! Pike Road - Between Southern and Belvedere. West Palm Beach - Open 7 Days!!! 561-333-2300

CLEANING - HOME/OFFICE WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779 FEATHERDUSTERS OFFICE CLEANING SERVICE — $99 OFFICE CLEANING Our price will never increase healthy snack basket monthly. 15 years in business in Royal Palm Beach Licensed Insured 561-790-3836

DRIVEWAY REPAIR D R I V E W AY S — F r e e e s t i m a t e s A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed.

Li c.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716

HOME IMPROVEMENTS ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

LAWN SERVICE YELLOWHAMMER LAWN SERVICE — Serving Loxahatchee, Acreage and Loxahatchee Groves ONLY High quality, affordable yard maintenance. NO CONTRACTS! Locally owned and operated. 561-320-1118

LOCKSMITH C.K.s L O C K & S E C U R I T Y 561-7329418 Full Service Security Since 1960 — Service and installation of locks, safes, camera’s alarms, monitoring, duplication of keys, car remotes and so much more.

TOWN-CRIER CLASSIFIEDS CALL 561-793-7606

PET CARE PRODUCTS HAPPY JACK LIQUIVIC®: 2x Recognized safe & effective against hook & roundworms by US CVM...Grand Prix 561-792-2853 Kennelvax.com

PAINTING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com 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. — Int./Ext. Residential painting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-578-2873. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. Wellington Resident PA I N T I N G B Y J E S S E , I N C . — We specialize in residential painting since 1992. Interior/Exterior - Pressure Cleaning - Roof Painting-Paver-Sealer-Concrete Staining Lic. U16849. 561-723-3100

PLUMBING JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458

PRESSURE CLEANING J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential.

Interior & Exterior painting.

Certified pressure cleaning & painti n g c o n t r a c t o r. L i c . # U 2 1 5 5 2 C a l l Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ROOFING REPAIRS RE-ROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated.

Residential/Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-656-4945 Lic. & Insured U-19278 CCC1330208 Free Estimates

SECURITY SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years.

Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600

SCREENING JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 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

TREE SERVICE TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com

WALLPAPERING 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

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT WELL WATER AND CITY WATER — Supply, Service and water treatment. 561-7845210. Loxahatchee Irrigation Supply Inc.

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Page 32 October 2 - October 8, 2015

PALMS WESTTHIS WEEK’S

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015 Page 33

HERE’S MY CARD CGC023814

Niagara Contracting Service Home Repairs Remodelng to Rebuild Minor Repairs Tile • Drywall • Painting • Window • Door • Installation

561-329-9086 Lic. Ins.

Lic & Insured CFC057392, CAC1817688

SEPTIC & DRAINFIELD SPECIALISTS

Page 34 October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

HERE’S MY CARD

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS CARD FOR A S L O W A S $2 1 A W E E K

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Greatness Starts Here.

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

Educates

7

States

70,000+ Students

76

Schools

7,200+ Educators and Staff

At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

Accreditation | CSUSA has full, system-wide accreditation through AdvancedEd Targeted Instruction | Personalized Learning Plans for all students Informed Instruction | CSUSA uses proprietary methods to get data in the hands of teachers real-time.

Outstanding Educators | Attracting and developing the best educators/leaders.

Parent Involvement | CSUSA engages parents at every level and welcomes their involvement.

Innovation | New technology and instructional practices are continuously piloted and implemented in a disciplined manner.

PALM BEACH COUNTY Renaissance Charter School at Wellington Renaissance Charter School at Cypress Renaissance Charter School at Central Palm Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Renaissance Charter School at Palms West Renaissance Charter School at Summit

Why Choose Charter Schools USA? K-7 K-7 K-7 K-8 K-8 K-8

WellingtonCharter.org CypressCharter.org CentralPalmCharter.org WestPalmCharter.org PalmsWestCharter.org RECSSummit.org

- Tuition-free public charter schools - Personal learning plans - Before and after care - Character education and leadership - Meaningful parental involvement - Certified, dedicated teachers

APPLY NOW! for the 2015-2016 school year Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools

www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

Page 35

Page 36

October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

October 2 - October 8, 2015

Page 37

Page 38

October 2 - October 8, 2015

www.gotowncrier.com

The Town-Crier